Tag: health

Boost Your Immune System, Naturally

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC7 Comments

Your immune system is your defense against toxins such as drugs and environmental chemicals, rogue cells that cause cancer, fungi, parasites , viruses and bacteria that cause infections like the flu’s, colds and respiratory and sinus infections.

Can you boost your immune system naturally? Science has mixed reviews on how to improve our immune system.  However, many studies do show that certain nutrients are critical for healthy immune function.

Our immune system is highly complex and is influenced in many ways. A healthy immune system should protect us from almost any type of virus, bacteria, fungus, parasite or toxin. If  healthy, it should be able to stop almost any foreign invader or rogue cell trying to harm our body.

Our immune function is controlled through a highly complex system of organs and processes called the immune system. The immune system has many ways of protecting us.  For example; your skin has antimicrobial properties and special sensory cells that act as part of your immune defense system.  Your tears, mucus and saliva have special enzymes that breakdown the cell wall of invading bacteria.  Since the nasal passage and lungs are coated in mucus, many germs not killed  are immediately trapped in the mucus and soon swallowed. Mast cells also line the nasal passages, throat, lungs and skin and alert other parts of the immune system to respond.  Inside each cell another type of immune system functions. Several enzymes act as defenders to protect the inner health of the cell. Two of these; Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase protect the cell against free radical attacks. In the liver and other cells, another class of enzymes collectively called xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes work to detoxify toxins in our bodies. These xenobiotic removing enzymes are a part of another system, Cytochrome P-450 & P448. Cytochrome P450 & 448 are so powerful, drug manufacturers must figure out ways to defeat them so their drugs will work in the body. Hummm, I guess that’s why drugs have so many negative side effects.  They alter the body’s ability to protect itself ! The health of our immune system and it’s ability to protect our body from harm is dependent on many factors.  Researchers still don’t fully understand exactly how the immune system operates. They do concede, that how we live and eat may play a large role on our immune system’s health status.

Our diet and lifestyle play a large role in determining how effective our immune system is at protecting us.  Those enzymes we just read about need many nutrients in the body for them to work effectively. It’s not just what we eat and don’t eat, it is also how we live.

Let’s look at the most powerful influences on your immune systems health status.

Negatives

  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Emotional toxicity  hatred, anger, jealousy, resentment, self-defeating thoughts
  • Isolation
  • Cigarettes
  • Caffeine (in excess)
  • Alcohol (in excess)
  • Refined and Processed foods
  • Simple Sugars
  • Lack of exercise

Positives for our Immune System

Lifestyle

  • Relaxation
  • Pure water- spring water or purified water
  • Adequate sleep- 7 to 8 hours
  • Love, family, community involvement, self-appreciation
  • Positive attitude
  • Laughter
  • Being physical activity gardening, hiking etc… , exercise daily (movement is important for our lymphatic system)
  • A spiritual connection
  • A diet rich in diversity, including vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains (however limit), nuts and seeds and to a lesser degree wild caught cold water fish and organic turkey or chicken breast.

Diet

It’s common knowledge that certain foods and nutrients boost our immune function. You can find thousands of sites publishing these list.  What most don’t tell you, is,  what you do and how you eat consistently, has the biggest impact on your health.  For example; if you regularly eat refined ( foods that have been altered, removing most of the nutritional integrity of the original food) and processed foods ( foods such as luncheon meats, processed cheese, prepared dinners in a package) drink soft drinks or smoke,  taking a multivitamin or occasionally eating a few healthy foods isn’t going to have much of a positive impact on your health.  Refined and processed foods not only give little nutrition, they also pollute our bodies with harmful preservatives and additives that can diminish our health.

Foods that Promote Immune Function ( all plant-based foods have immune boosting potential)

Nutrients Important for Immune Function

All nutrients are important for our health, however a few are vitally important for our immune system to function optimally. If you have a diet rich in a variety of healthy foods, you will give yourself the best chance to build a healthy body.  Remember, it is the consistency of what we do.   If you live a healthy lifestyle 80% of the time you should build health. An occasional indulgence isn’t going to effect your health in a negative way. Obviously the reverse is true; live unhealthy 80% of the time and have a healthy treat occasionally and you will still build poor health.

Eat a proper balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to insure your ability to build a healthy body.  Your daily calories should contain 50 to 60% carbohydrates, 25 to 35% healthy fats and 10 to 20% protein.

Nutrients Vital for Immune System Health

Vitamin A

Vitamin B6 & B12

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Bioflavenoids

Carotenoids

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Probiotics

Selenium

 Zinc

 

Supplements for immune function

Oregano oil (make sure its therapeutic grade and take with water, it is very strong and hot)

Nutritional Yeast (boost our ability to kill bacteria and viruses) (do not confuse with brewers yeast or bakers yeast)

Zinc L-monomethionine

Raw Honey

Summary

Stop eating body polluters and nutrient robber like fast foods, processed foods and refined foods. They overload your immune system and provide very little nutrition needed to keep your immune system healthy. Eat a mostly plant based diet with lots of differently colored veggies and fruits. Keep the sugar in your diet to a minimum. This also means staying away from grain flours because they turn to blood sugar quickly. Exercise often and stay hydrated!!

If you really want to maximize your opportunity for optimal health, adopt a life style that includes a healthy diet, rest, relaxation, love, laughter and a strong spiritual foundation.  In addition, avoid exposure to those who are sick when possible.  Practice good sanitation at all times.

 

Healthy Wishes,

Wally Bishop C.N.C. I.N.H.C.

