The Roundup

Here is The Roundup, Edition 8, bringing you the best from around the web from the past two weeks!

A press release at the Wall Street Journal recently reported that three new studies have shown raw milk to be a low-risk food. These papers, along with dozens of others, were presented at the Canadian Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver. The presentation demonstrated how inappropriate evidence has been mistakenly used to support the “myth” that unpasteurized milk is a high-risk food. The scientific papers used quantitative microbial risk assessment (the gold-standard in food safety evidence) and demonstrated a low risk of illness from raw milk consumption for each of the following pathogens: Campylobacter, Shiga-toxin inducing E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. This low risk profile applied to healthy adults as well as members of more susceptible groups such as pregnant women, children and the elderly.

This report adds to the bulk of evidence suggesting that raw milk is a safe food, as I explained in my series, Raw Milk Reality. While many people believe that raw dairy is a healing superfood, others feel it is a dangerous and unnecessary risk to take. Normally, the government and the media dramatically overstate these risks, calling unpasteurized milk dangerous and unsafe for human consumption. However, as this report clearly shows, the fear over raw milk is largely unfounded. I strongly recommend checking out my series on raw milk if you’re still unconvinced about its relative safety.

The American Medical Association adopted a policy that officially labels obesity as a disease “requiring a range of medical interventions to advance obesity treatment and prevention.”Another study using more advanced diagnostic methods finds that among vegetarians, up to 62% of pregnant women, 86% of children and 90% of elderly are B12 deficient. Not surprisingly, the highest rates of deficiency were observed among vegans and lifelong vegetarians.New research demonstrates that pregnant mothers with diesel and/or mercury air pollution exposure are more likely to have autistic children.Trends in cholesterol-lowering medication use show that the percentage of adults using cholesterol-lowering medication increased from 5% to 23% from the late 1980s through 2010, while the number of adults eating diets low in saturated fat increased from 25% to 41%. This is unfortunate given that statin drugs don’t extend lifespan in women, the elderly (>80 years of age), or men without pre-existing heart disease. See my recent “Diet-Heart Myth” series for more about cholesterol and heart disease.Researchers found that short, moderately strenuous walks in the morning and after meals can improve 24-hour glycemic control in older and otherwise inactive adults.Robb Wolf takes on “Paleo Fantasy” – science says the Paleo diet is bunk, right? Think again.Dr. Briffa discusses a study that found dessicated thyroid to be a viable alternative to synthetic thyroid meds. (Something patients/clinicians have known for years…)Dr. Peter Attia presents his TED talk: “What if we’re wrong about diabetes?”The FDA decides to regulate fecal transplants, then changes its mind. (Mostly good news, I think.)Men’s Journal discusses how endurance athletes are finding success with paleo nutrition.Tagged as: b12, cholesterol, deficiency, diabetes, obesity, raw milk, recipes, the Roundup, thyroid

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The Roundup

Here is The Roundup, Edition 7, bringing you the best from around the web from the past two weeks!

This week, Chris Masterjohn, PhD has written two fantastic articles; the first chronicles his experience with vegetarianism, the second describing the many reasons why nutrient-dense animal foods are essential for mental health. While most new vegetarians experience health benefits when they first make the switch, there are many who develop significant health problems brought on by nutrient deficiencies.

Chris explains in the second article that turning vegetarian led him to develop problems with digestion and lethargy, a mouth full of tooth decay, and a profound aggravation of anxiety disorders he had struggled with in the past. This is a common story among many vegetarians, and one that needs to be shared widely, as there are many people out there who do not realize that going vegetarian isn’t necessarily the best choice they can make for their health.

Chris focuses on the importance of methylation in supporting mental health; a process which relies on adequate levels of certain nutrients such as vitamin B12, sulfur amino acids, and glycine. To get enough of these nutrients in our diets, Chris reminds us that consuming less common animal products such as bones (usually as bone broth), skin, and organs.

