Fasting Failed You? Here's Why (And What Works Instead)

Welcome to Ascend Above Average, the podcast formerly known as Health Decoded, where the conversation focuses on redefining what it means to age well, especially for adults over 40. This episode explores why the show has a new name, challenges the notion that physical and mental decline after 40 is inevitable, and reveals how Ascend Functional Health in Tampa Bay helps patients move beyond “average” health. The discussion explores real-life stories of transformation, the importance of personalized care, and the distinction between what’s common and what’s truly normal. Listeners will gain insight into multi-pronged approaches to wellness, the value of foundational health work, and how anyone no matter their age can begin the journey toward thriving, not just surviving.00:00 Staying active in later life04:50 Attributing health issues to aging09:53 Importance of foundational health steps13:19 Understanding customer needs and education15:31 Understanding personalized health and nutrition20:07 Affordable initial consultation process21:49 The clinic's mission and ripple effect24:22 New patient experience introhttps://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

In this episode, Dr. Alfred Alessi and Matt Tack dive into the challenges of starting and maintaining fitness after 35, particularly for former athletes. They share personal stories and analogies to illustrate the hurdles faced when trying to stay active as one ages. The discussion highlights the best training methods for men over 35, focusing on the importance of mobility and functional movement. The episode also explores the role of nutraceuticals and peptides in supporting tendon strength and overall fitness. Through real-life examples and expert insights, listeners gain valuable advice on adapting fitness routines to meet the changing needs of their bodies.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

Learn why using single-solution tools often fails for complex health issues and how to identify the right approach for your needs. Many people struggle with persistent symptoms because they apply narrow treatments to multi-layered problems. Dr. Alessi explains the core framework used at Health Decoded to break down these health issues and identify precise health solutions for every layer. Understanding this methodology helps you stop wasting time on tools that do not address the root cause of your specific situation.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

In this episode, Dr. Alfred Alessi and Matt Tack explore the shortcomings of primary care, focusing on sickness management and brief visits. They introduce functional medicine as an alternative, addressing structural issues and the failure to tackle root causes. The discussion compares health monitoring to business KPIs and identifies gaps in current healthcare. A model to close this gap is proposed, emphasizing time, data, and sequencing. The episode covers comprehensive testing, medication, prevention, and a case study on root causes. Ascend Total Care's mission is explored, along with interventions for chronic stress and insulin resistance. The conversation concludes with patient and self-advocacy, and engaging with Ascend.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

In this episode, Dr. Alfred Alessi and Matt Tack discuss the limitations of standard health panels, focusing on disease detection vs. performance measurement. They explore five overlooked biomarker categories, starting with lipid panels and particle count. They cover APOB for cardiovascular risk, glucose and insulin resistance for energy levels, inflammation markers like HSCRP and homocysteine, and hormone panels focusing on free testosterone. The importance of body composition and DEXA scans is also highlighted. A case study shows actionable protocols from biomarker data, concluding with a summary of key biomarkers for a comprehensive physical evaluation.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

In this episode, Dr. Alfred Alessi and Matt Tack delve into the pivotal role of muscle in achieving sustainable fat loss and promoting longevity. They discuss muscle's significant influence on glucose disposal and its impact on healthy aging. The conversation shifts to rethinking exercise strategies and underscores the importance of adequate protein intake. They critically assess the limitations of thermogenics, emphasizing why muscle and protein are more crucial than fat burners. Denise's success story with the Ascend Metabolic Rebuild Program illustrates the transformative power of focusing on muscle and protein.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

In this episode, Dr. Alfred Alessi and Matt Tack explore the intricate connections between fat loss resistance and gut signals, sharing insights from Dr. Alessi’s own health journey. They dive into the critical role gut health plays in influencing hormones and metabolism, highlighting the gut-brain-cortisol connection. A case study featuring Maria sheds light on the challenges of gut dysbiosis. The episode also covers the implications of intermittent fasting on insulin sensitivity, with a focus on potential risks for women, especially during perimenopause. Listeners receive personalized advice on fasting, and a preview of the next episode hints at a discussion on muscle and metabolism. Closing remarks include a call to action.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

In this episode, Dr. Alfred Alessi and Matt Tack delve into the challenges of fat loss resistance and the physiological factors at play. They explore the limitations of conventional dieting, focusing on metabolic adaptation and the concept of reverse dieting. The discussion covers adaptive thermogenesis, metabolic rate, and the roles of thyroid and hunger hormones in weight management. They examine the detrimental cycle of crash dieting and the importance of gradually increasing caloric intake to support metabolic health. The episode also touches on the interplay between energy systems and thyroid function. Closing remarks hint at topics for upcoming episodes.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

In this episode, Dr. Alfred Alessi and Matt Tack explore key health decisions at age 50 and beyond. They discuss gut issues and introduce the Six R gut healing framework, plus a free webinar invite. Diane's journey at Ascend Functional Health highlights thriving in midlife. They cover functional decline drivers, crucial longevity biomarkers, and advanced optimization tools, focusing on personalized assessments. Diane's story emphasizes the importance of ages 48-62 for longevity, especially during perimenopause and early menopause. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the opportunity cost of change, a sponsor message, and a call to action.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care

In this episode, Dr. Alfred Alessi and Matt Tack discuss the body as an integrated system, focusing on the root cause of persistent bloating. Dr. Alessi introduces his Total Gut Reset framework and invites listeners to a free webinar. The episode features Karen's health journey, highlighting the consequences of addressing health issues at the wrong level. They delve into the problems with ketogenic dieting, thyroid dysfunction, and the misuse of antidepressants for hormonal issues. In this episode, we explore the intricate connections within the human body, emphasizing how various biological systems, from gut health to hormonal balance, are deeply intertwined. Discover how maintaining healthy habits and fostering your immune system meditation can lead to improved health and wellness, moving beyond just treating symptoms to achieving true metabolic health. Join Dr. Alessi and Matt Tack as they decode the complexities of your body's integrated network.https://ascendfunctionalhealth.com/https://ascendaboveaverage.comtophealth.care