Tag: Diet

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Emotional Health Takes Physical Effort

Microphone and computer; hanging on to anxiety and stress

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With the holidays quickly approaching, and the many stressful events that occurred this year, many people are looking for ways to lower stress levels and improve their emotional health. However, many people are unaware of the connection between physical health and emotional health. In this week’s episode we’ll discuss some of the diet and lifestyle changes that could have a positive effect on both physical and emotional health, and why emotional health takes physical effort to see the biggest improvements.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

GABA – Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), as the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, helps support normal relaxation, neuronal excitability, and muscle tone.†

Stress Response – A comprehensive formula of nutrients and botanicals with demonstrated and unique neurosupportive effects creates a robust and multifactorial approach to support daily brain health and function.† The brain’s complex metabolism requires many different nutrients for optimum cellular communication and a balanced response to stress. Excessive or chronic release of adrenaline and cortisol, accumulated effects of environmental exposures, and oxygenation can affect the brain with an impact on mental alertness, memory, and other functions.

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 Emotional Health Takes Physical Effort on our YouTube channel here.

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How You Can Be Healthier Now

A man exercising to show how you can be healthier now.

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. Let’s look at how you can be healthier now by making a few simple changes.

Exercise

Many people underestimate the importance of regular exercise. While most Americans lead sedentary lifestyles, humans tend to be much healthier when they exercise regularly. Many experts believe that a sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for many serious health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Exercising reguarly over time can improve cardiovascular health, decrease high blood pressure, decrease stress, improve breathing, improve mood and sleep quality, increase energy, and strengthen muscles and bones. That is not a complete list of all the potential benefits that can come with regular exercise, and exercise doesn’t have to be hard.

Try taking a short walk each day and slowly increase the duration of your walk every few days. Some people prefer to lift weights as their form of exercise, but always remember to listen to your body and work with someone who can teach you the correct form. Lifting weights is a great way to build muscle to keep your body and bones strong, but lifting weights incorrectly can cause an injury, so always ask a professional if you are just getting started, and listen to your body so you don’t push yourself too far.

Healthy Eating

Your diet is arguably the biggest contributor to your overall health, and eating more healthy foods can have a big impact on your health. Processed foods like frozen prepared meals, chips, packaged cookies, sodas, etc. have ingredients that may be harmful. Artificial preservatives, flavors and colors are some of the most common food additives, and can be some of the most dangerous due to how much the average person consumes. Sugar is another ingredient found in high amounts in sodas, cookies, candy and other sweets. Overconsumption of sugar comes with a long list of potential health effects, and entire books have been written about the dangers of sugar. So, replacing processed foods, sweets and sodas with healthy foods like good fats, fruits and vegetables, and responsibly-raised meats is always a good change to consider making.

Supplements

Adding a supplement regimen to a healthy diet is a good way to help ensure you are getting enough of the nutrients you may be lacking. The vitamin and mineral profile of fruits and vegetables has steadily decreased over the years as the soil gets depleted, so eating a clean diet still may not provide all of the nutrients you need. You can start off with a small supplement plan that includes the basics like a good multivitamin, fish oil, and magnesium, and then you can add in more specific supplements based on your individual needs. Having a blood test done will also give your healthcare professional the information they need to make a more individualized supplement plan.

Every little decision you make each day adds up, so make as many good choices as you can, no matter how small. Take the stairs sometimes, go for a walk, replace soda with water, eat more fruits and vegetables, and anything else you can do to improve your health. Making healthy choices early in life and throughout your life may help decrease your risk of developing certain health conditions. Working towards being healthier doesn’t have to be a negative experience, look at it as an investment in your health and well-being, and try to stay positive each day.

You can listen to our Are You in Optimal Health? podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Balancing Blood Sugar Levels

Cinnamon and sugar; balancing blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects an estimated 10% of the population in the United States, and that number is expected to increase over the next few years. Blood sugar problems that have not yet developed into diabetes are even more common, but can often be reversed if caught early enough. The most likely causes of blood sugar imbalances are a poor diet, lack of exercise, and excess weight. Fortunately, these are all things that are in your control, meaning you may be able to greatly lower your risk of developing diabetes and other conditions related to blood sugar imbalances. Let’s take a deeper look at some lifestyle factors that can affect blood sugar, as well as some ways to help balance blood sugar levels.

