The best of the Fundamental Health podcast, 2021 year in review

PS

Paul Saladino1h 51m · 2021-12-28

Claims Made

245

Claims Supported

186

Support Rate

76%

Support rate

186 of 245 claims supported

186 supported59 partial / not

Claims from this content

188

Well SupportedExcessive lipolysis and broken fat cells, potentially caused by polyunsaturated fatty acid breakdown products like linoleic acid, can lead to insulin resistance.Well SupportedThe Hadza people feed their children meat and fruit and generally do not eat vegetables, leaves, stems, or seeds unless necessary.Well SupportedRegenerative agriculture practices benefit the animal, the soil, and the overall ecosystem.Well SupportedGrass-fed, grass-finished, regeneratively raised organs are preserved to maintain maximum nutrients.Well Supported

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A. Volkovreader

4h

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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N. Park

2d

Would love a "what would change this verdict" RSS feed. Sign me up if it exists.

The Rotterdam Study indicated a correlation between higher intake of Vitamin K2 and improved health outcomes.

Well SupportedChickens and pigs are typically fed diets higher in linoleic acid than they would consume in the wild.

Well SupportedIn Eastern epidemiological studies, higher red meat consumption in men was associated with lower rates of heart disease, and in women with lower rates of breast cancer.

Well SupportedHeart and Soil's 'Skin Hair and Nails' product, containing trachea and scapular cartilage, liver, and bone marrow, is beneficial for skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.

Not SupportedRefined, bleached, and deodorized seed oils represent an evolutionarily inappropriate and inconsistent introduction to the human diet.

Well SupportedVitamin K2 is synthesized by bacteria during fermentation and is not found in plant foods.

Well SupportedRandomized controlled trials showing that red meat is not inflammatory should be considered as part of the overall body of evidence.

Well SupportedA fasting insulin level below 3 micro IU/mL is ideal, below 5 micro IU/mL is acceptable, and above 5 is unacceptable.

Well SupportedHeart & Soil supplements are freeze-dried and sourced from grass-fed, regeneratively raised animals in New Zealand.

Not SupportedCruciferous vegetables like kale and cauliflower contain goitrogens that can block iodine absorption and negatively impact thyroid function.

Well SupportedNose-to-tail nutrition, particularly desiccated organ supplements, is critical for reintroducing nutrients missing from modern diets.

Not SupportedFeeding the global population solely on grains and plant-based foods would lead to widespread micronutrient deficiencies.

Well SupportedCalcium, particularly calcium citrate, is necessary to help carry away oxalates and is needed because many people are calcium deficient due to high oxalate consumption.

Well SupportedMeat provides essential nutrients like carnitine, carnosine, tyrosine, and glutathione that are not found in plants and are crucial for bodily functions.

Well SupportedIn a healthy gut primarily consuming carbohydrates, approximately 70% of energy for colon lining cells comes from butyrate derived from fiber fermentation.

Well SupportedBeef fat improves apoptosis and decreases aberrant crypt foci formation relative to plant-based oil in rat colon studies.

Well SupportedIslamic fasting, such as during Ramadan, can lead to an increased abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides fragilis group.

Well SupportedThe inclusion of meat in the human diet was a key evolutionary factor that allowed for the growth of our brains and the development of the neocortex.

Well SupportedLectins found in nightshade plants, seeds, nuts, grains, and beans can disrupt gut flora balance.

Well SupportedConsuming red orange juice for seven days ameliorates endothelial function and reduces inflammation in non-diabetic subjects with increased cardiovascular risk.

Well SupportedLiver contains unique nutrients that are critical for the human diet and were historically treated with great respect and value by groups like the Hadza.

Well SupportedRed meat and organs are considered incredibly health-promoting for humans when consumed within the context of a healthy diet.

Well SupportedHeart and Soil supplements 'Whole Package' contain testicle and 'Memory and Brain' contain brain, which may be beneficial for libido and cognition.

Well SupportedConsuming animal foods can provide 300-500 micrograms of vitamin K2 daily.

Well SupportedVitamin K2 (menaquinone MK-4, MK-7, MK-11) is not present in plants, and the conversion rate of K1 to K2 in humans is likely insufficient.

Well SupportedPlant molecules can have side effects when they interact with human biology.

Well SupportedFructose and glucose in isolation have negative physiological effects, but can have positive effects when consumed within a whole food matrix.

