Thank you! Please check your inbox shortly for a welcome message from Dr. Ryan and your 5 Pillars of Anti-Aging Masterclass! If you don't receive the email in a few minutes please check your spam folder.

Your FREE Gift Is Waiting...

Sign up below to get:

  • check

    The “5 Pillars of Anti-Aging Masterclass” Video Series ($47 value)

  • check

    Valuable tips on nutrition, exercise & supplementation

  • check

    Insights to keep you happy and healthy at any age

Posts Tagged ‘mind & body’

mind & body

BPA free phthalate free PFOA free Doctor's Advice

BPA Free Phthalate free PFOA free Doctor’s Advice

It’s exciting to talk about environmental health and wellness because there are some simple steps you can take to limit or avoid your exposure to certain toxic elements. I’ll teach you to identify the sources you are exposed to and show you how to limit them or avoid them to the best of your ability.

BPA Free Phthalate free PFOA free Doctor’s Advice

There are three different environmental toxins negatively affecting your health: BPAs, phthalates, and PFOAs. Let’s talk about each of them so you can avoid them in order to promote optimal health and wellness.

1. BPA

plastic water bottles containing BPA

BPA stands for bisphenol A and is a structural component of plastic found in many household products, including food storage items, water bottles, plastic dishes and cutlery, and food packaging. BPA can be found in many items with the recycling codes number seven or number three.

The problem with BPA in packaging is that the chemical can leach from packaging into the food or liquid contained within. High heat or extreme cold can accelerate this process, which means using microwaves, dishwashers, or freezers can cause BPA to leach even faster. Since so many products are packaged in BPA-containing plastics, exposure to this chemical is widespread to a majority of the population.

Why is BPA such a health concern? BPA is an endocrine disruptor, so it interferes with hormone levels and communication in the body. In particular, BPA impacts estrogen receptors in the body and is linked to increased inflammation, ovarian and breast disease, female and male infertility, early puberty, breast cancer, childhood neurological problems, and more.

colorful fruit salad in plastic cups

The good news is that even though BPA seems to be everywhere, you can reduce your exposure to it with some easy changes. One study showed that people who stopped eating foods packaged in plastic for just three days showed a 60% drop of BPA levels in their bodies.

Look for packaging made of glass, steel, or porcelain rather than plastic. When plastic cannot be avoided, choose packaging with recycling codes one, two, four, or five as they contain less toxic types of plastic. Start using the bulk bins at your grocery store to reduce the amount of food packaging you come in contact with. At restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores, opt for emailed receipts whenever you can as printed receipts contain a considerable amount of BPA.

plastic bottle caps spelling out FREE

Be wary of plastics that are labeled BPA-free, since they often contain other bisphenols like BPS. The full health impact of other bisphenols is not yet widely understood by scientists, but they are known to leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals as well. It’s best to avoid them entirely if you can.

When it comes to your family, look for the MADE SAFE label on baby products and water bottles. Baby bottles, teething rings, pacifiers, and toys are often made with plastics that contain BPAs. In addition to being BPA-free, MADE SAFE certified products are made without other toxic chemicals linked to health and ecosystem issues.

2. Phthalates

phthalates written on multiple road signs

Phthalates are a class of common chemicals used to make plastics more flexible in consumer products like toys, vinyl flooring, call coverings, vinyl mattress covers, shower curtains, and plastic food packaging. Phthalates are also used as solvents or dissolving agents in things like detergents and lubricating oils.

You’ll even find phthalates in personal care and household items, usually listed as fragrance ingredients in nail polish, hairspray, aftershave lotion, soaps, shampoos, and perfumes. Because these chemicals are not tightly bound to other molecules in the products, they often leach from the plastic and into your body.

Phthalates have been linked to a range of health concerns including developmental and reproductive endocrine disruption. According to one study, phthalate exposure in males has been linked to lower sperm counts and altered sperm quality. In females, phthalates can alter thyroid function.

colourful plastic children's toys

A recent report from the Centers of Disease Control found that phthalate exposure is widespread in the U.S. among both women and men, but higher in women because they use higher amounts of soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and other personal care products than men do.

The European Union has banned all phthalates from cosmetics and the U.S. banned some phthalates from children’s toys. Unfortunately, these chemicals are still widespread, and studies have shown that phthalates are present in the urine of 99% of individuals tested.

female consultant looks cosmetic products in plastic packaging

Phthalates can be difficult to avoid as most labels simply list them as fragrance or perfume. However, you can reduce your use of fragrance products overall. Opt for products that disclose all ingredients on the label and source scents only from natural ingredients. Read labels on nail polishes and avoid any that list DBP as an ingredient. Reduce your use of plastic wrap and other products made from PVC.

Try to eat less packaged food, since exposure occurs from drinking and eating foods that are contained in plastics. Remember that heat or cold can accelerate the leaching process. Write to your favourite food companies and tell them you want phthalate-free packaging.

3. PFOAs

molecular structure of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

PFOAs stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, which is also called C8 and has related compounds called PFASs. There are currently more than 3000 PFOA and PFAS chemicals in consumer goods in the U.S. While PFOA has largely been phased out, it’s been replaced by PFASs with similar properties.

nonstick pot cookware

You can find them in Gortex, Teflon, and in carpet or furniture that has been made flame resistant. PFOAs are very persistent, which means they stay in the environment. They’re also bio-accumulative, so they stay in the human body for a long time.

