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7 Super Foods For a Healthy Heart
By Christa Orecchio,
Clinical and Holistic NutritionistThere are lots of things we can do to keep our hearts healthy, and eating right is one of the most important. By including more of these everyday “super foods” into your diet, you’ll be on the right track.
Blueberries
They top the list as one of the most powerful disease-fighting foods. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, the antioxidant responsible for their dark blue color. These delicious jewels are also packed with fiber, Vitamin C and heart-healthy potassium. Add them regularly to yogurt, smoothies, trail mix, salads or just eat them by themselves.
Make sure to buy organic blueberries. The conventional, non-organic type are on the “dirty dozen” list: they are likely sprayed with pesticides that permeate the entire fruit due to the vulnerability of the skin.
Wild salmon (reference)
This cold-water fish is a great source of protein and packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that work to slash inflammation. The American Heart Association advises eating salmon and other omega-3 rich foods twice a week for benefits that go beyond heart health. Buy wild-caught salmon to avoid the lack of nutrients and less than ideal “raising conditions” that can be found in some
farm-raised salmon.Oatmeal (reference)
Oats are a nourishing whole grain and a great source of vitamins, minerals and cholesterol-lowering fiber. Research shows that oats help lower cholesterol levels and keep you regular.
Try adding oats whenever you bake. Substitute oat flour for white or wheat flour in pancakes, muffins, quick breads, cookies and coffee cakes for an added dose of fiber. Or try oats in place of breadcrumbs in dishes such as meatloaf, meatballs or breading on poultry.
Almonds and Walnuts
These are two very healthy snack choices. They’re high in plant omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, magnesium, folate, fiber, heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats and phytosterols.
Kale
Even stronger than spinach, kale is the powerhouse of the vegetable kingdom. Its rich, dark color comes from the multiple phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals (especially folate and iron) that also fight depression and disease, promote heart health and help preserve eyesight. To top it off, kale is also the “king of calcium”: it delivers the highest absorbable form of calcium possible.
Flaxseed
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, cancer-fighting lignans, phytoestrogens and fiber, this powerful seed is most effective when it is ground up and stored away from light, heat and air. Studies suggest that flaxseed lowers the risk of blood clots, stroke and irregular heartbeats. It may also help lower LDL “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides. Use it on top of salads or soup, in yogurt parfaits, smoothies or morning cereal.
Brown rice
Contains high levels of B-complex vitamins and magnesium, which nourish our central nervous system. Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin B-6 in particular protect against blood clots and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Niacin (Vitamin B-3) helps increase HDL “good” cholesterol.
With only a few simple dietary additions (found in any grocery store), you will be well on your way to having more energy and taking care of that amazing heart that beats for you, every second of every single day.
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Live the Life You Were Born to Live… with Gusto!
Remember the famous painting, Whistler’s Mother? It was painted by James Whistler in 1871. His mother was only 67 years old, yet she appears to be relegated to her rocking chair and not too happy.
Compare her to Armand Gendreau, a skydiver at age 101. And Johanna Quas, a gymnast at age 87. Or how about Dan Pellman, who set five world records at the Senior Olympics… at 100 years young.
Now that’s Vitality!
As you can see, some people are defying the ‘belief’ in aging. Of course, genetics play a role, but many experts are saying that our mental and emotional states – and lifestyle behavior – may be even more important to longevity.
And thanks to biotechnology and other medical advancements, scientists say we could live much longer than we ever thought possible. In fact, a 2015 article in Time magazine suggested that today’s babies will live more than 140 years.
Yes, there are rapid advances in medicine, neuroscience and synthetic biology beneath all of these longevity projections – which are truly amazing!
But what can you do, today, to make sure you live a happy, vital, energetic life like Armand, Johanna and Dan… and do it with gusto?
I mean, would you really want to live to 120 or more, if you couldn’t do all the things you love to do – and feel good doing them?
Sleep. Nutrition. Movement. Stress-free.
“But wait a minute,” you’re probably saying. That’s what I always hear. And you’d be right because your good health depends on how well YOU take care of your body, mind and spirit. It’s all about choice – or free-will.
One area of study that’s providing more understanding in the cause and prevention of losing our age-related vitality is the study of cognitive decline – decreasing brain function.
According to the World Health Organization, Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases will affect one out of every five people at some point in life.
Let that sink in for a moment. Consider yourself and four other people in a room, and one of you will likely be affected by a brain disease, like Alzheimer’s. That’s stunning.
I watched my mother go through the various stages of Dementia, and it’s not a pretty picture. As she slowly, then more rapidly, lost her memory. Toward the end, she didn’t even know who her five kids were. She recognized our faces and was thrilled to see us, but could not remember who we were to her.
However, there is a silver lining behind this dark, dreary cloud!
Decades of research is showing us that declining brain health and cognitive loss are NOT inevitable. You can continue to learn, reason, remember and adapt your thinking processes well into old age.
The research confirms that you can retain your mental sharpness, by incorporating healthy lifestyle behaviors that will become habits:
- Adjust what/how you eat
- Get enough exercise (move that body)
- Sleep, sleep, beautiful sleep
- Deal with life’s challenges, gracefully
- Nurture important relationships
You can become a cognitive fitness expert, if you become fully committed to living healthy behaviors until one day you’ll realize they’ve become a habit… it’s just how you live now.
