Fork U with Dr. Terry Simpson

Carter’s Little Liver Pills: The Original Detox Scam and Its Modern Cousins For more than a century, people have searched for quick fixes to “cleanse” the liver. From old‑time laxatives to today’s wellness shots and hangover probiotics, the promise is the same: remove toxins, feel better, live longer. However, as science catches up with marketing claims, we learn a hard truth — most of these cleanses never did what they promised. The Sluggish Liver Myth Back in the 1800s, doctors blamed nearly every health problem on a “sluggish liver.” Headaches, fatigue, irritability — even bad moods — were supposedly signs that the liver wasn’t “lively” enough. Enter Carter’s Little Liver Pills. These small tablets promised to fix “biliousness,” an old term for feeling miserable and out of sorts. The secret ingredient? Cascara sagrada, a plant‑based laxative. In short, the pills made people poop, and that temporary relief was sold as detoxification. Marketing Genius in a Pill Bottle Carter’s advertising strategy worked brilliantly. Their message was simple: if you feel bad, it’s your liver’s fault — and their pills were the cure. The campaign was so successful that the phrase “more than Carter’s got pills” became American slang for “an absurd amount of something.” Sadly, that formula still works today. Many modern health products use the same playbook: invent a vague condition, blame it for everything, then sell the cure. Modern Detox Myths: Dose, ZBiotics, and the Olive Oil Flush Fast‑forward to today and you’ll see similar claims everywhere. Dose for Your Liver, a wellness shot with milk thistle and turmeric, promises to “cleanse” the liver and support “500 daily functions.” While it cites studies showing reduced liver enzymes, those studies involved people who already had liver problems — not the average healthy person grabbing a detox shot after brunch. ZBiotics Pre‑Alcohol markets itself as a probiotic that breaks down acetaldehyde, a compound linked to hangovers. The truth is more complicated. Your liver clears almost all acetaldehyde on its own, while your gut bacteria handle less than five percent. Most hangover symptoms actually come from alcohol itself, dehydration, and inflammation — not a single molecule. Perhaps the most dramatic claim is the “liver flush” made from olive oil and lemon juice. Supporters insist that the green balls they pass in the toilet are gallstones. However, chemical tests show these “stones” are actually soap‑like clumps created when oil mixes with digestive fluids. Real gallstones are hard and form in the gallbladder; they do not dissolve overnight or pass easily. Even people without gallbladders “flush stones,” which proves the myth. What Actually Supports Liver Health The good news? You don’t need a cleanse. Your liver already detoxes naturally — 24 hours a day. Instead of chasing fads, focus on habits proven to protect it: Drink coffeeEat polyphenol-rich foodsGet fiber from beans, greens, and whole grains:Exercise regularly:Limit alcohol:Stay up to date on vaccines: The Fall of Carter’s Pills — and the Lesson By the 1950s, science caught up to marketing. Constipation wasn’t liver...

Goat Glands, Chloroform, and the City That Saved Surgery (How Edinburgh dragged American medicine out of the Wild West) When we think about modern surgery, it’s easy to imagine it has always been clean, safe, and scientific. However, that could not be further from the truth. Surgery was more like a horror show just over 150 years ago. Patients faced unbearable pain, filthy instruments, and shocking guesswork. Today, we’ll explore how the Scottish city of Edinburgh transformed surgery — and how America, for far too long, ignored the science in favor of quick fixes and fast profits. Along the way, we’ll meet heroes like James Young Simpson and Joseph Lister, as well as villains like John R. Brinkley and Willard Bliss. We’ll also see why modern “wellness influencers” aren’t so different from the quacks of the past. Edinburgh: The Peak of Medical Science In the 18th and 19th centuries, Edinburgh was the world’s medical capital. Students from across Europe and the American colonies traveled there to study anatomy, surgery, and the latest medical theories. Because of this, early American physicians like Benjamin Rush and John Morgan brought Edinburgh’s teachings home, helping to found the first U.S. medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Harvard soon followed with a similar model. However, while a few elite schools adopted Scottish standards, most of America remained a medical free-for-all. Outside major cities, anyone could call themselves a doctor, and “miracle cures” were everywhere. This was the true “Wild West” of medicine — long before the cowboy era we usually imagine. James Young Simpson: Ending Pain in Surgery Next, let’s fast-forward to the mid-1800s. At this time, one of the greatest problems in surgery was pain. Without anesthesia, operations had to be done quickly, often in less than a minute, and the suffering was unbearable. That changed in 1846, when ether anesthesia was first used in Boston. News of ether’s success quickly crossed the Atlantic. By the time the next ship arrived in Edinburgh, surgeons were already experimenting with it — and looking for something even better. Enter James Young Simpson, an obstetrician and, yes, one of my relatives. In 1847, Simpson discovered that chloroform worked better than ether and was easier to use. His famous breakthrough happened during a dinner party experiment, where he and his friends inhaled chloroform, passed out, and woke up amazed. Surgery would never be the same again. Joseph Lister: Stopping Deadly Infections Solving pain was one thing, but there was another huge problem: infection. After surgery, most patients didn’t die from the knife — they died from the germs they couldn’t see. This is where Joseph Lister changed history. Influenced by Louis Pasteur’s germ theory, Lister realized that microorganisms caused infection. He began using carbolic acid to clean wounds and sterilize instruments. While some of his colleagues mocked him, the results spoke for themselves: surgical death rates plummeted. Lister’s work eventually led to asepsis, the sterile environments we now take for granted in operating rooms. America Ignored the Science — and a President Died Unfortunately, the United States was slow to adopt these life-saving ideas. A tragic example is the death of President James Garfield in 1881. After being shot, Garfield’s wound was not fatal....

