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Diet, Weight Loss & Nutrition

The Single Best Daily Habit To Prevent Obesity

The Single Best Daily Habit To Prevent Obesity

If you’re struggling with an increased BMI (body mass index), elevated waist circumference, increased skinfold thickness, or if you’re overweight or obese, then read on. There’s one simple daily habit to incorporate into your life to help prevent weight gain. Dozens of studies have shown how effective this one habit is.

Daily Habit To Help with Obesity

Don’t overlook a healthy diet and regular exercise

three people walking down a dirt trail Now, that’s not to overlook how important daily movement and therapeutic exercise is to the prevention of weight gain. Simply walking for 20 minutes a day, three to five times a week is highly recommended. If you’re able to incorporate more vigorous exercise in your routine, that’s even better.

You can’t overlook how important a healthy diet is either. Try replacing the bad fats in your diet with healthy fats like omega-3s, -7s, -9s, and eating more fruits and vegetables. In order to get enough micronutrients and macronutrients, it’s recommended that you eat nine servings of fresh produce in five colors every day.

One simple tip to prevent weight gain

skillet of eggs and other healthy breakfast foodsHowever, there’s one simple tip that dozens of studies have shown will help prevent weight gain: don’t skip breakfast! Let’s take a look at six of the most impressive studies.

  1. The first study was done with 272 individuals over the age of 60, comparing those who ate breakfast to those who skipped breakfast. The individuals who skipped breakfast were 44% more likely to have obesity affect their lives.

    It’s already clear how important eating a good breakfast is. The gold standard is to eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.

  2. two women enjoying conversation over breakfast mealsThe second study showed that obesity was 1.5 times higher in individuals who did not consistently eat breakfast.
  3. A third study showed that individuals who skipped breakfast had lower energy levels, but individuals who did eat breakfast could engage in more physical activity throughout the day.
  4. In a study done with adolescents, skipping breakfast was associated with a worse lipid profile. These individuals had worse cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

    Clearly eating breakfast is important for weight management in both the young and old!

  5. The fifth study showed that breakfast significantly contributed to the daily micronutrient intake by providing an average of 24% more dietary fiber, 32% more iron, 30% more calcium, 32% more folic acid, and 37% more of a B vitamin called riboflavin.
  6. The last study showed that habitual breakfast skippers are at an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure. This study was conducted in India, and the consistent breakfast skippers were more overweight and more obese.

Trim-14 supplement by Zenith LabsDozens more studies that show the importance of eating breakfast daily. It’s a simple habit you can incorporate in your life, starting now! Remember, simple changes can affect the trajectory of your entire life moving forward. Incorporating breakfast in your daily routine is important for maintaining a healthy weight, and will reduce risk factors like cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and more.

At Zenith Labs, we have developed a supplement call Trim-14. When you pair this supplement with good habits like eating breakfast daily and getting in healthy movement, it can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.


dr ryan shelton of zenith labsIf you liked this video/article, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

will fruit

Will Fruit Make You Fat?

 

Have you ever wondered if eating fruit will make you fat? If it could cause weight gain? Because of the high sugar content and high carbohydrate content in fruits, many researchers have looked into just this question.


You’ll find the answer here. Scientific research has shown that eating more whole fruit will not cause weight gain. In fact, just the opposite is true. Incorporating more whole fruit into your diet may help with weight loss.

bowl of fresh fruit salad with strawberries, bananas, kiwis, and oranges in a glass bowlHistorically, our hunter and gatherer ancestors ate a tremendous amount of fruit. Today, it’s estimated that less than 10% of most Western populations consume adequate amounts of whole fruits and dietary fiber. The recommended daily intake is 40 to 50 grams of fiber every day. Yet only about 3% of men and 6% of women habitually consume over 14 grams of fiber per day. This intake is about half of the recommended levels.

Fruit fiber is a relatively small component of the total dietary fiber consumed in populations eating Western diets. Between the years of 2015 and 2020, dietary guidelines for Americans named fiber as a major shortfall nutrient and it became an important public health concern. The low fiber Western diet has contributed to an increased risk of weight gain, inflammation, chronic diseases, and other health concerns. There is also an increased risk of colonic, or intestinal micro bacteria dysbiosis causing the growth of bad bacteria in your gut, and reducing the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A growing number of human trials support the prebiotic effects of whole fruit and fruit fiber in promoting a healthy microbiome in the gut for gut health, for brain health, for immune health.

fresh vegetables and fruits laid out on a tableIn 2016, a dose-response randomized control trial with 122 individuals consuming fruit found that the fiber content of fruit and vegetables was more important than the polyphenol (or antioxidant) content found in those fruits and vegetables.

A number of protective cohort studies have observed associations between diets containing fruits and vegetables, and weight control, weight loss, and risk of obesity. A study in 2015, systematically reviewed a meta-analysis 17 studies of over 500,000 participants showed that fruit intake was associated with modest reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and a reduced risk of obesity by about 17%.

top down view of a breakfast bowl full of fresh berries in yoghurt

In 2016, a review article concluded that consumption of increased levels of whole fruit was uniquely protective against weight gain and obesity. Pooled data from three United States protective studies, including nurses health studies and health professionals, showed that over 100,000 men and women showed improvement in weight and reduced risks for obesity.

There was a longitudinal study done in Australia on women’s health. Over six years with a group of 4,000 women, the study found that women who consumed 117 grams of fruits and vegetables gained less weight than those consuming fewer fruits and vegetables.

Health Benefits of Fruit

woman holding up fresh strawberries and smiling

Evidence of the health benefits of consuming adequate levels of whole fruits has been steadily growing, especially regarding their bioactive fiber, prebiotic effects, role in improving weight loss, weight control, wellness, and healthy aging. Whole fruit contains water, fiber, and powerful antioxidants important in a healthy diet. The beneficial health effects of consuming whole fruit include:

  • Improving gut health
  • Lowering elevate LDL cholesterol
  • Reducing the risk of excessive weight gain and obesity
  • Decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and mortality risk
  • Reducing risks of several types of cancers, stroke, and type II diabetes

Eating whole fruits is the best way to get the nutrients you need. However, you could try to get your intake through juices too. Although most of the fiber from whole fruit is removed from fruit juice processing, 100% fruit juice should contain similar levels of other healthy vitamins and minerals.

Fun Fact: Frozen fruit may provide more bioavailable proanthocyanidins than even fresh fruit. Fresh fruit is still recommended but frozen fruit are an acceptable alternative in a healthy diet. Avoid dried fruit because it removes water and degrades some of the powerful antioxidants contained in the fruit.

frozen berriesNow, there are a few caveats you should know about. There are high glycemic fruits and low glycemic fruits. These are different and can impact blood sugar control and risk factors for obesity, risk factors for diabetes. High glycemic fruits include bananas, pineapples, watermelons, dates, raisins, passion fruit, and mango. Lower glycemic fruits include cherries, berries, apricots, pears, apples, grapefruits, plums, and peaches.

