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Wise Traditions
Looking to improve your health? The Wise Traditions podcast embraces traditions from the past for optimal health today! The key is to nourish our bodies with nutrient-dense food, not processed, food-like products. Health coach Hilda Labrada Gore, known as Holistic Hilda, is the host and producer of the show. She conducts down-to-earth interviews with leading health and wellness experts (scientists, doctors, farmers, physical therapists, and more) to uncover practical tips that you can incorporate into your life today. This podcast is brought to you by the Weston A. Price Foundation, committed to wise traditions in food, farming, and the healing arts.
Wise Traditions was last modified: January 19th, 2020 by Kurt Laufer
Here's the Latest Episode from Wise Traditions:
#223 Why intermittent fasting?
Why is intermittent fasting trending right now? Should we embrace it? Is it in keeping with ancestral eating patterns? What are its benefits? And how do we get started with it?
Marisa Moon, Intermittent Fasting (IF) instructor and Certified Primal health coach, addresses all of the above. She is convinced that IF is very much aligned with how our ancestors ate and she explains why it's a good idea to incorporate the practice into our lives. In our conversation, she covers how fasting stimulates autophagy (a cellular clean-up process), restores metabolic balance, triggers longevity pathways, and stimulates brain cell growth and connectivity. She gives practical ideas for how to get started with IF and explains why there isn't a one-size-fits-all fasting model.
Visit Marisa's website: marisamoon.com
Order our 2020 shopping guide HERE.
Check out our sponsors: Ancestral Supplements and Holistic Hilda's Ancestral Tour of Ecuador
#222 A life less stressed
How can we live a "life less stressed"? With all that's going on in our world--global crises to family fights, agricultural turmoil to 5G in our backyards--is it really possible to mitigate stress in our daily lives? Dr. Ron Ehrlich believes it IS possible, and today, he offers practical advice how to go about it.
Dr. Ron is an author, health advocate, and like Dr. Weston A. Price, a dentist with a holistic approach. Today, from his book, "A Life Less Stressed, he covers the five pillars of his model that help us build physical, mental and emotional resilience: sleep, breath, nourishment, movement and thought.
He discusses why we shouldn't shortchange ourselves on sleep, the importance of nasal breathing (while awake and sleeping), how to make absolutely certain we are eating a nutrient-dense diet, and more. This conversation reminds us to take control of our health, to build resilience and be the best we can be.
Visit Dr. Ron's website: drronehrlich.com
#221 Best of 2019
Today we feature excerpts from our most popular episodes of 2019! Coach & fitness expert Ben Greenfield is known as a "biohacker" who uses technology and science for peak performance. And yet he also has a profound understanding of simple ways that we can mimic the health practices of our ancestors for optimal health. (From episode #185 "Mimicking Ancestral Living")
Clinical scientist and hormone expert Dr. Elizabeth Plourde weighs in on the sunscreen debate and discusses why sunscreen may do us more harm than good. Based on her extensive research, Elizabeth discusses how sunscreen negatively impacts coral, marine life, and our own. (From episode #183 "Is Sunscreen Okay to Use?")
And health coach, fitness professional, and podcast host Hilda Labrada Gore offers her top tips for healthy living. Holistic Hilda, as she is known, is the host and producer of this show. As such, she has gleaned insights on how to improve energy and well-being. She emphasizes the power of sunlight to improve sleep and hormonal function, and reveals the daily physical and spiritual practices that give her perspective and strength. (From episode #200 "Top 5 Health Hacks")
Ben's website: bengreenfieldfitness.com
Elizabeth's website: sunscreensbiohazard.com
Hilda's website: holistichilda.com
Check out our sponsor: Ancestral Supplements &
Ecuador Ancestral Tour with Hilda: Carishina Travel
#220 Save your local farm
If we want nourishing food, we need to put our money where our mouth is. Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, makes a strong case why it is so important to spend at least 50% of our food dollar supporting local farms and artisans.
In today's podcast, she gives practical tips for how to go about buying more food right where we live, how to stretch our food budget, and which foods are especially important to buy locally. She also reminds us of the big picture--that is, how powerful educated consumers are. The way we spend our money shapes the direction of the food industry.
Check out Sally's blog: nourishingtraditions.com
Check out our sponsor: Ancestral Supplements
Take the 50% pledge here: westonaprice.org
#219 We were meant to eat fat
So, what's the deal with fat? If it's really so good for us, why is there still so much conventional dietary dogma warning us of its perils, and how can we learn to discern which voices to listen to when it comes to something so important like our health?
Heart health expert & author Dr. Stephen Hussey offers common sense and scientific insight on the role fat should have in our diet. His starting point is our body's penchant for burning fat, from the beginning of time. He busts the myth that blames heart disease on fat consumption. And he explains how we can benefit from including more fat in the diet and which fats are the best "starter" fats (like egg yolks, for example)!
Visit Stephen's website: resourceyourhealth.com
Check out our sponsors: Ancestral Supplements & Trust Merchant Services
For more resources, visit our website: westonaprice.org
#218 Say cheese!
Imagine being stuck on a desert island with access to only one food for survival. What would you choose? Our guest today, cheesemaker and founder of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Sally Fallon Morell, would definitely say cheese! Today, we're thrilled to welcome Sally back to Wise Traditions to tell us all about her favorite food. She tells us about the surprising nutrient density and health benefits of cheese, how cheese got its start, how it is made, and how to include more of it into our diet.
Subscribe to Sally's blog: nourishingtraditions.com
#217 Our children can heal
Our children are sicker than those of prior generations. One in two has a chronic illness. What can we do to turn the tide? Beth Lambert has concrete ideas about how to reduce our children's toxic burden. Beth is the executive director of Epidemic Answers, a group committed to empowering and educating families to help children heal. Beth has an audacious goal of getting hard data on the health status of children across the country, and then documenting the journey of families who undertake changes to reduce the stressors on their children's bodies.
Today, Beth gives us the background on her own journey: how her own children's health concerns alarmed her and propelled her to start examining the root causes of chronic issues like eczema, allergies, digestive issues, and sensory and processing disorders. She was able to turn things around for her own children and now is on a mission to help children, nation-wide, and world-wide.
We learn about the tools she used to help her children rediscover health and balance. And we are invited to join hands with her by participating in the study she is conducting to document hope for the next generation.
Learn more about Epidemic Answers: epidemicanswers.org
Participate in the CHIRP study (for families with children between the ages of 1-15) here: CHIRP
Order conference DVD, flash drive, or on demand recordings: Fleetwood Conference Recording
#216 How to nourish deeply
Our most nourishing meals are not simply those that fill our bellies. Today, chef, teacher, and author Holly Davis helps us explore the many facets to deep nourishment: Taste. Texture. Simplicity. Beauty. Appropriateness.
This conversation is not a how-to, really, or a lecture on what we should and shouldn't do. Rather, it's a gentle reminder to become intentional about how we approach eating and serving others.
We take Holly's book, Nourish, as a starting point. From there, we discuss the value of sustainable food production, and of knowing where our food comes from. Holly sprinkles in advice for parents of picky eaters. She talks about how the "five element theory" can be a guide while cooking. And she points to the role our attitude plays as we put together a meal that truly nurtures both the body and the spirit.
Visit Holly's website: FoodbyHollyDavis.com
Visit our website for more resources: westonaprice.org
#215 Kefir: a unique probiotic drink
Have you heard of kefir? It's an amazing probiotic drink that offers vitamins, minerals, metabolites, enzymes, amino acids, peptides and more to help sustain and regain health. Victor Cozzetto, of Vitagenics, explores the wonders of this ancient drink on today's episode.
He discusses gut health (and how kefir can help repair the gut lining), the importance of a holistic mindset when it comes to healing, why it's better to get bacteria from our food and drink (as opposed to a pill) and why making kefir is so very satisfying and gratifying.
If you're new to kefir, this podcast offers a sweet introduction to the drink. If you love it already, you'll find more reasons to do so.
Visit Victor's website: vitagenics.net
Give a gift to WAPF here: westonaprice.org
Write a note to WAPF:
The Weston A. Price Foundation PMB 106-380 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 USA
#214 Why can't I sleep?
Twenty-seven percent of Americans have sleep issues. What keeps us tossing and turning or waking up and having trouble falling back asleep? Today, Dylan Petkus, of Optimal Circadian Health, helps us analyze our sleep patterns and troubleshoot the issues.
What keeps us awake? For starters, anxiety. Blue light that suppresses melatonin function. A poor sleep environment. And more.
To improve our sleep quality, Dylan talks about the importance of circadian rhythm, mitochondria, environment, and mindset. And he offers concrete take-aways to help us rediscover the benefits of deep, restorative sleep.
Visit Dylan's website: optimalcircadianhealth.com
Check out our sponsor Ancestral Supplements: ancestralsupplements.com
#213 Yes to meat
The Impossible Burger. The Beyond Burger. Lab meat. All of these are touted as healthy alternatives to the real deal: a beef burger. Today, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation makes a case for including animal products in our diet.
As Sally goes over the highlights from the fall Wise Traditions journal, she goes in-depth, explaining why pseudo meat is a poor substitute for real meat. Their cheap and highly-processed ingredients (including soy, pea protein, artificial flavorings, and colorings) make for an unhealthy choice for us and for the planet.
In this episode, Sally also touches on the importance of mitochondrial health, "gentle cooking," and the dangers of ultrasound technology and even microwave ovens. The conversation, overall, is a solid reminder of why we need to return to real foods and natural approaches for cultivating good health.
For Sally's blog, visit her website: nourishingtraditions.com
Become a member (& receive the Wise Traditions journal) here: westonaprice.org
Register for the Wise Traditions conference here: wisetraditions.org
#212 A place for wonder
How can we hold onto joy in a world that is so challenging? How can we keep the openness and curiosity of a child? Alyson Earl believes that connecting to nature is a great first step. Alyson is the executive director of the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education. At the Horn Center, she is creating space of wonder, a place for wonder, and connection to the land and ourselves. She and her team are raising up a new generation of farmers and gardeners, helping people reconnect with the importance of soil health, biodiversity, and mutually beneficial relationships.
Among other things, in today's conversation, Alyson discusses regenerative agriculture, the need for us to become producers (not merely consumers) and how we can hold onto hope as look at our lives and the land differently.
Learn more about the Horn Center here: hornfarmcenter.org
#211 Bonus: Wise Traditions conference lineup
It's the 20th anniversary of the Wise Traditions conference this November! Whether you can attend or not, this bonus episode will give you an idea of what's going to be covered at the gathering. Sally Fallon Morell, author, speaker, traditional food advocate, and the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, brings an overview of the topics and speakers in the stellar lineup. From a focus on vitamin A, to offal, intermittent fasting, to vaccinations, farming, and whole body health, there's something for everyone at this event!
This conversation may inspire to join us in person, or simply buy the livestream tickets and on demand access. See the links below to do so. We welcome you to take a deep dive with us in the place where ancient wisdom meets modern science.
For more from Sally, check out her blog: nourishingtraditions.com
Visit our website: westonaprice.org
Register for our conference: wisetraditions.org
Order conference live streaming/on demand: Fleetwood On Site Recording
#210 Wheat you can eat
Are you gluten intolerant? Sensitive to wheat? Have you eliminated grains from your diet altogether? Bob Quinn, a leader in organic and sustainable agriculture, and the author of "Grain by Grain," suggests that you may be able to include grains in your life once again. He has been cultivating an ancient grain known as "kamut" and he has found that it is much more digestible and beneficial than most hybridized modern wheat.
Bob recognizes that modern wheat is very inflammatory, so he offers suggestions to those who are willing to give ancient grains a try. He also advocates for fermented grains to make the nutrients more bio-available to our bodies. Not only does he bring his wisdom to bear in terms of the wheat we can eat, but he also explains why it is critica for us to pay more attention to what the food industry is doing to farming and our health.
Visit Bob's website here: bobquinnorganicfarmer.com
Register for our upcoming conference here: wisetraditions.org
#209 The wine you should drink
For the health conscious, choosing a wine can be problematic. Are there "clean" wines for those who like to eat "clean?" What difference does alcohol content make? How do we decide between "natural" and "organic" wines? How can we avoid additives? Which are the best brands? Is it smart to even drink alcohol in the first place, when you are pursuing a healthy lifestyle?
With 15 years of experience in the wine industry, Todd White, the founder of Dry Farm Wines, educates us about the wine industry, while answering these questions. He shares the industry's dirty little secrets related to labeling, alcohol content, and what's really put into the products. He explains that the label "organic," for example, does not necessarily mean that the wine is additive-free. He goes over which additives cause headaches and are actually toxic to our bodies. And he offers suggestions for how healthy people can choose the best wine.
Visit Todd's website here: Dry Farm Wines
Check out our sponsors: Ancestral Supplements
and New Trends Publishing
#208 Stressed out
If you've ever reached for a cup of coffee or sugary snack to get through the day, this episode is for you. Many of us turn to caffeine or sugar to push through the initial stages of fatigue. And it's no wonder why. The average person today has 100 times the stressors of people who lived one hundred years ago. We are constantly in fight or flight mode and this takes a toll on our health.
Today, Dr. Timothy Weeks, a holistic chiropractor explains the science behind what's going on in our bodies and he has concrete suggestions for how to better manage our stress. He believes stress is at the root of all of our disease in the modern world. He suggests looking at the elements--earth, air, water, and fire--for clues on building resilience and cultivating optimal health.
Visit his website here: wholebodyhealth.org
Register for our Wise Traditions conference here: wisetraditions.org
#207 EMFs and cancer (part 2)
What evidence is there that EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies) are harmful? And how should we respond to 5G technology being rolled out into most major cities? Brandon LaGreca, author of "Cancer and EMF Radiation," answers these questions and more in part two of this podcast series.
Today, Brandon kicks things off by explaining his own cancer diagnosis and how he chose to address it. Then he goes deep into the corroborating lines of evidence that show the risk EMFs pose to our health: epidemiological and experimental studies, mechanisms at play, and animal studies. He also offers insights about what to do to defend ourselves in light of the growing exposure to radiation, and he gives us advice about how to nurture health and build resilience across the board.
Visit Brandon LaGreca's website: brandonlagreca.com
Check out our sponsor: Ancestral Supplements.
Visit the Weston A. Price Foundation website: westonaprice.org.
#206 EMFs and cancer
How problematic really is the radiation emitted by our cell phones, cell phone towers, & wifi networks? Brandon LaGreca, author of "Cancer and EMF Radiation," helps us understand the consequences of radiation exposure from non-native electromagnetic fields (EMFs) like that which comes from these sources, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, our electronic devices, & more.
Among other things, Brandon explains how EMFs can be measured, how they suppress melatonin production, and how magnesium protects our cells from EMF damage. He also gives concrete tips for lessening the risk and lowering our EMF exposure in the day to day.
Visit Brandon LaGreca's website here.
#205 The oldest foods on earth
The Aboriginal culture is one of the earth's oldest. What did these indigenous people eat to survive over 60,000 years in the harsh climate of Australia? Australian author John Newton explores this subject in his book "The Oldest Foods on Earth."
His own curiosity got piqued when he tried kangaroo for the first time. It dawned on him that it was actually the first time he had ever knowingly consumed a native Australian food. That moment led to his interest in, and advocacy for local, traditional foods.
Today, John shares with us some of the stories behind his books, which describe the history of traditional foods and recipes, along with resources for finding these foods. He also discusses our penchant for foreign "super foods" over foods closer to home, insights into the complicated relationship between indigenous people in Australia and European Australians, and the growing movement to embrace indigenous food worldwide.
Find John Newton's books here.
For more on nourishing food, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
#204 What is farming really like?
Have you ever wondered what life is really like on a farm? What does it take to run a farm? The romantic allure of fresh air, a slower pace, and ethically sustainable foods make farm life appealing, but it honestly takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice.
Today, Paul Grieve of Primal Pastures, a regenerative farm in Southern California, offers insights into the realities of running a farm and walks us through a day-in-the-life of a small farmer, sharing some of his early struggles and how he overcame them. Paul also explains why balance is key--how farms need to be not only economically and ecologically sustainable, but also socially sustainable for the communities they serve and the families that run them. If you haven't visited a local farm yet, this conversation may inspire you to do just that!
For more from Paul, visit his website: primalpastures.com.
And register for the Wise Traditions conference here.
#203 Balanced weight and mind
Weight loss is often on the mind, even for those who "eat right." Today, Sally Fallon Morell, author, real food advocate, and the president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, offers ideas for how to best nourish ourselves to maintain a healthy weight and mind. As she reviews the summer Wise Traditions journal, Sally highlights topics such as the keto diet, coconut oil as a food to boost memory, and how to build up good bacteria in our bodies to fight infectious diseases. She also celebrates dietary traditions in the Ukraine--such as consuming organ meats and raw dairy--and looks at trends in the U.S. (particularly for how we nourish our children) that are troubling.
Visit our sponsor's website: Ancestral Supplements.
Find out more about events in Australia in September 2019 here.
#202 What you don't know about ferments
Fermented foods are SO popular right now: from kimchi to kombucha to kraut to kefir. But do they live up to the hype? Why are they thought to be so good for us? Can you ever eat too much of them? What does die-off look like? Which are the best ones to incorporate into our diet?
In front of a LIVE audience in Southern California, fermentation experts Monica Ford and Elaina Luther answer a wide variety of questions related to ferments. Monica is an ancestral cuisine chef, who launched Real Food Devotee, the first ancestral cuisine delivery service in the country. Elaina Luther is the founder of Culture Club 101, a "beyond organic" nourishing café, specialized grocery store, and community learning center.
Together, with fun and flair, they explore the myths & little-known truths about ferments. How do they boost our health exactly? Which help to fight eczema? Which fight fungal infections? Is it true that eating ferments counterbalances the carcinogenic effects of grilled meats? And what's the deal with kombucha? Is there too much sugar in it for it to do us much good?
Just when you thought you knew all there was to know about the subject, Monica and Elaina bring up some surprising revelations about these ancient, nearly magical foods.
For more from Monica, visit her website: realfooddevotte.com.
For more from Elaina, visit cultureclub101.com
And donate to WAPF's fundraising drive here.
#201 Anxiety, allergies, & food sensitivities
Growing up, Jo Whitton suffered with poor health. She had food intolerances, histamine reactions, frequent colds, and more. As she grew older, her problems increased, and she noticed that her children struggled with similar issues. When her 11 year-old son began to develop strange phobias, extreme anxiety and other mental health concerns, Jo began to look for answers, like never before.
Today, Jo is a popular author and speaker and the podcast host of "A Quirky Cooking Journey." She and her family have reversed the trend of poor physical and mental health and Jo shares their story to help others do the same. Through the GAPS (Gut and Psychology) diet, she turned things around and now she lectures around the world about the importance of gut health.
On this episode, we cover the many symptoms of poor gut health--ranging from OCD to anxiety to allergies to constipation to diarrhea to arthritis, and more--along with how to begin the journey of healing the gut with nutrient-rich foods.
For more from Jo, visit her website: quirkycooking.com.au.
Donate to WAPF's fundraising drive here.
#200 Top 5 health hacks
Hilda Labrada Gore, known as Holistic Hilda, is normally the host and producer of this show. Today, in honor of hitting the two million download mark, we turn the tables and invite her to impart her top health hacks as a guest on the program.
Hilda has traveled extensively, exploring wise traditions. She has conducted over 200 interviews for this podcast. She is a certified integrative nutrition health coach and an ACE-certified fitness professional.
On this episode, Hilda shares her tips for improving energy and overall well-being. She tells her own journey and the story of the birth defect that jeopardized her health from the start. She offers insights on the power of sunlight to improve sleep and hormonal function, gives suggestions for how to transition to a more ancestral diet, and reveals the daily physical and spiritual practices that give her perspective and strength.
For more from Hilda, visit her website holistichilda.com.
For more on our guest host, Marisa Moon, visit her website marisamoon.com.
And register today for our Wise Traditions conference here. (Use the coupon code "WTpodcast" for $20 off!)
#199 Harmonious living
Sadly, modern living is often grossly out of balance with nature, resulting in poor health, poor soil health, biodiversity loss, and trauma to indigenous communities.We are decidedly not living harmoniously with the world. We've cleared 2/3 of the earth's surface and killed one billion species.
How can we restore nature's balance? And what can we learn from Aboriginal Australians' way of life?
Dr. Geraldine McGuire has spent the better part of her life restoring a rainforest in in North Queensland, Australia. She is an environmental and agricultural scientist, and the founder and director of Rainforest Bounty.
As a scientist, and as a human being, she has grown in her understanding of what it means to live harmoniously with the planet and with people. In today's conversation she reflects on the urgency to live differently. She talks about what she's learned from life in the rainforest and from the original inhabitants of the area. She describes plants and fruits native to the region, and mixed-species farming, an indigenous practice that has often been overlooked.
Restoring humanity through restoring the earth is a concept from the Aboriginal community that she has embraced. And she guides us all on how to incorporate this approach into our day-to-day lives.
For more on Rainforest Bounty, visit their website here.
And register today for our Wise Traditions conference here.
#198 The buzz on bees & honey
Why are bess disappearing? What contributes to "colony collapse disorder?" Do we need bess to survive as a human race? And what about honey? Why is it so hard to find the real deal? And are we consuming more than we should?
Beekeeper and teacher Leo Sharashkin answers these questions and more. Leo learned beekeeping from his uncle in his native Russia. Today, among other things, Leo offers his theory on why we have a dying bee population. He describes what wild beekeeping looks like. And he addresses the question of honey adulteration (why not all honey on the shelves is true honey).
By the end of the conversation you'll gain insights on bees, honey, and how Leo lives out the theme of the book he edited "Keeping Bees with a Smile."
For more from Leo, visit his website: horizontalhive.com.
#197 School lunch makeover
It's time to disrupt the trend of chronic illness in the next generation of kids. Hilary Boynton has a bright idea for achieving this goal. Hilary is the head of nutrition services at The Manzanita School in Topanga, California, and she is the author of the "Heal Your Gut Cookbook." Her plan is to reinvent the "Lunch Lady" and the very lunch she serves up. Her mission is to truly nourish children and she is training up a new wave of lunch leaders to do just that. She talks to us about how she and her team approach the lunches they make at their own school, how they follow Wise Traditions guidelines for nutrient-dense meals, their relationship with the local farmers, how they inspire the kids to try the food they make and more. This conversation challenges all of us to become a part of the change we want to see in the world. Hilary reminds us of what's at stake and the power of just one meal to turn things around.
For info on the "Lunch Leader Intensive", go to slowfoodventuracounty.org. You can find Hilary on Instagram @liveyumyum.
Check out our sponsor Ancestral Supplements.
And sign up for our Wise Traditions conference here.
#196 Hold hands with the earth
John Arbuckle of Singing Prairie Farms is a 9th generation livestock farmer. Today, he helps us take a deep dive into the heart of regenerative farming practices. He explains how we need to see soil differently, as a living entity that we must nurture and respect.
His family has been farming for the last 300 years, and they've learned a thing or two along the way. In this conversation, John shares their accumulated wisdom. He discusses how recent droughts, flooding and even wildfires are related to our disconnect with the land. He contrasts regenerative agriculture to the industrial model of farming and explains how good the former is for the planet. And he invites us all to "hold hands with the earth" and take part in regenerating the soil, whether we are farmers or not.
For more from John, visit his website, singingprairiefarms.com.
Check out our sponsors: Vintage Tradition and Ancestral Supplements.
Sign up for our Wise Traditions conference here.
