Tag: diabetes

A Mysterious Superfood You Should Make a Part of Your Daily Routine!

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC8 Comments
Mysterious Superfood
Mysterious Superfood

In today’s world of exotic fruits, mushrooms and strange vegetables, it is easy to over look less sexy foods.  In the nutritional circles and functions I attend the buzz is around exotic fruits, herbs, vegetables and mushrooms such as Gojo Berry, Lucuma, Maca, Astragalus, Ho Shu Wu, Rishi and Chaga etc... These are just the tip of the iceberg in the über ( highest, elite ) super foods family that gets everyone’s attention.  All of these have powerful health restorative properties. However, natures most nutrient dense super food is sitting right in front of us everyday. Because it’s parent source is so common, it is over looked by many. You may not even know about it until now.

Many people eat it every week, however not in the form that provides super dense nutrition that can truly help restore health and in many cases reverse adverse health conditions.  In fact, it is so powerful it is used medicinally to treat high cholesterol, high urine calcium and diabetes.  So, have you got an idea what food I may be talking about. I’ll give you a hint; its tan, brown and black in its natural form, it is a staple for certain cultures and it can be made into flour, cheese, wine, beer, liquor and eaten whole.  Do you know what it is? It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, you can put it on almost any food or eat it by itself.

I have a client that is missing a few feet of intestine, 1/2 of their colon, 1 kidney, has COPD and is on oxygen most of the day, adrenal failure and heart issues. The past few months she has been eating this food in large quantities and for the first time in several years her health is improving. She was having reoccurring pneumonia and bronchitis and now her immune system is functioning at a much higher level. She can actually do light house work without the oxygen, and can enjoy the outdoors again. Her doctor was amazed that she is building health now previously he told her she would continue to get worse and eventually it would take her life.  This tells you just how powerful food is to our body.

What if I told you that the bran and the germ from rice is the single most nutrient dense food in the world.  Would you have guessed that rice bran and rice germ is the food I am talking about? Probably not.  It takes 20 to 30 pounds of brown rice to make one pound of the rice bran and rice germ.  Ounce for ounce no other single food has as deep and rich of a vitamin, mineral, essential fatty acid, enzymatic, phytonutrient and antioxidant content.

Rice bran and rice germ ( for brevity sake rice bran) is hypoallergenic and is gentle enough for even infants yet a super powerhouse of health ( in depth detail ) for adults!.  The bran and germ of the rice is where about 85% of the nutritional power of the rice kernel is stored. The bran part of rice is extremely nutrient dense. Only recently, technology has developed methods for stabilizing the healthy oils in rice bran and germ. An enzyme in the bran causes the oil in the bran to go rancid very quickly. Now the bran of the rice kernel can be removed and stored for a longer period without damaging the super nutrition contained in the bran part of the rice kernel.

Rice bran has many health promoting benefits as well as providing an abundant source of energy. Several studies have shown that rice bran has cholesterol lowering abilities, blood sugar stabilizing ability for type I and type II diabetics. Furthermore a *study stated that ” Diseases in which preventive and/or nutraceutical effects have been detected include: cancer, hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol), fatty liver, hypercalciuria ( high concentrates of calcium in the urine), kidney stones, and heart disease. In addition, rice-bran products may have potential applications as nutritional ingredients in the context of their utility in functional foods.” Source: Jariwalla RJ. California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA.

Stabilized rice bran is the new super natural health super food! Rice bran contains an amazing array of advanced nutrients and antioxidants which assist you in maintaining your overall health. The nutritional value of rice bran is vastly superior to other brans and works with your body naturally for optimal vibrant health.

Studies have shown rice bran has over 100 antioxidants & co-factors. Stabilized Rice bran has just about all the essential vitamins and minerals you would ever need for natural health maintenance, weight management and instant energy.

Rice bran is superior – it has an astounding quantity of other healthy nutrients such as phytosterols, polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, natural fiber, Vitamin E complex, plus a large complement of B vitamins. Rice bran also boasts an array of essential vitamins and minerals, gamma oryzanol, plus it is a good source of Omega 3 & Omega 6.

