The diet landscape is ever-evolving. Lately, it’s splintered and fractured into a million pieces.
One reason for modern dietary chaos: Gut health is worsening globally(source)— for many reasons other than diet.
Sick buildings, poor sleep schedules, chronic stress, poor air quality (and plenty more) all contribute to our declining gut microbiomes.
Yet these factors cause us to clamor for (seemingly) straightforward dietary solutions — to problems food can only partially solve.
Why do we place so much trust in diets? A couple reasons:
First, diets are often touted as ultimate solutions to human health problems.
Second, we often view the diet as controllable — and with immediate benefits. A new diet can begin as soon as right now.
When it comes to dietary wisdom, who can we trust? After all, there are MDs and PhDs (and internet entrepreneurs) on every side of any dietary debate — each disagreeing vehemently with the next.
Media outlets, desperate for ratings and eyeballs (read: advertising revenue), overhype flawed research, shamelessly using click-bait headlines.
The end result? The average person and passionate health-seeker, alike, become lost in the maelstrom of conflict: endless suggestions, unyielding dietary rules, overhyped promises, and shameless fear-mongering concerning food.
Perhaps it’s not surprising that some researchers have sounded the alarm through the years:
“It is simply no longer possible to believe much of the clinical research that is published, or to rely on the judgment of trusted physicians or authoritative medical guidelines. I take no pleasure in this conclusion, which I reached slowly and reluctantly over my two decades as an editor.” (2009)
Dr. Marcia Angell — Harvard, former editor New England Journal of Medicine
…or this quote:
“The case against science is straightforward: much of the scientific literature, perhaps half, may simply be untrue.”
Dr. Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet*
*The Lancet is the world’s best known medical journal
The point, here, is not to be unthinkingly anti-science. Instead, it’s to see the fact that, of all the research being conducted around the world, perhaps none is as difficult to administer, or as compromised (due to profit-motive) as nutrition&food research.
Mega-corporations fund studies every day, looking for marketing fodder both in favor of their products and in opposition to competitors.
But the profit-motive isn’t the only barrier to scientific clarity. The nature of the human body — in both health and disease states, and especially with regards to the complexity of the human gut microbiome — is so complex and unique person-to-person, that too-general recommendations about food and nutrition are doomed to fail.
In other words, the bigger the dietary rule, the more likely it is to fail.
There is no consensus about the best diet for each person. What does this mean?
Doctors — both medical and naturopathic — don’t always know the best advice to give patients
Board-Certified Nutritionists may not know the best diet for everyone, especially when gut health is compromised
Internet salespeople often sell over-hyped, imbalanced approaches — separating you from your money and, often, your health
Food-Tolerance Testing suffers from the same problems as many other medical tests: unreliability
Let’s cut through this fractured, splintered dietary landscape — and find tools to identify the best diet for you.
So… IF Food Matters Deeply…
…Do ExtremeDiets Promote Health?
Common thinking concerning food may sound like this:
“You are what you eat.”
“Let food be thy medicine.”
“The solution to health problems is in the diet.”
“Food is the number one way we impact our health.”
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away…”
There are so many well-intentioned food movements.
Some examples:
slow food movement
animal-free
anti-“processed food”
anti-sugar
grain-free
dairy-free
local food
many, many more (pro-metabolic, carnivore, meats+sweets, keto, etc)
What most of these diets are actually doing is something that isn’t readily apparent at first glance: They each restrict the way foods are eaten.
Remarkably, what more and more people are finding is this:
Restrictive diets don’t address the root cause of illness.
People are discovering every day, that these old ways of thinking about food have run their course — and can even causeproblems down the road. To combat modern problems with a) over-restriction, b) undereating, or c) hyperfocusing solely on food is proving ineffectual.
These days, everybody knows food is important. It’s so recognized that we’re often taking things too far, even to the point of being harmful.
Too Much Hype?
What we’re seeing these days is an excess of both hype and scare tactics when it comes to food. On one hand, too much praise. On the other: too much demonizing.
Restrictive diets always fall into this trap of too much praise for some foods, and too much demonizing of others.
Yet extreme diets are exploding in popularity — perhaps out of necessity: Previously-normal foods are suddenly becoming highly intolerable for large numbers of people — likely related to our declining gut health.
The most troubling part of all this? Two things, actually:
Restrictive diets often mask symptoms rather than solve the underlying problems. To make matters worse, these diets often lead to deeper and deeper food intolerances over time.
Restrictive diets often mask symptoms rather than solve the underlying problems.
These diets often lead to deeper and deeper food intolerances over time.
Restriction usually begets more restriction.
What matters most about food is that we know what it is capable of. With that knowledge, we then can use it properly — for maximum energy, enjoyment, recovery, and longevity.
Congratulations!
You’ve completed Why Food?! We’ve discussed some of the problems with restrictive diets (including the mistaken beliefs that can fuel them).
Ultimately, the best solutions for longevity involve tackling the root causes of disease — which very often reside in the gut microbiome and the variables that affect it– rather than endless iterations of dietary restricion.
