The debate over GRAS isn't just about science—it's about trust. In the U.S., where distrust in institutions runs high, the idea that companies can secretly add chemicals to food under a vague "safe" label feeds public unease. Europe's system, while not perfect, offers a counterpoint: a government-led process that, though slower, prioritizes transparency and accountability. Kennedy's push to rethink GRAS taps into this sentiment, promising a reckoning for a food industry that many Americans feel has betrayed them. Yet, the question remains whether his bold vision can navigate the political and economic realities of a nation hooked on cheap, processed goods.
Read MoreIn this sixth part of The Incredible Human series, we’ll explore our unique ability to create and appreciate art. This capacity for art, which spans painting, sculpture, dance, and beyond, reflects an essential aspect of human existence. Like music, art is present in every culture and has persisted through history, suggesting its integral role in human biology. But what is it about art that has captivated humans for thousands of years? From cave paintings to modern installations, art has served as a means of expression, communication, and connection that resonates across boundaries of language and time. We’ll dive into the reasons behind our drive to create and connect through art, how our brains perceive it, and the benefits art brings to our health and society.
Read MoreIn this post, I will delve into the fascinating contrast between traditional diets and the modern processed food environment. From the Maasai of East Africa, who thrive on animal-based fats, to the Kitavans and Tukisenta, who rely primarily on carbohydrate-rich foods, these diverse groups have lived free from the chronic diseases that plague modern societies—despite consuming diets that would challenge conventional dietary wisdom. Interestingly, many of these populations, such as the Kitavans and Maasai, smoke regularly yet do not suffer from high rates of cancer or heart disease. This article examines what we can learn from their lifestyles and dietary patterns, emphasizing how processed foods, especially refined carbohydrates and seed oils, are likely at the root of modern health crises. Through the lens of these traditional cultures, I explore how real, whole foods promote health and how the modern diet is undermining it.
Read MoreIn recent years, drug repurposing has emerged as a promising approach to cancer treatment, where medications developed for different ailments are redirected for their unexpected anticancer properties. Antiparasitic drugs like ivermectin, once controversial for off-label COVID-19 treatment, are now being explored for their ability to combat cancer cells by disrupting their energy sources and triggering immune responses. The success of a small but astonishing trial with the immune checkpoint inhibitor dostarlimab further illustrates the potential for repurposed drugs to revolutionize cancer therapy. As we witness how old tools are being redefined in the fight against cancer, these breakthroughs may lead to a future where effective, accessible treatments save countless lives.
Read MoreMissed appointments can be a common frustration for medical practices, especially dental offices. While most patients understand the importance of showing up for their scheduled visits, a small number of patients—often referred to as serial offenders—routinely fail to attend, even when they claim to be in pain. This not only disrupts the practice's schedule and finances but can also negatively affect the patient's health. In this post, we’ll explore how missed appointments impact dental practices, examine how the Pareto Principle applies to this issue, and discuss strategies to help reduce no-shows, including my own "same day only" designation for habitual offenders.
Read MoreDr. Weston A. Price's research on the human diet has stood the test of time, offering insight into the role that traditional diets play in overall health. Price correctly identified the detrimental effects of "displacing foods of modern commerce," such as refined sugar, white flour, and processed oils, on dental health and physical development. He also highlighted the importance of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, and what he termed "Activator X" (now known as vitamin K2), found abundantly in animal-based foods. However, modern research adds another layer to Price's conclusions: the importance of chewing harder, unprocessed foods to develop a healthy jaw and straight teeth. This blog explores how these two factors—diet and chewing—work together to ensure optimal health.
Read MoreDiscover the hidden epidemic of "Processed Food Syndrome" and how it links our modern diet to a range of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. This post uncovers the alarming rise in these conditions, exploring the dangerous role of processed foods, toxic additives, and industrial chemicals like atrazine and vegetable oils. Drawing insights from leading experts like Dr. Robert Lustig, Dr. Chris Knobbe, and Calley and Casey Means, learn how our food environment is sabotaging our health and what you can do to protect yourself. Click to read and take the first step toward reclaiming your health!
Read MoreThe Bradford-Hill Criteria is a fundamental tool used in medicine and public health to establish the cause of diseases and conditions, especially when dealing with long-term exposures like cigarette smoking or environmental toxins. Learn how Sir Austin Bradford Hill's framework has influenced research and shaped our understanding of causation, guiding scientists in their fight against chronic diseases. This poste how this critical tool impacts modern medicine.
Read MoreIn my teenage years, I, like many others, dealt with the occasional acne breakout. It wasn't anything too severe—just a few pimples here and there, both on my face and back. However, my mother, concerned about my appearance, decided to take me to a dermatologist. At the time, I had no idea that my journey with acne treatment would involve years of daily antibiotics. The dermatologist quickly prescribed either tetracycline or erythromycin (I can't remember which came first), and I ended up taking antibiotics daily for at least four years. Looking back, I now realize the potential damage this regimen may have caused. This blog catalogs some of the issues associated with chronic antibiotic use.
