Chris Kresser

🔍 LOOKING BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Butter vs. Plant Oils You've probably seen headlines claiming that replacing butter with vegetable oils cuts mortality risk by 17%. As someone who's spent decades analyzing nutrition research, I had to take a closer look at this JAMA Internal Medicine study. Here's what I found that the media isn't telling you: 📊 FLAWED MEASUREMENTS: The researchers counted every use of butter as exactly 5 grams, whether someone was lightly buttering toast or cooking an entire meal. Their own validation showed butter consumption data was particularly unreliable. 🫒 FALSE EQUIVALENCE: The study lumped olive oil together with industrial seed oils like soybean, corn, and canola despite their dramatically different compositions and processing methods. This is like studying "fruit" by combining fresh apples with canned fruit cocktail. 👥 HEALTHY USER BIAS: Butter consumers in this study were twice as likely to smoke, exercised less, and had poorer diets overall. This makes sense—during the study period (1990s-2010s), everyone was told to avoid saturated fat. Statistical adjustments can't fully eliminate these profound lifestyle differences. 📚 CONTRADICTORY EVIDENCE: A larger 2016 meta-analysis of 636,000+ participants found butter had a "small or neutral" association with mortality. And randomized controlled trials have shown mixed or even contrary results when testing plant oils against saturated fats. ⚠️ IMPLAUSIBLE BENEFITS: The claimed 17% reduction in mortality far exceeds what we'd expect based on known biological mechanisms—often a red flag for hidden biases in observational studies. My take: - Quality matters more than categories - Grass-fed butter provides nutrients like K2, butyrate, and CLA that processed oils lack - Olive oil deserves its beneficial reputation for different reasons - Focus on your overall dietary pattern rather than single foods - Be skeptical of dramatic claims from observational studies Instead of getting caught in the "butter vs. oil" debate, concentrate on eating a nutrient-dense diet based on whole foods. If you want to read the study yourself, check it out below. What's your take? Do you use butter, plant oils, or both in your cooking? #nutrition #butter #healthyliving

Here's something that might shock you: after running thousands of gut health tests over 15 years, I discovered that most people—even those who feel perfectly healthy—have significant disruption in their gut microbiome. Even more surprising? The standard solutions might be making things worse. The truth is, most gut health supplements are missing the mark. Basic probiotics alone aren't enough. Here's what my clinical experience has revealed: 1️⃣ Your gut needs more than just probiotics 2️⃣ Most probiotics don't even survive stomach acid 3️⃣ The gut-brain connection is being ignored 4️⃣ Traditional prebiotics often cause bloating This is why I developed Adapt Naturals Biome Protect. It's not just another probiotic—it's a complete microbiome support system combining four powerful elements: ✓ PreforPro®: A next-gen prebiotic that works at micro-doses (no bloating!) ✓ LactoSpore®: Spore-forming probiotics that actually reach your gut alive ✓ CoreBiome®: Highly bioavailable butyrate for gut barrier support ✓ Polyphenol Blend: Cellular rejuvenation from nature's most powerful plants The best part? You might notice improvements in: - Mental clarity - Energy levels - Immune resilience - Digestive comfort - Emotional balance No refrigeration needed. No questionable ingredients. Just science-backed, clinically-proven support for your microbiome. Learn more about Biome Protect at https://lnkd.in/gACMD928 #guthealth #microbiome #probiotics #adaptnatur