Well SupportedConsuming a significant amount of animal source foods, including meat and organs like liver, is needed to truly thrive.

Not SupportedUsing mouthwash kills beneficial oral bacteria that produce nitric oxide, negatively affecting blood pressure and potentially reducing muscle gains and athletic improvements.

Well SupportedA recommended daily intake of 0.5 to 1 ounce of liver, fresh or desiccated, is impactful and unlikely to cause vitamin A toxicity.

Well SupportedPhytic acid is not completely reduced by processing, and lectins are difficult to remove from foods like beans without pressure cooking.

Well SupportedHigh alpha diversity in the gut microbiome can be maintained on zero-fiber diets, including meat and organ-based diets.

Not SupportedGrains, beans, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables contain plant defense chemicals like lectins that can cause problems for humans.

Well SupportedAdding organ meats to the diet can improve health.

Well SupportedVitamin K2 is a key fat-soluble nutrient found in butter, egg yolks, liver, and raw milk that is essential for a healthy mouth.

Well SupportedButyrate is not the only short-chain fatty acid usable by colonic epithelial cells and can be produced in low or zero fiber environments.

Well SupportedAn 11-hour eating window is considered acceptable, and a 10-hour window may be better than an 8-hour window.

Well SupportedVisceral adipose tissue is highly correlated with insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.

Well SupportedThe Hadza people rank meat as their number one preferred food, followed by honey.

Partially SupportedChronic vitamin A toxicity can result from daily intakes greater than 25,000 IU for over six years or 100,000 IU for over six months.

Not SupportedKetogenic diets can lead to significant long-term problems, including hormonal decline.

Well SupportedA significant decline in testosterone in men may indicate excessive stress from practices like fasting.

Well SupportedFluorosis from local drinking water and some provided foods is the likely cause of dental issues observed in some Hadza individuals.

Not SupportedHumans do not need fiber for a healthy gut as our digestive systems are not adapted for high-fiber diets.

Well SupportedFruits are the most optimal plant-based foods for humans due to fewer plant toxins compared to vegetables, leaves, stems, and seeds.

Not SupportedHeating maple syrup reduces its nitric oxide precursor content, making it less beneficial for endothelial health compared to raw, unprocessed honey.

Well SupportedConsuming 200-300 grams of fruit and honey daily does not cause insulin resistance in individuals with a fasting insulin of 3 and stable glycemic variability.

Well SupportedFruits like kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, and star fruit contain seeds protected by oxalates.

Well SupportedFresh squeezed orange juice results in a different physiological response in the human body compared to an equivalent amount of isolated fructose or sucrose.

Well SupportedRaw honey temporarily drops mouth pH but does not cause tooth decay.

Not SupportedThe term 'pasture-raised' at Whole Foods may refer to grain-finished meat, not grass-finished meat.

Well SupportedMeat from animals raised properly can be a source of incredible nutrition and can be part of an ecosystem that draws carbon into the soil.

Well SupportedIncreased linoleic acid in the inner mitochondrial membrane reduces ATP production efficiency by making the membrane leaky.

Well SupportedA fasting insulin measurement could significantly change the landscape of chronic disease if doctors were trained to interpret and act upon it.

Well SupportedThe correlation between increased seed oil consumption and increased chronic disease is significant and supported by interventional studies.

Well SupportedAnimal foods contain unique compounds essential for optimal human health, including B12, creatine, carnitine, choline, anserine, taurine, vitamin K2, and riboflavin.

Partially SupportedTubers are ranked as a least favorite food among the Hadza, eaten during hardship.

Partially SupportedHistorically, Egyptians consumed palm oil and possibly other seed oils, alongside carbohydrates, and exhibited atherosclerosis.

Well SupportedThe importance of muscle mass and strength for longevity and health is increasingly recognized.

Partially SupportedBad breath may originate from gut dysbiosis rather than from not using toothpaste.

Not SupportedIndividuals seeking to be healthy should avoid seed oils.

Partially SupportedTooth decay is controlled by adontoblasts and immune cells in the teeth, which function properly when sufficient fat-soluble vitamins (like K2 and A) are present.

Partially SupportedIncluding carbohydrates, specifically fruit and honey, in the diet improves metabolic health and well-being after a zero-fiber diet.

Well SupportedBoth men and women should engage in resistance training, regardless of whether they aim for muscle hypertrophy.

