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What if your lighting is sending the wrong message to your biology? We dig into the science of light as information, showing how specific wavelengths trigger opsins in the eyes and skin to set circadian rhythm, shape metabolism, and influence mood, sleep, and aging. From violet and sky-blue that kick-start morning alertness to red and near-infrared that support mitochondrial function, collagen, and nitric oxide, we connect the dots between spectrum quality and everyday health.

We unpack why standard LEDs, optimized for brightness and efficiency, often omit key wavelengths and oversupply blue at night, creating “junk light” that confuses the body clock. You’ll hear how melanopsin responds to 480 nm for daytime timing, how vitamin A, DHA, and zinc support receptor flexibility, and why quantum effects like exclusion zone water and electron tunneling matter for energy production. We also point to real-world applications: blue light therapy for infant jaundice, UV for hospital sterilization, and the growing case for red and near-infrared in recovery and wound healing.

Most importantly, we translate the science into steps you can use right now. Get outside for a few minutes of morning light. Bring in a full-spectrum or tunable lamp for daytime work. After sunset, drop brightness below 100 lumens and cut blue to protect sleep. Consider targeted red or near-infrared for soreness and winter resiliency, and track your changes with sleep scores or glucose trends. Food and fitness move the needle, but aligning your light may be the missing lever. If this episode helps you rethink your environment, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a review to tell us what light change you’ll make tonight.

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Curious why coconut oil can raise LDL for some people yet still show up in diets that improve metabolic health, cognition, and body composition? We get clear on what coconut oil actually is—a family of saturated fats with a rare abundance of medium-chain triglycerides—and why MCTs create ketones that the brain and mitochondria can use even without fasting. Instead of stopping at cholesterol, we look at the fuller picture: insulin resistance, inflammation, triglycerides, and real-world outcomes that drive risk more than a single lab value.

We dig into the differences between MCT oil, extra-virgin coconut oil, and refined coconut oil, and when each makes sense. We compare biomarkers to hard endpoints, explain why some populations with high coconut intake have low cardiovascular disease, and explore how diet context flips the script: in a high-sugar diet, lipids can look worse; in a lower-carb, whole-food pattern, markers of metabolic syndrome often improve even if LDL nudges up. Along the way, we share insights on cooking stability, oxidative stress, and the intriguing idea that latitude and season may influence how fats signal thermogenesis and photoprotection.

You’ll leave with practical takeaways you can use today: how to choose between MCTs and whole coconut oil, how to integrate them into a low-sugar, nutrient-dense diet, and which labs to track beyond LDL, like ApoB, triglyceride-to-HDL ratio, hs-CRP, and fasting insulin. If you’ve wondered whether coconut oil is a villain or a misunderstood ally, this conversation offers a grounded, outcome-focused way to decide what fits your body and your climate.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find it.

www.thehealthedgepodcast.com

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If pomegranates, raspberries, and walnuts could whisper a secret to your cells, it might be this: the right microbes can turn plant defense into human resilience. We dive into the journey from ellagic acid to urolithin A, mapping how polyphenols meet the microbiome to support mitochondrial function, muscle strength, and brain health. Along the way, we unpack the science of mitophagy, inflammation control, and metabolic signaling that ties colorful foods to better performance and longevity.

We share why only an estimated 20–40% of people currently convert ellagic acid to urolithin A, and what that means for your choices. You’ll hear practical ways to build a food-first foundation—pomegranate arils or juice (mind the sugar), raspberries, blackberries, and walnuts—while nurturing a diverse microbiome with fiber-rich meals. We also explore when direct urolithin A supplementation might be considered, what early trials show for strength and function, and how to think about testing—from proprietary blood kits to broader stool profiling—without getting lost in the weeds.

Throughout, we keep one principle in focus: hormesis. Whole-food antioxidants rarely overwhelm, but concentrated interventions can mute the low-level stress signals that spark repair. By pairing smart training, adequate protein, and polyphenol-rich foods, you create overlapping pathways for mitochondrial renewal and metabolic health—even if you’re not yet a “converter.” Subscribe for more evidence-led, kitchen-to-cell insights, and leave a review to tell us: are you going food-first, testing, supplementing, or blending all three?

