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The Truth About Saunas: Separating Fact from Fiction

Sauna use: it's been around for centuries, deeply ingrained in cultures worldwide.

From Finnish dry saunas to sweat lodges in Native American traditions and Russian banya steam rooms, the allure of the sauna extends far beyond relaxation—it's a cornerstone of socialization and wellness practices.

In recent years, the media has hailed sauna bathing as a “longevity hack,” claiming it offers a plethora of health benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to better skin. But amidst the buzz, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction and explore the science behind sauna therapy.

Unveiling the Benefits: Separating Fact from Fiction

🌿 1. Cardiovascular Health: While some studies suggest sauna use may benefit heart health by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure, the evidence isn't definitive. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects fully.

🧖‍♀️ 2. Skin Health: Saunas are often lauded for promoting clearer, healthier skin by opening pores and flushing out toxins. While regular sweating can indeed help cleanse the skin, other claims of anti-aging effects require further investigation.

💆‍♂️ 3. Stress Reduction: One of the most well-established benefits of sauna bathing is stress reduction. The heat and relaxation experienced in a sauna can help alleviate tension and promote a sense of calmness and well-being.

Exploring the Mechanisms: How Sauna Therapy Works

⚙️ 1. Heat Exposure: Saunas work by exposing the body to high temperatures, inducing sweating and increasing heart rate. This process mimics the effects of moderate exercise, promoting circulation and potentially aiding in detoxification.

🧬 2. Hormonal Response: Heat exposure in saunas may trigger the release of endorphins, our body's natural painkillers, contributing to the feelings of relaxation and euphoria often experienced during and after sauna sessions.

💧 3. Hydration: While sweating in the sauna can lead to dehydration if not properly hydrated, it's essential to replenish fluids lost during sweating to avoid adverse effects.

Practical Tips for Sauna Use: Maximizing Benefits Safely

🕰️ 1. Timing: Aim for sauna sessions lasting 10-20 minutes to reap the benefits without overexerting yourself. Start slow, especially if you're new to sauna bathing, and gradually increase the duration as you become accustomed to the heat.

🌡️ 2. Temperature: Saunas typically range from 160-200°F (70-90°C). Find a temperature that feels comfortable for you, and don't hesitate to leave the sauna if you feel lightheaded or uncomfortable.

🧴 3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to stay hydrated and replenish lost fluids. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.

In Conclusion: Making Sauna Therapy Work for You

While sauna bathing offers potential health benefits, it's essential to approach it with caution and moderation. Incorporating sauna sessions into your wellness routine can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but it's not a substitute for other healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Ultimately, whether you're a sauna enthusiast or a newcomer to the practice, listening to your body and prioritizing safety is key. With the right approach, sauna therapy can be a valuable addition to your wellness journey, promoting relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being.

So, go ahead—step into the sauna and let the warmth envelop you. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Source: Saunas: the facts, the myths, and the how-to 

Harnessing Hormones for Cardiovascular Wellness

Women's Cardiovascular Silent Ally:

Hormone Therapy

 Contrary to conventional wisdom, estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) have emerged as potent defenders against the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), offering a ray of hope in the fight against this pervasive threat.

Decades of research have illuminated the profound impact of E2 and P4 on cardiovascular well-being. These hormones, originally known for their roles in reproduction, wield significant influence over the heart and blood vessels, safeguarding them against the ravages of aging and hormonal fluctuations.

While initial skepticism stemming from studies like the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) may have cast a shadow over hormone replacement therapy (HRT), newer investigations have shed light on its potential benefits. Studies like the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) and the Early Versus Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol (ELITE) have highlighted the safety and efficacy of HRT, particularly in mitigating cardiovascular risk factors.

Despite the lingering misconceptions surrounding hormone therapy, observational studies consistently underscore its safety and potential benefits for cardiovascular health. By embracing HRT with physiological doses of bioidentical hormones, women can take proactive steps to protect their cardiovascular well-being and pave the way for a healthier future.

