Category Archives: Nutrition

New Insight into Weight Loss

Posted on November 30, 2015 | Leave a comment
The weight loss industry is now and forever will be alive and strong as individuals struggle to keep the pounds off.  The majority of motivation may be aesthetics, but the need to shed the excess body weight goes well beyond simply feeling good about your counterpart staring back at you in the mirror.
I become discouraged with loud and large celebrities who look to spearhead the movement of embracing obesity as being comfortable in their own skin.  Being comfortable and happy with yourself is no doubt a justifiable desire, but pushing personal acceptance of obesity is reckless to say the least.
This is not about looks or appearance either, although the message of “accepting you for you” will incorrectly cite this.  This is about an outright unhealthy state for the body to be in, and the cascade of consequences that follow.  Body fat is not a static or silent tissue; rather quite the contrary.  Adipose tissue or body fat is actually a highly active metabolic tissue that when in excess disrupts hormonal signaling (including those responsible for appetite, blood sugar and sleep regulation).
It is also a pro-inflammatory tissue, meaning the more you have the more inflamed you will be throughout the body.  This lends it’s hand not only to elevated pain levels, but it increases the common denominator behind virtually every condition known (from plantar fasciitis to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s); inflammation.
The bottom-line here is that it’s not about the looks from a quantity and quality of life standpoint.  We are talking about a truly taxing state to ask a body to operate in, especially over time, with a list of concomitant issues that far exceeds the few listed above.
This brings us to today’s topic, which is not meant as a standalone solution to the issue, but rather another piece of the intelligently assembled, holistic puzzle.
If you’ve read any articles on this site before, you know we rightfully place an abundance of emphasis on intestinal health or “the gut.”  The major player in this system and thus our overall health is our intestinal flora, or the “probiotic” good bacteria that populate our digestive tract.
Researchers have discovered that there is a certain type of bacterial organism (firmicutes) that is more prevalent in obese individuals as opposed to the majority of bacteroidetes found in their lean counterparts.  This makes sense as firmicutes are notorious as “fat loving” bacteria with a higher propensity to digest complex carbs, extracting the energy from food and ultimately storing it as fat.
These bacteria communicate directly and indirectly with our brains, and if we are dominated with a strain of flora that thrives off of carbohydrates, the message is sent to our brains to crave and potentially overconsume these fat generating foods.  What’s more, we’ve just learned that higher levels of these firmicutes actually turn on genes (epigenetics) that not only increase the risk for obesity, but diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.
In an individual’s personal war on obesity this serves as a powerful foundational weapon.  As previously stated, obviously a variety of lifestyle strategies must be implemented to successfully attain and maintain a healthy weight.  However, this piece of information should be universally utilized in order to better control cravings from within, optimize metabolism for the goal at hand, and further substantiate a quality probiotic (and a healthy intestinal tract for it to flourish within) as one of the cornerstones to optimal health and longevity.

Leave a comment

Posted in Nutrition, Weight Loss

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why EVERYONE Should Heal & Seal

Posted on October 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

There exists a growing body of fascinating research that continues to point to the gut as the seat of all health or disease.  This notion has been around since Hippocrates, and thankfully appears to be taking center stage as more frustrated patients search for what they’ve been lead to believe are solutionless health problems.

We’ve touched on the various aspects of why this is so important in previous posts, and virtually everyday with patients in the office.  Today we will break down yet another eye opening correlation between gut dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease.

You should know by now that the gut is home to billions of vital bacteria.  The bulk of these bacteria are coated in something called LPS (lipopolysaccharide).  This is all good for the function of these bacteria and thus us, provided they stay in the gut and are not allowed passage into our bloodstream.

The only way LPS gains access into our blood is if we have intestinal permeability or a “leaky gut.”  This can occur for a plethora or reasons including gluten consumption (for everyone, not just Celiac sufferers), habitual antacid or anti-biotic use, or glyphosate (the unwashable, carcinogenic herbicide that laces your GMO food) exposure.

Once the intestinal wall is permeable or leaky, items that should not get into the blood and thus the rest of your body, get in.  This creates an immune response and a cascade of issues from there.  The test used to determine whether or not someone does indeed possess a leaky gut does so by determining whether or not these LPS are present in the blood, because as we stated they should remain self contained in the digestive tract if all is well.