Read MoreWith Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poised to take a prominent role in the next administration, there’s a renewed sense of hope for tackling America’s chronic health crisis head-on. Known for his relentless advocacy against the influence of Big Food and Big Pharma, RFK Jr. has long sounded the alarm on the toxic food environment that fuels a national epidemic of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Now, in partnership with Donald Trump, RFK Jr. brings the promise of a health-focused agenda dedicated to cutting through corporate interests to prioritize public well-being. Could this alliance be the catalyst for restoring America's health? Here’s what we might expect from this unique collaboration.
Read MoreThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical and dental diagnostics has shown immense potential for improving patient care by enhancing the speed and accuracy of identifying health issues. In my dental practice, AI aids in analyzing radiographs to detect subtle conditions like early-stage decay, and I find it particularly valuable for spotting abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed. However, AI is not without its limitations. As much as it has helped refine diagnostic processes, it also produces false positives that require human expertise to discern. This post delves into the role of AI in medical diagnostics, highlighting its benefits and limitations, while emphasizing the critical importance of human judgment to avoid potential pitfalls.
Read MoreI just started doing "sun salutations" in the morning after a prolonged layoff from doing them. I had moved on to other forms of dynamic stretching, especially when I was doing CrossFit. I have been doing more sprinting, bicycle riding, and farmer's carries, and my back and legs were starting to get very tight, especially in the morning. I did a few minutes of what they call sun salutations this morning, and the results were immediate and close to miraculous. In this post, I will describe what they are and why they are a very worthwhile addition to my morning routine.
Read MoreThe conventional belief that light skin evolved as humans migrated north out of Africa has been widely accepted for many years. However, recent research suggests that the origin of light skin may be more closely tied to the advent of agriculture rather than merely the result of migrating to higher latitudes. This shift in understanding revolves around the crucial role of vitamin D and dietary changes, such as a shift from a diet rich in animal-based foods to one reliant on cereal crops prompted by agricultural practices.
Read MoreIn the United States, data has consistently shown that individuals with a college education tend to live longer than those with only a high school education. A report from the National Center for Health Statistics found that in 2017, men with a college degree lived an average of 8.6 years longer than those with just a high school diploma, while college-educated women lived 4.2 years longer than their less-educated counterparts. The factors contributing to this disparity are multifaceted, with diet, lifestyle, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors playing key roles. This post will cover some of the reasons why the disparity exists and what to do about them.
Read MoreThe Carnivore Diet has gained attention for its ability to significantly improve health and well-being. While much of the focus is on eliminating natural pesticides found in plant-based foods, an often overlooked but crucial factor contributing to these benefits is the complete removal of vegetable oils from the diet. Vegetable oils, which are high in linoleic acid, have been increasingly linked to the rise in chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The Carnivore Diet may unintentionally offer a "happy accident" by excluding these harmful oils, as pointed out by Dr. Chris Knobbe, author of The Ancestral Diet Revolution. This post will explore how the Carnivore Diet and the removal of vegetable oils can lead to better health outcomes.
Read MoreIn recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact that different types of fats and oils have on our health. While vegetable oils made from seeds, such as soybean, corn, and sunflower oils, have been staples in many households, evidence suggests that oils like olive, avocado, and coconut are far healthier options. As you may have read numerous times on this site, I stress diets of whole-foods, devoid of processed carbohydrates and seed oils that contain animal-based foods with their fats. But what are the plant-based alternatives to seed oils? This blog post will explore why these oils are superior, delving into their health benefits, the processes behind their production, and the issues with the high omega-6 content in seed oils.
Read MoreIn today's post, I will explore the complex realities behind the claim of a cruelty-free diet, highlighting how all forms of food production impact animal and plant life. I delve into the hierarchical value humans place on different animals, the often-overlooked significance of plant life, and the interconnectedness of the global food web. The discussion extends to the importance of humane treatment in food production, featuring Temple Grandin's innovations in livestock handling. By examining these facets, I advocate for sustainable and ethical practices in our dietary choices.
Read MoreUnderstanding the difference between bacterial colonization and infection is crucial for appreciating the dynamics of our body's interaction with microbes, particularly in the context of oral health. Bacterial colonization refers to the presence of bacteria on a surface without causing disease or harm. These bacteria exist in a balanced relationship with their host, contributing to various physiological processes. Infection, on the other hand, occurs when bacteria invade tissues, multiply, and trigger an immune response, leading to symptoms of illness. This post will discuss how healthy colonization can turn into an infection and the ways to avoid it.
Read MoreLast week, I mentioned that olive oil is safe for consumption. Olive oil has long been celebrated for its health benefits and culinary versatility. However, not all olive oils are the same. In fact, many olive oils on the market are mixed with cheap, toxic seed oils, which can mislead consumers and potentially harm their health. This blog will explore the history and implications of mixed olive oil, the increasing use of vegetable oils, and how to ensure you're getting authentic olive oil.
Read MoreOn average, people spend about 60 to 90 minutes each day eating, which translates to approximately 15 to 30 minutes with food in their mouths. While this might seem like a small portion of the day, the impact of the food we consume on our oral health can be significant. But what happens once we swallow our food? The consequences extend far beyond the mouth, affecting our entire body in ways that are often devastating. I will explore the profound effects of diet on both oral and overall health and highlight the importance of a whole-food diet devoid of processed carbohydrates and vegetable oils.
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