A Hole Lot of Nonsense: Surgery Before Science People once drilled holes in skulls to cure madness And in some cases… it actually helped. Well, if you consider madness what happens if you get a stroke from too much pressure in your brain from trauma That’s the wild part. While visiting the Surgeons’ Hall Museum in Edinburgh, I saw ancient skulls with round holes cut into them—evidence of trepanation, one of the world’s oldest surgeries. Even more shocking? Many of those patients survived. Some healed so well that they lived for years. But let’s back up. What is trepanation? It’s the act of scraping or drilling a hole in your skull. Ancient people did it across continents—from South America to Europe. We don’t know exactly why. Some may have used it to relieve pressure after a head injury. Others might have believed it released evil spirits. Here’s the thing: it sometimes worked. Today, we know that pressure in the brain—from a bleed, swelling, or injury—can be deadly. Modern medicine sometimes calls for drilling a hole or even removing part of the skull to save a patient’s life. The ancients may have stumbled onto something real. Or they may have been guessing. That’s the danger when we mix luck with ritual. If one patient improves, people assume the treatment works—even if there’s no science behind it. Dr. Cotton and the colon cure Jump ahead to the 1900s. Dr. Henry Cotton believed mental illness came from hidden infections in the body. So what did he do? He had his surgeons remove teeth, tonsils, stomachs, and colons—even when patients showed no symptoms. Many died. Most didn’t improve. Still, Cotton was praised in journals and trusted by major institutions. His confidence overshadowed the lack of results. It’s a painful reminder that being sure of yourself doesn’t make you right. Sounds like modern-day influencers - confidence beyond erudition. Today’s brain hacks: same pattern, better packaging Right now, people are terrified of dementia. That fear fuels a massive market for brain supplements. One of the biggest sellers? Lion’s Mane mushrooms. They’re in powders, coffees, and pricey pills. Some lab research suggests benefits, but actual human studies? Weak at best. Meanwhile, studies show that eating a Mediterranean or MIND-style diet can reduce your risk of dementia by up to 50%. But those diets don’t come in fancy bottles. Instead of focusing on real food, we chase the next shiny pill. And let’s talk about PRP… PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Some orthopedic surgeons spin down your blood, pull out platelets, and inject it back into sore joints. They claim it speeds healing. The truth? There’s little evidence that PRP works for most uses. But it’s expensive. And because it sounds high-tech, people trust it. The orthopedic surgeon gets the thousands of dollars for it because insurance won't cover it. They won't cover it because it isn't a researched treatment. But if your surgeon says here take this and you will recover faster - what to do? I should know—I co-authored one of the first papers on PRP for diabetic wounds, where it actually showed benefit. But that’s a far cry from injecting it into tennis elbows for cash. We’ve upgraded the tools. Not always the thinking. What history teaches us When I look around this museum, the lesson is clear: We’ve always wanted to help. But good intentions without good science can hurt people. Real medical progress comes from questioning our own assumptions. It comes from saying, “Let’s study...

A Shocking Health Trend from the Past Today, you might see ads for detox teas, liver cleanses, and even hydrogen water. These products promise energy, better health, and a longer life. But strange health trends are nothing new. In the 1920s and 1930s, people paid good money to drink radioactive water. They believed it gave them energy, cured pain, and even helped them live longer. One brand, called Radithor, was sold as “perpetual sunshine in a bottle.” Yes—people drank water mixed with radium, the same element now used in cancer treatments and nuclear reactors. Why Did People Think It Worked? At first, radium looked like a miracle. It glowed in the dark, and doctors were just beginning to understand radiation. Companies saw a chance to make money. So they started selling radium in toothpaste, face cream, chocolate, and, yes, bottled water. One famous product, Radithor, was sold as a cure for everything from tiredness to “low manhood energy.” People believed it worked. Why? Because it came from science. It looked exciting. And it was easy to believe a glowing bottle held glowing health. Even doctors promoted it, just like some do with today’s wellness fads. Read more on Radithor from the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Meet the Tragic Case of Eben Byers One man named Eben Byers became the face of this trend. He was rich, well-known, and loved Radithor. He drank it every day—three bottles a day for years. For years, he said he felt great. But soon, the side effects started. Eventually, his body became so radioactive that they had to bury him in a lead coffin. It took years for this to take effect. But during the years he was drinking his deadly potion, he claimed improved health and vitality. This helped end Radithor, but the public didn’t learn the bigger lesson. Fast Forward to Today Even though we know better, we still fall for bad science with a shiny label. Let’s look at a few modern examples: Gary Brekkahydrogen waterDöse Liver Cleanse is Goop These trends all follow the Radithor formula: What’s the Real Risk? Most modern products won’t melt your jaw. But they can waste your money, give false hope, or delay real care. Worse, they can make people distrust doctors and trust influencers instead. Just like Radithor, these products often look scientific, but they skip important steps—like peer review, clinical trials, and safety data. liverWhat Should You Do Instead? Instead of chasing magic drinks or secret pills:

Who Was Dr. Salisbury? First, let’s meet the man behind the meat. Dr. James Henry Salisbury was a doctor during the American Civil War. He worked hard to understand why so many soldiers got sick. He noticed that stomach problems like diarrhea and dysentery were everywhere in the army camps. Because of this, he believed the problem came from food. But instead of looking at germs, he blamed vegetables. That’s right—he thought vegetables caused disease. To children everywhere, he became a hero. To science? Not so much. What Did He Believe? Dr. Salisbury believed that vegetables and starchy foods rotted in the gut. He said they caused inflammation and sickness. He thought the best way to stop disease was to eat meat—and only meat. So, he created a special food: the Salisbury steak. This steak wasn’t fancy. He ground up lean beef, shaped it into a patty, and told people to eat it three times a day. With it, they could drink only hot water or black coffee. No fruit. Absolutely no sugar. No grains. And definitely no vegetables. Why Did It Seem to Work? At first, some people felt better on the Salisbury diet. But why? Here’s the real reason: it wasn’t the meat. It was the boiling. Back then, most water carried bacteria. That bacteria caused all kinds of sickness. When soldiers boiled coffee, they accidentally killed the germs in the water. When they ate fully cooked meat, they avoided raw, dirty food. So yes, people improved. But not because vegetables were bad. They got better because boiled water and cooked meat killed bacteria. What Did He Get Wrong? Now, let’s talk about what he missed. germsbacteriafiberplants He meant well, but he built a health plan on the wrong cause. Instead of fixing the real issue, he created a food myth that lasted for years. Why Does This Still Matter? Even though Dr. Salisbury lived over 150 years ago, his ideas are back—on TikTok. Some people today say meat is the only healthy food. They avoid fruits, grains, and vegetables. They blame plants for everything from bloating to brain fog. Sound familiar? They’re repeating Salisbury’s mistake. They’re trusting old beliefs instead of new science. What Science Says Now Let’s be clear. Science today tells a different story. nutrient problems long-term risks Instead of eating like it’s 1863, you can follow a plan that supports your body and your taste buds. The best example? The Mediterranean diet—with healthy fats, lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and yes… even a little red wine. In Summary Dr. Salisbury had a strong idea—but he missed the mark. He didn’t know about bacteria. He thought vegetables were the enemy. He gave us Salisbury steak, but also gave us a lasting food myth. So next time someone says vegetables cause disease, just smile and say: “We’ve been down that road. It was dusty, undercooked, and came

