Weight Loss & Hormones

Weight Loss & Hormones

by Digestive SystemImmune System

Weight Loss and Hormones

The calorie-in/calorie-out hypothesis to diet and weight loss is inadequate.  Calories matter, but so do hormones.  You look and feel your best when your hormones are balanced.   When hormones are out of balance, you may feel irritable, miserable, fatigued, foggy, bloated, stressed and gain weight. Unbalanced hormones lead to weight loss struggles.

In people that eat healthy and exercise adequately, fat loss resistance is almost always due to hormonal imbalances.   The most common reasons that people are unable to loose weight are: excess cortisol, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, estrogen dominance, sluggish thyroid, low testosterone or HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) control system issues. 

Many hormonal imbalances can be addressed by diet and lifestyle changes together with targeted nutrients and supplements.  Less frequent, imbalances may require biodentical hormones in the lowest doses and for the shortest time necessary under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Weight Loss and Covid

Weight loss during covid requires extra discipline and work.  Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle during the current coronavirus pandemic is challenging, losing weight more so. It is important not to be too judgmental or self-critical.  

The coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdowns lead to dramatic changes in health and eating patterns, increasing stress and anxiety, and disrupting sleep. Health concerns, isolation, financial problems, job loss, and general uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to stress.  This additional stress together with the rise in unstructured time, the closure of gyms, parks and recreational centers, and movement restrictions may result in weight gain.

Being overweight and metabolism disturbances contributes to covid-19 negative outcomes.  Obesity leads to a reduction in adiponectin, a substance that protects the lungs.  People with a history of obesity, hypertension, chronic lung disease, diabetes and heart disease may have the worst prognoses from covid-19.

Weight Loss: Hormones that Affect Weight

  • Cortisol
    Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Our modern stressed lifestyle often lead to very high levels of cortisol. Strict diets and stress, shame or guilt around food also raises cortisol. Excess cortisol depletes serotonin, causes insomnia, overeating, weight gain and increases fat deposits, especially around the abdomen. High cortisol is also linked to depression, irritability, fatigue, food addiction and sugar cravings.
  • Insulin
    Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas beta cells. It is secreted in small amounts throughout the day, and in larger amounts after a meal. Insulin is responsible for allowing glucose in the blood to enter cells, providing them with the energy to function. Insulin is also the main fat storage hormone in the body. It tells fat cells to store fat, and prevents stored fat from being broken down. Insulin resistance occurs when insulin becomes ineffective and glucose is unable to enter cells. The liver then converts the glucose into fat. Insulin resistance can cause weight gain, sugar addiction and metabolic syndrome.
  • Leptin
    Leptin is a hormone that is produced in fat cells and reduces appetite. Leptin signals the brain to stop eating when you’re full. It also tells the brain that there is enough fat stage which helps prevent overeating. Overweight people have more fat cells and very high levels of leptin. When the brain receives too many leptin signals, it shuts down; leptin levels keep rising, receptors stop functioning, leading to leptin resistance. Leptin resistance increases hunger and reduces the number of calories burnt, causing weight gain. Leptin levels are also reduced when you loose weight, making it very hard to maintain weight loss.
  • Ghrelin
    Ghrelin is a hormone produced by enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, and is often called a "hunger hormone" because it increases food intake. Ghrelin levels are highest before eating, and lowest after a meal. In overweight people, gherkin decreases very little after meals.
  • Estrogen
    Estrogen is one of the most important female sex hormones. It is mainly produced in the ovaries, with small amounts produced by the adrenal glands and fat tissue. Both very high and low levels of estrogen can lead to weight gain. Estrogen dominance occurs when you have too much estrogen compared with its counter-hormone, progesterone. Having too much estrogen in the body causes a number of symptoms, including weight loss resistance, moodiness, PMS, and heavy periods.
  • Thyroid
    The thyroid creates hormones T4 and T3 that control metabolism, and dictate how fast or slow you burn calories. A sluggish thyroid causes weight gain, fluid retention, hair loss or thinning, depression, and constipation, among other problems.
  • Testosterone
    Testosterone belongs to a group of hormones known as androgens. Testosterone levels affect fertility, sex drive, red blood cell production, muscle mass and fat distribution. Although men have more testosterone than women, the female adrenal glands and ovaries produce small amounts of this important hormone
  • Hypothalamic-Pituatary-Adrenal Axis
    The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is responsible for helping us adapt to stress. In response to stress, cortisol is released. We need cortisol for the body to function properly, but when we are constantly stressed the HPA axis gets desensitized to the negative feedback loop, leading to chronic stress on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands.

