Green Wisdom Health

Posted on November 19, 2019November 19, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

Better Health Through Digestion

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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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.

Posted on November 14, 2019November 15, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

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.

Posted on November 5, 2019November 5, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

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.

Posted on November 1, 2019November 8, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

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.

Posted on October 29, 2019October 31, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

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.

Posted on October 23, 2019October 23, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

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.

Posted on October 18, 2019October 18, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

Differences Between Allergies, a Cold, and 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.

Posted on October 15, 2019October 15, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

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.

Posted on October 11, 2019October 11, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

What to Know About Candida

Candida overgrowth is a hot topic and we often get questions from our patients about whether it could be the cause of their symptoms. While it could be the cause, it is often blamed for many different health issues that it is not always responsible for. There are many potential causes and symptoms, and it shares some of these with other conditions. So, it can be difficult to know if it really is a candida problem. Let’s go over some possible causes, symptoms, and lifestyle changes and help you learn what you need to know about candida.

Possible Causes

Candida overgrowth has many potential causes, and it is not always clear what the cause is. While candida is present in nearly everyone’s gut microbiome, it can become a problem if it multiplies too much, leading to an overgrowth. It is believed that frequent consumption of alcohol, sugar, grains and processed foods may contribute to candida overgrowth. Overuse of antiobiotics is another potential factor, as antibiotics can reduce the “good” bacteria that typically help keep candida under control. Chronic stress and certain medications may also contribute to candida overgrowth.

Possible Symptoms

Candida has been said to cause certain autoimmune diseases, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue, and many other health conditions. However, candida overgrowth is not always responsible for all of these, and it is often not the sole cause. A candida overgrowth can manifest in many different ways, and symptoms may vary from person to person. Symptoms can include brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, bloating, bad breath, food cravings (especially for breads and sweets), UTI’s, sinus infections, and many others. However, as mentioned above, many health conditions have similar symptoms, so having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have an overgrowth of candida. If you are having any serious symptoms, see a doctor right away.

What You Can Do

If an overgrowth of candida is suspected, dietary and lifestyle changes may be necessary to help heal it and prevent it from recurring. Greatly reducing or eliminating consumption of processed foods and high-carb, sugary foods is one of the best things to help “starve out” candida. Candida is often said to feed on sugar, so reducing its food supply may help reduce the problem. Having regular bowel movements may also help.

So, eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables to get the fiber you need to stay regular, and drink plenty of water to flush that fiber out. Taking a supplement like Candida Support may also be beneficial. It contains ingredients like Pau D’arco extract, berberine sulfate and others that work to help restore balance to the intestinal bacteria. Candida overgrowth is believed to be a common condition, and eating a balanced diet low in processed foods and sugar is a great option for overall health. So, if you are not sure if you have it or not, just work on eliminating sugary foods and replacing them with whole foods like organic fruits and vegetables and good-quality meats.

You can listen to our podcast episode Candida – Getting to the Gut of the Matter here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on October 9, 2019October 9, 2019 by Green Wisdom Health — Leave a comment

Candida – Getting to the Gut of the Matter

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Candida overgrowth is a frequently discussed topic, and we get many questions about it from our patients. It is often blamed for many different health issues like autoimmune diseases, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue, and many others. However, candida overgrowth is not solely responsible for all of these, and there is a lot of misinformation surrounding its causes and effects. Join us in getting to the gut of the matter of candida.

Possible Symptoms of Candida May Include:

Chronic Sinus Issues
Allergies
Hormone Imbalances
Fatigue
Bloating and Other Digestive Issues
Decreased Sex Drive
Bad Breath
Urinary Tract Infections
Joint Pain
Uncontrolled Food Cravings (Especially for Bread, Pasta, and Sweets)
Brain Fog and Difficulty Focusing

If an overgrowth of candida is suspected, dietary and lifestyle changes are often necessary to help heal it and prevent it from recurring. Greatly reducing or eliminating consumption of processed foods and high-carb, sugary foods is one of the best things to help “starve out” candida. Candida is often said to feed on sugar, so reducing its food supply may help reduce the problem. Having regular bowel movements may also help with candida overgrowth. So eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables to get the fiber you need to stay regular, and drink plenty of water to flush that fiber out.

Product 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.

You can also listen to Candida – Getting to the Gut of the Matter on our YouTube channel here.