Your digestive system will process 170,000 pounds of food over the course of your life. Your digestive system has more nerve endings than your brain. These amazing facts demonstrate how critical the digestive system is to human health. One of the most important functions of your digestive system is to physically and chemically break down food to allow for absorption further down the system. This region is known as the Upper GI Tract.

What would be the point to eating healthy food if your body cannot break it down properly and absorb the nutrients? We feel that the digestive system is one of the most important and most overlooked systems in your body. 

So let’s break the process down so that you have a better understanding of how this amazing sequence of events takes place.

Phase 1 – Food for Thought

Digestion starts in the brain. The smell and anticipation of food triggers the brain and digestive system to start releasing enzymes and gastric juices to prepare for the incoming meal. It is important that you are in a calm and stress free environment when you eat. Where you eat can be just as important as what you eat.

Phase 2 – Chew Your Food: Your stomach does not have teeth!

Mom was right, chewing your food is good for you, but she may not have told you why. Chewing your food is one of the most critical steps in digestion. The physical crushing of food in your mouth increases the surface area of your food and unlocks the nutrients in the food for further digestion in the stomach. Chewing your food also stimulates stomach secretions and mixes your saliva with your food to start the breakdown of carbohydrates. This critical step is not reproduced anywhere else and therefore is critical to the process. If you food is not properly chewed it will disrupt the entire process that follows, there is nothing that can replicate this step for you. Thankfully the number of times that you chew your food is 100% controlled by you!

Phase 3 – Stomach Secretions: Drop some acid

When food enters the stomach, the stomach starts to secrete hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes that work mainly on breaking down protein. The hydrochloric acid also sterilizes your food to prevent bugs that may be in your food from entering your system .

A common reason for heartburn is a lack of stomach acid secretion or dilution of enzymes. This results from not chewing your food, or drinking lots of water with your food. Food remains partially digested and starts to rot. This rotten food becomes acidic (lactic acid), which is acidic enough to burn your esophagus, but not acidic enough to digest your food properly. For this reason, in our office, we often prescribe digestive enzymes that actually acidify the stomach contents and almost magically the symptoms go away.

Phase 4 – Pancreatic Secretions : Last call

The next step once the food has been sterilized and acidified is to further breakdown that food via the release of pancreatic enzymes. The pancreatic enzymes also change the pH of the food to make it more alkaline in preparation for entry into the ileum. If pancreatic secretions are low the some of the symptoms include; bloating and gas 1 hour after eating, fatigue after eating, undigested food in the stool and even acne!

Phase 5 – Gallbladder Secretions: Fat chance

The final major step in digestion takes place once bile is released to emulsify fats. These fats are chemically broken down by bile so that they can be absorbed. The gallbladder does not make bile, it stores it. Bile is made from cholesterol and toxins that are neutralized by the liver. Bile not only digests fats but it further sterilizes the bowel and promotes regularity.

The physical and chemical breakdown of food is critical to proper digestion and absorption. The problem with undigested food is that can impact the gut terrain and inflame it. This process can lead to intestinal permeability (article coming soon). This is why a lot of food sensitivities develop. This immune response can also increase inflammation and raise blood sugars, causing a system-wide reaction.

So what can you do to help with proper digestion?

• Chew food thoroughly (especially vegetables)
  
• Drink less than 8 oz. of fluid with meals
• Eat in a relaxing environment
• Eat fresh fiber first – a salad is a good option

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If it were up to me, Thanksgiving would be a mandatory two-day holiday. The first day should remain similar to the current format. We should spend time with loved ones, rejoice over the opportunity to see each other and celebrate milestones. Is is very healing and rewarding spending time and laughing with those you love.

A great exercise would be to write down the 10 things that you are grateful for on a 3×5 index card. Create three of these and place one by your nightstand, your bathroom mirror and your work space. You could also go around the dinner table and share what you are grateful for. Let others celebrate your success with you, it is extremely inspiring.

The second part of thanksgiving, ‘Giving’ is the one that often gets ignored or becomes a secondary focus. Giving can mean different things to different people. Some may give financially through donations, some may donate clothing or food, but how many of you donate yourselves?