Emotional Factors and Weight

Emotions, beliefs and attitudes can derail weight loss. Unprocessed and negative emotions can lead to overeating, alcoholism and other unhealthy addictions. Shame, judgement and obsession also triggers excess cortisol and contributes to weight loss resistance.  Starvation, restricted eating and excess exercise  cause hormonal imbalances and consequent weight issues.

Weight Loss & Hormones: A Reset

  • Eat well. Eat an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, healthy proteins and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugar, sugar substitutes and hydrogenated or trans fats.
  • Move. Exercise including yoga, Pilates, dance, weight training, and burst cardio (alternating brisk walks with normal pace). Burst training help stabilize cortisol and raises growth hormone.
  • Manage stress. Meditate.
  • Get adequate sunlight. Spend time in nature.
  • Get adequate sleep.
  • Supplement if necessary. Ashwagandha and phosphatidyl serine help balance cortisol. Berberine and milk thistle help balance insulin. Di-Indole Methane (DIM) helps balance estrogen.
  • Address nutrient deficiencies. For example low vitamin C lowers progesterone which makes you overwhelmed and anxious.
  • Remove toxins such as bisphenol A which interferes with estrogen, insulin, thyroid and testosterone messages in the body.

It is important to balance hormones to attain peak health, feel good, energized and focused as well as to maintain a healthy weight.

Vitamin D Cuts Risk Covid-19

Vitamin D Cuts Covid-19 Risks

by Immune SystemInflammationRespiratory System

Vitamin D May Cut COVID-19 Risks

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased covid-19 infection risk.  

Vitamin D

Vitamin D (also referred to as “calciferol”) is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.  It is available in a few foods and as a supplement.

Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, foods, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first occurs in the liver, and the second occurs primarily in the kidneys.

Vitamin D Benefits

Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body, namely:

  • Promotes healthy bones and teeth.
  • Supports immune, brain, and nervous system health.
  • Regulates insulin levels and supports diabetes management.
  • Supports lung function and cardiovascular health.
  • Influences the expression of genes involved in cancer development.

Vitamin D and Respiratory Infections

Interest in a potential role for vitamin D in the prevention or treatment of acute respiratory infections dates back to the 1930s, when cod liver oil was investigated as a means to reduce industrial absenteeism due to the common cold.

Vitamin D is important to the function of the immune system and it is well established that vitamin D supplements lower the risk of viral respiratory tract infections.  

Vitamin D and Covid-19

At Boston University School of Medicine (BU), hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were vitamin D sufficient had significantly better clinical outcomes, with marked decreased risk of becoming unconscious, hypoxia and death. In addition, they had lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker), and higher blood levels of lymphocytes (a type of immune cell that helps fight infection).  BU defined Vitamin D sufficient as blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of at least 30 ng/m

There are about 30 studies demonstrating that having optimal blood levels of vitamin D reduces Covid-19 risks. Many researchers regard this evidence as overwhelming, although there are always those that claim we need more research.

iIn the meantime, there is little to be lost (vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and have low risk of toxicity) and a huge amount to gain by recommending an adequate daily dose of vitamin D3. 

In particular, vitamin D:

  • Decreases COVID-19 infection and transmission.
  • Lessens coronavirus replication by affecting zinc metabolism.
  • Reduces symptoms.
  • Promotes viral clearance by modulating effects on dendritic and T cells.
  • Reduces inflammatory response
  • Controls the covid-19 cytokine storm by lowering interleukin-6 levels .

