The Root Cause of Metabolic Dysfunction w/ Dr. Casey Means

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Paul Saladino1h 44m · 2024-11-02

Claims Made

208

Claims Supported

142

Support Rate

68%

Support rate

142 of 208 claims supported

142 supported66 partial / not

Claims from this content

148

Well SupportedIf an individual is thriving, no dietary changes are necessary; if not thriving, question dietary assumptions and continue learning.Well SupportedHeart & Soil's 'Whole Package' supplement contains desiccated testicle, liver, and blood.Well SupportedAn effective dose of liver is approximately 0.5 to 1 ounce per day, which provides significant amounts of choline, vitamin A, K2, selenium, zinc, and copper.Well SupportedMelatonin, secreted as sleep approaches, may transiently impair insulin sensitivity, potentially leading to less effective glucose absorption later at night.Well Supported

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Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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Sunlight provides benefits beyond vitamin D production, such as endorphins and nitric oxide.

Well SupportedIncorporating organs into the diet and adopting an animal-based eating pattern can lead to improvements in sexual health, libido, and overall vitality.

Well SupportedEven a tablespoon of honey per day may improve glucose tolerance and testosterone levels.

Well SupportedMetabolic dysfunction is a more accurate and nuanced term than insulin resistance for describing the root of chronic disease.

Well SupportedA healthy microbiome can generally tolerate cooked vegetables and whole fruits due to the presence of polyphenols.

Well SupportedSome individuals experience immune system reactions, such as eczema, from consuming tomatoes, chocolate, or excessive broccoli.

Not SupportedHighly refined, bleached, and deodorized seed oils are susceptible to oxidation and create oxidative liability in the human body.

Well SupportedContinuous glucose monitoring can immediately assess an individual's metabolic health.

Well SupportedIn metabolically healthy individuals, including local, organic, raw honey in the diet is acceptable and not equivalent to fear-mongering about sugar.

Partially SupportedThe US GRAS list permits significantly more food additives than Europe's list.

Well SupportedMetabolic dysfunction is a root cause of numerous chronic diseases.

Well SupportedGet sunlight in the eyes early in the day and anytime one wants to feel awake to anchor oneself in time and regulate biological functions.

Not SupportedCookware and food storage materials that can leach harmful substances include Teflon/non-stick coatings, aluminum cookware, copper cookware, scratched or damaged cookware, plastic cutting boards, plastic storage containers, plastic wrap, and BPA in can linings.

Well SupportedChronic health problems stem from a mismatch between an organism and its environment.

Partially SupportedConsuming up to 125g of honey daily in diabetics resulted in a small increase in A1C, a decrease in fasting glucose, and improved insulin sensitivity.

Well SupportedAvoid phones and iPads for at least 1-2 hours before sleep to mitigate screen-induced nervous system stimulation.

Well SupportedShifting an eight-hour sleep window earlier on the clock face moves the sleep phase closer to the deep sleep-rich non-REM phase.

Partially SupportedLow-temperature processed whey protein with added colostrum and collagen exhibits superior immune activity.

Partially SupportedSeed oils, including canola oil, are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular disease, in randomized controlled trials.

Well SupportedCircadian rhythms are disrupted by artificial light and lack of sunlight exposure, with the average American spending 93% of their time indoors.

Partially SupportedUltra-processed foods contribute to overeating and cellular undernourishment due to micronutrient deficiency and destructive food additives.

Well SupportedMitochondria, inflammation, and oxidative stress are critical factors underlying metabolic dysfunction and are targets for improving metabolic function.

Partially SupportedThe cumulative exposure of all food chemicals together in the food system has not been studied for its effects on cellular biology.

Not SupportedThe US GRAS designation is a self-designation by companies to the FDA, not a thorough FDA verification of safety, and allows for approximately 10,000 food additives, compared to about 400 in Europe.

Well SupportedPostprandial hypoglycemia signals a threat to the body and promotes increased carbohydrate consumption.

Partially SupportedRoyal jelly, bee pollen, and propolis may have beneficial nutritional components.

Not SupportedMeta-analyses on seed oils may be flawed due to the inclusion of poorly designed trials that do not support purported benefits.

Well SupportedIncreasing sunlight exposure during the day makes it easier to fall asleep at night and leads to higher quality sleep.

Partially SupportedExtreme diets like keto, vegan, or carnivore may be beneficial at certain times to clear cellular buildup and introduce nutrient-dense foods.

