Certified Low Carb Coaching Program Launch: Ep 44

In this episode we talk with Pascal Lemieux, a passionate advocate for health and wellness, with a specific focus on type 1 diabetes management and endurance sports.  His blend of personal experience and professional dedication makes him an invaluable voice in the dialogue on type 1 diabetes care. His involvement in the planning and organization of the special workshop and presentations devoted to type 1 diabetes management at the upcoming Symposium for Metabolic Health January 11-14, 2024 in Boca Raton is a testament to his experience and passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Use the code TYPE1BOCA to get a 20% discount

Pascal was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 11 and has navigated through various complications associated with the condition, including proliferative retinopathy, gastroparesis, and severe hypoglycemia. These challenges have deeply shaped his understanding and approach to diabetes management.  In 2020, he took a significant step in his career by pursuing nursing, aiming to leverage his personal insights to assist others dealing with type 1 diabetes. This professional shift underscores his commitment to making a tangible impact in the diabetes community. A turning point in his journey was the discovery of the benefits of a low-carb diet in 2014. Inspired by Dr. Richard K. Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution," Pascal adopted a very low-carb diet that remarkably controlled his diabetes, reversed many of his complications, and significantly reduced his insulin dosage. This approach not only transformed his health but also fueled his passion to educate and support others in managing type 1 diabetes.

"I was shocked because no one ever told me about this way of managing type 1 diabetes," he said. Despite skepticism from his endocrinologist, Pascal persisted, and the results were remarkable: "My A1C went down to 6.7, then 6.4, then 6.2. Now it is 5.4 (normal, non-diabetic range). My retinopathy reversed, my frozen shoulder went away, my trigger fingers are now perfect, and I lost 60 pounds."  His transformation extended to his passion for marathons, where he proved that a low-carb diet could sustain intense physical activity. "In 2017, I ran a marathon, requiring only 25 grams of carbohydrate... I still had energy to go even further," he said. He subsequently ran 60 kilometers in one day and required only 40 grams of carbohydrate. “That convinced me that I don't need 300 grams of carbohydrate a day to live. I do fine with eating between 30 and 50 grams of carbohydrate a day.”

Recognizing the lack of support and guidance for many with type 1 diabetes, Pascal became a fervent advocate for education and community support. "There's at least 40 plus factors that affect blood glucose in type 1 diabetics... we're trying to cover most topics that are important for someone who wants to try low-carb," he explains. His involvement in organizing workshops and events is driven by a desire to bridge the information gap for both physicians and patients.  His motivation is fueled by the diabetes community's solidarity and success stories. "It's all about the community holding together to change the world," he said, looking forward to the focus on type 1 diabetes at the upcoming Symposium. “It's about empowering patients and physicians with knowledge and practical tips."

You can see all the topics to be covered at the Symposium here.

His story is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact of community-driven support. His journey from battling the complications of type 1 diabetes to becoming a leading advocate for dietary management and patient empowerment is truly inspirational. His experience, shared in this podcast, is not just informative but a call to action for better understanding and management of type 1 diabetes.

Register for the 2024 Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health here.

In the latest episode of the LowCarbUSA^® Podcast, host Doug Reynolds sits down with renowned health influencer Dr. Eric Berg, an authoritative figure in the ketogenic diet and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction community. This engaging interview explores Dr. Berg's personal health journey, his professional insights, and the global impact of his work. He candidly shares his transformation from a junk food enthusiast to a keto diet advocate. His personal health struggles in his late 20s led him to discover the life-changing benefits of the keto diet. This revelation not only alleviated his own health issues but also sparked a deep interest in nutrition and low-carb diets. He has a massive online presence, with over 28 million subscribers across his YouTube channels. He emphasizes the importance of making complex medical information accessible to the general public. He has successfully done this through his simple, easy-to-understand explanations of nutritional concepts and is the author of the popular book The Healthy Keto Plan.

