Thursday, September 29, 2011

Whey To Go!

The whey connection to glutathione—the “master” antioxidant.
Since Fall is the second best season to detox—after spring—now would be a wonderful time to support your body’s glutathione production—the key to complete detoxification!

Glutathione becomes easily drained because it is zapped so easily by chemicals, molds, heavy metals, and electromagnetic energy fields. In fact, a continuous supply of glutathione is needed to neutralize all types of toxins including drugs and over-the-counter meds that contain acetaminophen—like Tylenol. It is interesting to note that in people with serious diseases, glutathione levels are severely diminished, suggesting this key antioxidant plays a major role in immune system defense and liver health.

Glutathione works its magic by supplying an extra electron to unpaired free radical molecules, returning them to a benign state. But, in giving up an electron, the glutathione itself becomes a free radical! With the help of alpha lipoic acid, glutathione can becomes recharged and renewed to fight another day which is why I added alpha lipoic acid to the Female and Male Multiple formulas—terrific multivitamin components for use on a daily basis. Alpha lipoic acid is a very special antioxidant because, unlike any other, it can cross both the water and lipid permeable cell membranes, so it can work anywhere in the body—including the brain! This is quite a feat.

Alpha lipoic acid is used with glutathione by neurosurgeons to restore nerve and brain function in people with mold-related neuropathy, as well as brain damage. This is truly life-saving. Some neurosurgeons are using a combination of glutathione with alpha lipoic acid to combat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and even autism.

Of course, we should all be consuming more glutathione-rich foods (think asparagus and artichokes) or its precursors as well as avoiding pollutants as much as possible. Glutathione is a funny substance, however. It is difficult to increase levels through direct glutathione supplementation because it breaks down so easily. It is better to ingest the precursors from which glutathione is made. Protein helps with the production of this powerful antioxidant, especially whey protein that is not heated or denatured or filled with hormones or antibiotics.

This incredible antioxidant stands on the forefront battling against disease, cancer, toxins, and aging. In fact, it has earned the name “the toxic waste neutralizer,” since it is a major player in the detoxification process and fights free radicals.

Since protein is such an essential player in glutathione production and the body can’t store it, you need to obtain the proper amounts daily. Hedge your bets with glutathione-producing Fat Flush Whey Protein, which is available in vanilla or chocolate. Fat Flush Whey Protein is sourced from the purest milk, is 99% lactose free, and is made from Grade A milk. It contains the key building blocks in the form of amino acids that most successfully generate glutathione.

Most U.S. cows produce milk with A1 protein, a genetic mutation. Some researchers have linked whey from A1 protein cows to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and digestive problems. Fat Flush Whey Protein contains non-mutant A2 protein that has not been associated with any of the problems that A1 protein has. Easy to digest, A2 protein also contains the amino acid proline—which fights aging by supporting collagen.

As the Italians used to say, “if you want to live a healthy and active life, drink whey and dine early!”

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Blood Pressure Tips

"Listening to enjoyable music lowers blood pressure in middle-aged
people. Singing along or stretching to the tunes are options.

Eating whole grain cereal on most days of the week can lower the
odds of elevated blood pressure by up to 25 percent. Eating more
fiber-rich foods reduces blood pressure, cholesterol, and body weight.

Increasing the amount of potassium in your diet also helps to combat
hypertension. These are some good sources:
1 medium banana contains 422 mg potassium and 108 calories.
11-14 fl oz of coconut water contains approximately 560-670 mg
potassium and 60 calories.

People who are more physically active are less likely to have high blood
pressure, even if they eat a high-salt diet."

-Prevention Magazine, October 2011

Love Drug

"Hug someone today. Cold, hard science demonstrates that those with
loving relationships are far less vulnerable to chronic disease than
those without." -David Katz, MD

-Prevention Magazine, October 2011

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Fairycakes Cupcakes

FYI, Fairycakes is now making dairy free and egg free
cupcakes. Come into Lingonberries Market and check them
out, they are yummy!

Healing Homes and Healthy Bodies

Going beyond green indoors.
Your air tight “green” home with its solar power and energy-efficient windows may be exposing you to indoor toxins you never suspected. As we have tightened our homes to save energy, we have unwittingly restricted proper air circulation, which in turn has increased prolonged exposure to toxicity. Indoor air can contain chemicals that are nearly 100 times more concentrated indoors than outdoors. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory find commercial air fresheners and cleaning products contain ethylene-based glycol ethers, terpenes, volatile organic compounds and xylene that contaminate indoor air. No wonder these products have been linked to asthma, nerve damage and other health challenges.

And that’s just the tip of the chemical iceberg. Floor and furniture polishes, as well as spot removers, grease cutters and even rug cleaners, contain powerful solvents. Liver and kidney damage have been connected to solvent use. Aerosol sprays can hasten the introduction of poisons right into the body. The fine mist spray ensures easy inhalation and quick absorption of concentrated toxins to the respiratory system.

