Optimize Paleo By Paleovalley

We love to argue about food like it's simple—grass-fed vs. grain-fed, animal vs. plant, protein powder vs. "real food." But the truth is… we're barely scratching the surface of what food actually contains. In this episode of the ReThink Health Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Stephen Van Vliet (Utah State University), a researcher on the front lines of nutrient density, metabolomics, and regenerative agriculture. His lab is helping answer the questions most of us feel are important, but don't have clear, evidence-based answers for yet: Does food quality actually change what happens in your body? Does the way an animal is raised matter… beyond marketing labels? And what does "nutrient-dense" even mean when a food can contain thousands of compounds we don't track on a nutrition label? You'll hear why beef may contain tens of thousands of unique metabolites, how new metabolomics tools are changing what we can measure, and why "grass fed" isn't always as straightforward as people think. Dr. van Vliet also shares f

Is sugar really "as addictive as cocaine"… or is that just clickbait? In this episode of the ReThink Health Podcast, I sit down with neuroscientist and nutrition researcher Dr. Nicole Avena to settle the debate using what the science actually shows (and chat about why her findings have sparked so much controversy!). We break down what researchers mean when they talk about "addiction-like" behavior with sugar, why ultra-processed foods are designed to keep you coming back for more, and what happens in your brain when you binge on sugar day after day. Most importantly, Dr. Avena shares practical, doable first steps to cut back without feeling like you're white-knuckling your way through life, starting with the two biggest needle-movers that make everything easier. You'll learn: Why sugar can trigger addiction-like brain changes (and when it doesn't) How sugar impacts dopamine differently than most foods and why that matters for cravings Why most people are binging on sugar without realizing it Why "nat

How did Lucky Charms end up scoring "healthier" than eggs on the Tufts Food Compass, and what does that say about modern nutrition advice? If you've ever found yourself confused by food nutrient rankings like this, this episode is for you. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ty Beal, a global nutrition researcher known for bringing real nuance to the most polarizing food debates (animal foods, ultra-processed foods, vegetable oils, saturated fat… yes, all of it!). Ty breaks down what nutrient density actually means, why micronutrient deficiencies are far more common than most people realize (even in high-income countries), and why we can't "fortify our way" out of poor diet quality. He also explains the thinking behind his global nutrient-density rating system, built around the nutrients people are most likely to be missing, and adjusted for bioavailability. You'll learn: Why "quick energy" foods can look healthy on paper… while leaving your body undernourished The surprising prevalence of micronutrient def

Fasting gets talked about a lot… but most people still don't understand why it works or how to do it in a way that actually feels sustainable (especially if you're a woman navigating stress, hormones, and a busy life). In this episode of the ReThink Health Paleo Podcast, I'm joined by fasting expert Dr. Mindy Pelz, who breaks down the science in a way that's clear, empowering, and surprisingly doable. We talk about why your body has two fuel systems, how fasting helps you switch between them, and what starts to happen in the body at key milestones like 13–15 hours, 17 hours, 24 hours, and beyond. You'll also learn why fasting can feel amazing for some people, terrible for others, and how to train your body to fast safely instead of forcing it. Most importantly, Dr. Mindy shares practical ways to get started, plus how women can fast in a way that sustainably supports their hormones. You'll learn: Where the fasting sweet spot window is for autophagy, your body's cellular "cleanup mode" The incredible benef

After over a decade of hosting the Optimize Paleo Podcast, Dr. of Holistic Nutrition, Autumn Smith is taking the next big step — welcome to ReThink Health. This is where science meets real life — and where we go beyond paleo to explore what truly creates vibrant health in the modern world. In this next evolution, we'll dive deeper into: -Gut health and the microbiome — how to restore and protect your inner ecosystem -Intermittent fasting, circadian rhythm, and metabolic flexibility — practical tools to enhance energy and longevity -The most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and how to build your perfect diet -Eating psychology and mindset — using pleasure, awareness, and nervous system balance to transform your relationship with food -Functional medicine and fasting science, cutting-edge nutrition research, and stories from thought leaders redefining well-being -Regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming After 10+ years Dr. Smith is expanding the conversation — from audio to video, from Paleo to Re

