Month: November 2010

Quick 3 Day Body Cleanse; Remove the Dietary Junk From Thanksgiving

Wallace Bishop I.N.H.C, C.N.C.8 Comments
Foods That Cleanse the Body

I love this time of year. It rings of comforting nostalgia, the crisp air, apple cider and cinnamon, can you smell it? I can close my eyes and think back to being 8 years old in moms kitchen and the aroma of pumpkin pie and sweet potato soufflé make me smile, it just makes me feel good regardless what kind of life I am having. I also think the act of kindness and charity at this time of year seems to give a greater meaning to life. It’s not all about me, it’s about us.  There is much to be grateful for.

For many of us, the Thanksgiving week-end is a detour to our bodies normally dietary intake. We end up eating a lot of foods that pollute our bodies. Regardless how hard you try you must give in a little to those sumptuous tasting yet not very healthy foods,  it’s Thanksgiving after all. After three or four days of eating a few of the normally avoided foods my body is rebelling and I feel bloated and heavy and I can’t wait to get back to a clean body.  Frankly, by the time Sunday arrives I have had enough and my body is in shock from all the calories, simple carbohydrates and excessive protein. For those of you that eat fairly healthy and would like to get your body back to normal as quick as possible try this short and simple approach.  If you don’t eat healthy this would be a good way to start.

This is not intended to be a total body cleanse. If you have been eating a poor diet for a long time you will need to do a different and more intense cleanse,  however that type of cleanse should only be done under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

The question is, how do we get our bodies back to normal as quick as possible after the holiday? It’s fairly simple. We need to aid our body in cleansing out the junk through a light diet and exercise. The diet will help in the cleanse and exercise will get our lymphatic system moving the junk out. The lymphatic system is part of our cellular waste and toxic material removal system. It relies totally of the movement of our muscles to pump our lymphatic fluid throughout our body. Unlike our circulatory system that depends on our heart, our skeletal  muscles do the job for the lymphatic system. For example; when your arms and leg muscles contract, they squeeze the lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic system. The body is so amazing.

An infrared  sauna can also help remove toxins through your sweat.

Suggested Dietary Changes for 3 days

Day 1 Healthy Liquids Only  (cleansing lemonade, warm green tea)

Day 2 Healthy Liquids and select vegetables and fruits only

Day 3 Healthy Liquids, select vegetables, fruits and a few cooked vegetables.

Day 4  Slowly add other healthy whole grains, beans and nuts and seeds back to your diet.

Recipe; Cleaning Lemonade  ( taste very good, you can drink this everyday if you wanted to)

  • 110 ounces of purified water or spring water
  • 1 to 1.5 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice  ( I use the juice and pulp from 7 lemons )
  • 6 ounces of apple cider vinegar
  • 4 ounces of blackstrap molasses (this is optional) add to mix if exercising or you have diarrhea during the cleanse
  • Stevia and/or xylitol as sweetener, sweeten to your taste preference

Warm Green Tea

My Cleansing Routine

Day 1

On Monday I will start a liquid only diet for 24 hours. The contents for my day are; Renew the Anti Aging Formula , Biosuperfood (BSF) the cleansing lemonade and warm green tea. My diet will consist of 1.5 scoops of my Renew dark chocolate formula with 12 ounces of water 4 times that day, 2 capsules of BSF F3  every 4 hours for a total of 6, 40 ounces of cleansing lemonade, consumed throughout the day and 24 ounces of warm green tea.  It does not matter when you drink the lemonade or green tea. The Renew is taken at breakfast, lunch, late afternoon and early evening.

Exercise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, work up a good sweat. If you can only walk for 5 minutes, walk for five minutes 2 or 3 times every day and slowly build up your time till you can walk comfortably for 30 minutes at a time.

Day 2

On Tuesday I will cut the Renew intake to 2 times that day, will continue the BSF and cleansing lemonade and will add raw vegetables and fruit to my diet.  Continue to exercise and sweat.

Mid morning snack will be a small to medium apple.

Lunch, I will have a salad with spinach, romaine lettuce, orange bell pepper, carrots, zucchini squash, onion, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and portobello or crimini mushrooms. Dressing will be balsamic vinegar and olive oil. You can add spices of your choice.

