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Counting Sheep, Need Some Sleep?

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Trouble sleeping is a problem most people have had at some point in their life due to a stressful event or drinking too much coffee, but when it is frequent and begins to affect your day-to-day life, you may have a type of insomnia. Insomnia is a common problem, and it can come in the form of chronic, acute, middle, late, initial onset, and comorbid insomnia, with each referring to different types of sleeping issues. Dealing with insomnia can be stressful, and it tends to be more common in people who have depression and/or anxiety. Insomnia can have different causes, including:

  • Stress
  • Chronic Pain
  • Restless Legs
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Poor Sleep Habits
  • Certain Medications
  • Caffeine Late in the Day

Having insomnia can be difficult, and can make sleep a stressful thing which may worsen the problem. Reducing stress and getting into a routine may help you fall asleep. If your insomnia is caused by restless legs you can try a mineral supplement which may help reduce muscle spasms and cramps, and there are some different treatment options for sleep apnea. It is important to get enough sleep each night as chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to the development of many different health conditions, and can affect your emotional health and energy levels.

Product Mentioned in Today’s Show

  • EZ Relax – We’ve teamed nature’s greatest stress management ingredients to create a uniquely effective combination. Formulated with Ashwagandha, valerian extract, L-theanine, and GABA.

You can also listen to Counting Sheep, Need Some Sleep? on our YouTube channel here.

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The Importance of Optimal Digestion

Easy-to-digest soup; the importance of optimal digestion.

With the rise of leaky gut syndrome, food allergies, and gastrointestinal disorder, it is more important than ever to be mindful of your gut health. Having a healthy gut is more difficult than it used to be due to the large number of environmental toxins, food additives, poor diets, and stress we face every day. Much of your overall health is related to or dependent on the health of your gut, and having good digestion is a key part of a healthy gut. Good digestion is crucial for nutrient absorption, bowel regularity, immune system function, and much more. Let’s take a look at the importance of optimal digestion, and what you can do to help improve yours.

Potential Causes of Poor Digestion

There are many different things that can interfere with your digestion. Things like being stressed, smoking cigarettes, and having a poor diet can all have negative effect on your digestive system, as well as other parts of the body. Consuming too little fiber and water are also common problems that can lead to constipation, bloating, and dehydration. One lesser-known habit that can lead to digestive issues is not chewing your food enough. Digestion begin in the mouth when you take a bite of food, and your saliva starts to work on breaking down the food. However, each bite needs to chewed into small enough pieces for the stomach to break it down properly. Eating too quickly and not chewing each bite enough can cause pieces of food to stay in the stomach too long, leading to gas and bloating. It may also make it difficult for it to pass through your intestines and can lead to constipation. Try to chew each bite of food, especially tougher foods like meat, 20-30 times.

What Can You Do?

There are some simple changes you can make that may help your digestive system function better. You should drink plenty of water each day which is about 2 liters for the average person, but hydration needs vary from person to person. Eating plenty of fiber in the form of organic fruits and vegetables is a great way to help promote regular bowel movemenets, along with the added benefits of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in the fruits and vegetables. Engaging in exercise and stress-reducing techniques, and reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking may also help improve digestion. Some people do not produce enough digestive enzymes to properly break down their food, so for these people, taking supplemental digestive enzymes like Digestive Essentials with each meal may help. Taking a good probiotic like Probio Ease every day is also a great habit to get into as it helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn may help promote gut health, digestion, immune system health, and mood. The health of your gut is so important to your overall health, so take good care of it!

You can listen to our Better Health Through Digestion podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Better Health Through Digestion

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As leaky gut, food allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders become more common, it is more important than ever to be mindful of your gut health. Having a healthy gut is more difficult than it used to be due to the large number of environmental toxins, food additives, and stress we face every day. Much of your overall health is dependent on the health of your gut, and having good digestion is a key part of a healthy gut. Good digestion is crucial for nutrient absorption, bowel regularity, immune system function, and much more. In this week’s episode we discuss some common digestive issues, their causes, and what you can do to help improve your digestion.

Possible Signs of Poor Digestion:

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling Tired After Eating
  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Nutritional Deficiencies

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Probio Ease – This shelf-stable, 50 billion CFU formulation contains a blend of 7 select probiotic species with Sunfiber®, a low-FODMAP certified prebiotic. This formulation provides comprehensive microbiome, immune, and healthy inflammation support in one convenient capsule.†

Betaine & Pepsin – Betaine & Pepsin provides hydrochloric acid to help maintain gastric pH and supports overall nutrient absorption. Symptoms of indigestion are often mistaken for excessive gastric acid. This leads many to take acid blockers in attempt to lower stomach acid, when the true culprit is likely to be insufficient levels of HCl.

You can also listen to our Better Health Through Digestion episode on our YouTube channel here.

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Supplements for Healthy Living with Jack Spirko

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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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Timing is Everything for Health

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People often postpone taking care of their health until a serious condition arises or symptoms begin to affect their day-to-day lives. Sometimes it is too late for the body to heal completely, or it may take much more work than if the individual had begun taking care of their health earlier in life. However, some people don’t understand how important health is, and even more people don’t know what to do to improve it. Timing is everything for your health, and taking care of yourself earlier may help prevent or lessen problems in the future.

There are some things you can do now to improve your health, for example:

  • Exercise Regularly
  • Begin a Supplement Regimen
  • Get Regular Blood Work
  • Check for Food Sensitivities and Remove Any From Diet
  • Get Adequate Sleep Each Night
  • Practice Stress-Relieving Techniques
  • Adopt an All-Natural, Clean Diet
  • Reduce Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Omega Supreme – Omega Supreme is a convenient daily omega-3 fatty acid supplement offering 1,000 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the natural, triglyceride form per soft gel.

Active Mag – Active Mag is a blend of four bioavailable forms of magnesium, designed to provide optimal absorption and utilization of magnesium.

You can also listen to our Timing is Everything for Health episode on our YouTube channel here.

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The Dangers of Obesity

Unhealthy burger to show the dangers of obesity.

Obesity rates are on the rise, and many health conditions are on the rise with it. Being overweight or obese takes a toll on every part of the body, and can increase 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. People should be informed of the dangers of obesity so they can be more conscious of their daily habits, so let’s take a look at how that excess weight can affect the body.

How it Affects Your Body

Obesity can contribute to the development of many different health conditions by affecting different parts of the body. Sleep apnea can be caused or worsened by obesity due to the airways being compressed. Blood pressure levels may increase in a person who is overweight or obese because the excess weight increases pressure on the veins and causes the heart to work harder. The risk of heart disease is increased, usually due to a hardening of the arteries caused by high blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol build-up, and high blood sugar levels. Obesity has also been found to play a role in the development of liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, infertility, gallbladder issues, acid reflux, and certain types of cancer.

What to Do

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. Different diets work for different people, but regardless of which diet you choose to follow, make sure you are getting enough protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates. It should also only include foods that are unprocessed and free of additives. If you are unsure of where to start, 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.

While the dangers of obesity are many, being underweight can also be dangerous, so aim for the recommended weight for your height and age. However, some people still struggle to reach a healthy 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 at the correct levels. Form healthy habits, and your body will thank you!

You can listen to our Obesity – The National Plague podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Obesity – The National Plague

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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

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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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Differences Between Allergies, a Cold, and the Flu

Woman sneezing; allergies, a cold, or the flu.

With the seasons changing, allergies and sicknesses are becoming more common, but it can be difficult to tell if you’re sick, or if it’s just allergies. While some of the symptoms overlap, there are a few differences that may help you know what you have. We also get lots of questions this time of year about what people can do for natural allergy relief and immune support. So, let’s discuss some of the differences between allergies, a cold, and the flu, and some supplements that might help.

Allergies

Many people have seasonal allergies, usually triggered by pollen or mold. These allergies range in severity from person to person, and may be better or worse some days. Allergies can last from a few days, to a few months, with some people suffering with them year-round. Symptoms of allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or throat, sinus congestion, and sometimes chest congestion. Hista-Plex may help alleviate some of the mild allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes.

While mild allergies are typically more common, severe allergies and allergic reactions can lead to serious symptoms including hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and anaphylaxis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

A Cold

Colds also become increasingly common this time of year, and they can be very similar to allergies. A cold can cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, chest and sinus congestion, and cough. Symptoms of a cold usually appear gradually, and many of these can also be symptoms of allergies, but may not last as long. Resting, drinking plenty of water, and eating lots of organic fruits and vegetables can help provide the nutrients your body needs to fight off a cold. If your symptoms persist and/or worsen, contact your doctor.

The Flu

This time of year, our patients start asking us what they can do to help prevent the flu. The flu is usually easier to identify than allergies and colds, as the symptoms generally appear suddenly and are more serious. If you contract the flu you may experience fever, joint and muscle aches, chills, fatigue, weakness, and headaches. While there are no foolproof ways to prevent the flu, you can potentially lower your risk. Anything that boosts the health of your immune system may help reduce your risk of contracting illnesses like the flu. Eating a variety of organic fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress may help keep your immune system healthy. Taking supplements like Liposomal C, Active Zinc, and Immune Essentials may also help your immune system fight off certain illnesses.

Eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables can help provide the nutrients and antioxidants your body needs to fight off infections and keep your immune system healthy. Supplements can help provide vitamins and minerals you may not be getting enough of, and they can also provide immune-boosting herbs like mushrooms you may not get through food. Immune Essentials is one of our newer products and is a powerful formulation of several different mushrooms and green tea extract to help support immune system health. Remember to wash your hands frequently!

You can listen to our Differences Between Allergies, a Cold, and the Flu podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Allergy Relief and Seasonal Defense

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With the seasons changing, more people are having trouble with allergies and sicknesses. We get questions this time of year about what people can do for natural allergy relief and seasonal defense against colds and the flu, especially from teachers and hospital staff who are more likely to catch something. Let’s discuss the differences between allergies, colds, and the flu, and some supplements that may help provide some relief and help keep your immune system healthy.

Allergies may cause symptoms like:

  • Runny Nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy Throat or Eyes
  • Sinus Congestion

A cold may cause a gradual onset of symptoms including:

  • Sneezing
  • Sinus Congestion
  • Runny Nose
  • Occasional Chest Congestion

The flu typically causes a sudden onset of symptoms like:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Body Aches

Eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables can help provide the nutrients and antioxidants your body needs to fight off infections. However, it is difficult to get all the nutrients you need from food alone due to our soil being depleted over the years. There are also many herbs that can help keep the immune system healthy that would be difficult to eat, so taking supplements is a great way to get in vitamins, herbs and minerals you may not get through other sources.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Hista-Plex – This formula includes optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways for individuals with seasonal allergies.

Immune Essentials – Immune Essentials supports immune health with a blend of highly researched and effectively concentrated mushroom extracts combined with the polyphenol nutrient support of green tea.†

You can also listen to Allergy Relief and Seasonal Defense on our YouTube channel here.