A new study in Nature Communications provides compelling evidence for the metabolic theory of cancer that I discussed in my 2017 podcast. Researchers found a ketogenic diet significantly reduced tumor burden in mice with humanized gut microbiomes suffering from colorectal cancer. What makes this study particularly noteworthy is the causal relationship between the diet's anti-cancer effects and changes in the gut microbiome. When microbiome samples from ketogenic diet-fed mice were transplanted into other mice, the protective effects persisted even without continued dietary intervention. The researchers identified a specific mechanism: the ketogenic diet shifted bacterial communities toward species that produce stearic acid while depleting those that consume it. This long-chain fatty acid demonstrated direct anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and reducing pro-inflammatory Th17 immune cells in the colon. This adds to the growing evidence supporting the metabolic theory of cancer and ketogenic diet as a powerful anti-cancer intervention. 🎧 Listen to my 2017 podcast on the ketogenic diet and cancer: https://bit.ly/4ihJJC8 📝 Read my full article on this groundbreaking research: https://lnkd.in/gpxiudvm #metabolichealth #cancerresearch #ketogenicdiet #gutmicrobiome

🧠 New Research: How Just One Meditation Session Rewires Your Brain Fascinating new findings from Mount Sinai researchers have revealed the immediate neurological benefits of loving-kindness meditation. Using cutting-edge technology, scientists directly observed changes in the amygdala and hippocampus - key regions for emotional regulation and memory formation. The groundbreaking discovery? Even complete beginners showed measurable brain changes after a single session. Using precise electrode measurements, researchers documented increased gamma wave activity and shifts in beta wave patterns in areas typically dysregulated in anxiety and depression. This suggests meditation's stress-reducing effects begin at the neural level immediately. What's particularly exciting from a Functional Medicine perspective is how this research demonstrates the brain's remarkable neuroplasticity - our innate ability to rewire neural pathways through mindful practices that our ancestors have used for millennia. Start Your Own Meditation Practice: - Pair meditation with your morning routine to leverage habit stacking - Find a quiet space away from EMF exposure and artificial light - Begin with just 10 minutes of focused breathing - Remember: like any new skill, meditation takes practice. Your mind will wander - that's part of the process In my clinical experience, regular meditation practice can be a powerful tool for reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, and optimizing HRV. Combined with proper nutrition and movement, it's a cornerstone of a holistic approach to wellbeing. Curious about the full research? Check out the groundbreaking study below. What's your experience with meditation? Share your journey in the comments! #meditation #mindfulness #wellness

📋 Breaking Research: Curcumin's Role in Detoxification A comprehensive scientific review has revealed another powerful benefit of curcumin: protection against environmental toxins. Scientists analyzed hundreds of studies and found that this active compound in turmeric defends against toxins through multiple mechanisms: - Activates the body's natural detoxification pathways - Reduces oxidative stress from environmental toxins - Assists in removing heavy metals from tissues - Protects vital organs including the liver, kidneys, and brain from toxic damage The research confirms curcumin's remarkable safety profile for long-term use. However, there's an important caveat: standard curcumin supplements have very poor absorption. That's why I use NovaSOL curcumin in Adapt Naturals Bio-Avail Omega+ – it's up to 185 times more bioavailable than standard forms. Combined with ultra-pure fish oil and black seed oil, Bio-Avail Omega+ delivers three evidence-based nutrients to support your natural detoxification systems in their most bioavailable forms. Check out the full research review below! 🔬 #nutrition #detox #environmentaltoxins

Sitting Too Much? Even Regular Exercise May Not Be Enough Major new research published in JACC delivers a wake-up call about sitting time. The study tracked nearly 90,000 people over 8 years using wearable devices, revealing some startling findings: - Sitting 10.6+ hours daily significantly increases cardiovascular risks - This risk remains even if you meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise - But there's hope: replacing just 30 minutes of sitting with light movement can reduce heart failure risk by 6-15% and cardiovascular mortality by 9-10% The message is clear: while exercise is crucial, we need to focus on reducing extended periods of sitting throughout our day. Want practical tips for getting more movement in your desk-bound day? Click the link below to check out my article "How to Walk 10,000 Steps a Day If You're a Desk Jockey." for more tips. I published it 13 years ago, but it’s still relevant today! 💭 Share your favorite tips for moving more during the workday in the comments below! How do you get your steps in? #movement #worklifebalance #healthtips

