Dr. Berg’s Healthy Keto and Intermittent Fasting Podcast

In this podcast, we’re going to talk about the #1 vitamin deficiency behind migraines. Migraines can cause debilitating pain and hypersensitivity to smells, sounds, and light. They can also cause nausea and increase the impulse to vomit.

Migraines can be genetic, but this doesn’t mean you have to live with them. You have to understand the epigenetic factors that can potentially help you override this genetic weakness.

There is a connection between under-functioning mitochondria and migraines. This vitamin is involved with an enzyme that helps preserve the aerobic metabolism in your mitochondria. It also helps you build up glutathione.

One of the earliest indications of Parkinson’s disease is the failure of the glutathione mechanism. If you don’t have enough glutathione, it can cause serious damage to your neurons.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency is the vitamin deficiency often involved with migraines. If you have a genetic problem in your mitochondria, you may need more vitamin B2. Vitamin B2 helps allow oxygen to work through the mitochondria.

Try taking 400 mg of vitamin B2 to help prevent migraines. If you want to know how to get rid of a migraine if you already have one, try taking 100 mg of vitamin B2 every hour until your migraine symptoms are gone—but don't exceed 400 mg per day.

Sodium deficiencies can also cause migraines. Consuming more sea salt can help. If vitamin B2 doesn’t provide migraine relief, you can also try ginger or turmeric.

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Please join me in welcoming Dr. Dimitris Tsoukalas. There’s a chronic condition that’s more prevalent than cardiovascular disease and cancer combined. Autoimmune disease is the most common chronic illness, with over 50 million people suffering from autoimmune conditions in the US.

Autoimmune disease is a condition where the immune system does not recognize certain organs and tissues, so it attacks them. Hashimoto’s is the most common autoimmune disease.

Dr. Tsoukala explains that Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks and gradually destroys the thyroid gland. This reduces the thyroid's function, leading to hypothyroidism.

Around 26 million people in the United States are suffering from Hashimoto's disease—and 9 out of 10 are women.

One of the first symptoms of Hashimoto’s is low energy. This is because the hormones produced by the thyroid gland regulate metabolism and control the metabolic rate. People with Hashimoto’s also have difficulty regulating body weight because their metabolic rate is slow. Hormonal imbalance and emotional instability are other common symptoms of Hashimoto’s.

All of Dr. Tsoukalas’ patients diagnosed with Hashimoto’s also have vitamin D deficiencies. More than 90% of his Hashimoto’s patients are insulin resistant. Another common problem associated with Hashimoto’s is multiple marginal micronutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies lead to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Dr. Tsoukalas takes a unique and groundbreaking approach with his patients and utilizes metabolomic testing, which tests chemical reactions in the body to help determine any deficiencies.

Today, we’re going to talk about the #1 nutrient deficiency involved with mitral valve prolapse syndrome. If you have mitral valve prolapse, your heart valves are not opening and closing correctly.

Mitral valve prolapse causes floppy, leaky valves that are large and bulging. This bulging, displaced tissue is called prolapse, which leads to inefficient heart pumping.

Mitral valve prolapse symptoms include weakness, fatigue, palpitations, anxiety, and shortness of breath. It’s often described as idiopathic, which means it has no known cause. Mitral valve prolapse is generally treated with beta-blockers or a calcium channel blocker.

In a double-blind study, 141 subjects with mitral valve prolapse were compared to 40 healthy subjects. Sixty percent of the mitral valve prolapse group had magnesium deficiency compared to only 5% of the healthy subjects.

Low magnesium leads to high adrenaline. It also accelerates the aging of the fibroblast cell, which helps you make collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As we age, the fibroblast cell is very important for our skin, ligaments, tendons, and valves.

One of the first signs of magnesium deficiency is tetany. Surprisingly, 85% of people with mitral valve prolapse have tetany!

Don’t just rely on the RDA if you’re deficient in magnesium. Try taking 400 mg 2 to 3 times a day, working up to this amount slowly. Also, ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D. Magnesium won’t work without vitamin D!

Avoid sugar and refined carbs because they significantly decrease magnesium.

It takes years for a magnesium deficiency to show up and it can take up to a year to correct. Try magnesium glycinate to increase your magnesium levels over time.

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Tonsil stones can be frustrating and embarrassing due to the unpleasant odor they produce in the mouth. However, it's essential to understand the deeper cause of these stones to fully address and prevent them from reoccurring.

Tonsils are small lymphatic tissues located at the back of your throat. They act as the first line of defense against pathogens entering the nose and mouth. The tonsils pick up information from these pathogens and send it to the rest of the immune system, signaling the body to ramp up its defenses.

Unfortunately, many people opt to have their tonsils removed as a quick solution to recurring tonsil issues. However, this can lead to further complications. Without tonsils, our first line of defense against pathogens is removed, making us more susceptible to respiratory tract infections, Hodgekin's lymphoma, and autoimmune conditions.

Furthermore, antibiotics are often prescribed for tonsil infections but only treat bacterial infections. The majority of tonsil infections are caused by viruses, making antibiotics ineffective. This highlights the importance of maintaining a strong immune system to fight viral and bacterial infections.

