How You Can Fight Osteoarthritis With Foods by Dr Asa Andrew

By Dr. Asa Andrew 1 / Jul / 2015

Annette from Miami, Florida writes:

My mother has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The doctors say it is early. What can she do each day to help with this? Can she do anything with her lifestyle?

Dear Annette,

Alzheimer’s can be a very sad and scary diagnosis for everyone involved. We are learning more in the nutrition world about what foods directly affect the brain than ever before. It is not just genetics that happens to us. It is our choices every day that determines what type of health we are going to have tomorrow. This is especially true with our brain. The brain's cells can become rigid as we age. This can cause issues like our memory to not stay as sharp. There have been numerous studies that show that the foods that we eat every day directly impacts how well our brain will eventually function. Lets look at some brain healthy foods to help support her memory and her general health overall. Remember, there is always hope for better health. Never say never. The body has an amazing ability to recover and do well. 

1.Salmon
Omega 3 fatty acids are the rock stars of brain health. Wild salmon is probably the best for your brain overall. Other fish such as sardines and anchovies have tremendous benefit as well. The omega 3 fats are amazing support for your memory and empowering your health. 

2.Lentils
These are one of my favorites. Lentils are loaded with B vitamins, which are essential for the brain. These are easy to add to any meal and are great for fiber as well.

3.Blueberries
Antioxidants are a real key in supporting the brain. Blueberries are loaded with these antioxidants that help to clean out the brain and keep it working in tip -op shape. Free radicals can cause damage when in abundance and the blueberries contain components to help rid the body of these to help better support memory. 

4.Coconut Oil
Known as a saturated fat, coconut oil has some strong properties for the brain. If actually breaks down in the body like a carbohydrate called a MCT, or medium chain triglyceride. The saturated fat in coconut oil is needed to help the omega 3 fats absorb and function better. Look at using some of this special oil to cook with or add to your smoothies. 

5.Beets
Beets have been known for great digestive properties. They help with elimination, constipation, and digestive distress. Now we are learning that the nitric oxide found in beets are great for improving memory and adding oxygen into the cells. They are loaded with folic acid and have been shown in certain studies to delay dementia as we age.  

6.Cauliflower
Full of folic acid and vitamin C, cauliflower has been shown to support against the cognitive decline from aging and help to prevent against Alzheimer’s. 

7.Walnuts
Walnuts may be thought of as one of the superior nuts. They are the nuts with the highest amount of omega 3 fats. Walnuts have been shown in research to improve learning and memory. Just 1-2 oz. a day can improve overall function and cause your brain to be protected from the challenges that come with the aging process.

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Annette from Miami, Florida writes:

My mother has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The doctors say it is early. What can she do each day to help with this? Can she do anything with her lifestyle?

Dear Annette,

Alzheimer’s can be a very sad and scary diagnosis for everyone involved. We are learning more in the nutrition world about what foods directly affect the brain than ever before. It is not just genetics that happens to us. It is our choices every day that determines what type of health we are going to have tomorrow. This is especially true with our brain. The brain's cells can become rigid as we age. This can cause issues like our memory to not stay as sharp. There have been numerous studies that show that the foods that we eat every day directly impacts how well our brain will eventually function. Lets look at some brain healthy foods to help support her memory and her general health overall. Remember, there is always hope for better health. Never say never. The body has an amazing ability to recover and do well. 

1.Salmon
Omega 3 fatty acids are the rock stars of brain health. Wild salmon is probably the best for your brain overall. Other fish such as sardines and anchovies have tremendous benefit as well. The omega 3 fats are amazing support for your memory and empowering your health. 

2.Lentils
These are one of my favorites. Lentils are loaded with B vitamins, which are essential for the brain. These are easy to add to any meal and are great for fiber as well.

3.Blueberries
Antioxidants are a real key in supporting the brain. Blueberries are loaded with these antioxidants that help to clean out the brain and keep it working in tip -op shape. Free radicals can cause damage when in abundance and the blueberries contain components to help rid the body of these to help better support memory. 

