Podcast Summary: The Dylan Gemelli Podcast – Episode #42 Featuring Dr. Elizabeth Yurth Part 2
Release Date: August 7, 2025
1. Introduction and Expert Insight
In Episode #42 of The Dylan Gemelli Podcast, host Dylan Gemelli engages in an in-depth conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, a renowned figure in the health and biohacking community. Dylan expresses profound respect and admiration for Dr. Yurth, highlighting her as a critical mentor and trusted resource in his quest for accurate health information.
Dylan Gemelli [00:17]: "She is one of my go-to resources of information... I look up to her and I find her to be one of the most valuable assets in our community."
Dr. Yurth reciprocates the sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between her and Dylan in training individuals passionate about health to support medical professionals.
2. The Truth about NAD+ Supplementation
a. Lack of Efficacy in Aging
The discussion delves into the widespread craze surrounding NAD+ supplements. Dr. Yurth critically examines the assumptions that replenishing NAD+ levels can counteract aging.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [04:43]: "NAD is a critical molecule to life... levels decline as we age... but giving NAD isn't the straightforward solution."
b. Enzyme Overactivity: CD38 and NNMT
Dr. Yurth explains that merely supplementing NAD+ overlooks the role of enzymes like CD38 and NNMT, which increase with age and contribute to NAD+ depletion.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [06:15]: "These enzymes are draining our NAD+... you're just filling the bucket while the hole remains."
c. Risks and Recommendations
High doses of NAD+ have been linked to increased cardiovascular risks due to the exacerbation of enzyme activity. Dr. Yurth advises a balanced approach, suggesting periodic supplementation coupled with enzyme inhibition.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [07:30]: "It's not the drop in NAD that's the problem, it's the increase in these bad enzymes... you better block the hole in the bucket."
3. SGLT2 Inhibitors: Beyond Diabetes
a. Mechanism of Action
SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Jardiance, function by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing blood glucose levels—a mechanism beneficial for diabetic patients.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [17:30]: "They take glucose and instead of being absorbed, the kidney just puts it into the bladder and eliminates it."
b. Benefits for Heart Failure and Kidney Function
Beyond diabetes management, these drugs enhance cardiac output and improve kidney function, making them valuable in treating congestive heart failure and supporting overall longevity.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [19:00]: "They improve cardiac function... also really good for kidney function."
c. Dosage and Personal Experience
Dylan shares his personal experience with Jardiance, noting its impact on his caloric intake and energy metabolism without significant adverse effects.
Dylan Gemelli [20:01]: "I take Jardians at a pretty typical dosing and then just a very low dose of a GLP1."
4. AMPK vs. mTOR: Balancing Longevity and Muscle Building
a. Explanation of Pathways
Dr. Yurth provides a comprehensive breakdown of AMPK and mTOR pathways, essential for understanding the balance between longevity and muscle growth.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [28:20]: "AMPK activation occurs when our body senses we don't have enough energy... MTOR is the opposite."
b. Implications for Bodybuilding
While AMPK promotes longevity by activating cellular housekeeping and conserving energy, mTOR facilitates muscle growth and robust brain function. Overactivation of mTOR can lead to detrimental effects like cancer proliferation.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [34:00]: "mTOR drives protein synthesis... without it, we're gonna be frail."
c. Therapeutic Approaches
To optimize both longevity and muscle mass, Dr. Yurth recommends cycling between activating AMPK (through fasting and endurance exercises) and mTOR (via protein intake and strength training).
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [34:50]: "The key is that we have to be able to transition back and forth between AMPK and mTOR."
5. CLEERLY: Advanced Heart Scanning
a. Importance over Traditional Tests
CLEERLY technology offers a superior method for detecting high-risk atherosclerotic plaques compared to conventional tests like calcium scoring, EKGs, and standard CT angiograms.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [38:30]: "CLEERLY can quantify the type of plaque... identifying high-risk soft plaques that calcium scores miss."
b. Identifying High-risk Plaques
By assessing plaque composition and vessel remodeling, CLEERLY can identify vulnerable plaques prone to rupture, thereby preventing sudden cardiac events.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [43:00]: "It's a way to catch people who seem perfect but have high-risk plaque that can lead to heart attacks."
c. Recommendations for Screening
Dr. Yurth advocates for widespread adoption of CLEERLY scans, especially for individuals over 50 or with a family history of cardiac disease, to proactively manage heart health.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [44:44]: "Everyone over 50 should be getting CLEERLY scanned because you should know this."
