The Impact of Stress on The Body

Stress - the source of much dis-ease and disease in the human body, mind, and spirit. Take a look at the following.

The Biochemical Burden of Stress

Decreases nutrient absorption – primarily due to decreased oxygenation and gastrointestinal blood flow; decreased enzymatic production in stomach, pancreas, and liver; decreased bile flow from gall bladder.

Increases nutrient excretion – urinary loss of calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, chromium, selenium, and various microminerals.

Increases nutrient deficiencies – particularly Vitamin C, Vitamin B, iron, zinc, and selenium.

Increases blood cholesterol – stress by itself will raise LDL levels.

Increases serum triglycerides – instantly increases during stress response.

Increases blood platelet aggregation – a major risk factor in heart disease.

Increases salt retention – can lead to high blood pressure.

Increases cortisol – associated with weight gain, abdominal obesity, and inability to lose weight or build muscle. Excessive output prematurely ages the body.

Decreases gut flora populations – healthy intestinal bacteria are destroyed by stress. This can lead to immune problems, skin disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive distress.

Decreases oxygen supply – influences all aspects of metabolism.

Decreases thermic efficiency – your ability to burn calories is diminished.

Increases hydrochloric acid production – increases probability of ulcers.

Decreases growth hormone – a key hormone in growing, healing, and rebuilding body tissues. Helps to burn fat and build muscle.

Decreases salivary secretions – decreased digestion of starches and decreased oral immune factors.

Decreases thyroid hormone – can lead to a decrease in metabolic activity throughout the body.

Increases swallowing rate – a fast swallowing rate is a likely factor in digestive upset.

Decreases gastric emptying time – can lead to diarrhea and larger food particles prematurely entering small intestines, a probably factor in food allergies, sensitivities, and various disease conditions.

Increases gastric emptying time – can lead to constipation. Also a risk factor in diseases of the colon.

Increases food sensitivities and allergies – plenty of anecdotal evidence, most likely due to decreased immunity and leaky gut.

Increases erratic function of LES – lower esophageal sphincter opens inappropriately, causing gastric reflux (also known as heartburn).

Increases insulin resistance – chronic low-level stress may cause target cells to become unresponsive to insulin, a factor in diabetes, weight gain, heart disease, and aging.

Decreases eicosanoids – this important class of master hormones includes prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes. Influences energy level and numerous metabolic functions.

Increases risk of osteoporosis – bone density has been shown to decrease in stressed and depressed women. Stress increases urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, and boron.

Increases oxidative stress – prematurely ages the body. A precursor to numerous diseases.

Decreases muscle mass – means more flab and a slower metabolism.

Decreases sex hormones – can mean lower sex drive, low energy, decreased muscle mass.

Increases inflammation – the basis of many significant ailments, including brain and heart disease.

Decreases mitochondria – these are the energy powerhouses of the cell. When the shear number of these tiny cellular organelles are diminished, we literally produce less energy. Can lead to chronic fatigue.

Decreases kidney function – means toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, water retention, heart disease.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, 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.

Are You Weight Loss Resistant?

It’s that time of the year again – the New Year’s resolution. This is the year you vow to get healthier, to lose those extra pounds, and to keep them off. The health clubs are jammed with others making the same resolution. There are lines of people waiting to use the stepping machines and the exercise bikes. But, within a few short weeks the crowds disappear and there are no more lines.

Why does this happen? You’ve cut back on the booze, are eating salads for lunch, skipping a meal here and there, and are working out hard at the gym. Yet the pounds are not flying off. This is not uncommon as over 95% of all diets end in disappointment. However, don’t be discouraged. If you read on you’ll learn how you can get lasting results.

We are told the formula is simple – less food plus more exercise equals less weight. Truth be told, the formula is much more complex. You may be what is termed by leading nutritionists as “weight loss resistant.” What does this mean? Put simply it means having difficulty or an inability to lose weight. There are several factors that contribute to this and here’s how:

• Chronic stress – raises cortisol which breaks down muscle, puts sugar in the blood stream, and promotes fat storage which increases the likelihood of insulin resistance; and lowers DHEA (an anti-aging, libido stimulating, and fat burning hormone).
• Insulin resistance – blocks the burning of fat, causes fat storage around the abdomen, and causes inflammation.
• Hormone imbalances – imbalances of estrogen and progesterone in women promote fat storing; low DHEA and testosterone in men and women reduce the ability to burn fat and build muscle; high estrogen in men promotes fat storage; and high progesterone in women promotes insulin resistance.
• Hypothyroidism – muscle building is slowed, metabolism is slowed, sex hormones are not produced sufficiently and are out of balance, and general low energy and fatigue.
• Brain chemical imbalance - neurotransmitter imbalances cause cravings and inappropriate eating behaviors.
• Chronic sleep deprivation – increases cortisol, creates sugar cravings, lowers thyroid function, lowers energy, and increases appetite.
• Low Fat Free Mass – a low muscle mass to fat mass ratio keeps metabolism slow (this is often a result from chronic dieting).
• Food allergies – can cause cellular fluid retention or “false fat” and create cravings for these foods.
• Gut dysbiosis and yeast overgrowth – healthy bacteria is an important part of digestion as they consume calories, otherwise an increase of fat storage.
• Toxic burden – disrupts pH balance in gut, blood, and tissues; slows metabolic rate; disrupts absorption of minerals; disrupts hormone receptor sites creating imbalances; and lowers thyroid function (hypothyroidism).

Most programs just measure pounds lost and are successful in that realm. However, that is only part of the picture. Soon after the program is completed the weight begins to come back on. The reason – the underlying behaviors and lifestyle have not changed. With the metabolism slowed from dieting and a return to prior habits, the pounds quickly come back on.

The best program for long term health and vitality will be one that addresses your individual needs. Working with a qualified nutrition consultant you can determine your areas of weight loss resistance and develop a plan to address them. As these areas are brought back into balance your metabolism will improve, enabling you to lose weight in a healthy manner. It may take some time to get the body back on track. The body has built-in healing mechanisms and with proper nutrition and healthy behaviors the body will heal. As the body heals you will lose fat and weight.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, 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.

The Dick Diet and The Jane Diet - Programs for Sexual Health

I’m pleased to announce two new health and wellness programs – The Dick Diet and The Jane Diet. These two programs were developed from my Doctoral Dissertation Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. My research investigated and established strong links between a man’s nutrition and lifestyle and his erectile functioning. Subsequent research established similar links for a woman and her sexual functioning.

The Dick Diet and The Jane Diet are holistic approaches to male and female health. While the diets were developed and designed to support men and women suffering from sexual dysfunction, they also may help prevent other diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Perhaps the word “Diet” is a misnomer. In our society diets are viewed as a short term fix. Something we do for a short time and then go back to what we did before. And sure enough, before we know it, we are again how we were previously. So what is different? The Dick Diet and The Jane Diet are in fact a way of life. If you want to be healthy and stay healthy that requires staying on course. The “Diets” emphasize healthy food and lifestyle choices including diet, nutritional supplementation, exercise, and relaxation. They are intended for men and women who desire to be accountable and responsible for their own health.

At the same time it is important to recognize that we are all different. Since we are all individuals, one plan does not fit everyone. Therefore, The Dick Diet and The Jane Diet are ultimately customized for each person’s specific needs. Food, supplement, exercise, and relaxation regiments are individualized – they have to be to achieve optimum health for each person.

If you are interested in participating or learning more about these two programs, please send an e-mail to me at bernie@brwellness.com or call me at 262-389-9907.

Please watch this Blog and my website http://www.brwellness.com/ for more information.



Features of The Dick Diet and The Jane Diet:

Food: An emphasis on organic and whole foods that are consumed closest to their natural state. It includes a healthy mixture of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Carbohydrate sources: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, complex carbohydrates. Sugars and processed foods are not allowed.

Protein sources: Grass fed beef or bison, free range and antibiotic/hormone free chicken and turkey, free range and antibiotic/hormone free eggs, wild salmon and other cold water fish, and legumes.

Fat sources: Coconut oil, olive oil, butter, nuts and seeds, fish, grass fed beef, organic whole fat yogurt, organic raw cheeses, and organic whole fat cottage cheese.

Vitamin and mineral sources: Fruits and vegetables.

Water sources: Pure water, fruits and vegetables.

Supplements: The diets emphasize whole food based and herbal supplements. These have been utilized for many years across many different populations with success in improving sexual dysfunctions in men and women.

Exercise: While there are many healthy forms of exercise, this approach focuses on walking and burst training for aerobic activity and cardiovascular health, and yoga for strength and flexibility.