4.Coconut Oil
Known as a saturated fat, coconut oil has some strong properties for the brain. If actually breaks down in the body like a carbohydrate called a MCT, or medium chain triglyceride. The saturated fat in coconut oil is needed to help the omega 3 fats absorb and function better. Look at using some of this special oil to cook with or add to your smoothies. 

5.Beets
Beets have been known for great digestive properties. They help with elimination, constipation, and digestive distress. Now we are learning that the nitric oxide found in beets are great for improving memory and adding oxygen into the cells. They are loaded with folic acid and have been shown in certain studies to delay dementia as we age.  

6.Cauliflower
Full of folic acid and vitamin C, cauliflower has been shown to support against the cognitive decline from aging and help to prevent against Alzheimer’s. 

7.Walnuts
Walnuts may be thought of as one of the superior nuts. They are the nuts with the highest amount of omega 3 fats. Walnuts have been shown in research to improve learning and memory. Just 1-2 oz. a day can improve overall function and cause your brain to be protected from the challenges that come with the aging process.

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Gabe from Florida Writes:

My doctor recently said that I have a higher than normal kidney number on my lab test. He mentioned that I should drink more water and that we need to “keep an eye” on things. What can I do on my own to make sure my kidneys are staying healthy?

Dear Gabe,

Our kidneys are one of our most vital organs in the body. They are major players in the detoxification process. They remove our daily toxins and excessive salts therefore purifying our cells and allowing the body to function at its full capacity. One of our keys to a healthy body is keeping the kidneys running well. There are many natural ways to support the kidneys and keep them functioning well even with the daily environmental toxins that we come into contact with. 

Lets look at some basic natural ways to keep the kidneys in a constant state of cleansing and supporting their optimal functioning.

1.Drink More Pure Water
Consider the right kind of water. There are many debates on this topic of the best water to drink for empowering your health. Being dehydrated puts an undue strain on the kidneys and can cause potential damage. Regular water may increase inorganic minerals and salts that can bog down the kidney function. Look to using distilled water periodically to keep the kidneys working well.

2.Coriander and Parsley
Boiling a combination of coriander and parsley leaves in water and drinking this multiple times a day has been shown to support better kidney function. You may notice a change in urine after a few days but is normal. This combination has been known to remove excessive salts and may help erode any stones that may be forming.

3. Juniper Berries
These berries have been known to support healthy kidney function. You can get the actual berries or find them in an extract form. 

4. Cayenne Pepper
A great addition to any meal, cayenne pepper has been known for its regenerative and stabilizing support toward kidney function. I once saw a man that was in late stages of kidney disease use heavy amounts of cayenne pepper with his holistic nephrologist and do extremely well in his longevity and treatment. 

The bottom line with kidney health is to keep the fluids coming in. The kidneys thrive on clean nutrition and clean living. 

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Sarah from New York Writes:

I travel extensively for work on a weekly basis. I have heard it can be bad for my health. What can I do to protect my body through the constant weekly car and plane travel?

Dear Sarah,

It has been well known in research studies that traveling by plane or car extensively can take a toll on your health in the long term. As a matter of fact, 85% of the root causes of many health challenges we face today have a basis in emotional or environmental toxins. Our environment plays a role in regards to the foods we eat, the air we breathe, the exercise we get, the water we drink, and the stress that we manage.

Travel alone is stressful to the body. I can tell you that I have been traveling for years for my work. There were several years that I was “on the road” for up to 250 days per year. You might not be that level of a road warrior, yet even the occasional eight-hour drive, or four-hour plane flight can be challenging. Any type of travel can create certain stressors that can be detrimental to your vitality and rob you of your energy. One of the main issues with travel is the amount of radiation that we get while in a plane flight. For every 6 hours in the air it is equivalent to a chest x-ray.

