LEVELS – A Whole New Level

Latest Episodes:

#212 - Managing Type 1 diabetes and thriving with it | Jesse Lavine & Ben Grynol May 11, 2023

Show notes

Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic condition, such as Type 1 diabetes, can be life-changing. A diagnosis is helpful for understanding the cause of symptoms and how to treat, but managing a chronic condition can take a toll on mental health. Tools like a continuous glucose monitor can help empower people and ease the burden of constant care. Jesse Lavine and Ben Grynol discuss the challenges of managing Type 1 diabetes, how Lavine’s diagnosis with Type 1 impacted him, how CGM helped Lavine not only manage the condition but also thrive with it, and how the medical system needs to change to help patients dial in optimal instead of just adequate health.

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Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What Jesse Lavine & Ben Grynol discuss:

(03:39) — A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes

(06:28) — Getting diagnosed with a chronic condition can life-changing

(14:18) — Wearing a CGM helped Lavine reduce his insulin intake

(26:04) — Having real-time insight into how foods affect your condition and your body

(29:47) — Type 1 diabetes does not have to hold you back

(35:18) — The current medical system isn’t necessarily set up to empower patients

(37:08) — A CGM offers constant feedback that can be used to manage Type 1 diabetes

(38:13) — The benefits of having stable blood sugar

(41:25)— Managing a chronic condition can lead to medical system burnout

(44:59) — Considering the mental health aspects of managing a condition

Transcripts & Show notes

🔗 Helpful links:

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

#211 - Understanding your cholesterol panel & metabolic health blood tests | Dr. Robert Lustig & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) May 04, 2023

Show notes

A metabolic blood test and cholesterol panel can be confusing, so in this ultimate guide, our Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Dr. Casey Means talks with Levels advisor and author of Metabolical to give you advice on how to interpret your panels to better understand the status of your metabolic health. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup team builds a wellness movement from the ground up in the health and wellness tech industry.

This episode does not constitute medical advice.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What Dr. Rob Lustig and Levels’ Dr. Casey Means discuss:

(00:00) - Intro

(02:17) - Understanding cholesterol

(02:44) - The correlation between LDL and heart disease

(05:12) - The connection between LDL and triglycerides

(07:14) - Good cholesterol

(16:48) - Measuring LDL

(30:04) - Portal systems in the body

(44:51) - The importance of liver function tests

(54:05) - How to reduce liver fat

Transcripts & Show notes

🔗 Helpful links:

Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/C3rsNCFNAw8

The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests: https://levelshealth.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-understanding-your-cholesterol-panel-and-metabolic-blood-tests

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

Connect with Casey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCaseysKitchen

Connect with Casey on Instagram: https://instagram.com/drcaseyskitchen

Connect with Rob on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertLustigMD

Connect with Rob on Instagram: https://instagram.com/robertlustigmd

#210 - Pregnancy & metabolic health: Hormone changes & gestational diabetes | Dr. Azure Grant & Ben Grynol Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

How does pregnancy affect your metabolic health at each trimester, from conception to postpartum lactation? Levels Research Design Lead Dr. Azure Grant talks with Ben Grynol about the different phases of pregnancy and how it affects hormones and things you can do to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup team builds a wellness movement from the ground up in the health and wellness tech industry.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What Azure Grant, PhD, & Ben Grynol discuss:

(04:46) — Worsening or poor metabolic health can impact fertility

(06:15) — Age increases one’s risk of pregnancy complications, including those related to metabolic health

(13:53) — Every system in the body must adapt in response to pregnancy

(18:12) — Insulin resistance naturally occurs during pregnancy

(23:53) — The trajectory of glucose levels during pregnancy follows a U-shape

(28:33) — Can focusing on metabolic health during pregnancy reduce fatigue?

(39:44) — Gestational diabetes can lead to complications for both the birthing parent and their child

(41:31) — The importance of monitoring for and treating gestational diabetes

(43:56) — Parental health is paramount to child health

(51:28) — Continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy could be helpful

(57:03) — Metabolic health is an important factor in family planning and beyond

Transcripts & Show notes

🔗 Helpful links:

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

#209 - What is insulin resistance and why does it matter? | Dr. Rob Lustig & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

Insulin resistance is when cells stop responding to insulin’s signal to uptake glucose. It’s a hallmark of prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and other forms of metabolic dysfunction, and it manifests as several chronic disease, ranging from Alzheimer’s to polycystic ovarian syndrome. Dr. Rob Lustig and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss the importance of monitoring insulin levels, why a high or increasing insulin level is a problem, and how insulin resistance hinders weight management.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What Rob Lustig, MD, & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, discuss:

(03:57) — What is insulin?

