Skip to main content

Tag: nutrition

All Detox Diets Are Not Equal

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on All Detox Diets Are Not Equal

Detox diets are trendy today.

While each fad diet varies, typical characteristics are fasting followed by a strict diet of raw vegetables, fruits and water. Some detox diets also include colon cleansing and supplements. We’re constantly bombarded with novel detox diets and products in the media.

Like most fad diets, there is little evidence that unsupervised detox diets work. Fad diets aren’t the same as a medically supervised metabolic detox diet. It’s important to understand the difference and benefits between the two.

A metabolic detox diet, supervised by a medical professional, focuses on transporting toxins in your body to the liver or kidneys. Then, the body can eliminate the toxins by excreting them. This filtering process typically involves the digestive tract, lungs, liver and kidneys.

Some of the typical toxins eliminated from your body are:

  • Excess hormones
  • Inflammatory molecules
  • Prescription drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Fat-soluble substances

Many chronic illnesses build up over time with few, if any, symptoms in the early phases. Diseases such as arthritis, heart and lung disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are often attributed to toxins in the body. A medically supervised detoxification diet can flush out chemicals and toxins. Eliminating these toxins can help reduce or reverse the effects of many chronic illnesses without additional medications.

You shouldn’t undertake a strict detoxification diet on your own. Assessing and managing underlying health conditions are critical. Issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and other chronic illnesses must be monitored by a health professional.

The more you and your medical professional knows about your body, the better your detox diet will work. At Serenity Health Care Center, we offer a professional detox approach to help our patients improve health. Call us today to find out more about how a metabolic detoxification diet can put you on the pathway to wellness.

Gluten Sensitivity Questions

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on Gluten Sensitivity Questions

Gluten causes health issues for people who are sensitive to foods containing gluten. If you have gastrointestinal problems or irritable bowel syndrome, gluten could be your problem. In fact, research shows that a gluten-free diet may improve many symptoms in a variety of illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Gluten Sensitivity Questions
Gluten Sensitivity Questions

Is gluten causing your health problems? Here are some questions to help you find out if it is contributing to your poor health. If you answer yes to 4 or fewer, it’s unlikely that gluten is causing you problems. If you answer yes to 5 or more of these questions, gluten sensitivity is likely contributing to your health issues.

  1. Unintentional weight gain
  2. Unexplained fatigue
  3. Difficulty relaxing or feeling
  4. Unexplained digestive problems
  5. Female hormone imbalances
  6. PMS or menopausal symptoms
  7. Muscle or joint pain or stiffness of unknown cause
  8. Migraine or severe headaches
  9. Food allergies or sensitivities
  10. Difficulty digesting dairy products
  11. Tendency to consume too much alcohol
  12. Excessive sensitivity to physical & emotional pain
  13. Cravings for sweets, bread, carbohydrates
  14. Abdominal pain or cramping
  15. Abdominal bloating or distention
  16. Intestinal gas
  17. Craving specific foods
  18. Eat when upset or to relax
  19. Constipation or diarrhea of unknown cause
  20. Unexplained skin problems and rashes

If you answered yes to 9 or more of the above questions, I recommend that you make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss a potential sensitivity. Due to the cross-contamination of many foods, setting up a gluten-free diet on your own is challenging. Your health care practitioner or a professional that he/she recommends can help you implement a diet that is packed with nutrition and taste.

If you are looking for gluten-free recipes, check out Serenity Health Kitchen. Identifying allergies and sensitivities is one of our specialties at Serenity Health Care Center. Schedule an appointment to find out how a different diet can make you feel like a new person.

5 Diet Changes that Can Improve Your Life

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on 5 Diet Changes that Can Improve Your Life

For most of us, food is a focal point in our lives. Not only do we eat to live, but we celebrate and socialize with food. Research shows that eating the right foods can help us live longer and healthier lives. Foods can prevent and/or control many chronic illnesses. Here are five diet changes that can improve your life. Isn’t it time that you start eating for your health.

  • Diet Changes: Limit processed and red meats

You consume less saturated fat and eat more vegetables when you limit the amount of processed and red meat in your diet. Replacing red meat with fish makes it less noticeable. Or, enjoy a meatless dinner by choosing some vegetables that you really enjoy. This is especially easy when you eat what is in season.

  • Diet Changes: Add Nuts and Oils

Generous quantities of olive oil, nuts and avocados can help reduce your risk of plaque build-up in your arteries. Foods high in monounsaturated fats are good for you.

  • Diet Changes: Eat some berries

Berries are lauded as superfoods for a reason. These nutrient-rich morsels are packed full of antioxidants. Studies show that berries may help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function and slow mental decline and aging. Add an assortment of blue and red berries to your diet—from cranberries to strawberries to blueberries and more.

  • Diet Changes: Include a variety of fruits and vegetables

Studies show that people who consume a range of fruits and vegetables daily have a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Choose a variety of colors for maximum benefits—dark leafy greens, reds, yellows and orange vegetables and fruits can add up to boost your health.

  • Diet Changes: Consider a Mediterranean diet

Strong research is showing that the Mediterranean diet is an excellent way to eat healthier. This tasty food is easy to prepare. Check out our recipe to see for yourself. Join one of Coach Pam’s affordable classes to learn more about Mediterranean food and healthy eating.

Watch for our health eating events. Classes are small and informal, so they are a fun way to learn about foods. If you have questions on nutrition and its impact on your life, call Serenity Health Care Center for a consultation.