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Wellness With Wally

Viveshake

@WallyBishopCNC

The contents of the email or written communication are not medical advice and should not be considered as such!  This blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your physician or health care provider if you have medical issues and before changing your diet or lifestyle or taking herbal or dietary supplements. Never start an exercise program with getting your doctors approval. Never quit taking medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.  Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs.


Supercharge Your Metabolism

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC1 Comment
Couch Potatoes Do Not Have a Super Metabolism

Would you like to have a supercharged metabolism that melted fat like ice in a sauna?  Follow the tips below to supercharge your metabolism and accelerate your fat loss.

The term “metabolism” refers to the sum total of all activities that keep our bodies functioning.  Definition: the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available, compare anabolism, catabolism.

Your metabolic system is highly complex and actually has many sub-systems operating within it.  To keep it simple, let’s discuss your metabolic system relative to energy expenditure, or more simply “calories burned”.  After all, for weight loss, the amount of energy you use, dictates the number of calories you burn. The type of activity will determine the fuel source for your energy; if you are going to burning a higher percentage of fat or sugar.

If you want to maximize your weight loss safely, make a few of these suggestions a part of your daily routine.

Eat Thermogenic Foods

The foods you eat can have a major impact on raising or lowering your metabolism.  Some foods have a thermogenic effect. This means it takes more energy for your body to digest and metabolism the food than the amount of energy the food actually provides in the way of caloric energy. For example there are approximately 30 calories in 1 cup of raw broccoli. It takes more than 30 calories for your body to digest and metabolize the 1 cup of broccoli. Many vegetables are thermogenic.

Thermogenic foods list

  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Salsa
  • Hot Peppers
  • Hot Peppers
  • Ice Water
  • Green Tea (Iced or Hot)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
  • Cabbage
  • Celery
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Broccoli and Cauliflower
  • Lemon or Vinegar
  • Vinaigrette Dressing
  • Grapefruit
  • Berries
  • Fatty Fish
  • Soup
  • Oatmeal
  • Pumpernickel Bread

Drink Adequate Water

You cannot turn fat into energy without adequate water intake. Aim for a minimum of ½ your weight in ounces of water. If you are exercising or sweat a lot you will need more. It is important to make sure you keep your electrolytes balanced if you are sweating or consuming a lot of water.

Eat Monounsaturated Fats

Studies show that people that eat nuts and seeds 5 days per week lost weight and keep it off.  Monounsaturated fats speed up the metabolism, are satiating and are very heart healthy. Most nuts and seeds contain about 60% monounsaturated fat. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health found three times as many people trying to lose weight were able to stick to a Mediterranean-style moderate-fat weight loss diet that included nuts, peanuts and peanut butter versus the traditionally recommended low-fat diet. (International Journal of Obesity, Oct. 5, 2001). Avocados are also an excellent source of monounsaturated fats. Just remember to stay within your calorie budget. Nuts, seeds and avocados contain a lot of calories. 1 to 2 ounces of nut and seeds per day is a fine. having more may add to your waist line.

Have a Little Protein With each Meal or Snack

Protein provides a satisfying feeling and helps fuel the metabolic burn. It does not take much protein and the source of protein in not important. Organic eggs on a piece of whole grain toast is a good selection. Try peanut butter or almond butter on triscuits, apple slices or celery stalks. Add nuts to your oatmeal or cereal. For your salad add beans, nuts and seeds.

Your protein needs should be reflected as 10 to 15% of your total daily calories. If you have a 2000 calorie budget your protein intake should be between 50 grams and 75 grams of protein. 10% of 2000 calories is 200 calories, there are 4 calories per gram of protein. Divide the 200 calories by 4 and you have the grams of protein you need per day. This is of course an approximation. If you exercise really hard or are sick you may need more protein.

The Multiple Exercise Principle

I lost a lot of my weight following the multiple exercise principle.  When I began my journey, I walked multiple times per day. It started as twice per day and worked up to 3 to 4 times per day. I did it initially in 10 minute blocks. As my fitness improved I extended it to 15 minute walks.  Now, 4 years later, I exercise hard twice per day 6 days per week. 30 minutes per session. It involves cardio, interval training and strength training. Do not over exercise. Over exercising can lower your immune system and cause other adverse health problems. I highly suggest you consult with a certified personal trainer and nutritionist to maximize your weight loss safely.

The reason for multiple exercise sessions is that it will keep your metabolism revved up for a much greater period of time.  Muscles require a lot of calories to create energy. Additionally the body burns more calories replenishing glycogen (stored sugar), creating more enzymes, building and repairing muscles and creating other necessary compounds. Exercise also creates metabolic heat and the body spends calories working to keep your core cooler.  When you get too warm the body dilates blood vessels pushing blood flow to your skin releasing fluid through the  sweat glands to cool your body.  A higher metabolism burns more calories and more fat. For example, 1- 40 minute walk or exercise session will keep your metabolism boosted for approximately 7 hours, whereas 4- 10 minute walks will keep your metabolism boosted for 11 hours. Exercise does not have to be hard to facilitate fat loss. As you build your level of fitness you should increase your level of intensity and duration. This will further increase fitness and fat loss.

Staying Cool ( bet you didn’t think of this one!)

Keeping your body cooler requires your body to burn more energy to stay warm, thus increasing your metabolism. When your body experiences temperatures so cold your that your metabolism can’t keep your core warm enough, it induces involuntary muscle tremors or “shivering. The shivering burns more energy producing metabolic heat to warm the body’s core.   I am not suggesting you expose yourself to extreme cold. I am suggesting you keep your environment a little cooler. We keep our thermostat set at 65 in the winter.  If you are elderly or ill stay warm.

