Dr. Norwitz, a valedictorian from Dartmouth, PhD in Metabolism from Oxford, and an MD candidate at Harvard Medical School, shares his journey with severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This struggle led him to discover the life-changing power of a ketogenic diet. His transformation inspired his relentless curiosity to challenge outdated medical paradigms and explore cutting-edge research in metabolic health.
We dive into some groundbreaking topics, including:
- The Connection Between Food Addiction and Viruses – Could a virus in your gut microbiome be influencing addictive food behaviors?
- Understanding Lean Mass Hyper Responders – Why do some people see their cholesterol skyrocket on a ketogenic diet?
- The Role of Individualized Nutrition – How n=1 experimentation can be the key to optimizing metabolic health.
- Debunking Cholesterol Myths – What’s the truth about dietary cholesterol and heart disease?
Dr. Norwitz also shares his famous “Oreo Experiment,” in which he lowered his cholesterol by eating Oreos—not as a recommendation but as a fascinating metabolic demonstration that challenges traditional assumptions about fat and carbohydrates.
This conversation was so insightful and packed with science that we had to make it a two-part episode! Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll discuss dairy, olive oil, carnivore diets, and more.
Tune in to learn:
- How Dr. Norwitz turned a devastating health condition into a lifelong passion for metabolic science.
- The latest research on the gut microbiome and food addiction.
- Why cholesterol numbers might not mean what you think they do.
- How to apply scientific curiosity to your health journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Bariatric surgery alters the gut-brain axis, leading to changes in both alcohol and sugar sensitivity.
- Some post-surgical patients are at increased risk for developing AUD due to heightened alcohol absorption and reward pathway changes.
- Neurobiological and hormonal factors contribute to food cravings and hedonic eating post-surgery.
- Obesity is often associated with low dopamine levels, and bariatric surgery may help restore dopamine balance, reducing food cravings.
- Long-term post-surgery weight regain is common, raising questions about sustainable solutions for metabolic disorders.
Future Directions & Research Needs:
- Neuroscience of Post-Bariatric Surgery – More studies are needed on brain dopamine changes post-surgery.
- Longitudinal Studies – Tracking post-surgical patients’ eating behaviors, alcohol consumption, and cravings over time.
- Behavioral & Psychological Interventions – Combining pharmacology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and digital tools to personalize weight loss and addiction treatment.
- Preventive Approaches – Identifying high-risk individuals pre-surgery to provide better education and support for long-term success.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Davis:
“If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say: Keep an open mind. Science is about asking what if and following the data wherever it leads.”
