Episode 43

Nutritional Ketosis with Dr. Jeff Volek

Published on: 31st March, 2023

With two decades studying nutritional ketosis, Dr. Jeff Volek offers some amazing insights into the many health benefits of a ketogenic diet for human health and longevity.

Dr. Volek is a registered dietitian and professor in the Department of Human Sciences at The Ohio State University. For the last two decades, he has performed cutting-edge research on how humans adapt to ketogenic diets with a dual focus on clinical and performance applications of nutritional ketosis. His scholarly work includes more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and five books, and he has provided more than 200 lectures at scientific and industry conferences worldwide. His team at Ohio State University is currently focused on breaking open new applications related to nutritional ketosis. These studies explore the role of nutritional ketosis on cardio-metabolic status, ectopic fat accumulation in various tissues, tumor metabolism, and health outcomes in various types of cancer, and human physical and cognitive capabilities in military personnel.

Dr. Volek is the Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of Virta Health, a specialty medical clinic that reverses type 2 diabetes safely and sustainably, without the risks, costs, or side effects of medications or surgery. Dr. Volek has a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Michigan State University, and a Master of Science in exercise physiology and Doctorate in kinesiology and nutrition from Pennsylvania State University.

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Summary and takeaways:

00:06 Introduction by Teemu Arina: the basics of ketosis

01:58 Teemu introduces Dr. Jeff Volek

03:07 Beginning of Dr. Jeff Volek's presentation

04:35 Quick history on ketones

05:26 The Golden Age of ketones (now)

05:59 A primer on ketosis

09:35 Ketogenic adaptation and fat burning

11:41 Various methods of inducing ketosis

12:47 Misconceptions about the ketogenic diet

13:56 Clinical targets and applications of ketogenic diets

14:09 Obesity crisis in the US & potential diabetes risks

15:56 Ketosis vs. biomarkers

17:22 Type-2 diabetes study

19:14 Insane diet recommendations for diabetics

19:43 Cancers vs. glucose

21:06 Metastatic breast cancer trials

21:51 Patient testimonial

23:02 Tumor regression

23:46 Neurological conditions, epilepsy, seizures

24:15 Your brain prefers ketones

25:21 Does the brain function more efficiently on ketones?

25:47 Protection from hypoglycemia

26:32 Neurocognitive performance improves

27:03 Alzheimer's insights

28:17 Traumatic Brain Injuries and paratroopers

29:13 Applications in sports and miliary

31:01 Study involving high-level athletes

31:52 Fat oxidation in athletes on keto

32:24 Glycogen levels maintained on keto: why?

33:37 Obesity as a national security risk

34:37 Unpublished (as of 2018) study & results

37:28 Teemu thanks Dr. Volek

37:39 Things to consider when attempting a ketogenic diet

39:13 What is "keto-flu" and how to prevent it

40:36 Cardiovascular biomarkers improve despite high fat content

41:07 Strict vs. cyclical ketogenic diet (especially important for women!)

42:30 Electrolyte product recommendations

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About the Podcast

Biohacker's Podcast
Become a healthspan optimizer and live longer, eat better, recover faster, perform better, and get more done.
Welcome to the Biohacker's Podcast, where we explore the intersection of technology, nature, and self-development.

As biohackers, we view our bodies as complex systems that can be analyzed and probed in order to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. Through controlled experimentation, we pursue ways to optimize our physical and mental health, increase our longevity, and enhance our cognitive abilities.

Join us as we delve into the latest research and innovative techniques in biohacking, while also exploring the natural world and how it can aid in our self-development.

Produced by Biohacker Center, the leading healthspan optimization company focused on bringing you the world's best content, supplements, technologies, courses, and events to help you champion healthy habits, prolong your healthspan, and lead a productive life.

Learn more at: https://www.biohackercenter.com

About your host

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Teemu Arina

Teemu Arina has a professional career of two decades as a technology entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker. Mr. Arina is one of the forefront figures of the biohacking movement. He is the co-author of the bestselling Biohacker’s Handbook series, curator of Biohacker Summit, and co-founder of the Biohacker Center. Mr. Arina has received the Leonardo Award (under the patronage of the European Parliament and UNESCO 2015), was selected as Top 100 most influential people in IT (2016, TIVI), and was awarded the Speaker of the Year (Speakersforum 2017), and Leadership Trainer of the Year (Turku School of Economics 2018). In the year 2022, he was invited to join Evolutionary Leaders, an initiative by the Chopra Foundation and The Source Synergy Foundation that focuses on the future of conscious leadership.