mjl – Page 7 – Chew Digest

Dietary Reflections – 04/13/2023

The following is a response to a friend on social media that self-identifies as a carnivore. He also condemns and speaks out boldly against the eating of plant-based foods. He and I disagree.

-Enjoy-

Some believe that the eating of produce is in some way toxic to humans. I have never met someone poisoned by anything they bought to eat in their whole form at the farmers market or that they have grown on their homestead. But I have met plenty of people who have had many health-related problems eating a diet considered high in red meats and pork. Mind you; I am not referring to people who eat moderate to small amounts of meat once or twice weekly.

And I am aware that some plants that we find at a farmer’s market or produce section at the local store have their own chemical defense mechanisms, but those on sale for humans are non-toxic at the human consumption level. However, if you are a bacteria, yeast, fungi, worm, or gnat, you might be in for a culinary surprise. The poison is dose-dependent. And there is no way a human could eat enough of any plant in its whole form to elicit a response.

WARNING: There are some forms of produce that are poisonous to humans and animals in very small amounts. If you are unsure of which plants these might be, please seek the advice of a professional.

As directly noted above, there are certain plants that ALL humans would be much better off avoiding, especially if uncooked. Those I avoid.

I would love to read more med/sci literature anyone might have that has drawn these conclusions. The only things I have found are being promoted by those that are deeply invested in eating carnivore and keto diets.

Now I could be convinced that if someone continually stuffs massive amounts of cabbage into their colon through their anus/rectum, there might be a problem as their native micro-organisms could be adversely affected. But eating plants that have been slow-cooked and consumed as soup would have no more of these plant defense mechanisms active anymore because the cooking destroys them. And the reality is upwards of 80% of what we poop isn’t digested food but expired micro-organisms that were inhabiting our GI tract digesting that which makes its way beyond the small intestine endothelial lining.

FYI, I am fully aware of things like lectins, ricin, cyanide, solanine, oxalic acid, and phorbol. All things that are easy to avoid. Especially if one does not consume seeds or seed oils where these toxins reside.

There are a lot of factors that play into biochemical individuality. And that is demonstrated by the fact that no two people look alike. Rarely do two people even have intestinal tracts of the same size and length, which can and do profoundly affect the chemistry being produced and distributed throughout the body. To believe otherwise is a foolhardy endeavor. And then there is the issue of physical activity or lack thereof.

The amount of time people spend physically active each and every day determines much about their body’s chemistry which then affects the physical attributes of that human’s body and its dietary needs. And this doesn’t even consider the medical history of the individuals, much less whether they still have all of their internal organs and functionality.

And then there is digestive leukocytosis refers to an increase in the number of white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, and lymphocytes, in the bloodstream that occurs after eating a meal. This phenomenon is a normal physiological response and is believed to be a part of the body’s immune system response to potential pathogens and foreign substances that may be present in food.

When we eat, the body releases digestive enzymes and fluids into the stomach and intestines to break down food into its component nutrients. In the process, some food particles may be perceived as foreign by the immune system, leading to the activation of white blood cells.

The increase in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, and lymphocytes, after eating is usually temporary and resolves within a few hours. However, in some cases, such as in individuals with food allergies or intolerances, the immune system may overreact to certain foods, leading to more prolonged or severe digestive leukocytosis and other symptoms.

It is important to note that digestive leukocytosis is a normal physiological response to eating and is not typically a cause for concern. However, if you experience persistent or severe symptoms after eating, you should consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

What Was Ancient Man’s Diet Like?

The following response is from a post on another friend’s page about what was the diet of early indigenous man. Always a fun discussion.

Enjoy!!!

It is difficult to make definitive statements about the diet of ancient indigenous people, as their lifestyles and diets varied widely across different regions and time periods. However, there is some evidence to suggest that some groups of ancient indigenous people may have consumed a primarily meat-based diet.

One line of evidence comes from the study of ancient human remains. For example, analyses of the bones and teeth of ancient people have shown that they often had larger jaws and stronger teeth than modern humans, which some researchers believe may be an adaptation to a diet that was higher in tough, fibrous foods like meat. Additionally, chemical analyses of the bones and teeth of some ancient individuals have suggested that they consumed a high proportion of animal protein in their diets.