The Smoothie That Changed My Mornings (And the Appliances That Helped) Let’s talk about kitchen appliances. Yes, those gadgets sitting on your counter—or hiding in a cabinet—can either make your life easier... or drive you nuts. Today, I want to share how two small appliances completely changed my mornings. And no, I’m not paid to say any of this. It Started With the Air Fryer First, let’s be honest: nothing has brought more people back into the kitchen than the air fryer. It’s fast, easy, and makes food crispy without all the oil. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, the air fryer has become one of the most popular kitchen tools in America in the last few years.¹ This got me thinking—what other simple appliances could actually make healthy habits easier? My Complicated Coffee Routine For years, I had a fancy coffee routine. I ground my beans fresh. I did pour-overs. I used a timer and scale like I did chemistry. The coffee was great, but the process? Not so much. Then one day, I tried Nespresso. Just pop in a capsule, push a button, and you get a strong, rich espresso with foam on top. It was so easy that I started enjoying my mornings again. No, I’m not sponsored by Nespresso—I just like sharing what works. The Smoothie Problem Next, let’s talk about smoothies. I have tons of smoothie recipes. I’ve written them, shared them, and even made videos about them. But honestly? I stopped making them for a long time. Why? Because of one thing: my Vitamix blender. Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s a powerful machine. It can crush anything. But it’s big. It’s loud. It has too many parts. Just getting it out of the cabinet felt like a workout. And cleaning it? Forget it. So even though I wanted to make smoothies, I kept skipping them. It was just easier to grab a banana and move on with my day. The Nutribullet Fix Then everything changed. I bought a Nutribullet. It’s small, easy to use, and quick to clean. I keep it on the counter. It takes about 30 seconds to rinse after using. And because of that, I’ve started making smoothies again—almost every day. Just like that, a healthy habit became simple. And no—I’m not paid by Nutribullet either. But I believe in sharing the tools that actually help. My Favorite Morning Smoothie Here’s the one I make the most right now. It gives you a little caffeine, some protein, and tastes like a treat. ☕️ Coffee Whey Protein Smoothie You’ll need: Optional extras: Directions: Put everything in the blender. Blend until smooth. Pour and enjoy! The Big Idea Sometimes, the hardest part of a healthy habit isn’t the food—it’s the tool. If your blender is too much work, you won’t use it. If your coffee takes 20 minutes to make, you’ll skip breakfast. But with the right appliance? You remove the stress. And that makes the habit stick. Final Thoughts If you’re trying to eat better, start by making your kitchen easier to use. Keep the tools you love on the counter. Ditch the ones that frustrate you. And if you're changing your diet in a serious way? Talk to a registered dietitian and a board-certified doctor, not a chiropractor or some “wellness...

🥣 The Curious Case of Dr. Kellogg: Surgeon, Cereal, and a Whole Lot of Enemas When you think of Kellogg, you probably picture cereal—maybe a sweet bowl of Frosted Flakes or Corn Flakes. But the real story behind Kellogg is far weirder than breakfast. It starts with a doctor. A good one. A very strange one. Meet Dr. John Harvey Kellogg Dr. John Harvey Kellogg wasn’t just any doctor. He was a skilled surgeon, and even Dr. Charles Mayo—the founder of the Mayo Clinic—called him one of the best abdominal surgeons he had ever seen. But Kellogg didn’t become famous for his surgery skills. Instead, he became known for his obsession with health, diet, and—believe it or not—poop. The Sanitarium and the Celebrity Patients Kellogg ran the famous Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan. This health resort attracted celebrities like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and even Amelia Earhart. People came there to “cleanse” their bodies with special diets, exercise, sunlight, and—yes—daily enemas. He believed almost every illness started in the colon. His solution? Flush it out. Constantly. Sometimes, with yogurt. Sometimes, both ends. I wish I were kidding. Kellogg’s War on Pleasure Dr. Kellogg didn’t just worry about digestion. He also believed that pleasure—especially sexual pleasure—was dangerous. In fact, he thought masturbation caused everything from bad digestion to insanity. To fight back, he recommended boring, bland food. No spices. No excitement. Just plain meals that wouldn’t "stir the passions." That’s how Corn Flakes were born. Kellogg invented them as a food so bland, they might help people forget about sex altogether. Cereal Becomes a Business Now, here’s where things get interesting. Kellogg’s brother, W.K. Kellogg, thought those flakes had potential—but they needed flavor. So he added sugar and started selling them to the public. Dr. Kellogg was furious. He believed sugar was poison. The two brothers fought in court. W.K. won. And that’s why your breakfast cereal today is sweet and not designed to stop anyone’s libido. What Science Says Today Let’s be clear: Dr. Kellogg got a lot of things wrong. not While Kellogg’s focus on exercise and plant-based diets was ahead of his time, his fear of pleasure and obsession with “cleansing” caused more harm than good. The Strange Legacy Dr. Howard Markel, in his excellent book The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek, dives deep into their story. He shows how Dr. Kellogg's strict health beliefs turned into fads—and how his brother’s sweet-toothed success made cereal a worldwide business. Markel, Howard. The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek. Pantheon Books, 2017. Kellogg's ideas were extreme, but they still echo today. Whenever someone tells you to "detox," do a cleanse, or eat bland food to fix your hormones—they might not realize they’re following a 19th-century surgeon who really hated...

