So, I guess I got the cart before the horse. In my rush to publish an article related to the digestive system, and the radio talk show, I failed to introduce the Better Health series. I actually started writing these articles last year, but didn't publish very many of them before I put the project on hold. This time, I will follow through and cover different areas from A to Z.

The goal of this series is to explore some of the many health conditions that people suffer from today, and look at causes and solutions. You will never find me using the words “treat, cure, or mitigate” because those are words that are basically trademarked solely for the use of pharmaceutical companies. It is a sad fact, but in reality, drugs don't “treat, cure, or mitigate” either. The vast majority (95%) simply mask symptoms. The other 5 percent (antibiotics fall into this category) often fail to accomplish their purpose simply because they have been so overused. We now have what the medical community calls “super bugs” that have mutated and adapted to render antibiotics a useless defense.

We pray for cures, when in fact, the answers are right before our eyes. The causes of all disease trace back to three primary factors – toxic overload, nutritional deficiencies, and parasites. You might also see some references to viruses and bacteria, but the body could defend itself against these if it weren't for those three root causes. It is important to not discount the importance of adequate pure clean water, good restful sleep, and exercise. Those are three simple additions to anyone's regime that will improve overall health. However, many people find themselves in a state of health that prevents them from getting proper rest and exercise.

The easiest route to take becomes the one so many people walk down. First one drug to mask the symptom, then another to bring down the blood pressure, then another for cholesterol...and next thing you know, there is another drug for pain relief, one to help you sleep, and one for acid reflux. And lastly, you'll find that weight gain occurs and many times with that comes diabetes. Adding in an anti-depressant will almost inevitably happen somewhere along the way. I have a saying... “Drugs are like Lays Potato Chips. You can't just take one.” Once you start, one gets stacked on top of the other, to remedy the side effect the first one caused. At some point, people will either get fed up, or die from the combination of the original problem and the toxic overload caused by the multiple prescriptions. I am writing these articles to benefit the people that are in the “fed up” category.

So then the question becomes....where to start? Even though the answer to that question is best targeted to each individual, there are some generic guidelines to follow. First of all, don't expect results over night. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, nor did your body get in the shape it is in overnight. It won't recover overnight either! How quickly you get your body back to optimal health will directly correlate to how committed you are to making changes. If you goal is to eliminate medications, you need to have a sit down with your doctor (or more likely PA) and tell him/her that you are making lifestyle changes and would like to come up with a plan to eliminate prescriptions as your health improves. Find out which drugs you can eliminate at your own discretion. Pain meds and indigestion meds often fall into this category. Get a base line on your blood pressure and blood work so that you can re-evaluate at reasonable intervals. If your focus is on reducing blood pressure prescriptions, keep a log. Then start making simple changes. Baby steps are much more effective than a massive overhaul. Small changes stick; major changes cause revolts. You can bring your family along on the health journey with you if the adjustments are gradual.

There are 5 major offenders that need to be removed from the diet. Some will argue that there are others, and I would agree. However, even just removing these 5 from the diet are a challenge many can't tackle. It is next to impossible to eliminate them all, so focusing on a few of the worst ones is better than being overwhelmed and quitting before you get started. Typically I suggest people just start with one at a time, and then progressively eliminate them all. Tackle the easiest one first. Success breeds success. You will be much more likely to continue down the path to better health if you find it easy to walk down.

Next week we explore what those five offensive foods are….so stay tuned! Feel free to comment with your ‘guesses’. Anyone (who has never heard me speak) that can list off all five, will win a Skinny Mini – 4 day trial pack!

ABCs of Better Health – Acid Reflux

I will be writing a series of articles on various health challenges that can be addressed naturally. Emilio and I are talking about the different systems of the body on Blogtalk Radio on Mondays at 2pm. This week we discussed the digestive system, and how it affects our overall health, as well as ways to ensure that your digestive system is functioning optimally. This week's blog will briefly address acid reflux and the simplest way to overcome it naturally. Millions of Americans suffer from Acid Reflux and most of them turn to acid reducing drugs for help. Unfortunately they don't realize that masking the symptoms creates even worse problems.

