Dr. Greenbean

An interesting article on the epidemic of childrens mal-nutrition:

As a society we have created an environment where, according to the CDC, the current generation of children will NOT outlive their parents!

The poor dietary habits of children being inflicted by their parents is contributing to their obesity, chronic illness, and ill-health. It is also laying a foundation for later life cancers, violent behavior, and premature death.

Our children deserve more from us. It is time to stand up as a society and take proper care of them! Let’s not destroy their future with food - something that we can control.

Let’s give them the best fighting chance for the brightest future.

NEGLIGENCE AND IGNORANCE CAN NOT BE EXCUSED WHEN THE LIFE OF OUR CHILDREN IS AT STAKE!

Poor nutrition gravely impacts children’s health throughout their lives. Junk food IS life-threatening!! Take a look at the numbers.

   * The CDC estimates that 1/3 of children born in 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime, and that children born in 2000 may not outlive their parents. Can you imagine the tragedy when a child dies in middle age from a food-induced disease.
   * Overweight/obesity rates have doubled among children and tripled among adolescents in the past 20 years. These children also suffer the social stigmatization associated with being overweight.
   * Obesity in children increases their risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, joint problems, sleep apnea, early puberty, and several cancers.
   * Signs of atherosclerosis can be seen in early childhood(1-3)
   * Most adult cancers are linked to poor childhood nutrition.
The effects of poor nutrition on the brain are dramatic too - new research links poor dietary habits to adult violence.

The Cardiff University study involving 17,500 people found 10-year-olds who ate sweets daily were significantly more likely to have a violence conviction by age 34. The researchers found that 69% of the participants who were violent at the age of 34 had eaten sweets and chocolate nearly every day during childhood, compared to 42% who were non-violent.(4)

NEGLIGENCE AND IGNORANCE CAN NOT BE EXCUSED WHEN THE LIFE OF OUR CHILDREN IS AT STAKE!

When it comes to something so simple and basic that so greatly impacts the quality of a child’s life, there is no excuse to be negligent.

Just as a doctor takes an oath to “do no harm” with the course of treatment for his patients, so should parents have to take an oath “to do no harm” with the food choices they offer their children.

Somehow we overlook that allowing our children to indulge in junk food creates an environment setting them up for childhood illnesses, later life cancers, and an overall poor quality life. We ignore the hazards of some of their food choices and, worse, actually condone behavior that is potentially very harmful to them - even life-threatening!

We are the parents, and we must take control of our children’s health! Indeed, we are in full control of the meals that we provide and the examples that we set. The bottom line is that we can have a major impact on the future health of our children.

With holidays always around the corner and the pending deluge of sweets and treats - please arm yourself with this critical information about how to protect your children’s health, both mind and body, by feeding them right and educating them about the power of food.

All of the science and the basic how-tos are addressed in Dr. Fuhrman’s book, Disease Proof Your Child. This is his most important book, yet it is the one that generates the least interest for some reason and that is why we are sending this email out to you.

Learn more about how to protect your children’s health, read:

Disease-Proof Your Child, by Joel Fuhrman, M.D. (reduced price for gift giving)

Learn more at:

http://www.fuhrmanhealth.com

(also available on audio for listening while driving)

   * An essential guide for raising children with healthy minds and bodies.

   * The how-to’s for reducing occurrences of ear infections, allergies, and asthma.

   * Delicious, easy to prepare, kid-tested healthy recipes designed to please even the fussiest eaters.

   * An arsenal against developing cancer, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

START WITH THE GREENS or REDS FIRST POWDER WE HAVE IN THE STORE!

People really just want a pill to fix all that ails them. Well, it just might exist. I am going to reveal the biggest secret of this century and maybe a few other little secrets too!

1. Vitamin D3———that’s right D3 is the magic bullet we all want. It helps immune health, mental health, bone health, prevents cancer, helps your heart,  and darn tootin’ makes you healthier than you are right now.