PFOAs are ubiquitous as well, as a 2007 study from the CDC found PFOAs in the blood of 99.7% of Americans. After a class-action lawsuit that revealed PFOA’s links to cancer and other diseases, the manufacturer DuPont actually began to remove PFOAs from their products.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to avoid PFOAs completely but you can switch from nonstick cookware to cast iron or stainless steel. Try to avoid stain-resistant materials like clothing, carpet, and furniture. Similar to BPAs, look for the MADE SAFE seal since PFOAs are not permitted in certified products.

Zenith Detox supplement by Zenith Labs

Remember, the first two steps for better environmental health are identifying and avoiding products with these toxins in them. Then, you can follow those steps with a healthy supplement. Zenith Labs has created a supplement called Zenith Detox, which helps your liver process toxic elements from the environment around you.


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!

 

 

 

joint pain

Arthritis Prevention and Joint Pain Masterclass

The next time you’re driving down a highway take a look at the road surface. You’ll see where cars have passed over the asphalt and concrete again and again, causing grooves, bumps, and cracks. Anytime you have repeated stress on a surface, no matter how robust that surface is, it’s going to degrade.

Arthritis Prevention and Joint Pain Masterclass

woman holding onto her knee in painTake your joints, for example. You stress them every day when you walk, sit down, get back up, and when you’re lying in bed. It’s unavoidable. Of course, our joints are designed to withstand moderate strain, but for many unlucky men and women over 45, their joints are just more susceptible to damage. And once the achy and stiff damage starts, it doesn’t take much to make it even worse.

It’s like a toy car going down an already damaged and bumpy highway. If that highway is already beaten and broken, even a child’s small toy car can make the damage worse. It’s only a matter of time and repetition.

If you do not want your joints to get increasingly worse like the asphalt of a highway, you need a way to protect your joints from decay.

Learn about the five pillars of joint health in this free masterclass. It goes through everything you need to know to get your joints back to being strong, resilient, and pain-free — no matter how fragile they are right now. To discover these secrets for yourself, click the link before it expires to claim access to your free joint health masterclass right now. Thank you.


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 Drink Green Tea Daily For 30 Days

What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Green Tea Daily For 30 Days

Green tea has been consumed as a beverage and used as medicine for thousands of years. Orally, green tea is used to improve cognitive performance and mental alertness. It’s also used to treat stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. It’s used for depression, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, all sorts of colitis, weight loss, osteoporosis, and several different types of cancer. It’s an antiviral for human papilloma virus and warts, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, both high and low blood pressure, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, dental cavities, kidney stones, and skin damage.

It is rather amazing how something so simple and basic can be easily implemented as part of your daily routine to create positive benefits for your health and wellbeing.

What Does Green Tea Contain?

cup of green tea on a wooden table

The applicable parts of green tea are found in the leaf bud, leaf, and stem. Green tea is different than black tea or oolong because it’s not fermented (black tea is fully fermented and oolong is partially fermented). Green tea is produced by steaming fresh tea leaves at high temperatures. This process inactivates certain oxidizing enzymes, freeing the polyphenols and the flavonoids. Flavonoids include EGCG, EGC, ECG and EC (also referred to as catechins).

dried green tea leaves with a wooden scoop

EGCG makes up about 50-60% of green tea catechins. The flavonoids in green tea include kaempferol, quercetin and others. Green tea also contains vital estrogens including beta-sitostero, lignum precursors, as well as xanthines. Green tea also contains about 2 to 4% caffeine or 80 to 100 milligrams per cup. Another constituent of green tea is an important amino acid called L-Phenylalanine.

What Can Green Tea Help With?

Let’s talk about some of the specific conditions that green tea has been studied for.

close up of man holding onto his wrist due to arthritis pain next to a keyboard and mouse

1. Arthritis. The catechins in green tea might help reduce inflammation and protect against cartilage damage.

2. Cancer. Studies have shown that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory catechins and polyphenols can be protective against the development of certain types of cancers. It’s not a treatment, but it helps to reduce risk factors.

3. Anticoagulant. There’s some evidence that green tea is suppressive for thromboxane and the development of a platelet aggregation. This is helpful for reducing risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

4. Anti-inflammation. The catechins in green tea might have some pretty substantial anti-inflammatory activity, in fact, green tea is used as a laboratory standard for Cox-1 Inhibition, which is anti-inflammatory.

scientist pointing at a graphic that measures good cholesterol

5. Improve good cholesterol. Green tea helps to reduce low density lipoproteins and low density cholesterol, and may improve and increase good cholesterol HDL.

6. Protection against oxidative damage. In human research, green tea and it’s catechins have been shown to protect against the oxidative damage, especially those caused by exercise and smoking. We know that the polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins are antiviral. They have the potential to inhibit the human papilloma virus and the virus that causes warts.

7. Reduces blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that drinking green tea reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure. Some clinical research also suggests that taking green tea extract reduces blood pressure in patients with or without high blood pressure.

closeup of elderly woman's hands putting pieces of a puzzle of a human head together

8. Improves cognitive health. Green tea contains 2 to 4% caffeine or roughly 80 to 100 milligrams per cup. Possible mechanisms for helping with memory lapses and cognitive decline and cognitive health include adenosine receptor blockade and phosphodiesterase inhibition.