Poor Diet

The Standard American Diet (SAD) typically consists of foods high in sugar, calories, carbohydrates, and bad fats, and low in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. This diet has been linked to the development of many different health issues like diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. A diet high in sugar is especially harmful to someone with a family history of diabetes as they are usually at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

When sugar or simple carbohydrates (like bread, pasta, and grains) are consumed, insulin levels in the body quickly increase to deal with the excess amount of sugar in the blood, but when insulin levels are continually high, the body starts to respond to it less and less. This causes the pancreas to produce more insulin to try to compensate, causing the body to respond less, leading to a vicious cycle. Eventually, the pancreas can no longer keep up and blood sugar levels remain high, which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, and potentially more serious complications like organ damage, decreased vision, and nerve damage.

Excess Weight

Being overweight is another risk factor for diabetes, though it not fully understood how. Some research has shown that fat cells may be more resistant to the effects of insulin than muscle cells are, meaning the less muscle mass and more fat you have, the harder it is for your body to respond to insulin properly. It may also contribute to the development of diabetes through poor lifestyle choices. A person that is overweight likely does not eat a balanced diet or exercise regularly, and they may also have hormonal issues that can increase their risk of developing diabetes and other conditions.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Most Americans spend the majority of their day sitting. Many people have office jobs that are sedentary, and also have habits outside of work like watching tv or playing video games that are sedentary. This lack of exercise is believed to contribute to weaker bones, higher levels of body fat, decreased muscle mass, decreased energy, depression, an increased chance of hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of blood sugar disorders like diabetes. Exercise has many potential benefits, and just walking for thirty minutes a day is usually enough to see some of these benefits. Exercise can help reduce triglyceride levels and raise HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels, improve quality of sleep, improve mood, improve memory and cognitive function, increase energy levels, and many other potential benefits.

Effects on the Immune System

High blood sugar can also negatively impact the immune system in a few different ways. When blood sugar levels are too high, it can cause the body to release molecules that hinder the body’s natural immune defenses. People who have diabetes may also have nerve damage and poor circulation which can contribute to a weaker immune system. Sugar consumption can affect the performance of white blood cells and increase inflammatory markers in the body, even if you do not yet have high blood sugar levels. Elevated cortisol levels have also been associated with high sugar consumption, which can tax the adrenal glands and further decrease immune system function.

What Can You Do?

One of the best things you can do to decrease your risk of developing diabetes (and for increased health overall) is to cut out processed and sugary foods, and replace them with whole foods like nuts and seeds, grass-fed meats, fruits and vegetables, and good fats like coconut and olive oil. You should also be as active as you can which can mean going to the gym, doing a workout or yoga routine at home, or going for a walk a few times a week. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly may also help you maintain a healthy weight which may further decrease your risk of developing diabetes and other health conditions.

There are also some supplements that may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. These include:

  • 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.†
  • 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.†
  • Berberine –  Belongs to a class of naturally occurring alkaloids found in the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of a number of plant species. Studies with berberine in people with diabetes show that it exerts multiple beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.†
  • Perfect Plant Protein (Vanilla Bean) – This formulation 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.†

You are not doomed to have diabetes just because you have a family history of it, there are things you can do to help decrease your risk. So make good choices about food and exercise, it’s more important than you think!

You can listen to our How Blood Sugar Affects Immunity podcast here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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You Can’t Outrun Your Fork

Microphone and computer; are vitamins just expensive urine?

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The average American eats a large amount of processed foods that are typically full of chemicals, grains, simple carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. These foods are usually low in essential vitamins and minerals, and can contribute to inflammation, and one of the biggest offenders in the American diet today is gluten. With so many people unaware that they have a gluten sensitivity, there are many people eating gluten every day that are actually sensitive to it. Eating foods you have a sensitivity to can cause an inflammatory response and can damage the lining of your gut, as well as affect other organs. This chronic inflammation can wreak havoc throughout your body, and can cause symptoms that may be misdiagnosed as a medical condition in some cases. You cannot take enough supplements or exercise enough to compensate for continuing to eat something your body is sensitive to, which is why we say you can’t outrun your fork because you must fix your diet. However, many people don’t want to cut foods out of their diet until they are sure they are sensitive or allergic to them. So, in this week’s podcast episode we’ll go over some symptoms of food sensitivities, and discuss our new test that tests for gluten sensitivities as well as a couple of other food groups.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Wheat Zoomer/Leaky Gut/Food Sensitivity Panel Profile 1 – Vibrant’s Wheat Zoomer is a health analytics tool built to assist in the detection of wheat and gluten related disorders. It aids in the specific recognition of antibodies to wheat peptides, including gluten and non-gluten components along with intestinal permeability. The Wheat Zoomer allows detection of protein antibodies associated with wheat and gluten sensitivities for information to reduce, monitor and manage the inflammatory effects of those sensitivities.

