The Duru Diet. 2024 Edition
The Duru Diet. 2024 Edition
The Duru Diet. 2024 Edition
1
Copyright © 2023 Duru Bilimlier all rights reserved
I am not a doctor or medical professional. Please seek your drug dealing doctor before adopting
the habits of the healthiest humans in the world. The contents in this book are for entertainment
purposes only. The publisher and the author strongly recommend that you consult with your
physician before beginning any exercise program. You should be in good physical condition and
be able to participate in the exercise. The information presented is the author's opinion and does
not constitute any health or medical advice. The content of this book is for informational
purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease.
2
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 8
CHAPTER 1 .................................................................................................................................................... 14
The Mental Diet: Your Wish-Fulfilling Power Within ...................................................................................... 14
Subconscious Vs Conscious Mind ................................................................................................. 18
You Are What You Think ................................................................................................................... 22
Imagination is Creation ..................................................................................................................... 22
The Space Around Us ....................................................................................................................... 24
CIA Confirmation ................................................................................................................................ 27
Thoughts Become Things................................................................................................................. 33
Attaining Your Ideal Body ................................................................................................................. 35
What you seek is seeking you ......................................................................................................... 40
CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................................... 42
The Hidden Agenda: Healthcare or Wealthcare ............................................................................................. 42
Understanding the Medical System................................................................................................ 43
Who Wrote Our Nutritional Curriculum? ......................................................................................... 56
The Studies are BS ............................................................................................................................ 72
The Cholesterol Myth ......................................................................................................................... 80
Cure These Common Health Conditions with Ease ................................................................... 92
Undo PCOS ......................................................................................................................................... 93
Fix Your Fertility................................................................................................................................. 101
Pregnancy .......................................................................................................................................... 106
Pregnancy Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 111
Cancer ................................................................................................................................................ 113
Veganism is a Scam, Anti Meat Agenda .................................................................................... 119
CHAPTER 3 ................................................................................................................................................. 127
Ancient Appetites: Understanding the True Nutritional Needs of Humans ...................................................... 127
3
The Proof Is in The Pudding, Or Bones ...................................................................................... 129
Decline of Our Skeletal Structure .................................................................................................. 140
Gaze Of the Apex ............................................................................................................................. 143
Our biology is the proof ...................................................................................................................... 145
Stomach PH ...................................................................................................................................... 148
Nutrient Profiles Amongst Nations................................................................................................ 154
Herodotus ........................................................................................................................................... 160
The Masai and Agikuyu ................................................................................................................... 162
The Principles of a Real Human Diet ........................................................................................... 165
Carbs ................................................................................................................................................... 166
Where animal based goes wrong ................................................................................................. 172
But I Need Carbs… Right? ............................................................................................................. 175
Fruit is Not your Friend .................................................................................................................... 183
Glycation: Carbs/Sugar are a Toxin ............................................................................................. 204
The Worst Enemy of a Lean Body ................................................................................................ 213
What’s So Bad About a Little Sugar? .......................................................................................... 215
Dangers of Mixing Carbs and Fats: Randle Cycle .................................................................... 217
Evolution of Plants In Our Diet ...................................................................................................... 232
The Unseen Dangers of Plant Pesticides ................................................................................... 234
The So Called Evidence .................................................................................................................. 236
Which Plants to Avoid ..................................................................................................................... 242
Meal Plan ............................................................................................................................................ 268
Detox Symptoms .............................................................................................................................. 286
Grass Fed Vs Grain Fed.................................................................................................................. 289
CHAPTER 4 ................................................................................................................................................. 294
Eat Nothing, Gain Everything: The Life Changing Magic of Fasting ................................................................ 294
Who Should Fast .............................................................................................................................. 299
History of fasting .............................................................................................................................. 301
The Benefits of Fasting ................................................................................................................... 306
Different Fasting Lengths ............................................................................................................... 339
Fasting Hacks When Starting ........................................................................................................ 345
Coffee................................................................................................................................................... 349
Tea........................................................................................................................................................ 350
4
Fasting With Your Cycle .................................................................................................................. 351
Staying Motivated Checklist ........................................................................................................... 355
CHAPTER 5 ................................................................................................................................................. 359
Frequently Asked Questions: Debunking the Myths and Revealing the Reality .............................................. 359
.................................................................................................................................................................. 359
Won’t I get scurvy from vitamin C deficiency? .............................................................................. 361
But Aren’t Vegetables Good for You? ......................................................................................... 392
Red Meat Causes Cancer ............................................................................................................... 395
How Will I Have Enough Energy Without Carbs? ...................................................................... 397
Won’t My Cholesterol Be Too High? ............................................................................................ 401
Calorie Deficit Vs Carnivore ........................................................................................................... 406
Isn’t Too Much Protein Bad for My Kidneys? ............................................................................. 411
Don’t Athletes Need Carbs? .......................................................................................................... 414
CHAPTER 6 ................................................................................................................................................. 435
All About Building Muscle ........................................................................................................................... 435
How Excessive Exercise Ages You ............................................................................................... 436
Mastering the basics........................................................................................................................ 448
Which split is for you? ..................................................................................................................... 449
Workouts To Spot Reduce Fat ...................................................................................................... 457
CHAPTER 7 ................................................................................................................................................. 460
Endocrine Disrupters: How they Make Us Fat, Sick, And Infertile................................................................... 460
.................................................................................................................................................................. 460
Understanding Endocrine Disrupters ............................................................................................... 464
Sources of Endocrine Disruptors .................................................................................................. 467
CHAPTER 8 ................................................................................................................................................. 483
The Path to Unrecognizable Beauty: Becoming the Ten You’re Meant to be ................................................. 483
Getting a Lean Face 101 ................................................................................................................ 484
Shrink Your Nose .............................................................................................................................. 498
Thick Lashes and Brows ................................................................................................................. 501
Attaining Crystal Clear Skin Forever ............................................................................................. 504
The Importance of Clear Skin ........................................................................................................ 505
Your Skin is a Reflection of Your Gut Microbiome .................................................................... 507
Keratosis Pilaris ................................................................................................................................ 511
.............................................................................................................................................................. 511
5
Skin Care Products That Actually Work ....................................................................................... 514
How to Get the Hair of You Dreams ............................................................................................ 527
Resources and recommendations ............................................................................................... 536
6
7
INTRODUCTION
Words can hardly capture the sense of betrayal, shock, disgust, and disappointment
I experienced when I devoted countless hours, day after day, during my college
years, to uncovering the true essence of human health. My fitness journey began
much like everyone else's—with a profound dissatisfaction with my body. I was
troubled by the persistent inflammation and puffiness in my face, despite
meticulously adhering to the mainstream healthy diet championed by so-called
experts. This path eventually spiraled into a severe binge eating disorder, a
harrowing experience that felt as if a gluttonous, greedy entity had seized control
of my body, turning my mouth into a garbage bin for junk food.
My relentless quest for genuine health revealed the stark contrast between
conventional dietary advice and the reality of achieving true wellness. The diet I
followed, which was widely promoted as healthy, did nothing to alleviate my
issues. Instead, it exacerbated them, leading me down a path of uncontrollable
cravings and self-destructive eating habits. It was as though my body was crying
out for real nourishment, yet I was trapped in a cycle of misinformation and
unhealthy choices.
This profound struggle was a wake-up call, driving me to seek deeper, more
authentic answers about health and nutrition. It was a journey filled with frustration
and disillusionment, but also one that ultimately led me to discover the
8
transformative power of aligning my diet and lifestyle with our biological needs.
Through this painful process, I learned that true health is not about following
popular dietary trends or expert advice blindly. It's about understanding and
honoring the fundamental principles that our bodies were designed to thrive on.
My experience has fueled my passion to share this knowledge with others, to help
them avoid the pitfalls I encountered and to guide them towards a path of genuine
health and well-being. I want to empower you to break free from the chains of
conventional dietary myths and embrace a lifestyle that truly supports your body’s
natural health and vitality. This journey is not just about transforming your
appearance, but about reclaiming your health, your confidence, and your life.
9
This transformation was not merely physical; it rejuvenated my entire being. I felt
as joyful and carefree as a child, living fully in the present without the burdens of
my previous mental struggles. My mental health, once in shambles, flourished,
leaving me motivated and content. The changes in my appearance and health were
so profound that people began treating me differently, with more kindness and
respect. Remarkably, I started effortlessly achieving all my dreams and aspirations.
It was as if my soul had leapt from the body of a depressed, unattractive, and
unlucky individual into my dream body, radiating luck and effortlessly attaining
everything I desired in life. This metamorphosis was not just a change in
appearance, but a complete revitalization of my spirit and existence, proving that
aligning with our true biological needs can unlock a life of unparalleled beauty,
health, and happiness.
My aim with this book is to provide a comprehensive guide that empowers you to
excel in every facet of your life, particularly in beauty and attractiveness. Having
been fortunate enough to uncover the secrets to optimal health and beauty—which
profoundly transformed my own life—I am now committed to passing on this
knowledge to you. This book is your complete guide to achieving the life of your
dreams, a testament to the peaceful bliss that awaits you.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle aligned with our biological needs, your appearance
will naturally reflect this transformation. Often, our external appearance mirrors
our inner health, vitality, and spirit. When you prioritize physical health, mental
and emotional well-being naturally follow, allowing everything else in your life to
align harmoniously.
10
The common belief that life is inherently filled with struggle and suffering is a
misconception. In reality, suffering arises from a lack of understanding. By
choosing a path enlightened by deep intention and armed with the right knowledge,
you can transcend suffering. This book is crafted to guide you to a life of
fulfillment and bliss, where anything your heart desires can be realized and
acquired. Having been fortunate enough to uncover the secrets to optimal health
and beauty—which profoundly transformed my own life—I am now committed to
passing on this knowledge to you. This book is your complete guide to achieving
the life of your dreams, a testament to the peaceful bliss that awaits you.
Like many people around the world, I've grappled with issues that are seemingly
universal dissatisfaction with our physical selves. Society often labels this as body
dysmorphia, urging us to embrace our natural state. However, simply accepting
oneself isn't a foolproof solution to overcoming deep-seated insecurities about our
looks. Our society places immense value on physical appearance, and those who
achieve a look that satisfies them are often criticized as vain. Yet, through my
observations, I've realized something crucial: attractiveness extends beyond
superficial or vain standards. It is, in essence, a vital force in our lives and often a
reflection of the state of our health.
11
Did you know that we instinctively seek the health benefits associated with the
good bacteria and germs of attractive (healthy) individuals, often without even
realizing it? By improving your lifestyle and diet, beauty and attractiveness
naturally follow. This isn’t just about appearance; it’s about the vibrant, positive
energy you’ll start to exude, drawing people to you unconsciously.
Our instinct to seek the company of attractive individuals is deeply rooted in our
biology. On an instinctive level, our bodies desire exposure to the healthy bacteria
and germs of others, which can enhance our own microbial diversity and health.
Conversely, we tend to avoid those who appear unattractive, not out of cruelty, but
because, instinctively, we associate unattractiveness with poor health, sickness, and
inferior genetics. Our bodies naturally steer us away from the potentially harmful
bacteria and germs that might accompany them.
This behavior mirrors the animal kingdom. Just as a healthy dog avoids playing or
mating with a sickly dog showing signs of poor health, like bald patches and dull
fur, animals instinctively avoid those who may carry signs of illness or weak
genetics. They shun the 'ugly duckling' not out of meanness, but because they
instinctively link unattractiveness with ill health and undesirable genetic traits,
steering clear to protect their own gene pool. Similarly, by enhancing your health,
you naturally become more attractive, aligning with these deep-seated biological
instincts and fostering a more vibrant, appealing presence.
I’m sharing this because it’s crucial to understand just how significant looks are in
this world. When you enhance your appearance, life transforms for the better.
People are naturally drawn to you; they want to offer their help, be in your
presence, and learn from you. My mission is to inspire you to live life to its fullest,
12
to feel the immense joy and satisfaction of loving your reflection in the mirror,
knowing you are treating your body—the temple of your soul—with the utmost
care and respect. This feeling is unparalleled, and we all know the profound
difference between leading a life as someone unhealthy and unattractive versus
someone who is vibrant and appealing.
When you are healthy and attractive, you not only become more appealing to
others but also attract your deepest desires, effortlessly bringing your dreams and
goals to life. Your newfound attractiveness becomes a magnet for opportunities,
positivity, and success. I am thrilled that you have chosen to embark on this
transformative journey. The dream-like life that awaits you on the other side of
your transformation is filled with boundless possibilities and unparalleled joy. Your
commitment to this change is the first step towards a future where you are not only
admired by others but also by yourself, achieving a harmony between your inner
and outer worlds that is truly life-changing. I am excited to see you flourish and
embrace the extraordinary life that lies ahead!
13
CHAPTER 1
14
In the same way that you dedicate time to learning about fitness, nutrition, and
human physiology to enhance your physical well-being, there's an even more
crucial skill to master: the art of learning how to think. This foundational skill is
the key to unlocking all other achievements in life. To reach your goals, you must
first refine your ability to think effectively. Everything in your current reality has
been shaped by thoughts, be they deliberate or subconscious. I’m going to make
sure that the new reality you create from here on out will be completely intentional,
never again feeling like everything around you happens uncontrollably on auto
pilot. I'll guide you through a precise formula, imparting every crucial lesson and
trick to guarantee that you are the architect of the reality you wish to see around
you. With this knowledge, you'll never need to attribute blame to anyone or
anything for undesired outcomes in life. You are not the victim of life, you are the
creator.
Consider how some individuals possess natural talents in art or dance. Similarly,
the most accomplished individuals have a natural proficiency in thinking, which
allows them to effortlessly realize their goals without counteracting thoughts
getting in the way of its accomplishment. To emulate their success, you must delve
into the workings of your own mind and thoughts. Understanding these mechanics
is essential to making sense of your life's experiences, and eventually being the
master of them.
I too, was initially skeptical about the notion that thoughts alone can shape our
reality. However, time and again, it has been demonstrated that there is no
alternative. You are continuously shaping the reality around you, much like gravity
consistently keeps you grounded. The key to success lies in becoming aware of
your thoughts throughout the day and ensuring they align with your desired
15
outcomes. A handful of positive thoughts about having a certain goal, such as a
good body, overshadowed by 25,000 unconscious negative perceptions of being
out of shape, is why many fail to achieve their goals, despite their hard work. To
truly succeed, you must first master your thoughts and subconscious beliefs.
Cultivate a mindset that supports your aspirations and watch as your reality
transforms to match your vision. The power of thought is undeniable, and
mastering the art of learning to think is the first step toward creating the life you
desire.
You're continually shaping your reality with every passing moment. Your mind,
soul, spirit, and consciousness operate on a fourth-dimensional plane, while your
physical body resides in a three-dimensional realm. Given this, when you conceive
a thought or idea, you can instantly visualize or imagine it within your mind's eye.
Although your physical reality operates on a lower plane, it catches up over time as
long as you maintain that idea, goal, or vision in your mind.
16
Everyone’s reality is created by their own thoughts. Thoughts produce feeling and
those feelings emit a unique vibration and frequency. Someone with bad luck
might say, I never thought about getting in this certain accident but it still
happened. The majority of people spend the entirety of their day on autopilot pilot
completely unaware of the thoughts that are passing through their mind every
second. Most of the time, if you don’t control these thoughts, you tend to think
negative fearful thoughts since biologically humans have always lived in a fearful
state of hunger, famine, natural disasters, diseases, deaths, animal attacks, ect, so if
you allow the animalistic part of your brain to rule you, you’ll be thinking from a
place of scarcity and lack. This puts your body in a lower frequency and similar
frequencies attract each other so you end up pulling undesirable experiences that
vibrate at that lower fearful frequency from your unconscious previous thoughts. In
this case, you are not manifesting your life consciously in the fourth dimension
with your true higher self, you are only living in the 3D.
Each individual's reality is intricately woven by the fabric of their own thoughts.
Every thought we entertain gives rise to a corresponding feeling, emitting a unique
vibration and frequency into the universe. Consider someone who experiences an
unfortunate event and remarks, "I never even entertained the thought of such an
accident, yet it still occurred."
17
attacks. Succumbing to the primal instincts of our brain can perpetuate a mindset
of scarcity and lack, ultimately lowering our vibrational frequency.
In the grand tapestry of existence, similar frequencies attract one another, aligning
like with like. Consequently, dwelling in a state of fear and scarcity can
unwittingly attract undesirable experiences that resonate with these lower
frequencies. In such instances, individuals find themselves unwittingly manifesting
their reality from the depths of their unconscious mind, rather than consciously co-
creating with their true higher self in the fourth dimension. Thus, they remain
confined to the limited confines of three-dimensional existence, unaware of the
vast potential and possibilities that await beyond.
One way to truly grasp this powerful concept is to imagine your consciousness as a
genie in a lamp, tirelessly working to grant your wishes. Here, your wishes are
represented by your thoughts, and your consciousness acts as an ever-watchful
observer. It grants these wishes—these thoughts—whether you consciously want
them to manifest or not. When you think a thought, it lingers and takes root; as
time passes, these thoughts begin to manifest themselves in the physical world, or
you might find yourself experiencing events that echo the emotions and ideas of
your original thoughts. Essentially, what you think about persistently, you bring
about in your life.
18
But, despite your best efforts, you find yourself hitting a wall. Why? It's because
deep within your subconscious mind, there are hidden beliefs that hold you back.
You might secretly believe it's impossible to get lean, or that achieving your goal is
too difficult and unsustainable. You might even think that you're just meant to be
bigger, or that your love for food outweighs your desire for change.
Your subconscious beliefs are powerful, but they are not your destiny. They are
simply the programming you've received and accepted over the years. The truth is,
you have the power to rewrite this script. By aligning your subconscious beliefs
with your conscious goals, you can remove these barriers. Start affirming that you
can achieve your ideal physique, that it is not only possible but also enjoyable to
maintain it. Visualize yourself as you want to be, feeling the success and
satisfaction of reaching your goals. This alignment between your conscious desires
and subconscious beliefs is the key to unlocking a transformation that is not only
achievable but also sustainable. Turn those dreams into your reality by believing in
your capability to change, one thought at a time.
Let's face it: you're sabotaging yourself with those negative thoughts that run on
autopilot in your head. Every time you see someone with the physique you want,
you default to envy and excuses, wondering about the grueling workouts they must
endure. It's time to cut that out.
I'm here to teach you how to flip that script. It's not just about positive thinking—
it's about reprogramming your subconscious mind to work for you, not against you.
There are two ways a belief can become programmed into your subconscious.
Either the belief created a very strong feeling within you leaving a burn mark in
19
your belief system, or it’s been repeated to you constantly and affirmed by your
surroundings.
Your subconscious beliefs play a crucial role in shaping the reality you want to
create. They act as the parameters that define your limits based on what you
believe is possible and what you believe is impossible. If you want to change your
reality, it's essential to rewrite your subconscious beliefs. One of the most effective
ways to do this is by listening to affirmations.
Instead, immerse yourself in content that supports your desired beliefs. This might
include motivational speeches, positive affirmations, uplifting music, and spending
time with people who encourage and support your growth. The key is to
20
consistently expose your mind to the messages that align with the reality you want
to create, ensuring that these positive affirmations become ingrained in your
subconscious.
Affirmations are always playing in your head, whether you realize it or not. If you
are dissatisfied with the current outcomes, it's crucial to replace the negative or
limiting affirmations with positive, goal-aligned ones. Pre-made affirmations can
be incredibly effective, but creating your own personalized affirmations can be
even more powerful. When crafting your own, make them as detailed and specific
as possible, incorporating visual elements and strong emotional language to ensure
a deep emotional connection.
21
The goal is to let these new affirmations take over your thought processes. You
cannot afford to let your mind operate on autopilot, as this mode often reverts to
familiar, unproductive thought patterns that do not align with your goals. By
immersing yourself in affirmations, you consciously replace these old thought
patterns with new, positive ones.
This practice will gradually rewire your subconscious mind. Over time, these
affirmations will become your new default thoughts. As this shift happens, you'll
start to notice changes in your reality. The power of affirmations lies in their ability
to transform your internal dialogue, leading to tangible changes in your external
world. With persistence and consistency, you will find yourself living the reality
you've envisioned.
22
You need to get good at visualizing and imagining. The more vivid and realistic the
better because when it seems more real, it produces a strong emotion and vibration
of off of you since your body can’t distinguish between reality and imagination.
Make it a nightly routine to visualize yourself already having achieved those
specific goals you have at the forefront of your mind. Picture them with excitement
because when you’re seeing in your minds eye is a future you’re getting closer and
closer to by the day.
23
crowds cheering for him at bodybuilding shows. This powerful visualization
technique helped him win seven Mr. Olympia titles.
So, whether you naturally excel at visualization or need to develop this skill,
remember that it's a powerful tool for achieving your goals. Practice regularly,
immerse yourself in detailed visualizations, and draw inspiration from successful
individuals like Arnold Schwarzenegger to realize your full potential.
24
how we interact with the world. At the atomic level, the concept that matter is
mostly empty space becomes starkly apparent. For instance, if we were to magnify
an atom to the size where its nucleus is as big as the point of a needle, its electrons
would be orbiting about 10 miles away. What this illustrates is that atoms, the
fundamental building blocks of all physical substances, consist overwhelmingly of
empty space.
This vast emptiness between the core components of an atom leads to an intriguing
realization about our physical experiences: the sensation of touching something
solid is, to some extent, an illusion created by electromagnetic forces between
atoms. These forces prevent the electrons of one atom from passing through the
electrons of another, giving rise to what we perceive as solid objects.
From this perspective, the entire physical world can be seen as a kind of hologram,
a projection crafted by the interactions of forces on a canvas of empty space. This
understanding opens a fascinating door to considering how our thoughts and
perceptions might interact with and even influence this "holographic" reality. If
what we perceive as solid and immutable is actually a play of forces and empty
space, it suggests that by changing our perceptions and thoughts, we might be able
to influence the physical world in more direct ways than previously imagined.
In essence, the notion that we can mentally alter our reality isn't just about wishful
thinking or metaphysical speculation; it has grounding in the physical sciences.
The space between the atoms and the forces that define their interactions provide a
framework through which our consciousness might interface with the material
world. This is not to say we can alter the laws of physics with our minds, but rather
that our understanding and interaction with the world are more dynamic and
25
interconnected than we might have thought. The power of the mind in shaping our
experiences and perceptions of reality is profound, suggesting that our mental
states could indeed resemble the commands given to a genie, capable of reshaping
our perceived universe in subtle yet significant ways.
The concept of atoms being mostly empty space was significantly developed by
Ernest Rutherford. In his famous gold foil experiment, Rutherford demonstrated
that atoms consist largely of empty space, with a tiny, dense nucleus. This
discovery was groundbreaking and fundamentally changed our understanding of
atomic structure, illustrating that the vast majority of an atom’s volume is empty
space, with electrons orbiting a small central nucleus.
There was a molecular atom scientist who went mad after discovering the space
between atoms. He said that if atoms were as big as a needle point, they would be
10 miles apart from each other. This discovery was show shocking to him that he
started walking around in tennis rackets because he thought that he would fall
through the floor. This is just more evidence that reality is extremely bendable and
you have the power to change it to your well
There was a molecular atom scientist who went mad after discovering the space
between atoms. He explained that if atoms were as large as the point of a needle,
they would be 10 miles apart from each other. This discovery was so shocking to
him that he started walking around in tennis rackets because he believed he might
fall through the floor.
This story underscores the astonishing nature of our reality at the atomic level.
Atoms, which make up everything we see and touch, are mostly empty space. The
26
nucleus of an atom, composed of protons and neutrons, is minuscule compared to
the overall size of the atom, with electrons orbiting at relatively vast distances.
This means that the solidity we perceive is largely an illusion created by the
electromagnetic forces holding these particles together.
The scientist's reaction highlights how profoundly our understanding of reality can
be altered by such discoveries. His fear of falling through the floor, though
extreme, illustrates a broader truth: our perception of reality is not as fixed and
solid as we might believe. This revelation has profound implications, suggesting
that reality is much more flexible and malleable than we typically assume.
Just as this scientist's understanding of the atomic world led him to question the
nature of physical reality, we too can use our knowledge and perception to shape
our experiences. The vast empty spaces within atoms show us that the universe is
not as rigid and unchangeable as it seems. Instead, it is dynamic and responsive,
allowing us the potential to influence and alter our reality through our thoughts,
beliefs, and actions.
In essence, this story serves as a powerful reminder that reality is not as immutable
as it appears. With the right mindset and approach, we have the power to reshape
our world and manifest the changes we desire. By understanding the flexible nature
of reality at its most fundamental level, we can harness this knowledge to create a
life that aligns with our deepest aspirations and intentions.
CIA Confirmation
27
The CIA has released a document confirming the principles of the Law of
Attraction and the Law of Vibration, essentially validating the concept that we are
creators of our own reality. This document unveils a revolutionary understanding
that everything in the universe is composed of energy that is constantly vibrating. It
challenges the traditional notion of physical matter's existence, asserting that what
we perceive as solid matter does not actually exist in the way we think it does.
According to the document, both electrons and the nuclei they orbit are not
material entities but are instead composed of dynamic energy grids. These
electrons spin within an energy field around the nucleus, which itself is merely an
aggregation of these vibrating energy grids. The document states, “Science now
understands that the electrons which spin in the energy field located around the
nucleus itself are made up of nothing more than oscillating energy grids. Solid
matter, in the strict construction of the term, simply does not exist.”
This perspective implies that what is commonly considered solid matter is, in fact,
a network of oscillating energy grids interacting with each other. This scientific
28
insight underscores the idea that the perceived solidity of objects is an illusion
produced by the interactions of these energy fields. Therefore, the document
suggests that through understanding and harnessing these vibrations, we might be
able to influence our own realities more directly and profoundly than previously
imagined.
The document describes both the human mind and the universe as holograms,
composed of interacting energy fields that are sometimes in motion and sometimes
at rest. This configuration collectively forms a gigantic hologram of immense
complexity. It states, "The universe is, in and of itself, one gigantic hologram of
unbelievable complexity." Similarly, the human mind functions as a hologram,
tuning itself to the universal hologram through the exchange of energy. This
process allows the mind to interpret meaning and achieve the state known as
consciousness.
29
The concept of reversibility is highlighted: "You are experiencing the universe
experiencing itself." This reflects the idea that energy within the universe not only
creates and stores meaning but also retrieves it through a process of projection or
interaction with other energy systems. This dynamic interplay between the human
mind and the universal energy fields underscores the profound connection and
continuous feedback loop through which consciousness and reality are co-created.
30
To consciously craft the life you desire, maintaining a calm and relaxed state is
essential. When you are not in such a state, you are likely experiencing hurry, lack,
or fear. These emotional states can negatively impact your vibrational frequency,
attracting circumstances and outcomes that resonate with those lower vibrations.
Essentially, your personal hologram—your perceived reality—is continuously
influenced by the frequency of your emotions and thoughts. Thus, by managing
your emotional state, you can align more closely with the vibrations that attract the
life you want.
This concept aligns seamlessly with Hermetic principles, particularly the notion
that “All is mind; the universe is mental.” Our emotions, representing energy in
motion, power our thoughts. By infusing our thoughts with emotional energy, we
actively shape our reality. This continual interplay between our mental and
emotional states not only influences our immediate environment but also aligns
with the broader, universal energies to create the circumstances of our lives.
The document highlights the significant role of emotions in determining the impact
of thoughts on our subconscious mind. Thoughts charged with emotion are more
likely to penetrate the subconscious, influencing our overall vibrational frequency.
This process underscores the brain's similarity to a computer, with our minds
capable of being programmed. If we don't take conscious control of this
31
programming, it is likely that external influences will shape our subconscious
programming instead.
The document further states that the subconscious mind accepts impressions
without questioning their validity. It also elaborates on the function of the brain's
left hemisphere, describing it as the part responsible for cognitive functions, verbal
processing, and linear reasoning. This hemisphere plays a crucial role in screening
incoming stimuli by categorizing, assessing, and assigning meaning to them before
they are fully processed. This selective screening emphasizes the importance of
consciously directing our thoughts and emotions to shape our perceptions and,
consequently, our reality.
The right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for holistic, nonverbal, and
pattern-oriented processing, accepts information passed from the left hemisphere
without questioning. This interplay between the hemispheres underlines the power
of visualization combined with emotion. By envisioning a desired outcome and
engaging the emotions associated with that outcome, the conscious mind can
program the subconscious to establish pathways that transform these visions into
reality.
32
The document elaborates on the process of conscious and subconscious mind
interaction, stating that by strengthening and emphasizing certain mental pathways,
the left-brain consciousness can effectively access relevant areas in the right brain
through a "conscious demand mode." This means if you can conceive a desire, it is
considered to already exist in another dimension. The mind has the innate
capability to tune into the frequency of this desire, and by aligning your personal
vibration with the frequency of what you desire, you can make a quantum leap into
that desired reality.
The document discusses the incredibly complex hologram that results from the
intersection of energy patterns generated by the totality of all individual
consciousnesses. This comprehensive network of energy patterns underscores the
profound impact of collective human consciousness in shaping the reality
experienced by each individual. By understanding and manipulating these energy
patterns, individuals have the power to alter their own slice of reality, effectively
bringing their desires from abstract dimensions into tangible existence.
At any given moment, there’s an infinite number of possibilities and realities all
happening simultaneously. Wrap your mind around that: every thought you have is
like a viewing portal into those different realities. You’re not just thinking random
thoughts; you’re peeking into different planes of existence. It's as if your mind is a
cosmic remote control, capable of tuning into any channel of reality you desire.
Each thought is a window, a sneak peek into an alternate universe where different
versions of you exist. There’s a reality where you’re a celebrated artist, another
33
where you’re a thriving entrepreneur, and yet another where you’ve already
achieved every dream you’ve ever had. These aren’t just fantasies; they are real
possibilities, existing simultaneously with your current reality.
Now, here's where it gets truly mind-blowing. Your thoughts are not passive. They
are active participants in the cosmic dance of creation. When you consistently
focus on a particular thought or vision, you’re not just daydreaming; you’re tuning
into that reality more and more. Over time, the reality you focus on most becomes
the most prevalent one in your mind’s eye. It’s like choosing a favorite show and
watching it over and over until it becomes your reality.
Eventually, with enough focus and emotional investment, you begin to shift into
that chosen reality. You start to see signs, opportunities, and people that align with
this vision. Your actions, influenced by your thoughts, begin to shape the world
around you to match this new reality. It’s not magic; it’s the power of your
consciousness aligning with the universe’s infinite possibilities.
The universe is a vast, interconnected web of potential, and your mind is the key to
navigating it. By holding a specific vision in your mind, you are essentially
sending out a signal, attracting that particular version of reality towards you. It’s
like being a radio tower, broadcasting your chosen frequency and drawing in the
experiences that match it.
This process is known as manifestation. It’s the art of bringing the intangible into
the tangible, the unseen into the seen. By continuously viewing and believing in a
particular reality, you shift your energy and perception, ultimately stepping into
34
that existence. Your thoughts are the seeds, and your focused attention is the water
that nurtures them into fruition.
So, next time you catch yourself daydreaming or thinking about what could be,
remember: you are peering into a potential reality. Choose your thoughts wisely,
focus on the ones that bring you joy and fulfillment, and watch as your life begins
to transform. You are the creator of your reality, with the power to shift into any
existence you desire. Embrace this power and start manifesting the life of your
dreams.
The first thing you need to maintain at all times is total awareness. You were born
in a constant state of awareness because it’s our natural state to be in. Over time,
distractions and habits have pulled us away from this natural state, but it’s entirely
within your power to reclaim it. Set a few reminders around you—on your phone,
sticky notes on your mirror, wherever you’ll see them—that tell you to constantly
maintain awareness of the present moment.
35
Maintaining awareness means being fully present in whatever you’re doing.
Whether you’re eating, working out, or simply going about your day, stay
conscious of your actions and thoughts. This awareness is the foundation of
controlling your mind and, by extension, your reality. When you’re aware, you can
catch negative thoughts before they spiral out of control, make better decisions
about your health, and stay motivated towards your goals.
Think of awareness as your mental GPS. It keeps you on track, helps you avoid
detours, and ensures you’re heading in the right direction. Without it, you’re more
likely to get lost or stuck in unhealthy patterns. With it, you have the clarity and
focus needed to make consistent progress.
Awareness
Awareness is the key to unlocking your potential. It empowers you to break free
from automatic behaviors and make deliberate choices that support your health and
well-being. Embrace this practice, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving the
amazing physique, clear skin, and overall health you desire.
Kids are creative and have a heightened sense of intuition because they are in a
constant state of awareness. They haven’t been corrupted by the useless
programming jammed into their minds from overexposure to trivial things. Adults
who can maintain this level of awareness often become successful in life. This is
because when you’re aware, your mind isn’t cluttered with junk thoughts that
prevent you from being receptive to the ideas that your higher self and the universe
are trying to send your way.
36
The most brilliant inventors in history often describe how their ideas come to them
as if they were downloaded during a meditative state. They tap into a flow of
inspiration and creativity that feels almost otherworldly. This state of heightened
awareness allows them to access innovative thoughts and solutions that others
might miss.
Today, many billionaires and successful entrepreneurs attribute their achievements
to this flow state. They are in tune with the universe’s ideas and can easily pick up
these "idea downloads" and bring them into existence, leading to their abundance.
In your case, you want to manifest a new, good-looking body. To do this, your
mind must first be free of all the clutter and junk thoughts.
When you maintain awareness, the junk is absent. If it does pop up, you don’t get
tangled in it. Instead of believing and engaging with these negative thoughts, you
simply observe them from an outside perspective, like watching clouds pass by in
the sky. You acknowledge them, but you don’t let them control you.
This state of awareness is crucial for transformation. It keeps you open to new
ideas, motivated, and focused on your goals. It helps you discern which thoughts
are helpful and which are just distractions. By practicing mindfulness and staying
present, you create a mental environment that is conducive to receiving the right
guidance and inspiration.
By returning back to your natural state, you can align yourself with the flow of
inspiration and creativity that has guided the most successful people in history.
Your goals, whether they involve improving your body, starting a business, or
creating something new, will become more attainable as you tap into this powerful
state of awareness.
37
Protect your mind
You should be extremely selective and picky about what you allow your eyes to
see and your ears to hear. Your mind is constantly being programmed by the things
it’s exposed to, embedding beliefs and emotions in your subconscious mind
without your realization. Most people mindlessly scroll through social media,
filling their heads with superficial nonsense. They mindlessly watch the news,
absorbing information about the worst things happening. They mindlessly listen to
depressing, negative music that reinforces harmful affirmations.
Surrounding yourself with toxic friends who hold you back and want to keep you
at their level with negative talk and bad habits is another trap. The list goes on. If
you don’t protect your mind like the temple it is and allow just anyone and
everything access to it, it’s no wonder you have no control over the reality you’re
manifesting.
Wake up and take control. Your mind is the most powerful tool you have, and if
you let it be polluted by garbage, that’s exactly what you’ll get in your life—
garbage. If you’re serious about achieving your goals, whether it’s getting that
amazing physique, clear skin, or a successful career, you need to clean up what you
expose yourself to.
38
Start by curating your environment. Only follow social media accounts that inspire
and uplift you. Limit your exposure to news that drags you down; stay informed,
but don’t let it consume you. Choose music that motivates and empowers you. Be
ruthless with your social circle—cut out the negativity and surround yourself with
people who support your growth and well-being.
Your mind is a garden, and if you let weeds grow, they will choke out the flowers.
Tend to it carefully. Feed it with positive, empowering content. Engage in activities
that foster growth and positivity. Read books, listen to podcasts, and watch videos
that help you become the best version of yourself.
By being selective about what you allow into your mind, you’re taking a crucial
step in taking control of your reality. You’re setting yourself up for success by
aligning your subconscious with your goals and desires. Protect your mind fiercely.
It’s the first step in manifesting the life you truly want. Don’t let just anyone or
anything have access to your precious mental space. Be vigilant, be discerning, and
watch as your reality starts to shift in the direction you desire.
Whether you believe it or not, this is how the process of manifesting your reality
works. It’s not a matter of opinion; it’s a fundamental law of the universe, like
39
gravity. You can choose to acknowledge it or dismiss it, but it’s at work regardless.
The thoughts and emotions you allow to dominate your mind shape your
experiences and the world around you.
Whatever life you desire for yourself is within your reach because you have the
ability to make it a reality. All of your dreams are not just idle fantasies; they are
the universe's way of guiding you toward what you are meant to manifest in this
lifetime. You wouldn’t have a desire or a dream unless it were within your power
to make it real. You are the dreamer you’ve been looking for.
Too often, people live vicariously through others who are living dreams similar to
their own, settling for an indirect experience instead of pursuing the real thing. But
there’s no need to do this. Your dreams are unique instructions from the universe, a
blueprint for what you are meant to achieve and experience. These dreams are not
random; they are deeply rooted in your capabilities and potential.
When you embrace your dreams and recognize them as achievable, you unlock a
powerful motivation to take action. Each step you take toward your dream is a step
closer to turning it into your reality. It’s important to understand that your dreams
are not distant, unattainable goals. They are reflections of your inner potential and
the life you are capable of creating.
Think about it: every dream you have is a signpost pointing you toward your true
path. By acknowledging this and taking deliberate action, you move from a state of
40
passive wishing to active creation. Don’t settle for watching others live the life you
desire. Instead, take charge of your destiny and pursue your dreams with passion
and determination.
You have everything you need within you to achieve your dreams. The universe
has equipped you with the talents, resources, and opportunities necessary to make
them a reality. All you need to do is believe in yourself and take the first step.
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So, take that
step today and start turning your dreams into your reality.
In the end, you are the architect of your life. The power to shape your destiny lies
in your hands. Embrace your dreams, believe in your potential, and take action.
The life you’ve always wanted is waiting for you to claim it. So go for it, and make
your dreams come true.
41
CHAPTER 2
42
Understanding the Medical System
The purpose of this chapter is to highlight how, in today's society, many people
tend to follow the crowd without critically examining the information presented to
them. This tendency to accept repeated statements from mass media and even from
friends and family without questioning their validity has led to widespread
misconceptions about health, nutrition, and the treatment of illnesses.
For example, many dietary guidelines and health recommendations are based on
flawed or incomplete studies that have been accepted without sufficient scrutiny.
The food industry plays a significant role in shaping public perception, often
prioritizing profit over public health. As a consequence, many of us are making
choices that we believe are healthy, but which are actually contributing to poor
health outcomes.
The aim of this chapter is to encourage you to question the information you
receive, to look beyond the surface, and to seek out the truth. This involves a
43
critical examination of the sources of your information, understanding the
motivations behind them, and being open to new and sometimes challenging ideas.
By emptying your mind of the prevailing myths and misinformation, you create
space for a new understanding. The truth about nutrition and health is often simpler
and more profound than the complex web of falsehoods we have been led to
believe. In the next chapter, I will reveal evidence-based insights and practical
advice that can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-
being. This journey requires an open mind and a willingness to challenge long-held
beliefs, but the reward is a clearer path to true health and vitality.
It is imperative to include this chapter before moving on to the next, which will
offer a clear and unequivocal portrayal of what a genuine human diet entails,
grounded in reality. The necessity for this arises from the pervasive brainwashing
you've been subjected to, replete with misinformation and fear-mongering, all
designed to steer you away from inadvertently discovering the true essence of
proper nutrition. The landscape of dietary guidance is fraught with confusion and
fear, and this is no accident. It is my duty to illuminate the reasons behind this
orchestrated uncertainty, to dispel the fear and equip you with the clarity needed to
fully comprehend and embrace the accurate nutritional insights I will present in the
subsequent chapter.
To better understand why I believe the current medical advice taught in universities
and colleges for human health -related certificates or degrees is extremely flawed, I
will explain the origins of the curriculum, who established it, and the reasons
behind its creation which almost everyone is completely unaware of.
44
Doctors in the Western world aren't paid based on the number of patients they heal.
Instead, their income is tied to the volume of prescription pills they sell and the
surgeries they perform. The real paymasters are the giant pharmaceutical
companies, rewarding doctors for pushing pills onto unsuspecting patients. How
can doctors make a living if they address the root problem, which, in 99% of cases,
can be resolved simply by adjusting the diet? Even if they had the best intentions
and genuinely wanted to heal you, their training in allopathic medication, not
human physiology, leaves them ill-equipped. Astonishingly, most doctors undergo
just one Nutrition Course during their entire 10-year education. What they're
actually learning in medical school is which pills to prescribe for various ailments.
They're being trained as pharmaceutical salesmen, with a curriculum crafted by the
pharmaceutical industry itself. It's a vicious cycle, and I'm here to jolt you awake
from it, so you don't become its next victim.
There's no profit in healthy individuals, and there's no profit in deceased ones. The
real goldmine lies in keeping people sick, prolonging their illness to ensure they
remain dependent on medications that generate trillions of dollars for these
corporations.
When you dig into what doctors are actually taught in medical school, who designs
their curriculum, and who pays money to be able to influences their education, it's
enough to make your head spin. It becomes painfully clear that trusting your own
common sense and understanding the biological facts is a safer bet for maintaining
your health. Why? Because the very same people dishing out health advice are also
profiting from selling us medications. The truly disheartening aspect of this
situation is that many healthcare professionals are unaware of the flawed nature of
the advice they're being taught. They genuinely believe they are helping people by
45
dispensing this misguided advice, only to end up prescribing medications and
recommending surgeries that could have easily been avoided with a change in diet.
This cycle perpetuates a system where the focus shifts from prevention and holistic
health to treatment and intervention, often driven by profit rather than patient well-
being. It sounds like something out of a conspiracy theory, but the evidence is
overwhelming. This isn't just a one-time event; it's a pattern that's repeated in the
past, happening right now, and will likely continue as long as money is in the mix.
Doctors should be required to display the logos of the pharmaceutical companies
that sponsor them on their clothing, similar to how race car drivers showcase their
sponsors on their attire and vehicles.
46
a psychological phenomenon. It suggests that repeated exposure to a statement
increases the likelihood that people will perceive it as true, even if it is false. This
is the reason why people defend their disgustingly incorrect ideologies on nutrition
with absolutely zero evidence behind them. After listing, some of these common
misconceptions about nutrition, I will completely dissect and debunk them later on
in the chapter after explaining why the “qualified experts” are useless for seeking
the truth on the matter. In this chapter, im going to explain in great detail why the
American medical system is corrupt and why our so-called medical professionals
and experts are being taught useless information in regards to our health. The truth
behind the medical industry is truly sinister and will throw you in for quite a spin.
First thing I need you to keep in mind is that the pharmaceutical industry is a huge
business.
Let’s get into the numbers. The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for the
research, development, production, and distribution of medications. The market
has experienced significant growth during the past two decades, and pharma
revenues worldwide totaled 1.48 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022. When you own a
business that generates that level of income, you’ll do everything in your power to
make sure it stays that way, regardless of how many people are affected in
detrimental ways.
A whopping $1.48 trillion is at stake, and it's no wonder that some are willing to do
whatever it takes to protect their profits. They're not just bending the truth; they're
shattering it. These profit-driven players are willing to pay off "scientists" and
other so-called experts to cook up results that serve their agenda. Then, these
bought-and-paid-for researchers dress up their findings as solid science, pulling the
47
wool over the eyes of the unsuspecting public. It's a well-oiled machine fueled by
greed, and it keeps churning as long as the money keeps flowing.
But when we cut through the bs pseudoscience and look at the facts with clear eyes
and real science, the best diet for humans becomes glaringly obvious. We don't
need to be duped by the profit-driven propaganda.
Here are some jaw-dropping examples of when the unthinkable happened: trusted
scientists were caught red-handed, shamelessly fabricating studies and results, all
for a handful of extra dollars. It's a shocking betrayal of trust that leaves us
questioning everything we thought we knew.
One might assume that Harvard, a prestigious institution, upholds the highest
standards of credibility. However, it's startling to learn that in the 1950s, the
university was embroiled in a scandal
involving the manipulation of health
studies. Reports suggest that
researchers were financially
incentivized to skew their findings,
particularly in studies related to sugar
and its impact on health. This
revelation challenges the trust we
place in academic research and
underscores the importance of
transparency and integrity in
scientific studies.
48
As heart disease rates began to climb, people started to connect the dots between
the rise in sugar consumption and the increase in heart disease. Well, would you
believe it? Just when folks started to suspect that sugar might be linked to heart
disease, the sugar industry got jittery about their profits taking a hit. So, what did
they do? They allegedly tossed a cool $50,000 (in today's cash) to some Harvard
"scientists" to whip up studies that pointed fingers at animal fat (one of the oldest
food consumed by humans) instead of sugar. Talk about a sweet deal for them,
right? But not so sweet for the rest of us trying to figure out what's really going on
with our health! With the spotlight shifted to fat, the sugar industry had found its
scapegoat. Innocent, healthy fats were wrongfully accused of causing heart disease,
despite the lack of solid evidence linking them to the illness. As a result, people
began to cut these essential fats from their diets, replacing them with what can only
be described as pure poison – sugar-laden foods. This misguided switch had far-
reaching consequences for public health, leading to an era of confusion and
misinformation about what truly constitutes a heart-healthy diet that is disgustingly
inaccurate.
Because of the sugar industry's manipulation, many people still believe that certain
carbs in fruits, which are loaded with sugar or convert to sugar, are healthy for us.
Meanwhile, fats, which our bodies desperately need, are considered bad.
Unfortunately, the truth about this scandal and the real impact of sugar and fat on
our health remains unknown to many. The widespread lie that sugar is benign, and
fat is harmful continues to shape dietary choices, leaving the real story in the
shadows.
49
"It was a very smart thing the sugar industry did, because review papers, especially
if you get them published in a very prominent journal, tend to shape the overall
scientific discussion," co-author Stanton Glantz told The New York Times.
The resulting article published in 1967 concluded there was "no doubt" that
reducing cholesterol and saturated fat was the only dietary intervention needed to
prevent heart disease. The researchers overstated the consistency of the literature
on fat and cholesterol, while downplaying studies on sugar, according to the
analysis.
"Let me assure you this is quite what we had in mind, and we look forward to its
appearance in print," wrote an employee of the sugar industry group to one of the
authors.
The documents in question are five decades old, but the larger issue is of the
moment, as Marion Nestle notes in a commentary in the same issue of JAMA
Internal Medicine:
"Is it really true that food companies deliberately set out to manipulate research in
their favor? Yes, it is, and the practice continues. In 2015, the New York Times
obtained emails revealing Coca-Cola's cozy relationships with sponsored
researchers who were conducting studies aimed at minimizing the effects of sugary
drinks on obesity. Even more recently, the Associated Press obtained emails
showing how a candy trade association funded and influenced studies to show that
children who eat sweets have healthier body weights than those who do not."
50
Did you know that Coca Cola alone spends eleven times the amount of money on
nutritional research every year than the National Institute of Health which is the
primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research in the
United States? That’s only Coca Cola. There’s Nestle, Kellogg’s, Sanitarium, and
other processed big food companies that are all pumping out research and paying
universities to conduct studies that favor the sales increase of their products,
making the majority of these studies biased. It's shocking how many studies claim
health improvements on a plant-based diet without fully disclosing what they're
comparing it to. Are we to believe that meat, the oldest food consumed by the
healthiest most robust humans, is the sole culprit? The truth is, these studies often
pit a plant-based diet against a processed food disaster, where the only meat
present is a token amount in a greasy hamburger or a sodium-laden hotdog, both
accompanied by trans fats and sugar-laden drinks. In this scenario, meat is barely a
factor.
When individuals switch from this nutritional train-wreck to a whole food, plant-
based diet, it's no surprise that their health takes a turn for the better. But let's not
jump to conclusions – this improvement has nothing to do with the fact that they've
ditched meat. The real hero of the story is the elimination of processed plant-based
foods, which are the real culprits detrimental to health. In the next chapter, I'll dive
into the stark contrasts between a whole food, plant-based diet and a whole food,
meat-based diet. Prepare to have your mind blown by the differences between the
two groups.
Are you really going to gamble your health by taking the advice of individuals who
have been wrong in the past, wrong in the present, and will continue to be wrong in
the future? These people have so much trust put into them, yet not that long ago,
51
they were advising their poor patients to do one of the worst possible things for
their health, again, for money.
From the 1930’s to the 1970’s, patients were prescribed cigarettes by the doctor.
The cause of this was because tobacco brands hired throat doctors to explain that
dust, germs and lack of menthol were to blame when it came to illnesses, not
cigarettes. In fact, they believed cigarettes weren’t harmful at all and once people
started, they became addicted!
Shortly after in 1948 the links between smoking and lung cancer were becoming
apparent. Cigarette manufacturers disputed this evidence, as part of an orchestrated
conspiracy to salvage cigarette sales. An anti-nicotine diet was started by tobacco
companies and low nicotine cigarettes were introduced. The aim was to reduce
nicotine intake and their slogan was ‘without giving up a single cigarette’.
Companies had a doubt that there was relationship between lung cancer and
tobacco, so instead of admitting to the health problem they found a solution to
cover it, so they didn’t lose their profits!
52
The Philip Morris company took that one step forward with a Saturday Evening
Post ad claiming doctors had conducted a study showing “when smokers changed
to Philip Morris, every case of irritation cleared completely and definitely
improved.” What it didn’t mention was that Philip Morris had sponsored those
doctors. Philip Morris continued to advertise “studies” it sponsored through the
1940s, the decade that saw the introduction of penicillin. “The American public is
thinking about medicine in such a positive way and science in a positive way,” says
Gardner, who co-authored an American Journal of Public Health article about
doctors in cigarette ads. To this end, the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company created a
Medical Relations Division and advertised it in medical journals. Reynolds began
paying for research and then citing it in its ads like Philip Morris. In 1946,
Reynolds launched an ad campaign with the slogan, “More doctors smoke Camels
53
than any other cigarette.” They’d solicited this “finding” by giving doctors a free
carton of Camel cigarettes, and then asking what brand they smoked.
54
55
Who Wrote Our Nutritional Curriculum?
“The brief pain attending the operation will have a salutary effect upon the mind¸
especially if it be connected with the idea of punishment...”
For parents who balked at this extreme suggestion he had a simpler alternative:
sew their kid’s penis into its foreskin (Ouch!). “...The prepuce or foreskin is drawn
forward over the glans and the needle to which wire is attached is passed through
from one side to the other. After drawing the wire through, the ends are twisted
56
together and cut off close. It is now impossible for an erection to occur,” writes
Kellogg with sadistic delight in his book.
Kellogg also proposed similarly harsh measures for girls. His book features soberly
advice on how to stop little girls from touching themselves. His recommendation:
apply carbolic acid to their clitorises. (This man is responsible for the current
curriculum on nutrition still being taught in universities today and most people
don’t know that his plant-based encouragement is rooted in religious ideology not
science, but we’ll get into that later).
57
58
Can you believe that the school curriculum and education regarding nutrition,
which often paints meat in a negative light while promoting plant-based diets, is
actually grounded in a religious ideology! What's even more surprising is that this
ideological basis is not openly disclosed and is instead passed off as factual
information. It's a revelation that calls into question the objectivity of our
educational content in the realm of nutrition. Let’s start with how the corruption
began with the help of Doctor Anthony Chaffee who is a remarkable figure in the
medical and nutritional fields. With a strong academic background in Molecular &
Cellular Biology and Chemistry, Dr. Chaffee has made significant contributions to
challenging conventional dietary guidelines, particularly through his advocacy of
the carnivore diet. His work in treating chronic diseases through dietary and
lifestyle changes has transformed the lives of many. In one of his presentations, he
outlines the pervasive influences behind the nutritional and medical guidelines
from the Seventh Day Adventist church, big food corporations and pharmaceutical
industries.
So how did we end up with plants being widely considered as a part of a healthy
diet? Dietetic associations that argue for plant-based diets. These associations
recommend vegetarian diets claiming it’s the healthiest route, while also
recognizing the nutritional deficiencies, warning about the importance of
supplementing those essential nutrients which range from B-12, D-3, K-2, vitamin
A, iron, and others. So their logic is, “ this is the best diet for optimal health, as
long as you’re taking tons of supplements from lack of it in your diet”. Pretty
ridiculous for a group of nutritional experts to suggest that. These associations also
refer to low carb diets as “fad diets” and publish research papers that are funded by
Sanitarium, Kellogg’s, or Seventh Day Adventist church. Claiming that ketogenic
59
diets are fad diets despite there being thousands of studies in humans showing the
medical benefits. Eventually, they had to change those guidelines since a ketogenic
diet is now in the national schedule for diabetes treatments.
When they were advocating for a plant-based diet, they listed reasons for its
benefits based on 4 studies. Every single one of those studies was funded and
written by individuals from the sanitarium/sda (seven-day Adventist) company.
These studies come from compromised sources.
The best money is made when you tell people to stop eating meat and feed them
plant-based foods along with medication. If you tell patients how to get off drugs,
you’re doing damage to these medication selling companies. Doctors are not
qualified in human nutrition; they are qualified and allopathic medicine.
It's quite astonishing, but the roots of this dietary philosophy actually trace back to
around 150 years ago, with the Seventh Day Adventist Church playing a pivotal
role, which is quite unexpected. Much of the information we have on this topic is
thanks to the research of Belinda Fettke, who is married to Dr. Gary Fettke, an
orthopedic surgeon from Tasmania. She has shed light on the perplexing question
of why this dietary approach has been so persistently promoted.
The story revolves around Ellen G. White, a prophetess within the church, who
claimed to have received a divine vision stating that meat was inherently evil.
According to her, consuming meat led to increased sexual desires, which were
considered sinful. As a result, she preached that meat consumption was as sinful as
indulging in smoking or drinking alcohol. Her views were influenced by Sylvester
Graham, known for Graham crackers, who also believed in a bland diet to curb
60
sexual impulses. This specific dietary guidance was clearly outlined in their
writings.
The dietary guidelines were explicitly designed to curb sexual desires, as sexual
activity was deemed sinful. This belief was also intertwined with the temperance
movement, which advocated for moderation and self-control, particularly in
relation to sexual behavior. Masturbation, for example, was considered a grave sin,
and Ellen G. White even wrote a book titled "An Appeal to Mothers," where she
likened a child's act of masturbation to self-inflicted mortal harm.
One of the individuals influenced by White's teachings was John Harvey Kellogg.
He started working with her as a typesetter at the age of 12 and was deeply
exposed to her ideas. Kellogg later became a well-known figure in his own right,
co-founding Kellogg's cereals with his brother. As the director of the Battle Creek
Sanitarium in Michigan, he created Kellogg's cereals with the intention of
providing food that would help suppress sexual urges, in line with the teachings he
had absorbed from White.
The plant-based food industry, which includes companies like Kellogg's, can be
traced back to the origins of the processed food movement. Kellogg and his brother
created Corn Flakes and various other cereals, leading to the emergence of around
36 cereal companies in the Battle Creek, Michigan area, all influenced by
Kellogg's ideas.
61
Creek for his expertise. His influence was significant, and he was known for
promoting some unusual health practices. For example, he was a strong advocate
for enemas and reportedly administered two to himself daily. He even had a high-
powered machine capable of pumping 60 liters of water in and out of the rectum in
less than a minute.
Kellogg believed that regular enemas were a key component of maintaining good
health, along with adhering to a vegan diet. His unique and peculiar ideas,
however, did not diminish his influence. As a result of his popularity, numerous
other cereal companies emerged, inspired by his approach.
Essentially, the impact of the Seventh Day Adventist Church on our diet is
profound. They laid the foundation for the processed food industry, but their
influence extends far beyond that. They have played a significant role in shaping
many of the major dietary guidelines and decision-making processes over the last
century. In fact, the situation is even more concerning when you consider that the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in America was founded by members of the
Seventh Day Adventist Church. As a result, the entire field of nutritional sciences
62
and dietetics has been shaped by individuals who hold a religious bias against meat
consumption.
Doctor Chaffee stated that “Apex predators, by definition, consume animals, so the
notion that we should only eat plants, despite their nutrient deficiencies and our
clear reliance on meat, seemed illogical to me. However, I now understand the
reason behind this: the influence of the Seventh Day Adventist Church on the field
of nutrition. The Adventist Health Study and other related associations have had a
significant impact worldwide.
I was surprised to find that I couldn't even apply to Loma Linda University unless I
was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The application process
63
required a letter from a church deacon, which highlighted the strong influence of
the church's beliefs on the institution.”
The influence of the Seventh Day Adventist Church extends into governmental
dietary recommendations as well. The McGovern Report, which was the first
government-sanctioned advice to the public, advocated for reducing fat and meat
consumption and increasing intake of grains, vegetables, and fruits. It's noteworthy
that the main author of this report was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist
Church.
Furthermore, the Pritikin Diet, once considered the gold standard for heart disease
prevention, was developed by Nathan Pritikin, who was a professor at Loma Linda
University. While it's unclear if he was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist
Church, his diet was certainly influenced by their principles.”
“I discovered that to apply to Loma Linda University, one must be a member of the
Seventh Day Adventist Church, as the application process requires a letter from a
church deacon. This requirement emphasizes the strong influence of the church's
beliefs on the institution.
Moreover, the Pritikin Diet, once heralded as the gold standard for preventing heart
disease, was developed by Nathan Pritikin, a professor at Loma Linda University.
64
While it's uncertain whether he was a church member, his diet was undoubtedly
shaped by their dietary principles.”
Sally Norton, known for her book "Toxic Superfoods," is a case in point. As a
nutritionist who studied at Cornell University, an Ivy League institution, she was
taught to focus on a plant-based diet. However, this led to her becoming
increasingly ill, nearly resulting in her death in her 30s due to the toxins present in
the plants she was consuming. These plants were considered the healthiest options
according to her textbook, which was the most recent edition of the curriculum
influenced by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
This example highlights how the church has been at the forefront of shaping
nutritional thought for over a century. Their influence extends beyond just
education, as they continue to impact various aspects of nutrition and health.
The influence of the Seventh Day Adventist Church is not limited to nutrition
education; it has also infiltrated the medical sciences. Most doctors have been
exposed to the notion that we should eat less meat and saturated fat. This advice is
widely accepted and promoted by many medical professionals.
65
However, the situation has escalated with the founding of lifestyle medicine by the
Seventh Day Adventist Church in 2003. The primary goal of this movement is to
push a plant-based agenda in medicine. While the concept of changing your diet,
eating right, and exercising is beneficial, the specific dietary recommendations of
lifestyle medicine emphasize consuming more grains, fruits, and vegetables, and
reducing meat intake, often advocating for a vegan diet.
This approach, founded and promoted by the Seventh Day Adventist Church,
shapes the curriculum and exams for this specialty, further spreading their
influence in the medical field.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church continues to dominate the field of lifestyle
medicine, which has now become a recognized specialty in many Western
countries, including Australia, America, and Europe. This specialty involves
examinations and a curriculum that promotes a plant-based agenda.
Moreover, the processed food industry is closely linked with the concept of
"Exercise is Medicine," a movement founded by Coca-Cola. This initiative shifts
the focus away from dietary habits, suggesting that as long as you exercise, you
can consume anything, including sugary drinks and fast food. This notion implies
that calories in, calories out is all that matters, which is a misleading
oversimplification.
The reality is that certain substances, regardless of physical activity, can be harmful
to the body. The idea that exercise can counteract the negative effects of unhealthy
food choices is flawed. Unfortunately, even reputable organizations like the
66
Dietitians Association of Australia are influenced by this perspective, which is not
conducive to promoting genuine health and wellness.
Dr. Gary Fettke, an orthopedic surgeon from Tasmania, faced personal targeting by
the CEO of the DAA. His 'crime' was effectively treating his patients with diabetes,
reducing their need for leg amputations. As a surgeon who frequently performed
amputations, Dr. Fettke was often the only medical professional willing to treat
these challenging cases. He discovered the benefits of low-carb diets in managing
diabetes and began recommending this approach to his patients. Remarkably, this
led to a significant reduction in the need for amputations, as his patients' health
improved dramatically under his care.
Dr. Fettke was making a significant impact by saving patients from amputations
and reducing healthcare costs through his low-carb dietary recommendations.
Despite his success, he faced relentless attacks and abuse from the Australian
Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the CEO of the Dietitians
Association of Australia (DAA), who even contacted his medical director to
demand his dismissal, labeling him as a problem.
The extent of the campaign against Dr. Fettke was revealed when the Low Carb
Down Under organization uncovered minutes from meetings of processed food
67
companies and some nutritionists. These documents showed that they had
specifically targeted Dr. Fettke by name, stating that they needed to silence him
because his low-carb advocacy was negatively affecting their cereal sales.
This situation highlights a concerning level of militancy from these groups, who
seem more focused on their financial interests or religious ideologies than on
public health and nutrition. Unfortunately, companies like Kellogg's and other
processed food manufacturers are implicated in these actions.
Companies like Kellogg's and other processed food manufacturers face significant
conflicts of interest, as they are also invested in the pharmaceutical industry. This
situation raises concerns about their motives, as it appears they may profit from the
health issues caused by their products. This connection between processed food
companies and pharmaceutical investments suggests a troubling relationship where
these companies might benefit from the health problems resulting from the dietary
habits they promote.
The involvement of the Seventh Day Adventist Church adds another layer to this
issue. While they may believe they are helping people by promoting a plant-based
diet and discouraging behaviors like masturbation, the reality is that the dietary
guidelines they advocate could be contributing to health problems. This is
particularly concerning given their investments in pharmaceuticals, which could
profit from the treatment of conditions like diabetes, exacerbated by the diets they
endorse.
68
published deceptive studies that falsely implicated cholesterol as the primary cause
of heart disease, while absolving sugar of any harm. They advocated for replacing
dietary fat with sugar, dubbing it a "safe" and "empty calorie."
One of these professors later became the head of the USDA and was responsible
for the 1977 declaration that wrongly blamed cholesterol for heart disease, a notion
that was later debunked. This revelation came to light in a 2016 publication in the
Journal of the American Medical Association, based on internal memos from the
sugar industry that detailed their payments to the professors, amounting to $6,500
at the time. This historical fact underscores the problematic influence of the sugar
industry on dietary guidelines and public health.
The majority of funding for nutritional research is provided by industries that stand
to benefit from misleading the public, creating a significant conflict of interest. It's
crucial to recognize that independent studies often show a stark contrast to
industry-funded research. For example, the 1931 study of the Maasai people
provides valuable insights into the effects of whole food, plant-based versus meat-
based diets. However, comprehensive studies comparing the health outcomes of
different dietary patterns are rare, as they may not align with the interests of the
food industry.
69
research, yet most people think that these so-called health experts have patients'
best interests at heart.
It's puzzling to think about the idea that we have the capability, like with gene
therapy, to potentially cure diseases outright, which is amazing. But then, there's
this odd twist: curing diseases doesn't bring back repeat customers. So, is it really a
sensible business model? Should we be investing in genuine cures, or are we better
off just developing treatments that manage symptoms indefinitely for chronic
conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure?
It gets even more bewildering when you consider that statins are being
recommended for everyone, even children with high LDL levels. It almost seems
like there's a strategy to hook patients early and keep them dependent for life,
much like a drug dealer's tactic. It's as if the focus isn't on curing diseases at all, but
rather on maintaining profitability. So, while individual doctors might genuinely
want to help, it feels like they're being steered by these profit-driven motives.
Doctors may not even be aware of the influences shaping their practices. They
might not realize that their recommendations are swayed by industry interests,
religious agendas, or financial motives. Instead, they see the available drugs and
treatments as valuable tools in their arsenal to combat diseases, unaware that these
solutions are designed not to provide a permanent fix.
Despite the advancements in medicine and surgery, and the increasing number of
professionals working on health issues, the general populace is becoming
unhealthier, with obesity rates rising and life expectancy beginning to decline. This
indicates that the current approach is not effective.
70
Therefore, it's crucial for individuals to take charge of their own health, to
understand the forces at play, and to recognize that the responsibility for their well-
being ultimately lies with themselves, not with external entities.
What steps can you take to ensure a healthy diet? It's crucial to seek guidance from
knowledgeable sources, such as Max and other experts, to grasp the essence of true
health for a human being from a biological standpoint. The focus should be on
consuming foods that align with our evolutionary design.
Consider the koala, which exclusively eats eucalyptus leaves, as other foods could
be harmful to it. Similarly, humans should question why we consume a wide array
of plants, some of which are recent additions to our diet. Broccoli, for example, is a
product of human hybridization, as is corn. These plants did not exist in their
current forms until relatively recently.
The advent of seed oils and the creation of processed foods like impossible burgers
through chemical processes further complicate our diet. When examining the
ingredients of these products, it's evident that they are recent inventions. It's
illogical to assume that our bodies, which have evolved over millennia, are
designed to consume foods that have only existed for a short time.
