Is This "Whey" To Good To Be True?

A very strange "whey" to title a blog... unless you are going to talk about undenatured whey protein! Whey is the liquid material left over when cheese is produced, and is mostly utilized for its high protein content. Its major selling point is that it is digested and absorbed into the body fairly rapidly. This quick absorption rate appeals to bodybuilders and athletes, as the protein is readily available for muscle building. Whey protein also has ingredients that allow for a better flow of nutrients to the areas of the body that help to rebuild and repair muscle tissue. For non-athletes, the amino acids in whey protein have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and the benefit of boosting the immune system. In addition, research shows that whey protein may improve cognitive function and memory, contribute to wound healing and body detoxification, and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and Type 2 diabetes. For those of us who exercise first thing in the morning, a recent study published in the Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise journal demonstrated that consuming whey protein (20g protein / serving) 30 minutes before resistance training boosts your body's metabolism for as much as 24 hours after your workout. In essence, it enables you to burn additional calories while you are at rest. Interestingly enough, if you consume an additional 20 grams of whey protein an hour after exercise, the effect on your body's metabolism and calorie burning efficiency is even more positive. Whey protein is available in powder form as a protein supplement. The best whey proteins are all natural, sugar-free and do not have artificial sweeteners or other synthetically derived chemicals. The Nutriwest company (available only through qualified healthcare practitioners) manufactures an all-natural whey supplement. So next time you go in for a workout don't "Whey-t" to supplement accordingly for maximum benefit!

Dehydration Nation: Simple Action Steps That Can Tremendously Help Keep You Alive Longer!

Inspired by the recent increase in temperature, we will discuss one of the most important lifestyle habits… proper hydration. When air temperature rises, the body's innate response is to cool itself. The body reduces its internal temperature through perspiration (sweat). Sweating cools off the skin and helps to keep the body's temperature where it belongs, at roughly between 98-99 degrees (dependent on your body type). This cooling process is one of the reasons why it is extremely important to drink water at regularly during hot, smoldering days. If the body perspires too much and water is not replaced, the body will begin to dehydrate. Initial signs of dehydration may include joint and muscle pain, muscle cramping, backaches, headaches and constipation. In addition, the odor of urine will become stronger and the color will also become more yellow, or amber. If dehydration is sudden and acute, it is called a heat stroke. Heat stroke is very dangerous and will cause the body to shut down. If heat stroke is not caught immediately, death may occur. Signs of heat stroke include cold and clammy skin, incoherent speech and, often times, unconsciousness. The body is uniquely made up of 60-70% water, with most of the water contained in the blood. Your muscles, lungs and brain also contain a significant amount of water. While the body loses water during perspiration, it also loses water through urination and breathing. Naturally, active people use more of the body's water supply than sedentary people. Caffeine and alcohol (also known as diuretics) consumption also reduce the body's water supply and can contribute to dehydration. Water consumption is also extremely important in helping chiropractors to correct spinal dysfunction in their patients. Many patients with neurological symptoms and chronic muscle aches and pains will not hold their adjustment if they are chronically dehydrated. Furthermore, dehydration can prevent the body from healing properly. So how much is the right amount of water to drink daily? In "normal" temperatures, the average person needs to drink frequent glasses of water regularly throughout the day. Some experts believe you can estimate the amount of water your body needs each day by taking the total pounds of your bodyweight and dividing that number in half. The divided number would be the number of ounces of water you need to drink per day. For example, if a person weighs 160 lbs, he or she should drink 80 ounces of water each day (A serving-size cup of water holds 8 ounces; a pint glass holds 16 ounces). In addition, if you consume coffee or carbonated beverages (or any pro-diuretic beverage) you would need to consume the same fluid ounce amount of water per fluid ounce of coffee, etc. At any rate, drinking water is one of the most important things a person can do to be healthy. In the heat of a hot summer day, it not only quenches your thirst, it can save your life!

Something Smells Fishy Here... Oh It's Just Better Health!