One of the most surprising toxic indoor pollution sources is carpeting. Not only is it sprayed with insecticides, it can harbor mold, mites, house dust and noxious odors. In addition to carpeting, interior furnishings are another possible area of chemical contamination. Much of the wood furniture manufactured today is made of particle board, which creates outgassing from glue and formaldehyde over a long period of time. Also, sofas and upholstered chairs are filled with foam, polyester, and polyurethane, all of which outgas toxic chemicals.

Greener solutions

* Since air quality should be your number one “green” priority, select an air filter for the most frequented rooms in your home, especially bedrooms and kitchen. I prefer a high efficiency carbon and HEPA filter (HealthWay Air Filter available from UNI KEY Health, 800-888-4353, which can remove pollen, fumes, odors, particulates and formaldehyde.
* Keep in mind that NASA has studied the effects of various indoor plants on air quality for decades. These natural air purifiers are especially good at removing toxins. Aloe vera axes formaldehyde, bamboo banishes benzene and trichloroethylene, spider plants eat carbon monoxide, red emerald philodendron helps remove all indoor toxins, dwarf date palms remove zylene (a chemical found in solvents, paints, and adhesives), corn plants (dracaena) help eliminate cigarette smoke, and chrysanthemums ax ammonia.
* Use eco-friendly household cleansers. White vinegar, baking soda and borax can be used for most all household cleaning needs.
* If you are building or remodeling, consider low–to–no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, locally-sourced sustainable harvested wood, no pesticide sprays on the foundation, and toxic-free glues, resins or caulking.
* Eliminate all carpeting (rugs that can be washed are fine) and finish all natural wood floors with natural finishes made with toxin-free oils. Instead of wallpaper (which outgases), finish the walls with soothing and neutral colors from clay-based paints or plaster. Wipe it down to keep it clean.

In my latest book Zapped, I uncover the surprising health problems linked to EMFs, those low level frequencies that represent yet another form of environmental toxins as potentially harmful as heavy metals and chemicals like asbestos. They are emitted from cell phones, PDAs, cordless phones, wireless routers, laptops, and baby monitors. Produced by the sea of manmade and artificial frequencies courtesy of technology, researchers have determined that even the low level, non-ionizing emissions break down DNA, stimulate heat shock proteins, create leaks in the blood/brain barrier, disrupt sleep patterns and cause brain tumors with chronic and cumulative exposure. EMFs are about 100 million times more pervasive in 2011 than they were ten years ago.

To minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields, integrate the following lifestyle practices:

* During the day, keep your cell phone away from your body as much as possible. Text instead of talk whenever you can. Use the speaker mode or an air-tube headset when talking, and don’t carry your cell phone in your bra, back pocket or on your person. Sperm levels are decreased by 30% among men who carry their cell phone in their pocket.
* Replace your cordless phones with a corded landline phone. Even when not in use, the charger and handset are constantly emitting radiation. A cordless phone is like having a mini-cell phone tower in your own home.
* Disable your wireless router whenever it is not in use and definitely at night. It radiates nearly six hundred feet so make sure that is kept far away from children and adults who are playing or sleeping.
* Don’t use your cell phone as an alarm clock at night. The closer to your brain the microwave frequencies, the more potential for brain damage. Consider the old–fashioned battery alarm clock instead.
* If you live within ¼ mile of a cell phone tower, consider repainting your office or bedroom (wherever you spend the most time) with a black carbon high frequency shielding paint which is effective for blocking cell phone signals, limiting radiation exposure.
* Keep most electronic equipment out of your bedroom. Remember, you need to have a safe haven to regenerate, especially during sleep, and unnatural frequencies are disharmonious with your own body electric.
* Unplug electrical appliances when not in use. They are still emitting electricity.
* Only have CT scans and X-rays when absolutely necessary. This kind of radiation is cumulative.
* Keep your babies and children safe by removing all electronic games, equipment, and monitors from their bedrooms. Remember, little human beings due to their size and thinner skulls, are way more vulnerable to EMFs than adults are.

Declare a wireless-free zone like they did in West Virginia!

Do create at least one healing sanctuary – preferably in your bedroom (where you spend 1/3 of all life, after all) by removing all digital equipment (think routers and cordless phones) and disconnecting any equipment as close as three feet from your head. Sleep grounded with special conductive sheets that maintain the human body at the same voltage as the earth.

When the body is “grounded,” an infusion of negatively charged free electrons are transferred into the system which neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing pain and stress, inducing general relaxation, and sounder sleep. Since metal acts like a magnifier for electromagnetic frequencies that concentrate and intensify the levels, a bed without metal springs would be a much healthier option on the EMF front.

If you make your home as super natural as possible, I predict that you will be blessed with better health, and you will be helping to create a more sustainable Mother Earth!