For video, Powerpoint slides and referenced research go to www.thehealthedgepodcast.com

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A 35% drop in liver fat in under a week sounds impossible—until you see how a simple macro shift can redirect your metabolism. We dive into a Danish crossover study where calories stayed equal, protein held steady, and the only real change was carbohydrates versus fat. The result: rapid reductions in hepatic fat, lower triglycerides, improved insulin sensitivity, and clear signs of metabolic flexibility, all in four to five days. We unpack what that means for everyday eating, how to use CGM feedback to reduce glucose spikes, and why outcomes like organ fat and fat oxidation should trump a single lipid reading taken out of context.

From there, we widen the lens. Fatty liver—now recognized as a hallmark of metabolic dysfunction—is staggeringly common, yet highly responsive to nutrition quality and distribution. We break down why modest carb moderation paired with quality fats and robust protein can stabilize energy, support endogenous GLP-1 signaling, and protect lean mass. We also confront a common confusion: “high fat” isn’t a license for ultra-processed oils or low-fiber meals. When fats come from olive oil, avocado, nuts, eggs, and fish—and plants supply fiber and polyphenols—the microbiome, mitochondria, and glycemic control can all improve together.

We close with practical implications for anyone using GLP-1 medications. Pharmacology can provide short-term traction, but it doesn’t guarantee nourishment. A protein-forward, lower-glycemic template plus resistance training helps preserve muscle, sustain satiety, and potentially reduce medication reliance over time. If you’re ready to swap shaky biomarkers for meaningful outcomes—and to see changes fast—this conversation offers a clear, evidence-backed roadmap. If it resonates, follow the show, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find The Health Edge.

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The clock isn’t just on your wall—it’s in your cells. As autumn settles in and daylight wanes, we dig into how light acts as information for your biology, shaping sleep depth, hormone timing, and metabolic health. A standout 15-year cohort of 200,000+ children links persistent artificial light at night to higher obesity risk, and it pairs with wearable data from tens of thousands of people that reveals how little real sunlight most of us get—even at the height of summer.

We break down what’s actually happening under the hood. Blue-heavy light is a powerful morning cue, but after dusk it sends the wrong signal, suppressing melatonin, shrinking deep sleep, and nudging insulin rhythms off track. That chronic mismatch adds up, especially for kids. Beyond the usual vitamin D narrative, we talk about why full-spectrum sunlight—including infrared—matters for mitochondria, vascular function, mood, and focus, and why energy-efficient LEDs often strip out the very wavelengths that buffer blue and support recovery.

You’ll also get a practical, science-backed playbook you can start tonight. We cover morning outdoor light routines, how to set up your home with full-spectrum lamps for daytime and zero-blue bulbs for evenings, and why programmable circadian lights are a smart upgrade for fall and winter. We share simple screen hygiene, when blue-blocking glasses help, and how to navigate harsh indoor lighting without wrecking your sleep. The goal is coherence: brighter, broader mornings; softer, blue-free nights; and consistent cues your body can trust. If you’re ready to trade “junk light” for light that works with you, not against you, hit play and build your seasonal routine. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, rate, and share the show with someone who needs a gentler evening glow.

For copies of slide deck: www.thehealthedgepodcast,com

SolShine: https://solshine.org/

Soraa Zero Blue Light Bulbs: https://store.soraa.com/zeroblue/

Korrus OIO programmable circadian lighting: https://www.korrus.com/oio/

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Nature deficit syndrome is silently affecting millions as we spend over 95% of our lives indoors beneath artificial lighting that disrupts our biology at the most fundamental level. Dr. Mark Pettus delivers a compelling exploration of this modern disconnection, introducing the powerful concept that our current "junk light" epidemic may soon be viewed with the same concern we now direct toward processed foods.

