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American Diabetes Month

Balanced Vitality Blog — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:26:00 GMT

How appropriate that we look to blood sugar health issues after Halloween and all the candy it brings us and bring our awareness right around Thanksgiving when most of us are stuffed well past what the turkey ever was for dinner.
The following is an excerpt from the American Diabetes Foundation to bring awareness regarding diabetes in America in the month of November.

This November, join the American Diabetes Association in a national movement to Stop Diabetes^SM.

November is American Diabetes Month®—a time to shine a spotlight on a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.

This year, we need to take a bolder, more audacious approach to American Diabetes Month. Consider that:

24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes
57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes
1 out of every 3 children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue

As a clinical nutritionist I see more and more clients with blood sugar related illnesses. There are simple dietary and lifestyle changes that can be made in order to avoid diabetes and even reverse the effects of blood sugar gone awry. Let's examine some of these.

Lifestyle Recommendations:
1. Avoid stress and extra obligations.
2. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
3. Participate in a regular balanced exercise program that includes wearing a pedometer to ensure that
you collect steps and move more. High intensity short bursts (20-60 seconds) of activity during the
day is recommended to enhance growth hormone release. Also engage in resistance training that
works all major muscle groups (work each group at least 2 times a week).
4. Check blood vitamin D levels. Supplement with Vitamin D Synergy, 2 or more per day, until
optimal levels are reached: 50-100 ng/ml.
5. Practice good sleep habits and get between 8-9 hours of sleep a night. Take the "Are You Getting
Enough Sleep?" questionnaire and follow Insomnia Nutritional Support Protocol if needed. Email our office
for your copy of the questionnaire and Insomnia Nutritional Protocol.

Dietary Recommendations:
1. Avoid all sugars. Replace sugar with the polyol sugar xylitol.
2. Avoid white flour and all refined carbohydrates including cereals and pasta.
3. Get a balance of omega 3's (salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna) and omega 9 fats (olive oil, olives,
almonds, hazelnuts, avocados).
4. Choose lean, clean quality protein at each meal such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef,
fish (especially salmon and tuna), eggs and whey protein.
5. Avoid hydrogenated vegetable oils and fried foods.
6. Cook with olive oil at a low heat.
7. Snack on vegetables and small amounts of nuts, olives or avocado.
8. Eat 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily (fruits must be limited to 1 -2 per day due to
sugar content) OR add one heaping tablespoon of PaleoGreens and PaleoReds to your favorite
drink.
9. Carry PaleoMeal Packets and/or PaleoBars with you to prevent missing meals or snacks. We carry a
delicious variety of low glycemic bars and the PaleoMeal Packets in the office.

Supplement Recommendations:
In addition to the core nutrient program recommended by your Health Care Professional and/or from
the results of your most recent Designs for Health Metabolic Profile:
Metabolic Synergy: 2 with each meal, 6 per day
Genuine Norwegian
Cod Liver Oil: 1 tablespoon per day
PaleoFiber: 1 tbsp in water with each meal
CLA: 1 with each meal, 3 per day
Lipoic Synergy: 1-2 capsules daily with a meal

Lipoic Synergy contains lipoic acid, biotin, and taurine which all support blood sugar and insulin balance, making a great combination. Lipoic Acid has been extensively researched for its applications in diabetes, blood sugar metabolism, heavy metal detoxification, liver health, hepatitis, and diabetic neuropathy. Lipoic acid has also been studied for its effects on the aging process and in the prevention of wrinkling by protecting collagen in the skin. Most importantly, it has been found to be an essential nutrient for diabetics to optimize the function of the insulin receptors

Presidential Green Thumb

Balanced Vitality Blog — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:58:00 GMT

Have you heard?
Not only is the White House growing its own organic vegetables and setting up compost bins for kitchen waste, President Obama has hinted at organizing a farmers' market just outside the White House gates! If the plans come to fruition, you may be able to buy a bunch of Presidential Organic Produce. But why travel that far for organic produce when it is here locally?
Did you know that organic produce contains more nutrients than conventionally grown? This means that you can get more of your daily requirements from your food sources and less from supplementation.

First Lady Michelle Obama and students from Bancroft Elementary School came together Tuesday afternoon to harvest the White House's vegetable garden.

"Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work," Obama said in a speech to the students.

The students not only picked vegetables from the garden, but joined the first lady and White House chefs in the kitchen to prepare a meal from the produce. Obama is seen splitting peas with some students.