What Is Ozempic or Zepbound, Really? You’ve probably heard about Ozempic or Zepbound. Maybe from a friend, a celebrity, or a TikTok ad. These are powerful medicines used to help people lose weight and manage diabetes. But what do they actually do? Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist—a type of drug that helps control hunger, improve blood sugar, and lower the risk of heart disease. But here's the big surprise: the real power of these drugs isn’t in your stomach—it’s in your brain. How It Works in the Brain GLP-1 medications like Ozempic work in two big ways: They help you feel full.They quiet the “food noise” in your brain.hypothalamusmesolimbic systemnucleus accumbensventral tegmental area When GLP-1 hits these areas, it reduces dopamine, the chemical that makes you want things like cake or chips. It also increases serotonin, which helps with mood and feeling satisfied after eating. This makes it easier to stop eating when you're full and harder to overeat just because food tastes good. 📚 Reference: Mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonist–induced weight loss. Am J Med. 2024. What About “Natural GLP-1 Boosters”? You might see ads for supplements or foods that say they boost your “natural GLP-1.” Some are even called “natural Ozempic.” Here’s the truth: not stay in your system very long That means your natural GLP-1 never reaches your brain like Ozempic does. Synthetic GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic) are made to last for days. They stick around long enough to enter your brain and turn down cravings. So no—berberine, vinegar, or sea moss are not the same thing. 📚 Reference: GLP-1 in brain health and food reward. Front Neurosci. 2022. Common Myths You Should Ignore Let’s talk about a few common myths—and what science says instead: “It’s a cheat code.”“You’ll lose all your muscle.”“You’ll gain it all back.”“It’s just for weight loss.”heart attacksstrokedementia 📚 Reference: Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes. NEJM. 2023. Want to Supercharge Your Results? Go Mediterranean. People on GLP-1s who follow a Mediterranean-style diet lose more weight than those who don’t. Here’s why:

Longevity Without the Grift: What Actually Helps You Age Better Everyone wants to live longer. That’s why people are plunging into ice baths, sweating in infrared saunas, and rubbing beef tallow on their faces like it’s a miracle cream. Meanwhile, supplement companies make billions selling capsules that promise eternal youth. But here’s the thing: we don’t need to chase immortality. We need to focus on healthspan—the number of years we stay active, sharp, and independent. Living longer doesn’t mean much if you can’t enjoy it. Let’s break it down. The Problem With the Modern Longevity Industry For centuries, people have searched for the secret to living forever. From ancient pharaohs to modern influencers, the idea hasn’t changed much. Today’s gurus don’t wear robes. They wear lab coats on YouTube. They sell methylated vitamins, resveratrol, and supplements with science-sounding names like NMN. Some of these people—chiropractors, Instagram influencers, even some doctors like Mark Hyman—promise more than science can deliver. What they’re selling often looks more like modern snake oil than real medicine. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if a product claims to reverse aging and comes with a monthly subscription, it probably doesn’t work. What Actually Works: Boring, Science-Backed Habits Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take that do help. SleepExerciseVaccinate20%Statinsup to 20%PMID 34871380 Eat Like You Mean It: The Mediterranean Diet One of the best-studied diets in the world is the Mediterranean diet. It’s not trendy, but it’s powerful. One large study showed that it can increase longevity by up to 9% if you stick with it. Source Here’s how it works: Red MeatOlive OilWhole Grains & LegumesFruits & VegetablesWinedon’t What Doesn’t Work (Even If It’s Trending) Let’s be honest. Some things are popular, but pointless—or even harmful. Drinking alcohol "for your health"Avoiding vaccinesIgnoring blood pressure and cholesterolTrusting wellness influencers with no scientific background Remember: no supplement undoes bad habits. And no guru can out-hack the Hayflick Limit. That’s the scientific cap on how many times your cells can...

Hi, I'm Dr. Terry Simpson, your chief medical explanationist. Welcome to another edition of FORK U—where we bust myths, make sense of the madness, and teach you a little about food and medicine. Today, let's explore how our food choices impact the environment and our health. We'll discuss lab-grown meat, grass-fed beef, and sustainable seafood. 🍔 Lab-Grown Meat: The Future of Food? Imagine enjoying a burger that didn't require raising or slaughtering an animal. That's the idea behind lab-grown meat, also known as cultured meat. Scientists grow real animal cells in labs to create meat without the traditional farming process.The Spruce EatsVox Why consider lab-grown meat? Environmental BenefitsCalifornia Management Review+1University of Colorado Boulder+1Animal WelfareHealth PotentialCalifornia Management Review+1Wikipedia+1 While it's not widely available yet, lab-grown meat is a promising step toward sustainable eating. 🐄 Grass-Fed Beef: Is It Worth It? Grass-fed beef comes from cows that eat grass instead of grain. Some people choose it for potential health benefits and better animal welfare. Modern Farmer Pros: More Omega-3sBetter Fat RatioGrass Roots Farmers' Cooperative+3Wikipedia+3Understanding Ag+3 Cons: Taste VariesReddit+8Vox+8Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative+8Cost While grass-fed beef has benefits, it's essential to consider taste preferences and budget. 🐟 Sustainable Seafood: Making Smart Choices Seafood is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, overfishing and unsustainable practices harm our oceans. Seafood Watch Tips for Choosing Sustainable Seafood: Use Guides

