Optimize Paleo By Paleovalley

Did you know that certain spices, particularly turmeric, have demonstrated the ability to turn off inflammation and positively impact gene expression? It sounds crazy, but spices are one of our most potent and underrated medicines.  Which is why in today’s podcast with biochemist, Dr. Bharat Aggarwal, a former professor at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and expert on cytokines, the role of inflammation in cancer, and the anti-cancer effects of spices and herbs, we take a deep dive into exactly why turmeric and other spices are so powerful.  And also why most doctors today are not talking about them.  Here are some of the fascinating highlights from our conversation: Two uses of turmeric for children Why the FDA denied his patent The viruses turmeric can kill The toxic dose of turmeric The truth about turmeric and its bioavailability The only downside to turmeric How turmeric turns off inflammation How to determine how much turmeric you need The difference between curcumin and turmeric How turm

This week’s podcast, with author and top 50 functional medicine doctor, Dr. Will Cole, is all about INTUITIVE FASTING. While it may seem counterintuitive, intuitive fasting is a powerful practice that can help you access your intuition and find a fasting rhythm that honors your health and changing circumstances. It allows you to step into the driver’s seat of your health, and it’s a gentle, gradual approach that begins with simple overnight fasts. I have been using this practice for years, but never knew quite how to articulate the concept until I read his book. Dr. Cole is brilliant and I sincerely hope this conversation is as helpful and powerful for you - as it has been for me.  Here’s what we chat about… Why some people were triggered by his book What intuitive fasting is  How fasting helps us access our intuition The benefits of fasting His favorite fasts for improving metabolic health  The difference between caloric restriction and fasting  An intuitive fasting regimen for beginners Who should not fast

Have you tried all the popular diets and weight loss strategies, but still don’t feel your best?  Many times it’s because what works for someone else - won’t always work for you.  In fact, we are all unique biochemically and our needs change from season to season, so the only way to find your perfect diet and lifestyle is to tune into your body’s feedback.  Which is why today’s podcast with Renee Belz and Lauren Sombarto (aka The Biohacker Babes) is devoted to beginner biohacking, optimizing the foundations of health (sleep, movement, food) and how to use technology to reconnect to your intuition. These two ladies are wise, fun, feisty and full of helpful tips and tricks. Here are some of the fascinating things you’ll learn:  A common mistake that reduces sleep quality The benefits of methylene blue (and what you need to know before you buy it) How to use biohacking to get in touch with your intuition What is heart rate variability (HRV) and why you should measure it The simplest way to increase HRV Tips for

Children born to moms with poorly controlled blood sugar during pregnancy have a 6-19x increased risk of diabetes or obesity. Unfortunately, our current dietary recommendations for carbohydrates during pregnancy are way too high for many individuals which can cause unstable blood sugar. Many leading organizations also claim that vegan diets are safe for pregnancy, yet, according to registered dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator and author, Lily Nichols, there are many reasons to doubt their safety. To help feel empowered rather than confused around prenatal nutrition, this week's podcast is devoted to how to eat for the healthiest pregnancy and children possible. Here are some of my favorite takeaways: Why our dietary guidelines for pregnancy are a house of cards The nutrient we should be getting 3x more of The 4 nutrients you need to avoid anemia Two little-known nutrients for bone health (according to new research!) How many carbs you actually need during pregnancy Why protein recommendations are too lo

One of the tools I’ve found most helpful for people during the holiday season is intermittent fasting (IF). IF is a powerful practice that requires you eat during certain windows of time and fast the rest of the time.  In other words, you don’t have to change what you eat - just when. And its benefits include… Fat burning Reduced heart disease risk  Improved memory  Reduced caloric intake  The best part? It’s free, flexible and simple and you can still reap the benefits even if you don’t eat perfectly.  (which is why it’s one of my favorite holiday tools!) To learn all about IF and its beautiful benefits check out this week’s podcast with nurse practitioner and international speaker, Cynthia Thurlow. Here are some of the fascinating takeaways… The benefits of intermittent fasting Cynthia’s morning routine How intermittent fasting affects hormones How to reduce your risk of reproductive cancers The morning drink that improves IF’s benefits The supplements you can take while fasting Fasting benefits for ment

