Author: Myles Spar

I’ve written pretty extensively about common foods that could be carcinogenic—you can see my posts here, here, and here for details. One thing I haven’t really touched on, though, are genetically modified organisms (GMOs). But what exactly are GMOs, and are GMO foods really harmful? Let’s take a look.
 

What are GMOs?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says GMOs are “organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.” The process of creating GMOs is often called genetic engineering, and it involves transferring individual genes from one organism to another or between species that are not related. The WHO further explains that GM foods are those produced using or from GMOs. Why genetically modify food? Primarily to create crops that can withstand herbicide and pests, although some companies are experimenting with instilling arguably more frivolous traits like resistance to browning in apples. Per HuffPost, here are some of the most common GM foods:

• Corn
• Soy
• Alfalfa
• Canola
• Sugar Beets

In fact, the vast majority of corn and soy in the U.S. is GMO.
 

What effect do they have?

Whether genetic modification improves food is debatable. According to the Non-GMO Project, “there is no evidence that any of the GMOs currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.” But GMO producers like Monsanto claim that the use of GMO seeds can help conserve resources and fight disease, among other benefits.
 
Because so many genetically modified crops have been designed to tolerate herbicide, the use of Roundup (manufactured by Monsanto) and other herbicides has increased fifteen-fold, according to the Non-GMO Project. Many experts have voiced concerns about the safety of these herbicides. The active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, was classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015 by the World Health Organization. Earlier this year, a jury ordered Monsanto to pay a plaintiff who claimed his cancer was caused by Roundup $289 million in damages, according to Business Insider. Harvard University has put together an excellent resource detailing the public’s concerns about GMOs in general and the ways science has addressed these concerns, which you can read here. One main concern I have is is that glyphosate has been shown to cause a major disturbance in the normal gut bacteria we all need for good health, so eating GMO foods contaminated with glyphosate affects the gut in ways that can contribute to inflammatory and other conditions.
 
There are many ways in which GMOs could be affecting the environment as well. For example, Fortune reports that glyphosate has been found to be harmful to honeybees and may be responsible for colony collapse disorder and other afflictions.
 

How can you avoid GMOs?

Given the concern about the negative impact GMOs may have on our health and the environment, how can they be avoided? My advice on how to shop for non-GMO foods is similar to what I recommend here for avoiding carcinogenic foods at the grocery store. Remember that companies in the United States aren’t required to disclose GMO content, but many manufacturers will proudly label their products as GMO-free. Aside from reading labels, your best bet is to avoid mass-produced and processed foods. At the grocery store, this means shopping primarily in the outer aisles, particularly the produce section. Better yet, skip the store and head to your local farmer’s market to buy fresh food straight from the farmer—check out this National Farmer’s Market Directory to find one near you. Here are some other ideas about how to shop for non-GMO foods courtesy of Whole Foods Market:

• Check the source on meat, eggs, and dairy to ensure they’re not from animals given GMO feed
• Choose frozen fruits and vegetables, which are typically non-GMO
• Buy organic produce, since the USDA National Organic Standards prohibit GMOs
• Seek out dry beans, grains, nuts, and seeds

 
At Tack180, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the complicated world of diet and nutrition, especially when you’re busy. That’s why our program includes the ongoing professional support of a nutritionist. With a data-driven plan based around your own physiology, we’ll give you the tools you need to live your life with purpose and the knowledge that you’re doing all you can for optimal health.

Tack180 Individual Tests Tack180 Full Program

About Myles Spar, MD

Myles Spar, MD, MPH is board-certified in Internal Medicine and in Integrative Medicine. As a clinician, teacher and researcher on faculty of two major medical centers, he has led the charge for a more proactive, holistic and personalized approach to care that focuses on cutting edge technology and preventative care. Dr. Spar has traveled with the NBA, presented a TEDx Talk, appeared on Dr. Oz, and been featured in publications such as the Men’s Journal and the Los Angeles Times.