A possible caveat is vitamin D’s effect on viral spread, since by reducing inflammation,  it may increase asymptomatic carriage.

Vitamin D: Deficiency and Insufficiency

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is widespread in both children and adults worldwide.  The deficiency is likely attributed to the ubiquitous use of sunscreens and the fear of sun exposure. 

The low costs of vitamin D and its general safety, at least at doses of up to 4000 IU per day, strongly supports vitamin D supplementation.  This supplementation is even more important for groups at high risk for covid-19, such as the elderly and the immune suppressed. 

How Much Vitamin D?

The exact dosage of vitamin D depends on blood levels.  Most people need to supplement to get optimal levels.   Below are general guidelines: 

  • Infants ... 400-1000 IU
  • Children … 600-1000 IU.
  • Teens/Adults … 1500-2000 IU

An Optimal Immune System to Fight Covid-19

Until we have a vaccine or effective treatment plan, it is important to do all we can to strengthen our immune system, including

  • Eat an anti-inflammatory, low glycemic index, Mediteranean diet rich in vegetables, fruit. healthy fats, nuts, seeds and wild caught fish.
  • Exercise.
  • Manage stress.
  • Get adequate sunlight exposure.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Supplement as needed, including vitamin D

Please consult a nutritionist or other qualified health professional before starting any supplementation.  People with certain medical conditions, such as kidney problems, cannot safely take vitamin D.

GMO Foods - Genetically Modified Foods

GMOs: Genetically Modified Organisms

by Digestive SystemImmune System

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

GMOs: Genetically Modified Definition

GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material, or DNA, has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering.  This creates genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.  Thus, GMOs refer to something living that has been artificially changed on a genetic level in order to alter one or more characteristics.

GMOs: Genetically Modified Safety

The safety of Genetically Modified Organisms s a hot debate. Consumers continue to be concerned about both the food safety and the nutritional equivalence of GMO foods. In a 2015 Pew Research Center survey of consumers, 57% of adults believe that eating GMO foods is unsafe, while 37% say they believe it is generally safe.

GMOs: Genetically Modified Rationale

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that the world will have to grow 70% more food by 2050 just to keep up with population growth. Climate change will make much of the world's arable land more difficult to farm.

Globally, about a tenth of the world's cropland includes GM plants. Four countries, namely the U.S., Canada, Brazil and Argentina, grow 90 percent of the planet's GM crops

Most GMOs have been engineered to increase crop yields and resistance to pathogens.  Genetically modified foods  are also engineered to increase tolerance to environmental variables such as temperature, water availability, etc., as well as to decrease the need for pesticides.  

GMOs: Nutritional Equivalence

The testing for substantial equivalence of GM and non-GM crops involves the quantification of selected molecules. The GM crop is assessed for agronomic, morphological and chemical characteristics, such as macro- and micro-nutrients, anti-nutrients and toxic molecules.

GMOs and their non-GMO counterpart are nutritionally equivalent, unless the nutritional content of the GM crops has been intentionally modified.

GMOs: The Genetically Modified Experiment

In 2019, up to 92% of U.S. corn, 94% of soybeans and 94% of cotton were grown from genetically modified seeds.  Knowingly or unknowingly, we are consuming genetically engineered foods without full knowledge of their side effects.

Some argue that we have consumed many GMO meals with no apparent side effects.   However, if we look closer at data, we realize that there are many more side effects than first thought, and that the benefits many not outweigh the consequences. 

