The Heart Attack Diet

The Heart Attack Diet Substack explores dietary theories, focusing on the impacts of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), animal fats, and protein on health, metabolism, and weight management. It incorporates personal experimentation, critiques modern dietary advice, and discusses historical perspectives on obesity and dietary habits.

Diet and Nutrition Metabolic Health Weight Management Historical Diets and Obesity Dietary Fats and Health Risks Thyroid and Hormonal Health Food Chemistry and Toxicology Diet Experiments and Personal Observations

The hottest Substack posts of The Heart Attack Diet

And their main takeaways

Linoleic Acid and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

219 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition
  1. Hypothyroidism can present without abnormal hormone levels and might lead to conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, or Major Depression.
  2. Mitochondrial dysfunction, like in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, can be linked to low levels of thyroid hormones which normally stimulate mitochondria.
  3. Linoleic acid in the inner mitochondrial membrane plays a crucial role in providing stability through polymerization, despite being an unstable and rare substance.

ex150ish-5: Second Week

99 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Ketosis Clarity
  1. The author experienced significant weight loss on a specific diet plan in just two weeks, along with visible physical changes like looser clothes and belt adjustments.
  2. Despite the weight loss success, the author faced challenges such as fluctuating energy levels, occasional headaches, and concerns about rapid weight loss.
  3. Towards the end of the experiment, the author introduced milk and keto-electrolytes to potentially transition to a different eating pattern and avoid sudden carb intake.

ex150ish-5: One Week In

119 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Loss Ketosis Well-being Recipes
  1. The author experimented with a strict diet of beef, tomatoes, cream, butter, and other items, experiencing a mix of fatigue, headaches, and possible sickness, but also moments of increased energy and weight loss.
  2. Despite feeling unwell initially, the author eventually started feeling better and experienced a significant drop in weight, aiming to reach a stable state of ketosis.
  3. The author shared a new pickled cabbage recipe received from their mother, highlighting its pleasant taste when paired with beef, tomato curry, and cream, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and deliciousness.

A Couple of Links

39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Science Research
  1. Seed oils can turn into trans-fats when exposed to heat, potentially having negative health effects
  2. Nutrition 'science' can be inconsistent and may lack conclusive evidence on the effects of seed oils
  3. Research in nutrition science is challenging and can lead to differing interpretations of data
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ex150ish-5

139 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Loss Ketosis Well-being
  1. The author is considering revisiting the ex150 diet plan for weight loss due to previous success with it
  2. Predictions include entering ketosis, experiencing water-weight loss followed by gain, and potential decrease in thyroid dose
  3. Expectations are set for ongoing weight loss post-diet phase and possible weight gain if the diet is not effective

Unnecessary Mom Test Interim Report

59 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Sleep Weight
  1. The author discusses weight gain after spending time at home, experiencing hunger, headaches, and making changes to thyroid medication.
  2. There is a focus on the author's thyroid medication adjustments and the impact on their energy levels and overall well-being.
  3. The author shares their experience with taking melatonin regularly and the effect on their sleep schedule and waking hours during their time at home.

The Anti-PUFA Elevator Pitch

239 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Metabolism Weight management Medical Myths
  1. Animal fats are considered more natural for humans to eat than polyunsaturated fats
  2. Polyunsaturated fats, though essential in small amounts, may pose risks as a staple food due to their chemical complexity and potential impact on metabolism
  3. The modern diet high in polyunsaturated fats may be linked to metabolic issues and health conditions, potentially impacting weight, body composition, and overall well-being

An Entirely Unnecessary Mom Test

119 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight management Metabolism Nutrition
  1. The author is noticing a rise in weight and is exploring the impact of their diet choices and set-point on this increase.
  2. They plan to take a break from focusing on weight, let their mom feed them generously, and see how it affects their weight over the next month.
  3. The author is prepared for their weight to continue rising but is also considering the possibility of a new set point for their weight.

Still Rising? Lipostat??