As you feel better, stronger, more energetic – and your mind is sharp as a tack, life becomes a lot more fun, doesn’t it?
“The hero who can save you is in the mirror!”
Be the Hero in Your Story
At TriVita and also at the TriVita Clinic of Integrative Medicine, we believe that only you can make decisions, based on your inner beliefs about WHO you are.
Lasting changes come from inside – not from outside influences. Make your commitment to be healthy, happy and vibrant, based on your inner values and purpose.
Do you want to live a healthy, robust life to do the things you love to do? Or to be there for your family? Or maybe you want to be able to help others in some way that’s meaningful to you.
Whatever your WHY… it’s that reason that is big enough for you to be the hero in your story. We’re here to help you do that because we believe that wellness is your birthright.
When Diet & Exercise are Not Enough
Proper eating habits and exercise are absolutely essential to our bodies. But sometimes our bodies need a little extra help. That’s why there’s TriVita and the TriVita Clinic of Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This month, we’re focusing on brain-health supplements… and we have some amazing ones to help you age younger, feel better and live your amazing life full-out!
As I’m sure you’re aware, TriVita is the ONLY place you can find Alfred Libby’s original, patented formula for the ‘little pink pill’ that simply dissolves under your tongue… rushing into your bloodstream for faster absorption. (This is so important for folks with gastric issues because it bypasses the intestinal tract.)
Daily and consistent use of the Libby original, patented formula delivers 100% of the recommended, daily requirements for B12, B6 and B9.
Your body doesn’t store B12, but you need it every day. So you’ll want to make sure you include this in your other lifestyle habits… you’re worth it! We wash our bodies, brush our teeth and our hair, daily, right? We also must give our bodies the nutrients it needs (on the inside) every, single day to operate at optimum efficiency.
Of course, TriVita also offers two other brain-healthy supplements, NeuroShine (U.S. only) and Omega3 Prime that you’ll want to know about if you don’t already.
In closing…
I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Ghandi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
I believe that we humans are much more powerful than we realize. If you can imagine it… you can achieve it.
Imagine health. Imagine vitality. Imagine love & peace. See it, feel it, live it… with intention.
And by all means… live with GUSTO!
Yours in joy,
Carolyn
PS: Don’t forget to grab a box or two of Alfred Libby’s Slow Dissolve B-12
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Episode 50: Introducing TriVita's New WeCARE Helpline!
Join Michael and special guest Dr. Paul Bernitt as they introduce WeCARE, plus discuss the phases of stress and how we can choose wellness in troubling times.
We have exciting news! Our WeCARE Helpline is available to all members for free. WeCARE is a phone service for Christian-based guidance and prayer. The phone number is 1-888-460-1472. We live in troublesome times. TriVita wants to help you navigate through your challenges.
On this episode of Healthy You, Michael and Dr. Paul Bernitt discuss the phases of stress, the key to meaningful change and how awareness and power of choice lead to solutions. You CAN live with greater wellness during troublesome times. Choose wellness. The WeCARE Helpline can help you.
To learn more about WeCARE and book your appointment, visit www.trivita.com/wecare today!
About Paul Bernitt, DHH, Director of Clinical and Wellness Services at TriVita
Paul Bernitt is a Board-Certified Doctor of Holistic Health by the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board. He is also a Master Herbalist, a Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Doctor of Divinity, and has a degree in Mind-Body Transformational Psychology. Additionally, Paul is certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy, Holistic Nutrition, Bioenergetics, and Life Coaching.
Paul’s mission is to end as much needless suffering as possible by helping people discover hope, health, and healing. He has helped thousands of people experience the value of optimal health and wellness so they can live their purpose with greater energy, vitality, and quality of life mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and environmentally.
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Episode 49: Experience Enduring Joy in The New Year!
Join Michael as he discusses the difference between experiencing happiness and living with joy, and helps establish the steps we can take to live with enduring joy every day!
Happiness often happens in moments. Whether it’s enjoying a good laugh with an old friend or receiving a wonderful gift on Christmas morning. And while happiness is delightful, it can be fleeting. Joy, on the other hand, transcends circumstance and endures beyond a moment. It is how we live with joy that determines much of our happiness in life.
On this episode of Healthy You, Michael discusses the biblical and scientific parallels of joy and establishes the steps you can take to create and experience greater, more enduring joy in your everyday life.
About Michael R. Ellison, TriVita Founder & CEO
Michael Ellison has a mission to help people everywhere experience whole-person wellness. For him, this mission became crystal clear when he suffered a health crisis at the age of 50.
As Michael recovered and found his way back to health, he became determined to share his message of wellness with others. This led to his founding of TriVita in 1999, where he now leads the company’s ongoing pursuit of bringing health and wellness to the world.
Helping people experience greater wellness and mitigate the unwanted, unnecessary lifestyle-related diseases continue to be Michael’s purpose… and he brings this passion to the table in the day-to-day operations at TriVita.
Michael Ellison is also the author of 10 Habits of Wellness and founder of House of Giving — a nonprofit organization focused on serving those less fortunate, especially children in poverty-stricken areas of the world by providing opportunities for a higher quality of life and wellness.
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Episode 48: Harnessing "The Instant Mood Fix" With Dr. Olivia Remes
Join Michael as he talks with Dr. Olivia Remes, a mental health researcher at the University of Cambridge, about her new book, “The Instant Mood Fix: Emergency Remedies to Beat Anxiety, Panic Or Stress” and how harnessing our thoughts can instantly change our lives, mood and behavior.
