Monday, November 30, 2015

Watch how I wake up...Come on into my home!

Several years ago, I adopted a simple morning ritual that is so valuable to me that I try to do it every single day (even when traveling)!

I know from personal experience that adopting this daily habit has helped me stay lean, improve my immune system and reduce junk food cravings.

Once upon a time, I had cravings for sugary foods like granola bars or muffins as soon as I got up in the morning, but those cravings vanished after I began this habit. Now I crave whole and satisfying foods instead. Starting my day with a healthy action sets me up for success for the rest of the day and is a reminder that my health comes first.

This is how I start my day, come on into my home and watch how I wake up...

And if you are feeling a little pudgy after the big holiday, you can start this habit right now!

Xo,

Vani

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

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Saturday, November 28, 2015

Liver Health: The Role of Turmeric in Fatty Liver Disease

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Liver Health: The Role of Turmeric in Fatty Liver Disease

Published November 27, 2015

Turmeric

Fatty liver is a condition that’s affecting more and more people every day and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most widely experienced. Obesity and diabetes, two major health threats, are conditions that drastically increase one's chances of developing fatty liver. A new study is showing that the polyphenols in turmeric may be helpful for reducing the risk of fatty liver while decreasing stress at the cellular level. This study is just one of the recent examples in the literature showing a strong benefit of turmeric with liver health.

Turmeric and Fatty Liver

A recent study set to publish in the December 2015 issue of Archives of Animal Nutrition examined the effect of turmeric polyphenols on the livers of cows. [1] Since many conventional feedlots are crowded and dirty, cows are under a great deal of stress. This stress causes physiological changes that impact the health of the liver in much the same way as stress impacts the liver (among other organs) in humans. It has been suggested that physiological stress of the endoplasmic reticulum in the liver contributes to fatty liver development, just like excess consumption of refined sugars.

In the study, a major stress hormone in the liver was significantly reduced in the group of cows fed the polyphenol mixture consisting of turmeric and green tea. In addition, the study also saw reduction in irritation markers, suggesting a possible risk reduction for fatty liver. The researchers commented that turmeric polyphenols may be helpful in decreasing fatty liver risk in cows. Considering that the induction of fatty liver works in the same way, could turmeric be helpful in fighting fatty liver in humans, too? It can’t be said for certain but this isn’t the first example of good news like this. [2]

The Secret Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has far more benefits than just adding color and flavor to your curry. An explosion of research in the field of nutrition has revealed surprising benefits of turmeric, from combating the damage of UV rays to protecting against neurological disorders. [3] Turmeric could very well be one of the most healthiest spices in the world. There is also some evidence that turmeric may support a healthy aging process and aid with weight loss. It seems as though turmeric is a bit like vitamin D in that it holds promise for a wide range of health issues.

Most people are unaware that turmeric comes in many different forms. A highly concentrated extract of turmeric provides the most benefit, but the powdered and raw root form of the spice is also beneficial. According to some research, piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, increases absorption of turmeric's active curumin compounds. [4] So, it may be wise to consume your turmeric with a bit of black pepper to boost the health benefits.

Other Ways to Support Liver Health

There are two types of fatty liver: alcoholic fatty liver and nonalcoholic fatty liver. Prior to the 20th century, alcoholic fatty liver was the primary condition suffered by adults. But today, people of all ages suffer from fatty liver due to high rates of obesity and insulin resistance. Nonalcoholic fatty liver is commonly caused by the overconsumption of refined carbohydrates and is associated with metabolic syndrome. Fortunately, it is a reversible condition. Taking turmeric might be something to consider but the real change is going to come from consuming liver-cleansing foods on a regular basis, getting plenty of exercise, and eating a diet that is low in refined sugars and simple carbohydrates.

Have you experienced fatty liver? How do you cope?