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Health Fair!

The Vitamin Shoppe
1337 N. Hayden Island Drive
Portland, OR 97217

Sunday, Sept 25, 2011, 12pm-3pm

You will have access to free samples, information, and also
have a chance to learn about some of their other local Wellness
Partners, who can help you reach your Health & Wellness Goals.

Crave Bake Shop

Lingonberries Market is proud to announce that they will now
be carrying delicious baked goods from the famous Crave Bake
Shop. That is the bakery that did so well on the TV show,
Cupcake Wars on Foodnetwork. They will get their first delivery
this Saturday at noon, so hurry on over to pick up your sweet treat!
Angel Rolls
Birthday cake Cupcakes
Cinnamon Rolls
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes (dairy free)
Savory Garlic Knots

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Ready, Set, Sweat!

Advanced detox with revolutionary sauna technology.
For those of you who have become detox connoisseurs, I’m sure you’ve heard of infrared saunas. Infrared saunas represent the next wave of advanced and therapeutic cleansing by sweating out toxins—lots of them—through the skin. The sweat produced in a conventional sauna is usually about 3% toxins, while a broad spectrum infrared sauna can produce sweat that is nearly 20% toxins. A rise in core body temperature is the key to achieving the deepest detoxifying sweat.

After all, the skin is your largest elimination organ and removes over a pound of impurities daily. And your skin breathes. It absorbs oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. In order for it to function properly, your skin must have clear and open pores. If they are clogged with wastes and dead skin cells, detox will not only be impaired, but your skin will also reflect conditions ranging from uneven skin texture to eczema and acne. And this is where saunas come in.

A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2005 showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of near-infrared sauna skin therapy. Subjects exhibited a reduction in wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity and firmness.[1] Sunlighten’s Solocarbon Custom Spectrum is the only infrared sauna heater on the market with this technology.

Here are some other well-documented health benefits from infrared sauna use:

* Reduced blood pressure
* Weight loss
* Decreased pain and inflammation
* Improved detoxification
* Enhanced relaxation
* Better circulation
* Skin rejuvenation
* Wound healing

Because infrared heat penetrates joints, muscles and tissues and increases circulation, it also increases oxygen flow to these areas, making more energy available for healing. Many doctors recommend saunas for the pain relief they have provided from sports injuries and such conditions as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and arthritis.

Don’t overdo it, however. Start with a five or ten minute sauna at 135 degrees Fahrenheit three times per week. Gradually work your way up to a 45-minute sauna, and then after a month or so increase the temperature to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more about Sunlighten Saunas here.

Heavy-duty sweat can drain the system of electrolytes, so be sure to replace lost electrolytes with a supplement like Trace-Lyte, which is a true liquid crystalloid electrolyte formula in homeopathic form.

The proper functioning of the immune system depends upon electrolyte balance. Restoring lost electrolytes after a sauna (or a heavy-duty workout for that matter) will also normalize pH, further increase oxygen to the cells, reduce water retention problems, correct neuro-muscular imbalances, improve enzyme production and increase overall energy levels. Electrolytes play an active role in helping to escort heavy metals out of the body—they are nature’s own chelators.

With more advanced detox options like infrared saunas, we can really lighten our toxic load. Restoring electrolyte balance will help to combat virtually any disorder by eliminating the pH imbalances that give rise to them.

Are you ready to take detox to the next level?

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Monday, September 19, 2011

An Ounce of Prevention

"15 is the number of times you typically touch your eyes (or
nose, or lips) in the course of an hour. In cold and flu season,
keep your hands to yourself so germs don't invade your bloodstream
through your eyes."

"1 oz. of pomegranate seeds gives you a cancer fighting antioxidant
boost. They're a great sweet, sour, and crunchy addition to salads."

"Puppy love. Locking eyes with your dog produces the happiness hormone
oxytocin in your bloodstream."

-Prevention Magazine, October 2011

Saturday, September 17, 2011

How Veggies Fight Cancer

"Certain foods turn genes on or off, and in this way, can
protect against cancer, Alzheimer's and other diseases, according
to a review of research by scientists from the University of
Alabama at Birmingham. In particular, a daily cup of broccoli
sprouts protects against many cancers because the sprouts are
rich in sulforaphane, a compound found in all cruciferous
vegetables that triggers protective genes . Broccoli, cabbage,
and cauliflower are other good sources of sulforaphane, which is
also available in supplements. According to the study, published
in Clinical Epigenetics, other protective foods include green tea,
soybeans, fava beans, kale, grapes, and the spice turmeric."

-Amazing Wellness Summer 2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Mighty Manganese and Sexy Selenium: The Secret Bone-Building Minerals

Micro-minerals with a macro punch.
Earlier this week I wrote about bone-building—emphasizing the right kind of calcium, along with vitamin K and vitamin D. Now, I’m going to focus on two bone-building minerals I didn’t write about then, which I feel are important enough to merit a blog of their very own: manganese and selenium. Both are contained in the Osteo-Key product I use and recommend for optimum bone health.

