reSee.it - Tweets Saved By @drmarkhyman
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
We’re drowning in dopamine. Why scrolling, snacking, and bingeing leaves you feeling empty... 🧵
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Your brain’s reward system wasn’t built for constant stimulation. The more pleasure you chase, the more your brain adapts, until pain starts to outweigh the reward. Let’s put this into perspective…
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Imagine your brain has a balance scale. On one side is pleasure, on the other is pain. When you do things for short-term pleasure (like scrolling social media), dopamine tips the scale toward pleasure.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
But the brain always fights to stay in balance. The more the scale tips toward pleasure, the more it automatically rebounds toward pain. This opponent-process mechanism ensures homeostasis, but it also explains why highs are always followed by lows.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
How strongly do rewards tip the scale? In rats, scientists found: - Chocolate increases dopamine by 55% - Sex by 100% - Nicotine by 150% - Cocaine by 225% - Amphetamines by 1,000% Of course, these are the extremes. But modern life is filled with smaller dopamine hits that add up in the same way.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
These everyday behaviors also fire quick-dopamine hits: - Social media scrolling, likes, notifications - Junk food “snacking” (chips, candy, fast food - engineered for dopamine hits) - Porn and erotic images - Video games (especially competitive or reward-based) - Online shopping (anticipation + reward) - Gambling / sports betting / lottery tickets - Binge-watching TV or streaming platforms - Alcohol (casual drinking, not just addiction-level use) These act as micro-spikes — “mini dopamine bombs” — pushing the scale upward, but forcing an even harder rebound downward.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Over time, repeated pleasure-seeking rewires the brain. The scale begins to rest more heavily on the pain side, leading to tolerance, addiction, and anhedonia: the inability to feel joy from simple things.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Luckily, your brain is resilient. You can restore balance by: - Reducing these constant high-dopamine hits - Allowing time for your brain to reset - Finding joy in simple rewards like nature, movement, and connection - Creating novelty and learning to build new neural pathways
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Here’s a list of science-backed ways to restore dopamine balance: - Exercise & movement (especially resistance training, HIIT, and steady cardio) - Cold exposure (cold showers, ice baths - spikes dopamine and norepinephrine in a sustainable way) - Fasting or time-restricted eating (resets reward sensitivity and curbs compulsive dopamine-seeking) - Meditation & mindfulness (reduces craving circuits and strengthens prefrontal control) - Deep sleep (restores dopamine receptor sensitivity) - Novelty & learning (picking up a skill, reading, exploring new ideas - drives healthy dopamine release) - Connection & community (meaningful conversation, touch, belonging - slow, steady dopamine) - Nature exposure (walking outdoors, sunlight, grounding - recalibrates stress & reward pathways) - Creative work (writing, art, music, cooking - fuels intrinsic reward instead of external spikes) - Service & contribution (helping others activates reward circuits without overstimulation)
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Today’s modern world hijacks our dopamine with endless stimulation. Over time, this constant overstimulation tips the balance toward pain, leaving us more anxious, joyless, and craving the next hit. But there are so many incredible, science-backed ways to restore balance and bring back real joy. I find joy in things like being in nature, playing tennis, spending time with friends, and even just laughing with loved ones. It’s about finding those moments that light you up and make you feel alive. What are yours?
