
Real Talk, Whole Life
Welcome to Real Talk, Whole Life—part candid phone call with your nerdy best friends, part myth-busting, and entirely unfiltered. Wellness without the woo. Womanhood without the guilt. Wisdom from the fine folks who survived dial-up and low-fat lies.Host Stacy Toth brings honest, heartfelt conversations about what it means to live fully—in your body, your brain, and your messy, magical life. From midlife mayhem and mental health to Botox alternatives and book recs, we’re covering it all—with a side of sarcasm and a whole lot of heart.No shame. No pseudoscience. Just the kind of conversations you actually want to hear when you call a friend—especially if “wellness” has never quite felt like it was made for you.Rooted in womanhood, open to anyone who’s ever been side-eyed in a yoga studio. Come for the hot takes, stay for the healing.Real Talk, Whole Life is hosted by Stacy Toth, bestselling diet culture author turned anti-diet health at any size educator. Her goal is to create a safe space for all to explore their own version of wellness without the elitist self-focused woo woo. Previously The Whole View and The Paleo View, this evolution of the podcast is a reflection of the growth we all go through exploring being middle aged. Expect a wide variety of guests on an even greater variety of topics, but always inclusive ways for non-toxic living (mental and physical).
Latest episodes

Sep 7, 2018 • 1h 3min
Episode 316: Is the Carnivore Diet Healthy?
Ep. 316: Is the Carnivore Diet Healthy?
In this episode, Stacy and Sarah are worried about the growing popularity of the carnivore diet. Where did this bizarre idea come from and why is it that people claim that it makes them feel good? And why is Sarah pulling out her hair in frustration about this topic?
Click here to listen in iTunes
If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes!
The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 316: Is the Carnivore Diet Healthy?
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Welcome back! Sarah is steamed like a veggie and ready to climb onto a soapbox!
We thought that we had this covered when we emphasized how important veggies were to your health is shows like Episode 281 and Episode 286
But the carnivore trend has been persistent, so we thought we should address it directly
We've been hearing about it for a while, but it first came to our attention with a viral video about a man who only fed his family steak.
Stacy was shocked! How are those kids getting their nutrients?!
Question from Anna: "My husband has heard from several successful people who swear by a carnivore diet (Zooko Wilcox for example). It's a diet that cuts out plant foods, which to me sounds absolutely horrendous, but he wanted to try it because he has a much higher need for protein than I do and is usually craving red meat. I told him he was crazy, but spent the next 2 days essentially shoving red meat down his throat. This convinced him that consuming only meat was maybe a little much and he's back on the green wagon with me. It did leave me wondering though as to the potential for a carnivore diet to work with some people. Meat has all 20 amino acids and if you include organ meat, then I wonder if that would cover all your bases for vitamins and minerals. I'm curious, is there is any validity to such a diet if done right? Or if it is just slowly breaking down the body by depleting the consumer of some (or several) things?"
Stacy questions Anna's consumption of Oreos, while Sarah is totally on board.
Stacy recommends Trader Joe's Jojos, while Sarah prefers the dairy-free Glutino chocolate sandwich cookies.
Question from Janet: "I've been on the AIP for quite a while now, and was on a more general paleo diet for years before that. I think I know *a bit* about healthy eating at this point, and understand the general concepts. But, I've been hearing about the carnivore diet lately, and it's leaving me stumped. I've heard anecdotes about it curing autoimmune issues (I'm assuming because it cuts out the same foods AIP does, plus a whole lot more), making people feel younger, people losing weight, and somehow also still feeling healthy. Someone close to me (no, this isn't a "a friend wanted me to ask you…" question) is considering it, and before I scream "NO!" I thought I'd see if you ladies had any input… What's the science? Is there any? Shouldn't they all have scurvy? How can they not be incredibly sick, without any vegetables in their life?"
Diet was pioneered by Shawn Baker who will sell you the Carnivore Diet System coaching. That's a red flag!
Check out our Insulin show about why at least some carbs are important as well as our show about the dangers of ketogenic diets.
Shawn Baker had his medical license revoked in 2017 in part for incompetence.'
He was taken seriously because he was a good athlete (records in indoor rowing) and so seemed to "prove" that it worked
Only one study, a case study, from the 30s investigated a carnivore diet. A man attempted to copy the Inuit diet and Belview hospital observed him. Back then, though, our ability to measure health wasn't as advanced. He was eating a lot of organ meat, including raw organ meat.
He didn't get scurvy, but that's probably due to the raw organ meat, which has Vitamin C.
Meanwhile, Shawn Baker isn't eating organ meat and hasn't done any bloodwork to check in on his health at all! He's also spending so much time attacking science and claiming outlandish claims about mineral demands of the body go down when you eat only meat.
He's advocating a diet that will hurt people AND sowing distrust of science and the scientific method!
Yes, science can change, but the method is refining our knowledge and it gives us a base to point to when we try to decide what will be best.
Many people out there are trying to prey upon people's trust for money.
There are lots of carnivore diet articles that address short time success. But honestly, that's probably due to the boredom effect: eating the same food over and over again will make you eat less of it, reducing calorie intake.
Also, meat is highly satiating, meaning you are satisfied quicker and longer, leading to reduced caloric intake.
And rapid weight loss is not great and if you do it with a nutrient deficiency you will cause health issues!
The claims of nutrient requirements going down is not backed up by scientific studies
While we find evolutionary biology to be fascinating, it's not proof of anything. It functions as a hypothesis for nutritional science.
