The Metabolic Link

In this week’s episode, host Victoria Field speaks with Matt Baszucki and Dr. Iain Campbell about their lived experiences with bipolar disorder and the therapeutic effects of the ketogenic diet, potential root causes of the mental illness, and their mission to spread awareness and education around ketogenic dietary therapy as a treatment for bipolar disorder.Iain Campbell, PhD, is the Baszucki Research Fellow in Metabolic Psychiatry at the University of Edinburgh. He has a PhD in Global Health from the University of Edinburgh and is a principal investigator on a pilot trial of a ketogenic diet for bipolar disorder.Matt Baszucki lived with type 1 bipolar disorder for five years before coming across ketogenic therapy, and now works to educate the public about the roles of sleep, diet, and circadian rhythm management in mental illness. He currently works full-time in tech supporting third-party developers. Together, Matt and Iain host the BipolarCast podcast which can be found on YouTube. You can also learn more about the Baszucki Brain Research Fund here and watch Metabolic Mind's YouTube channel here. In this episode, we cover:Iain’s and Matt’s personal lived experiences with bipolar disorder & success in using ketogenic dietary therapyDr. Campbell’s current research on the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet for bipolar disorderBipolar disorder as an “energy-specific disorder” and its potential connection to metabolic dysregulationThe many ways people can adapt their keto diet to meet their needs and lifestyle…and so much more.Matt Baszucki and Dr. Iain Campbell will also be speaking at Metabolic Health Summit 2024, January 25-28 in Clearwater, Florida - you can get your tickets on the Metabolic Health Summit website and save with Early Bird pricing through October 1st, 2023!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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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 this episode, our co-hosts Victoria Field, Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, and Angela Poff, PhD, discuss two recent scientific studies that focus on the potential metabolic connections to neurodegenerative diseases.Study 1: Warburg-like metabolic transformation underlies neuronal degeneration in sporadic Alzheimer’s diseaseThe study delves into the molecular changes causing a neuron's transition from healthy to degenerative, as seen in sporadic Alzheimer's, which is the most prevalent form of Alzheimer's disease and isn't directly inherited but arises from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. It proposes that metabolic changes in neurons due to altered gene expression might play a role in the disease's onset. Today's discussion touches upon the similarities between the findings in this study and the well-established Warburg Effect seen in cancer. This study may provide a clue to the molecular mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease and open the door for exploration of potential treatments.Study 2: Phase II study of ketogenic diets in relapsing multiple sclerosis: safety, tolerability, and potential clinical benefitsThis study measured the impact of a dietitian-guided ketogenic diet on MS patients on several markers including body composition, mood, mental health, and physical stamina. Our co-hosts discuss these findings as well as the secondary benefits of ketogenic therapies due to reduced MS symptoms, and the unique challenges of dietary vs pharmaceutical trials, such as ensuring accuracy, participant compliance and how to measure the intervention’s effectiveness.If you'd like to read the papers referenced above, please find them here: Study 1 & Study 2In 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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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.

This week’s episode of The Metabolic Link features an in-depth conversation between our host Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, and Jeff Volek, PhD, RD, on a wide range of topics as well as questions submitted by our Twitter followers!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.In this episode, we cover:Dr. Volek’s mentors and academic highlightsSupplementary compounds for ketosis including MCT oil and exogenous ketonesThe much-debated discussions surrounding LDL levels, bone density and kidney function while on the ketogenic dietNew developments in keto researchDr. Jeff Volek will also be a speaker at Metabolic Health Summit 2024 - Early Bird pricing ends August 1st! Secure your spot at metabolichealthsummit.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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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.