Rice Bran In Your Diet:

  • Vital Nutrients
  • Phytonutrients
  • Full Amino Acid Profile
  • Quality Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids
  • Powerful Antioxidants including:
    • Alpha-lipoic Acid
    • Ferulic Acid
    • Gamma-Oryzanol
    • IP6 (Inositol hexaphosphate)
    • Phytosterols
    • Tocotrienols  (complete  forms of vitamin E )

Protein — Stabilized rice bran has easily digested, hypoallergenic essential amino acids that are necessary for building human protein. These include Tryptophan, Histidine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine,  Isoleucine, Lysine, Valine, and Leucine.

Complex Carbohydrates — unlike simple carbohydrates which can add to blood sugar and fat storage problems, healthy complex carbohydrates like those found in stabilized rice bran have a “low glycemic index” which means that they don’t cause spikes in your blood sugar. In fact, stabilized rice bran has been found to help normalize blood sugar.  One ounce of rice bran has less than 1 gram of carbohydrate.

Fiber — Stabilized rice bran has soluble and insoluble fibers  necessary for optimum digestive health, blood sugar regulation, lowered cholesterol, and the prevention of diabetes and heart disease.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) — Omegas 3, 6 & 9 help to strengthen  cellular membranes (so the bad stays out and the good stays inside cells). They also help with energy production (eliminating fatigue); transporting oxygen to the cells; removing waste from the cells; regulating hormones; reducing inflammation, pain and stiffness; reducing LDL “bad” cholesterol & increasing HDL “good” cholesterol, not to mention, improving your   complexion, mood, memory & concentration!

Enzymes — including Glutathione Peroxidase, Methionine Reductase, Polyphenol Oxidase, energy enhancing, immune boosting CoQ10,   Aspartate Amino Transferase Isozyme AAT-1 & AAT-2, Catalase, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), which is an especially powerful antioxidant.

Tocotrienols & Tocopherols (Complete Vitamin E family) — Tocols as a complete group are much more powerful than regular vitamin E. They are great for your cardiovascular system, your immune system, and your complexion! Stablized rice bran contains α-Tocopherol, β-Tocopherol,   γ-Tocopherol, δ-Tocopherol, αTocotrienol, β-Tocotrienol, γ-Tocotrienol, δ-Tocotrienol, Desmethyl-tocotrienol, and Didesmethyl tocotrienol.

Phytosterols and Sterolins (phytosterols glucosides) — These are natural phytonutrients with healthful properties that range from helping to fight free radicals, prevent cancer, reduce blood sugar and blood lipid levels, lower  cholesterol and ease menopausal  symptoms. Stabilized rice bran contains β-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Stigmasterol, Δ5-Avinasterol, Δ7-Stigmastenol, Sterol glucoside, Acylsterol glucoside  Oligoglycosylsterol, Gramisterol, Monoglycosylsterol, Dimethylsterol, Cellotetraosylsitosterol, Branosterol, Isofucosterol, Obtusifoliol, Sitostenol, Methylsterol, 28-Homosteasteronic  acids, β-Amyrin, 28-Homotyphasterol, Citrostadienol, and 6-Deoxycastasterone,

Calcium — which helps build strong bones, teeth and muscles; promotes healthy nervous system; has a calming effect on the nervous system; helps with proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system; and plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating blood  clotting, preventing cancers of the digestive tract and  decreasing mood swings, food cravings, and the pain, tenderness and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Magnesium — which is an essential element for proper functioning of the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular systems. It also helps with nerve and muscle functioning, helps relieve cramps and PMS, aids in bone formation, regulates heartbeat and helps to normalize blood pressure.

Potassium — which helps to regulate fluid balance, heart rhythms and blood pressure and helps with mental function by sending oxygen to the brain. It is required for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system.

