The SHN #68: Seasonal Eating and The Russell's

Welcome back to The Synergetic Health Newsletter! 

In this edition, we’ll explore why you should consider eating seasonally.

After that, a simplified look into the power couple, Walter and Lao Russell.

Finally, I’ll include some links to things I’ve found particularly interesting recently.

September 12th, 2024. Greetings from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines 🏝️

A year ago, I sold most of my belongings in Austin, TX and set off on an open-ended adventure. I packed one carry-on suitcase and a backpack, with only one long-sleeve shirt and one pair of pants, planning to stick to warm climates and avoid the cold I've never been fond of.

In these past 12 months, I've lived in 13 countries, including at least a month in Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, England, Italy, and The Philippines. I've slept in over 45 different beds, mostly Airbnbs.

To be honest, it feels like it's been longer than a year. Time supposedly speeds up as you get older, but I'm realizing now that that's a product of doing the same things day after day, year after year. With novel experiences, time slows down—and my slow travel/nomadic lifestyle is quite novel.

There was no agenda in leaving the US, but I knew that I needed separation from the overly materialistic, career-oriented, inflationary environment— and the rent is just too damn high!

I knew that in order to get the enriching benefits of travel, I needed to be all in— not just rushing around collecting passport stamps. My goal was to immerse myself, as best I could, in the daily rhythms of each new place I called home.

This isn't a travel blog, so I won't go into detailed accounts of my experiences or philosophize about long-term travel. But I sit here today filled with gratitude that I made the decision to exit stage left and live life on my own terms—to explore this beautiful world and connect with those who inhabit it.

As I close the book on a year on the move, I realize that my road ahead is as unknown as ever. I know this would be unsettling for many, but it’s nothing but exciting for me.

Here's to another year of embracing the beautiful uncertainty of this nomadic life.

🦪 The Importance of Seasonal Eating

With 24/7 supermarkets and global food distribution, we've lost touch with the natural rhythms of eating that our ancestors followed. However, research suggests that aligning our diets with the seasons may be key for optimal mitochondrial function and overall health.

Mitochondria, often known as the powerhouses of our cells, are more than just energy producers. They play a big role in cellular hydration, light sensing, and even genetic expression. Dr. Jack Kruse, a neurosurgeon and circadian biology researcher, emphasizes the importance of mitochondrial health: "All chronic disease is rooted in mitochondrial dysfunction."

One key factor in mitochondrial health is the concept of deuterium depletion. Deuterium, a heavy isotope of hydrogen, can interfere with ATP production in mitochondria. The deuterium content of our food varies with seasons and growing conditions.

Seasonal Eating and Deuterium Depletion

Research has shown that animal-based foods, particularly those from grass-fed animals, are naturally lower in deuterium. A study published in the journal "Medical Hypotheses" suggests that "consumption of deuterium-depleted foods... may contribute to improved mitochondrial function.”

In colder climates, winter naturally pushes us towards a more animal-based diet, which aligns with our body's need for deuterium-depleted foods during periods of less sunlight. Dr. Laszlo G. Boros, a professor at UCLA School of Medicine, explains: "In winter, when UV light is scarce, we should rely more on animal fats which are naturally deuterium depleted.”

Summer vs. Winter Eating

In summer, when sunlight is abundant, our bodies are better equipped to handle higher-deuterium plant foods. The increased UV exposure helps our bodies naturally deplete deuterium. This is why fruits and vegetables, which are higher in deuterium, are more abundant and appealing in summer months.

Dr. Ann Shippy, a functional medicine practicioner, advises: "Eat seasonally. In winter, focus on warming, grounding foods like root vegetables and grass-fed meats. In summer, enjoy the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Practical Applications

Winter Focus:

• Prioritize grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and pastured eggs

• Incorporate bone broths and organ meats

• Consider root vegetables over fruits

Summer Focus:

• Enjoy a variety of fresh, local fruits and vegetables

• Include lean proteins and seafood

Year-round:

• Aim to consume wild-caught seafood at least 3 times per week

• Stay hydrated with deuterium-depleted or structured water

• Align your eating schedule with natural light cycles

The Bigger Picture

Seasonal eating isn't just about what foods to eat; it's about aligning our entire lifestyle with nature's rhythms. Dr. Satchin Panda, a leading expert in circadian rhythms, emphasizes: "Our metabolism is intrinsically linked to light-dark cycles. Eating in sync with these cycles can improve mitochondrial function and overall health.”