Relaxation: Stress management and relaxation are the keys to success on these programs. This is the time we allow our body to repair and regenerate itself. These are best achieved through specific breathing and meditative techniques to generate deep relaxation and stress reduction.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, 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.

Just because it is labeled “Organic” does not mean it is healthy

We read and hear a lot today about buying organic foods. They are supposed to be healthier for us. In most cases this is quite true. When we are buying fruits, vegetables, whole grains, eggs, meat, and dairy, organic is a very healthy choice.

However, to put it simply – a chip is still a chip. An organic corn chip is still a corn chip. It is still processed corn deep fried in an oil. The corn is still processed and the oil is still damaged from high heat. An organic canned vegetable is still a canned vegetable. It has been packaged and processed with most of the nutrients being lost. An organic cracker made from organic enriched flour is still made from enriched flour.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, 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.

Whole wheat bread does not necessarily mean whole grain

This is another good one and another case where you really have to read your labels. Whole grains are a healthy carbohydrate choice because they are a “complex” or slow releasing carbohydrate. This means that they break down into sugar slower, therefore providing a constant stream of energy to the body. Refined and processed grains are fast releasing carbohydrates. They break down into sugar quickly, providing immediately available energy. However, when that energy is not needed at that moment by the body, the sugar is stored as fat.
The classic marketing hype here is with breads. Most breads are made from refined flour. This is wheat that has had the nutritious germ and bran removed and then processed into flour. Some synthetic B vitamins will be sprayed back in and it will be labeled “enriched” flour. Only “whole wheat” still contains the germ and the bran. When reading the labels look for “whole wheat” or “stone ground wheat”. When it says “wheat flour”, “enriched”, “unbleached”, or “bleached” it is still processed, refined, non-nutritious white flour.

There is another labeling trick here as well. Products can claim to be “whole grain” or “whole wheat” if that is one of the ingredients. So, you have to read the label carefully. Ingredients are listed in the order of quantity in the product. In most of these “whole grain” crackers or cereals the primary ingredient is still enriched flour. The whole grain will be further down the ingredient list.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, 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.

Products labeled “0 Trans-fats” may contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils

This is one of my personal favorites. With the wide acceptance that trans-fats are not healthy and one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, there has been great pressure placed on the food and restaurant industry to remove trans-fats from our food supply.

Hydrogenation is a process to preserve and prevent unsaturated (liquid) fats from spoiling so they can be used in processed foods to lengthen shelf life. It is also a way to make liquid oils harder and spreadable. During the process they are heated to high temperatures that destroy most of the oil’s beneficial qualities. In addition, once in the body, they are no longer recognized as an unsaturated fat and treated more like a saturated fat. Therefore, they get involved in bodily functions where they should not be, leading to a variety of health problems.

So how can this be? How can a product labeled “0 Trans-fats” contain these oils? Simple, the labeling refers to trans-fats per serving. Per government labeling rules, as long as there is less than one-half gram of trans-fats per serving, it can be rounded down to zero! So, depending upon what the product manufacturer determines a serving to be, this will translate into the labeling.

My advice to you – read your labels very carefully so you won’t be fooled by this misleading labeling claim. Many products that are marketed to be healthy alternatives contain these oils. If you still eat margarine, switch to organic non-salted butter. It is the healthiest choice.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, 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.

Farm Raised Salmon is not a good source of Omega-3 EFAs

We’ve all been told to increase our consumption of Omega 3 essential fatty acids (found in fish oil). These are EPA and DHA which are beneficial to the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. They are important for normal growth of our blood vessels and nerves. Omega 3’s have been found to decrease blood clotting, lower triglyceride levels, decrease blood pressure, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Another important essential fatty acid is the Omega 6. Most nutritionists believe we should consume these oils in a 2:1 or so ration of Omega 6’s to Omega 3’s. However, the typical American consumes them in a ratio of anywhere from 20:1 to 50:1. Clearly we are getting too many Omega 6’s.

One of the best sources of Omega 3’s are fish from cold water, particularly salmon. However, this salmon has to be wild, not farm raised. When raised on a farm, the fish do not eat the same diet as in the wild. While it will be stated that farm raised salmon is a good source of Omega 3’s, which is true, it is contains a significant amount of Omega 6’s. Therefore, when we eat it, we are not doing anything to improve our Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio. In addition, farm raised salmon is naturally grey in color. How come it looks pink in the store? It is injected with a pink food dye.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, 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.