Shows
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careFinding The Sweet Spot For Iron And HealthSend us a textIron can be the spark for energy or the fuel for oxidative fire—and most lab reports don’t tell you which side you’re on. We dig into what really matters: tighter ferritin targets, how genetics and food shape absorption, and why the “normal range” can still mean higher risk for stroke, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and insulin resistance.We start with the fundamentals—heme vs non‑heme iron, why absorption is so uneven, and how early CBC clues like a low MCV can flag deficiency before hemoglobin drops. From there we trace the o...
2026-02-0448 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careThe Quality of Darkness at Night: a major disruptor of metabolic and cardiovascular healthSend us a textA quiet glow at midnight can echo through your biology like a shout. We dig into new research showing that even modest night light is tied to higher risks of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and coronary disease—and we connect the dots to circadian rhythm, metabolism, and the choices we make at home every evening. This isn’t fearmongering; it’s a roadmap for reclaiming sleep, stabilizing blood pressure, and improving insulin sensitivity with tools you already have.We break down how light at night elevates stress hormones, flattens the noctur...
2026-01-2845 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careRethinking Alkaline Eating: What Really Drives Metabolic HealthSend us a textForget the hype about a food’s pH in your glass. What shapes your health is the acid produced after digestion—and how your kidneys manage it all day, every day. We unpack the science behind dietary acid load, explain the difference between DAL, PRAL, and NEAP, and show how a modern, grain-heavy pattern quietly raises acid burden while delivering minimal nutrients. The goal isn’t to fear protein; it’s to pair it with the right plants so bones, muscles, and metabolism get stronger together.We walk through how the kidneys...
2026-01-141h 00The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careHidden Metabolic Danger In “Healthy” AdultsSend us a textFeeling “fine” with normal labs can hide the earliest signs of metabolic trouble. We dive into a revealing study of young adults that compares sedentary people to those who simply meet activity guidelines, and what it uncovers inside their muscle cells is hard to ignore: lower mitochondrial respiration, poorer cardiolipin quality, higher lactate production, and a tilt toward glycolysis that predicts insulin resistance and chronic disease years before a diagnosis.We walk through why mitochondria—not BMI or a single glucose reading—are the real engines of health. You’ll hear how cardio...
2026-01-0941 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careUric Acid, The Hidden Metabolic SignalSend us a textA quiet lab number is telling a loud story about modern health. We dig into uric acid as a powerful signal of metabolic strain, connecting the dots between rising sugar intake, sodium overload, dehydration, and that stubborn fatigue and weight gain so many of us feel. Drawing on pioneering research from Richard Johnson and Robert Lustig, we break down how fructose doesn’t just sweeten food; it drains cellular energy, elevates uric acid, and flips an ancient “fat switch” designed for survival. In an era of constant abundance, that switch can stay stuck on, pu...
2025-12-3146 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careHow Exercise Intensity Shapes Longevity, Heart Health, And Metabolic ResilienceSend us a textA minute that leaves you breathless can rival eight minutes of comfortable effort. That’s the eye-opening takeaway we unpack as we dive into fresh UK Biobank data showing how vigorous activity dramatically outperforms moderate and light movement for reducing all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, diabetes, and even cancer risk. We strip away jargon and use the talk test—can you sing, speak, or barely get a sentence out?—so anyone can gauge intensity without a lab or a smartwatch.We explore why intensity pays off under the hood: stronger left ventricular functi...
2025-12-1753 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careCoffee, AFib, And What The Science SaysSend us a textCoffee and heart rhythm don’t have to be enemies. We dig into a new randomized trial across the US, Canada, and Australia suggesting that caffeinated coffee may lower the risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation compared with abstaining, then connect the dots with real-world monitoring, ablation strategy, and day-to-day choices that influence heart health.We start by grounding AFib in plain terms: what it is, why so many people never feel it, and how stroke risk rises when the atria stop driving a steady beat. From there, we step into the el...
2025-12-1135 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careThe Delicate Balance Between Oxidative Stress And AntioxidantsSend us a textMost wellness advice tries to stamp out oxidative stress. We make a different case: the right dose of stress is the signal that builds resilience. From the first snowfall chat to a deep dive on electrons, mitochondria, and energy flow, we walk through how redox balance—reduction and oxidation—is the unseen driver of better fitness, metabolism, and healthy aging. Rather than drowning your cells in pharmacologic antioxidant doses, we show why whole foods, intelligent training, and hormetic practices switch on the body’s superior, built-in defenses.We break down how reacti...
2025-12-0352 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careHow To Love Holiday Food That Loves You BackSend us a textThe table can be joyful and nourishing at the same time. We open the season with a simple promise: keep the flavors you love, swap the parts that don’t love you back. From a resistant starch gravy that boosts your microbiome to a mushroom-forward, breadless stuffing that hits all the nostalgic notes, we map a path to a Thanksgiving that tastes great and leaves you energized.We rethink side dishes through a health-first lens without losing comfort: slow-roasted sweet potatoes finished with cinnamon for better glycemic control, and an antioxidant-rich sp...
