In this episode of You: The Owner’s Manual Podcast, Dr. Michael Roizen welcomes Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum to explore new findings on ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Together, they unpack how these foods contribute to inflammation, fatigue, and chronic pain—conditions now common in modern life. Listeners learn how simple dietary changes can dramatically improve health, energy, and longevity.

Key Points:

This episode highlights how ultra-processed foods undermine health by driving inflammation and nutrient loss. Dr. Teitelbaum shares clear strategies to replace UPFs with real, nourishing foods. A small shift toward whole, natural eating can dramatically improve energy, pain, and overall well-being.

• Ultra-Processed Foods and Modern Illness: Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum explains that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a major driver of chronic fatigue, pain, and diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Micronutrient deficiencies from these foods significantly increase inflammation and pain.

• What Counts as “Ultra-Processed”: Foods with long, unreadable ingredient lists or “natural flavorings” that conceal additives qualify as ultra-processed. By contrast, simple foods like salmon with olive oil are minimally processed and healthy.

• The Nutritional Trap of the Modern Diet: Around 18% of calories in the U.S. diet come from sugar and another 18% from refined flour—sources of inflammation and nutrient loss. Many people are “malnourished but obese” due to calorie-rich yet nutrient-poor diets.

• Retraining the Palate: The food industry “fakes out” the body’s natural reward system, making harmful foods taste good. Dr. Teitelbaum suggests gradually shifting to whole foods and reducing added sugars to reawaken real taste preferences.

• Practical Steps to Reduce UPFs: Read nutrition labels—divide grams of added sugar by 4 to see teaspoons per serving. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, grass-fed meats, and fish. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store where real food is found.

• Healing Timeline and Holistic Health: People who move away from UPFs and take quality multivitamins often see major pain and inflammation reduction within 6–10 weeks. Sleep, social connection, stress management, and outdoor activity amplify these benefits.