Fuzzy science” abounds in the world, and even luminaries fall into its trap sometimes. This review clarifies the mis-explanations of important concepts in lipid science that were discussed in Peter Attia’s podcast. The interview with Dr. Thomas Dayspring resulted in a 7 hour series that promised a deep dive into cholesterol and lipoproteins. Lipid science is a complex and ever-evolving field. Understanding some of the basic tenets of the field helps us traverse more complicated topics. The...

 Why Tuberculosis & Atherosclerosis are Siblings! You can learn a lot about someone if you know their family members. That's why we're looking at Tuberculosis in this episode. 1.8 billion of the world's population has been infected by TB. Most of them have latent infection. 10.6 million had active infection in 2021. This common infectious disease has many similarities to atherosclerosis and we could learn a lot about plaque formation by looking at TB. #tuberculosis #tb #atherosclerosis...

We'll discuss the general process of vascular calcification and some common risk factors for this. How do smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel wall contribute to the process? And what about macrophages? How do statins affect calcification? What about CAC-scores? What would happen if you have a low score and started taking a statin? Which calcified plaques are at highest risk for rupture? Find out in this episode of vlmd rounds. #atherosclerosis #ldl #cholesterol #calciumscore Courses for...

Learn about the role of macrophages in atherosclerosis. Where do they really come from? How do they contribute to the plaque? How are they driving the immune reaction? What's the relation between macrophages and T cells? We'll also look at vascular inflammation in the form of autoimmune vasculitis and note the similarities with atherosclerosis. #LDL #atherosclerosis #choelsterol #plaque #heartdisease #vasculitis #macrophages My website: vyvyanelohmd.com Check out the livestream dates Work...

Continuing on my discussion from episode 48, I lay out the real significance of the Vasa Vasorum. What is it about the vasa vasorum that plays into Atherosclerosis as an autoimmune disease? What's the real difference between the vasa vasorum of veins vs arteries? My website: vyvyanelohmd.com Work with me on your metabolic health: tulaversity.com

I've been asked so many times about which end of the blood vessel allows entry of LDL particles that I've decided to address the question in this episode. One of the reasons there is so much confusion around discussion of the vasa vasorum is that we only focus on 1 tiny aspect of it and not the whole picture. All that missing information leads to confusion, "fuzzy talk" about the vasa vasorum and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. I've decided to do 2 episodes on the topic and in this 1st...

The Clot Thickens in Atherosclerosis--but How? This episode is based on a request by a listener to address Dr. Malcolm Kendrick's hypothesis on the clot as the underlying initiator of atherosclerosis which he proposed in his book, The Clot Thickens. Based on his observations, Dr. Kendrick talks about atherosclerosis as a blood disorder from increased clotting due to damage to the blood vessel lining. My points in this episode clarify the immune science of atherosclerosis and blood clotting,...

Cholesterol is often considered the troublemaker in atherosclerosis. The medical world vilifies it and with some medications, aims to drive it to the brink of extinction in your body! Although not the inciting event in atherosclerosis, it does have an important role in the disease process and that's the main topic in this episode. I'll reveal "secrets" or rarely discussed aspects of cholesterol metabolism and how that may contribute to atherosclerosis. As usual, all is not quite what it seems...

LDL-cholesterol--usually cast as the villain in the disease process of atherosclerosis. But is cholesterol the main problem? Why does your doctor want to lower the level of LDL as much as possible?  Then there are others who say that high LDL levels are not the problem, it's mainly inflammation we should worry about. Just lower your inflammation and you should be fine.  This episode will discuss the link between LDL, atherosclerosis/heart disease and inflammation. This is the MISSING LINK...

Tea is full of bioactive molecules that have medicinal properties. What are some of the health effects of tea? Are there differences between green, black and fermented tea? How should you prepare it so that it preserves its healing effects? Learn more about my favorite drink in this episode of vlmd rounds! For more information, go to www.VyvyaneLoh MD.com

What are the sleep patterns of elite athletes? How does sleep affect our athletic performance? How can we manage our sleep and training schedules? How much sleep do athletes need? How does altitude training impact sleep? What does brainwashing have to do with sleep? If you're an elite athlete or someone looking to optimize your athletic performance, check out this episode and let me know your thoughts. Here's my previous sleep episode: https://youtu.be/qdDyR8CAs40 For more information visit...