I eat a salad at least 5 days per week and some days I will have one at lunch and dinner! A salad is hard to beat for building health as long as you do not use unhealthy dressings.  A dressing high in sugar content or those that contain high fructose corn syrup can neutralize some of the health benefits that a salad provides. Using too much salad dressing, even a healthy one can sabotage the benefits from lower calories a salad naturally offers.

Mid afternoon I will have another Renew drink.

Dinner, I will have another salad.

Mid evening snack, mixed fresh fruit

Day 3

The Renew is consumed twice per day on going, the BSF intake remains the same. I will continue drinking the cleansing lemonade ongoing, I like it.

I will add back a little cooked food to my diet. Cooked food is optional. There are many days I do not eat any cooked food. The schedule is the same as day 2 except for dinner. You can switch lunch and dinner at any time. Many people say it is best to eat your heaviest meals at mid day. I grew up eating my largest meal at dinner and most of the time I have continued that tradition.  It is best not to eat at least 2 hours before bed time.

Dinner;  steam 1 large head of broccoli, 1 cup asparagus spears,  then saute in olive oil 3/4 cup onions,  3 cloves of garlic, 1 cup of diced mushrooms, 1 whole red yellow pepper, 1 whole tomato (optional) and 2 cups diced purple cabbage.

Evening snack; mixed fruit

Ongoing days

Slowly add your normal foods back to your diet, hopefully healthy foods! Continue to drink at least 1/2  of your body weight in ounces of water per day.  Be sure to include beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds with your daily dietary routine, they provide great health benefits.  Exercise must be a regular part of your daily routine.

Healthy Wishes

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

WebND

The contents of this blog is not and should not be  considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.

Related Articles

Diabetes, Prevention and Reversal

Wallace Bishop I.N.H.C, C.N.C.3 Comments
Stop Diabetes!

Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a feared and dreaded disease. It will rob you of your quality of life and can cut your life short by more than a decade. It is the leading cause of new cases of blindness, kidney failure and non-accident caused amputations among adults. In 2006, diabetes was the 6th leading cause of recorded deaths in America.  If the rate of increase in diabetes continues, it is estimated that 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes in their life time. In 2007 there were about 24 million people with diabetes and 57 million people with pre-diabetes.  If there is one disease or health condition where diet and lifestyle changes can be effective at reducing the risk or even reversing it’s symptoms, it is diabetes ( type I excluded).

The rate of diabetes in children and adolescents is growing at an unprecedented rate. In children it isn’t only type II diabetes that is increasing, an increase in type I diabetes is being seen as well.  The war against diabetes has been active for over a decade however the numbers continue to increase. This parallels a similar situation in adverse health conditions in adults and the resistance to eat more servings of fruits and vegetables. In 2008, surveys showed only 11% of adults ate the minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day and the percentage of disease and adverse health conditions caused by diet and lifestyle was more than 70%.  Children and adolescents learn from their adult family members so these figures for children should not shock us.

There are different types of diabetes. The three metabolic and genetic types are, type I, type II and gestational diabetes. Diabetes can also be caused by medical complications or pharmacological interactions.

Prediabetes is defined as elevated blood glucose levels, however, not at a level high enough to be classified as diabetes. A normal fasting blood glucose reading is below 100 mg/dl. A person with prediabetes has a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl. If the blood glucose level rises to 126 mg/dl or above, a person is classified as diabetic.  Prediabetes can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%.

If you are overweight, your risk of developing diabetes or metabolic syndrome is increased greatly. Excess weight is a contributing factor, the extra abdominal fat increases insulin resistance. If you don’t get some of the excess weight off, it is just a matter of time before you develop diabetes and potentially metabolic syndrome.

We know that diabetes causes great harm to the body if not controlled. What do you think is better for your health, controlling your diabetes with medication or by diet and lifestyle?  Medications have adverse side effects, some of them quiet serious. I think this is a simple answer. Pharmacological drugs are foreign and treated as such by the body. Vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds are natural and are the giver of life’s energy to the body. They bring about balance and harmony to the body’s organs and systems.

Diabetes Prevention and Even Reversal

These are my recommendations for preventing diabetes and even reversing diabetes. My opinions are based on science and practical clinical experience. I was once diabetic and I have helped many diabetics become symptom free.  This is really very simple. For most people these suggestions will offer amazing results.