Doug talks with Dr. Berg about his enormous reach in non-English speaking countries. His channels in Arabic, Russian, and Taiwanese, among others, show the universal appeal of the keto message. Dr. Berg's efforts in providing translated content demonstrate his commitment to spreading health awareness globally.  He shares his unique approach to content creation, focusing on topics that resonate with his audience and exploring new, sometimes unconventional, aspects of nutrition and health. His dedication to continuous learning and providing fresh, research-based information has helped build a robust, engaged community.

Listeners will be excited to hear about Dr. Berg's upcoming participation in the upcoming LowCarbUSA Symposium for Metabolic Health conferences in Boca Raton and San Diego. Learn more about the Symposium and register here.

Connect with Dr. Eric Berg:

YouTube
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

Sangeetha Aiyer, a certified Low carb Nutritionist focusing on Metabolic Health based in Mumbai, recently joined host Doug Reynolds on the LowCarbUSA^® Podcast, sharing her inspiring journey and profound insights about metabolic health, sustainable fat loss, fitness and more.  In her 40s and a mother to a teenager, Sangeetha embodies the everyday struggles and triumphs of a working woman balancing family life. Her quest for health began with a common goal: weight loss. However, this objective soon evolved into a pursuit of optimal health and fitness, transcending the superficialities of mere physical appearance.  Her approach, 'Rewrite Your Story,' is a testament to her belief in the power of personal transformation through informed choices in diet and fitness.

In the podcast, she discusses her personal health challenges, including battling PCOS and pre-diabetes. She candidly discusses the limitations of conventional advice and her transformative journey through the adoption of a low-carb, ketogenic lifestyle.   "I went from being pre-diabetic and overweight to reversing my PCOS and achieving my high school weight,” said Sangeetha. “It was not just about vanity but understanding that something deeper was happening with my health."  She explained to Doug that finding a path to good health required her to challenge much of what she had been taught about health and nutrition.  "The ketogenic lifestyle was a complete overturn of what mainstream advice had told me. Embracing animal protein and saturated fat was crucial in my journey towards health,” she said.

She talked with Doug about the intricacies of tailoring nutrition plans for diverse dietary preferences, particularly focusing on Indian vegetarian diets. She emphasized the importance of restructuring the traditional food pyramid to suit individual needs. For pure vegetarians, she advocates a diet rich in dairy products, supplemented by whey protein, and a balanced intake of lentils, legumes, non-starchy vegetables, and low-carb fruits.  A significant challenge she addresses is catering to vegetarians who are also lactose intolerant. In such cases, she resorts to soy-based products like tofu and tempeh, despite her reservations about soy. She acknowledges the challenges in managing diets for individuals with specific health issues like gluten intolerance and advocates for personalized approaches based on one’s tolerance and metabolic markers.

Sangeetha stressed the importance of sharing transformative health stories and success cases, especially relating to Indian cuisine adapted to low-carb diets. "Sharing success stories and adaptations of Indian cuisine to low-carb diets is crucial. It's not about eliminating carbs but changing your plate proportion to prioritize protein and healthy options."  Her insights reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of dietary preferences and the importance of customizing nutrition plans. Her focus on education, adaptation, and gradual changes offers a realistic and inclusive approach to healthier eating habits.

Connect with Sangeetha Aiyer:

• Twitter

• Instagram

• Website

In the latest episode of the LowCarbUSA^® podcast, host Doug Reynolds engages in a fascinating conversation with Hal Cranmer, the visionary behind A Paradise for Parents Senior Living, based in Arizona.  Hal's career journey, which began in the Air Force and traversed through the realms of corporate operations and real estate, took a life-changing turn when he stepped into the world of assisted living. Inspired by his personal experiences of caring for his aging relatives, including an uncle who battled Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Hal transformed his real estate acumen into a mission to revolutionize elder care.

He discuses with Doug his commitment to providing exceptional care, regardless of the complexity of residents' needs. From basic assistance to advanced memory care, his facility pledges the same level of compassionate care that his uncle received, treating each resident as a valued member of their extended family.  He goes on to describe his unique approach to enhancing metabolic health and fitness in the older population. He shares enlightening perspectives on therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, a method he passionately advocates for in improving the quality of life for the elderly. 