The game changing correlation that has been observed in numerous studies is the presence of LPS in the blood and a variety of neurodegenerative diseases.  MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s; even Autism all have been shown to also carry the presence of LPS in the blood.  To take it one step further, in many cases the level of severity of the condition is in proportion to the volume of LPS detected in the circulatory system.

For those that still have a tough time correlating intestinal issues to much beyond heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, this is yet another wake up call.  The gut has been called the second brain and is in close two way communication with it via the vagus nerve.  The linkage between the two and direct impact one has on the other is becoming more and more well documented.

As always, at this point the question becomes what are you going to do about it?  We already know that knowledge without application is useless.  Get ahead of the curve and be sure to build the foundation for health and longevity by fortifying, healing and sealing that gut if for no other reason than the fear of the devastating diseases mentioned above.

This is something we do weekly with those motivated and open minded patients, with exciting and hope restoring results. This is something we live ourselves.

As always, if you would like to learn more about this empowering knowledge or get to work on fortifying your own foundation for a better quality and quantity of life, make a move and reach out today (321-848-0987).  It is our passion on both a personal and professional level, and we’re here when you’re ready to take control.

Leave a comment

Posted in Nutrition

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Side Effect Free Options to NSAIDs

Posted on September 30, 2015 | Leave a comment
It is estimated that of the 238 million adults in the US, 116 million suffer from chronic pain.  Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common allopathic approach to the management of these chronic pain patients.  However, there are more complaints filed to regulatory agencies worldwide against NSAIDs than any other classification of drugs.
Due to pro-inflammatory lifestyles (diet and physical, chemical and emotional stressors), pain and other subsequent signs or symptoms of internal disfunction runs rampant.  This leads to the perceived need for routine NSAID use (tylenol, aspirin, advil, ibuprofen, etc.) to get through the busy day.  While the underlying cause of the inflammation should always be addressed, what we are talking about here is a short term, safer alternative to the NSAID.
The reason a smarter option should be exercised is due to the fact that like all drugs, over the counter or prescribed, these magic pills are not sans side effects.  NSAID use and overuse is responsible for an alarming number of hospitalizations and even deaths each year.  Common side effects include internal hemorrhaging, liver and kidney damage, digestive dysfunction including degradation of the stomach and intestinal wall (ulcers), and stroke; with the likelihood of occurrence increasing with usage.
So when you see these commercials with the delivery man or mother of three relying on her her alieve or advil to get through the day, best believe reliance on an even longer list of meds will follow to address the aforementioned issues.
To understand viable options, we need to understand the physiologic mechanism of action behind the NSAID.  These drugs work by inhibiting a part of the inflammatory pathway that leads to the formation of something called a prostaglandin (PGE2) that would normally lead to stimulation of pain fibers.  They do this by inhibiting an enzyme in the pathway called COX-2, and are thus noted as COX-2 inhibitors.
What most people don’t know is that there are actually other ways to block the formation of PGE2, and thus the pain.  In addition to a laundry list of other systemic benefits, Omega3 (Fish Oil) supplementation also serves as a COX-2 inhibitor, and thus a potentially powerful, natural anti-inflammatory. (Provided this is a high quality Omega 3 supplement and at a therapeutic dose.)
Another fascinating option that works in a similar COX-2 inhibitory
manner is the application Low Laser Therapy or LLT.  These are often classified as cold lasers (due to the lack of heat) and work by utilizing a specific wavelength and frequency of light to achieve a desired therapeutic purpose within the tissues.  One of the effects of Low Level Laser Therapy is that it too blocks the COX-2 enzyme, and thus the formation of PGE2 and the sensation of pain, but without the side effects.
As previously stated, the long term objective should always be to identify and eliminate the cause of the problematic inflammation so the use of natural or chemical anti-inflammatories is minimized.  However, due to the well documented hazards associated with these seemingly harmless and casually over consumed drugs, wiser options, that work in the exact same manner, should be exercised.
As with any adjustment to your healthcare regimen, always consult with you knowledgable and trusted healthcare coach before making any changes.  Whether it’s the all natural temporary relief of pain, or a combination of short term relief to get you through while we work on a long term solution, we are here to collaborate with and coach you to a better quantity and quality of life.
We’re ready when you are.