GMOs: Observations & Side Effects

  • Food Allergies … The incidence and severity of food allergies has risen dramatically in the past 35 years. This coincides with the introduction of GM foods. Since plant proteins are changed in GM crops, it is very likely that there allergies are due to the genetic changes in the foods we eat.
  • Obesity Epidemic … Obesity continues to rise at an alarming pace worldwide. Studies have shown a correlation between the obesity epidemic and increased corn consumption, specifically genetically modified Bt corn. It is very possible that genetically modified foods are the culprit for our obesity epidemic.
  • Increased Use of Toxic Herbicides and Pesticides … The pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is inserted into the DNA of certain vegetables so that they can secrete their own pesticide. The argument for this modification is that we can then reduce the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides. However, the use of pesticides has continued to increase significantly. Toxic pesticides are used to control the Bt resistant insects. These strong pesticides also affects the bees and other pollinating insects.
  • Increased Toxins … Genetic modification is intended to improve crop performance. One of these methods is to increase a plant’s resistance to insecticides. However, this increased resistance to pesticides promotes increased use of agrochemicals. This causes more toxic runoff in our waters and toxins in the foods that we eat.
  • Local Farming and Ecology … GM and big corporate farming have devastated local farming and ecology.

Most studies that purport to show the safety and GMOs are performed by the organizations promote them.  Long-term health effects can be subtle and nearly impossible to link to specific changes in the environment. Scientists have long believed that Alzheimer's disease and many cancers have environmental components, but few would argue we have identified all of them.

The fact that we do not see immediate, clear and obvious side effects is not he same as being proven safe.

Cruciferous Vegetables and Air Pollution Effects

Cruciferous Vegetables and Air Pollution Effects

by Immune SystemInflammation

Cruciferous Vegetables and Air Pollution Effects

Outdoor air pollution is the ninth leading cause of death and disability in the world.  

In 1970, when the air quality standards were established, air pollution was regarded primarily as a threat to respiratory health. Over the next decades as research advanced, public health concern broadened to include cardiovascular disease; diabetes mellitus; obesity; and reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders.

Air pollution exposure is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in human cells, which leads to cancer and chronic diseases. In 2013 WHO deemed air pollution a human carcinogen.  We must demand public policy measures to reduce air pollution, including vehicle inspections, efficient public transport, bus lanes, bicycle lanes and urban tolls, amongst others.

Detoxifying Enzymes

We have detoxifying enzymes in our liver and the linings of our lungs.  Studies show that people born with less effective detox enzymes have an exaggerated allergic response to diesel exhaust, suggesting that these enzymes actively combat the inflammation caused by pollutants in the air.  

We can boost the activity of these detoxification enzymes.

Cruciferous Vegetables Boost Detoxifying Enzymes

Cruciferous vegetables improve our ability to detox carcinogens from air pollution, decrease inflammation and increase our defense against infections.  

Cruciferous veggies are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress and radishes. The name “cruciferous” is an informal classification for members of the mustard family and comes from the Latin cruciferae meaning “cross bearing,” because the four petals resemble a cross.

While these veggies grow in all different colors, shapes and sizes, they share several nutritional benefits. Most cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals such as folate and vitamin K. Dark green cruciferous veggies also are a source of vitamins A and C and contain phytonutrients — plant-based compounds that may help to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer. Cruciferous vegetables also are rich in fiber and low in calories, a combination that will help you feel full and satisfied without overeating.

Studies show that cruciferous vegetable consumption decreases inflammation in smokers and nonsmokers, and eating more than two cups these vegetables a day is associated with a 20 percent reduced risk of dying (compared to eating a third or less of a cup).  

While politicians fight over public policy, we can and must protect ourselves by consuming cruciferous vegetables.  Supplements may be useful, but as with all supplements, consult with a nutritionist our nutritionally aware health professional.

Coffee: Health Benefits & Risks

Coffee Health Benefits

by Cardiovascular SystemDigestive SystemEndocrine SystemImmune SystemInflammationNervous System

Coffee Health Benefits

Coffee has many health benefits, and helps prevent some chronic and neurodegenerative diseases.

Coffee is one of the most popularly consumed beverages in the world and a high proportion of adults drink coffee daily.  It is estimated that around 2.25 billion cups of coffee are drunk worldwide per day.

