Living Health Outreach

02/15/2025

Food sensitivities have been linked to gut/digestive issues, weight gain, joint pain, behavioral disorders, skin conditions, and so much more. People do not realize they can feel much better than they currently do, simply by adjusting their diets and removing foods which cause them inflammation.

Call Ronda at Sun Country Wellness and Weight Loss 520-850-0449 for free 15-minute consultation

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01/27/2025

Your skin is your largest organ, it pushes toxins out and allows toxin in. What you put on your body absorbs into your blood stream which is filtered through your liver and kidneys. If you eat or put something on your body that is toxic you may develop a rash. This is your skin attempting to push the poison out. If you wouldn't eat it, you shouldn't put it on your skin.

11/11/2024

from Newsmax.com

How CoQ10 Affects Insulin Sensitivity

Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., writes:

A study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences attempted to see if supplementing with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) would improve diabetics’ blood sugar control.

Diabetic women were given either 100 mg of CoQ10 or placebo for 12 weeks, and at the end of the study, blood pressure was reduced in the CoQ10-treated group compared to the placebo group. Fasting blood sugar was also lower in those who took CoQ10. Lastly, insulin sensitivity was improved in the CoQ10 group.

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance that is produced in the body. It is not an essential nutrient unless you are taking a statin medication (or red rice yeast). That’s because statins poison an enzyme that is crucial to producing CoQ10.

CoQ10 deficiency is associated with many health problems, and supplementing with CoQ10 has been shown to help with heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, and statin-induced muscle aches and pains.

It’s also is very safe. I routinely have patients take 100 mg to 300 mg per day, and I recommend more CoQ10 when an illness is severe.

Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., editor of the Natural Way to Health newsletter, is a board-certified family physician and one of the nation’s foremost practitioners of holistic medicine. In addition to his practice, Dr. Brownstein has lectured internationally to physicians and is the author of six very popular books.

08/12/2024

Which dietary approach has worked best for you?

Dietary recommendations for managing diabetes can vary between conventional guidelines provided by organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the principles promoted by natural health proponents. Here's a comparison of their approaches:

ADA DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

Carbohydrate Management: Emphasizes controlling carbohydrate intake to manage blood glucose levels. Focuses on complex carbs with a low glycemic index (e.g., whole grains, legumes).

Protein and Fat: Encourages lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu) and healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil). Limit saturated and trans fats.

Fiber Intake: Recommends a high-fiber diet to help with blood glucose control and digestive health.

Meal Planning: Advises portion control and balancing meals to manage calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.

Glycemic Index: Encourages foods with a low glycemic index to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Meal Timing: Suggests regular meal timing to prevent blood sugar spikes and dips.

Personalization: Recommends tailored dietary plans based on individual needs, preferences, and blood glucose monitoring results.

NATURAL HEALTH PROPONENTS' RECOMMENDATIONS

Whole Foods Focus: Minimally Processed Foods; diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.

Avoiding Processed Foods: Strongly discourages processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives.

Carbohydrate reductions using Low-Carb or Ketogenic Diets:
Many natural health proponents advocate for low-carb or ketogenic diets, which focus on very low carbohydrate intake to maintain ketosis and manage blood sugar levels. This is often combined with intermittent fasting to stimulate autophagy which help the body heal on a cellular level.

High-Fat Diets: Some promote high-fat, low-carb diets (like the ketogenic diet) to improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar. Healthy fats such as avocados. avocado oil, olive oil, eggs, raw nuts, sometimes organic dairy, and protein sources that are grown without antibiotics and are grass-fed are encouraged.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Emphasizes foods with anti-inflammatory properties (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids from fish, turmeric, leafy greens) to support overall health and reduce inflammation. Avoidance of seed oils is essential.

Holistic Approach with Lifestyle Integration: May include recommendations for overall lifestyle changes, such as stress management, adequate sleep, and physical activity alongside dietary changes; good eating habits such as eating without distractions (like TV) and chewing your food completely; avoiding late night eating; avoid over eating.

