The Paleohacks Podcast

Join John Durant, author of The Paleo Manifesto, for a frank discussion of your body on the Paleo lifestyle. Durant studied evolutionary psychology and pursued an office job, only to transfer his skills into researching the Paleo diet full-time. Durant offers graphic insights into the science of the Paleo lifestyle, from fostering your immune system through less germaphobia, to spraying your skin with live cultures for a healthy microbiome. Discover why Durant avoids dogma in writing about the Paleo lifestyle and objects to the term “diet.” Learn how to distinguish between hype and reality in the Paleo community. Finally, join Durant for PaleoCon, a series of interviews with key figures in the Paleo community that serves as a Paleo 101 course. 2:00: Evolutionary psychology and the Paleo lifestyle. 5:00: No diets allowed: Durant’s non-dogmatic manifesto. 6:00: Paleo lifestyle hacks for every day. 8:00: For the moms: How to adapt your lifestyle with your loved ones. 13:30: The Paleo lifestyle: A tide, not a fad. 15:30: Debunking the Paleo hype machine. 20:00: Vegetarianism and mental disorders: Is there a connection? 24:00: Why are more women vegetarians? 29:00: Cutting through the emotions behind dietary choices. 34:00: Put down that Purel: Strengthen your immune system through your skin. 42:00: Live culture spray for your skin microbiome. Enjoy the episode below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks YouTube Channel

Join Sarah Ballantyne, founder of award-winning blog The Paleo Mom, for a discussion of autoimmune disease and the Paleo diet. With a Ph.D. in Medical Biophysics, Ballantyne bases her approach to the Paleo lifestyle on established scientific concepts. Listen as she discusses both the scientific and the emotional-psychological hurdles of the Paleo lifestyle. Learn about autoimmune diseases and how the Paleo diet and the autoimmune protocol might help. Finally, get tips on how to seek out credible research from diverse resources. Check out Ballantyne’s book, The Paleo Approach, and her podcast The Paleo View. 3:00: How science and the Paleo diet mesh. 7:00: Finding the in-between of what our bodies need and can tolerate. 8:00: The “Paralysis by Analysis” effect. 10:00: Shifting from “I am Paleo” to “I follow a Paleo diet.” 14:30: How to make Paleo sustainable for you. 16:00: Sarah reveals her personal diet hurdles. 22:00: Why support can make or break you. 22:30: How eating healthy is like learning a language 23:30: What you need to know about autoimmune disease. 30:00: Can autoimmune disease “spread” to other parts of your body? 33:00: Are autoimmune diseases curable? 37:00: Breaking down the autoimmune protocol diet. 42:00: The “rabbit hole of PubMed.” 45:00: Diversifying your research. Enjoy the Episode Below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks YouTube Channel

Join Gunnar Lovelace, co-founder and CEO of online health foods retailer Thrive Market, for a discussion of the accessibility and affordability of a healthy lifestyle, and the political side of food. Learn about Thrive Market’s approach to an affordable healthy lifestyle. Tune in for hot-topic debates about GMO food labeling and the health foods marketplace. 1:00: Making health and wellness affordable and accessible to everyone. 3:00: People of all walks of life growing more interested in health and wellness. 7:00: Balancing practicality and passion for a healthy lifestyle. 8:00: The Thrive Market premise. 12:00: Invest in yourself: We can’t afford NOT to eat healthy. 16:30: Where to shop healthfully on a budget. 23:00: Balancing local consumption and a global economy. 24:00: Lovelace’s thoughts on Whole Foods and major health retailers. 27:00: Thrive Market: the largest GMO-free market in the country. 34:00: How politics affect the way we read nutrition labels. 37:00: Unbiased GMO research: Where is it? Enjoy the episode below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks YouTube Channel