Planted back in March, the South Lawn garden provides organic vegetables for the first family, as well as formal dinners. According to Obama, the garden is also a "fun and interesting way" to teach children about nutrition and eating healthy.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

"The planting of this garden was one of the first things I wanted to do as first lady at the White House,” she told the students, adding: “You helped make this dream a reality.”

In her comments, Obama discussed the importance of regulating diet in order to eat healthy. She said that nearly one third of all children are obese and that roughly the same percentage will eventually have diabetes. She said "those numbers are unacceptable."

The first lady also said that medical experts predict that the current generation of children will live shorter lives than their parents due to dietary factors. Talking about her own life growing up, Obama said that eating habits have changed "substantially since I was a little girl."

"When I was growing up, fast food was a rarity," she said. "It was a special treat and we had to beg for it. Eating out was a luxury."

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Obama also said that "limited access" to nutritious foods "is often a barrier to a healthy diet." Many people around the country, she said, rely on inadequate sources such as gas stations and convenience stores for grocery needs.

Additionally, she told the students the USDA feeds 30 million subsidized meals to children each year. Because these meals are their primary source of nutrition, Obama said "we need to improve the quality and nutrition of food in schools."

Students at Bancroft Elementary helped build and harvest the garden while learning about health and nutrition. Obama said these children have not only made an effort to eat healthier, they have educated their parents as well.

"This garden project has given us the opportunity not just to educate the children, but educate a few adults along the way," Obama said.

Christening the children her "little ambassadors," Obama called on them to lead the way by educating their friends, family and other Americans about healthier eating.

After her speech, the first lady led students to eat the products of the day. Obama is seen serving the children the vegetables they planted and harvested in the White House's South Lawn.

Raising the level of consciousness of an entire nation is never an easy task! Let's all join in and do what we can to eat healthier and feed our children healthier meals and teach them the importance of good nutrition.

Fat and the Human Diet

Balanced Vitality Blog — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:11:00 GMT

Many of you responded to the blog on Healthy Oils by asking where to buy Rice Bran Oil. California Rice Oil Company is an excellent resource for purchasing this healthy oil. I love the fact that by purchasing from them you are supporting a local California business. Their oils are very affordable and ship quickly to your doorstep. Take a look at their website at: www.californiariceoil.com.
The owner's of the company Dave, Ellen and Kirk are real down to earth people and with their permission I am posting an excerpt from their site regarding fats and nutrition.
Rice Bran Oil is truly "The World's Healthiest" edible oil, containing vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients and trans fat free. It's not just delicate and flavorful, it can help lower cholesterol, fight diseases, enhance the immune system, fight free radicals and more. Rice Bran Oil is extremely light, versatile and delicious. Use it to fry, sauté, in salad dressings, baking, dipping oils and where ever you use cooking oil. Once you use it you will be amazed cooking light and healthy is also the best tasting.
I personally use their product at home and love it! Try it and see if you do too!

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Balanced Vitality Blog — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:27:00 GMT

This statement is not only true in football but in taking care of ourselves during the cold and flu season.

Most of us have heard about the "swine flu" pandemic that the CDC is advertising will potentially sweep the globe this year. The CDC is advertising the dangers of this influenza strain almost daily in the news.
Many of my clients have asked what they can do to prevent and protect themselves from getting this flu. Let's start with a good offense -
1. building up your immune system to be at its peak so that if you come in contact with someone who is contagious with the "swine flu" or other undesirable bacterias or viruses, your body can fight it off. One great way to do this is by taking IMMUNOBERRY LIQUID. Strong immune support in a pleasant tasting liquid…

Research suggests that certain herbs, mushrooms and other natural compounds have potential antiviral and antibacterial ability, as well as the ability to stimulate natural killer (NK) cell activity, cytokine synthesis and the T-cell and B-cell mediated responses necessary for a strong immune defense. Research on compounds found in nature, and in ImmunoBerry™ Liquid, show improvement in an array of conditions such as influenza, respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, viral hepatitis,and various bacterial infections.

ImmunoBerry™ Liquid contains: Certified organic extractsof Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Wild Cherry Bark (Prunusserotina), Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), Maitake mushroom(Grifola frondosa), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), plus Beta 1,3 Glucan.

ImmunoBerry™ Liquid is sweetened with glycerin and tastes great, and is ideal for both children and adults.

It may improve immune response and provide additional defense against colds and influenzas.

