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Superfood Smoothie Add-ins

5/21/2025

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As you see from endless rows of bottles at your local health food store, there are many superfoods to choose from. These are at the top of the list for smoothie add-ins They’ve got some serious science-backed benefits, and they actually taste good [or no flavor to speak of], so they’re easy to add to all kinds of drinks. These powerful ingredients are usually added in small amounts [1-2 Tbsp max] since that’s all you need to get a concentrated dose of nutrition and tons of flavor.  They are easy to toss into your regular smoothie  and help meet protein/fiber needs without adding much bulk.  
1.  Hemp Seeds 
Turn to these little seeds to give your smoothie a protein, fiber and omega 3 kick for extra perks.
2.  Cacao
These powerhouse antioxidants have been shown to boost blood flow to the brain to help you feel more energized. Plus, their anti-inflammatory effect could help protect against heart disease and cancer.
3. Chia Seed or Flax Seed
Like hemp, these small-but-mighty seeds pack protein, fiber, and omega-3s.
4.  Goji Berries
these red-orange berries will add some sweetness to your smoothie. They also promote eye health.   
5 Maca
This cream-colored powder has long been used in South America to balance hormones, boost energy and sex drive, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and help with focus
6. Turmeric 
The sunny yellow color will make your drink an anti-inflammatory powerhouse.  Try 1 or 2 dashes to begin since they have a strong flavor. 
7. Collagen
Collagen is the protein that promotes smooth, supple skin, promotes intestinal health, and may curb cravings.  
8. Creatine
Can assist with exercise performance and results of strength training.  
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Carb Cycling for Weight Loss

5/21/2025

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I have had several clients ask me about [or I have suggested] carb cycling recently.  It is esp useful if one is experiencing a weight loss plateau.  It can be done for a specific period of time [until weight loss begins again] or as a part of your ongoing plan.  The first time you include low carb days,it can be a real challenge, esp if you are not watching/moderating carb intake already.   Once you get into the pattern of doing it, it is usually no longer a challenge since your body switches to fat burning more easily.  
  • Carb cycling is a planned change in carbohydrate intake to burn fat. 
  • We eat a lower amount of carbs & higher amount of fats on some days and eating higher amounts of carbs and lower amounts of fats on others. 
  • The goal is for fat loss, more energy, & improvements in body composition.
  • On low carb days, we aim for net carbs less than 50 grams. Net carbs = Total carbs minus fiber. Healthy fats are increased on these days. 
  • On regular macro days we aim for standard carbohydrates intake and standard fat intake.  
  • This cycle happens each week and is often connected to specific types of workouts based on carb intake.  
  • For questions about including this approach in your plan or other weight loss approaches, please contact me at [email protected]
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Put Your Jack-o-Lantern to Good Use

10/28/2024

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Hope For Autoimmune Condition Suffers?

8/29/2024

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Autoimmune diseases, among the most common disorders of young adults, are known to be affected by genetic and environmental factors, including vitamin D deficiency and fatty acids. In an earlier study, researchers found that high levels of salt also contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Specifically, they observed that high salt induces inflammation in a type of immune cell known as CD4 T cells, while also causing a loss of regulatory T cell function. This, they found, is mediated by a salt-sensitive kinase, or enzyme critical for cell signaling, known as SGK-1.

A protein involved in immune function [
PRDM1-S] induced increased expression of the salt-sensitive SGK-1 enzyme, leading to disruption of regulatory T cells, the researchers found. Moreover, they found similar overexpression of the protein involved in immune function, PRDM1-S, in other autoimmune diseases, suggesting that it may be a common feature of regulatory T cell dysfunction.

Scientists are now developing drugs that can target and decrease expression of the specific 
protein involved in immune function  in regulatory T cells.  
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Kombucha Breaks Down Fat Stores

8/21/2024

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Researchers at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill [my alma mater] have found that kombuchas' microbes directly influence the proteins needed to break down fat.  This influence produced a cellular effect much like that of fasting.  There has been much info and research recently about the benefits of Intermittent Fasting.   But some people cannot participate in IF or not every day.  Kombucha is easy to obtain at grocery stores, convenience stores or large chains, and include in your daily routine.  
Kombucha has also been linked to positive blood sugar outcomes for those with type 2 diabetes, as well as showing great potential as an inflammation reducing antioxidant and antibacterial.   
Read more here.  
https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1011003​
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Colored Light as Therapy? YES!

