Ep 17. Optimize Health with Dr. Cam McDonald: Stress, Diet, and Sleep

In episode 17 of "Everyday Epigenetics: Raw, Real, Relatable," pocast I, got to chat with Dr. Cam McDonald, an expert in personalized health and the epigenetics. We dove into how a plant-based diet and stress management can seriously transform the health of certain individuals. We also talked a lot about the importance of tailoring nutrition to fit your personal needs. Let’s break it down!

Too Much Protein??
We kicked things off by looking at the benefits of short-term plant-based diets for specific health types. Did you know they can improve insulin sensitivity and cut back on insulin production? Cam explained how focusing on plants and dialing down animal proteins can help these people lose fat from their organs, which is a big win for overall health. He also mentioned that while saturated fats (think animal fats, coconut oil, full-fat dairy) hurt insulin sensitivity, the good fats in some plants (mono and polyunsaturated) actually help it.

Stress: The Sneaky Saboteur
Stress came up next. Man, stress is a real killer—it produces cortisol, which makes it harder for your cells to use sugar properly, leading to insulin resistance. Cam and I talked about how stress messes with your recovery and how lack of sleep can make things worse. I shared my story about dealing with altitude sickness and how tweaking my carb intake based on my health profile really helped. Addressing stress is such a game-changer!

Struggles of the 'Hard Gainers' (Ectomorphs)
We also chatted about ectomorphs—the folks who have a tough time gaining weight even when they’re eating a ton of protein, and are very prone to digestive issues. Cam stressed that just losing weight or cranking up your protein isn't a magic bullet for health. Personalizing your health strategy based on your metabolism and genetic profile is essential. It’s not one-size-fits-all!

Finding What Works for YOU
In 2020, Cam introduced me to Shae, the AI precision health platform. Working with Shae, we look at a large array of components like very specified body measurements, skin conditions, ancestry, current diet, and exercise, which predict potential health issues. It creates personalized recommendations, unique to the client, based on his or her specific needs to optimize the health and quality of life of the user.

Balance
When it comes to lifestyle factors, balance is key. Cam touched on how our genes affect how we handle stress and why it's important to match our health strategies to our unique physical and emotional needs.

This episode is packed with goodies for anyone looking to understand how personalized diet strategies and proper stress management can transform their health. Whether you’re struggling to lose weight, gain weight, dealing with chronic stress, or trying to optimize your health and quality of life, Cam and I have some great tips for you. Personalizing your health strategy really is a game-changer. Tune in, and let’s navigate this journey to better health together!

Learn more about Cam:
He is a leader, educator, scientist, motivator and father. As CEO of Precision Health Alliance and the VP of Education of ShaeWellness, the world’s leading AI-driven precision wellness platform, Dr Cam is driven to increase awareness around the need for a personalized approach to leadership and workplace wellness. Dr Cam studied and holds accreditation as an exercise physiologist, accredited practicing dietitian, and completed his PhD in the application of nutrition and exercise in preventing chronic disease. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and is an international leader in the application of personalized health, epigenetics and educates companies, health professionals and the general public alike how the whole environment impacts health and disease. He works closely with some of the world’s brightest minds, working across many industries to instigate positive change for our wellness at work and home. What allows Dr Cam to leave an indelible mark on the audience is his ability to simplify the complexity of health principles, infuse hope and stimulate action. The combination of science, down-to-earth humor and elegant simplicity of truth makes him accessible, relatable and one of the best speakers of his generation.

Learn more about Dr. Cam McDonald:

He is a leader, educator, scientist, motivator and father. As CEO of Precision Health Alliance and the VP of Education of Shae Wellness, the world’s leading AI-driven precision wellness platform, Dr Cam is driven to increase awareness around the need for a personalized approach to leadership and workplace wellness. Dr Cam studied and holds accreditation as an exercise physiologist, accredited practicing dietitian, and completed his PhD in the application of nutrition and exercise in preventing chronic disease. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and is an international leader in the application of personalized health, epigenetics and educates companies, health professionals and the general public alike how the whole environment impacts health and disease. He works closely with some of the world’s brightest minds, working across many industries to instigate positive change for our wellness at work and home. What allows Dr Cam to leave an indelible mark on the audience is his ability to simplify the complexity of health principles, infuse hope and stimulate action. The combination of science, down-to-earth humor and elegant simplicity of truth makes him accessible, relatable and one of the best speakers of his generation.

RESOURCES:
Connect with Dr. Cam McDonald:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcammcdonald/
Website: https://precisionhealthalliance.org/

Show Links:
Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast
Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links
SHOW NOTES: healthyawakening.co/episode17

Connect with Susan:
Schedule a FREE consultation, send an email to susan@healthyawakening.co
Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrobbinshealthyawakening
Instagram: @susanrobbins_epigeneticcoach
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/healthyawakening

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