Category: Health and Wellness

Over-the-counter and prescription medications may provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms but are not deeply effective or provide a lasting solution. Immunotherapy boosts the body’s natural defenses using safe and natural low-dose serum to restore the body’s innate immune function. 

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies occur when a plant or animal protein or synthetic substance comes in contact with a mucous membrane. Your immune system responds by trying to eliminate the irritant by creating an antibody which is designed to weigh down and fight antigens. When a person is repeatedly exposed to histamine-rich substances, such as highly processed foods, milk, wheat, soy, nuts and shellfish, the immune system can become overwhelmed leading to symptoms such as seasonal and chronic allergies, skin problems, swelling, gastrointestinal issues and asthma.

Identify and Treat Allergies Naturally

A simple skin prick test diagnoses allergies using food and airborne antigens. During the test, allergens are placed on the forearm or back and gently scratched into the uppermost layer of the skin. Positive allergens cause an immune IgE (immunoglobulin E) response. Test results typically appear within 30 minutes. 

Once allergens are identified, your healthcare provider will review the results and any necessary treatment plan(s) with you, which may include immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a cost-effective and convenient treatment that often leads to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment has stopped. Low-dose prescriptive serums are made with allergens that are taken daily to improve immunity to the positive antigens. Immunotherapy has been clinically shown to improve:

• Allergies
• Rhinitis
• Asthma
• Recurrent Colds
• IBS
• Gastritis
• Colitis
• GERD
• Acid Reflux
• Conjunctivitis
• Nasal Polyps
• Chronic Cough
• Autoimmune Conditions
• Skin Rashes
• Dermatitis
• Angioedema
• Chronic Fatigue
• Migraines
• Headaches
• Joint and Muscle Aches

Sometimes a message is so profound few words are necessary. This March blog post is one of those messages. 

I recently came across Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. and his updated book What to Say When You Talk to Your Self. What a simple but insightful reading with the backing of neuroscience to support his message. We all do it…we talk to ourselves. Right?

The new science relates the brain to a computer. Self-talk and thoughts are the keyboards entering our words and the brain stores what you say or allow others to say about you. About this Shad writes, “It is no longer a success theory, it is a simple but powerful fact. Neither luck nor desire has the slightest thing to do with it. It makes no difference in whether we believe it or not. The brain simply believes what you tell it most. And what you tell it most about you, it will create. It has no choice.” I have not been around too many people who are in love with themselves according to how they talk to themselves—and you know what I am talking about. 

If the brain registers what we tell it most as the dominant influence in our lives, I would like to offer some thoughts from another favorite book, the Bible, that says, “Whatsoever a person thinks, so they become.”

To keep this simple and profound, here are other the wonderful words from the scripture to repeat over and over to program your brain to bring about positive things in your life. “Friend, I pray you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2. That is what God desires for you! Say it and think it continually.

I can’t think of a more powerful statement to reflect on and program into your brain.  Even if the circumstances of your life do not represent that today, your brain will receive, believe, and will seek to manifest into your life.

TriVita Members, be watching for the VitaJournal in March.  It is loaded with positive and meaningful messages from authors like Gil Mertz on forgiveness and Andi Baxter on the breakthrough in how physical exercise supports your health. March is your month to spring forward in wellness!

When I was asked to write an article on snacking I was reluctant at first because this subject is so controversial. Often, studies on snacking have been inconclusive. Should we eat three main meals a day and nothing else? Or three meals plus snacks? Research results are inconclusive. We do know that snacking works for many people in trying to lose and maintain weight. The question is, snacking on what?

First, I’d like to recognize the widespread misconception that snacking is a bad habit: it is not. Snacking is very much related to wellness, and wellness is very much related to weight loss. But if you’re snacking on certain “convenient,” processed foods that claim to be “healthy,” you could find yourself stuck at a certain weight—or even gaining weight. This is not your fault.

To understand how “sneaky” snacks might be undermining your weight loss efforts, we need to look at our world, today and yesterday.

Fast lane, fast food

Our Western culture is characterized by fast pace and productivity. Living in this fast lane, it is just part of life to sometimes feel tired, hungry and/or stressed out. And when we feel this way, it is natural to want to eat something as a snack. Even when we are just bored, we often reach for food. The problem? There are pre-packaged, easy-to-eat snacks everywhere, loaded with sugar, salt and/or fat. Some of them even masquerade as “healthy” snacks, luring you with claims of “low-fat,” or “less sugar,” but most are not healthy at all. 

