Podcasts > The School of Greatness > The Nutrition Doctor: “THESE Foods Can HEAL - REVERSE DISEASE & AGING!” (It’s SO SIMPLE!) Dr. Michael Greger

The Nutrition Doctor: “THESE Foods Can HEAL - REVERSE DISEASE & AGING!” (It’s SO SIMPLE!) Dr. Michael Greger

By Lewis Howes

Dive into an enriching conversation on "The School of Greatness" where host Lewis Howes is joined by guest Michael Greger to explore the intersections of diet, lifestyle, and longevity. Greger brings his medical insight to discuss how whole plant foods, particularly legumes and nuts like walnuts, significantly contribute to health and extend life expectancy. He explains the importance of gut health through prebiotics found in legumes, the anti-inflammatory benefits they grant, and how walnuts enhance artery function with their rich omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. The episode also delves into the dangers of high-sodium processed foods and champions salt substitutes and time-restricted eating to support circadian rhythms, metabolism, and effective fat burning.

The episode also navigates through the tactics for slowing down biological aging by focusing on dietary and lifestyle changes. Greger elaborates on activating autophagy with intermittent fasting or exercise and protecting cells with antioxidant-rich diets that include berries and spices. Additionally, he identifies foods with senolytic properties that help eliminate aging "zombie" cells. Beyond physical health, Greger touches on living a meaningful life through altruism and maintaining strong, loving relationships. He makes a compelling case for how small acts of kindness, like charitable donations, can have a significant impact on global issues such as disease and poverty and emphasizes that self-care is paramount for effectively helping others.

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The Nutrition Doctor: “THESE Foods Can HEAL - REVERSE DISEASE & AGING!” (It’s SO SIMPLE!) Dr. Michael Greger

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The Nutrition Doctor: “THESE Foods Can HEAL - REVERSE DISEASE & AGING!” (It’s SO SIMPLE!) Dr. Michael Greger

1-Page Summary

Diet and lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in health and longevity, with experts advocating for a diet rich in whole plant foods and minimal processed foods. Michael Greger emphasizes the significance of legumes and nuts, especially walnuts, as they greatly contribute to extending life expectancy and improving health. Legumes provide prebiotics that support beneficial gut bacteria, leading to a host of health benefits, including reduced inflammation, enhanced immunity, and preservation of muscle quality. Walnuts, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, have been shown to improve artery function and potentially add two years to one's life due to their anti-aging properties.

Processed foods, often high in sodium, pose a risk to cardiovascular health, with salt substitutes, particularly potassium salt, recommended for reducing cardiovascular death rates. Moreover, experts suggest an early time-restricted feeding window to align with circadian rhythms, advocating that the largest meal should be consumed before 7 pm to optimize metabolism and fat burning.

Slowing biological aging

Strategies to decelerate the biological aging process involve dietary and lifestyle interventions that promote autophagy, shield cells from oxidative damage, and eliminate aging cells. Greger posits that autophagy, the body's cellular cleaning mechanism, can be boosted with intermittent fasting or exercise, though he cautions that extended fasts require medical supervision. Early time-restricted eating is recommended for sustaining a fasted state in harmony with the body's natural rhythms.

On another note, preventive cell care through diets rich in antioxidants is essential; foods like berries and spices protect DNA. To combat senescent "zombie" cells that contribute to aging, Greger points to plant compounds in strawberries, onions, and black pepper with senolytic properties to selectively clear out these worn-out cells.

Living meaningfully

Living a fulfilled life, for Michael Greger, involves reducing suffering and aiding others. He promotes dedicating time and resources to assist those in need, illustrating the profound impact small charitable donations can have internationally, akin to saving lives. Such acts can prevent diseases like malaria and alleviate poverty. Greger shines a light on the importance of self-care as a foundation for helping others, likening it to the airplane safety protocol of securing one's oxygen mask before assisting others.