119 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight management Nutrition
  1. The author discusses the plateau in their weight and a potential equilibrium point, signaling a shift in their body's set-point.
  2. They reflect on the concept of feeling full and hunger, comparing their experiences with those of others, suggesting a unique relationship with food.
  3. The author ponders the mystery behind their weight fluctuations over time, questioning the factors influencing the changes and their impact.

Oh Dear!

119 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Health
  1. The author is concerned about rapidly gaining weight at a rate of 1kg per month, which is much faster than before.
  2. There is a discussion about different possible reasons for the weight gain, such as the impact of PUFAs and the influence of age on set points.
  3. Despite considering various explanations like CICO and PUFA consumption, the author is uncertain about the cause of the weight gain and predicts a drop in weight due to suspected PUFA influence.

Potato Skins Jesus

159 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Healthy Eating Well-being
  1. Cooking potatoes in a fire can be nostalgic and delicious, but be cautious of carbonizing the skins which can make them somewhat inedible
  2. Potato skins contain solanine, a natural pesticide, which in large amounts can be harmful or even fatal
  3. Traditional advice to peel potatoes before cooking might have some merit, as skin contains the majority of solanine, a toxic substance

The Signal And The Noise

119 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Loss Metabolism
  1. Measure your weight and waking temperature daily at the same time, and focus on the trend of the seven-day average for better insights.
  2. Avoid influencing measurements that do not impact your main goal, listen to your body's signals of hunger, and be cautious of using willpower for weight management.
  3. Be mindful of the effects of circadian rhythms, weekly variations, and water weight on your body measurements, and strive to minimize noise by staying consistent.

Current Beliefs, Suspicions and Confusions

99 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Metabolism Nutrition Weight management
  1. Man's natural state includes unconscious weight control and ample energy; modern lifestyles may derail this.
  2. Avoiding polyunsaturated fats and embracing natural foods like animal fats, salt, and moderate carbohydrates may be beneficial.
  3. Experimentation is key to understanding personal health; questions about metabolism, sulphite intolerance, and weight set-points remain.

Accidental Lipostat Test: More Confusion

99 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight management Healthy Eating Physical health
  1. Body weight can fluctuate despite efforts to maintain it, impacting the perceived trends.
  2. There is a balance between temporary events like dieting, exercising, overeating, and undereating that can affect the body's equilibrium level of fat reserves.
  3. It's important to gather more data and not jump to conclusions when unexpected changes occur in body weight.

One Year of the Heart Attack Diet

139 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Diet Nutrition Well-being Obesity
  1. Polyunsaturated fats might be a likely cause of obesity and modern diseases, leading to weight gain and negative health effects.
  2. The traditional 'eat less, exercise more' weight loss advice can be ineffective, and experimenting with different diets and food components may lead to varying results.
  3. Sulphite preservatives and high polyunsaturated fat content in certain foods can have adverse effects on health, causing issues like hangovers and weight fluctuations.

A Signal Boost for a New Seeker

79 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Loss Nutrition Well-being Exercise
  1. Experimenting with a diet focused on starch and animal fats, minus vegetable oils and high protein, resulted in significant weight loss for the author.
  2. The author has seen improvements in digestion, skin, energy levels, and satiety while following this unique diet approach.
  3. The website of George from codingbackwards.org, who is on a similar diet journey, is described as charming and hand-coded in html, providing a nostalgic feel.

One Year of the Heart Attack Diet II: Metabolism

119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Metabolism Weight Loss Nutrition Medical Advice Physical health
  1. Metabolic issues like hypothyroidism can have symptoms that doctors may label as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, or Major Depression. It's essential to explore treatment options that work for you.
  2. Diet changes, like cutting out polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), may have a significant impact on metabolism and overall health. Consider avoiding PUFAs for potential improvements.
  3. It's crucial to be mindful of the impact of certain foods, like peanuts or palm oil, on metabolism. Forswearing polyunsaturated fats is advised for better health outcomes.

