Four On-The-Go Snacks to Help Lower Blood Glucose and Cholesterol

This fast-paced lifestyle we’re leading contains considerable amounts of stress and unhealthy decisions. With so much information, responsibilities, and details that we have to think about, it’s no wonder we don’t always make the healthiest choices. Spending superhuman amounts of energy to accomplish everything expected of us, both our body and mind suffer. High blood glucose and high cholesterol are the most common consequences of such a lifestyle, and they can cause severe diseases like cholesterol or diabetes.  For the prevention of these issues, it is essential to exercise, eat healthily, lose excess body fat, and rest well.

When was the last time you ate a healthy meal?

Today, we’ll try to help you find ideas for some tasty and healthy snacks that won’t increase the level of sugar or cholesterol in your blood, while at the same time, won’t take long to prepare.

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressings

This one is as simple as rolling off a log. We all love mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, cheese, and similar stuff. But using a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with little mustard and basil can make a wonderful salad dressing that doesn’t contain sugars or bad cholesterol. If you try this combination, you will fall in love with freshness added to your salads, and you’ll also notice how this dressing makes them easier to digest.

       2.  Sweet Potato Toast Sandwich

It might sound weird, but if you slice sweet potato and bake it in the oven, put it on toast, it won't taste odd. As a spread for this sandwich, try the paste from white beans. Smash cooked white beans, add some lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spread it over your potato toast, put a few slices of smoked salmon, and you’ll have delicious, healthy sandwich that will quickly become one of your favorites.

3.  Make Yourself a Cholesterade Drink

If you’re already eating healthy, but you still have high levels of cholesterol or glucose in your blood (or want to take your prevention to a higher level), than you should try Cholesterade. This food supplement naturally reduces cholesterol in your blood. What you need to do is put one scoop of Cholesterade in a glass of water or your favorite fruit juice, mix it well and drink it. It is recommended to drink Cholesterade twice a day, and you’ll see the changes very quickly.

       4.  Cherry-Berry-Cacao-Almond Smoothie

Both sour cherries and cacao are low in sugar and rich in antioxidants. In case you didn’t know, Antioxidants are substances that lessen the cholesterol level in blood. Add berries to the mix along with almonds (FYI - they contain no bad cholesterol), and you’ll get a perfect low-sugar, cholesterol-erasing smoothie. If you feel like experimenting, or you want to add more flavor, put in a little cinnamon and enjoy the magic.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With the right ingredients and a little imagination, you can prepare delicious meals in no time. Also, no matter how much work you have, and how stressed you are, you can’t ignore your health. So try out these recipes that will control cholesterol and glucose levels in your blood and make you feel fresh and energetic.

After overindulging during the holidays, many people resolve to eat healthy as the New Year begins.  Here are 5 surprising "healthy" foods that may be upsetting your stomach

1.      Juicing: New year's juice cleanses often deliver a concentrated source of fructose (often apple based) or other "FODMAPs" (foods that can be hard to digest) like beets and celery.

2.      Giant salads: full of bulky, stomach-stretching insoluble fiber that can take some time for the stomach to break down enough to pass through digestive tract.  Some sensitive people may also experience abdominal distention or bloating from acid indigestion.

3.      Sugarless gum-- some people find the xylitol or sorbitol to produce intestinal gas, while others swallow excess air when chewing gum, causing belching and upper GI discomfort

4.      Bean pastas: Low glycemic pastas made from chickpeas and other beans are high in protein and fiber and great for blood sugar control, but they deliver a very potent punch difficult-to-digest fibers and resistant starch that cause many people excessive intestinal gas

5.      Cauliflower-- its the fave low carb, keto and paleo staple-- cauli rice, cauli crusts, cauli chips... but this objectively healthy food naturally contains mannitol, which can create excess intestinal gas

Even the best ab workout in the world won’t flatten a belly plagued by chronic bloating, a condition that affects up to one in five Americans.  For anyone tired of feeling like they’re carrying a “food baby” after lunch, waking up at night with painful indigestion or trying not to pass gas when on a date or in meetings, registered dietician Tamara Duker Freuman is here to help.