Also, whether driving or flying we increase a major stress hormone in our body called cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that causes us to age faster, wrinkle and sag more, store more body fat, and reduce brain activity. Not good!

So what can you do? It comes down to creating some basic habits that will help you overcome the negative effects of being on the road.

Whether by plane or car, these principles are the same. Keep your routine to maintain your health while on the road.

1.Drink More
Ok so I’m not talking about alcohol. We are made of an estimated 75% water and our cells crave water. When flying, our bodies can become dehydrated much easier due to the altitude. It is easy to want the sodas, coffee, and the juices. If you do have some of those beverages, make sure to follow with plenty of water on the flight depending on how long it is. A good rule is an 8oz bottle of water for every hour you fly or drive. I usually carry bags of green tea in my briefcase. Just add one bag of green tea to your water. It is proven to help lower the stress hormone cortisol. If you are complaining about paying for water because its not free on many flights anymore, fly Delta, it’s still free and my personal favorite airline.

2.Get Up and Walk
Jesus did it, and made others do it too. He was definitely into exercise and for a good reason…kidding but not really. Movement creates a positive impact on our health. As I fly, I notice some people getting up to use the bathroom only to hurry back to their seats. We love to sit, eat, and be entertained. A recent study noted that for every 6 hours we sit, we might take up to 6 years off of our life! Wow! Flight attendants have it the best on the flights because they are always walking to serve others. That is great for their health. Make it a goal to stand for 5 minutes for every hour that you fly and for every 2 hours that you drive. This keeps great blood flow, reduces the chance for a blood clot, and reduces the wear and tear on your spine and posture. In addition our body has it’s own built-in detoxification system. When we move, we pump the lymphatic system and cause the body to help fight against most health challenges.

3.Eat Every 3 Hours
When traveling, it is easy to snack on the junk food and not keep up with your daily eating habits. Blood sugar levels can suffer when you are not in your daily routine. A granola bar instead of a salad, potato chips for lunch because you don’t want to stop driving or your will be late to your meeting. It’s about being prepared. I was asked the other day by a flight attendant why I seemingly had so much packed in my roller board for such a quick trip. It may have looked like all clothes, but I always carry my supplements, healthy nuts and snacks, to help stay on my routine. Because I travel so often, I refuse to let my daily eating habits and lifestyle suffer. Remember you control life each day, or it will control you. A big part of the stress of travel is not getting the right nutrition. Make sure to get a healthy snack or meal every 3-4 hours while traveling to keep your blood sugar stable and get the right nutrients to combat the travel stress.

4.Avoid Sugary Snacks
When it comes to cortisol and stress, nothing will accelerate the hormone more than eating the sugary snacks and sugary drinks. If you get the sweet tooth opt for a piece of fruit and some nuts to help balance the blood sugar and the cravings. While traveling make a goal to drink water or unsweet tea. Most teas, like green tea, have potent antioxidants and polyphenols that can help you improve your health, protect against the aging process and help ward off the toxins from travel.

5.Get Your Rest
When traveling make sure to get your rest. Although some say they will just sleep on the plane or in the car, that sleep is usually not the best. Travel takes a large stress toll on our health so getting proper rest on the day of travel is very important. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep both the night before a big trip and the day of arrival. This will help reduce stress on the body and help balance the overall cortisol levels.

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Stephanie From Nebraska Writes:

I am 49 and have just started having hot flashes. My doctor doesn’t want to put me on any hormones just yet. It’s driving me crazy! Is there anything that I can do to settle these down?

Dear Stephanie,

Hot flashes can strike at any moment when you are entering that special season of life. Many times hot flashes can be the result of underlying blood sugar issues, certain nutritional deficiencies, or thyroid dysfunction. If all of those areas have already been tested and ruled out, then there are some great ways to support your body when dealing with hot flashes. Here are some tips:

Learn Your Triggers
Many times certain stressful events or certain foods like caffeine, red wine, spicy foods, or alcohol. Keep a diary of when these certain areas may trigger a hot flash and do your best to avoid them.