This perspective suggests that humans are primarily designed to consume meat, a
food source that has been a staple in our diet for thousands of years, unlike the
modern processed foods that have only recently emerged.
71
The Studies are BS
In today's health circles, there's this hilarious trend of worshipping studies as if
they are the gospel truth about what constitutes real health. People just gobble up
these so-called findings without a second thought. It's as if they don't realize that
studies are almost always skewed by whoever's footing the bill. Genuine, unbiased
studies? Good luck finding those in this era! They're as rare as a unicorn in a fast-
food joint.
You've probably encountered those well-meaning but clueless folks who demand a
study to back up every claim they come across. Bless their hearts. They don't seem
to grasp that these studies often serve the interests of those who fund them. The
real answers to our health questions lie in our biology and the wisdom of our
ancestors, which has been evolving over millions of years. But no, they'd rather put
their faith in some new, poorly controlled study.
It's almost comical how often the conclusions of these studies don't even match
their findings. Take the anti-meat studies, for instance. They blame meat,
humanity's oldest and most natural food source, for all these modern ailments like
heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Seriously? Meat has been a staple of our diet
for eons, and suddenly it's the villain in our health drama? It just doesn't add up,
does it?
So, next time you see someone waving a study around like it's the ultimate truth,
remember this: true health wisdom isn't found in the latest trendy research but in
the tried-and-true practices that have sustained humanity for millennia.
72
You don't need a study to understand that our biology is inherently designed for
consuming meat, regardless of how much they try to distort reality. Let's be clear:
our evolutionary history is a testament to this fact. Our ancestors thrived on diets
rich in animal protein, and our bodies have evolved to process and benefit from
these nutrients efficiently.
For example, studies blaming meat for modern diseases like heart disease,
diabetes, and cancer are fundamentally flawed. They ignore the fact that these
health issues have skyrocketed in tandem with the rise of processed foods, sugar,
and sedentary lifestyles—not with the consumption of unprocessed, natural meats.
Our ancestors, who ate diets rich in meat, didn't suffer from these conditions at
anywhere near the rates we do today.
It's time to wake up to the reality that our biology hasn't changed significantly in
the last few thousand years. What has changed is our food environment and
lifestyle. Instead of relying on cherry-picked studies with questionable motives, we
should look at the broader picture of human history and biology. Our bodies are
designed for meat consumption, and no amount of skewed research can change that
fundamental truth.
73
So, the next time someone throws a study at you as if it's the final word on
nutrition, remember this: our biological heritage speaks louder and more truthfully
than any modern research possibly could. The wisdom of our ancestors and the
natural design of our bodies are the ultimate evidence that meat is, and always has
been, a crucial component of a healthy human diet.
Bart Kay is a respected figure in the field of nutritional science, renowned for his
profound understanding and insightful critiques of contemporary dietary
guidelines. With a background rooted in academic research and a passion for
evidence-based nutrition, he has made significant contributions to the discourse on
human health and diet. His work extends beyond mere critique, as he actively
proposes alternative frameworks for understanding nutrition, emphasizing the
importance of bioavailability, metabolic health, and evolutionary considerations in
dietary choices. He has become a beacon of clarity in an often confusing and
contradictory health landscape. Bart Kay's brilliance lies in his unwavering
commitment to truth and scientific integrity, making him a vital voice in the
ongoing conversation about optimal human nutrition and the shortcomings of
current health paradigms.
In a nutshell, the crux of the matter is that a good chunk of the "health studies" we
see today are nothing more than glorified advertisements funded by food and
pharmaceutical companies. These companies are more than happy to shell out
some serious cash to ensure the results paint them in a favorable light. It's
downright frightening how money has not only tainted the literature but also
shaped the curriculum to the point where blatant falsehoods are peddled as gospel
truth. Dare to question this status quo, and you're instantly branded as a conspiracy
74
theorist or an extremist. It's a classic case of the blind leading the blind, courtesy of
these dubious studies. And when the truth does come out exposing these studies as
frauds, it's conveniently swept under the rug, leaving the masses to feast on a
steady diet of fake news.
In the field of nutrition, where experts claim to base their teachings on evidence-
informed science, a stark reality emerges. Despite years of study and numerous
qualifications, the truth is that this claim is far from accurate. The industry is
severely deficient in scientific rigor, heavily relying on non-experimental methods
to make inferences about what is beneficial or detrimental to our health. For
instance, epidemiology, while useful in building knowledge, falls short in
establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
Additionally, the infiltration of industry funding into research further skews our
understanding of nutrition. As a result, our entire perspective on what constitutes a
healthy diet has been distorted and twisted beyond recognition.
Why is it that we don't see more studies delving into causation and correlation in
epidemiology? It's a shocking revelation, but it all boils down to research ethics.
Imagine trying to determine the best diet for humans over their lifespan. You'd
need to take a group of genetically identical twins, split them into two groups at or
even before birth—a feat that's nearly impossible if they're sharing the same
womb. Then, you'd have to subject each twin to a different dietary protocol for
their entire lives and compare the outcomes. It's a scenario straight out of a science
fiction novel!
Ethical considerations make such studies unthinkable. We can't just play with
people's lives like that, not now, not ever. And this is where nutritional science hits
75
a wall. It's forced to become a sort of associative, inferential guessing game,
teetering on the edge of pseudoscience. This precarious position leaves it wide
open to abuse, manipulation by industry funding, a lack of scientific rigor, and an
over-reliance on epidemiology. It's a situation that should leave us all astonished
and concerned about the state of nutritional research.
A notable challenge to this belief came in the form of a 2018 paper by independent
scientists who were not influenced by external interests. They critically examined
the position statement of the European Consensus Panel on atherosclerosis, which
emphatically stated that LDL cholesterol is the definitive cause of heart disease.
This analysis aimed to shed light on the complexities surrounding this issue.
Various techniques can be employed to skew results, such as using relative risk
ratios instead of absolute risk ratios, cherry-picking data, or employing multiple
regression techniques. The latter, in my opinion, is akin to fabricating results. It's
76
often euphemistically referred to as "adjusting" the data, a term that should
immediately raise red flags about the integrity of the research. When discussing
outcome statistics, it's essential to scrutinize these adjustments to ensure the
validity of the findings.
And don't even get me started on these so-called "controlled variables" in multiple
regression! They claim they're adjusting for the age of participants, but that's just a
sneaky way to manipulate the results. It's downright deceptive!
They use all this fancy jargon and complex math to confuse everyone. People end
up throwing their hands in the air, thinking, "Well, these folks are scientists, so
they must be right." But let's be real—they're not true scientists; they're just shills
who've been bought and paid for!
Trying to decipher these research papers is an absolute nightmare! It's like you
need a PhD or a trained statistician just to get through a peer-reviewed paper that's
been published. They're so full of cherry-picked data, missing crucial information,
and erroneous associations. It's outrageous!
Majority of people reading these studies only read the abstracts and take them as
gospel. More often than not, if you actually bother to read the whole paper, you'll
find the abstract is completely misleading.
77
The worst part? A lot of times, the abstract doesn't even reflect what's actually in
the paper. They outright deceive and misdirect you. I'm hesitant to say it, but it's
the truth—they lie about what the paper says. Why? Because they've got money
coming from somewhere, and that money is telling them, "Yes, Mr. or Ms.
Scientist, just twist the facts to suit our agenda." It’s like they’re saying, “Here’s
your money for your ‘research.’ Now, you’re going to find exactly what we want
you to find, right?” It’s a total sham! They’re not conducting genuine scientific
inquiry; they’re just producing results that serve their funders’ interests. It’s a
disgrace to the entire scientific community!
When Bart Kay attempted to publish his own study, he encountered the following
harsh realities of the scientific publishing world.
“In a study I was involved in years ago, we examined the reliability of measuring
blood lactate concentrations in recreationally active cyclists as a performance
indicator. Our statistical analysis revealed that it was completely ineffective. The
outcome variable was too inconsistent, meaning that any significant difference
between two scenarios would require a training response beyond human
physiological capability. In other words, using blood lactates as a performance
predictor was a waste of time. We documented our findings and submitted the
study to various journals for publication.
The response from the journal editor initially seemed promising, as they
complimented the clarity and unambiguity of our statistical analysis. However, the
conversation took a turn when they disclosed their financial ties with lactate
machine manufacturers, suggesting that this conflict of interest would prevent them
78
from publishing our study. They recommended submitting our paper to a different
journal instead.
Finding a journal willing to publish our work proved to be a daunting task, taking a
staggering seven years. Eventually, we found a journal led by an editor who was
fed up with such biases. This journal had implemented a peer-review/fair-review
process to eliminate financial influence or sponsorship. They assured us of purely
independent reviewers, guaranteeing a fair assessment of our study.
This experience is a prime example of the issues we’re discussing. We often view
science as an untouchable, incorruptible discipline, a sort of ivory tower free from
human flaws like corruption and the influence of money. We like to believe that
science is inherently trustworthy, almost like a deity. But unfortunately, that’s just
not the case. It’s important to acknowledge that while we might sound critical of
79
science and research, our intention is not to bash these fields but to highlight the
need for greater transparency and integrity.”
Enter Ancel Keys. Biochemist Ancel Keys wrote, “Middle-aged men, seemingly
healthy, were dropping dead.” America needed a solution, and Keys seemed to be
the knight in shining armor. In 1952, Keys presented the diet-heart hypothesis,
which linked heart disease to fat intake. His hypothesis has instilled a fear of
eating fat that persists to this day. Since his initial “findings,” avoiding fat has
become synonymous with a healthy diet.
80
But Americans have dutifully followed Keys’ advice to their own detriment.
Chronic diseases have skyrocketed around the world as refined carbohydrates and
cancer-causing polyunsaturated fats have replaced saturated fats. Ancel Keys
essentially gave a pass to all other factors leading to chronic disease. Most
Americans’ daily exercise consists of squeezing ketchup on their fries.
Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent trying to confirm Keys’ diet-heart
hypothesis to justify the crappy diets people have adopted today. Yet, digging a
little deeper, research consistently produces results that disprove the hypothesis.
The obsession with demonizing dietary fat has led to a neglect of the real culprits
behind heart disease and other chronic conditions: refined carbs and unhealthy
fats.
It’s infuriating to see how the flawed ideas of one man have shaped public health
policies and dietary guidelines for decades, leading to widespread misconceptions
and health issues. The real tragedy is that people continue to suffer and die
because of misguided advice that has become dogma. The truth about cholesterol
and heart disease is far more complex than Ancel Keys’ oversimplified
hypothesis. It’s high time we reevaluate our understanding and embrace a more
nuanced approach to nutrition and health.
81
Shocking, right? To this day, the anti-fat gospel remains the cornerstone of most
nutritional recommendations. And what has the USDA done to rectify the damage
caused by Keys’ hypothesis? Absolutely nothing.
How did Ancel Keys manage to brainwash us? The notion that saturated fat is
unhealthy is so deeply embedded in our culture that many forget it started as
nothing more than a hypothesis. Ancel Keys, the biologist who concocted this
theory, first targeted cholesterol as the culprit behind coronary heart disease. He
noticed that arterial plaques contained cholesterol and, since animal fats also
contain cholesterol, he jumped to the conclusion that cholesterol causes heart
disease.
Throughout the 1950s, Keys desperately tried to prove his theory but continually
found that dietary cholesterol intake had no effect on blood cholesterol levels. No
matter how much cholesterol he fed his volunteers, their blood cholesterol levels
remained unchanged. He even admitted, “The evidence – both from experiments
and from field surveys – indicates that cholesterol content, per se, of all natural
82
diets has no significant effect on either the cholesterol level or the development of
atherosclerosis in man.”
Despite this clear evidence, Keys remained fixated on cholesterol as the root cause
of heart disease. To silence his critics, he conducted the infamous Seven Countries
Study, interviewing 12,700 middle-aged men in Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia,
Finland, the Netherlands, Japan, and the United States, and measured key health
metrics. The results showed vastly different rates of heart attacks between
countries.
This study became the bedrock of the anti-fat narrative, despite its numerous
methodological flaws and selective data presentation. Keys cherry-picked
countries that supported his hypothesis and ignored those that didn’t. He
manipulated the data to fit his preconceived notions, leading to widespread
acceptance of his flawed conclusions.
And yet, here we are, decades later, still suffering the consequences of this
pseudoscientific propaganda. The demonization of saturated fats has led to an
epidemic of chronic diseases fueled by high-carb, low-fat diets. The USDA,
medical professionals, and dietary guidelines continue to promote this nonsense,
ignoring the mounting evidence that a diet rich in healthy fats is beneficial.
83
It's infuriating to think about the millions of people who have suffered and
continue to suffer because of this misinformation. The food pyramid and
subsequent dietary guidelines have not only failed to improve public health but
have actively contributed to the decline in overall health. It's high time we
question these so-called experts and demand dietary recommendations based on
solid, unbiased science.
Keys concluded from his skewed data, “Whether or not cholesterol etc., are
involved, it must be concluded that dietary fat somehow is associated with cardiac
diseases mortality, at least in middle age.” America was desperate for answers, and
his results were eagerly celebrated.
But Keys' conclusion was not only incorrect but also blatantly dishonest. In 1957,
researchers Perushalmy and Hilleboe presented a more comprehensive study that
84
included more countries. France, Switzerland, and Chile, which had high fat
consumption but low rates of heart disease, were glaringly absent from Keys'
original study. With all twenty-two countries included, the statistical significance
vanished. Keys had cherry-picked seven countries, ignoring a fundamental
principle of scientific research: correlation does not equal causation.
Keys' study was not a randomized trial, meaning its claim that high fat intake
causes heart disease wasn't necessarily causal. The observed relationship could be
due to other factors. For example, concluding that living in a luxurious New York
City apartment makes people wealthy is backwards logic. The wealth enables the
purchase of the apartment, not the other way around.
Without controlling for other factors and randomizing participants, causal claims
are baseless. At best, observational studies like Keys’ can generate hypotheses that
require rigorous testing. However, because randomized controlled trials (the gold
standard) are expensive, the dietary community had to rely on circumstantial
evidence.
Moreover, Keys’ study was sloppy in its methods. Only 3.9% of the subjects were
consulted about their dietary habits. In the US, food intake was sampled on a single
day, a snapshot hardly representative of long-term habits. One egregious error was
conducting part of the study in Greece during a fasting season when people ate
fewer animal products. This is akin to sampling the US diet on Halloween and
concluding that consuming 17 candy bars before bed is representative of our
typical diet and responsible for long-term health outcomes.
85
Despite these glaring flaws, Keys’ study has been cited over a million times and
became the cornerstone of dietary guidance. It’s the reason people recoil when they
see you enjoying a plate of steak and bacon. The perpetuation of this flawed
science has led to a widespread fear of fats, influencing public health policies and
dietary guidelines for decades.
The time has come to challenge these outdated beliefs and demand dietary
recommendations based on robust, unbiased science. It's high time we
acknowledge the truth about fats and move beyond the misguided fears instilled by
Keys’ erroneous conclusions.
But most importantly, it uncovered the correlation he sought between saturated fat
and heart disease. In the chart above, as calories from fat increase, deaths from
heart disease also increase. Basically, the conclusion was as follows:
86
This conclusion shouldn’t have gotten a passing grade in a high school science
class, let alone direct our country’s nutritional approach. The hypothesis that
saturated fat causes heart disease became accepted as truth before it was rigorously
tested. We were in a public health crisis, and the public demanded certainty.
In the early 1900s, an evil genius at Procter & Gamble came up with the idea to
use cotton seeds—a toxic waste product—and turn them into cooking oil. P&G
used cottonseed oil for candles and soap but later discovered they could
hydrogenate the oil into a solid that resembled animal fats. Thus, Crisco was born.
Crisco was adeptly marketed as a more versatile butter. It could be used for frying,
baking, and cooking. It could be stored at room temperature. They even claimed it
was easier to digest and healthier too. The American Heart Association (AHA) got
87
behind these health claims in the early 1960s, recommending Crisco and other
unsaturated seed oils because of their ability to lower cholesterol.
Throughout the 1900s, the consumption of Crisco and other cottonseed oils
skyrocketed. The P&G alchemy of toxic byproducts into an ostensibly healthy
cooking product was indeed too good to be true. Hydrogenation created “trans-
fats” which studies indicate doubled the risk of heart disease for every 2%
consumed. Meanwhile, Americans were consuming upwards of 10 kg a year. Some
estimates suggest that trans fats were responsible for 100,000 deaths, though the
number is likely higher if you count all the second and third-order effects. The
AHA, an entity we still trust today, was basically recommending that people
consume poison.
This is the backdrop that led to Eisenhower’s heart attack. Heart disease was
rampant, but instead of blaming it on this new food manufactured from cheap toxic
byproducts, the government decided to blame it on a product humans have been
eating for millions of years.
1. **Step 1**: Get everybody to eat vegetable oils, Crisco, and margarine.
2. **Step 2**: Massive increase in heart disease.
3. **Step 3**: Blame it on natural fats, and tell people to eat MORE vegetable oils
(Crisco).
4. **Step 4**: Pharma, doctors, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies
profit. The general public loses.
88
The new guidelines only increased the severity of this trend. Instead of re-
evaluating the root cause of the problem—namely, the introduction of harmful
trans fats and processed vegetable oils—the focus remained on vilifying natural
fats that have been part of the human diet for millennia. This misguided blame
game has led to decades of dietary misinformation, chronic health issues, and a
public health crisis that continues to affect millions today.
How Did This Disaster Happen? Corruption.
This wasn’t a simple mistake. It was a decades-long collaboration between the
American Heart Association (AHA), Big Food, and Big Pharma, culminating in
disastrous and criminal recommendations. The process was riddled with corruption
from the start.
The AHA, one of the primary proponents of the diet-heart hypothesis, was
launched with a $17 million donation from Procter and Gamble (P&G), the
manufacturers of Crisco. Naturally, they concluded that polyunsaturated vegetable
oils were healthier than natural fats. Procter and Gamble went on to make billions
while indirectly contributing to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.
Today, the reach of this corruption extends even further. All the promoters of high-
carb diets are funded by corporations interested in maintaining the status quo. A
lazy, obese, and unhealthy population is much easier to exploit for profit. It’s
disgusting. Ten companies now control the world's nutrition, together worth over
$1 trillion. They can only survive as long as people remain blind to the fact that
seed oils and sugar are killing them. These corrupt, money-grabbing institutions
are liquidating people’s health and stashing it in their bank accounts.
89
The Consequences of This Shift in Nutrition Recommendations Have Been
Disastrous:
It’s no coincidence that the largest increase in obesity in human history occurred
right after the USDA told us what to eat. From 1975 to 2018, obesity tripled
worldwide; now, 2 billion adults are obese. These corrupt forces have destroyed
our health. When carbohydrates, grains, and seed oils were elevated to dietary
staples, our health was sacrificed for profits by Big Pharma and Big CPG.
Ultimately, it’s these carbohydrates and seed oils that have caused chronic disease
and weight gain issues, not animal products and saturated fats. The truth is that our
health has been systematically undermined for decades by these corporate interests.
I've discussed how much of the mainstream knowledge on health, illnesses, and
medications have influenced the masses by the pharmaceutical industry's interest in
treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes. Now, I want to share what I
believe is the real solution to many of these conditions.
For many people, simply eliminating harmful substances from their diet can lead to
a complete reversal of their health issues. However, even if you've been consuming
90
foods that damage your metabolism and your condition is severe, it's still possible
to improve your symptoms by adopting a diet that aligns with our biological needs
as humans. The cure always relies on feasting and fasting. Read chapter four to
understand how fasting can do so much more for your health than the best doctors
in the world. Fasting followed by nourishing the body with the right nutrients and
avoiding foods that contribute to metabolic dysfunction is the answer.
What often occurs with many health conditions is that individuals inadvertently
cause their own illnesses by consuming foods that are unsuitable for the human
body. Their bodies struggle to cope with this influx of harmful substances and
begin to manifest symptoms as a form of resistance. When these individuals seek
dietary advice online, they are often guided towards foods that are perceived as
healthy but are actually fueling the condition, while being advised to limit the very
foods that could aid in their healing, such as meat and fats.
Upon consulting a doctor, they encounter professionals who may lack training in
human nutrition and whose expertise lies more in prescribing medications, I call
them pharmaceutical salesman. These medications often serve to merely suppress
the symptoms, which are the body's way of signaling that something is amiss,
rather than addressing the underlying cause of the illness. As a result, people end
up resigning themselves to their discomfort, living in misery under the
misconception that there is something inherently wrong with them.
The truth is, there is nothing inherently wrong with you. Your body is simply
reaching its limit of tolerance to the harmful substances it has been exposed to, and
it's using these health conditions as a way to signal that it's time for a change. The
onset of these conditions can vary from person to person, manifesting during
teenage years, adulthood, or even old age. Some individuals have bodies that are
91
more resilient, capable of withstanding this onslaught for a longer period before the
adverse effects become apparent, while others break down faster. This is why the
people around you may eat the same poison you do while maintaining their health
but will eventually manifest a complication in one way or another. Remember,
your body is a remarkable entity, constantly communicating with you. It's never
too late to listen to its signals and make the necessary changes for a healthier life.
When you cut out sugar and carbs from your diet, you can significantly reduce or
even completely reverse these health conditions – that's a 100% guarantee. You
won't have to keep contributing to your doctor's fancy sports car payments. In fact,
you'll save money not just on hefty medical bills but also on those foods you once
thought were healthy or just enjoyed for pleasure. After you go over this long list,
I’ll be going into detail on the most common ones I get asked regarding hormone
health like PCOS.
Sugar (or carb’s because they turn into glucose) consumption are responsible for
all of these illnesses, diseases, and health complications, including:
Each of these health conditions is directly linked to dietary choices and can be
reversed by making appropriate changes to one's diet. If we apply logical reasoning
and examine the timeline of these illnesses, it becomes evident that they are
modern ailments, with a significant increase in diagnoses in recent years.
Concurrently, there has been a surge in the consumption of processed, artificially
produced foods, alongside a rise in profits for pharmaceutical companies that sell
medications providing only temporary relief, thereby prolonging the illnesses.
92
Additionally, our environment is increasingly contaminated with toxic, endocrine-
disrupting chemicals found in everyday products such as shampoos, laundry
detergents, and perfumes, further exacerbating the situation.
Interestingly, what has declined is the consumption of some of the oldest foods
known to humankind, such as beef, butter, eggs, and other animal products. This
shift is largely due to warnings from various health experts who claim that these
foods contribute to cancer, heart disease, climate change, and a host of other health
issues that have only recently surged in prevalence. This is despite the fact that
meat and animal products have been a staple in human diets since time
immemorial. It's worth considering that the dietary advice that discourages the
consumption of these traditional foods are not in sync with our historical dietary
patterns.
Undo PCOS
The number of messages I receive from girls and women whose happiness has
been stolen by this issue is truly heartbreaking. These messages tell stories of lives
disrupted, dreams put on hold, and daily struggles that often go unseen by others.
What's even more distressing is the sheer lack of awareness among many of these
individuals about the relatively simple solutions that could significantly improve
their quality of life. It pains me to see so many suffer in silence, not realizing that
with the right information and support, they could reclaim their well-being and
happiness. This widespread oblivion underscores the urgent need for better
education and resources about PCOS and its management.
93
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly common and here are some
alarming statistics about its prevalence:
3. Obesity Connection: Over 50% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese,
and obesity exacerbates the condition, leading to more severe symptoms and
complications.
5. Diabetes Risk: Women with PCOS are four times more likely to develop type 2
diabetes by middle age compared to those without the condition.
6. Heart Disease: Women with PCOS have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases,
with studies indicating a two-fold increase in the risk of heart attacks.
7. Mental Health: Up to 60% of women with PCOS suffer from mental health
issues such as anxiety and depression, significantly higher than the general female
population.
94
8. Healthcare Costs: The annual healthcare cost for women with PCOS is
significantly higher, with estimates suggesting an additional $4.36 billion per year
in the U.S. alone due to the direct and indirect costs associated with managing the
condition and its complications.
Hormonal issues like PCOS are all the rage these days, cropping up in health chats
more often than not. Let's cut through the medical mumbo jumbo—terms like
PCOS, thyroid disease, insulin resistance. Honestly, they're just fancy labels
designed to steer you away from the glaringly obvious culprit. You’re overdosing
on carbs! That’s right, the real issue is you’re simply eating too many carbs for
your body to handle. Nothing more, nothing less.
And if you're wondering, "Why does my friend scarf down more carbs than me and
still seem fit as a fiddle?" Well, it’s because some people’s bodies put up with the
carb abuse for a bit longer than others. But don’t let that fool you—everyone’s
limit comes around eventually. Keep that in mind the next time you reach for that
“healthy carb source” because that’s nonsense. They all end up as glucose in your
body regardless of source!
95
The true villain here? Your diet. But don't expect your doctor to be the hero in this
plot—sadly, they're often in the dark. Med schools are all about calories in, calories
out, not what actually nourishes your body. They tell you to steer clear of what
could genuinely fix the issue—like a hearty helping of red meat. Instead, they hand
you a script for what I call 'slave food': whole grain bread, rice, and all that plant-
based rabbit food that's as far from aligning with human biology as you can get.
So, as you sift through this mess of modern medicine and dietary advice,
remember: the script they're writing is more about keeping you in the loop than
curing anything. It's time to flip the script, don't you think?
1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women with PCOS may miss periods or have fewer
periods (fewer than eight in a year). In some cases, a woman's menstrual cycle may
stop altogether.
2. Polycystic Ovaries: As the name suggests, the ovaries may develop numerous
small collections of fluid — called follicles — and may fail to regularly release
eggs.
96
3. Excess Androgen Levels: High levels of male hormones may result in physical
signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, and male-pattern
baldness.
4. Infertility: PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women due to the
irregular ovulation or absence of ovulation.
When you search for the causes of PCOS, you often find vague, generalized
explanations. Here’s the thing: the cause is well understood, but revealing it
straightforwardly isn’t always in the financial interest of those who profit from
selling medications. Why would they make it easy for you to know the truth when
there’s money to be made from your ongoing dependence on treatments, rather
than simply adjusting your diet and lifestyle?
“The exact cause of PCOS is not known, but factors like excess insulin, low-grade
inflammation, heredity, and excess androgen production play key roles. Treatment
often focuses on managing symptoms and may include lifestyle changes such as
diet and exercise, medications to regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility treatments,
and medications to reduce hair growth and acne.”
97
Much of the testing and medications provided for PCOS focus solely on managing
the superficial aspects—the symptoms, like twigs and leaves on a tree, rather than
addressing the root cause—the trunk. So, what is at the core of PCOS? The
primary underlying issue is hyperinsulinemia, a condition characterized by
chronically elevated insulin levels in your bloodstream. This persistent high insulin
level disrupts the balance of other hormones in your body, including DHEA, total
testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol, causing them to deviate in harmful ways.
Animal fat? Doesn't even nudge your insulin levels—not one bit. Meat? Sure, it
has a slight effect; the more you pile on your plate, the more you'll notice a modest
rise in insulin, which, by the way, is necessary for absorbing all that nutrient-rich
goodness. But carbs? Oh, brace yourself. Carbs send your insulin levels
skyrocketing so high, it's like a rocket launch to the stratosphere. And once those
levels are up there, your body goes into panic mode, scrambling to shove all that
sugar out of your bloodstream and into your fat cells faster than you can say
"insulin." So, while you might enjoy that sweet or starchy treat, your body's
dealing with a full-blown sugar crisis behind the scenes.
98
The primary culprit for elevating your insulin the most is carbohydrates,
particularly the worst offenders: highly refined junk foods made from sugars and
grains. These are the foods that cause your insulin levels to spike sharply and
remain elevated throughout the day.
Now you're equipped with the knowledge of what fundamentally drives your
PCOS: these dietary choices that consistently provoke high insulin levels.
The solution to your dietary woes is straightforward: just ditch the carbs. It might
sound overly simplistic, but trust me, in the next chapter I’ll lay out all the details
in case you're still scratching your head over what exactly to pile on your plate. But
here’s a teaser: you might have noticed some folks who swear by an animal-based
diet but still sneak carbs into their meals with fruits and honey, because, well, it's
"natural" sugar. But let me clue you in—these modern fruits are anything but
natural. They're the product of human tampering. And as for fructose, the so-called
fruit sugar? It's a nightmare for your liver, far worse than glucose.
So, what’s the foolproof way to sidestep these dietary landmines? Feast on plenty
of rich, juicy, fatty red meat. Eat it as often as your body craves it. This isn’t just
about indulging in delicious food—it’s about listening to your body and giving it
what it truly needs to resolve hormonal imbalances and other health issues. Trust
me, your body will thank you.
Why can't I indulge in just a few low-carb berries or the occasional chestnut, you
ask? Well, if you were an expert at moderating your carb intake, PCOS probably
wouldn't be in your vocabulary. Let’s face it—those who are indifferent to food and
naturally have little to no appetite might manage just fine with a sprinkle of carbs.
99
However, for those of us who relish a hearty meal, it’s precisely this love for eating
that steers us right into the stormy waters of diet-induced hormonal issues.
Here’s another carb conundrum: Your body doesn’t even register them as food the
same way it does fats and proteins, which are both filling and difficult to
overindulge in. Why? Because throughout our evolutionary history, carbs were not
a staple like they are today, so our bodies don’t have the same stop signals for
them. This is why carbs are such a trap—they slide onto your plate looking
innocent, but before you know it, you’ve overeaten, your insulin's through the roof,
and you're left wondering where it all went wrong.
On top of everything else, let’s talk about how carbs and sugar practically hijack
your body's satiety signals. They block leptin, which is your "I'm full" hormone,
messing with your leptin receptors. This is precisely why you can demolish carbs
like there’s no tomorrow—it starts with a few innocent berries, and next thing you
know, you’re wrestling with an urge to wolf down a whole box of cookies by the
end of the week.
And let’s not forget about your gut microbiome, which basically mirrors your diet.
It ensures you keep craving whatever bacteria thrives from the foods you've been
gobbling up. Got a lot of sugar-loving bacteria in there? Then your cravings are
going to be off the charts. But here's a fun fact: if you can resist those cravings and
starve those sugar-hungry microbes for about a week, they’ll die off. Once they’re
gone, so are those nagging cravings—poof, like they were never there! So buckle
up, weather the storm for a week, and you'll find those cravings disappear into thin
air.
100
Fix Your Fertility
People often say to me, "I feel healthy, but I just can't get pregnant or stay
pregnant." But the reality is, if you're having trouble with conception or
maintaining a pregnancy, it indicates that there might be some underlying health
issues. True health and wellness should be reflected in the body's capability to do
what it's naturally designed to do, which includes reproducing and sustaining new
life.
Forget everything you've been told about fertility by so-called experts because,
trust me, most of that advice is shockingly misguided—almost criminally so. What
I’m about to share with you isn’t just another opinion; it's deeply rooted in the
proven science of our biological functions and supported by hundreds of thousands
of years of human existence and procreation. This isn't just advice—it's a
revelation, a return to the foundational truths about how our bodies are meant to
work. Let's reset the narrative and tap into the wisdom that has sustained humanity
since the dawn of time!
If you're dreaming of having a baby and struggling to conceive, get ready because I
have some life-changing news that could help you bring a beautiful, healthy baby
into this world. The act of creating life is one of the most incredible capabilities we
have as humans—it's a profound part of our purpose on Earth and a deep source of
meaning in our lives. I'm bursting with excitement to share this game-changing
information with you, eager for you to experience the joy you've been yearning for.
101
Remember, all female species are designed to bring life into this world. The stories
I've heard are nothing short of miraculous women who have gone through years of
medications, endless appointments with fertility specialists, and various treatments
without any success. Yet, these same women have turned their fortunes around and
experienced the miracle of pregnancy just a few months after switching to a diet
that’s tailored to what their bodies truly need.
This diet isn’t just about eating; it’s about nourishing your body with the most
biologically appropriate foods—rich in nutrients, free of toxins, and devoid of
anything that might inhibit your health. When you give your body what it really
craves, it's like flipping a switch. Suddenly, everything aligns, and your body gets
the green light it needs to not just function, but to thrive and, yes, to conceive.
Prepare to be amazed at what your body can do when it’s fueled correctly!
So it seems like you’re doing everything in your power to get pregnant and what's
one of the top villains behind this heartache? None other than the infamous
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS isn’t just random bad luck. It targets a specific group of women, and it’s a
direct slap from the ghost of carbs past. That’s right, chronic and excessive
consumption of carbohydrates—those sugars and starches that you might love to
load up on—they waltz right into your bloodstream and stir up all sorts of
hormonal havoc.
The result? Well, here you are, possibly spending your sunny days talking to
fertility experts, when maybe—just maybe—cutting back on the carbs could cut to
the core of the issue. Isn’t that a fun thought? Oh, let’s talk about how your body
102
deals with that delightful sugar rush—also known as intravascular hyperglycemia.
When you binge on sugar, your blood sugar levels skyrocket, turning your
bloodstream into a sugary soup. And what does your body do? It sends out insulin,
the trusty pancreas knight, to rescue you from this sticky situation. Insulin’s main
gig? It forcefully ushers all that sugar out of your blood and into your cells. It
packs it into your liver, where—ta-da!—those liver cells magically transform sugar
into fat. And just like that, you gain a little weight.
But wait, there’s more! As insulin shoves that sugar into the cells, those poor cells
start to drown in sweetness. Sure, high sugar levels in your bloodstream are toxic,
so insulin does its best to clear the scene and protect your blood. But now, your
cells are the ones suffering. It's like moving the problem from your front yard to
your living room. Problem solved? Not quite!
When your cells have had their fill of sugar, they start slamming the door shut on
any more unwanted sweet visitors. This means shutting down the insulin receptors,
and voila, you've got yourself a classic case of insulin resistance. If you're someone
who can't churn out enough insulin and your cells are throwing a "no vacancy"
sign, guess where all that sugar piles up? Right back in your bloodstream.
Congratulations, you're now on the fast track to diabetes.
It's a familiar tale, especially for women who indulge in a sugar and starch fest but
aren’t exactly Olympic champions at producing insulin. Some of these women
might skate into pregnancy fairly easily, only to be greeted by the unpleasant
surprise of gestational diabetes.
On the flip side, there are those women whose cells are so good at shutting out
insulin that their pancreas goes into overdrive, pumping out massive amounts of
103
insulin in a desperate attempt to clear the sugar from their blood. It's a relentless
cycle of sugar eviction attempts by a pancreas that just won't quit.
Initially, the high levels of insulin prompt your body to produce an abundance of
cholesterol, leading to elevated production of these hormones. This might seem
beneficial, but it actually disrupts your hormonal balance, manifesting in
symptoms like heavy menstrual cycles and abnormal uterine bleeding.
However, the body has a complex way of self-regulating that comes into play here.
While insulin boosts cholesterol production, it paradoxically also inhibits the
enzymes needed to convert cholesterol into steroid hormones. This dual action of
insulin results in a significant drop in the production of estrogen and progesterone
over time, complicating the hormonal landscape further and impacting overall
reproductive health. This intricate interplay highlights the need for a nuanced
understanding of PCOS and its underlying mechanisms.so your estrogen
progesterone numbers go
way down
Let’s wade into the hormonal tsunami that's PCOS, shall we? When you're
hyperinsulinemic—thanks to that unbridled love affair with carbs—your hormone
factory goes a bit haywire. You end up producing testosterone like it's on clearance
104
sale while estrogen and progesterone barely make it off the backorder list. What's
the fallout? Well, in your ovaries, where those tiny ovum are gearing up to be the
next big thing in fertility, they start to swell up with fluid, ready for their big debut
around day 14 of your cycle.
Under testosterone's iron grip, these little fluid-filled sacs, these potential starlets of
fertility, just... don't burst. No grand exit, no release. They just keep building up
until your ovaries start to resemble a pearl shop, each month adding another cyst to
the collection. And voilà, you’ve earned yourself a starring role in the saga of
polycystic ovaries, complete with a cameo of multiple cysts on your ultrasound.
That’s the testosterone effect, the hyperinsulinemia effect, and yes, the "I can't say
no to carbs" effect.
So, if you've been tagged with PCOS, whether you're a young woman not yet
trying to weave the threads of motherhood or you're actively trying to get pregnant,
remember—you've got time. Maybe a decade, even, to kick PCOS to the curb. Just
think of it as your own personal challenge to turn the hormonal tide!
Definitely dive headfirst into a carnivore diet—pile on the steaks and watch those
carbs disappear from your plate! Seriously, give it between two to five years, and
you might just bid farewell to your PCOS. In fact, in our practice, the most
frequent surprise isn’t just the disappearance of PCOS symptoms, but rather the
sudden onset of unexpected pregnancies! Yep, just a year or even a few months
after switching to a ketogenic diet, many women find themselves surprisingly
fertile.
105
It’s absolutely crucial, if you’ve got PCOS, to ditch the carbs. Most gynecologists
are still in the dark about this. They don’t quite connect the dots between carbs,
PCOS, and fertility.
And let me tell you about the messages I get—tons of them—from women who,
after stumbling upon my social media, switched to this diet and managed to
conceive within mere months after years of fruitless visits to fertility specialists.
It’s almost villainous, how uneducated some health professionals are about what
really makes a woman healthy and fertile. It’s like there’s a secret fertility trick
hidden in plain sight, and all it took was cutting out the carbs!
Pregnancy
Lindsey Meehleis, an experienced OB-GYN, delves into the contrasting effects of
plant-based and animal-based diets on placental health. Through her expert
analysis, Lindsey examines which dietary approach—vegetarian or carnivore—
offers the most benefits for the placenta and, consequently, the baby. This piece
provides a comprehensive look at how maternal nutrition influences prenatal
development, offering essential guidance for expectant mothers considering their
dietary choices.
106
The marked difference in color between the two placentas serves as a striking
visual indicator of their nutritional content and overall health. The placenta on the
right, characterized by its deep, dark hue, reflects a rich supply of nutrients and
blood cells, signifying a robust and healthy environment for the fetus. This
coloration suggests that it is well-equipped to supply the baby with all the
necessary nutrients required for optimal growth and development.
In contrast, the placenta on the left exhibits a much paler color, indicating a
deficiency in essential nutrients. This lightness suggests that it may not be
providing the fetus with the necessary components for healthy development. Such
disparities highlight the impact of maternal nutrition on placental health and,
consequently, on the health of the baby. A diet rich in vital nutrients, such as those
found in high-quality animal products, can significantly enhance the efficacy of the
placenta as a life-support system for the developing baby.
107
When a baby is conceived, not only does the process of growing a new life begin,
but also the development of a vital organ—the placenta. This organ is crucial for
the baby’s development, acting as a home and providing nourishment throughout
the roughly 40 weeks of pregnancy. The health of the placenta is directly
influenced by the mother's diet, underscoring the importance of the nutrients
consumed. Recently, an opportunity arose to examine two placentas. One was from
a vegetarian mother, and the other from a mother who followed a nutrient-rich,
animal-based diet. Comparing these two can provide fascinating insights into how
different diets might affect the placenta and, by extension, fetal development.
The difference in the quality of the placenta, and consequently the nutritional
environment the baby was exposed to throughout pregnancy, is truly astonishing.
One of these placentas belonged to a mother who followed a primarily vegetarian
diet during her pregnancy. Towards the end of her pregnancy, her iron levels
dropped significantly, prompting the introduction of liver pills to her regimen. In
contrast, the other placenta came from a mother who maintained an animal-based
diet, rich in red meat, throughout her pregnancy.
The contrast between the two placentas is striking, illustrating the profound impact
of dietary choices during pregnancy. The placenta from the mother on an animal-
based diet, which included a lot of red meat, pasteurized eggs, and raw milk,
showed superior quality and consistency. In comparison, the placenta from the
vegetarian mother displayed signs of calcification, characterized by a hard, sand-
like, rock-like texture throughout its structure—a condition that is less than ideal in
pregnancy. Having practiced in birth-related fields for almost 19 years, this was the
first opportunity for a side-by-side comparison of placentas influenced by
108
markedly different maternal diets, offering a unique and tangible insight into how
nutritional choices can affect placental health.
The stark differences between the placentas are mind-blowing and somewhat
disheartening, considering this organ represents the beginning of a baby's life and
the foundation of their nutrition. Observing these contrasts highlights the critical
role of the placenta in nurturing and housing the fetus. Additionally, midwives and
doulas have reported that the placentas from vegan mothers often resemble those
of smokers in terms of appearance and health. This comparison underscores the
significance of the placenta and the umbilical cord as essential connections
between the mother and baby, emphasizing the impact of maternal diet on these
vital structures.
The connection between the quality of the placenta and the consumption of animal
products in the maternal diet is repeatedly demonstrated. When mothers consume a
diet rich in animal-based foods, including grass-fed and grass-finished meats,
pasteurized eggs, and raw dairy, the benefits are evident in the placental health.
This diet ensures that essential nutrients such as vitamins, retinol, and copper are
transferred through the placenta, significantly enhancing the baby's life support
system. These critical nutrients play a pivotal role in fostering a robust and healthy
placental environment, essential for the baby's optimal development and growth.
109
innovative approach has been a game-changer for many who dream of starting a
family.
Dr. Kiltz is the Founder and Director of CNY Fertility, recognized as one of the top
ten fertility centers in the United States. With a dedicated team of over 300
professionals and facilities spanning six locations, including Atlanta and Montreal,
his influence is widespread and deeply impactful. For over two decades, Dr. Kilts
has dedicated himself to pioneering fertility treatments that incorporate nutritional
strategies, particularly focusing on the benefits of an animal-based diet. His
approach is not merely clinical but holistic, acknowledging the complex interplay
between what we eat and our body's reproductive functions.
In a recent interview with Dr. Anthony Chaffee, Dr. Kiltz said the following.
Adopting a carnivore diet offers additional benefits, particularly when combined
with fasting practices. Many conventional theories in medicine and health suggest
that our bowels continuously need to digest food; however, this perspective
overlooks the benefits of allowing the digestive system to rest. Contrary to popular
belief, achieving truly empty bowels generally requires prolonged fasting. By
eating just once a day, you can more effectively approach what might be termed
"empty bowel syndrome."
110
Thus, a diet focusing primarily on meat and animal products, as seen in the
carnivore diet, reduces the frequency and quantity of sugar released into the
bloodstream from the bowels. This, in turn, lessens the strain on the liver, allowing
it to perform more efficiently and effectively, potentially leading to improved
overall health and well-being.
When blood circulates through our system, it carries sugars and amino acids to the
liver, which then converts these into fat. This process is part of a broader metabolic
phenomenon known as glycation, which is a major contributor to many diseases.
Glycation occurs because our bloodstream is persistently high in sugar from the
moment we are born until we die. I believe that insulin is not primarily to blame
for this issue. Instead, the main concerns are sugars, along with other plant-based
phytochemicals and antigens that can be harmful.
These substances, and the carbohydrates that introduce them, undergo fermentation
in the bowels. This fermentation process can disrupt our microbiome, which in turn
can have detrimental effects on our health. Although fasting, even for those who
prefer carbohydrate-rich diets, could theoretically help mitigate these effects by
reducing antigens and fermentation, consistently undertaking a fast of two to three
days is impractical for most people. Thus, finding practical ways to manage and
reduce these risks becomes essential for maintaining health.
Pregnancy Guidelines
To optimize fertility and improve the chances of conception, here are my detailed
recommendations for women trying to get pregnant:
111
Nutritional Guidelines
• Meal Frequency:
• Limit eating to one raptor two big animal product filled meal a day. This
approach can help regulate hormonal balance and improve metabolic health,
which are crucial for fertility.
• Allowed Foods:
- **Meat**: Include a variety of meats such as beef, pork, and lamb. Opt for
grass-fed and organic options when possible to ensure the highest nutrient density.
- **Chicken**: Incorporate different parts of the chicken, such as thighs, breasts,
and legs. Free-range chicken is preferred for its higher omega-3 content and better
overall nutritional profile.
- **Eggs**: Choose whole eggs, which are excellent sources of choline, vitamins,
and essential fatty acids. Eggs from free-range or omega-3 enriched chickens are
ideal.
- **Bone Broth**: Prepare homemade bone broth using bones from beef,
chicken, or fish. Bone broth is rich in minerals and collagen, which are beneficial
for gut health and overall vitality.
- **Other Cuts of Meat**: Include organ meats such as liver, kidney, and heart.
These are packed with vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, folic acid, iron, and zinc, all of
which are essential for reproductive health.
- **Foods to Avoid**:
112
- **Carbohydrates**: Eliminate all forms of processed carbohydrates including
bread, pasta, and rice. These foods can cause blood sugar spikes and hormonal
imbalances.
- **Sugars**: Avoid sugars, particularly refined sugars and high-sugar fruits.
High sugar intake can disrupt insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for hormonal
balance and ovulation.
- **Exercise to Avoid**:
- **Intense Workouts**: Avoid strenuous physical activities like heavy lifting,
intense aerobic workouts, or any exercise that significantly raises heart rate and
causes physical strain. Such activities can lead to increased cortisol levels,
potentially disrupting hormonal balance and adversely affecting fertility.
Cancer
It's absolutely infuriating to learn the truth about cancer. The sheer evil behind the
people running these pharmaceutical companies is terrifying. They’ve duped us all
113
into believing cancer is just some random genetic curse that springs up out of
nowhere, with the only solutions being these outrageously expensive treatments
like chemotherapy that practically kill you in the process of trying to kill the
cancer. They’ve kept the real solution, the real cause, hidden because it’s nearly
free. I wonder why? Oh, wait, it’s probably because around 44 billion dollars are
raked in annually from all this cancer medication and these fundraising events.
People run marathons and donate money to these companies without realizing
they’re being manipulated. The deception is sickening, and the greed is appalling.
How many lives could have been saved if only the truth were known? How many
families spared the agony of watching a loved one suffer through debilitating
treatments, all because these companies prioritize profit over human life? The
system is rotten to the core, and it's about time we opened our eyes to the truth.
What really hits home for me is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My own
grandmother passed away at 62 from breast cancer, so I know firsthand the pain
and loss it brings. Yet, every single news channel and poster you come across
keeps harping on about raising awareness. But if you stop being a sheep and
actually look around at what’s going on, you'll soon realize that all this awareness
is completely pointless. There are no real solutions being discussed, no advice on
how to prevent or mitigate the disease. It's just everyone mindlessly parroting the
same message about being aware for one month. What a scam.
It infuriates me to see this charade year after year. The pink ribbons, the
fundraising walks, the endless stream of ads—all of it creates this illusion that
we're making progress. But we're not. We're just spinning our wheels in the mud
while these companies rake in billions. It's a slap in the face to those of us who
have lost loved ones.
114
Where is the information on real preventative measures? Where are the discussions
on lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or environmental factors that might
actually reduce cancer risk? Instead, we get a flood of pink merchandise and feel-
good campaigns that do nothing but line the pockets of corporations. It's a
grotesque spectacle of profit-driven insincerity, masking itself as a noble cause.
The worst part is, people buy into it. They think they're making a difference by
buying a pink T-shirt or donating to a massive organization, not realizing their
money is often funneled into administrative costs and marketing, rather than
meaningful research or patient support. It's a tragic exploitation of our collective
goodwill, and it's time we demand more. We deserve real answers, real solutions,
and real change—not just empty slogans and superficial gestures.
Take my grandmother, for example. She adored fruits, which constituted the
majority of her diet. She led a natural lifestyle, abstaining from smoking and
drinking, and had a strong aversion to meat. Despite her healthy habits, her life was
cut short, likely due to her excessive intake of carbohydrates and insufficient
consumption of meat.
115
However, diet is only part of the equation. Environmental endocrine disruptors also
play a significant role in the development of cancer. These disruptors are prevalent
in everyday items such as air fresheners, clothing, perfumes, makeup, and cleaning
products. These factors accumulate throughout the day, contributing to an
overwhelming cancer load that the body struggles to combat.
Let’s discuss the truth about cancer and how we’ve been completely lied to about
it’s nature.
When mitochondria are damaged, they enter a state known as "crisis," where the
cristae—the internal membranes of the mitochondria—are gutted and destroyed.
This leaves the mitochondria as non-functional, floating ghost ships within the cell.
These damaged mitochondria can no longer regulate the cell's division, leading to
unregulated cell growth and division, which is essentially what cancer is.
This failure in both regulating cell division and initiating cell death leads to the
unchecked proliferation of cells, characteristic of cancer. The inability of damaged
116
mitochondria to perform these vital functions underscores their importance in
maintaining cellular health and preventing cancerous growth.
When cells resort to this primitive method of energy production, the resulting free
radicals can cause extensive damage. They attack other mitochondria and DNA
within the cell, leading to further mutations and contributing to the uncontrolled
growth characteristic of cancer. Essentially, the absence of functional mitochondria
forces the cell into a destructive cycle of energy production and damage.
This concept is why some researchers refer to cancer as "Type 5 diabetes." High
levels of insulin and impaired autophagy, often resulting from poor dietary choices
and excessive carbohydrate intake, can severely damage mitochondria.
Additionally, various plant toxins can also contribute to mitochondrial damage,
further exacerbating the problem.
117
The key to preventing cancer lies in maintaining healthy mitochondria. This
involves managing insulin levels and promoting autophagy through appropriate
dietary choices and lifestyle practices. By doing so, we can reduce the risk of
mitochondrial damage, thereby preventing the onset and progression of cancer.
Understanding the intricate relationship between mitochondrial health, energy
production, and cancer can guide us in making better choices for our long-term
health and well-being.
When insulin levels remain low, the body is more adept at recycling damaged
mitochondria before they become dysfunctional. This prevents various forms of
metabolic distress and dysfunction, including cancer. Keeping mitochondria
healthy ensures that cells do not become cancerous in the first place. This
connection is why some researchers refer to cancer as “Type 5 diabetes.”
Constantly low insulin levels facilitate continuous autophagy, preserving
mitochondrial health and reducing the risk of cancer development.
118
If you aim to eliminate cancer, start by removing all endocrine disruptors from
your environment. Embrace fasting as a method to combat cancer, and when you
do eat, ensure that your diet consists of the cleanest sources of red meat available.
Science advances one death at a time. Are you going to take the chances and listen
to people who give medical advice only based on the shaky evidence putting your
own health at risk, or are you going to do your own research refusing to be a
sacrificial lamb. The question then arises: will you risk your health by heeding
medical advice founded on precarious evidence, or will you take the initiative to
conduct your own research, refusing to be a sacrificial lamb in the face of
uncertainty? To delve deeper into this critical conversation, we’ll be talking about
Dr. Gary Fettke’s interview on the Diet Doctor Podcast. Dr. Fettke, with his
impressive credentials as a renowned orthopedic surgeon and a vocal advocate for
evidence-based nutrition, will help us unravel the origins of the anti-meat message.
His expertise and insights promise to shed light on this controversial topic, offering
listeners a well-rounded perspective backed by scientific rigor. In recent years
Gary has focused on the role of diet in the development of diabetes, obesity and
cancer. He has been speaking out on the combined role of sugar, fructose, refined
carbohydrates and polyunsaturated oils linking together to be behind inflammation
and modern disease.
He has incurred the wrath of regulatory bodies for his stand on public health, but
he and his wife, Belinda, remain active defending the benefits of low carb healthy
119
fat living. Their ongoing work has uncovered the vested interests and ideologies
shaping nutritional guidelines at an international level.
Today, some may argue that the anti-meat movement is driven more by industry
interests and environmental concerns than by religious beliefs. However, I contend
that the ideological underpinnings remain intact. The Seventh-day Adventist
Church, often underestimated due to its perceived size, is actually the second-
largest educational institution globally, following the Catholic Church. This
longstanding commitment to promoting a specific dietary agenda highlights the
enduring influence of religious ideology in shaping public discourse on nutrition
and health. It's absolutely infuriating to see the extent of their reach. The Seventh-
day Adventist Church operates over 1,400 schools and numerous universities
globally. And the funding? It's astronomical. Can you believe they run 28 hospitals
in Florida alone? It's mind-boggling.
What's even more concerning is their influence in the developing world. They're
out there under the guise of missionary work, pushing their health message as a
gateway to the church. They're not offering salvation; they're selling a lifestyle –
their Chip program is a prime example. And now, countries like Fiji are embracing
it wholesale. It's outrageous! The Polynesians certainly don't need more cereal and
grains, especially with their ongoing battles with obesity and diabetes.
The Chip program is not only being pushed internationally but is also making its
way into the US through insurance companies. This program, which is essentially a
vegan diet, is subtly infused with a religious ideology, serving as a gateway to the
church. It's blatantly out in the open, and they're not attempting to conceal it. In
2018, they confidently published a 20-page article in the Journal of Religion,
120
openly acknowledging everything I've mentioned. They have a clear health agenda
for the world, underpinned by their religious ideology, aiming to spread their
message to every corner of the globe, to "every tongue," as they put it, in
anticipation of Christ's return.
While I respect everyone's right to their beliefs, it's deeply concerning when these
beliefs start to dictate the eating habits and agricultural practices of the global
population. It's a form of imposition that goes beyond personal faith and starts to
impact public health and environmental policies. It's something that needs to be
addressed and challenged.
They have been instrumental in shaping the cereal, soy, and alternative meat
industries. John Harvey Kellogg, an Adventist, was a pioneer in creating the first
meat alternatives. The introduction of soy to the Western world can be traced back
to Harry Charlie Miller, an Adventist missionary who brought soy from China and
initiated its cultivation in conjunction with Adventist missions. He also played a
key role in promoting soy infant formula. As a result, soy products and infant
formula are now ubiquitous in supermarkets everywhere.
This alliance has led to the proliferation of the vegan agenda, underpinned by the
lifestyle medicine framework and the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Garden of
121
Eden diet, all while being supported by the processed food industry, with Coca-
Cola at the forefront. This marketing strategy is indeed impressive, but it raises
concerns, especially in the US. Here, eight universities have now integrated this
lifestyle medicine, plant-based diet approach into their medical education
curriculum.
Many individuals involved in this movement may not be fully aware of its
religious underpinnings or the influence of the industry. They genuinely believe
they are promoting a healthier lifestyle for individuals. While their intentions to
improve patient health and well-being are commendable, it's crucial to peel back
the layers and examine the underlying science and motivations. The involvement
of Coca-Cola, a major player in the processed food industry, raises important
questions about the true drivers of the vegan agenda. This connection needs to be
scrutinized more openly.
The processed food industry stands to gain significantly from the promotion of a
vegan diet. Recent documents from the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its food
division have revealed an expectation of a 25% increase in profits due to the
adoption of their vegan Garden of Eden diet by millennials. This financial
incentive highlights the need for greater transparency and critical examination of
the motives behind the push for plant-based diets.
122
marketed as an evidence-based approach to veganism, which is concerning when it
distorts the actual evidence.
It's important to take a step back and examine the Adventist health studies, which
have been repeatedly cited as evidence of the benefits of a vegan/vegetarian diet.
However, these studies are flawed. They were conducted by individuals affiliated
with the Adventist Church and have been self-cited excessively. For example, the
three Adventist studies we reviewed had each been self-cited over 400 times,
amounting to 1,200 self-citations in total. This practice of self-citation raises
questions about the credibility of the research and the objectivity of the
conclusions drawn from it.
Dr. Fattke stated that “In the medical field, we're often trained under a "read,
repeat, reward" model, which discourages questioning and critical thinking. This
approach doesn't serve us well as trainees or doctors. When we do challenge the
status quo, it can lead to trouble, as I've experienced firsthand. I was reported to the
123
medical board simply for stating that it's absurd to serve my patients ice cream,
highlighting the rigid adherence to established practices.
This "read, repeat, reward" mentality is a stark contrast to the education in other
fields, such as engineering, where questioning and analyzing from different
perspectives are encouraged to identify potential flaws in solutions. Unfortunately,
in medicine, we're not trained to be critical thinkers in the same way, which can
limit our ability to provide the best care for our patients and challenge outdated or
harmful practices.”
The shift away from bedside care and holistic interactions in medicine was not a
complete cessation but a significant reduction. This change was influenced by the
Flexner Report, which was financially supported by John D. Rockefeller. As a
result, 50 medical schools across the US and Canada were closed in the years
following the report's publication, and those that remained adopted a new model
focused on medication and testing.
This period also marked the burgeoning of the pharmaceutical industry, with the
development of drugs leading to the birth of the modern pharmaceutical sector
between 1910 and 1917. Alongside this, the field of nutrition science emerged,
though it often prioritized palatability, marketability, and profit over genuine
scientific inquiry.
124
and testing over holistic patient care. Since 1910, the pharmaceutical industry has
been dictating how we treat our patients, while the food industry has been shoving
their dietary recommendations down our throats. We’ve lost our ability to think
independently because these industries have crafted the guidelines we’re supposed
to follow.
125
126
CHAPTER 3
127
The topic of what an optimal human diet looks like is not up for debate when you
use reality as your evidence. Throw away everything you think you know about
nutrition. The majority of the information you’ve been force fed is the exact
opposite of the truth, which I will be proving to you. After I present you with the
most compelling and irrefutable evidence supporting my dietary recommendations
for optimal health, you will be thoroughly convinced of its validity. This evidence
is so irrefutable that you won't feel swayed by alternative dietary beliefs, as they
lack the same level of strong, scientific backing that this way of eating possesses.
Let’s talk about animals in nature. Every species has a specific diet it is
biologically adapted to, and deviations from this diet can lead to significant health
issues. For example, lions, being carnivores, are designed to eat meat exclusively;
feeding them grass would lead to severe illness. Interestingly, wild animals
generally experience few diseases. However, when humans intervene, taking these
animals into care and altering their diets, the animals often become very sick.
This same principle applies to humans. Indigenous groups like the Inuit in Alaska,
who consume a diet they have adapted to over millennia, primarily consisting of
raw meat and fish, exhibit virtually no chronic diseases seen in more industrialized
societies. The Inuit in Alaska, who experience virtually no illness, live long and
healthy lives, contrasting sharply with the high incidence of cancer among more
“civilized” populations, where one in two people may develop the disease. This
stark difference underscores a fundamental principle: when a species adheres to its
natural, species-appropriate diet, it tends to stay healthy.
128
The Proof Is in The Pudding, Or Bones
Imagine you're trying to figure out what someone ate for dinner last week by
looking at the crumbs left on their plate. Nitrogen isotopes in bones work a bit like
those crumbs, but instead of telling us about one meal, they give us clues about
what kinds of food someone (or something) ate over their lifetime.
Think of the food chain as a ladder. Plants are on the bottom rung, animals that eat
plants are on the next rung up, and animals that eat other animals are even higher.
Each step up this ladder changes the "flavor" of nitrogen in the body, like adding a
new spice to a dish. Stable isotope testing in anthropology is a scientific method
129
used to analyze the chemical elements in human remains, such as bones and teeth,
to learn about past human diets, migration patterns, and environmental conditions.
These chemical elements, called isotopes, are like different versions of the same
element with varying numbers of neutrons. By measuring the ratios of these
isotopes, researchers can infer information about what ancient people ate, where
they lived, and how they interacted with their environment. This helps
anthropologists understand more about the lives and cultures of people from the
past.
Prepare to have your understanding of human dietary history turned on its head!
The profound revelation that humans are innate carnivores comes from something
as elementary yet groundbreaking as stable isotopes found in fossils. When
analyzing these ancient remains, nitrogen content serves as a crucial indicator of
dietary habits. Astonishingly, the more nitrogen present in a fossil, the more
carnivorous the species.
Now, hold onto your seats: every single human fossil unearthed from the pre-
agricultural era not only contains nitrogen but showcases nitrogen levels that are
off the charts—surpassing those of all other known species! This compelling
evidence irrefutably points to our ancestors' diets being predominantly meat-based,
far exceeding the carnivorous habits of any other creature roaming the earth at that
time.
130
This is the biggest piece of evidence of our carnivorous nature. I’ll show you
further in detail how it works. Every single test of every long bone collagen, that’s
ever been extracted, from all human remains, anywhere on this planet, of any age
over about 11,000 to 350,000 years, they all tell the same story deviating within
about a mere 5%. The insides of the fossilized remains all say that human beings
are obligate hyper carnivores. Did you get the part where I mentioned that EVERY
human remain found, ANYWHERE in the word, from ANY age, all say the same
thing. We ate almost no plants at all. Use this reality as cold hard evidence and
stop following the pseudoscience called human nutrition which is just propaganda
and money driven and the furthest thing from science.
How it Works:
What it Reveals:
131
1. Diet: Carbon and nitrogen isotopes are commonly used to reconstruct
diet. Carbon isotopes can differentiate between plants using different
photosynthetic pathways (e.g., C3 vs. C4 plants) and can indicate the consumption
of marine resources. Nitrogen isotopes provide information about the trophic level
of the diet, distinguishing between plant-based and animal-based diets.
2. Migration: Oxygen and strontium isotopes are used to infer migration
patterns. Oxygen isotopes vary with geography and climate, reflecting the water a
person consumed during life. Strontium isotopes vary with geological substrates
and can indicate whether an individual grew up in the same area where they were
buried or if they migrated from a different region.
3. Environmental Conditions: Isotopes can also provide insights into
the environmental conditions in which ancient people lived. For example, oxygen
isotopes in skeletal remains can reflect temperature and rainfall patterns during the
individual’s lifetime.
In the bones of animals, the levels of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotopes vary
depending on their diet and position in the food chain. Here’s how these changes
occur:
132
relatively small from one trophic level to the next, making it less effective for
distinguishing between carnivores and herbivores.
133
preferential excretion of lighter isotopes (lower δ15N value) and retention of
heavier isotopes in the body.
• Trophic Level Effect: The higher an animal is on the food chain, the
higher its δ15N value will be. For example, a top predator like a lion will have
higher δ15N values in its bones compared to a primary consumer like a zebra.
• Biomagnification: The accumulation of heavy isotopes in higher
trophic levels is a form of biomagnification, similar to the way certain chemicals
accumulate in higher concentrations in organisms higher up the food chain.
Now when we analyzed the fossilized bones of our ancestors, we were all the way
at the top.
When scientists checked the bones of Neanderthals and early humans, they found
they had even more of this nitrogen, around 12% to 13.5%, which is MORE than
other meat-eating animals like hyenas and wolves. This tells us that Neanderthals
and early humans were eating A LOT of meat.
Since our bones are at the top of the food chain, something to remember is that
apex predator’s do not graze. They only eat the animals or organisms that are
below them on the food chain. You don’t see sharks eating kelp, you don’t see lions
eating grass, you shouldn’t see humans drinking kale smoothies when meat is so
abundantly available to us.
134
This study titled “ Exceptionally high δ15N values in collagen single amino acids
confirm Neandertals as high-trophic level carnivores” states the following:
“We undertook single amino acid C and N isotope analysis on two Neandertals,
which were characterized by exceptionally high N isotope ratios in their bulk bone
or tooth collagen. We report here both C and N isotope ratios on single amino
acids of collagen samples for these two Neandertals and associated fauna. The
samples come from two sites dating to the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition
period (Les Cottés and Grotte du Renne, France). Our results reinforce the
interpretation of Neandertal dietary adaptations as successful top-level carnivores,
even after the arrival of modern humans in Europe. They also demonstrate that
high δ15N values of bone collagen can solely be explained by mammal meat
consumption, as supported by archeological and zoo-archeological evidence,
without necessarily invoking explanations including the processing of food
(cooking, fermenting), the consumption of mammoths or young mammals, or
additional (freshwater fish, mushrooms) dietary protein sources.”
It turns out these old-school humans were pretty much the ultimate carnivores,
ruling the food chain like the Apex predators that humans are!
It’s sad how this isn’t common knowledge. They didn't just dabble in a bit of plants
here and there. Oh no, they were feasting on mammal meat like there was no
tomorrow! And all those fancy theories about them cooking up a storm or fishing
for their supper? Nope, it seems they were keeping it simple and sticking to what
they knew best – good old-fashioned meat. So next time you're munching on a
ribeye, give a little nod to your Neanderthal ancestors who were rocking the
carnivore lifestyle way before it was cool!
135
Brain Size
Let me unpack the fascinating storyline about the relationship between our diet and
brain size. Initially, our earliest ancestors had brains comparable in size to other
primates, subsisting mainly on a plant-based diet. However, a dramatic shift
occurred around 2 million years ago—coinciding with the onset of the Ice Age and
the advent of stone tool technology. This period marked significant environmental
changes; the Ice Age covered vast tracts of the Earth in ice, drastically reducing the
availability of plant foods.
Faced with these harsh conditions, our ancestors were compelled to innovate and
adapt, turning to a new food source: animals. This was not just a survival tactic but
136
a pivotal evolutionary shift. The Ice Age meant that only the fattiest animals could
survive the cold, providing early humans with access to high-quality animal fats.
