The Primal Shift

Living a healthy life in today's world may seem relatively straightforward when you're solely responsible for your choices. However, matters get considerably more intricate when you factor in a partner, and even more so when children are in the equation.   In this episode, I tackle the complexities of maintaining an animal-based diet and ancestral-focused lifestyle within a family setting. I dive into topics like nutrition, exercise, sleep, hormesis, and stress management. I also share practical tips into what has worked for us and common pitfalls to steer clear of on your journey to a healthier family life.   In this episode, we discuss: 03:05 - Navigating dietary changes with your partner 12:57 - How to navigate nutrition with kids 19:54 - Teaching kids to make intentional choices for nutrition, exercise, and sleep 29:05 - Hormesis or hormetic stressors for kids: Sun/Sauna, Fasting, and Stress Management 35:47 - Tips and Tricks for teaching healthy habits to your family   More from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82

Contrary to popular belief, pasture-raised poultry and pork may not be inherently healthier than conventionally raised options, despite the common belief that their natural diets and lifestyles lead to more nutritious meat.   In today’s episode, Dr. Anthony Gustin and I dive into the misconceptions surrounding poultry and pork, debating the merits of pasture-raised versus conventionally-raised meat. We also explore the contrasting fatty acid compositions in monogastric and ruminant animals, decode misleading meat marketing terms, discuss the evolutionary shifts in chicken size, and provide practical tips for making informed choices about the meat you eat.   Anthony Gustin is the founder of Equip, with a background in sports rehab and functional medicine. As a founder, investor and farmer, he has carved a unique path in the wellness industry and was one of the original founders of Perfect Keto.    If you'd like to try Equip -- kids love chocolate milk made with the company's Prime Protein -- use code MK15 for 15% off at https://michaelkummer.com/go/equip   In this episode, we discuss: 03:03 - Exploring fatty acid and health disparities between ruminant animals (cows, goats, sheep) and monogastric animals. 09:00 - How has the conventional chicken we consume today transformed? 16:19 - Comparing the health implications of fatty acids in animal products, such as chicken, versus highly processed industrial seed oils 20:06 - Discovering sources for chicken with a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio 25:54 - Practical advice for a healthier approach to incorporating chicken and pork into your diet   Learn more from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82   Learn more from Dr. Anthony Gustin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dranthonygustin/ Podcast: https://dranthonygustin.com/category/podcasts/ Newsletter: The Feed is one of the most educational newsletters and the only one I regularly read: https://dranthonygustin.com/thefeed/  

Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Quality sleep is the cornerstone of optimal health, and harnessing ancestral wisdom can help us achieve it. Whether it's aligning our routines around our natural circadian rhythm, adjusting our lifestyle choices or leveraging modern solutions, we have the power to transform our sleep and, in turn, our lives. In today’s episode, I share what my sleep routine looks like throughout the day, which helps me fall asleep quickly and get restorative sleep. I also share what I avoid doing to ensure the best sleep possible.  In this episode, I discuss: 01:15 - Morning Routine for Optimal Sleep 04:47 - Evening Routine for Optimal Sleep 06:20 - Tips for Better Sleep 20:27: Tips if You Have Trouble Falling Asleep Learn more: Primal Shift Podcast: 10 Sleep Hacks Learn why you might be having trouble falling asleep. Get tips for how to fall asleep faster (and sleep better). Learn about the best sleep trackers (and why most don't work). Read my roundup of the best bed cooling systems.   Save on MK Supplements! Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Connect Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkummer82/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mkummer82 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelkummersblog/    

