Dear Readers
A couple weeks ago I gave this “Dear Readers” format a try. There was such a tremendous response that I may make it a regular feature of Mark’s Daily Apple. What do you say? I love giving my advice and opinions, but add mine with all the knowledgeable readers of MDA and then you really have something. Take a look at some of the questions I’ve received below and share you stories, experiences and knowledge in the comment board. Thanks everyone!
Question 1
We see a lot about the importance of eating grass fed beef, but what about other meats?
I’ve never seen a pig out on a pasture eating grass, nor a chicken, but obviously not all meats are created equal.
At my local butcher, for instance, i noticed that they had free range corn fed pork. Now, from reading your blog and others my mind instantly went “free range = good, corn fed = bad”. So how do we find good quality pork and chicken (or other meats)?
Thanks,
Gus
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Question 2
Hello good friend! I appreciate what you do and getting the word out that there are alternatives to what is shoved down our throats, but I’ll get right to the question. Tell me what you know about “primal contraception”. What if Grock had a primal marriage but wasn’t ready for those little Grockaroos just yet? What do you think he would do? My wife has trouble with conventional contraception. She experiences mood difficulties, very low libido and often erratic periods. We’re trying to find a more “natural” way to have enjoyable sex and be able to plan for when we want to bring a child into the world. We have been to the gynecologist many times but they seem to just give you the pill they happen to be pushing that week and then it’s off with you! We really thought we had something with the copper IUD, but her uterus is apparently too curved and would have to have a child before being able to use the thing. Thanks for your continued insight.
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Question 3
As a follower of a clean healthy lifestyle (nearly 100% primal) I sometimes worry about tablets & pills etc. I was wondering if you know of a natural or primal painkiller, as I am currently suffering from terrible a toothache. Probably all my years of eating too much sugar!
Kane
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Question 4
Not sure where to post on your site as I am new but what about milk kefir, how does it fit in the Primal Blueprint? Tons of probiotic benefit in this gem, more so than yogurt by a long shot. Especially when your making the real deal from kefir grains and not from powder mixes or worse yet purchasing the commercial “dead” kefir at your local grocery store.
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Question 5
Note from Mark: This question was posed in the forum and there has already been a great response from the Primal community. Chime in here (in the comment board) or explore the forum to offer your take on this very common question from Primal newbies.
I am new to the Primal Blueprint and I am having issues with what to have for breakfast. I live at a hall of residence (coz I am at University) so don’t have access to eggs and stuff (I also don’t have a microwave/oven etc so can’t cook anything). For breakfast I generally have yoghurt (I know, not primal!) with whey protein powder (also not primal!) and some nuts and seeds.
Is this bad? And does anyone have any possible other ideas? I am a very much a breakfast person and I still like to have a relatively large breakfast. For lunch and dinner I have salad with some protein, which I think is ok?
Thanks 
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Question 3: See a dentist! Really, you do not want to get a major abcess going. I’ve heard of people using oil of cloves for toothaches and i guess that’s natural. But please please please see a dentist!
Question 2: Well, sheepskin condoms come to mind, lol. That’s “natural”… And on the way-less-than-guaranteed end of things there’s withdrawal, the “rhythm method” (trying to figure out when she’s fertile and not have sex then)…and i hear hot tubs lower your sperm count so you could cook your…self…with some nice hot baths.
Grass-fed pork exists and is delicious. This guy is a great producer:
http://sugarmtnfarm.com/blog/
I think there is a bit of a trick to getting pigs to eat all or mostly grass, but a lot of other small producers feed some grain and run their pigs out on pasture all day for supplemental feed (and exercise). That kind of pork is also great, much richer than what you get at the supermarket, and is commonly available at farmer’s markets.
I have heard that the black pig is a better/healthier choice of pig to eat….
Question 1: if you have access to a farm or farmer’s market, then that would be the best place to get your proteins. For the record, beef is best when it’s grass fed and also grass-finished (some producers start the cows on grass but finish with grain which is no good).
