What Can Your Urine Tell You? A Lot!!

Introducing two new easy at home tests to measure internal function related to cell membrane health and detoxification capabilities. If you want these tests can also be done at my office.

The Meta-Oxy Test is a quick and easy test that measures malondialdehyde in the urine. Malondialdehydes are toxins that are released into the bloodstream when fats, including cell membranes are oxidized. The kidneys excrete them into the urine. Thus, this test is a general measure of cell membrane damage due to peroxidation of fats.

All you need to do is pipette a small amount of urine into the test vial and look for color change. The darker the magenta color, the more cellular damage is occurring. 

When cell membranes are damaged and fail to perform optimally we see: poor cell signaling of the immune system, increased metabolic toxicity, reduced cellular energy, damaged DNA, poor tissue function, unresponsive hormones, increased risk of abnormal cell proliferations, and increased risk of cardiovascular concerns.

The Sulfite and Sulfate Test is a quick and easy test that measures sulfites and sulfates in the urine. Both excess sulfites and sulfates are toxins, particularly to the nervous system. Excess may stimulate a stress and cortisol response (adrenal stress, fatigue), excess ammonia (resulting in reduced cellular energy), hydrogen sulfide production (“brain fog”), and excitotoxicity (anxiety, sleeplessness, attention disorders).

Excess levels of sulfite and sulfate can be controlled via the diet through sulphur intake restriction and via supplementation. Many drugs contain sulfur, so these may be creating additional stress on your system if high levels of sulfite and sulfate exist.

Test strips results should be as low as possible. Sulfates should be under 800 mg/L.

The Strong Link Between Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Have you ever wondered why there seem to be so many advertisements for erectile dysfunction (ED) medication - Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra - on television and in the magazines you are reading?  I did, and began an investigation that would ultimately become my Doctoral dissertation.  The reason is quite simple – there is a lot of erectile dysfunction (ED).  Over 30 million men in the United States suffer from it.  ED affects over 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 and the incidence of complete ED triples between those ages.  Even more disconcerting, experts expect cases of ED to more than double over the next 25 years.

Erectile dysfunction imposes significant social costs.  It impacts a man’s satisfaction with his life and his relationship with others.  Studies show that sexual intimacy is desired by older adults.  A study in 29 countries consisting of 27,000 men and women aged 40 to 80 found less than 20% of the respondents agreed with the statement “older people no longer want sex”.  Due to the rising incidence of erectile dysfunction many couples will not be able to enjoy healthy sexual relations in their later years.

Why is erectile dysfunction on the rise?  Many researchers, including me, believe it is a direct result of poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices.  For many years it was thought that ED was mostly psychological, but recent studies have shown that over 80% of ED is due to physical causes.  For the erectile process to function correctly several systems of the body need to be healthy – blood needs to be flowing smoothly and unobstructed throughout the body, nerves need to be firing and sending messages between the brain and the relevant body parts, and libido needs to be present to encourage sexual interest.  All of these systems require proper nutrition to correctly function.

To better understand the causes of ED we can look at the scientifically documented risk factors.  Risk factors related to lifestyle choices include alcohol consumption, diet, hormone levels, inflammation, obesity, sedentary (lack of exercise) lifestyle, cholesterol levels, use of prescription drugs, tobacco smoking, stress, and (yes) motorcycling.  There is also a strong association between ED and the medical diagnoses of depression, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).  Studies show that most men with ED suffer from these conditions which are often a direct result of the same lifestyle choice risk factors previously listed.  In fact, the connection has been made that ED is often a warning sign for cardiovascular disease.

So, how is this all related to diet and nutrition?  For the body to operate optimally it needs the right nutrients.  Many studies have shown the connection between a poor diet and all the risk factors and conditions listed above.  Diets that are high in sugars, refined grains, processed meat and dairy; while low in fruits, vegetables, protein and healthy fats produce these conditions.  Once men are placed on healthier diets, their symptoms of ED are reduced and often completely eliminated.  Through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sometimes with the help of specific supplements proper erectile functioning can be restored.

Many people will ask, “What’s wrong with using medications”?  My answer is while the medications will work in most cases, there are side effects, some of which can be quite dangerous.  But even more important, the medication is not repairing the underlying condition.  Erectile dysfunction is your body telling you that something is not quite right and needs your attention.  It is your warning sign to take action before a more serious or life threatening event occurs.

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 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.

June 2014 Newsletter - The Adrenal Summit, Viggor, and Cleanse for Your Dog?

As I look out my window this morning it looks like summer has finally arrived! The grass is nice and green, the dandelions are popping up, and the sun is shining! It looks like a busy month here and I have a feeling the summer is going to fly by. 

I thought I’d share some family good news items. Zach is on his way to our nation’s capitol for the summer. He has a Sports Marketing internship with the Washington Nationals so will be getting paid to be around baseball and get first hand marketing experience. Pretty awesome – congratulations Zach!!  Mollie will be graduating from high school in a few weeks and soon after that her college adventure starts. She will be attending Northeastern University in Boston and playing soccer. She reports in early August for training. Needless to say I am very proud of my kids and their accomplishments!

I have lots of stuff to share this month so the newsletter is a bit longer than normal. As you know, I usually don’t promote products (except for “the Cleanse”) in the newsletter, but this month I make an exception to introduce you to Glen Depke and his Adrenal Summit. This is something you definitely want to explore. See below for details.

I am excited to announce that I have been selected to be a contributor to a new awesome health site targeted for men called Viggor. I will tell you more about that below also.  And, a cleanse for dogs? Why not!

The Adrenal Summit – Well Worth Participating!

