Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
Obesogens & Oxidative Stress in Metabolic Health, Neurodegeneration & Alzheimer's Disease | Robert Lustig | 272
Season 6 Episode 272
Cellular metabolism, mitochondrial health, and the roles of diet and environment in metabolic health, fetal & child development, and Alzheimer's.
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
- Cellular growth vs. burning: Cells alternate between growing (using glucose for building blocks in low-oxygen environments) and burning (generating ATP in mitochondria with oxygen); dysregulation leads to metabolic issues.
- Key regulatory enzymes: PI3 kinase imports glucose, AMP kinase builds mitochondria, and mTOR drives cell division; their synchronization determines healthy modes, while desynchronization causes diseases.
- Fructose as a dose-dependent mitochondrial toxin: High fructose intake inhibits AMP kinase, reducing mitochondrial function and diverting energy to fat storage; it is dose-dependent, like alcohol, and unnecessary in the diet.
- Obesogens & endocrine disruptors: Chemicals like tributyltin (TBT) alter gene expression across generations, promoting obesity unrelated to calories; modern exposures increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), burdening cells.
- Fetal & neonatal development: Maternal diet, especially high sugar or formula feeding, can cause neonatal obesity and fatty liver; breastfeeding supports proper jaw development and oxygen intake.
- Brain metabolism & Alzheimer’s: The brain’s high energy needs make it vulnerable to mitochondrial issues and ROS; energy deficits from diet, stress, and toxins lead to synapse loss and inflammation, treatable via prevention.
- ROS & health: Mitochondria produce ROS as a byproduct of ATP generation; excess from diet or environment causes damage, but antioxidants and lifestyle can mitigate risks.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS:
- Limit added sugars in your diet to reduce mitochondrial stress and ROS, focusing on whole foods over ultra-processed items for better metabolic health.
- Prioritize breastfeeding for infants when possible to support proper physical development and reduce future metabolic risks.
- Incorporate regular exercise and social activities to manage stress and boost brain-protective factors like BDNF, aiding neurodegeneration prevention.
- Get adequate sleep to regulate cortisol and maintain cellular energy balance, helping prevent brain fog and chronic diseases.
ABOUT THE GUEST: Robert Lustig, MD is a pediatric endocrinologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, with a background in neuroendocrinology and obesity research.
*Not medical advice.
Affiliates:
- Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off.
- AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.
- Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app.
- KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)
For all the ways you can support my efforts
Published on 3 days, 13 hours ago