Sweetness

What sugar can I have?  How can I get sweetness into me and still be healthy?  Common questions that I ask myself, because, hey, I HAVE A SWEET TOOTH (or two).

First, below are listed many of the more common types of sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners: Acesulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet One), Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), Neotame, Saccharin (SugarTwin, Sweet’N Low), Sucralose (Splenda), Advantame.

Sugar alcohol sweeteners: Erythritol, Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, Isomalt, Lactitol, Maltitol, Mannitol, Sorbitol, Xylitol.

Natural sweeteners: Agave, Date sugar, Fruit juice concentrate, Honey, Maple syrup, Molasses, Cane Sugar.

Herbal sweetener: Stevia.

So which ones are healthy?!  That’s what I want to know.  NOW.

Few or no calories is good, right?

A few thoughts regarding types of sweeteners…

Artificial sweeteners were once upon a time believed to be metabolically inactive but have more recently come under as much fire as sugar itself. A few recent studies suggest that consumption of these allegedly “healthier” sugar substitutes actually increases rather than decreases abdominal fat (Fowler SP, et al. Am J Geriatr Soc. 2015; 63(4): 708–715), and can boost incidence of cardiovascular disease (Vyas et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014) and diabetes (Fagherazzi et al. AJCN. 2013)

Artificial sweeteners also disrupt the gut flora balance (microbiome) per multiple studies which can have a multitude of negative effects on our body (ie way too many to list here).

Sugar alcohols generally have slightly few calories than regular table sugar and are about as sweet as table sugar.

It’s not all about simple blood sugar and insulin.  Leptin matters too!

• Leptin is a hormone that suppresses the appetite and increases energy metabolism. Typically that’s great! 

• That said, chronically elevated leptin can lead to leptin resistance.

• So, over time, with constant exposure, the brain blocks the leptin receptors to compensate, diminishing satiety (increasing appetite) and causing cravings, and potentially decreasing metabolism (causing weight gain).

• Leptin resistance has been observed with chronic consumption of fructose and artificial sweeteners (Shapiro et al. Am J of Phys. 2008; R1370-R1375; Cong et al. PLOS one. 2013; DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070257).

Allulose.  This is a naturally occurring sugar found in small quantities in jackfruit, figs, and raisins, that was recently introduced into the world of food manufacturing.  So, it technically fits into the category of “Natural Sweeteners”.

• In 2015, Anderson Global Group and Tate & Lyle both announced the launch of allulose in the US, under the brand names ‘AllSweet’ (AGG) and ‘Dolcia Prima’ (Tate & Lyle).

• Allulose has the taste and texture of regular table sugar and performs similarly in baked goods, but with 90% fewer calories, potentially marking it as the holy grail of sweeteners.

• However, there is evidence of fatty degeneration and fibrosis in the liver with allulose consumption (Yagi & Matsuo, 2009; J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2009 Nov; 45(3): 271–277).

• Even low-dose ingestion (3% for 90 days) significantly enlarged rats’ livers and kidneys (Matsuo, Ishii & Shirai, 2012; J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2012 Mar;50(2):158-61. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.11-66.).

The bottom line is that the taste of sweetness on the tongue triggers leptin release, no matter which sweetener type is used and regardless of whether the sweetener has caloric value. This response essentially "tricks the brain" into thinking that it is receiving glucose.

I would NOT recommend allulose loaded products as they come on the market.  It is natural, so a tiny bit probably is just fine, but in the doses that are in manufactured foods now and will be in the near future, NOT GOOD.

Based on my expertise in nutrition and medicine, I believe that sugars contained in the whole fruit and vegetables are WAY, WAY, WAY better than anything else because it comes in a healthy relationship to so many other nutrients.  Yes, there is such thing as eating too much fruit.  General rule is, eat more veggies than fruit.  Eat more fruit when it’s in season and less when it’s out of season.  Stay away from dried fruit as it has metabolized itself almost completely pure sugar.  After fruit comes stevia.  I even grow a stevia plant in my garden and during the right season will throw a leaf in the blender to sweeten a smoothie on occasion.

These are all general guidelines and it helps if you know your fasting glucose, A1c, insulin and/or leptin levels to make a truly informed decision on how much sweetness your body can thrive with.

Another consideration, which is often left undiscussed when it comes to low calorie sweeteners, is the adaptation of our society to sweet. At no point in human history have people consumed so many foods with a flavor profile so sweet. All these added sweeteners (whether natural or artificial) are acclimating our taste buds to a flavor profile that reduces the enjoyably of other naturally occurring flavors. Oranges and apples are sweet, but have an apple after a cup of soda and it won’t taste as amazing.

Enjoy the video and, as always, feel free to pass it along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other health care professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Creating Your Life of Meaning and Purpose

The world is rediscovering what has been known by humans for thousands of years, that the mind has a profound influence on the state of well-being that a person enjoys.  The mind can be a healer, or not.  It is well documented that the psychological and emotional states of people can affect their immune system, their tolerance of change, and prognosis.  In addition, peoples’ responsibility for their own health, diet, stress management, and physical fitness in relation to their environment can dramatically alter their level of wellness.  The most powerful allies in your establishment of perfect health are to learn to manage your mind, emotions and listen to your intuition.