Archaeological evidence also provides some support for the idea that ancient indigenous people consumed meat. For example, excavations of ancient campsites and settlements have uncovered animal bones, and other remains that suggest hunting and butchering activities. In some cases, archaeologists have even found evidence of specialized hunting tools, such as spear points and arrowheads, which suggest that hunting played an important role in the diet and economy of these groups.

It is worth noting, however, that not all ancient indigenous groups were primarily meat-eaters. Some groups, particularly those who lived in regions where plant foods were abundant, likely consumed a more varied diet that included a mix of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods.

Conversely, there is a significant amount of evidence to suggest that ancient indigenous people, in various parts of the world, consumed a primarily plant-based diet. Here are some examples:

1. Archeological evidence: Many archeological studies have found that ancient indigenous people relied heavily on plant foods for their sustenance. For instance, studies of the remains of prehistoric humans in places like South America, Africa, and Asia have revealed that their diets consisted mostly of plant-based foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

2. Studies of modern-day hunter-gatherer societies: Anthropologists have studied the diets of modern-day hunter-gatherer societies, which are believed to have similar lifestyles and dietary patterns to those of ancient indigenous people. These studies have found that these societies consume a mostly plant-based diet, with small amounts of animal products.

3. Geographical and environmental factors: The availability of plant foods and the challenges of hunting and gathering animals in certain environments also support the idea that ancient indigenous people consumed a primarily plant-based diet. For example, in areas where game animals were scarce or difficult to hunt, indigenous people likely had to rely more heavily on plant foods for survival.

Overall, while the specific dietary patterns of ancient indigenous people likely varied depending on the region and time period, there is substantial evidence to suggest that plant-based foods were a crucial component of their diets.

All that to say, there is a lot of evidence for both sides of the argument. That is why the verdict is still out for me.
Good luck on your own biochemically unique journey.

A Boulder Lifted; An Anchor Moved

Could my body create a problem big enough that it couldn’t fix it? I am going to suggest the answer is no. Our body doesn’t have the ability to kill itself. Its imperatives are too divine. That would be against its own will and nature.

Or better yet can I even know enough about reality to make the above statement with any surety other than my own self inflated sense of authority? Maybe not in so much as my knowledge is subject to my own limitations.

Yikes. Here we go

The creation that I exist in is infinite, eternal and unchangeable in its being, wisdom and power. It is all-sufficient, incomprehensible in its fullness, everywhere in its presence and it is a recording of all things.
The creation that I know exists in and of itself and from itself and is in no way dependent on us for its existence. My creation is not served by me, on the contrary, I am served by it.

The creation that I find my existence is not unique to me but a stream that is constantly flowing in only one direction without variance. As far as I can tell it is futile to even imagine a beginning or an end. I don’t have a light bright enough to shine that far back in time to see what a beginning would look like anyways. My history does not begin and end with me, that is the realm of my creator and its creation. It is the beginning and end; I am just along for the ride and the water is nice in this river of water of life.

If I want to know what is the purpose of this creation of mine I need look no further than the creation around me. Its purpose and function is everywhere; it knows no different. Its purpose is life and life more abundant if at every opportunity. If there is any lack of goodness or purpose in the creation around me it is because I or one like me has interfered in the course of nature; the stream of life(all things).
Purpose, symmetry and asymmetry…Balance.

Apparently, my creator is very merciful; compassionate in every way imaginable knowing the unusual amount of distress I once embodied as a creation; even to the ignoring of the continual and even willful missing of the mark. That mark and standard being life.

In its infinite wisdom my creator placed within its creation provision for the inevitability that marks would be missed and messes would need to be cleaned up. Not only is my creator compassionate enough to fix my problems but had enough forethought to plan on it.

The creation I enjoy supplies all of my needs even if I don’t understand that some of what I think I need is not as much of a need as a desire or something that possesses me; a possession. It is only when I strip away that which possesses me do I with sober-minded clarity see that my needs are very small and always met, it’s just that I have become gluttonous in my creators abundance.

