The Gut-Metabolism Connection with Dr. Rhea Kotecha
In this episode of Adding Years, I’m joined by Dr. Rhea Kotecha to explore the gut-metabolism connection and how gut health shapes blood sugar, energy, hormones, and the way we age. We break down what metabolic health actually means, why standard bloodwork may miss early signs of metabolic dysfunction, and how symptoms like waking up tired, crashing after meals, constant hunger, sugar cravings, and poor sleep may be connected to insulin resistance and poor metabolic flexibility. Dr. Rhea explains how the gut microbiome influences glucose regulation, inflammation, GLP-1 production, satiety, and hormone signaling. We also discuss whether probiotics and prebiotics are really worth it, why food and fiber are still foundational for gut health, and how modern lifestyles are disrupting our natural rhythms. In this conversation, we cover: * What poor metabolic health really means * The early signs of insulin resistance * Why fasting glucose and HbA1c may not show the full picture * How gut health and blood sugar are connected * The role of GLP-1, fiber, and the microbiome * Probiotics, prebiotics, and gut health marketing * Visceral fat, fatty liver, and cardiovascular risk * How cortisol, stress, sleep, and meal timing affect metabolism * Why eating earlier may improve glucose response and recovery * How emotional health and social connection impact longevity If you’re interested in longevity, metabolic health, gut health, blood sugar, insulin resistance, hormone health, glucose spikes, GLP-1, microbiome health, or how to improve energy and healthspan, this episode will help you understand how these systems are all connected. Subscribe to Adding Years for more conversations on longevity, healthspan, metabolic health, women’s health, gut health, hormones, nutrition, and the science of aging.
The information provided in Adding Years: Your Roadmap to Longevity is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The hosts and producers are not licensed medical professionals, dietitians, or healthcare providers. While some guests may be licensed medical professionals, they appear solely in an educational capacity and are not providing individualized medical care or establishing any healthcare provider–patient relationship.