Gamma Oryzanol Complex — this amazing anti-mutagenic group  includes Campesterol Trans-ferulate, Cycloartenol Trans-ferulate, Cycloartenol Cis-ferulate, Cycloeucalenol Trans-ferulate, Cycloeucalenol Cis-ferulate, Stigmasterol Trans-ferulate, 24-Methylenecycloartanol  Trans-ferulate, 24-Methylenecycloartanol Cis-ferulate, β-Sitosterol  Trans-ferulate, β-Sitosterol Cis-ferulate, β-Sitostenol Trans-ferulate,   β-Sitostenol Cis-ferulate, Stigmasterol Cis-ferulate, Stigmastenol  Cis-ferulate, Campesterol Cis-ferulate, Cycloartanol Trans-ferulate, Cycloartanol Cis-ferulate, Stigmastenol Trans-ferulate,  24-Methylcholesterol Trans-ferulate, and 24-Methylcholesterol Cis-ferulate. These help boost immune response, reduce inflammation, increase energy, metabolize glucose, regulate blood sugar, and more!

Polyphenols — including Ferulic acid, α-Lipoic acid, Methyl ferulate, ρ-Coumaric acid, ρ-Sinapic acid, Isovitexin, Proanthocyanidins. These have been shown to assist the immune system and to reduce the risk of  cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Metal Chelators — including Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorous, Potassium and Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6). Getting heavy metals out helps to make sure that antioxidants don’t “turn to the dark side” and become pro-oxidized free radicals.

Carotenoids — Very effective free radical scavengers including Lutein,  α-Carotene, β-Carotene, Lycopene, Zeaxanthine, and Crytocyanthine.

B-Vitamins & Vitamin-like substances — including Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, Betaine, Dimethyl glycine, Inositol, Biotin, Choline, Folic acid, and Phytates. These can help prevent cancer and prohibit cholesterol buildup, support adrenal function, calm and support the nervous system, and aid in key metabolic processes.

Polysaccharides — including Cycloartenol-ferulic acid glycoside, Diferulic acid complex, Diferulic acid-calcium complex, Hemicelluloses, Arabinogalactan, Arabinoxylan, Xyloglucan, Proteoglycan, Glycoprotein,  Arabinofuranoside. These are known to help immune function lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and increase coronary artery capacity.

Phospholipids — including Phosphatidylserine, PhosphatidylCholine, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Lysophophatidylcholine, Lysophosphatidylethanolamine. Phospholipids helps support the growth and renewal of cellular membranes, forming an important barrier to filter toxins out. They also act as cellular antioxidants when free radical “bullets” try to penetrate the cell. Phospholipids are also thought to prevent depletion of the   neurotransmitter choline, improving mental focus, brain function, and both  mental and physical stamina.

*Study: Rice-bran products: phytonutrients with potential applications in preventive and clinical medicine. Jariwalla RJ. California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA.

Rice bran research on it effects in preventing, reducing and managing high cholesterol and diabetes.

Make sure the rice bran you buy is from a reliable source providing a high quality product.  I feel we offer a superior rice bran at the lowest price.

Healthy Wishes

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Products and information presented herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Which Nutrients are You Lacking and Which May Be The Most Important?

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHCLeave a comment
Pumpkin Seeds Are a Great Soure of Magnesium

There are many nutrients most Americans are deficient in.  Studies show that the standard American diet is deficient in at least 9 essential nutrients; Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Fiber, Calcium (debatable), Magnesium, Potassium and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Of these do you know which ones you need every day or maybe a better question is which ones could cause you health problems the quickest if you do not get them daily?

Our body needs literally thousand of nutrients to promote vibrant health, however other than water, certain minerals are needed every day, particularly if you are very active.  Trace minerals are just as essential as major minerals; they are just required in smaller quantities. Without minerals, vitamins are useless in the body. Vitamins need enzymes for many of their functions. Enzymes require minerals to do their work, in this sense they are  co-factors. Enzymes cannot work without minerals (co-factors), and each enzyme is designed to work with a particular co-factor. If the particular co-factor is not present the enzyme will simply sit around watching You Tube, sorry, my weak attempt at humor.  OK, how about the enzyme can do nothing, it is useless.

Of the minerals, it is my opinion that for Americans, magnesium seems to be one of the most important because it is required in so many body functions. A large percentage of Americans are lacking adequate magnesium.  You can go several days or even weeks before needing certain vitamins, however you must have some intake of most minerals at least every couple of days. If you are really active, ill or sweating a lot you will need them everyday.  Minerals  are used by the body and excreted easily.  If you are using diuretics , exercising intensely or sweating profusely,  a diet deficient in the  electrolytes, potassium, sodium and chloride can cause severe health problems requiring a  sudden need for emergency medical treatment.