Now is the time of the year where many new year's resolutions get left behind as a consequence of our fast-paced lives. So if you were thinking it was a good time to give up doing all of the difficult things it takes to be healthy, you should definitely reconsider! Now is the best time to focus on living longer, but more importantly, living longer and healthier. After all, if you are going to live longer, you want to spend your days living life the way you want, rather than in a nursing home or hospital. Focusing on health should dramatically improve your quality of life in the golden years. For instance, in a 15-year study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Omega-3 fatty acids were found to decrease the risk of death caused from inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory diseases include heart disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and a host of other illnesses. Omega-3 fatty acids are the fats that are contained in fish oil and krill oil. Omega-3 fatty acids release a substance called resolvins that control inflammation in the body. According to Dr. Joe Mercola, of the famed Mercola Wellness Center in Chicago, "When your body's inflammatory process works correctly, it prompts your body's white blood cells to protect you from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses through a type of inflammation. This type of acute inflammation will help heal your body of injuries and infections, and is responsible for the redness, pain and swelling that often accompanies such conditions during recovery. There are times, however, when your immune system may mistakenly trigger an inflammatory response when no threat is present, leading to excessive inflammation in your body that can fester silently for years until disease develops". When we eat a diet high in Omega-6 fatty acids (saturated animal fats) or we eat fats that are oxidized (fats from processed foods, such as hydrogenated oils) we increase inflammation in the body. A dietstyle high in sugar will contribute to inflammation as well. But, on the opposite end of the spectrum, when we eat healthy fats like fish oil and krill oil we can reduce inflammation in the body, preventing disease and promoting good health. A good rule of thumb for individuals is to supplement the diet with one teaspoon of liquid fish or krill oil per fifty pounds of body weight. If you don't mind the taste, you can power it down by the spoonful. If the "fishiness" gets you, you can mix your Omega-3 fatty acids in orange juice or blend in a nutritious smoothie. Our daughter has been getting a teaspoon of fish oil (and later whole food based multivitamins) since she was a day old. Whether you've been supplementing successfully since birth or are unfamiliar with the topic, it's never too late to start good nutrition for the betterment of your health!

Parlez Vous Resveratrol? This Well-Known Antioxidant Works Wonders For Health!

Did you ever hear of the "French Paradox?" It is the fact that the French, despite their creamy high fat diet, cigarette smoking and wine consumption, have a considerably lower risk of heart disease and obesity than people in many other countries. Even though it seems on the surface that the French are doing everything wrong, a little investigation shows that they are doing everything right (except for the smoking part). The French diet, while high in fat, is mostly made up of healthy fats. Dairy and vegetable fat, as well as fat from fish, make up a major portion of the fat French citizens consume. The French also eat little to no trans fats, which are the fats that come from hydrogenated oils (the majority of fats consumed in the USA). Trans fats cause heart disease. The French also eat less sugar, more fish, and snack less than people of other countries. They eat smaller portions of food and eat their food more slowly, allowing for proper digestion. The French drink plenty of water and eat more mindfully. They sit and relax while eating, instead of multi-tasking. Also, Central and Southern France have a climate of warmer weather. The comfortable temperatures allow the French to enjoy outdoor activities such as sports and exercise, which the French seem to participate in with zeal. Another factor in France's overall low levels of heart disease may be the red grape. Red grapes contain high levels of the antioxidant resveratrol. Resveratrol has been shown in studies to lower the incidence of cancer and heart disease. Some suggest that the French predisposition for drinking red wine may contribute to the French Paradox. While resveratrol is contained in red wine, studies have shown that red wine contains low levels of resveratrol. The wine may be a factor in decreased heart disease because of two other ingredients, procyanidins and polyphenols. Researchers feel that these two ingredients provide human blood vessel cells high levels of protection. Researchers have also found that consuming 200-300 mg of these nutrients can help to lower blood pressure. Interestingly enough, a Red Delicious apple contains 200mg of polyphenols and procyanidins. And, before you start jugging bottles of wine, procyanidins and polyphenols are found in the highest concentrations in European red wines (mostly in wines from southern France) due to the Tannat grape, which is indigenous to that area. Unfortunately, the Tannat grape is usually not found in American, Australian or other wines. Also, you must note that drinking more than 2 small glasses of wine (4-5 ounces) each day can negate the health benefits of drinking the wine. Nevertheless, after careful investigation, the French Paradox isn't actually a paradox. It is the result of smart dietary choices. Eat healthy fats, drink plenty of water, eat less, eat foods high in antioxidants, get plenty of exercise and relax while you are eating. Sounds like a smart way to be healthy and happy.

