The Best Oil for Health? It Depends!
JP: I know you rank coconut oil very high. What about red palm oil?
Dr. S: If you’re asking which oil is the best, I don’t have an answer—because I don’t know. You need a combination of them.
Is one oil better than another? It depends on the situation:
- For joint pain: Coconut oil is best.
- For food allergies: A combination of olive oil and coconut oil works well.
- For dry skin: I would use olive oil and GLA together, as I mentioned before.
The problem with red palm oil is that it tastes terrible orally, and if used topically, it makes a huge mess—so it’s not very practical.
How to Identify Poor Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
JP: How do you determine poor digestion and absorption of nutrients? What are some signs and symptoms?
Dr. S: The most thorough method is a comprehensive stool analysis, but it costs over $400. Many people think that’s expensive, but I believe it’s worth every penny.
Other ways to assess digestion include:
- Checking certain bowel enzymes
- Looking for blood in the stool
- Noting bloating or motility issues
However, the most important diagnostic tool is a person’s history:
- How often do they go to the washroom?
- Do they pass gas frequently?
- Are they bloated?
- Do they experience acid reflux?
- Are their bowel sounds hyperactive?
And here’s a cost-effective test: Check the smell of your stool! A foul odor can be a strong indicator of poor digestion.
Can Probiotics Fix a Foul-Smelling Stool?
JP: I’ve heard that taking probiotics can improve a foul-smelling stool. Is that true?
Dr. S: There are trillions of cells and over 500,000 different types of bacteria in the body. How do you know that the one or two bacteria in your probiotic supplement are the ones you actually need?
It’s like finding a needle in a haystack. You have a better chance of winning the lottery—so good luck!
That said, some good probiotic brands do exist:
- A Japanese company makes high-quality probiotics in little green tablets (I can’t recall the name).
- Jarrow is a decent option available in the U.S.
- Standard Process is another solid brand that’s available through healthcare practitioners.
Standard Process also has an excellent Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplement—a beneficial nutritional yeast that produces lactic acid, helping to:
- Maintain proper pH balance for nutrient absorption
- Support healthy gut flora
- Improve overall digestion
Red Palms, Eczema, and Gut Health
JP: I have a client with red palms and feet and another with severe eczema. I suspect both have GI issues. Any suggestions?
Dr. S: These conditions can be caused by:
- Food allergies
- Low stomach acid
- Fat deficiencies
The key is to figure out which one is the culprit.
For fat deficiencies, the issue isn’t just about what people eat—it’s about what they absorb.
I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating:
You can eat the best foods in the world, but if you can’t absorb them, it doesn’t matter!
It’s not what you eat—it’s what you absorb!
Should Everyone Take Digestive Enzymes?
JP: So, should everyone take digestive enzymes?
Dr. S: Where do enzymes come from? Raw, uncooked, whole food.
But how often do we eat food in its natural, unprocessed state? Very rarely.
That’s where people should start—by eating whole, raw foods instead of relying on supplements.
Protein Bars: Convenient or a Bad Habit?
JP: I guess protein bars aren’t high on your list?
Dr. S: Protein bars exist for convenience—or put another way, for laziness!
If you eat protein bars every day, you’re going to get fat—don’t kid yourself!
Occasionally? Fine. But don’t make them a habit.
Healthy Snack Options
JP: I completely agree. What are some healthy snack options?
Dr. S: The best snacks are homemade. Here are some good options:
- Cottage cheese
- Boiled eggs (boil them in advance and store them in a container)
- Raw nuts and seeds
- Dried fruits (using a food dehydrator is best)
- Beef jerky
Most of these require preparation in advance. A snack is just another name for a small meal!
The Benefits of Game Meats
JP: How do you feel about game meats?
Dr. S: Love ‘em! Everyone should eat game meats.
I just found out that in Canada, you can even eat horse meat. Great—go for it!
Unfortunately, it’s not allowed in the U.S.
Coming Up in Part 7…
In the next installment, we’ll cover:
- The best protein sources for breakfast
- Which type of salt has the most nutrients
- Dr. Serrano’s homework assignment for optimizing your health!
Stay tuned!
