Tag: Healthy

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Eating Clean and Stress-Free

Colorful salad as an example of clean and stress-free eating.

With all the different diets being pushed today, it can be hard to know which one you should follow. Keto, vegan, vegetarian, carnivore diet, Paleo, intermittent fasting, juicing, etc. all have their pros and cons, but some of these diets are very restrictive, and are often difficult to maintain. Most people just need to eat clean, regardless of a specific diet. Eating clean and stress-free means focusing on good fats, good-quality meats, filtered water, organic fruits and vegetables, and eliminating processed foods.

Good Fats

We talk a lot about good fats, and that is because they are essential to good brain health, heart health, hormonal balance, balanced energy levels, etc. Fat was demonized for many years, but researchers are now beginning to see the important role it plays in our health. It has shown potential in preventing diseases like dementia and heart disease. It can also help you lose weight because fat keeps you feeling full longer than protein and carbs do. However, fat is high in calories so watching your calorie intake may still be helpful when trying to lose weight.

So, what are some good fats? Organic cold-pressed coconut oil and olive oil, and fish oil are our top recommendations. Coconut oil contains healthy saturated fats that can help provide energy and increase HDL “good” cholesterol levels. Coconut oil also has a high smoke point meaning it holds up well to high-heat cooking. Olive oil contains a monounsaturated fat called oliec acid that may help decrease inflammation and potentially reduce cancer risk. There are some other good ones like avocados and avocado oil, and nuts and seeds like walnuts and cashews.

Good-Quality Meats

The rise of veganism has left some people wondering if they should reduce or eliminate meat from their diet. However, not all meat is bad, and cutting meat out of your diet may leave you susceptible to things like vitamin B12 and protein deficiencies, and anemia. While there are plant-based sources of iron and protein, they are not as easily absorbed by the body. The iron found in meat is heme iron and has a much better absorption rate than non heme iron found in plant sources. So, someone with high iron may benefit from reducing meat consumption, while an anemic person may need to increase it.

Protein from animal sources like meat, eggs, fish and dairy may be better as they contain all of the essential amino acids. When you consume protein, it is broken down into amino acids, but which amino acids it is broken down into depends on the source. Plant sources like beans and nuts are usually missing one or two essential amino acids. Protein from animal sources typically contains all nine essential amino acids, meaning it is often the better option.

Red Meat

While meat can be a great source of iron and protein, you may want to watch your red meat consumption. When red meat is consumed and broken down during digestion, your gut bacteria produces trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO has been linked to heart disease and has been shown to increase cholesterol deposits in the arteries. It has also been shown to have an effect on platelets, increasing the risk of blood clots. One study found that the highest levels of TMAO were found in people who consumed red meat every day. Chicken and poultry were not found to have this effect. Although this may sound scary, red meat can still be a healthy part of your diet. More research is needed on red meat, but for now try switching out red meat for fish, chicken or turkey a few times a week.

Organic Produce

You probably see organic products all the time, and you may wonder if it’s really worth the extra money. With the growing popularity of organic foods, skin care, and even makeup, it may just seem like a trend. However, there is a growing body of research showing the effects pesticides can have on our bodies.

Pesticide exposure has been linked to ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer. Some experts believe pesticides are the most dangerous environmental toxin due to how they common they are. Although organic produce is often still exposed to pesticides due to wind carrying it from sprayed fields, it tends to have much lower amounts than conventional produce. Simply washing your non-organic fruits and vegetables is not enough. Pesticide residue on the outside of the food can be washed off, but it also grows into the food. This is why we recommend buying organic products whenever possible.

Stress-Free Eating

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

Most people struggle to consume enough omega-3’s and magnesium from their diet, so supplementing with fish oil, magnesium and a multivitamin may help. Drinking enough water is also important, but it can be hard to know what kind of water to drink. We have an article that talks more about the different types of water here. Take a look at your diet and see if you can make some changes towards more clean and stress-free eating. Every step towards a healthier lifestyle matters, no matter how small.

You can listen to our Stress-Free Eating podcast here. You can listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Artificial Sweeteners

Gummy bears as an example of artificial sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners can be found in many different foods, drinks, candies, and even some medications. You may think they are a good alternative to sugar, but they may actually be doing more harm. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame have been linked to the development of birth defects, neurological diseases, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers. Let’s take a look at how our bodies react to different sweeteners.

