Low Carb Down Under

Dr. James McCarter - 'A Year of Self-Tracking in Nutritional Ketosis'

Low Carb Down Under

Summary

Jim McCarter, a scientist and adjunct professor at Washington University School of Medicine, shares his journey into the world of nutritional ketosis and the quantified self movement. He emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment in health management, advocating for individuals to take an active role in tracking their health metrics. McCarter highlights the growth of the quantified self movement, which began in 2007 and now boasts over 100 chapters worldwide, including a thriving group in St. Louis.

In his personal experience, McCarter recounts how he transitioned to a low-carbohydrate diet, significantly reducing his carbohydrate intake to 20 grams per day. He notes the health benefits he has observed, including weight loss, improved energy levels, and decreased blood pressure. By measuring ketone levels, he tracks his nutritional progress and adjusts his diet accordingly, finding that a higher fat intake and moderate protein consumption are key to maintaining ketosis. He also addresses challenges such as muscle cramps and cold sensitivity, which he manages through careful monitoring of his sodium intake.

McCarter concludes that the benefits of adopting a ketogenic lifestyle are substantial, encouraging others to reconsider conventional dietary wisdom. His insights reflect a broader trend of individuals taking charge of their health through data and self-experimentation, contributing to a growing dialogue on nutrition and wellness.

Show Notes

Dr. McCarter was the founder, President, and Chief Scientific Officer of Divergence, Inc., a frontrunner in the application of genomics and informatics to agriculture and infectious disease.He is also an Adjunct Professor of Genetics at Washington University School of Medicine and Head of Clinical Operations at Virta (http://www.virtahealth.com/)Dr. McCarter completed his medical and doctoral training at Washington University and graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University. He is the recipient of the Innovation Award from the Academy of Science of St. Louis and a Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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