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Detox Your Way to Energy

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

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We are exposed to countless enviromental toxins every day through our food, water and air. While the body works tirelessly to detoxify, humans are exposed to far more toxins than ever before, so our bodies can use all the help they can get. Heavy metals, mold, food additives, tap water contaminants, and medications all have to be filtered out, and these detox processes are reliant on healthy liver and kidney function, as well as having the appropriate nutrients to bind to these metals and chemicals so they can be eliminated properly. In this week’s show we’ll discuss how to detox your way to energy, why certain herbs are important for heavy metal detoxification, and how giving your body the nutrients it needs to detoxify properly can make a big difference.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Perfect Plant Protein – Functional Plant Protein Vanilla Bean combines USA-grown, sustainable pea protein with microbiome-nourishing prebiotics and antioxidants. This great-tasting, bioavailable, and easy-to-digest protein formulation is 100% dairy-free and non-GMO.†

Vital Detox – This formulation is rich in chlorophylls from Chlorella and contains a unique broccoli extract with glucosinolates. The chlorophylls in Chlorella form tight molecular complexes with a wide variety of everyday toxic chemical compounds, reducing their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A high-strength enzyme blend also breaks down dietary antigens and may support assimilation of beneficial constituents of Chlorella.† Glucosinolate compounds in broccoli are powerful inducers of natural phase 2 detoxification processes in the liver. Most substances detoxified by the liver are released into the bile for excretion through the intestinal tract. Chlorella helps trap these toxins to reduce reabsorption.†

Amino Complete – A comprehensive, hypoallergenic source of essential amino acids. Designed to meet the needs of individuals who require additional amino acids for protein support. This formulation of 20 essential and non-essential “L-form” amino acids uses the highest-quality, pharmaceutical grade, crystalline amino acids in their “free” form to ensure maximum bioavailability and tolerance.

You can also listen to Detox Your Way to Energy on our YouTube channel here.

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Simple Health Habits to Have

Green vegetables; simple health habits to have.

The last few weeks have caused increased stress and anxiety for many people, and many have been consuming more alcohol and eating more unhealthy foods to deal with these feelings. Many people have also had a loss of daily structure due to job losses and businesses closing, which can increase stress and may contribute to depression. Unfortunately, these things can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Having a few simple health habits to follow each day can help keep you on track, and help ensure your body is getting what it needs to feel its best.

Eating Healthy

What you eat is one of the biggest factors in your health. Stress and depression often cause people to reach for high-carbohydrate foods and snacks, which can displace healthier foods in your diet. Most of your diet should include fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats and meats, with the occasional healthy treat like dark chocolate. Try to avoid processed foods when possible as they usually contain multiple artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and/or colors. However, some people are not able to purchase healthier foods right now, so just do your best with what you are able to get.

You should also watch your alcohol intake as excessive alcohol consumption can put a strain on your liver, lead to dehydration, and some research has found that it can accelerate brain aging. There is also the potential for the development of an addiction, so be careful not to overconsume alcohol, and try to include healthy habits like exercise for stress-relief.

Support Your Liver

Your liver is so important to your health because it’s responsible for filtering toxins out of your blood, producing bile for digestion, and hundreds of other vital functions. Habitual alcohol consumption has led to a large increase in liver cancers and diseases over the last couple decades. Researchers have also found that exposure to glyphosate and other chemicals most people encounter everyday can contribute to liver problems, even at doses much lower than regulatory agencies have deemed safe. This is why eating organic produce and staying away from processed, chemical-laden foods is so important. Since it’s impossible to avoid all environmental toxins, it’s a good idea to take a supplement to help support your liver. Liver Support is a great option, and includes milk thistle which is one of the best liver-supporting herbs, along with other ingredients to help support detoxification.

There are a few more healthy habits you should have to be as healthy as you can be. Exercising several times a week, even if it’s just going for a walk is a great habit to get into. You should also do your best to get at least seven hours of sleep each night, and do things that help reduce stress like taking a warm bath, doing yoga, meditating, etc. Focusing on the positive things in your life is another great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Remember that you can’t choose your circumstances, but you can choose how you react to them.