This creation is one that does not by nature cause distress, but that does not mean that I or one like me within creation cannot or does not foment that which is distressing. I know…I am a drama-sapien. It is how, in my own head, I add meaning to my existence. If by chance that added meaning, narrative or for better lack of term, drama spills out into the creation around me, somehow mercy was there waiting for me too, with a smile; mop in hand.

This garden I know(my body); planted within creation, crafted by my creator who is clearly slow to anger. Forgiving of inequity and iniquity alike to maintain a creation free from hindrance. Ultimately ready to forgive me of both and more.

The lusts and overindulgences of this creature(Me) in this creation are independent of the creation’s creative act and is inconsistent with my creators will(direction/flow). My indiscretions are only egg on my face and in no way a reflection of my creator.

The creator of this creation is not difficult to understand, separated from its creation standing by with disinterest. And if I ever for a moment begin to think that the river of water of life I find myself in is going to stop course, reverse and flow the other way I just slap myself. That’s just silly. My creator seems to only know ONE WAY—>

If there appears to be change in my creation that is a creation of my own. A figment of my own creation; my own imagination gone to seed.

My creation does not and cannot suffer. It only knows life and conservation thereof even through death. My creator is without body, parts, or passions. Without emotion, whether grief, pain or sorrow; knowing only stability and a steadiness of action.

I imagine my creator is nothing I could or should even begin to wrap an image around. So far every god I’ve seen fashioned seems to look an awful lot like the creature rather than the creation. That and I might not like what I see if I actually were able to observe.

And even if I were able to observe such a creator I imagine it would simply invoke more questions than answers in that the answers were never to be found, much less searched out.

There is no limit to creation, my creator or its creative powers. Yet I am limited by what I call time. Limited to such a small sliver of my creators existence that it appears immovable; like a rock. Like a statue frozen in time. Like a man with a swatter after a fly making an epic voyage across the vast Sea of Kitchen, I imagine we look much like the Statue of Liberty to that annoying imp of a buzzard.

The power and wisdom of our creator is everywhere all at once in balance whether we see all that is being held in balance; homeostasis.

The power of our creator and creation is one and its life giving force flows from one source; our innermost being and it is simpler than we can imagine because it is precisely the fruit and excesses of our imagination
that obscures our access to the creative life giving force within.

That which is called god for better lack of language is provident to say the least providing for us everything we need even in our ignorance gross, slight or acute. Nature doesn’t usually just rain on individuals but everyone under the cloud even though occasionally it does appear as though the sun does smile upon us uniquely at times.

My creator is always right and good and just; factors of which I have no bearing. A unity in simplicity of parts that begins with on that becomes everything else fulfilling all creation as intended from insemination. We couldn’t create a god if we tried because everything that already exists is god in essence and it is I the hearty fool to think he can improve on perfection.

It was in me all along.

– Michael J. Loomis

Rethinking Fructose – Why Sweet Fruits Might Be One Reason for Your High Cholesterol

You might be surprised what leads to higher cholesterol levels in your body that you put in your mouth. Strangely, it’s not the cholesterol in things like chicken, fish, or duck eggs.

Consider eating a diet that contains more fiber. Start with more salad. Leafy greens are good and simple to add to your dinner table. And garbanzo bean salad, which is actually a fruit salad, is also a good place to start.

Another good one is non-sweet fruit. That is, fruits that are low in fructose. First, start by adding more of what are called veggie fruits to your diet. These consist of the following.

Veggie Fruits: Peppers, pumpkins, cucumbers, peas, string beans, eggplant, okra, olives, avocados, corn, zucchini, and beans.
Berries: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries,
Citrus fruits: lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit
Stone fruits: peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums

Melons: watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, kiwi fruit, pineapple, papaya, and mango (the last two contain some fructose, but in lower amounts compared to other fruits).

Fruits that are high in fructose include apples, pears, grapes, mangoes, cherries, pineapples, persimmons, and watermelons.

Fructose consumption has been linked to an increase in cholesterol levels in some studies. When fructose is consumed in excess amounts, it can lead to the production of lipids (fat) in the liver, including very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, which can increase the risk of developing high cholesterol levels.

