Robb Wolf - The Paleo Solution Podcast - Paleo diet, nutrition, fitness, and health

We're at it again with Episode 425, Q&A #18!

If you want to see the video for this podcast, be sure to check out our YouTube channel.

 

Show Notes:

 

1. [1:47] How To Fuel For Overtraining

Patrick says:

Hi Robb,

I have a question for you about how to best balance the three main things in my life; eating, training and working.   I've gotten sick about a million times in 2018, and had some challenges in maintaining a work - training balance. Every time that I feel healthy and ready to kill it, I immediately begin to overtrain - and I know this is a sentiment that many share, especially when the over training symptoms take a little while to build up and express themselves.  My susceptibility to over training is mainly brought on by my work's early start times. I am 30 years old and a Builder and wake at 5:30, have moderately intense exercise over 8-9 hours during the day, an hour commute home and then training (BJJ, gii and no gi. Sometimes I try to fit in some striking) from 6-7:30 or to 8:30 if I feel I can get away with it, however eating late and needing to sleep around 9:30-10pm is really difficult for me.  Metabolism is working too much at night and it affects my body temperature and HRV. I try to delay breakfast until 9am (to achieve 12 hours window) with either a bulletproof or just straight black coffee after wakeup .

I don't have the option of training during the day unfortunately. Some of the over training symptoms I've had have been IBS type, adrenal stress and then the associated depressive mood when in a slump.  Most of this gets fixed up by implementing a 'less is more approach' to training. Also experience some afternoon slumps.

What would be a good strategy to fuel all this activity, fuelling for both energy load during the day and training at night, plus recovery after training.  Also things to note I'm really low body fat, really high percentage muscle, metabolism chews up all my food quick as and can get hypoglycaemic sometimes.

Thanks from Australia!!

Patrick and Georgia!



2. [8:04] Physical Sustainability of BJJ

Kent says:

I'm wondering what the long term implications are of a regular BJJ practice. It's always something I've wanted to explore, but it seems like many folks who have practiced consistently for years have developed joint issues, tears, etc. Is this simply inevitable? What are your thoughts on the long term sustainability? I'm not talking about someone who is wanting to seriously compete, but someone like yourself who enjoys the physical nature of the practice. My apologies in advance if you've already answered this question and I missed it! Thanks for all that you do.



3. [13:12] Vitamin D Lights???

Alli says:

Hi Robb and Nicki... I’ve been a follower of yours for years and I considered myself Paleo BUT I would pick and choose.  This past May I decided to buy in 100% and I purchased your Keto Masterclass which changed my life. I’ve lost 40 pounds but more important is that for the first time in my life I am in control of my food.  Life changing. And now that I’m on a roll I’m trying to implement more positive life changing choices.

My question relates to Vitamin D synthesis in the cold Connecticut fall and winter.  I’m trying to get outside as much as possible but exposing skin just isn’t feasible. I know that sunlight is preferable to supplementing BUT how about those happy  lights? Do they work? Will a $40 one work or do I need the expensive one? Could you recommend one? If they don’t work- what dosage of Vit D should I aim for from a supplement?

Thank you for doing what you do.

Alli

 

4. [19:37] Supplements from China

Gregor says:

I often buy online some supplements bulk - at least 1-2 lbs. This way they are way cheaper. I use magnesium citrate, garlic powder, turmeric powder, collagen any some other. What worries me is that many of then have China as country of origin and we know how devastated environment is in parts of China.

Shall I be worried by Chinese origin? Can magnesium citrate from China be contaminated with something? Shall I choose more expensive stuff, but with other origin (Americas, Europe)?

Thank you in advance for looking into that.

 

5. [21:10] Protein & Thermal Effect

Drew says:

Does powdered protein (specifically whey, if that makes a difference) have the same thermal/metabolic effect as eating steak/chicken/pork/eggs/etc?

I have listen to every single podcast. Love it all! Thanks for doing everything you do!

 

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Direct download: PaleoSolution-425.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

Here we are with Episode 424, Q&A #17!

If you want to see the video for this podcast, be sure to check out our YouTube channel.

 

Show Notes:

1. [1:43] Lake vs Chlorinated Pool?

Jocie says:

Hope you and Nicki do another Q&A soon, those are my favorites!

