November 2018 Newsletter: What’s in Your Gut?

I’m excited to announce our November 15 Open House – Let’s Get Radical: Healthy Strategies for the New Year! Over the last few months I have been talking and writing about Ann Louise Gittleman’s new book, Radical Metabolism. Last week Susana and I began our own personal experiences and were very pleased with the results. Susana and I completed the 4-Day Radical Intensive Cleanse Program. This week we are beginning the next phase, the 21-Day Program.   

Earlier this year I read Dr. Andre Camelli’s Cracking the Code: Unlock Your Genetic Potential. I believe that these two books can form the foundation for your personal ongoing healthy lifestyle program. 

At the November 15 Open House, we will discuss the important concepts in these books, raffle some books, and enjoy the tastes of the 4-Day Intensive Cleanse soup and juices. And, we will even hear from Ann Louise herself via Skype!

This month’s newsletter is packed with great information including: a look at a new tool we can use to solve your gut issues - the GI-MAP test; the second installment in the what to eat and why series – The Power of Protein; my colleague Vanessa Teff’s excellent article on breast cancer awareness versus breast cancer prevention; and a couple of client success stories. Enjoy!

Open House: Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7:15

You’re invited to an Open House: LET’S GET RADICAL: HEALTHY STRATEGIES FOR THE NEW YEAR TWO BOOK REVIEWS, Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7:15 – 8:30 PM.

Book One - Special Guest Author Ann Louise Gittleman will introduce her latest best seller Radical Metabolism. Ann Louise will join us via Skype for a brief introduction to her book. I will review all the key points and explain what makes this new approach truly radical.

“Want to see what the experts will be saying in twenty-five years? Simply see what (Ann Louise) is saying now.” Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

Book Two – Are you ready to unleash your healing potential and transform your life now? Then you will want to hear about Dr. Andre Camelli’s Cracking the Code: Unlock Your Genetic Potential. Featuring his 21-Day Genetic Jump Start Program!

Come and taste the Radical Metabolism 4-Day Intensive Cleanse soup and juices.  Join the raffle for free books! Seating is limited. 

Please RSVP to bernie@brwellness.com or call 262-389-9907.

What’s in Your Gut?

Capital One used to run commercials asking, “What’s in your wallet?” Many of us question what is in our gut. Now you can a specific answer, as several clients are now doing with the GI-MAP test. The GI-MAP is offered by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. This stool test utilizes cutting edge, Quantitative PCR technology to provide a true DNA/PCR based stool test. This technology has high sensitivity, specificity and a rapid turnaround. The GI pathogens include bacteria, parasites and viruses. Continuing with this platform, the GI-MAP measures opportunistic organisms, normal flora, fungi, parasites and antibiotic resistance genes. It also includes immunologic markers for GI health and function including SIgA, Elastase, Calprotectin and Anti-gliadin testing.

To learn more about the GI-MAP and Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory click here: 

https://www.diagnosticsolutionslab.com/

This test can be life changing! Here’s what one of my clients had to say:

“For months I was having some serious GI problems that my Gastroenterologist could not diagnose.  Decided to seek out consultation with Bernie at the suggestion of a friend.  Bernie suggested [the GI-MAP] test and it was discovered that I had an intestinal parasite along with some other things that were causing GI issues and bloating.  Bernie suggested some supplements and diet changes and I am happy to say that after 4 short months my GI issues have completely cleared up, I’ve lost 12 pounds, and have gained an abundance of energy!  I feel better than ever and attribute it to Bernie’s thoughtful and careful suggestions and support.  I highly recommend his services!” B.P.      

The Power of Protein

While trendy diets come and go, what does not change is how the human body functions and the nutrients required for optimal health. There are disagreements and various interpretations of how much of each nutrient one should consume. Search the internet and you can find a study to support most any opinion. Ultimately this has led to mass confusion. As one of my clients recently said to me, “It’s kind of interesting when you think about it – how we are the only animals that do not know what to eat!” 

In the spirit of helping you to understand what to eat and why, here is the second installment of four articles. Last month I provided an overview of each macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, and fat). This month we begin a deeper exploration, beginning with The Power of Protein.  

Protein provides the structural basis for our body: building and repairing our muscles, ligaments, tendons, nails, hair, organs, glands, blood, hormones, neurotransmitters, cell receptor sites, antibodies, and enzymes.  As you read and learn about what protein does in your body, please consider this question – are you eating enough protein?

To learn more about the benefits of protein, where protein comes from, the healthiest forms of protein to eat, and how much protein you should consume click here: https://brwellness.com/?p=1215.

