Many people start a new weight management program in the spring, and there is a lot of confusion about how to do this successfully. I am going to make a few suggestion for you.
First, of course, you need to increase the number of fresh fruits and vegetables you consume. Fruits and vegetables help to cleanse and nourish the body and are great detoxification agents. Many people choose to juice the whole fruit and vegetable which is a great way to get high doses of them, but its also important to eat fresh, raw or slightly steamed fruits and vegetables frequently to maintain good health.
Sources of protein are important too. In order to manage lean muscle mass and burn fat protein is very important in your diet. Wild salmon, tuna, haddock and other fish, grass fed beef, free range chicken and turkey, wild game, as well as whey protein or non GMO soy, if you are not sensitive to soy.
It's always a good idea to start your day with protein, and protein shakes seem to be one great way to do this for many people. Protein shakes are often formulated to be easily digested and absorbed, and have vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nitrients that are beneficial for a healthy body.
Typical breakfast proteins, such as bacon and sausage are not good choices for someone who is trying to manage a healthy lifestyle, although eggs are a great source of protein. Carbohydrates have become very common breakfast foods and are not a good way to start your day. Carbohydrates start a cascade of events which set you up for a roller coaster of high and low sugars all day long. This causes cravings, taps your energy and often leads to poor food choices, by leading to sugar cravings all day long.
No health program is complete without exercise. Healthy people should aim for 210 minutes a week of cardio/aerobic types of exercise, such as walking, biking or running. People who are working to burn extra calories may choose to spend more time walking or using weights to build muscle. Either way protein, fruits and vegetables are important in this routine. In order to build lean muscle you must provide your body with the building blocks it needs to make healthy cells.
I would also recommend a good source of essential fatty acids (fish oil) and CLA as a supplement if you are working on burning fat and building lean muscle. CLA - Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a naturally occuring fatty acid which aids in this process. It works great in conjunction with an exercise program and helps with that hard to lose belly fat too! We have a pharmaceutical grade Essential Fatty Acids and CLA supplements available at our office.
If you are looking for a great way to add some healthy protein to your diet we have several choices at our office. We also have a shake that is completely vegetarian for those of you who choose not to eat animal proteins. We even have a shake specially formulated for people who need a little help managing blood sugars.
One of our amazing shakes is listed below with the ingredients and nutrition information for you to check out.
SlimPlus Chocolate
All-Natural Whey Protein Isolate/Concentrate Blend
Key Benefits of SlimPlus
● High Protein Content: 26 grams Per Serving
● Whey Protein Isolate/Concentrate Blend
● Microfiltered, Ion-Exchanged and Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Whey
● Maximum Biological Value & Amino Acid Absorption
● Added Glutamine and Taurine To Support Lean Muscle Mass
● High in Branched Chain Amino Acids
● Now with GI friendly Fibersol-2® and Aminogen® to aid Digestion
SlimPlus is a delicious, all-natural blend of three of the highest quality whey protein concentrates and isolates from around the world: Microfiltered, Ion-exchanged and Enzymatically hydrolyzed (partially predigested). This blend is 100% bioactive and contains naturally occurring immunoglobulins for added immune support. The specially processed whey protein in SlimPlus is designed to maximize amino acid absorption, biological value and net protein utilization.
SlimPlus provides 26 grams of whey protein, which is considered to have the highest biological value of any protein source - superior in essential amino acid content as compared to beef, milk, casein or soy. SlimPlus contains Fibersol®-2, a high quality, GI friendly fiber to help reduce excess gas and bloating. Aminogen® has been added to help your body break down and absorb more amino acids from protein and is clinically proven to release 100% more plasma amino acids, 250% more branched-chain amino acids, and boost nitrogen retention by 32%. Since SlimPlus has a very low glycemic index, it is suitable for many people who are on restricted diets. SlimFit® contains substantially more protein and ½ the sugar of other popular products, making it an ideal body composition and weight management functional food.
Directions: Stir or blend 2 scoops into 8-10 ounces of water. To increase sweetness, use less water. To decrease sweetness, add more water.
Two Scoops Contain:
Calories .................................................... 204
Calories From Fat ......................................16
Total Fat ................................................... 1.6 g
Saturated Fat ............................................1.3 g
Trans Fat ................................................... 0 g
Cholesterol ................................................. 6 mg
Sodium ..................................................... 88 mg
Potassium ................................................149 mg
Total Carbohydrates ................................21 g
Fiber, Dietary ............................................. 6 g
Sugars ........................................................ 10 g
Protein ....................................................... 26 g
Calcium ...................................................... 78 mg
Aminogen® (patented enzyme blend) ..300 mg
Stevia Leaf (stevia rebaudiana, extract) . 89 mg
Typical Amino Acid Profile (mg per serving):
Essential Amino Acids: L-Isoleucine 1580, L-Leucine 3114, L-Lysine 2413, L-Methionine 605, L-Phenylalanine 920, L-Threonine 1940, L-Tryptophan 497, L-Valine 1498.