Heading towards summer- I'm wondering what your opinion is on lake vs typical chlorinated pool for summer fun?  Our family opted for the lake last summer, and it was beautiful but between the dead fish and the posted high fecal count, I was more than a little grossed out.  There is a lot of talk about kids growing up healthier when they are exposed to more dirt and germs, but what about things that can mess you over like parasites and giardia?  The chlorinated pool is looking better this year!

2. [4:12] Keto & Endurance (specifically running)

Rick says:

Hey Robb and Nicki,

Thanks for the Q&A episodes - they've been super fun. I'm writing to ask you a question about running when I'm on Keto. I'm 45 y/o, male, 6'0", 235lbs, roughly 30% BF. I'm trying to lose some weight as the primary goal, but I love running too. My ideal workout regimen is to lift 2x per week, full body barbell-type stuff, and run 3-4 times, with runs anywhere from 4-10 miles. I've never been fast, but I've got pretty decent endurance.

Keto seems to be the absolute best way to lose weight, but I find that my runs really tank. I use a HR meter, and I go about a minute per mile slower and my HR is 10-20 beats per minute higher. The longest I've been able to maintain keto is about 5 weeks, and the main reason I fall off the wagon is this. While I'm not weighing and measuring, I am more or less following the suggestions from the Masterclass and Ketogains, and I'm focusing on getting enough electrolytes.

So what do you think is going on? Do I just have to keep plugging? Is it possible I'm not meant to run while keto? How can I speed adaptation? Lots of short slow runs? Fast runs? Slog it out for long and slow? Any advice you have would be fantastic.

Thanks.

Rick

3. [8:26] Carbs for Endurance Once Fat Adapted?

Brian says:

Robb love your insight, 47 year old cyclist typically the last guy on Earth touting low carb eating regiment, but ive been Keto over a year and have seen performance increase against my age. I presume my body has undergone a metabolic shift in fuel source, its working for me! my question is should us endurance guys still carb load to have glucose present in long events or should calorie consumption prior to long events stay parallel to our every day eating regimnet? In others words once this metabolic shift occurs in the macro perspective of ones nutrition is it assumed that the best fuel choice during ultra events should be the same? Would re-introducing glucose be a safety net or waste of calories in your opinion?

4. [14:01] High Fasting Blood Glucose on Low Carb/Keto Diet

Heather says:

HI Robb & Nikki!

I'm a HUGE fan and appreciate all of the knowledge and insight you share on the podcast and everywhere else you show up. :) I have eaten low-carb/keto/paleo-ish for several years now, and have done really well. I probably get less than 100g carbs/day (more like 50g), and eat an average of 100g protein/day (grassfed meat, bone broth protein, whey protein smoothies, nuts/seeds, pastured eggs, mackerel/sardines, and occasionally chicken). My fat intake is probably 90-100g/day. I am 43 yrs old, 5'4 at 118lbs with less than 20% body fat. I go on long walks daily, weight train 3/week, and throw some HITT training along with boxing in the mix. I used to be a spinning instructor and spent hours and hours on the bike each week, but haven't taught in 4 yrs and now only power walk for "cardio" outside of interval training at the gym. I have two kids, ages 4 & 8, so they keep me busy as well!

I recently (as in 2 weeks ago) bought a blood glucose meter after giving in to my curiosity as to just what my fasting BG is, along with post-prandial, post exercise, etc. I was shocked and so upset when I took my first reading one morning and it was 106!!! Since then I've been rather obsessed and am pricking my finger all day long! LOL! But really no matter if i'm fasted, just went on a long walk or weight training session, or even 2 hrs after a meal, my blood glucose is always somewhere btwn 90-110--I never get a big swing upward after a meal, even after I indulged in gf German Chocolate cake the other night! :) It has only gone as low as 83 or 87 on two, random occasions, which is making me wonder, "What the heck?!"

I've read different things online about this, but I really don't know who to trust other than you. Could it be cortisol? Could that be my norm? I was expecting my FBG to be around 70-80 based on my diet and activity level. Please advise! I'm so confused!! Thank you SO MUCH for all you do!!!!! :) :) :)

5. [18:21] Reliability of Glucose Meters

Pedro says:

Dear Robb

My name is Pedro Escudeiro and I am portuguese. I have been following your work through interviews and your online publications and books. I take many notes from your teachings and have been applying them in my own life, which I deeply thank. However, a few issues have arised especially concerning the use of glucometers to measure blood glucose, for metabolic control (fortunately I have no diseases). I would like to ask you a few questions.