Get Regular Exercise
Along with its great benefits for weight management and avoiding many of the health challenges we face today, exercise is now noted by the National Institute of Health to suppress hot flashes. They recommend 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity five days per week and 2 days of weight training . 

De-Stress
Stressful situations can increase the adrenal glands fight or flight mechanism. This can increase blood flow and trigger hot flashes. Utilize some different stress management techniques such as yoga, prayer, and deep breathing techniques along with an anti-inflammatory diet. 

Hydrate
Studies show that hot flashes can increase when you are dehydrated. Aim for the standard of ½ your bodyweight in ounces of water each day. 

Take Control of Your Sleep
Getting into a regular sleep pattern is crucial for maintaining healthy hormones. When our sleep patterns are erratic, then our hormones are erratic. Consider going to sleep regularly before 11pm and getting your 7-9 hours. Also keep the bedroom at a lower temperature. Keeping the bedroom at about 67 degrees has been shown to help our core temperature be in a position to get into a deeper sleep.

Eat More Fat
Fats are the foundation of our hormones. Make sure to make your diet consists of 25 - 30% of dietary fat including nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut oil, fish oil, etc. These fats will not only lower the inflammatory response, but will help support healthy hormone production. This could be one of your secret weapons against the hot flashes.

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Dana From California Writes:

I just came back from my family doctor and he said that I have hypothyroidism. He put me on the standard medication and said that I need to follow a healthier eating plan. What does that really mean? I eat healthy foods like salads, fish, and vegetables. What else could I be doing?

Dear Dana,

We have seen a rise in low thyroid function over the last few years.  The thyroid is so important because it controls several functions within the body. It is responsible for our overall metabolism, energy production, mental clarity, and helps support the heart rate. Several factors including environmental, nutritional, and some genetics can play a role with how well the thyroid works. When you have hypothyroidism, it means that the thyroid is starting to break down, for whatever reason. 

One of the greatest tools that we have is the power in the foods we eat every day. Our food can rebuild the body in so many ways. Certain foods can make the body function better or worse. It all depends on our choices. Lets take a look at some foods that should be avoided in order to support the overall metabolism and thyroid function. Keep in mind it is not to avoid these foods permanently, but should be avoided often.

1.Cruciferous Vegetables
Yes broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Yes they are healthy but they are considered goitrogenic foods. The reason is these foods can block the body’s ability to absorb iodine. Iodine is essential for the thyroid to function properly. The average is to limit your daily consumption to around 4oz to avoid any potential issues. Also, cooking can reduce some of these effects.

2.Gluten
Avoiding gluten may help increase thyroid function. Most grain-based foods such as bread, pasta, cereal, and crackers can be the culprit. Research has shown that gluten irritates the small intestine and may reduce the absorption of thyroid replacement medication. A better option would be the gluten free products. 

3.Soy
The reason this long touted health food is in the line up is how it impacts estrogen. Soy is known to elevate estrogen in men and women. The higher the estrogen, the greater chance for the thyroid to be affected.

4.Trans Fats
Fats found in fried foods have been shown to disrupt the body’s ability to absorb thyroid hormone. So consider reducing your fats from saturated sources that would include trans-fats. Also include the healthier fats like fish oil, olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds. 

5.Processed Carbohydrates
Sugar and refined flour will be a sure ticket to slow down the thyroid and cause your metabolism to come to crawl. Choose whole foods starchy options like brown rice and sweet potatoes. Avoid fruit juices and sugary drinks as well. The sugar isn’t worth it. 

6.Caffeine
Just go easy on the caffeine. Eight cups of coffee a day could begin to block the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement. Tea is usually safe due to its lower levels of caffeine for your health. Opt for lemon in your water. It will give you an energy boost and support you creating a more alkaline environment.