There is a blood test to check your D3 but it is $115 at my local lab…I usually assume we are all low as Montana doesn’t get enough sun. Really anywhere you are, you prob hide from the sun….hats, sunscreen, clothes etc…so we are ALL deficient in D3.  I do the below dose in the cloudy months (6 months in Montana) and half the dose in the sunniest months (I do mow the lawn in my swimsuit!).

                                DOSEAGE:  5000 iu/day for anyone over 100 pounds      1000iu/day for kids or smaller folks

2.  B vitamins–B vitamins help your liver do everything it does (which is alot).

3. Resveratrol–200mg/day keeps the doctor away

4. Exercise

5. Water and Food

I know you probably hate to see #4 and #5 as magic bullets but it is the truth, and I am brutally honest. Get your buns moving, eating healthful, and drinking water…..you will feel 50%-75%  better just doing those three things no matter what your problem is.

Good luck with your health….it takes some work and maybe a pill or two!

Rgds,

Dr.GB

I talk to people about thyroid everyday…about time I did a blog on it. Your thyroid is the most important gland in your body. It controls the speed of every reaction in the body….liver detox, colon movement, digestion/absorption, and metabolism of fat and sugar, are all dependent on the thyroids hormones telling it how fast to go. If your thyroid is slow or not PERFECT everything is SLOWED down.

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want my metabolism to be slower because of my darn THYROID…especially when we can fix it. Other symptoms of slow thyroid include fatigue, muscle pain, constipation, hair loss, low body temperature, sleep issues, anxiety, menstrual irregularities, dry skin, weight gain…………….ALMOST ANYTHING can be blamed on a slow THYROID.

In order to test your thyroid, your doctor has to know what he/she is doing. They need to order TSH, free T3, and free T4…a complete thyroid panel. Then your doctor needs to know how to read results…oh lord! Most docs just see if you are “in the normal limits” set by the lab…WRONGO!  I look to see if your numbers are optimal for human function. I like a TSH less than 2.0  where as the normal range by the lab maybe .4-6.0.  I want OPTIMAL function not just acceptable function.

Once determined that your thyroid is slow and low we decide what to do to help it out. Lots of options exist. I like putting all my thyroid patients on iodine to aid function. I also like a glandular supplement with tyrosine and iodine in it. But if your thyroid is very slow then you must be on a prescriptive medicine. I like glandular thyroid like Armour, Naturthroid, or compounded T3/T4.These drugs are bioidentical to human and have both T3 and T4 hormone in them.  Synthroid, levothyroxine, etc…are all synthetic and are only T4 hormone. If you do a synthetic thyroid you are only getting HALF of your normal thyroid hormones.  My rear end gets fat just thinking about only having half thyroid function…..

Get your thyroid checked regularly. Once per year or more as needed.  Keep it PERFECT! Oh by the way, to keep a good thyroid good eat lots of protein and take a multivitamin with selenium and zinc in it. Avoid the yo-yo dieting preofession and get your buns moving!!!

Rgds,

Dr.GB

Three things can help you lose weight and cleanse.

1. Diet——-all the veggies, fruit, nuts, and protein you want. Olive oil, coconut oil, and a little butter for oils…Basically, if it runs on the earth or grows from the earth EAT it.

2. Protein powder—Get a whey protein powder (isolate form) and eat for breakfast in a smoothie or between meals to prevent snack attack. Our store has a couple choices and flavors.

3. GREENS-either eat fresh greens (pounds of them), put them in smoothies, or try our GREENS FIRST powder which makes it easy for you. The GREENS FIRST taste delicious too…I add them to my protein smoothie with some berries and get it all in one nice drink.

Other things to help out…..liver herbs, massage, exercise, water, water, and more water……………

Rgds,

Dr.GB

If you don’t believe me…come to one of our classes and see for yourself. Folks that have done the program often stop in and offer testomonials. We rely on word of mouth advertising and so far our program ROCKS! We do it the legal way…we actually require you to come in and fill out our form (which has health issues and drugs/meds listed) and become part of our clinic. You pay NO more for real care and real support. We only offer the class to people who buy the hcg through us (homeopathic hcg purchased online is not REAL hcg). Hcg is a prescriptive drug…if you didn’t get it from a doctor you got someone’s pee or a scam or a homeopathic remedy.  (all of which don’t work)

Case in point–We had a man who lost 60 pounds his first round on HCG. He is a bartender and talks with alot of people…he has sent 50+ people (mostly men) to do our program! His slim “no-beer” belly was proof enough….