On this week’s episode of The Metabolic Link, our host and MHS Co-organizer Victoria Field interviewed Kelly Faltersack, a registered dietitian nutritionist, who specializes in treating patients with ketogenic diet therapy as an effective treatment for epilepsy and other neurological disorders.Kelly Faltersack MS, RDN, LDN, CD is a registered dietitian nutritionist at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin. Kelly has over 10 years of experience as a registered dietitian nutritionist, and five years of experience in neuro intensive care. She has specialized in ketogenic metabolic therapy for adults with epilepsy and other neurological conditions since 2016. Kelly has co-authored publications on ketogenic metabolic therapy and serves on the medical advisory board for the Glut1 Deficiency Foundation.This episode is chock-full of resources and tips from Kelly, and her passion for improving the health of her patients is evident.In this episode, we cover:Kelly’s personal experience with the healing potential of diet and nutritionThe benefits of ketogenic diet therapy for epilepsy and other neurological disordersHow to tailor the ketogenic diet to be sustainable for your patients’ lifestyleThe discrepancy between available ketogenic therapies for children with epilepsy vs adultsKelly Faltersack will be a speaker at Metabolic Health Summit 2024 held in Clearwater Beach, Florida from January 25th - 28th! To register and save with Early Bird Pricing through August 1st, please visit: https://metabolichealthsummit.com/pages/mhs2024In 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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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.

This week’s episode of The Metabolic Link features an enlightening conversation between our host Dr. Dominic D’Agostino and Dr. Satchin Panda, PhD on the fascinating connection between time-restricted eating, circadian rhythm, and metabolic health. A leading expert in the field of circadian rhythm research, Dr. Panda is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and a founding executive member of the Center for Circadian Biology at the University of California.Have you been hearing lately about the importance of morning light exposure?Well, you have Dr. Satchin Panda’s research to thank for that. His research discovered that melanopsin cells in our retinas detect sunlight and send signals to our pineal gland - ultimately regulating the release of melatonin and other neurotransmitters responsible for the natural timing of circadian rhythms.And just as metabolic health is inextricably linked to most, if not all, biological processes in the human body, Dr. Panda’s work explores the genes, molecules and cells that keep the whole body on the circadian clock.In this episode, we cover:Research contrasting the effects of time-restricted eating vs. calorie-restriction for weight loss and metabolic health biomarkersThe benefits and sustainability of time-restriction vs. calorie-restriction for the average patientMelatonin’s role in both circadian rhythm and metabolic function…and 3 things anyone can do to optimize their circadian biologyIn 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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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.

This week’s episode of The Metabolic Link features an interview with Nicole Laurent, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who helps her clients use ketogenic dietary therapy as a treatment for mental illness and neurological issues. Nicole was one of seven pioneers of Metabolic Psychiatry recognized by the Baszucki Brain Research Fund and the Milken Institute with the Metabolic Mind Award in 2022.What is Metabolic Psychiatry?Metabolic psychiatry is an emerging field that focuses on targeting and treating metabolic dysfunction to improve mental health outcomes. There is growing evidence of a connection between mental illness and altered metabolism in the brain, so focusing on metabolic dysfunction in addition to traditional mental health treatments can further improve treatment outcomes.Nicole Laurent’s StoryHaving already been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, Nicole developed trigeminal neuralgia while completing her graduate degree. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder involving sudden and severe facial pain, and despite trying various treatments, Nicole was prescribed increasing doses of pain medication. These came with a host of negative side effects including cognitive decline and reduced quality of life.It wasn’t until Nicole addressed her underlying metabolic dysfunction through a ketogenic diet that her life changed: “…the energy came on, the lights came on, and I knew I was on the right track."Nicole Laurent’s WorkToday, Nicole works as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and life coach, helping clients use nutrition to feed and heal their brains alongside traditional therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, and EMDR. In this episode, we cover:The challenges of promoting de-prescribing in a healthcare system focused on pharmaceutical interventionsThe role of micronutrients in combination with a ketogenic diet for mental health improvementsThe importance of working with a prescriber when implementing ketogenic therapy, especially to address potentiation effects and medication adjustmentsResources to learn more about the connection between metabolic function and mental health… and more!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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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 this Journal Club episode, The Metabolic Link Hosts Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, Dr. Angela Poff, and Victoria Field review recent research uncovering the potential impact of high blood glucose on stroke outcomes and the positive influence of exercise on Alzheimer’s disease.An ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain is occluded. This prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching a region of the brain, ultimately causing some of that tissue to die. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding into the brain, and is a less common but often more dangerous type of stroke. Hyperglycemia following an acute ischemic stroke is known as a predictor of poor clinical outcomes. In the first research paper discussed, researchers set out to explore whether this also holds true for intracerebral hemorrhage.The group also dives into a fascinating paper investigating the potential functional benefits of aerobic exercise in early Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers investigated memory performance, executive function, and functional ability in association with exercise-related gains in cardiorespiratory fitness.Please find all research references below:Aerobic exercise for Alzheimer’s disease: A randomized controlled pilot trialHigher fasting blood glucose was associated with worse in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage: From a large-scale nationwide longitudinal registryIn 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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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.