Do you sometimes feel off after eating but can’t pin down the cause? Have you wondered if you have food allergies or intolerances but aren’t sure how to find out what they are? We can do food sensitivity testing at Tack180 – a simple blood test that checks to see if your body sees 100+ different foods as foreign, creating antibodies in response to perfectly normal foods. This can be a very easy and useful way to identify foods that are creating reactions in your body causing gastrointestinal symptoms, migraines, eczema, or even joint pains.
 
If you’re up for a challenge, you may also want to consider a food elimination diet. What exactly does that mean? According to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), an elimination diet involves avoiding foods you suspect may be giving you trouble to see if your symptoms improve after you go for a certain period of time (usually two to four weeks) without eating these foods. Then the foods are gradually added back in to test your body’s response. Seems pretty straightforward, right? It is—as long as you’re adequately prepared. Here are six important facts to know before starting a food elimination diet.
 

1. You might want to consult an expert

Unlike your average diet plan, an actual elimination diet should be done with the guidance of a healthcare professional. It may be difficult for you to make connections between food triggers and symptoms on your own, and a doctor or nutritionist can perform the tests required to definitively diagnose allergies and/or sensitivities. That said, many people complete programs like Whole30, which cuts out added sugar, grains, dairy, legumes, and alcohol for weight loss or other health reasons and discover they feel much better when they avoid eating certain foods.
 

2. You’ll need to go grocery shopping

As mindbodygreen suggests, it’s a good idea to stock up on all the foods you can eat so you’re not starving and/or tempted to “cheat” on your elimination diet. Get plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, and try to avoid heavily processed foods that probably contain potential allergens.
 

3. You could feel worse before you feel better

You’d think that cutting an offending food from your diet would bring immediate relief, but that’s not usually the case. According to the UW Integrative Medicine Department of Family Medicine, many people notice their symptoms get worse during the first week—and especially the first few days—of an elimination diet. Even though you may be tempted to bail, keep your eyes on the prize and remember that the discomfort is temporary and will be worth it in the end.
 

4. You may be able to avoid medication

Popping a pill every time you get indigestion may bring short-term relief, but it doesn’t help you figure out what’s causing the problem. As Dave Rakel, MD, founder and director of the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Program, told Self, “Elimination diets are a really useful tool to get to the root of what might be stimulating dysfunction in the body.” He added that, compared to medication, this type of diet is less likely to do long-term damage. Changing the way you eat can help prevent disease (as I write about here), but it may also help treat conditions you didn’t even know were related to diet—no pill required.
 

5. Reintroduction can be difficult

UW Medicine explains that people who find relief when they stop eating a triggering food often experience unpleasant symptoms like digestive distress and headaches when they start eating that food again. Plan accordingly and give yourself time to reintroduce foods slowly.
 

6. You’ll learn a lot

Even if you don’t discover a food allergy, paying such close attention to what you eat (and how you feel afterward) is bound to be illuminating. You might discover, for example, that the afternoon coffee you “need” actually makes you feel anxious rather than alert. Or maybe you’ll find that a food you loved when you were younger just doesn’t do it for you anymore. You might even discover a secret love of vegetables (here’s to hoping)!
 
Interested in doing food sensitivity testing or trying an elimination diet but don’t know where to start? Tack180 can help. We’re firm believers in the power of lifestyle changes to positively influence health, and our team of experts will work with you to develop a nutrition plan specifically tailored to your needs. If you’ve been feeling off and believe what you’re eating could be to blame, set up a consultation. A few simple tweaks might be all that’s standing between you and your strongest self.

Tack180 Individual Tests Tack180 Full Program

About Myles Spar, MD

Myles Spar, MD, MPH is board-certified in Internal Medicine and in Integrative Medicine. As a clinician, teacher and researcher on faculty of two major medical centers, he has led the charge for a more proactive, holistic and personalized approach to care that focuses on cutting edge technology and preventative care. Dr. Spar has traveled with the NBA, presented a TEDx Talk, appeared on Dr. Oz, and been featured in publications such as the Men’s Journal and the Los Angeles Times.