By utilizing seasonal eating patterns, we're not just nourishing ourselves; we're optimizing our mitochondrial (and thus cellular) function, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving our mental and physical energy.

TIP 1: Use google or your favorite AI tool to find out what foods are in-season in your local area. Try to prioritize eating those foods, hopefully from a local source as well.

TIP 2: Buying deuterium depleted water is expensive, but you can make your own. To make 125 ppm drinking water (which research suggests is best for metabolic health) from 25 ppm deuterium depleted water and normal drinking water (~150 ppm deuterium): mix 2 parts 25 ppm water with 8 parts 150 ppm water. (h/t Dr. Alexis Cowan)

👫 Meet The Russells

Walter and Lao Russell were an impressive couple whose unique insights into the nature of reality, God, and human potential continue to inspire seekers of truth. This post aims to have a look into their life, research, and the core tenets of their philosophy, offering a simplified glimpse into their teachings.

Walter Russell: The Illuminated One

Walter Russell (1871-1963) was a polymath whose achievements spanned art, science, philosophy, and spirituality. Often referred to as "The Man Who Tapped the Secrets of the Universe," Russell experienced a deep spiritual awakening that led him to develop a unique cosmology and understanding of the universe.

Walter Russell's genius extended far beyond his spiritual and philosophical insights. He was a prolific artist, sculptor, architect, musician, and scientist. As a portrait painter, he captured the likenesses of notable figures such as Thomas Edison and Mark Twain. His sculptures adorned public spaces, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In architecture, he designed the Hotel des Artistes in New York City. Russell's scientific work, though controversial in his time, predicted the existence of plutonium and deuterium (go figure!) before their official discoveries. He advised luminaries like Nikola Tesla and served as the President of the Society of Arts and Sciences.

His wide-ranging achievements earned him recognition from IBM, who named him "The Leonardo da Vinci of Our Time" in their book "Think" in 1958. Despite lacking formal education beyond age nine, Russell's intuitive understanding and creative genius allowed him to excel in multiple fields, embodying the true spirit of a polymath.

The Nature of Reality

At the heart of Russell's philosophy is the concept that the universe is founded on Love and Light. In "The Secret of Light," he states:

"God is Light. God is Love. God's creating universe is founded on Love. It is creating with Light."

Russell believed that everything in the universe is interconnected, part of a cosmic dance of giving and regiving. He saw the universe as a thought-wave universe, where all matter is simply light in motion:

"This entire universe of seeming substantiality consists solely of transient light waves in seeming motion."

God and Consciousness

For Russell, God was not a distant deity but an ever-present, all-encompassing consciousness. He taught that each individual is an extension of this universal consciousness:

"You are a divine, immortal, invisible Soul. You center a visible, physical body which consists solely of thought-waves of motion, created for the purpose of manifesting your divinity."

Lao Russell: The Power of Love

Lao Russell (1904-1988) was not only Walter's wife but also a formidable thinker and writer in her own right. Her book "God Will Work With You But Not For You" expands on Walter's teachings, emphasizing the practical application of these principles in daily life.

The Purpose of Life

Lao Russell believed that the primary purpose of life is to manifest love and grow in consciousness. She wrote:

"You are given your life by your Creator to learn how to express Love until you become Love."

Personal Growth and Responsibility

A key tenet of Lao's philosophy was the importance of personal responsibility in one's spiritual growth. She emphasized that while God is always present, it is up to individuals to take action:

"God will work with man but not for him, and one of the great inconsistencies of Mind healers is that they constantly importune God to do for man what man should do for himself."

Core Teachings of the Russells

• Unity of All Things: Everything in the universe is interconnected, part of a greater whole.

• The Power of Mind: Our thoughts and consciousness shape our reality. As Walter Russell stated, "Man becomes what he thinks."