Healthy Oils

Balanced Vitality Blog — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:46:00 GMT

In our mother's kitchens anything that needed frying was done in butter, margarine or lard. But these fats are high in saturated and trans fats and are detrimental to health. Today we know that frying or sauteing should be done in oils much lower in saturated and trans fats. Gone are the days of reserving the bacon drippings in an old tin can.
A variety of healthy "nouveau" oils are now available to choose from, each with its own purpose and star qualities. Don't relegate yourself to using just corn or olive oil. Try any of these in your familiar receipes and get ready for a pleasant taste surprise.
Remember that oils can go rancid, so please remember to store in a cool dark place away from the stove or other heat. If you store oil in the refrigerator, it may solidify. Don't worry, just set it on the counter for an hour before using and it will return to its liquid state.
HAZELNUT OIL
Hazelnut oil is highly fragrant with a sweet, nutty taste. It works well in dressings, marinades and baked goods. It has a relatively high smoke point so it can be used for general cooking. It keeps well in the refrigerator or in a cool dark place.
WALNUT OIL
Walnut oil is cold pressed from dried walnuts. The flavor is fantastic! Use it mainly in cold dishes and dressings. Mixing it with a flavored vinegar is a heavenly salad dressing. Do not use walnut oil for pan frying because it has a low smoke point and goes rancid over heat.
PUMPKINSEED OIL
Austrian styrian pumpkin seeds have no shell, which makes them perfect for pressing into this intensely colored oil. The resulting liquid is dark green tinged with red, thick and fragrant. The oil is lovely in warm potato salad or drizzled over vegetables. Pumpkinseed oil cannot withstand high temperatures so do not use when frying or sauteing. It will burn and destroy valuable nutrients.
AVOCADO OIL
This bright green oil is a very versatile oil. It works well with lemon, chilis, salsas and strong herbs. If you are already cooking with olive oil then think of avocado oil in the same way., Avocado oil has a high smoke point - it will not burn or smoke even at 500 degrees Fahrenheit which is higher than olive oil. This verdant green oil is loaded with antioxidants including Vitamin D and E and a phytochemical called beta-sitosterol. This plant compound helps reduce levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol and balances levels of HDL "good" cholesterol. Give it a try next time you plan to saute something.
RICE BRAN OIL
Rice bran oil is the new kid on the block when it comes to oils. This clear, almost colorless liquid possesses unique properties including an appealing nut-like flavor, many health benefits and a high smoke point, making it useful for frying. It is loaded with gamma-oryzanol and tocotrienols. Gamma-oryzanol is a potent antioxidant and it helps to strengthen muscles. Best of all it converts fat to lean body mass! Tocotrienols are a form of vitamin E that helps protect against cellular damage and preserves youth. Those should be plenty of reasons to include rice bran oil in your kitchen pantry.

OIL SMOKE POINTS

Oils	Fahrenheit	Celcius
Flaxseed	225	107
Pumpkinseed Oil	225	107
Butterfat	350	177
Coconut Oil	350	177
Walnut Oil, Canola Oil	400	204
Almond Oil	425	218
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cottonseed Oil	420	160
Hazelnut Oil	430	221
Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil, Peanut Oil	440	227
Corn Oil, Palm Oil, Safflower Oil	450	232
Rice Bran Oil	490	254
Soybean Oil	495	257
Avocado Oil	520	271

Welcome to Balanced Vitality

Balanced Vitality Blog — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:46:00 GMT

Do you have a foggy mind?

Do you forget easily?

Do you struggle concentrating on
tasks?

How happy are you?

Do you sleep well?

Do you frequently get anxious or stressed?

Do you ever walk into a room and forget why you came in?

Do you find it harder to remember what you did yesterday?

Maintainingoptimum cognitive function well into old age is absolutely paramountfor long-term health and quality of life. And yet statistics show avery worrying picture for brain health worldwide:

Thereare an estimated 24.3 million people with dementia worldwide, with4.6million new cases every year and 1 new case every 7 seconds.

It is estimated that by 2040, this figure will have increased to 81 million

More than 60% of people with dementia live in developed countries.

It is estimated that by 2040, this figure will rise to 71%
With these disturbing statistics, how can you assure that you will not be among these statistics? Starting in October Balanced Vitality will be hosting a Brain Wellness Workshop for FREE. Very important and practical information will be shared at this workshop that will transform your memory, sleep patterns, creativity, and sense of well-being. Space is limited so please call 949-729-9977 to reserve a seat.

Welcome

Balanced Vitality Blog — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:43:30 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.