If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of modern diet trends and conflicting advice, you’re not alone. But today, we're going to unravel the truth about the foods our bodies were truly made to thrive on—and how returning to these ancestral eating practices can unlock our greatest potential. In this episode, I’m joined by Sally Fallon. Sally is a pioneering force in the world of nutrition, and her work is a beacon for those seeking a more nourishing way of living. Co-founder of the Weston A. Price Foundation and the author of Nourishing Traditions, Sally’s mission is simple: to revive the ancestral eating practices that have been the foundation of human health for centuries. Her work is a testament to the power of nutrient-dense foods and their role in everything from conception to mental health. Sally’s insights on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum health are eye-opening, highlighting the critical importance of what we eat long before conception, and how the right nutrients support a healthy pregnancy and recovery. In this episode, we explore: Weston A. Price's Research: A dentist who studied the diets of healthy populations in the 1930s and 40s. Found that nutrient-dense diets with high amounts of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K2), no processed foods, and no vegetarianism supported excellent health. Key Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on butter from grass-fed animals, egg yolks, liver, raw milk, and seafood. These foods are essential for optimal health, particularly for conception, pregnancy, and fetal development. Diet for Preconception and Pregnancy: Both men and women should consume nutrient-dense foods, like fish eggs, liver, butter, and egg yolks, for at least six months before conception. Vitamin A is especially crucial for fetal cell differentiation during pregnancy. Fertility Crisis: Modern fertility issues are largely due to nutrient deficiencies, especially in fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A. Traditional diets can improve fertility and help women carry pregnancies to full term. Breastfeeding and Postpartum Health: Proper nutrition supports pregnancy, postpartum recovery, breast milk supply, and overall maternal health. Adequate nutrients help prevent postpartum depression and ensure an easier recovery. Raw Milk Formula: Advocated by Sally Fallon Morrell for babies when breastfeeding is not possible. A raw milk-based formula is healthier than commercial infant formulas, which often lack essential nutrients like cholesterol and contain harmful ingredients like vegetable oils and sugars. Critique of Commercial Formula: Commercial baby formulas lack cholesterol and animal fats necessary for infant growth and development. They often contain unhealthy additives, seed oils, and sugars that are unsuitable for infants. Human Milk for Human Babies: Refers to Facebook groups where breast milk is shared or found. These groups provide an alternative to formula feeding, with a focus on transparency regarding donor health and lifestyle. Breastfeeding and Infant Nutrition: The speaker supports providing milk to friends before babies are born to support breastfeeding. Also advocates for a return to wet nursing as a valued profession and emphasizes the importance of introducing solid foods like egg yolks and liver puree by six months to prevent iron deficiency. The Cholesterol Debate: Discusses the cultural fear of cholesterol and the risks of statin medications, which interfere with fat-soluble vitamins like K2 and A. These medications may worsen heart disease, despite being widely prescribed. Advocates for a diet rich in traditional fats like butter and animal fats for heart health. The Misconception of Lean Protein: Critiques the obsession with lean protein, such as skinless chicken breasts and fat-free ground beef. Historically, cultures valued fatty cuts of meat, which are necessary for vitamin A utilization and overall health. Overconsumption of lean protein can lead to vitamin A deficiencies. The Dangers of Processed Protein and Protein Drinks: Protein drinks are harmful, especially for kidney health, and do not provide balanced nutrition. Whole, nutrient-dense foods like eggs, bacon, and salami are recommended for better health and kidney function. Animal Fats and Mental Health: Animal fats, particularly arachidonic acid, are crucial for mental health and immune function. A lack of animal fats may contribute to depression and addiction. Poor diets high in sugar and low in healthy fats can lead to behavioral issues in children and the overprescription of medication. Raising Children with Traditional Foods: The speaker shares their approach to raising children on whole, nutrient-dense foods like eggs, cod liver oil, and meats. By setting an example with home-cooked meals, their children continue the tradition of healthy eating in their own families. Getting Nutrient-Dense Foods for Children: Focus on adding butter, animal fats, eggs, liver, and raw dairy to children's diets while avoiding vegetable oils, spreads, and margarine. Local chapters and community groups (like those associated with the Weston A. Price Foundation) help source traditional foods, including raw milk and local meats. The Weston A. Price Foundation: https://www.westonaprice.org/