Drawing from both scientific research and ancient wisdom traditions, Dr. Pettus reveals how the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) offers a profound antidote to our indoor, technology-dominated existence. The evidence is remarkable – even brief nature immersion triggers measurable shifts from sympathetic nervous system dominance (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic activation (rest and digest), resulting in lower blood pressure, improved heart rate variability, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immune function through natural killer cell activation.

At the heart of this discussion lies a philosophical revelation about human existence itself. The "illusion of separateness" that characterizes modern living contradicts our true biological nature as integral parts of a larger ecosystem. When we reconnect with natural environments – feeling the sunlight, breathing forest air rich with beneficial compounds, and simply being present – we synchronize with rhythms and frequencies our bodies inherently recognize. This reconnection doesn't require abandoning modern life but rather intentionally incorporating nature exposure alongside other ancestral practices to create states of clarity, focus, and happiness that aren't random gifts of fortune but natural conditions we can cultivate. Visit Essential Provisions to discover more resources for integrating nature's healing power into your wellness journey.

For slide deck: www.thehealthedgepodcast.com

For sumptuous meals ready to eat (MREs): www.essentialprovisions.com

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At a time when anxiety and depression rates are soaring across all age groups, Dr. Mark Pettus cuts through the noise with revelatory insights into how our daily choices shape our mental landscape. This compelling exploration connects the dots between what's on your plate, how you move through your day, and the remarkable resilience of your brain.

Dr. Pettus introduces the concept of allostatic load—how our bodies interpret and respond to environmental stressors—and reveals why our modern lifestyle creates the perfect storm for mental health challenges. Rather than viewing mood disorders as purely psychological phenomena, he presents compelling evidence that insulin resistance, inflammation, and disrupted circadian rhythms form the physiological foundation of many mental health struggles.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Dr. Pettus explains how rapid blood sugar fluctuations can trigger symptoms indistinguishable from anxiety attacks. That afternoon panic might actually be the aftermath of your lunch choices! Through practical nutritional principles focused on whole foods, lower glycemic options, and nutrient density, he offers actionable strategies to support neuroplasticity—your brain's remarkable ability to generate new cells and neural pathways throughout life.

Beyond diet, we discover how Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)—essentially "miracle grow for the brain"—can be boosted through movement (especially dancing!), natural light exposure, time in nature, and specific foods. The gut-brain connection emerges as another critical pathway, with our microbiome directly influencing neurotransmitter production and mood regulation. Most empowering is the concept of metabolic flexibility—how developing your body's ability to efficiently switch between fuel sources enhances both cognitive function and emotional stability.

Weaving together ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge neuroscience, Dr. Pettus presents a holistic framework that honors our evolutionary design while navigating modern challenges. This isn't about quick fixes or magic pills—it's about building sustainable resilience through aligned lifestyle choices that activate our innate capacity for wellbeing.

Ready to rewire your approach to mental health? Listen now and discover how small, strategic shifts in your daily habits can transform your mind, mood, and quality of life. Your brain was designed to thrive—learn how to give it what it truly needs.

For PowerPoint slide deck: www.thehealthedgepodcast.com

For Essential Provisions Meals Ready to Eat (MREs): www.essentialprovisions.com

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The rhythms of nature have orchestrated human biology for millennia, but our modern lifestyle has disconnected us from these essential patterns. Dr. Mark Pettus takes us on a fascinating journey through the science of circadian rhythms, revealing how light serves as crucial information that synchronizes every cell in our bodies with the natural day-night cycle.

From ancient Hippocrates to Nobel Prize-winning research, the evidence is clear: our bodies respond profoundly to light quality and timing. Yet today, we spend over 90% of our time indoors under artificial lighting that bears little resemblance to natural sunlight. This mismatch disrupts our internal clocks and increases risk for depression, anxiety, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer—all conditions that ancestral cultures living in alignment with natural light cycles rarely experienced.

Dr. Pettus explores how different wavelengths of light trigger specific biological responses. Morning blue light naturally stimulates alertness and cortisol production—precisely what we need to start our day. Evening sunset, with its red-orange spectrum, signals our bodies to reduce cortisol and increase melatonin for restoration and repair. When we expose ourselves to bright blue-rich light after sunset through screens and indoor lighting, we essentially trick our bodies into thinking it's morning, suppressing critical healing processes.