Caution: Do not drink extremely large quantities of water in a short period of time without replacing your electrolytes. A radio station sponsored a water drinking contest a few years ago. One participant drank almost 2 gallons of water over a period of approximately an hour and a half, she died from an extreme loss of electrolytes.   Get those minerals every day.

How Does a Magnesium Deficiency Effect the Body?

Do you get adequate magnesium in your diet? Almost two thirds  of Americans are deficient in magnesium, a nutrient that is essential to more than 300 activities in our bodies. Magnesium provides your muscles the ability to relax, it moves calcium out of your blood and into bones, it is required to keep blood circulating and the heart beating and it is essential to keep your nervous system and brain healthy.

If you have muscle cramps, particularly at night, the odds are great that you may be lacking magnesium; if you have trouble sleeping you may be low in magnesium, if you are fatigued it could be a lack of magnesium. If you have high blood pressure it may be due to insufficient magnesium, if you are diabetic, low levels of magnesium may be involved, magnesium is critical for carbohydrate metabolism. Magnesium helps keep the heart in a healthy rhythm,  is necessary for protein synthesis and cellular reproduction.

Magnesium is required for good bone health. Magnesium moves calcium out of the blood and  towards bone. In fact a large percentage of the magnesium in your body is in your bones. Magnesium is critical for heart health. It helps blood vessels relax reducing blood pressure and it helps lower triglyceride levels in your blood. Magnesium is also required to make certain detoxing compounds and for a strong immune system.

What Affects Magnesium Absorption?

Magnesium absorption is affected by many factors. Cooking by submersion in water will leach magnesium and other minerals from the food source. Eating a combination of cooked and raw vegetables will maximize your magnesium intake. Steaming or raw is better (legumes must be cooked).  Excessive calcium and zinc intake can cause a magnesium deficiency.  Magnesium absorption may be reduced by gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, the use of laxatives, chronic diarrhea, oral contraceptives, high caffeine intake, over exercising, diabetes, advanced age and alcoholism.”

In addition, taking certain diuretics specifically Lasix, Bumex, Edecrin, and hydrochlorothiazide, certain cancer medications like Cisplatin and certain antibiotics such as Gentamicin, and Amphotericin also interferes with magnesium absorption.

Magnesium may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following health conditions and symptoms:

  • Alcoholism
  • Angina pectoris
  • Arrhythmia
  • Asthma
  • Autism
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Diabetes
  • Eclampsia
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart attack
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hypertension
  • Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Migraine
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Peptic ulcers
  • PMS
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Reynaud’s syndrome
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Sensitiveness to noise
  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Mental depression
  • Confusion
  • Twitching
  • Trembling
  • Apprehension
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle weakness
  • Cramps in the toes, feet, legs or fingers

How Much You Should be Getting Daily:

If you get too much the body will excrete it through your waste. This is why magnesium is used as a very safe laxative such as milk of magnesia. The Recommended Dietary Allowances for magnesium, set in 1997 by the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences, are as follows:

  • males and females, 1-3 years: 80 milligrams
  • males and females, 4-8 years: 130 milligrams
  • males and females, 9-13 years: 240 milligrams
  • males, 14-18 years: 410 milligrams
  • males, 19-30 years: 400 milligrams
  • males, 31 years and older: 420 milligrams
  • females, 14-18 years: 360 milligrams
  • females, 19-30 years: 310 milligrams
  • females, 31 years and older: 320 milligrams
  • pregnant women, 18 years or younger: 400 milligrams
  • pregnant women, 19-30 years: 350 milligrams
  • pregnant women, 31-50 years: 360 milligrams

Excellent Food Sources include:

Swiss chard, kelp, millet, salmon, halibut, rice bran, oat bran, buckwheat, bulghur wheat, quinoa,  brown rice, spinach, squash, soybeans, turnip greens, green peas, pumpkin seeds, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, cashews, dark chocolate, almonds, black beans, pinto beans and navy beans. For more foods and their magnesium content check out this USDA list.

