Category Archives for "health"
March 9, 2016
- in guest/interview , health by julie
Ayurveda meets western medicine with Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary
Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary is an integrative neurologist and neuroscientist, and also the author of The Prime: Prepare and Repair Your Body for Spontaneous Weight Loss. A pioneer in integrative medicine and Ayurveda, Dr. Chaudhary advocates for a national awareness of a much needed paradigm shift in medicine towards patient empowerment.
An Ayurvec proverb featured in the book states, “What you eat becomes your mind. As is the food, so is your mind.” This summarizes the premise of The Prime. Dr. Chaudhary explains that people are in such a rush to get things done, that many have lost their connection with food and how critical it is to the body and one’s state of mind.
In The Prime, Dr. Chaudhary says that, “Being overweight is a biochemical issue, not a personality flaw.” In her experience, many of the people who had difficulty changing their diet were successful in other areas of their life. Their difficulty in making this change with food actually had nothing to do with willpower. The truth is, there is an underlying biological obstacle. She was able to implement a unique set of solutions to overcome this obstacle. Once these folks were able to embrace their biochemical nature, they experienced spontaneous weight loss.
Dr. Chaudhary explains that the cause of these obstacles is likely due to neuroadaptation, meaning that the brain is always adapting. The modified food that people eat has a strong impact on the brain, much like that of a drug. It causes a spike in dopamine that actually causes stress to the body and brain. The modified food that is consumed also changes type of bacteria in one’s gut. Having the proper bacteria here is critical for normal brain function. All of this leads to a stressful cycle, which people must overcome to see real change.
Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary’s book, The Prime, is now available on Amazon. There is also a holistic and Ayurvedic-focused program that goes along with the book called The Prime Club, where you can join an online support group that operates under the supervision of a master coach.
Music: Ben Sound Royalty Free Music
Defining success in health and fitness
How do we define health and fitness success? It’s simply about being better than you were yesterday, though a life-altering change may occur as a result. This is clearly seen in the success of previous guests.
Take, for instance, Todd from Episode 15. Todd experienced a phenomenal change when he lost 300 pounds solely through altering his diet and nutrition. Mike from Episode 30 is another great success story. Mike began biking and hiking to increase his fitness. In the process, he developed a deeper passion for those activities, as he is now able to share them with his son. Patty from Episode 35 was determined to not only lose weight, but also quit smoking. She chose to lose the weight and then attacked her smoking habit. While she did gain some weight as a result of quitting her smoking habit, she has improved her health tremendously. Finally, in Episode 55, Mel described her transition from couch potato to running enthusiast. Now in her 50s, Mel is set to run an ultramarathon. Her progress is incredible and truly opens one’s eyes as to what is possible at age 50 and beyond.
While many begin with a goal to lose weight, this is not the goal that will sustain progress. It can even be discouraging when it becomes difficult to lose that last bit of weight. There will always be a plateau. The body will eventually get to its set point, will want to stay there, and will fight you to go any lower.
This is why it is important to have deeper goals with what you want to achieve in regards to your health. Remind yourself about your “why.” Why are you doing this? Family matters or key relationships are often a driver and can help to push you forward in your health and fitness journey. Figure out what drives you and keep that in mind to help propel you to health and fitness success. Don’t limit yourself based on what you see around you. Know that anything is possible with patience, persistence, and progression.
Music: Ben Sound Royalty Free Music
March 2, 2016
- in guest/interview , health by linda
Plant-based diet | the plant trainers
In this episode, we talk with Shoshana and Adam Chaim who are “Plant Trainers” on a mission to improve the quality of life through nutrition and fitness. They will walk us through their personal journey of transitioning to a plant-based diet.
Their journey to a plant-based diet began after a health scare. In the process of researching his health issue, Adam became intrigued and eventually inspired by the plant based lifestyles he was reading about. He decided to make an immediate transition.
Shoshana’s transition to a plant-based diet was not as immediate. And while her path was different, eventually she and Adam began expanding their knowledge base on how plant-based nutrition would be the appropriate route for them and their family. The end result was soaring energy levels, weight loss, glowing skin and other benefits.
Today, Shoshana and Adam Chaim host “The Plant Trainers Podcast.” They are actively involved in providing personalized plans focusing on nutrition, motivation, fitness no matter what lifestyle you choose. Learn more about The Plant Trainers and plant-based diets via their website: planttrainers.com
Music: Ben Sound Royalty Free Music
February 29, 2016
- in health , solo show , weight loss by julie
Fat 101
I received a request on Facebook to discuss body fat in more detail. Consider this Body Fat 101. Body fat can be complex, as there are different types of fat and various reasons for it to be stored. Specifically, there are two types of body fat. The first is white adipose tissue, where energy is stored as fat. The second type of fat is brown adipose tissue, which generates heat. Brown adipose tissue is something you will want to have.
It’s also important to consider where the body fat is stored. Visceral or abdominal fat is packed between the organs. This is a bad fat. Abdominal fat is linked to insulin resistance, heart disease, and inflammatory disease. It is more common in men, but as women get older, their bodies may shift toward a tendency to store more body fat in the abdomen. Subcutaneous fat is located under the skin and muscles. This type is not as dangerous as the abdominal fat. If you are in good shape, simply try to keep your body fat in a reasonable, healthy range.
