Category: Diet and Nutrition

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Depression Loves Junk Food

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

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Depression and other emotional disorders have been on the rise over the last few weeks, mostly due to feelings of isolation during these lockdowns. However, consumption of junk foods like chips, cookies, breads, and fast food have also seen a sharp increase. There is a lot of research showing a connection between depression and the consumption of unhealthy foods. When eating a diet mostly devoid of essential vitamins and minerals, and high in preservatives and artificial ingredients, the body may struggle to produce enough neurotransmitters to keep moods regulated. These unhealthy foods can also cause inflammation throughout the brain and body, further increasing the risk of developing depression and other emotional disorders. This week we’ll discuss why depression loves junk food, and some things you can do instead.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Candida Support – This powerful phytonutrient complex was designed for restoring and maintaining a healthy, balanced gastrointestinal microbiota. Along with undecylenic acid, this formula also provides berberine and other synergistic factors.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Powder – Saccharomyces boulardii is a nonpathogenic, transient yeast. Since its discovery in 1920, clinicians worldwide have used S. boulardii to support normal bowel transit time, promote healthy immune and inflammatory response, and bolster gastrointestinal microbiota diversity, particularly in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. S. boulardii is also commonly used to safely and effectively displace undesirable yeast species, which may play a beneficial role in neurological health, particularly for individuals on the spectrum.†

Resvera-Max – Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant activity found in grapes, wine, blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts. While red wine has been popularized as an important source of resveratrol, amounts vary widely. The maximum content of resveratrol in red wine extracts available for use in dietary supplements is 20%. In contrast, root extracts of Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) provide up to 50% trans-resveratrol content, the same form as found in red wine.

You can also listen to Depression Loves Junk Food on our YouTube channel here.

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Comfort Food Uncomfortable?

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

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For the past month, many people have been spending nearly all of their time inside the house. People have turned to many different hobbies to pass the time. One of the most common hobbies has been baking and cooking. This can be a great way to pass the time and learn some new skills in the kitchen, but most of the food being prepared hasn’t been healthy. Social media has been flooded with pictures of all the breads, cookies, and pies people have been preparing. These foods contain lots of carbohydrates, sugar, and gluten, and people often feel worse after eating them. In this week’s episode we’ll how these comfort foods can make you uncomfortable, and how they connect to diabetes and heart disease.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Zinc Plus – Zinc is an essential mineral that activates more than 70 enzymes, including those that assist with protein synthesis and tissue repair.† For optimal assimilation and pH balance, this formulation uses zinc citrate, the natural form of zinc that is found in human milk. Vitamin B6 and ascorbic acid have also been added to facilitate zinc metabolism.

Multi-Element Buffered C – Vitamin C is important for immune function and antioxidant protection, as well as collagen and connective tissue production.† Multi-Element Buffered C adds calcium, magnesium, and potassium to ascorbic acid to create a buffered product that is gentle on the stomach. This formulation includes zinc, manganese, and copper in well-utilized forms. Quercetin, a powerful bioflavonoid, and reduced L-glutathione, an antioxidant, are included to potentiate the function of vitamin C.†

Active Mega Multi – Contains activated forms of folate and vitamin B12, along with efficiently utilized mineral forms and fat-soluble vitamins. Compared to common, over-the-counter multivitamin products delivered in 1 tablet daily, this formulation offers enhanced antioxidant protection, broader trace element nutrition, and augmented B vitamin support. This core foundation of essential nutrients can help provide an extra measure of nutritional protection.

You can also listen to on our YouTube channel here.

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Supplements for Healthy Living with Jack Spirko

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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Dr. Lewis recently had the opportunity again to be a guest on The Survival Podcast with Jack Spirko. This is one of Dr. Lewis’ favorite podcasts to speak on, and we would love for you to listen to it! They discussed the importance of nutrition tailored to each person’s different needs, the keto diet, and what different supplements can do. Dr. Lewis also talked about what made him interested in natural health, and how his life has been shaped by the drive to learn more and be healthier.

Nutrition and Supplements

The food grown today is not as high in vitamins and minerals as it was twenty years ago. Supplements cannot offset a poor diet, but they are a great way to get in nutrients that are difficult to get enough of through diet alone. There is nothing that can completely offset the effects of a poor diet, which is why we recommend adopting a Keto or Paleo diet. However, you can still have vitamin and mineral deficiencies while following a clean diet. You may also have poor detoxification, impaired thyroid function, elevated liver enzymes, or another health problem you can only see on blood tests. This is why we run blood work on our patients to see what supplement regimen would work best for each person, because everyone’s nutritional needs are different.

