The Thinking Health Podcast interviews the top minds in health and wellness to provide you with education and actionable information you can use to improve your health.

The Thinking Health Podcast is hosted by Chris Irvin, a low-carb science writer and educator known as The Ketologist on social media.

This episode of the Thinking Health Podcast Features Dr. Ryan Fortna, President of Avero Diagnostics, Director of Molecular Pathology, and Scientific Director of ADx Health.Dr. Fortna did his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania in Cell and Molecular Biology and was focused on the cell biology of Alzheimer’s disease, in particular the gamma secretase complex (which is the enzymatic protein complex responsible for converting APP (the protein version of the gene I mentioned on the podcast that is one of the three genes that can have mutations that cause Familial Alzheimer’s) into A-beta (the protein fragment that causes amyloid plaques)).   Dr. Fortna is the Scientific Director at ADx Health which is a company focusing on genetic testing for Alzheimer’s Disease operating under the motto, “Know your risk, reduce your risk”, believing that with knowledge comes the power to live a better life. Their goal is to develop and offer genetics and wellness products that provide actionable information to allow individuals to find balance, purpose, and thrive.   In this episode, we talk a lot about the genetic side of Alzheimer’s disease going in-depth on the differences between deterministic and non-deterministic genes, APOE4, other important genes for Alzheimer’s, and how lifestyle can be a powerful approach for combating your genes and reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Thinking Health Podcast

Episode #61 - Dr. Ryan Fortna: The genetic side of Alzheimer’s disease

This episode of the Thinking Health Podcast features Dr. Bret Scher, a board-certified cardiologist, lipidologist, and leading expert in therapeutic uses of metabolic therapies, including a ketogenic diet. He has practiced for over 20 years as a preventive cardiologist and was the medical director for <a class= "c-link" href="http://dietdoctor.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener" data-stringify-link="http://dietdoctor.com" data-sk= "tooltip_parent">dietdoctor.com</a> for over three years.   Now Dr. Scher is the Director of <a href= "https://www.metabolicmind.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Metabolic Mind</a>, a non-profit initiative providing education and resources in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. Metabolic mind’s goal is to help revolutionize treatment of mental disorders through the adoption of metabolic therapies. Metabolic Mind explores science and lived experience to highlight the connection between metabolic and mental health.   In this episode, Dr. Scher discusses his journey from becoming a board certified cardiologist focusing on cardiovascular health to now being the director of a mental health initiative. Along the way, I get to pick Dr. Scher’s brain on the role metabolic health plays in various psychiatric disorders and how nutrition interventions like the keto diet are providing benefit to individuals suffering from these psychiatric conditions.   It is important to point out that much of the research that we discuss in this podcast is still in its infancy and there is a lot to learn but the truth is that many people are already using the strategies discussed in this episode to improve their own quality of life which is why it is so important that an initiative like Metabolic Mind exists to push this research forward!

Episode 60 : Dr. Bret Scher: The Role of Metabolism in Psychiatric Health

Welcome to an intimate conversation with Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner, acclaimed author, and TEDx speaker who is here to guide you on a journey toward optimal health and well-being. In this Episode, Cynthia shares her insights and practical wisdom, catering to all dietary preferences and lifestyle choices. You don't have to completely overhaul your life to make a difference—small changes can have a massive impact.   The podcast begins by introducing Cynthia Thurlow as a powerhouse of experts with decades of experience in health and wellness. She is not only a healthcare expert but also a renowned TEDx speaker whose talks have reached millions worldwide. Cynthia's bestselling book, "Intermittent Fasting Transformation," focuses on women's health and intermittent fasting, shedding light on these crucial topics. She hosts the Everyday Wellness podcast, loved by thousands of health enthusiasts each month.   Cynthia shares her techniques to manage travel-related challenges and the stress of public speaking. She also discusses the vagus nerve's role in managing anxiety and provides strategies to stimulate it effectively. The podcast then dives into the surprising benefits of Inositol, a supplement that can be your next best friend. Cynthia explains how Inositol can improve sleep and insulin sensitivity, comparing it to Berberine. She suggests taking Myo-Inositol before a carb-heavy meal to manage blood sugar spikes and discusses the potential concerns and situations where these supplements can be useful.   Next, the podcast explores the benefits of creatine and appropriate dosages for different groups. Cynthia offers advice on incorporating creatine into your routine for maximum benefits. Sleep's impact on metabolic health and strategies to improve sleep quality are discussed. Cynthia provides tools and strategies for challenging situations like night shifts or busy schedules. Finally, the podcast emphasizes that making meaningful changes in life is key and highlights how Cynthia Thurlow's resources can assist in this process. The journey to optimal health and well-being doesn't have to be daunting. With Cynthia's guidance, you can unlock a healthier, happier you.   This podcast presents a unique opportunity to tap into your potential and enhance your life. You'll learn strategies to manage travel-related challenges, handle stress, improve sleep quality, and discover the benefits of supplements like Inositol and Creatine. You can embark on a transformative journey toward optimal health and well-being with actionable steps and a comprehensive guide.    Sneak Preview: What to Expect in this Episode 0:00 to 4:15 - How does Cynthia Thurlow manage travel-related challenges?    4:15 to 8:15 - How does Cynthia Thurlow handle the stress of public speaking and travel?   8:15 to 11:45 - What techniques can you use to stimulate the vagus nerve and manage anxiety?   11:45 to 17:47 - What are the benefits and uses of the Inositol supplement?    17:47 to 19:12 - How does Cynthia Thurlow use Inositol for sleep, and what are its effects?    19:12 to 20:53 - How does Inositol affect insulin sensitivity, and how does it compare to Berberine?    20:53 to 23:13 - Can taking Myo-Inositol before a carb-heavy meal help manage blood sugar spikes?    23:13 to 28:28 - In what situations could supplements like Myo-Inositol or Berberine be useful, and what are the potential concerns?    28:28 to 35:35 - What are the actual benefits of creatine, and what are the appropriate dosages for different groups?    35:35 to 40:38 - What's the best way to incorporate creatine into your routine for maximum benefits?   40:38 to 48:22 - How does sleep affect metabolic health, and what strategies can help improve sleep quality?   48:22 to 57:23 - What tools and strategies can improve sleep quality, especially in challenging situations such as night shifts or busy schedules?   57:23 to 01:01:11 - What is the key to making meaningful changes in life, and how can Cynthia Thurlow's resources be helpful in this process?

