Toxic Food, Profitable Sickness: The Hidden Connection
I recently heard an interview with Calley and Casey Means that really resonated with me regarding my concerns about the state of health in America. They were instrumental in introducing Robert F. Kennedy J. into the Trump campaign. Their message struck a chord with me, and I believe everyone must hear. Casey Means, a physician who left a thriving career in traditional medicine, and her brother Calley, a whistleblower advocating against the corruption in the food and pharmaceutical industries, have joined forces to address what they see as the root cause of America’s health crisis: our toxic food environment.
Casey and Calley have a compelling story. Casey was frustrated with the medical profession's approach to treating illness, as she found herself constantly treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of her patients' ailments. Calley, on the other hand, was disturbed by the overwhelming influence of big food and big pharma on both doctors and patients. Together, they concluded that our poor health is due to the modern processed foods dominating our diets, and the reason we remain sick is because the pharmaceutical and medical industries benefit from this steady stream of unhealthy patients.
Their book, Good Energy, dives deep into these issues, which align closely with my own beliefs. In this blog post, I’ll explore some of the critical points they raise and expand on them with insights from experts like Chris Knobbe and Robert Lustig.
The Root Cause of Our Health Crisis: Broken Metabolism
Depression, anxiety, infertility, insomnia, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's dementia, cancer—these are just some of the many health conditions that plague modern society. Did you know that all these health issues may have a common root cause? The Means siblings argue that the main driver of these ailments is a broken metabolism, and they point to modern processed foods, particularly vegetable oils and high fructose corn syrup, as the main culprits.
Chris Knobbe, an ophthalmologist and leading expert on the dangers of vegetable oils, has extensively researched the impact these oils have on our health. Vegetable oils, which are found in nearly every processed food, have become a staple in the American diet. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, in excess, promote inflammation and oxidative stress. According to Knobbe, the rise of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer can be traced back to the introduction of these oils into our diet in the late 19th century.
Similarly, Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist and expert on sugar metabolism, has highlighted the detrimental effects of high fructose corn syrup. This sweetener, ubiquitous in processed foods and beverages, is metabolized differently than glucose. It overwhelms the liver, leading to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and a host of metabolic disorders. Lustig’s research shows that high fructose corn syrup is a significant contributor to the obesity and diabetes epidemics.
The MyPlate/ Food Pyramid Paradox
The dietary guidelines promoted by institutions like the USDA through MyPlate and the Food Pyramid have worsened the problem rather than solving it. These guidelines encourage the consumption of large amounts of grains and carbohydrates while limiting the intake of fats, particularly those from animal sources. As a result, Americans are consuming more processed foods laden with refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils while shunning nutrient-dense, whole foods that our bodies thrive on.
Ironically, these guidelines, which were designed to promote health, have had the opposite effect. By promoting a diet rich in processed foods and low in healthy fats, the Food Pyramid and MyPlate have unintentionally encouraged the very metabolic dysfunction that experts like Knobbe and Lustig warn against.
The Medical Profession’s Role
One of the most concerning aspects of this health crisis is the role of the medical profession. Despite the alarming rise in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease, there seems to be little interest in addressing the root causes. Instead, the focus remains on treating symptoms with medication and surgical interventions.
This approach is deeply flawed. If the medical profession were genuinely interested in stopping diseases, they would be investigating the underlying causes rather than simply managing symptoms. The sad reality is that there is little incentive to do so. The pharmaceutical industry profits enormously from the chronic illnesses that plague modern society. Medications for diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions are some of the most profitable drugs on the market. Similarly, the medical industry benefits from the steady stream of patients requiring surgeries and ongoing care.
The True Solution: A Return to Whole Foods
The solution to our health problems lies in returning to a diet that our ancestors thrived on—one based on whole, unprocessed foods free from toxins. This means cutting out processed carbohydrates and vegetable oils and embracing animal-based foods, including their natural fats.
A diet rich in whole foods provides the body with the necessary nutrients for optimal function, preventing metabolic dysfunction and chronic illness. This is not a new concept but rather a return to the way humans have eaten for centuries.
In conclusion, Casey and Calley Means' message is one of hope and urgency. The health crisis we face is not inevitable but rather the result of choices made by the food and pharmaceutical industries, government, and individuals. By understanding the root causes of poor health and making informed decisions about what we eat, we can reclaim our health and our lives.
For those interested in exploring this topic further, I highly recommend reading "Good Energy" by Casey and Calley Means and delving into the work of Chris Knobbe and Robert Lustig. Their research makes a compelling case for why we must change the way we eat to reverse the epidemic of chronic disease in our society.