Shawn Stevenson, bestselling author and creator of The Model Health Show, discusses the impact of metabolism on sustainable habit changes and brain health, identifying damaging foods and crucial nutrients. They also cover the prevalence of ultra-processed foods, the importance of personalized nutrition, and overcoming challenges to find hope.
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Quick takeaways
Eating together as a family promotes healthier eating habits and reduces stress levels.
Our culture influences our behaviors and norms, leading to unhealthy habits and choices.
Consuming ultra-processed foods and unhealthy oils contributes to obesity and chronic diseases.
Understanding the impact of our evolutionary history and medication usage on our health is crucial.
Deep dives
Importance of Eating Together as a Family
Eating together as a family has numerous benefits, including a higher consumption of vital nutrients and lower intake of ultra-processed foods. Studies have shown that families who eat together regularly have healthier eating habits and lower risk of chronic diseases. This intentional meal planning and shared experience creates a protective environment for health and reduces stress levels. Eating together three times a week has been shown to decrease overweight and obesity in children and promote overall well-being.
The Influence of Culture on Unhealthy Habits
The current culture we live in largely promotes unhealthy habits and choices, making it challenging to adopt and sustain healthy changes. From pervasive ultra-processed foods to sedentary lifestyles, our culture shapes our behaviors and norms. The prevalence of obesity, metabolic health issues, and chronic diseases reflects the impact of our culture on our well-being. Changing our culture starts with our own families and communities, setting an example and creating a new norm around health and well-being.
The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods and Unhealthy Oils
The rise in obesity and chronic diseases can be attributed in part to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and unhealthy oils. Ultra-processed foods, high in additives, preservatives, and refined ingredients, contribute to poor health outcomes and obesity. The shift from wholesome, natural oils to unstable and inflammatory vegetable oils has altered our bodies' composition and increased the prevalence of inflammation. Opting for healthier oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and cold-processed seed oils can support better health.
The Impact of Stress and Environmental Factors on Health
Stress, whether mental, emotional, or physical, plays a significant role in our overall health. Studies show that eating together as a family decreases stress levels and promotes better well-being. Additionally, our environment, filled with synthetic chemicals and pollutants, affects our genes and bodily functions. Awareness of the stressors in our lives and making conscious efforts to reduce stress can significantly impact our health outcomes.
Understanding the Evolutionary Impact on Health
The podcast episode highlights the importance of understanding the impact of our evolutionary history on our current health. It discusses the concentrations and exposures we have evolved to, such as substances like marijuana, and how they have shaped our health. It also emphasizes the role of polypharmacy and its prevalence in the United States, where approximately 70% of adults are on some form of prescription drug. The episode examines the correlation between high medication usage and the chronic disease rates in the United States. Additionally, it raises awareness about the significant impact of certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and opioids, on immune health and infection rates. It calls for more attention to the role of the liver and how it affects our overall health and well-being.
The Realities of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
The podcast delves into the rise of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its implications for overall health. It explains how historically, fatty liver disease was mainly associated with heavy alcohol consumption, but the modern prevalence is primarily due to other factors, particularly diet and lifestyle choices. The episode highlights the importance of the liver's role in metabolizing drugs and how prolonged exposure to pharmaceuticals can contribute to liver dysfunction. It stresses the impact of excessive sugar intake on liver health, insulin resistance, and the increased risk of conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. The discussion prompts us to reconsider our diet and lifestyle choices to protect the health of this vital organ.
The Downsides of Prescription Medications
The podcast sheds light on the serious issues surrounding prescription medications and the potential dangers they pose. It shares shocking statistics that reveal approximately 180,000 Americans die annually from properly prescribed medications. The episode examines the flaws in the current healthcare model, emphasizing how it relies heavily on medications and perpetuates a cycle of sickness instead of addressing root causes. It calls for better education, ethics, and a shift towards prioritizing holistic approaches to healthcare. The discussion highlights the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own health and explore alternative options to achieve overall well-being.
Creating a Healthier Family Culture
The podcast provides valuable insights into fostering a healthier family culture. It stresses the significance of family meals and the positive impact they can have on overall health and well-being. The episode encourages families to set aside time for at least three meals together each week and offers practical strategies to make it enjoyable and engaging. It emphasizes the importance of involving children in meal preparation and leveraging psychology to create a more engaging and joyful experience. The discussion highlights the power of shifting family dynamics, simplifying the process, and building healthier habits for generations to come.
Shawn Stevenson is a bestselling author and the creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the #1 health podcast in the U.S. with millions of listener downloads each year. A graduate of The University of Missouri—St. Louis, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and went on to be the founder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance, a company that provides wellness services for individuals and organizations worldwide. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Muscle & Fitness, ABC News, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. He is also a frequent keynote speaker for numerous organizations, universities, and conferences.
In this episode you will learn,
The number one reason why healthy habit changes often fail to work long-term for most people.
How metabolism and its intricate functioning impact sustainable habit changes.
The profound influence of food on brain health and cognitive functions.
Identifying popular foods that are damaging to brain health.
The primary nutrient crucial for brain health and cognition.