What else can you offer your community in return for your fortunes? The Friday after Thanksgiving should be another paid holiday based on a single motive, “How can I serve another person or my community, how can I give back?

How you define serve is up to you. Here are 5 examples:

1. Help a friend move
2. Help a friend with a home project
3. Discover healthy recipes for your family
4. Volunteer (anywhere)
5. Clean up your community

There is no greater medicine than what we experience emotionally when we give. Giving creates a sense of purpose and contribution to a greater good, it can truly fill a void in one’s life. This year as you reflect on your successes, keep in mind how you can give more often and also how you plan on serving your community in the coming year.

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Jennifer at 198 pounds

Let me start by saying, I love personal trainers and gyms. I use both as a method to stay in decent shape.

I do feel, like most things, there is an appropriate time and place and allocation of personal resources. I turn patients away from my services if they do not have a basic level of nutrition, exercise and mindset. I leave them with plenty of information to take action. It is not until they have achieved a basic level of competency that I expect them to see results working with me.

Before you step anywhere close to a gym, here are the minimum baseline requirements to physical fitness. If you are unable to do these, you don’t need a fancy gym membership or personal trainer, you just need to work yourself up do being able to do these movements.

Trust me trainers do not want to watch you do basic, boring, crappy exercises. It’s embarrassing for them I’m sure. These exercises can be done at home and for FREE. Once you can do these basic activities and get bored of them, find a gym and get a trainer to take it to the next level.

If you use a personal trainer as a motivation to just get to the gym, you are exercising for the wrong reasons. People who get the most benefit from training actually want to be there and are training for a higher purpose.  Like Jennifer Phillips, you have to want to take things to the next

Here are the body-weight basics:

10×3 push ups (knees or toes)

10×3 deep squats (“ass to the grass” and heels on the floor)

10×3 split squats or lunges (each leg)

120 second plank x 1

60×2 seconds of standing on one foot without losing balance, eyes open

5×3 pull ups (male), 1×3 pull up female

10,000 steps per day

2 mile run without stopping (level surface)

Climb 3 flights of stairs, 2 steps at a time without stopping x 3

Many of you will look at this and comment on how easy it is (awesome). Doing these will not make you an Olympic athlete but will give you a base to build off of.

Truthfully, you will not fully benefit from personal training, personal coaching, fancy gym memberships until you reach this basic level. I can guarantee that if I walked into most gyms, 80% of their clients would not be able to complete the above tasks. That same 80% will only get minimal improvements and often drop out of training or use it as an excuse to eat whatever they want.

Stick to the basics before you start spending your hard earned money on additional services. People will gladly take your money or pressure you into needing their services by taking you through an intense workout then telling you how out of shape you are.

If you can do the above routine, a personal trainer will be of huge benefit to catapult you towards your future health goals.

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My first recorded weight with Dr. Patel was 198. As of yesterday, I am down to 169, and my initial goal weight in January was set at 160! So I am almost there! 29 lbs down in 6 months, can’t complain about that  I just want to say thanks to you all for investing your time with me.

I decided to begin with this New Year’s Resolution because I was struggling with addiction, and going through therapy/visiting Dr. Patel to get off prescription medications and work on weight loss, which over the years, the amount of prescription drugs I was taking increased, since they only started other symptoms and created more problems like weight gain. Dr. Patel gave me the tools I needed to begin my journey to change my lifestyle.

I went through a detox program, and then began a diet regimen of avoiding foods that I had intolerances to, which I discovered with the tests that Dr. Patel administered to me. I exercised on my own, but then started going to FITE in late February because I always had an interest in boxing/kickboxing, and learned about their Pilates and Zumba classes too, which I also enjoy! I must say that Jeff has really kept me motivated, he checks in with me weekly to make sure I’m staying on track. Dr. Patel also held me accountable in the beginning of my program to make sure I wasn’t slacking on my diet.

Since January, I have gone through a significant amount of life changes, I lost two friends and my grandfather, started a new job, and was healing from a breakup back in November. I know I’ve had a lot to work on spiritually, emotionally, and physically this year, and I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for your dedication to me, because there is no way in the world I could’ve done all of this without you!