For a year now that I use regularly a Freestyle Precision Neo device and the readings are not reliable at all. I have made many experiments, such as trying to prick my fingers 5 times in a row to observe the results. The readings are always different, sometimes 15 or more points (mg/dL). I have done the carb test as well, reproducing the same conditions and the readings also change if I test a few times and in different days. I have tried different devices too. I contacted the company to expose this issue and they told me that it is acceptable a variation of 20 points. Being so, it basically means we can't rely on this method to inform us on how the body is reacting to foods or to check glucose stability, for example, because it is always changing within the same conditions. I wonder if you have noticed this same issue and if you found a method to overcome this unreliability.

I have used also a Freestyle Libre device, which measures continually the glucose (interstitial fluid) I know there is a delay between the readings and the actual glucose level and there is also less precision than a blood glucometer. However, the same issue of unreliability is happening. The profile of the Libre does not have any match with the blood glucometer or even any correlation, one might be going up and the other down and later one changes and the other doesn't.

Since glucose levels are so important for health and performance, if the best method to check it is not reliable and trustworthy at all, it makes all the assumptions and decisions about our health, not just worthless but somehow dangerous. I wonder if you have any thoughts on this.

I hope I am not taking too much of your time and I thank you in advance.

My best wishes,

Pedro

 

 

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Transcript:

Download a copy of the transcript here (PDF)

Direct download: PaleoSolution-424.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

We're at it with another Q&A podcast, Episode 423!

If you want to see the video for this podcast, be sure to check out our YouTube channel.

 

Show Notes

 

1. [1:31] Aced the 7 day challenge like your wife! So why am I doing this???

Erica says:

Hello,

I LOVED your book Wired to Eat. I'm a 31 year old female. 6ft, at my goal of 160ish lb, 20% body fat. Ive never been heavy, don’t have diabetes in my family. I do have a history of disordered eating - counting/restricting calories and then binge eating until a year ago when I found low carb. I’ve been on thyroid meds for a few months now, possibly because of the calorie restriction. I’ve had high cholesterol all my life and now it’s even higher since starting Keto 2 months ago (total from 274 to 336! HDL ratio went from 3.2 to 4.7!  Triglycerides now 106 (non-fasting), havent had my A1C checked for awhile but it was 5.3 long before keto. going to have my LDLp and fructosamine checked soon.)

Low carb/intermittent fasting has reallly helped me maintain my weight while avoiding trigger foods. I went full Keto 2 months ago because the hunger control intrigued me. It’s gotten MUCH more tolerable, but I still get hunger pangs for breakfast and afternoon snacks daily. But for the first time in my life my very hormonal acne cleared up from keto!

Now, I took the test after 2 months keto and aced it! Every day of the challenge my glucose was similar to your wife's, even the day I ate a doughnut! So my question is... why am I doing this whole low carb thing? I guess no pimples and no trigger foods is a good enough reason; but my question is, are bad carbs even that bad in my case? Maybe my insulin response is a different picture, as my weight seems to come back easily with carbs? But it sure makes resisting cravings difficult now that I know my glucose response will be fine if I have that doughnut and I'll go back to my usual mild ketosis within a few hours if I can manage not to eat again soon after. Any tips? Has your wife changed how she eats now that she knows her blood glucose will be fine with most anything she eats? Thank you so much for your response!

 

2. [10:10] Beer and blood sugar

Thom says:
Robb and Nicki: Thank you both so much for the work you do to educate the Paleo/Keto community. I have been Paleo for nearly 6 years now and Keto for 2, due to a suggestion given me after having a colectomy and still not feeling good. The results I've experienced are nothing short of miraculous. That has led me to become a huge advocate for the lifestyle and to share it with anyone who will listen. I do heating and air conditioning service, which affords me the opportunity to share it with many people.

My question is this: You have mentioned many times that we should do as many N=1 experiments to see what works for us individually. I have been keeping tabs on my blood sugars, blood pressure, O2 and heart rate levels as well as several clinical blood tests (I don't visit the doctor very often, since all they want to do is shove drugs in me every time I go in). Over the years I've been able to hone in on the majority of foods or lifestyles that make me feel good and the ones that make me feel not-so-good. That said, I wanted to pose a question to you.

