Fork U with Dr. Terry Simpson  By  cover art

Fork U with Dr. Terry Simpson

By: Terry Simpson
  • Summary

  • Fork U(niversity) Not everything you put in your mouth is good for you. There’s a lot of medical information thrown around out there. How are you to know what information you can trust, and what’s just plain old quackery? You can’t rely on your own “google fu”. You can’t count on quality medical advice from Facebook. You need a doctor in your corner. On each episode of Your Doctor’s Orders, Dr. Terry Simpson will cut through the clutter and noise that always seems to follow the latest medical news. He has the unique perspective of a surgeon who has spent years doing molecular virology research and as a skeptic with academic credentials. He’ll help you develop the critical thinking skills so you can recognize evidence-based medicine, busting myths along the way. The most common medical myths are often disguised as seemingly harmless “food as medicine”. By offering their own brand of medicine via foods, These hucksters are trying to practice medicine without a license. And though they’ll claim “nutrition is not taught in medical schools”, it turns out that’s a myth too. In fact, there’s an entire medical subspecialty called Culinary Medicine, and Dr. Simpson is certified as a Culinary Medicine Specialist. Where today's nutritional advice is the realm of hucksters, Dr. Simpson is taking it back to the realm of science.
    Copyright 2024 Terry Simpson
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Episodes
  • Rice and Fruit or Carnivore
    May 8 2024
    Rice and Fruit or Carnivore

    The rice diet successfully treated malignant hypertension. Today, we have medications that treat malignant hypertension. Before the 1940s, there were no drugs available to treat this disease, resulting in death from untreated malignant hypertension within six months. Despite the best medical care available, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died from this disease.

    History of the Rice Diet

    Walter Kempner developed the rice diet to treat malignant hypertension. For example, failing kidneys would be given a reprieve with a diet low in sodium and protein. Then removal of saturated fat would allow some recovery of the heart.

    In a disease that had 100 percent death in six months, Kempner's results were amazing. For example, in Kempner’s original cohort of 192 people, only 25 patients died. In addition, 107 patients showed significant improvement (from 200/112 mm Hg to 149/96 mm Hg) with the diet. Equally important, heart size decreased in 66 of 72 patients. Moreover, cholesterol was reduced in 73 of 82 patients. Finally, retinopathy improved or disappeared completely in 21 of 33 patients.

    "Therapeutic results are little short of miraculous," noted an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine.

    The Rice Diet

    Patients were first hospitalized. The diet consisted of white rice, sugar, fruit, fruit juices, vitamins and iron. Total calories were 2,000 with 20 grams of protein and 150 mg of sodium.

    Kempner kept careful records of his patients. Reporting success and failure is a key to academic transparency. Finally, the ability to reproduce the data in other centers provided the final key to Kempner's work.

    Contrast the Carnivore Diet

    The carnivore diet is popular among young, buff men whose living is made by promoting and coaching this diet. They sell the diet based on classic marketing techniques used for overweight patients.

    • Lose weight without trying
    • No need to log your food
    • Eat as much as you want
    • Hunger isn't an issue

    Marketing phrases used by hucksters for years to trap people unhappy about their weight.

    No Science in the Carnivore Diet

    The carnivore diet relies on anecdotes, not evidence. Testimonials rule Facebook and YouTube sites. There are no publications about the diet. Finally, many in the carnivore community push against medicine. Conspiratorial thinking is strong, with phrases like this:

    • Doctors want you to be sick
    • The Medical Community wants to push pills
    • Vegetables have anti-nutrients

    Try to raise a concern about how this diet would increase the risk of heart disease, and they double down with misinformation. They will deny the evidence showing that high cholesterol leads to heart attacks and strokes. Or make the claim that if you are "metabolically healthy," you don't need to worry about cholesterol.

    No Academic Researchers

    There are no academic research scientists following people trying the carnivore diet.

    That means there is no transparency about the results. In addition, there is no accountability for any bad results.

    Those who promote the diet include Paul Saladino, a physician who doesn't see patients and makes his income selling supplements.

    The Liver King, who doesn't follow the diet, was caught using performance-enhancing drugs.

    Shawn Baker is an orthopedic-trained surgeon who lost his medical license and makes his money promoting the carnivore diet. The New Mexico Medical Board ordered the "voluntary and permanent...

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    13 mins
  • Grains on the Mediterranean Diet
    Apr 10 2024
    The Benefits of Whole Grains in Your Diet

    I want to take you back in time. While we talk about the Mediterranean diet not being a diet of culture but a pattern of eating – it still had its origins in the Mediterranean.