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Just had a mind-blowing conversation with Autumn Smith, co-founder of Paleo Valley and Wild Pastures. 84,000 Americans die yearly from omega-3 deficiency - same as drug overdoses. But we only call one a "national emergency." 🧵👇
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Our food is nutritionally bankrupt. An apple from 1912 vs today: - 61% less calcium - Almost NO iron or magnesium Industrial ag destroyed our soil. We've lost 1/3 of America's topsoil. And 4 companies control 85% of our beef.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
The Beef Nutrient Density Project analyzed 300 samples. Regenerative vs feedlot beef: - 6x more selenium - 3x more calcium - Omega-6 to omega-3: 2:1 vs 8:1 Lamb liver has as many phytonutrients as eggplant. Meat is literally a photograph of the land.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
We were told: eat chicken, not red meat. Americans complied. Now we're sicker than ever. Conventional chicken: - 20:1 omega-6 ratio - Industrial pork: 30-35:1 - Grass-fed beef: 2:1 That "healthy" chicken breast may be driving your inflammation.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Regenerative agriculture isn't just health - it's our climate solution. Soil stores 3x MORE carbon than the atmosphere. It produces medicines (rapamycin came from soil bacteria). Only 5% of soil's life-saving compounds have been discovered.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
75% of American diets = just 12 foods. We're starving at a micronutrient level. What you put at the end of your fork is more powerful than any prescription. Learn more from our full conversation: https://youtu.be/eWo3pDIgQ1A?si=iLTwIIfM3DijH62R
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Here's something that should terrify every American: Only 4 companies control 85% of American beef. JBS, Cargill, National Beef, and Tyson. Several are foreign-owned. China has its hands in our pork supply. We've surrendered our food sovereignty – and with it, our health sovereignty – to corporations that have zero investment in our communities, our land, or our wellbeing.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Did you know Parkinson's disease is largely preventable? Two of the world's leading neurologists, @RayDorseyMD and @MichaelOkun, just laid out the evidence, and it changes everything we thought we knew about this disease. 👇
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
In 1817, Dr. Parkinson described 6 cases of the disease. By 2017: 6 million people worldwide. Today: 12 million - 15 years ahead of projections. Adjusted for age, Parkinson's has increased 60%! Our genes don't change in 200 years, so it's not genetics. It's our environment.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Three toxins are driving this epidemic: PESTICIDES (paraquat, chlorpyrifos) DRY CLEANING CHEMICALS (TCE) AIR POLLUTION (heavy metal particles) They all damage mitochondria, your cells' energy producers. The brain uses 30% of your body's energy and is especially vulnerable.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Here's what shocked me: Parkinson's often starts in the NOSE or GUT, not the brain. Early signs appear decades before tremors: - Constipation - Loss of smell - Acting out dreams - Sudden anxiety By diagnosis, it's been developing for 20-30 years.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Luckily, much of this is PREVENTABLE. Simple actions you can take now: ✓ Air purifier with HEPA + carbon filters ✓ Reverse osmosis water filter ✓ Wash ALL produce 15-20 seconds ✓ Exercise vigorously (boxing, swimming, cycling) ✓ Mediterranean diet
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
In my 30 years of practice, I've seen Parkinson's patients improve with: - Reduced toxic exposure - Detoxification support - Gut repair - Mitochondrial restoration But we need research funding. We spend just 2% of healthcare dollars on prevention.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
As Dr. Okun said: "Prevention is policy, not a pill." We need to ban paraquat (already prohibited in 32 countries), stop spraying pesticides on playgrounds, and support organic agriculture. We removed lead from gas. We can do this again.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
The disease begins in childhood, though symptoms appear decades later. This is about protecting the next generation. Read "The Parkinson's Plan" and start making changes today. Full conversation: https://youtu.be/NjnHlYEpX8o?si=ZwGSIjcR7Xh3CJAG
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
GEN Z IS GOING SOBER Brand new data reveals that Gen Z is 20 times more likely to abstain from alcohol than Baby Boomers. 🧵
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
A new longitudinal study tracking 23,368 Australians across 23 years reveals: -Gen Z: 17.7x more likely to abstain than Boomers -Millennials: 9.7x more likely -Gen X: 3.3x more likely -Silent Generation: less likely than Boomers The trend is undeniable: Each generation drinks less than the one before.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Gen Z is breaking with decades of drinking culture: - Weekly consumption: 43% LOWER than Baby Boomers - Typical intake: 1-2 standard drinks per week - Many are choosing alcohol-free lifestyles as the new norm This is the first generation where sobriety is becoming mainstream.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Why this matters: -Alcohol is a cause of over 200 diseases -Linked to 7 types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and liver disease -Harms both short-term (injuries, poor judgment) and long-term (chronic illness) No safe amount according to medical guidelines. They're the first generation to internalize this from adolescence.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Cultural forces driving this transformation: -Rising health awareness Normalization of abstinence (sobriety is “cool”) -Higher cost of living, with Gen Z prioritizing essentials -More leisure time spent on digital devices, and less engagement in traditional bar culture Different priorities. Different behaviors. Different outcomes.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