In addition to service, Greger underscores the importance of cultivating loving relationships for a meaningful existence. He highlights the significance of prioritizing love and nurturing connections for daily happiness and overall life satisfaction, positioning it not as a selfish act but as an essential element for a fulfilling life.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Autophagy is a natural process in the body where cells remove damaged components and recycle them for energy. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular health by clearing out dysfunctional organelles and proteins. This process helps cells adapt to stress and supports overall cell function and longevity. Autophagy can be stimulated through methods like intermittent fasting and exercise.
  • Senescent cells are aged or damaged cells that stop dividing but remain metabolically active. They can accumulate in tissues over time and contribute to inflammation and tissue dysfunction. Targeting these cells for removal, known as senolysis, is a strategy to combat aging-related issues and promote healthier aging. Certain plant compounds like those found in strawberries, onions, and black pepper have been identified for their potential to selectively clear out these senescent cells.
  • Senolytic properties of plant compounds refer to their ability to selectively target and eliminate senescent cells, which are aged or damaged cells that no longer function properly. These compounds help clear out these dysfunctional cells, potentially slowing down the aging process and promoting overall health. Plant compounds like those found in strawberries, onions, and black pepper have been identified for their senolytic properties, offering a natural way to support cellular health and longevity. By targeting and removing these senescent cells, these plant compounds may contribute to maintaining tissue function and reducing age-related decline.
  • Early time-restricted feeding involves consuming all daily calories within a specific window, typically earlier in the day, and fasting for the remaining hours. This approach aligns eating patterns with the body's natural circadian rhythms, potentially improving metabolism and fat burning. By finishing the last meal earlier, such as before 7 pm, the body can enter a fasting state for a longer duration, which may offer various health benefits. This method is believed to support autophagy, the body's cellular cleaning process, and promote overall health and longevity.
  • Potassium salt is often recommended as a salt substitute due to its ability to help lower blood pressure. It is a good alternative for individuals looking to reduce their sodium intake while still adding flavor to their food. Potassium plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and supporting overall heart health. Using potassium salt in moderation can be a beneficial choice for those aiming to improve their cardiovascular well-being.
  • Shielding cells from oxidative damage involves protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to aging and various diseases. Antioxidants, found in foods like berries and spices, help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. By consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, individuals can support their cells in combating oxidative damage and promoting overall health and longevity. Strategies such as eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can provide a range of antioxidants to help maintain cellular health.
  • A fasted state in harmony with natural rhythms involves aligning periods of eating and fasting with the body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This approach suggests consuming meals during specific windows of time to optimize metabolic processes and health benefits. By following this pattern, individuals aim to support their body's natural cycles for digestion, energy regulation, and cellular repair, potentially enhancing overall well-being. This strategy may involve practices like early time-restricted eating, where the majority of daily caloric intake is consumed earlier in the day to coincide with the body's peak metabolic activity.

Counterarguments

  • While whole plant foods are generally healthy, some individuals may have specific dietary needs or restrictions that make it difficult to follow a diet high in legumes and nuts.
  • Some people may have allergies or intolerances to nuts, legumes, or other plant-based foods, which would require them to seek alternative sources of nutrients.
  • The recommendation to consume the largest meal before 7 pm may not be practical or beneficial for everyone, as individual metabolism and lifestyle factors can vary.
  • The benefits of intermittent fasting and early time-restricted eating are still being researched, and these practices may not be suitable for everyone, such as those with certain medical conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • While potassium salt can be a healthier alternative to regular salt, individuals with kidney problems or those taking certain medications may need to avoid high potassium intake.
  • The emphasis on autophagy and senolytic properties of certain foods may oversimplify the complex nature of aging and the multifactorial processes involved.
  • The idea that specific foods can significantly slow biological aging or clear out senescent cells may not be fully supported by robust clinical evidence.
  • The notion of living a fulfilled life through service and charitable donations, while noble, may not resonate with everyone's personal values or beliefs about what constitutes a meaningful existence.
  • The focus on loving relationships as a key to happiness may not account for the diverse experiences and perspectives of individuals who find fulfillment in solitude or non-traditional forms of relationships.
  • The text may not address the socioeconomic barriers that can make it challenging for some individuals to access whole foods, participate in charitable giving, or prioritize self-care.

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The Nutrition Doctor: “THESE Foods Can HEAL - REVERSE DISEASE & AGING!” (It’s SO SIMPLE!) Dr. Michael Greger

Diet and lifestyle

Experts discuss the vital role of diet and lifestyle in longevity and overall health, emphasizing whole plant foods, minimal processed foods, and mindful eating timings.

Legumes and nuts for longevity

Greger highlights the importance of diets centered around whole plant foods, showcasing the significant role legumes and nuts—especially walnuts—play in promoting a long, healthy life.

Legumes are top foods for extending life expectancy by giving probiotic benefits

Identified as one of the top foods associated with the longest lifespan, legumes, which include beans, split peas, chickpeas, and lentils, are powerful longevity enhancers due to their concentrated source of prebiotics. These prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria, leading to reduced inflammation, improved immunity, and maintained muscle mass and quality. Fecal transplant studies suggest that by altering the gut microbiota through diet, one can obtain healthier outcomes often related to exercise and fitness.

