LowCarbUSA Podcast

In a recent LowCarbUSA®, hosts Doug Reynolds, MHP and Pam Devine, MHP spoke with Dr. Jeremiah Eisenschenk and Dr. Angie Ausban, two prominent practitioners from the Brainerd Lakes area in Minnesota, about the upcoming LowCarbUSA® Metabolic Health Conference in Brainerd Lakes. This one-day event, scheduled for September 21, aims to unite healthcare professionals and the public around the importance of metabolic health.

Dr. Eisenschenk, a board-certified Family and Obesity Medicine physician, shared his journey into metabolic health, which began after attending a transformative lecture in 2016. Since then, he has co-founded the Metabolic Health Conference in Brainerd Lakes and Essentia Health – Brainerd Weight Management Department, bringing his expertise to both the hospital and community settings. "I saw some pretty impactful results, even in six months," he noted, reflecting on the positive changes in his patients’ health through carbohydrate reduction approaches.

Dr. Ausban, who has a background in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, recounted her own evolution in understanding obesity and metabolic health. After co-founding the CentraCare Medical Weight Management program, she became certified in Obesity Medicine and later joined CRMC as the Medical Director of the Metabolic Health and Medical Weight Management Program. "It's not just obesity and diabetes; it's everything—heart disease, stroke, dementia," she emphasized, underscoring the widespread impact of insulin resistance.

The one-day event is open to the public, but technical enough to also offer optional CME opportunities for healthcare professionals, carbohydrate reduction meals, and local vendors, fostering a collaborative environment between the community to address the growing metabolic health crisis. 

The symposium will feature a diverse lineup of expert speakers, including:

• Robert Cywes, MD, PhD
• Gurpreet Padda, MD, MHP, MBA
• Mark Cucuzzella, MD, FAAFP, MHP
• Vera Tarman, MD
• Jeremiah Eisenschenk, MD
• Angelina Ausban, MD
• Shawn Roberts, MD.

This event is unique for the Brainerd Lakes area, as four health systems have come together to support this initiative—a rare collaboration in today’s competitive healthcare landscape. Dr. Eisenschenk highlighted the importance of this unity, saying, "If we can coalesce for this greater mission... any part of America, any part of the world, can do this."

In addition to the symposium, a charity golf event was going to be organized by Dr. Ausban’s husband, Kevin Smith, but will now be postponed and take place next spring to raise funds for the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners and the local Boys and Girls Club. Dr. Ausban invited attendees to participate, adding, "We are super excited about this event."

The upcoming symposium promises to be an inspiring and educational gathering, providing healthcare professionals and the public with the tools and knowledge to improve metabolic health and, ultimately, the quality of life for many.

Learn more and register here.

This podcast episode offers just a preview of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Roshani Sanghani will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year’s symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease.

Endocrinologist Dr. Roshani Sanghani recently sat down with Doug Reynolds for a compelling podcast interview, discussing her innovative approach to diabetes management and her upcoming participation in the LowCarbUSA 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health from August 15-18. Dr. Roshani, who has become a leading voice in the field of endocrinology, shares her profound journey and introduces her new book, Turn around Diabetes: The Step-by-Step Guide to Navigate Type 2 (and Type 1) Diabetes with Less Medication.

A Transformative Approach to Endocrinology

Dr. Roshani’s medical career began in Mumbai, India, where she completed her medical degree before moving to the United States. She is board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Her practice evolved significantly during the pandemic, transitioning to a 100% virtual model, which she continues to implement successfully.

“I've always been interested in the mind-body connection,” she explains. “Endocrinology became a natural space for me because hormones directly link our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Helping that system stay in balance through mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and medication when needed became my passion.”

Turning Diabetes Management on Its Head

Her shift towards a lifestyle-first practice was catalyzed by a patient in Mumbai who was struggling with uncontrolled diabetes. “This patient was labeled non-compliant because he refused insulin. Instead of ending the relationship, I suggested he reduce his carbohydrate intake. A year later, he was well-managed with just one tablet,” she recounts. This experience ignited her journey toward emphasizing lifestyle changes over medication.

Her approach focuses on empowering patients through motivational interviewing, a technique that encourages patients to discover their own motivations for change. “Patients come to us because they want to get better, not stay sick. Motivational interviewing flips the model from compliance to empowerment, helping patients make sustainable changes,” she says.

