Muscle health isn’t just about how much protein you eat—it’s about how your body uses it. And for people with obesity or advancing age, that process can become less effective, even with optimal nutrition.
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Nick Burd, one of the world’s leading researchers in muscle metabolism, to unpack the concept of anabolic resistance—when muscle doesn’t respond normally to protein and/or exercise. Together, we explore how aging, obesity and even the way foods are combined on your plate can impact muscle remodeling, recovery, and growth. Dr. Burd also shares why plant-based proteins often fall short, why protein efficiency matters more than quantity, and how endurance and resistance training affect nutrient use differently.
You’ll learn:
- What anabolic resistance is—and why it matters
- How to improve protein efficiency and muscle quality over time
- Why food matrix, and timing can change your results
- Key differences in nutrition strategies for endurance vs. strength athletes
Whether you're focused on longevity, performance, or helping someone break through a plateau, this episode delivers the research-backed information you’ve been looking for.
Who is Dr. Nick Burd?
Dr. Nick A. Burd is a muscle-metabolism scientist and professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he leads the Nutrition & Exercise Performance Research Group. Originally from the Midwest, he trained under renowned experts around the world before focusing his research on how protein and exercise influence muscle health across the lifespan. His work uses advanced tracer methods and muscle biopsies to explore optimal protein intake, plant vs. animal protein quality, and strategies to combat anabolic resistance.
This episode is brought to you by:
- LMNT - Get your free LMNT Sample Pack → https://drinklmnt.com/DRLYON
- Cozy Earth - Use code DRLYON for up to 40% off - https://cozyearth.com
- Timeline - Get 20% off your order of Mitopure - https://timeline.com/LYON
- OneSkin - Get 15% off with code DRLYON → https://oneskin.co
Find Dr. Nick Burd At:
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: https://ahs.illinois.edu/burd
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/Nicholas_Burd
- Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BMvk_GMAAAAJ&hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-burd-5972b783/
Find Me At:
- Instagram:@drgabriellelyon
- TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
- Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
- YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
- X (Twitter):
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.