The Top Foods To Eat To Clear Out Your Arteries, Fight Cancer & Heal The Body | Dr. William Li

Mark Hyman, MD・2 minutes read

The Vegas nerve plays a crucial role in communication between the brain and gut bacteria, emphasizing the significance of using food as medicine. Anecdotes and research by William highlight the transformative impact of food on health, showcasing the importance of personalized approaches to overall well-being.

Insights

  • The Vegas nerve is essential for brain-gut communication, emphasizing the significant role of gut bacteria in overall health.
  • William advocates for using food as medicine, highlighting the effectiveness of phytochemicals in plants over traditional drugs for certain conditions.
  • Individualized health approaches, focusing on unique contexts, are crucial for effective treatment, shifting from disease diagnosis to promoting overall well-being.

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Recent questions

  • What is the role of the Vegas nerve in the body?

    The Vegas nerve is a major nerve that connects the brain to the gut, playing a crucial role in communication between the two. This nerve is essential for transmitting signals and information between the brain and gut bacteria, influencing various bodily functions and overall health.

  • How does William approach treating diseases?

    William, a physician and scientist, focuses on using food as medicine to combat diseases. He emphasizes the benefits of phytochemicals in plants, which can be more effective than traditional drugs in treating certain conditions. William's approach involves transitioning from developing medicines to exploring the healing properties of food for disease management.

  • What does Function Health offer for health assessment?

    Function Health, William's company, provides comprehensive lab tests to measure deviations from health and assess optimal ranges. These tests offer insights into individual health status, allowing for personalized treatment approaches based on each person's unique context and needs.

  • Why is gut health important for overall well-being?

    Gut health is crucial for immunity, inflammation reduction, faster wound healing, and mental well-being. A healthy gut microbiome can impact conditions like autism, emphasizing the significance of maintaining gut health for overall health and wellness.

  • How do antioxidants protect DNA from damage?

    Antioxidants play a vital role in protecting DNA from damage, which can lead to health issues like cancer if left unrepaired. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, antioxidants help maintain the integrity of DNA, safeguarding against potential health risks associated with DNA damage.

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Summary

00:00

"William: Food as Medicine for Health"

  • The Vegas nerve, a major nerve from the brain to the gut, plays a crucial role in communication between the brain and gut bacteria.
  • William, a renowned physician and scientist, focuses on using food as medicine to combat diseases.
  • William's research showed that phytochemicals in plants can be more effective than drugs in treating certain conditions.
  • William transitioned from developing medicines to exploring the benefits of food in treating diseases.
  • An anecdote shared by a doctor highlighted the transformative impact of a diet change on a patient with multiple health issues.
  • Traditional medical training often focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases rather than promoting overall health.
  • William's company, Function Health, offers comprehensive lab tests to measure deviations from health and assess optimal ranges.
  • Mainstream medical testing methods have not evolved significantly despite advancements in understanding the body's functions.
  • Individualized approaches to health, considering each person's unique context, are crucial for effective treatment.
  • William emphasizes the historical significance of using food and lifestyle as primary tools for health, a practice often overlooked in modern medicine.

13:52

Nutrient-rich foods for gut health and longevity.

  • Combining water, coffee, and tea into a portable sack for convenience.
  • Discovering wild sage bush tea with higher cakin levels than green tea, beneficial for longevity.
  • Mother Nature's diverse pharmacy with potent natural remedies surpassing drugstores.
  • Importance of tree nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios for protein and gut health.
  • Significance of improving gut health for overall well-being, especially in cancer patients.
  • Impact of gut microbiome on cancer treatment response, emphasizing diversity and fiber intake.
  • Study showing a 30% decrease in melanoma mortality with every 5-6 grams of dietary fiber.
  • Polyphenols in fruits and vegetables as prebiotics for healthy gut bacteria.
  • Butyrate production by healthy gut bacteria from dietary fiber, aiding in cancer prevention.
  • Understanding the role of polyphenols in protecting DNA from mutations and cancer development.

27:16

"Fresh fruit benefits outweigh packaged options"

  • Fresh fruit is encouraged over packaged fruit due to concerns about microplastics.
  • Fruit is often picked unripe, affecting the full benefits of polyphenols.
  • Berries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, polyphenols, and fiber.
  • The sugar in fruit is different from added sugars in processed foods.
  • Timing of fruit consumption affects blood sugar levels.
  • Eating fruit with added sugar diminishes its health benefits.
  • Dried fruit is a convenient option with preserved skin and less sugar.
  • Organic fruits contain more polyphenols due to natural stress responses.
  • Plants produce polyphenols as a defense mechanism against pests.
  • Omega-3s are crucial for gut, brain, and immune health, found in various fish beyond salmon and tuna.