Our mental and emotional health is one of the most important aspects of our well-being. It affects our ability to experience joy, impacts our relationships, and can even be damaging to our physical health. With cases of anxiety and depression on the rise, there is no better conversation than the one we’re having today.
On this episode of Healthy You, Michael talks with special guest, Dr. Olivia Remes, a mental health researcher at the University of Cambridge, about her new book and how her ten research-based coping mechanisms can change your life, and thought processes, for good!
About Dr. Olivia Remes
Dr. Olivia Remes is a mental health researcher with a focus on depression and anxiety in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Remes became interested in researching common mental disorders to get a better understanding of why some people are more prone to developing them and the societal impact associated with these conditions. She has been interviewed by Sky News, BBC News and Vogue UK about her research; she also gave a widely-viewed TEDx talk on how to cope with anxiety.
Dr. Remes’ new book, The Instant Mood Fix: Emergency Remedies to Beat Anxiety, Panic or Stress, is available for purchase today! Click here to learn more and purchase today!
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Episode 47: Does Gut Health Affect Your Brain & Behavior?
Join Michael as he explores new and exciting science observations about how gut health is the gateway to living with better health and wellness.
We are living in a time of groundbreaking scientific revelations about how our bodies operate and what they need to perform at optimum wellness. Often, this message is being drowned out by pharmaceutical companies telling us to treat our symptoms and manage our disease. But why would we live with disease when we can live with wellness, health and happiness?
On this episode of Healthy You, Michael takes a deep dive into some of the revelatory scientific observations being made about the correlation between gut health and your health, mood and cognition.
About Michael R. Ellison, TriVita Founder & CEO
Michael Ellison has a mission to help people everywhere experience whole-person wellness. For him, this mission became crystal clear when he suffered a health crisis at the age of 50.
As Michael recovered and found his way back to health, he became determined to share his message of wellness with others. This led to his founding of TriVita in 1999, where he now leads the company’s ongoing pursuit of bringing health and wellness to the world.
Helping people experience greater wellness and mitigate the unwanted, unnecessary lifestyle-related diseases continue to be Michael’s purpose… and he brings this passion to the table in the day-to-day operations at TriVita.
Michael Ellison is also the author of 10 Habits of Wellness and founder of House of Giving — a nonprofit organization focused on serving those less fortunate, especially children in poverty-stricken areas of the world by providing opportunities for a higher quality of life and wellness.
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TriVita's Ten Essentials for Health and Wellness
Wellness is a gift that we are called to steward. It’s not just the absence of disease or injury, it’s the balance of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These 10 essential habits for health and wellness are intended to help you experience newfound health, energy and perspective to accomplish your life goals and purpose.
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Episode 46: You Are An Immune System
Your immune system was intricately created by God to protect your body from foreign invaders, but when your immune system is overwhelmed, it may trigger prolonged or even chronic inflammation.
On this episode of Healthy You, Dr. Paul Bernitt, DHH, explains the role of cytokines in immune response and how unhealthy lifestyle choices can throw off your body’s response to foreign invaders.
The key is to make sure that your lifestyle does not contribute to unhealthy immune responses. Dr. Paul offers a number of simple changes that you can make today that will help you maintain a healthy immune system and a healthy body for God to dwell in.
About Dr. Paul Bernitt, DHH
Paul Bernitt is the Director of Clinical and Wellness Services for TriVita and Trivita Clinic of Integrative Medicine. He is a Board-Certified Doctor of Holistic Health by the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board. He is also a Master Herbalist, a Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Doctor of Divinity, and has a degree in Mind-Body Transformational Psychology. Additionally, Paul is certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy, Holistic Nutrition, Bioenergetics, and Life Coaching.
Paul’s mission is to share the value of optimal health and wellness and end as much needless suffering as possible by helping people discover hope, health, and healing. He has helped thousands of people experience the value of optimal health and wellness so they can live their purpose with greater energy, vitality, and quality of life mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and environmentally.
About TriVita Clinic of Integrative Medicine
TriVita Clinic of Integrative Medicine uses the latest conventional and evidence-based complementary medicine to help you achieve optimal health. Your healthcare team will perform physical exams, diagnostic testing and explore your lifestyle habits such as nutrition, activity, stress and sleep to adequately assess your overall health and lifestyle to create a personalized plan to help you achieve optimal health and well-being for your life purpose.
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Human Molecular Genetics and Genomics — Important Advances
At a time when the world is gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic, early AIDS doctors look back on 40 years of HIV/AIDS. Many of them first encountered AIDS when they were in their early 30s, and their lives have been shaped to a large extent by that earlier pandemic.
Before a medicinal product can be placed on the market it requires a marketing authorisation or registration. In order for these to be granted, the pharmaceutical entrepreneurs have to submit the corresponding applications. Depending on the nature of the project, different types of applications for marketing authorisation are available. The following pages provide information regarding the respective requirements
This evidence must be based on a detailed scientific bibliography covering all relevant preclinical and clinical aspects of the medicinal product. For this reason, this form of application is also referred to as a “bibliographical application”.
In addition to the content, the nature of the literature sources is also decisive, as the submitted literature must be freely available in the public domain and published by a reputable source. Therefore, data from own preclinical and clinical trials may not be taken into account in the discussion of a bibliographic application
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Conquering Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
At a time when the world is gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic, early AIDS doctors look back on 40 years of HIV/AIDS. Many of them first encountered AIDS when they were in their early 30s, and their lives have been shaped to a large extent by that earlier pandemic.