2025-11-2628 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careIf Light Is A Language, What Is Your Body Hearing?Send us a textWhat if your lighting is sending the wrong message to your biology? We dig into the science of light as information, showing how specific wavelengths trigger opsins in the eyes and skin to set circadian rhythm, shape metabolism, and influence mood, sleep, and aging. From violet and sky-blue that kick-start morning alertness to red and near-infrared that support mitochondrial function, collagen, and nitric oxide, we connect the dots between spectrum quality and everyday health.We unpack why standard LEDs, optimized for brightness and efficiency, often omit key wavelengths and oversupply blue...
2025-11-1949 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careIs Coconut Oil A Villain Or Just Misunderstood? Spoiler: It’s ComplicatedSend us a textCurious why coconut oil can raise LDL for some people yet still show up in diets that improve metabolic health, cognition, and body composition? We get clear on what coconut oil actually is—a family of saturated fats with a rare abundance of medium-chain triglycerides—and why MCTs create ketones that the brain and mitochondria can use even without fasting. Instead of stopping at cholesterol, we look at the fuller picture: insulin resistance, inflammation, triglycerides, and real-world outcomes that drive risk more than a single lab value.We dig into the diff...
2025-10-2242 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careYour gut can turn ellagic acid into urolithin A—and that shift may protect muscle, brain, and metabolismSend us a textIf pomegranates, raspberries, and walnuts could whisper a secret to your cells, it might be this: the right microbes can turn plant defense into human resilience. We dive into the journey from ellagic acid to urolithin A, mapping how polyphenols meet the microbiome to support mitochondrial function, muscle strength, and brain health. Along the way, we unpack the science of mitophagy, inflammation control, and metabolic signaling that ties colorful foods to better performance and longevity.We share why only an estimated 20–40% of people currently convert ellagic acid to urolithin A, and wh...
2025-10-1539 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careFour Days to Metabolic Flexibility: What a Danish Crossover Trial Reveals About Carbs, Fat, and Fatty LiverSend us a textA 35% drop in liver fat in under a week sounds impossible—until you see how a simple macro shift can redirect your metabolism. We dive into a Danish crossover study where calories stayed equal, protein held steady, and the only real change was carbohydrates versus fat. The result: rapid reductions in hepatic fat, lower triglycerides, improved insulin sensitivity, and clear signs of metabolic flexibility, all in four to five days. We unpack what that means for everyday eating, how to use CGM feedback to reduce glucose spikes, and why outcomes like organ fat an...
2025-10-0830 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careChildhood Night Light Exposure and the Hidden Cost of “Junk Light”Send us a textThe clock isn’t just on your wall—it’s in your cells. As autumn settles in and daylight wanes, we dig into how light acts as information for your biology, shaping sleep depth, hormone timing, and metabolic health. A standout 15-year cohort of 200,000+ children links persistent artificial light at night to higher obesity risk, and it pairs with wearable data from tens of thousands of people that reveals how little real sunlight most of us get—even at the height of summer.We break down what’s actually happening under the hood...
2025-10-0137 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careForest Bathing: Nature Heals Our DisconnectSend us a textNature deficit syndrome is silently affecting millions as we spend over 95% of our lives indoors beneath artificial lighting that disrupts our biology at the most fundamental level. Dr. Mark Pettus delivers a compelling exploration of this modern disconnection, introducing the powerful concept that our current "junk light" epidemic may soon be viewed with the same concern we now direct toward processed foods.Drawing from both scientific research and ancient wisdom traditions, Dr. Pettus reveals how the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) offers a profound antidote to our indoor, technology-dominated existence...
2025-05-0724 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careNourishing the Mind: Food, Light, and Lifestyle for Better MoodSend us a textAt a time when anxiety and depression rates are soaring across all age groups, Dr. Mark Pettus cuts through the noise with revelatory insights into how our daily choices shape our mental landscape. This compelling exploration connects the dots between what's on your plate, how you move through your day, and the remarkable resilience of your brain.Dr. Pettus introduces the concept of allostatic load—how our bodies interpret and respond to environmental stressors—and reveals why our modern lifestyle creates the perfect storm for mental health challenges. Rather than viewing mood...
2025-05-0132 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careLight as Medicine: How Natural Light Cycles Impact Health and LongevitySend us a textThe rhythms of nature have orchestrated human biology for millennia, but our modern lifestyle has disconnected us from these essential patterns. Dr. Mark Pettus takes us on a fascinating journey through the science of circadian rhythms, revealing how light serves as crucial information that synchronizes every cell in our bodies with the natural day-night cycle.From ancient Hippocrates to Nobel Prize-winning research, the evidence is clear: our bodies respond profoundly to light quality and timing. Yet today, we spend over 90% of our time indoors under artificial lighting that bears little resemblance...
