Episode 312: Optimizing Stress and Performance for Firefighters and Tactical Athletes with Dr. Drew Gonzalez

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Drew Gonzalez to explore strategies for optimizing performance and managing stress in high-demand professions like firefighting, military, and executive leadership. Dr. Gonzalez shares his latest research on how supplements like astaxanthin and creatine can benefit firefighters, the effects of time-restricted feeding, and how heat stress and VR training can be leveraged for better stress adaptation. We also explore his ongoing work at Texas A&M, where he leads cutting-edge research and collaborations to improve first-responder health and fitness. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Physiologic Flexibility Certification Course coming soon: https://miketnelsons.samcart.com/products/physflex/ Triphasic 2 book now available! Go to https://triphasic2.com/ Episode Chapters: 05:33 Dr. Gonzalez's Research Journey 08:25 Challenges Faced by Tactical Personnel 14:08 Time-Restricted Feeding Study 23:19 Heat Stress and Temperature Changes 28:08 Exploring the Need for Specialized Training 29:30 The Role of VR in Tactical Training 30:59 Assessing Physical and Mental Performance 33:46 Astaxanthin and Firefighter Health 38:41 Future Research and Supplementation 44:31 Closing Remarks and Future Guests  Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:  Episode 223: Embracing challenges and pushing boundaries with bestselling author Michael Easter  Episode 228: Unlocking the Power of Astaxanthin: A Deep Dive with Dr. Karen Hecht Connect with Dr Gonzalez:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewwgonzalez/ Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpg Email: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/ Get the Daily Fitness Insider newsletter (free): https://www.miketnelson.com/newsletter