Tldr: read the end and rep anyway cos I read all their books for this

Highest IQ thread since skypsl tap in boyo

This thread will essentially cover everything I've learned about nutrition; specifically, ideas created by Ray Peat and Aajonus Vonderplanitz, and a synthesis of my takeaways from both.

I'd like to preface this by saying this is NOT a surface level analysis; I have read many of their works and I can say that I understand their beliefs quite well. Pls don't DNR read the thread pleaseeeee

I'd like to start this analysis with the man whose studies I am far less familiar with; Ray Peat. Essentially, Peat believes in bioenergetics, and the idea that energy use controls the way your body functions through regulating the thyroid; due to this, he believes in using faster and more absorbable energy (sugar) while giving fats a backseat. He also believed that carbon dioxide was an enabler of efficient cellular energy production, as it bonds to amino acids, which we will see throughout this analysis. Peat's ideas have been demonized, mostly by people who haven't read his work, saying stuff like "muh sugar bad Peat stupid". However, once you begin to read his works, you will find that his ideas make perfect theoretical sense. For example, the main criticisms surrounding his ideas are generally related to the hate that sugar receives from nutrition science. One such example being,

Sugar decays teeth!!

This is actually true, to an extent. Sugar feeds bacteria within the oral microbiome, pH drops, and holes are bored in your teeth (figuratively). However, rather than this being an issue of dietary sugar, Peat states that this is caused by a weak thyroid. A strong thyroid makes more alkaline saliva, balancing out the acidity of the bacteria feeding on sugar. Peat actually believed the opposite scenario; proper glucose oxidation raises CO2 levels, allowing for a healthy thyroid and healthy saliva. On top of this, he consumed many calcium-rich foods, such as cheeses and bone broth, which allowed him to maintain a proper calcium:phosphorus ratio of <1:1, preventing tooth decay.

Another weaker argument i see is:

Sugar causes glycation!!!

Again, there is some truth to this; however, Peat views glycation as a symptom of bioenergetic failure as opposed to sugar consumption. Firstly, it is important to note that lipid peroxidation of PUFAs damages proteins 23x faster than sugars (Fu et al., 1996). The AGEs that are blamed on excess sugar are mostly caused by cooked foods and PUFA peroxidation. Saturated fats are far less glycating than PUFAs, hence why Peat discourages the overconsumption of PUFAs. Secondly, we must address glycation as a byproduct of metabolic stress. High metabolic stress lowers CO2 levels as well as downregulating thyroid function, allowing glycating agents to freely interact with amino acids.

In conclusion, Peat's philosophy seems stupid at first, but as you begin to understand bioenergetics and read his works, it starts to make sense. I believe that his diet can prove useful to most; however, I find it to be more cerebral and theoretical rather than actually applicable hands-on. While it is true that some cultures have found great success in consuming high-sugar diets (i.e. Mormons) there are still questions to be raised about the means of detoxifying the body. Overall, I would recommend this diet to anyone: however, I believe detoxification protocols must be done in order to get the most benefits.

Now, we speak about Aajonus Vonderplanitz, whose ideas I am VERY much familiar with. Essentially, Aajonus believes that modern medicine and wellness is destroying us, and we need to return to our roots; he believes in the consumption of raw foods ONLY, as he says that they are hydrating, nutritional, as well as having very little toxins. Primarily, he believes in the consumption of raw fats, as he believes they lubricate the body and flush out toxins. On top of this, he promotes detoxification protocols such as cheese trains and hot baths. What I like about the "raw primal diet" is that it is all spelled out for you in Aajonus' works. The book I learned the most from was "The Recipe to Living Without Disease", where he covers everything you need to know; recipes, FAQs, and his backstory. Everything you need to know about him and the diet is on his website, aajonus.net . There are also criticisms against Aajonus' philosophies, one example being:

Raw meat? You're going to get SALMONELLA!!!!

This stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of bacteria in the body. Bacteria serves as a janitor in the body, aiding the lymphatic system in breaking down toxins. If the human body is 1% genes and 99% bacteria, how could they be bad for you?

Honestly, I've become so used to studying this diet that I've completely forgotten the criticisms that are cited against it. If anyone has questions or concerns, feel free to comment as well as read up on his website.

In conclusion, I learned many things from studying both of these men's philosophies. These two unconventional philosophies have really opened my mind, and helped me understand that perhaps you have to go a bit deep in order to find good information. After studying both of these diets, I would say I definitely learned so much from taking specific ideas from them.

Ray Peat speaks of an idea called "Holism" in one of his books. Holism is the approach that systems and their properties should be viewed as wholes, rather than just as the sum of their individual parts. Using this approach to view the full picture, you begin to realize that these two men and their beliefs are quite similar in some ways: masters of their fields who decided to break the mold and attack nutrition science from different angles. They promote similar things in different ways; stable energy through glucose/raw fats, maintaining total nutritional balance within the body, and strict anti-fasting ideas.

Now, the question you have all been waiting for:

Which diet is best for me?

This question is quite multifaceted, but you've done enough reading, so I'll shorten it to this: Peat's diet is more accessible, but Aajonus' diet is better in the long term. If you want to optimize your health at any cost, definitely go for the Raw Primal diet; however, if you're a brokie like me, the Peat diet is also very good for overall health and performance.

That's all from me, rep this post fellers ✌🏼