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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.

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Obesogens & Oxidative Stress in Metabolic Health, Neurodegeneration & Alzheimer's Disease | Robert Lustig | 272

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