I believe in the power of supplements to help you reach your physical and mental peak. I’ve written about some of my favorite supplements for heart health, increasing sex drive, getting the most out of your workouts, anti-aging, brain health… I could go on. That said, there are certainly things to consider before purchasing a supplement. Is the product made by a reputable company? Are you taking medications that may interact with the supplement? Which dosage is right for you? Because of these and other considerations, I suggest people work with a trained professional who can help put together a personalized supplement plan. And there are some supplements you just plain shouldn’t take, no matter what. Which ones? Here are five supplements everyone should avoid.
 

1. Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

The makers of HGH claim it can increase muscle mass, boost libido, improve energy levels—essentially turn back the clock. But does it really work? And what are the side effects? As I have discovered through years of research on this controversial topic, human growth hormone comes with high physiological and financial costs. Personally, I only prescribe the pharmaceutical-grade subcutaneous HGH injections and even then, only to patients with positive tests for innately low levels or HIV lipodystrophy. Not only do I think it’s dangerous to give people HGH unnecessarily, I could lose my medical license over it.
 

2. Calcium

While calcium plays many important roles in the body, Men’s Health says supplementing with calcium is not usually necessary for men who eat plenty of calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and some fatty fish. There’s also research out there suggesting calcium supplements may do more harm than good, including a study linking them to an increased risk of heart problems and other studies linking intake of calcium supplements with prostate cancer.
 

3. Red Yeast Rice

Because it contains cholesterol-lowering substances called monacolins—most notably monacolin K, which has the same chemical structure as the prescription drug lovastatin—red yeast rice is often used as a supplement. However, as I write about here, the quality of commercial products varies widely. A 2001 analysis of nine Chinese red yeast rice dietary supplements found a wide range of monacolin content, and only one of the products had all 10 of the compounds an effective supplement should include. Seven of the nine products also contained measurable concentrations of citrinin, a byproduct of the fermentation process that’s toxic to the kidneys. My opinion is that if you need something beyond fish oil and plant sterols, diet and exercise to lower cholesterol, you should take the pharmaceutical grade statin.
 

4. Pygeum

While Pygeum works great for symptoms of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy), it only comes from the bark of an over-harvested and endangered African tree. Rather than worsen our impact on an already overburdened environment, I recommend a couple replacements that are equally as effective and can be sourced in a much more ecologically-friendly way. These options are known as Saw Palmetto and Stinging Nettle root. If you suffer from BPH, try these sustainable treatments instead.
 

5. Yohimbe

Bark from the yohimbe tree contains a substance called yohimbine that, according to HuffPost, is often found in supplements geared toward treating erectile dysfunction. However, it has been shown to cause serious cardiac problems, such as heart arrhythmias and blood pressure issues. Dr. Patrick M. Fratellone, an integrated physician with a practice in Manhattan, told Men’s Journal, “The problem with yohimbine is that you can’t regulate the amount in a dosage.” He added, “It all depends on what part of the tree it comes from, how it’s cultivated, how it’s exported, and so on. The amount of extract you get will vary.” Fratellone also raised concerns about yohimbe and drug interactions.
 

Supplements can be powerful tools for improving health, but they can also be dangerous. Interested in learning more about which supplements might be right for you—and which ones to avoid? Do you feel like you’ve been throwing money away on expensive supplements that you may not even need? Contact Tack180 to set up a consultation. We offer micronutrient testing that determines exactly what you’re lacking, and then we can formulate a diet and supplement plan to fill in any gaps.

Tack180 Individual Tests Tack180 Full Program

About Myles Spar, MD

Myles Spar, MD, MPH is board-certified in Internal Medicine and in Integrative Medicine. As a clinician, teacher and researcher on faculty of two major medical centers, he has led the charge for a more proactive, holistic and personalized approach to care that focuses on cutting edge technology and preventative care. Dr. Spar has traveled with the NBA, presented a TEDx Talk, appeared on Dr. Oz, and been featured in publications such as the Men’s Journal and the Los Angeles Times.