An Advocate for Behavioral Change

Dr. Roshani's upcoming book, "Turn Around Diabetes," explores the behavioral aspects of managing diabetes. She emphasizes the importance of addressing psychological barriers and equipping patients with strategies to overcome them. “This book is meant to be a companion for anyone with diabetes, aiming to prevent diabetes, or seeking a healthier lifestyle. It’s about overcoming obstacles in nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise,” she explains.

Using the analogy of a “lifestyle car,” she describes how nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise are the four wheels that keep us moving forward. “Life is dynamic, and our journey will have its ups and downs. It’s about continuous adaptation and navigating through challenges,” she notes.

Joining Forces with LowCarbUSA

Dr. Roshani is thrilled to be a speaker at the upcoming LowCarbUSA Symposium. “I’m excited to meet everyone in person and share insights on how behavioral change can significantly impact diabetes management,” she says. Her talk promises to be a highlight, given her reputation for delivering engaging and informative presentations. Doug praised her contributions, noting, “One of the best talks we’ve had was by Dr. Roshani. Her ability to prepare engaging content and provide deep insights is unmatched. We’re looking forward to her talk next month.”

Listen to the full podcast interview to gain deeper insights into her approach and philosophy. Her new book, "Turn Around Diabetes," will be available at the LowCarbUSA Symposium, providing attendees with practical strategies to navigate diabetes with less medication.

In an insightful interview conducted by LowCarbUSA® co-founder Pam Devine, Dr. Georgia Ede, MD, shared profound insights from her new book, "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind," and highlighted the significance of metabolic psychiatry. Dr. Ede, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience in nutrition, brain metabolism, and mental health, will be a key presenter at the upcoming LowCarbUSA 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, taking place from August 15-18, 2024.

Pam Devine expressed her excitement about her participation, recalling their first collaboration in 2017. Dr. Ede emphasized the unique atmosphere of the LowCarbUSA® conferences, describing them as "science for the people." She praised the efforts of Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine in creating a warm and welcoming environment. According to Dr. Ede, "Every conference has a different feel, and this particular conference has a really nice down-to-earth, people-focused feel. It's science for the people."

Join Us at the Symposium in San Diego, August 15-18

This podcast episode is just a glimpse of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Ede will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year’s symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease.

Focus on Metabolic Psychiatry

One standout feature of this year's conference is the dedication of an entire day to metabolic psychiatry on August 15th. Dr. Ede noted the explosion of research in the field and the quantum leap it represents for psychiatry. "The brain matters," she stated, highlighting developments in treating mental health conditions through metabolic interventions.

Addressing the limitations of conventional psychiatry, she remarked, "We have not been thinking about root causes. Metabolic psychiatry looks at the metabolic root causes, the drivers, the underlying forces that are damaging and destabilizing the brain." She pointed out that the traditional approach of treating mental health conditions as lifelong chemical imbalances requiring medication is being challenged by new findings in metabolic psychiatry.

Debunking Dietary Myths

Dr. Ede debunked common dietary myths, such as the belief that oatmeal is a brain-healthy breakfast. She shared a case from her book where a physician's blood sugar spiked dangerously after consuming oatmeal, underscoring the need for a fundamental shift in dietary recommendations. "If you want real change to your mental health, you need to fundamentally restructure your diet from the ground up in ways that make biological sense," she stated. "Base your diet on science, not wishful thinking and wild guesses."

Importance of Nutrient-Rich Foods

She emphasized the importance of nutrient-rich foods that provide the essential building blocks for brain health. "The brain needs nutrients. All food is about parts and energy. We need the right parts to build cells, including brain cells, and we need to fuel those cells sustainably." Essential nutrients include amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are often lacking in typical modern diets. "Most of what we're eating now is not nourishing or energizing our brain properly. In fact, it's damaging the brain," she added.

One major culprit in this dietary crisis is the widespread consumption of vegetable oils. "Vegetable oils are extraordinarily high in Omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid," she noted. "Over the past 60 years, our intake of linoleic acid has increased significantly, and it's accumulating in our body fat and brain, causing oxidative stress and inflammation." This leads to brain damage over time.

She highlighted the importance of choosing foods that support brain health by providing necessary nutrients without causing harmful spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. She asserted, "Animal-based foods, rich in essential nutrients and low in carbohydrates, are key to this approach."

