Published Mar 2, 2022

380: The best & worst grains for your gut | Cardiologist William Davis, M.D.

Cardiologist and bestselling author William Davis, M.D., delves into the best and worst grains for gut health, the importance of a balanced microbiome, and the interconnectedness of diet, gut, and heart health.
Episode Highlights
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Episode Highlights

  • Grains and Health

    explains the varying impacts of different grains on health, highlighting the negative effects of modern wheat and other grains. He emphasizes that even seemingly benign grains like rice can have adverse effects due to their high starch content and potential arsenic concentration 1. Davis also criticizes the medical system for focusing on pharmaceuticals over natural health solutions, advocating for a greater emphasis on nutrition and the microbiome 2.

       

    Meat Consumption

    Discussing meat consumption, argues that meat itself is not the cause of coronary disease or colon cancer. He criticizes the flawed observational studies that have led to misconceptions about meat and health 3. Davis also distinguishes between processed meats cured with sodium nitrate and fermented meats, noting that the latter can be beneficial due to their probiotic content 4.

       

    Heart Health

    shares his journey from performing heart surgeries to focusing on preventive cardiology. He highlights the importance of early detection of heart disease through calcium scoring and criticizes the reliance on cholesterol testing 5. Davis found that dietary changes, particularly eliminating grains and sugars, can significantly reduce small LDL particles and improve heart health 6.

       

    Fatty Liver

    explains that fatty liver disease can be driven by the consumption of grains and sugars, not just alcohol. He describes how the liver converts sugars into fats, leading to fatty liver and potentially cirrhosis 7. Davis emphasizes that fatty liver is easily reversible through dietary changes, despite the medical community's focus on pharmaceuticals and procedures 8.