Sucralose

The artificial sugar that gives Splenda its sweetness is called sucralose, and it can be found in a variety of foods and beverages like diet sodas, canned fruit, and sugar-free syrups and condiments. Sucralose is created through a chemical process that involves replacing three atoms on a sugar molecule with three chlorine atoms. This results in a sweet-tasting, calorie-free substance, but our bodies do not recognize it. The makers of sucralose claim that because it is indigestible it passes through your body without absorbing or doing any harm, meaning it is essentially calorie-free.

However, some animal studies done on the effects of sucralose in the body showed absorption rates as high as fifteen percent. Animal studies also showed a decrease in sperm count in male animals, decreased red blood cells, and increases in kidney issues, miscarriages, and deaths when sucralose was ingested daily. There have been very few studies done on humans about the effects of sucralose, with the longest study only lasting four days. So, we do not know what the long-term effects of daily consumption of sucralose could be.

Aspartame

Aspartame has a long, controversial history that is far too long to discuss in this article. It can be found in Equal and other brand-name artificial sweeteners. It is also in a wide variety of sugar-free food items like diet sodas and gum. Aspartame is a synthetic substance made up of two amino acids and something called a methyl ester bond. The two amino acids are phenylalanine and aspartic acid. While these amino acids are found in natural foods like meat, eggs, and fish, they are in much higher quantities in aspartame and are in unnatural proportions.

When aspartame is ingested, the body metabolizes it into the two amino acids. It breaks down into phenylalanine and aspartic acid, and is also broken down into methanol. Methanol is considered extremely toxic to humans because it breaks down into formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and it can have negative affects on the nervous system, vision, and gastrointestinal system.

Aspartame is also classified as an excitotoxin. Excitotoxins are compounds that essentially “excite” cells to death. They can stimulate nerve cells and brain cells until they become damaged or die. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is another example of an excitotoxin. Excitotoxins may contribute to the development of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

What Should I Eat Instead of Artificial Sweeteners?

We recommend eating a balanced diet containing plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meat, and good fats like organic coconut oil and olive oil. If you decide to eat something sweet, make sure that it is free of artificial sweeteners. Be especially wary of food and drink items labeled sugar-free as they usually contain some type of artificial sweetener. Reading ingredient labels on packaged foods and drinks is a great habit to get into. A few natural alternative sweeteners are stevia, monkfruit extract, erythritol, and xylitol. Erythritol and xylitol are sugar alcohols and can cause digestive upset in some people. So, limit consumption of these, and avoid them if you notice any diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues after consuming them.

The Takeaway

If you had been choosing artificial sweeteners in an effort to control your blood sugar, remember that the consumption of artificial sweeteners has been linked to the development of diabetes, and may not be a good alternative. Eliminating sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet is even more important if you are diabetic or have prediabetes. Certain supplements like CM Core and Diaxinol may also help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

If you are going to drink a soda, it is far safer to drink a soda made with sugar than a diet soda that contains artificial sweeteners. However, you should still limit your sugar consumption as much as you can. Some of the research is lacking on the potential harmful effects of different artificial sweeteners. So, it may be good to play it safe and consume only natural foods and sweeteners. We encourage you to read ingredient labels and research ingredients you don’t recognize, the answers may surprise you!

You can listen to our Bad Magic – Artificial Sweeteners podcast here. You can also listen to this podcast on our YouTube channel here.

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Tachycardia

Tachycardia generally refers to a resting heart rate that is higher than one-hundred beats per minute. Some potential reasons for an elevated heart rate are stress, anxiety, physical exertion through exercise or a physically demanding task, anemia, anger, certain medications, heart damage, congenital heart problems, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and some other medical conditions. Heart conditions are more common now than ever, and tachycardia is one of many. Let’s take a look at some reasons for an elevated heart rate, and what we can do about them.