What does this mean for public health? Well, if Gen Z maintains these patterns, we could see: - Dramatic reduction in alcohol-caused cancers - Lower rates of cardiovascular disease - Fewer alcohol-related injuries and deaths - Reduced healthcare costs for decades This could reshape population-wide health outcomes.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
We are currently witnessing an unprecedented shift in health culture. As the study concludes: Gen Z is drinking less, abstaining more, and setting a precedent for healthier patterns across the lifespan. The question isn't whether this trend will continue, it's how quickly the rest of America will catch up to what the most health-conscious among us already understand. Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.70201
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
A groundbreaking 30-year study following over 200,000 people has uncovered a clear link between French fries and type 2 diabetes. The results were more dramatic than researchers expected….👇
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Just 3 Servings Per Week = 20% Higher Risk -French fries 3x weekly = 20% diabetes risk increase - Risk climbed with each additional serving - Effect strongest 12-20 years before diagnosis
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Fried food is a real troublemaker when it comes to diabetes. The frying process creates a triple threat: - Seed oils oxidize at high heat, creating inflammatory compounds that drive insulin resistance - Refined flour coatings spike blood sugar levels - High-temperature cooking forms AGEs (advanced glycation end products) - toxic compounds that damage cells and fuel chronic inflammation It's inflammation plus blood sugar chaos in one bite.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
This 30-year study can't prove fries CAUSE diabetes, but 200,000+ people showing clear patterns is hard to ignore. Interestingly, other potatoes and even chips showed NO risk. French fries uniquely combine high-glycemic potatoes, inflammatory seed oils, extreme heat, and refined flour coatings - creating the perfect metabolic storm.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Some restaurants are switching from seed oils to tallow, a stable fat that doesn’t form the same inflammatory compounds at high heat. This shift signals growing awareness that we got it wrong about animal fats. It's progress, but it's just one piece of fixing our broken food system. We still need regenerative agriculture, whole foods, and transparency in how our food is produced.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Our food system creates metabolic chaos, but YOU have the power to make different choices. Perfect eating may not exist, but informed eating does. Your body wants to heal! The inflammation driving diabetes didn't happen overnight, and it won't reverse overnight - but small changes compound over time. Every better choice moves you in the right direction..
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Some healthier swaps: -Make sweet potato fries at home with avocado oil -Choose restaurants using tallow when possible -Sub fries for roasted vegetables or side salad Remember: It's not just fries - limit ALL fried foods The power to change your metabolic health is literally on your plate.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Is Big Pharma keeping you sick on purpose? Former drug rep turned healthcare reformer just exposed how the U.S. system is engineered to profit from your pain, and it goes all the way to the FDA. 👇
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Brigham Buhler started at Eli Lilly. He believed he was helping people. But when he moved from Cialis to antidepressants, he realized the “science” was rigged. The placebo worked almost as well, but reps were trained to talk doctors out of questioning it. That was just the beginning...
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
He watched insurance companies kill coverage for: • Safer pain relief creams • Genetic tests that identified addiction risk • Toxicology screens for opioid misuse All because those didn’t generate profits like OxyContin did. They defunded safety.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
He testified before the Texas Senate: “The FDA approved OxyContin as less addictive, then 18 months later, that official went to work for Purdue Pharma.” And that’s not all: 10 of the last 11 FDA commissioners have gone on to work for big pharma.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
The full conversation with @ferrisbuhler81 is explosive. We talk Big Food, PBMs, peptides, premiums, and the trillion-dollar disease economy that no one wants to dismantle. https://t.co/JrZEwU8nJ7
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
This is a national crisis. New CDC data confirms: Nearly 1 in 3 teenagers now has prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. When I graduated medical school, we called it "adult onset diabetes" because it ONLY affected adults. We had to change the name to "type 2 diabetes" because now we're seeing it in children as young as 2 years old. This represents nothing less than a national emergency, one that's crippling our country economically (accounting for 1 out of every 5 dollars in our economy) and robbing our children of their futures. The average obese child faces a 13-year shorter life expectancy. But here's what gives me hope: Food is the most powerful drug we have. I've worked with countless patients who've reversed their diabetes by addressing the root causes, insulin resistance and inflammation. I've seen people go from daily insulin injections to completely normal blood sugar without medication, simply by changing their diet and lifestyle. Research shows 91% of type 2 diabetes cases are preventable through diet and lifestyle alone. We have the tools. We have the knowledge. We just need to start treating the root cause instead of managing symptoms.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
There’s a hidden chemical in many of your favorite crispy, crunchy, golden-brown foods, and it’s not on the label... 🧵
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
It’s called acrylamide. Acrylamide is not added to food; it's created when certain foods are cooked at high temperatures (above 248°F / 120°C). The WHO calls it a probable human carcinogen. The EPA classifies it as likely to cause cancer in humans. It’s also a neurotoxin, hormone disruptor, and may harm reproductive organs.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