Swollen tonsils may be seen as a nuisance in children and are often treated with anti-inflammatory medication. However, it's crucial to allow the body to develop acquired immunity through infection. This helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent future tonsil issues.

Research has also shown a correlation between low vitamin D, zinc, and iron levels and inflamed tonsils. These nutrients are crucial in supporting the immune system and fighting infections. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you get enough of these nutrients through a nutritious diet or supplementation.

Vitamin D, in particular, has been found to have potent antimicrobial effects, and a lack of sun exposure has been linked to increased instances of inflamed tonsils. This is especially concerning for children who may not spend enough time outdoors or consume foods rich in vitamin D. Additionally, consuming too many phosphates through soda and processed foods can deplete the body's vitamin D levels.

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Please join me in welcoming Dr. Eric Westman. Dr. Westman is an M.D. and a Master's-level statistician. He explains how researchers often manipulate data reports by misleadingly presenting information. He also explains the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and how it can be used for this purpose.

Observational studies can also misleadingly present information because they cannot prove causation. Many recent studies in the news demonizing red meat and fasting were observational self-reported studies. These studies involve a person recalling what they ate days, weeks, and even months ago!

What's the purpose of observational studies if they can't prove causation? Observational studies are known as “hypothesis-generating studies," so they generate a hypothesis for a formal experiment.

One of the most recent misleading studies, the Stanford twin experiment, gained popularity on Netflix. The study had several flaws and was funded by a plant-based organization to promote a plant-based diet.

The School of Public Health at Harvard University is researching nutritional epidemiology using observational studies involving diet recall. These studies result in misleading associations between things like red meat and heart disease and red meat and cancer. According to Dr. Westman, nutritional epidemiology only presents weak associations and should not be regarded as fact.

People come to Dr. Westman’s clinic for all sorts of health problems. His clinic has a reputation for everything from improving diabetes and obesity to eliminating chronic heartburn and IBS. Dr. Westman utilizes a low-carb keto diet to help reverse many chronic health conditions.

Dr. Westman aims not only to help his patients but to educate them as well! Dr. Westman created Adapt Your Life Academy, where people can take online courses on various health-related topics, including diabetes, cholesterol, protein, keto cooking, and cancer.

Today, I’m going to give you an inside look at my new studio. I had a studio at my old house, but when I moved to the farm, I never got around to making a new one! I needed an upgrade, so I called Bill!

I got rid of the cinder blocks, and Bill started working on my new table. For the woodwork in my new studio, Bill used a tree that fell into my pond, and he had an excellent idea of making my table resemble the Grand Canyon!

In this video, I'm going to share what you can do to help remove plaque from your arteries naturally. Plaque is made of cholesterol, calcium, and protein. These 3 ingredients form a band-aid if you have inflammation or other issues on the inside of your artery.

There are 2 types of plaque: soft plaque (unstable, dangerous) and hard plaque (calcified, stable, less dangerous). Soft plaque is 4 times as common as calcified plaque!

A CAC test gives you a score of how much plaque you have in your arteries. This test primarily detects calcified plaque, so the score usually won’t reflect soft plaque.

The CAC paradox is a phenomenon that occurs after you clean up your diet and get healthy, but your CAC score rises. This doesn't mean your plaque is getting worse. It means that some of your soft plaque has stabilized and become hard plaque.

Soft plaque is associated with glycation and more oxidation of the LDL. There are 2 types of LDL: small-dense pathogenic LDL and large-buoyant non-pathogenic LDL.

Myeloperoxidase and Lp-PLA2 both signify soft plaque on a blood test. An ultrasound can also detect soft plaque.

Higher HDL can help clean up pathogenic bad LDL. You also want to keep your triglycerides low. High triglycerides can signify that your diet is too high in carbs. You may want to request to test your lipoprotein insulin resistance. This factor is associated with cardiovascular atherosclerosis more than any other.

Here’s how to determine whether you have small dense LDL or large buoyant LDL. Divide the LDL by ApoB—the part of the lipoprotein that indicates the number of particles. You want your result to be greater than 1.2. This indicates large buoyant LDL.

The following nutrients may help remove arterial plaque buildup naturally:

1. Pycnogenol–150 mg

2. Gotu Kola–450 mg

3. Vitamin K2–Life Extension Mega K2

4. Nattokinase

5. Niacin

Vitamin K2 is the most potent inhibitor of vascular calcification. Tocotrienols, berberine, aged garlic, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D also help to clean out plaque naturally.

Life Extension (Mega K2):

In this podcast, we’re going to talk about a common weed that may help reverse liver damage. This weed may help assist with inflammation of the liver and may even help reverse cirrhosis.

Weeds are actually herbs! This herb was used in Egypt, China, and Rome and has been used for thousands of years. The English folk name for this herb is “piss-a-bed” because it acts as a potent diuretic.

This wild herb has the following incredible potential health benefits:

• Decreases the accumulation of fat on the liver

• Suppresses lipid accumulation

• Decreases glucose levels

• Decreases insulin

• Improves insulin resistance

• Improves HOMA-IR test results

• Increases flow of bile from the liver

• Improves digestion and fat-soluble vitamin absorption

The herb we’re talking about is dandelion! You can eat dandelion greens and flowers to get these amazing health benefits. You can try a dandelion salad or incorporate a few dandelions into your greens mix. Dandelion greens can also be roasted or sautéed.

