Know How To REALLY Read Food Labels
- Dr. Thomas J. Lewis
- 31 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Dr. Laird and Jodi did a COMMAND PERFORMANCE on how to read food labels. It is a must watch and the chat - found in the rumble text provides links to foods highest and lowest in pesticide content.
Here is a link to the video on Rumble.
Dr. Laird was kind enough to provide his slide deck.
AI Auto-Generated Summary of the Presentation:
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The meeting focused on a detailed presentation about food label reading and nutrition, led by Dr. Lewis and Scott Laird, who explained how to interpret various labeling terms, including non-GMO, organic, and natural flavors. They discussed the importance of avoiding seed oils, genetically modified foods, and artificial ingredients, while emphasizing the benefits of saturated fats and proper food sourcing. The discussion also covered the quality of eggs, with concerns raised about Vital Farms' egg products, and highlighted the significance of understanding food processing methods and ingredient lists. Participants shared personal experiences and insights on sourcing high-quality foods and maintaining healthy dietary practices.
Summary
GLP-1s in Functional Medicine
Dr. and Michael discussed the use of GLP-1s in functional medicine, noting their effectiveness but also the potential risks of overuse. They explored alternative methods to enhance GLP-1 production, such as supplements and probiotics. Dr. shared insights from a blog post and a lecture about the limitations of peptide supplements and the importance of strength over muscle mass for longevity.
Dr. Lewis's Fasting and Diet
Dr. Lewis discussed his cooking habits and dietary preferences, emphasizing his use of deer burgers and stir-fries. He shared his approach to fasting, explaining that he typically eats one meal a day and incorporates electrolyte-rich foods. Dr. Lewis also mentioned an upcoming talk with Michael about peptides and Jonathan Otto. The group briefly discussed the importance of label reading and net carbs in relation to fasting programs.
Balanced Diet and Fasting Insights
Dr. discussed his approach to diet and fasting, emphasizing the importance of balancing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins while focusing on low-glycemic vegetables and high-fat foods like coconut cream and cod liver. He explained that fasting is not primarily a weight loss tool but serves as a method for detoxification and repair, supporting health and aging. Dr. also shared insights on insulin regulation and nutrient deficiencies, suggesting that increased fasting insulin may indicate nutrient rather than sugar excess. Participants asked questions about liver support, colon cleansing, and potential Herxheimer reactions from parasite die-off during fasting, to which Dr. provided responses based on his experience and knowledge.
Understanding Food Labeling Challenges
Laird led a discussion on how to read food labels, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic modification, herbicides, and organic certification levels. He explained that while non-GMO verification and organic seals are important, consumers should be aware that products can still contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or high levels of herbicides due to contamination or labeling loopholes. Laird also discussed various symbols on food labels, such as "kosher," "vegan," and "gluten-free," noting that some symbols lack third-party verification and may not always align with health or dietary goals.
Sugar Labeling and Food Choices
Laird and Dr. discussed the complexities of sugar content in foods, emphasizing that "no added sugar" does not mean zero sugar, as naturally occurring sugars are present. They highlighted the importance of understanding food labels and the marketing tactics used by food companies, such as the use of terms like "natural" and "organic." Laird shared insights on choosing healthier foods, including the benefits of sourdough bread and the importance of buying organic for certain produce items. They also discussed the use of OxyMist and Kangen water for cleaning fruits and vegetables to reduce pesticide and herbicide residues.
Health Benefits of Natural Oils
Laird discussed the health implications of various oils, emphasizing that naturally extracted oils like coconut, olive, and avocado are healthier than industrially processed seed oils. He explained that flaxseed oil is beneficial for most people but should be avoided by men with prostate issues due to its concentration. Laird also highlighted the dangers of additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG), pesticides, and glyphosate, which can lead to autoimmunity and other health issues. He noted that the FDA and similar organizations often lag in recognizing harmful substances, using the example of the band Van Halen's demand for brown M&Ms to ensure meticulous attention to detail.
Understanding Natural Flavors and Carbs
Laird discussed the complexities of "natural flavor" ingredients, explaining that they can include various additives and chemicals, and emphasized the importance of trusting reputable companies when consuming products labeled as such. He also covered the calculation of net carbs, which involves subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols from total carbohydrates, and recommended a daily limit of 20 net carbs during fasting. Laird advised monitoring portion sizes and using resources like ChatGPT for product research, and mentioned the importance of looking for specific stickers on food packaging.
Food Labeling and Nutrition Basics
The meeting focused on food labeling, nutrition, and healthy eating practices. Laird explained the meaning of different food labeling systems, including the use of numbers for conventional, organic, and genetically modified produce. He emphasized the importance of reading labels and choosing grass-fed, grass-finished meat, wild-caught fish, and organic produce. The group discussed recent news about Vital Farms eggs containing higher levels of linoleic acid due to the use of conventional feed. They also talked about the benefits of saturated fats like beef tallow and the importance of balancing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The conversation ended with a discussion on the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation and its limitations.
Stay Well. Thomas J. Lewis, Ph.D.