Non-Essential Amino Acids: L-Alanine 2054, L-Arginine 719, L-Aspartic Acid 3010, L-Cysteine 496, L-Glutamic Acid 4689, L-Glutamine 2755, L-Glycine 2633, L-Histidine 569, L-Proline 1467, L-Serine 1616, L-Taurine 675, L-Tyrosine 933.
Ingredients: Whey Protein Blend [micro-filtered whey protein concentrate (providing ß-lactoglobulin, a-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins and serum albumin), ion-exchanged whey protein isolate (providing ß-lactoglobulin, a-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins and glycomacro peptides) and enzymatically hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate], Fibersol®-2, fructose, cocoa, natural flavors, Aminogen®, free-form l-glutamine, soy lecithin, xanthan gum, and Stevia rebaudiana herbal extract. Contains milk and soy derivatives.
Contains No: Wheat, gluten, corn protein, yeast, artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives.
Aminogen® is a registered trademark of Triarco Industries and is protected by Patent # 5,387,422.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Vitamin D and Your Health
Vitamin D is well known for helping increase calcium absorbtion, but did you know that vitamin D is important for many other things, as well.
VItamin D can be obtained in two ways. One is from sun exposure and the other is from diet. Vitamin D from sun exposure is formed in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight (particularly UVB rays), with no sunscreen or other interference. Those with darker skin routinely absorb less vitamin D from sun exposure. Whether it comes from food or from exposure to sunlight, vitamin D can not be utilized by the body until the liver and then kidneys have processed it into a usable form.
Vitamin D has been shown to aid in the reduction of cancer, regulate mood, reduce inflammation, supress autoimmune disease, and boost the immune system.
There is concern that people who suffer from cardiovascular events in the winter time may be low in vitamin D, and when levels are below 34ng/ml the risk of cardiovascular disease has been shown to be twice as high. Vitamin D may also be beneficial in reducing high blood pressure as well.
In type 2 diabetes, managing vitamin D levels can improve insulin sensitivity by 21%. If you compare that to metformin, which only raises insulin sensitivity by 13%, vitamin D seems like the better and safer option.
Other conditions that may benefit from optimal levels of vitamin D are:
Osteoarthritis
Multiple Sclerosis
Enhance Insulin and Leptin Sensitivity
Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes
Depression
Epilepsy
Migraine Headaches
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Musculoskeletal Pain
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions
Cancer Prevention and Treatment
The optimal level for a healthy adult is between 50-80 ng/mL
A blood test to determine your level of Vitamin D $58.00, but if you decide to have it tested before the end of December 2011, you can use our special and do a Bone Density test, Spirometer and Vitamin D test for $75.00.
There is a link between Lung function and Osteoporosis. Often people with COPD also have osteopenia, which is the beginning stage of osteoporosis. Take advantage of our special price to ensure that your health is at its best this winter.
VItamin D can be obtained in two ways. One is from sun exposure and the other is from diet. Vitamin D from sun exposure is formed in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight (particularly UVB rays), with no sunscreen or other interference. Those with darker skin routinely absorb less vitamin D from sun exposure. Whether it comes from food or from exposure to sunlight, vitamin D can not be utilized by the body until the liver and then kidneys have processed it into a usable form.
Vitamin D has been shown to aid in the reduction of cancer, regulate mood, reduce inflammation, supress autoimmune disease, and boost the immune system.
There is concern that people who suffer from cardiovascular events in the winter time may be low in vitamin D, and when levels are below 34ng/ml the risk of cardiovascular disease has been shown to be twice as high. Vitamin D may also be beneficial in reducing high blood pressure as well.
In type 2 diabetes, managing vitamin D levels can improve insulin sensitivity by 21%. If you compare that to metformin, which only raises insulin sensitivity by 13%, vitamin D seems like the better and safer option.
Other conditions that may benefit from optimal levels of vitamin D are:
Osteoarthritis
Multiple Sclerosis
Enhance Insulin and Leptin Sensitivity
Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes
Depression
Epilepsy
Migraine Headaches
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Musculoskeletal Pain
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions
Cancer Prevention and Treatment
The optimal level for a healthy adult is between 50-80 ng/mL
A blood test to determine your level of Vitamin D $58.00, but if you decide to have it tested before the end of December 2011, you can use our special and do a Bone Density test, Spirometer and Vitamin D test for $75.00.
There is a link between Lung function and Osteoporosis. Often people with COPD also have osteopenia, which is the beginning stage of osteoporosis. Take advantage of our special price to ensure that your health is at its best this winter.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Sniffles, Coughs and Congestion
It's that time of year! Along with cooler temperatures comes ragweed and other inhaled allergens, which seem to irritate just about everyone this time of year.
Over the counter antihistamines for symptom relief are not the best option, because they can dry the sinuses and actually thicken mucous which traps irritants and can lead to infection. Much more, they lead to fatigue, lethargy and generally an unwell feeling.
