Summary of Ep. 263 AMA with Ben Azadi: How to Unlock Optimal Health:
In this episode of the Everyday Wellness Podcast, host Cynthia Thurlow talks with Ben Azadi, a social media star and expert on fasting and the ketogenic diet. They discuss various listener questions on topics including macronutrients, fasting, supplements, gut health, and the DUTCH test. They also offer practical tips on how to boost energy on a keto diet and during fasting, including using exogenous ketones and MCT oil, and how to address issues like insomnia and high GGT levels. The conversation is informative and insightful for anyone looking to improve their health through lifestyle changes.
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The Health Detective: An Ask Me Anything with Ben Azadi on Fasting, Supplements and Gut Health
Ben Azadi, founder of Keto Kamp and author of Keto Flex, Feasting and Fasting: Bringing the Body Back to Normal joined Cynthia Thurlow on the Everyday Wellness Podcast for an “Ask Me Anything” session. In this episode, Ben and Cynthia answered listener questions on fasting, supplements, and gut health. Here are some key takeaways:
Macronutrients and fasting
– Metabolic flexibility is key to feeling energized on a keto diet and fasting. Keep incorporating healthy fats, such as saturated and monounsaturated fats into your diet, and pair it with intermittent fasting when your body is ready.
– An adaptation period of seven to fourteen days is normal. However, for some, it could take longer. This is where strategically using exogenous ketones from companies like Kenetik or H.V.M.N can help flood the body, the blood, the brain with ketones, and improve energy levels.
– MCT oil is a form of medium chain fats that can also help increase energy levels. Start with one teaspoon and work your way up gradually to avoid digestive issues.
– L-carnitine is another supplement that can help with energy production. It’s also known to improve athletic performance.
Gut health and changing your diet
– Gut health plays a significant role in overall health. Changing your diet and intermittent fasting can help realign the body’s intrinsic desire to balance, leading to better gut health.
– Supplements such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and hydrochloric acid can help balance the gut microbiome.
– When it comes to estrogen metabolism, the DUTCH test can be beneficial in conjunction with other lab tests. It can help detect if estrogen is being metabolized through the 4OH pathway, which could contribute to disease and cancer risk.
Troubleshooting fasting
– Insomnia-related issues are common when fasting. To address chronic insomnia patterns, it’s essential to stay hydrated and get enough good-quality sleep every night. Practicing breathing exercises, such as box breathing, can also help get into the parasympathetic state.
– High levels of GGT can be a result of fasting, especially if the fast is prolonged. It’s essential to stay hydrated and consider breaking the fast if levels continue to stay high.
Supplements and how much protein your body can absorb
– When it comes to protein consumption, the body can absorb approximately 20 to 30 grams of protein at once. Over a 24-hour period, it’s recommended to consume 0.7 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.
– Creatine supplementation can help improve muscle strength and recovery, especially in athletes. It’s recommended to take it post-workout.
– Suzanne asked if there is a way to shift metabolism away from the 4OH pathway, which is a pathway that can contribute to disease and cancer risk. The DUTCH test can help detect if estrogen is metabolized through this pathway, and supplements such as DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate can help shift it to the 2OH pathway.
In conclusion, listener questions were the focus of this podcast episode, and Ben Azadi and Cynthia Thurlow provided valuable insights regarding fasting, supplements, and gut health. These takeaways can be applied to improve overall health and wellness.
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