When it comes to shopping for food and supplements, one crucial skill is the ability to decipher nutrition labels. Despite ridiculous labeling laws, it’s like the Wild West out there, making it incredibly difficult to understand nutrition labels.   In today’s episode, I dive into the top 14 marketing claims on product labels that are often meaningless and misleading. Plus, I'll share tips on what you should keep an eye out for when navigating the grocery and supplement aisles.   In this episode, I discuss: 01:25 - All Natural Label Claims 02:07 - Fat Free or Low Fat Labels 03:34 - Fortified with Vitamins and Minerals 04:37 - Gluten Free 05:33 - Great Source of Vitamins 07:50 - Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised 10:25 - Heart Healthy 11:18 - No Sugar Added 13:54 - Non-GMO 14:59 - Organic 17:36 - Plant-Based and Vegan 18:54 - Sugar-Free 20:30 - Artificial Sweetener 21:06 - Vegetarian Fed 23:14 - Tips for Healthier Grocery Shopping   Learn more from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82   Resources for label claims: All Natural The term “all natural” is completely meaningless and does not signify whether a product or its ingredients are healthy. Examples of “all natural” compounds you wouldn’t want in your diet include arsenic, E. coli, lead, gluten, linoleic acid and phytoestrogens.   When I see products with this label, I view it as an indication that the brand is trying hard to make an unhealthy product look healthy. As a result, I recommend you steer clear of such products unless you’re an experienced label reader. Fat-Free (or Low Fat) The terms “fat-free” and “low fat” are misleading labels that many people associate with healthy products because there is still a misconception that fat (particularly saturated fat and cholesterol) is terrible for your health.    As discussed in this article, saturated fat is actually good for your health. It doesn’t clog your arteries, and it doesn’t increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.    While I have no issue with certain (naturally) fat-free foods, such as sweet fruits, I recommend staying away from most processed foods that are labeled as fat-free.    After all, removing fat from a product almost always means adding sugar — fat-free yogurt being a prime example.    I recommend buying plain, full-fat products made with A2 milk if you like yogurt. We make our own yogurt using full-fat milk from 100% grass-fed cows. Fortified (Cereals, Crackers) Many parents feed their kids fortified foods in an effort to ensure they get an adequate amount of micronutrients. The problem is that junk food that has been “fortified” with synthetic vitamins (that the body can’t absorb) is still junk food. I’m specifically referring to cereals or crackers.   In other words, if the food you feed your kids isn’t naturally nutrient-dense, you shouldn’t be providing it in the first place. Remember, most processed foods contain inflammatory ingredients, such as grains, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils that can damage the delicate lining inside the gut and cause chronic inflammation among other issues. Additionally, the body poorly absorbs synthetic minerals and vitamins added to fortified foods and most of them end up in the toilet.   Meat, fat and organs from responsibly raised and wild-caught animals, pastured egg yolks and raw dairy are naturally rich in nutrients and do not require fortification. But if your kids are like mine and don’t like the taste of organs or are sensitive to dairy or eggs, consider sneaking them into meatballs or patties (we have been successfully doing that with ours) or offering them freeze-dried beef liver capsules.    Our six and eight-year-olds get a whole serving of liver every day in the form of freeze-dried liver capsules.  Gluten-Free None of the products I consider to be fit for human consumption — responsibly raised animals, pastured eggs, raw honey and sweet fruits — are natural sources of gluten. In other words, you’ll likely only see that label on processed products you shouldn’t be eating on a regular basis anyway.    Regardless, a “gluten-free” designation can be helpful for those who suffer from celiac disease. The problem is that many people who don’t have celiac disease equate “gluten-free” with healthy, which is often not the case.    For example, gluten free cookies that contain almond flour and vegetable oil aren’t any healthier than those made with wheat flour and butter. In fact, I’d argue that wheat flour is healthier (though not healthy) than a combination of almond flour and vegetable oil, since the latter combo has twice the potential to irritate your gut and negatively impact your metabolism.   Of course, like I said above: if you have celiac disease and even trace amounts of gluten can set off an allergic reaction, the label gluten-free is meaningful. But even in that case, I’d argue that buying only products that are naturally gluten-free is the better (and healthier) option than buying products that were made gluten-free. Great Source of Vitamins While gut microbes can produce certain micronutrients, we need to obtain many of them from the food we eat. As a result, consuming nutrient-dense foods is vital for optimal health.    However, many micronutrients exist in various forms in nature, and not all of those forms are readily absorbable.   For example, meat (and in particular, organ meat such as liver) contains retinol, a highly absorbable and bioavailable type of preformed vitamin A.    