Ms. Muscles Fitness Blog

Deadly New Sweetener Hiding in Your Food

2012-02-10T00:14:40Z

That's right. Monsanto's new sweetener, Neotame, has been FDA approved to be in all foods (even certified organic), in all animal foods, and without disclosure on labeling.

"Monsanto developed Neotame as their Aspartame patent was expiring, and had no trouble in gaining FDA approval in 2002. They added 3-dimethylbutyl, a chemical listed as hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to Aspartame, making it both sweeter and more toxic.

Both Aspartame and Neotame contain substances that are metabolized into formaldehyde, a highly toxic poinson, and an excitotoxic amino acid that agitates, thereby damaging, nerves."

That is truly f-ed up. All I can say is get to know your local farmer!

Don't Go It Alone: Why Families Should Diet and Exercise Together - Guest Post

2012-02-08T20:18:29Z

Getting fit and healthy is often one of the loneliest endeavors a person can undertake. Few would say that making a decision to eat more healthily and exercise more often is a bad one — on the contrary, you'll likely get nothing but praise and encouragement from peers. The problem is that the praise comes while they eat whatever they wish and choose not to exercise.

It takes discipline to make the daily decision to be healthy, and that discipline is challenged when family members or friends don't adhere to the choices you are making. Support in word only is a meager support; it needs action to augment it.

Even if you aren't a religious person, the message in 1 Corinthians 8:13 should strike a chord: "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make brother to offend."

Imagine that you are on a diet that prohibits any sugar intake (as any good diet should), but every time you come home, your family has pies, sweets, and snacks galore, gorging themselves in front of you. Most families aren't actually like this, but you can see how difficult it would be for a health-conscious person to live in an environment that didn't support that lifestyle.

Which is why health and wellness should be a group decision.

At the end of the day, your health is your own responsibility, but if a family changes its collective lifestyle all together, instead of leaving one person alone, the benefits will flow all around.

There are very, very few people who wouldn't benefit from a healthier lifestyle. Just because a person isn't obese doesn't mean they shouldn't be eating right or exercising more often. Here are a few reasons to get your family or friends involved:

· Studies have shown that diet and exercise success rates are much higher in situations where families are all making efforts

· If a family member is eating more healthily and exercising, it is often because there are imminent health risks he or she is trying to avoid; by joining in the diet and exercise, families can demonstrate to the single member that his or her health is important to them, which alleviates some of the pressure from the single member, and distributes the responsibility among the family, making long-term success and change easier

· A lifestyle change involving diet and exercise for the whole family will teach the younger members of the family good habits early on, and will decrease the chances for health risks down the road.

Working out and eating right doesn't have to be an alienating experience. It can and should bring families and friends closer together and bring a higher level of health to whole groups. Don't let an individual go down a difficult road alone, and don't make it harder by being the one who constantly tempts them.

By-line:

Alvina Lopez is a freelance writer and blog junkie, who blogs about accredited online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez @gmail.com.

Gluttony & Sloth are Symptoms, Not Causes of Obesity

2012-02-08T17:45:25Z

Check out this fascinating video interview between the Diet Doctor and Professor Lustig on the cause of weight gain. Fatness is not a behavioral problem and the old rule of thumb to eat less while doing more leads to weight loss is rubbish.

Ignite New Mitochondria

2012-02-07T19:10:41Z

It is shown that high intensity exercise can produce new mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) in humans. This is fantastic news for those with autoimmunity, fatigue, and advancing age. Mitochondria are more than energy generators as Terry Wahls provides evidence in her conquer of M.S.

"During endurance, most...of the energy derived from the oxidation of metabolic fuels and ATP hydrolysis of muscle contraction is liberated as heat, the accumulation of which leads to an increase in body temperature. For example, the temperature of exercising muscles can rise to 14 celcius. Although severe heat injury can be deleterious, several beneficial effects of mild heat stress (HS), such as the improvement of insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes, have been reported. However, among all cellular events induced by mild HS from physical activities, the direct effects and mechanisms of mild HS on mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle are least characterized. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) are key energy-sensing molecules regulating mitochondrail biogenisis. In C2C12 myotubes, we fouond that 1 h mild HS at 40 celcius upregulated both AMPK activity and SIRT1 expression, as well as increased the expression of several mitochondria biogenesis regulatory genes including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator...and transcription factors involved in mitochondria biogenesis. In particular,...expression was found to be transcriptionally regulated by mild HS. Additionally, after repeated mild HS for 5 days, protein levels.. and several mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation subunits were also upregulated. Repeated mild HS also significantely increased mitochondrial DNA copy number. In conclusion, these data show that mild HS is sufficient to induce mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 myotubes. Temperature-induced mitochondrial biogenesis correlates with activation of the... pathway. Therefore, it is possible that muscle heat production during exercise plays a role in mitochondrial biogenesis."

