Episode 6: Mastering Metabolic Health for Athletes (with Jim LaValle)

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by clinical pharmacist, author, and metabolic health expert Jim LaValle to dive deep into the interconnected systems that underpin human health and performance. Jim introduces his “Five Triads” framework—an integrative approach that helps identify root causes of fatigue, poor recovery, gut dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. They explore how stress, inflammation, and training load affect everything from decision-making and stamina to resilience and hormone production.

Jim outlines actionable strategies for optimizing metabolic function using lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation—offering practical solutions for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving to improve energy, recovery, and long-term health. This conversation is packed with insight and real-world applications for maximizing both performance and durability.

Topics Include:

• The importance of viewing health through interconnected systems
• How cortisol disrupts multiple systems at once
• Gut-brain-immune dysfunction in athletes
• What your resting heart rate and HRV reveal about your readiness
• Supplements and lifestyle tools to restore balance across the triads
• Nutrition strategies to reduce inflammation and improve sleep
• Why testosterone might be the wrong place to start
• Foundational habits to support resilience and longevity

📲 Connect with Jim: JimLaValle.com | Instagram: @therealjimlavalle

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Jim LaValle
01:58 – Why interconnected systems matter more than isolated biomarkers
03:42 – Overview of the Five Triads
03:58 – Triad 1: Adrenal–Thyroid–Pancreas (The Energy Triad)
06:56 – Symptoms and interventions for Triad 1 dysfunction
08:21 – Triad 2: Gut–Immune–Brain (The Resiliency Triad)
11:58 – Brain inflammation, reaction time, and decision-making in sport
14:18 – Triad 3: Cardiopulmonary–Neurovascular (Endurance & Stamina)
17:09 – Blood pressure, microcapillaries, and recovery capacity
20:21 – Triad 4: Liver–Lymph–Kidney (Detoxification)
23:36 – Triad 5: Sex Hormones (Potency and Strength)
26:10 – Where to start if multiple triads are showing dysfunction
30:23 – Why root causes often lie in Triads 1 and 2
32:52 – The bidirectional relationship between gut and brain health
36:06 – Lifestyle strategies to improve immune resilience during a season
39:32 – Foundational sleep, food, and mindset habits for high performers
43:51 – Core supplements for gut, brain, and mitochondrial health
45:59 – Q&A: Interpreting lipid panels and LDL/HDL ratios
47:39 – Q&A: Underrated supplements for performance
50:06 – Q&A: How much time Jim spends reading and studying research
51:06 – Where to connect with Jim LaValle

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