Despite what is claimed, hunter-gatherers when through great lengths to find vegetable material to eat! Even the Inuits had a lot of plants in their diet, about 15%.
The farther south you go, the more plant matter is consumed by hunter-gatherers, up to more than 50%!
There are no vegan hunter-gatherers and there are no carnivore hunter-gatherers! Everyone is an omnivore
Often meat consumption is over estimated because male ethnographers mainly studied male hunters, not the gatherer section of the population
People will cite studies of "carnivore" hunter-gatherers that do not support such a claim at all!
Three main things missing on a carnivore diet: Vitamin C, fiber for the gut microbiome, and phytochemicals
We get a lot of Vitamin C added in things with citric acid, ascorbic acid, etc. which often will stave off scurvy
Fiber is the main food of the most beneficial gut microbes. Cutting them out could make you sick!
Plant phytochemicals are anti-aging and anti-cancer!
Also not enough folate, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.
Scurvy symptoms take a while to show up. We store vitamin C, so it takes time to deplete it. Also, small amounts can stave off the major symptoms
Scurvy is a thing! A study found Vitamin C deficiency in 5-17% of the population, especially in younger people. Is that because of low carb diets?
Scurvy takes about a month to start setting in, more or less. Initially, there are flu like symptoms: feeling unwell, fatigue, fever, nausea, diarrhea, pain in joints and muscles, bleeding at hair follicles.
Major symptoms: bleeding gums, loose teeth, bulging eyes, brown and scaly skin, bruising, breaking hair, slow healing woulds, bleeding and swelling joints. It's very hard to get to that point in modern society!
People talk about a lot of symptoms on carnivore forums. They're often scurvy symptoms or GI issues from shifts in gut microbiome.
Sarah talks about the gut microbiome in What Is the Gut Microbiome? And Why Should We Care? and also in her fiber ebook Fantastic Fiber
Many things are labeled as "non-essential" nutrients. But these are nutrients that you don't need to keep living, but are probably essential to good health! You still want and need them!
This is all why our paleo diet emphasizes vegetable consumption.
Get your questions in! We want to hear from you! And there's no end to questions we can answer and topics we can address!
Engage on social media! That's how we get feedback!
Thank you for listening!
Relevant posts The Link Between Meat and Cancer The Diet We’re Meant to Eat, Part 1: Evolution & Hunter-Gatherers The Diet We’re Meant to Eat, Part 2: Physiological & Biological Evidence The Diet We’re Meant to Eat, Part 3: How Much Meat versus Veggies? The Case for More Carbs: Insulin’s Non-Metabolic Roles in the Human Body The Importance of Vegetables Is It Better to Eat Veggies Raw or Cooked? The Importance of Nutrient Density
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Aug 31, 2018 • 1h 15min
Episode 315: The Scoop on Red Light and Infrared Therapy
Ep. 315: The Scoop on Red Light and Infrared Therapy
In this episode, Stacy and Sarah tackle red light and infrared therapy and whether it's true science or fake quackery!
Click here to listen in iTunes
If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes!
The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 315: The Scoop on Red Light and Infrared Therapy
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Stacy went to the lake (and the boats stayed on the roof!) and has finally learned to stand and paddle her board!
Sarah's kids have been at school for almost a month and she now has a middle schooler!
Cole turned 13, so Stacy now has a teenager! School starts for her this week!
This week's podcast is sponsored by Joov! If you want to check out Joov's light therapy boxes, visit https://joovv.com/paleoview
Joovv is the main consumer product on the market that optimizes all the variables needed to hit that therapeutic window. Many other products out there use dosages and power outputs that are too low to achieve benefits, don’t use the right wavelengths, or don’t target large enough areas of our bodies (or better yet, target our entire body!).
New FDA-approved electrostatic-coated LEDs that deliver even more intensity and have passed rigorous 3rd-party testing.
Brand new modular design that lets you build a full-body Joovv system now—OR over time. The cool thing is that you can start with just one Joovv, and add on to it over time. Sort of like legos for light therapy!
Lastly, all Joovvs now come with a cool built-in Bluetooth control that’s compatible with their new app as well as multiple connected home devices like Alexa and Google Home. “Alexa, I want to Joovv for 10 minutes.”
Sarah loves hers and wants to build a whole room of them to stand in!
Question from Terri: "I am considering purchasing a Red Light Therapy device...I have read about the sweet spots and the NM needed to be beneficial. I don't want to waste any money, so.....are they effective, or just a fad? I am most interested in skin rejuvenation, surface capillaries, joint and muscle effects. Thank You. Sarah, I value your advice. There are so many scam artists "out there"....hard to know what to believe!!!"
Sarah believes in red light therapy because it's so well supported by scientific research!
Dates back to the 1960s, when we discovered that low-level laser light caused mouse hair to grow back more quickly and also stimulated wound healing
By the 1970s, low-level lasers on humans treated non-healing skin ulcers.
Research on this therapy has grown to include various skin benefits (including wrinkle reduction!), weight loss, oral health improvement, improved muscle recovery, better sleep quality, enhanced thyroid health, reduced joint pain and inflammation
Super well researched: over 3,000 published clinical studies on light therapy, including over 200 of them double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled (the gold standard!).
How does it work? It excites chromophores in your mitochondria and stimulates the energy chemical ATP to form!