How has this happened? It all goes back to the early 1980s, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a campaign to reduce fat in the daily diet due to the risk of heart disease. As a result, the recommended percentage of our dietary fat intake decreased, from 40% down to 30%. The food industry, which is a trillion-dollar business, immediately jumped on the low-fat bandwagon. We started to find store aisles packed with items like chips, cheese puffs, ice cream and cupcakes, with labels proclaiming “Low-fat!” or “Reduced fat!”

48 ways to disguise sugar

Despite their “shimmer of health,” these snacks are loaded with sugar. The sugar is simply disguised under many different names, such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, glucose, evaporated cane juice and so on, forming 48 different names for sugar. The food industry does this on purpose because the federal government requires ingredients to be listed by mass—that is, in order of greatest amount down to least amount. By using a number of different names for sugar, a food manufacturer can list this ingredient further down the list.

So, we’re unwittingly eating too much sugar. It’s a key reason why Americans, on average, weigh 25 pounds more now than a generation ago. Yes, processed sugar is a specific metabolic toxin, and it contributes to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood fat and high blood pressure. 

Read food labels very carefully 

The obvious question is, “What are healthy snacks?” You can probably guess my first answer: fruits and vegetables. But if you do choose a pre-packaged snack, please read the label carefully. If the list of ingredients is too long, chances are the snack is loaded with sugar or salt and other chemicals. As a rule of thumb, a healthier snack has a shorter list of ingredients. If you’re not familiar with an ingredient, look it up: chances are it’s a chemical that you’d be better off without.

Be aware, too, of label ingredients such as enriched wheat flour, soy, corn and certain artificial colors. Enriched wheat flour has some of its grain stripped out and replaced with chemicals, so it’s a processed food. Soy or corn on a label in North America has likely been genetically modified. Artificial colors like Red #40 have been linked with behavioral issues and learning disabilities, which is why these artificial colors have been banned in other countries. 

Many chemicals are hidden under fancy acronyms, which mean nothing to most people. For example, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) has been associated with cancer and DNA damage. The real reason it is in snack food is to preserve freshness. Aspartame is another artificial sweetener that is already banned in many countries due to its neuro-toxicity (damage to the brain and nervous system), but still widely used in North America. 

The lesson in snack foods, as in so many areas, is to be an educated consumer. Don’t fall for ads, labels and packaging that make something appear to be good for you and your waistline—they may be actually disguising a product that’s full of chemicals (some possibly dangerous), and full of calories.

If you’ve been eating “sneaky“ snacks that are keeping you from losing weight, it’s not your fault that you’re not losing pounds, or even watching the scale go up. But now that you know the potential pitfalls of snacking, it’s your responsibility to read those labels carefully.

This article is intended for educational purposes only.

About Jarir Nakouzi, MD

Jarir Nakouzi, M.D., completed his U.S. residency in the Yale University Program
of Internal Medicine. Dr. Nakouzi received his medical degree from La Sapienza University and his degree in homeopathic medicine from Homeopatia Universalis School of Homeopathy, both in Rome, Italy. A cancer specialist, Dr. Nakouzi takes an integrative approach to chronic diseases in his private practice in Connecticut. 

“I hope my life lessons can benefit you, and lead you to make healthier financial choices, too!”

You may have heard the easiest way to find out what’s important to someone is to check their checkbook. With online banking and many options for electronic payments, I actually only write about ten checks a year. My checkbook only has a very short story to tell! Looking at how I use all my financial resources certainly tells a larger story about me. The details change with time and circumstances, but there is still a common theme in the series of my financial story. First of all, I know God has provided for me, just as He promised in the Bible. Secondly, my decisions on handling what He provides impact my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Have you ever spent money on something and later been very glad you did? Have you ever spent money on something and later regretted that decision? Of course you have! Our emotions are often tied to our purchases. I’d like to be able to tell you all my financial decisions have been wise, but you know that is not true – for any of us! When you make impulsive purchases, do you get that “what have I just done” sick feeling in the pit of your stomach? How about adding worries about “now what do I do” and “does this purchase honor God” to pile on distress? And all that is because of your choices. Just as we can make choices to support our physical, emotional and spiritual wellness, we can make choices to promote financial well-being.

How exactly do we do that? By being thoughtful about our options. In Atul Gawande’s book, Being Mortal—Medicine and What Matters in the End, he explains that perspective matters. He writes about how people of all ages “found living to be a more emotionally satisfying and stable experience” when they recognized life’s fragility. That’s when their focus shifted away from achievement and acquisitions, to everyday pleasures and the people closest to them. Don’t we all want to have an emotionally satisfying life? If keeping our focus on people, on what we already have, and on the fleeting nature of time brings contentment, then let’s make more choices based on that!