If you have even a fleeting interest in nutrition, you probably know that the best way to get the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you need to function optimally is through food. In spite of our best intentions, though, most of us don’t eat as well as we should. Whether you travel for work or just work a lot, many of us don’t have time to shop for groceries (much less cook healthy meals with them), so chances are your diet is lacking. And even if you do eat well, unless you are eating all organic all the time, you could still be missing key nutrients. That’s why I’m a big proponent of micronutrient testing. Knowing you body’s deficiencies can change your health because a few simple tweaks can fix problems you didn’t even know you had. Here are some important nutrients that you might be missing.
 

Vitamin D

According to the Second National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population published by the CDC, approximately 66 million people are deficient in vitamin D. Why are so many of us suffering from low levels of this vital nutrient? As physician, author, and supplement expert Tieraona Low Dog, MD, points out, vitamin D is often called “the sunshine vitamin” because our bodies use solar energy to convert a chemical in our skin to vitamin D3. She explains that our desire to protect ourselves from the sun’s damaging rays has led to an avoidance of sun exposure and a rise in sunscreen use—and a mere SPF 8 can block up to 95% of vitamin D production. So what happens when you don’t get enough vitamin D? Healthline reports that not only can it cause muscle weakness and bone loss, D deficiency may weaken your immune system and has been associated with increased cancer risk. Other research suggests low levels of vitamin D could up your chances of developing cardiovascular disease.
 

Magnesium

Because it plays a role in hundreds of biological processes, this mineral is crucial for good health. Unfortunately, many of us are deficient—men only consume around 80 percent of the recommended daily magnesium allowance (400 milligrams) according to nutrition surveys highlighted by NBC News. Much like vitamin D deficiency, low levels of magnesium have been linked to heart problems. One study found that people with magnesium insufficiency are more likely to have high levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. (For more on C-reactive protein and the importance of having your levels checked, see my post here.)
 

Zinc

This essential trace mineral affects testosterone levels, and zinc deficiency has been linked to hypogonadism (low testosterone). Research suggests supplementing with zinc can help modulate testosterone levels, and it has also been shown to help with sexual competency and erectile dysfunction. Because I know how important zinc is for men’s health, I mention it here as one of my top supplements to increase sex drive and here as an option for helping to treat erectile dysfunction. LIVESTRONG explains that, aside from contributing to sexual health issues, zinc deficiency can reduce immune function, impair memory, and negatively impact exercise performance.
 
The micronutrient deficiencies I’ve discussed here are but a few of the many that can affect your health, preventing you from being the best version of yourself. What’s even more troubling than how common micronutrient deficiencies are is the fact that most people don’t experience any obvious symptoms, meaning you may never know what you’re missing. Whether you’re an athlete looking to achieve a personal record or an executive seeking the stamina needed to reach the next level at work, you’re much more likely to achieve your goals when your body has the nutrients it needs to perform optimally.
 
Micronutrient testing like the kind offered by Tack180 can help you understand exactly what you need to reach your peak. Beyond that, we can tailor a unique diet and supplement plan to help you fill in any gaps. Why waste time and money on expensive supplements that you may not need when micronutrient testing and knowing your body’s deficiencies can change your health?

Tack180 Micronutrient Testing

About Myles Spar, MD

Myles Spar, MD, MPH is board-certified in Internal Medicine and in Integrative Medicine. As a clinician, teacher and researcher on faculty of two major medical centers, he has led the charge for a more proactive, holistic and personalized approach to care that focuses on cutting edge technology and preventative care. Dr. Spar has traveled with the NBA, presented a TEDx Talk, appeared on Dr. Oz, and been featured in publications such as the Men’s Journal and the Los Angeles Times.