Induces transcription factors that play role in: protein synthesis, cytokine modulation, cell proliferation growth factors (muscle recovery, tissue repair, collagen formation), angiogenesis, tissue oxygenation, Endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, iNOS), Liver regeneration, inflammatory mediators (pro and anti), CNS health (increases bone-derived neurotrophic factor)
Immune cells are strongly affected by red light therapy, Strongly anti-inflammatory, Improves wound healing, Reverses age-related immune dysfunction, Promotes “M1-related immunoregulation” (immune balancing), Antiviral immunity, Antitumor immunity (inhibits tumor growth in studies), Pathogeneisis of autoimmune disease
Effects on fibroblasts (collagen-forming cells), enhances production of basic fibroblast growth factor, increases the proliferation, maturity, and motility of fibroblasts (a type of cell that produces collagen and extracellular matrix). Resulting increase in collagen production responsible for much of the skin and joint benefits.
Red light also decreases joint pain! Studies have found it to be a good alternative to NSAIDs!
A study found that using red light therapy decreases the amount of thyroid medication needed
Red and near infrared light has been shown to boost collagen, smooth wrinkles, enhance tone, boost healing and skin regeneration, reducing inflammation and cellular necrosis, and even combating acne. It helps with vitiligo, psoriasis, scars, and more!
Existing research has shown that wavelengths of 635 nm can significantly reduce overall body circumference measurements of regions that have been spot-treated, including the waist, thighs, upper arms, and hips (and, studies are increasingly showing that these effects remain in place long-term!).
There is an ideal wavelength for red light therapy. The best absorption by our tissues peaks in the ranges of 660-670 nm and 830-850 nm
Currently, Joovv is the main consumer product on the market that optimizes all the variables needed to hit that therapeutic window. Many other products out there use dosages and power outputs that are too low to achieve benefits, don’t use the right wavelengths, or don’t target large enough areas of our bodies (or better yet, target our entire body!).
Go to https://joovv.com/paleoview to get yours today!
Get your questions in! We want to hear from you! And there's no end to questions we can answer and topics we can address!
Engage on social media! That's how we get feedback!
Thank you for listening!
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Aug 24, 2018 • 1h 10min
Episode 314: Is Melatonin Safe?
Ep. 314: Is Melatonin Safe?In this episode, Stacy and Sarah discuss melatonin and whether it is safe to use for sleep Click here to listen in iTunesor download and listen by clicking the PodBean Player below If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes! The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 314: Is Melatonin Safe?
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Question from Brianna: " My daughter (10) has significant challenges falling asleep and has since she was one. I had to stop napping her at that age or she would be up until 12 at night. She still has a lot of problems falling asleep despite- reducing screen time (I am working on eliminating 2 hours before bed) she sleeps in a cool, dark room, etc.. Problem is-her brain doesn't shut off. Last year I introduced Melatonin to her and it made a world of difference and she is now getting 8+ hours of sleep a night. I have heard it referenced on your show I believe by Stacy that she has used it (or maybe a family member). I have also listened to "The Model Health Show" and he reports there that taking Melatonin is very harmful and will actually stop you from making your own. Can you provide any insight to this. I don't want to harm my daughter but I like her much better when she gets ample sleep :)"
Get your questions in! We want to hear from you! And there's no end to questions we can answer and topics we can address!
Engage on social media! That's how we get feedback!
Thank you for listening!
References:
Immunomodulatory (synergistic with zinc) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26130320, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25611919)
Oncostatic https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9247204
Anticarcinogenic https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18815150
Anti-aging https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30092361
Anti-obesogen https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24654916
Hepato-protective https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24251672
Balances effector vs regulatory T cells, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26130320)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21893693 may help halt progression of disease activity in ulcerative colitis (5mg daily)
10g daily in RA, shifted inflammatory markers (some went up, some went down) and no change in symptoms: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17506781
Tart cherry juice can stimulate melatonin secretion https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22038497
Magnesium supplementation can improve melatonin levels in primary insomnia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23853635
Pediatric doses? 1-3mg in children https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4372534/
I definitely recommend keeping the dose on the low side, say 0.1 to 0.5 mgram. https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article-pdf/20/10/908/13660931/sleep-20-10-908.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17506781 postmenopausal women showed increase in sleep quality over 26 weeks of supplementation, melatonin also aided weight loss on a 1500 calorie a day diet, 5mg daily
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30045006 postmenopausal women had improvements in menopause symptoms and lost weight over 12 months, 3mg in the morning and 5mg in the evening
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21226679 a cocktail of 5 mg melatonin, 225 mg magnesium, and 11.25 mg zinc improved quality of sleep in primary insomnia
0.5mg enough to entrench circadian rhythms in blind people https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3682489/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5096296/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26579570
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14698569
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2514154
review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5798185/
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Aug 17, 2018 • 59min
Episode 313: The Bone Broth Show Part 2
Ep. 313: The Bone Broth Show Part 2
In this episode, it's been years since we've talked about it, so let's rediscover how much bone broth rules!
Click here to listen in iTunes
If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes!
The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 313: The Bone Broth Show Part 2
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Sarah's kids are back at school! Time is now SQUINCHED!
Today we're sponsored by Kettle and Fire Bone Broth! The Paleo View listeners get 10% off (one per customer with no minimum purchase)
No code needed just visit https://www.kettleandfire.com/paleoview
The Bone Broth Show from 2014! Seemed like about time to do part 2!
Rapid Fire Broth Questions!