Not SupportedThe claim that ketogenic diets cause insulin resistance in the same way as type 2 diabetes is inaccurate and misses key nuances.

Partially SupportedAn animal-based or carnivorous diet is beneficial for human health.

Partially SupportedIncreased linoleic acid intake may lead to higher incidence of heart disease, cancer, and earlier death.

Partially SupportedIf red meat were included in a 'prudent' dietary pattern, it would likely be associated with lower levels of inflammation.

Partially SupportedConsuming enough cow's liver daily to reach the vitamin A toxicity level of polar bear liver is not feasible.

Partially SupportedIntermittent fasting may help restructure the gut and could be beneficial for individuals with gut issues.

Partially SupportedA diet high in seed oils and processed sugars, along with alcohol consumption, can increase visceral adipose tissue and cardiovascular risk.

Not SupportedChronic cardio (running) makes one a smaller version of themselves, not a better version, and is not effective for significant fat loss or achieving a very lean physique.

Partially SupportedStearic acid is best obtained from animal fat sources like tallow rather than cocoa butter.

Not SupportedMouthwash should be avoided because it kills beneficial oral microbiome, similar to antibiotic overuse.

Partially SupportedHigh-quality animal foods are rich in micronutrients such as iron, choline, vitamin K2, biotin, folate, riboflavin, manganese, magnesium, and selenium.

Partially SupportedThe Hadza and other indigenous groups do not develop inflammatory bowel disease when eating mostly animal products during the dry season.

Partially SupportedInterventional studies are more reliable for answering medical research questions than observational studies.

Not SupportedChronic cardio exercise like ultra running can be detrimental to health.

Partially SupportedThe supplement 'Whole Package' from Heart & Soil provides sustained energy, improves recovery, promotes deep sleep, and eliminates energy highs and lows.

Partially SupportedHumans, as monogastric animals, cannot convert polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids and cannot eliminate dietary PUFAs.

Not SupportedWater stored in cans, tetra packs, or plastic-lined containers can leach xenoestrogens like BPA, BPE, and BPS.

Partially SupportedFat-soluble vitamin deficiency, rather than sugar, is the cause of tooth decay, and organ meats can help correct this deficiency.

Well SupportedExperiencing discomfort, such as shivering from cold exposure or the physiological stress of exercise, is crucial for adaptation and health improvement.

Partially SupportedA combination of a low-fat diet, seed oils, and high fiber is the best way to reduce testosterone.

Partially SupportedReincorporating raw goat and raw cow dairy has resolved eczema and improved resilience.

Partially SupportedAll pharmaceuticals have package inserts detailing side effects, and these molecules can have both good and bad net effects in humans.

Partially SupportedCholestyramine, charcoal, clay, glucomannan, chlorella, and humic acid can bind and detoxify mycotoxins.

Partially SupportedNourishing 7.9 billion people requires the inclusion of regeneratively raised animal foods to ensure health.

Partially SupportedAn optimal fasting insulin level is below 5 micro IU per mL.

Partially SupportedPrioritizing sugars from fruit, honey, and maple syrup is beneficial for long-term health.

Partially SupportedCalcium supplements can prompt oxalate clearing because calcium binds and helps the body eliminate oxalates.

Partially SupportedTo address mycotoxin exposure, clean the environment, use binders, and test urine to identify the mycotoxin.

Partially SupportedRotating and consuming a variety of desiccated organ supplements like spleen, pancreas, kidney, blood, testicle, brain, and intestines is critical for a human diet.

Partially SupportedPlant molecules like oxalates, curcumin, and sulforaphane can activate the NRF2 pathway by dissociating from KEP1.

Partially SupportedConsuming heart for coenzyme Q10, brain for phosphatidylserine, and testicle for cofactors may positively affect libido.

Partially SupportedGetting a healthy amount of sun exposure, without getting burned, is recommended for skin health.

Partially SupportedGlucose intake, unlike fructose or orange juice, induced oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in a study.

Not SupportedUltra running is likely not beneficial for human health as an organism, despite its potential for mental enjoyment or impressive feats of endurance.

Partially SupportedAnimal fats are critical for adequate testosterone levels and are best obtained from animal foods.

Partially SupportedHigh levels of omega-6 PUFAs are correlated with higher coronary heart disease mortality.

