1:09:47
Busting the MYTHS About Carbs, the Microbiome & LDL Cholesterol | Dr. Sarah Myhill
Jesse Chappus
Overview
This video debunks common myths surrounding carbohydrates, LDL cholesterol, and the gut microbiome. Dr. Sarah Myhill explains how an "upper fermenting gut," caused by excessive carbohydrate intake, leads to a cascade of health issues, including inflammation, leaky gut, and systemic diseases. She challenges the conventional view on cholesterol, arguing it's not the primary driver of heart disease. The discussion then shifts to practical strategies for healing the gut and improving overall health, focusing on dietary changes like low-carb and ketogenic diets, and the use of specific supplements such as Vitamin C, iodine, and MSM. The video also touches upon the importance of thyroid health and strategies for detoxifying the body from environmental toxins.
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Chapters
- An "upper fermenting gut" occurs when excess carbohydrates overwhelm the stomach's acidity, allowing bacteria and yeast to ferment food in the upper digestive tract.
- This fermentation produces toxic byproducts like alcohols, ammoniacal compounds, and hydrogen sulfide, which the liver must process.
- Microbes in the upper gut can produce toxins that damage the gut lining, leading to inflammation and a "leaky gut."
- Leaky gut allows microbes and toxins to enter the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic issues like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.
Understanding the upper fermenting gut is crucial because it's a common, often overlooked cause of widespread inflammation and chronic health problems.
When yeast ferments sugar, it produces ethyl alcohol; bacteria fermenting carbohydrates produce other alcohols like propyl and butyl alcohol, along with other harmful compounds.
- Modern diets provide year-round access to high-carbohydrate foods, unlike in primitive times when they were seasonal.
- Carbohydrates and sugars are addictive, creating a cycle of 'upper and downer' energy levels.
- This addiction is compounded by the constant fermentation in the gut, producing toxins and exacerbating health issues.
- Even healthy foods like excessive fruit or unfermented dairy can contribute to carbohydrate overload.
Recognizing carbohydrate addiction is key to breaking the cycle of overconsumption that fuels the upper fermenting gut and related health problems.
Eating just a couple of figs or an apple can double a person's blood sugar because the body only needs about one teaspoon of sugar for its entire circulation.
- Cholesterol and LDL are not the primary drivers of heart disease; instead, sugar, high blood pressure, and inflammation are.
- High LDL levels can be beneficial, especially in a ketogenic state, as LDL transports fat to the liver for ketone production.
- The narrative around cholesterol has been influenced by 'big food' and 'big pharma' to promote cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins.
- There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of statins, and some studies suggest the opposite.
Challenging the conventional wisdom on cholesterol and LDL is important for accurate risk assessment and avoiding unnecessary medical interventions.
When in ketosis, LDL cholesterol is essential for carrying fat from storage to the liver to be converted into ketones.
- The primary approach to fixing an upper fermenting gut involves reducing carbohydrate intake, ideally through a ketogenic or carnivore diet.
- A carnivore diet (meat, fish, eggs) is presented as a sustainable and healthy option, even for individuals with mental health conditions.
- For those struggling with addiction, a 'cold turkey' approach to cutting out carbs is recommended, acknowledging withdrawal symptoms.
- Incorporating 'meat fiber' from connective tissues in cheaper meat cuts can support the microbiome.
Adopting a low-carbohydrate or carnivore diet provides a direct pathway to starve out problematic gut microbes and regain metabolic control.
A carnivore diet, consisting of meat, fish, and eggs, is suggested as a healthy and sustainable starting point for many individuals.
- Transitioning to a low-carb diet can trigger 'keto flu' due to issues with fat burning, potentially linked to underactive thyroid.
- As microbes die off, a 'Herxheimer reaction' (allergic reaction to dead microbes) can occur.
- Burning fat mobilizes stored toxins, leading to acute poisoning symptoms, detailed as 'D-D-D' (Diet, Detox, Die-off) reactions.
- Healing requires persistence through these difficult phases, with eventual benefits like improved mental clarity and energy.
Understanding potential healing reactions is vital for managing the transition to a healthier state and not being discouraged by temporary discomfort.
Keto flu symptoms, such as feeling 'wired but tired,' can be a sign of insufficient thyroid hormone production for fat burning.
