Bionic Health Advisor Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan Recognized on Huberman Lab Podcast: A Deep Dive into Women's Health and Fitness
Bionic Health Advisor Spotlighted on Huberman Lab: Breakthrough Insights in Women's Health
At Bionic Health, we take pride in our world-class advisors who are at the forefront of health and fitness research. Recently, one of our esteemed advisors, Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan, received a notable mention on the renowned Huberman Lab podcast. This recognition not only highlights Dr. Smith-Ryan's expertise but also underscores the cutting-edge approach we take at Bionic Health. Let's explore the wealth of information shared in this episode and how it relates to our mission.
In this week's Huberman Lab podcast episode – renowned exercise physiologist – Dr. Stacy Sims, gave a special shoutout to Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan's research on nutrient timing in women. This acknowledgment on such a prestigious platform reinforces the significance of Dr. Smith-Ryan's work and, by extension, the expertise we bring to our clients at Bionic Health.
Key topics include:
Age-specific exercise and nutrition protocols for women
The impact of menstrual cycles on fitness
Optimal training combinations for body composition and longevity
Debunking common myths in women's health
Discover how the latest research is reshaping our approach to women's wellness, and learn why Bionic Health's collaboration with top experts like Dr. Smith-Ryan keeps us at the forefront of health innovation.
Don't miss this essential listen for anyone interested in optimizing women's health and performance!
From Stethoscopes to AI: How Technology is Transforming Healthcare
In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Michael Curren, a non-invasive cardiologist and medical informaticist, who shared his unique journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to becoming a pioneer in healthcare technology innovation.
A Legacy of Care
Growing up in Warren, Pennsylvania, Dr. Curren was inspired by his grandfather, a family physician whose impact on the community left an indelible mark. "I would walk around, and people would say 'your grandfather delivered me, he did this, he took off this mole.' I realized the impact that a person could have on other people in the community just by providing care to them," Dr. Curren recalls.
Bridging Medicine and Technology
While maintaining an active cardiology practice, Dr. Curren discovered a passion for medical informatics – the intersection of healthcare and technology. His motivation? Making a broader impact on patient care beyond the exam room. "There's more to delivering care on an individual level," he explains. "You can impact a lot more people through technology and healthcare IT."
The Power of Asking Questions
Dr. Curren's path to informatics began with curiosity. "I just asked questions," he says. What started as participation in EHR focus groups evolved into a career in medical informatics he "never anticipated" when starting as an intern in 2013. His advice for others interested in the field? "Never say no to an opportunity to ask a question or participate in a content review session."
Technology's Promise in Healthcare
When discussing the future of healthcare technology, Dr. Curren's excitement is palpable. He highlights several transformative developments:
Patient portal scheduling breaking down access barriers
Wearable devices enabling early diagnosis
AI-powered tools helping manage and analyze patient data
Despite his enthusiasm for technology, Dr. Curren emphasizes that the human element of healthcare isn't going anywhere. "I'm not fearful of technology taking my job or really any clinical person's job," he states. Instead, he sees technology augmenting healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus on more complex cases and deliver better care.
A Timeless Mission
Dr. Curren closes with a powerful reminder about healthcare's fundamental purpose: "Focus on what we are trying to do, which is create better health for people, whether they are healthy and want to remain healthy, or if they are sick and want to get healthy again."
He draws a fascinating parallel between modern healthcare innovation and the invention of the stethoscope by a French physician-musician in the early 1800s. This historical example illustrates how combining different expertise – whether music and medicine then, or clinical practice and technology now – can lead to transformative healthcare innovations.
Looking Forward
While acknowledging challenges, particularly around data security, Dr. Curren remains optimistic about healthcare's future. His vision is one where technology enhances rather than replaces the human touch in medicine, enabling healthcare providers to deliver better, more accessible care to all.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and welcome 00:22 - Mike's background and journey to medicine 02:14 - Decision to become a cardiologist 04:15 - Impact of medical informatics on healthcare 06:34 - How healthcare initiatives are developed 14:36 - Exciting developments in healthcare technology 16:36 - Discussion of wearable medical devices 20:08 - Future of AI assistance in healthcare 27:20 - Concerns about healthcare technology 29:34 - Closing thoughts on patient-focused care
From Professional Cyclist to Paleo Advocate: A Conversation with Trevor Connor
In a recent episode of the Bionic Health podcast, Dr. Jared Pelo sat down with Trevor Connor, a former professional cyclist turned nutrition expert, to discuss the transformative power of whole-food nutrition and the often-misunderstood principles of the Paleo diet.
An Unexpected Journey to Paleo
Trevor’s story begins with skepticism. As a professional cyclist trained in traditional sports nutrition—which emphasized consuming maximum simple sugars—he initially rejected the Paleo diet concepts taught by Dr. Loren Cordain at Colorado State University. "I sat there in the class, just angry because everything he was teaching me, I'm like, yeah, this is wrong," Trevor recalls.
However, after spending a summer trying to disprove Cordain's teachings through research, Trevor found himself gradually accepting the evidence. The real breakthrough came when he adopted the diet himself: at age 39, after previously retiring from professional cycling, he returned to racing and achieved a top-10 national ranking at age 40.