Well SupportedPlant chemical defenses induce NRF2 and glutathione enzymes in the body, which is an example of hormesis.

Partially SupportedA healthy gut microbiome can be indicated by the absence of gas, bloating, and constipation, along with daily well-formed bowel movements.

Partially SupportedRaw honey and raw dairy are excellent sources of carbohydrates and are a good diet for pregnant women.

Partially SupportedThere are no documented cases of prions being passed from primates to humans.

Partially SupportedFasting can change the gut microbiome with beneficial clinical consequences.

Not SupportedLong-term finasteride use may be detrimental due to the suppression of DHT, which plays a role in androgen receptor function.

Not SupportedJoel Fuhrman claims red meat consumption raises cholesterol, CRP, and other markers but cannot provide a specific supporting study.

Partially SupportedAnimal fats are important for changing the fatty acid composition of cells, specifically adipocytes.

Partially SupportedVegan diets do not prevent the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue.

Partially SupportedA healthy gut microbiome is indicated by the absence of skin issues like eczema and regular bowel movements.

Partially SupportedUsing a natural boar's hair toothbrush with water, without toothpaste, is an effective method for cleaning teeth.

Partially SupportedBlood orange juice intake decreased DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in mononuclear blood cells.

Well SupportedIntermittent fasting shows data for improvements in the gut microbiome, particularly in treating irritable bowel syndrome and colitis.

Not SupportedSeed oils are extremely detrimental in animal studies.

Partially SupportedA raw vegan diet may lead to cavities due to vitamin K2 deficiency.

Not SupportedThe sun is not the direct cause of basal and squamous cell skin cancer.

Not SupportedA daily fiber intake of 150 grams is not necessary for health.

Not SupportedFoods that come into contact with plastic should be avoided.

Not SupportedTilling-based organic farming destroys ecosystems.

Not SupportedSugar is not the direct cause of tooth decay.

Partially SupportedThere is a distinction between chemicals in meat and organs derived from plants after animal detoxification and chemicals found in fruits, suggesting a difference in their net effect compared to plant defense chemicals.

Partially SupportedThe benefits of certain plant molecules can be obtained in isolation without side effects by consuming meat, organs, and the least toxic plant foods.

Partially SupportedScalp massage and microneedling can help prevent hair loss.

Partially SupportedPsychedelic medications like MDMA, psilocybin, DMT, and ayahuasca can change brain function, provide new perspectives, and accelerate self-knowledge.

Not SupportedPlant-based diets, particularly when combined with a lack of weightlifting, can lead to a loss of muscle mass and reduced fertility.

Partially SupportedFat cells determine insulin sensitivity or resistance, which can be physiologic or pathologic.

Partially SupportedMany physicians in the United States are miseducated regarding the use and importance of fasting insulin tests.

Partially SupportedPlant molecules, including isothiocyanates and curcumin, have a physiological effect in humans.

Not SupportedTypical human consumption levels of vitamin A do not approach toxic doses.

Partially SupportedFat cells determine insulin sensitivity or resistance, and ketogenic diets can induce physiological insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedTooth decay is caused by a deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K2), not by excess sugar.

Partially SupportedThe microbiome is important and should not be disrupted.

Partially SupportedFasting insulin can be tested for approximately $35 if paid out-of-pocket, or potentially covered by insurance using codes for hyperlipidemia, pre-diabetes, or obesity.

Partially SupportedA diet high in linoleic acid exacerbates metabolic responses and gut microbiota dysbiosis in obese diabetic rats.

Partially SupportedStopping veganism and chronic cardio running led to significant muscle gain.

Partially SupportedFor hair loss, one should rule out autoimmune causes, fix gut health by eliminating offensive autoimmune foods, and consume nutrients found in meat and organs.

Partially SupportedMeat and organs are the most preferred and highest quality human foods, while tubers are considered fallback foods.

Partially SupportedA carnivore diet or animal-based diet will not exacerbate or worsen coronary artery disease.

Partially SupportedAn animal-based pattern including meat, organs, fruit, honey, and raw dairy would likely show decreased levels of inflammatory markers compared to typical epidemiological cohort characterizations.

Partially SupportedMany pharmaceuticals, including chemotherapies, are derived from plants.

Partially SupportedEpidemiological studies suggest plant-based diets are beneficial for humans.

Partially SupportedSauna use, sprinting, and paddling are preferred methods for cardiovascular exercise.

