To Lower Your Cancer Risk, Eat Less of This

May 8, 2019 by Dave Asprey

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Cancer cells need certain nutrients to live, so tumors hijack vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including methionine, from your diet to feed themselves.
Tumors depend on methionine, found mainly in animal meats, to grow.
Cancerous cells have a higher requirement of methionine than healthy cells do. You can limit the methionine that cancerous cells have available by limiting your animal protein.
Keep reading to find out how methionine and tumors work together.

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Cancer cells need certain nutrients to live, so tumors hijack vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including methionine, from your diet to feed themselves. You can use this information to your advantage. Keep reading to find out how methionine and tumors work together, and how to eat so that you don’t give cells with damaged DNA too much methionine.

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What is methionine?

Methionine is an essential amino acid (a building block of protein), which means your body doesn’t make it, and you have to get it in foods. It’s found in meats and animal products, and lesser amounts in plant sources of protein. Methionine has four major roles in your body:

Combines with other amino acids to make proteins for your body
Precursor to glutathione, your body’s “master antioxidant”[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9679538″]
Helps form compounds that ensure healthy cell division[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11289306″]
Helps with DNA replication — faulty DNA replication can lead to tumors

Methionine dependency and tumors

Tumors depend on methionine to grow. Researchers discovered in the 1970s that tumors will not grow in its absence. Scientists call this phenomenon “methionine dependency.”[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2213904 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8495409″]

Cancerous cells have a higher requirement of methionine than healthy cells do. Radiologists use this notion to their advantage. They inject patients with radioactive methionine to measure the size and location of brain tumors, and because brain tumor cells gobble it up, tumors will light up on a scan much brighter than surrounding cells.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827046/”]

What makes this promising for cancer treatment is that normal, healthy cells aren’t methionine dependent — only tumor cells need methionine to survive.[ref url=”https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030573720300118X”] When there isn’t enough methionine, healthy cells get what they need from another amino acid called homocysteine. Cancer cells, especially the ones that are highly dependent on methionine to grow, cannot use homocysteine to meet their methionine requirements and will die off when there’s not enough.[ref url=”https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030573720300118X”][ref url=”http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/49/17/4859.short”]

Scientists have been able to shrink tumors using both diets that limit methionine or using an enzyme that breaks down methionine, rendering it useless in the body.[ref url=”https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030573720300118X”]

Can avoiding methionine cut your risk of cancer?

Certain tumor cell types are hungrier for methionine than others,[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827046/”] but they all need methionine to survive and grow.

So, do you eliminate it? Since methionine helps with protein synthesis, production of glutathione, supports bones, and it helps your genes express properly, among other important functions, it’s not a good idea to avoid it entirely. The key is to adopt a low-methionine diet.

Research shows that low methionine diets can increase the lifespan of animals.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18789600″] One reason is that low methionine diets slow cancer growth[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22342103″][ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22342103″] Another reason is that it increases levels of glutathione in the bloodstream,[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8001743″] which is protective against damaging oxidative stress and therefore prevents disease processes from starting. Methionine also decreased the rates of several aging measures, like hormone levels and cataracts, in rats,[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12543260″][ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15924568″] which shows promise for slowing aging in humans.

How to eat a low methionine diet

Whether you have cancer or not, you’ll benefit from lowering your methionine levels for general longevity purposes and to keep oxidative stress low.

Foods containing high levels of methionine include:[ref url=”https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/”]

Eggs
Fish
Game meats
Dairy products
Poultry, especially turkey
Grass-fed meats

There are also plant sources of methionine. People on a vegan diet typically consume low methionine and will generally miss out on vital nutrients like collagen protein and vitamin B12, among others that you only find in animal products.

The standard American diet, traditional keto diets, paleo diets, and others focus on meat or animal products as the main event on your plate. That’s too much methionine. The Bulletproof Diet is moderate in protein by design, for reasons like this — excessive amounts of certain amino acids can cause problems.