Coffee Active Compounds

Coffee contains hundreds of bioactive compounds, including caffeine, chlorogenic acid, polyphenols, and small amounts of minerals and vitamins, some of which have positive effects on health. In particular, coffee contains riboflavin (vitamin B-2), niacin (vitamin B-3), magnesium, potassium, and various phenolic compounds, or antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce free radicals, a type of waste product, produced by the body as a result of certain processes.  Free radicals are toxic and cause inflammation.  Scientists have found links between inflammation and chronic diseases as well as various aspects of metabolic syndrome.

Coffee Health Benefits

Epidemiological studies suggest that coffee has beneficial effects on various medical conditions, including:

  • Parkinson's disease
  • Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Suicide
  • Liver disease
  • Overall mortality

Coffee Risks

The quality of coffee is very important.  Commercial low grade coffee contains mycotoxins including acrymalide.

Drinking too much coffee can have adverse effects, including:

  • Bone fractures
  • Pregnancy loss
  • Low birth weight
  • Preterm birth
  • Gasteoesophageal reflux disease
  • Anxiety
  • Mental health

How Much Coffee?

A meta-analysis from 2017 concluded that it is generally safe for most people to consume three to four cups of coffee per day, and that doing so may actually reduce the risk of certain health conditions.

As we begin to unravel the polypharmacology of the micronutrients in coffee, it seems likely that it will be possible to optimize their composition to enhance efficacy so as to provide widely available, inexpensive, and effective therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Coronavirus & Immune System

Strong Immune System for a Coronavirus World

by Immune System

Strong Immune System for a Coronavirus World

We live in a hyperconnected world full of pathogens. The coronavirus, seasonal flus and other viruses are around us for the long haul.  Vaccinations can be lifesaving, but they time time to develop and may not be completely effective.  In a coronavirus world, it is imperative to build a strong immune system. 

Your Immune System

You have an amazing immune system. It is a complex, marvelous fighting system connected by blood and lymph.  You can stay healthy and vital by giving your immune system optimal nutrients and conditions.

  • Wash Your Hands Frequently ... Using soap and water regularly throughout the day can strip your hands of the germs that are so easily transferred internally when you casually touch near your eyes, nose, or mouth. Avoid hand sanitizers as these have been linked to the development of cancer.
  • Eat Well ... Eat a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic index foods with a heavy emphasis on organic vegetables.
  • Drink Adequate Amounts of Water ... Drink 64-96 ounces of filtered water throughout the day. Water helps flush toxins from the body and keeps mucus thin if you do happen to be fighting off a cold.
  • Reduce Sugar ... Sugar decreases immune response by 50% for up to five hours after consumption.
  • Exercise Daily ... Physical activity helps strengthen your immune system. A 2010 study showed that a 30-45 minute daily walk increases the amount of immune system cells present in the body.
  • Get Sufficient Sleep ... Sleep is essential to our health in many ways. A 2015 study showed that people sleeping for less than six hours a night are more than four times as likely to catch a cold as their peers who sleep for more than seven hours a night.
  • Manage Stress ... Meditation is a great calming, stress-busting activity. Those positive effects can have a major impact on our immunity. A 2012 study showed that meditation reduces respiratory infections by 40 to 50 percent.
  • Supplement ... There are a number of herbs and nutraceuticals that can help power up your immune system, including echinacea, astralagus, reishu mushrooms, beta glucans, pau d’arco, etc.

A Coronavirus World

A strong immune system helps you stay healthy in a coronavirus world.

We can use the coronavirus threat as impetus for building health and vitality from the ground up and using medication and vaccination wisely,  As Pasteur said on his deathbed, “The pathogen is nothing; the terrain is everything.

Please consult an integrative nutritionist, or a qualified health professional, for a custom immune system boosting plan, and before taking any supplements.  

 

Nutrition in a Coronavirus World: Eating in a Pandemic

Eating in a Coronavirus World

by Immune System

Eating in a Coronavirus World

Healthy eating and lifestyle habits have a big impact on how well you fare and feel in a coronavirus world.

Nutrition for a Pandemic

COVID-19 has turned our world upside down.  In times of chaos, it is imperative to eat well and adopt healthy lifestyle habits as we settle into our new normal.  These measures strengthen our immune system, our best defense in a pandemic.