Digest Ease – Digest Ease is a cinnamon flavored chewable tablet containing DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice root and rhizome extract) and mastic gum to support healthy digestion and gastrointestinal function.† This product may help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort associated with occasional indigestion.†

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.

Probio Ease – Probio-Ease is the next evolution in gut-health supplements. 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.†

You can also listen to You Can’t Outrun Your Fork on our YouTube channel here.

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Supporting a Healthy Immune System

Nutrient-dense foods and supporting a healthy immune system.

Autoimmune diseases are being diagnosed more and more frequently, and the causes are still not exactly known. Genetics, environmental toxins, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, poor eating habits, and sedentary lifestyles are all believed to contribute to the development of certain autoimmune diseases and other serious health conditions. Many people are looking for ways to decrease their risk of developing an autoimmune disease, and while there is no way to guarantee you never develop one, there are several things you can do to help support a healthy immune system.

Possible Causes of Autoimmune Issues

The average person can encounter thousands of different chemicals every day, with some of these being labeled as carcinogens or possible carcinogens. Many of these chemicals are also known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone production and hormonal balance, which can lead to many other problems. These chemicals can be found in certain processed foods and drinks, plastic containers, tap water, household cleaning products, cosmetics, perfume and cologne, soap, etc. Many of these chemicals can also contribute to inflammation in the body, potentially contributing to many different health conditions.

Chronic inflammation may also contribute to autoimmunity because the body may lose the ability to tell the difference between healthy tissue and something that needs to be attacked by the immune system. When inflammation occurs steadily over a long period of time, it can be difficult for the body to differentiate between the healthy tissue and something that needs to be attacked. This could eventually cause the body to mistakenly attack healthy parts of the body like the thyroid gland, skin, hair follicles, the nervous system, or other areas of the body that can be affected by autoimmune conditions.

Suppporting Immune Health

The good news is that there are many things you can do to help provide your body the nutrients it needs for a healthy immune system. Replacing any processed foods and drinks in your diet with whole foods like organic fruits and vegetables, healthy fats like coconut oil and avocados, and grass-fed and antiobiotic-free meats. A ketogenic diet (very low-carb and high-fat) is also a good diet to try out as it cuts out carbohydrate-rich foods like sugar and grains. These dietary changes may also help decrease gut inflammation and improve gut health, which in turn may help improve immune health.

You should also try to switch to natural products as much as possible. There are natural options for most products ranging from makeup and soap to household cleaning products like laundry detergent. There are also some supplements that can help ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need each day, which can be difficult through food alone. Taking a good multivitamin is always a good habit to get into, along with products like GI Immune that can help stimulate beneficial immune cells, and SBI Support that contains immunoglobulins which some people with certain autoimmune conditions may be deficient in. While doing these things doesn’t guarantee that you won’t ever struggle with an autoimmune condition, you can at least give your body the best chance you can of being healthy by sticking to healthy habits throughout your life.

You can listen to our Possible Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease podcast episode here. You can also listen 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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What Gut Type Are You?

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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Good gut health is so important to your overall health. An imbalance in the gut may contribute to the development of issues like allergies, skin conditions, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even some autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help heal your gut and reduce inflammation. Let’s discuss gut health and figure out what gut type you are.

Gut Types

There are specific gut types that create certain environments in your gut. They are as follows:

  • Candida Gut:
  • The bad habit – Ice Cream, Cookies, Cupcakes, etc.
  • Emotional Profile – Worrisome, Anxious, Obsessive.
  • Gastric Gut:
  • The bad habit – Inhaling your food (and large portions of it).
  • Emotional Profile – Fiery, passionate, reactive.
  • Stressed Gut:
  • The bad habit – Overdoing the coffee and booze.
  • Emotional Profile – Type-A workaholics.
  • Immune Gut:
  • The bad habit – Popping antibiotics every time you feel sick.
  • Emotional Profile – Impatient, frequently frustrated, quick to anger.
  • Toxic Gut:
  • The bad habit – Eating processed or fast food.
  • Emotional Profile – Impatient, frequently frustrated, quick to anger.