Joey Klein of Conscious Transformation says that “in today’s world, it is easy to become disconnected from the most important source of our fulfillment — the Higher Self or Soul. The demands of everyday living distract us and we lose our sense of direction in life. Creating time to connect deeply with that spiritual essence within, results in profound transformation so that a life of meaning and purpose can emerge.”

Joey Klein will teach about creating your life of meaning and purpose by connecting to your spiritual essence.  With these teachings, you will learn to:

• Understand the nature of the Higher Self 

• Develop tools and techniques to overcome self-destructive patterns 

• Experience the divine within yourself 

• Awaken to your full potential 

• Learn to live from a place of love and peace

If you’d like to learn more about how to create your life of meaning and purpose by connecting to your higher self, then mark March 4^th on your calendar.  Joey Klein will be speaking at a FREE event on Friday, March 4^th at 7:30 pm in Glendale. He will be speaking about many more ways and strategies to connect with your higher intuitive power.

 

If you really want to dive in, I’d invite you for the entire weekend program that continues on the 5^th and 6^th. The program is called Spiritual Mastery and is a weekend intensive focused on giving you strategies to step into your higher power on a regular basis.

Because some have asked me and others will wonder, this weekend teaching fits in with virtually any religious beliefs and/or affiliations.

 

The price of the weekend costs $495.  If you have never attended a Conscious Transformation Program, then the cost for this amazing weekend is only $200!

 

I have attached the registration form.  You can also call 720.446.5533 to get registered.  Or, you can also sign up by CLICKING HERE.

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other health care professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Porter Ranch Gas Leak

Have you heard about the gas leak at Porter Ranch?  I hadn’t until December, almost two months after it started on October 23^rd, 2015.  It’s been called the worst environmental disaster in the U.S. since the BP gulf oil spill in 2010. 

To read more about it, you can click on this Wikipedia story or to avoid reading too much :) you can watch the video below (watch just the first 80 seconds to show you images and the gist without wasting your short attention span).

Watch my video below for a brief description of what’s going on and what you can actually do about it if you live in the Los Angeles area, and especially those of you who might live in or nearby the Porter Ranch area.

Enjoy the videos, and as always, feel free to pass it along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other health care professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Why NOT to Eat Ping Pong Balls

What do ping pong balls have to do with gluten?  

A lot if you watch my analogy :)

I’m not against gluten all the time. Some should definitely not eat it at all. Whereas some people can handle a certain amount of gluten.  My wife does not eat it at all (and for good reason).  I do eat it (in smallish quantities).  Find out from this video if my “smallish” quantities matter.  

And please do not eat ping pong balls no matter how healthy you think you are. Period.  Hopefully you at least get that from my short video.

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. 

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other health care professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

By Popular Request - Update to the Best. Blog. Ever!

Again, many keep asking me for more photos of baby Kalaya, so since Kalaya can't say "no" yet, here goes... and, yes, it is very hard for me only to post a few pictures :)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Enjoy!

Happy mat time :)

Rainbow tunnels are so cool!

This is how to model a Persian rug :)

Standing at 8 months!

9 months old :)

Our Family :)

Hemorrhoids – Toilet – Squatty Potty

Hemorrhoids, everyone has them. Or at least at some point in your life just about all of you will. For those who aren’t exactly sure what a hemorrhoid is… hemorrhoids are also known as piles which are blood vessels and masses of supporting tissue inside the anal canal. Everyone technically has anatomical hemorrhoids, but sometimes they can become inflamed, which can be both irritating and painful.

Both men and women get them equally and while only about 1 in 25 people has them at any one point in time in the U.S., over 50% of those aged over 50 has to enjoy the annoyance that hemorrhoids provide.

Why do we get inflamed hemorrhoids?

• Poor diet that is not high enough in fiber or water (constipation aggravates hemorrhoids)

• Poor form while pooping (Yes, the modern day toilet is convenient, but has one major fault)

Interestingly, the reason that some 2nd and 3rd world countries have virtually zero inflamed hemorrhoids is likely because they eat better and squat while pooping.

Other risk factors associated with hemorrhoids:

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Obesity and being overweight
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Liver disease
• Prolonged sitting
• Heavy lifting

So how do we fix the pain-in-the-ass?

• Eat plenty of veggies, fruit, and water
• Poop while squatting

Other ways to avoid hemorrhoids:

• Avoid foods that cause constipation like dairy, processed grains, and too much meat
• Avoid dehydrating caffeine or alcohol
• Use natural stool softeners whenever constipated (i.e. psyllium husk fiber with lots of water)
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid sitting for too long (this includes sitting in front of TV)
• Don’t hold in bowel movements (go when nature calls!)
• Do not strain during a bowel movement
• Do not sit on the toilet for extended time periods (no reading on the throne!)
• Void – I mean avoid heavy lifting

Back to squatting… Who wants to squat while pooping? That seems like too much of a hassle.