The “Timing Hypothesis” further emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, suggesting that initiating HRT soon after menopause may confer greater cardiovascular protection. Armed with this knowledge, women can advocate for their heart health with confidence, reclaiming agency over their cardiovascular destiny.

In conclusion, while the landscape of hormone therapy and cardiovascular health may be complex, the message is clear: there is untapped potential in harnessing the power of estrogen and progesterone to protect against cardiovascular disease. It's time for women to seize this opportunity and prioritize their heart health with informed decision-making and proactive care.

PS: For women seeking to learn more about hormone therapy and its role in cardiovascular health, the full article provides valuable insights and guidance. Take charge of your heart health journey today!

Source: Estrogen and Cardiovascular Disease

Papa’s Traditional Hummus

This delightful recipe, inspired by Sonya Khazaal from Seattle's renowned restaurant Phoenecia.

This delightful recipe, inspired by Sonya Khazaal from Seattle's renowned restaurant Phoenecia, not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports liver health and adrenal gland function, nourishing both body and spirit.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 cup tahini
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Olive oil, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Soak the Chickpeas: The night before, place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of cold water, ensuring they are submerged with an inch of water above. In the morning, drain the chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly, and they're ready for use.

  2. Cook the Chickpeas: In a pot, combine the soaked chickpeas with three times their volume of fresh water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a vigorous boil for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 1 hour, or until the chickpeas are very soft. Reserve some of the cooking water for later use.

  3. Prepare the Hummus: Drain the cooked chickpeas, reserving 1/2 cup for garnish. Place the remaining chickpeas in a food processor.

  4. Add Flavor: Crush the garlic cloves with 1 teaspoon of salt, then add them to the food processor. Gradually add the tahini and lemon juice, alternating between the two until fully incorporated. Blend in a bit of the reserved cooking water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and lemon juice if needed.

  5. Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving platter, spreading it thinly. Garnish with cayenne pepper, chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and the reserved chickpeas.

  6. Enjoy! Serve the hummus with your favorite accompaniments and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures.

Remember, this recipe offers a variety of flavors and nutrients to enjoy, promoting a positive relationship with food and nourishing your body from within.

Does Semaglutide have an impact on non-diabetic individuals with overweight or obesity?

Unlocking Cardiovascular Benefits: Semaglutide's Impact on Non-Diabetic Individuals with Overweight or Obesity

In a groundbreaking study known as the SELECT Trial, researchers, led by Michael Lincoff, Kirstine Brown-Frandsen, and Helen M Colhoun, delved into the potential cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist.

Unlike previous investigations that focused on diabetic patients, this trial set out to unravel the impact of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide at a dosage of 2.4 mg on individuals aged 45 or older, with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater and preexisting cardiovascular disease but no history of diabetes.

The findings were striking, revealing a substantial 20% reduction in the primary cardiovascular endpoint – a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke – in the semaglutide group compared to the placebo group over a mean follow-up of 39.8 months.

This breakthrough discovery may reshape cardiovascular risk management strategies, especially for non-diabetic individuals grappling with overweight or obesity and preexisting cardiovascular conditions.

However, it is essential to tread cautiously, considering the higher incidence of adverse events leading to permanent discontinuation of the trial product in the semaglutide group compared to the placebo group (16.6% vs. 8.2%).

While these results are promising, the study's safety considerations underline the need for further research to comprehensively understand the long-term implications of semaglutide in this context.

The SELECT Trial, funded by Novo Nordisk (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03574597), marks a pivotal step forward in uncovering new avenues for cardiovascular risk reduction beyond the diabetic spectrum.

Source: The SELECT Trial – because we love giving you the backstage pass to the scientific wonders!

 


Are you ready to unlock the secrets of Semaglutide and its incredible impact on cardiovascular health? Dive into the world of possibilities at BioThrive Life and discover the science behind this groundbreaking research. Your journey to understanding the transformative potential of Semaglutide begins here. 

Get hair as thick as a shampoo commercial

A lot of people ask me, “How can I make my hair thick again?”