7.Alcohol
Keep it simple. If you have a thyroid condition, you should consider cutting out the alcohol. Even moderation might be too much. Studies have shown that alcohol can really tear down the gland almost similar to a toxic effect.

Along with a detailed eating and lifestyle plan you should be able to support the overall metabolism. Check out our new natural support for the metabolism and thyroid called Metabolic Edge. It’ s loaded with key nutrients to help the body function well and increase well-being. 

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Stone from Oregon Writes:

I am 42 and over the last several months I have been very low in energy. My diet is pretty good and I exercise four to five times per week. My strength has been decreasing and I am not burning the belly fat like I should. My doctor did a blood test and said I have low testosterone. What are your thoughts?

Dear Stone,

These symptoms are like so many men today. Low energy could be the result of many conditions. Low testosterone is a challenge for many men and women today. with their health . When testosterone levels are low it makes it tough to lose weight, regardless of your exercise and eating program. Many times we discuss typical symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and depression. However new research tells us that this deficiency can also affect other areas of the body such as the heart, brain, bones, and body fat levels. The blood test by your physician can tell you if you are low, however, there are some other factors that can help be strong indicators as well. Let’s look at some of the additional signs that you may be struggling with low T.

1.Chest Pains
There has been much discussion over this topic. Numerous studies have now confirmed that lower testosterone can lead to heart attack and even stroke in many cases. So if you have a family history or are experiencing chest pains, see your doctor. 

2.Neuropathy Pain
We often see neuropathy in people with diabetes and other conditions. This is typically a pain in the hands or feet due to the breakdown of nerves. Testosterone and other forms like DHT are very protective to the nerves and can help repair any nerves that may have been damaged due to injury or otherwise chemical reactions such as chemotherapy.

3.Memory Issues
As testosterone goes down, the memory can decline as well. Basic short-term memory is affected due to the decline as well as visual motor tasks. Men who avoid testosterone for prostate therapy see a significant decline in memory. Our cognition is enhanced as we increase our testosterone levels.

4.Struggling With Fat Loss 
Testosterone is an essential weight loss component for the body. When testosterone is low it makes it very challenging to drop the weight. Studies were done and showed that close to 50 pounds was lost on average to lose the weight when testosterone levels were increased. Especially in the mid section and hips. 

5.Dry Skin
If you begin to have chronic dry skin you may be dealing with low testosterone.  Research was done that showed men and women who had low testosterone had chronically dry skin. Also, other conditions were increased such as psoriasis and eczema. An anti-inflammatory diet can help support this as well. 

If you think you may be struggling with low testosterone get a simple blood test from one of your doctors or a lifestyle specialist. There are many natural ways to increase your hormone levels. You can check out my article for improving testosterone levels naturally.

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Tabitha From New Mexico Writes:

I have been reading lately about all of these chemicals that might be in our home cleaning products and cosmetics. I have 2 small children at home and I want to make sure the environment is as safe as possible. What are these chemicals and what can I do to ensure my home is safe?

Dear Tabitha,

Many homes contain certain chemicals in some of our cleaning and personal care products that have been warned by the environmental working group. These chemicals may have the potential alter our hormones and create other cellular damage. From food additives to cleaning supplies, certain toxins such as mercury, lead, and arsenic have been removed from many of the products that we use each day. However many hormone – related chemicals have not. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Endocrine Society, we have endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) that appear mostly in our personal care products and healthy home cleaning supplies. We even find them in electronics, pesticides, and keep in mind they can come in contact with us through our skin and ingestion. These chemicals can disrupt the natural hormone processes of the body by affecting our metabolism. 

Although there are not proven direct cause and effect links, many lead researchers agree that the invading of these chemicals have shown promise to potentially produce challenges such as birth defects, diabetes, and obesity. The World Health Organization recently said that the disease risk of EDC’s might be significantly underestimated. With pregnant women and young children being the most vulnerable, most people can still be affected. Along with an anti-inflammatory diet we need to look further at what might need to be done for a healthier lifestyle.