Believe it or not, that runny nose and those watering eyes are doing just what they are designed to do. Get the irritants out of your body. Unfortunately, blowing your nose until you look like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is not really much fun.
The cells which release histamine are called mast cells. These cells are specifically designed to be sensitive to allergens and when they come in contact with an allergen they burst. This releases histamine and leukotrienes into the blood stream which causes symptoms such as; runny nose, watery eyes, itchy red skin and other reactions commonly associated with allergies. These symptoms can be mild or, in some cases, life threatening depending on the level of sensitivity.
So what do we recommend? Prevention, of course!
In this day and age, exposure to toxins and other allergens cause the body to become fatigued, over sensitive and over stimulated. Because of this, more people experience allergies than in past generations. Our solution to most allergy type reactions is to help the body be less sensitive. Strengthening the immune system and empowering the mast cells to be a little less sensitive can reduce allergy symptoms by preventing the release of histamine and leukotrienes. We recommend a product called Hist-X which helps to desenensitize mast cells to outside stimulus and prevent those pesky symptoms from happening.
Hist-X is only available at our office and it works well for most allergy symptoms.
Believe it or not, that runny nose and those watering eyes are doing just what they are designed to do. Get the irritants out of your body. Unfortunately, blowing your nose until you look like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is not really much fun.
The cells which release histamine are called mast cells. These cells are specifically designed to be sensitive to allergens and when they come in contact with an allergen they burst. This releases histamine and leukotrienes into the blood stream which causes symptoms such as; runny nose, watery eyes, itchy red skin and other reactions commonly associated with allergies. These symptoms can be mild or, in some cases, life threatening depending on the level of sensitivity.
So what do we recommend? Prevention, of course!
In this day and age, exposure to toxins and other allergens cause the body to become fatigued, over sensitive and over stimulated. Because of this, more people experience allergies than in past generations. Our solution to most allergy type reactions is to help the body be less sensitive. Strengthening the immune system and empowering the mast cells to be a little less sensitive can reduce allergy symptoms by preventing the release of histamine and leukotrienes. We recommend a product called Hist-X which helps to desenensitize mast cells to outside stimulus and prevent those pesky symptoms from happening.
Hist-X is only available at our office and it works well for most allergy symptoms.
If you would like to see a video of how this mast cell process works you can view it on you tube here.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
A hair tissue mineral analysis is a screening test that measures the levels of twenty-one minerals and toxic metals present in a sample of hair. Minerals are the “spark plugs” of life and play many important health related roles within the human body. Providing a “window into the cells”, hair makes an excellent biopsy material and reveals a clear record of mineral metabolism. Hair, like all other body tissues, contains minerals that are deposited as the hair grows. Although the hair is dead, the minerals remain as the hair continues to grow. The minerals and toxic metals are locked inside the hair during the growth stage as the body uses it for the storage and elimination of minerals.
A hair tissue mineral analysis reflects long term metabolic activity as it measures an average of mineral accumulation over a three month period of time. This is often an advantage as the test results are not influenced by day-to-day variations in the body chemistry due to stress, diet or other factors. Creating a blueprint of one’s individual stress, blood sugar and carbohydrate imbalances, metabolic rate, biochemical energy production, and glandular imbalances. Hair tissue mineral analysis is used worldwide to measure environmental contamination with toxic metals in the soil, plants and human and animal populations.
Screening tests (like all tests) do have limitations and ideally should be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests, medical histories and physical examinations. This test is provided to assist the health care professional in identifying nutritional and toxic elements that play a role in human health. The contents of this analysis are not intended to be diagnostic.
Electrolytes patterns
Calcium is mainly found in the bones and teeth, but is also required for the nervous system and for muscle contraction and relaxation. It is a primary extra-cellular element.
Magnesium is required for the bones and nervous system. It is also essential for over 600 vital enzymatic reactions in the body. It is a primary intra-cellular element.
Sodium is an essential mineral for maintaining water balance and blood pressure in the body and is a primary extra-cellular element. Low sodium may point to an adrenal dysfunction and may contribute to fatigue and low blood sugar. Low sodium does not necessarily mean that a person is consuming too little salt.
Potassium is a primary intra-cellular element required for fluid balance, nerve activity and muscle activity. Low potassium on a hair analysis could mean adrenal weakness, and may contribute to fatigue and low blood sugar.
Nutrient Mineral Patterns
Iron is required for energy production, blood formation and antioxidant formation (catalase). An excess of iron or toxicity may also occur and contribute to liver and artery disease, dementia and behavioral difficulties. Low iron on a hair analysis is often associated with fatigue.
Copper is required for connective tissue health, women’s fertility, cardiovascular health, blood formation, energy, production, neurotransmitter activity and the immune system. High copper may contribute to fatigue, joint pain, headaches and skin problems. It may also be a contributing factor in anemia, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia and PMS.