The incidence of food reactions (allergies, intolerances, sensitivities) is on the rise.    But what many people don't know is that it is possible to heal certain types of food reactions.    (Celiac Disease and food allergies, being a notable exception:)   When my son was younger he reacted to several foods like wheat, corn, dairy and sometimes even chocolate.    And while the elimination diet did help us manage his symptoms - avoiding so many foods was stressful, especially as he started going to school.   Thankfully, my dear friend Steven Wright (engineer, gut expert and founder of Healthy Gut) helped me heal my son’s food sensitivities from the root.    Today, my son can essentially eat all foods except for those that contain gluten.    This change was so miraculous for our family, that I invited Steven on to the podcast this week so that he can teach you all how to heal food sensitivities from the root. Here are some of the fascinating tidbits we cover:    What causes food sensitivities?  The difference

Did you know that, as a woman, your cholesterol and blood sugar levels will be higher at certain times of your menstrual cycle? Which can not only affect how you feel and what you should eat, but may also affect whether or not you’re prescribed medication.   Women are also stronger, smarter and calmer during certain periods of the cycle, and should eat more carbs and avoid fasting at other times.  Sadly, because most health-based research has been based on men, most women never understand these important nuances. Which is why in today’s podcast with bestselling author, keynote speaker, nutrition and functional health and fasting expert, Dr. Mindy Pelz, we talk all about why women MUST approach their health differently and how to customize your diet and lifestyle to leverage your hormone-centric advantages. Here are some of the fascinating takeaways: How cholesterol levels change during your cycle Why glucose levels are higher at certain times in your cycle Is higher cholesterol dangerous for women? A little-

Twenty million Americans today suffer from chronic digestive issues. Actress Sally Pressman, (you may have seen her as “Roxy” from Army Wives or on Grey’s Anatomy, Younger, Good Girls, etc.) became one of them when she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2009.  Her doctor said medications were her only option, but after a few days of self-directed dietary change - her symptoms were gone. I met Sally when I worked at the Tracy Anderson Method. Her work ethic, kindness, and bubbly personality quickly made her one of my favorite clients and I am thrilled to share her beautiful soul and remarkable story in this week’s podcast.  We talk about all gut healing and the fitness and beauty secrets that made Sally one of Hollywood’s elite. Here are some of the highlights… The exercise method Sally (and I) are obsessed with The realities of living with an autoimmune illness Why doctors do not talk about nutrition  The diet that helped manage her autoimmune condition  A day in the life of Sally’s diet  The food Sall

Red meat is one of the most controversial foods in our modern-day diet. On one hand - it’s a food we’ve been consuming for millions of years that provides some of our most valuable nutrients. Yet, according to the 2019 Global Burden of Disease report, there is no safe level of red meat consumption. To help you wade through the controversies and find the truth we have food scientist and scientific advisor, Dr. Frédéric Leroy on the podcast this week!  Dr. Leroy has been instrumental in ensuring the science around red meat and animal products is accurately represented in publications like the Global Burden of Disease, and has some surprising updates about the legitimacy of its claims. If you’re confused about whether animal products and processed meats are healthful or harmful - you do not want to miss this show!  Here are some of the highlights…. Why Kellogg’s cereal and fake meats were created Why The Global Burden of Disease is flawed The problem with red meat research The difference between plant and anima

According to the CDC, an estimated 50 million adults (1 in 5 adults) experience chronic pain and in 2017 more than 191 million prescriptions were written for opioid pain medications that cause 17,000 overdose deaths annually.  Those who suffer from chronic pain not only have a significantly reduced quality of life, but are also 3x more likely to experience anxiety and depression and have double the risk of suicide. And while many of us believe that pain is just a natural part of the aging process, there are many common, little-known causes and simple strategies you can use to reduce chronic pain naturally. Tune into this week’s podcast with Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and Certified Chiropractic BioPhysics® physician,  Dr. Ryan Wohlfert to learn about 3 main causes of chronic pain and 3 steps you can take today to start reducing chronic pain. Here are some of the highlights: The morning strategy that reduces chronic pain  How to know if you’re experiencing chronic pain  The problem with using Tyle

Today many of us understand that processed foods, excess carbohydrates, and gluten (for certain individuals) may contribute to ill health.  But what is not as well known is that omnipresent seed oils (cottonseed, corn, soy, canola, etc.) may also be playing an important role in weight gain and disease.  Seed oils are thought to be heart-healthy because they lower cholesterol, but clinical trials have also revealed that replacing saturated fats with seed oils may have deleterious health consequences.  Tune in for all the juicy details and why upgrading your cooking oils may be one of the best dietary changes you can make with expert, Tucker Goodrich! Here are some of the fascinating tidbits we cover: The difference between seed oils and fruit oils  What makes seed oils fragile and dangerous The 2 ways seed oils cause obesity The problem with seed oils for children and nursing moms How to tell if a seed oil has gone rancid The type of cancer you can get from frying seed oils The most fattening foods in the Ame

Approximately 1 out of 3 women of reproductive age in America are suffering from a nutrient deficiency that can lead to fatigue, immune dysfunction, rapid aging and an increased risk of disease.   And while we’re often told a plant-based diet is the best diet for health - Dr. Beal, the guest of this week’s podcast and a global nutrition researcher, found that animal foods (organ meats specifically) are actually the richest sources of nutrients that most people are deficient in.  His research also found that refined grains, which most Americans consume copious amounts of, are the least nutrient dense.  Which is clearly one reason nutrient deficiencies are rampant even in developed countries.  Tune into this week’s podcast to learn: ✔︎ The nutrients many of us are deficient in ✔︎ The prevalence, consequences and causes of nutrient deficiency  ✔︎ The most nutrient-dense foods in the world  ✔︎ Why fortified nutrients are different than whole food versions ✔︎ The problems with most nutrient density rating systems

We’ve all read the devastating headlines about climate change and global warming, but many times it’s difficult to know exactly what you can do to help.  Do you have to give up animal products?  Get solar power?  Drive an electric car? Fortunately, you do NOT have to change your entire life or give up meat to reduce your carbon footprint and become part of the solution.  In fact, in this week’s podcast with bestselling author, award-winning activist and co-founder of Project Drawdown, Paul Hawken, we talk all about his new book Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation and the simple steps you can take to help regenerate the planet.  We also talk about common myths about vegan diets, plant-based burgers and the diet we need to reverse climate change. Here’s what you’ll learn… The major contributors to climate changes 3 steps you can take to reverse climate change (even if you’re a beginner!) The true cause of climate change Do we need to be vegan to reverse climate change? The role of ruminan

According to recent research, nearly 40% of older Americans are not getting enough protein. Current protein recommendations also represent a minimum rather than an ideal protein intake and the highest quality sources of protein (animal products) are often demonized. As a result, many of us are under-eating protein which can cause a number of deleterious symptoms such as cravings, overeating, weight gain and a loss of muscle mass. Tune in to this week’s podcast with protein expert, Dr. Peter Ballerstedt, to learn all about the often-ignored nuance in the protein conversation and how you can leverage protein’s superpowers to optimize your health and feel your best. Here are some of my favorite takeaways… Why the “meat is harmful” message is dangerousThe problems with our current protein recommendations How much protein you really need Crude protein vs. true protein (and why it matters for your health!)The health benefits of plant vs. animal proteinsSymptoms of protein deficiencyHow to identify a high-qual

In 2014 Dr. Gary Fettke, an orthopedic surgeon in Tasmania, was reported to the medical board for suggesting his diabetic patients reduce their sugar intake despite sound scientific evidence and clinical experience to support his recommendations.  He was the first doctor ever silenced from talking about nutrition.  After years of litigation, Dr. Fettke was eventually exonerated but confusion regarding the role of carbohydrates and sugar in human health remains.  Tune in to this week’s podcast to hear all about Dr. Fettke’s journey, the role of carbohydrates in pain management and human health, the problems with vegetable oils and the many invisible forces driving our mainstream dietary recommendations.  If you want to make educated decisions regarding your health, you need to hear what Dr. Fettke has learned! Here are some of my favorite takeaways: Why Dr. Fettke got reported to the medical board The true effects of sugar How much sugar our body handles at one time The invisible influences inherent in medica

We’ve all heard the misguided message that meat consumption is killing us, but what you might not know is that these beliefs originated from religion, rather than good science or historical evidence. In fact, Dr. John Harvey Kellog originally created cereal as a meat alternative because he believed it would reduce sexual desires in kids. Not to mention there has never been a truly vegan culture. Which is why in this week’s podcast with researcher Belinda Fettke we delve into the surprising origins of our nation’s Dietary Guidelines and the war on meat. Belinda’s husband, Dr. Gary Fettke, an orthopedic surgeon in Australia, was reported to the medical board in 2014 for recommending his diabetic patients reduce the sugar in their diet.  This attack prompted Belinda to dig into WHY the science on the benefits of low carbohydrate diets was being ignored.  What she found was that it wasn’t really about science at all. Tune in now to learn all about the surprising origins of our war on meat and share this podcast w

It’s often cited that 95% of those who lose weight on a diet will gain it all back within one year.  Why might this happen? Perhaps because most diets only address WHAT you are eating - but not WHY you are eating.  How can you break the vicious dieting cycle? Listen to this week’s podcast with eating psychology expert, author and founder of the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, Marc David! Here are some of the fascinating tidbits we cover… What an eating psychologist eats for breakfast Why binge eating and emotional eating is on the rise Why willpower is not the issue Why we often reach for food when we are stressed  3 simple ways to reduce emotional eating Why food is not the issue Toxic nutritional beliefs and how to overcome them The antidote to binge eating Why how fast you eat matters Marc’s #1 dietary rule Three ways to start improving your relationship with food And so much more!  I completed Marc’s eating psychology training and it is one of the best things I’ve ever done! Please share this po

We’ve all heard about the controversy surrounding glyphosate, Roundup’s main ingredient.  In 2015 The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded glyphosate may possibly cause cancer in humans.  Thousands of lawsuits have also been filed against Bayer, the maker of Roundup, and in 2018 a groundskeeper, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, was awarded $289 million.  Yet, the EPA and FDA deem glyphosate safe, which is why it can still be found in our food and many paleo staples.  Thankfully, Dr. Stephanie Seneff Ph.D., a senior research scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, author, and glyphosate expert is on this week’s podcast to cut through the controversy. We discuss the research regarding glyphosate’s safety, how glyphosate exerts its toxic effects,  foods most often contaminated with glyphosate (I think this will surprise you!), and what we can do to help our body detoxify.  You do NOT want to miss this episode! Here are some of the other interesting tidbi

A recent human trial demonstrated that eating wild meat (kangaroo) caused lower levels of post-meal inflammation than eating conventionally-raised beef.  In other words, how the animal was raised may have affected the level of inflammation in the body after eating it.  When people ate wild meat they had lower levels of inflammation and when they ate meat raised in confinement, they had higher levels of inflammation.  And while we don’t yet know exactly why this happened, Dr. Fred Provenza, acclaimed author, professor and researcher believes it may have a lot to do with underrated, yet powerful nutrients called secondary compounds.  In fact, though you don’t hear much about them, secondary compounds have been shown to… Reduce inflammation Provide antioxidant protection Protect against cancer Improve mood Reduce the risk of diabetes Help control appetite And so much more! Most importantly, the levels of secondary compounds change dramatically in meat depending upon what the animal ate and how it was raised. 

Over 99% of chicken in America is produced by two companies and raised in ways that can negatively impact human and environmental health.  The worst part is, even labels like “cage free” and ‘free range” don’t actually mean what you think they do.  Which is why in this week’s podcast, with CEO of Cooks Venture and pioneering pastured chicken farmer, Matt Wadiak, we break down the major problems with the chicken industry and where you can find truly high-quality chicken. Here are the topics we cover… The main problems with the conventional chicken industry Free range vs. cage free vs. pasture-raised The #1 cause of death worldwide (and how conventional chickens contribute!) The 3 additives in the chicken industry you need to know about The problem with organic chicken The inhumane practices used in big chicken Why conventional chicken farmers suffer The company that helps verify chicken quality What chickens should actually be eating The uncommon chicken feed that regenerates the soil  The nutrients that are