The hottest Metabolism Substack posts right now

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Appetite is the Key to the Obesity Epidemic

The Heart Attack Diet • 19 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Obesity Appetite Metabolism
  1. Some individuals feel hungry constantly, spending hours resisting hunger or eating until their stomachs hurt.
  2. Feeling physically full is different from stopping wanting food. It's about reaching a point where you don't desire to eat more even if food is available.
  3. The absence of the feeling of satiety can lead people to overeat until their stomachs hurt, contributing to the mystery of the obesity epidemic.

We Used To Eat A Lot More Without Becoming Obese

Unfashionable • 15 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Metabolism Obesity Diet Research
  1. Historically, people used to eat more without becoming obese, challenging the 'calories in, calories out' theory.
  2. Studies show that children in the past consumed significantly more calories than recommended today, even without modern concept of workouts.
  3. The Ray Peat community suggests that historically, people had faster metabolisms, which could explain the paradox of declining calorie intake and rising obesity rates.

Your “MTHFR” Is Just a Riboflavin Deficiency

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 299 implied HN points • 26 Feb 19
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Genetics Methylation Deficiency Metabolism
  1. MTHFR is an important enzyme involved in methylation, and deficiencies can lead to various health issues. Common genetic variations like C677T and A1298C can impair MTHFR activity.
  2. The solution starts with ensuring an adequate intake of riboflavin, which plays a crucial role in supporting MTHFR function. This requires a dietary adjustment and potentially exploring a specific protocol.
  3. Beyond riboflavin, addressing other nutrient deficiencies and genetic impairments related to energy metabolism is crucial for optimizing MTHFR activity. Comprehensive screenings can help identify these underlying issues for effective solutions.
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Iron

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 39 implied HN points • 08 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Minerals Metabolism
  1. Iron is crucial for various aspects of health, including the thyroid, energy metabolism, and antioxidant functions.
  2. Despite its importance, iron also has a dark side that should be considered.
  3. Exploring the role of iron in the body can offer insights into its significance beyond just being the substance of blood.

045: Why You Should Manage Your Riboflavin Status and How to Do It

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 139 implied HN points • 16 Feb 19
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Supplements Deficiency Metabolism Testing
  1. Riboflavin is crucial for various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, antioxidant system, and methylation.
  2. Assessing riboflavin status accurately is essential; riboflavin supplements may vary in effectiveness based on individual health conditions.
  3. Consuming dietary sources rich in riboflavin, like liver and milk, can help maintain optimal riboflavin status.

046: Niacin, Part 1: What It Is and Why You Need It

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 119 implied HN points • 01 Mar 19
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Supplements Metabolism Anti-aging
  1. Niacin is crucial for various bodily functions, such as neurotransmitter release, skin repair from sun exposure, and cell turnover in the intestines.
  2. Aging and illness deplete niacin, making supplementation important to combat damage and promote overall health.
  3. High doses of niacin can have negative effects, like liver damage, by depleting methyl groups. Understanding the risks and benefits of niacin supplementation is essential.

ex150-5: Recarb and Water Weight Regain

The Heart Attack Diet • 1 HN point • 30 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight management Nutrition Metabolism Diet
  1. Transitioning from a ketogenic diet back to a more carb-inclusive diet can result in water-weight regain, sometimes unexpectedly.
  2. Changes in diet composition can impact how one feels physically, such as experiencing tiredness or sluggishness after reintroducing specific foods.
  3. Monitoring and understanding fluctuations in weight, especially water weight, when altering diet and carb consumption is essential to gauge the body's response.

048: Pantothenic Acid, Part 1 (What It Is and Why We Need It)

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jun 19
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Vitamins Metabolism Supplementation Health Conditions
  1. Pantothenic acid deficiency is rare due to it not naturally occurring, but it plays crucial roles in metabolism, especially in burning fat and regulating metabolic pathways.
  2. Mothers transfer pantothenic acid to fetus and milk at their expense, highlighting its importance during adolescence and pregnancy.
  3. Food is preferred over supplements for vitamin B5 due to better absorption, and metabolic disorders may affect coenzyme A pool.