Introducing SQUATTY POTTY. Clean, comfy, and effective.

 The way to go natural, but not too natural.

And who wouldn’t want the bag on our right each morning instead of the left???

This video is a couple minutes long butt teaches us so much about Squatty Potty (and so much more that I was never able to explain about rainbow soft serve ice cream).

The haiku mentioned in it sums it all up quite well:

“Oh squatty potty,

you fill me with endless joy,

yet leave me empty.”

If you care to purchase one, here’s the Squatty Potty website. 

Other of my favorite natural remedies include:

• Witch hazel (commonly used to clean hemorrhoids naturally and help reduce pain & itching)
• Warm showers (warm water relieves pressure; use conditioner rectally to soften – no soaps as they can further inflammation)
• Sitz bath involves a small tub (bought at local pharmacy) that fits over a regular toilet and is used to easily soak hemorrhoids in warm water (can add witch hazel to it)
• Cold compress (witch hazel sprayed on soft tissue then frozen is great) to the anus can relieve swelling, pain and itching.
• Bottoms Up Balm
• Homeopathic Avenoc suppositories

And, because I can…


Man, this blog was a pain in the butt to write. Cha-ching.



Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. 

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other health care professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Cleaner Greener Flu Shot

Short of Middle East politics and immigration reform, few issues generate as much social friction and self-righteous rancor as childhood immunization policy. 

So now, more on flu vaccines :)

On the October 22nd blog I wondered aloud if the flu shot is the best option to prevent the flu.  Needless to say, I have not been impressed by the flu shot in the past.  Long have I wondered why they don’t make vaccines without all the crappy toxins in them.

That has changed now.  Introducing Flublok.  While conventional flu shots have many toxins (mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde, antibiotics, Polysorbate 80, MSG, egg protein) Flublok has none of these additives and is made using 3 times the amount of actual antigen (flu DNA that makes you immune to the flu).  Flublok also does not require incubation in chicken eggs which greatly reduces the eco-footprint of the manufacturing process and eliminates the risk of bacterial contamination or egg allergen exposure.

The makers of Flublok state that it is completely free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, latex, antibiotics, gluten and egg residues.  And since it does not require use of actual live flu viruses, it is free of attenuated viral particles, unlike other flu shots.

This is as clean and green as a flu shot can get and is the way that I’d love to see all vaccines be made. Not gonna get into the nitty gritty of how conventional flu shots are made in this blog, but let’s just say that it involves (along with mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde, antibiotics) 3 eggs for each flu shot, bacteria, and flu-like-syndrome causing endotoxins.

Manon Cox, PhD, CEO of Protein Sciences who makes Flublok, believes her company has obviated most if not all concerns people have about vaccines - concerns that have been loudly emphasized by vaccine critics and unduly dismissed by equally vociferous vaccine advocates.

Watch a short simple 1 minute Flublok video here.  Or learn more about Flublok from their website here.

Flublok first became available late in 2014 and is approved for people aged 18 and older.

I am excited!  This kind of vaccine should have been made available to the public in the 1990’s or even 1980’s.  The technology was there, but the economic incentives were not made available by those that control such things.  Oh well.  At least it’s now finally available in the annual flu shot.

As of December 2015, Target Pharmacy is the only place you can get Flublok in the Los Angeles area.

Now, does all this mean Flublok is actually totally safe?  Frankly, it hasn’t been around long enough to know.  I wish I knew.  But, what I can say is that it certainly cleaner and greener and it seems like a much better option than all the other conventional flu shots.

Of course, lifestyle modifications are still the best way to avoid illness.  These beneficial lifestyle modifications include plenty of sleep, de-stressing, and healthy foods.  Well-balanced Vitamin D, zinc, glutathione, curcumin and Vitamin C are great to also help keep illness at bay.

If you do end up with the flu despite employing the above mentioned tactics, along with many herbal options, one can always come into the office for a Nutritional IV.

And as mentioned in my October post… If you do decide to get the Flublok vaccine, then there are some homeopathic remedies that one can take to mitigate potential side effects. (These are available in the office if you can’t find them at your local health food store.)

• Thuja 5 pellets under tongue twice daily x 7 days after EVERY vaccination.

• Influenzinum 5 pellets under tongue twice daily x 3 days for after flu vaccination.

• Gelsemium 5 pellets under tongue twice daily x 3 days for after flu vaccination.

If you decide to get any other flu vaccine besides the Flublok, then I would also recommend:

• Alumina 5 pellets under tongue three times daily x 7 days after EVERY vaccination with aluminum in them (if not sure, then take as precaution).

Once again, the decision to receive vaccinations of any kind is highly individualized. My goal, as always, is to empower you with the knowledge to make the best and most informed decision you can for yourself and your health.

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other health care professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. 

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other health care professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.