“The natural cycles of life create harmony, which ultimately leads to long-term sustainability. In our hubris and forgetting, we have decided to break the cycles because we are afraid of inefficiency. I think that, literally, is the root of why we have a chronic disease epidemic.” —Dr. Casey Means Metabolism is the power of our life force that literally fuels our lives, according to Casey Means, MD, a Stanford-trained physician who left traditional medicine to devote her life to tackling the root cause of why Americans are so sick. Her new book, Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health, outlines a framework for the causes and cures of symptoms and diseases, and how to unlock our cellular health through a more spiritual lens. In this episode, Tracee and Dr. Casey discuss: The definition of metabolism, from the process of converting food energy to cellular energy to its deeper and more subtle meanings. Disconnection from nature as the root cause of cellular dysfunction and metabolic dysfunction, and why the collective forgetting our true nature is at the center of the American chronic disease epidemic. How breaking our natural and seasonal cycles in favor of short-term approaches to modern “productivity” creates cellular dysfunction. The parallels between the ongoing spiritual process of dying and being reborn and the natural process of our cell turnover. How systems—from healthcare to capitalism—weaponize our existential fear of death, which leads us into a merry-go-round of treatments and consumerism that don’t support our well-being. The five basic biomarkers that reveal metabolic health. The six principles of “Good Energy” nourishment. The mitochondrial impact of community—and loneliness. Much more! Connect with Dr. Casey Means: Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health is available now caseymeans.com Instagram @drcaseyskitchen