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In this podcast, we’re going to talk about the top nutrient deficiency in Lyme disease, vitamin D. The spirochete microbe involved in Lyme disease blocks your ability to receive vitamin D. This means you could have normal vitamin D levels in your blood but be severely deficient deep in your tissues.

Vitamin D typically comes from the sun and is absorbed into the liver and kidneys through your skin. It’s eventually turned into the active form of vitamin D but has to be received by a vitamin D receptor.

The spirochete microbe in Lyme disease downgrades your vitamin D receptors by 50 to 80x! This inhibits your immune system’s ability to fight the microbe.

Other microbes, viruses, and certain types of cancer also downgrade vitamin D receptors. If you have a problem with your vitamin D receptors, it won’t be detected in your blood. You must do a specialized vitamin D receptor test to identify the problem.

It’s estimated that 30% of the population has issues with the vitamin D receptor. Many people who are overweight have resistance to vitamin D at the receptor level. Other microorganisms like chlamydia, microplasmas, and aspergillus (toxic mold) downgrade vitamin D receptors.

The following factors can make it more difficult for your body to absorb vitamin D: darker complexions, old age, low cholesterol, seed oil consumption, and smoking. You also need adequate zinc and magnesium for vitamin D to work properly in the body.

Natural alternatives to increase vitamin D levels and combat vitamin D resistance include:

1. Large amounts of vitamin D, 50,000 IU sporadically (i.e., once a week)

2. Sunshine

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

4. Resveratrol

5. Intense exercise

6. Quercetin

7. Zinc

8. Boron

9. Progesterone

10. Sulforaphane

11. TUDCA

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Today, we’re going to talk about some of the recent news headlines claiming that fasting can wreak havoc on your cardiovascular system. This information was taken from an abstract (short summary) of an observational study sponsored by the American Heart Association.

The study was based on a 24-hour dietary recall, where participants had to recall everything they ate over a period of time. The author has also conducted observational studies that directly opposed red meat, eggs, and cholesterol.

Credible, peer-reviewed studies have shown numerous benefits of intermittent fasting and show that intermittent fasting actually supports cardiovascular health.

1. A single-blind randomized study examined the long-term effects of time-restricted eating with resistance training over 12 months. Participants saw a significant decrease in body mass, fat mass, and inflammation.

They experienced increased insulin sensitivity and a more balanced lipid profile without adverse effects. Intermittent fasting was deemed safe and effective for improving cardiovascular function.

2. A non-randomized controlled clinical trial for time-restricted feeding and its effect on body composition and cardiovascular risk found that 18 hours of fasting significantly decreased waist circumference and cardiovascular risk.

3. A systematic review of intermittent fasting with cardiometabolic risk factors looked at four randomized controlled trials. The results demonstrated that intermittent fasting significantly reduced body weight, waist circumference, body mass, fat mass, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting insulin levels.

4. One study evaluated a 16-hour fasting eating pattern with an 8-hour eating window on breast cancer survivors for 8 weeks. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in cardiovascular risk.

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Today, we’re going to look at the obesity rates in the United States. Why are there no fat people in Colorado? Areas of the US with higher Black, Latino, and American Indian populations have higher obesity rates. The elderly have higher rates of obesity as well. People with darker skin tones have more melanin, making it more difficult to absorb vitamin D. It also becomes more difficult to absorb vitamin D as you age. Chronic vitamin D deficiency can lead to obesity. The more overweight a person is, the more vitamin D they need. The characteristics of metabolic syndrome align perfectly with the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can create inflammation, high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the driving factor behind obesity. If you have insulin resistance, you have too much insulin. Insulin is a fat-storing hormone that causes you to gain weight. Vitamin D helps keep insulin sensitive, but vitamin D doesn’t work well if you have insulin resistance. Colorado is a high-altitude state situated several thousand feet above sea level. This means it’s closer to the sun. The closer you are to the sun, the more vitamin D you’re exposed to. Vitamin D exposure in Colorado could be the most critical variable influencing people's weight.

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Please join me in welcoming Guy Tenenbaum. Six years ago, Guy was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, also known as metastatic cancer. This means the cancer had spread to at least one organ. People with stage 4 cancer are typically given a few weeks to a few months to live.

A cancer cell comes from a normal cell that has damage in the mitochondria. The cancer cell adapts, takes alternative energy pathways, and can live without oxygen.

When Guy was diagnosed 6 years ago, he was told there was nothing that could be done, that it was too late, and to enjoy the rest of his life. His cancer had spread to his bones, lymph nodes, and lungs.

Guy explains that he didn’t do any chemo or radiation because there was no treatment plan proposed to him. Guy discovered Thomas Seyfried's work and decided to see if it could help. He discovered the benefits of prolonged fasting and even completed a 40-day fast.

Some people can do extended fasting, but if you’re unable to comfortably fast, the fasting-mimicking diet may be beneficial.

Guy continues researching new protocols and trying to stay one step ahead of highly adaptable cancer cells.

In this podcast, we’re going to talk about the critical roles of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in helping to prevent autoimmune diseases. Many people with an autoimmune disease have had success with the Coimbra protocol, which involves taking high doses of vitamin D.

