Mentor of the Month with Dr. Kerry Bryant "The Evil Trinity of Processed Foods"

Dr. Kerry Bryant shared his journey from a low-fat diet to a ketogenic lifestyle, which significantly improved his health metrics. He discussed the impact of diet on chronic diseases, emphasizing the importance of mitochondria and hormesis. Bryant's A1C levels improved from 7.2 to 5.5 after adopting a diet high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. He highlighted the role of ketones in brain health and the negative effects of fructose. Bryant also noted the correlation between diet and conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer, advocating for a low-carb, low-sugar, and low-vegetable oil diet to improve overall health and patient care.

Introduction and Background of Dr. Kerry Bryant

• Steve Anderson introduces Dr. Kerry Bryant, highlighting his 24-year career in dentistry and his practice in Maine.
• Dr. Bryant is a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
• The topic of the discussion is Dr. Bryant's personal journey in health and wellness, rather than clinical dentistry.
• Steve Anderson emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences within the Crown Council.

Dr. Bryant's Initial Health Journey

• Dr. Bryant recounts his early beliefs about low-fat diets and exercise, which he adopted in the 1960s and 1970s.
• He shares his health scares, including a heart stent in 2012, his mother's heart attack, and his father's cancer.
• Dr. Bryant's brother also passed away from pancreatic cancer, leading him to reevaluate his dietary habits.
• He began studying nutrition and neurology, shifting his focus to the importance of diet and other lifestyle factors.

Shift in Dietary Beliefs and Health Metrics

• Dr. Bryant explains his new belief that diet is "king" and exercise is "queen," with sleep being crucial.
• He introduces the concept of hormesis, where exposure to certain stressors can have beneficial effects.
• Dr. Bryant shares his personal health metrics, noting a significant improvement in his A1C levels from 7.2 to 5.5.
• He discusses the importance of ketones and the role of insulin resistance in health.

Impact of Ketosis and Dietary Changes

• Dr. Bryant describes his dietary changes, including a reduction in carbohydrates and an increase in healthy fats.
• He explains the science behind ketosis and its benefits for brain health, referencing Dr. Dale Bredesen's work.
• Dr. Bryant emphasizes the importance of avoiding fructose and its addictive properties.
• He shares his personal struggles with sugar addiction and the positive impact of his new diet on his health markers.

Influence on Patient Care and Practice

• Dr. Bryant discusses how his new health focus has influenced his interactions with patients.
• He shares his approach to educating patients about nutrition and its impact on health.
• Dr. Bryant mentions the importance of maintaining an open mind about various health approaches.
• He reflects on the limited knowledge of nutrition among physicians and the need for better education.

Challenges and Controversies in Health Advice

• Dr. Bryant acknowledges the controversies surrounding statin drugs and the importance of individualized approaches.
• He shares his experiences with other health professionals and their varying opinions on diet and health.
• Dr. Bryant emphasizes the need for continuous learning and staying updated on the latest health research.
• He highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms.

Personal and Professional Growth

• Dr. Bryant reflects on his personal growth and improved quality of life since adopting a ketogenic diet.
• He shares his experiences with meditation, exercise, and other stress-reduction techniques.
• Dr. Bryant discusses the positive impact of his new health habits on his family and practice.
• He emphasizes the importance of sharing his knowledge with patients to help them improve their health.

Advice for Beginners in Ketosis

• Dr. Bryant advises starting with a low-carb diet and gradually incorporating ketosis.
• He recommends resources like Dr. Steven Finney's YouTube videos for learning about ketosis.
• Dr. Bryant emphasizes the importance of eliminating processed foods, sugar, and vegetable oils from the diet.
• He shares his personal journey and the challenges he faced in adopting a ketogenic lifestyle.

Broader Impact of Diet on Health

• Dr. Bryant discusses the broader impact of diet on health, including the role of inflammation and metabolic health.
• He shares statistics on the prevalence of metabolic diseases and their impact on healthcare costs.
• Dr. Bryant emphasizes the importance of preventing chronic diseases through dietary changes.
• He reflects on the challenges of changing dietary habits and the role of the food industry in health issues.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

• Dr. Bryant concludes by emphasizing the importance of fixing diet to improve health and reduce healthcare costs.
• He shares his belief that addressing dietary issues is crucial for preventing chronic diseases.
• Dr. Bryant encourages others to stay informed and continue learning about health and nutrition.
• Speaker 1 thanks Dr. Bryant for sharing his insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of personal health journeys.