Friday, February 29, 2008

Sea Salt and Iodine Answers

The best salt is unrefined salt. It is light grey, pink, or beige in color. Specific brands to look for include Brittany sea salt, Celtic sea salt, Eden sea salt, Himalayan crystal salt, Krystal salt, and Sea Works unrefined sea salt. The reason that sea salt is good for you is that it is rich in minerals (including iodine) and is alkalizing to the body. The reason the confusion comes up about iodine and salt is during the refining process everything is removed and then iodine is added back. With these natural salts, it is already there!

More on iodine - Iodine is a trace element and an essential micronutrient. Remember that the term "essential" means our body does not make it, we have to ingest it. Iodine is needed for endocrine efficiency, normal growth, and cellular function. It is used in making the thyroid hormones of thyroxine and triidothyronine. We need it in small amounts, but the body can not store it, so we need to consume it on a regular basis.

The best sources of iodine are sea foods (particularly cold water deep sea fish), unrefined sea salt, kelp and other sea weeds, fish broth, butter, pineapple, artichokes, asparagus, and dark green vegetables. Certain vegetables (that contain "goitrogen") actually block iodine absorption. These foods should be cooked. They include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peanuts, rutabaga, soybeans, turnips, and watercress. In addition flouride and chlorine block iodine receptors in the thyroid. The B vitamins aid thyroid function.

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.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Sugar...By Any Other Name

Following is a list of sugars and corn products commonly found in packaged foods. Corn products are included because they break down quickly into sugar.

Barley malt
Blackstrap molasses
Brown sugar
Cane sugar
Citric acid
Corn meal
Corn starch
Corn sweeteners
Corn syrup
Confectioner’s sugar
Cyclodextrins
Date sugar
Dextrin
Dextrose
D-mannose
Evaporated cane juice
Fructose
Fruit juice concentrate
Glucose
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Honey
Invert sugar
Lactose
Lactic acid
Malt syrup
Maltodextrin
Maltose
Mannitol
Maple syrup
Modified and unmodified starches
Molasses
MSG
Raw sugar
Sorbitol
Sucrose
Syrup
Table sugar
Turbinado sugar
Xantham gum

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.

What is Lacto-Fermentation?

Prior to refrigeration, freezing, and canning machines food was preserved through the process of lacto-fermentation. Lactic acid is a natural preservative that inhibits putrefying (bad) bacteria. Starches and sugars in vegetables and fruits are converted into lactic acid by the many species of lactic-acid producing bacteria (lactobacilli). These are present on the surface of all living things and especially numerous on leaves and roots of plants growing near the ground.

The proliferation of lactobacilli in fermented foods enhances their digestibility and increases vitamin levels. These beneficial organisms produce their own numerous helpful enzymes as well as antibiotic and anticarcinogenic substances. Lactic acid also promotes the growth of healthy flora in the intestine.

Lacto fermented foods normalize the acidity of the stomach. Lactic acid helps break down proteins and aids their assimilation by the body.

Examples of a lacto-fermented food include raw sauerkraut (cabbage), kimchi, beet kvass, kefir, and sourdough breads.

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.

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented food made from milk. It is rich in beneficial yeast and bacteria. These friendly micro-organisms play an important role in our digestion, help balance our “inner ecosystem” and are useful in building immunity or regaining health. Kefir contains minerals and essential amino acids including: tryptophan (relaxing effect on nervous system), vitamin B12, vitamin B1, and vitamin K. It has a tart taste, similar to drinking yogurt.

Without sufficient friendly bacteria and yeast (also called “flora”), the “unfriendly” ones take over our system causing poor digestion and limiting our absorption of nutrients. This leads to nutrient deficiencies and is expressed through a variety of symptoms including headaches, depression, skin rashes, food allergies, joint and muscle pain, menstrual irregularities, digestive problems, environmental sensitivities, and other immune related disorders.

Kefir is different from yogurt in that it contains beneficial yeast and bacteria. Yogurt contains only beneficial bacteria.

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.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

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.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

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.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

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.