Breast Cancer Awareness vs. Prevention

Thanks to Vanessa Teff for allowing me to post her October newsletter.  Vanessa can be reached at: Optimum Vitality, 6654 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562. Phone number: (608) 828-6312.  Website: https://www.optimumfunction.com/

October is breast cancer awareness month. I'm sure you've heard that statement before. The car dealerships are showing support with pink lights. The football players are wearing pink shoes. The cashiers are asking for a small donation to be sent to charity. Pink everything is being sold. Does bringing awareness to an issue help? It certainly does spread the word. However, awareness is not the same as prevention.

The tricky part about breast cancer is that 70 - 80% of diagnoses are not genetic. If that doesn't catch you by surprise, read that statement again. Those of us without the gene are nearly just as likely and possibly, more likely to be at risk. Statistics tell us that 1 out of 3 women will get cancer. What a sobering statistic.

To read the rest of the article click here: https://brwellness.com/?p=1230.

Vanessa also discusses the relationship between EMFs and soft tissue cancers. To learn more about the dangers of EMFs click here: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/can-you-really-be-allergic-wifi-and-cell-phones.

Client Success Stories

“I reached out to Bernie after hearing positive outcomes for two colleagues who see him.  I trust their perspectives, had some idea of what his recommendations would involve, and was ready to take on my declining health and wellness!  I was feeling overweight, tired, and simply unwell.  

At my first appointment, Bernie identified two food categories to avoid, and I immediately started planning my food menus to reflect his suggestions.  Within just a couple of days, I felt like a different person.  My sleep has been improved, and my energy doesn’t lag during the day as it has for so long.  My digestion is improving, and I haven’t felt hungry or deprived, which has often been the case when trying to make healthier changes in the past.

I look forward to continued improvements in my overall health and wellness and appreciate Bernie’s patience and availability for follow-up questions!” K.L.

“Thanks again for all your help in balancing my gut issues. The dark circles and bags under my eyes have been greatly reduced. My skin rashes have all cleared up.  My digestion is working perfectly!! My thinking is more clear.  I have been able to stop using the prescription Metrogel 1% for rosacea….It's amazing how your gut affects every part of your body!!!  Your supplements are fantastic!!!” C.W.

Breast Cancer Awareness vs. Prevention

Thanks to Vanessa Teff for allowing me to post her October newsletter.  Vanessa can be reached at: Optimum Vitality, 6654 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562. Phone number: (608) 828-6312.  Website: https://www.optimumfunction.com/

Breast Cancer Awareness vs. Prevention

October is breast cancer awareness month. I'm sure you've heard that statement before. The car dealerships are showing support with pink lights. The football players are wearing pink shoes. The cashiers are asking for a small donation to be sent to charity. Pink everything is being sold. Does bringing awareness to an issue help? It certainly does spread the word. However, awareness is not the same as prevention.

Breast Cancer Awareness

The tricky part about breast cancer is that 70 - 80% of diagnoses are not genetic. If that doesn't catch you by surprise, read that statement again. Those of us without the gene are nearly just as likely and possibly, more likely to be at risk. Statistics tell us that 1 out of 3 women will get cancer. What a sobering statistic.

Soft tissue cancers soared in the 1980's. Of all soft tissue cancers (prostate, breast, lymphoma & melanoma of skin) none receives more press than breast cancer. Even the research magazine Science, which is hardly sensational, noted at that time that the "breast cancer statistics are alarming." From 1978 to 1987 breast cancer diagnosis grew from 130,000 to over 180,000 (an increase of 50,000 cases). I point this out because there was nothing done except talk of early detection. Remember, just 30 years prior in the 1950's, Polio was considered a major epidemic with only 33,000 total cases per year! 

Early detection certainly helps treatment and the death rate, but it does not significantly affect the incidence rate.

Did you ever wonder where all the donated money for breast cancer awareness goes to? If you thought a majority of it went to research, you'd be mistaken. Since 2008, it seems the biggest named non-profits continue to diminish how much is spent on breast cancer research, with an average range being 15 - 25% of profit. More and more companies are taking money away from research and instead spending it on education....and selling things that are pink.

So what do we do?

If up to 80% of breast cancer is not genetic but rather environmentally induced, then we need to look at our environment. Diet, exercise and stress are BIG factors. How we view what we're putting into our body can be just as important as what we put in.

As women, we hold a lot in. We need to start to rewrite that story for ourself as the negative is not worth holding on to. Remember, the mind doesn't know if it's happening in the present moment or if it happened in the past. When we continue to replay a situation in our head, our body responds as if it's happening at that moment (cortisol and adrenaline are released and we automatically go into fight/flight). When you sense this happening, stop and reset your thought pattern.

