143. The best of the Fundamental Health podcast, 2021 year in review

Fasting Insulin

Understanding fasting insulin levels is crucial for chronic disease prevention and metabolic health. Paul Saladino emphasizes that a fasting insulin measurement below five micro IU per milliliter is ideal, and suggests eliminating seed oils and processed sugars to maintain healthy levels 1. He argues that insulin resistance is often misunderstood, distinguishing between physiological insulin resistance from ketogenic diets and pathological insulin resistance due to metabolic dysfunction 2.

A fasting insulin laboratory measurement taken on every individual in this country would change the face of chronic disease.

--- Paul Saladino

Paul believes that addressing these factors can significantly improve metabolic health and reduce chronic disease risk.

   

Seed Oils

Seed oils, particularly those high in linoleic acid, pose significant risks to heart health. Paul Saladino discusses studies indicating a strong association between linoleic acid in fatty tissues and coronary artery disease 3. He highlights the importance of avoiding seed oils like corn, canola, and soybean to prevent heart disease 1.

There is a strong association here that when there's more linoleic acid in the fatty acid tissue, there is a positive association with coronary artery disease.

--- Paul Saladino

Paul suggests that reducing linoleic acid intake can lower the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.

   

Processed Sugars

Processed sugars have detrimental effects on health, differing significantly from sugars in their natural matrix. Paul Saladino explains that fructose in whole foods like honey and oranges has positive effects, unlike isolated fructose, which can be harmful 4. He shares his evolving perspective on fructose, emphasizing the importance of consuming it within a natural food matrix 5.

In a full food matrix, I do not worry about fructose, I don't worry about red orange juice.

--- Paul Saladino

This distinction highlights the need to focus on whole foods to mitigate the negative impacts of processed sugars.