Before a medicinal product can be placed on the market it requires a marketing authorisation or registration. In order for these to be granted, the pharmaceutical entrepreneurs have to submit the corresponding applications. Depending on the nature of the project, different types of applications for marketing authorisation are available. The following pages provide information regarding the respective requirements
This evidence must be based on a detailed scientific bibliography covering all relevant preclinical and clinical aspects of the medicinal product. For this reason, this form of application is also referred to as a “bibliographical application”.
In addition to the content, the nature of the literature sources is also decisive, as the submitted literature must be freely available in the public domain and published by a reputable source. Therefore, data from own preclinical and clinical trials may not be taken into account in the discussion of a bibliographic application
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Will Counting Calories Help You Reach Your Weight Goal?
The best Organic Food blogs from thousands of top Organic food blogs in our index using search and social metrics. We’ve carefully selected these websites because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information.
Donec vitae hendrerit arcu, sit amet faucibus nisl. Cras pretium arcu ex. Aenean posuere libero eu augue condimentum rhoncus. Praesent ornare tortor ac ante egestas hendrerit. Aliquam et metus pharetra, bibendum massa nec, fermentum odio. Nunc id leo ultrices, mollis ligula in, finibus tortor. Mauris eu dui ut lectus fermentum eleifend. Pellentesque faucibus sem ante, non malesuada odio varius nec. Suspendisse potenti.
Suspendisse turpis ipsum, tempus in nulla eu, posuere pharetra nibh. In dignissim vitae lorem non mollis. Praesent pretium tellus in tortor viverra condimentum. Nullam dignissim facilisis nisl, accumsan placerat justo ultricies vel. Vivamus finibus mi a neque pretium, ut convallis dui lacinia. Morbi a rutrum velit. Curabitur sagittis quam quis consectetur mattis. Aenean sit amet quam vel turpis interdum sagittis et eget neque. Nunc ante quam, luctus et neque a, interdum iaculis metus. Aliquam vel ante mattis, placerat orci id, vehicula quam. Suspendisse quis eros cursus, viverra urna sed, commodo mauris. Cras diam arcu, fringilla a sem condimentum, viverra facilisis nunc. Curabitur vitae orci id nulla maximus maximus. Nunc pulvinar sollicitudin molestie.
Maecenas vel nulla eleifend, euismod magna sed, tristique velit. Nam sed eleifend dui, eu eleifend leo. Mauris ornare eros quis placerat mollis. Duis ornare euismod risus at dictum. Proin at porttitor metus. Nunc luctus nisl suscipit, hendrerit ligula non, mattis dolor.
Koan Conella
Creative Copywriter -
10 Foods To Help You Detox Naturally Today
The best Organic Food blogs from thousands of top Organic food blogs in our index using search and social metrics. We’ve carefully selected these websites because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information.
Donec vitae hendrerit arcu, sit amet faucibus nisl. Cras pretium arcu ex. Aenean posuere libero eu augue condimentum rhoncus. Praesent ornare tortor ac ante egestas hendrerit. Aliquam et metus pharetra, bibendum massa nec, fermentum odio. Nunc id leo ultrices, mollis ligula in, finibus tortor. Mauris eu dui ut lectus fermentum eleifend. Pellentesque faucibus sem ante, non malesuada odio varius nec. Suspendisse potenti.
Suspendisse turpis ipsum, tempus in nulla eu, posuere pharetra nibh. In dignissim vitae lorem non mollis. Praesent pretium tellus in tortor viverra condimentum. Nullam dignissim facilisis nisl, accumsan placerat justo ultricies vel. Vivamus finibus mi a neque pretium, ut convallis dui lacinia. Morbi a rutrum velit. Curabitur sagittis quam quis consectetur mattis. Aenean sit amet quam vel turpis interdum sagittis et eget neque. Nunc ante quam, luctus et neque a, interdum iaculis metus.
Aliquam vel ante mattis, placerat orci id, vehicula quam. Suspendisse quis eros cursus, viverra urna sed, commodo mauris. Cras diam arcu, fringilla a sem condimentum, viverra facilisis nunc. Curabitur vitae orci id nulla maximus maximus. Nunc pulvinar sollicitudin molestie.
Maecenas vel nulla eleifend, euismod magna sed, tristique velit. Nam sed eleifend dui, eu eleifend leo. Mauris ornare eros quis placerat mollis. Duis ornare euismod risus at dictum. Proin at porttitor metus. Nunc luctus nisl suscipit, hendrerit ligula non, mattis dolor.
Koan Conella
Creative Copywriter -
A Brief Guide To The Raw Food Diet This Week
The best Organic Food blogs from thousands of top Organic food blogs in our index using search and social metrics. We’ve carefully selected these websites because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information.
Donec vitae hendrerit arcu, sit amet faucibus nisl. Cras pretium arcu ex. Aenean posuere libero eu augue condimentum rhoncus. Praesent ornare tortor ac ante egestas hendrerit. Aliquam et metus pharetra, bibendum massa nec, fermentum odio. Nunc id leo ultrices, mollis ligula in, finibus tortor. Mauris eu dui ut lectus fermentum eleifend. Pellentesque faucibus sem ante, non malesuada odio varius nec. Suspendisse potenti.