• Balance and Rhythm: The universe operates on principles of balance and rhythmic exchange. Lao Russell wrote, "My one command to all sex-divided pairs of opposites in all My universe is that there shall be balanced, rhythmic interchange in all their givings and regivings."

• Love as the Fundamental Force: Love is not just an emotion but the foundational principle of the universe.

• Continuous Unfoldment: Life is a journey of continuous spiritual growth and awakening.

• Inner Guidance: True wisdom comes from within. Lao advised, "When you have a decision to make, go into your place of quiet... God will always give you the right answer."

• Practical Spirituality: Spiritual principles should be applied in everyday life for personal and societal transformation.

Applying Russell Philosophy to Daily Life

The Russells' teachings offer practical guidance for living a fulfilling life:

• Cultivate Inner Awareness: Regular meditation and self-reflection can help you tap into your inner wisdom.

• Practice Giving and Regiving: Engage in balanced exchanges in all aspects of life, from relationships to work.

• Embrace Creativity: The Russells saw creativity as a divine attribute. Engage in creative pursuits to express your inner divinity.

• Seek Knowledge: Continual learning and self-improvement are essential for spiritual growth.

• Live with Joy: Maintain a state of inner joy, which Lao Russell saw as a form of "moment to moment wordless prayer."

• Take Responsibility: Remember that while God (or the universe, Source, etc) will work with you, you must take action and responsibility for your life.

The Russells didn't just philosophize – they gave us a blueprint for living. Their message? Tap into the divine within and get involved in life's grand dance. As Lao said, "God will work with you but not for you." It's about giving freely and syncing with the universe's rhythms. When you do, you're not just existing – you're creating alongside the cosmos, making your mark and brightening the world along the way.

I read “The Secret of Light” by Walter and “God Will Work With You But Not For You” by Lao. Both were great but Walter writes very scientifically and can be hard to follow, while Lao offers a more practical way into their living philosophy. Since reading these two books I’ve devoured many podcasts from people who are continuing their legacy, namely Matt Presti, the former president of the organization founded by the Russell’s, The University of Science and Philosophy.

𝕏 Thread of the Week

☀️ Get In The Rhythm: If you want to harness the power of your circadian rhythm for health optimization, here’s a blueprint you can follow— download the Circadian app and, depending on your location, go outside at least 10 minutes before UVA rise, and remain outside for 10-20 min after UVA rise. Do this consistently for a period of time and note the beneficial health impacts.

🌞 Track Your D From the Sun: You can also use the app Dminder to track how much Vitamin D you are getting from the sun each day, based on your habits. You tell the app your skin type and exposure time and it shows you where your levels likely are and when to get outside to maximize them.

With 80% of Americans deficient in this crucial nutrient, it should be a huge consideration when it comes to achieving better health. The darker your skin is, the MORE time you need to be outside getting UV light on your body. I really don’t know how much more I need to drive this message home— diet and exercise are great and all— but getting plentiful full-spectrum sunlight every day should be a bigger priority than nailing the perfect workout or eating the perfect diet.

💊 The Epidemic of Silence With Adverse Drug Reactions: This article addresses the pervasive silence surrounding adverse drug reactions and its harmful consequences. Patients often remain quiet about negative side effects due to shame, guilt, fear of stigma, respect for medical authority, or concerns about being labeled anti-medicine. Even healthcare professionals may stay silent to avoid questioning their beliefs and profession.

This silence creates a cycle where the true risks of medications remain underrecognized, preventing medical professionals, regulatory agencies, and pharmaceutical companies from fully understanding the prevalence and severity of these reactions.

🔗 One Hitters

🧴 The entire cosmetics industry is a scam (Post)

💡 Flicker free indoor LED lights, a good home option (Product)

🫐 High-protein, low-calorie berry ice cream (Recipe)

👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 How dating apps contribute to the demographic crisis (Article)

💉 Covid-19 Virology Fraud Explained in 19 Minutes (Video)

📚 Read my e-book, “Self-Development for Authentic Living” for free.

✔️ That will do it for this time! Hopefully you got some value out of it. If you have any questions/comments/things you’d like to learn more about please don’t hesitate to reach out.

🔗 If you know anyone who loves learning about these types of topics, send them this link!

📰 To read all past newsletters, go here.