The truth is, manganese is just as vital as calcium for treating and preventing bone and joint related problems, and is really helpful to your thyroid which I’ll talk about in a moment. It helps to form glucosamine, a very important compound these days that helps restore bone and joint mobility—cartilage can’t repair itself without it. It is also used for treating seizure disorders and it is crucial for treating blood sugar and insulin issues. Manganese is one of the minerals that makes up SOD (superoxide dismutase), a premier bodyguard enzyme that wards off free radical damage. Some of the richest food sources are well-recognized diabetic remedies like cinnamon and turmeric.

Interest in the relationship between manganese and bone health began decades ago in 1980 when it was reported that noted basketball player Bill Walton was able to heal repeated stress fractures to his ankles through trace mineral supplementation, which included manganese. After getting no relief from medical treatment, Bill got a Tissue Mineral Analysis, which showed that he was deficient in manganese. He made a complete recovery after supplementing with trace minerals, and his career with the Portland Trailblazers was back on track.[1]

In addition to helping build strong bones, manganese helps your body metabolize fat and protein and produce the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Now on to selenium.

Selenium, a noteworthy anti-cancer antioxidant is also underrated when it comes to bone metabolism. Selenium deficiency is associated with osteopenia (a pre-osteoporosis condition of reduced bone mass).[2] This really hits home with me because whenever I review Tissue Mineral Analysis reports of those diagnosed with osteopenia, I have consistently found a deficit of selenium. Some rich food sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, walnuts and shitake mushrooms.

Selenium is also a potent heavy metal chelator, and like manganese, it’s food for your thyroid. The enzyme that is known to activate the T4 thyroid hormone is very dependent upon it. This important trace mineral is deficient in most US soils, with the exception of the Dakotas. And, since selenium is included in so many dietary supplements, and many individuals have excessively high levels which can lead to osteopenia, I’ve purposefully kept the daily dose in Osteo-Key at a respectably safe 50 mcg. A Tissue Mineral Analysis can help you determine your own specific selenium needs. I consider the optimum daily dose for adult and children over 14 to be 100-200 mcg.

The health of your bones is a measure of the balance in your life. We can make positive lifestyle and dietary choices that can slow down and eliminate many of the risks of developing both osteoporosis and osteopenia. By improving and supplementing our diets to aid in proper absorption of nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, manganese and selenium, by eliminating unhealthy lifestyle habits, and by participating in regular weight-bearing exercise, we can improve and support our bones. The choice is completely up to us!

Sources:
[1] www.alive.com/1056a3a2.php?subject_bread-cramb=102/Z
[2] www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531513106005425

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Sept GIG Meeting

Don't forget to attend our Gig Meeting this Saturday,
September 17th from 10am-12pm, at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital.
Dr. Joseph Perin will be our guest speaker, plus we will have
some yummy gluten free samples.

See you there!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

A Great Deal

I'm thinking gluten free deals
$10 for $20 to Spend at Whole Foods Market
livingsocial.com
They say beauty exists in the relationship between a "whole" organism and its parts. And with today's deal, lettuce show you the natural simplicity of healthy goods, courtesy of Whole Foods Market:...

Bone Up!

Take your calcium with vitamin K and vitamin D.
We now know that osteoporosis is not simply a “calcium deficiency disease” or even a hormone deficiency disorder. Thanks to the latest research which has ignited the Vitamin K and Vitamin D revolutions, we can now be assured that the calcium we do consume ends up in our bones—not in our soft tissues or arteries.

Bone loss,you see, is a rather complicated condition that impacts an estimated 10 million in the US.[1] Another 34 million Americans are at risk of developing osteoporosis due to a condition of low bone mass known as osteopenia which often precedes osteoporosis. Since bones reach their maximum strength and density between ages 20 and 30, that is the perfect time to build up strong reserves. Up to age 30 or so, your body is producing more bone than it is breaking down. After age 30, the reverse is generally true—breakdown of bone will outpace production of new bone. But it doesn’t have to be downhill.

To fully take charge of your bone health, take some time to familiarize yourself with the basic factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. While some are genetic, many can be reversed. These factors include:

* Being a woman, especially postmenopausal
* Aging
* Being exceptionally thin
* Being of Caucasian or Asian descent
* Having a family history of osteoporosis
* Prolonged hormonal imbalances
* Gluten intolerance
* Lack of Vitamin D
* History of fracture
* Smoking, caffeine and/or alcohol use
* Deficiency of minerals
* Proton-pump inhibitors—acid blocking drugs used to treat GI disorders
* Medications like corticosteroids, aromatase inhibitors (used to treat breast cancer); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/SSRIs – used to treat depression; some anti-seizure drugs (phenytoin); aluminum-containing antacids; diuretics

And then there are the Bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel and Reclast—these osteoporosis drugs have actually been linked with fractures!