Some common chemicals that are in our home that we should be aware of include some of the following that we se every day. 

Phthalates are mostly used to make plastics. You can easily find these in kids toys, plastic packaging, detergents, and many personal care products. The CDC has linked prenatal phthalate exposure to changes in the male reproductive system and increased allergies.

Another is called Triclosan.  We commonly see this in the anti-bacterial soaps, toothpastes, and cosmetics. Although not harmful, they have been shown to potentially alter our hormone system.

A big one that we see everywhere is called Bisphenol A (BPA). This is used to prevent rusting in the linings of metal cans. It is found in many food containers, canned foods, and some dental products. There have been some strong links to impaired liver function, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even behavioral issues later in life. 

How To Safe-Proof Your Home

You can easily safeguard your home and environment by following these easy steps:

1.Be Careful With Plastic
Avoid microwaving with plastic containers. Use glass, ceramic, or wood to store food. 

2.Make Better Choices
Avoid canned and processed foods and lean toward more natural foods. Buy organic when possible and use only fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Make sure to include a water filter to ensure you are staying away from as many potential chemicals as possible. 

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Welton From Texas Writes: 

I have recently been diagnosed with acid reflux by my doctor and have been taking the medications as suggested. I still seem to be having some issues from time to time. Why is this happening and what can I do to help my situation from getting worse?

Dear Welton,

Digestive issues impact many on a regular basis. There are many factors on why this happens. We are only as healthy as the foods we eat, digest, absorb, assimilate, and eliminate. That being said, we must make sure that our digestive system is in the highest working order to increase our ability to utilize the foods that we eat each day. 

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when our stomach does not produce enough hydrochloric acid in order to break down our foods effectively. Many would argue that acid reflux is having too much stomach acid, which sometimes that is the case, however, many times it is the lack thereof. As we age, our body loses its ability to produce as much hydrochloric acid (HCL) due to a highly processed diet, high levels of stress, and poor lifestyle habits. We can practice some daily anti-inflammatory routines that can help support a healthier digestive system, especially when it comes to breaking down the foods that we are eating. Lets look at some basic principles that will help your body produce the right amount of HCL and support improving digestion as a whole. Of course, if your doctor has you on a medication, follow their directives. Here are some healthy steps for when your digestion is struggling.

1.Avoid Fluid At Meals
I know this seems awkward. I mean drinking with meals and friends is normal, right? When you go to a restaurant, what do they ask you first? What would you like to drink? When we drink with our meals it dilutes our natural HCL in our stomach. If you are already struggling in this area, then it will only make it harder for your digestive system to work properly. Make a goal to drink mostly before the meal, and only sip during.

2.Eat Whole Foods
Apples are better for you than apple pastries, right? …Right? We want to eat foods in the way they were originally designed to help our body break foods down effectively. Natural whole foods will process digest better than processed foods due to containing more natural enzymes that support the digestive process. 

3.Consider Apple Cider Vinegar
The ultimate grandma remedy. Apple cider vinegar has been used for many different ailments. It is highly beneficial in supporting the body’s digestive system for increasing the HCL that that we need to break down the proteins necessary for optimal digestion. 

4.Eat More Bacteria
Well, the good kind. Good-bacteria, or “pro” biotics, will help the body digest and assimilate your nutrients at a much higher rate. You can increase your foods such as kimchi or fermented dairy such as plain raw yogurt or kefir. If you go with a probiotic supplement, I highly recommend Theralac. The quality matters and the difference is in the manufacturing. Aim for at least 2 billion organisms per capsule.

5.Avoid Gluten
There are different theories about this protein found in most grains products such as breads, pastas, cereals, and crackers. Much of science today tells us that if you don’t have celiac disease (the inability to tolerate gluten), then you should be ok. Many people are not intolerant, such as having celiac, but may have sensitivity. If you suffer with any form of digestive condition, such as acid reflux, you may benefit from avoiding gluten-based foods for about 8 weeks. You may not have to avoid them forever, but at least 80% of time may be a good idea. 