Manganese is required for sugar metabolism, tendon and ligament function, energy production, and thyroid activity. Low manganese may be caused by consuming processed foods and white sugar.
Zinc is required for over 50 functions including all protein synthesis, vision, digestion, prostate health, skin, hair and nail health, and immune system activity. Low zinc levels may be associated with mood swings, digestive disturbances, skin problems, vision problems, prostate problems, and a reduced sense of taste and smell. It may also help to balance sodium/potassium ratio.
Chromium is required for sugar and carbohydrate tolerance and cholesterol metabolism. Low levels may be associated with blood sugar imbalances, cravings for sweets or starches, fatigue, elevated cholesterol, hypoglycemia or diabetes.
Selenium is required as an anti-oxidant nutrient to convert T4 to T3 and for detoxification of heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Low selenium level may contribute to impaired detoxification and thyroid gland activity.
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is involved in protein synthesis and energy production within the cells. All proteins contain phosphorus and thus are a significant source of organic phosphorus. The hair tissue mineral level of phosphorus is often associated with the adequacy of protein synthesis in the body. This depends on the diet, lifestyle, condition of the intestinal tract and liver and the levels of other nutritional minerals such as zinc and copper. Improper eating habits that interfere with digestion may also contribute to low phosphorus levels.
Toxic Metals and Chemicals
The presence of toxic metals and chemicals can potentially present a serious health hazard. A serious problem today is that a large number of babies are born high in toxic metals due to toxicity in the mothers. A review of over 400 medical studies by the US Environmental Protection Agency revealed that hair tissue mineral analysis is a meaningful test to detect toxic metals.
Toxic metals can cause hundreds of symptoms and contribute to many serious health conditions. There are no safe levels of toxic metals and reducing the presence of toxic metals is a primary goal of your nutritional balancing program.
A hair tissue mineral analysis is a screening test that measures the levels of twenty-one minerals and toxic metals present in a sample of hair. Minerals are the “spark plugs” of life and play many important health related roles within the human body. Providing a “window into the cells”, hair makes an excellent biopsy material and reveals a clear record of mineral metabolism. Hair, like all other body tissues, contains minerals that are deposited as the hair grows. Although the hair is dead, the minerals remain as the hair continues to grow. The minerals and toxic metals are locked inside the hair during the growth stage as the body uses it for the storage and elimination of minerals.
A hair tissue mineral analysis reflects long term metabolic activity as it measures an average of mineral accumulation over a three month period of time. This is often an advantage as the test results are not influenced by day-to-day variations in the body chemistry due to stress, diet or other factors. Creating a blueprint of one’s individual stress, blood sugar and carbohydrate imbalances, metabolic rate, biochemical energy production, and glandular imbalances. Hair tissue mineral analysis is used worldwide to measure environmental contamination with toxic metals in the soil, plants and human and animal populations.
Screening tests (like all tests) do have limitations and ideally should be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests, medical histories and physical examinations. This test is provided to assist the health care professional in identifying nutritional and toxic elements that play a role in human health. The contents of this analysis are not intended to be diagnostic.
Electrolytes patterns
Calcium is mainly found in the bones and teeth, but is also required for the nervous system and for muscle contraction and relaxation. It is a primary extra-cellular element.
Magnesium is required for the bones and nervous system. It is also essential for over 600 vital enzymatic reactions in the body. It is a primary intra-cellular element.
Sodium is an essential mineral for maintaining water balance and blood pressure in the body and is a primary extra-cellular element. Low sodium may point to an adrenal dysfunction and may contribute to fatigue and low blood sugar. Low sodium does not necessarily mean that a person is consuming too little salt.
Potassium is a primary intra-cellular element required for fluid balance, nerve activity and muscle activity. Low potassium on a hair analysis could mean adrenal weakness, and may contribute to fatigue and low blood sugar.
Nutrient Mineral Patterns
Iron is required for energy production, blood formation and antioxidant formation (catalase). An excess of iron or toxicity may also occur and contribute to liver and artery disease, dementia and behavioral difficulties. Low iron on a hair analysis is often associated with fatigue.
Copper is required for connective tissue health, women’s fertility, cardiovascular health, blood formation, energy, production, neurotransmitter activity and the immune system. High copper may contribute to fatigue, joint pain, headaches and skin problems. It may also be a contributing factor in anemia, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia and PMS.
Manganese is required for sugar metabolism, tendon and ligament function, energy production, and thyroid activity. Low manganese may be caused by consuming processed foods and white sugar.
Zinc is required for over 50 functions including all protein synthesis, vision, digestion, prostate health, skin, hair and nail health, and immune system activity. Low zinc levels may be associated with mood swings, digestive disturbances, skin problems, vision problems, prostate problems, and a reduced sense of taste and smell. It may also help to balance sodium/potassium ratio.
Chromium is required for sugar and carbohydrate tolerance and cholesterol metabolism. Low levels may be associated with blood sugar imbalances, cravings for sweets or starches, fatigue, elevated cholesterol, hypoglycemia or diabetes.
