Thoughts on Flag Day and The Pledge of Allegiance

                                                                                

I pledge allegiance….

      Upon my life and honor, I promise to be loyal, to defend her and to seek only her best.

to the flag of the United States of America…

     not the cotton batting or threads of which it’s made, but to the ideas, ideals, rights and the great country it represents.  It is what it represents that deserves this pledge.

And to the republic for which it stands….

     Not a monarchy, not a democracy, but a representative republic.  The first nation in the history of the world founded upon the principles “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”, and to the Constitution and Bill of Rights created to insure, protect and guarantee those rights.  Being a government “of the people, by the people and for the people”, she’s not perfect, but she is worthy of my allegiance and defense.

One Nation….

     What makes and keeps millions of people, with different backgrounds and experiences, one?  It is our common belief in the ideals of our founding fathers; those rights given to us by our Creator.  It is an understanding, even by those of other religions, that our founding principles are based in Judeo-Christian values and in the great history of western civilization, such as the Magna Carta and the rule of law and capitalism to give a few examples.  It is a common language, English.  It is a distinctly American culture.

Under God….

     It is the recognition that our rights come not from 1776, but are rights given us by our Creator, and to whom we rely for all things good.

Indivisible…

     Like many families, Americans are always arguing and struggling for what each deems to be the best in their eyes, but as demonstrated in our own Civil War, we must remember, we are one.  However, we must cultivate that oneness by teaching about, and adherence to, our founding principles, the Constitution and our unique history and culture.

With liberty and justice for all…

      It is freedom for each and every person to live their life and pursue happiness while not impeding on the rights of any other citizen.  It is equal treatment under the law.  It is not a guarantee of equal results or even equal happiness, because to attempt to guarantee that would require that some citizen’s rights be impinged.  

     

High Blood Sugar Is Breaking Your Heart!

Diabetes and Heart Disease

Heart Attack

I recently was doing some research on two of the top ten killers in America:  heart disease and diabetes, and I learned something pretty amazing, or at least it seemed so to me.  Let me explain and let's see what you think.    

Go Play!

I remember very well being a little "rug rat" running around in my Mother's kitchen on some bright

summer day not so long ago, getting in her way as she cooked or cleaned, and generally making a pest of myself.

I can also remember her often expressed and exasperated command, "Go play!".

Now for you millenials, that didn't mean some virtual reality game in the seclusion of my room, it meant make myself scarce, outside, literally playing with my friends or siblings.

It's more than several decades later, and I have noticed something strange and somewhat troubling to me.  Maybe it's just my neighborhood and the fact that my kids are grown for the most part, but I rarely see kids playing outside.

Maybe it's different in other places, but I remember as a child of a certain age going outside to play early in the morning and not having to be home until just before the street lights came on.  My friends and I would play cowboys and indians and war (we were yet to learn about political correctness), freeze tag, baseball, football, ride our bikes, fish and a hundred other things we made up as we went along.

I realize we live in different times and circumstances, but I think it's important that we as parents and grandparents make sure our kids have times and safe places to literally play.  (no electronics.)

Don't you agree?

Another thing that troubles me when I think about it is that I don't play nearly enough. When was the last time I went outside to just play?

When was the last time you went outside  and played with your children, friends or family?

 Can you think of a more fun way to get some exercise, fresh air and sunshine?  Don't you think it will do wonders toward bringing you closer to them, not to mention the stress relief and physical exercise that comes with it?

 When was the last time you played in the rain?  

 Dodging lightning can be so invigorating!

"Go Play!"










   

Fat, Freedom and the Food Fascists

Urgent News Bulletin:

    Last week the U.S. government issued its' latest dietary guidelines, and I know you are as shocked as I am, that it was not without controversy. Did you detect the dripping sarcasm?  I have already read several articles on the subject, and, though there is some praise,  no one seems totally satisfied that the government got it right. 

I'm not sure why anyone is shocked that the government would not get this right, and frankly, I don't think most Americans are checking the government's food pyramid before they go grocery shopping anyway.  After all, they really don't have such a great record of getting it right.  

For the last 40 plus years they have promoted a low fat diet to Americans, all while we became fatter and fatter, and incidents of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and nearly every other ailment skyrocketed. If you've read any health articles lately, you have probably realized that they were not only wrong about fat, they were dead wrong.  At least that is what we "know" from the latest studies, and the most current and cutting edge science.  

The government also puts out it's Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals, leading a great many people to believe that if they get at least 100% of the governments recommendations then they are getting all they need.  If "need" is preventing rickets, scurvy or beri beri then true, but if "need" is optimal health, then definitely not.  

Ship's Doctor Administers Citrus for Scurvy

There are several reasons why I am bothered when  the government gets involved in "suggesting" what is healthy or not healthy for me and you to eat, or the level of vitamins and minerals that are necessary.

1. It's none of their damn business what I eat and drink!
2. They are very likely to get it wrong.
3. In this information age, I'm perfectly capable of determining what a healthy diet is comprised of, without the assistance of a government bureaucrat.
4. Not even the "experts"  agree 100% on everything related to diet and nutrition, so who decides which "expert" to listen to?  I think you and I should decide for ourselves.
5. The government can impose its' will by force, if it so chooses.  (Don't think that's realistic or possible?  Have you heard of New York laws banning the sale of sodas over 16oz? Just one example.)

  

I know some of my friends in the medical world, as well as those in the health and nutrition world, feel very strongly about what they "know" about what promotes good health for themselves and others.  For some it's a Paleo diet, for others it's vegetarian or vegan.  All organic, non gmo, raw or whole foods are the only way to go for others. There are those who believe in calorie restrictive diets.  Fasting is the way to health for some, and juicing for others. Coffee is good for you.  Coffee is not good for you.  Wine is health promoting and wine is detrimental to your health.   They are probably all right, to some extent and, in some degree, wrong at the same time.

That's all well and good, but some of these same people would be very comfortable with the government limiting or banning certain things that they believe to be unhealthy: 

• trans fats
•  high fructose corn syrup
•  soda
•  potato chips
•  meat
• eggs

 And that is the danger I see when government, at any level, gets this involved in our personal lives. Well meaning and caring people so desire to help their fellow man be delivered from disease and ill health, are willing to look to the government to "aid" them in that endeavor, and I think that puts all of us at the edge of a precipice. For me, that precipice overlooks our loss of freedom.

I believe that you should have the freedom to eat whatever you like, no matter if it is healthy or not.

I may think it is unwise and maybe even stupid, but I have no right to impose my will on you, unless you are a child living under my roof.  

At this point, you might be saying, "Sam, Don't you blog about health and nutrition?  Don't you give your opinions about what you think is healthy or not healthy?"  Yes, I do, but here's my point.  I think it is very important to remember that I am sharing my opinions and information about the human body.  The human body is a very complicated organism, made up of trillions of cells and innumerable biological and chemical processes occurring simultaneously.  This should keep me and anyone else from thinking  they know exactly and precisely how it all works, and should help us to serve our opinions or "facts" with a little dose of humility. 

Now don't get me wrong, I certainly believe we are living at an amazing time in human advancement.  We are learning more and more every day about our bodies and what makes it work efficiently, and the things that can help us to prevent, as well as treat, disease.  

There is a great deal of nutritional information that we can use to promote health for ourselves and those we love, and I have a great desire to pass on the things I have learned to others to help them on their health journey, but I don't think it's wise or prudent for the government to get involved in these issues.  They are too powerful and too easily influenced by politics and special interests.

I prize freedom above all.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest, please allow me, one friend to another, to present you with some principles that you can apply, if you wish, to help you in your quest for a healthier you.    

1. Your Health is Your Responsibility.  If you are healthy, or not, in the future, largely depends on the choices you make.  See my previous blog on Functional Medicine for an expansion on this idea.
2. Let Food Be Your Medicine.  This is a paraphrase of Hippocrates and is pretty much self explanatory.
3. At a Minimum, Use a  High Quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplement.
4. Passion is Fantastic, Fanaticism, not so much.  Keep things in balance.  All things in moderation.  
5. Learn to Savor Your Food and Your Life.  
6. Listen to Your Body.  Most of us have a good sense of what our bodies need.  Trust your instincts.
7. Find Trusted Experts to Help Guide and Inform You on Your Health Journey. 

I trust the scientists and experts at USANA Health Sciences to provide me with a great deal of information on nutrition and the science of nutritional supplementation.  I trust them so much, that I chose to use their products myself and to market them to others.  Click the following link for more information or to purchase supplements from USANA Health Sciences.

Thank you for your time and attention.  We now return to our regularly scheduled program, already in progress.

USANA Announces New Food Line: MySmartFoods

August 20, 2015

USANA International Convention

Salt Lake City, Utah      

As part of their ongoing effort to stay on the cutting edge of the current health revolution, USANA Health Sciences just announced their latest contribution to the health and nutrition world: MySmartFoods.

Feed Your "Second Brain"

     One of the hottest topics in the functional medicine world is what is referred to as "the second brain".  Have you ever heard of "the second brain"?  No ladies, it's not that.  It is your gut, your digestive system, that long journey that your food takes from your mouth to Uranus.  More and more everyday, through medical research, we are seeing the importance of maintaining the health of our gut and the detrimental effects to our overall health when it is not kept operating properly.

     We know that the systems of our body do not operate independently of one another.  They each are dependent upon and affected by imbalances or issues in the other systems.  This is especially true of the microbiome world operating in the nether regions of our bowels.  Modern research indicates that what happens, or is not happening, deep within us can cause, or contribute to many chronic illnesses- everything from burping and bloating to bipolar disorder, depression and even schizophrenia. This is why your glorious gut has been referred to as "the second brain".  You may want to tell your other personality to pay close attention at this point.
     I personally know so many suffering with different levels of digestive issues.  Don't you?  Do you think it is a coincidence that there are entire aisles in your local drug store with different types of antacids, diarrhea and constipation medicines, stool softeners etc....?  We obviously have a problem, and unfortunately many of us are only treating the symptoms.
     I have dealt with this issue to some extent myself, though my issues are mild compared to some.  I know some of you deal with digestive issues that really disrupt your life, and doctor after doctor has really been of little to no help.  I am not a doctor, but I would tell you that there is hope.  You can find healing and relief from your misery.  You can get help from suggestions I will make later, but I strongly encourage you to find a highly qualified, functional medicine practitioner.  You can find someone in your area through The Institute for Functional Medicine. In addition, become your own health advocate.  Do your research, but make sure you get information from reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic to name a couple.  If you have very serious issues, ask about hpylori and SIBO testing.

     For the rest of us who don't currently deal with major digestive issues, the important thing is to make sure that we are providing our gut with the things that it needs for healing and maintenance of this highly complex world of micro-organisms, chemical reactions and bacteria.  So how do we do that?  Here are some suggestions I have found through my extensive research into this issue.
     First and foremost, we have to be very careful about what we put in our mouths.  (There you go again.  Straight to the gutter.)  What I mean is we have to watch our diets.  This could be minor changes for some, and for others, it may require radical change. There are probably thousands of different diets, but here are some of the commonalities I have seen that if we implement we will see great progress.

• More Whole Foods, minimize processed foods. (Eat your vegetables)
• Research prebiotic foods and incorporate into your diet.
• Less sugar.  (This doesn't mean necessarily table sugar.  Learn about the Glycemic index/load and implement it. It's all about blood sugar levels and insulin.)
• Irrigate.  Drink more pure, clean water.
• Some and maybe all of us should consider reducing or eliminating gluten.

     Secondly, find a high quality Probiotic such as the probiotics from USANA Health Sciences.
Probiotics provide the beneficial bacteria that is needed by your gut to break down all those healthy foods you will be eating into the glucose and nutrients needed by your cells for optimal health.  Using a trusted source such as USANA, will assure you are providing only the best to your body, and nothing else.   
   

 If it seems overwhelming start with a couple of simple changes, then go from there. Follow your instincts and try to eat more healthy and take the USANA PROBIOTICS.  Two simple changes that can get your "second brain" on a more healthy track.   Believe me, whatever changes are necessary will be more than rewarded in how you will feel and in the problems you will be avoiding in the future.  Have you heard of diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, cancer, depression?
These are the things we can help prevent by taking care of our gut.

   

Ac"cell"erate Your Health! (Yes, I know that I added an extra "L" in accelerate.)

   

 Have you heard that the human body contains a trillion cells?  Well, you heard wrong.  Modern estimates are that your body contains between 50 and 100 trillion cells.  Isn't that amazing?  However, if you are like me, and you don't always have a pocket protector, a slide rule and a few mechanical pencils handy at all times, you hear these kinds of numbers and really have no real concept of what a trillion is, much less a mind boggling 50-100 trillion.  Let me use an example I found using seconds of time as a way to help us grasp these kinds of numbers. A second goes by pretty fast, wouldn't you say?  Well, a 1,000 seconds ago was about 17 minutes.  A million seconds ago was about 12 days past and 31.7 years ago would be a billion seconds in the past.  A trillion seconds ago you could be sharing space with a mastodon (no feeding or petting please) because you would have gone back in time 31,709.8 years.  50 trillion seconds ago (don't miss the first appearance of mankind on earth as we pass) is approximately 1,585,000 years ago.  Are your 100 billion brain cells boggled?  Mine are strewn about the room utterly exhausted.
     Now that we've learned a little about these mind blowing numbers, let's discuss numbers a little more comprehensible.  There are about 200 different types of cells in each of our bodies.  Each cell is constantly, day and night, working to take the fuel we provide and the oxygen we breath (metabolism) to produce the molecules for its survival and to do its job in a never ending, at least till shortly after our death, cycle of replication, production and death of the cell. This ongoing process, just like most industrial processes, produces toxins called free radicals. (No, these are not the un-bathed, dope smoking protesters camped out at your local park.)  The build up of these free radicals is called oxidative stress, and it can do a great deal of damage to our cells and therefore our bodies. Combine this with the fact that we are constantly exposed to chemicals, pesticides and toxins of varying types, and we can begin to understand the aging process and how our bodies can become ill and diseased.   It is important to know and remember, that all disease begins at the cellular level. 
     Thankfully, our bodies do have defenses.  There are several defense mechanisms that our bodies use, but one of the most important, and really the only one we have any control over, is our bodies use of antioxidants.  Antioxidants are the major weapon our bodies use to defend against oxidative stress.  This quote by Andrew Weil, MD explains this well.

     "A good case can be made for the notion that health depends on a balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses.  Aging and age-related diseases reflect the inability of our antioxidant defenses to cope with oxidative stress over time.  The good news is that with strong antioxidant defenses, long life without disease should be possible."

     So, how do we insure that our trillions of cells are provided with all the nutrition and antioxidants that are needed for optimal cellular health?  It is actually fairly simple and straightforward in theory, but more difficult and in some cases controversial.  Here are the basics:

• Eat as healthy and varied a diet as you can with lots of vegetables and fruit, while avoiding processed foods as much as is possible. Try to eat things that are whole and as close to their natural state as you can. However, perfection is not possible and probably not desirable.  Don't become that person that nobody wants to go to dinner with. As a suggestion, shoot for a 80/20 ratio.  You can do that! Right?
• Find a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement made to pharmaceutical specifications and take it every day. (Preferably twice a day.)  This is essential for cellular health in our modern world, but due to lack of nutritional training in our medical schools, and general misinformation among the general public, is often neglected, even by those who are very concerned with their health.  No less authorities than the American Medical Association and Harvard Medical recommend a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement for all Americans. One last warning.  You won't find a high quality supplement as I have described at your local drug store.  I recommend the FDA Certified manufacturer USANA Health Sciences Essentials. I know some people don't like swallowing pills.  You'll just have to get over it.  It's that important!  Do it for you! Do it for your family. Do it for your cells.  (If you really have a hard time, contact me, and I'll send you some tips on making it easier.) 
• Drink more water.  Very few of us consume proper amounts of liquid each day.  Drink more water, tea, coffee.  Just be careful with the sugar and artificial sweeteners.  Yeah, even a beer or glass of wine or two, if you're so inclined.  Healthy isn't boring, it's fantastic!!

     These, of course, aren't the only ingredients for a healthy life, but these three are vitally important to optimal, cellular health, and they are simple things that each and everyone of us can do.  To long life without disease, Cheers!