How much does your diet influence not just your physical health, but your mental well-being? 

Dr. Bret Scher, MD, is a self-described “low-carb” Cardiologist, Medical Director at the Baszucki Group and Host of the Metabolic Mind podcast. He joins the Futures Edge with Jim Iuorio and Bobby Iaccino to unpack the urgent issues surrounding metabolic health. They explore the profound impact of diet on both body and mind, the rising crisis of metabolic dysfunction, and how ketogenic diets could revolutionize health outcomes.

Dr. Scher breaks down the science behind calorie quality, the misunderstood role of cholesterol, and why LDL alone isn’t a reliable health marker. The conversation also tackles the influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical guidelines and highlights the growing mental health crisis among teenagers—potentially linked to poor metabolic health.

With only 7% of Americans considered metabolically healthy, this discussion underscores the need for a fundamental shift in how we approach nutrition, exercise, and wellness.

Takeaways:

-Metabolic dysfunction is a significant economic issue.

-Only 7% of Americans are metabolically healthy.

-Ketogenic diets can improve mental health and addiction issues.

-Insulin resistance is a key factor in metabolic health.

-Acknowledging past dietary mistakes is essential for progress.

-Ketosis can serve as an effective treatment for various disorders.

-Calories are not equivalent; the source matters.  A calorie is not just a calorie when it comes to human metabolism.

-The lean mass hyper responder phenomenon indicates that high LDL can occur without heart disease risk.

-Cholesterol levels alone do not determine heart disease risk; individual factors matter.

-LDL is not the sole indicator of heart health; metabolic health is crucial.

-Teenagers are experiencing a decline in mental health, which may be linked to metabolic dysfunction.

-There is no age limit for starting a ketogenic diet, but monitoring is essential.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Metabolic Health and Economics

01:58 Dr. Bret Scher's Background and Approach

06:05 Understanding Metabolic Health and Insulin Resistance

12:07 The Impact of Diet on Mental Health

17:55 Exploring Ketosis and Addiction

23:55 The Role of Exercise and Thermogenesis

28:00 Caloric Intake and Muscle Preservation

30:17 The Complexity of Calories

31:58 Understanding Lean Mass Hyper Responder

33:56 The Role of Cholesterol in Heart Disease

39:12 The Limitations of LDL as a Health Marker

43:29 The Influence of Pharmaceutical Companies

45:30 Navigating Ketosis and Mental Health

50:25 Success Stories in Teen Mental Health

54:06 Dietary Considerations for Young Children