#195 Feet first
Plantar fasciitis, back, knee, and leg pain all seem to be nothing out of the ordinary these days. And yet, up until roughly 50 years ago, we walked with little complaint. That's when modern shoe companies began designing footwear with so much padding and arch support that—instead of allowing our feet to flex, bend and move—they have unintentionally weakened our muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Steven Sashen, the co-founder of Xero Shoes, a minimalist footwear company, makes a case for why we need a more ancestral, natural barefoot experience. Today, he talks about the problems most footwear creates, the challenges of transitioning back to bare feet (or minimalist footwear), and why not all shoes called "barefoot" shoes are good for us. He also tells stories (including his own) of those who have benefited from the freedom and fun found in allowing our body to do what is natural—namely, giving our feet the freedom of connecting with the ground, unhindered.
For more from Steven, visit his website, xeroshoes.com.
#194 Thyroid help
Known as a "master gland," the thyroid works with other endocrine system glands and hormones to govern our body's growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism are increasingly common, and can cause a host of issues, including stunted growth, weight gain, fatigue, or infertility. What factors cause thyroid problems? What role does iodine play in supporting the thyroid? And how can we heal the thyroid naturally?
Today, holistic nutritionist and master herbalist Ronda L. Nelson, PhD, MH offers insights on how the thyroid works, how to heal it using nature as our guide, and why it's important to look beyond the symptoms when health problems arise. She also tells us how her daughter's diagnosis with terminal bone cancer led her on a path toward discovering the inextricable link between the food we eat and our health.
For more from Ronda, visit her website restorationhealth.net.
#193 RFK Jr. speaks out
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a well-known environmental attorney and human rights activist. On a mission to stem the tide of threats to the health of our planet and our own, for decades, Kennedy has dedicated himself to educating the public on the chemicals that are harming us and what to do about them. He advocates holding parties responsible for injuries and establishing safeguards against chemical use.
Today's conversation centers around vaccine safety. Those with children, those born after 1989 – a time when vaccine schedules multiplied, and, with them, lifelong health conditions – and those experiencing chronic disease should listen closely to this episode to gain insight on this controversial subject.
For more from RFK Jr., visit his website: childrenshealthdefense.org.
Sally Fallon Morell's website is nourishingtraditions.org.
Sign up for our Wise Traditions conference this November here.
And visit our website: westonaprice.org.
#192 Cancer: what next?
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like a personal crisis and a medical emergency. Treatment is necessary, but a knee-jerk reaction can lead to poor outcomes. Today, Dr. Nasha Winters offers some concrete suggestions for what first steps to take when dealing with cancer. Nasha is a licensed naturopathic doctor and the co-author of "The Metabolic Approach to Cancer." She describes in detail how to weigh the options when it comes to conventional, alternative, and integrative therapies, how to build a supportive team, & how to cultivate a healthy "terrain" in the middle of it all.
For more from Nasha, visit her website: drnasha.com.
Check out our sponsors: Vintage Tradition, Chelsea Green Publishing and Ancestral Supplements.
Record your feedback on the podcast via Speakpipe here.
For the full show notes from today's episode and additional resources, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
#191 Cancer: how did we get here?
Cancer is increasingly identified in young people under the age of 35. One in 2 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer. One in 2.4 women will also be diagnosed. What is happening? What factors contribute to this epidemic? Is it genetic only? Can lifestyle choices lessen the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis?
Dr. Nasha Winters, co-author of "The Metabolic Approach to Cancer," offers insights on what causes cancer cells to go "rogue" in our bodies, replicating without cessation until they kill the host. She talks about her own cancer diagnosis at age 19, which informed her life's course. She explains why new approaches are needed to combat cancer including addressing mitochondrial function, our diet, and emotional trauma in our lives. And she offers practical first steps for protecting the body against cancer.
#190 Bucking the system
We're told cannabis is a cure-all; we need fluoride in the water to prevent tooth decay; and aluminum in vaccines cannot possibly cause autism. Today, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, upends conventional thinking when it comes to these controversial topics. As we review highlights from the Wise Traditions journal, Sally separates facts from fiction and gives us much food for thought. She undergirds the conversation with science that points to why we need to proceed with caution with cannabis and cannabis-derived products, how systemic fluoride interferes with cellular function, and the troubling consequences of aluminum injected into the bloodstream.
For more from Sally, visit her website: nourishingtraditions.com.
#189 Secrets of the Biggest Little Farm
John Chester, of Apricot Lane Farms, explains on today's show how a small farm can make a BIG difference. And he challenges those of us who are not farmers to look for ways to do the same.
He covers topics ranging from what led him and Molly to become farmers in the first place, to our need to respect the environment and livestock, to the impermanence of life, to the importance of composting, to the challenges behind establishing a farm that can regenerate soil, provide nutrient-rich food, and be sustainable and beneficial to the planet! He shares their challenges as well as the secrets to their success--that have to do primarily with the harmony and beauty of a balanced farm ecosystem.
His farm, Apricot Lane Farms, is featured in the film "The Biggest Little Farm," now showing in theaters. You'll understand why it is so inspiring as you listen to his story.
For more on John and Molly's farm, visit ApricotLaneFarms.com. For more on the movie, visit biggestlittlefarmmovie.com.
Take our listener survey here.
#188 Primal posture
From the time we are born, we are conditioned to sit, sleep, walk and stand in a certain way. We are directed to "sit up straight" and to stick our "chest out" when we slouch. These ideas are actually counterproductive and do not correspond with how our ancestors sat, stood, and moved. The result? Back pain, digestive issues, shoulder and neck impingement, and more. Esther Gokhale knows this firsthand. She had excruciating back pain and resorted to several surgeries before she discovered the root of the problem: poor posture. Esther is the founder of the Gokhale Method: an approach that retrains the body to adopt its natural, primal posture. Today, she walks us through what's wrong with our alignment and how to fix it. She offers simple tweaks for improving how we sit, stand, and even sleep. And she explains why it is critical to carry ourselves properly for a strong foundation for optimal wellbeing.
For more on Esther and the Gokhale method, visit her website gokhale method.com.
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Donate to the Weston A. Price Foundation here.
#187 Home birth: a safe & beautiful option
Is a homebirth a viable option for mothers-to-be? Is it safe? What happens if complications arise?Katelyn Fusco answers these questions and more on today's show. Katelyn is the host and creator of the "Happy Homebirth" podcast. She studied as a student midwife and is a home birth mother herself. She explains how home births have been historically, a wise tradition. She talks about the shift to hospital births and what's been lost in the process. She offers insights on C-section statistics, the risks and benefits of giving birth at home, the training midwives receive, and even how to manage a more "natural" birth at a hospital. Katelyn showcases giving birth at home as a beautiful and safe option for low-risk pregnancy moms.
For more from Katelyn, visit her website myhappyhomebirth.com.
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#186 The problem with fluoride
For decades we've been told that fluoridation of water helps prevent cavities, but science doesn't support that claim. As a matter of fact, fluoride is a waste product that is so toxic it is not allowed to be dumped in our landfills, and yet somehow it is routinely added to our water supply. Today, Integrative Biological Dentist Dr. Griffin Cole explains the history of water fluoridation and how this practice is negatively impacting our health. Systemic fluoride interferes with our hormone balance, the thyroid, kidneys, and more. He also explains how we can personally avoid fluoride in our diets and the water, and how to defend our rights to clean, fluoride-free water in our communities.
For more from Dr. Cole, visit his website: griffincole.com.
#185 Mimicking ancestral living
Sometimes we over-complicate healthy living. Today, author, coach, and nutrition & fitness expert Ben Greenfield, brings insights on how to improve our health based on ancient wisdom. While Ben is known as a "biohacker," who uses technology and science for peak performance and health, he also has a profound understanding of simple ways that we can mimic the health practices of our ancestors for optimal health.
Ben discusses the benefits of grounding, catching sunlight, and cold exposure, for example, that we can incorporate into everyday health habits, wherever we are today. He shows us how to use modern-day technology to benefit our physical and mental health in this post-industrial world. He shares his own personal hacks that he uses to mitigate exposure to radiation when traveling, not to mention his biggest "dial mover" when it comes to his own health and fitness. In the end, he points us to the ultimate combination of health and life span for the most fulfillment and joy.
For more on Ben, his resources, and podcasts, visit bengreenfieldfitness.com.
To support the "Retracing the Footsteps of Dr. Weston A. Price" initiative, click here.
#184 What is homeopathy?
Ananda More was skeptical about homeopathy until she fell ill during a trip to India. She took the two little "sugar pills" figuring she had nothing to lose. Now, Ananda is a homeopath herself and the filmmaker behind the movie "Magic Pills: Promise or Placebo?" In today's conversation, she covers the science behind and the benefits of homeopathy, the ancient system of healing.
Ananda explains how homeopathy follows the principle of "like cures like" and how surprisingly effective its micro doses of natural substances can be in helping the body heal. She points to recent scientific developments that demonstrate its positive track record, and helps us understand why the pharmaceutical industry is threatened by the same.
This episode is ideal for those who are brand new to homeopathy, for the skeptics, and for those who are already choosing homeopathic remedies and are eager to see the widespread use of this ancient healing system.
For more on Ananda and her movie "Magic Pills," visit her website here: magicpillsmovie.com.
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#183 Is sunscreen okay to use?
For decades, we've been told to protect ourselves with sunscreen from the sun's harmful rays or risk getting skin cancer. However, melanoma has increased, in tandem with the use of sunscreen. What's going on? Today, clinical scientist and hormone expert Dr. Elizabeth Plourde weighs in on the sunscreen debate and discusses why sunscreen may be doing more harm than good. Elizabeth has done extensive research on the chemicals in sunscreen and gives us clarity about how they are impacting coral, marine life, and our own. She explains how the ingredients mess with our hormone health. She gives us the keys to a diet that works as a kind of "solar protector," and sheds light on the role that electro-magnetic frequencies play in making us more vulnerable to the toxins in sunscreen. She also gives us insights as to why the medical community is not making this information more widely known. In sum, Elizabeth opens our eyes to the scope of the problem emanating from our use of sunscreen and what we can to curtail its detrimental impact.
For more on sunscreen's effects, visit Dr. Plourde's website: sunscreensbiohazard.com.
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Rate and review our show on iTunes here. And take our listener survey here.
#182 Sports survival guide
Why are sports injuries so common? How can we not only avoid injury, but maximize performance? Dr. Tommy John owns and runs the Dr. Tommy John Performance and Healing Center in San Diego and is the author of "Minimize Injury, Maximize Performance: A Sports Parent's Survival Guide."
Today, he shares insights on what children--and athletes of all ages--can do to not merely survive, but thrive in the activity of their choice. He reviews a list of essentials for optimal health and he reminds us of the power we have to shape our own health and athletic performance. He covers what to do about cravings, how to nourish young athletes on the go, and how to learn to listen to our own intuition about what our bodies need most.
For more from Tommy, visit his website here: minimizeinjurymaximizeperformance.com.
#181 Food lies exposed
Chances are, your great-great-grandmother didn't obsess over what she ate. She didn't count calories, measure out carbs, or worry about the fat content of what was on her dinner plate. And chances are, she was healthier than you and me!
Nutrition doesn't have to be as complicated as we've made it out to be. But if it's so simple, where did we go wrong? Filmmaker Brian Sanders, of the documentary "Food Lies," exposes the food lies that have added to our confusion and wrecked our health. In today's conversation, he suggests we ditch dietary dogma and return to ancestral wisdom.
Brian covers how we've lost touch with our own instincts when it comes to eating, what's behind food fads that appear "healthy" at first blush, why meat has been deemed "unhealthy," and why it's critical for this generation to turn things around.
To support the movie "Food Lies," go to "Food Lies Post" on Indiegogo. For more on Brian's work, visit Sapien.org.
#180 Joel Salatin tells all
Joel Salatin is the most famous farmer in the world! A prolific author and engaging speaker, he's a man at the forefront of the regenerative agriculture movement. Today he shares the secrets of life: his insights on living, farming, and business. He covers how to find your sweet spot and staying relevant in a changing world. He tells us what books he's reading and what books he's writing! He opens up about his deepest motivations to farm sustainably and regeneratively and his biggest regret in life.
Joel is clearly passionate about his purpose; he radiates joy as he lives his best life. This conversation will inspire you to do the same.
Subscribe to Joel's blog at lunaticfarmer.com.
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#179 The oiling of America
Unfortunately, traditional fats have been replaced in many kitchens by so-called "heart healthy" processed oils and spreads. Today, Sally Fallon Morell, the President of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains how detrimental this is for our health. She discusses who is behind this push and why. She busts the myth that high cholesterol has a role in chronic illness and heart disease. She helps us understand why we actually need cholesterol in our diet, how the food we consume does not affect the cholesterol in our bloodstream, and why statins are not the answer for avoiding heart disease. Sally goes deep and wide, examining the flawed research that has led us to where we are today and making a strong case for why we should embrace traditional fats like butter, lard, and tallow, rather than demonizing them.
Subscribe to Sally's blog at nourishingtraditions.com.
#178 Improve eyesight naturally
Carlos Moreno wore glasses and contacts for over 22 years; today, he is free of both. Carlos corrected his own imperfect vision which included nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (presbyopia/hypermetropia) and astigmatism through the Bates Method & Natural Vision Improvement. An instructor and consultant in the method since 1997, Carlos breaks down how to improve our eyesight naturally. In today's conversation, he goes over the three factors that improve eyesight, reviews how stress negatively affects our vision, and he even shares a practice that we can implement right away to help strengthen the eye muscles and help with overall relaxation, leading to improved eyesight and greater enjoyment in life.
For more on Carlos and the Bates Method, visit his website: centeredvision.com.
#177 Eating light
Human beings have been called "light-eaters." Basically, food is light "slowed down," so that we can ingest it and get energy from it. In today's episode, Dewey Layman explores how the light in our food and our environment shapes our health. He dives into how our brains are wired for light, why it's a good idea to include plenty of seafood in our diet, and how getting enough sunlight can decrease not only our appetite, but the actual amount of food we need to eat to function well. Dewey is the COO of Ra Optics (a blue-blocking glasses company) and the Founder and CEO of L-Dopa, a quantum health consulting company, and, as such, he shares insights from his years of research into light and its effects.
For more from Dewey, visit his website: l-dopaconsulting.com.
#176 Junk light
Depression. Weight gain. Eye problems. Auto-immune conditions. The wrong light can lead to health concerns on a number of fronts. Our computers, cell phones, and indoor lifestyle are jeopardizing our well-being. The blue light, considered "junk light," emitted from many of our devices interferes with our bodies' natural functions, throwing our systems out of whack. Dewey Layman, the founder and CEO of L-Dopa, a quantum health consulting company, understands this first-hand. For a time, he worked the night shift at a pizza shop and played video games till the sun came up. His health took a nosedive. He developed myopia and hormone imbalances; he became overweight and depressed. Turning to the sun, literally, helped turn his life and health around. Today he discusses the importance of exposing ourselves to sunlight for energy and health. He also explains what blue light is, the problems it causes for our circadian rhythm, and how we can mitigate its effects in our lives.
Visit our website for more resources: westonaprice.org. To join or for more information on membership with WAPF, click here.
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#175 Slow diet in a fast world
Tara Couture is a farmer, holistic nutritionist, devoted mother, and wife. She lives with her family on Slow Down Farmstead, a small, organic, grass-based farm in Canada. Today, Tara shares with us her personal journey from being a vegetarian struggling with her health, to recovering through traditional nutrient-dense foods. Now, she and her husband do their best to raise healthy, strong children, but that doesn't mean it's been easy. One daughter's diet is so radically different from her teammates' that it sets her apart, socially. Tara's middle daughter, at age 11, was diagnosed with an eating disorder that had her parents sick with worry and wondering how to bring her back from the brink. In short, Tara is an open book in this episode, sharing both the highs and lows on her journey of helping her family embrace slow, real food in this fast-paced modern world.
Follow Tara on Instagram @slowdownfarmstead.
#174 Toxins that assail us
What can we do to mitigate the toxins that seem to be just about everywhere? Today, Sally Fallon Morell, the president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, reveals what's assailing us and what we can do about it. Sally reviews highlights from our winter Wise Traditions journal, which include a look at the dark side of sunscreens, a fresh approach to cancer, and a new study comparing the health of vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Sally also touches on sugar addiction, our children's behavioral and learning issues, and the dangers of glyphosate, and even how coffee can negatively impact our health.
Visit our website for more resources: westonaprice.org.
Check out our sponsors: Serenity Farm Bread, Vintage Tradition, and Ancestral Supplements.
#173 Big fat lie
Dietary fat is our friend, not our foe. Although this may seem like a radical statement, it is true. Today, Jennifer Isenhart, journalist and documentarian, reveals the weak science behind the dietary fat dogma we've been fed for years. She explains the consequences of the anti-fat propaganda: namely that we are more overweight and sicker than ever. Jennifer brings the data that backs up her conclusions: that fat does not make us fat or sick. Along the way, she tells us her personal story and what led her to create this "Big Fat Lie" documentary to help set the record straight.
See the Big Fat Lie Movie Facebook page.
#172 The soilution
It's one of the most important parts of the earth's ecosystem. We get our food from it, walk on it, and even breathe it in, but many of us hardly give it a second thought! It's the soil. The quality and health of the soil has such a huge impact on our own health and the health of the planet. "Sustainability" is not enough. We must reverse the damage and restore the soil to avert our growing climate crisis. Award-winning documentary filmmaker and author Josh Tickell tells us why we should care about the health of the earth and how we can make a difference, once we do. Listen and learn how to become a part of the soil-ution that will help generations to come enjoy good health, springing from a peaceful, fruitful planet.
For more from Josh, visit JoshTickell.com & for more on planetary health visit KisstheGround.com.
#171 5G near me
There is a push to roll out small cell towers in our neighborhoods and cities. The radiation from these small wireless antennas is not small at all. The installations--placed on streetlights, lampposts, trash cans, & mailboxes in our neighborhoods--emit microwave radiation at higher frequencies than our current technology and, thus, pose a greater threat to our health than ever before.
Ostensibly these are being approved and installed by cities in response to consumer demand for faster internet service. But 5G promises "fast" and delivers "unsafe" in its place. Theodora Scarato, the Executive Director of the Environmental Health Trust, explains in today's podcast the health ramifications of 5G radiation in and near our homes. She cites multiple studies and worldwide concern, raised by 250+ scientists, over the effects of this radiation. She also gives us practical ideas for how to protect our families and advocate for our health on a local and federal level.
Visit the Environmental Health Trust website: EHTrust.org.
#170 Gut issues
Gut issues are unfortunately far too common in this day and age--people are struggling with everything from constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, and upset stomach, to more complex conditions like celiac disease, colitis, diverticulitis, IBD, IBS, candida and Crohn's disease. All of these various conditions stem from the same source, inflammation. Today, we hear from Mike Merrill, the "Heal Your Gut Guy," on the topic. Mike shares his healing journey from Crohn's disease and discusses the five sources of gut inflammation. He then explains the protocol he recommends for reducing inflammation and helping the gut heal for good.
Visit Mike's YouTube channel: Heal Your Gut Guy.
Visit our website at westonaprice.org.
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#169 Million-year-old food
We have lost the ability to think for ourselves when food is concerned. We're the only animal on the planet that hires nutritionists and dieticians to tell us how to eat. But we're the sickest species on the planet. Something's wrong. And Dr. Bill Schindler wants to right that wrong. On today's episode, Bill, professor of anthropology and archaeology at Washington College, and the director of the Eastern Shore Food Lab, walks us through 3+ million years of diet history to help us get a handle on what our ancestors ate. As we learn about the tools they used and which foods provided the most nutrients, we gain insights into how we can eat and live better today.
Bill describes what main foods were part of the primitive diet, how the diet shifted over time, how the dietary needs of the past compare to ours today, how our ancestors extracted the most nutrients from the raw food they hunted or gathered, and the importance of getting back in touch with our food.
Learn more from Bill's website: ancestralinsight.com
Visit our website for more resources on health and wellness.
Discover the benefits of eating a low-carb, high-fat diet for health and weight loss. Learn why we don't need to wear a mental illness label for life. And find out why there's no such thing as a "safe vaccine." These three topics are featured in our end-of-year "Best of 2018" episode!
We have taken excerpts from our three most popular Wise Traditions episodes of the year. Professor Tim Noakes explains why he is an outspoken advocate of a low-carb, high-fat diet for weight loss and improved health. Holistic psychiatrist Kelly Brogan discusses why depression is a symptom, pointing to an imbalance in the body. And holistic physician Tom Cowan describes the risks inherent to vaccination.
To listen to the episodes in their entirety, check out:
#121 "Low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet on trial"
#122 "Depression: a symptom, not a disease"
#149 "The vaccine trade-off"
Visit our website, westonaprice.org.
Order your shopping guide here.
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#167 Health from the inside out
Do you see exercise as punishment for food you ate? Do you diet to make your body conform to someone else's idea of what it should look like? Strength coach and nutritional therapist Steph Gaudreau used to live like that, too, but she's developed some tools to break free from unhealthy relationships with movement and food. Today, she walks us through the four core pillars that have helped her shift her mindset and live her best life. We discuss what it looks like to honor our bio-individuality, how strength training helps the mind and the body, how to recharge without caffeine or sugar, and how to change our approach to health living. The idea is to develop a relationship with food and our bodies that is free and joyful, rather than punitive or restrictive.
Visit Steph's website at stephgaudreau.com.
Order a shopping guide here.
Make a donation on our website: westonaprice.org.
Check out our sponsor: Pure Indian Foods
#166 Say no to the flu shot
Are you still on the fence about the flu shot? Do you find yourself wondering if you should vaccinate your family, just to "play it safe"? Are you afraid of what people will think if you don't vaccinate?
Flu season has rolled around again, and you may find yourself asking these questions yet again. There's a lot of misinformation and confusion out there concerning the flu shot, but the truth can be uncovered. Today, filmmaker and vaccination expert Leslie Manookian brings clarity and science to the conversation. Leslie is the producer of the award-winning documentary "The Greater Good", and she has done copious research on the subject of vaccinations. Leslie explains how the risks outweigh the supposed benefits. She exposes the truth about the numbers we hear--how many people die from the flu each year--and those we don't--how many people are injured or die as a result of the toxins in the vaccine. She also gives us the big picture of the relationship between vaccine manufacturers, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the public. It's an enlightening conversation that offers suggestions for building up our immunity naturally, so that we can say "no" to the flu shot with confidence.
Learn more about vaccinations through the documentary "The Greater Good."
Get a 2019 shopping guide here.
Visit Michelle Bloom & Co. for a chance to win Michelle's "Big Backyard" CD.
#165 Too many meds?
We know that pharmaceutical drugs have their place. But often we are too quick to prescribe and take medications when dietary or lifestyle changes could very well address our health concerns. Today, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation walks us through several articles from our fall Wise Traditions journal that highlight why seniors, in particular, are targeted by the drug companies. She discusses which drugs are most commonly prescribed--including statins, blood pressure medications, and more--and she explains their deleterious side effects. She also touches on our children's health, why their IQ scores are plummeting, and how the environment affects their well-being.
Visit our website, estonaprice.org, for the show notes for this episode and for access to some of the articles from our fall Wise Traditions journal.