Dr. Ede also discussed the concept of "quiet diets" featured in her book, which include variations like quiet paleo, quiet keto, and quiet carnivore diets. These diets emphasize low-carbohydrate and ketogenic principles to reduce metabolic stress on the brain. "The more sugary your diet is, the harder it can become for your brain to use that sugar for energy," she explained. This can lead to insulin resistance, making it difficult for the brain to process glucose effectively.

Balancing Brain Chemistry

She expanded on this, explaining how the brain processes glucose and the critical role of insulin. "The brain doesn't need insulin to let the glucose in; it needs insulin to process the glucose once it comes in," she explained. Without adequate insulin, the brain, despite being flooded with glucose, cannot utilize it effectively, leading to a paradoxical situation where the brain is both overwhelmed with glucose and starving for energy.

This disruption in brain chemistry can lead to severe mental health issues. "If you want to balance your brain chemistry, one of the most effective ways to do that is to unbalance your diet," she stated. Lowering carbohydrate intake, particularly to ketogenic levels, can significantly improve brain function by stabilizing glucose and insulin levels and providing ketones as an alternative energy source.

Dr. Ede also discussed the balance between glutamate and GABA, the brain's primary neurotransmitters. "Glutamate is the gas pedal, and GABA is the brake pedal," she explained. The balance between these neurotransmitters determines the brain's activity level, and eating refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils can profoundly disrupt this balance, leading to overstimulation and mental health issues. "If you're eating these refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils, you're getting all this inflammation and oxidative stress," she said. "The inflammation and oxidative stress throw this system profoundly out of balance."

The interview concluded with Pam Devine highlighting the importance of attending the LowCarbUSA Symposium in person. Dr. Ede echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique benefits of in-person conferences. "It's a completely different experience," she said. "You'll meet other people, make lasting connections, and leave feeling energized and more knowledgeable." She encouraged people to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from experts and immerse themselves in the latest research on metabolic health.

LowCarbUSA co-founders Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine recently sat down with Dr. Erin Bellamy, a ketogenic specialist and metabolic health practitioner, for an illuminating podcast episode. Dr. Bellamy, who holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of East London and an MSc in psychiatric research from King’s College London, brings a wealth of experience in using ketogenic metabolic therapy to improve mental health.

A Journey into Ketogenic Diets and Mental Health

Dr. Bellamy began the conversation by sharing her journey into the field of ketogenic diets and mental health. Her interest was sparked during her time working in psychiatric inpatient units, where she noticed a connection between diet and mental well-being. "I always had an interest in nutrition and diets," she explained, recounting her early research on eating disorders and her personal struggles with weight.

Her curiosity led her to explore the impact of low carbohydrate diets on type 2 diabetes and subsequently on mental health. She recalled discovering a 1965 study on the ketogenic diet and schizophrenia, which demonstrated significant improvements in patients' symptoms. This study ignited her passion for investigating the potential of ketogenic diets to support mental health, ultimately leading to her PhD research.

Pam highlighted the burgeoning interest in this field and the importance of collaboration among researchers and practitioners. Erin echoed this sentiment, expressing her excitement about the growing momentum in the field of metabolic psychiatry. "It's mind-boggling to me that we are actually building a little bit of momentum," she said. "We might actually get somewhere."

The Foundational Role of Nutrition

Throughout the interview, Erin emphasized the foundational role of nutrition in mental health. She likened metabolic health to a pyramid, with stable blood sugar levels, good sleep, and strong social connections forming the base. "You need a strong, healthy foundation," she stressed. Only after solidifying this foundation should individuals consider other interventions, such as hormonal testing or specialized therapies.

One of the most impactful insights she shared was the transformative effect of nutritional ketosis on mental resilience. "Once you have somebody on a ketogenic diet for a while, they start to feel that kind of Zen feeling and sense of calm," she observed. This newfound stability enables individuals to effectively utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapeutic tools. "It seems like through nutritional ketosis, people seem to have a bit more buffer space," she added.

Erin’s approach underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health conditions. Her work demonstrates the potential of ketogenic diets to not only improve physical health but also to provide a foundation for mental well-being. As the field of metabolic psychiatry continues to grow, her insights offer a promising perspective on the integration of nutrition and mental health.

Pam shared an anecdote highlighting the profound impact of metabolic health on anxiety. She recounted a story about someone who had a severe fear of bees, which subsided once they achieved metabolic health through ketosis. This led to a deeper discussion about the physiological and hormonal changes brought about by ketosis. "The really cool thing about ketones is they have lots of different roles," Erin explained. "One of them is their anti-inflammatory properties, and another is that they are anxiolytic, meaning they reduce anxiety in the body."