Try cutting out processed foods and sugars as much as you can, and replace these foods with whole foods like fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, and good fats like coconut oil. Eating a diet rich in natural foods and low in processed foods and keeping your immune system healthy may also help reduce inflammation which may help reduce your risk of developing many different health conditions. There are also many supplements you can take to help heal your gut. Consuming organic bone broth is another great way to help heal the lining of your gut and reduce inflammation. Bone broth also contains amino acids and collagen that can help improve gut health and digestion.

Product Mentioned in Today’s Show:

Stress Response – A comprehensive formula of nutrients and botanicals with demonstrated and unique neuro-supportive effects creates a robust and multifactorial approach to support daily brain health and function.

You can also listen to this podcast on our YouTube channel here.

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Obesity and ADD in Children

Obesity is a major problem in America with the obesity rate estimated to be 30% – 40% of the adult population. This means that there are an average of three to four obese people out of every ten adults, and this number is expected to continue to climb. Obesity has also become a major problem in younger age groups, including children. The childhood obesity rate in America is estimated to be around 18%, with the percentage increasing as they get older. Obesity contributes to so many different health problems, and is associated with a lower quality of life. Fortunately, your weight – or your young children’s weight – is in your control, and there are plenty of things you can do about it.

Standard American Diet (S.A.D.)

The Standard American Diet (or S.A.D. for short) is loaded with processed, high-sugar, high-calorie foods that are devoid of nutrition. Frozen meals, fast food, chips, cookies, sodas, processed meats, GMO’s, conventional dairy, genetically engineered food, fried food, colored foods and drinks, cereal, pizza – the list goes on and on. These foods contain very few vitamins and minerals, but contain very high amounts of sugar, carbohydrates, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and bad fats. For example, one can of Coca-Cola contains 140 calories and a whopping 39 grams of sugar. That’s more added sugar than the American Heart Association recommends you get for an entire day. It also contains:

  • High Fructose Corn Syrup – Known to increase inflammation in the body, and increase your risk of developing diabetes, cancer, obesity, and heart disease.
  • Caramel Color – Artificial color added to make foods and drinks brown, and often contains 4- methylimidazole, which is a possible human carcinogen.
  • Phosphoric Acid – A corrosive additive used to make the taste of soda stronger. This chemical has been linked to kidney issues, decreased bone density, increased acidity in the body, and may deplete the body’s calcium.

This is just one small example of something that’s commonly consumed. Coco-Cola doesn’t have a very long list of ingredients, but what it does contain can be very dangerous. Think about another food you eat that has ten or twenty ingredients listed, what do you think each of those chemicals are doing to your body?

Additionally, a diet high in empty calories doesn’t just leave you feeling hungry all the time and lead to weight gain, it can also lead to malnourishment. Many overweight or obese people are also considered malnourished due to the vitamin and mineral deficiencies many of them have. Eating a diet comprised mostly of organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, and healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil can help keep you feeling full and help treat and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Childhood Obesity

Obesity has started to affect people at younger and younger ages, with many children being obese by the time they reach the age of five. Most children eat a S.A.D. diet, and some children’s diets may be worse. It can be difficult to get kids to eat vegetables and other healthy foods, and the foods marketed towards children are often brightly colored and look fun. This can make it even harder to convince your child to eat their “boring” vegetables instead of the macaroni and cheese cut into the shapes of their favorite characters.

It is easier if a child ate whole foods throughout their child, but if they have been eating mostly processed, hyperpalatable (tasting unnaturally good, usually through the use of chemical additives) foods, then it can be difficult to switch them to a whole food diet. Try sitting down with your child and discussing the importance of nutrition in a way they can understand. Ask them what fruits and vegetables they would like to eat or want to try, and maybe let them help you prepare them. Children’s diets are typically heavily influenced by their parent’s diets, so if you’re concerned about what your child is eating, one of the best things you can do is lead by example and eat a balanced, whole food diet.

