Degrees of Health

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.

Revolutionising Health: The Power of Learning, Language, and Mitochondria | Professor Thomas Seager

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 Seager 02:05 - How Seager learned to learn and the insatiable curiosity of experimentation 03:52 - Teaching oneself to read for comprehension and knowledge absorption 05:15 - The scientific process of uncovering clues through reading and synthesizing 06:12 - The influence of engineering training on Seager’s systemic thinking 08:08 - The importance of language as a technology for improved thinking 09:54 - Emotions, energy, and the role of language in understanding complex feelings 11:12 - The significance of terminology in organizing thought and communication 13:23 - Engineering as a root for understanding systems and energy transfer 14:24 - The barrier created by jargon and the need for clear communication 15:11 - Evolution of medical understanding: from caloric models to mitochondrial signaling 16:26 - The importance of pronunciation and understanding scientific terminology 17:50 - How new words reflect emerging tacit knowledge and community experiences 19:33 - The influence of language in controlling discipline and inclusion/exclusion of ideas 21:28 - The discovery of mitochondria as ancient, symbiotic organisms and their ongoing signaling role 23:36 - The energetic and informational functions of mitochondria in health and disease 27:22 - Critique of reductionist approaches in medicine: calories, thermodynamics, and systems thinking 29:10 - Mitochondria as environmental sensors and regulators within cells 32:38 - Moving from energy-centric views to information-processing models of the human body 45:58 - Photobiomodulation: how specific wavelengths influence mitochondrial function and health 50:32 - The role of natural environmental wavelengths like green light and sunlight in health 55:33 - Practical applications: green lamps, forest light therapy, grounding, and lifestyle considerations 56:33 - Dean Hall’s story of healing with cold water, green light, and ground-based therapies 57:44 - Emerging innovations: MyGreenLamp devices mimicking natural light environments 58:12 - Final thoughts on paradigm shifts in medicine driven by systems thinking and technology Resources & Links: MyGreenLamp – Innovative photobiomodulation devices for health optimisation SeagerTP Twitter – Insights into biophotons, light, and systems thinking Morosco Forge YouTube – Professor Seager’s educational content on photobiomodulation Connect with Professor Thomas Seager: Twitter Instagram Sign up for updates at Morosco Forge ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

Why Overcomplicating Your Longevity Routine Could Be Holding You Back | Annie Nosh

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 life Throughout 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: @annienosh If 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 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.

The Hidden Link Between Metabolic Health and Heart Disease You Need to Know | Dr. Philip Ovadia

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 surgery * 1:42 - The consensus opinion on cholesterol and its failures * 3:04 - The real root causes: insulin resistance and metabolic health * 5:24 - Metabolic health's role in chronic diseases * 9:35 - How poor metabolic health starts the cascade of heart disease * 13:28 - The role of cholesterol in heart disease * 20:23 - Evolutionary perspective on ketosis and metabolic health * 31:13 - Key levers to improve metabolic health * 50:28 - Importance of coronary artery calcium scans Whether 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 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.

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

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.