Freuman has spent her career talking candidly about the digestive issues many people are too embarrassed to discuss with others.   Most importantly, she knows how to fix these problems.  She’s known as “The Bloated Belly Whisperer” by grateful patients and the hundreds of thousands of readers per month who have followed her advice on US News + World Report’s eat+run blog and Yahoo! Health for the past six years.

THE BLOATED BELLY WHISPERER (St. Martin’s Press, Dec. 24, $28.99), is a game-changer, allowing anyone to finally figure out what’s causing their digestive distress—and giving them the tools to fix it, once and for all.  Bloating means different things to different people, and Freuman helps readers discover the most likely cause—and solution-- for their digestive distress, no matter how long they’ve suffered.

The book begins with a comprehensive quiz dismp rrecting readers to specific chapters addressing different causes of bloat, and includes fifty gut-friendly recipes from a renowned Bon Appetit editor.  With a customized course of treatment based on the latest research, bloated-belly sufferers can start to see results in as early as one week.

Arthritis Research Canada appoints first Honourary Patron

5 Chemical-free Ways To Keep Your Home Pest Free

If you are worried about using man-made chemicals in your home to eliminate or deter pests, then you should know that there are ways to keep your home pest-free without dangerous chemicals.

Plant Certain Types of Plants Outside Your Home
You can plant flowers, herbs and shrubs that will repel pests outside your home. Place these plants in flowerpots on the porch, or you can plant the seedlings directly into the soil. Some of the plants that you can use include petunias, basil, garlic, mint and marigolds.

Use Ultrasonic Devices Inside Your Home
There are affordable ultrasonic devices that you can use in your home to deter pests. You can’t hear the sounds from one of these devices, but the insects, rodents or spiders are annoyed by the noise. Many of these devices are designed for plugging into an electrical outlet, so you don’t need any specialized wiring for the equipment. An alternative to traps that kill pests or fill your home with unwanted chemicals is a catch and release trap with good old fashioned peanut butter.

Application of Essential Oils for Pests
You can find high-quality essential oils at local or online stores, and some of these products will deter pests. You can mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle to apply to windowsills or baseboards, but you can also add essential oils to homemade cleaning solutions. Some of the best essential oil fragrances to use include eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint.

Have Family Pets to Deter Pests
Pests such as mice, rats or wildlife animals will often avoid entering a home where there are family pets such as cats and dogs. You can train your family pets to detect invasions of rodents, and some cats or dogs will also alert you when insects or spiders are in a room.

Repair Your Home’s Garage Door
If your home’s garage door isn’t closing completely or if it has gaps around the edges, then pests such as mice, insects and spiders can invade a building. Many people need to replace their entire garage door. You may be able to have it repaired by a technician who specializes in garage door repair, like those at R & S Garage Door Inc. When you fix or replace your garage door you will keep pests from entering and spreading disease. Keeping pests out of your garage can prevent infestations into the other areas of your home.

Inspect Your Home Frequently
In addition to all of these natural pest deterrent methods, you should keep your home clean and free of clutter. While you are vacuuming, mopping or dusting your home, make sure to inspect for any evidence of pests such as cobwebs, droppings or tufts of fur.

A PLASTIC SURGEON UNVEILS BEAUTY HACKS THAT WILL COST YOU LESS THAN A STARBUCKS COFFEE

www.drmanishshah.com

We all know that cosmetic-plastic surgeons and dermatologists earn their living by operating or non- invasive procedures. Most of these endeavors are costly for patients.  It’s rare that any aesthetic surgeon will let us in on things we can do daily that don’t require us to visit them!  We are fortunate to have Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver board -certified plastic surgeon share secrets with us, that in many cases cost nothing or less than a gourmet cup of coffee.   

1. MANISH SHAH’S TOP BEAUTY HACKS

1. Cleaning your phone screens – Dr. Shah offers that, “A great way to avoid blemishes is to routinely clean the makeup and bacteria off of your phone screens. It is easy to spread harmful skin bacteria from the surface of your phone. Washing your hands goes a long way to avoid skin contamination as well.”