Stress, Anxiety, and Anger

Your emotional state can affect your body in many different ways. One of the most common parts of your body that is affected by strong emotions is your heart. Stress, anxiety, and anger can increase cortisol levels and trigger a release of adrenaline. This release of hormones can lead to an elevated heart rate, faster breathing, feeling of a tight chest, and some research suggests that these strong emotions may also contribute to inflammation. This can be particularly damaging when someone experiences these emotions every day. Many people are experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, and/or anger due to things like a demanding career, an unhappy marriage, family issues, financial struggles, etc. This prolonged release of cortisol and other hormones can wreak havoc on the body, decrease adrenal gland function, and may increase a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and other medical conditions. However, if a person notices a high resting heart rate and is not experiencing stress, anxiety, or anger, other causes should be considered.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Some medical conditions can cause an elevated heart rate, even at rest. Anemia is a medical condition in which iron levels are too low, which decreases the amount of red blood cells, leading to lower oxygen levels in the blood. This can cause an elevated heart rate because your heart is trying to compensate for the low blood oxygen by pumping blood throughout the body faster. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which can also lead to an elevated heart rate. There are many other conditions that can cause an elevated heart rate, so it’s best to check with your doctor if you have an elevated resting heart rate to rule out any medical conditions. Certain medications can also cause an increase in heart rate, so you should be familiar with the potential side effects of any medications you are taking.

Heart Healthy Habits

The health of your heart largely depends on your diet and lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, engaging in light exercise, staying hydrated, practicing stress-reducing techniques, and taking supplements formulated to support heart health can all go a long way in keeping your heart healthy. Processed foods should be avoided as much as possible, and your diet should consist mainly of organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed and free-range meats, and high-quality fats like those found in coconut oil and olive oil. You should also do your best to drink around 64 ounces of clean, filtered water every day.

Some supplements that may help improve heart health include:

  • Orthomega – High-quality fish oil supplement providing EPA and DHA.
  • Bergamot BPF – Contains bergamot orange extract, which may help balance cholesterol levels and improve liver function.
  • Methyl CPG – Contains a high-dose of vitamin B12, and is designed to help decrease homocysteine levels in the body.

Taking care of your heart is so important, and we’re here to help you learn how!

You can listen to our Heart Health podcast here.

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SIBO Explained

Digestive disorders have become more and more common in the last few years. Diagnoses of conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, colitis, leaky gut syndrome, Celiac disease, and many others are increasing every year, but experts aren’t sure why. It could be due to a number of things such as increased environmental toxins, poor diet, low fiber, imbalance of good and bad bacteria, and possibly SIBO. Many doctors are beginning to look at SIBO as a possible root cause of many of these conditions, but what is it and why does it happen?

What and Why

SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and it occurs when bacteria begins to multiply in the small intestine. Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria of many different strains, with some being bad and some being good. An imbalance of good and bad bacteria is believed to contribute to many different health conditions, but SIBO isn’t always due to this. Most of the bacteria in the gut resides in the large intestine, but bacteria can make its way into the small intestine and cause problems. Even bacteria that is usually considered good can cause problems when it’s in the wrong place, as is the case with SIBO. Bacteria that should not be in the small intestine can find a way in and multiply.

So, bacteria can get into the small intestine and cause problems, but how did it manage to get there in the first place? There are a couple of potential reasons for this including low stomach acid, and a sluggish intestinal tract. Many people take medications like antacids that decrease stomach acid, and while some people may actually have too much stomach acid, many more people don’t have enough. Low stomach acid can cause a number of different problems like heartburn, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and overall poor digestion. When food is not digested properly it may move into the small intestine without being fully broken down, providing a great meal for any bacteria that shouldn’t be there. When the bacteria have an abundant food source, they can continue to multiply and worsen your symptoms.

A sluggish, poorly functioning intestinal tract may also contribute to the development of SIBO and other conditions. A sluggish intestinal tract has many potential causes including dehydration, not eating enough fiber, poor diet, certain illnesses like food poisoning, damage from past surgeries, and certain health conditions like hypothyroidism. When partially digested food moves through the intestines it typically contains bacteria from your stomach, and it may also attract bacteria that is in your intestinal tract. When this partially digested food and bacteria move too slowly through the intestines, as is the case with constipation (having less than 1-2 bowel movements per day), the bacteria can migrate to other parts of the intestines where it shouldn’t be, and begin to multiply.

Possible Symptoms of SIBO

SIBO can cause a number of different symptoms, including:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Nausea
  • Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Belching
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Food Allerges/Intolerances

Many other digestive disorders share these same symptoms, and a person may have been experiencing these symptoms for many years without realizing SIBO could be the cause. Doctors often diagnose this as IBS or other conditions, when it may have been SIBO the whole time.