My 30th birthday is August 22nd. I am hoping to be at my goal weight by then. How cool would it be too look and feel better than ever at 30? !! I will of course keep you all updated, and Dr. Patel I suppose we should schedule a follow-up appointment since I haven’t seen you!

Thank you all

Melissa Gonzalez

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Below are 5 major changes that occur when the body goes through the starvation response.

1. The body releases fewer fat-releasing and fat-burning enzymes such as hormone sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase.

2. The fat cells release less of the hormone, leptin, which is the signal that tells your brain you are well fed and not starving (it’s the “anti-starvation” hormone). Thus, when leptin output is low, the hypothalamus switches the appetite button to “on,” sometimes to the point where you cannot fight these physiological cravings with the strongest willpower.

3. Fat burning hormones crash, including your levels of T3, the active form of thyroid hormone, the important “metabolism-regulating hormone.”

4. You lose muscle. Muscle is metabolically active tissue, which means it takes a lot of energy just to keep it. When you’re “starving,” you’re in an energy crisis, so excess muscle is the primary source that the body will begin feeding off of for energy since it is not critical to survival. Muscle becomes expendable, and your body cannibalizes your own lean tissue for nutrients.

5. You store fat. Due to the survival mechanisms of the body, your body holds on to the pounds of fat to have a source of stored energy in times of famine.

Are you or a loved one fed up with the Yo-Yo dieting? Call our office. We have a Customized Weight Loss Program waiting for you or your loved one.

The post The Skinny on Low Calorie Diets appeared first on Dr. Patel's Diet.

How well are you sleeping lately? Do you wake up between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m. on a regular basis? This is a common symptom I hear from patients who are struggling with low energy and don’t understand why. Functional Medicine gives us a clear understanding of the physiology behind what is typically going on in this instance:

If we look at the typical American diet that is full of refined carbohydrates and simple sugars we can then see the chain reaction this leads to in our bodies. When you flood your bloodstream with these refined and simple sugars, your body increases its insulin production to force all that sugar into your cells. For a moment, your cells have a quick source of energy. But that energy is used up very quickly and because of the large increase in insulin, your bloodstream is left in a state of hypoglycemia.  Let’s see how this affects sleep.

Blood Sugar and Sleep

So what does being hypoglycemic lead to? Well, there are certain parts of your body, namely your brain, central nervous system, eyes, and kidneys that do not require insulin to utilize glucose (sugar) for energy…they get it directly from the bloodstream. But if your bloodstream is now hypoglycemic, those parts of the body are now starving for energy. Therefore, you get signals during the day in the form of cravings for sweets, sugars, and salty foods for quick energy. When you give into these cravings, you start this negative snowball effect all over again.

But what happens at night when you are asleep and you aren’t aware of these cravings? These parts of your body are still starving for energy so they get it from somewhere else…your adrenal glands. Your adrenals are what produce your stress hormones with two of those being epinephrine and nor epinephrine. You might have heard of these…they are what give you your “fight or flight” response in times of stress. These hormones can be readily converted to glucose (sugar) for energy in your bloodstream. So now, your brain and central nervous system have energy to function but you have just given yourself a dose of adrenaline and your body is now awoken by a fight or flight response while you are trying to sleep! Not very conducive for a good night’s rest.

Sleep and Hormones

Adrenal fatigue leads to adrenal burnout and can lead to a host of other problems such as thyroid issues, weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, mood disorders and other hormonal imbalances. If this is you, know that relief and a program back to optimal health is right around the corner.

A Functional Medicine Assessment FMA  (FMA test)can help your doctor give you a closer look into your body’s bio-chemistry and provide a targeted approach to correcting sleep and other health issues.

The post Are You Waking Up At Night? appeared first on Dr. Patel's Diet.

• Headaches?
• Feel bloated after meals?
• Heartburn?
• Gassy?
• Joint pain?
• Muscle Aches?
• Chronic fatigue?
• Fibromyalgia?
• Constipated?
• Weight Gain?

If you answered yes, you may have a Hidden and/or Delayed Food Allergy (HADFA).

What are food Allergies?