2. Make your own exfoliating scrub at home– Dr. Shah shares that, “A woman I consider my second mother taught me how to create my own organic exfoliating scrub. She would dry peeled skins of oranges, lemons, and limes in the sun. She would then finely grate the white inside rind of the peel and then mix it with any facial cleanser or even add it to fine facial oils. Using the scrub would exfoliate the skin, treat it with Vitamin C, and prevent over-drying of the skin because of the fruit oils.”

3. I recommend treating the enlarged pores of the T-zone with over the counter hydrogen peroxide.The bacteria in the pores create  inflammation that increases pore size, and this leads to blackheads and whiteheads. Dr. Shah explains that, “These bacteria can’t survive in high oxygen environments. 3% hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter quite inexpensively. Treating only the T-zone at night kills the bacteria, reduces pore size and  blemishes. Because it can be quite drying, takes breaks from its use every now and then.”

4. Avoid fake nails.They harbor tons of bacteria that are easily transferred to the face when you touch your face. Instead, focus on growing your own nails with the help of oral vitamin C and any good quality hair, skin, and nails vitamin like Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, and Nails.

5. For teens, especially, it is so important to wash their pillow cases routinely. Dr. Shah is the father ofthree teens. From his first-hand knowledge he says that, “Teens aren’t very compliant when it comes to skincare and they suffer from hormones in a bad way. This 1-2 punch makes acne and blemishes the bane of most teens’ existences. Going to sleep at night on clean pillow cases after washing your face goes a long way to reducing bacterial burden and allows blemishes to heal.”

6. If you suffer from puffiness around the eyes, a quick trick is to use black tea bags.Wet them in ice water and lay them onto the eyes to soothe. The caffeine in the black tea causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing edema or swelling in the delicate, thin eyelid tissues.

7. Add baking soda to your toothpaste to easily polish away stains to keep your teeth white.Instead of bleaching your teeth, baking soda actually breaks the molecules that stain the teeth. It is less irritating to your gums as well, and way cheaper than teeth whitening strips.

8. Eat the rainbow- A white bread-based diet does not for clear skin make. That’s why Dr. Shah makes sure his diet is packed with brightly-colored fruits and vegetables.  He says, “Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants which give glow to the skin.” Specifically, research suggests that pigments called carotenoids—found in foods like carrots, spinach and other leafy greens, and tomatoes have been linked to good complexions.” Adding fish oil to your diet also improves skin compliance and radiance.

9. Avoid Hot Showers- Disappointing as it may be, Dr. Shah says, “Hot showers remove too much of your natural oils and brings blood circulation to your skin, creating inflammatory reactions that result in rashes and aggravate those with eczema or dry patches.”

10. You may just need a brow wax instead of a lift

“I had a patient who wanted a brow lift because she thought she looked angry all the time. I sent her for a brow wax instead. It took 15 minutes, she looked great, and she saved herself thousands.” Other brow techniques like brow tinting can change how your eyebrows frame the eyes, improving on your looks.

About Dr. Manish Shah

https://drmanishshah.com/

Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery. After completing his formal plastic surgery training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine, he moved to New York City and was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!

Ketamine Medical Clinic Sees Growing Interest From Those Battling Depression

MIAMI  – More people suffering from depression, chronic pain, PTSD or suicidal tendencies are finding relief through a drug originally developed in the 1960s as a  anesthetic.

Ketamine continues to grow in popularity as an option for alleviating depression and other maladies. Clinics that administer the drug have opened around the country, including the Ketamine Medical Clinic in Miami (www.ketaminemedicalclinic.com).

“Some researchers have called ketamine the most important discovery in half a century," says Aimee Cabo Nikolov, administrator of the clinic, which is a division of the Neurosciences Medical Clinic.

“Combined with other therapies, such as TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and psychotherapy, this is a totally new approach to successful treatment.”

Nikolov, who has a background in nursing, operates the clinic with her husband, Boris, and a team of medical professionals. She says recent research suggests that ketamine can provide powerful relief – even to people whose depression has repeatedly failed to respond to other medications and to those who are suicidal.

