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Tag: Nutrition

An Aspirin a day … 

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…does more than keep the doctor away.


We are not talking Tylenol; that’s Acetaminophen. Aspirin has shown effectiveness in diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, the list goes on. In fact, research shows that it has multiple anti-cancer mechanisms. Aspirin has been shown to:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Reduce blood clotting
  • Reduce lipolysis (the breakdown of fats that drive cancer progression)
  • Reduce the formation of new blood vessels to tumors (angiogenesis)
  • Act as an antioxidant
  • Counter the effects of estrogen
  • Counter the harmful effects of seed oils
  • Help to restore mitochondrial function (the brain of a cell)
  • Help to restore glucose metabolism

But before you run to the store to start taking aspirin, read on to get the full picture.

Aspirin has a lot of great benefits, the most common being for cardiovascular health. It helps to thin the blood and therefore prevent blood clots that can lead to stroke. Many individuals have been advised by their doctors to take a low dose aspirin (81 mg or baby aspirin) every day because of high homocysteine levels indicating a higher propensity for blood clotting. This “thick sticky blood” can also be a great environment for cancer cells, which is another reason some individuals take it..

Research warns against aspirin due to its harmful effects on the digestive system. However, other studies show that it may actually be protective. One found that low‐dose aspirin is associated with a 54% reduced risk of gastric cancer. Other research suggests that it may mitigate the effects of gluten sensitivity. But before you reach for the Bayer, know this:

Many aspirin brands contain heavy metals, something you don’t want in your body. You may want to try an aspirin powder such as Health Natura which is 99% pure—meaning it has no starches, binders, preservatives, etc. It’s a powder that you mix with water or even add to smoothies.

You need to know WHY you are taking a medication (or in this case, an over the counter option) and continue to monitor results, because you may not always need that aspirin.

Always check the labels

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Cellulose is actually mulched wood turned into a powder and yes, it’s in the Parmesan cheese.
Buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate your own.

Melatonin 

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This hormone has been around a long time to help improve sleep. But research show that melatonin can have anti-cancer benefits too.
It’s been shown in several clinical studies to reduce side effect severity when taken along side chemotherapy and radiation. But adding melatonin to one’s daily regimen can help with survival rate and tumor regression.

How much melatonin should you take depends on your health and what your goals are.

To improve sleep, it’s generally suggested to take one to three mg of melatonin before bedtime. However, for those fighting cancer or who are in remission, human studies show that higher doses (20mg/night) can result in even higher survival rates by almost double.

It also can help minimize the negative effects of cancer treatments. 

  • Decrease the level of fatigue
  • Improve cognitive function (brain fog)
  • Protect agains lower platelet counts and neurotoxicity
  • Reduce symptoms of depression

Even if cancer is not your concern, we are exposed to so much artificial light (televisions, computers, phones, tablets, etc), that our melatonin levels can drop and our sleep cycles can be disrupted. 

Consider adding Melatonin to your supplements to help create a great night’s sleep!

Which is healthier?

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Avocado or Blueberries?

Both AARE considered a “superfood” so we obviously can’t go wrong with either one. But it’s good to view the differences if you have specific health goals.

  1. Avocado has more protein, healthy fat (Omega 3s), and fiber, while blueberries have more carbs. An easy win for avocado here, unless you’re on a calorie-controlled diet perhaps, since avocado is also higher in those.
  2. Avocado has more of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, C, E, K, and choline, while blueberries are not higher in any vitamins. Pretty much a slam dunk here.
  3. Avocado is higher in minerals. It has more calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc, while blueberries are higher in manganese. Another win for avocados.
  4. Blueberries have about 1193x the polyphenol content that avocados do. Blueberries got the reputation for antioxidant properties for a reason; it is well-deserved!

Try adding an avocado to your salads to get more protein. Adding blueberries to your protein shakes and yogurt for healthy snacking!
How do you incorporate these snacks into your daily diet?

