I Can't Believe I Have To Say This...

Summary

In a heated podcast debate, Dr. Steven Gundry controversially links smoking to longer life, sparking controversy. Despite being a cardiothoracic surgeon, he argues against common knowledge of smoking's health risks. The ensuing discussion with Doctor Mike, a health-focused podcast host, leads to a cease and desist demand from Gundry after a contentious Instagram clip goes viral. The video script unravels the misinformation, emphasizing the well-established scientific consensus on smoking's detrimental effects on health and lifespan.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiothoracic surgeon and author, claimed on a podcast that smoking cigarettes is linked to longer living, which sparked controversy.
• 📢 Dr. Mike, the host of the Checkup Podcast, disagreed with Dr. Gundry's claims and challenged them during the interview.
• 🤔 Dr. Gundry's statements were confusing as he does not smoke and does not recommend smoking to others.
• 🔍 The podcast clip that was posted on Instagram by Dr. Mike's team showed a heated discussion about the effects of smoking on health and lifespan.
• ⚠️ Dr. Gundry sent a cease and desist letter to Dr. Mike, alleging that the clip misrepresented his views on smoking.
• 🏥 Dr. Danielle Belardo, a preventive cardiologist, was shocked by Dr. Gundry's claims and emphasized that smoking is a proven risk factor for severe diseases.
• 📉 The British Doctors Study mentioned by Dr. Gundry actually showed that continuous smokers died about 10 years younger than non-smokers and that stopping smoking at different ages can increase life expectancy.
• 🧠 While some studies suggest a lower rate of Parkinson's disease in smokers, researchers do not yet understand why and caution against assuming a direct causative relationship.
• 💡 Dr. Gundry's mention of a protective effect for dementia was countered by evidence from Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer's Research UK, which showed increased risk of Alzheimer's and dementia in smokers.
• 🚭 The Lancet Commission ranked smoking as the third among modifiable risk factors for developing dementia, further debunking Dr. Gundry's claims.
• 🗣️ Dr. Mike emphasizes the importance of not glamorizing smoking and not using potential associations with benefits as a rationale for smoking, but rather for studying disease mechanisms and improving treatment searches.
• 📚 The situation serves as a reminder to doctors, especially those on social media, to acknowledge mistakes and avoid doubling down on misinformation or using legal means to silence accurate information.

Q & A

What claim did Dr. Steven Gundry make on the Checkup Podcast with Doctor Mike?

Dr. Steven Gundry claimed that smoking cigarettes was linked to longer living.

Why did Dr. Gundry send a cease and desist letter to Doctor Mike?

Dr. Gundry sent a cease and desist letter because he believed an Instagram clip from the interview made it look like he recommends smoking.

What is the general consensus on the health effects of smoking?

The general consensus is that smoking is unhealthy and shortens lifespan, being a proven risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other severe diseases.

What was the major exception during the podcast interview with Dr. Gundry?

The major exception was Dr. Gundry's repeated assertion that people who lived longer lives could have done so because they smoked cigarettes.

What did Doctor Mike do with the heated discussion section of the interview?

Doctor Mike's team decided to clip that section and make it into a short video, without cutting any of the dialogue.

What study did Dr. Gundry reference to support his claim about smoking and Parkinson's disease?

Dr. Gundry referenced the British Doctors Study, which showed a 30% less incidence of Parkinson's and dementia among smokers.

What is the actual finding of the British Doctors Study regarding smoking and lifespan?

The study found that men who smoked continuously died about 10 years younger than lifelong non-smokers, and stopping at different ages could gain varying amounts of life expectancy.

What is the correlation between smoking and Alzheimer's disease according to the Alzheimer's Society in the UK?

The Alzheimer's Society in the UK states that current smokers are 40% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease compared to never smokers.

How does the 2019 Lancet Commission rank smoking in terms of modifiable risk factors for developing dementia?

The 2019 Lancet Commission ranks smoking as the third among nine modifiable risk factors for developing dementia.

What is Doctor Mike's stance on the potential associations between smoking and benefits, and how should they be used?

Doctor Mike believes that any potential associations between smoking and benefits should not be used as a rationale for smoking, but could be used for studying mechanisms of disease and improving the search for new treatments.

What is Doctor Mike's advice for doctors, especially those on social media, regarding misinformation?

