Adjunct Professor, Biotech Entrepreneur and former Head of Research at Virta Health, Dr James McCarter (MD, PhD), is today’s guest interview.

James is back with us today to debunk the top 12 common myths about the ketogenic diet for diabetics.

He uses data from peer reviewed studies as well as Virta’s own data from following Type 2 diabetics to explain why these claims against low carb or ketogenic diet are not true.

We then find out about what the reality is when it comes to sustainability, ketoacidosis, blood-sugar, cardiovascular disease and cholesterol, inflammation, thyroid hormones, as well as the effect on the kidneys, the liver, bones and muscle.

We also go into discussing the new 2019 ADA guidelines and the effects of diabetic medication.

Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 98 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep98-dr-james-mccarter/ for more links & highlights.

Adjunct Professor, Biotech Entrepreneur and former Head of Research at Virta Health, Dr James McCarter (MD, PhD), is today&rsquo;s guest interview.
James is back with us today to debunk the top 12 common myths about the ketogenic diet for diabetics.
He uses data from peer reviewed studies as well as Virta&rsquo;s own data from following Type 2 diabetics to explain why these claims against low carb or ketogenic diet are not true.
We then find out about what the reality is when it comes to sustainability, ketoacidosis, blood-sugar, cardiovascular disease and cholesterol, inflammation, thyroid hormones, as well as the effect on the kidneys, the liver, bones and muscle.
We also go into discussing the new 2019 ADA guidelines and the effects of diabetic medication.
Go to the show notes for <a href="https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep98-dr-james-mccarter/">BioHackers Lab podcast episode 98</a> at <a href="https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep98-dr-james-mccarter/">https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep98-dr-james-mccarter/</a> for more links &amp; highlights.

The BioHackers Lab podcast explores how to improve your health including your gut, mind, and body so that you can live the best life you can. Lifestyle changes you make can be customised to how your body works. This is biohacking your own ideal life. Your host, Gary Kirwan, talks with people all around the world who are helping to improve health in interesting ways. This may includes different diets, using certain supplements, using exercise, mind training & health gadgets. The ideas shared are meant to be actionable so that you can start creating a better you starting today. Please go to the website https://www.biohackerslab.com for all episodes and summary notes from interviews.

The BioHackers Lab podcast explores how to improve your health including your gut, mind, and body so that you can live the best life you can. Lifestyle changes you make can be customised to how your body works. This is biohacking your own ideal life. Your host, Gary Kirwan, talks with people all around the world who are helping to improve health in interesting ways. This may includes different diets, using certain supplements, using exercise, mind training &amp; health gadgets. The ideas shared are meant to be actionable so that you can start creating a better you starting today. Please go to the website <a href="https://www.biohackerslab.com">https://www.biohackerslab.com</a> for all episodes and summary notes from interviews.

Discover How to Biohack Your Mind, Body and Gut Health For a Better You

BioHackers Lab: Health Show for How to Live Your Best Life

A health podcast show about biohacking your own ideal life. Your host, Gary Kirwan, talks with people all around the world who are helping to improve health in interesting ways. This may includes diet, supplements, exercise, mind training & gadgets. The ideas shared are meant to be actionable so you can start creating a better you starting today.

For more information about Biohackers Lab please go to the website BiohackersLab.com

A health podcast show about biohacking your own ideal life. Your host, Gary Kirwan, talks with people all around the world who are helping to improve health in interesting ways. This may includes diet, supplements, exercise, mind training &amp; gadgets. The ideas shared are meant to be actionable so you can start creating a better you starting today.
For more information about Biohackers Lab please go to the website <a href="https://www.biohackerslab.com">BiohackersLab.com</a>

BioHackers Lab

Is Keto Safe for Diabetics? (Myths vs Facts) • Dr James McCarter

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Iain Campbell, a metabolic psychiatry researcher at the University of Edinburgh, to explore the emerging science behind using ketogenic diets as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder and other serious mental health conditions.