In this podcast episode, Supplements for Healthy Living with Jack Spirko, Dr. Lewis discussed some specific supplements and how they work including BP Support, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Digestive Essentials, Nattokinase, Omega Supreme, D3 + K2 Ultra. He explained why it is better to take vitamin D and vitamin K together, why not all fish oil is the same and why some fish oil should be avoided, and much more.

Is Saturated Fat Bad?

Many people have heard that saturated fat is bad for you, with some saying it’s the worst kind of fat, but this is not true. This persistent myth has made many people afraid to try high-fat diets like Keto, and has caused many to consume too little fat which comes with its own set of risks. There have been many studies conducted on the connection between heart disease and saturated fat intake, and they have actually found that good saturated fat – like the kind that comes from coconut oil and olive oil – may even protect the heart in some ways.

Good fats also benefit hormone levels because fat is needed to synthezise hormones. However, there are still bad fats, things like trans fat and vegetable oils should not be consumed. Dietary fat should come from wild-caught fish, avocadoes, olive oil, coconut oil, and nuts and seeds. Red meat should be grass-fed and consumed in moderation, and farmed and imported seafood should be avoided.

Having a clean diet is crucial to overall health, and taking supplements cannot offset a poor diet. You should focus on eating organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, healthy fats like those found in coconut oil and olive oil, and doing light to moderate exercise at least three times a week. Beginning a supplement regimen tailored to your specific needs is a great way to ensure you’re getting the nutrition you may not be getting from your diet. All the different diet and health recommendations can get confusing, but a good way to sift through it all is to stay as natural as possible with your diet and lifestyle.

Visit Jack’s website here to listen to his other podcasts and read all the great information he has. He covers a wide variety of subjects on his podcast, and includes many resources and products he recommends.

You can also listen to Supplements for Healthy Living with Jack Spirko on our YouTube channel here.

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Obesity – The National Plague

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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Obesity is on the rise, and many health conditions are on the rise with it. This excess weight takes a toll on every part of the body, increasing the risk of developing many different conditions. Obesity is incredibly common, with estimates placing the obesity rate in the U.S. at over 38% of the population aged 20 and over. This means that almost half of the adult population in the U.S. is obese, and this number doesn’t include people who are just overweight and not yet obese. This is why obesity is someimes referred to as the national plague.

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing conditions including:

  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Dementia
  • Cancer
  • Autoimmune Conditions
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Gout

Maintaining a healthy weight is a crucial part of good overall health. You should be eating a balanced diet of organic fruits and vegetables, good fats, and high-quality meats and fish. You can track your daily calorie intake for a few days to see if you are eating too little or too much food, then make any necessary adjustments. Your calorie requirements will depend on your height, weight, and muscle to fat ratio. However, some people still struggle to lose weight even when eating the right foods in the right amounts, and this could be due to a thyroid issue, hormonal imbalance, or other health conditions. You should be checking your thyroid and hormone levels regularly to make sure they are where they should be.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Probio Lean – Contains a blend of 7 select probiotic species in a cellulose base. Designed to increase intestinal diversity and support healthy metabolism and weight management, each capsule provides 25 billion CFU.†

Gluco Support – Supplies a powerful mix of nutrients and botanicals that efficiently help support normal glucose metabolism, structure and function of basement membranes such as nerve tissue, and insulin sensitivity.†

You can also listen to our Obesity the National Plague episode on our YouTube channel here.

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Heartburn, Indigestion and Misery On Me

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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Heartburn and indigestion are common problems that can make eating difficult. There are several things that could potentially cause these problems, and the solution may depend on the cause. Poor gut health is believed to be one of the root causes of many common health issues, and repairing the gut may be key to heartburn and indigestion relief. In today’s episode – Heartburn, Indigestion and Misery On Me – we’ll discuss some common causes, and what you can do about it.