8/12/2024

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A surprising therapy is showing promise for chronic pain, vision loss, and muscle recovery, among other conditions.   Early human trials suggest it may help us heal in new ways as well.  This growing field goes by several names. Light therapy. Phototherapy. Photobiomodulation.It leverages known effects of light on human health — such as skin exposure to ultraviolet light producing vitamin D or blue light's power to regulate human body clocks — to take light as medicine in surprising new directions.   
Some areas of research - 
Red Light Could Restore Vision; Green Light for Pain Relief; Helping Muscles Recover With Red Light.
Read more here - https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/phototherapy-how-light-helping-patients-heal-new-ways-2024a1000epe?ecd=WNL_mdpls_240809_mscpedit_wir_etid6734576&uac=462671FR&spon=17&impID=6734576

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Naturally Reduce Wrinkles with Food

7/8/2024

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Once upon a time, worry about wrinkles was a concern of 'older' women.  Nowadays, people often begin Botox-type injections in their 20 or 30's.  
Recent nutrition studies have shown that eating foods rich in nutrients that support skin health–including antioxidants, vitamins, and microminerals–can improve skin structure and moisture, and protect against sun damage. As we age, a healthy diet can also naturally lessen the production and severity of wrinkles.

Healthy diets may contribute to wrinkle reduction due to several factors, including the presence of antioxidants, the anti-inflammatory properties of healthy foods, and higher concentrations of nutrients that protect against sun damage and improve collagen production. 


Studies show that healthy diets are associated with less facial wrinkles:
Diets with high fruit intake are associated with fewer wrinkles.
Yellow vegetables and soy can be particularly protective against wrinkles.
High intake of vegetables, beans, and olive oil can be protective against instances of pre-cancerous sun damage, while high intake of meat and dairy products produces adverse effects.
Daily almond consumption may reduce wrinkle severity.

As one would expect, diets comprised predominantly of meat and junk foods are associated with more wrinkles.
from 
https://www.bluezones.com/2024/02/can-you-naturally-reduce-wrinkles-with-food/
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Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Attack, Stroke

7/8/2024

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Higher amounts of the artificial sweetener xylitol might raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study warns.
Xylitol is a zero-calorie sugar alcohol commonly used in many products, including sugar-free candy, chewing gum, baked goods and toothpastes, researchers said.
But high blood levels of the sweetener is associated with an increased risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or other heart event within three years, according to analysis of more than 3,000 patients in the United States and Europe, researchers reported June 6 in the European Heart Journal.

In the lab, the investigators discovered that xylitol causes platelets to clot, increasing the risk of blood clots.  Every measure of a person’s clotting ability increased immediately after a test subject downed a xylitol-sweetened drink, but not after they sipped a sugar-sweetened product.
from https://www.healthday.com/health-news/nutrition/artificial-sweetener-xylitol-linked-to-heart-attack-stroke

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Can Your Gut Microbes Can Break Down Gut Fat!

5/14/2024

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Kombucha tea may be able to deliver the benefits of fasting, without the hardest part – the fasting itself.  
Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered how 
kombucha's microbes directly influence intestinal gene expression, particularly in those linked to fat metabolism. The introduced flora boosted the proteins needed to break down fat.   
Please follow this link to read the full article.  
https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/kombucha-microbes-fat-fasting/

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GLP-1, the Darling of Weight Loss

5/6/2024

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GLP-1 [Glucagon-like peptide 1 ] is a hormone that’s redefining effective weight management strategies.  While created for diabetics, the use for weight loss by non-diabetics continues to increase.  Many of my clients have lost weight but worry about what will happen once the stop taking the expensive drug - due to expense, availability or doctors not renewing the prescription.  
You might not know that GLP-1 is produced by the body naturally.  
GLP- 1 is a hormone produced in the gut and released in response to food. It causes reduced appetite, increases the feeling of fullness, and the release of insulin. Research is also looking into connections with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's Disease, chronic pain, PCOS and heart disease.  There are several natural products that can help increase its production and secretion. 
Berberine, probiotics, psyllium, curcumin and ginseng are those with the most research and impact.  Certain dietary and lifestyle approaches can also encourage increased production of GLP-1.  
Check out this article for more information.  https://fullscript.com/blog/glp-1-supplements
To order the supplements this article recommends, please follow this link to create your account.   https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/agroon/store-start     

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