Food for Thought

There is increasing evidence that the US Dietary Guidelines are under question by a growing number of scientists, doctors and nutritionists. Dr. Mark Hyman, formerly of Canyon Ranch, now at the Cleveland Clinic, found through his personal experience with mercury toxicity what happens to the brain under a toxic load from poison. In addition, his recovery journey unveiled how a number of brain disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, Parkinson’s, MS and other what he calls “broken brain” disorders are associated with insufficient fat in the diet. Parallel to this, other research has been uncovered showing that a high sugar, high refined carbohydrate diet not only contributes to diabesity but is “poison” to the brain.

There is convincing evidence that high LDL cholesterol is not associated with death from heart disease, but that low HDL and high triglycerides are – and these come from ingesting too much sugar and refined carbs and too little good fat like coconut oil and medium chain fatty acids. Other healthy fats include avocado oil and avocados, nuts, nut butters and seeds and extra virgin olive oil. And the formerly maligned egg, when organic and certified humanly raised, is a perfect package of protein and healthy fat. However, oils we were taught were healthy like corn, canola, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower and soy oil are unstable, oxidize easily and should be avoided because the processing damages them and is harmful to people- like trans fats. These oils are often found in processed foods, baked goods, and widely used in restaurants because of their inexpensive cost.

One thing hasn’t changed – eat mostly plants – especially low glycemic index veggies, as well as veggies and fruits that are aligned with the “clean 15”. Be sure to buy organic when purchasing the “dirty dozen” (see our “Tips” on that)

There is also a long history of collusion between agra-business the USDA, the American Heart Association, the American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetic Association. And big Pharma pushes LDL cholesterol – lowering drugs (LDL not associated with heart disease deaths) but has no drug to raise HDL cholesterol or to lower triglycerides – which are associated with heart related death.

There is no doubt that nutrition is an ever-evolving science and many other issues currently getting press like grains, gluten, mutations in meat sources, possible problems with dairy, GMO’s, and other issues will be addressed in future blogs including the mixed reviews of fish oil.

One topic with less controversy is the overwhelming evidence produced by the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE 2018 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES – physical activity is essential to good health. Stop sitting, start moving.

More next time.

Contact us if you need help clarifying anything mentioned above.