The liver is responsible for converting excess fructose into glucose, which can then be stored in the liver as glycogen or released into the bloodstream to provide energy for the body. However, when the liver becomes overloaded with fructose, it can’t process it all at once, and some excess fructose is converted into fat in the liver. This process is called de novo lipogenesis (DNL).

When DNL occurs, the liver produces more VLDL particles, which contain triglycerides and cholesterol. These VLDL particles are then transported to other tissues in the body, where they can be broken down into low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol levels in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Therefore, it’s important to consume fructose in moderation and to focus on getting most of your carbohydrates from whole foods like non-sweet fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Finally, if it has a label, avoid it. Fill your plate with single ingredients that don’t need labels to tell you what is in them. If your eyes cannot identify every ingredient on your plate, avoid it. Keep it simple.
And when you eat meat, do it in moderation. Go on a Lent diet for a while to get started, and limit your egg intake to 3-4 per week. Maybe an egg every other day.

And for heaven’s sake, stay far away from high fructose corn syrup.

– Michael James Loomis – https://chewdigest.com

Saturday Morning Reflections – April 1, 2023

The more I learn about the human body, physiology, and disease pathology, the more I am convinced that there is no one diet that will fit all.

Yet, here we are on F-Book where influencers abound, preaching their own take on diet and lifestyle in a way that would make most believe that there actually is a one size fits all diet and lifestyle. And these individuals might actually believe their own press.

I speak from experience because I’ve done my fair share over the years.

We are all as different internally as we are all different externally and visibly.

If one wishes to live a longer and healthier life, I highly recommend reading the book The Blue Zones and implementing the diets and lifestyles of the people that are written about in this book.

For me, that looks like a whole-food diet coupled with daily exercise and lots of stretching, topped off with a full-body lymphatic massage(self).

There will be individuals you meet who can thrive on a vegan diet, a frugivore diet, a pescatarian diet, and so on. Personally, I would steer clear of keto and carnivore diets for anything other than weight loss, and only for a limited time. These last two do work really well at helping individuals lose weight, but in the long run they will result in deficiencies and malnourishment.

And most importantly, LISTEN TO YOU BODY!!!

When it comes to diet and lifestyle choices, it has two messages for you pleasure and pain. If you are doing things the wrong way, you will find yourself in a state of discomfort or even acute pain. If you are doing things the right way, your body will reward you with dopamine. Narcotic use excluded…LoL

Experiment on ChatGPT: A Beautiful Failure

I can’t say for sure what led me to this strange, surreal place. Perhaps it was the twisted machinations of my own mind, or maybe it was some sort of cosmic joke played on me by the universe itself. Regardless of the cause, here I am, in the midst of a twisted and chaotic landscape, where the rules of reality seem to be constantly shifting, and the very fabric of existence feels tenuous and fragile.

The air is thick with the scent of something rotten and decayed, and the sky overhead is a sickly shade of greenish-yellow, like the hue of a bruise. The ground beneath my feet is spongy and damp, and as I walk, I can feel it squelching and shifting beneath me, like some sort of living, breathing organism.

Strange creatures lurk in the shadows, darting out from behind twisted trees and gnarled bushes to leer at me with glowing eyes and wicked, toothy grins. I am never sure if they mean harm or are simply toying with me, playing some sort of cruel game that only they can understand.

Every now and then, I come across a structure of some sort – a ramshackle cabin, a dilapidated barn, a rusted-out car – and I can’t help but wonder who or what might have built it, and for what purpose. Are these relics of a bygone era, abandoned and forgotten by the world, or are they somehow still inhabited, by beings that I cannot even begin to comprehend?

The landscape is desolate and barren, with no signs of life or civilization for miles around. And yet, there is a strange energy here, a palpable sense of raw power and potential that seems to hum and buzz beneath the surface of things.

As I wander through this strange, surreal realm, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease and disorientation. Nothing makes sense here, and the rules of logic and reason seem to have been thrown out the window entirely. It’s like I’ve stumbled into some sort of alternate dimension, a place where the laws of physics and common sense no longer apply.