These fats are rich in the 20 and 22 carbon fatty acids, which are crucial for brain
development and make up 90% of brain material in mammals.
This correlation strongly suggests that the inclusion of animal fats in our diet was
directly linked to the expansion of our brain capacity, and the shift away from
these fats has had a reverse effect. The tools, the timing, and the type of nutrients
available all align to support this point that our brains thrived on a diet rich in
animal fats.
It's absolutely shocking when you consider the timeline of human evolution in
relation to our diet! For the last 12,000 years, since the end of the last Ice Age,
humans have primarily relied on agriculture for our caloric intake. Before this
shift, when the Earth was largely covered in ice, agriculture was simply not
feasible. This change in dietary sources corresponds alarmingly with a decrease in
our brain size because our diets now lack significant amounts of 20 and 22 carbon
fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health.
137
Even more startling is the condition of human fossils from this era. Every fossil
found from before 12,000 years ago is in near-perfect condition, with hardly any
lesions or markings that typically indicate infection or disease. Yet, in the last
12,000 years, such markings have become prevalent on fossils. This suggests a
deterioration in overall health coinciding with our dietary shift away from meat.
This timeline tells a compelling story: small brains, we start eating meat, brains
grow larger; we stop eating meat, brains shrink again. How can we ignore such
clear evidence that our ancient diet was directly linked to our brain development?
It’s quite shocking to realize the implications of our dietary changes over time. The
reduction in consumption of the right types of fatty acids since the Agricultural
Revolution explains not only the decrease in brain size but also other physical
changes in humans. Research has revealed that the average height of ancient
humans, based on older fossils, was around 6'2". Compare that to today’s average
height of approximately 5'7", and it's clear how significant the impact has been.
Moreover, in fossils from the last 12,000 years, we have started to see the
emergence of dental cavities, which were virtually non-existent before the
Agricultural Revolution. It's fascinating to note how jaw structures, once robust
and perfectly formed, have evolved. Today, many people suffer from misaligned
teeth and smaller jaws. This dramatic transformation can be attributed to the shift
away from meat-based diets. Previously, our ancestors needed to use their jaws
extensively to process tough, fibrous meat, which not only strengthened the jaw
structure but also ensured an intake of essential nutrients critical for proper dental
and bone development.
138
The evidence is compelling: as our diets moved away from meat towards
agriculture-based foods, our bodies have visibly suffered, losing height, developing
weaker jaws, and suffering from increased dental issues. This shift away from the
nutritional riches of meat has had profound consequences on our physical
development over the millennia.
Consider how other primates, who don't travel extensively, move—they're often
bent over. In contrast, humans have evolved to become more upright over time, an
adaptation that aligns with the physical demands of hunting and long-distance
travel.
Additionally, there's been a significant change in our rib cage structure. Early
humans, who are believed to have eaten primarily plants, had very different rib
cages compared to modern humans. This difference points to an evolution in our
respiratory and digestive systems, reflecting a shift from a sedentary, plant-based
lifestyle to one that involved active hunting and greater meat consumption.
Our old rib cage structure suggests that early humans had much larger intestines
compared to what we have now. Over time, as our diet shifted away from plant
139
fermentation to consuming other animals, our rib cages and intestines became
smaller. This adaptation indicates that our digestive system no longer needed to
process large amounts of plant matter.
Another fascinating adaptation is our incredible shoulder rotation ability. Just turn
on a baseball game to witness this in action—no other species has developed such
an ability. This unique trait evolved from repeatedly throwing spears at animals, a
critical skill for hunting.
140
MALNUTRITION! There’s a reason why all the makeup gurus and plastic
surgeons put so much emphasis on strong prominent cheekbones. It’s not just a
beauty standard, it’s a sign of health and bone growth due to proper nourishment. It
is not caused by evolution because evolution takes hundreds of thousands of years.
Crooked teeth, which happens to be extremely common now a days, is simply due
to not receiving the necessary nutrients that are required for proper bone
development.
When populations around the globe started turning to agriculture around 10,000
years ago, regardless of their locations and type of crops, a similar trend occurred:
the height and health of people declined. Skeletal analysis suggests that these
Neolithic peoples experienced “greater physiological stress due to a Under
Nutrition and infectious diseases “.
141
It’s actually well known that cavemen had PERFECT teeth and never needed to see
a dentist a day in their lives. No toothbrushes, no toothpaste, no cavities. But forget
cavemen, there are quite a few primitive tribes around the world today who are
mostly carnivorous, and they have beautiful white strong straight teeth. Yet in our
society, we seem the most dedicated to attaining the same set of perfect teeth, only
to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars for braces, Invisalign, whitening
procedures, cavity fillings, the list is endless, and dentists seem to be making a
killing.
142
A key focus of Price's work was the comparison between traditional diets and those
influenced by modern, industrialized food practices. He observed that populations
consuming their native diets, which were rich in nutrients and minimally
processed, had excellent dental health, well-formed jaw structures, and overall
robust physical health.
When Price examined groups that had adopted modern Western diets, typically
high in processed foods, sugar, and white flour, he noted a marked deterioration in
dental health, including increased instances of tooth decay and poor dental arches.
His observations extended beyond dental health to other physical and health issues.
Let’s take a look at our brain and skull size throughout our evolution.
Regarding African populations, Price observed similar trends. He noted that when
individuals from these communities switched from their traditional diets to
modern, processed foods, there was a significant increase in dental problems,
including tooth decay and structural issues. Their teeth were literally rotting before
their eyes after consuming what the majority of the American population eats on a
regular basis in very short amount of time.
We are THE ultimate apex predators at the top of the food chain. The placement of
eyes in animals is closely related to their dietary habits and role in the ecosystem.
Predators, or carnivores, including humans, tend to have their eyes positioned at
the front of their heads. This frontal eye placement is known as binocular vision,
143
which provides a greater depth perception and allows for accurate determination of
the distance to their prey, aiding in hunting.
In the grand color scheme of fast-food logos, the standout stars are undoubtedly
red and yellow. But ever wonder why these colors make us want to wolf down a
burger? It's not just a random choice; it's a subconscious trigger to our inner
caveman. Our brains are wired to crave nutrient-dense fatty meats from all the
144
hunting we’ve evolved on, a throwback to when a good day was finding a
mammoth steak, not just a parking spot close to the drive-thru.
The human appendix and cecum are often cited as examples of vestigial organs. In
some herbivorous animals, the cecum is large and plays a crucial role in the
145
digestion of cellulose found in leaves and other plant materials. These animals rely
on a large cecum (and sometimes an appendix) to facilitate the breakdown of tough
plant fibers, a process that involves a significant amount of bacterial fermentation.
Now if you look at our most vital organs, 5 of them have the main responsibility of
absorbing fat. We literally have 5 organs for absorbing fat. Here how it works.
146
1. Stomach: The process begins in
the stomach, where mechanical and
preliminary chemical digestion
occurs.
3. Gallbladder: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.
When you eat, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to aid in the
digestion of fats.
5. Small Intestine: The small intestine is the site where the actual absorption of fats
occurs. After fats are broken down by lipase, the resulting fatty acids and glycerol
are absorbed by the cells lining the small intestine and then transported to the
bloodstream for use by the body.
147
If fat wasn’t extremely crucial and important to our well being, our bodies would
not waste so much time and energy towards digesting it. This process is a very high
energy demanding process to keep these organs functioning in this process of
digesting fat so that’s just a clear indicator in how big of a role fatty meat played in
our lives.
Stomach PH
It is ridiculous to even question our carnivorous nature when the ph of our stomach
is as acidic as it is. pH is a scale used to specify how acidic or basic (alkaline) a
water-based solution is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic, and those with a pH greater than 7 are
basic or alkaline. The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole pH value below
7 is ten times more acidic than the next higher value, and each whole pH value
above 7 is ten times more alkaline than the next lower value.
148
Herbivores, such as gorillas and monkeys, typically have a higher stomach pH
(more alkaline) compared to carnivores. This is partly because their diet consists
mainly of plant material, which requires a different set of enzymes for digestion
and a less acidic environment. The digestion of cellulose and other plant fibers
begins in the mouth with mechanical breakdown and continues in the stomach and
intestines with microbial fermentation, a process that benefits from a less acidic
environment. Herbivores often have a more extended digestive tract, allowing
more time for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from plant material. Their
stomach pH usually ranges around 7, depending on the species and the specific
type of plant material they consume. Because the pH scale is logarithmic, each
whole pH value below 7 is ten times more acidic than the next higher value.
Therefore, moving from a pH of 4-5 (as in chimpanzees) to a pH of 1.5 (in
humans) does not simply mean that human stomachs are a few times more acidic;
they are, in fact, roughly 1000 times more acidic. READ THAT AGAIN. 1000x
more acidic than a chimp. This dramatic difference suggests a significant
evolutionary shift in diet from primarily plant-based foods, which require a less
acidic environment for digestion, to a diet rich in animal proteins, which are best
149
digested in a highly acidic environment. This shift towards more acidic stomachs
in humans is thought to be a response to the consumption of meat, which requires a
strong acid to break down proteins and kill potentially harmful bacteria and
pathogens that could be present in meat.
On the other hand, carnivores like lions and tigers have a lower stomach pH (more
acidic), typically around pH 2, which is conducive to the digestion of proteins and
fats present in their diet of fresh meat. The high acidity helps to denature proteins,
making them easier for enzymes to break down, and acts as a defense mechanism
against bacteria and pathogens that might be present in their food. This acidic
environment is efficient for the quick digestion of meat, allowing carnivores to
extract a high amount of energy from their food in a relatively short time.
Now get ready for this, humans have a stomach ph lower than these carnivorous
animals because on top of us being carnivores as well, we were also accustomed to
eating rotten meat that contained bacteria. Our stomach ph level is similar to
vultures, known for their scavenging habits, consume carrion (dead animals),
which exposes them to potentially harmful bacteria and toxins. To counteract these
dangers, vultures have evolved a highly acidic stomach pH, often lower than 2,
which helps neutralize pathogens found in their decayed food sources, just like us!
Another thing to note is how extremely energy demanding it is for our bodies to
maintain such acidity in our stomach. This is no accident.
Now imagine feeding plants and minimal animal products to a body that has little
to no plant digesting abilities, 5 organs for fat absorption, has a stomach ph so
ridiculously high it can kill the bacteria on rotten meat which requires a
150
tremendous amount of energy to maintain, and then wonder why certain health
complications keep arising.
Our brains
151
So how come we don’t have large canine teeth or claws for hunting? Our ancestors
adapted to their environments not through physical prowess or natural weapons
like many predators but through the power of intelligence and innovation.
Early humans were not the strongest or fastest animals in their environments, but
they had a crucial advantage: an increasingly complex brain capable of problem-
solving, planning, and creating tools. This cognitive leap allowed humans to devise
strategies for hunting and gathering that did not rely on brute strength or natural
weaponry.
The development and use of tools are a hallmark of human evolution. Sharp stones,
spears, and later, bows and arrows allowed early humans to hunt from a distance
and process meat and plants more efficiently. The consumption of meat is often
cited as a factor in the development of the human brain. Rich in calories and
nutrients, meat could support the energy demands of an increasingly large brain.
Our lack of natural hunting attributes was compensated for by our ability to create
and use tools, develop complex social structures, and communicate effectively.
These traits have enabled humans to become the dominant species on the planet,
altering environments to suit our needs rather than evolving physical
characteristics to adapt to the environment. While we lack the large canine teeth
and claws typical of natural predators, our evolutionary success lies in our
intelligence, social cooperation, and technological ingenuity. These traits have
allowed us to adapt, survive, and thrive across the globe, shaping the world in
unprecedented ways.
152
Without a constant source of nutrient dense animal foods being consumed by early
humans, we would not have achieved our large and complex brains. Here is the
order of events that followed the growth of our brains.
I. About 6 million years ago, our distant ancestors entered the open grasslands
of Northeastern Africa due to shifting tectonic plates causing environmental
changes.
II. The oldest fossils from our lineage, dated to about 4.2 million years ago and
discovered in Northern Africa, are identified as Australopithecus. A notable
fossil from this group is nicknamed "Lucy."
III. Lucy appears to have walked upright and had a brain size only slightly larger
than that of her chimpanzee ancestors.
IV. After Lucy's time, the size of our predecessors' brains gradually increased.
V. About 2.5 million years ago, with the appearance of Homo habilis, we begin
to see the first evidence of stone tools and the hunting of animals, marking a
transition from scavengers to hunters.
VI. Instead of scavenging and eating other animals remains, since we become
the hunters, we got to eat the nutrient dense parts, including visceral organs
and fat, contributing to a significant increase in brain size.
VII. The brain size of our ancestors doubled over the next 1 million years,
reaching a maximum of 1600cc about 40,000 years ago.
VIII. The adoption of stone tools and hunting practices is linked to the rapid
increase in brain size, making us into the humans we are today.
IX. The love affair with fire and cooking began approximately 500,000 years
ago, well after our brains started to grow significantly.
153
Nutrient Profiles Amongst Nations
The correlation between height and nutrition is a fascinating aspect of human
biology that has been observed and studied extensively. Height is often considered
a marker of nutritional status, with taller individuals generally being perceived as
better nourished. This is not merely a matter of genetics; environmental factors,
particularly diet, play a crucial role in determining an individual's stature.
154
In many third-world countries or regions where food scarcity is a common issue,
people tend to be shorter on average. This is largely due to the lack of access to a
varied and nutritious diet, which is essential for proper growth and development.
When individuals from such backgrounds migrate to more affluent countries,
where food is abundant and of better quality, a noticeable change is often observed
in the subsequent generation. The children of these immigrants are frequently taller
than their parents, a phenomenon that can be attributed to the improved nutritional
intake.
155
This pattern is especially pronounced in Asian populations. Many Asian countries
have historically had issues with food security and nutrition, which has reflected in
the average height of their populations. However, as Asian immigrants move to
countries like the United States, which offer better living conditions and access to a
more nutritious diet, their children often experience a significant increase in height.
This change is not only a result of genetics but is also a testament to the impact of
environmental factors, particularly diet, on human growth.
Several studies have further reinforced the connection between diet and height.
Research has shown that populations with the tallest individuals are also the
highest consumers of meat. This is a significant finding, as meat is a rich source of
essential nutrients that are crucial for growth, such as proteins, iron, and zinc.
Proteins are the building blocks of the body, and they play a critical role in the
development of bones and muscles. Iron is essential for the production of
hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the growing tissues, while zinc is involved
in cell growth and division.
The importance of meat in the diet is not limited to its nutrient content. Animal-
based foods are also more bioavailable, meaning that the body can absorb and
utilize the nutrients more efficiently compared to plant-based foods. For example,
heme iron, found in meat, is more readily absorbed by the body than non-heme
iron from plant sources. This higher bioavailability contributes to the more
pronounced impact of animal-based diets on growth and development.
It is also worth noting that the quality of protein in animal foods is generally higher
than in plant foods. Animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids in the
right proportions needed by the human body, making them complete proteins. In
156
contrast, most plant proteins are incomplete, lacking one or more essential amino
acids. This difference in protein quality further explains the link between animal
protein consumption and increased stature.
The relationship between nutrition and height extends beyond the individual level
and has broader implications for public health and economic development. Taller
populations are often associated with better health outcomes and higher economic
productivity. This is because good nutrition in early life is linked to improved
cognitive function, better educational attainment, and increased earning potential in
adulthood. Therefore, ensuring access to a nutritious diet for all, especially during
157
the critical periods of growth and development, is essential for the overall well-
being of a society.
This study titled “Major correlates of male height: A study of 105 countries” says
the following:
“The consumption of rice dominates in tropical Asia, where it is accompanied by
very low total protein and energy intake, and one of the shortest statures in the
world (∼162–168 cm). Wheat prevails in Muslim countries in North Africa and the
Near East, which is where we also observe the highest plant protein consumption
in the world and moderately tall statures that do not exceed 174 cm. In taller
nations, the intake of protein and energy no longer fundamentally rises, but the
consumption of plant proteins markedly decreases at the expense of animal
proteins, especially those from dairy. Their highest consumption rates can be found
in Northern and Central Europe, with the global peak of male height in the
Netherlands (184 cm). In general, when only the complete data from 72 countries
were considered, the consumption of protein from the five most correlated foods
(r = 0.85) and the human development index (r = 0.84) are most strongly
associated with tall statures. A notable finding is the low consumption of the most
correlated proteins in Muslim oil superpowers and highly developed countries of
East Asia, which could explain their lagging behind Europe in terms of physical
stature.”
1. Tropical Asia: In tropical Asian countries, rice is the staple food, but the overall
intake of protein and energy is very low. This region has one of the shortest
average heights in the world, ranging from 162 to 168 cm.
158
2. North Africa and the Near East: In Muslim countries in these regions, wheat is
the predominant crop. These areas have the highest consumption of plant proteins
globally and moderately tall average heights, not exceeding 174 cm.
3. Northern and Central Europe: In taller nations, the overall intake of protein and
energy doesn't necessarily increase, but there's a significant shift from plant
proteins to animal proteins, especially those from dairy. The highest consumption
of these animal proteins is found in Northern and Central Europe, with the
Netherlands having the tallest average male height at 184 cm.
5. Muslim Oil Superpowers and East Asia: The passage notes that in wealthy
Muslim countries with abundant oil resources and highly developed East Asian
countries, there is a low consumption of the proteins most correlated with tall
stature. This could explain why these regions lag behind Europe in terms of
average height.
In summary, the study suggests that while overall protein and energy intake are
important for height, the type of protein consumed (plant vs. animal) also plays a
significant role. Regions with higher consumption of animal proteins, particularly
from dairy, tend to have taller populations, while those with diets dominated by
159
plant proteins or with low protein consumption overall tend to have shorter average
heights. You heard that right, the grams of protein that were consumed were
similar, but the ones that were consuming animal-based protein were much taller.
Why is this? The bioavailability of nutrients in meat is much higher compared to
the nutrients in plant foods. I will be getting into this in greater detail later, but just
know that plants definitely do contain nutrients… that are bio available to ruminant
animals that have evolved to eat plants, not humans. We get our nutrients from
animals that are able to get nutrients from plants.
Herodotus
Herodotus was an ancient Greek
historian, often referred to as "The
Father of History." He lived in the 5th
century BCE and is most famous for
his work "The Histories," a detailed
record of the Greco-Persian Wars and a
rich source of information on the
ancient world. Herodotus is known for
his systematic collection of data and
thorough reporting of events and
cultures, although his work often
blends historical facts with folklore and myth.
160
king inquires about the diet of the Persians and asks, “what do you eat and how
long do you people normally live?” The Persian diplomat explains that they eat
bread made from wheat or barley, a diet largely based on grains and live up to 70.
In response, the Ethiopian king LAUGHED and said, “no wonder you people die at
70 if all you eat is dirt” and suggested that such a diet is the reason for the Persians'
shorter lifespans, claiming that Ethiopians live much longer, up to 120 years, and
some even longer. So, what did the Ethiopians eat that had their great
grandmothers in the triple digit ages still working out in fields and being more
active than most sedentary middle-aged people today? Yup, you guessed it…meat.
The Ethiopian king explained how they eat lots of boiled meat and only drink milk
from their livestock.
Going back to the topic of African tribes, let me tell you about the only study that
accurately compares the diet of plant eaters versus meat eaters. The reason I said
accurately is because most studies that you hear about today that villainize meat
and tell you about all the health benefits people experienced when they cut meat
out of their diet are completely flawed (which are always funded by companies that
try to sell you veggie burgers or cereal). Almost all of these studies compare the
diet of someone who is eating meat in the form of hamburgers, hotdogs, processed
cold cuts, and pasteurized dairy to a plant-based diet, where there is zero junk and
only consists of Whole Foods. Now, of course I am no advocate for eating plant-
based, but if you compare a plant-based diet to a junk diet, it’s pretty obvious that
the plant-based diet is going to win from the lack of presence of harmful
ingredients, such as seed, oils, refined, sugar, and refined flour, which are usually
the main culprits for health issues.
161
Now in this comparison between diets, it is a true, clean, carnivorous diet being
compared to a plant-based one consisting only of whole foods. There are almost 0
studies that have done this.
A study was conducted on the Maasai and Agikuyu tribes which are located in East
Africa by the British journal of AMA. Because both tribes live in such close
proximity to each other, they’re almost genetically identical. However, due to their
completely different diets, they have some pretty drastic differences in their
physiology. They were alive in same time around the 1920s, in the same area. The
timing is important to note because this was a period BEFORE industrial
agriculture and crop farming where plants were full of pesticides. This
automatically rules out the excuse of the claim that the reason why the agikuyu
where so sickly looking and weak was due to the pesticides in their “healthy”
plant-based diet, not because the plants are unhealthy.
The Maasai, with their almost exclusively carnivorous diet, are a testament to the
sheer force of meat-based nutrition. Consuming mainly meat, milk, and even blood
from their cattle, the Maasai have evolved into towering figures, averaging an
astounding 5 inches taller than their Agikuyu counterparts. This difference is so
pronounced it’s almost hard to believe they share the same genetic lineage!
162
But the surprises don’t stop there. The Maasai, fueled by their nutrient-rich diet,
boast an incredible 23 extra pounds
of lean muscle on average, virtually
free of body fat. The visual contrast
is startling – the Maasai appear as
chiseled embodiments of athletic
prowess, while the Agikuyu, whose
diet is predominantly plant-based,
primarily consisting of maize, beans,
and vegetables, have a markedly
different physique. The Masai were
also a whopping 50% stronger.
The plot thickens when considering brain size. Reports suggest that the Maasai,
with their carnivorous diet, have larger brains. The Masai also had very strong jaws
and virtually no tooth decay. The same cannot be said about the plant based
Agikuyu for they were riddled with chronic diseases and had lots of dental
deformities like crooked and decaying teeth. They were also deficient in many
vitamins and nutrients as well as being anemic. They were getting infections,
diabetes, and a ton of other health complications that the Masai were not.
The British that were conducting the study decided to supplement the plant-based
tribe to improve their health conditions. This is similar to how doctors in the
western world put their patients on plant-based diets and give them a long list of
supplements to take for the missing essential animal nutrients. When the doctors
gave supplementation to the kikuyu, there wasn’t much difference or improvement
163
in their health. It was not until they replaced the plants with meat that they
improved their health outcomes. Shocker!
And when it comes to longevity and athletic ability, the Maasai seem to have hit
the genetic jackpot. Their lifestyle, intertwined with their robust diet, reportedly
leads to longer lifespans and superior athletic capabilities. It’s almost as if they’re
from an entirely different world compared to the plant based Agikuyu.
Most studies compare the standard American diet with consists mostly of ultra
processed foods with a plant-based diet. They suggest that if you eat plants, you’ll
be healthier compared to rest of Americans. Well since 70% of Americans are
overweight and riddled with chronic diseases, of course you’ll be better off even
with a terrible plant-based diet when your normal diet consists of chemicals. So,
let’s sum up what the main differences between these two tribes were again.
164
The Principles of a Real Human Diet
You’ve probably been raised your whole life to believe that plants are good for
you, and that’s where you get most of your nutrition from, and that you should eat
sweet things, and processed foods as a guilty pleasure in moderation, and that meat
is bad for you and to stay away from it And all this other nonsense, which if you
read the previous chapter, I exposed the reason for these beliefs. I am about to
share with you what the actual human species appropriate diet is if it hasn’t been
already blatantly obvious via the pile of evidence that I provided
The notion that a healthy diet must encompass a "balanced" array of every food
group, complete with a kaleidoscope of fruits and vegetables, is frankly quite
amusing. It's as if we've forgotten that most animals thrive on a diet focused on just
one food group, while humans somehow believe they need to nibble on everything
under the sun. In reality, a diet rich in the muscle meat and fat of primarily
ruminant animals, with a dash of non-ruminant sources, can supply all the essential
nutrients we need, without any shortages. It's high time we chuckle at the absurdity
of the so-called "balanced diet" and embrace the advantages of a diet that's a bit
more meat centric.
165
Carbs
Wow, can you believe it? The three main sources of energy in our diet are indeed
carbohydrates, protein, and fat. But hold on to your hats, because here's where it
gets interesting! While all three provide energy, only two of them, protein and fat,
are considered essential nutrients. That's right, essential!
Now, brace yourself for this: the lowest level of carbohydrate intake that is
consistent with good health is, drumroll please... exactly zero! Yes, you heard that
right! You can be in tip-top shape and not eat a single carbohydrate. It sounds
almost unbelievable, doesn't it?
And here's why: if your body needs sugar in the form of glucose, it's got a neat
trick up its sleeve. It can whip up its own supply through a process called
gluconeogenesis. So, there's no need to rely on carbs for glucose! When we peek
into the past and look at some of the old guidelines that suggest you need 130
grams of carbohydrates a day, it's enough to make you raise an eyebrow. Next time
you're pondering your plate, remember that when it comes to carbs, your body's
got it covered, and they're not as essential as we once thought!
Hold on to your hats, folks, because we're about to debunk a classic myth! You
know that old saying about needing 130 grams of carbs a day for your brain to
function properly? Well, let me tell you where that little nugget of misinformation
came from.It all started with a report from the Institute of Medicine. They did some
calculations and figured out that, in a hypothetical scenario where the brain wasn't
getting any nutrients other than carbs, it could burn up to 100 grams of
166
carbohydrates a day. And then, just for kicks, they threw in an extra 30 grams as a
safety buffer. But here's the kicker: that scenario is about as realistic as a unicorn
sighting!
The truth is, if you're getting enough protein and fat in your diet, your brain can be
as happy as a clam running on ketones. Ketones are these nifty little molecules
produced when fat is metabolized. In fact, studies show that a whopping 70% or
more of the brain's energy requirements can be met by ketones. And as for the rest?
Your body's got it covered with good ol' gluconeogenesis, whipping up glucose as
needed. So, there you have it! The idea that you need to gobble up carbs for brain
health is about as outdated as a rotary phone. Your brain can thrive on ketones, and
there's absolutely no need to ingest carbohydrates to be in tip-top shape. Who
knew?
I had a tough pill to swallow, one that I dodged like a pro for the longest time:
carbs are just a fling, offering fleeting pleasure with no real health benefits. In fact,
depending on how much they dominate your life, they can be downright toxic. All
that chatter about carbs being loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants?
Pretty much a joke when you stack it up against their not-so-funny side effects. I
know, it sounds like I'm pulling your leg, but after gathering a mountain of
evidence on their health hazards (against my will, mind you), I had to face the
music and ditch my carb crush. And let me tell you, breaking up with carbs was the
best thing I ever did. The benefits were so immediate and dramatic, I kicked myself
for not dumping them sooner! You might adore fruits (as I did, perhaps a bit too
much), but the harsh reality is, they don't love you back.
167
My introduction to a diet rich in meat came through the guidance of Dr. Paul
Saladino, a proponent of an animal-based diet. He emphasized the nutritional value
of organ meats and discussed the presence of anti-nutrients in plants, which serve
as defensive mechanisms for plant survival but can lead to health issues in humans.
I learned that although Dr. Saladino initially followed a strict carnivore diet, he
encountered some challenges that led him to adopt a more inclusive animal-based
diet. This diet still prioritizes meat but also incorporates a significant amount of
carbohydrates and sugars from natural sources. Remarkably, he mentioned
consuming up to 300-400 grams of carbs daily, which is an extremely high amount.
The logic behind consuming fruits made sense at first for several reasons:
• Their sweetness makes them more appealing and palatable compared to
other parts of the plant which are bitter.
• The bright colors of ripe fruits make them easily noticeable.
• Fruits generally contain fewer anti-nutrients than other plant parts.
• Consuming fruits aids in the dispersal of seeds, ensuring the continuation of
the plant species.
Initially, I believed in the merits of a balanced diet that included both meat and
plants, convinced that the natural sugars in fruits were a healthier alternative to
refined sugars. My diet, rich in natural sugars and honey, did yield some positive
results, such as significant body fat loss and other benefits. However, a persistent
and discouraging problem remained: my binge eating, particularly with sweet
foods and carbs, as well as inflammation and bloating.
I convinced myself that this was a matter of discipline, that I simply needed to
resist sugar cravings more steadfastly. But despite my efforts, I would find myself
168
overwhelmed by an uncontrollable urge to indulge in sweets, leading to episodes of
binge eating on pastries, cookies, and chocolate. The temporary high was always
followed by a profound sense of guilt and shame, especially given my public
stance against such foods.
Time and time again, I found myself teetering on the brink of my ideal leanness,
only to be pulled back into the abyss of binging, watching my hard-earned progress
crumble before my eyes. In a moment of sheer desperation, I made a bold decision:
to embrace the carnivore lifestyle fully, banishing all sugary carbs from my
kingdom because I was aware of its power in ending sugar addiction. The
transformation was nothing short of miraculous. I was struck with awe at the
profound change in my being. Gone were the days of the insatiable carb monster
within me, clawing its way out by week's end, seeking to devour any carbohydrate
169
in sight. The once overwhelming urge to indulge in sweets and carbs had all but
vanished, leaving me in a state of bewildered liberation.
I embarked on a singular journey of consuming just one majestic meal of meat and
other animal products per day, ensuring I consumed around 120 grams of protein.
Miraculously, my cravings for carbs vanished into thin air. I'll admit, the initial
three days posed a mild challenge, yet it required only a sliver of willpower to
persevere. By the fourth day, a transformation had occurred. A plate of cookies,
that used to be my drug of choice, now sat before me, evoking not a flicker of
desire. It was as if I had been unshackled from an insatiable beast, freed from the
constant torment of planning meals, anticipating the next binge, and the endless
cycle of carb-induced stress.
As many of you are aware, carbs are notorious for trapping excess water in your
body. Casting off the carb shackles, I also shed the burdensome water weight. By
week's end, as I looked at my reflection, I was struck by a revelation. There I
stood, more defined and leaner than ever before, as if by some sorcery. It was a
moment of disbelief. Without the pain of a restrictive diet, without the pangs of
hunger or dissatisfaction, I had achieved the leanest form of my existence. It was a
taste of true liberation that I want all of you struggling with diet getting in the way
of your progress to experience.
You won't believe this, but something that was putting the brakes on my progress
was my continued consumption of drinks with artificial sweeteners. Yes, I'm
talking about adding Stevia to my coffee, chewing sweet gum, and even indulging
in the occasional energy drink. I thought they were harmless since they didn't
contain actual carbs. Boy, was I mistaken! It turns out that everything that enters
170
your mouth impacts your gut microbiome, and even that tiny, seemingly
insignificant amount of sugar was still fueling my carb cravings. Once I eliminated
these from my diet, I hit the jackpot. My desire for anything sweet vanished
completely, whereas before, it consumed my thoughts day and night. It's worth
experimenting to see how your body responds to different sweeteners. Personally,
I've found that using them can sometimes trigger intense cravings for
carbohydrates and sweets, so I generally avoid them. However, after reducing my
carb intake for a while, I've noticed that I can occasionally enjoy a coffee with
some Stevia in it. It's important to remember that Stevia, while a plant-based
sweetener, is not necessarily a health food and has been used as a contraceptive. It's
better than consuming large amounts of sugar, but it's still important to be mindful
of your intake. Try experimenting with sweeteners and low-carb foods to see how
your body reacts, and whether they lead to cravings like they do for me.
I would even catch myself watching videos of people eating sweets with intense
longing. I used to find it incredibly difficult to resist sweet-tasting foods. This
problem doesn't arise with meat and other animal-based products, as they are very
effective at activating the satiety hormone, making it nearly impossible to overeat
on them.
Another hormone involved in satiety is leptin, which is released by fat cells and
helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger. Protein-rich foods like meat
can also help increase the levels of leptin in your body, further promoting satiety.
171
Additionally, the process of digesting protein itself requires more energy compared
to carbohydrates and fats, which can contribute to a feeling of fullness and help
you eat less overall. This is known as the thermic effect of food. Yes, you heard
that right! Digesting proteins actually burns more calories because it's a more
labor-intensive process, thanks to the bioavailable nutrients packed in there, unlike
carbs. This is exactly why the whole "calories in, calories out" motto is pretty
ridiculous. Imagine consuming 2000 calories of just meat and fat versus a mix of
2000 calories from meat, carbs, and fat. The calorie expenditure would be higher if
you were feasting solely on meat and animal products. You'd end up burning more
calories through digestion alone, without even stepping up your physical activity.
How surprising is that?
172
Revisiting Dr. Paul Saladino, I delved deeper into the reasons behind his
complications with the carnivore diet, despite his extensive research and firm
belief in its superiority for human health. His issues were caused by:
In fact, liver is among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Compared to
other foods, including muscle meat, liver has very high levels of iron, zinc, vitamin
A, folate, and vitamin B12. It also contains healthy doses of selenium, riboflavin
(B2), and phosphorus. In fact, liver is so nutrient-dense that you should be
judicious about the type and quantity of liver you eat to make sure you don’t
consume too much Vitamin A.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means your fat cells and liver hang onto
it, even if you’ve consumed more than you need. Chicken liver and that of other
fowl is lower in vitamin A than beef liver and liver of larger animals, so can be
173
eaten more and in greater quantity. 12,000 micrograms of vitamin A per day can
mean a toxic overload to your own liver, so avoid eating large amounts.
Let's delve deeper into the protein aspect. It extremely easy to under eat on a
carnivore diet. Upon revisiting his videos, it's clear that his protein intake was
insufficient to support his muscular needs and high level of physical activity. This
inadequacy is highlighted in the video where he discusses his blood test results,
showing lower testosterone levels on the carnivore diet compared to the animal-
based diet. The root of the problem? He was simply not consuming enough protein,
instead giving more emphasis to fat in his diet.
Consider his lifestyle: he's an individual with a packed schedule of surfing, skating,
and weightlifting almost daily. Coupled with his lean physique, his body has
minimal stored fat reserves to draw upon for energy. Consequently, in the absence
of adequate dietary protein, his body is forced into a corner, resorting to using its
own muscle tissue as a fuel source.
Upon examining his appearance during his carnivore phase, one could observe a
noticeably more youthful visage. However, two years into adopting an animal-
based diet, a marked difference is evident in his more recent videos, where he
174
appears to have aged significantly, and his skin exhibits increased wrinkling. This
transformation serves as a compelling testament to the detrimental effects of sugar
on his overall appearance and health, as evidenced by the accelerated glycation
process, which is known to contribute to skin aging. The stark contrast between his
earlier and later appearances underscores the impact that dietary choices can have
on one's physical appearance and underscores the importance of understanding the
long-term implications of sugar consumption on the body's aging process.
At any given moment, our bodies contain approximately four grams of glucose.
This is not a random figure; it is the physiological maximum that our bodies are
equipped to handle. This precise amount is all that we need for fueling all
175
physiological processes, including the vital functions of our brain. It's downright
infuriating to see the absurd recommendations flying around about guzzling honey,
stuffing our faces with fruits, and piling on the bread for carbs, when our bodies
require such a minuscule, specific amount of glucose. What's even more
maddening is that we can produce this glucose ourselves, primarily from the meat
and protein we consume. So, why the heck are people pushing these carb-loaded
foods on us?
The answer is simple, yet frustrating: they have no clue. They're just parroting the
same baseless claims they've heard from others, caught in an endless loop of
terrible advice. It's like they're stuck on repeat, spouting nonsense without any
understanding of our actual nutritional needs. It's high time we cut through the
noise and got real about what our bodies truly need.
Now, consider the significance of this number: four grams. That is all your body
requires at any one time to operate optimally. The introduction of even one extra
gram of glucose into the system can have detrimental effects. This surplus causes
an excessive amount of glycation, a process where sugar molecules attach to
proteins, which our bodies struggle to manage. Over time, this buildup becomes
overwhelming, leading to severe health consequences.
It is this very mechanism that poses a grave threat to individuals with diabetes. The
inability to regulate glucose levels leads to an accumulation that the body cannot
cope with, ultimately resulting in life-threatening complications. It is imperative to
grasp the delicate balance of glucose in our bodies and the potential hazards of
exceeding this threshold.
176
The grim reality is that this seemingly insignificant extra gram of sugar can have
catastrophic consequences. It's the reason why some individuals end up with their
toes amputated, progressing to the loss of their feet, then portions of their legs,
followed by kidney failure, heart failure, and ultimately, a complete breakdown of
their health. This is no exaggeration; it's the harsh truth of what that extra gram of
sugar can do.
This additional sugar is toxic to our bodies. Our bodies recognize it as a toxin and
go into overdrive trying to eliminate it. This involves ramping up insulin
production and engaging in high-energy processes to swiftly remove the excess
sugar from the bloodstream and store it in fat cells. It's a startling revelation when
we consider how our bodies react to plant toxins and sugar in a similar fashion.
Despite this, there's a baffling discrepancy in how these substances are perceived.
Carbohydrates and sugar, in particular, have somehow been granted a pass in our
dietary norms. Instead of being recognized for the toxins they are, they've been
normalized to the point of being staples in many diets.
This normalization has had dire consequences. It's not an overstatement to say that
this acceptance of sugar as a harmless, everyday ingredient is a driving force
behind many of the chronic diseases plaguing society today. From diabetes to heart
disease, the fingerprints of sugar are all over the scene. Yet, despite the mounting
evidence of its harmful effects, sugar continues to be consumed in alarming
quantities, often hidden in plain sight in our foods and drinks. It's high time we
peeled back the veil of normalization and faced the bitter truth about sugar and its
impact on our health. This is a clear indication that these toxins are harmful; our
bodies are desperately trying to detoxify them and expel them. If something is truly
beneficial for us, our bodies would welcome it and retain it. The fact that our
177
bodies are fighting so hard to get rid of these substances is a clear sign that they are
not meant to be there.
The shocking truth is that our dietary requirement for exogenous (consumed
externally) carbohydrates is ZERO! That's right, I was misled into believing that
carbs are our primary energy source, like so many others, but in reality, they are a
highly inefficient form of fuel compared to fat. Consider how carbohydrates are the
macronutrient most easily over-consumed. For example, I could easily eat three
apples, eight oranges, and several bananas in one sitting when I was focusing on
eating "healthy" carbs. I could drink sugary drinks endlessly, consume a large loaf
of bread effortlessly, or finish an entire bag of chips without difficulty. This is a
common issue many people face, often finding it hard to control their intake of
carbs.
In contrast, it's much harder to overeat when it comes to animal proteins and fats.
The reason is that our bodies have evolved to recognize protein and fat as essential
food sources over hundreds of thousands of years. However, our bodies haven't had
the same evolutionary experience with carbohydrates. As a result, while carbs can
be addictive in taste, they don't provide the same sense of satiation as protein and
fat. Historically, we would only come across a small amount of berries or other
carb sources occasionally throughout the year. Therefore, while protein and fat are
recognized by our bodies as satiating, carbohydrates are not.
Let's break it down mathematically: when your body relies on carbs for energy, you
constantly need to replenish your carb supply for short bursts of energy, as carbs
provide only 4 calories per gram. In stark contrast, fat offers a whopping 9 calories
per gram, which is more than double the energy provided by carbs.
178
Once you adapt to using fat as your primary energy source, the need for frequent
meals every few hours vanishes. You can tap into the abundant fat reserves stored
in your body for sustained energy. It seems that our human design, which favors
storing fat over glycogen, is a clear indication that our bodies inherently
understand the superior energy potential of fat. It's rather absurd, then, that we've
been led to believe that carbs are the preferred fuel source.
It's like comparing an iPhone 5 to an iPhone 15. The iPhone 5, much like a carb-
dependent body, dies quickly and needs constant recharging every few hours. On
the other hand, the iPhone 15, akin to a fat-fueled body, charges in less than an
hour and lasts all day. So, if you're still operating like an iPhone 5, thinking that
bowl of white rice is giving you energy, it's time for an upgrade. In reality, you're
just limiting your energy potential and setting yourself up for a crash, only to find
yourself scrounging for more carbs. Meanwhile, you could be feeling great and
energized for a long stretch, running on your own body fat, which is, by design,
your natural state. Time to switch from the outdated carb model to the sleek,
efficient fat-burning model!
179
Gluconeogenesis is a fascinating biological process where your body turns non-
carbohydrate sources, like proteins and certain fats such as triglycerides, into
glucose. This means that even without consuming carbs, your body has the
remarkable ability to create its own carbohydrates from within. The main role of
this process is to prevent hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, ensuring that you
maintain stable blood sugar levels between meals and during fasting periods.
What's even more interesting is that nearly all of your body's cells can run on
ketones, which are the energy units produced when your body burns its own fat
due to a lack of carbohydrates. However, there are a few exceptions. Some cells in
your eyes and specific areas of your brain still require glucose to function properly
(which your body is perfectly able to create the exact amount needed) but the
majority of your brain cells and red blood cells are more than happy to use ketones
as their primary fuel source.
So, in essence, if your body ever needs carbohydrates, it has the incredible ability
to make its own from protein or certain fats, ensuring that you always have the
energy you need which is actually your PRIMARY metabolic rate that humans
were originally designed to run on.
This study titled “Gluconeogenesis and PEPCK are critical components of healthy
aging and dietary restriction life extension” says:
“High glucose diets are unhealthy, although the mechanisms by which elevated
glucose is harmful to whole animal physiology are not well understood. In
Caenorhabditis elegans, high glucose shortens lifespan, while chemically inflicted
glucose restriction promotes longevity. We investigated the impact of glucose
180
metabolism on aging quality (maintained locomotory capacity and median
lifespan) and found that, in addition to shortening lifespan, excess glucose
negatively impacts locomotory healthspan. Conversely, disrupting glucose
utilization by knockdown of glycolysis-specific genes results in large mid-age
physical improvements via a mechanism that requires the FOXO transcription
factor DAF-16. Adult locomotory capacity is extended by glycolysis disruption, but
maximum lifespan is not, indicating that limiting glycolysis can increase the
proportion of life spent in mobility health. We also considered the largely ignored
role of glucose biosynthesis (gluconeogenesis) in adult health. Directed
perturbations of gluconeogenic genes that specify single direction enzymatic
reactions for glucose synthesis decrease locomotory healthspan, suggesting that
gluconeogenesis is needed for healthy aging.”
In simple terms, this research is saying that diets high in glucose (sugar) are
unhealthy and can shorten lifespan and reduce the quality of life as we age.
Remember that ALL carbs turn into sugar in your body and that there’s no such
thing as healthy carbs. In the study on the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, it was
found that high glucose levels not only shorten lifespan but also negatively affect
the worm’s ability to move around (locomotory healthspan). On the other hand,
reducing glucose levels in the body by disrupting the process of glycolysis
(breaking down glucose for energy) leads to improvements in physical health in
mid-life. This improvement is linked to the activity of a specific protein called
DAF-16.
The study also looked at the process of gluconeogenesis, which is the body’s way
of making glucose. It was found that disrupting this process negatively affects the
worm’s ability to move around, suggesting that gluconeogenesis is important for
181
healthy aging. Increasing the activity of a key gene involved in gluconeogenesis,
called pck-2, leads to better health, and this effect also depends on the DAF-16
protein.
So, to sum it up, although you've been told that certain fruits are good for you, the
truth is they're not as great as you think. Thanks to all the genetic modifying
they've gone through to boost their sugar content and make them taste much
sweeter, they've turned into sugar bombs! Believe it or not, fruits didn't use to be
this sweet before human intervention; they pretty much tasted like vegetables. And
guess what? They all turn into the same sugar in your body, which speeds up aging,
fuels your carb addiction, and doesn't offer many benefits. So, if you do decide to
include carbs in your diet, just know that you're doing it for the pleasure, not for
health. It's like how some of us drink coffee, even though it's a stimulant drug, or
how some people smoke cigarettes. Fruits and carbs are in the same boat, except
they have a much stronger impact on your fat utilization abilities, leaving you
dependent on external carbohydrates for energy instead of being able to use your
own fat the way you're supposed to.
Gluconeogenesis Mechanics:
182
stored fat in the body. When triglycerides are broken down for energy, glycerol is
released and can be converted into glucose in the liver.
• Amino Acids: Certain amino acids, particularly alanine and
glutamine, can be used as substrates for gluconeogenesis. These amino acids can
be derived from the breakdown of proteins in the muscles and other tissues.
• Lactate: Lactate, produced during anaerobic metabolism (e.g., intense
exercise), can be transported to the liver and converted back into glucose through
gluconeogenesis.
• Process: In the liver (and to a lesser extent in the kidneys), the
glycerol and other precursors undergo a series of enzymatic reactions to produce
glucose. This newly synthesized glucose can then be released into the bloodstream
to be used as energy by various tissues, including the brain and muscles.
• Regulation: Gluconeogenesis is tightly regulated by hormonal
signals, primarily insulin and glucagon, in response to the body’s energy needs. For
example, during fasting or low carbohydrate intake, glucagon levels increase,
stimulating gluconeogenesis to ensure a continuous supply of glucose.
The idea of daily fruit consumption is nothing short of madness. For the vast
majority of our evolutionary history, spanning over five million years, neither
183
humans nor their ancestral species indulged in fruit on a daily basis. Even in the
lushness of the tropics, fruit was never an all-year-round, ever-present bounty.
The stark reality of our biological heritage is laid bare by the dramatic reduction of
visceral fat - the very fat entwined with NAFLD - through the practice of alternate
day fasting. This striking transformation is a clear signal: it is the rampant
consumption of sugar, masquerading in the guise of innocent fruit, that is the true
villain in this tale.
Fructose is considered an "obesogen" not merely because of its calorie content but
due to its unique metabolic pathway and its impact on the brain. While both
glucose and fructose contain calories, and glucose stimulates insulin release which
can drive weight gain, fructose poses a distinct set of challenges. Here's why
fructose is more concerning than glucose when it comes to obesity and metabolic
diseases like diabetes.
Fructose is metabolized in the liver, which means that when you consume a
fructose-rich beverage, like a 20-ounce Coke, all of that fructose heads straight to
184
the liver. In contrast, glucose can be utilized by various organs throughout the
body. So, gram for gram, fructose puts more stress on the liver than glucose does,
as it's the primary organ responsible for processing fructose, thanks to the presence
of the GLUT5 transporter, which is specific to fructose.
Every liver stores some glycogen, and athletes like marathon runners often have
higher levels because they consume high-carbohydrate foods like pasta to
specifically boost their liver glycogen stores. This is a desirable place to store
excess energy because glycogen, for lack of a better term, is non-toxic.
However, the story is different for fructose. There is no direct pathway for fructose
to be converted into glycogen. Instead, fructose is metabolized through a different
pathway, leading it down to the mitochondria through the glycolytic pathway.
185
speed of the cycle is to have more mitochondria. This is one reason why exercise is
beneficial, as it leads to the production of more mitochondria, enhancing the body's
capacity to metabolize energy substrates. So while exercise is undoubtedly good,
it's important to note that an excessive intake of fructose can still overload the
mitochondrial capacity, leading to metabolic issues.
A mitochondrion has its limits. It's not like you can just push it to work harder or
faster beyond its capacity. When you overwhelm a mitochondrion with an
excessive load, such as too much acetyl-CoA from fructose metabolism, it can't
handle it efficiently. As a result, the mitochondrion ends up sending out a
compound called citrate through a process known as the citrate shuttle.
Once citrate leaves the mitochondrion and enters the cytosol of the cell, the cell
needs to deal with this excess citrate. What happens next is that the cell takes the
citrate and converts it into another acetyl-CoA to form malonyl-CoA. The cell then
starts adding two-carbon fragments onto that malonyl-CoA, building it from a two-
carbon string to a 16-carbon string, which we call palmitate. The liver primarily
produces palmitate through a process known as de novo lipogenesis, which
literally means "new fat making." This is the pathway through which your liver
converts sugar, particularly fructose, into fat in the form of palmitate.
186
causing an increase in serum triglycerides due to the excessive consumption of
sugar.
Once in the bloodstream, the VLDL can contribute to obesity, as insulin can act on
the VLDL to deposit it in the peripheral subcutaneous tissue, leading to the growth
of fat stores. If VLDL unloads in the arterial wall, it can contribute to
cardiovascular disease. However, not all of the triglyceride is successfully
packaged and exported. Some of it remains within the liver, leading to the
formation of lipid droplets and, ultimately, fatty liver disease.
When fatty liver disease develops, insulin signaling in the liver cells becomes
impaired. This condition is known as liver insulin resistance. As a result, the
pancreas is forced to produce more insulin to compensate and ensure that the liver
performs its functions properly. However, this overproduction of insulin has its
own negative side effects. Insulin is a mitogenic factor, meaning it is a growth
factor that can promote Vascular smooth muscle growth and glandular growth,
which can lead to cancer. Consequently, excessive insulin production increases the
risk of coronary vascular disease and cancer, making it a primary driver of chronic
metabolic diseases. Furthermore, the excessive demand placed on the pancreatic
beta cells to produce insulin can lead to their eventual burnout, resulting in type 2
diabetes. But that's just one aspect of the problem; there are three key issues to
consider when examining the impact of fructose on metabolic health.
187
those that present inaccurate information about human physiology. As an expert in
epidemiology, Professor Bart Kay is also a proponent of a carnivorous diet,
supported by a mountain of evidence that underpins his reasoning for this dietary
choice. His accomplishments and qualifications make him a highly respected
figure in the scientific community. In an interview, Professor Bart Kay shared
insights that can be considered as golden knowledge in the field of human
physiology and nutrition.
The human body has been shaped by millions of years of evolutionary forces, both
positive and negative, which have refined our traits to enhance our survival while
eliminating those that are energetically wasteful. Over time, those characteristics
that improve our ability to thrive in our environment are naturally selected and
become more prevalent in the population. This evolutionary process ensures that
we are continually evolving to meet the challenges of our surroundings, enhancing
our overall survival rates. This natural design has tailored human beings, like all
other species on the planet, to have a diet specific to our needs. Whether it's the
dietary habits of cats and dogs, the unique feeding patterns of platypuses, or the
grazing of sheep, cows, and bison, every creature, regardless of sex, adheres to a
diet that is intrinsic to its species.
However, we are the only animal that we’re aware of, that stops to deliberate over
what to eat and manufacturing our own food. This is in stark contrast to every other
animal that instinctively consumes its appropriate diet nature intended for them
because it’s hard wired in their brain (kind of like how the colors red and yellow
stimulate hunger in humans because red fatty meat is hard wired for consumption
by us).
188
While we have advancements in language, technology, and society, our diet is
largely based on inventions of our own making, and it’s the furthest thing from
from the natural design possible. This deviation from nature's design is perhaps the
most extreme among all species on Earth.
The natural dietary blueprint for humans is consuming muscle meat, along with the
fat that naturally accompanies it. Muscle meat is a crucial component of our diet,
providing essential nutrients and energy for optimal health. While organ meats are
packed with nutrients, they are not indispensable and can be potentially harmful
due to their toxicity, as indicated by the unpleasant metallic taste they often leave
in our mouths.
It's downright astonishing, but our natural dietary blueprint is heavily skewed
towards large ruminant animals, with a whopping 80% of our diet ideally
consisting of beef, while the remaining 20% is made up of other animals like
chickens, fish, etc. This balance is what our bodies are designed for, offering us the
best shot at optimal health from a nutritional standpoint.
But here's the shocker: even the slightest bit of plant material can wreak havoc on
this finely-tuned system. And when it comes to fructose, the sugar found in fruit,
189
the story takes an even more surprising turn. For millions of years, our species has
been a self-sustaining sugar factory, producing all the carbohydrates and sugars we
need to survive. We require a specific amount of glucose in our bloodstream for
survival, and only a minimal amount of fructose, which we can obtain from various
meat tissues. The body is capable of synthesizing these sugars from non-sugar
precursors, highlighting just how little external fructose we actually need. This
revelation underscores the critical importance of adhering to our natural dietary
design for maintaining optimal health.
Whenever you introduce extra sugar into your diet, it inevitably leads to a spike in
your blood sugar levels, every single time. This is because our bodies are not
engineered to handle sugar consumption, especially not repeatedly throughout the
day, every day of the year. Sugar inflicts direct harm on our tissues, causing
physical damage. It binds to proteins and fat molecules in a process known as
glycation, where sugar attaches to the structure of proteins or fats, chemically
altering them and causing damage.
Let me repeat that, sugar will alter in change your cell structure and your DNA.
This is the reason that individuals that are overweight and over-consume sugar end
up having distorted faces and weirdly shaped bodies. I noticed myself that
whenever I consumed an excess amount of sugar, my face would start distorting,
not just from inflammation, but my features would look unproportionate and ugly,
and I could see the difference for myself.
190
We need to grasp a critical point
that Paul Saladino overlooked:
fructose is a silent assailant,
inflicting seven to ten times
more immediate damage to our
tissues than glucose. The perils
of elevated blood glucose are
widely acknowledged; it's an
undisputed fact that it wreaks
havoc on our bodies. But here's
the terrifying truth: an increase
in fructose levels is seven to ten times more catastrophic. When you recklessly
consume hundreds of grams of sugar through fruits and honey, indulging in these
unnecessary and harmful carbohydrates, you're essentially poisoning yourself.
Think about it: why does your body go into overdrive, pumping out insulin to
restore your sugar levels to a safe equilibrium? It's a desperate attempt to detoxify
and shield you from the self-inflicted harm. Beware, the sweet temptation is a
treacherous trap!
For the vast majority of human existence on this planet, most of the planet has
been frozen over and covered by sheets of ice miles thick. There’s been very very
little vegetative plant material available to humans from which we can gain any
nutrition at all for many many hundreds of thousands of years.
The process of positive and negative selection has intricately shaped our bodies,
organ systems, and metabolic pathways to be perfectly suited for the consumption
191
of muscle meat and the accompanying fat from large ruminant animals.
Interestingly, it appears that 98% of animal species on Earth are edible for humans,
while 98% of plant species are inedible and, in fact, potentially poisonous and
lethal. A significant number of these plants contain anti-nutrients, toxins, and
defense chemicals specifically designed to deter animals from consuming them,
posing overt and problematic toxic threats to our health.
It's a shocking revelation to discover that even the seemingly harmless plants,
those that aren't outright deadly, have been dramatically transformed by centuries
of selective breeding and farming by humans. They've been so altered from their
original state that they're practically unrecognizable! You might already be familiar
with the term GMOs, short for genetically modified organisms, and the advice to
opt for GMO-free foods. Let me explain why they can be problematic and why you
should steer clear of them, especially considering that a significant portion of the
produce you consume is likely genetically modified. The following insights from
the Center for Food Safety.org shed some light on the issue:
“We need to sound the alarm on the potentially hazardous impacts of genetic
engineering, a technology that transcends the boundaries of traditional breeding.
Imagine "fishberries" – a concept as absurd as it sounds, made possible through
genetic engineering, allowing for the creation of such unnatural organisms and
their release into our environment. Despite warnings from FDA scientists about the
unique risks posed by genetic engineering, the FDA continues to downplay these
concerns.
Alarmingly, the 170 million acres of genetically engineered (GE) crops grown in
the U.S. offer little to no benefit to consumers; their primary purpose is to line the
192
pockets of biotech companies. These GE crops, including corn, soy, sugar beets,
and cotton, are designed to withstand increased pesticide use or produce their own
pesticides, leading to a surge in herbicide usage. Monsanto's Roundup-Ready
crops, for example, have led to a two to fivefold increase in herbicide use
compared to non-GE farming methods.
The repercussions of GE crops extend beyond just increased chemical use; they
pose a grave threat to sustainable agriculture. The natural pesticides used by
organic farmers are at risk of becoming ineffective as insects develop resistance
due to exposure to GE crops. This could leave farmers with no choice but to resort
to even more toxic chemicals to combat these "superbugs."
Shockingly, neither the FDA, USDA, nor EPA has conducted any long-term studies
on the human health or environmental impacts of GE foods and crops. The biotech
industry operates on an honor system, with minimal requirements to prove the
safety of their technology. There are concerns about GE foods introducing new
allergens, increasing plant toxin levels, and accelerating the spread of antibiotic-
resistant diseases.
It's a disturbing reality that no long-term studies have confirmed the safety of GE
foods and crops, yet our environment and families are being used as experimental
subjects. Doctors worldwide have raised concerns about potential health
consequences that may emerge over time. Laboratory and field evidence already
indicates that GE crops can harm beneficial insects, damage soils, and lead to the
contamination of neighboring crops, creating a potential nightmare scenario of
uncontrollable weeds. The lack of regulatory oversight and the absence of
193
comprehensive safety assessments make the widespread adoption of GE crops a
cautionary tale that we cannot afford to ignore.”
Take fruits, for example – what we enjoy today is nothing short of a human
invention, a far cry from their wild counterparts. And yet, these modern fruits are
laden with sugar, posing a hidden threat to our health in the long run.
But the surprises don't stop there – many of the plants we consume today are still
teeming with toxins like oxalates, phytates, tannins, deadly nightshades, lectins,
and more. It's a startling reminder that the plant world is not as benign as it may
seem, and that our modern diet is fraught with potential dangers lurking in every
bite.
It's shocking to realize just how little fruit was available to our ancestors! Humans
have demonstrated incredible adaptability and resilience, surviving for hundreds of
thousands of years, even when hunting was unsuccessful. But when it comes to
fruit, there were only a few precious weeks each year when we could indulge in
wild berries and other natural treats, which were nothing like the abundant, modern
berries we have today. These fleeting moments of fruity delight were short-lived,
and then, just like that, they were gone until the next year, leaving us no choice but
to return to the hunt for sustenance. This is a reminder of how different our dietary
intake of fruit was originally before metabolic disorders seem to plaque so many
people today.
194
they can find, which might seem meager but are crucial for their survival. These
plants are not just food; they serve a more important purpose. They are used to
cultivate bacteria in the animals' digestive systems, and it's these bacteria that
provide the majority of their nutrition.
Even in modern times, this misunderstanding persists about cows. Many people
believe that cows get their nutrition directly from eating grass, but that's not
entirely accurate. In reality, cows chew up grass primarily to feed the bacteria in
the first three of their stomachs. It's in the fourth stomach where the magic
happens: the bacteria are doused with acid, and it's these bacteria that the cow
absorbs for nutrition. It's a fascinating and complex process that highlights the
incredible adaptability of these animals to their environments.
It's quite astonishing, but cows actually live on bacteria, not grass. The grass they
consume is merely a vehicle to nurture the bacteria in their digestive systems. After
being chewed up, the grass is expelled out the back end, providing minimal
nutritional value to the cows themselves. It's a common misconception that cows
derive their nutrients directly from grass.
This process has been crucial for humans as well. We've historically taken
advantage of the fact that these animals convert the protein from grass into a form
that's usable for us: meat. This was the natural design for human consumption.
Unlike cows, humans are not equipped to eat plants as a primary food source. Our
digestive systems lack the fermentative gut system needed to break down plant
material effectively. We don't have a four-chambered stomach or a functioning
cecum, and the bacteria in our colon can only break down a very small amount of
195
fiber, providing us with a minimal amount of short-chain fatty acids. It's clear that
our bodies were not designed to thrive on a plant-based diet.
Most of the fiber we eat just goes in one end and out the other, almost immediately
followed by lots of awful smelling farting. It's like our bodies are saying, "Nope,
not today, fiber!" What little we do get from plants is a smidge of carbohydrates in
the form of starch or sugar, maybe a couple of those fancy-sounding
phytonutrients, which, as it turns out, might not even be necessary for us. And let's
not forget the generous serving of toxins, pro-inflammatory nasties, and gut-
wrenching chronic inflammation. All because we've got a bit of an ego problem,
thinking we're smarter than nature, believing we can whip up foods in a lab that are
somehow better for us than what nature has laid out on its grand buffet: the muscle
meat and fat of animals. It's like we're culinary rebels without a clue, turning our
backs on nature's feast for a plate of indigestible roughage.
Secondly, these antioxidants can also function as anti-nutrients. This means they
are capable of binding to nutrients within the plant, making them less available or
inaccessible to animals that consume the plant. This mechanism is a strategic way
for the plant to deter herbivores and protect its vital resources, ensuring that
animals cannot easily extract and benefit from the nutrients the plant contains.
196
Before the advent of modern
technology, the agrarian
revolution, and the Industrial
Revolution, human beings
lived in a much more
grounded way. We were in
direct contact with nature,
walking barefoot on the
ground, sleeping on the earth,
and being electrically
connected to the planet. This
connection to the earth was
normal and natural for our
bodies, which evolved over hundreds of thousands and even millions of years to
thrive in this way.
197
In the last couple of hundred years, our lives have undergone a drastic
transformation, leading to a complete disconnection from the planet. Historically,
the natural antioxidant activity in animals, including humans, was facilitated by
direct contact with the ground. Oxidation is a process where electrons are removed
from structures like proteins, and free radicals can steal electrons, causing damage
to proteins, cell organelles, membranes, and tissues. This results in oxidation,
where the substance is left with one less electron than before, leading to chemical
changes and damage.
198
production of antioxidants are the primary means of maintaining antioxidant
balance.
Insulin
Let's delve into the topic of insulin and its relationship with carbohydrates. Again,
remember that ALL carbs and sugars turn into glucose in your body so there are no
“good/bad” carbs. You may be familiar with the term "insulin resistance," a
condition that has become increasingly prevalent in recent times. However, there
seems to be a lack of understanding regarding its true causes and how to effectively
treat it. Many people believe that insulin resistance is a condition that simply arises
spontaneously, attributing it to genetic predisposition. It's time to uncover some
truths and dispel common misconceptions surrounding this issue.
In an intriguing study, a substance with a sweet taste was introduced into the mouth
of a cycling athlete, who then swished it around and spat it out. This solution
contained no carbohydrates; it was sweetened with a non-caloric artificial
sweetener. The mere perception of sweetness triggered a response in the athletes'
brains, leading to the release of insulin in anticipation of the expected glucose
influx. This phenomenon is known as the cephalic phase insulin response.
199
no sugar, carbs, or calories, the athletes' insulin levels still increased in anticipation
of sugar intake.
Imagine you're out in the wild, exploring, and you stumble upon some delicious,
sweet berries. Your mouth waters, and guess what? Your body is already one step
ahead! It's like your body is throwing a mini-party, sending out invitations in the
form of insulin, getting ready for the sugar rush that's about to come. This is all
thanks to the cephalic phase insulin response.
Your body has this mechanism, kind of like a secret handshake, where insulin acts
as the key to open up your cells. It's like telling your cells, "Hey, make room, we've
got some glucose coming in!" This is where the GLUT4 transporter comes into
play, acting like a VIP escort for glucose, guiding it from the bloodstream into the
cells. The level of glucose in your bloodstream is meticulously regulated by your
body, and it goes into high alert whenever external sources of glucose enter the
system. In response, your body shifts its focus and works diligently to produce
insulin, which helps clear the glucose from your bloodstream and transport it into
your cells for use or storage.
When a cell already has sufficient energy stored within its cytoplasm, introducing a
high concentration of glucose can lead to detrimental effects. Excess glucose
within a cell can disrupt lipid rafts, damage cellular organelles, bind to DNA
causing mutations, and at extreme levels, it can even be lethal to the cell. Glucose,
despite being essential for life at physiological levels, becomes toxic and harmful
when present in excess.
200
The human body is equipped with mechanisms to maintain blood glucose levels
within a narrow, optimal range. One such process is gluconeogenesis, where the
body synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, ensuring that blood
glucose levels remain balanced without the need for dietary carbohydrates. In fact,
the dietary requirement for carbohydrates in humans is essentially zero.
When you consume carbohydrates, they are quickly absorbed into your
bloodstream, leading to an increase in blood glucose levels. In response, your body
releases insulin to facilitate the transfer of glucose from the blood into your cells.
Under normal conditions, between meals, your bloodstream should contain only
about a teaspoon of sugar. However, after consuming a meal rich in carbohydrates,
the concentration of glucose in your blood can significantly exceed this amount.
Your cells, especially muscle and heart cells, have a limited capacity for storing
glucose. When they become saturated with glucose, a metabolic process known as
the Randle cycle is activated. This cycle plays a crucial role in managing the
excess glucose and maintaining energy balance within the cells.
An overload of glucose inside your vital cells can disrupt their normal functioning
and lead to various metabolic issues. Excessive glucose can be detrimental not only
to your liver cells but also to other vital cells in your body. High levels of glucose
in the bloodstream can cause damage to red blood cells through a process known
201
as glycation. This damage is quantified by a measure called Hemoglobin A1C
(HbA1C), which reflects the extent of glucose-related damage to red blood cells.
Furthermore, glucose can harm the epithelial cells lining your blood vessels,
leading to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
This, in turn, can trigger chronic systemic inflammation and increase the risk of
developing type 2 diabetes, which may eventually progress towards type 1
diabetes. It can also lead to autoimmune dysfunction and a host of other health
issues.