#164 The "heal your leaky gut" diet
Many people are struggling with health conditions that stem from a leaky gut. These can include eczema, allergies, autoimmune conditions and more. But what is a leaky gut, exactly? And how can we heal and seal it for good? Monica Corrado, an author, nutrition consultant, and certified GAPS (Gut And Psychology Syndrome) practitioner, defines this prevalent condition, and she explains how we can address it through the power of real food. She goes over the GAPS protocol, calling it the original "heal your leaky gut" diet. She offers simple dietary advice, including suggestions for what foods to avoid to prevent further damage to the gut wall, and which we should include to help repair it. Along the way, she tells her own story, as well as the stories of people who have followed the GAPS dietary protocol and found relief and health.
For more on Monica, courses she offers and her books, visit her website at simplybeingwell.com.
Visit our website for more support for your wellness journey at westonaprice.org.
#163 Mystery ailments
It is increasingly common for children to develop strange rashes, eczema, eye and speech problems, and the like that seem to appear out of the blue. Doctors seem flummoxed, unable to explain what's happening with our kids. Autism, allergies, and autoimmune conditions are on the rise. And, again, there are few answers. Author and medical researcher Forrest Maready has spent years examining the evidence that is staring us in the face. His "Crooked" theory postulates that toxins are attacking our brain stem, leading to a number of mystery ailments that often leave tell-tale traces on our faces. He makes the case, on today's podcast, that aluminum and the injudicious use of antibiotics are making our children vulnerable to serious health conditions. With insight and compassion, Forrest explains what we can do to shore up their health and protect future generations.
Check out our website for more resources: westonaprice.org.
Listen to our podcast through Pandora.
#162 A wise diet
Dietary trends come and go. How can we possibly know what's best to eat? Dr. Weston A. Price traveled the world to find what the healthiest people ate. The diets varied greatly depending on what part of the world the indigenous groups inhabited---the Swiss ate a diet rich in dairy products; the Inuit in Alaska ate a lot of fish and whale blubber, etc. But while the dietary specifics were different, traditional diets had much in common, as well. This is the crux of the Wise Traditions diet. It is not a list of do's and don'ts, but rather a guide for healthy eating, wherever you live, based on wise ancestral food ways! On today's podcast, Sally Fallon Morell, the president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, takes us back to the basics. She explains the 11 principles that were compiled, through scientific research and the work of Dr. Weston A. Price, to make up the Wise Traditions diet. The list of simple nutritional guidelines helps ease the burden of stress that comes from trying to eat well. Together, we will learn from the wise diets of the world and incorporate what we can to live the healthiest way possible!
For more from Sally, check out her blog at nourishingtraditions.com.
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Read this brochure for more on the Wise Traditions diet and Dr. Price's research.
#161 Biohacking our health
You wouldn't settle for the second-best partner in your life or for a job that you dislike, so why would you settle when it comes to your health? Thaddeus Owen, a personal trainer with a Masters in Holistic Nutrition and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, explains today how to reach optimal vitality by making the most of our surroundings. Thaddeus is a biohacker, an individual who incorporates ancestral practices with modern science to boost the body's health and natural functions. Today, he gives us the tools to overcome our indoor, sedentary, and oftentimes toxic lifestyle with a new focus on diet, light and temperature. In short, he describes how reacquainting ourselves with nature, by spending time outside, can reset our circadian rhythm, boost our mood, and help heal our mitochondria. He offers us tools that are simple, inexpensive and practical as we "biohack" our health to new levels.
For more on Thaddeus, visit his website: primalhacker.com.
For information on the Fire and Ice Retreat, go to thepointretreats.com.
#160 Centenarian dietary secrets
What should we eat to live a long, healthy life? Gina Baker, a writer, farmer, and researcher, who has lived in Costa Rica for over 20 years, went to the Nicoya Peninsula to learn about the traditional diets of centenarians. Her visits and conversations with the centenarians revealed that their traditional diet featured fried pork, pork brains, and lots and lots of lard. Does this surprise you? It definitely runs contrary to what was written up about the Nicoya people in "The Blue Zones." In that book, their diet was characterized as primarily vegetarian. On today's podcast, Gina does some serious myth-busting about what has kept the centenarians so well, for so long. She also shares secrets that she learned along the way about the key to the longevity, vitality, and strength of the centenarians of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.
Visit our website for resources: westonaprice.org.
To contact Gina and inquire about her retreat, email her at gmuschler@gmail.com.
Our listener survey is here.
#159 Walking on the wild side
Did you know that we're more bacterial DNA than human DNA, and that we're only as happy and healthy as those beneficial little bugs that live inside of us? Today, we take a walk on the wild side as we explore the beauty and benefits of wild fermentation--along with the bacteria and enzymes that come along with it. Monica Ford, ancestral cuisine educator and the founder of Real Food Devotee, explains in a lively way why fermented foods are fabulous and absolutely essential for good health and a strong microbiome. Monica talks with us not only about how food fermentation started, but what it means for our health and how/why we should reincorporate it into our diet.
She shares her story, including her scrappy attempts at making her first jar of sauerkraut, and how everything evolved from that. Find out just how wild and powerful fermentation can be through this conversation. Who knows, maybe you'll even get inspired to make your own batch of pickles or kombucha at home?!
For more on Monica, visit her website: RealFoodDevotee.com.
For show notes and other resources, visit westonaprice.org. Our listener survey is here.
For info on our conference, go to wisetraditions.org.
And check out our sponsors: Ancestral Supplements and Vintage Tradition.
#158 Tech side effects
Technology makes our lives easier, there's no doubt about it. We share information, connect worldwide, and communicate in ways unimaginable just 5-10 years ago. However, our devices have unintentional side effects that interrupt our bodies' natural functions and rhythms. The earth has always yielded natural radiation and electromagnetic frequencies, but research shows that the influx of electronic gadgets – think smart TVs, cell phones, and even baby monitors and lights – are placing an ever-growing burden on our bodies. As a result, these stressors are known to cause a host of symptoms, from headaches and night sweats to grogginess and even cancer and other autoimmune disorders. On today's episode, Geobiologist and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Brian Hoyer explains what's happening and what we can do about it.
For more on Brian and his company, visit his website shieldedhealing.com.
To learn more about our Wise Traditions conference and to register, click here.
And check out our sponsors Vintage Tradition and Ancestral Supplements.
#157 Crowd-sourced wisdom
Where do you turn when it comes to dietary advice? For too long, most of us have listened to "the anointed"--that is, experts who have promoted erroneous information to the expense of our health. Increasingly, people are turning their backs on what the supposed experts say and are instead turning to the wisdom of the crowds for their nutrition advice. Tom Naughton, filmmaker of the 2009 hit documentary, "Fat Head," explains why this "crowd-sourced" wisdom is a good thing. He himself once promoted federally-governed food guidelines, but he came to realize that these guidelines were greatly misaligned with the diets and ways of ancient populations. On today's podcast, he explains how ancient foods are not causing the diseases of modern civilization, what we can do to take our health into our own hands, and what he's working on to help children make healthy decisions early on for a lifetime of good health. And to anyone who thinks it's too late to start nourishing themselves with the nutritious whole foods of our ancestors, Tom has just one thing to say: "Bologna!"
For more on Tom's movie and book projects, go to fathead-movie.com.
For information on our Wise Traditions conference or to register, click here.
Check out our sponsors: Ancestral Supplements, Vintage Tradition, Kraut Pounder.
#156 Diversify your diet
We understand the beauty and benefit of diversity. We switch up our exercise routines. We diversify our investment portfolio. But did you know that it's a good idea to diversify our diets, as well? Today, Chris Masterjohn makes a strong case for why it's critical to do so for optimal health. Chris is a health expert and educator, with a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut. He explains in detail his rules of thumb for healthy eating. He give us practical ideas on how to translate the research of Dr. Weston A. Price from head knowledge to the dinner plate. Along the way, he tells stories about traditional people groups' dietary patterns; he warns us about the dangers of dietary extremes; and he gives us a window into the way he himself eats for optimal health.
For more on Chris, visit his website: chrismasterjohnphd.com.
Check out his "cheat sheet" for analyzing your own nutritional status: chrismasterjohnphd.com/wisetraditions.
For information on our Wise Traditions conference, go to wisetraditions.org.
#155 The "Isaac Newton of Nutrition"
Dr. Weston A. Price, a Cleveland dentist and researcher from the late 1800s, has been called the "Isaac Newton of Nutrition." His research is just that pivotal to our understanding of the role diet plays in our health. Today, we take a deep dive into the research that Dr. Price conducted and how we can benefit from it. What foods did traditional peoples enjoy that helped them cultivate good health? What did they avoid? And what can we learn from their choices? On this podcast, Chris Masterjohn, a nutrition expert who has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut, explains the foundational work of Dr. Price.
In the 1930s, Dr. Price traveled the world in order to study isolated people groups, visiting sequestered villages in Switzerland, Polynesian South Sea Islanders, African tribal groups, Australian Aborigines, and more. He was interested in finding out how these groups resisted the tooth decay and deformations that he was seeing in his clinic in the United States. The world over, Dr. Price found that those on their traditional diets not only had beautiful straight teeth, free from decay, but they also enjoyed vibrant health and vitality. Chris discusses in detail how Dr. Price went about this work and how it can serve us in our pursuit of good health today.
For more on Chris, visit his website, chrismasterjohnphd.com.
For information and to register for our Wise Traditions conference, click here.
Take our podcast listener survey here.
And check out our sponsor, Ancestral Supplements.
#154 Local spotlight: one hundred meals in Pasadena
Can you imagine hosting a potluck every month for eight years, without missing a single one? We can't, either! This is no small feat! But this is exactly what Karen Voelkening-Behegan has done! Karen is a woman on a mission to change her community one meal at a time.
There are countless Weston A. Price Foundation chapters across the U.S. and around the globe. And, today, we shine a spotlight on Karen and the Pasadena chapter that she founded in 2008. Karen is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, and the mother of two. Today, she reveals her secrets for building community and reaching the jaw-dropping milestone of 100 consecutive chapter gatherings in a row! She shares her ups and downs along the way, what kept her going, and the joys of building a wonderful, sustainable community of like-minded people.
Karen highlights the surprising benefits of local chapter meetings, that go beyond simply gathering around delicious, nutrient-dense meals. The gatherings encourage a spirit of learning about healthy eating and the Wise Traditions diet. They are a place for exchanging ideas and encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit. By the end of the conversation, you just may be inspired to start a Weston A. Price Foundation chapter yourself or at least to join one near you!
For more on Karen, visit her website: realfoodtherapy.com.
To find a local chapter near you, click here.For information on our upcoming conference, click here. Take our listener survey here.
#153 Primal play: the joy of movement
Chained to a desk all day with little or no time to exercise? Is your enthusiasm for exercising waning? London-based movement coach, play advocate and personal trainer Darryl Edwards knows just what you need to get moving – and to stick with it. He knows because he's done it himself. Once very sick, with chronic conditions affecting his entire body inside and out, Darryl has now been medicine-free for the past 15 years by making physical and dietary changes. In today's podcast, he reveals how partaking in physical movement you truly enjoy can not only help you create a sustainable healthy habit, but can also reverse disease and benefit your hormones, mood and even your gut's microbiome! He also shares that while enjoyable, to create real change in your body, movement must be intentional, challenging and yes – even a little inconvenient.
For more on Darryl, visit his website: primalplay.com.
Visit our website, westonaprice.org, to learn more about good health.
Check out our sponsors: Green Chef and Ancestral Supplements.
#152 Optimize your gut health
There's much buzz about gut health these days. If you've been diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or other digestive ailments, you understand why. However many of us have health concerns that do not seem to be tied to our gut, but that could stem from hidden gut problems. Such gut-related symptoms include: joint pain, brain fog, insomnia, anxiety, depression, skin lesions, constipation, and more.
Today, Functional Medical Practitioner and author Dr. Michael Ruscio defines a number of gut-related issues throughout the program. He talks in-depth about IBS, and other common health concerns including histamine sensitivities, Crohn's, autoimmune conditions, and the like. Importantly, he also talks about how to best address these and other more subtle gut concerns through dietary tweaks (like trying the low-FODMAP diet, and increasing probiotics) and other natural therapies.
Visit Michael's website: drruscio.com.
For information on our Wise Traditions conference, and to register, click here. (Use the coupon code "podcast" at checkout for $25 off!)
Please take our listener survey here.
#151 Is raw milk safe?
Why is raw milk illegal in some states? What are the risks associated with drinking it? How could a simple, straightforward product—like milk from a cow—have become so controversial? On today's episode, Mark McAfee, the Chairman of the Raw Milk Institute, and the head of Organic Pastures Dairy, expounds on the topic with first-hand knowledge, experience, and passion. You'll soon discover that Mark is a proponent of real, unadulterated, unpasteurized, grass-fed and pasture-raised raw milk. Mark explains the history of raw milk and pasteurization; he dives into the proteins and beneficial bacteria in raw milk; he contrasts raw milk with pasteurized milk and even "nut milks" on the market; and he discusses the role raw milk plays in the health of our gut microbiome. He gives us the big picture of the dairy industry world-wide, along with important information as to the benefits of including raw milk in your own diet.
To learn more about raw milk, go to realmilk.com.
For information on the Raw Milk Institute, go to rawmilkinstitute.org.
Check out sponsor Ancestral Supplements!
For information on our Wise Traditions conference and to register, go to wisetraditions.org.
Take our listener survey here! And thanks!
#150 The power of community & consciousness
How do we relate to the people around us? What is our relationship to nature? How do our choices (food and otherwise) affect the ecosystem we live in and the world, as a whole? Jessica Prentice, one of the founders of Three Stone Hearth in California, tackles all of the above in today's conversation. Jessica has a brilliant mind and passion to match it. She established Three Stone Hearth with a view to providing healing, nourishing foods to those unable to make it for themselves.
Her heart is for cultivating community and consciousness. Her mission is to wake us up to the reality that good health is made up of much more than just a particular diet or "clean eating." Jessica discusses our role in revitalizing the earth and the soil, the joys of communal work and meals, and the ins and outs of her unconventional Three Stone Hearth business model. She is an innovator--the woman who coined the term "locavore." Her candor and insights challenge all of us to live differently...and healthier.
For more on Three Stone Hearth, visit their website here.
Visit our website to make a donation or find out more about the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Take our brief listener survey here.
And check out our sponsors: Vintage Tradition & Ancestral Supplements.
Vaccines are a controversial topic. Some say that they are effective; others disagree vehemently. Dr. Tom Cowan, a holistic physician, author, and speaker, sees both sides and sheds needed light on this difficult topic. Basically, Dr. Cowan postulates that vaccines do indeed reduce the likelihood of our contracting various illnesses such as whooping cough or measles, for example. However, he explains why this short-term help has long-term consequences for our health—leading to autoimmune disorders and other chronic conditions. Today's conversation includes a discussion of what best boosts our immunity to disease, how vaccines (& illness) work in our bodies, why vaccines must include adjuvants (toxic ingredients) to be effective and what holds the most promise for long-term positive health outcomes.
Visit Dr. Cowan's website: fourfoldhealing.com.
Learn more about the Weston A. Price Foundation (or make a donation) here: westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsors Vintage Tradition & Ancestral Supplements.
#148 Get cooking
As evening approaches, we ask ourselves "What should we have for dinner?" Exhausted from a full day of work, we try to come up with something semi-decent to put on the table. Sometimes we punt and order take-out or fast food. Twenty-four hours later, the same scenario crops up again. Cooking instructor and expert Nevra Ledwon suggests that there is a better way to go about providing healthy meals for ourselves and our families.
In episode #147, Nevra talked about "why" we should get cooking. Today, she gets into the "how." She walks us through a week of cooking and shows us how simple it can be, with just a little forethought and planning. She gives us strategies for using what food we have on hand, ideas for involving the family in meal planning, and tips for avoiding our perfectionistic tendencies that make us stress about getting a dish exactly right. Novices and cooking veterans alike will glean ideas from Nevra's clear guidance. She shows us how cooking can truly be a joy and a wonderful tool for deep nourishment and lasting health.
For more on Nevra, visit her blog: churnyourown.com.
Please take our listener survey.
Visit our website to learn more or make a donation: westonaprice.org.
#147 Why cook?
In this hectic day and age of modern convenience foods, where you can grab food on the go practically anytime, anywhere, why would anyone decide to spend time cooking at home, from scratch?! Nevra Ledwon, cooking instructor and aficionado, gives plenty of reasons why--from the joy and pleasure of the process, to the sense of accomplishment and freedom that accompanies nourishing our families ourselves. On today's episode, Nevra also gives us plenty of practical ideas that empower us to take decisive steps toward our kitchens and the preparation of nourishing meals.
Along the way, she tells us the story of how, as a young girl, she became inspired to cook and how it led to her can-do attitude when it comes to cooking up new dishes. In addition, she gives us easy tips for how to transition from being consumers to creators. She suggests that meal planning may go far in relieving the stress that can characterize many busy families today, giving us more time for joy in our interactions with one another and in our kitchens.
For more on Nevra, visit her website churnyourown.com.
To find our more about The Weston A. Price Foundation or to make a donation, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsors: VintageTradition.com and AncestralSupplements.com.
#146 Keto for cancer
Most people turn to the ketogenic diet to lose weight or to enhance athletic performance. Today, nutritionist Miriam Kalamian, author of "Keto for cancer," explains how this diet is a powerful tool for improving our health overall. She tells how her son's cancer diagnosis launched her on a mission to explore the possibility of nutritional therapy to improve his outcome. When she came across the keto diet, she saw promise. And once she changed how he was eating to align with keto, she saw its efficacy. Science backs up what she witnessed first-hand. Not only does the keto diet help cancer patients live longer, it also allows them to enjoy a much higher quality life.
On this episode, we discuss the origins of the healing keto diet, how it works on a cellular level, and why it is an effective and safe treatment for cancer. Miriam explains how nutrition can be the first line of defense for cancer treatment & recovery of health, or, how, at the very least, it can be an adjunct to conventional therapies.
To check out her book, visit chelseagreen.com.
To learn more about the Weston A. Price Foundation, and/or helps for better health, visit westonaprice.org.
#145 Why GMOs are bad for us
We're told that GMOs can help feed the world and that they are perfectly safe to eat. And yet there is growing evidence that GMOs (genetically-modified organisms) are damaging our health.
Zen Honeycutt, the head of Moms Across America and the author of "Unstoppable," joins us today to help us understand what GMOs are and what they're doing to us. She gives us a short history of where GMOs came from and she explains their relationship to chronic illnesses and health problems (like cancer, autism, auto-immune conditions, and more). But she doesn't leave us there. She challenges us to take our health into our hands and to become advocates to lighten our toxic burden--making our families, communities, and the world a healthier place!
For more on Zen, visit momsacrossamerica.com.
To learn more about the Weston A. Price Foundation or to give a donation, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsor: walkabouthealthproducts.com.
#144 A chicken revolution
Many of us are able to buy quality vegetables in enough quantity to satisfy our hunger. It's so easy we may become convinced that the world doesn't need animal products to survive. But what about those who live in isolated places who don't have these privileges? What about those who can't grow a big variety of vegetables in enough quantity to have a balanced diet and keep hunger at bay? Cue the chickens. Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin makes the case in today's episode for a poultry-centered regenerative agriculture model that has the power to shift food inequalities and cultivate health. A chicken laying eggs can make all the difference for a family on the brink of malnutrition, and quite probably bridge the gap between life and death.
Today, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, author and fair trade advocate, tells his own story—how chickens saved his life as a small child in Guatemala, and how he is applying this nature-centered agricultural knowledge (and knowledge of poultry, in particular) to today's farming strategies. Learn how this chicken revolution is quietly transforming the food landscape in countries around the world.
Learn more about Reginaldo and his work at mainstreetproject.org.
To support the work of the Weston A. Price Foundation, donate here.
For the events in California this July & in D.C. this August, click here.
For more on the Wise Traditions conference this November, click here.
#143 Emu oil: the best fat you've never heard of
It has helped bring relief from joint pain, asthma, vision issues, Lyme's disease, heart conditions, digestive problems, wrinkles, and more. What is it exactly? It's emu oil, the best fat you've never heard of! Emu oil is a super food of sorts, rich in vitamins K2 and MK4. On today's episode Dr. Will Schlinsog and Dr. Sylvia Onusic explain the many benefits of emu oil. They discuss emu oil's anti-inflammatory properties, what makes it a fantastic source of vitamins K2 and MK4 (the "activator X" that Dr. Price often spoke of), and how it can be used topically and internally to improve our health. They also relate many anecdotes of people (and even animals) who have had promising responses to this unique fat.
You will certainly be intrigued about this beneficial heretofore overlooked fat. Give a listen. It may be just the thing your body needs to restore your health.
For information on our conference in Baltimore, go to wisetraditions.org.
For events in California or D.C., check out our events page.
#142 How to have the healthiest babies (principle #11)
Is it important to detox before conception? Are prenatal vitamins helpful? What foods should we include in our diet, pre-conception, and when pregnant and nursing? What role does birth control play in our fertility?
In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell, president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, answers all of the above and then some as we discuss Principle #11 of the Wise Traditions diet: how men and women can plan and prepare for conception with nutrient-dense foods. She tells how all traditional cultures had special diets and "sacred foods" for men and women wanting to get pregnant, and how today's recommendations for women who want children are often misguided. Sally sets the record straight for what foods youreallyneed to eat to have a healthy pregnancy, and, in turn, healthy, happy children. Her perspective is based on the work of Dr. Weston A. Price, who travelled all around the globe in the 1930s, studying traditional food ways and the diets of the healthiest peoples.
To connect with Sally, visit her blog: nourishingtraditions.com.
To find out more about our conference in November, visit wisetraditions.org.
For information on upcoming events (including those in California in July and in D.C. in August), visit our event page: westonaprice.org/events.
And check out our sponsor DefenderShield.
#141 Reconnecting with the wild
Most of us have removed ourselves from the natural dance and cycles of nature. We see ourselves as separate from all of the other living creatures and this has a negative impact on our health. We can turn things around by reconnecting with the wild--spending time in nature, observing the ecosystem & wildlife all around us, and basking in its beauty and rhythms.
On today's episode, Doniga Markegard, regenerative rancher, naturalist, and author of "Dawn Again: Tracking the Wisdom of the Wild," explores the topic of nature's role in our health. She challenges us to consider how each choice we make leads to either a regenerative or a degenerative lifestyle.
Doniga tells the story of her own unconventional childhood and youth. She goes deep and explains beautifully what it means to live a truly healthy lifestyle. Our diet--even if filled with healthy, nutrient-dense foods--is a part of it, but not the whole. Doniga walks the talk and this conversation will inspire all to live more in tune with the world around us.
For more on Doniga, visit her website: markegardfamily.com
Check out our sponsor: Green Pasture
Sign up or learn more about our Wise Traditions conference here.
Check out our two California events: Calling All Lunch Ladies and
Pasadena Potluck
#140 Óptima salud con sabias tradiciones (Spanish bonus episode)
En este primer episodio de Sabias Tradiciones (Wise Traditions) en español nos enfocamos en las raíces de la buena salud. No provienen de la última moda para perder peso o jugos para desintoxicar el cuerpo, sino vienen de nuestros antepasados, nuestros abuelos y tatarabuelos, que tenían tradiciones culinarias y sabiduría que cultivaba y mantenía la mejor salud. La Fundación Weston A. Price se dedica al redescubrimiento de estas tradiciones.
Hoy, Hilda Labrada Gore, entrenadora de salud y entrenamiento físico y líder en el organismo, conversa con el médico naturópata Guillermo Ruiz. Juntos hacen hincapié en el trabajo del médico e investigador Weston A. Price, cuyos descubrimientos en los años 1930 forman una guía para recuperar y respaldar nuestra salud.