Gesundheit! Don't Let Allergies Get The Best Of You.

In light of increased pollen counts and the greater than normal sinus issues that are occurring, this week's blog is dedicated to allergies. According to Pollen.com, an allergy is a heightened sensitivity to a foreign substance (an allergen) that causes the body's defense system (the immune system) to overreact when defending itself. Normally, the immune system would only react if a harmful substance, such as bacteria, attacks the body. In people with allergies, their immune system is working too hard, and it reacts even to relatively harmless substances, such as pollen. The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from mild discomfort to life threatening situations. Allergens can stimulate an immune response when you breathe in or touch an allergen, or when you ingest a certain food or beverage, or when you take a certain drug or medication. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hay fever, asthma and hives. Common triggers are food allergies, pet dander allergies and reactions to the venom of stinging insects, such as wasps and bees. The most common medical treatments for allergies include avoidance of known allergens, use of anti-histamines, steroids or other medications, and immunotherapy to desensitize the allergic response. On the other end of the spectrum (the end that we think is best), there are the following commonly employed natural treatments. First, you may use a neti pot. Neti pots rinse away allergens from the sinuses with salt water. A recent study found that flushing the sinuses with salt water was an effective way to fight allergies. Also, the study found that neti pot users were less likely to use medication. Second, there is Quercetin, a plant compound that is a natural anti-histamine, which inhibits allergic responses. Quercetin is found in citrus fruit, onions, apples, tomatoes and broccoli, and is also available in supplement form. Third, Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, walnuts and flax seeds, have also been shown to lower inflammation that occurs with a allergy attack. Fourth, Stinging Nettle and Butterbur weeds are herbs that have large anti-histamine qualities, but have none of the dangerous side-effects of anti-histamine medications. Stinging Nettle and Butterbur are also sold in health food stores in capsule form. Last, but certainly not least, is chiropractic care. Chiropractic care, while not a treatment for allergies, improves the function of the immune system. As discussed above, the immune system defends the body against allergens. In conjunction with the aforementioned remedies, spinal adjustments to the upper neck, open up the sinus passages and allow the sinus mucous to drain. When spinal nerve pressure is removed from the upper cervical vertebra, the sinuses are better able to receive their nerve impulses from the spinal cord. When the clarity of nerve impulses increases, the function of the sinuses improves and the sinuses work better. The bottom line? While sinus allergies are nothing to sneeze at, there are definite ways to help your body adapt to the runny situation without relying on dangerous drugs and medications.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Pro-Health, Pro-Life, Pro-Biotic!

Here is a couple of long words for you: Lactobacillus acidophilus. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in several areas of the body, including the mouth, throat, digestive tract, urinary tract and vaginal canal. The major benefit to Lactobacillus acidophilus is that it acts like a natural anitbiotic, destroying harmful microorganisms and helping to keep a delicate balance of good bacteria amongst the many microorganism in the digestive tract. Lactobacillus acidophilus is most commonly found in yogurt and in kefir, both cultured milk products. Other fermented foods that contain Lactobacillus acidophilus include sauerkraut and a fermented Asian tea called kombucha. As one of the most important bacteria in the digestive tract, Lactobacillus acidophilus has been found to have a beneficial effects on digestion and immune system function. The most common uses for Lactobacillus acidophilus include helping ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, controlling diarrhea, reducing flatulence (very important!), fighting vaginal yeast and other candida infections, relieving urinary tract infections and even battling bad breath. The mechanism for success in helping all of these conditions relies on the fact that when Lactobacillus acidophilus breaks down during digestion, it releases hydrogen peroxide that creates a toxic environment for unhealthy bacteria. Another major benefit for supplementing the diet with Lactobacillus acidophilus is when patients are on antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics destroy the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, creating a whole host of problems including, digestive issues and decreased immunity. Acidophilus replaces the destroyed bacteria and brings balance back to the microorganisms that inhabit the digestive system. At the culmination of antibiotic therapy, probiotic therapy is a must to help the body regain its health that was lost from the medication. When purchasing Lactobacillus acidophilus, make sure that if in capsule form they contain at least 1 billion live organisms per pill. Also, when buying yogurt, your best bet is plain, organic yogurt that contains live cultures or active cultures. The Himalayans were said to eat yogurt on a daily basis and they typically lived over 100 years. If you would like to do the same, a daily cup of yogurt couldn't hurt!