Plants, on the other hand, have beta carotene and other precursors of vitamin A that are poorly absorbed and not very bioavailable. The same goes for iron, vitamin K and other micronutrients.   So if you see products at the grocery store that claim to be an excellent source of certain vitamins or minerals, know that there’s a good chance the body will poorly absorb the nutrients contained in those foods.    Examples include spinach (non-heme-iron, Vitamin K1) and carrots (beta carotene).   The best source of vitamins and minerals is organ meat from ruminant animals and, in particular, liver. That’s why I decided to launch a line of freeze-dried organ meat supplements to offer readily-absorbable nutrients to those who don’t like the taste or texture of fresh organs. Grass-Fed When we buy beef or meat from other ruminant animals, we try to find grass-fed options because grass (as opposed to grains) is those animals’ appropriate diet.    The thing is that all cows are fed grass at some stage of their life. For example, after being weaned from their mother’s milk, calves have to eat grass to properly develop. But after that developmental period, most of them are moved to a feedlot to fatten up on grains.   As a result, brands can claim their products — including meat, milk and cheese — are grass-fed, despite the fact that the animal was eating GMO grains (including corn and soy) for the majority of its life.   Kerrygold — a popular brand that sells “grass-fed” butter and cheese — uses this misleading tactic. A judge recently ruled that the company can continue using the grass-fed label because they’re not saying their products are 100% grass-fed.   The moral of the story is that the term grass-fed doesn’t mean much. Instead, look for products that come from 100% grass-fed, grass-finished and pasture-raised animals. My 100% grass-fed beef liver capsules fall into that category.   The brands we trust for 100% grass-fed products include White Oak Pastures, Maple Hill, Alexandre Family Farms (not all their products are 100% grass-fed) and a bunch of local farms here in the Atlanta area. If you live near me, reply to this email and I’ll hook you up with some names. Healthy Ingredients (heart healthy) The USDA says whole grains are healthy. Advocates of plant-based diets claim that eating plants is healthy. And some people think that “everything in moderation” is a good adage to live by.    I don’t agree with any of those assessments, but it illustrates that the word “healthy” on a food label may not mean anything because there is no universally accepted definition of what healthy means.   I’d say that most products that claim healthy ingredients on their label are trying to appeal to an audience that doesn’t know what “healthy” means.   I recommend being critical of products that use terms like “healthy ingredients” on their label. Chances are the product actually contains unhealthy ingredients. No Added Sugar Added sugar (together with seed oils) is one of the main factors contributing to the deteriorating health of our society. As a result, products that contain no added sugars are often (but not always) better than those that have them.   However, it’s essential to understand that a bag of potato chips made with inflammatory vegetable oils is bad for you, even if it doesn’t contain added sugars.    The same applies to fruit juices.    For example, apple juice — with or without added sugar (much like most other liquid carbohydrates) — is unhealthy because it raises your blood glucose levels aggressively while providing relatively limited nutritional value.    Additionally, there’s a trick that some brands use to add sugar without having to declare it as such. I’m referring to the use of fruit juices, which don’t count as “added sugars” as far as labeling laws are concerned, but are still sugar. Non-GMO For produce, the label “non-GMO” means that the seeds of the plants used to make the product weren’t genetically modified (e.g., for better resistance to pests). However, it doesn’t mean that the plants weren’t modified using traditional cross-breeding techniques or selection.   For example, the wheat we grow today (even the few non-GMO varieties that are left) has very little in common with the ancient grains our ancestors may have consumed thousands of years ago. The problem is that with every genetic change we make, we also introduce new types of proteins that our bodies are not accustomed to. As a result, we increase the likelihood of allergic reactions or sensitivities.   The same principle applies to other plants, including fruits and starchy tubers. Tubers that grew hundreds or thousands of years ago were less sweet and much more fibrous, so they were undoubtedly not the staple that modern tubers are.   The bottom line is that “non-GMO” is a step in the right direction, but it’s not the holy grail of food. Also, non-GMO junk food is still junk food.   