Join our free Live Q&A with Lauren on December 18th and become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs. Register here!

In this episode of The Metabolic Link, host Victoria Field sits down with Lauren Kennedy West, a passionate mental health advocate and social worker who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2016. Lauren reveals her extraordinary journey of using metabolic therapy to not only manage but reverse debilitating symptoms, transforming her life in ways she once thought impossible.

This deeply compelling conversation delves into Lauren’s personal story, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the challenges of balancing medications with metabolic therapy. Lauren also shares her mission to bring metabolic therapy to the forefront of mental health treatment, redefining possibilities in the field of metabolic psychiatry.

Lauren’s bravery and advocacy are sparking new conversations about recovery and shining a light on the untapped potential of metabolic approaches to mental health. Don’t miss this inspiring episode—and be sure to join Lauren for a Live Q&A on December 18th through The Metabolic Initiative platform. Learn more here!

Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode: 

Genova Connect: Gain access to advanced lab tests in the comfort of your own home. Receive 15% off any test with code metaboliclink by clicking here.

AG1: New subscribers get a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. Visit this link.

Ned: Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK by visiting this link.

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs: https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com

In this special episode of The Metabolic Link, we’re sharing an exclusive panel discussion from Metabolic Health Summit 2024, where leading experts dive into the science and real-world applications of allulose, a natural low-calorie sweetener with potential metabolic health benefits.

Featuring insights from Dr. Richard Johnson, Dr. Jeff Volek, Dr. Ben Bikman, Dr. Andrew Koutnik, and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, this conversation explores how allulose influences glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, weight management, and GLP-1 stimulation for satiety and glucose control. The panel also addresses questions about safety, its role as a sugar substitute, and its potential impact on broader metabolic pathways.

Whether you're new to allulose or looking to deepen your understanding of metabolic health, this episode offers valuable perspectives from some of the field’s top researchers.

Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode: 

• Genova Connect, powered by Genova Diagnostics offers easy access to advanced lab tests. Receive 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink at https://gdx.net/themetaboliclink 
• AG1: New subscribers get a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. Visit: https://DrinkAG1.com/METABOLICLINK
• Ned: Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK at https://helloned.com/metaboliclink

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs. Your first 7 days are free! PLUS use code blackfriday at checkout to receive 50% off your first 3 months (through November 29th): https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com

In this episode of The Metabolic Link filmed at Metabolic Health Summit 2024, Dr. Valter Longo shares his latest research on the fasting mimicking diet (FMD) and its powerful impact on aging, metabolic diseases, and cancer treatment. With a focus on periodic fasting interventions, Dr. Longo highlights the role of FMD in activating stem cells, enhancing cellular repair mechanisms, and even reversing metabolic dysfunctions like insulin resistance and type 1 diabetes.

Dr. Longo’s work is paving the way for more accessible, non-invasive therapies for chronic conditions, with far-reaching implications for aging, cancer prevention, and metabolic health. If you’re an academic, medical professional, or researcher, you won’t want to miss this in-depth discussion on how FMD could shape the future of medicine.

Valter Longo, PhD, is the Edna Jones Professor in Gerontology, the Director of the USC Longevity Institute and group leader at the IFOM cancer research institute in Milan, Italy. His laboratories study the fundamental mechanisms of aging in yeast, rodents and humans by using genetics and biochemistry techniques. The focus is on the nutrient-response signal transduction pathways that regulate disease and longevity. This work led to the discovery of the effects of periodic fasting and fasting mimicking diets on multi-system stem cell activation and regeneration in mice, and to clinical trials on a range of age-related diseases.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:
Genova Connect: Receive 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink at https://gdx.net/themetaboliclink
AG1: This November, AG1 is offering a free gift with your first subscription plus a Welcome Kit at https://DrinkAG1.com/METABOLICLINK—while supplies last!
Ned: Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK at https://helloned.com/metaboliclink

Learn more about Dr. Valter Longo here.

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs. Your first 7 days are free! PLUS use code blackfriday at checkout to receive 50% off your first 3 months (through November 29th): https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com

In this episode of the Metabolic Link podcast, we are joined by Beth Zupec-Kania, an experienced dietitian and nutritionist with over 30 years in the field of ketogenic metabolic therapy. Beth has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of ketogenic diets for the treatment of epilepsy, and her work has expanded to include a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Beth’s expertise is shaped by years of practical experience and her involvement with The Charlie Foundation, where she helped pioneer the use of ketogenic metabolic therapy in clinical settings. In this episode, we explore how this therapy has evolved from a treatment for refractory epilepsy to a promising option for mental health conditions and other complex disorders.

We discuss the latest evidence supporting ketogenic therapy, its application in clinical practice, and the challenges healthcare providers face in integrating these therapies into standard care. Beth also shares her insights into the future of metabolic therapies in healthcare, highlighting the growing need for education and clinical expertise in this transformative area.