(06:55) — What is insulin resistance?

(18:00) — There are three types of insulin resistance

(38:00) — Weight management is not about calories in and calories out

(45:53) — Adding more insulin to the equation of Type 2 diabetes isn’t necessarily the answer

(51:20) — Insulin is a crucial biomarker to measure for metabolic health

(53:58) — Insulin resistance is a hinderance to weight management

(57:07) — The intake of too much leucine can lead to insulin resistance

(1:02:04) — Fiber feeds the gut microbiome and is crucial for metabolic health

(1:13:11) — Is intermittent fasting necessary?

Transcripts & Show notes

🔗 Helpful links:

Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/dFOaBrujDHo

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

📲 Connect:

Connect with Robert Lustig, MD, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertlustigmd/

Connect with Robert Lustig, MD, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertLustigMD

Connect with Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/

Connect with Dominic D’Agostino, PhD on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2

#208 - A low-carb diet may boost exercise performance and health | Professor Tim Noakes & Josh Clemente Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

High-carbohydrate diets and carbohydrate loading have been long-standing tenets of athletic training and competition, but newer research indicates a low-carbohydrate diet may be more beneficial for performance and overall health. Professor Tim Noakes and Josh Clemente discuss how a fat-adapted body can rely on fat as a fuel source at all exercise intensity levels, rather than burning mostly carbohydrates, and how such adaptation and dietary focus may reduce one’s risk of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What Tim Noakes, MD, PhD, & Josh Clemente discuss:

(04:28) — Dr. Tim Noakes explains his career trajectory

(19:04) — An adapted body can rely on fat for all exercise intensities

(22:30) — The body will never get to a state of no glucose circulation

(23:28) — A delicate balance of macronutrients is likely necessary

(29:11) — Before the high-carbohydrate craze, elite athletes were fat adapted

(33:46) — Fat oxidation in muscle may have a protective effect against Type 2 diabetes

(36:39) — Exercise does not cancel out the risk for metabolic disease if diet isn’t accounted for

(47:25) — The body can cope with fasting

(54:32) — The high-carb training trend has been perpetuated by the carbohydrate industry

Transcripts & Show notes

🔗 Helpful links:

Learn about metabolic health: https://levelshealth.com/blog

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

📲 Connect:

Connect with Dr. Tim Noakes on Twitter: https://twitter.com/proftimnoakes

#207 - The importance of flow states and how to reclaim focus | Johann Hari & Ben Grynol Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

Society champions multitasking, but we can’t truly multitask. Multitasking in fact impedes our focus and productivity. And 12 main factors tend to steal our attention. Johann Hari and Ben Grynol discuss why flow states are important for goal achievement, the things that distract us, and how we can reclaim our focus.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What Ben Grynol & Johann Hari discuss:

(04:18) — Twelve factors can steal our focus

(06:02) — Multitasking is a myth

(10:49) —We need to be able to focus to achieve our goals

(14:07) — Prioritizing deep focus is both a personal and social responsibility

(16:50) — Interruptions steal your time and impede focus

(27:21) — Three factors help you get into a flow state

(30:12) — Mind wandering ultimately benefits your focus

(37:00) — The four-day workweek is linked to better productivity

(40:08) — Free play is crucial for kids’ brains

(43:43) —Childhood looks different now

Transcript & show notes 🔗 Helpful links:

Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/4CD3lmg0XmA

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

📲 Connect:

Connect with Johann Hari on Twitter: https://twitter.com/johannhari101

Connect with Johann Hari on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johann.hari/

#206 - Regenerative farming benefits the planet and our bodies | Molly Chester & Dr. Casey Means Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

Regenerative farming harnesses a farm’s entire ecosystem to grow and raise food via natural processes. In turn, foods raised on regenerative farms benefit our bodies more so than those raised conventionally. Molly Chester of Apricot Lane Farms and Dr. Casey Means discuss the philosophies of regenerative farming, how the practice has parallels with functional medicine, and how regenerative farming is a merging of the tried-and-true methods of our ancestors with scientific knowledge.