Suspendisse turpis ipsum, tempus in nulla eu, posuere pharetra nibh. In dignissim vitae lorem non mollis. Praesent pretium tellus in tortor viverra condimentum. Nullam dignissim facilisis nisl, accumsan placerat justo ultricies vel. Vivamus finibus mi a neque pretium, ut convallis dui lacinia. Morbi a rutrum velit. Curabitur sagittis quam quis consectetur mattis. Aenean sit amet quam vel turpis interdum sagittis et eget neque. Nunc ante quam, luctus et neque a, interdum iaculis metus. Aliquam vel ante mattis, placerat orci id, vehicula quam. Suspendisse quis eros cursus, viverra urna sed, commodo mauris. Cras diam arcu, fringilla a sem condimentum, viverra facilisis nunc. Curabitur vitae orci id nulla maximus maximus. Nunc pulvinar sollicitudin molestie.
Maecenas vel nulla eleifend, euismod magna sed, tristique velit. Nam sed eleifend dui, eu eleifend leo. Mauris ornare eros quis placerat mollis. Duis ornare euismod risus at dictum. Proin at porttitor metus. Nunc luctus nisl suscipit, hendrerit ligula non, mattis dolor.
Koan Conella
Creative Copywriter -
Episode 45: Is This Medical Tyranny?
Join Michael as he examines the one-dimensional narrative surrounding health in the face of COVID-19. While the media demands quick fixes, Michael exposes even more serious risk factors they have ignored as well as the real keys to wellness.
The CDC recently suggested that all unvaccinated citizens should stay home over the holiday weekend, implying that they are entitled to fewer rights. This directive is not a health directive, but rather a message of control. If it truly were a message about health, it would not offer one solution as the key to wellness.
On this episode of Healthy You, Michael examines shocking research from the Massachusetts General Hospital exposing the fatal effects of common lifestyle-related choices made by Americans. He addresses health and wellness with a broader and more holistic approach that considers our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
About Michael R. Ellison, TriVita Founder & CEO
Michael Ellison has a mission to help people everywhere experience whole-person wellness. For him, this mission became crystal clear when he suffered a health crisis at the age of 50.
As Michael recovered and found his way back to health, he became determined to share his message of wellness with others. This led to his founding of TriVita in 1999, where he now leads the company’s ongoing pursuit of bringing health and wellness to the world.
Helping people experience greater wellness and mitigate the unwanted, unnecessary lifestyle-related diseases continue to be Michael’s purpose… and he brings this passion to the table in the day-to-day operations at TriVita.
Michael Ellison is also the author of 10 Habits of Wellness and founder of House of Giving — a nonprofit organization focused on serving those less fortunate, especially children in poverty-stricken areas of the world by providing opportunities for a higher quality of life and wellness.
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The Importance of Fruits and Vegetables
There are many reasons we do not get enough quality fruits and vegetables in our diets. Some simply do not like the taste, others have difficulty digesting them and many people are too busy and find themselves grabbing quick and easy go-to processed foods. In addition to not eating enough fruits and vegetables, poor farming practices, overcooking foods and prolonged shelf time can diminish available nutrients in the fruits and vegetables consumed. Whatever the reasons we don’t consume enough quality fruits and vegetables, we all know we need the nutrients fruits and vegetables provide for not only a long life but maintain quality of life.
The benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables come with such as essential and non-essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, enzymes, phytochemicals, and natural detoxifiers that highly processed foods simply do not provide at the same level.
Nutrients
Macronutrients are nutrients our bodies need a lot of such as carbohydrates, fats, fiber, proteins, and water. Micronutrients are nutrients we need very small amounts of such as trace minerals. Nutrients are either nonessential or essential. Nonessential nutrients and are made by the body. Essential nutrients are not made by the body, therefore, must be obtained through eating foods. Phytochemicals typically identified by the color of food are not classified as nutrients but the early evidence is suggesting that they are equally beneficial for health.
Vitamins
Vitamins are either fat-soluble such as A, D, E, and K or water-soluble such as B and C vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins stay in the body for longer periods allowing the body to build reserves while water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and are excreted through the urine. While the body can make some vitamins, it should be noted that most of the vitamins come through the consumption of food.
Minerals
There are 15 minerals and 7 of them are essential minerals including 7 macro minerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur. Additionally, 8 trace minerals are consisting of iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium. Minerals do not produce energy but rather support the metabolic process for energy. The benefits of minerals are wide and diverse. They influence everything from strong bones, nerve impulses, hormones, heart rate, immunity, and muscle tension just to name a few.
Antioxidants
These super nutrients slow the oxidation of cells. As cells become oxidized they become less efficient. It is vitally important to get enough antioxidants in the diet because every part of your body is made of cells and the body depends on cellular health. Antioxidants come from plants. The antioxidants plants produce to protect them from oxidation. When we eat antioxidant-rich plants we take on the anti-oxidation benefits of the plants. What was good for the plant cells is equally as effective for our human cells. Maintaining cellular health is the key to effectively getting good stuff into the cells of the body and bad stuff out of the cells of the body. If cells are prematurely oxidized know as oxidative stress then cells, proteins, and DNA can become damaged leading to serious medical conditions.
