Dr. Casey Means: Holistic Health Advocate & Nutrition Expert
Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained surgeon turned wellness advocate, has gained attention for her holistic approach to health and nutrition, emphasizing preventative care and metabolic health. Recently nominated by Donald Trump as Surgeon General, Dr. Means champions natural, nutrient-dense diets, mindful living, and the philosophy of "food as medicine," aligning with Malta's Mediterranean culinary traditions. Her book, *Good Energy*, explores the connection between lifestyle changes and improved health, resonating with Malta's focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients. While her views on vaccines and conventional medicine have sparked debate, her advocacy for reconnecting with nature and addressing root causes of illness offers valuable insights for health-conscious individuals. Her ideas complement Malta's eco-conscious dining culture, traditional food practices, and emphasis on wellness, making her philosophy relevant to both locals and visitors seeking balanced lifestyles.
Meet Dr. Casey Means: A Wellness Advocate Championing Holistic Health and Nutrition
Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained surgeon turned wellness advocate, has been making waves in the health and nutrition world with her bold ideas and holistic approach to well-being. Recently nominated by former U.S. President Donald Trump as Surgeon General, Dr. Means has emerged as a key figure in the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, spearheaded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Her unconventional views, particularly on vaccines and nutrition, have sparked widespread conversations about the future of health care and preventative medicine.
Dr. Means’ journey from the operating room to the forefront of holistic health advocacy began during her surgical residency. Specializing in head and neck surgery, she spent years performing intricate procedures but became disillusioned with the medical system’s focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes of illness. In her words, “The system is rigged against the patient to create diseases and then profit off them.” Her epiphany came during a routine procedure on a patient undergoing her third sinus surgery. The patient suffered from a host of chronic health issues, and Dr. Means realized that despite her surgical expertise, she didn’t understand why her patient was so unwell. This moment inspired her to step away from surgery and devote her career to tackling the root causes of modern health challenges.
For Dr. Means, the answer lies in improving metabolic health—a concept that resonates with anyone striving for a healthier lifestyle, including food enthusiasts, fitness advocates, and those invested in Malta’s vibrant culinary scene. Her best-selling book Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health, co-authored with her brother Calley Means, explores how small, meaningful changes in nutrition, sleep, and activity can lead to transformative health improvements. The book underscores the importance of mindful eating, a concept that aligns perfectly with Malta’s rich Mediterranean food culture, known for its emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Drawing parallels between America’s health crisis and the global rise in chronic illnesses such as diabetes, dementia, and obesity, Dr. Means advocates for a lifestyle rooted in natural, nutrient-dense foods and mindful living. Her philosophy aligns with the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which has long been celebrated for its health benefits. In Malta, where fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and locally produced olive oil are staples, her message finds a natural home. She frequently emphasizes that food is medicine, a concept that resonates deeply with those who appreciate the island’s farm-to-table dining experiences and its growing focus on sustainability.
Dr. Means’ holistic health platform is not without controversy. She has voiced skepticism about certain aspects of conventional medicine, including vaccines, and has called for more research into their cumulative effects. While this has sparked debate, her broader advocacy for preventative health and natural living has earned her a loyal following. She has also expressed concerns about overregulation in food production, citing the example of raw milk. “I want to be free to form a relationship with a local farmer, understand his integrity, look him in the eyes, pet his cow, and then decide if I feel safe to drink the milk from his farm,” she remarked in an interview. This sentiment echoes the values of Malta’s traditional farmers and artisanal food producers, who take pride in maintaining transparency and quality.
As co-founder of Levels, a metabolic health company, Dr. Means has taken her mission a step further by providing tools to track and optimize health through data on diet, glucose levels, sleep, and exercise. For $199 per year or $40 per month, users gain valuable insights into their metabolic health—a concept that could prove invaluable for those in Malta who are passionate about balancing indulgence in the island’s culinary delights with long-term well-being. Imagine enjoying a plate of traditional Maltese rabbit stew or freshly baked ftira while understanding its impact on your body—this is the kind of informed eating Dr. Means champions.
Beyond food and physical health, Dr. Means delves into the spiritual and environmental aspects of well-being. She has spoken about the interconnectedness of humans and nature, warning against the effects of environmental degradation on human health. “We cannot go on poisoning the earth without destroying our own health; we are one with nature,” she wrote in a recent newsletter. Her philosophy aligns with Malta’s ongoing push toward eco-conscious living and sustainable tourism, which includes farm-to-table dining, organic vineyards, and eco-friendly restaurants.
Dr. Means also advocates for reconnecting with natural cycles, particularly for women, and has raised concerns about the overprescription of birth control pills. She argues that conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility, can often be managed through dietary and lifestyle changes rather than medication. This perspective ties back to the idea of food as a healing tool—a concept deeply ingrained in Maltese culinary traditions that prioritize fresh, natural ingredients.
Although Dr. Means has faced criticism for her views, her overarching message of holistic health and preventative care is undeniably relevant in today’s world. As Malta continues to embrace its heritage of healthy eating and active living, her ideas offer valuable insights for anyone seeking a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re savoring a fresh Mediterranean meal by the sea, exploring the island’s scenic hiking trails, or simply looking to improve your overall health, Dr. Means’ philosophy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of food, nature, and conscious living.
In her own words, “I can think of no greater thing that we can do than keep ourselves and our families healthy.” This sentiment resonates not just with families in America but also with the thriving communities of Malta, where health and wellness remain at the heart of daily life.