In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Mike T. Nelson and I discuss metabolic and physiological flexibility, and explore their significance in human performance and health. We discuss the importance of being able to switch between carbohydrate and fat metabolism, the role of exercise in enhancing metabolic flexibility, and the implications of research findings on variability in metabolism. The conversation also touches on practical applications for athletes and individuals looking to optimize their metabolic health through tailored training and nutrition strategies. In this conversation, we discusses the importance of metabolic and physiological flexibility, mitochondrial health, and the role of exercise in enhancing metabolic adaptation. We emphasize the significance the concept of physiological flexibility, which includes temperature regulation, pH balance, and oxygen/CO2 management. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of these physiological systems and the necessity of a balanced approach to training and recovery.

TAKEAWAYS
- Metabolic flexibility is the ability to switch between carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
- Exercise plays a crucial role in enhancing metabolic flexibility.
- Insulin acts as a fuel selector switch in the body.
- Physiological flexibility involves maintaining temperature, pH, and gas exchange in the face of greatly changing stress environments.

Enjoy!

More about Mike:
Mike T. Nelson, PhD, MSME, CSCS, CISSN, is a research fanatic who specializes in metabolic flexibility, heart rate variability, and human performance. He has spent 20 years of his life learning how the human body works. He has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, and a MS in Mechanical Engineering (biomechanics). He's an Associate Professor at the Carrick Institute, university instructor at Rocky Mountain University, creator of the Flex Diet Certification & Physiologic Flexibility Cert and a Human Optimization Specialist with the Special Forces Experience. He also is the Research and Human Performance Science Advisor at Tecton -makers of a unique ketone ester, and performance analysis with Rapid Health. He has published research in both physiology and engineering peer-reviewed journals. He's even been called in to share his techniques with top military agencies. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, lifting odd objects, going to metal concerts, and kiteboarding. Find out more at www.miketnelson.com

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CHAPTERS
00:00 Understanding Metabolic Flexibility
10:13 The Journey into Human Optimization
19:59 Research Insights on Variability and Metabolism
29:45 Practical Applications of Metabolic Flexibility
40:14 Training for Optimal Metabolic Health
54:36 Metabolic Flexibility and Mitochondrial Health
01:01:05 The Role of Exercise in Metabolic Adaptation
01:06:42 Strength Training and Muscle Mass Preservation
01:12:46 Physiological Flexibility: Understanding the Four Pillars
01:16:36 The Interconnectedness of Physiological Systems

KEYWORDS
metabolic flexibility, exercise physiology, heart rate variability, human performance, endurance training, carbohydrate metabolism, fat metabolism, physiological testing, energy systems, health optimization, metabolic flexibility, mitochondrial health, exercise adaptation, strength training, physiological flexibility, muscle mass, recovery, high intensity training, CO2 tolerance, health optimization