Para mayor información sobre la Fundación y recursos en español, haz "clic" aquí.
Para comentar a favor de más episodios en español, haz "clic" aquí.
He aquí el sitio de red del Dr. Guillermo Ruiz 3030strong.com.
He aquí el sitio de red de Hilda Labrada Gore holistichilda.com.
#139 Curbing cravings (part 2)
Why do we crave certain foods and what we can do to end food cravings for good? In the second of this two-part series, Julia Ross, author of "The Craving Cure," offers practical recommendations to end the rollercoaster of food cravings once and for all.
This is a follow-up to Wise Traditions podcast #138 "What drives our cravings?" in which we discussed the various kinds of "cravers" and what affects our bodies' drive to eat certain foods at particular times of day. Today, we take the conversation one step further--not only do we identify what's behind our cravings, but we talk about methods to shut them down altogether.
Simple dietary tweaks, such as eating more protein, for example, can do wonders for making cravings a thing of the past. Julia--an expert on nutrition therapy for helping those with disordered eating, addictive behavior, and mood problems--also offers advice about what supplements can address our diet's deficiencies. Julia has seen countless clients recover their health following her protocol. This episode gives us the inside scoop on what leads to success in curbing our cravings.
For more on Julia, visit her website: Juliarosscures.com
To find out more about the Weston A. Price Foundation, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsors Green Pasture and Just Thrive.
#138 What drives our cravings? (part 1)
Do you often crave a bowl of ice cream late at night? Does stress lead you to ply yourself with cereal and carbs? Julia Ross, author of "The Craving Cure," has a deep understanding of the brain/craving connection and today she shares her insights into why we crave certain foods, at particular times. Julia helps us identify what kind of "cravers" we are, and how we got that way in the first place.
Julia is an expert in the use of innovative nutritional therapies for the treatment of eating disorders, addictions, and mood problems. Today's conversation covers many pieces of the craving puzzle--from the "bliss point" of food, to the addictive nature of wheat, to how changes to our food system have impacted our relationship to food, leading to behaviors dictated by the neurotransmitters in our brains.
For more on Julia, visit her website: juliarosscures.com.
Check out our sponsors: Green Pasture and Just Thrive.
To learn more about the Weston A. Price Foundation, click here.
For more information on our upcoming conference, visit wise traditions.org.
#137 The Sioux Chef & indigenous food wisdom
The United States is a country of many cultures and food traditions. However, the traditions of the land's indigenous ancestors have largely been forgotten. Sean Sherman, an award-winning chef, is the CEO and Founder of The Sioux Chef, an organization committed to helping us rediscover Native American culture and history, using food. He and his team prepare local, traditional foods, using ancient cooking techniques, in an effort to re-introduce Native American cuisine to their own communities and to the world. Their work is about more than food, clearly. It is provocative, reminding us of the past, and present, oppression of indigenous people.
Our conversation covers the intersection of food, culture, and history. We discuss what inspires Sean's work and why he believes it's critical to preserve ancient ways. Today, Sean leads us to encounter the lost world of indigenous food wisdom.
Check out our sponsors: Green Pasture and Just Thrive probiotics.
For information on our Wise Traditions conference & to register, click here.
#136 Joel Salatin: worldwide to hyperlocal
Joel Salatin is likely one of the most influential farmers on the face of the planet. He runs Polyface Farms in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. For decades he has been an influential author and speaker; a prominent advocate of the sustainable, regenerative agriculture movement. With humor and honesty, he always tells it like it is. One of his most popular books, "Folks, this ain't normal," was recently translated into Spanish.
We caught up with him shortly after some recent travels to Australia, Austria, Spain, and more. In today's interview, he gives us his perspective on farming around the world. Along the way, he weighs in on imitation meat, how limited the "organic" label can be, and why Americans may be more willing to buck the government than Europeans. After going global with Joel, we get hyperlocal and swing back around to Polyface, and then to our own backyards. How can we eat more locally? What changes can we make to live in a way that's better for the world and our health, too? Prepare to be challenged and entertained as he answers these questions and more.
To find out more about Joel, visit his website polyfacefarms.com.
For the full show notes (or to give a donation), visit our website: westonaprice.org.
To register for the Wise Traditions conference: visit wisetraditions.org.
#135 Mercury: the hidden toxin
Mercury is considered by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. Why? Because mercury is a poison, more toxic than lead or arsenic. And it is the hidden toxin behind a lot of common health concerns—it attacks the central nervous system and can lead to chronic conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinsons, as well as ADD, brain fog, mental illness, and more.
This episode focuses on how we are exposed to it—through environmental pollutants, food sources, dental amalgam fillings, preventive medical practices, and more—and what we can do about it. Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation walks us through important articles on the subject in our latest Wise Traditions journal, including one written by Robert F. Kennedy Junior. This conversation covers the problem mercury poses and reveals protocols for minimizing exposure and removing it from our bodies.
For the full show notes, or to make a donation, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
#134 Anti-aging hacks
What's the secret to a long, healthy life? Dr. Alvin Danenberg recently participated in the "Human Longevity Project," a documentary that explores the world's "blue zones"--areas where folks are living long, happy lives. He knows well what it takes to nurture good health. A personal health crisis years ago led him to change his own diet and lifestyle. Now, at 71 years of age, he is healthier than he was decades ago. Today, he is a certified functional medicine practitioner, a primal health coach, and a periodontist who offers unique insights and tips to point us in the right direction.
Among other hacks, he stresses the importance of diet (not just what we eat, but what we choose not to eat), the role of the microbiome in our overall health, the supplements to take to diversify gut bacteria, and how a 4-minute daily workout can bring immeasurable benefits to our bodies!
Check out our sponsors: Just Thrive Probiotics and Chelsea Green!
To visit our website, for the show notes or to make a donation, go to westonaprice.org.
#133 The dangers of glyphosate
Many people use Roundup without questioning its safety. It's advertised on TV, and sold at hardware/garden stores all over the country. The herbicide is viewed as a miracle spray that gets rid of those dreaded weeds within hours. It's become a staple garden product in many homes. And it's used by many agricultural companies during food production. But how safe is it really? What is it doing to our health?
In today's conversation, Kiran Krishnan, a research microbiologist and an expert on the human microbiome, explains how dangerous glyphosate is. He discusses the science behind the damage it causes to the body's microbiome. He also explains how the presence of glyphosate directly correlates with the rise of many chronic health conditions, including obesity, autism, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and gut infections. Kiran goes in depth about the dangers of this ubiquitous herbicide and explains why it's still in use today, despite warnings from the World Health Organization that it is a probable carcinogenic.
Most importantly, he tells us what we can do (and eat) to protect ourselves from this toxin that acts like the worst kind of antibiotic on a mass scale.
For more from Kiran, check out episodes #84 "Ground zero of most health disorders" and #169 "Improve your microbiome".
Check out today's sponsors: Chelsea Green Publishing and Just Thrive Probiotic.
To take our listener survey, click here.
To visit our website or make a donation, go to westonaprice.org.
#132 Foraging: finding food in the wild
Fiddlehead ferns, dandelions, mushrooms--these are just a few of the many foods that can be found in your own backyard (or in your neighborhood, perhaps) that are free for the taking and good for you! Our ancestors foraged for wild plants and mushrooms that were rich in nutrients, and we can, too! Becca Griffith, longtime food educator and foraging enthusiast, explains why wild foods are beneficial to our diet, how to go about finding them, and what precipitated Becca's own involvement in the wild world of foraging. Learn how you can get started, too, from today's engaging and "wild" conversation!
Follow Becca on Instagram @griffithbecca!
Check out our sponsors: Just Thrive Probiotics and Green Pasture.
For the full show notes for this episode or to make a donation, visit the Weston A. Price Foundation's website: westonaprice.org.
#131 From picky kid to healthy eater
It is now so common for children to be "picky eaters" that most consider it a normal childhood phase. There are special menus at restaurants and at social events shaping this whole "children's food" culture—offering them primarily chicken nuggets, french fries, and mac and cheese. Despite parents' best efforts, "picky kids" seem to choose carbs all day long and getting them to eat healthier foods can appear like an impossible task. But is it? Can picky eaters be "fixed"?
On today's podcast, Jennifer Scribner, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and author of "From Mac & Cheese to Veggies, Please", helps us understand what makes a picky eater "picky" in the first place and she gives us strategies for helping them change their eating patterns. She tells us what to expect and how to plan ahead to make the transition smooth (or at least smoother) as we navigate from picky to healthy.
Check out our sponsors: Just Thrive Probiotics & Green Pasture.
To find our more about the Weston A. Price Foundation or to make a donation, visit westonaprice.org.
#130 Soy what?!
Some say soy is heart-healthy. Others consider it a food that is a perfect protein, making it an ideal meat substitute. Dr. Anthony Jay has a different perspective. He suggests that soy is problematic. Anthony has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and works at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is also the author of "Estrogeneration." He describes soy as an "estrogenic" food, meaning that it acts like estrogen in our bodies, which can lead to dysfunction and a number of ailments. In today's episode, Anthony explains why there is so much conflicting information on soy and how to make sense of it all. He makes clear why we should care, guides us on how much—or rather, how little—we should consume, and describes in detail the cumulative effects of soy on our health.
Check out our sponsors: Just Thrive probiotics and Kraut Pounder.
For the full show notes or to make a donation to the Weston A. Price Foundation, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
#129 Inside "Generation Zapped"
We let our kids play with them, sleep with them next to our heads, and can't seem to live without them. But cell phones just may be one of the most hazardous objects in our house. Our guest, Dr. George Carlo, a world-recognized medical scientist, tech expert, and the Chairman of the Science and Public Policy Institute, explains why. George is not an alarmist and yet today he does sound some alarm bells to wake us up to the dangers that radiation poses to our health--specifically the radiation emitted from our devices and wifi networks. George was featured in the recently released documentary "Generation Zapped." In that movie, and on today's show, George discusses how we got to where we are today, why the cell phone industry has chosen to ignore evidence that radiation damages us on a cellular level, and what we can do to protect ourselves from its effects.
Check out our sponsors: The Frenching Your Food Summit and Defender Shield.
To find out more about the Weston A. Price Foundation or to make a donation or to find the full show notes for this episode, visit our website here.
#128 Myth-busting dental health
Most of us believe that our dental health is directly related to how much we brush and floss. But what if there is more to it than that? The traditional groups that Dr. Weston A. Price visited so many years ago did not have wonderful dental hygiene, yet their teeth were perfectly straight and surprisingly free of decay. Their secret? Their diet! These populations were eating a diet devoid of processed foods, and extremely rich in minerals and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K.
On this episode, Dr. Steven Lin, the author of The Dental Diet, explains how to maintain a healthy smile, naturally. He covers how we need to increase vitamin and mineral consumption from the foods we eat, what foods to avoid that are destructive to our health, and how to breathe and hold the mouth properly. He also busts many common dental myths and replaces them with truth that we can apply, to enable vibrant dental health.
For more on Dr. Lin, visit his website: drstevenlin.com.
And check out our sponsor: Just Thrive Probiotics.
To find our more about the Weston A. Price Foundation, or to make a donation or find the show notes for this episode, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
#127 Regenerating soil, regenerating ourselves
Farmer Paul Grieve, of Primal Pastures in Southern California peels back the curtain on how life on the farm affects our own lives. We all want to be healthy and eat real, nutrient-dense food. This becomes a reality when we begin cooperating with nature and regenerating the soil. When we help the land heal, we heal ourselves.
On today's episode, Paul describes what regenerative agriculture looks like and why it's important. It's healthy farming at its best--restoring the soil, the air quality, ground water, and wildlife, while at the same time providing nutrient-dense food for people.
He also talks about how challenging it is to come by. He describes how labels like "organic," "cage-free,""antibiotic-free," etc. don't tell the whole story. He explains why organic food costs producers and consumers more. In sum, he describes the how and why behind sustainable, regenerative agriculture and how it is worth the effort--since it benefits us, our children, and grandchildren.
To find out more about Paul, visit Primal Pastures.
And check out our sponsor, Kraut Pounder.
To learn more about food, farming, and the healing arts, or to make a donation, visit the Weston A. Price Foundation's website here.
#126 Helping kids with cancer
"Cancer" is a word that should never be uttered in the same sentence with the word "child." But it is, and with increasing frequency. In 2018, it is estimated that 16,000 kids will be diagnosed with cancer. Today's episode is about how to best help these children through cancer treatment. Season Johnson's son, Kicker, was diagnosed with leukemia as a little boy, and Season supported him through his chemotherapy regimen with a combination of nutrient-dense foods and detoxification protocols. She observed the benefits he experienced and now she is on a mission to support and educate parents whose children have also been diagnosed with cancer.
Season, a nutritional therapy practitioner, is the founder of KICK CancER, an organization with a science-based, holistic approach to healing. Its focus is to educate and empower parents to shore up their children's health with dietary advice--emphasizing real, whole foods--and methods to support the health and quality of life of their children.
For more on KICK CancER, visit their website here.
To learn more about health through wise traditions, or to make a donation, visit the Weston A. Price Foundation's website here.
#125 Don't throw away the bones!
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to nourish ourselves and our families is to use animal bones! Across the ages, traditional cultures around the world have included them in their diet in various forms: from fermented bones, to ground up bones in soups and stews, to bone broth.
Bones are rich in calcium, glycine, amino acids, and collagen which our bodies desperately need. Collagen, for example, is good for detoxing our bodies and decreasing anxiety! In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, makes a strong case for including bones in the diet, as she explains Principle #10 of the Wise Traditions diet. She discusses how we can benefit from their nutrients to preserve and protect our health.
So, don't throw away those bones! Instead, make a warm cup of broth and enjoy today's enlightening discussion on the use of bones for a healthier diet!
To learn more about bones and bone broth, or to become a member, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsors: SaunaSpace and Kraut Pounder.
#124 Hormone health (winter journal highlights)
Hormones are chemical messengers that manage many major functions of our bodies. How do we support our hormone health so that our bodies can run optimally? Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains how to best do so in this bonus episode, that reviews the latest Wise Traditions journal. She discusses the results of recent studies that show the benefits of fats for proper health, the importance of the hormone axis, and why we should get vitamins from real food, as opposed to supplements. She discusses how soy damages hormone function and how to best nurture our children. This is fascinating conversation that covers a plethora of topics!
For highlights from today's episode, see the show notes on our website: westonaprice.org.
For information on becoming a member of the Weston A. Price Foundation, click here.
#123 Depression: a symptom, not a disease (part 2)
What if we approached mental illness differently? What if we treated it holistically, as a symptom of a problem with the entire body? How can nutrition support the body's natural healing capacity? Dr. Kelly Brogan, holistic psychiatrist and author of "A mind of your own," touches on these topics, and more, on this important episode on mental health.
This is a follow-up conversation to last week's discussion (on Wise Traditions podcast episode #122) about depression—how it is frequently misdiagnosed and inadequately addressed. Kelly dives deeper this week into healing therapies that she recommends to address the root cause of mental health issues, rather than simply suppressing symptoms with medications. Today, she touches on what she considers the "four pillars" of health, her elimination diet, and detoxification strategies. Her recommendations address mental health concerns in new and effective ways and they offer more hope than conventional treatments.
For more on Kelly, her book, and courses, visit kellybroganmd.com.
To become a member of the Weston A. Price Foundation, click here.
And check out our sponsor, SaunaSpace.
Depression is escalating, world-wide, as is the use of psychotropic drugs to treat it. What is happening? Why is mental illness increasing at alarming rates? Are drugs the best way to treat it or are there alternative approaches to consider? In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Brogan, a holistic psychiatrist and the author of "A mind of your own," challenges our preconceived notions about the causes and treatment of depression and other mental illnesses.
Kelly suggests a holistic approach to treating mental illness--that the best way to heal the mind is to heal the body first. She suggests looking at gut health as a factor in mental health; she explores how psychological issues can be approached without the use of drugs; and she discusses the risks and benefits of decreasing medication. Finally, she offers action steps to help heal the body and the mind.
For more on Dr. Kelly Brogan, her book, and courses, visit her website: kellybroganmd.com.
For the full show notes for this episode, click here.
To become a member of the Weston A. Price Foundation (for only $30 this March), click here. And check out our sponsor, SaunaSpace.
Low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diets are trending, but how healthy are they really? Are they for everyone? What does the science say? Professor Tim Noakes, co-author of "The Real Meal Revolution," is a renowned scientist and researcher from South Africa who is convinced that most people can improve their health by restricting their carbohydrate intake and upping their fats.
He had to defend this dietary position in recent years before the Health Professions Council of South Africa. He came before the council as a result of a tweet where he replied to a breastfeeding mother, suggesting that she wean her baby to a LCHF diet. The trial was focused, in part, on whether he was offering "unconventional and unscientific" advice to the mother.
In today's episode, you'll learn about the outcome of the trial, why the LCHF (a/k/a Banting) diet is scorned by some, what health benefits can result from adopting it, what it looks like to eat this way in the day-to-day, and more.
For more on Professor Noakes and his foundation, visit the website for The Noakes Foundation.
To become a member of the Weston A. Price Foundation, and support this show, click here!
#120 Learning to thrive in this modern world
As time passes and humanity develops new technologies, we would expect new generations to be healthier and live longer. Sadly, the opposite is true for children in the United States: our children are overweight, sick, and getting sicker. Developmental issues are common. As a matter of fact, this is the first time in history when children are expected to have shorter life spans than their parents. What an alarming situation! How did this happen? And what can we do to reverse this trend of sickness and disability? On today's episode, author and speaker Dr. Tim O'Shea discusses the impact of today's technologies, like vaccines and genetically modified foods, that are damaging our immune systems, impairing neurological function, disrupting our DNA, and negatively impacting our health. He gives suggestions for helping your children not just survive, but thrive, despite these challenges. He offers concrete ideas for protecting young immune systems through diet and other natural therapies, in addition to exercising your freedom to nurture the health of your children, as you see fit.
Check out our sponsor: SaunaSpace.
For the full show notes, go to westonaprice.org.
#119 Homeopathy and your health rights
Homeopathy has been around for over 200 years, so it is clearly a wise tradition that we need to rediscover! It is a natural, holistic way to stimulate the body's own healing ability, and it has been used in ancient cultures worldwide!
In today's episode, Paola Brown, the President of Americans for Homeopathy Choice, explains homeopathy in detail and elaborates on why it is a powerful healing tool. She also discusses what the FDA is doing that is jeopardizing the future of homeopathy in the U.S. The FDA regulates homeopathy and things have gone smoothly for the past 30 years. Now, it wants to withdraw its Compliance Policy Guide which could upend the industry and cause mistakes that could throw into question homeopathy's efficacy and reputation.
This episode will help you gain a better understanding of homeopathy, and will make clear the importance of defending our right to it today, as a vanguard of our health rights in the future.
For more info: go to Americans for Homeopathy Choice.
And check out our sponsor: SaunaSpace.
For the full show notes (or to order a 2018 shopping guide), visit our website: westonaprice.org.
#118 The story behind "Kale vs. Cow"
A lot of people think being healthy means having a meat-free diet. Dietician Diana Rodgers goes to bat for why meat--even red meat--should be a part of a healthy diet. Her plan is to make the environmental, nutritional, and ethical case for better meat via a documentary that is now in pre-production. The working title of the movie is "Kale vs. Cow."
Diana knows what she's talking about. She struggled as a child with many health issues which is what led her to become a nutritionist, NTP, LDN, and dietician. She is convinced that real, organic, sustainable food is the key to good health. She lives on a working organic farm near Boston and is a supporter of the grass-fed movement. She cares deeply about improving the lives of animals raised for consumption and protecting our environment. And this is something both vegans and meat-eaters can agree on. On today's episode, Diana shares her personal journey and the reasons behind her decision to produce the "Kale vs cow" documentary and buck conventional thinking about what constitutes a healthy diet.
For more on Diana, visit her website: sustainabledish.com.
And check out our sponsors: Krautpounder and SaunaSpace.
For the full show notes (and to get a $2 shopping guide), go to our website: westonaprice.org.
#117 Benefits of heat & light therapy
As a young man, Brian Richards had a laundry list of health issues: mind-racing, insomnia, acne, adrenal fatigue, and more. Doctors wanted to give him Accutane and other pharmaceutical drugs to manage his symptoms, but he wanted to get to the source of the problem. He realized that the reason for cellular degradation is our environmental toxic exposure on a variety of levels—chemical, electro-magnetic, emotional, etc. He sought a natural detox solution and his research led him to the conclusion that passive sweating is one of the best ways to detox the body. He decided to build his own sauna to provide that full-body thermal light therapy for himself.
In today's episode, Brian shares his own story and how it led to him establishing the SaunaSpace company. He also tells stories of those who have benefited from this therapy, along with the science behind why saunas work: how near-infrared incandescent light exposure stimulates the cells so that they can repair themselves, and allows the body to detox.
For more on the science behind near-infrared light/heat therapy and for information on Brian's company, visit SaunaSpace.com.
For the advertised special on the Weston A. Price Foundation 2018 Shopping Guide, go to our website: westonaprice.org and click on the box "order materials." Type in "shopping guide" and get yours today!
#116 Cod liver oil controversy
Cod liver oil is one of the main foods that the Weston A. Price Foundation recommends for a healthy diet. It abounds in nutrients that are sadly lacking in our diets today. Cod liver oil provides fat-soluble vitamins A and D, which Dr. Price found present in the diet of traditional people groups in amounts ten times higher than those in "modernized" diets!
Unfortunately, in recent years, there has been some controversy around the subject of fermented cod liver oil, which has caused some concern about its safety and health benefits. In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, dispels the confusion and answers the questions that have been posed about it. She explains the value of cod liver oil in detail. She describes the results Dr. Price saw when he introduced it into American diets. She goes through the cod liver oil extraction process, how fermentation allows us to get oils without compromising the nutrient content of the livers, and more.
Most importantly she addresses head-on questions of rancidity and the motivation of those who have leveled accusations against a specific cod liver oil company and the Weston A. Price Foundation itself. In the end, you will gain clarity on the cod liver oil controversy and you will learn more about why cod liver oil is so critical for our health today.
For more on cod liver oil, visit our website: westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsors: Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund and Kraut Pounder.
#115 Chemicals that wreak havoc on our health
Did you know that there are chemicals that we encounter on a daily basis--in our food, water, even in our personal care products--that are detrimental to our health? The chemicals, called estrogenics, mimic estrogen and disrupt our bodies' normal functions. You may have heard of BPA (Bisphenol-A), for example, which is a chemical found in some plastics that has been linked to health problems and has been therefore banned from baby products here in the U.S., but it is just one among many estrogen-mimicking chemicals that threaten our health.
On today's episode, Dr. Anthony Jay, author of "Estrogeneration: how estrogenics are making you fat, sick, and infertile" explains how estrogenic chemicals are wreaking havoc on our bodies' hormone balance. He tells us where these chemicals are found--from our drinking water to shampoos to sports drinks to sunscreen to grocery store receipts--and he gives suggestions for how to minimize our exposure.
For more on Dr. Anthony Jay, see his website: ajconsultingcompany.com.
For the full show notes for today's episode, visit westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsor: farmtoconsumer.org.
#114 The wild world of fermentation
Traditional people groups around the world have long valued fermentation as a process that preserves food and makes its nutrients more bio-available. Today, fermentation "revivalist" and well-known author Sandor Katz takes us on a tour of the wild world of fermentation. He discusses how it works, how delicious it tastes, and how it benefits our bodies.
