Part the First: Insights on Longevity
The Office of Science and Society (OSS) at McGill University offers one of the most insightful newsletters available, prompting much reflection during today’s Coffee Break. In this initial segment, it’s easy to grasp the universal desire to achieve longevity. Throughout history, notions of an afterlife have persisted, along with the age-old sentiment: “Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die to get there.” A thought-provoking article, Should We Be Reaching for that Greek Cup of Coffee, offers valuable insights:
In Greek mythology, Icarus attempted to fly with wings made of feathers, only to plunge into the sea when the wax melted from flying too close to the sun. The island of Ikaria, named after Icarus, is of great interest to longevity researchers. Alongside regions such as Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, the Nicoya peninsula in Costa Rica, and Loma Linda in California, Ikaria is notable for its elevated levels of longevity. Unlike areas such as Pakistan’s Hunza Valley, where extreme longevity claims often lack validation, the residents of these regions possess birth certificates substantiating their ages. On Ikaria, there is a tenfold increase in individuals living to the age of 90 compared to the rest of Europe. The inhabitants exhibit lower rates of heart disease and cancer, experience fewer instances of depression and dementia, and apparently maintain an active sex life well into old age. What secrets do they hold?
Their consumption of Greek coffee could play a crucial role. A study conducted by scientists utilizing ultrasound evaluated arterial responses to changing blood flow by applying and releasing pressure through an arm cuff. The arteries’ ability to rapidly dilate post-constriction indicates vascular health, influencing cardiovascular risk. Given the mixed results of coffee studies over the years, Dr. Gerasimos Siasos from the University of Athens speculated that examining the coffee habits and arterial health of senior Ikarians could yield enlightening results. In a study comprising 71 males and 71 females over 65, Dr. Siasos found that regular Greek coffee consumption correlated with enhanced endothelial function.
This research was published in 2013, so it’s not groundbreaking. The hypothesis has merit: compromised endothelial function is a significant contributor to various health issues. Yet, with only 142 subjects studied and just twelve citations in a decade, further scrutiny is warranted. Joe Schwarcz, the OSS article’s author, certainly conveys the right message. Ultimately, it is not merely the coffee but the entire lifestyle that cultivates health—elements including diet, exercise, restful sleep (a daily nap), and fulfilling work significantly contribute to well-being. This crucial aspect is what those overly fixated on longevity often overlook. They underestimate the unpredictable nature of health, a lesson learned by the well-known immortality seeker, Bryan Johnson:
Across the globe, areas renowned for exceptional longevity share a predominantly plant-based diet and robust social structures. It’s easier to rest, enjoy vegetables, and celebrate at communal gatherings when others share the same practices.
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The key takeaway? The study we discussed only evaluated endothelial function. While improved function may suggest a link to enhanced longevity, the research did not establish if subjects with better arterial health actually lived longer. Therefore, we can reasonably conclude that switching to Greek coffee instead of regular morning brew is unlikely to extend your life. Embracing an Ikarian lifestyle, however, might.
When engaging with scientific literature, it’s crucial to identify underlying assumptions, particularly regarding health. Currently, several colleagues and I are striving to revive the intersection of nutrition science and the art of living well, steering away from the bleak science of “nutritionism,” which emerged from the pivotal era of biochemical discoveries, such as vitamins and basic protein needs. Medical nutrition in patient care is a distinct issue.
In my perspective, the challenge lies with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), which arrived at these principles first. While their initiatives are beneficial, they tend to imply that lifestyle choices are purely elective, overlooking that many malnourished, often overweight individuals are not in such situations by choice. I am reminded of a HERBLOCK cartoon (I am quite fond of editorial cartoons—The Far Side, Doonesbury, Pogo, and Calvin and Hobbes) from February 1984, depicting Ronald Reagan or Ed Meese commenting from a presidential limousine as they pass two homeless men on sidewalk grates, while another in ragged attire eats soup: “Strange how some choose to live like that instead of opting to be rich like us.” Indeed.
In today’s MAGA environment, being homeless—now politely termed “unhoused”—is often framed as a choice. Meanwhile, the American College of Culinary Medicine appears to align with ACLM’s approach. Culinary? Really? Educating a single mother in a food desert or swamp about why her choice of saffron wild salmon with polenta and haricots verts is beneficial for her and her children seems misguided. Yet, providing an accessible market where she could purchase real stone-ground grits (as opposed to instant ones), along with butter, salt, and pepper, plus frozen catfish and fresh or frozen green beans? Now, that would be truly beneficial.
