Podcast Summary
Healthy Eating and Upcoming Book Discussion: The hosts discussed healthy eating and shared insights from their upcoming book while addressing recent changes to their Q&A system and announcing new content platforms.
During this episode of the Dark Horse podcast, the hosts discussed the importance of healthy eating and shared insights from their upcoming book, "A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century." They also addressed why they missed their usual Saturday livestream and announced changes to their Q&A system. The hosts encouraged viewers to submit questions through their website and mentioned that they would prioritize answering based on interest and the order in which they come in. Additionally, they mentioned a recent essay by one of their team members in Unheard and a conversation with Tess Lawrie on the impact of a controversial study on Ivermectin. They criticized a Guardian article that reached false conclusions about the study and urged viewers to critically evaluate journalistic sources. The hosts also mentioned that they would be moving more of their content to Odysee and encouraged viewers to join their Patreon for exclusive content.
Discussing the utility of Ivermectin and the importance of privacy: Meta-analysis allows for the removal of biased data, providing a more accurate representation of research. ExpressVPN offers privacy protection with easy use and fast connections.
The ability to remove biased studies from research through meta-analysis is a strong argument in favor of its use. During a discussion, it was mentioned that there is a study raising concerns about the utility of Ivermectin. While the speaker remains uncertain about the study's implications, they emphasized that meta-analysis allows for the removal of biased data, ultimately providing a more accurate representation of the overall research. Additionally, the conversation touched on the importance of privacy in the digital age. With the increasing amount of data being collected and shared, ExpressVPN was suggested as a solution to protect one's IP address and maintain privacy. The ease of use and fast connections make it an attractive option for those concerned about their data being harvested without consent. Lastly, an essay titled "How the Sun Could Wipe Us Out" was discussed. The speaker, Zach, wrote the piece in response to a query from Unheard magazine about how the world might end. The essay focuses on the potential danger of a solar flare and the devastating effects it could have on our planet. While the topic may not be widely discussed, it is an important reminder of the potential risks we face and the need to be prepared.
Solar storms and their potential impact on the electrical grid: A solar storm could cause devastating failures of the electrical grid, leading to widespread damage and potentially extinction-level consequences for humanity.
Our electrical grid, which has grown increasingly powerful and essential to modern life, is also incredibly fragile. A burst of charged plasma from the sun, known as a coronal mass ejection, could induce massive currents in earthbound electrical architecture, leading to devastating failures of the electrical grid and potentially causing widespread damage and extinction-level consequences for humanity. The last major event of this kind occurred in 1859, and while the timing and direction of these events are unpredictable, the potential impact on our modern, grid-dependent society would be much greater than it was during Darwin's time. We are essentially gambling that we will not experience a major, catastrophic failure of the grid, and now is the time to address this issue before it's too late.
The impact of food on our health and the lack of awareness and incentive to address issues: Exploring the importance of food for health, despite the lack of awareness and incentive to address issues related to our food system and its impact on the microbiome.
While there may be no direct opposition to addressing certain issues, such as the hazards of our food system and its impact on the microbiome, there is a general apathy due to a lack of awareness and incentive. This was highlighted during a personal experience of losing a beloved pet, which brought home the profound impact animals can have on our lives. However, the online environment can sometimes bring out the worst in people, leading to a loss of humanity and empathy. It's crucial to remember that the people we engage with online are real human beings, deserving of respect and understanding. As we continue our exploration of our forthcoming book, "A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century," this week we will discuss the importance of food and its role in our health and wellbeing.
Individual needs and cultural differences impact optimal diet: Understanding individual differences and cultural backgrounds is crucial for making informed dietary choices beyond basic nutritional needs.
There is no single best diet for all humans, as individual needs and cultural differences play a significant role in determining what is optimal. The raw and paleo diets, while popular, reveal misguided assumptions that there is a fixed answer to the question of what to eat and that food is only for survival. Instead, humans have a complex relationship with food that extends beyond basic nutritional needs. The dismantling of traditional cuisine in the 20th century and the focus on processed food and diet fads have created new problems, such as hypernovelty and a lack of understanding of the importance of real, whole foods. To make informed dietary choices, it's essential to consider individual differences, cultural backgrounds, and the evolutionary context of our relationship with food.