However, when faced with an excess of glucose, the body prioritizes protecting
certain cells over others. Muscle cells and heart cells, which are more difficult to
replace, are spared at the expense of red blood cells and epithelial cells, which can
regenerate more quickly. This is a protective mechanism to minimize long-term
damage, but it underscores the importance of maintaining balanced blood glucose
levels to prevent harm to various cell types and avoid a cascade of health problems.
When it comes to protecting vital cells like those in the liver and heart, the body
employs a clever mechanism known as the Randle cycle. Here's an analogy to help
illustrate how it works: Imagine an old-fashioned lock with a long, forged key that
has a distinct shape at one end and a ring at the other. To unlock it, you have to
insert the key and turn it. Now, picture a lock with keyholes on both sides.
The Randle cycle functions like placing a key on the inside of such a lock and
turning it halfway. This action prevents anyone from inserting a key from the
outside to unlock the door, thereby blocking additional sugars from entering the
cell. When a cell is already full of energy and doesn't require more sugar, this
202
internal safeguard is activated. It effectively turns off the GLUT4 transporter,
preventing further glucose from entering the cell and causing damage.
This protective measure prioritizes the preservation of more critical cells, such as
muscle and heart cells, at the expense of more expendable ones like red and white
blood cells. These "sacrificial lambs" can be replaced more easily, allowing the
body to maintain overall health and function despite the presence of excess glucose
in the bloodstream.
Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Type 1.5 diabetes (also known as Latent
Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults or LADA), and Type 3 diabetes (a term
sometimes used to refer to Alzheimer’s disease as a form of diabetes affecting the
brain) are all modern health concerns. While the underlying causes of these
conditions vary—ranging from insulin dependence to insulin resistance—the
common thread among them is the same pathological phenomenon: elevated blood
glucose levels, not necessarily elevated insulin levels.
Many of the health conditions that people encounter come with complex-sounding
labels. Take "insulin resistance," for example. Despite its name, the real culprit isn't
insulin itself. Instead, the root of the problem lies in elevated glucose levels, which
stem from consuming more carbohydrates than one's body can handle. As a result,
the body struggles to produce enough insulin to effectively clear the excess sugar
from the bloodstream and shuttle it into the cells for storage. It's a classic case of a
misleading name diverting attention from the true issue at hand.
203
in "unlocking" the cell, regardless of how much insulin is produced. This
protective response is a natural and normal part of the body's defense system.
However, the medical establishment has labeled this phenomenon as "insulin
resistance," viewing it as a pathological condition that needs to be remedied.
It's maddening to see people hang on every word of a so-called "nutrition expert"
or "registered dietitian" who tells them it's okay to indulge in cookies and brownies
daily, as long as it's in moderation. It's a farce! They cling to this advice like a
204
lifeline, using it to justify and feel less guilty about the harm they're doing to their
bodies. What a complete and utter joke! If managing sugar intake in moderation
were truly that simple, we wouldn't be facing a national health crisis where 70% of
Americans are overweight, nearly a third are on the brink of diabetes, and a slew of
other prevalent health issues are directly linked to excessive consumption of carbs
and sugar. It's a disgrace, and it's high time we stop sugarcoating the truth about
sugar.
Some people defend their sugar consumption with anecdotal evidence, claiming
that some individuals consume vast amounts and appear to be just fine. It's as
absurd as pointing to centenarians who smoke and drink daily as examples of
healthy living. The truth is, sugar and carbs, which are converted into sugar in our
bodies, are like a dose of micro poison every time we ingest them. This is not mere
speculation; it's a scientific fact known as glycation. It's time we stop deluding
ourselves and recognize the real damage sugar is doing to our bodies. It's a serious
issue, and it's about time we start treating it as such.
I'm genuinely shocked by the universal revelation many people have when they cut
carbs from their diet or switch to a carnivore lifestyle. They often encounter
someone they haven't seen in a while, who can't stop raving about how much
younger and more youthful their skin appears compared to just a few years ago,
especially for those in middle age. The critical factor behind this premature skin
aging is something known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
But hold on, skin aging is just the tip of the iceberg! As we all know, sugar is a
culprit behind a myriad of health issues. However, we're focusing on the most
visible and striking change that people notice when they ditch sugar from their
205
diet. Just to give you a taste of the havoc sugar wreaks, let's touch on a few of its
damaging effects. Indeed, the damaging effects of sugar extend far beyond what
many realize:
1. Sugar in your eyes is glaucoma: Excessive sugar intake can lead to increased eye
pressure, contributing to the development of glaucoma, a condition that can result
in vision loss.
2. Sugar in your blood is diabetes: High levels of sugar in the bloodstream are a
hallmark of diabetes, a chronic condition that can lead to serious health
complications if not managed properly.
3. Sugar in your body is cancer: Research suggests that high sugar consumption
can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, as it can fuel the growth of cancer
cells.
4. Sugar in your brain is Alzheimer's and dementia: Excessive sugar intake has
been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of
dementia, possibly due to its effects on brain inflammation and insulin resistance.
6. Sugar in your liver is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Consuming too
much sugar, especially fructose (fruit sugar), can lead to a buildup of fat in the
liver, potentially progressing to liver inflammation and scarring. This is something
206
that old alcoholic and then used to experience, but now it is one of the most
common diseases among children. Isn’t it a weird coincidence how children are
also the ones eating, the sugariest cereals, sugary juices, white bread, breaded,
chicken nuggets, etc.
9. Sugar in your mood is depression and anxiety: Studies have found a link
between high sugar diets and an increased risk of depression and anxiety, possibly
due to the impact of sugar on brain chemistry and inflammation. Your gut is your
second brain, if you’re destroying your gut with sugar, then you will become
unhappy.
207
10. Sugar in your energy levels is fatigue: While sugar may provide a temporary
energy boost, it can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, resulting in energy
crashes and feelings of fatigue.
11. Sugar in your immune system is suppression: High sugar intake can weaken the
immune system, making it less effective at fighting off infections and diseases.
12. Sugar in your hormones is imbalance: Sugar can disrupt the balance of
hormones in the body, leading to issues such as insulin resistance, leptin resistance,
PCOS, and imbalances in reproductive hormones.
13. Sugar in your gut is dysbiosis: Excessive sugar consumption can negatively
affect the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive issues and a weakened
gut barrier.
14. Sugar in your blood vessels is hypertension: Consuming too much sugar can
lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Like I mentioned before, you can replace the word sugar with carbohydrates,
because essentially, all carbohydrates turn into the same glucose in our body, with
the exception of fructose, which is directly metabolized by our liver and turned
into fat. It kinds seems as if we're being served foods that just don't mesh with our
physiology, leading to a plethora of health problems that are rampant globally. Red
meat often gets the blame for these issues, but it's usually the processed red meat
208
that's problematic, especially when it's accompanied by a hefty serving of carbs.
Why isn’t the side of coke taking the blame? Or the enriched white flour bun? Or
the high fructose corn syrup seed oil dressing on the inside? Or the seed oil
drenched fries? Funny how most people's idea of a healthy version of that meal is
ordering a veggie burger instead.
The big food and pharmaceutical industries are well aware of this, so they churn
out a slew of misleading studies to point the finger at meat, hoping you'll overlook
the real offenders: the sugary sodas, the fatty fries, and those carb-heavy
hamburger buns. It's a complete farce, and it's about time we see through their
deceptive tactics!
Alright, let's delve deeper into this infuriating issue of skin glycation. What on
earth is glycation, you might wonder? It's this nasty process where sugar molecules
have the audacity to attach themselves to proteins, wreaking havoc on their
functionality. And guess what? The most abundant protein in your skin is collagen,
the very thing that keeps your skin tight, elastic, and youthful. That's precisely why
every skincare enthusiast won't shut up about how vital collagen is.
When you indulge in sugar, your blood sugar levels skyrocket, and this, in turn,
increases the likelihood of your collagen getting glycated all over your body. This
is not just a minor inconvenience; when sugar latches onto collagen, it distorts the
collagen molecule, making it resemble lumpy cellulite. It loses its springiness, and
as a result, your skin starts looking older and less vibrant.
Now if you compare that to animal products, these are packed with collagen,
providing your body with more of this essential protein to keep your skin as
209
healthy and supple as possible. It even offers built-in sunscreen to protect you from
sunburn. If you apply a bit of logic, this should be a glaring sign of our carnivorous
nature and the dangers of consuming anything else that is not an animal product.
Let's dive into the three basic sugars that are at the heart of this mess: glucose,
fructose, and galactose. Now, glucose is the sugar that our bodies prefer to burn for
energy, if we're using sugar as fuel. And guess what? We produce this glucose from
the protein in the meat and animal products we consume, through a process called
gluconeogenesis, among other pathways. We're essentially burning glycogen to
create glucose. So, when our cells are in need of glucose, our bodies are equipped
to make it. Despite our bodies' natural ability to produce glucose as needed, we're
bombarded with foods loaded with excess sugars, which can wreak havoc on our
health.
You might have come across the claim that humans need to consume 130 grams of
carbohydrates daily to nourish our bodies, brains, and skin. However, this is a
complete myth and not true at all. Throughout history, many groups of people
around the world, particularly those living in colder climates where carbohydrates
were not readily available, have thrived without consuming any carbs. They
maintained robust health and did not suffer from the numerous health issues that
plague many people today. This is largely thanks to processes like
gluconeogenesis, which enable the body to produce the precise amount of glucose
needed.
The second sugar we need to talk about is fructose, which primarily comes from
fruit. Here's the shocking part: fructose is actually more glycating than glucose! It's
210
a crucial point that doesn't get nearly enough attention, especially if you're trying to
rejuvenate your skin by following a healthier diet.
Then there's the third sugar, galactose, a basic sugar found in milk. When you opt
for skim milk or low-fat milk, you're actually consuming a lot of lactose, which
ultimately breaks down into glucose and galactose. And here's the kicker: galactose
is also much more glycating of your collagen than glucose. So, while you might
think you're making a healthier choice, you could be inadvertently contributing to
the aging of your skin. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but it's vital to be aware of these
hidden pitfalls in our diet.
You might be thinking, “Hold on a second, fructose is in fruit, and I’ve read
countless articles in magazines claiming that eating more fruit leads to younger-
looking skin. So, obviously, that can’t be right.” Well, let me let you in on a little
secret: dermatological researchers who study skin aging are well aware of the
effects of fructose on the skin.
211
To achieve younger-looking skin and slow down the skin aging process, it's crucial
to start with your diet. Make sure you’re eating that collagen rich food which is
ONLY EXCLUSIVELY found in animal products. Your skin is essentially a
reflection of what you eat. Skin cells are constantly being replaced, with different
types of skin cells turning over at various rates—some as quickly as every month
and others every three months. This means that every three months, you've
essentially created an entirely new set of skin cells. By nourishing your body with
the right nutrients, you can directly impact the health and appearance of your skin.
If you're consuming the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones, your skin is
likely to appear younger than it did three months ago. On the other hand, if you're
indulging in the wrong foods and harmful habits, your skin may actually age faster.
The challenge, however, is that we're often misled about what constitutes a healthy
diet for our skin.
Many people, in their quest for younger skin, switch from eating donuts and
drinking soda to consuming skim milk, fruits and vegetables, and fruit smoothies,
believing this to be a healthier choice for their skin. The issue is that this "new
healthy diet" might actually be higher in fructose and galactose, which can lead to
an increase in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and, consequently,
accelerated skin aging.
As a result, they may not see any improvement in their skin, leading to frustration
and a return to their old, unhealthy dietary habits. It's a vicious cycle that
underscores the importance of understanding the impact of specific nutrients on
skin health.
212
The Worst Enemy of a Lean Body
Insulin resistance makes losing weight incredibly difficult and is a risk factor for
heart disease and diabetes. It is not something you want, and you can do something
about it. Here's how insulin resistance develops: the muscle cells don't want to
accept any more sugar (this is especially true if you have been living a sedentary
life). They say, "Sorry, pal, we're full, we don't need any more, we gave at the
office, see ya." Muscle cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. But the fat
cells are still listening to insulin's song. They hear it knocking on their doors, and
they say, "Come on in, the water's fine!" The fat cells fill up and you begin to put
on weight.
Meanwhile, back in the bloodstream, those little packages called VLDLs that we
talked about earlier are carrying triglycerides around trying to dump them. After
the VLDL molecules drop off their triglyceride passengers to the tissues and the
ever-expanding fat cells, most of them turn into
LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Now you're overweight, with high triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, and
definitely high levels of insulin, which the pancreas keeps valiantly pumping out in
order to get that sugar out of the bloodstream. From here, two scenarios are
possible, neither of them good.
In one scenario, your hardworking pancreas will somehow be able to keep up with
the workload and keep your blood sugar from getting high enough for you to be
classified as diabetic. But you will be paying the price for that with high levels of
213
insulin and the increased risk factors for heart disease that go with them. In the
other scenario, your poor pancreas will eventually become exhausted--even its
most valiant efforts to shoot enough. insulin into the system won't be adequate for
the job. The sugar will run out of places to go, so it will stay in the blood and your
blood sugar levels will rise. Now you'll have elevated insulin and elevated blood
sugar, plus, of course, high triglycerides and abdominal obesity. If your blood
sugar continues to rise even more, beyond the capacity of your insulin to reduce it,
you'll eventually have full-blown type 2 diabetes. Welcome to fast-food nation.
One of the ways insulin interferes with fat burning is by inhibiting car-nitine, an
amino acid-like compound in the body that is responsible for escorting fatty acids
into the little central processing units of the muscle cells, where those fats can be
burned for energy. By inhibiting carnitine, insulin inhibits fat-burning. That's one
reason you shouldn't eat a big meal before going to bed--the resulting high levels
of insulin virtually ensure that your body will not be breaking down fat as you
sleep, but instead will be busy storing whatever is around in the bloodstream. (A
side note: many years ago, an American health magazine decided to do a weight-
loss story on sumo wrestlers. The writers reasoned that the wrestlers knew
everything there was to know about putting on weight, so if we could just learn
214
what it was they did, we'd know what not to do if we wanted to slim down. One of
the major rituals of the sumo wrestlers was eating a huge meal and then going right
to bed.)
So on a high-carbohydrate diet, you've got all this sugar coming into your system--
because all carbs eventually break down into sugar--and your liver can basically do
one of three things with it:
Remember, as far as your body is concerned, the most important thing is to prevent
blood sugar from getting too high. Your insulin may very well be able to keep your
blood sugar in the normal range, but the high level of insulin needed to do the job
plus the high levels of triglycerides and VLDLs being created at the same time--are
silently laying the foundation for future damage: you are slowly on your way to
becoming overweight and/or insulin-resistant.
215
The slippery nature of proteins lets them slide around easily in the cells and do
their jobs effectively.
But when excess sugar keeps bumping into proteins, the sugar eventually gums of
the works and gets stuck to the protein molecules. Such proteins are now said to
have become glycated. The glycated proteins are too big and sticky to get through
small blood vessels and capillaries, including the small vessels in the kidneys, eyes
and feet, which is why so many diabetics are at risk for kidney disease, vision
problems, and amputations of toes, feet, and even legs. The sugarcoated proteins
become toxic, make the cell machinery run less efficiently, damage the body, and
exhaust the immune system. Scientists gave these sticky proteins the acronym
AGES which stands for advanced glycolated end-products-partially because these
proteins are so involved in aging the body.
For another thing, high blood sugar is also a risk factor for cancer-cancer cells
consume more glucose than normal cells do. Researchers at Harvard Medical
School suggested in the early 1990s that high levels of a sugar called galactose,
which is released by the digestion of lactose in milk, might damage the ovaries and
even lead to ovarian cancer. While further study is necessary to definitively
establish this link, Walter Willett, MD-chairman of the Department of Nutrition at
the Harvard School of Public Health and one of the most respected researchers in
the world-says, I believe that a positive link between galactose and ovarian cancer
shows up too many times to ignore the possibility that it may be harmful."
Sugar depresses the immune system. It makes the blood acidic, and certain white
blood cells (lymphocytes) that are part of our immune system don't work as well in
an acidic environment.
216
A blood-sugar level of 120 reduces the phagocytic index (a measure of how well
immune-system cells gobble up bacteria) by 75%. Since refined sugar comes with
no nutrients of its own, it uses up certain mineral reserves of the body that are
needed w metabolize it, which in turn throws off mineral balances and results in
nutrient depletions. (This is why the vitamin c in meat is sufficient on carnivore)
One of the minerals that refined sugar depletes chromium, which is needed for
insulin to do its job effectively. Since minerals are needed for dozens of metabolic
operations, these mineral deficiencies can wind up slowing down your metabolism
and creating havoc with your energy level. Finally, sugar reduces HDL, adding yet
another risk factor for heart disease on its resume. Is it any wonder that people
drastically improve their health when switch to a diet lower in sugar?
Bart Kay is a respected nutrition and health expert, known for his deep
understanding of biochemistry and human physiology. He has a talent for
explaining complex concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging. In his
upcoming discussion, Bart will delve into the intricacies of the Randle cycle, a key
process in our body’s energy management. He will explain how this cycle impacts
the way our bodies utilize fats and carbohydrates, and why it’s important to
consider this in our dietary choices.
Alright, let's get down to business with the Randle cycle. I've got to tell you, if you
haven't come across this before, you're in for the most crucial biochemistry lesson
217
of your life. So, straighten up, eyes forward, and cut the paper dart shenanigans at
the back. This is something you need to get a grip on.
The Randle cycle, also known as the glucose-fatty acid cycle, is a biochemical
process that describes how the body's cells manage the intake and utilization of
energy substrates, specifically fat and sugar (glucose). When a cell is full of fat, it
inhibits the entry and utilization of both fat and sugar as energy sources. Similarly,
when a cell is loaded with sugar, it restricts the uptake of both fat and sugar. This
mutual inhibition ensures that the body efficiently uses one energy source at a time.
Mixing fat and carbs in your diet can be a bad idea because it can lead to the over-
activation of the Randle cycle. When both fat and sugar are present in high
amounts, the body struggles to efficiently use either as an energy source. Basically,
most of the things you eat just get stored of fat without providing you with energy,
it becomes utterly useless. This can lead to a situation where both glucose and fat
start to accumulate in the bloodstream, which can eventually lead to insulin
resistance, increased fat storage, and other metabolic issues.
The carnivore diet, which is rich in fat and protein but devoid of carbohydrates,
can be beneficial because it eliminates the issues associated with the Randle cycle.
Without carbohydrates, there's no competition for substrate utilization, and the
body can efficiently burn fat for energy. Additionally, the carnivore diet is nutrient-
dense, providing all the essential nutrients the body needs without the negative
effects of excess carbohydrates. This can lead to improved metabolic health,
reduced inflammation, and better overall well-being.
218
So, what's the deal with the Randle cycle? Why is it such a big deal? First off, let's
get one thing straight: this isn't some fresh-off-the-press revelation. We're talking
about a concept that's been around for a while. The man behind it, Sir Philip
Randle, was born in 1926 and kicked the bucket in 2006. He put the Randle cycle
on the map with an article published back in April 1963. So, no, this isn't some
groundbreaking, earth-shattering discovery. It's been part of the scientific scene for
a good while now.
Let's set the record straight: the Randle cycle isn't some novel, groundbreaking
concept. It's been around since 1963, and yet, for reasons beyond my
comprehension, it's been largely overlooked by the nutrition community. I'm at a
loss as to why, given its significance. Can’t think of a single reason why the
medical community doesn’t want this vital information spreading (their medication
prescription and surgery sales will plummet if people learn how to fix their simple
health issues through diet)
Now, here's why this is a big deal. There's a bunch of folks online, especially in the
carnivore diet sphere, who are advocating for the inclusion of daily carbs in your
diet. But let me tell you, their arguments are about as solid as a wet paper bag.
They don't hold up to even the most basic scrutiny. According to the Randle cycle,
that's not the way to go, and we can dive into that more if you're interested.
219
carbohydrates in our diet. And the Randle cycle lays out the reasons for this, which
I promise to dive into once I stop rambling.
So, here's the scoop: for the last four and a half million years, give or take, humans
and our pre-human ancestors have roamed this planet living a certain way. And that
way of life? Being obligate hyper-carnivores. But how can we be so sure about
this? How do we really know this is the case?
That's an undeniable fact. None of us were kicking around four and a half million
years ago, but am I just pulling this out of thin air? Nope, and here's why: there's
this nifty technique called stable isotope testing. We can dig up human and pre-
human remains – skeletons, long bones, you name it – from all over the globe.
Crack open those long bones, and bam, we've got collagen. It's a protein, the most
abundant one in our bodies, and it's packed into those long bones. Collagen's
tough; it dries out after death, sure, but it sticks around for ages – tens, even
hundreds of thousands of years. No sweat, we can still find usable collagen in
those ancient bones, and here's the kicker: we can analyze its composition, looking
at the stable isotopes, and get a peek into the past.
Let's talk about carbon and nitrogen in that collagen found in long bones. This is
where it gets interesting. When we analyze these elements, it's like hitting the
jackpot – no doubts, no debates, no maybes. It gives us a crystal-clear picture of
what that individual chowed down on during its lifetime, right down to the specific
species of animals it was preying on and devouring.
And what does this data reveal? It tells us that for at least 350,000 years – which is
how long we've been kicking around in our current form – we've been feasting on a
220
diet that's majorly made up of the flesh and fat of large ruminant animals. We're
talking a whopping 80 percent here. The rest? A mere 20 percent of our diet was
made up of very fibrous, starch-poor roots and tubers. These were the tough,
fibrous stuff that we'd dig up, haul back home, and then boil the heck out of.
So, when the hunt went south or the animals were playing hide and seek, our
ancestors resorted to eating this growly slop – a mishmash of whatever fibrous
roots and tubers they could scrounge up. And let's be clear, these weren't the starch-
rich tubers and roots we're familiar with today. Those have been selectively bred
over time to be starchy. No, what our ancestors were chowing down on was
essentially just fiber.
Now, as you're probably aware, fiber doesn't break down in our digestive system
the way other foods do. It's only under the influence of gut bacteria that it breaks
down a bit, and what does it produce? Short-chain fatty acids, not carbohydrates.
So, for 350,000 years, right up until the agricultural revolution kicked in about
8,000 years ago, humans were essentially on a diet that was all about protein and
fat. Thanks to the way fiber breaks down, there were virtually no carbohydrates in
the human diet. Nada. Zip.
When it comes to what our ancestors ate, the emphasis should really be on the fact
that they turned to fiber only in times of sheer desperation. Imagine this: the hunt's
gone belly-up, the animals are nowhere to be found, and hunger is gnawing away.
It's in these dire situations that they resorted to digging up whatever fibrous roots
and tubers they could find.
221
But let's be clear: this wasn't their preferred choice. It wasn't like they were
skipping around, happily munching on fibrous plants. No, they were essentially in
survival mode, making do with whatever meager pickings were available. So,
while fiber did play a role in their diet, it was very much a last resort when their
main source of sustenance – animal meat and fat – was out of reach.
And what about those who point out that there were berries around? Sure, for
maybe two or three weeks a year, there were some berries. But that's a drop in the
ocean compared to the grand scheme of things. Our diet was overwhelmingly
dominated by protein and fat.
Yeah, we definitely still had the salivary amylase gene, because there wasn't any
evolutionary pressure to ditch it. And as we dive into the Randle cycle, you'll see
just how crucial this might have been. It might even have played a role in how the
Randle cycle evolved in humans. There were a few weeks each year when there
was some carbohydrate in the diet. But for the vast majority of the year – the other
50 weeks or so – there were no carbohydrates at all. Zero.
That's a key point I bring up, especially when I'm taking down the arguments of
those who push for a plant-rich diet or those who say, "Sure, eat carnivore, but
don't forget to add some carbs." And here's why that's a bad idea.
Okay, let's dive into this whole Randle cycle business. I want to break it down from
two different perspectives. It's crucial for people to understand that these two
angles are just two sides of the same coin.
222
This isn't an either/or situation. I show two diagrams, right? One where glucose is
the main fuel source in the body, and another where fats take the lead. But some
folks walk away thinking it's a choice between the two, which it's not. Exactly,
both of these charts I'm about to show you are in effect all the time,
simultaneously. I hope that's clear. This is a "this and that" situation, not "this or
that." And understanding that is crucial.
So, what I'm saying is, your body is fully equipped to make its own glucose. It's
got all the enzymes needed to turn glycerol from fat molecules, monocarboxylates
like pyruvate and lactate, and certain amino acids from the proteins you eat into
sugar. That's what's kept us ticking for 350,000 years when there were practically
no carbs around, except for maybe a couple of weeks a year when berries were in
season. Anything beyond that is toxic.
Now, you might wonder, does this mean you can munch on 200 to 300 grams of
carbs a day and be fine? Nope. Because gluconeogenesis, the process of making
glucose, doesn't just stop. Your body is so used to making glucose every day that
it's going to keep on doing it, because that's what your genes are programmed for.
You're not meant to eat any carbs at all, so any carbs you do eat are essentially
surplus to requirements. So, any carbs you chug down on any given day are almost
certainly going to cause issues in terms of the Randle cycle. Here's why: glucose in
the bloodstream, right here at the top, outside the cell, gets delivered to the cell
because you've got glucose in your blood. You've got glucose in your blood
because of gluconeogenesis and also because you've downed carbohydrates in your
diet.
223
The glucose is transported from the outside of the cell to the inside on a protein
transporter called GLUT4. Once inside, a series of reactions kick off, involving
two isoforms of another enzyme called phosphofructokinase (PFK), isoform 1 and
isoform 2. They work to move the glucose down to the next step in the chain,
resulting in a molecule from those reactions.
The reason Glut4 gets deactivated is actually a protective mechanism. You see,
when there's too much glucose inside our cells – more than they're designed to
handle – it's toxic. It damages protein structures, which is essentially what a cell is.
It harms the DNA in the cell's nucleus and wrecks cell membranes. Essentially, the
condition known as diabetes is all about elevated blood sugar levels.
So why does blood sugar elevate? It's precisely because the Randle cycle steps in
to protect the more crucial parts of your body – the cells – from that damage. It
does this by shutting the door, by deactivating Glut4. This is what insulin
resistance is all about. It's the cell signaling to the external environment, the blood,
that it doesn't need any more sugar. In fact, if there were more sugar in the cell than
there is right now, it would start destroying the cell. So, the cell is essentially
saying, "No more, thanks. We're good." The cell has a built-in defense mechanism
– it locks the door by deactivating Glut4 to protect itself. It also halts sugar
production through that pathway by blocking out PFK1. So, in a sense, too much
sugar ends up locking itself out. This lock can be undone as soon as all that excess
sugar has been processed, which brings citrate levels back down and unlocks the
door to let more sugar in. However, if you consume more sugar, the door will lock
again, as if the cell is saying, "Didn't you get the message before?"
224
So, too much sugar not only locks out sugar but also affects fat. The abundance of
acetyl coenzyme A resulting from all the sugar going through this pathway will
also lock out the long-chain fatty acyl coenzyme A from becoming acetyl
coenzyme A through a process called allosteric inhibition. In other words, sugar
doesn't just lock out sugar; it locks out fat as well.
So, what we've got now is a situation where neither sugar nor fat can feed the
cellular energy because there's already too much energy present. The cell doesn't
need any more fuel; it has plenty of substrate to run the TCA cycle, produce the
reducing equivalents for the oxygen, and produce ATP. The cell is running at
maximum capacity, and more fuel would just cause damage, so it locks everything
out.
The key takeaway here is that sugar, when it's above the concentration it should be,
is always toxic and will always activate the Randle cycle to some degree or
another. It's also important to understand that the Randle cycle isn't an on/off
situation; it's more of a sliding scale. When I say "this locks out that," I don't mean
it's a complete on/off switch. It's more of a sliding scale from fully allowing
substances to pass through the pathway to being completely blockaded and nothing
getting through. The specific energetic state of each individual cell determines its
ability to either oxidize substrates and produce energy or to be somewhat inhibited,
moderately inhibited, very inhibited, or indeed completely blocked, depending on
how much energy is present in that cell.
When you have a systemic situation where your whole body is full of sugar,
everything gets locked up, and it's locked up precisely to protect the cells from
damage. In this scenario, the sacrificial lambs become the red blood cells, and we
225
measure the damage to our red blood cells through glycative damage via a test
called the HbA1c test. This test tells us basically how high our blood sugars have
been over the last 28 days or so. Another sacrificial lamb becomes the epithelial
cells, which line our vascular tree, because those cells can be replaced.
The problem now is that many of us are doing this all the time, every day, multiple
times a day. We're constantly pouring sugar into our systems. And when I say
"sugar," you can essentially replace that word with "carbohydrates." All
carbohydrates break down to sugar, with the only exception being fructose, which
is metabolized directly to fat in the liver because there's no glucose step. But for all
intents and purposes, anything you eat that contains carbohydrates is going to end
up as sugar in your system. Any carbohydrate you consume is metabolically sugar,
and it's toxic for that reason. It's as simple as that. And just to add to this, when
there's a lot of glucose and fructose in your system, the body has mechanisms to
protect itself and balance things out. One such mechanism is the polyol pathway,
where fructose converts to sorbitol and then sorbitol converts to glucose. So, if
there's excess fructose, the body will support itself by converting some of it to
glucose.
Alright, so a quick summary of this: too much glucose in your bloodstream, which
is any amount at all exogenously, anything above what gluconeogenesis provides
226
for you, to some degree, will lock that cell out from absorbing more glucose. That's
what insulin resistance is, right there. Simple as that. Exactly. It also locks out
PFK1, so you can't process sugar. It causes a pooling of acetyl coenzyme A and
locks out fatty acids as well. Nothing gets through anymore. We've got a cell that's
jammed up. That means both glucose and fat will start to pool in your bloodstream.
Extra glucose pooling in your bloodstream gets metabolized to fat in the liver.
Extra fat in your blood gets converted back to triglycerides in your liver as well,
and that goes straight to your adipose tissue, your fat cells, and you become an
insulin-resistant fatty. All because you're pouring carbohydrates down your neck
multiple times a day. Simple as that.
Now, if you're very active, you can get away with this. If you're young-ish, you can
get away with this. However, it will catch up with you if you eat carbohydrates
every day. You will be activating your Randle cycle, which will cause an insulin
resistance problem sooner or later. The cells are protected from damage by locking
out these energy substrates, which then accumulate in the fluid outside the cells,
the blood. The liver then largely deals with these substances by storing them as fat
on your body, and your cells become what they call insulin resistant as long as that
situation is in effect.
So, what's the best way to lock your cells out in that way, thus meaning you have
too much energy on board, thus meaning you're always in a situation where you're
storing fat and being insulin resistant all the time? Easy: eat a diet that's rich in
both carbohydrates and fats. If you eat a diet that's carnivorous, rich in fat and
protein, and you consume no carbohydrates, you won't be causing yourself a
Randle cycle issue as such. You'll be lean, mean, fit, and healthy if you subscribe to
that diet appropriately and do it long enough to reverse the damage that you've
227
done. When people talk about going on a ketogenic diet, they often mention that it
takes about 72 to 96 hours to get into ketosis. The reason for this is that it takes that
long to drain your body of those extra carbohydrates. So, if you eat carbohydrates
at any time, you can expect Randle cycle activation for up to 96 hours. That’s why
the idea of eating fat in the morning and carbohydrates in the evening, thinking it
will prevent Randle cycle activation, doesn’t quite work out. The body needs time
to process and clear the carbohydrates before it can switch to burning fat
efficiently.
According to Dr. Eric berg, here are some interesting benefits of consuming sugar
(all carbs turn into sugar in your body, no exceptions):
“1. The drug companies and junk food companies, as well as their stakeholders,
will love you. Especially the drug companies that produce antidepressants, ones
that help you lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and the ones
that lower inflammation. Their stockholders are going to greatly appreciate you,
228
and the entire junk food industry will really appreciate you. So if you ever wanted
to be loved and appreciated, eat more sugar.
3. You’ll fit into the majority of the population. It’s worth noting, they’re mainly
overweight and have insulin resistance as well as other symptoms. It’s a very large
group and they’re very overweight with insulin resistance. They share a lot of
symptoms and characteristics, but they all consume at least 152 pounds of sugar
per year. So if you ever wanted to fit in, this is your time.
4. The majority of the population will consider you as normal. You will be well
accepted and not considered some weirdo health food fanatic on keto. Nope, you’re
going to be considered normal and well accepted.
5. Over time, your arthritis may even allow you to get better parking places (with a
handicap permit).”
Insulin
ALL carbs break down into sugar. This sugar breaks down into glucose. Glucose is
then stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. When these stores are full, it
229
overspills and stores as fat. This is how we all typically store fat. It is not through
the overconsumption of dietary fat. It’s the overconsumption of carbohydrates.
When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into
glucose, which is a type of sugar. In response to the rise in glucose levels in your
blood, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin is the fat storage
hormone. It activates an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase. Lipoprotein lipase is
found on the walls of blood vessels in fat tissue. Its job is to break down
triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood) into fatty acids and glycerol. Once broken
down, these fatty acids can be absorbed by fat cells and stored as fat.
This process of fat storage can happen even if you're not consuming more calories
than you're burning. In other words, the presence of insulin and the activation of
lipoprotein lipase can lead to fat storage even if you're not eating an excess of
calories. The scale may not reflect an increase in weight, even when one is
consuming a diet perceived as being in a "calorie deficit." However, if the diet is
rich in carbohydrates, it can lead to fat accumulation and a shift in body
composition, despite a reduction in overall weight. This occurs because certain
foods can signal hormones, such as insulin, to promote fat storage. Ultimately, the
objective is not weight loss but rather fat loss, as a lower body fat percentage
indicates enhanced insulin sensitivity, a state associated with better health. To sum
it up, when you consume carbohydrates, your body releases insulin, which in turn
activates an enzyme that helps store fat in your fat cells. This can happen
regardless of the total number of calories you're consuming.
When you consume carbohydrates, your body releases insulin, which signals fat
cells to store fat. This is a normal process. To burn this stored fat for fuel, the body
needs to reverse this process. This requires an enzyme called hormone-sensitive
lipase, which breaks the bonds on the glycerol backbone and releases fatty acids
230
into the bloodstream. Elevated insulin levels block hormone-sensitive lipase,
preventing the release of fatty acids into the bloodstream. This inhibits the body's
ability to burn stored fat. For example, if you consume a carbohydrate-rich
breakfast, the resulting insulin spike makes it biologically impossible to burn fat
during a subsequent workout until your insulin levels drop to baseline again.
Many vegetable oils are high in an oxidized omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid,
which can cause inflammation and lead to further insulin resistance. Linoleic acid
has been shown to increase insulin resistance by 6% more than carbohydrates. It's
also high in phytosterols, which can lower natural cholesterol levels and disrupt
hormone production. Originally created as machine lubricants, these vegetable oils
are not suitable for human consumption and have been linked to weight gain and
leptin resistance in studies.
Grains and other foods are high in lectins, which bind to insulin receptors and
signal the body to store up to five times more fat than insulin alone. For example, a
bowl of muesli or a piece of bread might have the same calorie content as a piece
of steak, but the lectin effect from the grains can lead to significantly more fat
storage.
While energy needs to be accounted for, the body can waste energy through
various mechanisms. The focus on calories alone overlooks these factors. Leptin is
a hormone that signals satiety, but lectins can block leptin receptors, disrupting the
body's ability to signal fullness. This can undermine efforts to lose body fat and
increase lean muscle mass. Think about the fact that so many individuals are on so-
called "diabetes medication," which, in reality, are merely drugs that suppress
appetite. They consume excessive amounts of food that inhibit their satiety
231
hormone while neglecting to eat foods that genuinely trigger fullness. As a result,
they turn to dangerous and potentially catastrophic medications that come with a
myriad of health risks.
Plants have inhabited the Earth for approximately 700 million years, successfully
defending themselves against various fungi, insects, and animals long before
humans appeared around 3 million years ago. To ensure their survival, plants have
developed a variety of defense strategies, including complex chemical defenses. If
we, or our ancient ancestor Urk, were to wander into the wilderness and start
eating random plants, we would quickly become very sick or even die. Out of the
roughly 400,000 plant species on Earth, only a tiny fraction are edible by humans.
Even among those, typically only certain parts of the plant are safe to eat, while the
rest can be harmful. Plant poisonings remain relatively common even today.
The produce we see in supermarkets bears little resemblance to what Urk and his
peers would have encountered 50,000 years ago. Cruciferous vegetables, for
instance, didn’t exist in their current form, and Urk would likely have avoided
leafy greens due to their extreme bitterness. Tubers and other starchy underground
storage organs were fibrous and tough, not particularly tasty. Nuts and seeds were
well-protected, either by tough outer shells or toxic chemicals, making
unprocessed nuts or beans some of the most dangerous plant-based foods around.
Plants are especially protective of their seeds, and the fruits we eat today have been
so heavily manipulated that prehistoric humans wouldn’t recognize them.
232
As megafaunal animals began to die off around 25,000 years ago, humans became
more reliant on smaller, less fatty animals for energy. To supplement their diet,
humans began to exploit a greater variety of plants. Fruits, nuts, and seeds, which
provided significant caloric energy, were likely among the first plants humans
turned to. Our ancestors probably went through thousands of generations of trial
and error to determine which plants were deadly, which caused mild illness, and
which were safe to eat.
Over time, the consumption of these plants increased, leading to the development
of agriculture and the domestication of grains. This shift in nutrition enabled the
establishment of more stable communities, transitioning from nomadic or pastoral
lifestyles to villages, towns, and cities. During this period, plants were hybridized,
cultivated, and processed to become more edible. However, randomized controlled
trials were not conducted to determine their long-term safety. If a plant didn’t cause
acute illness, it was deemed acceptable for consumption.
As time marched on, people began munching on more plants with increasing
frequency and volume. This plant craze eventually led to the rise of agriculture and
the domestication of grain, resulting in a wholesale shift in our nutrition and
paving the way for more stabilized communities. Gone were the days of our
carefree nomadic or pastoral lifestyles. Instead, we settled down into villages,
towns, and cities, all thanks to our newfound obsession with farming plants.
During this era of plant hybridization, cultivation, and processing, our ancestors
were not exactly conducting randomized controlled trials to assess the long-term
safety of these new foods. No, the mantra of the time was simple: “If it doesn’t kill
you immediately, it’s good to eat!” This cavalier attitude towards food safety meant
233
that if a plant didn’t cause acute illness or drop you dead on the spot, it was
deemed acceptable for consumption.
The irony is rich—quite literally—as we traded our wandering ways for a more
“stable” life, driven by our dependence on these green invaders. These plants, with
their elaborate chemical defenses, slowly infiltrated our diets, transforming our
way of life. The fields of wheat and barley, once unknown to our ancestors,
became the backbone of our meals and the foundation of our burgeoning
civilizations.
But let’s not forget, while we were busy setting up our villages and perfecting the
art of bread-making, those plants were still packing their natural toxins. We simply
chose to ignore the potential long-term consequences in favor of the immediate
benefits of a stable food supply. And so, with each bite of grain, we were not just
eating food; we were digesting centuries of human trial and error, with a healthy
dose of plant trickery on the side.
234
I’m not saying that researchers have ignored these naturally occurring plant
compounds in our fruits and veggies. On the contrary, there have been plenty of
studies. Back in 1990, the legendary toxicology researcher Professor Bruce Ames
decided to dive into the world of pesticides in food. He compared the man-made
pesticides with the natural chemical defenses of plants. Lo and behold, Ames
discovered that a whopping 99.9 percent of the pesticides we consume by volume
come from the plants themselves. When he took a closer look at these compounds,
he found that many of them caused cancer in animal models.
But here's the kicker: we almost never test for these types of effects, so who knows
how long we'll be waiting for answers. Meanwhile, we keep adding to our list of
"idiopathic diseases," which is just a fancy way of saying, "We have no clue what's
causing this, so let's blame bad luck, genetics, or maybe stress."
When you dive into these studies, you'll find that researchers always evaluate a
mixed diet, often the standard American diet. Essentially, they're looking at the
effects of adding fruits and vegetables to the other junk people eat. Of course, if
eating more fruits and veggies means you're eating less sugary, oily, processed
garbage, then you're going to see some benefits.
235
left wondering if it's really the best advice, or just another slice of nutritional
nonsense.
I’ve read countless studies on this topic, and it’s almost comical how nearly every
paper begins with, “We all know that people who eat fruits and vegetables are
healthy.” Then, the author proceeds to describe a study on some isolated plant
compound that supposedly proves why fruits and vegetables are good for us. These
researchers aren’t really testing a hypothesis; they’re just trying to confirm what
they already believe.
This leads to reports claiming that cruciferous vegetables prevent cancer, even
though data shows that these vegetables can either increase or decrease cancer
occurrence. However, because existing epidemiology says cruciferous vegetables
prevent cancer, we favor the positive data and conveniently ignore the negative
data.
236
It’s a bit like a magician performing a trick: we see what we want to see and ignore
the rest. The scientific community, like the rest of us, sometimes falls into the trap
of confirmation bias. We’re told over and over that fruits and vegetables are the
holy grail of health, so studies are designed to support this narrative. The problem
is, this selective focus can obscure a more nuanced truth.
Imagine a world where scientists started with a blank slate, genuinely open to
discovering the effects of plant chemicals without any preconceived notions. We
might find that some of these “healthy” foods have more complex impacts on our
health than we ever realized. But until then, we’re stuck in a loop, favoring the
good news and brushing the bad news under the rug.
This kind of scenario is more common in scientific literature than you’d think.
Researchers often take an isolated compound in an isolated scenario and then
extrapolate it to the whole of human physiology to support an epidemiological
claim. It’s like saying, “Hey, if it works in a petri dish, it must be great for people!”
However, when we actually look at the small number of studies that examine
whole plant foods and their effects on human physiology or disease processes, the
237
story changes. Kudos to Dr. Georgia Ede for her diligent work in digging through
the literature on this topic and summarizing it in her article on her website,
Diagnosis: Diet. She found about two dozen studies that looked at actual trials on
humans where whole fruits or vegetables were examined, rather than just isolated
plant compounds in an epidemiological or animal/cell culture study.
Nutrition science is like a broken record, making the same mistakes over and over.
We lean heavily on epidemiology and then just use more studies to confirm the
findings instead of trying to refute them. It's like playing a game of "scientific
telephone" where the message never changes.
Consider this: you look at an epidemiological study that shows people who eat
more fruits and vegetables appear to be healthier. Naturally, you might conclude
that eating plant-based foods is the way to go. It's a logical conclusion, and no one
would blame you for making it. But, let’s throw a wrench in that logic machine and
ask a few more questions.
What if the people munching on fruits and veggies are also the ones steering clear
of snack cakes, donuts, and sodas? Maybe they smoke less, drink less alcohol,
buckle up their seat belts, exercise regularly, have more wealth, and live in nicer
neighborhoods. These habits and circumstances contribute to what's called the
"healthy user bias." Essentially, if you’re leading an overall healthy lifestyle, it’s
tough to pinpoint whether it’s the apple a day keeping the doctor away or the fact
that you’re just generally more health-conscious.
Epidemiologists will try to account for these factors, but let’s be real—they’re just
making educated guesses about how much each factor contributes. It’s like trying
238
to bake a cake without knowing the exact measurements of the ingredients. Sure,
you might get something edible, but it's hardly a precise science.
So, next time you hear that eating broccoli will make you live forever, remember
there’s a lot more to the story. Maybe the broccoli eater also jogs every morning,
drinks green tea, meditates, and has a great healthcare plan. The truth is, isolating
the impact of one particular food is like trying to find a needle in a haystack of
healthy habits. And while the scientist is trying to control for all those other
factors, they're often just taking a wild guess.
I’ve already pointed out some glaring examples where the epidemiology sings one
tune, but real life belts out another. Take meat, for instance. We’re told it’s bad for
us and will cut our lives short, yet the folks in Hong Kong eat more meat than
anyone else on the planet and, guess what? They also have the longest life
expectancy. This observation immediately triggers cries of, "But they don’t smoke
as much; they’re wealthier; they exercise more," and so on. Sure, those arguments
have merit.
However, when we flip the script and argue that fruits and vegetables might not be
the saints of nutrition we’re led to believe, we’re met with crickets. Nutrition is
like politics—people fiercely defend their team. Any results that don’t confirm
their bias are swiftly ignored or dismissed. Challenge the current dogma, and
you’re likely to be met with anger and an almost religious reverence for authority
and "consensus." But in a true scientific community, questions that challenge the
status quo should be welcomed.
239
It’s practically heresy to suggest that fruits and vegetables are anything but pure
goodness, rainbows, and unicorns. Sure, we acknowledge they may have chemicals
that can cause issues, but we still insist you need to eat your five—no, wait, it’s
now ten—servings per day.
It's as if we’re stuck in a nutritional Groundhog Day, repeating the same advice
without considering the broader picture. So next time someone tells you that eating
your greens will guarantee a long, healthy life, remember that the truth is a bit
more complex—and sometimes, hilariously contradictory.
Humans survived an Ice Age, meaning our ancestors’ habitat was more Iceland
than Costa Rica. If we set aside our arrogance about how much we think we know
and apply some common sense, it becomes clear how impractical a diet full of
indigestible fiber and nonessential phytonutrients is. We need fat, protein, and
some vitamins and minerals to live—or, I’d argue, to thrive.
Take Iceland, for example—a frozen island inhabited by fearsome Vikings. With a
population of about 300,000 people, Icelanders have historically relied on an
240
animal-based diet because, surprise, fruits and vegetables don’t exactly flourish in
their icy climate. Despite this, Iceland has produced nine winners of the World’s
Strongest Man contest. The only country with more winners is the United States,
which has eleven champions—and a population 1,000 times bigger than Iceland’s.
Icelandic women aren’t slacking either, having won four of the twelve CrossFit
titles.
Even more impressively, despite traditionally having little access to fruits and
vegetables, Iceland is among the world’s leaders in male centenarians per capita.
What does Iceland's production of strong people and centenarians say about our
belief that you need a certain number of vegetables and fruits per day to be
healthy?
It’s as if the Vikings are laughing at our salads from across the centuries. They
thrived on a diet heavy in animal products, proving that you don’t need to munch
on kale or choke down quinoa to be strong and live a long life. So next time you’re
stressing over getting your daily servings of greens, just remember: the Vikings
didn’t need them, and neither do you.
In the next chapter, I'll delve into debunking some common myths and
misconceptions about plants. We'll explore the origins of these myths, why people
have come to believe them, and what the actual facts are. From claims about the
supposed health benefits of certain plants to misconceptions about their
environmental impact, we'll uncover the truth behind these widely held beliefs. By
the end of the chapter, you'll have a clearer understanding of the role plants play in
our lives and how to separate fact from fiction.
241
Which Plants to Avoid
Oxalates
Oxalates are a pretty common anti nutrient found in a variety of foods, including
leafy green vegetables, some fruits, nuts, seeds, and even French fries. While they
might seem harmless, ingesting oxalates in higher doses can lead to several
medical problems.
Dangers of Oxalates:
One of the most
prevalent issues
associated with oxalates is the formation of kidney stones, which are often
comprised of these compounds. The oxalate crystals in the body can become very
needlelike and cause gastrointestinal irritation, leading to conditions like leaky gut
242
syndrome. This, in turn, can potentially trigger autoimmune issues. When you stop
eating foods high in oxalates all at once, you might experience oxalate dumping
syndrome. Symptoms of this can include rashes, joint pain, and gastrointestinal
disturbances.
Lectins
Lectins, recently highlighted by Dr. Steven Gundry's book "The Plant Paradox,"
are ubiquitous plant compounds, but they are particularly concentrated in certain
foods.
243
• Squash
Dangers of Lectins:
Lectins can lead to a leaky gut, which is a condition where the intestinal lining
becomes permeable, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to
pass into the bloodstream. This situation can contribute to various health problems,
including chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The potential
downstream effects of a leaky gut caused by lectins include a host of issues such as
allergies, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions.
Glycoalkaloids
244
Foods Containing Glycoalkaloids:
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Eggplants
• Peppers (including bell peppers, chili peppers, etc.)
Dangers of Glycoalkaloids:
Glycoalkaloids are linked to various health concerns. They have been associated
with leaky gut syndrome and can worsen autoimmune conditions like psoriasis.
Moreover, people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have reported that
nightshade vegetables aggravate their symptoms. Although the evidence is still
limited, these potential risks make it worth reconsidering the frequency and
quantity of nightshade vegetables in your diet.
Goitrogens
Goitrogens are substances that can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid dysfunction is particularly common among women, and some researchers
believe that consuming high amounts of goitrogen-containing foods may contribute
to these issues. Foods high in goitrogens include soy and cruciferous vegetables
like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. So perhaps all those years of
forcing ourselves to choke down broccoli and cauliflower were not so kind to our
thyroids after all.
245
Foods Containing Goitrogens:
Dangers of Goitrogens:
Goitrogens are particularly concerning due to their ability to interfere with thyroid
function. This interference can lead to thyroid dysfunction, a condition that is
especially prevalent among women. High consumption of goitrogen-rich foods like
soy and cruciferous vegetables could potentially exacerbate thyroid problems,
raising questions about the long-term impact of these “healthy” foods on our
thyroid health.
Cyanogenic Glycosides
246
thyroid function and neurological disturbances. Consuming these foods in large
quantities or improperly prepared can be risky.
• Almonds
• Flaxseed and linseed
• Lima beans
• Cassava
• Stone fruits (cherries, peaches, plums, apricots)
Phytic Acid
247
Foods High in Phytic Acid:
Phytic acid can bind to essential minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, and
iron, forming insoluble complexes that the body cannot absorb. This can lead to
deficiencies in these vital minerals, resulting in several health issues: Deficiencies
in magnesium and calcium can contribute to cardiovascular problems. Low levels
of magnesium and zinc have been linked to mood disorders and depression. Zinc is
crucial for reproductive health, and its deficiency can impair fertility and cause
impotence. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair thinning and loss. Both zinc
and iron are essential for a robust immune system, and their deficiencies can
weaken immune response.
Protease Inhibitors
248
• Legumes: Particularly soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas
• Cereals: Wheat, rice, barley, oats
• Fruits: Kiwi, pineapple, papaya, bananas, figs, apples
• Vegetables: Cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers
Protease inhibitors can bind to digestive enzymes and inhibit their function,
leading to several potential health issues: In animal studies, high levels of protease
inhibitors have been shown to impair growth by reducing the efficiency of protein
digestion. Interference with protein digestion can cause gastrointestinal discomfort
and malnutrition, as the body struggles to break down and absorb proteins
efficiently.
249
Plants Are Trying to Kill You
After discussing how meat can be considered the ultimate superfood, packed with
every nutrient we need in ideal ratios, it's clear to see why other foods might
merely fill a gap when meat isn't available—essentially, they're what you might
turn to during times of scarcity. This perspective challenges the conventional
wisdom around so-called "superfoods" that are often touted for their health
benefits.
We’ve been sold this fairy tale where plants are the knights in shining armor, riding
in to save us from all our health woes. Cancer? Eat broccoli. Heart disease? Have
250
some spinach. Want to fly? Grab a kale salad. It’s almost as if they’re marketing
vegetables as the ultimate superpower, and if you’re not chowing down on a
garden’s worth of greens, you’re missing out on immortality.
You’ve been brainwashed into thinking that crunching on a salad is the ultimate
key to health. Every magazine, every health guru, every fitness blog is pounding
the same message: plants are the answer. But buckle up, because I’m here to undo
all that brainwashing and show you that what you thought was the holy grail of
nutrition is actually famine food in disguise.
Think about it: many of these greens and veggies were historically considered last-
resort foods, the stuff people turned to when there was nothing else left. Our
ancestors weren’t juicing kale and tossing spinach into their smoothies because
they wanted to—they did it because they had to. We’ve turned survival rations into
dietary gold, and it’s time to set the record straight.
So get ready for a leafy green reality check. I’m about to take everything you
thought you knew about plant-based nutrition and turn it on its head. By the time
we’re done, you’ll be questioning not just your diet, but everything you’ve ever
been told about what it means to eat healthy. Welcome to the truth about plants—
it’s going to be a wild ride!
Plants aren’t just sitting around waiting to be eaten. Oh no, they’re busy little
chemists, whipping up toxins and defenses to fend off hungry critters. As animals
develop enzymes to adapt to the higher levels of poison, plants counter with even
more potent defenses. It’s like a never-ending game of “who can outwit whom.”
251
Every living organism has some kind of self-defense mechanism to protect itself
from being eaten. Think about it: porcupines have their quills, skunks have their
stinky spray, and plants? Well, they’ve got a whole arsenal of chemical warfare at
their disposal. They produce toxins, poisons, and nutrient inhibitors that make them
less appealing or downright harmful to their predators.
So, what makes you think that plants are just sitting there, ready to be eaten by
other animals, including us? They’re not. They’re busy turning themselves into
tiny fortresses of defense. Those so-called “nutritious” greens can have anti-
nutrients that interfere with your body’s ability to absorb essential minerals. It’s
like they’re playing hard to get, but on a biochemical level.
While we’ve been brainwashed into thinking that a spinach salad is the epitome of
health, the truth is that plants have their own agendas. They’re not just passive
victims in the food chain. They’re actively fighting back, making themselves toxic,
and ensuring that whoever eats them gets a less-than-ideal dose of nutrients. So,
next time you’re piling your plate with greens, remember: those plants aren’t just
sitting there helplessly—they’re fighting for their lives!
In his presentation about the dangers of plants, Dr. Anthony Chaffee highlighted
several critical insights into how plant-based foods can impact health:
Plants have defenses just like any other living organism. While animals can run
away or fight back, plants can’t pack up their roots and flee. So, they’ve evolved
other strategies, with poison being one of their main deterrents. These defense
252
chemicals are their way of saying, "Hands off!" to the hungry animals, insects, and
pathogens that try to munch on them.
Think about it—can you spot the edible plants in a dense forest? Probably not. It’s
not like the nutritious vegetables stand out with neon signs saying, "Eat me!" You
have to know exactly what’s safe to eat, and the reason is those pesky defense
chemicals.
Plants have mastered the art of chemical warfare to protect themselves. These
toxins are their silent guards, ensuring they survive in a world full of herbivores.
So next time you look at that salad, remember that the plants in it have had to
develop complex strategies just to make it to your plate.so here are just a just a few
sort of
People are becoming more interested in the various ways that plants defend
themselves, and one of the hottest topics is lectins. These are just one part of the
complex defense strategy plants use to deter predators. There are tons of different
kinds of lectins out there, and they’re just the beginning. Did you know that there
are 2,500 different plant species that use cyanide as a defense mechanism? That’s
right—cyanide, the stuff from spy movies!
253
Plants are toxic and poisonous
But wait, there’s more. Plants are armed to the teeth with a variety of other toxins
and defense compounds. We’re talking about phytates, tannins, oxalates, hormone
disruptors, and nutrient blockers. Some plants even produce chemicals that make
you extra sensitive to sunlight. Then there are the nightshades, infamous for their
toxic properties, which we’ve known about for thousands of years, yet we still
happily include them in our diets.
If you think back to your seventh-grade biology class, you might remember
learning about the evolutionary arms race between plants and animals. It’s a
relentless battle where plants are continually evolving to become more poisonous,
making it harder for animals to eat them. Meanwhile, animals develop adaptations
to overcome these defenses and keep munching away.
This tug-of-war is why certain animals, like koalas and pandas, stick to very
specific diets. Koalas only eat eucalyptus, and pandas primarily consume bamboo.
If they venture outside their specialized menu, they risk getting very sick.
In this epic battle for survival, plants aren’t just sitting ducks. They’re actively
developing sophisticated chemical defenses to ensure their survival. And yet, here
we are, humans, munching away on nightshades and Brussels sprouts as if they’re
the healthiest options out there.
254
certain vegetables. So next time you reach for that leafy green, remember—it’s all
part of a grand, ongoing struggle for survival, with plants doing everything they
can to avoid becoming your next meal.
Plants have evolved to produce specific poisons that deter animals from eating
them, allowing the plants to survive and thrive. Animals like koalas and pandas
have adapted to consume these particular plants and can survive and even thrive on
them. However, if these animals eat other plants, they can become very sick.
My own dietary journey, which now consists of primarily meat and water, began
22 years ago when I was studying cancer biology at the University of Washington
in Seattle. During my studies, we explored how plants use defense chemicals to
protect themselves. We examined this from a cancer perspective, focusing on
carcinogens. To my astonishment, we discovered that Brussels sprouts alone
contain over 136 identified human carcinogens. This revelation made me question
the safety of consuming plants that produce such a vast array of defensive
chemicals.
Ever wonder why kids universally despise Brussels sprouts? It's not just a quirky
childhood phase; there's a scientific reason behind it. That bad, bitter taste is your
brain and tongue, sophisticated machines that they are, signaling, "Hey, this is bad
for you, spit it out!" It's an evolutionary defense mechanism designed to keep us
safe from harmful substances. Give a piece of broccoli to an infant, and they’ll
look at you like you’ve betrayed them. Hand them a piece of bacon, and watch
their eyes light up with joy.
255
During my studies in cancer biology at the University of Washington, I learned
some shocking truths about the plants we eat. We discovered that white button
mushrooms contain over 100 known carcinogens. And it doesn't stop there.
Spinach, kale, lettuce, celery, cabbage, cucumber, broccoli—all the so-called
“healthy” veggies—were on the list. We were given pages and pages detailing
every plant you’ve ever seen in a grocery store, and not a single one had fewer than
60 known human carcinogens. They were quite abundant.
This discovery was eye-opening and made me question the conventional wisdom
about plant-based diets. It's fascinating how our bodies have natural defenses, like
our taste buds, to steer us away from potentially harmful foods. So next time you
find yourself grimacing at the taste of certain vegetables, remember: your body
might be trying to tell you something!
Our professor, seemingly reading our collective minds, gave us a look that said,
"You guys aren't getting this," and then he dropped a bombshell: "I don't eat salads.
I don't eat vegetables. I don't let my kids eat vegetables. Plants are trying to kill
you." This was a moment of cognitive dissonance so intense it felt like the ground
had shifted beneath our feet.
256
Hearing this, I was like, "Right, forget plants," and decided to stop eating them
immediately. But then, I walked into a grocery store and was struck by a harsh
reality: almost everything either is a plant or has plants in the ingredients. It felt
like trying to avoid water while standing in the middle of a lake. I realized I had to
fundamentally rethink my diet.
After some serious contemplation, I decided to strip my diet down to the basics—
eggs and meat. It seemed like the simplest way to avoid plant toxins altogether. For
a number of years, that’s exactly what I ate, and the health benefits were nothing
short of incredible. At the time, I was playing professional rugby while attending
university, and my athletic performance, as well as my overall physical health,
improved dramatically. It was a night-and-day difference.
My energy levels soared, my recovery times shortened, and I felt stronger and
more resilient than ever before. My cognitive function also sharpened—I was more
focused in my studies and more strategic on the field. This wasn’t just a marginal
improvement; it was a complete transformation.
Even now, 22 years later, I’m still feeling those positive results. My health has
remained robust, and I continue to thrive on this diet. This journey has taught me
that sometimes the most unconventional wisdom holds the most profound truths.
It’s a reminder that just because something is widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s
true. Sometimes, you have to dig deeper, question the status quo, and be willing to
try something radically different to uncover what truly works for you.
257
So, if you’re struggling with health issues or just not feeling your best, consider
reevaluating the role of plants in your diet. You might find that the key to better
health is not more salads, but fewer plants and a return to the basics of meat and
eggs.
Here’s the thing: most plants will kill most animals. It’s not that some plants are
poisonous and some aren’t; it’s that all plants are poisonous. The difference lies in
which animals have evolved the ability to defend themselves against specific plant
toxins. When animals stray from their specialized diets, they can get sick or even
die.
Take pandas and koalas, for example. These animals eat a very specific and
monotonous diet because their bodies are adapted to handle the toxins in those
particular plants. Pandas only eat bamboo, and koalas only eat eucalyptus leaves.
There are about 340,000 species of plants in the world, and pandas eat just one.
Similarly, grazing animals like cows and horses eat specific types of grasses, and
even these are limited to particular varieties. The leaves a giraffe eats are different
from those a gorilla consumes, which are different from those a deer eats, and so
on. If you mix up these leaves, the animals eating them can get sick or die.
This intricate relationship between plants and animals is an evolutionary trend that
has developed over millions of years. Plants have evolved to produce toxins as a
defense mechanism, and animals have evolved specific adaptations to counteract
these toxins. However, these adaptations are highly specialized. A giraffe can’t just
switch to eating the leaves a koala munches on, and vice versa.
258
This symbiosis between plants and animals is a delicate balance in the ecosystem,
highlighting how specific and limited the diets of herbivores truly are. So, when
you think about the broad range of plants humans are encouraged to eat, it’s worth
considering whether our bodies are really equipped to handle all those different
plant toxins.
Animals and plants have been co-evolving for millions of years, creating intricate
relationships that allow both to thrive. For instance, the vast grasslands and Great
Plains evolved alongside large grazing animals like bison and antelope. These
animals and grasses work together symbiotically, each benefiting from the
presence of the other.
But let’s talk about fruits. You might think that plants want you to eat their fruits,
but that’s not entirely true. While plants do want their fruits to be eaten, they have
a preference for specific animals that help with seed dispersal. These chosen
animals are integral to the plant's reproductive cycle because when they eat the
fruit, the seeds pass through their digestive system and are deposited in a new
location, ready to germinate.
Take the cassowary bird in Australia, for example. This bird eats around 150
different types of berries and fruits, many of which are highly toxic to other
animals, including humans. The seeds of these fruits need to pass through the
cassowary's digestive tract to germinate properly. If cassowaries were to leave an
area, the plants relying on them would struggle to reproduce and might eventually
die off. This shows how some plants have evolved to rely on very specific animals
for their survival.
259
This symbiotic relationship is a delicate balance. Humans have long known to
avoid certain fruits and berries, like the infamous red berries, because of their
toxicity. This isn’t just folklore; it’s a survival strategy embedded in our
knowledge. Most fruits are actually toxic to humans because they are tailored for
specific animals that can safely process their seeds.
So next time you marvel at the array of fruits in the wild, remember that many of
them are part of a complex evolutionary dance with animals other than us. These
relationships underscore the selective nature of plant-animal interactions and
highlight why not all fruits are meant for human consumption.
Specifically, the study looked at a pesticide called ALR, which was under scrutiny
for being a potential carcinogen. The findings were staggering: the natural toxins
found in spinach were significantly more potent in causing cancer than the ALR
pesticide.
260
biology, and the knowledge had expanded dramatically. By then, it was known that
Brussels sprouts alone contained over 136 identified human carcinogens.
This study highlights a critical point: the natural world is full of its own defenses,
and these natural pesticides can be more harmful than the synthetic ones we're
often warned about. It’s a stark reminder that the chemicals in our food, whether
natural or industrial, need to be understood and respected for their potential
impacts on our health.
There’s more to consider when it comes to what we eat. While there's a lot of talk
about the WHO promoting fake meat and lab-grown meat, they still have a page
dedicated to natural poisons found in plants. This "natural toxins in food" page
doesn't mention anything harmful in actual meat, except for aquatic biotoxins,
which come from algae that shellfish and fish consume, making them toxic. This is
why it's advised to avoid seafood from certain areas where these algae are
prevalent.
The WHO's page covers a wide range of natural toxins found in plants, including
cyanide, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, lectins, solanine, mycotoxins, and many more.
They also discuss poisonous mushrooms. Consider this: there are over 10,000
varieties of mushrooms in the world, and only a handful won’t kill you or send you
on a hallucinogenic trip. Despite this, we assume that because a few mushrooms
don’t cause immediate, acute reactions, they must be safe and even beneficial for
us.
Just think about it: we’re eating these plants and mushrooms under the belief that
they’re healthy, but the reality is that many of them contain harmful substances.
261
Cyanide in certain seeds, lectins in legumes, and solanine in nightshades like
potatoes and tomatoes can all cause adverse health effects. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids,
found in some herbs and teas, are known to cause liver damage over time.
Mycotoxins, produced by fungi on grains and nuts, are potent carcinogens and can
suppress the immune system.
We often forget that plants have evolved these chemical defenses precisely to
avoid being eaten. The natural world is a battlefield, and plants have developed a
variety of toxins to protect themselves from predators. Humans have adapted to
tolerate some of these toxins to a degree, but that doesn’t mean they are harmless.
Consider the case of mushrooms again. Out of the thousands of species, only a few
are safe to eat. Many can cause severe illness or death, and yet we treat those few
edible varieties as if they’re not only safe but also superfoods. It’s a bold
assumption to think that just because a plant doesn’t kill us on the spot, it’s good
for our health.
The fact that these natural toxins are more prevalent and potentially more harmful
than the industrial pesticides we so often fear is eye-opening. It forces us to rethink
the narrative that natural is always better. The WHO’s acknowledgment of these
natural plant toxins serves as a reminder that our food choices should be informed
by a deeper understanding of the potential risks.