ADD and ADHD

ADD and ADHD are two more common problems affecting mostly children today. ADD and ADHD are very similar, and are often used to refer to the same condition of a child – or adult – who gets distracted easily, has difficulty concentrating, poor time management, hyperactivity, difficulty multitasking, etc. Interestingly enough, these conditions are often diagnosed in a school setting at fairly young ages. There are theories that it should not be classified as a disorder because it’s usually a case of a kid just wanting to play like a normal kid. Kids love to play and that’s their main source of real-world learning. When a child is forced to sit at a school desk for hours on end, this suppressed energy and need to play may come out as “ADHD”. Children are often given medication for what may be a completely natural response, but that’s not always the case.

Artificial colors can be found in a number of different foods and drinks, but products marketed for children tend to contain more. They can be found in snowcones, colored and flavored drinks, cereal, candy, sweets, chips, snack crackers, and other products. Artificial colors have been linked to increased hyperactivity in children, as well as liver damage. So, a hyperactive child may see some improvement when artificially colored and flavored foods and drinks are removed from their diet.S

Supplements

There are some supplements that may help combat these issues. These include:

GlycemaCORE – Powder designed to help promote nutrients and keep blood sugar levels balanced. It contains amino acids, protein, fiber and many other things designed to help you feel full.

5-HTP – Contains 5-hydroxytryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter largely responsible for regulating mood, happiness, and anxiety.

Innate 50-14 Clinical Strength – Clinical strength probiotic containing 50 billion total bacteria, and 14 different strains of bacteria.

Supernutes – Multivitamin designed for kids to help promote healthy vitamin and mineral levels.

Start eating less processed foods and more organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, and good-quality fats. These foods will help keep you feeling full, while also providing the nutrients you and your children need. Give these supplements a try as well. Try using GlycemaCORE in the morning instead of eating a bowl of empty calorie cereal. Your health is in your hands!

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What Diet is Right for You?

The start of a new year is the best time to create healthy habits and break the old, bad habits. Many people are buying gym memberships, joining weight loss programs, and starting a new diet, but not every diet is right for everybody. So, how do you know what diet is right for you? You need to first consider any food allergies you have and work around those, then you need to figure out your individual nutritional needs like protein, fat and carbohydrates. Doing these things and getting your blood work done should make it easier to find the diet that works for you.

Allergies and Nutrition

Food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities are much more common now than they were thirty years ago, and avoiding the foods that cause you issues is very important. Continuing to eat foods that you’re allergic to can cause inflammation, and chronic inflammation may contribute to a wide variety of issues including autoimmune disorders and cancer. So, if you have an allergy or sensitivity to dairy, for example, and you would like to try the Keto Diet, then you need to find safe alternatives to the large amounts of dairy that are typically consumed when following the Keto Diet. Coconut milk, almond milk, and coconut cream are just a few examples of dairy-free options.

Everyone’s genetics and daily routines are different, so you also need to consider your personal nutritional needs. For example, if you lift weights often, and/or have high muscle mass, then you will likely need to eat more protein than the average person. If you struggle with always feeling hungry, you could try a high-fat diet like the Keto Diet because fat keeps you feeling full and satisfied longer than protein and carbs do. However, if you have had your gallbladder removed you should be careful following a high-fat diet as it is harder for your body to digest fats without a gallbladder. You can still eat fat without a gallbladder, but taking digestive enzymes containing ox bile with each meal is crucial. Digestive enzymes containing ox bile – like Ortho Digestzyme – can help provide the extra bile your gallbladder used to be responsible for supplying, and that your body needs to properly digest fat. These are just a few examples of things you should think about before choosing a diet.

Keto

The Ketogenic (Keto) Diet is one of the most popular diets right now, and there are many people committed to following it. There are countless success stories, and it was a miracle diet for some people, but it’s not right for everyone. The main goal of the Keto Diet is to eat high-fat and low-carb foods with a general goal of seventy to eighty percent of your daily calories coming from fat, twenty to twenty-five percent coming from protein, and only five to ten percent coming from carbs. This typically means you’ll be eating less than fifty grams of carbs per day, with some people’s carbohydrate goals being even lower. Although this has already been mentioned, it is important and should be reiterated: If you have had your gallbladder removed you may find the Keto Diet difficult or uncomfortable to follow, this is why taking the proper digestive enzymes is so important. Both Panplex 2-Phase and Ortho Digestzyme contain ox bile and are great for aiding in digestion for those who have their gallbladder and those who don’t.