The good news? Simple changes can dramatically improve circadian alignment. Just 5-10 minutes of morning sunlight exposure helps anchor your biological clock. Using appropriate lighting throughout the day—brighter, cooler lights in morning hours and warmer, dimmer lights after sunset—can mimic natural patterns. These small adjustments yield profound benefits for sleep quality, mood, cognitive performance, and long-term health. Ready to reconnect with the rhythm of life your body was designed to follow?

Slides and audio can be found at www.thehealthedgepodcast.com
Essential Provision meals Ready to Eat (MREs) can be found at www.essentialprovisions.com

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Curious about natural alternatives to expensive GLP-1 medications like Ozempic? Dr. Mark Pettus unveils powerful nutritional strategies to boost your body's own GLP-1 production for improved metabolic health and sustainable weight management.

This eye-opening presentation dives into the fascinating relationship between your diet, gut microbiome, and GLP-1 production. Dr. Pettus, a kidney and integrative medicine specialist with 40 years of medical experience, explains how quality protein, healthy fats, fiber-rich foods, and even bitter-tasting ingredients can stimulate your natural GLP-1 pathways without prescription medications.

You'll discover why the timing of your meals and exposure to natural light dramatically impacts hormone production, and how simple lifestyle adjustments can synchronize your circadian rhythms for optimal metabolic health. Dr. Pettus challenges conventional nutritional wisdom with evidence-based perspectives on protein requirements, healthy fats, and the critical importance of preserving muscle mass during weight loss.

Whether you're currently taking GLP-1 medications and seeking complementary strategies, looking for natural alternatives, or simply interested in optimizing your metabolic health, this webinar provides practical, accessible approaches based on cutting-edge nutritional science. Learn how to work with your body's natural hormonal systems rather than bypassing them, potentially reducing your dependence on expensive pharmaceutical interventions while improving your overall health.

Take control of your metabolic health through these natural nutritional strategies to enhance your body's own GLP-1 production. Visit Dr. Pettus' website www.thehealthedgepodcast.com for the video and slide deck. 

For amazing GLP-1 inducing meals ready to eat (MREs) from Essential provisions, go to: https://essentialprovisions.com/collections/meals-ready-to-eat-mre

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Chronic inflammation has emerged as one of the most significant drivers behind virtually all modern health challenges. In this thought-provoking exploration, Dr. Mark Pettus reveals why researchers now refer to inflammation as "the cause of everything" and introduces the concept of "inflammaging" – how chronic inflammation accelerates biological aging and compromises quality of life.

Dr. Pettus takes us beyond conventional medical thinking to understand that while inflammation is an essential protective mechanism, it becomes destructive when chronically activated. Our modern environment, filled with processed foods, chronic stress, environmental toxins, and disrupted sleep patterns, keeps this system perpetually triggered, setting the stage for everything from diabetes to autoimmune conditions.

The most eye-opening revelations come when Dr. Pettis challenges popular nutritional dogma. He explains why fat has been unfairly vilified while highlighting how the standard American diet—dominated by processed carbohydrates and industrial seed oils—creates the perfect inflammatory storm. You'll discover why quality animal proteins and fats may be critical anti-inflammatory allies while learning how to identify truly nutritious foods that align with your biology.

Beyond nutrition, you'll gain practical insights into creating a comprehensive anti-inflammatory lifestyle through improved sleep, stress management, movement, and perhaps most surprisingly, through cultivating self-love and meaningful connections. Dr. Pettus shares specific testing recommendations to objectively measure your inflammation levels and track your progress.

Whether you're dealing with chronic health challenges, carrying extra weight, struggling with energy levels, or simply want to optimize your health span, this presentation offers a refreshing perspective that empowers you to address root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. Take the first step toward creating an anti-inflammatory lifestyle by implementing these evidence-based strategies today.

For video recording and slide deck go to www.thehealthedgepodcast.com

For Essential Provisions Nutritional Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) go to www.essentialprovisions.com