Doctors commonly use dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to diagnose osteoporosis. It is used to measure bone density in the spine, hip and waist, but I prefer two simple in-home tests that can be used to assess the condition of your bones and monitor your progress as you take the steps necessary to arrest bone loss.

The Pyrilinks-D Bone Building Test measures DPD, a by-product of bone breakdown that is excreted in the urine, to see if your bones are breaking down faster than they are being rebuilt. The second test, the Bone Health Markers Panel, includes the first, but also evaluates hormones that are factors in osteoporosis and osteopenia through saliva analysis.

The real keys to prevention are good nutrition and exercise. Protein and the right kind of exercise help to build up muscle mass which in turn strengthens bones. Resistance exercise is your best bet when it comes to building bones so a full body weight bearing exercise regimen is in order—today! You can maintain and improve the condition of your bones—even if you’re over 30! Weight-bearing exercises include brisk walking, running, jumping, dancing, weightlifting—even gardening (especially if you push a low mower, spread mulch or dig holes, you’ve got a winning workout). Aim for 20-30 minutes of weight-bearing exercises at least 4 days per week.

Where nutrition is concerned, osteoporosis prevention depends largely on adequate intake and utilization of calcium plus synergistic nutrients. Milk, though high in calcium, is also high is phosphorous, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Carbonated soda drinks and meat are other sources of excess phosphorous, which can promote calcium loss. You’ll want to eliminate or reduce intake of these for your bone’s sake, at the very least.

Excess intake of fluoride can lead to abnormal bone growth. If you’re drinking fluoridated water, your risk of hip fracture is increased by 20-40%.[2] If so, you’ll want to look into a water filter that removes fluoride.

Inadequate calcium intake, coupled with over-consumption of calcium antagonists such as those mentioned above, make some sort of calcium supplementation advisable. Since calcium works synergistically with other minerals like magnesium, manganese, silica, boron and vitamins like D and K, the best calcium supplements will contain these—and other—nutrients.

I recently reformulated Osteo-Key to provide even more advanced bone building. While it does contain 1,200 IU of Vitamin D, I would suggest at least 5,000 IU of extra Vitamin D daily until a blood test shows a serum Vitamin D level of at least 75 ng/mL—this level is the recommendation of the Vitamin D Council for bone protection and overall health. Osteo-Key will take care of the rest of your nutritional insurance. It provides the most bioavailable form of calcium, microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, along with a host of bone building minerals to optimize bone building, a balanced calcium to magnesium ratio (1:1), and vitamin K1, which promotes bone mineral density. Osteo-Key now provides two forms of vitamin K2—collectively known as menaquinoes—and abbreviated as MK-4 and MK-7—which studies have confirmed both strengthen bones by cleaning calcium out of the arteries and depositing calcium into the bones where it belongs! K2 also helps keep calcium where it doesn’t belong—in places like the eyes (cataracts), kidneys (kidney stones), arteries (arteriosclerosis and calcium deposits in the arteries), and soft tissues of the joints (arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, myositis).

The MK-4 found in Osteo-Key is such an important nutrient in bone building that it became an approved treatment for osteoporosis in Japan in 1995.[3] It promotes bone health through the formation of bone collagen, the connective tissue in bone, and has been shown in clinical trials to decrease fracture risk. The MK-7 is an enhanced bioavailable form of K2 with even more absorptive qualities. In foods, MK-7 is derived from fermented soybeans known as natto, which may account for the low rate of bone loss among the Japanese who eat a traditionally low calcium diet.

To prevent bone loss before it occurs, you’ll want to consume the right nutrients in the right form and amount, both from food and supplements; avoid over-consumption of calcium antagonists like caffeine, alcohol and fluoride; and keep yourself moving, as that added weight on your legs will encourage bone formation as will a daily dose of Osteo-Key.

[1] www.nof.org
[2] www.johnleemed.com/store/prevent_osteoporosis.html
[3] www.hbihealth.com/t-osteokfaq-mk4-aaspx

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Monday, September 12, 2011

A Big Reminder...

Remember that this Saturday, September 17th is NOT the
Outback Fundraiser, that was moved to Saturday, November
19th from 11:00am-1:00pm. However, there is a GIG meeting
at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital from 10:00am-12:00pm, rooms
C-D. Our guest speaker is Dr. Joseph Perin, Chiropractor,
who will be talking about the 4 keys to health and emphasize
the relationship between a gluten free diet and optimizing
Nervous System Function.

Don't miss it!!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Some Thoughts...

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop

"Don't wait for your ship to come in - swim out to it." -Author Unknown

"Start every day off with a smile and get it over with." W.C. Fields

Friday, September 9, 2011

Fat Flush For Fall

Vegetarian proteins increase energy, reset metabolism, decrease diabetes.
Tis’ the season to go vegetarian – at least for the next three months – and experience for yourself the amazing health benefits of plant proteins!

