Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
What happens to your body when you quit carbs with Dr. Andrew Koutnik? Head to DrinkLMNT.com/theprimalpodcast to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Can a 14-day transition away from carbohydrates fundamentally lower your insulin and help you lose weight? In this episode, metabolic researcher Dr. Andrew Koutnik (PhD) joins us to deconstruct the pathophysiology of keto-adaptation and the long-term systemic effects of nutritional ketosis. Drawing from years of rigorous clinical research and his work in metabolic therapy, Dr. Koutnik explains why the body’s transition from glucose to fatty acid oxidation is a multi-phased biological process.. From the nuances of lipidology and LDL markers to the therapeutic application of carbohydrate restriction for chronic disease, this conversation provides the clarity needed to look past the "fad" and understand the science of metabolic switching. Whether you are looking to reverse insulin resistance or simply lose excess body weight, you will understand what happens to the body when you quit carbohydrates.
In This Episode, We Reveal:
* The 5 Phases of Keto Adaptation: A detailed scientific breakdown of how the body transitions from acute glycogen depletion to long-term stabilization over six weeks.
* The Insulin-Adipose Axis: Why high insulin levels act as a biochemical "lock" on fat stores and how restriction facilitates rapid fat oxidation.
* Lipidology & Cardiovascular Health: A look at LDL cholesterol on a ketogenic diet and why common cardiovascular markers are often misinterpreted in a low-carb context.
* Therapeutic Ketosis: Exploring the clinical evidence for using carbohydrate restriction as a primary intervention for metabolic and neurological conditions.
* Hidden Carbohydrates & Label Literacy: Identifying the metabolic impact of hidden sugars and "net carb" marketing that can derail hormonal optimization.
* The Randall Cycle & Fuel Competition: Understanding how the body prioritizes fuel sources and the biological consequences of chronic "metabolic inflexibility."
Scientific Resources & Dr. Koutnik’s Work:
* Clinical Research: Low-Carbohydrate Diets and Cardiovascular Health (PMC): pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11427101
* Metabolic Study: Impact of Ketosis on Insulin Sensitivity (PMC): pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11234288
* Research Paper: Dietary Strategies for Metabolic Syndrome (PMC): pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10937533
* The Metabolic and Endocrine Effects of a 12-Week Allulose-Rich Diet: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11207032
* Dr. Koutnik's Research & Website: andrewkoutnik.com
Primal Resources:
* Primal Tallow Balms & Soaps: shop.theprimal.com
* GoCarnivore App: gocarnivore.com
Connect With Us:
* Website: theprimal.com
* Instagram: instagram.com/theprimal.podcast
* Twitter/X: https://x.com/ThePrimal_Pod
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:48 - Why your body stores fat from carbs
06:35 - The "healthy" foods lying to you
10:28 - Day one without carbs
14:48 - How to survive the keto flu
16:13 - Day seven without carbs
19:43 - Three weeks without carbs
29:14 - Six weeks without carbs
36:38 - The diseases keto can actually treat
41:01 - How to know if you're actually in ketosis
47:54 - How to actually eat on keto
51:25 - The foods you think are keto (but aren't)
58:07 - Use AI to decode any food label
1:00:04 - The myth of high LDL
1:12:02 - What if you can't give up bread?
About Rina Ahluwalia & The Primal Podcast: Rina Ahluwalia is a leading researcher in root-cause healing and the founder of GoCarnivore.com. She facilitates high-level clinical discussions with world-renowned MDs and researchers to deconstruct the pathophysiology of modern disease and promote the science of the Proper Human Diet.
Medical Disclaimer Note: The content provided in this video and description is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this channel.
What happens to your body when you quit carbs with Dr. Andrew Koutnik? Head to DrinkLMNT.com/theprimalpodcast to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Can a 14-day transition away from carbohydrates fundamentally lower your insulin and help you lose weight? In this episode, metabolic researcher Dr. Andrew Koutnik (PhD) joins us to deconstruct the pathophysiology of keto-adaptation and the long-term systemic effects of nutritional ketosis. Drawing from years of rigorous clinical research and his work in metabolic therapy, Dr. Koutnik explains why the body’s transition from glucose to fatty acid oxidation is a multi-phased biological process.. From the nuances of lipidology and LDL markers to the therapeutic application of carbohydrate restriction for chronic disease, this conversation provides the clarity needed to look past the "fad" and understand the science of metabolic switching. Whether you are looking to reverse insulin resistance or simply lose excess body weight, you will understand what happens to the body when you quit carbohydrates.