Hal's approach to senior care goes beyond traditional methods, focusing on a model that integrates diet and exercise as key components of health. His observations about the detrimental effects of sedentary lifestyles and poor diets among the elderly have led to revolutionary changes in his facilities. By reducing sugary desserts and unhealthy foods, and incorporating regular physical activities, he has seen a significant improvement in the overall health of his residents. This includes a remarkable reduction in the need for medications.

His own personal journey with dietary changes adds an authentic layer to his advocacy. Adopting a predominantly animal-based, low-carb diet himself, he experienced firsthand the benefits of this lifestyle change, which he describes as rejuvenating. This personal transformation not only strengthens his belief in the diet's efficacy but also provides a relatable example for others to follow. Perhaps most striking are the improvements he has observed in residents with chronic conditions, particularly diabetes and dementia. By managing blood sugar levels through diet, he has witnessed a decrease in insulin dependency among diabetic residents. Moreover, his concerns about the rising rates of Alzheimer's and dementia underscore his commitment to preventative health measures. He emphasizes the potential of dietary intervention in slowing down, or even preventing, the onset of these conditions.

"It's not just about adding years to life, but adding life to years,” says Hal, whose dedication to combating chronic illnesses in the elderly through diet is particularly evident when he discusses the potential of therapeutic diets to manage conditions like type 2 diabetes.  He notes the significance of early intervention, stating, "Alzheimer's begins developing long before symptoms appear, often starting in the 30s and 40s." His proactive approach is exemplified in his success story of a resident whose dementia improved dramatically after six months on a ketogenic diet, underscoring the importance of nutrition in managing cognitive decline.

Physical activity is another cornerstone of Hal's philosophy. He challenges the conventional wisdom of restricting movement to prevent falls among the elderly. Instead, he advocates for strengthening exercises and outdoor activities, understanding that physical and mental health are deeply interconnected.  "I tell people, the way I want people to not fall is we make them strong enough that they don't fall," Cranmer explains, highlighting the empowering aspect of his approach. This combination of diet and exercise has led to significant improvements in the residents' motivation and overall health.

Implementing these lifestyle changes has not been without challenges, particularly resistance from some families and the medical community. Hal points out the irony in how unhealthy foods are readily accepted, while healthier options like the ketogenic diet are often viewed as unconventional. Despite these hurdles, he remains committed to his vision of improving elderly care through a holistic approach.  The most compelling evidence of his success comes from the stories of residents who have dramatically improved under his care. He shares heartwarming anecdotes, such as the 98-year-old resident who, after regaining health and vitality, was able to enjoy a cruise with his family. These stories are not just about medical improvements but also about restoring dignity and joy to the lives of seniors. 

"In the eight years I've been doing this, I've sent seven people home that got well enough that they could live at home," Hal proudly shares.

Connect with Hal Cranmer:

• Twitter: A Paradise for Parents 

• Facebook: https://aparadiseforparents.com

• Email list signup: https://fightmemoryloss.com

• Instagram: Assisted_Living_Hal_Cranmer

In a compelling LowCarbUSA® podcast interview with host Doug Reynolds, Dr. Roshani Sanghani shares her multifaceted approach to managing a wide range of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, weight management, and other metabolic health conditions.

An American board-certified endocrinologist, Dr. Sanghani brings 15 years of clinical experience to the table, alongside her own personal journey as a patient of hypothyroidism and pre-diabetes. This personal touch allows her a deep understanding of the struggles many patients face, including medication's side effects and escalating doses. Her philosophy? The true "magic pill" is lifestyle change.  Her medical journey is as layered as her approach to healthcare. She grew up between Chicago and Mumbai, completing her medical training in both cities. Her career took a transformative turn when she encountered a type 2 diabetes patient with a dangerously high HbA1c level who refused insulin.

"In a patient compliance model, the doctor holds the power and tells the patient what to do,” she told Doug. “I've worked to flip that to a patient empowerment model, where my knowledge as a doctor can empower the patient to decide what they want to do for themselves."  To bolster her approach, Dr. Sanghani became a certified diabetes educator in the U.S., subsequently launching culturally relevant diabetes education classes in Mumbai. "I want to help you make lifestyle changes to reduce your medication,” she emphasized.