With both scientific expertise and lived experience of bipolar type II, Iain shares how nutritional ketosis may be more than just a physical health tool — it might be a game-changer for mental health too. We dive into the connection between metabolism, brain energy, glutamate, circadian rhythms, and psychiatric medications — and what happens when these systems go off balance.

Whether you're dealing with bipolar disorder, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the future of psychiatry, this episode offers deep insights and real hope.

00:00 Introduction & Why Metabolic Psychiatry Matters

01:57 Ketogenic Diet & Bipolar Disorder – Where It All Began

03:21 Iain’s Personal Battle with Bipolar & Path to Discovery

05:10 The Link Between Ketosis and Mood Stabilization

08:11 Ketone Levels – What’s Optimal for Mental Health?

12:20 Exogenous Ketones & MCT Oil for Rapid Relief

13:35 Evolution, Ketosis & Our Modern Diet

14:44 Ketosis, Mania, and Glutamate Explained

17:00 Fixing the “Engine” – Root-Cause Mental Health Solutions

18:18 The Spring Equinox & Seasonal Triggers in Bipolar

21:06 Evolutionary Advantage of Bipolar Genes?

22:25 Managing Mood Swings Through Diet

24:01 Insulin Resistance as a Driver of Psychiatric Disorders

26:37 Who Else Could Benefit from This Approach?

28:05 A Breakthrough Moment in Psychiatry’s Acceptance

31:00 How a Tweet Changed Everything

33:18 The Future of Metabolic Psychiatry Research

34:34 Diet + Medication – Why Integration Matters

36:38 The Power of a Patient-Driven Movement

39:02 Rethinking Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications

42:09 Can We Prevent Mental Illness with Early Intervention?

43:29 Hope for Young People Facing a Diagnosis 44:15 Upcoming Research & What’s Next

 ▬▬ Links ▬▬▬▬▬

Follow Dr. Iain Campbell: @iaincampbellphd

Learn more at: https://www.ketoforbipolar.com

Watch his patient interview series: Keto for Bipolar on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SaWFpW2U8o&list=PLzWI83-NWCL5wLVxPUIjg9fP92sl7bdhP

Dr. Chris Palmer’s work: https://www.brainenergy.com

Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing!

✅ Check out the episode including all the extra show note links here: 

✅ Link to this YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/UZRkupq7ZCM

✅ Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/biohackerslab

✅ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiohackersLab

✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackers.lab/

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might benefit from this groundbreaking discussion. Your support helps us keep bringing these important conversations to light!

