Low Carb MD Podcast

Dr. Frank Dumont is Executive Medical Director at Virta Health, where he leads medical strategy to advance safe, scalable metabolic care. A longtime internal medicine physician at Estes Park Medical Center, he previously directed its Wellness Service Line. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Dumont has also served in leadership roles with the Colorado Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

In this episode, Drs. Brian and Frank talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (04:03) How Dr. Frank's personal health issues and professional experiences as a doctor led him to adopt a metabolic health approach to healing himself and his patients

• (10:41) Exercise, nutrition, and de-prescribing

• (14:22) Fat adaptation and fasting

• (24:09) Virta's peer-reviewed publications and long-term data

• (30:09) The positive cascading effect on holistic health of metabolic lifestyle interventions

• (36:25) Social support and mental health

• (44:41) Dr. Frank's experience leaving a standard medical practice and becoming a metabolic health practitioner

• (52:22) Moral injury and physician burnout in the standard medical care system

• (54:05) Employe wellness and metabolic health care

• (01:01:01) Outro/plugs

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Dr. Frank Dumont:

• Virta Health: https://www.virtahealth.com/

• X: https://x.com/FrankDumont

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-d-dumont-46aa00b7/

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://toward.health

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://toward.health/community/

Michael Prager is a journalist and writer focused on food addiction and the science of ultra-processed foods. Drawing on personal experience and deep reporting, he explores how modern food environments hijack appetite—and what it takes to reclaim health, agency, and freedom around food. He is also the chairman of the Food Addiction Institute and the author of two books: Fat Boy Thin Man and Sustainable You.

In this episode, Dr. Tro, Dr. Brian, and Michael talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (03:15) Michael's personal health journey dealing with food addiction and how he first became interested in researching food addiction

• (13:38) How spiritual and emotional health relate to physical health

• (28:12) Food addiction research and new developments in the mission to get food addiction officially recognized

• (39:10) Practical tips for dealing with food addiction

• (44:41) How Michael went from being a food addict to being the chairman of the Food Addiction Institute and writing books on food addiction

• (53:08) Michael's spiritual journey from being a hardcore agnostic to believing in and praying to God

• (01:00:52) Outro

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Michael Prager:

• Books: https://michaelprager.com/books

• Website: https://michaelprager.com/

• X: https://x.com/fatboythinman

• Food Addiction Institute: https://foodaddictioninstitute.org

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://toward.health

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://toward.health/community/

When there is no guest to interview, Dr. Brian and Dr. Tro get to talk about whatever they want! Today, that's the microbiome and metabolic health. The conversation ranges from fasting to microplastics to inulin and beyond. You are not likely to walk away without hearing something about gut health that you've never heard before.

In this episode, Drs. Tro and Brian talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (03:24) How the peer review process works for scientific publications

• (10:50) How the SMHP is tackling the barriers to good science caused by the standard peer review process

• (17:04) Fasting, the microbiome, and metabolic health

• (33:47) Mold, food allergies, and gut health

• (40:36) IMP issues, low carb diets, and inulin

• (43:15) Microplastics

• (46:06) Stress and physical health

• (49:20) The recent SMHP Symposium for Metabolic Health (link below for CME)

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Dr. Jessica Rose interview on the Life's Best Medicine Podcast: https://lifesbestmedicine.com/podcast/episode-282-dr-jessica-rose/

• The SMHP Symposium for Metabolic Health CME: https://thesmhp.org/accreditation-process/#providers

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://toward.health

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://toward.health/community/

Dr. Matt Bernstein is a clinical psychiatrist and leading voice in metabolic psychiatry, with 25 years of experience helping people achieve lasting mental health and functional recovery. A Columbia graduate (summa cum laude) and Penn-trained physician, he completed residency at MGH/McLean, where he served as chief resident and later held senior leadership roles. Now Chief Medical Officer at Ellenhorn, he develops innovative, community-based models for mental health care and serves on advisory boards advancing the metabolic psychiatry movement.

