Episode Summary: 

In this episode, James Newbury and Dr. Mike Todorovic discuss the physiological dynamics of exercise and performance.

 

Dr. Mike is an expert in human physiology and performance, who is incredibly gifted in synthesizing the complexities of anatomy and metabolism into bite size pieces for athletes seeking to understand their performance in greater depths. 

 

This episode dives deeply into energy pathways that facilitate exercise, the nutritional considerations for supporting these systems, and how proper fueling ultimately determines the anaerobic + aerobic capacity of any athlete. 

 

Dr. Mike further explains the limiting factors, such as intra muscular acid balance, in pushing the limits of performance. 

 

To learn more about the robust education that Dr. Mike offers on human anatomy, physiology, and performance, check out his educational resources below: 

 

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketodorovic/?hl=en

Dr. Mike’s Medical Education: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH6Oc4MAJzzmK0SM805ZnjQ

 

Episode Timestamp: 

0:00 to 3:45: Podcast Intro

3:45 to 7:00: Energy Systems, Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP)

7:00 to 8:15: Phosphagen System, High Intensity Exercise

8:15 to 9:15: Glycolytic Pathways, Pyruvate, Anaerobic Metabolism

9:15 to 13:15: NADH, Lactate, Aerobic Metabolism, Oxidation

13:15 to 20:45: Electron Transport Chain, Free Radicals 

20:45 to 26:30: High Intensity Exercise, Glycogen Storage, Sprinting 

26:30 to 37:45: Electrolytes, Acid Balance, Carbon Dioxide

37:45 to 43:30: Ion Exchange, Water Maintenance, Hydration

43:30 to 48:30: Glucose Metabolism, Amylase, Fiber Digestion

48:30 to 57:15: Robust Benefits of Exercise, Adaptation To Stressors

57:15 to 1:07:16: Best Methods of Recovery, Balancing Responsibilities, Tribe

 

Guest Bio: 

James Newbury: James Newbury is world-class athlete and entrepreneur. James’ extensive experience as a 4X Crossfit Games Athlete,  former semi professional rugby player for the Queensland and Sydney Rugby Leagues, and life-long fitness enthusiast have brought him here to lead a plant-based revolution in the field of health and performance… as the founder of Phyba! 

 

Dr. Mike Todorovic: As an experienced Senior Lecturer of Bioscience at Griffith University, Dr. Mike Todorovic has developed a significant national and international reputation as a medical educator and researcher. Focusing on anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, he has designed and developed educational resources that are adopted by students, universities, and healthcare facilities globally - reaching over 10 million people monthly. He has developed strong industry relationships, evidenced by his collaborations with Elsevier, Wiley, YouTube, World Science Festival, the Australian Dental Association, and the Australian Medical Association. He has made notable contributions to service, appearing on 150+ ABC radio interviews, television programs, and serving as a lead scientist on the National Geographic docuseries 'Limitless' with Chris Hemsworth. His teaching and engagement efforts have garnered recognition, earning multiple VC and PVC awards, including a Citation for "outstanding innovation, leadership, and scholarship that has significantly influenced and enhanced the student experience". 

 

Key Definitions: 

ATP: 
Adenosine triphosphate is an organic compound that provides energy to drive and support many processes in living cells, such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, condensate dissolution, and chemical synthesis. 

 

Electron Transport Chain: 
An electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions and couples this electron transfer with the transfer of protons across a membrane.

 

Lactic Acid: 
Lactic acid is a substance made by muscle tissue and by red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Normally, the level of lactic acid in the blood is low. Lactic acid levels rise when oxygen levels decrease. Low oxygen levels may be caused by strenuous exercise.

 

Aerobic Metabolism: 
Aerobic metabolism is part of cellular respiration and involves your cells making energy through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and electron transport/oxidative phosphorylation. There is detailed chemistry involved in how the body produces energy for exercise.

 

Anaerobic Metabolism: 
Anaerobic respiration is respiration using electron acceptors other than molecular oxygen. Although oxygen is not the final electron acceptor, the process still uses a respiratory electron transport chain.

 

NADH: 

NADH stands for "nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H)." It occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in generating energy.

Oxidation: 
Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state, while reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in the oxidation state. 

 

Free Radicals: 
They are created when an atom or a molecule (a chemical that has two or more atoms) either gains or loses an electron (a small negatively charged particle found in atoms). Free radicals are formed naturally in the body and play an important role in many normal cellular processes.  

 

Glycogen: 
Glycogen is the stored form of glucose that's made up of many connected glucose molecules.

 

Ion: 
An atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons see anion, cation.

 

Glucose Metabolism: 
Carbohydrate metabolism is the whole of the biochemical processes responsible for the metabolic formation, breakdown, and interconversion of carbohydrates in living organisms.

 

Amylase: 
Amylase is an enzyme, or special protein, that helps you digest carbohydrates.

 

At Phyba, we're on a mission to help people achieve peak performance and optimal results through the power of plants. We're dedicated to providing pure, high-quality supplements made from real-food, plant-based ingredients, without harmful additives or artificial fillers. We believe that by harnessing the power of plants, we can unlock human potential and help individuals achieve their goals naturally. Our goal is to inspire and educate individuals on the benefits of a holistic lifestyle that prioritises self-care, nourishment, and sustainability.