Vegan and Vegetarian

Vegan and vegetarian diets have helped many people, but we do not advise following these diets for a long period of time. Vegan and vegetarian diets can be good detox diets, giving your body a break from digesting meat which can use up more energy than digesting fruits and vegetables does. Many people have found that these diets made them feel great for the first two to six months, but they then suffered from low-energy, brain fog and weakness. This is likely due to the lack of vitamin B12 which people mostly get through animal products like fish, meat and eggs. It could also be due to insufficient protein or amino acids as it can be difficult to consume enough protein and amino acids on a vegan or vegetarian diet, especially for beginners. So, you could try one of these diets for a month or two to give your digestive system a break, but due to how restrictive these diets are we do not recommend following them for more than two months.

Whole Food

Regardless of what diet you choose to follow, it should be centered around eating whole, natural foods. A Keto Diet high in unhealthy, processed fats like vegetable oils can do more harm than good, or a vegan diet high in packaged, processed foods, even if they’re certified vegan, can be more unhealthy than what you were eating before. So, focus on high-quality fats like olive oil and coconut oil, fresh organic fruits and vegetables, organic grass-fed and free-range meats and eggs, and avoid packaged, processed foods. Many people get hung up on following a specific diet like the Keto Diet or a vegan diet, but it is often easier to simply focus on eating whole, natural foods. Do your best to eat a big serving of organic vegetables with every meal, choose grass-fed/free-range meat and eggs, eat organic fruit for dessert rather than sugary foods, and drink plenty of filtered water.

How Can I Know What I Need?

Fortunately, blood work results can tell us a lot about what’s going on in your body. We can learn about your thyroid function, your digestive health, liver function, kidney function, your immune system, blood sugar problems, heart health, and many others just by reading blood work results. There are many different things that can affect your ability to lose weight, so finding any abnormalities and dealing with them can make losing weight easier. Nutrients typically need to be adjusted to help restore certain organs and functions in your body, so giving your body what it needs can help you feel better and shed the pounds faster.

So, take note of any food allergies, consider your level of physical activity, and get your blood work done. Then, let us help you reach your goals by finding the right supplements and finding what diet would be best suited for your individual needs. Remember to drink plenty of clean water and eat lots of organic fruits and vegetables, regardless of what diet you choose to follow.

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Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is the name given to a group of risk factors that greatly increase your chances of experiencing diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. These risk factors include high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, excess body fat – especially abdominal fat – and high blood pressure. These are common issues, but having Metabolic Syndrome means you have at least three of these risk factors. Each one of these risk factors alone can increase your heart disease, diabetes and stroke risk, but having more than one is especially dangerous.

Can You Fix It?

Considering how common these problems are, many people are wondering – can you fix it? The simple answer is yes, but it takes work, dedication and consistency. Cleaning up your diet should be your number one priority when trying to fix Metabolic Syndrome. A diet high in sugar and processed food contributes to Metabolic Syndrome, and a diet low in sugar and high in fat and protein is what can help fix it. Getting your blood pressure to a normal level, controlling your blood sugar, and losing excess body fat go a long way in treating Metabolic Syndrome.

What to Eat

When trying to heal Metabolic Syndrome, or if you’re just trying to eat clean, you should focus mainly on a variety of vegetables, nuts and seeds, fruits, and lean meats like fish and chicken. Avoid high-sugar and high-carb foods like bread, cookies and pasta, and avoid processed foods like frozen pizzas, bagged chips and snacks, and processed meats like hot dogs, sausage and sandwich meat.

You should drink plenty of water and avoid soda and juice due to the high sugar content and chemicals – you should also avoid diet soda because artificial sweeteners have been found to contribute to Metabolic Syndrome. Unsweetened tea and coffee are safe to drink, but water should be the main thing you drink.

What to Take

There are a few supplements that can help treat some of the risk factors like high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood sugar. You should notice a difference after beginning a healthier diet and taking these supplements:

  • Diaxinol – Can help maintain a healthy blood sugar level
  • CM Core – Can help control blood sugar levels
  • CitraNOX – Can help normalize blood pressure
  • OrthoMega 820 – Can help raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol

Learning that you have Metabolic Syndrome shouldn’t discourage you, it should encourage you to lead a healthier lifestyle and reduce your heart disease, stroke, and diabetes risk. Remember that you have the power to fix it, and never give up the goal of being healthier!

Be sure to listen to our podcast on Metabolic Syndrome for more information!