He also dives into his own story—what piqued his interest in fermentation in the first place, and what he's learned from recent travels around the world. He shares about the foods he's enjoyed, the connections he's made, and the fermentation traditions that are still being used today. He completes the interview with something of a mini-workshop on how to make sauerkraut.
This conversation is a fermentation "starter," of sorts. It will spark curiosity and wonder at the mysterious process of fermentation.
For more on Sandor, visit his website: wildfermentation.com
And check out our sponsors: krautpounder.com and farmtoconsumer.org!
For the full show notes, visit westonaprice.org.
#113 It takes guts
There's a lot of buzz about gut health these days. It is key to our overall wellness. But some people think you can just pop a probiotic pill to protect it and you're good to go. Dr. Zach Bush has a better idea. Zach is an expert on the microbiome and nutrition and in today's conversation he sheds new light on what constitutes a healthy gut and how to keep it that way.
The threats to our gut health include glyphosate, herbicides and pesticides that compromise our gut lining and result in allergies, sensitivities, and chronic health conditions. These chemicals are found not only on our food, of course, but also in the soil, the air, our water.
Zach goes into detail about how to shore up our guts against these attacks. It takes guts to make the dietary and lifestyle changes he suggests. But if we do, we can be sure that we will improve our own health, and potentially impact the health of future generations.
For more on Zach Bush, the science behind this discussion, and more, go to zachbushmd.com.
For complete show notes for this episode and other resources, visit westonaprice.org.
#112 Fasting for weight loss & better health
Losing weight is a popular new year's resolution. Holistic physician Dr. Tom Cowan makes a strong case for why we should aim for getting healthier, rather than just hitting a particular number on the scale. That said, in today's episode, he offers practical ideas for how to meet both goals: weight loss and good health. He and his patients have benefited from his protocol that includes intermittent fasting, movement, and a balanced diet.
He goes into particular detail about fasting. He discusses how it stimulates weight loss, how to approach it as a beginner, how long and how often you should fast, and more.
Dr. Cowan also gets into the science behind the macronutrients our bodies need: fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. He explains how to approach a low-carb diet and the role of insulin in weight gain and fat storage in the body. He explains how a balanced diet can lead to more focus, better energy, and protection from diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
It's a fascinating discussion that will give you practical take-aways for a strong, healthier new year.
For more on Dr. Tom Cowan and his books, visit fourfoldhealing.com.
For show notes and resources related to this discussion, go to westonaprice.org.
Learn how to avoid blood sugar dips and spikes throughout the day. Discover how you can lift brain fog and protect yourself against Alzheimer's through diet. And benefit from tips on how to shore up your gut health to avoid chronic illness and improve your immune system.
All of this in just one episode?! Yes! This is a "highlight reel" from the top three episodes of 2017! NTP Lindsea Willon's shares practical tips on how to avoid getting "hangry." Author Amy Berger has sound dietary suggestions for lifting brain fog. And microbiologist Kiran Krishnan gives us hope for better gut health and avoiding chronic disease.
Three-in-one is our year-end gift to you!
Eager to hear more? Click here for each of the original episodes from which this one was compiled:
#88 Get off the sugar rollercoaster w/ Lindsea Willon
#70 The antidote to Alzheimer's w/ Amy Berger
#84 Ground zero of most health disorders w/ Kiran Krishnan
For show notes for this episode, to make a donation, or to access more resources, visit westonaprice.org.
#110 Vaccines, autism, & Wakefield's side of the story
Dr. Andy Wakefield was the lead author of a research paper, published in 1998, that indicated that there was a possible link between the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine and autism. The paper appeared in "The Lancet," a peer-reviewed medical journal and it catapulted Dr. Wakefield into becoming one of the most controversial figures in the history of medicine.
Andy has become a lightning rod since that time; he has been called a fraud, a liar, manipulative, greedy, and he has even had his medical license revoked. And yet he refuses to slink quietly away into the night. He remains convinced of the importance of exploring the possible link between gut health, vaccinations, and autism. He is outspoken about what the science indicates, in the midst of serious opposition and persecution. Yet, he is undaunted, and even optimistic about the future of the anti-vax movement.
Today, you will hear Andy's side of the story. This episode will dispel rumors and myths related to the paper, Andy himself, and the continued debate about the vaccine/autism link.
For more information on the science of vaccines, visit nvic.org.
And check out our sponsors: Green Pasture and Farm Girl Fresh.
#109 Vegetarianism explained
Vegetarianism and veganism are becoming more and more popular with each passing day. You walk into a bookstore and the cooking section is overflowing with vegan cookbooks; restaurants all around have vegan options because of the high demand. Word of mouth is that we should all go vegan to be truly healthy, and that animal foods are bad for us. But is a vegetarian diet really a good idea? What are its strengths and drawbacks? Is vegetarianism better for the planet? What does science have to say about all of this? And, more importantly, what does nature have to say about it?
In today's episode, Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, author of "Gut and Psychology Syndrome," offers a fresh look at vegetarianism. She provides up-to-date scientific information about how plant and animal foods work in the human body and how we can eat to thrive. She dives into a variety of topics including agriculture, soil degradation, the power of plants to detox our bodies, and how to be a healthy vegetarian!
For more on this topic from Dr. Campbell-McBride, visit her website: vegetarianismexplained.com.
Check out our sponsors: Green Pasture and Farm Girl Fresh.
#108 Preventing autism
"Preventing autism" is such an audacious goal! Is it possible? How can we prevent it if we don't know what causes it? Dara Berger is a mom whose son was diagnosed as autistic before he was three years old. She was told that there was no cure or hope beyond ABA (applied behavior analysis). This was the start of her quest to find answers and help for her child, and to avoid a similar diagnosis for children she hoped to bear, down the line.
There are no simple solutions, Dara readily admits. She has done much research, interviewing a variety of doctors and autism specialists for her book "How to Prevent Autism." She has concluded that autism is in all likelihood a disorder tied to toxic overload. To regain their health and to prevent the condition in future children takes much work.
In today's episode, she gives ideas about where to begin. She touches on:
how dietary changes are critical for the child's health
the importance of seeing an integrative health specialist
how autism is related to gut health
how functional medicine is making huge strides against this disorder by recognizing the volume of factors that lead to an autism diagnosis
the genetic mutations that make it difficult for the brain and gut to function properly
Today's episode will give you an idea of how to help a child on the autistic spectrum and even how to "clean out" your own body from its toxic load, so that you may avoid the diagnosis altogether with a subsequent baby.
For more information on Dara and her book, visit howtopreventautism.org.
For highlights from today's episode, go to westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsor: realmilk.com.
#107 Focus on cancer (fall journal highlights)
More and more people are diagnosed with cancer every day, including children. The rates of invasive cancer in the general population in the U.S. (and abroad) are alarming. Those who are diagnosed with it are faced with conventional treatments that seem to ravage the parts of the body that should be relatively healthy.
In today's episode, we focus on nutritional supports for those in the throes of cancer. And for those who are healthy today but want to avoid the disease down the line, we discuss foods that may help keep it at bay.
In this "fall journal highlights" episode, Sally Fallon Morell, the president of the Weston A. Price Foundation touches on the numerous factors that are damaging our bodies, including 5G technology. She also explores cancer support for children, homeopathy, and even GcMAF, a controversial, anti-cancer food.
For episode highlights, visit our website westonaprice.org and click on the podcast page. Look for the show notes for episode #107. You will also find links to the articles mentioned in today's episode.
#106 Why we still love coconut oil
Plant-based and delicious, coconut oil has become more and more popular in recent years. Studies point to its many beneficial properties which include boosting the immune system, decreasing inflammation, fighting heart disease, and more. If this is the case, why did the American Heart Association (AHA) issue a statement earlier this summer re-categorizing coconut oil as a bad fat?
Nutritional therapy practitioner Lindsea Willon discusses what is driving the AHA (hint: food politics is often more about money than our health) and she makes a case for why we can and should embrace coconut oil--and other natural, well-sourced saturated fats--in our diets.
For the full show notes (including a coconut oil reference sheet), visit our website: westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsors: Perfect Supplements and Real Milk!
#105 Salt: friend or foe? (Principle #9)
Although conventional medicine may recommend a low-sodium diet, is this really the best for us? Low salt consumption has been linked to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, poor digestion, parasites, and even depression. Salt is critical for proper brain and body functionality.
In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morrell presents Principle #9 of the Wise Traditions diet: that all traditional diets contain some salt. She dives deep into the subject and addresses the following and more:
what kinds of salts we should be consuming
salt's ability to improve satiety
salt's role in hormone function, brain development & sleep
the concerns about plastic in sea salt
the problem with refined salt
You will gain a new appreciation for the role of salt in your diet and how it protects your health.
For more on salt, see articles on our website: westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsors: Perfect Supplements and Defender Shield.
#104 Raw milk on the move
How easily we forget! Raw milk has been part of the human diet for thousands of years, yet only after a century of introducing pasteurization, many people think that the only way to consume milk is to pasteurize it first. Our raw milk heritage is getting lost. But thanks to farmers and activists who believe in the value of raw milk and who are brave enough to fight against the establishment, raw milk is coming back. From being legal in only 27 states in the 1990s, raw milk is now legal in all but 7 states and more people are consuming it every day. In today's episode, Pete Kennedy, lawyer and defender of food freedom, explains the history of the raw milk movement, what's left to be done, and what we can do to be a part of it all!
For more on raw milk, visit realmilk.com.
For the complete show notes, go to westonaprice.org.
And check out our sponsors: beethewellness.com and defendershield.com.
#103 Farming: a trend or here to stay?
In some circles, it seems that sustainable farming is on the rise. Farmers markets are growing more and more popular, and young people are volunteering to work on organic farms. But sales at farmers market are down, overall, and less than 2% of the population is directly responsible for growing our food in the U.S. So what is the truth of the matter: is sustainable, soulful farming here to stay or a pipe dream? It's critical to our future, so how can we make it work? How do farmers balance making a profit with still being true to their core values: establishing farms that properly care for the land, the animals, and the customers?
Today we converse with Forrest Pritchard, farmer and author of "Growing Tomorrow: Behind The Scenes With 18 Sustainable Farmers Who Are Changing The Way We Eat." We discuss the advantages and problems facing farming today, and what can each do to make tomorrow's farming landscape more promising.
For more on Forrest and his farm, go to smithmeadows.com.
And check out our sponsors beethewellness.com and defendershield.com!
#102 Be awesome
Adventure. Activity. Mindfulness. Community. Risk. Vanessa and Adam Lambert are expert health coaches who understand the need to nourish ourselves on many levels. Adam has a background as a Crossfit Games competitor and Vanessa is a coach with a speciality in meditation.Together, they inspire us to move past complacency and become who we were meant to be: awesome, influential individuals with limitless potential. Good health comes from more than just the food on our plate!
Today, you'll learn the eight key habits that have helped their clients reach new heights, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Health coaches and professionals will glean insight from the Lamberts' coaching strategies. And every one of us will enjoy the humor, joy, and honesty that this couple brings to the conversation, and to the world of wellness and health, as a whole.
For more on Vanessa and Adam, visit beethewellness.com.
For the show notes for this episode, visit westonaprice.org.
#101 Protect yourself from radiation
There's no doubt that we rely heavily in the day-to-day on our devices for entertainment and connection: we seek out wifi, work on our laptops, watch Netflix on our Apple TV, and scroll through Facebook and YouTube on our cellphones right before bed. We like having those phones handy, carrying them in our pant or shirt pocket, or tucking them into our sports bra when going on a run. Maybe we rarely question the safety of these gadgets because we can't imagine life without them. However, it is clearly time to stop and take notice.
Today, we examine the consequences to our constant exposure to emissions from technology. What types of radiation are we exposed to? What risks do they pose to our health? And how can we mitigate the damage they might cause? Daniel DeBaun informs us about the dangers of electro-magnetic frequencies (EMFs) and radio frequencies (RFs). Daniel is an internationally-recognized expert in EMF radiation, EMF shielding, and EMF-related health issues with a special focus on the effect of exposure from mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, and cell phones. Not only does he educate us about the hazards of radiation but he gives us simple tips for minimizing our exposure and protecting our health.
Go to Daniel's website, Defendershield.com, to learn more.
For the complete show notes for this episode, visit westonaprice.org.
#100 From soup to nuts: Q&A w/ Sally Fallon Morell
What's the story behind the Weston A. Price Foundation? How did Sally Fallon Morell, the founder and head of the foundation, come across Dr. Price's discoveries? What motivated her to write a cookbook based on his dietary principles? What would she ask Dr. Price if she had the chance? And how has her conception of what constitutes a good diet changed over the years?
In today's episode, Sally answers the questions that you posed in recent weeks. She tackles, among other topics, how we can improve our diet and strengthen our immune system, how to deal with parasites, and how to best help our children develop strong, healthy bodies.
Sally is a wise, strong, and accomplished woman. You will be inspired by her spirit and gain perspective on what it means to embrace wise traditions.
For more information on the Weston A. Price Foundation, go to westonaprice.org.
For the complete show notes, with links to resources mentioned, go to westonaprice.org/podcast/.
#99 Soul and soil
Farming is a back-breaking, weather-dependent, uncertain profession that often does not turn a profit. No wonder the average farmer in the United States is 58 years old. Not many are interested in farming as a career. Why farm, they might ask themselves, when they could have a nice comfortable job in some air-conditioned office downtown?
Forrest Pritchard is a persuasive proponent of farming. He represents the soul of those who till the soil. He, and many others, are answering the call to farm. They have a heart for providing whole, healthy, nutrient-dense, organic foods for everyone and they want their farms to be places of harmony, peace, and beauty.
Forrest is a best-selling author and the farmer of Smith Meadows in the Shenandoah Valley. Prepare to be captivated by his words and vision. He most definitely puts his heart and soul into the soil.
For more on Forrest, visit his website: forrestpritchard.com.
For show notes, visit westonaprice.org.
#98 From "Farmageddon" to farm
Kristin Canty is the filmmaker behind "Farmageddon: the unseen war on American family farms." She is proud and pleased at how the documentary has shed light on the dangers of modern industrial farming practices. And yet now her life has taken a new turn; she has shifted from fighting those whose regulations threaten small-scale farms to running a farm herself. She now owns a farm and runs an organic/sustainable/local restaurant in New Hampshire.
You will be inspired by both stages of her life:
how she took on the idea of making the movie, ignoring the naysayers
how it had much more success than anticipated
the influence of raw milk and traditional dietary practices on her son's health and, subsequently, on her lifestyle
the movie's impact on the raw milk movement
how/why she got into farming and the restaurant business
why real food is a priority for Kristin and her family (and why it should be one for all of us)
For more on Kristin's restaurant and projects, visit woodshilltable.com.
For complete show notes for this episode, visit westonaprice.org.
#97 Hello tallow
In today's society, a lot of effort is being invested into skin care and beauty products. There are plenty of modern treatments and products touted as able to reduce wrinkles, remove callouses, heal psoriasis and achieve overall healthy and glowing skin, yet they don't really seem to work for more than a couple of hours after application. And upon closer inspection, we realize that over-the-counter creams and such include toxins and chemicals that do us more harm than good. It's time to take a look at what traditional people do! Hello, tallow!
Andrew J. Gardner is a WAPF-member who discusses how his eyes were opened to the benefits of traditional animal fats for skin care. His story led to growing excitement and such interest in the topic that he established a company to offer these products to the public, Vintage Tradition.
Andrew explains in today's interview how animal oils and our skin cells have the same cell structure, which makes them ideal for healing and nourishing our skin, and a step up from what plant-based oils can do for us. They have many fantastic characteristics including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties. You will certainly be motivated by this discussion to pursue more natural skin care products, to the point that you may even begin making your own!
To learn more about Andrew's product lines, visit VintageTradition.com.
For highlights from this episode, including resources mentioned in the discussion, visit westonaprice.org.
#96 What the health...what the heck!?
Lately, the documentary "What the Health" has been receiving a lot of attention. It is persuasive and provocative. The movie is causing widespread concern about the dangers of consuming animal products. But what is the truth behind the hype? How much science backs the numerous health claims of the movie? Is going vegan the answer to avoiding cancer and chronic conditions? Or is there another side to this story?
Nina Teicholz is our guest on today's episode. She is an investigative journalist and the author of "The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet." She has spent over a decade digging deep into scientific claims and shedding light on the misconceptions we have as a society about what constitutes a healthy diet.
She asks hard questions and brings her investigative skills to bear, as we examine scientific evidence of the claims presented on What the Health. The bottom line? Upon close inspection, the studies and documentation for the health claims made by the movie don't hold water. There is more proof for the benefits of a diet that includes animal products than for one that does not. Nina offers resources for you to see for yourself, found in the links below. Soon, you will also be shaking your head and saying "What the health...what the heck!?"
For a complete review of the movie by Nina, and a thorough pdf that looks at the support for each claim, go to dietdoctor.com.
For the highlights of this week's episode, go to westonaprice.org.
#95 Bonus episode: Vitamins, minerals & more (summer journal highlights)
Every Wise Traditions journal is full of articles that are relevant, scientific, and significant for our health. In today's episode, the President of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Sally Fallon Morell, reviews some of the top articles featured in the latest Wise Tradition Journal, Summer 2017. The topics are varied but they are all equally fascinating. Highlights include:
The importance of sulfur for the heart and arteries and where to find it (& even how to help our bodies produce it)
How extruded grains are a danger to our health and how they have contributed to all the issues we see in digestion of grains today
The hot topic of CRISPR, the new genome editing tool, and how it is far from accurate
The problem with vitamin D supplementation and why supplements are generally not recommended
The role of nutritional deficiencies in today's increasing number of c-sections
How the Feingold diet helps children improve their behavior
And more on vitamin A, saturated fats, and childhood diseases
After listening you may want to dive deeper into the topics. In that case, consider becoming a member of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Membership is only $40 and includes a subscription to this quarterly journal. It's a great way to stay up to date with the latest news and research on health and nutrition. Join today at westonaprice.org.
#94 Why is losing weight so difficult?
Why is losing weight so difficult? This is the question Zoe Harcombe set out to answer while studying at Cambridge University. We are trained from an early age to seek solace in food. Sweet treats are a central part of nearly every holiday we celebrate. According to Zoe, food in the form of starchy carbohydrates has become the world's most accessible and acceptable drug. At the same time, the US Dietary guidelines reinforce these behaviors by recommending a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat.
After years of following these dietary recommendations, most people find themselves with one or more of the following conditions, that in all likelihood is sabotaging their weight loss efforts: hypoglycemia, candida, and food intolerances.
Today Zoe helps us understand the symptoms and treatments of these conditions. Her suggestions for finding lasting change include addressing these issues with simple, practical advice including: eating real food, lowering your carbohydrate intake, and being careful from whom you get your nutritional advice!
Learn more at zoeharcombe.com.
For the full show notes for this episode, go to westonaprice.org.
#93 Rediscovering ancestral sexual instincts
As a society, we have become disconnected from our ancestral food traditions. In a similar way, many of us have also lost touch with our primal instincts when it comes to sexual intimacy. Dr. Marianne Brandon is an author, clinical psychologist, and diplomat in sex therapy and, in today's episode, she helps us rediscover these instincts and improve our most intimate relationships.
She touches on a variety of approaches to enhance our relationships including: the importance of being present, vulnerability, and communication. She also describes common problems experienced by couples in this area and how to overcome them. Throughout the conversation, she points to how men and women differ sexually, emphasizing that these differences are complementary and should be embraced rather than erased.
Finally, Marianne reveals that one of the major roadblocks to physical intimacy is that many of us are stuck in our heads. Marianne emphasizes the importance of being mindful and open and honest with our partners. Her advice, when heeded, can result in increased sexual satisfaction that will benefit our overall health and sense of well-being.
For resources from Dr. Brandon, visit drbrandon.net.
#92 Healing Lyme
Have you or has someone you know been diagnosed with Lyme Disease? Transmitted by ticks and often contracted due to weakened immunity, this condition seems to be on the rise. Unfortunately, many conventional doctors are unfamiliar with natural protocols that strengthen the body and promote long-term healing.
In today's episode, certified integrative nutrition health coach Robin Shirley discusses her road to recovery after struggling with Lyme Disease for over a decade. She has learned that nutrition is a key piece of the puzzle, as it lays the foundation for improved immune function. In addition to consuming nutrient-dense foods, she suggests a three-pronged approach to combat Lyme's: avoiding antibiotics, cleansing from parasites, and addressing heavy metal toxicity.
Listen to her story and recommendations to discover fresh ways to address this very serious condition.
Learn more about Robin and the resources she offers at clubtbyh.com.
For extensive show notes (including links to resources Robin mentions on today's show), visit westonaprice.org.
#91 Find your health sweet spot
How can you tell if a dietary recommendation is right for you? Is there a diet that works for everyone? What is the best way to measure what works or doesn't work for you? How can you find your own health "sweet spot?"
Dr. Richard Maurer helps us understand what he considers the best, most objective way to measure your health and find your sweet spot: blood work. Richard is a licensed naturopathic doctor and the author of "The Blood Code: Unlock the secrets of your metabolism."
In today's episode, he explains in simple terms which tests are key to evaluate our metabolism and overall health. He also tells the story of how he found his own metabolic "sweet spot" after becoming pre-diabetic at forty years old.
He has specific tips that will help you avoid common dietary pitfalls and lead you to your own health sweet spot!
Learn more at thebloodcode.com.
Or visit the westonaprice.org website for full highlights and links from today's episode.
#90 Strike the right balance of omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids (Principle #8)
Chances are that you and many people you know take an omega-3 or fish oil supplement. These supplements are among the most popular on the market, yet they are highly misunderstood. For optimal health, we really need to strike a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. The right balance can protect our heart health, reduce inflammation in the body and improve neurological function. But how do we get there?
Is fish oil the same as cod liver oil? Are supplements the best way to get essential fatty acids? How can we get more omega-3 fatty acids in our diet? Is it possible to get too much omega-3? Is omega-6 all bad?
Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, dispels myths and misconceptions about essential fatty acids in this episode, as she explains principle #8 of the Wise Traditions diet: how traditional peoples ate just the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. (These fatty acids are called essential because we must get them from our diet. Our bodies can't make these on their own.)
You'll learn about the importance of arachidonic acid, the role of DHA and EPA, and the ideal ratios of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Most importantly, you'll learn which foods to include in your diet to strike the delicate balance that is critical for improved health and well-being.
Learn more at westonaprice.org.
#89 Migraine relief
Jodi Ledley was fighting a life-long battle with migraines and chronic pain to no avail. These were not simple headaches but rather debilitating incidents of excruciating pain that sent her to the ER on many occasions and were simply putting her on the sidelines of life. She spent thousands of dollars with medical professionals but received no resolution until she discovered what was triggering her health concerns: monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG, an excitotoxin, was causing serious neurological disruption for Jodi.
She found relief as she began to remove MSG from her diet, and her family's health improved, as well. Now, through her book and speaking engagements, Jodi has encouraged thousands to follow in her footsteps. Migraine-sufferers, those with ADD, ADHD, and anxiety can all benefit by eliminating foods from their diet that contain this additive.
In today's episode, you will learn how to detect MSG in your food--it goes by over 70 different names on food labels--and how to make changes to your diet that will improve your own health and the health of your loved ones.
Learn more about Jodi's journey at adventureswithjodi.com.
For the full show notes for this episode, visit westonaprice.org.
