Cholesterol and Saturated Fats - Truth or Consequence?

Cholesterol is vital to our body's production of hormones, as well as brain health. It breaks my heart to witness such an increase in mental health in our elderly popuation. Many are on cholesterol medication, which depletes the CoQ10 necessary for brain health and function.  People on medication should be on a CoQ10 supplement, according to neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock. Unfortunately, it is not a common recommendation by doctors. Trying to explain this to someone very dear to me when her doctor has not told her the same is an uphill battle.  At the same time, the realization that you are forgetting more frequently is frightening.

Besides the detrimental effects of statin drugs on the brain and memory loss, with Lipitor being one of the biggest money making drugs of all time, statins contribute to heart disease, as is evidenced by a study in Japan. How ironic is this? We are prescribed cholesterol meds supposedly to ward off heart attack, is this not so? I encourage you to read this article by Dr. Stephen Sinatra.

What about saturated fats?
We need GOOD FATS. Not only are good fats necessary in order to lose weight, but more importantly, good fats are REQUIRED for brain health! Our population is hard-wired with anti-fat proclamations, with ads for low fat this and low fat that...but guess what - the majority of these products are not good for you! Besides the fact that the brain needs good fats (check out this article by Dr. Bruce Fife, author of Stop Alzheimer's Now), low fat processed foods are made to taste good with artificial sweeteners, which also reek havoc on your brain.

For my family, we eat very limited amounts of red meat and dairy, and instead lean towards free-range organic chicken, pun intended, when it comes to our animal food choices. Chicken is simply more affordable and preferred taste, and I am also on "guard" for excessive iron intake, which is linked to breast cancer. The iron in red meats can store up in the body and is not excreted as plant based. If you would like to learn more about this, you are welcome to contact me for a copy of the original articles on this topic from the Blaylock Wellness Report - two newsletters focused on iron toxicity and relation to cancer. Bottom line...eat your red meat, but eat a whole lot more GREEN and brightly colored fresh foods. That being said, I would never turn down a steak from a free-range steer.

On the topic of CoQ10 - beef and chicken contain more of this powerful antioxidant than plant foods such as broccoli and kale. If you are eating meat...know what the animal is being fed. I guess this means know your farmer. Avoid meat from animals raised on genetically modified corn - which presents a host of additional health problems - hormones in your food, excess hormones not necessarily excreting after consumption. Grass fed and free range are key words when purchasing meats for dinner. Our favorite Arbonne vegan protein powder also delivers CoQ10 as a part of its Iner G-Plex, which also contains the health benefits of alfalfa, kelp and ginseng.

Coconut oil is a staple in both our cooking and raw eating plan - it is a healthy living essential. Coconut oil is, in fact, being used to reverse Alzheimer's - I have read about several, including Dr.Mary Newport, who are implementing coconut oil and  finding positive results with their own spouse, suffering from the disease. Newport, in fact, began searching for alternatives when medicines prescribed for Alzheimer's, did not help her husband, who was only 53 at the time. Excerpted from the article: "Dr. Newport's research yielded an interesting discovery: a patent for a drug whose main ingredient was medium chain triglycerides (MCT), the same ingredient found in large quantities in coconut oil. A small pilot study found that the drug helped slow and even reverse the effects of Alzheimer's in a significant percentage of those tested."  Because the drug was not available, Newport began incorporating coconut oil as a staple in their dietary plan.

I also put avocado right up there with coconut oil as one of the healthiest fats one can incorporate into their diet.  Avocado contains a punch of anti oxidants, contains 25 essential nutrients, helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure. These two healthy fats make it into our meal plan several times a week, but another essential, which has made a great difference in lowering my husband's cholesterol numbers to where the doctors are happy (and he no longer needs meds) is the Arbonne VEGAN Omega 3 with DHA. Because it is non-fish form there are no after-burps or fishy taste, and because the sea algae used (origin of DHA) is grown in environmentally controlled labs - the assurance of the high Arbonne purity standard is maintained. We simply trust this brand with its 35 year mission of providing pure, safe and beneficial products to the consumer.

If you or a loved one is on a cholesterol med, I highly recommend talking to your MD about a CoQ10 supplement. Don't be surprised if they are not aware of the importance, as the drug companies are not in the business of telling doctors how to improve their patients health so that they may no longer need their pill, right?  You may wish to seek out a naturopathic doctor, functional medicine or nutritionist practitioner for a 2nd, and more knowledgeable opinion, when it comes to nutraceutical care. There may be underlying metabolic reasons, as well, for elevated cholesterol.  Be empowered, check out the links above, and be your own best health advocate!


My wish for you is to feel great, look great, and live great!
Rita S.

Add-On: The point of the above thread is Rx is a bandaid with side effects - it does not address the dietary contributors to high cholesterol as a whole. Here is an article on just one piece of the dietary puzzle - the link between artificial sweeteners and Alzheimers.