The Fry Lie: How McDonald's Fries Got Worse—Not Healthier For years, McDonald’s fries ruled the world. They were golden, crispy, salty, and delicious. People called them the best fries ever made. But then something changed. Around the 1990s, fans noticed the fries didn’t taste the same anymore. What happened? Let’s dive into the real story of why McDonald’s fries lost their magic—and how the changes didn’t make them healthier. In fact, for a while, they actually made them worse. Once Upon a Time… in Beef Tallow Before 1990, McDonald’s cooked their fries in a special mix: 7% cottonseed oil and 93% beef tallow. That’s a fancy way of saying animal fat. This gave the fries a rich, savory flavor you couldn’t find anywhere else. Why did they use beef fat? Because Ray Kroc, the man who built the McDonald’s empire, wanted fries to taste like the original McDonald brothers’ version. He nailed it. But not everyone loved the fat. Meet Phil Sokolof: The Fry Crusader Phil Sokolof wasn’t a doctor. He wasn’t a scientist. But he was a wealthy businessman from Nebraska who had a heart attack. After that, he became a full-time food activist. Think of him like an early version of today’s online influencers—lots of passion, not much science. Sokolof spent millions on full-page newspaper ads. His messages sounded scary: It worked. The public panicked. McDonald’s gave in. In 1990, the company switched from beef fat to 100% vegetable oil. Oops… Now with Trans Fats At first, this seemed like a healthy change. But here’s what they didn’t tell you: the new vegetable oil was partially hydrogenated, meaning it was full of trans fats—the most dangerous kind of fat for your heart. Trans fats increase your bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower your good cholesterol (HDL). They raise your risk of heart disease way more than saturated fat. In trying to remove one bad fat, McDonald’s accidentally replaced it with something even worse. FDA, 2015. They finally banned trans fats in the U.S. in 2018—but for almost 20 years, those “healthier” fries actually hurt people’s hearts more than the original version ever did. Flavor Fail: Enter the Beef “Natural Flavor” Customers missed the old flavor. So what did McDonald’s do? They added “natural beef flavoring” to the vegetable oil. Yep, they removed the beef fat… and then added beef flavoring back in. This confused people. Some vegetarians and Hindus believed the fries were plant-based. They weren’t, leading to lawsuits and even more public confusion. In the United Kingdom, McDonald’s fries are really vegan. But in the United States, that natural beef flavor still makes them off-limits to some groups. The Steak 'n Shake Beef Tallow Comeback Now fast-forward to today. Steak 'n Shake announced they were bringing back beef tallow for their fries, just like McDonald’s used to. This move caught the attention of RFK Jr., a well-known figure in politics and food activism. He praised the change. But here’s the problem: RFK Jr. isn’t a doctor. He’s not a nutritionist. In fact, he’s never taken a college-level science course. RFK Jr has a long history of pushing food myths and anti-science messages, just like early...

Superfood Snake Oil: Why Kale Won’t Save You (But Also Isn’t Killing You) Every week, there's a new superfood: sea moss, turmeric shots, raw milk, lion’s mane mushrooms, and the obligatory $18 acai bowl. These so-called miracle foods promise to heal your gut, detox your liver, reverse aging, and apparently, cure loneliness if you add enough coconut flakes. But here’s the reality: “superfood” is a marketing term, not a scientific one. Let’s dig into the hype, the risks, and what the research really says. The Superfood Scam: Health Halo for Sale The term “superfood” has no regulatory meaning. It’s not recognized by the FDA, USDA, or any legitimate scientific body. It originated in marketing campaigns and caught fire because it sells. All you need is one small, usually poorly designed study, a press release, and a social media influencer to make your food the next panacea. Blueberries? Excellent. Avocados? Delicious. Are they miracle cures? No. References: The Journal of Nutrition Turmeric: Anti-Inflammatory or Hepatotoxic? Turmeric has become the golden child of the wellness world. Its active compound, curcumin, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. But here’s the problem: it doesn’t absorb well, and most studies showing benefits are in vitro or animal studies, not humans. Worse? Turmeric has been linked to liver injury. Several case reports have now documented turmeric-related liver failure, especially when consumed in high doses or combined with alcohol or other supplements. So no, a turmeric shot after tequila won’t detox your liver. It may just damage it further. References: ACG Case Reports JournalJ Med Chem Raw Milk: Microbial Roulette, Not a Wellness Hack Let’s talk about raw milk—a rising star among TikTok wellness influencers. The claim? Pasteurization destroys enzymes and nutrients. The truth? Pasteurization destroys pathogens that can kill you. Raw milk can harbor E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and Salmonella—especially dangerous for kids, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. The CDC has linked multiple outbreaks to raw milk in the last decade. Pasteurization was a public health revolution. Rejecting it isn’t “natural”—it’s negligent. References: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-questions-and-answers.htmlEmerging Infectious Diseases Sea Moss, Super Iodine, and Hypothyroidism Sea moss is having a moment. Touted for thyroid health and “minerals,” it's become a staple in online supplement stores. Yes, it contains iodine—but that’s a double-edged sword. Excess iodine intake can trigger thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. If...