The Coimbra protocol checks parathyroid hormone levels produced by the parathyroid gland, which is intimately involved in calcium regulation. If you have low calcium, the parathyroid gland pulls calcium from your bones and distributes it into the blood. Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium by a factor of 20x!

Vitamin D resistance occurs when the body does not absorb vitamin D. You can have normal vitamin D levels in the blood yet still be deficient in vitamin D. Parathyroid hormone levels can tell you if that's happening.

If you are not getting enough vitamin D, you will have trouble with calcium absorption. The parathyroid gland will have to overcompensate to combat vitamin D resistance.

Usually, if you have high vitamin D, you’ll have low parathyroid hormone levels. Low vitamin D and high parathyroid hormone levels can signify vitamin D resistance.

If you have vitamin D resistance, the solution is to take more vitamin D! The Coimbra protocol involves adjusting vitamin D until the parathyroid hormone lowers to a low to normal level.

Vitamin D resistance is typically caused by a problem with vitamin D receptors or a genetic issue known as polymorphism.

Other barriers to vitamin D absorption include:

• Low sun exposure

• Darker skin complexions

• Old age

• High stress

• Location

• Air pollution

Pathogens have strategic methods of downgrading vitamin D receptors. Pathogens from tick bites can downgrade your receptors by a factor of 60x!

Cancer cells, especially those affecting the colon and bones, downgrade vitamin D receptors to survive. Heavy metals can also downgrade vitamin D receptors.

Magnesium and zinc can protect against high calcium levels in the blood, but your best defense is vitamin K2.

In this podcast, we’re going to talk about the benefits of drinking celery juice. Celery is 95% water, so it doesn’t contain many nutrients. A 16-ounce glass of celery juice contains some folate (B9) and about 288 mg of sodium.

However, celery juice contains four phytonutrients that have significant health benefits.

1. 3-n-butylphthalide

This phytochemical can help repair damage caused by a stroke, reconstruct microcirculation, and has neuroregenerative properties. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, and anti-thrombosis properties.

2. Apigenin

Apigenin is one of the most studied polyphenols. It’s also found in parsley, onions, oranges, thyme, and basil. Apigenin acts as a muscle relaxer, lowers blood pressure, and improves sleep. It has anti-diabetic properties and has shown to be helpful for people with amnesia.

3. Coumaric acid

Coumaric acid is anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-clotting. It supports healthy blood sugar levels and can also help with inflammation associated with arthritis.

4. Kaempferol

Kaempferol is a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Celery juice is best consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. Choose organic celery to make celery juice, and add lemon juice for taste if you’d like.

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In this podcast, I'm going to share an incredible potential natural alternative to help slow the signs of dementia.

The drug Lupron works to suppress certain cancers because it suppresses certain sex hormones. New research has also shown that Lupron can decrease dementia symptoms. Lupron is a potent suppressor of luteinizing hormone.

Luteinizing hormone is made by the pituitary gland and signals the body to produce hormones like progesterone and testosterone. As we age, luteinizing hormone increases significantly. Patients with Alzheimer's have higher amounts of luteinizing hormone than people with normal cognitive function.

High levels of luteinizing hormone significantly decrease progesterone. Progesterone is a very powerful neurosteroid, so it supports the development of neurons.

Women have more progesterone, so they often have fewer adverse effects if they experience a traumatic brain injury. Progesterone minimizes inflammation in the brain cells, enhances serotonin, prevents apoptosis, and decreases blood-brain barrier leakage.

After menopause, progesterone significantly decreases in women. For men, this decline can happen around 70 years of age.

Melatonin can suppress luteinizing hormone, which indirectly increases progesterone. Research on mice has shown that melatonin and exercise may help halt dementia symptoms.

DHEA and pregnenolone also work to suppress luteinizing hormone and increase progesterone. DHEA also suppresses cortisol.

To decrease luteinizing hormone with melatonin, you'll need a much larger than average dose. You can also stimulate melatonin by going to bed with the lights turned down, increasing sun exposure, or sitting by a campfire. Around 95% of melatonin can be obtained from the sun's infrared rays.

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Let's take a look at magnesium for sleep or anxiety and when you may need to try something else instead. Sometimes, low magnesium is not the cause of your anxiety or sleep problems, and taking it can even worsen your symptoms.

The second part of sleep is called REM sleep. People with higher levels of adrenaline and cortisol tend to wake up around 2:00 am during REM sleep. Magnesium will not fix this problem because the high cortisol levels are not caused by low magnesium.

Stress and lack of exercise can cause poor sleep. Exercise, long walks, and physical labor can reduce stress and improve sleep.

If you find that you have difficulty getting to sleep because of racing thoughts and overthinking, you may be low in vitamin B1. Carbs, sugar, and caffeine can deplete vitamin B1. Taking B1 before bed can provide an immediate sense of calmness. Always choose a natural B1 supplement, not synthetic.

Instead of taking a melatonin supplement, it can be more beneficial to address why you do not have enough melatonin in the first place. Melatonin is inhibited by blue light. Darkness and infrared light recharge melatonin, so try getting sunlight or sitting by a fire.