It’s only fairly recently that ketamine became popular as a drug for battling such troubling mental-health conditions as PTSD and depression. Originally, ketamine was developed as an anesthetic in the early 1960s, but it wasn’t long before people began using it as a recreational drug that was known on the streets as Special K.

It’s still used as an anesthetic, but over time some in the medical profession began to realize it could be used to treat depression and PTSD.

Nikolov says that patients at the Ketamine Medical Clinic receive treatment that is individualized for their specific situation. Generally, though, that means six to eight initial ketamine infusions two times a week. That’s followed by boosters, which can be one infusion every two to six weeks.

“Our medical team assesses each patient with the goal of creating a custom recovery plan for that person,” Nikolov says. “We follow protocols for ketamine therapy that help them have a smooth recovery and access to an improved life.”

About Aimee Cabo Nikolov

Aimee Cabo Nikolov is administrator of the Ketamine Medical Clinic in Miami (www.ketaminemedicalclinic.com). She is also president and owner of IMIC Inc., a medical research company. Nikolov has a bachelor of science degree in nursing and is also the author of Love is the Answer, God is the Cure. She and her husband, Dr. Boris Nikolov, have three children, Danielle, Sean and Michelle.

Nourish Body, Mind, & Soul: Introducing Mantra™ from BlenderBottle

Lehi, Utah (November 2018) – BlenderBottle, the brand that revolutionized the portable protein mixer market, introduces their latest innovation in customer-focused engineering and design: the BlenderBottle® Mantra™ glass protein shaker. The strikingly modern bottle debuts today at BlenderBottle.com.

The BlenderBottle Mantra shaker was inspired by the calming, clarity-inspiring experience of drinking directly from glass. “We’ve found that a number of our customers strongly prefer drinking from glass. But most glass bottles on the market utilize plastic or other materials in the drinking spout. We sought to solve this dilemma for glass-bottle purists. Our all-new ClearSip™ spout is the result of this consumer-focused design,” says Michael Sorensen, Marketing Director at BlenderBottle.

Mantra’s sleek and simple aesthetic belie surprisingly sophisticated function. The bottle’s unique, center-mounted ClearSip Spout creates a smooth, all-glass drinking surface. A second, wider opening allows for thorough cleaning of the all-glass bottle; plus it easily accommodates supplement scoops or ice. The glass bottle is nestled between a silicone cap and boot for enhanced grip.

Whether you’re sipping water during yoga practice or mixing a recovery shake after a round of heavy reps, the Mantra protein shaker provides plenty of additional premium features. The secure, twist-on cap and screw-on lid create a leak-proof seal—backed by BlenderBottle’s Leak Proof Guarantee. The detachable carry loop allows you to easily secure your keyring to the bottle, or latch the bottle to your gym bag. The patented mixing system uses the BlenderBall® wire whisk—found only in BlenderBottle brand shakers—to mix protein and nutrition shakes with ease. The Mantra is stain and odor resistant, made of BPA- and phthalate-free materials, and top-rack dishwasher safe.

The BlenderBottle Mantra protein shaker is offered in clear glass with five accent color options: Black, Plum, Spruce, Rose, and Pebble. The 20-ounce capacity bottle retails for $19.99 and is available now at blenderbottle.com.

About BlenderBottle

Founded in 2000, the BlenderBottle Company is a privately held manufacturer of premium and innovative products that help simplify everyday life. The company’s patented and best-selling products have been hailed by Good Morning America, Reader’s Digest, Self, the Today Show, Men’s Fitness, and others as some of the “hottest new products” on the market.

BlenderBottle® products are available in over 90,000 retail locations worldwide, and in over 70,000 retail locations in the U.S. alone, including GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, Whole Foods, Amazon.com, and online at blenderbottle.com. The BlenderBottle Company is located in Lehi, Utah and markets and sells its products to retailers and resellers worldwide. All BlenderBottle® products are backed by a Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. For additional information, visit blenderbottle.com.

WINTER HEALTH MYTHS BUSTED!

https://tourocom.touro.edu/academics/faculty/harlem/niket-sonpal.php

There are endless winter health myths that we have heard from well intentioned grandparents and parents. They have become so ingrained in us that we take them as cold hard facts. Many of these myths have no more basis in reality than Santa Claus.  Of course, everyone wants to stay as healthy as possible during the frosty months. In order to do so sensibly, we turned to Board Certified NYC internist and gastroenterologist Dr. Niket Sonpal.