If you’re a medical professional interested in understanding how ketogenic metabolic therapies can improve patient outcomes across a range of conditions, this episode is a must-listen.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:
Genova Connect: Receive 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink at https://gdx.net/themetaboliclink
Ned: Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK at helloned.com/metaboliclink 

Learn more about Beth Zupec-Kania here: https://www.bethzupeckania.com

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs: https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com

In this episode, we're sharing a presentation from Metabolic Health Summit 2024 that dives into a groundbreaking experiment titled "Oreo vs. Statin," by researcher-educator Nick Norwitz, PhD. What started as a personal journey with metabolic health turned into a captivating exploration of the lipid energy model and lean mass hyper responders. Dr. Norwitz shares the dramatic results of his unorthodox study, where a diet consisting primarily of Oreos led to a jaw-dropping 70% reduction in LDL cholesterol. We discuss the implications of his findings, the challenges he's faced in the scientific community, and the importance of asking uncomfortable questions in pursuit of knowledge. This episode is an opportunity to watch an engaging lecture filled with scientific awe, unexpected results, and a call to action for more open-minded discussions in metabolic health!

Dr. Nick Norwitz has a mission to “Make Metabolic Health Mainstream.” He graduated Valedictorian from Dartmouth College in 2018, majoring in Cell Biology and Biochemistry. He then completed his PhD in Metabolism at the University of Oxford in 2021, before attending Harvard Medical School to complete his MD. Dr. Norwitz enthusiasm for the field of Metabolism derives from a personal struggle with severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease that left him physically emaciated, mentally depleted, and emotionally fragmented. In desperation, he found that a ketogenic diet put his disease into remission where conventional approaches had failed.

Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode:
Genova Connect, powered by Genova Diagnostics offers easy access to advanced lab tests. Receive 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink at https://gdx.net/themetaboliclink

Learn more about Dr. Norwitz here: https://www.nicknorwitz.com

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Did you know that nearly 60% of the average American's diet is made up of ultra-processed foods? This staggering statistic highlights a growing public health crisis linked to rising obesity rates and chronic diseases, not only in adults but our children too.

In this week’s episode of The Metabolic Link, we dive into a critical conversation with Todd Wagner, a passionate advocate for food safety and health reform. As the founder of FoodFight USA, Todd is dedicated to cleaning up America’s tainted food supply and empowering consumers by raising awareness about the dangers of ultra-processed foods. He is also known for his entrepreneurial success as the co-founder and CEO of Broadcast.com, which he sold to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion, and for founding the Todd Wagner Foundation, which supports technology programs for at-risk children.

Today, we explore Todd's mission with FoodFight USA, a nationwide campaign focused on promoting healthier food choices and advocating for legislative change. With the powerful mantra, “Good food is medicine, and bad food requires medicine,” we discuss the stark differences between the U.S. and European food systems, the alarming prevalence of synthetic chemicals in our food supply, and the urgent need for reform.

Todd provides valuable insights into the existing regulatory framework, pointing out the issues arising from food companies' ability to self-regulate. We also explore the grassroots efforts driving FoodFight USA and discuss practical steps listeners can take to become more informed consumers and advocate for healthier food options.

Join us for this eye-opening discussion that emphasizes the importance of “clean” food and the necessity of a collaborative approach to address these pressing issues. Learn how you can contribute to the solution and help shape a healthier future with FoodFight USA!

Learn more about FoodFight USA here: https://foodfightusa.com/

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:

• Genova Connect - Receive 15% off any of their tests with code METABOLICLINK here
• Fatty15 - Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK here
• Ned - Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK here

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs here.

In this journal club episode of The Metabolic Link, we explore the cutting-edge "Metabolic Overdrive Hypothesis" with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, Dr. Angela Poff, and Victoria Field, diving into the brain’s energy dysregulation in bipolar disorder. The featured paper, "The Metabolic Overdrive Hypothesis: Hyperglycolysis and Glutaminolysis in Bipolar Mania", by authors Dr. Iain Campbell and Dr. Harry Campbell, proposes that mitochondrial dysfunction forces the brain into a hypermetabolic state, leading to manic episodes.

We discuss how this groundbreaking research links bipolar disorder to epilepsy and how therapeutic ketosis—through diet or supplementation—might restore energy balance, reduce manic episodes, and complement traditional medications.

With the potential to reshape psychiatric treatment, you won't want to miss this paper or journal club episode! Read the full paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-024-02431-w

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:

• Genova Connect - Receive 15% off any of their tests with code METABOLICLINK here
• Fatty15 - Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK here
• Ned - Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK here

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

In our 50th episode of The Metabolic Link podcast, host Dr. Dominic D’Agostino dives deep into the fascinating world of metabolic health through an unexpected lens — bottlenose dolphins.

Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and public health scientist, joins the show to share her groundbreaking research with the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, where dolphins helped reveal the essential role of C15:0. C15:0 is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid that has 3-times more cellular benefits than omega-3s. Dr. Venn-Watson surprisingly discovered that C15:0 (also called pentadecanoic acid) is an essential fatty acid - the first to be found in over 90 years. In this episode, we discuss how C15:0 plays an important role in longevity and metabolic health, its potential to reduce inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and why it’s crucial for both dolphins and humans. Learn how this unique fatty acid is transforming our understanding of insulin resistance and why it could be a game-changer in human health. Plus, Dr. Venn-Watson also shares the exciting future of this essential fatty acid in human health research.

About Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson
Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson is the CEO of Seraphina Therapeutics. A seasoned veterinary epidemiologist and public health scientist, Stephanie previously served at the World Health Organization and U.S. Navy. With a life-long mission of helping people (and our fellow animals) age better, Stephanie’s award-winning approach to improving human and animal health has been featured on NPR, BBC, CBS, and National Geographic. In her time as CEO, Seraphina Therapeutics has been recognized for its extensive research and education on pentadecanoic acid (C15:0). Dr. Venn-Watson is also the co-founder of Fatty15. Fatty15 is a science-backed and award-winning C15:0 supplement to support our long-term health and wellness.

Stephanie received her B.S. in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience from UC San Diego, D.V.M. from Tufts University, M.P.H. from Emory University, and was a National Research Council Associate with the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center. She is an Albert Schweitzer Fellow for Life.

Special thanks to our episode sponsors:
* Genova Connect - Get 15% off with code METABOLICLINK here
* AquaTru - Get 20% off with the code METABOLICLINK here
* Ned - Get 15% off with code METABOLICLINK here

This episode is not sponsored by Fatty15, but they're a partner of The Metabolic Link. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by clicking here and using code METABOLICLINK

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs: https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com

In this episode of The Metabolic Link, recorded at Metabolic Health Summit 2024, we share Dr. Jeff Volek's full presentation where he takes a deep dive into the "Keto-Adapted Phenotype" with a focus on muscle. Dr. Volek, a leading expert in low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets, shares groundbreaking research on how ketones impact muscle function and performance. Dr. Volek explores the intricate ways ketones influence muscle glycogen metabolism, ketone production in skeletal muscle, and even heart function.

Dr. Volek unpacks underappreciated aspects of ketosis, such as how muscle glycogen can be preserved and replenished without the need for high carbohydrate intake, the role of ketones in cardiac health, and how skeletal muscles may play a part in ketone metabolism. This thought-provoking episode not only challenges conventional ideas about energy and performance but also offers insights for athletes, health professionals, and anyone interested in optimizing metabolic health.

About Dr. Volek
Dr. Volek is a registered dietitian and professor in the Department of Human Sciences at The Ohio State University. For the last 25 years, he has performed translational research on how humans adapt to ketogenic diets with a dual focus on clinical and performance applications of nutritional ketosis. His scholarly work includes more than 350 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and five books. Dr. Volek is the Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of Virta Health, the first clinically proven treatment to safely and sustainably reverse type 2 diabetes at scale without medications or surgery. Dr. Volek has a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Michigan State University, and a Master of Science in exercise physiology and Doctorate in kinesiology and nutrition from Pennsylvania State University.

Special Thanks to our Episode Sponsors:
* Genova Connect, powered by Genova Diagnostics - Receive 15% off any of their tests with code METABOLICLINK: https://connect.gdx.net/themetaboliclink
* Fatty 15 - Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK: https://fatty15.com/METABOLICLINK
* Ned - Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK at http://helloned.com/metaboliclink

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Join Dr. Norwitz for a Live Q&A on September 10th at 12pm PT/3pm ET on The Metabolic Initiative platform! Visit this link to register, and also watch his presentation Cookies & Cholesterol Controversy inside the platform (first 7-days are free): https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com/norwitz

In this episode, Dr. Nick Norwitz returns to The Metabolic Link podcast to explore the future of personalized medicine and the evolution of metabolic health research with host, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino. Join us as they dive into the landscape of traditional randomized control trials, the rise and evolution of individualized health protocols, and the exciting potential of multiomics and continuous glucose monitoring in shaping a new era of healthcare.

Dr. Norwitz, a passionate advocate for science communication and education, shares his insights on how emerging technologies and personalized approaches can revolutionize medicine, empowering individuals to take control of their metabolic health. Dr. Norwitz also shares his unique career journey and aspirations, providing valuable insights and advice for pre-med and medical students. Whether you're a medical professional, student, or health enthusiast, this episode offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the next frontier of medicine.

About Dr. Norwitz
Dr. Nick Norwitz is a researcher-educator whose mantra is “Stay Curious” and whose mission is to “Make Metabolic Health Mainstream.” He graduated Valedictorian from Dartmouth College in 2018, majoring in Cell Biology and Biochemistry. He then completed his PhD in Metabolism at the University of Oxford in 2021, before attending Harvard Medical School to complete his MD. Dr. Norwitz enthusiasm for the field of Metabolism derives from a personal struggle with severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease that left him physically emaciated, mentally depleted, and emotionally fragmented. In desperation, he found that a ketogenic diet put his disease into remission where conventional approaches had failed. Fast forward: Nick is now completing the last months of his dual doctorate, with a distinctive determination to upset the intellectual and social environment with respect to metabolic health. Learn more about Nick on his website or watch this video about his story titled "Metabolic Health Saved My Life: Here's Why It Should Matter To You"

Special Thanks to our Episode Sponsors
* Genova Connect, powered by Genova Diagnostics - Receive 15% off any of their tests with code METABOLICLINK here
* Fatty 15 - Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code M

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.