Fiber
When we do not get enough fiber we can end up with digestive discomfort and constipation. While no one wants the discomfort a lack of fiber causes, it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to other potential complications. Soluble fiber dissolves in water which creates a gel that thickens and slows the movement of chime in the small intestine slowing the absorption of glucose into the blood. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and as it enters the large intestine stimulates peristalsis or in other words, moves food waste for disposal. Insoluble fiber also serves as food for healthy microbes in your gut. Without fiber, we cannot support the healthy microbes required for a robust immune system.
Enzymes
While enzymes are not on the list of nutrients on food packages, they are found in all living things including the food we eat and the bodies we occupy. Have you ever wondered why processed food can last for years on a shelf? Well, it’s because the processing of the food has damaged the cell walls of the food and destroyed all the enzymes. When cells are broken, they leak out enzymes which break down the material. As an example, if an apple is dropped on the ground it will develop a bruise which is caused by the breaking of cell membranes which allows the enzymes to leak out which breaks down the material. This is why it is so important to chew your food thoroughly. If the enzymes found in the foods are not present then when consumed the enzymes of the consumer of the food need to do the work.
Phytochemicals
The colors of fruits and vegetables are more than a way to create interest on a plate. The colors in plants are known as phytonutrients which contain powerful antioxidants and other health-promoting properties which may prevent disease and enhance the way our bodies work. When purchasing your food choose darker varieties as these have the most phytonutrients in them. Even when choosing the same food such as red pepper, choose the darker of the peppers available. There are more than 25,000 phytonutrients. A few honorable mentions are carotenoids (orange-yellow) rich in beta carotene great for eye health, lycopene (red-pink) which is great for urinary tract health, lutein (green) great for the blood, and flavonoids (Blue purple) for brain health.
Detoxifiers
Fruits and vegetables are not only full of nutrition they also serve as the resources for lymphatic and digestive action which is like the department of sanitation to the city you live in. Much like a city needs adequate resources to maintain a healthy community so does the human body. Just like a city, you too need a sanitation department equipped with the best resources and systems for effective elimination. Without proper sanitation, a community or the body can become toxic, inefficient, and ultimately sick. Some excellent detoxifiers consist of milk thistle for the liver which serves as the main filter of the body, cilantro for harmful microbe control which can compete with healthy microbes and turmeric for thinning thick viscous blood so the blood can bring fresh new blood throughout the arteries and remove waste through the veins.
In Summary
Over time, nutrient deficiencies can lead to serious systemic issues affecting all the systems of the body and corresponding organs resulting in diminished functions in the body. While I cannot say you will never get diseases as a result of eating a healthy diet, I can say you can significantly diminish your chances of getting diseases by eating enough fruits and vegetables. I can also say that if you have a disease that is being treated by a licensed healthcare professional that eating more fruits and vegetables will enhance the treatments you are receiving. While diet alone is not enough, neither is modern medicine. A combination of diet, exercise, and stress management along with medicine as needed is recommended to live a life of greater health and quality of life. As discussed in the opening of this article it can be difficult to get enough fruits and vegetables every day and even when we do eat enough of them the nutrient density might not be there due to modern food processes. For many, a super greens supplement may be needed to ensure enough of the vital nutrients required for living a healthier life. When looking for a super green supplement look for not only the greens but also other colors such as reds, yellows, oranges, and blues. I would also recommend a supplement with additional nutrients mentioned in this article.
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Episode 44: Things The Media is Not Telling You About Your Health
Join Michael as he shares a medically recognized, ancient tradition for helping build your immune system to resist viruses and bacteria. You won’t hear this on the news media.
Today we hear a lot from the news media about viruses, vaccines and prevention, and for good reason. But what you aren’t hearing is what scientists have discovered about the specific ways in which viruses populate and breed in the body. This insightful, medically recognized and traditional method helps prevent virus replication inside our bodies.
On this episode of Healthy You, Michael dives into a study from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and the UNC School of Medicine to share one small thing you can do to help protect your body against the spread of viruses and bacteria.
About Michael R. Ellison, TriVita Founder & CEO
Michael Ellison has a mission to help people everywhere experience whole-person wellness. For him, this mission became crystal clear when he suffered a health crisis at the age of 50.
As Michael recovered and found his way back to health, he became determined to share his message of wellness with others. This led to his founding of TriVita in 1999, where he now leads the company’s ongoing pursuit of bringing health and wellness to the world.
Helping people experience greater wellness and mitigate the unwanted, unnecessary lifestyle-related diseases continue to be Michael’s purpose… and he brings this passion to the table in the day-to-day operations at TriVita.
Michael Ellison is also the author of 10 Habits of Wellness and founder of House of Giving — a nonprofit organization focused on serving those less fortunate, especially children in poverty-stricken areas of the world by providing opportunities for a higher quality of life and wellness.
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Power To The Plants!
The super health benefits of plant-based nutrients
Plant-based nutrition has become a popular term in the health and wellness universe as more people adopt a green, natural way of living. In fact, one survey found more than half of Americans were open to eating more plant-based foods, but they don’t know what to buy. Whether you consume a completely plant-based diet, or want to adopt a healthier lifestyle by adding in products that are “more green” and high in plant-based nutrients, we’re examining the latest research in plant-based nutrition and how it benefits the body in a myriad of ways. We’ll even tell you where you can get all these nutrients (hint: you can get it in one scoop a day).