GMO Health Risks

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Articles. No Comments on GMO Health Risks

GMO Health Risks: Genetically Engineered Organisms are found in our current food source and affect everyone of us who do not eat organic. There have been several serious health risks associated with genetically modified (GM) food, including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. In 2009 The AAEM American Academy of Environmental Medicine has asked physicians to advise all patients to avoid GM foods.

“Starting in 1996, Americans have been eating genetically modified (GM) ingredients in most processed foods. Why isn’t the FDA protecting us?” (Jeffery Smith)

In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration claimed they had no information showing that GM foods were substantially different from conventionally grown foods. Therefore they are safe to eat, and absolutely no safety studies were required to detect GMO health risks. There is proof that FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored.

Today, the same biotech companies who have been found guilty of hiding toxic effects of their chemical products are in charge of determining whether their GM foods are safe.

GM plants, such as soybean, corn, cottonseed, and canola, have had foreign genes forced into their DNA. The inserted genes come from species, such as bacteria and viruses, which have never been in the human food supply. There are GMO health risks.

These foods are especially important to make sure these foods are consumed from organic sources. The other thing I would recommend is take environmental action against GMO Health Risks. Fight to remove GMO foods from our food source. Protect our children and grandchildren from the toxic exposures and medical conditions that occur because of this process.

Information adapted from http://www.responsibletechnology.org/health-risks, explore their website to learn more.

Eating Gluten Free

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on Eating Gluten Free

Serenity Health Care Center – It’s back to school time and parents often struggle to find a healthy alternative to school lunch as if this isn’t hard enough, finding gluten-free options are even more challenging. Eating gluten free is often a goal. Many parents do this by choice, for others it is a must because their child has Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease that damages the lining of the intestinal tract when exposed to wheat gluten.

Eating Gluten Free

There are many gluten-free options in stores today. Some of these options are healthier than others. Many of the grocery stores even have gluten-free sections to make it easier. You still must read the label because ingredients change frequently.

Dr. Muth says the best choices for all kids, including those with Celiac Disease, are fruits and vegetables. Those are all gluten-free. Dried whole fruit slices are good alternatives to fruit roll ups.  Granola and cereal bars that are labeled “gluten-free” are also great choices for kids. There is also gluten-free bread if you want to make a sandwich for your child. Our favorite is Udi’s brand breads and buns.

If you child has Celiac Disease, you need to be extra careful about eating gluten free. Notify the school so that they can assist in keeping the eating environment clean and clear of gluten. The staff will need to be educated because many people do not realize what gluten is and all the hidden sources it is found in. Place your child’s food in a separate plastic container. Advise your child to keep their food away from other food, even crumbs that contain gluten. The slightest amount of gluten can cause a severe reaction in some children.

Plastic containers should never be frozen or heated in so teach your children to warm in paper or use glass containers for warming. Use the food containers as a plate to protect their food. This will prevent their food from coming into contact with contaminated tables.

Exposure to gluten in a child that is intolerant can lead to cramping and abdominal pain, fatigue and even behavioral problems. These symptoms can be so debilitating that they cannot return to class. Education is key when it comes to eating gluten free.

For more information read our other articles on Celiac disease  and browse Serenity’s Kitchen for our favorite gluten free recipes.

Do you know if your food is NON-GMO?

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on Do you know if your food is NON-GMO?

How do you know if the food you feed your family is GMO (genetically modified organism)?

These are important questions to ask and answers to have if you want to prevent disease and illness in your family. Foods that are GMO (genetically modified organism) are not naturally grown. 

They are a result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. Because this involves the transfer of genes, GMOs are also known as “transgenic” organisms. This process can be called either genetic engineering or genetically modified.

Where are they in your food?

GMO was first introduced into the food supply in the mid-1990s; GMOs are now present in the vast majority of processed foods in the US. Europe has banned GMO food ingredients but the FDA does not even require the labeling of GMOs in food ingredient lists in the US.

Common foods that are GMO; include oils from all four, soy protein, soy lecithin, cornstarch, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup among others.

Why should you care about genetically modified foods?

These foods have been linked to toxic and allergic reactions, sick, sterile, and even dead livestock. The effects on humans of consuming these new combinations of proteins produced in GMOs are unknown and have not been studied. You need to know if your food is non-GMO.

It is the belief of many integrative providers that US government regulators have largely ignored the impact of GMO food on health, but medical studies show serious problems.

After reviewing more than 600 scientific journals, world-renowned biologist Pushpa M. Bhargava concludes that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a major contributor to the sharply deteriorating health of America.

Make it your business to know if your food is non-GMO.

Tension or the Essence of Health and Vitality

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on Tension or the Essence of Health and Vitality

There appears to be a new disease called Tension! 

Many Americans suffer from this condition, feeling tense, anxious, nervous, and frustrated.  Do you suffer from dry mouth, or feel like you are suffocating?  Does your stomach feel like it’s in knots or spasms? Are chronic muscle cramps part of your daily routine?

One possible culprit causing tension is a mineral deficiency;  the simple cure may be mineral nutrition.  Minerals function as a major controller for the nervous system.  

Potassium and magnesium are the main two alkaline minerals, which come primarily from greens. These minerals support the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you remain calm, and slowing down the body and mind. They can reduce tension.

Acid minerals come primarily from grains, part of the typical American diet. The predominant acid mineral is phosphorus. Acid minerals support the sympathetic nervous system, helping you to keep going. A balanced nervous system provides plenty of energy, yet allows one to be calm, rested, and peaceful.

Many people in our country experience tension and anxiety.  We eat too many grains and too few vegetables.

The typical American diet supplies excess acid minerals and inadequate amounts of alkaline minerals, leading to tense, spastic, dried out, and cramping.