October 13, 2018
Ann Louise Gittleman was one of my very first podcast guests.
She first joined me on podcast episode #29: “How Many Critters Are Living In YOUR Gut, Making You Fat, Tired, Lazy, Bloated and Sick?”
Now, she's back on the show. Ann came to my house in Spokane, WA to talk about her new, amazing book “Radical Metabolism: A Powerful New Plan to Blast Fat and Reignite Your Energy in Just 21 Days“. This new book reveals the secrets to reviving a sluggish over-40 metabolism – secrets that work even faster if you're in your 20s and 30s, or you suffer from liver, gallbladder or thyroid issues.
You'll discover which “forbidden fats,” forgotten flavors, and fat-busting beverages you can eat and drink in order to increase your metabolism, protect against autoimmunity, address gallbladder issues, type II diabetes, and other devastating health problems.
The Radical Metabolism program consists of:
-a 4-day Radical Intensive Cleanse designed to rest your digestive tract and detoxify your body
-21-Day Radical Reboot where you'll learn exactly what combinations of foods to eat for results you can feel and see
-a Maintenance Plan for a healthy life
A Columbia University graduate, Ann Louise Gittleman is often called “The First Lady of Nutrition”. She is a nutritionist and internationally recognized as a pioneer in dietary, environmental, and women's health issues. She is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of over 30 books on health and nutrition including diet, detox, women's health, men's health, perimenopause, menopause, beauty and the environment.
As one of the world's foremost experts in functional and integrative medicine she holds an M.S. in Nutrition Education from Columbia University, has the title of Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.) from the American College of Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Holistic Nutrition. Ann Louise has also served as the Chief Nutritionist of Pediatric Clinic at Bellevue Hospital and is the former Director of Nutrition at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Santa Monica, CA. She has won numerous awards, including The American Medical Writers Association Award for Excellence.
In 2016 Ann was presented with the Humanitarian Award from the Cancer Control Society. She currently sits on the Advisory Board for the International Institute for Building-Biology & Ecology, the Nutritional Therapy Association, Inc. and Clear Passage, Inc.
During our discussion, you'll discover:
-Why the gallbladder is such a crucial component of the Radical Metabolism program…8:40
- Women in the U.S. are FFF: Fat, Forty and Fatigued.
- Gallbladder removal is one of the most common procedures in this country.
- It's not a “throw away” organ; we need to do everything we can to keep it.
- The “unholy alliance” between the gallbladder and the thyroid.
- If people do not have free-flowing bile (which they don't if they don't have a gallbladder) they can't convert successfully convert T4 into T3.
- Because the thyroid is so intimately connected to metabolism…
- People with sluggish bile are 7 times more likely to suffer from hyperthyroidism.
- Ben struggled with decreased thyroid activity while training for triathlons.
- People who do keto or paleo diets with high intake of fat are at risk; you need to be able to digest the fat and essential fatty acids.
-Ann's thoughts on why the gallbladder and bile issues are so common among American women…13:00
- Lack of choline.
- Study: 500 mg of choline 3x a day for 6 weeks will decongest a fatty liver.
- Choline is a lipotropic nutrient.
- We don't eat foods with natural lecithin; stigma surrounding soy products.
- Lack of bitter herbs in the diet.
- Natural sources of choline:
- Lecithin
- Eggs (if you're not allergic)
- Walnuts
- Sunflower lecithin supplement
- Bitter herbs Ann recommends: Grapefruit Diet (very popular in the 70's, with a resurgence in the 90's)
- Grapefruit extract influences mitochondria.
- Bitter melon extract.
- Ben's favorite cocktail: Bitter herbs, on the rocks, with a splash of gin. “Ben and Jitters”
-How do we test for gallbladder function?…20:43
- GGT
- High liver enzymes
- If light colored stool, dizziness, hearing problems all part of gallbladder meridian.
- Glutathione doesn't affect gallbladder.
- A bitter and resentful personality indicates gallbladder issues. Anger is associated with the liver; resentment is associated with the gallbladder.
-Is Ann a fan of any of the cleanses out there that increase bile levels?…23:00
- No. Because of congested bile, they can get stuck in the gallbladder duct and create serious problems.
- The use of choline and bitters, then following Radical Metabolism…
-What is the “correct” way to do a coffee enema?…25:25
- Depends on the individual.
- Ensure the coffee is organic.
- Keep it inside you for 20 minutes; lay on your left side.
- Hazel Parcells: The grand dame of health.
- Blackstrap molasses.
-The balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats and why there's such a thing as “too much fish oil”…27:45
- We need a 4:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fats.
- Watch out for bad omega 6 fats. Parent oils.
- You'll get more omega 6 fats from parent oils.
- Toasted sesame oil – Has lots of Vitamin T.
- What is Vitamin T?
- “Sixes are Sexy.”
-Ann's thoughts on Udo's Oil…35:37
- Uses unrefined, raw sunflower oil.
- Uses proper antioxidants.
-The role of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the formation of brown fat tissue…37:15
- It actually “activates” the tissue.