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Iain Campbell, a metabolic psychiatry researcher at the University of Edinburgh, to explore the emerging science behind using ketogenic diets as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder and other serious mental health conditions.
With both scientific expertise and lived experience of bipolar type II, Iain shares how nutritional ketosis may be more than just a physical health tool &mdash; it might be a game-changer for mental health too. We dive into the connection between metabolism, brain energy, glutamate, circadian rhythms, and psychiatric medications &mdash; and what happens when these systems go off balance.
Whether you're dealing with bipolar disorder, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the future of psychiatry, this episode offers deep insights and real hope.
00:00 Introduction &amp; Why Metabolic Psychiatry Matters
01:57 Ketogenic Diet &amp; Bipolar Disorder &ndash; Where It All Began
03:21 Iain&rsquo;s Personal Battle with Bipolar &amp; Path to Discovery
05:10 The Link Between Ketosis and Mood Stabilization
08:11 Ketone Levels &ndash; What&rsquo;s Optimal for Mental Health?
12:20 Exogenous Ketones &amp; MCT Oil for Rapid Relief
13:35 Evolution, Ketosis &amp; Our Modern Diet
14:44 Ketosis, Mania, and Glutamate Explained
17:00 Fixing the &ldquo;Engine&rdquo; &ndash; Root-Cause Mental Health Solutions
18:18 The Spring Equinox &amp; Seasonal Triggers in Bipolar
21:06 Evolutionary Advantage of Bipolar Genes?
22:25 Managing Mood Swings Through Diet
24:01 Insulin Resistance as a Driver of Psychiatric Disorders
26:37 Who Else Could Benefit from This Approach?
28:05 A Breakthrough Moment in Psychiatry&rsquo;s Acceptance
31:00 How a Tweet Changed Everything
33:18 The Future of Metabolic Psychiatry Research
34:34 Diet + Medication &ndash; Why Integration Matters
36:38 The Power of a Patient-Driven Movement
39:02 Rethinking Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications
42:09 Can We Prevent Mental Illness with Early Intervention?
43:29 Hope for Young People Facing a Diagnosis 44:15 Upcoming Research &amp; What&rsquo;s Next
&nbsp;▬▬ Links ▬▬▬▬▬
Follow Dr. Iain Campbell: @iaincampbellphd
Learn more at: <a href="https://www.ketoforbipolar.com">https://www.ketoforbipolar.com</a>
Watch his patient interview series: Keto for Bipolar on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SaWFpW2U8o&amp;list=PLzWI83-NWCL5wLVxPUIjg9fP92sl7bdhP">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SaWFpW2U8o&amp;list=PLzWI83-NWCL5wLVxPUIjg9fP92sl7bdhP</a>
Dr. Chris Palmer&rsquo;s work: <a href="https://www.brainenergy.com">https://www.brainenergy.com</a>
Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing!
✅ Check out the episode including all the extra show note links here:&nbsp;
✅ Link to this YouTube Video: <a href="https://youtu.be/UZRkupq7ZCM">https://youtu.be/UZRkupq7ZCM</a>
✅ Follow us on Twitter: <a href="https://x.com/biohackerslab">https://x.com/biohackerslab</a>
✅ Follow us on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BiohackersLab">https://www.facebook.com/BiohackersLab</a>
✅ Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/biohackers.lab/">https://www.instagram.com/biohackers.lab/</a>
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might benefit from this groundbreaking discussion. Your support helps us keep bringing these important conversations to light!

Can a Ketogenic Diet Treat Bipolar Disorder? | Dr. Iain Campbell

On this episode of Biohackers Lab I talk to Dr. Glen Jeffery from University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology about his groundbreaking red light therapy research.

Learn how red light can improve our vision by recharging retinal mitochondria and even help control blood sugar levels by affecting systemic mitochondrial functions.

Dr. Jeffery shares insights on the mechanisms of red light therapy, the implications of light sources on health, and the potential to enhance quality of life through innovative lighting solutions. Discover the fascinating applications and benefits of red light therapy in both eye health and metabolic regulation.

00:00 Recharging the Battery
00:50 Intro
01:33 Discovering the Power of Red Light
02:47 Mitochondria: The Cellular Batteries
04:26 Red Light Therapy for Vision Improvement
06:38 Aging and Mitochondria
12:05 Clinical Trials and Challenges
14:38 Innovative Applications of Red Light
18:10 The Impact of Light Bulbs on Vision
21:03 The Incandescent Light Bulb Dilemma
22:15 The Impact of LED Lighting on Health
23:17 Innovations in LED Technology
26:31 The Cost of Poor Lighting
31:48 Red Light Therapy and Blood Sugar Control
37:33 Red Light Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
40:49 The Future of Lighting and Health
42:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing!