Can I reuse bones, and if yes how many times?
Until they are crumbly! With chicken this might be one time
First time is more collagen, more times is more minerals.
Mine never gels! To gel or not to gel, does it really matter?
Not really. It just means more collagen in the broth. You'd need a lot of skin or connective tissue to get gelling or more concentration
Try chicken feet or pig feet or ox tail or ham hocks or chicken heads if you want that. And it's cheap!
Tip: skim off the scum that rises after ten minutes or dump and refill after ten minutes for a better, less bitter broth!
Is two hours really long enough for broth in the the instant pot?
That would be fine, but we do several cycles of two hours for best broth. 2 for chicken, 4 for beef
Divide by four for what you would do on the stove top.
How can you consume bone broth with a histamine intolerance?
Histamine is created by immune cells in an allergic reaction.
Lots of food contain histamine, particularly meat foods. Its converted histadine
In The Paleo Approach, Sarah has a list of every food that has been tested for histamine. But there is no study that has broth as a high histamine food!
If you're having problems, make your own from cold bones and don't keep it at room temperature.
Check out our collagen show for more!
I’m struggling with the taste, any tips? When do I add my veggies when making it?
Make sure you're skimming or dumping the bitter scum!
Don't add your veggies too soon! Only in the last hour of cooking!
Take the fat off, but don't reuse it! That fat is oxidized and not good for eating!
Try different kinds of broth! Any animal will make a broth!
Salt your broth so it's not so bland!
And if you don't want to drink a mug of broth, that's totally fine too! Add it to recipes, make soup!
Do you need apple cider vinegar to make broth and if yes, why?
No you don't! It's supposed to help demineralize bones. But you're not adding enough to actually do anything.
And it doesn't add free glutamate either
Does it matter if I buy the more expensive, or will any bone broth do? Are there bone broths as good as homemade?
Kettle and Fire, of course! It's made with real grass fed bones.
Keep in mind that broth is not nutrient rich. It's for the collagen mostly! You need a quality base for that broth.
When drinking broth is there any other ingredient needed to aid in the absorption?
Check out the amino acid show! You'll absorb the amino acids very well with broth.
If you forget your broth overnight is it spoiled?
Did it simmer over night or was it off and sitting?
Hey! Just boil it for ten minutes to disinfect.
The important thing is are there food particles in there? Because bacteria needs something to cling to.
How often should you drink/cook with it to have gut health benefits?
Depends on the overall quality of your diet! Are you getting a lot of other collagen?
For AIP people, Sarah says 1/2 C per day
Take whatever applies to your life and make that a habit!
Why is it now so popular when it’s been around forever?
Because it's amazing!
Stacy noticed it started its revival when Brodo started in New York City
Plus it has been popularized by GAPS diet and Weston A. Price Foundation as well.
It's also a way to use your food more!
Stacy recommends Hungry Harvest as well
Is it true that microwaving kills the good stuff?
Absolutely not! It's the same as heating any other way!
Get your questions in! We want to hear from you! And there's no end to questions we can answer and topics we can address!
Engage on social media! That's how we get feedback!
Thank you for listening!
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Aug 10, 2018 • 44min
Episode 312: 6 Year Podversary Show
Ep. 312: 6 Year Podversary ShowIn this episode, we're 6 years old! Let's celebrate by talking favorite episodes! Click here to listen in iTunesIf you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes! The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 312: 6 Year Podversary Show
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Myth Busting
TPV Episode 14 Show Notes: Practical Paleo 2-Food Prep (Germs of Food from Double Dipping)
Microwaves: Episode 226, The Perfect Plate? & Episode 296: Should I Be Concerned About EMFs?
Baby Wipes and Personal Care Products
Episode 297: Is There a Connection Between Allergies & Baby Wipes?
Episode 275: Cancer Risk from Personal Care Items
Episode 290: Mrs. Toth Goes to Washington
Sunscreen Safety & Blue light blocking
Aspartame (because a person I love quit it from that show)
Episode 309: Aspartame is Evil
The importance of carbohydrates, especially lots of veggies
Episode 305: Why Insulin Is Important
Episode 140: The Danger of Ketogenic Diets
Episode 281: How Many Vegetables?!
Episode 286: How Many Vegetables Part 2: Lectins & Oxalates
Episode 152: All About Vegetables
Episode 304: What’s Better: Raw or Cooked Vegetables?
Cruciferous vegetables being goitrogenic
Episode 134: Paleo Myth-busters – Iodine and Thyroid Disease
Episode 127: Hashimoto’s Disease (also see)
Episode 245, Izabella Wentz and Thyroid Medications (also see)
Essential oils
Episode 272: What’s the Deal with Essential Oils?
Get your questions in! We want to hear from you! And there's no end to questions we can answer and topics we can address!
Engage on social media! That's how we get feedback!
Thank you for listening!
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Aug 3, 2018 • 27min
Episode 311: Sarah's Back From Canada!
Ep. 311: Sarah's Back From Canada!In this episode, Sarah is back from Canada and we catch up on what has happened in the last three weeks!Click here to listen in iTunesIf you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes! The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 311: Sarah's Back From Canada!
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Sarah is back from Canada! Stacy wants to test her accent!
Sarah had a terrible flight fiasco on the way back and was a day late returning
While Sarah was gone, Stacy had an experience where her roof rack tore off the roof and hasn't been able to go paddleboarding.
Stacy meanwhile played Settlers of Catan: Game of Thrones edition!
