Last week, I delved into three common health foods—nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and fermented foods—that are often celebrated in the health space, especially within plant-based diets. If you missed that discussion, you can catch up here. Today, I want to explore two other frequently praised health foods that might surprise you: bone broth and liver. Like many of you, I once incorporated these into my diet, believing in their benefits. However, it's essential to understand why they might not be as beneficial as we think.
Bone Broth: A Misleading Health Elixir
Bone broth has been lauded for its supposed healing properties, but there's more beneath the surface:
Adrenaline Contamination: When animals are slaughtered, their adrenal glands release a surge of adrenaline into their bloodstream and bones—a last-ditch effort to survive. This adrenaline becomes part of the bone marrow, which ends up in the bone broth consumed by humans. Essentially, bone broth acts as a steroid treatment, giving a temporary, misleading boost rather than promoting genuine healing. Our brains recognize this foreign adrenaline, interpreting it as a signal of fear and chaos. This can lead to harmful effects, such as stimulating false neurotransmitter responses and potentially contributing to degenerative brain diseases.
High-Fat Content: Bone broth is rich in fats, which can slow glucose absorption in the brain, leading to cravings for sweet foods. This can be particularly problematic for those trying to manage their sugar intake or maintain stable energy levels.
Unnecessary Additives: Many recipes suggest adding vinegar to bone broth to extract nutrients from the bones. However, this can be dehydrating and is not necessary; using high-quality water is sufficient for nutrient extraction. Consuming bone broth, despite its popularity, can have negative impacts on health.
Alternative to Bone Broth: Instead of bone broth, try making a vegetable broth. It's an easy alternative that can be just as nourishing without the drawbacks. Here's a simple recipe I use, often varying it based on what vegetables I have in the house or scraps saved in the freezer.
Liver: A Nutrient Powerhouse with Hidden Risks
Eating liver is often praised for its rich nutrient content, including vitamin A, and its perceived benefits for liver and blood health. However, the risks may outweigh these benefits:
Toxin Storage: The liver stores excess stress hormones, such as adrenaline, in animals, particularly in wild animals that are often in a fight-or-flight state. While the liver contains beneficial nutrients like enzymes and minerals, it also stores toxins and animal-specific compounds that can burden the human liver. These harmful substances can outweigh the potential benefits, leading to organ overload and other health issues.
Vitamin A Toxicity: The liver provides a high dose of vitamin A, distinct from the plant-based form. As a fat-soluble nutrient, excess vitamin A is stored in the liver, potentially leading to toxic levels. Many advocates of liver consumption focus on its vitamin A content without considering the dangers of overconsumption, similar to the focus on vitamin D by some health enthusiasts. Relying on a single nutrient is not a comprehensive solution to health.
A Path to True Healing
Since eliminating these two items from my diet and advising my clients to do the same, I've witnessed significant improvements and renewed progress in cases where healing had previously stalled. Removing bone broth and liver from our diets has allowed us to move forward in our health journeys, free from the hidden burdens these foods can impose.
In conclusion, while bone broth and liver are often promoted as nutrient-dense superfoods, it's crucial to understand the potential downsides and approach them with caution. As we strive for genuine healing and optimal health, it's important to consider the full picture and make informed choices about what we consume. Remember, your body knows best—always listen to it and be open to questioning popular trends.
Source:
This information is sourced from Anthony William, “Medical Medium”. His healing information is radically improving the lives of thousands of people around the world and it has worked miracles in my own health as well.
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