I have done this test over and over and am very shocked by the results. If I have a typical dinner with a salad or veggies of some sort and some meat, then pair that with low carb wine or tequila, lime and soda water (both very low carb drinks), my blood sugars will be somewhere between 130 and 180 two hours later. However, if I have beer (typically dark, because I prefer the porters and stouts) and check my blood sugars two hours later, I'm usually below 100 and sometimes as low as 80 or 78. I have tested these variables over and over throughout this past year (yes, I like my drink) and I get the same results. However, I HAVE noticed that the lighter beers, such as ales or lighter IPA's do not keep my blood sugars quite as low.

Do you know of anything that might explain this phenomenon?

I have many more questions I would like to ask you, but I'll leave it at this one for now. Again, thank you both for all you have done and are doing to keep this community going. My son keeps telling me that I should start my own blog and podcast to help spread the word about this lifestyle. When he does I always mention that I have no definable credentials, such as yours, so I'm not convinced anyone would even listen to it. So, instead I point him, and many others, to your podcast and website, along with Jimmy's, Chris's and Mark's. You're all very educational and the cornerstones of this community. Keep up the good work.

ThomE

 

3. [15:28] High morning glucose on LCHF diet (95 mg/dl)

Gregor says:
Hi Robb,
I really appreciate what you are doing and I am a great fan of your podcasts (I read transcripts). Anyway, to the point: after I cut off grains, sugar, legumes and so on, my fasting glucose went high. On average it is 95 mg/dl, mostly between 90 and 100 mg/dl.
You mentioned this subject in your 385th podcast with Shawn Baker (one of my favorites podcasts on your site), but I didn't feel it was fully addressed and explained.
I have a graph for about 15 years of measurements here: https://paleosmak.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/glukoza-paleo-2018.png - around 2010 I turned paleo/lchf.
Recently I have measured my fasting insulin level and it was 4,9 µIU/ml. I have also measured my glucose levels for one typical day and it is very stable, between 90 and 109 - here is the graph: https://paleosmak.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/dobowy-profil-glikemii-paleo-smak.png (the orange vertical lines are meals, I eat only twice a day).
I know I am no diabetic. I have no health issues except 2-3 mild autoimmune diseases (the symptoms come and go).
Is my quite high fasting glucose anything to worry about? I have a friend following quite similar diet and life style and his fasting sugar is around 70-75. Does my 95 mg/dl fasting sugar have negative impact on my health, aging speed and so on? Can I do anything about that?

Thanks so much for talking one more time about that.
Gregor

https://optimisingnutrition.com/2019/04/02/how-much-salt-do-you-need/

https://www.drinklmnt.com/the-science

 

4. [20:12] paleo approach to skin care

Andrea says:
Robb, do you have any advice about skin care, such as use of any daily moisturizer or other products? I don't use daily sunscreen because I tend to have low Vitamin D levels, but I use it if I'm going to be outside for an extended period of time. I am approaching 40 and only use a bit of jojoba oil as a moisturizer. I wash my face with bar soap (not the antibacterial kind). I'm not sure if my minimalist approach is the way to go. Maybe your wife has some experience with some products for women? Thanks!

Anne marie skin care

Feather eagle sky beauty face oil

***Organic Rose Hip Seed oil, Sweet Almond oil, Argan oil

sunscreen

5. [25:51] Weight loss and fat tissue toxin-release

Jarno says:
Hi Robb,

Greetings from Finland!

I love your work, thank you for everything you do!

I really liked your stance on the carnivore diet as you discussed it with Mikhayla Peterson. Let's not become vegan zealots about it. I've been eating 70-80% carnivore for 6 months and feeling mostly great. Mostly because it's not all great. Which brings me to my question. What is your sentiment about the toxin-release from fat tissue during weight loss thingy? Is it real? What the science says at the moment? Have you heard of any connections with joint pain / arthritic pain or nausea with weight loss induced toxin release? I'd love to hear your thoughts about this!

Best regards,

Jarno

 

 

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Direct download: PaleoSolution-423.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

It's that time again! We're back with Q&A #15.

 

Show Notes:

 

1. [1:15] Thoughts on kids care?

Rich says:

Hi Rob,

I have 2 questions for you.

1. Is Palaeo a new term from your book Wired To Eat or did someone make a huge error?

2. What are your thought on kids care such as chiropractic treatment, massage, acupuncture etc when there are no obvious signs of issues but more for general maintenance as they're always throwing themselves around? My kids are 4 and 7.

Thanks in advance and genuinely love your work! Don't let spelling slow you down ;)

 

2. [5:56] NAD+, NR, NMN: Good or bad?

