DEBUNKING Robert Cywes Carnivore Lies + More From Our Live Q&A

YouTube Video Transcript: State Control - North Wales

Key Concepts: Carnivore/Keto diet, Insulin resistance, Chat GPT reliability, GLP1 and GIP hormones, Electrolyte balance, Age-related blood pressure, NRF2 pathway, NFKB pathway, Autoimmune disease, Intestinal permeability, Lectins, Phytic acid, Exogenous ketones.

Response to Robert Cyrus Video

Main Point: Stephen expresses frustration with constant rebuttals needed against misinformation, particularly a recent video by Robert Cyrus.
Stephen's Argument: He emphasizes his 12-year experience with carnivore/keto, highlighting his fitness and health improvements as sufficient proof of its benefits. He finds the need to constantly justify his dietary choices tiresome.
Richard's Input: Richard points out that Cyrus's video relies on Chat GPT for "facts," which are often inaccurate. He tested Cyrus's assertions using Chat GPT and found them to be false.
Chat GPT Discussion: Both agree Chat GPT is a useful research tool but requires careful questioning. They cite a live experiment where Chat GPT initially denied the existence of the shikimate pathway in humans, later correcting itself after being challenged.
Insulin Suppression Theory: Stephen dismisses Cyrus's theory of insulin suppression as "absolute nonsense." He explains that lower insulin levels on a carnivore diet are simply due to lower carbohydrate intake.
Incretin Hormones (GLP1 & GIP): Stephen clarifies the role of incretin hormones in insulin response, explaining that they amplify insulin secretion when glucose is ingested orally compared to intravenous infusion. He refutes Cyrus's claim that GLP1 response is impaired after long-term carnivore dieting, citing his own glucose monitor experiment as evidence.
Actionable Insight: Stephen promises a detailed video debunking Cyrus's claims point by point.

Salt and Electrolyte Balance

Question: Do I need to put salt in my water every day?
Richard's Explanation: Sodium is essential, especially on a low-carb/keto diet due to reduced insulin levels. Insulin normally helps retain sodium in the kidneys. Lower insulin leads to sodium excretion, potentially causing "keto flu" (fatigue, nausea).
Insulin Resistance and Hypertension: Richard connects insulin resistance to high blood pressure, explaining that elevated insulin levels cause sodium retention.
Salt Intake: Salt intake needs vary; some need more, some less, and some only temporarily during adaptation.
Electrolyte Supplements: Richard recommends his own electrolyte supplements, containing all necessary electrolytes.
Celtic Sea Salt: If using salt, Celtic sea salt is preferred over pink Himalayan salt due to its organic certification.
Stephen's Tip: A quarter teaspoon of salt in water can quickly alleviate headaches.

Blood Pressure Ranges

Question: In your opinion, what is the healthiest blood pressure range for adults?
Richard's Explanation: Blood pressure standards have been lowered over time, potentially driven by pharmaceutical interests. Age-related blood pressure is a better indicator.
Age-Related Rule of Thumb: Systolic pressure = age + 100. Diastolic pressure = systolic - 40 (pulse pressure).
Context Matters: Blood pressure should be considered in context with other factors like heart rate and overall metabolic health.
Low Blood Pressure: Too low blood pressure can also be problematic, causing dizziness and fainting.

Taurine and Cancer

Question: Just saw in review taurine may execute cancer in leukemia patients. Any idea why that could be?
Richard's Explanation: Taurine inhibits the NFKB pathway, which promotes inflammation and cancer cell growth. This leads to increased apoptosis (cancer cell death) and reduced inflammation.
NFKB Activation: Environmental toxins (exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, arsenic) activate NFKB via the NRF2 pathway.
Pro-oxidant Effects of Vegetables: Richard argues that vegetables, often touted as antioxidants, are actually pro-oxidants. They activate NRF2, which can lead to NFKB activation and potentially cancer.
Glutathione Response: Vegetables elicit a glutathione response (the body's master antioxidant) to bind to toxins and remove them, but this is a pro-oxidant effect.
DNA Damage: Broccoli, for example, damages DNA via clastogenesis due to isothiocyanates.

