224 | Marek Doyle: Why Cortisol Isn't the Enemy & The Hidden Cost of Low Energy

Joseph and Richard sit down with integrative nutritionist Marek Doyle for a deep and honest conversation about the true nature of stress, why cortisol isn’t the villain it’s made out to be, and how the nervous system—and our energy levels—shape our capacity to heal. Marek brings a refreshingly nuanced perspective to the world of functional medicine, challenging mainstream narratives and offering insight into how energy security, nervous system regulation, and breathwork all play a central role in true well-being. You’ll hear about his transition from reductionist, evidence-based protocols to a more intuitive and personal approach—one rooted in lived experience, clinical insight, and the intelligence of the body.

What You’ll Learn:

Why Cortisol Isn’t the Enemy: Marek breaks down the true role of cortisol, showing that it’s not the stress hormone we should fear—but a key player in turning off the stress response. Chronic stress, not cortisol itself, is what leads to health issues like inflammation, gut permeability, and burnout.

The Hidden Cost of Low Energy: He explains how low energy availability—not just poor nutrition—can prevent healing, stall progress, and make even the best protocols ineffective. Energy security, including how the body predicts and produces energy, is at the center of Marek’s system.

Rethinking Functional Medicine: Marek challenges the typical reductionist model in functional medicine. Rather than relying on isolated tests and trendy supplements, he emphasizes a personalized, systems-based approach rooted in how the body actually functions in real life.

The Limits of “Evidence-Based” Approaches: This episode dives into why rigid, data-only thinking can leave many people behind. Marek shares how effect sizes, individual responses, and clinical nuance are often more important than what the latest study says.

Breathwork as a Breakthrough Tool: After trying countless somatic practices, Marek found breathwork to be the most consistent and fast-acting way to shift someone out of stress and into healing. He now considers it essential for restoring nervous system balance and resilience.

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