Podcast
The Primal Shift
Hosted by Michael Kummer · EN
Primal Shift is about helping you achieve optimal health by bridging the gap between ancestral living and the demands of modern society. We'll talk about every aspect of a healthy life, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, environmental toxins, hormesis, belonging and tribalism, and reconnecting with nature.
Get ready to unlock the transformative power of nature as the ultimate biohack, revolutionize your health and reconnect you with your primal self. Each episode is short and concise, providing you with actionable tips and tricks you can use to start living a more primal lifestyle today.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
140: How to Support Your Immune System With a Mushroom Compound Backed by 100+ Studies
1w ago00:58:57Tap to summarizeMost of the mushroom supplements you'll find on Amazon are ground-up fruiting bodies or myceliated grain in a capsule. AHCC is something entirely different. It's a patented fermented extract from shiitake mycelia that has been used in over 1,000 cancer clinics worldwide, backed by more than 100 published studies, and studied specifically for its effects on natural killer cells, HPV clearance, autoimmune conditions, and liver disease. I'd never heard of it until Mimi Lindquist introduced me to it. Lindquist is the co-founder of The Medicine alongside her husband, Chase. She started as a clinical dental hygienist in Seattle, where she observed firsthand how oral health mirrors systemic health, and eventually followed a thread from a patient's HPV recovery all the way to a research compound developed at the University of Tokyo in 1986. In this episode, Lindquist explains what AHCC actually is, how its manufacturing process makes it fundamentally different from any other mushroom product on the market, and why the clinical research behind it is unusually robust for a supplement. The mechanism that makes AHCC interesting is that it doesn't just boost the immune system indiscriminately. It modulates it. For healthy individuals with normal NK cell counts, it doesn't artificially raise them. For people dealing with HPV, cancerous tumors, or autoimmune conditions where the immune system needs more information, it does. This adaptogenic quality is why AHCC can support both an overactive immune response (as in autoimmune) and an underactive one (as in immune suppression from chronic illness or aging) without contradicting itself. I pushed back on this in the conversation because AHCC is a processed product that requires industrial manufacturing to produce, which doesn't fit neatly into an ancestral framework. Lindquist's response was honest: if we were living 100 years ago without microplastics, glyphosate in the rain, and the chronic stress loads of modern life, we probably wouldn't need it. But that's not the world we live in, and the thousands of testimonials she's received from people who had tried everything else and found relief with AHCC are hard to dismiss. Dosing is two capsules daily for general immune support, four for conditions like HPV, Lyme, or autoimmune, and six to eight for serious situations like tumors or advanced liver disease. Their product, Immune Intel AHCC, uses 750 milligrams per capsule with nothing else added. About Mimi Lindquist: Meagan (Mimi) Lindquist is the co-founder of The Medicin, alongside her husband Chase. With her background as a clinical dental hygienist, culinary nutrition guide, and AHCC educator, she has been helping others prevent disease for over 12 years. Now, Mimi has dedicated herself entirely to sharing the benefits of Immune Intel AHCC, a mushroom supplement unlike any other, to as many people as possible. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimi_themedicin/ Website: https://www.themedicin.com Podcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/themedicin/ [Discount Code] Use code PRIMALSHIFT for 10% off Mimi's products → https://www.themedicin.com Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 Intro 04:24 From dental health to holistic 07:47 Oral microbiome and inflammation 11:58 How AHCC entered her life 16:58 What AHCC actually is 19:17 Origins and NK cell research 28:13 Immune modulation explained 30:40 Fungal network intelligence 32:30 Primal vs processed supplements 36:15 Modern stress and immune support 40:10 Dosing for different needs 41:19 Kids and pets success stories 43:13 Industrial consistency vs foraging 47:37 How long until results 56:10 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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139: If I started over at 25 with what I know now, here's what I'd actually do