🎙 What Molly Chester & Casey Means, MD, discuss:

(05:28) — Polycystic ovarian syndrome has links to metabolic health

(06:58) — Diet impacts inflammatory pathways that can drive symptoms

(10:27) – Farming practices exist on a spectrum

(18:24) — Regenerative farming merges historical ways with progress

(26:05) — What we do to the land affects our health

(28:12) — Regenerative farming takes the cosmos into consideration

(34:17) — A healthy ecosystem has limits on what it can produce, but that can be beneficial

(37:44) — Cover crops are crucial for maintaining a healthy farming ecosystem

(42:37) — A return to farming has become a trend

(53:45) — A regenerative farm can be educational for children

(56:38) — Regenerative farming can foster a fresh perspective

Transcripts & Show notes

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🔗 Helpful links:

Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/jd4D7Qvt5BM

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

#205 - The links between gastrointestinal health, metabolic health, and fertility | Dr. Robin Rose & Ben Grynol Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

Gastrointestinal health, metabolic health, and fertility are all linked. The gut microbiome impacts other microbiomes in the body, which can then impact the ability to conceive. Our gut microbiomes are becoming less diverse through modern farming practices and the consumption of processed foods. Dr. Robin Rose and Ben Grynol discuss how gut microbiome testing can determine underlying factors of gastrointestinal distress and the lifestyle changes that can help address symptoms and even aid fertility.

🎙 WhatRobin Rose, MD, & Ben Grynol discuss:
(08:05) — Gastrointestinal issues are associated with metabolic health issues
(08:56) — Many people lack gut microbiome diversity
(15:24) — Infertility in some people has links to the gut microbiome
(30:56) — PCOS and gut dysbiosis share a connection that’s still being researched
(32:26) — Restoring gut and metabolic health may help alleviate PCOS symptoms
(34:44) — Metagenomic testing assesses gut health
(39:47) — Gut health often requires balanced macronutrient intake
(49:14) — Regenerative farming practices could help us get more quality nutrients
(54:57) — Eliminating dairy and gluten may ease gastrointestinal symptoms
(56:29) — Sleep quality and quantity also inform gut health

Transcript & Show Notes

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🔗 Helpful links:

Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/SpW9znY3fkI

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1
Connect with us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@levelshealth

#204 - Concierge medicine takes a personalized, preventive approach | Chloe Harrouche & Mike Haney Mar 02, 2023

Show notes

Concierge medicine can help personalize healthcare and disrupt the traditional primary care model. Traditional primary care isn’t positioned to handle the frequent check ins and actionable steps that empower patients to optimize their health and wellness. Chloe Harrouche and Mike Haney discuss The Lanby, which Harrouche co-founded. The Lanby’s primary care membership provides patients with a three-person, non-siloed care team and weekly touchpoints regarding wellness, so patients can track their progress and make necessary tweaks.

🎙 WhatChloe Harrouche & Mike Haney discuss:

(02:03) – Concierge medicine can ease the patient burden of healthcare

(03:52) — The traditional primary care model doesn’t help patients optimize their health

(13:28) — Self-care and wellness approaches to health empower patients

(14:42) — The siloed model of healthcare isn’t working

(15:47) — Seeing a primary care physician annually isn’t enough

(19:07) — Traditional primary care approaches often operate like a revolving door

(22:16) — To optimize their health, patients need more frequent check-ins

(32:07) — The traditional healthcare model works in reverse

(36:38) — Technology aids the ongoing monitoring of biomarkers and other health metrics

(42:49) — Wellness approaches don’t have to be all or nothing

Transcript & Show notes

Look for multiple new shows per week on Levels - Inside the Company, where we have in-depth conversations about how the Levels startup team builds a movement from the ground up in the health and wellness tech industry.

🔗 Helpful links:

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

#203 - Metabolic health strategies for women | Dr. Stephanie Estima & Dr. Lauren Kelley-Chew Feb 23, 2023

Show notes

The ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and other nutritional strategies for metabolic health are unique when it comes to the female body. Hormonal changes over the menstrual cycle trajectory matter. Dr. Stephanie Estima and Dr. Lauren Kelley-Chew discuss women’s metabolic health, how to time nutritional strategies with the menstrual cycle, and why strength training is key.

🎙 WhatDr. Stephanie Estima & Lauren Kelley-Chew, MD, discuss:

(01:32) — A pitfall of the New Year’s resolution is the all-or-nothing goal

(06:21) — Setting smaller goals generates momentum

(21:37) — A ketogenic diet shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all, especially for women

(24:38) — Women can be more sensitive to caloric restriction

(33:14) — Nutrient timing can help mitigate a glucose spike from carbohydrates

(46:29) — The menstrual cycle may matter when it comes to intermittent fasting

(48:23) —A caloric liquid fast is an alternative to intermittent fasting

(54:45) — Strength training is crucial, even more so as we age

(56: 45) — Resistance training can also have cardiovascular benefits

(59:01) — The benefits of strength training can go beyond the physical

Transcript & Show notes

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup team builds a wellness movement from the ground up in the health and wellness tech industry.

🔗 Helpful links:

Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/75x8AyDOYF0

Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1
Connect with us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@levelshealth

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