Controlling Cholesterol

Cholesterol has become the focus of a great deal of attention in the modern medical world. Many people have thought cholesterol is something that signifies a tendency towards coronary artery disease and heart disease, and it is generally assumed that is very difficult to bring cholesterol levels down if elevated and that a statin drug would need to be employed to accomplish the reduction. There are a number of factors that should be considered when it comes to considering cholesterol balance. 

The original study of cholesterol done in the 1960's on approximately 240,000 subjects found that cholesterol levels above 300 directly associated itself with an increased risk of heart disease. What was also reported in the same study was that cholesterol came from animal foods and fats that were consumed in the diet, although it was later discovered that two-thirds of the body's cholesterol is actually fabricated in the liver. Today, with our new understanding around healthy fats and the impact of carbohydrates and high glycemic diets, it is revealed that elevated triglyceride levels result in high cholesterol. Chemically, when triglycerides are high, they automatically cascade downstream into high cholesterol. While the triglycerides lab values for the common American are said to be normal under 200 or 150 (depending on the lab), the truth is that any triglyceride level above 90 will result in unnecessary elevation of cholesterol. Oftentimes, simply by limiting the glycemic intake in the diet the triglycerides fall to under 90 and the cholesterol naturally follows into range, optimally to be between 160 and 180.

If the triglycerides are under 90 and the cholesterol continues to be elevated, it oftentimes suggests the possibility of some food allergy congesting and slowing the digestive process thus resulting in elevated cholesterol reabsorption from the gut. The common allergy in this situation is eggs, and an estimated 30 percent of the population is allergic to eggs. By eliminating eggs, if one is allergic to them and limiting the glycemic intake, the cholesterol naturally comes to an optimal level. It used to be expected that theses changes in cholesterol take months or even years and that therefore legitimizes the employment of certain statin drugs to lower cholesterol. These triglyceride and cholesterol imbalances can actually be corrected profoundly within 7-10 days demonstrated by lab work. It is so simple to limit glycemic index in the diet and see the triglycerides fall and subsequently the cholesterol normalize. It also is rewarding to discover that we can control our own chemical imbalances without having to use drugs to achieve this. 

HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is another consideration. HDL's are able to help transport cholesterol through the blood and keep it from plaquing onto the arterial wall. HDL's can be increased through exercise and through certain nutrients like red wine. Recently, another factor has become a consideration as the level of homocysteine protein in the blood acts as velcro to attach the plaque to the arterial wall. Although normal levels allow up to 12-15, it is optimally recommended that homocsyteine be kept under seven. Interestingly enough homocysteine is a purely nutritional event and if elevated simply adding vitamins B6, B12, folate and folic acid usually will return it to an optimal level. This level is a very good predictor of heart risk. Another influence to arterial wall plaquing is C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP represents the state of inflammation in the body, and the subsequent stickiness of the arterial wall. By keeping our body free of chronic infection and immune burdens, especially allergies, the CRP will fall to less than .04 where there is very little likelihood that palquing will occur. 

There are multiple factors that influence the lipid profile of our blood. A few of them have been outlined above so that a person can begin to explore their own capability of controlling their own cholesterol levels. It is a most exciting thing to find that you are in control of your chemistry rather than the genes you inherited determining your destiny. Many people have been skeptical to believe how quickly the lipid profile could be optimized, and many have chosen not to try. When it is possible to see profound change within seven days, there is every reason to be encouraged to try experimenting with your own lipid levels. 

Green Smoothies

1. Green smoothies are very nutritious. The ratio in them is optimal for human consumption; about 60% ripe organic fruit mixed with about 40% organic greens. Over time you may find you crave more greens and change the ratio to 60% greens and 40% fruit.  2. Green smoothies are easy to digest. When blended well, most of the cells in the greens and fruits are ruptured, making the valuable nutrients easy for the body to assimilate. Green smoothies literally start to get absorbed in your mouth. 3. Green smoothies, as opposed to juices, are a complete food because they still have fiber. Consuming fiber is important for our elimination system. 4. Green smoothies belong to the most palatable dishes for all humans of all ages. With a ratio of fruits to veggies as 60:40 the fruit taste dominates the flavor, yet at the same time the greens balance out the sweetness of the fruit, adding a nice zest to it. People who eat a standard American diet enjoy the taste of green smoothies. They are usually quite surprised that something so green could taste so nice. 5. A molecule of chlorophyll closely resembles a molecule of human blood. According to teachings of Dr. Ann Wigmore, "consuming chlorophyll is like receiving a healthy blood transfusion". Many people do not consume enough greens, even those who stay on a raw food diet. By drinking two or three cups of green smoothies daily you will consume enough greens for the day to nourish your body, and all of the beneficial nutrients will be well assimilated.  6. Green smoothies are easy to make, and quick to clean up after. In contrast, juicing greens is time consuming, messy, and expensive. Many people abandon drinking green juices on a regular basis for those reasons. To prepare a pitcher of green smoothie takes less than 5 minutes, including cleaning. 7. Green smoothies have proven to be loved by children of all ages, including babies of six or more months old. Of course you have to be careful and slowly increase the amount of smoothies to avoid food allergies. 8. When consuming your greens in the form of green smoothies, you are greatly reducing the consumption of oils, salt & junk food in your diet. 9. Regular consumption of green smoothies forms a good habit of eating greens. After a few weeks of drinking green smoothies, most people start to crave and enjoy eating more greens. Eating enough greens is often a problem with many people, especially children. 10. While fresh is always best, green smoothies will keep in cool temperatures for up to three days, which can be handy at work and while traveling. The ten health benefits of green smoothies was first published by Victoria Boutenko & TheRaw Family as Ode to Green Smoothie in January 2005    I highly recommend reading Green For Life by Victoria Boutenko if you are considering green smoothies as a lifestyle change.  "Emerald Ecstasy" Green Smoothie   1-2 Cups of Green Grapes 1/4 of a large Pineapple or 1/3 of a small Pineapple One whole large Banana Half of an Apple 2 big hand fulls of Spinach (at a show I add a touch of Kale and Parsley too) 2 cups of Ice This will make 2-3 LARGE servings or 4-5 smaller (juice glass size) servings. Blend according to the instructions in my Fruit Juice section (until the icy slushy mixture turns into a smooth liquid). This is a "beginner" Green Smoothie. As you get used to the taste of the greens, you can increase the proportion of greens to fruit, try out some of the "stronger tasting greens" (remember, Spinach is one of the "magic veggies"), and use fruits that are not as sweet - like berries for instance.