Free ranging pigs and chickens,as far as I know, subsist best on a diet of nuts, berries, roots, forest plants and seeds, hay, grubs, grass, spilled grains respectively.
Hope this helps!
Question 3: Get to a dentist. NOW!!!!
Question 1:
Cows graze. Grass is their natural diet. They don’t react well to grains — changes pH in stomachs and hurts their livers and immune systems. Often they are fed hormones (to grow faster) and antibiotics to compensate for the immune system problems. Grass finished beef is good for cows and for us.
Pigs eat all kinds of things, so grass-fed pork is NOT natural.
Chickens eat grains and insects naturally like most birds. That is their natural diet.
Question 5: Read the forum answers, but I’ll add that I make a form of powerballs with chocolate protein powder, coconut oil/butter, and a little heavy cream. Sometimes with a tablespoon of peanut butter for omega-6 fats. I make them into “cookies”. Refrigerate. Get 30 g. of protein from these, add a piece of fruit, and you’re good to go for classes.
And just what kind of cafeteria doesn’t sell eggs and meat for breakfast? It was always available when I was in school. So sad if that is the norm today.
Please answer the questions before going on to another question. Its easier than all the answers at the end. Thanks
Question 2: Get this book, Taking Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler. I checked it out of the library and then found their website where I could download the charts they use. I used it to get pregnant by tracking body temperatures and watching for other signs of fertility, but the book uses this method for both getting and preventing conception. It takes more time than a condom or the pill as you need to take your temperature every morning and track other physical signs, but it’s enlightening and great to learn about how your body works.
Question 2: Get this book, Taking Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler.
I would agree 100% with this response! My husband and I both read the book (2 copies helped). We used this method for over year to not get pregnant. Then charted TO get pregnant, then charted again to NOT get pregnant for over 2 years. Finally, after our twins (our 4th & 5th) we decided to go with something more permanent, a vasectomy.
Having used almost every option out there, I would say Fertility Awareness is the best, most natural form of contraception. It does take consistency and effort, but it is well worth it.
For natural contraception:
Billings method, Billings method, Billings method!
Read about it and see what you think, similar to tracking body temperature but no tricky devices required.
question 2: I concur with the “Taking Charge of your fertility” but I would also suggest that women who have irregular periods should also get their thyroid and adrenal glands checked out. Fatigued adrenals lead to irregular/short cycles and can induce thyroid problems.
Question 2:
I have the very same problem as your wife – I am a complete monster (and first to admit it) when I’m on the pill. Through my own bit of speculation, I suspect that this innocent little pill plays a part in the high percentage of women on antidepressants, but that’s another topic. Everything I’ve read about the pill (and there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot out there) is pretty bad. Whatever you do, please support your wife with her choice to not be on the pill. This is an area that I struggled with, and I know having the full support of my partner would have made things so much easier.
But on to answer the question, I would go with what Karin said and use sheepskin condoms. As far as I’m aware, that’s the only truly primal and reliable thing out there, and they have been used for quite some time. For things that are borderline primal, I’d say an IUD (not really an option in your case), polyurethane condoms (thinner than latex, apparently giving a “more natural” feeling to sex), or a cervical cap or diaphragm. Sure, these options are not exactly primal, but in this case, no one would blame you for making that sacrifice. I think these types of contraceptives would be what Mark calls a “sensible vice”.
Oh, and stop going to that doctor for advice. Clearly this MD is just a pill pusher like my doctor was. If you want the straight facts, try Planned Parenthood or a similar organization. There are way more options out there than different pill brands.
Question 2: In regard to whether there is primal contraception – NO. This is because it didn’t exist except sometimes in the form of breastfeeding an existing child and sheer luck. The question of whether Grok would have been ready for offspring is a non-issue because it was inevitable. The purpose of sex for Grok may well have included pleasure but was primarily for procreation. Being “ready” for children simply wasn’t an issue in my opinion. This goes along with the fact that throughout history people have never been able to control their populations anyway. For valuable information I recommend reading “Constant Battles: Why We Fight” by Steven Le Blanc.
