The Dorito Effect

A Book Summary

“The Dorito Effect” by Mark Schatzker explores the impact of industrial farming and food production on the taste and nutrition of our food. Schatzker argues that as modern agriculture has focused on producing more and bigger crops, it has also inadvertently stripped food of its natural flavor and nutrients.

The book begins by tracing the history of flavor, examining how early humans evolved to seek out foods that provided them with the nutrients they needed to survive. As humans have developed new farming techniques, however, the flavor and nutritional content of our food has suffered. Schatzker argues that the food industry has responded to this by adding artificial flavors and other chemicals to enhance the taste of food, leading to a “Dorito effect” in which we crave the intense, artificial flavors of processed foods over the more subtle flavors of natural foods.

The book goes on to explore the impact of this phenomenon on our health, arguing that the nutrient-deficient diets many of us consume are contributing to a host of modern health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Schatzker concludes by calling for a return to more natural, flavorful food production methods and a renewed focus on the nutritional content of our diets.

He argues that the overconsumption of highly processed, artificially flavored foods has led to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Schatzker explains that when we eat natural foods that are rich in nutrients, our bodies are able to regulate our appetite and metabolism effectively. However, when we consume foods that are nutrient-deficient and artificially flavored, our bodies struggle to recognize when we are full, leading us to overeat and consume more calories than we need.

Furthermore, Schatzker highlights how the lack of natural flavor in modern foods has led to a rise in the use of artificial sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, which have been linked to a host of health problems. He notes that these sweeteners are often added to processed foods to mask the absence of natural flavor and to make them more palatable to consumers.

Schatzker argues that in order to address these health problems, we need to focus on consuming more natural, nutrient-rich foods. He calls for a renewed focus on sustainable agriculture and the use of natural flavorings, such as herbs and spices, to enhance the taste of our food. He also stresses the importance of reading food labels and avoiding highly processed foods that are loaded with artificial flavors and sweeteners.

Overall, “The Dorito Effect” is a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of modern food production on our health and our taste preferences. It challenges readers to reconsider our relationship with food and the role that industrial farming and food processing play in shaping the flavor and nutritional content of the foods we eat.

Gut Health Series Part 1: Introduction

Your gut health serves as the center of your health. Gut health is linked to nearly every autoimmune disease, as well as most neurodegenerative disease. It also impacts mood, focus, sleep, recovery, as well as daily aches and pains of your body.

We are here to educate you on gut health, as well as how to get your gut health under control.

 

Gut Health Overview

Recent research has sparked a surge of interest in the world of gut health, revealing that our gut microbes play a vital role in our overall well-being. Studies have shown that the gut microbiome does much more than aid digestion; it also influences our metabolism, immune system, and even mental health. 

With groundbreaking findings pointing to the importance of gut health, it’s time to take a closer look at how our overall health and wellness is impacted by the tiny organisms that call our gut home. This is our first blog of a 3-part series on gut health.

Our gut described

Our gut – the long tube in our body that starts from the mouth, stomach, and bowel – is home to trillions of tiny microbes called bacteria. Some of those bacteria are good and some of those bacteria are bad. This system is collectively known as the gut microbiome and these bacteria play an important role in keeping us healthy by aiding our bodies in food digestion, water and vitamin absorption, producing vitamins and other essential compounds, and regulating our immune system.

There are two main types of bactiera:

Add continents on the two types of bacteria Firmocytes and bactofphies 

Sometimes, the balance of these gut bacteria can be disrupted, leading to a condition called gut dysbiosis, or leaky gut.  This means that there are too many harmful bacteria in the gut, which can cause health problems like constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. In more severe cases, gut dysbiosis can lead to irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. But for purposes of our solution, the leaky gut causes chronic inflammation in your body, leading to the early stages of many diseases. 

There are a number of ways to help get your gut health under control, and we firmly believe that food is medicine. 

One of the key aspects of gut health research is on the study of probiotics – the live microorganisms that can improve gut health Probiotics have a number of beneficial effects on the gut microbiome such as reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. 

The other area of gut health research is on the study of prebiotics – these are indigestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotics can help improve gut health by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut microbes, reducing inflammation, and improving overall gut function.

In later discussions, we will go into the different types of prebiotics and probiotics, and it is important to know that not all of them are created equal, and not all of them are equally beneficial specifically for you. 

Finally, gut health research highlights the importance of reducing exposure to harmful toxins including antibiotics, pesticides, and preservatives. Moreover, medical professionals suggest avoiding certain foods that can be harmful to the gut, such as processed and refined foods, as well as sugar and gluten. Just like the discussion of probiotics and prebiotics, not all foods that are healthy for you may be healthy for your neighbor or loved one. We believe in a personalized approach to gut health, and we will show you how to access that in later discussions. 

In conclusion, gut health research is a rapidly growing area providing new insights into the complex relationship between the gut microbiome our bodies and the inflammatory response that it may have on us. By understanding the impact of gut health and promoting a healthy gut microbiome through dietary and lifestyle changes, it may be possible to improve overall health and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

Our next blog post in this three part series will be on Gut health and Inflammation. Stay tuned in a few short days for another great article.

References:

  1. “What’s causing your IBS” – an article from Harvard Health Publishing that explains the relationship between diet and the gut microbiome causing IBS: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/whats-causing-your-ibs 
  2. “The Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Obesity” – a review article from the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology that discusses the relationship between gut health and obesity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5082693/ 

Ketotarian: The (Mostly) Plant- Based plat to Burn Fat, Boost Your Energy, Crush Your Cravings, and Calm Inflammation 

Author: Dr. Will Cole

Book summary

“Ketotarian” is a dietary guide book written by Dr. Will Cole, a functional medicine practitioner, and chef Colleen Christensen. The book introduces the concept of a ketotarian diet, which combines the principles of a ketogenic diet and a plant-based diet.

The book outlines the benefits of a ketogenic diet, which includes increased energy, improved mental clarity, and weight loss. However, it also highlights the drawbacks of a traditional ketogenic diet, which typically includes large amounts of animal products and processed foods. To address these issues, the authors introduce a ketotarian diet, which is based on a foundation of nutrient-dense, whole plant foods combined with healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, and seeds, and moderate amounts of clean protein sources, such as eggs, dairy, and fermented soy products.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the ketotarian diet, including a discussion of macronutrient ratios, food choices, and meal planning. It also includes more than 60 recipes designed to help readers implement the ketotarian diet into their daily lives.

The authors emphasize the importance of listening to your body, being mindful of your food choices, and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine to achieve optimal health. They also provide practical tips and advice for overcoming common challenges, such as overcoming sugar cravings and navigating social situations while following the diet.

In conclusion, “Ketotarian” is a comprehensive guidebook for anyone interested in incorporating the benefits of a ketogenic diet into a plant-based lifestyle. The book provides a unique and innovative approach to healthy eating and lifestyle that is easy to follow and sustain.