IBS and Leaky Gut Connection

IBS and leaky gut syndrome are two of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, but they may be caused by SIBO in many cases. It is estimated that over 75% of IBS cases are caused by SIBO. IBS generally refers to a collection of symptoms (like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, food allergies/intolerances, etc.) rather than an actual disorder. IBS is often what doctors will “diagnose” you with if they haven’t found a specific reason for your symptoms. Over-the-counter medications for gas, diarrhea, or constipation may be suggested, but this doesn’t deal with the root cause. Almost all of the symptoms of IBS mentioned above are also symptoms of SIBO as listed earlier in this article.

Leaky gut syndrome, also sometimes referred to as intestinal permeability, is a condition is which the lining of the intestines becomes damaged. Tiny holes can form in the intestinal lining allowing food particles, toxins, and other substances to leak out into the bloodstream. The body recognizes these food particles and other substances as foreign invaders, and mounts an immune response against them. This is also how leaky gut syndrome can lead to food allergies/sensitivities because the body begins to recognize certain foods as foreign invaders, and the immune response can present itself as an allergic reaction. Inflammation is part of the immune response, and as we’ve discussed in other articles, chronic inflammation is believed to be a large contributing factor in the development of certain autoimmune diseases, cancers, and other serious health conditions. When someone has SIBO, the bacteria that have moved into the small intestine can damage the lining of the intestine, leading to intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which can lead to a host of other issues. Leaky gut symptoms can include headaches, constipation, food allergies/intolerances, gas, bloating, fatigue, brain fog, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and many others. Unsurprisingly, SIBO and leaky gut syndrome share many of the same symptoms.

Role of Diet

Diet may also play an important role in the development, treatment, and prevention of SIBO. A diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates like bread and pasta may provide a food source for bad pathogens in the gut like candida. While experts aren’t sure if SIBO or candida overgrowth occurs first, or if they are directly related, increasing the bad bacteria in your gut is not a good thing. Drinking enough water and eating enough fiber to help keep your bowels moving may help reduce your risk of developing SIBO and other conditions. Certain diets like the SCD (specific carbohydrate diet) have helped provide relief for some people suffering from SIBO.

Possible Treatment

SIBO is a complicated condition to treat, but it is not impossible. It often takes a lot of trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you. For many people with SIBO, it often takes a combination of supplements, diets like SCD or GAPS, intermittent fasting, and other measures to get the best results. Some supplements that may help with some of the conditions mentioned in this article include Candicid Forte, Intestin-ol, and Lauricidin. Candicid Forte and Intestin-ol may help reduce candida overgrowth, and Lauricidin has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic qualities, and may also help reduce candida overgrowth.

Regardless of whether or not you have any of the symptoms of the conditions discussed throughout this article, we recommend that you drink around 64 ounces of clean, filtered water each day, eat a diet low in grains, sugar, and processed foods, eat plenty of organic produce and healthy fats like coconut oil and olive oil, and eat high-quality meats. Digestive issues can have a serious impact on your everyday life, as well as potentially increasing your risk of developing more serious conditions later in life, so do what you can to help protect your gut!

Listen to our Is It SIBO or IBS? podcast here.

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Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain affects people of all ages, and it can be caused by several different things. An injury, certain infections and diseases, dehydration, and inflammation can all cause acute or chronic joint pain. Some of these things can be prevented through a proper diet, certain supplements, and light exercise, but what do you do if the pain has already started? Fortunately, there are some things that may help provide some relief, but we need to determine the cause first. Let’s take a look at the potential causes.

Inflammation

Inflammation is more dangerous than many people think, and some experts believe it may play a large role in the development of most chronic diseases. Inflammation typically occurs when the body experiences some form of damage, or recognizes a foreign invader like bacteria. Toxins, dehydration, infections, nutritional deficiencies, and injuries all damage the body, leading to inflammation. When a joint becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and redness. The inflammation could also be caused by a disease that affects the joints like arthritis, lyme disease, or lupus, or it may be due to toxins in the body, a lack of collagen, a vitamin or mineral deficiency, or dehydration.

Dehydration

Sometimes the cause of your pain is something simple, and dehydration is often overlooked. One survey found that about seventy-five percent of Americans are chronically deydrated. Chronic dehydration can cause a number of problems, and may contribute to some more serious health conditions. Chronic dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, dry/flaky skin, constipation, muscle aches, and joint pain. It may also contribute to the development of dementia, gastrointestinal issues, kidney stones, high blood pressure, and UTI’s. Excessive consumption of coffee and tea can also contribute to dehydration. You should be drinking about half a gallon of water a day, or more if you sweat frequently. Consuming enough electrolytes like sodium (salt), potassium, and magnesium is also important.