Vitamin D before bed can help you sleep. Magnesium will not work if you're very low in vitamin D and vice versa.

If you're new to fasting and you go to bed hungry, it can interfere with your sleep. If fasting triggered your sleep problem, scale back, and begin fasting more gradually over time. Try incorporating more carbs at your last meal and increasing your carb intake to 50 grams per day.

Having plenty of sea salt on keto and intermittent fasting is vital. Salt causes your body to retain fluid, so not only will it help you sleep, but it can also help prevent waking to use the bathroom.

If you do need magnesium, try taking magnesium glycinate to help support sleep and reduce anxiety.

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In this podcast, we’ll discuss a very important amino acid: glycine. Collagen is a main component of connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. About ⅓ of collagen is made by glycine.

Your body can make glycine, but unfortunately, it doesn’t make very much. If you're not getting it from the diet, you could be deficient. Unless you’re eating the skin and cartilage from meat, you’re probably not getting enough glycine.

Glycine is needed to make the most important antioxidant for all of your cells, glutathione. Without enough glycine to make glutathione, you can’t detoxify your body. This can cause a buildup of toxicity, leading to inflammation.

Glycine is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and is an essential building block for many enzymes and proteins.

Here are some of the many important functions of glycine:

• Makes heme in your blood

• Important for gum health

• Essential for DNA

• Building block for catalase

• Supports sleep

• Supports the liver

• Can help fix a leaky gut

• Detoxifies uric acid

• Supports blood sugar

• Helps with weight loss

• Reduces visceral fat

Glycine can also turn into glucose to be used as fuel. Certain parts of the body, especially the brain, need a certain amount of glucose. If you’re not consuming glucose, your body can make it. Glycine is a precursor for glucose, but don’t worry about it bumping you out of ketosis. Glycine stimulates the hormone glucagon, which opposes insulin.

If you’re not eating animals nose-to-tail, if you’re under stress, taking medication, drinking alcohol, or exposed to toxins, you can become deficient in glycine.

You can increase your glycine intake by consuming gelatin! Try making your own gelatin using Knox Blox and using a natural sweetener like stevia. You can also take a glycine supplement. The average person needs about 4 to 10 grams of glycine per day.

Bone broth and pork rinds can increase your glycine intake, but you need to consume a lot to get enough glycine.

As we age, we need more glycine. Increasing glycine intake can potentially help people with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, hair thinning, insomnia, gout, and kidney stones.

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In this podcast, we’re going to talk about a surprising hidden source of heart attacks. In his book "Hidden Epidemic," Dr. Thomas Levy reported that 78% of patients with myocardial infarctions and occluded arteries also had DNA of pathogens typical for infections in root canal-treated teeth.

This type of chronic infection is known as chronic apical periodontitis and often has no symptoms. As you’re chewing, you push bacteria deeper into the lymphatic system, affecting the heart and causing other inflammatory issues like arthritis.

Infected teeth are often missed on routine dental X-rays. C-reactive protein levels in your blood are a biomarker for inflammation and can sometimes signify infected teeth.

The infection can be in the tooth, gums, jaw, or tonsils. Pathogens in your mouth can create significant oxidative stress and free radical damage. One of the ways your body responds is by developing clots. Other symptoms include fatigue, chronic inflammation, jaw problems, and tooth sensitivity.

To strengthen your immune system and prevent the spread of bacteria from your teeth, take 1 to 2 grams (500 mg a few times a day) of liposomal vitamin C. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to lower oxidative stress in the body.

Liposomal vitamin C is one of the only forms that can work at the intracellular level. Liposomal vitamin C will not cause diarrhea, even when taken in large quantities.

BOOK LINK (HIDDEN EPIDEMIC - Thomas E. Levy):

In this podcast, we’re going to talk about the side effects of gallbladder removal. You can live a long, healthy life without a gallbladder, but unfortunately, 40% of people who’ve had their gallbladder removed end up with persistent pain and symptoms for a year or more.

Some of the common symptoms associated with gallbladder removal include the following:

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Anal leakage

• Fullness under the right rib cage

• Right shoulder pain

• Collins’ sign pain

The gallbladder is an extension of the liver that holds and concentrates bile. Every time you eat, it contracts and releases bile into the small intestine. Bile begins to break down fat, allowing the pancreas to further break down fat by releasing an enzyme called lipase.

Bile is critical for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, and K, as well as essential fatty acids. Bile also helps you get rid of excess cholesterol.

A gallstone is a concentrated cholesterol stone that forms due to low bile. This is why bile salts are used as a remedy for gallstones.

If you’re low in bile salts, your liver will make more bile and cholesterol. Seventy-five percent of all the cholesterol in your body is made by your body. Only 25% of your cholesterol comes from the diet.

Here are some of the causes of bile deficiency:

• Estrogen (birth control pills, pregnancy)

• Stress

• Prednisone

• Diabetes

• High-carb diets

• High body weight

• Liver disease (fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis)

• Low-fat diets

• PPIs

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Low melatonin

If you’ve had your gallbladder removed and you’re having symptoms, here are a few things that you can try:

•Gentle acupressure

•Bile salts after eating

•TUDCA for bile sludge

•Betaine hydrochloride to acidify the stomach

•Increase melatonin (infrared rays, improve sleep)

•Milk thistle, beets, dandelion greens, artichokes

If you have diarrhea, bile salts may worsen your problem. Follow a low-carb, moderate-fat, moderate-protein diet if you’re dealing with symptoms from gallbladder removal.

