Dr. Lara Briden challenges everything you think you know about metabolism, revealing why energy—not weight—is the true marker of metabolic health. This conversation explores how modern life has pushed our physiology into states it was never designed for, and offers a compassionate, science-based approach to understanding your body as a logical system rather than a problem to fix.
GUEST INFORMATION:
Name: Dr. Lara Briden
Title/Credentials: Naturopathic doctor, author, former evolutionary biology researcher
Background: Has peer-reviewed publications and thesis in evolutionary biology, specializes in women’s health with focus on centering female physiology as normal mammalian function
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Evolutionary Biology Framework
Dr. Briden explains how her background in evolutionary biology informs her medical practice, viewing women’s bodies as logical systems that make biological sense
Menopause as Evolutionary Advantage
Discussion of how menopause evolved as a survival advantage, with post-reproductive women being essential for family group survival
Debunking the Willpower Myth
Challenges the narrative that metabolic issues are about eating too much and exercising too little
The Asthma Analogy
Explains why telling people to “just lose weight” is like telling someone with asthma to “just breathe better”
Environmental Factors
Details how environmental toxins, gut microbiome changes, and epigenetics contribute to metabolic dysfunction across species and generations
Energy as Metabolic Marker
Explains metabolic flexibility and how the body should preferentially burn fat in fasting states
Blood Sugar Crashes
Discusses how insulin resistance often presents as reactive hypoglycemia rather than high blood sugar
Seed Oils Discussion
Dr. Briden shares her perspective on high-dose omega-6 oils as metabolically problematic signaling molecules
Nervous System and Metabolism
Explores how the autonomic nervous system significantly impacts insulin sensitivity and metabolic rate
Key Metabolic Nutrients
Discuss essential nutrients for metabolic health: magnesium, taurine, choline, inositol, and glycine, historically obtained from organ meats
Mitochondria as Masters
Fascinating discussion of mitochondria as dynamic cellular powerhouses affected by emotions and social activity
Lab Testing Simplified
Provides practical lab markers for insulin resistance: ALT levels, ALT to AST ratio, and triglycerides
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Potential upcoming cookbook collaboration
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Metabolism problems often come before weight gain, not after—it’s about insulin resistance first
Energy levels and satiety between meals are better indicators of metabolic health than body weight
Environmental factors including toxins, processed oils, and gut dysfunction are major contributors to metabolic issues
The body has a complex system that can’t be micromanaged—focus on removing obstacles and supporting overall health
Simple lab tests (ALT, triglycerides) can reveal insulin resistance more effectively than complex testing
Website: https://www.larabriden.com/
: Subscribe to the One Thing Podcast for more conversations that challenge conventional health wisdom and center biology over blame. Share this episode with someone who’s been struggling with metabolic health issues—these insights could be exactly what they need to hear.