    The original Mediterranean diet was described as far back as 500 BC in the Ilead. The ancient Greeks ate whole grains, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and a bit of fish. Red meat was rare.

    While red meat may not have been a dietary staple for the Ancient Greeks, it was consumed during feasts, festivals, and special occasions.

    Cows were considered sacred gods, like Zeus, and their slaughter was for religious ceremonies and consumed during feasts

    The majority of the population received protein from fish, poultry, legumes, and whole grains.

    The First Olympics

    This was the diet of the first Olympians, as well as the Romans. Ancient Greeks worshiped the body, as you can see from the statues, as well as our language.

    We get the word gym from the Greek word “gymnasion," which translates to a place to exercise naked. But those gyms not only had a place to train but also schools, where literature, philosophy, math, and music were taught, as well as a social gathering place.

    We also get Diet from the Greeks, which originates from “diaita,” meaning the “way of life” or a manner of living. The Greeks had a balanced approach to health and well-being, emphasizing diet, exercise, and the mind.

    Gym bros and bro science were yet to be invented.

    Ancient Grains

    Could those Olympians of old who ate diets filled with whole-grain cereals have been wrong? Or could it be that those grains of the past were different from today’s grains?

    If you’ve ever been on a “low carb” diet, one of the first food groups you eliminate are grains.

    As you dutifully got rid of the last bit of joy in your life, you feel it was the cost to have your weight drop.

    You might have thought – "Grains are evil."

    Low Carb Life Without Grains

    Eating burgers without the bun, breakfast without toast, no pastries, no bread, no pasta, no rice, and you were losing weight. Lots of confirmation bias.

    Oh those heady early days of a low carb diet, losing weight, feeling better, maybe even noticing cholesterol improved. Hard to sustain though, and did you ever get tired of steak?

    Finding Joy in the Mediterranean Diet

    Now you come here and find the best diet is the Mediterranean diet. Lots of peer reviewed literature to support it.

    Then you wondered what in grains was evil. The first easy thought was that it all breaks down to glucose, and glucose is evil.

    Unless you know biochemistry and realize no, that’s not it. Your body runs on glucose.

    It's the Gluten

    And maybe you read about celiac disease and gluten as its trigger. Maybe some blogger convinced you that wheat in America is filled with gluten, and this is the problem.

    Unable to sustain a low-carb diet, you return to the joy of the morning pastry or dessert, all the while thinking grains are what caused the weight to return.

    Now you come to the Mediterranean Diet, and whole grains, not refined grains, are on the menu.

    Still, you are suspicious, and you think – maybe it was the gluten.

    Celiac Disease

    Or what happens if you come to the Mediterranean diet and have Celiac disease and gluten causes horrific issues?

    But should we all avoid gluten? And can we have a Mediterranean diet if we must be gluten-free?

    Should the ancient Greeks become Carnivores instead of those grizzly men who are on a diet now associated with the healthiest people on planet Earth?

    Clearly not. Eating too much red meat is associated with increasing heart disease and cancer, while the Mediterranean diet is associated with less heart disease and cancer.

    Carnivore's Take

    Carnivores like pointing to the ancient...

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    13 mins
  • Secrets to Cooking Fish
    Mar 15 2024
    Learn to Cook Fish

    Fish is not only a healthy option but also a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a myriad of mouthwatering dishes. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or looking to expand your culinary repertoire, mastering the art of cooking fish can elevate your cooking skills to new heights. In this article, we'll explore the techniques and recipes to create delicious fish dishes that will impress even the most discerning palates.

    Cooking Methods:
    1. Grilling: Grilling fish over an open flame adds a smoky flavor and beautiful charred marks. Brush the fish with oil to prevent sticking, and cook for a few minutes on each side until opaque and flaky.
    2. Baking: Baking fish in the oven is a simple and foolproof method. Place seasoned fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
    3. Pan-Searing: Pan-searing fish in a hot skillet creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
    4. Steaming: Steaming fish is a healthy cooking method that preserves its delicate flavor and texture. Place seasoned fish fillets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.

    Delicious Fish Recipes:

    Now that you're familiar with the basics of preparing and cooking fish let's explore some mouthwatering recipes to try at home:

    1. Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon: Marinate salmon fillets in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
    2. Baked Cod with Garlic Butter: Place cod fillets in a baking dish and top with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until flaky and tender.
    3. Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Mango Salsa: Season sea bass fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve with a refreshing mango salsa made with diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice.

    For more great recipes, see terrysimpson.com.

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    11 mins

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love learning from Dr Simpnon

I have been following. Dr Simpson for awhile now, he is so knowledgeable and speaks to us ðirectly. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher !@

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