You can listen to our Time to Reset Your Health podcast episode here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Time to Reset Your Health

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

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Many people have experienced an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression over the last few weeks. There have also been reports of increases in the consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods. These things can all take a toll on your health, and it’s important to give your body the support it needs to recover. Stress affects nearly every part of your body, but especially the adrenal glands. Alcohol consumption can decrease liver function, as well as affect the brain and increase your risk of developing depression. Eating unhealthy foods can affect your energy levels, gut health, immune health, and could lead to nutrient deficiencies. So, this week we will discuss what you can do to start supporting your liver and adrenals, and we’ll also discuss the importance of having lab work done. It’s time to reset your health, and we want to help show you how.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Iodine Forte – Iodine is an essential element. Although its main function is in the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, other organs in the body have a need for iodine in order to function normally.

Active Selenium – Active Selenium uses L-selenomethionine, a highly bioavailable, yeast-free form of organically bound selenium chelated with methionine to support glutathione activity. Unlike inorganic forms of selenium, Active Selenium is not adversely affected by vitamin C.

Vital Detox – This formulation is rich in chlorophylls from Chlorella and contains a unique broccoli extract with glucosinolates. The chlorophylls in Chlorella form tight molecular complexes with a wide variety of everyday toxic chemical compounds, reducing their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A high-strength enzyme blend also breaks down dietary antigens and may support assimilation of beneficial constituents of Chlorella.† Glucosinolate compounds in broccoli are powerful inducers of natural phase 2 detoxification processes in the liver. Most substances detoxified by the liver are released into the bile for excretion through the intestinal tract. Chlorella helps trap these toxins to reduce reabsorption.†

You can also listen to Time to Reset Your Health podcast episode on our YouTube channel here.

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The Mood and Food Connection

Burgers and fries; the mood and food connection.

Our diets arguably have the biggest impact on both our mental and physical health. Consuming enough nutrients each day is necessary for nearly every function in the body, and a deficiency can cause a wide range of issues. This is why a poor diet is associated with a higher incidence of emotional disorders like depression and anxiety, as well as physical problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Junk food, as in processed foods low in nutrients, can worsen and can sometimes even trigger emotional disorders. Let’s look at how junk food affects our bodies, and examine the mood and food connection.

What is Junk Food?

Junk food is a general term that usually refers to processed foods like those found in fast food and frozen dinners that contain artificial preservatives, flavorings, colors, or sweeteners, etc. Different food additives have certain uses in the food industry, and many of them have each been linked to different health issues. Describing each additive and its effects would be difficult as there are a few thousand of them used in the United States. However, if you see an ingredient repeatedly and are curious, a simple search online about the substance and its safety will usually provide some good information, just be cautious of the sources you read from online.

What’s Wrong with It?

The two main problems with processed foods is that they are typically lacking in essential nutrients, and they can cause inflammation throughout the body. So, if a person eats a diet high in processed foods and low in whole, nutrient-dense foods, they may develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause many different health issues. If a deficiency is severe, it can lead to debilitating symptoms and sometimes permanent damage. For example, vitamin A deficiency is the world’s leading cause of blindness, so vitamin and mineral deficiencies should be taken seriously.

The other problem with processed foods is the inflammation they can cause. Although these foods are often devoid of essential nutrients, they are still usually high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These unhealthy fats like trans fats and heavily processed oils like vegetable oil, canola, oil, etc. can trigger inflammation in the body, especially in the arteries. The high amounts of sugar can increase inflammation throughout the body, and contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes. Not to mention the other ingredients these foods may have like preservatives and flavorings that can each have their own negative health effects. Generally, you should avoid consuming foods that contain unnatural or heavily processed ingredients.

How it Affects Mood

There are many ways your diet affects your emotional state, but one of the biggest reasons is the lack of nutrients. When consuming foods that are low in nutrients, it can be easy to develop deficiencies. Many of these deficiencies have been linked to changes in mood, and this is mostly because your body needs the right amounts of vitamins and minerals to make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Without the necessary ingredients, your body may not be able to produce the right amounts of these neurotransmitters which can lead to depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and mood swings. Low serotonin can also cause sugar cravings because sugar can give a pleasurable feeling that a brain low on serotonin may be craving. This is why people that are depressed often crave foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. These foods often displace nutrient-dense foods in a person’s diet, which can lead to more nutrient deficiencies which can further impair neurotransmitter production, leading to a vicious cycle.

There are many reasons why it’s important to eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and quality meats. Getting enough nutrients each day can help improve both your mental and physical health, and can also reduce your risk of developing many different health conditions. So, remember to consume natural, nutrient-dense foods, and do your best to avoid heavily processed foods.