Acid reflux is rooted in the deficiency of enzymes in our current food supply. Enzymes are necessary for proper food digestion, just as stomach acids are required. When enzymes aren't present, our bodies try to compensate by increasing acid production. The result: too much acid, and incredible discomfort. Following the typical allopathic method of treating the symptom without addressing the problem will indeed make one feel better, but in the long run it can also result in much worse problems such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, leaky gut, and even colon cancer. It is not uncommon for the 'end result' of continued medical treatment to be removal of portions of the colon!

A more common sense approach would be to determine WHY the stomach is producing too much acid. Almost always, adding good quality enzymes and improving the diet will alleviate the problem. It is also prudent to use some form of a colon cleanse to rid the body of all the undigested foods that clog up the intestines and lead to other illnesses. Much of what we consume today is toxic in some way. Very few of us eat a totally raw, organic diet...and unless we do, it is important to be proactive in supporting our digestive health.

Whether we suffer from acid reflux or not, it is prudent to do a cleanse at least yearly. There are several good enzyme products on the market, and a plethora of colon cleanses (some more detrimental than beneficial.) Care should be taken that you get a good quality product, else you won't get good results. It is not a good idea to use colon cleanse type products long term, nor should they be used as a method for weight loss. They WILL greatly enhance a weight loss program, but if they are being used AS a weight loss program, they are too harsh. One of my favorites is the "Master Cleanse" – mainly because it involves using simple ingredients you can find at the grocery store, and it isn't harsh. Even things that are healthy for us, if used improperly can be harmful. Don't confuse "detox" or "digestive support" types of products with "colon cleanse". The Miracle Tea is designed to support the digestive system and detox organs (such as the liver and kidneys) and is gentle enough to be used through the duration of the weight management program. It is also a good addition to include once or twice a week regardless of whether you are trying to lose weight or not. Enzymes and probiotics can be use daily as they are simply rebuilding the digestive environment we have destroyed with poor eating habits and excessive use of antibiotics. Many people find that when they use the Smart Mix they no longer need to supplement with enzymes. Since it is never heated during processing and hasn't been denatured in any way, it is still enzymatically alive.

Including raw foods in the diet on a daily basis will also go a long way towards restoring proper digestion. Be sure to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, and include a wide variety. Your best bet is to buy them from a local grower if you aren't able to grow your own. Next best would be to purchase from the local Farmer's Market, but buying them at the grocery store is better than getting a fruit cup with your Big Mac. Not to downplay the benefit of trading fruit for fries, but your commitment to change needs to be bigger than that! Make it your goal to eat something raw with each meal for a week, and see if you can turn that into a habit. Your colon will thank you!

My goal in writing the ABC's of Better Health is to help people seek out natural solutions before turning to drugs for answers. There are cases which are more difficult to 'solve' but I am convinced that natural answers can be found, and it is very rare that drugs are necessary...especially on a long term basis.

Quick Easy Weight Loss, Part 2

There are several mental triggers that sabotage healthy quick weight loss. Some cravings come from addictions, and others come from our body's need for nutrition, and still others are set off when we put ourselves on a "diet" that denies us the things we love most. If there was a way to overcome cravings, it would be much easier to lose weight. Let's look at some things that you can do to help.

A very simple way to help stave off cravings is to ensure you are drinking enough water. Many times when we think we are hungry, we are really just thirsty. Try it! Next time you think you are hungry or get the munchies, drink 12-16oz of water and wait ten minutes. Another neat trick is to brush your teeth. Sometimes it is a lingering taste that will trigger or tastebuds and cause us to want to eat.