Herbal and Supplement Use: Some natural health proponents suggest supplements or herbs to support blood sugar control such as chromium, berberine, Thermo-Suppress, and Calocurb.

KEY DIFFERENCES
The ADA focuses on balanced carbohydrate intake and low glycemic index, while natural health proponents may advocate for very low-carb or ketogenic diets to decrease inflammation, sugar addiction, and promote gut biome health. In addition, holistic practitioners encourage reduction of highly processed food which tend to have lower fiber, decreased nutritional value, and more chemicals.

Conventional medicine approach is aimed at helping individuals manage diabetes to slow down the progression. These recommendations are most appropriate for individuals who do not want to change their eating habits or find it very difficult to adapt to a healthier lifestyle.

Natural health medicine approach is aimed at eliminating disease by addressing root causes of inflammation.

About 80% of chronic diseases are driven by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. “Healthy lifestyle habits can slow or even reverse the damage from high cholesterol or high blood sugar,” says lifestyle medicine specialist Mladen Golubic, MD, PhD. “You can reverse diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease.”

08/11/2024

Autoimmune diseases and intestinal permeability, often referred to as "leaky gut," are closely connected. Here's a quick breakdown:

The lining of our intestines acts like a barrier, controlling what enters our bloodstream from our digestive system. When this barrier is compromised—due to factors like stress, poor diet, or infections—it becomes more permeable. This increased permeability allows larger, undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to "leak" into the bloodstream.

When these foreign substances enter the bloodstream, the immune system sees them as threats and mounts an attack. Over time, this constant immune response can trigger chronic inflammation and, in some cases, lead to autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune conditions, the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues, thinking they are the invaders.

So, a leaky gut doesn't just cause digestive issues—it can also contribute to the development or worsening of autoimmune diseases. Managing gut health through diet, stress reduction, and gut-healing protocols is crucial for those with autoimmune conditions.

07/23/2024

Akkermansia: a probiotic that does oh so much:

Gut Health:
Helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining by consuming mucin, which supports the mucus layer protecting the intestinal wall.
Enhances gut barrier function, preventing the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream.

Metabolic Health:
Improves insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.
Aids in weight management by improving metabolic functions and reducing fat storage.
Influences energy expenditure, promoting more efficient energy use by the body.

Weight Loss:
Reduces obesity by influencing the regulation of fat storage and promoting fat breakdown.
Enhances the body's response to dietary changes, making it easier to achieve and maintain weight loss.
Modulates appetite and satiety hormones, helping to control hunger and reduce calorie intake.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Reduces inflammation in the gut and other parts of the body by modulating immune responses, which can help in weight loss efforts by improving overall metabolic health.

Immune System Support:
Helps regulate the immune system, promoting a balanced response to pathogens and reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases, which can indirectly support weight management.

Lipid Metabolism:
Improves lipid metabolism, which can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, supporting overall health during weight loss.

Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production:
Stimulates the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties that support weight loss.

Anti-Cancer Potential:
Emerging research suggests that Akkermansia may have anti-cancer properties, particularly in preventing or slowing the growth of certain types of cancer, contributing to overall health.

Mental Health:
Influences the gut-brain axis, potentially benefiting mental health conditions like anxiety and depression by promoting a healthy gut microbiome, which can support weight loss efforts by reducing stress-related eating.

Nutrient Absorption:
Enhances the absorption of nutrients from the diet, contributing to overall health and wellness, which is important during weight loss to ensure the body receives essential nutrients.

Anti-Aging Effects:
May have anti-aging effects by promoting a healthy gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, and improving metabolic functions, supporting a healthy body composition as one ages.

Incorporating foods and habits that promote the growth of Akkermansia, such as a high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and possibly specific prebiotics and probiotics, can help harness these benefits.