Chiropractic care has been shown to help the following in children:

Babies should be checked by a Chiropractor if they experience any of the following

• Colic
• Poor feeding
• Unsettled sleep patterns
• Crying, restless, easily startled
• Unhappy lying on his back
• Prefers to feed on one side
• Reflux
• Tendency to face one side
• Plagiocephaly, or flat head

Children:

• ADD/ADHD
• Ear Infections
• Scoliosis 
• Cognitive Function
• Immunity
• Coordination
• Gait

Chiropractic Care for Kids

•     How early should children be adjusted?
•      Is it safe?
•      Aren't their bones still soft?
•      Why do they need adjustments?
•      What if they cry? 

All of these questions and more go through the minds of parents who are considering chiropractic care for their kids.  Some parents are hesitant about getting their children adjusted even though they are under care themselves.

Our kids are so special to us that sometimes, in an effort to protect them, we become overprotective and deprive them of necessary and valuable experiences.

If chiropractic care is necessary to your good health and for reaching your full potential in life as an adult, then it logically follows that it is even more necessary for a child!

After all, they have nerve systems that control and coordinate all of their body functions just as you do.  And, just like you, they can get subluxations that will interfere with the full outward expression of their Life force.

The only difference is that they still have an entire lifetime ahead of them in which to manifest the results of what they do today.

It's Never Too Soon

Subluxations can occur at any time.  The first one may very well have occurred at your baby's birth.  That is why parents who understand the importance of being subluxation-free have their newborns examined by their chiropractor as soon after birth as possible.

By correcting subluxations at an early age, the damage that inevitably comes from functioning at less than optimal levels can be prevented.  The longer a subluxation is present, the greater the damage.  In addition, the longer a subluxation is present, the longer your child's body will continue to "reproduce itself" (i.e., grow) in the wrong way!

"As the twig is bent, so grows the tree!"

Many people who come into a chiropractor's office for the first time as adults would have had far greater potential for regaining their health if they had received regular chiropractic care as children.

Kids Make Great Patients!

Adjusting a child is not a difficult procedure.  In fact, in most cases, a child's spine is much easier to adjust than an adult's.  They have not had the long-standing subluxations, their muscles are usually not as tense and they are usually more relaxed in general than adults.

Not only are kids easier to adjust, but also in most cases, they hold their adjustments for longer periods of time and their corrective adjustment plans are almost always significantly shorter than the average adult. However, with the falls, accidents and the generally active lives most kids experience, regular check-ups are vital.

It's Worth The Effort

Chiropractic adjustments are generally painless.  Children may, on the first visit or two, be somewhat reluctant.  However, they rarely hesitate to get on the table to be adjusted, especially when they see that visiting the chiropractor is a family affair.  When they see Mom, Dad and their brothers and sisters getting adjusted, they are usually more than willing to be checked for subluxations too.

We will work with you so that your children will become accustomed to their adjustments.  In fact, in a very short period of time, most kids really look forward to their regular chiropractic visits.

Those children that are reluctant at first should be lovingly told that they must be adjusted and why it is so important (to keep their Power on!).  As parents, we realize that our children are not going to like or enjoy everything that is good for them.  Spinach is not enjoyable for most kids, and naps aren't much fun either.

Chiropractic adjustments are vital to their good health, and the few tears that may occur on the first visit (usually because of fear of the unknown), are well worth the benefits to our precious little ones.

Obviously, children who are adjusted regularly from infancy think of their visits to the chiropractor as a regular part of their lives and are not the least bit hesitant to climb onto the adjusting table.

Chiropractic Care is Vital to Your Child's Health and Life!

