JRE #2069 - Dr. Shawn Baker

28-Nov-23

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This podcast features a deep dive into the world of the carnivore diet with Dr. Shawn Baker, a physician, athlete, and author of “The Carnivore Diet.” The conversation touches on provocative topics such as the limitations of traditional medicine, the potential benefits and risks of a meat-only diet, and the role of corporations in shaping public health. The underlying themes explore the impact of diet on health and disease, the complexities of scientific research, and the potential for paradigm shifts in our understanding of nutrition.

Major Topics:

1. Dr. Shawn Baker’s Carnivore Diet:

Dr. Shawn Baker has been eating a carnivore diet for eight years and claims it has significantly improved his health.
He asserts that the carnivore diet is a therapeutic tool, citing anecdotal evidence and a Harvard study that showed positive results in 95% of participants, with 92% of diabetics coming off insulin.
He emphasizes that humans are opportunistic omnivores, acknowledging that some people thrive on plant-based diets, but posits the carnivore diet’s effectiveness in mitigating disease.
He believes the most significant benefit of the carnivore diet is the elimination of processed foods and other dietary “bullshit,” leading to greater satiety and improved health.

2. The Meat Industry and Conflicts of Interest:

Dr. Baker argues that the meat industry is under attack by corporations with financial interests in processed foods and pharmaceuticals, creating a conflict of interest in public health.
He highlights studies funded by the sugar industry that demonized saturated fat, while simultaneously promoting processed foods and medications for the resulting diseases.
He emphasizes the revolving door between government agencies like the FDA and USDA and corporations, creating a system where regulations are influenced by industry interests.
He highlights the hypocrisy of government agencies like the USDA promoting a 91% ultra-processed food diet as healthy, despite the growing evidence of its detrimental effects on health.

3. The Cholesterol Debate:

Dr. Baker challenges the conventional wisdom that high LDL cholesterol is inherently bad, citing research that shows it may be less of a risk factor for heart disease in lean, metabolically healthy individuals.
He discusses the “lean mass hyper responder” and “lipid energy model” theories, which suggest that dietary fat and cholesterol may actually be beneficial for metabolic health in certain individuals.
He mentions an upcoming landmark study by cardiologist Matt Budoff that will present data on the relationship between high cholesterol and vascular disease in otherwise healthy individuals on the carnivore diet.
He emphasizes the importance of separating dietary cholesterol from saturated fat, pointing out that the USDA has acknowledged that cholesterol does not cause elevated blood cholesterol levels.

4. The Role of Fiber in Diet:

Dr. Baker argues that fiber is conditionally beneficial, meaning it may be helpful for individuals with a poor diet, but not necessarily essential for those eating a healthy, meat-based diet.
He cites research showing that the human gut has metabolic flexibility and can produce short-chain fatty acids even in the absence of fiber, obtaining them from protein and ketones.
He highlights a study that linked high-fiber diets to an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that fiber may not always be beneficial and could even be harmful for certain individuals.
He believes that fiber’s role in a healthy diet is often overstated, particularly in the context of a modern, ultra-processed food landscape.

5. The Impact of Diet on Mental Health:

Dr. Baker highlights research that shows a strong connection between nutrition and mental health, including a study that demonstrated significant improvement in mental health in psychotic patients after switching to a clean, lower-carb diet.
He suggests that the high prevalence of mental health disorders in the US is exacerbated by a poor diet and nutrient deficiencies, and that a healthy diet can significantly improve mental well-being.
He notes that mental health facilities often provide poor-quality food, perpetuating the cycle of poor mental health in patients.
He believes that addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving dietary habits could have a profound impact on mental health outcomes.

6. The Carnivore Diet and Food Addiction:

Dr. Baker believes that the carnivore diet can help break food addictions, particularly to sugar and processed foods, by providing greater satiety and reducing cravings.
He cites numerous anecdotal cases of individuals who successfully lost significant weight and broke food addictions after adopting the carnivore diet.
He argues that the food industry intentionally designs its products to be addictive, creating a cycle of dependence and unhealthy eating habits.
He criticizes the “body positivity” movement, which he views as being funded by the processed food industry to normalize unhealthy eating habits.