Meet Glen Depke, Depke Wellness, and his awesome program The Adrenal Summit. I met Glen several years ago at a wellness seminar. At the time he worked for Dr. Mercola in the Chicago area. He has since moved on to his own practice in sunny Southern California. Glen is an awesome practitioner and educator. His newsletters are filled with important information and I’ll often post and tweet them to my network.

Earlier this year he orchestrated The Adrenal Summit. It consists of thirteen interviews with specific topic experts. While it is called The Adrenal Summit it addresses much more. It connects the dots between adrenal health and the many areas that influence it including diet, exercise, food sensitivities, blood sugar management, stress management, immune system health, thyroid health, emotional health and more. 

The interviews have been recorded and you can purchase the series for $97. It is a great deal as all the practitioners offer free gifts. But unlike what you often see, these free gifts are of real value. I strongly encourage you to see what Glen has to offer. As I said earlier, I don’t usually hawk other people’s products. But this is well worth it. I have personally listened to all the interviews myself and have gained a greater understanding of these issues. Here is a link to The Adrenal Summit home page.

http://www.adrenalsummit.com/?af=51442

Viggor

Never underestimate the power of networking! Several months ago I was introduced to David Guinther by a mutual friend in Madison. David is an awesome guy. In a nutshell he is a prostate cancer survivor who now devotes significant energy to helping other men live healthier. He offers education and information to both help prevent prostate cancer and to support those who are currently battling it. While we don’t hear much about it, prostate cancer will impact 1 in 6 men at some point in their life.

David has several health ventures going. One of them is Viggor – which David calls, “… a guiding light on your journey to improve your health and quality of life. Our Expert panel is driven by a common desire to freely share their training, experience, research, insights, and knowhow with you…” We are just up and running, but check it out; there is something there for everybody! http://viggor.com/

In addition to David and myself there are two more contributing experts. Meet Dr. Geo Espinosa, a naturopathic doctor recognized as an authority in integrative management of urological and prostate conditions. Dr. Geo is the founder and director of the Integrative Urology Center at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. 

Together, David and Dr. Geo created XYWellness a company focused on integrative approaches to improving the health of men diagnosed with serious urological conditions. David and Dr. Geo have been inspirational and supportive in getting me back on track in writing my book on men’s health. You’ll be hearing more on that in coming months.

The fourth contributor/expert at Viggor is David’s wife Amy Guinther. She is an acupuncturist and owns Madison Acupuncture and Complimentary Medicine. 

Check us out http://viggor.com/

Cleanse for Dogs?

I thought I had seen it all until one of my clients sent me a newsletter from an holistic veterinarian based in Vancouver, British Columbia promoting his “Clean and Lean Machine Program” for dogs!! Sure enough, it is a doggie cleanse and he uses Standard Process products. Here’s a link to his website http://peterdobias.com/ and here’s a link to where he describes the cleanse http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=7cc70f055eb2ab88accdc27e5&id=03411f239d&e=13d2429e6d

Let me know what you think!!

Announcing Viggor.com - a new health information website

Never underestimate the power of networking! Several months ago I was introduced to David Guinther by a mutual friend in Madison. David is an awesome guy. In a nutshell he is a prostate cancer survivor who now devotes significant energy to helping other men live healthier. He offers education and information to both help prevent prostate cancer and to support those who are currently battling it. While we don’t hear much about it, prostate cancer will impact 1 in 6 men at some point in their life.

David has several health ventures going. One of them is Viggor – which David calls, “… a guiding light on your journey to improve your health and quality of life. Our Expert panel is driven by a common desire to freely share their training, experience, research, insights, and knowhow with you…” We are just up and running, but check it out; there is something there for everybody! http://viggor.com/

In addition to David and myself there are two more contributing experts. Meet Dr. Geo Espinosa, a naturopathic doctor recognized as an authority in integrative management of urological and prostate conditions. Dr. Geo is the founder and director of the Integrative Urology Center at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. 

Together, David and Dr. Geo created XYWellness a company focused on integrative approaches to improving the health of men diagnosed with serious urological conditions. David and Dr. Geo have been inspirational and supportive in getting me back on track in writing my book on men’s health. You’ll be hearing more on that in coming months.

The fourth contributor/expert at Viggor is David’s wife Amy Guinther. She is an acupuncturist and owns Madison Acupuncture and Complimentary Medicine.

Check us out http://viggor.com/

The Adrenal Summit - An Event You Don't Want to Miss

The Adrenal Summit – Well Worth Participating!

Meet Glen Depke, Depke Wellness, and his awesome program The Adrenal Summit. I met Glen several years ago at a wellness seminar. At the time he worked for Dr. Mercola in the Chicago area. He has since moved on to his own practice in sunny Southern California. Glen is an awesome practitioner and educator. His newsletters are filled with important information and I’ll often post and tweet them to my network.

Earlier this year he orchestrated The Adrenal Summit. It consists of thirteen interviews with specific topic experts. While it is called The Adrenal Summit it addresses much more. It connects the dots between adrenal health and the many areas that influence it including diet, exercise, food sensitivities, blood sugar management, stress management, immune system health, thyroid health, emotional health and more. 

The interviews have been recorded and you can purchase the series for $97. It is a great deal as all the practitioners offer free gifts. But unlike what you often see, these free gifts are of real value. I strongly encourage you to see what Glen has to offer. As I said earlier, I don’t usually hawk other people’s products. But this is well worth it. I have personally listened to all the interviews myself and have gained a greater understanding of these issues. Here is a link to The Adrenal Summit home page.

http://www.adrenalsummit.com/?af=51442