Nicotine and NRF2

Question: Guys, Dave Aspbury coming out with nicotine is good for a mental boost and it's not the demon we think it is. Any thoughts?
Stephen's Response: Nicotine activates the NRF2 pathway, making it undesirable for regular consumption.
Richard's Perspective: While nicotine may offer short-term mood and concentration benefits, it's not recommended.
Medicinal Use vs. Daily Consumption: Both agree that certain substances can have medicinal benefits but shouldn't be used daily.
Evolutionary Perspective: Humans survived for millions of years without daily medication, relying primarily on animal-based diets with occasional medicinal plant use.
Turmeric Example: Turmeric can provide short-term anti-inflammatory benefits by activating NRF2, but long-term use can lead to oxalate accumulation and NRF2 overexpression.
Ketones as the "Magic Elixir": Ketones, produced on a low-carb diet, elicit a glutathione response without activating NRF2, making them a preferable alternative to plant-based supplements.

Carnivore Diet and Lupus

Question: Can carnivore help lupus?
Stephen's Response: Carnivore diet can reduce inflammation and eliminate plant toxins (lectins, oxalates), potentially alleviating lupus symptoms. Stable blood glucose levels may also contribute to symptom reduction.
Lack of Research: Limited scientific research exists due to lack of funding.
Richard's Explanation: Lupus is an autoimmune disease rooted in intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"). Healing the gut is crucial.
Causes of Intestinal Permeability: Wheat germ agglutinin (in wheat products, grains), alcohol, medication, and seed oils damage the gut lining.
Zonulin Release: Wheat germ agglutinin triggers the release of zonulin, which loosens the tight junctions between epithelial cells in the gut, leading to leaky gut.
Cortisol Levels: Imbalances in cortisol levels (high or low) can also contribute to skin problems.
Carnivore as Elimination Diet: Carnivore diet is the ultimate elimination diet, removing compounds that cause gut issues.

Insulin Resistance and Male Pattern Baldness

Question: Is insulin resistance connected to male pattern baldness?
Richard's Response: Yes, insulin resistance increases androgens, which can damage hair follicles and lead to male pattern baldness.
Stephen's Anecdote: Stephen shares his personal experience, noting that genetic testing predicted baldness for him, but he still has a full head of hair at 61, suggesting that nutrition can override genetic predispositions.

Supplements for Forearm Tendonitis

Question: Any supplements you'd recommend whilst trying to heal forearm tendinitis?
Richard's Recommendations:
- Dietary Additions: Include lamb for omega-3s and a good amino acid/B vitamin profile.
- Exogenous Ketones & C8 MCT Oil: Ketone production helps block inflammation by inhibiting the NLRP3 pathway.
- Nutrient-Dense Animal Proteins & Natural Fats: Continue consuming these.
- Avoid Lectins & Phytic Acid: These compounds reduce nutrient absorption.
Lectins and Nutrient Absorption: Lectins bind to epithelial cells in the gut, reducing the surface area for nutrient absorption.
Phytic Acid and Mineral Absorption: Phytic acid blocks the absorption of zinc, iron, and magnesium.
Fiber as Anti-Nutrient: Fiber is considered an anti-nutrient.

School Community Promotion

Stephen's Promotion: Stephen promotes their "school community," a membership program offering courses, Q&A sessions, and support.
Content: The community includes free keto courses, tips for going carnivore, information on thyroid health, dairy, fruit/vegetables, protein, and problem-solving.
Exclusive Content: Members at higher levels receive Stephen's book for free and access to the "Fat Club" course.

Conclusion

The discussion covers a range of topics related to the carnivore and keto diets, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms and avoiding misinformation. Key takeaways include the unreliability of Chat GPT for medical advice, the role of insulin resistance in various health issues, the potential downsides of plant-based compounds, and the benefits of a carnivore diet for autoimmune conditions and overall health. The speakers advocate for a critical approach to health information and a focus on nutrient-dense animal foods while minimizing plant toxins.