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👩⚕️ Does size matter:
Size does appear to matter, but not the length you think. Last week we talked about the declining testosterone levels in men since the 1950s and the role fats play in testosterone. Additionally, I mentioned that:
...the declining testosterone levels in men are likely multifactorial (i.e. higher body fat levels, impaired sleep, xenoestrogens in food/environment, inadequate sun exposure, etc.)
Many people messaged me about xenoestrogens. These are estrogen-mimicking compounds that are now widely diffused in the environment (plastics) and our food (phytoestrogens).
In this clip Dr. Shanna Swan discusses how phthalates from plastics impair fetal development shortening the anus to genital distance, which is associated with decreased testosterone and sperm count.
While the dangers of plastics have come into mainstream attention, the dangers of plant xenostrogens, phytoestrogens ( notably soy) hasn't. These endocrine disrupting chemicals in plants are increasingly being consumed as they are promoted as "health foods."
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🧂 Who just can't get it right:
The FDA, in their pursuit to help us all get healthy, is aiming to set new salt limits for manufacturers and restaurants. Their goal is to reduce Americas' sodium intake by 12% in order to lower the rates of cardiovascular disease.
Of all the things the FDA could focus on to help improve health outcomes, they decide on reducing sodium intake 🤦♂️
As expected, this new target isn't consistent with the evidence ( r, r, r). |
Woozle Effect: An article makes a claim without evidence, is then cited by another, which is cited by another, and so on, until the range of citations creates the impression that the claim has evidence, when really all articles are citing the same uncorroborated source.
This is especially insidious in health research where a WEAK piece of evidence is cited, and then re-cited so many times that it makes it appear like a STRONG piece of evidence.
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🚌 How to create a fulfilling career:
...the first weeks or years of any worthwhile project, feedback – whether from your own emotions, or from other people – isn't a reliable indication of how you're doing...stay on the f***ing bus.
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🧠 What quote I've been thinking about:
"It is perfectly true, as the philosophers say, that life must be understood backwards. But they forget the other proposition, that it must be lived forwards...Many things that appear obvious in retrospect were anything but obvious at the time, because the clarity we experience when looking back in time is utterly unlike the cloud of uncertainty that surrounds day-to-day existence."
– Soren Kierkegaard
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⛏ What's made in America:
At the beginning of the year, it would have been fairly accurate to say bitcoin is "Made in China" (as they had nearly 75% of the hashrate). In my opinion, this was one of the biggest threats to bitcoin. But China did the rest of the world a favor and banned bitcoin mining earlier this year. What was "made in China" is now " made in America." The further the mining gets decentralized
around the world, the stronger and safer the network.
Why does this matter? Well because bitcoin could save the world. This is a great podcase with Robert Breedlove, one of my favorite bitcoin philosophers.
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🔇 What transcends language:
In March 2020 Khabane Lame was fired from his factory job where he operated a CNC machine. Now he is one of the most recognized faces in the world, followed by over 100M people. I say "faces" because he built this following without ever speaking. Ironically, he's become a social media star by being the antithesis of social media, poking fun at its overdone nature.
Inspiring, fun story.
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As always, it's an absolute pleasure and an honor getting to spend some time with you, hope you have a great weekend!
Kevin
P.S.
If you'd like me to text you the Saturday 7, as I know many don't like to check their email over the weekend, I'd be more than happy to, just shoot me a text 314-207-3216 and I'll add you to my phonebook.
A Saturday morning roundup on health and wealth, art and science, creativity and innovation, laughs and life by Kevin Stock. |
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