And yet, despite all the madness and chaos around me, there is a certain strange beauty to this place, a twisted, macabre sort of aesthetic that I can’t help but be drawn to. The colors are vivid and intense, the textures rich and tactile. There is a sense of raw, primal energy here, a feeling of being alive in an exhilarating and terrifying way.

I can’t say for sure if I will ever find my way out of this place, or if I even want to, much less have the energy. It’s like I’ve stumbled upon some sort of bizarre, otherworldly carnival, and I am the only spectator that makes complete sense. And as much as I may want to leave, to return to the safety and sanity of the world I know, there is a part of me that is drawn to this place, that revels in its twisted charms and perverse delights.

In the end, I suppose it doesn’t really matter what brought me here, or what will become of me. All that matters is this moment, this strange and surreal adventure that I am living, and the myriad wonders and horrors that await me around every corner. And so I will press on, deeper into the heart of this strange, twisted world, fueled by equal parts curiosity and madness, eager to see what new horrors and delights await me in the darkness.

This was a response by ChatGPT. And it has absolutely nothing to do with the text I asked GPT to rewrite in the tone and sense of Hunter S. Thompson. But I am totally okay with that because this is pretty amazing. Better than what I was looking for.

UPDATE: I later figured out that I only posted what I wanted ChatGPT to do without putting in the main body of text that I wanted to be converted. Yet it somehow created an amazing piece of artwork in my mind from nothing…

Why You Should Hire a Successful UBER Driver

The most desirable traits in a new employee can vary depending on the specific job and the company culture. However, some general traits that are often valued in new hires include:

Strong work ethic: Companies want employees who are dedicated, reliable, and willing to put in the effort to get the job done. Successful Uber drivers are self-motivated and driven to provide a high level of service. This work ethic can be beneficial to your business and help increase productivity.
Positive attitude: A positive and enthusiastic attitude can go a long way in creating a positive work environment and improving team morale.
Knowledge of the local area: Successful Uber drivers have a deep understanding of the local area, including traffic patterns, popular destinations, and shortcuts. This can help your business save time and increase efficiency.
Problem-solving skills: The ability to think critically and find creative solutions to problems is highly valued in many industries.
Flexibility, adaptability, and quick thinking: Companies appreciate employees who are able to adapt to change and handle multiple tasks and responsibilities. Driving for Uber often involves handling unexpected situations and making split-second decisions. These skills can be useful in roles requiring quick thinking and adapting to fluid and sometimes volatile circumstances.
Communication skills: Good communication skills are essential in almost every role and are particularly important in team-based environments. Uber drivers must communicate effectively with passengers, which can help develop good communication skills useful in various professional settings.
Self-motivation and Time Management Skills: Companies want employees who are motivated to learn and grow in their roles, without the need for constant direction or supervision. Driving for Uber requires good time management skills, as drivers need to navigate to pick-up and drop-off locations efficiently without direct supervision. This experience can be useful in a role that requires good organization, prioritization, integrity, and trust.
Team player: Many companies value employees who are able to work effectively with others and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
Initiative: Employees who take initiative and are not afraid to take risks are often valued for their creativity and ability to drive results.
Experience with technology: Uber drivers are comfortable using technology and are familiar with navigation apps and ride-hailing platforms. This can be useful in businesses that rely on technology to operate efficiently.

So why listen to me? Well, my friend, you’re talking to someone who knows a thing or two about rideshare and putting together a resume that will make hiring managers take notice. It’s a delicate dance, you see, between highlighting your accomplishments and not coming off as too much of a self-promoting pile of pomposity. But let me tell you, a certain swagger comes with being an Uber driver that can make you stand out from the pack.

First, forget what those naysayers tell you about hiring managers being wary of entrepreneurs. That’s just a load of laziness. Do you think I got where I am today by playing it safe and following the rules? Not so much. I took risks, followed my instincts, and made good things happen in my life. That’s the kind of attitude that employers want to see.