So next time you hear about the dangers of synthetic chemicals, remember that
nature's own defenses can be just as, if not more, dangerous. It’s crucial to look
beyond the surface and understand the complex interactions between our food and
262
our health. This knowledge empowers us to make better choices and perhaps
reconsider the blind faith we place in the so-called natural foods we consume daily.
Natural toxins in plants can pose a variety of serious health threats to both humans
and livestock. Some of these toxins are incredibly potent and are present in foods
we consume regularly. The adverse health effects of these toxins can range from
acute poisoning, such as allergic reactions, severe stomach aches, diarrhea, and
even death, to long-term consequences like impacts on the immune, reproductive,
or nervous systems, and an increased risk of cancer.
Earlier, we discussed the role of mitochondria in cancer. It’s important to note that
many of the carcinogens found in plants can damage your mitochondria,
contributing to the development of cancer.
Let’s delve into some specific categories of these natural toxins, starting with
lectins. Lectins are proteins found in many plants and serve a variety of functions.
While lectins are also present in animal meat, they don’t seem to cause harm in
that context. In plants, however, lectins likely evolved as a defense mechanism
against pathogens and insects. They are ancient compounds that help plants survive
by deterring herbivores and insects from eating them.
Unfortunately, these lectins can also cross-react with human biology, leading to
health issues. For instance, they can bind to the lining of the gut and disrupt
nutrient absorption, potentially causing gastrointestinal distress and other chronic
health problems. This cross-reactivity demonstrates how plant defense mechanisms
can inadvertently impact human health.
263
Beyond lectins, there are many other natural toxins in plants. Cyanogenic
glycosides, for example, are found in certain seeds and can release cyanide when
metabolized, posing a severe risk to health. Mycotoxins, produced by fungi on
grains and nuts, are potent carcinogens and can suppress the immune system,
leading to long-term health issues.
Lectins are proteins that can bind to carbohydrates, including those on the surface
of your cells. This binding capability has drawn increasing research interest. Dr.
Paul Mason has delivered an excellent lecture on lectins at previous Low Carb
Down Under events, highlighting their potential dangers. Similarly, Dr. Steven
Gundry wrote an entire book, "The Plant Paradox," discussing the toxicity of
lectins, though he ultimately advocates for a plant-based diet—a conclusion I find
perplexing given the evidence he presents.
Moreover, lectins can bind to leptin receptors. Leptin is a hormone that signals
satiety, released from your adipose tissue and stretch receptors when your stomach
is full. It travels to your brain to say, "Hey, we're full; we don't need to eat more."
When lectins interfere with leptin signaling, they block these satiety signals,
264
making you feel hungry even when you're actually full. This disruption can lead to
overeating and weight gain.
This mechanism is one reason why people on a ketogenic diet often naturally
reduce their food intake. By avoiding foods high in lectins and carbohydrates, they
can better regulate their hunger signals and insulin levels.
In summary, lectins are a significant concern because they can disrupt critical
bodily functions related to insulin and leptin. Understanding and mitigating the
impact of these proteins can lead to better health outcomes, particularly for those
following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. By recognizing the hidden dangers of
lectins, we can make more informed dietary choices and improve our overall well-
being.
Lectins are more than just dietary nuisances—they can have profound effects on
your health. In some cases, reducing lectin intake can lead to significant weight
loss. There was a study that looked at individuals with isocaloric intake, meaning
they consumed the same number of calories, but one group removed lectins from
their diet while the other did not. The group that eliminated lectins lost a
significant amount of weight, while the other group did not experience the same
weight loss.
Lectins have also been implicated in serious health conditions such as Parkinson’s
disease. Research has shown that lectins can travel up the vagus nerve, reach the
substantia nigra in the brain, and damage cells there, potentially contributing to the
development of Parkinson’s disease. A fascinating study from Denmark in 2015
265
found that people who had undergone a vagotomy (surgical cutting of the vagus
nerve) between the 1970s and 1990s experienced a 67% reduction in Parkinson’s
rates. This suggests a strong link between lectins and the development of this
neurodegenerative disease.
One particular lectin that many people are familiar with is wheat germ agglutinin,
found in wheat. This lectin can bind to the carbohydrate surface antigens on
enterocytes, which are cells lining your intestines. This binding can damage or
even destroy these cells, disrupting the tight junctions that normally provide a
protective barrier in your gut. When these tight junctions are compromised,
harmful substances like bacteria, toxins, and additional lectins can enter your
bloodstream, leading to a host of problems.
This disruption can cause leaky gut syndrome, where the intestinal barrier becomes
permeable, allowing substances that should remain in the gut to pass into the
bloodstream. This can lead to systemic inflammation, immune responses, and
various chronic health issues. Additionally, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are
components of the outer membrane of certain bacteria, can bind to toll-like
receptors on immune cells, triggering inflammatory responses.
Lectins can trigger an inflammatory cascade in the body, which can have far-
reaching effects, including the development of autoimmune diseases. When lectins
enter the body, they are recognized as foreign agents. The immune system
responds by producing antibodies to attack these invaders. However, in genetically
susceptible individuals, the surface antigens of their own cells may resemble these
lectins, leading to a case of mistaken identity. This phenomenon, known as
266
molecular mimicry, results in the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues,
contributing to autoimmune diseases.
This concept isn’t new. As far back as the 1800s, Dr. J.H. Salisbury, the namesake
of the Salisbury steak, conducted a 30-year research project into optimal nutrition.
He wrote an influential book titled “The Relation Between Alimentation and
Disease,” exploring the link between diet and health—a cornerstone of modern
nutritional science. Salisbury’s research, conducted long before the advent of
processed sugar, revealed that individuals who adopted a diet consisting solely of
meat and water, specifically red meat, saw remarkable health improvements.
Today, people around the world are rediscovering the benefits of this approach. By
removing lectins and other plant toxins from their diets, they are experiencing
significant health improvements. This includes reductions in inflammation and
autoimmune symptoms, supporting the notion that diet plays a crucial role in
managing and even reversing chronic health conditions.
Many people are familiar with Jordan Peterson, but perhaps even more inspiring is
the story of his daughter, Michaela Peterson. Michaela suffered from severe
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a condition so debilitating that by the age of 16, she
had already undergone two joint replacements—one in her ankle and the other in
her hip. Her journey towards health was both challenging and remarkable.
267
Initially, Michaela adopted a ketogenic diet, which involves high fat, moderate
protein, and very low carbohydrate intake. This dietary shift was aimed at
eliminating various toxins, including nightshades—plants like tomatoes, peppers,
and eggplants known for their inflammatory properties. The results were
astounding. By cutting out these foods, Michaela experienced significant
improvements in her symptoms. Her pain and inflammation reduced dramatically,
allowing her a level of relief she hadn’t thought possible.
But Michaela didn’t stop there. She took her dietary experiment to the next level
by eliminating all plant-based foods, including salads. She transitioned to an all-
meat diet, focusing solely on consuming beef, salt, and water. This drastic change
might sound extreme, but for Michaela, it was life changing. The carnivore diet
provided her with even more profound health benefits, completely transforming
her quality of life. Her rheumatoid arthritis symptoms subsided to the point where
she could lead a normal, active life.
Michaela’s story is a powerful testament to the impact that diet can have on
chronic health conditions. It challenges conventional wisdom about nutrition and
highlights the importance of personalized dietary approaches. Her journey from
debilitating illness to health and vitality underscores the potential for dietary
interventions to manage and even reverse severe autoimmune diseases. By sharing
her experience, Michaela offers hope and inspiration to many others facing similar
health battles.
Meal Plan
268
My recommendations are designed to help you reconnect with your biological
hunger and satiety cues, ultimately freeing you from the constant preoccupation
with food. The ultimate goal of this eating approach is to crave and consume the
most nutritionally dense, bioavailable, and biologically appropriate foods,
primarily meat and other animal products.
In addition to promoting overall health, this diet helps you achieve your best
physical appearance. Adopting this eating pattern leads to optimal body
composition and well-being. The best part about this diet is its sustainability; it's a
269
return to the human diet we were meant to follow before modern, processed foods
disrupted our natural hunger and satiety signals.
By embracing this way of eating, you can break free from the cycle of food
addiction and regain control over your appetite, leading to lasting health and
fitness.
There are various eating suggestions I have for different goals and timeframes.
Whether your priority is building muscle, losing fat as quickly as possible,
undergoing a mini cut, or simply maintaining your current physique, the approach
can vary based on your height and activity level. Each goal requires a unique
nutritional strategy to optimize results and ensure your body gets the necessary
nutrients for optimal performance and recovery.
I primarily advocate for fasting, particularly the One Meal a Day (OMAD)
approach, especially for women aiming to maintain a lean physique. This method
simplifies meal planning and helps regulate calorie intake while still providing
essential nutrients. Fasting has several health benefits, including improved
metabolic health, better insulin sensitivity, and enhanced mental clarity.
In the next section, I will cover fasting in general, how to align it with your
menstrual cycle, and its benefits. By understanding how hormonal fluctuations
throughout your cycle impact your energy levels, appetite, and metabolism, you
can tailor your fasting routine to maximize its benefits. Stay tuned for more
insights on how to implement fasting effectively to support your overall health and
fitness goals!
270
Optimized Diet for Active Women: Building Muscle and Burning Fat
As I mentioned before, the goal is to eat one meal a day, ideally around the same
time each day, focusing on meat and other animal products that you crave. Many
people find it helpful to have a structured example to follow, as they may be
uncertain about what their own eating pattern should look like.
Here is a guide you can consider, keeping in mind that your daily activity level will
influence your needs. On moderately active days, such as when you've been
walking around and doing weightlifting, I typically consume about 1 pound of
meat. For example, I might have a pound of beef along with some eggs or salmon,
or another protein that I’m in the mood for.
On days when I’m less active, like when I'm just resting at home, I usually opt for
a smaller portion, such as a steak that weighs less than a pound.
Remember, this is a flexible approach that you can adjust based on your own
activity levels and cravings. The key is to listen to your body's natural hunger and
satiety cues, eating nutrient-dense, bioavailable foods that provide the necessary
fuel for your physiology. This way of eating supports optimal health and helps you
maintain a lean physique without the constant preoccupation with food.
By following this example, you'll learn to recognize your own needs and
preferences, ultimately creating a sustainable eating pattern that suits your lifestyle.
This is enough food to allow your body to put on muscle while using the extra fat
on your body to burn for energy.
271
It's crucial to remember that the gut microbiome takes about three weeks to adapt
to dietary changes. Transitioning gradually back to a carnivore diet can help you
avoid complications such as diarrhea, constipation, or electrolyte imbalances. I also
recommend reducing reliance on coffee for energy. Achieving a state where your
body produces its own steady energy, free from the spikes and crashes that caffeine
can cause, is beneficial for long-term health and vitality.
These are some cuts of meat that I personally enjoy, but feel free to swap out any
that don't appeal to you. However, I highly recommend keeping as much red meat
in your diet as possible. Experiment with different cuts and cooking times until you
find what suits your taste best. Aim for at least 80% of your diet to consist of red
meat, with the remaining 20% coming from fish or chicken. This balance ensures
you get a variety of nutrients while maximizing the benefits of red meat.
272
• Meal: 1 pound of beef (such as T-bone or porterhouse steak)
• Additional Protein: A serving of chicken liver or lamb chops (about 6-
8 ounces)
This eating plan can be effectively used to cut weight quickly while ensuring you
don't encounter any electrolyte imbalances or nutrient deficiencies, thanks to the
nutrient density of meat. Meat provides all the essential nutrients your body needs,
so you can be confident in your nutrition.
273
Personally, I find it easier to stick to a repetitive meal routine, focusing on one type
of food for consistency and simplicity. Occasionally, I switch things up on
weekends for variety. The most important part is to ensure that every day you
consume close to a pound of high-protein, lean meat. If you're not very hungry, aim
for at least 0.8 pounds, and on days when you need more fuel, you can go up to 1.5
pounds. Always check the labels to see how much your meat weighs and plan your
portions accordingly.
If you choose to have steak daily, make sure it's not overly marbled with fat. Opt
for ground beef that's around 93-95% lean, wild-caught lean salmon, or chicken
breast. I personally like to buy large packs of lean skirt steaks and separate them
into one-pound bags for convenience. This method helps burn fat extremely rapidly
because the lean meat you’re consuming encourages your body to use stored body
fat for energy.
Pairing this eating plan with regular physical activity, like getting in your daily
steps, can enhance fat burning significantly. However, it's important to follow the
body recomposition protocol before jumping into this plan, especially if your
current diet is high in carbohydrates, includes moderate amounts of processed
foods, or if you're a regular coffee drinker.
It's crucial to remember that the gut microbiome takes about three weeks to adapt
to dietary changes. Transitioning gradually back to a carnivore diet can help you
avoid complications such as diarrhea, constipation, or electrolyte imbalances. I also
recommend reducing reliance on coffee for energy. Achieving a state where your
body produces its own steady energy, free from the spikes and crashes that caffeine
can cause, is beneficial for long-term health and vitality.
274
By adhering to this structured, nutrient-dense eating plan, you can effectively
support muscle growth and fat loss, achieving your fitness goals more efficiently.
275
• Meal: 24-hour fast (consume only water)
Meal Plan for Fast Metabolisms: Maximizing Muscle Gain for Large
Individuals
So, while the vast majority of people are likely focused on cutting fat and losing
weight, there are still those of you with very fast metabolisms, small appetites, or
taller statures whose number one priority is putting on as much muscle as possible.
I’ve got you covered.
If you find it hard to put on weight, it’s most likely due to a previous diet of foods
that do not align with our biology. We are made out of saturated fat, which is found
in animal products, not plant oils. Plant oils can be problematic because our bodies
either can’t store them efficiently or store them as a protective mechanism to
prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream, keeping them locked up in fat.
Switching to a diet rich in animal fats and proteins can help your body store and
use nutrients more effectively.
For those with small appetites who can only manage one large meal a day, the One
Meal a Day (OMAD) approach might not be suitable for you right now. Instead, I
suggest eating two or three meals a day, depending on how tall and built you are,
and how active you are. This is particularly important for athletes, who burn far
276
more calories than the average person and may have issues with nutrient
absorption.
To build muscle effectively, aim for around one gram of protein per pound of body
weight. If your weight is between 170 and 200 pounds, you should consume about
170 to 200 grams of protein per day. This can be achieved by incorporating high-
calorie, nutrient-dense foods into your diet, ensuring you get enough calories to
support muscle growth and overall energy needs.
In addition to protein, including fattier cuts of meat can provide higher energy
levels and improve the taste of your meals, making it easier to consume more food.
Fat is flavor, and fattier cuts like ribeye or fatty fish can make your meals more
enjoyable and nutrient dense.
It's crucial to remember that the gut microbiome takes about three weeks to adapt
to dietary changes. Transitioning gradually back to a carnivore diet can help you
avoid complications such as diarrhea, constipation, or electrolyte imbalances. I also
recommend reducing reliance on coffee for energy. Achieving a state where your
body produces its own steady energy, free from the spikes and crashes that caffeine
can cause, is beneficial for long-term health and vitality.
Monday
Meal One:
• 4 eggs scrambled in butter
277
• 6 oz. bacon
• 1 glass of raw milk
Meal Two:
• 8 oz. grilled chicken thighs
• 2 oz. beef liver (optional for nutrient density)
Meal Three:
• 1 pound of ribeye steak
• 1 glass of raw milk
Tuesday
Meal One:
• 6 oz. ground beef (70-80% lean) patties
• 2 oz. raw cheese
Meal Two:
• 8 oz. salmon fillet
• 4 oz. shrimp cooked in butter
Meal Three:
• 1 pound of New York strip steak
• 1 glass of raw milk
Wednesday
Meal One:
278
• 4 eggs omelette with raw cheese
• 4 oz. sausage links
Meal Two:
• 8 oz. beef heart (sliced and grilled)
• 4 oz. chicken liver
Meal Three:
• 1 pound of T-bone steak
• 1 glass of raw milk
Thursday
Meal One:
• 6 oz. ground beef (93-95% lean) patties
• 3 oz. raw cheese
Meal Two:
• 8 oz. ribeye steak
• 4 oz. Salmon
Meal Three:
• 1 pound of grass-fed ground beef (93-95% lean)
• 1 glass of raw milk
Friday
Meal One:
279
• 4 eggs boiled
• 6 oz. smoked salmon
Meal Two:
• 8 oz. beef heart (sliced and grilled)
• 2 oz. beef liver
Meal Three:
• 1.2 pounds of sirloin steak
• 1 glass of raw milk
Sunday
Meal One:
• 4 eggs fried in butter
• 6 oz. ground beef (93-95% lean) patties
Meal Two:
• 8 oz. skirt steak
• 4 oz. raw cheese
Meal Three:
• 0.8 pounds of filet mignon
• 1 glass of raw milk
280
Human Diet Shopping List
Beef
• Ribeye steaks
• Ground beef
• Sirloin steaks
• T-bone steaks
• Chuck roast
• Brisket
• Beef liver
• Beef heart
• Beef tongue
• Oxtail
• Short ribs
• Flank steak
• Skirt steak
• Beef cheeks
• Tri-tip roast
• Picanha (sirloin cap)
• Beef marrow bones
Pork
• Pork chops
• Pork belly
281
• Ground pork
• Pork shoulder
• Bacon (sugar-free)
• Pork ribs
• Pork liver
• Pork sausage (without fillers)
• Pork tenderloin
• Pork loin roast
• Ham hock
Lamb
• Lamb chops
• Ground lamb
• Lamb shanks
• Lamb liver
• Lamb ribs
• Lamb shoulder
• Lamb leg
• Lamb neck
• Lamb tongue
Poultry
• Whole chicken
• Chicken thighs (skin-on)
• Chicken wings
282
• Chicken liver
• Turkey thighs
• Duck (whole or parts)
• Chicken drumsticks
• Chicken gizzards
• Turkey breast
• Goose
Seafood
Game Meat
283
• Venison
• Bison
• Elk
• Rabbit
• Wild boar
• Moose
• Antelope
• Pheasant
• Quail
Organ Meats
Animal Fats
• Beef tallow
• Pork lard
• Duck fat
• Goose fat
284
• Ghee (clarified butter)
• Bone marrow
Eggs
Additional Items
285
Detox Symptoms
Not everyone does, but people who jump into a keto or carnivore diet from a very
unhealthy place will often encounter a few “inconveniences.” Because they don’t
understand that it’s just their body detoxifying, they blame the diet and then retreat
back to eating junk. Just think about it logically: why else would your body react
negatively to removing toxic food other than it’s just adjusting to the change?
These are usually detox symptoms from their previous diet. As they start losing fat,
many toxins stored in fat tissue are released into the bloodstream, temporarily
making them feel ill until these toxins are expelled from their system. This process
can manifest as flu-like symptoms, commonly referred to as the “keto flu.”
Imagine this: you’ve decided to ditch the processed foods and sugar-laden snacks,
and suddenly, your body starts revolting. Headaches, fatigue, nausea—oh my!
Clearly, your body must be punishing you for trying to be healthy, right? Wrong.
What’s really happening is that your body is detoxing from all the garbage it’s been
storing. As you burn fat, those lovely toxins stored in your fat cells are released
into your bloodstream, making you feel like you’ve caught the plague.
But wait, there’s more! If you used to eat a lot of leafy greens, you might encounter
something called oxalate dumping. Yes, your favorite spinach and kale have been
secretly storing compounds that your body will now need to get rid of. Symptoms
of oxalate dumping can include aches, pains, headaches, sore throats, cloudy
286
urination, mood swings, and even skin rashes. It’s your body’s way of saying,
“Thanks for the years of oxalates. Here’s your parting gift.”
So, next time you feel those detox symptoms, remember: it’s not the new diet that’s
the problem. It’s your body finally clearing out the junk. Hydrate, rest, and let your
body do its thing. Because the real culprit was the diet you left behind, not the one
you’re adopting. Keep this in mind if you run into issues; it’s not a cause for
concern but a sign of healing.
One of the primary reasons people experience these symptoms is due to the release
of toxins stored in fat cells. As you lose weight, these toxins enter the bloodstream,
leading to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, and general malaise.
While this can be uncomfortable, it is a sign that your body is detoxifying and
adjusting to the new diet.
Dehydration is another factor that can contribute to the “keto flu.” Low-carb diets
often have a diuretic effect, causing you to lose water more quickly. Ensuring that
you stay adequately hydrated can help manage symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue,
and headaches.
287
Additionally, a reduction in fiber intake can lead to changes in bowel movements.
Transitioning from a diet high in fibrous vegetables to a carnivore diet can cause
constipation or diarrhea. Maintaining proper hydration and incorporating low-carb
fiber sources can help alleviate these digestive issues.
Oxalate Dumping
If you previously consumed a lot of leafy greens, you might experience oxalate
dumping. Oxalates are compounds found in many plant foods, and when you
significantly reduce your intake of these foods, your body may begin to release
stored oxalates. This process, known as oxalate dumping, can cause a variety of
symptoms. These include bodily aches and pains (in the joints, neck, and back),
headaches, a sore throat or burning tongue, cloudy or painful urination, mood
changes like irritability or brain fog, dizziness, skin rashes, and even fever or
chills. These symptoms typically indicate that your body is in the process of
healing and expelling these compounds, rather than being caused by the new diet
itself.
To manage these detox symptoms effectively, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Drinking
plenty of water helps to flush toxins from your system and maintain proper
hydration levels. Additionally, supplementing with electrolytes is essential to avoid
imbalances that can exacerbate symptoms. Ensuring an adequate intake of sodium,
potassium, and magnesium through your diet or supplements can mitigate issues
like muscle cramps and fatigue. (All found in meat)
288
Gradually transitioning to a low-oxalate diet can also help reduce the severity of
oxalate dumping symptoms. Instead of cutting out high-oxalate foods all at once,
consider reducing them gradually over several weeks. This allows your body to
adjust more smoothly and decreases the likelihood of experiencing severe detox
symptoms.
Rest and recovery are equally important. Allowing your body time to adjust to the
dietary changes is crucial. Ensure you get enough rest and manage stress levels to
support your body’s adaptation process. Recognize that these symptoms are
temporary and a sign that your body is healing and adjusting to a healthier way of
eating.
289
Many people worry if eating grain-finished steak, which is more accessible, is
really bad for you. Initially, I too thought that grain-fed meat was horrible and
comparable to consuming seed oils. Rest assured; after doing some research, this is
not the case.
When it comes to ruminant animals, such as cows, they have a very complex
digestive system and are polygastric, meaning they have four stomachs. This
unique system allows them to filter out toxins and impurities from their diet
because they rely heavily on the bacteria in their gut for digestion. Because they
are so efficient at detoxifying the food they eat, their muscle meat remains healthy
and nutrient-dense.
The primary nutritional difference is that grain-fed meat tends to be fattier and
sweeter, while grass-fed meat is leaner and richer in certain nutrients like omega-3
fatty acids. However, you can easily compensate for the lack of omega-3s by
incorporating fish into your diet.
In summary, while grass-fed meat is optimal due to its higher nutrient profile and
leaner composition, grain-finished meat is still a nutritious and viable option. So, if
access to grass-fed meat is limited, you can still enjoy the benefits of high-quality
290
protein from grain-fed meat without worrying too much. Just aim to balance your
diet with other nutrient-rich foods like fish to ensure you're getting a
comprehensive array of nutrients.
Incorporating other sources of high-quality protein and fats can help balance your
diet. For example, fish provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, and organ meats
from any source are incredibly nutrient-dense. Eggs, particularly those from
pasture-raised hens, can also be an excellent addition to your diet.
Now, when it comes to chicken and fish, it’s a different story. These animals are
mono-gastric, like us humans, meaning they have a single-chambered stomach.
When they consume biologically inappropriate food, they can become
inflammatory and sometimes even toxic to eat. Unlike ruminants, they cannot
efficiently filter out toxins from their diet, so these toxins get stored in their fat and
organs.
If you’re buying chicken or fish, it’s crucial to choose wild-caught fish and
pasture-raised chicken. Chickens are naturally mini carnivores that eat mostly
worms and insects. When they are fed grains, they become extremely
metabolically unhealthy. Similarly, fish that are not consuming their natural diet of
microorganisms and plants, but are instead fed processed mush, become toxic.
Farmed fish, in particular, is one of the worst things you can eat. It's naturally grey
and gets dyed pink to appear more appealing.
Farmed fish are often raised in overcrowded conditions and are given antibiotics
and other chemicals to prevent disease, which can then accumulate in their bodies.
This makes them significantly less healthy compared to wild-caught fish.
291
Additionally, farmed fish have a less favorable fatty acid profile, often containing
higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when
consumed in excess.
Now, let’s talk about farmed fish and the issue of dyeing. Farmed fish, such as
salmon, are often naturally grey due to their unnatural diet in captivity, which lacks
the natural carotenoids found in their wild diet that give wild salmon their
distinctive pink color. To make farmed fish look more appealing and similar to
their wild counterparts, they are often fed synthetic astaxanthin or canthaxanthin,
which dyes their flesh pink. While this makes the fish look better to consumers, it
doesn’t address the underlying issues related to the fish’s health and nutritional
profile. Farmed fish are often raised in overcrowded conditions, which can lead to
higher levels of contaminants and a less favorable fatty acid profile compared to
wild-caught fish. This practice of dyeing fish highlights the broader problems with
farmed fish, including their unnatural diet and potential health risks.
For optimal health, it’s important to prioritize wild-caught fish and pasture-raised
chicken. These animals are healthier and less toxic because they eat a diet that is
natural to them, free from the detrimental effects of grains and other inappropriate
feeds. By making these choices, you ensure that you are consuming the most
nutrient-dense and least toxic animal products available.
292
293
CHAPTER 4
294
The carnivore diet stands as the pinnacle of healthful eating, a testament to its
long-standing role in our evolutionary history. This diet, rich in essential nutrients,
has been pivotal in enhancing human intelligence and longevity. Our status atop
the food chain is not merely a cultural designation but is deeply rooted in
biological evidence. Studies such as nitrogen isotope testing on our bones reveal
that humans are hyper-carnivores, surpassing other meat-eating species because we
consume them as well. This adaptation suggests that the diet we have historically
thrived on is optimal for our health. Moreover, the timing of our meals is just as
crucial as the diet itself, indicating that how often we ate plays a significant role in
our biological adaptation to consuming primarily meat.
Ah, the wonders of modern dietary advice: eat early, eat often, and don't forget to
snack—because our contemporary menu, overflowing with grains, plant-based
concoctions, and a medley of processed delights, lacks enough nutritional value
that you'd probably feel near deathly without constant refueling. These staples
provide a quick zap of energy that fizzles out faster than you can say "insulin
spike," compelling you to reach for yet another snack. Constantly elevating your
insulin levels in this manner is a recipe for metabolic mayhem.
No matter how much I stuffed down, my body was like an insatiable black hole,
endlessly seeking satisfaction from food. My attempts at fasting on this nutrient-
starved diet were catastrophic, catapulting me into binge-eating frenzies so extreme
they left me in physical agony, yet curiously, still feeling hollow and unsatisfied.
Then, it hit me: binge eating has become a modern plague. As our dietary
guidelines spiral downward, pushing more plant-based, low-fat options—despite our
295
bodies screaming for fats—we're seeing a surge in people trapped in this relentless
eating disorder. This isn't just a personal struggle; it's a societal alarm bell ringing
louder as our food gets less fulfilling and more frequent.
Then came my shift to a carnivore diet, and what a dramatic pivot it was. For the
first time, I experienced true satiety. Unintentional fasting became the norm rather
than the exception, not out of dietary discipline, but because my body was finally
nourished. It had stopped its constant clamoring for more food, thanks to receiving
the rich nutrients it had been desperately seeking. This transition wasn't just a
change in diet; it was a revelation about how deeply our eating habits can impact
our bodily functions and overall well-being.
From the dawn of humanity, our food supply has been unpredictable. In response,
our bodies have evolved to adapt, creating hormonal shifts to survive in times of
food scarcity. Fast forward to today, where our eating habits often defy this ancient
routine.
When we consume more than we can burn off, the excess energy is stored for later
– a survival mechanism hardwired into our biology. The trouble arises when we
constantly eat, keeping our bodies in a perpetual fed state. Our bodies won't tap
into stored fat for energy until we've depleted the liver's glycogen stores.
Think of it this way: the liver first stores energy as glycogen for immediate use.
Once that's full, it converts excess energy into fat. But if we're always eating, we
never give our bodies a chance to access that stored fat. This leads to weight gain
without tapping into this natural energy reserve.
296
Our bodies aren't built for constant feeding; it's an unnatural state. Humans are
designed for periods of fasting, which happen naturally when we sleep and
between meals. The key here is challenging the mainstream belief in frequent
eating. Instead, consider flipping the script with extended periods of fasting and
small windows for eating.
It's not just about what you eat; it's when you eat that matters. Fasting isn't a radical
idea – you're already doing it every night when you sleep. By allowing your body
to experience these fasting periods, you unlock the door to your fat stores. This
isn't just about weight; it's about preventing a host of health issues that can arise
when we deny our bodies the chance to reset and rejuvenate through fasting.
Embrace the power of timing your meals, let your body fast, and watch the
transformation unfold. Your body has incredible potential – give it the chance to
thrive.
If you want to know whether a dietary choice is the right one, all you have to do is
consider how long humans have been practicing it. Human evolution is a grand
narrative that has shaped our biology, physiology, and behavior over millions of
years. As we unravel the secrets of our evolutionary past, it becomes increasingly
clear that our bodies are finely tuned to practices that have stood the test of time.
To discern the health implications of our habits, we must look at human evolution,
specifically in the context of debunking fad diets and modern dietary trends that
may contribute to adverse health effects. Throughout the majority of human
existence, our bodies have adapted to periods of fasting, and there is substantial
297
evidence to support the notion that our physiology is finely tuned to cope with
these cycles of food scarcity.
When we overeat, our bodies store excess calories in the form of fat, an
evolutionary response to ensure survival during times of food abundance. Our
ancestors did not follow regular meal schedules or have access to grocery stores;
they consumed food when it was available and endured periods of fasting until the
next successful hunt or harvest.
The stored fat is not just inert tissue; it serves as an energy reservoir. During
fasting, the body mobilizes this stored fat through intricate physiological
adaptations, converting it into usable energy. This process, honed by millions of
years of evolution, supports not only physical endurance but also cognitive
function, ensuring that our ancestors could perform optimally even in times of food
scarcity. Embracing this natural rhythm of feast and famine through modern fasting
practices can help us tap into our body’s inherent ability to maintain health and
vitality.
298
Who Should Fast
It's clear that a fasted state is our natural metabolic state, given that humans have
been in this state for the majority of our existence. We all inherently fast when we
sleep. Unfortunately, many people today carry more fat than necessary because
they eat too frequently and don't fast long enough to allow their bodies to tap into
stored energy. If you're already a lean individual, you've likely fasted enough and
should simply follow your natural, intuitive eating patterns. This is one of the great
aspects of the carnivore diet—eating one or two meals a day feels natural, not like
a deliberate fast, as you're already following your appetite intuitively.
The issue arises when we eat out of boredom, seeking a dopamine hit and turning
to food for that instant gratification. This is why I advise against relying solely on
intuition when starting a healthier lifestyle, especially if your goal is fat loss.
Excess fat often indicates that your hunger and satiety signals are out of balance.
When fat loss is your priority, starting with two meals a day and progressing to one
meal a day can be highly effective. In fact, I recommend jumping straight into one
meal a day to help you truly understand what genuine hunger and satiety feel like.
This practice will teach you to stay productive and occupied without using food as
a source of pleasure.
By embracing this approach, you can reset your relationship with food, allowing
you to experience the real benefits of fasting and intuitive eating. You'll gain a
299
deeper understanding of your body's natural signals and learn to use food as
nourishment rather than a crutch for emotional needs. This journey will not only
help you achieve your fat loss goals but also lead to a more balanced, healthy
lifestyle.
If you're already lean and dramatic fat loss isn't your goal, there's no need to
engage in prolonged fasts since you've likely already utilized your energy reserves.
However, the more excess fat you carry, the more frequently you should consider
fasting. Don't worry if that statement triggers the food addict in you—rest assured,
you won't experience intense food withdrawals. In fact, the more excess fat you
have, the more your body wants to reach homeostasis and return to a healthy
weight. This means your appetite will be practically non-existent, and any eating
you do is likely just for a dopamine hit or entertainment, not because of true
hunger.
Your body is designed to work efficiently and will guide you towards optimal
health if you let it. Embracing fasting and listening to your body's real hunger
signals can help you break free from the cycle of eating for pleasure rather than
nourishment. Trust the process, and you'll find that fasting becomes easier and
more natural, leading you to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Fasting allows your body to clean itself, repair damaged cells, and eliminate
"zombie cells"—those dysfunctional cells that linger and cause trouble. Everyone
can benefit from fasting, except for those who are underweight and already
extremely lean. Nutritional deficiencies during fasting typically occur in people
who fast while following a standard Western diet. However, on a carnivore diet,
300
you're consuming only nutrient-dense foods without any of the nutrient inhibitors
found in plants.
Imagine giving your body the ultimate reset, where it has the opportunity to
rejuvenate and function at its best. Fasting, especially when paired with a carnivore
diet, provides all the essential nutrients your body needs, ensuring you stay strong
and healthy. By eliminating plant-based inhibitors, your body can fully absorb the
nutrients from the high-quality animal products you consume.
Embrace the power of fasting and the carnivore diet to unlock your body's full
potential. You'll experience clearer thinking, more energy, and a greater sense of
well-being as your body heals and thrives. This isn't just a diet—it's a pathway to
optimal health and vitality. Take control of your health journey today and watch
your body transform in ways you never thought possible.
History of fasting
Let's explore the views on fasting held by some of the most brilliant and influential
men in history. Pythagoras, regarded as one of the most influential mathematicians
and philosophers of ancient times, provides a compelling example. In his early
adulthood, he tirelessly sought to enroll in Egyptian schools, only to be told that
knowledge came through experience, which he lacked. Eventually, he was given a
chance to become a student under one condition: he had to fast for 40 days. After
accomplishing this feat, Pythagoras remarked, "You are not allowing Pythagoras
in. I am a different man, I am reborn. Through this purification, my center of being
301
has changed." Pythagoras is just one among many historical figures who attested to
the transformative power of fasting.
Today, fasting is often perceived as a new trend, with proponents claiming benefits
such as fat loss and increased energy, while critics argue that fasting is simply a
form of starvation and that three meals a day are essential. However, the idea of
voluntarily restricting food is far from new. Many ancient civilizations practiced
fasting for its various benefits. The Ancient Greeks, for example, embraced fasting
to prepare for the Olympic games. Prominent Greek figures, including Pythagoras,
swore by it. Pythagoras himself claimed that his 40-day fast gave him greater
lucidity and physical strength and required all his students to fast.
Another notable figure, Plato, regarded fasting as medicinal. He famously said, "I
fast for greater physical and mental efficiency." His student, Aristotle, also
practiced fasting. The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, advocated for fasting with
the belief that "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force
in getting well... to eat when you are sick, is to feed your sickness." Plutarch, who
meticulously documented ancient Greece and Rome, asserted, "Instead of using
medicine, better fast today."
These historical endorsements reveal that fasting is not merely a modern fad but a
practice with deep roots in human history. It has been championed by some of the
greatest minds for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. The next time
302
someone questions the validity of fasting, you can point to these remarkable
figures and their wisdom, demonstrating that fasting is a time-honored practice
supported by some of history's most revered thinkers.
Many ancient cultures recognized and practiced fasting for various reasons,
including moral, spiritual, and physical benefits. The Ancient Egyptians, for
example, fasted for 30 days a year, believing it would help them uphold their
morals and provide the spirit with self-control. They saw fasting as a form of
restraint that could positively influence other aspects of their lives.
In Africa, the Taita and Santhal tribes had unique traditions surrounding fasting.
For them, it was customary for the bride and groom to fast before getting married.
Native Americans, on the other hand, ate whenever they felt the urge rather than
adhering to standard meal times. They also fasted as a form of prayer for success
before going to war or embarking on a hunt. Cherokee priests described fasting as
“a means to spiritualize human nature and quicken the spiritual vision by
abstinence from earthly food.” In the Incan Empire of Peru, fasting was seen as a
way to atone for one's sins.
In Celtic and Pagan societies, fasting was a legal means to address grievances.
People would fast to protest specific actions, and those being protested against
couldn't ignore the faster, as they believed it would result in supernatural penalties.
Pagans also viewed fasting as a way to become closer to the divine and cleanse the
body.
In ancient India, fasting had practical applications as well. If someone was in debt,
they could fast in front of their debtor as a way to pay it off. Many Indians
303
continue to fast during special occasions. The Sanskrit word for fasting,
"upavaasa," combines "upa" (near) and "vaasa" (to stay), which can be interpreted
as staying near the divine. During the Middle Ages, long fasts were highly valued
by the church, and fasting was often a requirement for sainthood.
These examples illustrate that fasting is not a modern fad but a time-honored
practice with deep roots in various cultures and religions. Its benefits have been
acknowledged by some of history's most respected figures, highlighting its
enduring significance.
Fasting has had a significant place throughout history, not just in terms of health
and preparation, but also within various religious traditions for spiritual purposes.
Christianity, for instance, incorporates notable fasts during Advent and Lent across
different denominations. Christians believe that fasting elevates the spirit closer to
God. As quoted in Luke 4:2-4, “For forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate
nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to
him, 'If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.' Jesus answered, 'It
is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
In the Old Testament, fasting was often a means to avoid God’s wrath, either
collectively or individually. Exodus 34:28 describes, “Moses was there with the
304
LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he
wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.”
In Judaism, fasting is a key practice on days such as Yom Kippur and Tisha B’av.
Various other fasts occur depending on the specific Jewish community, often
commemorating historical events. Similarly, in Islam, fasting is used to control
temptation and is observed from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
The Quran states in 2:184, “To fast is best for you if only you knew.”
Hinduism also places great importance on fasting, believing it cleanses both body
and mind. The fast of Ekadashi occurs twice a month, while another significant fast
in honor of Shiva takes place at the beginning of the year.
Buddhism incorporates fasting as well, with the Buddha recommending not eating
after noon. Theravada Buddhists later adapted this practice to one meal a day,
while Mahayana Buddhists observed several three- or six-day fasts. Regular fasting
was common, and even royalty, such as Emperor Ming, engaged in fasting.
Nirvana, a key concept in Buddhism, represents a transcendent state free of
suffering, desire, and self, achievable through ascetic practices including fasting.
Taoists in ancient China and India also practiced fasting, viewing the abandonment
of food as the first step toward immortality. They believed that by avoiding
physical food, which turns into waste, they could absorb spiritual energy instead,
feeding their soul rather than their body.
305
Throughout these examples, it becomes clear that fasting has been a multifaceted
practice used for health, spirituality, and preparation across different cultures and
religions.
As a result, you naturally end up only wanting to eat once a day, maybe twice at
most. This is not a form of self-torture where you are constantly fighting off the
urge to eat. The feeling of being perpetually hungry is not normal, and by
becoming fat-adapted, you will restore your natural appetite. You’ll find that eating
once a day is sufficient because your body is using your own fat for energy when
you are not eating, which keeps you extremely healthy.
The ultimate goal is to eat as naturally as possible, which means eating when you
are hungry, stopping when you are full, and looking and feeling amazing. In a
natural setting, our ancestors would likely have eaten once a day, maybe once
every few days if animals were scarce. This pattern allowed them to remain fit,
healthy, and efficient.
306
With a carnivore diet, your body no longer experiences the blood sugar spikes and
crashes associated with carb-heavy diets. Instead, you have a steady source of
energy from fat, which keeps you feeling satiated and energized throughout the
day. This makes the idea of fasting much more manageable and sustainable, as it
aligns with your body’s natural rhythms.
The process of becoming fat-adapted might take some time, and initially, you may
experience cravings and hunger pangs. However, as your body adjusts, these
feelings will subside, and you will find yourself naturally gravitating towards one
or two meals a day. This effortless way of eating aligns with your body’s biological
design, making it easier to maintain in the long term.
1. Save Money
By adopting OMAD (One Meal A Day), you can significantly reduce your food
expenses, potentially saving at least $600 a month. This financial relief allows you
to allocate your resources to other productive activities or investments, enhancing
your overall quality of life.
2. Save Time
307
OMAD saves you a considerable amount of time that would otherwise be spent on
preparing and consuming multiple meals throughout the day. This freed-up time
can be utilized for more productive tasks, personal development, or simply
enjoying more leisure activities.
3. Improve Digestion
Fasting with OMAD gives your digestive system a much-needed break. Your
gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, and large bowel get time to rest and heal, which
can be especially beneficial if you suffer from digestive issues like irritable bowel
syndrome. This rest period helps in improving overall digestive health.
5. Longevity
Regular fasting through OMAD has been linked to increased lifespan. By giving
your body a break from constant digestion and promoting cellular repair, you can
potentially extend your life and improve your overall health and vitality.
6. Reduced Hunger
308
Once your body adapts to the OMAD routine, you will experience a significant
reduction in hunger and cravings. This is because your body becomes efficient at
burning fat for fuel, providing a steady source of energy and reducing the need for
frequent meals.
7. Better Skin
8. Increased Energy
9. Improved Mood
Fasting can significantly improve your mood by stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Many mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are linked to blood sugar
imbalances. By regulating these levels, OMAD helps in enhancing your emotional
well-being.
309
Fasting has been shown to improve cognitive functions such as memory, focus,
and concentration. It is particularly beneficial for preventing and improving
conditions like dementia, as it promotes brain health and mental clarity.
OMAD can help reduce inflammation in the body. Conditions such as bursitis,
tendinitis, arthritis, and even rheumatoid arthritis can improve as the fasting
process addresses underlying blood sugar issues that cause inflammation.
High insulin levels are a major cause of high blood pressure. By reducing insulin
through fasting, OMAD can help lower your blood pressure, promoting better
cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Intermittent fasting, such as OMAD, can significantly improve the health of your
arteries and heart. It helps in reducing insulin resistance and lowering the risk of
diabetes-related complications, which are major contributors to heart disease.
310
This renewal of brain cells can significantly enhance memory, focus, and overall
cognitive performance.
Fasting can help improve the condition of a fatty liver. By reducing the fat stored
in the liver, it aids in liver function and overall metabolic health. This can be a
critical step in reversing fatty liver disease and improving liver health.
Fasting turns your body into a fat-burning machine. You'll lose excess belly fat and
achieve a flatter stomach, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also
beneficial for your overall health. By burning stored fat for energy, your body
becomes more efficient at utilizing its resources.
311
Over time, this practice enhances your ability to resist temptations and builds
stronger self-control, which can be beneficial in various aspects of life.
Contrary to what you might think, fasting does not harm your muscles. In fact, it
improves muscle physiology and density. Fasting stimulates the production of
growth hormone, which has a protective effect against muscle loss and promotes
muscle growth. This is particularly important for maintaining muscle mass and
strength.
If you have a slow metabolism, fasting can help fix it. By promoting efficient fat
burning and metabolic flexibility, fasting raises your metabolic rate, allowing you
to lose weight more effectively and maintain a healthy metabolism in the long
term.
312
Fasting leads to a general improvement in overall well-being. People often feel
better, both physically and mentally, when they are fasting. The process of
autophagy, better metabolic health, and enhanced energy levels contribute to a
greater sense of well-being and happiness. This holistic improvement makes
fasting a valuable practice for maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
In her book “Fasting Like a Girl”, Dr. Mindy Pelz, who holds a Doctor of
Chiropractic degree and is renowned for her expertise in functional health and
fasting, states the following about fasting:
Many researchers support the "thrifty gene" hypothesis, which suggests that these
harsh conditions favored the development of a particular genotype in humans—a
genetic framework equipped with cellular mechanisms adept at navigating the
cyclical nutritional landscape of fasting followed by feasting. This genetic coding,
still believed to be present in modern humans, supposedly enabled our ancestors to
efficiently store and utilize nutrients during times of food scarcity.
Proponents of the thrifty gene hypothesis argue that deviating from this feast-
famine pattern—by adhering to the modern regimen of constant eating—is at odds
with our genetic makeup. This misalignment, they claim, contributes significantly
313
to the soaring rates of obesity and diabetes observed today. Our bodies, encoded
with millennia of adaptive strategies for intermittent fasting, are ill-suited to the
contemporary practice of continuous consumption.
In examining these patterns, both ancient and modern, it becomes evident that
there is profound healing potential in embracing fasting—not just as a dietary
choice, but as a return to our ancestral roots, offering a corrective course for our
modern ailments.
In the 5th century B.C., Hippocrates, widely regarded as the father of modern
medicine, pioneered the use of fasting as a primary healing tool. At a time when
prevailing beliefs attributed disease to divine retribution, Hippocrates introduced a
radical notion: diseases arise from natural causes, influenced by environmental
factors, diet, and lifestyle habits. Among his therapeutic arsenal was a regimen
strikingly similar to what we now recognize as intermittent fasting and the
ketogenic diet. He recommended, "People should exercise on an empty stomach,
consume predominantly fatty meats as they are more satiating, and limit
themselves to one meal per day." He believed this approach could combat a range
of ailments, from epilepsy to boosting resistance against the plague.
Was fasting encoded into our genetics from the start? Did Hippocrates uncover a
timeless truth about human health thousands of years ago? In today's world, where
food is incessantly available, could fasting be the forgotten key to healing?
Emerging scientific evidence strongly supports this idea. This chapter delves into
the modern embodiment of fasting, the biological mechanisms activated during
fasting, and the expanding body of research suggesting that prolonged fasting can
314
activate numerous cellular repair processes, offering extensive health benefits,
particularly for women.
To understand fasting, it's essential to recognize that your cells can derive energy
from two primary sources: sugar and fat. Initially, when you eat, your cells utilize
glucose from your bloodstream, sourced from the carbohydrates in your food. This
'sugar-burner' energy system supports the myriad cellular functions necessary for
daily activities. However, when you cease eating, and your blood sugar levels
begin to wane, your body initiates a transition to its second energy system—the
'ketogenic' or 'fat-burner' system. This transition is akin to a hybrid car switching
from gasoline to electricity; it marks the onset of fasting's benefits. Although the
timing varies by individual, research indicates that it typically takes about eight
hours after your last meal for your body to fully engage its fat-burning mode.
Understanding these two metabolic pathways is crucial as it frames fasting not just
as an absence of eating, but as a strategic switch that taps into an alternative energy
system, potentially unlocking profound health benefits and promoting cellular
repair and rejuvenation.
If you've never surpassed eight hours without eating, you might not have tapped
into the healing potential of your body's fat-burner energy system. One of the most
thorough studies on fasting, published in *The New England Journal of Medicine*
in December 2019, reviewed over 85 research papers and made a compelling case
for intermittent fasting. The study advocates using intermittent fasting as a primary
intervention for conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,
neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. It also highlighted the anti-aging
properties of fasting and its benefits in pre- and post-operative healing scenarios.
315
This significant meta-analysis underscored several critical cellular responses
activated when we periodically switch to our fat-burning metabolism. These
include:
The healing benefits of having low levels of ketones surging through your system
are nothing short of astounding. Ketones are reparative, meaning they target
specific tissues in your body and regenerate them. This is particularly crucial for
nervous tissue, offering incredible benefits for any neurodegeneration that may
have occurred in the brain.
316
fluctuate, ketone energy is consistent, giving you both physical and mental clarity
throughout your day.
The wonders of ketones don’t stop with brain repair and energy. Ketones also
interact with the hypothalamus in your brain to turn off your hunger hormone. This
is a significant reason why the more you fast, the less hungry you become. As your
brain senses ketones during a fasted state, it uses those ketones to suppress hunger.
Many fasters leverage this decline in hunger to extend their fasts, gaining even
more healing benefits.
An important point to remember is the time it takes for your body to switch from
burning sugar to burning fat, a process known as becoming fat-adapted. This
transition can vary greatly from person to person, typically taking between three
days to two weeks, but in some cases, it can extend up to six weeks or more. This
variation depends on several factors, including your previous diet, metabolic
health, and how strictly you adhere to a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
When you first reduce your carbohydrate intake, your body continues to crave and
seek out glucose, the primary energy source it has relied on. During this initial
phase, you might experience symptoms commonly referred to as the “keto flu,”
which can include fatigue, headaches, irritability, and brain fog. These symptoms
317
occur because your body is depleting its glycogen stores and has not yet efficiently
switched to burning fat for fuel.
As you persist with a low-carb diet, your body gradually starts to increase its
production of ketones, which are produced from the breakdown of fats in the liver.
These ketones begin to replace glucose as your primary energy source. However,
this process is not instantaneous. It requires your cells, particularly your muscle
and brain cells, to adapt to using ketones and fatty acids instead of glucose.
During the adaptation period, your body undergoes several metabolic changes.
Enzymes involved in fat oxidation become more active, and the number of
mitochondria in your cells can increase to enhance your ability to produce energy
from fat. Your liver also ramps up its ability to produce ketones efficiently.
The length of this adaptation period can be influenced by how long you’ve been
consuming a high-carb diet, your level of physical activity, and your individual
metabolic health. Athletes or individuals with a high level of physical fitness might
experience a quicker adaptation due to their body’s already efficient energy
utilization processes.
Once fully fat-adapted, you’ll notice a more consistent energy level throughout the
day without the spikes and crashes associated with carbohydrate consumption.
You’ll also experience improved mental clarity, reduced hunger, and a greater
ability to burn stored body fat for energy, which can contribute to weight loss and
enhanced metabolic health.
318
To understand this better, think of your body needing to create new cellular
“machinery” to transition from burning sugar to burning fat. It’s like converting a
house from coal heating to electric heating. You would need to install new
equipment and hook up the necessary wires for the electric system to work.
Similarly, when your body shifts to using fat as its primary fuel source, it has to
develop new metabolic pathways and cellular processes. Imagine sugar burning as
using dirty fuel like diesel or coal, which produces a lot of waste and is noisy. In
contrast, burning fat is akin to using clean energy sources like solar power or
electric cars, which are efficient, quiet, and produce minimal waste.
Ketones are the original fuel source for the brain, the fuel our ancestors relied on.
Back in the day, they didn’t consume sugar-laden foods or eat multiple meals a
day. Instead, their bodies were designed to run on ketones, not sugar. This means
fewer complications, a cleaner fuel source, and more efficient energy. Get ready to
unlock your brain’s full potential and experience a whole new level of mental
clarity and stability!
Until very recently, we’ve been consuming a lot of sugar, but now it's time to
return to what our bodies are truly designed to run on—ketones. This is a much
better fuel source, and once you experience the benefits, you’ll never want to go
back to relying on sugar.
319
One of the amazing things about ketosis is that it protects your protein. On this
eating plan, you won't have to worry about your body breaking down its own
protein. That issue only arises when insulin is present, leading to the conversion of
protein into fat. Many people worry about losing muscle mass, but with ketosis,
you’ll actually gain muscle mass. Your ligaments, tendons, and collagen will all
improve.
320
biogenesis. By enhancing the number and function of mitochondria, fasting
supports improved cellular energy production and overall metabolic health.
Fasting also plays a significant role in reducing oxidative stress, which is a major
contributor to mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Oxidative stress occurs
when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species
(ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. High levels of
ROS can damage mitochondrial DNA, proteins, and lipids, impairing their function
and leading to various health issues. Fasting has been shown to enhance the
activity of antioxidant defense mechanisms, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)
and catalase, which help neutralize ROS and protect mitochondria from oxidative
damage. By reducing oxidative stress, fasting helps preserve mitochondrial
integrity and function.
321
cellular debris. During autophagy, cells break down and recycle damaged
components, including dysfunctional mitochondria, which can otherwise contribute
to cellular dysfunction and disease. By promoting the clearance of damaged
mitochondria and encouraging the production of new, healthy ones, fasting helps
maintain optimal mitochondrial function and cellular health.
Boosted Antioxidant Defenses: Protects cells from oxidative damage and reduces
inflammation. Fasting has gained significant attention for its potential health
benefits, particularly its ability to protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce
inflammation. These benefits are critical in preventing a range of chronic diseases
and promoting overall health and longevity.
Oxidative damage occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and
antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage
cells, proteins, and DNA by stealing electrons through a process called oxidation.
This damage is a significant contributor to aging and various diseases, including
cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants, on
322
the other hand, neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing harm.
Fasting enhances the body’s ability to manage oxidative stress in several ways.
Firstly, fasting promotes the production of endogenous antioxidants, which are the
body's natural defense against oxidative damage. During fasting, the body initiates
a process called autophagy, where cells remove damaged components and recycle
them for energy. This cellular cleanup reduces the accumulation of oxidative
damage and enhances cellular function. Additionally, fasting increases the activity
of certain genes and pathways involved in stress resistance and longevity, such as
the Nrf2 pathway. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of
antioxidant proteins, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from
oxidative stress.
Moreover, fasting helps to reduce the overall production of free radicals. When the
body is in a fasting state, it shifts its energy production from glucose to fatty acids
and ketones. This metabolic switch decreases the reliance on glycolysis, a process
that produces a significant amount of free radicals. By reducing glycolytic activity
and increasing the use of ketones, the body generates less oxidative stress, thereby
protecting cells from damage.
In addition to protecting against oxidative damage, fasting also plays a crucial role
in reducing inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a persistent, low-grade
inflammatory response that can lead to tissue damage and contribute to various
diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Fasting has been
shown to reduce inflammation through several mechanisms.
323
One key mechanism is the modulation of inflammatory pathways. Fasting
decreases the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis
factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These cytokines are signaling
molecules that promote inflammation and are elevated in many chronic diseases.
By reducing their levels, fasting helps to mitigate the inflammatory response and
protect tissues from damage.
The implications of fasting for long-term health are profound. By protecting cells
from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation, fasting can help to prevent a
wide range of chronic diseases and promote healthy aging. Moreover, these
benefits extend beyond physical health, as oxidative stress and inflammation are
324
also linked to cognitive decline and mental health disorders. Therefore,
incorporating fasting into one's lifestyle can have far-reaching positive effects on
overall well-being.
Fasting offers powerful protection against oxidative damage and inflammation, two
major contributors to chronic diseases and aging. Through mechanisms such as
enhancing antioxidant production, reducing free radical generation, modulating
inflammatory pathways, and promoting gut health, fasting helps to maintain
cellular integrity and support long-term health. As research continues to uncover
the myriad benefits of fasting, it becomes increasingly clear that this ancient
practice holds great promise for modern health and wellness.
Autophagy is a vital cellular process where cells break down and recycle their own
components. This process helps remove damaged proteins and organelles, thereby
preventing the accumulation of cellular debris that can lead to various diseases,
including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. By
325
clearing out these damaged components, autophagy supports the regeneration of
healthy cells, enhancing the body's ability to function optimally.
Fasting has been shown to be a potent activator of autophagy. When the body is in
a fasted state, it experiences a reduction in nutrient and energy intake, which
triggers a cellular stress response. This response initiates the autophagic process,
enabling cells to degrade and recycle their own components to meet energy
demands. During periods of fasting, the body prioritizes the removal of damaged
or dysfunctional cellular components, making way for the regeneration of new,
functional cells.
Moreover, autophagy plays a crucial role in cancer prevention. Cancer cells often
exploit autophagy to support their rapid growth and survival under stressful
conditions. However, during fasting, autophagy can help eliminate pre-cancerous
cells and suppress tumor initiation. By enhancing the body's ability to detect and
destroy these aberrant cells, fasting provides a natural defense mechanism against
cancer development.
326
Fasting-induced autophagy also contributes to improved metabolic health. By
removing damaged mitochondria and other cellular components, autophagy
enhances cellular efficiency and energy production. This process can help mitigate
the effects of metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver
disease. By promoting the turnover of dysfunctional cellular components, fasting
supports the maintenance of a healthy metabolic state.
327
Enhanced DNA Repair: Increases the body's ability to mend damaged DNA,
which is crucial for preventing mutations that could lead to cancer. One of the most
significant benefits of fasting is its ability to enhance DNA repair mechanisms.
This process is crucial for preventing mutations that could lead to cancer. This
essay explores how fasting enhances DNA repair and its implications for cancer
prevention.
DNA, the blueprint of life, is constantly subjected to damage from both internal
and external sources. These sources include ultraviolet light, radiation,
environmental toxins, and metabolic byproducts like reactive oxygen species
(ROS). If left unrepaired, DNA damage can lead to mutations, which may cause
cells to grow uncontrollably and form tumors, leading to cancer.
The body has evolved sophisticated mechanisms to repair damaged DNA. These
include direct reversal, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, and double-
strand break repair pathways. The efficiency of these repair mechanisms is critical
for maintaining genomic integrity and preventing cancer.
Fasting has been shown to positively influence DNA repair mechanisms. During
periods of fasting, the body undergoes a metabolic shift from glucose metabolism
to fat metabolism, leading to the production of ketones. This metabolic shift has
several beneficial effects on cellular processes, including enhanced DNA repair.
One of the primary ways fasting enhances DNA repair is by reducing oxidative
stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production
328
of ROS and the body's ability to detoxify these harmful byproducts. Excessive
ROS can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to mutations and cancer.
Fasting reduces the production of ROS by decreasing the metabolic rate and
switching the energy source from glucose to ketones. Ketones produce fewer ROS
compared to glucose metabolism, thereby lowering oxidative stress and reducing
the incidence of DNA damage.
Fasting activates various cellular stress response pathways that enhance DNA
repair mechanisms. One such pathway is the activation of sirtuins, a family of
proteins that play a key role in cellular health and longevity. Sirtuins regulate
several aspects of DNA repair, including the stabilization of the DNA repair
machinery and the promotion of efficient repair processes.
Fasting has been shown to upregulate the expression of genes involved in DNA
repair. Research indicates that fasting triggers the activation of transcription factors
such as FOXO and p53, which play crucial roles in the DNA damage response.
These transcription factors enhance the expression of DNA repair genes, leading to
improved repair efficiency and reduced mutational burden.
329
repair pathways, and upregulating DNA repair genes, fasting helps maintain
genomic integrity. This reduces the likelihood of mutations that can lead to cancer.
Furthermore, fasting has been shown to improve the efficacy of cancer treatments.
For instance, fasting can sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation
therapy by enhancing DNA repair mechanisms in healthy cells while leaving
cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment-induced damage.
Fasting is a powerful tool that enhances the body's ability to repair damaged DNA,
which is crucial for preventing mutations and reducing the risk of cancer. By
reducing oxidative stress, activating cellular repair pathways, and upregulating
DNA repair genes, fasting supports genomic integrity and promotes overall cellular
health. As research continues to unveil the molecular benefits of fasting, it
becomes increasingly clear that this ancient practice holds promise as a modern
strategy for cancer prevention and health optimization. Embracing fasting, within
safe and guided parameters, could be a significant step towards a healthier and
cancer-free life.
Reduced Glycogen Stores: Encourages the body to switch from sugar to fat as its
primary energy source. One significant effect of fasting is the reduction of
glycogen stores, which encourages the body to switch from using sugar to fat as its
primary energy source. This metabolic switch not only aids in weight management
but also offers a range of health benefits, including improved metabolic health and
enhanced energy efficiency.
330
Glycogen is a stored form of glucose, primarily found in the liver and muscles. It
serves as a readily available source of energy that can be quickly mobilized to meet
immediate energy needs. When you consume sufficient protein, they are broken
down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Excess glucose is converted into
glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles for later use.
Under normal conditions, the body relies on glycogen for energy, especially during
short-term fasting or high-intensity exercise. However, glycogen stores are finite
and typically depleted after 12 to 24 hours of fasting or prolonged exercise. Once
glycogen stores are exhausted, the body must find an alternative energy source to
sustain its functions.
Fasting accelerates the depletion of glycogen stores as the body seeks to maintain
blood glucose levels and energy supply. During the initial stages of fasting, the
liver breaks down glycogen into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream to
provide energy for vital organs and tissues, particularly the brain, which relies
heavily on glucose.
As fasting continues and glycogen stores diminish, the body undergoes a metabolic
shift. This shift, known as metabolic switching, marks the transition from using
glucose to utilizing fat as the primary energy source. This process is crucial for
sustaining energy levels during prolonged periods without food.
When glycogen stores are depleted, the body begins to break down stored fat into
fatty acids and ketones. This process, known as lipolysis, occurs in adipose tissue,
where fat is stored. The fatty acids are then transported to the liver, where they are
converted into ketones through a process called ketogenesis.
331
Ketones serve as an efficient and stable energy source, particularly for the brain
and muscles. Unlike glucose, which can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels,
ketones provide a steady supply of energy, promoting mental clarity and physical
endurance. This metabolic switch from sugar to fat offers several health benefits:
Switching to fat as the primary energy source enhances the body's ability to burn
stored fat, aiding in weight loss and improving body composition. This is
particularly beneficial for individuals with excess body fat, as fasting helps
mobilize fat stores and promotes fat oxidation.
The metabolic switch to fat and ketones provides a consistent and sustained energy
supply, reducing the energy fluctuations associated with glucose metabolism. This
results in improved mental clarity, focus, and physical stamina, as the body
efficiently utilizes its fat stores.
Utilizing fat as a primary energy source during fasting activates cellular pathways
associated with longevity and health. Ketones have been shown to reduce oxidative
332
stress and inflammation, enhance mitochondrial function, and promote cellular
repair processes, contributing to overall health and longevity.
Fasting plays a pivotal role in depleting glycogen stores and prompting the body to
switch from sugar to fat as its primary energy source. This metabolic switch not
only supports weight management and improved insulin sensitivity but also
promotes stable energy levels and cellular health. By embracing fasting,
individuals can harness the power of metabolic switching to optimize their health,
enhance energy efficiency, and potentially extend their lifespan. As research
continues to explore the benefits of fasting, it becomes increasingly clear that this
ancient practice offers a powerful tool for modern health and wellness.
333
Fasting can disrupt this cycle by lowering insulin levels and improving insulin
sensitivity. When an individual fasts, the absence of food intake leads to a decline
in blood sugar levels, prompting a corresponding decrease in insulin secretion.
Without the constant presence of insulin, cells become more sensitive to the
hormone. This improved sensitivity means that when insulin is released after a
meal, it is more effective at facilitating glucose uptake by cells, thereby reducing
the likelihood of insulin resistance.
During fasting, the body undergoes several metabolic changes that contribute to
lower insulin levels. One significant change is the shift from glucose metabolism to
fat metabolism. In the absence of dietary carbohydrates, the body begins to break
down stored fat into fatty acids and ketones, which serve as alternative energy
sources. This metabolic shift reduces the reliance on glucose and, consequently, the
need for insulin. As insulin levels drop, the body becomes more efficient at using
fat for energy, further enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Moreover, fasting promotes the reduction of visceral fat, the fat stored around
internal organs. Visceral fat is particularly harmful because it is metabolically
active and releases inflammatory markers and hormones that contribute to insulin
resistance. By decreasing visceral fat, fasting can reduce these harmful effects and
improve overall metabolic health.
334
anti-inflammatory properties. Higher levels of adiponectin are associated with
better glucose regulation and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Another important hormone affected by fasting is glucagon, which has the opposite
effect of insulin. During fasting, glucagon levels rise, stimulating the breakdown of
glycogen (stored glucose) in the liver and promoting gluconeogenesis (the
production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). This process ensures a
steady supply of glucose for essential functions during fasting periods without the
need for high insulin levels. The balance between insulin and glucagon is crucial
for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and preventing insulin resistance.
The benefits of fasting on insulin levels and insulin sensitivity have been
demonstrated in numerous studies. Research has shown that intermittent fasting,
which involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, can significantly reduce
fasting insulin levels and improve markers of insulin sensitivity. These findings
suggest that incorporating fasting into one’s lifestyle can be a powerful strategy for
reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Fasting offers a natural and effective way to lower insulin levels and improve
insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2
diabetes. By allowing the body to shift from glucose to fat metabolism, reducing
visceral fat, and influencing hormonal pathways, fasting helps maintain metabolic
health and prevent the onset of chronic diseases. As more people seek ways to
improve their health and well-being, fasting presents a promising approach to
achieving and maintaining optimal metabolic function.
335
Decreased Protein Synthesis: Reduces the wear and tear on cells, potentially
extending their lifespan. One of the critical mechanisms by which fasting may
contribute to longevity is through the reduction of protein synthesis. By decreasing
protein synthesis, fasting reduces cellular wear and tear, which can help maintain
cellular integrity and function over time, potentially extending the lifespan of cells
and, by extension, the organism.