Myth: Allergies go away in the winter

Allergies might be the real source behind your stuffy nose and scratchy throat this season. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in five people suffer from indoor/outdoor allergies, and the indoor variety can actually be worse in the winter. Dr. Sonpal cautions that, “If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or ease up after taking an antihistamine, it might be time to visit an allergist.”

Myth: I wash my hands all the time with hand sanitizer, so I should be fine.

Hand sanitizer will kill most viruses, but not all. You must make sure you use the right amount of hand sanitizer and let it dry completely. Dr. Sonpal points out that,” Some viruses, like norovirus, which causes vomiting, is not killed by hand sanitizer. Soap and water are best to get rid of all bacteria and viruses, but the hand sanitizer is better than nothing at all.”

Myth: It’s cold out, I don’t need sunscreen.

The sun’s rays are just as strong in the winter months as they are in the other seasons. Snow and ice can reflect even more sunlight, up to twice as much. Grab the SPF 30 and put it on, regardless of the temperature. Don’t forget those sunglasses to keep your eyes safe as well.

I’ll just drink some alcohol to keep myself warm.

Although it may feel like drinking alcohol is making you warmer, it does not. Dr. Sonpal says that, “when you drink, the blood vessels dilate or get bigger, and blood flows to your skin and away from your internal organs. So, it may feel like you are getting warmer, but you are not.”

Myth: The Flu Shot Gives You the Flu

According to a new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and Rite Aide, 44 percent of American women view the flu as a serious threat to their health. Yet nearly half (49 percent) do not intend to get a flu shot this year because they believe the vaccine can give them the flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu shot for anyone older than 6 months of age. Dr. Sonpal stresses that, “The shot does not contain a live virus, making catching the flu from it impossible.”

Winter weather makes you store fat and gain weight

Our bodies do not go into some kind of winter hibernation mode, stockpiling every ounce of fat to use for the lean times. It seems logical, like a throwback to our days living in caves foraging for food, but in reality, any weight gain comes from our winter habits. Dr. Sonpal points out that, “we tend to exercise less in winter. We eat more hearty meals and comfort foods, including more sugary snacks and desserts (especially around the holidays).”

Myth: You Lose Most Heat Through Your Head

The saying goes “we lose 90 percent of our body heat through our heads.”  But a 2006 study found that the head accounts for about 7 percent of the body's surface area, and that heat loss in the region is fairly proportional, according to LiveScience. "Your head is another extremity, and it's susceptible to cold, so you should wear a hat, but it doesn't lose any more heat than another part of your body," says Dr. Sonpal.

Myth: Chicken Soup Will Cure Colds

Many cultures teach us to drink warm liquids like tea, hot apple cider, and soups when we’re dealing with colds. It’s true that something like chicken soup may help soothe and ease congestion, but much like vitamin C, hot soup won’t do immediate wonders.

Myth: Being Cold Gives You a Cold

No matter what your grandma might have told you, spending too much time in the cold air doesn’t make you sick. One study found that healthy men who spent several hours in temperatures just above freezing had an increase in healthy, virus-fighting activity in their immune systems. In fact, you’re more likely to get sick indoors, where germs are easily passed.

Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever

Dr. Sonpal says that, “This is another myth that comes from a time when people didn't understand the science of body chemistry. The thought was that if you had a cold, food would warm you up. Conversely, if you had a high fever, not eating would cool you down. This is just patently bad medical advice. In both cases, good nutrition gives your body the fuel it needs to fight infections and recover from an illness. When you have a fever, your body is burning energy at a rapid rate, and that needs to be replenished. So, by all means feed your cold; but also feed your fever, or any other illness. Even if you have stomach issues, find a way to take in lost fluids and electrolytes.”

About Dr. Niket Sonpal:

Dr. Niket Sonpal is a native of Long Island NY and a graduate of Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Sonpal has completedhis Fellowship in gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and will continue his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookldale University medical center.

He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.

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