The answer is it’s not about some “miracle” hair product; it has to do with nutrition and hormones!

Anyone who’s been pregnant remembers how thick hair was! That is because progesterone and estrogen were elevated and stayed consistent for 9 months.

Hair is affected by many things—hormones, nutrition, stress & genetics. We can’t completely change  our genes…yet.

But we CAN tackle nutrition and balance our hormones.

The Hormone Side

There are 3 phases of hair growth; Anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase).

So if after you gave birth, there was a frightening moment when your hair started falling out…really, it was just your hair going into a different phase!

In the Anagen/growth phase, your hair needs balanced hormones to grow properly. So hair loss and thinning can occur when this growth cycle is disrupted. That means if you had a fever or restrictive diet, you could experience a hair loss 6 weeks later.

In this phase, your hair needs balanced hormones—enough progesterone and estrogen, PLUS the right nutrition.

I created a supplement for balancing hormones—it’s called Essential Female Boost and it gives your body everything it needs to support all your hormones in a balanced way! It’s a great overall hormone balancer and the first place that I recommend for women to start.

How Do We Get The Right Nutrition?

People think we don’t have malnourishment in western world because we’re not emaciated. But it’s not a caloric nutrient, it’s about nutrients and nourishment!

There are two types of nutrients: micronutrients & macronutrients.

Vitamins and minerals are the micronutrients (the best kind are from plants!), while macronutrients come from proteins, carbs, and fats.

TIP: The Rainbow Shortcut: When shopping for the most micronutrients, look for produce that is brightly colored all the way through, like a kiwi or purple potatoes. They have more micronutrients than things like white potatoes and apples.

Out of all the micronutrients that nourish hair, we are learning that biotin and zinc are among the forerunners.

Getting the right micronutrients is the first step to hormone balance and hair that grows for days.

Here’s to healthy, shiny, luxurious hair that can rival any shampoo commercial, ladies!

Dr. Tami

———

Ready to transform your hair naturally? Say goodbye to thinning and hello to thick, luxurious locks! Discover the power of hormone therapy and nutrition in revitalizing your hair growth.

🌟 Call us for a FREE consultation and learn how balanced hormones and the right nutrients can make a real difference. 🌿 Don’t settle for temporary solutions – let’s unlock the secret to naturally regrowing your thick, beautiful hair.

📞 Dial now and take the first step towards healthier, shinier hair! Your journey to vibrant locks begins with a simple call.

Is selenium the missing link to your thyroid?

A healthy thyroid is a critical your energy, your weight, your skin, your hair and so much more.  Yet many people are told that their thyroid is “fine” when they go to the doctor.  The range for “normal” thyroid function is enormous.  You may still be in the normal range but what if you are at the bottom of the normal range and 10 years ago you were at the top of the normal range?  That would feel like a big difference.  That’s one of the reasons I use optimal levels when treating patients and their symptoms are a big part of the treatment plan.

There are a number of ways that your thyroid can be functioning less than its best.  There are environmental factors that affect thyroid function such as gluten, gut health, liver health, excess or deficient iodine and vitamin D deficiency.

There is one nutritional factor that seems to affect all types of thyroid dysfunction: Selenium.

Selenium is a common deficiency in adults and it is thought to be linked to our farming practices and the fact that the soil has been depleted of this important micronutrient.

Your thyroid does not produce active thyroid hormone.  The conversion to active thyroid (T3) requires adequate amounts of selenium and occurs in the liver and other locations in your body outside the thyroid.

Selenium deficiency is also linked with illness but not specifically causing illness itself, but that it makes the body more susceptible to illnesses caused by other nutritional, biochemical or infectious stresses, due to its role in immune function.  Adequate selenium also protects the thyroid gland from damage from excessive iodine exposure.

A recent study on auto-immune thyroid condition such as Hashimoto’s found that selenium supplementation reduced thyroid peroxidase antibody levels in the blood, even in selenium sufficient patients.

So take Selenium to help your thyroid right?  Well, the answer is, it depends.  