  • Eat more plant based foods; all vegetables, low sugar fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts and seeds.  Fill half your plate with vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, peppers, avocados, asparagus, spinach, carrots, sweet potato, winter squash, onions, garlic, beets and leafy green vegetables etc… at every meal.
  • Eat more high fiber foods, their fiber slows the absorption of their natural sugars.
  • Eliminate soft drinks, caffeine drinks and fruits juices from your diet.
  • Be aware that milk and yogurt contain lactose, a type of sugar in milk. 8 ounces of milk has about 11 grams of sugar.
  • Eliminate fried foods, the extra weight they pack on adds to insulin resistance and in addition they can cause heart disease.
  • Understand your calorie needs.
  • Learn and use the glycemic index and glycemic load.
  • Avoid simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are great fuel for the body. Aim to get 50% to 60% of your daily calories from complex carbohydrates, 25% to 35% from heart healthy fats and the balance from protein.
  • Avoid foods with more than 7 grams of sugar per serving.
  • Exercise for at least 30 minutes or more, five days per week.
  • Eliminate as much refined flour and processed foods from your diet as possible.
  • Reduce your intake of animal proteins to no more than 3 times per week and red meats to no more than once per week. However, eliminating most animal foods from your diet will show the quickest results.
  • Lose weight. Just a 5% drop in weight can make a big difference in your blood glucose readings.
  • If you smoke, please quite.

Complements or supplements you may wish to consider to help manage diabetes symptoms.

  • Cinnamon; some studies have shown that 1 gram a day (1000 mg) or more for at least 6 weeks helped to lower blood sugar levels.
  • Algae products ( by far the best is Biosuperfood developed by Dr. Michael Kirac, bring balance to the body’s systems)
  • Berberine; 1.0 to 1.5 grams per day
  • Rice bran
  • Chromium; picolinate, asperate or polynicotinate 200 to 2000 mcg per day. Higher doses seem to have greater effect.  ( great sources, dark chocolate, onions, romaine lettuce and tomatoes)
  • Zinc; 25 to 50 mg per day, take with copper 2 to 3 mg per day and manganese 5 to 15 mg per day. ( make sure you get adequate cooper when taking zinc, excess zinc will deplete copper stores in your body).

The results from studies show that diets rich in vegetables, low sugar fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds give the strongest opportunity to prevent and reverse diabetes. Studies show that diets rich in animal proteins raise the risk for diabetes.

How do you think a vegetarian diet fared when studied for its benefits? According to a report submitted by Clinical Nutrition & Risk Factor Modification Center, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and published in PubMed states; “The vegetarian diet, therefore, contains a portfolio of natural products and food forms of benefit for both the carbohydrate and lipid (fat) abnormalities in diabetes. It is anticipated that their combined use in vegetarian diets will produce very significant metabolic advantages for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.

How about a vegan diet compared to the American Diabetic Association’s recommended diet? I have inserted below, excerpts from another trial study report by the Physicians Council for Responsible Medicine on this very question.

Working with Georgetown University, we compared two different diets: a high-fiber, low-fat, vegan diet and the more commonly used American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet.

Both groups did an overall great job in adhering to their prescribed diets. However, the vegan group clearly had the edge in many of the results. Fasting blood sugars decreased 59 percent more in the vegan group than in the ADA group. And, while the vegans needed less medication to control their blood sugars, the ADA group needed just as much medicine as before. The vegans were taking less medicine, but were in better control.

While the ADA group lost an impressive 8 pounds, on average, the vegans lost nearly 16 pounds. Cholesterol levels also dropped more substantially in the vegan group compared to the ADA group.

Diabetes can cause serious damage to the kidneys, resulting in protein loss in the urine. Several of our subjects already had significant protein loss at the beginning of the study, and the ADA group did not improve in this respect. In fact, their protein losses actually worsened somewhat over the 12 weeks of the study. The vegan group, on the other hand, had a large reduction in protein losses.

If you really want to be blown away by the power of the vegetative food world watch this video, it is amazing what they accomplished in 30 days. This is a long video. If you are overweight, are pre-diabetic or diabetic I highly urge you to take the time to watch this film. I am not saying you must do this for diabetes, just that it will offer amazing information on the healing power of food.

