#460 Dr Emily Dow - Creatine, Wearable Devices, Net Carbs, and Gut Microbiome

#460 Dr Emily Dow - Creatine, Wearable Devices, Net Carbs, and Gut Microbiome

Author: Andrew Coates April 14, 2026 Duration: 53:31

Dr Emily Dow has been taking fitness and nutrition media by storm with her detailed and nuanced takes. She’s a great example of an emerging powerhouse with the education and credibility to help everyone, someone I was thrilled to have as a guest and share with everyone.


Emily shares her expertise on:


Is creatine safe during pregnancy

Should people use creatine

What are the proven benefits and overhyped claims about creatine

What are “net carbs” and how should we approach them for calorie tracking

How does gut microbiome interact with exercise and performance

What do we know about how the gut works

Do wearable devices work for tracking sleep, step count, VO2 max, calories burned

What type of wearable devices work best for tracking things like HRV

Does fat oxidation equal fat burning

Why fat burning isn’t an on or off switch

Is there any issue with drinking coffee on an empty stomach

And much more practical and nuanced lifestyle and nutrition wisdom


Instagram: @dremilydow


CHAPTERS


01:17 Creatine Basics

04:24 Brain Benefits Hype

07:50 Safety And Side Effects

09:07 Creatine In Pregnancy

12:12 Net Carbs Explained

14:48 Fiber And Microbiome

18:00 Exercise Gut Barrier

23:27 Gut Brain Axis

25:09 Diet Shifts Microbiome

28:02 Microbiome For Performance

29:20 Fiber Over Probiotics

31:20 Easy Fiber Meal Hacks

32:50 Wearables Step Tracking

34:21 Body Fat Measurement Myths

36:25 HRV Sensors Explained

39:18 Calories Burned Accuracy

40:18 VO2 Max Estimates

42:36 Sleep Tracking Pros Cons

45:28 Fat Oxidation Vs Fat Loss

49:03 Coffee Empty Stomach


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Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
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