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Summary of Transcript:
The podcast features Dr. David Kessler who served as the commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations. Dr. Kessler discusses his new book called “Fast Carbs, Slow Carbs: The Simple Truth About Food, Weight, and Disease” and how processed and ultraprocessed foods are contributing to the obesity epidemic in America. He notes that the food industry has actively resisted providing consumers with information about their products, such as nutrition facts labels. The food industry also knew how to make food hyperpalatable and addictive, but Dr. Kessler argues that the metabolic consequences were not well understood. The industry’s success in making starchy foods into thousands of products has resulted in these foods becoming the source of around 60% of Americans’ diets.
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Summary of Description:
In a podcast, Dr. David Kessler, former head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and author of Fast Carbs, Slow Carbs, discusses food that may be worse than sugar, the truth about the Nutrition Facts label, and three simple things people can do to improve their health. The conversation is available through a full transcript and show notes on Dr. Gundry’s website.
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The TRUTH About the Food Industry and How to Improve Your Health: A Conversation with Dr. David Kessler
The food industry is a massive, complex entity that impacts everyone’s daily lives. Unfortunately, this industry often prioritizes profit over health, leaving consumers confused and overwhelmed when it comes to making healthy food choices. That’s why I sat down with Dr. David Kessler, former head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to discuss the truth about the food industry and how we can take control of our health.
Worse than Sugar: The Food That Dr. Kessler and I Agree is the Most Harmful
Sugar is a well-known contributor to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. However, Dr. Kessler and I both agree that there is one food that is potentially even more harmful than sugar – highly processed and refined carbohydrates. These carbs, often found in foods like white bread and chips, cause a rapid spike in blood sugar that can lead to insulin resistance over time.
The Truth About the Nutrition Facts Label
Many people assume that the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods provides them with all the information they need to make healthy choices. However, Dr. Kessler cautions that this label can be misleading. For example, food manufacturers can manipulate serving sizes to make their products appear healthier than they actually are. Additionally, the label doesn’t account for the different effects that different types of carbs can have on the body. For example, whole-grain bread and white bread may have the same number of carbs, but the whole-grain bread is much healthier because it contains more fiber.
Three Simple Things You Can Do to Improve Your Health
Despite the challenges posed by the food industry, there are still steps we can take to improve our health. Dr. Kessler recommends focusing on these three simple things:
1. Avoid highly processed and refined carbohydrates. As noted earlier, these carbs can be even more harmful than sugar. Instead, opt for carbs that are packed with fiber and vitamins, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Pay attention to the type of fat you eat. Not all fats are created equal. Avoid trans fats, which are found in many processed foods, and focus on healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and fish.
3. Recognize the power of food cravings. Dr. Kessler notes that many of us struggle with food cravings, which can make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. However, by understanding where these cravings come from and working to manage them, we can make a big difference in our health. One key tip? Don’t keep foods that trigger strong cravings in your home.
The Bottom Line: Taking Control of Your Health
At the end of the day, the food industry can be overwhelming and confusing. However, by focusing on avoiding highly processed and refined carbohydrates, choosing healthy fats, and managing food cravings, we can take control of our health and make positive changes that will benefit us for years to come. By working together to demand healthier food options, we may also be able to change the food industry itself to prioritize health over profit.
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Source Description
Dr. David Kessler, former head of the Food and Drug Administration and author of Fast Carbs, Slow Carbs, chats with me about the food that we agree might be WORSE than sugar, the TRUTH about the Nutrition Facts label, and the 3 simple things YOU can do to improve your health.
Full transcript and show notes: drgundry.com/david-kessler
#davidKessler #FDA #nutritionLabel
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