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, Dr. Asa is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Dawn from Virginia Writes:

Our family recently went on vacation and my two children were sunburned. We did the best we could while we were there. What can we do naturally to help their skin when this happens in the future?

Dear Dawn,

It is never fun but playing out in the sun can lead us to get the unwanted sunburn. There are many methods to prevent this from happening like avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm, using at least 30 SPF sun protection, and wearing protective clothing. The reality is when you are on vacation, who wants to do all of that? So everyone is in a free-for-all and running around to have as much fun as possible. So when the sunburn comes, here are some natural ways to help the skin repair from the damage that the sun had created. It is important to realize that once you sunburn, your symptoms actually get worse over the next 24-36 hours. These symptoms can stick around for five or more days until the skin begins to heal. There are some great ways to help support the healing of the skin. Here are some of the top natural tips to help skin after a sunburn.

1.Don’t Use Lotion
The skin is burned and the last thing you need to do is cover the skin in a lotion or oil. For health the skin needs to breathe. The skin uses the air as a first line to be able to start the healing process. The lotion or oil will hold in the heat and actually cause more discomfort. 

2. Drink Half Your Body Weight in Water
When a burn happens you want to support your skin from the inside out. Use plenty of water and non-alcohol and caffeine to support the healthy hydration of your cells.

3.Use Aloe 
After 36 hours of the actual burn, now you can safely add some treatment to the external surface of the skin. Anti-inflammatory, alcohol -free aloe is one of the fastest healing liquids we have to nourish and rehydrate the skin. 

4. Stay Out Of The Sun
Even with sunscreen, hit the shade for a few days. The damage will become worse if you get back into the direct exposure of the sun. Allow your skin to heal before getting back into the direct exposure. You can still get out and play in the safe hours before 10am and after 4pm.

5.Use Coconut Oil
Known for its amazing healing properties, coconut oil can safely help you both internally and externally with your skin. A good rule of thumb is to use 2-3 tablespoons with your food during the day and moisturize with the oil both morning and evening. Do this for 7 days post-burn.

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author of Empowering Your Health and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, he is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Elaine from New Hampshire Writes:

I am 42 and am dealing with some skin issues that I just can’t seem to overcome. I have adult acne and it seems to be getting worse. I also seem to be developing wrinkles and I am so young. Do you have any ideas what might be helpful with improving my skin?

Dear Elaine,

Many times our skin means everything to the way we look and feel about ourselves. We would all love to wake up to flawless skin; the environmental toxins, our daily choices, the sun, and other factors can have other plans for how our skin unfolds in appearance. Adult acne is real and over 85% of people suffered with some form of skin condition at some point in their lives. Our skin can affect our physical appearance and our emotional state and self-esteem. One study mentioned that skin breakouts led to depression and anxiety. So improving our skin can lead to a higher quality of life. There are some basics that we can follow to keep our skin healthy and vibrant, even against the aging process. 

1.Eat More Fish
The omega-3 fats found in fish such as salmon, halibut, and wahoo, make a great cosmetic solution and should be a regular part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Remember our skin health begins from the inside out. The omega -3 fats are not found too often in our diet and play a major role in our skin’s health. 

2.Wear SPF 30 Every Day
Sunscreen does matter. The wear and tear of the suns UVB and UVA rays will take its toll over time. Studies have been done to show that skin protection can reduce the aging process considerably. Do your best to avoid parabens and chemicals. Look for the organic versions of the sunscreens. 

3.Check Your Vitamin D
Your doctor can easily give you a vitamin D blood test to check your levels. Keep your numbers between 60-80 on the labs. This is in the upper end of the range. Vitamin D is actually a hormone and can affect the protective levels of our skin. Think you get enough Vitamin D form the sun? Think again. After the age of 50 our ability to absorb vitamin D from the sun decreases by 50%. Make sure you take a supplement that also has Vitamin K2 in it as well such as K2/D3.