Selenium is required as an anti-oxidant nutrient to convert T4 to T3 and for detoxification of heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Low selenium level may contribute to impaired detoxification and thyroid gland activity.
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is involved in protein synthesis and energy production within the cells. All proteins contain phosphorus and thus are a significant source of organic phosphorus. The hair tissue mineral level of phosphorus is often associated with the adequacy of protein synthesis in the body. This depends on the diet, lifestyle, condition of the intestinal tract and liver and the levels of other nutritional minerals such as zinc and copper. Improper eating habits that interfere with digestion may also contribute to low phosphorus levels.
Toxic Metals and Chemicals
The presence of toxic metals and chemicals can potentially present a serious health hazard. A serious problem today is that a large number of babies are born high in toxic metals due to toxicity in the mothers. A review of over 400 medical studies by the US Environmental Protection Agency revealed that hair tissue mineral analysis is a meaningful test to detect toxic metals.
Toxic metals can cause hundreds of symptoms and contribute to many serious health conditions. There are no safe levels of toxic metals and reducing the presence of toxic metals is a primary goal of your nutritional balancing program.
Magnesium - a critical nutrient
"Magnesium is a critical co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, and many are tied to energy production."
Taken from Tuesday Minute, Joe Buishas, LDN, CCN
Magnesium Utilization
- Buffers excess acid
- Acts as an antioxidant inside the cell
- Protects DNA & intracellular proteins
- Is a direct chelator for lead
- Indirectly protects us from mercury, aluminum & other toxins like fluoride
- Controls glutamate receptors in the heart
Contributing Factors In Magnesium Deficiency
- Reduced dietary levels
- Ratio of calcium to magnesium
- Stress hormone
Magnesium is a critical co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. Many of them are tied to energy production. Deficiencies in magnesium ultimately yield lower energy states, which means cells can't maintain homeostasis, which means they are more susceptible to environmental toxins and infections, which causes free radicals to increase.
Free radicals "inside the cells" damage DNA and mitochondria which further reduce energy production and healthy cell replication. The average American diet creates a relative acidic chemistry. Excess acids can also cause free radicals. Magnesium helps buffer excess acid as it is a key alkalizing mineral. Also, if we are deficient in magnesium, this lowered energy state can cause the nervous system to be compromised which means muscles can't fire properly and spasms can occur anywhere but especially in the heart and vascular tissue. Magnesium acts as an antioxidant inside the cell and protects DNA and intracellular proteins. Although magnesium is a direct chelator for the heavy metal lead, it indirectly protects us from mercury, aluminum and many other toxins like fluoride.
Another one of magnesiums' principle jobs is to control glutamate receptors in the heart called NMDA receptors. When magnesium in the heart is low, the receptors become oversensitive. As a result, a minor stress becomes a major event. Animal studies have shown that as a magnesium deficiency gets worse, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interlukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor -alpha increase. Over 95% of magnesium is in the cell, so lowered magnesium levels translate into increased levels of inflammation in the cell.
Three major factors are pushing magnesium levels toward deficiency: Reduced dietary levels, one study by the National Institute of Health showed 68% of the American population was depleted in magnesium, while other experts put the number closer to 80%.
Then comes the next factor, the ratio of calcium to magnesium. One way to reduce a mineral is to increase another mineral that competes with it. For example, if we want reduce copper, we use zinc. The National Institute of Health now recommends that the optimum calcium intake be further increased to 1500 mg/day to prevent osteoporosis.
This recommendation disregards the already substandard American magnesium intake, which is less than 300 mg/day. That would bring the Ca/Mg ratio to 5/1 - which is above the 4/1 ratio of Finland. Finland has the highest ischemic heart disease death rate for young to middle-aged men. Speaking of osteoporosis, bone loss is accelerated in the face of magnesium deficiency. The presence of magnesium spares calcium from osteoclastic activity. So, excess calcium in magnesium deficient patients, will further exacerbate the deficiency.
The third factor is the amount of stress that we experience. Dr. Mildred Seelig, formerly one of the world's authorities on magnesium, stated that stress, both physical and emotional, evokes release of the stress hormones catecholamines and corticosteroids. Stress hormones mediate the release and utilization of substrates for greater energy production and for improved skeletal and cardiac muscle performance. However, their excesses cause magnesium loss and inactivation and can be implicated in cardiovascular disorders.
True prevention is really about making the cell as healthy as possible which will allow it to utilize its own defense mechanisms. So although we need magnesium, we want to make sure we have a balance of the other nutrients necessary for energy production. That's why we always recommend a multivitamin/mineral and a mixture of EFAs.
Feel free to stop in or call with questions on supplenting with magnesium. We do have magnesium and calcium together in a supplement and several multi vitamins if you are in need of them.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Whats going on in your gut?