2w ago00:17:48Tap to summarizeThe other day my brother-in-law asked me a simple question: if you could go back to age 25 knowing what you know now, what would you do differently? The answer turned out to be anything but simple, because every change I'd make would unravel the chain of events that led me to where I am today. If I hadn't gotten into computers at 12, I probably wouldn't have gone into IT security. Without that career, I wouldn't have started my own company, moved to Switzerland, transferred to the US, met my wife, had our kids, or ever started homesteading. One different decision and none of this exists. In this episode, I work through that tension and share the principles I'd build my life around if I were starting over – even knowing I probably wouldn't change the path itself. The biggest one is making money work for you as early as possible. Trading time for dollars is a losing proposition long-term because time is the one thing you can't make more of. I'd start investing immediately, spreading across ETFs, real estate, cryptocurrency and precious metals. We started investment accounts for our kids shortly after they were born, and half of everything they earn from chores and their businesses goes straight into compounding. By the time they're my age, that head start will matter enormously. The second is buying land. Even a small piece somewhere out in the sticks with water access and room to grow. Land with resources is independence, and the earlier you acquire it, the more options you have later. I'd save aggressively to make that happen as fast as possible. The third is learning to build things with your hands. Woodworking, framing, welding, masonry. I'm learning all of this now at 44 and wishing I'd started at 15. Those skills also put you outside in nature, which is another thing most people have to artificially incorporate into their lives later. And the last is learning to think critically about established systems early. Most of what everyone does, how we eat, how we live, when we go to bed, doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Being willing to do things differently and tolerate the inconvenience of going against the grain is a skill that compounds just like money does. I saw myself in Silicon Valley at one point, building and selling tech companies. Now I'm raising cattle and recording a podcast from a tiny home on 45 acres. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Learn More: How We FOUND the Perfect Homestead Land: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6E4k7D0P1M Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Apollo Neuro! Apollo is a wearable that delivers gentle vibrations to calm your nervous system and help your body stay in a restful state through the night. I've been wearing it for years and still notice a measurable difference — higher HRV and a lower resting heart rate on nights I use it. That's not placebo. That's my nervous system responding differently. If your sleep issues feel stress-related — and honestly, most of them are — Apollo is worth trying. To learn more, visit apolloneuro.com/michaelkummer and use code PRIMALSHIFT for $60 off. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:36 How one choice changes everything 06:34 Make money work for you 07:37 Teaching kids to invest 10:24 Buy land early 11:19 Learn hands-on skills 13:04 Question the default path 14:26 Money mistakes and lessons 16:37 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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138: Why Eating Cheap Is the Worst Financial Decision
3w ago00:20:13Tap to summarizeMost people think healthy food is expensive. But when you factor in healthcare costs, tax-funded subsidies, and environmental damage, you're actually paying three times what the price tag shows. In this episode, I break down the hidden cost of processed food, how food subsidies and health outcomes are directly connected, and why the real food vs junk food cost comparison looks nothing like what you see at the register. I also make the case for regenerative farming, the grass-fed beef vs factory farmed debate, and how to eat healthy on a budget by buying whole animals and cutting out what isn't actually food. Thank you to this episode's sponsor, DeltaG Ketones! DeltaG gives your brain a cleaner, more efficient fuel source than glucose. I mix it into my morning coffee on days I'm recording or doing anything that requires sustained focus — and the difference is noticeable. Unlike stimulants or nootropic stacks, this is a single molecule your body already knows how to use, just delivered on demand. To learn more about DeltaG ketones and why I use them, check the link below. Use code MICHAELKUMMER to get 10% off: https://www.deltagketones.com/MICHAELKUMMER In this episode: 00:00 Intro 00:36 Food cheaper, healthcare higher 02:43 True cost hidden ledger 03:51 Health and environmental toll 05:58 Subsidies rig the market 09:04 Vote with your dollars 13:16 Bulk buying whole animals 16:19 Junk food cost comparison 17:28 Four practical takeaways 18:19 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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137: The Nutrient Gap Most Carnivores Don't Know About
