How To Eat Cake, Ice Cream & Cookies Without Spiking Insulin, Gaining Fat, Or Destroying Your Metabolism With Ben Azadi | #1312

What if your “slow metabolism” isn’t about calories at all… but a hidden thyroid problem nobody has caught yet? In this eye-opening episode of the Metabolic Freedom Podcast, Ben Azadi sits down with renowned thyroid expert Dr. Amie Hornaman to uncover the real connection between thyroid health, stubborn belly fat, fatigue, hormone dysfunction, and metabolic resistance. Dr. Amie explains why millions of people are being told their labs are “normal” while still struggling with weight gain, brain fog, constipation, hair loss, anxiety, and exhaustion. She reveals why standard thyroid testing often misses the real issue, how reverse T3 can completely shut down fat burning, and why many people feel worse even while taking thyroid medication. Ben and Dr. Amie also break down the dangerous myth of “eat less and exercise more,” the truth about fasting with hypothyroidism, why insulin resistance and thyroid dysfunction go hand in hand, and how hidden inflammation, stress, toxins, and gluten may be sabotaging your metabolism. If you’ve been doing everything “right” and still can’t lose weight or feel good, this conversation may finally explain why. 🔑 Key Topics Covered The hidden connection between thyroid health and visceral belly fat Why many people gain weight “looking at a brownie” when thyroid function is low The difference between T4, T3, and reverse T3 Why TSH alone is not enough to evaluate thyroid health The real reason many thyroid medications fail to help symptoms How reverse T3 puts the body into “survival mode” Why chronic dieting and overexercising can worsen thyroid function The dangerous downside of “eat less and move more” How hypothyroidism affects insulin resistance and cholesterol The connection between liver health and thyroid hormone conversion Why fasting can still work for women with thyroid issues when done correctly The truth about iodine and why it remains controversial Common thyroid symptoms most people ignore Why gluten may worsen Hashimoto’s and thyroid autoimmunity How fatigue, constipation, hair loss, frozen shoulder, and brain fog can all relate to thyroid dysfunction The importance of testing thyroid antibodies and reverse T3 Why many women are misdiagnosed or gaslit about thyroid symptoms How stress hormones impact metabolism and fat loss The emotional and mental toll of undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction Practical first steps to begin improving thyroid health 📘 Resources & Links Mentioned 📘 Book: The Thyroid Fix by Dr. Amie Hornaman 👉 The Thyroid Fix Book 🎁 Dr. Amie mentioned special bonuses available with purchase of The Thyroid Fix, including: Access to a private live event/Q&A Bonus podcast vault Supplement discounts Giveaway opportunities 🌐 Dr. Amie Hornaman Website: 👉 Dr. Amie Website 🎧 Podcast: 👉 The Thyroid Fixer Podcast 📸 Instagram: 👉 Dr. Amie Hornaman Instagram 👥 Facebook Group: 👉 Fix Your Thyroid Facebook Group 📘 Book Mentioned by Ben Azadi: Metabolic Freedom 👉 Metabolic Freedom Book Bonus Page 🌐 Ben Azadi Events & Speaking Schedule: 👉 Ben Azadi Events 👤 About the Guest Dr. Amie Hornaman is a nationally recognized thyroid expert, functional medicine practitioner, and founder of the Institute for Thyroid and Hormone Optimization. She is also the host of The Thyroid Fixer Podcast and has helped thousands of people overcome hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, hormone dysfunction, weight loss resistance, and metabolic issues through a root-cause approach to healing. Her latest book, The Thyroid Fix, provides a practical guide for understanding thyroid labs, symptoms, treatment options, and metabolic health. Follow Ben Azadi 🌐 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.benazadi.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thebenazadi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💼 LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadi ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▶️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/ketokamp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔥Myoscience Berberine Fasting Accelerator Get 20% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. - https://bit.ly/49ntgu2  Can you really eat dessert without destroying your metabolism? In this episode, Ben Azadi shares the surprising results from his 30-day glucose monitor experiment testing how to enjoy cake, cookies, ice cream, and carbs while minimizing blood sugar spikes. Ben breaks down four science-backed strategies that can dramatically reduce insulin and glucose responses without completely giving up the foods you love. You’ll learn: The best order to eat your food to lower glucose spikes Why dessert should never be eaten alone How a short walk after meals changes blood sugar response Why late-night desserts are more damaging The role of berberine for supporting healthy glucose metabolism Ben also shares his personal CGM data, research studies, and practical tips you can start using immediately to enjoy carbs with less guilt, fewer cravings, and better metabolic health.  Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔥CLICK For Your Complete 14 Day Fat Loss Plan (Reignite Your Body & Life) HERE - https://bit.ly/4uySE8k  📚 🎁  Purchase Ben's new book Metabolic Freedom today to receive immediate access to a FREE course on metabolism with exclusive interviews from Dr Daniel Pompa, Dr Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Cynthia Thurlow & more. CLICK HERE: http://www.metabolicfreedombook.com ($997 Retail Value For FREE) If you’re over 40, your workouts may be doing more harm than good without you even realizing it. In this episode, Ben Azadi breaks down the 5 worst exercises for people over 40 that may increase inflammation, elevate cortisol, damage joints, accelerate muscle loss, and negatively impact longevity. From long-distance running on pavement to heavy barbell back squats, sit-ups, crunches, and high-impact HIIT workouts, Ben explains the science behind why these exercises become more problematic as we age.  You’ll also learn smarter alternatives that support healthy aging, including zone 2 cardio, strength training, walking, rucking, and functional core exercises designed to preserve muscle, protect your spine, improve recovery, and help you feel stronger for decades to come. Ben also shares why muscle mass is one of the greatest predictors of lifespan and how shifting from intensity to longevity-focused training can completely transform your health after 40.  Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔥CLICK to Get the Only Olive Oil I Trust (Buy 2, Get 1 FREE) → https://freshpressolive.com/4dt27bz  📚 🎁  Purchase Ben's new book Metabolic Freedom today to receive immediate access to a FREE course on metabolism with exclusive interviews from Dr Daniel Pompa, Dr Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Cynthia Thurlow & more. CLICK HERE: http://www.metabolicfreedombook.com  ($997 Retail Value For FREE) In this episode, Ben Azadi shares the results of a 10-day olive oil experiment where he consumed three tablespoons of high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil daily. What started as a simple self-experiment quickly turned into a deep dive into inflammation, cravings, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and visceral fat loss. Ben breaks down the science behind olive oil’s powerful compounds like oleocanthal, explains why most people are using olive oil incorrectly, and reveals the exact protocol he followed to improve satiety, energy, recovery, and waist circumference without changing his workouts or diet. He also uncovers: The biggest mistake people make with olive oil Why quality matters more than quantity How olive oil impacts GLP-1 signaling and appetite The connection between inflammation and stubborn belly fat What happened to his sleep, cravings, and energy levels during the experiment This episode is packed with practical strategies and research-backed insights for anyone looking to optimize their metabolism and improve overall health naturally. Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Equip Foods Prime Protein (20% off — code BENAZADI): https://bit.ly/4exTTjy  📚 🎁  Purchase Ben's new book Metabolic Freedom today to receive immediate access to a FREE course on metabolism with exclusive interviews from Dr Daniel Pompa, Dr Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Cynthia Thurlow & more. CLICK HERE: http://www.metabolicfreedombook.com ($997 Retail Value For FREE) Everyone's talking about Ozempic — but almost nobody is talking about the $2, 10-second tool that triggers the exact same biological pathway naturally. That tool is protein. And chances are, you're not getting nearly enough of it. The government's protein recommendation of 0.8g per kilogram of body weight was set in 1973 to prevent deficiency — not to optimize your metabolism. Research points to 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram as the real target for satiety, fat loss, and muscle protection. For most people, that gap is enormous, and it's showing up as afternoon crashes, sugar cravings, and constant food noise. Here's why it works: protein triggers GLP-1 — the same fullness hormone Ozempic is designed to mimic, completely naturally. It slows digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and burns 20 to 30 percent of its own calories through digestion alone. Studies show that people who hit adequate protein targets spontaneously eat hundreds of fewer calories per day without dieting, experience fewer cravings, protect their muscle mass, and recover faster. The challenge isn't knowing you need protein. It's consistently hitting the target every day. That's where a clean, high-quality protein supplement earns its place, not as a replacement for whole foods, but as a practical backup on busy days. Ben's go-to is Equip Foods Prime Protein: four ingredients, grass-fed beef protein, no seed oils, no fillers, no whey, and it comes out to about $2 per serving. Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔥FREE GUIDE: The 5 Step Egg Rules To Speed Up Fat Loss HERE - https://bit.ly/4reW12s📚 🎁  Purchase Ben's new book Metabolic Freedom today to receive immediate access to a FREE course on metabolism with exclusive interviews from Dr Daniel Pompa, Dr Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Cynthia Thurlow & more. CLICK HERE: http://www.metabolicfreedombook.com ($997 Retail Value For FREE) Most people assume eggs are one of the cleanest foods they can buy. But what's actually inside that carton — and inside your body after eating it — may be very different from what the label suggests. In this episode, Ben Azadi breaks down the seven things happening to commercial eggs right now that most people have never heard of. Starting with the foundation: whatever the chicken eats ends up in the egg, and ends up in you. From there, Ben walks through how commercial