Don't Forget To Breath! How Keeping Your Breathing In Mind Can Help Your Overall Health.

Breathing is something we take for granted. How often during the course of an average day do you even realize that you are breathing? This question may sound redundant, but breathing is extremely important to your health. We know the obvious reason for breathing is that you die if you do not breathe, but mindful breathing contributes to your overall health and well being. Firstly, breathing is an innate bodily function that is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. You do not have to tell yourself to breathe, it happens all on its own. The brain sends messages down the spinal cord, out through the spinal nerves to the lungs, then you breathe. Simple as that. The life giving oxygen that enters the body with each breath is responsible for nourishing every system, organ, tissue and cell in the body. The blood stream carries the oxygen throughout the body; so that every ounce of blood in the body contains life giving oxygen. Did you know that even though oxygen is weightless, it accounts for almost two thirds of our body mass? How can that be, you ask? Oxygen comprises most of the mass in water and our bodies are made up of about 70% water. With that said, it is very important to practice mindful breathing on a daily basis. Mindful breathing is the vital act of breathing to enhance the body's innate functions, which brings the body internal and energetic balance. Mindful breathing has a direct impact on the nervous system and, in turn, affects millions of cellular functions. So what is mindful breathing? It is a breathing exercise using the 4-7-8 method of breathing, as taught by Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. and Dr. Joe Mercola, D.O. To engage in mindful breathing, sit up straight. Place the tip of your tongue against the back of your front teeth. Keep it there through the entire breathing process. Breathe in silently through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breathe for count of 7. Breathe out through your mouth for a count of 8, and make an audible "woosh" sound as you exhale. That completes one full breath. Do these steps again another three times, for a total of four complete breaths. The 4-7-8 breathing technique is an incredible weapon in the fight against stress. It is a natural tranquilizer to the nervous system. Mindful breathing, practiced on a daily basis (as many times a day as you please), will improve the function of your respiratory system, circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system and your urinary system. It will also improve your skin. If you want an easy, inexpensive way to improve your health and just plain relax, try the 4-7-8 breathing exercise. It could be the difference between a life of heightened stress, or a life of ease and happiness.

Don't Play Chicken With Chicken! Here Are Some Useful Tips For Grilling This Summer.