In This Episode, We Reveal:
* The 5 Phases of Keto Adaptation: A detailed scientific breakdown of how the body transitions from acute glycogen depletion to long-term stabilization over six weeks.
* The Insulin-Adipose Axis: Why high insulin levels act as a biochemical "lock" on fat stores and how restriction facilitates rapid fat oxidation.
* Lipidology & Cardiovascular Health: A look at LDL cholesterol on a ketogenic diet and why common cardiovascular markers are often misinterpreted in a low-carb context.
* Therapeutic Ketosis: Exploring the clinical evidence for using carbohydrate restriction as a primary intervention for metabolic and neurological conditions.
* Hidden Carbohydrates & Label Literacy: Identifying the metabolic impact of hidden sugars and "net carb" marketing that can derail hormonal optimization.
* The Randall Cycle & Fuel Competition: Understanding how the body prioritizes fuel sources and the biological consequences of chronic "metabolic inflexibility."
Scientific Resources & Dr. Koutnik’s Work:
* Clinical Research: Low-Carbohydrate Diets and Cardiovascular Health (PMC): pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11427101
* Metabolic Study: Impact of Ketosis on Insulin Sensitivity (PMC): pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11234288
* Research Paper: Dietary Strategies for Metabolic Syndrome (PMC): pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10937533
* The Metabolic and Endocrine Effects of a 12-Week Allulose-Rich Diet: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11207032
* Dr. Koutnik's Research & Website: andrewkoutnik.com
Primal Resources:
* Primal Tallow Balms & Soaps: shop.theprimal.com
* GoCarnivore App: gocarnivore.com
Connect With Us:
* Website: theprimal.com
* Instagram: instagram.com/theprimal.podcast
* Twitter/X: https://x.com/ThePrimal_Pod
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:48 - Why your body stores fat from carbs
06:35 - The "healthy" foods lying to you
10:28 - Day one without carbs
14:48 - How to survive the keto flu
16:13 - Day seven without carbs
19:43 - Three weeks without carbs
29:14 - Six weeks without carbs
36:38 - The diseases keto can actually treat
41:01 - How to know if you're actually in ketosis
47:54 - How to actually eat on keto
51:25 - The foods you think are keto (but aren't)
58:07 - Use AI to decode any food label
1:00:04 - The myth of high LDL
1:12:02 - What if you can't give up bread?
About Rina Ahluwalia & The Primal Podcast: Rina Ahluwalia is a leading researcher in root-cause healing and the founder of GoCarnivore.com. She facilitates high-level clinical discussions with world-renowned MDs and researchers to deconstruct the pathophysiology of modern disease and promote the science of the Proper Human Diet.
Medical Disclaimer Note: The content provided in this video and description is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this channel.
![I lost 80 lbs In 9 Months [Follow This]
Fix visceral fat in 10 days, the most efficient way to lose fat with Ben Azadi. Ben Azadi discusses how to fix visceral fat, its implications for health, and the most efficient way to reverse visceral fat and lose weight. Visceral fat as an inflammatory type of fat that surrounds vital organs, leading to serious health risks.
We discuss the causes of visceral fat accumulation, including stress, alcohol consumption, and dietary choices. Ben shares personal success stories and outlines a comprehensive 10-step protocol for reducing visceral fat, focusing on dietary changes, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Primal Resources
Primal Tallow Balms & Soaps: https://shop.theprimal.com/
GoCarnivore App: https://www.gocarnivore.com/
The Primal Podcast
Website: https://www.theprimal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprimal.podcast/
Twitter: https://x.com/ThePrimal_Pod
About Rina - The Primal Podcast
Rina Ahluwalia breaks down the truth about getting healthy and losing weight— based on science. On her health podcast, she interviews top doctors and experts about the power of low-carb and ketogenic diets, the carnivore diet, and intermittent fasting.