These suggestions also help with type I, insulin dependent diabetes, gestational diabetes  or other medically caused diabetes. For type I and insulin dependent diabetics these suggestion can lower the number of units of insulin you may need daily.

With even small changes you can drastically reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Give your life extra years of enjoyment and a better quality of life by avoiding this dreaded disease. If you have loved ones,  encourage them to make appropriate changes for a better and longer life.

Healthy Wishes

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

WebND

The contents of this blog is not and should not be  considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.

Reducing Fibromyalgia Symptoms Through Diet and Lifestyle

Wallace Bishop I.N.H.C, C.N.C.7 Comments

Fibromyalgia is a multi-symptom condition that affects many times more women than men. Twenty years ago, you rarely heard of fibromyalgia. Doctors didn’t recognize the disorder and did not know how to treat it. Patients with fibromyalgia type symptoms were often lumped into other diagnosis and were even referred for psychiatric counseling, their doctors didn’t believe that they were having real physiological symptoms.

You may find fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) discussed in the same articles and discussion groups. Both share similar symptoms and the dietary and lifestyle changes for fibromyalgia can also work for chronic fatigue syndrome in some people.

Every fibromyalgia patient may have differing degrees of fatigue, muscle pain, fibro fog (short-term memory loss), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, depression, headaches and sleep disturbances. Fibromyalgia sufferers may have some of the symptoms but not necessarily all of them.  In the more severe cases the fibromyalgia sufferer may have all of the symptoms related to fibromyalgia.  The cases range from mild to severe and symptoms can come on like a lion and then diminish and leave for days or weeks.

Science does not fully understand fibromyalgia or it’s causes. It seems to be a modern syndrome brought on by our exposure to certain elements in the modern world.  Working with my clients that suffer from fibromyalgia, and from research that has been published, we can, with some amount of confidence, state that fibromyalgia may stem from physical and emotional stress, environmental and emotional toxicities, fungus and parasitic infections, sleep deprivation and physical trauma or a combination of these.

The exact mechanisms from these events that trigger fibromyalgia are not fully understood. However, current research does suggest that the added stresses brought about by the events or exposures interfere with the body’s natural intestinal balance creating a toxic bowel condition and leaky gut syndrome.

As a result of the stress overload in the digestive system, the mucosa lining and membranes of the large intestine become thin and are no longer able to adequately protect intestinal walls. The intestinal walls become weakened and thin and may begin to leak toxic materials and partially digested food particles into the blood stream potentially creating the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Since we now know this is a condition of toxicity, the diet must be changed to provide nutrients to bring health to the digestive system, in particular the intestines. Additionally, an overall approach to bring about body balance is important. We must remove antagonist foods and replace them with nutrient rich foods. If you have fibromyalgia, diet, gentle exercise and stress reduction are critical for health improvement.  I have worked with several people with fibromyalgia, and in all cases improvements have been made.  Fibromyalgia is not a condition that goes away quickly. You must be patient, correcting this condition takes time. It may take months for symptoms to begin to lessen. However, for some people, a reduction in some symptoms can be seen in a matter of a few weeks.