07/22/2024

07/21/2024

🍔 The Hidden Dangers of Fast Food 🍟

While fast food might be convenient and tasty, it comes with a host of hidden dangers that can seriously impact your health. Here's why you might want to think twice before grabbing that quick meal:

🚨 Health Risks of Fast Food:
High in Unhealthy Fats: most restaurants use seed oils which are highly processed with chemicals to make them palatable, but are very bad for your body.

Excessive Sodium: High sodium levels in fast food can increase blood pressure and strain your heart.

Loaded with Sugar: Many fast food items are packed with sugar, contributing to weight gain, diabetes, and other metabolic issues.

Lack of Nutrients: Fast food is typically low in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, leading to poor nutrition.

Addictive Ingredients: Fast food is designed to be addictive, making you crave more and leading to overeating.

💡 Make Healthier Choices! Opt for fresh, whole foods that nourish your body and mind. Your health is worth the effort!

07/20/2024

Guilt will eat away at your health.

Guilt doesn't just go away, it must be dealt with through forgiveness, repentance, and restitution (asking for forgiveness, accepting forgiveness and forgiving yourself and others; making necessary changes; restitution if appropriate).

If guilt is not dealt with, it will fester and seethe down deep in the soul and begin to change the person. Unresolved guilt either makes a person angry or prideful. Anger towards the other person or anger at themselves will manifest in an unhappy person who complains about everything, is critical of everyone, self loathing, and has outburst over little things. If the offence happens when the person is young, they may gain more self control over their emotions with age, but the person will develop into someone even more obnoxious. Pride is the other side of this 2-headed coin. This person is unteachable, defensive, always right. They may develop narcissistic characteristics. Pride can also manifest in victimization, martyrdom, and passive aggression. These unresolved emotions will destroy relationships and eventually contribute to many health conditions.

Even the body keeps score. Unforgiveness has been linked to cancer, joint pain, heart disease, depression and anxiety, and many more health issues.

07/19/2024

Negative emotions toward another person can destroy your health! Are you so upset about something or someone that you can’t stop the bad thoughts and feelings? Beware, this can lead to health problems: heart problems; always being sick or inability to fight off disease; digestive issues; muscle pain, injury, and migraine; poor sleep; weight gain and diabetes; and mental health problems. For more details, continue reading.

Cardiovascular Problems
Chronic anger and resentment can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These emotions trigger the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies have shown that people who frequently experience anger and hostility are more likely to develop coronary artery disease.

Weakened Immune System
The immune system is sensitive to emotional states. Prolonged negative emotions like hatred and bitterness can suppress immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This happens because the chronic release of stress hormones can impair the immune response, reducing the body's ability to fight off pathogens effectively.

Digestive Issues
Emotional stress often manifests in the gastrointestinal tract. Constant anger and resentment can lead to various digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and ulcers. The brain and gut are closely connected through the gut-brain axis, meaning that emotional distress can directly impact digestive health.

Musculoskeletal Problems
Persistent negative emotions can cause muscle tension and pain. Anger and bitterness often lead to chronic tension in the muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. Over time, this can result in chronic pain conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, and even fibromyalgia.

Sleep Disturbances
Negative emotions can significantly disrupt sleep patterns. People who harbor constant anger and resentment may experience insomnia or poor-quality sleep. This lack of restorative sleep can exacerbate other health issues, creating a vicious cycle of deteriorating health and increasing emotional distress.

Metabolic Effects
Chronic anger and resentment can lead to metabolic imbalances. The prolonged release of cortisol can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, stress-induced hormonal changes can affect appetite and eating behaviors, often leading to unhealthy dietary habits.

Mental Health Impact
While the focus here is on physical health, it's important to note that chronic negative emotions also take a significant toll on mental health. Constant anger and resentment can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. The interplay between mental and physical health means that these emotional states can create a feedback loop, worsening both mental and physical well-being.