Get off the couch, put the food away, and come see us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got this article from the website Woman in Balance…..enjoy.

It’s become apparent in recent years that Americans consume far too much sugar on a daily basis. Sugar (also known as sucrose) has been targeted as having major detrimental health effects such as obesity and diabetes, increase cancer risk, as well as simple tooth decay. These factors have been catalysts for the surge of artificial and natural sweeteners hitting the market, creating a whirlwind of information and confusion for consumers to sort through.

So you’ve probably noticed that the sweetener aisle at your grocery store has grown into an extravagant world of “all natural” and “low calorie” solutions for your sweet tooth? If you are just entering this mystical world of sugar substitutes and natural alternatives to sugar, it can be a bit overwhelming. But there’s no need to run away screaming. We are here to give a helping hand and guide you through the aisle.

Artificial Sweeteners

In the United States, six sugar substitutes (both natural and artificial) have been approved for use by the FDA. They are saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, neotame, acesulfame potassium, and stevia. Artificial sweeteners are synthetic or natural chemicals or compounds that offer the sweetness of sugar without as many calories. Aspartame (NutraSweet) is the most widely used artificial sweetener these days, while sucralose (Splenda) is also growing in popularity.

Beware! Most of these artificial sweeteners are not appreciated by your body. Research is showing that aspartame and sucralose (among many others) are linked to intestinal damage, weight gain, liver damage, damage to the brain and nervous system, lowering of immune system function, and other serious side effects.

There is ongoing controversy over the health risks of artificial sweeteners, as the food industry continues to argue for its safety (much like the tobacco companies). Remember though, artificial sweeteners cost the food industry only a fraction of the cost of natural sweeteners which leaves extremely high profit margins for manufacturers. So in the end you can only guess who may win this battle between profit and health. It’s almost always about the profit.

Here are some artificial sweeteners to avoid:

1. Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet) – please see our list of aspartame side effects!
2. Sucralose (Splenda)
3. Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low, Sugar Twin)
4. Acesulfame-K (Sunette or Sweet One)

Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols are approved by the FDA for use as sugar substitutes. Mostly found in foods and beverages, they are not as sweet as sucrose and contain fewer calories. Their flavor is like sucrose, and they can be used to mask the unpleasant aftertastes of some high intensity sweeteners.

Sugar alcohols are usually incompletely absorbed into the blood stream from the small intestines which generally results in a smaller change in blood glucose than “regular” sugar (sucrose). This makes them popular sweeteners among diabetics and people on low-carbohydrate diets.

Some common sugar alcohols include: Sorbitol, Mannitol, Erythritol, Lactitol, Maltitol, and Xylitol.

Natural Sweeteners
While natural sweeteners aren’t miracle health foods by any means, they are generally considered to produce less of a shock to the body’s blood sugar level because they contain necessary minerals that help with sugar metabolism. Unlike artificial sweeteners, they have not been stripped of fiber, vitamins, or minerals.

Natural sweeteners are showing to be a huge help for diabetics as well. It’s helpful to understand how sugars are classified using the glycemic index. The glycemic index ranks foods on how they affect our blood glucose levels. This index measures how much your blood glucose increases in the two or three hours after eating. While not all natural sweeteners have a glycemic index of zero, they are largely lower than table sugar (sucrose), which has a glycemic index of approximately 68.

So, which natural sweetener should end up in your cart? Well, let’s take a look at some of most common natural sweeteners:

Honey – has been eaten for thousands of years and is believed to have a number of health benefits, particularly antioxidants and wound healing qualities. However, take note that honey contains approximately 30 percent more calories than sugar (1 teaspoon = 64 calories). Raw honey is approximately 30 on the glycemic index, while pasteurized honey is high at 75.