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

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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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What’s Wrong With Comfort Food?

Desserts in baskets; what's wrong with comfort food?

With so much time being spent at home these last few weeks, stress and feelings of isolation have really started to affect people’s emotional health. People have begun new hobbies at home to pass the time like working out, painting, and writing, but one of the most common hobbies has been baking. Consuming these breads and other pastries frequently can contribute to the development of worsening of diabetes and heart disease, two of the major risk factors for COVID-19 complications. Let’s discuss what’s wrong with comfort food, and some things you can make instead.

What’s Wrong With It?

Breads, cakes, cookies, and pies have been posted all over social media, and are being eaten more frequently than before the stay-at-home orders started. Unfortunately, these treats are loaded with simple carbohydrates, sugar, and often unhealthy fats like vegetable oil or margarine. If they are made from regular flour then they also contain large amounts of gluten. Many people have noticed they have felt worse after eating these foods, which is common with high-carbohydrate foods as they cause blood sugar highs and lows. However, gluten sensitivity is incredibly common today, and most people who have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance are not aware of it. So, consuming these foods that are full of gluten and sugar can take a toll on how you feel physically, and we need to stay as healthy as possible during this time.

Because these foods are so high in simple carbohydrates, sugar, and unhealthy fats, they can also affect blood sugar levels, heart health, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Sugar has been found to be a major contributor to high blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, insulin resistance, and heart disease. With recent statistics showing that people who suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes tend to have the most complications when they contract COVID-19, it is now more important than ever to take care of yourself and do your best to reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

Alternatives

The occasional treat can still be part of a healthy lifestyle, but choosing healthier options is important. You can try making keto versions your favorite treats, and there are endless keto recipes online. Keto recipes typically use low-carb flours like almond flour and coconut flour, and low-carb sweeteners like sugar alcohols, monkfruit, and stevia. You can find plenty of keto recipes on our Pinterest page here. You can also opt for unrefined sugars like coconut sugar and maple syrup, but remember that these are still recognized as sugars by the body and should be eaten sparingly.

Food Sensitivities

If you suspect that you may have a sensitivity to gluten, then you can try an elimination diet. Put simply, an elimination diet means you eliminate certain foods from your diet for an extended period of time to give your body a chance to rest. You should take notes of how you feel throughout this elimination period and see if you feel better when certain foods are removed from your diet. Be especially mindful of any changes in headaches or migraines, stomach pains, bloating, gas, fatigue, and acne or skin rashes as these tend to be the more common symptoms of food sensitivities.

After the elimination period, you add each food that you removed back into your diet one at a time and record any negative affects. If you notice headaches come back when you eat gluten or dairy again, then you may have a sensitivity to them. Make sure you keep a few weeks of time between each food you add back in so that you are able to know which food caused changes. You can search elimination diets online for a more detailed guide on how to try one.

Do Your Best

Try to take this time at home to create healthy habits like exercising often and eating healthy foods. However, some people are not financially able to buy healthy foods right now, so just do your best with what you have and we’ll hopefully all have a renewed interest in keeping ourselves healthy when this is over.

You can listen to our Comfort Food Uncomfortable? podcast episode here. You can also listen 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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Cleaning Your House Naturally

Mop on wood floor; cleaning your house naturally.

People have been panic-buying household cleaners and disinfectants for several weeks now without giving a second thought as to whether these products are really safe. Most of these cleaners contain many different chemicals that can be hazardous to your health and the environment. Long-term use of many cleaning solutions and disinfectants has been linked to respiratory problems like asthma and wheezing, migraines, fertility issues in men and women, hormonal imbalances, and nervous system damage. Fortunately, you don’t have to use these products because there are many things you can use to clean your house naturally.

Natural Alternatives

There are several things you can use to clean your home that are much safer than the chemical solutions people have been stocking up on. Hydrogen peroxide, white distilled vinegar, and rubbing alcohol are good alternatives you can use, but remember not to mix products without a safe recipe to follow as you could create harmful substances by mixing the wrong things together.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect non-porous surfaces, simply spray it onto the surface and let it sit for around ten minutes, then wipe clean. Rubbing alcohol can also be used as a disinfectant as long as it is at least 60% or higher in concentration, which is why it is included in hand sanitizers. Spray the rubbing alcohol onto a surface (avoid inhaling the droplets) and leave for five minutes to ensure the area is thoroughly disinfected. Rubbing alcohol kills most bacteria and viruses within ten to twenty seconds, but some more resilient bacteria like tuberculosis can take as long as five minutes. Vinegar can also be used to disinfect, though it isn’t very useful against viruses and should be used as a last resort.

