2 posts tagged with "keto"

In this video, Dr. Shawn Baker reflects on his 10-year journey with the carnivore diet and shares the five staple foods that make up the bulk of his nutrition. Whether you're a seasoned carnivore or just curious about the lifestyle, these insights provide a practical look at what a long-term animal-based diet looks like.

1. Beef: The Unquestioned King​

Beef is the foundation of Dr. Baker's diet, accounting for 80% to 95% of his total intake [00:00:21]. He refers to it as a "powerhouse of nutrition" [00:00:36] due to its high density of:

• Carnitine, Creatine, and Carnosine
• Essential B vitamins
• Iron and Zinc

While he sometimes opts for grass-fed, he personally prefers the taste and higher fat content of grain-finished beef to fuel his high activity levels [00:01:16].

2. Eggs: The Versatile Complement​

Coming in at number two, eggs are a staple that pairs perfectly with beef [00:01:49]. They provide unique nutrients like choline and are incredibly versatile—whether raw, scrambled, or topping a burger patty [00:02:02].

Note: Dr. Baker mentions that eggs can be a common sensitivity for some, so it's important to monitor how your body reacts [00:02:24].

3. Dairy: The Controversial Power-Up​

Dairy is a "growth" food, rich in high-quality proteins and fats [00:03:21]. Dr. Baker typically incorporates:

• Hard cheeses
• Greek yogurt
• Cottage cheese (specifically used when leaning out due to its lower energy density) [00:03:12]

He highlights that dairy is one of the best sources of calcium on a carnivore diet, though some people may experience weight stalls or congestion when consuming it [00:04:15].

4. Fish: For Performance and Leaning Out​

To help reach his goal weight of 235–240 lbs, Dr. Baker has been relying more on fish, particularly smoked salmon [00:04:47]. It's a minimalist-friendly option that requires zero cooking and provides excellent lean protein [00:04:52].

5. Pork: The Flavorful Variety​

Pork, specifically bacon and pork belly, serves as a source of variety [00:05:39]. While he finds it delicious, he notes that for long-term carnivores, the appeal of bacon often diminishes compared to the sustained satiety provided by beef [00:06:24]. It remains a budget-friendly alternative for many [00:06:00].

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Key Takeaway​

Dr. Baker emphasizes that while he sticks to these five foods 99% of the time, he is not a "religious purist" [00:07:04]. The goal is long-term health and finding a sustainable way to fuel your body.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/wHI1XkH3E7k

In this presentation from Low Carb Down Under, Dr. Paul Mason explores a significant medical blind spot: the synergistic relationship between bacteria and fungus. He explains how these organisms work together to cause chronic illness and why standard treatments often fail.

The B6 Toxicity Connection​

Dr. Mason begins by addressing "B6 toxicity," noting that many patients show high levels of Vitamin B6 despite taking no supplements. He suggests that certain gut microbes, including Helicobacter pylori, can synthesize B6 de novo within the gut, which the body then absorbs. High B6 levels in the absence of supplementation should be a signal to look for microbial overgrowth [00:00:50].

The Candida/H. Pylori Synergy​

A major reason for the failure of standard antibiotic treatments for H. pylori is its relationship with the yeast Candida albicans.

• The "Pac-Man" Effect: Research suggests Candida can internalize H. pylori, effectively shielding the bacteria from both antibiotics and the immune system [00:01:51].
• Antifungal Adjuncts: Adding probiotics with antifungal properties or specific antifungal treatments can significantly increase the success rate of H. pylori eradication [00:02:46].

Dental Plaque and Arterial Health​

Dental plaque is more than just mineralized food; it is a biofilm created by a combination of bacteria and fungus.

• Systemic Spread: These microbes can enter the circulation through activities as simple as brushing your teeth [00:04:22].
• Heart Disease: Analysis of diseased arteries removed during surgery shows that at least 50% are infected with microbes. DNA testing has revealed fungal infections in roughly 27% of these plaques, though standard cultures often miss them [00:07:42].

The Diagnostic Difficulty​

Fungus is notoriously hard to diagnose. Dr. Mason cites a study where 96% of chronic sinusitis patients were found to have fungal infections when using advanced tissue sampling, even though standard tests routinely miss them [00:06:22].

Autoimmune Disease and "Molecular Mimicry"​

Dr. Mason posits that fungus is a primary driver of autoimmune disease.

• Genetic Similarity: Humans share approximately 50% of their DNA with fungus (compared to only 25% with plants), which increases the risk of "crossfire" from the immune system [00:11:28].
• Molecular Mimicry: The immune system may attack fungal antigens that resemble human cells, leading to chronic autoimmune responses [00:10:53].
• Dietary Influence: Ketogenic and carnivore diets are effective because they reduce the "fuel" (sugar and carbohydrates) that fungus thrives on [00:09:12].

Treatment and Biofilm Disruptors​

Because biofilms protect these colonies, Dr. Mason suggests incorporating biofilm disruptors alongside standard treatments.

• Supplements: N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Vitamin C, Caprylic acid (MCT oil), and potentially Nattokinase [00:12:42].
• Cholesterol Support: Certain antifungal drugs (azoles) work by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol (fungal cholesterol). Since this can also impact human cholesterol synthesis, Dr. Mason advises patients to increase dietary cholesterol intake during treatment to compensate [00:13:29].

A Real-World Case Study​

The session concludes with a testimonial from a patient who failed multiple rounds of "triple therapy" for H. pylori. Success was only achieved after adding NAC, Vitamin C, and an antifungal medication (Nilstat) to the protocol, supporting the theory that clearing the fungal shield is necessary for antibiotic efficacy [00:15:14].

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