Make sure get your daily magnesium, you might be amazed at the health benefits it will  provide for you.

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

http://www.webnd.com

This contents of this blog is not and should not be  considered as medical advise. 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.

How Important Is Your Health To You?

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC3 Comments
Enjoying Life

I must ask you this question. Have you thought about what limitations your current state of health has placed on you? Does your current state of health allow you the luxury of a walk around the lake or park without thinking “are my knees going to hurt or I am not sure I can make it, I’ll be to tired.”  What about taking a 3, 4 or even 6 mile hike in the mountains? The real question is, when it comes down to living life the way you would like to, can you?  If you can’t are you willing to do something about it?

As I look back on my life 5 years ago it was very limited.  My joints ached and walking more than a few hundred feet without looking for a resting spot was impossible. I had to sit on the sidelines and watch my grandchildren play without me.  This was torture.  My wife loved to hike and camp, sadly she had to give it up because I couldn’t.  She didn’t want to go without me.  I love college football, however going to the games was pure misery. This is no longer the case. My body allows me the luxury to do almost anything I would like to do at my age of 54.  If you really want more from your body continue reading. If not,  hopefully you are in great health and do not need this information.

If you want your body to be a magnificent vessel allowing you to have an active and fun life, it’s never to late. Our bodies are amazingly and wondrously made. God provided our bodies with an innate drive for health. Regardless how badly we poison our bodies they continue to fight to live.  If we give our bodies some help they can recover and give us the freedom to really experience life physically the way we desire.

OK, so let’s get right to the point of this blog. How to go from a state of  poor health, illness or even disease to better health, very little illness or even reverse disease.  We are each metabolically and genetically unique. In addition, the exposure to external influences  such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, injuries, smoking, alcohol and drug intake have a total combined effect that can limit each persons health potential.  For example, If someone suffered an injury in a car accident and had broken their ankle, their ability to do an extreme hike may be limited however they may be able to comfortably do a moderate hike.  Regardless of your current health condition it can always improve.

In addition to the rules below,  learn to live within your energy/calorie budget. If you do not eat enough calories your body will be lacking very important nutrients needed to produce energy and build and repair your body. If you eat too much you will gain weight and open the door for other weight related health issues.

16 Rules of Healthy Living

Following these tips will help in your achievement of optimal health and wellness