Question 2: I heartily second the recommendation for the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility! Be sure to get the most up-to-date edition.
Fertility Awareness is NOT the “rhythm method”, which simply counts days and relies on average cycle lengths.
FA requires a bit of effort (taking basal temp first thing in the am before rising, as well as charting other fertility signals) and discipline, but it is well worth it.
I think all young women should read this book as soon as they start menstruating – there is far more practical information about how our bodies work in this book than from any other resource I have seen (this was the first book I ever saw that explained what mid-cycle cervical mucus was – something that freaks out and confuses many a teenage girl because no one explains what it is and that it’s normal). FA is useful for more than simply avoiding or facilitating conception. Detailed charts of signals over time can assist in diagnosing hormone disturbances such as PCOS and other infertility issues, thyroid disorders, and the transition to menopause (sometimes lasting a decade or more prior), etc., all of which which have profound effects on health, mood, ability to conceive, and long-term well-being.
Question 2: I also am a user of the Fertility Awareness Method! My husband and I are also not ready for children yet, and we have used this method successfully for almost a year now! It is absolutely natural and the only cost you will incur is the purchase of a thermometer (which you probably already own)! Taking Charge of Your Fertility is the best book explaining the FAM method. Best of luck!!
While I find pursuit of non-hormonal contraceptives laudable, I think that so long as one tolerates it well it is better to use the most effective form of birth control. I find it troubling that in a very non-primal environment, people are focusing on their own health and feelings as opposed to the currently over-populated world. Not everything developed by culture and post-agricultural revolution man is detrimental. In addition, I’ve never thought there to be minimal information about the pill available; I’ve always been able to find plenty, both good and bad.
For the person who wrote the question, is it possible that it is just the specific form of birth control (combination vs. progestin only pills)? But in any event, condoms (latex so long as not allergic) or perhaps a diaphragm to avoid the complications of medication.
Sorry, maybe I should have specified that it’s difficult to find credible information on the pill that doesn’t come from a pharmaceutical company or an organization/individual who has ties to a pharmaceutical company.
Over-population is a huge problem, that’s for sure. But contraceptives are a very individual thing and I personally know a lot of women who can’t tolerate taking the pill. And as nice as it would be to take the altruistic stance and take the damned thing anyway, that really shows what value a woman has in society. She may be miserable, but feel free to ejaculate in her as much as you want!
Condoms alone are quite effective at preventing pregnancy, and when combined with other barrier or behavioural contraceptives, they can be just as effective as the pill without the negative side effects. Alternatives exist. Pregnancy shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of the females.
Contraception shouldn’t be the sole realm of women, but I feel that hormonal contraception should be used together with a barrier method (and yes, I’ve had a miserable experience on hormonal birth control myself). I see encouraging oral contraceptives as a way of realizing that, politically correct or not, pregnancy has physical effects for a woman than it has for a man. I know that I personally want to take all precautions that don’t depend on my interpretation of my own body as compared to a standard.
My opinion on things is that no one should be having children. Vasectomies and tubal ligations all around, but no one really believes that.
http://www.vhemt.org/
You do know that vasectomies and tubal ligations are not 100% either? One hears it routinely from the doc and no one thinks it applies to them.
When my husband’s vasectomy failed, it caused a land rush to the doctors, as everyone who heard about it went to see if they too perhaps were fertile when they thought they weren’t.
Nowadays I would go with Fertility Awareness as, good as anything and not requiring mutilation.
Hey Alaina,
I recently did a bunch of research on this subject for my girlfriend (I have a background in Biology), and found there to be lot of conflicting info. I managed to find a few good peer-reviewed reliable sources – Mayo clinic in particular has some great information. What I wrote up for my girlfriend is too long to include in a comment, but I posted it in the forum under the “Primal Resources” category, thread title: “Primal Contraceptives”. Take a look – you might find the answers to some of your questions.
