JRE #1624 - Mark Sisson

26-Mar-21

#1624 – Mark Sisson

This podcast dives deep into Mark Sisson’s health philosophy and approach to living a fulfilling life, blending science, personal experience, and provocative takes on societal trends. Provocative topics like the benefits of a carnivore diet, the dangers of industrial seed oils, and the failings of government intervention are discussed. Underlying themes explore the importance of metabolic flexibility, the power of real food, and the potential for a healthier, more fulfilling life through conscious choices.

1. The Power of Primal Living

Sisson advocates for a primal, ancestral way of eating based on whole, unprocessed foods, emphasizing the importance of eliminating sugars, industrial seed oils, and processed grains.
He believes that our bodies evolved over millions of years to thrive on real food and that modern diets, heavy in processed foods and refined carbohydrates, disrupt our natural biological programming.
His own journey with chronic inflammation, IBS, and GERD led him to discover the transformative power of eliminating grains, leading to a dramatic improvement in his health.
Sisson argues that focusing on real food, with healthy sauces and marinades, can revolutionize our relationship with food and lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

2. The Importance of Metabolic Flexibility

Sisson emphasizes the concept of metabolic flexibility, which is the body’s ability to efficiently utilize energy from various sources like carbohydrates, fats, and ketones.
He advocates for achieving metabolic flexibility through methods like the ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting, which encourage the body to utilize stored fat as fuel.
He explains how consistently feeding the body carbohydrates every few hours inhibits the body’s ability to burn fat efficiently, leading to weight gain and metabolic inflexibility.
Sisson highlights the benefits of metabolic flexibility, which include improved energy levels, enhanced insulin sensitivity, increased fat burning, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

3. The Two Meals a Day Approach

Sisson advocates for a two meals a day (2MD) approach, emphasizing the benefits of extending the fasting window to maximize cellular repair and regeneration.
The 2MD program involves consuming a single meal in the evening and not eating again until the following afternoon, typically resulting in an 18-hour fasting window.
He argues that most of the body’s repair and recovery processes occur during the fasting state, emphasizing the importance of maximizing this window.
Sisson acknowledges the potential for hunger in the initial stages but emphasizes that building metabolic flexibility reduces hunger and cravings, making the approach more sustainable and enjoyable.

4. The Controversy of Cholesterol

Sisson challenges the conventional view of cholesterol as the culprit behind heart disease, citing research that points to inflammation and oxidation as primary contributors.
He argues that cholesterol is essential for hormone production and cellular repair, and that lowering cholesterol through statin drugs can have unintended negative consequences, potentially affecting immune function.
He highlights research suggesting that high cholesterol levels can be protective against infections like COVID-19.
Sisson urges a re-evaluation of the relationship between cholesterol, heart disease, and overall health, advocating for a more nuanced understanding based on scientific evidence.

5. The Carnivore Diet

Sisson acknowledges the growing popularity of the carnivore diet, where individuals consume primarily meat, often red meat, and minimal to no carbohydrates.
He embraces red meat as a staple of his own diet, highlighting its nutrient density and satiety value.
Sisson counters concerns about the potential negative health effects of red meat, citing research on the benefits of high-quality meat, particularly from grass-fed animals.
He emphasizes that the carnivore diet, while effective for some, is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution and encourages individuals to choose a dietary approach that aligns with their personal preferences and health goals.

6. The Role of Exercise in Health

Sisson believes in the power of exercise to improve overall health, promote longevity, and boost immune function.
He advocates for a variety of exercises, including strength training, cardio, and activities like stand-up paddleboarding, which he considers a full-body workout.
He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing exercise in daily routines, recommending working out in a fasted state for enhanced fat burning and metabolic benefits.
Sisson encourages individuals to listen to their bodies, adjust their workouts as they age, and prioritize strength training and functional exercises for long-term health.

7. The Dangers of Government Intervention in Health

Sisson criticizes government policies that restrict personal choices, including lockdowns, regulations on raw milk sales, and excessive bureaucracy that hinders business growth.
He believes that the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was misguided, prioritizing lockdowns and restrictions over promoting individual health and resilience.
He contrasts Florida’s more open approach with California’s stringent lockdown policies, arguing that Florida’s approach has been more effective in controlling the spread of the virus.
Sisson advocates for individual responsibility and freedom of choice, believing that people should be empowered to make decisions about their own health and well-being.

8. The Mismanagement of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sisson views the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example of government mismanagement, arguing that the initial fear-mongering and focus on lockdowns created a climate of anxiety and panic.
He criticizes the changing guidelines and messaging surrounding the virus, highlighting the lack of consistent scientific evidence and the politicization of the pandemic.
Sisson emphasizes the importance of individual immune function and personal responsibility in managing the virus, urging individuals to prioritize healthy habits and lifestyle choices.
He believes that the pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of government intervention in public health, highlighting the importance of individual autonomy and self-reliance.

9. The Obesity Epidemic

Sisson expresses concern about the growing obesity epidemic, attributing it to poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, and a culture that often condones unhealthy habits.
He criticizes the “fat-shaming” culture that prevents individuals from acknowledging the negative health consequences of obesity and seeking solutions.
He challenges the notion that obesity can be healthy, emphasizing the undeniable impact of excess weight on overall health and longevity.
Sisson encourages individuals to prioritize their health, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and reject the false narrative that obesity is acceptable or desirable.