Consider the whole picture of food, not just nutrients: A reductionist approach to food ignores cultural traditions and synergistic health benefits, emphasizing instead a focus on nutrients. Instead, we should consider the evolutionary history and cultural significance of food in our modern choices.
While fast food may provide instant gratification through its consistent taste, a more nutritious and delicious option lies in consuming less processed, more species diverse food. This holistic approach is superior because the nutrients from whole foods cannot be fully replicated in pills, and there is often an emergence of synergistic health benefits when foods are eaten together in their natural state. Moreover, food is not just about nutrients; it provides cultural connection, celebration, and memory. Our ancient aesthetic preferences, shaped by evolution and cultural history, are no longer reliable guides to what to eat in the modern world. Instead, we must use our consciousness to separate the good from the bad and recognize the importance of cultural traditions and flavors in our diets. In summary, a reductionist approach to food fails to consider the whole picture, and we must look to our evolutionary history and cultural traditions to inform our modern food choices.
Considering the nutritional and social aspects of food: Establish rules around food, avoid GMOs, promote social connections through shared meals, and expose children to diverse whole foods.
That while the ancient dietary laws may no longer apply in the 21st century, it's important to establish some rules around food, especially in regards to avoiding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and promoting social connections through shared meals. The author suggests avoiding GMOs as they create an entirely new playing field compared to traditional selective breeding, and emphasizes the importance of food as a way to connect with others and build relationships. The author also encourages exposing children to a diverse range of whole foods, and emphasizes the historical significance of food as a social lubricant. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of considering both the nutritional and social aspects of food in the modern world.
Ancient practices and their modern applications: Understand the evolution of ancient practices and adapt their wisdom to modern life in a rational and reasonable way
Our understanding of ancient practices and their modern applications must be approached with care and rationality. Many aspects of human life, such as sex and food production, have evolved beyond their initial purposes but still retain some connection to their origins. For instance, the primary function of sex may have shifted from reproduction to bonding and relationship maintenance in humans. Similarly, the domestication of animals like cats and dogs began as solutions to practical problems, but their roles in human life have since expanded far beyond their initial purposes. It's essential to recognize this evolution and navigate the complexities of modern life by recovering as much ancestral wisdom as possible while adapting to new realities in a rational and reasonable way.
The Evolution of Human-Pet Relationships: From Utility to Emotional Connection: Cats have moved from being reliant on humans for hunting to providing deep emotional connections. This shift illustrates exaptation, where adaptations are repurposed for new uses. Human-pet relationships demonstrate our ability to adapt and the rapidity of exaptation.
Our relationships with pets have evolved significantly from their initial utility to us. Cats, in particular, have become completely free from their reliance on humans for hunting and now provide us with deep emotional connections that are asymmetrical in nature. This shift can be seen as an example of exaptation, where adaptations are used for new purposes that differ from their original raison d'être. The concept of exaptation highlights the rapid adaptability of humans and the way we repurpose adaptations for new uses. This is evident in the evolution of telomeres, which initially protected the ends of linear chromosomes in eukaryotic cells but now serve various functions beyond their original purpose. The discussion also touched upon the idea that as humans become socially disconnected, pets have taken on a more significant role in providing emotional sustenance. Overall, the conversation highlighted the intriguing ways in which our relationships with pets have evolved and the implications of these changes for our understanding of adaptation and exaptation.
Evolution's dynamic process: telomeres and mid-Victorian Brits: Evolution adapts and responds to new challenges, as seen in telomeres' role in cancer prevention and mid-Victorian Brits' healthier lifestyles before modern food practices
Evolution, as seen in the example of telomeres, is a dynamic process with the ability to adapt and respond to new challenges. Initially, telomeres protected the ends of chromosomes, but when organisms developed the ability to self-repair and the risk of tumors emerged, telomeres began to shrink to prevent cancer. This retooling is a powerful aspect of evolution, which continues to unfold through ongoing discoveries and adaptations. Another intriguing discovery is that mid-Victorian Brits, contrary to popular belief, were healthier, fitter, and stronger than people today during that era. Their lifespans were equivalent to ours, but they declined around 1880 due to the advent of mass agriculture, processed foods, and globalization, which introduced preservatives like sugar and salt. This shift led to a significant decrease in lifespan, which is often used as a comparison point for discussing potential life extension. However, it's essential to note that we are comparing modern lifespans to a historical low point rather than the average lifespan throughout history.