The biggest news: Stacy has no kitchen! It's being renovated!
Sarah in Canada saw her family and took her girls camping for the first time!
When her girls were little, she was intimidated to take them, but her brother was there to be the outdoorsman expert!
Stacy hasn't gone tent camping since Cole was a baby. Because she encountered a bear last time.
Sarah was camping where bears and wolves and cougars were! She taught the girls how to be safe around wildlife!
That's all the show! Sarah is too jet lagged to do research! But excellent shows are coming up!
Get your questions in! We want to hear from you! And there's no end to questions we can answer and topics we can address!
Engage on social media! That's how we get feedback!
Thank you for listening!
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Jul 27, 2018 • 1h
Episode 310: Finding Health While Housebound
Ep. 310: Finding Health While Housebound
In this episode, Stacy and Sarah answer a question from a listener who is housebound and very limited due to overwhelming fatigue and nausea. We try to help her to eat more and perhaps do AIP.
Click here to listen in iTunes
If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes!
The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 310: Finding Health While Housebound
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Stacy and Sarah are doing the Time Warp because Sarah is still in Canada this week!
Stacy stood up on her paddleboard today! And she paddled with the family for a mile or so! She's so happy to have recovered her health this much!
Sarah's philosophy is to do physical activities that are fun!
Big thanks to this weeks podcast sponsor ShopAIP! Use coupon code PALEOVIEW for 10% off your order! Use the link: bit.ly/shopaiptpv
We will be doing sponsored shows occasionally. Please support us by supporting them
They are an excellent resource for obtaining safe foods for the Autoimmune Protocol as everything is prescreened!
They have everything from snack foods to sauces to spices that are all AIP compliant!
And you can a subscription order or bundled items for additional savings!
This weeks question is a heartbreaker.
Vivian says, "Hello Sarah and Stacy. I have been following you for a few years now, and I love your show (and books, and blogs). Thank you for all the science! I have ME moderate to serious. I have endometriosis and fibromyalgia also. Trying to do AIP, bit am so disabled I don't make my own food. I think (know) that I struggle to eat enough food, Even when I get help cooking. I have a lot of nausea and struggle to eat because I have trouble sitting up. My sleep has gotten better, but I still struggle. Before I would often be tossing on my bed until 5 in the morning. My doctor has given me a prescription for melatonin, and now I sleep before 1 in the morning most nights. Still not perfect. But better. I sleep 8-16 hours. I am housebound, partly bedridden. I am really struggling to eat enough food. I wake up every morning with a horrible nausea. I have tried ginger and other things people has recommended for it, and nothing seem to work. I had a friend help me measure everything and calculate the calories for a week (it was for a nutritional specialist at the ME Clinic who wanted a diary). My daily intake (calculated) was 800-1100 calories a day. Probably it was actually a little bit less, because I did not finish the plates of food. On bad days I sometimes only eat a bag of samai chips (rainforest or plantain). Because salt and crispy goes down in small quantities. In norway (where I live), there has been some research into fish protein as a dieting method, and because of that research a few companies are producing fish protein pills, but also fish pills (from the entire fish). So I have two questions. First; do you have any suggestions on how I can manage to eat more? Second; could fish protein be a way for me to get protein in me om the days I really struggle to eat anything? I have found one that the ingredients are powdered fish, fish gelatin, magnesium and silica. I am guessing the silica is not ideal. But not eating does not seem to be doing me much good, even though people are trying to convince me fasting Will make me better. I would be so amazingly grateful for any help, as I feel very trapped in my body and my house. I want to do the AIP, and to get better. I love you both, and I really appreciate the respectful and sciency way you approach all questions."
ME refers to myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Vivian is solution oriented and that's great!
More protein is a common cure for nausea because it tightens the esophogeal sphincter.
Grazing and frequent meals is also good for nausea, avoiding an empty stomach.
Time shift your meals towards when you are less nauseous.
Ginger and mint are natural anti-emetic remedies
Fish protein might be great! It's already hydrolyzed (broken down and easier to digest) and should be great! Sarah saw white fish capsules, maybe not as healthy as salmon but a good idea
Now, the ones we found were 2g of protein for 6 pills. So this is a LOT of pills for a serving of protein
Stacy says a smoothie with collagen would be nutrient and caloric dense
Broth would be great as well (Shop AIP has Epic Broth which is great.)
Pudding or popsicles might go down well and slowly.
Vital Proteins liver pills might work well, and they are only 4 pills for 2g of protein.
Nutrient dense meats like liverwurst or braunschweiger fried in the oven would become crispy and maybe more tolerable.
Avocados and coconut are very calorically dense.
Convenience foods are very important so that people can help you quickly when you feel up to eating.
What would you have someone bring you to help?
Homemade broth
Clean, quality protein and vegetables (maybe cooked already)
Do chores that you can't do instead of food (laundry, vacuum, dusting, etc.)
If you want to do AIP but you have a but after that, then figure out what you need to do to mitigate the but.
Be strong and brave and stand up for your health! Ask for what you need for you to be healthy.
You could need to help me less if you help me with this!
If someone wants you to cheat, remind them that it's inappropriate for others to judge your choices. It doesn't effect them!
Vivian! We're rooting for you! Keep in touch!
Reminder: Big thanks to this weeks podcast sponsor ShopAIP! Use coupon code PALEOVIEW for 10% off your order! Use the link: bit.ly/shopaiptpv. Free shipping in the lower 48 and shipping to Canada, too!
