OFM Podcast Host, Peter Defty sits down with Dr. Johnathan Edwards MD for an in depth and candid conversation on the underlying reality of sports nutrition. With the current hype surrounding high carbohydrate diets and fueling regimens which are dominating the conversation in sports nutrition this is a conversation every athlete needs to listen to inform their journey so they can achieve “Higher Health & Peak Performance”.

By going through the basic physiology of carbohydrate metabolism, including the nuances of glycation, oxidative stress, cellular biology and digestion Peter and Johnathan it becomes obvious there has to be a better way. . . . and there is! So, listen carefully and enjoy.

Key Discussion Points:

Dr. Johnathan Edwards' Background & Journey

• Former professional motocross racer turned medical doctor.
• Fell in love with Cycling and worked up to a Cat 1 Cyclist
• Extensive experience in sports medicine, anesthesiology, and neurology.
• Served as a team doctor for elite athletes, including:
  • Paris-Dakar Rally for Team Red Bull (Motorcycle)
  • Tour de France cyclists (Romain Bardet)
  • MMA fighters (Misha Tate)
  • Motocross (Zach Osborne).

Author of:

• Stopping Pain
• The Revolutionary Ketamine
• Suicide, COVID-19 & Ketamine
• The Science of the Marathon (with Veronique Billat PhD)
• Chasing Dakar
• Substack Author: Johnathan Edwards MD
• Transitioning into PhD research on VO2 max and EEG brain function (Central Governor) at the University of Paris .

The Evolution of Sports Nutrition & High-Carbohydrate Fueling

• How pro/elite athletes are now consuming 120-140g of carbohydrates per hour.
• The impact of modern carbohydrate formulations like hydrogels and bicarbonate buffering on the body.
• Consequences of long-term high-carb fueling, including insulin resistance and metabolic disease.

The Case for Fat Adaptation & Strategic Carbohydrate Use

• The effects of excessive carbohydrate dependency in non-elite athletes.
• Why endurance athletes should prioritize fat oxidation for long-term health and performance and how to do this without going Keto/LC.
• The role of OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) in changing the paradigm of fueling for performance.
• How OFM categorizes concentrated carbohydrates as a “Legal PED” which is why OFM uses carbohydrates “Strategically” in the diet and fueling for optimal efficacy while minimizing the damage and lactate load from overconsumption of sugar.

The Hidden Dangers of Modern Sports Nutrition Trends

• How hyper-palatable, processed carbohydrate foods, gels and drinks contribute to metabolic derangement which leads to metabolic dysfunction resulting in disease. This recent video by Pro Triathlete, Lionel Sanders illustrates this.
• Why fat-adapted athletes are able to eliminate GI issues while improving short and long-term performance.
• Finding that individual balance between high-carb fueling for performance and longevity by building metabolic capacity.

The Future of Performance Science

• Dr. Edwards’ upcoming research on brain function and VO2 max which will help us better understand Noake’s Central Governor Theory.
• How metabolic health influences cognitive performance and longevity.
• Applications of ketone supplementation in endurance sports.

Conclusion

This conversation highlights the critical need for balance in sports nutrition—avoiding the extremes of chronic high-carb fueling or strict keto approaches. Dr. Johnathan Edwards and Peter Defty emphasize the importance of building metabolic capacity to gain metabolic flexibility, proper training strategies including minimizing chronic stress, and personalized/individualized nutrition. 

Unfortunately, with all the hype around outright performance metrics at the very pinnacle of sports, the very real and inevitable negative impacts of carbohydrate overconsumption get drowned out and remain a topic few sports nutritionists, coaches and athletes are willing to have a frank and open conversation about.   This conversation is essential to everyone, from Pro to beginner so each person can achieve that optimal balance of performance and health to achieve “Higher Health & Peak Performance”.

References: 

Breaking the Cycle of Bad Eating and Poor Sleep

Athletes: Fit But Unhealthy? Thoughts on Lionel Sanders Recent VLOG

High Carbohydrate Athletic Fueling. A Fad Metabolic Dumpster Fire, Part 1

High Carbohydrate Athletic Fueling. A Fad Metabolic Dumpster Fire, Part 2

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