The Early 20th Century: A Healthier Time Than Believed: Despite common belief, the early 20th century saw significant improvements in lifespans and maternity care, with modern medical advances primarily changing the manner of dying rather than extending lifespans.
The significant improvements in lifespans and maternity care in the early 20th century are often overlooked, as many believe that humans were less long-lived in the distant past due to high infant mortality rates. However, once infants survived past the first year, lifespans were similar to today, with women having lower lifespans due to childbirth risks. The common misconception arises from the belief that humans were smaller and babies were born earlier in development, but in reality, agricultural advancements led to larger, fatter babies and shorter, less healthy adults. The paper discussed highlights that modern medical advances have primarily changed the manner of dying, from rapid infections or trauma to slow degenerative diseases, but have not significantly extended lifespans. This challenges the optimistic view of the anti-aging movement that aims for endlessly increasing lifespans, which is based on the assumption that the early 20th century was a health nadir.
Challenging common assumptions about the past's body image and diet: The Victorians may have had more robust bodies and preferred different body types than commonly believed, and their high caloric requirements came from active lifestyles and nutrient-rich diets
Our perception of the past, particularly regarding body image and diet, may be influenced by biased representations. The Victorians, for instance, are often portrayed as prudish and classy, but they may have actually been more robust and strong. Contrary to popular belief, Rubenesque was likely not the preferred body type in past eras, and male preferences have shifted throughout history. Additionally, the Victorians had significantly higher caloric requirements due to their active lifestyles and diets rich in nutrients, which were often organic and free-range. These findings challenge common assumptions about the past and highlight the importance of critically examining historical narratives.
Historical cooking techniques and resources: Long, slow cooking methods for collagen-rich meats have health benefits and were once a challenge for those with limited finances. Beer was used historically for flavor, preservation, and hydration. Fermentation, pickling, and canning allowed for food preservation and global cuisine development.
The history of food and cooking is deeply connected to the availability of resources, including both money and labor. Cuts of meat with high collagen content, like brisket, require a long, slow cooking process to become tender and delicious. Historically, this was a challenge for those with limited financial resources but an abundance of time. These deep cuisines, often associated with labor-intensive cuts and long cooking times, have health benefits as they produce fewer carcinogenic compounds compared to quickly cooked, high-heat methods. Additionally, the use of beer in historical cooking was not only for flavor but also for preservation and hydration, especially when water sources were unsafe. The process of preserving food through fermentation, pickling, and canning allowed people to live in areas with limited resources and seasonal availability, ultimately shaping the development of global cuisine.
Historical development of cuisines based on unique habitats: Understanding the historical development of cuisines reveals how essential nutrients were addressed in different habitats, and maintaining mid-Victorian nutritional standards could help prevent modern diseases
The development of cuisines throughout history was a response to the unique challenges of different habitats, with coherent combinations of foods providing essential nutrients for their populations. The meeting of old and new worlds led to cultural appropriation and the creation of new synthetic cuisines. Nutritional deficiencies and chronic malnutrition have been identified as major contributors to degenerative diseases in modern times. Despite advancements in healthcare, maintaining mid-Victorian nutritional standards could help prevent these diseases. Wear and tear are an unavoidable part of aging, but proper nutrition can help mitigate the effects and promote a more even aging process.
Focus on food and beverage industries for modern health solutions: Improve food quality, address gut dysbiosis, and recognize the value of bacteria for better health outcomes
The solution to our modern health issues may not come from drug companies or politicians, but rather from the food and beverage industries and supplement companies. The authors of the papers discussed suggest that our focus should be on improving the quality of the food we consume and addressing issues of dysbiosis, or disruptions to normal microbial communities, particularly in the gut. Dysbiosis can lead to negative health outcomes, and it is often linked to diets lacking in whole, unprocessed foods and abundant in manufactured materials. The authors also highlight the importance of recognizing the value of bacteria and microbiomes in our bodies, rather than viewing them as inherently bad. By looking to the industries that produce the food and beverages we consume, we may find solutions to the current regulatory challenges and move towards healthier, more balanced diets.
Urban living linked to 'microbiome deserts': Lack of access to nature and green spaces contributes to health issues, including dysbiosis, which is linked to various physical and mental health problems. A holistic approach, considering the complex interplay of environmental factors and microbiome health, is necessary.