07/13/2024

🌿 Understanding Abdominal Yeast Overgrowth: What You Need to Know 🌿

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in our bodies, primarily in the mouth, throat, gut, and va**na. When in balance, it helps with digestion and nutrient absorption. However, various factors such as a high-sugar diet, antibiotics, stress, or a weakened immune system can cause this yeast to multiply excessively, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes serious health issues.

🔬 Common Symptoms:

Bloating and gas
Digestive issues (e.g., constipation or diarrhea)
Fatigue and brain fog
Sugar cravings
Skin issues, such as rashes or eczema
Recurring yeast infections
💡 Tips for Managing and Preventing Overgrowth:

Diet: Reduce sugar and refined carbs, as these feed Candida. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as avocados, avocado oil, olive oil, raw nuts, and wild caught fish.

Probiotics: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like plain yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables to maintain healthy gut flora. Probiotics can also help.

Antifungal Foods: Include garlic, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar in your diet, known for their natural antifungal properties.

Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing like prayer and scripture meditation, regular exercise, and deep breathing exercises to keep your immune system strong.

Medical Support: Consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include antifungal medications or supplements. PM me for more information.

Remember, everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to listen to your body and seek professional advice if you suspect you have abdominal yeast overgrowth.

Stay healthy and take care of yourselves! 🌸✨

07/09/2024

God wants you healthy. If you don’t believe that stop trying to get well.

07/09/2024

🧪 What is Homocysteine? And Why Should You Care? 🧬

Homocysteine is an amino acid in your blood that, at elevated levels, can be a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. A simple lab test can measure your homocysteine levels and give you valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.

By keeping an eye on your homocysteine levels, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy heart. If your levels are high, lifestyle changes like a balanced diet rich in B vitamins, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can help lower them.

Stay informed, stay healthy! 💚

07/07/2024

Chronic low-grade stress can have significant effects on the body, leading to a range of health problems. When the body is under constant stress, it continuously produces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, elevated levels of these hormones can lead to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Chronic stress can also contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases by increasing blood pressure and heart rate, as well as promoting inflammation within the arteries. It can negatively impact mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. It can also affect cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration, and can exacerbate conditions like diabetes and gastrointestinal issues. Other common symptoms of high cortisol levels include weight gain especially around the middle; skin problem such as acne and eczema; gut issues; chronic fatigue; pain; libido.

Home treatments:
1. mild to moderate exercise only. Avoid high intensity and excessive exercise.
2. Get out in nature. Learn to slow down and smell the roses.
3. Cut out sugars and starches from your diet.
4. Increase good fats such as avocados, avocado & olive oil, fish.
5. Develop the habit of doing deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed out, it will help you calm down and relax and only takes a few minutes.
6. Decrease your caffeine intake
7. Find time to do activities that you find truly relaxing and nourishing to your soul and spirit.

06/29/2024

Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
Instead it will kill you!

06/28/2024

Semaglutide, is it right for you?

Are you considering Semaglutide (Trade names: Ozempic, Wygovy) for weight loss? Understanding the benefits and risks can help you make an informed decision.

Benefits:

Effective Weight Loss: Semaglutide has been shown to significantly aid in weight reduction. Combined with appropriate lifestyle changes, this medication really works!

Improved Health Markers: Users often experience better blood sugar control and lower risk of heart disease.

Improved wellbeing: People who lose weight have less joint pain, more energy, less body aches, and overall just feel better.

Risks:

Possible Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, reflux, and diarrhea are common side effects, but usually dose dependent, and usually controllable by eating small meals. More serious is muscle wasting, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, and the possible link to thyroid cancer.

Long-term Safety: The long-term effects are still being studied.

Cost: Insurance companies do not usually cover the cost for weight loss. Although it is significantly less expensive from a compound pharmacy, it is still expensive.

Schedule your appointment with Sun Country Weight Loss. We take a comprehensive look at your total health to get you feeling better from the inside out. Semaglutide works well, but is not the best choice for everyone and there are many other choices.

In Arizona: call 520-850-0449