One final note before I conclude for now. Next time you wish to provoke a member of the Professional Managerial Class, inquire whether they consume grits? Certainly not! Polenta? Absolutely! Then let them know that polenta is essentially just finely ground grits. My coarse local stone-ground grits with cream and butter (with gouda cheese as a preferred alternative) are as delightful as any dish at a restaurant that recommends reservations. And yes, they are good for you!
Part the Second: The Proximity of the Apple to the Tree
Sometimes the apple doesn’t stray far from the tree. Consider the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has rolled down the hill and into a quagmire. On other occasions, the apple falls but remains forever in the shadow of its canopy. In both scenarios, outcomes can vary. Once again, OSS provides insight with Mikhaila Peterson Is Reinventing Medicine Badly:
Are you seeking companionship without explaining your aversion to seed oils? Consider the dating app Primal Match. Tailored for MAHA enthusiasts, biohackers, and individuals who conflate “chemical” with “toxic,” Primal Match is the latest business venture of Mikhaila Peterson, currently registering users for early access. (There’s a complimentary tier, but only premium subscribers unlock all functionalities.)
Peterson gained notoriety shortly after her father, Canadian psychologist and public intellectual Jordan Peterson, cautioned he could be jailed for misgendering someone. (This was never a possibility.) Her father’s fame stemmed from his battle against progressiveness and endeavors to guide young men toward personal responsibility, while Mikhaila focused on dietary interventions (excluding lobster, of course).
Mikhaila endured juvenile arthritis and claimed she cured herself by adopting a diet consisting solely of steak and salt. This carnivore diet, later termed the Lion Diet, was heralded as the ultimate remedy for chronic ailments that medical professionals allegedly failed to resolve. Even her father’s persistent depression was reportedly alleviated by avoiding typical foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.
On her popular podcast, Mikhaila often appears as a beacon for those disillusioned with conventional medicine, identifying their ailments and recommending trusted experts while selling her solutions.
However, when we analyze her claims over time, it becomes clear that she appears to cling to fringe theories, profiting from them until they fail her, thereafter moving on to the next.
This article explores the present state of a culture increasingly unable to engage in rational discussion about significant topics. In Mikhaila Peterson’s experience, she attributes her medical woes to dietary choices. She labeled her meat-based diet the Lion Diet (without acknowledging lionesses) and asserted it cured her juvenile arthritis. Perhaps it did, but nearly half of children diagnosed often see remissions within a decade. Eventually, Mikhaila decided beef was causing her issues and transitioned to lamb and bison. Whatever the case.
Her journey is lengthy, with her next perceived danger being mold. While mold can indeed trigger various health issues, its elimination usually rectifies these problems:
Initially, she believed her breast implants were the culprits, which she had removed. Later, she blamed her “terrible tree allergies” while living in Tennessee for brain fog. In 2022, she relocated to Miami, but her health did not improve. It turned out there was mold in her Florida residence, necessitating a complete renovation and relocation to Arizona for “mold treatment.”
Consequently, she began denouncing mold as a hidden illness trigger. She founded the website biotoxin.com to share research linking mold to a variety of diseases, including autism, migraines, and even Parkinson’s disease. While some studies suggest a potential link between mold exposure and conditions like dementia, this should not be misconstrued as definitive proof that mold causes dementia.
Regardless, in one of her podcast episodes, she promotes a $300 kit for testing household dust for mold and a $342 kit for assessing toxic substances produced by mold. The manufacturer’s website suggests that mold can be “associated with” serious conditions like cancer, infertility, and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, Mikhaila endorsed another kit earlier this year: instead of a one-time payment, this subscription-based model includes supplements and peptides designed to counteract the effects of mold exposure.
Thus, we delve into keywords for this article: carnivore diet, mold, mitochondria, psychiatric drugs, supplements, beef organ, vaccination, and vitamin K. Take the time to read the entire piece to gain insight into our current predicament because understanding our context is vital for determining our direction. However, credit must be given to Ms. Peterson—she excels at making headway within American culture. Yet, perhaps she is beginning to grasp an essential truth, as reflected in her own words from 2021, when she stated she once prioritized hard scientific evidence, reviewing peer-reviewed studies, but now confesses, “I have no idea what’s true anymore,” concluding with a chuckle.
This begs the question: should we laugh or cry? The illusion is palpable.
Part the Third: Dietary Supplements with Credibility
Although I maintain a skeptical stance on dietary supplements, I acknowledge they can be effective. A few years ago, while undergoing an extensive regimen of radiation and chemotherapy, a colleague from the former Yugoslavia ensured I took daily doses of Beres Drops; even now, I keep the Cyrillic-labeled bottle in my medicine cabinet. I can’t confirm if those drops were effective, but they undoubtedly played a role in facilitating my recovery during that challenging eight-week period.