To reduce your methionine, it’s easy to eyeball your meat portions. Cover your plate with vegetables, add just a few ounces (like the size of 2-3 of your fingers) of grass-fed meat or wild-caught fish, then add plenty of healthy fats. That’s it. No need to measure.

Bonus: do a protein fast

One to two days a week, do a protein fast. All you need to do here is consume no more than 15g of protein in a day, and add a little extra fat to feel full. Brain Octane oil is a flavorless, versatile way to do this — you can put it on almost anything. You’ll likely get to your protein upper limit with veggies alone.

Protein fasting kickstarts autophagy, the process by which your cells clean house. Cells that are free from damaged DNA pieces and faulty organelles work more efficiently and are more resistant to the damage that results in tumor formation. That, on top of starving any cancerous cells of methionine, results in a multi-angle approach to keeping your cells, and your cell division, healthy.

Better Sleep Month Part 1 – You’re an Animal, Says Your Biological Chronotype – #589

May 7, 2019 by Dave Asprey

12 Best Paleo Foods You Can Find at Walmart

May 6, 2019 by Dave Asprey

Eating nutrient-dense whole foods doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’d like to try out a low-carb lifestyle but you’re worried about the expense, look no further than your local Walmart. The company — the largest grocer in the United States — overhauled its image in recent years with its commitment to budget-friendly fresh fruits and vegetables and healthier packaged goods. Going paleo has never been this easy — or affordable. Read on for the best paleo foods — that also happen to be Bulletproof-approved — to buy at Walmart. And download this Walmart paleo shopping checklist to have on-hand next time you head to the store.

Wellbee’s Super Fine Almond Flour $30 for 2lb

Almond flour is a great swap for wheat flour. It’s lower in carbs, and higher in good fats and protein. Plus the majority of people can’t tolerate gluten — it sucks nutrients from your body and contributes to arthritis and inflammation.

One Bulletproof staffer says her mom used Wellbee’s almond flour in a gluten-free carrot cake and it was a huge hit. Or for a savory option, try it in this avocado pizza recipe.

Dynamic Health Organic Coconut Vinegar w/ Mother, $10.92 for 16 oz

Apple cider vinegar might be your go-to condiment to add tang to your salad dressings (or to clear up your skin). But you may want to make space in your pantry for coconut vinegar. This wonder food is anti-aging, supports fat-burning, and strengthens your gut. Dynamic Health’s coconut vinegar is made from the sap, and not from diluted coconut water, which has less nutrients.

Sam’s Choice All-Natural Wild Caught Alaskan King Salmon, $16.98 for 16 oz

Wild-caught salmon is one of nature’s superfoods, full of brain-nourishing omega-3 fats. You always want to choose wild fish over farmed, since farm-raised salmon has fewer nutrients and may contain parasites, heavy metals, and environmental contaminants.

Try it in this baked salmon with thyme-ghee and coconut noodles recipe, or these kid-friendly paleo sweet potato and salmon patties.

Bulletproof Cold Brew, $4.98 for 11.1 fl oz

What do you do when you want a Bulletproof Coffee on-the-go? Grab a Bulletproof Cold Brew. It’s simply coffee mixed with Brain Octane Oil (a high-quality MCT oil) and grass-fed butter. The result? Creamy and sweet, minus any sugar. Cold Brew comes in a variety of flavors — vanilla, mocha, and original. Then there’s the Cold Brew with collagen protein added, and that comes in original, vanilla latte, and dark chocolate. Insider tip: Pour over ice and enjoy.

Siete Family Foods Grain Free Tortillas, $8.96 for a pack of 8

For a healthier taco night that’s easier on your gut, pick up a pack of these grain-free coconut and cassava flour tortillas. Fill them up with keto slow cooker Mexican shredded beef or some scrambled eggs and mashed avocado for a hearty breakfast.

Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter $5.99 for 8 oz

Bulletproof is all about organic, grass-fed butter. This healthy fat is chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Stock up on Kerrygold butter at Walmart for one of the best prices. Blend it into your Bulletproof Coffee or try this keto poached butter shrimp.

Sunfood Raw Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil, $9 for 16 fl oz

Coconut oil is full of beneficial fats that boost your gut health and power your brain. It’s especially good for cooking since it has a high smoke point, so it isn‘t easily oxidized (aka damaged). Still, you only want to make coconut oil a small part of your diet — too much of it can cause inflammation.

Applegate Naturals Beef Hot Dog, $4.98 for 10 oz

These beef hot dogs are made from 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. They also contain no added nitrites or nitrates, and only use those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery powder. They do contain dehydrated onion and nutmeg oil, which are in the yellow to orange zone on the Bulletproof Diet for their high mold toxin risk. Bottom line: Indulge in these on occasion.

Great Value Organic Unsweetened Coconut Flakes $1.98 for 7 oz

These organic coconut flakes come in a convenient resealable bag so they stay fresh for longer. Sprinkle over a smoothie bowl or make these low-carb keto coconut macaroons.

Green Giant Spiralized and Riced Veggies $2.48 for 12 oz

Spiralized and riced veggies are a paleo lover’s best friend. Green Giant makes it easy to whip up low-carb versions of your favorite comfort foods. Try the zucchini noodles in this creamy carbonara zoodles with crispy bacon and sage recipe. Or use the riced cauliflower in any one of these 20 super easy low-carb cauliflower rice recipes.

BetterBody Foods Organic Coconut Flour, $6.99 for 2.25 lbs

One of the hardest things when starting the paleo, keto, or other low-carb diet is cutting out comfort staples like bread. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to. Coconut flour can be used to make a fluffy, moist paleo loaf, so you never need to feel deprived. This BetterBody Foods Organic Coconut Flour is a steal at just $6.99 for a huge container.

LaCroix, $3 for an 8-pack

Who doesn’t love LaCroix? It’s almost impossible to scroll through your Instagram feed without seeing your favorite celebrity or influencer sipping from a can of this fruit-flavored sparkling water. The best part? The only ingredients are carbonated water and natural fruit flavors sourced from essence oils.

3 Reasons to Love Your Big Butt, According to Science

May 3, 2019 by Team Asprey

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A growing body of research shows that a larger rear-end increases longevity and improves cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Keep in mind that the benefits of a big butt are linked to a larger hip-to-waist ratio, not simply larger hips. That means you want to target the fat in your midsection.
Lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss, such as intermittent fasting or high intensity interval training (HIIT workouts), tend to target visceral fat first, helping you shed weight where it matters most.

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Sir Mixalot’s “Baby Got Back” may have been on to something, along with Nicki Minaj, J-Lo, Solange, Meghan Trainor, and countless women artists reframing the way America appreciates the fuller-figured body. It’s not just about aesthetics. As it turns out, curves in the right places may help keep disease at bay.

A growing body of research shows that a larger booty is linked to lower mortality and better cardiovascular and metabolic health.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20663064″][ref url=”https://www.nature.com/articles/ijo2009286″]

How can a big booty help you live longer? The key is in how your body stores its fat. Let’s start at the bottom (literally).

Download the Bulletproof 30-Day Upgrade to supercharge your brain and body

Benefits of a big butt: What the science says

Most studies on hip circumference are “controlled” to study hips alone. This means researchers statistically adjust for other variables like disease, obesity, or waist circumference, so that the differences left are more likely to be linked to hip circumference. The benefits of a big butt include:

Lowers disease risk: Studies show that folks with proportionally larger hips and behinds — more fat stored in their lower body — may be at lower risk for heart disease, metabolic disease, and overall mortality. A larger hip-to-waist ratio is linked to a drop in cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and stiff or calcified arteries, as well as a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11522554″][ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1870428″][ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9062540″]

Protects against diabetes: Lower body fat distribution is also associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes, and correlates with greater insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugars. Along with these factors, heavier hips also correspond to higher levels of ascorbic acid in the blood, a powerful antioxidant.[ref url=”https://www.nature.com/articles/ijo2009286″]