Partially SupportedBeef heart and liver, when sourced from grass-fed animals and prepared simply with sea salt and collagen, can taste like a meat stick and are beneficial for health.

Well SupportedLow stress, good diet, exercise, and sleep are important factors for health.

Partially SupportedIf health issues persist after adopting a whole-food diet, further investigation into specific food compounds like lectins that may trigger biological responses or gut problems is warranted.

Partially SupportedFarmers markets facilitate seasonal eating by offering locally available produce.

Partially SupportedThe timing of food consumption relative to sunlight exposure and geographical location may influence physiological responses.

Partially SupportedHeart and Soil uses glass bottles for their supplements to minimize plastic and potential contamination.

Well SupportedThe body undergoes continuous cellular turnover, with approximately 600 billion cells lost and reborn daily.

Partially SupportedPoor sleep negatively impacts hormonal health, including cortisol, growth hormone, and testosterone levels.

Partially SupportedSpending more time outdoors during the day is crucial for cellular and hormonal health, as it improves sleep quality and duration.

Well SupportedMitochondria require over 20 different micronutrients, such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins, to function properly in creating ATP.

Partially SupportedUsing ambient light and avoiding blue light in the evening helps maintain sleep quality.

Partially SupportedSlowing down, taking stock of how one feels, and consistently monitoring biomarkers can help individuals determine their optimal diet.

Partially SupportedThe quality of food consumed directly affects the body's ability to expend energy.

Well SupportedPersonalized nutrition based on microbiome and blood draws could identify specific foods that are healthy for an individual.

Partially SupportedProcessed foods negatively impact the body's ability to metabolize energy by disrupting cellular biology and mitochondrial function, affecting 'calories out'.

Partially SupportedThe majority of the US population exhibits metabolic dysfunction, likely due to high consumption of processed sugars and seed oils.

Partially SupportedAvoiding grapes is likely best for Casey Means due to their significant impact on blood sugar response.

Well SupportedIndividuals who do not achieve half of their restorative sleep by 4:00 a.m. have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes.

Partially SupportedDietary needs can change over a lifetime due to shifts in hormones, stress, and aging.

Not SupportedConsuming large amounts of honey can lead to a significant glucose spike and crash, causing one to feel unwell.

Partially SupportedMetabolically unwell individuals may need to reconsider honey consumption.

Not SupportedThe current medical system often focuses on treating symptoms with drugs and surgery rather than addressing root causes of inflammation and disease.

Not SupportedModern life's changes in food processing, technology, and sedentary work over the past 100-200 years are not conducive to functional human cellular biology.

Partially SupportedPesticides like atrazine and glyphosate sprayed on non-organic foods can destroy the microbiome.

Partially SupportedBeing outdoors in the sun can positively impact mental well-being by reducing stress and contributing to happiness and health.

Partially SupportedSpending significant time outdoors in sunlight may improve health and mood.

Partially SupportedWidespread metabolic unwellness and mitochondrial dysfunction are primarily caused by the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Partially SupportedMitochondrial dysfunction causing cellular energy deficits is a fundamental cause of various diseases.

Partially SupportedMany medications can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Partially SupportedConsuming ultra-processed foods led to an average of 500 more calories consumed per day and a two-pound weight gain over two weeks compared to minimally processed foods.

Partially SupportedUltra-processed foods are designed to drive increased calorie consumption and lead to insatiability.

Partially SupportedAtrazine is an estrogenic pesticide that can upregulate aromatase, converting testosterone to estrogen.

Not SupportedConsuming soybean oil upregulates LPA2 and increases oxidized LDL and LP-littlea.

Partially SupportedMeeting cellular needs can be assessed by evaluating subjective feelings of well-being and objective biomarkers.

Partially SupportedHigher intake of whole fruits is associated with better health outcomes.

Partially SupportedNatural sweeteners like dates and honey can support sustainable beekeeping and provide vitamins, minerals, and immune benefits without causing a large blood sugar roller coaster.

Partially SupportedHoney is a natural, good-tasting food from nature that humans enjoy.

Partially SupportedIndividuals can improve health by standing up, getting outside, eating real food, avoiding toxins, supporting the microbiome, and reducing medication use.

Partially SupportedEating unprocessed foods is a primary solution to the chronic disease epidemic.

Not SupportedHigh omega-6 intake can block the conversion of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids to bioactive forms EPA and DHA.