My skepticism towards dietary supplements in the U.S. primarily stems from concerns over product integrity. Because supplements are not regulated for safety and effectiveness, it’s often challenging to ascertain what you are actually consuming. As I previously noted in a piece about Marion Nestle and her work, What to Eat Now:
The guideline regarding supplements is to exercise extreme caution. The supplement industry primarily aims to generate profit. While dietary supplements can be beneficial, determining the actual content of pills, powders, or capsules can be daunting. This has been reaffirmed here and more recently here in studies concerning melatonin, marketed as a sleep aid; often, what’s on the label does not match the bottle’s contents. “Let the buyer beware!” is a fitting saying in this context.
Nonetheless, creatine stands out as a dietary supplement with substantial evidence supporting its efficacy, as discussed in Creatine: A Supplement With a Rare Commodity: Evidence:
I have always been an enthusiast of the Olympics, particularly the 100-meter sprint to determine “the world’s fastest human.” Like all Canadians, I celebrated Ben Johnson’s victory at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, only to be devastated upon discovering that he had used stanozolol, a steroid.
Then, at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Linford Christie took the title of “fastest human,” passing drug tests. He admitted to utilizing creatine, a dietary supplement permitted in athletics.
Since Christie’s win, creatine has transitioned from athletics to various sports venues, with athletes relying on it for immediate energy. Furthermore, it has gained acceptance in home kitchens for those hoping to maximize results from resistance training.
Emerging evidence suggests that creatine may not only boost muscle energy but also enhance brain function and cognition.
The article details creatine’s history, originating in 1832 with the contributions of Michel Chevreul, a forerunner in organic chemistry. We learned in 10th grade biology that “ATP is the energy currency of cells.” Creatine is vital for maintaining ATP levels in active muscles. Most creatine research has revolved around muscle performance; however, creatine kinase, the enzyme responsible for this pathway, is also present in the brain, suggesting creatine supplements could benefit both athletes and cognitively demanding activities, although both domains are not necessarily oppositional, contrary to what ESPN may portray.
The other metabolic booster linked to longevity is NADH, crucial for ATP production. I remain skeptical, despite the abundance of “research” surrounding it. While my intuition tells me that creatine (PNG) is resilient enough to survive stomach acid, NADH (SVG) appears too delicate and seems likely to break down before absorption in the intestines. Organic chemists are welcome to correct my assumptions.
Regardless, if you engage in resistance training (as we all should), creatine likely aids in recovery and muscle maintenance, particularly as we age. Just ensure that the labeled contents indeed match what’s inside the bottle. How to guarantee this remains a mystery, leading us to ponder the FDA’s regulatory role, especially under the current administration. Proving the safety and efficacy of all drugs, including the plethora of dietary supplements available, should not be contentious. Yet, in the post-Citizens United framework shaped by Justice Anthony Kennedy, those with the most funds wield the most influence. The supplement industry is profoundly invested.
Part the Fourth: The Tangled Web
As Fr. Stephen Freeman notes, quoting Sir Walter Scott, “O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” Furthermore, a contemporary voice rephrases it: “Always tell the truth…It’s easier to remember.”
Thanks to a dear friend, who would likely agree with this sentiment, I have been an avid reader of Fr. Stephen’s work. There’s something profoundly comforting and, at times, maddening about orthodox perspectives. This may seem ironic coming from someone like me, who embraces a heterodox viewpoint; yet, our experiences are multifaceted. As Fr. Stephen remarks:
Lies inevitably weave a web of falsehoods. Quite fittingly, this metaphor serves as an analogy for sin itself. Sin births more sin, creating an entanglement within a realm of falsehood. A single thread of a spider’s web may appear insignificant, but interwoven threads can effectively ensnare.
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Observing the fabric of deceit over time reveals that our “narrative reality” is often a concoction of fiction. If enough individuals subscribe to these fictions, they supercharge the frail “nothingness” surrounding us (paradoxical though that may be). Despite our lives being entrapped within a culture’s narrative reality, we frequently wrestle like flies ensnared in a spider’s web.
Fortunately, a significant distinction exists between a culture’s narrative reality and actual truth. Trees speak truth. The ground speaks truth. Spider webs convey truth. Rocks reveal honesty. However, misrepresentations about these elements can be as deceptive as any lie. Recognizing the split between truth in the natural world and narrative falsehoods can be immensely beneficial when contemplating the Christian life.
Or any life, for that matter. The emptiness of our narrative reality is unmistakable and propels us toward a crisis if we do not assert the importance of truth.
Thank you for taking the time to read! Join us next week for more reflections. Until then, enjoy a great cup of coffee, immerse yourself in a good book, and make sure to find time for a restful nap. The world will still be here when you wake, better equipped for what lies ahead.