When looking for products that support your health and wellness journey, having the information to fuel smart nutrient choices can help ensure you’re on the right track for your health and well-being. Consuming ingredients that benefit all nine body systems and contain an adequate amount of vitamins and antioxidants can have a lasting positive impact on the body—even as we age. First things first, let’s break down plant-based ingredients that can help you either get on track or stay on the right path, to good nutrition and smart health choices for various areas
Whole Food and Prebiotic Blend
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important cereal crop and has the highest dietary fiber content. Barley grass powder provides nutrition value as it has been found to eliminate toxins from cells in humans. Its functional ingredients have played an important role as a health benefit. Wheatgrass provides an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, as its high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, magnesium, calcium, and amino acids. Inulin is a type of fiber and is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, asparagus, and chicory root. Alfalfa is a plant that is particularly high in vitamin K. Spirulina algae is often referred to as blue-green algae and is loaded with nutrients. It was even proposed by NASA to grow in space for astronauts. Chorella is another type of algae that’s packed with vitamins and minerals, namely omega-3, fiber, antioxidants, and protein.
Antioxidant Blend
Speaking of antioxidants, they’re important for the body as they scavenge free radicals from the body cells and prevent or reduce the damage done by oxidation. Pomegranate, acai, moringa, beetroot, raspberry, rose hips, pineapple and goji berry are all bountiful in antioxidants. Fruits, such as berries and pomegranates, are rich sources of a variety of dietary bioactive compounds, especially the polyphenolic flavonoids that have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, pomegranates, also classified as berry fruits, have been shown to confer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Adaptogenic Herb Blend
Adaptogenic herbs work to counteract stress in the body with their stimulant properties. Studies on animals have revealed adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, and antidepressive properties. Specifically, studies have shown ashwagandha as a multipurpose herb as it has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, memory-enhancing, and sleep-inducing properties. Other adaptogenic herbs include maca and bacopa monnieri.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) Fiber Blend
Omega 3 and omega 6 are types of EFA, and the three main types of omega 3s include ALA, EPA, and DHA. Flaxseeds are abundant in omega 3s, which are good for the heart. The common sunflower seed supplies an abundance of nutritious components and is high in omega 6, as well as protein, unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins (especially E), selenium, copper, zinc, folate, iron, and more.
Metabolism Blend
An active metabolism helps your body burn food into energy and fuel. It raises and lowers your appetite based on how active you are, and what foods you consume. Green coffee beans, ginger root, green tea, white tea, matcha green tea, and black tea have all been shown to influence and boost metabolism. Tea also has strong antioxidant properties, which gives it additional health benefits.
Immunity Boosting Blend
Your immune system is your best defense against sickness and foreign invaders in the body, and herbs and mushrooms have been shown to have an immune-boosting effect. Echinacea Angustifolia is a type of flowering plant that has been found to have modulating effects on immune function. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested some immune-stimulating effects of astragalus, another flowering plant, which is a popular herb in Chinese medicine. Reishi is a type of mushroom and has also been shown to have beneficial effects on the immune system, with one study finding it can relatively improve immune functions that are usually depressed by chemo/radiotherapy.
Veggie Blend
Vegetables carry numerous vitamins and minerals and are important in a daily diet. Tomatoes, for instance, carry the antioxidant lycopene and are a source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. Cauliflower is high in fiber and B vitamins, as well as phytonutrients and antioxidants. These veggies offer numerous benefits and adequate sustenance to keep the body fueled for daily activities.
Detox Support Blend
Milk thistle, with a distinctive purple flower and white veins, said to be caused by the milk of the Virgin Mary, exhibits a detoxifying effect. Its active ingredient silymarin has been shown to protect the liver. Another ingredient good for detoxing is cilantro, which can help support the body’s natural detox pathways, especially when it comes to heavy metals such as mercury. Turmeric root exhibits many health benefits, as its active ingredient curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Digestive Enzyme and Probiotic Blend
The digestive system is one of the most important systems, as it not only makes sure that our food is being digested properly, but 70 percent of the immune system lies in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a form of probiotic that produces lactic acid, which is beneficial for the gut as it makes up the healthy bacteria that live there. It can even help increase other amounts of healthy bacteria in the gut, which your body needs to function properly. In addition to probiotics for the digestive system, enzymes are also important. The three main enzymes are amylase, protease, and lipase and are necessary to turn food into nutrients for the body.
All of these nutrients are chock-full in our latest Super Greens Plus, a premium, and convenient supplement product. You want to eat well so you feel well. Getting all of these nutrients in a daily diet, especially if you can’t eat as much food as you once could, is important. Ingesting a superfood blend of healthy nutrients has become essential to modern-day living, so we can continue to live our lives to the fullest.
References:
https://www.earthday.org/foodprintsreport/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5904770/
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19890016190
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788027/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622016/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3908530/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-017-1542-8
https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/28/5/article-p536.xml
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408800/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19409077/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6680489/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2362099/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1534735403256419
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6353236/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3414726/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303853/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654245/
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Episode 43: The Two Most Important Things You Can Do For Your Health
Join Michael as he shares a Harvard Medical School Special Report revealing the two most important things you can do right now to improve your health, live with wellness and purpose, and improve your quality of life.
An abundance of evidence in the scientific community is now supporting the two most important things you can do to experience wellness, live with health and reduce your risk of all leading diseases of today, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and type-2 diabetes.
On this episode of Healthy You, Michael dives into a recent Harvard Medical School Special Report revealing the two most powerful and important things you can do to take control of your health today.