Qualitative Research on Ketogenic Therapy for Depression

Erin also discussed her recent research, which focuses on the qualitative experiences of individuals using ketogenic metabolic therapy for depression. Her study revealed that those with higher levels of depressive symptoms found it easier to adhere to the ketogenic diet and reported significant improvements in self-esteem, motivation, and overall outlook on life. "One participant said he had a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in life," she shared, highlighting the transformative potential of the diet.

Doug noted the importance of these personal stories in convincing others to try ketogenic metabolic therapy, recounting a Symposium for Metabolic Health held in Boca Raton back in 2020 when Christopher Palmer MD, a Harvard psychiatrist, delivered a powerful presentation where he described a case of a patient with schizophrenia. 

Palmer went into great detail explaining how traumatic the person's life was beforehand, and then told the story of how the patient used a ketogenic diet to effectively put his schizophrenia into remission. “No meds, functioning as a regular person in society,” Doug recounted. “And I'm even choking up now with that," he said. "It was amazing. And everybody in attendance just sat there and looked at each other. I think everybody had a lump in their throat. I had to kick off the Q&A session after that, and I couldn't speak." Doug continued, "What you're doing, Erin, relating all of these other anecdotes and these people's experiences, I think that's what's going to convince people that this is something that's worth trying much more than somebody giving them the physiology of it behind it – This is how different your life can be. I think that's huge."

The Importance of Proper Medical Supervision

Erin concluded by emphasizing the importance of proper medical supervision for individuals on psychiatric medications who wish to try the ketogenic diet. She advised working closely with a knowledgeable professional to ensure safe medication adjustments and overall well-being.

Accreditation and Ethical Standards of The SMHP

In the podcast, Erin emphasized the value of her accreditation as a Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) through the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP™). She noted that prior to The SMHP, there was no international consensus on guidelines for therapeutic carbohydrate restriction or ethics in the field. She stressed the importance of having a governing body like The SMHP that works to establish clinical guidelines, ethics, and scope of practice. This helps ensure MHPs are providing safe and beneficial care to clients. She appreciates being part of a like-minded group of practitioners who have access to science backed information from a trusted organization.  As a chartered psychologist, under the jurisdiction of the British Psychological Society, she is governed by ethical standards through her professional body. She sees The SMHP membership as complementing this, allowing her metabolic health work to be backed by a trusted society. 

Access the full podcast interview here.

9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health

The 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health will be held August 15-18. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year’s symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Learn more and register here.

Join us for an enlightening episode of the LowCarbUSA® podcast, where host Doug Reynolds sits down with Dr. Paul Mason, a distinguished sports and exercise medicine physician, to discuss the nuances of blood test interpretation and preview the upcoming LowCarbUSA®  9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, to be held August 15-18.

Meet Dr. Paul Mason

Dr. Mason uses an evidence-based approach to challenge conventional medical wisdom on topics such as saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and sun exposure. He has authored a chapter on nutrition in the textbook Clinical Sports Medicine and is actively involved in curriculum development and teaching within the Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Medicine. His approach to managing complex medical conditions spans patients from the general public to elite athletes, including the Australian Olympic rowing team.

Revolutionizing Blood Test Interpretation

In the podcast, he offers profound insights into the often misunderstood realm of blood tests. "The concept of having biomarkers that reflect our health is a very good one," he explains, "but the trouble is, some of them are more reliable than others, and sometimes the reference intervals are completely out of whack." He emphasizes the need to interpret blood test results through the lens of optimal health rather than population averages and he believes reference intervals should be set using data on longevity. "The people who take statins whose cholesterol actually lowers the most actually have the worst survival," he noted, highlighting issues with overly aggressive cholesterol lowering.

He went on to explain, "Every blood panel I do is actually personalized to their history." He also discussed the complexities of evaluating markers like ferritin and the importance of considering inflammation. His meticulous and systematic approach ensures that each patient receives a nuanced and accurate health evaluation.

Optimizing Health for Longevity

Dr. Mason advocates for using all-cause mortality data to set health benchmarks, stating, “My favorite outcome in science is mortality. And that's because you can't fudge it. In terms of clinical outcomes, nothing beats living. And you can't fake that. You can't have a mischievous researcher come through and manipulate the methodology too much when you've got mortality as an outcome.”

