Episode 198

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Topics:

1. [5:59] Research Foundations
2. [19:22] Diet After Thyroidectomy
3. [24:02] Low White Blood Cell Count After Paleo
4. [28:22] Coagulation And Pig Oil In Costa Rica
5. [32:47] Omega-3’s And Myelination
6. [41:57] Masturbation And Mineral Deficiencies
7. [44:17] In Season Lifting For Rugby
8. [50:58] Increasing Vertical Jump

 

Questions:

1. Research Foundations

Heather says:
Hi Robb and Greg,
Of course a thank you for all that you do! I am one of your “regular people” listeners – not super hardcore. Before being introduced to you, I knew that I wasn’t feeling as well as I should and that I probably wasn’t on the best path for health and longevity. Now, I feel more empowered than ever before to take control and make every day better than the last. For that, I appreciate all that you do!
Anyhow, I would like to know where you both stand in regards to research foundations and philanthropic efforts. I’m very curious if you have any strong opinions on organizations that are doing great work that could help this wealth of knowledge get broader exposure, as well as monetary legs to continue to produce solid research. It blew my mind (and continues to do so) to see the information and projects that groups like American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association advocate. I recently have been dedicating time and money to Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in the fight against Type 1 Diabetes. But as I become more aware (through listening to you and reading Chris Kresser’s articles that state that Celiac Disease can contribute to T1D), I am unable to find JDRF’s stance on diet and nutrition. What are your thoughts? I want to ensure my time, efforts, and money are going to an organization that supports the same beliefs as I do – and that is ultimately improving the lives they touch.
Again, thank you for all that you do.
Much gratitude,
Heather

 

2. Diet after thyroidectomy

Georgina says:
Hi Guys,

I am waiting on a thyroidectomy due to malignant papillary carcinoma. I have been searching for dietary advice for living longterm without a thyroid gland but have come up with basically nothing. It will be some time before replacement hormone levels get sorted out as I will also be having radiated iodine treatment after surgery.

Ate Paleo for about a year, then lost the plot recently. Getting my act together again now. Would like to be proactive in maximising my health moving forward and any dietary advice will be much appreciated. Respect and value your opinions,

Georgina

 

3. Searched FAQs for Paleo Effects on WBC But Found Nothing

Bennett says:
Hi Robb (and Robb’s team?),

I’m sure you guys are super busy, so I appreciate your reading this question.

My wife and I have both been eating Paleo, thanks to your book, for several years now, and we both feel better than ever.

I’m not particularly concerned, but both my wife and I now have low white blood cell counts (me at 2.7 and her at 3.1). Before going Paleo my WBC was at 4.8. We both feel very healthy and neither one of us gets sick with abnormal frequency.

Do you know whether switching to Paleo can lower your WBC?

I’ve tried searching the internet but there’s not much information on it, the best explanation I read was that because a paleo diet lowers inflammation in the body, it’s reasonable to assume WBC to go down with it. But that could just be “forum lore” and nothing more.

Thanks for your help in advance and thanks for writing the paleo solution, it’s truly changed our lives.

Bennett

 

4. Pig Oil in Costa Rica

Jodi says:
Dear Robb and Greg,

I live in Costa Rica where it is hard to find any westernized products. So this translates into no paleo flours, no specialty grass fed butters or ghee, and, worst of all, no coconut oil! Thankfully, much of the meat here is locally sourced and grass-fed, so I do not have to worry too much about grain-fed meats. However, back to my “no coconut oil” issue, so for my cooking oil, I go to my local “carniceria” butcher shop, where every morning  they fry up pork meat and pork rinds. I bring a gallon container and have them fill it with the pork oil that was left over from the cooking.   I say “pork oil” and not lard because it is not solid; it is literally oil with some beige cloudiness to it.  (I always thought pork fat was solid like lard….what is your take on this? Is it normal for pig fat to be an oil?)  Anyhow, this brings me to my first question. I listened to a podcast awhile back where you had mentioned that pork caused blood coagulation, so naturally since I am using pork oil as my main cooking oil, I looked it up to figured out if the coagulation was just for eating the protein of the pig or if it also included the fat (pork oil). Unfortunately, I could not find anything substantiating.  Therefore, I’d like your opinion on using pork oil for all my main cooking oil and its effect on blood coagulation.  Also, what would you suggest as an alternative cooking oil, if you think the pig oil is not a good daily source?