There are some studies that show that long term consumption of high doses of selenium can lead to complications such as gastrointestinal upsets, hair loss, white blotchy nails, garlic breath odor, fatigue, irritability, and mild nerve damage.

Additionally, supplementing selenium if you have low iodine may actually aggravate hypothyroidism.

Another negative effect was seen in a large clinical trial that looked at the effects of selenium supplementation on prostate cancer risk in over 35,000 men and found that those with normal to high selenium levels at baseline experienced a significant increase in the risk of prostate cancer after supplementing with 200 mcg/d of selenium.

Conclusion, selenium is great if you need it but if you are a man, or just want to know, best to get checked with a test such as the intracellular micronutrient test by Spectracell or Genova (these can be ordered from my clinic if you would like to find out your status).

Foods that are high in selenium include brazil nuts, crimini mushrooms, cod, shrimp, tuna, halibut, salmon, scallops, chicken, eggs, shiitake mushrooms, lamb, and turkey. Brazil nuts are particularly rich in selenium; it only takes a few every day to improve your selenium status and boost immune function.

Committed to your Vitality,

Dr. Tami

PS:  All the health information on the web and from “practitioners” can be confusing.  I am here to guide you and hope to bless you based on my research, 15 years of clinical practice and education as a double board certified MD.

PSS:  A place of information and recipe sharing is my Facebook.  Be sure to “like” and share.  Remember, health is contagious, pass it on!

 


Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18384097
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18384097
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16837619?dopt=Abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14550763
https://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/2/379.short

Mama’s Minestrone Soup

Mama’s Minestrone Soup (My Husband Rocco's Mother's Recipe!)

A chunky soup full of veggies that is a great start to a meal, or a meal on its own. It can be made ahead and in fact tastes even better when it is.

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup minced onion
  • 3 cups cut cabbage (remove the out leaves)
  • 4 cups peeled, chopped tomatoes (can be canned)
  • 5 cups organic chicken broth
  • 2 cups carrots, ½ inch thick rounds
  • ¾ cup chopped fennel (can leave this out)
  • 1 cup cooked and drained kidney beans
  • 1 cup cooked and drained garbanzo beans (chick peas)
  • 1 cup fresh green beans in 1 inch pieces
  • 2 cups peas
  • Salt and pepper to taste

8 Main Causes of Fatigue

One of the top health problems my patients tell me every day is about is fatigue or extremely low energy levels. It seems there is an epidemic of tiredness.  I don’t know anyone that doesn’t want more energy.  Low energy can also be dangerous.  20% of fatal car accidents involve driver fatigue. 

Many people brush off their fatigue as a “normal” part of getting older.  You may know that I think “normal” is a setting on a dryer.  The term “normal” in medicine is used to describe typical rate of decline of the average American.  Who wants to be “normal” or “fine”?  Let’s be fabulous! 

While fatigue is common, it's certainly not biologically normal. This false assumption makes many people settle for feeling lousy and tired most of their lives. Fatigue can affect every aspect of your life: your family, friends, job and activities will suffer.

Here are the 8 main causes of fatigue that I see in my clinic and Skype appointments.  I've also included tips on how to resolve fatigue to become full of energy. 

Macronutrient/Micronutrient Imbalances

Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals that we need in small amounts from our diet so our bodies can make all the cells, chemicals and hormones we need, similar to the parts of a car.  Macronutrients are fats, proteins and carbohydrates.  They provide the energy for your cells to do the work to bless your life like the gasoline used to make the car go! 

One of the most common macronutrient deficiencies in the West is low fat consumption. Since the latter part of the 20th century, we have been on a fat free frenzy.  In place of fats our food has been filled with refined carbohydrates, grains and sugars.  Without the proper amount of fat you will feel hungry and be left with mood swings, irritability, weight loss resistance, and fatigue.