040: Why You Should Manage Your Thiamin Status and How to Do It

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jan 18
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Supplementation Metabolism Deficiency
  1. Thiamin is crucial for energy metabolism and antioxidant defense; its deficiency can lead to neurological issues.
  2. Diets high in carbohydrates increase the need for thiamin, while certain foods like raw fish may contain thiamin antagonists.
  3. Thiamin deficiency can be caused by environmental exposure, so it's important to address potential sources and consider supplementation.

The Biochemistry of Vitamin K2

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 79 implied HN points • 28 Apr 13
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Biochemistry Metabolism
  1. Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in carboxylating proteins to enable calcium binding, essential for various bodily functions.
  2. Vitamin K is vital for blood clotting as it helps in activating different clotting factors and is required for both procoagulants and anticoagulants.
  3. Osteocalcin, dependent on vitamin K, influences metabolic and hormonal health, and MGP regulated by vitamin K helps distribute calcium appropriately in the body.

038: Are We All Evolved to Eat High Protein?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 17
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Genetics Fitness Diet Metabolism
  1. Excessive protein intake can be harmful, especially for individuals with rare genetic disorders affecting the breakdown of proteins.
  2. Consuming 4-5 times the recommended daily allowance of protein in athletic populations does not show negative effects.
  3. Understanding rare metabolic conditions related to protein metabolism can provide valuable insights for general health and wellness.

036: Is Insulin Really a Response to Blood Glucose?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jul 17
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Metabolism Physiology Energy metabolism
  1. Insulin serves more functions beyond regulating blood glucose, such as affecting energy use and metabolic pathways.
  2. Insulin release is tied to total energy supply and energetic versatility, not solely blood glucose levels.
  3. Understanding the complex processes of insulin signaling sheds light on how different nutrients impact the body's energy metabolism.

035: The Biochemistry of Why Insulin Doesn’t Make You Fat

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jul 17
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Biochemistry Physiology Weight Loss Metabolism
  1. Insulin doesn't directly make you fat; it's regulated by energy needs and availability at a biochemical level.
  2. All biochemical pathways, including the storage of fat by insulin, are influenced by cellular energy levels.
  3. Although insulin promotes fat storage, it also boosts glucose oxidation, leading to no net change in caloric balance.

033: Can Fat Fuel the Athlete?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jul 17
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Exercise Performance Metabolism Endurance
  1. Different fuel sources are utilized at different rates during athletic activities, with fat providing a lot of energy but slowly, and glucose supplying energy rapidly.
  2. Studies have shown that for high-intensity activities, glucose is essential, whereas fat can be beneficial for longer duration, lower intensity exercises.
  3. Balancing fat and glucose intake is crucial for athletic performance, as each type of fuel has its own advantages and is used differently by the body during exercise.

021: When Fat People Can’t Get Fat Enough and Lean People Get Fat in All the Wrong Places

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 16
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Metabolism Liver health Weight Loss
  1. Adipose tissue expansion is crucial for metabolic health and can be protected by surprising factors like inflammation.
  2. Visceral fat in the abdomen is protective as it drains into the liver directly, aiding in fat release.
  3. Accumulation of fat in the liver can occur even in lean individuals, compromising glycogen storage.

013: Wait a Second, Is Glycation Actually GOOD For You?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 16
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Physiology Biochemistry Metabolism Research
  1. Glycation may play essential roles in the body as part of a regulatory system and energy metabolism.
  2. Methylglyoxal produced during glycolysis can prevent dangerous buildups of compounds and help preserve glucose and convert fat to glucose.
  3. The rise of methylglyoxal during carbohydrate restriction is a stress response that should not be constantly activated.