It’s said that more than one billion individuals around the world suffer from migraines each year. A migraine isn’t your average headache. It’s often completely debilitating and may include sensitivity to light and sound, vomiting, severe pain, and other symptoms that can wreak havoc on quality of life. Despite being one of the most common neurological disorders on the planet with a high prevalence in (particularly female) young adults, many of those troubled by migraines do not receive effective care and continue to suffer.Lack of tolerable and efficacious treatment options is exactly what led our most recent interview guest of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Elena Gross, to pursue her degree in neuroscience at the University of Oxford and her PhD in clinical research. Dr. Gross is on a mission to better understand this common disease and ultimately wants to improve clinical care with a metabolic approach to its management.Dr. Gross is particularly passionate about the therapeutic benefits of ketosis and other nutritional interventions, the role of mitochondrial functioning and energy metabolism in brain health and neurological diseases, as well as increasing our health span via disease prevention. She’s also an inventor on four patents, founder and CEO of a company called Brain Ritual, and the creator of the Mastering Migraine Community. She went from suffering from chronic migraines herself to now leading the charge in research and educational outreach that explores the underlying thread of metabolism in migraine.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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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.

On this episode of The Metabolic Link, we’re sitting down with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng to discuss his experience as a critical care physician during 2020, the importance of metabolic health in fighting viral infections, and how improving global metabolic health will make us more resilient against future illnesses.Dr. Kyeremanteng is an ICU doctor and intensivist at The Ottawa Hospital who seeks to increase the efficiency of medical care with cost-effectiveness, dignity, and justice in mind while also seeking solutions to improve healthcare delivery and practitioner wellness. As a researcher, he is interested in using ICU resources more efficiently and improving access to palliative care in the ICU. Dr. Kyeremanteng is also the host of the podcast “Solving Healthcare”, a show that features interviews and discussions on the topic of improving healthcare delivery in Canada.This interview was recorded at Metabolic Health Summit in May of 2022 in partnership with the Charlie Foundation.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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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.

You won’t be surprised to hear that a night of poor sleep can affect how good you feel the next day. But did you know that disruptions in sleep quality, especially when they occur chronically, can have a major negative impact on your cognitive function, mood, and overall metabolic health?On this week’s Journal Club episode of The Metabolic Link, co-hosts Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, Dr. Angela Poff, and Victoria Field dive into two research publications exploring how meal timing in shift workers affects mood vulnerability and how light exposure during sleep impairs cardiometabolic function.The first study sought to determine if night-time eating contributed to the increased risk of depression and anxiety observed in shift workers. Amazingly, daytime-only eating during a simulated night work environment was not associated with the same negative health outcomes that appeared in those who ate during the night-time hours, suggesting a potential intervention to combat some of the health risks of shift work. The second study revealed how exposure to light during sleep can negatively affect glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, sleep quality, heart rate, and heart rate variability, even after only a single night. Join the Metabolic Link co-hosts as they dive into the fascinating details of these studies!Publications discussed in this episode:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8944904/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9499546/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!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: InstagramFacebookYouTubeLinkedInPlease 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.