6. Essential Supplements: Top Five Recommendations
Dr. Yurth outlines her top supplement recommendations essential for maintaining optimal health and longevity.
a. Vitamin D3 + K2
Ensures proper calcium metabolism and vascular health.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [49:40]: "D3 with K2... transport the D3 into the cell."
b. Magnesium
Critical for numerous physiological functions, often deficient in modern diets.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [49:40]: "Magnesium tends to be deficient in most of us."
c. Creatine
Supports brain health and muscle function.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [49:40]: "Everyone needs creatine for their brain as they age."
d. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Boosts glutathione levels, aiding in detoxification and combating environmental toxins.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [49:40]: "NAC is a simple way to get glutathione levels up."
e. B Vitamins
Essential for energy metabolism and overall cellular function.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [49:40]: "A good B complex is really useful."
f. Mitochondrial Support (CoQ10 and Urolithin A)
Enhances mitochondrial function, crucial for energy production and longevity.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [54:08]: "Urolithin A is huge here... something like Coenzyme Q10 or urolithin A."
7. Discussion on Amino Acid Supplements: EAAs and BCAAs
a. Potential Detriments
Dr. Yurth cautions against excessive use of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) and Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), highlighting their potential to disrupt amino acid balance and negatively impact gut and brain health.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [56:50]: "Taking a whole bunch of EAAs or BCAAs can cause dysfunction in neurotransmitter function."
b. Comparison with Whole Protein Sources
Emphasizing the importance of consuming complete protein sources, Dr. Yurth recommends relying on whole proteins like whey or beef protein over isolated amino acid supplements for effective muscle building and metabolic health.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [57:10]: "Our amino acids are designed to be in a specific complex... it's better to have a whole protein load."
8. Additional Topics and Conclusion
a. Long COVID and Endothelial Damage
The conversation touches on the long-term effects of COVID-19, particularly its impact on endothelial function and cardiac health, underscoring the need for advanced diagnostics and targeted treatments.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [26:00]: "The endothelial lining is probably the one of the big hits... affecting cardiac function."
b. Upcoming Events and Further Learning
Dr. Yurth and Dylan promote the upcoming Mr. Olympiad conference, emphasizing its value for individuals interested in bodybuilding, health, and longevity, featuring diverse expert panels without commercial biases.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth [61:07]: "We've got a really tight panel this year... it's just a discussion with diverse experts."
c. Final Thoughts
Dylan expresses deep appreciation for Dr. Yurth's expertise and integrity, encouraging listeners to follow her work for invaluable health insights.
Dylan Gemelli [65:02]: "There's not one person on the planet that I can find that deserves more following than Dr. Y does."
Key Takeaways
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NAD+ Supplementation: While NAD+ is vital for cellular function, indiscriminate supplementation can exacerbate enzyme activity that depletes NAD+, posing cardiovascular risks. A balanced approach with enzyme inhibitors is recommended.
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SGLT2 Inhibitors: Beyond managing diabetes, these drugs offer significant benefits for heart and kidney health, making them valuable tools in longevity and biohacking practices.
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AMPK vs. mTOR Balance: Achieving longevity and muscle growth requires alternating between energy-conserving states (AMPK activation) and growth-promoting states (mTOR activation) through strategic diet and exercise.
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Advanced Heart Diagnostics: CLEERLY scans provide a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac health by identifying high-risk plaques that traditional tests may overlook, advocating for broader screening especially in high-risk populations.
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Essential Supplements: A focused supplementation regimen including Vitamin D3 + K2, Magnesium, Creatine, NAC, B Vitamins, and mitochondrial support supplements can significantly enhance health and longevity.
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Amino Acid Supplements Caution: Excessive use of EAAs and BCAAs can disrupt the natural amino acid balance, potentially harming gut and brain health. Whole protein sources are preferable for muscle and metabolic health.
For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to follow Dr. Elizabeth Yurth on Instagram (@Dr.Yourth), join her YouTube channel, and explore the BLI Academy for comprehensive training and monthly Q&As. Additionally, check out her clinic at borderlongevity.com for consultations.
This summary encapsulates the essential discussions and expert insights shared in Episode #42 of The Dylan Gemelli Podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for those seeking to enhance their health and longevity strategies.