Another caveat is that there are some fruits that are listed to be at risk for pesticides. For these fruits, you want to try to make sure to go organic as often as you can. These are fruits like strawberries, nectarines, apples, peaches, cherries, and pears.

Let us know what your favorite fruits are and how they have impacted your health and wellbeing!


dr ryan shelton of zenith labsIf you liked this video/article, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

What's Worse Eating Processed Sugar or Trans Fat

What’s Worse Eating Processed Sugar or Trans Fat (Doctor’s Opinion)

A recent question came in online: Which is worse, trans fats or processed sugar? Now, sometimes questions posed like this, which is worse, just begs the conclusion that they’re both bad for you. But based on research, trans fats are worse than processed sugar. Let’s get into the details to understand why that is.

About trans fat

nutritional label focused on trans fatsTrans fat is an unsaturated fatty acid and a by-product of partially hydrogenated oils. It’s found in many processed foods, including margarine, coffee creamers, fast foods, frozen pizza, snack foods, and baked goods. Trans fat is also found in some peanut butter. It is frequently used by the food industry because it improves the stability of flavor and shelf life of food. It seems that the primary reason trans fats were added to the food system was due to the scrutiny of saturated fat that researchers had in the 1950s and ’60s. Considering the benefits to shelf life, flavor stability, and flexibility of food, manufacturers were gladly making the change from saturated fat to trans fat.

Medical professionals consider trans fat to be one of the most unhealthy compounds found in food today. Trans fat consumption is associated with an increase in bad cholesterol (or LDL), decrease in good cholesterol (HDL), and increased inflammation. These health risks can speed up the development of atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, increase the risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cardiac-related sudden death.

scale measuring cholesterol levelIn 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration announced its decision to eliminate trans fats from food in the United States by 2018. Even though the FDA has recognized the negative health effects of trans fats and is taking steps to remove it, trans fat is still prevalent in our food. While the American Dietetic Association recommends no more than 1% of your daily caloric intake come from trans fats, unclear nutrition labels mean a lot of trans fats are still sneaking into your diet. Anything labeled as “partially hydrogenated fat” or “zero grams of trans fat”, doesn’t mean that there’s no trans fat in the product. This is because the FDA previously allowed products to be labeled with “zero grams of trans fat” as long as the product had less than 0.5 grams of trans fat in it. Multiple servings of “zero” grams of trans fats foods can result in much more than the recommended amount.

In 2006, an analysis found that a 2% increase in trans fat intake is associated with a 23% in cardiovascular disease risk. Cutting commercial trans fat from 2.1% of daily energy intake to 1.1% could potentially prevent 72,000 cardiovascular deaths per year. A drop to 0.1% of daily average energy intake could potentially prevent 228,000 cardiovascular deaths every year in the US.

natural sources of trans fats such as salmon, avocado, olive oil and nuts on a wooden tableNow, there is a difference between processed trans fats and natural sources of trans fats. There are natural sources of trans fats that are produced by ruminant animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. The milk or dairy that they produce contain trans fats. The studies are quite clear that industrial, synthetic forms of trans fat cause an increase in risk factors of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but the same is not true from the naturally-occurring trans fat from ruminant animals.

About processed sugar

cube of sugar half submerged in waterSome people cannot stop themselves from eating too much processed foods, in effect, eating their way into shorter lifespans caused by chronic conditions. It’s wise to be aware of both the evidence and your personal food habits and triggers for overeating junk food. The bottom line is that no amount of trans fats from industrial, synthetic forms has been deemed safe. On the other hand, you can eat sugar — as long as you do so extremely responsibly.

In the 1750s, our average intake of sugar was six to eight pounds per year. In the 1850s, that figure went up to 25 pounds per year. In the 1950s, it went up to 120 pounds per year. Currently, it sits around 130 pounds per year, which is about 40 teaspoons per day. That’s an enormous amount of sugar! Sugar is used for energy, but it’s the over consumption of processed sugar that is really detrimental to health. Estimates are that 20% of current caloric intake is from reduced empty calories of processed sugar.

three wooden spoons with various forms of processed sugars on themArtificial sweeteners such as aspartame, neotame, saccharine, sucralose, cyclamate, and alitame, have all been studied. The truth is that we do not yet know the full impact of artificial sweeteners. What we do know is that artificial sweeteners can trick the brain into thinking that you’re not eating something as sweet as it is, and so you tend to over-consume food. Researchers for Harvard University found that individuals who drink a lot of diet soda or take in a lot of artificial sweeteners may lose their taste for natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables. That’s where the problem lies — when you tend to overconsume processed sugars and artificial sweeteners with disregard to the natural sugars found in fruits in vegetables.

corn syrup in a beaker with a cob of corn in the backgroundHigh-fructose corn syrup is a blend of both glucose and fructose where both molecules are joined together, but it’s highly processed. The metabolic response by the body in reference to mostly leptin and insulin levels are negative when it comes to high-fructose corn syrup. Currently, it’s been concluded by an expert panel that high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose do not have that much difference influence on body composition and obesity. But make no mistake, high-fructose corn syrup is not blameless when it comes to adult obesity. It does cause obesity when over-consumed and is constantly correlated with increases in obesity and the development of diabetes. Sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with chronic inflammation, which can be related to increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Omega 3-7-9 + Krill by zenith labsProcessed sugar has been related to development of obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, anxiety, depression, headaches, migraines, ADHD, PMS symptoms, candidiasis or overgrowth of yeast in the intestines, accelerated aging, and decreased immune function. So controlling your intake of processed sugar is important for health.

The bottom line is that you should eat whole foods and healthy fats. Here at Zenith Labs, we’ve created an extremely high quality, high potent Omega 3-7-9 + Krill Oil. You can use it to help cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Let us know your comments below!


dr ryan shelton of zenith labsIf you liked this video/article and found it useful, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

dr sheltons signature

 

 

 

What Happens To Your Body If You Take Apple Cider Vinegar

What Happens To Your Body If You Take Apple Cider Vinegar Daily For 30 Days?

If you think that apple cider vinegar is a new health fad, it’s not. The consumption of small amounts of vinegar has actually been in practice for hundreds of years. Perhaps you’ve been told by a self-proclaimed health guru that apple cider vinegar is a magical panacea to cure all health ailments, that is simply not true. But there are some specific health conditions for which apple cider vinegar may be beneficial. We’ll review some additional myths and we’ll review some tips and how to optimize the effects of taking apple cider vinegar.

What can apple cider vinegar help you with?

1. Metabolic syndrome

overweight woman with a tape measure around her neck grabbing her love handles

Metabolic syndrome is a serious consequence of obesity. It’s characterized by increased cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia or negative changes in triglycerides and cholesterol, and glucose intolerance. There have been some studies in rats that show that consumption of apple cider vinegar may reduce risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

Another study showed that intake of a high-fat diet alters the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the body, and apple cider vinegar can be beneficial for the obesity-induced oxidative stress as a result of consuming a high-fat diet. And so, if you’re struggling with metabolic syndrome or obesity, there is research that shows that consuming apple cider vinegar may be beneficial.

2. Reduce risk of diabetes and helps weight control

person holding up a blood sugar monitor with fresh vegetables and a bowl of salad in the background

There are other studies on healthy humans that show that the consumption of vinegar, particularly on an empty stomach, may delay gastric or stomach emptying and lowers post-meal blood glucose and insulin levels. Not only does that lower your risk factors for diabetes, but the delayed gastric-emptying also helps you to feel full longer. So, you’re less likely to consume higher amounts of calories which can help you keep your weight under control.

3. Detox

close up of a woman's face with a piece of fruit in her mouth with the words detox on it

Apple cider vinegar works to detoxify your liver for better overall health and bodily function. Also, it helps to build a healthy lymphatic system that nurtures proper circulation of your lymph, and lymph is truly your body’s way of getting rid of garbage.

4. Lowers blood sugar levels

computer screen with words blood sugar levels

Drinking unfiltered apple cider vinegar can help to lower blood sugar levels by as much as 4%. By its very nature, apple cider vinegar can regulate healthy blood sugar levels in the body, which is great for individuals with type-two diabetes. Apple cider vinegar can decrease triglycerides so you reduce your risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

5. Promotes bone health

xray image of an arm doing a thumbs up

Did you know that 25% of females are diagnosed with osteoporosis every year? Apple cider vinegar can help to prevent your bones from becoming more brittle. It achieves this because it is an acid, and it is required to help breakdown minerals in the foods that you eat such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. If you’re better able to extract those minerals, you’re going to set yourself up for better bone health.

Tips for taking apple cider vinegar

jar of apple cider vinegar with fresh red apples around it on a wooden table
  1. Dilute it. Use one to two tablespoons per cup or pint of water. If you take it straight up, it’s too acidic and it can cause problems.
  2. Make sure to swish or spit with water after consumption. As apple cider vinegar is acidic, it can erode your dental health over time. So, make sure you either swish or spit with water after you consume it or drink it through a straw.
  3. Take on an empty stomach in the morning.
  4. Add it to foods. If you’re just simply not a fan of the taste of apple cider vinegar in water, it makes a tremendously delicious salad dressing. If you add it to olive oil in roughly equal amounts, you get the power of the acid in apple cider vinegar plus the benefits of the monosaturated fats in olive oil.

Busting myths on apple cider vinegar

small bowl of unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother in a yellow spoon and some fresh red apples on the side of the bowl
  • It does not alkalize the body. Your body has to maintain a very narrow pH in the blood and in every cell in the body. So, even though it’s an acid, it doesn’t necessarily alkalize the body.
  • It’s not a cure for any ailment, certainly not a cure for cancer, but there have been some studies that show that it may reduce your risk factors for both colon cancer and esophageal cancer.
  • It’s not safe for everyone. If you’re on medications, make sure you speak to your physician to make sure that you’re clear to consume apple cider vinegar. It can worsen certain health conditions such as bad acid reflux or stomach ulcers.

Dr. Ryan Shelton

If you liked this video/article and found it useful, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

long life

The 5 Commandments Of Eating Healthy To Live A Long Life

If you’re feeling inundated, overwhelmed, and confused about the best dietary nutritional program that you should eat to reduce your risk factors for chronic health conditions – you’re not alone. There’s tons of information online and tens of thousands of scientific research articles to examine just this topic.

Fortunately, there are a few common trends that come up over and over again, and the medical scientific community (for the most part) are behind these recommendations because they consistently show that they’re successful in reducing risk factors for chronic health conditions and promote optimal health and wellness. For the sake of this post, we’ll call them the Five Commandments of Healthy Eating.

I’ve made some other posts about foods to avoid. And if you haven’t seen them, I encourage you to check them out. And again, the scientific community is, for the most part, agreed upon these, like avoiding or limiting trans fats, avoiding or eliminating fried foods and fast foods, avoiding or eliminating refined sugars, and avoiding any kind of food allergy or food sensitivity that you may have. Some research articles show that Americans may have as many as one to three food sensitivities or food allergies in as many as 25 to 33% of Americans.

The five commandments of healthy eating

1. Increase fruit and vegetable intakes

various fresh fruits and vegetables laid out on a table

Research has shown that as few as 10 to 15% of Americans are consuming adequate recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. Fruits contain important macronutrients and micronutrients, complex carbohydrates, protein, essential fatty acids, and fiber.

Fiber is an important macronutrient that is severely under-consumed by Americans. It’s recommended that you take in roughly 40 to 50 grams of fiber a day. Fiber is only found in the vegetable/fruit kingdom where we get those insoluble fibers, which research consistently has shown may reduce risk factors for the development of certain kinds of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Plus fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and proanthocyanidins, that are important for every cellular function in the body. It is recommended to have nine servings of five colors each and every day.

2. Get sufficient essential fatty acids

different omega 3-and essential fatty-rich foods such as salmon, eggs, nuts and seeds

A report in 2010 showed that most Americans were not getting adequate amounts of essential fatty acids. The recommended intake is one gram per day (of both EPA and DHA), and even higher amounts if you have a pre-existing medical condition such as cardiovascular disease, or if you’re pregnant or lactating. Essential fatty acids can be found in seafood, nuts seeds, avocados, olives, and olive oil.

 

3. Plan meal schedules

a breakfast table with salad, fresh juice, eggs, fruits, croissants, and a cup of coffee“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper”. Most individuals are backward to that. They have a scant breakfast or they skip breakfast altogether. They have a modest lunch, and they have a huge dinner. This can be detrimental for blood sugar control and cardiovascular disease. Make sure to get most of your calories in the morning, have a modest lunch, and fewer calories for dinner.

4. Include cruciferous vegetables

top down view of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sproutsCruciferous vegetables are high in indoles, sulforaphane, DIM, and kaempferol. Each of these components have been independently studied to reduce risk factors for the development of certain types of cancer. We also know that cruciferous vegetables are very helpful for both phase one and phase two detoxification pathways in the liver. We’re all carrying chemicals so we could do with a little help in detoxification. Include cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and chard in your diet.

5. Eat organic

woman carrying a large wooden crate of fresh organic vegetablesIf possible, wherever possible, eat organic. They contain higher amounts of essential vitamins and minerals than non-organic produce. In addition, non-organic produce has been shown to contain a higher level of pesticide, herbicide, and fungicides. There are 12 foods that are particularly high in these chemicals: strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, and potatoes. If eating organic is too expensive, try to just eat organic for these 12 foods at least so as to avoid the consumption of these chemicals. Plus, organic foods inherently contain higher amounts of essential probiotics, the healthy bacteria for our gut, for our brain, for our immune system.