Lastly, it is of great importance that parents not think of adjustments for their children as "something they might as well do since their kids have come along to the office with them anyway."  Chiropractic care for your children is vital to their health and is an absolute necessity to their development and for actualization of their full potential in every area of life.

What If It Was All A Big Fat Lie?

The beginning of every year you see an increase in sales for gym memberships and the latest diets.  And now that spring is in the air many of you are thinking about summer and the dreaded swimsuit season. With goals in mind, we pursue the latest diet or exercise fad in attempt to lose ten pounds or fit into that dress again, etc. Ultimately, diets do not work over the long-term nor do they support true wellness.

Think about it.  Of course you're going to lose weight if you starve yourself for three months or cut out carbohydrates but such actions are not sustainable over a lifetime. 

First and foremost, it's important to consider the reasons for lifestyle changes. Please take a moment to review the the benefits of exercise listed at the end of this article. Healthy lifestyles also include dietary changes. 

Did you know that dietary changes account for 70-80% of the lean muscles in professional body builders? 

Now, I know most of you don't want to be a professional body builder, but we do want to see the muscle tone we've built, right? That means you also have to incorporate dietary changes as well to reap the benefits. 

Let's talk and get real about dietary changes. I know we can be bombarded with advertisements so I am going to give some great tips for healthy eating and squash some key misconceptions about dieting. 

Low fat products will help you lose weight. Wrong. Let's think back about when this belief was popularized. Since then, we've had a surge of low fat products; however, people have become more and more obese. Why is that? Because when the manufacturer takes the fat out of a product it tastes horrible so they often compensate for this by adding sugar. If you pay close attention to the labels, low fat products have more sugar than the whole fat products. More importantly, your body needs fat. Your brain is 60% fat. When a product has fat (mono and polyunsaturated fats, in particular) it is more satisfying to the body, which ultimately decreases your appetite and sugar cravings. So fat is important.

Avoid food like substances. Ultimately, eat real food (not processed food). If it rots, it's real food. Of course, we know to eat more fruits and vegetables because they provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants keeping us young and full of energy. We've also all heard the benefit of these foods preventing heart disease, reducing risk of cancer, etc. Many weight loss programs preach counting calories to lose weight. I disagree with this approach. Mainly because many of the "allowed" foods are still terrible for your health. These programs help many who have proportion control issues but many of the allowed foods have little nutrients. When you eat processed foods you still feel hungry because you are starving your brain and body from the nutrients needed to survive. If you never eat real food, it will be impossible to maintain weight and achieve optimal health. 

Health = Nutrient/Calorie

So remember when you choose foods choose real food that has the most bang for the buck. Of course, an apple has more nutrients than a granola bar. Real food not only has the nutrients but also the fiber to keep you full longer.

Now I know many people get discouraged about maintaining a healthy diet because we see others who look healthy and thin while eating food like substances. But don't be fooled by thin people who don't eat real food.  While they may appear thin on the outside, they may have other risks like internal fat surrounding their vitals organs, which many doctors are finding more dangerous than external fat.  

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is the best health insurance. 

References: 

Eat for Health by Dr. Joel Fuhrman

In the Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

Aerobic Exercise

Improved Cardiac Function

Weight Loss

Improved Mental Health (less stress & anxiety)

Better Immune Function

Reduces Diseases

Lowers Blood Pressure

Increases HDLs (the good cholesterol)

Better Sleep

Improves Glucose Metabolism (reduce insulin resistance) 

Increases Longevity 

Weight Resistance

Improves Posture

Reduces Body Fat

Improves Balance & Coordination

Prevents Osteoporosis

Increases Muscle Tone & Endurance

Increases Metabolism

Exercise can slow the aging process and improve the quality & quantity of your life. 

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How much water should you really drink?

Why is it so confusing to get a straight answer about daily water requirements?

Should you drink 8 oz. of water a day or 1/2 oz. per pound of body weight?

As a health practitioner it is just as confusing, even when I was in Chiropractic school or at the latest seminar all answers to this question vary. It wasn't until recently I had the best answer to this question with the most logical reasoning for it. 

The body requires 1 quart (32 oz.) of water per 50 pounds of body weight to effectively eliminate toxins and reach or maintain optimal health. The amount must always be rounded up. For example, a 99 pound person must drink 2 quarts of water a day, a 100 pound person must drink 3 quarts of water a day. 

Of course we know an adult body is between 60-70% water, so the water requirements should depend on body weight. But more importantly here's the why: the first 1/3 of your water requirement is to eliminate metabolic waste. That's the waste produced from your body to function (i.e. turning food to energy, breathing, urine output, etc.). The second 1/3 of your water requirement is to eliminate environmental waste, that's the waste you come into contact with whether it be pollution, fumes from cleaning products, or vaccinations filled with mercury or formaldehyde. The last 1/3 of your water requirement is to eliminate waste from your body's healing mechanisms. 

So think about it....if you never get your daily water requirements you may have years of toxic buildup in your body causing you to become sick. And remember this means water only, this means if you add lemon or fruit juice, etc. to water your body recognizes it as a food not water. So drink your water daily because it will take you 3 months to become hydrated and once your hydrated you'll be on the right path to optimum health.