Doctor Mike advises that it's okay to make a mistake or misspeak, but it's not okay to double down on misinformation or use the legal system to silence those interested in the accuracy of information.

Outlines

00:00

🚭 Controversy Over Smoking and Longevity Claims

In this video script, a health guru, Dr. Steven Gundry, sparks controversy by suggesting a link between smoking and longer life, which is challenged by the narrator, Doctor Mike. Dr. Gundry, a cardiothoracic surgeon and author, appeared on Doctor Mike's podcast where he made the controversial claim. Despite not recommending smoking, Dr. Gundry argued that some individuals lived longer due to smoking. This led to a heated debate, and Doctor Mike's team posted a clip from the podcast without any dialogue cuts to maintain authenticity. The video script also addresses the broader consensus in the medical community that smoking is detrimental to health and reduces lifespan, citing the British Doctors Study and the increased risk of severe diseases and cancers associated with smoking.

05:01

🧠 Debunking Myths About Smoking and Neurological Health

The second paragraph delves into the potential protective effects of smoking against neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia, as mentioned by Dr. Gundry. However, the script refutes this by citing sources such as the Alzheimer's Society in the UK and a Lancet Commission, which indicate that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and ranks it as a top modifiable risk factor for dementia. The script emphasizes that while some studies show a correlation between smoking and lower rates of Parkinson's disease, this does not imply causation and should not be used to justify smoking. The video concludes with a call to action against misinformation, urging doctors and social media influencers to prioritize accurate health information and not to suppress differing viewpoints through legal means.

Keywords

💡Health Guru

A 'health guru' typically refers to an individual who is recognized for their expertise and influence in the field of health and wellness. In the context of the video, Dr. Steven Gundry is portrayed as a health guru who has made controversial claims about the relationship between smoking and longevity, which is central to the video's theme of debunking misinformation.

💡Controversy

Controversy in this script denotes a dispute or disagreement, especially one that is public or prolonged. The video revolves around the controversy ignited by Dr. Gundry's claims about smoking and its alleged benefits, which contradict widely accepted scientific consensus on the health risks of smoking.

💡Cease and Desist

A 'cease and desist' refers to a legal request or order to stop an action. In the video, Dr. Gundry's team sends a cease and desist letter to Dr. Mike, demanding the removal of an Instagram clip, which they believe misrepresents Dr. Gundry's stance on smoking.

💡Cardiothoracic Surgeon

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a medical professional specializing in surgery within the thoracic cavity, particularly on the heart and lungs. Dr. Gundry is introduced as a cardiothoracic surgeon, which lends weight to the unexpected nature of his controversial claims about smoking, given the profession's focus on heart health.

💡Mitochondrial

Mitochondria are organelles within cells that produce energy. The term 'mitochondrial' is used by Dr. Gundry in the script to describe the beneficial effects of nicotinic acid, which he claims is one of the best for mitochondria. This is part of his argument that smoking might have some health benefits, a claim that is central to the video's discussion.

💡Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and motor control. The script mentions a study that Dr. Gundry refers to, suggesting a lower incidence of Parkinson's among smokers. This is a key point of contention in the video, as it is used to illustrate the complexity and potential misunderstanding of correlation versus causation in health studies.

💡Dementia

Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. The video discusses Dr. Gundry's claims about a protective effect of smoking against dementia, which is challenged by referencing studies that show an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia among smokers.

💡Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. The script cites a review of studies indicating that current smokers are 40% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, directly contradicting Dr. Gundry's claims and highlighting the video's theme of addressing misinformation.

💡Misinformation

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread, often unintentionally. The video's primary theme is the battle against health-related misinformation, particularly that propagated by Dr. Gundry regarding the health effects of smoking.

💡Correlation vs. Causation

Correlation is a measure that expresses the extent to which two variables are linearly related, while causation implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The script emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between these two concepts in health research, especially when evaluating the claims made by Dr. Gundry about smoking and health outcomes.

💡Lancet Commission

The Lancet Commission refers to a group of experts convened to provide comprehensive and authoritative reports on significant health issues. The script mentions a Lancet Commission report ranking smoking as a significant risk factor for developing dementia, reinforcing the video's message about the established health risks associated with smoking.

Highlights

Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiothoracic surgeon and New York Times bestselling author, made controversial claims linking smoking to longer living on the Checkup Podcast with Doctor Mike.