During fasting, the body enters a state of nutrient scarcity, which triggers several
adaptive responses aimed at conserving energy and resources. One of these
responses is the down regulation of protein synthesis. This reduction in protein
synthesis is primarily mediated by the inhibition of the mechanistic target of
rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism.
Under normal conditions, mTOR promotes protein synthesis in response to nutrient
availability, especially amino acids and growth factors. However, during fasting,
decreased nutrient availability leads to reduced mTOR activity, resulting in a
corresponding decrease in protein synthesis.
336
By reducing protein synthesis, fasting minimizes the metabolic burden on cells.
This reduction in metabolic activity lowers the production of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) and other harmful byproducts, which are known to cause oxidative
damage to cellular components, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. Oxidative
damage is a significant factor in cellular aging, as it impairs cellular function and
contributes to the development of age-related diseases such as neurodegeneration,
cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Therefore, by decreasing protein synthesis and
reducing oxidative stress, fasting helps to protect cells from damage and maintain
their functional integrity over time.
Moreover, the decrease in protein synthesis during fasting allows cells to focus on
repairing and maintaining existing proteins rather than producing new ones. This
shift in cellular priorities enhances the quality control mechanisms within the cell,
such as autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular process that degrades and recycles
damaged or misfolded proteins and organelles, thus preventing their accumulation
and promoting cellular homeostasis. By promoting autophagy, fasting helps to
eliminate potentially harmful components and supports the rejuvenation of cells,
which is crucial for longevity.
Additionally, decreased protein synthesis during fasting reduces the risk of protein
aggregation, a phenomenon where misfolded proteins clump together and form
insoluble aggregates. Protein aggregation is implicated in several age-related
neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s
diseases. By limiting the synthesis of new proteins and enhancing the clearance of
damaged ones, fasting can mitigate the risk of protein aggregation and its
associated cellular dysfunctions.
337
The benefits of reduced protein synthesis through fasting extend beyond individual
cells to the whole organism. In various model organisms, such as yeast, worms,
and mice, calorie restriction and fasting have been shown to increase lifespan and
delay the onset of age-related diseases. These findings suggest that the conserved
biological mechanisms activated by fasting, including reduced protein synthesis,
play a crucial role in promoting longevity.
Fasting decreases protein synthesis, reducing cellular wear and tear, and potentially
extending the lifespan of cells and the organism. By down regulating mTOR
activity and shifting cellular priorities towards maintenance and repair, fasting
minimizes oxidative stress, enhances autophagy, and prevents protein aggregation.
These protective effects help maintain cellular integrity and function over time,
supporting overall health and longevity. Embracing fasting as part of a healthy
lifestyle could, therefore, be a valuable strategy for promoting longevity and
preventing age-related diseases.
Further studies emphasize that the timing of meals significantly impacts metabolic
health, sometimes more than the content of the meals themselves. For instance,
research published in *The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging* in 2018
demonstrated that obese individuals who ate within an eight-hour window
experienced substantial metabolic improvements, regardless of their diet. Similarly,
a 2020 study in *Cell Metabolism* found that consuming the same amount of food
in a shorter, 10-hour period led to greater metabolic benefits than spreading meals
over 14 hours.
These findings vividly illustrate that by condensing your eating times and
extending your fasting periods, you can engage more deeply with your body's
338
natural regenerative processes, potentially leading to profound health
improvements.
Now, some people might not have a big enough appetite to consume a sufficient
amount of food in one sitting initially. If that’s the case, I suggest gradually
working your way up to it. Start by cutting down from three meals to two. Then,
make the timing of those two meals closer together. Finally, bring it down to one
meal.
When it comes to the timing of your meal, here’s a hack that helped me when I was
transitioning and struggling with eating out of boredom. I would have a huge,
delicious breakfast, like a perfectly cooked ribeye with some eggs fried in butter, or
any other appealing cut of meat I had in the fridge. And then, that’s it for the day.
339
The reason this worked is simple. Toward the end of the day, when I felt the urge to
eat out of boredom, I would remind myself that I was going to bed soon. Before I
knew it, it would be the next day, and I could eat whatever I wanted. This mindset
was incredibly helpful for sticking to the routine because it made the fasting period
seem much shorter. I just had to tell myself that I could eat very soon.
Over time, I noticed that I didn’t have a big appetite in the morning. This allowed
me to push my mealtime further until after my workout, usually around the middle
of the day. This adjustment made OMAD more manageable and effective for me.
So, if you’re considering OMAD, don’t rush it. Gradually adjust your meal
frequency and timing to what feels natural for you. Remember, our bodies are
designed to handle periods of fasting, and it can be incredibly beneficial for your
health. Stick with it, and you'll likely find that it becomes a natural and enjoyable
part of your routine.
Now, my favorite part of OMAD is that once your body gets used to it, you no
longer feel hunger outside of your designated eating time. Your body clock simply
adjusts to getting hungry around that one specific time you always eat. In the first
week or two, I experienced grueling hunger pains and constantly felt like I needed
to eat. But this wasn't actual hunger; it was simply my gut bacteria, which had been
feeding off unhealthy, useless food, dying off. Only the beneficial, steak-eating
bacteria survived—these are the ones we want to thrive in our system.
Once you adjust to eating at this one specific time, your body becomes incredibly
efficient at burning your own fat for fuel. This means you don’t get hungry
anymore because, in a sense, you are always eating. Your body is continuously
340
drawing energy from your fat stores, keeping your energy levels stable and your
mind sharp.
One significant advantage of OMAD is that it simplifies your daily routine. You
don’t have to worry about multiple meals or snacks throughout the day. You can
focus on other aspects of your life, knowing that your one meal will provide all the
necessary nutrients and energy. This simplicity is liberating and can reduce the
stress associated with meal planning and preparation.
Over time, you’ll find that your body becomes attuned to this eating schedule.
You’ll naturally feel hungry around your designated meal time, and the rest of the
day, you’ll experience sustained energy without the distraction of constant hunger.
This newfound freedom from the need to eat multiple times a day allows you to
fully engage in your activities and enjoy life without the constant thought of food.
341
In summary, OMAD is a powerful way to optimize your health and streamline your
lifestyle. The initial adjustment period can be tough, but once your body adapts,
you’ll experience the benefits of increased metabolic efficiency, sustained energy
levels, and a simplified daily routine. By embracing this eating pattern, you can
transform your relationship with food and unlock a new level of vitality and well-
being.
48 HOURS
Twice a month, embarking on a weekend fast can work wonders for you. This
particular length of fasting positively impacts your mental state the most. It helps
break any kind of addiction, including food addiction. When you abstain from
dopamine-spiking experiences for a certain period, your dopamine baseline levels
down-regulate. This means you start to derive happiness from the simple, everyday
things in life, rather than constantly seeking out intense rushes from mind-numbing
junk food, endless scrolling on TikTok, or other addictive behaviors.
We are naturally dopamine seekers because, in the past, the activities that provided
us with dopamine also kept us alive—like hunting, eating nutritious meals, and
procreating. However, in today's world, we are drowning in dopamine. We are
addicted to it, obtaining it from sources that make us unproductive and unhealthy.
We are essentially abusing this natural chemical that our brain releases.
A 48-hour fast acts as a sort of "dopamine fast" because you're not indulging in
those immense rushes. As a result, your natural dopamine baseline levels come
down, and life becomes pleasurable again. Remember, what goes up must come
342
down. Instead of experiencing a harsh crash due to high dopamine levels, creating
an equilibrium yourself makes it much easier to control your urges and avoid
addiction.
During a weekend fast, your body isn't just detoxing from food; your mind is
detoxing from the constant bombardment of high-stimulation activities. This reset
can help you break free from unhealthy habits. By stepping away from these
dopamine-driven behaviors, you allow your brain to recalibrate. The little things in
life become enjoyable again, and you regain control over your impulses.
Additionally, a weekend fast can enhance your mental clarity and focus. Without
the constant need for external stimulation, you can engage more deeply with your
thoughts and surroundings. You become more present and mindful, appreciating
the world in a more grounded way.
Fasting also encourages self-discipline and resilience. It teaches you that you don't
need to give in to every craving or urge. This sense of control extends beyond the
fast, helping you make better choices in your daily life.
A 48-hour fast twice a month is more than just a physical detox; it's a mental and
emotional reset. It helps you break free from the cycle of dopamine addiction,
lowers your baseline dopamine levels, and allows you to find joy in the simple
things again. By incorporating this practice into your routine, you can improve
your mental clarity, increase your self-discipline, and foster a healthier relationship
with food and other dopamine-inducing activities.
72 HOURS +
343
Now, I only suggest this length of fasting if you are very overweight and have a lot
of stored calories. In such cases, it makes perfect sense to go this long without
eating because you have more than enough food already stored on your body. The
primary focus should be on maintaining electrolyte balance, which can be managed
with minerals and salt. This approach can be particularly effective for those with
significant weight to lose, as your body will utilize the stored fat for energy,
making the fasting period more manageable.
For individuals dealing with serious health issues, extended fasting offers
substantial benefits. When your body is not preoccupied with digestion, it can
divert more energy toward healing. This is crucial for those with conditions that
require intensive healing processes. The fasting period allows the body to enter a
state of autophagy, where it breaks down and recycles damaged cells, promoting
overall health and recovery.
If you are at a normal weight, however, extended fasting might not be advisable.
Without a high amount of body fat, your body may perceive the prolonged fasting
as a sign of starvation. In response, it could lower your metabolism and thyroid
function to conserve energy, which is counterproductive if your goal is to maintain
a healthy weight or lose a moderate amount of fat. This adaptive response can lead
to a range of issues, including fatigue and metabolic slowdown, which are not
desirable when trying to achieve optimal health.
Extended fasting has shown remarkable benefits, especially for those healing from
major illnesses. Research on three-day water fasts, initially conducted on
chemotherapy patients, demonstrated significant improvements in immune
344
function. During a three-day fast, the body initiates a deep cleaning process where
ineffective white blood cells are destroyed, and new, more resilient ones are
generated. This process can be transformative for individuals battling cancer,
persistent autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and type 2 diabetes.
Moreover, extended fasting plays a crucial role in cancer prevention. Our bodies
constantly produce cancer cells, but a robust immune system can typically manage
and eliminate them before they turn into tumors. However, stress—be it physical,
emotional, or chemical—can compromise our immune system, reducing its ability
to detect and fight off these cells. Extended fasting helps reset the immune system,
making it more effective in its role as a guardian against chronic diseases.
Another profound benefit of extended fasting is the boost in stem cell production.
Stem cells are vital for repairing injured body parts and healing stubborn injuries.
This regenerative process also contributes to anti-aging, as it targets and repairs
cells that have degenerated, restoring them to a healthier state. This comprehensive
cellular repair can lead to improved skin health, enhanced energy levels, and a
more youthful appearance.
Now, let’s think about something logically. We’ve all heard how camels store water
in their humps, keeping them hydrated in the desert. Well, the truth is, their humps
don’t actually store water; they store fat. This is a crucial distinction because it
highlights how fat serves multiple purposes beyond just energy storage.
345
You’ve probably been told that one pound of fat equals 3,500 calories and that to
burn one pound of fat, you have to burn that many calories. However, our body fat
is not a pure, dense oil. It’s a combination of water and lipids. This is why, after a
day of fasting where you’re not excessively drinking water but simply drinking
when thirsty, a lot of your body fat gets converted into carbon dioxide, which you
then breathe out. The rest of the fat gets used for water production, which you then
sweat out or urinate, leading to noticeable weight loss on the scale. You didn’t burn
over 6,000 calories in a day; instead, the water weight has been flushed out.
Just like a camel, when food and water are scarce, our bodies convert fat into water
and energy. This process is a natural adaptation to ensure survival. So, when
fasting, it is counterintuitive to force yourself to drink excessive amounts of water.
Constantly chugging a gallon of water can actually be detrimental. Instead, simply
drink when you’re thirsty.
Our bodies are remarkably efficient at turning fat into water. We can convert a
gram of fat into more than a gram of water, which is why people still urinate even
when dry fasting. If you drink excessive amounts of water while fasting, you will
flush out your electrolytes. These electrolytes are crucial for maintaining energy
levels and fluid balance. Flushing them out can make you ravenously hungry
because your body needs those electrolytes, prompting you to seek food.
346
Salt Under the Tongue
When you place salt under your tongue, it gets absorbed directly into the
bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth. This method of
absorption is much faster than ingesting salt through food or drinks, which have to
pass through the digestive system first.
1. Electrolyte Balance:
Salt is a key source of sodium, an essential electrolyte that helps maintain fluid
balance in the body. When fasting, your body continues to lose sodium through
urine and sweat. If sodium levels drop too low, you may experience increased
hunger and cravings as your body signals the need to restore electrolyte balance.
By consuming salt, you help maintain this balance, which can reduce feelings of
hunger.
2. Regulating Hormones:
Sodium plays a role in regulating various hormones that affect hunger and satiety.
Adequate sodium levels can help modulate the release of hormones like ghrelin,
which stimulates appetite. By keeping these hormone levels in check, salt can help
reduce hunger pangs and make fasting more manageable.
Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, are crucial for
maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle function. During fasting,
especially when you are not consuming any food, your body continues to lose
electrolytes through urine and sweat. If these electrolytes are not replenished, you
may experience symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and muscle
cramps.
347
One of the main challenges during fasting is managing hunger and cravings.
Sodium plays a key role in regulating your body’s hydration levels and blood
pressure. By maintaining adequate sodium levels, you can help reduce feelings of
hunger and stabilize your energy levels, making the fasting period more
manageable.
Electrolytes, particularly sodium, are essential for proper nerve function and
muscle contraction. When your body is low on sodium, you may feel sluggish,
tired, and mentally foggy. By placing salt under your tongue, you quickly restore
sodium levels, which can enhance your energy and mental clarity during fasting.
While fasting, especially if you’re not consuming any liquids (dry fasting), your
body still needs to manage its hydration levels. Sodium helps retain water in your
body, preventing dehydration. By taking salt, you support your body’s ability to
maintain hydration even when you’re not drinking water.
I recommend some brands of salt that have other minerals in them as well and have
been tested for microplastics. Two of my favorites are Redmond Real Salt and
Celtic Sea Salt. These salts not only provide sodium but also come with a rich
profile of essential minerals that can support your overall health during fasting.
348
Redmond Real Salt is a natural, unrefined salt harvested from ancient sea beds in
Utah. It contains over 60 trace minerals, including iodine, calcium, potassium, and
magnesium, which are beneficial for maintaining electrolyte balance. Redmond
Real Salt is also tested for microplastics, ensuring that you are consuming a pure
and clean product. The salt has a slightly sweet and mineral-rich taste, making it a
great addition to your fasting regimen.
Celtic Sea Salt is another excellent choice. Harvested from the coastal regions of
France, it is known for its gray color and slightly moist texture, indicating its high
mineral content. Celtic Sea Salt is rich in essential minerals like magnesium,
potassium, and calcium, which help support your body’s functions during fasting.
This salt is also tested for microplastics, ensuring you get a clean, natural product.
Its complex flavor enhances the taste of your food while providing the necessary
minerals.
It’s important to avoid refined table salts like Morton’s, which are primarily
composed of sodium chloride and often stripped of their natural minerals. These
refined salts can also contain additives like anti-caking agents and iodine, which
are not as beneficial as the naturally occurring minerals found in unrefined salts.
Coffee
349
I used to think coffee was great for fasting—a little life hack for energy. However,
as I delved deeper into the nature of seeds, my perspective changed. Seeds are the
most highly defended part of a plant, packed with toxins to deter predators. Coffee
beans are, in fact, seeds. The energy boost you feel from coffee is not a sign of
nourishment but rather your body's reaction to a poison. Coffee increases your
cortisol levels, mimicking a stress response. Essentially, your body thinks it’s
under attack, prompting a fight-or-flight reaction. If an insect were to ingest coffee,
it would be fatal. The energized feeling you get from coffee is due to its pesticide
properties, part of its natural defense mechanism.
The terms "pesticide," "homicide," and "insecticide" all share a common root—
death. Coffee cannot be good for you when it functions as a pesticide. It's widely
consumed and highly addictive because it exhausts your adrenal glands, leaving
you with chronic fatigue once the initial buzz wears off. If you struggle with sleep,
coffee is likely a major culprit. I highly recommend removing it from your diet if
you’re a current coffee addict. It’s essentially poison bean juice, and eliminating it
can greatly improve your health and well-being.
Tea
The same goes for tea. Tea leaves are the dehydrated leaves of the plant, which,
like seeds, are highly defended and packed with toxins to avoid being eaten.
Drinking tea is akin to consuming anti-nutrient water, often laced with
microplastics from the teabags. While tea might have a pleasant aroma and taste,
it’s essentially another form of toxic plant juice.
350
There’s no need to make drinking tea or coffee a daily ritual. If you’re out with
friends and don’t want to be the awkward one sitting there without a beverage,
having a cup occasionally is fine. But don’t let it become a regular habit. Both
coffee and tea can be harmful to your health when consumed frequently, and it’s
best to avoid them as much as possible.
In conclusion, while coffee and tea are socially accepted and often seen as
harmless or even beneficial, they come with hidden dangers. The toxins in these
plant-based beverages can stress your body, disrupt your sleep, and lead to long-
term health issues. By eliminating these "poison plant juices" from your diet, you
can reduce unnecessary stress on your body and improve your overall health.
Instead, focus on consuming nourishing, natural foods that truly support your well-
being.
351
on my clearer skin. By eliminating garbage foods from my diet and focusing on
nutrient-dense meat, my skin has become much smoother. When you’re no longer
shoving junk food into your mouth and blaming it on cravings, your body gets the
nutrients it needs from high-quality meat.
Your brain often makes you crave the most hyper-palatable foods because, in
nature, the more delicious a food is, the more nutrients it typically has. However, in
our modern world, man-made foods often reverse this logic. By sticking to a
carnivore diet, your body learns to crave the nutrient-rich, delicious, fatty pieces of
red meat, resulting in healthier, clearer skin. Combining fasting with red meat can
give you the smoothest skin of your dreams.
The transition to a carnivore diet has also helped maintain a stable weight. Instead
of the 10-pound fluctuations I used to experience, I now only see minor changes
due to water retention. This stability makes it easier to manage and track overall
health and fitness goals.
352
to significant mood swings. With a carnivore diet, the consistent intake of protein
and fat helps maintain stable energy levels, which in turn stabilizes mood.
This is the phase when bleeding occurs. During this time, hormone levels of
estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, which can lead to feelings of fatigue
and low energy. It’s a time for the body to shed the uterine lining, and you might
feel more tired and less motivated to exercise or engage in strenuous activities.
Cravings might still be present but tend to be lower compared to the premenstrual
phase.
The follicular phase overlaps with the menstrual phase initially and continues until
ovulation. During this phase, the body prepares for potential pregnancy by growing
follicles in the ovaries. Estrogen levels gradually rise, leading to an increase in
energy levels and improved mood. This is a great time to engage in physical
activities and take on new challenges as you are likely to feel stronger and more
motivated.
353
3. Ovulatory Phase (Around Day 14)
Ovulation occurs around the middle of the cycle, when the mature egg is released
from the ovary. Estrogen peaks just before ovulation, leading to a surge in
luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers the release of the egg. This phase is often
associated with feeling your best—energetic, confident, and in high spirits.
The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next
menstrual period. Progesterone levels rise, preparing the body for a potential
pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, both progesterone and estrogen levels
drop, leading to the onset of menstruation. The second half of the luteal phase,
often referred to as the premenstrual phase, is when cravings and symptoms of
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) are most intense.
354
• Feelings of fatigue and weakness, as the body retains more water and
experiences bloating.
• Mood swings, irritability, and emotional sensitivity.
The week before your period, during the late luteal phase, is typically when
cravings are at their peak. Hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen and
rise in progesterone, can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-carb,
high-sugar foods. This phase can also be marked by physical and emotional
symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and mood swings, making it a challenging time.
Right after your period ends, during the early follicular phase, you experience a
spike in testosterone levels. This hormonal shift brings a surge of energy, improved
mood, and increased physical strength. You may feel more motivated, happier, and
stronger, making it an ideal time to engage in vigorous physical activities and set
new fitness goals.
Keep These Reminders at the Forefront of Your Mind to Ensure Your Success in
Fasting The transition to a fasting lifestyle might seem challenging at first, but with
persistence, it will become your natural way of eating. Remember, the feeling of
355
wanting to overindulge is temporary. As you read this, the unhealthy gut bacteria
that thrive on junk food are dying off.
Hang in there a little longer. Before you know it, you will become fat-adapted, and
those hunger pangs will be a thing of the past. Your body will efficiently burn fat
for fuel, reducing the frequency and intensity of hunger. The discomfort you feel
now is just a phase, and it will pass as your body adjusts.
Allow your body to take a break from constant digestion, enabling autophagy and
cellular repair to occur. This process will lead to a leaner face, tighter skin, and
overall improved appearance. Your dream physique is within reach. As your body
starts eating away at its own fat stores, you will become leaner and healthier. This
transformation could be just a few weeks, or even days, away.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and keep you distracted from thoughts of
food. Whether it’s a hobby like painting or drawing, styling your hair, or
reorganizing your room, find something that excites you. These activities can help
shift your focus and keep you motivated.
356
Understand that the fat on your body is more than enough to sustain you. There are
literally hundreds of thousands of calories stored in your fat, so there’s no need to
eat outside of your one meal a day of nutrient-dense meat. You already have ample
calories to spare, and your body will use them efficiently.
Start visualizing the dream figure and the optimal state of health you’ve always
wanted. Look up people who inspire you and keep you motivated to commit to
your health goals. Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you stay focused
and driven.
Recognize that the part of your brain urging you to eat constantly is the primitive,
“lizard” part of your brain. This part is simply trying to keep you alive, mistakenly
thinking you’re in a famine. However, you know better. You are fasting to reset
your dopamine baseline levels because your body currently craves dopamine from
food, not the food itself.
Understand that fasting helps lower your dopamine baseline levels. Right now,
your body craves the dopamine hit from food. By fasting, you are training your
brain to find pleasure and satisfaction in simpler things, rather than seeking
constant stimulation from eating.
357
358
CHAPTER 5
359
When the topic of a carnivore diet arises, it's common to encounter a chorus of
skepticism and doubt, largely from individuals who may not have delved deeply
into the subject. They often echo concerns and misconceptions they've absorbed
from mainstream discourse, perpetuating a cycle of misinformation about the
supposed dangers of this dietary approach. Yet, the carnivore diet is deeply
ingrained in human history, resonating with our ancestral eating patterns.
My own journey mirrors this cycle of skepticism and revelation. Initially, I found
myself aligned with the mainstream doubts, questioning the validity and safety of
the carnivore diet. However, everything changed when I decided to experience it
firsthand. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. I felt a surge of
vitality and strength, akin to a superhero awakening to their powers.
360
Won’t I get scurvy from vitamin C deficiency?
361
Another point to consider is the role of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, in
preventing scurvy. Fresh meat does contain a sufficient amount of vitamin C to
prevent the disease. However, the drying process used to preserve meat for long
sea voyages removes moisture, and with it, the vitamin C content. This distinction
is vital in understanding why scurvy was prevalent among sailors and pirates, and
why a well-balanced modern diet that includes fresh meat is unlikely to result in
such deficiencies.
The second aspect of this discussion revolves around the impact of a high-
carbohydrate diet on nutritional requirements, particularly concerning vitamin C.
It's important to note that the body's need for vitamin C, along with other vitamins
and minerals, escalates significantly when consuming a diet rich in carbohydrates.
This is due to the structural similarities between glucose and vitamin C; their
molecules are nearly identical. This similarity extends to their absorption
mechanisms, as both nutrients utilize the same pathways to enter cells.
This shared pathway leads to direct competition between glucose and vitamin C for
cellular uptake. In this competition, glucose typically has the upper hand, being
preferentially absorbed by cells. As a result, a diet high in carbohydrates can hinder
the absorption of vitamin C, thereby increasing the body's requirement for this
essential nutrient. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for assessing dietary needs
and ensuring adequate vitamin C intake, especially in the context of a high-
carbohydrate diet.
Professor Bart Kay, who has a decade of expertise in human nutrition science and
is renowned for reviewing studies and publishing his own, shared his insights on
the topic during an interview with Dr. Anthony Chaffee.
362
Indeed, it is essential to consume an adequate amount of vitamin C in our diet to
prevent scurvy. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, leading to the
failure in the synthesis of collagen, which is the most abundant protein in our body.
Without sufficient collagen, the body's structure begins to deteriorate, resulting in
symptoms such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, swollen joints, and muscle
degeneration. Scurvy can be life-threatening if left untreated. Historically, scurvy
was commonly encountered by sailors who embarked on long voyages at sea,
subsisting on a diet limited to items like ship's biscuits, which lacked vitamin C.
The fact that both human beings and guinea pigs, among other species, cannot
synthesize their own vitamin C tells us something about our evolutionary history. It
suggests that at some point in the genetic lineage of these animals, a common
ancestor existed that was able to produce its own vitamin C. Over time, however,
certain branches of this lineage, such as the one leading to humans and guinea pigs,
lost this ability. This could be due to a shift in diet, such as the increased
consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits, which might have made the ability to
synthesize vitamin C less crucial for survival. As a result, humans and guinea pigs
now rely on dietary sources to obtain this essential nutrient.
363
The inability of humans and certain other species to synthesize their own vitamin C
indicates that the gene responsible for encoding the enzyme needed for this
synthesis has been inactivated or "knocked out" in our genetic makeup. In the
context of Darwinian evolution, the loss of a gene typically occurs because the
gene posed a disadvantage that hindered the survival or reproductive success of
individuals within the species. If a gene negatively impacts an individual's ability
to reach reproductive age and pass on their genes, it may eventually be eliminated
from the gene pool through natural selection. In this case, the loss of the ability to
produce vitamin C may have been a neutral or even beneficial change in the
context of our ancestors' diet and environment.
The fact that no living human beings can produce their own vitamin C suggests
that this genetic trait was lost relatively early in our evolutionary history. This loss
may have occurred soon after our ancestors descended from the trees, reduced their
fruit consumption, adopted an upright posture, and began to rely more heavily on
hunting and consuming animals.
One theory, which is speculative and not yet scientifically proven, is that the ability
to synthesize vitamin C became unnecessary or even disadvantageous due to
changes in diet and lifestyle. As our ancestors' diet shifted to include more animal-
based foods, which are lower in vitamin C, the need to produce this vitamin
internally may have diminished. Additionally, it's possible that excess vitamin C in
the system could have had negative effects that made the loss of this ability
beneficial in some way. However, this is just a hypothesis and further research is
needed to understand the exact reasons behind the loss of vitamin C synthesis in
humans.
364
When vitamin C is metabolized in the body, one of the byproducts is oxalate, as i
mentioned in the part about defense chemicals in plants. Oxalate can combine with
calcium and other electrolytes in the body, primarily calcium, to form sharp,
needle-like crystals. These calcium oxalate crystals can cause damage by piercing
organs and cells. While these crystals commonly form in the kidneys, leading to
kidney stones, they can potentially form in various parts of the body, including the
eyes. This can lead to various health issues, underscoring the importance of
balancing vitamin C intake to avoid excessive oxalate formation.
Calcium oxalate crystals can form in various parts of the body, including the brain,
bladder, and virtually any other organ. Under a microscope, these crystals resemble
fine, sharp needles, making them harmful and damaging to tissues.
The hypothesis that excess vitamin C became problematic when our ancestors
reduced their fruit intake is intriguing. The key to this issue may lie in the
365
transmembrane protein transporters found on the cell membranes of every cell in
the body. These transporters are responsible for moving substances, including
vitamin C, across the cell membrane. When the diet was rich in fruit, these
transporters might have been crucial for managing the high levels of vitamin C
intake. However, as the diet shifted and the intake of vitamin C decreased, the
efficiency of these transporters in handling excess vitamin C might have led to an
increased risk of oxalate formation and the associated health problems. This could
be one reason why the ability to synthesize vitamin C became less critical and was
eventually lost in humans.
The transporter responsible for up-taking vitamin C from your blood and
delivering it into cells, where it aids in functions such as collagen formation, is
known as GLUT (Glucose Transporter). Those familiar with nutrition and
physiology might recognize GLUT as the transporter responsible for moving
glucose from the blood into cells. This is because vitamin C and glucose are
structurally similar molecules, which is why the same transporter can handle both
substances. When there is an excess of glucose in the blood, it can compete with
vitamin C for uptake by the GLUT transporter, affecting the availability of vitamin
C for cellular functions.
366
vitamin C by the cells. This is particularly relevant when consuming a diet high in
carbohydrates, as they are broken down into glucose, further increasing the
competition for transport into cells. Therefore, the recommended daily intake of
vitamin C might need to be adjusted based on an individual's carbohydrate intake
to ensure adequate cellular uptake of vitamin C and prevent deficiencies.
When our primate ancestors transitioned from a diet rich in fruit to one with less
fruit, they experienced an excess of vitamin C in their systems. This excess vitamin
C was metabolized into calcium oxalate crystals, which posed a health risk. These
crystals could potentially lead to premature death before reaching reproductive age,
367
thereby preventing the transmission of the gene responsible for vitamin C
synthesis. As a result, the ability to synthesize vitamin C was lost in human
evolution.
Interestingly, it's worth noting that most leafy green plants naturally contain a
significant amount of oxalate in their stems, leaves, roots, and other parts. This is
an important consideration for dietary choices, as consuming large quantities of
these plants can contribute to oxalate accumulation in the body.
368
There are indeed historical examples of indigenous peoples living primarily or
exclusively on carnivorous diets, particularly before the influence of Western diets
in regions such as North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Numerous
explorers' journals and publications from as far back as the 1500s and 1600s
provide clear documentation of this. These records often express astonishment at
the fact that these groups subsisted almost entirely on meat. Such historical
accounts provide valuable insights into the dietary practices of various cultures and
challenge modern assumptions about the necessity of plant-based foods for human
health.
In the extreme conditions of the North Pole, the absence of plant life underscores
the fact that the indigenous peoples living in such environments relied solely on
meat for sustenance. The notion that they might have supplemented their diet with
kelp or other marine plants is not supported by the environmental realities, as the
ocean is too deep in these regions for kelp to be accessible.
369
despite not consuming organs, which are often cited as important sources of
vitamin C. This challenges the conventional wisdom about the necessity of organ
meats for preventing scurvy.
Additionally, historical accounts from polar explorers provide insights into the
dietary practices of successful expeditions. These accounts often reveal that the
most successful expeditions took cues from the dietary habits of the indigenous
peoples, relying heavily on meat and minimizing their reliance on preserved foods
like sailor’s biscuits, which were known to contribute to scurvy due to their lack of
vitamin C.
Explorers who observed and adopted the dietary habits of the indigenous peoples,
focusing on a diet primarily consisting of meat, often reported significant
improvements in their health and well-being. A notable example is Professor
Vilhjalmur Stefansson from Harvard, an ethnologist who wrote the book “The Fat
of the Land.” Stefansson documented his experience living on a predominantly
meat-based diet and reported feeling remarkably better as a result.
370
regurgitating the same old questions that have been floating around the junk-food-
infested waters of misinformation?" It's like watching someone armed with a water
pistol trying to take down a fortress. Cute, but futile.So, to all the skeptics out
there, keep those questions coming! Each one is just another opportunity for us to
showcase why carnivore reigns supreme. It's not just a diet; it's a nutrient-packed,
health-boosting powerhouse that's leaving the naysayers in the dust.
If the carnivore diet were a ticket to nutrient deficiency, our ancestors would have
been out of the game long before we even had a chance to argue about it. Picture
this: a 2 million-year-long ice age, a world where salads are as mythical as
unicorns, and our forebears feasting on mammoth steaks and other magnificent
ruminant creatures. Now, tell me, where in this frosty, plant-less panorama where
they were supposed to find their kale smoothies, quinoa bowls, and avocado toast?
Fast forward to the dawn of agriculture, and what do we see? Sure, we started
growing our own food, but it was like swapping a gold mine for a handful of
glitter. Our once towering heights and robust skeletons began to shrink, and
diseases started popping up like unwelcome guests at a party. Why? Because for
95% of human history, we were living the carnivore dream, thriving on a diet that
was more steak than salad. Still skeptical? Well, just go back to the chapter where I
discuss the irrefutable science of bone testing that proves this. Every human remain
that's been unearthed and put through the wringer of isotope testing tells the same
story: we were hyper-carnivores, chowing down on meat across the globe. So,
before you start questioning the carnivore way, remember, it's not just a diet; it's a
legacy that's been millions of years in the making.
371
The misconceptions people have about nutrition can be quite amusing! Let's dive
into the world of vitamins and minerals, shall we? Take vitamin K, for instance.
You've likely heard that kale is packed with this essential nutrient. But here's where
it gets interesting: there are two forms of vitamin K – K1 and K2. Our bodies can
only utilize K2 effectively, while K1, found abundantly in plants like kale, is pretty
much a no-show in terms of usefulness. And to add a twist, K1 often comes
bundled with a bunch of anti-nutrients, which are the plant's way of saying, "Back
off!" These anti-nutrients can actually hinder the absorption of other nutrients. So
much for kale being a superhero, right? Now, let's talk about the famous vitamin A
in carrots. Carrots have been the poster child for good eyesight for ages, but there's
a catch. The form of vitamin A in carrots is beta-carotene, which needs to be
converted into retinol, the active form of vitamin A that our bodies can actually
use. And guess what? This conversion process is not very efficient in humans. So,
while munching on carrots might make you feel like you're boosting your vision,
you're not getting as much usable vitamin A as you might think. It's a classic case
of what you see is not always what you get!
Ah, the age-old spinach and iron debate! It's like saying a toy car is just as good as
a real one. Sure, spinach boasts its iron content like a badge of honor, but here's the
twist: it's packing non-heme iron, the kind that your body looks at and says,
"Thanks, but no thanks." It's like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole – it just
doesn't work. Now, let's talk about the real MVP: meat. It's loaded with heme iron,
the kind that your body not only welcomes with open arms but also absorbs like a
sponge. It's like giving your body the VIP treatment it deserves. And while spinach
is strutting around with its non-heme iron, meat is quietly doing the heavy lifting,
providing you with the iron your body actually needs and can use. So, the next
time someone tries to sell you on the iron in spinach, just remember it's all about
372
the heme, baby. Meats got what you need, no spinach required (no wonder it tastes
like a dirty sock)!
Your body has to convert beta-carotene into the real deal, vitamin A, and here's the
kicker: only about 45% of people have the ability to make this conversion
efficiently. So, for more than half of us, munching on carrots for vitamin A is like
trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. Now, let's talk meat. You know how carrots
and other orange and yellow fruits and veggies get their vibrant hues from beta-
carotene? Well, nature has its own color palette, and it turns out that the fat on a
steak can have a similar orange-yellow tint. But here's the catch – this color in
meat is not from beta-carotene; it's from actual vitamin A! That's right, the real
deal, no conversion needed. So, while carrots might be masquerading as a vitamin
A powerhouse, it's the steak that's bringing the true vitamin A game to the table.
Who knew that the key to unlocking vitamin A goodness was right there on your
dinner plate all along?
Oh, the wonders of ruminant animal fat! These animals are out there, munching on
plants all day, doing the heavy lifting for us by converting beta-carotene into
vitamin A. So when you indulge in that juicy steak, you're getting vitamin A in its
most usable form, courtesy of our four-legged friends. It's like they're running a
vitamin conversion service, just for us! Now, let's talk about the sunshine vitamin,
vitamin D. If you're living in a place where the sun is playing hard to get, you
might think you need to turn to supplements. But hold your horses! The ruminant
animals that grace our plates have been basking in the sun, soaking up all that
vitamin D goodness. So, when you chow down on their meat, you're also getting a
dose of vitamin D. It's like nature's own vitamin delivery system. This is the secret
behind how people in colder climates manage to thrive despite the scarcity of
373
sunlight. They're not just surviving; they're flourishing, thanks to the vitamin D-
packed meat from animals that have been living it up under the sun. So, the next
time you enjoy a slice of meat, remember, it's not just a meal; it's a ray of sunshine
on your plate!
When you actually take a moment to compare the nutritional profiles of plants and
meat, it's like revealing a plot twist in a mystery novel - there's just no contest!
374
Meat emerges as the undeniable champion in the nutrient showdown. But wait,
there's more! Even if, in some alternate universe, plants and meat were neck and
neck in terms of nutritional density, meat would still take the crown. Why, you ask?
Because meat comes without the baggage of nutrient inhibitors and toxins that
plants carry. You see, while animals can run, hide, or put up a fight to protect
themselves, plants have to get a bit more creative. They're not just sitting ducks;
they're engaged in chemical warfare! Plants are like the masterminds of the
botanical world, concocting concoctions that prevent you from absorbing their
precious nutrients. And they don't stop there; they also mess with the absorption of
other nutrients in your diet. It's their way of playing the long game, slowly sapping
your vitality in hopes that you'll stop munching on their brethren. Stay tuned, as I'll
be diving deeper into the intriguing world of plants and their sneaky strategies later
on.
Dr. Shawn Baker is a renowned orthopedic surgeon, athlete, and a leading advocate
for the carnivore diet. With a wealth of experience and a passion for challenging
conventional dietary beliefs, Dr. Baker has become a prominent figure in the world
of nutrition and health. His book, "The Carnivore Diet," delves into the science and
benefits of adopting a meat-based diet, providing readers with a comprehensive
guide to this way of eating. In the following excerpt from "The Carnivore Diet,"
Dr. Baker sheds light on a fascinating aspect of this dietary approach, offering
valuable insights into its potential impact on health and well-being. Let's dive into
his words and explore the wisdom he shares in his groundbreaking book.
375
those goals. Anything your animal cells need is found in other animal cells. It's as
simple as that. You don't need a bunch of indigestible plant fiber or chlorophyll.
Plant antioxidants, which we can barely absorb, aren't necessary, either. You only
need animal cells-that's it! The nutrients that your animal cells use are also in the
cells of other animals that use those same nutrients. How much you need varies
only by amount, not by quality.
Shockingly, you can get the correct amount of the nutrients because you have
something called an appetite that lets you know when you need to eat more. It's as
simple as that, and every other animal on the planet uses the same feedback
system.
Carnosine
376
Carnosine is a dipeptide molecule (meaning it has two amino acids) that is
tremendously effective at preventing glycation, and it works to scavenge oxygen
free radicals. It can chelate (or bind to) metal ions and appears to prevent the
shortening of telomeres. Carnosine's antiglycating properties can help mitigate the
development of things like Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and renal disease.
Carnosine is taken up in its intact state in the digestive system and is transported
via a dipeptide transporter. Muscle levels of carnosine are significantly higher in
people who eat meat compared to the levels in their vegetarian counterparts. By
some accounts, carnosine may be one of the most potent anti-aging molecules
known.
Carnitine
Like carnosine, carnitine is found almost exclusively in animal products, especially
red meat. In comparisons of meat eaters and non-meat eaters, carnitine levels are
higher in the meat eaters. Carnitine has several potentially beneficial effects in
preventing and improving diseases. It has been shown to help with anemia,
particularly for anemia associated with kidney dysfunction. It appears to improve
the body's use of glucose, and it may reduce the effects of diabetic peripheral
neuropathy. In heart attack patients, carnitine has been used to prevent ischemia in
cardiac muscle, and it's even been shown to assist with resolving male infertility
via an improvement in sperm quality. Additionally, carnitine plays a crucial
metabolic role in transporting free fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane
for energy production. Carnitine is a vital component, and we can synthesize it
from the amino acid lysine, which we also obtain from eating animal products.
Creatine
377
Creatine, a supplement athletes commonly use and one of the few that's been found
to be beneficial after being rigorously tested, is another product found only in
meat. Meat eaters register higher levels of creatine, and when vegetarians
supplement creatine, they experience improved cognitive function. It's also
interesting to note that patients with Alzheimer's disease have lower levels of
creatine. Heart failure patients who receive creatine have shown improved overall
performance, and type 2 diabetics who supplement with creatine have improved
glycemic control, particularly when they also exercise.
Taurine
Taurine is found in high levels in both meat and fish but is woefully absent from a
plant-based diet. As you might expect, taurine levels are significantly lower among
herbivorous humans. In animal studies, taurine has bee shown to reduce anxiety,
perhaps that is one reason so many folks on a carnivore diet report a sense of
calmness and a resolution of anxiety. Taurine is similar to carnosine and has been
shown to inhibit glycation. It's also a powerful antioxidant. Some evidence
suggests that taurine contributes to preventing the development of diabetic renal
disease.
Zinc
Although zinc is not exclusive to animal products, it's found in much greater
quantity and is more highly bioavailable in meat, and numerous plants containing
phytates interfere with zinc's absorption. Accordingly, zinc levels are fairly low in
vegan and vegetarian dieters. Zinc deficiency has been associated with poor
learning capacity, apathy, and behavioral problems in children. In adult males, low
levels of zine are associated with erectile dysfunction and decreased sperm counts.
378
Zinc also is essential in the formation of insulin and has been shown to improve
glycemic control among some diabetics. Zine appears to have a protective effect in
preventing coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy. Zinc is involved in a
whole bunch of metabolic processes throughout the body, and being deficient in
zinc is not a good thing.
Vitamin B12
Meat has all of B vitamins, but the most vital one is vitamin B12, also known as
cobalamin, is found exclusively in animal products, and experts advise people who
abstain from meat to supplement it. One of the more common causes of deficiency
is gastrointestinal malabsorption. Up to 62 percent of pregnant vegan women were
noted to be deficient in B12, and up to 86 percent of vegan children and 90 percent
of vegan elderly were B12-deficient. B12 deficiency typically affects the nervous
system and can cause problems with anemia. A deficit of vitamin B12 has been
associated with several neurological diseases, including dementia; it's also related
to depression, I know eating a big juicy steak always makes me happy, maybe it's
from all the B12 I'm getting!
Heme Iron
Heme iron is another mineral found in abundance in red meat but absent from non-
meat sources. Unsurprisingly, a 2015 study of vegetarian women saw a 100 percent
rate of some degree of iron deficiency anemia, which was more than double the
rate of deficiency in their omnivorous counterparts.
Certain plants, like leafy greens, soybeans, and lentils, contain non heme iron, but
those plants also can contain compounds like phytates and oxalates that limit iron
absorption. The functions of iron are multiple; some of the highlights are the
379
formation of red blood cells, transport of oxygen, support of immune function,
support of cognition, and assistance with energy metabolism.
Deficiency of iron has been shown to result in impairments in cognition and mental
health status and a sense of general fatigue. Those symptoms have been shown to
improve with supplementation. Low iron status has been associated with
worsening glycemic control and has been shown to be a factor that increases the
risk for several types of cancer, such as pancreatic and kidney cancer. Conversely,
excessive iron stores, which is a far less frequent situation, can be associated with
several negative outcome measures. Inflammation and metabolic syndrome seem
to predispose people to iron overload, and these conditions are frequently
associated with each other. Thus far, most anecdotal observations of strict
carnivores show that their inflammatory markers are typically very low, their
metabolic markers are very favorable, and their iron statuses generally are in the
normal range, despite their ingestion of large amounts of heme iron.
On average, people who include meat in their diets generally have better vitamin
and mineral status than those who do not, and the vast majority of nutritional
deficiency problems are in parts of the world where access to meat is scarce. In
impoverished locations where meat is abundant, it's not common to see nutritional
deficiencies, whereas in poorer areas where people rely on a plant-based diet,
residents frequently suffer from stunted growth and have numerous nutritional
deficiency syndromes.
380
But Don’t I Need Fiber to Poop?
It’s time to wake up and see the truth beyond the commonly held belief that fiber is
essential for bowel movements, and that meat will rot in your colon without it. This
notion, along with the idea that fiber is necessary for a healthy gut microbiome, is
nothing more than a myth that’s been blindly accepted and repeated without a true
understanding of how our bodies function. Fiber is simply the food that your food
eats.
In a carnivore diet, fat plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health, acting as
a natural lubricant to help you poop. Unlike fiber, which is often touted as
necessary for regular bowel movements, fat provides a smoother and less abrasive
way to keep things moving through your digestive tract.
381
Fat in your diet helps to lubricate your intestines, facilitating easier and smoother
bowel movements. This is particularly important on a carnivore diet, where the
primary macronutrients are protein and fat. Healthy fats, such as those found in
animal products like beef tallow, butter, and fatty cuts of meat, are essential for
maintaining a well-lubricated digestive system. This natural lubrication helps to
prevent constipation and ensures that waste moves efficiently through your
intestines.
On the other hand, fiber, especially insoluble fiber, acts like sandpaper in your gut.
The traditional belief is that fiber adds bulk to stool and helps to promote
regularity. However, fiber can also be abrasive to the intestinal lining, causing
irritation and inflammation for some people. This is why some individuals on a
carnivore diet report improved digestive health and regular bowel movements
despite the lack of dietary fiber.
Contrary to popular belief, fiber is not necessary for regular bowel movements.
The body’s digestive system can adapt to a low-fiber diet, particularly when
sufficient fat is consumed. On a carnivore diet, the absence of fiber does not lead to
constipation for most people. Instead, the high-fat content ensures that the
digestive tract remains well-lubricated, facilitating easy and regular bowel
movements. High-fat diets can support healthy digestion without the need for fiber.
Studies indicate that fat stimulates the production of bile, which aids in digestion
382
and helps emulsify fats, making them easier to digest and pass through the
intestines.
So why does the majority think we need fiber? Firstly, as I mentioned before in the
part about the Seventh-day Adventist Church pushing the consumption of fiber and
minimizing meat, they spread this claim based on religious ideology but kept that
part hush-hush and claimed it was backed up by science, making its way into the
school curriculum, which then spread worldwide. That’s why everyone and their
mother has been brainwashed to repeat the lie that fiber is essential.
Now, let’s pause and really consider what fiber does in our diet. So yea it makes
you go, but really, what's the deal? You eat it, and your body is like, " Why did you
just eat this indigestible material, did you think you were a deer munching on some
leaves? There's nothing here I can use!" So, it decides to evict it straight out, and
while it's on its way, it ferments, turning you into a walking, talking gas factory. I
remember my vegan days; I was practically on a first-name basis with the toilet,
visiting it three times a day or more.
Now, let's take a moment to ponder our ancestors' situation. Imagine them, always
on the go, hunting, being hunted, scrapping to stay alive in the great outdoors. How
convenient do you think it would have been for them to constantly drop everything
for a fiber-fueled bathroom break? Yeah, sounds like a real blast from the past.
Let's apply some basic logic here. A plant-heavy diet equals more trips to the
bathroom. Switch to a carnivore diet, and suddenly, you're pooping less, which is
how it's supposed to be. If you're constantly pooping on a plant-heavy diet, doesn't
that scream that your body is basically rejecting most of what you're eating and
383
dumping it straight into the waste bin? On the other hand, when you're on a proper
meat-heavy diet, like humans are meant to eat, you poop less because your body is
actually absorbing the nutrients and using them, so there's less waste to get rid of.
It's simple COMMON SENSE. More poop means you're eating useless food, less
poop means your body is actually using the food you're eating. Get it?
Let's think about this scenario, which really puts things into perspective. You might
be the most passionate advocate for a vegan or vegetarian diet, but imagine you're
stranded on an island or in a forest. You're surrounded by an array of plants and
perhaps a few berries. Here's the harsh truth: if you randomly eat any plant you
come across, there's a very high chance you'll end up poisoning yourself. The
reality is that the majority of plants are toxic to humans. They can be safely
consumed only by specific creatures that have evolved to eat just that particular
type of plant. For example, certain birds are adapted to eat a specific type of berry,
koalas eat only eucalyptus, pandas stick to bamboo, and so on. These animals have
evolved to tolerate the toxins in their preferred plants. Meanwhile, plants have
developed these toxins as a defense mechanism to survive. So, as animals adapt to
the toxins, plants ramp up their defenses, leading to an ongoing evolutionary arms
race. It's a stark reminder that what works for one species doesn't necessarily work
for another, especially when it comes to diet.
In the ongoing evolutionary battle, animals and plants are locked in a contest to
outmaneuver each other. Humans, being at the top of the food chain, typically
consume animals that feed on plants. However, this doesn't mean we're equipped to
directly munch on just any leaves, berries, or plants. The varieties we do consume
from grocery stores have undergone significant genetic modification and lab
384
manipulation to become safe for us to eat. In their natural state, without human
intervention, many of these plants could make us seriously ill or even be lethal.
385
386
Sally Norton, MPH, is a renowned nutritionist and wellness expert with a deep
understanding of the impact of diet on health. With a Master's in Public Health
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Norton has dedicated her
career to researching and educating others about the benefits of a nutrient-dense,
whole-foods diet. In her groundbreaking book, "Toxic Superfoods," Norton
challenges conventional dietary wisdom and sheds light on the potential dangers
lurking in some of the foods often hailed as nutritional powerhouses. With her
expertise and evidence-based approach, Norton provides readers with the
knowledge they need to make informed choices about their diet.
“Fiber is another example of how our focus on theoretical benefits seduces us into
consuming high amounts of oxalate. We are told that we simply must have fiber!
That is another myth. Fiber has highly vaunted but poorly supported associations
with gut health, weight control, cancer risk, and reduction of heart disease. And we
rarely hear about fibers documented malnourishing effects and its ability to
promote inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, and constipation. Back in the 1980s,
before everyone was afraid of gluten, the bran muffin and cold bran cereals were
kings of healthy high-fiber eating.
But even then, there were concerns that fiber's glowing reputation was undeserved.
As Jane Brody, health columnist and cookbook author, wrote in 1985, "A. serious
drawback of increasing the fiber content of your diet concerns its possible
interference with the absorption of essential minerals, especially calcium and iron,
which are already in short supply in the diets of many Americans. Other nutrients
that may be partly blocked by dietary fiber include zinc, magnesium, copper, and
387
vitamin B6. There is no question that more minerals are excreted on a high fiber
diet... Problems arise primarily if an individual's diet starts out with inadequate
amounts of the nutrients that are inhibited by fiber." Long considered inedible, and
historically removed with the husk as "chaff," bran is the outer seed covering left
over from milling grains and seeds. The idiom "to separate the wheat from the
chaff" means to distinguish what is valuable from what is inferior.
Ubiquitous messages also claim that a high-fiber diet is required to tend and feed
the microbiome, the diverse community of health-supporting microorganisms (or
fora) living in the gut. That may be the reverse of the truth! The gut actively
manages the bacteria it harbors. Gut cells make mucus (with protein-sugar
molecules called glycoproteins) as "food" for healthy bacteria. When bacterial
populations get too high, they ignite inflammation in the gut (and elsewhere), as
the immune system attacks the gut bacteria with antimicrobials to cut back on their
numbers. The body's own efforts to manage gut flora are obstructed by dietary
fiber. Fiber indiscriminately feeds both beneficial bacteria and pathogenic
microorganisms, potentially causing an imbalance, over-growth, or dysbiosis.
Chronic inflammation is more likely when bacterial populations (even beneficial
ones) stay high owing to excessive fiber.
You may also have heard that fiber helps prevent kidney stones. But, in a trial with
99 volunteers, researchers at the Kaiser Permanent Medical Center, in Walnut
Creek, California, found that a high-fiber, low-purine, low animal-protein diet
increased the likelihood of getting another kidney stone -by six times!”
388
“It's one of those tales that's been passed down like a cherished family recipe,
echoed through the halls of medical schools until it's etched into the minds of every
student. Yet, no one stops to question its roots. Where did this story originate? This
intrigue struck me as I embarked on crafting a lecture on fiber, penning a chapter
for a medical textbook on nutrition. In the realm of academic writing, every claim
must be anchored in solid evidence.
Diving into the nitty-gritty of fiber, I was at a stage where my diet was low-carb,
but I hadn't delved deep into the science of fiber. As I began to explore, I
encountered the common recommendation of 30 grams of fiber per day for adults.
But the source? Merely an advisory statement. Now, my thoughts on advisory
statements? They're like a weather forecast: often vague and not always
reliable.Driven by curiosity, I decided to trace the origins of this recommendation.
I followed the breadcrumbs, hopping from one advisory statement to another,
expecting to eventually hit the jackpot of evidence. But alas, it was like chasing a
mirage. The trail would always hit a dead end, leaving me staring at an opinion that
lacked the solid backing of scientific proof. It was a revelation that made me
question the foundation of many such dietary guidelines.
I found myself scratching my head, puzzled by the lack of concrete evidence in the
research on fiber. Sure, there are some widely acknowledged truths. For instance,
it's a no-brainer that fiber bulks up your stool. If you're eating something your body
can't digest, it's got to make an exit somehow, resulting in more substantial bowel
movements. And yes, fiber is like the sandpaper of the digestive world; it irritates
the gut and speeds up transit time, hustling things along the intestinal highway.But
here's where it gets interesting. When we really dig into the impact of fiber on
constipation symptoms, things start to blur. As a physician, you don't just wave off
389
a patient's constipation woes with a casual "Eat more fiber and call me in the
morning." It's not that simple. The effectiveness of fiber in alleviating constipation
is a murky area, and it's surprising how the supposed cure-all for a common
ailment like constipation is standing on such shaky ground.
When patients come to see me, they're not fixated on the size or transit time of
their bowel movements. It's not like someone strolls in and says, "Hey Doc, could
you supersize my poops?" or "I've timed my digestive journey, and it's a bit slow.
Can we put the pedal to the metal?" That's just not how it goes.What really brings
people to the doctor's office are symptoms that impact their daily lives. They're
concerned about pain, bloating, and discomfort. These are the issues that keep
them up at night, not the minutiae of their digestive process. It's fascinating how
the focus on fiber as a cure-all seems to miss the mark when it comes to addressing
the real concerns that patients have. It's a reminder that in the world of health and
nutrition, the devil is often in the details, and sometimes, the answers we seek
aren't as straightforward as we'd like them to be.
The term "idiopathic" might as well be split into "idiot" and "pathic" – it's the label
we slap on a condition when we're stumped. It's like the medical equivalent of
shrugging our shoulders and saying, "I don't get it, and I'm not going to lose sleep
trying to figure it out." But back to the fiber saga. In this intriguing study,
participants were all grappling with idiopathic constipation – a fancy way of saying
"constipated for no apparent reason." They were initially on moderately high-fiber
diets, which is usually the go-to advice for constipation. Then, things got
interesting. A group of them was shifted to even higher fiber diets, and lo and
behold, their symptoms didn't improve. In fact, across five different measures, their
390
discomfort and symptoms actually got worse. It's like trying to put out a fire with
gasoline – the very thing that was supposed to help was only fanning the flames.
The plot thickens! Another group in the study was switched to low-fiber diets, and
guess what? Their symptoms generally improved across the board. But here's the
real kicker: the largest group was put on a zero-fiber diet, and the results were
nothing short of miraculous. Every single symptom of constipation vanished. Poof!
Gone! Now, we're not just talking about some fancy medical metrics like fecal
transit rate or stool mass, which, let's be honest, don't mean a hill of beans to the
average person suffering from constipation. We're talking about the real-deal
symptoms that patients like mine deal with daily – pain, bloating, the works. In
terms of addressing these real-world symptoms of constipation, a zero-fiber diet
was a game-changer. So, there I was, penning a textbook, and this revelation hit me
like a ton of bricks. It was a moment that challenged everything I thought I knew
about fiber and constipation. It was a case of the evidence leading me to a
conclusion that was as unexpected as it was undeniable.
As I delved deeper into writing this chapter, my entire perspective was being
turned upside down. It was a crossroads moment for me. On one hand, I could take
the easy route, ignore the unsettling science, and continue writing in blissful
ignorance, thereby avoiding any potential backlash. Or, I could choose the path of
integrity, embracing the scientific method and the spirit of academic honesty.I
decided that I had to present the facts as I discovered them, regardless of how they
contradicted my previous beliefs. It was a matter of principle. As an academic, I
had a responsibility to be truthful and transparent, even if it meant opening myself
up to criticism. After all, isn't that what the pursuit of knowledge is all about? The
public, and indeed the scientific community, expects nothing less from us. It's a
391
challenging path, but it's the only way to ensure that our understanding of the
world continues to evolve and improve.”
Plants have evolved various chemical defenses, such as oxalates, lectins, and
phytates, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and may even be harmful in
large quantities. The notion that we need these compounds to thrive is unfounded.
Instead, our bodies require essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino
acids, which are abundantly available in animal products. These nutrients are in
forms that our bodies can easily absorb and utilize.
So, why is there this widespread belief that vegetables are the epitome of health, a
must-have in every meal? It seems like everyone is parroting the same old
"vegetables are healthy" mantra. But if you were to ask these folks exactly why
that's the case, you'd probably be met with blank stares. A few might muster a
vague response about vitamins and minerals, but guess what? A juicy steak is
packed with those too!
392
Another interesting point about vegetables is that, let's face it, a lot of people just
don't like them. There's a reason there are so many jokes about having to choke
down a salad for the sake of health. And it's practically a universal truth that kids
and vegetables mix about as well as oil and water - parents often have to resort to
sneaky tactics just to get some greens into their little ones.
Now, let's put on our thinking caps for a moment. We evolved our five senses to
help us survive, to interact with and make sense of the world around us. Taste, in
particular, is a finely tuned sensor that's meant to keep us out of harm's way. When
something tastes bad, it's often our body's way of saying, "Hey, maybe think twice
before eating that." So, if so many people have an instinctive aversion to
vegetables, could it be that our taste buds are trying to tell us something?
When we taste something bitter, it's often our tongue's way of signaling that what
we've just eaten might be harmful, prompting us to spit it out. Similarly, if we eat
something spoiled, our sense of taste is usually quick to raise the alarm. So, when
we eat vegetables and find them unpalatable, it's worth considering whether our
taste buds are trying to steer us away from these foods.
Now, you might say, "But I absolutely adore salads!" But do you really love the
salad itself, or is it the extras that you're drawn to? Think about it - the shredded
cheese, the slices of chicken, and let's not forget the salad dressing, often loaded
with seed oils that mimic the flavors of animal fats. It's interesting to note that
many of these bitter, plant-based foods become palatable to us only when we pair
them with animal products. It's as if our sense of taste recognizes the nutrients in
animal products and gives us the green light, making the whole combination more
enjoyable.
393
Take coffee as another example. Most people would struggle to down a cup of
dark, black, bitter coffee without a grimace. But add a splash of cream, an animal
product, and suddenly it's a whole new ball game - the coffee becomes enjoyable.
Now, you might argue, "If we're supposed to trust our senses, how do you explain
my kid turning up their nose at veggies but happily chowing down on a candy bar?
Doesn't that debunk the idea that our taste buds guide us toward healthy food?"
Well, let's think about that for a moment. Let me know when you stumble upon a
wild Snickers tree in the jungle. Sure, candy, sugar, and fruits taste good to us,
which might seem to challenge the "trust your taste buds" notion, but let's apply a
bit of logic here.
The majority of the sugar we consume today is man-made. Those packaged candy
bars that are so hard to resist, they're concocted in laboratories by food scientists,
combining hyper-palatable flavors with ingredients designed to keep you coming
back for more. It's no wonder they taste irresistible and can be hard to put down.
On the other hand, most children and adults genuinely enjoy the taste of meat and
steak, savoring every bite. This preference is rooted in our evolutionary history, as
meat has been a staple of the human diet for millennia.
As for fruits, it's true that they can be delicious. However, in Chapter 3, I explored
the reasons why I believe they might not be as beneficial for our health as
commonly thought.
394
The tantalizing taste of modern fruits is largely a result of selective breeding and
genetic modification, aimed at enhancing their sweetness and overall flavor. If you
were to search for these same fruits in a forest a few hundred years ago, you'd
likely find them to be much more bitter and less appealing to the palate. In
contrast, the flavor of meat and animal products has consistently been a winner
throughout history, remaining naturally savory and satisfying without the need for
such modifications.
The well-known myth that red meat causes cancer. It's the poster child for
misunderstood science and sensational headlines. The primary reason for this
widespread belief? The so-called studies that claim it. But let's dive into these
studies a bit, shall we?
First off, these studies are associative, not experimental. They follow large
populations of people through respondent surveys, not by keeping them in
controlled lab environments. So, what does that mean? It means they send out
questionnaires every few years asking people to recall what they've been eating.
Let's be real here: people lie. They forget. They exaggerate. They underreport their
junk food binges and overreport their veggie intake because they want to look
395
good. So, strike one: the data is based on self-reported information, which is about
as reliable as a politician's promise.
Now, these researchers then take these shaky responses from a hundred thousand,
two hundred thousand, or even a million people and try to equate the incidence of
various cancers with their reported intake of red meat. What do they find? A weak,
almost laughable associative relationship. It’s like saying, “People who eat more
red meat also watch more TV, so TV must cause cancer too.” Correlation does not
imply causation, folks. This association is incredibly weak and doesn’t hold up
under scrutiny.
Moreover, these studies fail to control for countless other variables. Were these
meat-eaters also more likely to smoke, drink, or live sedentary lifestyles? Did they
consume processed meats laden with preservatives rather than fresh, high-quality
cuts? Did they also indulge in sugary snacks and fast food? The studies don’t
account for these confounding factors, making their conclusions even more
dubious.
So, the next time someone waves a study in your face claiming that red meat is a
one-way ticket to cancer, just remember: those studies are built on a house of cards
made of shaky surveys, weak correlations, and a whole lot of assumptions. Enjoy
your steak, and know that the real story is a lot more nuanced than the headlines
would have you believe.
Why are they doing this? Two main reasons. First, academia runs on a “publish or
perish” model. Academics need to churn out a certain number of articles every
396
year to maintain their positions. So, they gather some data, spin it in a frankly
criminal and misleading manner, slap on a “statistically significant” label, and
publish it to keep their jobs.
Second, science costs money, and they need funding to keep doing their research.
Who has the money? Industry, of course! And what does the food industry want to
do? Sell you stuff. So who’s funding these studies that “prove” red meat causes
cancer? That’s right, big agriculture. Not just wheat growers, but all the various
plant crop industries. These industries have a vested interest in demonizing red
meat to promote their own products.
These guys own the dietetics associations outright. Follow the money, and you’ll
see that the education of so-called nutrition professionals is heavily influenced by
these industries. So, we get this hymn sheet that everyone is singing from, where
they all proclaim the statistically significant association between red meat
consumption and cancer. And the public is left to assume that means you shouldn’t
eat red meat.
397
We’ve all been told that carbs are our essential energy source, and without them,
we'd practically keel over from exhaustion. Athletes, in particular, hear this mantra
non-stop. But brace yourself for the earth-shattering reality: when you’re a carb-
dependent athlete, sure, you get energy from carbs. It’s an almost slave-like
relationship, constantly needing to refuel. However, when exogenous carbs aren’t
in the picture, your body becomes remarkably efficient at burning another fuel
source—fat!
Yes, fat. When you run purely on your own body fat and the fat from the meat you
eat, you simply don’t run out of energy. Even a very lean person still has hundreds
of thousands of calories stored in their body as fat. Think about it logically:
calories measure how much heat or energy food provides. A gram of carbs provides
4 calories, while a gram of fat provides 9 calories. That’s more than double the
energy from fat than from carbs.
At all times, we’re burning a percentage of both carbs and fat based on our diet,
like a dial. For most people, the fat-burning dial is turned all the way down, and the
carb-dependent dial is cranked up to the max. Your body now prefers burning
carbs, which means you need to eat three meals a day plus snacks to avoid
collapsing from exhaustion. You can store a maximum of around 2,500 calories in
the form of glycogen, but you can store an almost infinite amount of calories in fat.
So, what happens when athletes ditch the carbs and go for a keto diet? They tap
into this vast energy reserve. No more hitting the wall, no more mid-race carb-
loading. They become fat-burning machines, running on a high-octane fuel that
their body has plenty of. Their endurance skyrockets because they’re no longer
dependent on frequent carb refueling.
398
Let's put this into perspective with some simple math. Imagine you're an athlete
who has switched to a fat-based diet. You can access hundreds of thousands of
calories stored as fat, whereas a carb-dependent athlete is constantly limited by
their glycogen stores, needing to refuel regularly. The body naturally adapts to this
shift, becoming incredibly efficient at burning fat and producing steady, sustained
energy without the peaks and troughs of carb-induced energy swings.
And yet, despite all this, we’re still bombarded with the outdated advice that carbs
are the end-all, be-all of athletic performance. It’s time to break free from this carb
dependency and realize the true potential of fat as a superior, sustainable energy
source. Your body is fully capable of thriving on fat, offering endless energy
without the need for constant snacking and meal planning. So next time someone
tells you that you need carbs to survive, just smile and know that you’ve got a
secret weapon: your body’s natural ability to burn fat.