Stevia – is derived from a small shrub found primarily in China and South America and is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. There are elements extracted from the leaf creating the safest, natural, calorie-free sweetener on the market today. This sweetener has also been used in Japan for over 30 years. Stevia is zero on the glycemic index, which is critical for diabetics.

Maple Syrup – is probably thought of as a breakfast accessory, but it’s also a natural sweetener that is a good source of magnesium and zinc. Maple syrup is about 60 percent as sweet as sugar and has a glycemic index averaging 54 (low).

Agave Nectar – is extracted from the agave cactus plant and tastes like honey. One major advantage: Because it is so much sweeter than sugar, you don’t need as much of it to sweeten your food or beverage. This means a lot less calories and benefits for diabetics as well with a glycemic index of about 15.

Blackstrap Molasses – is an excellent source of manganese and copper, and also contains iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin B6. Blackstrap Molasses is also approximately 65 percent as sweet as sugar and can be used in both cooking and baking. Ranked moderately on the glycemic index at 40-59.

Brown Rice Syrup – is a liquid sweetener with the consistency of honey. It has a unique caramel-like flavor that can be used to enhance a recipe. Brown rice syrup metabolizes slowly but does have calories and carbohydrates. It is produced commercially by cooking brown rice flour or brown rice starch with enzymes. Brown rice syrup has a glycemic index of 25.

Lo Han Guo – also known as Lo Han Fruit, comes from a plant native to southern China and northern Thailand. It is most prized for its sweet fruits, which are used for medicinal purposes, and as a sweetener. The fruits are generally sold in dried form, and traditionally used in herbal tea or soup. They are used for respiratory ailments, sore throats and reputed to aid longevity. Though it is not a zero on the glycemic index, it is very low (55 or less).

Zero – is produced from organic sugar cane juice, which is naturally fermented and crystallized to create organic erythritol. Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is found in our bodies, as well as in many fruits, vegetables and even certain fermented foods. Zero is 70% as sweet as table sugar. But with zero calories and zero on the glycemic index.

PureVia – is a pure extract from the sweet stevia plant. Reb A (stevia extract) from the stevia plant starts with stevia leaves, which are first milled and then steeped in water using a brewing method that is similar to brewing tea. The resulting stevia extract is then further purified to separate the Reb A using ethanol, made naturally from sugar cane. Reb A is more than 200 times sweeter than sugar. PureVia is also zero on the glycemic index.

Truvia - is a natural, zero calorie sweetener which is made with rebiana. Rebiana is derived from the stevia leaf. Truvia contains zero calories, zero carbohydrates, and is zero on the glycemic index. Truvia ingredients include erythritol, rebiana, and natural flavors. So there you have it! A basic guide and some healthy alternatives to “a spoonful of sugar.” Now you are fully equipped to tackle that aisle in your grocery or health food store and walk out with the healthiest choice in your bag. If you need to, print out this article and take it with you to the store. Be sure to read the ingredients on every label. And feel great about your new knowledge and empowered self! Your body will thank you later.

References:

1. “Splenda: Zero calorie doesn’t mean zero risk!” Nutrition & Healing. August 2009.
2. www.virginiahopkinshealthwatch.com
3. “Aspartame: The shocking story of the world’s bestselling sweetener” The Ecologist. September 2005.
4. http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/dailys/03/Jan03/012203/02P-0317_emc-000199.txt

Do I give the best pap smear in the northwest? Do I figure hormonal problems out like a detective? Do I draw blood with ease? Do I help people feel better? YES, I do ALL of the above but none of those things are my BESTEST skill.

LISTENING is my best skill….and probably the most important. Now, I do admit there are times when I may be distracted and don’t listen as intently as I should but most of the time my  job is to sit back and listen to the person (patients) story.

My appointments are 30 to 90 minutes long…the less I know you the longer your appointment (for example, the first visit is always the longest). I need to know who you are, what makes you tick, what makes you sick….so to speak.