So, there you have it – the five commandments to healthy eating! Let us know what rules you abide by for a healthier life and your experiences with these five commandments.


dr ryan shelton of zenith labsIf you liked this video/article, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

keto

The Ugly Truth About The Keto Diet

 

If you’re on a low carb ketogenic diet for weight loss, or if you plan on going on this diet or know of anyone who plans on going on this diet, you should know that there are hazards associated with being on a ketogenic diet, especially long-term. One of the most common problems to arise from being on a low carb ketogenic diet is nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies can have chronic impacts on your health and body.

Low Carb Diets and the Ketogenic Diet

There are three versions of a low carb diet:

  • lean meat next to a pink measuring tape and a sign that says low carb diet Eating less than 50g of total carbohydrates a day. This is also classified as a “ketogenic diet”. Apart from nutrient deficiencies, adopters of this diet may also experience “keto flu”, especially during the first two to three weeks of the dietary transition. Keto flu symptoms include low energy, fatigue, malaise, sore muscles, and trouble sleeping.
  • Eating less than 150g of total carbohydrates a day. Your liver stores carbohydrates in the form of glycogen. When you’re eating a low carb diet, your liver can generate some glucose or carbohydrates, and 150 grams is about what the liver can produce for you. You may feel kind of crummy, find yourself craving more carbs, or even experience keto flu even if you’re not in ketogenesis or producing ketone bodies. If you’re eating less than 150 grams of carbs a day, try eating more protein calories to balance it out.
  • Eating less than 250g of total carbohydrates a day. The average American eats a little over 300 grams of carbs, so if you’re eating less than 250 carbs, that’s also considered a low carb diet, although it’s not considered a ketogenetic diet.

Nutrient Deficiencies on a Ketogenic Diet

ketogenic diet foods A large study done back in 2010 showed that out of the 27 essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals that are typically included in a well-balanced whole food diet), six micronutrients plus four minerals can become deficient on a ketogenic diet. In the study, they were all identified as being consistently low, and they have a high likelihood of continuing to be low the longer that you’re on a ketogenic diet.

 

The four minerals that tend to be deficient on a ketogenic diet are:

  1. Sodium: If you’re on a ketogenic diet, make sure that you’re getting enough sodium. It’s important for so many processes in the body. Whilst an excess of sodium may be harmful, there is still a minimal amount that you should intake. Target about 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of sodium intake a day. You can easily achieve this through seasoning foods with pink Himalayan or Celtic salt, using broth or bullion, or eating shellfish.
  2. spinach, pumpkin seeds, avocado, nuts, and tomatoes on a tablePotassium: Potassium-rich foods include spinach, chicken breast, salmon, beef, avocado, broccoli, asparagus, and mushrooms. Eat these foods while you’re on a ketogenic diet.
  3. Magnesium: Magnesium is important for over 350 enzymatic or enzyme processes in the body. It can become deficient when you’re on a ketogenic diet. Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, dark leafy green vegetables like Swiss chard and kale, pumpkin seeds, oysters, yogurt, and avocado.
  4. Zinc: Zinc is high in red meat, shellfish, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and eggs. It is one of the four important minerals for you to pay attention to if you’re on a ketogenic diet.

There are also six micronutrients that can become deficient when following a ketogenic diet:

  1. Vitamin B7 foods such as green peas, eggs, cheeseVitamin B7: Also known as biotin, vitamin B7 can be found in meats, eggs, nuts and seeds, salmon, dairy, avocados, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, mushrooms, and dark leafy green vegetables.
  2. Vitamin D: Vitamin D has had a tremendous amount of research of late because of its negative associations with chronic health disease, chronic cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Vitamin D is a unique vitamin that most people don’t get enough of. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 40% of American adults have a vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin is made from cholesterol in your skin when it’s exposed to the sun. That’s why getting enough sunlight is very important for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels. At noon, the sun is at its highest point and the UVB rays are most intense. That means you need less time in the sun to make sufficient amounts of vitamin D. Many studies also show that the body is most efficient at making vitamin D around noontime. For example, in the UK, 13 minutes of midday sunlight exposure during summer three times per week is enough to maintain healthy levels among Caucasian adults. Another study found that 30 minutes of midday summer sun exposure in Norway was equivalent to consuming about 10,000 to 20,000 international units of Vitamin D.

back of a woman in a bikini with sunscreen spelling the word sun on her backThe commonly recommended dose of Vitamin D is about 600 IUs if you take it as a supplement, but natural sunlight is always best. Not only is getting vitamin D around midday more efficient and more effective, but it might also be safer than getting some later in the day. One study found that afternoon sun exposure may actually increase your risk for dangerous skin cancers. Some scientists recommend exposing only around a third of your body area to the sun.

According to this recommendation, wearing a tank top and shorts for 10 – 30 minutes a day, three days per week, should give you adequate amounts of vitamin D. Just make sure to prevent burning if you’re staying in the sun for a long time. Instead, try going with some sunscreen after you have your 10 – 30 minutes of exposure.

  1. foods with vitamin E such as nuts and seeds on a round wooden trayVitamin E: Another vitamin that can become deficient on a keto diet. Make sure you get enough of these vitamins in your diet. Vitamin E rich foods include nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, seafood, avocado, bell peppers, mango, and dark leafy green vegetables.
  2. Chromium: Chromium can also become deficient in a ketogenic diet. Chromium-rich foods include those dark, leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, red meat, green beans, and eggs.
  3. Iodine: Iodine can become deficient in a ketogenic diet, but can be replenished by consuming seafood and iodized salt.
  4. a bunch of green beansMolybdenum: Molybdenum is rich in beans and legumes, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds, dark, leafy green vegetables, eggs, and tomatoes.
  5. Essential fatty acids: Finally, essential fatty acids can become deficient in a ketogenetic diet if you’re not choosing the right kinds of protein that are rich in omega-3, omega-7, or omega-9 fatty acids. You can find these in nuts and seeds, seafood, and avocados.

Nutrient deficiencies tend to be problematic when you’re on a ketogenic diet. You should consider supplementation if you fall into one of the following categories:

  • If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • If you’re an adult over the age of 50
  • If you don’t get enough sun
  • If you’re not getting enough calories on the ketogenic diet
  • If you’re not eating a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meats, and fish
  • If you’re a vegetarian
  • If you have a medical condition that affects your health otherwise

Omega 3-7-9 + Krill by zenith labsThis does not make the ketogenic diet a bad diet to be on, it just means you have to be aware of your intakes. If you’re on it long-term (i.e. more than four to six weeks), know that there is a real chance you may become nutrient deficient if you don’t pay attention to your specific food intakes. Consult with your physician before starting any diet.

