The Primal Shift

Michael Kummer
  • 4.9 (51)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Primal Shift is about helping you achieve optimal health by bridging the gap between ancestral living and the demands of modern society. We'll talk about every aspect of a healthy life, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, environmental toxins, hormesis, belonging and tribalism, and reconnecting with nature. Get ready to unlock the transformative power of nature as the ultimate biohack, revolutionize your health and reconnect you with your primal self. Each episode is short and concise, providing you with actionable tips and tricks you can use to start living a more primal lifestyle today.

  1. 128: Red Light Therapy Protocol for Knee Pain and Recovery with Forrest Smith CEO of Kineon

    5D AGO

    128: Red Light Therapy Protocol for Knee Pain and Recovery with Forrest Smith CEO of Kineon

    Most people think of a knee injury as a knee problem. You tear something, you rehab it, you move on. But the science tells a very different story — one where a single traumatic injury quietly drives cartilage degradation, cardiovascular impairment, and systemic inflammation for decades after the initial damage has "healed." I got a firsthand look at this when an MRI revealed two meniscus tears, a split MCL, and early-onset osteoarthritis in my left knee. That last one was humbling. I always assumed osteoarthritis happened to other people — older, less active people. Not someone who squats heavy and trains consistently. In this episode, Forrest Smith — CEO and Co-founder of Kineon Labs, a health technology company specializing in targeted red light and laser therapy devices — returns for his third appearance on the podcast. And the picture he paints of what happens inside an injured joint long after the rehab is over is sobering. For example, the NFL tracked over 3,500 players who'd returned to competition after knee injuries and found chronic inflammation still present 10 to 20 years later, despite world-class rehab.  Notably, the quads on the players' injured side ran one to two degrees colder, a sign of impaired cardiovascular delivery. And the risk of major cardiovascular events jumped by 50% – not because of the original injury, but because of inflammation that never resolved. That's the cycle most people don't know they're stuck in. And it's where laser-based photobiomodulation changes the equation. Targeted 808nm lasers can drop inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6 by 70 to 85% within days. Once that chronic degradation slows down, chondroblasts — the fast-growing front end of cartilage — can actually proliferate and begin rebuilding the extracellular matrix. Slow the destruction on one side, accelerate the biology on the other. That's what "regrowing cartilage" actually means. Penetration depth is what makes lasers fundamentally different from LEDs. At five to seven centimeters of reach, you're dosing 10 to 100 times more tissue volume than a surface-level panel can touch. Then there's the other side of this that almost nobody talks about: the ibuprofen your doctor hands you after surgery. Research shows that 90 days of use increases heart attack risk by 48%, heart failure by 35%, and major coronary events by 75% — while actively impairing the collagen and fibroblast function your body needs to heal. It's doing the exact opposite of what most people assume. If you've ever dealt with a joint injury, chronic inflammation, or just assumed over-the-counter painkillers were harmless, this one's worth your time. About Forrest Smith: Co-Founder and CEO of Kineon, a health-tech leader who spent 18 years in China building hardware startups and mastering the local supply chain. A lifelong athlete and CrossFit enthusiast, he founded Kineon after developing a portable, medical-grade laser device to treat his own chronic knee pain.  Website: https://kineon.io/blogs/authors/forrest-smith  [Discount Code] Use code MKUMMERMOVE for 10% off the Kineon Move+ Pro:  https://michaelkummer.com/go/kineon Learn more: Kineon Move+ Pro Review: https://michaelkummer.com/kineon-move-plus-review/ Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Joint Pain and Arthritis: https://michaelkummer.com/red-light-therapy-for-joints/  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.  To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/  And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva  In this episode: 00:00 Intro 00:42 Mk's knee MRI (meniscus, MCL, osteoarthritis) 03:42 Traumatic knee damage, synovial capsule & acute vs chronic inflammation 06:42 Can you regrow cartilage?  08:11 Hidden systemic effects: Cardiovascular impairment from chronic joint inflammation 09:50 Post-surgery recovery + the NSAID dilemma  12:28 NSAIDs: Cardiovascular risk & slower tissue repair  16:36 Kineon Move+ Pro knee protocol 17:59 Placement tips 20:36 Penetration depth 21:41 Hamstring strain case study  26:55 The future: Brain & gut photobiomodulation  33:20 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Kineon #RedLightTherapy

