Release Date: 12/07/22
Podcast Duration: 56 min
A summary by Brandon Johnson, DC
5 Key Takeaways
Learn to optimize your mental health, sleep, diet and physical fitness
Blue Zone societies have created an environment that optimizes each pillar of health
60% of chronic disease and accelerated aging relate to food
Try to eat "anciently," as similar as possible to your ancestors hundreds of years ago
The majority of your food should be cooked at home
This episode begins by introducing Dan Buettner, an award-winning journalist, producer and New York Times bestselling author. He discovered the five places in the world dubbed "Blue Zones." These are places where people live the longest and healthiest lives.
The Blue Zones and Healthy Habits
Blue Zones
Regions and cultures where people live a longer life than average
Have a high percentage of centenarians (people over 100 years old)
Usually optimal environments and ecosystems that promote healthy behaviors
These residents report more happiness and engagement in life
Tend to eat "anciently"
Foods that were accessible to their ancestors hundreds of years ago
Whole foods (unrefined or processed)
Usually plant based
They have a strong sense of purpose
Knowing their place in the world
Very low stress levels reported
Strong family values
Faith and religion
Usually involves community
Meditation and Prayer
Have optimal sleep cycles
Strong support system
Closely knit friendships
What are the Causes for Reduced Life Expectancy?
60% of chronic disease and unnecessary aging are due to food
Processed foods
Cause inflammation and metabolic diseases
Chronic diseases are caused by:
Added sugar
Preservatives
High sodium content
Biggest drivers for abnormal aging in America today:
Chronic stress
Poor diet
Social stressors from electronic device use
Sedentary lifestyle
Environmental Factors that Reduce Life Expectancy in the United States
Americans live in a toxic environment:
Unhealthy foods are cheaper, addictive and advertised heavily
Fast Food restaurants have increased in quantity and decreased quality:
High sugar content and addictive chemicals
Preservatives
Increased margins
On average fast food meals contain 300 more calories than a home cooked meal
Stress levels and depression are at an all time high
The United States has the highest SSRI (depression drug) use in the world
How to Live a Blue Zone Life
Adopt more characteristics of blue zones
Realization of individual responsibility
Finding purpose in life
Minimalist and low stress
Home cooking & historical diet
Self-cooking
3 meals a day
Whole foods that have not been altered in any way
Exercise regularly
Blue Zone citizens usually walk everywhere