My year-round super detox weight loss plan, as detailed in Fat Flush for Life, introduces a unique 3-month autumn vegetarian diet that features plant proteins, which reset metabolism.

Groundbreaking new studies support the wisdom of choosing plant-based proteins, rather than the animal proteins emphasized in the old low-carb diets. The documented health perks of a plant-based diet include:

* Improved heart health
* Decreased risk of diabetes
* Decreased LDL (“bad” cholesterol”) and blood pressure – a 14-point drop in the latter in 4 weeks, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, and a 15-point drop in the former
* Improved blood sugar levels – 43% of diabetics were able to reduce their medications after 5 months, according to one study
* Decreased cancer risk – a 40% reduced risk, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research
* Increased energy
* Less constipation
* Reduced PMS and menopausal symptoms
* Stronger libido

AND, you’ll save money (two to four times as much) by replacing meat with foods like beans and mushrooms, which have a meat-like texture and impart a sense of fullness. Buying foods that are in season (www.FruitandVeggiesMoreMatters.org tells which these are), as you’ll do on this diet, can save you as much as 75% on your produce bill.

As to the actual weight loss benefits of a plant-based diet, consider these stunning findings:

* Low-carb dieters who got the majority of their protein from plants lost 50% more weight than those who ate more meat, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
* A review of dozens of studies published in Nutrition Reviews revealed that women who ate mostly plant-based protein every day weighed 15% less than those who ate animal proteins. And, the pounds were shed without effort.
* A University of California at Davis study found that those who ate more plant-based foods consumed 40% fewer calories without increased hunger.

Plant-based proteins are more satisfying, more filling, than animal proteins because they are high in fiber. The fiber stimulates release of a hormone (cholecystokinin) that signals the brain that the stomach is full.

With fall rapidly approaching (between 9/22 and 9/23 in the northern hemisphere), now is an excellent time to revisit some of the Fat Flush for Life basics as they pertain to this season.

My Fall Fat Flush is designed to give special support to the lungs and large intestine, which, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, are activated at this time of year. This vegetarian Fat Flush features warming spices, legumes and root vegetables, which will nourish these important detoxification organs, helping to detox your entire body from the heavier proteins eaten previously and prepare it for the cold weather to come.

Because vegetarians are usually zinc deficient and copper toxic, they tend to suffer from adrenal burnout, a result of mineral imbalance (an inverted sodium to potassium ratio). The excess copper can make them anxious, irritable or hyperactive, and it can interfere with sleep and ultimately lead to lowered thyroid function, making it nearly impossible to lose weight. The Fall Fat Flush diet therefore calls for reduction or elimination of foods that are high in copper (dried yeast, chocolate, regular tea, sunflower and sesame seeds, soybeans, coffee and curry powder), while emphasizing zinc-rich foods like eggs and pumpkin seeds.

The protein powder recommended for fall Fat Flushing (Fat Flush Body Protein) is made from brown rice and pea protein (plus stevia and the prebiotic inulin). It is soy-free, dairy-free and GMO-free, has a complete balanced profile of amino acids and provides 20 grams of protein per serving. Use of this powder (1-2 servings daily), plus up to two Omega-enriched eggs, ½-cup serving of beans and one serving of dairy daily, along with 4-oz. of tofu and/or tempeh twice weekly, will assure that your body’s protein needs are being met.

More of the specifics, along with a three-month program, can be found in Fat Flush for Life. Here is a preview of some of the Fall Superfoods and Signature Fat Flushing Beverages that you will be enjoying:

* Two 1-cup servings of fruit (low glycemic, like peaches, berries, cherries and grapefruit)
* Five servings of seasonal veggies
* Two servings of whole grains – starting month 2, specified non-gluten grains only
* Five servings of protein (as described above)
* Two 1-tablespoon servings of plant-based oils (flax and olive in months 1-3; Macadamia, coconut, sesame in month 3)
* 1-2 cups Fenugreek tea daily (good for lungs and GI tract)
* 2-3 tablespoons chia seeds (for their high Omega-3 content) – sprinkled on eggs or veggies or added to soups, stews and dressings
* 64 ounces of cranberry water between meals and snacks
* Hot lemon and water upon arising
* Green Life Cocktail: cranberry water + green powder (Liver-Lovin Formula) + Flora-Key

As the weather becomes cooler and that old familiar nip in the air returns, become revitalized and ready for the wondrous winter just ahead!