Corrective Action

  • Refined and processed foods must be eliminated as much as possible. This includes fast food and you must be careful when dinning out due to the use of preservatives and excessive sugar and salt.  Foods in boxes and packages, with the exception of vegetables and fruits, are usually body polluters.
  • If you smoke please quit. If you live with a smoker, get them to smoke outside. Second hand smoke can be as bad or even worse than smoking.
  • Eliminate alcohol and caffeine from your diet. They are irritants and may make your symptoms worse.
  • Get 8 or more hours of quality sleep per day.
  • Hydration is very important. You should consume at least ½ your weight in ounces of water per day.
  • With fibromyalgia the chance for a Candida overgrowth is likely.  Simple carbohydrates must be kept at a minimum and if possible eliminated completely. Foods that turn to blood sugar quickly (a high glycemic index or high glycemic load rating) will feed any fungus in your body.  This link provides great information to help you kill the Candida fungus and reestablish healthy gut flora.  All fruit juices, breads, beers and yeast products must be avoided.  Alcohol is a form of sugar.  Complex carbohydrates should come from vegetables, whole grains (oatmeal, oat bran, buckwheat, Bulgar wheat), and beans.
  • Even if you do not have Candida or other fungi, you should limit the intake of high glycemic foods.  Foods that turn to blood sugar quickly create a pro-inflammatory condition in the body that can over stimulate the immune system and create hormonal imbalances.
  • Once the fungus is controlled, your diet should consist primarily of vegetables, low sugar fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds and healthy oils and fats.  You need both raw and cooked vegetables.  At least 50% of your vegetables should be raw.
  • You should consume foods high fiber foods, and rich in the following nutrients; Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, zinc  and Omega 3 fatty acids. Foods with a high antioxidant value provide protection from free radical damage to cellular DNA and are anti-inflammatory. When using the antioxidant list, use the “mean column” and the “total ORAC” row. You might be surprised that some foods you think are very powerful antioxidants may not be. A few that might surprise you; pecans are a very high antioxidant food, as is cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rice bran, sumac bran, sorghum bran, unsweetened cocoa powder and elderberries.
  • You should take a very high quality nutritional compliment every day. The nutritional product should contain a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential fatty acids, fiber, protein, prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants.  This is very important because you must address total body health along with the rebuilding of the intestinal environment. Your odds of overcoming fibromyalgia are low without a strong nutritional approach.  Complements or supplements do not replace a healthy diet.  Eat healthy and complement the diet.
  • Additional Supplements: D-Ribose, Acytel-L Carnitine, L- Arginine, GLA (Borage Oil), Fish oil, 5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan), Iodine, probiotics, (consult with a health care provider for dosage instructions on supplements)
  • Stress management is critical. Exercise helps cut stress and moves toxins out of the body. Gentle exercises such as yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong and water aerobics have proven effective at helping to reduce the pain and fatigue symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Massage, sauna and a soaking bath in Epsom salt helps relax muscles and reduce pain.
  • It is important to work with a nutrition professional to insure you are addressing your particular nutritional needs. Taking the wrong combination of supplements could make your symptoms worse. This is not a health condition where you buy a bunch of supplements and expect to get results. It is a combination of diet, added nutrition, the elimination of potential toxins, exercise and stress management tailored for you, specifically.

In summary, remove bad foods, eat healthy nutrient dense foods, get added high quality nutrition ( needs may be different for each person), practice gentle exercising every day if possible,  cut the amount of stress in your life and reduce your risk of exposure to environmental chemicals and toxins and food born pathogens.  This may sound too simple but for most people it can have profound effects on fibromyalgia symptoms.  You will be amazed at what a difference changing your diet will do for your body.

These two web sites may be of value to you.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/Fibromyalgia-symptoms/fibromyalgia-support-groups.htm

http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=community_supportGroupInformation

Great Food Does The Body Great!

If you would like specific guidance with fibromyalgia I would be honored to assist you.

Healthy Wishes

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

WebND

The contents of this blog is not and should not be  considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.

Make Sure Your Children Have the Best Chance to be Healthy

Wallace Bishop I.N.H.C, C.N.C.2 Comments
Healthy Kids Make Happy Kids

Are you planning to have a family with children? Are you currently raising one child or even more?  As parents we encounter family problems on a weekly and even daily basis.  Now parents face a more serious problem (a must read) American children are facing unprecedented health challenges due to the consumption of refined and processed foods.  In fact you may be the first generation of parents that will raise children that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

Children while young may not look like they have health challenges. Not all children that eat refined or processed foods are overweight.  However, you may see other health problems develop.  Your child may be suffering from frequent ear infections, a cold or sore throat that seems to never quit go away or they may have persistent  sinus or upper respiratory allergies and infections or digestive issues such as stomach cramping, constipation or diarrhea.  This can happen when the body is nutrient deficient and can’t build a strong body or build a strong immune system. One fact you can bank on, a diet consistent in refined and processed foods will put your children at a very high risk for a future filled with adverse health problems and diseases.

The Influence of a Mothers Health

The health of a child actually begins before conception!. If the mother has been getting good nutrition and was taking care of herself,  her baby has the best chance of being born healthy and has less risk of birth defects and future childhood and adult illness. If you are in child-bearing years your health is very important for both you and your baby. Research has actually shown us that the health of the mother influences her child all through their life even through their adult years. If you are in child bearing years your health is very important for both you and your baby. Make sure you are getting great nutrition and exercising to build a healthy body for you and your child.