The absence of nature and access to green spaces can lead to what the speaker refers to as "microbiome deserts." These deserts, which are prevalent in urban and economically disadvantaged areas, are linked to various health issues, including dysbiosis or perturbations in the normal gut microbiome. Dysbiosis, in turn, is associated with numerous physical and mental health problems, such as acute and cumulative psychological stress, environmental pollutants, and dietary factors like high fructose, sodium, and lack of phytochemicals. These health issues are not only linked to the food people consume but also to the lack of access to nature and the environmental factors that come with living in a "gray space." The reductionist approach of looking for a single solution, such as a probiotic or a pill, may not be sufficient, as the complex interplay of environmental factors and microbiome health requires a more holistic approach.
Understanding historical context and interconnectedness of our environment: Exploring historical practices can reveal interconnected systems with potential health benefits, while acknowledging the challenges of establishing clear causation and accountability for potential negative impacts.
The complexity of modern systems and the long-term effects of their components can make it difficult to establish clear causation and accountability for potential negative health impacts. Manufacturers focus on maintaining product stability, while consumers may not be aware of potential risks. The precautionary principle, which suggests taking action to prevent potential harm, is often met with skepticism due to its practical challenges. However, the longer a part of our environment has remained stable, the greater the potential disruption of that aspect may be to our health. For instance, ancient agricultural practices, such as growing corn, beans, and squash together, were discovered through empirical observation to have both agricultural and nutritional benefits. These interconnected systems, which we now understand mechanistically, helped prevent protein deficiencies and increased food production. Thus, understanding the historical context and interconnectedness of our environment can provide valuable insights into potential risks and benefits.
Overestimating our understanding of complex systems can lead to unintended consequences: Being aware of potential unintended consequences and considering long-term effects is crucial when trying to influence complex systems. Using less intensive methods for cleaning can help minimize disruption to the environment.
Overestimating our understanding of complex systems, such as agriculture or biology, can lead to unintended consequences. For instance, separating corn, beans, and squash in fields may seem like a logical solution, but it could actually decrease yields. Similarly, excessive cleaning during the COVID-19 pandemic, while intended to prevent the spread of the virus, may inadvertently breed superbugs due to the selection pressure created by the use of biocides. It's essential to be aware of the potential unintended consequences of our actions and consider the long-term effects on the systems we're trying to influence. In the case of cleaning, using less intensive methods, such as alcohol or vinegar, and allowing surfaces to be recolonized by normal bacteria, can help minimize the disruption to the environment.
94.9% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had preexisting conditions: Nearly all hospitalized COVID-19 patients had underlying health conditions, with obesity, anxiety disorders, diabetes, and multiple conditions being the biggest risk factors. Discussing these factors and health disparities is crucial for promoting health equity.
Underlying health conditions significantly increase the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. According to a CDC study, 94.9% of hospitalized patients had preexisting conditions, with obesity, anxiety and fear related disorders, diabetes with complications, and the total number of conditions being the biggest risk factors. Anxiety disorders, in particular, are interesting as they could be related to medications or a positive feedback loop due to the stress of severe illness. It's crucial to acknowledge and discuss the impact of these conditions on COVID outcomes, as well as the connection between class and health disparities. People living in underprivileged circumstances often face food and microbiome deserts, increasing their risk for various health issues and potentially making them more susceptible to COVID-19. It's essential to start tracking and addressing these underlying factors to promote health equity.
Discovering unexpected treasures in nature: Explore new places, keep an open mind, and enjoy simple pleasures in life, like a ripe blackberry, as you never know what treasures you might find.
Sometimes, unexpected discoveries can be found in the most unexpected places. Yesterday, during a visit to a river with Toby, they stumbled upon an untouched blackberry bush, providing them with a delightful feast. The experience of enjoying a sun-kissed blackberry fresh off the vine in the summer sun is unparalleled. Even on a return visit, the scene had changed, with turkey vultures occupying the area. Although not the most aesthetically pleasing birds, their presence underscored the sense of discovery and the ever-changing nature of the environment. Remember to keep an open mind and explore new places, as you never know what treasures you might find. Additionally, take advantage of the simple pleasures in life, like a ripe blackberry, and don't forget to ask questions and engage with the community at darkhorsesubmissions.com. Join our Patreons for exclusive content and access to our Discord server, and don't forget to subscribe to our channels and share our videos. Be good to those around you and enjoy the good food and the outdoors.
