1/6) Do you want to learn to address the root cause of metabolic syndrome and insulin-resistance disorders?
Of course you do! (links at the end)
🤯And these New Data will Blow your Mind! 🤯
Background
First, for some relevant background: You’ve certainly heard of Ozempic and related obesity medications in the GLP-1 agonist class. This means these drugs mimic a natural hormone (GLP-1) produced by cells in the intestines.
What you may not know is that metabolic syndrome and insulin-resistance disorders, including obesity, diabetes, etc. are associated with a deficiency in natural GLP-1.
So – high-level – “replacing” what’s missing makes sense. BUT, we should also ask “WHY?”
THE QUESTION: Why is there a GLP-1 deficiency in insulin-resistance disorders?

2/6) There have been some hand-wavy answers for a time, e.g. that ‘inflammation’ damages the cells that make GLP-1 in the gut, or that specific inflammatory immune cells “mop up” GLP-1.
But these new data get more specific, more targeted, and provide inroads for practical innovation.

3/6) THE MECHANISM
In brief, researchers discover that an obesogenic Westernized diet, in a mouse model, increases levels of a specific gut bacteria – Desulfovibrio – that produces hydrogen sulfide gas that damages mitochondria in GLP-1 producing cells, leading to a GLP-1 deficit.
In humans too Desulfovibrio levels are increases in insulin resistance disorders and metabolic syndrome in association with a GLP-1 deficit.

4/6) The Solution(s)
Stunningly, Bismuth subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto Bismol!) BLOCKS Desulfovibrio and hydrogen sulfide, INCREASES GLP-1, and PROTECTS from weight and fat gain in an obesogenic diet context.
How BANANAS is that?!

5/6) Actually, less “bananas” and more Artichoke.
Prior research, including a human randomized trial in 2015, showed the insulin fiber dosed at just 5g/d for 21 days could decrease Desulfovibrio 42%.
Inulin is a fiber found in high levels in artichoke, chicory root, and asparagus.
And, also, one ingredient in @drink_AG1 (cue laugh🤣, here, cc @hubermanlab). Now, if AG-1 would like to pay me for this plug, I accept cash or great EVOO or cheeses.

6/6) These are fascinating data. 2 questions that remain for me:
> What other dietary components or “functional foods” block Desulfovibrio? Conversely, what specific dietary components exacerbate Desulfovibrio and/or cause direct damage to GLP-1 producing L-cells?
> What are other specific causal pathways that could contribute to GLP-1 producing L-cells damage? This is not the full story. It never is.
See the full video via YouTube, here (just 6 min 24 sec): youtu.be
Paper, Nature Metabolism: nature.com
If your mind is at least a little bit blown, CONGRATS! You're a nerd too!