Accidental Lipostat Test: Interim Results

79 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight management Metabolism Nutrition
  1. Your body's weight is controlled by a homeostatic system that adjusts your hunger based on your actions, leading to a gradual return to your set point weight.
  2. Monitoring and adjusting thyroid medication dosage can have a significant impact on energy levels and overall well-being.
  3. Eliminating certain dietary components, like polyunsaturated fats, may positively influence health and weight management over time.

Xmas Mom Test: Conclusions and Mysteries

99 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight management Metabolism Nutrition Mysteries
  1. The author believes that giving up PUFAs has had a positive impact on their metabolism and weight control.
  2. There is a pattern of weight changes and thyroid issues, with different dietary interventions affecting these aspects.
  3. Several mysteries remain, such as the initial cause of the curse, the role of different dietary components, and the effects of various interventions on metabolism and weight.

Confounded! PUFAs/Protein is Not The Answer

139 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Metabolism Nutrition Empiricism
  1. The author is reevaluating their beliefs about the impact of PUFAs and protein on weight gain based on personal experiences and observations.
  2. The author is considering the concept of a weight-homeostat and the potential factors influencing metabolism and weight regulation.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and being open to adjusting beliefs based on new information and outcomes from experiments.

Xmas Mom Test: Fiddled Results

79 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Diet Fitness
  1. The author experienced significant weight fluctuation during the Xmas Mom Test period, gaining 3.4 kilos in three weeks but then surprisingly losing 2 kilos in a day.
  2. The author decided to fiddle with their weight data to present a more smoothed-out version on the graph, feeling guilty about doing so but choosing transparency by openly discussing it.
  3. This incident highlights the complexities and challenges of accurately tracking and interpreting weight changes over time, even with careful monitoring and data recording.

On The Need for a New Theory

159 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Holistic health Nutrition Weight Loss Metabolism Well-being
  1. PUFAs are believed to be the root of obesity and metabolic health issues, but the direct evidence does not fully support this theory.
  2. A new theory is needed to explain weight loss and metabolic changes that go beyond solely cutting out PUFAs.
  3. Protein restriction may play a crucial role in weight loss and metabolic health, and could have a significant impact on dietary success.

A Premature Declaration of Success

139 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Nutrition Medical Science Weight management
  1. The impact of PUFAs on weight gain in mice should be common knowledge and thoroughly researched, yet there seems to be confusion and skepticism around the topic.
  2. The idea that PUFAs are linked to obesity raises questions about why this information isn't widely accepted and why PUFAs are still prevalent in food.
  3. Eliminating PUFAs and adjusting protein intake could potentially lead to significant health benefits and weight management, highlighting the potential impact of dietary changes.

The Fat Whores of London

139 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History Society Health
  1. There were fat people throughout history, such as during the Victorian era, but statistics on obesity were not widely kept.
  2. Images of fat Victorians and the availability of food during the time suggest that calories were abundant for those who could afford them.
  3. An Italian doctor in London in 1897 created BMI scores for prostitutes, aiming to link obesity with immorality, revealing societal views and practices of that time.

Accidentally Testing the Lipostat Idea

59 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight management Nutrition Metabolism
  1. Weight stability around 95kg for 8 months indicates a possible fixed fat level homeostat, suggesting weight may not rise above 95kg if left undisturbed.
  2. Following a diet based on whole foods suitable for English-Irish ancestry may align with natural metabolism processes and ancestral diets.
  3. Unexpected weight fluctuations due to excessive alcohol and overeating might be temporary noise and may return to normal levels in a few days, shedding light on conflicting theories about weight management.

Adam Smith on the Potato Diet

119 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🍲 Food & Drink Nutrition History Health
  1. Potatoes are considered to be a nourishing and suitable food for health, proven by the strength and beauty of individuals who consume them as a staple diet.
  2. Adam Smith raises questions about the healthiness of chips compared to potatoes on their own or in combination with other food items like meat and dairy.
  3. The historic example of the Irish potato famine serves as a cautionary tale against solely relying on a single food source like potatoes and the dangers of population explosions and monocultures.