I know this journey intimately! Perhaps like you, I bounced around for years. Trying every diet. Seeing some initial results, then lackluster results — and even general worsening as my body became more and more depleted, and my gut health continued to worsen.
Nutritional deficiencies developed. My food intolerances worsened. Low-carb diets contributed to my hypothyroidism. Vegan diets seemed to bring on environmental sensitivities (sick building syndrome).
All in all, there is a lot to be learned — and, often, unlearned — from the endless labyrinth that is dietary advice.
With this foundation — a cessation of food avoidance in lieu of improved digestion — we can press forward, toward great health, greater dietary freedom, and the incredible dream of how deeply good each day can be.
Are you stuck in dietary restriction? Are you interested in fixing your gut so you can tolerate diverse foods again?
Perhaps you’re feeling the heavy burden of “all the things you have to do to improve your health.” I know that feeling!
What I try to describe, on this site, is freedom from all that. I don’t believe feeling pressure leads to good results. Most strict diets result in feeling encumbered — from a heavy load.
We must trust that any right path will have a sense of freshness to it. It doesn’t mean there’s no effort or discomfort — but there’s a feeling of “rightness.” And that usually leads to a clear mind, a lighter body, an unburdened spirit.
Keep looking for that spirit, for that energy, for that momentum. If it feels heavy, nothing good is going to come of it. Keeping things light, fun, curious, and full of ease — even when it doesn’t at first seem natural to feel those ways — can bring your health higher even faster.
Perhaps it’s helpful to mention: I’ve been there, too.
Having to avoid restaurant food. Very limited diet. Feeling like I need very specific foods to feel passable. Thinking, obsessing, stressing about food virtually all day — I have been there.
Now, I eat whatever foods I want! I eat happily at restaurants, and enjoy deeply what people serve me as a guest.
After well over a decade of heavy dietary restrictions (some helpful, some not), and infinite time and energy exhausted thinking about food — I don’t take this freedom, this progress, this lightness, for granted.
Best of all, my new dietary freedom is here to stay. It’s sustainable.
My body can handle diverse foods again. I’m confidant yours can, too!
This completes ‘Why Food?’ To continue, select ‘MACROS.’
Max: “It’s so clear how much thought you’ve put into the site.”
“You have changed how I think about what I expect from every health professional I work with. You are a rockstar! You are practical, not selling an agenda and so open-minded, which comes through in your writing. It’s so clear how much thought you’ve put into the site, and the content and delivery of content is unparalleled. You are thorough, but also able to communicate in a way that’s not overwhelming, which I feel is a really hard to balance. You’re able to communicate this stuff 100x better than anyone else out there. I’m often referencing your site in my mind as I’ve been helping my brother work through issues. I’m so appreciative of you and your work — the mindset you’ve given me is invaluable. You’ve trained and taught me well!”
Max Friedman
Massachussetts, USA
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“I just want to say: Travis Burch has been key to my healing process over the last year, which is getting better and better.
Coming from so many different dietary influences, I feel as though Travis has shown me the balance that I needed.
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Also working with Travis directly he has been able to troubleshoot a lot of issues and I am always so grateful for the time he takes to help me. He really does put thought and effort into every single response I have from him and honestly just cannot thank him enough.”
Josh Clement
United Kingdom
Luna: “I wanted to keep Travis a secret out of fear that his prices would go up a thousand fold, because he is worth that much.”
“I have been searching the internet for years trying to find solutions for the various health conditions my family and I have been suffering from. Because of that, I would go into various rabbit holes of I formation which would promise ultimate healing by following certain diets and or protocols. I had information and books about GAPS, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Paleo, Keto, Medical Medium, Jack Kruse, Ray Peat, prometabolic eating so on.
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From the beginning I was so moved by his kindness and vast knowledge. He was not only familiar with all of the things that I asked him, he was able to explain how that information fit into my particular situation. I had tried to reach out to various people in the past and they all demanded money for the slightest interaction or were incredibly pompous and rude to be asked even a simple question. I had SO many questions to ask him before deciding whether to work with him. I wanted to make sure that he know at least as much as I did about all the things. He was so patient and answered all of my questions without ever sounding annoyed or in a rush to “get” me as a paying client.
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I wanted to keep Travis a secret out of fear that his prices would go up a thousand fold, because he is worth that much. But I know what it’s like to suffer alone trying to find answers in an endless sea of information. I believe that he can help many people. Thank you Travis! You have really been a God-send.”
Luna Tomy
USA
Jaemin — “Travis has given me my life back.”
“I’ve been on an 8-year long journey of struggling with hypothyroidism and a ton of health issues stemming from that (i.e. chronic fatigue, depression, weak immune system, insomnia, constant sore throats, digestive issues, etc.) I’ve seen tons of different doctors, naturopaths, healers (and spent thousands of dollars) with little to no results.
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Travis has given me my life back and I can’t thank him enough for it! And his ideas and perspectives on health feel absolutely foundational to me. Your mileage will vary with any health coach or protocol, as everybody and situation is different, but I’m convinced that Travis’ coaching would be helpful to pretty much everybody. His protocols feel absolutely fundamental to me for better health.”