Saturated Fat Does a Body Good

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 22 May 16
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Health Benefits Fats Metabolism
  1. Saturated fat is found in specific foods and not just in animal foods. Coconut is a rich source of saturated fat.
  2. Saturated fats are essential for membranes and proteins in the body. They play a crucial role in maintaining health.
  3. Certain saturated fats like MCTs and butyrate support energy metabolism and intestinal health. Consuming necessary fats in the diet may help spare the body from having to produce them.

Where Do Most AGEs Come From? O Glycation, How Thy Name Hast Deceived Me!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 39 implied HN points • 07 Oct 11
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Research Metabolism Diabetes Biochemistry
  1. AGEs are mostly formed from dicarbonyls, which are much more reactive than glucose and come from broken pieces of glucose, protein, and fat.
  2. Dietary AGEs are unlikely to significantly contribute to the pool of AGEs circulating in our bodies at any given moment as they are absorbed and excreted quickly.
  3. Most AGEs in our bodies are likely formed inside our cells, emphasizing the importance of cellular processes and defense mechanisms in handling AGEs.

We Really Can Make Glucose From Fatty Acids After All! O Textbook, How Thy Biochemistry Hast Deceived Me!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 12
🔬 Science Biochemistry Metabolism Insulin
  1. Biochemistry textbooks may claim that animals cannot convert fatty acids to glucose, but evidence suggests that it is possible under certain conditions.
  2. Acetate from fatty acids can be converted to glucose in a process involving ketogenesis, particularly when high levels of fatty acids flood the liver.
  3. Insulin plays a role in regulating the conversion of fatty acids to glucose by influencing enzyme production, demonstrating a complex network of reactions in the body.

Some Things I Like About “The New Evolution Diet”

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 05 Feb 11
🏥 Health & Wellness Intermittent Fasting Exercise Nutrition Metabolism Well-being
  1. Intermittent fasting can potentially lengthen life, prevent degenerative diseases, offer dietary flexibility, and provide spiritual growth.
  2. Avoiding snacking, having three meals a day, and exercising in a fasted state can be extremely helpful for improving health and overcoming sleeping issues.
  3. High-intensity interval training, short bursts of exercise, and strength training can be effective for fitness and are backed by research, while calorie counting may not be necessary for a healthy diet.

Cholesterol Is Necessary for Digestion — Cholesterol Is a Precursor to Bile Acids

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 27 Dec 08
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Biochemistry Anatomy Metabolism
  1. Cholesterol is essential for digestion as it is used to create bile acids, which help digest fats.
  2. Bile acids act as emulsifying agents that mix fats with water in the digestive system, aiding in fat breakdown by water-soluble enzymes.
  3. Bile acids are converted to bile salts, which are more effective at mixing fats with water and are stored in the gall bladder for future use in digestion.

Introducing Masterclass With Masterjohn Energy Metabolism

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 15 Apr 17
🏥 Health & Wellness Metabolism Education
  1. A new Masterclass on Energy Metabolism by Masterjohn is now available for free on YouTube and Facebook starting April 17.
  2. Joining MWM Pro for additional resources like searchable index, video transcripts, downloadable audio files, and more is an option for deeper learning.
  3. To participate in the Masterclass or access more information, visit chrismasterjohnphd.com/pro.

Is Baicalein From Skullcap Effective Against COVID-19?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 13 Apr 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Herbal Medicine Metabolism Research Updates
  1. A compound in Chinese Skullcap called baicalein has shown potential to inhibit the replication of COVID-19 virus in experiments, but more research is needed to understand its effectiveness in humans.
  2. Isolated baicalein was found to be much more powerful than crude extract in inhibiting the main protease enzyme, but only slightly more effective in inhibiting viral replication, suggesting other components in the extract may also play a role.
  3. The metabolization of baicalein in humans to baicalin may reduce its effectiveness in inhibiting COVID-19 growth, highlighting the importance of further studies to determine the actual antiviral properties of baicalin.

