The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

Carbs For Exercise? Let’s Challenge This Idea with Dr. Andrew Koutnik | E211

March 17, 2026·1h 24m
Episode Description from the Publisher

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱Thank you to our sponsors:EVY - https://www.optoceutics.com/perlmutter and the code perlmutter26 will be auto-applied to your order to get $200 off & free shipping (90 days risk-free).Fresh Pressed Olive Oil - https://www.getfresh389.com For a complimentary bottle of one of the greatest olive oils I've ever discovered.3x4 Genetics - http://3x4genetics.com/DrPerlmutterfor a special offer when you sign up to decode your genetics and get personalized, science-backed health recommendations.====Dr. Perlmutter’s groundbreaking new book, Brain Defenders, is now available for pre-order. Discover how to protect your brain and future health - reserve your copy today at https://www.braindefenders.com.====00:00 Intro04:49 Andrew Koutnik’s Story Obesity Type 1 Diabetes and Metabolism09:44 Ketogenic Diets and Type 1 Diabetes20:15 Sponsor Break - Optoceutics21:28 Why This Goes Far Beyond Type 1 Diabetes26:59 Why Low Carb Diabetes Care Was Abandoned31:49 Ketosis vs Diabetic Ketoacidosis35:10 Sponsor Break - Fresh Pressed Olive Oil37:04 How to Measure Ketone Levels39:13 Are Breath Ketone Tests Reliable40:15 What Beta Hydroxybutyrate Actually Does42:39 Exogenous Ketones and High Altitude Performance45:49 Sponsor Break - 3X4 Genetics48:33 MCT Oil and Ketone Production52:52 The Carb Loading Myth in Sports Performance1:00:06 Metabolic Flexibility and Keto Adaptation1:03:17 Rethinking Hypoglycemia in Keto Adapted Athletes1:07:19 How Carbohydrates Shut Down Fat Burning1:09:58 Body Fat vs Glycogen as Fuel1:14:34 What This Means for Endurance Athletes1:16:17 Fat Metabolism as a Survival Mechanism1:18:09 The New USDA Dietary Guidelines1:20:46 Ultra Processed Food and Alzheimer’s Risk1:22:40 Final Thoughts on Metabolic Flexibility====Dr. Andrew Koutnik is a research scientist focused on how nutrition, metabolism, and lifestyle can optimize human health, performance, and resilience. Living with type 1 diabetes for over 17 years, his work bridges personal experience with cutting-edge science across chronic disease and extreme environments.He earned his PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida and has led research funded by organizations including NASA, the Department of Defense, and the NIH, contributing to over 100 scientific publications and presentations. His work spans exercise physiology, cardiometabolic health, and therapeutic nutrition.At Florida State University, Dr. Koutnik studies dietary strategies for diabetes, obesity, and performance under metabolic stress, collaborating with leading institutions worldwide. His mission is to advance evidence-based approaches that empower individuals to improve metabolic health and performance.___________________________Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/Subscribe to our channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

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