Last 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.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines were developed and deployed much faster than usual, taking only about a year instead of the typical decade. Unsurprisingly, the quick trials have raised safety concerns. A systematic review titled "A Systematic Review of Autopsy Findings in Deaths After COVID-19 Vaccination," published in Forensic Science International, explores potential connections between COVID-19 vaccination and deaths. This review carefully analyzes autopsy reports to understand the causes of adverse events linked to the vaccines. The results are frightening, if true.
Read MoreA 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 MoreThe European Union's decision to ban mercury dental fillings (amalgams) by January 2025 marks a significant step in public health and environmental safety. Justin Silverman covered some aspects of the ban in The New York Times on September 17, 2024, in an article called Mercury Dental Fillings and a New E. U. Ban. The author mentioned that removing mercury-containing fillings would cause further mercury toxicity. However, he neglected to tell readers that mercury-containing fillings, called amalgams, can be safely removed, leaving readers to believe they are stuck with their fillings. I will cover the ban, provide information on amalgams, explain the reasons for removing them, and explain how to do it safely.
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 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 MoreIn 1977, George Engel's revolutionary call for a new medical model helped pave the way for a holistic approach to chronic pain. He advocated for the integration of social, psychological, and behavioral dimensions of illness. This model allows for greater flexibility in understanding and treating pain by moving away from the simplistic correlation between pain and tissue damage and recognizing that psychosocial factors often play a substantial role. His ideas became known as the biopsychosocial model. This post will cover what it is and how it can help address the complications of chronic pain.
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 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 MoreThe association between senior citizens falling and shorter life spans has been well-established for years. What is less well-known is that one of the most important factors in preventing falls is toe strength. This post will cover recent research on older adults that has brought attention to the importance of toe flexor strength as a predictor of falls, specifically in the dominant foot.
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 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.
Read MoreNobel Prize-winning physicist Murray Gell-Mann discovered the quark and noticed that when he read a news article about his area of expertise, he found the information to be erroneous. He then wondered whether the other articles he read in the same publication that were beyond his area of expertise were also false. In essence, we turn the page and forget the lies we just read and find credibility in the rest of what we read. Murray's friend and famous author, Michael Chrichton, coined the term Gell-Mann Amnesia to explain the phenomenon. If one news item is wrong, why believe the others are true? As we will see with The New England Journal of Medicine’s dismissal of the importance of vitamin D, why should we believe anything they print?
Read MoreMany of us in the health community are stuck when it comes to get-togethers, especially informal parties where alcohol is the expected agent for breaking loose. It's hard enough sometimes to refuse offers to try some of the processed foods hosts and guests offer, but refusing alcohol seems to kill the mood outright when refused. As a result, I usually drink alcohol at such times so as not to be a killjoy, and I always regret it the next day. Additionally, drinking can kick us out of ketosis and mess with our metabolism. I am happy to report that there is an alternative that gives you the feeling of alcohol with none of the toxic effects or hangovers associated with alcohol. This post will cover what it is and how you can experience it.
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