IN THIS EPISODE What if there was a rampant nutrient deficiency accelerating your aging, cranking up inflammation, and quietly sabotaging your health? Not a vitamin, or mineral, but a “nonessential” amino acid that was once abundant in our diets, but is largely missing today.  This isn’t some fringe theory—it’s what new research has been showing about an amino acid called glycine, a missing link to metabolic health, deeper sleep, stronger joints, calmer mood, smoother skin, and even a longer life.  That’s why we invited Dr. Joel Brind—biochemist, longtime researcher, and author of The Glycine Miracle—onto the Optimize Paleo Podcast.  For decades, Dr. Brind has studied amino acids and uncovered surprising truths about protein.  We often hear that more protein is always better—but the type of protein also  matters and in this conversation, we dig into the science of glycine’s profound benefits (especially for inflammation), the myths, and the practical ways to close the “glycine gap” for better health at any ag

INSIDE THE EPISODE If you’re struggling with stubborn acne no matter what you try, you’re not alone—and this episode might just change everything. In this week’s episode of the Optimize Paleo Podcast, I sit down with naturopathic doctor and acne healing expert Dr. Stacey Shillington, who’s helped thousands of women finally get clear skin—from the inside out. If you’ve ever been told that acne is just about clogged pores or bad luck, get ready to rethink everything. We go deep on the hidden root causes of acne——and why treating your skin without treating your internal terrain is like painting over a moldy wall. You’ll learn: The true root cause of most chronic skin conditions The most important (yet overlooked) hormones that impact breakouts The powerful anti-acne food known as “nature’s Accutane” Why conventional treatments often fail long-term Dr. Shillington’s basic strategy for truly radiant skin And the one supplement she never skips for skin and hormonal balance Whether you’re a teenager or

IN THIS EPISODE Did you know that some of the skincare products you’re using to fight acne might actually be causing it? Or that a paleo-approved sweetener and certain vitamins could trigger breakouts? This week, we’re diving deep into the shocking truths behind acne, skincare, and the root causes of aging skin with acne expert and co-founder of the groundbreaking skincare line, Clearstem. Their products have transformed my skin and I cannot wait to share Kaleigh’s story, wisdom and products with you all! Here are some of the most fascinating takeaways from our conversation: The foods she eliminated to clear up cystic acne in two months Common food triggers of acne The paleo-approved sweetener that can cause breakouts The natural supplements that can cause acne The vitamin that helps manage oil production The worst pore-clogging ingredients The 3 healthy fats that may clog your skin The “acne checklist” and where to begin My 4 favorite anti-aging + acne products to get you started! How to layer your product

INSIDE THE EPISODE There’s a common, often overlooked, dietary imbalance that may be increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, pain, and mental health issues. That imbalance lies in the type of fats we consume, or the essential omega-6 (think seeds oils) and omega-3 (think fish and leafy greens) fats. While our ancestors evolved with a balanced ratio, today we consume about 20x more omega 6 fatty acids which many experts, like this week’s podcast guest, Dr. Simopoulos, a world authority on essential fatty acids and former nutritional adviser to the White House, believes it is responsible for our skyrocketing rates of disease.  So in this week’s podcast we’ll explore how this imbalance crept into our modern diets, why it’s driving so many of today’s chronic health issues, and what you can do to turn it around. If you’ve ever wondered why inflammation, brain fog, and fatigue are so common—or why omega-3s are considered essential—this episode is for you!  Dr. Simopoulos unpacks: The surprising sources of

IN THIS EPISODE Stress is more than an uncomfortable feeling—it can unravel our health in profound ways.  Research shows that chronic stress not only drains our energy and disrupts our mood but also contributes to a host of serious health issues, from heart disease to immune dysfunction.  In today’s fast-paced world, we often turn to stimulants to find balance, yet many of these “remedies” leave us feeling more depleted and anxious. Which is why this week’s postcard episode features Dan Chapman, the creator of REDD Remedies, a company devoted to creating herbal formulas that restore balance in today’s fast-paced world.  Dan has identified 3 unique responses to stress and targeted, natural solutions. So if you feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or exhausted, this is a conversation you do not want to miss! Here are some of the other fascinating topics we discussed: How stress impacts health and disease The relationship between stress & energy Signs stress is negatively affecting your health 3 ways people