As the founder of GoCarnivore.com, Rina is a recognized leader in the health space, helping people take control of their weight and well-being through real, nutrient-dense food.
Want to jumpstart your health? Join the free 90-day challenge at GoCarnivore.com or visit ThePrimal.com for more! I lost 80 lbs In 9 Months [Follow This]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dQIOQMaVsL8/mqdefault.jpg)
![#1 Way To Lose Weight & Fix Disease [EAT THIS] Dr. Westman
The most effective weight-loss method based on science, with Dr. Eric Westman, Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University. If you want to lose weight and prevent disease, eat these foods. Head to http://DrinkLMNT.com/theprimalpodcast to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Is it possible to lose weight without counting a single calorie or tracking every gram of fiber? In this episode, Dr. Eric Westman (Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University) joins us to break down the clinical reality of weight loss, the power of low-carb living, and the emerging science of Euketonemia. From his decades of clinical experience, Dr. Westman explains why the traditional eat less, move more model fails and how targeting insulin, not just calories, is the key to unlocking stubborn fat stores. Whether youre a keto veteran or just starting your journey, this episode provides the medical clarity needed to simplify your diet and see results.
In This Episode, We Reveal:
* Understanding Euketonemia: Defining the sweet spot of healthy blood ketones for metabolic success.
* Calorie Counting: Why hormonal control (insulin) is the key.
* Fiber: Fact vs. Fiction: The microbiome and why fiber isnt a requirement for health.
* The Insulin Switch: How a low-carb approach signals your body to stop storing fat and start burning it.
* Practical Weight Loss: Why total carb restriction is the most effective clinical tool for rapid results.
* Fasting vs. Diet: Is fasting necessary? Dr. Westman shares why it’s a tool, not a requirement.
* Sweeteners in the Real World: Can you still use non-sugar sweeteners and lose weight? The clinical data may surprise you.
Scientific Resources & Dr. Westman’s Work:
- Book: End Your Carb Confusion by Dr. Eric Westman https://amzn.to/3MEXKQ7
- Dr. Westman’s Website: https://ericwestmanmd.com/
- Study: Low-Carbohydrate vs. Low-Fat Diet (2004): https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-140-10-200405180-00006
- Study: Ketogenic vs. Low-Glycemic Index Diet (2008): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2633336/
- Study: Binge Eating & Food Addiction Symptoms (2023): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/374293579/
- Study: Weight Loss in Prostate Cancer (CAPS1 Trial): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30664736/
- Full Academic Publication List (Duke University): https://scholars.duke.edu/person/ewestman/publications
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:35 Why Most Weight Loss Attempts Fail
04:50 Realistic Expectations: How Fast Should You Lose?
09:59 Euketonemia: Redefining Normal Ketosis
11:15 The Never Fail Approach to Weight Loss
14:15 Total Carbs vs. Net Carbs: The Hidden Trap
19:49 Is Fruit Stalling Your Progress?
23:25 The Truth About Fiber and Gut Health
33:02 Why Calorie Counting Doesnt Work
34:51 Common Stalls: Dairy, Nuts, and Avocado
43:53 Environmental Toxins and Metabolism
49:52 The McDonalds Diet Experiment Revisited
56:13 Navigating Artificial Sweeteners & Diet Sodas
01:02:50 Insulin Resistance: The Real Health Metric
Primal Resources:
Primal Tallow Balms & Soaps: https://shop.theprimal.com/
GoCarnivore App: https://www.gocarnivore.com/
Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.theprimal.com/
Instagram: @theprimal.podcast
Twitter/X: @ThePrimal_Pod
About Rina Ahluwalia & The Primal Podcast
This is a Metabolic and Holistic Health Channel dedicated to all aspects of health and biological optimization. Hosted by Rina Ahluwalia, a leading voice in root-cause wellness, The Primal Podcast features in-depth discussions with world-renowned medical experts and doctors to help you master your health naturally.
Medical Disclaimer
Note: The content provided in this video and description is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this channel. #1 Way To Lose Weight & Fix Disease [EAT THIS] Dr. Westman](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dQwYwQysl0M/mqdefault.jpg)