Fruits and Vegetables Can Help Prevent Cancer

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In study after study, diets high in fruits and vegetables have been shown to lower cancer risk. Fruits and veggies are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, dietary fiber and antioxidant vitamins and minerals that have a huge impact on fighting cancer. 
Unfortunately, many conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are loaded with unwanted chemicals like, glyphosate – the active ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup.
Glyphosate was introduced in 1996, found to be ‘probably carcinogenic’ in 2015, and in 2019, scientists at University of Washington reported a compelling link between exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and increased risk for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Note: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to insist that there is no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in people. That said, Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has shelled out over $10 million for current and future lawsuits involving glyphosate and NHL. 

To no surprise, eating a diet filled with organic fruits and veggies is linked with lower cancer risks. Five servings/day is optimal but even two servings/day can lower your risk by 10%. Just make sure you choose organic!

There’s nothing like waking up with GC in your cup!

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The perfect workout team

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Meet my post workout team!

Access for pre-workout. Recovery AI and Pain-A-Trate for post-workout.

They definitely make my workouts better and the results show it!

Eating for Health

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BANANAS

•Protect your heart.
•Strengthen bones.
•Control blood pressure.
•Block diarrhea.

BEANS

•Prevent constipation.
•Help hemorrhoids.
•Lower cholesterol.
•Combat cancer.
•Stabilize blood sugar.

BROCCOLI

•Saves eyesight.
•Combats cancer.
•Protects your heart.
•Controls blood pressure.

CABBAGE

•Combats cancer.
•Prevents constipation.
•Promotes weight loss.
•Protects your heart.
•Helps hemorrhoids.

CARROTS

•Save eyesight.
•Protect your heart.
•Prevent constipation.
•Combat cancer.
•Promote weight loss.

CAULIFLOWER

• Protects against Prostate Cancer.
•Combats Breast Cancer.
•Strengthens bones.
•Banishes bruises.
•Guards against heart disease.

GARLIC

•Lowers cholesterol.
•Controls blood pressure.
•Combats cancer.
•Kills bacteria.
•Fights fungus.

GRAPEFRUIT

•Protects against heart attacks
•Promotes Weight loss
•Helps stops strokes
•Combats Prostate Cancer
•Lowers cholesterol

GRAPES

•Save eyesight.
•Conquer kidney stones.
•Combat cancer.
•Enhance blood flow.
•Protect your heart.

GREEN TEA

•Combats cancer.
•Protects your heart.
•Helps stops strokes.
•Promotes weight loss.
•Kills bacteria.

HONEY

•Heals wounds.
•Aids digestion.
•Guards against ulcers.
•Increases energy.
•Fights allergies.

LEMONS AND LIMES

•Combat cancer.
•Protect your heart.
•Control blood pressure.
•Smoothes skin.
•Prevents scurvy.

MUSHROOM

•Controls blood pressure.
•Lowers cholesterol.
•Combats cancer.
•Strengthens bones.

OLIVE OIL

•Protects your heart.
•Promotes Weight loss.
•Combats cancer.
•Battles diabetes.
•Smoothes skin.

ONIONS

•Reduce risk of heart attack.
•Combat cancer.
•Kills bacteria (bactericidal).
•Lower cholesterol.
•Fight fungal infections.

ORANGES

•Support immune systems.
•Combat cancer.
•Protect your heart.
•Straighten respiration.

PINEAPPLE

•Strengthens bones.
•Relieves colds.
•Aids digestion.
•Dissolves warts.
•Blocks diarrhea.

STRAWBERRIES

•Combat cancer.
•Protect your heart.
•Boost memory.
•Calm stress.

SWEET POTATOES

•Save your eyesight.
•Lift mood.
•Combat cancer.
•Strengthen bones.

TOMATOES

•Protect prostate.
•Combat cancer.
•Lower cholesterol.
•Protect your heart.

WALNUTS

•Lower cholesterol.
•Combat cancer.
•Boost memory.
•Protect against cardiovascular diseases.

WATER

•Quenches thirst.
•Combats cancer.
•Conquers kidney stones.

WATERMELON

•Protects prostate.
•Promotes weight loss.
•Lowers cholesterol.
•Helps stops strokes.
•Controls blood pressure.
•Fights dehydration.

APPLES

•Protect your heart.
•Prevent constipation.
•Prevent diarrhea.
•Improve lung capacity.
•Cushion joints.

AVOCADOS

•Battle diabetes.
•Lower cholesterol.
•Help stops strokes.
•Control blood pressure.
•Smoothes skin.