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In this podcast, we’re going to talk about three ways to get rid of heartburn without using antacids. Antacids only work for a short time, requiring you to take more and more to keep your symptoms at bay. Through prolonged use, antacids will only make heartburn worse by depleting your stomach acid.

Antacids are associated with the following side effects:

• Bloating

• Indigestion

• Allergies

• Increased infection in the stomach

• Depression

Antacids create a condition known as achlorhydria, which depletes your stomach acid, but you need your stomach acid to get rid of heartburn. Your stomach is very acidic and should have a pH between 1 and 3. Enzymes cannot be activated if you do not have the right pH.

Heartburn is not a problem resulting from too much acid—it's a valve problem. Keeping the pH of the stomach between 1 and 3 keeps the valve shut.

How to get rid of heartburn naturally:

1. The most important nutrient to eliminate and prevent heartburn is vitamin B1 (thiamine). Your stomach can not produce acid when you’re deficient in vitamin B1. A diet high in carbs depletes B1. Low B1 deprives the autonomic nervous system, which controls the valves of the stomach. Look for a natural source of vitamin B1 to get rid of heartburn.

2. Potassium and zinc are very important for your stomach acid. Try a good electrolyte powder and trace mineral supplement to increase your intake of these important minerals. Also, make sure you’re getting plenty of sea salt.

3. Increase your stomach acid. This triggers the valve at the top of the stomach to close. Apple cider vinegar and betaine hydrochloride can help acidify the stomach.

It’s important to note that if apple cider vinegar or betaine hydrochloride causes burning, you may have gastritis or an ulcer. In this situation, you need to heal the stomach before taking apple cider vinegar or betaine hydrochloride.

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Today, we’re going to talk about the dangers of avoiding sun exposure. There has been an association between vitamin D insufficiency and autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and at least 17 different cancers.

Vitamin D is intimately involved in over 2,000 of our genes and vital for proper immune function. It’s virtually impossible to get enough vitamin D from your diet. Only 5% to 10% of vitamin D comes from diet, and that’s only if you eat plenty of fatty fish, organ meats, and egg yolks. Around 90% to 95% percent of your vitamin D comes from the sun.

Every year, there are 5,125 deaths from sun exposure and 1,684,677 deaths from lack of sun. For every death from sun exposure, there are 329 deaths from lack of sun.

The current American Dermatology Association recommendation is to stay out of the sun and use sunblock. Yet, in the early 1900s, the sun was used to treat illnesses like tuberculosis and asthma.

In 1935, 1 out of 1500 people developed melanoma. By 2014, 1 in 50 people had developed melanoma, despite the fact that people are spending significantly less time outside.

This shows that the sun protects you from melanoma. In fact, 75% of all melanomas are located in areas not typically exposed to the sun.

Fifty-four percent of the sun's rays are infrared light. Infrared light protects against cancer, stimulates melatonin, and also generates ATP. Vitamin D and melatonin protect the mitochondria. Both are stimulated by exposure to the sun.

Aim to get a moderate amount of sun exposure to avoid burning and support your health.

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In this podcast, we’re going to talk about the concept of hormesis. Hormesis describes two things that might oppose each other. In terms of health, hormesis refers to a controlled dose of stress that makes positive changes for your body.

With hormesis, you can adapt to various types of stress, including exercise, radiation, cold, heat, hypoxia, plant chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides.

Sulforaphane found in broccoli sprouts and radish sprouts triggers the heat shock protein that allows the body to strengthen its detoxification enzymes. In this instance, the body is exposed to a small amount of poison that strengthens its ability to get rid of other poisons.

The liver contains phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification enzymes that can take a poison and turn it into a harmless particle. Sulforaphane triggers this system.

Exercise is one of the best examples of hormesis. Exercise induces microinflammation but then allows the body to get rid of inflammation.

Fasting activates the body’s mechanisms that counter starvation. It encourages our brain cells to grow, increases mitochondria, and regenerates the immune system.

Health is often counterintuitive. For example, cutting fat won’t help you lose fat, and sterilizing your environment won’t protect you from getting sick.

You can’t develop a strong immune system without getting sick. Antibiotics destroy good bacteria in the body, which can lead to pathogen overgrowth. Antacids can lead to more heartburn because you need more acid to get rid of heartburn.

When you don't expose yourself to the sun, you put yourself more at risk for certain types of cancers. Many people have been told that the sun causes cancer, but the sun gives us vitamin D. Having a deficiency in vitamin D can increase your risk for cancer.

One last example is dieting. The more dieting you do in your lifetime, the more weight you will gain—especially if you’re doing it incorrectly.

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Today, I’m going to share 7 tips to help you lose belly fat. The average thin person has 58 times more stored fat than sugar. To transition into burning fat instead of sugar, you must lower insulin!

Check out these tips to help you burn more fat:

• Consume 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water one to three times a day to help lower blood sugar and insulin.

• Combine keto and intermittent fasting.