Boosts longevity: Most importantly, when all other factors are controlled for, a larger hip circumference is linked to a longer life.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11595782″] Researchers are beginning to find that a proportionally larger hip area may be even more important than a small waist or low BMI (a weight to height ratio) when it comes to lowering risks of cardiovascular disease and premature death.[ref url=”https://www.nhs.uk/news/obesity/normal-bmi-with-a-big-belly-deadlier-than-obesity/”]

The hidden dangers of visceral fat

Keep in mind that the benefits above are linked to a larger hip-to-waist ratio, not simply larger hips. That means you want to target the fat in your midsection.

Society holds small waists in high regard, but the conversation goes deeper than vanity. A larger waist circumference is indicative of excess visceral fat in the abdomen. Healthy levels help protect your abdominal organs, and play a role in your endocrine and immune function, but when you have too much, visceral fat can seriously harm your performance and health.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22572689″]

Logically, a relative waist size and hip size have opposite effects on health. Studies show that excess visceral fat contributes to insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10889795″] Visceral fat cells behave differently than fat in other body areas, and can also induce inflammation by releasing cytokines.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23303913″]

High visceral fat also inhibits adiponectin, the hormone that helps your body regulate how much fat it needs to pack on. Together, high visceral fat and low adiponectin are linked to weight gain and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.[ref url=”https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/oby.20425″]

Work that hip-to-waist ratio

Overall, staying within a healthy weight range and eating a low-carbohydrate, anti-inflammatory diet are the some of the best things you can do for you health. Remember that there is no single “perfect” body shape, but the way your body stores fat may give you important hints about your health. For example, different body shapes can provide clues that your hormones may be off.

For those on the curvier side, targeting the more dangerous visceral fat in your midsection can be a solid plan for raising your hip-to-waist circumference ratio. Luckily, studies have shown that lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss, such as intermittent fasting or high intensity interval training (HIIT workouts), tend to target visceral fat first, helping you shed weight where it matters most.[ref url=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23303913″]

You can also alter your hip-to-waist ratio by powering up on workouts that help build muscle in your lower body. Check out this article on butt-sculpting workouts for a roundup of top tips.

Beyond Ketofast: Your Need-to-Know Guide – Part 2 with Dr. Joseph Mercola

May 2, 2019 by Dave Asprey

This is part 2 of a two-part bonus episode of Bulletproof Radio. Be sure to listen to part 1, Ketofast: Your Need-to-Know Guide #588.

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, the conversation takes a turn into the topics Dr. Mercola presented recently at the Upgrade Labs 6^th Annual Biohacking Conference. Here are some highlights:

Eating after dark is not a good strategy, but there might be a window if you’re up late into the night.
REM sleep changes as you age
The value of a float tank
Heat shock proteins are a corollary to autophagy.
Chronic keto is not in your best interest, “Your body needs carbohydrates on a regular basis,” says Dr. Mercola.
The importance of insulin
Ideal body fat percentages for men and women
Recommended lab tests to quantify yourself
Stimulating your immune system
Wireless frequencies affect every life form on the planet

Dr. Mercola is an osteopathic physician who began exploring the world of natural medicine in the early 1990s after spending several years working within the conventional medicine model. His whole-person approach to health and his focus on preventive care led him to pioneer health information on the Internet where www.mercola.com has been consistently rated a top natural health website since launching 22 years ago.

He’s also a prolific author of more than a dozen books, three of which are New York Times bestsellers. He newest book is titled: “KETOFAST: Rejuvenate Your Health with a Step-by-Step Guide to Timing Your Ketogenic Meals.” He’s also authored numerous medical articles and is frequently featured on national media outlets.

Dr. Mercola has been interviewed before on Bulletproof Radio and contributed to Bulletproof articles. Check out the show notes below for those links.

Enjoy the show!