We have to honor our individuality in weight loss regimens, says naturopathic physician and weight loss trainer Dr. Jade Teta. Join Dr. Teta for a discussion on the nuances of weight loss, how to hack your own metabolism for a regimen that best suits you, and what diet pitfalls to avoid. Learn the science behind foods that trigger unhealthy eating and the role our psyche plays in dieting. Passionate about nutrition from a young age, Dr. Teta first started crafting nutrition programs for friends and family at 15. Teta earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry before attending Bastyr University for his doctorate in naturopathic medicine. He and his brother Dr. Keoni Teta are the founders and developers of the Metabolic Effect Diet book. Visit their Metabolic Effect website and check out their most recent book, “Lose Weight Here.” 2:00: Honor your individuality: Weight loss is not one size fits all. 3:00: Overcoming bias: Teta’s shares his own weight loss journey and revelation. 6:00: Weight loss rut: Are you cheating yourself, or is it a hormonal issue? 8:20: How to find the right weight loss plan for you and get results. 9:00: Diet ADD: Stop jumping from program to program. 11:00: Bruce Lee has the best dieting advice. 16:00 Diet "rules" weren't made to be broken, they were made to be guidelines. 17:50: Consistency, Consistency, Consistency. 21:00: Hack your own metabolism. 25:00: Trigger foods: One unhealthy meal may lead to another. 26:00: Buffer foods: By the same token, one healthy meal may lead to another. 27:00: Don't let it happen to you: When a cheat meal turns into a cheat week. 28:30: Satiating and satisfying: How to strike a balance. 33:40: Meal frequency and fasting: what works best for you? 39:40:  Whole Foods vs. Supplements Enjoy the episode below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks YouTube Channel

The Paleohacks podcast welcomes Mark Sisson of The Primal Blueprint and Mark’s Daily Apple fame. One of the early pioneers of the Paleo diet, Sisson offers his thoughts on the mainstreaming of Paleo culture as well as tips for a primal lifestyle. Beyond diet, Sisson delves into concerns about our psychological relationship with food, exercise habits, stress levels and hormonal health. If you haven’t already, pick up Sisson’s guide to reprogramming your genes for weight loss, The Primal Blueprint. Be sure to check out his newest Primal Kitchen release: avocado oil mayonnaise. 1:00: Sisson’s thoughts on mainstreaming the Paleo diet 4:00: What is Primal? 8:00: Three foods to remove from your diet and exercise to incorporate now. 11:00: Get into the right mindset and don’t deprive yourself. 16:00: How to make mindful and intuitive health decisions. 19:00: Hormones and health. 26:00: Stress: It affects us as much if not more than our diet. 30:00: Lifestyle changes to get insulin levels under control. 38:00: How to manage endurance athletics. Enjoy the episode below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks YouTube Channel

We all know we should aim for eight hours of sleep, but are you getting the most out of your nightly snooze?  Join Shawn Stevenson, host of The Model Health Show podcast and author of “Sleep Smarter,” for a discussion on quality sleep hygiene and its health benefits. Learn how good sleep hygiene and managed stress levels can cultivate a healthier lifestyle. Get Stevenson’s take on the roles of caffeine and cortisol in your sleep schedule, as well as his suggestions for the optimal daily sleep and wellness schedule. 3:00: Ease into it: Cultivate good habits and don’t destroy your body when starting a health routine. 8:00: Stevenson’s health story: Using health and fitness to combat Degenerative Spinal Disease. 13:00: The body needs movement to heal itself. 17:30: Combating stress and sleep loss to help pain, physical ailments, and their underlying causes. 22:30: Sleep smarter, not longer: How morning exercise leads to deeper anabolic sleep. 25:00: Cortisol and how it affects sleep. 26:00: Caffeine curfew: Cut off caffeine consumption early in the day. 31:50: The best sleep time frame 35:00: Beyond 8 hours: Quality vs. quantity sleep. 39:00: Working the night shift: a possible carcinogen. 40:00: The ideal day: A sleep and wellness schedule. Enjoy the episode below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks YouTube Channel