The Real Complications of Type II Diabetes 

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A Type II Diabetes diagnosis opens the door for other serious diseases. It’s one of the ugliest diseases, but it can be reversed! One out of every three people is already Pre-Diabetic. It can affect your life in more ways than just diet. It’s something to take seriously!

Potential Complications

  • Heart and blood vessel disease. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and narrowing of blood vessels, a condition called atherosclerosis.
  • Nerve damage in limbs. This condition is called neuropathy. High blood sugar over time can damage or destroy nerves. That may result in tingling, numbness, burning, pain or eventual loss of feeling that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.
  • Other nerve damage. Damage to nerves of the heart can contribute to irregular heart rhythms. Nerve damage in the digestive system can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Nerve damage also may cause erectile dysfunction.
  • Kidney disease. Diabetes may lead to chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease that can’t be reversed. That may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
  • Eye damage. Diabetes increases the risk of serious eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma, and may damage the blood vessels of the retina, potentially leading to blindness.
  • Skin conditions. Diabetes may raise the risk of some skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Slow healing. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can become serious infections, which may heal poorly. Severe damage might require toe, foot or leg amputation.
  • Hearing impairment. Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes.
  • Sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is common in people living with Type II diabetes. Obesity may be the main contributing factor to both conditions.
  • Dementia. Type II diabetes seems to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders that cause dementia. Poor control of blood sugar is linked to a more rapid decline in memory and other thinking skills.

Have you ever taken digestive enzymes?

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Have you ever taken digestive enzymes? I take them before large meals or if I eat a lot of dairy.

The reason?
Taking a digestive enzyme with meals can make a difference in how you feel when you eat. It can reduce the feeling of being overly full, reduce gas and best of all… no bloating! From a nutritional perspective, digestive enzymes it help to break down the food so that the body has to do less work during the process of digestion and absorb the nutrients more efficiently.

To test the theory, I put a slice of steak in a Ziplock bag, added a little warm water and the contents of one capsule my digestive enzyme. In 10 minutes, the steak was broken down. That convinced me that digestive enzymes should be a part of my daily regimen.

My little capsules provide 18 unique digestive enzymes to help break down gluten, dairy, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, and more, so, let’s break it down:

Breaks down protein in beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and nuts

• Protease 4.5 breaks down the proteins found in meats, nuts, eggs, and cheese
• Peptidase breaks down proteins during digestion to allow them to be used by the body
• Bromelain breaks down proteins
• Phytase helps the body digest minerals, such as calcium, zinc, copper, and manganese
• Protease 6.0 breaks down the proteins found in meats, nuts, eggs, and cheese
• Lipase breaks down fats found in dairy, nuts, oil, and meat products
• Neutral Bacterial Protease helps break down protein

Breaks down lactose and fats in milk, cheese, and ice cream

• Lipase breaks down fats found in dairy, nuts, oil, and meat products
• Lactase breaks down lactose (milk sugars)
• Acid Maltase breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to maintain an optimal absorption of nutrients
• Protease 6.0 breaks down the proteins found in meats, nuts, eggs, and cheese

Breaks down carbohydrates in bread, rice, pasta, cookies, candy, fruit, and vegetables

• Invertase breaks down sucrose (table sugar)
• Amylase helps break down starches to allow them to be absorbed and used for energy
• Glucoamylase helps break down starches into glucose, which is usable by the body
• Acid Maltase is used to breakdown proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to maintain an optimal absorption of nutrients
• Hemicellulase breaks down fiber and carbohydrates
• Pectinase is a group of enzymes that break down the pectin commonly found in plants
• Xylanase breaks down xylan sugars, like those found in corn
• Invertase breaks down sucrose (table sugar)

Breaks down fiber in salad, beans, and whole grains

• Alpha-galactosidase facilitates the digestion of beans, legumes, seeds, roots, and soy
• Cellulase breaks down cellulose (plant fiber)
• Beta-glucanase breaks down soluble fibers found in grains
• Hemicellulase breaks down fiber and carbohydrates
• Phytase helps the body digest minerals, such as as calcium, zinc, copper, and manganese

These little capsules are a game changer!

My gut health is so incredibly important to me, how’s your gut?