Now, as for how to list Uber on your resume, it’s all about framing. Don’t just say you were a driver. That makes it sound like you were some kind of glorified chauffeur. No, you are a transportation professional if you do it correctly. You are responsible for getting people from point A to point B safely, efficiently, and with a smile on their faces and yours. That takes skills, my friend.

So here’s what you do: start with a bullet point that reads, “Managed transportation for thousands of passengers daily using the Uber platform.” See how that sounds? It’s not just driving, it’s managing. And you’re not just a driver; you’re a professional who uses a cutting-edge technology platform to get the job done.

Next, highlight some of the key skills you developed as an Uber driver. Maybe you became an expert at navigating city streets, or you honed your customer service skills by dealing with a variety of passengers. Perhaps you became a master of time management, juggling multiple pickups and dropoffs, your own children, and another job for some of you with ease. Whatever it is, make sure you emphasize how these skills are transferable to other industries.

And finally, don’t worry too much about the length of time you spend with Uber. Sure, it’s better if you can say you were there for a year or more, but don’t sweat it if you didn’t stick around that long. You can still highlight the skills and experience you gained during your time there, and show how they make you a valuable candidate for whatever job you’re applying for.

So there you have it, my friend. Don’t sell yourself short just because you were an Uber driver. Own it. Emphasize the skills you gained, the responsibility you held, and the impact you made. That’s the kind of attitude that will make any hiring manager sit up and take notice.

In summary, to those of you working in human resources. Hiring a successful Uber driver can bring a range of skills and experience to your business that can help improve efficiency, productivity, and customer service.

Veganism and Vitamin B-12

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It is m ade by combining sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, known as a SCOBY. During the fermentation process, the SCOBY consumes the sugar in the tea and produces a range of organic acids, probiotics, and other beneficial compounds.

Kombucha has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits, including improved gut health and immune function. But what does this have to do with a vegan or whole-food/plant-based diet?

First, it’s important to understand what a vegan or WF/PB diet is. Adherents avoid consuming any animal products or byproducts, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. This is often motivated by ethical, environmental, or health concerns.

Kombucha is a vegan or WF/PB friendly drink because it does not contain any animal products or byproducts. However, there are a few other reasons why kombucha may be particularly beneficial for vegan or WF/PB adherents.

One reason is that kombucha contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health. For vegans who may be lacking in certain nutrients due to their dietary restrictions, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can be especially important. Probiotics can help improve nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation, among other benefits.

Additionally, some types of kombucha are fortified with vitamin B12, a nutrient that is primarily found in animal products. B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system and can be difficult for vegans to obtain through diet alone. While it’s important to note that not all kombucha contains B12, this is one potential benefit for vegans to consider.

Finally, kombucha is a versatile drink that can be used in a variety of recipes. For vegans who may be looking for alternatives to traditional animal-based ingredients, kombucha can be used as a substitute for vinegar, soy sauce, or even as a marinade for tofu or vegetables.

In summary, while kombucha is not strictly necessary for vegans, it can be a beneficial addition to a vegan diet. Its probiotic content can improve gut health, it may contain vitamin B12, and it can be used in a variety of recipes as a vegan-friendly alternative to other ingredients.

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has gained popularity in recent years, and it has become a staple in many vegan diets. Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) that produces a fizzy, slightly sour drink with a distinct taste.

One of the main reasons why kombucha is considered necessary for vegans is because it is a good source of probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms that are beneficial for the digestive system and overall health. Since most probiotic foods come from animal sources, vegans can have a harder time finding sources of these beneficial bacteria. Kombucha, on the other hand, is a vegan-friendly source of probiotics that can help improve gut health and boost the immune system.

Another reason why kombucha is beneficial for vegans is that it is a good source of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerve function, the production of red blood cells, and DNA synthesis. However, vitamin B12 is only found in animal products, so it can be challenging for vegans to get enough of this nutrient. While kombucha is not a significant source of vitamin B12, some kombucha brands add vitamin B12 to their products, making it a convenient way for vegans to get this essential nutrient.

Kombucha also contains antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can reduce the risk of these chronic diseases.