    36 min
  2. 127: Why "Healthy" Restaurant Meals Quietly Backfire

    FEB 11

    127: Why "Healthy" Restaurant Meals Quietly Backfire

    Most people assume they're eating well when they go out by choosing the "right" food categories: eggs instead of pancakes, salmon instead of a burger, salad instead of fries. But once food leaves your kitchen, categories matter far less than sourcing, fats and preparation. Restaurants are optimized for speed, consistency and profit. That usually means seed oils are used for cooking, sauces and dressings; that produce isn't organic; that poultry is low quality; and that most seafood is farmed. In other words, even meals that seem responsible on paper are often cooked in oxidized fats and paired with ingredients that quietly drive inflammation. In this episode, I explain why those hidden variables matter more than what's listed on the menu — and why even well-intentioned choices can work against you when food is prepared in an environment that was never designed to support your health. The real issue isn't an occasional meal out. It's how these small exposures compound over time. You don't feel it after one dinner — you feel it after years. And by then, most people blame the wrong things: carbs, protein, or entire food groups, when the real problem was never what they were eating but how it was being prepared. So what can you actually do about it? The most effective solution isn't exciting: when you know you'll be away from home, bring food with you. A lunchbox with leftover meat, eggs, fruit and simple whole foods beats a restaurant salad almost every time — and travels far better than most people expect. When eating out is unavoidable, the goal is to choose foods that are harder to mess up: plain red meat, simply cooked eggs, burger patties without sauces, and meals prepared with butter or olive oil when available.  Ironically, foods with a "health halo" — salads, grain bowls, plant-heavy dishes — often perform the worst once dressings and industrial oils become involved. This isn't about fear or perfection. It's about being realistic. You can't outsource your health to systems that were never designed for it. Cooking at home and controlling how your food is prepared remains the most reliable way to protect your long-term health. Learn More: The Seed Oil Free Restaurant App: https://www.seedoilscout.com/  125: The New Food Pyramid 2026 Looks Better… But It's Still Not Good Enough: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/125-the-new-food-pyramid-2026-looks-better-but-its-still-not-good-enough/ 124: The Glyphosate Study That Had to Be Retracted: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/124-the-glyphosate-study-that-had-to-be-retracted/  121: The Hidden Contaminant in Even the Best Meat: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/121-the-hidden-contaminant-in-even-the-best-meat/  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.  To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/  And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva  In this episode: 00:00 The hidden dangers of eating out 00:27 Why restaurants aren't designed for health 00:51 The illusion of healthy choices 01:22 Practical tips for eating out 01:43 The impact of regular dining out 03:27 The best solution 05:09 Finding healthier restaurant options 07:01 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

    8 min
  3. 126: The Nutrition Question Almost Everyone Gets Wrong!

    FEB 4

    126: The Nutrition Question Almost Everyone Gets Wrong!

    Most nutrition debates revolve around the wrong questions: Should we eat vegetables or not? Grains or no grains? Animal-based or plant-based? But as I discuss in this episode, framing nutrition solely by food categories overlooks the single most crucial factor: food quality.  Modern debates often miss that eggs aren't simply eggs, grains aren't just grains, and vegetables aren't uniformly nutritious. The way food is grown, raised, processed, and prepared makes an enormous difference — far greater than the simplified categories we typically argue about. I had this realization vividly when comparing an airport lounge breakfast in Atlanta to one in Norway. On the surface, both offered similar categories of foods – eggs, meat, fruit, yogurt — but the underlying reality was starkly different. One was laden with industrial additives, pesticides and inflammatory oils, while the other represented cleaner sourcing and superior quality. In practical terms, I've learned it's often simpler to cut out entire food groups than to consistently source high-quality versions within them.  Avoiding grains or poultry entirely can sometimes yield better health outcomes than struggling to find properly raised, chemical-free options.  Real health doesn't live in nutrition dogma but in understanding nuance. The same food can either support your metabolic health or quietly undermine it, entirely depending on how it was produced.  In other words, sometimes quality matters more than category. At the Kummer Household, we center our diet around animal-based foods — ideally raised ourselves or sourced from trusted farmers — and selectively incorporate plant-based options we've grown ourselves. Tune in to shift your nutritional focus from "which foods to eat" to the far more critical question: "where did this food come from, and what's in it?" Learn More: 124: The Glyphosate Study That Had to Be Retracted: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/124-the-glyphosate-study-that-had-to-be-retracted/  121: The Hidden Contaminant in Even the Best Meat: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/121-the-hidden-contaminant-in-even-the-best-meat/  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.  To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/  And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva  In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:06 The airport lounge revelation 02:13 The importance of food quality 05:28 Practical takeaways for healthier eating 06:30 Personal approach to nutrition 07:18 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