INSIDE THE EPISODE Imagine battling for justice against a giant corporation in court, your health and life on the line, and being awarded over $200 million. This was the reality for Dewayne "Lee" Johnson, the brave groundskeeper who took on Monsanto and won a landmark lawsuit that shocked the world. His story is not just about one man's fight against a powerful company; it’s a tale of resilience, truth, and the pursuit of justice in the face of overwhelming adversity. In our latest episode of the Optimize Paleo Podcast, we sit down with Dewayne "Lee" Johnson to delve into the details of his incredible journey, the legal battle that made headlines, and the profound implications it has for public health and corporate accountability. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss and here are some of my favorite moments: What Monsanto told him about glyphosate’s safety The choices that lead to his Glyphosate exposure The moment he noticed his first symptoms The link between glyphosate exposure and cancer The sho

INSIDE THE EPISODE Did you know that nearly 70 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases, with an estimated 3 million diagnosed specifically with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?  Despite the prevalence of these conditions, the conventional approach to digestive issues and IBD often falls short, focusing primarily on symptom management rather than addressing the root causes.  Which is why in this week’s podcast we are joined by Holistic Nutritionist and IBD specialist, Dane Johnson, who has dedicated his career to revolutionizing how we understand and treat gut health.  Dane healed his own life-threatening IBD and advocates for a holistic approach that integrates diet, lifestyle, and cutting-edge research.  In today's episode, Dane shares his comprehensive strategy for healing gut issues like IBD. His story is incredible and his wisdom is truly inspiring and here are some of the fascinating topics we delve into:  The commonly overlooked key to healing his gut issues The protocol he used to heal hi

IN THIS EPISODE According to Dr. Knobbe, at the end of the American Civil War: Only about 1% of the population was obese Heart disease was almost unheard of Cancer and diabetes were exceedingly rare Alzheimer’s and age-related macular degeneration were unknown In other words, chronic disease was rare in America, which is not the case today. Although animal fats, sugar, and carbohydrates often take the blame for our rising disease rates, Dr. Knobbe's new book, The Ancestral Diet Revolution, argues that the real dietary villains are the vegetable oils that have replaced traditional animal fats. Tune in to this week’s podcast to uncover why seed oils might be more critical to avoid than sugar, along with these fascinating insights: What seed oils were used for before they became food Why sugar consumption (and maybe even carbs) may be less dangerous than seed oils The two mechanisms by which vegetable oils cause issues in the body What OXLAMS are and why they should concern us How vegetable o

Today, the prevalence of mental health issues among kids is on the rise, and traditional therapies don’t work for everyone.  Which is why this week’s podcast with Dr. Pejman Katiraei explores the hidden factors (diet, gene mutations, environmental exposures) that may be contributing to this rise.  Dr. K, is a board-certified pediatrician and passionate advocate who has created an AI platform, Wholistic Minds, to help families find the root causes and effective solutions. Here are some of the fascinating topics we dive into: - Uncommon signs your child may be struggling - The limitations of conventional therapy - The common gene mutation that can cause mental health issues in kids - Underlying causes of ADHD - Biological causes of depression - Biological causes of anxiety - Signs that mold may be an issue for your child - An underlying factor in sensory issues and tics - Foods that can exacerbate mental health issues - Why starting with food does not always work - How to test for mold issues in kids - How to g

IN THIS EPISODE Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, but research has also shown they contain specialized nutrients that may extend the length and quality of our lives.  So if you’re interested in aging gracefully, tune into this week’s podcast with certified holistic nutritionist and epigenetics coach, Nat Niddam for a fascinating conversation! Here’s what we’ll be diving into: The difference between biological and chronological age 2 ways to measure your biological age How to measure your rate of aging Steps to reducing your biological age 4 factors that increase the rate of aging in pretty much everyone 4 ways to slow down your rate of aging The major mistake most people make when trying to slow the aging process The best way to lengthen telomeres The history of bioregulators Experiments validating the benefits of bioregulators Which bioregulators to use A great fasting rhythm for women And so much more! I learned so much during this episode so tune in and let me know what