9. Anti-aging. Some evidence suggests that oral and topical application of products containing green tea may improve skin elasticity, hydration, and skin roughness.

10. Immune health. It helps to stimulate the immune system. There’s some evidence from clinical research that taking green tea formulations reduces the risk of developing cold or flu like symptoms.

bottle of pure greens superfoods supplement by zenith labs

11. Weight loss. Green tea is commonly used for weight loss. Evidence from clinical trials are mixed, although some studies do show that weight loss, with specific products, can occur from taking green tea.

At Zenith Labs, we’ve actually created a supplement called Pure Greens, which contains high amounts of green tea plus dozens of other superfood extracts that make it a powerful antioxidant. Try it out and let us know how you feel!


dr ryan shelton of zenith labs

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!

dr sheltons signature

Doctor Reveals How CBD Oil Impacts The Body

The use of cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD oil, is becoming one of the hottest trends in the health and wellness community, for good reason. A growing number of scientific articles have been published on its potential health benefits, plus anecdotal reports from patients and doctors on its potential for improving pain, mood, and sleep.

How CBD Oil Impacts The Body

Angela Davis registered nurse

I had the opportunity to speak with someone who has experience with CBD oil. Angela Davis is a registered nurse and a representative for a company that manufactures and sells CBD oil. I’m honored that she’s taken the time to answer my questions and share her experience with CBD oil so far.

Dr. Ryan Shelton: Angela, thank you so much for your time today. I’m treasured to be with you. Just a few quick questions for the audience. Do you have any personal use with CBD oil?

Angela Davis: Yes, for sure. I started using it myself maybe about a month ago. There’s a multitude of different options out there for trying it, but I have been able to find some good relief with anxiety and help with regulating my sleep pattern. I feel pretty good with what I’ve been using so far. There’s a lot more interest in different types out there that I want to investigate using between THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and THC-free type of products. So yes, I’m doing pretty good with it so far.

Dr. Ryan Shelton: The forms that you use, are they oral drops? Are they topical creams?

Angela Davis: The company I’ve found and invested time and interest in has two different forms right now. One is a tincture that dissolves underneath your tongue and one is a topical cream.

hand holding a small glass jar of cbd oil

Dr. Ryan Shelton: I know from my own research that there are quite a few companies that market CBD oil online, so it’s important to me to always choose a company that works with high integrity, guaranteeing potency and purity. How did you choose the company that you work with?

Angela Davis: Great question. I was invited by a friend to go to a talk about CBD and kept hearing about it over and over again. I kept hearing that patients at my work were using it and the success they’d find with it.

Angela Davis: My parents suffer from some chronic arthritic and pain issues, so I really wanted to be more knowledgeable about CBD. People kept asking me my opinion on it, so I said, “I’ll just go and listen to the talk, just so I can learn what CBD is.” The more time I spent with this talk, the more I was intrigued by the companies – grassroots Mom and Pop style business that was literally selecting the exact seed that they’re using, all the way to the seal that they close it with.

Angela Davis: It is an all-organic company, and they manage every aspect from the growing process to the selling process. I found it really intriguing that they took out any middleman and you know it’s U.S. grown. It’s straight from North Carolina, and that was very intriguing to me because there are so many different products out there that you have no idea where it’s coming from or what you’re getting.

Angela Davis: A big deal for me too is that each of our products has a quality code everyone can look up to see exactly what you’re getting in your bottle or topical cream. It’s very important to me to know where it’s coming from, what’s in it, and the purity of it.

Angela Davis and Dr. Ryan Shelton talking

Dr. Ryan Shelton: So you’ve used it yourself and have recommended it to others. Are there reports that you’re hearing back from others of some benefits that you personally have not seen?

Angela Davis: Yeah, for sure. One of my family members has had a significant decrease in the need for other medications to help her sleep. She had pretty severe sleeping issues, needing up to four different medications to help her get a full night’s sleep. Never still actually getting into it or REM type sleep and feeling rested in the morning. Then she started with this company. She thought about trying it before too but was hesitant and not sure what she was getting into, so she also joined me at the meeting and learned about it. She purchased the products that night because she also was very interested or intrigued by this company and how they’re doing things. Now she is down to one or two of those medications and the CBD oil to help her sleep now.

Angela Davis: These were all over the counter things, you know. I never would suggest her to get off of a prescription medication unless she’s talking with her doctor about it. She was able to get herself down from the over the counter stuff by using CBD and is feeling much more rested, getting full REM sleep, getting back into dreaming, and things like that. Waking up much more well-rested.

Dr. Ryan Shelton: Wow. That’s fascinating.

Angela Davis: It’s pretty amazing. My father has also found some great help with sleeping. He suffered over the years from PTSD and things like that, that had a really hard time with his sleep patterns. He too was using a multitude of things to help him get some solid rest throughout the night. He would always tell a story of how he would wake up at a particular set of time throughout every night for years. Which is kind of an amazing story, waking up at the same time each hour throughout the night, but that’s been going on for as long as I can remember. The most recent time I checked with him on how he was doing with the CBD oil he says, “I don’t wake up at those times anymore.” So, it’s been a pretty significant relief for him as well.

young man using cbd oil

Dr. Ryan Shelton: Wow, so positive benefits. Do you have any concerns about its use? The research I’ve done shows it to be safe with little report of adverse effects. Is that what you’re seeing reported back to you as well?

Angela Davis: Yes. Just coming from the medical field and being a nurse, I always am doing research on it. I’m reading a lot about it and the more I read about CBD and the benefits it has for such a wide multitude of problems, the more I’m impressed with it. But I worry that there aren’t enough clinical trials out there. We don’t have the solid background research on what it’s doing with actual human patients. There’s plenty of research out there on this beautiful plant and what it actually can do for your body. We know what it does and how it helps get yourself back to homeostasis, but the clinical trials just aren’t there and that’s the piece that always worries me a little bit. I want some proof in the pudding. I want to see it on paper. But no, I have not had any personal negative feedback from it, so far.

Angela Davis: I think something that people are a little bit concerned about or question is, why didn’t it work instantly? Whereas, some people do feel they have some pretty immediate relief from it, especially the topical creams with the Menthol in it for achy muscles and sore joints.

Angela Davis: Everyone’s completely different with CBD oil and how it’s going to affect them and how long it’s going to take. It’s kind of based on how it makes you feel. Do you need a stronger milligram dose? Do you need to take it twice a day instead of once a day? Some people don’t get a full effect until after a month of using it consistently. I think that’s probably a challenge for most people, figuring out how much they need and how long until it fully takes effect.

Dr. Ryan Shelton and Angela Davis talking

Dr. Ryan Shelton: In the beginning of the interview, I described it as a hot and trending topic. Are you seeing more and more people interested in CBD oil?

Angela Davis: Yes, for sure. When I first started researching more about it, it was this huge explosion of people asking about it over a really short period of time. I had nurses talking to me about it and had four or five patients that week talking to me about it. One that really sticks out in my mind, I was just amazed by. I was reading over a patient’s medications, reviewing it with her and CBD oil was on there. I just asked her, “How are you doing with the CBD? I’m curious about it. I’ve been hearing so much.”

Angela Davis: She was a chronic pain patient and a recovering addict. She had been the poster child for addiction, and she had chronic pain. She started with pain pills, then she got into stronger medications because the narcotics didn’t work any longer. But she luckily now is a survivor and works in an Addict Recovery Center with other addicts, which is amazing. She said she still had her pain even though she got through the addiction, until she found CBD oil. She says it saved her life. Her pain is significantly less and she knows she will never relapse and go back to some type of pain medication because she finally found something natural that could take care of her pain.

Dr. Ryan Shelton: Fascinating.

Angela Davis: It is, for sure.

Dr. Ryan Shelton: Angela, I thank you so much for your time today. I value the fact that you spent some time and opened your schedule so that you can inform us about your experience with CBD oil. Thank you so much!

Angela Davis: You’re very welcome.


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!

 

 

 

How Much Is Too Much Caffeine

How Much Is Too Much Caffeine? (Doctor’s Opinion)

Due to the boom in commercial coffee businesses and local coffee shops, there has been a significant increase in caffeine intake among adults, adolescents, and children over the past decade. This has also led to increased additive caffeine in common foods and energy drinks. All of this leads us to the question: How much caffeine is too much caffeine?

Caffeine is a drug

coffee beans coming out of a pill bottleCaffeine is the only drug that is present naturally or added to widely-consumed foods. In fact, caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world, and one of the most comprehensively studied ingredients in our food supply. It is mildly addictive, which is one possible reason why makers of soft drinks add it to their products. Many coffee drinkers experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, sleeplessness, and lethargy or fatigue when they stop drinking coffee. Like any drug, the effects of caffeine on the body are not necessarily wholly good or wholly bad. Caffeine is a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism, and mental and physical performance. Recent estimates in adults suggest that about 85% of adults in the US regularly consume caffeine, with an average daily intake around 180 milligrams per day, about the amount of caffeine found in two eight-ounce cups of coffee.

topdown view of electrocardiogram line made with roasted coffee grains with a cup of coffee and a red paper heartHistorically, the addition of caffeine was limited to soda-type beverages. Over the past decade, caffeine has been added to a diverse variety of foods and non-food items to promote arousal, alertness, energy, and elevated mood. The recent increase in caffeine-containing food products and energy drinks, as well as changes in patterns of consumption of the more traditional sources of caffeine, has increased scrutiny by health authorities and regulatory bodies of the overall consumption of caffeine and its potential cumulative effects on behavior and body physiology. Of particular concern is the rate of caffeine intake among populations potentially vulnerable to its negative effects.

Health and regulatory authorities have recently highlighted the risk of consumption of caffeine among pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, young adults, and people with underlying heart and health conditions.

Caffeine content in food and beverages

Coffee

cup of coffee next to a burlap bag with coffee beans spilling out of it onto the wooden tableA 15 to 20-ounce serving ranges anywhere from 150 to 400 milligrams per serving. The average amount of caffeine in an eight-ounce cup of coffee is about 95 milligrams, but we do not drink coffee as our grandparents did. They had a cup or two of Joe in the morning to get the day started. We go and get a huge cup of coffee, and that influences the caffeine intake.

The amount of caffeine in coffee depends on many factors:

  1. Type of coffee beans – there are many varieties of coffee beans available, which may naturally contain different amounts of caffeine.
  2. The roasting process – lighter roasts have more caffeine than darker roasts, although the darker roasts tend to have a more rich, deeper flavor.
  3. Type of coffee – the caffeine content can vary significantly between regularly brewed coffee, espresso, instant coffee and decaf coffee. Yes — decaf coffee does contain small amounts of caffeine, typically seven to 15 milligrams per eight-ounce cup.
  4. Serving size – one cup of coffee can range anywhere from 300 to 700 millilitres or one to 24 ounces, greatly affecting the total caffeine content that you’re taking in.

Teas

different glasses of colorful floral teas on a white wooden tableEarl Grey tea contains about 110 milligrams per serving, the highest amount of caffeine amongst teas. The typical black tea ranges between 50 and 80 milligrams per serving. Iced tea ranges from 50 to 60 milligrams per serving, and green tea contains about 30 to 50 grams per serving.

 

 

Soft drinks and energy drinks

tall colorful glasses of iced drinksMost soft drinks range between 35 and 50 milligrams per serving. Energy drinks can vary wildly between 100 and 350 milligrams per serving.

 

 

 

Chocolate

bar of chocolate with bits broken off and a teaspoon with chocolate powderChocolate contains caffeine, typically between eight and 15 milligrams per serving, though the amount of caffeine in chocolate varies by the percentage of cocoa it contains.

 

 

 

Medication

small piles of white pills next to a pile of coffee beans on a wooden tableCertain medications contain caffeine, like Excedrin and Mydol, about 60 milligrams per dose. It’s included because research has shown that the addition of caffeine improves the potency of certain pain medications. Over the counter weight loss supplements typically contain caffeine as well.

Caffeine has a relatively long half-life in most individuals, ranging from three to seven hours.

 

Risks and Benefits of Consuming Caffeine

man in a suit holding a massive cup of coffeeWe do know that caffeine has some benefits for mental alertness and mental performance. Coffee and tea are also high in antioxidants and many studies show that they can be potentially good for your health.

However, getting too much caffeine is linked to adverse health effects like anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, and restlessness. Research has concluded that consuming four to 500 milligrams of caffeine a day is generally not associated with adverse effects in most people. This is about six milligrams per kilogram body weight or three milligrams per pound body weight, an average of four to six eight-ounce cups of coffee a day. That being said, caffeine affects different people in widely different ways. Some are very sensitive to it and others can consume large amounts without having negative side effects. This is largely due to genetic differences.

a stomach on a pile of coffee beansCaffeine and coffee may, in fact, reduce risk factors for certain conditions like gallbladder disease, Parkinson’s disease, and type two diabetes. However, it can worsen certain health conditions such as aggressive and violent behavior, anxiety, heart arrhythmias or palpitations, bipolar disorders, essential tremors, fibrous cystic breasts changes, GERD or acid reflux, high blood pressure and hypertension, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, migraine headaches, and it can negatively affect bone mass density and contribute to osteoporosis. There’s a higher risk of miscarriage in pregnant women who consume large amounts of caffeine. If you have either irritable bladder syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome, it can worsen those symptoms as well.

In a recent FDA report, researchers concluded that there is insufficient evidence of safety nor a consensus of scientific opinion to conclude that the high levels of caffeine found in energy drinks are safe.

Medically speaking, caffeine overdose is defined as the following:

  • An excess of 250 milligrams of caffeine intake per day.
  • The development of five or more of the following symptoms: restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushed face, diarrhea, increased frequency of urination, gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitching, rambling flow of thought and speech, tachycardia/increased heart rate, increased heart palpitations, periods of inexhaustibility or psychomotor agitation.

coffee beans spelling out the word coffee with the shape of a heart above itCaffeine withdrawal disorder is diagnosed with an individual who experiences clinically significant impairment related to withdrawal symptoms after abrupt stopping of caffeine intake, including headache, difficulty concentration, fatigue, nausea, flu-like symptoms, and changes in mood. These symptoms of caffeine withdrawal typically begin 12 to 24 hours after stopping caffeine and may continue for three to seven days.

 

Caffeine Sensitivity

As mentioned above, genetics have something to do with your levels of caffeine sensitivity. It all comes down to an enzyme system called Cytochrome P450. It’s a detoxification pathway in the liver, specifically the Cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1A2. The Cytochrome P450 enzyme system is the same enzyme system that metabolizes steroid hormones. Thus, steroid hormones slow caffeine metabolism.

woman holding onto a cup of coffeeIn women, this effect slows the metabolism of caffeine during pregnancy and when taking oral contraceptive pills. Oral contraceptives are estimated to double the half-life of caffeine in the system. We know that cigarette smoking doubles the rate of caffeine clearance by increasing liver enzyme activity, which may explain the higher rate of caffeine consumption among smokers. Substantial alcohol intake increases the half-life of caffeine and decreases its clearance.

If you’re looking for ways to give yourself an additional energy boost, we’ve created a yummy chocolate drink called Cacao Melody. It’s made from the beans that ultimately are made into chocolate. It contains a small amount of caffeine and additional vitamins and botanical agents to improve alertness and energy. Check it out and let us know what you think.


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!

 

 

 

Full Day Of Eating For Reversing Type 2

Full Day Of Eating For Reversing Type 2 Diabetes (Doctor Recommended!)

If you have diabetes, you know how important lifestyle nutritional dietary choices are for controlling your blood sugar levels. If you struggle with what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, read on! We’ll reveal a 24-hour meal plan for individuals with diabetes.

24-hour diabetic meal plan

clipboard with prescription pad and red letters spelling out diabetes meal planEven though the term “high protein diet” varies in definition from one study to the next, evidence supports the idea that eating 0.8 grams per kilogram body weight results in less hunger, reduced appetite, increased energy levels, and preservation or increased blood sugar levels. A recent meta-analysis study of 74 randomized controlled trials showed that eating higher protein diets significantly reduced cardiometabolic risk factors and risk factors for diabetes, body weight, BMI, weight circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting insulin. Both vegetarian and animal proteins should offer the same benefits. One study showed no significant difference between protein from animal sources and protein from vegetarian sources.

woman chopping fresh vegetables in the kitchenWhat cannot be ignored, however, is the way in which the protein food sources are prepared. The cost of high-heat cooking in a randomized controlled study showed that high-heat cooking had negative effects on diabetes. This applies to methods of cooking including boiling, poaching, stewing, steaming, rather than frying, baking, or grilling. The premise of the study was that harsher cooking methods increased the formation of advanced glycation end-products (or AGEs) that exacerbate insulin resistance. The study showed that consuming high heat cooking foods showed more signs of inflammation and more signs of glycolysis and poor glucose control.

man with a pricked finger using a blood glucose meterIn fact, the order in which we eat our meals can also influence insulin sensitivity, even though most people don’t consider this in their dietary routines. A study showed that both blood sugar and insulin levels were lower after meals that started with protein and veggies before carbohydrates, compared to eating carbohydrates first. So even the order in which you eat foods is important.

Finally, vinegar shots or apple cider vinegar before meals has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.

Breakfast: poached eggs with spinach, cottage cheese and avocado, flaxseed slider, green tea

poached eggs sliced open on top of a bed of spinachWhen it comes to breakfast, we want high protein and lots of colors. The adage goes, “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper”. We want a lot of calories for breakfast so it sustains your energy and blood sugar levels throughout the day.

A great breakfast recipe is poached eggs over a bed of spinach. Eggs are rich in protein and the yolk of eggs are high in carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. Poached eggs are great because we can avoid high-temperature cooking that can cause problems for diabetic patients. Plus, poaching an egg does not break the yolk, therefore, the cholesterol within the yolk does not become oxidized so it’s much safer for your overall health.

How do you best poach an egg? Take a medium size saucepan and fill it up halfway with water. Put it on medium heat. Put about a tablespoon of white vinegar to help congeal the egg whites. Crack two eggs into a small bowl while the water is heating up. Take a wooden spoon and start swirling the water. Then, take the small bowl and pour the eggs into the swirling water. When done, use a slotted spoon to take out the eggs and place on a bed of cooked spinach and/or lettuce.

To add more colors to this plate (remember, the more colourful, the better), you can also add bit of bell peppers, green onions, shredded cheese, and even some salsa for an extra kick!

cottage cheese and avocado on a brown earthenware plateAs a side to your high-protein breakfast, have some cottage cheese with sliced avocados. You’ll get healthy fatty acids from the avocado, and more proteins from the cottage cheese. You can add some berries, raspberries, blueberries, nuts, almond or pumpkin seeds, for some powerful antioxidants.

Have a cup of green tea to get some antioxidants. You can also make a flaxseed slider as a source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. All you need is about a tablespoon of flaxseed in a shot glass, fill it half-full with water, and let it soak overnight so the flaxseed soaks up the water. In the morning, down it like a shot!

This is going to be high protein, high antioxidant to help support your blood sugar levels.

Lunch: Green salad and coconut bean soup

close up of a healthy hearty cobb salad with eggs, cheese, greens, tomatoes, onions, and chickenIf you have diabetes, try this salad and soup for lunch. It’s high in protein and packed full of anti-inflammatory agents. This green salad is a version of the Cobb salad or Chef’s salad. It contains a mixture of spinach, mixed greens, butter bibb lettuce, hard-boiled egg, turkey bacon, sliced avocados, sliced or diced tomatoes, chicken, cheese (blue cheese is traditional in a Cobb salad but you can use any shredded or sliced cheese you wish), topped off with cranberries, green onions, and roasted beets.

It is recommended to slow cook the chicken with olive oil and lots of herbs and spices over the stove. It typically takes about half an hour, but those slow cooking methods or sure worth it versus high-temperature cooking methods. For the roasted beets, slice them and put them on a baking sheet. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary over the top, and stick it in the oven. For the dressing, use 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2/3 cup of olive oil, salt, pepper, and infuse with herbs.

bowl of black bean soupA great soup for a diabetic is a coconut bean soup because beans really help to control blood sugar levels. You get the benefits of the MCT that’s contained in coconut and all of the benefits of coconut milk.

You’ll need one can of rinsed and drained black beans, a can of diced tomatoes, a can of coconut milk, one cup of vegetable broth, two chopped green onions, a tablespoon each of ginger, cumin, turmeric, two cloves of garlic chopped, salt, pepper, and fresh chopped parsley for the topping.

Combine the black beans, tomatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, green onions, ginger, cumin, turmeric, and garlic in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until it achieves the consistency that you’re like (usually half an hour should do it). Season with salt and pepper, and top with parsley. It’s simple and delicious!

Dinner: Basil pesto salmon with broccoli and whipped cauliflower

salmon steak topped with fresh basil pesto on an oven traySalmon is a great option for dinner. You can get a wild salmon fillet and marinate it for a bit with honey, herbs, and spices for a delicious meal. Choose wild salmon typically from the Pacific Northwest or Alaska because it contains significantly less heavy metals and pesticides and other toxins that are found in farm-raised salmon. You can also top the salmon with basil pesto and receive the antioxidant effects of basil along with the essential fatty acids in the salmon.

mashed cauliflower on a dark blue plate topped with parsleyFor some greens on the dinner table, make some steamed broccoli. It’s super easy, all you have to do is steam broccoli for about 10-15 minutes and then put herbs and spices on top.

As a great alternative to mashed potatoes, make yourself some whipped cauliflower. Place the cauliflower in a steamer for about 10-15 minutes just to break it down a little, then saute in olive oil for about five minutes or so before adding some herbs and spices to it. Then, put it in a blender and whip into a smooth consistency.

Snacks: Hummus with vegetables/apples, avocado, hard-boiled egg

hummus in a dip bowl with carrot and celery sticks neatly arranged on the plate below itIf you have diabetes you know how important it is to keep your blood sugar levels stable and level throughout the day. In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, incorporating at least a few healthy high protein snacks is very important. What are the options?

  • Hummus with vegetables or apples
  • An avocado
  • A hard-boiled egg
  • Celery or apple with almond butter or peanut butter
  • Nuts and seeds. A great snack high in fatty acids that are good for diabetes.
  • Yogurt with fresh berries
  • Tuna salad. Drain the tuna, put it in a bowl, add some olive oil, chopped celery, some relish, and some herbs and spices.
  • Popcorn
  • Edamame. Boil for five minutes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

So that wraps up the 24-hour meal plan for diabetes that helps to level blood sugars, control blood sugars, and potentially reverse the effects of high blood sugars and diabetes.

Blood Sugar Premier by zenith labsNow, obviously these are just a few recipes, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. You should explore with high protein meals and meal colors. It’s recommended to include nine meal colors every single day and have a high protein diet of at least 0.8 milligrams per kilogram body weight of protein. If you have recipes and dietary regimens and plans, post them in the comments so that others can learn from you.

We’ve actually created a supplement called Blood Sugar Premiere which helps to control blood sugar levels. 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!

 

 

 

Your Bottled Water Could Be Harming Your Health

WARNING! Your Bottled Water Could Be Harming Your Health

When you were a kid, you probably drank your water straight from the tap or even from the garden hose if you were playing outside. Times have changed though and huge corporations worldwide are promising better living through the chemistry of bottled water.

Now, don’t get it wrong – if bottled water is your only source of hydration, drink it. Hydration is so important! Small choices in life though, like your source of water, can have big effects. Keep reading to learn about the potential hazards of drinking bottled water.

WARNING! Your Bottled Water Could Be Harming Your Health

The truth about bottled water

a flat of bottled waterIt’s estimated that one million bottles of water are purchased every minute. That’s 20,000 per second! Approximately 25% of bottled water is sourced from, you guessed it, tap. Companies filter and process the water but it’s still originally sourced from tap.

Four potential hazards of drinking bottled water

There are four potential hazards of drinking bottled water daily, and they all relate to each other. One hazard is microplastics, another is the disruption of the endocrine system, and then two specific microplastics, bisphenol and phthalate.

1. Microplastics

close up of plastic water bottle up in a hot car93% of bottled water contains microplastics, as heat and age increase the leaching of microplastics like bisphenols and phthalates into the water. For example, we don’t think of water as having an expiration date but leaving a bottle of water in a hot car is a problem. The longer water is in contact with the plastic bottle, the more plastic that leaches out.

Bacteria can also be a problem if the bottles are reused. One study found that more germs can be grown after just one week of reusing a plastic water bottle than on a toilet seat!

Along with these potential health problems, you can’t dismiss the impact bottled water has on the environment. Less than 50% of plastic water bottles are collected for recycling and nearly 80% end up in landfills.

2. Endocrine disruptors

mother drinking water with her sonThe different microplastics in bottled water are endocrine disruptors. They can potentially increase risk factors for obesity, diabetes, prostate problems, thyroid problems, neurodevelopmental, neuroendocrine systems, and male and female reproduction.

In 2009, US fertility rates hit an all-time low of 102 children per 1000 women, and one study showed a 60% to 200% more likely chance of IVF failure in women with high BPA levels.

3. Bisphenols

BPA in a plastic water bottleYou’ve probably heard of BPA before, a specific type of bisphenol. BPA was developed in 1891 and in 2008, world production of BPA hit 5.2 million metric tons. It’s a polycarbonate in water bottles that help to harden plastic and is now detected in 40% of all streams and rivers. It’s found in 90% of all U.S. residents, and the average daily intake greatly exceeds the recommended level of 50 micrograms per kilogram per day.

There are multiple potential problems with bisphenols. BPA binds to estrogen receptors. It’s been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. It causes progesterone deficiency in females. It causes testosterone deficiency in males. It binds to thyroid receptors, hindering the thyroid’s function in the body. It blocks insulin receptor sites, increasing risk of insulin insensitivity and diabetes. It increases high blood pressure, and of course, it’s an oxidative stress on the body.

Bisphenols are used to harden the plastic of water bottles, but they’re also found unsuspecting items like the store receipts you get, and they’re absorbed through the skin. Fat intake also increases the absorption of BPA, so if you’re drinking bottled water and eating fatty fast food, you’re increasing your potential absorption of BPA.

One study showed that each tenfold increase in urinary BPA is associated with an increased BMI, increased weight circumference, and an increase in skinfold thickness. The most troubling thing in this study? The highest amounts of urinary BPA were found in children and teens.

4. Phthalates

woman giving a thumbs down to plastic water bottlePhthalates provide flexibility to plastic but it’s not chemically bound to plastic, which means it can be easily released into the environment. It is rapidly cleared by the body in about 24 hours, but can still cause problems in those 24 hours. It can decrease testosterone, increase risk of breast cancer, and increase risk of obesity and insulin resistance.

There’s an interesting book called Slow Death by Rubber Duck, which is worth a read. This book showed that in two days of avoiding all plastics and then reintroducing them to the system, levels went from 64 nanograms in urinary excretion to over 1,400 nanograms.

woman holding a glass of clean water in two handsHydration is very important, so drink up even if plastic water bottles are your only water source. Just remember there are other options! You can drink water out of glass or stainless steel. Stay dedicated to your health and never doubt that a small group of people can influence the world.


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!

 

 

 

3 Reasons You Can't Lose Weight

3 Reasons You Can’t Lose Weight

Losing weight and maintaining healthy weight may be two of the most difficult health challenges that you face in your entire life. If you feel and believe that you’re making all of the correct dietary choices to lose weight and you’re still struggling losing weight, we’ll share with you three tips on how to change that.

Tip #1: Watch your meal frequency and timing, and always eat breakfast

empty plate with a fork and knife placed to make it look like a clock

You may be on a severely restricted calorie intake diet, yet you’re still struggling to lose weight. Research shows that meal frequency and timing is just as important as the amount of calories that you’re intaking every day. One study showed people who ate small, frequent meals, five meals (or more) a day were able to better maintain weight loss compared to individuals who were eating three or less meals a day with the same amount of calories.

The individuals who were eating small, frequent meals lost more weight and they were able to maintain that weight loss.

top down shot of someone having a healthy breakfast of eggs, veggie on toast, and coffee

In addition, most people miss out on the most important meal of the day — breakfast. Many studies have shown that eating a proper breakfast can actually encourage weight loss. Breakfast should be the largest meal, lunch should be in moderation, and dinner should be the smallest meal of the day. Most individuals do just the opposite — they skip breakfast, maybe eat lunch, and then just pound it on at dinnertime. If you’re guilty of this, it’s time to change up your habits and eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.

Tip #2: Exercise

middle aged man exercising at the beach

At some point, you’ve probably been told that you can achieve your weight loss goals through diet alone. That’s simply not true. You have to move! Quite a few studies have shown that screen time is negatively associated with your goals to achieve weight loss and maintain that weight loss. The more you’re on your TV, computer, tablets, and phones, the less that active you are. Start limiting your screen time to the best of your ability.

elderly couple in exercise clothes walking in the park

The best kind of exercise is whatever exercise you will do on a consistent basis. It could be as simple as walking. The most important thing is that you move. The studies are pretty clear that cross-training type of exercises that combine cardiovascular training with weight resistance exercise are probably the best to promote weight loss. If you can engage in cross-training exercise, do it!

Tip #3: Make sure your hormones are in balance

female doctor holding up a sign saying hormones

The third tip is making sure that your endocrine system or your hormones are in balance. So many people have dysregulated hormones and that sets the stage for making it more difficult for you to lose weight. The old adage was that hormones decline because we age and gain weight. What research shows is that we age and gain weight because our hormones become dysregulated and imbalanced and decline over time.

For females primarily, we’re talking about estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid. For males, it’s mostly testosterone and thyroid.

Trim 14 supplement by zenith labs

We also have to consider the dramatic increase of “endocrine disruptors”. These are environmental toxins that dysregulate our hormones. Environmental toxins such as BPA, atroscine, dioxins, phthalates, perchlorates, pesticides, and heavy metals can affect your hormone levels. Getting your environmental toxic exposure under control will better regulate the hormones. If those hormones are not in balance, it will be so much more difficult for you to lose weight.

So there you have it! Three tips to help you on your weight loss journey. We’ve also developed a supplement called Trim 14 that helps to curb appetite and boost metabolism that you can use in conjunction with developing healthy habits. Let us know what has worked well for you in terms of reaching and achieving your weight loss goals, we’d love to hear from you!


Find out the three key nutrients that help your body burn fats, and a superfoods smoothie that can help you lose weight fast!

Dr. Ryan Shelton of zenith labs

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!

Zenith Labs

4610 Prime Parkway
McHenry, IL, 60050, USA

Email Us
+1 (800) 928-1184

Business Hours:6 AM to 5 PM M-F, Sat 6 AM to 2 PM (PST)

Pay Securely with:

Zenith Labs Payment Methods
null
Copyright © ZenithLabs.com