On a side note, if a food is labeled as organic, it’s automatically non-GMO as well. Organic We buy organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible because we want to limit our exposure to chemicals. However, most people don’t know that organic doesn’t mean “chemical-free.”    The USDA maintains a list of allowed chemicals farmers can use to grow organic produce, and many of them aren’t good for your health.    In other words, by buying organic produce you get exposed to fewer chemicals than when buying conventionally grown produce, but you won’t escape those toxins completely.   The other trick some organic brands use is to grow fruits (especially berries and leafy greens) in water rather than soil to reduce the need for pesticides. Unfortunately, healthy soil is one of the most important factors in growing nutrient-dense food, and replacing that with liquid plant food isn’t the same thing.    As a result, you can expect the organic berries you find at Costco, Whole Foods and other places to be significantly less nutrient-dense than those organically grown in soil.   Here’s the thing: we like berries but we don’t eat them because of their nutrients (we get those from organ meats). We just eat them because we like how they taste. And as long as they’re free of most toxins, we’re OK with that.   On a side note, we grow a good portion of the berries we eat in our backyard without using any chemicals (organic or otherwise). Pastured/Pasture-Raised Until a few years ago, I thought that pasture-raised also meant 100% grass-fed. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some brands make pasture-raised claims even if the animals didn’t spend their entire lives on a pasture. But even 100% pasture-raised animals may have had access to grain-based feed.   For products containing the meat or milk of ruminant animals, it’s best to look for 100% pasture-raised and 100% grass-fed labels.    For pork and poultry, the label pastured is a good indication of appropriate living conditions. However, it doesn’t mean that the animals weren’t fed a diet that may negatively impact your health (and that of the animal).    For example, virtually all pigs and chickens in this country are fed a diet heavy in corn and soy, increasing the inflammatory omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio in their fat tissue.    That’s the main reason we limit our pork and chicken intake.   On a side note, White Oak Pastures (where we buy a lot of the beef and chicken we consume) recently stopped feeding their chickens corn and soy, and their pigs are next on the list for this welcome upgrade! Plant-Based/Vegan Unfortunately, many people still believe that consuming plants is good for our health. As a result, plant-based products are considered healthy.    The truth is that the opposite is usually the case, because many plant-based processed foods (e.g., cooking oils, sausages or fake meat patties) are filled with unhealthy ingredients, including seed oils.    Just compare the ingredient list of a Beyond Burger patty (25 ingredients) with a regular pattie (one ingredient), and you’ll realize what I’m talking about.   As a result, I avoid processed foods that are labeled vegan or plant-based. Instead, I always choose 100% grass-fed meat over fake meat; animal fats (such as tallow or butter) over vegetable oils; raw honey over maple syrup; and raw milk over nut, soy or oat milk.   PS: Maple syrup is OK to consume but isn’t better or healthier than raw honey. Sugar-Free If you follow a low-carb diet or try to avoid sugar, the term “sugar free” might sound appealing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always mean you’re buying a healthy product.   For example, FDA labeling guidelines allow brands to claim the product has no sugar if it has less than one gram per serving. While that may not sound like a big deal, it could mean that the three packs of “zero sugar” sweetener you pour into your coffee have, in fact, almost three grams of sugar. That’s almost a tablespoon.   The second problem with sugar-free products is that brands often substitute sugar for artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, that are known to negatively impact both the microbiome in your gut as well as your glucose metabolism.   The bottom line is that not all sugar-free products are good for your health, and you need to read the label carefully to understand what sugar substitutes were used instead. Vegetarian Fed (Chickens, Pork, Eggs)  Seeing the label “vegetarian fed” on a carton of eggs makes me giggle, because it’s an honest admission that the chickens were fed a diet that’s inappropriate for the species.    Chickens are insectivores, and while they can also extract nutrients from plants, it’s not their ideal diet.   Unfortunately, there aren’t any commercial alternatives (that I know of) regarding chickens, pork and eggs.    In other words, the best you can do is look for eggs that were fed a corn and soy-free diet.  