    8 min
  4. 125: The New Food Pyramid 2026 Looks Better… But It's Still Not Good Enough

    JAN 28

    125: The New Food Pyramid 2026 Looks Better… But It's Still Not Good Enough

    Every five years, the U.S. dietary guidelines get updated. Usually, that update triggers some mix of frustration, disbelief and déjà vu. This time was different… not because the guidelines suddenly got human nutrition right, but because they moved slightly closer to reality. There's finally more emphasis on whole foods and less on ultra-processed junk. The old grain-heavy food pyramid has effectively been flipped. That alone is meaningful progress. If someone followed these guidelines instead of the Standard American Diet, they'd likely see improvements in weight, blood sugar and overall metabolic health. But "better than before" isn't the same as optimal. In this episode, I walk through what the new guidelines get right, and where they still fall short – especially for people who care about metabolic health, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding and raising resilient kids. One major issue is immediately evident: nutrient density and bioavailability are largely ignored.  The pyramid's Vitamin A recommendations focus on plant sources that require conversion, while the most reliable sources — animal foods like liver, eggs and dairy — are absent from the conversation.  Meanwhile, protein sources are treated as interchangeable, even though amino acid profiles, micronutrients, and absorption differ dramatically between animal and plant foods. Dairy is included, but without meaningful context around processing methods and individual tolerance. Baby formula is framed as an "alternative" to breast milk, without acknowledging the trade-offs. Fruits and vegetables are encouraged "throughout the day," quietly endorsing constant snacking while ignoring metabolic rest. None of this is accidental. These guidelines are political compromises more than they're based on physiological reality. They're designed to be broadly acceptable, not metabolically precise. The takeaway isn't to blindly reject the guidelines — it's to treat them as a starting point, not a finish line. Real health requires understanding food quality, preparation, sourcing, and context — not just categories on a chart. This episode is about learning where to think for yourself, where nuance matters, and why trusting labels or authority without questioning incentives has never been a winning strategy. Learn More: Everything you need to learn about the new food pyramid guidelines: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/01/07/kennedy-rollins-unveil-historic-reset-us-nutrition-policy-put-real-food-back-center-health  We use MK Supplements organ meats to support nutrient density beyond the 2026 Food Pyramid. Use code YOUTUBE for 20% off your first order: 👉 https://mksupps.com Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.  To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/  And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva  In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to the new dietary guidelines 01:08 Positive changes in the guidelines 01:58 Critique on vitamin A recommendations 03:58 Political compromises in dietary guidelines 05:32 Protein quality and misconceptions 06:25 Dairy: A half win with missing context 07:44 The issue with constant snacking 08:22 Formula vs. Breast milk 09:46 Missing elements in the guidelines 11:39 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #FoodPyramid #USHealth

    15 min
  5. 124: The Glyphosate Study That Had to Be Retracted!

    JAN 21

    124: The Glyphosate Study That Had to Be Retracted!