One of her key strategies is addressing the nutritional imbalances many patients face, particularly in India, where vegetarianism is culturally prevalent. "One of the biggest challenges we have is protein deficiency," she noted. To tackle this and other chronic conditions more effectively, she shifted from "one-off" doctor visits to a model of ongoing, three-to-six-month coaching programs.

She also calls attention to broader challenges in healthcare, particularly in India, criticizing a traditional, reactive model that is ill-suited for lifestyle-induced chronic diseases.  While discussing the evolving attitudes toward a lifestyle-based approach to healthcare, she admitted her own evolving perspective. "I've sat across from patients probably until 2014, till my eyes opened. I used to convince patients they needed insulin therapy for progressive type 2 diabetes because I just didn't know better."  She is forthright about the complexities of behavior change, calling it a piece that's often missing in healthcare. "Behavior change is extremely complex.  So I took The SMHP™ training to be part of this community and am also working aggressively on coaching techniques."

In summary, this interview provides a captivating look at a patient-centered, lifestyle-focused approach to healthcare. It presents a compelling case for a paradigm shift—one that empowers patients rather than merely prescribing to them. This podcast is a must-listen for those interested in sustainable healthcare solutions that tackle root causes instead of solely treating symptoms.

You can find her on Instagram @roshanisanghani and through her website.

In a revealing LowCarbUSA podcast interview with host Doug Reynolds, Dr. Diljan Mansoor shares the inspiring yet challenging journey that led him to become an advocate for low-carb diets as a treatment for metabolic illnesses. Dr. Mansoor, who is also known as Dr. Kurt, is an internal medicine doctor who is Nepal’s first low carb practitioner.

His journey into low-carb nutrition was deeply personal and profoundly influenced by his father's medical struggles, which included type 2 diabetes and kidney damage. "My dad was hypertensive and diabetic, and despite everything I learned in med school, I couldn't control his hyperglycemia,” he said. “There was a complication and I lost my dad." This tragic loss left him questioning the medical practices he'd been taught and subsequently sparked his interest in alternative approaches to treating conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

His search led him to discover low-carb community experts, including Dr. Jason Fung. “I started digging into this low carb community, and I decided in my post-graduation I'm going to work as a low-carb doctor," he said. Challenging the conventional wisdom around diabetes treatment, Dr. Mansoor focused on preventative measures to stop diabetes from progressing into kidney disease.

Dr. Mansoor's clinic in Kathmandu soon boasted more than 6,000 patients benefiting from a low-carb, high-fat diet approach. "Things were beyond my imagination," he said. "I was tapering them off medication, taking them off medication, it was like a miracle for me.”

His clinic specialized in group counseling sessions for patients suffering from metabolic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions associated with poor dietary habits. The setting not only allowed him to reach and educate more patients simultaneously but also fostered a sense of community among those struggling with similar health issues.

However, his non-conventional approach attracted scrutiny from regulatory authorities. They forced the clinic to shut down for three months, citing the absence of scientific papers supporting the low-carb, high-fat diet that he advocated. "They asked me to do counseling one on one. That's what they want me to do," he said.

He finally reopened his clinic, and he now conducts one-on-one sessions, still committed to helping metabolically ill patients improve their health through dietary intervention, albeit at a smaller scale. Despite these limitations, his dedication to his patients and his belief in the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in medicine remain steadfast.

Doug took this opportunity to ask Dr. Mansoor if there was anything that can be done to help him as he encounters resistance from authorities in his country. Dr. Mansoor stressed that he will continue to help as many people as he can within the constraints that have been placed on him.

He is hopeful for the future, believing that increasing evidence will continue to tip the scales in favor of low-carb diets and metabolic health. "Maybe this is new for my country, but gradually people are going to understand what is happening," he said.

The interview serves as an eye-opening journey through the complexities medical practitioners face around the world when advocating alternative health practices.

Host Doug Reynolds welcomes Shashikant Iyengar and Anup Singh to the podcast to discuss their contributions to metabolic health in India, and the upcoming Metabolic Health India Conference slated to take place October 27-29, 2023.  Metabolic Health India will be available for live streaming across the globe.  This resource is being made available at no charge.