Thank you Chris Highcock

Blood Sugar, What You Think Is Normal May Be Killing You

2012-02-03T19:59:34Z

This morning, after my awesome workout at Metro Family Fitness, I came across an intriguing new study that provides evidence of how blood sugar can cause direct damage to the heart. Specifically, "...elevated glucose levels may directly damage cardiac muscle,'' Jonathan Rubin, MD at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

And if that is not enough to make you put down your morning bagel, check out this post by What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes. According to research sited in the article, glucose between 100 - 140 will increase mortality, damage nerves, cause neuropathy and pain, Beta cell death (cells of pancreas that produce insulin), diabetic retinopathy (leads to blindness), cardiovascular disease, heart failure, cancer, damage to kidneys, and stroke.

Why is this important you ask? Do you have mood swings? Have you felt as if your "sugar was crashing" and you desperately needed a snack or you would get a headache or pass out? Have you gotten a headache or suffered from foggy brain between meals? If so, you have blood sugar issues that need to be addressed!

Frankly, the human body has at least 7 pathways to elevate blood sugar naturally and carbohydrate ingestion is not necessary. So, the next time someone says they've, "got to get some carbs for energy," you can just laugh at their brainwashed, TV viewing sheeple comment and go on your way home to free range, grass fed whole foods, the Paleo way.

This video is required viewing:

Any questions?

New Article is Out in Natural Awakenings

2012-02-01T18:33:27Z

Pick up a copy of Natural Awakenings, Oakland/Macomb, February issue and read my new article, "Franken Wheat, It's Not What Your Grandparents Ate" today!

Or, read it online here, page 32.

Enjoy!

10 Commandments or Spirituality? Paul Chek

2012-01-30T01:06:35Z

This should be mandatory viewing, a great way to start your day!

Thank you Paul Chek

Tiny Homes

2012-01-29T23:54:01Z

I would be truly happy in a tiny home on wheels.

What do you say? Do you think it is too small, too simple, or too different? As I always say, "sometimes less is more."

Thanks Robert Paterson

How Carbohydrates Kill, Infographic

2012-01-29T12:52:11Z

Full size at Massive Health

Curing Multiple Sclerosis

2012-01-27T13:50:42Z

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where your body is attacking the myelin sheath of your nerve cells, thus rendering them painful and useless. Once you understand how autoimmunity works, you will take out your body's number one threat - GRAINS.

Grains include cereals, bread, pasta, and virtually all processed foods. What happens in autoimmunity is your body sees particles of grains as a foreign invaders and attacks them. Unfortunately, many of our cells also look like these particles, so our cells get attacked, too. That leads to organ damage such as with M.S., Hashimoto's, Celiacs, and Type 1 Diabetes...the list goes on.

Terry Wahls cured her own degenerative multiple sclerosis with a Paleo Diet. That is to say, she ate only foods from whole sources and completely eliminated grains and processed foods.

You can also listen to Terry Wahls as she was recently interviewed by Jimmy Moore here.

Loren Cordain is a world leader of Paleo science and heads up research to cure Multiple Sclerosis at Colorado State University. He has had great success halting its progression and putting the disease in remission with his program.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you Robert!

Excellent Primer on Low Carb Diets

2012-01-23T21:37:59Z

Please watch this informative video.

"Dr. Westman is one of the leading voices on behalf of carbohydrate-restriction in America today as both a low-carb clinician, researcher and co-author of The New Atkins For A New You." Thank you Jimmy Moore!

Immortal Hamburger, Yikes!

2012-01-23T21:31:00Z

Horrifying!

Workout Options

2012-01-23T20:47:51Z

Never be bored! Here are some fun ideas to try:

Now, go kick it up and have fun!

Cure, Prevent Diabetes with Coconut Oil

2012-01-22T21:34:35Z

Check out these great real-life success stories of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil helping with both Type I and Type II diabetes.

"Indeed Virgin Coconut Oil has a substantial effect on blood sugar levels. My wife and daughter (both have type 2 diabetes) measure their blood sugar levels at least three times a day. When they eat the wrong foods and their blood sugar levels get to 80-100 points above normal, they don’t take extra medication, they take 2-3 tablespoons of the coconut oil directly from the bottle. Within a half hour their blood sugar levels will come back to normal." Ed Coconut Diet Forums

This is one of the Type I diabetics:

"The Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) also is helping with my diabetes. I have type 1 juvenile diabetes and take insulin. I’ve had ups and downs with my control through the years and I’ve ALWAYS struggled with cravings for sweets and carbohydrates. The VCO has helped with my control (I’ve noticed more stability) and it has alleviated some cravings. It has not completely alleviated cravings, but I’ve have noticed a decrease. People with diabetes often crave high-glycemic foods (that we should stay away from!) due to cravings caused by blood sugar swings. The VCO has helped a lot in this area! I’d recommend it to anyone with diabetes. Diabetes can cause low moods & low energy levels, and I’ve noticed a positive increase/lift in both." Megan Coconut Diet Forums

Here is a quick video with Dr. Bruce Fife as well.