The digestive system is more complex than most people realize. Most people know that the food they eat goes in their mouth and out the other end, but few people really understand what happens in between. It is a subject that people do not like to discuss, but digestion is something that everyone should understand and pay attention to.
Food should stay in your body for about 12-18 hours. If it moves through faster than that, proper digestion and nutrient absorption is not taking place. If it is slower than that, proper digestion and elimination are not happening, and this can cause a build up of toxins in the colon and the body.
This process can cause a myriad of symptoms such as;
If you would like to know how long it takes your body to digest and eliminate waste, you can do a simple test. Eat something that doesn't digest all the way, like corn, and see how long it takes to show up on the other end. You might be surprised.
Food, which is meant to nourish the body, should be chewed into tiny particles and swallowed. The chewing process activates the salivary glands in the mouth and hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. Digestion begins with the chewing process by releasing the enzyme amylase, which acts directly on carbohydrates. This is why infants, who are learning to eat solid, food must have it gound into tiny particles. Infants do have plenty of saliva, but do not have the ability to chew their food into digestable sized pieces. Breaking the food into small particles releases the foods natural enzymes which aid in digestion. Children and adults should pay special attention to chewing their food into similar tiny particles so that digestion begins immediately upon consumption.
As food is swallowed, it proceeds down the esophagus to the stomach, where the second step in digestion takes place. The stomach, which normally produces hydrochloric acid, churns the partially digested food to help break it down further. The enzymatic break down of proteins begins in the stomach with hydrochloric acid. Without the proper amount of hydrochloric acid proteins are not broken down completely and can pass on into the small intestines. This can cause gas, bloating and other digestive upsets. If the process of digestion is hindered the hydrochloric acid can be forced back up and into the esophagus and cause acid reflux. As the broken down food empties into the small intestine both liver (bile) and pancreatic enzymes need to be adequate to buffer the acidity of the stomach contents.
If food particles enter the small intestine that are not broken down properly, the final stage of digestion is compromised. The small intestine utilizes additional enzymes from the liver and pancreas along with bacteria that lives in the gut to complete the digestive process. Fat digestion begins in the small intestine by using bile and bile salts from the gallbladder and liver. If the liver or gallbladder is not functioning properly, digestive upset can occur due to the inability to break down and absorb fats. The surface area of the small intestine, when stretched out has the surface area of about the size of a football field, however the small intestine itself is only about 22 inches long. This is made possible by the tiny villi that line the wall of the small intestine, which resemble fingers. These villi absorb the particles of digested food that have been broken down into small enough pieces for use. If the food particles are still too large, or not broken down properly, they are passed on as waste.
The large intestine is used for storage of fecal matter and the re-absorption of water. If the body is not properly cleaning itself out, or if waste matter is sticking to the sides of the colon, the water that should be recycled is either not able to be absorbed, or is absorbed and full of toxins. This water is of course filtered through the liver to clean it. This detoxification process can put unnecessary stress on the liver and kidneys. To keep the colon clean it's very important to have the proper amount of non-soluble fiber going through it every day to help clean the walls, and absorb undigested fats and sugars too.
Friendly bacteria are a necessary component of the digestion process. Most people live a lifestyle which is not "friendly" to friendly bacteria. Something else to keep in mind is, if there is no room at the inn... then taking a supplement with friendly bacteria may be of little help. When opportunistic bacteria, which are fed by processed foods, drugs and other lifestyle choices, take up too much space in the gut, it leaves little room for friendly bacteria. Likewise, friendly bacteria can also push out the non-friendly types if done properly. Bacteria is a necessary part of the digestive system, and often antibiotics, steroids, sugar and other things kill off the beneficial bacteria and feed the non-beneficial bacteria, by allowing yeast to flourish.
The immune system begins in the gut with proper digestion, detoxification and elimination. In order to have a healthy body, a healthy gut is very important.
So you ask... how do I have a healthy gut?
Avoid these things:
Food should stay in your body for about 12-18 hours. If it moves through faster than that, proper digestion and nutrient absorption is not taking place. If it is slower than that, proper digestion and elimination are not happening, and this can cause a build up of toxins in the colon and the body.
This process can cause a myriad of symptoms such as;
- Chronic Allergies
- Jaundice
- Acid Reflux
- Indigestion
- Kidney Disease
- Candida Overgrowth
- Acne
- Psoriasis and Eczema
- Headaches
- Joint Pain
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- IBS
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Leaky Gut Syndrome
- Immune System Dysfunction; ie autoimmune disorders and/or antibody dysfunctions
- and more
If you would like to know how long it takes your body to digest and eliminate waste, you can do a simple test. Eat something that doesn't digest all the way, like corn, and see how long it takes to show up on the other end. You might be surprised.