Shashikant, who is the creator of the Metabolic Health India, was the first Metabolic Health Practitioner accredited by the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners in India. Singh is the founder and CTO of the dLife.in Indian Diabetes Community, and he is working with Iyengar on the organization of this conference.

Iyengar talks about his long career in the pharmaceutical industry before devoting his primary focus to metabolic health and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction. After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2015, he went in search of alternative ways to manage the condition. That led him to low-carb, high-fat diets. With guidance from Singh, he saw his HbA1c levels drop from 7.2 to 5.2 in a month. Impressed with the results and armed with multiple certifications, he transitioned into health coaching in November 2022.

Anup Singh, also a Type 2 diabetic, went a different route, adopting a 100 grams per day carb limit. Though he faced skepticism from the medical community, his HbA1c dropped to 5.0 in May 2011, underscoring the effectiveness of his approach. He emphasized that the challenges of adopting a low-carb diet in India are cultural, given the heavy reliance on carbohydrates in the traditional diet.

Both guests discussed the cultural difficulties of implementing low-carb or keto diets in India. Iyengar pointed out that different Indian regions have unique dietary patterns, making it complicated to offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Anup stressed that while the western model of low-carb is difficult to implement in India, he has found success in adapting the approach to suit Indian palates.

The podcast ended with a discussion of the upcoming Metabolic Health India Conference, which aims to bring more awareness and resources to the low-carb community in India. Both guests are enthusiastic about their roles in helping people navigate metabolic health challenges in India and look forward to sharing their experiences at the upcoming conference.

Tune in for a compelling episode of the LowCarbUSA podcast featuring guest Dr. Laura Buchanan, a board-certified family medicine physician who graduated valedictorian from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Buchanan recently completed her family medicine residency at Wake Forest in 2022 and now collaborates with Dr. Tro Kalayjian at Dr. Tro’s Medical Weight Loss and Direct Primary Care. Both serve on the board of directors at the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP™).

In this episode, host Doug Reynolds and Dr. Buchanan explore the intriguing intersections of longevity, metabolic health, lifestyle changes, and chronic disease management. she offers her unique perspective on lifestyle modification as a first-line standard of care, emphasizing her dual role as a physician: promoting prevention and practicing medicine.

This conversation provides invaluable insights into the real-world effectiveness and scientific underpinnings of low-carbohydrate lifestyles.

Dr. Buchanan shares critical insights based on her clinical and research experience, stating, "The standard dietary advice has failed us. It's time for a shift in the paradigm." She highlights the transformative outcomes she has witnessed in her patients, adding, "When people understand the 'why' behind nutritional changes, their adherence and success skyrocket." Reynolds complements this perspective by saying, "I've seen countless lives changed, including my own, by just understanding the right way to eat."

Dr. Buchanan discusses the advancements and contributions of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners in the field of evidence-based medicine. She highlights the focus on type 1 diabetes in the upcoming 2024 Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health and the organization's efforts to secure ACCME accreditation, which will make it easier for other conferences to earn credits and attract more attendees.

Additionally, she talks about the forthcoming Journal of Metabolic Health, aimed at expediting the dissemination of new research in the areas of ketosis and carbohydrate reduction. She mentions mentoring programs designed to guide people through the process of submitting research papers and case studies.

She also reflects on her experiences and frustrations in conventional medicine settings, particularly the resistance to low-carb interventions and dietary advice. She underscores the lack of data supporting conventional beliefs that low-carb or ketogenic diets are harmful, pointing out their efficacy in treating conditions like eating disorders and metabolic diseases.

Laura notes a growing interest in metabolic health within the medical community, suggesting that change is happening, albeit slowly. She is also developing a new four-week course focused on diabetes to educate the public about the disease's prevalence and dangers, viewing these educational programs as essential steps toward combating widespread issues like diabetes and insulin resistance.

Dr. Bret Scher joins host Doug Reynolds on the LowCarbUSA^® podcast to discuss his role as the director of Metabolic Mind.  A board-certified cardiologist, lipidologist, and therapeutic ketogenic diet expert, Bret has over 20 years of experience as a preventive cardiologist and served as the medical director for Diet Doctor for over three years.

