Episode 112: How Genetics and GLP-1 Shape Your Metabolism with Ashley Koff, RD

In this episode, Dr. Whitfield speaks with Ashley Koff, RD, about the fascinating world of peptide hormones, focusing on GLP-1 and its role in metabolic health. Dr. Whitfield starts by highlighting how our genes play a part and why GLP-1 is so crucial, especially when bouncing back after surgery. Ashley, a whiz on GLP-1 agonists, chats about the differences between synthetic and natural hormones. She also stresses the importance of seeing metabolic health as a complex system. Ashley shares how personal genomics can help us fine-tune our health and gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book on optimizing GLP-1. Tune in to hear more about a holistic and personalized approach to health and nutrition. Connect with Ashley Koff, RD https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/bnp-plan/ https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/join-our-newsletter/ Show Highlights: Genetic Factors in Metabolic Health (00:04:28) Impact of genetics on metabolic function and health outcomes GLP-1's Role in Repair (00:15:33) GLP-1's potential in repairing the digestive tract lining and considerations for its use Understanding Medication Use (00:16:25) Prevalence of acid-suppressing medications and their effects on digestion and inflammation GLP-1 Optimization Insights (00:22:25) Significance of GLP-1 hormones in regulating health and addressing weight management Importance of Nutrition Ecosystem (00:26:28) Discussion on the interconnectedness of diet, gut health, and overall body function Fermented Foods and Their Benefits (00:30:36) Exploration of various fermented foods and their role in enhancing gut health and nutrition Nutritional Yeast Misconceptions (00:33:16) Clarification on the nutritional content of fortified nutritional yeast and its impact on health Fermented Foods and Probiotics (00:34:12) Exploration of the limitations of fermented foods like sourdough for probiotic intake Protein Quality and Distribution (00:40:02) Importance of protein source quality and proper distribution throughout the day Genetic Factors in Nutrition (00:45:49) Discussion on the role of genetics in individual dietary needs and behaviors Bio: Ashley Koff, RD Ashley Koff, RD, leads the national conversation on truly personalized nutrition. She's translated her 25+ years of practitioner experience into a proven system, 'BNP' (better not perfect), to help you identify and make better nutrition choices more often. She's the founder of The Better Nutrition Program and the founding Nutrition Director for the University of California at Irvine's Susan Samueli Institute's Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship. Koff has a new book available in January 2026 on GLP-1 optimization from Harper Collins and offers certification for it for coaches and practitioners. She's also the author of two consumer publications, Recipes for IBS and Mom Energy, and a contributor to three practitioner publications. She was also the on-air dietitian for three reality TV shows and a regular contributing expert for national and local media outlets. Awarded by InStyle magazine as Hollywood's Leading Nutritionist, as among CNN’s Top 100 health makers, recognized in the Top 10 Social Health Makers in Nutrition (Sharecare.com) and among the top “50 Natural Influencers” in health and nutrition to follow on Twitter (NewHope360 and Shape.com), Koff was also selected for the first list of Top 10 Registered Dietitians in the US by Today’s Dietitian. Links and Resources Let’s Connect Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breast-implant-illness/id1678143554 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1SPDripbluZKYsC0rwrBdb?si=23ea2cd9f6734667 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrobertwhitfield?_t=8oQyjO25X5i&_r=1 IG: https://www.instagram.com/breastimplantillnessexpert/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertWhitfield Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-whitfield-md-50775b10/ X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd Read this article - https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness Shop: https://drrobssolutions.com SHARP: https://www.harp.health NVISN Labs - https://nvisnlabs.com/ Get access to Dr. Rob's Favorite Products below: Danger Coffee - Use our link for mold free coffee - https://dangercoffee.com/pages/mold-free-coffee?ref=ztvhyjg JASPR Air Purifier - Use code DRROB for the Jaspr Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/ Echo Water - Get high quality water with our code DRROB10 - https://echowater.com/ BallancerPro - Use code DRROBVIP for the world's leader in lymphatic drainage technology - https://ballancerpro.com Ultrahuman - Use code WHITFIELD10 for the most accurate wearable - https://www.ultrahuman.com/ring/buy/us/?affiliateCode=drwhitfield