This article echoes many of the concerns I brought up in my last article on B12 deficiency. As I explained in this post, B12 deficiency can cause serious neurological consequences such as brain fog, memory problems and cognitive decline, and vegetarians and vegans are significantly more likely to be B12 deficient than omnivores. With the popularity of “health-promoting” plant-based diets in the media, it’s crucial to continue sharing this information with friends and family who may be considering or have already chosen a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Several studies suggest that long-term use of synthetic antioxidant vitamins may be harmful.A study suggests liposomal glutathione may be up to 100 times better absorbed than non-liposomal forms. (I’ll discuss this more soon.)An analysis of data from the NHANES III cohort found no association between intake of red meat (processed or fresh) and mortality.A new analysis of early human teeth from extinct fossils has found that they expanded their diets about 3.5 million years ago to include grasses and possibly animals.The New York Times describes technology’s potential for making us less, rather than more, connected in the ways that truly matter.The Atlantic explains how the microbial community in the ground is as important as the one in our guts.The Healthy Home Economist shares how the greatest danger from heterocyclic amines (HCAs) is not from grilled or barbecued meat, but from processed and packaged protein foods including veggie burgers and other “approxi-meats.”Esther Gokhale teaches techniques for maintaining better posture, which can help soothe back pain. (Gokhale will be at AHS this year.)Tagged as: b12, deficiency, nutrition, the Roundup, vegan, vegetarian

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The Roundup

Here is The Roundup, Edition 6, bringing you the best from around the web from the past two weeks!

Last week, Forbes.com described how the journal Nature admonished Walter Willett, a leading nutrition and epidemiology researcher at the Harvard school, for being biased against scientists who reach different conclusions than he does. Specifically, they focused on his criticism of the recent study by Katherine Flegal and colleagues demonstrating that being slightly overweight may actually be protective. While this study suggests that decades of advice to avoid even modest weight gain may be misguided, and that a little bit of extra weight is particularly beneficial for older adults, Willett called the study “rubbish” and not worth reading. Many obesity experts and health biostatisticians take issue with the harsh tone of Willett’s statements, and as one of the most frequently quoted academic sources on nutrition in the news media, Willett’s opinion holds significant weight with the public. Unfortunately, Willett tends to argue against any scientific research that contradicts the public health recommendations he, and the nutrition department at Harvard, have made.

In February, I wrote an article describing the various explanations that could account for the protective effect of overweight seen in various studies, including the meta-analysis that Willett took such issue with. While obesity is not a desirable state of health, it’s worth noting that if you’re living a health-promoting lifestyle but still carrying around a few extra pounds, you might be healthier than popular media would lead you to believe.

What’s ironic about Willett’s criticism of Flegal’s study is that a research team he led recently published a study that generated huge controversy when its conclusions were retracted at the last minute by the publicity team at Harvard’s teaching hospital. The data were so weak and unsupportive of Willet’s claims that the paper was rejected by six journals before it was finally accepted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, where Willett is a member of the editorial board (as pointed out in the Forbes.com article). Regardless of whether Willett is right or wrong in his criticism of Flegal’s study, publicly blasting another researcher for drawing unfounded conclusions from their data seems a little out of line given his own recent experience.

A review in the British Medical Journal supports the theory that the flu vaccine might be less beneficial and less safe than has been claimed. I’ve spoken about the issues with the flu vaccine on one of my podcasts.A peer-reviewed article makes recommendations for dietary fat based on evidence and not dietary dogma.Clinical trials show that purposeful infection with hookworm (N. americanus) modified host response to gluten.New research sheds light on brain-related side effects of statins.A new study shows that the low FODMAP diet improves gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. For more information about FODMAPs, check out this article I wrote on the subject.Chris Masterjohn, PhD, needs support to help fund research on nutrient dense traditional diets at his lab at the University of Illinois, Urbana-ChampaignThe New York Times explains how GMO technology has bred the nutrition out of plant foods.Food Renegade reports on a raw milk farmer who recently won a major victory for private food rights.Kaayla Daniel, PhD, explains how replacing meat and eggs with soy products can lead to bone loss.Tagged as: diet, flu vaccine, fodmap, nutrition, research, the Roundup, walter willett

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The Roundup

Here is The Roundup, Edition 4, bringing you the best from around the web from the past two weeks! This week, I’m focusing on articles that address diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic disorders.

In 2011, I wrote an article explaining the many factors affecting the development of diabetes and obesity, and how many of the proposed mechanisms could conceivably contribute to the development of the disease. As obesity and diabetes research advances, however, the interconnection between these proposed mechanisms is becoming more clear, yet no primary treatment protocol has been established. And as I’ve mentioned before, I doubt one single treatment will ever be devised; after all, we’re not robots!

Recently, two studies were published suggesting alternative treatments that could help obese and diabetic patients lose weight and improve metabolic function. One study found that intermittent fasting (IF) may be a possible treatment protocol to help with weight loss and recover metabolic function, as IF has been found to limit inflammation, boost pancreatic function, and decrease levels of sugars and lipids in circulation. Another study demonstrated that intestinal parasites may be a potential diabetes and obesity treatment, as certain parasites may be able to mitigate inflammation, improve glucose tolerance, and prevent excess weight gain. Perhaps in the future, the recommendation to “eat less and exercise more” will be a distant memory, and these novel treatments will be considered the norm!

Fossil record shows early hominids hunted animals and ate their brains as early as 2 million years ago.A psychiatrist says that ADHD might actually be a misdiagnosed sleep disorderA study shows that increased efforts are needed to regulate the supplement industry.A small clinical trial suggests that fecal transplantation may help reduce or eliminate symptoms of ulcerative colitis in most children and young adults.Collaboration between veterinary and human medicine offers a cross-species perspective on a range of human health problems.Research by the NIH finds that women with sufficient amounts of vitamin D have a 32% lower risk of developing uterine fibroids.Mercola.com: My interview with Dr. Mercola on one of the most important tests for heart disease you can get.Stumptuous.com: Krista Scott-Dixon explains hormones, homeostasis, and why you (probably) need carbs.Ancestralize Me: A young woman shares her experience with using ancestral nutrition to manage her autoimmune condition.Rodale: Carageenan hides out in a lot of your favorite foods, causing inflammation, gut irritation, and potentially even cancer. I hate spam too. Your email is safe with me.

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Break through the energy swings, digestive upset, and obstacles of adopting a Paleo diet.

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View the original article here

The Roundup

Here is The Roundup, Edition 4, bringing you the best from around the web from the past two weeks! This week, I’m focusing on articles that address diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic disorders.

In 2011, I wrote an article explaining the many factors affecting the development of diabetes and obesity, and how many of the proposed mechanisms could conceivably contribute to the development of the disease. As obesity and diabetes research advances, however, the interconnection between these proposed mechanisms is becoming more clear, yet no primary treatment protocol has been established. And as I’ve mentioned before, I doubt one single treatment will ever be devised; after all, we’re not robots!

Recently, two studies were published suggesting alternative treatments that could help obese and diabetic patients lose weight and improve metabolic function. One study found that intermittent fasting (IF) may be a possible treatment protocol to help with weight loss and recover metabolic function, as IF has been found to limit inflammation, boost pancreatic function, and decrease levels of sugars and lipids in circulation. Another study demonstrated that intestinal parasites may be a potential diabetes and obesity treatment, as certain parasites may be able to mitigate inflammation, improve glucose tolerance, and prevent excess weight gain. Perhaps in the future, the recommendation to “eat less and exercise more” will be a distant memory, and these novel treatments will be considered the norm!

Fossil record shows early hominids hunted animals and ate their brains as early as 2 million years ago.A psychiatrist says that ADHD might actually be a misdiagnosed sleep disorderA study shows that increased efforts are needed to regulate the supplement industry.A small clinical trial suggests that fecal transplantation may help reduce or eliminate symptoms of ulcerative colitis in most children and young adults.Collaboration between veterinary and human medicine offers a cross-species perspective on a range of human health problems.Research by the NIH finds that women with sufficient amounts of vitamin D have a 32% lower risk of developing uterine fibroids.Mercola.com: My interview with Dr. Mercola on one of the most important tests for heart disease you can get.Stumptuous.com: Krista Scott-Dixon explains hormones, homeostasis, and why you (probably) need carbs.Ancestralize Me: A young woman shares her experience with using ancestral nutrition to manage her autoimmune condition.Rodale: Carageenan hides out in a lot of your favorite foods, causing inflammation, gut irritation, and potentially even cancer. I hate spam too. Your email is safe with me.

Follow Chris Online:

Discover your own ideal diet & end confusion about what to eat forever.

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Boost fertility naturally & promote lifelong health for you & your baby.

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Personalized online portal with easy-to-use tools, expert advice, and the support of a passionate, intelligent community.

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Break through the energy swings, digestive upset, and obstacles of adopting a Paleo diet.

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View the original article here