Is Fruit Bad For You? Have you heard the latest nonsense from the diet grift industrial complex? Apparently, fruit is now dangerous. Yes—fruit. The stuff that grows on trees and ends up in your kid’s lunchbox is being blamed for everything from diabetes to “metabolic collapse.” The same influencers who once screamed about seed oils are now coming for your bananas, blueberries, and yes, even your smoothies. It would be laughable if it weren’t so successful. I’ve Seen Real Diets That Work—They Include Fruit My father had a massive heart attack at 55. The kind that forces lifestyle change. But here’s the thing—he lived. He didn’t just live; he thrived. He made it to 98, living independently until the very end. And every single morning, he started his day with fruit: grapefruit, berries, and cantaloupe. He didn’t fear fructose. He just ate a balanced diet, and it worked. The Anti-Fruit Grift: A Modern Wellness Scam On social media, fruit is now the villain of the week. According to the keto-carnivore crowd, fruit will spike your insulin, make you fat, and destroy your health. But right after shaming your banana, they usually offer a discount code for their liver pills or collagen powder. Even Paul Saladino—the original shirtless prophet of beef liver supplements—is eating fruit now. Apparently, scurvy isn’t a great look. Here’s the Truth: Fruit Is One of the Healthiest Things You Can Eat Let’s stick to actual science. Fruit is one of the nine essential components of the Mediterranean Diet—a dietary pattern backed by decades of research, including landmark studies like PREDIMED and EPIC. The Mediterranean Diet recommends 250 grams of fruit per day. People who follow it experience lower rates of: And guess what? Even people with diabetes do well when they eat whole fruit. According to large observational studies, such as the BMJ study by Muraki et al. (2013) and Li et al. (2016) in The Journal of Nutrition, higher intake of whole fruits—especially berries, apples, and citrus—is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, not an increased one. Smoothies: Not Soda. Let’s Stop the Nonsense. Yes, when you blend fruit, it digests faster. That’s true. But a smoothie made from whole fruit, with the fiber intact, is nothing like drinking a sugary soda. Want to improve it even more? Add protein, oats, chia, or yogurt. You’ve got a perfectly fine breakfast that’s far better than most boxed cereals. So drink your smoothie. Enjoy it. You’re not ruining your health. You’re nourishing your body. Cultures That Live Long... Eat Fruit All the world’s longest-lived populations eat fruit—daily. OkinawansSardiniansLoma Linda Adventists None of these groups fear fruit. And spoiler alert: none of them are blending bacon into their coffee. Beware of Magical Thinking (and Tallow) The real problem isn’t fruit—it’s the carnival of carnivore influencers selling meat-based miracles. These aren’t scientists. They’re entertainers with no credentials who demonize fruit while pushing “ancestral eating” and supplements derived from animals that... ate fruit. If your diet says yes to beef tallow but no to blueberries, it’s time to reevaluate who you’re listening to. Final Thoughts: Let’s Use Our Brains (and Eat the...

Weight Loss Surgery and Mediterranean Diet to GLP-1 and the Mediterranean Diet For years, I have guided my weight loss surgery patients toward the Mediterranean diet. Why? Because it’s not only delicious and sustainable, but it’s also backed by decades of science. Now, as GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Zepbound transform how we approach obesity, the question arises again: what should people eat while on these powerful drugs? The answer, as it turns out, remains the same. GLP-1 medications have undeniably revolutionized weight loss. These drugs, originally developed for diabetes, have rapidly gained fame for helping individuals shed significant amounts of weight. They work by reducing appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and altering hunger signals in the brain. Many patients simply cannot achieve sustained weight loss with diet alone, and for them, GLP-1 drugs are life-changing. However, while these medications help people lose weight, they do not address everything. Weight loss is only part of the equation. Nutrition still matters deeply. Without nourishing your body properly, you risk missing out on crucial benefits such as inflammation reduction, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive preservation. The Mediterranean Diet This is exactly where the Mediterranean diet shines. For decades, in fact, over 70 years, researchers have studied this dietary pattern. More than 13,000 scientific publications support its benefits. It’s not just about eating "like people in the Mediterranean." Rather, it’s about embracing a carefully studied set of foods, in specific amounts, shown to optimize health outcomes. For example, the diet emphasizes: Studies Showing the Diet Works For Health The science is clear. The PREDIMED study demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular events among followers of this diet. The EPIC studies have shown lower overall mortality, reduced cancer risk, and enhanced longevity. Furthermore, other research consistently links the Mediterranean diet to better insulin sensitivity, lower diabetes incidence, and reduced Alzheimer’s risk. So, how does this all connect to GLP-1 medications? Simple. If you are using GLP-1 drugs, you are already taking control of your weight. Why stop there? Combining these medications with a Mediterranean diet maximizes your health benefits. While the drugs help you eat less and lose weight, the diet ensures that what you do eat is packed with nutrition, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential nutrients. Examples of the Diet in Real Life In practical terms, adopting this diet does not have to be complicated. For breakfast, try Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries, or overnight oats with fruit and nuts. For lunch, enjoy a salad filled with leafy greens, chickpeas, avocado, and stone fruits, drizzled with olive oil and lemon. For dinner, think grilled salmon or chicken, paired with quinoa or farro and plenty of colorful vegetables. Ultimately, GLP-1 drugs and the Mediterranean diet are not competing solutions — they are complementary tools. Together, they support not just weight loss, but whole-body health. If you are on a GLP-1 medication, remember this: losing weight is important, but being healthy while losing weight is essential. The Mediterranean diet remains the gold standard, helping you do both. Don't forget your vitamins If you are on a GLP-1 medication, please take a daily...

Welcome to the theater of absurdity. While the federal government waves the flag of victory over removing petroleum-based food dyes from snacks, it is simultaneously gutting critical public health programs like food inspection, bird flu monitoring, injury prevention initiatives, and scientific research grants. The result? A dazzling case study in misplaced priorities. Today, let's walk through what is actually happening — not the headline-friendly soundbites — and why Americans should be far more worried about E. coli in their milk than Red Dye #3 in their Skittles. The Food Dye Fear Mongering: What's Actually True? First, let's address the food dye hysteria head-on. Many news outlets, "wellness influencers," and natural health bloggers are breathlessly claiming that we are "eating petroleum" because some food dyes are synthesized from hydrocarbon molecules derived initially from crude oil. Here’s the scientific truth: petroleum-derived hydrocarbons are nothing more than basic building blocks of carbon and hydrogen — the same stuff that makes up olive oil, avocado oil, and the omega-3 fatty acids you proudly add to your smoothies. [1] Importantly, food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 are purified and rigorously tested substances. They are chemically synthesized from hydrocarbons, not "extracted gasoline." Saying Red 40 is gasoline is like saying salt is explosive because it contains sodium. It's chemophobic nonsense. Meanwhile, many of the same people yelling about food dyes are promoting supplements like methylene blue — another petroleum-derived chemical. Cognitive dissonance, much? Reference: https://news.immunologic.org Meanwhile, in the Real World: Food Safety Programs Are Being Gutted Now, while we're distracted by the horror of neon cupcakes, something far more dangerous is happening. Funding for critical public health initiatives is being slashed: Food inspection programsBird flu monitoringInjury prevention programs According to reporting from Food Safety News, the Trump Administration's proposed budget would cut $128 million from the FDA’s food safety programs alone — programs that help prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness like the 2018 E. coli outbreak tied to romaine lettuce. [2] Reference: 2. Food Safety News. (2025). "FDA food safety funding faces big cuts." Retrieved from https://www.foodsafetynews.com Leadership Matters: Enter RFK Jr. You might ask, "Who’s steering this ship into the iceberg?" None other than Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of Health and Human Services. There’s a small problem: RFK Jr. never took a single science course during his undergraduate education — at least, none we can find. Yet he is now in charge of overseeing agencies that depend on scientific literacy, from the CDC to the FDA. No wonder policy is being dictated by what makes Instagram wellness bloggers like "Food Babe" happy. Forget investing in scientific infrastructure to actually prevent disease. Apparently, public health is now about making sure your lettuce won't "run away with your colon." And the Hypocrisy Continues: Milk and...