References:

  1. Winkler A, Gessner DK, Koch C, et al. Effects of a plant product consisting of green tea and curcuma extract on milk production and the expression of hepatic genes involved in endoplasmic stress response and inflammation in dairy cows. Arch Anim Nutr. 2015 Dec;69(6):425-41. doi: 10.1080/1745039X.2015.1093873.
  2. Yiu WF, Kwan PL, Wong CY, et al. Attenuation of fatty liver and prevention of hypercholesterolemia by extract of Curcuma longa through regulating the expression of CYP7A1, LDL-receptor, HO-1, and HMG-CoA reductase. J Food Sci. 2011 Apr;76(3):H80-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02042.
  3. Sumiyoshi M, Kimura Y. Effects of a turmeric extract (Curcuma longa) on chronic ultraviolet B irradiation-induced skin damage in melanin-possessing hairless mice. Phytomedicine. 2009 Dec;16(12):1137-43. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.06.003.
  4. Rinwa P, Kumar A. Piperine potentiates the protective effects of curcumin against chronic unpredictable stress-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative damage in mice. Brain Res. 2012 Dec 7;1488:38-50. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.10.002.

The post Liver Health: The Role of Turmeric in Fatty Liver Disease appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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More from Dr. Group's Blog:

How to Choose the Best Probiotic
This is What Happens to Your Body After an Energy Drink
Improving Gallbladder Function with Natural Support
Best Anti-Aging Foods: Health Benefits of Pecans
The Truth Behind the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

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Houston, TX 77018

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Friday, November 27, 2015

How to Choose the Best Probiotic

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How to Choose the Best Probiotic

Published November 26, 2015

Probiotics in the gut

It’s no secret that probiotics support a number of health benefits. They support digestion, boost the immune system, and offer a host of other positive offerings. In fact, a good probiotic is one of my must-have items. But, what makes a probiotic supplement a good one? Here we’ll cover some of the things you should watch for when choosing a probiotic.

Choosing the Best Probiotic Supplement

Finding a high-quality probiotic isn’t hard but does require you to read the label and know what it means. Here are some of the top parameters you should check for the next time you’re deciding on a probiotic.

How Many Strains Does it Have?

A probiotic is just another name for a strain of bacteria; and different strains of bacteria offer different benefits. A lot of supplements offer just one strain, some offer several. When you start looking into individual strains, you can quickly find yourself up to your neck in research. This isn’t bad but can be a bit intimidating. If you want to simplify the processes, look for a product that has at least three strains. Multiple strains will offer benefits specific to each strain and improves the ability of bacteria to colonize00 your digestive tract. [1]

Does it Contain Prebiotics?

Multiple strains and billions of live active cultures is a great start, but also consider that probiotics need "food" to multiply and thrive. This food is called "prebiotics" and generally comes from fiber. Inulin, chicory root, and gum arabic are common examples of prebiotics. A great probiotic supplement will also contain prebiotics from any of these sources.

Is it Vegan Friendly?

This is more an item of personal preference than a hard requirement, but I included it on the list because it’s important to me. Many supplements, including probiotics, use gelatin capsules. Personally, I prefer vegetarian capsules. Also, while I won’t go so far as to say it’s a law, in general, I find supplements that are specifically vegan friendly to be produced with more care than those that are not.

The Probiotic Supplement I Recommend

Earlier this year, we introduced a new probiotic supplement called FloraTrex™. It offers more than a dozen of the best probiotic strains available for a complete spectrum of benefits. It’s also vegan friendly, contains probiotics, and has gotten incredible feedback from the people who’ve tried it. I’ve been really happy with the results and I’m confident you will be too.

Is there something else you look for when you're shopping for a probiotic supplement? Add your suggestions for others to read in the comments!

References:

  1. Chapman CM, Gibson GR, Rowland I. In vitro evaluation of single- and multi-strain probiotics: Inter-species inhibition between probiotic strains, and inhibition of pathogens. Anaerobe. 2012 Aug;18(4):405-13. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2012.05.004.

The post How to Choose the Best Probiotic appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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More from Dr. Group's Blog:

This is What Happens to Your Body After an Energy Drink
Improving Gallbladder Function with Natural Support
Best Anti-Aging Foods: Health Benefits of Pecans
The Truth Behind the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Gallbladder Problems: Disease, Symptoms & Natural Remedies

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Houston, TX 77018

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Thursday, November 26, 2015

This is What Happens to Your Body After an Energy Drink

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This is What Happens to Your Body After an Energy Drink

Published November 25, 2015

Energy Drink Can

If you're an energy drink fan, you may want to listen up. A new study published in JAMA reports even one energy drink can make your body react in a way you may least expect.

How Your Body Reacts to Energy Drinks

The study looked at the effect consuming just one 16-ounce can of a leading energy drink had on basic, vital functions. [1] The findings? Blood pressure jumped an average of 6.6 points within thirty minutes of consuming the beverage, and norepinephrine–a stress hormone–increased by 75%! That’s interesting because norepinephrine increases the production of cortisol, a fat-storing hormone. Who drinks an energy drink hoping it’ll make their body store more fat?

Natural Ways to Support Energy

There is a huge marketing effort at work that’s trying to convince you that energy drinks will make you feel sharper and more focused and that your daily performance will be enhanced. This is totally bogus. Most energy drinks are just an overpriced sugar bomb with an obnoxious label contrived by an investment group who heard “energy drinks” were a hot market. Don’t fall for it.

If you need more energy, or you’re trying to overcome being tired, energy drinks are not the smart approach. First, are you getting enough sleep? If you’re operating on a sleep deficit, an entire pallet of energy drink isn’t going to do anything but amplify your misery. The stimulation is short lived and followed by a crash — forget it. Second, what’s your diet like? A living, raw food diet that is high in nourishing fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates is important for providing true energy to your cells. Lastly, are you drinking enough water? Many people who lack energy are simply dehydrated, so you may want to reach for a water instead of an energy drink.

Beyond that, if you need a little extra help, you can take a close look at your B-12 intake and consider supplementing with a high quality B-12 supplement if you’re coming up short. Not getting enough of this crucial vitamin is a prime contributor to poor energy levels.

Do you drink energy drinks? Why? Let us know your thoughts about this research in the comments!

References:

  1. Anna Svatikova, MD, PhD, Naima Covassin, PhD, Kiran R. Somers. A Randomized Trial of Cardiovascular Responses to Energy Drink Consumption in Health Adults. JAMA. 2015;314(19):2079-2082. doi: 10.1001/jama.2015.13744.

The post This is What Happens to Your Body After an Energy Drink appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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More from Dr. Group's Blog:

Improving Gallbladder Function with Natural Support
Best Anti-Aging Foods: Health Benefits of Pecans
The Truth Behind the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Gallbladder Problems: Disease, Symptoms & Natural Remedies
Pecans from Texas: A Healthy & Nutritious Tradition

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Houston, TX 77018

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Improving Gallbladder Function with Natural Support

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Improving Gallbladder Function with Natural Support

Published November 24, 2015

Man experiencing discomfort in his gallbladder

Your gallbladder plays a big role when it comes to healthy digestion. Perhaps someone close to you has undergone a cholecystectomy – a surgery to have his/her gallbladder removed. While it is possible to live without the small organ after surgery, the body needs it to in order to promote a strong, healthy digestive system. Here are some facts to know about gallbladder function and things you can do for natural support.

Where is Your Gallbladder?

Located directly beneath your liver, the gallbladder is actually partially blocked by that organ. As you can probably imagine, the liver and gallbladder work very closely together to efficiently remove toxins from your body.

What Does the Gallbladder Do?

The liver produces bile that helps break down fat into fatty acids, helping the body rid itself of toxins. You might think of the gallbladder as a warehouse for all that bile. When the digestive system needs bile to break down fat, the gallbladder goes to work, secreting the substance into the small intestine.

What are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease?

Poor diet can cause excess cholesterol to accumulate in one's gallbladder, causing bile to build up into small crystals called gallstones, or cholelithiasis. While between 80-90% of individuals with gallstones have no symptoms, others could have an acute gallbladder "attack". This is an intense abdominal pain that is also called biliary colic, and it occurs when gallstones become backed up in the cystic duct. [1]

Sometimes, when those gallstones block the cystic duct, you're left with gallbladder inflammation, also known as cholecystitis. [2] Your gallbladder could actually become smaller because of these constant attacks, becoming more and more sluggish and eventually even rupturing.

