Why LDL rises on low-carb and lipoprotein nuance

Host Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Daniel Trevor—entrepreneur-turned "citizen scientist" and author of Unholy Trinity: How Carbs, Sugars, and Oils Make Us Fat, Sick, and Addicted, and How to Escape Their Grip. After a near-fatal heart attack, Daniel dove into medical literature, clinician interviews, and self-tracking. He shares the arguments behind his book, why he believes hyperinsulinemia is a "gateway disease," how diet patterns may influence cardiometabolic risk and cravings, and the testing he advocates so people can "don't guess—test." We also discuss controversy in nutrition science, harm-reduction ways to experiment with food choices, and how to navigate mixed messages from experts.

About our guest

Daniel Trevor has founded high-tech companies, worked in anti-aging projects, and spent 20 years as an actor and musician. His health crisis catalyzed a research journey that informed Unholy Trinity. He now writes and speaks about low-carb/keto to carnivore approaches, lab testing, and lifestyle change.

What we cover

Daniel's pivot from "Mr. Healthy" to heart-attack survivor and researcher

Hyperinsulinemia → insulin resistance → cardiometabolic disease (Daniel's "gateway disease" model)

Why some people see a rise in LDL on low-carb diets and what advanced lipoprotein testing (e.g., NMR LipoProfile) may reveal

"Lean-mass hyper-responder" profile: high LDL with low triglycerides and high HDL—what it means and why it's debated

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, soft vs. calcified plaque, and the "CAC paradox" as Daniel understands it

Grains, seed oils, and sugar: Daniel's case for their role in appetite, cravings, and disease risk; critique of popular diet guidance

Statins, side effects, and absolute risk/benefit as presented by Daniel (and why shared decision-making matters)

Practical, harm-reduction steps: food substitutions, lab work, and building a sustainable plan

Where Daniel's thinking intersects—and conflicts—with mainstream guidelines, and how listeners can evaluate claims

Key takeaways

"Don't guess—test." Daniel urges listeners to use accessible labs and scans (prioritizing a small set if resources are limited) and to pair results with symptoms and function.

Protein and structure can reduce chaos. He advocates prioritizing animal protein, minimizing refined carbs/sugars and seed oils, and making like-for-like swaps to lower cravings.

Context matters. Individual responses vary (genetics, meds, comorbidities, history with restriction/addiction). Go slow, track, and use support.

Hold nuance. Nutrition science evolves; some claims remain contested. Use informed consent and a collaborative care team.

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.