Nuts, especially walnuts, ranked high for anti-aging - improve artery function and reduce disease

On an ounce-per-ounce basis, nuts are associated with the longest lifespan compared to other foods. Walnuts stand out because of their high omega-3 fatty acid and antioxidant content. They have been shown to improve artery function acutely, within hours of intake. The PRET-D-MED study suggested that while mixed nuts could reduce cardiovascular disease rates, walnuts were most potent in this regard. Greger recommends a daily intake of 10 half walnuts and notes that regular consumption can account for as much as two years of extra lifespan.

Minimal processed foods and added sodium

Greger and other experts underscore the dangerous effects of high sodium intake and encourage the use of salt substitutes for better cardiovascular health.

Potassium salt substitute is safe and slashes cardiovascular risk

Processed foods are the primary source of excessive sodium intake, which is the leading dietary risk factor for death globally. Greger advises keeping sodium intake under 1,500 milligrams per day and exploring salt-free seasonings. He advocates for a potassium salt substitute, which has shown in intervention studies to ...

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Diet and lifestyle

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers found in certain foods like legumes. They serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their growth and activity. By nourishing these good bacteria, prebiotics help maintain a healthy balance in the gut microbiota, which is crucial for overall health. Consuming foods rich in prebiotics, such as legumes, can support gut health and contribute to various health benefits.
  • Fecal transplant studies involve transferring fecal matter from a healthy donor to a recipient to alter the recipient's gut microbiota. This process aims to restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria and has shown promise in treating certain gastrointestinal conditions. By changing the gut microbiota through fecal transplants, researchers aim to improve various aspects of health, including immune function and metabolic processes. The studies suggest that manipulating the gut microbiota composition can have far-reaching effects on overall health outcomes.
  • Potassium salt substitutes are alternatives to regular table salt that contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride. These substitutes can help reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They work by balancing the sodium-potassium ratio in the body, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. However, it's important to use potassium salt substitut ...

Counterarguments

  • While legumes and nuts are generally healthy, some individuals may have allergies or intolerances that make these foods unsuitable for their diet.
  • The recommendation for a daily intake of 10 half walnuts may not consider individual caloric needs or potential weight gain from the high-calorie content in nuts.
  • The emphasis on whole plant foods might overlook the fact that some individuals thrive on varied diets that include animal products, which can also be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
  • The claim that altering the gut microbiota through diet can lead to healthier outcomes related to exercise and fitness may oversimplify the complex interactions between diet, exercise, and gut health.
  • The advice to keep sodium intake under 1,500 milligrams per day may not be appropriate for everyone, as some individuals, particularly athletes or those living in hot climates, may require more sodium to replace what is lost through sweat.
  • Potassium salt substitutes can be harmful to individuals with kidney disease or those taking certain medications, and their use should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
  • The recommendation for early time-restricted eating may not be practical or beneficial fo ...

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The Nutrition Doctor: “THESE Foods Can HEAL - REVERSE DISEASE & AGING!” (It’s SO SIMPLE!) Dr. Michael Greger

Slowing biological aging

Methods to slow down the biological aging process involve dietary and lifestyle changes that can enhance autophagy, protect cells from damage, and clear senescent cells, according to Michael Greger.

Boost autophagy through intermittent fasting or exercise

Autophagy, the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells, has been linked to a slower aging process and can be boosted through fasting or exercise.

Clears cellular debris - but longer fasts need medical supervision

Greger points out that the increase in autophagy from fasting doesn't occur until 36 to 48 hours of fasting, which should be medically supervised due to the potential risks involved.

Early time-restricted feeding sustains fasted state with less difficulty

Greger and Howes recommend early time-restricted feeding, which is more aligned with the body’s natural rhythms. By not skipping breakfast and instead limiting the eating window to earlier in the day, individuals can sustain a fasted state more comfortably and with less difficulty.

Prevent premature cell deterioration with antioxidant foods

To prevent premature deterioration of cells, intake of antioxidant-rich foods is crucial.

Berries, greens, spices protect cells' DNA from free radical damage

Although not directly addressed in the discussion, the concept of diets in Blue Zones includes high consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, implying that these diets would be beneficial in protecting cells from free radical damage. Greger notes that blackberries have significantly higher antioxidant levels compared to strawberries, suggesting their potential in shielding cells’ DNA from damage.

Clear out worn-out "zombie" senescent cells

Senescent cells, often referred to as “zombie” cells, can accumulate a ...