Let’s talk gastrointestinal health today with Dr. Jillian Teta, a naturopathic physician and author of “Natural Solutions for Digestive Health.” Join Dr. Teta for a discussion of the gut’s influence on nearly all systems of our body—from those that affect us physically to those that affect our mental and emotional health. Learn how we’re 10x more bacteria than cells. Dr. Teta also covers the controversial debates surrounding gluten and coffee. 1:35: Your digestive system: the central station of the body. 3:20: We’re 10x more bacteria than human: the micro-biome of your gastrointestinal system. 5:40: Serotonin production and your gut—how this influences your mental and emotional health. 8:40: Loose stool as a potential sign of mental distress. 9:50: The biggest disruptions to your digestive system. 12:30: Dysbiosis: A digestive imbalance with far-reaching effects. 13:00: Real-life stressors and their effect on your gut. 14:50: Be careful not to overuse hand sanitizer. 18:15: How to use antibiotics judiciously. 21:30: How to restore your gut health with probiotics and fermented foods. 23:50: The 3 steps to perfect gut health 25:45: Which gut health supplements to try and when to use them. 28:20: Coffee: What’s it doing to our gut? It depends on you. 33:45: Gluten hype: Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. 42:20: How to be discerning with gluten-free products. Enjoy the episode below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks Youtube Channel

Join Dr. Trevor Cates, aka the“Spa Doctor,” for suggestions on how to achieve glowing skin the naturopathic, holistic way.  Learn how diet plays a large role in our skin health, and why you should monitor your dairy and sugar consumption — especially if you suffer from acne. Get tips for DIY skin treatments, including a facemask you can eat and the best natural ingredients for skin products. Dr. Cates received her medical degree from the National College of Natural Medicine, and previously served on California’s Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine Advisory Council and on the board of the American Association Naturopathic Physicians. Try her skin quiz and check out her 21-Day Healthy Habits Challenge. 1:05: Why research the skin? Skin problems like acne, rosacea, and eczema reflect internal imbalances. 2:00: Holistic vs. mainstream skin treatment: Mainstream dermatologists only address the symptom; naturopathy addresses imbalances in the body. 3:15: Skin turnover: Every 28 days we get a fresh start. 3:50: Internal inflammation from nutritional deficiencies can trigger skin problems. 4:40: Like our gut, our skin has its own microbiome balance. 5:20: Mainstream topical creams: A vicious antibiotic cycle. 7:00: Antibiotics and topical creams: Necessary, but overused. 8:30: Skin conditions and stigma: They affect us mentally and physically. 9:40: Sugar and dairy trigger acne, the most common skin problem in America, more than any other foods. 12:10: Cut back on high-glycemic index foods to help with skin conditions. Avoid skim milk, a glucose and lactose spiker. 17:10: Don’t believe the hype: Marketing and skin care products. 17:30: Look for skin products that are mildly acidic to help maintain the skin microbiome and reduce signs of aging. 18:40: Consider DIY skin treatments. They’re easier and better than you think. Try skin-healing aloe and marigold, or jojoba oil for acne prevention. 25:20: A facemask you can eat! 26:25: What you should know about cosmetics and why you should avoid loose powders. 29:30: How to get balanced sun exposure. Enjoy the episode below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks YouTube Channel

Today's episode, featuring wellness coach Samantha Gladish, is specifically for women -- covering birth control, alternative contraception, tips & programs for hormonal balance, and some unorthodox approaches to treating PMS and cysts. In this episode, learn why candida overgrowth might be the source of what ails you, how to test for gut problems at home, and five accessible steps to a healthy digestive overhaul. 6:00: Don’t over-complicate it: a food-oriented approach to hormone balance. 8:00: The most common women’s health struggles: weight loss, menstrual cycles, fatigue, migraines, and birth control issues. 10:00: Misinformed: Why can’t we talk about birth control? 13:00: Problems with the pill: indigestion, fatigue because of impaired gut flora and fauna. 16:10: Synthetic hormones and their impact on weight gain or loss. 19:00: How to get off the pill safely, a 3 month detox. Nourish your system with dark leafy greens and liver detoxification supplements. 24:00: Alternative birth control methods: Barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms; family planning; the copper IUD. 25:00: Better sex: We take the pill for sexual freedom but instead gain low libido. 30:00: Hormonal Health Hacks: Lather up with castor oil from plants for PMS and cysts. Substitute coffee with Dandy Blend coffee replacement. Enjoy the episode below! Links: Holistic Wellness Holistic Wellness Shop The Red Tent Sisters Dandy Blend Coffee Replacement Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks Youtube Channel If you want to connect with Clark, you can hit him up on Twitter, Facebook, or via e-mail at Clark@Paleohacks.com.