Leave a comment

Posted in Drug Discovery, Nutrition

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Running Essentials (Vol. 2)

Posted on June 30, 2015 | 1 comment

One of the most frustrating injuries an athlete can suffer is that of a stress fracture.  This is caused by the accumulation of micro-traumas sustained within a period of time not sufficient for recovery, and can leave the individual unable to weight bear and left with few other options than the often dreaded rest.

As stated, a stress fracture, like most injuries, mainly occurs due to a workload and subsequent breakdown, exceeding the capacity to heal.  Whenever we workout, we are injuring our body to some extent.  This is not in the traditional sense of injury as in a broken bone or concussion, but rather micro-traumas and micro-tears to the body’s tissues.

When done intentionally, the goal is for the tissue to heal stronger, creating a more durable and efficient tool with which to do work.  A key component to this process is rest and recovery.

The body is a miraculous machine capable of being conditioned and achieving improvement.  However, the machine has its limits and when breakdown exceeds recovery, injuries are sustained and can persist.

This holds true for all the body’s tissues, including bone in the case of a stress fracture.  While navigating the training minefield and finding that perfect, individualized balance in order to achieve maximum benefit, while equally respecting the recovery process can be tricky, it is clearly the most obvious tip for avoiding these pesky injuries.

Well let’s take it a step further and arm ourselves with the knowledge to hedge our bets against the fracture of the stress variety.  In order to ensure your parts are equipped to withstand the repetitive pounding and subsequent micro-traumas and tears, we need to understand what we can do to set the table for healthy, dense bone.

We all know a key component of bone is calcium.  What isn’t such common knowledge is the fact that calcium plays a key role in maintaing our blood pH (acid v base measurement) within a narrow range necessary for us to live.  This pH level is of vital importance and trumps many other physiological aspects in order to survive, including optimal bone health.

If our body’s pH starts to drop and thus become more acidic, something is required in order to offset the acidity.  The main built in mechanism in order to combat this is for calcium to be pulled from bones in order to neutralize the acid; bone derived calcium sustaining a survivable pH and thus maintaining life, strong bones not so much.

The best way to avoid this is to limit or refrain from creating an acidic internal environment.  Obvious offenders include the carbonic acid and phosphoric acid found in soda as this will leave your body with no other choice but to sacrifice strong bones to avoid systemic acidosis. (As if you needed another reason o can the soda.)

A not so obvious, yet extremely acidifying food is wheat.  Any product derived from this grain (bread, pasta, chips, most processed/refined foods, etc.) has the ability to drop pH levels (higher acid content) without any buffer.

Again this leads to the body, in all of it’s infinite wisdom, making the no brainer decision to confiscate bone fortifying calcium from your tibia or metatarsal, leaving you more susceptible to being sidelined with a stress fracture; an injury that yields few treatment options but to rest and hopefully learn from your mistakes.

(This is pertinent information not just for athletes but any individual concerned with osteopenia or osteoporosis)

Being a fellow, lifelong, self professed athlete, I understand getting after it and pushing the limits.  Sometimes it’s difficult to step back and look at the big picture rather than the next session or event.  More is not always better when it comes to training and walking the breakdown-recovery tight rope.  While navigating that rope can be tricky and yield itself to occasional injuries due to blind tenacity and competitiveness, an intelligent nutritional approach offers potential assistance.

While I would never be one to condemn the tenacious, competitive spirit that makes a lot of us tick, utilizing the availability of knowledge in order to build a better machine for the process is a must.  Avoiding acidifying foods is yet another way to intelligently hedge your bets against a stress fracture and keep you doing what you love to do.

Go get it.

1 Comment

Posted in Nutrition, Running, Sports

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Key to Unlocking the Thyroid

Posted on April 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in countless functions.  Hypothyroidism, or an under active thyroid is one of the most commonly diagnosed and medicated conditions in healthcare today.  It can leave an individual feeling mentally fatigued, physically tired, constipated, unable to lose weight, abnormally cold, or plagued with dry skin, brittle nails and hair loss; to name a few.