Have fun in Canada, Sarah! Come back with your accent!
If you've enjoyed the show, please recommend it to someone who might enjoy it.
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Real Everything
The Paleo Mom
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Jul 20, 2018 • 53min
Episode 309: Aspartame Is Evil
Ep. 309: Aspartame Is Evil
In this episode, Stacy and Sarah talk about the sweetener found in most diet sodas, aspartame, and how dangerously detrimental it is to health on so many fronts.
Click here to listen in iTunes
If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes!
The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 309: Aspartame Is Evil
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Stacy is doing a happy dance that we are finally doing this topic!
Meanwhile this episode is recorded in advance because Sarah is in Canada
Why Is Aspartame a big problem?
Stacy is very concerned about the link between dementia and aspartame in particular
Both Stacy and Sarah have a history with diet soda with aspartame, especially Sarah and her THREE CASE a DAY habit!
There's a lot of politics involved here, which we won't go too far into, but suffice it to say that industry studies show aspartame to be harmless, but independent studies find a lot of issues with it
It's upsetting that so many studies show non-nutritive sweeteners to be problematic, but still they are marketed as safe!
Stacy recommends getting your loved ones to phase out aspartame no matter what.
One of the main ways that aspartame affects you is making it difficult to prevent oxidative damage. This means it can cause systemic inflammation, leading to damage in every cell in your body potentially.
"It's not a food, it's a poison."
This show is not to shame you but to encourage you to make better choices.
Aspartame is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide. It breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol.
While there is some concern about the phenylalanine, it's the methanol that is the most concerning; methanol is what will make you go blind from poorly made moonshine.
It's not the same as the claim "it's the same amount as from grape juice" because the methanol in fruit juice is bound with pectin and not absorbed
Methanol breaks down into two carcinogens: formaldehyde and diketopiperazine
An animal study showed that aspartame leads to a 300% increase in cancer rates. Only things like smoking and lung cancer have that kind of cancer affect. It's linked to: Liver cancer, Lung cancer, Brain cancer, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, and Central nervous system cancers
And it's linked to lifelong increased risk from exposure in utero.
Aspartame, contrary to what you would think, increases diabetes risk too
This may be due to changes in the gut microbiome.
Aspartame may inhibit enzymes that prevent endotoxins from reaching the bloodstream as well
The Paleo Diet in its original form allowed for diet sodas. This is crazy!
Using diet soda for diabetes risk is like going from the frying pan to the fire!
Huge meta-analyses reveal a strong link between aspartame and other nonnutritive sweeteners and cardiovascular disease. This also seems to occur when exposure is in utero
Aspartame is also linked to weight gain and obesity as well
The idea is that aspartame increases sugar cravings. The cycle never allows a craving to be satisfies so calorie intake becomes higher.
Aspartame increases mood issues as well. It's linked to anxiety and depression as well as cognition.
And it is linked to seizure rates, dementia, and strokes.
It increases brain cell death and brain damage in mice.
Twenty-five years ago a study into mood disorders was discontinued because it affected people with existing mood disorders so severely. And yet we still have it as a "safe" food additive!
The warning label on aspartame only addresses people with the disease phenylketonuria (PKU) and they have to avoid phenylalanine. That's it!
92% of aspartame studies not funded by industry found some health affect from aspartame.
How can you interpret that as anything other than a conspiracy?
If you've enjoyed the show, please recommend it to someone who might enjoy it.
We love when you share and when you leave reviews for us! Thanks for listening!
Real Everything
The Paleo Mom
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28886707 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15695284 “Revisiting the safety of aspartame.” 2017 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28938797 "Reshaping the gut microbiota: Impact of low calorie sweeteners and the link to insulin resistance" 2016 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27090230 “Nonnutritive sweeteners and cardiometabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies” 2017 http://www.cmaj.ca/content/189/28/E929
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Jul 13, 2018 • 45min
Episode 308: All About Amino Acids
Ep. 308: All About Amino Acids
In this episode, Stacy and Sarah talk about amino acid supplementation, empty stomaches and how your supplements compete for the attention of protein transports like they're hailing cabs in the big city!
Click here to listen in iTunes
If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes!
The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 308: All About Amino Acids
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
It is almost our 6-year podcast-iversary!
We are recording in advance this week because Sarah will be gallivanting around Canada soon.
Most all of Sarah's family lives there, and she hasn't been back to visit in two years.
She is very excited to have a vacation and visit family!
Sarah is excited about this week's topic- she did a lot of research and "nerding out."
We got a lot of great feedback on last week's show about Collagen.
This week's show is a great sister show to that topic.
Listener Question from Tess:
"I have heard people talk about amino acid competition, is this is a thing I should keep in mind? I bring it up because I eat lots of bone broth, collagen, eat meat and also take amino acids as supplements (l-glutamine and l-tyrosine). I started melting my brain about trying to take these all separate from one another, but does it matter? I would love to wash my l-tyrosine down with my collagen water in the morning, then support my gut health all day by drinking little bits of l-glutamine with or without meals! Thank for for the show, and I’m not just saying that because I want to suck up to you and get my question answered!!! I truly appreciate the sensible, practical info you both put out. I’m the type of person who really likes to know the WHY!!!"
Protein Digestion
Occurs in the stomach and first section of the small intestine.
This process is driven by hydrochloric acid.