- Evening primrose oil;
- GLA helps people to lose weight without watching their calories or exercising.
-Why Ann is a fan of essential amino acids…39:15
- We need more protein, not less.
- Has more to do with metabolic rate than the gallbladder.
- The right kind of coffee can prevent you from losing lean muscle.
- It's a way to get more concentrated amounts of proteins.
-The best way to test for toxicity in your body…42:00
- Non-invasive: hair tests; tissue analysis.
- Urine provocation test can be very hard on the system.
- Lots of toxicity in cooking tools and utensils.
-Why Ann would rather have a poisonous serpent in her kitchen than aluminum foil…45:48
- Use enamel covered iron as an alternative.
- Vita Clay Pot
-Ann's 4-day and 21-day intensive cleanses…47:37
- Lots of watercress soup, which contains cancer-fighting phytonutrients. (Buy it at Trader Joe's.) Can also eat watercress as the green in a salad, as opposed to kale.
- Juices that are low-glycemic. No pulp.
- Not uncommon to lose 8-10 pounds during the cleanse. Water weight.
- You start with the 4-day, then take a week of maintenance and then the 21-day.
- Why A2 is far preferable to A1 (found in most milks).
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
Resources from this episode:
- Unikey Health Systems
- Book: Radical Metabolism: A Powerful New Plan to Blast Fat and Reignite Your Energy in Just 21 Days
- Book: The Gut Flush Plan: A Breakthrough Cleansing Program – Flushes Fattening Toxins – Boosts Metabolism – Fortifies Your Health
- Book: Zapped: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn't Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution
- Podcast Episode #29: How Many Critters Are Living In YOUR Gut, Making You Fat, Tired, Lazy, Bloated and Sick? (hint: more than you think)
- Choline – 500mg of choline 3x/day for 4 weeks
- Soy lecithin
- Bitters #9
- Orthophosphoric acid
- The fish oil Ben takes
- Hair test from Trace Elements
- Watercress
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Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Ann or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
This podcast saved me from gallbladder surgery. Ive followed Ann ever since. Her Facebook group let’s you feel connected and you are able to ask questions on the protocols.
You should read her latest book radical longevity! And have her on your show again!
This episode and the one you did with Dr. pompa on dental Mercury toxicity saved me so much pain and suffering. Im now amalgam free, slowly detoxing, and getting my life back. I was able to go back to school and finish my masters.
Thus was one of the best interviews I’ve heard in a long time!!
Hello! Very lovely podcast to listen to. I was curious as to what type of Evening Primrose Oil is recommended. Is there a certain type? Liquid vs soft-gel? Dosages?
Thanks and hope the questions is clear enough.
I like Carlson’s EPO — soft gel – up to 2 grams daily. Thanks for your query.
Hi Ben & Ann, Awesome podcast as usual! For your interest only; in New Zealand Watercress is a huge part of the diet. Question: Since Watercress is part of the mustard family, can it be combined with Kale to increase the sulfurofane the same way mustard or mustard seeds can? Cheers, Ross
Hello, thanks for the great podcast. Do you have the link to the research regarding the gall bladder and thyroid connection? Thanks.
Was super excited to start taking the Super Primrose. However it was not mentioned that this is estrogenetic and not advised for women with a history of estrogen positive breast cancers. Disappointed and annoyed.
You touch on the detoxification pathways. Ben even makes a quick comment where he said his SOD pathway is blocked, I think. I was wondering if you could list them more specifically, so i can look into them, and if you happen to have a podcast or post where you already address it in detail. Thanks.
Such a great podcast, Ben & Anne! Ordered Anne’s book and picked up non-gmo soy lecithin, ginger, and Angostura bitters. BUT.. got home and noticed that Angostura bitters ingredients are alcohol, water, sugar and gentian. Would I be better off just buying a gentian supplement or perhaps one of the pricier bitters you mentioned? I’m not a huge fan of bitter things as it is, so I want to go the best, most palatable route. Thanks! -And thanks for all the brilliant info. Cheers!
Laura: I love Dr. Shades’ No 9 bitters the best. Not too bitter.
Great podcast!! I wish it was longer. I read “Zapped” and ready to read Ann’s new book. I also love your quips like when you said, “You learned from a coffee enema ninja?”
This was one of the best podcasts you have done! I bought the book and I kid you not i listened to it 3 times today. there was so much info! I caught something new & different each time. What a smart and amazing lady too! Big fan now.
Ps. Is your intro supposed to be funny? it’s super cheesy….i always fast forward through it but the thought occurred to me….maybe this is Ben’s way of being silly?? Said with love.
Hi Ann and Ben, great podcast
So you lay on your left side when doing coffee enemas? Gerson recommends laying on your right side.
Thanks
Hi Richard: My beloved mentor taught me to lay on left side — and interestingly she was an associate of Max Gerson’s. I lay on both sides personally, first the left and then the right. Thanks for your comment.
Why are you supposed to lay on your left side while doing a coffee enema as opposed to your right side?