Dr. Gundry's statement that smoking could be linked to longevity sparked controversy and disagreement from Doctor Mike.

A cease and desist letter was sent by Dr. Gundry demanding the removal of an Instagram clip from the interview.

Doctor Mike challenges Dr. Gundry's claims, emphasizing that smoking is widely known to be unhealthy and to shorten lifespan.

Dr. Gundry admits he does not recommend smoking nor does he smoke himself, despite his controversial claims.

Doctor Mike expresses confusion over a surgeon promoting smoking, given its known detrimental effects on health.

A heated discussion between Doctor Mike and Dr. Gundry on the topic of smoking and health was made into a short clip.

Dr. Gundry cites the British Doctors Study, claiming smokers have a 30% less incidence of Parkinson's and dementia.

Doctor Mike counters that smokers die of other diseases before Parkinson's and dementia can develop, disputing Dr. Gundry's claims.

Dr. Danielle Belardo, a preventive cardiologist, expresses shock at Dr. Gundry's statements regarding smoking.

Smoking is identified as a leading cause of avoidable disease and premature death, contradicting Dr. Gundry's claims.

The British Doctors Study actually confirms the severe health risks associated with smoking, including a shortened lifespan.

Research suggests smokers may have lower rates of Parkinson's disease, but the reason is unknown and not causatively related to smoking.

Dr. Robert Clark emphasizes that the risks of smoking far outweigh any potential benefits regarding Parkinson's disease.

Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer's Research UK refute Dr. Gundry's claims, stating that smoking increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

A 2019 Lancet Commission ranks smoking as a significant risk factor for developing dementia.

Doctor Mike argues that smoking should not be glamorized and any potential associations with benefits should not justify its use.

Dr. Gundry's team's legal action is criticized for attempting to silence accurate information dissemination.

Doctor Mike emphasizes the importance of not doubling down on misinformation and the role of doctors, especially on social media, in providing accurate information.

Transcripts

- I can't believe I would have to make a video like this.

- [Narrator] A health guru claimed puffing on cigarettes

is linked to longer living,

but now he's trying to extinguish the controversy.

- You guys hear this on Doctor Mike's podcast?

- [Narrator] Dr. Steven Gundry appeared

on the Checkup Podcast with Doctor Mike

and claimed that smoking cigarettes

was linked to longer living.

- Actually, let me stop you right there.

Probably, it's because he smoked that he's doing so well.

- Dr. Gundry sent a cease and desist letter demanding

Dr. Mike remove an Instagram clip

of the interview posted earlier this month.

- You're wrong. - But how?

- You are wrong.

(film clicking)

- I thought it's pretty common knowledge

that smoking is unhealthy and shortens lifespan,

but clearly there's a story here to tell.

So let's start with the podcast.

Earlier this year, I had a chance

to interview Dr. Steven Gundry,

an uber popular cardiothoracic surgeon

who became a "New York Times" bestselling author

that makes some pretty controversial nutrition

and health claims.

I was actually really happy to have him on my show

for two reasons.

One, every podcast he would go on,

first of all, he would get millions of views,

but he would make some extreme claim

with limited to no scientific backing,

and the podcast hosts, instead of challenging it,

or at least approaching it with skepticism,

would do the same thing every time.

- It's a secret.

- It's a secret. There you go. - Okay.

- Wow. - Wow. Gosh.

- No, really? - No way. Wow.

- This is interesting. - What?

(screen hisses)

- Second, he knew that I disagreed

with some of his theories, and yet he was still open

to having a debate on those topics.

It's pretty rare these days, given

that most people prefer the other kind of interviewer

who just oohs and ahs at claims made,

especially if it helps their podcast get views.

The podcast went pretty much as expected

with one major exception.

Several times throughout the interview, Dr. Gundry noted

that people who lived longer lives could have done so

because they smoked cigarettes.

I mean, I pushed back on this pretty heavily

throughout the entire interview.

It made no sense to me that a cardiothoracic surgeon

who has to know how destructive cigarettes are

to our health and lifespans would somehow glorify smoking.

To be clear, Dr. Gundry himself even stated

that he doesn't recommend people to smoke,

nor does he smoke himself.

So the situation was just really confusing.

Anyway, during one section towards the end of the interview,

we got into a really heated discussion

about that very topic.

Our team decided to clip that section

and make it into a short.