✅ Link to this YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/0Hiu6FP_auI

✅ Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/biohackerslab

✅ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiohackersLab

✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackers.lab/

On this episode of Biohackers Lab I talk to Dr. Glen Jeffery from University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology about his groundbreaking red light therapy research.
Learn how red light can improve our vision by recharging retinal mitochondria and even help control blood sugar levels by affecting systemic mitochondrial functions.
Dr. Jeffery shares insights on the mechanisms of red light therapy, the implications of light sources on health, and the potential to enhance quality of life through innovative lighting solutions. Discover the fascinating applications and benefits of red light therapy in both eye health and metabolic regulation.
00:00 Recharging the Battery 00:50 Intro 01:33 Discovering the Power of Red Light 02:47 Mitochondria: The Cellular Batteries 04:26 Red Light Therapy for Vision Improvement 06:38 Aging and Mitochondria 12:05 Clinical Trials and Challenges 14:38 Innovative Applications of Red Light 18:10 The Impact of Light Bulbs on Vision 21:03 The Incandescent Light Bulb Dilemma 22:15 The Impact of LED Lighting on Health 23:17 Innovations in LED Technology 26:31 The Cost of Poor Lighting 31:48 Red Light Therapy and Blood Sugar Control 37:33 Red Light Therapy for Parkinson's Disease 40:49 The Future of Lighting and Health 42:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing!
✅ Link to this YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/0Hiu6FP_auI
✅ Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/biohackerslab
✅ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiohackersLab
✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackers.lab/

How Red Light Helps Our Vision and Blood Glucose Levels: Dr Glen Jeffery PhD

On this episode of Biohackers Lab I talk to Chris Cornell. We discuss Chris's incredible journey of transformation. Despite being in poor shape at 51, Chris turned his life around through dedication to nutrition and fitness, achieving peak health well into his 60s.

He shares how a low-carb diet and resistance training helped him lose excess weight sustainably and regain physical strength and muscle growth, all while overcoming challenges along the way like a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Chris also delves into his approach to satiety, meal replacements, and the importance of setting simple, consistent rules for achieving long-term fitness goals. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to make meaningful lifestyle changes, regardless of age.

00:00 Intro
04:05 Was It a low carb lifestyle that made the difference?
09:56 Upping protein intake
11:19 Cancer diagnosis, how did Chris manage to get through it? 
14:26 Exercising as a part of the journey
18:13 How long did it take Chris until he could do his first pull up? 
22:54 It's still achievable to go after your goals, even in your fifties
26:33 HLTH Code meal replacement experiment
33:03 Protein in the morning
35:26 Feeling satisfied with the food that you eat reduces the hunger
37:27 Explaining satiety to a potential client
43:41 Implementing consistency
45:23 What is Chris's next goal?
49:48 Six rules for simplicity and success

Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing!

Link to YouTube video of this interview: https://youtu.be/cupTlVF6xTM

On this episode of Biohackers Lab I talk to <a href="https://x.com/BiggestComeback">Chris Cornell</a>. We discuss Chris's incredible journey of transformation. Despite being in poor shape at 51, Chris turned his life around through dedication to nutrition and fitness, achieving peak health well into his 60s.
He shares how a low-carb diet and resistance training helped him lose excess weight sustainably and regain physical strength and muscle growth, all while overcoming challenges along the way like a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Chris also delves into his approach to satiety, meal replacements, and the importance of setting simple, consistent rules for achieving long-term fitness goals. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to make meaningful lifestyle changes, regardless of age.
00:00 Intro 04:05 Was It a low carb lifestyle that made the difference? 09:56 Upping protein intake 11:19 Cancer diagnosis, how did Chris manage to get through it?&nbsp; 14:26 Exercising as a part of the journey 18:13 How long did it take Chris until he could do his first pull up?&nbsp; 22:54 It's still achievable to go after your goals, even in your fifties 26:33 HLTH Code meal replacement experiment 33:03 Protein in the morning 35:26 Feeling satisfied with the food that you eat reduces the hunger 37:27 Explaining satiety to a potential client 43:41 Implementing consistency 45:23 What is Chris's next goal? 49:48 Six rules for simplicity and success
Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing! Link to YouTube video of this interview: https://youtu.be/cupTlVF6xTM

Is Keto Safe for Diabetics? (Myths vs Facts) • Dr James McCarter

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