When you are compiling a list of beneficial foods and vitamins, I’m going to guess that fruits will make your list. And when it comes to health, no vitamin is likely thought of more than vitamin C. After all, isn’t this why we are all told, ad nauseam, to consume so much orange juice? And when we have a cold what are we told to load up on? That’s right – vitamin C. Since this vitamin is water-soluble, you need a constant supply in your diet in order to stay healthy. But what exactly does your body and mind use vitamin C for? And what foods have large amounts of vitamin C? Physiologic Uses Firstly, the name vitamin C itself is interesting. The L-enantiomer form of vitamin C is what is always referred to. This is despite the fact that there is another version, the D-enantiomer form. However this form does not appear in nature. One of the most important functions of vitamin C is for the growth and repair of tissues in your body. This means that it is a very good vitamin to have, both when recovering from exercise, or for general, everyday health. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron, helps to lower LDL cholesterol, and helps to combat free radicals. Vitamin C is has also been studied to help with endothelial dysfunction, high blood pressure, and the blood vessel changes that can sometimes occur before heart disease. Interestingly, vitamin C has also been studied to possibly help with muscle soreness. Vitamin C has also been studied to potentially help with blood pressure, helping subjects to drop 2 mm HG in one study. Another study showed a drop of 4.5 mm Hg. Lower vitamin C levels have also been correlated with higher waist circumference, higher BMI, and a higher percentage of body fat. Linus Pauling, Ph.D. was a big proponent of vitamin C, recommending mega doses of the vitamin for nearly every symptom and condition. However, time has not proven him correct. Though many of us associate vitamin C with colds and illness, many studies have shown that vitamin C does not prevent colds, and may only slightly reduce the duration of colds. In fact, zinc has been shown to work much better in the latter category. Pauling went even further to postulate that vitamin C could, in his words, cure cancer, or at least prolong survival. This claim was obviously very bold, and was tested vigorously as a result. In one study, Pauling showed that 100 patients who were given 10,000 mg survived 3-4x longer than patients who were not given the supplement. However, there were some study design issues, and this data cannot be trusted. Later studies unfortunately proved that Pauling wasn’t really onto anything with his vitamin C and cancer hypothesis. This is just one of many examples showing that it is often best to not trust a super food, super nutrient, or trust claims that one specific thing can cure a disease or fix problems. A well rounded diet, plenty of sleep, exercise and trying to limit stress - these are the things you can always count on. Neurologic Uses Since we’ve covered the physiologic uses of vitamin C, lets now take a look at the interesting ways in which vitamin C can help with brain functioning. To start with, vitamin C is a vital antioxidant molecule in the brain. Besides this, it also serves a variety of other important functions. It is involved in several enzyme reactions such as collagen production and ca...

Have you given any thought to your gut’s flora and fauna lately? Join Christa Orrechio, clinical nutritionist and holistic health counselor at The Whole Journey, for a discussion on the much overlooked importance of gut health. In this episode, learn why candida overgrowth might be the source of what ails you, how to test for gut problems at home, and five accessible steps to a healthy digestive overhaul. 7:00 Candida and cravings: Cut out sugar and caffeine to stop feeding candida overgrowth. 9:40 Find balance and thrive: How to go from “merely surviving” to accessing your true creative potential. 13:00 Change “uncertainty” into “possibility”: Why “most people are more comfortable with the certainty of misery, rather than the misery of uncertainty.” 15:30 Candida: an opportunistic yeast. Hormonal imbalance starts in the gut. 18:00 Symptoms of Candida overgrowth: Intense sugar cravings, brain fog, constipation, tongue discoloration, anxiety and depression. 19:00 Your gut is your second brain—start there! 20:40 At-home tests for your gut health. 22:30 Five steps to better gut health 39:00 Caffeine, Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue 41:00 Digestive Overhaul: Christa Orecchio’s nutritional programs Enjoy the episode below! Discover more: Paleohacks on iTunes Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Listen to us on Stitcher The Paleohacks Youtube Channel Check out Christa’s website, The Whole Journey, and her nutritional programs. If you want to connect with Clark, you can hit him up on Twitter, Facebook, or via e-mail at Clark@Paleohacks.com.