-Matt
#5,
Hey Hannah,
I’d like to suggest to you Mark’s “Responsibly Slim” protein meal replacement. Just mix it up with water, i believe you’d really like it. This would be perfect for you since you have no access to cook anything and your answer to the breakfast you’re looking for!!! Just click on “The Store” tab at the top, check it out!!!
i drink mark’s responsibly slim for breakfast every day, but how is that primal
Hey Sandra,
Responsibly Slim has the right balance of high quality protein, low carb. I’ve used it as breakast and it’s given me the energy i needed to start my day, it’s perfectly balanced. It’s the highest quality protein meal replacement i’ve ever tried and the best tasting. So, here you have it, low carb, low in calories to keep you lean, high protein to preserve muscle. I highly recommend to include Mark’s Responsibly Slim Protein meal replacement along with Mark’s Primal Blueprint!
Q1: eating red meat is not more important than eating other types of meat…it’s just that, don’t be afraid of eating red meat. Diversify your diet is definitely beneficial than just eating beef. =)
pigs natually eat pretty much anything, so it’s not much a problem that they eat corn.
Chicken prefer eating grains and insects actually. I’m not sure about corn though..hmm…
Lamb eat grass,
fish is tricky… b/c a lot of the “deep sea” fish is heavy-metal polluted, so it’s often safer to eat inland fish rather than from the deep ocean.. I don’t think it’ll be a big deal if one mixes it up though. =)
ducks eat fish, krills and sometmes grains too…
Q3: grok would live much longer if he had doctors and dentists and modern medications when he needed it…u need to take the advantages of living in the mordern times, darling. We didn’t waste the 10,000 years of living on earth without being ANY better…GO TO A DENTIST and TAKE UR MEDICATIONS.
Question 5:
Hannah – I agree with Donna. The Responsibly Slim is awesome. If you don’t have access to a blender (tastes great blended with ice, water/cream, and fruit), all you have to do is take 2 scoops, put it in a full water bottle, and shake!
Question 4:
Seems like it might be a good sensible vice…
Thanks Holly, i agree with you, too, Responsibly Slim is “Awesome!!”
regarding fish — the conventional wisdom (and we know what that is like, but I don’t know better YET) seems to be to think small. The theory is that it takes a long time to grow a large fish (tuna, sword, etc) so the accumulation of heavy metals is greater in these fish than in small fish (sardines).
I really think the mercury issue in fish is way over-blown. The mercury is fish all goes back to one isolated incident in Japan where they were dumping right into the bay where they were fishing.
Remember also, with tuna. It also contains selenium which chelates the mercury. So that balances out. I would still stick with wild fish though.
Also, just to be safe we all probably have too much heavy metal so just take a great greens product with chlorella and cilantro and chelate it out of your tissues.
question #1 – while chickens don’t graze on grass, put them out there, they find all kinds of things to eat. they really like to eat all sorts of bugs. when I was a kid, we had a few hundred chickens that we’d let roam around and they loved to chase after grasshoppers and other bugs. So, my dad didn’t need to use any bug spray to keep bugs out of the garden, and as a bonus, free fertilizer!
Chickens do so eat grass ;0)
Just try keeping your yard chickens from eating the new sprouts in a recently-seeded lawn. You’ll never see a blade to fruition.
Of course, they eat bugs, worms, mice, etc. too. Fallen fruits, grains, just about anything they can get their beaks around. They’re like tiny raptors!
Question 2: Another vote for Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Like your wife, I wasn’t able to find a birth control method that didn’t compromise my health. This book is incredible and it is a crying shame that most women have NO IDEA that they actually CAN have control over this area of their life without pharmaceutical intervention. Go get it! (I got mine from amazon.)
#1 Be careful with the distinction between Free Range and Organic – in the UK at least, there is a significant difference – see this video.