Sadly, we have evolved to a point where our "food" doesn't provide us with adequate nutrition anymore, and our brain is in a constant state of signaling that it needs more nutrition, which in turn sets off a series of events which cause us to feel hungry. One easy way to overcome nutritional cravings is to provide our bodies with all the nutrition they need. I think we can all agree that we can't get what we need from our grocery store. For years the only way to get everything we needed was to take 4 or 5 different supplements, typically resulting in at least 2 hands full of pills. Now, with Zija's revolutionary proprietary Moringa product, we can have all that and then some. It not only includes all your vitamins and minerals, it includes all the necessary amino acids, the omega fats in a perfect balance, 36 anti-inflammatories, and 46 antioxidants. No other botanical even comes close to being as nutrient dense as Moringa, and Zija International has harnessed that nutritional power by painstakingly preserving it in its natural state, and utilizing all the beneficial parts of the tree. The end product contains a blend of the leaf, the seed, and the fruit. It is never heated, is still enzymatically alive, and is not denatured in any way. Most people find that they are not as hungry, and lose their sweet and salty cravings.

Probably the most frustrating and overwhelming cravings we have are the emotional ones. We eat when we are stressed. We eat when we are 'hormonal'. We eat when we are sad. We eat when we are mad. And for many, it seems as if this is the biggest challenge – overcoming the urge to eat every time our mood changes. One of the biggest hurdles to jump is the battle that goes on in the brain when these urges hit. Zija's Weight Management system addresses this with the XM3 "Body In Balance" capsule. By strategically including Dutch cocoa, and other healthy, natural, ingredients, the capsule arrests emotional cravings, helps us not be as hungry, and makes us feel full faster. As one client said, "It frees you from bondage to food." I call it coaching in a capsule because it allows people to easily push away from the table, and effortlessly walk away from the foods that used to taunt them. Self control is simple when you have the XM3 capsule on your side. To add the icing to the proverbial cake, you don't feel like you are denying yourself the things you love, so they don't tempt you like they would if they were not on the "diet menu". To top it off, you'll also experience targeted fat loss because it helps to trigger leptin production which in turn helps the body burn fat.

Using these two components of the system will help you to overcome your cravings and have healthy, quick, and easy weight loss. In another blog I will talk about the Miracle Tea, and the importance of detoxing while shedding fat.

 

Zija's XM3 Weight Mangement is:

A system

that doesn't restrict you…

that retrains your brain to want more healthy food….

that empowers you to be able to walk away without overeating…

that gives you victory in the battle of the bulge by burning fat.

 

Is it Possible to Lose Weight Safely and Quickly?

Is it Possible to Lose Weight Safely and Quickly? (Part 1)

Up until recently, my answer to that question would have been a resounding no. The typical diet designed for rapid weight loss is quite unhealthy. With most programs, losing more than 1-2% of your weight per week simply means you are sacrificing muscle as well as fat. So, even though you might lose weight fast, it really hasn't improved the BMI or your health.

There are more than a handful of fad diets that can help you lose it, but how many of them will help you keep it off? The percentage of people who use a diet to lose weight and keep it off long term is very small. Diets don't work; only lifestyle changes do.

Lifestyle changes not only take time, they are hard to make. Habits die hard; addictive foods proliferate the modern diet. Combine those two simple undeniable truths, and you'll know why people go to such drastic measures to lose weight. They range the gamut from cabbage diets to gastric by-pass surgery. Others turn to diet pills that promise rapid easy weight loss like Alli. A person has to be desperate to take something that warns of side effects like these!. (Please click the link and go read, especially if you are considering using Alli or any other fat blocking product!) Gastric by-pass surgery is not all it is purported to be either. "According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in October, 2005, the rates of death from gastric bypass surgery are far higher than previously disclosed. The study of over 16,000 patients found that, among 35 to 44-year-olds, more than 5 percent of men and nearly 3 percent of women were dead within a year, and slightly higher rates were seen in patients 45 to 54. Among patients 65 to 74, nearly 13 percent of men and about 6 percent of women died. In patients 75 and older, half of the men and 40 percent of the women died. With about 170,000 gastric bypass surgeries occurring each year in the United States, as many as 4,500 to 9,000 patients may die as a result of this surgery annually. This is more than double previous estimates." If you'd like to read the whole article you can find it here. Not only do many die from gastric bypass, the after effects are irreversible. People will subject themselves to horrid side effects, risk their lives, and make life altering decisions to lose weight. Why? Is it because people don't have enough self control to make lifestyle changes? Is it because they try all the fad diets, and don't lose weight? Is it because they want instant results without any effort? Or is it because they get to a point where they don't think there is any other way?