Get Adequate Sleep

You need 7 to 8 hours of good sleep per night. A lack of sleep will cause your body to produce more of the stress hormones that build fat around the abdomen.

Practice Stress Relief Strategies

Stress is not only a major cause of many adverse health conditions but also excessive weight gain. It will cause you to build fat around your waist and hips. It will also make weight loss next to impossible.

Eat Enough Calories for Your Body’s Metabolic Needs

If you drop below 1200 calories per day your body is thinking it is starving and will want to turn everything you eat into fat. In addition it is going to drastically lower your metabolism making fat burning next to impossible.  Use this calorie calculator to determine how many calories per day you should consume to maintain your current weight. Eat 500 calories less per day and you will loss 1 pound per week. You can eat less and exercise more to achieve the 500 calorie per day deficit.

Eat Breakfast

If you don’t eat breakfast, you slow down your metabolism and send the body into “hoard mode,” thinking it’s starving because you’re going a long period of time without food.

Eat 6 Times per Day

Eating smaller meals and snacks more often keep the metabolic furnace stoked. It also helps to keep your blood sugar balanced eliminating cravings and fatigue. Your body needs fuel and nutrients every 2 to 3 hours in small amounts.

Supplement Your Diet with High Quality Nutrition

Certainly as a nutritionist I eat very healthy. I still need additional nutrition. Everyone does. I do not care how healthy you eat; you need to fortify your diet with extra nutrition.  A one a day pill is not going to cut it, they are a waist of your money. They consist primarily of synthetic or isolated nutrients and are not absorbed very well in our bodies.

I want you to have the success I have had! These suggestions work and should become the norm and not the exception if you really want to lose weight.  I did it and you can too!!

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.

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Frustrated With Your Weight Loss? Try These Tips!

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHCLeave a comment

Do you dread getting on the scale?  It will become the enemy when you visit it too often. Your weight is not the problem. Your problem is a diet and lifestyle that promotes weight gain. Change the behavior and the weight will change.  Quit weighing every day and only weigh once every two weeks. What you eat or do for one day reflects little on any part of your health. What you do consistently for weeks and months is what effects your health and weight loss  Your weight can shift multiple pounds from one day to the next, weighing everyday is not a good way to measure your weight loss success. Eventually it is going to show no loss or weight gain and you will be disappointed, frustrated and question your ability to lose the weight.

At some point in your weight loss journey you will hit a wall and the weight loss you have been enjoying stops.  This happens to anyone that diets.  So why does this happen you ask?  There are several reasons, lets explore them. Dieting; diets do not work. If you want permanent weight loss, change your life style and dietary habits forever. If you don’t, you will go back to the old behavior that made you fat.

  1. Skipping meals.  When you skip meals it leads to overeating later due to increased hunger. In addition it can cause craving due to a drop in blood sugar levels. Aim for 3 snacks and 3 meals per day.  DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST!
  2. Lack of enough sound sleep.  Most people never realize how important to your overall health including weight loss.  With out adequate sleep your hormonal system is out of balance, you are under stress and releasing fat building hormones.  Your need 7 to 8 hours of sound sleep every night.
  3. Lack of water.  Without enough water (body fluids) your metabolism is lowered and you do not burn as many calories. You just can’t make as much energy without the water.
  4. Doing the same exercise routine. You body will figure out how to do your routine very efficiently and you will burn fewer calories.  Change your routine and include strength training and interval training.  Keep your body guessing.
  5. Eating the same foods every day. This is very common. Many of us like certain foods and we like the same ones for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The problem is again our body gets to comfortable because it now has learned how many calories and what nutrients to expect.  Vary your calories from day to day.  If your calorie budget is 2000 calories shoot for 1800 one day, 2200 one day, 2000 one day and even 1600 one day. The important part is averaging 2000 calories over several days.  One day at 2400 calories is not going to effect your weight however a week of 2400 calorie days will.
  6. Under consuming calories. Everyone thinks that if you eat less you will lose more weight. Wrong!  For most people if you consume less than 1200 calories per day your body is going to think it is starving. As a result it will lower your metabolism drastically and will even want to turn what you eat into fat for later energy when there is no food available.   You must eat enough to cover your Basil Metabolic Rate (BMR).
  7. Nutrient deficiency.  You should complement your diet with super nutrition. Even eating health is not enough with today’s foods. Your body can’t make energy, build muscle, make enzymes, red blood cells,  hemoglobin etc… without an abundance of nutrients.  Your mitochondria ( cellular power plants) are highly dependent on nutrients to burn carbohydrates and stored fats.
  8. Consuming too many calories.  Everyone has a calorie budget. If you exceed it consistently you will gain weight. It is important to know yours.  Eat 500 calories less per day that your burn and you will lose 1 pound per week of  hydrolyzed fat.  Never attempt to lose more than 2 pounds per week.  Eat less calories ( however not to few) and exercise more to increase your weight loss rate.
  9. Forgetting to adjust calorie intake when weight is being lost.  As the pounds come off you have to adjust your calorie intake.  If you continue eating the same calories that you did 20 pounds ago the weight loss is going to stop.
  10. Stress!  Stress releases hormones that build abdominal fat.  Find ways to add relaxation into your life. Make life fun!
  11. Lack of exercise. Everyone needs to exercise.  Exercise not only burns fat, it also detoxes the body, forces the body to repair itself and make more energy producing compounds and tissues. If you are morbidly obese you may lose weight for a while without exercising. However at some point the weight loss will stop if you do not include some form of exercise.
  12. Lack of real commitment. Are you so tired of being over weight that absolutely nothing is going to stop you. If you aren’t willing to tell your friends or even ask them to support you in your efforts then I question if you are really committed to your weight loss.  It is important to let friends and family know so they can help reinforce good behavior and not tempt you will fattening foods. Your friends will want to help and not sabotage your efforts.

