Nutrition and lifestyle are the keys to longevity

A blog by Michael Butler

Articles and opinions for my family & friends about how I am living a healthier life informed by scientific research undertaken since being diagnosed with heart disease. Starting with the principle that each of us is biologically unique, everyone can use nutrition and lifestyle to achieve their greatest potential.

The Hidden Dangers of Modern Food: Understanding and Overcoming the High-Carbohydrate Trap

If you’re struggling with your weight the culprit may be modern food. It is chock-full of hidden sugars and starches which are addictive and cause all sorts of health issues. I broke free from the cycle of cravings and poor health by reducing bioavailable carbohydrates, eliminating processed foods, and focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods. In my opinion, these things hold the key to long-term wellness.

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Scotland started basking in sunlight today

Scotland isn’t the first country that comes to mind when considering where to get an early Spring sun tan (and neither should it). However, today on March 11, for the first time in 2025, the sun has started giving us some UVB and potential to generate Vitamin D in our skin. It only lasts for about 30 minutes but as my boss used to say, “It’s time to dine on the delta”. Let the tanning and vitamin D production begin.

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Local and seasonal - February 2025

If, like me, you believe that exposure to the natural world is important for a healthy life, how can that be achieved? I believe we are adapted to consume real, local food, regularly replenish our microbiome, feel the sun’s warmth, and benefit from touching the earth. This article is the first in a monthly series describing how I do that…even in chilly February.

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What’s in store for 2025?

I’ve never been good at predicting things, especially the future. We’ll see if this plan survives exposure to the field of battle. Two big things…we need to take care of ourselves…this means being exposed to the natural world we evolved alongside. Think real food, the microbiome, sunlight, and the earth’s electrical charge.

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Paper review, Micronutrient, Nutrient density, Nutrition Michael Butler Paper review, Micronutrient, Nutrient density, Nutrition Michael Butler

The UK diet lacks vitamins and minerals

People in the UK get on average 50% of their dietary energy from ultra-processed food (UPF). It is shown in this paper that UPF does not contain enough vitamins and minerals to provide the minimum amounts recommended by UK dietary guidelines. A dramatic rise in hospitalisations caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies has been recorded.

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Human health and disease, Micronutrient Michael Butler Human health and disease, Micronutrient Michael Butler

A lack of vitamins and minerals from food increases NHS hospital admissions

A simple headline in the Guardian newspaper caught my attention immediately. Adequate Vitamin and mineral levels are a core determinant of a healthy life. When people are showing up in hospital because of or with a lack of vitamins and minerals, something has gone seriously wrong. I dug into the numbers and present here what I think may be going on and how to fix it.

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Poor mental health may be another symptom of malnutrition

Have you noticed that mental illnesses such as depression and Alzheimer’s are on the rise in the same was as things like heart disease and type 2 diabetes? Well, they are. I recently attended a conference in which a compelling case was made for high carbohydrate diets causing mental illness in the same was as they do so-called chronic diseases. This article presents that case and describes a solution.

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