INSIDE THE EPISODE You’ve likely heard that polyunsaturated fats (omega-3’s and omega-6’s) are essential for health, but what you might now know is that the balance between them is equally as important.  In fact, over the last few decades our intake of the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid (yes, the one found in seed oils) has increased dramatically while our intake of omega-3’s has dwindled.  Which means most Americans today - have a very imbalanced omega ratio. According to this week’s podcast expert, author and zoologist, Dr. Anthony Hulbert, who has been studying the omega balance for decades, this is likely one reason rates of inflammation, heart disease, obesity and mental health issues are on the rise.  His book was one of my all-time favorites and I highly, highly recommend you tune in now to learn more about the surprising and well-documented effects of this widespread imbalance and what you can do to improve yours! Here are some of my favorite takeaways: One major oversight in America’s dietary guid

IN THIS EPISODE Once I turned 40, it seemed like my skin started to tell the story of time.  And while I've always been a champion of clean eating and staying active, I've discovered that the journey to radiant skin doesn't stop there. It's an adventure, filled with simple strategies and daily rituals that can elevate our skin to new heights of radiance. That's why I'm beyond thrilled to share this week's podcast episode with the phenomenal Rachel Varga.  Imagine having a treasure map to the fountain of youthful skin - well, Rachel is here to draw that map for us.  As a Double Board Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist and the go-to skin guru for celebrities (even Dave Asprey sings her praises!) Rachel unlocks the secrets to glowing skin in this week’s episode. Here’s what you’ll learn… The five archenemies of youthful skin  The magical benefits of light therapy, including the colors that with the most benefits How to protect your kingdom (aka your skin) from blue light  Her arsenal of favorite skin l

IN THIS EPISODE In a world where nutrient deficiencies are rampant and elimination diets can increase your risk, a focus on nutrient-dense foods is critically important.  Unfortunately, there are MAJOR problems with many of the nutrient ratings systems used today.  Case in point: The Food Compass which gave Lucky Charms a higher score than ground beef and eggs fried in butter.  Which is why in today’s podcast with best-selling author Dr. Sarah Ballantyne we break down the myths around most nutrient rating systems, the truth about the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, and most importantly, how to add them to your diet so you can feel your best. Here are some of the fascinating facts you’ll learn… Why restrictive diets can be problematic The rates and causes of nutrient deficiency The most dangerous type of nutrient deficiency How to measure the nutrient density of your diet at home Can supplements replace food? The most surprising, yet nutrient-dense, foods The most nutrient-dense vegetables The nutrien

In This Episode Unlock the secrets to a healthy heart and microbiome with Dr. William Davis, renowned cardiologist, and bestselling author in this week’s podcast!  We delve into cutting-edge insights and simple at-home strategies from his latest book, Super Gut, that will help you feel inspired and empowered around gut health.  Here are some of my favorite takeaways… The best test to assess heart disease risk 2 foods that cause small (dangerous) LDL particles 3 often-missed markers of cardiovascular risk A missing microbe and the food to eat to get it An at-home measure for tracking heart health The microbes we need to feel happier, lose weight and reduce pain (and what to eat!) The microbe for better infant sleep and a higher IQ A natural remedy for SIBO The probiotic that reduces blood sugar What you need to know about postbiotics Why fermented meat is good for your microbiome 3 simple ways to improve your microbiome today Gut health = overall health so listen in, share this podcast and let me know your

IN THIS EPISODE Hopefully, by now you’ve heard the news that muscle is the organ of longevity.  In other words, if you want to age gracefully, building muscle must be a priority.   Fortunately, there are many simple ways to increase your muscle mass which is what we talk all about in this week’s podcast episode with the brilliant founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon.  So if you’ve ever wondered… Which exercise provides the most benefits... How much protein you need per day (and per meal)… The difference between plant and animal protein… Whether bone broth helps you age more gracefully… Then this is the show for you! Tune in today and don’t forget to share this important information with those who may benefit. Here are some other juicy tidbits we cover in our conversation… The link between excess weight and memory How to exercise to increase muscle mass and mitochondrial health The major misconceptions about protein Are we eating too much protein? The differences between