We’ve actually created a tremendously physician-grade effective omega supplement. It’s called Omega 3-7-9 plus Krill. It contains adequate amounts of omega 3-7-9, plus krill oil. Check it out because essential fatty acids is one of the deficiencies you may experience on a keto diet.


dr ryan shelton of zenith labsIf you liked this video/article, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

The Truth About Drinking Celery Juice Daily

The Truth About Drinking Celery Juice Daily (Doctor’s Opinion)

So many people want to talk about the potential benefits of drinking pure celery juice every day that it’s become an internet phenomenon in the past few years. But is it for real, or is it all hyped up?

The history of celery

chopped celery stalks in a small wooden bowl next to a large bunch of celeryCelery is also known by its scientific name, “apium graveolens”. It’s in the APACA family of vegetables and plants, many of which have beneficial effects. Historically, celery has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, gout, hysteria, nervousness, headache, weight loss, and exhaustion. Celery is also used as a sedative, diuretic, urinary antiseptic, digestive aid, anti-flatulence, and as an aphrodisiac in some cultures. It helps regulate bowel movements, stimulate the production of hormones from glands, purify the blood, keep high blood pressure under control, and relieves PMS symptoms. For hundreds of years, it has been part of a delicious trifecta that is the base of so much French cuisine — celery, onions, and carrots.

The science on celery

view of the bottom of celery stalksThe most important compound of celery is called apigenin. It’s a natural flavonoid widely distributed in plants such as celery in the APACA family. Research has shown that higher intakes of apigenin can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Dietary or therapeutic apigenin has value as a good cellular regulator in cancer, especially cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

 

 

celery stalks tied together with stringIn one study with mice, celery leaf extract or celery stalk extract (i.e. celery juice) reduced blood pressure, cholesterol, tri-glycerides, and improved risk factors in mice for cardiovascular disease. Another study was done on mice on a chemotherapeutic agent called doxorubicin, one of the most potent and toxic chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used in the treatment of cancer. Researchers gave all the mice doxorubicin and only gave a sub-group of mice celery juice. Incorporating celery juice with doxorubicin seemed to protect the sub-group against damage from the potent drug, likely due to increasing a powerful antioxidant called glutathione and other antioxidant effects. Some celebrities and medical mediums have called it a miracle juice.

Benefits of celery juice

a glass of green celery juice with a couple of stalks in the glass and celery leaves by the sideCelery juice helps stimulate bile production from the liver and the gallbladder so it potentially can help break down fat and help with weight loss. It has anti-inflammatory effects and is high in vitamin K so it’s good for bone health and heart health. It’s a diuretic and high in nitrates so it can help dilate blood vessels and help with high blood pressure. Celery juice also helps increase blood flow to muscles so this would benefit you if you’re an individual who works out a lot with resistant exercise. Celery seed is also purported to be an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal agent specifically for the urinary tract.

Celery also appears to be good for skin health. The components caffeic acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, leutenin, saponins, camprals, coumarins, and phytosterols, help to fight free radicals and help the skin to look more youthful.

Tips for making celery juice

glass of orange juice with two straws in it and celery stalks on the sideYou can make celery juice with a juicer, that’s pretty easy. You can also make it through a blender. It is recommended that you chop the celery up first so those celery strands don’t bind up the blender. After that, add a little bit of water to the blender, blend it up and then you’ll have to pour it into a muslin bag or a hemp bag and squeeze out the juice. If you want to boost your drink with more benefits, you can make a powerful juice cocktail by adding a few other ingredients such as beet, carrots, apples, and ginger.

It is recommended that you sip the juice and drink slowly. Start with only three to four ounces and work your way up. If you chug celery juice or start with quantities that are too high, it can be too much of a detox and act as a laxative. You may experience loose bowels initially anyway,  but this should only last a day or two.

Precautions for drinking celery juice

tall glass of celery juice with a bunch of celery next to it on a white surfaceCelery juice is generally safe for most people but there are some precautions to take when drinking pure celery juice.

  • It may actually prolong the activity of certain medications, like acetaminophen or Tylenol, and certain anti-depressant medications like Effexor.
  • It may also have anti-platelet activities due to some compounds in celery so if you have bleeding disorders, proceed with caution.
  • It is a diuretic so it can have anti-hypertensive effects and lower your blood pressure. If you’re on Lithium or high blood pressure medications you need to be cautious.
  • It does have bile stimulating activities so if you have no gallbladder, proceed with caution.
  • It is curiously one of the vegetables that have the highest known allergic responses. So, if you know that you’re allergic to celery please do not drink pure celery juice.bottle of pure greens superfoods supplement by zenith labs
  • If you’re prone to diarrhea, if you have IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, it may worsen those symptoms.

At Zenith Labs, we actually have a supplement called Pure Greens. It contains several foods from the APACA family. It consists of 57 superfoods that you can add to your smoothie. It tastes great and it is powerful in its anti-oxidant effects. Check it out and let us know what you think!


Dr. Ryan Shelton of zenith labsIf you liked this video/article and found it useful, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

mineral

Top 6 Mineral Deficiencies You Likely Have

 

If you’re struggling with a general sense of not being well, or you have poor health and it has not specifically been diagnosed as an underlying medical condition, you should read on. One of the potential contributing factors to why you may not feel at the top of your game has to do with mineral deficiencies.

Mineral deficiencies affect every system in the body and it’s important because it is actually rather common. We’ll be exploring the top six mineral deficiencies, seeing how and why those deficiencies can contribute to poor health, and the basic steps to take to correct mineral deficiencies.

What are minerals?

When we think about nutrition, there are basically two categories:

  1. Macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber
  1. Micronutrients: vitamins, minerals

fresh fruits in a transparent vitamin pill capsuleWhen we think about micronutrients, we tend to think about the importance of vitamins. Whilst vitamins are critically important for the body to work well, minerals are equally important and frankly, often overlooked and underappreciated.

Minerals are coenzymes required for your body to work. Enzymes basically control everything in every system in your body, from hormones to neurotransmitters, muscles and heart health to blood pressure. Every system in your body basically runs and churns on enzymes, and nearly all enzymes require minerals to work. If enzymes are deficient in those minerals, they do not work properly.

How to spot mineral deficiencies

scientist looking down a microscope doing micronutrient testingHow do you diagnose a mineral deficiency? The first step is just to learn about what the symptoms of deficiencies are. The second step is to get some laboratory testing to confirm those deficiencies.

Some mineral deficiencies are fairly straightforward and easy to diagnose. Examples include deficiencies in iron, iodine, calcium, and potassium. These minerals are tightly regulated in the body, and there are conventional standard lab testing that can help you find out the levels of these minerals in your body.

