Podcast Summary: Episode #35 featuring Dr. David Jockers on The Dylan Gemelli Podcast
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Title: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Cholesterol, Avoiding Grains, Healthy Fats, Intermittent Fasting, Mitochondria, and Essential Foods
1. Introduction
In Episode #35 of The Dylan Gemelli Podcast, host Dylan Gemelli welcomes renowned functional nutrition expert Dr. David Jockers. Dr. Jockers is celebrated for his work in brain health, autoimmune protocols, fasting, and digestion. With over 235,000 YouTube subscribers and author of two influential books, Dr. Jockers brings a wealth of knowledge to this insightful discussion.
2. Personal Backgrounds and Shared Vision
Dylan begins the conversation by exploring Dr. Jockers' journey into the health and nutrition field. Dr. Jockers shares how his mother's transition from modern medicine to naturopathy inspired his interest in functional health. Growing up, he experienced firsthand the impact of diet on health, which led him to pursue a career as a chiropractor and later focus on functional nutrition.
Dr. Jockers [01:50]: "What I learned from her was that the food I eat impacts my health and performance and how I show up in life."
3. The Importance of Chiropractic in Overall Health
The discussion shifts to chiropractic care, where Dr. Jockers elaborates on its significance beyond mere spinal adjustments. He explains how proper spinal alignment ensures optimal communication between the brain and body, reducing inflammation and enhancing overall health.
Dr. Jockers [08:10]: "The chiropractic philosophy is that the body doesn't need any help to heal; it just needs no interference."
Dylan shares his personal experiences with chiropractic care, highlighting its role in alleviating his own physical ailments.
4. Debunking the Low-Fat Diet Myth
A significant portion of the episode addresses the misconceptions surrounding low-fat diets. Dr. Jockers traces the origins of the low-fat craze to the 1980s, influenced by figures like Ancel Keys, who erroneously linked dietary fat to heart disease.
Dr. Jockers [16:45]: "The idea that fat makes you fat is so easy to remember, and that's where the low-fat diet trend caught on."
He clarifies the vital roles of cholesterol, particularly LDL and HDL particles, explaining that not all LDL is harmful and emphasizing the importance of particle size and inflammation over mere cholesterol levels.
5. Understanding Cholesterol: Beyond the Basics
Dr. Jockers provides an in-depth analysis of cholesterol, distinguishing between large, fluffy LDL particles and small, dense ones. He underscores the importance of comprehensive lipid profiling rather than relying solely on standard cholesterol panels.
Dr. Jockers [16:45]: "LDL is a bus carrying valuable cargo like phospholipids and fat-soluble vitamins essential for cell membrane integrity."
He advocates for measuring the triglyceride to HDL ratio and other inflammatory markers to gain a clearer picture of heart health.
6. Comprehensive Testing for Optimal Health
Dylan expresses his admiration for Dr. Jockers' detailed breakdown of cholesterol, noting its superiority over conventional cardiologist insights. They delve into the significance of comprehensive metabolic profiles, including markers like LDL particle subtypes and inflammatory indicators.
Dylan Gemelli [26:16]: "Your triglyceride to HDL ratio should ideally be close to one, indicating healthier LDL particles."
7. The Role of Intermittent Fasting and Metabolic Flexibility
The conversation transitions to intermittent fasting, where Dr. Jockers emphasizes its benefits in enhancing metabolic flexibility and promoting cellular autophagy. He explains how fasting allows the body to switch efficiently between burning sugar and fat for fuel, fostering resilient mitochondria.
Dr. Jockers [32:00]: "Intermittent fasting creates a more efficient human being by promoting autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis."
Dylan shares his personal regimen, highlighting the transformative effects of adopting an intermittent fasting lifestyle.
8. Healthy Fats: MCT vs. SCT and Their Benefits
Addressing the importance of healthy fats, Dr. Jockers differentiates between Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) and Short Chain Triglycerides (SCT). He discusses their digestion pathways and specific benefits, such as enhanced ketone production and mitochondrial support.