Focusing on nutrition is something that is within our control.  We can choose how we care for our ourselves.

  • Increase Vegetables and Fruits ... Incorporating more vegetables into your diet is a great way to keep your immune system strong.  Eat vegetables of every colour, fresh or frozen. In particular, include food high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant. Fruits and vegetables particularly high in vitamin C include red and green bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, cantaloupe, papaya, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, skin-on baked potatoes, spinach and green peas.
  • Include Protein-Rich Foods ... Protein plays a major role in tissue repair and recovery.
  • Include Zinc-Rich Foods ... Zinc is especially important for our immune system. Good sources of zinc include oysters, salmon, flounder, sole, some cheeses, legumes, almonds and cashews.
  • Add anti-inflammatory spices ... Some spices not only enhance flavour, but also reduce inflammation in your body. Cook with a lot of garlic, onions, ginger and turmeric as well as rosemary, cinnamon, sage, cloves, oregano, parsley, mint and cilantro.
  • Add fibre … Dietary fibre is found in grains, nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Fibre is made up of the indigestible parts or compounds of plants, which pass relatively unchanged through our stomach and intestines. The main role of fibre is to keep the gut healthy. All health starts in the gut.
  • Eat mindfully … Being stressed, anxious or bored often leads to overeating. Mindless eating on processed and sugar-rich food increases weight, anxiety, fatigue and inflammation and hampers the immune system. It is a good idea to have a few healthy snacks on hand, such as fruit, nuts, raw veggies. Avoid nighttime snacking.
Stress and Adaptogens

Stress and Adaptogens

by Cardiovascular SystemDigestive SystemEndocrine SystemImmune SystemNervous System

Stress and Adaptogens

Stress is a natural feeling of not being able to cope with specific demands and events. Stress can be a motivator, and it can even be essential to survival. The body’s fight-or-flight mechanism tells when and how to respond to danger. However, when the body becomes triggered too easily, or there are too many stressors at one time, it  undermines mental and physical health, and becomes harmful.

Adaptogens are a unique group of herbs used to improve the health of the adrenal system which manages the body’s hormonal response to stress.  Adaptogenic substances have been part of ancient herbal practices in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. 

Adaptogens work subtly and normalize body imbalances, simultaneously calming you down and increasing your energy, without over stimulating. They help the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently and help cells eliminate toxic byproducts of the metabolic process.

Top 6 Adaptogens

  • Ashwagandha ... One of the most esteemed herbs in Ayurveda, ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration. It’s been shown to help treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels, and has also been studied for its ability to boost testosterone and increase libido.
  • Maca ... A very nutritious herb, maca was used traditionally to enhance fertility and sex drive, and to improve energy and stamina. It’s a great source of several vitamins, including vitamin C. In Peru, maca has been used to improve learning & memory in children. Several studies have shown that maca can improve your mental well-being & mood by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Rhodiola ... Rhodiola suppresses cortisol while enhancing stress-resistance. It contains a phytochemical called salisdroside which helps the body regulate cortisol after periods of intense stress. It helps reduce fatigue & exhaustion and promotes longevity. Studies are showing that rhodiola supports cognitive function & is a good nervine tonic.
  • Panax Ginseng ... Studied extensively, panic ginseng appears to be effective for improving mood, immunity, energy levels & brain function. Panax ginseng is also used to regulate blood sugar in diabetes. Some studies have shown that panax ginseng increases the well-being & happiness in people who are sick.
  • Reishi Mushrooms ... Reishi strengthens the immune system and helps build resistance to stress. It is very beneficial in chronic diseases like bronchitis, leaky-gut syndrome, HIV, Epstein-Barr and even cancer. It also has the ability to lower cholesterol & triglycerides in the blood.
  • Astragalus ... A fundamental herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus boosts the immune system. It has has been studied for its cardio protective, anti-inflammatory and immune activating effects.
Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune Disease

by Immune System

Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disease affect over 50 million Americans, and affect women disproportionately. They are many types of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, lupus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Grave’s disease, and others.

