Obsession Reversion
As even occasional readers know, this blog frequently returns to the topic of diet and health. This is another such moment. Ever since your humble blogger stumbled upon the books by science reporter Gary Taubes (Good Calories, Bad Calories; Why We Get Fat), the argument that many modern health problems are caused by the modern diet has seemed too substantial to ignore—especially after my own dietary experiments.
This blog is not in any way qualified to dispense health advice for anyone but the blogger, but that doesn’t preclude reporting on personal experience. As the internet says, your mileage may vary. Still, to the extent the diet doesn’t include poisons or allergens, there would not appear to be any great risk involved in trying a different diet for a time. The risks are surely less than those that result from pharmaceuticals.
For today’s topic, I turn to a recent comment thread discussing the matter of so-called skin tags. There is a potential solution based on the high-fat/low-carb dietary theory. I present two physicians with many years’ experience working with this dietary cure to explain the theoretical mechanisms involved.
First, Dr. Ken Berry, family doctor in Tennessee, who found the low-carb cure for himself after years of increasing health problems as he tried to adhere to the officially recommended low-fat diet. Here, Dr. Berry offers a brief explanation of how skin tags originate for many of those with a (potential) genetic predisposition to the phenomenon:
Second, Dr. Eric Westman, physician and head of obesity medicine at Duke University, ties together a few related skin problems that for some of us may be a result of diet—specifically, insulin resistance:
Finally, the last word goes to Dr. Berry who makes a similar point about the range of skin conditions that may be symptoms of a reaction to the modern American or Western diet. Note: this video includes inset images of inflamed skin and sores, so you might not want to view it while eating—or at all if you’re squeamish.
I definitely had more skin tags as a 40-50 yo woman. I don't seem to have them anymore as a more mature woman of 60. I definitely have not changed my diet. Every few years I would tell the hubs, "time to go in the office to remove these skin tags."
This, in Politico, is a very interesting read and worth discussion. It is about the power of each state and the lack of action in Congress and the long term impact for the nation. It raises interesting questions. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/07/20/federalism-constitution-state-laws-00106876