Xmas Mom Test

99 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Metabolism
  1. The author is facing a challenging 'Xmas Mom Test' where they expect to overeat while at home with their family, putting their weight loss theories to the ultimate test.
  2. Despite having various theories about weight loss and thyroid function, the author is unsure of what will happen during the test, highlighting the complexity of the human body's response to different diets.
  3. The author will observe trends in weight gain, appetite changes, and thyroid dose during the test, aiming to understand the impact of different dietary factors on their body's homeostasis.

Protein Cravings

119 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss
  1. Protein cravings can indicate a possible deficiency, leading to extreme hunger and specific food desires.
  2. Low protein intake may result in the body sending strong signals for necessary nutrients, like craving cheese or steak.
  3. Maintaining a balance in protein intake can potentially impact weight loss and energy levels over time.

Spreading Misinformation

119 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Research
  1. There is a debate happening about whether seed oils are bad for humans, with evidence cited on both sides.
  2. Medical studies show that overeating saturated fats can lead to more liver and visceral fat accumulation, while overeating polyunsaturated fats can lead to more lean tissue accumulation.
  3. The study comparing saturated and polyunsaturated fats suggests they don't behave the same way in the body, impacting fat and lean tissue storage differently.

Some Successful Predictions of the Old Theory

139 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Diet Weight Loss Chronic Fatigue Metabolism Nutrition
  1. Eating too much polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) can clog your metabolism and lead to weight gain, tiredness, and other health issues.
  2. Avoiding PUFAs and sulfites can lead to improvements in energy levels and well-being.
  3. Old theories about diet and metabolism may help explain personal experiences, but new information and adjustments to these theories may be necessary over time.

Are Seed Oilz Bad For Mice?

119 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition
  1. Seed oils might be bad for mice, causing weight gain.
  2. Studies indicate that polyunsaturated fats in seed oils could negatively impact mice.
  3. There is a lack of comprehensive research on the effects of seed oils on mice, despite decades of dietary recommendations.

New Theory: PUFAs vs Protein

119 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Metabolism Weight management
  1. Polyunsaturated fats are essential but only in low quantities. Excess PUFAs can't be efficiently burned for fuel.
  2. Protein and PUFAs compete for metabolic resources. Excess protein gets priority for fuel over PUFAs.
  3. Reducing protein intake to maintenance levels while giving up PUFAs can help burn off stored PUFAs, leading to weight loss.

Scientific Honesty

79 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🔬 Science Research Integrity Honesty
  1. Scientific honesty requires complete transparency and openness in reporting findings, including potential flaws and conflicting data.
  2. Soft sciences are facing a replication crisis, prompting a reevaluation of their methods and credibility.
  3. Striving for scientific integrity involves challenging one's own beliefs and being open to critique and correction.

Xmas Mom Test: Week Three

59 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight management Emotional Well-being
  1. The author is feeling energetic despite a brief illness and adjustments in their thyroid medication.
  2. The author suspects they may have gained weight, but they don't feel like they've been overeating.
  3. The author has been taking melatonin to adjust their sleep schedule and is now heading to bed and waking up at more normal times.

Nothing to See Here

79 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Fitness Health Conditions
  1. The author has been experimenting with their diet, including enjoying lasagne and even getting drunk during Christmas.
  2. Despite the dietary changes, the author observed a drop in weight but also experienced hypometabolic symptoms like feeling sad, cold, and tired, possibly linked to thyroid issues.
  3. The author remains puzzled by the unexpected changes in their thyroid dose and the resulting effects on their body.

ex150ish-4-sour-cream

99 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Physical health
  1. Be cautious with dietary changes - different foods can have varying reactions in the body, affecting satiety and weight loss.
  2. Monitor electrolyte intake when on specific diets to avoid potential health issues such as 'keto flu'.
  3. Listen to your body's signals - symptoms like sweating, faintness, and passing out can indicate low blood pressure or other issues related to dietary changes.