It is worth taking your time to think about what is important in the longer view, and then make your financial choice. Such an intentional process is more satisfying and thus a healthier choice. Choose a healthy financial story for yourself!

About Deborah Stec, MBA, CPA

Deborah Stec, MBA CPA is TriVita’s Global Controller. She has been with TriVita over twelve years. Her career has been diverse over the decades, from public accounting in New York City, to internal audit in Alaska, to health care management accounting in Michigan, and wellness financial management with TriVita.

For many people, the start of the year marks a time of reflection and self-improvement. That’s why more than 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. While resolutions and goal setting are productive ways to set intentions for the coming year, many fail to keep their resolutions for more than just a few months.

Why do so many people fail and how can you make this year different? Below are four strategies to use when setting goals that are sure to help you stick with it and finally succeed.

Start Small

Many New Year’s resolutions are extreme, which can contribute to their inevitable failure. Making broad, sweeping goals can be overwhelming and become discouraging as time goes on. Instead of a life-changing makeover overnight, aim to make small, incremental changes throughout the year. Set small goals or challenges for yourself daily or weekly. Small, sensible goals can feel less daunting, which means you are more likely to achieve them!

Be Specific

When setting goals of any kind, being clear and straightforward is in your best interest. For example, if your goal is to improve your physical fitness and lose weight, it’s crucial to write down exactly how to do that. Instead of resolving to ‘go to the gym more’ try something like: ‘go to the gym two days per week,’ then increase that number over time to build the habit.

Be Accountable

Another pitfall for many is failing to share their resolutions with others and asking for help. Sharing your resolutions with family and friends can help keep you accountable throughout the year. You might also find that others share similar goals. If so, check in with each other regularly, motivate and hold one another accountable.

Check Your Attitude

People often set New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions. The coming year seems bright and full of opportunity — and it is! Don’t lose the inspiration and excitement that you felt while making your resolutions once the New Year rolls around. Just setting a goal will increase your chances of actually achieving it.

If you slip up throughout the year, get off track or take a day off remember it is okay! It’s estimated that 75% of people slip up on their resolutions within the first two months. Instead of feeling guilty or beating yourself up, acknowledge the misstep and get back on track. You don’t have to wait for tomorrow or Monday or next year. Every moment is a new opportunity to make a positive change in your life.

Remember, by setting New Year’s resolutions you are recognizing that your everyday choices have profound effects on your entire life. Making positive lifestyle changes is important, and reaching your goals, no matter how big or small, requires one step at a time.

I heard a great quote the other day, and while I did not catch the source, it is worth repeating as we enter a new year. It went like this, “You may not be able to step back and start over, but you can step back and begin a new ending.” Life is not about living in the glories or regrets of the past or projecting them onto the future. Life is best lived in the power of NOW! This can be the beginning of a new ending of the life you desire to live.

According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, the top ten New Year resolutions in 2018 were all about self-improvement. I don’t know about you, but for me listing ten different means of self-improvement is an arduous goal. I would like to suggest that you reduce it to just one so you can focus entirely on it and see what happens in a year. According to the institute’s research, less than ten percent of resolution goals are achieved. But by focusing on just one, you can achieve it! As you enter 2019, there is really only one New Year’s resolution you should keep —to make it a habit to learn new ways of improving your quality of life!

When I talk about quality of life, many people think it is about more material things, but I suggest it be more about strengthened relationships, better health and well-being with daily happiness and spontaneity added as the spice of life. But I recognize only you can determine what quality of life means to you.

For example, I recently watched an off the grid show about a couple living in a tent with no amenities in Hawaii. I was sure, and as the program later revealed, that after three years the wife was looking forward to having a home with running water, a sink, indoor toilet and a shower. Obviously, high quality of life will vary, so don’t worry if your idea of quality differs from someone else’s. Be sure to ask yourself if you have happiness, gratitude, forgiveness, health and well-being. In addition to a relationship with God that is filled with love, care and purpose! When these are improved, quality of life takes on new joy and significance.

One of the best and easiest ways to get a habit started is following the habit loop as presented in the Power of Habits, a book by Charles Duhigg. First, make a list of the rewards you desire for your improved quality of life. Then identify the daily routines and be sure to set up your reminders in your daily routines. It is simple but profound and truly powerful!

For me, it started with writing a new book on the ten habits of wellness to improve my quality and meaning of life. Wellness is a vital force for purpose and meaning in life. Part of my meaning in life is to help others with insights and knowledge for greater wellness. It is my “why” for [TVBLOGCOPY]TriVita[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]TriVita[/MWSBLOGCOPY] and TriVita Clinic of Integrative Medicine. And why I created this blog, hoping it provides insight into how you can improve your life.