4w ago00:22:43Tap to summarizeWhy bother with organ meat when you can just have a ribeye? After all, steak is already one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It's a fair question, and one I get all the time. The ancestral health world has generally answered it with "because our ancestors did" or "because predators eat the organs first," and while those things are true, they don't actually tell you what you need to know. The real question is how much more nutritious is an organ than a steak. Is it 10% more? Twice as much? Because if the gap is small, eat the steak and move on. But if it's enormous, that changes things. In this episode, I share the results of a lab analysis that finally answers the question with actual data, nutrient by nutrient. Our freeze-drying partner sent samples of freeze-dried beef organs alongside grass-fed and grain-finished ribeye to the Center for Human Nutrition Studies at Utah State University, where Dr. Stephan van Vliet led the project. They accounted for water content across all samples so the comparison would be fair. And the results weren't subtle. For example, compared to ribeye, 100 grams of freeze-dried beef liver had… 73 times more B12 42 times more preformed Vitamin A 430 times more folate 280 times more Vitamin D 55 times more copper 7 times more choline. Perhaps what was most interesting, though, is that the study revealed that no single organ does it all. Liver wins on fat-soluble vitamins and B vitamins. Heart dominates in CoQ10. Kidney leads with folate and choline. Spleen owns iron by a wide margin. Together, they cover virtually every essential nutrient your body needs. Ribeye is a great food and by far my favorite cut, but it's not complete food. The animal as a whole is. In the episode, I also go into why eggs can help narrow the nutritional gap but can't fully close it, why a traditional Sami reindeer herder in Norway told me they feed the organs to the dogs, and why declining soil fertility makes concentrated nutrient sources like organs even more important than they were a generation ago. Learn More: Top Health Benefits of Consuming Organ Meat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WytdCdykAaA Beef Liver: Benefits of Consumption and Supplementation: https://michaelkummer.com/beef-liver-benefits/ The Health Benefits of Eating 15 Different Organ Meats: https://michaelkummer.com/organ-meat-benefits/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Apollo Neuro! Apollo is a wearable that delivers gentle vibrations to calm your nervous system and help your body stay in a restful state through the night. I've been wearing it for years and still notice a measurable difference — higher HRV and a lower resting heart rate on nights I use it. That's not placebo. That's my nervous system responding differently. If your sleep issues feel stress-related — and honestly, most of them are — Apollo is worth trying. To learn more, visit apolloneuro.com/michaelkummer and use code PRIMALSHIFT for $60 off. In this episode: 00:00 Why organs matter 02:06 Modern meat habits 02:46 Sami reindeer lesson 04:40 Eggs versus organs 09:19 Lab test setup 11:11 Liver nutrient bomb 13:46 Heart, kidney, spleen 16:27 How to eat organs 19:42 Soil nutrients decline 21:21 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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136: Rethinking Sun Exposure From Scratch
Apr 2900:20:27Tap to summarizeSun exposure isn't as simple as "eat clean and you're bulletproof." In this episode, I share how my sun exposure habits had to change after moving to a larger homestead — and why spending more time outdoors forced me to rethink everything I thought I knew. I break down why diet still matters for UV tolerance, what actually causes photo aging, how I structure my day to get sun safely, and why I rarely use sunscreen — but when I do, what I reach for. Learn More: How to Avoid Sunburn Without Sunscreen: https://michaelkummer.com/avoid-sunburn-naturally/ OneSkin Sunscreen Review: https://youtu.be/VzxwbOcLiVs Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Delta G! DeltaG gives your brain a cleaner, more efficient fuel source than glucose. I mix it into my morning coffee on days I'm recording or doing anything that requires sustained focus — and the difference is noticeable. Unlike stimulants or nootropic stacks, this is a single molecule your body already knows how to use, just delivered on demand. To learn more about DeltaG ketones and why I use them, check the link below. Use code MICHAELKUMMER to get 10% off: https://www.deltagketones.com/MICHAELKUMMER In this episode: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Homestead life more UV 01:50 UV stress and photoaging 04:28 Springtime burn wakeup 08:03 Seed oils and sun damage 11:32 Sunscreen trends and melanoma 15:08 My daily sun exposure protocol 16:38 My favorite sunscreen 18:41 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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135: The Milk Problem Nobody Talks About
Apr 2200:25:47Tap to summarizeI noticed something weird: body odor after drinking milk, but no digestive issues. That 48–72 hour delay told me lactose wasn't the culprit. In this episode, I explore why raw milk health benefits get oversimplified, and why the real differences matter: A2A2 milk vs A1 casein, how pasteurized milk inflammation compares to raw, and what my grass fed dairy microbiome response actually means. I break down: Why raw milk body odor happens (and what the timing reveals) Milk digestion issues beyond lactose intolerance How to find the best sources: regenerative farms, A2A2 genetics, glass containers Lactose intolerance alternatives and what your body's really telling you The safety case for raw milk from clean sources How ancestral nutrition dairy actually works in practice Bottom line: Your body is always signaling. Learn More: The Pros and Cons of Drinking Milk: https://michaelkummer.com/milk-benefits/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:11 Raw milk surprise test 04:45 Listen to body signals 05:37 Lactose and genetics 07:40 Why the delay matters 08:29 Microbiome shift theory 10:06 Immune response and processing 14:26 Raw milk safety context 16:01 Grass-fed low risk 18:14 A1 vs A2 casein 19:44 Best store-bought options 21:24 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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134: The 7 Health Rules I No Longer Follow
