In this episode of the Health Edge I review a recent meta-analysis examining the magnitude of cardiovascular benefit from taking statins for elevated LDL in both primary and secondary prevention.
Do you ever feel like everything you’ve been told about healthy eating seems to be teetering on the edge of being overturned? Welcome to a mind-bending exploration where we question the status quo, particularly the demonization of full fat dairy and saturated fats. I’m diving deep into a groundbreaking study suggesting that pentadecanoic acid, a saturated fat found in full-fat dairy could actually promote health and contribute to our longevity. We challenge the shortcomings in the traditional medical model and its ability to promote health, and ponder the rapid expansion of knowledge in the information age.
Our journey continues as we venture into another exciting discussion on the potential essential role that pentadecanoic acid plays in our bodies. A compelling study indicates that a deficiency of this saturated fat could contribute to chronic diseases. We’re not trying to persuade you to change your dietary habits overnight, but rather, we invite you to question, learn, and make informed decisions about your health. As we wrap up, we highlight the importance of natural, whole foods in our diet and delve into how our modern lifestyle could be impacting our health. So, are you ready to embark on this journey into the world of saturated fats, dairy, and optimal health?
In a world where health advice is abundant, it can be challenging to sift through conflicting data and headlines. One such contentious issue is the connection between red meat and type 2 diabetes. On this episode of The Health Edge, we take a critical look at this connection and aim to provide a balanced perspective on this often polarizing topic. The episode focuses on a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health that has purportedly found a connection between red meat consumption and type 2 diabetes. This study suggests that red meat consumption increases the risk of diabetes by 62%. However, upon further scrutiny, we find that the absolute risk difference between meat-eaters and non-meat eaters is a mere 0.52% versus 0.37%. Furthermore, the study relies heavily on food frequency questionnaires, a method known to have numerous inherent flaws, thus raising questions about the study’s overall impact.
The world of nutritional epidemiology is complex and fraught with potential pitfalls. One of the most significant issues is the use of confounding variables, factors that can interfere with the results of a study. For instance, when considering red meat consumption, how do we separate the impact of the meat itself from the other components often associated with it, such as high-fat sauces or refined grains? Additionally, inaccuracies in data collection methods, such as the use of food frequency questionnaires, can further muddy the waters. These epidemiological studies are not without their merits, as they often provide hypotheses that merit further exploration. However, it’s important to remember that quality nutritional research can be elusive. Therefore, the focus should not just be on what food one consumes, but also the overall nutrition and lifestyle factors. To truly understand the implications of such studies, it is vital to consider the overall nutrition and lifestyle of an individual. A person’s health is not just determined by their food choices but also their overall lifestyle. Factors such as physical activity levels, sleep patterns, stress levels, and even social determinants of health play a significant role in determining health outcomes. A hamburger consumed by a physically active person who maintains a balanced diet may not have the same health implications as the same hamburger consumed by a sedentary individual with a diet rich in processed foods. In conclusion, while it is essential to remain informed about the latest nutritional research, it’s equally important to approach these studies with a critical eye. While the connection between red meat and type 2 diabetes is a topic that continues to garner attention, it’s clear that more comprehensive research is needed.
The key takeaway is that your health is not solely determined by individual food choices but by a complex interplay of lifestyle factors. As always, the best approach is to maintain a balanced diet, stay active, and make informed decisions about your health. For a thoughtful and more detailed review of this study and studies like this I highly recommend Zoe Harcombe’s PhD terrific work. https://www.zoeharcombe.com/
In this episode of The Health Edge, Mark reviews a recent paper in JAMA Network suggesting Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) as a much more meaningful surrogate measure of metabolic health and all-cause mortality risk.
In this podcast Mark reviews the current paradigm linking environmental inputs-lifestyle with epigenetics and the human microbiome. He translates these connections ibto effective lifestyle medicine interventions. The PowerPoint below goes with the audio recording. You Tube recording can be found below. Enjoy!
May 19, 2023 BERKSHIRE INNOVATION CENTERThe search for a fountain of youth has been an obsession for humankind for millennia. Though inevitable, aging is not necessarily, as one might think, a genetically programmed process. As we age, we may develop shoulder, knee, or hip problems, sensory loss, or even memory loss. How can we stay healthier longer? Recent advances in biomedical innovations coupled with anti-aging interventions in health, wellness, mindset, and relationships have moved the goal post of longevity to the possibility of humans living to be centenarians. Wearable devices are no longer just a way to monitor health, they are becoming oracles of health. BIC Presents “Longevity, Technology, and the Future of Medicine” – a panel discussion with experts and thought leaders hosted by the Berkshire Innovation Center in partnership with Hamilton, Brook, Smith, Reynolds.
In this episode of the Health Edge Mark and John discuss areas of research they are closely following. John shares some interesting fatty acid research and introduces heptadecanoic acid as an emerging 17-carbon fat, important to healthy brain aging. Mark reviews some aging and longevity research he is following. Topics include epigenetic aging, biologic age regression using Yamanaka factors, gene and cell therapies, and senolytics.
In this episode of The Health Edge Mark and John review a recent paper drawing connections between excessive sodium restriction and insulin resistance. This adds to a growing body of research suggesting the restriction of sodium below 3-4 gms/day may in fact add to cardiometabolic risk. Current guidelines of 2300 mg/day or less fall well below these levels.