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

An Old Epidemic Resurfaces: The Iodine Connection

Radiation rising, hypothyroidism on the increase, uterine fibroids epimedic.
Iodine is certainly getting a lot of attention lately. As radiation from Fukushima continues to contaminate the environment and threatens the globe, iodine, a formidable mineral adaptogen, is rising to the forefront. And with good reason: Nutritional iodine actually blocks radioactive iodine (iodine-131) from being absorbed by your thyroid gland! When you have a sufficient amount of this key nutrient in your body, not only your thyroid, but all other glandular tissues, including breast, prostate and ovaries, are protected. Problem is most of us simply don’t have a sufficient amount of iodine in our tissues any more.

Endocrinologists in the US typically recommend a paltry 150 micrograms of iodine per day. Enlightened integrative doctors can typically recommend as much as 50 milligrams, believe it or not. While the lesser amount may be adequate to prevent a goiter, it is woefully inadequate to support iodine sufficiency in your thyroid or breasts – the number 1 and number 2 iodine-concentrating glands – nor would you be protected from nuclear radiation damage or the many other thyroid-linked illnesses that plague us today:[1]

* Fibromyalgia
* Fatigue/low energy
* Osteoporosis
* Hair loss
* Depression/anxiety
* Heart disease
* Celiac disease
* Candidiasis
* Allergies
* Diabetes
* Cushing’s Syndrome
* Cardiovascular disease
* Cancer
* Fibrocystic disease

Interestingly, the Japanese (pre-Fukushima) consumed some fifty times more iodine than Americans, mostly in the form of fish and sea vegetables. It’s no coincidence that they had (until recently) the lowest incidence of breast cancer in the world, while we in the US have the highest. Our intake of iodine has actually declined over the last few decades, paralleling a nearly three-fold increase in breast cancer in this country.[2]

Along with decreased intake of iodine, we’ve experienced an increased intake of its close relatives, fluoride and bromine. All belong to the “halogen” chemical family, a competitive lot that vies for uptake by body tissues. Excessive bromine and/or fluoride in the body can actually remove iodine from your tissues. Fluoride is found in the majority of our water supplies (67%) and in many foods, beverages and dental products. Bromide is in many soft drinks and, since 1980, has been used by bakers as a dough conditioner. Ironically, prior to that time, iodine was used for that purpose. Now, our major source of iodine is table salt. Problem is many households (45%) opt for iodine-free salt, and many folks who once used iodine-fortified salt have greatly reduced their salt intake for health reasons.

Like your thyroid, your breasts actually have a pump (the sodium-iodine symporter) to soak up iodine.[3] And, when there’s plenty of iodine available for them to do so, the likelihood of developing breast cancer or fibrocystic disease is greatly reduced. Russian researchers found that the signs and symptoms of fibrocystic disease were relieved with iodine. Seventy-one percent of 167 women studied obtained this benefit on 50 milligrams (5000 micrograms) of potassium iodide daily.[4]

Your stomach mucosa and salivary glands soak up nearly as much of the element as the thyroid gland does. AND, iodine pumps are not only found in the thyroid gland and breasts – the ovaries, thymus gland, skin, choroid plexus in the brain (which makes cerebral-spinal fluid), joints, arteries and bones all have these pumps, too. Your WHOLE BODY needs more iodine!

Studies show that the most beneficial form of supplementation is one that includes a high potency iodine of five mg combined with 7.5 mg potassium iodide. I use and recommend Iodoral (UNI KEY Health, 800-888-4353), a tableted form of Lugol solution that was used by doctors for decades. I also recommend the Iodine Loading Test to measure iodine levels so that you can access exactly how much iodine your unique biochemistry requires.

With the same urine sample used in the Iodine Loading Test, you can also opt for the Combined Iodine, Fluoride and Bromide Provocation Test, which will tell you if iodine uptake is being blocked by its sister halogens. My iodine was suspiciously low. When I took the Iodine, Fluoride and Bromide Provocation Test, I learned that bromide – most likely from bromated vegetable oils or bromated flours used to make breads and bagels – was my personal iodine-blocker. And, I haven’t been eating these “foods” for years!

These tests can be so much more useful than conventional blood tests that aren’t sensitive enough to detect subclinical thyroid abnormalities. Until you have completed and implemented the results of the Iodine Loading Test, you can’t imagine how vital the right amount and the right kind of iodine is to your health.

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Eggs On A Roll

"Already packed with protein, B12, and riboflavin, two
cooked egg yolks also have the same antioxidant power
as an apple, according to a new study from Food Chemistry.
Those beneficial compounds may help prevent both cancer and
heart disease. So for breakfast, get cracking!"

-Prevention Magazine, October 2011

A New Wrinkle In Bone Health

"Don't scowl when you read this, but the lines on our face may
say something about the status of your skeleton. Researchers
determined that the deeper and more abundant a woman's facial
wrinkles, the weaker her bones. Why? Both skin and skeleton are
supported by collagen, a fibrous protein. If you have a lot of
wrinkles, ask your doctor about your fracture risk, says study
author Lubna pal, MD. Also take 1,200 mg of calcium daily along
with doing weight-bearing exercise."

