Degrees of Health

In this episode, Dr. Mary Newport discusses the latest insights on cholesterol, the benefits of coconut oil, and the role of ketones in brain health and metabolic diseases. Discover how dietary fats influence health and the potential of ketogenic strategies for longevity and disease management.KEY TOPICSCholesterol controversy and the cholesterol code documentaryImpact of statins on brain cholesterol and confusion in elderlyTypes of LDL particles and their role in artery invasionCoconut oil studies and its effects on cholesterol levelsThe role of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in ketosisBreast milk's MCT content and implications for infant healthKetone production from coconut oil and exogenous sourcesThe relationship between insulin levels, ketosis, and agingPotential of ketogenic diets in managing Alzheimer's and diabetesFuture directions in metabolic health and disease preventionChapters00:00 Introduction and weather update00:25 The cholesterol code documentary and its implications00:39 Controversies around statins and brain cholesterol02:06 Cholesterol in the brain and neuronal function03:04 Types of LDL particles and cardiovascular risk04:14 Coconut oil studies and myth-busting05:10 Effects of coconut oil on lipid profiles06:36 Long-term coconut oil research in Asia07:30 Study on coconut oil vs sunflower oil in heart disease patients08:29 Most viewed article in Nutrients journal 202509:04 Fats, ketosis, and brain health10:08 Why coconut oil enhances brain boost with ketones12:01 Ketone levels from coconut oil and self-measurement14:37 Medium-chain triglycerides and brain energy16:31 Sustaining ketones with MCTs and exogenous supplements17:12 Ketones and reaction time in sports19:35 Diet, ketosis, and natural biology21:29 Dietary patterns, sugar, and chronic disease23:25 Combining diet and exogenous ketones for health27:25 Breast milk, ketosis, and infant development30:48 Ketones as building blocks for brain fats33:28 Ketones, insulin, and brain processing speed35:11 Current projects and future research37:35 Recipe: Greek salad with ketogenic oils52:01 Closing remarks and contact infoCoconut Ketones Website - https://coconutketones.comDr. Mary Newport on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrMaryNewportWebsite - https://coconutketones.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/DrMaryNewport-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist).🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self-selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have.🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday!#MetabolicHealth #WomensHealth #PCOS #KetogenicDiet #Nutrition #Hormones #PostpartumDepression #Metabolism #Fasting #HealthPodcast

In this conversation, Dr Nirosha Murugan discusses the evolving understanding of biology through the lens of energy dynamics and information transfer. She emphasises the importance of viewing health and disease not just through chemical interactions but as a complex interplay of energetic signals. The discussion covers the implications of energy resistance in health, the role of light in cancer treatment, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in scientific research. Dr Murugan also explores the concept of consciousness as an emergent property of energy interactions, advocating for a new perspective on how we understand life and health.Chapters00:00 Exploring New Paradigms in Biology05:31 Energy Dynamics and Human Health11:12 Understanding the Energy Resistance Principle16:30 The Role of Light in Cancer and Health21:43 Consciousness and Energy: A New Perspective27:03 The Intersection of Science and Multidisciplinary Approaches32:25 Future Directions in Health Tech and ResearchTakeaways- Scientific theories are rough approximations of reality.- Energy is the capacity to do work in biological systems.- Homeostasis may not be the right term for biological stability.- Life can be viewed through the lens of energy dynamics.- Patterns in energy can communicate information within biological systems.- Cancer may arise from dysregulated energy resistance.- Light plays a crucial role in health and disease.- Consciousness may emerge from energetic interactions.- A multidisciplinary approach can enhance our understanding of health.- The future of health tech lies in understanding bioelectric and photonic signals.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). 🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have.🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday!#MetabolicHealth #WomensHealth #PCOS #KetogenicDiet #Nutrition #Hormones #PostpartumDepression #Metabolism #Fasting #HealthPodcast