Other mineral deficiencies are more difficult to diagnose because they’re within the cells. They’re not freely floating around in the bloodstream so a typical phlebotomy or blood test may not pick them up as easily. There are specialty labs which take samples of your cells and grow them in a lab to help determine if you have micronutrient deficiencies of minerals, specifically minerals like magnesium and zinc. Micronutrient testing measures how micronutrients are actually functioning within your cells. These tests allow nutritional assessments for clinical conditions, general wellness, and the prevention of chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, immune system health, and metabolic disorder.

The top 6 minerals

1. Ironiron-rich foods like spinach, eggs, red meat, and liver

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world. It affects more than 25% of the world population, which is approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide. This figure rises to about 47% in preschool children. 30% of menstruating women may be deficient as well due to monthly blood loss, and up to 42% of young pregnant women may also suffer from iron deficiency.

Iron is an essential mineral. It’s the main component of red blood cells which binds with hemoglobin and transports oxygen to every cell in your body. It’s important for the electron transport chain (which involves energy production in the body), the production of thyroid hormones, and the production of dopamine in the brain.

There are two sources of dietary iron. The first is heme iron. This is very well-absorbed and it’s only found in animal foods. Red meat, in particular, contains high amounts of heme iron. The second source is non-heme iron. This type of iron is much more prevalent and common in our food chain, however, it is not as well absorbed as heme iron. Non-heme iron is found in vegetables and fruits.

The most common consequence of iron deficiency is anemia. The quantity of red blood cells is decreased and the blood becomes less able to carry oxygen to every cell in the body. Symptoms of anemia are fairly well known. They include tiredness, weakness, a weakened immune system, impaired brain function, and blue sclera.

Contributing factors of iron deficiency

  • Hypochlorhydria: Also known as having low stomach acid. Stomach acid is required to absorb iron.
  • Medications: Certain medications can inhibit the absorption of iron.
  • Over-supplementation: Over supplementation of other minerals like zinc, copper, or manganese can also inhibit the absorption of iron.
  • Large intake of various foods: A large intake of beans, legumes or grains can inhibit iron absorption due to phytates and lignans found in these foods. Hence, vegetarians and vegans have an increased risk of iron deficiency.
  • Beeturia: If you’re an individual that consumes beets, have a look at your urine the next time you pee. If it has a red tint to it, it may be a sign of iron deficiency.

Best sources of iron

The best dietary sources of heme iron include meats, organ meats, fish, shellfish, canned tuna, and canned sardines. The best sources of non-heme iron include beans and legumes. However, note that if you over-consume beans and legumes, the phytates and lignans found in beans can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron.

Vegetarian sources include broccoli, kale, and spinach. In fact, one ounce of kale provides about 5-6% of your recommended dietary intake. However, you should never supplement with iron unless you truly need it. Too much iron can be pro-inflammatory for the body and frankly, may increase your risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and other health conditions. Additionally, vitamin C can enhance the absorption of iron, so eating vitamin C rich foods like oranges and kale and bell peppers during the consumption of iron-rich foods can be beneficial.

The best way to take iron is in small doses throughout the day. The recommendation is 30 milligrams, three times a day. It may take six to nine weeks before you see improvements within your body.

2. Iodine

iodine food sourcesIodine is an essential mineral for normal thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are involved in many processes in the body, such as growth, brain development, metabolic rate regulation, and bone maintenance. Think of the thyroid as the accelerator in your car. If you’re pushing the accelerator too much, you reach that red line and the engine (i.e. your body) will be running too fast. If you press too little on the accelerator, you don’t go anywhere. Physically, your body will feel fatigued and possibly see weight gain.

Iodine deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world. It affects nearly one-third of the world’s population. The most common symptoms of iodine deficiency is an enlarged thyroid gland, also known as “goiter”. It contributes to an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and weight gain. Severe iodine deficiency may also include serious adverse effects, especially in children.

Deficiencies can result in dry mouth, dry skin, lack of sweating, weight gain, enlarged thyroid gland, increased heart rate, shortness of breath.

Contributing factors of iodine deficiency

  • Excess intake of selenium, calcium, and vitamin A may inhibit the intestinal absorption of iodine.

Best sources of iodine

  • Dietary sources include eggs, fish, dairy, spirulina and sea vegetables such as kelp, kombucha and other seaweeds.
  • Iodized salt

Be aware of the potential serious side effects or risk factors of taking too much iodine. The recommendations for iodine intake tend to be in the range of about 75 to 150 micrograms per day. It’s a mineral that you have to supplement with caution because too much can cause problems.

3. Calcium

calcium-rich food sources such as milk, spinach, cheese, and yoghurtCalcium is essential for every cell in the body. It mineralizes bone and teeth, especially during times of rapid growth and development. It’s also helpful for the maintenance of heart health, immune health, and insulin control.

One survey in the US found that less than 15% of teenage girls and less than 10% of women over the age of 50 met the recommended daily intake of calcium. In the same survey, less than 22% of young or teenage boys and men over 50 met the recommended intake. Symptoms of severe deficiencies in calcium include osteoporosis and rickets.

Contributing factors of calcium deficiency

  • Lack of vitamin D
  • Certain medications
  • Over-intake of phosphorous can inhibit calcium intake. Phosphorous is found in canned soda, bottled soda, and cola products.

Best sources of calcium

The effectiveness and safety of calcium supplements have been somewhat debated in the last few years. Some studies have found that over-intake of calcium can lead to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. It is still recommended to get your calcium intake from foods rather than supplements.

Dietary sources of calcium include boned fish, dairy products, dark lean, dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, bok choy, and broccoli. Vitamin D and magnesium are required for good calcium absorption so make sure you have a healthy intake of these.

If you’re over the age of 50, the recommended total intake of calcium daily is about 1,200 milligrams.

4. Magnesium

food products containing magnesiumBetween 2004-2007, it was found that 48% of the US population consumed less than the required amount of magnesium. Low intake of magnesium has been associated with several diseases including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Low magnesium is particularly common among hospital patients and individuals over the age of 50.

Magnesium is a key mineral in the body. It’s essential for bone and teeth structure, and it’s also involved in more than 300 enzyme reactions. It is also important for muscles, nerves, and for activating ATP or adenosine triphosphate (which is basically the energy producer in the body). Furthermore, magnesium helps digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It also serves as a building block for RNA and DNA synthesis, and it acts as a precursor for many neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

Because magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body, a deficiency can wreak havoc on your entire system. The fact that researchers have detected more than 3,750 magnesium-binding sites on human proteins should give you a sense of how important the mineral is for your body’s optimal functioning.

Contributing factors of magnesium deficiency

  • Certain prescription medications
  • Low levels of stomach acid
  • Stress
  • Processed foods
  • Fertilizers in the production of produce

Deficiencies of magnesium can cause constipation, eye twitches, muscle spasm, headaches and migraines, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats, coronary spasms, low energy, fatigue and loss of appetite. More subtle long-term symptoms that you may not notice include insulin resistance and high blood pressure.

Best sources of magnesium

The best source of magnesium happens to be the magnesium salt, magnesium aspartate. Other dietary sources of magnesium include avocados, nuts and seeds, brown rice, dark leafy green vegetables, oily fish, raw cocoa, and seaweed. Include these as part of your healthy diet.

Intake over the age of 40 is suspected and recommended to be above 420 milligrams for males and 320 milligrams for females. What seems to help magnesium absorption is calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.

5. Potassium

foods containing natural potassium such as bananas, broccoli, kiwi, walnuts and grapefruitPotassium is mostly inside cells. Sodium is mostly outside cells. Now the ratio of sodium to potassium has changed dramatically since the hunter-gatherer days because potassium is mostly in hunter-gatherer Paleo-type foods. Recent research shows that about a third to as much as half of individuals presently are consuming far less potassium than they need to be.

Contributing factors of potassium deficiency

  • Certain prescription medications like antibiotics and diuretics

Potassium deficiency can contribute to cardiovascular disease, fatigue, muscle cramps.

Best sources of magnesium

The best source is potassium aspartate, however food sources are always the best for these minerals. There are high levels of potassium in veggies, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, meats, and dairy. An interesting fact about potassium is that there is a difference in potassium levels between boiled and steamed foods. With boiled foods, about 10 to 50% of potassium is lost compared to steamed foods where only three to 6% of potassium is lost.

The FDA has limited the potassium of supplements to 99 milligrams per serving.

6. Zinc

foods highest in zincAt least two billion people worldwide are thought to be zinc deficient. It’s due to a number of reasons, our processes of farming and our changes in dietary habits.

Zinc is important for DNA and protein synthesis, vision, hearing, taste, sexual development, wound healing, immune function, and skin health.

Zinc is thought to be an aphrodisiac and help sperm production in men, but it will only raise testosterone levels if the user is deficient in zinc. In very high doses zinc can act as an aromatase inhibitor in females and reduce estrogen levels, so use with caution if you’re menopausal or postmenopausal.

Contributing factors of zinc deficiency

  • If you’re an alcoholic, vegetarian, pregnant, or lactating
  • If you have a digestive disorder
  • High levels of sweat (athletes should be cautious)

Best sources of zinc

Dietary sources of zinc include dairy products, nuts, red meat, eggs, and seafood. Plant sources of zinc are slightly less well absorbed than animal sources.

If you’re over the age of 20, the recommended daily intake for males is about 11 milligrams, and 8 milligrams for females. The maximum daily dose of zinc supplementation is around 40 milligrams per day and it’s actually important to take copper along with zinc because excess intake of zinc can actually cause copper deficiency.

When you’re taking a mineral, it’s important to look at what salt it is. It’s always zinc with a salt. So it may be zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate, zinc methylthionine, or elemental zinc. All of these are absorbed very differently and affects the quantities you should take. Some examples:

  • Zinc sulfate – as much as 220 milligrams
  • Zinc gluconate – as much as 380 milligrams
  • Zinc methylthionine – 230 milligrams

It’s important to note that supplementation and recommended dosages should be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on pre-existing medical conditions and other minerals you might be taking. As you’ve learned, if you take too much of any one mineral, you can disrupt the absorption of other minerals.

The team at Zenith Labs have created a supplement called Pure Greens, which is a green powder high in minerals but well-absorbed because they’re complexed with their original foods. It’s a safer way than taking mega doses of individual minerals so do check it out and let us know what you think!


dr ryan shelton of zenith labsIf you liked this video/article, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

fasting

Intermittent Fasting for Longevity

 

If you’re looking for the perfect meal to roll back the clock, stop embarrassing aging symptoms, and make you feel younger at the cellular level, this is it! You don’t have to give up your favorite foods for good, but if you’re looking for a way to ease aching joints, reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your face, and turn your body’s metabolism back up to where it needs to be to lose weight and reclaim your mental sharpness, then fasting should be a part of your diet. You should incorporate it now as part of your yearly routine.


thin woman trying to stop an overweight woman from eating a burgerStudies show that fasting — when done right — can actually stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce body fat, and combat inflammation. In fact, many cultures attribute their long, healthy lifespans to regular fasting. Here’s the catch: You can’t just stop eating. There’s a very specific and measured way you need to incorporate fasting to get the best results.

That’s exactly what is revealed in this brand new, Anti-Aging Masterclass. When you claim your spot for this master class, you’ll learn how to start reaping the rewards of fasting without going hungry or giving up your favorite foods, all while rolling back the clock naturally to make you look and feel younger.

We’re offering unlimited access to this Anti-Aging Masterclass for free if you claim your spot today. Click the link right now to get started! Bon appetite!


dr ryan sheltonIf you liked this video/article, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

The Ultimate Morning Routine For Energy and Longevity

The Ultimate Morning Routine For Energy and Longevity (Doctor Recommended!)

We all have to wake up in the morning and begin our days. Why not use morning time as a sacred time where you can set yourself you for success, intentional positivity, health, wellness, and longevity? If you’re looking for the best way to get from point A to point B, point A being sound asleep and point B being thriving, being positive, empowered, and confident, use these steps every single day to help you achieve those goals. The importance is making this a routine and being consistent with it.

Step 1: Deep breathing exercises

guy outdoors with eyes closed, smiling, and taking a deep breath The first thing you should be doing in the morning is deep breathing exercises. You may ask yourself, “Why am I engaging in quiet breathing right after I just slept quietly and breathed quietly for six, seven, eight, nine hours?” The reason behind this is intention and exercising the muscles of breath, the big diaphragm underneath the ribs, the intercostal muscles which pull the ribs apart and the scalene. Just sitting down for five minutes each and every morning exercising those breathing muscles can strengthen them, so unconsciously, when you’re not thinking about it, you’re taking deeper breaths throughout the day.

woman doing breathing exercises outdoors in a parkAlso, this is an important time to set your intention for the day. Many people do it through positive self-affirmations or mantras. You can do this quietly in your head or you can say it out loud. For some individuals, writing down affirmations give them a visual feedback so that they are encouraged throughout the day. You can set your intentions by starting your sentence with “I will achieve…”, or use the positive affirmations below.

How to do it

woman doing alternate nostril breathing exercisesTake the first five minutes of your breathing exercise to really focus on pushing your belly out, expanding the ribs, pulling the ribcage up, feeling the air go in and out of your nose. In the last five minutes of breathing exercises, set your daily intentions, and go through the mantras.

Positive affirmations you can use:

  • Today, I will choose happiness. I am enough.
  • Today I will positively impact someone else’s day.
  • I am fulfilled, and I am fearless.
  • May I be happy and healthy, creative, and may I have a sense of ease.
  • Today, I will breathe deeply and go slowly. It is enough to do my best.
  • Breathe in joy and strength. Breathe out wisdom and peace.
  • I choose to believe in abundance and that I am powerful.
  • Life is short, let’s do this.

Step 2: Drink lemon water or apple cider vinegar

apple cider vinegar with mother in a glass bowl with fresh red apples around itThe next thing is to have a glass of either lemon water or apple cider vinegar water. First of all, it’s very hydrating, and the lemon or apple cider vinegar can give some extra positive benefits. Having a big tall glass of water will help hydrate your system and get you going for the day.

Step 3: Move

woman sat on a yoga mat doing stretching exercises to touch her toesThe next thing to do is exercise, or rather, movement. Calling it “movement” instead of exercise removes the idea that you have to go to the gym and pound out weights or engage in cross-training, and that you have to work up a sweat. That’s not the point of morning movement. The point of morning movement is just to get blood flow going to the muscles, spine, joints, and up to the brain. You can do your exercise/morning movement outdoors surrounded by the elements. It really invigorates the system much more than staying indoors.

But if you must stay indoors, you can do something as simple as bouncing on the balls of your feet for three or five minutes, and then doing some stretches to get muscles relaxed and blood flow to the muscles. It can be that simple.

Step 4: Take probiotics and a glass of green tea

healthy foods like fruits and nuts on a white surface Green tea continues to hydrate you and it has powerful antioxidants, polyphenols like catechins and epicatechins as well as detoxifying the system. It has a little bit of caffeine so it perks up the brain a bit. Then, the probiotic just sets up the digestion for the day. At Zenith Labs, we’ve created a really high dose probiotic called T-50 which you should check out.

Step 5: Breakfast

breakfast table with a bowl of cereal topped with kiwi and bananas, fresh orange juice, hard-boiled egg, fresh kiwi and apples, and a cup of coffeeMany people do something terrible with breakfast — they skip it and ignore it. That is a poor decision because science has shown that skipping breakfast can increase your risk factors for both the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, and it should be your largest meal of the day. Many people, if they’re not skipping breakfast, they’re eating a quick breakfast on the go that’s empty in calories and empty in the important macro and micronutrients that really need to get you going throughout the day and to keep you healthy and well.

Make sure that your breakfast is colourful, and have at least five different colors on your plate. Make sure it’s high in fiber and protein. This is an opportunity where you can use some of those culinary herbs and spices to not only make breakfast more delicious, but include antioxidants that help decrease inflammation and promotes health. Lastly, you should eat slowly and enjoy what you’re eating.

Step 6: Walking

elderly couple taking a walk in the woodsIf you have time after breakfast, just take a brief 5-10 minute walk. You could just walk your dog, or walk with your spouse or a friend. The walking actually improves the digestive process and, again, gets your system going for the day.

Step 7: Shower

close up of a guy's hand under a shower with water pouring downNext is a shower. Most people take a piping hot shower in the morning. This is what I recommend. Before showering in the morning, do some skin brushing to remove dry skin cells. It can be done with a loofah all over the body and is detoxifying. Then, do a contrast shower. You can start with a hot or warm shower, but end it with about 30 seconds cold. It’s been done for hundreds and hundreds of years, and is very invigorating to the body and to the brain. If that’s intimidating for you, you can start with maybe just five seconds, turn that nob to cold, and gradually build yourself up to 10, 15, eventually 30 seconds.

Step 8: Drink a glass of water

woman holding a glass of waterBefore you walk out the door, have another glass of water to hydrate the system. Morning is a great time to hydrate. You should remove all technology during this whole morning routine. No phone, no text, no computer, no TV, no technology of any kind.

Healthy Breakfast Recipes

1. Poached Eggs with Spinach, Yogurt and Berries, Flaxseed Slider

Ingredients for Poached Eggs with Spinach

  • two slices of toasts topped with salad greens, avocado, and poached eggs1-2 eggs
  • Spinach
  • Water
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 fresh tomato
  • 1 avocado
  • Shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil with about a tablespoon of white vinegar. Use a wooden spoon and spiral it so you’ve got a whirlpool in the middle.
  2. Crack your egg in a little bowl. Pour it in that whirlpool so the white of the egg stays intact.
  3. Turn off the heat, put on the lid, and depending on how hard you like your yolks, leave it to cook for about four to five minutes.
  4. While that egg is poaching, make a bed of spinach on your plate. Cut up some tomatoes and avocado and add it to your plate.
  5. Once your egg is ready, put it on top the bed of spinach.
  6. You can sprinkle it with shredded cheese of your choice.

That’s your main breakfast. As a side, have a cup of cottage cheese or plain yogurt with fresh berries, nuts, and/or seeds. Alternatively, make yourself a chia or flaxseed slider. Here’s how:

Instructions to make a chia or flaxseed slider

  1. woman about to dig into a yogurt with fresh berriesTake about a teaspoon of either chia or flaxseeds and put it in a shot glass.
  2. Fill it up with water and soak it overnight.
  3. The next morning, it becomes kind of a slick soak of chia or flaxseeds. Take it down the hatch!

It may sound a bit gross, but you’re getting a tremendous amount of essential fatty acids and minerals.

2. Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Ingredients

  • guy holding a breakfast tray with a plate of healthy pumpkin protein pancakesTwo large eggs
  • ¾ cup plain yogurt
  • ½ cup of canned pumpkin
  • 2 tbsp of maple syrup OR blended berries
  • ½ tsp of vanilla extract
  • ½ cup of whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup of soaked rolled oaks
  • 1 tsp of baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ tsp of pumpkin pie spice
  • A slice of ginger
  • Tiny pinch of cloves
  • 10-20 pecan halves chopped
  • 1-2 tbsp of pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  1. Take the eggs and beat them in a bowl.
  2. Slowly stir in the yogurt, pumpkin, and a tablespoon of either the maple syrup or the berry smash, and the vanilla extract.
  3. In another bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: flour, oats, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
  5. Coat a large, non-stick skillet with cooking spray and put over medium heat.
  6. Drop 1/3 cup of the batter in the pan for each pancake. Cook until the underside is brown and bubbles form on the top, about three minutes or so.
  7. Flip and cook about three minutes more.
  8. Top with the pecan halves and the remaining half of the maple syrup or the berry smash and the pumpkin seeds.

kefir milkThis is a colorful, protein-packed breakfast that will start your day off right! You can have the same side of cottage cheese or yogurt and berries with your main. Alternatively, try a smoothie to help boost the caloric intake of your breakfast as well as providing more colors, fiber, protein, herbs, and spices. You can use either kefir or coconut milk for the liquid, and throw in frozen berries, spinach or kale, and thicken with peanut butter or almond butter. You can also add a powder like cacao or greened powder for extra antioxidants, or a collagen powder that helps skin health and tightens fine lines and wrinkles. Simple!


dr ryan sheltonIf you liked this video/article and found it useful, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being. I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!    

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