42. Are Red Dye, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Fancy Tests Health Distractions?

In this episode of Walk Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD unpacks the common health “distractions” that steal attention, money, and energy from what really matters for your well-being. From the sugar wars (high fructose corn syrup vs. cane sugar), to food dyes, celebrity health fads, and fancy but questionable medical tests, we explore how to separate hype from evidence.

Key Takeaways:

• High fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are equally harmful—what matters is cutting refined sugars overall.

• Food dyes aren’t the main problem—we shouldn't be eating the ultra-processed foods they come in.

• Many “advanced” blood or imaging tests do more harm than good, often creating anxiety without improving health.

• Be skeptical of celebrity-driven health advice and “secret” cures.

• Good health outcomes are the fruit of basic healthy lifestyle habits: whole foods meals made in your kitchen, daily exercise, maintaining a healthy waistline, and purposeful living.

If you’re ready to stop chasing distractions and start focusing on the proven fundamentals of health, this episode is for you.

👉 Share with someone who might be caught up in the latest “health craze.”

Link to our waist loss guide: https://greatmed.org/lifestyle-tools/waist-loss/

Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM

More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org

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