Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://bit.ly/4c602k2 Original release date: 1/6/20 In this episode, Rick Johnson, professor of nephrology at the University of Colorado, explains how his research into the causes of blood pressure resulted in a change of research direction to focus more on how fructose has such profound metabolic effects. Rick begins by talking about the relationship between salt and high blood pressure, then provides a masterclass into uric acid, and then expertly reveals the mechanisms and pathways by which sugar (specifically fructose) can profoundly impact metabolic health. From there, he explains how he applies this information to real life patients as well as touches on some of the most promising ideas around pharmacotherapy that are being developed in response to the epidemics of fatty liver, insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity. Furthermore, Rick gives his take on artificial sweeteners compared to real sugar, discusses cancer’s affinity for fructose, and much more. We discuss: -The connection between blood pressure and fructose that shifted Rick’s professional focus [4:00]; -The relationship between salt and blood pressure (and the role of sugar) [5:45]; -Defining fructose, glucose, and sugar [19:30]; -An ancient mutation in apes that explains why humans turn fructose into fat so easily [23:00]; -The problems with elevated uric acid levels, and what it tells us about how sugar causes disease [31:30]; -How sugar causes obesity—explaining the difference in glucose vs. fructose metabolism and the critical pathway induced by fructose [40:00]; -Why drinking sugar is worse than eating it [50:00]; -Unique ability of sugar to drive oxidative stress to the mitochondria, insulin resistance, and diabetes [54:00]; -Why cancer loves fructose [1:00:20]; -The many areas of the body that can use fructose [1:05:00]; -Fructokinase inhibitors—a potential blockbuster? [1:07:15]; -Treating high uric acid levels—Rick’s approach with patients [1:10:00]; -Salt intake—what advice does Rick give his patients? [1:16:30]; -How excess glucose (i.e., high carb diets) can cause problems even in the absence of fructose [1:21:00]; -Artificial sweeteners vs. real sugar—which is better? [1:29:15]; -Umami, MSG, alcohol, beer—do these have a role in metabolic illness? [1:33:45]; -Fructose consumption—Is any amount acceptable? Is fruit okay? Where does Rick draw a hard line? [1:38:45] -How does Rick manage the sugar intake of his young kids? [1:43:00]; and -More. Show notes page: https://peterattiamd.com/rickjohnson/ -------- About: The Peter Attia Drive is a weekly, ultra-deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing health, longevity, critical thinking…and a few other things. With over 30 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including fasting, ketosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more. Peter is a physician focusing on the applied science of longevity. His practice deals extensively with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (delay the onset of chronic disease), while simultaneously improving healthspan (quality of life). Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter Connect with Peter on: Facebook: http://bit.ly/PeterAttiaMDFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/PeterAttiaMDTW Instagram: http://bit.ly/PeterAttiaMDIG Subscribe to The Drive: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/TheDriveApplePodcasts Overcast: http://bit.ly/TheDriveOvercast Spotify: http://bit.ly/TheDriveSpotify Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheDriveGoogle