READERS SUMMARY: WHAT REALLY IS A CONCUSSION? HOW DO I TREAT A CONCUSSION IF IT HAPPENS? WHAT THE MILITARY,NFL, NHL,MLB, NBA and NCAA SHOULD DO NOW? WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW NOW? Today marks the fourth blog in this series. Today also marked another early death in the NFL community. This time Orlando "Zeus" [...]
READERS SUMMARY: 1. HOW DOES CONCUSSION, MSG, AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE ALL FIT TOGETHER? 2. WHO IS AT RISK? DOES AGE MATTER? DO I KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS HAD THIS? 3. IS ANCEL KEYS A PLAYER IN THE MSG NIGHTMARE TOO? 4. HOW IS ALS TIED TO CONCUSSIONS AND TO EXOGENOUS and ENDOGENOUS EXCITOTOXINS? 5. ARE [...]
READERS SUMMARY: 1. How does MSG and aspartame affect you and your brain and your fat loss? 2. What do artificial sweeteners do to a human? 3. How does neuronal injury from diet, trauma, and energy depletion all tie together? 4. What about young humans? 5. What about young humans with injured brains? In part [...]
READERS SUMMARY: 1. How does energy depletion link neurodegenerative, concussions, and diet? 2. Why are diabetics more at risk for concussion and neurodegenerative diseases? 3. What is the NMDA receptor and why should I care? 4. How does the NMDA receptor work normally and in diseases like concussion to protect us? 5. How does glutamate, [...]
Today, I decided to blog about Intermittent fasting (IF). Since I wrote the Leptin FAQs, I have been bombarded with requests about IFing and how it relates to leptin signaling. I mentioned in the FAQs that I love IFing, but not when someone is LR. The reason for this is how the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway (AMPk) works. THe AMPk pathway is best described as a fuel sensor for lipid and glucose metabolism. In humans, the control of glucose homeostasis is governed by the balance between intestinal absorption and endogenous hepatic production by the liver and the uptake done in the muscles. Intermittent fasting is a behavioral modification that specifically alters feeding behavior to cause disruptions in glucose and lipid metabolism in humans. It also has specific times when exercising is done as well. When it is practiced well is can lead humans to shred body fat and really control their ability to generate muscle with workouts and re-feeds. I would strongly recommend that you take a look at the leangains protocol sometime on Martin Berkhan's site. The key question many have asked me is how does it work and why can't I do it right off the bat regardless of my leptin status. This is a loaded question with an answer that may make your head hurt but you will understand why IFing won't work if you are LR. The reason why it is counter productive in LR is the AMPk pathways requires really optimal leptin sensitivity and signaling to be occurring between the brain, liver, and muscles. At its core, when one IF's it creates a "temporary" cellular stress due to lack of food at certain times. AMPk is specifically upregulated in times of cellular stress. Some examples, are nutrient deprivation, ischemia, hypoxia, exercise, glycogen depletion and oxidative stress. When one fasts, this also counts as a cellular stressor.
What should I do before I start The Leptin Reset? Before you start, take a picture of yourself from all angles. Don't be bashful or you'll be sorry in 18-24 months. Next, weigh yourself naked. Let your significant other or a family member take this picture. Go to the store and buy a piece of clothing that does not fit you now, but will when you have met your goal. Remember, calories are important when you're LR (leptin resistant) and mean nothing once you are LS (leptin sensitive). Macronutirents count when you're LR and mean nothing when you're LS. How do I determine if I am leptin resistant? Remember, you can be LR (leptin resistant) if you're fat or skinny. If you're overweight by more than 30lbs, it is a lock you have some degree of LR. If you're underweight by 20 lbs, you are likely LR, too. If you had an eating disorder, you're likely suffering from a serious leptin issue. The easiest test is to look in the mirror. The mirror does not lie and it is really cheap. For those people who still can't be sure after peeking in the mirror, you can order some blood tests. My favorite is the HS CRP (highly sensitive C-Reactive protein) and the reverse T3 tests (but there are others). They are accurate in over 90{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} of cases.