Debunking the "Simple Sugar" Myth
One of the most significant shifts in Trevor’s understanding came from challenging the conventional wisdom about carbohydrates and simple sugars. While traditional sports nutrition advocated for 65-70% carbohydrate diets, Trevor discovered that focusing on healthy fats and eliminating simple sugars improved both his performance and overall health.
"When I switched to the Paleo diet, [frequent illnesses] went away. I just stopped getting sick," Trevor explains, highlighting how his body responded to the dietary change.
Making Paleo Accessible
Trevor emphasizes that the Paleo diet isn't about rigid rules but rather about eating foods that align with our evolutionary history:
Abundant fruits and vegetables
High-quality meats and fish
Nuts and seeds
Minimal processed foods
Limited or no grains and dairy
He stresses that the diet's success lies in its focus on nutrient density rather than just calorie counting. "When you are eating less processed foods, when you're eating fruits, vegetables, high-quality meats, fish, they're packed with nutrients," Trevor explains.
The Hunger-Nutrient Connection
One of the most fascinating insights Trevor shares is about the relationship between hunger and nutrient deficiency. He suggests that many people overeat because their bodies are seeking specific nutrients rather than just calories. "When we are hungry, our body's usually saying, I need this nutrient or I need that nutrient," he explains, noting how people often find themselves consuming fewer calories but feeling more satisfied when eating nutrient-dense foods.
Practical Tips for Transition
Trevor advocates for a gradual approach to dietary changes, comparing it to athletic training: "If you have a new athlete that's coming off the couch, the thing you would never do with them is say, okay, I'm going to give you a Tour de France athlete's training plan."
His recommendations for getting started include:
Begin by adding healthy foods rather than focusing on elimination
Start with fruits and vegetables
Incorporate higher quality meats
Allow time for taste preferences to adjust
Make gradual changes rather than dramatic overhauls
The 90/10 Rule
Importantly, Trevor dismisses the need for absolute perfectionism in following the diet. "When anybody tries to be 100%, they inevitably fail," he notes. Instead, he encourages people to enjoy occasional treats without guilt, emphasizing that it's better to have real cake occasionally than to constantly seek out "Paleo-approved" versions of processed foods.
Making It Sustainable
Trevor’s personal approach to maintaining this lifestyle is refreshingly practical. He dedicates Sunday nights to meal prep, grilling various proteins for the week ahead and combining them with different vegetables for quick, nutrient-dense meals. This strategy makes healthy eating sustainable even with a busy schedule.
Looking to Learn More?
For those interested in exploring the Paleo diet further, Trevor recommends visiting thepaleodiet.com, where you can find recipes, meal plans, grocery lists, and evidence-based information about the diet's principles. The website focuses on making the diet accessible and practical for everyday life.
Through this conversation, Trevor demonstrates that the path to better nutrition isn't about strict rules or dramatic restrictions—it's about making sustainable changes that align with our body's natural needs while acknowledging the realities of modern life.
Key Timestamps:
[00:17] Trevor Connor's background as a professional cyclist
[01:06] Initial skepticism of the Paleo diet in Dr. Cordain's class
[02:06] Return to professional cycling at age 39-40
[03:15] Challenging traditional sports nutrition beliefs
[07:06] Definition of the Paleo diet and evolutionary eating
[12:47] Practical tips for transitioning to healthier eating
[14:04] Discussion of hunger signals and nutrient needs
[21:04] Approach to occasional treats and diet flexibility
[25:28] Personal meal prep strategies and implementation
The Microbiome: Important Yet Mysterious - A Practical Perspective
In recent years, the microbiome has become a buzzy topic in health and wellness circles. But what exactly is it, and how should we approach microbiome health? Let's cut through the hype and look at what we actually know.
What is the Microbiome?
The microbiome consists of all the bacteria living on and in your body:
In your mouth
On your skin
In your intestines
And other areas
While viruses are sometimes included in discussions of the microbiome, they generally don't contribute beneficial effects like bacteria do.
The Testing Dilemma
Despite the growing interest in microbiome testing, there's a catch: comprehensive genomic testing of your full microbiome is prohibitively expensive. This leads to an important question: what's actually worth doing when it comes to microbiome health?
A Practical Approach
Instead of extensive testing, here's what we know works:
Targeted Testing
Focus on testing when there are specific symptoms
Look for specific infections or problems in the intestines
Save comprehensive testing for when it's truly needed
Diet Modifications
Emphasize high-fiber foods
Include foods that specifically feed beneficial bacteria
Recent research highlight: Just half a cup of navy beans daily can increase microbiome diversity and healthy pre/postbiotics
The Current State of Knowledge
It's important to understand that while the microbiome is undoubtedly important, our understanding is still evolving. Think about this: 400 years ago, we didn't even know bacteria were important. Today, we're still uncovering new insights about how these microscopic organisms affect our health.
Key Takeaways
The microbiome is crucial for health
We don't need extensive testing for everyone
Simple dietary changes can improve microbiome health
Focus on practical interventions rather than expensive testing
Our knowledge is growing but still incomplete
The Bottom Line
While the microbiome isn't the "end all be all" of health, it's an important piece of the puzzle. The good news is that you can support your microbiome health through simple, practical steps - particularly through diet - without needing expensive testing or complex interventions.
Remember: Sometimes the simplest interventions, like adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet, can have the most significant impact on your microbiome health.