But not all fat is created equal.  When I refer to fat, I'm not talking about margarine or some other kind of bad fat. In my book, The Hormone Secret on page 119, I share some interesting facts about fat.  For example, “Coconut oil is one of the main sources of medium-chain fatty acids in our food system and has been associated with a great deal of recent research showing its healing and anti-inflammatory properties”.  Avocados, eggs, and, if you eat meat, grass-fed beef and wild-caught salmon, are all great forms of whole food fat for your energy!

From a biochemical standpoint, your body's best and slowest-burning form of energy is fat. Furthermore, your brain is made of 60% fat and 25% cholesterol, so nourishing that precious organ is the cornerstone to overcoming fatigue and feeling sharp. Less frequently, inadequate amounts of protein and carbohydrates will also contribute to low energy levels so make sure you are starting your day with protein and choosing carbohydrates from vegetables not breads.

2. Micronutrient Deficiencies

Our bodies are alive and functioning because of biochemistry. When we don't nourish them with the specific nutritional requirements that make health possible, it can start with you feeling tired and lethargic. Some nutrient deficiencies that I see on a regular basis in patients that are fatigued are iron, vitamin D and vitamin B  and magnesium deficiencies. Vitamin B is water soluble and stress eats it up leaving none left for our bodies to use.   Using food as your iron source is the best option such as cooked greens or free range organic chicken liver (yes, liver really can be good for you and your mitochondria).  I also recommend taking vitamin D, especially in the winter and a good B complex is a must for supporting adrenals and when life is stressful. 

3. Poor Gut Health

Known as the “second brain,” your gastrointestinal system is essential and often overlooked factor in your energy levels. You don't necessarily have to have noticeable gut symptoms to have an underlying chronic gut issue. Your gut-brain axis is a complex web of communication between these two vitally important systems when it comes to your energy levels.

If your body is bogged down with conditions like leaky gut syndrome or intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or just generalized imbalances in your gut bacteria (dysbiosis), it can drain your energy significantly. When these conditions are resolved, energy levels and vitality are restored back to normal. Interestingly enough, chronic gut dysfunctions are also linked to fatigue's stubborn partner, weight loss resistance.

4. Inflammatory Foods

The foods we eat are literally the instructions for all our cells and provide us with our energy.  Our meals are either helping or hurting your energy levels; there's no neutral food when it comes to your body's function. It's no secret that refined foods, excess carbohydrates and empty calories will negatively affect your health, and that will typically begin by draining your energy levels.

Underlying intolerance to foods can be a significant energy drain.  These are foods that you are not “allergic” to but rather your body creates a low grade inflammatory response when you eat them.  The most common foods that create an inflammatory response are: gluten, dairy, corn, eggs, soy, peanuts and sugar.  Some of these foods can be very good for you, like eggs.  But they can create an negative response in some people when eaten.  If you're suffering from fatigue, start by eliminating the inflammatory foods in your diet for 4 weeks and then re-introduce one at a time and see how you feel. 

5. Toxins

The word “toxin” has become ubiquitous in the health community.  The reality is that our world today is inundated with substances that are toxic to our health. We are not genetically adapted to this onslaught of toxicity, and our energy levels are typically the first indicator that something is not right. Since the liver is your “fire wall” for your body and the hazardous waste system, it makes sense to do a liver cleanse twice per year to decrease the toxic load that builds in our bodies.  We will be launching another Get Glowing Liver Cleanse this fall before the holidays to get tuned up with a private facebook group and live Q and A with me.  Mark your calendars for October so start now if this is a good time with my Get Glowing Liver Kit. 

6. Hormonal Dysfunctions

Our body's different systems communicate through an intelligent web of hormonal pathways. A properly functioning hormonal system is essential for your energy levels. Two relatively common hormonal pathway dysfunctions that I find in people who are struggling with low energy levels are hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysfunction (adrenal fatigue) and low thyroid function. Make sure you have taken my hormone quiz and receive the free handbook on how to boost the function without medication. 

7. Medications

Every pharmaceutical drug has side effects and one of the most common side effects that I see is fatigue. Common medications given for blood pressure, cholesterol, pain, diabetes, acid reflux and depression can all cause chronic fatigue. It amazes me how little people know about the side effects of the drugs they take every day. 