Apr 1500:28:27Tap to summarizeIf you've been following me for any amount of time, you know I've had strong opinions on diet, training, and what belongs on your plate. Some of those opinions I've walked back. Not because I was wrong about everything, but because I've learned more, lived more, and stopped clinging to ideas just because they were mine. How you handle being wrong says a lot more about you than how confident you were when you thought you were right. And when you build an audience or even just a social circle around certain positions, those positions become part of your identity. Walking something back feels like losing credibility. But doubling down on something you no longer believe is what actually destroys it. In this episode, I walk through the seven biggest areas where my thinking has shifted and why. For example, I used to move from one strict dietary framework to the next: paleo to keto to carnivore, fully believing each was the answer until the next one replaced it. Where I've landed is that no single framework captures reality. Humans are meat-leaning but opportunistic omnivores, and the problem with rigid labels is they turn food into ideology. You stop asking "is this good for me?" and start asking "is this allowed?" That connects to a broader shift away from black-and-white thinking. I used to believe clarity meant certainty. If something was bad, it was always bad. But biology doesn't operate in binaries. Carbs make sense for some people in some contexts and not others. Intermittent fasting is a powerful tool but not a universal prescription. Plants are toxic to varying degrees, and I haven't changed my mind on that science, but growing a garden this spring has changed my appreciation for what plants offer beyond nutrition: exposure to soil, sunlight, movement, family time. There's an innate benefit to the process itself. On intensity, I've started asking what the minimum effective dose is that keeps me strong and healthy for decades, instead of always going all in. Organisms that burn hot tend to burn out faster, and the recovery side of training is the part I've neglected most. On biohacking, gadgets can supplement a life well lived but they cannot replace one. I'd rather spend an hour in the garden with my kids than 45 minutes hooked up to devices in a dark room, and I think the health outcomes from the first option are probably better anyway. The thread running through all of this is simple: the willingness to update your thinking is the single most important health skill you can develop. Stay curious, stay critical, and don't confuse confidence with certainty. Learn More:59: Paleo, Keto, Carnivore [Navigating Dietary Changes as a Family] Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Apollo Neuro! Apollo is a wearable that delivers gentle vibrations to calm your nervous system and help your body stay in a restful state through the night. I've been wearing it for years and still notice a measurable difference — higher HRV and a lower resting heart rate on nights I use it. That's not placebo. That's my nervous system responding differently. If your sleep issues feel stress-related — and honestly, most of them are — Apollo is worth trying. To learn more, visit apolloneuro.com/michaelkummer and use code PRIMALSHIFT for $60 off. In this episode: 00:00 Why I changed my mind 05:45 #1 Beyond diet labels 08:43 #2 Black and white thinking 11:55 #3 Rethinking plants 15:07 #4 Intensity vs. longevity 18:40 #5 Gadgets vs. nature 22:10 #6 Choosing health mentors 24:48 #7 Store products reality check 27:08 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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133: Your Food Isn't as Nutritious as You Think
Apr 800:19:24Tap to summarizeYour food can only be as nutrient dense as the soil it was grown in. That's the realization I had after testing the soil across our new property and discovering that despite being relatively fertile and rich in magnesium, it was far too acidic for plants to absorb those minerals properly. Soil pH is a gatekeeper: if it's off, the nutrients stay locked in the ground even when they're technically present. That sent me down a rabbit hole of soil depletion and food nutrient density, and the data is sobering. A 2004 University of Texas study compared USDA food composition data for 43 crops between 1950 and 1999 and found protein down 6%, calcium down 16%, iron down 15%, and vitamin C down 20%. A 2022 UK study showed iron down 50% and copper down 49% over 80 years. In this episode, I break down why this matters even if you're eating an animal-based diet; where the biggest mineral gaps are likely hiding; and what you can do about it right now. If you're thinking this is just a farming