Three main enzymes break food proteins into polypeptides.
Pepsin, Trypsin, Chymotrypsin.
Polypeptides are then broken down into peptides and amino acids by peptidase enzymes.
Exopeptidases and Dipeptidases.
About 30% of protein is absorbed as peptides, not individual amino acids.
These peptides are endocytosed or hydrolyzed inside enterocytes.
About 70% of protein is absorbed as amino acids.
In the digestive tract are 5 main families of amino acid transporters.
Divided by the types/properties of the amino acids they transport.
Neutral amino acid transporters transport: alanine, valine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, isoleucine, asparagine, threonine, glycine, proline, histidine, serine, glutamine, cysteine, tryptophan.
Different members of transporter families have higher affinity for specific amino acids.
For example, B0AT1 neutral amino acid transporter transports L-leucine, L-methionine, L-isoleucine, L-valine before it will transport L-asparagine, L-phenylalanine, L-alanine, L-serine before it will transport L-threonine, glycine, L-proline.
Cationic/Basic amino acid and cysteine transporters transport: lysine, arginine, histidine, cysteine.
Anionic/Acidic amino acid transporters transport: aspartic acid, glutamic acid.
Imino acid and glycine transporters transport: proline, hydroxyproline, glycine.
beta-Amino acid and taurine transporters transport: beta-alanine, taurine, betaine.
Generally, there are multiple pathways for any given amino acid.
Amino acids compete for binding with other high-affinity amino acids for each specific transporter.
The transporter system is extremely complex.
The body may be able to detect which amino acids are available and which the body needs, in order to prioritize amino acids.
Generally, 90% of protein we eat is digested and absorbed.
10% will pass through to the large intestine, where it may be digested by bacteria.
Low protein diets cause the body to up-regulate transporters.
Typically 1.3-10 grams per hour of amino acids can be absorbed.
If you eat a complete protein, you don't need to worry about amino acid content.
Is there a need for amino acid supplementation?
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) have been shown to improve muscle recovery and performance.
If you are working out really heavily, these can benefit.
It has to do with what the system can produce and what we can get from food.
Glycine is a commonly deficient amino acid.
We aren't eating organ meats and similar things like people used to.
Supplementing with glycine can be beneficial.
Glutamine has compelling science for supplementation.
Glutamine deficiency alone can cause leaky gut.
If you are supplementing amino acids, you want to be able to absorb them all.
Consuming them with food can create a competitive binding situation.
Taking amino acids on an empty stomach is usually recommended.
2 hours after a meal or 1 hour before.
However, amino acids are absorbed quickly, so this window is probably smaller.
We just don't know everything about amino acid absorption and competition.
It is a very complex system.
Until more is known, you are probably best off sticking with the instructions on the label.
Sarah has been trying BCAA during the past week or so.
She takes them post-workout right when she gets home.
She has been using Kion Branched Chain Amino Acid Tablets.
Stacy could notice a difference in her recovery after lifting heavy when she used to take them.
She used plain BCAA and it made her water taste like "dirty feet."
If you've enjoyed the show, please recommend it to someone who might enjoy it.
We love when you share and when you leave reviews for us! Thanks for listening!
Real Everything
The Paleo Mom
References: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227744279_Intestinal_absorption_of_peptides_through_the_enterocytes https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18195088 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1223487/
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Jul 6, 2018 • 53min
Episode 307: Are Mushrooms Really Magic?
Ep. 307: Are Mushrooms Really Magic?
In this episode, Stacy and Sarah tackle the latest trend of using mushrooms as a supplement
Click here to listen in iTunes
If you enjoy the show, please review it in iTunes!
The Paleo View (TPV), Episode 307: Are Mushrooms Really Magic?
Intro (0:00)
News and Views (0:40)
Stacy asked Sarah to prioritize this week's topic.
Sarah had to do a lot of research (and learned a lot of things!) researching this week's topic.
Stacy's question to Sarah was, "should we really be putting mushrooms in coffee?"
Listener Questions (5:55)
Jan writes, "Hey ladies!! Love your show. Thanks for everything that you do to help so many people be the best versions that they can be!!! I was wanting your thoughts on the medicinal mushroom drinks. I keep hearing about them and seeing ads for the four stigmatic drinks. I have several autoimmune so would love to know for that as well as for those that don’t have auto immunes."
Annik writes, "Bonjour Sarah et Stacy, I love your books and your podcast - the science you bring to health topics is so refreshing and helpful in navigating the tremendous amount of health claims we are bombarded with daily, and weeding out the fads and those that are not scientifically proven.This brings me to my question. The new health push seems to be for including powdered mushrooms into our diet. Claims include increased energy and reduced fatigue, mental clarity, immune boosting properties, hormone balancing, etc. Is there any science that shows the benefits of including cordyceps, chaga, lion’s mane, reishi, etc., into our diet? And if so, how long does it take for someone to feel the benefits of including these supplements into our diet? I’m particularly interested in the claims around reduced fatigue, increased energy and immune boosting properties. I do not have an autoimmune condition diagnosis yet but I have been dealing with fatigue, congestion and lots of colds in the last year which continues to be unexplained by my medical doctor. While I know quick fixes don’t work, if adding powdered mushrooms to my morning tea would help with energy then why not?!Lastly, I want to say a big thank you to Dr. Ballantyne for the Autoimmune Protocol Lecture Series. I took the 6-week course and learned so much! I was already eating a paleo diet but saw tremendous benefits in fine-tuning my diet to see how it could help with my health challenges described above. I am most grateful for the continued access to the course material; I messed up the reintroduction part and will now restart the course!Thank you both for all that you do and for your active social media info sharing. You set the standard high for evidence-based health information and make it accessible to all of us! It is highly appreciated!"