7. The Importance of Physical Activity:

Dr. Baker strongly advocates for regular physical activity and exercise, regardless of diet, as a crucial component of overall health and well-being.
He challenges the notion that people in their 50s and beyond should slow down, emphasizing that maintaining physical activity and pushing limits is essential for longevity and quality of life.
He highlights individuals who are physically active well into their 80s and 90s, demonstrating the potential for healthy aging through a combination of diet and exercise.
He encourages listeners to focus on improving their current health through diet and exercise, rather than solely focusing on hypothetical scenarios about aging and mortality.

8. The Carnivore Diet and Environmental Concerns:

Dr. Baker acknowledges environmental concerns about meat production but argues that regenerative farming practices can significantly reduce the impact of animal agriculture.
He highlights the work of regenerative farmers like Will Harris who are converting industrialized farms to sustainable practices, improving soil health and biodiversity.
He believes that incentivizing regenerative farming practices, rather than focusing on banning meat consumption, is a more effective solution to address environmental concerns.
He suggests that shifting consumer demand towards sustainably produced meat could drive a shift in the agricultural industry towards more environmentally responsible practices.

9. The Carnivore Diet and Cultural Shifts:

Dr. Baker observes a growing backlash against the traditional food system and a rising interest in healthier, more natural diets, including the carnivore diet.
He suggests that the increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of processed foods and the corruption within the food industry is driving this shift.
He criticizes the growing trend of demonizing and banning certain foods, advocating for individual choice and freedom when it comes to dietary decisions.
He believes that empowering individuals with knowledge about nutrition and the food system is essential for promoting healthier choices and improving public health.

10. The Carnivore Diet and the Future of Food:

Dr. Baker discusses the potential for lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives to become more mainstream, but expresses skepticism about their nutritional value and environmental impact compared to sustainably produced meat.
He believes that the future of food lies in a shift towards more sustainable and ethical farming practices, including regenerative agriculture.
He encourages listeners to support local ranchers and farmers who are committed to producing high-quality, healthy food.
He advocates for a more informed and nuanced approach to food choices, encouraging people to consider the impact of their dietary decisions on their health, the environment, and the agricultural industry.

11. The Carnivore Diet and the Rise of “Wokeness”:

Dr. Baker discusses the growing trend of “wokeness” and how it can stifle free speech and critical thinking, particularly in relation to dietary choices.
He highlights instances where individuals who advocate for healthier diets are labeled as “racist,” “right-wing,” or “xenophobic,” discouraging open discussions about nutrition.
He suggests that this trend is driven by fear of social stigma and the desire to avoid being labeled as “problematic.”
He believes that promoting open dialogue and evidence-based discussion is essential for navigating these increasingly polarized cultural landscapes.

12. The Carnivore Diet and Social Media:

Dr. Baker discusses the potential for social media to exacerbate mental health issues by promoting outrage and negativity, potentially contributing to the polarization of society.
He believes that social media’s focus on sensationalism and negativity can distract from more productive conversations about health, nutrition, and other important societal issues.
He highlights the role of social media in promoting misinformation and manipulating public opinion, particularly in relation to diet and health.
He encourages listeners to approach social media with a critical eye and to engage in respectful, evidence-based discussions about important topics.

13. The Carnivore Diet and the Future of Medicine:

Dr. Baker discusses his experience with the traditional medical system and the challenges he faced in advocating for lifestyle-based treatments.
He criticizes the system’s emphasis on medication and surgery over preventative measures and addressing root causes of disease.
He highlights the growing interest in alternative therapies like stem cell therapy and the need for more research to understand their potential benefits.
He believes that the future of medicine lies in a more holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental health through personalized treatments and a focus on prevention.

14. The Carnivore Diet and Personal Freedom:

Dr. Baker emphasizes the importance of personal choice and freedom when it comes to dietary decisions, arguing that individuals should have the right to make informed choices about their health.
He criticizes the trend of demonizing and banning certain foods, advocating for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to dietary recommendations.
He believes that empowering individuals with knowledge about nutrition and the food system is essential for promoting healthier choices and improving public health.
He encourages listeners to prioritize their health and well-being by making informed choices that align with their individual needs and preferences.

15. The Carnivore Diet and the Political Landscape:

Dr. Baker discusses the current political climate and the potential for growing polarization and unrest, linking it to the erosion of trust in institutions and the manipulation of public opinion.
He observes the use of divisive rhetoric and “cancel culture” to silence dissenting voices and suppress critical thinking, particularly in relation to topics like diet and health.
He believes that restoring trust in institutions and promoting evidence-based dialogue is essential for navigating these challenging times.
He encourages listeners to engage in respectful, informed discussions about important issues and to avoid falling prey to misinformation and propaganda.

16. The Carnivore Diet and the Importance of Critical Thinking:

Dr. Baker emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in navigating the increasingly complex and often contradictory information landscape surrounding diet, health, and the food system.
He encourages listeners to question conventional wisdom and to seek out evidence-based information, avoiding reliance on anecdotal evidence or emotional appeals.
He believes that critical thinking is essential for making informed choices about our health and for promoting a more informed and rational society.
He suggests that fostering a culture of inquiry and skepticism is essential for challenging misinformation and promoting a more robust and equitable society.

17. The Carnivore Diet and the Power of Storytelling:

Dr. Baker recognizes the power of storytelling in shaping public opinion and influencing behavior, acknowledging the role of personal narratives in spreading awareness about the carnivore diet.
He highlights the importance of sharing personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, while also emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific research to validate claims.
He believes that a combination of personal stories and scientific evidence can be a powerful tool for promoting healthier choices and challenging conventional wisdom.
He encourages listeners to be open to diverse perspectives and to engage in respectful, evidence-based conversations about the complex relationship between diet, health, and society.

18. The Carnivore Diet and the Search for Truth:

Dr. Baker’s journey with the carnivore diet reflects a broader search for truth in an era of misinformation and conflicting narratives about diet and health.
He encourages listeners to question the status quo, to challenge assumptions, and to seek out evidence-based information to form their own informed opinions.
He emphasizes the importance of questioning authority, particularly when it comes to health and nutrition, and to prioritize individual well-being over ideological dogma.
He believes that a commitment to truth-seeking and critical thinking is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world and for promoting a more informed and empowered society.

Memorable Quotes:

“Fucking doubters be gone.” – Dr. Baker’s playful response to skepticism about the carnivore diet, showcasing his confidence in the benefits of his dietary approach.
“If meat causes cancer, most people would have cancer.” – A simple but powerful argument against the demonization of meat, highlighting the fact that the vast majority of humans consume meat without experiencing catastrophic health consequences.
“I don’t tell, like, you know, I wrote a book on this. I didn’t say humans are carnivores. I say humans are opportunistic omnivores.” – Dr. Baker emphasizes the nuance of his approach to diet, acknowledging human adaptability and the diverse dietary needs of individuals.
“You sicken the population by feeding them garbage and then you just profit on their disease.” – Dr. Baker’s scathing critique of the corporate influence on public health, highlighting the financial incentives behind the promotion of processed foods and pharmaceuticals.
“I think it started out with just trying to make money. Sure. That’s what started out with the process foods and I think then they realize well now you’re selling more medication to these people so you make more money on top of that more money. I don’t even think it’s a conspiracy. I think it’s just opportunity.” – Dr. Baker offers a pragmatic perspective on the motivations behind the food industry, suggesting that greed and opportunity drive much of the corporate influence on public health.

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JRE #2069 – Dr. Shawn Baker