You hear this often and it is true, hormones play a major role in our health. Some breast cancer is estrogen dominant. Thanks to cancer research we can now test for such. Estrogen by itself doesn't cause cancer but it can influence its growth. Estrogen is needed for cellular hydration, signaling and of course, cell proliferation. Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2) and Estriol (E3) are all needed but in different quantities. E3 is known as the "good" estrogen. Therefore, we want this number to be greater than E1 & E2 combined. For menopausal women, we want the progesterone/E2 ratio to be between 200 & 500. The estrogen quotient: E3/(E1 + E2) should be greater than 1. These numbers are important. It's one more way we can be proactive about our health. If you don't know what these numbers are, ask your doctor. It's a guide for our reproductive health, menopausal health and long-term brain health. These numbers can be tested via blood or saliva. Here at the clinic we do saliva testing and it's a very easy way to get a baseline.

In today's newsletter, I want to touch upon an environmental factor not often connected to women's health and especially not breast cancer - electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). EMFs are emitted from any device with a battery or plug. Your blender emits an EMF when turned on. Some EMFs are more detrimental than others. Those connected with WIFI, cell phones, high tension power lines, high powered walkie talkies, fit bits, and smart meters create more cellular damage than blenders and hair dryers. Unlike some toxic exposure, EMF exposure is accumulative. I bring such a silent environmental factor up because I've seen if ravage my family.

Out of all of the patients and clients that come into the clinic with cancer, breast cancer is by far the greatest one we come across. We've seen lumps connected to radios being carried for one's job and electronic key cards being clipped on to one's shirt. Every time you turn around you hear of a newscaster having breast cancer. Is it any coincidence their mic packs are clipped onto their bras? Maybe but it's certainly not something I'm willing to risk after what I've seen.

We don't need to feel a difference being exposed to EMFs in order for them to damage our DNA. This was brilliantly demonstrated by the research Henry Lai was conducting on microwaves.  The world is constantly changing around us. Cell phones are here to stay. We need to become more resilient.

One way in which to do that is by having some sort of protection on your device or within your vibrational field. Dr. Teff has spent many years researching this topic and working closely with several companies creating products to limit our cellular exposure and damage. Nature's Frequencies, a frequency based research company out of Massachusetts, was able to create tools that we can use to protect us in our daily routines. By putting one of the cell phone stickers on your phone, they've found that the cell phone radiation is less heating to the body and penetrates a shorter distance. 

Remember, in kids, the cell phone radiation travels completely through their brains, affecting all neurons. Neurosurgeon and researcher Dr. Leif Salford has done quite a bit of research on the subject. He concluded that the weakest exposure to wireless radiation had the greatest effect in causing the blood brain barrier to leak. This is important as kid's brains aren't fully developed until the age of 20.

As of December of last year, Kaiser Permanente concluded that exposure to certain magnetic fields "at levels commonly found in homes, offices and the urban environment" can triple the rate of miscarriages.

As you can see, this topic doesn't just apply to breast health. We can all benefit from EMF protection. However, some of us are more greatly affected than others. 

If you're interested, Nature's Frequencies has created products that you can clip on your keychain, stick on your phone or plug into your home outlet, making cellular protection a possibility.

My mom had breast cancer. The EMFs didn't cause the cancer (that's a story for another day) but they certainly influenced the growth of it. If there's something you can change today to balance your body and create harmony within, do so! There's no reason to wait.

Click Here to Read More About Nature's Frequencies Products

 

The Power of Protein

While trendy diets come and go, what does not change is how the human body functions and the nutrients required for optimal health. There are disagreements and various interpretations of how much of each nutrient one should consume. Search the internet and you can find a study to support most any opinion. Ultimately this has led to mass confusion. As one of my clients recently said to me, “It’s kind of interesting when you think about it – how we are the only animals that do not know what to eat!” 

Last month I provided an overview of each macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, and fat). This month we begin a deeper exploration, beginning with protein.  

Protein provides the structural basis for our body: building and repairing our muscles, ligaments, tendons, nails, hair, organs, glands, blood, hormones, neurotransmitters, cell receptor sites, antibodies, and enzymes.  As you read and learn about what protein does in your body, please consider this question – are you eating enough protein?

Let’s take a closer look at the functions of protein:

Building and repairing muscles, ligaments, and tendons – this is obviously extremely important for all of us.  Be aware that building and repairing is a continuous process.  Exercise breaks down muscle and then the body builds newer, bigger, and stronger muscle in its place via the repair process.  

Protein is essential for a strong body.  One of the key proteins utilized is collagen. For more information about healthy exercise, please visit my blog at: https://brwellness.com/?cat=10.