How does it form? When asparagine (an amino acid found in potatoes, wheat, corn, and rice) reacts with refined sugars like glucose or maltodextrin under high heat (>248°F), the Maillard reaction occurs: This creates acrylamide, and its more dangerous metabolite, glycidamide, which binds to DNA and causes mutations.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
You’ll find acrylamide in foods like: -French fries -Potato chips -Toasted bread -Crackers, cookies, and breakfast cereals -Roasted coffee The darker and crispier the food, the higher the levels.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
New 2024 research confirms the risk... Acrylamide is linked to: -DNA damage and tumor formation -Endocrine disruption and infertility -Neurotoxicity and oxidative stress -Potential behavioral effects in offspring And the damage is worse when exposure begins early in life. Children and adolescents are at the highest risk due to their higher intake of processed snacks and cereals.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Some experts argue the dose makes the poison. But animal studies show cancer from repeated exposure. And new modeling suggests daily, low-level intake from multiple sources adds up, especially over decades.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Here’s how to reduce your exposure: -Toast your bread to golden, not dark brown -Boil or steam starchy foods instead of frying -Choose whole foods over ultra-processed snacks -Don’t refrigerate raw potatoes (this boosts sugar content and acrylamide formation) -Drink cold brew or dark roast coffee—both contain significantly less acrylamide
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
You can also buffer the effects. Foods that support detox and reduce acrylamide’s impact include: -Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale, arugula) -Garlic, sprouts, and green tea -Vitamin C–rich foods (bell peppers, citrus, sauerkraut) -Spirulina and broccoli sprouts
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Acrylamide is a byproduct of modern food processing, but it’s one we can control. Let this be your reminder today to avoid fried food.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Did you know that nearly 59% of dogs in developed countries are now overweight or obese? Like humans, the main driver isn't inactivity, it's diet. Many commercial dog foods are ultra-processed, leading to health issues similar to those seen in humans consuming such diets.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
What's Really in Kibble? -Refined starches: corn, wheat, soy -Low-grade meat by-products and rendered fats -Artificial preservatives, “natural flavors,” and synthetic food dyes like Red 40 + Yellow 5 -Titanium dioxide, a whitening agent banned in the EU for human food due to safety concerns These ingredients aren’t added for your dog’s benefit. They’re added to cut costs and extend shelf life…
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Hidden Toxins and Heart Risks: One study found mercury and uranium in over 95% of dry foods tested, at levels exceeding safety thresholds. And in 2019, the FDA named 16 pet food brands potentially linked to fatal canine heart disease (DCM) even in breeds not genetically predisposed.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Processed = Metabolic Confusion In one trial, dogs fed ultra-processed kibble gained weight even when calorie intake was the same as dogs on fresh food. Processing alters satiety hormones, gut microbiota, and inflammation pathways, just like it does in humans.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
“Natural” Doesn’t Mean Healthy The word “natural” on dog food means only that chemical preservatives were replaced with “natural” ones. It does not guarantee: – Whole food ingredients – Nutritional quality – Absence of additives or GMOs
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
What Dogs Are Meant to Eat: In controlled studies, dogs self-selected diets with: – 30% energy from protein – 63% from fat – Only 7% from carbohydrates Most commercial kibble flips that ratio, and their little bodies pay the price.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Better Choices (That Don’t Break the Bank) Higher-quality dog food is more expensive, but there are ways to feed your dog better, affordably: – Whole eggs (boiled or scrambled without oils or seasoning) – Lean meats like turkey, sardines (in water), or chicken thighs – Raw or cooked veggies like carrots, broccoli, or green beans – Use real meat leftovers as treats instead of sugar-filled biscuits
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Brands That Tested Better (Per FDA-linked investigations) Many boutique brands were linked to health issues. But brands with no known DCM or heavy metal association and better transparency include: – Open Farm – The Farmer’s Dog – Raised Right – Just Food For Dogs Note: Always verify current sourcing and third-party testing. Formulas change.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Action Steps: – Prioritize moisture-rich, whole-food diets (even part-time) – Minimize ultra-processed treats – Use leftovers like eggs or lean meats instead of pet “junk food” – Work with a holistic or integrative vet to personalize the diet – Just like you check the ingredients in your food, check theirs too Small changes can make a big difference in their long-term health.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
You don’t see wild animals eating sugar and processed food. But somehow, we’ve made it normal for our pets. I’m not a veterinarian, I’m a doctor who studies how food affects human health. But our biology isn’t that different. Whether it’s you or your dog, ultra-processed food sends the same signals: inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and disease. Real food isn’t just for humans, it’s for your pet too. Feed them like family.
@drmarkhyman - Mark Hyman, M.D.
Protein is one of the most powerful regulators of your nervous system. What you eat in the morning directly influences your brain chemistry, your cravings, and your ability to regulate your nervous system throughout the day. 👇