Kidney Failure —The Unknown Epidemic

Most of us are aware of all the health problems that can result from insulin resistance like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, But lost in the shuffle is another silent killer that is on the rise — chronic kidney disease. At LMI we’ve noticed a growing number of patients with kidney problems.

Our experience reflects both a national and international trend. Kidney disease is increasing in young and old alike in the U.S. and around the world.^1,2 And that’s why I feel compelled to warn you about it — and tell you how to keep your kidneys healthy.

Here’s some background. You have two kidneys, whose job is to remove wastes from the blood and to excrete them via urine; they then return cleaned blood to the body. The kidneys keep water and minerals at healthy levels and produce important hormones.

Fermented Foods and Gut Health

When was the last time that you ate balao-balao, magou, nham or kimchi? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, join the club! Many people have never heard about or tried these fermented foods eaten around the world. Other fermented foods, which are more familiar to Westerners are yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread.

Throughout ancient history, fermented foods have played a role in sustaining thriving civilizations, and many cultures continue to consume these health-promoting traditional foods. While fermentation was used primarily as a way to preserve foods, ancient cultures also seemed to realize that they were very good for health, though they probably didn’t know all the reason why. Many people today still do not fully appreciate the health benefits of fermented foods, and so do not include them in their diet.

Gut Health — The Health Topic of the Coming Decade

For the last several years I have been emphasizing the importance of reducing belly fat, but just as important is getting one’s gut into shape on the inside. What I’m talking about is intestinal health.

Why Osteoporosis is On the Rise

Recently, I did some radio and TV interviews on the topic of osteoporosis. Rates are increasing, especially in men; 55% of people over the age 50 have osteoporosis; and another 34 million or so have low bone density.

An Allergy Preventive Diet

In recent years, we have seen both food and seasonal allergies dramatically increase in adults. Allergies are an indication of gut health, and may be a sign of internal inflammation. They are intimately involved with our immune system, and can even progress into chemical sensitivities and autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s Syndrome, Lupus, and MS. Allergies can also be an underlying cause of sleep apnea.

In the February 19 issue of THB, I discussed how to use an elimination diet to help detect food allergies/sensitivities. But there are some changes you can make to your diet to help prevent food allergies or sensitivities from happening in the first place.

What’s the Possible Link Between Seasonal Allergies and Suicide?

Anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies knows how depressing it is to experience trouble breathing for weeks at a time. But did you also know that science is uncovering a close relationship between those same seasonal allergies and suicide?

A major study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health examined the relationship between allergies and a history of both “suicide ideation”, i.e., thinking about suicide — all the way up to creating a detailed plan,
and actual suicide attempts.¹

Love Your Guts – Use Probioitics

Did you know that, according to the book “Digestive Wellness,” 70 percent of the cells that make up your immune system are located in your digestive system? That’s just one of many good reasons to take care of your GI tract. A good place to start is with probiotics.

A lack of beneficial flora can cause or worsen many health problems:

Flush Out Your GI Tract - Naturally

Constipation may be more than simply uncomfortable. According to the National Institutes of Health, it may be a symptom of more serious health conditions, including the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.: colon cancer. It’s important to take constipation seriously and treat it correctly.