In this episode, Rick Johnson, Professor of Nephrology at the University of Colorado, explains how his research into the causes of blood pressure resulted in a change of research direction to focus more on how fructose has such profound metabolic effects. Rick discusses the relationship between salt and high blood pressure, provides a masterclass into uric acid, and expertly reveals the mechanisms and pathways by which sugar (specifically fructose) can profoundly impact metabolic health. From there, he explains how he applies this information to real life patients, as well as touches on some of the most promising ideas around pharmacotherapy that are being developed in response to the epidemics of fatty liver, insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity. Furthermore, Rick gives his take on artificial sweeteners compared to real sugar, discusses cancer’s affinity for fructose, and much more.
We discuss:
The connection between blood pressure and fructose that shifted Rick’s professional focus [4:00];
The relationship between salt and blood pressure (and the role of sugar) [5:45];
Defining fructose, glucose, and sugar [19:30];
An ancient mutation in apes that explains why humans turn fructose into fat so easily [23:00];
The problems with elevated uric acid levels, and what it tells us about how sugar causes disease [31:30];
How sugar causes obesity—explaining the difference in glucose vs. fructose metabolism and the critical pathway induced by fructose [40:00];
Why drinking sugar is worse than eating it [50:00];
Unique ability of sugar to drive oxidative stress to the mitochondria, insulin resistance, and diabetes [54:00];
Why cancer loves fructose [1:00:15];
The many areas of the body that can use fructose [1:05:00];
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Peter Attia, MD. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Peter Attia, MD och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.