Lecture Notes: Bioenergetic Medicine and Cortisol

Introduction

• Speaker: Georgie Dinkoff, advocate of bioenergetic medicine developed by Ray Peet.
• Focus: Impact of cortisol in chronic conditions and general health.

Cortisol and Health

• Cortisol is often elevated in chronic conditions.
• It is catabolic to the brain, worsening mood and potentially causing depression.
• Elevated cortisol does not decline with age, unlike anti-cortisol hormones (pregnenolone, progesterone, DHEA).
• Blocking or reducing cortisol can improve health and appearance.

Cortisol's Role and Impact

• Known as a rescue hormone; responsible for maintaining glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemic coma.
• Also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
• Anabolic steroids work by being anti-cortisol, not directly on muscles.
• High cortisol accelerates aging; reducing it is a biohacking goal.

Glucose Metabolism and Diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes can be treated by reducing body fat, which restores glucose metabolism.
• Problem isn't glucose itself, but excessive body fat hindering glucose processing.
• Elevated blood glucose is often treated symptomatically rather than by addressing root causes.

Dietary Considerations

• Balance between carbs and fats is critical; excessive fats disrupt glucose metabolism.
• Ideal fat intake should be below 30% to allow efficient glucose use by mitochondria.

The Randall Cycle

• Body can only burn one fuel at a time (either fats or carbs).
• High fat intake (>30%) prevents efficient glucose use.

Effects of Cortisol on Brain and Mood

• High cortisol leads to brain atrophy and smaller brain volume in depressed individuals.
• Cortisol elevation due to low blood sugar is more dangerous than high blood sugar.

Dietary Adjustments for Optimal Health

• Reduce fat intake to optimize glucose metabolism.
• Dietary modifications can significantly impact health outcomes.

Autophagy and Carbohydrates

• Eating carbs doesn't necessarily suppress autophagy as commonly believed.
• Safe carbs like honey, maple syrup, or fruits are preferable before bed to avoid cortisol spikes.

Endotoxin and Resistant Starches

• Resistant starches feed gut bacteria leading to endotoxin production, causing inflammation.
• Avoid resistant starches to prevent digestive and metabolic issues.

Practical Dietary Advice

• Balance protein intake around 15% of diet.
• Avoid resistant starches and ensure fat intake is moderate.
• Monitor cognitive function, sleep quality, and exercise capacity as indicators of dietary balance.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding the roles of cortisol and diet in managing chronic health conditions.
• Emphasis on reducing body fat and carefully balancing macronutrient intake to improve metabolic health.

Remember to focus on these key concepts when studying, and consider how they apply to real-life dietary and health decisions.