feed is loaded with genetically modified corn, soy, and glyphosate — how label terms like "natural," "farm fresh," and "vegetarian fed" are legally meaningless marketing language — and how cage-free and pasture-raised certifications often describe conditions that look nothing like the imagery on the carton. Ben also exposes how yolk color is routinely engineered using synthetic pigments and a literal color fan deck, what's legally permitted in commercial chicken feed that will never appear on your egg carton (antibiotics, mold inhibitors, growth enhancers, and more), and why American eggs are chemically washed and oil-coated in a process that strips the shell's natural protective bloom. He also reveals how eggs on store shelves can be quietly swapped between cartons, making sell-by dates unreliable. Ben shares a striking story from his interview with triple board-certified physician Dr. Zach Bush about a patient whose weekly panic attacks were traced back to daily commercial egg consumption — and disappeared when she switched. The episode closes with Ben's three personal rules for buying clean eggs: buy local and see the chickens yourself, look for pasture-raised with a real third-party certification seal (not just the words), and use the crack test to assess egg quality at home. Eggs aren't the problem. Sourced correctly, they can be one of the most powerful anti-aging, fat-burning foods available. Ben also shares a free guide — the Keto Egg Rules to Melt Fat — to help you use eggs the right way to support fat burning, stable energy, and reduced cravings. Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the products you use every single day for “oral health”… are actually harming your body? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Ben Azadi sits down with biological dentists Dr. Shawn Javid and Dr. Ben Javid to uncover the hidden truth about modern dentistry and its impact on your overall health. With over 44 years of combined experience and 10,000+ patients treated, the Javid brothers explain why conventional dental practices often miss the root cause of chronic illness. You’ll discover how antiseptic mouthwash, fluoride toothpaste, root canals, and even poor breathing habits may be contributing to inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and long-term disease. This episode goes far beyond teeth. It reveals how your mouth is directly connected to your gut, brain, hormones, and entire immune system. If you want to optimize your health from the inside out, this conversation will completely change how you think about oral care. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Why antiseptic mouthwash may destroy your oral microbiome and increase disease risk The shocking truth about fluoride and its impact on brain health How oral bacteria imbalance affects your gut, heart, and immune system Why nutrition is the foundation of strong teeth and overall health The real dangers of root canals and hidden infections How oral health connects to systemic inflammation and chronic illness The truth about veneers and when they may or may not be appropriate Why sleep apnea is massively underdiagnosed and linked to major diseases The role of airway health, breathing, and nitric oxide production Why mouth taping can improve sleep quality and overall health How childhood development, jaw structure, and diet affect lifelong health   🎧 Resources & Links Mentioned 🌐 My Smile Body Clinic: https://mysmilebody.com 📍 Location: Los Angeles / Southern California 👨‍⚕️ Biological Dentist Resource: https://iaomt.org   👤 About the Guests Dr. Shawn Javid & Dr. Ben Javid are biological dentists and founders of My Smile Body, a holistic dental and health optimization center in California. With decades of experience, they specialize in identifying root causes of oral and systemic disease, combining dentistry with functional medicine, airway health, and biohacking. Follow Ben Azadi 🌐 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.benazadi.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thebenazadi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💼 LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/benazadi ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▶️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/ketokamp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔥CLICK For Your Complete 14 Day Fat Loss Plan (Reignite Your Body & Life) HERE - https://bit.ly/4tgoK96  📚 🎁  Purchase Ben's new book Metabolic Freedom today to receive immediate access to a FREE course on metabolism with exclusive interviews from Dr Daniel Pompa, Dr Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Cynthia Thurlow & more. CLICK HERE: http://www.metabolicfreedombook.com ($997 Retail Value For FREE) Most people don't start worrying about Alzheimer's until stage four or five. But the metabolic changes that drive cognitive decline often begin decades earlier — silently, without a single warning sign. In this episode, Ben Azadi walks you through an educational framework of the five stages of Alzheimer's progression, explains why so many people are unknowingly living in Stage 3, and gives you four actionable levers to protect your brain starting today. The real villain isn't aging or genetics. It's brain insulin resistance, chronic neuroinflammation, mitochondrial decline, and reduced glucose metabolism — what researchers call metabolic brain dysfunction. A 2008 Lancet Neurology study showed reduced brain glucose metabolism in individuals years before