If your medication is causing or adding to your fatigue, discuss with your doctor about what other options you have.  There may be options to lower your dose of even get off some prescriptions as your health improves.

8. Poor Sleep

Sure, this sounds like an obvious one! 

Sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea affects millions of people around the world with very little options in the mainstream model of care. Dealing with the underlying issues that are causing the sleep disorder is essential to restore your energy levels. Please ensure you do not have sleep apnea by requesting a sleep study if you snore  loudly at night.  For mild insomnia, melatonin prolonged release and Cortisol Manager works wonders. 

One of the main reasons I see causing sleep disturbances in my clinic is the inability to turn off the brain.  The sympathetic nervous system is on auto-pilot for our go-go 24/7 life.  Breathing exercises or listening to alpha/theta brain beat meditation like is found in the holosync can turn off your stress and allow your body to drift into rejuvenative sleep. 

Customized Health Solutions

Obviously this isn't a complete list of everything that could be causing low energy but I hope it blesses you and helps you gain some of your Vitality.  In my practice we see patients from all over the country creating individualized and customized health programmes that are tailored to exactly what you need.  I find the one size fits all approach of traditional medicine leaves many of not able to reach our best health and energy.  If you have lingering issues with fatigue or other health concerns please hit “reply” or call us at 877-8-VITALITY to find out about our Health Membership options to help your look, feel and  function your best. 

It’s your Health, It’s your Journey and it’s YOUR TURN.  I am blessed to help you along the way.

Committed to your Vitality

Dr. Tami

You and Your Microbiome

You and your Microbiome

The interconnectedness of your gut, brain, immune, and hormonal systems is complex and amazing at the same time.  There is one thing that we have learned that affects all of the above – our microbiome.

This complex ecosystem is made up of more than 100 trillion microbes and research has shown that our microflora types are uniquely our own and is affected by diet, health history, geographic location and even our heritage.  What we do know is that you must properly balance and care for it if you are to be healthy now and in the future. 

We have even learned that your microbiome may be the reason why you can not lose weight even when following the exact same diet as someone else that has been very successful. 

Here are 5 ways that you can boost the number and diversity of your microbiome. 

Exercise

Exercise could boost the diversity of the microbes in your gut.  By examining blood and stool samples, researchers in Ireland were able to compare the microbial diversity of professional rugby players with those of healthy men, some of normal weight and some overweight. They found that the athletes, overall, had greater gut diversity than the other men which they attributed to the players’ strenuous exercise

Protein

In the same study above, it showed that the athletes diet were higher in protein (22 percent of calories) compared to 15 to 16 percent of calories from protein the other men consumed daily. The athletes’ microbiomes were not only more diverse, the researchers reported that they were more populous than those of the other men in the study, and included higher levels of a species of bacteria associated with lower rates of obesity and obesity-related disorders.

Eat more Greens

Plant foods are especially helpful for improving your microbial diversity.  Why? Because plants give your microbes something to chew on, to break down, to digest and extract the nutrients from – you are literally feeding your resident bugs with their favorite foods and what they need to survive and thrive.  It is hard to consume enough plant based foods so I recommend a daily green smoothie. Here is my smoothie recipe book for you to enjoy!

Open the doors and Windows

One of the best, and also most pleasurable ways to increase your microbial exposure is to simply open the windows and let the microbes flow! Welcome them into your home, your car, your office – the more, the merrier, and the better for your microbiome.

Get outside and get dirty

Do some gardening, play outside, go for a walk in nature – do anything that gets you and your microbiome connected with the trillions of microbes in the soil. 

Don’t murder your microcrobes

What I mean is don’t kill off your healthy organisms with foods that mess with your microbial balance. Avoid processed foods, genetically modified anything, sugar and wheat. Also, be sure to stay clear from factory-farmed meats, which come loaded with antibiotics that kill the bad and the good and are not destroyed by cooking. 