Listeners also learned how subtle factors like thyroid function can influence cholesterol levels. He  provides valuable insights on the importance of thyroid health and its impact on cholesterol levels. "An underactive thyroid can elevate your triglyceride levels and your cholesterol levels," he explains, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various health markers.

Join Us at the Symposium in San Diego, August 15-18

This podcast episode is just a glimpse of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Mason will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year’s symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease.

An engaging conversation with Jeff Roslund and Ryan Boudreau, the innovative minds behind Dapper Barons, a company at the forefront of crafting near sugar-free liqueurs and zero-sugar ready-to-drink cocktails. In a culture where sugar consumption is a growing concern, especially among those following ketogenic and low-carb diets, Jeff and Ryan shared their journey and passion for revolutionizing the cocktail industry.

Jeff explained the genesis of their idea, "We're the first company to create near sugar-free liqueurs, as well as zero-sugar ready-to-drink cocktails. We knew if we could pull the sugar out of these liqueurs, you could go back to making cocktails the way they're meant to taste."

Their conversation covered the nuances of alcohol's impact on the body, particularly in relation to a ketogenic lifestyle.  Jeff clarified a common misconception about the sugar content in spirits. He noted, "All of these products like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, are sugar and carbohydrate-free. When you start to get into the flavored spirits, that's where brands are starting to reintroduce sugars." This distinction is crucial for those striving to make healthier choices without giving up on enjoying a drink occasionally.

The conversation touched on the often overlooked aspect of calorie content in alcohol which Ryan stated was normally around 80 to 90 calories per ounce, depending on the base spirit.  It emphasizes the point that even if a product is sugar free there are often still calories associated with it which we need to be aware of.

One of the most striking moments of the discussion came when Jeff presented a visual comparison to illustrate the sugar content found in typical liqueurs, comparing it to the sugar in a Hershey's candy bar. "So, you know, you're looking at about 300 grams [of sugar in a bottle of Kahlua]. That's the level that we're talking about." This vivid imagery serves as a stark reminder of the hidden sugars in many popular beverages and the necessity of transparency in labeling, a challenge the alcohol industry continues to face.

You can find out more about getting some to try out on their website and click on the 'Where To Buy' menu option.

In this episode we talk with Pascal Lemieux, a passionate advocate for health and wellness, with a specific focus on type 1 diabetes management and endurance sports.  His blend of personal experience and professional dedication makes him an invaluable voice in the dialogue on type 1 diabetes care. His involvement in the planning and organization of the special workshop and presentations devoted to type 1 diabetes management at the upcoming Symposium for Metabolic Health January 11-14, 2024 in Boca Raton is a testament to his experience and passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Use the code TYPE1BOCA to get a 20% discount

Pascal was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 11 and has navigated through various complications associated with the condition, including proliferative retinopathy, gastroparesis, and severe hypoglycemia. These challenges have deeply shaped his understanding and approach to diabetes management.  In 2020, he took a significant step in his career by pursuing nursing, aiming to leverage his personal insights to assist others dealing with type 1 diabetes. This professional shift underscores his commitment to making a tangible impact in the diabetes community. A turning point in his journey was the discovery of the benefits of a low-carb diet in 2014. Inspired by Dr. Richard K. Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution," Pascal adopted a very low-carb diet that remarkably controlled his diabetes, reversed many of his complications, and significantly reduced his insulin dosage. This approach not only transformed his health but also fueled his passion to educate and support others in managing type 1 diabetes.

"I was shocked because no one ever told me about this way of managing type 1 diabetes," he said. Despite skepticism from his endocrinologist, Pascal persisted, and the results were remarkable: "My A1C went down to 6.7, then 6.4, then 6.2. Now it is 5.4 (normal, non-diabetic range). My retinopathy reversed, my frozen shoulder went away, my trigger fingers are now perfect, and I lost 60 pounds."  His transformation extended to his passion for marathons, where he proved that a low-carb diet could sustain intense physical activity. "In 2017, I ran a marathon, requiring only 25 grams of carbohydrate... I still had energy to go even further," he said. He subsequently ran 60 kilometers in one day and required only 40 grams of carbohydrate. “That convinced me that I don't need 300 grams of carbohydrate a day to live. I do fine with eating between 30 and 50 grams of carbohydrate a day.”