Hopefully these suggestions will help you get over the hump when you hit the weight loss wall.  Change your foods regularly, change your calories daily and vary your exercise routine.  In some cases, if you have exercised regularly, you may need a week off.  If you have given your body a break you may want to increase your intensity to jump-start the metabolic engine again.

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.

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My Formula for Losing Over 200 Pounds, Join Me In My Weight Loss Journey! Weight Loss Part II

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC11 Comments
You’ll Never Be Afraid of the Scale Again

I would like to invite you to join me on my weight loss journey! I would like to lose an extra 20 pounds, I’m not sure if my body will let me, as it seems pretty happy at my current weight. Remember, I have lost over 200 pounds and have maintained my current weight for the past 2 years. If you need to lose 20 pounds or 2oo pounds this formula works. Success requires a desire for change, a little planning and persistence.

If you are starting a diet or making changes to your lifestyle, always consult with your doctor before beginning the new routine.

I will share with you my daily food dairy and exercise log over the next week, so that you can see my diet and my exercise routine. In addition, you will find posted below my diet recommendations for losing weight and keeping it off.

Rules of safe weight loss and weight management.

1.) Never eat less than 1200 calories per day unless you are under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

2.) Never aim to lose more than 2 pounds per week.

3.) Eat 6 times per day, 3 snacks and 3 meals.

4.) Crowd out the unhealthy foods in your life by eating the healthy nutritious ones first.  If you add 2 servings of fruits and 3 or more servings of veggies to your daily diet routine, you are not going to have room for the unhealthy foods. In addition, it will gradually get rid of your cravings. Do not start out trying to eat like me. Start by adding more vegetables and healthy foods to you daily routine. Eventually the bad foods will disappear if you make the choice to follow this guide.

5.) Know your energy requirements. This is critical! You can’t  manage something, if you do not know what is required.

6.) Exercise at least 6 days per week.  Do different types of exercise: interval, aerobic and strength training. If you are just beginning an exercise program, consult with an exercise professional to insure your safety. Do not think that you can lose weight and then keep it off with out exercising. It will not happen. Plus the whole idea of losing weight is to improve your health.  Exercise partnered  with a nutritious dietary routine builds health

7.) Drink at least 1/2 your weight in ounces of water per day. If you weight 200 lbs, you need at least 100 ounces of water per day. Water is required in the metabolic pathway to burn fat and to create energy.  A 2% drop in body hydration can cause up to a 30% drop in available energy.

8.) Get plenty of rest and relaxation. A lack of sleep and mismanaged stress will stop weight loss and even cause weight gain. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sound sleep per night. Practice stress reducing methods, get into a great book, get a massage, listen to soft music etc….  Turn your problems over to God.

9.) Make vegetative foods the majority of your food choices. They are low in calories, they alkaline the body, they cleanse the body, they help control blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels and they offer a wide array of nutrients that promote health.

10.) Limit your intake of simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates promote cravings by causing blood sugar spikes.  Eat lower glycemic foods. This does not mean you should eat a high protein diet. Select complex carbohydrates. Your brain and central nervous system (CNS) only burn glucose (sugar) for fuel. The average person need 100 to 125 grams of carbohydrates to fuel the brain and CNS. Sugar, glucose and glycogen (stored glucose) are made from dietary carbohydrates.

11.) Quit smoking, limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol and watch your salt intake.

12.) Do not weigh yourself more than once every 2 weeks. The best time to weigh is first thing in the morning upon waking and after you go to the bathroom.  Weigh the same time each day.  Your weight is just a by-product of  your particular lifestyle. Change your lifestyle and your weight will change.

13) Never deprive yourself of any food. If you want it, eat it. Just don’t go crazy and eat the whole container of Oreo’s.  When this happens, give your self credit for having the will power to control the amount you ate.  At the next snack or meal time exercise control and make healthy selections.

14.) Keep a food journal.

My Diet Selections

I am a flexitarian. That means I eat a vegetarian diet. However, I occasionally feel a need for animal protein. I typically go 1 to 2 weeks before I have that craving for salmon or chicken.  I do not eat red meat, pork or dairy.  Studies show a primarily vegetarian diet promotes better health by reducing the risk of major diseases and health conditions.

At least 75% of my diet is raw vegetables. Raw vegetables provide a wide array of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients. When vegetables are cooked some of the vitamins are destroyed and all the enzymes are killed. However you do need some cooked vegetables. Leafy green vegetables contain a compound called oxalic acid. Oxalic acid binds with some minerals and interferes with their absorption. Cooking neutralizes most of the oxalic acid allowing more mineral absorption. Carrots provide more bio-available beta carotene when cooked. Tomatoes give more lycopene when cooked. A good ratio is 75% raw and 25% cooked.

If I eat out, I make wise selections and ask for variations on the menu. Most restaurants will be happy to make changes for you. For example; when ordering a salad, ask them to leave off the honey or sugar glazed pecans and dried fruit, save a couple of hundred calories, order the dressing on the side and dip your fork in the dressing before picking up the bite, you will use less dressing this way.

Avoid or limit refined and processed foods as much as possible and don’t eat fried foods.

Calories

Understanding your calorie requirements is critical to weight loss and weight management.  Read this blog to better understand your energy budget. As you lose weight you will need to adjust your calorie intake.