Of all the hormones interacting within your body on a daily basis, cortisol may be the most familiar to you. It also may be the hidden element that is making you fat. Do you wake up every morning, already feeling like you are behind? Do you rush from your morning routine, to the car, to lunch and then stay up way too late on Facebook? You are certainly not alone. However, all of this activity (and lack of proper rest) throws your delicate hormonal system out of balance. Cortisol is a crucial element in regulating energy, insulin, metabolism and other processes within the body. And its dysregulation can spell trouble for your waistline. Normally operating in a rhythm known as a diurnal variation, cortisol patterns can often be flipped, mistimed, or unbalanced. Cortisol is typically highest in the morning, and lowest in the evening. Any night owls reading this will certainly know what cortisol dysregulation is all about! Cortisol is particularly annoying because it can mean fat gain in the abdominal area – not the hips. Not only is this unpleasant to look at, it is more dangerous than fat in other areas. While not all weight gain is caused by cortisol, it is often an overlooked factor when addressing weight management. The ability to handle and manage stress is a challenging one in today’s modern society – as we’re always expected to be “on” – all the time. This is simply not how hormones are supposed to operate. How often do you feel stressed? If you are a frequent caffeine drinker, the answer may be – all of the time. Since many of us are used to drinking lots and lots of caffeine, we simply do not know that we are constantly anxious, stressed and on edge. But just because our mind may not be conscious of this fact does not mean our body is unaware! The body is heavily affected by something as seemingly innocuous as caffeine, and even a little bit can get your body primed for action – even if you are simply sitting at your desk. To make matters more confusing, some of us react differently to stress – and existing metabolism and eating issues further cloud things. Do you know any stress addicts who absolutely thrive under constant deadlines, pressure and like loud music? Exactly. But at the same time, we also have the super-careful grandmothers who get scared simply by driving on the highway. This is an anecdotal example of how everyone reacts to stress differently. Food is certainly one way to help control cortisol, and the standard Paleo recommendation won’t be shocking here. As scientific literature has pointed out, other neuroendocrine pathways are also involved, including the central sympathetic nervous system, the gonadal and growth hormone axes, and the leptin system. Cortisol and weight gain is undoubtedly a tricky beast. Researchers have also noted that a lot of cortisol issues are dependent on the status of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis. This delicate axis can very easily be pushed off course, and disaster can often result. Of course, another issue is also a lack of sleep, which plays a part in basically every sort of metabolic dysfunction. The trouble with sleep loss, is that it so often sneaks up on us, and is the cause of basically every issue which unhealthy people can develop. If not the sole cause, it accompanies the root problem, and it becomes just as difficult to get enough sleep, once sleep issues have set in. This -- of course -- worsens the problem. It’s sort of like fighting vigorously when you’re in quicksand – you just start to sink deeper and deeper.

Hey there! Today's guest is Chris Schelzi, one of the directors of the SHOCKING new device, Pavlok. If you haven't heard of it, Pavlok is an electronic bracelet that uses 'mild' shock therapy to help you break bad habits. Sounds crazy? I thought so too, except it's been shown to help people break their smoking addiction, fast food addiction, oversleeping, nail biting, and a LOT more. Ultimately, it's an incredibly powerful tool for building better habits and getting rid of bad ones. And in this episode, Chris Schelzi joins Clark to discuss exactly that -- how to break bad habits, permanently. Use these hacks today to change ANY habit in your life (i.e. smoking / sitting all day / biting your nails / eating ice cream / wasting time online). The TRUTH about shock therapy - is it hype or does it work? The BEST two habits you can add in to your life for happiness and success The willpower myth. Is it a finite resource, or can you "will" yourself to better habits? ...And a LOT more. Need to break a bad habit? Make sure to check out Pavlok's website. Enjoy the episode! Video Podcast Check us out on iTunes Use this link to subscribe outside of Itunes: Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Use this link to listen to us on Stitcher: Listen to us on Stitcher Subscribe to us on youtube: The Paleohacks Youtube Channel If you want to connect with Clark, you can hit him up on Twitter, Facebook, or via e-mail at Clark@Paleohacks.com.