  1. Remove all unnatural sources of sugar from your life.  (Table sugar, brown sugar, HFCS, corn syrup, confectioners’ sugar, syrup, etc…) Sugar acts as a poison that causes inflammation to our arteries and veins leading to heart disease, atherosclerosis and of course diabetes. Added sugars upset our normal hormonal balance and lower our immune system. Sugars in natural live foods does not have this effect.  Look for products made with stevia or xylitol. You can also use these as sweeteners at home.
  2. Make changes slowly to your lifestyle. You are more likely to be successful at making the positive changes stick by make change slowly.
  3. Remove or limit all refined and processed foods from your life.  (most boxed or canned flour based products)  Breads, pastas and cereals should be organic whole grain selections. Refined flours (those that say enriched, bleached, flour, wheat flour, bromate, multigrain and unbleached are refined) have the same effect on the body that added sugars do because they are simple carbohydrates and are absorbed into the body as blood sugar very quickly leading to the same disease potential and weight gain. These types of grains can get you into a vicious cycle of wanting to eat more and more of them.  It becomes a carbohydrate addiction that can be hard to break!  Learn the foods with the lowest blood sugar impact at this site. It will teach you everything you need to know about the blood sugar impact of particular foods.
  4. Replace frying with sauteing, baking, grilling or broiling.  Use  olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil or coconut oil.
  5. Replace flour based foods with “Whole Grain” choices.  (first ingredient in the list should say whole grain)
  6. Eat foods as close to nature in their raw state as possible (fresh or frozen).  If you must eat canned vegetables please rinse well.  Strive for 70% raw foods and 30% cooked.
  7. Eat a diet rich in variety. Include as many colors of vegetables (70% of your diet should be vegetables and fruits) fruits and grains, nuts and seeds every day. Limit nuts and seeds to 1 to 2 oz. per day due to calories.  The daily consumption of nuts drastically reduces the risk of heart disease.  Add ground flax-seed to your diet, 2 tbsp. daily to make sure you get plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids. These are essential for heart health, pain reduction, hormone regulation and nerve health.
  8. Limit saturated fats and totally eliminate trans fats from your diet. Include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which are very healthy for you in moderation.  Olive oil is a monounsaturated oil and most nuts contain a good source of monounsaturated oils. The Omega 3 Polyunsaturated oils come from walnuts, flax-seed and cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, halibut and cod.  While sardines and salmon are the best animal sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, ground flax-seed is the best sources of vegetative Omega 3 Fatty Acids and in my opinion the best source for it daily.  Flax seed also provides lignans which may help prevent certain types of cancers.  Omega 6 Polyunsaturated fatty acids are very prevalent in our vegetables and are seldom deficient in our diet. You need extra Omega 3 to balance the ration to a 2 to 1 Omega 6 to Omega 3. Your SATURATED FAT intake should not exceed 10% of your calories. Example a 2,000 calorie intake should have no more than 200 calories from saturated fat. At 9 calories per gram of fat that would mean you should limit your intake of saturated fat to less than 22 grams per day.  3.5 ounces of cheddar cheese has 21 grams of saturated fat, 3.5 ounces of cream cheese has 28  grams.
  9. Eliminate or reduce the intake of animal proteins. According to the China Study (the longest running nutritional health study every conducted) the intake of animal protein that exceeds more than 10% of our daily protein intake leads to the potential activation of cancer causing genes.  Interestingly the consumption of plant proteins had no negative effect on genetic expression. Study after study showed that by increasing the intake of casein (milk protein) in the diet to more than 10% of the protein daily intake over longer periods of time the casein activated cancerous genes allowing them the potential to express as disease. When the casein was reduced to less than 10% of dietary intake the cancer promoting gene was turned off and would not express itself. Personally I do not recommend animal proteins. If meat must be consumed then cold water fish such as salmon, halibut, cod, steelhead trout and sardines are the preferred choice.  However understand that you raise your risk of higher mercury levels along with other excito-toxins in older and larger fish such as swordfish, shark and tuna.
  10. Eliminate dairy products (cheese, milk and creams) from your daily diet. Replace with Almond milk or Rice milk. The casein protein in dairy milk is very hard to digest and stays active in the body causing the body’s PH to become to acidic. This causes the body to leach calcium from bones and teeth to lower the PH to a health promoting level. The leaching of the calcium from bone is a leading cause of osteoporosis. I do not consume dairy products and do not recommend them. There are healthy dairy alternatives to choose from.
  11. Get plenty of water every day, 80 ounces over 24 hours. Hydration is very important to health and aids in the removal of toxins and from the body. Water is required in every metabolic activity. If you are ill, exercise intensely or sweat profusely you will need more water.  A good rule of thumb is 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight.
  12. Supplement your diet with a good whole food supplement that addresses the seven key areas of nutrition required for vibrant health. (ask for our suggestions)
  13. Move more every day. Exercise is very important in delivering the nutrients we consume to every cell  in our body and primes the lymph system pumping toxins out of our bodies. In addition exercise increases our metabolic rate helping to burn more calories (weight-loss) and will increase our bodies’ efficiency in using utilizing oxygen, increasing our overall fitness level.  To lose weight and build health we need to have a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days per week.
  14. Get a minimum of 20 minutes of fresh air and sunshine daily.
  15. If you smoke, quit.
  16. Avoid or cut caffeinated and alcoholic beverages from your diet. If you must drink limit them to no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for females and 2 for males.  Other than red wine there is not enough nutritional value in alcoholic beverages to include them in your diet. They actually rob your body of nutrients.  I do not recommend alcoholic beverages.

Healthy Wishes,

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

Nutritionist

Related Articles

Why Are We So Unhealthy, Overweight and Obese in America?