#88 Get off the sugar rollercoaster
Many of us are stuck on a blood sugar rollercoaster and we don't even know it. We find ourselves reaching for a muffin at 10 a.m. and can't make it through the day without a mid-afternoon cup of coffee or energy drink. It's so common, we've come to regard it as normal.
Today, an expert in nutritional science and kinesiology, Lindsea Willon, joins us to explain how we can make different choices to avoid blood sugar spikes and dips. She offers practical tips like reminding us not to take sugar into our bodies "unopposed"--meaning vegetables and fruits should be eaten with some kind of fat to slow down their absorption into our blood stream.
By eating differently, we can avoid short-term issues, like headaches, sleeplessness, PMS, and getting "hangry." Proper nutrition can also help us avoid more serious health concerns like diabetes, PCOS, joint pain, and injuries.
Lindsea understands, both intellectually and from life experience, the importance of a healthy diet. An athlete in college, her poor diet led to injury and fatigue. Now, she fuels herself with nutrient-dense foods and encourages others to do the same. Her goal is for everyone to experience the energy and vitality that is their birthright. This episode will certainly give you the tools needed to get on the right track and to get off the blood sugar rollercoaster for good!
To find out more about Lindsea's practice, visit biodynamicwellness.com.
For the show notes for this episode, go to westonaprice.org.
#87 Simple & fearless healthy living
In an age of information overload, it it is easy to become overwhelmed and even paralyzed by the choices we have to make on a daily basis. Today, Hilary Boynton reminds us to slow down, take a deep breath, and cherish the moment. Hilary is an author, real food advocate, and a busy mother of five. Her husband has been battling cancer for some time. Her life is full and challenging. And, yet, in the middle of the chaos, she makes healthy eating a priority. She reminds us that it doesn't take much to make delicious and nutritious meals. And that eating mindfully and in good company is just as important as eating clean and organic. Pursuing good health is a lifestyle, and it is as much about relationships (with our farmers, our friends and family, and ourselves) as it is about nutrient-density and diet. Regarding our food choices, Hilary talks about perspective and how to navigate the fine line between being discerning and being neurotic. At the end of the day, it's all about trusting that your body knows what it needs. She calls us to live consciously and courageously. This interview was recorded LIVE in Topanga Canyon, California, and the audience was quickly enthralled and inspired by Hilary's heart and words of wisdom. We trust that you will be, too. Learn more from Hilary at liveyumyum.com. Visit our website, westonaprice.org, for the full show notes for this episode.
#86 The benefits of acupressure for children
Rather than providing a "one size fits all" approach to wellness, Oriental Medicine recognizes that each of us has a unique constitution.This Eastern practice dates back at least 3000 years, but its teachings are just as relevant and powerful today as ever.
Acupuncturist Cheryl Harris discusses the benefits of acupressure (and acupuncture) on some of her youngest patients. She discusses its efficacy as "preventative maintenance medicine," grounding the children emotionally and shoring them up physically. You will even get to hear from some of the children she works with on the show!
Cheryl knows what she's talking about! She has a Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and she is also certified in Five-Element Acupuncture. She speaks to how the five elements--wood, fire, earth, metal, and water--appear in nature and in our own temperaments.
You will find this to be a fascinating conversation that calls us all back to live in tune with nature and our own nature. Cheryl reminds us how beautiful and simple the journey to good health can be.
Visit westonaprice.org for the show notes for this episode.
#85 Let's heal the planet
Many conservation groups hold a piece of the puzzle when it comes to saving our planet. They focus on saving a particular species or on planting trees. Sarah Savory suggests that we must step back and look at the big picture for a more cohesive approach to regenerate the land. And the land is indeed key, because if it becomes infertile, there will be nothing for the animals to eat, and they will indeed become extinct, despite our best efforts.
Sarah Savory is a children's book author and conservation advocate (and, yes, the daughter of famed wildlife biologist Allan Savory) who knows how to explain in simple terms what is happening to our planet. She is a proponent of holistic management, an approach to greening the earth by properly managing livestock...and our own choices. Sarah invites us to examine how we are living and either contributing to, or alleviating, the issues that lead to desertification.
Sarah discusses the challenges she sees in Zimbabwe, her native country, and those that are common all over the world. She describes what led her to write children's books on the topic of conservation. You will be moved by her clarity, conviction, and call to action.
Learn more about Sarah and her books at sarahsavory.com.
#84 Ground zero of health disorders
Do you eat all the right foods but still struggle with health concerns? Do you feel like your health recovery is characterized by forward progress, followed by inevitable setbacks? Microbiologist Kiran Krishnan explains in detail what he believes is the "ground zero" of most health disorders: a weakened mucosa layer between the skin and the cellular lining. When the mucosa layer is defective, it becomes permeable, allowing toxins into our system that wreak havoc with our health. And some of these toxins are found even in the very food we eat!
When our bodies are invaded in this way, it naturally elicits an inflammatory response. And inflammation, as we know, is associated with autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses. From his studies, Kiran is convinced that many conditions that present quite differently—such as heart disease, arthritis, Hashimoto's and Alzheimer's, for example—stem from the root issue of a weak mucosa layer.
In today's episode, Kiran reveals not only the problem but the solution: how to strengthen our body's defense systems by increasing microbial activity in the mucosa layer. This episode is a great resource for anyone who has an inflammatory condition or knows someone who is struggling with one!
#83 The power of real food to treat MS
Over 15 years ago, physician Terry Wahls was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis. Being a doctor, she dove into the scientific literature looking for a cure to this progressive disease. Though she got the best conventional medicine had to offer, her health declined to such a degree that three years later even a strong breeze could cause her sensitive body pain.
After much research, she came to the conclusion that, rather than taking supplements, she should identify the foods where the nutrients could be found. It wasn't long before real food had turned her health around. Now, she is an author and researcher that advocates the power of real food in recovery from multiple sclerosis and a host of other conditions—including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, auto-immune conditions, scleroderma, mental health concerns, neurological disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar issues, Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's, and even primary care problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
"Our cells are starved for the building blocks we need," she says. She is convinced that real food is the answer to improve our health and give our bodies a chance to detox and thrive.
For more on Terry's story and protocol, visit terrywahls.com.
And for detailed highlights of today's episode, visit the podcast page of westonaprice.org.
#82 How to fix our broken food system
What can we do to help those in food deserts? How can we address food insecurity and inequality? Pam Hess, the Executive director of Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, discusses what we can do as individuals and organizations to make whole, real foods available in cities and rural areas where choices are limited.
She discusses the mission of Arcadia: growing food and farmers, creating demand, and making fresh food accessible to low-income families. Their mobile market service brings fruits, vegetables, eggs, and grass-fed meats to under-served communities. By accepting food stamps and providing vouchers, Arcadia gives people the opportunity to nourish themselves well for improved health and a more positive future. Their model is holistic and replicable. You will be inspired to help reduce barriers to healthy food and to work for food justice.
Learn more about Arcadia's work in D.C. at arcadiafood.org.
For this episode's highlights, go to the podcast page at westonaprice.org.
#81 Why our food system is broken
Why is fast food cheap while real, organic food is so expensive? Why are there "food deserts" not only in cities, but in rural areas around the country? How did the invention of the automobile and the grocery cart affect our food-buying habits? Pam Hess, the Executive Director of Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, explains our broken food system and how it has set the stage for our current health crisis.
All of us should have the choice to purchase nutritious real food where we live, but many cannot. Pam has a firm grasp on the history of our nation that has led us to this point. There are political and economic forces that affect the availability of food in our neighborhoods. She touches on the impact of WWII, the Cold War, crop subsidies, and the free market.
Pam has solid ideas about where we are and what we need to do to remedy the situation. You will get the big picture of what has led our nation to this point---why real food is in short supply and how this negatively impacts our health.
Learn about her center at arcadiafood.org.
For more extensive show highlights, go to the podcast page of westonaprice.org.
#80 Wise Traditions for really busy people
Do you feel like you're often on the run? Does the idea of improving your diet (or your family's diet) overwhelm you? Susana Hill and Leslie Schall can help! They are young moms who have been on the same treadmill many of us are on and they've got simple ideas that can help us transition to the Wise Traditions (real food) diet.
They share a bit of their own story today, and how they themselves were able to transition to a healthier diet and lifestyle. They share ideas that will help us avoid guilt, help us take our time in making changes, and making sure the changes in our eating patterns stick. In fact, Susana and Leslie are so good at helping others in this area that they've established The Wellworks Project for companies and individuals to discover ways to eat better that, well, work!
Leslie and Susana are big fans of the Wise Traditions diet! But they readily admit how overwhelming it can all seem at first when you are transitioning from fast food to real food. If you want a solid place to start to make the switch, listen now and please share this episode so that others can do the same. You will all gain insight and encouragement that you can immediately apply to your own busy life.
Learn more about The Wellworks Project here.
And find out about the Wise Traditions diet at westonaprice.org.
#79 Vegetables: our vitamin pills
"Eat your veggies!" We've heard this over and over and today we learn more about the "why" behind the charge! Author and holistic physician Dr. Tom Cowan refers to vegetables as our vitamin pills. They're not primarily for calories or protein in our diet. We need their disease-fighting properties: the phytonutrients, the antioxidants, the minerals and vitamins that they offer! Vegetables help protect us against cancer, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, and more.
Did you know that some indigenous groups thrived eating 10-15 different vegetables a day? And over 100 in a year? Tom recommends that we follow their example by diversifying the vegetables on our plates. He also explains why vegetables should complement, but not replace, fats and proteins in the diet.
Eating more vegetables might seem like a chore. Tom admits that he used to spend a lot of time chopping and preparing veggies but not anymore. In today's episode, he reveals how he manages to eat plenty of vegetables without spending all of his time in the kitchen. You will certainly be inspired by all of the helpful information he shares about the critical role vegetables play in our overall health and you will discover practical tips for introducing a greater variety into your own diet.
Learn more about the vegetable powders he prepares here: drcowansgarden.com.
Or visit our website westonaprice.org to find articles and other resources on the subject.
#78 Bonus episode: nutrition hacks
Is fasting good for you? How should your diet change as you age? What's the best way to lose unwanted pounds? Why do "diet dictocrats" still insist we eat a low-fat diet, when the science points in a different direction? In today's conversation with Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, we touch on all of these topics.
It is a "best of" bonus episode, featuring excerpts from articles in the Wise Traditions spring journal. You'll learn why nothing is off the table on the Wise Traditions diet. You'll hear about the misguided advice given to diabetic children and adults. You'll gain insight from Dr. Cowan's suggestions on balancing calorie intake and activity level. And, finally, you'll be shocked by some myth-busting related to the "Blue Zones" take on the traditional diets of Costa Ricans.
There are nutrition and wellness hacks in every segment of this episode. Listen closely and you will be the better for it!
Learn more about all of the above at westonaprice.org.
#77 Throw off your toxic burden
Toxins in our food and in our environment are wreaking havoc on our health. In today's episode, Zen Honeycutt, the founder of Moms Across America, describes the most common toxins, what they do to us, and how to protect ourselves against them.
She goes into particular detail about the chemicals used in conventional agriculture and how they disrupt our gut health and the endocrine system. All of us are negatively impacted by toxins, of course, but Zen also explains how children are especially vulnerable to their effects.
Zen talks about how her mission to help people ease their toxic burden began with the desire to see her son overcome a life-threatening nut allergy. She made a bold promise to help him get better, which she was able to keep primarily by reducing his exposure to GMOs and pesticides.
Eliminating toxins from our diets is a great start for our own health. It's also critical to take steps to achieve change on a greater level. Zen brings up current events including a growing case against Azure Organic Farm in Oregon. She emphasizes that in our communities, our cities, and on our farms, we must advocate for what is best for all of us. Zen will inspire you with stories of her own family's fight for health and her call to action for a better future for all of us.
Learn more about Zen and her mission at momsacrossamerica.com.
Or simply visit westonaprice.org and look for the show notes for episode 77.
#76 Childbirth: keeping it natural
Childbirth is unpredictable, wild, and primal. We have "modernized" childbirth, making it clinical, sterilized, and on a timetable. Genevieve Howland, a/k/a Mama Natural, recognizes that pregnancy and birth are normal, and that having a baby is a wondrous biological process and rite of passage—not a medical condition.
In that light, Genevieve discusses how to prepare for a more natural childbirth experience and how to "naturalize" a c-section. Her goal is to educate mothers and fathers about their options during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. She covers everything from nutrition choices that aid in labor and delivery, steps to take to avoid "the cascade" of medical interventions, and the importance of skin-to-skin contact immediately after baby is born.
Genevieve offers tremendous insights on pregnancy and childbirth throughout the entire episode. It is beautiful to recognize that wise traditions apply to food and nutrition, of course, and also to childbirth.
Check out mamanatural.com for resources and videos. Or simply visit our website, westonaprice.org, for the episode show notes.
#75 How much fat should we eat? (Principle #7)
Some of us eat low-fat diets. Others eat high-protein/low-carb. But very few of us eat high-fat diets. All of the healthy people groups that Dr. Weston A. Price studied ate diets higher in fat than those we eat today. This is one reason that in today's conversation, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, suggests that we all could benefit from upping our fat intake.
More fat in our diet? Why? And how much should we be eating? What is a healthy fat, anyway? And are animal fats even necessary? Sally meticulously answers all of these questions and more, as she dives into Principle #7 of the Wise Traditions diet.
She explains in detail the role of fats in biochemical body processes and the role fat played in traditional diets. She makes a compelling case for animal fats, in particular, since the body requires arachidonic acid to function properly and this omega-6 fatty acid is found only in animal fats.
After listening to this episode, you will be prepared to challenge the diet dictocrats, and you will probably also be craving a hearty serving of butter, which you may enjoy guilt-free.
Learn more about the Wise Traditions dietary principles at westonaprice.org.
#74 The farm as healthcare provider
Health care today is often, in reality, "sick care." We turn to medical professionals for the treatment and management of sickness and disease. Farmer Doug Flack is an activist who suggests a very different approach. He believes we should turn to the land to cultivate optimal health. He is convinced that we must develop healthy soil for healthy people. For this reason he asserts that the farm should be our primary health provider.
He has spent years investigating and developing his approach to wellness. His studies have led him to the conclusion that industrialized farming and industrial food products are the reason for the lack of wellness in our modern society. Now, Doug spends his time cultivating the land, producing nutrient-dense foods, and advocating for farmers' rights and consumers' health in Vermont and around the nation and the world.
In today's conversation, Doug explains why healthy soils are critical for our health and our future. While conventional farmers strip the soil of nutrients and rely on chemical inputs, Doug enhances soil function and fertility organically. And, of course, food raised on such land is an important part of a truly healthy diet. This episode not only encourages us to nourish ourselves with these staples, but it also reminds us that, in doing so, we are supporting soil fertility and soil champions like Doug Flack.
Visit his website for more info at flackfamilyfarm.com.
And to see the full show notes for this episode, visit westonaprice.org.
#73 Drink your bugs
Do you crave sodas? You're in luck! You can drink "the original sodas" when you add naturally fizzy fermented drinks to your diet! They are more hydrating, and re-mineralizing than plain water. And they have numerous health benefits: they can aid digestion, circulation, improve health concerns, and even clear up skin issues.
Hannah Crum, the author of "The Big Book of Kombucha," is a fermented drink expert. Today, she discusses a wide variety of fermented drinks: from kefir to kvass, to ginger beer, and more. She dives into the history of these drinks, how to make them, and how they can benefit your body. Hannah stresses the importance of "drinking your bugs" for upping the bacterial diversity of your microbiome. Such diversity is critical for strengthening the immune system, detoxing, boosting energy and more! The result? A strengthened, healthy, and resilient body.
Learn more at her website: kombuchakamp.com or at westonaprice.org.
#72 Fighting for health freedom
One in six children in the U.S. has a developmental disability; one in four is medicated; one in 48 has autism. (This means that approximately every 7 minutes, a child is diagnosed with autism.)
All of these statistics are alarming, so what can we do to stem the tide? The West Virginians for Health Freedom are an advocacy group that are stepping into the fray and fighting for informed consent, parental rights, and religious and medical exemptions to vaccinations. In West Virginia, children are required to have 24 doses of vaccinations prior to kindergarten. And exemptions are hard to come by.
Today you will hear from five remarkable women who are involved in this group: Chanda Adkins, a pharmacist; Afsaneh Faerber, an attorney; Holly Garrison, a chiropractor; Lori Jones, a certified natural health professional; and Elizabeth Murphy, the co-founder of West Virginians for Health Freedom. Each has a story to tell related to vaccine-injury that has motivated them to get involved in this field.
These women are well-informed with stats specific to the nation and their state, in particular. They will inspire you with their determination and efforts in this endeavor. If you are uncertain about why there is a growing public outcry against vaccinations, you will find yourself moved by their questions and arguments in favor of the individual's right to refuse a vaccination for themselves or their children. And you will certainly want to roll up your sleeves and get involved in this effort for the sake of future generations.
Learn more at West Virginians for Health Freedom!
Listen to Del Bigtree of "Vaxxed" talk about the CDC coverup.
Visit westonaprice.org for more information.
#71 Holistic choices
Many of us want to care for our bodies, our families, our community. Tré Cates of the Savory Institute challenges us to consider how our individual choices impact the whole world! Living holistically means looking at the big picture and considering how every choice---from where we choose to live, to the clothing we buy, to the food we eat---can move us closer to our life goals and help the earth at the same time.
This interview took place at the Africa Centre for Holistic Management in Zimbabwe, a Savory Institute hub. It is a learning center that encourages people from around the world to learn to work the land in a sustainable, regenerative manner. There, Tré tells story after story about the land's restoration under proper management.
This episode can help us get a better handle on managing our own lives properly. As Tré explains the holistic principles of the Savory Institute, he reminds us of our own responsibility to live sustainably. The work of the Savory Institute sheds light on the importance of cooperative, respectful, holistic attitudes that can help all of us make choices that go "beyond organic" for better health and a better world!
Learn more at Savory Institute. And find more show notes at westonaprice.org.
#70 The antidote to Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease seems to strike indiscriminately and those receiving the diagnosis have little reason for optimism. Conventional medicine offers medication that is designed to slow the pace of cognitive decline but seems to lack efficacy. For her new book, "The Alzheimer's Antidote," certified nutrition specialist Amy Berger has synthesized medical research to shed light on new options that offer relief and hope to those who suffer with Alzheimer's and to their caregivers.
In today's conversation, Amy reveals that impaired glucose metabolism and insulin signaling are at the root of the disease. This is why some call Alzheimer's "Type 3" diabetes. The brain is starving for fuel, in effect. Part of the solution includes giving the brain an alternate fuel source: ketones (which are found in coconut and MCT oils, for example).
This episode enumerates practical steps for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's, those who hope to avoid the disease in the future, and even those who simply want to sharpen their own cognitive functions.
(For highlights from this interview, visit westonaprice.org's podcast page and click on the show notes for episode #70.)
#69 Improve your microbiome
We are not alone! Did you know that we are 10 times more bacteria than we are human? The bacteria that live in (and on us) play a significant role in how our body responds to stress, food, and our environment. In today's episode, microbiologist Kiran Krishnan helps us gain a clearer understanding of the human microbiome and how it relates to our overall health.
Many health conditions--including skin issues like psoriasis and eczema to diabetes and Chron's disease, to candida, yeast issues, and even arthritis and cancer--can stem from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Kiran explains why popping a probiotic pill is not the solution and he offers refreshingly different suggestions for what to do to improve the health and strength of your own microbiome.
#68 The "healthy" label
The Food and Drug Administration is considering changing the "use of the term 'healthy' in the labeling of human food products." At a recent public hearing on this topic, registered dietician Pam Schoenfeld attended and spoke, representing both the Weston A. Price Foundation and the American public. Her purpose was to remind the FDA (and all in attendance) that there are many foods right now that would not qualify as "healthy" under current (and perhaps future) labeling practice. And yet, these foods offer important nutrients that are under-represented in the diet of most Americans.
In today's episode, Pam discusses exactly what she was planning on saying at the hearing, and why. She is passionate about educating the public, and public officials, about the benefits of traditional, whole, real foods. Pam, herself, came to the Wise Traditions diet later in life, and she wishes she had known many years ago what she now knows.
She touches on the vitamins and minerals that are critical to our well-being--including choline and vitamin A. She talks about nutrient-density and how these foods offer what we need most. She also addresses why it's so important for us to keep advocating for real health foods (found in real food, of course) and she concludes with specific instructions for how to add your voice to this health-saving and life-critical discussion.
#67 Negative charge creates positive energy
We have often heard it said that water is critical for our health, but Dr. Gerald Pollack adds a surprising twist to that familiar conversation. Water has long been considered to have only three phases: liquid, solid, or gas. Jerry and his colleagues have been studying a fourth phase of water, as it appears in our bodies, called EZ or "exclusion zone" water. Jerry has written a whole book about this subject entitled "The Fourth Phase of Water." In it, and in today's conversation, he explains how our overall health is tied to the level and charge of EZ water in our bodies.
He discusses the properties of EZ water and the importance of its negative charge. He makes a case for maintaining and building on the EZ water by tapping into the negative energy all around us. Jerry recommends simple steps to do this including "grounding" (getting our bare feet in contact with the earth), spending time in an infrared sauna, getting more oxygen, drinking spring water, and taking aspirin regularly. It's a fascinating conversation with some fresh ideas on how to maintain and improve our health, naturally.
#66 Fibro hope
Leah McCullough was in pain, discouraged, and exhausted. She had spent the last six years of her illness in bed for 12-16 hours a day. She had tried over 50 medications with no positive results. Fibromyalgia seemed like a life sentence for Leah. She is one of 5 million sufferers in the U.S. (It is the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis).
Through her journey, Leah learned that susceptibility to disease comes from a variety of factors: toxins in our environment, damaged digestive systems, vaccinations, antibiotics, poor nutrition, our genetic makeup and even our outlook and attitudes.
Leah was determined to turn things around. Healing began with meditation and prayer. It continued through adopting the Wise Traditions diet, addressing her leaky gut, and assisting her body with detoxification. She now reaches out to help others diagnosed with fibromyalgia and other autoimmune diseases. The story of how she regained her health will inspire you to make changes of your own!
#65 Why we need animal fats
There's a lot of confusion around what constitutes a healthy fat. In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, makes a solid case for including animal fats in our diet, based on her book "Nourishing fats: why we need animal fats for health and happiness." For decades, animal fats and saturated fats have been maligned as unhealthy, but the evidence points in the opposite direction.
It's time to unlearn the propaganda and become reacquainted with the happy, healthy truth. Saturated fats have an important role to play in our physical and emotional wellness. Sally tells the history of when & why companies began pushing their pseudo oils and fats. And she then gives the science behind why animal fats are so beneficial--how they have been found to be protective against cancer, and provide vitamins A, D, and K that are essential for proper neurological function and emotional well-being, for example.
You will hear specifics about how and why butter, lard and tallow can all be embraced as part of your daily diet. Once you do so, you and your family will be all the healthier (and happier) for it!
#64 The vaccine industry and your rights
Vaccines in the United States are required at birth, for daycare, school and college enrollment, for military members, foreign adoptions and more. Why the big push to vaccinate ourselves and our children? Learn about the influences that affect our vaccination policies and about your rights related to vaccinations.
