In 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 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.
Read MoreCarnosine is a small but mighty molecule with significant therapeutic potential and crucial roles in muscle function, antioxidant defense, and overall health. The molecule is classified as a dipeptide because it is composed of beta-alanine and histidine and is predominantly found in animal-based foods, which is one of the many reasons I suggest including animal-based foods in our diets. It is also why carn, being a Latin root word for meat, is in its name. While it offers numerous health benefits, those following vegan and vegetarian diets are at risk of carnosine deficiency, which can lead to several health and performance issues. This post delves into the importance of carnosine, its sources, the consequences of low carnosine levels in plant-based diets, and strategies to mitigate these risks.
Read MoreMany of us are efficient at storing energy and inefficient at burning it when it comes to our metabolism. For instance, I see lots of frustrated people eating what appear to be healthy salads, yet they continue to gain weight. Two things in our diets harm our metabolic efficiency. At the end of this post, I will explain what they are and why most people have a metabolism stuck in growth mode while a decreasingly small minority can readily burn the calories they consume.
Read MoreIn this post, I am using type 2 diabetes as an example to highlight the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses despite significant research and pharmaceutical intervention. The true cause is often overlooked due to the enormous profits associated with treating the illness, leaving prevention and the actual cure sidelined. I will explain the reasons behind this phenomenon later in this post. First, let's examine some type 2 diabetes statistics.
A recent legal victory in the battle over fluoridation of public water supplies has brought attention to a long-debated public health issue. In a case initiated by Food & Water Watch and other advocacy groups, a federal court ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must revisit its stance on the addition of fluoride to drinking water. Historically seen as a safe and effective measure to combat dental decay, the fluoridation of water has now raised concerns about its potential long-term effects on human health. Recent studies indicate that fluoride, particularly in high concentrations, could be harmful, especially to children and vulnerable populations. This blog post explores the court ruling, the health risks associated with fluoride, and what this development means for future public health policies.
Read MoreIn the modern food industry, many products marketed as healthy or beneficial are often far from it. Their names suggest wholesomeness and health benefits, but a closer look reveals that they are highly processed and can contribute to various health issues. I will delve into several examples of such misleadingly named foods, shedding light on the discrepancy between their marketed image and actual nutritional value.
Read MoreI recently heard an interview with Calley and Casey Means that really resonated with me regarding my concerns about the state of health in America. Their message struck a chord with me, and I believe it's crucial for everyone to 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. This post will discuss their concerns and recommend the solutions.
Read MoreRecently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a significant announcement that he was suspending his campaign and endorsed Donald Trump, a decision driven by his deep concern for Americans' health and well-being. His focus, which mirrors mine, was on the urgent need to address the toxic food environment contributing to a health crisis in the United States. His speech, a powerful call to action, brought to light several critical issues, echoing the sentiments of those advocating for a healthier, more sustainable food system. The impact of his message is significant and cannot be ignored.
Kennedy, known for his outspoken criticism of big pharma and big food, pointed out the pervasive influence these industries have over our health agencies. His frustration with how these industries dictate health policies and dietary guidelines resonated with many who are aware of the deep-rooted corruption within these sectors. The concern is that the pharmaceutical and medical industries are more interested in maintaining a steady stream of unhealthy patients rather than addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. This post will cover some of his concerns and discuss the possible solutions.
Read MoreAs a dentist, I encounter a variety of oral health issues, some of which can be quite alarming to patients. One such condition is "hairy tongue," a benign but often distressing condition that can affect the appearance and texture of the tongue. Despite its dramatic appearance, hairy tongue is usually harmless and can be effectively managed with proper oral hygiene and care. In this post, we will explore what hairy tongue is, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
Read MoreWhen it comes to dental cavities, most of us instinctively point fingers at sugar. We've all heard the warnings about candy, soda, and sweets being the main culprits behind those pesky cavities. But what if I told you that sugar isn't the only player in this game? Enter salivary amylase, a digestive enzyme found in our saliva, plays a significant role in the development of dental caries, particularly through its interaction with starches like those found in bread, pasta, crackers, etc.
Read MoreRecently, I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Dr. Robert Lustig at a conference where he delivered the main address. We had previously collaborated on a panel at UCLA in 2022. If you're interested, you can watch his presentation starting at 34:15 here. Dr. Lustig is a renowned expert on metabolism, so I took the chance to discuss my recent post on the lipid energy model with him. He shared a research paper he contributed to, promising it would clear up any confusion. The post below is a summary of that paper, which you can read here. This research brings together four main theories into a single OBS/Redox model of obesity.
Read MoreThis post will relate to an encounter with one of my patients that recently made me very happy. When most patients come to me, they often assume that I am just like any other dentist. However, what they don't realize is that my practice is unique. I specialize in treating the root cause of gum disease, tooth decay, and facial development issues, taking a holistic approach that considers the entire body. This approach, which is often new and intriguing to them, sets my practice apart. Despite my recommendations, my free-range patients often continue with their unhealthy lifestyles. But I'm used to it. After all, people should be free to live their lives as they see fit. However, many of my patients implement my recommendations and transform their health. When I hear their stories, I am overjoyed.
Read MoreThis post will discuss six dental care basics that your dentist may not be aware of but you should know about. I want to start by saying that if it was just about brushing twice daily, flossing, having two cleanings per year, and adding fluoride, why do so many patients suffer from cavities, gum disease, crooked teeth, no room for wisdom teeth, breathing problems, obesity, high blood pressure, and GERD? This post will explain it all.
Read MoreThis post takes a closer look at the world of pharmaceutical advertising, which is often intricate and controversial. It exposes the multi-billion dollar campaigns that may have an influence on more than just consumer choices. The promotions often prioritize lesser drugs and there is potential for conflicts of interest to arise within media relationships. This article sheds light on the profound impact of pharmaceutical advertising on both public perception and healthcare practices. It raises critical questions about the intentions behind these advertisements and examines the ethical dimensions of such heavy investments. By tracing the flow of money from pharmaceutical companies into media outlets, this discussion explores how this influx of capital could be shaping the news and information that reaches the public, possibly at the cost of unbiased reporting and the broader public health. Ultimately, this overview sets the stage for a deeper investigation into whether these advertising dollars are merely driving sales or also buying silence and compliance within the media and beyond.
Read MoreQuite often, I speak about human nutrition in very specific ways. While potentially helpful, the overall impact of my message can get lost in the details. However, I do have a basic stance on the basic human diet that is one sentence long and aimed at encapsulating my core beliefs. This post will let you know what it is and give you the information it is based on.
Read MoreWhen I started out as a dentist, I believed that if people would simply avoid sugar, brush twice daily, floss once a day, come in every six months for their cleaning and check-up, and use fluoride, they would be fine. I was wrong. I had good company; many dentists believe that the problems our patients suffer are their fault. There is much more to understand, and it has been omitted from dental education curriculums, leaving dentists and their patients bewildered. This post will explain why this is so, why it happened, and what we can do to solve the problem.
Read MoreRecent studies have shown that insulin is not only important for regulating glucose levels, but also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy mitochondria, particularly in terms of fission. New research suggests that insulin spikes, which often occur after consuming processed carbohydrates, can increase the activity of two substances, RalA and Drp1, leading to the fragmentation of mitochondria. This process highlights a key mechanism through which dietary choices can impact metabolic health and the risk of obesity. This post will cover the mechanism and what we can do to avoid damaging our mitochondria.
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