Welcome to FORK U. Fork University. Where we make sense of the madness, bust a few myths, and teach you a little about food and medicine. I’m Dr. Terry Simpson—surgeon, scientist, and your chief medical explanationist. At FORK U, we’re not here to sell you supplements or tell you carbs are evil. We’re here to bring the science back to your plate—with a healthy side of sarcasm. Food hasn’t been medicine for 2,000 years, and despite what the smoothie bowl crowd says, it still isn’t. But we do know that eating better can help you live better. And that matters. Our Mission Here’s what we do: ✅ We bust nutrition myths that clog your feed and your arteries ✅ We decode the latest studies in easy, bite-sized episodes ✅ We bring the receipts—every episode is evidence-based and referenced at ForkU.com History We’ve revisited the foundational studies of nutrition, like Ancel Keys’ Seven Countries Study—which didn’t just compare nations but followed real people in real villages for decades. We’ve explored the French Paradox. We’ve even told the story of the surgeon who discovered the first vitamin. And we don’t just look back—we dive into current topics too: GLP-1s, gut health, ultra-processed foods, and yes—what happens when a shirtless influencer tries to sell you dehydrated buffalo hearts in the name of ancestral living. (Spoiler: you’re better off with lentils.) If you’re tired of pseudoscience disguised as wellness, and you want real answers—served with wit, citations, and no BS—welcome to FORK U. Let’s eat smarter. Let’s myth-bust louder. And let’s get cooking.

Butter, LDL, and the Myth of Harmless Plaque Why High Cholesterol Isn’t Just a Number—and What the Latest Science Says About Oils, Fats, and Your Risk of Death By Dr. Terry Simpson, MD – The Culinary Medicine Doc We’ve all heard the story: butter’s back, LDL doesn’t matter, and as long as you’re low-carb, your heart is safe. But what if I told you that the science—real, peer-reviewed science—tells a different story? In this post, I’ll walk you through three powerful studies that dismantle the myth of “harmless” LDL and show why swapping butter for plant-based oils could literally save your life. 1. LDL and ApoB: The True Origins of Arterial Plaque Atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque inside arteries—often starts silently. But over time, it becomes the leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. A key study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the primary trigger for plaque formation is not “existing plaque” as some influencers claim—but rather, LDL cholesterol and ApoB-containing lipoproteins that penetrate the arterial wall and kick off the inflammatory cascade that builds plaque [1]. Once inside, these particles don’t just hang out—they lead to plaque progression and destabilization, which is what causes heart attacks. No LDL, no plaque. It’s that simple. 2. High LDL, Worse Plaque—Even on Keto A 2025 study published in JACC: Advances examined people on carbohydrate-restricted diets—many of whom had very high LDL cholesterol levels [2]. While some hoped the data would vindicate high LDL in the context of keto, that’s not what happened. The study found that the higher the LDL, the worse the atherosclerotic plaque—regardless of dietary pattern. Bottom line: High LDL is still atherogenic, even if you’re “metabolically healthy.” That six-pack doesn’t protect your arteries. 3. Butter Increases Mortality. Plant-Based Oils Reduce It. Let’s talk fats. Specifically: butter. In a major pooled analysis of three large U.S. cohorts—the Nurses’ Health Studies I & II and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study—researchers found that butter consumption was associated with increased total, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality [3]. But here’s the good news: Replacing butter with plant-based oils—like olive, soybean, and canola oil—reduced the risk of death. The substitution analysis showed that replacing just 15 grams of butter (about 3 small pats) with 15 grams of plant-based oil (about 1 tablespoon) led to statistically significant reductions in mortality risk. These plant oils are rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which have been shown in trials to: 4. Butter, Cancer, and Inflammation It gets worse for butter. The same study found a strong association between butter intake and cancer mortality, especially hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate [3]. Why? Saturated fat—found in high levels in butter—can increase inflammation in fat tissue and alter hormone activity, both of which are risk factors for these cancers [8,9]. And no, this wasn’t confounded by white bread or pastries—the researchers adjusted for those too. 5. Are All Plant-Based Oils the Same? Not Exactly. Olive oil, canola oil, and soybean oil showed consistent protective effects. Corn and safflower oil? The...