Understanding How Much of What to Eat

Vegetables; you can eat these in unlimited amounts, aim for at least 5 servings daily. Eat raw, steamed, grilled, sautéed or broiled. Do not fry

Serving sizes; Cooked vegetables 1/2 cup, Chopped, raw vegetables 1/2 cup, Raw, leafy vegetables 1 cup, Vegetable juice 3/4 cup

Root Vegetables (for potatoes and yams the total should not exceed 2 servings total combined per week)

Fish & Seafood 1 serving 3 times per week.  Prepare by grilling, baking and broiling. Do not fry. Do not eat farm raised fish of any kind.

Serving size is 4 ounces

Fruits 2 servings per day is the limit, a serving is 1 medium fruit, ½ cup juice or ¼ cup dried. Dried fruit is coated with sugar so avoid it. Avoid fruit juices, they are also very high in sugar content. 

Low Fat Dairy I do not recommend dairy products. If you must have them, goat or sheep is a better choice. I use almond breeze sugar free almond milk and rice cheeses.

Eggs, hen If you have high cholesterol limit to 1 per week otherwise 1 per day is ok. Eggs should be poached, scrambled or boiled, not fried. Select free range, organic eggs.

 

Beans & Legumes; eat what you want, just do not go over your daily calorie limit

Serving size is 1 cup cooked

Poultry & Lean Meats – limit to 4 ounces per serving, 3 times per week. 4 ounces is about the size of a deck of cards. I do not recommend eating red meats or pork, however, if you do, limit your intake to 1 serving per week.  Prepare by grilling, baking or broiling. Do not fry.

 

Nuts & Seeds Limit to 1 to 2 ounces per day due to high calorie content. Studies show people who consume 1 oz. of nuts daily lose weight and keep it off. In addition, they may cut their risk of heart disease by up to 45%.

Grains Limit to 4 to 6 servings per day, depending on calorie requirements. Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates that are important for energy needs. Your cells prefer glucose for fuel. Glucose is provided by carbohydrates.  To keep your blood sugar balanced, avoid simple carbohydrates and go for whole grains.

Serving sizes;

  • Bread 1 slice
  • Tortilla, roll, or muffin 1
  • Bagel, English muffin or hamburger bun ½
  • Brown rice, pasta, oatmeal, cooked cereal, 1/2 cup
  • Ready-to-eat cereal 1 ounce (flakes or round)
  • Pancake, waffle 1 (4″ diameter)

Grain choices

Salad Dressings

I use olive oil and balsamic vinegar; Good Seasons Balsamic with olive oil or Good Seasons Greek Vinaigrette; Serving Size 2 Tablespoons, serve on side of plate, dip fork into dressing, then into bite of salad. Or you can make your own.

Butter

I use and recommend Smart Balance Heart Healthy lite. It’s 45 calories per serving, 1.5 grams of saturated fat and zero cholesterol and taste like butter.

 

Spices & Herbs; herbs are naturally very high in antioxidant power

Dark Chocolate; I eat dark chocolate every day. Only 100% dark raw chocolate is recommended. Limit to 1.5 ounces per day. Dark Chocolate has the highest antioxidant value of any food.

Natural Sweeteners; Serving Size 1 Tablespoon

Use sparingly if diabetic

Use as needed

  • Stevia; this is my choice of sweetener. Truvia is the best commercial choice. Stevia in the Raw has sugar in it.
  • Xylitol is another of my favorites. I usually use ½ stevia and ½ xylitol due to the after taste of the stevia.

 

Moderation is the key in your diet. If you want something, eat it but try to limit the amount.  Consistency is the other very important factor.  If you eat healthy 80% of the time, you will give your body  the opportunity to build health.  We are what we eat. Eat junk and have a junk body, eat healthy and have a healthy body!

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.

New Years Resolutions, Successful Weight Loss, Part 1

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC1 Comment

The Holiday Season between Thanksgiving and January 1st  is a dietary challenge for most  of us.  How did you do? Were you able to keep the pounds off or did you gain a few?  Now is the time to get in the right frame of mind to tackle your weight and health issues. This New Year,  can be the year you really improve your health and develop a lifestyle that will promote vibrant health forever!

If you are serious about taking the pounds off and keeping them off read on! Having lost over 200 pounds and kept it off, I guess you could say I know what I am talking about when it comes to weight loss.

Most people start with a great attitude and lots of enthusiasm. This last for about 3 months and before you realize it you are slowly sliding back to your old habits. I am sure that’s not what was intended however over 90% of those making dietary resolutions do not keep them through the year. They did not have a plan to carry them through. They lasted 3 months on desire alone and it takes much more than desire to have successful long-term weight loss. If desire is all that is required to lose weight, we would all be at a great weight and healthy.

If you really want to reach your goals you must be determined that nothing will get in your way.  Success in business or weight loss requires a plan or formula.  So what is required?

Resolution Tools

  • clear picture of the goal
  • path to reach the goal, a plan  (diet, exercise, detoxification, relaxation, education etc…)
  • strong determination ( you can’t let family, friends or circumstances sabotage you and rob you of your goal)
  • knowledge ( do you know how many calories you should consume, the right ration of carbohydrates, fat and protein in your daily diet, which foods increase metabolism, which foods promote health and which ones don’t etc…)  This is one of the areas most people get trapped by. There is an incredible amount of information in the internet. Much of it is wrong and even harmful in some cases.  Trust a dietary health professional to give you safe and effective advice.

Weight Loss Forever

The fact is, losing weight requires a change in the way we think, eat and the amount of activity we engage in. If you keep doing what you doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve got. So change is necessary. There is no magic bullet or pill. Diets do not work. What we eat is vitally important to proper weight balance. If you want permanent change, a change in your lifestyle is what works.

