The Number One Vitamin Deficiency & Why It Could Be Killing You

Vitamin D deficiencies are rampant among patients today. Low Vitamin D levels can lead to depression, anger, irritability, heart disease, blood vessel inflammation, heart attacks, strokes, low thyroid function, osteoporosis, premature bone fractures, a weak immune system, cancer, and adult onset diabetes. 

Let’s just look at one particular example… 

According to a landmark study published in 2006, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, higher Vitamin D levels (> 50ng/ml) translated to a 51% reduced incidence of cancer. The same study showed that in order to raise levels from 20ng/ml to 50ng/ml, it would require a dose of approximately 4,500 i.u. per day of Vitamin D. 

Despite numerous other studies proving the health benefits of properly optimizing Vitamin D levels, a government-sponsored press release was published in 2012 with statements that there are no osteoporosis health benefits in supplementing with Calcium or Vitamin D. Within hours, headlines in the Washington Post read, “Task Force Recommends Against Vitamin D, Calcium Supplements”. Many other headlines just like this one echoed around the media globe. 

As the late Paul Harvey would say, “And now, for the rest of the story.” 

According to it’s own guidelines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a daily allowance of Vitamin D at a dose of 600 i.u. per day, yet in the press release above, the government task force only looked at doses of 400 i.u. of Vitamin D and 1,000 mg of Calcium per day. The data was flawed. Every medical professional knows that there are significant osteoporosis health benefits with proper doses of Vitamin D and Calcium. 

This type of misinformation is detrimental to the American public. Sadly, many people will abandon these valuable supplements and suffer because of it. Why would a government-sponsored task force want to publish such data? Why wouldn’t they tell the whole story? 

I’m not a conspiracy theorist, and I can’t even pretend to figure out this maze of dysfunction, but what I do know is this; we have to be proactive in our own healthcare. I would go even further to add, we have to be proactive in our own WELLNESS CARE! I encourage people to read, read, and read some more. Become informed health consumers. Don't just depend on being fed information by your insurance company or healthcare provider. BE PROACTIVE & FIND A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER THAT WILL LISTEN TO YOU AND HELP YOU DEVELOP A PERSONALIZED WELLNESS PLAN. 

Your life may very well depend on it. 

To Your Health, 

Brian Brown

Eating Like Jesus: 8 Healthy Foods Of His Time (Part 2)

Continued...

5. Grapes 

Grapes are still one of the most plentiful foods in the Middle East today. They are very high in health promoting anti-oxidant compounds called Saponins & Phytonutrients which have been shown to have heart health benefits of red grapes – decrease bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides. Additionally, much like pomegranates, they have been shown to protect against the damaging effects of the breakdown of bad cholesterol. 

6. Vinegar 

The health benefits of vinegar have been known for quite some time. It seems to decrease the rate of absorption of carbohydrates in the diet, which, in turn, improves blood sugar control 

7. Figs 

Figs are high in potassium, which is essential for proper electrical activity in the heart. It’s also been shown to help support normal blood pressure. Because of its high dietary fiber content, it definitely helps maintain proper intestinal health and may also have benefits in weight management 

8. Lamb 

This is obviously a protein of the red meat variety. It’s unclear as to how much lamb was consumed in the Middle Eastern diet, but there are examples in Biblical texts that it was consumed regularly on special occasions. 

As a red meat, it does have the saturated fat that we need to minimize exposure to; however, at thirty-six percent, it has one of the lowest concentrations of saturated fat than the other red meats. The rest of the fat is mono-unsaturated & poly-unsaturated which is the desired type of fat that has known health benefits. 

Another benefit of lamb is that it is higher in Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorous, and Iron than a lot of other higher fat red meats. 

I know some of you may be wondering about bread, so here’s a special note about bread: Bread during Biblical times was quite different that the bread we consume today. In fact, if a person from 2000 years ago were to eat our bread, they would barely recognize it. 

In the times of our forefathers, there were only three varieties of wheat. Today, there are over 22,000 varieties of genetically modified wheat. In Biblical times, grains generally were sprouted prior to be baked or used for food. This sprouting process makes the digestion of grains much easier. Additionally, the mechanical processing of grain today makes the grain particles about 10,000 times smaller than the particle sizes back then. As a result of this smaller size, the exposure to grain is increased which makes blood sugar more likely to elevate. 

As a general rule of health, I recommend staying away from grains during any type of weight loss regimen. Once the weight is lost, a sprouted grain bread by the brand name “Ezekiel Bread” can be used in moderation; however, I’m still cautious with this type of bread as well. If you notice increase in carbohydrate cravings after the consumption of Ezekiel Bread, then you should avoid it. 

To Your Health,

Brian Brown

Your Secret Weapon To Healthy Living

Adequate protein is your secret weapon to healthy living. Healthy living starts with healthy eating, and protein is king. I know this sounds radical, but it’s true. Obviously, you want to eat a very balanced diet. This should include the healthiest forms of protein: lean meat, whey, or soy to name a few. However, what most people are not aware of is the importance of timing.

Morning time is the healthiest time of day that you should eat the bulk of your protein. There are hormonal reasons why you should start your day with protein. The amounts of morning protein vary based on age, dietary needs, individual health goals, and the presence of any illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease. You should consult a health provider to discuss the proper amount that’s right for you.

Start your day with a healthy dose of lean protein such as egg whites, a whey protein shake, or a soy protein shake, and you will find your energy level improve & your cravings decrease. Make sure you drink plenty of water and you will be well on your way to a healthier life.