Food, which is meant to nourish the body, should be chewed into tiny particles and swallowed. The chewing process activates the salivary glands in the mouth and hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. Digestion begins with the chewing process by releasing the enzyme amylase, which acts directly on carbohydrates. This is why infants, who are learning to eat solid, food must have it gound into tiny particles. Infants do have plenty of saliva, but do not have the ability to chew their food into digestable sized pieces. Breaking the food into small particles releases the foods natural enzymes which aid in digestion. Children and adults should pay special attention to chewing their food into similar tiny particles so that digestion begins immediately upon consumption.
As food is swallowed, it proceeds down the esophagus to the stomach, where the second step in digestion takes place. The stomach, which normally produces hydrochloric acid, churns the partially digested food to help break it down further. The enzymatic break down of proteins begins in the stomach with hydrochloric acid. Without the proper amount of hydrochloric acid proteins are not broken down completely and can pass on into the small intestines. This can cause gas, bloating and other digestive upsets. If the process of digestion is hindered the hydrochloric acid can be forced back up and into the esophagus and cause acid reflux. As the broken down food empties into the small intestine both liver (bile) and pancreatic enzymes need to be adequate to buffer the acidity of the stomach contents.
If food particles enter the small intestine that are not broken down properly, the final stage of digestion is compromised. The small intestine utilizes additional enzymes from the liver and pancreas along with bacteria that lives in the gut to complete the digestive process. Fat digestion begins in the small intestine by using bile and bile salts from the gallbladder and liver. If the liver or gallbladder is not functioning properly, digestive upset can occur due to the inability to break down and absorb fats. The surface area of the small intestine, when stretched out has the surface area of about the size of a football field, however the small intestine itself is only about 22 inches long. This is made possible by the tiny villi that line the wall of the small intestine, which resemble fingers. These villi absorb the particles of digested food that have been broken down into small enough pieces for use. If the food particles are still too large, or not broken down properly, they are passed on as waste.
The large intestine is used for storage of fecal matter and the re-absorption of water. If the body is not properly cleaning itself out, or if waste matter is sticking to the sides of the colon, the water that should be recycled is either not able to be absorbed, or is absorbed and full of toxins. This water is of course filtered through the liver to clean it. This detoxification process can put unnecessary stress on the liver and kidneys. To keep the colon clean it's very important to have the proper amount of non-soluble fiber going through it every day to help clean the walls, and absorb undigested fats and sugars too.
Friendly bacteria are a necessary component of the digestion process. Most people live a lifestyle which is not "friendly" to friendly bacteria. Something else to keep in mind is, if there is no room at the inn... then taking a supplement with friendly bacteria may be of little help. When opportunistic bacteria, which are fed by processed foods, drugs and other lifestyle choices, take up too much space in the gut, it leaves little room for friendly bacteria. Likewise, friendly bacteria can also push out the non-friendly types if done properly. Bacteria is a necessary part of the digestive system, and often antibiotics, steroids, sugar and other things kill off the beneficial bacteria and feed the non-beneficial bacteria, by allowing yeast to flourish.
The immune system begins in the gut with proper digestion, detoxification and elimination. In order to have a healthy body, a healthy gut is very important.
So you ask... how do I have a healthy gut?
Avoid these things:
- Antacids and proton pump inhibitors - acid killers
- Antibiotics (unless absolutely necessary)
- NSAIDS - non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroids - including birth control pills
- White sugar
- Processed foods
- Carbonated beverages
- Antihistamines
- Coffee
- Chlorinated and flouridated water
- Meat which has been given antibiotics
Do these things:
- Completely chew every bite of food until it's liquid - looks like baby food
- Eat fresh vegetables and fruits - as raw as possible
- Eat fiber - from high fiber vegetables or as a supplement (psyllium husk is best)
- Take probiotics - daily, you should flood your system at first to build up good bacteria
- Walk regularly - 210 minutes a week or more to help the intestines move
- Drink lots of clean water - avoid chlorinated and flouridated water
- Take digestive enzymes if needed
- Have your indican level tested - an indican test is a simple urine test to determine the level of bowel toxicity
Friday, June 24, 2011
Fruit and Vegetable Wash
The Clorox bath (it must be Clorox) is 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of tap water. Soak produce between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the thickness of the skin.
. Leafy veggies 10 to 15 minutes
. Root or thick-skinned veggies 20 to 30 minutes
. Berries, peaches, thin skinned fruits 10 to 15 minutes
Triple rinse to remove all residual Clorox, which is 100% water soluble (this is why the finest labs in the world clean up with Clorox).
In the early 80's a client at Complete Health Services decided to put the Clorox bath to the test. She organized a before and after Clorox bath experiment at Sommer Frey Lab in Milwaukee (est 1900). She knew from her research that commercial peaches were exposed to chemicals containing mercury. (Interesting that peaches are currently at the top of the list of chemically contaminated fruit.) The people at the lab thought it was a cute idea promoted by some health nuts but quickly changed their demeanor after the Clorox bath consistently removed 70% to 75% of the mercury. The average was 72%. We passed out the report in all future cooking classes, Love at First Taste, which we taught for 20 years from 1978 to 1998.