Alan Phillips, the nation's leading vaccine rights attorney, speaks with authority about what shapes the vaccine industry and how it has become corrupted by money and power. He is convinced that vaccine policy law is "really a pharmaceutical marketing policy much more than it is a genuine health policy." And he cites legal evidence to make his case. Consequently, his life's mission is to help individuals understand their rights to obtain vaccine exemptions and waivers. Thanks to today's conversation, you will better understand the big picture and be equipped to make a more informed decision about how to proceed when it comes to the vaccination issue and safeguarding your family's health.
#63 Heal your gut
Processed foods, prescription medicines, sugar, toxins in and around us--these are feeding the bad bacteria in our gut and compromising our gut health, and consequently our overall health. Certified holistic health counselor Hilary Boynton discusses how to address a leaky gut and reverse the trend of deteriorating health.
She knows what she's talking about since she and her family have faced many health challenges of their own, including eczema, epilepsy, infertility, and cancer. You will be riveted by her story and encouraged by the practical steps she gives for approaching the well-known GAPS (gut and psychology syndrome) diet to heal the gut.
Hear Hilary recount how her family got started on the GAPS diet and how they have benefited from it. Her son, who at two years of age couldn't speak and who was on the autistic spectrum, is now her "smartest kid," reading and writing at grade level. For other children, speech delays disappeared and skin issues resolved. Her daughter had fewer epileptic seizures. Her husband lost weight.
As the author of the "Heal your gut cookbook," Hilary has heard from many whose lives have also benefited from the GAPS diet and a new emphasis on real food for lasting health.
#62 Diabetes and diet
Daphne Olivier has a genetic pre-disposition to diabetes. Since she doesn't have it (yet), she is doing all that is within her power to keep it that way. But she is not keeping her secrets to herself. She is a dietician and a certified diabetes educator who can help all of us understand it better, learn how to manage it with real food, and discover how to avoid it altogether, as she has done.
Daphne has a private nutrition practice in Louisiana where she has seen it all! She works with people with varying degrees of metabolic disorders including insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, types 1 and 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. In today's episode, she discusses strategies to recover health, including getting adequate sleep, avoiding stress, and eating less processed food.
Daphne's private practice is called "My Food Coach" and in today's show, she coaches all of us to adopt the "best lifestyle" to maintain and regain our health.
#61 Glyphosate: the weed-killer that hurts people too
Glyphosate is a weed-killer considered "safe" and "non-toxic" by the FDA and EPA but scientist Stephanie Seneff believes otherwise. And she is not alone! An avid researcher and brilliant mind (Stephanie holds a PhD from MIT), Stephanie will convince you that we should take a second look at this pervasive herbicide that is used in your neighborhood and on industrial farms, across the nation, and around the world. Touted as a help to battle pesky weeds and improve our crop yields, it may be unintentionally damaging our health in unprecedented measure.
Studies have shown that glyphosate is problematic and Stephanie is convinced that it is contributing to the rising incidence of auto-immune disorders including autism, ADHD, diabetes, Alzheimers, and more. She discusses in today's episode how to avoid it (eating an organic diet is key) and how to take action to help stop its encroachment on the health of the human race.
#60 Energy, health & vitality
There is more to food than meets the eye! Food has energy that ascends and descends, and warms and cools our bodies. Conventional western medicine focuses on the physical. But Dr. Kenneth Morehead explains how limited that approach can be. He is a licensed doctor of oriental medicine and is a nationally board-certified acupuncture orthopedist. As such, he has quite a different take on how to approach wellness!
In today's episode, he covers a myriad of topics, originating from Asian medicinal principles. He looks at how specific foods affect our vitality. He discusses how our eating habits and diet should change as we age. And he discusses the effects of a variety of foods and how they can help address health concerns. Dr. Morehead's main objective is to teach us to pay attention to our bodies so that we can achieve better balance and health.
#59 What causes heart attacks?
For decades, heart patients have been treated with stents, bypass procedures, low-fat diets, and drugs to lower their cholesterol. The theory that heart attacks are caused by blockages in the arteries is accepted as the last word on heart disease. And this explains why doctors work tirelessly to unblock them. But what if the theory is incorrect? What if blockages aren't actually the cause of heart attacks?
Dr. Tom Cowan brings some surprising data to light that puts into question the cause and treatments of cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks, in particular. He explains how the heart can effectively create its own "bypass" when major arteries are clogged. He points to remarkable studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of a little-known plant to treat angina. And he gives some sound advice about how to avoid heart disease altogether--including eating a nutrient-dense diet, avoiding stress, and living in a way that nurtures the parasympathetic nervous system.
This show will make you question conventional wisdom related to the heart. And you will be very glad it did.
#58 Should we eat grains? (Principle #6)
Some trendy diets restrict the intake of grains. It's no wonder why! Many people seem to be gluten-intolerant or have sensitivities to wheat. Others are simply trying to eat low-carb for weight loss. But we may be unnecessarily depriving ourselves of foods that can benefit our health and have been enjoyed world-wide for thousands of years.
Looking to the traditions of the past, we discover the secret for including grains, seeds, and nuts in our diet today. In this episode, Sally Fallon Morell, the President of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains principle #6 of the Wise Traditions diet: how to ferment, soak, and sprout grains, seeds, and nuts for optimal nutrition and ease of digestion. She goes into detail about the benefits of the preparation processes, and of the risks that result when we do not take care to prepare these foods in this way.
Best of all, she gives clear tips for what steps we can take to begin eating seeds, nuts, and grains prepared in the traditional manner. In a nutshell, she answers the question "Should we eat grains?" with a resounding "Yes!"
#57 Beyond food: invisible variables that affect our health
Forget the resolutions! Fitness guru Ben Greenfield wants you to look beyond food and exercise to improve your wellbeing in this new year! In today's episode, he discusses the importance of invisible variables that affect our health. We can eat the cleanest, most pure diet in the world and yet, at the same time, neglect some important factors that affect our bodies in significant ways.
Our environment and how we interact with it has a powerful effect on our health. Ben dives into the spirit and the science related to maximizing our bodies' potential. He explores the effect of music on the spirit, vitamin D on the heart and skin, and the stress-reduction that comes with being surrounded by nature. He touches on posture, sunshine, and clean air. He reviews the physiological impact of our ever-connected lives (with computers, wifi radiation, bluetooth technology and more) and gives ideas on how to mitigate the damage.
As you listen to today's show, you will be as invigorated as if you took a brisk walk on a winter morning. As a matter of fact, we suggest that you do just that!
#56 Best of 2016: Go with your gut!
Do you feel like a ball of symptoms? Like one thing after another is going wrong with your body? Your body is sending you a message that something is off. It's time to stop suppressing symptoms. It's time to begin digging deeper to find the path to healing.
Today, you will hear from guests from three of our most popular episodes in 2016! The common thread from all three is the need to go with your gut when it comes to improving your health. You'll hear from a holistic doctor, a dairy farmer, and a world-renown neurological and nutrition expert. Each guest advocates listening to your heart, inquiring with your mind, and believing what your gut is telling you about what your body needs to regain health and balance.
This episode challenges you to bring some healthy skepticism to your approach to wellness, to make dietary changes to help heal your gut, to try something new.
#55 The motherhood diet
All of us want to have happy, healthy children. Diet makes a difference in our own health; naturally, it makes a difference for our children's health, as well. But can what we eat before we even become pregnant affect our baby's health? What about our diet during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding?
Sandrine Perez addresses all of the above in today's discussion. Sandrine is the founder and head of Nourishing Our Children, a project of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Established in 2005, the mission of Nourishing Our Children is to educate and inspire parents to return to the whole, natural foods that have produced generation after generation of healthy children.
Sandrine sets forth exactly what foods help the babies develop well in the womb, and which foods should be avoided. The information she shares is based on the research of Dr. Weston A. Price, that showed a strong tie between the diet of the mother and the health of her offspring.
Over the years, Sandrine has seen proof of the efficacy of this diet, with mother after mother in her community birthing and raising healthy, happy children following the guidelines set forth in today's episode. Whether you are a mother now (or hope to be one at some juncture), this show is for you. Learn now what to eat pre-conception, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding for the sake of future generations.
#54 Vaxxed: producer's commentary
This is an important episode on a very controversial topic. Producer Del Bigtree gives the back story on how he got involved in the making of the movie "Vaxxed." Some call the movie "anti-vaccine" but its focus is on Dr. William Thompson, the whistleblower at the Center for Disease Control who exposed the manipulation of the results of a study on one vaccine: the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella).
Some question the motives of the key players in this explosive story--Brian Hooker, Dr. Andrew Wakefield and Dr. Thompson. But Bigtree calls into question the motives of those trying to silence him (and others) who want to help parents make informed decisions when it comes to vaccinations.
All critical thinkers will welcome the information he brings, and the passion with which he presents it. He touches on California's SB 277 law, which restricts parental rights, by mandating vaccinations for children to attend school, making no allowances for exemptions. He discusses the CDC's goal, called "Healthy People 2020," that is pushing for 100% compliance with the adult vaccination schedule.
With his movie, and in this interview, Bigtree's goal is to alert Americans to the threats to their civil liberties, and to motivate them to advocate for their own health and the health of their children.
#53 Make mead like a Viking
What is mead and why should you make it? (And why should you make it like a Viking, of all things?!) Jereme Zimmerman, the author of "Make mead like a Viking," explains all of the above in this light-hearted episode. Mead is a unique honey-based fermented drink that is simple and fun to make. Jereme unlocks the brewing secrets of the ancient Norse, as he demystifies the process of home-brewing mead. You'll learn lots about mead today and you'll hear Jeremy's own story about he got into brewing it, and how he began to embrace the natural, homesteading lifestyle.
In the conversation, Jereme makes a case for including more ferments in our diets. There are health benefits related to making your own ferments, of course (whether you're making mead, kombucha, sauerkraut, or kefir). The active enzymes and probiotics in such foods are great for gut health; the antioxidants are cancer-fighting agents; and our immune systems benefit from all of the above. But our lives are enhanced by more than just the physical boost of these foods. Making mead (and other fermented foods) requires cooperation with nature, which makes us more sensitive to life's beauty and mystery. And in the process of mead-making, bonds are built with the community around us. So, get to making your fermented drink and raise a glass to your health!
#52 Practical tips for parents
Tired of food battles and complaints at the dinner table? Do you worry that your kids not getting enough of the good stuff? Does your idea of whipping up a quick meal include a visit to the neighborhood fast food restaurant? Kelly Moeggenborg has been there and done that. Today, she has tips to help you transition your family to a more nutrient-dense, real food diet. She also has practical suggestions that will save you both time and money.
Kelly understands the challenges parents face because she is still in the trenches herself. This is one reason she launched the "Kelly the Kitchen Kop" blog in 2008; she wanted to build a community where people could exchange ideas about how to best overcome poor dietary patterns. You will enjoy learning from all she has gleaned over the years and will most certainly walk away with a tip or two that you can apply immediately that will improve your own health and that of your family.
#51 Farming as it should be
Will Harris. a fourth-generation cattleman, is the owner of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, GA. Will attended the University of Georgia's School of Agriculture, where he was trained in industrial farming methods. But in 1995, he decided to turn things around and return to farming the land in the manner his great-grandfather had done, 130 years before. He does not use pesticides and chemical fertilizers on the land or antibiotics or growth hormones on the animals. As Will puts it, "We take care of the land and herd, and they take care of us."
This is why his farming method is farming at its best, and as it should be. His family and farm employees consistently look out for the animals, the land, and the people who produce and consume their goods.Their production practices are fair, sustainable, and humane.
In today's episode, Will tells the story of the beauty and benefits of regenerative agriculture. Not only will you be charmed by his southern drawl but you will also come to understand how and why he transitioned to regenerative agriculture and how you can support this movement. It begins with knowing your farmer and proceeds with making conscious decisions about what you put on your plate. A healthy diet for people begins with a healthy environment on the farm where the food was cultivated and raised.
#50 Myths and truths of GMOs
Jeffrey Smith is is the founder and leader of the institute for Responsible Technology. He is also a bestselling author, filmmaker, and expert on genetically-modified organisms. In today's episode, he carefully and thoroughly explains what GMOs are, what crops have been genetically modified in the U.S., the impact they have had on our health and what we can do about their growing presence in our diets.
Jeffrey has had years of extensive research on the topic. He refutes what the FDA says about their safety, and he busts some myths related to GMOs (that they can help feed the world, and that they reduce the amount of pesticides used by farmers, for example). He also provides clear evidence to support their detrimental effects on animals and people. Problems associated with GMO foods include: gastrointestinal problems, immune system issues, reproductive damage, and conditions that affect organ function. Studies also point to premature death, tumors, possible cancer, and hormone disruption. Some people suffer brain fog, fibromyalgia, immune system concerns, anxiety, depression, pain, headaches, and skin conditions, as a result of eating GMO food.
The list of concerns is long, but there is still hope. Jeffrey gives concrete tips about how to protect yourself and your family from the health risk GMOs pose. He also makes a plea for activism to make a difference on a larger scale.
#49 Avoiding mold
Many of us see mold as an unsightly annoyance or an occasional irritant to our breathing, but it's much more than that! Cheryl Ciecko, a licensed architect, explains how it is a toxin that can easily grow in our office buildings or homes, and threaten our health.
Cheryl's ten-year-old daughter started having health concerns that seemed to appear overnight. She struggled with migraines and coughing fits; the doctors diagnosed asthma. Finally, they were able to pinpoint mold as the culprit of her deteriorating health. They found it in their home's duct work.
There are many other places mold can grow, undetected. In this episode, you'll learn about the myths associated with mold (for example, it is commonly thought that bleach can remediate it, but it cannot), where it can grow, how it affects your health, and how to guard against it in your own home.
#48 Detox mercury safely
Mercury is recognized by health organizations across the globe as toxic to humans. However many of us are unaware of our exposure to it and how it is negatively impacting our health and causing chronic conditions and diseases.
Dr. Andy Cutler has a PhD in chemistry from Princeton, and a BS in physics from the University of California. He himself struggled with symptoms that no doctor could explain. He discovered that the root cause of his issues was mercury toxicity caused by the amalgam fillings in his own mouth. On a quest to improve his own health, Andy became a pioneer of a form of chelation for metal toxicity that is unique in its approach, and is safe and successful, where many others are not.
In today's episode you will learn about the symptoms of mercury toxicity and how they can be addressed to restore health. We can be exposed to mercury in many ways, including through "silver" fillings, vaccinations, and various consumer products. Andy points to mercury as the underlying cause of conditions such as MS, Parkinsons, allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, and autism. Mercury toxicity can also be at the root of depression, anxiety, ADD, memory issues, fibromyalgia, asthma, OCD, autoimmune disorders, brain fog, nervous system disorders, developmental delays, and more.
Andy has a pragmatic chelation protocol which will help those with heavy metal toxicity find relief and health. Listen and you'll understand why Andy is in such demand as a detox consultant.
#47 Fuel for the athlete
Athletes seek to maximize their performance, often at the expense of their long-term health and longevity. Ben, a former bodybuilder, is an ironman triathlete, speaker, and author who understands how to nourish the body for both peak results and optimal health. He has a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology. Ben coaches and trains individuals for general health, longevity, weight loss, lean muscle gain, holistic wellness, and sports performance--using a real food protocol.
Says Ben, "I love getting fit, feeling good about the way my body looks, and fulfilling my deep-seeded drive to live life to the fullest by achieving difficult feats of physical performance. But I was fed up with feeling like crap from all the extreme exercising, strange foods, feeling of constant stress and soreness, and worry about the toll my hectic lifestyle was taking on my body. So I have found a way of training, eating and living that is perfectly healthy and natural, but still allows me to look, feel and perform at my peak capabilities."
As a consultant to many athletes, Ben has noticed a trend of acne, digestive issues, and adrenal issues that plague those who fuel their bodies with what Ben calls "franken fuels." In today's episode, he contrasts popular sports drinks, gels, and bars with the real fuel the athlete needs to turbocharge their performance without sacrificing gut health. He gets into the science of how various proteins, fats, and carbs work in our bodies. He talks about his own sweet spot of carb/protein/fat percentages and what foods he recommends for everyone to include in their diet. You will be fascinated by what he has to say and will want to apply it to your own diet, training, and lifestyle.
#46 Why are our children so sick?
This is the question many of us are asking! There is a grave health crisis that is affecting the next generation. In increasing numbers, children and young people are struggling with allergies, eczema, inflammatory conditions, autism, autoimmune disorders, asthma, reflux, sensory issues, GI issues, ADHD, and more. In today's episode, Beth Lambert describes the "perfect storm" that is assailing our children's health. She also has several ideas in how to navigate that storm.
Beth has an M.A. from Fairfield University, with a concentration in American Healthcare. The mother of three young children, Beth's interest in health concerns grew as she dealt with her own daughter's "leaky gut." Conventional medicine didn't have answers beyond some therapies and pharmaceutical drugs. Beth wanted something more.
She overhauled her family's diet and their environment and was able to turn her daughter's health around in approximately nine months. Her eyes were opened to the need around her, as she observed that other families were also in crisis related to their children's health issues. She went on to do extensive research and is now the author of "A compromised generation." You will be encouraged by Beth's story and the health improvements of others that she recounts, who are a part of her "Documenting Hope" project.
Listen closely and learn what steps you can take to improve your own health and that of the next generation.
#45 The skinny on fat
Nina Teicholz spent nearly a decade researching nutrition policy and dietary fat, culminating in the publication of her spellbinding book "The Big Fat Surprise." In it, she explains the politics, personalities, and history of how we came to believe that dietary fat is bad for health. Her book was the first mainstream publication to make the full argument for why saturated fats–the kind found in dairy, meat, and eggs–are not bad for health.
In today's episode, she discusses what initially propelled her to pursue this topic. You will be intrigued by the answers (and stonewalling) she encountered on her quest to find out more. What she discovered has led her to become an advocate for changing our diets to improve our health. Steps include avoiding vegetable oils and, of course, embracing saturated fats in their place.
#44 Principle #5 - Lacto-fermented foods
Traditional diets are high in enzymes and beneficial bacteria. Lacto-fermented foods are prepared by cultures worldwide to preserve food, boost their vitamin and mineral content, and aid digestion. In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains Principle #5 of the Wise Traditions diet: how all traditional peoples include lacto-fermented foods in their diets.
She gets specific about the foods that are particular to various regions around the world--like sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, fermented fish, yogurt, kefir, and such. She discusses the fermentation process and gives the scientific basis for embracing these foods in our modern diet. She touts the improved vitamin and mineral content of such foods, their protective characteristics against disease (including cancer), and how they boost the immune system.
She gives practical advice for how to begin introducing these foods into your diet. If you apply her tips, your tastebuds will be thrilled and your health will greatly benefit!
#43 Beautiful broth
Bone broth is growing in popularity for all of the right reasons. It offers an astounding number of benefits for our health. In today's episode, chef Lance Roll explains how first and foremost, it helps heal our gut, improving our digestion and the absorption of nutrients from all that we eat. Broth has anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to healthy fats and minerals. It makes an excellent recovery drink for athletes and many consider it something of a "weight loss secret."
You can hear the excitement in Lance's voice as he tells stories about individuals whose conditions cleared up from eczema and leaky gut, to ulcerative colitis. Lance was once a chef who was primarily concerned with making flavorful dishes; since he became familiar with the Weston A. Price Foundations and the Wise Traditions diet, he makes sure to cook up dishes that are nutrient-dense, as well as flavorful!
#42 Real food changes lives
Mandy loves sharing the importance of the food we put into our bodies. After fostering many children and adopting, each child became her inspiration to step out and reach more people with the message of health recovery through real food. She studied at California Polytechnic State University, and graduated with degrees, along with cooking and nutritional credentials; but what will blow you away is the way she rolls up her sleeves to impact foster children and foster homes. She has a passion for changing the world, starting with those in the U.S. foster care system.
In today's episode, she talks about how she helps children transition from the standard American diet (S.A.D.) to real food. She has witnessed first-hand the turn-around that takes place when children are fed food that has the power to nourish and heal.
Her simple healing principles can be applied to anyone's life--young and old alike. Listen and learn about her transformational Real Food Recovery protocol.
#41 On fat, raw milk, & ghee
Sandeep Agarwal had a young son with chronic health conditions--he caught colds easily, had chest congestion, and developed asthma. As Sandeep began to research ways to help him, he came across the principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation. They resonated with him, as he remembered the foods his ancestors enjoyed in India; they included raw milk, full fat foods, and ghee.
In today's episode, you will hear the results of Sandeep's research, which led him to ancient Indian texts that confirmed what he saw playing out in his own family: that traditional foods support and enhance our health. He discovered that ayurvedic traditions embraced raw milk and ghee for their healing properties.
His family tweaked their diet to include these foods and they also began avoiding sweets, and making other dietary changes that followed the wise tradition principles. Today, they enjoy good health and they run a business which provides organic ghee and other Indian spices and foods.
#40 Autoimmune help with LDN
Linda Elsegood suffered from MS and was wheelchair-bound, when she first heard about LDN, low dose naltrexone. She researched it and began taking it around 2000. Her health and life turned around. Motivated to help others, she has since edited "The LDN book" and hosted conferences to educate medical professionals and lay people alike.
LDN can be an effective treatment for a variety of autoimmune disorders including alopecia (hair loss), Crohn's, cancer, autism, depression, restless leg syndrome, asthma, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease. Though it is a pharmaceutical drug, many consider it to be a sort of holistic medication, because of its safety and efficacy.
In this episode, you'll hear about the original uses of LDN and its off-label uses that are showing tremendous success. You'll her about the doctors who are currently conducting studies to learn more; and discover resources to educate yourself on LDN. All in all, you will learn much and find Linda's personal story compelling and her efforts to help others, inspiring.
#39 Radical medicine
Dr. Louisa Williams is a naturopathic doctor who is committed to helping people restore their health by getting to the true root or underlying cause of disease. In today's episode, she touches on some lesser known "obstacles to cure" and gives practical ideas for finding the best dental and overall health care to achieve the optimal and vibrant health that is our most important birthright.
She discusses the underlying issues that may be linked to chronic auto-immune diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, lupus, and Lymes disease. She even addresses dental focal infections, root canals, gingivitis and more. She tells you what to look for when searching for a dentist, and how to protect your health proactively. She leaves no stone unturned as she explains in simple terms the way our bodies function and how everything is interconnected.
#38 Principle #4 - All traditional cultures cooked some food and ate some of their animal products raw
Every traditional culture ate some form of their animal foods raw. Every culture also cooked some of their food. In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell explains the benefits of both cooking some food and eating some raw. While cooking does destroy enzymes, it also can make certain foods easier to digest (particularly vegetables). Eating raw animal foods ensures that we can enjoy the benefits of certain enzymes and particularly vitamin B6.
Sally describes various dishes from around the world that feature raw meat or fish products (such as steak tartare). She also gives ideas for those new to the idea of consuming raw animal products. She suggests starting with dairy products, like raw milk or cheese.
Many who recommend a raw diet would not include raw animal products in the mix. But Sally points out that science backs this traditional practice. She affirms that raw animal products can increase our energy and mental clarity, and help improve various body functions.
#37 Bonus episode: Behind the scenes at WAPF
When the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) says that it's committed to "food, farming and the healing arts," they mean it. In today's episode, you'll hear directly from the office staff members about WAPF's mission.
The bottom line? WAPF is a non-profit group dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism. It supports a number of movements that contribute to this objective including accurate nutrition instruction, organic and biodynamic farming, pasture-feeding of livestock, community-supported farms, honest and informative labeling, prepared parenting and nurturing therapies. Specific goals include establishment of universal access to clean, certified raw milk and a ban on the use of soy formula for infants.