In this episode, Drs. Tro and Matthew talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (02:19) How Dr. Matthew found his way into metabolic psychiatry

• (05:53) Autoimmune encephalitis

• (09:59) Psychiatric health and the physical body

• (14:41) Infectious diseases causing psychiatric diseases

• (18:25) Psychiatric guidelines

• (23:04) How Dr. Matthew's clinic approaches the treatment of psychiatric disorders from a metabolic health perspective

• (26:31) How diet effects the brain

• (29:00) The most amazing case of disease reversal Dr. Matthew has seen recently

• (34:22) The data on the effectiveness of metabolic psychiatry and why many psychiatrists currently practicing are resistant to it

• (37:32) The great work being done to heal people at Accord Mental Health

• (43:27) Outro and plugs

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Dr. Matt Bernstein:

• Accord Mental Health: https://accordmh.com/

• Ellenhorn: https://www.ellenhorn.com/

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://toward.health

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://toward.health/community/

Dr. Jason Fung is a Canadian nephrologist and leading voice in metabolic health, best known for making the science of fasting and insulin resistance simple, practical, and empowering. Through his books, lectures, and clinical work, he's helped thousands rethink weight loss, type 2 diabetes, and long-term health by focusing on hormones, not just calories. Dr. Fung is the co-founder of The Fasting Method and a sought-after educator on metabolic health.

In this episode, Drs. Brian, Tro, and Jason talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (05:46) The new dietary guidelines and food pyramid

• (08:02) The Huger Code and understanding hunger

• (13:19) Why the calories-in/calories-out model for weight-loss is ineffective

• (17:44) Hedonic hunger

• (19:06) Conditioned hunger

• (24:41) Hormones and calories

• (28:15) Insulin and fat-burning

• (31:47) The process of digestion and how every step of the process impacts hormones and weight

• (38:08) While ultra-processed foods are SO much more obesogenic than whole foods

• (39:53) Food addiction and effective treatment

• (46:19) The 3 Golden Rules of Weight Loss

• (49:25) Dr. Fung's new book and masterclass! (Links below)

• (51:55) Human biology and flavor variety

• (57:09) Fasting and satiety

• (01:04:43) Hubris, pride, and ignorance in medicine

• (01:09:15) Outro

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Dr. Jason Fung:

• The Fasting Method: https://www.thefastingmethod.com/

• Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01BT8K6FK

• Website/Books: https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/

• iG: https://www.instagram.com/drjasonfung/

• X: https://x.com/drjasonfung

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoyL4iGArWn5Hu0V_sAhK2w

• The Hunger Code Pre-Order/Masterclass: https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/gift-with-purchase-offer

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://toward.health

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://toward.health/community/

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans have finally arrived! When this podcast first started approximately 8 years ago, a paradigm shift of this magnitude seemed like a nice but impossible dream. In this episode we discuss the content, creation, and future impacts of our new national guidelines.

In this episode, Drs. Brian and Tro talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (01:25) The top people involved in bringing about the recent changes to our dietary guidelines

• (05:39) The content of the new dietary guidelines

• (09:27) How the big food companies have been reacting to these guidelines

• (12:20) The incredible success that common sense and real science have had in medicine/nutrition in recent years

• (17:01) The new food pyramid

• (18:40) Developments in HHS

• (21:22) The microbiome as it relates to mental health, structural health, and metabolic health

• (23:30) GMOs, pesticides, and the insane value of buying food from your local producers

• (29:25) The mental health benefits of eating real, whole foods

• (39:08) New recommendations for vegans

• (41:16) The new vaccine schedule for kids

• (43:27) New DPC and HSA policies

• (44:43) The Low Carb MD Podcast is FREE because we don't take money from ANYONE. Please, consider supporting us on Patreon if you believe in what we are doing (link below 👇)

• (50:41) Corruption and conflicts of interest in medicine

• (01:00:04) Outro

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• The New Guidelines: https://realfood.gov/

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://toward.health

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://toward.health/community/

The Low Carb Cruise brings together keto-curious travelers and seasoned low-carb veterans from around the world for an unforgettable blend of education, connection, and fun at sea. What began as a small gathering of friends and family has grown into a global community, united by inspiring seminars from leading voices in the keto space and a shared passion for healthier living. The cruise spans 7 days of Western Caribbean adventure, May 31–June 7, 2026, sailing to Roatán, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

In this episode, Dr. Tro talks with Low Carb Cruise organizers Debbie and Michelle about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (03:00) Last year's Low Carb Cruise