Dear Justin: When I first learned about coffee enemas, I was taught to lay on the left side — I now alternate sides. Why? I never asked back in those days — :)
Thank you for a great podcast. I did walk away scratching my head. Any thoughts on why I would dislike and avoid so many of the things you recommend. I don’t like beets, I don’t like artichokes, the smell of apple cider vinegar makes me run away and hide, in fact, I really dislike bitter in general. Don’t get me started on Kombucha or olives.
I recognize how helpful these items can be, I just wonder why my body and tastebuds disagree??
TJ: Don’t worry about disliking the particular bitters we spoke of in the podcast. There are loads more to choose from in my book and I am certain you will be pleasantly surprised to find many fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices you actually like. Thanks.
Seriously amazing podcast!! I’ll just mention one thing. As a Dermatologist with an interest in treating people nutritionally, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Dr. Gittleman mention Hemp seed oil. For those atopic dermatitis patients that I suspect have some EFA issues, I have been recommending hemp seed oil for quite some time as well!! Skin has very little omega 3 in it and the natural oils that create the lipid barrier to your skin are essentially made from omega 6 oil. You need pure parent omega 6 fats in your diet for healthy skin. Hemp seed oil also have a 3:! ratio of omega 6:3 so it is near perfect. One case that was a particularly striking example is a 19 year old patient that came in to see me years ago. He was a bodybuilder and was taking 5g of Omega 3 in addition to a diet mainly of salmon, broccoli, and some chicken. He had seen around 10 dermatologists and was 70% covered in atopic dermatitis. I had him take 1 tablespoon of hemp seed oil in the morning and evening and some general moisture care instructions and emollients. They were skeptical to say the least. When I walked in the exam room after 3 weeks, his father looked at me with what could only be described as absolute fury! Fearing it was actually worse, he blurted out, how come the other 10 dermatologists didn’t recommend this?? He was 90% better and only had very minor issues thereafter. He is now a nutritionist due to his experience.
Absolutley wonderful podcast Ben!! And Dr. Gittleman, I look forward to reading your books!!
Thank you Dr. Carp — LOVED your story!
Hi Ann – I bought your amazing book and starting the protocol this week. Love all the info! On the podcast you mentioned using sunflower lecithin as a good source of choline. In the book, you mention that lecithin is no longer recommended because of recent studies. Perhaps I misunderstood the podcast? Should I just supplement with choline instead of buying the sunflower lecithin?
Hi Veronica: The lecithin studies were VERY small BUT I felt compelled to mention them. THAT being said, I still LOVE sunflower lecithin (not GMO laden soy lecithin) OR choline at 500 mg per meal. Thank you for your inquiry.
What’s the dosage on primrose oil?
Thanks so much,
Maurice
EPO — up to 2 grams daily BUT this is somewhat estrogenic so I like my GLA 90s from Unikeyhealth.com
Thanks,Maurice.
Ben – Love your podcasts, and this one is top of the charts.
Ann – Your wonderful, such a lovely voice to listen to. I look forward to maximizing
my health and getting all kids of testing and beneficial protocol and teach others. I will reach out to your staff
and see what’s best for me.
Dear Dale: Thank you for your comment. Will look forward to hear from you.
I’m curious if Dr. Gittleman has any suggestions, or protocols, for those of us who do not have a gallbladder?
Hi Brandon: The product Bile Builder was what I created for those without a gallbladder. The inclusion of bitters into meals will also help digestion function. Do check out the full program in my book. Thanks.
How important is it to supplement with a binder when taking glutathione? I know Dr. Shade speaks a lot about the reabsorption of toxins when glutathione is not followed with a binder.
Hi Jay: I feel the supplement Bile Builder acts as a binder when taking glutathione since so many toxins are thrown into bile – the liver’s detox method.
Hi Ann, thank you for getting back with me :)
What about binders like charcoal, clay etc.?
I love ANY charcoal, too ..Jay :)
Killer episode! Really appreciate the show notes and links, makes taking in so much information easier.
Dear Robin: Ben’s team did an awesome job in putting all of this together. Kudos to them all.
Dear Eva: My favorite GLA brand is unikeyhealth.com as I formulated the GLA-90s from black currant seed oil.
Dear Noelle: I like 2 tablespoons molasses to 32 oz water.
Dear Kim: I think Ben is utterly RAD!
Which brand of GLA is the best ?
this interview is very exciting. THANK YOU BEN for getting her on here! She said she would share the recipe for the molasses enema but I don’t see it in the show notes. Do you know what she suggests?
Yes, I’m interested in this recipe as well!
Dear Caesar: 2 Tablespoons Molasses in enema bag full of water. Thanks.
Thank you, was just looking for this! :)
Ben, Ben, BEN!!!!! You check all of my boxes!!! One by one you continue to inform, educate & tickle my funny bone !!!! I’m 56, FIT & freaky-far ahead of my peers!!! YOU & your podcasts are just the recipe I count on to continue on my GREAT trajectory!!!
Continue on comrade 💪🏿👍 Canada 🇨🇦