undeather

This podcast provides a profound exploration of the dichotomy between Eastern and Western medical paradigms, offering a nuanced examination of their respective merits. It skillfully navigates the intricate nuances of each approach, illuminating their strengths while remaining open to critique and discourse. It stands as a testament to the richness of the dialogue surrounding healthcare practices, inviting listeners to delve deeper into the complexities of medical philosophy and practice.

What should be the first question you should ask yourself if you stumble upon information like that? The problem with the "EMR (electro magnetic radiation) makes your blood brain barrier leaky"-argument is that proponents cherry-pick data that fit their conspiratorial worldview. In reality, while there ARE some studies that seem to suggest that certain forms of EMR might have an influence on such cells in vitro (meaning outside of the organism in a test-tube), there really is no clear evidence that there are such in effects in humans. There are some studies which seem to show a significant effect, but those are usually conducted with far high levels of energy than the EMR in our environment. There are some studies which show negative effects in animals, but those face replication and other related issues. If you had to steelman the argument, you could say that there might be extremely small effects but it's highly speculative. TLDR; Eat your seafood wherever you want, don't stress out about it! Seafood consumption is associated with a lower all-cause mortality. That said, the forrest has other health-promoting properties that you can enjoy regardless!

I really tried to watch it - but i just couldn't make it through...

HDL-C and especially it's propensity to adapt in context of lifestyle-changes are genetically determined. You might improve some points by adding more exercise, but If I had to bet - I would propably say it would stay rougle the same. The most dramatic changes in lipid markers are usually seen in overweight individuals who reduce bodyfat and build muscle. That said, don't worry to much about it - having a low LDL-C is much more important! And you are doing fine in that regard. Also, newer reserach seems to suggest that HDL-function seems to be as/if not more important than HDL-quantity.

No, psychopathy is not 6 times more prevalent in doctors than in the general public. That's an outrageous claim and frankly, not true. Health care professionals score significantly lower on narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Many people report difficult experiences with healthcares workers - but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Most doctors are overworked, stressed out, mentally & physically drained - some of them are assholes and few actual psychopaths. That said, all in all - I would argue that most people have mostly positive encounters with thei doctors. I would say that 90%+ of my patient interactions are extremely positive and I see similar patterns in colleagues.

Herbs and healthy foods will most likely make you feel significantly better to begin with. One must also not underestimate the effect of placebo like dynamics in such cases. I have seen this way too many times in some of my patients. Pateint X with symtpoms Y tries food/habit/supplement Z and feels a direct improvement in their health. Only to later find out the real cause of their ailment being something much more ordinary. Now, important disclaimer - what you are doign is great! If you feel an improvement, more power to you! - It's great that you are in touch with your subjective wellbeing to that extent. That said, we would love you to consider a more broader spectrum of potential causes. As Michael said, a lot of naturopaths are caught in a very reductionistic and short-sighted framework.

Not only are your thyroid-hormones in the normal range. There is a rather unconventional "optimal range" used by some endocrinologist - and you are bang in it. (If I have not misconverted the units) I highly doubt your symptoms stem from your thyroid. Michael gave you some pretty decent input. I would take that to the heart.

Microplastics and nanoplastics, tiny particles less than 5mm in size, have long been a concern for environmental scientists, feared for their potential to infiltrate the food chain and accumulate in biological tissues. Until now, the direct impact of these particles on human health remained largely speculative, with most evidence rooted in preclinical studies. However, this latest research presents undeniable evidence of their perilous presence within human arteries, specifically targeting patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Unveiling the Evidence In a meticulously designed prospective study spanning multiple centers, researchers analyzed carotid plaque specimens (atherosclerotic sludge in the carotid arteries) from patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (extraction of plaque through surgery). Using advanced techniques such as pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and electron microscopy, the study revealed the unsettling prevalence of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride particles within the plaque. These findings are shocking - over half of the patients harbored these plastic particles, turning their own bodies into unwitting hosts for pollution. Electron microscopy further exposed the jagged edges of these particles nestled among plaque macrophages, painting a grim picture of the internal battle waged within the arteries. Radiographic analysis underscored the severity of the situation, identifying chlorine among the debris - a testament to the synthetic origins of these invaders. The Toll on Human Health The study's findings take a grim turn as they quantify the impact of these particles on cardiovascular health. Patients with MNPs (micro & nanoplastics) detected in their arterial plaque were found to be at a staggering 4.53 (353% !!) times higher risk of experiencing a myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause compared to those without such particles. This stark revelation underlines a grim reality - the invasion of microplastics into our bodies is not merely a passive occurrence but propably a potent harbinger of disease and mortality. A Call to Action This research is a clarion call to the global community, highlighting an urgent need for measures to curb plastic pollution and protect public health. The study not only adds a new dimension to our understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors but also implores us to rethink our relationship with plastics. The findings underscore the necessity for immediate action to mitigate this invisible threat, urging for policies aimed at reducing plastic production and improving waste management, alongside fostering further research into the health implications of plastic accumulation in the human body. In the face of this silent threat, the path forward demands a concerted effort to address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. As we grapple with the implications of these findings, the study serves as a sobering reminder of the complex interconnections between environmental health and human well-being, urging us to act before the toll of inaction becomes irreversible.

Dont forget the combine mewing with regular jaw-muscle exercises to achieve max bicycle seat aesthetics.

David Sinclair, Harvard professor, longevity reseacher & author - best known for his appearances on Joe Rogan and several other podcasts - seems to be one of the new big snakeoil salesmen in the medical industry. I did not expect this kind of bullshitting from someone with his credentials, but there you have it. Absolutely shocking:

It really depends on the area of research. The harder the science, the easier it gets to design adequately powered research. In medicine, I would go way higher than 50%. I would argue that at least 80-90% of all studies published suffer from significant methodological flaws. That said, it's important to mention that there is still great research to lean on for scientific progress. One just has to weigh it properly.

I can't imagine myself working on that thing and actually being productive

Propably my favourite discussion yet - very in depth, some incredibly smart points by Christof and generally, a really nice flow.

If you are not a skeptical person in todays world, you are credolous fool. The right path is being skeptical without becomming a skeptic.

5 times a day

Indeed, research as early as 2017 has shown that a ketogenic diet can impair thyroid function in some individuals. It's well-documented that the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) diminishes during fasting. However, experiencing significant effects after just one week on a low-carb diet would be unusual. Have you had your thyroid function checked recently? The issues you've mentioned—being skinny-fat, experiencing mood fluctuations, focus difficulties, and challenges in building muscle—could all be indicators of undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Regarding the "big ball" you feel in your stomach, it's unlikely to be your liver; fatty liver disease typically doesn't present as a palpable condition. It's possible that this sensation could also be related to low thyroid function; bloating is a common symptom and might manifest as a "ball-like" structure in a specific area of the stomach. My first advice would be to get your blood-levels evaluated by your GP. Also, an ultrasound of your internal organs would be indicated in such case (just be sure your "big ball" isn't something serious) Second, I would really push back against ketogenic diets in general. For every success story you read online, there is at least one other person who progressively gets worse on a low carb diet. You have started a ketogenic diet and now notice negative patterns in your body - so I would argue it's maybe not the right choice for you. What hinders you from going on a healthy, omnivorous diet? You need to really take all those healh-influecners (like Mark Sisson) and fad-diets with a grain of salt. They will promise health, wealth and beauty - but so does every other diet-scheme nowadays (carnivore, vegan, paleo...). And if you actually check what kind of evidence they are basing their claims on - it becomes laughable. Carbs are not your enemy - that's a conditioned believe. Most people who follow a healthy omnivorous diet consisting of enough protein, good carbs & healthy fats are doing more than fine from a health perspective.

Binding of proteoglycans induces structural changes in LDL impacting both the configuration of apoB100 and the lipid composition. Hence, the binding of LDL to proteoglycans makes the LDL more susceptible to oxidation and aggregation, which promotes foam cell formation and a proinflammatory response, and the process is self-perpetuating. Oxidized LDL can induce further production of proteoglycans by vascular smooth muscle cells, retaining more LDL in the arterial wall.The causal relationship between ApoB and cardiovascular disease progression is one of the most consistent in all of modern medicine. What you measure in your serum as "oxLDL" is NOT the same as the particle that goes through the oxidation process in the subendothelial space. A fully oxidized lipoprotein particle, which then becomes a ligand for the scavenger receptor of the macrophage, shows a high modifcation-state in their phospholipids and the apoB-component. This process doesn't occur directly in your bloodstream, primarily because of the abundance of antioxidants present there. However, minimally oxidized LDL particles in your serum do show a higher propensity to enter the arterial wall and appear to further promote atherosclerotic activities, such as reduced capability for reverse transport and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Yet, it's important to note that most studies to date haven't definitively pinpointed the direct cause. Ultimately, the crucial factor is total ApoB, and in my view, mendelian randomization studies illustrate this most effectively. Even with no oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in your serum, having a high ApoB count can still lead to heart disease. Numerous studies indicate that having a higher antioxidative capacity does not guard against atherosclerosis. Intriguingly, exceeding a certain threshold of antioxidative potential might even exacerbate the condition. While I support efforts to reduce serum oxLDL, given the strong mechanistic rationale behind it, it's crucial we don't selectively interpret data. Instead, we should consider the broad spectrum of research findings to guide our understanding and actions. What we definitely can be sure of is that reducing ApoB burden, through lifestyle interventions and sometomes drugs, directly reduces our cardiovascular disease risk.

Yes, ChatGPT It's an amazing time saver!

We can't. It's everywhere. Even if we somehow manage to get rid of food-packaging, plastic particles can be found in cloud water ocean and marine environments, freshwater systems, bascially all terrestrial environments (soil & air), household dust, and also in every food group available (more common in animal foods). I believe a universally actionable step at this juncture is to reduce unnecessary contaminations. This entails adhering to straightforward measures, such as avoiding the use of certain plastic bottles (paying attention to the resin identification code, with codes other than 4, 5, 1, 2 being problematic), being vigilant about the presence of microplastics in personal care products (including soaps, makeup, deodorants, etc.), replacing plastics in the kitchen with alternatives like ceramic or glass, and opting for purchases at farmers' markets, among others. Such practices are instrumental in minimizing environmental impact. I can assure you that this study is poised to elicit considerable attention, particularly should the findings be replicated. This will likely prompt endeavors to seek solutions to the identified issue over the coming decade. As it stands, this represents a nascent scientific discovery, necessitating further elucidation to fully comprehend the intricacies of the phenomenon and develop efficacious treatment strategies.

I am currently doing a lot of research on this topic since I want to include "detox"-protocols for the patients in my private practice. That said, there isn't a proven method specifically tailored for removing microplastics from the bloodstream (yet). There are mechanistical approaches and a whole lot of garbage science - so one needs to be very careful with the data. The good news is that your body seems to somehow take care of the problem IF you stop the constant influx. Some specific particle-measurements actually go down if people stop using products polluted with certain kinds of particles. So, prophylaxes and minimizing plastic in day to day life is the way to go for now. That said, not all plastics are equally bad - some don't seem to have a negative effect at all - it's very complex. A life completely without plastic is tedious and also unnecessary. If I find the time, I will go into more detail and what everyone can do from a practical standpoint.

I can send you the full paper next time when I am in the clinic since we have NEJM access! https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822 Well, the study looks at people who underwent carotid endarterectomy and that usually means (depending on on the guideline) a 60%+ stenosis (asymptomatic) of the artery - meaning there is already a significant amount of atherosclerotis degeneratuion underlying the whole cardiovascular system. So we are propably talking about patients who did not choose the healthiest life-path to begin with - I can't give you the exact numbers (controls & adjustments) at the moment (since I am already at home), but I will get back to you asap! What is pretty crazy however, is that the presence of microplastic in the atheroma itself seems to be an independent major predictor of the structural integrity of the atherosclerotic lesion and therefore a huge risk factor for it "bursting", causing a stroke or heart attack in the process. Why only some individuals seem to deposit such compounds in their lesions, while others don't is still up to debate. Maybe there are certain risk factors like smoking or hypertension that increase the tendency while others maybe be neutral towards it. It seems like the mononuclear phagocyte system is very much involved in this process - and there is quite a lot of mechanistical speculation going on at the moment. But just the numbers themselves, that HR - that's almost unheard of. We might find out that those compounds are as - if not more detrimental than some of our classical cardiovascular risk factors in the near future!

The DMT machine elves told me

This is very dangerous nonsense.

Well, I tried. Good luck with your life, Yousif!

Your underlying misunderstanding lies in the assumption that biological systems deteriorate in the same manner as mechanical ones do. Contrary to the notion that the heart succumbs to wear and tear like a vehicle reaching its mileage limit, the biological reality operates on a fundamentally different premise. Consider a theoretical exploration involving identical twins, indistinguishable in DNA, upbringing, and lifestyle, adhering to an identical diet throughout their lives. Imagine that at the age of ten, one twin—whom we'll name John—begins a regimen of regular exercise, while his brother James leads a sedentary lifestyle. Fast forward to their 70th birthday, and following a celebration, they subject themselves to an advanced heart health assessment in a clinic equipped with futuristic technology. Despite both hearts being chronologically aged at 70 years, John's heart demonstrates markedly superior efficiency in blood circulation. Not only does it appear more youthful via ultrasound, but it excels across every metric evaluated. Curious about these discrepancies, they undergo a heart biopsy for a closer examination at the cellular level. Under the scrutiny of the microscope, the differences become starkly apparent. John's cardiac cells exhibit enhanced resilience against the degenerative forces that besiege us all as we age. This resilience is evident in the diminished susceptibility to free radical damage, the upregulation of epigenetic markers boosting mitochondrial energy production, improved lysosomal degradation, and elongated telomeres indicating a greater capacity for cell division. Furthermore, John's consistent physical activity has augmented his VO2 max, optimizing oxygen delivery to his cells and amplifying their adaptive responses. James, in a moment of revelation, exclaims, "AHHHH!!!" He finally understands that the heart is not akin to a car. This moment underscores a crucial insight: living organisms are comprised of cells—entities capable of division and complex self-renewal, allowing our bodies to repair and fortify themselves against a multitude of challenges. We even have some special kind of cells, called stemcells - which under certain circumstance can produce new tissue ad infinitum. Thus, the aging of biological systems cannot be simplified to mere temporal strain. It is a profoundly intricate process, far surpassing any mechanical analogy. This complex dynamic makes it possible that an biological system which objectively went through more "movement"/"effort" or "strain" can be biologically younger and healthier than a sedentary counterpart.