The Nutritional Do’s and Don’t

The nutritional needs for children are different from those for adults. As they mature and pass into adolescence there nutritional needs change again.  It’s important to make sure children are getting great nutrition to build a healthy brain, strong muscles and bones. In addition, exercise and physical activity are very important for the health of your children. They need to be involved in physical activities like soccer, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball, after school programs at your local health club or YMCA.

Make family activities a priority each week. Take walks, go on picnics, explore trails with them, and go to your nearest play ground and play,

The best way to make sure they are getting adequate nutrition is to feed them wholesome foods that build health. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds are loaded with health building carbohydrates, fats, protein and powerful antioxidants and other phytonutrients.. If selecting meats use free range turkey and chicken and wild caught cold water fish like salmon, halibut, cod, Alaskan whiting,  and tuna.

Brain, skeletal and muscle-building nutrients are vital for a young body.  Healthy fats including some saturated fats are critical for brain development. The Omega family of fats are considered essential fatty acids because they are important for health and we only get them from our diet.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Most Americans are deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Very good sources of these healthy fats include scallops, cauliflower, cabbage, cloves and mustard seeds. Good sources of these fats include halibut, cod, tuna, soybeans, tofu, kale, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts.

Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Omega 6 fatty acids are very common in our diet and is not an issue for the average person.

What foods should be avoided or limited?

How does this affect your children?

  • “Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. “American Heart Association”
  • Childhood obesity will lead to early heart disease, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cancers.

Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/DietNutrition/22525

  • Two years ago the American Pediatric Association recommended that children between the ages of 2 and 10 get screened for heart and cholesterol problems if they are overweight or their parents are overweight, have high cholesterol or smoke.
  • We are now seeing children under the age of 12 developing heart disease, high cholesterol and adult onset diabetes (type II )

Scientific Proof, we and our children are getting fatter!

·         Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.1,2

·         Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.5

·         Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.3,6

·         Obese youth are more likely than youth of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults, and therefore more at risk for associated adult health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.6

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity/

Why are we having this problem?

  • Convenience has robbed us of our health. McDonald’s or Burger King on the way home is the norm. Quick foods at home are poisoning our bodies.  For example, pizza, pop tarts, sugar-coated cereals, instant flavored oatmeal, instant grits, doughnuts, pastries, white bread, chicken nuggets, French fries, tater tots, hash browns, macaroni and cheese, meals in a bag, biscuits and jelly, drive through meals, candies, etc…. are full of fat, sugar, calories and very little nutrition to build a healthy  brain or body.
  • Lack of physical activity. Our body adapts to the demands put on it, if we do not move it has no reason to give us more energy to move more or to build stronger bones and muscles. Exercise is required for a healthy body.

The Nutritional Basics for a Healthy Child A healthy diet helps children grow and learn. It also helps prevent obesity and weight-related diseases, such as diabetes. The following guidelines will help you give your child a nutritious diet:

  • Offer a minimum of 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables a day
  • Everyone should start the day with a nutritious breakfast.
  • Choose healthy sources of protein, such as lean meat, nut, beans, lintels and eggs
  • Serve whole-grain breads and cereals because they are high in fiber
  • Broil, grill or steam foods instead of frying them
  • Avoid fast food and junk food
  • Offer water and milk or mild substitutes (almond milk) instead of sugary fruit drinks and sodas
  • Do not give in to your child demands for unhealthy foods, eventually their whining will stop and they will eat when they get hungry, as long as YOU DO NOT GIVE INTO THEIR DEMANDS. You are the parent and must take control.

Learn about your child’s nutrient requirements. Some of them, such as the requirements for iron and calcium, change as your child ages.

Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/DietNutrition/22525

Children Resource Links

Remember you are the parent. Do not let convenience rob your children of their health. If you put healthy food in front of them eventually when they get hungry enough they will eat. They need to know you are serious and will not give in to their demands. Be STRONG!  All it takes is planning and organizing. Talk to other parents and start a local support group to share ideas on planning and organizing to make it easier to eat healthy.

I know you love your children, now you know how serious this health issue is and you can take proper action. Most parents just don’t know what to do. Use these resources to help make your children as healthy as possible so they can look forward to a healthy and happy future.  I know you can do it.

Healthy Wishes

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

WebND

The contents of this blog is not and should not be  considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.