#1175 - Chris Kresser Dr Joel Kahn

At a Glance

• Standard American Diet is Bad - “And any deviation from it that’s a whole food-based diet, especially with proper nutrients that are supplemented, if you’re vegan or what have you, is going to be better than a standard American diet.” This point is significant because it highlights the importance of moving away from the typical Western diet and towards more wholesome eating habits.

• Veganism in Sports - “Alex Caceres. He’s a world-class fighter. He’s completely vegan… Sean O’Malley was for a while, but he found himself to have much more energy when he started eating meat” This point is notable because it shows that some high-level athletes are exploring plant-based diets and others are experiencing benefits from including animal products.

• Proper Nutrition Matters - “It’s not just about being vegan or not vegan, it’s about having proper nutrients… Microbiome and supplementation… Yeah, believe it” This point is important because it emphasizes the need for careful consideration of nutritional needs, regardless of dietary approach.

• Respectful Disagreement - “Hallelujah. We got through it very peacefully… Just eat real food… I believe I’m doing that in Detroit and the people that come to see me” This point is notable because it shows that even when discussing sensitive topics, individuals can engage in respectful and constructive dialogue.

• Problems with Nutritional Epidemiology - “Data collection relies completely on memory, which is not a precise representation of events.” Chris Kresser highlights the challenges and inaccuracies in nutritional epidemiology studies.

What to Do

• Limit saturated fat intake for better heart health - Saturated fat has been linked to increased cholesterol levels and heart disease risk, so reducing intake can potentially lower the risk of heart disease. (Dr. Joel Kahn)

• Focus on whole foods and limit processed foods - Opting for whole, nutrient-dense foods over processed, calorie-rich options can lead to better overall health outcomes. (Dr. Joel Kahn)

• Just Eat Real Food - This advice is given by both Dr. Joel Kahn and Chris Kresser, emphasizing the importance of consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods over processed or standard American diets.

• Educate Yourself - As stated by Joe Rogan, this advice encourages listeners to delve deeper into the topic, explore resources, and educate themselves on the subject matter, which in this case is veganism and optimal nutrition.

• Focus on Supplements and Microbiome for Better Recovery - Chris Kresser mentions that athletes may benefit from proper supplementation and microbiome support, particularly when adopting a vegan diet or making significant changes to their nutritional intake.

What to Get

• The Vegan Athlete by Rich Roll

• The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan

• Eat and Run by Scott Jurek and Steve Friedman

• Nori - Source of iodine for those following a vegan diet

• Kelp - Another source of iodine for those following a vegan diet

• Hijiki - Yet another source of iodine for those following a vegan diet

• Iodized Salt - Main source of iodine in the diet

• Dairy Products - High in iodine due to iodophore used in cleaning tanks

• Sea Vegetables - Source of iodine for those not consuming dairy or iodized salt

Summary

In this fascinating podcast episode, Joe Rogan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Joel Kahn and Chris Kresser about a diet commonly followed by athletes - a predominantly plant-based regimen that excludes land animals. The discussion begins with the initial intention of losing weight, but it soon delves into the benefits of quicker recovery, which is attributed to a vegan lifestyle.

The podcast highlights several notable examples of athletes who have adopted this diet, including Alex Caceres, a world-class fighter, and Griff Whalen, a former NFL tight end. These individuals claim that their plant-based diet has significantly improved their energy levels and overall athletic performance. Furthermore, Dr. Joel Kahn mentions the case of Scott Jurek, an ultra-marathoner who set the record for running 2,400 miles on the Appalachian Trail while following a vegan diet.

However, the conversation also touches upon the potential benefits of consuming nutrient-dense foods such as organ meats, shellfish, meat, fish, and eggs. The guests suggest that these foods could provide an additional boost to one’s athletic performance, although this aspect remains disputed among experts. Throughout the episode, Joe Rogan maintains a neutral tone, allowing his guests to share their insights and experiences without bias.

One of the most interesting aspects of this conversation is the emphasis on whole food-based diets, which are presented as a clear improvement over the standard American diet. The guests stress that even with supplementation, adopting a predominantly plant-based regimen can lead to better overall health and athletic performance. They also encourage listeners to explore Chris Kresser’s resources and Dr. Joel Kahn’s website for more information on this topic.

Ultimately, the podcast episode concludes with a sense of camaraderie among its participants. Despite their differing views on certain aspects of diet and nutrition, they manage to engage in a respectful and informative conversation that is both entertaining and enlightening. The guests’ passion for their subject matter shines through, making this episode an engaging listen for anyone interested in sports, nutrition, or simply exploring new ideas.