problem, consider that cattle, chickens, and pigs eat plants and forage. If they're consuming depleted feed, the resulting meat, eggs, and milk are also depleted. The nutrient density of your ribeye starts in the soil under the grass. Meanwhile, US cropland loses 4.63 tons of topsoil per acre per year, and a third of the corn belt has already lost its entire mineral-rich topsoil layer. It takes about a thousand years to generate one inch of new topsoil, and we're losing it ten times faster than it forms. The minerals you're most likely missing are magnesium (nearly half of Americans consume less than the estimated average requirement, and standard blood tests won't catch a deficiency because only 1% of body magnesium is in serum), zinc (critical for immune function and testosterone, and lost through sweat during training), and selenium (almost entirely dependent on regional soil content, with up to 34x variability in the same food depending on where it was grown). The long-term fix is regenerative farming, which studies consistently show produces two to three times the soil health scores and significantly higher vitamin and mineral content. The short-term fix is sourcing from farmers who care about soil quality, eating organ meats and oysters, and supplementing strategically to bridge gaps that even a well-constructed diet can't fully cover. Learn More: Our Kummer Homestead Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kummerhomestead Use code YOUTUBE for 20% off our supplements → https://mksupps.com Local regenerative farm finder: http://EatWild.com Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Apollo Neuro! Apollo is a wearable that delivers gentle vibrations to calm your nervous system and help your body stay in a restful state through the night. I've been wearing it for years and still notice a measurable difference — higher HRV and a lower resting heart rate on nights I use it. That's not placebo. That's my nervous system responding differently. If your sleep issues feel stress-related — and honestly, most of them are — Apollo is worth trying. To learn more, visit apolloneuro.com/michaelkummer and use code PRIMALSHIFT for $60 off. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:19 Nutrients are declining 04:39 Soil erosion crisis 06:52 Labels vs reality 08:37 Real food variability 10:22 Magnesium testing trap 11:09 Zinc and immunity 12:04 Selenium depends on soil 13:14 Regenerative farming fix 17:01 Local sourcing tips 18:24 Final takeaways Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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132: I Tested a Fasting Supplement for a Year — Here's What It Did to My Biological Age | Chris Rhodes, CEO of Mimio Health
Mar 2500:58:56Tap to summarizeYour body already knows how to live to 120 in perfect health. It's just not doing it. That realization is what sent Dr. Chris Rhodes down the fasting research path during his PhD in nutritional biochemistry at UC Davis. His argument? Most people doing 16:8 intermittent fasting aren't getting nearly the benefits they think they are. The body doesn't flip into fasting mode until glycogen stores are depleted, which typically takes 20 to 24 hours. Autophagy, stem cell regeneration, and the real anti-inflammatory benefits don't peak until around 72 hours. In this episode, Dr. Rhodes, creator of Mimio – the world's first fasting mimetic supplement – explains what his team discovered when they tracked metabolites during 36-hour fasts in healthy subjects, as well as how they isolated four synergistic molecules that recreate fasting benefits at the cellular level. We also dig into something personal. Almost a year ago, I started supplementing with Mimio and tracked my biological age using TrueAge epigenetic testing before, during, and after. The result? My pace of aging slowed to 0.85 – meaning that for every calendar year, I'm only aging about 10 months biologically. Rhodes walks me through what the epigenetic markers actually mean, why some of my results seem contradictory on the surface, and why the phenotype matters more than the genotype when it comes to practical health decisions. We also get into why fasting can disrupt hormonal cycles through caloric restriction signaling, why elite athletes rarely have exceptional longevity despite peak fitness, and why combining actual fasting with Mimio may produce better results than either one alone. Try Mimio and get 20% off your first purchase with code MICHAELKUMMER: https://mimiohealth.sjv.io/qWzkOg About Chris Rhodes: Dr. Chris Rhodes, PhD, spent 8 years researching fasting at UC Davis before discovering that specific molecules produced during a fast can reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and support metabolic health. That research led him to create Mimio, the world's first fasting mimetic supplement, backed by three clinical studies and designed to deliver measurable longevity benefits without changing your diet or lifestyle. Dr. Chris Rhodes on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatnutritiondr Website: https://mimiohealth.com/ Learn more: 73: NAD Supplements That Actually Work: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/73-nad-supplements-that-actually-work/ 62: Biological Age Test Review: Epigenetics