What if there was a natural way to retrain the brain and overcome the challenge of willpower? A way to overcome addictions to carbs and sweets without having to completely give them up, or deny yourself the things you love? The main challenge most people have is portion control. When they turn to Weight Watchers or other low calorie diets, they find the pounds come off very slowly, and many of them give up before they meet their goals. Or, maybe they are among those who are motivated by accountability and they actually lose the weight. How many of them actually keep it off? People who lose weight dieting typically gain the weight back, and then some.

Check in for part two, and find out how you can make simple lifestyle changes that will help you shed the fat, and keep it off forever.

 

How Healthy is America?

I think we can all agree that our health care system is broken. In the year 2000 (the last published scorecard from the WHO), the US was ranked 37^th in Health Care Performance. A quick look around the web (or in the local doctor's office) and it is easy to see that hasn't improved in the past 10 years. There is a huge national buzz about needing change, but no real change has been suggested, just government funding for more of the same. Will it help? Of course! But that really isn't the question to ask. We should be asking who will it help?

 

If you haven't watched the Town of Allopath video yet, you should. Until the problem is exposed, not many people will look for a real solution. We as a generation have grown up doing things the way we do them just because it has always been done that way. We are so far removed from Plato & Aristotle that asking the question "why" doesn't occur to us. "Why?" Because we have been taught not to question. It Is Because It Is ...that's why! We find ourselves in the era of improvement, not discovery. Without common sense questions, this is a scary place to be. "Why?" Because when we improve upon a method that is already faulty...all we get is faultier.

 

The model of allopathy is a case in point. It is a system of treating symptoms, not looking for causes. In a most simplistic sense, it appears reasonable. In order to expose the flaw, let's create a hypothetical example. When you have a headache a plausible solution would be to take a Tylenol, right? So....what if you have reoccurring headaches? Doesn't it make sense to try and figure out what is causing the headaches? At some point you might come to the conclusion that it is time to see a doctor to determine the problem. In most cases that requires a battery of tests which are designed to discover the cause. So far, this model seems like a good method. But what happens if there isn't a blatant explanation like a tumor? Or what happens if during the examination it is discovered that you have high blood pressure which is 'causing' the headaches? The doctor writes a prescription for a blood pressure med, and pats you on the back telling you it will get better. You are also told that you'll be taking this med for the rest of your life. On occasion you might get some instructions to exercise more and lose a few pounds along with a print out of one of the "low diets" (low fat, low carb, or low calorie). Oh, and don't forget to schedule your next appointment so you can get your prescription renewed.

 

There are actually a few allopathic doctors that have a little training in nutrition, but not many. In med school, the education is focused on pharmacology and diagnosis. In this case the 'diagnosis' was high blood pressure. But the real "why" was never uncovered. High blood pressure is a symptom. You might say, "But the doctor told me it was because I am overweight." Being overweight can contribute to high blood pressure, but it isn't the cause, otherwise everyone who is overweight would have high blood pressure. There are lots of skinny people that have high blood pressure. Even many doctors who consider themselves holistic in their approach, will treat allopathically with herbs instead of drugs. Though this is a better approach, it still only addresses the symptom most of the time.

 

It is my opinion that the best method is to apply common sense in a truly holistic way, much the same way that James Lind approached scurvy. A good first question to ask is "What is missing?" In the case of the Navy it was fresh fruits and vegetables. Deeper digging uncovered that citrus fruits we key. In the world of wellness, we do see this approach more broadly used. We even see it to a small degree in the development of the RDA. Here is a great article to read.

 

As we progress we are learning more about what nutrients are vital for good health. In recent years we have learned more about the importance of Omega fats, even though they aren't on the RDA list. Antioxidants have taken the front row as the baby boomers start to feel their age, because there is convincing research that antioxidants are essential to slow the aging process. We are learning more about macronutrients, and micronutrients. We are also learning that supplementing isn't good enough. We must use good supplements. Just because it says it has it all, A-Z, doesn't mean we will absorb it all.