(from www.foodallergy.com)

Many people think of allergies exclusively in terms of airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and molds. However, immune reactions can result from the different types of food sensitivities you may possess. The most common foods causing allergic reactions are peanuts, soy, wheat, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs and tree nuts.Once identified, we recommend eliminating those problematic foods from your diet.

Food allergies are divided into two major categories: immediate and delayed. When immediate food reaction occurs, sufferers experience symptoms within hours of having ingested the food. Symptom onset is rapid and may include tingling of extremities, wheezing, coughing, tightening of the throat, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Sometimes in cases where nuts, shellfish, fish, and peanuts have been eaten anaphylaxis can occur.

Immediate food reaction is a fixed food allergy. The food to which you are allergic will almost always provoke an immune reaction when ingested. In immediate reactions the body over produces what is called Immunoglobulin E antibodies, (IgE).

What are the symptoms of Food Intolerances?

Symptoms of a delayed food allergy can take up to 96 hours to appear. This type of immune response is mediated by the IgG antibody, which is the largest circulating antibody in our immune system and can cross the placenta from mother to child. IgG antibodies are the most common form of immunologic mediated food responses. It can be difficult to identify the offending food since we eat so many foods that go through different processes and have many ingredients. Unidentified food sensitivities can contribute to many chronic health conditions: including Irritable bowel syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Headaches, Autism, ADD/ADHD, Eczema, Chronic ear infections, Malabsorption, Insomnia and many others.

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Headaches
• Chronic Ear Infections
• IBS
• Autism
• Eczema
• Bed Wetting (child)
• Insomnia
• ADD/ADHD
• Acne
• Feel bloated after meals
• Heartburn
• Gassy
• Joint pain
• Muscle Aches
• Chronic fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Constipated
• Weight Gain

How and Where Do I Get Tested?

The Living Proof Institute uses state of the art ELISA testing to identify the offending foods and create a healthy diet of nonreactive foods. Many times the foods we eat frequently and seem healthy are contributing to our health problems. Elimination of the offending foods can improve many health problems and lead to a better quality of life.

What is the Cost of Testing?

The cost of testing can be as low as $49 and is done by blood spot or blood serum.

How Long Does it Take to Feel Better?

It can take just days or up to several weeks of removing a food from the diet to notice a benefit, so the key is to stay committed. Many will report that their digestion is better (more regular, less gas, less bloating, less heartburn), improved sleep (less snoring, less mucus, less, sinus pressure, less waking up, more refreshed sleep), better mental focus, more energy and fewer cravings.

Click on the link below and print the list. Post it at your desk or on the fridge (home and office) for others to see.

To get tested call The Living Proof Institute at 513 785 0686.

HADFA Chart

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Latisha House Lost 50 pounds in 55 days! No Drugs, No Surgery!

Are You Struggling With Weight Loss?

Does Your Doctor Say That Everything is Normal?

Do You Feel Like You Have Tried Everything Under The Sun?

Here is The Living Proof Institutes 10 Step Approach to Healthy Weight Management and Ultimate Health:

Weight loss has recently become a very hot topic.  It is estimated that over 65% of Americans and Canadians are overweight and a growing number are becoming obese.

The Living Proof Institute and Dr Patel believe that often the solution to weight gain can be quite simple and very rewarding.  We do not believe in crash diets and fad programs.  Our approach to your weight is very different.  We focus on YOU!  By listening to your concerns and taking a comprehensive health history Dr Pa

tel is able to come up with a customized solution for YOU.  We realize that weight is a personal struggle and therefore you require a personal and customized solution, not a cookie cutter approach.

Here is our 10 Step Approach to Weight Loss:

Step 1:

We first start with a 15 minute phone consultation before we schedule an appointment.  This allows you to ask any questions you may have and also ensures that we are the right fit for you.  We do not want to waste your time and/or money.  Our patient base is very limited to due to our personal commitment to each client.  We unfortunately do not accept every weight loss case.

Step 2:

Medical Records Review and Medication Review – Our on site Pharmacist will review your drug history (if any) and Dr Patel will review your medical records before your appointment.  These must be provided to our office prior to your weight loss appointment.