While gallstones and inflammation are no small matters, gallbladder polyps—benign or malignant—and cancer are two very serious health issues. Unfortunately, these two issues are usually only diagnosed because of other medical issues, making it all the more important to monitor and support gallbladder health. [3] [4]

How to Support Gallbladder Function with Diet

Because obesity is believed to worsen gallbladder issues, something as simple as changing your diet can do wonders for gallbladder function. [5] Eating low-fat and low-cholesterol choices is a great idea to help keep your ideal body weight. While is hard to do, avoiding meat, coffee, soda, and products high in sugar is one of the most effective ways to support your gallbladder.

What to Do if You Have Gallbladder Surgery

A high-fiber diet also helps with gallbladder health, but it's important to ease into such foods as these after gallbladder surgery. For some, these foods can cause initial discomfort. Stick to the same low-fat, low-cholesterol diet mentioned above, and, remember to exercise.

Gallbladder Detox

In addition to a gallbladder diet, you can also support this organ by cleansing, helping with toxin removal. Besides cleansing your colon, performing a liver and gallbladder cleanse can be important for naturally supporting gallbladder function. Livatrex® can help support both your liver and gallbladder!

What do you to do naturally support your gallbladder function? Tell us about it in the comments below!

References:

  1. Corazziari, E. et al. Functional disorders of the biliary tract and pancreas. Gut. 45.
  2. Portincasa, P. et al. Therapy of gallstone disease: What it was, what it is, what it will be. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 3 (2).
  3. Myers, R. P. et al. Gallbladder polyps: epidemiology, natural history and management. Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. 16 (3).
  4. Zhu, A. X. et al. Current Management of Gallbladder Carcinoma. The Oncologist. 13 (2).
  5. Nammi, S. et al. Obesity: An overview on its current perspectives and treatment options. Nutrition Journal. 3.

The post Improving Gallbladder Function with Natural Support appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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More from Dr. Group's Blog:

Best Anti-Aging Foods: Health Benefits of Pecans
The Truth Behind the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Gallbladder Problems: Disease, Symptoms & Natural Remedies
Pecans from Texas: A Healthy & Nutritious Tradition
Vegan Pecan Pie Recipe: Traditional Texas-Style Recipe

Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts.

Our mailing address is:
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2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108
Houston, TX 77018

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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Best Anti-Aging Foods: Health Benefits of Pecans

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Best Anti-Aging Foods: Health Benefits of Pecans

Published November 23, 2015

pecans-against-wooden-table

Your health can only be as good as the food you eat and following a regular diet based firmly on nutrient rich, organic food is one of the best things you can do to age gracefully. Supplying your body with vitamins, minerals, proteins, healthy fatty acids like Omega-3s, and antioxidants is critical to a healthy life. You might not guess it, but pecans are actually one of the best foods for accomplishing that goal.

The Key For Anti-Aging: Antioxidants

As you age, industrial and natural environmental toxins like radon, lead, and arsenic attack your body and make it harder for it to repair itself and protect against ailments. When you combine this with processed, refined foods loaded with sugar, unnatural chemicals like high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), aspartame, soy lecithin, and hormone disruptors, the assault on the cells in your body becomes crystal clear.

To counter and reverse this damage, you need antioxidants. These neutralize the free radicals that harm your cells and organs and help soothe the inflammation that leads to chronic diseases. A French study run from 2007-2009 found those whose diets had the most antioxidants aged more slowly, lived longer, and had fewer health problems. [1]

A study from Brigham Young University found that antioxidants protected the eyes and reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration. One of the researchers commented, "The implication is that people at risk of macular degeneration could help prevent the disease by consuming antioxidants." [2] Simply put, consuming foods rich in antioxidants may help you be protected against degenerative conditions.

Pecans are an incredible source of antioxidants. One of the highest, in fact, according to the USDA. Ninety percent of a pecan's antioxidants come in the form of beta-sitosterol, a plant chemical with powerful antioxidant properties that protects low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from oxidizing and damaging the arteries. Pecans are also a rich source of vitamin E, which compounds the antioxidant benefits.