I want to give you a few examples of stories I have heard over the last year that have nothing to do with health but still affect health:

1. A woman came in and before I even introduced myself she began:  “I am sorry I am such a wreck today but last night I found out my husband of 23 years is having an affair”  BULLET straight to the heart!  For the next hour and a half we talked about love, love lost, and how stress can kill you. 

2. A man who recently lost his young wife to a devastating cancer came in to talk about sex. Lack of sex after your mate dies talk………DEEP, HEARTWARMING, and IMPORTANT! We had a great conversation and I hope eased his questioning brain.

3. Last week a woman came in with no emotions….flatlined and gone. The beginning of the conversation was rough…not many words. Then she said “we have been through a lot in the last year and last night our adopted child was taken from us”….the bomb dropped. The story is much more complicated than I will let on but for her privacy the details are unnecessary. We talked about 90 minutes about her situation and how it is affecting her body and brain chemistry. She left with a smile on her face and a “sense of hope for the first time in a long time”. 

I ask you, what DRUG or pill gives “hope for the first time in a long time”?????????????????  Listening to clients is the best medicine! I urge you to find a physician who does listen and one that you listen to as well.

rgds,

dr.gb

I wanted to write a word about our HCG program at the BALANCE CLINIC. We have been doing HCG DIETS since 2007. With that in mind, we are really GOOD at helping people succeed on the diet. Recently, there are other clinics and practitioners starting to do the diet even in our area. Everyone wants a piece of your wallet…make sure you choose a place that atleast knows what they are doing.

I, Dr.Greenbean, had to hire a consultant just to do the nutritional part of the diet. I do the medical end, she does the food/diet end. My gal gets probably 80 phone calls/emails per day from clients who NEED her help. I, personally, could NOT do all that so I hired her to help. Many clinics will give you the drug but then you get NO help or support at all. Make the choice for yourself.

Another problem that has come up is this:  People are coming to our class to learn the diet and program but are purchasing the hcg through the net or another clinic. Morally this is so wrong. We don’t charge for our class (which probably is going to change) and people are taking advantage of us. Please be honest and tell us where you came from….we can work with you. BUT, if you buy your hcg online (which is illegal and shady) or from another place please don’t ask for our help and support for free. Like I said, we have been doing it for 3 years and know what we are doing…….

WE want you to lose weight and succeed! I am working on a maintenance plan for our dieters….it will be a GREEN weight watchers with wellness of sorts…very exciting! Watch for more on the program.

Hey everyone…sorry I have been so bad about blogging but I decided to just take a break over the holidays. So, of course, everyone resolves to make the next year their GOOD one, but who really accomplishes that? I think that we should always strive to be better…happier, healthier, more positive,  helping, caring,  (or as I think of it–non bitchy, non-irritable, pessimistic, less of an asshole, …you get the idea).   So let’s all make 2010 a good one!

My personal resolution is to take more time for friends and to just LOVE people for who they are and where they are at. No judgements, no complaining, just good ole loving the unconditional way. My 7 year olds son’s resolution is to lift the toilet seat EVERY time….Whatever YOUR resolution is, make it attainable and easy for you to do slowly over time.

As a physician, many people resolve to lose weight and get healthier in the new year. I love this but some are too impatient and hasty when trying to accomplish this. Start slow…ie. go to the gym 3 times per week is an attainable goal you are likely to stick with. Once that part is easy, add something else like lowering your carbs, counting calories, just eating less, or taking your supplements. Add things as you already perfect others.

I would love to help any of you get healthier. Check out my supplements in the store and get started. I would recommend 4 things to start any program.

1.Greens First drink powder (tastes great and is a super power amongst supplements)

2.Vitamin D3–5000iu/day for women and men  (less for kids)

3.Omega 3 fatty acids–2000mg/day for adults

4. Magnesium –500-1000mg per day (citrate or glycinate form) Diarrhea means TOO much, just back dose off.

So here is to YOUR new year. Hey, we all have to start somewhere…might as well start in January. If you have other health goals, drgreenbean or myself can help you too!  Let us know what you need and we will be there for you!