According to President Trump’s nominee for Surgeon General, nearly all Americans suffer from some form of metabolic dysfunction.
Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford University Medical School graduate with a focus on functional medicine, began her confirmation hearing in the Senate on Wednesday for the role of “America’s Physician.” She shared her vision for health, emphasizing the need to shift from a reactive approach to one that promotes genuine health, asserting that this transition could reduce costs and lessen the burden on both taxpayers and healthcare providers.
Means, who’s known for her robust social media presence and entrepreneurial spirit, has expressed skepticism about traditional medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, drawing criticism from some in the medical community. Her stance on matters such as raw milk, birth control, and vaccine safety—particularly concerning Hepatitis B in infants—has sparked debate.
Despite the controversies, she articulates strong views about what she sees as underlying factors in America’s most prevalent health issues. These range from cancer to mental health disorders. “Most chronic diseases in our nation are rooted in lifestyle and dietary choices,” she claimed during an appearance on the B.rad Podcast, attributing the buildup of these choices over time to the rise of chronic illness.
She co-authored a book titled “Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Health Without Limits” with her brother Callie, who advises at the White House. In it, they contend that “mitochondrial dysfunction” is a key contributor to various metabolic disorders and chronic diseases.
What is mitochondrial dysfunction?
Mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouses” of cells, are crucial for producing energy that supports all bodily functions, from movement to cognitive processes.
Means argues that many contemporary health crises stem from malfunctioning mitochondria. She pointed out that, according to a 2022 study she referenced, only 6.8% of Americans possess “optimal metabolic health,” a situation she attributes to what she calls “underpowered cells.”
“The evidence indicates that most chronic conditions affecting Americans arise from metabolic dysfunction,” she mentioned to NPR, highlighting how the energy generation process of our bodies can lead to widespread health issues.
Using visuals, she described the intricate relationship between metabolic dysfunction and various health issues like Type 2 diabetes and cancer, suggesting that many symptoms and diseases converge from this central problem.
She posits that our lifestyle choices—what we consume, our sleep patterns, the products we use, and environmental factors—hit our mitochondria from multiple angles. Means raises an interesting question: why is mitochondrial health suddenly faltering? She points to rapid environmental changes over the last century as a key culprit.
There’s a general consensus that modern lifestyles often lack sufficient exercise and proper rest while increasing exposure to stressors and toxins. Means believes this combination disrupts mitochondrial function, which then impacts overall health.
What does the research say?
Some aspects of Means’ theories are gaining traction in clinical research. Recent studies in Europe have linked disturbances in circadian rhythms to metabolic diseases like diabetes, showing that natural light exposure can stabilize blood sugar levels.
While various studies have focused on specific lifestyle or environmental factors, few have examined their combined effects on health markers as Means advocates.
For practical solutions, her recommendations are quite straightforward. First, she advises undergoing tests for key biomarkers, including blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Next, she suggests a six-week regimen of primarily unprocessed whole foods and aiming for around 7,000 steps daily, or short walks every 45 minutes.
After this six-week period, she encourages individuals to retest their biomarkers.
While there’s some debate on whether these lifestyle changes can genuinely enhance mitochondrial function in just six weeks, the push for less processed food and increased physical activity is hard to contest.
Despite her criticisms of a medical model that often resorts to medication, some perceive her book as peddling a one-size-fits-all solution, claiming that energy production at the cellular level explains nearly all health issues. She also founded a glucose testing company, Levels.
During her confirmation hearing, some in the medical community reiterated concerns about her reputation for undermining doctors and endorsing unconventional medical practices.
In a discussion with NPR, Means didn’t shy away from the controversy surrounding her views. She stated, “This is a controversial sentiment, but I’m comfortable asserting it: you don’t have to trust anyone regarding your health. You can even question your doctor. Ultimately, trust yourself.”