Cutting Back on Gluten Could Be Life Changing

Gluten Free -it's a huge buzz right now in the wellness industry. Often I am asked, "Why was gluten not a problem 30 years ago?"

Today's wheat is genetically-modified... the gluten content has been increased, and it is often referred to as franken-wheat. It is difficult for the human digestive tract to break down this newer gluten, and it can contribute to a number of health issues. Some times gluten can be the culprit for certain skin conditions and/or chronic sinus issues -which we learned when we eliminated gluten from our teenage son's diet for several weeks.

There are a number of books and articles on the topic of gluten and wheat, and it is encouraged for additional reading. Instead, I want to share my own experience and journey to renewed health...

Four years ago I was introduced to the company Arbonne. Consultants in the company educate people on label reading, which was not a practice I was accustomed to when purchasing products. I began to learn, study, subscribe to newsletters of medical professionals practicing alternative medicine, and built a library on hormone balance, nutritional wellness and cancer prevention...and so the journey continued.

I was very overweight, had chronic joint pain, my blood sugar numbers were borderline type II diabetic, and I had some additional concerns that made me quite nervous. I was using heartburn OTC medications daily.

A book on hormone balance titled, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer", by Dr. John Lee, Dr. David Zava and Virginia Hopkins, changed my life. It was about so much more than breast cancer. A few paragraphs on nutrition provided the life-changing "ah ha" moment. It was really quite a simple concept - in this book I learned that ALL processed, refined flours are metabolised just like table sugar in the body. Cancer cells are fueled by sugar.

By the way, this book was about much more than breast cancer. It talked about every cancer connected to the human reproductive system - including prostrate cancer. At the time, one of my dearest friends and spiritual mentor was preparing to meet his Maker, having had prostrate cancer years earlier which had returned as bone cancer.

It was from this point on that I made a decision...not to go Gluten Free, but to cut processed flour foods way back. For my morning routine, I substituted a vegan, soy free protein smoothie for convenience and great taste. This resolved any temptation I may have had to return to my breakfast of "heart healthy, cholesterol lowering multi-grain cereal" - which I learned was a clever marketing ploy, and not a true "heart healthy" fact..

At first, I cut back 50% on refined flour products. (This is much more than WHITE bread folks!)

I also eliminated processed skim milk, after learning milk contributed to acid reflux. The acid reflux diminished much, as well, I lost 32 lbs. in three months. Encouraged, I continued to cut back on gluten, and discovered I really did not miss breads, pizza crust and baked goods much. Rather than sandwiches for lunch, I enjoyed a large salad of organic greens, chicken, raw seeds, berries and feta cheese, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and squirt of fresh lemon juice for dressing. (Bottled, store-bought dressings, for the most part, contain ingredients that do not promote a healthy lifestyle.)

Encouraged by the initial weight loss, I continued to decrease refined flour products, and to this day gluten products are approximately only 10-15% of my weekly food intake. Three years ago this June, I had lost 85 lbs. and have maintained 80 lbs. of that weight loss for these past several years. After the 65 lb. milestone I did participate in an elimination diet as outlined by Arbonne, which resulted in another 16 lbs. lost in 30 days. It was through this program that I was able to discern, by learning to listen to my body, that I had a gluten sensitivity. Symptoms I incur when I consume gluten include aches in my knees, and sinuses that begin to drain incessantly within minutes.

If you would like to learn more about the Arbonne "30 Days to Healthy Living" program contact me and I can email you a recorded call that explains the top allergenic foods and how to go about discerning your own food sensitivities.

May you feel great, look great and live great today and always!

Rita S.

Extreme Exercise and Weight Loss - How Beneficial Is it?

Recently I was in a discussion about successful weight loss programs - what works, what doesn't, are supplements necessary, do weight loss products teach anything about lifestyle change? All are great questions...

I agree with those who advocate lifestyle change in food choices is the way to go... if people are conditioned to open a box of "weight management" meals, or simply heat up a frozen weight management dinner...it does not teach sustainable healthy living choices. Often times the "meals in a box" are laden with artificial ingredients, and for low-fat items - artificial sweeteners are likely on the label to make it taste good.  Short term weight loss...long term memory loss, is my blunt take on the effects of artificial anything.

Some cite that those wanting to lose weight should embrace running, bootcamps...
For the very out of shape person - let's be honest...three days of not being able to walk after one of these extreme bootcamp workouts...is that motivating? Are you ready to go back the next day? I am sure there are "easy starter" bootcamps - but what I hear from my friends that participate in bootcamps...they are ANYTHING but moderate.

Extreme sports - they are fine for the conditioned athlete and fairly healthy person, but for those in poor health - whose cells are already deficient in oxygen - there is risk in additional oxidative stress on their bodies from extreme exercise. In contrast, WALKING is a great form of exercise - for any age and any level. Adding walking poles increases the cardio and upper body workout. Start with a walk around your home, or in your home...and go a bit further as your body can manage.