Two questions I get a lot: 1. What do you do to look so fit? 2. I work out much more than you do and don’t look like you. How’s that possible? In this episode, I’ll answer those two questions, and my answers might surprise you.    Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where I share how to train less but more effectively, to get leaner and stronger, and stay that way for life. I share my personal fitness journey that evolved from an athletic track and field background, through a five-year workout hiatus, to my present-day regimen. You'll learn how I've been able to achieve and maintain my physique with workouts twice a week, and how factors like post-workout protein to fat ratio, the role of ketosis in shedding body fat, micronutrient density in muscle building and recovery, and the impact of sleep on performance play crucial roles.    In this episode, I discuss: 01:12: - How my workout routine has changed since my early days as a professional track and field athlete 08:25 - What I do to maintain my physique for longevity 10:42 - Diet for optimal performance 12:29 - Leveraging ketosis to shed body fat 13:34 - The importance of micronutrient intake 12:52  -The importance of sleep 15:20 - Why recovery is so important  16:45 - Key takeaways   Learn more from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82

Several years ago, I transitioned from a paleo to a ketogenic diet because I thought all carbs were evil and I maintained a strict keto diet for over three years. By strict, I mean somewhere between 0 to 15 grams of carbs per day.    Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where host Michael Kummer shares the pros and cons of a low-carb ketogenic diet, what triggered him to include more carbs in his diet, and how his performance and biomarkers have changed since switching. He also shares tips on how you can leverage low-carb eating to improve your health and well-being, and some of the mistakes to avoid on a low-carb diet. There's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to being keto or not, and the key is to make informed choices based on your individual needs, exercise regimen, and energy demands. Learn about the ultimate beginner’s guide to a paleolithic ketogenic diet at https://michaelkummer.com/health/keto-paleo-guide/   In this episode, I discuss: 03:00 - What is the default metabolic state for humans? 05:41 - Pros and cons of a low-carb ketogenic diet 10:00 - What triggered me to include more carbs in my diet 15:00 - Why I think keto is an excellent tool but not a lifestyle requirement for most people. 18:00 - Insights into the carnivore diet 20:00 - How my physical performance and metabolic health have changed since reintroducing carbs. 28:55 - Common pitfalls with consuming carbs. 33:57 -  Tips on how to leverage low-carb eating to improve your health and well-being. 35:30 - Mistakes to avoid on a low-carb diet.   Resources: Best Exogenous Ketone Supplements (That Work) Paleolithic Ketogenic Diet – Ultimate Beginner’s Guide The Best Diets for Weight Loss (And Which Ones to Avoid) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): 6 Steps That Cured My Gut Issues How Continuous Glucose Monitoring Can Improve Your Health and Fitness Dexcom vs FreeStyle Libre: Hands-On Review and Comparison Levels Health vs. NxutriSense: Hands-On Review & Comparison Lumen Metabolism Tracker Review LMNT Electrolyte Supplements   Learn more from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82  

With the advancement of technology and modern conveniences, many of us have drifted away from our inherent connection to nature. We are living in climate-controlled homes, spending most of our days indoors, and have significantly reduced our time interacting with the natural world. However, did you know that reconnecting with nature could be the ultimate health biohack for optimal physical and mental well-being?   Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where host Michael Kummer reveals how nature holds the power to enhance our health and wellness and 13 ways to tap into the restorative properties of nature. Whether it's grounding by walking barefoot, forest bathing, exposing ourselves to fresh air and sunshine, or connecting with animals, there's no denying the myriad health benefits that nature has to offer.   What we discuss: 00:07 - Reconnecting With Nature for Optimal Health 03:27 - Grounding or Earthing 05:23 - Forest Bathing 08:44 - Exposing Yourself to Soil and Fresh Air 10:45 - Sunshine for Mental and Physical Health 14:09 - The Benefits of Eating Outside 15:05 - Outdoor Activities for Well-being 17:30 - The Benefits of Growing Something 20:00 - Expose Yourself to Extreme Landscapes 21:55 - Connect with Animals   Resources: Grounding reduces inflammation, pain, and stress; improves blood flow, sleep, and vitality. (Study) Forest bathing demonstrated significant positive effects on mental health, especially in those with depressive tendencies. (Study)   Learn more from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82  

There's an underappreciated and often overlooked aspect of maintaining optimal health that many of us miss in our busy, hustle-bustle lives. It's not a magic pill or an exotic superfood. It's something much more primal and deeply rooted in our evolutionary history – community.   The sense of belonging to a community and tribalism in achieving health transcends just the physical. Have you ever thought about how our modern emphasis on individuality could be contributing to the high rates of isolation, anxiety, and mental health problems that we see today? Could community be the path to achieving optimal health?    These are questions we answer in this episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where host Michael Kummer explores why it's essential to be part of a community, and why a sense of belonging is vital for our mental health and physical health. He shares 11 useful tips and tricks to help you transition into or find new communities, or perhaps even create your own. What we discuss 0:03:10 - How having a community or not having a community impacts our lives 0:08:15 - How to build relationships to create community 0:12:40 - Why finding common ground with others is important 0:16:00 - Online communities versus in person communities 0:18:45 - Focusing on solutions over problems when building community 0:20:13 - Starting your own community 0:22:22 - How community affect our lives   Learn more from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82 Email: hello@primalshiftpodcast.com  