Could Sugar Intake Play a Role in COVID-19?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 23 Aug 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Viral Infections Metabolism Biochemistry Diet
  1. Research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 relies on sugar intake for replication, which could influence viral load.
  2. Fructose, found in sugar, can fuel viral growth through the pentose phosphate pathway more than glucose, potentially impacting RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
  3. Cutting down sugar intake or moderating it may help avoid excessive fueling of viral growth and could be beneficial in protecting against COVID-19.

Does Carnitine From Red Meat Contribute to Heart Disease Through Intestinal Bacterial Metabolism to TMAO?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 10 Apr 13
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Disease Metabolism Heart Health
  1. Red meat consumption could potentially lead to heart disease due to the conversion of carnitine to TMAO by intestinal bacteria.
  2. Stanley Hazen's group at the Cleveland Clinic suggested a link between red meat, carnitine, and heart disease through TMAO production.
  3. Further research is needed to understand the impact of carnitine from red meat on heart health.

2 Science-Backed Insights to Help Remote Workers Lose Weight

Austin's Analects • 0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Metabolism Nutrition
  1. Not all calories are equal: Fats and proteins keep you full longer than carbs. Choose high-quality, satiating foods like fats and proteins for weight loss.
  2. Metabolism matters: High-fat, high-protein diets help maintain a higher metabolism. Weight loss involves both calorie restriction and choosing the right types of calories.
  3. Quality over quantity: While calorie restriction is key to weight loss, the type of calories consumed also matters. Opting for high-quality foods makes it easier to stick to a calorie limit and lose weight.

When Fat Burns In the Flame of Lean Muscle Mass — Better Put That Butter Either on Steak or Potatoes

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 11
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Physical health Metabolism Diet Fitness
  1. Sugar makes a high-fat diet extra-palatable, leading to higher food intake initially but not long-term.
  2. Palatability of diet may impact obesity independently of caloric intake.
  3. Eating an all-fat diet can lead to loss of lean muscle mass because the body needs oxaloacetate from carbohydrates or proteins to fully utilize fats for energy.

The New Genetics — Part V: Is the Intestinal Microbiome Part of Our Genome?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 11
🔬 Science Genetics Microbiome Inheritance Metabolism Health
  1. Intestinal microbes contribute to our phenotype and are inherited from one generation to the next, challenging assumptions about genetic inheritance.
  2. The co-evolution of humans and their gut flora is vital to consider when discussing human evolution.
  3. Fixing metabolic issues may involve normalizing gut flora, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive health approach.

The Role of Microbiome in Disease Prevention ( Part 6.1/11)

Gutsphere - Your Ultimate Guide to Optimal Gut Health • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Microbiome Disease Prevention Immune System Inflammation Metabolism
  1. A healthy gut microbiome helps regulate the immune system, reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases and enhancing the body's ability to fight infections.
  2. Balanced gut microbiota can help regulate inflammation, preventing diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.
  3. The gut microbiome influences metabolic health, reducing the risk of conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in older adults.

Is Insulin Resistance Really Making Us Fat?

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 10
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Metabolism Obesity Hormones Medical Research
  1. Insulin resistance is not the sole cause of obesity; leptin resistance plays a critical role in the development of obesity.
  2. Leptin is a hormone that influences appetite and energy expenditure; obese individuals often have high levels of leptin, indicating leptin resistance.
  3. Insulin resistance and leptin resistance can coexist, but genetic animal models suggest that leptin resistance may be a more significant factor in causing obesity.

The Cholesterol Times, Issue #005 -- A 72-Year Metabolic Mystery Unfolds

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 23 Mar 09
🏥 Health & Wellness Cholesterol Metabolism Nutrition Research Heart Disease
  1. Eating cholesterol does not necessarily raise cholesterol levels due to a complex biofeedback system in the liver involving proteins like SREBPs and Insigs.
  2. Omega-3 fatty acids are more effective at reducing mortality and heart disease compared to statins and other drugs, despite not affecting cholesterol levels.
  3. Some oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol have antifungal activity against Candida, and chemicals in red wine lower heart disease markers in rabbits without affecting cholesterol.