Autoimmune conditions cause many different symptoms all over the body that range from mild to severe in nature.

Autoimmune Disease Definition

An autoimmune disease is an immune response caused by systemic inflammation that leads your body to attack itself. The immune system is responsible for identifying and destroying all foreign substances in your body.

Autoimmune diseases arise when the body is defending itself against a foreign substance, and fails to differentiate between the foreign substance and parts of your body. The immune system mistakes body tissues for foreign substances, produces antibodies against itself, and wreaks havoc on your organs.

Possible Causes & Aggravators

  • Genetics
  • Toxins
  • Heavy metals
  • Mycotoxins
  • Infections
  • Candida
  • Food sensitivities and intolerances
  • Cause or aggravate candida

Autoimmune Disease Signs

  • Joint pain, muscle pain, weakness or tremors
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  • Heat intolerance or cold intolerance
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Recurrent skin rashes or hives
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Fatigue or hyperactivity
  • Hair loss
  • White patches on skin or inside mouth
  • Dry eyes, mouth or skin
  • Digestive issues including cramping, diarrhea, constipation

Autoimmune Disease Treatment

Conventional medicine treats the symptoms using anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and immunosuppressants. Unfortunately, these fail to address the underlying cause and may have serious health consequences when taken long term. If it important to discover and address the root cause.

Natural treatments look for the root cause. It is vital to find and treat the root cause of the autoimmune condition in order to reverse it.  These include:

  • Nutrition, specifically an elimination anti-inflammatory diet
  • Test for and treat symbiosis and Candida
  • Test for and treat leaky gut
  • Test for and treat underlying infections
  • Test for and treat toxins and mycotoxins

It is important to work with an integrative nutritionist, or qualified health professional, to find and treat the root cause.

Cancer Promoting Foods

Cancer Promoting Foods

by Digestive SystemImmune System

Cancer Promoting Foods

It is important to avoid cancer promoting foods in your home.  Research shows that most cancers can be prevented. Scientists  estimate that 60-70% of cancers are all preventable through changes in diet and lifestyle.

Foods that Promote Cancer

  • BPA Lined Cans ... BPA is found in hard plastics and resins and is used to coat metal cans. BPA can also be found in numerous plastic products and dental composites. Studies link BPA to cancer, infertility, diabetes and obesity.
  • Cured and Smoked Foods ... Nitrates and nitrites act as preservatives to prevent food from spoiling. When cooked, nitrites and nitrates change into nitrosamines and nitrosamides which are associated with an increased risk of cancer.
  • Farmed Fish ... According to Food and Water Watch, farmed fish contain high levels of chemical pollutants including PCB’s, a known carcinogen. Farm fish also have high levels of antibiotics and pesticides.
  • Grilled Meat ... Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, are produced through certain types of combustion, such as the burning of coal or wood. When fat from meat drips onto a fire, PAH clings to the food being cooked increasing cancer risk.
  • Hydrogenated Oils ... Hydrogenated oils or trans fats are man-made substances whose purpose is to increase product shelf life. They are linked to autoimmune diseases, inflammation, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
  • Microwave Popcorn ... Popcorn bags are lined with perfluoroalkyls, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate to prevent oil from soaking through the packaging. Upon heating, these chemicals leach into the popcorn, contaminating blood and increasing risk of tumors in various organs including liver, pancreas, testicles, prostate and breast.
  • Refined Sugars ... Researchers have found links between sugar and increased risk for heart disease, higher blood triglyceride levels, obesity, immune suppression, arthritis and other diseases. Cancer cells thrive on sugar.
  • Soda/Sports Drinks ... There is no nutritional value in soda or sports drinks. These drinks contain high fructose corn syrup, sugar, dyes, brominated vegetable oil (a flame retardant), as well as aspartame which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Avoiding these cancer promoting foods ensures a healthier you and may help prevent chronic and degenerative diseases.