Ginger has been around for thousands of years as a spice and a medicinal herb in many cultures. Are its touted effects real or wishful thinking? How does ginger impact your brain? What about fat? How should you consume ginger and which forms have more efficacy? Will ginger make you lose weight? Check out this episode for the details. For more information, visit www.VyvyaneLohMd.com

Anxiety is a distressing condition experienced by millions of people worldwide. It is generally treated with counseling and therapy, anti-anxiolytic medications to manage the symptoms and sometimes also antidepressants. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that anxiety is associated with neuroinflammation. We'll look at the changes in the brain with anxiety as well as different models of anxiety. How does chronic stress play a role in this? We'll also discuss ways to decrease...

We've heard about the benefits of testosterone replacement for men and when we talk about aging and metabolic health, much has been made against estrogen in men. In general, estrogen has been thought of as feminizing in men, and the idea has been to get rid of its effects while strengthening androgenic effects in men. Yet it turns out that estrogen has metabolic benefits in men and women and estrogen deficits can increase cardiometabolic risks in all of us. Find out why estrogen is absolutely...

What happens to your body in menopause? Why is it so easy to gain weight and so hard to lose it after menopause? What can you do about it? This episode is for everyone who has ever asked me those questions. Learn about what happens to your fat when you hit menopause and how that impacts you metabolically. What are some of the best strategies to lose fat after menopause? Find out in episode 39 of vlmd rounds. For more information, visit www.VyvyaneLohMD.com

Vitamin A metabolites or retinoids are usually thought of as important for the skin and the eye, but metabolism? How do we get Vitamin A in our diet? Is beta-carotene the same as Vitamin A? (NO, but it's important to know why). How does Vitamin A affect fat tissue? Does Vitamin A have an impact on insulin resistance? Check out this episode for the details. For more information, visit www.VyvyaneLohMD.com

In this episode we will look at the sensation of itching and how it is perpetuated. What is the difference between an acute itch vs. chronic itch? How are skin cells, neurons and immune cells talking to each other? Why do we itch? And how does itching fit into the larger phenomena of interoception (the perception of internal signals like hunger and heartbeat)? We'll also explore how stress can affect your skin and what you can do about it. And while this episode focuses on chronic itching,...

How is cholesterol metabolized? What controls its biosynthesis? What happens when it's modified? What are the effects of oxidized cholesterol on health and disease? What about cholesterol immunometabolism? Check out this episode to learn more.  For more information, visit http://www.VyvyaneLohMD.com

Fatty liver disease is the most common chronic liver disease globally. Who is at higher risk? How is this related to cargo exchange between the liver and fat tissue? How is this related to Vitamin A? We'll look at lesser known facts on fatty liver disease in this episode.  For more information, visit http://www.VyvyaneLohMD.com

What are some factors involved in the development of Alzheimer's Disease? ApoE4 increases the risk of AD but how? What is the difference between brain ApoE and peripheral ApoE? What's the connection with microglia? Check out episode 34 of vlmd rounds Links: The Magical Mystery Macrophage Tour: https://youtu.be/-CQqfkrae00 Lipoproteins episode: https://youtu.be/o9GU5ECGzs0

What are HDLs? Are they cardioprotective or harmful? How do statins affect them? How do they impact immune cells? Join us for this episode of vlmd rounds and learn about HDLs--the truth may surprise you. Reference Podcasts: Magical Mystery Macrophage Tour: https://youtu.be/-CQqfkrae00 Lipoproteins: https://youtu.be/o9GU5ECGzs0 Innate Immunity: https://youtu.be/MpUy-k0eiCA Adaptive immunity (T cells) https://youtu.be/aPPJfCl1KjM For more information, visit http://VyvyaneLohMD.com

We'll look at the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and its impact on different tissues in the body with an emphasis on the brain. Find out how RAAS activation damages your body and what to do about it.  For more information visit http://www.VyvyaneLohMD.com

BCAAs have been implicated in obesity, insulin resistance, worsening heart failure and liver disease. Should we be cutting down on BCAAs? Are plant protein sources better for you? Why do I consider this topic a can of worms (which, incidentally, are a great source of protein and BCAAs!)? Check out this episode of vlmd rounds. 

Title: When ketones will kill you & when they'll protect you It's important to know when ketones are good for you and when they are bad for you. What do we know about heart function on chronic ketone body exposure? What do ketones have to do with mTORC1 and v-ATPases? How did amino acids sneak into this episode??? Check out Episode 30 of vlmd rounds.  For more info, visit www.VyvyaneLohMD.com