Dr. Jockers [49:45]: "MCTs quickly turn into ketones, which downregulate inflammation and serve as a potent energy source for the brain."
He advocates for incorporating both MCT and SCT oils into the diet to maximize health benefits, including improved mental clarity and sustained energy levels.
9. Grain-Free Diet: Why Grains May Not Be Ideal
Dr. Jockers articulates his stance against grains, citing their low nutrient density and high insulinogenic properties. He critiques the high carbohydrate content and presence of plant defense chemicals like lectins and gluten, which can drive inflammation.
Dr. Jockers [55:32]: "Grains are not an essential part of the diet and can hinder metabolic flexibility by elevating blood sugar and insulin levels."
He suggests prioritizing high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and colorful vegetables over grains to optimize health and metabolic function.
10. Top 5 Essential Foods for Optimal Health
Towards the end of the episode, Dr. Jockers outlines his top five essential foods, emphasizing their nutrient density and health benefits:
- Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and enzymes that support digestion.
- Eggs (Pasture-Raised): High in vitamins, choline, and lutein, essential for brain and cellular health.
- Grass-Fed Beef: Packed with conjugated linoleic acid, zinc, and carnitine for muscle protection and metabolism.
- Wild-Caught Salmon: High in omega-3s and astaxanthin, promoting heart and brain health.
- Pomegranate: Loaded with polyphenols like olagic acid that support gut health and mitochondrial function.
Dr. Jockers [58:32]: "Grass-fed beef is nutrient-dense and supports muscle recovery and immune function."
Dylan shares his personal adherence to these essentials, noting significant improvements in his physique and overall well-being.
11. Personalized Nutrition: The Key to Success
Concluding the discussion, both Dylan and Dr. Jockers agree on the necessity of personalized nutrition plans. They emphasize listening to one's body, monitoring energy levels, and adjusting dietary habits accordingly to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Dr. Jockers [70:08]: "The best diet is a personalized diet, tailored to how you feel and respond to different foods."
12. Final Thoughts and Future Collaborations
The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation between Dylan and Dr. Jockers, expressing eagerness for future collaborations. Dr. Jockers encourages listeners to explore his resources for deeper insights into functional nutrition.
Dr. Jockers [75:07]: "Visit DrJockers.com for the best articles and infographics on major health topics."
Dylan signs off by lauding the episode's depth and inviting listeners to stay tuned for more enlightening discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Cholesterol Understanding: Not all LDL is harmful; focus on particle size and inflammatory markers.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate both MCT and SCT oils for optimal brain and cellular health.
- Intermittent Fasting: Enhances metabolic flexibility and promotes mitochondrial health.
- Grain-Free Diet: Reducing grain intake can improve metabolic health and reduce inflammation.
- Essential Foods: Prioritize nutrient-dense foods like avocados, pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and pomegranates.
- Personalization: Tailor your diet based on individual responses and comprehensive health markers.
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Jockers [01:50]: "What I learned from her was that the food I eat impacts my health and performance and how I show up in life."
- Dylan Gemelli [26:16]: "Your triglyceride to HDL ratio should ideally be close to one, indicating healthier LDL particles."
- Dr. Jockers [49:45]: "MCTs quickly turn into ketones, which downregulate inflammation and serve as a potent energy source for the brain."
- Dr. Jockers [58:32]: "Grass-fed beef is nutrient-dense and supports muscle recovery and immune function."
- Dr. Jockers [70:08]: "The best diet is a personalized diet, tailored to how you feel and respond to different foods."
This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of modern nutrition myths, effective dietary strategies, and the profound impact of personalized nutrition on overall health. Whether you're a seasoned health enthusiast or just beginning your wellness journey, Dylan Gemelli and Dr. David Jockers provide valuable insights to enhance your quality of life.