Why Diets Do Not Work

In America when someone uses the term “diet” in the context of losing weight it usually means they are going to change what they are eating and maybe exercise a little for a temporary period until they have achieved their desired goal. Then what do they do?  They will return to their original eating and lifestyle habits. They have not established healthy lifestyle habits or fixed the problem that caused the weight gain to begin with. Yes they are going right back to the very same behavior that got them to that point of needing to lose weight to begin with. Hopefully you are getting the message. If you only want to lose a small amount of weight for a few months, OK diet. If you really want to lose weight and keep it off you must quit thinking a diet will do it. You will set yourself up for failure.

A Healthy Food Relationship

Our relationship with food can be out of balance or skewed. Most people look at foods as an enjoyable hobby, event or even a means of comfort when sad, frustrated or angry. Without understanding the mechanics that drive us to eat we fall into the traps of over consumption.

Hunger vs. Appetite

You must also learn to identify the difference between hunger ( a real physiological need) and appetite ( a false sense of hunger). Appetite is usually caused by eating at the same time everyday, during events such as when watching football, by social influence going out for beer and pizza with friends or a holiday party or event.  Dietary consumption driven by appetite will almost always cause weight gain.  Overeating when hungry will cause weight gain.

Calories In vs. Calories Out

You must understand your energy balance. This means you must know how many calories you need based on your activity and exercise levels. If you consume more calories than you burn per day you will gain weight. Every day you have a limit, think of it as a calorie budget. As long as you do not exceed the budget you will not gain weight. To lose weight you must consume fewer calories than you burn so your body must use stored energy in the form of fat to function. To lose one pound per week you must burn 500 more calories per day than you eat.  Never eat less than 1200 calories per day. This will slow down your metabolism drastically to the point that you will not lose weight. You may even gain weight. Your body thinks it is starving. Never lose more than 2 lbs. per week on a continuous basis.

Does Weight Loss Equate to Health

Weight Loss does not mean you are healthy. I had a client state, “When I get my excess weight of I will be healthy.”  I had to explain that just losing weight does not mean you are healthy.  The qualities of the foods you consume are much more important for your health than the weight loss. Losing weight without a proper diet will lead to future regain of the weight and other possible health conditions. There are plenty of people at the right weight for their height that are not healthy. For example, some people manage weight through the unhealthy practice or purging or bulimia where they purge the foods they eat and they over exercise. This can lead to a potential for very serious health consequences.  There are many people who may look healthy because they are at a normal weight however they could be eating a very poor diet of fast foods that are making their body’s nutrient bankrupt. Eventually nutrient bankruptcy of the body will lead to illness and possible disease. Weight lost achieved in a healthy way can give an excellent foundation for vibrant health providing a long quality life.

Nutrition

Our health is really dependent of the consumption of the building blocks of our bodies. Refined and processed foods are devoid of the nutrients required to keep us healthy. We need vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, enzymes, proteins, complex carbohydrates and fiber for vibrant health. Eating foods devoid of them will cause blood sugar imbalances which will cause cravings for carbohydrate rich foods.  In addition the lack of nutrients means you can’t turn the foods you eat into energy. To make energy from foods requires many nutrients and just taking a supplement or eating foods enriched or fortified with the nutrients they are missing is no replacement for nutrients from real foods.

Happy New Years

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

Nutritionist

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. Always seek medical clearance before starting a new exercise routine. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.


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

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC8 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 BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC3 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.

How Does Your Attitude Affect Your Health?

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

 

Natures Best Attitude Adjuster-Laughter!

 

I want you to seriously consider this question.  Is your current level of  health as good as you desire and what influence does your attitude (joy, sadness, happiness, love, anger, envy) and your thoughts have on your health?  Does your health give you the ability to do anything you would want, within reason? If not, then maybe you need to do a self-evaluation to see if your thoughts and attitude may be keeping you from having the health and life you wish.

Ponder this statement; “your thoughts are the architecture of your reality.” We have all read and heard various comments about the power of positive thinking and having a positive attitude. So to what level does this play in your health? We know for a fact that a smile and laughter cause positive physiological reactions that promote a healthier mind and body.

Thoughts are the ingredients that make our attitude. Physiologically our bodies respond to negative thoughts differently than pleasant thoughts.  For example, our body responds to our negative attitude by releasing stress hormones which cause many adverse effects, such as lowering immune function, building abdominal fat, increase insulin resistance and increasing blood pressure. It also increases cellular damage through an increase in free radical attacks. In other words it will increase your risk for developing cardiovascular and heart disease and premature aging.

When the alarm clock rudely awakes you in the morning what is your second thought. I know what the first one is, destroy the alarm clock! (That thought is involuntary and doesn’t count.)  I quickly recover and thank God for another day to do something good.  What are your next preceding thoughts? Are you grateful God has granted you favor with another day to enrich your life or someone else? Do you smile and think “today is going to be great, I am not going to let anything or anyone rob me from joy today, I am going to do something nice for someone else today!”  If you begin the day with positive thoughts you will have a positive day. Our attitude is our choice. Another person cannot cause you to have a bad day unless you let them.

You are the master of your thoughts, which are the master of your attitude which ultimately help you master your health, happiness and all areas of your life.

If you need to lose weight, attitude is very important. Negative thoughts are defeatist and set you up for failure. If you are an emotional eater (eat when you are sad or angry) you will use the fact that you ALLOWED someone to get you upset or make you sad as an excuse for your damaging behavior.  If you want to lose weight you must be positive, motivated and resilient. You must not let anything or anyone get in your head. There can be no excuses. No one can make you do anything unless you allow them that power.  Your health should be so important to you that it is the 1st priority. Without your health you will not be around as long as you would like to enjoy and help those you love, it’s a fact.

