If you’ve ever heard that too much protein can harm your kidneys or increase cancer risk, you’re not alone—but you may have been misled. Here, Dr. Andrew Huberman sits down with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to clarify the real science behind protein intake, muscle preservation, and metabolic health.
Dr. Lyon, a physician trained in geriatrics and nutrition, shares why one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight isn’t just safe—it’s optimal for preventing obesity, protecting muscle mass, and supporting longevity. Together, she and Huberman dismantle long-standing fears around high-protein diets and explain why under-eating protein might be the bigger health risk, especially as we age.
At Clay, we see firsthand how inadequate protein intake contributes to fatigue, poor recovery, and long-term metabolic dysfunction. This episode gives you the tools and science to eat—and train—with more confidence and clarity.
Some of the topics they get into:
- Why one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight is a smart, safe target
- How adequate protein protects against obesity, sarcopenia, and insulin resistance
- The real story behind protein and kidney health—why most fears are outdated
- What the latest research says about cancer risk and high-protein diets
- Why muscle mass is the organ of longevity—and how to preserve it as you age
- Practical tips for getting enough high-quality protein every day
Why This Matters:
We lose muscle with age—but we don’t have to lose strength, resilience, or freedom. The Protein isn’t just a “macronutrient”—it’s a signal to your body that you’re building, not breaking down. As we age, preserving lean mass becomes one of the most important ways to guard against disease, frailty, and metabolic decline. This conversation brings clarity to a topic that’s long been clouded by myths, and it’s one we’re glad to echo in our work with clients at Clay.