Finally, kombucha is a low-sugar, low-calorie beverage that can be a healthy alternative to sugary sodas and other beverages. Kombucha is made with tea, which contains compounds that have been shown to have various health benefits, including improved brain function and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

In conclusion, kombucha is a beneficial beverage for vegans because it provides probiotics, vitamin B12, antioxidants, and a low-sugar, low-calorie alternative to other beverages. While it is not necessary for vegans to consume kombucha, it can be a convenient and healthy addition to a vegan diet.

The Wonders of Compound Interest

Imagine, if you will, a seed that you planted in the ground. Over time, this seed grows into a tree that bears fruit. As the tree grows taller and stronger, it produces more fruit, which in turn can be used to plant more trees. This is the beauty of compounding, my friends. Just as a seed can grow into a tree, so too can a small investment grow into a substantial sum over time.

The power of compound interest lies in its ability to amplify small gains over time. As the interest earned on an investment is reinvested, it begins to earn interest of its own. This snowball effect can lead to exponential growth over time, allowing your money to work for you in ways you may never have imagined.

Compound interest is the magic of numbers that can transform a mere sum of money into a fortune over time. It’s a phenomenon that speaks to the very nature of the universe itself, for just as the smallest actions can have a ripple effect on the world around us, so too can the smallest amount of money grow into something truly magnificent. With each passing day, that money begins to take on a life of its own. It begins to grow, blossom, and become something more than the sum of its parts.

You see, with compound interest, the interest you earn on your money doesn’t just sit there. It gets reinvested, added to the principal, and then earns interest of its own. And with each passing year, that interest grows and grows, compounding upon itself in an ever-expanding cycle of wealth.

It’s a beautiful thing to behold, really. Just like the cycles of the seasons or the ebb and flow of the tides, compound interest follows its own natural rhythms, building and growing over time. And just like the natural world, it can be both powerful and unpredictable, subject to the whims of fate and fortune.

But if you approach it with mindfulness and intention and nurture it, allowing it to grow, compound interest can work wonders in your life. It can help you build a nest egg for your retirement, fund your children’s education, or achieve any other goals and dreams you may have.

So, my friend, I urge you, like I did, to embrace the wonder of compound interest. Allow it to work its magic in your life, and watch as your small investments grow into something truly amazing. For just as the smallest seed can grow into the mightiest tree, so too can your investments, with the power of compound interest, grow into a prosperous future.

Too Much Protein. How Much is Too Much?

Looking to lose weight quickly in the New Year?

Got gout? How about kidney stones?

While high-protein consumption—above the current recommended dietary allowance for adults is increasing in popularity, there is a lack of data on its potential long-term adverse effects.

Until 2013 when studies were completed looking at the effects of a high-protein or high-meat diet. What they found with long-term high protein/high meat intake in humans were (a) disorders of bone and calcium homeostasis, (b) disorders of renal function, (c) increased cancer risk, (d) disorders of liver function, and (e) precipitated progression of coronary artery disease.

The present study’s findings suggest that there is currently no reasonable scientific basis in the literature to recommend protein consumption above the current RDA (high protein diet) for healthy adults due to its potential disease risks.

Disorders of Bone and Calcium Homeostasis
Disorders of Renal Function/kidney stones
Increased Cancer Risk
Disorders of Liver Function
Precipitated Progression of Coronary Artery Disease

Despite the fact that a short-term high-protein diet could be necessary for several pathological conditions (malnutrition, sarcopenia, etc.), it is evident that “too much of a good thing” in a diet could be useless or even harmful for healthy individuals. Many adults or even adolescents (especially athletes or bodybuilders) self-prescribe protein supplements and overlook the risks of using them, mainly due to misguided beliefs in their performance-enhancing abilities.

Individuals who follow these diets are, therefore, at risk. Extra protein is not used efficiently by the body and may impose a metabolic burden on the bones, kidneys, and liver. Moreover, high-protein/high-meat diets may also be associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease due to intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol or even cancer. Guidelines for diet should adhere closely to what has been clinically proven. By this standard, there is currently no basis for recommending high protein/high meat intake above the recommended dietary allowance for healthy adults.

Adverse Effects Associated with Protein Intake above the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Adults