 

5. Omega-3’s and Myelination

JP says:

On a recent podcast (ep. 188) the question of fat in the post workout window came up. I have also messed around with the idea of fat following exercise but have never found any dramatic results. I consume Bluebonnet Whey Protein Isolate, which has some MCT Oil added but that is about the extent my post workout fat consumption.

When you answered that question you hypothesized using Omega-3’s as the post work out fat source. This reminded me of a point that was mentioned in Daniel Coyle’s “The Talent Code” where omega-3’s aid in the myelination of neurons. Coyle suggests that increasing Omega-3 consumption could have athletic benefits. There are well documented neurological effects of Omega-3s in the scientific literature as well (http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids) So forgetting about fats post workout for recovery, improved body composition, or improved physical output, could omega-3’s be valuable following a skill heavy training session (i.e. following deep practice)? Is it possible that some dose of Omega-3’s following some learning, be it physical or mental, could aid in engraining these movement patterns or greasing the grove of the neurological pathways? Do you think consuming Omega-3s prior to deep practice could be beneficial as myelin is comprised of Omega-3 fatty acids in it’s structure and making more building blocks available could lead to better insulation of the neurons?

I know a case has recently been made for reducing the supplementation of Omega-3’s due to the overall oxidative stress it can potentially put on the body. But for improved mental and neurological performance would supplementing with high doses of omega-3’s pre- or post- practice be something worth “tinkering with?” Say pre- or post- neuro-heavy strength workout or before or after learning how to land a kickflip on a skateboard?

Also there was a great article by David Robinson on learning in the May 22, 2013 issue of New Scientist titled “Old Schooled: You never stop learning like a child” it appears there is still hope after the age of 25.

And since we are on the topic of learning, what is your take on nootropics? It seems unclear from the literature whether or not these smart drugs existed in pre-agricultural societies so I am going to chalk it up to a gray area along with dairy and psychedelics.

Thanks,

JP

 

6. Masturbation Mineral Deficiencies

Joel says:
Hi Rob,
There’s a lot of mixed opinions out regarding masturbation being healthy or not. Can masturbation lead to mineral deficiencies?
of course personally i don’t do it it. I just wanted to find out for a friend or something..
Thank you

 

7. Rugby in season lifting

Rupert says:
Dear Robb, Greg and Squatchy.

Dave Asprey can suck it, you’ve got the best blog! Thanks for all you do, and keep doing!

I hope your knowledge can extend its way into my approach to the sport I play, (in England) rugby. My question is what is your advice on in season lifting to support my 1 rugby training session (I only make 1 due to travel, on a thursday) and a game on a Saturday. What are you thoughts on frequency and the type of lifting I should be doing to support my current strength and body comp.

A little detail, I’m semi-pro, I play wing which is similar to a wide receiver in terms of sprinting but in rugby it isn’t quite as stop start as football. I’m currently 21, 6foot, 200lbs, have an 11second 100m, 60inch vertical jump (over a hurdle) and pretty good lifting experience in more of a westside approach.

Any advice is greatly appreciated guys!

Also is front desk available in England?

Thanks,
Rupert.

 

8. Increasing Verticle Jump

Bryce says:
What’s up guys. I heard Robb say in a previous podcast that at one time he could dunk a basketball from a standing position. I’m just wondering if you have any tips on increasing your vertical and what exercises you saw the most results from. Love the podcast, keep up the great work.

 

 

 

Squatchy

Christopher Williams (a.k.a. Squatchy) is a paleo aficionado, educator, personal trainer, wellness coach, and hobbyist chef. He also works as part of the Robb Wolf team.