-Prevention Magazine, October 2011

Friday, September 2, 2011

Three Easy Ways to Age-Proof Your Memory

Prevent memory loss, maintain and restore brain power.
1. Aerobicize – Believe it or not, studies have shown that aerobic exercise – but not weight training – can make you smarter! The physical benefits of aerobic exercise, especially improved cardiovascular health, are well-known and documented. Not so well-known is that such exercise can have profoundly beneficial effects upon the brain as well. Consider this ground-breaking research:

A 2009 study by University of North Carolina researchers used magnetic resonance angiograms to determine that elderly subjects who did regular aerobic exercise had more small blood vessels in their brains, and fewer twists and turns in those vessels, compared with non-exercising controls. The benefits of strength training, in contrast, tend to be limited to the muscles you’re using.[1]

Studies at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City involving men and women in their 50s and 60s showed a 10% gain on a series of mental tests following a 4-month aerobic training program.[2]

Swedish researchers reviewed the military screening exams of over one million 18-year old males. It was found that those who showed the most improvement in aerobic fitness over a 3-year period, as evidenced by their grades in physical education class, scored better on cognitive tests than did those subjects whose fitness had declined.[1]

The connection between aerobic exercise and intelligence is OXYGEN. When we improve our cardiovascular system through aerobic exercise, we get more oxygen to the brain, enabling it to function more efficiently.

A good rule of thumb is to exercise at a level that enables you to just keep up a conversation. I like the advice of The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine: 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise five days a week or 20 minutes of high intensity aerobic exercise three days per week.

2. PREGNENOLONE – The superstar hormone that can convert to all other hormones in the body is also a potent memory enhancer in its own right. While pregnenolone has many additional benefits to the body – helping to lower cholesterol, improve sleep quality and vision, ease arthritic pain and gout, lessen fatigue, enhance libido, and alleviate PMS and menopausal symptoms – the news that it functions as an anti-inflammatory to protect the brain’s synapses and neurons should make this supplement a “must” for those wanting to help prevent Alzheimer’s. And its brain boosting benefits don’t stop there. Consider these sunny mental perks:

* Enhanced mental ability and productivity
* Memory enhancement
* Stress reduction
* Mood elevation
* Better clarity of thought
* Improved sense of well-being

Pregnenolone appears to increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the areas of the brain associated with memory, such as the hippocampus. It is produced by the body in the cells of the central nervous system (brain and spine) and in the adrenal glands. Studies have shown that individuals who suffer from depression, or have a history of depression, have a significantly lower level of pregnenolone in the fluid around their brains than do other people.

A little of it goes a long way. I stand by my previous recommendation of the Pregnenolone 5-mg tablet per day – first thing in the AM – with a slow progression to two tablets daily, preferably after you have measured the current state of your hormones with a Salivary Hormone Test. For many of my clients, one is all it takes to bring DHEA, estrogen, and testosterone levels into balance. One of the reasons that pregnenolone can work its magic at such a relatively low dose is that it has the rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, an ability shared by another brain booster, Ultra H-3.

3. ULTRA H-3 – The Ultra H-3 formulation is based on the findings of Romanian cardiologist Dr. Ana Aslan, who in 1949 began to treat her elderly patients with procaine at the National Geriatric Institute in Bucharest, Romania. She was hoping that the anesthetic properties of procaine would afford them some pain relief. It did that – and much, much more. Her patients became “frisky” and showed dramatic improvements both physically and mentally.

Ultra H-3 contains precise amounts of specific complexed ingredients, making it six times more effective than Dr. Aslan’s original formula. It shares many of the benefits of pregnenolone, including improved energy levels, more restful sleep, a better sense of overall well-being, enhanced mental clarity, relief from joint pain and – of course – increased libido, one of the original formula’s claims to fame.

Ultra H-3 contains a matrix of 100% bioavailable micronutrients in a base of bilberry and Ginkgo biloba extracts to optimize circulation throughout the body. Gingko is known for its ability to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, facilitating delivery of nutrients and removal of toxins. This sets the stage for the improved memory, better focus and increased mental clarity for which the herb is known, and compliments well the effects of the procaine and other ingredients in Ultra H-3. Ultra H-3 may repair old and damaged cell membranes, allowing them to absorb nutrients more efficiently.

There are no known side effects of long-term use of the product at the recommended dose of one or two tablets twice daily. Taken mid-morning and mid-afternoon – at least six hours apart – and you will keep a nice steady amount in your system that will result in longer term focus and a “natural high.”

Of course, exercising your brain will keep your brain sharp. Fall in love with a new hobby, a foreign language, or indulge in daily crossword puzzles. Newly acquired knowledge will help forge new neurons. Feelings of love and happiness stimulate the brain, too.

One final recipe for age-proofing your memory: Aerobic exercise + good nutrition + Pregnenolone + Ultra H-3 + love = enhanced brain power!

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman