Understanding the difference between bacterial colonization and infection is crucial for appreciating the dynamics of our body's interaction with microbes, particularly in the context of oral health. Bacterial colonization refers to the presence of bacteria on a surface without causing disease or harm. These bacteria exist in a balanced relationship with their host, contributing to various physiological processes. Infection, on the other hand, occurs when bacteria invade tissues, multiply, and trigger an immune response, leading to symptoms of illness. This post will discuss how healthy colonization can turn into an infection and the ways to avoid it.
Read MoreLast week, I mentioned that olive oil is safe for consumption. Olive oil has long been celebrated for its health benefits and culinary versatility. However, not all olive oils are the same. In fact, many olive oils on the market are mixed with cheap, toxic seed oils, which can mislead consumers and potentially harm their health. This blog will explore the history and implications of mixed olive oil, the increasing use of vegetable oils, and how to ensure you're getting authentic olive oil.
Read MoreOn average, people spend about 60 to 90 minutes each day eating, which translates to approximately 15 to 30 minutes with food in their mouths. While this might seem like a small portion of the day, the impact of the food we consume on our oral health can be significant. But what happens once we swallow our food? The consequences extend far beyond the mouth, affecting our entire body in ways that are often devastating. I will explore the profound effects of diet on both oral and overall health and highlight the importance of a whole-food diet devoid of processed carbohydrates and vegetable oils.
Read MoreCarnosine is a small but mighty molecule with significant therapeutic potential and crucial roles in muscle function, antioxidant defense, and overall health. The molecule is classified as a dipeptide because it is composed of beta-alanine and histidine and is predominantly found in animal-based foods, which is one of the many reasons I suggest including animal-based foods in our diets. It is also why carn, being a Latin root word for meat, is in its name. While it offers numerous health benefits, those following vegan and vegetarian diets are at risk of carnosine deficiency, which can lead to several health and performance issues. This post delves into the importance of carnosine, its sources, the consequences of low carnosine levels in plant-based diets, and strategies to mitigate these risks.
Read MoreThe Tukisenta tribe, residing in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, presents a fascinating case study in nutrition and health. Despite deriving 90% of their traditional diet from sweet potatoes, the Tukisenta people exhibit none of the chronic diseases that plague modern societies, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. This fact would not have been surprising because, since the '90s, high carb-low fat diets have been most popularly recommended. However, this intriguing paradox challenges the newly prevailing "low carb" diet trend and raises important questions about the true culprits behind these health issues. In this post, I will cover their diet and a few other “extreme” traditional diets and discuss the real culprits behind the ever-increasing amount of chronic illnesses.
Read MoreMany of us are efficient at storing energy and inefficient at burning it when it comes to our metabolism. For instance, I see lots of frustrated people eating what appear to be healthy salads, yet they continue to gain weight. Two things in our diets harm our metabolic efficiency. At the end of this post, I will explain what they are and why most people have a metabolism stuck in growth mode while a decreasingly small minority can readily burn the calories they consume.
Read MoreIn this post, I am using type 2 diabetes as an example to highlight the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses despite significant research and pharmaceutical intervention. The true cause is often overlooked due to the enormous profits associated with treating the illness, leaving prevention and the actual cure sidelined. I will explain the reasons behind this phenomenon later in this post. First, let's examine some type 2 diabetes statistics.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines were developed and deployed much faster than usual, taking only about a year instead of the typical decade. Unsurprisingly, the quick trials have raised safety concerns. A systematic review titled "A Systematic Review of Autopsy Findings in Deaths After COVID-19 Vaccination," published in Forensic Science International, explores potential connections between COVID-19 vaccination and deaths. This review carefully analyzes autopsy reports to understand the causes of adverse events linked to the vaccines. The results are frightening, if true.
Read MoreA recent legal victory in the battle over fluoridation of public water supplies has brought attention to a long-debated public health issue. In a case initiated by Food & Water Watch and other advocacy groups, a federal court ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must revisit its stance on the addition of fluoride to drinking water. Historically seen as a safe and effective measure to combat dental decay, the fluoridation of water has now raised concerns about its potential long-term effects on human health. Recent studies indicate that fluoride, particularly in high concentrations, could be harmful, especially to children and vulnerable populations. This blog post explores the court ruling, the health risks associated with fluoride, and what this development means for future public health policies.
Read MoreThe European Union's decision to ban mercury dental fillings (amalgams) by January 2025 marks a significant step in public health and environmental safety. Justin Silverman covered some aspects of the ban in The New York Times on September 17, 2024, in an article called Mercury Dental Fillings and a New E. U. Ban. The author mentioned that removing mercury-containing fillings would cause further mercury toxicity. However, he neglected to tell readers that mercury-containing fillings, called amalgams, can be safely removed, leaving readers to believe they are stuck with their fillings. I will cover the ban, provide information on amalgams, explain the reasons for removing them, and explain how to do it safely.
Read MoreIn the modern food industry, many products marketed as healthy or beneficial are often far from it. Their names suggest wholesomeness and health benefits, but a closer look reveals that they are highly processed and can contribute to various health issues. I will delve into several examples of such misleadingly named foods, shedding light on the discrepancy between their marketed image and actual nutritional value.
Read MoreI recently heard an interview with Calley and Casey Means that really resonated with me regarding my concerns about the state of health in America. Their message struck a chord with me, and I believe it's crucial for everyone to hear. Casey Means, a physician who left a thriving career in traditional medicine, and her brother Calley, a whistleblower advocating against the corruption in the food and pharmaceutical industries, have joined forces to address what they see as the root cause of America’s health crisis: our toxic food environment.
Casey and Calley have a compelling story. Casey was frustrated with the medical profession's approach to treating illness, as she found herself constantly treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of her patients' ailments. Calley, on the other hand, was disturbed by the overwhelming influence of big food and big pharma on both doctors and patients. Together, they concluded that our poor health is due to the modern processed foods dominating our diets, and the reason we remain sick is because the pharmaceutical and medical industries benefit from this steady stream of unhealthy patients. This post will discuss their concerns and recommend the solutions.
Read MoreRecently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a significant announcement that he was suspending his campaign and endorsed Donald Trump, a decision driven by his deep concern for Americans' health and well-being. His focus, which mirrors mine, was on the urgent need to address the toxic food environment contributing to a health crisis in the United States. His speech, a powerful call to action, brought to light several critical issues, echoing the sentiments of those advocating for a healthier, more sustainable food system. The impact of his message is significant and cannot be ignored.
Kennedy, known for his outspoken criticism of big pharma and big food, pointed out the pervasive influence these industries have over our health agencies. His frustration with how these industries dictate health policies and dietary guidelines resonated with many who are aware of the deep-rooted corruption within these sectors. The concern is that the pharmaceutical and medical industries are more interested in maintaining a steady stream of unhealthy patients rather than addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. This post will cover some of his concerns and discuss the possible solutions.
Read MoreAs a dentist, I encounter a variety of oral health issues, some of which can be quite alarming to patients. One such condition is "hairy tongue," a benign but often distressing condition that can affect the appearance and texture of the tongue. Despite its dramatic appearance, hairy tongue is usually harmless and can be effectively managed with proper oral hygiene and care. In this post, we will explore what hairy tongue is, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
Read MoreWhen it comes to dental cavities, most of us instinctively point fingers at sugar. We've all heard the warnings about candy, soda, and sweets being the main culprits behind those pesky cavities. But what if I told you that sugar isn't the only player in this game? Enter salivary amylase, a digestive enzyme found in our saliva, plays a significant role in the development of dental caries, particularly through its interaction with starches like those found in bread, pasta, crackers, etc.
Read MoreRecently, I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Dr. Robert Lustig at a conference where he delivered the main address. We had previously collaborated on a panel at UCLA in 2022. If you're interested, you can watch his presentation starting at 34:15 here. Dr. Lustig is a renowned expert on metabolism, so I took the chance to discuss my recent post on the lipid energy model with him. He shared a research paper he contributed to, promising it would clear up any confusion. The post below is a summary of that paper, which you can read here. This research brings together four main theories into a single OBS/Redox model of obesity.
Read MoreIn 1977, George Engel's revolutionary call for a new medical model helped pave the way for a holistic approach to chronic pain. He advocated for the integration of social, psychological, and behavioral dimensions of illness. This model allows for greater flexibility in understanding and treating pain by moving away from the simplistic correlation between pain and tissue damage and recognizing that psychosocial factors often play a substantial role. His ideas became known as the biopsychosocial model. This post will cover what it is and how it can help address the complications of chronic pain.
Read MoreThis post will relate to an encounter with one of my patients that recently made me very happy. When most patients come to me, they often assume that I am just like any other dentist. However, what they don't realize is that my practice is unique. I specialize in treating the root cause of gum disease, tooth decay, and facial development issues, taking a holistic approach that considers the entire body. This approach, which is often new and intriguing to them, sets my practice apart. Despite my recommendations, my free-range patients often continue with their unhealthy lifestyles. But I'm used to it. After all, people should be free to live their lives as they see fit. However, many of my patients implement my recommendations and transform their health. When I hear their stories, I am overjoyed.
Read MoreIn the past, lead aprons were commonly used in dental X-rays as a way to protect against radiation. In 2017, the ADA said it was no longer appropriate to use lead aprons when taking radiographs. However, recent research suggests that thyroid collars are also not necessary due to advancements in dental X-ray equipment and practices. According to a detailed review, modern technology significantly reduces stray radiation exposure, making lead aprons and thyroid collars sometimes unnecessary. The American Dental Association (ADA) has updated their guidelines to reflect these findings and to avoid repeated X-rays and increased radiation exposure caused by the use of unnecessary protective gear.
Read MoreThis post will discuss six dental care basics that your dentist may not be aware of but you should know about. I want to start by saying that if it was just about brushing twice daily, flossing, having two cleanings per year, and adding fluoride, why do so many patients suffer from cavities, gum disease, crooked teeth, no room for wisdom teeth, breathing problems, obesity, high blood pressure, and GERD? This post will explain it all.
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