All Calories Are Not Created Equal

December 1, 2024

Some new ideas on calories and weight loss


By Dr. Jacob Mirman


New Info Proved that My Suspicions Were Correct


Recently I was made aware of some new and interesting information that can be very important for people who are trying to manage their weight.


I was excited about this new information because it finally gave me some clarity about an issue that I have suspected for a long time.


All Calories Are Not Created Equal


I have always advised patients in my weight management program that all calories are basically the same in terms of adding to our weight.


I do however, always tell people that eating sugar will also cause them to be hungrier, so in that way I believe that the calories from sugar are more detrimental.


It has now been determined that calories from highly processed foods are actually even more detrimental to people trying to count calories than those from foods that have not been processed, such as meats and fresh fruits and vegetables.


We Now Have a Clearer Picture of Calories


There is a new, clearer view of how calories work.


The food we eat feeds not just our bodies, but also the billions of bacteria in our gut. These bacteria are our friends. They protect us from other bad bacteria and pathogens that cause disease and literally make us healthier, smarter, and allow us to live longer.


The “Scoop on Poop”


These bacteria that are created from eating good food comprise about half the weight of our poop. So, we shouldn't treat poop like sh*t! The more poop, the more bacteria.


The more bacteria, the better our health will be.


The bacteria live in our gut, eat what we provide them, and multiply. Studies have shown that up to 22% of the calories we eat can be consumed by the bacteria and pooped out, thereby taking them out of our balance sheet.


Unprocessed Food Has the Best Type of Calories


When we eat unprocessed food, like vegetables, meat, etc., these things need to go through the entire gut to be processed, and the bacteria get a stab at it, too.


When we eat highly processed food, it gets processed in the upper parts of our GI system, gets absorbed quickly, and does not get down to where the bacteria live. This means that the bacteria get none of it. And our bodies get it all, which makes us fatter!


The “Caloric Conclusion”


My conclusion after reviewing the information detailed above is that it is definitely in our best interest to eat unprocessed food for better health and better weight management.


Click here to read the full article that Dr. Mirman refers to above: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9170462/

December 21, 2025
Learn how USCIS Form N-648 helps individuals with medical disabilities qualify for U.S. citizenship. Life Medical provides expert N-648 evaluations in St. Louis Park, MN.
December 19, 2025
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION ABOUT FORM N-648 Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) allows certain applicants to request an exemption from the English and/or civics requirements for U.S. naturalization due to a qualifying medical condition. A key point to understand: Any licensed medical doctor (MD or DO) or clinical psychologist may complete Form N-648. The provider does NOT need to be a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to complete Form N-648. Civil surgeon certification is only required for Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) and does not apply to N-648 disability waivers. What matters most is that the evaluating provider: Is properly licensed Has sufficient medical expertise Clearly explains how the patient’s condition prevents them from meeting naturalization exam requirements Completes the form accurately and in accordance with USCIS standards WHAT IS FORM N-648 AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? Becoming a U.S. citizen requires passing a naturalization exam that includes English proficiency and U.S. civics knowledge. For some individuals, physical, developmental, or mental impairments make it impossible to meet these requirements. Form N-648 provides a lawful medical exemption for applicants whose condition prevents them from learning or demonstrating the required knowledge. Approval depends on clear, thorough medical documentation , not on the provider being a civil surgeon. WHO MAY QUALIFY FOR AN N-648 MEDICAL WAIVER? USCIS requires evidence of a legitimate medical condition that directly interferes with the ability to meet exam requirements. Common qualifying conditions include: Dementia or age-related cognitive decline Traumatic brain injury Stroke or cerebrovascular disease Intellectual or developmental disabilities PTSD, schizophrenia, or severe depression Neurological conditions affecting memory or language Medication side effects that impair cognitive function Each case is evaluated individually. The critical factor is demonstrating the functional impact of the condition on learning, memory, or communication. WHY THE QUALITY OF THE MEDICAL EVALUATION MATTERS USCIS officers review N-648 forms carefully and often critically. Applications may be denied if: The explanation is vague or overly technical The connection between the diagnosis and exam limitations is unclear Documentation does not adequately support the condition The form fails to anticipate common USCIS concerns A well-prepared evaluation explains complex medical issues in plain language and directly addresses how the condition prevents exam completion.  HOW LIFE MEDICAL HANDLES N-648 EVALUATIONS Life Medical provides in-person N-648 evaluations exclusively at our St. Louis Park, Minnesota location . Our approach combines medical expertise with a strong understanding of USCIS expectations. Comprehensive Medical Assessment Our evaluations include: Review of medical history and diagnoses Medication review and cognitive side effects Relevant medical records and testing Assessment of learning, memory, and functional limitations Clear, USCIS-Focused Documentation USCIS officers are not clinicians. We complete Form N-648 using clear, accessible language while meeting all medical and legal requirements. PRICING FOR N-648 DISABILITY WAIVERS Life Medical offers transparent, flat-rate pricing for N-648 evaluations: $1,500 for an individual evaluation $2,500 for couples evaluated together This pricing includes: Comprehensive medical evaluation Completion of Form N-648 Follow-up support if USCIS requests additional information LOCATION FOR N-648 SERVICES All N-648 evaluations are conducted at: Life Medical – St. Louis Park 4201 Excelsior Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Phone: (952) 933-8900 Spanish and Russian-speaking staff are available at this location.
writing
December 3, 2025
Learn how USCIS Form N-648 helps applicants with medical disabilities qualify for naturalization without the English or civics exam. See how Life Medical prepares clear, accurate N-648 forms and supports patients in Minnesota and across the U.S.