Not SupportedSeed oils are enriched in omega-6 fatty acids, leading to a dietary ratio of approximately 20:1 omega-6 to omega-3, which is significantly higher than the traditional human dietary ratio of 1:1.

Not SupportedHigh dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids can be pro-inflammatory because when immune cells snip omega-6s from cell membranes to create immune compounds, it leads to pro-inflammatory immune mediators.

Not SupportedUltra-processed foods with artificial food dyes like Red 40 are linked to ADHD and neurological development issues in children.

Not SupportedUltra-processed foods contain approximately 10,000 food additives in the US, most of which have not been studied for safety.

Not SupportedUltra-processed foods are detrimental to human cellular biology and the planet.

Not SupportedUltra-processed foods have significantly less micronutrients than real food, averaging 50% less.

Partially SupportedWhole fruits contain thousands of beneficial phytochemicals, micronutrients, and antioxidants.

Partially SupportedIf an individual feels great, has no gut symptoms, and exhibits perfect biomarker results, their consumption of foods like beans is likely not detrimental.

Partially SupportedRefined sugar activates the dopamine pathway differently than whole fruit, making whole fruit less addictive.

Partially SupportedCells can clear themselves and regenerate functionality if toxic substance intake is stopped.

Partially SupportedEngaging in 'weird' activities that align with ancestral health principles can lead to finding a like-minded community.

Partially SupportedInfertility is increasing by 1% per year, and current interventions like IVF only mask the underlying issues.

Partially SupportedCertain fruits like unripe pears, organic apples, and Pimon cause only a ~10-point rise in blood glucose for Casey Means.

Partially SupportedModern diet and environment cause core physiologic disturbances that destroy foundational metabolic health, leading to diseases.

Partially SupportedFood decisions are powerful levers for cellular physiology, comparable to medication doses.

Partially SupportedFood stored for extended periods after harvesting or slaughter loses nutrients and potential to support cellular function.

Partially SupportedPrioritizing food from farmers' markets is important because fresher, higher-quality food from the soil or pasture makes a difference.

Partially SupportedIndigenous tribes historically lived healthfully by spending all day outdoors, likely providing sufficient vitamin D.

Partially SupportedConsuming processed foods, even within a calorie limit, can be detrimental because they are designed to increase consumption and may disrupt mitochondrial function.

Partially SupportedThe suitability of honey consumption is an individual matter dependent on personal response, genetics, and seasonality.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino has shifted from using non-nutritive sweeteners like allulose, monk fruit, and stevia towards natural sweeteners like dates and honey.

Partially SupportedMany invented innovations aimed at comfort and progress are detrimental to cellular biology.

Partially SupportedMicroRNAs from consumed organs may positively affect gene transcription in the corresponding organ in humans.

Partially SupportedEliminating ultra-processed foods is the primary step for average Americans to prevent overwhelming cellular machinery with toxins and nutrient-dense foods.

Partially SupportedCutting out all ultra-processed food can help stabilize cells by reducing nutrient stress and toxic lipid accumulation.

Partially SupportedConsuming a variety of foods including beans, potatoes, salads, and olive oil, while eliminating ultra-processed foods, can lead to health.

Partially SupportedMoving away from ultra-processed foods should be the initial step for most people before considering more restrictive therapeutic diets.

Partially SupportedCommitting to eating real, local food and cutting out all ultra-processed food will transform one's life.

Partially SupportedLiving near the equator in Costa Rica leads to an approximate 8 PM bedtime for the speaker to wake at 5-5:30 AM for surfing.

Not SupportedRefined sugar provides only pure energy that differentially impacts brain circuitry and dopamine.

Partially SupportedEating the freshest possible real food provides the body with the best molecular building blocks to create a functional form.

Partially SupportedThe food consumed daily serves as the molecular substrate for the body's daily regeneration and printing of its future form.

Partially SupportedFood additives can cause overeating and undernourishment of metabolic processes, which is destructive to cellular biology.

Partially SupportedOxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are underlying causes of various diseases including prostate cancer, depression, Alzheimer's, ADHD, autism, infertility, and endothelial dysfunction.

Partially SupportedStarting the day by walking outside and getting sunlight is important for health.

Partially SupportedBeing the CEO of one's biomarkers and understanding personal physical sensations are crucial for health.

Partially SupportedTraditional food preservation methods like storing root vegetables, onions, potatoes, squash, and fermented foods in cold rooms helped manage seasonal variability and preserve nutrients for winter.