Hey there! Back with the latest Paleohacks Podcast -- in this videocast, our guest, Pedram Shojai, joins Clark to discuss: Origins - Our roots. Our planet. Our future. How to live like our ancestors in our modern world. Are chemicals making you fat? Eliminate these specific ones and improve your health. Lessons learned from Pedram's previous life as a monk. Rants about: GMO foods, conspiracy theories, internet feuds, and current issues within the health blogosphere. Make sure to check out Pedram's documentary, Origins, here. Enjoy the episode! Video Podcast Check us out on iTunes Use this link to subscribe outside of Itunes: Paleohacks Podcast RSS Feed Use this link to listen to us on Stitcher: Listen to us on Stitcher Subscribe to us on youtube: The Paleohacks Youtube Channel If you want to connect with Clark, you can hit him up on Twitter, Facebook, or via e-mail at Clark@Paleohacks.com.

Salt has been a highly valuable commodity throughout the history of mankind -- so revered that terms like “worth their salt” are used widely to describe a person’s integrity. Yet today, every newspaper, magazine, and blog seems to be telling us to avoid salt like the plague! With all the conflicting information, it’s no wonder one of the most common questions I get asked by patients is “should I reduce my salt intake?” It’s now so ingrained in us to search for ways to reduce our salt intake, that many people don’t stop to question their efforts. Is salt really an evil additive that increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, or is there more to the story? How Much Salt Should I Consume? Depending on which health group you talk to, everyone has a different target range for their ideal salt intake. The American Heart Association (AHA) states you should aim for less than 1,500 mg daily to prevent high blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. When you realize the average person consumes double to triple that amount (the equivalent of two to three teaspoons of salt per day), it seems logical that if we simply reduce our intake we can improve our overall health. But where did these recommendations come from? In the 1980s, a major worldwide study on the connection between salt intake and blood pressure was conducted, and researchers found that cultures in which sodium intake was low had lower incidences of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Animal studies confirmed that rats fed very high sodium diets rapidly developed high blood pressure and subsequently the “war on salt” began and hasn’t stopped to this day. However, upon reviewing the latest research, it seems the question still remains unclear. The research does show that if you already have high blood pressure, you could benefit by lowering your sodium intake.1 But consider the Japanese, who consume the highest amount of salt but also have the lowest incidence of CVD. Japan also has the longest life expectancy of any population on earth. Is salt really to blame for increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risk? If we look back to our Paleolithic ancestors for answers, we estimate the average sodium intake to be approximately 800 mg, far less than today’s daily consumption of 3,300 mg. However, our hunter-gatherer ancestors also consumed a very high amount of potassium – approximately 10,000 mg per day – via their abundant intake of lean meats, healthy fats, and veggies. This ratio of sodium-to-potassium is a crucial piece of the “how much salt should I eat” puzzle, and often overlooked when doctors tell patients to restrict their sodium intake. The Sodium:Potassium Balance It turns out that our salt consumption has been high since the Industrial Revolution and has not changed much over the last 200 years. However, what has changed dramatically is our intake of potassium. Fewer veggies and fruits leads to lower potassium intake, thereby tilting the sodium:potassium ratio in the wrong direction–toward hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and poor health. In 2015, a randomly controlled trial (RCT) showed that potassium supplementation helped lower blood pressure 3.9/1.6 mmHg in hypertensive patients.2 Researchers are also seeing growing evidence supporting the notion that the “sodium-to-potassium ratio” is the superior metric, showing strong associations with blood pressure and cardiovascular disease (versus only addressing individual sodium or potassium levels).3 As fruits and veggies are naturally very high in potassium and low in sodium, a diet emphasizing more whole foods will boost potassium levels significantly and keep sodium levels in balance. If you are overweight and have high blood pressure, then restricting high-sodium processed foods and increasing potassium-rich veggies should be your top priority. But what about healthy folks who are active and “eating clean”?