Thanks Annik for telling us how much you love the Autoimmune Lecture Series!
The next session starts Monday, September 10th.
Pre-ordering the AIP lecture series gets you 10% off.
Sarah is also offering a free trial if you want a better idea of the content.
Find the pre-order and free trial in the "shop" section at The Paleo Mom here.
Edible mushrooms are really nutrient-dense and have unique carbohydrate and fiber types.
Medicinal mushroom use goes back thousands of years.
They date back to ancient Egyptians and ancient Chinese cultures.
In the last 50 years there have been a lot of scientific studies on mushrooms.
Specifically, health-promoting properties can include:
Antioxidants
Cholesterol-lowering properties
Anti-hypertensive
Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory
Liver protection
Anti-diabetic
Antio-obesity
Anti-tumor (note, only animal studies and cell culture studies to date)
Anti-viral
Anti-microbial properties
Some drugs have been created from mushroom extracts, specifically used in cancer patients to boost immune function during treatments.
Phytochemicals found in mushrooms are a contributor to the health benefits of mushrooms.
Mushrooms are high in gallic acid.
An antioxidant and heavy metal chelator.
Mushrooms are high in Triterpenes.
These properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-virus, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and speed wound healing.
Glucans are a unique carbohydrate found in mushrooms.
Fungal glucans can be water soluble or insoluble.
Chitin fiber is a fermentable fiber found in mushrooms.
This type of fiber is great for gut health and microbiome diversity.
Some glucans are very small molecules, so they can actually bind to immune cells directly and modulate the immune system.
Mushroom extracts versus whole mushrooms.
Most medicinal extracts use a double extraction process.
Some of the compounds are water soluble and some are not.
Some medicinal preparations can have one, some, or many of these compounds included.
Well-known properties of commonly used mushrooms.
Reishi
Probably the most studied medicinal mushroom.
Main uses: lung infection (expectorant), liver protective, reduces blood pressure, improves exercise performance, adaptogen (relaxer), reduce allergies, reduce ulcers, anti inflammatory, anti-cancer , reduce infections, reduces anxiety and depression, anti-diabetes.
Maitake
Main uses: reduces high blood pressure, tumor inhibition, liver protectant, fights infection, anti-diabetic.
Shiitake
Main uses: immune regulator, tumor inhibition, antiviral, antibacterial, liver protectant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, reduces cholesterol, antimicrobial, anti-cancer.
Chaga
Main uses: immune regulator, Anti-Cancer, Anti-Viral & Anti-Inflammatory! Antioxidant, reduces cholesterol and high blood pressure, improves performance, Also adaptogenic (relaxer).
Lion's Main
Main uses: enhances brain function, anti-cancer, lowers cholesterol, reduces gastric ulcers, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, immune regulating.
Cordyceps
Main uses: energizing adaptogen, improves exercise performance, anti inflammatory, immune stimulating or regulating (fighting infection), anti-cancer, liver protective, anti-diabetes acts as a natural aphrodisiac.
Turkey Tail
Main uses: anti-cancer (one of the best studied for helping fight cancer, adjuvant for chemo patients), helps fight infection (HIV).
Almond Mushroom
Main uses: anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-virus, reduces allergies, immune regulatory.
Not edible whole, usually only available as supplement.
Mushrooms and Cancer
One of the benefits is that mushrooms can suppress the regulatory immune system and stimulate the attacking part of the immune system.
Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Turkey Tail.
Studies have show they are able to boost the immune system's ability to find and kill cancerous cells.
There are no clinical trials showing medicinal mushrooms can kill cancer.
Mushrooms and Autoimmunity
Emerging preliminary evidence suggest that mushroom extracts are immune modulators rather than immune stimulators, meaning they can help balance the immune system.
This could be because of their influence on the gut microbiome.
This could be because of the high level of phytochemicals.
Medicinal mushrooms may be beneficial in instances of under-active immune systems, overactive immune function, and dysfunctional immune systems.
Reishi and Cancer
Able to activate natural killer cells, increasing their activity and the body’s ability to fight tumors.
Reduces the chances of metastasis, which is when cancer spreads to another part of the body.
Adjunct therapy (not primary, first-line therapy) for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, and is shown to increase survival rate.
Reishi and Autoimmune Disease
Studies in RA patients showed no increase in inflammatory cells or cytokines, and a decrease in IL-18, which activates Th1.
Impact on the immune system was not the same as it is in cancer.
This suggest immune modulating rather than stimulating.
Study participants reported lower joint pain.
A Lupus mouse study showed a decrease in autoantibodies and increased survival.
In summary:
Eating more whole mushrooms in general can be beneficial for health.
There are people who would probably benefit from medicinal mushrooms.
Talking to your health care provider first is always a good idea.
Adding more mushrooms to our diets is a great choice!
If you take mushrooms, let us know if they have helped you.
If you've enjoyed the show, please recommend it to someone who might enjoy it.
We love when you share and when you leave reviews for us! Thanks for listening!
Real Everything
The Paleo Mom
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302426/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28885559 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212619815300164?via%3Dihub https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684115/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16873089 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17907228 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11480842
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