4.Eat More Bacteria
What?! Yes eat more bacteria. Probiotics (good bacteria) is essential for our overall skin health. When our gut is healthy, then our skin will be a direct reflection. You can take probiotics in many different forms such as yogurt, keifer, fermented vegetables, kombucha tea, and many vegetables contain pre-biotics. These natural foods will help heal the gut flora and increase your overall skin tone. 

5.Drink More Water
If you talk to many physicians they will tell you that you can notice if someone drinks a lot of water or if they don’t. Hydration is a huge key for glowing skin. Aim for half your bodyweight in ounces of water with half of those ounces in green tea. The green tea has more research articles on antioxidants and how it supports healthy skin.

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author of Empowering Your Health and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, he is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.

 

Wendy from Wisconsin Writes:

I have been struggling with osteoarthritis for years. My doctor hasn’t put me on any medications yet and I really would like to avoid them. What can I do in my daily routine to help avoid the pain and discomfort?

Dear Wendy,

I am glad to hear that your doctor is working with you to help come up with a better plan! Arthritis comes in many different forms, yet the concept is the same. With arthritis, you are dealing with inflammation and it can occur as a result of many different factors. Our daily lifestyle is the main culprit in raising the inflammation throughout the body. The foods we eat, the liquids we drink, the air we breathe, the rest we get, the amount we move, and the stress that we manage will all determine the kind of health and the quality of life that we will experience. 

As we simply move each day, our body produces components called free radicals that can damage our body in various ways, cause tissue breakdown, and accelerate the aging process. We can fight this with powerful substances and nutrients called antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in the brightly colored fruits and vegetables. The challenge is that only 1.5 percent of Americans eat fruits and vegetables daily! We can drastically improve our health by simply adding these nutrients to our everyday diet. Here are some osteoarthritis busting foods to incorporate to your daily eating plan.

1.Oranges
Loaded with vitamin c, oranges are known to be power packed in their ability to fight free radicals. The high vitamin c in oranges has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation. It also can help improve skin tone and support damaged cartilage.

2.Beets
A dark colored vegetable, beets are loaded with vitamins A and C. Most of the antioxidants are found in the red pigment and also contain magnesium, vitamin B9, and manganese. If you are constipated regularly, consider adding beets to your evening meal. Chronic constipation is linked to excess inflammation in the body.

3.Spinach
Spinach, with its deep green color, is loaded with plenty of antioxidants to support fighting the free radicals and supporting healthier joints. The pigments found in spinach are great for empowering your health.

4.Muscadine Grapes
The absolute powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants. With an ORAC value of 895, he muscadine grape surpasses almost every food with its free radical fighting capacity. Studies are being done currently on how powerful the actual grape is for a variety of health challenges. 

5.Tart Cherries
Loaded with strong antioxidants called anthocyanins, tart cherries are well known for their ability to fight the free radicals and reduce the pain and inflammation within the joints. Uric acid crystal formation can cause extreme arthritic conditions and the tart cherries have been shown to be helpful.

6.Broccoli
Broccoli is one of our top antioxidant foods that we have. Broccoli can help fight many of the negative effects of arthritis and help build the joints by lowering the inflammation. Some of the top components of broccoli are lutein, zeanthin, and beta-carotene. 

7.Walnuts
Nuts contain some great nutritional value in how they support lowering overall total body inflammation. With osteoarthritis, walnuts have a high concentration of omega-3 fats and can improve much of the inflammation within the joints.

 

Bio

Known as America’s Health Coach, Dr. Asa Andrew is a national best-selling author of Empowering Your Health and host of the #1 Health Talk Radio Show in North America. In addition to his hit television series, he is a regular contributor to NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and FOX and regarded as a healthcare leader in the field of lifestyle medicine.