Meet Alex McDonald, the guy who decided to shake up the athletic world by
running five marathons back-to-back, completely fasted, to showcase the power of
the carnivore diet. What makes this feat even more astounding is that Alex had
never run a marathon before. He embarked on this grueling challenge to prove that
his carnivore diet, which he believes to be the ultimate superhuman diet, provides
endless energy and exceptional endurance.
So, how did he do it? Alex’s final meal was on the eve of his first marathon, and he
didn’t eat again until he completed the fifth marathon five days later. During this
period, he only consumed water and salt. This wasn't just a whimsical endeavor;
Alex meticulously tracked every data point from calories burned to glucose levels
399
and ketones, even completing full blood panels and body scans before and after the
challenge. This was hard data showing the efficiency of fat adaptation
Alex's experience underscores the immense energy reserves our bodies have when
running on fat. While the average person can store around 2,000 calories as
glycogen, we can store approximately 100,000 calories as fat. This vast energy
reserve means that, unlike carb-dependent athletes who need frequent refueling, a
fat-adapted athlete like Alex can tap into these reserves for sustained energy. When
Alex finished his epic run, he wasn’t famished. Instead, he casually had a couple of
burger patties, illustrating how the carnivore diet provides stable and ample energy
without the constant need for carbohydrate replenishment.
Alex’s story is a testament to the potential of the carnivore diet. By becoming fat-
adapted, he demonstrated that the body can achieve remarkable feats of endurance
and resilience. This challenges the traditional carb-centric approach to athletic
performance and highlights the effectiveness of a diet rich in animal fats and
proteins. So, the next time someone tells you that you need carbs to survive, just
remember Alex McDonald and his five fasted marathons. It’s a powerful example
of how our bodies can thrive on a diet our ancestors likely followed, offering
limitless energy and exceptional performance.
Now becoming fat adapted can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to
fully transition into, once you do you will feel absolutely unstoppable with super
consistent energy levels and a stable good mood. Not the ups and downs of carb
hyperness and crashes.
400
Won’t My Cholesterol Be Too High?
Here's where it gets absurd: doctors genuinely believe they're doing good by
pushing these cholesterol-lowering drugs. Cholesterol levels rise in response to
inflammatory foods in the diet, causing inflammation in the arterial walls.
Cholesterol, being an antioxidant, increases in these areas to repair the damage
caused by poor dietary choices.
When doctors see someone with heart problems and high cholesterol, they
mistakenly think the cholesterol is causing the problem. In reality, the body is
using cholesterol to heal the inflammation. It's like having a fever to fight off a
virus and then taking a fever suppressor, which only hinders your recovery. This
simplistic view overlooks the body’s natural healing processes and does more harm
than good in the long run.
401
or off in response to the environment it encounters, optimizing various functions,
including cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol is elevated, it’s crucial to
understand that this elevation is a symptom of an underlying issue, not the primary
problem itself.
Consider the cell membranes of every cell in your body; approximately 50% of
these membranes are composed of cholesterol. Now, imagine the cells lining your
arteries. These cells are subject to damage from various sources such as
hypertension (high blood pressure), exposure to plant sterols and pesticides, anti-
nutrients, and pro-inflammatory agents. When these cells are damaged, they
require repair, and cholesterol is a key component in this repair process.
The real concern should be the factors causing this damage, not the cholesterol
itself. High cholesterol is an indicator that something else is wrong in the body.
Medications that interfere with your body’s ability to produce cholesterol, such as
statins, are problematic for several reasons. First, they counteract the body's natural
repair mechanisms, which can exacerbate health problems. Second, these drugs
have numerous side effects that can be harmful.
402
these medications despite their potential harm. This situation persists because the
science has been manipulated by financial interests, compromising the integrity of
health recommendations.
In conclusion, elevated cholesterol is a sign that your body is trying to heal itself
from underlying damage caused by various factors. The focus should be on
addressing the root causes of this damage, such as hypertension and inflammation,
rather than simply lowering cholesterol levels. The widespread prescription of
cholesterol-lowering drugs without addressing these underlying issues is not only
misguided but potentially harmful. It’s essential to look beyond the numbers and
understand the broader context of cholesterol’s role in the body.
Doctors are indoctrinated with the idea that if your LDL cholesterol is above a
certain threshold, you must be prescribed a statin. They're pressured to ensure you
comply with taking these medications because they've been told that LDL
cholesterol is a primary cause of heart disease. This is supposed to reduce your risk
of developing heart disease in the future.
But here's where the whole argument falls apart: scientifically, it doesn’t hold
water. My background is in cardiovascular pathophysiology, so if anyone knows
what truly causes heart disease, it's someone with my expertise. And let me tell
you, the concept of "LDL cholesterol" as it's presented in mainstream medicine is
fundamentally flawed.
First of all, "LDL cholesterol" doesn't exist. There is no such thing. Look at any
biochemistry textbook from anywhere in the world, and you'll see that cholesterol
is a single molecule made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. There aren’t different
403
types of cholesterol molecules called LDL or HDL; there is only cholesterol. The
terms LDL and HDL refer to lipoproteins that transport cholesterol and other lipids
through the bloodstream, not different forms of cholesterol.
It’s infuriating that the medical community pushes this simplistic and misleading
narrative. Cholesterol itself is not the enemy. It is a crucial molecule necessary for
cellular function, brain health, and hormone production. The problem is how
cholesterol is transported and utilized in the body, which is influenced by many
factors including diet, inflammation, and overall metabolic health.
It’s time to shift our focus from an outdated and overly simplistic view of
cholesterol to a more comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular health. We
need to address the root causes of heart disease rather than just treating symptoms.
This means looking at diet, lifestyle, and other factors that contribute to metabolic
health. The current approach is not only flawed but potentially harmful, as it
diverts attention from more effective strategies for preventing heart disease.
There’s quite a bit of phosphorus involved in these lipoproteins as well. These
lipoproteins are essentially delivery agents because you cannot dissolve lipids in
water. Cholesterol is a lipid, and it simply will not dissolve in water. Water is a
404
polar molecule, while lipids are non-polar, so when you pour a lipid on top of
water, it won’t mix; it will just sit on top. This separation illustrates the
fundamental need for a transport mechanism in our bloodstream.
This is where lipoproteins come into play. They package up fats and cholesterol to
transport them around the body via the bloodstream. Without these lipoproteins,
fats would separate out of our blood, rendering the system ineffective. Lipoproteins
are absolutely crucial for the transport of lipids.
405
This simplistic categorization of LDL as bad and HDL as good is overly reductive
and doesn’t account for the complex role these lipoproteins play in our body’s
biochemistry. It’s infuriating to see medical professionals pushing the narrative that
lowering LDL cholesterol alone will solve heart disease. The focus should be on
understanding and managing the root causes of lipid imbalances, such as diet,
inflammation, and metabolic health, rather than just prescribing statins to lower
LDL levels.
Yes, okay, we get it, genius—you have to eat less than you burn. No duh. But what
these people fail to consider are the factors that make maintaining a calorie deficit
either easy or incredibly hard. They simplify the process to sheer willpower,
discipline, and, frankly, self-torture and misery. They clickbait you with images of
hyper-palatable junk food, telling you that you can still lose weight while indulging
in these foods, as long as it’s in moderation.
What they don’t tell you is how difficult it is to maintain a calorie deficit when
your diet consists of processed, high-sugar, and high-carb foods. These foods spike
your blood sugar, leading to crashes that make you feel hungry again, even if
406
you’ve just eaten. They ignore the role of hormones like insulin and leptin, which
play a critical role in hunger and satiety.
What these clueless, uneducated people don’t realize is that the foods they
recommend eating in moderation are not designed to be consumed in moderation.
There are literally scientists and professionals with advanced degrees who
specialize in manipulating the flavors and textures of food to reach what is known
as the “bliss point”—the perfect balance of sugar, fat, and salt that makes food
incredibly addictive and enjoyable. This process is so refined that the resulting
food can be as habit-forming as drugs like cocaine or heroin.
These food scientists use their expertise to create products that hijack the brain’s
reward system, making you crave more even when you’re not hungry. The term
“bliss point” was coined by the industry to describe the optimal level of sweetness
that keeps consumers coming back for more. Foods engineered to hit this bliss
point are designed to be nearly irresistible, leading to overeating and contributing
to obesity and other health issues.
407
This is the real missing key that these mainstream fitness influencers and so-called
health experts just don’t understand. Let’s break it down: which food has the
highest thermic effect, meaning it causes you to burn more calories by increasing
your body temperature, making you more active, and boosting your metabolism?
Which food makes you burn more calories simply while digesting it due to its
nutrient density? The answer is, of course, meat.
You’ve probably heard of the “meat sweats.” Ever heard of the “sugar sweats”?
Didn’t think so. Meat makes your body burn hotter, literally raising your body
temperature and increasing your calorie burn. For example, when you have a fever,
your body burns more calories than it normally would when you’re not sick. This
phenomenon underscores the thermogenic effect of meat.
408
Meat is not only thermogenic but also incredibly nutrient-dense. It provides
essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for metabolic
functions. Digesting and metabolizing these nutrients require more energy
compared to the simple sugars found in carbohydrates. This means you burn more
calories just by eating meat.
Now, let’s talk about satiety. Which food is the most satiating and leaves you the
most satisfied because it effectively triggers your satiety hormones? Meat and fat.
They help regulate your hunger by triggering hormones like leptin, which signals
to your brain that you’re full. In contrast, carbohydrates disrupt your satiety
hormones and increase your hunger hormone, ghrelin. This disruption makes it
easy to overeat carbs and leaves you feeling hungry soon after a meal.
The reason carbs are so easy to overeat and why they increase your appetite is that
our bodies have evolved to eat fatty meat. Fatty meat is recognized by our bodies,
which leads to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction. However, when you consume
glucose and other carbs, this natural process is disrupted. Your body can’t
effectively signal when it’s full, causing you to overeat.
In essence, the simplistic advice from mainstream experts to eat whatever you want
in moderation and just count calories misses the point. The type of food you eat
matters significantly. Meat not only supports a higher metabolic rate and greater
calorie burn but also provides lasting satiety, helping you naturally regulate your
intake without the constant battle against cravings.
When you eat meat, you’re naturally just bouncing off the walls with energy. In
contrast, with other foods, you’re often lethargic, relying on caffeine for energy,
409
and forcing yourself to do cardio. On a meat-based diet, you increase your NEAT
(non-exercise activity thermogenesis) unconsciously. You might not even realize it,
but you’re burning more calories almost equivalent to doing cardio simply by
being more active and energetic.
When I was following a standard bodybuilder diet, I would force myself to do tons
of cardio and still looked pudgy. Transitioning to a carnivore diet was a game-
changer. I did a fraction of the cardio I used to do and was dropping weight like
crazy, despite eating a significant amount of meat. I was initially nervous that
because I was eating so much meat, I would gain weight. On my previous diet,
eating even a bit more than my "calorie maintenance" would always lead to weight
gain. But on carnivore, my calorie count would far surpass my previous diet, and I
would still be losing weight.
On a carnivore diet, I was hot all the time, literally burning calories due to the
thermogenic effect of protein. My energy levels were through the roof, and I found
myself moving more throughout the day. This increase in NEAT contributed
significantly to my weight loss. It's like my body was a well-oiled machine,
efficiently burning fat for fuel without the need for constant cardio.
In summary, the shift to a carnivore diet can transform your body's energy
dynamics. You go from being lethargic and dependent on external stimulants to
becoming a powerhouse of natural energy. This increased activity and higher
metabolic rate contribute to more effective and sustainable weight loss, even when
consuming a higher calorie intake. So, if you’re tired of counting every calorie and
still feeling sluggish, consider the benefits of a meat-based diet—it could be the
key to unlocking a more vibrant, energetic you.
410
Isn’t Too Much Protein Bad for My Kidneys?
All that protein is gonna kill your kidneys. You're gonna hear that. I promise you
when you're eating a triple burger with just the meat, cheese, and bacon, someone
will inevitably say, "All that protein is gonna mess up your kidneys." So let's talk
about that. Dr. Ken Berry is excellent at explaining the real culprits behind kidney
failure, and here are some of his key pieces of advice:
First off, there is absolutely zero solid research that shows protein intake harms
healthy kidneys. This myth likely originated from a few poorly conducted studies
decades ago that suggested a possible link. However, these studies were
methodologically flawed and have since been debunked by more rigorous
scientific research.
Let's dive into the facts. There have been extensive studies investigating the effects
of protein intake on kidney function, even in individuals with existing kidney
issues. Here are a few key points:
1. Healthy Individuals: Numerous studies have shown that high protein diets do
not harm kidney function in healthy individuals. The kidneys are well-equipped to
handle increased protein intake without any adverse effects.
411
2. People with Kidney Disease: Even for those with advanced stages of chronic
kidney disease (CKD), modern research has found that a higher protein intake does
not exacerbate their condition. A study published in the **Clinical Journal of the
American Society of Nephrology** found no evidence that a high protein diet
accelerates the progression of kidney disease
3. Protein Myths: The idea that protein harms the kidneys is an outdated myth.
Recent comprehensive reviews and meta-analyses have consistently shown that
protein intake is safe for kidney health. For example, a study in the **Journal of
Nutrition** confirmed that high protein diets do not negatively impact kidney
function in people with normal kidney function.
Say it with me: protein is not bad for your kidneys. This is a well-supported fact in
the scientific community. Anyone who insists that too much protein will harm your
kidneys is simply not up to date with the latest research. They are likely repeating
old internet myths and outdated information.
412
The ketogenic diet I recommend for most people is high in fat, moderate in protein,
and very low in carbohydrates. This approach works well for many, but some
individuals thrive even better on a carnivore diet. I’ve been following a carnivore
diet for over a year now, aiming for a balance of half fat and half protein by
weight, not by calories, and it has worked exceptionally well for me. I feel satiated
and energized.
Your kidneys play a crucial role in filtering your blood, but they do much more
than that. Maintaining optimal kidney function is vital for overall health. Let’s go
through the factors that can destroy your kidneys and debunk some common
misconceptions along the way.
1. High Blood Sugar: The number one factor that destroys kidney
function is high blood sugar levels, seen in conditions such as pre-diabetes, type 2
diabetes, and uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Chronic high blood sugar damages the
nephrons, the tiny filtering units in your kidneys. This damage can lead to chronic
kidney disease (CKD). To protect your kidneys, it’s crucial to maintain normal
blood sugar levels by following a very low carbohydrate diet, which helps prevent
blood sugar spikes.
2. High Insulin Levels: Chronically high insulin levels, or
hyperinsulinemia, also damage the kidneys. A high carbohydrate diet can lead to
elevated insulin levels, especially in individuals with pre-diabetes or type 2
diabetes. Many diabetes medications lower blood sugar by increasing insulin
413
levels, which can be counterproductive as high insulin itself harms kidney
function. Reducing carbohydrate intake can help manage both blood sugar and
insulin levels, protecting kidney health.
Key Takeaways
When you rely on your own body fat for energy, you burn ketones, which are much
more efficient than glucose derived from carbs. This is because ketones provide a
more stable and sustained energy source, reducing the frequent peaks and troughs
associated with carbohydrate consumption. Unlike glucose, which requires regular
414
replenishment through diet, fat stores offer a virtually unlimited supply of energy,
supporting prolonged physical activity without the need for constant refueling.
Fat adaptation aligns with our evolutionary metabolic state. Historically, humans
thrived on diets high in fat and protein, with carbohydrates playing a minor role.
This natural state of ketosis allows the body to efficiently use stored fat for energy,
making it a more sustainable and effective fuel source compared to the glucose-
heavy diets of modern athletes.
In essence, fat adaptation enhances endurance, reduces the risk of energy crashes,
and supports overall metabolic health. By shifting from a carb-centric diet to one
that prioritizes fats and proteins, athletes can achieve superior performance and
long-lasting energy, proving that the body's natural metabolic state is the key to
optimal athletic performance. Anthony Chaffee and Richard Smith, both advocates
for the carnivore diet, have shared insights about athletes on low-carb diets. Dr.
Chaffee, a neurosurgeon and carnivore diet proponent, and Richard Smith, a
bodybuilder who follows a carnivore diet, emphasize the substantial benefits of
reducing carbohydrate intake for athletic performance and overall health.
Glucose Metabolism:
Processing one glucose molecule requires two NAD+ molecules at two different
stages, totaling four NAD+ molecules for energy production. NAD+ (Nicotinamide
Adenine Dinucleotide) is a crucial coenzyme in cellular metabolism, playing a key
role in the conversion of nutrients into energy. The energy production process from
415
glucose is less efficient because it requires more NAD+ molecules, which can
deplete cellular resources more quickly and contribute to metabolic stress.
Ketone Metabolism:
In contrast, processing ketones, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate, only requires
one NAD+ molecule. This makes ketone metabolism approximately 400% more
efficient at a cellular level compared to glucose metabolism. This efficiency means
that less oxidative stress is generated during energy production, leading to reduced
cellular aging and damage.
The decline in NAD+ levels and the subsequent increase in NADH (the reduced
form of NAD+) are associated with oxidative stress and aging. Oxidative stress
results from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body,
leading to cellular damage. High levels of carbohydrate intake can exacerbate this
stress, causing more rapid aging and cellular deterioration. Athletes who consume
large amounts of carbohydrates early in their careers often retire young, around
their 30s, and tend to age quickly while gaining weight. This phenomenon is
largely due to the oxidative stress and damage inflicted on their cells from
excessive carbohydrate consumption.
Let’s put this into perspective with energy storage. An elite athlete who relies on
carbohydrates can store about 10,000 kilojoules of energy in the form of glycogen.
However, a ketogenic athlete, who relies on fat, can store up to 150,000 kilojoules
416
of energy. That’s 15 times more energy storage. This massive difference means that
ketogenic athletes have a more sustainable and reliable energy source. They don’t
need to constantly top up their energy levels because their fat stores provide a
steady supply of fuel.
For athletes, it’s counterintuitive to rely on an energy system that needs frequent
replenishment and is prone to crashing. Instead, supplying the body with a fat-
based energy system is far more efficient. Ketones not only provide a more stable
energy source but also help in maintaining a higher metabolic rate and reducing
oxidative stress. This allows athletes to perform at high levels for longer periods
without the constant need for carbohydrate refueling.
Working with elite athletes, I’ve seen some incredible results. For example, some
of these athletes, who compete in Ironman events lasting between 10 to 14 hours,
are fueled solely by water and electrolytes. That’s right—they compete entirely
fasted, without eating before or during the event. Their nutrition consists only of
water and electrolytes throughout the grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride,
and marathon run. It’s truly phenomenal.
In contrast, carb-dependent athletes consume energy gels and around 120 grams of
carbohydrates per hour, which often results in gastrointestinal distress, including
gas and frequent trips to the toilet. These athletes constantly need to refuel with
quick-release energy sources. Meanwhile, ketone-fueled athletes experience
417
superior energy efficiency—about 400% more efficient at a cellular level—
allowing them to perform better without the digestive issues.
Consider a typical carb-heavy plate: pasta (high in phytic acid and lectins),
tomatoes (high in lectins), peas (high in phytic acid and lectins), and spinach (high
in oxalates). This plate is filled with anti-nutrients that block the absorption of the
few nutrients available. The most nutritious item on such a plate is often the
chicken, but even its nutrients are partially blocked by the anti-nutrients from the
other foods.
For health and athletic performance, this kind of diet is counterintuitive. The best
approach is far simpler: red meat. Red meat contains every vitamin and mineral
needed not just for survival, but to thrive. From vitamin A to zinc, and including
essential compounds like choline, creatine, carnitine, carnosine, and taurine, red
meat provides comprehensive nutrition.
Paul Saladino explains it best in his book, detailing the fallacies and
misconceptions surrounding the concept of Blue Zones. According to Saladino,
Blue Zones, as popularized by Dan Buettner, do not represent the exclusive
longevity havens they are often portrayed to be.
418
The Blue Zones are nothing less than a fallacy. They are essentially Ancel Keys'
cherry-picking on steroids. What Dan Buettner and his colleagues did was select
five regions of the world—the Ikaria region of Greece, Sardinia, the Nicoya region
of Costa Rica, Loma Linda, California, and Okinawa—and then try to extrapolate
their diets and lifestyles to claim they have exceptional longevity.
The problem with this construct is that it's blatantly cherry-picked. There are many
other regions in the world, such as Hong Kong and Iceland, where people also live
longer than average, often reaching centenarian status. However, their diets are
nothing like the so-called "Blue Zones" diets. The omission of these regions shows
a clear bias and undermines the credibility of the Blue Zones concept.
Moreover, by focusing exclusively on these five regions, they ignore other crucial
factors that contribute to longevity, such as genetics, environment, and healthcare
quality. It's misleading to attribute longevity solely to diet and lifestyle in these
cherry-picked regions while ignoring contrary evidence from other parts of the
world.
If you closely examine the diets in these regions, excluding Loma Linda, you'll
find that they actually consume a substantial amount of meat. This misleading
portrayal is reminiscent of Ancel Keys’ infamous Seven Countries Study, where he
cherry-picked data during Lent—a period when people traditionally abstain from
meat—and then concluded that these populations don't consume meat, using this to
support his hypothesis that meat and saturated fats raise cholesterol and cause heart
disease.
419
Dan Buettner’s representation of the Blue Zones does a significant disservice by
misinforming the public about dietary habits. For example, in Okinawa, unlike
other parts of Japan, there is no religious taboo against eating meat. Okinawans
consume a considerable amount of pork, and their diet includes various meat
dishes, contrary to the vegetarian image often presented. Similarly, in Sardinia, a
traditional dish known as Sarda Pig highlights the consumption of pasture-raised
pork. Feasts centered around meat are common in Sardinian culture, further
disproving the notion that these regions adhere to predominantly plant-based diets.
These examples illustrate the selective nature of the Blue Zones narrative. By
ignoring the meat consumption in these regions, proponents create a skewed
perspective that does not align with the actual dietary practices. It’s essential to
recognize that many other factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall
healthcare, play significant roles in the longevity observed in these regions.
Misrepresenting the dietary habits only serves to propagate misinformation and
prevent a holistic understanding of health and longevity.
Similarly, in the Ikaria region of Greece, meat is highly valued and regularly
consumed. The residents of Ikaria do not follow a plant-based diet, yet they enjoy
420
remarkable longevity. This further undermines the claim that plant-based eating is
essential for a long life.
Loma Linda, California, is often cited as a Blue Zone due to its population of
Seventh-day Adventists, many of whom are lacto-ovo vegetarians or vegans.
However, this group's longevity can be attributed to factors beyond diet. For
example, they abstain from alcohol and tobacco and place a strong emphasis on
family and community, which are significant contributors to their extended
lifespans. Mormons, who consume meat, also live about seven years longer than
the average Californian, largely due to similar lifestyle choices, such as not
smoking or drinking and prioritizing family life.
421
Can’t I Have a Little (Fill in the Blank)
Ah, the age-old dilemma: Can't I indulge in a cookie, a slice of pizza, or a piece of
bread every once in a while? They bring me joy and satisfaction! To that, I
playfully retort, why not throw in a dash of cocaine or heroin while you're at it?
They sure make you feel good too! Oh, but wait, those are harmful, you say? Well,
guess what? So are those delectable treats you're craving. Sure, those foods might
not seem as nefarious as hard drugs but hear me out. When you're dabbling in
drugs, you're fully aware that you're walking on the wild side. But those oh-so-
tempting hyper-palatable foods? They've become the legal street drugs of our time,
silently ensnaring you with their addictive charms.
"Surely, these addictive foods can't be as bad as drugs, right?" Well, let's picture
this: People getting parts of their bodies amputated due to diabetes, all because of
those innocent "just a few cookies here and there." Those sweet little treats
stealthily elevate blood sugar levels to dangerous heights, leading to drastic
measures like amputations. Suddenly, those cookies don't seem so harmless, do
they? And then there's dementia, the sneaky sugar invader of the brain. Who knew
that indulging in cake every week or nibbling on cookies could be akin to a sugar-
fueled drug binge in your brain? But alas, the damage is done, and you're left
grappling with the consequences, much like the aftermath of a drug spree. Oh, and
let's not forget about our pearly whites! Meth and other drugs are notorious for
making teeth fall out, but guess what else is a mastermind behind cavities? You
guessed it, sugar! That's right, every sugary bite is like a tiny drill, burrowing into
your teeth and wreaking havoc. So, the next time you're tempted by that sugary
siren call, remember, it's not just a treat; it's a treacherous trip down a slippery
slope!
422
Let's delve deeper into this conundrum. You might fancy the idea of indulging in a
"cheat meal" every so often, thinking you've got it all under control. But here's the
catch: that's often the very moment you start slipping off the wagon. If you could
truly savor that treat occasionally without succumbing to its addictive allure, you
might just pull it off. However, the reality is that for many, this leads to a complete
unraveling. Consider this: with 70% of Americans grappling with overweight
issues, if it were as simple as enjoying a hyper-palatable meal now and then, we
wouldn't be facing such a widespread problem. It's akin to walking a tightrope –
one misstep, and down you go. Now, if you've ever battled a binge eating disorder
or been haunted by food obsessions, I'd strongly advise against the cheat meal
strategy. It's like playing with fire. You wouldn't suggest a recovered cocaine addict
have "just a little" as a treat, right? The same principle applies here. That cheat
meal isn't just a meal; it's a potential trigger, a siren call luring you back into old,
destructive habits. So, before you consider straying for a culinary fling, remember
the stakes and stay the course.
Ah, the tempting call of "just this once." If you're among the rare breed who's
never been ensnared in the clutches of binge eating or obsessive food relationships,
and you embarked on the carnivore journey purely for health, you might think a
cheat meal here and there is harmless fun. While I wouldn't outright endorse it, it's
true that your odds of slipping back into old, detrimental eating habits are slimmer
than most.However, let's not sugarcoat the reality. For the majority of us, that
innocent cheat meal is like opening Pandora's box. It's a slippery slope back to the
seductive, yet treacherous, embrace of the standard American diet, complete with
all its health woes and dietary pitfalls. So, before you give in to that siren song of
temptation, consider the potential consequences. It's not just about this one cheat
423
meal; it's about safeguarding the progress you've made and staying true to your
health journey.
Here's the lowdown on why cheat meals will lose their allure once you've fully
embraced the carnivore lifestyle for at least a month. It all boils down to your gut
microbiome, which is essentially a mirror of your diet. The bacteria in your gut
thrive on what you feed them, and in return, they send craving signals to your brain
to ensure their survival. So, if your diet is rich in sugar and carbs, guess what? The
sugar- and carb-loving bacteria will be clamoring for more, urging you to feed
them so they can flourish.But here's the game-changer: after about three to four
weeks on the carnivore diet, your gut microbiome undergoes a significant
transformation. The once dominant sugar- and carb-craving bacteria start to take a
backseat, and their incessant craving signals begin to wane. Overcoming cravings
for carbs, sugar, and junk becomes a breeze when you indulge in delicious, juicy
meat whenever you please and nibble on some fat whenever a sweet craving
strikes. Trust me, it works like a charm every time. So, stick with it, and soon you'll
find that the idea of a cheat meal becomes as appealing as a stale cracker.
When you steer clear of those detrimental foods for a sufficient stretch, your gut
microbiome undergoes a remarkable transformation. It becomes a haven for the
good bacteria that thrive on nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate foods. Before
you know it, your cravings shift, and you find yourself yearning for more meat and
other wholesome foods that have become your staples.Now, let me share the part
of this diet that absolutely thrills me. I was once a complete fiend for high-carb,
sugary delights. Pizza, bread, fruits - you name it, I was hooked. It was a daily
battle, fraught with anxiety. "Will I stay strong today? Can I avoid a binge? Will I
manage not to assault my body with these foods?" It was a relentless cycle of
424
stress.But here's the beauty of the carnivore diet: once your gut microbiome fully
adjusts to this way of eating, the desire for those old vices vanishes. You reach a
point where you wouldn't even entertain the thought of indulging in them, even if
someone offered you a hefty sum. It's a liberating shift that frees you from the
shackles of your former cravings and ushers in a new era of dietary tranquility.
Back when I was on the weight loss roller coaster, trying to navigate the world of
portion control and restrictive dieting, those tantalizing foods were like sirens on
the shore, beckoning me with their irresistible call. Every time I walked past them,
it was a battle of wills, with me doing everything in my power to resist their
magnetic pull. It was as if they were whispering my name, urging me to succumb
to their allure. But then, along came the carnivore diet, and everything changed.
Those same foods that used to send me into a tailspin of temptation now elicit no
response from me. Not a flicker of desire, not a whisper of craving. It's a revelation
I never thought possible. I used to believe that this was a lifelong struggle I'd have
to endure, but I was pleasantly mistaken. Now, when I'm immersed in the carnivore
lifestyle, those processed, high-carb, hyper palatable foods that once had a vice-
like grip on my cravings almost repulse me. It's a complete 180 from where I
started, and it's a testament to the profound impact that the carnivore diet can have
on reshaping not only your body but your relationship with food. It's not just a diet;
it's a liberation from the chains of processed junk that once held me captive.
Can you even fathom the sheer liberation of gazing upon foods that once held a
near-mesmeric sway over you, compelling you to devour them in copious amounts,
and now feeling absolutely nothing? The incessant, obsessive thoughts that once
consumed your every waking moment are gone. It's an indescribably exhilarating
sensation, one of the most profound and freeing experiences I've ever had.I'm eager
425
for you all to share in this extraordinary feeling because it's been a game-changer
for me. For the first time, I have a healthy, intuitive relationship with food. I eat
when I'm hungry, stop when I'm satisfied, and then move on with my life without
giving it another thought. It's a newfound freedom that has transformed my
existence, and I'm passionate about spreading the word so that others can break
free from the chains of food obsession and discover the same peace and balance
that I've found.
If you're sneaking in those cheat meals every now and then, you're essentially
throwing fuel on the fire of your addiction. By indulging in those treats, you're
feeding the very bacteria in your gut microbiome that thrive on junk food, keeping
those cravings alive and kicking. It's a self-sabotage of the highest order, as you
trade lasting progress for fleeting pleasure, only to find yourself back at square
one. This is where knowledge becomes your superhero, swooping in to rescue you
from the clutches of temptation. Armed with the insights I share, you're equipped
to make smarter choices, steering clear of those pitfalls that could derail your
journey. It's this wisdom that empowers you to stay true to the carnivore path,
enduring the initial challenges until you emerge victorious on the other side, where
life becomes a breeze, free from the shackles of food addiction.
That's precisely why I steer clear of recommending cheat meals. Once you've fully
embraced the carnivore lifestyle, the allure of a cheat meal fades away. But if
you're not clued in on how that one seemingly harmless junk food indulgence can
swiftly drag you back into your old habits, you're setting yourself up for a fall. You
have that one meal, and just like that, the bacteria that thrive on junk food start to
repopulate in your gut, reigniting those cravings, and before you know it, you're
spiraling back into your former dietary chaos. So, my advice? Keep a safe distance
from those cheat meals. It's not worth risking the progress you've made for a
426
momentary lapse that could undo all your hard work. Stick to the path, and you'll
find that the cravings for those old temptations diminish, leaving you free to enjoy
the benefits of a truly carnivorous lifestyle without looking back.
It's almost absurd how we're told that animals, which have existed since the dawn
of time and played a crucial role in making our planet lusher and more fertile, are
now blamed for its destruction. Meanwhile, resource-intensive and soil-depleting
crops like soy are hailed as the better alternative. These plants, which humans
never consumed in significant quantities before the advent of modern agriculture,
are notorious for depleting soil nutrients and exhausting water resources. Yet, we're
told they are superior, despite their lack of bioavailable nutrients.
427
As Paul Saladino Stated in his book, If you have any doubts about the motives
behind the demonization of animal fats and the promotion of plant-based diets, just
look at recent history. The involvement of big agribusiness in shaping public
perception is glaringly obvious. Take the ridiculous FAT-Lancet guidelines, for
example, which recommended we consume only 14 grams of meat per day under
the guise of environmentalism. This absurd recommendation was backed by a
who’s who of major corporations like Bayer, Monsanto, Kellogg's, Pepsi, Cargill,
Nestlé, and Syngenta. Do you see the pattern here?
These companies stand to make billions by pushing the narrative that plant-based
foods are healthier and more environmentally friendly than animal products. Just
as they once profited massively from convincing the public that animal fats were
harmful and vegetable oils were healthy, they are now trying to capitalize on the
plant-based trend. It’s all about the money.
Throughout this book, we've debunked the claims that animal foods are unhealthy
and that plant foods are our salvation. But let's take a moment to examine the
environmental impact of eating animal foods. Spoiler alert: in the United States,
these agribusiness giants produce over ten times the amount of greenhouse gases
compared to cows. Furthermore, regenerative ruminant agriculture can actually
reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere!
This is not just about health; it's about a massive, coordinated effort to manipulate
public perception for profit. It’s infuriating to see how these corporations, under
the guise of promoting health and environmental sustainability, are pushing
guidelines that benefit their bottom line at the expense of public health and true
environmental stewardship. Don’t be fooled by their propaganda. The science is
428
clear: sustainable animal farming is not only healthy but also beneficial for the
planet.
429
1. Soy
2. Palm Oil
3. Corn (Maize)
430
• Environmental Impact: Corn is one of the most intensively grown
crops in the world, leading to extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides that pollute
soil and waterways.
• Soil Depletion: Continuous corn monocropping depletes essential soil
nutrients, necessitating increased fertilizer use that can harm soil structure and
fertility.
• Resource Use: Corn farming is water-intensive and contributes to the
depletion of water resources, especially in areas relying on irrigation.
4. Cotton
5. Wheat
431
6. Rice
432
5. Water Scarcity: These crops often require significant water resources,
leading to depletion of local water supplies and impacting surrounding
communities and ecosystems.
433
434
CHAPTER 6
435
How Excessive Exercise Ages You
Muscles. We all love them. Whether you’re new to building muscles or already
know a thing or two, I’m here to tell you that getting them and growing them is
cake. But before I dive into the muscle-building magic, let me share something that
recently blew my mind. And trust me, it’s a doozy. Are you ready? Long and
intense exercise shortens your life span!
I know, I know. It sounds like total garbage, right? That's what I thought at first,
too. But stick with me here, and let’s break it down.
Do you know what the number one ager and shortener of life span is? Stress! Now,
that’s not just mental stress; it applies to physical stress as well. Just think about it
logically.
Mental stress and physical stress are two sides of the same nasty coin. Your body
can’t tell the difference between the two; it just knows it’s under attack. Whether
you’re stressing over a work presentation or pushing your body to its limits at the
gym, the result is the same: elevated cortisol levels. This hormone, in high doses, is
like acid rain on your body’s delicate ecosystem.
In the animal kingdom, there's a fascinating correlation between heart rate, activity
levels, and lifespan. Animals with slower heart rates and relaxed, deliberate
movements tend to live significantly longer than their more frenetic counterparts.
Consider turtles and elephants—both known for their slow, measured pace and
436
impressive longevity. These animals exhibit a calm, low-stress lifestyle that seems
to contribute to their extended lifespans.
On the other end of the spectrum, animals with fast heart rates and a penchant for
explosive, high-energy movements, such as hummingbirds and small rodents, tend
to have much shorter lifespans. Their rapid heartbeats and high metabolic rates
seem to burn through their biological reserves at a much quicker pace.
By listening to our bodies and respecting their limits, we can optimize our health
and longevity, much like our long-lived animal counterparts.
The study "Heart Rate, Life Expectancy and the Cardiovascular System:
Therapeutic Considerations" found that resting heart rate is inversely related to life
437
span in mammals. Specifically, animals with lower resting heart rates tend to live
longer. The findings attribute this to a slower metabolic rate and reduced
cardiovascular stress, which decreases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular
diseases. Additionally, it was observed that a lower heart rate increases diastolic
time, improving coronary blood flow and reducing myocardial oxygen demand,
further enhancing cardiovascular health and longevity.
Chronic stress doesn’t just make you feel terrible; it ages you faster than a time-
lapse video of a rotting apple. It leads to a cascade of health issues: high blood
pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and a weakened immune system. Your body is in
a constant state of “fight or flight,” which is great if you’re running from a bear,
but not so much if you’re just trying to survive your daily commute.
Stress, whether mental or physical, is the ultimate life-shortener. It’s the silent
saboteur of your well-being, chipping away at your health one cortisol molecule at
a time. So, next time you feel overwhelmed, remember to take a step back, breathe,
and give yourself a break. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be adding years to
your life instead of shaving them off. Plus, you’ll look and feel better, which is a
pretty sweet deal!
You’ve probably heard that sugar can age you faster, and it’s absolutely true. But
guess what? Being stressed, whether physically or mentally, can raise your cortisol
levels, which in turn raises your blood sugar sometimes as much as a slice of cake.
So, it’s essentially the same thing! Isn’t that wild?
438
In her book “Fasting Like a Girl,” Dr. Mindy Pelz explains how stress impacts our
health in surprising ways. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, the
infamous stress hormone. This hormone not only messes with your mood but also
spikes your blood sugar, leading to faster aging and a host of other health issues.
Getting stress under control is no doubt easier said than done. For years, I
personally struggled with the mental and physical effects of too much cortisol
surging through me. Good friends would tell me to slow down and lean into more
self-care. This was not an easy request.
Most likely, you have also had moments when cortisol has hijacked your hormonal
health. You might have experienced symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, mood
439
swings, or irregular periods. These are all signs that cortisol is running the show,
and your hormones are struggling to keep up.
Taking steps to manage stress isn’t just about feeling better mentally; it’s about
restoring balance to your entire body. Whether it’s through mindfulness practices,
regular exercise, or simply taking time to breathe deeply and unwind, reducing
cortisol levels can have profound benefits on your overall health.
So, next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that slowing down isn’t a luxury—
it’s a necessity for your health. Your body will thank you for it, and you’ll be
giving yourself the best chance at a long, healthy, and vibrant life.
Often, women experience the most hormonal dysfunction during or after times of
chronic stress. When stress levels go up, cortisol levels spike. A surge of cortisol
signals to your body to elevate your blood sugar. This is your classic fight-or-flight
response. Your body prepares as if it needs to run away from a tiger that's chasing
you, releasing stored sugar to send to your muscles quickly so you can act.
Your body adapts to this new surge in blood sugar by telling your pancreas to
make more insulin. If you are trying to lose weight, this chemical reaction can
really work against you. Cortisol can raise insulin as much as a piece of cake can.
This can make it difficult to lose weight when you are living a high-stress life.
Imagine trying to outrun that proverbial tiger while also carrying the weight of a
three-tier wedding cake. Not fun, right?
This increased insulin initiated by cortisol spikes sets you up to fail at any diet,
fast, or nutrition change you are trying to make. Your body is constantly in a state
440
of sugar rush and insulin production, which not only makes it hard to shed those
extra pounds but also messes with your hunger signals and energy levels. It’s like
trying to drive a car with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake – you’re
not going anywhere fast, and you’re burning out in the process.
But the damage from cortisol doesn't stop there. Continued cortisol spikes
signaling insulin deplete your sex hormone production. Your body prioritizes
dealing with the "immediate threat" of stress over maintaining hormonal balance.
So, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels take a hit. Combine chronic
stress with eating the classic Western diet – high in processed foods, sugars, and
unhealthy fats – and you will find balancing these hormones extremely difficult.
When your sex hormones are out of whack, you might experience irregular
periods, mood swings, decreased libido, and even infertility. It’s like your body is
constantly shouting, “Emergency!” while your hormonal health quietly deteriorates
in the background.
In essence, living a high-stress life doesn’t just make you feel frazzled and
exhausted; it sets off a chain reaction that can sabotage your weight loss efforts and
wreak havoc on your hormonal health. It’s a vicious cycle where stress begets
more stress, and your body pays the price.
Did you know that marathon runners have some of the shortest life spans out of all
the sports? Yep, those folks we see as the epitome of fitness might actually be
running themselves into an early grave. Everyone and their grandmother views
running as the ultimate healthy habit, but it turns out that over-exerting your heart
441
and producing mass amounts of cortisol (the stress hormone) isn’t exactly doing
you any favors.
Let’s paint a picture: you’re out there, clocking in mile after mile, thinking you’re
on the fast track to eternal youth. But here’s the kicker – all that intense, prolonged
cardio is putting a serious strain on your heart. Your heart, the poor overworked
engine, is getting pushed to its limits. And cortisol? That little devil is surging
through your body like there’s no tomorrow, wreaking havoc on your immune
system, metabolism, and even your mood.
Marathon runners, despite their incredible stamina and lean physiques, often suffer
from heart issues, chronic inflammation, and a host of other stress-related
problems. In fact, studies have shown that excessive endurance exercise can lead to
a phenomenon known as "athlete's heart," where the heart muscle thickens and
stiffens. This might sound impressive, but it’s not a good thing when it comes to
longevity.
Now, bodybuilders. I used to have immense respect for them, but now I just see
them as, well, a bit suicidal. Especially the ones loaded up with drugs, eating the
most micronutrient-devoid foods from plastic containers, always under fluorescent
lights, with constant high cortisol, and destroying their bodies every day. They die
the youngest and most commonly. I think we’re all aware that bodybuilding isn’t
the healthiest thing, but I don’t think most people understand just how unhealthy it
is, especially when combined with drugs.
You see a bodybuilder flexing those massive muscles, veins popping, and you
think, “Wow, that’s impressive!” But behind the scenes, it’s a different story. Many
442
bodybuilders are loaded up with steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs,
turning their bodies into ticking time bombs. These substances might make them
look like superheroes, but they’re wreaking havoc on their insides.
Steroids can lead to liver damage, heart problems, and a whole host of other health
issues. And let’s not forget the infamous “roid rage,” where even the smallest
annoyance can set off a volcanic eruption of anger. It’s like living with the Hulk,
but without the cool green skin.
Then there’s the diet. Bodybuilders often eat the most bland, micronutrient-devoid
foods imaginable. Chicken breast, rice, and broccoli, all stored in plastic
containers. Day in, day out. Sure, they’re getting their protein, but where are the
vitamins and minerals? Their bodies are like finely tuned machines, but they’re
running on the cheapest, crappiest fuel available.
And those plastic containers? They’re leaching harmful chemicals like BPA into
the food, adding another layer of toxicity. It’s like microwaving your lunch in a
plastic bag – not exactly the recipe for health and longevity.
Picture this: bodybuilders spending hours in the gym, under harsh fluorescent
lights. These lights are not only unflattering but also mess with their circadian
rhythms, leading to poor sleep and elevated cortisol levels. High cortisol means
more stress, which means more inflammation and a higher risk of illness. It’s like a
vicious cycle of self-destruction.
Intense workouts and the stress of maintaining such a demanding lifestyle takes a
toll. The body is in a perpetual state of fight or flight, unable to recover properly.
443
Over time, this leads to adrenal fatigue, immune system suppression, and,
ultimately, a shorter life span.
Bodybuilders often die younger than the average person, and it’s no surprise why.
The combination of drugs, poor nutrition, stress, and relentless physical strain is a
recipe for disaster. We might admire their dedication and physique, but it’s
important to recognize the hidden costs.
So, next time you see a bodybuilder, remember the sacrifices they’re making – and
maybe rethink that admiration. There’s a healthier way to achieve fitness and
strength without putting your body through the wringer. Embrace balanced
exercise, nutritious foods, and a lifestyle that promotes overall well-being. Your
body will thank you, and you’ll live to flex another day!
Rediscovering that childlike enthusiasm for movement can transform your fitness
routine from a chore into a pleasure. When you engage in activities that you truly
444
enjoy, your body responds more positively, reducing stress and enhancing overall
well-being. Outdoor activities, in particular, offer the added benefits of fresh air,
sunlight, and connection with nature, which further improve mental and physical
health.
If you already have a beloved sport or activity, fantastic! You’ve likely already
gained muscle and fitness from it. However, if you’re still seeking to enhance your
muscle mass, incorporating weightlifting can be a strategic addition. Weightlifting
can help you target specific muscle groups, build strength, and sculpt your
physique further. The key is to balance enjoyment with effective physical activity,
ensuring long-term sustainability and overall well-being.
Don’t laugh, but here are some off-the-top-of-my-head examples of easy activities
that get you moving. My personal favorite? Walking. I absolutely love walking and
romanticize the experience in my head. I get so excited because I see it as my time
to meditate and visualize my goals. I’m practically giddy thinking about all the
things I’m going to achieve or just letting my mind rest. Other times, I’m indoors
walking and binge-watching a show, which keeps me crazy lean.
445
gardening. The key is to mix it up and keep it fun, so you stay motivated and
excited about your physical activity.
446
• Stretching Exercises: Regular stretching to maintain flexibility and relax
muscles.
• Board Games: Engage the mind while incorporating occasional movement.
• Light Resistance Band Exercises: Gentle strength training without heavy
exertion.
• Cultural Dancing: Light and enjoyable movements to traditional music.
• Tai Chi Sword: A variation of Tai Chi with slow, flowing movements.
• Qigong: Ancient Chinese practice focusing on slow movements and
breathing.
• Beach combing: Walking along the beach, searching for shells and enjoying
the view.
• Nature Photography: Combines walking with the creativity of capturing
natural scenes.
• Playing Musical Instruments: Physical activity with a focus on fine motor
skills.
• Flying a Kite: Fun outdoor activity that involves gentle movement.
• Leisure Swimming: Slow, relaxed swimming strokes.
• Light Rowing: Easy rowing sessions on calm waters.
• Indoor Climbing: Gentle climbing routes suitable for beginners.
• Shuffleboard: Low-impact game played at a leisurely pace.
• Frisbee: Casual games with friends or family.
• Croquet: Enjoyable lawn game that encourages mild movement.
• Light Gardening Tasks: Weeding, planting, and pruning.
• Meditation Walks: Slow, mindful walking to clear the mind.
• Flower Arranging: Creative and soothing activity.
• Strolling with Pets: Easy walks with your dog or other pets.
447
• Tai Chi Fan: Incorporating a fan into Tai Chi for slow, rhythmic movements.
• Aqua Aerobics: Gentle exercises in water.
• Light Stretch Bands: Exercises with minimal resistance.
• Softball: Casual, low-intensity games.
• Bocce Ball: Fun, light physical activity with friends.
The mind-muscle connection is about feeling your muscles intensely and deeply as
you exercise. It’s the feedback loop where your muscles communicate with you,
letting you know they are being engaged and how fatigued they are. This
awareness helps ensure you’re working the muscle effectively, leading to better
growth and strength over time.
Now, it’s important to note that the smaller the muscle, the weaker the mind-
muscle connection might be at first, especially if you’re new to working out. But
don’t let this discourage you. With consistent effort, you can literally feel this
connection improve day by day. As the microfibers in your muscles heal and
become stronger, your ability to engage them will also grow.
448
This progress can be incredibly motivating. Each workout becomes an opportunity
to deepen this connection, to feel your muscles responding more effectively. Over
time, this heightened awareness will help you maximize each rep and set, ensuring
that every moment you spend in the gym is as productive as possible.
Building muscle isn’t just about lifting heavier weights; it’s about lifting smarter.
By focusing on the mind-muscle connection, you ensure that your form and
technique are on point, reducing the risk of injury and increasing the effectiveness
of your workouts. This approach helps you build muscle more efficiently, making
your journey towards a stronger, more defined physique both rewarding and
sustainable.
So, remember, every time you hit the gym, prioritize feeling your muscles
intensely. Tune into your body’s signals, embrace the feedback, and watch as your
connection strengthens, and your muscles grow. With dedication and mindful
practice, you’ll not only see the results but also feel the incredible power of a well-
developed mind-muscle connection.
449
The reason for this shift is simple: once you develop a superior mind-muscle
connection, you can target your muscles with precision, making fewer gym days
highly effective. This approach allows me to maintain my muscle mass efficiently
without overextending myself. By fully engaging my muscles during these fewer
sessions, I ensure that each workout is both impactful and sustainable.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: stress. Yes, some stress is beneficial.
It builds endurance, makes you stronger, and prevents muscle atrophy. But, let’s
not kid ourselves, the majority of gym culture is about overdoing it. It’s like people
think more is always better. They’re just piling on unnecessary wear and tear.
Remember our slow heart rate friends, the turtles and the elephants? They live
longer. Meanwhile, those fast-heartbeat creatures, like hummingbirds, barely get a
chance to catch their breath before they’re gone.
So, here’s my advice: don’t overdo the workouts and put yourself through absolute
agony and stress. It should still be a pleasant experience. And for heaven’s sake,
stay away from those life-shortening, heart-pounding pre-workouts. You know, the
ones that make your heart race like you’ve just seen a ghost and come with a side
of migraine-inducing music blasting in your ears. A sensible, balanced approach to
exercise not only keeps you looking good but also helps you age gracefully.
So, let’s keep it pleasant, effective, and sustainable. Your body will thank you, and
you’ll still be rocking those muscles without feeling like you’ve aged a decade
every time you leave the gym.
450
Two day Lifting Split
451
Day 1: Legs + Abs
452
5. Hammer Curls - 2 sets to failure + drop set
6. Russian Twists (Abs) - 2 sets to failure + drop set
453
5. Hanging Ab Raises (Abs) - 5 sets to failure
454
5. Face Pulls (Rear Delts) - 2 sets to failure + drop set
6. Hanging ab raises – 5 sets to failure
455
3. Pull-Ups (Back) - 2 sets to failure + drop set
4. Bicep Curls - 2 sets to failure + drop set
5. Cable Rear Delt Fly - 2 sets to failure + drop set
6. Seated Calf Raises - 2 sets to failure + drop set
Explore different machines and workouts to find what you enjoy the most and what
gives you the best muscle activation. You don’t have to follow my routine exactly,
but I’m sharing the exercises I find most effective and enjoyable. Use this as a
framework to develop your own personalized workout split.
Experimenting with various exercises can help you discover what works best for
your body and goals. For instance, if you enjoy using free weights more than
machines, incorporate more dumbbell and barbell exercises into your routine. If
you prefer machines for their guided movements and safety, focus on those.
Additionally, pay attention to how your muscles feel during and after each
workout. The exercises that provide the greatest activation and leave you feeling
accomplished are the ones you should prioritize. Remember, the key to a
successful workout plan is consistency and enjoyment. If you like what you're
doing, you're more likely to stick with it.
So, take my workout suggestions as a starting point. Try them out, see how your
body responds, and don't hesitate to modify and personalize them to better suit
your preferences and fitness level. This way, you can create a workout split that not
only delivers results but also keeps you motivated and engaged.
456
Workouts To Spot Reduce Fat
The idea of targeting fat loss from specific areas through exercise is a persistent
myth. The answer is simple: spot reduction, the concept of losing fat in a specific
area by exercising that part of the body, doesn’t exist. Workouts are designed to
grow and strengthen muscles, not shrink fat in isolated areas. The only way to
reduce fat in a specific region is by reducing overall body fat.
Fat loss occurs when you create a caloric deficit, meaning you burn more calories
than you consume. This causes your body to utilize stored fat for energy, leading to
a reduction in overall body fat. However, the order in which fat is lost from various
parts of the body is largely determined by your genetics. Some people may lose fat
from their abdomen first, while others may find that this is the last area where fat
reduction occurs.
The most effective workout for promoting fat loss is cardio, with walking being a
particularly accessible and effective option. Cardio exercises, such as walking,
running, cycling, and swimming, increase your heart rate and help you burn
calories. When combined with a balanced diet and strength training, cardio can
significantly contribute to overall fat loss.
Strength training is also crucial because it helps build muscle mass, which can
increase your resting metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories even when
you're not exercising. This combination of cardio and strength training, along with
a healthy diet, is the most effective way to lose fat and improve your overall
fitness.
457
In summary, if you want to reduce fat in a specific area, focus on losing fat overall
through a combination of cardio, strength training, and a balanced diet. Remember
that patience and consistency are key, as your body will shed fat according to its
own unique pattern.
458
459
CHAPTER 7
460
If you thought that steering clear of non-meat foods was your ticket to health, think
again. Sure, you might have dodged one bullet, but there's a whole barrage waiting
just around the corner. Even if you've managed to sort out your diet, there could
still be lingering metabolic issues, health concerns, maybe even something as
serious as PCOS or cancer. But here's the kicker: your environment could be just as
much of a culprit as your diet. Enter the world of endocrine disruptors, the
invisible saboteurs lurking in the most unsuspecting places. Once you start
unraveling the truth, you'll find yourself plummeting down a rabbit hole of
disbelief.
It's hard not to feel a sense of betrayal when you discover how these toxic
substances, found in everything from air fresheners to makeup, are wreaking havoc
on our health. They're not just annoying; they're downright dangerous, linked to
birth defects and a slew of other illnesses. It's a chilling thought, isn't it? The very
products we use to make our homes smell like a breezy ocean or to enhance our
appearance could be silently assaulting our well-being. But fear not, for I'm here to
guide you through this minefield. Together, we'll navigate away from these cancer-
causing chemicals and ensure that you can live a life free from their insidious
grasp. It's a daunting journey, but with the right knowledge and precautions, we
can shield ourselves from these hidden dangers. In her book, Fasting like a Girl,
Dr Mindy Pelz says the following.
Toxins make you fat. Seriously, they do. So much so that a new category of fat-
inducing chemicals has been given its own name—obesogens. When your body
gets an influx of these chemicals it doesn’t know how to break them down, so it
stores them as fat. Yes, fat. The stuff we’re all trying to lose. But hold on, don’t
start cursing your love handles just yet.
461
Remember that the next time you look in the mirror and villainize the stubborn
weight that won’t go away; rethink the purpose of that fat. It’s not there to stress
you out. Your body literally didn’t know how to break down the chemicals in your
food, so it placed them in your fat stores so that they wouldn’t harm the organs that
keep you alive. It’s a brilliant system your body has created for your long-term
survival. Your fat is like a superhero sidekick, protecting you from the dastardly
toxins.
Now, you might be wondering, “What chemicals are these nefarious obesogens?”
The list is long, but here are the five worst offenders that are probably plotting
against your waistline right now:
1. BPA Plastics: You know those plastic containers you love? Yeah, they
love you back… by making you gain weight. BPA is notorious for messing with
your hormones.
2. Phthalates: Found in everything from your shower curtain to your
shampoo, these sneaky chemicals can disrupt your metabolism and lead to weight
gain.
3. Atrazine: This herbicide is common in drinking water and has been
linked to obesity. Maybe next time skip the tap water and go for something filtered.
4. Organotins: Used in pesticides and PVC plastics, these bad boys are
not only fattening but also damaging to your endocrine system.
5. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): Found in non-stick cookware and
some food packaging, PFOA is the sneaky villain that sticks around in your body
and environment for a long time.
Although the chemicals on this list are abundant in our foods, water, beauty
products, cleaning products, cookware, and even our clothing, you now have the
462
knowledge to start avoiding them. Remember, your body is doing its best to keep
you safe from these modern-day toxins. So, next time you see that stubborn belly
fat, give it a little pat and say, “Thanks for keeping me alive, buddy.”
Common obesogens found in food include monosodium glutamate (MSG) and soy
protein isolates. Yes, you read that right. These two sneaky saboteurs are
commonly found in weight-loss shakes. It's like hiring a fox to guard the henhouse!
Much like a flood of insulin blocks receptor sites on the outside of your cells, so do
obesogens. They, too, block the hormonal receptor sites, making it impossible for
your hormones to enter your cells to do their job. Imagine your hormones as
diligent little workers showing up for a busy day at the office, only to find the
doors locked and the windows barred. They can’t get in, and as a result, everything
from thyroid hormones to insulin is left out in the cold. This can dramatically blunt
everything, leading to more weight gain, fatigue, and erratic mental health. It's like
trying to run a marathon with your shoelaces tied together.
Detoxing these chemicals out of your body can be the answer to a variety of health
challenges, including weight-loss resistance, thyroid problems, and autoimmune
conditions. Picture it: your hormones finally gaining access to their offices, getting
back to work, and you feeling like a million bucks.
When you stop to read the ingredients of many prepackaged diet foods, you'll see
that they are laden with chemicals. Don't be fooled by the marketing of these
foods. Fancy words like “all natural,” “low calorie,” or even “keto friendly” can be
grossly misleading; foods labeled as such might be filled with obesogens. It's like
discovering that the beautiful, shiny apple you've been eyeing is actually made of
wax. So next time you’re shopping, put on your detective hat, scrutinize those
ingredient lists, and dodge those tricky obesogens!
463
Understanding Endocrine Disrupters
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine (or
hormonal) system in your body. Think of your endocrine system as a complex
network of messengers and signals that regulate everything from your metabolism
to your growth, mood, and reproductive health. It's like the body's communication
headquarters, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and on schedule.
However, when endocrine disruptors enter the scene, they act like sneaky hackers
breaking into a secure network. These chemicals can mimic or block natural
hormones, causing chaos and confusion. Here’s how they pull off their nefarious
deeds:
464
3. Altering Hormone Levels: Some disruptors can increase or decrease the
production of hormones, messing with the delicate balance your body needs to
function properly. Imagine your hormone factory suddenly going into overdrive or
shutting down production altogether.
Endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday products, including plastics (like
BPA), pesticides (such as atrazine), personal care items (containing phthalates),
and even in some foods. By being mindful of what we use and consume, we can
reduce our exposure to these chemicals and help protect our hormonal health.
465
health issues, including cancer and other diseases. It's like inviting a charming
guest into your home, only to find out they're secretly a supervillain plotting your
downfall.
Endocrine disruptors are the ultimate party crashers, messing with our hormones
like uninvited guests who won’t leave. And who are the most affected by these
unwelcome visitors? Young people! As new products become cheaper and made
more poorly, they’re stuffed with more toxins than ever before. It's like the
universe decided to throw a toxic rave and forgot to invite anyone over the age of
30.
Picture this: you're a teenager or young adult, navigating life with the latest
gadgets, trendy clothes, and must-have beauty products. Little do you know, these
very items are laced with endocrine disruptors. Your favorite plastic water bottle?
It’s leaking BPA into your system. That fast food wrapper? Coated with
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Your stylish vinyl shower curtain? Packed with
phthalates. It’s like a toxic Avengers team, but instead of saving the world, they’re
ganging up on your health.
These chemicals are like ninjas, sneaking into your body and wreaking havoc.
They block hormonal receptor sites, making it impossible for your hormones to do
their job. It's like sending your hormones to work only to find their office is now a
night club with bouncers at the door. No entry means no productivity, and the
result? Weight gain, fatigue, and erratic mental health. It’s the ultimate office
drama, and your body is the unlucky employer.
466
What’s worse, the more we’re surrounded by these poorly made, toxin-laden
products, the more we’re at risk. And let’s face it, the younger generation is the
prime target. Companies churn out cheaper, flashier products at breakneck speeds,
all while cutting corners. The result? A surge in cancers and other health issues
among young people. It’s like playing dodgeball, but the balls are invisible and
coming at you from every direction.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with the body's
natural hormones. They can disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates growth,
development, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. The consequences of this
disruption can be severe, leading to developmental, reproductive, neurological, and
immune problems.
467
new Nike or Lululemon polyester clothing set. You wear it to the gym, and as you
sweat and your pores open up, you're absorbing all those chemicals in the fabric
straight into your bloodstream. It's like paying for a VIP ticket to a toxin parade.
Clothing
Here’s a fun (and horrifying) fact: Did you know that most of the estrogenic
chemicals in workout pants are concentrated in the crotch region? Yep, right where
you want them least. It’s like your polyester leggings have decided to deliver a
special package of infertility straight to your most sensitive areas. Thanks, modern
fashion!
Now, if you think that's bad, let's go back in time for a moment. Even the Bible has
references to only wearing cotton or linen. Those ancient folks were onto
something. Fabric has a unique vibration of its own, and wearing high-vibration
fabrics like cotton or linen can actually be healthier for you. These natural
materials allow your skin to breathe, unlike polyester, which traps everything in
and makes you smelly and sweaty. It's like wrapping yourself in a chemical sauna.
Yuck!
So next time you're shopping for workout gear or just a comfy outfit, think twice
about reaching for that polyester blend. Opt for natural fabrics instead. Your skin
(and future fertility) will thank you. Plus, you’ll avoid smelling like a science
experiment gone wrong. Let's keep our wardrobes toxin-free and fabulous!
468
creams, perfumes, shampoos, and toothpaste often contain phthalates, parabens,
and triclosan, all known endocrine disruptors.Household Products: Cleaning
sprays, air fresheners, and plastic containers can release harmful chemicals into our
homes.Cooking Utensils: Non-stick cookware and plastic dishes may contain
perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and bisphenol A (BPA), respectively.Clothing:
Polyester and other synthetic fabrics can release chemicals that disrupt hormonal
balance.Agricultural Chemicals: Pesticides and herbicides used in farming can
contaminate our food and water supply.
469
Phthalates are used in everything from fragrances to nail polish to help them last
longer. But these plasticizers come with a dark side. Studies have shown that
phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to reproductive issues and
developmental problems. Here’s a jaw-dropping statistic: a study by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that phthalates are present in the
bodies of nearly 97% of Americans. So, every time you spritz on that perfume or
paint your nails, you’re adding to a not-so-glamorous collection of chemicals in
your body.
470
triclosan in 75% of Americans’ urine samples. That’s a whole lot of endocrine
disruption going on!
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted a study that revealed some
eye-opening facts about cosmetics:
471
• Metabolic Changes: They can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and
other metabolic disorders.
Detoxing from these chemicals can be the answer to a variety of health challenges.
Here are some tips to help you keep those pesky disruptors at bay:
Household Products
The Scary Truth About Endocrine Disruptors in Household Products and Cooking
Utensils. Let's dive into some truly alarming details about the everyday items
lurking in your home that could be acting as endocrine disruptors. Brace yourself,
because this is about to get spooky.
472
Cleaning Sprays
That fresh scent you love after a good cleaning spree? It might be hiding a dark
secret. Many cleaning sprays contain chemicals like phthalates and triclosan.
Phthalates, often used to make fragrances last longer, can mess with your hormone
levels and are linked to reproductive issues and birth defects. Triclosan, an
antibacterial agent, can disrupt thyroid function and contribute to antibiotic
resistance. A study found that 75% of people tested had triclosan in their urine.
Air Fresheners
Those lovely air fresheners that mask unpleasant odors are doing more than just
making your home smell good. They're often packed with phthalates and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). Long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to
hormonal imbalances, respiratory issues, and even cancer. According to the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, regular use of air fresheners
can increase the risk of asthma by 30-50%.
Plastic Containers
We use plastic containers for everything from storing leftovers to packing lunch,
but they can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food. BPA
mimics estrogen and can lead to hormonal disruptions, obesity, and cancer. Studies
show that 93% of Americans have BPA in their bodies. Switching to glass or
stainless steel can help reduce exposure. Plastic dishes and utensils can contain
473
BPA and other harmful chemicals. When exposed to heat (like in the microwave or
dishwasher), these chemicals can leach into your food. BPA exposure is associated
with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found detectable levels of BPA in 93%
of urine samples from people aged six and older in the United States.
Plastic is everywhere. It's in our kitchens, our bathrooms, our wardrobes, and even
our food. But here's a startling fact: the very people who invented and mass-
produced plastic have been said to have strict rules about not allowing it in their
homes. Yes, the masterminds behind this ubiquitous material are well aware of its
dangers and prefer to keep it far from their daily lives.
Why? Because plastic is so bad for us. It’s like a sneaky villain hiding in plain
sight, causing harm without us even realizing it. Plastic contains a host of harmful
chemicals, including endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates, which can
interfere with our hormonal systems. These chemicals have been linked to a range
of health issues, including reproductive problems, developmental delays, and even
cancer.
Take BPA, for example. This chemical is used in the production of polycarbonate
plastics and epoxy resins, and it can leach into food and beverages from containers
made with BPA. Studies have shown that BPA exposure can lead to a variety of
health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Phthalates, on the other hand, are used to make plastics more flexible and can be
474
found in everything from vinyl flooring to personal care products. These chemicals
have been linked to hormonal imbalances, birth defects, and reduced fertility.
The irony here is almost poetic. The inventors of plastic, aware of its potential
dangers, choose to live plastic-free as much as possible. They understand the risks
of chronic exposure to plastic and its additives, which is why they take such
precautions. It's a classic case of "do as I say, not as I do."
Even more alarming is how deeply embedded plastic is in our daily lives. From the
plastic containers we store our food in to the plastic bottles we drink from, and the
plastic wraps we use, it's almost impossible to avoid. And it's not just the
containers. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic, have been found in our food,
water, and even the air we breathe. A study by the Environmental Science &
Technology journal estimated that humans might ingest between 39,000 to 52,000
microplastic particles a year. That’s like having a sprinkle of plastic with every
meal!
The people who invented plastic have clearly understood something we need to
take more seriously: plastic is not just an environmental issue but a significant
health hazard. If the very creators of this material avoid it like the plague, maybe
it’s time we all reconsider our relationship with plastic.