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC6 Comments

Why do you think we have such a high prevalence of poor health and obesity in America?  I really need your feed back.  Your voice will help frame a proposal to our  legislature to make nutrition education mandatory in our schools and available to individuals and parents through community, business and church workshops.  We must make creating health and the prevention of disease and illness a priority.  It will cost much less to teach prevention than to provide health care and disease management. It will reduce the cost of health care for individuals, families, taxpayers and Corporate America.

America 's Obesity Epidemic
Obesity is Squeezing America

In the coming months we will kickoff  a campaign “Conquering Obesity” that will bring our collective voice to the public and state and federal government agencies.   If you have a passion for health and would like to volunteer, we could certainly use your support. Unless we can bring a change to our American way of life, our children being born today will begin to develop disease and illness earlier than ever before.  Please read the information below. I hope you will take part and help make Americans healthier than ever.

You can leave your comments below , email your thoughts or select your answer in my poll at http://www.conqueringobesity.net/health-survey–why-are-we-unhealthy-.html ,  feel free to select more than one answer if you think it applies, however please be serious when participating in this poll. The website is still under development.

It is our goal that families begin to understand the need for a shift to a healthy lifestyle so they and their children can enjoy a long healthy life.  To bring about the change we are working to educate and motivate individuals, families, churches and businesses on the consequences of the current health trends and the benefits of a shift to healthier lifestyle.

According to statics from http://www.americashealthrankings.org,  in 2009 the southern states and in-particular the southeastern states made up the cellar in health rankings across all states. In fact 7 of the 10 unhealthiest,  positions 40 to 50,  make up what I would consider southeastern states.  You can view the individual state rankings here.   In addition the same health monitoring organization predicts the prevalence of obesity in the United States is estimated to increase from the current level of 31.30% obese to 42.80% obese in 2018.  I am sure you can imagine where the rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers  are headed.  All of these negative health conditions are preventable, even if you have a genetic history for them. Lifestyle behavior will trump genetics almost 100% of the time.  Take look at some shocking health figures.

The current health trends in this country show a decrease in health and wellness across a broad spectrum of health categories. Our health care system is seeing increasing rates of serious adult diseases and health conditions occurring in America’s youth. We have children under twelve years of age developing high cholesterol, type II diabetes and hypertension. In fact the American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated their policy to recommend that children between the ages of two and ten are screened for high cholesterol if they or their family members are overweight or have experienced high lipid profiles. This has to stop.

Young adults are developing degenerative disease earlier than ever. America’s adults, in general have higher rates of heart and cardiovascular disease than most industrialized nations. Obesity is growing and diabetes is now reaching epidemic rates.

This demands and calls for an urgent paradigm shift in our culture. We must become active in our lifestyle and involved in the process of managing dietary needs for ourselves and our families.  If your heritage is from the African-American or Hispanic culture you should be alarmed, the rates of obesity and it’s related diseases and illnesses are even higher for you.

We must change how we live. It has to start today. Every mother and father should make sure you are feeding your children healthy foods and providing  them the opportunity for an active lifestyle.  Please join us in our efforts to change the landscape of America’s health. Every journey begins with one step. Please take yours today and lets walk together on the journey to a healthy and vibrant life.

Wally’s Daily Dose

The Unhealthiest 14 States

Florida 36
North Carolina 37
Missouri 38
Texas 39
Arkansas 40
Kentucky 41
West Virginia 42
Georgia 43
Tennessee 44
Nevada 45
South Carolina 46
Louisiana 47
Alabama 48
Oklahoma 49
Mississippi 50

Do You Know Your Phytonutrients? You should!

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC4 Comments
Phytonutrient Rich Foods
Phytonutrient Rich Foods

Have you seen those two guys on TV in the pond filled with cranberries promoting the antioxidant power of cranberries? We all assume they must be good for us. Most people under-estimate the power of not only antioxidants, but phytonutrients in general.

The new buzz in health news is the power of a class of phytonutrients known as antioxidants. Every time I turn on the tube or check out the web,  I see adds  about phytonutrients known as antioxidants.  Did you know that antioxidants are just one type of phytonutrient?

What are Phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients are not vitamins or minerals.  Phytonutrients are certain organic components or compounds found in plants, and these components or compounds are believed  to provide protective benefits that promote human health.