🏓 Confession: my initial take on pickleball was something along the lines of, 'that's a game for people that can't play tennis.' As a former tennis player, I fully admit to my prejudice and bias. But like millions of others, once I tried it, I was hooked. That's why a new study out of Moffitt Cancer Center caught my eye. A groundbreaking study found that pickleball does more than just get people moving. Cancer survivors who participated: - Added 80+ minutes of moderate-to-strenuous activity weekly - Showed significant gains in strength and endurance - Built valuable social connections with family members Those "Pickleball Saves Lives" t-shirts you see on the courts? Turns out they might be right! 💪 Want to learn more? Check out the full study below! #pickleball #healthyliving #exercise

🔬 Boost Your GLP-1, Naturally Have you been hearing about GLP-1 medications in the news? Here's something fascinating that isn't getting enough attention: your body naturally produces its own GLP-1, and it all happens in your gut. Let me share some exciting research findings: 🔍Your Gut's Hidden Power: Scientists have discovered that specialized cells in your gut (L-cells) are responsible for GLP-1 production. The key activator? A compound called butyrate - a "postbiotic" that triggers GLP-1 release through specific cellular pathways. 🦠 The Microbiome Connection: Your gut bacteria play a crucial role by: - Producing butyrate naturally - Supporting GLP-1 secretion - Creating an optimal gut environment This is exactly why I formulated Adapt Naturals Biome Protect. It features four research-backed ingredients that support your body's natural GLP-1 production: 1️⃣ CoreBiome tributyrin: Clinically proven to reach your colon intact 2️⃣ Bacillus coagulans: Supports beneficial bacteria 3️⃣ Targeted polyphenol blend: From cranberry, pomegranate, grape, and blueberry 4️⃣ PreforPro: A next-gen prebiotic that works at just 15mg Together, these ingredients help: - Support natural GLP-1 production - Enhance digestive health - Boost immune function - Optimize metabolism Want to learn more about supporting your body's natural metabolic processes? Go to https://lnkd.in/gACMD928 to explore Biome Protect. #guthealth #metabolism #glp1 #adaptnaturals #digestion

Here's something concerning I've noticed in my practice over the years: many patients with IBS and SIBO actually get worse when taking traditional probiotics. Think about it - SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Adding more bacteria through standard probiotics, even beneficial ones, can make the problem worse. After seeing this pattern repeatedly in my clinical practice, I knew we needed a different approach. But there's one probiotic that's different: Bacillus coagulans. What makes it special? B. coagulans forms protective spores that: - Survive harsh stomach acid - Stay inactive until reaching the large intestine - Prevent small intestine bacterial overgrowth - Deliver benefits exactly where they're needed Multiple clinical trials back this up: B. coagulans can significantly improve IBS symptoms and quality of life - without the downsides of traditional probiotics. It's like having a probiotic with a built-in GPS system that ensures it delivers its benefits exactly where they're needed. I've just published an in-depth article explaining the science behind why this has become my go-to probiotic for IBS and SIBO patients, including specific strains and dosing recommendations. Check it out below! #guthealth #ibs #sibo #probiotics

Your Bones: Nature's Most Incredible Construction Site Here's a mind-bending fact: your skeleton completely rebuilds itself every 10 years. Right now, specialized cells are busy breaking down old bone tissue while others are constructing new bone in an intricate biological dance. But there's a catch... As we age, this delicate process starts to falter. The demolition crew (osteoclasts) works overtime while the construction team (osteoblasts) falls behind. The result? Weaker, more fragile bones. 🔬 Groundbreaking Research Alert: Scientists have discovered something remarkable about fish oil and bone health. A pioneering study found that a specific ratio of EPA to DHA (3:2) acts like a skilled foreman, directing bone-building cells to work more efficiently while keeping the demolition crew in check. The implications of this research could be transformative for how we think about supporting bone health as we age. As someone who's been studying nutritional approaches to bone health for over a decade, I'm particularly excited about these findings. Want to dive deeper into this fascinating research? Check out the full study below! #bonehealth #research #omega3 #fishoil