• Start with a high-fat diet, but as you adapt, gradually reduce your fat intake to allow your body to burn your fat reserves for energy.

• Lower stress and enhance your sleep.

• Exercise in a fasting state.

• Add more sea salt to your diet to reduce water weight.

Here is the number one tip to lose belly fat! Allow your body to determine your fasting pattern based on hunger. Don’t eat unless you’re hungry!

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Check out this fascinating interview with Dr. Ian Lake and find out how he burned over 25,000 calories in 5 days!

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Ian Lake! Dr. Lake is a medical doctor and type 1 diabetic who ran 5 marathons while fasting for 5 days. He ran a total of 100 miles in 5 days! Dr. Lake's main goal was to show how nutritional ketosis can be safe for type 1 diabetics. Keep in mind that to accomplish this dangerous and amazing feat, Dr. Lake trained his body in many different ways. Taking something like this lightly could have been deadly. A type 1 diabetic can not produce insulin in enough volume to maintain blood sugar. This is very different from type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes have more than enough insulin and often have too much, leading to insulin resistance. Dr. Lake explains that our bodies can multifuel, which means we can use sugars and fats for energy. In an ideal situation, our bodies can flip between whatever fuel they need. To burn fat as fuel, your insulin has to be low. Dr. Lake lost over a pound of fat per day during his 5-day fast. To prepare for a longer fast, you have to become fat-adapted. You must lower insulin to adapt your body to running on fat fuel. To lower insulin, lower the food that stimulates insulin—carbohydrates. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition associated with type 1 diabetes. Ketoacidosis occurs when sugar in the blood can not get inside of the cells, starving them of energy. Some medical professionals believe that ketosis can put you at risk for ketoacidosis, but other doctors are against this idea. Dr. Lake currently follows the keto diet, leaning more towards the carnivore diet. His diet consists of about 100 grams of protein per day, dairy, and some leafy greens. Check out Dr. Ian's Website:

In this podcast, I’m going to share 15 underlying causes of itching. Pruritus is the medical term for itching. Itching usually involves a superficial nerve that is aggravated to some level.

Here are 15 causes of itching:

1. Body lice

2. Scabies

3. Hookworms

4. Herpes

5. Insect bites

6. Yeast infection

7. Poison ivy

8. Tick bites

9. Diabetes

10. Polycythemia

11. Problems with the parathyroid glands

12. Uremia

13. Liver issues

14. Cholestasis

15. Dry skin

Itching is often a symptom of diabetes because of circulation problems. Poor circulation causes the nerves to die, which can feel like itching or burning pain and even cause severe pain.

Polycythemia is a condition where you have too many red blood cells. This can decrease circulation and the amount of oxygen in your skin, causing itching.

The parathyroid gland consists of 4 glands around the thyroid that control calcium. If the thyroid works too hard, you could develop too much calcium in the blood. This can lead to calcification of your skin, which can affect your nerve endings.

Liver issues like cirrhosis, hepatitis, or cholestasis can cause itching. You can develop cholestasis if the liver’s function is impaired and it can no longer make bile salts.

Dry skin is a common cause of itching, often caused by a lack of vitamin A or vitamin D.

There is a high correlation between people who have itching and people with liver or gallbladder issues. This is typically caused by irritation to the gallbladder and decreased omega-3 fatty acids.

Dietary changes can help eliminate itching. TUDCA, a bile salt that helps thin the bile, has been found to significantly decrease itching in people with cirrhosis.

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Let’s discuss the many benefits of green tea and how it can help with depression. But what exactly is green tea?

Green tea is a drink made from unfermented leaves, which makes it different from other types of tea. It contains many pharmacologically active compounds that have been found to have numerous health benefits.

One of these benefits is its ability to reduce depression. Studies have shown that drinking just three cups of green tea per week can reduce depression by 21 percent.

But how exactly does green tea help with depression?

Green tea has been found to have an impact on certain areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens, which are involved in addiction.

It also affects the hippocampus, which plays a role in cognitive function, memory, and learning.

Another compound found in green tea is L-theanine, an amino acid that helps with mood stabilization and has been shown to improve depression directly.

But the benefits of green tea don’t stop there. Studies have also shown it to be anti-carcinogenic, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective. It has even been found to reverse age-related cognitive decline.

But drinking green tea isn’t the only natural way to combat depression. Here are some other methods you can try:

• Exercise: A study found that exercise may have effects similar to Zoloft in reducing symptoms of depression. High-intensity interval training has been proven to be particularly beneficial for those with depression and anxiety.

• Vitamin D: Deficiency in this essential nutrient has been linked to a higher risk of depression, so get enough sunlight and take a vitamin D supplement.

• Fasting: Fasting has been found to have survival properties that can help our bodies function better, including reducing symptoms of depression.

