Degrees of Health

What If Depression Is Actually a Brain Energy Problem? | Drew Decker

33 min · 26. maj 2026
Billede af episoden What If Depression Is Actually a Brain Energy Problem? | Drew Decker

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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 treatment Drew 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_decker Volek Lab: lowcarb.osu.edu Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Drew’s personal story & ketogenic diets 03:40 The mental health crisis 05:29 Brain energy & depression 06:06 The study hypothesis 10:58 Key study results 14:25 Ketogenic diets & accessibility 19:22 What defines a ketogenic diet? 23:44 The future of metabolic psychiatry 30:54 PTSD & future research #Keto #MentalHealth #Depression #KetogenicDiet #MetabolicPsychiatry #Nutrition #Ketosis #Neuroscience #brainhealth 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 link [https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn] Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpVgBgbtgoNBz3sRQauH5w] Instagram  @degreesofhealth [https://www.instagram.com/degrees_of_health/] Disclaimer [https://www.canva.com/design/DAF6uea0cwE/S6IFQR7g0IoRiQiRkAIDyA/view?utm_content=DAF6uea0cwE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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Billede af episoden Catching Up with Dr Mary Newport | Ketosis, Cholesterol and Brain Health

Catching Up with Dr Mary Newport | Ketosis, Cholesterol and Brain 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 TOPICS * Cholesterol controversy and the cholesterol code documentary * Impact of statins on brain cholesterol and confusion in elderly * Types of LDL particles and their role in artery invasion * Coconut oil studies and its effects on cholesterol levels * The role of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in ketosis * Breast milk's MCT content and implications for infant health * Ketone production from coconut oil and exogenous sources * The relationship between insulin levels, ketosis, and aging * Potential of ketogenic diets in managing Alzheimer's and diabetes * Future directions in metabolic health and disease prevention Chapters 00:00 Introduction and weather update 00:25 The cholesterol code documentary and its implications 00:39 Controversies around statins and brain cholesterol 02:06 Cholesterol in the brain and neuronal function 03:04 Types of LDL particles and cardiovascular risk 04:14 Coconut oil studies and myth-busting 05:10 Effects of coconut oil on lipid profiles 06:36 Long-term coconut oil research in Asia 07:30 Study on coconut oil vs sunflower oil in heart disease patients 08:29 Most viewed article in Nutrients journal 2025 09:04 Fats, ketosis, and brain health 10:08 Why coconut oil enhances brain boost with ketones 12:01 Ketone levels from coconut oil and self-measurement 14:37 Medium-chain triglycerides and brain energy 16:31 Sustaining ketones with MCTs and exogenous supplements 17:12 Ketones and reaction time in sports 19:35 Diet, ketosis, and natural biology 21:29 Dietary patterns, sugar, and chronic disease 23:25 Combining diet and exogenous ketones for health 27:25 Breast milk, ketosis, and infant development 30:48 Ketones as building blocks for brain fats 33:28 Ketones, insulin, and brain processing speed 35:11 Current projects and future research 37:35 Recipe: Greek salad with ketogenic oils 52:01 Closing remarks and contact info Coconut Ketones Website - https://coconutketones.com Dr. Mary Newport on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrMaryNewport Website - https://coconutketones.com Twitter - 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 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

22. juli 202646 min
Billede af episoden Rethinking Biology: Energy and Information | Dr Nirosha Murugan

Rethinking Biology: Energy and Information | Dr Nirosha Murugan

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. Chapters 00:00 Exploring New Paradigms in Biology 05:31 Energy Dynamics and Human Health 11:12 Understanding the Energy Resistance Principle 16:30 The Role of Light in Cancer and Health 21:43 Consciousness and Energy: A New Perspective 27:03 The Intersection of Science and Multidisciplinary Approaches 32:25 Future Directions in Health Tech and Research Takeaways - 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 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

14. juli 202650 min
Billede af episoden The Surprising Lack of Breakthroughs in Life Extension Science Over 40 Years | Siim Land

The Surprising Lack of Breakthroughs in Life Extension Science Over 40 Years | Siim Land

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). ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

8. juli 202648 min
Billede af episoden The Truth About Aging Clocks and Biomarkers | Dr. Matt Kaeberlein

The Truth About Aging Clocks and Biomarkers | Dr. Matt Kaeberlein

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 Intro 00:37 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 lifespan 27:25 SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1s, and proactive medicine 38:28 Testosterone, hormones, and aging 51:01 Why rapamycin has been so misunderstood 55:13 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 dogs Learn 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 link [https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn] Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpVgBgbtgoNBz3sRQauH5w] Instagram  @degreesofhealth [https://www.instagram.com/degrees_of_health/] Disclaimer [https://www.canva.com/design/DAF6uea0cwE/S6IFQR7g0IoRiQiRkAIDyA/view?utm_content=DAF6uea0cwE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

30. juni 20261 h 1 min
Billede af episoden Women’s Metabolism Explained: Menstrual Cycles, PCOS, Ketogenic Diets & Postpartum Depression | Dr. Madison Kackley

Women’s Metabolism Explained: Menstrual Cycles, PCOS, Ketogenic Diets & Postpartum Depression | Dr. Madison Kackley

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 metabolism * The four phases of the menstrual cycle and how they affect energy * Estrogen, progesterone, and insulin sensitivity * Why performance can fluctuate throughout the month * Metabolic flexibility and why it matters * Ketogenic diets and women's hormones * Common misconceptions about fasting and low-carb diets * PCOS/PMOS and the metabolic roots of reproductive health * Continuous glucose monitoring and metabolic health * Postpartum depression and ketone metabolism * Why body weight is often a poor marker of health * The future of women's metabolic research About Dr. Madison Kackley Dr. 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 Kackley Instagram: @she.is.labs.osu Website: u.osu.edu/sheislaboratories 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 link [https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn] Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDpVgBgbtgoNBz3sRQauH5w] Instagram  @degreesofhealth [https://www.instagram.com/degrees_of_health/] Disclaimer [https://www.canva.com/design/DAF6uea0cwE/S6IFQR7g0IoRiQiRkAIDyA/view?utm_content=DAF6uea0cwE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

23. juni 20261 h 11 min