About Michael R. Ellison, TriVita Founder & CEO
Michael Ellison has a mission to help people everywhere experience whole-person wellness. For him, this mission became crystal clear when he suffered a health crisis at the age of 50.
As Michael recovered and found his way back to health, he became determined to share his message of wellness with others. This led to his founding of TriVita in 1999, where he now leads the company’s ongoing pursuit of bringing health and wellness to the world.
Helping people experience greater wellness and mitigate the unwanted, unnecessary lifestyle-related diseases continue to be Michael’s purpose… and he brings this passion to the table in the day-to-day operations at TriVita.
Michael Ellison is also the author of 10 Habits of Wellness and founder of House of Giving — a nonprofit organization focused on serving those less fortunate, especially children in poverty-stricken areas of the world by providing opportunities for a higher quality of life and wellness.
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Latest Study Indicates Low Omega-3 Index Linked to Premature Death
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and required for human life. While many know the importance of omega fatty acids as part of a healthy lifestyle, it hasn’t been clear how low amounts of fatty acids in the blood are also linked to all types of death including heart disease and cancer until now. A recent analysis1 consisting of 17 perspective studies consisting of more than 40,000 participants over a 16-year span has shown a 15-18% lowered risk of all causes of death based on higher polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) in the blood.
While the analysis does not show how polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) were consumed by each participant, it’s important to recognize the best sources. The best sources of PUFAs are found in sea life such as cold-water fish. Fish have the highest concentrations of PUFA’s as well as the best ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA which reduces chronic inflammation—the root cause of most diseases.
Not all forms of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood show a lower risk of death in the 15,720 participants who died in the study. For instance, there is no link to a reduced death risk seen in blood levels of 18 carbon omega-3 and alpha-linoleic acid, both of which come from plant-based sources such as flaxseed, hempseed, and chia. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) are short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Though plant-based ALA is beneficial, DHA and EPA have more potent health benefits than ALA omega-3 fatty acids have. A person must consume a copious amount of plant-based foods to gain the same benefits equivalent to a single serving of cold water fish.
Omega-3 fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 also contribute to multiple biological roles, such as influencing inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and presenting neuroprotection and cardiovascular protection. There are 100 billion neurons that make up your brain consisting of 60% PUFAs, and every cell in the human body has a cell membrane made of PUFAs. We are made entirely out of cells and cellular performance is key to maintaining optimal health.
Quality fish oil supplements have an excellent ratio of omega-3 EPA and DHA and come without the harmful toxins such as mercury found in fish. A study in the UK shows taking fish oil supplements lowers the risk of cardiovascular and all diseases across 427,000 participants.3 “The Heart and Soul” study5 also shows that lower whole blood EPA and DHA levels are associated with all causes of mortality and an accelerated rate of telomere shortening over a 5-year period. Accelerated Telomere shortening is associated with a shorter lifespan.
Clinical Significance of measuring omega-3 & 6 fatty acids in the blood.
- Monitoring of omega fatty acids in the blood provides a baseline and monitoring of individuals known to have a cardiovascular disease to determine prescription compliance
- Monitor individuals who are taking omega fatty acid supplement therapy to manage the effectiveness of treatment.
- Detect early signs of omega fatty acid deficiencies for the purpose of supplement therapy to reduce the incidence of disease and risk of premature death1,2
Should you choose to have your doctor test your omega fatty acid levels in your blood, the reference ranges are as follows.
Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) Index1.4-4.9 %
Risk
Optimal>3.2 %
Moderate2.2-3.2 %
High<2.2 %Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio 5.7-21.3
EPA/Arachidonic Acid Ratio ≤0.2
Arachidonic Acid 5.2-12.9 %
EPA0.2-1.5 %
DHA1.2-3.9 %
PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish 4 We’re all looking for the lifestyle improvements we can make to not only maintain but improve our health outcomes. According to this analysis, we can live a longer fuller life with less disease by managing the omega-3 levels in our blood. Because omega 3’s powerful influence on the health of every cell we have, we can expect to have more energy, vitality, and quality of life to continue to do the things we love longer.
References:
- https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2021-04-23/study-finds-omega-3-index-is-strong-risk-predictor-of-premature-death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12442909/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32131999/
- PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3058601/
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Episode 42: Living Life Supernaturally
There is a mystery now revealed to those desiring to live supernaturally. Join Michael and special guest and author Barry Borthistle as they explore these supernatural events and the unfolding of the mystery for today.
In a world consumed by circumstancial evidence, is it even possible for God to intervene in ways beyond the natural in our lives? The answer is yes! You will be inspired to know it is available to you right now. It can truly be a life changing experience to learn to walk and live supernaturally as you consider how important you are to God.
On this episode of Healthy You, join Michael and special guest and author Barry Borthistle as they explore and share supernatural events and the unfolding of the mystery for today.
Get your copy of Barry’s new book Your Body is God’s Temple today!
About Barry Borthistle
Barry C. Borthistle has led 6 different companies or organizations to the multi-
million dollar sales category. He has accomplished this in different sectors of retail
and direct sales, both as an owner and as a corporate leader. He is Co-founder of
TriVita Inc., a global wellness company. Barry is a great motivator, leadership
teacher and growth expert for individuals and organizations.He is married with five children, fifteen grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
He resides in British Columbia, Canada.