Nails and hair – for beautiful glowing hair and robust nails protein is important. Collagen also plays an important role here. For more information about collagen, please visit my blog at: https://brwellness.com/?p=774.

Organs and glands – these are at the basic operating systems of your body.  The heart and lungs for breathing and circulation; the stomach, small intestines, large intestines, and pancreas for digestion; the liver for hundreds of functions including keeping the blood clean; the endocrine glands for producing the hormones that regulate and monitor how your body functions.  Protein keeps these systems up and running! For more information about digestion, please visit my blog at: https://brwellness.com/?cat=15.

Hormones – regulating and controlling all the key processes of your body.  This includes blood sugar control, stress response, metabolism, and the menstrual cycle to name a few.  Along with neurotransmitters the hormones determine how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally at any given moment. For more information about hormones, please visit my blog at: https://brwellness.com/?cat=11.

Neurotransmitters – neurotransmitters are very important for our mental health.  There are two types of neurotransmitters.  Excitatory neurotransmitters energize, excite, and stimulate us helping us to focus, learn, and remember.  Inhibitory neurotransmitters keep us happy, relaxed, and peaceful.  As with most areas of life, it is all about balance.  

There are six key neurotransmitters: For focus - dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine; for learning and remembering – acetylcholine; for feeling relaxed – GABA; and for being happy - serotonin.

For a more detailed discussion of neurotransmitters, please visit my blog at: https://brwellness.com/?p=56.

Antibodies – a critical part of our immune system to keep us healthy. For more information on the immune system, please visit my blog at: https://brwellness.com/?p=780.

Enzymes – the catalyst to all the chemical reactions in our bodies.  

Where does protein come from?

Proteins come from both animal (meat, fish, poultry, milk, cheese, eggs) and plant sources (whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).  When we eat protein we are actually consuming amino acids.  Different proteins have different amino acid compositions.  

Among the amino acids there are nine that are considered “essential.”  Anytime you hear the word “essential” in nutrition it means we need to eat that specific nutrient because our body does not manufacture it.  Other “essentials” are some fatty acids, Vitamin C, and minerals.

You will also hear the term “complete” as it relates to protein.  This means that the specific protein source contains all of the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities to sustain human life.  With few exceptions, only animal based proteins are complete.  Non-animal based proteins considered to be complete include spirulina and quinoa. This is why vegetarians are advised to combine foods (such as rice and beans) to receive all the essential amino acids.

Since our body is constantly building and repairing itself, it requires a constant supply of protein.  Therefore, I recommend protein be consumed with each meal. 

What proteins should I eat?

It is best to consume grass fed meats, free range fowl, wild fish, and organic foods. Also, these are general guidelines. If you have a food sensitivity or allergy to any of the following food(s) you should not eat them. For further specific guidance I recommend you consult with a qualified nutrition consultant.  

Eat these foods for protein:

MEATS:  Beef, bison, lamb, veal, lean pork; POULTRY:  Chicken, turkey, duck; SEAFOOD:  Any wild caught fish or shellfish, fresh or frozen. Bone broth from any of the above.

OTHER PROTEINS:  Legumes (beans and peas); NUTS & SEEDS:  Nuts and seeds such as: almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raw or dehydrated. Natural nut butters where oil rises to the top - avoid commercial brands (containing hydrogenated oils and sugar), best is almond butter.

DAIRY: Eggs; Butter; Cheese, Cottage cheese; Yogurt without added sugar.

Practice balance and moderation of these foods for protein:

GRAINS (Limited quantities ONLY – 1-2 times per day maximum): Sprouted grain bread; Whole grain breads/crackers; Whole grains - brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, millet, wild rice; Whole grain cereals, pastas - i.e. oatmeal, health store cereals. Organic is best as conventional grains contain pesticides.

Avoid these protein sources: Lunch meat or cured and processed meats with nitrites or MSG; All soy that has not been fermented (miso and tempeh are okay); Wheat if you are gluten intolerant or sensitive.

How much protein should I eat?

This is a difficult question to answer.  You will see all kinds of answers depending upon the belief system of the practitioner.  The USDA’s guidelines tell you protein should be about 10% of daily calories which works out to about 45-50 grams of protein per day.  This is for the average 16-70 year old female.  That is a wide range and you are certainly not that!  

I recommend the following rule of thumb: you should consume one-third of your body weight in grams of protein for the average person and one-half body weight for an active person. And the simplest rule of thumb is to have some complete protein with each meal. For an individualized program I recommend you see a qualified professional.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. His office is in Mequon, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.