As one who has read and studied a number of books on healing from cancer and cancer prevention...extreme sports do not help a body heal on the celluar level, which is what someone very much out of shape and in poor health, we can assume, is in need of. Two authors who've voiced concern re: extreme sports for cancer survivors are Russel Blaylock, neurosurgen, Raymond Francis M.Sc. The topic here is EXTREME, as Blaylock also stresses the need for exercise.  Mountain climbing, running marathons or participating in tri-athalons...if your body is healing from cancer, let it heal. If you are overweight ...ease in to it. You can put one of these sports on your bucket list of aspirations...prior to my weight loss, I would not even consider these things. Well, and still don't, 80 lbs. less of me later...

As a person with atrophied toes/weak foot - bootcamp is not a fit. For the many who have physical impairments - learning to eat whole foods (primarily an alkaline based diet) and simply walking, or picking up a hula hoop!, will help one make great strides in losing weight. The alkaline food focus, by the way, will help your body heal and restore on a cellular level.

EXCERCISE IS IMPORTANT! To be clear, I don't want anyone to get the idea that I am stating there is no need to exercise or sweat.  Light to MODERATE excercise is definitely good for the body, and obesity is definitely linked to disease, such as breast cancer.

Regarding supplements....our whole food supply, many nutrition and medical experts agree, are not of the same quality as they were 100, or even 50, years ago. This includes organics, although I've read you do benefit from over 40% more nutrients from organic produce.  Many renown experts concur that nutrition supplementation can definitely benefit those striving for weight loss. As a doctor friend of mine says, we are an "overeating, malnourished society". Many are fortuante to be able to find a nutritionist or naturopath who can run tests to determine specific deficiencies.

Arbonne, just this month, released two evolutionary products targeting weight management - and there will be those who question the need. "Just eat vegetables and eliminate ALL processed foods."  Easy to say, difficult to do - especially in our fast paced world.  (been there....oh wait, I still am!)

Because I do consult with a number of people past age 60, several who are at this point in their life, not that mobile, I can teach them to change their eating habits, and these evolutionary products can be of help in stabilizing blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, etc. 
The Mayo Clinic holistic department was commissioned by Arbonne to conduct clinical trials - and the results revealed positive benefits to patients. Arbonne also had the products tested by consultants. This video provides feedback from several in the trial run.

My wish for everyone is that you become healthy enough so that you CAN participate in a boot camp, marathon, or whatever is on your bucket list, without taking your breath away, or feeling like you have been run over by a MACK truck. As in all areas of life, moderation is key, unless it is your prayer life...at which you can go extreme...and not experience ill effects.

May you feel great, look great, and live great,
Rita S.

Glucomannan Fiber and Green Coffee Bean Extract - Evolutionary!

Back in 2010 my blood sugar numbers were borderline - but I resolved that with a big change in my eating habits. This was not easy to do, it took a lot of discipline. I want to share specifically two new products Arbonne came out with two weeks ago that have ingredients to help control blood sugar, insulin production, and increase metabolism.

A brochure is available which I would be happy to email details and ingredient list - feel free to contact me!

The new Evolution product line are listed in the new catalog for weight management. Arbonne paid the Mayo Clinic to test both products in clinical trials on patients...and Dr. Brent Bauer of the Mayo Holistic & Alternative Medicine Department reported positive benefits to the patients that tried these products, when I attended the training conference in Vegas May 7-9.

The first product is Evolution ThermoBooster. It promotes THERMOGENESIS - which the Mayo Clinic refers to in this non-Arbonne related article, as NEAT (non-excercise activity thermogenesis). Simply put, from my understanding, thermogenesis increases heat in the body to promote an increase in metabolism and the body's ability to burn fat.  

The Evolution Full Control product contains the fiber glucomannan - and in this article blood sugar expert, Dr. Mark Hyman, writes, "soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin, prevent cancer, balance hormone levels, remove excess estrogen and reduce the risk of breast cancer, make vitamins and minerals, provide food for the colon cells, and more. So it’s easy to see just how crucial soluble fiber is to good heath!"

"Glucomannan is an ancient fiber source that can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol, reduce your appetite, and lower your blood sugar more effectively than ANY other fiber."

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with maintaining blood sugar levels at acceptable, healthy levels - please feel free to pass along the information on these two new products. I encourage anyone to scrutinize and discern for themselves, the information provided in the linked articles and this blog. 

Many people have already been reaping the benefits of weight loss, lowering cholesterol,and reversing type 2 diabetes with Arbonne Essentials...and Arbonne has raised the bar in health and wellness by provoiding these new EVOLUTIONary pure, safe and beneficial products.

If you want to work on lowering blood sugar on your own - my biggest tip, that worked for me, is to CUT THE GLUTEN/WHEAT and eat lots of green plant based foods! Eliminating most processed foods from your diet is also key to reestablishing healthy blood sugar numbers.  

Wishing you the best of health so you can feel great, look great and live great!

Rita S.