Recognizing the lack of support and guidance for many with type 1 diabetes, Pascal became a fervent advocate for education and community support. "There's at least 40 plus factors that affect blood glucose in type 1 diabetics... we're trying to cover most topics that are important for someone who wants to try low-carb," he explains. His involvement in organizing workshops and events is driven by a desire to bridge the information gap for both physicians and patients.  His motivation is fueled by the diabetes community's solidarity and success stories. "It's all about the community holding together to change the world," he said, looking forward to the focus on type 1 diabetes at the upcoming Symposium. “It's about empowering patients and physicians with knowledge and practical tips."

You can see all the topics to be covered at the Symposium here.

His story is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact of community-driven support. His journey from battling the complications of type 1 diabetes to becoming a leading advocate for dietary management and patient empowerment is truly inspirational. His experience, shared in this podcast, is not just informative but a call to action for better understanding and management of type 1 diabetes.

Register for the 2024 Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health here.

In the latest episode of the LowCarbUSA® Podcast, host Doug Reynolds sits down with renowned health influencer Dr. Eric Berg, an authoritative figure in the ketogenic diet and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction community. This engaging interview explores Dr. Berg's personal health journey, his professional insights, and the global impact of his work. He candidly shares his transformation from a junk food enthusiast to a keto diet advocate. His personal health struggles in his late 20s led him to discover the life-changing benefits of the keto diet. This revelation not only alleviated his own health issues but also sparked a deep interest in nutrition and low-carb diets. He has a massive online presence, with over 28 million subscribers across his YouTube channels. He emphasizes the importance of making complex medical information accessible to the general public. He has successfully done this through his simple, easy-to-understand explanations of nutritional concepts and is the author of the popular book The Healthy Keto Plan.

Doug talks with Dr. Berg about his enormous reach in non-English speaking countries. His channels in Arabic, Russian, and Taiwanese, among others, show the universal appeal of the keto message. Dr. Berg's efforts in providing translated content demonstrate his commitment to spreading health awareness globally.  He shares his unique approach to content creation, focusing on topics that resonate with his audience and exploring new, sometimes unconventional, aspects of nutrition and health. His dedication to continuous learning and providing fresh, research-based information has helped build a robust, engaged community.

Listeners will be excited to hear about Dr. Berg's upcoming participation in the upcoming LowCarbUSA Symposium for Metabolic Health conferences in Boca Raton and San Diego. Learn more about the Symposium and register here.

Connect with Dr. Eric Berg:

YouTube Website Instagram Facebook Twitter

Sangeetha Aiyer, a certified Low carb Nutritionist focusing on Metabolic Health based in Mumbai, recently joined host Doug Reynolds on the LowCarbUSA® Podcast, sharing her inspiring journey and profound insights about metabolic health, sustainable fat loss, fitness and more.  In her 40s and a mother to a teenager, Sangeetha embodies the everyday struggles and triumphs of a working woman balancing family life. Her quest for health began with a common goal: weight loss. However, this objective soon evolved into a pursuit of optimal health and fitness, transcending the superficialities of mere physical appearance.  Her approach, 'Rewrite Your Story,' is a testament to her belief in the power of personal transformation through informed choices in diet and fitness.

In the podcast, she discusses her personal health challenges, including battling PCOS and pre-diabetes. She candidly discusses the limitations of conventional advice and her transformative journey through the adoption of a low-carb, ketogenic lifestyle.   "I went from being pre-diabetic and overweight to reversing my PCOS and achieving my high school weight,” said Sangeetha. “It was not just about vanity but understanding that something deeper was happening with my health."  She explained to Doug that finding a path to good health required her to challenge much of what she had been taught about health and nutrition.  "The ketogenic lifestyle was a complete overturn of what mainstream advice had told me. Embracing animal protein and saturated fat was crucial in my journey towards health,” she said.

She talked with Doug about the intricacies of tailoring nutrition plans for diverse dietary preferences, particularly focusing on Indian vegetarian diets. She emphasized the importance of restructuring the traditional food pyramid to suit individual needs. For pure vegetarians, she advocates a diet rich in dairy products, supplemented by whey protein, and a balanced intake of lentils, legumes, non-starchy vegetables, and low-carb fruits.  A significant challenge she addresses is catering to vegetarians who are also lactose intolerant. In such cases, she resorts to soy-based products like tofu and tempeh, despite her reservations about soy. She acknowledges the challenges in managing diets for individuals with specific health issues like gluten intolerance and advocates for personalized approaches based on one’s tolerance and metabolic markers.