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Slowing biological aging

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Autophagy is a natural process in the body that helps remove damaged or dysfunctional components within cells. It acts like a cellular recycling system, breaking down old or faulty cell parts to be reused or eliminated. By enhancing autophagy through methods like fasting or exercise, the body can more efficiently clear out these damaged components, potentially promoting cellular health and longevity. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular function and overall health by ensuring that cells remain healthy and functional.
  • Early time-restricted feeding involves limiting the daily eating window to earlier hours in the day, aligning with the body's natural rhythms. By not skipping breakfast and consuming meals earlier, individuals can maintain a fasted state more comfortably. This approach may support autophagy, the body's cellular cleaning process, and potentially aid in slowing down the aging process. It is a dietary strategy that can be beneficial for overall health and longevity.
  • Senescent cells are cells that have stopped dividing and are in a state of growth arrest. While this can be a protective mechanism against cancer, the accumulation of senescent cells over time can contribute to aging-related diseases and inflammation. These cells can release harmful molecules that can damage surrounding tissues and promote chronic inflammation, which is linked to various age-related conditions. Targeting and clearing out these senescent cells, a process known as senolysis, is a promising approach in anti-aging research to potentially mitigate age-related ...

Counterarguments

  • Autophagy and its impact on aging are complex, and while intermittent fasting and exercise may boost autophagy, the direct correlation with lifespan extension is not fully established.
  • Long-term fasting can have adverse effects, and the benefits of such extreme measures compared to moderate caloric restriction or other dietary interventions are not conclusively proven.
  • Early time-restricted feeding aligns with circadian rhythms, but individual variations in metabolism and lifestyle may mean it's not optimal for everyone.
  • The role of antioxidants in preventing cell deterioration is debated, as some studies suggest that excessive intake of certain antioxidants could have pro-oxidant effects or interfere with beneficial stress responses in cells.
  • While berries, greens, and spices are healthy, the protective effects of their antioxidants on DNA may not be as significant when considering other lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pol ...

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The Nutrition Doctor: “THESE Foods Can HEAL - REVERSE DISEASE & AGING!” (It’s SO SIMPLE!) Dr. Michael Greger

Living meaningfully

Michael Greger sees personal fulfillment in dedicating his life to reducing unnecessary suffering and sees value in helping others as a part of meaningful living.

Devote time and resources to serving others in need

Greger highlights the impact that even small charitable contributions can have on saving lives internationally. He compares the act of donating to saving someone from a burning building, illustrating the immediate and tangible effects that donations can have on alleviating poverty and preventing disease. Greger points out that one’s dollar can make a considerable difference in areas where poverty is more acute and suggests that even a modest percentage of income can substantially improve someone else's life.

Charitable donation of money can save lives internationally

Greger notes the unique power of individuals to transfer funds across the globe to combat poverty and prevent diseases like malaria. He specifically talks about the significance of buying bed nets for malaria prevention and how such acts can be lifesaving.

But self-care enables greater capacity to help others

While Greger recognizes the importance of contributing to global issues, he also emphasizes self-care, drawing on the analogy of putting on one's own oxygen mask before helping othe ...

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Living meaningfully

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Michael Greger is a physician, author, and public health advocate known for his work in promoting plant-based nutrition and preventive medicine. He is the founder of NutritionFacts.org, a non-profit organization that provides evidence-based information on nutrition. Greger is also the author of the bestselling book "How Not to Die," which discusses the benefits of a plant-based diet in preventing chronic diseases.
  • The analogy of putting on one's own oxygen mask before helping others on an airplane is a common metaphor used to emphasize the importance of self-care. It highlights that individuals must take care of themselves first before they can effectively assist others. Just like on an airplane where you secure your own oxygen mask before helping others, prioritizing self-care ensures you are in a better position to support those around you.
  • Bed nets for malaria prevention are physical barriers that protect individuals from mosquito bites, which are the primary mode of malaria transmission. By sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, people can significantly reduce their risk of contracting malaria, especially in regions where the disease is prevalent. This simple and cost-effective intervention has been proven to be highly effective in preventing malaria cases, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. The widespread distribution and use of bed nets have been ...

Counterarguments

  • While small charitable contributions can be impactful, there is a debate about the effectiveness of certain charities and how funds are utilized, suggesting the importance of thorough research into the charity's work and transparency before donating.
  • The act of donating money, while noble, does not always address the systemic issues that cause poverty and disease, and some argue that advocacy for systemic change can be equally or more impactful in the long term.
  • Self-care is important, but there is a risk of it being used to justify inaction or a lack of engagement with broader societal issues, potentially leading to a more self-centered approach to life.
  • Cultivating loving relationships is essential, but it's also important to recognize that not everyone has the same capacity or oppo ...

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