Pecans for a Healthy Heart

Years ago, it was believed that nuts were bad for your heart, but this was untrue. It was even reported in the British Journal of Nutrition that the more nuts you eat, the less you are at risk of cardiovascular or coronary heart disease. [3]

Consuming pecans encourages normal cholesterol levels. This is due to the high content of vitamin E. There are two types of vitamin E, and pecans provide two of them – alpha- and gamma-tocopherols. When you eat pecans, the gamma-tocopherols can lower LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 33%. [4]

Pecans support the heart in other ways too. They promote normal blood pressure, help with weight loss, and help keep blood sugar under control.

The Best Anti-Aging Diet

These foods are a great source of nutrients that promote graceful aging.

Unsaturated Fats

Omega-3 fats fit into the this category of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The densest sources of these healthy fats are fish like salmon, avocados, and flax seeds.

Vitamins and Minerals

You know you need vitamins like A, the B-complex, C, D, E and K. To get these you need to eat natural, organic foods. These contain forms of vitamins your body can readily use, unlike processed foods that contain artificial vitamins. The same goes for minerals like magnesium and calcium. In fact, magnesium is responsible for more than 300 processes throughout your body. Great sources for combined vitamins and minerals include dark leafy greens, broccoli, beans, cheese, whole grains and dark chocolate.

Probiotics

Foods like yogurt and kefir provide you with 'friendly' gut bacteria that support immune function, toxin removal, and supply important vitamins like B12. When you buy probiotics, make sure they contain live, active cultures. If they don't, you'll be missing some of the key health benefits that such foods boast.

Prebiotics

Fruits and vegetables provide fiber–or prebiotics–and types of sugars that feed your friendly probiotic bacteria, keep them healthy.

Antioxidants

Fruits like blueberries, raspberries, cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and green tea are known for their antioxidants.

Raw, Organic Pecans

Rich in antioxidants, raw, organic pecans are also a complete source of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, protein, and fiber. And they're easy to eat! Grab a handful as a snack or add them to your favorite dish to add texture and enhance the meal with a rich nutty flavor. Just remember to buy raw and organic. The fats in nuts like pecans soak up pesticides and herbicides more than other fruits and vegetables.

Besides munching on healthy foods like pecans, what do you do to maintain a healthy body and mind? Tell us in the comments below. We always enjoy hearing from you!

References:

  1. Assmann KE, Andreeva VA, Jeandel C, Hercberg S, Galan P, Kesse-Guyot E. Healthy Aging 5 Years After a Period of Daily Supplementation With Antioxidant Nutrients: A Post Hoc Analysis of the French Randomized Trial SU.VI.MAX. Am J Epidemiol. 2015 Oct 15;182(8):694-704. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwv105.
  2. Brigham Young University. How Diet, Antioxidants Prevent Blindness In Aging Population. ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 August 2008.
  3. Blomhoff R1, Carlsen MH, Andersen LF, Jacobs DR Jr. Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants. Br J Nutr. 2006 Nov;96 Suppl 2:S52-60.
  4. C. Hudthagosol, E. H. Haddad, K. McCarthy, P. Wang, K. Oda, J. Sabate. Pecans Acutely Increase Plasma Postprandial Antioxidant Capacity and Catechins and Decrease LDL Oxidation in Humans. Journal of Nutrition, 2010; 141 (1): 56 DOI: 10.3945/jn.110.121269.

The post Best Anti-Aging Foods: Health Benefits of Pecans appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

Join the conversation and voice your opinion!

Comment on this Article Now!

More from Dr. Group's Blog:

The Truth Behind the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Gallbladder Problems: Disease, Symptoms & Natural Remedies
Pecans from Texas: A Healthy & Nutritious Tradition
Vegan Pecan Pie Recipe: Traditional Texas-Style Recipe
Fluoride: Daily Exposure to Poison

Copyright © 2015 Global Healing Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive daily updates on Dr. Group's blog posts.

Our mailing address is:
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2040 North Loop West, Ste. 108
Houston, TX 77018

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