If you have a family history of cancer, diabetes or heart disease, there are NO EXCUSES. You should be seeking out the best preventive lifestyle available and putting it into place. If your job is causing you undue stress you can’t handle, change jobs or careers, it’s never too late.  If you have relationship problems fix it or change it.  Your health and theirs is worth it.

I challenge you to make it a priority to put positive thoughts in your mind and heart.  Your thoughts lead to positive actions and positive actions lead to positive results.

Your thoughts are literally the architecture for your health and happiness!

Healthy Wishes

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

Nutritionist

www.webnd.com



Everyday Super Foods You Should Be Eating

Wallace Bishop BC-FNC, BC-HHP, INHC4 Comments
Super Foods For Your Health!

We always hear about a number of exotic foods with super food status; however they are not always easy to find and if you can find them the cost may be prohibitive.  I could list many everyday super foods, however for the sake of brevity, let’s look at  10 of the most nutrient dense everyday super foods that are very available  in most grocery and or healthy oriented food stores, such as Whole Foods and Earth Fair. Again this my opinion, I could make a list of at least a few dozen foods with super healthy potential. When possible select organic foods.

Swiss chard

Swiss chard is very rich in a broad spectrum of nutrients.  Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste profile: it has the bitterness of beet greens and the slightly salty flavor of spinach leaves. Chard is truly a nutritional superstar. It can be used just like spinach. Use the tender smaller leafs raw in salads. You can wilt, steam or boil the larger leafs so they are tender. On the larger leafs remove the stalk center, it can be a little tougher. Learn more about Swiss chards many health benefits.

Butter Nut Squash (winter squashes)

If you have never tried this vegetable you have really missed out on a very nutrient rich and very tasty vegetable. Although there are many different types of winter squash such as spaghetti, delicata, hubbard, sweet dumpling, acorn and butter cup, the butter nut is one of my favorites. It tastes very much like a sweet potato however it has much less sugar content.  For those that need to watch their blood sugar it is an excellent choice. Winter squash is as an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), a very good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and manganese. In addition, winter squash emerged as a good source of folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, copper, vitamin B6, niacin-vitamin B3 and pantothenic acid. Winter squashes offer many health benefits and are very easy to store. Learn more here.

Spinach

Researchers have identified at least 13 different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as antioxidants and as anti-cancer agents. (Many of these substances fall into a technical class of flavonoids known as methylenedioxyflavonol glucuronides.) Glucuronides are a very important part of our detoxing pathways. The anticancer properties of these spinach flavonoids have been sufficiently impressive to prompt researchers to create specialized spinach extracts that could be used in controlled studies. These spinach extracts have been shown to slow down cell division in stomach cancer cells (gastric adenocarcinomas), and in studies on laboratory animals, to reduce skin cancers (skin papillomas). A study on adult women living in New England in the late 1980s also showed intake of spinach to be inversely related to incidence of breast cancer.  Click here for more data about spinach

Broccoli  (cruciferous family)

Broccoli is a great addition to our diets. It can bet enjoyed raw or cooked. Broccoli is a powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxing food. Most vegetables are not considered to be good sources of omega 3 fatty acids however broccoli has enough of them that it can give you the many health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. Broccoli contains compounds that are necessary for our body’s detoxing pathways. In addition it is rich in many vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients. Many studies have shown broccoli to give protection against cancers and it can help in the metabolism of vitamin d due to its high content of vitamin k. Learn more about broccoli here.

Avocado

Although avocados are very creamy due to its abundance of heart healthy monounsaturated fats, it is also a very rich source of fiber, vitamin k, potassium, folate, vitamin b6, vitamin c and cooper. It is also very rich in antioxidants. Avocados may offer a delicious dietary strategy for the prevention of oral cancer. Phytonutrients in Hass avocados, the most readily available of the more than 500 varieties of avocados grown worldwide, target multiple signaling pathways, increasing the amount of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) within pre-cancerous and cancerous human oral cell lines, that leads to their death, but cause no harm to normal cells. ? Semin Cancer Biol. 2007 May 17. Earlier research by UCLA scientists also indicates that Hass avocados may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer as well. When analyzed, Hass avocados were found to contain the highest content of lutein among commonly eaten fruits as well as measurable amounts of related carotenoids (zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene). Lutein accounted for 70% of the measured carotenoids, and the avocado also contained significant quantities of vitamin E. J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Jan;16(1):23-30. Source: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5

Strawberries

Strawberries are the most popular fruit in the world and it’s not just due to its wonderful unique flavor. Strawberries are rich in many nutrients and phytonutrients including vitamin c, manganese, fiber, iodine, potassium, folate, vitamin b2, vitamin b6, vitamin b5 and are source of omega 3 fatty acids. Strawberries’ unique phenol content makes them a heart-protective fruit, an anti-cancer fruit, and an anti-inflammatory fruit, all rolled into one. Learn more about strawberries here.

Dark Chocolate

I am a chocolate nut, really I am. I am so glad dark chocolate is so healthy. Dark chocolate is one of the richest sources of flavonoids and has one of the highest antioxidant ratings of any foods. Dark chocolate also contains another compound, epicatechin, which research shows to be a powerful cellular stimulator of protective compounds which may be prompting the cells to defend themselves. It is richer in antioxidant power than green tea and red wine.  Dark chocolate provides brain protection, heart protection, lowers blood pressure, improves skin health and bone health and is anti-inflammatory.  Dark chocolate and or raw cacao has much less caffeine than coffee or tea. With all the protection of dark chocolate you still need to be aware of the calories. Also the chocolate found in candies, ice cream and other food preparations may not offer the same health benefits. Chocolate with added sugars is unhealthy. Look for 100% organic dark chocolate or raw cacao.  I am not saying eat all of the chocolate you want, it is high in calories, however consumed correctly it is awesome for your health!