Then, in the mid 90's a client I was working with moved to Seattle. We stayed in touch and she mailed me an extensive study performed by a holistic community magazine in Seattle that promoted local alternative services. This publication ran a series comparing the purity of organic and non-organic produce by meticulously testing for chemical contamination.
Shockingly, organic produce sometimes tested as contaminated as commercial produce.
Personally, I was slow to accept the Clorox bath. The chef in our cooking class, Roger Ullenberg -- owner and chef of Au Natural Restaurant, loved the Clorox bath and insisted on teaching it to students. During class he demonstrated it's effectiveness on bananas.*
Roger learned about the Clorox bath from an icon in natural health; Dr. Hazel Parcells, a well known naturopathic healer who lived to 106. Dr. Parcells based her work on radionics using pendulums and other devices, but she did not delve into the chemistry. During class I was so impressed with improvement in the quality of the produce washed in Clorox I couldn't help but be won over, even against my will (which was definitely the case). Later, when the Sommer Frey experiment was done, I became fully aware of how right-on this technique is.
To this day our household uses it on commercial produce, and maybe we should on organic items as well. However, I now trust the purity of organics more than in the past.
If you try it you'll be impressed.
*Class Experiment: Roger would take bananas from the same bunch and separate them into two groups -- one group went into tap water and the other into the Clorox bath (1/2 teaspoon per gallon of tap water). Only Roger, Karen and I knew which was which. After 15 to 20 minutes in the Clorox bath (bananas are thick skinned) they were triple rinsed, peeled and cut into bite size pieces. Everything was kept separate -- one platter of Clorox washed bananas and another platter of tap water washed bananas. So, the taste test was on.
Each platter was passed around the class and without fail in every class for over 20 years virtually every single student specifically preferred the Clorox washed bananas. Why? Because they didn't have the metallic after taste so common with bananas. It was very distinct. I could tell the difference every time. This was a fun way to introduce a serious subject. Give it a try. I think you'll be convinced.
Jim Ehmke, CN
Provided by Biotics Research Corporation
. Leafy veggies 10 to 15 minutes
. Root or thick-skinned veggies 20 to 30 minutes
. Berries, peaches, thin skinned fruits 10 to 15 minutes
Triple rinse to remove all residual Clorox, which is 100% water soluble (this is why the finest labs in the world clean up with Clorox).
In the early 80's a client at Complete Health Services decided to put the Clorox bath to the test. She organized a before and after Clorox bath experiment at Sommer Frey Lab in Milwaukee (est 1900). She knew from her research that commercial peaches were exposed to chemicals containing mercury. (Interesting that peaches are currently at the top of the list of chemically contaminated fruit.) The people at the lab thought it was a cute idea promoted by some health nuts but quickly changed their demeanor after the Clorox bath consistently removed 70% to 75% of the mercury. The average was 72%. We passed out the report in all future cooking classes, Love at First Taste, which we taught for 20 years from 1978 to 1998.
Then, in the mid 90's a client I was working with moved to Seattle. We stayed in touch and she mailed me an extensive study performed by a holistic community magazine in Seattle that promoted local alternative services. This publication ran a series comparing the purity of organic and non-organic produce by meticulously testing for chemical contamination.
Shockingly, organic produce sometimes tested as contaminated as commercial produce.
Personally, I was slow to accept the Clorox bath. The chef in our cooking class, Roger Ullenberg -- owner and chef of Au Natural Restaurant, loved the Clorox bath and insisted on teaching it to students. During class he demonstrated it's effectiveness on bananas.*
Roger learned about the Clorox bath from an icon in natural health; Dr. Hazel Parcells, a well known naturopathic healer who lived to 106. Dr. Parcells based her work on radionics using pendulums and other devices, but she did not delve into the chemistry. During class I was so impressed with improvement in the quality of the produce washed in Clorox I couldn't help but be won over, even against my will (which was definitely the case). Later, when the Sommer Frey experiment was done, I became fully aware of how right-on this technique is.
To this day our household uses it on commercial produce, and maybe we should on organic items as well. However, I now trust the purity of organics more than in the past.
If you try it you'll be impressed.
*Class Experiment: Roger would take bananas from the same bunch and separate them into two groups -- one group went into tap water and the other into the Clorox bath (1/2 teaspoon per gallon of tap water). Only Roger, Karen and I knew which was which. After 15 to 20 minutes in the Clorox bath (bananas are thick skinned) they were triple rinsed, peeled and cut into bite size pieces. Everything was kept separate -- one platter of Clorox washed bananas and another platter of tap water washed bananas. So, the taste test was on.
Each platter was passed around the class and without fail in every class for over 20 years virtually every single student specifically preferred the Clorox washed bananas. Why? Because they didn't have the metallic after taste so common with bananas. It was very distinct. I could tell the difference every time. This was a fun way to introduce a serious subject. Give it a try. I think you'll be convinced.
Jim Ehmke, CN
Provided by Biotics Research Corporation
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