#2 In the UK there is Persona and I think the US Clearblue – it’s a machine that tests your urine to determine where you are in the cycle and when it’s safe for Mr and Mrs Grok to have fun without producing mini-Groks.
#3 Look into Serrapeptase / Serrazyme – it’s a natural alternative to NSAIDs (non-specific anti-inflammatory drugs) which have all kinds of nasty side-effects especially at high doses. Serrapeptase is much more natural and safe.
#5 Tinned fish! Sardines + nuts is nicer than it sounds…
Q2: A nice in-between method of BC that is less complex than Fertility Awareness is Cycle Beads. If your wife’s cycle falls between 26-32 days (like the vast majority of menstruating women), even if it varies within that, the beads still work, letting your wife know when she could be ovulating.
Well said Alaina and Katie!
Q1. Actually, chickens do eat grass. There are about 30 of them outside my window right now… eating grass. They are omnivores, meaning they will eat absolutely anything, including each other.
I supplement my chickens with about one coffee can of grain per day (a mix of corn and laying mash) and they make up the rest of their diet free ranging. Some days they don’t even eat the grain. I only eat the eggs, not the meat, so I can’t vouch for the quality of free range meat. But the eggs are awesome!
Q1: It could be argued that the healthiest meat to eat is the one coming from healthy animals (game meat comes to mind).
The primal blueprint should also apply to raising livestock. If we apply evolutionary theory and feed animals with what they should ideally eat, the result should be very healthy meat.
Q2: There is no such thing as primal contraception. I would picture Grok (and… Grokene?) as serial short-term monogamist (if monogamist at all). Grok would be a perpetual testosterone victim and Grokene would be doing her best (or maybe not) to avoid being dragged into a cave.
If by primal contraception you mean methods which won’t mess with your or her physiology, any barrier method would be the way to go.
No way is there primal birth control…Grok wanted/needed as many of those kiddos as possible. Fertility Awareness is definitely the most natural though… and quite effective.
Q1: If you happen to be friends with a hunter, see if you can get them to share in what they harvest. There’s nothing more primal than venison, rabbit, quail, or duck taken from the field.
Question #3: Definitely get it checked out by your dentist. Also, two suggestions that aren’t exactly primal, but also don’t involve taking any medicine.
1. If your not using a power toothbrush change to one. I used to have tooth aches that were actually, receding gums. I learned that I brushed my teeth to hard and I was hurting my gums by doing so, when I switched to a power toothbrush I stopped putting so much pressure on the gums.
2. Also, if you are using a whitening toothpaste stop using it. The bleaching agents in the toothpaste can cause sensitivity.
If it isn’t a gum issue, then delaying a visit to the dentist is only going to make things worse.
this isnt directly related to any of the above questions, but to those mentioning the problem of overpopulation i would recommend you check out the demographic winter documentary. http://www.demographicwinter.com/index.html
as with any documentary or other information source you certainly shouldnt take it as gospel but there is some very interesting information presented there that just might alter some of your thinking:D
Question 1. Bison aka Buffalo meat is a healthy red meat that tastes very similar to beef but is a bit richer and sweeter…not gamey. Lower in fat, calories and cholesterol, higher in protein and iron and grass-fed is higher in omega 3. Definitely make sure the bison are “grass-finished”. Unfortunately, there are some bison feedlots that supply grocery stores. Most bison are free range and by National Bison Association regs are hormone free and steroid free.
Our happy free range chickens eat grass, insects, veggie kitches scraps and their eggs are incredible!
Jessie
runswithbuffalo
Q1: At my local farmers market I can buy free-range organic chicken, so maybe you can too? But otherwise I can just get in at the supermakerjet but it is more expensive, whereas at the farmers market it tends to be cheaper. Also, I don’t if it is like this everywhere, but in NZ you can buy free-range bacon that is SPCA approved. I guess they would be fed grass? Or maybe they are just allowed outside… I’m not really sure? But it’s still better than being in a cage all day.
I just wanted to say I really like the dear readers segment and enjoy reading the quality comments!
D