    Learn More: Support your nutritional foundation in a toxic modern world with MK Supplements: Use code YOUTUBE for 20% off your first purchase → https://mksupps.com New York Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/climate/glyphosate-roundup-retracted-study.html  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.  To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/  And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva  In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:05 Understanding glyphosate: What it is and why it matters 01:29 The trust issue in scientific research 02:26 Glyphosate's mechanism and impact on health 03:35 Economic dependence and objectivity erosion 04:32 Chronic exposure concerns and scientific debate 07:29 Practical tips to reduce glyphosate exposure 11:18 The bigger picture: Systemic issues and personal responsibility 13:14 Conclusion: Questioning incentives and making informed choices Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health.   [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.   #Glyphosate #WeedKiller

    15 min
  6. 123: Where I get my blood panels and what to look out for

    JAN 14

    123: Where I get my blood panels and what to look out for

    Most people assume they're being proactive about their health because they get an annual physical and a standard blood panel. A few numbers come back "normal," the doctor gives a thumbs-up, and that's the end of the conversation.  The problem is that those labs are often incomplete and disconnected from how people actually live, train, eat and recover. Many of the markers that matter most for long-term metabolic health and inflammation — like fasting insulin and high-sensitivity CRP — are routinely excluded. So what you're left with are numbers that often only flag problems once things are already far off track.  On top of that, testing once a year gives you no meaningful sense of trends, context, or direction. This episode looks at a more practical approach: identifying the biomarkers that actually reflect metabolic health, inflammation, hormonal balance and recovery, and finding ways to test them regularly without relying on one-off lab work.  It also addresses why timing, training load, and recent stress matter when you get blood drawn — and how ignoring those variables can lead to misleading results and unnecessary concern. The broader point is simple: meaningful blood work isn't just about collecting more data. It's about measuring the right things, testing often enough to see patterns, and interpreting results in the context of your lifestyle.  When you do that, blood work becomes a useful feedback tool instead of a once-a-year formality that tells you very little about where your health is actually headed. Learn more: What It Means to Be Metabolically Healthy [Blog Post]: https://michaelkummer.com/metabolic-health/ Affordable At-Home Blood Testing with SiPhox Health [Video]: https://youtu.be/R7qRLzBcp94  63: HbA1c Levels Explained: Why They May Be High Without High Blood Sugar: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/63-hba1c-levels-explained-why-they-may-be-high-without-high-blood-sugar/  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, OneSkin! What sold me was seeing real results. My wife started using OneSkin, and the improvement in her skin was obvious — not subtle, not hype. OneSkin products are built around their patented OS-01 peptide, developed from longevity research and tested for sensitive skin. Full review here: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/ For a limited time, get up to 30% off your first three subscription orders — no code required: https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/1289595/3445782/31050 In this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:19 The importance of comprehensive blood panels 05:36 Key biomarkers to monitor 09:43 Affordable and convenient blood testing options 18:03 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

    20 min
  7. 122: Paul Saladino Is Not a Fan of Sauna Anymore

    JAN 7

    122: Paul Saladino Is Not a Fan of Sauna Anymore

    The general consensus on sauna bathing is that it's a powerful tool for longevity, recovery and metabolic health. More sessions, higher heat, longer durations — all of these strategies are commonly assumed to produce better outcomes. But after hearing Paul Saladino question whether sauna use can add unnecessary stress for people who already train hard or live under chronic pressure, I felt it was worth taking a closer look at when sauna therapy is best leveraged and when it might do more harm than good. Here's the core issue: sauna use is a physiological stressor. It raises core temperature, increases cortisol, can lower HRV in the short term, and often causes temporary spikes in blood glucose.  And if your overall stress load is already high, adding another stressor on top of that won't necessarily improve recovery. In other words, the thing you should be concerned about is total stress load. When hard training, poor sleep, work pressure, and everyday life are already consuming most of your recovery capacity, spending long periods in very hot saunas can stop being adaptive and start competing with recovery. At the same time, when you zoom out, the long-term evidence supporting sauna bathing remains strong — even for people who train regularly.  These benefits – including improvements in cardiovascular function, insulin sensitivity, heat tolerance and sleep quality – play out over years and decades, not session by session. And I suspect the number of people who train so hard that their system is pushed to its limit is relatively low.  So in my view, discouraging sauna use is the wrong overall approach; for most people in most scenarios, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Still, it can be beneficial to pay attention to dosage and timing. Long, very hot sauna sessions layered onto hard training and inadequate recovery can overwhelm your ability to recover, rather than support it. Used more deliberately — i.e., shorter sessions, reasonable temperatures, and better placement within the week — time in the sauna often has the opposite effect, helping people unwind, sleep better, and recover more fully – even when their fitness trackers show short-term fluctuations. Learn more: Paul Saladino's Video: Why I Changed My Mind on Saunas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF4ID6_4BGY  Infrared vs Traditional Saunas [Blog Post]: https://michaelkummer.com/infrared-vs-traditional-saunas/ Benefits of Using a Sauna and Ice Bath Together [Blog Post]: https://michaelkummer.com/ice-bath-and-sauna/  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin's lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company's proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more.  Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/  Get 15% off with my discount code MKUMMER: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop  In this episode: 00:00 Introduction: Can sauna hurt your recovery? 00:45 Paul Saladino's arguments against sauna 05:27 Scientific perspective on sauna benefits 07:20 Debunking sauna myths 14:52 Practical sauna guidelines 20:21 Cold plunging insights 22:44 Conclusion: Finding the right balance Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