It’s important to note that eating dietary fat does not give you body fat. In fact, it is the insulin response to blood sugar that causes fat storage. When you eat simple carbohydrates and processed foods loaded with sugar, your blood sugar and insulin will spike and lead to a gain in body fat. This is why it is important to eat sensible, real food and avoid processed foods.
Contrary to popular belief, the scale is not an accurate way to measure body fat. Great ways to get an accurate body fat measurement include being evaluated by a professional or using a DEXA scan. The DEXA scan will not only measure body fat, but also indicate your bone density.
To better understand your personal Body Fat 101, be sure to take measurements of your body and use tools at your disposal to estimate your body fat. For more information on health and fitness measures, visit http://older.fitness/measures to obtain a helpful guide.
Music: Ben Sound Royalty Free Music
February 24, 2016
- in guest/interview , health by allan
How to not die of diabetes | Dr. Michael Greger
This episode contains Part 2 of a two-part series with Dr. Michael Greger, author of How Not To Die. Dr. Greger’s book includes information and real stories of individuals who were able to reverse the signs of diabetes simply by adopting a plant-based diet.
The health benefits of a plant-based diet are incredible. In fact, the plant-based diet is the only diet that has ever been proved to reverse heart disease. In the 1930s, the first studies that showed the reversal of Type 2 diabetes with a plant-based diet were released. Individuals who went on this diet were essentially cured. Their blood sugar levels became normal and they were able to go off all of their medication.
The truth is, there is no excuse to not eat healthier, especially for those who have diabetes. Dr. Greger discussed his “Daily Dozen” – a checklist of all the things one should fit into their daily routine. This includes the best greens, berries, nuts and seeds, and beverages to consume, as well as how much exercise to get.
After all, diet is the key driver to the reversal of diseases including hypertension, heart disease, and chronic diseases in general including diabetes. Premature deaths are preventable with simple changes in diet. The key is to recognize that we are all on the path to gradually improve our diets. Any steps we take will accrue significant health benefits.
In the last few decades, much awareness has been brought forward, but there is still work to be done. One issue is that people have a tendency to underestimate the power of diet and its effect on our bodies. Switching to a plant-based diet is a proven method of reversing Type 2 diabetes and has many other health benefits. Be sure to make any changes with the supervision of a physician, who can keep a close eye on your levels and remove any medications at the proper time. To connect with Dr. Michael Greger, author of How Not To Die, go to www.nutritionfacts.org to find his contact information.
Music: Ben Sound Royalty Free Music
February 17, 2016
- in guest/interview , health by tajirul
How to not die of heart disease | Dr. Michael Greger
This is the part one of a two-part series with Dr. Michael Greger. He is the author of the book “How Not To Die”.
Dr. Greger says the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States is heart disease. The good news is a vast majority of premature death due to heart disease is preventable.
Inflammation is the primary cause of heart disease. Death from heart disease occurs when a plaque within the arterial wall of our coronary arteries bursts. Coronary arteries feed oxygen to the heart muscles. When blood flow is cut off due to this bursting plaque, a part of the heart dies. This can lead to certain cardiac death. One of the first stages is the buildup of cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol in blood
One of the first stages is the buildup of cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol in blood damages the wall of the arteries. White blood cells go into the arterial wall and eat up the cholesterol. This results in the eventual bursting of a plaque.
Heart disease is preventable without drugs and surgery. Simple changes in our diet can be enough to reverse heart disease. He recommends a plant-based diet to prevent and reverse heart disease.
To connect with Dr. Michael Greger, author of How Not To Die, go to www.nutritionfacts.org to find his contact information.
Music: Ben Sound Royalty Free Music
February 12, 2016
- in guest/interview , health by julie
Joel Boggess ReLaunches his health
Joel Boggess, the mastermind behind the wildly popular podcast ReLaunch, joins us today. Joel has an inspiring story to share that shows how he was able to relaunch health as a part of his life, like so many others are trying to do.
In his younger years, Joel was very interested in fitness. He actually worked his way through graduate school as personal trainer with 24 Hour Fitness. He soon found himself as the top producing personal trainer in the region. He enjoyed helping people realize their potential.
Over time, life got in the way. Joel got caught up in his responsibilities and lost touch with his love for fitness. By his mid 40s, he knew he needed to make a lifestyle change. At 5’5”, Joel weighed in at 223 pounds at his heaviest point.
One of the biggest decisions Joel made was to quit drinking. In his 40s, he recognized that he was drinking often and seeing the results in his waist line. While he still has an occasional drink, he has largely cut alcohol out of his life. Joel also began drinking more water and started going to the gym three or more times per week. After all of these changes, Joel is now down to 150 pounds.
Joel believes planning is essential to success. Create a plan that is disciplined and focused on your fitness goals.
- Regardless of your goal, make a decision and commitment. Promise yourself that you will see it through. Your goals have to be meaningful and real.
- Break the plan into manageable chunks. Be sure to put it together in a way that’s executable.
- Find the time in your schedule to put one foot in front of the other and take action.
Many people set unrealistic expectations that they can’t follow through with. Start small and get your momentum going. Soon enough you will have relaunched your health just as Joel Boggess was able to do.
Music: Ben Sound Royalty Free Music