Jaemin Yi
California, USA
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“There are seemingly endless numbers of health and nutrition gurus selling protocols, but very very few of them actually possess the qualities needed to heal for a person struggling from ill health or disease.
I can personally attest that Travis Burch is the real deal. I’m forever grateful to have crossed paths with him at a very crucial time during which the collective health of my family had fallen apart as a result of living in a moldy house.
His in-depth understanding of nutrition, lifestyle (and their interactions) and the way in which the environment influences our health (good and bad) is astounding.
But, the best part is that he’s big-hearted and has a faculty for tuning in and listening that effectively sets him apart from others in the field. Thank you, Travis!”
Diane Tantimonaco
California, USA
Shea— “I’m constantly reading and referring to this.”
Thank you so much! Love the content, I’m constantly reading and referring to it! Now I’ve got it for life! ❤️
Shea Frith
Australia
S.M. — “Saved me a lot of money.”
“I have suffered from chronic digestive issues for decades. I tried so many things and was feeling so lost, just getting worse, never better. Never knew what I should be eating-my health was getting worse and it was taking a toll on my work, my relationships. Working with Travis over the past year has helped me tremendously. He understands what it feels like to feel anxious and confused and so sick of being sick. He is a helping hand in a sea of confusing health information. He has such a level head and takes a reasonable approach to healing (starting with foundations). He really listens. He sends quick, thoughtful replies everytime I write him. He has been there for me when I was really scared or unsure how to proceed. I always feel better after our zooms. He is patient and answers all my questions and never makes me feel dumb no matter how many questions I have. He has saved me a lot of money with his many hacks and product recommendations! If you hire Travis as your health coach he will help you heal, and this may not be overnight, it takes time to undo years of being sick, but he will be there and stick with you as you figure things out, and teach you a lot!”
SM, R.D.
Massachussetts, USA
Viveka: “This is the most practical and helpful source…”
“Informed by Travis’ extensive personal experience, this is the most practical and helpful source of info on grounding, light, and electromagnetic healing I’ve seen on the web.”
Viveka Jagadeesan
USA
Bart: “Travis has helped me tremendously…”
“With his website and coaching Travis gives a very clear picture about what constitutes health, which he describes perfectly through his pillars of health. As a coach he is highly engaged and responds quickly to all your questions. He has helped me tremendously in dealing with illness and navigating the maze of online self help recommendations and I can’t thank him enough.”
Bart Lutmers
Netherlands
Mandy: “Extremely patient and really listens.”
“Travis Burch is extremely patient and really listens. He has helped me recently discover some major issues with my regimen and I’m forever grateful!”
Mandy Rode
Alberta, Canada
Brooke: “There’s no agenda or bias — only what works.”
“Without Travis my health wouldn’t be where it is today. The Pillars of health show EVERYTHING you need to know about health.
I honestly can’t put into words how helpful they have been to me. They flipped everything for me — it was the balance I needed in my life.
I find myself going back to this pretty often when needed now! Oh, would it have saved me time having access to this years ago!
Travis himself is different from anyone I’ve spoken to in the health world, I’m constantly blown away every time I speak with him. He will look at every angle of my questions and always give me the light at the end of the tunnel with my problems (Even my more silly questions!)
Travis you are a kind, amazing person: you listen, you are patient, & you want to help. Your understanding of health is essentially on a different planet. From every moving part, you’ve let me explore my issues in my own time and way, with no pressure that might make me feel overwhelmed. You put enormous amounts of effort into every single thing you do. I’m forever grateful for the help you have given me over the years.
There’s no agenda or bias with Travis, only what works, he is the real deal.”
Brooke Collins
U.K.
Krystie: “Thank you for this wonderful gift!”
“I’ve been happy to support your site as your information is extremely comprehensive, and you can see how much effort you’ve put into your research to help others heal.
Thank you for this wonderful gift!“
Krystie Kyes
USA
Erica: “A life-changing practitioner to work with. “
“I’ve been working with Travis for over a year. I can’t over-emphasize the influence he has had on my life, on my health, and my happiness. I started working with Travis just as I came down with a chronic health condition called gastroparesis (“GP”). I was convinced by the medical community, scientific literature, and the general consensus of anyone who has this condition that I would have it for life, and at the very best be able to manage my symptoms with medication and drastic, permanent dietary changes.
Over the past year, Travis helped me recover from an all time low with my health. Working with Travis gave me the gift of no longer believing I’ll suffer from a chronic health condition the rest of my life. It allowed me to be able to eat foods I wasn’t sure I could safely eat again, be able to feel energy I wasn’t sure would return, be able to have substantial periods of time where I’m healthy & feeling great and to experience my health continuously (but not linearly) improving.
I can’t recommend working with him enough.Travis is so methodical, thorough, practical, and an incredible person – which makes him a life-changing practitioner to work with.Thank you for everything Travis, endless appreciation for all that you do!“