So, the next time you reach for that plastic water bottle or wrap your sandwich in
plastic wrap, remember the paradox of plastic. If the inventors won’t allow it in
their homes, maybe we should all think twice about letting it into ours. Your
health—and the planet—will thank you.
475
Cooking Utensils: The Hidden
Culprits
To give you an idea of just how toxic these chemicals are, consider this personal
account:
“My mother had Teflon pans 20 or so years ago, and all three of my parakeets died
in a matter of a few years. They were in cages in the kitchen. I saw on Hollywood
Squares that cooking with Teflon pans can cause fatal fumes for birds. Insanity. All
the executives who knew about this should be in jail right now.”
476
This harrowing experience highlights the dangers lurking in seemingly harmless
household items. The toxic fumes released from Teflon pans can be fatal to birds,
and the impact on humans is equally alarming.
DuPont, instead of taking responsibility, had the audacity to blame its employees
for these tragedies. Imagine that! The very people exposed to these dangerous
chemicals, trying to make a living, were blamed for the devastating birth defects of
their children. All the while, DuPont knew about the dangers of these harsh
chemicals. They've been studying them since the 1960s! They knew, and yet they
continued to allow their employees and their families to suffer.
477
This wasn't just ignorance or a simple oversight. This was a calculated decision to
prioritize profit over human life. DuPont, 3M, and other corporate giants betrayed
the trust of their employees and the public. They continued to produce and sell
these toxic products, knowing full well the severe health risks they posed.
Endocrine disruptors like those found in Teflon and other non-stick pans are not
just minor irritants. They are life-altering, dangerous chemicals that can lead to
severe health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental
deformities. The fact that these companies had the information and chose to ignore
it is beyond reprehensible.
Every time we use these products, we are reminded of the betrayal. We trusted
these companies to provide safe, useful products, and instead, they delivered
poison. They traded our health and our lives for their bottom line. It's high time we
hold them accountable for their actions and demand safer alternatives. Our health
and the health of future generations depend on it.
Our homes are supposed to be our safe havens, but these everyday products are
turning them into hazardous zones. The good news? You can take steps to reduce
your exposure:
- Switch to natural cleaning products: Look for products free of phthalates and
triclosan.
- Ditch the air fresheners: Opt for natural alternatives like essential oils.
- Use glass or stainless-steel containers: Say goodbye to plastic.
- Choose cast iron or stainless-steel cookware: Avoid non-stick pans.
478
- Be cautious with plastic dishes: Use ceramic or glass alternatives, especially for
hot food.
By making these small changes, you can help protect yourself and your family
from the harmful effects of endocrine disruptors. Remember, knowledge is power,
and now you’re armed with the information to make healthier choices. Stay safe
and keep your home toxin-free!
Agricultural Chemicals
Finally, let’s not forget about the food we eat. Pesticides and herbicides used in
farming can contaminate our food and water supply. Your fresh salad might come
with a side of endocrine disruptors, courtesy of the agricultural chemicals used to
grow it. It's like getting a free (and unwanted) bonus with every meal. Yum!
Roundup
One of the most widely used herbicides in the world, Roundup contains
glyphosate, a chemical that has been linked to numerous health issues. Studies
have shown that glyphosate can act as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with the
normal functioning of hormones. According to a study published in
*Environmental Health Perspectives*, exposure to glyphosate has been associated
with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer. Additionally,
glyphosate exposure has been linked to liver and kidney damage. In fact, the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as
"probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015.
479
Atrazine
This herbicide is another common contaminant found in our food and water.
Atrazine has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system, affecting reproductive
health and development. Studies have linked atrazine exposure to an increased risk
of breast and prostate cancer. Research published in *Environmental Health
Perspectives* found that atrazine exposure could lead to birth defects and low birth
weight in newborns. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that
atrazine is found in approximately 94% of the drinking water tested in the United
States, making it nearly impossible to avoid.
- Hormonal Disruptions: Both Roundup and atrazine can interfere with hormone
production and regulation, leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems,
and an increased risk of hormone-related cancers.
- Cancer Risk: Glyphosate has been linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, while
atrazine is associated with breast and prostate cancer.
- Birth Defects: Atrazine exposure has been linked to birth defects and low birth
weight, posing significant risks to pregnant women and their unborn children.
- Widespread Contamination: Glyphosate and atrazine are found in a significant
portion of our food and water supply. A 2019 study by the U.S. Geological Survey
found glyphosate in over 70% of rainwater samples, and the EPA reported atrazine
in 94% of drinking water tested.
This is why the carnivore diet is the best. When you follow a carnivore diet, you
don’t need to worry about consuming disgusting pesticides. Even if you peel off
the skin of fruits and vegetables, the chemicals can penetrate the food, making
480
washing them insufficient to remove all contaminants. By focusing on animal-
based foods, you avoid many of these endocrine disruptors, reducing your
exposure to harmful chemicals and protecting your health.
So, next time you sit down for a meal, remember the hidden dangers lurking in
your food. Make informed choices and consider the benefits of a cleaner diet free
from the pervasive toxins that threaten your well-being. Your body will thank you.
Health Impacts
The health impacts of endocrine disruptors can be far-reaching:Cancer: These
chemicals have been linked to various cancers, including breast, prostate, and
thyroid cancer.Reproductive Issues: They can cause fertility problems, menstrual
irregularities, and developmental disorders in children.Metabolic Disorders:
Endocrine disruptors can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic
diseases.Neurological Problems: Exposure can affect brain development and lead
to behavioral and cognitive issues.
Reducing Exposure
While it may seem daunting, there are steps we can take to minimize our exposure
to endocrine disruptors:Choose Natural Products: Opt for cosmetics and personal
care products that are free from harmful chemicals.Go Organic: Whenever
possible, eat organic food to reduce exposure to agricultural chemicals.Use Glass
and Stainless Steel: Replace plastic containers and cookware with safer
alternatives.Ventilate Your Home: Regularly air out your living spaces to reduce
the buildup of indoor pollutants.Read Labels: Be informed about what's in the
products you use and choose safer alternatives.
481
482
CHAPTER 8
483
Getting a Lean Face 101
Attaining a lean face is a dream shared by almost everyone on the planet. Just look
at the top models and celebrities known for their beauty—they all have those
stunning, lean faces. Why do lean faces look so good, you ask? It’s because they
often come with a great bone structure. Visible bone structure subconsciously
signals that someone was raised in healthy, abundant circumstances and has good
genes.
Here’s the exciting part: you can always improve your look and work with your
existing facial structure, especially with the tips I’m about to share. Follow these
steps, and I promise you’ll look so good that you might start considering a
modeling contract.
Get ready for a transformation! With the right habits and nutrition, you can reveal
the lean, attractive face that's just waiting to come out. It's time to unlock your true
potential and embrace the confident, stunning version of yourself. Let's get
started—your future self will thank you!
484
1. You have to lose the weight
First things first. You’re never going to see that bone structure if your body fat is
higher than it should be. Some people have the genetics where they can carry a
high body fat percentage without showing it in their face. Others, like myself and
most people, have faces that hold onto fat even when the rest of the body is
relatively lean. That extra volume can ruin the aesthetic harmony of your face.
If you have some weight to lose, don’t worry—getting to your ideal weight is
entirely within your reach with the carnivore diet. The proper human diet diet is
designed to help you shed pounds of fat easily while maintaining your muscle as
that’s the way we’ve been designed.. Pair it with a one meal a day (OMAD) eating
schedule, and you’ll be stripping off fat like it’s your full-time job.
Listen, it’s tough love time. You can’t expect to reveal a sharp, attractive bone
structure if you’re carrying excess facial fat. The lean face you want is there,
waiting under the surface. Stick to the guidelines I’m providing, commit to the
carnivore diet, and follow the OMAD routine. Before you know it, you’ll be on
your way to a leaner, more defined face.
As you get leaner and drop body fat, your face will naturally become much leaner.
It’s like watching a sculptor reveal a masterpiece hidden in a block of marble! For
physical exercise, walking will be your best friend. Sure, we covered workouts in
the previous chapter, but when it comes to fast weight loss that will show up on
your face, walking is the way to go.
485
Let’s talk about dramatic results. You know, the kind that makes you look in the
mirror and say, “Who’s that stunning person staring back at me?” For that, you
need to aim for 20,000 steps a day—that’s 10 miles, folks. Yes, you heard it right,
10 miles! It sounds like a lot, but think of it as an adventure.
If you’re not used to walking that much, don’t panic. Start with 5,000 steps and
work your way up. Consider it your personal journey to awesomeness. Remember,
fast results are motivating results. When you see those cheekbones starting to pop
and that jawline becoming more defined, you’ll be motivated to keep going.
Here’s a tip: Get yourself a good pair of walking shoes and maybe a fun podcast or
some energizing music. Before you know it, those steps will fly by. You’ll be out
there, not just walking, but strutting, like you’re on the runway of life.
This is my absolute favorite way of morphing my face that works like no other!
During my walks, I combine physical exercise with a powerful manifestation
technique that engages my mind. Walking for long periods can get a bit dull, so
here's a game-changing tip: invest in a walking pad or a self-weight incline
treadmill. They're surprisingly affordable and worth every penny.
Here’s what I do: I prop up my iPad or phone and start watching super motivating
edits of beautiful models and people with chiseled, angelic, god-like faces. I
immerse myself in these videos for an hour or two, getting completely pumped up
by their stunning beauty. I keep their images in my mind’s eye, visualizing myself
with that same incredible facial structure.
486
After a while of seeing these gorgeous faces, you get so amped up and motivated.
Since you’re on the treadmill, essentially walking your way to that beautiful face,
you start to feel this intuitive assurance that you’ll soon look just like them. Day by
day, step by step, you feel yourself getting closer to your goal. The excitement and
happiness build because you practically have a guarantee that you’re on the path to
achieving your dream face.
The feeling I had when I finally woke up to see the lean, chiseled face of my
dreams in the mirror was indescribable. I saw cheekbones I didn’t know existed, a
slimmer nose free from inflammation, and a snatched face that made me feel ready
to step onto a Victoria's Secret runway. It was an exhilarating, empowering
moment, and I can’t wait for you to experience it yourself.
Get ready to be blown away by how soon it happens. Don’t forget to take plenty of
"before" photos because you’ll need them when you transform into an
unrecognizable, goddess-like creature. Embrace the journey, stay motivated, and
keep that vision alive. You're on your way to achieving a face that reflects your
inner beauty and strength.
2. Guashas work
I never really thought gua shas worked. I mean, seriously, rubbing a rock on your
face to slim it out? It sounded like one of those gimmicky beauty trends. But then,
my dad, who had apparently gotten tired of hearing me complain about my chubby
cheeks, gifted me one. So, I thought, why the hell not, and started using it every
night before bed.
487
To my absolute shock, I could literally see a difference within DAYS. At first, I
thought I must be hallucinating or under some kind of placebo effect. But then,
being the curious (and skeptical) person I am, I decided to dive into the science
behind it. And guess what? It actually made perfect sense! You can use your
fingers and knuckles as well, but I like to use my hands and qua sha to get the
maximum benefit.
Here’s the deal: our faces have these drainage systems called lymphatic pathways
where excess water is supposed to flush out. But sometimes, these systems get
clogged or lazy, and the fluid just hangs around, making our faces puffy. Enter the
gua sha, the humble facial massage tool. By using it, you help guide that stuck
fluid out of your face, encouraging lymphatic drainage. Not only that, but it also
boosts facial blood flow, keeping your skin tight and toned.
So, there I was, skeptically rubbing a rock on my face, and bam! My cheeks started
looking slimmer, my jawline more defined. It’s like my face got a mini workout
without me breaking a sweat. I went from doubting to being a full-fledged gua sha
enthusiast in no time.
Turns out, my dad’s random gift wasn’t so random after all—it was a game
changer! So, if you’re still on the fence about it, give it a try. You might just end up
as surprised as I was, with a leaner, more defined face to show for it. And don’t
forget to thank your lymphatic system for finally getting its act together!
488
The main drainage points you want to focus on are next to your ear, under your
jaw, and beside your nostrils. These are key areas where lymphatic fluid can
accumulate and need encouragement to move along. Here’s how to do it: Start
from the side of your nostril, drag your gua sha tool or fingers back towards your
ear, and then move straight down your neck. This motion helps guide the fluid
towards the main lymph nodes in your neck, aiding in proper drainage. You can
sometimes even feel the liquid draining, which might make you swallow as it
moves down. It’s essential to use a good moisturizer to reduce friction on your
skin. I personally use balms based on beef tallow as a moisturizer. They provide
the perfect glide and nourish the skin simultaneously.
489
Dedicate about five minutes to each side of your face. To make the time pass more
enjoyably, I like to watch something while I do it. This makes the process feel less
like a chore and more like a self-care ritual. Trust me, incorporating this routine
into your daily life can make a significant difference in how your face looks and
feels. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your facial aesthetics and promote
a healthy, glowing complexion.
Salt was a real eye-opener for me. I already covered this in the chapter about diet,
but it’s especially relevant here. You often hear health and fitness gurus urging you
not to be afraid of salt, to use it liberally because it’s supposedly essential. I bought
into this for a while, refusing to believe that salt could be bad for me. I couldn't
understand why I always woke up with a puffy face whenever I salted heavily,
especially since all the carnivore doctors and health experts insisted it was
beneficial.
Well, guess what? Salt is just a piece of rock. Most of it is sodium chloride, and the
actual sodium our bodies need is found in—wait for it—red meat. That’s right,
meat already contains enough sodium for our needs, making additional salting
completely unnecessary. Think about it: our ancestors didn’t carry salt shakers
around with them or live near salt lakes to get their daily sodium fix. They got all
the sodium they needed from the meat they ate.
It's well-known that salt causes water retention, so when I finally ditched the extra
salt, I saw a huge difference in how slim my face looked. The puffiness
490
disappeared, and my features became more defined. This simple change made a
significant impact on my appearance.
The only time I’d recommend using salt is during a fast when you’re not eating. In
such cases, a little salt under the tongue can curb appetite and keep you energized.
But otherwise, if you’re eating a meat-based diet, you’re already getting all the
sodium you need naturally.
So, for anyone struggling with a puffy face or unnecessary water retention,
reconsider your salt intake. Just by cutting back on salt and relying on the sodium
already present in meat, you can make a noticeable difference in your facial
appearance. Trust me, going back to eating like our ancestors and ditching the salt
can be a game-changer in your journey to a leaner, more defined face.
4. Jaw muscles
You’ve probably heard that chewing gum will give you a fantastic jawline, that if
you chew for hours on end, you’ll end up with a snatched face and lose face fat.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but that’s as believable as a unicorn delivering your
Amazon packages. Chewing gum only grows the jaw muscle; it has no connection
to burning face fat. Face fat is correlated to overall body fat, so unless you’re
planning to lose weight everywhere by chewing gum (spoiler: you can’t), this
method is pretty useless.
Let’s get real here. Your jawline is primarily bone, not muscle. The masseter
muscle is that bit right under your ear, often below your cheekbone. That’s the area
you want to be chiseled and hollow for that sunken-in, model-esque look. Jaw
491
muscle exercises might make sense for guys with a long ramus bone—the vertical
one under your ear—that fills out their face, giving it a square, chiseled look. But
as a female, you want this muscle to stay pretty small. Some people even get
masseter Botox to shrink and atrophy this muscle!
So, in reality, you want to use this muscle as little as possible. The less chewing
and jaw clenching you do, the better. That’s why OMAD (one meal a day) is
golden for getting the best-looking face possible. You eat your one meal, and then
you’re done with chewing for the rest of the day.
492
Fun fact: models aren’t allowed to chew gum for this exact reason. And they’re
literally paid for how good their faces look! So take a cue from the pros. Skip the
gum, embrace OMAD, and give your jaw the rest it deserves. You’ll be on your
way to that sleek, V-shaped jawline in no time.
When it comes to guys, if the ramus (the vertical part of the lower jaw) is long,
well-developed jaw muscles can enhance their appearance, giving them a strong
and rugged look. However, for women, a long ramus can make the face appear
wider, which isn’t typically desired. Instead, a V-shaped face is more sought after
for women as it looks more feminine and aesthetically pleasing.
The jaw muscles are essentially slabs of muscle on the side of your face that can
make the lower half of your face look wider or narrower. These muscles don’t
contribute much to the actual bone structure of your jawline or to the sharpness of
its appearance.
For men, strong jaw muscles can enhance a masculine, chiseled look. But for
women, a softer, more tapered jawline is often preferred. The focus is on achieving
a balance that accentuates femininity and grace.
5. Posture
Did you know that the muscle between your neck is actually connected to your
mandible muscle through the TMJ joint? Yep, it's all interconnected! If you fix
those neck muscles, you'll be on your way to improving your facial structure,
493
particularly your jaw joint. So, if you’re slouching like a couch potato, it's affecting
your facial profile more than you think.
Bad posture can mess with your face big time. It can make your jaw dislocate,
leading to facial asymmetry, a crooked nose, uneven eyes, and all sorts of
delightful surprises. Gravity loves bad posture—it pulls everything down, making
those asymmetries even more noticeable.
But fear not! There’s a solution. Exercises that promote proper back alignment and
centered neck posture are your best friends. These exercises help maintain balance
and enhance facial symmetry over time. Think of it as setting up a strong, straight
frame for a beautiful painting (your face).
Here's the deal: while these exercises are indirect, they have a long-term impact on
facial symmetry by keeping your posture in check. Remember, a straight frame
(your posture) means a more balanced and symmetrical masterpiece (your face).
For minor issues, home methods and exercises can help preserve improvements
and perform mild upkeep. But if you’re dealing with major imbalances, you might
need to consider advanced treatments. Just like you wouldn’t use a tiny brush to
repaint an entire house, sometimes you need bigger tools for bigger jobs. So, sit up
straight, align that neck, and start working on that posture. Your future, more
symmetrical self will thank you!
Absolutely! Here are some exercises that promote proper back alignment and help
improve posture:
494
1. Chin Tucks
- Sit or stand with your back straight.
- Gently tuck your chin towards your chest, creating a double chin.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then relax.
- Repeat 10 times. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles in your neck and
upper back.
3. Wall Angels
- Stand with your back against a wall, feet about 6 inches away from it.
- Press your lower back, upper back, and head against the wall.
- Raise your arms to form a “W” shape with your elbows bent.
- Slowly raise your arms to form a “Y” shape, then lower them back to the “W”
position.
- Repeat 10 times. This exercise helps improve shoulder mobility and strengthen
the upper back muscles.
4. Cat-Cow Stretch
- Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
495
- Inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow
position).
- Exhale, round your back and tuck your chin towards your chest (Cat position).
- Repeat for 10 breaths. This helps improve spine flexibility and relieve tension.
5. Bridge
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes and engaging your
core.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then lower your hips back down.
- Repeat 10 times. This exercise strengthens the lower back, glutes, and core
muscles.
6. Plank
- Start in a push-up position with your arms straight and hands directly under
your shoulders.
- Engage your core and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
- Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- This exercise strengthens the entire core, including the muscles that support
your spine.
7. Child’s Pose
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Sit back onto your heels and stretch your arms forward, lowering your chest
towards the floor.
- Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- This stretch helps elongate the spine and relieve tension in the lower back.
496
Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can significantly improve
your posture and back alignment. Remember, consistency is key, and combining
these exercises with good posture habits throughout the day will yield the best
results. Keep at it, and your body (and face) will thank you!
You’ve probably been told to chug water all day, guzzle a few liters, or even knock
back a couple of gallons daily because it’ll flush out all your fluid and give you
clear skin, right? Well, that’s about as true as a chocolate teapot being practical.
The fact that you have to force yourself to drink water and set constant reminders
on your phone is downright hilarious. Seriously, if you’re scheduling sips,
something’s off!
Here’s the scoop: Just drink when you’re thirsty and trust your instincts. Your body
knows what it needs better than any app or guru. In fact, forcing yourself to
constantly drink water can actually deplete your electrolytes and throw them off
balance. If you’re active, you’ll naturally get thirstier because your body is
signaling that it needs to replace fluids. It’s as simple as listening to your body.
Now, here’s the kicker. It might seem strange, but a puffy face, swollen hands, and
feet can actually be indicators that you’re drinking too much water. Yep, all that
swelling is due to an electrolyte imbalance, which is a key symptom of over
hydration. Your body is essentially drowning in all that water, and it shows.
497
So, if you’re aiming for that lean, chiseled face, chugging water like a camel at an
oasis might actually be working against you. The swelling from electrolyte
imbalance can make your face look puffier, not leaner.
Here’s a funny truth bomb: your body isn’t a water balloon. You don’t need to fill it
to the brim every hour. Just think about our ancestors. Do you think they carried
around a gallon jug of water? Absolutely not! They drank when they were thirsty,
and guess what? They survived and thrived.
Now, if you’re already in peak condition, eating healthy, and free of inflammation
in your face, there’s not much more you can do to transform your look. But if
you’re in the process of getting there—cutting carbs from your diet, clearing your
skin with good nutrition—oh boy, can your nose change! When I was eating a low-
calorie bodybuilder diet, I was lean, but my cheeks were still chubby and my face
had that slight inflammation. My nose wasn’t huge, but let’s just say it had a little
more character back then.
Here's a funny tidbit: people who go on Accutane, that hormone and health-
wrecking drug I definitely don’t recommend, often report their noses shrinking. It’s
498
like an unintentional nose job. But trust me, there are much healthier ways to
achieve that effect!
Back to our main point. When you reduce non carnivore foods and improve your
diet, your body starts to shed excess water and inflammation, which can
significantly slim down your face. This isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about
losing the puffiness that hides your true bone structure.
Think about it: when you eat a lot of processed foods and sugars, your body holds
onto water and inflammation like it’s preparing for a drought in order to heal the
damage caused by the foods. But when you switch to a proper human diet, your
body lets go of that extra water and inflammation. The result? A more defined face,
and yes, a seemingly smaller nose.
It's almost magical how this works. And let's be real, getting accusations of having
had a nose job because your face looks so different is the ultimate compliment. It's
a clear sign that your efforts are paying off.
So, if you’re on this journey, keep at it. Your body and face will continue to
transform as you nourish it with the right foods. And next time someone accuses
you of having a nose job, just smile and say, “Thanks! It’s all-natural.”
Remember, transforming your diet is not just about losing weight; it's about
revealing the real you beneath all that inflammation and puffiness. Stick with it,
and soon you’ll be marveling at your own before-and-after photos, wondering how
you ever looked any different.
499
Let’s talk about why your skin freaks out with acne and how it ties into that puffy
face and swollen nose. Acne is basically your skin’s SOS signal, shouting, "Hey,
we’ve got inflammation here!" This inflammation often comes with extra
puffiness, making everything look a bit larger and angrier. It’s like your skin is
trying to defend itself against all the junk you eat, the chemicals you slather on,
and even the stuff you breathe in. But let’s be real—most of it boils down to diet.
Enter Accutane, the infamous drug that puts a temporary stop to this natural
healing process. Sure, it might shrink your nose because it suppresses
inflammation, but at what cost? It’s like calling the fire department and asking
them to stop the fire by flooding your house. Effective? Maybe. Ideal? Definitely
not.
Here’s the kicker: when you fix the root cause—your diet—everything changes.
By eating the diet I recommend, which is the proper human diet, you tackle the
source of the inflammation. Your body stops needing to puff up in self-defense, and
voila, your nose shrinks back to its regular size. No drugs, no drastic measures, just
good food.
Acne rosacea is the precursor to a condition called rhinophyma. It starts with those
annoying inflammatory breakouts of pimples. As it progresses, the skin on your
nose thickens and the tip expands, making your nose look larger. Acne rosacea
itself is characterized by excessive redness and widespread swelling. It often starts
on the nose and then spreads to nearby areas like your cheeks. Your nose looks
inflamed, and eventually, pimples pop up on top of the flushed skin.
500
So, what’s the common-sense thing to do? Stop eating the foods that are causing all
this inflammation in the first place! Ditch the processed junk, sugars, and
chemicals. If you’re curious about the specifics, check out the diet chapter. It’s all
there.
In the end, it’s all about getting to the root of the problem. Fix your diet, reduce
inflammation, and let your body heal itself naturally. You’ll not only see a slimmer
nose but also clearer skin and a healthier glow overall. It’s a win-win situation! So,
next time you’re tempted by quick fixes like Accutane, remember that the real
solution is much simpler—and tastier. Eat right, and let your body do its thing.
Long, defined eyelashes can transform your face, opening your eyes and creating a
refreshed, bright appearance. Dark eyelashes accentuate the white of your eyes (the
sclera) and the dark ring around your iris (the limbal ring), making your eyes stand
out more vividly. Long lashes also draw attention to the movement around your
eyes every time you blink and gaze, captivating the viewer’s attention.
501
If you’re striving for naturally thick brows and lashes, consider the impact of your
diet. Embracing nutrient-rich, ancestral eating habits can lead to noticeable
improvements in your overall health and appearance. By nourishing your body
with the right foods, you can achieve those ideal, healthy-looking brows and lashes
that make you feel confident and vibrant.
Alright, let’s talk about a little extra boost for those of you who are already rocking
the carnivore diet but are genetically cursed with short, stubby lashes or faint
eyebrows. I’ve got a serum recommendation that might just change your life—or at
least your lashes!
Now, I’ve tried Latisse and other pricey lash serums in the past, and let me tell you,
they didn’t do much for me. In fact, they gave me terrible dark circles and red eyes.
I looked like I hadn’t slept in weeks! Later, I discovered that these serums contain
an ingredient called prostaglandin, which, brace yourself, melts the fat pad around
your eyes. Yeah, you read that right. It’s like giving your face a reverse facelift—
not exactly the look we’re going for.
But fear not! I finally found a serum that actually works without turning me into a
raccoon. This miracle worker is called Terez and Honor. For the first time in my
life, I had the long, luscious lashes of my dreams. Genetically, mine were never
that long to begin with, but this serum made them look so unreal that even my own
grandmother accused me of wearing fake lashes and lying about it. She couldn’t
believe they were real!
502
I noticed the difference in my brows first, within two weeks. And my lashes? They
started looking amazing after about a month. The best part? Terez and Honor
doesn’t contain that nasty prostaglandin ingredient that melts the fat around your
eyes. So, you can wave goodbye to dark circles and red eyes.
I’ve never recommended a product this strongly before, and I’m not being paid to
say this. The appearance longer lashes give to my face and eyes is incredible. It’s
like an instant eye lift without the surgery.
So, if you want to take your look to the next level, give Terez and Honor a try. Your
lashes will thank you, and you might just start getting accused of wearing falsies,
503
too. It’s a small price to pay for looking fabulous, right? Go ahead and bat those
beautiful, long lashes with confidence!
Acne is often seen as a hallmark of Western lifestyle diseases, a stark warning sign
that should not be ignored. It doesn't require a medical degree to observe skin
afflicted by acne and connect it to potential underlying health issues. Instinctively,
when we encounter someone with extensive acne, there's a subconscious alert that
goes off, signaling potential illness—something that may repel us on a biological
level, since we are naturally inclined to seek out signs of health in our social and
reproductive circles.
This perception isn't just superficial; it reflects a deeper truth. Acne is virtually
non-existent in nature and is absent among many indigenous populations globally.
These groups lack the fancy skincare products prevalent in Western societies—not
even basic soap, yet their skin remains remarkably clear. This clarity is attributed
to their diets, which are free from the high sugars, starches, and various chemical
additives rampant in our processed foods.
It’s a cautionary tale of how modern conveniences and dietary habits may be
contributing not just to cosmetic issues but to broader health implications. This
should serve as a wake-up call to reconsider what we consume and how we treat
our bodies, as clear skin, free from acne, could very well be an indicator of overall
health rather than just a skincare goal.
504
The Importance of Clear Skin
Clear skin is often heralded as the cornerstone of facial aesthetics and, by
extension, overall beauty. This societal perception significantly impacts how
individuals are treated in social, professional, and personal spheres. The pursuit of
clear skin is not merely a superficial endeavor but a strategic one, offering tangible
benefits across various areas of life.
First and foremost, clear skin enhances facial aesthetics. It provides a smooth
canvas that highlights other facial features such as the eyes, lips, and bone
structure, thereby amplifying an individual's natural beauty. In a visual world, this
enhancement can significantly influence first impressions, which are often lasting.
Studies have shown that individuals with clear skin are perceived as healthier,
more attractive, and more trustworthy. These perceptions, whether conscious or
subconscious, play a crucial role in shaping social interactions.
The benefits of clear skin extend beyond mere physical appearance. In social
contexts, individuals with clear skin are often treated more favorably. This
phenomenon, sometimes referred to as the "halo effect," implies that people
attribute positive characteristics such as intelligence, success, and kindness to those
who are aesthetically pleasing. Professionally, this can translate into better job
prospects, promotions, and networking opportunities. Employers and colleagues
often unconsciously associate clear skin with good health, diligence, and
cleanliness, qualities highly valued in professional settings.
Looking good also confers psychological benefits. Clear skin can boost self-esteem
and confidence, essential elements for mental and emotional well-being. Higher
505
self-confidence enhances one's willingness to participate in social activities, take
risks, and assert oneself in personal and professional relationships. Conversely,
skin issues can lead to self-consciousness, anxiety, and social withdrawal, affecting
overall life satisfaction.
Despite the clear advantages of having pristine skin, achieving it is often portrayed
as a complex, expensive process dominated by the skincare and pharmaceutical
industries. These sectors frequently market products like hormone-disrupting
medications and creams, which promise miraculous results, lead to long-term
dependency and even exacerbate skin issues.
The reality is that clear skin can often be maintained with a simple, consistent
skincare routine devoid of harmful chemicals. Basic steps such as cleansing,
moisturizing with suitable products, and applying sunscreen can provide the
foundation for healthy skin. Moreover, lifestyle choices play a significant role; a
balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are all
critical.
The profits generated by misleading individuals about the true causes of acne are,
frankly, unethical. The vast majority of acne cases are linked to dietary habits, yet
many companies exploit this condition by promoting pharmaceutical solutions that
can have severe long-term consequences. Products like Accutane or various forms
506
of birth control are pitched as quick fixes but may lead to irreversible health issues,
including potential birth defects or significant alterations to one's biochemistry.
For those who have unfortunately experienced the adverse effects of these
medications, adopting a diet that aligns with ancestral eating principles can be
incredibly beneficial. This approach emphasizes natural foods and avoids
processed carbohydrates and other modern dietary pitfalls that can aggravate the
side effects of these drugs. By returning to a diet that our bodies are inherently
designed to process, many people find that they can not only manage their acne
more effectively but also mitigate some of the damage caused by these harsh
medications.
Clear skin is more than just a beauty goal; it is a strategic asset in maximizing
one’s potential and improving how one is treated in various life domains. While
society often amplifies the importance of flawless skin, it is crucial to approach
this goal with sensible skincare practices and healthy lifestyle choices rather than
succumbing to the pressures of aggressive marketing by skincare companies. By
doing so, individuals can maintain their skin health and enjoy the myriad benefits it
brings to life without falling into the traps of harmful treatments or unsustainable
beauty regimes.
"I eat the same things as my friends, yet they have flawless skin while I struggle
with acne. Doesn't this prove that acne is genetic?" This common question
overlooks a crucial aspect of how our bodies process what we eat. Even if your
507
friends consume the same foods and appear unscathed, these substances may still
be problematic. In the realm of acne, genetics don't cause the problem directly but
rather influence how our bodies react to certain dietary triggers. Essentially,
genetics can make some individuals more visibly reactive to dietary missteps than
others.
The variation in skin responses can often be traced back to how our bodies handle
what's perceived as toxins—those biologically inappropriate foods. Genetics play a
role in determining the threshold of our resistance to these adverse effects. For
instance, if your ancestors consumed a particular diet for generations that was less
than ideal, you might have a slightly increased tolerance or resilience to its
impacts, but this doesn't negate the fundamental issue.
Moreover, in countries where diets remain largely unprocessed and closer to their
natural form, acne is virtually nonexistent. In these societies, the occurrence of
acne is so rare that it can lead to social stigma and bullying, highlighting just how
linked diet and acne really are. Thus, while genetics may dictate your skin's
resilience to dietary abuses, the fundamental cause often lies in what and how
much we consume. Moving towards a diet that minimizes processed foods and
508
emphasizes natural, whole foods can be a critical step in combating acne and
promoting overall skin health.
The intimate relationship between our gut health and skin condition is an
increasingly acknowledged concept within the realm of dermatology and nutrition.
This connection, often referred to as the "gut-skin axis," is based on the
understanding that the gut microbiome—a complex ecosystem of bacteria residing
in our digestive tract—plays a crucial role in our overall health, including the
health and appearance of our skin.
The gut microbiome is essential for digesting food, synthesizing nutrients, and
regulating the immune system. When the balance of good and bad bacteria in the
gut is disrupted, it can lead to "dysbiosis," a state linked to numerous health
problems, including inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
This imbalance can cause inflammation both locally (in the gut) and systemically,
as inflammatory markers can travel through the bloodstream to the skin.
509
Animal products are rich in collagen, a protein that is critical for maintaining the
skin’s elasticity and firmness. Collagen's role in skin health is well-documented; it
helps to reduce wrinkles and increases skin hydration, which contributes to a
youthful, vibrant appearance. Since collagen is only naturally found in animal
tissue—particularly in connective tissues and bones—diets that include these
elements can directly enhance skin health.
Consuming unprocessed animal products provides a range of nutrients that are vital
for skin health, including high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (such
as A, D, E, and K2), and minerals like zinc and selenium. These nutrients support
the structural integrity of the skin and promote a healthy inflammatory response,
which can mitigate skin issues and enhance skin appearance.
Animal fats, particularly collagen, are celebrated not only for promoting acne-free
skin but also for giving the skin a distinct glow. This beneficial effect arises
because animal fats provide essential hydration and nourishment that the skin
needs to maintain its health and appearance. More than just moisturizing, these fats
possess anti-inflammatory properties that play a critical role in skin care.
When you incorporate animal fats into your diet, you're not just hydrating your
skin; you're also engaging a natural anti-inflammatory agent that helps mitigate the
510
daily wear and tear on your body. This includes reducing inflammation caused by
physical exertion, exposure to endocrine disruptors, and, notably, the consumption
of inappropriate foods or excessive eating.
Keratosis Pilaris
After my severe cystic acne cleared up, I no longer had large pimples, but I still
noticed numerous small bumps covering my forehead. These small, raised red
bumps would become more prominent when I was hot or right after a shower.
Initially, I was unsure what this condition was called and found misleading
information online suggesting it was fungal acne, along with sponsored ads for
511
creams and medications. It was frustratingly convenient. However, I later came
across a video of someone with the same condition, who mentioned that it
worsened when he was flushed. This made me realize I had the same issue, which
finally led me to the correct term to research.
To my shock, I found out that this skin condition is one of the most common
among people these days. It’s astonishing (or maybe not so surprising) given how
prevalent high-carb diets are today. Initially, I foolishly turned to Google to figure
out what causes it and how to cure it. All the websites I found claimed it was
genetic, with unknown causes, and conveniently recommended various creams as
the solution.
Determined to find a better answer, I started researching the carnivore diet and
keratosis pilaris. To my amazement, I found countless testimonials from people
who said the diet cured their condition. Intrigued, I checked out what doctors like
Ken Berry and Eric Berg had to say. Both agreed that the condition is caused by
high insulin levels. This left me utterly confused—how could my insulin be high
Then it dawned on me: the zero-calorie or low-calorie coffee drinks and occasional
energy drinks I consumed could be the culprits. I had been adding stevia to these
drinks, thinking it was fine since they’re zero-calorie and supposedly wouldn’t
affect my insulin levels. But it wasn’t just the sweeteners causing the problem;
the caffeine was also to blame.
512
Remember our previous discussion about coffee being essentially "poison bean
juice"? That supposed boost of energy is actually your body’s way of screaming
SOS—we’ve been poisoned, time to be on high alert! This response spikes your
cortisol levels, which could be exacerbating my skin issues. The realization was
both enlightening and alarming.
This causes an increase in cortisol levels in our body. Cortisol is a stress hormone
which is a type of steroid or androgen and is responsible for causing breakout. I
was drinking every low cal juice and coffee I could find and most were zero carb
and sugar.
When I got rid of them cold Turkey, guess what. My skin was so smooth now that I
looked like I got a skin transplant. Not only were the little bumps gone, but the
redness on my cheeks also went away. No more heat rash looking blotches of acne
on my face. And let me tell you s that no cream or drug you throw your money at
that doesn’t even fix the root cause will permanently get rid of your skin problems
before you fix it internally with diet.
This causes an increase in cortisol levels in our body. Cortisol is a stress hormone,
a type of steroid or androgen, responsible for causing breakouts. I was drinking
every low-calorie juice and coffee I could find, most of which were zero carb and
sugar. When I quit them cold turkey, guess what? My skin became so smooth it
looked like I had a skin transplant. Not only did the little bumps disappear, but the
redness on my cheeks also vanished. No more heat rash-looking blotches of acne
on my face. Let me tell you, no cream or drug that you throw your money at,
513
which doesn’t even address the root cause, will permanently get rid of your skin
problems. You need to fix it internally with diet first.
So, what should you eliminate from your diet? Some so-called experts online
might suggest slowly removing one problematic food at a time to identify the
culprit. That approach would take forever, and I assure you, anything that isn’t
meat or an unprocessed animal product is likely contributing to your skin issues.
It's like saying, “To recover from the poison you’re ingesting, don’t eliminate all of
it—just cut back a little.” Instead, cut out all the poison at once. Make a clean
break from anything that's not pure, unprocessed animal products. Your skin—and
your overall health—will thank you for it.
When it comes to dairy and your skin, this is something you need to experiment
with yourself. For some people, dairy can help heal eczema and other skin
conditions, while for others, it can lead to breakouts. The sugar in milk can be
problematic, especially if you consume a lot of it. It’s best avoided if you're aiming
for weight loss since its primary purpose is to promote growth in young animals.
If you do choose to consume dairy, stick to raw options because pasteurized dairy
is essentially sugar water, stripped of its beneficial bacteria. Personally, I avoid
dairy because it tends to be addictive for me, and I find it hard to stop once I start. I
also steer clear of cheese since it’s high in fat and I prefer to stay lean.
Overindulging in cheese can easily lead to consuming too many calories.
514
So, which face products do I recommend? Let me give you a crucial insight first:
many skincare products, particularly those from larger companies, are essentially
traps. They are formulated to improve your skin’s appearance only temporarily,
gradually degrading its health to ensure you remain a repeat customer. These
companies often employ financial advisors specifically to slash production costs,
allowing them to manufacture the products cheaply and then sell them at steep
markups. Don't be fooled by these tactics.
1. Beef tallow
It’s nothing short of a betrayal, the way beef tallow—once a cornerstone of natural
skincare—has been sidelined by modern cosmetic companies. These corporations,
in their relentless pursuit of profit, have turned their backs on a time-honored,
effective ingredient, replacing it with something far inferior: plant oils. But let's be
clear, these aren't the wholesome, nurturing oils one might imagine. No, these are
highly refined seed oils, initially engineered as machine lubricants, and now, in a
twist of irony, they're being mass-produced and repackaged into our skincare
products.
This switch is a glaring example of how these companies sell us short. They've
prioritized their bottom lines over our skin’s health, pushing products filled with
cheap, processed ingredients. These seed oils, while touted as 'natural' and
'beneficial', are far from what our skin truly needs—they lack the rich, complex
nutrients that beef tallow provides. Instead, they offer a diluted version of care,
often loaded with potential irritants and inflammatory properties that can actually
harm more than help.
515
The greed driving this shift is palpable, and it’s distressing to see such disregard for
consumer well-being. They’ve taken what was once a direct from-nature solution
and replaced it with a concocted substitute, all in the name of cost-cutting and
profit maximization. Our skin, and our health, deserve better than to be treated as
mere afterthoughts in these corporations’ quest for increased margins. We must
demand more than just the remnants of what was once considered industrial waste
slathered onto our largest organ. We should be reaching for products that honor the
natural, powerful benefits of ingredients like beef tallow, not just for the sake of
tradition, but for genuine, effective skincare.
Beef tallow, the rendered form of fat from cattle, has a rich history as a valued
cosmetic ingredient that spans across various cultures and eras. Its use as a
skincare product can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was highly
prized not just for its availability, but also for its exceptional properties as a
moisturizer and protector of the skin.
In ancient Egypt, beef tallow was an integral part of cosmetic and medicinal
practices. The Egyptians, known for their elaborate beauty routines, utilized tallow
along with other animal fats as bases for their ointments that were applied to the
skin for protection against the harsh, dry desert climate. These ointments were
often infused with aromatic herbs and flowers to enhance their scent and
therapeutic properties, making them not only protective but also luxurious.
In ancient Rome and Greece, tallow was similarly esteemed for its cosmetic
benefits. Romans, in particular, used tallow in combination with plant extracts to
create creams that softened the skin while providing a barrier against
environmental elements. Roman soldiers were known to apply tallow to their skin
516
to protect against the cold and wet conditions they often faced. Greek athletes also
used tallow-based salves both to massage their muscles and protect their skin from
the sun and weather.
Among indigenous peoples around the world, including Native American tribes,
tallow was a key ingredient in skin treatments. It was used not only as a simple
moisturizer but also as a base for healing salves that included medicinal herbs.
These salves were used to treat everything from windburn to insect bites to more
serious skin infections.
In the Renaissance, the use of tallow started to become more refined. Recipes for
skin care often included a variety of newly available exotic spices and botanicals
imported from the East, blending with tallow to create creams and lotions for the
elite classes. However, as the modern era approached, plant-based oils began to
replace animal fats in popularity due to changing attitudes towards animal products
and advancements in chemical extraction techniques
. Absolutely shocking—yet incredibly true! Beef tallow is not just good for your
skin; it’s phenomenal, a true miracle of nature! In the realm of skincare, nothing—
absolutely nothing—compares to the healing prowess and nurturing potency of
517
beef tallow. We're talking about an ingredient that not only matches but exceeds
every expectation for what a skincare product should do.
Imagine this: a product so aligned with your skin's natural biology that it absorbs
seamlessly, enhancing hydration, elasticity, and overall health with every
application. Beef tallow does that! Its fatty acid profile is so similar to human skin
oils that it integrates effortlessly, without the clogged pores or greasy residue left
by lesser, more industrial products.
And the nutrients! Oh, the nutrients! Vitamins A, D, E, and K in beef tallow are in
abundance, all harmonizing in a symphony of skin rejuvenation that’s almost too
good to be true. These vitamins are not your run-of-the-mill nutrients; they are
robust, life-affirming, skin-transforming powerhouses that dive deep into your
skin’s layers to work their magic.
**Vitamin A** is a cornerstone for skin health, known for its potent anti-aging
properties. It accelerates cell turnover, helps to fade dark spots, and smooths fine
lines, giving your skin a youthful glow that seems to defy age. Vitamin A also
increases skin resilience, boosting its ability to combat environmental pollutants
and sun damage.
**Vitamin D** plays a crucial role in skin tone and health. It’s often called the
“sunshine vitamin” not just because it’s produced in the skin in response to
sunlight, but because it brightens your skin’s appearance. Vitamin D contributes to
skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism, optimizing the skin’s immune system and
helping to destroy free radicals that can lead to premature aging.
518
**Vitamin E** is renowned for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the
skin from oxidative stress caused by everyday exposure to pollutants and UV rays,
which can lead to visible signs of aging. Vitamin E also provides intense hydration,
supporting the skin’s lipid barrier and locking in moisture for a supple, dewy look.
**Vitamin K** is the unsung hero for skin health, essential for aiding the body's
process of blood clotting, which helps to heal wounds, bruises, and areas affected
by surgeries. The same properties also help to treat various skin conditions, such as
stretch marks, spider veins, scars, dark spots, and stubborn circles under the eyes.
Together, these vitamins form a dynamic quartet that deeply nourishes and
revitalizes the skin. They don’t just work on the surface; they penetrate the skin to
improve its structure, enhance its function, and invigorate it at a cellular level. This
infusion of essential vitamins helps to fortify the skin against the rigors of daily
life, making it more robust and vibrant. The result is a complexion that not only
looks healthier and more radiant but genuinely is stronger and more resilient from
the inside out. This level of comprehensive care and rejuvenation is why beef
tallow is not just beneficial but transformative for skin health.
The effects of CLA go beyond mere surface-level relief. It delves deep into the
skin, targeting inflammation at its source. This helps to soothe conditions like
519
eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin disorders, providing relief where
other creams and treatments fail to penetrate effectively. The nurturing properties
of CLA can help restore the skin’s natural barrier, enhancing its ability to retain
moisture and protect itself from environmental stressors.
Moreover, the soothing capabilities of beef tallow and its CLA content aren’t just
beneficial for treating problematic skin conditions; they also play a crucial role in
everyday skincare. The daily grind exposes our skin to a range of irritants—from
pollution and to the harsh chemicals found in many commercial skincare products.
Beef tallow acts like a soothing balm for the soul, enveloping your skin in a
protective layer that mitigates these daily assaults, allowing your skin to heal and
regenerate overnight.
And yet, in a world bombarded with synthetic concoctions and clever marketing,
this marvel of nature is often overlooked. How can this be? How have we drifted
so far from the pure, the pristine, the perfect solution provided by nature itself?
It’s time to awaken to the truth and embrace the unparalleled benefits of beef
tallow. For glowing, vibrant, healthy skin, nothing else even comes close to
matching the effectiveness of this natural wonder.
My top pick for beef tallow skin products is Based Balm. On its own, beef tallow
can have a distinctly beefy scent, but Based Balm masterfully infuses it with
mango extract, giving it a delightfully pleasant aroma. What sets them apart even
further is their commitment to quality; they source their tallow from grass-fed
cows, an essential factor for those who prioritize sustainable and ethical
ingredients. They even offer an exclusive range made from Wagyu cow fat, known
520
for its superior quality and nutrient density. Not only do their products last a long
time, but they also offer great value for the price. This combination of thoughtful
ingredient sourcing, skillful scent enhancement, and fair pricing makes Based
Balm an outstanding choice in the realm of natural skincare.
2. Face wash
Most of the face washes you see in drug stores, on commercials, or plastered all
over your favorite clueless beauty influencer’s social media are completely useless
and actually far more damaging. I don’t care how popular the brand is, it’s all
nonsense and a total waste of your money. They’re fooling you into thinking that
there’s some magical chemical ingredient that’s going to clear up your skin.
LIESSS.
First of all, acne comes from within. No amount of scrubbing your face is going to
fix it. Anyone who says otherwise is selling you a lie. Second, let’s talk about how
toxic the ingredients in these face washes are. You put them on your face with
warm water, which opens up your pores, and then these chemicals seep directly
into your bloodstream. It's like giving the toxins an express ticket straight to your
system!
The only reason you should wash your face is to get rid of the excess dead skin at
the end of the day. And guess what? You don’t need a fancy, expensive, chemical-
laden face wash to do that. The only soap you should be using is beef tallow soap.
Why? Because it’s pure, natural, and effective.
521
Did you know that all soap used to be made from tallow? Yep, our ancestors knew
what they were doing. They used animal fat mixed with an alkaline solution, and
voila! You had soap that was great for your skin. But then, along came the
industrial revolution, and companies realized it was cheaper to use vegetable oils.
So, they swapped out the good stuff for cheap, mass-produced oils. Now we’re left
with soaps that are more toxic than the grime they’re supposed to clean.
Beef tallow soap is a game-changer. It’s gentle on your skin, moisturizing, and
doesn’t contain any of the harmful chemicals found in commercial soaps. If you’re
feeling crafty, you can even make your own! There’s a simple recipe in the next
part that will show you how to do it.
So, the moral of the story is this: ditch those overpriced, overhyped face washes
that do more harm than good. Go back to basics with beef tallow soap. Your skin
will thank you, and you’ll save a ton of money in the process. Plus, you’ll have the
satisfaction of knowing you’re using something that’s actually good for you. So,
grab that beef tallow, get ready to whip up some soap, and say goodbye to those
toxic, useless face washes for good!
Alright, let’s talk about the temperature of the water when you wash your face. You
might think that warm water is all cozy and comforting, but when it comes to your
skin, it’s actually a sneaky little villain. Warm water strips your skin of its natural
oils, leaving it drier than a desert. So, what’s the solution? Cold water, my friends!
Here’s the deal: using cold water to wash your face might seem like a chilly ordeal,
but it’s totally worth it. Warm water opens up your pores, making it easy for dirt
and all those lovely chemicals from your fancy face wash to sneak in. It also strips
522
away the natural oils that keep your skin hydrated and happy. So, while it feels nice
at the moment, you’re actually doing your skin a disservice.
Cold water, on the other hand, is like a refreshing splash of awesomeness for your
face. It helps tighten your pores, locking in the good stuff and keeping out the bad.
Plus, it helps reduce puffiness and can even give your skin a nice, healthy glow. It’s
like giving your face a mini workout without all the sweat and tears.
Imagine your skin is like a sponge. Warm water makes it soft and squishy, allowing
all sorts of junk to get absorbed. Cold water keeps it firm and resilient, so it only
soaks up what it needs. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want firm and resilient skin?
So, next time you’re about to wash your face, crank that tap to cold. Yes, it might
be a bit of a shock at first, but your skin will thank you. It’s a small price to pay for
a healthier, more radiant complexion. Plus, it’s a great way to wake yourself up in
the morning—consider it a two-for-one deal!
3. Shower Filter
Upstream water treatment plants can indeed filter out many contaminants, yet there
are still concerning levels of heavy metals like lead, chlorine, pesticides, fluoride,
and micro plastics that may remain in our tap water. While you might notice your
tap water tastes off, the water we use for bathing and showering could actually
pose a greater risk to our health than the water we drink.
523
It’s true, when you drink water, your body has mechanisms to filter out some of the
harmful substances, although this is far from ideal since these contaminants still
enter your system. However, when you bathe or shower, the situation becomes
even more concerning. Your skin, being highly absorbent, can take in contaminants
such as chlorine at rates up to six times faster than by ingestion. This means that
the harmful substances have a more direct route into your bloodstream, bypassing
the internal filtration systems of your digestive tract.
PFAS chemicals, used in products like non-stick cookware, have been detected in
610 locations across the United States, affecting the drinking water of
approximately 19 million people. It is estimated that these chemicals could
contribute to over 100,000 cancer cases over an average lifetime of 70 years. In
Parkersburg and throughout the Ohio River Valley, the situation is dire. Thousands
of residents have been exposed to contaminated water. Initially, local authorities
tested the water, promising to report back in a few weeks. However, just a few days
later, residents received urgent calls advising them not to drink the water or use it
for cooking under any circumstances due to alarmingly high contamination levels.
524
Your water is supposed to contain less than 40 parts per trillion of these chemicals,
but ours showed a staggering 26,000 parts per trillion. This is an extraordinarily
high level of contamination. Unlike many other chemicals that break down or
decompose over time in your body or the environment, PFAS (Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) do not. Once PFAS are introduced into the
environment, they remain there, virtually indestructible. So, if you're relying on tap
water, you might want to reconsider because it could be alarmingly toxic.
On the surface, tap water might seem like a benign and almost free resource that
the government provides to its citizens. However, when you consider the potential
for such serious contamination, the reality is far less benevolent.
Each time you drink a glass of tap water, take a shower, wash your hands, or rinse
your mouth, you’re being exposed to a cocktail of highly toxic chemicals. These
include PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, which do not break down and can
accumulate in the human body indefinitely. These chemicals are pervasive; they
are found in virtually everyone and are linked to increased rates of cancer and birth
defects. An elderly former water plant employee revealed a troubling account of
chemical contamination that highlights a critical public health issue. She noted that
from 1951 to 2003, nearly 800 tons of a particular type of PFAS—often referred to
as a “forever chemical” and found in her own blood—were discharged by
manufacturers like DuPont. This ongoing issue has escalated into a national crisis.
525
their own employees, or the public. Their silence was maintained to protect their
profits. The FDA was also aware of the issue, indicating a systemic failure to
address and mitigate the risks associated with these chemicals. The situation
regarding contamination from PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” reveals a startling
lapse in oversight from various governmental bodies.
As early as the 1960s, the Department of Defense was aware of the issue. By the
1970s, the EPA had also become aware, yet despite decades of knowledge, the
issue has not been addressed with the urgency it requires. Since the EPA does not
mandate utilities to regularly test for these substances, the average American has
no simple means of knowing if these chemicals are present in their drinking water
or food.
Alarmingly, there has been no new standard for drinking water established in the
United States since the 1990s—over 30 years ago. This oversight failure extends
beyond just chemical pollutants. Drinking tap water today means potentially
ingesting trace amounts of various pharmaceutical drugs, including hormones from
birth control pills, which individuals excrete.
526
The moral of the story: you do NOT want this water touching your skin. Invest in a
shower filter, a sink filter, and definitely avoid drinking it.
Think of it this way: your hair is like a plant, and protein is the water and sunlight
it needs to thrive. You wouldn’t expect a cactus to bloom without the essentials,
right? The same goes for your hair. Fill up on those juicy steaks, and watch your
hair transform from a dry desert into a lush jungle.
So, to recap: for thick, shiny, and healthy hair, focus on your diet. Load up on red
meat for all those vital B vitamins and biotin. Your hair will thank you, and you’ll
be strutting around with a mane that would make even Rapunzel jealous! Keep
those steaks coming, and let your hair grow wild and free.
527
2. Washing
When it comes to washing your hair, there are a few tricks to ensure your luscious
locks don’t suffer any damage in the process. First and foremost, always use cold
water. Now, I know, showering in cold water sounds about as fun as a polar bear
plunge, but hear me out. You don’t have to freeze your entire body; just wash your
hair separately with cold water before or after you wash your body. It’s a small
sacrifice for glorious hair.
Here’s why: warm water weakens your hair, leaves your pores wide open, and
makes it super easy for your strands to dry out. Imagine steaming all the moisture
out of your hair and stripping it of its natural oils—that’s what warm water does.
Cold water, on the other hand, helps to keep your hair strong, seals the cuticles, and
locks in that much-needed moisture. Cold always!
Now, let’s talk about the shower filter. If you haven’t read the previous section
about the harsh chemicals in tap water, go back and check it out. Trust me, you
don’t want that stuff anywhere near your precious hair. Installing a shower filter
can make a world of difference.
I used to think my hair was naturally frizzy and just accepted it as my fate. Every
time I’d get out of the shower and dry my hair, it would turn into a frizzy mess. But
after installing a water filter, it was like a hair miracle. Suddenly, my hair wasn’t
frizzy while drying and was actually pretty straight. Who knew that tap water was
secretly sabotaging my hair game?
528
So, if you want to keep your hair looking fabulous, wash it with cold water and
invest in a good shower filter. Your hair will be stronger, shinier, and healthier, and
you’ll be strutting around with a mane that turns heads. Embrace the cold and
protect your hair from those nasty tap water chemicals. Your future self (and hair)
will thank you!
When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, you really want to avoid the usual
suspects: parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and all those other nasties. Most brands out
there are like a toxic cocktail for your hair and scalp, seeping into your skin and
wreaking havoc. Your best bet? A natural tallow-based shampoo. Trust me, it’s like
a spa day for your hair.
Did you know that all soap was originally made from animal fat—mostly beef
tallow or pig lard—and an alkaline solution mixed together? Yep, that's right! But,
just like how they replaced healthy animal fats in our food with vegetable oil (aka
highly processed, rancid, toxic seed oils), our soaps and shampoos were the first to
be converted to synthetic versions. Why? Because it’s cheaper to mass-produce.
And now, we’re left with soaps and shampoos that are toxic beyond recognition.
Seriously, think about it. Our ancestors used natural ingredients that were actually
good for their skin and hair. They didn't need a PhD in chemistry to understand
what they were putting on their bodies. But somewhere along the line, we got
scammed into thinking that chemical-laden, mass-produced products were better.
Newsflash: they’re not!
It’s no wonder our modern soaps and shampoos are filled with parabens, sulfates,
phthalates, and all sorts of other nasty chemicals. They’ve taken something pure
529
and beneficial and turned it into a chemical soup. And guess what? We’re the ones
paying the price with dry skin, damaged hair, and a host of other issues.
But here’s the kicker: you can actually go back to basics and make your own soap
at home. It’s cheaper, fun, and way better for you. Imagine lathering up with a bar
of soap that you made yourself, knowing exactly what went into it. No sneaky
chemicals, no toxic ingredients, just pure, natural goodness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, grab some beef tallow and lye, and you’re halfway
there. You can find tons of tutorials on YouTube that show you how to make it step
by step. It’s essentially just tallow and lye, with maybe some essential oils for a
nice scent.
Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the store-bought stuff. Your
skin will feel softer, your hair will thank you, and you’ll be free from the chemical
cocktail that most commercial products offer. Plus, you’ll get the satisfaction of
knowing you’re doing something great for your health and the environment.
So, the moral of the story is clear: ditch the toxic, chemical-laden products and go
back to the natural, nourishing goodness of homemade soap. Your body (and your
wallet) will thank you!
Here’s a little secret recipe I’ve tried, and it works wonders. Plus, there’s nothing
quite like the peace of mind knowing you’ve added every single ingredient
yourself. No sneaky chemicals, no surprises, just pure, natural hair care.
530
If you follow me closely on social media, you know how much I rave about how
wonderful beef tallow has been for my hair. My hair has been at that gummy stage
from damage, where it looks so weak when wet. It's like spaghetti that's been
cooked for too long. But guess what? A beef tallow hair mask fixes it every time. It
keeps my hair feeling so strong and healthy, and I genuinely think it repairs it.
I can't trust those commercial hair masks that make your hair look better
temporarily but then leave it even more dead than before. It's like a toxic
relationship: they make you feel good for a moment, but then you're left worse off,
forever dependent on them. Beef tallow, on the other hand, is pure goodness for
your hair. It's so rich in nutrients and matches the chemical profile of our own
DNA, which is why we can absorb it so easily. It's like finding your hair’s long-lost
twin.
Grass-fed beef tallow has become a popular ingredient in natural hair care products
due to its stance on sustainability and benefits for hair. It is considered a
"superfood" for your strands, thanks to its high levels of saturated fats and
cholesterol. This powerful duo helps minimize inflammation on the scalp, retain
moisture in the hair shaft, and encourage stronger, thicker growth. It's like feeding
your hair a gourmet meal of nutrients every time you use it.
The high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol in beef tallow work wonders for
your scalp. They help reduce inflammation, which can often be a culprit behind
hair loss and poor hair health. Think of it as giving your scalp a soothing spa day.
531
One of the key benefits of beef tallow is its ability to retain moisture in the hair
shaft. This means your hair stays hydrated for longer, reducing dryness and
brittleness. It's like installing a state-of-the-art hydration system directly into your
hair.
By providing essential fatty acids, beef tallow nourishes your hair from the inside
out. This nourishment helps protect against color fading, damage from chemical
treatments, and extreme weather conditions. It's like having an all-weather, all-
terrain vehicle for your hair. Additionally, beef tallow is an excellent source of
Vitamin K2, which promotes healthier circulation to the scalp and lowers the risk
of hair loss.
Beef tallow for hair has gained attention as a potential catalyst for promoting hair
growth. This natural ingredient, rich in saturated fat and essential fatty acids, offers
nourishment and moisture to the scalp, stimulating circulation and encouraging the
development of healthy hair follicles. Imagine giving your scalp a nutrient-packed
smoothie every time you use it—except this smoothie is full of fats and vitamins
that your hair craves.
The magic of beef tallow doesn’t stop there. It is packed with vitamins A and E,
both of which are crucial for healthy hair. Vitamin A boosts collagen production,
improving skin elasticity and creating a healthier environment for hair growth.
Meanwhile, vitamin E strengthens the hair roots, reducing breakage and shedding.
Think of these vitamins as personal trainers for your hair, working tirelessly to
keep your strands strong and resilient.
532
Moreover, beef tallow serves as an effective emollient. This means it forms a
protective barrier on your hair and scalp, guarding against potential damage caused
by excessive brushing or styling. It's like having a suit of armor for your hair,
shielding it from the daily wear and tear.
Regular and continued use of beef tallow for hair may provide natural support in
improving overall hair health and promoting robust growth. It’s not just a quick fix,
but a long-term investment in the vitality of your hair. By incorporating beef tallow
into your hair care routine, you're not only nourishing your scalp and hair follicles
but also fortifying your hair against future damage.
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to support hair growth and enhance the
health of your locks, beef tallow might just be the secret weapon you need. Give
your hair the rich, nutrient-dense care it deserves, and enjoy the benefits of
stronger, healthier, and more vibrant hair.
1. Take a Dime-Sized Piece: Scoop out a small amount of beef tallow. Trust me, a
little goes a long way.
2. Warm It Up: Rub it between your hands to melt it. It's like a mini spa treatment
for your palms!
3. Concentrate on the Ends: Focus on the ends and any damaged areas. This is
where your hair needs the most love.
533
4. Scalp Massage: Give yourself a relaxing scalp massage with the tallow. Not only
does this feel amazing, but it also helps stimulate hair growth.
5. Braid It Up: I usually braid my hair and sleep with it overnight. You can use a
silk bonnet if you prefer, but honestly, it doesn’t get as messy as you’d think. Plus,
I just wash my pillowcase afterward.
When I wake up, I wash it out and shampoo twice to ensure it doesn’t leave my
hair looking greasy. The result? Hair that feels stronger, healthier, and more
resilient.
Beef tallow is used by so many cultures and indigenous people because they know
it's pure medicine for your hair. It's like the secret elixir of hair care, passed down
through generations. It’s packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with essential
fatty acids that nourish your scalp and hair follicles. No wonder our ancestors had
such luscious locks!
So, if you're tired of commercial hair products that promise the world but leave you
in hair despair, give beef tallow a try. Your hair will thank you, and you'll wonder
why you didn't start using it sooner. Embrace the natural goodness and watch your
hair transform into the strong, healthy mane you've always dreamed of!
534
- 10 drops of essential oil (lavender or tea tree are great for hair)
- 1 cup of distilled water
2. Instructions:
- Melt the tallow and castor oil in a saucepan over low heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix in the lye solution and essential oil.
- Add the distilled water slowly, stirring constantly.
- Pour the mixture into a bottle and give it a good shake.
And there you have it—your very own tallow-based shampoo! Use it just like you
would any other shampoo. Your hair will thank you, and you’ll sleep like a baby
knowing there are no hidden nasties in your hair care routine.
This homemade concoction works great, leaves my hair feeling soft and nourished,
and gives me that wonderful “I made it myself” feeling. Plus, you can customize it
with different essential oils to keep things interesting.
So, ditch the chemical-laden shampoos and conditioners, and embrace the natural
goodness of tallow. Your hair will be healthier, shinier, and you’ll be strutting
around with a mane that’s not just beautiful, but also safe from toxic chemicals.
Give it a try, and watch your hair transform!
535
Resources and recommendations
Books:
536
5. The Carnivore Code by Dr. Paul Saladino
- Description: Dr. Saladino delves into the science behind the carnivore diet,
arguing that animal-based nutrition is the key to optimal health. The book covers
the evolutionary perspective on diet, the benefits of eliminating plant toxins, and
provides practical tips for adopting a carnivorous lifestyle.
8. Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics Are Making You Fat, Sick, and Infertile by
Dr. Anthony G. Jay
- Description: Dr. Jay investigates the widespread presence of estrogen-
mimicking chemicals in our environment and their impact on health. He explains
how these estrogenics can contribute to obesity, chronic illnesses, and reproductive
issues, and provides strategies for minimizing exposure.
537
- Description: A classic in the self-help genre, Napoleon Hill's book outlines his
philosophy of success based on interviews with wealthy individuals. It covers
principles such as desire, faith, persistence, and the power of the subconscious
mind, offering practical advice for achieving personal and financial success
10. Lies My Doctor Told Me: Medical Myths That Can Harm Your Health by Dr.
Ken D. Berry
- Description: In this eye-opening book, Dr. Ken Berry debunks common
medical myths and misconceptions that many doctors continue to perpetuate. He
addresses various health topics, including diet, medications, and medical practices,
explaining how misinformation can lead to poor health outcomes. Dr. Berry
emphasizes the importance of questioning conventional wisdom, advocating for a
more informed and proactive approach to personal health care. By highlighting the
flaws in mainstream medical advice, he encourages readers to take control of their
health and make decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information.
538
- Description**: Dr. Ekberg focuses on holistic health and functional medicine,
offering insights into natural ways to improve health and prevent disease. He
educates on topics such as nutrition, stress management, and exercise.
539
- Description**: Dr. Kay is known for his critical stance on mainstream nutrition
advice and promotes a low-carb, high-fat diet. He provides detailed explanations
and critiques of current dietary guidelines and medical advice through his
educational content.
540