Recipe for Bleach Alternative

Consider using this recipe for a bleach alternative for white clothing.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Cup Basic Liquid Formula (see below)
  • 1/4 Cup Borax
  • 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice or Vinegar
  • 6 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

Basic Liquid Formula

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 Cups Liquid Castile Soap
  • 1 Tablespoon Glycerin
  • 3/4 Cup Water
  • 10-15 Drops Lemon Essential Oil (or other essential oil of your choice)

This recipe makes enough for one load of laundry. Keep the lemon juice seperate from the rest of the solution until you are ready to use it. Combine all ingredients into a plastic container and shake a couple times before adding it to the washing machine.

You can listen to our Cleaning Yourself to Illness? podcast episode on our website here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Cleaning Yourself to Illness?

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

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Disinfectant products and other household cleaners have been flying off the shelves in the last few weeks, but how safe are these products? Long-term use of many common cleaning solutions and disinfectants have been linked to a number of health problems like asthma, wheezing, migraines, low sperm count, nervous system damage, and hormonal imbalances. People who these products regularly to clean their homes or offices, or janitors who use these chemicals almost daily, will typically experience more symptoms than someone who occasionally uses them. Fortunately, there are many other options for natural cleaners and disinfectants so you can avoid cleaning yourself to illness.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Benfotiamine – This fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 has higher bioavailability compared to water-soluble forms. Benfotiamine inhibits several pathways involved in glucose-induced vascular changes and supports healthy neuron function.†Clinical studies show that benfotiamine supports healthy neurological structures and glucose metabolism, limiting the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).† Benfotiamine may also be a preferred choice after bariatric surgery as thiamine deficiency is frequently found in these people due to malabsorption.

Vital Detox – This advanced blend of green plant concentrates and enzymes helps protect the body against chemicals ingested in the daily diet and through everyday environmental exposure. This formulation is rich in chlorophylls from Chlorella and contains a unique broccoli extract with glucosinolates. The chlorophylls in Chlorella form tight molecular complexes with a wide variety of everyday toxic chemical compounds, reducing their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A high-strength enzyme blend also breaks down dietary antigens and may support assimilation of beneficial constituents of Chlorella.† Glucosinolate compounds in broccoli are powerful inducers of natural phase 2 detoxification processes in the liver. Most substances detoxified by the liver are released into the bile for excretion through the intestinal tract. Chlorella helps trap these toxins to reduce reabsorption.†

You can also listen to Cleaning Yourself to Illness? on our YouTube channel here.

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Being Grateful Through Difficult Times

Sunset; being grateful through difficult times.

These are tough times for many people physically, emotionally, and even financially. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude by focusing on the positive may help these next few weeks seem a little brighter. Spending all your energy and time worrying about things can have negative effects on both your physical and emotional health, and being grateful for what you have and recognizing how fortunate you are can help you see things from a different perspective. Being grateful through difficult times isn’t an easy task, but it is worth it.

It Might Be Difficult

It can be difficult to stay positive and grateful during stressful life events, but it’s not impossible. As we have said many times over the last few weeks, focusing on the positive and doing something each day that brings you joy are two simple things you can do to help keep your mood up. It’s ok to feel sad or angry about your situation, but the important thing is that you don’t let it control you or dominate every thought and feeling you have. Acknowledge the positive and negative feelings you have, but make an effort to give more attention to the positive. It can be something as simple as still having one of your favorite foods in the house, or being grateful for the ability to sleep in more often. The little things each day is what will help each of us get through these next few weeks with a better attitude, and hopefully a recharged mind and spirit when this is over.

Take some time each day to do something that calms you down or brings you joy, learn a new skill, work on your spiritual life, or anything else that makes you feel good. Remind yourself of all the things you are blessed with, whether it be still having a job or a place to live, having a healthy body, or getting to finish a new show. These next few weeks might lead to a lasting reminder in all of our lives to be more mindful of what really matters to us, and might make us rethink whether the small daily inconveniences are really worth getting upset over.

You can listen to our Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude podcast episode on our website here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.