Explained Simply | Hannah Went: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/62-biological-age-test-review-epigenetics-explained-simply-hannah-went/ 63: HbA1c Levels Explained: Why They May Be High Without High Blood Sugar: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/63-hba1c-levels-explained-why-they-may-be-high-without-high-blood-sugar/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Apollo Neuro! Apollo is a wearable that uses gentle sound wave vibrations to signal safety to your nervous system, helping you feel calmer, more focused, and less reactive throughout the day. Check out my full Apollo review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/apollo-neuro-review/ Get $60 off with my discount code PRIMALSHIFT: https://michaelkummer.com/go/apolloneuro In this episode: 00:00 Fasting mimetic breakthrough 02:25 Experiment setup TrueAge 04:13 Why fasting extends life 06:14 How long to fast 09:11 Fasting risks and hormones 13:59 Longevity versus performance 18:02 Mimio [How it works] 20:39 Clinical results and trials 24:17 TrueAge report walkthrough 32:57 Immune markers vs feeling healthy 36:45 Can you change epigenetics 39:45 Pace of aging results 45:04 Hormetic stress and inflammation 50:11 Food and postprandial inflammation 57:05 Wrap up Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Mimio #Longevity
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131: The Best and Worst Plants to Eat on an Animal-Based Diet (And How to Prepare Them)
Mar 1800:33:26Tap to summarizeMost people who start an animal-based diet assume the goal is to eliminate every plant from the plate. I get it: when you've spent years being told kale is a superfood and you finally learn it's loaded with oxalates and goitrogens, the pendulum swings hard. It did for me. But the blanket "plants are bad" framing leaves a lot on the table. Plants aren't health foods. They don't want to be eaten, and they evolved with chemical defenses to discourage exactly that. Our dietary foundation at the Kummer household remains meat, organs, eggs, dairy and bone broth, and most of our calories come from animal sources. The question is whether certain plants, chosen carefully and prepared properly, can earn a supporting role. In this episode, I lay out a practical four-tier framework for thinking about plants on an animal-based diet: which ones you can eat freely, which work in moderation, which to approach with caution, and which to leave behind entirely. Ripe, low-seed fruits like berries, avocados, olives and coconut sit at the top of the list. They have minimal toxin load, and in the case of sweet fruit, the plant actually wants you to eat it. Peeled and deseeded vegetables like squash and zucchini come next, since removing the skin and seeds removes most of the antinutrient burden. Tubers can work well when peeled, cooked, and ideally fermented — we do ours in a 2.5% saline solution for a few days, which lowers both the glycemic index and the antinutrient count. On the other end, kale, spinach and chard are some of the worst offenders. Their oxalate levels are high, and unlike most other antinutrients, oxalates can't be reduced through any known preparation method. Grains are similarly problematic, though properly fermented sourdough — made at home over several days — can degrade a significant portion of the gluten and phytates. Where a plant lands in those tiers depends on its antinutrient concentration, whether preparation can neutralize the worst offenders, your individual gut and metabolic health, and how much you're eating and how often. I can have sourdough once a week without noticing anything negative. But if I eat it every day, I definitely notice. Peppers I tolerate surprisingly well. Raw dairy — which most animal-based influencers swear by — I can't do at all. My skin breaks out, I get bloated, and my body odor changes. Cut out dairy and I don't need deodorant. The question isn't whether to eat plants or not — it's which ones, how much, and how prepared. Plants play a supporting role, and you tier your choices by toxin load, preparation, and how your own body responds. Learn More: My Animal-Based Food List (Free Download): https://michaelkummer.com/food-list/ MEAT vs. PLANTS (What's Better for Your Health?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqKzO_PkD-k&utm Plants vs. Meat: Why I Stopped Eating Veggies: https://michaelkummer.com/plants-vs-meat 99: Plants vs Animals: Why Meat Beats Plants for Nutrition: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/99-plants-vs-animals-why-meat-beats-plants-for-nutrition 49: From Almonds to Spinach: Dr. Schindler on Avoiding Common Dietary Traps: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/49-from-almonds-to-spinach-dr-schindler-on-avoiding-common-dietary-traps/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:53 Why plants fight back 04:54 Four-tier plant spectrum 09:04 Best picks: Sweet fruits 12:34 Peeled veggies and sides 13:33 Tubers, rice, and mushrooms 16:24 Leafy greens to avoid 18:40 Nightshades and tolerance 20:33 Grains, legumes, and nuts 24:37 Prep methods that help 29:09 Personal testing protocol 31:34 Wrap-up: framework recap Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.
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