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Today, I want to cover the early warning signs of colon cancer that you should pay attention to. These indicators do not necessarily mean you have colon cancer, but they are important clues that could help in the early detection of this disease. Risk factors associated with colon cancer: • Smoking • Drinking • Unhealthy diet • Obesity • H. pylori infection Red meat has also been associated with colon cancer. However, recent studies have found no direct correlation between red meat and cancer and that the quality of meat consumed, such as grass-fed versus grain-fed, can make a difference. Genetics play a role in colon cancer but only account for about five percent of cases. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can have a much greater impact on gene expression through epigenetics. Six early indicators of colon cancer: • Blood in the stool • Anemia without a known cause • Thin stools • Worsening constipation • Abdominal pain • Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with your doctor for further testing and evaluation. But what can you do to potentially avoid colon cancer? Here are a few tips: • Limit the use of antibiotics, but if you must take them, also take a good probiotic. • Try intermittent fasting or prolonged fasting to give your colon a break and allow it to heal. • Incorporate cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and cabbage into your diet for their anti-inflammatory and probiotic properties. • Stay physically active to strengthen your mitochondria and decrease cancer risk. • Add spices such as garlic, thyme, and sage to your meals for their anti-cancer properties. • Avoid foods that cause inflammation in the gut, such as gluten, grains, seed oils, and junk food.

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Today, I want to cover the six main foods that can potentially cause cancer. However, many other factors can trigger cancer, including:

• Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, radon, and cleaning chemicals

• Old age and age-related changes in the body's cells

• Viruses, fungi, parasites, and bacteria

• Pollution

Six foods that may cause cancer:

1. Alcohol: Chronic alcohol exposure can damage your mitochondria, which can lead to cancer.

2. Trans fats: These are artificially produced fats commonly found in fried foods and processed snacks. They have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health issues.

3. Burnt or charred meat: Harmful chemicals such as heterocyclic amines (HCA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can be formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures. These have been linked to various types of cancer. Add garlic or rosemary to your meat while cooking to reduce your risk.

4. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs): These are compounds formed when protein and sugar are heated together. Foods high in AGEs include barbecued meats, fried foods, and ice cream.

5. Processed meats: These can contain nitrates, which have been associated with an increased risk of cancer. It's important to note that grass-fed and grass-finished meat differs from processed meat. Therefore, it's important to choose quality sources of meat.

6. Ultra-processed or junk foods: These foods are highly refined and are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and chemicals. They can cause inflammation and deplete our vitamin and mineral reserves.

It’s important to look out for Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) foods that are unhealthy, such as:

• Maltodextrin

• Modified starch

• High fructose corn syrup

• Corn oil

• Soy oil

• Canola oil

• Corn syrup

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In this podcast, we're going to talk about ALS and how it can negatively affect the body. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells. This leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually death.

According to "The ALS Puzzle Solved?!", there is evidence that ALS may be related to hormonal shifts and aging. As we age, there is a decrease in protective hormones such as progesterone and melatonin, which can lead to nerve damage and muscle weakness. It has also been suggested that mutations in certain individuals may play a role in the development of ALS.

While the exact cause of ALS is still unknown, this information provides a potential pathway for treatment and management of the disease. It is recommended to supplement with melatonin and vitamin K2, as well as take natural B vitamins and hormones such as pregnenolone to support the body's production of progesterone.

Additionally, infrared therapy has been shown to potentially increase melatonin levels, while resveratrol can help decrease toxicity in the body.

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I switched to the carnivore diet for 2 weeks. Here's what happened.

In this podcast, I’m going to share my opinion of the carnivore diet after following it for 2 weeks. Not everyone does well on the same diet, so it’s important to experiment with different diets to find the right one for you.

Many people do very well on the carnivore diet! The carnivore diet can be very helpful for people with gut issues and autoimmune conditions.

While on the carnivore diet, I ate beef, pork, eggs, seafood, shellfish, and dairy. I discovered that I had been experiencing bloating due to my nut consumption. I didn’t experience any energy changes because I already have high energy.

For the first few days, I didn’t have any bowel movements. This was probably because my gut microbes needed to adjust.

Some people wonder about vitamin C intake on the carnivore diet. When you go on the carnivore diet, your need for vitamin C decreases.

I do not plan to continue the carnivore diet. I will continue eating the same proteins along with salads made from high-quality ingredients. I’ll also consume fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles.

I love to add extra virgin olive oil, parmigiano reggiano, nutritional yeast, and feta cheese to my salads. The calcium in cheese binds to any oxalates that are in your salad, removing them from the digestive system.

I’ll also add berries to my diet, but I won’t be eating any nuts!

Let's talk about sebaceous filaments, the common misconceptions surrounding them, and why they keep coming back. We will also explore the root causes and how to address these issues to achieve long-term results.

Many people mistake sebaceous filaments for blackheads and try to remove them by using tweezers or other methods. However, this can damage the skin.

The presence of sebaceous filaments and blackheads is often linked to the overproduction of sebum. This production is regulated by a hormone called androgens, which can increase during puberty, pregnancy, or other hormonal imbalances.

So, how do we address the root cause of sebaceous filaments? One way is to regulate and balance our androgen levels through dietary changes. Consuming foods high in vitamin A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids while reducing the intake of seed oils found in processed foods can help decrease sebum production.

Another way to reduce and balance androgen levels is through intermittent fasting and the keto diet, which helps lower insulin levels. High levels of insulin can also contribute to the overproduction of sebum.

Additionally, zinc deficiency has been linked to raised sebum production. Consuming zinc-rich foods such as shellfish and red meat can help address this deficiency. Managing stress levels is also essential, as chronic stress can deplete our zinc levels.

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