This desperate individual turns to a doctor for help and is usually provided thyroid hormones without a blink of an eye.  Right off the bat we are witness to a flawed system and an antiquated way of thinking when it comes to health and our bodies.

The thyroid gland, just like every other organ in our body, does not exist and function in isolation.  As such, its function or dysfunction is normally a consequence of some sort of additional dysfunction somewhere within the interdependent matrix that is the human body.  The practice of supplementing thyroid symptoms with thyroid hormones is no better than a stop gap at best, as the underlying dysfunction persists and a dependency or worse is created by the external source of thyroid hormones.

Traditional medicine currently listens to symptoms, measures TSH, perhaps some form of T3 and T4, and diagnoses and prescribes from there.  It should be known that TSH alone is great at telling you something is off along the thyroid, pituitary access, but is useless as far as telling us what or why.  Adding some measurement of T3 and T4 to the panel is superior to the former, but again comes up short in shining a light on the why.

When the option of a more illuminating, complete thyroid panel (blood work) can be ordered, one must ask why it isn’t?  Even further, with the number one cause of hypothyroidism in this country being an autoimmune issue, why would a test for thyroid anti-bodies not be included in the standard testing?

Perhaps all resources aren’t utilized due to the fact that it doesn’t change the cookbook approach allopathic medicine has to offer.  If thyroid symptoms are present and the limited blood markers ordered signify that the thyroid hormones are off, another thyroid hormone consumer is created and left to life long dependency and/or incremental increases in dosage.  This shotgun approach is nothing less than reckless and a prime example of sick care.  Perhaps the thyroid isn’t the main issue that need be addressed.

Perhaps the adrenal glands are on overdrive from constant stress (physical, chemical or emotional).  Did you know hyper-functioning adrenal glands will dampen thyroid function?

Perhaps a leaky gut or gut infection is present.  Did you know that ~20% of thyroid hormones are converted in the intestines to  an active form the body can use, BUT only in the presence of a healthy gut and proper gut flora?

Perhaps liver function is hampered due to a high fructose diet, long term statin use or toxic overload.  Did you know the majority of thyroid hormones are converted to the active form in the liver?

These are just a few common examples of what can lead to hypothyroid symptoms and a skewing of limited, tunnel visioned lab numbers.

The most intelligent approach to the thyroid puzzle should at the very least include a COMPLETE thyroid panel accompanied by an antibody test.  Some practitioners may deem this medically unnecessary and refuse to order it, and to some aspect they may be correct.

It may very well be medically unnecessary if the goal is to simply stick a finger in the damn of dysfunction by flooding the body with thyroid hormones.  However, from an intelligently formulated functional standpoint, the complete panel (in addition to a comprehensive history, and a few other additional tests) can guide those interested in identifying the source of the dysfunction and provide the practitioner with the information needed to construct a plan.  If this is the goal, than it is no doubt medically necessary.

An eye opening example of this rests within the fact that the number one cause of an under active thyroid in America is due to immune dysfunction (Hashimotto’s Disease). That makes this an immune issue, not a primary thyroid issue.  The immune system can be and must be addressed and balanced in order to halt the attack on the thyroid gland.  This attack is what leads to the symptoms and can be identified by, amongst other things, a test for thyroid antibodies.

That is just one instance of how ordering the proper tests and not immediately resorting to medications  can clear the path to true health and wellness.  If you have a practitioner who refuses to order the tests you request, maybe it’s time to ask why, or find one who will.

Personally, my patients have been met with reluctance and sometimes outright refusal when the additional tests are requested. However, they can be done and it is your right as a proactive, educated patient to receive the tests you desire; as well as to work with a professional who is open minded and willing to work together when it comes to your health.

That is the model we strive to achieve and implement on a daily basis.  If it sounds appealing and liberating to you, feel free to contact us at anytime.

We’re ready when you are.

Make health happen.

Leave a comment

Posted in Health & Wellness, Nutrition, Stress & Sleep, Weight Loss

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,