• (04:44) How the Low Carb Cruise came to be

• (06:49) How Debbie first discovered the power of Low Carb eating

• (11:25) The speaker line-up for this year's Low Carb Cruise

• (14:32) How Michelle became involved in organizing the Low Carb Cruise

• (21:12) GLP-1s, brain health, and inflammation

• (30:18) More on the speakers and docking locations on the upcoming Low Carb Cruise

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Debbie Hubbs and Michelle Hall:

• Low Carb Cruise: https://lowcarbcruise.com/

• Email: [email protected]

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/lowcarbcruise/

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/lowcarbcruise/

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://toward.health

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://toward.health/community/

William Sauvé, MD is CMO at Osmind and a leader in interventional psychiatry. A former Navy psychiatrist, he's expanded access to TMS and esketamine nationwide—helping build and scale hundreds of cutting-edge psychiatry clinics.

In this episode, Drs. Tro, Brian, and William talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (05:47) Dr. Sauve's educational and professional experiences as a Navy psychiatrist during the Iraq War

• (15:26) The neurotransmitter theory of metabolic dysfunction and why it does not sufficiently explain depression

• (18:50) Common myths in medicine which are finally starting to be challenged

• (26:07) Why practicing psychiatry effectively takes courage and dedication

• (31:22) Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation as a treatment for depression

• (35:06) Cranial Electric Stimulation

• (37:18) Combining TMS with metabolic therapy for maximum impact

• (41:20) The possibility of complete, permanent remission of psychiatric disorders and the emergence of Interventional Psychiatry

• (51:36) Some practical, business-related reasons why TMS and Esketamine have not been widely adopted as treatments by psychiatrists

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Achilles in Vietnam (book): https://www.amazon.com/Achilles-Vietnam-Combat-Undoing-Character/dp/0684813211

William Sauvé, MD:

• Osmind: https://www.osmind.org/about/william-sauve-m-d

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-sauvé-md-45009813

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://www.doctortro.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://doctortro.com/community/

Dr. Ann Childers is a pioneering psychiatrist who bridges the gap between brain health and metabolic health. As one of the earliest clinicians to integrate nutritional and lifestyle strategies into psychiatric care, she has helped reshape how mental health is understood and treated. Dr. Childers is known for her evidence-driven approach, showing how diet, sleep, and metabolic function profoundly influence mood, cognition, and overall well-being.

In this episode, Drs. Tro, Brian, and Ann talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (02:08) Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), and metabolic health

• (08:06) How Dr. Ann's stroke changed her life and led her to keto

• (10:30) How keto impacts mental health and mood

• (23:56) How low iron can have huge mental health consequences

• (31:13) Iron deficiency and sleep issues

• (34:35) The wisdom in traditional ways of eating

• (39:27) The psychiatric benefits of avoiding the 'foods of society'

• (40:27) CGMs

• (47:34) Inflammation and diet

• (51:59) Modern food and metabolic health

• (53:24) Outro

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (book): https://www.westonaprice.org/physical/#gsc.tab=0

Dr. Ann Childers:

• X: https://x.com/AnnChildersMD

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://www.doctortro.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://doctortro.com/community/

Kendall Mackintosh, MS, CNS, LDN, INHC is a clinically trained nutrition expert who blends evidence-based science with integrative health coaching to address root causes—not just symptoms. With a focus on metabolic health and sustainable lifestyle change, Kendall helps clients turn complex nutrition science into practical, life-changing results.

In this episode, Dr. Tro, Dr. Brian, and Kendall talk about…

• (00:00) Intro

• (02:19) How Kendall became involved in the MAHA movement

• (15:45) Medical misinformation and getting de platformed

• (18:22) The low-hanging fruit you can take advantage of to help protect your family's health

• (23:26) Glyphosates, heavy metals, micro plastics, mold, and parasites

• (32:36) Testing for mold, heavy metals, and other toxins

• (34:29) Parasite tests

• (39:11) Fasting and gut health

• (43:57) The vaccine religion

• (50:16) Moms Across America

• (58:25) Outro

For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening!

Links:

Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/

Kendall Mackintosh:

• Website: https://kendallmackintosh.com

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/kendall.mackintosh/

• X: https://x.com/healthy_kendall

Dr. Brian Lenzkes:

• Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Dr. Tro Kalayjian:

• Website: https://www.doctortro.com/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/

Toward Health App

Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together.

Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US

Learn more: https://doctortro.com/community/