Craving more information? Google it and Read about the science behind it and how it actually works! Try it for 30 days and then decide.

Thanks Health Impact Daily

Can You Have Wheat Once in a While?

2012-01-18T15:49:11Z

Um, well.... can you be a little bit pregnant?

No, absolutely not.

Today's wheat is denser, than your grandma's, with gluten and other dangerous particles and it is destroying human health. Stop eating it today and forever so you can live optimally. Check out this great interview at Underground Wellness and get ready to be enthralled with what is now the number 3 cause of death in America.

Alzheimer's Reversal

2012-01-13T21:03:57Z

Alzheimer's dementia is known as Type 3 diabetes or diabetes of the brain. It has long been know that there is not a way to reverse it and our only hope, through pharmaceuticals, is to halt it's progression or at least slow it's progression. Until now...

This is a fascinating interview with a physician who actually reversed her husband's Alzheimer's, and he was quite bad, by adding 2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil to his food each day. Effects were noticed overnight with continued improvement extending to reverse much of the effects.

The mechanism involved is that of medium chain triglycerides in the coconut oil changing to ketones for clean, efficient fuel for his brain. Since his brain was likely starving of fuel, in the form of glucose, from insulin resistance, the logical thing to do is give that brain a different (even better) operating fuel or ketones.

It worked. Her is part I of VI videos:

Thank you Robb Wolf

Melanoma(?) Fell Right Off

2012-01-13T20:51:15Z

A freckle on my toe turned black a few weeks ago which is cause for concern due to my melanoma history. Instead of running to the dermatologist for a costly procedure to have it removed, I applied extra virgin coconut oil to it most days. Voila! Today it fell off. Is this a miracle? Have I stumbled upon something? Was it the ketogenic properties of the MCT's?

Apparently, it's been done before:

Coconut Oil Helps with Cancer

Thanks 5minLife Videopia

What Is Inflammation and Do You Suffer?

2012-01-12T13:36:57Z

We all know someone, or maybe it's you, who suffers ailments that are likely caused by inflammation. But what does that mean? Here is a nice primer from MarksDailyApple on inflammation.

"I mean, this seems like and obvious marker, but a lot of people ignore it in pursuit of numbers. If you feel run down, lethargic, unhappy, your workouts are suffering, you struggle to get out of bed, you're putting on a little extra weight around the waist, sex isn't as interesting, etc., etc., etc., you may be suffering from some manner of systemic, low-grade inflammation. Conversely, if you're full of energy, generally pleased and/or content with life, killing it in the gym, bounding out of bed, lean as ever or on your way there, and your sex drive is powerful and age appropriate, you're probably good.

And really, isn't that the most important health marker of all?

Anyway, I hope this was helpful. Systemic inflammation is a pretty nebulous state, and pinning it down can be tough, even with the help of actual objective lab markers. And because inflammation and all the maladies associated with it are so intertwined and feed off each other and have so many different effects, we often feel helpless. Well, try not to pile too much on your shoulders. Get some markers tested if you can, but ultimately it's going to come down to eating better, moving better, sleeping better, relaxing better, and avoiding too much stress. And if you feel great, I wouldn't really worry. Don't be the guy or gal who chases "inflammation," and don't go looking for a drug that reduces the liver's production of CRP. Instead, be the one who eliminates the ultimate cause, or causes (because there are always more than one) of the chronic inflammation. Revisit the list from the end of the last inflammation post and make sure you're not omitting anything that you should be including or including anything you should be omitting."

When you get a hold on inflammation, you get a hold of your life. This is a main contributor to heart health, cardiovascular wellness, ~~piece~~ peace of mind, longevity, and quality of life.

Give me a call or drop a line today to get your life back and finally feel healthy, vibrant and youthful again!

sherylblystone@att.net

If It Looks Like a Duck..

2012-01-12T12:52:28Z

.. and acts like a duck, is it not a duck?

Check out this fantastic post from primalmeded on the new Australian dietary guidlines. It's a quick, witty read. Here is a great argument she lays out:

Here we see an increase in carbohydrates and fibre while dietary fat is reduced and, in spite of fat reduction, total calories consumed did not go down:

"Does anybody need a reminder on how the obesity and overweight rates in Australia went while we were busy modifying our intakes, "in the direction encouraged by previous dietary guidelines?"

Case in point: fat does not make you fat. Carbohydrates make you fat, sick, and diabetic and you've got to consider there is a lot of money to be made in sick people...

What Happens When An Entire Country Goes Low Carb??

2012-01-12T11:48:46Z

Andreas Eenfeldt, M.D. at the Ancestral Health Symposium I attended last August.