Sangeetha stressed the importance of sharing transformative health stories and success cases, especially relating to Indian cuisine adapted to low-carb diets. "Sharing success stories and adaptations of Indian cuisine to low-carb diets is crucial. It's not about eliminating carbs but changing your plate proportion to prioritize protein and healthy options."  Her insights reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of dietary preferences and the importance of customizing nutrition plans. Her focus on education, adaptation, and gradual changes offers a realistic and inclusive approach to healthier eating habits.

Connect with Sangeetha Aiyer:

• Twitter

• Instagram

• Website

In the latest episode of the LowCarbUSA® podcast, host Doug Reynolds engages in a fascinating conversation with Hal Cranmer, the visionary behind A Paradise for Parents Senior Living, based in Arizona.  Hal's career journey, which began in the Air Force and traversed through the realms of corporate operations and real estate, took a life-changing turn when he stepped into the world of assisted living. Inspired by his personal experiences of caring for his aging relatives, including an uncle who battled Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Hal transformed his real estate acumen into a mission to revolutionize elder care.

He discuses with Doug his commitment to providing exceptional care, regardless of the complexity of residents' needs. From basic assistance to advanced memory care, his facility pledges the same level of compassionate care that his uncle received, treating each resident as a valued member of their extended family.  He goes on to describe his unique approach to enhancing metabolic health and fitness in the older population. He shares enlightening perspectives on therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, a method he passionately advocates for in improving the quality of life for the elderly. 

Hal's approach to senior care goes beyond traditional methods, focusing on a model that integrates diet and exercise as key components of health. His observations about the detrimental effects of sedentary lifestyles and poor diets among the elderly have led to revolutionary changes in his facilities. By reducing sugary desserts and unhealthy foods, and incorporating regular physical activities, he has seen a significant improvement in the overall health of his residents. This includes a remarkable reduction in the need for medications.

His own personal journey with dietary changes adds an authentic layer to his advocacy. Adopting a predominantly animal-based, low-carb diet himself, he experienced firsthand the benefits of this lifestyle change, which he describes as rejuvenating. This personal transformation not only strengthens his belief in the diet's efficacy but also provides a relatable example for others to follow. Perhaps most striking are the improvements he has observed in residents with chronic conditions, particularly diabetes and dementia. By managing blood sugar levels through diet, he has witnessed a decrease in insulin dependency among diabetic residents. Moreover, his concerns about the rising rates of Alzheimer's and dementia underscore his commitment to preventative health measures. He emphasizes the potential of dietary intervention in slowing down, or even preventing, the onset of these conditions.

"It's not just about adding years to life, but adding life to years,” says Hal, whose dedication to combating chronic illnesses in the elderly through diet is particularly evident when he discusses the potential of therapeutic diets to manage conditions like type 2 diabetes.  He notes the significance of early intervention, stating, "Alzheimer's begins developing long before symptoms appear, often starting in the 30s and 40s." His proactive approach is exemplified in his success story of a resident whose dementia improved dramatically after six months on a ketogenic diet, underscoring the importance of nutrition in managing cognitive decline.

Physical activity is another cornerstone of Hal's philosophy. He challenges the conventional wisdom of restricting movement to prevent falls among the elderly. Instead, he advocates for strengthening exercises and outdoor activities, understanding that physical and mental health are deeply interconnected.  "I tell people, the way I want people to not fall is we make them strong enough that they don't fall," Cranmer explains, highlighting the empowering aspect of his approach. This combination of diet and exercise has led to significant improvements in the residents' motivation and overall health.

Implementing these lifestyle changes has not been without challenges, particularly resistance from some families and the medical community. Hal points out the irony in how unhealthy foods are readily accepted, while healthier options like the ketogenic diet are often viewed as unconventional. Despite these hurdles, he remains committed to his vision of improving elderly care through a holistic approach.  The most compelling evidence of his success comes from the stories of residents who have dramatically improved under his care. He shares heartwarming anecdotes, such as the 98-year-old resident who, after regaining health and vitality, was able to enjoy a cruise with his family. These stories are not just about medical improvements but also about restoring dignity and joy to the lives of seniors. 

"In the eight years I've been doing this, I've sent seven people home that got well enough that they could live at home," Hal proudly shares.

Connect with Hal Cranmer:

• Twitter: A Paradise for Parents 

• Facebook: https://aparadiseforparents.com

• Email list signup: https://fightmemoryloss.com

• Instagram: Assisted_Living_Hal_Cranmer