By Dr. Jeff Cumro — Functional Medicine | Functional Neurology | Chiropractic Care
✅ Introduction: The Hidden Danger of Sensational Health Headlines
Every day, sensational headlines flood your feeds: “High-fat diets destroy memory!” or “Carbs are killing your brain!”
But here’s the truth: making health decisions based on headlines is dangerous and can sabotage your long-term wellness.
As a functional medicine practitioner, functional neurologist, and chiropractor, I help patients make informed choices that support brain function, energy, hormone balance, and metabolic health.
In this blog, I’ll show you:
- Why you shouldn’t trust clickbait headlines
- The truth about fats and brain health
- How digestion, stress, and metabolic flexibility play crucial roles
- What you and your family should actually be focusing on to optimize health
Why Media Headlines Can Sabotage Your Health
Health headlines are designed for clicks, not clarity.
They often cherry-pick data from a single study without giving you the whole picture. That “scary” headline about high-fat diets causing memory loss? Let’s break down why it’s misleading.
What Type of Fat Matters: Good Fats vs. Bad Fats
👉 Healthy fats:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed, walnuts)
- Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts)
- Saturated fats (grass-fed butter, coconut oil, animal fats in moderation)
👉 Unhealthy fats:
- Trans fats (hydrogenated oils, margarine, processed snacks)
- Excessive Omega-6 (vegetable and seed oils in processed foods)
Trans fats are proven to cause inflammation, poor circulation, and neurological dysfunction. But high-quality fats in the right balance (which can be assessed through normal blood draws) are essential for:
- Brain repair
- Hormone production
- Memory and focus
- Energy optimization
Pro Tip: Always read labels and eliminate trans fats from your diet.
✅ Were Study Participants Healthy to Start With?
In healthcare context matters.
- If participants had poor circulation, memory issues, or digestive dysfunction before starting a high-fat diet, the study results are automatically skewed.
- Aging and chronic stress reduce stomach acid and enzymes like lipase, impairing fat digestion.
- Poor fat digestion leads to reliance on blood sugar for energy, contributing to blood sugar instability, neuropathy, and cognitive decline.
The key? Improve gut health, enzyme production, and metabolic flexibility before making major dietary changes. This can be done through a healthy diet, exercise and stress management (of which chiropractic care is as integral aspect).
✅ The Impact of Sudden Dietary Changes: Keto Flu and Metabolic Stress
A 60% fat diet without proper transition could trigger what’s known as the keto flu:
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Mood swings
This adaptation period can last up to 5–6 days in older or stressed individuals. If a study measures cognitive function during this metabolic shift, of course it will show impairment – but it’s temporary!
Keto and high-fat diets are not dangerous for most populations when done with professional guidance and preparation. *Consult your physician before making any of these changes.
✅ Understanding Metabolic Flexibility: The Foundation of Brain Health
Your brain runs on glucose and can switch to ketones in low-carb states. That ability to adapt is called metabolic flexibility, and it’s a key factor in:
- Longevity
- Energy stability
- Cognitive resilience
If metabolic flexibility is poor, sudden high-fat diets cause energy crashes and fog. This isn’t fat’s fault – it’s a lack of metabolic adaptation.
How Headlines Created the “Fat Is Bad” Myth
The fear of saturated fat started with flawed research in the 1960s. The result?
- The food industry pushed low-fat, high-carb diets.
- Processed sugar and simple carbs replaced healthy fats.
- Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity skyrocketed.
Modern functional medicine proves that healthy fats are essential – not dangerous.
Why This Matters for Parents of Kids with ADHD, Autism, or Dyslexia
If your child struggles with:
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Autism
- Anxiety or mood swings
The right fats are critical for:
- Brain development
- Neurological repair
- Focus and cognitive function
- Mood stability
If you’re following outdated “low-fat” advice, you could be harming your family’s neurological development.
The 3 Questions to Ask Before Trusting Any Health Headline
- What type of food or nutrient was studied?
- Processed or natural?
- Trans fat or omega-3?
- Who were the participants?
- Healthy or chronically ill?
- Young or older?
- How long was the study?
- Were participants going through metabolic transitions?
One study is never the whole story. Always dig deeper or consult with a professional.
How Functional Medicine Helps Cut Through Health Myths
In my practice, I help patients find personalized solutions using:
- Functional lab testing for blood sugar control, inflammation, and digestive function
- Neurological testing for cognitive health
- Gut health protocols to improve enzyme production and nutrient absorption
- Customized diet and lifestyle plans to enhance metabolic flexibility and brain energy
What Should You Be Focusing on Instead?
- Balanced intake of high-quality fats (olive oil, avocado, wild-caught fish)
- Eliminating processed sugars and trans fats
- Building digestive health with enzymes and stomach acid support
- Reducing stress to improve gut function and metabolic resilience
- Working with a functional medicine provider to optimize energy, brain function, and longevity
Conclusion: Headlines Won’t Heal You – Science-Based Personalized Care Will
Your brain, body, and energy levels aren’t determined by clickbait headlines. They’re shaped by intentional choices, consistent habits, and professional guidance.
Stop reacting to fear-driven media. Start making decisions that move you and your family toward long-term health and clarity.
Ready to Cut Through the Noise and Optimize Your Brain and Body Health?
I help individuals and families make sense of the confusion and build clear, personalized strategies for:
- Brain optimization
- Functional neurology care
- Chronic condition management
- Developmental support for ADHD, autism, and dyslexia