To help you with your “one to keep” New Year’s Resolution of the habit of improving quality of life, I am also doing a Podcast featuring outstanding subject matter experts specializing in those daily life activities you desire to enhance. We start the New Year with [TVBLOGCOPY]Dr. Robert Wolfe explaining the necessity and benefits of the Essential Amino Acids[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]Dr. Robert Wolfe explaining the necessity and benefits of the Essential Amino Acids[/MWSBLOGCOPY] to support your aging body, and yes, you are aging no matter what age you are! Then in mid-January, a real mind-bender with Andy Baxter on the “Exercise Prescription!” You will hear things about movement and function that will radically alter your view of exercise. A world-class athlete working with people 50-100 years of age, helping them enjoy an improved quality of life with movement and all its wellness benefits. The idea of “no pain, no gain” is a myth to improving health and well-being. Andy is insightful and has a wealth of knowledge to enhance your health!

Later in February, you will learn how to be set free from your past conflicts as you hear Gil Mertz share how he found freedom by forgiving. You can reconcile your past and reclaim your future with joy and happiness. Each month I will be podcasting with two outstanding guests with new insights and knowledge.

I invite you to commit to the “one to keep” New Year’s Resolution, make it a habit to improve your quality of life and join me for a fabulous year with renewed joy and happiness, health and well-being!

Happy New Year! May your goals and resolutions manifest in your life throughout 2019!

Yes, goals and dreams do come to pass when we refuse to let them die – and when we keep a positive attitude. In the connected world we live in, we are bombarded every day by negative news and information that can affect our attitude if we allow it to. We need to rise above the negativity around us. 

In his book Attitude is Everything, Jeff Keller writes, “We must think of attitude as the mental filter through which you experience the world. It is really your window through which you see the world. When you were a child, the window seemed pretty clean. But as you know there comes a time when life starts throwing dirt on the window. Our windows get dirty by criticism from parents and teachers, smudged by ridicule from peers, smeared by rejection, soiled by disappointments and clouded by doubt.”

“The problem is dirt keeps building up and all too many people do nothing about it. They continue to go through life with a dirty window from which they view their world. They lose enthusiasm, get frustrated easily, and depressed. And most tragically, they give up on their dreams and resolutions all because they failed to clean their attitude window.”

You can’t control the dirt that is thrown on the window, but you can choose to take out the squeegee and clean the window! I promise you, life will appear brighter and sunnier: you will be happier and healthier; you will accomplish more; your resolutions and dreams will come alive and stay alive. But only you can choose to wipe the window clean. Adjusting our attitudes through the wellness essentials of love, forgiveness, gratitude and acceptance are some of the greatest ways I know to consistently wipe the window of attitude clean.

Dr. Viktor Frankl, who survived the Holocaust, wrote these words: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Remember, only you can wipe your attitude window clean each day. Having a more positive attitude is achievable and with it a healthier and happier life!

Like millions of others, you’ve probably made a few resolutions for the New Year. Setting goals are the easy part, but achieving them takes dedication and consistency. Humans are creatures of habit and change is difficult. But should you stop making resolutions? Never!

Habits are actions that require little or no conscious effort, like getting dressed in the morning or brushing your teeth before bed. You don’t have to think about doing these things—you just do them. But not all habits are beneficial, such as smoking, having a drink (or two) each evening or ordering takeout for every meal.

Below are three steps to help change your habits, improve your attitude and achieve your goals.

Choose the habit(s) you wish to change.

The first step should be making a list of the things you want to change and why. Identifying why you want to change is a significant part of setting yourself up for success. When you are writing down your goals, be as specific as possible. Understand that your bad habits weren’t formed overnight, so be prepared to put in some serious work to develop new ones.

Think differently.

Changing your mindset will require a conscious effort at first to turn old negative thoughts into new positive ones. One strategy to help with the shift in perspective is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day write down 3-5 things you are grateful for no matter how big or small they are. Additionally, letting go of old fears, failures and wounds will help you on your journey – especially if you’ve failed to meet your goals in the past. Remember that every day is a new opportunity to create lasting change and improve your life. Developing acceptance is key to living a healthy and fulfilling life.

Look for inspiration and motivation.

When looking for motivation to change your habits and mindset, it can be helpful to look back to the list you created in step one. Read through your specific goals and pay close attention to why you desire to make that change. Zig Ziglar said, “Motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing, and that is why we recommend it daily.” If you find that you have trouble staying motivated or inspired to stick with your plan, try finding support from family, friends or others that are working towards the same things. Many times they can provide emotional support, helpful information or encouragement to overcome whatever obstacles you are facing.