The idea of Blue Zones—those rare places where people supposedly live longer, healthier lives—has become nutritional gospel. From best-selling books to Netflix specials, Blue Zones have been painted as longevity utopias we can mimic if we just eat more beans and nap more often. But here’s the thing: Blue Zones aren’t science—they’re storytelling. In this post, we take an unfiltered look at the Blue Zones concept, explore recent controversies, and compare it with something backed by actual peer-reviewed data: the Mediterranean Diet. What Are Blue Zones? Coined by journalist Dan Buettner and popularized through National Geographic, Blue Zones refer to five regions with high numbers of centenarians: These regions reportedly share key habits: plant-forward diets, natural movement, strong social bonds, and low stress. While these are certainly positive lifestyle features, the problem is how this information was collected. The Blue Zones model is observational, not scientific. It’s a patchwork of ethnographic notes, anecdotes, and assumptions—not randomized trials or controlled cohort studies. The Blue Zones Controversy In recent years, the Blue Zones concept has come under scrutiny: Okinawa’s longevity claimsRecord inaccuraciesSurvivorship biasWesternization In short: Blue Zones are more about a moment in time than a repeatable formula. So What Does the Data Say? If you're looking for longevity strategies backed by evidence—not just folklore—consider the major cohort studies: Nurses’ Health StudyAdventist Health StudyEPIC-Oxford These studies have followed hundreds of thousands of people for decades. The data consistently shows that people who live longer: No magic. Just measurable habits. Mediterranean Diet: The Gold Standard Unlike Blue Zones, the Mediterranean Diet is a defined, evidence-based dietary pattern. And it’s been rigorously studied in over 13,000 peer-reviewed publications. Core Features: Evidence Highlights: PREDIMED Trial (2013)30%Reference: Estruch R, et al. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(14):1279-1290.Spanish Cohort Study (2022)1.5 million adults

Dietary Myths vs. Nutritional Science: Why the Mediterranean Diet Reigns Supreme As an Athabascan physician and culinary medicine expert, I'm often amused by the dietary myths perpetuated online, particularly those championed by keto and carnivore diet enthusiasts. Today, let's debunk some of these myths—Inuit diets, Hong Kong longevity, Maasai heart health, and the so-called French paradox—and explain why decades of robust nutritional science firmly support the Mediterranean diet. Myth 1: The Inuit Diet Low-carb proponents love pointing to the traditional Inuit diet as evidence of the supposed superiority of carnivorous diets. Yes, Inuit diets are traditionally high in marine mammals like whales, seals, and fish, providing ample vitamin C from sources such as muktuk (whale skin and blubber) and seal liver. Yet, archaeological evidence clearly shows ancient Inuit mummies suffered from vascular disease, challenging the claim that their diet was protective (Fodor et al., 2014). Additionally, Inuit diets historically incorporated plant-based foods such as berries, seaweed, and tubers during summer months—a fact conveniently overlooked by keto advocates. Myth 2: The Hong Kong Longevity Claim Another popular keto narrative incorrectly attributes Hong Kong's impressive longevity statistics to high meat consumption. But research shows elderly individuals in Hong Kong typically eat less meat and adhere closely to diets resembling the Mediterranean style, rich in vegetables, seafood, and whole grains (Woo et al., 2001). Again, context is key—and frequently missing from keto claims. Myth 3: Maasai Immunity to Heart Disease The Maasai, often cited as proof that diets rich in saturated fats don't cause heart disease, actually demonstrate the opposite. Recent studies confirm significant atherosclerosis and cardiovascular issues among Maasai populations, underscoring that even "warrior" genetics don't provide immunity from saturated fat-related diseases (Mann et al., 1972). Myth 4: The French Paradox Ah, the French Paradox—the idea that French populations consume diets high in saturated fats yet experience low heart disease rates. The reality is simpler: the French eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, olive oil, seafood, and emphasize portion control and mindful eating. France was initially included in the famous Seven Countries Study but was ultimately excluded due to funding constraints—not dietary irregularities (Kromhout et al., 2017). It's sensible eating, not paradoxical magic. Solid Science: The Mediterranean Diet Contrary to these dietary myths, extensive nutritional science consistently supports the Mediterranean diet. Two landmark studies illustrate this clearly: Seven Countries Study:Keys et al., 1986EPIC Study:

The Bitter Truth: Why Bitterness Matters More Than You Think Have you ever taken a sip of black coffee and immediately regretted it? Or maybe you’ve bitten into a grapefruit and felt like your tongue was under attack? If so, you’re not alone. Bitterness is one of the most misunderstood flavors, but it plays a huge role in our health and survival. From keeping us from eating toxic foods to helping digestion, bitterness has a bigger impact on our bodies than most people realize. So, let’s dive into the bitter truth—why some people hate it, why your stomach can actually taste it, and how it has been used as medicine for centuries. Why Do Some Foods Taste Bitter? To begin with, bitterness exists for a reason. In nature, many poisonous plants contain bitter compounds. Long ago, humans who could detect bitterness had a survival advantage. In other words, their ability to taste bitterness kept them from eating something deadly. As a result, our bodies evolved to be extra sensitive to bitter flavors. However, not all bitter foods are dangerous. Many are incredibly healthy. Take kale, dark chocolate, and turmeric, for example. These foods may taste strong or even unpleasant to some people, but they are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that support overall health. So, why do some people love bitter foods while others can’t stand them? The answer lies in our genes. Scientists have discovered that a gene called TAS2R38 determines how sensitive we are to bitterness. If you are a super-taster, bitter foods might seem unbearably strong. On the other hand, if you are a non-taster, you may barely notice the bitterness at all. Your Stomach Can "Taste" Bitterness Too Interestingly, your tongue isn’t the only part of your body that detects bitterness. Your stomach can taste it as well. But how does that work? Well, your stomach has bitter taste receptors that serve a very important function. First, these receptors help control digestion. When bitter foods enter your stomach, the receptors slow down gastric emptying. In simpler terms, they make food stay in your stomach longer. As a result, you feel full for a longer period. This is one reason why bitter greens like arugula or dandelion leaves can help with weight management. Second, these bitter receptors act as bodyguards for your digestive system. If your stomach detects a bitter substance that shouldn’t be there—like a potential toxin—it delays digestion to prevent harmful substances from moving too quickly into your intestines. This process gives your body extra time to neutralize any potential threats. Bitters: From Medicine to Cocktails Because of their digestive benefits, bitter herbs have been used in medicine for centuries. In the past, people took bitters—herbal mixtures containing bitter plant extracts—to help with digestion, bloating, and nausea. Some of the most common bitter herbs include: Gentian rootDandelionWormwoodBurdock Over time, bitters made their way from medicine cabinets to cocktail bars. During the 1800s, bitters became a key ingredient in alcoholic drinks, including the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. In fact, some of today’s most famous bitters, like Angostura and Peychaud’s, were originally marketed as health...