- Three key supplements to combat the upper fermenting gut are Vitamin C (high dose, taken once daily on an empty stomach), iodine (Lugol's solution, taken midday), and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
- Vitamin C and iodine kill microbes in the upper gut without harming the microbiome in the lower gut.
- MSM kills microbes in the oxygenated upper gut but acts as a prebiotic in the anaerobic lower gut.
- These supplements are inexpensive, effective, and sustainable, with Vitamin C and iodine recommended for lifelong use, and MSM for a six-month intensive period followed by maintenance.
Targeted supplementation offers a powerful, accessible, and cost-effective way to directly address the microbial imbalance in the upper gut.
Taking a large dose of Vitamin C on an empty stomach in the morning ensures a high concentration in the stomach to kill bacteria and yeast when they are most vulnerable.
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is very common, especially in women, and can be caused by toxins, heavy metals, viral infections, and autoimmunity.
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism are often ignored or attributed to aging or menopause, including fatigue, hair loss, swelling, and voice changes.
- The body accumulates environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals, fire retardants) that can be mobilized and excreted through heating regimes like saunas, hot baths, or exercise.
- Epsom salt baths are an effective and inexpensive way to absorb magnesium and sulfate, aiding detoxification and addressing deficiencies.
Addressing underlying thyroid issues and actively detoxifying the body are critical for restoring energy, cognitive function, and overall health.
Epsom salt baths can help mobilize toxins from fat stores to the skin's surface, where they can be washed away, while also delivering beneficial magnesium and sulfate.
- Dairy products are discouraged due to milk protein being growth-promoting (a risk factor for cancer) and their high calcium-to-magnesium ratio, which can contribute to osteoporosis.
- Gluten grains are largely recommended against due to being common allergens, often genetically modified, high in lectins, and pesticide residues.
- All fats are considered good in nature; the key is to consume them cold-pressed, organic, and unhydrogenated, avoiding trans fats created by hydrogenation or high-heat cooking.
- Butter is the only nutritionally safe dairy product, though some individuals may still not tolerate it.
Eliminating problematic foods like dairy and gluten, and choosing healthy fats, are essential components of a diet that supports gut healing and reduces inflammation.
Jane Myhill's book 'Your Life in Your Hands' highlights how removing dairy products led to the remission of her breast cancer, illustrating dairy's link to cancer risk.
Key takeaways
- The 'upper fermenting gut' is a significant health issue driven by excessive carbohydrate intake, leading to toxic byproducts and systemic inflammation.
- Cholesterol and LDL are not the primary culprits in heart disease; focus should be on sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation.
- Carbohydrate addiction is a real phenomenon that perpetuates unhealthy eating patterns and gut dysbiosis.
- Low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, or carnivore diets are effective strategies for starving out harmful gut microbes and improving metabolic health.
- Healing from gut issues and detoxification can involve temporary discomfort (keto flu, Herxheimer reactions) that requires persistence.
- Vitamin C, iodine, and MSM are powerful, inexpensive tools to combat the upper fermenting gut and support detoxification.
- Environmental toxins and heavy metals accumulate in the body and can be addressed through heating regimes and specific supplements.
- Underactive thyroid is common and linked to toxins; addressing it is crucial for energy and overall well-being.
- Avoiding dairy and gluten, and consuming healthy, cold-pressed fats, are key dietary principles for reducing inflammation and supporting health.
Key terms
Upper Fermenting GutCarbohydrate AddictionLDL CholesterolHeart DiseaseKetogenic DietCarnivore DietLeaky GutHerxheimer ReactionKeto FluDetoxificationHypothyroidismMSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)IodineVitamin CTrans Fats
Test your understanding
- What are the primary causes and consequences of an 'upper fermenting gut'?
- How does the video challenge the conventional understanding of cholesterol's role in heart disease?
- What dietary approaches are recommended to address carbohydrate addiction and heal the gut?
- What are the three key supplements discussed for combating the upper fermenting gut, and how do they work?
- What are the potential 'healing reactions' one might experience when transitioning to a low-carb diet, and why is persistence important?
- How do environmental toxins impact the body, and what methods are suggested for their elimination?
- What are the main reasons given for avoiding dairy and gluten in the diet?