Step 3:

Fill out Intake Forms.  You can download the forms from below.  These forms must be filled out and brought to your appointment.  This will be the basis for your consultation and case review.  You will be required to fill out a 3-7 day food journal form and your NAQ (321 questions).  These form allows us to better customize your weight loss program and meet our health needs.

Step 4:

Food Intolerance Testing.  This test will identify food intolerances and allergens to start eliminating for your diet.  These foods can lead to weight gain, hormonal imbalances, food cravings and digestive problems.  These factors can inhibit weight loss.

Functional Medicine Assessment.  This test will help Dr Patel test 11 different markers of health.  These include protein metabolism, oxidative stress, alkaline reserves, carbohydrate metabolism, liver stress, kidney stress and adrenal stress.  This test allows us to make the best exercise, diet and nutriceutical recommendations for you to maximize weight loss.    For more info please visit www.westchesterwellnessprescription.com

Body Composition Analysis Testing (BCAT):  This is a comprehensive test that evaluates hydration, metabolism, BMI and cellular health.  This same testing is done with Olympic Athletes and NASA astronauts.  It is highly accurate and cost effective way to monitor weight loss.

Before Picture

Step 5:

Results review and plan.  We are now ready to begin.  Dr Patel will now make the best recommendations  for you based on your current goals, lifestyle, food intolerences and biochemistry.  You will now undergo on going coaching, meal planning, reporting and follow a prescribed exercise program to maximize weight loss.

Step 6:

You will email/text Dr Patel daily with your vitals.  These include; weight, energy, mood, digestion, cravings and food journal.  This accountability is key to your success and will provide Dr Patel the best tools to help you trouble shoot any issues with your weight loss.

Step 7:

Bi-weekly follow up.  As part of our commitment to your success you will undergo a case review every 2 weeks.  This ensures that your personal questions are answered and concerns are addressed.   You will also receive a BCAT at this time to monitor and record your results.

During and After Pictures

Step 8:

Re-testing.  Your schedule for follow up testing will be reviewed with you.  This will be based on your goals, your outcomes and your response to your program.

Step 9:

Once you have reached your goal, Dr Patel will release you from his weight loss program.  You will be given a base line protocol to follow to maintain your results and continue to enjoy optimal health and wellness. On going coaching is available for those that need it for continued weight loss.

Step 10:

6 month follow up and testing.  This allows us to address and issues or concerns and ensures that your body’s chemistry is optimal.

Call Us to schedule your Weight Loss Consultation and find out if you qualify for our program.  513 728 0416

The post The Ultimate Success Story appeared first on Dr. Patel's Diet.

You will get 60-90 minute tour of the grocery store of your choice.  Learn insider secrets, how to pick fruits and veggies, where to find certain items and how to save money!

Our goal is to revolutionize your health, not to merely improve it!

Weekend appointments are available!

Call 513 728 0416 to schedule your appointment today spots are very limited.

The post Personal Grocery Store Tours appeared first on Dr. Patel's Diet.

Description

• Have green, yellow or red skin
• Sweet and refreshing taste
• Tartness depends on type
• Red and Golden Delicious are the sweetest
• Granny Smith (green) most tart – good for cooking
• Apple season – end of summer to early winter

Health Benefits

• Help to regulate blood sugar levels
• High in fat soluble fiber called pectin which helps to lower blood fat levels, therefore has cardiovascular benefits
• Apples help to manage hunger
• Helps to balance bacteria in digestive tract
• Excellent antioxidant benefits
• Decrease lung cancer risk
• Benefits people with asthma due to anti-inflammatory effects

How to Select and Store

• Choose firm and bright colored fruit
• Can be stored for 3-4 months
• Cold storage maintains nutrients
• Do not store spoiled apples with “good” apples
• Choose organic apples when available since apples are on the list of the dirty dozen (highly sprayed with pesticide)

How to Enjoy

• Nutrients are best preserved when consumed whole with skin (skin has numerous benefits)
• Nutrients are lost when prepared as applesauce and even more when prepared as commercial juice
• Nutrients are lost when made into apple sauce or when consumed as apple juice

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