2025-04-2133 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careBeyond Ozempic: The Natural Pathways to Enhanced GLP-1 ProductionSend us a textCurious about natural alternatives to expensive GLP-1 medications like Ozempic? Dr. Mark Pettus unveils powerful nutritional strategies to boost your body's own GLP-1 production for improved metabolic health and sustainable weight management.This eye-opening presentation dives into the fascinating relationship between your diet, gut microbiome, and GLP-1 production. Dr. Pettus, a kidney and integrative medicine specialist with 40 years of medical experience, explains how quality protein, healthy fats, fiber-rich foods, and even bitter-tasting ingredients can stimulate your natural GLP-1 pathways without prescription medications.You'll discover why the timing of your...
2025-04-0841 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-carePlaying with Fire: How Modern Lifestyle Fuels InflammationSend us a textChronic inflammation has emerged as one of the most significant drivers behind virtually all modern health challenges. In this thought-provoking exploration, Dr. Mark Pettus reveals why researchers now refer to inflammation as "the cause of everything" and introduces the concept of "inflammaging" – how chronic inflammation accelerates biological aging and compromises quality of life.Dr. Pettus takes us beyond conventional medical thinking to understand that while inflammation is an essential protective mechanism, it becomes destructive when chronically activated. Our modern environment, filled with processed foods, chronic stress, environmental toxins, and disrupted sleep pa...
2025-04-0339 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careEpigenetics: How well do you fit into your genes?Send us a textPrepare to have your understanding of genetics completely transformed. The revolutionary science of epigenetics reveals that you're not simply a prisoner of your DNA – you're actively participating in how your genes express themselves through every choice you make.Dr. Mark Pettus takes us on a fascinating journey through this emerging field that bridges the gap between fate and free will. Drawing on cutting-edge research and decades of clinical experience, he explains how our modern environment creates a profound mismatch with our ancient genetic template, setting the stage for chronic disease. The 21st...
2025-03-2637 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careCreatine: The Underrated Powerhouse for Muscle and Brain HealthSend us a textCreatine might be the most underappreciated nutritional powerhouse in our health toolkit. While many associate it exclusively with weightlifters and athletes, the science reveals a molecule with profound benefits reaching far beyond the gym.Mark Pettus MD and John Bagnulo PhD,MPH dive into creatine's fundamental role in human physiology as part of our body's most immediate energy production system – the ATP-PCR pathway. They unpack how this simple compound supports not just muscle strength and lean body mass, but potentially shields against age-related decline in both physical and cognitive function.
2025-03-1431 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careUnlocking the Power of Protein: Transform Your Health with Optimal Intake and Lean Body Mass MaintenanceSend us a textUnlock the secrets to a healthier, longer life by mastering the science behind protein intake. Discover the critical role of animal protein in maintaining lean body mass, boosting metabolic health, and combating age-related muscle loss. We challenge traditional views and outdated guidelines, bringing you insights from recent research and experts in the field to help you reassess the power of protein in your diet.With less than 10% of Americans achieving optimal metabolic health, it's time to rethink how much protein we really need. We explore groundbreaking studies by Dr. Luke von...
2025-01-3140 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careDoes Eating More Eggs Reduce Alzheimer's Disease Risk?Send us a textIn this first Health Edge podcast of 2025, Mark Pettus MD and John Bagnulo PhD, MPH review a 2024 study published in The Journal of Nutrition.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002231662400289X?via%3Dihubhttps://www.thehealthedgepodcast.com
2025-01-1729 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careInsulin Resistance: The Primary Driver of Modern DiseaseSend us a textIn this Health Edge recording, Mark describes a model of integrative health-lifestyle medicine that is distinctly different from current allopathic disease-based models. He examines the metabolic perfect storm of insulin resistance and inflammation as passports to accelerated aging, chronic complex disease risk and poor quality of life or healthspan. His slides can be downloaded at www.thehealthedgepodcast.com
2024-01-0453 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careStatin Use, LDL Reduction and the Magnitude of Cardiovascular BenefitSend us a textIn this episode of the Health Edge I review a recent meta-analysis examining the magnitude of cardiovascular benefit from taking statins for elevated LDL in both primary and secondary prevention.JAMA Intern Med. 2022;182(5):474-481. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0134 Published online March 14, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35285...
2023-12-2730 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careExploring the Health Benefits of Saturated Fats and Full-Fat DairySend us a textDo you ever feel like everything you've been told about healthy eating seems to be teetering on the edge of being overturned? Welcome to a mind-bending exploration where we question the status quo, particularly the demonization of full fat dairy and saturated fats. I'm diving deep into a groundbreaking study suggesting that pentadecanoic acid, a saturated fat found in full-fat dairy could actually promote health and contribute to our longevity. We challenge the shortcomings in the traditional medical model and its ability to promote health, and ponder the rapid expansion of knowledge in t...
2023-12-0541 min