Keto vs. Carnivore, Hormonal Chaos from High Protein, the Surprising Truth About Cold Exposure, and Why Carbs Are CRUCIAL with Jay Feldman

Ben Greenfield

Nov 23, 2024

Episode description

In today’s episode, you’ll get to explore the complexities of ketogenic vs. carnivore diets with health coach and independent researcher Jay Feldman. Jay explains why he prefers ketogenic diets over high-protein carnivore diets, focusing on how they rely on fats for energy rather than stressing the body with excess protein. The conversation dives into the hormonal and digestive impacts of high-protein diets, while also acknowledging the short-term benefits they may offer.

You'll also discover how to manage stress through food choices, improve carbohydrate utilization, and optimize gut health. Additionally, Jay shares his thoughts on using devices like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to measure stress hormones and offers practical advice on incorporating more carbs—like fruits and well-processed grains—into your diet for better energy and balance. His bioenergetic approach to health highlights the importance of cellular energy production and mitochondrial function. We’ll also tackle personalized exercise protocols based on individual stress levels, explore the benefits and limits of heat and cold exposure, and discuss the role of caffeine in daily routines.

Jay Feldman is a health coach, independent health researcher, and the host of The Energy Balance Podcast. He holds degrees in neuroscience and exercise physiology but chose to forgo medical school after realizing that the conventional medical approach wasn't the solution to the health problems many of us face.

After working through various conventional and alternative health paradigms and trialing countless diets, Jay came across the idea that cellular energy is the foundation of health. Embracing this discovery, he now uses the Energy Balance approach to help men and women around the world maximize their cellular energy, optimize their health, and achieve freedom from low-energy symptoms and chronic health issues.

Tune in as we dive into the science behind diet, stress management, and exercise to unlock the secrets of achieving your best health!

Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/feldman2

Episode Sponsors:

Young Goose: Visit younggoose.com and use code BEN10 at checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on your first order.

Organifi Shilajit Gummies: Harness the ancient power of pure Himalayan Shilajit anytime you want with these convenient and tasty gummies. Get them now for 20% off at organifi.com/Ben.

BioStack: Get 19% off your three-month supply of NAD Regen at biostack.com/ben.

Fatty15:

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Choose ketogenic diet over carnivore for better hormonal health

A high-fat ketogenic diet is considered healthier than a high-protein carnivore diet because converting protein to glucose is more hormonally stressful than running on fat and ketones.

#hormones

#keto

Question cold therapy benefits beyond stress response

Cold therapy's main effect is inducing a significant stress response, with few other specific benefits besides building a tolerance to cold itself.

#cold-therapy

#stress

Recognize fasting's shared pathways with toxins for better health awareness

Stressors like fasting or a low-carb diet activate the same defensive stress pathways in the body as toxins like mercury or cigarette smoke.

#fasting

#toxin

Reassess long-term low-carb diets to manage stress hormones

Long-term low-carb diets keep stress hormones like glucagon elevated, signaling your body to lower its metabolic rate over time.

#low-carb

#stress

Discover C15 fatty acid for enhanced cellular health

A recently discovered essential fatty acid called C15, found in a product named Fatty15, is claimed to be three times better than omega-3s for combating cellular fragility.

#C15

#supplement

Aim for 40% carbohydrate intake to prevent chronic stress response

To avoid a chronic stress response, aim for a carbohydrate intake of at least 40% of your total calories, with a general floor of 200 grams per day.

#carbohydrate

#stress

Avoid long-term carb restriction to maintain hormone balance

The stress from long-term carbohydrate restriction can lower metabolic rate by impairing the conversion of T4 to active T3 thyroid hormone and reducing reproductive hormones.

#hormones

#low-carb

Prioritize carbohydrates over fat for efficient energy production

Burning fat for energy is a subpar process because it generates more oxidative stress for each unit of ATP produced compared to burning carbohydrates.