And for fear of being disingenuous,

we didn't cut any of the dialogue in that section.

We started with smoking. We ended with smoking.

In fact, here's that clip.

You live longer by consuming a high grain diet

in the Lyon Heart Study,

and you're arguing against those things.

- And you live longer if you smoke

in some of these areas,

whoa. - But that's not,

it's not because of you smoke.

It's in spite of smoking. - No, you're wrong.

- But how? - You are wrong.

- You know smoking is

pro-inflammatory. - Nicotinic acid is one

of the best mitochondrial.

- Dr. Gundry, we have to end

this conversation. - The British Doctors Study

- Smoking is not good. - showed that smoking.

- We need to at least end with smoking is not good.

- British doctors who smoke have a 30% less incidence

of Parkinson's and dementia.

- Yeah, because they die of 10 other diseases beforehand.

Oh, man. This is so problematic.

Even Dr. Danielle Belardo, preventive cardiologist,

who also joined us on the podcast,

was beyond shocked at the statements made.

First of all, let's be clear.

Smoking is a proven risk factor for cancer

and cardiovascular disease

and is the leading cause

of avoidable disease in most industrialized countries,

and this translates very clearly to a shorter lifespan.

Even in the British Doctors study

that Dr. Gundry mentions in the clip confirmed association

between smoking habits and many severe diseases,

including the suspected relationship

between smoking and 12 different types of cancer.

The authors actually found that men

who smoked cigarettes continuously died

about 10 years younger than lifelong non-smokers,

while stopping at age 60, 50, 40, or 30 years, gained

about 3, 6, 9, 10 years of life expectancy respectively.

Interestingly, on Parkinson's,

Dr. Gundry is somewhat correct.

There has been some research

including the study he mentioned

that shows smokers tend to have lower rates

of Parkinson's disease, but we don't really know why.

Even the researchers

who analyzed this study wrote very clearly,

"The findings of this study support the protective effect

of tobacco smoking on Parkinson's disease risk.

However, the results do not provide a mechanism

by which this effect occurs,

so it is premature to assume

that there is a direct causative relationship

between tobacco use

and a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease."

Correlation versus causation,

the two things happen simultaneously,

or do they cause one another to happen?

And even Dr. Robert Clark,

who published in the "Medical Journal of Neurology"

on the topic said, "Current smoking is the leading cause

of premature death and disability worldwide,

and any such hazards would greatly exceed

any potential benefits of current smoking

on the risk of Parkinson's disease."

But Dr. Gundry did also mention

a protective effect for dementia.

So let's look at Alzheimer's and dementia.

Actually wonder if the Alzheimer's Society in the UK

answered this question before.

Oh, yes, they have.

- Yeah, science!

(screen beeps)

- Okay, maybe that's only one source.

Let's ask the folks at Alzheimer's Research UK.

They write, "A recent review of 37 research studies found

that compared to never smokers,

current smokers were 40% more likely

to develop Alzheimer's disease."

It's pretty clear that smoking doesn't help

and really can increase the risk of Alzheimer's.

What about dementia?

Well, a 2019 Lancet Commission

that was actually focused on dementia prevention

ended up ranking smoking as third

among nine modifiable risk factors for developing dementia.

Look, all this is to say smoking is not healthy,

and it's actually cut millions of lives short.

It should not be glamorized,

and any potential associations with benefit cannot be used

as a rationale for smoking.

At best, it could be used for studying mechanisms of disease

and improving the search for new treatments.

Clearly, Dr. Gundry does not agree with me,

but he also may not want you to know that,

given that after I posted that clip on Instagram,

his team immediately sent us a cease and desist

to take down that clip.

They said something along the lines

of we made it look like he recommends smoking.

Let's be clear, Dr. Gundry doesn't recommend smoking,

but it's fairly clear he believes some live long lives

because they smoke.

I hope the information I just provided made it clear

that's not true.

What a mess.

I hope the takeaway from a situation like this

for all doctors, especially those on social media, is

that it's okay to make a mistake.

It's okay to misspeak,

but it's not okay to double down on misinformation

and certainly not to use the legal system

to silence those who are only interested

in the accuracy of the information.

(screen beeps) (screen whooshes)

Despite all this, my battle against misinformation lives on,

so click here to check out a YouTube channel

that's spreading misinformation about weight loss.

As always, stay happy and healthy.

(upbeat music)