Common Causes of Heartburn:

  • Laying Down After Eating
  • Low Stomach Acid
  • Obesity
  • Overuse of Ibuprofen
  • Hiatal Hernia
  • Smoking

Heartburn and indigestion can be difficult to get over, and each person is different. If you have low stomach acid, then supplementing with betaine may help. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight may also help, as well as provide other health benefits. Avoiding large meals, especially at night, and not laying down after eating may also help reduce heartburn and indigestion. A healthy gut is necessary for overall good health, so do your best to keep your gut happy and healthy.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

GI Support Vanilla – GI Support includes a high-dose of L-glutamine (4 g), which serves as nutrition for the gut lining. It provides 400 mg of deglycyrrhized licorice root extract (DGL) and 75 mg of aloe vera extract, both of which protect and promote the health of the gut mucosa. N-acetyl glucosamine and zinc may help boost GI integrity.

Acetyl L-Carnitine – The acetyl group can serve as a metabolic source of acetylcholine, a brain neurotransmitter, while the L-carnitine component carries fatty acids into mitochondria of nerve, heart, and muscle cells for use in energy production.† Other actions benefit membrane stability, production of nerve growth factor, and cerebral blood flow.†

You can also listen to our Heartburn, Indigestion and Misery On Me episode on our YouTube channel here.

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Stress Free Eating

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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What does it mean to eat stress free? Basically, eating clean is the best way to eat and creates less stress. With all the different diets being pushed today, it can be hard to know which one you should follow. Keto, vegan, vegetarian, carnivore diet, Paleo, intermittent fasting, juicing, etc. Most people just need to eat clean, regardless of a specific diet. Stress free eating means focusing on good fats, good-quality meats, filtered water, organic fruits and vegetables, and eliminating processed foods.

Clean eating will produce the following when you eat foods as close to their natural state as possible:

  • Decreases inflammation
  • Lowers Acidity
  • Alkalizes the body
  • Controls blood sugar levels
  • Removes toxins and artificial ingredients
  • Provides optimum nutrients

Clean eating is great for these types of people:

  • Dealing with food allergies
  • Heart disease or cardiovascular issues
  • Arthritis
  • Digestive Dysfunction
  • Insomnia
  • Depression or Anxiety
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • All forms of chronic disease

When you take away the restrictions of sticking to a specific diet, you take some of the stress away from eating. Clean and stress-free eating means consuming a variety of organic fruits and vegetables, good fats, and good-quality meats each day can help ensure you get the nutrition you need. Food should not be a source of stress, it should be a source of nutrition, energy and good health. So, mix up your meals with wild-caught fish, free-range chicken, turkey and eggs, and occasionally some grass-fed beef. Be sure to also include plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, and good fats with each meal. Do your best to avoid processed foods and drinks as much as possible, but don’t give up if you make a mistake.

Products mentioned in Today’s Show:

Deeper Greens – Deeper Greens helps patients overcome diets lacking in the recommended fruits and vegetables a day, as stated by the National Cancer Institute. Deeper Greens is a convenient drink mix providing beneficial nutrients from berries, fruits, vegetables and greens to support a healthy diet. This complete formula combines concentrated fruits and berries along with a unique vegetable antioxidant blend to help build antioxidant reserves and protect the body from free radicals.

You can listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Bad Magic – Artificial Sweeteners

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Artificial sweeteners are worse for you than any form of sugar. They can be found in many different foods, drinks, candies, and even some medications. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame have been linked to the development of birth defects, neurological diseases, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers. This is why we like to call artificial sweeteners bad magic. In this episode, we’ll discuss the potential dangers of artificial sweeteners, and some good alternatives.

Aspartame is one of the most infamous artificial sweeteners, and accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported by the FDA. A few of the 90 documented symptoms listed in the report as part of aspartame dangers are:

  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Nausea
  • Numbness
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Vision Problems
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety Attacks
  • Tachycardia
  • Irritability
  • Vertigo
  • Memory Loss
  • Joint Pain

When aspartame is ingested, the body metabolizes it into two amino acids. It breaks down into phenylalanine and aspartic acid, and is also broken down into methanol. Methanol is considered extremely toxic to humans because it breaks down into formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and it can have negative affects on the nervous system, vision, and gastrointestinal system. Aspartame is also classified as an excitotoxin. Excitotoxins are compounds that essentially “excite” cells to death. They can stimulate nerve cells and brain cells until they become damaged or die. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is another example of an excitotoxin. Excitotoxins may contribute to the development of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Product Mentioned in Today’s Show:

Gluco Support – Supplies a powerful mix of nutrients and botanicals that efficiently help support normal glucose metabolism, structure and function of basement membranes such as nerve tissue, and insulin sensitivity.†

You can listen to it on our YouTube channel here.