Metabolic Mind was founded by Roblox CEO David Baszucki and his wife, author Jan Ellison Baszucki, after their son Matthew recovered from a severe bipolar disorder using ketogenic metabolic therapy.  “They were having a really hard time getting Matthew treated in a way that not only controlled the symptoms, but gave him his life back,” Bret recounts. “There was a point where he was in and out of inpatient treatment facilities and he actually checked himself out and hitchhiked from Oregon down to California. He was homeless, giving away all his possessions, and living behind a dumpster.  These are the stories that often end tragically, but the Baszucki’s were fortunate enough to connect with Dr. Chris Palmer, who was able to get Matt started on a ketogenic diet and that's what really turned things around.”  Matthew has been able to slowly get weaned off his medications, and is now living a normal life.  He has completed college and is currently employed full-time in the tech industry. As he continues to gradually reduce his medication dosage, he shows no signs of the debilitating symptoms—mania, depression, or anxiety—that once afflicted him.  You can read Jan Baszucki’s account of the family journey here.

Bret discusses the growing momentum in the field of metabolic psychiatry. He shares that research is underway, with five different trials being funded by Metabolic Mind, and how the psychiatric community has overwhelmingly welcomed these advances.  “Our brain needs energy, just like the rest of our body needs energy. And just like our body can be insulin resistant, and not be able to use glucose for energy, the same can happen in our brains,” he explains.  Despite the advancements, Bret highlights that there are still physicians with misconceptions about ketogenic diets, often fueled by mainstream media.  “This concern of keto diet equals fat equals high LDL and heart attack just needs to disappear, because that is purely false,” he states, citing data from Dr. Shivani Sethi and Dr. Ian Campbell that debunks this notion.

Bret discusses the complex science behind how ketosis can benefit the brain. He points out that ketones can serve as alternative fuel sources to significantly improve brain function, reduce neuroinflammation, and balance neurotransmitters.  He emphasizes the critical role of education, pointing out that the knowledge of metabolic therapies is often missing from medical schools and residencies, creating a barrier for wider adoption. He hopes to disseminate this information to both clinicians and the public.

Later in the interview Bret draws an analogy between the growing acceptance of the keto diet for type 2 diabetes and the growing interest in metabolic psychiatry.  “That's how we start to build this movement to really just help more people, right. That's the ultimate goal. We want more people being treated in this fashion to help them get their lives back,” he concludes, calling for collective efforts to make a lasting impact.

Doug and Bret conclude the interview with a discussion about plans to organize a special focus day for Metabolic Health in San Diego on metabolic therapies for mental illnesses at a future Symposium for Metabolic Health.

Dr. Chris Knobbe joins host Doug Reynolds on the LowCarbUSA® podcast to discuss his work researching the impacts of Westernized diets and highly polyunsaturated vegetable oils on health. Dr. Knobbe, an internationally recognized expert on diet and health, will deliver a presentation titled “Omega-6 Apocalypse: Vegetable Oils, Overweight, and Chronic Disease – What’s the Evidence?” at the 8th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health held August 17-20, 2023.

In this engaging interview, Dr. Knobbe talks with Doug about the seed oils and other dietary culprits behind the growing epidemic of obesity and metabolic disease. He discusses his research linking processed foods and vegetable oils to not only widespread chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancers, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and autoimmune diseases, but also age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 50, globally.

If you're interested in the intersection of diet and disease, or simply want to better understand the true impact of your food choices, this episode is not to be missed. Dr. Knobbe dissects the potentially catastrophic effects of modern dietary habits and offers insightful perspectives that could change the way we view our plates – and our health – forever.

Dr. Knobbe discusses the deleterious effects of seed oils, particularly their contribution to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and more. He argues that while refined sugars and flours are problematic, he is especially concerned with the role of seed oils in the worsening health statistics we’re seeing.

Doug pushes back on Chris’s view that seed oils may have an even bigger role in our metabolic health crisis than even sugar and other processed carbohydrates, and a fascinating discussion ensues.