Partially SupportedBrain inflammation is implicated in depression and schizophrenia, but standard medical training does not address its underlying causes.

Partially SupportedUnderpowered cells in specific locations can manifest as distinct diseases.

Partially SupportedEating soybean oil upregulates LPA2.

Partially SupportedLack of outdoor exposure and sunlight disrupts the body's natural clock genes and hormonal regulation, leading to circadian confusion and poor sleep.

Partially SupportedWhole fruit is difficult to become addicted to because it is absorbed slowly and does not activate the dopamine pathway in the same way as refined sugar.

Partially SupportedSelecting fruits based on individual blood sugar response can prevent unpleasant roller-coaster effects.

Partially SupportedStanford medical school provided zero dedicated nutrition classes, with only one lecture on garlic extract and heart disease outcomes.

Partially SupportedTreating oneself with consistent bedtimes and wake times, like a baby, is transformational for energy levels.

Partially SupportedThe US allows artificial food dyes like Red 40 in ultra-processed foods, while other countries use natural colorings due to stricter health standards for children.

Partially SupportedSmall lifestyle changes like working outdoors, drinking coffee on a walk, or shopping at farmers' markets can significantly improve health and provide approximately 80% of the benefits of an ancestral lifestyle.

Partially SupportedDietary labels are less important than feeling incredible and having optimal biomarker readings on a whole foods diet.

Partially SupportedRegeneratively farmed olive oil and animal fats like lard and tallow are preferable to seed oils.

Partially SupportedLineage Provisions offers air-dried steak made with 100% grass-fed beef, organic apple cider vinegar, and salt.

Partially SupportedOmega-6 linoleic acid can lead to inflammation in the short term.

Partially SupportedEliminating all plant compounds may heal the gut in specific cases.

Not SupportedThe processing of seed oils involves an eight-step chemical process using solvents like hexanes and high heat, followed by bleaching, raising concerns about potential contamination.

Not SupportedThe cultural narrative that sun exposure is bad leads to low vitamin D levels.

Not SupportedThe 'calories in, calories out' model is a deceptive distraction that ignores how calorie quality affects cellular biology and energy metabolism.

Partially SupportedThe Flexner Report influenced the creation of medical schools designed to produce 9-to-5 workers, potentially harming circadian rhythms.

Partially SupportedEating food depleted of nutrients and filled with damaging substances creates a cellular mismatch that prevents proper cell function.

Partially SupportedSunlight exposure, not sunburns, is essential for health.

Partially SupportedA simple dietary prescription involves real, unprocessed, and locally sourced food.

Partially SupportedCutting out all ultra-processed food can help achieve cellular stability by reducing cellular burden.

Partially SupportedOptimal ranges for biomarkers such as apob, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, triglycerides, hdl cholesterol, hs-crp, uric acid, and vitamin D should be monitored regularly to assess metabolic health.

Partially SupportedVitamin D is involved in thousands of cellular processes, including anti-cancer effects and mental health.

Partially SupportedA lifestyle resembling a perpetual backpacking trip in the wilderness would resolve many modern health issues.

Partially SupportedNine environmental factors contribute to metabolic dysfunction: diet, lack of sleep, sedentary behavior, chronic stress, environmental toxins, circadian disruption from light, lack of thermal stimuli, microbiome issues, and overuse of medications.

Partially SupportedSleep consistency, quality, and amount independently impact metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Partially SupportedInconsistent sleep schedules are referred to as 'social jet lag'.

Partially SupportedWearable devices can track sleep consistency and identify erratic bedtimes and wake times.

Partially SupportedVitamin D supplements are a poor substitute for sunlight exposure but are better than nothing for individuals living far from the equator in winter.

Partially SupportedThe trifecta of metabolic dysfunction includes oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Partially SupportedInconsistent and insufficient sleep, along with bedroom light and noise disturbances, negatively affects sleep quality and quantity.

Partially SupportedDepression, anxiety, and suicide rates are at extremely high levels.

Partially SupportedHoney is a natural whole food containing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and is a gift from the earth.

Partially SupportedThe cellular structure and fiber in whole fruits slow down sugar absorption compared to processed sugar or fruit juice.

Partially SupportedSourcing food locally, ideally within 100 miles, provides more nutrients to help cells heal compared to the average 1500-mile food transport distance in the US.

Partially SupportedFreeze-drying or consuming organs raw preserves microRNAs, which may positively affect cellular biology and gene transcription.