Partially SupportedPsychedelic use requires integration, a good environment, and proper setting.

Partially SupportedSeed oils pose significant dangers.

Partially SupportedAnimal-based nutrients are essential for creating fertility in men and women.

Partially SupportedFoods on a carnivore-ish or animal-based diet are generally low in oxalates.

Partially SupportedStearic acid activates fat burning.

Partially SupportedFluoride consumption during childhood enamel development can cause permanent tooth staining.

Partially SupportedLinoleic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids can contribute to gut microbiome dysbiosis.

Partially SupportedThe Hadza people smoke marijuana and tobacco, with men smoking more, which may contribute to tooth decay.

Partially SupportedMichael Jordan ate steak before his games, and the speaker speculates he would have performed even better if he had eaten steak.

Partially SupportedKetogenic diets, which are low in carbohydrates and fermentable fibers, can be beneficial for gut health.

Partially SupportedDiet and dental health are linked, with steak and liver/carrots noted in Marilyn Monroe's diet.

Partially SupportedSome plant chemicals can be obtained from the meat of wild or regeneratively farmed animals.

Not SupportedFoods rich in Vitamin K2, such as meat, liver, and raw cheeses, have been wrongly vilified as causes of heart disease.

Partially SupportedLinoleic acid intake is positively associated with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Partially SupportedSome individuals have experienced oxalate dumping and calcium oxalate kidney stones after stopping oxalate intake.

Partially SupportedSprinting is a superior form of cardiovascular exercise compared to chronic cardio.

Partially SupportedMold exposure can cause a host of symptoms and is a potential health concern.

Partially SupportedA healthy gut microbiome may be associated with good mood, hair growth, and improved skin conditions.

Not SupportedSome toothpastes use soaps that can disrupt the oral microbiome and may contain undesirable ingredients.

Partially SupportedHair loss may be addressed by ruling out autoimmune causes, fixing gut health, eliminating trigger foods, consuming nutrient-dense foods, and scalp massage or microneedling.

Partially SupportedAnimal fats, such as tallow, show anti-cancer effects in rat models of colon cancer.

Partially SupportedIncreasing lean muscle mass, which raises basal metabolic rate, is key for long-term health and attractiveness.

Partially SupportedGetting real sunlight is important for vitamin D production.

Partially SupportedVitamin D can be obtained from sun exposure, light boxes, or tanning.

Partially SupportedHaving a fasting insulin level less than five decreases the risk of severe COVID-19.

Partially SupportedOdd chain fatty acids primarily found in animal fat are beneficial for human health.

Partially SupportedFractal patterns in nature are beneficial for human vision and calming, unlike straight right angles.

Partially SupportedFructose in a full food matrix like orange juice, honey, or oranges is not a concern.

Partially SupportedAnimals with lower amounts of linoleic acid in their cell membranes tend to live longer.

Partially SupportedEngaging in difficult activities that challenge the mind, with a chance of failure, can be valuable.

Partially SupportedDesiccated organs are available through heartandsoil.com.

Partially SupportedThe peroxidation index of a membrane is inversely related to the lifespan of mammals, birds, and mice.

Not SupportedCholestyramine may prevent the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and lead to deficiency.

Partially SupportedRemoving seed oils and processed sugars from the diet will improve fasting insulin levels.

Partially SupportedHumans have a natural tendency to seek comfort and security, which can be detrimental if overdone.

Partially SupportedActivities causing discomfort, like going barefoot in wet grass or jumping in a lake, can lead to more meaningful memories and a greater sense of aliveness.

Not SupportedA strictly carnivorous diet for over a year and a half led to side effects including altered electrolyte balance, muscle cramping, muscle fasciculations, night palpitations, lowered testosterone, and disturbed sleep.

Partially SupportedEnvironmental hormesis, such as from sauna, cold plunge, exercise, and fasting, can increase glutathione levels.

Not SupportedStarving oneself is detrimental to fertility, long-term health, and the health of future children.

Partially SupportedFruit within a food matrix should not be feared.

Not SupportedLong-term use of five-alpha reductase inhibitors to decrease DHT is not recommended; plant compounds may be alternatives for hair loss.

Partially SupportedObserved benefits of plant-based diets may be confounded by factors like increased exercise, sunlight exposure, higher socioeconomic status, and reduced smoking/drinking.