10. The Role of Technology in Health

Sisson acknowledges the potential benefits of technology in health, including wearable devices that track fitness data and provide insights into sleep patterns.
He cautions against relying solely on technology for health decisions, emphasizing the importance of intuition and listening to one’s body.
He criticizes the gamification of fitness, arguing that excessive focus on numbers and metrics can detract from the enjoyment and intrinsic rewards of exercise.
Sisson encourages individuals to use technology as a tool for self-awareness and improvement, not as a replacement for mindful health choices.

11. The Future of Food and Agriculture

Sisson expresses concerns about the environmental impact of factory farming and monoculture agriculture, advocating for regenerative agricultural practices that promote soil health and biodiversity.
He believes that lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives are not sustainable solutions, arguing that they lack the nutrient density and taste of real meat.
He envisions a future where local farms and regenerative agriculture practices become the norm, providing high-quality food while protecting the environment.
Sisson urges individuals to support local farmers, make conscious choices about their food sources, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

12. The Importance of Mental and Physical Recovery

Sisson highlights the importance of prioritizing mental and physical recovery, advocating for practices like saunas, cold plunges, massage therapy, and adequate rest.
He emphasizes the value of listening to one’s body and avoiding overtraining, recognizing that excessive stress and exertion can compromise immune function.
Sisson encourages individuals to incorporate recovery practices into their routines, promoting both physical well-being and mental resilience.
He believes that a holistic approach to health encompasses not only physical fitness but also mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and stress management.

13. The Power of Discipline and Intention

Sisson acknowledges the importance of discipline in achieving health goals, encouraging individuals to set intentions and hold themselves accountable for their choices.
He emphasizes the power of writing down goals and intentions, creating a tangible record of aspirations and commitments.
Sisson advocates for a mindful approach to food, encouraging individuals to savor each bite and prioritize quality over quantity.
He believes that self-awareness, discipline, and intention are crucial for achieving lasting health and well-being.

14. The Allure and Dangers of Belief Systems

Sisson discusses the importance of questioning established norms and beliefs, urging individuals to critically evaluate information and form their own conclusions.
He acknowledges the allure of belief systems that offer simple solutions and a sense of belonging but cautions against blindly accepting dogma without critical examination.
He emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry, evidence-based decision-making, and a willingness to challenge accepted truths.
Sisson encourages individuals to embrace a spirit of inquiry and a willingness to question established norms, promoting a more informed and empowered approach to health and life.

15. The Potential of Gene Therapy and the Ethical Implications

Sisson expresses both excitement and caution regarding the potential of gene therapy and CRISPR technology, acknowledging its potential to cure genetic diseases but also its ethical implications.
He raises concerns about the potential for gene editing to create a “superhuman” class, widening the gap between haves and have-nots and potentially compromising human diversity.
Sisson urges a cautious approach to gene therapy, advocating for careful consideration of ethical implications and long-term consequences.
He emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and ethical guidelines to ensure that gene therapy is used responsibly for the benefit of all humanity.

16. The Importance of Personal Freedom

Sisson passionately advocates for individual freedom and autonomy, believing that individuals should be empowered to make choices about their own lives, health, and well-being.
He criticizes government overreach and excessive regulation, arguing that these infringe upon individual liberties and hinder personal growth.
Sisson believes that freedom is essential for individual happiness and fulfillment, encouraging individuals to embrace personal responsibility and self-reliance.
He urges individuals to actively participate in shaping their own lives and promoting policies that support individual freedom and choice.

17. The Challenges of Urban Living

Sisson highlights the challenges of urban living, particularly in densely populated areas like Los Angeles and New York City, citing excessive regulation, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the difficulties of finding affordable housing.
He expresses concerns about the growing homeless population in urban areas, arguing that government interventions have not been effective in addressing the issue.
Sisson believes that urban areas often create a culture of dependence and reliance on government assistance, hindering individual responsibility and self-sufficiency.
He encourages individuals to consider alternative living arrangements and lifestyles that promote personal freedom and autonomy.

18. The Impact of Social Media and the “Fake News” Phenomenon

Sisson acknowledges the pervasive influence of social media, recognizing both its potential to connect people and its capacity to spread misinformation.
He criticizes the spread of “fake news” and the tendency for individuals to rely on social media for information, urging critical thinking and fact-checking.
Sisson believes that social media can create echo chambers and reinforce biases, urging individuals to seek diverse perspectives and challenge their own assumptions.
He encourages individuals to be mindful of their social media consumption and to prioritize reliable sources of information.

Memorable Quotes:

“It’s literally the building blocks of your body. And if you eat shitty food, you’re gonna have shitty building blocks.” – Sisson emphasizes the importance of food quality and its impact on overall health.
“We’re not helping anybody by protecting their feelings and letting their body get destroyed. It’s crazy.” – Sisson critiques the “fat-shaming” culture that prevents individuals from acknowledging the negative health consequences of obesity.
“Most of the good things happen to us when we’re not eating.” – Sisson highlights the benefits of fasting and extending the fasting window for cellular repair and regeneration.
“The body has this built-in plan, this diagram, this genetic program that you’re born with, to be metabolically flexible.” – Sisson explains the body’s natural capacity for metabolic flexibility and the importance of activating this innate ability.
“I just want to help people be happy. At the end of the day, all the stuff we talk about, whether it’s dialing your sleep in or getting the right body weight or being strong or fit or productive or whatever, it all trickles down to one thing. Am I happy?” – Sisson emphasizes the importance of happiness and well-being as the ultimate goal.