any diagnosis. This is why Alzheimer's is increasingly referred to as Type 3 Diabetes. Ben breaks down each stage — from the silent metabolic shift of Stage 1 (no symptoms, but damage quietly underway) through Stage 3, where most people are living right now with subtle memory slips they're dismissing as normal aging, all the way to the advanced dependence of Stage 5. The through line: this didn't start where it's diagnosed. It started metabolically, decades before. The four levers that matter most: insulin control through low-carb eating and intermittent fasting, daily movement to improve cerebral blood flow, inflammation reduction through omega-3-rich foods and quality sleep, and mitochondrial support through strength training, adequate protein, and ketosis. Ben also covers the powerful role of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) — the brain's version of Miracle-Gro — and answers listener questions on genetics, exercise, sleep, and why the medical system rarely addresses the metabolic roots of cognitive decline. Your brain is not just aging. It's adapting every day to the signals you send it. And the good news — you can change the signal. Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔥CLICK to Get Your Magnesium (20% off code FREEDOM) HERE → https://bit.ly/4w9MU6I  📚 🎁  Purchase Ben's new book Metabolic Freedom today to receive immediate access to a FREE course on metabolism with exclusive interviews from Dr Daniel Pompa, Dr Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Cynthia Thurlow & more. CLICK HERE: http://www.metabolicfreedombook.com ($997 Retail Value For FREE) What if stubborn belly fat, post-meal crashes, and stalled workouts after 40 have nothing to do with carbs, hormones, or aging — and everything to do with one mineral your cells are starving for? In this episode, Ben Azadi breaks down the real root of insulin resistance: a cellular signaling failure, not a willpower problem. Drawing on his own transformation — losing 80 pounds of fat in nine months — Ben explains how magnesium controls the two critical steps that allow your muscle cells to receive insulin's signal and clear glucose from the bloodstream. Without it, insulin keeps calling, but your cells can't pick up the phone. Ben covers the published research showing that the highest magnesium intake group had a 71% lower risk of worsening insulin resistance, why 93% of Americans may already be affected without knowing it, and why your vitamin D supplement may be doing nothing if magnesium is missing from the equation. You'll walk away with a practical three-layer protocol — the right forms and dosage of magnesium, a simple post-meal movement strategy that bypasses insulin entirely, and how to use the overnight recovery window to reset insulin sensitivity while you sleep. If you've tried everything and nothing has moved the needle, this episode will change the way you see your metabolism. Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔥CLICK For Your Complete 14 Day Fat Loss Plan (Reignite Your Body & Life) HERE - https://bit.ly/4tgoK96  📚 🎁  Purchase Ben's new book Metabolic Freedom today to receive immediate access to a FREE course on metabolism with exclusive interviews from Dr Daniel Pompa, Dr Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Cynthia Thurlow & more. CLICK HERE: http://www.metabolicfreedombook.com ($997 Retail Value For FREE) Most people trying to lose weight are focused on eating less and doing more — but that's not what actually moves the needle. In this episode, Ben Azadi shares the three-step protocol he used to lose 80 pounds and go from 34% body fat to 6% — and has kept it off for over 18 years. The real reason fat loss stalls isn't lack of discipline. It's a hormonal signaling problem. Your body may be receiving the signal to store fat even when you're trying harder. Before you can accelerate results, you have to remove what's blocking them. Step one: Close the kitchen 3–4 hours before bed. Late-night eating depletes willpower, triggers poor food choices, disrupts deep and REM sleep, and raises resting heart rate — all of which keep you in fat-storage mode. A hard eating cutoff eliminates the majority of bad food decisions and unlocks deeper, more restorative fat-burning sleep. Step two: Delay your first meal. Fat burning only happens when insulin is low. By extending your overnight fast to 12, 14, or 16 hours, you give your body the time it needs to burn through sugar reserves and tap into stored fat — the belly fat, visceral fat, and love handles. Let the window build naturally and your hunger will adapt. Step three: Fix your meal order. Lead every meal with protein, healthy fat, and fiber before anything else. This blunts the glucose response, keeps insulin low, and shifts your body into fat-burning mode faster. If you include carbs, have them last. Stack these three habits in the right order and fat loss becomes less effort and more efficient. Ben also shares a simple three-phase system — Reset, Burn, Lock It In — to help you build momentum without burning out. If you want a complete day-by-day plan, Ben's 14-Day Fat Loss Reset Guide walks you through everything step by step — what to eat, when to eat, how to crush cravings, and how to stay consistent without overthinking it. It's $17 with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Find All Metabolic Freedom Sponsorship Deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ketokamp.com/sponsorship-deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices