This is the month for announcements, introducing several new items of interest:
First: We have our new website up, with its totally fresh appearance. The address is still www.appliedhealth.com Check it out and let us know what you think.
Second: We have two new "weight loss" products, of which we are very excited. These two products, Smart Weigh and Liver Cleanse, work in combination with each other to provide the proper herbs and crucial enzymes needed for successful weight loss. We have included a brief description of each in this month's newsletter, or you can get more information from our website.
Third: We are proud to introduce Dr. Conrad Loreto, who will be writing some articles for AHSJ. Dr. Loreto is a nationally certified Acupuncturist and Naturopathic Doctor.
Dr. Loreto has graciously agreed to contribute columns to AHS Journal, relating his teachings and knowledge of health, which he expresses through his practice.
Last, but definitely not least (although, this is not a new introduction): as always, we are grateful to have Stephanie Jenkins contribute to our newsletter.
Stephanie will be continuing her series of articles on weight-loss (appropriate for the start of "bathing suit season"), with Part 2. With Stephanie's extensive knowledge and experience helping clients attain their desired weight levels, she needs several articles to cover this subject, thoroughly.
Dr. Loreto is a Nationally Certified Acupuncturist and a doctor of Naturopathy. His interest in acupuncture stemmed from his own personal experiences, which led him to study at the California Acupuncture College, graduating in 1981.
Due to his belief in holistic healing, Dr. Loreto felt the need to further his education. In 1988, he received his Doctorate in Naturopathy.
Dr. Loreto continues to use a holistic approach to healing - incorporating traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) - techniques used to help many of his patients overcome limiting beliefs, phobias, and challenges.
Offering a traditional, yet unique, compliment to western medicine, Dr. Loreto practices in three Scottsdale, Arizona locations, as well as lecturing throughout the United States.
My introduction to Acupuncture came in 1976, when I was told I needed surgery for a back injury. I found Dr. Kim, an acupuncturist with a Chinatown back alley office in San Francisco, who corrected my problem and eliminated my need for surgery.
I had a ton of unanswered questions since Dr. Kim did not speak English. Fortunately, I was accepted to enroll in the first acupuncture school in the country opening in Westwood, California.
The popular understanding was that acupuncture was merely "mind over matter", in spite of the reliable results for over 5,000 years. To disprove this concept, I was asked to join a study at UCLA medical school treating animals.
I mostly treated horses, but not once did I successfully "talk" any of the horses out of their ill or lame conditions. The acupuncture treatments worked.
The study was so successful that we went on to train veterinarians. This training is now offered as part of their western schooling. I continued to treat animals all over the world including elephants, dolphins, llamas, camels, cats, dogs, a chicken, cows, rabbits, and a python.
While at Acupuncture College, I met Dr. Pao. He took me in as his protégé, teaching me his family secrets, none of which was written in any text. After graduating from this four-year program, in 1981, I moved to Asia to study with another master acupuncturist, Dr. Wa. I was able to train veterinarians at the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Manila Polo Club. Oddly veterinary acupuncture was not popular in this part of the world, either.
Despite my love for horses, I understood my purpose was to help people with their challenges. Over the past 17 years, I have helped thousands of patients, utilizing the wonderful scholastic training and gifts Dr. Pao and Dr. Wa gave me.
With the extensive amount of information involved, it is not possible to give justice to the subject of health in a short space. For this reason, I will provide continuing articles in future newsletters. This installment approach will allow readers to write me with any questions, or areas of interest that may concern their health.
To begin with, I would like to explain my philosophies about health. I believe that the role of a doctor is not so much to patch up the wounds and stop the sniffles. Instead, the role is to teach and coach each patient to celebrate the incredible human body, and enhance the body's ability to heal itself.
That is to say, with the thousands of patients I have treated and helped with their challenges, I never once thought that I "healed" them. Giving someone an herb or a drug, maybe even removing something beyond repair, is not "healing" them. It is merely "assisting" the body to perform its innate function to correct itself.
It has been said that treating an illness, after it is manifested, is like digging a well after you are thirsty. In China, patients see doctors on a regular basis "before" they get sick, to enable them to stay healthy. If the patient becomes ill after this preventative care, the doctor treats the patient for free, because it is believed that the doctor had not previously provided the patient with quality care.
Complete health is the whole experience of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical balance. Typically, people exhaust themselves in each of these ways, as they strive for "success" and a comfortable income on which to retire. However, to appreciate true success, health must be a companion. If mentally exhausted, spiritually empty, or even if the liver is not functioning properly, complete health and success can not be truly enjoyed.
You can take the time "now" to invest in your future health, or take the time "later" to be ill. The choice is yours. What I hope, is that over the following months, I can coach you on how to stay healthy in this "marathon" of life we live in.
For those of you who missed the April newsletter, this is the second part of our four part series on weight-loss. Last month's introduction to the topic included an explanation of the body weight "setpoint". In review, the setpoint is the weight-regulating mechanism that controls a person's body weight.
In order to trigger the setpoint and lower both weight and body fat permanently, we need to focus on five areas. The first area is knowing the proper types of foods that should be eaten. The following food-intake guidelines will actually help reprogram the setpoint to a lower level.
Reduce the Consumption of Refined Carbohydrates, and Boost the Intake of Complex Carbohydrates
Consume Fewer High-Caloric Fluids
Drink Plenty of "Purified" Water
Eat in Harmony With the "Weight-Regulating" Mechanism
As I explain these guidelines, be aware that besides lowering the body's setpoint, they will also increase the quality of diet and improve health.
Decrease Unhealthy Fat Consumption, and Increase Nutritionally Healthy Fats
Did you know that the average American consumes about 40% of his calories in the form of fat, which is the most concentrated source of energy available to the body?
Fat is necessary for normal brain development, during infancy and childhood. After approximately two years old, however, the body requires much less fat. For better health, this small requirement of fat should be obtained from "quality" fat sources.
Fats are made from fatty acids. There are different types of fats, which I categorize as follows:
Unhealthy or "bad" fats include saturated, hydrogenated, and oxidized fats.
Healthy or "good" fats include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are the "best" fats.
"Bad" Fats
Saturated fats are found primarily in animal products (ex: beef, lamb, pork); including dairy products (ex: cheese, whole milk, cream) and cured meats (ex: bacon, sausage, pepperoni, salami, pastrami).
Tropical oils, such as palm kernel and coconut oil, are saturated fats, as well. Saturated fats usually stay solid at room temperature.
Hydrogenated oils, or partially hydrogenated oils, are found in most processed and packaged foods. These are also known as "trans" fatty acids, or the "trans form" of fatty acids.
Trans-fatty acids have been altered through hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is a process used to harden liquid vegetable oils (polyunsaturated oils) into solid form, like margarine and shortening.
Trans-fats have been found to disrupt normal metabolic function, because of their unusual molecular structure. Trans-fatty acids also raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Much like saturated fats, trans-fatty acids can cause cancer and other diseases. Therefore, you should avoid any foods containing hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated, oils (ex: margarine, vegetable shortening) and include them on the "bad" fats list.
Excessive "bad" fat intake not only raises your setpoint, but is the major cause of high blood pressure, raised LDL cholesterol levels, coronary heart disease, cancers and many other diseases and disorders.
John R. Lee, M.D. says:
"Trans-fatty acids enter our metabolic processes but are defective for our bodily uses. Our cell membranes, our hormone synthesis, our immune system, our ability to deal with inflammation and to heal, and many, many other vital systems all become defective when trans-fatty acids (are consumed) . . . Unknowingly, we are poisoning ourselves . . . Choose butter over margarine, olive oil and flaxseed oils over the many processed oils on the supermarket shelves; fresh vegetables over canned or otherwise processed ones; and learn to read labels."
Oxidized oils are oils that have been overheated, or over-used, as with oils at fast-food restaurants. The chemical change to these oils causes them to be loaded with free radicals and highly toxic to the human body.
"Good" Fats
Polyunsaturated fats are healthy "good" fats. These fats are found in soybean, safflower, corn and sunflower oils. Certain fish oils are also high in polyunsaturates.
Unlike saturated fats, polyunsaturates lower "total" cholesterol levels. However, large amounts of polyunsaturates also have a tendency to reduce the HDL's - good cholesterol.
As with all fats, polyunsaturates are high in calories for their weight and volume. We should not exceed ten percent of total caloric intake from these fats.
Monounsaturated fats are the "best" of the "good" fats. They are found mostly in vegetable oils, such as extra virgin olive or canola oils. Avocados, nuts (ex: almonds, pecans), and seeds (ex: pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flaxseed) are also included in this group of "best" fats. Peanuts should be avoided and are actually unhealthy.
Monounsaturated fats appear to reduce blood levels of LDL's, without affecting the good HDL's. All oils need to be "cold, expeller-pressed" to retain their nutritional value. Dark bottles and refrigeration are also important for protecting the oils and delaying the natural process of them becoming rancid.
"Good" fats
aid in the function of the liver, metabolism, and fertility problems
I suggest consuming no more than 20% of our daily calories from the "good" fats (avoid any percentage of "bad" fats, if possible). For accurate measurement, it is important to read "nutritional labels".
First, make sure the fat source is from the "good" fats list. Next, multiply the amount of fat grams by 9 (there are nine calories per fat gram). Then divide that number into the total number of calories per serving. This will give the percentage of fat, per serving.
As an example, evaluating the fat percentage from a can of potato soup:
With each gram of fat containing nine calories, the fat in this soup accounts for 27 calories (3 grams x 9 calories per gram). The percent of fat is 27 divided by 90 calories, which equals 30 percent fat per serving. If we want to stay within our 20% fat ratio, this soup should be avoided.
Lessen the Consumption of Refined Carbohydrates, and Boost the Intake of Complex Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates consist of white flour and simple sugars - sucrose (white sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), and lactose (milk sugar).
White flour is a problem, because it is used extensively in foods. Many whole-wheat bakery items actually contain large quantities of white flour. Often the white flour is just given a fancy name, like enriched white flour or fortified flour. However, it is still a refined carbohydrate and is likely to affect insulin response, raise the setpoint and cause weight gain.
Examples of simple carbohydrates include white flour-based foods: such as breads, bagels, pasta, crackers, chips, tortillas, muffins, cakes, cookies, and pizza dough. Other simple carbohydrates include white rice, french-fries, potato chips, sugar filled cereals, and soft drinks.
There are several ways to decrease the amount of sugar and white flour products in the diet. I suggest using maple syrup or honey, instead of sugar, because they are absorbed slower, thus having less effect on insulin levels than conventional sugar.
Fructose (fruit sugar) or "fruit juice" sweetened products are also better then sucrose. It is important to note any advantage of fructose over regular sugar is minor, so intake should be limited to very low levels.
Most desserts are extremely high in both fats and sugars. Try substituting fresh fruit; low fat, high fiber (whole grain) snacks; or nonfat yogurt - check various brands for differing sugar content.
(Editor's note: to repeat a comment I have made in previous newsletters about yogurt - whenever, fruit or sweetener of any kind is added to yogurt for more than a few minutes, the "good" bacteria that is so healthy for the body's digestive tract is killed. If the taste of plain yogurt is unpalatable, try adding fruit or sweetener to plain yogurt,just before consuming.)
Did you know that consuming sugar causes us to snack? Snacking patterns usually are the result of rapidly falling blood sugar levels related to the release of insulin in the body. When we eat excessive sugars, we stimulate the release of insulin, which in turn decreases blood sugar levels, and creates a strong urge to eat within hours of the first sugar intake.
Artificial sweeteners have no calories, but are not recommended for two reasons. First, they seem to enhance the desire for sweets, making it difficult to eat good foods, without sweetening them. Second, artificial sweeteners are toxic, and they raise the setpoint.
Complex carbohydrates are very misunderstood, because they are lumped together with simple carbohydrates. Many people seem to think all carbohydrates cause weight gain. This is simply not true.
Complex carbohydrates consist of fresh vegetables, "whole" grains, beans, and legumes. These are an extremely important part of our diet. Complex carbohydrates are the only foods that contain fiber!
Fiber is a vital part of a healthy diet. The average American eats approximately 5 grams of fiber per day, but truly needs 35-45 grams per day, for optimal health.
Dietary fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant to the body's digestive enzymes. As a result only a small amount of fiber is digested or metabolized in the stomach or intestines. Instead, most of it moves through the gastrointestinal tract and is eliminated from the body.
Even though, most fiber is not digested, it delivers an array of health benefits. First, fiber absorbs water, which helps prevent constipation by softening the stools.
A high fiber diet also reduces the risk of colon cancer, because it speeds up the transit time of food through the intestines, which keeps the digestive track clean.
Fiber also binds to certain substances that would normally result in the production of cholesterol and eliminates these substances from the body. Because of this, fiber helps lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.
In regards to the setpoint, fiber actually attaches to fat and transports it out of the body, rather than allowing it to be stored. Consuming a great deal of fiber will help lower body fat and the setpoint.
Examples of complex carbohydrates are:
All fresh vegetables and fresh fruits
Beans, legumes - garbanzo, kidney, soy, and black beans; peas, lentils
If it is too difficult to live without baked goods,then choose only whole grain products - remember labels need to state 100% whole grain, or seven to ten grain (not just enriched or fortified) bread, muffins or crackers
Brown rice
Corn tortillas
Choose healthy, whole grains such as spelt, kamut, quinoa, rye, millet, buckwheat, and oats.
If pizza dough or pasta is a "must", then the whole grain or vegetable type is better than the basic "white flour" - though these products usually have a very little amount of whole grains.
I suggest approximately 60% of the diet consist of complex carbohydrates. This would include about six servings of fresh vegetables and two servings of fresh fruit per day, to get the adequate amount of fiber needed to help lower the setpoint.
Decrease Calorie-Containing Fluids
Drinking high calorie fluids contribute to raising the setpoint and obesity in several ways. The sugars (or artificial sweeteners) in sodas, diet sodas, juice and sugar drinks are absorbed quickly, which creates a rapid rise in insulin, causing negative effects on the body.
Caffeine drinks (even those without calories) also stimulate insulin production. Liquids require no chewing (so therefore are quickly consumed) and leave the stomach so rapidly that they provide little lasting satiety. This leads to ingesting more calories than the body can use, causing excess fat production.
Reduce sweet drinks, even diet drinks, and replace them with purified water and herb teas, to lower the body's weight setpoint.
Drink Adequate Amounts of "Purified" Water
Many overweight people have become insensitive to their thirst and eat when their real need is for water.
If uncertain whether a drive represents a thirst or hunger drive, drink a glass of water (purified). If water is not satisfying, chances are you are experiencing a hunger drive. Chewing food that will not digest too quickly (such as complex carbohydrates or high-quality protein) is probably required.
The human body consists of two-thirds water. It is essentially involved with every function of the body. Water helps transport nutrients and waste products, both in and out of cells.
Water is necessary for all digestive, circulatory, and excretory functions. Water aids in the utilization of vitamins and is needed for maintenance of proper body temperature.
At least eight glasses (8 ounces each) of water should be consumed daily. This will aid good health, detoxify the body, and assist in lowering the weight setpoint. It may take awhile to get used to drinking water, but the benefits are abundant.
Eat in Harmony With the Weight-Regulating Mechanism
Chronic dieters are the best example of people who are out of touch with their weight-regulating mechanism. They try not to eat when they are hungry, or when they do eat, they consume more than their bodies require.
Some people eat when they are nervous, or depressed, even though they are truly not hungry. It is important to pay attention to the weight-regulating mechanism, and hunger drive. Many of us have become insensitive and deny, or ignore, the hunger drive. To become more sensitive, it is important to eat regularly - at least three times a day.
Preferably breakfast or lunch should be a complete meal, in which enough food is consumed to feel comfortably satiated. Try to avoid eating after 7:00 p.m., because the metabolism is at its slowest in the evening.
Eating a large breakfast, or lunch, will give more energy, allow the body time to burn the calories, and will prevent getting "overly" hungry and eating too much food late in the day.
Studies show "meal skippers" or "late night eaters" are more overweight, have higher cholesterol levels and more problems with the insulin mechanism than "regular eaters".
These guidelines when followed regularly will help reprogram the setpoint to a new, lower level. They also will help improve the immune system, balance the body, slow down the aging process and help prevent disease.
Next month, we will focus on cleansing the liver and colon, and the proper exercise regime for maximum weight loss. Stay tuned; there is a lot more information to help you towards a lasting solution for weight loss.
Introducing Our Newest Products: 'Liver Cleanse' and 'Smart Weigh'
Tamara Jankoski
We, at Applied Health Solutions, would like to take a moment to introduce our two newest products: Liver Cleanse and Smart Weigh. Both products are wonderfully effective for their individual purposes, or can be combined to work together in a powerful combination to facilitate weight loss.
These products contain our Advanced Enzyme Technology (AET), a proprietary formula of enzymes blended to enhance the absorption and utilization of the nutrients. AET maximizes the effect of the powerful herbal extractions, working with the body's own chemistry, to produce optimum results.
Liver Cleanse
This exclusive herbal tonic is an all-natural nutriceutical supplement, specifically formulated to detoxify and nutritionally support healthy liver function. The liver is a comprehensive body detoxifier. Health threatening toxins accumulate in the liver. The liver must be able to break down toxins before they are excreted, ultimately via the colon or kidneys.
Due to today's lifestyles of stressful living, poor diets, overeating, and environmental pollutants/pesticides, the liver is much more susceptible to disease and dysfunction.
Liver dysfunction can lead to immune system disorders, high LDL cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other serious - even life threatening - diseases, such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, liver cancer, and complete liver failure.
Liver Cleanse is a superior product in every way for encouraging the breakdown and elimination of health threatening toxins. Liver Cleanse will improve the immune system, encourage proper elimination, restore energy, lower cholesterol, and help break down fats.
These benefits are what encourage better health and weight-loss . . . especially when combined with our new Smart Weigh product.
Smart Weigh
The truth about weight loss is that dramatic and sudden weight loss is unhealthy, unwise, and dangerous. As you most likely already know, the weight always comes back.
Smart Weigh's "Intelligent Weight Management" program means controlled weight loss that stays off. Smart Weigh will maximize the ability to burn calories, reduce cravings for sweets, balance blood sugar levels, and curb the appetite.
Derived from an ancient Chinese combination of herbs, Smart Weigh is safe and clinically proven. This formula of herbs, has been clinically tested and proven 94% effective, for safe weight loss.
Combined with our powerful Advanced Enzyme Technology to enhance the effectiveness, Smart Weigh produces an average weight loss of five pounds to seven pounds per month.
"The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance under the promptings of a brave, determined spirit."