Episode #59: Cynthia Thurlow

In this The Thinking Health Podcast episode, host Chris Irvin is joined by Natalie Kovaric and Tara Vanderdeusen, the Discover Ag docuseries and podcast creators. Natalie Kovaric and Tara Vanderdeusen are experts in agriculture, focusing on animal agriculture. With a combined following of over 210,000 people, these two experts in agriculture are on a mission to educate the public about the often-misunderstood world of animal agriculture. Natalie Kovaric is a cattle farmer who manages her farm and has extensive knowledge about the cattle farming industry. She shares her experience and insights with her audience, helping to demystify the process of raising cattle and explaining the nutritional, environmental, and practical aspects of cattle farming. Tara Vanderdeusen is a dairy farmer who runs a dairy farm and deeply understands the dairy industry. She educates people about the various aspects of dairy farming, including the care and management of dairy cows, milk production, and the environmental impact of dairy farming. Listeners of this podcast episode will gain a wealth of knowledge about animal agriculture thanks to the expert insights and experiences shared by Natalie Kovaric and Tara Vanderdeusen. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the differences between dairy farming and cattle ranching, the pros and cons of grass-finished and grain-finished cattle, the environmental impact of animal agriculture, and the benefits of regenerative agriculture practices. Listeners will learn about the misconceptions surrounding animal agriculture and how Natalie and Tara are working to debunk them. They will also better understand where their food comes from and the importance of reconnecting with the food system. Overall, this podcast episode is an enjoyable and enlightening conversation that will leave listeners with a newfound appreciation for animal agriculture. Sneak Preview: What to Expect in this Episode 00:00:00 to 00:02:43 Introduction: 00:02:43 to 04:06 What are Natalie and Tara's backgrounds? What drew them to the world of agriculture and regenerative farming? 04:06 to 06:10 How did you both get involved in agriculture, and what inspired you to share your stories online? How did you two meet, and what led to the creation of the Discover Ag podcast? 06:10 to 09:25 What are the main differences between dairy farming and cattle ranching? Is there any integration between these two types of farming? 09:25 to 13:32 What distinguishes small and large dairy farms? Are larger ones always worse for welfare and the environment? How do misconceptions differ in cattle and dairy? Are large cattle farms also family-owned? 13:32 to 17:50 What are the pros and cons of grass-finished and grain-finished cattle? How do grass-fed and grain-fed labels affect consumer perception and pricing? Is there a significant nutritional difference between grass-finished and grain-finished meat? 17:50 to 22:08 Is there a concern regarding chemicals like glyphosate in the corn, soy, or grain fed to cows in the final stages of their lives, and does it impact the nutritional aspect of the meat? Is feeding corn to cows unhealthy or unnatural? 22:08 to 26:35 Are Natalie and Tara implementing or supporting the idea of feeding cows waste products like orange peels to reduce environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions? How do feeding byproducts to cattle contribute to reducing the environmental impact and nutrient upcycling? 26:35 to 33:20 What is the true relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and animal agriculture? Does the 4% animal agriculture greenhouse gas emissions figure account for cattle consuming byproducts and natural grazing sequestration? 33:20 to 42:43 What are Tara and Natalie's thoughts on the need for change within the national food industry, and are there specific areas that need improvement? What are their thoughts on the local food system, and is it better from an environmental perspective? How does the dairy industry's structure support local farms more than people realize? 42:43 to 49:06 What are Natalie's thoughts on the cattle side of the local food system? What are the practicality and challenges of focusing solely on local food systems, especially in areas with less access to local food? 49:06 to 57:21 What are Tara and Natalie's thoughts on regenerative agriculture? How practical is it to implement regenerative practices on larger operations? 00:57:21 to 01:04:23 Are sustainable practices like rotational grazing and cover crops common in conventional animal agriculture? Are these practices economically friendly for farmers by reducing the need for external inputs? Is it true that harmonizing animal agriculture with plant agriculture is key to sustainable long-term success in plant farming? 01:04:23 to 01:14:05 Is having animals living in harmony with plant agriculture necessary for long-term sustainability?

Chris Irvin

Thinking Health Podcast by Chris Irvin

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