In this episode, we cover why early atherosclerosis is essentially universal by young adulthood and tests that tell us about cardiovascular risk—beyond a standard lipid panel. We walk through ApoB (and why it can outperform LDL-C in some circumstances), Lp(a) and the case for checking it at least once, inflammation markers like hs-CRP and GlycA, the triglyceride–HDL relationship and TG/HDL ratio, omega-3:omega-6 balance (including an important atrial fibrillation caveat), blood pressure and endothelial stress, plus quick thoughts on homocysteine and coronary calcium scoring.Chapters:00:00 — Why almost everyone has early plaque00:01:01 — ApoB explained 00:02:12 — ApoB vs LDL-C: discordance00:02:38 — Lp(a)00:04:34 — Inflammation: hs-CRP & GlycA00:05:44 — Triglycerides & HDL00:07:19 — Omega-3:6 ratio & Atrial Fibrillation caution00:08:14 — Blood pressure & endothelial stress00:10:03 — Homocysteine & CACSpotify Channel:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sterlingmdphd/Social & Website:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sterlingmdphdX - https://x.com/sterlingmdphdFacebook - / sterlingmdphdNewsletter - http://eepurl.com/hQpdqTApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3y438C9References & Show Notes:http://www.nicksterling.com/This content is not medical advice, is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or any other healthcare professional services. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. This content is not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment and does not take precedence over information provided to you by your healthcare provider or official public health sources. Please visit http://nicksterling.com/terms for full Terms of Use.

Scientific knowledge of the gut microbiome has increased exponentially over the last decade. Recently, several studies have suggested that specific strains of bacteria, including Akkermansia muciniphila, are key to supporting the environmental conditions required for other related bacterial strains that facilitate healthy metabolic health. In this video, Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Pendulum discusses groundbreaking research around Akkermansia mucinophila, the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in stimulating GLP-1 pathways, implications for diabetes management, and how gut bacteria influence inflammation, gut integrity, and overall metabolic health. They also explore how diet, antibiotics, and stress impact the microbiome, potential roles of probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pediatric gut health, and exciting emerging research on the gut-brain axis and neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease. Colleen highlights Pendulum's rigorous scientific approach, including clinical trials and innovative manufacturing practices that ensure product viability and effectiveness.

Promotional code STERLING20 can be applied for 20% off of first membership purchases (https://pendulumlife.com). Please note that Dr. Sterling has no financial affiliation with Pendulum. This code is provided only as a discount to listeners and does not constitute a clinical recommendation or medical advice.

Chapters:

- 00:00 Intro: Gut Microbiome Essentials

- 02:03 Pendulum's Biotech Innovation

- 06:15 GLP-1 & Metabolic Health

- 09:59 Probiotic Industry Insights

- 17:17 Importance of Akkermansia

- 24:17 Clinical Results for Diabetes

- 29:28 Manufacturing Challenges

- 39:13 Diet's Impact on Microbiome

- 43:35 Gut-Brain Connection

- 46:50 Next Steps & Resources

Spotify Channel:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sterlingmdphd/

Social & Website:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sterlingmdphd

X - https://x.com/sterlingmdphd

Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/hQpdqT

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3y438C9

References & Show Notes:

http://www.nicksterling.com/

This content is not medical advice, is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or any other healthcare professional services. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. This content is not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment and does not take precedence over information provided to you by your healthcare provider or official public health sources. Please visit http://nicksterling.com/terms for full Terms of Use.

What are some common side effects of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy? From the front lines of healthcare, we explore adverse effects of these medications based on real-world visits to the emergency department. Learn about common side effects such as nausea, dehydration, and muscle wasting, as well as lesser-known risks like starvation ketosis and mood changes. Chapters 0:00 - Introduction to & GLP-1 RAs 0:48 - Nausea and Vomiting as Side Effects 1:52 - Dehydration Leading to Kidney Injury 3:11 - GLP-1 RAs & Starvation Ketosis 4:16 - Muscle Wasting on GLP-1 RAs 5:08 - Depression and Mood Changes 5:39 - Honorable Mention: Gastroparesis Video on Muscle Wasting & GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: https://youtu.be/Po2gC3zG0C8 Spotify Channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sterlingmdphd/ Social & Website: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sterlingmdphd Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/hQpdqT Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3y438C9 References & Show Notes: http://www.nicksterling.com/ This content is not medical advice, is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or any other healthcare professional services. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. This content is not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment and does not take precedence over information provided to you by your healthcare provider or official public health sources. Please visit http://nicksterling.com/terms for full Terms of Use.

In this episode, we explore how ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with a long history in medical use, is now being investigated for its rapid and sustained effects on depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We discuss its role in promoting neuroplasticity—rewiring the brain's structure to counteract stress-induced atrophy—and review the evidence from clinical trials, including a landmark 2023 meta-analysis. While ketamine shows promise in alleviating depressive symptoms and supporting neural growth, we also address its risks and the importance of professional oversight. Learn how this cutting-edge research is reshaping mental health treatment and what it means for the future of therapy. Spotify Channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sterlingmdphd/#mentalhealth Social & Website: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sterlingmdphd X - https://x.com/sterlingmdphd Facebook - / sterlingmdphd Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/hQpdqT Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3y438C9 References & Show Notes: http://www.nicksterling.com/ This content is not medical advice, is for general information purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or any other healthcare professional services. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. This content is not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment and does not take precedence over information provided to you by your healthcare provider or official public health sources. Please visit nicksterling.com/terms for full Terms of Use. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Depression Treatments and Challenges 00:00:20 - Brain Rewiring and Neuroplasticity 00:00:36 - Ketamine: A Rapid Neuroplasticity Tool 00:00:52 - Ketamine's Origins as an Anesthetic 00:01:28 - How Ketamine Works in the Brain 00:01:49 - Evidence of Ketamine's Effectiveness for Depression 00:03:04 - Human Trials and Clinical Findings 00:04:14 - Short-Term and Medium-Term Efficacy 00:04:31 - Exploring Ketamine for PTSD and Anxiety 00:05:54 - Brain Changes in Depression 00:08:50 - How Ketamine Reverses Brain Damage 00:10:02 - Ketamine's Neuroplasticity Mechanisms 00:12:11 - Risks and Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment 00:14:15 - Long-Term Concerns and Cognitive Impacts 00:15:05 - A Holistic Approach to Depression Management 00:15:22 - Thanks and Channel Support

In this episode, we talk about a recent study from Nature Aging that suggests aging may not progress in a straight line. Using data from thousands of biological measurements, researchers identified key ages—44 and 60—where changes in aging appear to accelerate. We review what this means for our understanding of aging, how it affects multiple systems in the body, and the potential implications for health and disease. We also discuss what this study tells us—and doesn’t tell us—about the biology of aging and how it could guide future research.

Social & Website:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sterlingmdphd

Twitter - https://x.com/sterlingmdphd

Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/hQpdqT

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3y438C9

References & Show Notes: http://www.nicksterling.com/

The content of this podcast is not medical advice, is for general information purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or any other healthcare professional services. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. The content of this podcast is not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment and does not take precedence over information provided to you by your healthcare provider or official public health sources. Please visit nicksterling.com/terms for full Terms of Use.