The backbone of WAPF is its members. They are the ones that know exactly what's going on in their own neighborhoods, and counties (and countries), and they are most able to mobilize when action is required to defend food freedom and to help disseminate important food resource information. In particular, there are 600 chapter leaders worldwide who puts hands and feet to the work that is needed to help restore and maintain the health of people all over the world.
In today's episode, you will get a glimpse of the office work of the WAPF staff, which undergirds what is happening "in the field," so to speak. You'll also learn about WAPF's most current projects (such as their international outreach efforts).
#36 Protecting food freedom
Do you want the option of buying raw milk legally in your state? Would you like to have chickens in your backyard? The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) works hard to defend your right to obtain the food of your choice from the source of your choice. Pete Kennedy, an attorney in Florida, is on the board of the FTCLDF and he has personally been involved in representing and counseling farmers who are simply trying to provide local, sustainable foods to their neighbors, schools, and grocery stores.
Many of us know that good health begins at the dining room table. The healthiest diets are those made up of nutrient-dense, organic foods from small local farmers, not from the industrial food complex. Listen to Pete and learn about the influences at play on what is available to us as consumers, and how you can make a difference in the fight for food freedom.
#35 The green vaccine?
There is lots of controversy and discussion on the topic of vaccination these days—some touting their benefits and others, their risks. Cilla Whatcott stays above the fray. She is not interested in being a part of any camp, but rather wants to empower parents and health care professionals about their choices, by educating them about homeopathy and homeoprophylaxis (HP). In today's episode, you will become familiar with this safe alternative to vaccination. Some call HP the "green vaccine" because it does not cause harm but rather provides natural protection against disease. The goal of homeopathy is to educate the immune system and to help the body rediscover how to heal itself. Homeopathy combats chronic health issues including recurring ear infections, asthma, coughs, and more.
Cilla has a PhD in homeopathy, which she pursued after her one year-old daughter became ill with aseptic meningitis. She is the Director of Worldwide Choice and is a strong advocate for health care options.
#34 Tired of being tired
In her twenties, Razi Berry was suffering from fibromyalgia, fatigue, and pain. Her doctors told her that she should go on medication and disability for the rest of her life. Unwilling to accept their prognosis, Razi became her own "health detective." She began exploring alternatives and came upon naturopathic therapies that have helped restore her to full health today. She had fertility issues, hair loss, and more. Now, she enjoys good health and vitality. She is able to homeschool her two young daughters and oversee her award-winning journal, "The Naturopathic Doctor News & Review."
Naturally, Razi is a proponent of organic, whole foods over fad diets. Her heart's desire is to empower people to take charge of their health and discover the vibrant health they were intended to enjoy.
#33 Allan Savory (Part 2) - Livestock only hope
As a young environmentalist, Allan Savory was convinced that animals were overgrazing, and therefore, turning fertile land into deserts. Many scientists held that same opinion (and some still do). Now, Allan believes that livestock are "our only hope" for greening the world's deserts and reversing climate change.
In today's episode, he explains in detail why many efforts to restore the earth (involving the use of technology, fire, rest, or planting trees or crops) are ineffective or temporary solutions, at best. He addresses directly some of the ideas presented in the movie "Cowspiracy," including his "tragic error" of culling elephant herds (which he and others thought would help heal the land---it did not).
The health of the land is tied to our own. Listen carefully to consider how you can get involved to make a difference in the preservation of our world for the survival of what Allan calls "team humanity."
#32 Allan Savory (Part 1) - Holistic Management
Are you concerned about our planet's degradation? Allan Savory has fresh ideas for how to reverse the situation and restore our deteriorating grasslands. As a young man studying zoology and botany in South Africa, he challenged the presuppositions regarding what was causing climate change. He, too, at one point, thought that perhaps too many animals was the problem, but he came to a different conclusion when he saw the ineffectiveness of that approach.
Now he believes that the answer can be found in holistic management. The idea is to properly manage the tools at our disposal, including animals! Holistic management can also be applied to our own lives, whether we live in cities or farms. It's a concept that can improve the environment and health of "team humanity" all over the globe.
#31 Vegetarianism reconsidered
Vegetarians and vegans are often motivated to avoid animal products out of concern for animal welfare and the environment. Lierre Keith is no exception. As a teenager, she became convinced that abstaining from meat was the best choice. However health concerns quickly ensued once she made that dietary choice. She began to suffer from fatigue, hypoglycemia, irregular menstrual cycles, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. These initial conditions were followed by longer-term problems including autoimmune and degenerative disc disease. Her own health concerns, and those of others, led her to reexamine vegetarianism. Today, Lierre is passionate and bold when discussing our need for including meat products in our diet, both for our benefit and for the health of the planet.
#30 Principle #3 - Nutrient density
Do you want to get the most out of your food? There are so many different approaches to eating healthily, how do you know what's best? Sally Fallon Morell explains, in clear, simple terms, how to maximize each bite. In today's episode, she emphasizes the most important (yet often overlooked) Wise Traditions dietary principle: nutrient density. Traditional diets were very nutrient-dense: high in vitamins and minerals and replete with the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K. Processed, packaged foods tout "added vitamins and minerals" but real foods are naturally power-packed with what we need for building strong, healthy bodies!
She goes into detail about why A, D, and K are so important and how they work together and should be in balance in our food (and in our bodies). She lists foods where these critical vitamins can be found. She tells stories of those whose lives have been changed through better nutrition. And she gives practical suggestions for what to include in your diet (or your children's diets) to eliminate fatigue and improve mood and optimism.
#29 Bonus episode: A Maasai story
Dickson Ole Gisa, a leader in his Maasai village, contacted the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) in 2014, saying, "Please send someone over. We're all getting sick!" Dickson had found out about the principles of the foundation and the Wise Traditions diet, and they really resonated with him and his community's experience.
WAPF did send leaders to his village in Matapato, Kenya, in 2015 and, in partnership with Dickson, began spreading the word about the link between good nutrition and overall health.
In today's fascinating conversation, Dickson recounts his childhood dietary habits and where his people are today. He talks about the allure of "foreign foods" and the corresponding rise in the incidences of cancer, diabetes, and other diseases heretofore unknown by his village.
Dickson's community in Oiti is taking steps to return to their traditional diet. This episode may inspire you to do the same!
#28 Fat does a body good
Confused by fat? One minute we're told to stay away from it; the next, we're told to embrace it. What's best? Chris Masterjohn demystifies the matter in today's discussion. Chris has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is an assistant professor at Brooklyn College in New York. He explains in detail fat's function in our bodies and how we should approach including it in our diet. He explains the need to take into account our genetics, our constitution, our ancestry, and even our careers, as we tweak our diets to find our "sweet spot."
He touches on some heady stuff: cholesterol levels, the LDL/HDL ratio, and the difference between saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats. He also points out which foods contain what kind of fat. Along the way, he helps us move from fear of fat to a place of understanding and freedom. "Fear is disempowering," says Chris. Fat has an important role to play in our bodies and embracing it is a step in the right direction, a step toward good health.
#27 Take charge of your fertility
Vicki Braun has over 30 years of experience helping couples understand and enhance their mutual fertility. She has a background in the sciences--a B.S. in biology and chemistry and an M.S. in microbiology--so she is well-equipped to understand female hormonal physiology and is able to problem-solve issues related to fertility cycles.
Vicki has seen many concerns over the years, ranging from irregular menstrual cycles to PCOS, endometriosis, and fertility issues. She has seen many women and men turn things around through dietary and lifestyle changes. A certified GAPS practitioner, she offers help in correcting hormonal and gut flora imbalances that can negatively affect fertility and overall health. She warns against the long-term use of birth control pills and she also points to toxicity as damaging to the reproductive system.
Plain spoken and direct, Vicki offers practical tools for those who wish to better understand their own bodies' cycles and improve their fertility.
#26 Myths and truths of sleep and exercise
Physical therapist Sandra Van Gilder dispels myths related to our sleep and exercise habits in this episode. She explains how our hormone function can be disrupted (or improved) by our patterns. She gets into the science behind the brain fog that makes it difficult to think clearly when we are sleep-deprived and she has suggestions about how to combat that issue. She also has ideas about how to move smarter/differently to avoid joint stress. She knows what she's talking about because she herself once struggled with vestibular migraines and she found that proper nutrition and adequate sleep were sufficient therapies to make them go away. And as a young woman in her twenties, Sandra had also endured back pain, sciatica, and joint pain that limited her ability to pursue her hobby of running. It became so serious that she could hardly run around the track one time. Now Sandra runs without pain, thanks to her "whole body" approach to movement. Today you will learn from her how to establish good sleep and movement patterns that can help you live and move, unhindered.
#25 Open wide
Biological dentist Felix Liao is building on the work of Dr. Weston A. Price. He is convinced that oral health is tied to our overall health, and he understands the pivotal role of nutrient-dense foods in the diet. In this informative and entertaining episode, Dr. Felix touches on common issues like snoring, sleep apnea, teeth grinding and clenching and explains how these can be addressed holistically. He is particularly concerned about the condition that he describes as "six-foot tiger/three-foot den." This occurs when the tongue does not have enough room to be in its proper position in the mouth. When this is the case, the tongue blocks the airway compromising our oxygen intake, and negatively impacting our health and sleep. You'll enjoy Dr. Felix's unique perspective in today's stimulating conversation.
#24 Nutrition and sleep are key for kids
Dr. Ann Childers had a health crisis that made her examine the role of nutrition in physical and mental health. Soon she began applying her new-found information in her practice. She began emphasizing a nutrient-dense diet and sufficient sleep for the children and adolescents in her care. She soon noted that many experienced relief and healing from all types of conditions including: anxiety, ADD, trouble concentrating, poor behavior, digestive issues, Type II diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Even those suffering from emotional or mental issues like depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm were improving with this simple, straightforward protocol. Children, adolescents, and adults alike will benefit from Ann's approach and advice in today's episode.
#23 Raw milk revealed
As President and Founder of the Raw Milk Institute, Mark McAfee has lectured on the subject of raw milk all over the United States. A consummate educator, Mark elucidates its benefits, even as he addresses the risks associated with it. His mission is to stem the influence of what he calls the "fear campaign that is steering us over the sterilized food cliff." Raw milk is a living food with properties that help us avoid chronic illnesses such as Krohn's, and can build our immune system so as to avoid illnesses that necessitate prescription drugs and costly surgeries. Mark makes his case with facts and passion. Mark emphasizes the health-enhancing properties of raw milk, and advocates for it to be safely produced and distributed widely.
#22 The wisdom of our ancestors
Stress, autoimmune diseases, obesity. These modern epidemics were not a part of the paleolithic landscape, but they certainly plague us now. Chris Kresser, author of "The Paleo Cure" and functional medicine practitioner, recommends that we look back to the wisdom of our ancestors to experience vibrant health today. In this episode, he tells us his story: how a health crisis precipitated his interest in nutrition and medicine, and how the Weston A. Price Foundation played a part in his journey back to health. Chris emphasizes how geography and genetics play a role in determining our diet and he touches on the pivotal role of fats and the need to decrease or manage our stress.
#21 Principle #2 - All traditional cultures consume some sort of animal food
All traditional cultures consume some sort of animal food:fish and shellfish, land and water fowl, land and sea mammals, eggs, milk and milk products reptiles, and insects. Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains why this is principle #2 of the Wise Traditions diet. She goes into detail about what nutrients are bio-available in animal products and why many traditional cultures considered these foods to be "sacred." She also addresses what to do if you have trouble digesting meat or if you prefer not to eat meat altogether. If you want to regain or maintain your health, Sally has some very practical suggestions about how to incorporate this principle into your current diet.
#20 A life unburdened
For Richard Morris, walking to work was a struggle akin to hiking Mount Everest. Weighing over 400 pounds made most of life difficult and burdensome. His wife and daughters also had an unhealthy lifestyle. Hear about his turning point which led him to turn his back on processed food. Now, he cooks, takes regular walks with his wife, and even competes in obstacle races. Embracing whole, real foods has led Richard and his family to a much healthier and happier life.
#19 Fight autism and win
Of the twelve characteristics or markers of autism, Tressie's young son had 11 of them. Behavioral therapy is recommended as the treatment of choice for autistic children. But Tressie wanted her son to be able to do more than simply sit still in school and communicate basic needs (the hoped-for outcome of the therapy). So she researched other options. She found a protocol that has moved her son from a diagnosis of low-functioning autism to where he is today: he has lost his diagnosis. Tressie is now an advocate of nutrient-dense food and a protocol to treat metal and mercury toxicity. She is not big on speculating about the causes of autism but she IS big on finding ways to beat the disorder. Tressie has studied holistic nutrition and environmental health, and is the author of "Fight autism and win."
#18 The marvelous pigness of pigs
Joel Salatin is the renowned farmer of Polyface Farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Today's episode centers around the concept behind Joel's upcoming book "The marvelous pigness of pigs." You'll learn more about what sets Polyface apart from countless conventional farms. Joel's heart is central to his approach to the animals and the land. His ethics and faith imbue in him a desire to honor and celebrate the uniqueness of each animal he raises. He respects the pigness of pigs, the cowness of cows, and so on. He challenges us to look at our choices through that same ethical paradigm and to opt out of the industrial food complex: for our health, the good of the land, and the nurturing of the animals under our care.
#17 Vaccines (part 2): what's all the fuss about?
Are you willing to take a closer look at the vaccine issue? Where does the truth lie? The media tells us that anyone who questions the efficacy of vaccines is anti-science. In fact, there are "hundreds and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies [which] document the problems with vaccines, and yet these are not being acknowledged," says our guest Leslie Manookian. In today's episode, she explores the reasons for the cover-up. She also delves into studies that show the link between vaccines and myriad illnesses such as autism, cancer, seizures, auto-immune disease, behavioral problems, speech delays, and much more. But there is no need to despair. Backed by promising studies, Leslie presents some sound alternatives to vaccinations.
Leslie is the writer and producer of the award-winning documentary "The Greater Good." She encourages everyone to look into this issue carefully, as current vaccination schedules may be jeopardizing our health. Leslie says, "We have essentially swapped the short-term suppression of disease for the prospect of very expensive, very debilitating life-time chronic disease."
Don't vaccines keep us healthy and disease-free? Aren't they the greatest invention of mankind? Many of us, including Leslie Manookian, once held these beliefs. In this episode, Leslie brings to light facts found in scientific studies, books, and other resources that persuaded her to reconsider her thinking on the matter. This episode is dedicated to educating ourselves on this topic that is so very critical to our health and the health of our loved ones.
Today, Leslie gives us a "peek behind the veil" of the vaccine industry. There, we discover more machinations than we may have ever imagined. She explores the purpose behind the the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Law of 1986, a law passed to protect vaccine manufacturers from liability from lawsuits. She clearly articulates the preponderance of evidence (much of it recognized by the government) that demonstrates a link between vaccinations and chronic illnesses ranging from asthma, allergies, and joint pain, to the more serious, like cognitive issues, autism, and even death.
Leslie Manookian is a successful Wall Street business executive turned award-winning filmmaker. She conceived, wrote and produced the "The Greater Good" a documentary exploring vaccines. She is a board member and a chapter leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation. She is a qualified homeopath and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, a BA from Middlebury College, and M.L.C.Hom from Lakeland College of Homeopathy.
#15 Straight talk from a farmer
Jesse Straight is a local farmer and father of five young children. A few years back, he never would have imagined the life he leads today. As a student at the University of Virginia, Jesse was on a religious studies and pre-med track. Hear what changed the direction of his life and sparked his passion for farming--and not just any farming but sustainable farming. All of the animals at Whiffletree Farm are regularly moved to fresh pasture, receive no GMO feed, antibiotics, chemical wormers or hormones. No chemicals are used on the land, either. Jesse loves his work and wants all people to find joy and health in good food raised with integrity, on a small scale.
#14 In the garden
Whether you are just beginning to garden or whether you have had a green thumb for a while, you will glean much from today's episode with Celeste Longacre. Celeste is an author, speaker, blogger, and gardener extraordinaire. She's been gardening (and canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting) vegetables for over 35 years! Hear her describe her process, step-by-step. Learn about the importance of soil testing to optimize the nutrient content of your harvest! You'll love Celeste's down-to-earth style. And you'll learn from her what it means to live sustainably and simply.
#13 Principle #1 - No refined or denatured foods
The healthiest, most robust, vibrant, fertile peoples around the world have no refined or denatured foods in their diets. Nothing important was taken out, nor were foods unnaturally processed or changed. Dr. Weston A. Price studied people groups all around the world and found that this was one element that all of their diets had in common. This is why it is Principle #1 of 11 principles of healthy diets based on Dr. Price's findings and the continued research of the foundation.
Sally Fallon Morell explains why whole, real foods, processed in traditional ways, are so critical for health. She touches on how modern processes make the nutrients in foods less available, while traditional processes improve the quality of our food and make the vitamins and minerals more accessible. She emphasizes the importance of getting our fats right, and of avoiding refined sweeteners and additives. Listen and learn how these simple, practical steps can bring about improved health and weight loss.
#12 Kombucha craze
Kombucha is the fermented tea that is sweeping the nation! This bubbly, effervescent drink is popular because it is chock-full of enzymes, acids, and probiotics...and, quite simply, because it tastes so good! Hannah Crum, fondly known as the "Kombucha Mamma" enlightens all of us with her understanding of the drink. In today's discussion, she touts its many health benefits including improving digestion, liver detoxification, and more. For over ten years, Hannah has been brewing it herself, and through her kombuchakamp.com site she has mentored over 100,000 home brewers. Not sure what to make of it all, or how to make it yourself? Check out her "Big Book of Kombucha," released just this week. It contains over 400 recipes, in addition to a history and research section, highlighting 150 years of scientific study of this fizzy, vinegar-y drink! If you haven't been swept up by this craze just yet, you certainly will be by the time you're done listening to today's episode!
#11 A fresh take on real food
Are you a yo-yo dieter? Uptight or super careful about "clean" eating? Wherever you're coming from, nutritionist Adrienne Hew has a word for you! Adrienne has a fun, light-hearted approach to life...and to food! In France, as a young woman, she learned to slow down and get the most out of every meal. Adrienne, a podcaster and author, is known as the "Nutrition Heretic." After listening to this episode, you'll understand why. You may not agree with everything she says on the program, but you most certainly will be entertained! And you just may be inspired to approach food differently.
#10 Raw milk: one story
Have you heard about raw milk? Some say it's dangerous but others say it's an amazing food. Charlotte Smith falls into the latter camp. Listen to her story which led her from being a mother of children suffering with eczema to a mother who decided to start her own micro-dairy to sell raw milk to her community. Charlotte (whose children are now well) also has started a marketing course to help other farmers make a living selling raw milk. She is that passionate about raw milk's healing properties! Are you suffering from eczema? Allergies? Asthma? Diverticulitis? Listen closely. Perhaps you will adopt Charlotte's point of view, that food can indeed be our medicine!
#9 Start here
Confused about nutrition? This podcast episode is a great place to get a handle on an approach to eating that is sensible and satisfying, with no need for deprivation or fad dieting. In today's discussion, Sally Fallon Morell, the President of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains how eating whole, real, natural foods, as our ancestors did, will nourish us in body and soul. She points to principles based on Dr. Price's research of traditional diets around the world. We can enjoy the same nutrient-dense food that they did, back then. And our bodies will reap the benefit of nourishment and good health.
#8 Food, glorious food!
Alternative farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms is well-known for his commitment to raising the best food---food that is nutrient-dense, wholesome, organic, and natural; in short, food that is good for people and the planet! In today's episode, Joel addresses some common concerns related to real food. Where can we get it? Why is it so expensive? And is eating meat bad for the environment, as some claim? Joel tackles these issues one by one in his inimitable insightful and down-to-earth manner. A compelling speaker and author, Joel has had a huge impact on this generation's understanding of food and farming. After listening to this interview, you'll understand why this is so.
#7 Hidden dangers to our health
For years we've seen cholesterol and fat as enemies to our health. Research scientist Stephanie Seneff makes it clear that we've been looking in the wrong direction. Because of her husband's diagnosis of heart disease, she began investigating the root cause of the condition. In the process, she found that dietary deficiencies and environmental toxins were the real problem. And that the statins that doctors were prescribing were harming, rather than helping patients. (Statins have been linked to many conditions, including those we associate with aging: cataracts, diabetes, hair loss, and arthritis, for example.) She also discovered that glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Round Up, threatens everyone's well-being, and links it, among other things, to autism and Alzheimers, and, yes, to heart disease. What does Stephanie recommend for safeguarding your health? For starters, a diet of organic foods, rich in sulfur, and, surprisingly, fat and cholesterol.
#6 Make yourself better
Philip Weeks gives practical ideas on how to make yourself better. A naturopath, herbalist, and acupuncturist, he has traveled the world and has been trained in a myriad of healing traditions. In today's episode, among other things, he discusses the importance of our individual constitution, the environment, the food we eat, and movement. Philip communicates clearly fundamental steps we can take to to improve our well-being.
#5 The gut: key to good health
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride explains how a variety of physical, psychological, neurological, and autoimmune disorders—from allergies and asthma to digestive problems and mental health issues—can be addressed and resolved naturally. Concurring with Hippocrates' quote, "All diseases begin in the gut," she expounds on the critical connection between our digestive system and our overall health. This episode also explores the important role of food in healing the gut. Thousands have been helped by Dr. Campbell-McBride's GAPS diet, presented in her book, "Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural treatment for autism, dyspraxia, ADD, dyslexia, ADHD, depression, and schizophrenia."
#4 Gentle detox
Lots of groups promote detox plans that involve serious fasting, special products, or costly programs. In contrast, nutritionist Kim Schuette gives us detox home therapies that are simple, effective, and inexpensive. Her practical tips include eating nutrient-dense foods and drinking raw apple cider vinegar. Listen in for details that will help your body cope with toxin overload, and give you better digestion and glowing skin, as well.
Kim has been in private practice in the field of nutrition since 1999. In 2002, she established Biodynamic Wellness where she and her staff address digestive disorders, ADD, autism, and other health concerns.
#3 Holistic health for the two-legged and the four-legged
Will Winter is a charming storyteller. A holistic veterinarian, Will demonstrates a keen understanding of both two-legged and four-legged animals. He touches on a number of topics in today's discussion: from the expense of eating organic foods (and why it's worth it) to the reason he was a vegetarian for 23 years. He is the local chapter leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation for Minneapolis-St. Paul and moderates several web discussion groups about sustainable, local, and nutrient-dense food as well as for the natural rearing of pastured livestock. He is the author of "The Holistic Veterinary Handbook."
#2 The deeper reasons behind why people get sick
"My name is Tom. They nicknamed me "Doubting Thomas" when I was young. Don't believe anybody. Don't believe me. Don't believe your doctor." Dr. Tom Cowan is a holistic doctor who is extremely skeptical of current conventional, and even holistic, medical practices. Find out why you should be, too! Learn about the role of nutrition in your health and what Tom recommends for those seeking to improve their health.
#1 Introduction to Wise Traditions
"So the foods that people are avoiding today, that they think they shouldn't eat, are the foods that we really do need to eat!" Sally Fallon, the President of the Weston A. Price Foundation explains the importance of eating nutrient-dense food to maintain health. Good nutrition is critical for wellness and avoiding chronic and acute disease. This episode sheds light on the purpose behind the Weston A. Price Foundation and the Wise Traditions podcast.