The Doctor's Guide to Optimal Healing and Repair with Red Meat

If we're looking for the absolute best food to aid in healing and recovery, whether it's post-exercise, after stress, trauma, or surgery, the clear winner is red meat. In a recent video, I explored various protein sources, each with its unique health benefits. However, when it comes to general healing and recovery, animal meat, especially red meat, takes the top spot. Red meat isn't just packed with protein; it offers a host of incredible properties I'm excited to share with you today. Over three decades of practice, I've never encountered anyone allergic to meat. They might have allergies to peanuts, eggs, seafood, shellfish, wheat, or soy, but not to red meat. Yet, red meat has been unfairly villainized, with suggestions to reduce its consumption for health and environmental reasons. However, I'll show you why this is far from the truth.

Now, let's compare red meat to eggs. Red meat, particularly beef, offers significant differences. I've previously discussed the benefits of salmon and fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. However, red meat, aside from its protein content, packs other essential nutrients.

When we consider the broader picture of healing and repair, we need amino acids, bioavailable protein, and concentrated protein. If we compare 100 grams of red meat to 100 grams of eggs, red meat contains twice the amino acids, 1.5 times more iron, 2.2 times more magnesium, 3.7 times more zinc, and 50 times more vitamin B3 than eggs. It's also rich in other vitamins, including B1, B6, B12, vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids. Please note that I'm not referring to processed meat from factory farms; I'm talking about grass-fed beef.

Now, let's dive into the specific compounds that make red meat exceptional. Carnitine is one of them, helping transport fat into your cells, boosting energy production in the mitochondria, and aiding in healing and repair. Creatine offers quick energy, essential for intense exercise, and, you'll be surprised to know that red meat, especially beef, contains the highest amount of creatine among all foods.

Carnosine is another standout compound in red meat, buffering pH levels in muscles, aiding exercise duration, acting as an antioxidant, and promoting recovery and healing. It even combats Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which can interfere with bodily functions and are often linked to excess sugar consumption.

Coenzyme Q10 is a vital nutrient for the mitochondria and is abundant in organ meats like beef liver. But it's also present in red meat, fish, and eggs. During my personal journey, I found that red meat, particularly in the form of a hamburger, had a remarkable healing effect. I continue to thrive on red meat, and I recommend increasing your consumption, especially if you're recovering from exercise or healing from injuries or trauma.

If you're among those who find red meat hard to digest, it may be due to low stomach acid, which often accompanies aging. The solution is simple: you can temporarily take betaine hydrochloride before meals to boost stomach acidity, making it easier to digest red meat.

There is a genetic condition where individuals struggle to eliminate iron and tend to accumulate it. In such cases, red meat may not be the best choice, and alternatives like poultry or eggs with lower iron content might be preferable. However, for the majority, red meat is highly recommended, especially for those experiencing blood loss during their menstrual cycle. Red meat is a superb source of iron and B12 in the most bioavailable forms. I hope I've provided ample information for you to consider incorporating more red meat into your diet.