    24 min
  8. 121: The Hidden Contaminant in Even the Best Meat

    12/17/2025

    121: The Hidden Contaminant in Even the Best Meat

    You can do everything right on paper — organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised, regenerative — and still end up eating the very compounds you were trying to avoid. That's the blind spot I'm digging into in this episode: the ways food gets contaminated during processing and packaging… often without the consumer noticing, and without small farmers even realizing they're doing it. The most vivid example is something most people would never question: A turkey can be raised well, harvested cleanly, and still get compromised at the finish line when it's put into a plastic bag and then heat shrink-wrapped in hot water.  Combined, heat, fat and soft plastic create the perfect conditions for microplastics and chemicals like phthalates to migrate into meat. The label still looks perfect. The outcome isn't. From there, I widen the lens to other "healthy" foods that carry hidden landmines. Pastured poultry can still be built on genetics designed for rapid weight gain, and the feed can still be heavy in polyunsaturated fats that end up stored in the meat.  Grass-fed beef can still pick up microplastics during processing and packaging. Even when the animal was raised well, the last steps can quietly undo a lot of the benefit. The point isn't perfection. It's awareness. Once you understand where contamination can happen, you can ask better questions and make smarter trade-offs — like requesting butcher paper before plastic, avoiding heat shrink-wrapping, or choosing producers who are willing to adjust their process when you explain why it matters.  In many cases, the only way to reduce these risks is to shorten the distance between you and your food – whether that means buying from someone local you can talk to, getting involved in the process, or raising even a small amount of food yourself just to learn what actually happens behind the scenes. This episode is my attempt to give you that lens without turning food sourcing into a new anxiety. You don't need to chase purity. But you do need to understand what labels can't tell you. Learn more: 15: Dr. Anthony Gustin: The Shocking Truth Behind Pasture-Raised Chicken and Pork: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/dr-anthony-gustin-the-shocking-truth-behind-pasture-raised-chicken-and-pork/  The Truth About 16% Protein Feed [Chicken Feed]: https://youtu.be/ctGBMwMEG1U  Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.  To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/  And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva  In this episode: 00:00 Intro: Hidden dangers in organic food 00:47 Biohacking conference insights 02:56 Thanksgiving turkey: A case study 04:34 The problem with plastic packaging 07:32 Issues with pastured poultry 10:51 Grass-fed beef: Not always safe 11:32 Practical tips for safer food 13:47 The importance of knowing your food source 18:43 Conclusion: Take control of your food Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

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About

Primal Shift is about helping you achieve optimal health by bridging the gap between ancestral living and the demands of modern society. We'll talk about every aspect of a healthy life, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, environmental toxins, hormesis, belonging and tribalism, and reconnecting with nature. Get ready to unlock the transformative power of nature as the ultimate biohack, revolutionize your health and reconnect you with your primal self. Each episode is short and concise, providing you with actionable tips and tricks you can use to start living a more primal lifestyle today.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Kummer
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    The Primal Shift

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