What if you could strengthen your body, improve your health, and boost your immunity with simple everyday activities? Today we explore how you can do that using the concept of hormesis or hormetic stressors. Get ready to discover how you can enhance your body's response to the environment and how vital stressors like exercise, sun exposure, and temperature variations can contribute to your overall health and well-being.   Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where host Michael Kummer explores the meaning of hormesis, the crucial role of hormetic stressors in our health, and how you can incorporate them into your daily life. He discusses how sun exposure, cold plunging, sauna bathing, and even exposing yourself to germs can build resilience against various environmental and health stressors. He also shares the common mistake everyone makes when it comes to hormetic stressors and how to avoid it.   Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order for:   MK's Grass-Fed Beef Liver Supplement: https://shop.michaelkummer.com/products/freeze-dried-beef-liver?selling_plan=688531800380   MK's Grass-Fed Beef Heart & Spleen Supplement: https://shop.michaelkummer.com/products/freeze-dried-heart-spleen?selling_plan=688531865916   What We Discuss: 0:04:45 - Why are Hormesis or Hormetic Stressors Important 0:07:30 - Benefits of Hormetic Stressors: Sun, Cold, Sauna, Germs 0:11:01 - Strengthening the Body Through Various Stressors 0:14:20 - Leveraging Food Stressors for Resilience 0:16:23 - The Importance of Managing Stressors 0:23:07 - Getting Creative with Exercise in Daily Life 0:25:00 - Maintaining a Good Diet Key Takeaways: The concept of hormesis, or hormetic stressors, can play a crucial role in combating the sedentary nature of modern life. By introducing moderate stress to our bodies, we can enhance our health, strength, and immunity, making us more resilient. A variety of hormetic stressors can be incorporated into our daily routines, including exercise, sun exposure, cold plunging, infrared sauna bathing, and exposing ourselves to germs. These activities can build resilience against environmental stressors and improve our immunity. It's important not to overdo the application of hormetic stressors. While they can have a positive effect on our bodies, they can also cause harm if not managed correctly. We need to listen to our bodies and determine what level of stress it can handle, allowing time for recovery to avoid overloading ourselves with stress.   Learn more from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82  

What if the biggest threat to your health is not the obvious culprits like junk food or lack of exercise, but rather, invisible enemies lurking in your everyday environment? Harmful substances such as xenoestrogens, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and PFAS (aka forever chemicals) are surprisingly found in your personal care products, your food, and even the clothes you wear. The health implications of these toxins can be severe, and their effects can stay dormant, leading to long-term health risks.   In this episode of the Primal Shift podcast, host Michael Kummer unveils the invisible toxins found in everyday life along with strategies for reducing toxin exposure and creating a healthier living environment. Learn about the importance of filtering tap water, the hazards in everyday items like cookware and synthetic clothing, and the benefits of using safer alternatives.   What we discuss: 0:05:55 - Toxins in Cookware and Personal Care 0:13:49 - Filter Tap Water, Avoid Plastic Bottles 0:14:05 - Tips for Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors 0:19:46 - Avoiding Chemicals in Food 0:25:53 - Birth Control and Health Awareness   Key Takeaways: Environmental toxins, such as xenoestrogens, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and PFAS (aka forever chemicals), can be found in everyday products, such as personal care products, cookware, and even food. These toxins can lead to severe health implications, often lying dormant and leading to long-term health risks. Xenoestrogens mimic the hormone estrogen, disrupting the body's natural hormone balance and potentially leading to health issues such as cancer, metabolic dysfunction, and fertility problems. Practical strategies to reduce exposure to xenoestrogens are discussed, including filtering tap water, avoiding plastic food containers, and choosing personal care products and clothing free from harmful chemicals. Hormonal birth control, by its very nature, disrupts the endocrine system and can have a variety of negative health impacts. It is suggested that alternative methods for controlling fertility should be explored, such as monitoring body temperature and tracking menstrual cycles.   Links:  Non-Toxic Products List (PDF): How Xenoestrogens Make You Infertile and Sick Radiant Life Whole House Water Filtration System Review HypoAir BiPolar Review: The Best Whole House Air Purifier   Learn more from Michael Kummer: Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com/ Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ Instagram: @mkummer82