 

For some people, even when they make changes to include everything necessary to promote good health, there are residual effects of prior bad choices. Toxin buildup needs to be addressed, and often parasites play a key role in preventing a wellness approach from working optimally. Sadly, we live in a world where people prefer to take a pill than to put forth the effort to take care of themselves properly.

 

Other influencing factors are the ever present drug reps promoting the latest and greatest pharmaceuticals on the market. Our society has evolved into a "fast food nation" that demands instant gratification. Logic isn't taught anymore, so we think more in terms of the here and now, than pondering the cause-effect relationship which forces one to ask the question, "What will be the long term result of following this protocol?" Common sense allopathy is an oxymoron. There must be a paradigm shift if we are going to make the changes necessary to improve our health score card which is inherently connected to the treatment model being used.

 

One Day Only Special

Here's the Deal –

Today Only You can get a 4 day Skinny Mini –retail value of $30. I normally sell these for $25 but today only you can purchase it for 50% off!

For a mere $15 you can try the Zija Weight Management System. Limit of one per person please!

If you don't think 4 days will be enough OR if you want to take advantage of a better deal I have put together a Deluxe 8 Day Trial Sampler which includes:

8 days of Smart Mix

8 XM3 capsules

4 Miracle Tea bags (one tea bag will brew two days worth of tea)

And a 4 oz bottle of XM3 Energy Drink

All packaged beautifully in the black Miracle Tea box (I have people ask me if they can buy my empty boxes!)

The retail value of this Sampler is $68, you price….today only - $30!

I have a limited supply, so this offer is good for today only, and while supplies last! Shipping on all orders will be $5.00

Email me at gethelp@realpeoplewithrealresults.com or text your order to 478-508-2678

Why Diets Don’t Work

Why is it that we are still seeing the epidemic rise is obesity with so many diets to choose from? Is it because all those people just don't care that they are overweight? I don't think so! Billions of dollars are being spent in the weight loss arena, and yet people aren't getting lasting results. Why? Personally, I think it is because people have been sold a lie. Diets don't work - period! Only life style changes can give permanent results, and most folks are so caught up in the eating culture of today, that they aren't willing to make the necessary commitments to garner the results they desire. My biggest challenge as a coach is not to help people lose weight, but to help them retrain their brain so that they can maintain it even after our coaching sessions are over.

We live in a fast-food nation. We expect instant gratification in all areas of life. Few people embrace the idea that it took years to get to where they are, and there is no magic that will give them back their high school figure overnight. Many people jump from one fad diet to another thinking that *this* will be the magic one that will be quick and easy. There is no way that I could cover all the different fad diets because there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of them. I will address a few of the main ones being promoted and what makes them ineffective and unhealthy.

Low Cal

At the top of the list is one that has been around for quite some time. Scientifically it can be supported that the key to success is to simply eat less calories, and move more. From a common sense standpoint it seems like a valid hypothesis. If you can burn more calories than you are consuming, you have to lose weight. While this is true, there are many people who have a "thrifty gene" that kicks in when calories are reduced. Designed to help you survive during a famine, the "thrifty gene" can sabotage your efforts if you are using this method to lose weight. If you are one of those people who have a hard time losing weight no matter what you do, you have probably been blessed with this survival mechanism. Your metabolism will adjust itself to maintain on the caloric intake provided, even if it is less than what is recommended to lose weight. I find it interesting that about 85% of the people who find themselves in this boat have an O blood type. I happen to fall into this category myself so I know your frustration if you can relate to the description above.