There are many different types of phytonutrients such as anthocyanidins ( a type of antioxidant found in blue and purple foods), glycoproteins, polysaccharides,  ( essential sugars that protect the myelin sheath of our nerves and promote health in our digestive and immune systems),  phytosterols (heart and arterial protecting compounds) and polyphenols ( a very powerful class of antioxidants) found in a variety of foods including brans, nuts, seeds, dried spices, fruits and vegetables .

Phytonutrients may

· serve as antioxidants  ( they protect cells from free radicals that cause aging and illness)

· enhance immune response ( they help elevate our ability to produce more immune cells such as Killer Cells and antibodies)

· enhance cell-to-cell communication

· alter estrogen metabolism

· convert beta-carotene to vitamin A

· cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis)

· repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposures

· detoxify some carcinogens

Source USDA http://www.ars.usda.gov/Aboutus/docs.htm?docid=4142#top

So what does all of this mean to you and me?

It reinforces what our grandmothers have told us for years. Eating fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds and whole grains are good for us and can offer many health benefits.

Getting your phytonutrients from foods  has a much more powerful effect than taking isolated phytonutrient or antioxidant supplements. Our bodies are designed to get nutrients from natural unprocessed foods. Antioxidants that exist together in their natural form, for example in rice bran, blueberries or spinach, have synergies that make them much more powerful than when consumed in supplement form.

Fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds also provide vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber in addition to carbohydrates, proteins and heart healthy fats and oils.

If you are not eating at least 2 servings of fruits, 3 servings of vegetables, 4 servings of whole grains and 1 ounces of nuts and seeds daily you are robbing your body of essential nutrients required for vibrant health. The SAD (Standard American Diet) has made Americans one of the least healthy populations of all industrialized nations, yet we spend over twice the money per person on health care.

Make veggies, fruits, grains, beans, nuts and seeds a part of your daily diet.  Your body will love you for it!

Healthy Wishes

Wally’s Daily Dose

Your Lifestyle, Your Health

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC2 Comments

Several weeks ago, Brian Williams reported on NBC Nightly News that 45% of Americans suffer from one of potentially three major life threatening conditions; high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.   In addition, he also reported that recent studies show that living an unhealthy lifestyle can cost you 12 years of life.

What they don’t report is that once you have one of the three conditions you highly increase your risk for developing the remaining two conditions.  A report by The Center for Science in the Public Interest in 2008 reported that 210,560,000 Americans suffered from diseases related to diet and lifestyle. That is over 63% of the US population.

The description defining an unhealthy lifestyle according to Brian Williams is, drinking too much, a lack of exercise, smoking and poor diet.  This description reflects the lifestyle of most Americans.  This has to change.

Studies reported in 2008 stated that only 11% of Americans consumed the recommendation of 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits per day.  Remember that the 5 a day campaign is the minimum recommendation of vegetable and fruit intake by the National Institutes of Health for preventing some diseases. This means that 89% of the American population is at further risk for obesity, cancers, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke.

Sadly many people don’t care.  In my practice as a Nutritionist, I have clients tell me that they would prefer to die younger allowing them to eat and live they way they wish.  They will take their medication to manage their disease and forego any lifestyle changes.  Do you know of any medication that does not have some negative consequences?     Why not make a few simple lifestyle changes?

What they do not realize, until it is too late, is their life may be cut short and the quality of their life in most cases is significantly diminished. For example diabetics are at risk for nerve damage which causes neuropathy leading to amputations, or their vision is damaged leading to blindness or the heart or kidneys begin to fail or the arterial damage caused by the excess blood sugar causes atherosclerosis leading to cardiovascular and heart disease and even stroke.  Diabetes can be a very slow and agonizing death.

So please eat your vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Get more active and exercise your body. Limit your consumption of alcohol to no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 for women and please quit smoking.

Your body will love you for it and reward you with less illness, a higher quality of life and possibly an extra 12 years!   I don’t want to watch life from the sidelines I want to play and enjoy everything life has to offer. How about you?

Healthy Wishes

Wally’s Daily Dose