Types of Arthritis

There are different types of arthritis that have different causes. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint begins to break down, which typically occurs after the age of forty or fifty, but may occur in younger people who have frequently damaged their joints. Obesity, physically-demanding careers or sports, hormonal imbalances, genes, and other factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another common form of arthritis. RA is an autoimmune condition, and it occurs when the immune system begins attacking the lining of joints in the body,usually beginning in the hands and feet. It is unclear what causes RA to begin, but it may be due to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, genetic risk factors, and other things that may contribute to the formation of most autoimmune diseases.

One other common type of arthritis is gout, also called gouty arthritis. Gout occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood, and it begins to form painful crystals in the joints. Uric acid levels can get too high if the kidneys are not eliminating it quickly enough. Diabetes, alcohol consumption, poor kidney function, and consumption of certain foods may increase uric acid levels in the blood.

Reducing Joint Pain

There are some things you can do to help reduce joint pain, depending on what is causing it. The first thing you should do is to make sure you are drinking enough water every day. Chronic dehydration affects many people, but few realize it. You should be drinking about half a gallon of water a day, and possibly more if you sweat a lot during the day. You should also avoid inflammatory foods and drinks as much as possible. This includes soda, processed foods, processed meats like bacon and sausages, bad fats such as vegetable oil and margarine, conventional dairy products, fast food, breads, and pasta. Alcohol consumption should also be limited. Many of these can also contribute to a gout flare-up, so it is even more important to avoid these foods and drinks as much as possible if you struggle with gout.

There are also some supplements that may help reduce joint pain in certain situations. These include:

  • Traumeric – May help reduce inflammation in the body and joints.
  • CollaGEN – Helps to increase collagen levels in the body, possibly decreasing joint pain.
  • Reacted Multimin – Helps ensure you are getting enough minerals in each day.
  • Chondro-Flx – Contains ingredients designed to help support joint health and mobility, and may also help reduce joint inflammation.

Eating a healthy, varied diet, drinking plenty of filtered water, and taking supplements that support joint health may help reduce joint pain and inflammation. Getting into these habits early in life may also help reduce your risk of developing certain conditions that affect the joints. Joint pain isn’t always something you have to deal with for the rest of your life. We’ll do everything we can to help you feel better!

Listen to our Joint Pain or Arthritis podcast here.

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Antinutrients and Nightshades

Antinutrients are compounds mostly found in foods and drinks that interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients like certain vitamins and minerals. Legumes, grains, and nuts and seeds often have the highest concentration of antinutrients, but they can also be found in certain herbs, spices, and fruits and vegetables. There are many different types of antinutrients, but we are going to take a look at two of the most commonly discussed antinutrients: lectins and oxalates. Nightshades are a particularly common source of both lectins and oxalates, and many people eat at least one type of nightshade a day, but let’s take a look at the risks and benefits before you decide to cut them out of your diet.

Nightshades

Nightshades are a class of plants that includes many different types of flowers (including tobacco), trees, fruits, and vegetables. Foods like potatoes, tomatoes, chili powder, jalapenos and most other peppers (does not include black pepper), okra, some herbs like ashwagandha, and many other foods and spices are all part of the nightshade family. For many people, nightshades do not cause any issues, but for some they can act as an immune trigger. This is why most autoimmune protocols require you to eliminate all nightshades from your diet.

Symptoms of a sensitivity to nightshades can include gut issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), muscle aches, joint pain, increased mucus production, and acid reflux/heartburn. Many food sensitivities exhibit these same symptoms, so it can be difficult to determine if nightshades are the culprit. However, if you have these symptoms and have tried eliminating other food groups and haven’t seen an improvement in your symptoms, then it may be worth a try. If you choose to eliminate these foods, you should find a complete list of nightshade foods and herbs and eliminate them completely for at least one month, including those found in medications and supplements. You should also substitute the foods you eliminate with equally nutritious foods like celery, sweet potatoes, oranges, cauliflower, melons, etc. After one month has passed, you can begin to add nightshades back in, one at a time, and see if you experience any reactions.