Do not consume milk when eating chocolate; it may interfere with nutrient absorption. The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter and is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat. You may know that saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and the risk for heart disease. But, research shows that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering it. Although palmitic acid does affect cholesterol levels, it only makes up one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. If you really want to know all the benefits of chocolate read my friend David Wolf’s book “Naked Chocolate”.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds improve brain health, heart health, reduce high cholesterol, and are anti-inflammatory, can be high in antioxidant value and provide detoxing power. Nuts and seeds are very rich in fiber, minerals, phytonutrients, and heart healthy oils and can be a rich source of antioxidant power. Nuts and seeds can be used and eaten in a variety of ways, such as a snack or in salads and turned into nut butters. You will find them raw and roasted. Raw is better if you are looking for optimal nutritional intake. Many people soak their nuts before eating to remove the external protein coating that can make digestion a little more difficult for our bodies. Nuts and seeds are very satiating and help curb hunger. In fact many studies have shown that people who regularly consume 1 to 2 ounces of nuts and seeds per day seem to lose weight and keep it off.

Nuts and seeds contain mostly monounsaturated oils and smaller amounts of polyunsaturated oils.  Walnuts and flax seeds (must be ground before eating) contain a large percentage of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.  Sunflower seeds are a rich source of many vitamins and minerals.  Brazil nuts contain several times the DRI of selenium, a very powerful antioxidant mineral with anti-cancer properties. Pumpkin seeds are an equally healthful choice with ¼-cup of kernels boasting more than twice the omega-3 of a four-ounce serving of salmon while being an excellent source of magnesium. While the Flax seed has long been recognized as a very popular health food, the Chia seed is now being recognized for its high nutrient content, in particular an excellent source of omega 3’s.   Almonds are a wonderful source of copper, magnesium and phosphorous and 6 grams of protein per one-ounce serving. The June 2004 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reported that pecans contain the highest antioxidant capacity of all nuts.

Researches revealed that people who regularly consume nuts have lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The Iowa Women’s Healthy Study found that women who include nuts at least 4 times a week on their daily diet are 40% less likely reduce the risk of heart attack.  A study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health and Loma Linda University yielded very similar results. Naturally, the health benefits are not only exclusive to women, in a 2002 research in Physician’s Health Study of male participants, the findings showed that men who consumed nuts regularly 2 or more times per week had reduced the risks of heart attack.

The famous Seventh Day Adventists study followed more than 30,000 church members over a 12-year period. The results showed that even in this healthy-living, largely vegetarian group, those who ate nuts at least five times per week cut their risk of dying from coronary heart disease (CHD) by 48 percent, compared with those who ate nuts less than once weekly. They also cut their risk of a nonfatal heart attack by 51 percent.

In a study involving more than 3,000 African-American men and women, those who consumed nuts at least five times a week cut their risk of dying from CHD by 44 percent, compared with those who ate nuts less than once weekly.

The results of the 14-year Nurses’ Health Study—which involved more than 86,000 women—indicate that women who consume more than five ounces of nuts weekly will cut their risk of CHD by 35 percent, compared with those who eat less than one ounce per month.  And, the 17-year Physicians’ Health Study involving more than 21,000 men found that those who consumed nuts at least twice a week cut their risk of sudden cardiac death by 53 percent, compared with those who rarely ate nuts.

Just remember nuts and seeds are high in calories due to the abundance of heart healthy oils, be careful to not over consume them.  Because of their wide array of nutrients it is better to include a variety of them in your dietary routine.

The Allium Family

Garlic, onions, leeks and chives contain flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. Glutathione enhances elimination of toxins and carcinogens, putting the Allium family of vegetables at the top of the list for foods that can help prevent cancer.  For maximum nutritional value mash, mince or chop them and let sit for 5 minutes before consuming. This allows air to activate some of the healthy compounds they contain.

Here are just a few benefits from members of this family. Lowers total cholesterol (but raises HDL—”good”—cholesterol), lessens the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of blood clots (cause of the majority of strokes and heart attacks), destroys infection-causing viruses and bacteria, reduces the risk of certain cancers, in particular, stomach cancers, produces more “natural killer” cells in the blood to fight tumors and infections, helps fight against neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and enhances detoxification by reducing toxins.

Sprouts

Sprouts are edible seeds that are germinated. Most seeds, nuts, pulses, beans and grains can be sprouted. Sprouted alfalfa, broccoli, chickpeas, kidney beans, fenugreek seeds, wheat and barley are popular for their medicinal and nutritional properties. The many health benefits of sprouts result from the process of sprouting and the composition of sprouts. Sprouts can add a nutty and earthy flavor and a crunchy texture to salads and sandwiches.

Sprouts are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E and are a good source of selenium. They also contain calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, zinc, folate and vitamin B. They are low in sodium but high in potassium. Sprouted legumes like peanuts, soy beans and peanuts have complete proteins. They are a good source of fiber and are rich in life promoting enzymes, oxygen and chlorophyll.  Do not underestimate the health promoting properties of these wonderful, raw life giving foods.

For optimal health there are many very healthy commonly available foods you should make a part of your diet.  Variety is the key. Be adventuresome with the foods you select. Try something new! There are hundreds of healthy vegetables, fruits , beans, grains and nuts and seeds to enjoy.  Eat healthy, eat a variety and enjoy them with friends.

Healthy Wishes,

Wally Bishop C.N.C.

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.

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.