Facebook

Dr. Stephen Phinney MD


Dr. Phinney is a physician-scientist who has spent 35 years studying diet, exercise, fatty acids, and inflammation. He has published over 70 papers and several patents. He received his MD from Stanford University, his PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from MIT, and post-doctoral training at the University of Vermont and Harvard.

Dr. Stephen Phinney - 'Recent Developments in LCHF and Nutritional Ketosis' (Part 1)

This is the video that started me on the ketogenic diet, the video that gave me hope that I could improve my health. Everything Dr. Stephen Phinney says makes sense. He coined the terms nutritional ketosis and fat adaptation.
Dr. Phinney gives an introduction to nutritional ketosis. He explains that ketones are not a mistake made by the body, but that they appear to be a purposefully, highly evolved fuel and signalling effect that results in dramatic metabolic benefits, particularly to people who have injured metabolism due to too high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Dr. Stephen Phinney - 'Recent Developments in LCHF and Nutritional Ketosis' (Part 2)

In this second installment, Dr. Phinney goes into the details of the ketogenic diet. He explains the distribution of macros at different phases of the diet. The targets change over time as the body adjusts.
Dr. Phinney also discusses the limits on sodium and all cause mortality. A recent study recommends a daily intake of 5 grams per day minimum. And he shares his opinion on intermittent and extended fasting.

Dr. Stephen Phinney - 'Inflammation, Nutritional Ketosis and Metabolic Disease'

What Role does inflammation play in health and disease?
Ketones supress oxidative stress. There is also evidence that ketones directly reduce insulin resistance. Most importantly, ketones reduce inflammatory responses in the body. Inflammation is the primary driver of type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease, before even insulin resistance.

Dr. Stephen Phinney - 'Metabolic Effects of Fasting: A Two-Edged Sword'

Dr. Stephen Phinney explains how fasting affects us and the difference between daily intermittent fasting and extended fasting. After 2 days the metabolism decreases continually, in the first week as much as 8%. That is substantial. There is no data showing that we regain that metabolism.
Another problem with extended fasting is the loss of lean body mass. After only a week of fasting we lose 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of lean body mass with the most rapid loss after the first two days.
Dr. Phinney also explains effects on mineral loss, medication for type 2 diabetes and life-threatening refeeding syndrome.