In this episode of "The External Medicine Podcast," Mitch Belkin (University of Maryland School of Medicine) and Daniel Belkin (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) speak with Rick Johnson, MD, about how his views on fructose metabolism have evolved over the past decade. (If you haven’t checked out the first episode with Johnson, episode 9, check that out for more background.)
In this episode, Johnson talks about endogenous fructose metabolism, the thrifty gene hypothesis, fat as a source of metabolic water, dehydration and how it stimulates fat production, as well as the relationship between uric acid and bipolar disorder. He also talks about how alcohol-induced liver disease is actually mediated by fructose. Finally, he argues that fructose metabolism is a significant contributor to Alzheimer’s disease.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts.
Who is Rick Johnson?
Johnson is a professor of nephrology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is one of the world’s leading experts on fructose. His research focuses on the role of fructose and uric acid in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. He is the author of over 700 academic papers as well as three books for a general audience: "The Fat Switch," "The Sugar Fix," and most recently "Nature Wants Us To Be Fat."
What is the External Medicine Podcast?
"The External Medicine Podcast" is a podcast exploring nontraditional ideas and innovation through longform interviews. Co-hosts Mitch Belkin and Daniel Belkin are medical students and brothers with diverse interests. Mitch, a former Fulbright scholar, and Daniel, a former filmmaker, examine new ideas and innovation on the outskirts of medicine.
Follow us @ExMedPod, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.