40:09

"Probiotic foods may harm gut health"

  • Emerging evidence suggests probiotic foods may harm gut microbiome, causing inflammation and diseases.
  • Sweetened yogurt often contains more sugar than soda, so always check labels for hidden sugars.
  • Milk quality varies based on source, with A2 cow milk being less inflammatory than A1 cow milk.
  • Goat and sheep dairy products, like cheese and yogurt, may be better tolerated than cow dairy.
  • Processed soy in ultra-processed foods is harmful, but whole soy products like edamame and tofu are beneficial.
  • Soy phytoestrogens block human estrogen, reducing breast cancer risk and improving health.
  • Inflammatory foods like ultra-processed snacks and candies can provoke inflammation and harm health.
  • Ultra-processed foods, like Cheetos and Doritos, do not support life and growth, impeding health instead.
  • Soy is safe in whole or fermented forms, debunking the myth of soy increasing breast cancer risk.
  • Individual reactions to foods vary, so listen to your body's signals and prioritize real, whole foods over processed options.

53:35

"Processed Foods, Gut Health, Stem Cells"

  • Ultra processed foods are identified as a major cause of global deaths, comprising 60-65% of diets and contributing to 11 million deaths annually.
  • Minimally processed foods like canned tomatoes, sardines, salmon jerky, and mackerel are acceptable alternatives to ultra processed foods.
  • Health is influenced by five key defense systems in the body, including circulation (angiogenesis) and stem cells.
  • Stem cells, present since conception, are stored in bone marrow, skin, heart, and body fat, aiding in internal regeneration.
  • High flavonol cocoa stimulates stem cells to repair damaged areas in the body, improving circulation and overall health.
  • Gut microbiome, consisting of 39 trillion bacteria, primarily resides in the large intestine, particularly the cecum.
  • The cecum, where most gut bacteria reside, is crucial for maintaining gut health and may be supported by the appendix.
  • A healthy gut microbiome can be transplanted to aid in health defense, as seen in a FDA-approved procedure for a cancer patient.
  • Gut bacteria communicate with the immune system, lower inflammation, produce short-chain fatty acids, and influence the gut-brain axis.
  • Understanding the gut-brain connection and the role of the vagus nerve highlights a new frontier in comprehending human health and well-being.

01:06:32

Optimal Health Through Gut Health and Supplements

  • Gut health is crucial for immunity, inflammation reduction, faster wound healing, and mental well-being, including addressing conditions like autism.
  • Fixing gut issues is key in treating autism, as gut microbiome health is linked to mental health and overall well-being.
  • DNA plays a significant role in health defense, with most DNA coding for health protection rather than protein production.
  • Antioxidants are essential for protecting DNA from damage, which can lead to health issues like cancer if not repaired.
  • The immune system is vital for overall health, protecting against external invaders like bacteria and viruses, as well as internal threats like cancer cells.
  • Inflammation is a natural part of the immune response but can become harmful if prolonged, leading to health issues.
  • Focusing on health defense systems like circulation, stem cells, gut microbiome, DNA, and the immune system is crucial for overall well-being.
  • Diversity in plant-based foods, including legumes, leafy greens, and mushrooms, is key to obtaining essential nutrients and promoting health.
  • Omega-3 and vitamin D supplements are beneficial for addressing nutritional gaps that may be challenging to fill through diet alone.
  • Supplements should be viewed as a complement to a healthy diet, not a replacement, to ensure optimal health and well-being.

01:19:37

"Probiotics: Gut Health and Healing Essentials"

  • Probiotics are essential for gut health, with lactus rudai being a beneficial option due to its positive effects on the oral and lower gut microbiome, internal healing, and mood improvement through oxytocin secretion.
  • Lactus rudai can be obtained from sources like sourdough bread and parmesan cheese, but it is recommended to opt for a chewable version to treat the gut microbiome effectively, fighting gum disease and cavity-causing bacteria.
  • The gut bacteria acran is crucial for overall health, particularly in autoimmune, cancer, and heart disease patients, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome for communication with the brain, immune system, and inflammatory system to aid in healing and overall well-being.
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