Weight Gain a Symptom?

[Archives March 2011] “You can’t have someone lose weight for you; you have to change your exercise and diet habits… Turning all your problems over to someone else treats the symptom, not the problem.” Dave Ramsey

Acne?

[Archives March 2011] In general acne can typically be caused by yeast problems, smaller more numerous appearance or a staph infection, larger more pronounced appearance. The location on the face or body is also a big indicator as to what organ system may be compromised. For example, the forehead typically breaks out when the colon is imbalanced, while the cheeks and chin more often represent hormonal challenges. In all four scenario’s sugar is the first thing to exaggerate the problem. With staph we’d need to strengthen the immune system and hormones can be naturally balanced without med’s in most cases.

Acne on the back or other body areas are often the result of to much refined carbohydrate again causing hormone problems. Excess carbohydrates cause increased insulin which promotes the conversion of estrogen to testosterone in females and vise versa in males. This process is also completed with the inappropriate fat deposits, meaning the excess insulin causes extra padding in the seat for females and the infamous carbo-belly in males.

The best way to feed a zit is to enjoy refined sugar. Sugar feeds bacteria, feeds staff and yeast infections while suppressing the immune system. YUCK! There is virtually always a dietary cause to acne. The only reason I say virtually and not always is because there may often also be a need for supplementation as well.

Pre-Game or Pre-Workout Food

[Archives, March 2011] A team parent asked me for a suggestion of 3 to 4 of my favorite pregame food items that provide energy and focus.  I usually use a protein shake as my pre-sport meal. Rice protein will work for all blood types. I use rice milk, a small amount of pineapple juice, two tablespoons of olive oil and the protein powder. A food bar I find to work well is the Greens Plus energy bar. I usually buy them by the case on Amazon or they can be purchased at the Vitamin Shop for about $5 more per case. There are a few quality food bars now available. Cliff makes a few decent bars, just avoid the chocolate or higher sugar versions. Oatmeal with walnuts or almonds in it is another morning pre game meal in my home. Also, our office stocks several types of protein shakes. Most of the straight rice protein shakes I have seen seem to have tested well. Just be careful of the heavily flavored options as they will exaggerate ADD symptoms and poor focus.