Kemp Minifie of Gourmet Live wrote a great article on chicken and poultry safety in the kitchen. Since we eat a lot of poultry, I think it's a good idea to summarize the highlights of the article. Did you know that the average American eats over 80 pounds of chicken per year? Chicken and turkey are ideal protein sources that are perfect for the dieter. The white meat is extremely low in fat. The dark meat is somewhat higher. Both types of meat have zero carbs. As mentioned, chicken and turkey are very high in protein, which is perfect for building and maintaining muscle mass. Here is some good advice for preparing and cooking your birds. Never rinse or wash your poultry. Washing and rinsing results in cross contamination. Your sink and countertops become contaminated with harmful bacteria. Place the meat directly into your baking or frying pans with little contact. After touching the meat, wash and scrub your hands thoroughly, especially under the finger nails where bacteria tends to hide. You may also rinse countertops with hot soapy water and a tablespoon of bleach to kill all of the germs. As far as cutting boards go, plastic boards have to go through the dishwasher with hot water to kill bacteria. Wooden boards only need a hand washing with soapy water. When cooking poultry, the bird is not finished cooking just because it looks done. To be cooked properly, poultry must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Check multiple spots on the meat with an instant-read thermometer. When you are at the market, look for the chicken with the latest "sell by" date. The newer chicken is usually kept behind the older chicken on the shelf. Once home, don't let the chicken stay in your refrigerator too long. Chicken needs to be cooked within two days of purchase, as home fridges are usually warmer than a store's cooling unit. One of the best parts of serving fresh poultry is the scraps. Take all of the bones, parts and skin and place them in a pot of water; then boil the water and make your own chicken stock to use in recipes or as a base for soup. While it is not a good idea to eat a lot of chicken or turkey skin due to the animal fat content, the skin itself is high in palmitoleic acid, which is an immune system booster. Boiling the skin as stock releases the palmitoleic acid in the broth. That is why a bowl of chicken soup is helpful when you have a cold. One last cooking tip, chemicals that can build up on poultry from high heat such as a barbecue grill or a rotisserie are harmful and toxic to the body (as hinted in our previous blog about cancer). One study found that the common hot dog was less harmful to your health then a rotisserie chicken. If you use a grill or other high heat to cook your chicken or turkey, before cooking marinate the meat in a combination of citrus juice (orange, lemon, grapefruit), olive oil and herbs, such as basil, oregano and thyme. This marinade protects the meat from charring and chemical build-up, ensuring you a healthy meal.

Cancer Prevention Is About Addressing Neglect Before Feeling Regret

While there have been advances in medical treatments for many life threatening diseases, statistically, one disease seems to continue to "trump the competition". It's been over 40 years since the "war on cancer" was declared and it trails heart disease as the number two cause of death of people between the ages of 45-74. Cancer treatments such as chemo therapy, radiation and drug therapy have become technically more precise in targeting the many types of cancers. While these treatments have undoubtedly saved lives, many lives are still lost as more cases of cancer are diagnosed. Recent theories in cancer treatment have suggested that medical researchers are heading in the wrong direction as far as treatment is concerned. Furthermore, many experts suggest that cancer is a man-made disease, as historians who analyze classical literature have found no mention of this type of disease. In addition, researchers have examined hundreds of Egyptian mummies with only one confirmed case of cancer. Man-made disease? It turns out that cancer cells started to surface on a regular basis as pollution and poor diet became more common place. Without a doubt, the increase and daily exposure to pesticides, other toxic chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs, processed and artificial foods, chemicals in food packaging, the leakage of plastics into our food and water, wireless technologies (computers, cell phones) and radiation exposure, not to mention obesity, stress and poor sleeping habits, have all contributed to the prevalence of cancer. In fact, these life style and environmental factors may be the sole cause of cancer in today's society. All of the latest medical breakthroughs in cancer treatment have to do with "new" drugs, better radiation or more powerful chemo therapy. The improvement of lifestyle issues (the avoidance of the factors listed above) is rarely mentioned in the dialog about fighting the disease. If we are to win the "war on cancer," the battle needs to be fought on the front lines of prevention. Most cancer drugs are extremely toxic and have devastating side effects. On a brighter note, major advances in the treatment of cancer have been made. Among them are treatment protocols that have plenty of research to back up their effectiveness, but have not been accepted by average, conventional oncologists. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is a major factor in cancer development. Researchers estimate that 30% of cancer deaths could be prevented with vitamin D3 supplementation. Another vitamin that has shown major promise over the years is vitamin C. Recent research shows that intravenous vitamin C therapy shrinks and eliminates cancer cells. In addition, supplementing vitamin C seems to make conventional cancer treatments far more effective. According to Mercola the following changes or lifestyle modifications, if followed, should help lower the overall cancer rate world-wide: (1) Supplement vitamin D to normalize levels; (2) Increase intake of Omega 3 fatty acids (high-quality fish oil); (3) Exercise; (4) Consuming raw organic vegetables on a daily basis; (5) Maintaining optimal body weight; (6) Get enough sleep; (7) Reduce exposure to environmental toxins (pesticides, household cleaners, synthetic air fresheners); (8) Reduce use of wireless technologies (cell phones, etc.); and (9) Boil, steam or poach foods rather than frying, charbroiling (which we'll cover how to safely do on our next blog) or microwaving.