Ed says:

Hey Robb:

Got a question regarding NMN, Nicotinamide Riboside, NAD+, etc. I’ve read and listened to several peeps like Peter Attia and guests (e.g., David Sinclair from Harvard) tout the health benefits of NMN & NR, for those of us who want to stay young. This is all fine and dandy. (See https://peterattiamd.com/davidsinclair/) . I mean the number of people taking Tru Niagen is outstanding.... (me included).

Then Chris Masterjohn, who I love, indicated on one of his podcasts that we should be careful taking NR (and the like) as it effects methylation (a bad thing I think), with possible suggestion of having to take an exogenous form of glycine to balance the negative effect of taking large doses of NMN, NR products. https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2018/07/26/careful-niacin-nicotinamide-riboside/

Been listening to you for years and always remember you getting a bit pissed off that your listeners wouldn’t do some research for themselves before submitting vocational questions. Well I’ve tried to read & Listen to everything there is and can’t clear the wheat from the chaff.

Maybe you can do a video or talk about this subject on your podcast?

Thanks,

Ed

 

3. [11:00] 22g Protein/Day MAX ??!

Kyle says:

I am so curious what your thoughts are on this book in general and more Dr. Gundry's theory that we should eat around 22g of protein MAX per day, and essentially around 60% carbs. Seems like a brilliant book full of testimonies but his theories on animal product enzymes and heart health seem to be a little off to me but I am no expert!

BTW - I am a huge fan and your work has impacted my life immensely. I am the COO for a company called The Perfect Workout. I believe we are both friends with Lawrence Neal from Corporate Warrior. Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to ask this! See you at PaleoFX in April.

 

4. [16:09] Extended fasting and muscle loss

Keith says:

Robb,

How are you coming on your piece regarding fasting, mTOR, and aging strategies? I ask because I'm at a point in my health journey where I've lost the ugly weight, refocused on gaining muscle mass, and would now like to shed a little bit more fat to reveal the fruits of my labor. To do so, I've been planning on getting back to a strict ketogenic lifestyle including a moderately aggressive fasting regimen. This is the same strategy I implemented during my initial 70lb, 8-month weight loss that was largely inspired by the work of Jason Fung.

I know you don't necessarily agree with Dr. Fung's opinions on fasting being a largely muscle sparing venture--which is why I've been lurking in anticipation of your work on this topic. In my journey from 230lbs to 160lbs I took part in daily intermittent fasts, frequent 36-hour fasts, and several fasts of 70-100 hour duration. Based on this experience, I didn't encounter any noticeable effect on my strength or visible musculature--even as I got down to a modest body fat percentage in the mid-teens.

With that being said, I'm very interested in the specifics of your views on extended fasting as a potential tool for cutting fat while preserving muscle--specifically as it would relate to hypertrophy-focused resistance training goals. A discussion between you and Dr. Fung on this topic would make for one incredibly interesting podcast.

Thanks for your time and for all of your continued work. Your ability to interpret and convey complex topics is unsurpassed in this field.

 

5. [25:56] Ketones too high?

Rob says:

Hi Robb & Nicki, I've been really enjoying this Q&A podcast format. I have a question I'd like to hear your thoughts on regarding blood BHB testing.

I've been hearing many people in the field saying that the more fat/keto adapted you are, the lower your blood BHB tend to be due to increased metabolic efficiency. Personally, I've been doing keto for many years now, sensibly, following the targeted protein requirement 1st, then adding in fat for the remaining fuel (as my goal is weight maintenance, not weight loss). I've never tested my blood BHB or urine ketones, just using the ketonix to test my breath ketones, which always shows that I'm in ketosis. Recently, just for curiosity's sake, I've got my hands on blood BHB testing, and my fasted morning readings average between 1.5-2.0mmol. Plus my recent urine test also shows elevated ketones (60mg/dL), which I wasn't expecting as I thought urine ketones are only present in the beginning phase of the diet. So now I'm wondering, is this normal/desirable or too high for someone who's been doing keto for years? Does this mean that I'm still not metabolically efficient after all these years?

I know you always prioritise how one looks, feels & performs, still I can't help but wonder, especially since the concept of "the higher the ketones the better" has never made much sense to me. So, yes, to put it simply, I'm asking is my ketones too high? Thank you both for your great work & your time!

 

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Direct download: PaleoSolution-422.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am EDT

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