Uncover the surprising truths about longevity with Siim Land, a leading voice in the emerging world of life extension. Despite decades of research, the biggest breakthroughs in drastically extending lifespan remain elusive, with the strongest evidence pointing towards fundamental factors like calorie restriction and genetics. Siim reveals how current science shows us what not to do and why that matters more than ever if we're serious about living longer, healthier lives.This episode dives deep into the concept of longevity escape velocity, where science might one day enable us to outpace ageing itself and why genetics could be the key unlocking exponential lifespan growth. Siim discusses the latest insights on genetic traits from long-lived species like hydras and bowhead whales, and how future pharmaceuticals could make a 100-year-old feel as vibrant as someone fifty years younger. You'll discover the critical balance between gaining muscle and maintaining longevity, and how cyclic strategies of stimulating and resting mTOR pathways optimise health span.We also explore practical strategies Siim employs today: from personalised fasting routines to balancing resistance training, and how circadian rhythms influence ageing. Curious about the most undervalued supplements? Siim shares why omega-3s and glycine could be your secret weapons, and why some popular interventions, like NMN or NAD boosters, may be overhyped. Plus, get insights on how to interpret biological age clocks and use them as feedback tools to fine-tune your longevity plan.With the stakes higher than ever and the window to act narrowing, this episode is essential listening for anyone committed to healthspan, ageing gracefully, and pushing the boundaries of human potential. Whether you're a longevity enthusiast or just starting your health journey, Siim's evidence-based approach helps you understand the science's real potential and how to turn it into everyday practice.Siim Land is a longevity researcher and biohacker known for blending cutting-edge science with practical lifestyle strategies. His work bridges the gap between the lab and real life, helping you implement longevity principles today.This episode leaves you with compelling questions about the future of human lifespan and tangible actions to improve your health today. Are you ready to maximise your biological age and extend your healthspan? Hit play and start rewriting your ageing story.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist).

In this episode, Ben Hopkins sits down with longevity scientist Professor Matt Kaeberlein to unpack the biggest questions in aging, health span, and the science of living longer.They cover the promise and pitfalls of biological age clocks, why resveratrol failed to live up to the hype, how to think about aging as entropy and resilience, and which interventions actually look promising today. Matt also explains where lifestyle, hormones, and medications like rapamycin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and more fit into a practical longevity strategy.If you’re interested in evidence-based longevity, proactive health, and the future of aging research, this conversation is packed with insights.00:00 Intro00:37 Are biological age clocks a breakthrough or a gimmick?06:04 What is aging, really?11:25 Resveratrol: signal or noise?21:58 The biggest proven levers for health and lifespan27:25 SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1s, and proactive medicine38:28 Testosterone, hormones, and aging51:01 Why rapamycin has been so misunderstood55:13 Compound bets: what’s most promising?60:50 What surprised Matt most in longevity science?63:58 The Dog Aging Project and longevity research in dogsLearn more about Matt’s work on the Dog Aging Project and Dog Aging Institute, and check out his podcast and research updates for more on the science of longevity.If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who would benefit from learning more about women's metabolic health.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off via this linkWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer

How does female metabolism differ from male metabolism? Why do energy levels, performance, hunger, and recovery fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle? And what does the latest research say about ketogenic diets, metabolic flexibility, PCOS, and postpartum depression?In this episode, Ben Hopkins sits down with Dr. Madison Kackley, researcher and director of SHE IS Labs at The Ohio State University, to explore the fascinating relationship between metabolism, hormones, and women's health.Dr. Kackley breaks down why women are metabolically dynamic, how estrogen and progesterone influence fuel usage throughout the month, and why many health recommendations have historically been built around male physiology. The conversation also dives into metabolic flexibility, insulin sensitivity, ketogenic diets, PCOS (now increasingly referred to as PMOS), postpartum depression, and the role ketones may play in improving brain energy and overall health.Whether you're an athlete, a woman looking to better understand your body, or simply interested in metabolic health, this episode is packed with insights that challenge conventional thinking.Topics Covered:Why female metabolism differs from male metabolismThe four phases of the menstrual cycle and how they affect energyEstrogen, progesterone, and insulin sensitivityWhy performance can fluctuate throughout the monthMetabolic flexibility and why it mattersKetogenic diets and women's hormonesCommon misconceptions about fasting and low-carb dietsPCOS/PMOS and the metabolic roots of reproductive healthContinuous glucose monitoring and metabolic healthPostpartum depression and ketone metabolismWhy body weight is often a poor marker of healthThe future of women's metabolic researchAbout Dr. Madison KackleyDr. Madison Kackley is the Director of SHE IS Labs at The Ohio State University, where her research focuses on women's health, metabolism, reproductive physiology, ketogenic therapies, and the intersection of hormones and metabolic function.Connect with Dr. Madison KackleyInstagram: @she.is.labs.osuWebsite: u.osu.edu/sheislaboratoriesIf you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who would benefit from learning more about women's metabolic health.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off via this linkWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer

Join us as Professor Thomas Seager delves into the transformative power of learning, the impact of language on scientific understanding, and the crucial role of mitochondria in health. This episode explores how these elements can revolutionise healthcare, personal growth, and scientific thinking.In This Episode:Discover Professor Seager's unique approach to lifelong learning and curiosity-driven experimentation.Understand how language acts as a technology for thought, enhancing communication and comprehension.Explore the importance of interdisciplinary synthesis and systems thinking in health and science.Learn about the evolutionary story of mitochondria and their role as cellular signalling centres.Critique the current healthcare system's focus on acute trauma over chronic metabolic health.Uncover the significance of light, water, and environmental factors in supporting mitochondrial health.Dive into the potential of photobiomodulation and targeted wavelengths informed by ancient environments.Reflect on how language shapes our understanding of complex biological systems.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview with Professor Seager02:05 - How Seager learned to learn and the insatiable curiosity of experimentation03:52 - Teaching oneself to read for comprehension and knowledge absorption05:15 - The scientific process of uncovering clues through reading and synthesizing06:12 - The influence of engineering training on Seager’s systemic thinking08:08 - The importance of language as a technology for improved thinking09:54 - Emotions, energy, and the role of language in understanding complex feelings11:12 - The significance of terminology in organizing thought and communication13:23 - Engineering as a root for understanding systems and energy transfer14:24 - The barrier created by jargon and the need for clear communication15:11 - Evolution of medical understanding: from caloric models to mitochondrial signaling16:26 - The importance of pronunciation and understanding scientific terminology17:50 - How new words reflect emerging tacit knowledge and community experiences19:33 - The influence of language in controlling discipline and inclusion/exclusion of ideas21:28 - The discovery of mitochondria as ancient, symbiotic organisms and their ongoing signaling role23:36 - The energetic and informational functions of mitochondria in health and disease27:22 - Critique of reductionist approaches in medicine: calories, thermodynamics, and systems thinking29:10 - Mitochondria as environmental sensors and regulators within cells32:38 - Moving from energy-centric views to information-processing models of the human body45:58 - Photobiomodulation: how specific wavelengths influence mitochondrial function and health50:32 - The role of natural environmental wavelengths like green light and sunlight in health55:33 - Practical applications: green lamps, forest light therapy, grounding, and lifestyle considerations56:33 - Dean Hall’s story of healing with cold water, green light, and ground-based therapies57:44 - Emerging innovations: MyGreenLamp devices mimicking natural light environments58:12 - Final thoughts on paradigm shifts in medicine driven by systems thinking and technologyResources & Links:MyGreenLamp – Innovative photobiomodulation devices for health optimisationSeagerTP Twitter – Insights into biophotons, light, and systems thinkingMorosco Forge YouTube – Professor Seager’s educational content on photobiomodulationConnect with Professor Thomas Seager:TwitterInstagramSign up for updates at Morosco Forge-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off via this linkWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer

What does it really take to slow biological ageing without obsessing over every new trend?In this episode, Ben Hopkins sits down with Annie Nosh, one of the top-ranked participants in the Rejuvenation Olympics, to discuss the simple habits that have helped her achieve an exceptionally slow pace of ageing.Annie shares how she moved away from extreme optimisation and focused on sustainable fundamentals: quality sleep, zone 2 cardio, strength training, nutrition, stress management, daily movement, and strategic supplementation. She also reveals the surprisingly simple skin protocol that has helped reduce her measured skin age by nearly a decade.Topics covered include:• Why Annie abandoned overcomplicated longevity protocols• The supplements she's currently experimenting with (including Sulforaphane and Qualia Mind)• The underrated benefits of glycine for sleep, recovery, and skin health• Her skin longevity routine: red light therapy, collagen, glycine, sun protection, and more• Why she prioritises walking 10,000–17,000 steps every day• Nutrition principles that have helped her maintain long-term consistency• The dangers of social media noise and health influencer culture• Longevity testing, biological age, and the Rejuvenation Olympics leaderboard• Thoughts on peptides, recovery, and the future of anti-ageing interventions• How to build a health protocol that actually fits real lifeThroughout the conversation, Annie emphasises a refreshing message: longevity doesn't have to be complicated. The basics still matter most.If you're interested in living longer, feeling better, improving your healthspan, or simply cutting through the noise of the wellness industry, this episode is for you.Connect with Annie:Instagram: @annienoshIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in longevity and healthy ageing.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off via this linkWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer

Unlock the surprising truth about heart disease that the medical consensus has been missing, and learn how you can actually stay off the operating table. Dr. Philip Ovadia, a heart surgeon with over 20 years of experience, reveals why relying solely on cholesterol levels and outdated diets is failing us and what the real root causes, metabolic health, insulin resistance, and inflammation, mean for your risk.Time Codes:0:00 - Introduction and Dr. Ovadia's perspective on heart surgery1:42 - The consensus opinion on cholesterol and its failures3:04 - The real root causes: insulin resistance and metabolic health5:24 - Metabolic health's role in chronic diseases9:35 - How poor metabolic health starts the cascade of heart disease13:28 - The role of cholesterol in heart disease20:23 - Evolutionary perspective on ketosis and metabolic health31:13 - Key levers to improve metabolic health50:28 - Importance of coronary artery calcium scansWhether you’re in your 30s hoping to prevent future problems, or you’ve been diagnosed with heart issues and feel it’s too late, this episode offers hope and practical guidance. It’s perfect for anyone tired of the “wait until it’s too late” approach and eager to take control with science-backed strategies.Dr. Philip Ovadia is a renowned heart surgeon and metabolic health advocate known for challenging misconceptions and pioneering a prevention-focused approach to cardiovascular care.Get ready to change how you think about health, fat, and disease, because the future of your heart depends on it.Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medical treatment.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off via this linkWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer

What if depression is partly a metabolic problem?In this episode, Ben sits down with researcher Drew Decker from Dr. Jeff Volek’s lab to explore groundbreaking new research on the ketogenic diet and mental health.Drew shares the results of a pilot study investigating the effects of nutritional ketosis on individuals suffering from major depressive disorder — with participants seeing an average 70% improvement in depression scores.The conversation dives into:* The connection between metabolism and mental health* Why ketones may act as an alternative fuel source for the brain* Brain energy, mitochondrial health & BDNF* Why ketogenic diets may improve mood, cognition & resilience* The feasibility of keto in real-world college students* The role of ketosis in anxiety, depression & PTSD research* Exogenous ketones vs nutritional ketosis* Why metabolic psychiatry could transform mental health treatmentDrew also shares his personal story of overcoming migraines and mental health struggles following a traumatic brain injury — and how ketogenic nutrition changed the trajectory of his life and career.This is a fascinating conversation at the intersection of neuroscience, nutrition, and mental health.If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.Follow Drew:Instagram: @drew_d_deckerVolek Lab: lowcarb.osu.eduTimestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 Drew’s personal story & ketogenic diets03:40 The mental health crisis05:29 Brain energy & depression06:06 The study hypothesis10:58 Key study results14:25 Ketogenic diets & accessibility19:22 What defines a ketogenic diet?23:44 The future of metabolic psychiatry30:54 PTSD & future research#Keto #MentalHealth #Depression #KetogenicDiet #MetabolicPsychiatry #Nutrition #Ketosis #Neuroscience #brainhealthDisclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medical treatment.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off via this linkWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer