#1175 - Chris Kresser & Dr. Joel Kahn

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Exploring Dietary Diversity and the Role of Nutrition

  • Dr. Kahn shares his extensive experience with plant-based nutrition and cardiology.
  • Chris Crescer discusses the complexities of dietary approaches for chronic illness.
  • The conversation highlights the need for personalized dietary recommendations based on individual health.
• 00:13:54

  Critique of Nutritional Epidemiology and Its Limitations

  • Nutritional epidemiology relies on self-reported data, which is often inaccurate.
  • Healthy user bias complicates the interpretation of dietary studies and their outcomes.
  • Observational studies in nutrition yield low relative risks that are often misrepresented.
• 00:22:54

  Paleo Diet and Cancer Risks: A Deep Dive into Nutrition Studies

  • Paleo dieters are often misunderstood in health discussions about meat consumption.
  • Recent studies highlight the increased cancer risk associated with animal protein intake.
  • Observational studies show vegetarians may have a lifespan advantage over omnivores.
• 00:32:24

  The evolving understanding of dietary fats and health risks

  • Dietary recommendations on fat and cholesterol have changed significantly over time.
  • Processed meat consumption is linked to cancer risk but context matters.
  • Total mortality is the key endpoint when evaluating dietary impacts on health.
• 00:44:18

  Debate on Saturated Fat and Heart Disease Guidelines

  • Saturated fat and dietary cholesterol guidelines are questioned based on recent research.
  • Historical dietary guidelines may be misinformed, leading to public confusion.
  • Emerging studies suggest a need to reevaluate the health impacts of saturated fats.
• 01:01:16

  Debate on Nutrition Science: Old vs. New Evidence

  • Discussion on validity of nutritional studies from the 1950s and 1960s.
  • Importance of randomized controlled trials over observational studies highlighted.
  • Debate on the impact of saturated fat on health continues with evolving evidence.
• 01:15:21

  Debate on Saturated Fat's Impact on Heart Disease

  • Saturated fat's role in heart disease remains a controversial topic among experts.
  • Recent studies indicate a relationship between saturated fat intake and heart attack risk.
  • Cochrane database findings suggest reducing saturated fat can lower heart disease risk.
• 01:30:10

  Debate on Dietary Fat and Longevity Research Insights

  • Epidemiological studies suggest complex relationships between saturated fat and health outcomes.
  • Lifestyle factors play a significant role in longevity beyond just diet choices.
  • The importance of randomized controlled trials is emphasized in nutritional research.
• 01:42:53

  Debate on Dietary Guidelines and Saturated Fat Science

  • Discussion on outdated dietary guidelines based on old science and funding conflicts.
  • 2020 USDA guidelines limited saturated fat intake despite newer evidence suggesting change.
  • Concerns raised about scientific integrity and conflicts of interest in nutritional research.
• 01:51:24

  Debate on Saturated Fat and Dietary Guidelines

  • Discussion centers on the controversy over saturated fat and heart disease.
  • Participants question USDA dietary guidelines and their implications on health.
  • Individual dietary responses to saturated fat are highlighted as a key issue.
• 01:59:18

  Saturated Fat and Aging: Unpacking the Science

  • Saturated fat impacts aging through specific biochemical pathways like mTOR and PK-RAS.
  • High carbohydrate diets can exacerbate the harmful effects of saturated fat.
  • Research suggests plant-based proteins may reduce cancer risk compared to animal proteins.
• 02:06:39

  Debate on Red Meat Consumption and Health Outcomes

  • Red meat consumption is linked to increased cancer and heart disease risks.
  • Research debates the credibility of observational studies versus clinical trials.
  • IGF-1 levels from diet impact long-term health and disease outcomes.
• 02:13:42

  Debate on Saturated Fat and Cholesterol’s Impact on Heart Disease

  • Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol, impacting heart disease risk, according to studies.
  • Debate exists on the relationship between dietary cholesterol and heart disease.
  • Recent meta-analyses suggest saturated fat intake correlates with cardiovascular disease risk.
• 02:23:57

  Debate on Saturated Fat and Heart Disease Advances Understanding

  • Controversies surrounding saturated fat and its impact on heart disease continue.
  • Emerging science highlights the role of new treatments in managing cholesterol.
  • Recent studies suggest dietary cholesterol may not be as harmful as once believed.
• 02:33:42

  Debate on TMAO and Diet: Red Meat vs. Fish

  • Ultra-processed food consumption negatively impacts gut health and TMAO levels.
  • Fish consumption is consistently linked to reduced heart disease risks.
  • Scientific debates highlight complexities around TMAO's role in diet and health.
• 02:42:01

  Debate on TMAO Levels in Fish and Health Risks

  • TMAO levels in fish are significantly higher than in other foods.
  • Fish consumption linked to increased risk of diabetes according to some studies.
  • Debate exists on the health implications of fish intake and TMAO.
• 02:48:45

  Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Diet and Health

  • Increased fish consumption is linked to lower diabetes risk, but evidence is debated.
  • Discussions highlight complexities in dietary recommendations and nutritional mechanisms.
  • True Health Initiative emphasizes diverse expert opinions on healthy eating practices.
• 02:54:51

  Exploring Meat Allergies and Their Health Implications

  • 24% of Virginians have antibodies to alpha-gal, leading to meat allergies.
  • New studies show correlations between meat consumption and health risks.
  • Causation and correlation in nutritional studies can be misleading.
• 03:01:13

  Discussion on Nutritional Science and Plant-Based Diets

  • Eating a diet predominantly of plants can enhance overall health significantly.
  • B12 deficiency is a critical concern for vegetarians and vegans.
  • Nutrient density varies between animal and plant foods, influencing dietary choices.
• 03:09:12

  The Importance of B12 and Nutrients in Vegan Diets

  • Vitamin B12 supplementation is crucial for those following a plant-based diet.
  • Higher rates of B12 deficiency are observed among vegans compared to omnivores.
  • Factory farming impacts the availability of natural B12 sources in the diet.
• 03:15:51

  Debate on Nutritional Approaches and Health Implications

  • Discussion on iodine sources and dietary implications for various diets.
  • Debate on the efficacy and risks of the carnivore diet.
  • Examination of nutrient absorption and long-term health effects.
• 03:26:47

  Exploring Diet: Fiber Vs. Meat for Optimal Health

  • The discussion centers on the impact of different diets on health.
  • Fiber intake is debated amidst claims of meat's health benefits.
  • Historical dietary patterns show a mix of plant and animal foods.
• 03:36:11

  Debate on Diets: Vegan vs. Standard American Diet

  • Medicare supports various diets, including plant-based, for heart health reversal.
  • The standard American diet is criticized for its health risks and lack of nutrients.
  • Nutrient density of diets, especially organ meats, is highlighted as crucial for health.