Even for those people who *do* lose weight on a low-cal diet, it is not sustainable long term, especially using the pre-packaged, pre-measured, "convenient" snacks and meals that are popular with this diet plan. It also is important to mention that most of these products use artificial sweeteners to lower the calories, and I have already addressed that in a previous blog. Studies show that artificial sweeteners often cause weight gain not to mention that they are neurotoxins. Reducing calories also poses a health risk. Our food is so nutrient depleted that, unless you have a food like Smart Mix in your daily regime, you will quickly find your health failing from lack of basic nutrition. Even those people who stick with a low-cal diet until they reach their goal weight rarely have long term success because it is difficult to maintain it as a lifestyle change. The biggest problem with any diet is the mindset that accompanies them. Diets are designed to get you to your goal, but they don't retrain the brain to help you think like a thin person. The end result – people return to their old habits… and often end up gaining back more than they initially lost.

Low Carb

One of the most popular in this category is the Atkins diet. Our bodies require certain carbohydrates to function properly. A low carb diet will also eventually lead to health challenges, and for most it isn't sustainable… and neither is the weight loss achieved with this method. Once you return to eating a healthy amount of carbohydrates, you will pack back on the pounds. Many of these plans allow the dieter an unlimited amount of proteins and fats, which are difficult for the body to digest, and overload the filter organs. The premise behind the low carb model is that you cause your body to go into ketosis which will induce fat burning. While I would wholeheartedly agree that it is healthy to limit the amount of processed carbs, it is important to not eliminate all carbohydrates from the diet. Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet, with proteins and fats providing the pillars for wellness. Most people will admit that they don't even feel well when the majority of their sustenance comes from proteins. A healthier alternative would be to choose a "slow carb" lifestyle where high glycemic foods are avoided, but complex carbohydrates are still an integral part of the daily menu. Even though it is true that a greater majority will achieve "success" with the low carb diet method, I don't personally know anyone who has adopted a low carb lifestyle and maintained weight loss long term. In fact, I commonly hear from people who readily admit that they were able to lose weight easily with this method, but they gained it back as quickly as they lost it. Diets don't work. Only lifestyle changes do… and in order to make lifestyle changes, you have to find a program that you can live with and one that will help you maintain your health. Overloading your plate with proteins and fats while eliminating almost all carbohydrates is unhealthy. I always tell my clients, "Ask yourself if you are eating in a way that you can live with for the rest of your life." If you aren't, whatever results you get won't be lifetime results.

Low Fat

Diets that fall into this category are the biggest hoax of them all. We have been told for the past 40 years or so that fats are causing us to be fat; fats are causing heart disease, fats are bad for us. We have heard it so much that it will probably be hard for you to change your mindset. There is a great book called, "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill" that I would highly recommend if you aren't convinced by this short synopsis. If you haven't read my recent blog post on sugar, you might be surprised by what Dr. Lustig reveals in the lecture he recently presented. He supports the notion that fats aren't the cause of obesity or the prevalent health challenges we are facing as a nation. Just like carbohydrates, our bodies need fats. Each of our cells is coated with structures that are formed with proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. These structures form the cellular alphabet that allows our cells to communicate with each other. Without an adequate supply of proteins, fats, and certain plant based carbohydrates our immune system won't function properly.

From a health standpoint, the elimination of all the good fats from our diets has wreaked havoc. About 60% of our brain is composed of fat! Getting an adequate amount of good fat in the diet is extremely important for proper brain function. The low fat diets limit the good fats as well as the bad. Some of the popular diet aids on the market tout that they flush all the fat you consume and advertise this as a benefit. We should absolutely eliminate the bad fats. Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils should never pass our lips, but unless you want to sacrifice your immune system and proper brain function I strongly recommend avoiding a low fat diet.

What Does Work?

It should be obvious that low fat diets (like low cal diets, and low carb diets) don't work. If they did, we wouldn't be one of the fattest nations on the planet. There is a low-fat or no-fat version of everything… and yet, we are still fat. If your goal is to lose weight AND be healthy, then don't opt for a diet of any variety. Choose to make lifestyle changes. Learn what foods are bad for you and avoid them. Learn what foods are good for you and consume them. Supporting a lifestyle change with a system like the XM3 Weight Management System is not only acceptable, but it is prudent. It supports the body's natural functions and helps you establish routines that will improve your quality of life – and help you live longer. As a weight management coach, I can honestly say you won't find a healthier, quicker way to achieve your weight loss goals.