Protect with Probiotics and Pre-biotics

If you have taken antibiotics be sure to re-populate your gut flora with probiotics.  Even if you have not taken antibiotics, take probiotics anyway.  Doing so will keep your microbiome full of live, beneficial organisms, which will help keep digestion, immunity and overall health on track. Look for probiotics that deliver 15-50 billion live organisms per dose and contain a combination of different strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.   Multi-Probiotic contains over 15 billion beneficial organisms from lactobacillus and bifidobacterium genera with additional benefits of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides.  Take probiotics as directed, once or twice a day, preferably with meals.

You can also enjoy probiotic foods like fermented foods (preferably organic). Sauerkraut, kim chi, kombucha, and pickled veggies encourage the growth of good bacteria. Add to that some pre-biotic foods, those non-digestible short-chain fatty acids that help your good bacteria flourish. To get your dose, try eating more artichokes, garlic, beans, oats, onions and asparagus.

PS

It is also important for your children to enjoy the above and probiotics are safe for children to take.

PSS

Health is contagious, I would be so grateful if you would pass this on to help spread the love and health!

Committed to your Vitality

Dr. Tami

Sources:
Siobhan Clark and Orla O’Sullivan, et al, “Exercise and associated dietary extremes impact on gut microbial diversity,” Gut, doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-306541

Magnesium the Miracle Mineral

When I worked in traditional medicine we used magnesium in the emergency room to stop pre-term labor or to relax a heart that had a life threatening irregular beat.  In my clinic now I use magnesium for its powerful effects on blood sugar levels, to lower blood pressure, to build bone, to treat pain and as a wonderful relaxation mineral for anxiety and boost overall health.  Any part of the body that is tight or cramped, magnesium will relax.  I also prescribe magnesium for fatigue as it literally is involved in the creation of energy in the body. 

The bad news is that most of us are deficient in this important nutrient.  Magnesium is one of the most depleted minerals in our soil so the foods of today have much less than in our grandmother’s day.  Studies have shown that 30% of the population has significant magnesium deficiency.  Since Magnesium is difficult to measure in the blood it is likely even higher than that. 

Here are some symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency and more importantly, the FIVE ways to increase your levels and optimize your health.

A magnesium deficiency is likely if you have:

Muscle cramps or twitches

• Anxiety

• Palpitations

• Constipation

• Headaches

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic fatigue

• Diabetes

• Osteoporosis

• High blood pressure

  *If you take diuretic for high blood pressure

If you take medication that block acid for Acid Reflux

• PMSMenstrual cramps

The wonderful news is that magnesium levels are easy to restore and there are no serious side effects

Here are five ways to maximize your magnesium

Increase your consumption of magnesium rich foods. 

Most dietary magnesium comes from vegetables, such as dark green, leafy vegetables. Other foods that are good sources of magnesium:

Fruits or vegetables (such as bananas, dried apricots, and avocados)

Nuts (such as almonds and cashews)

Peas and beans (legumes), seeds

Soy products (such as soy flour and tofu)

Whole grains (such as brown rice and millet)

Cut the cola. 

Most dark colored sodas contain phosphates. Phosphates find magnesium in your digestive tract and bind it making it unavailable to your body.  So even if you eat a wonderful meal rich in magnesium, if you wash it down with a cola your body will never receive the magnesium. 

Slash stress

The hormones released when we are under stress have been shown to decrease magnesium.  Even mild stress such as driving in traffic, getting through a day of emails, meetings or home management with children is enough to decrease our magnesium. 

Take a Supplement

The most absorbable forms of oral magnesium are citrate, glycinate taurate and aspartate. 

The side effect of too much magnesium is diarrhea. 

Soak in Magnesium

My very favorite way to get magnesium into the body is topically.  Epsom salts are Magnesium sulphate and are wonderful as a bath or foot soak in the evenings.  Topical magnesium has been shown to be extremely absorbable. 

All of us can benefit from this miracle mineral and relax into all it has to offer us.

Tell me if you any questions and please share.  Health is contagious – pass it around!

Tami Meraglia MD

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