Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Does chewing gum break autophagy? What research says

Jan 08, 2026 · 10 min read

Human studies have not established whether chewing gum stops autophagy or meaningfully reduces fasting-induced autophagy, so sugar-free gum cannot be considered “autophagy safe,” and the question “does chewing gum break autophagy” does not have a proven human answer.Aman et al., 2021; Martinez-Lopez et al., 2017 If autophagy is your goal, avoid gum, while for weight-loss-focused ...

Mediterranean diet snacks to optimize testosterone and heart health in men

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Jan 07, 2026 · 10 min read

Mediterranean-style snacks built around monounsaturated fats, polyphenols, and protein (such as walnuts, olives, and plain Greek yogurt) can support testosterone and heart health in men by reducing sharp post-snack glucose and insulin spikes and lowering chronic inflammation that can suppress testosterone production and damage endothelial function. Here’s how to use between-meal “fuel” to keep energy ...

Low salt frozen meals: How men can eat convenient food without spiking sodium

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Jan 03, 2026 · 11 min read

Yes, low salt frozen meals can fit a heart healthy eating pattern if you target meals with about 600 mg of sodium or less and keep your total daily sodium under 2,300 mg. The bigger win is pairing that sodium target with enough protein and fiber so you stay full and do not snack your ...

What is biohacking? A doctor’s guide for men who want measurable health gains

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Jan 03, 2026 · 11 min read

Biohacking is the practice of using science, self tracking, and targeted lifestyle changes to improve healthspan and lifespan. For men, the best biohacking focuses on sleep, body composition, cardiometabolic health, stress hormones, and lab guided decisions you can actually sustain. “The best biohacking is not extreme. It is repeatable. If you can measure it, recover ...

Seasonal affective disorder hormones: How to tell SAD from low testosterone in men

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Dec 29, 2025 · 13 min read

SAD usually follows a repeatable fall-to-winter pattern and improves in spring, while low testosterone is more likely when symptoms are persistent, come with libido or erection changes, and are confirmed on repeat morning blood tests. If your symptoms do not cleanly follow the calendar, or they come with sexual or sleep changes, it is time ...