LDL, HDL & Cardiovascular Disease - Dr. Layne Norton

Once, Dr. Norton held the LDL to HDL ratio as the key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Yet, about five years back, his position evolved.

Genetic studies, known as Mendelian randomization, changed his mind. They indicated that long-term LDL levels play a major role in heart health.

High HDL cholesterol may signal good metabolic health, but Dr. Norton noted an interesting nuance. Medications that raise HDL don’t cut down heart disease risk. In contrast, evidence suggests a clear link between high LDL and heart disease risk. It’s the long-term exposure rather than just current levels that’s telling.

Take the Framingham Heart Study. It showed that high LDL levels are concerning even when HDL levels are also high. The message is clear: the interplay of these lipoproteins is important.

Dr. Norton doesn’t just look at data; he reads between the lines. He advises against dismissing studies too quickly.

Interpretation is key, particularly when media and influencers get involved. Context matters to avoid misrepresentation and overgeneralizations.

The chat with Andrew Huberman also touched on the practical side of biochemistry. Dr. Norton, a researcher in protein metabolism, shared his findings.

Leucine supplements may increase muscle protein synthesis, but muscle mass gains aren’t guaranteed. It’s a delicate balance.

More From this Episode

• Carbon App: Fitness and Nutrition Simplified – Dr. Layne Norton

• Diet and Exercise Strategies for Women: Dr. Layne Norton

• Seed Oils vs. Saturated Fats: What’s Worse for Health?

• Artificial Sweeteners: Good or Bad for Blood Sugar?

• Dr. Norton on Creatine Monohydrate

• Fiber & Gastric Emptying Time in Energy Balance

• Gut Health: A Secret Weapon for Weight Loss?

• Truth Behind Calorie Tracking & Weight Loss: Dr. Layne Norton

• Calorie Quality: Beyond Numbers in Nutritional Science (Dr. Norton)

• Protein Strategies: Lean Muscle Mass with Dr. Layne Norton

• Exercise as a Pathway to Weight Loss and Self-Discovery

• Carb Blockers: Berberine & Glucose Scavenging

• Rapid Weight Loss Satiety & Beliefs – Dr. Layne Norton

• Weight Loss, Diet, & Lifestyle Tips – Dr. Layne Norton

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Articles

• Role of Nonexercise Activity Thermogenesis in Resistance to Fat Gain in Humans (Science)

• A potent physiological method to magnify and sustain soleus oxidative metabolism improves glucose and lipid regulation (iScience)

• Creatine Supplementation Increases Total Body Water Without Altering Fluid Distribution (Journal of Athletic Training)

• Biology’s response to dieting: the impetus for weight regain (American Journal of Physiology)

Other Resources

• New Research Shows Artificial Sweeteners Mess Up Your Gut? (BioLayne)

Dr. Layne Norton

• BioLayne

• Carbon app

• REPS (Research Explained in Practical Summaries)

• Books

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