Saturday 7

Published: Sat, 11/08/25

Updated: Sat, 11/08/25

Good morning!

Here's your Saturday 7 roundup!

🥛 What works like magic:

Lactoferrin is a magical protein found in milk.

• Fights bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
• Regulates iron (starves pathogens of fuel while supporting absorption)
• Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic health
• In one study: big ↓ visceral fat in just 8 weeks
• Strengthens the gut barrier (“leaky gut”) and supports the microbiome
• Promotes bone growth and liver repair

Pasteurization destroys most of it.

If you’re going to drink milk, drink raw milk.

🦷 What's connected:

Lactoferrin perfectly illustrates the mouth-gut connection, and my overarching thesis that your teeth tell you what to eat.

Lactoferrin is naturally present in saliva where it helps regulate the oral microbiome by binding iron and depriving cavity-causing bacteria (like S. mutans and Lactobacillus) of a key growth factor. It also inhibits pathogens linked to gum disease.

By reducing bacterial load, it lowers acid production and inflammation, while upregulating growth factors that promote healing.

In summary, Lactoferrin:

Fights cavity-causing bacteria
Reduces gum inflammation
Supports tissue repair
Maintains microbial balance

NOTE: colostrum has the highest concentration, providing crucial immune and gut support to newborns.

😃 How to live longer:

If you need a reason to look on the bright side...

Optimists live longer. (r)

In one study spanning three decades, researchers found that optimistic people lived up to 15% longer than pessimists.

💡 How to change your life:

These are (statistically) the most life-changing books.

🧠 What quote I've been thinking about:

"It's a lot easier than you think to 'beat the odds' because the odds are based on average people. Show up and elevate."

– Dr. Julie Gurner, on beating the odds

📊 What I meant:

I need to send a clarification from last week, where I mentioned a startup founder who made a life changing sum of money, and A/B tested two investment strategies: a wealth management firm versus managing it himself.

I think many people, especially moderate- to high-income / net worth individuals, would greatly benefit from a good wealth management firm.

The problem is, like most things, the variance between what you pay for and what you get can be immense. Some firms will give you "basic diversification" and high fees, while others will tailor a risk/reward strategy to you and your goals. The latter is often complex and where good firms shine.

Choosing the right firm isn't easy (that's why I linked my brother because I wouldn't trust anyone to do this for me besides him).

For those managing their own investments, I like the idea from Warren Buffett: his favorite holding period is "forever," meaning if you don't think the business/asset you're considering will outlast you (and outpace monetary debasement), pass.

For me, I can count on one hand the things I’d feel comfortable buying and leaving untouched for 50 years.

The most important thing here is that in today's world of rapid monetary debasement everyone has to be an investor, either educating themselves or leveraging the knowledge of others, or both.