How the Metabolic Revolution Could Redefine Chronic Disease Care

The Metabolic Revolution Rally highlighted how nutrition and metabolic health can transform chronic disease care, challenging outdated dietary guidelines.

The Metabolic Revolution Rally, held near the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 13, 2024. Courtesy of Garrison Grant and Dr. Christopher Palmer

In the fall of 2024, Jessica Apple boarded a plane to Washington, determined to fulfill a mission that began in her childhood. In the nation’s capital, she took a leading role in the Metabolic Revolution Rally. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and advocates to promote metabolic health and raise awareness about the role of nutrition in combating chronic disease.

Apple was just 5 years old when her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“I watched helplessly as the disease destroyed her body, taking everything from her except the ability to breathe,” Apple said.

After a childhood marked by her mother’s relentless decline, with experts unable to explain the cause of her sickness, Apple resolved to study academic research and the findings of leading scientists, searching for answers about autoimmune disease—including her own diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes.

After years of investigation, she shares the conclusion of medical doctors and researchers—that many chronic diseases have metabolic origins—and the foods we eat can directly impact their development and progression.

Her revelation became the driving force behind her co-founding of Metabolic Revolution, as well as the Metabolic Revolution Rally, which was held in Washington on Oct. 13, 2024. The rally brought together advocates, health care professionals, and policymakers to spotlight an urgent issue: how metabolic dysfunction, driven by outdated, carb-heavy dietary guidelines and ultra-processed foods leading to insulin resistance, is fueling the chronic disease epidemic.

With a growing body of research linking nutrition to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and even mental health disorders, the movement aims to shift public health narratives and policies toward root-cause solutions.

Reevaluate Metabolic Health

At the heart of the Metabolic Revolution, advocates assert that many chronic diseases—including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health disorders—are rooted in metabolic dysfunction. Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Christopher Palmer, a keynote speaker at the rally and author of “Brain Energy,” said:

“Mental disorders—all of them—are metabolic disorders of the brain. They stem from impaired energy metabolism, and addressing these underlying issues can transform lives.”

A growing body of research supports these claims. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology demonstrated the effectiveness of ketogenic diets in improving mood disorders in patients with epilepsy, highlighting their ability to enhance mitochondrial function and stabilize brain energy metabolism in patients.

Similarly, research from a 2021 study in Nutrition Research has revealed a strong correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of chronic illnesses, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

These findings underscore the urgent need to reevaluate the mental and physical effects of current dietary recommendations, many of which fail to address the harmful effects of refined carbohydrates and what are referred to as industrial seed oils.

Challenge the Status Quo

Ever since the introduction of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the 1980s, the rate of chronic illnesses has skyrocketed. The guidelines emphasize low-fat diets and promote grains and seed oils over natural fats such as olive oil and butter, drawing criticism from experts in the field.

“Since these guidelines were implemented, we’ve seen an unprecedented rise in chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and even mental health disorders,” Apple said during her speech.

Nina Teicholz, author of “The Big Fat Surprise,” has also questioned the scientific rigor of the guidelines.

“The dietary advice we’ve been following for decades is based on weak evidence and substandard methodology,” Teicholz, who has a doctorate in nutrition, stated in a 2019 talk.

The Metabolic Revolution Rally called on policymakers to acknowledge these shortcomings and adopt evidence-based recommendations prioritizing metabolic health. Advocates emphasized the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods while urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to revise its dietary guidelines to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods.

Act on Metabolic Health

Understanding and prioritizing metabolic health can have a profound impact on overall well-being. Consider these practical steps that align with the principles of the Metabolic Revolution:

• Limit Refined Carbohydrates: Reduce the intake of refined grains and sugars, which can disrupt metabolic function. Consider protein-rich, low-carb pasta and breads baked with coconut and almond flour, which are lower in carbohydrates.
• Reach for Low-Sugar Produce: Fruits and vegetables such as berries and greens pack nutrients while supporting balanced blood sugar.
• Graze on Healthy Proteins: Grass-fed beef, chicken, and fish such as salmon, pack protein that supports metabolic health.
• Choose Healthy Fats: Opt for natural fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and grass-fed butter instead of seed oils such as canola or soybean oil, which are extracted using chemicals.
• Be Skeptical of Ultra-Processed Foods: Avoid foods with long ingredient lists or those high in preservatives, additives, and artificial ingredients such as petroleum-based food dyes such as Red No. 40.
• Consult a Health Care Professional: Before making significant changes to diet or lifestyle, seek guidance from a functional health care provider or registered dietitian who understands metabolic health.

Rally for Future Health

The Metabolic Revolution Rally ignited more than a call to action; it also celebrated the power of informed choices. By addressing the metabolic roots of chronic diseases, the Metabolic Revolution challenges antiquated, long-held assumptions about nutrition and public health.

The rally sets an example of the power of grassroots advocacy and evidence-based science in driving meaningful change. As this movement gains momentum, it calls on individuals, health care professionals, and policymakers to recognize the powerful impact of nutrition on metabolic health and to take actionable steps toward tangible change.

Resources such as Palmer’s book “Brain Energy,” and online platforms such as Metabolic Mind—founded by the Baszucki family, whose son recovered from severe mental illness through ketogenic and metabolic therapies—offer valuable insights into the relationship between diet, metabolism, and health.

Apple’s closing words captured the spirit of the rally: “The Metabolic Revolution needs your voice. Together, we can create a healthier future.”