Lectins

Lectins are a type of antinutrient most commonly found in peanuts, beans, lentils, eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, and grains like wheat, corn, and quinoa, among others. Lectins can cause bloating, gas, and indigestion, and they can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients. They are also difficult to digest, and can “cling” to the intestinal wall. This is especially harmful if leaky gut is already present, which is the case for many people. The lectins are often able to pass through the damaged intestinal wall and get into the bloodstream. When this happens, the body recognizes the lectins as invaders, and mounts an immune response to fight them. The body may also begin producing antibodies made specifically for lectins. As we have discussed before, chronic immune responses and the subsequent inflammation is believed to be the main cause of many autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer, so if you eat foods high in lectins daily like most people, you may have ongoing inflammation that could lead to more problems in the future.

Oxalates

Oxalates are another type of antinutrient that can be found in millet, spinach and other leafy green vegetables, chocolate, sweet potatoes, black tea, coffee, and many other foods and drinks. Oxalates tend to bind to calcium, preventing it from completely being absorbed, which can also lead to kidney stones. The most common type of kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones, which can occur when oxalates bind with calcium in the bloodstream and build up in the kidneys. A high-oxalate diet may also lead to increased inflammation, joint pain, and possibly decreased glutathione function. Glutathione is often called the “master antioxidant” due to its wide-range of detoxifying abilities, and is crucial to your health.

Our liver produces small amounts of oxalates, and there is some evidence that oxalates may have some benefits like helping to carry toxins out of the body, but this is not yet fully understood. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate oxalates from your diet because they are present in almost all plant-based foods, a low-oxalate diet may be especially beneficial for people who have had kidney stones.

It may feel like you can’t eat anything, but this isn’t true. The key is moderation, and you can enjoy foods that contain antinutrients (virtually all foods contain some), but they should be enjoyed in moderation and with plenty of variety. Taking digestive enzymes may also help your body break down and absorb nutrients more effectively, and GI Support may help decrease intestinal permeability which is a leading cause of allergies and other health issues. It is still important to eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, but try to limit the amount of raw vegetables you eat because they may be more difficult to digest and can contain more antinutrients than cooked versions. Also, remember to eat plenty of good fats, eliminate processed foods from your diet, and drink plenty of filtered water. Every little change helps!

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Common Nutritional Mistakes

Piles of vegetables as an example of good nutrition; common nutritional mistakes.

Health and nutrition recommendations are always changing, with new fads and ideas emerging every week, before research can be done to determine whether they are true or not. Some advice that has been around for years has been proven wrong, but many people continue to follow the advice and pass it on to others. With heart disease, cancer, and other health conditions on the rise, we should consider the idea that some of the recommendations that have been in place for years might not be the healthiest. Let’s look at some common nutritional mistakes, and what you can do instead.

Diet and Supplements

Let’s start by addressing the idea that taking enough supplements can offset the effects of a bad diet. Many people believe that they can eat what they want, and take enough supplements to fill in gaps in nutrition and prevent damage from processed foods, but this is not true. Supplements are a great way to get in nutrients that are difficult to get enough of through diet, and they are a great way to take in things you wouldn’t normally eat. For example, milk thistle is great for the liver, but it’s not something you typically see people add to their salad, so taking milk thistle as a supplement is a great way to get it into your body, but supplements should not be your main source of nutrients. You should get the majority of necessary vitamins, minerals, protein, and good fats from organic, whole foods, and you could supplement this diet with a good multivitamin, fish oil, and a probiotic. There is nothing that can completely offset the effects of a poor diet. A healthy, well-rounded diet is crucial to good health.

Saturated Fat

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. There have been many studies conducted on the connection between heart disease and saturated fat intake, and they have actually found 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.

Organic Foods

Some people believe that it is not worth the extra money to buy organic produce instead of conventional produce, but the dangers of pesticides are underestimated. Some experts believe that pesticides may be the most dangerous toxin we encounter due to how common they are. Pesticide exposure has been linked to many different health conditions including certain autoimmune conditions and cancers. Children may be especially sensitive to pesticides and other toxins because they do not have fully developed detoxification pathways. Organic produce is usually more expensive than conventional produce, but it is worth the money. You may be able to save money on organic produce and foods by shopping at your local farmer’s market, and taking advantage of sales and coupons when they’re available.

The importance of an organic, whole foods diet cannot be overstated, and 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. You can also add supplements like fish oil, a multivitamin, a probiotic, and others depending on your personal health goals. A good way to sift through the health trends and misinformation, and avoid common nutritional mistakes, is to think about what people ate before refined sugar was widely available: lots of fruits, vegetables, fats, and meats.

You can listen to our podcasts here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.