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A healthy summer WITHOUT sunscreen?

The experts say sunscreen is a necessity for healthy summer.

I am not a skin expert.

But I sure do enjoy 5 feet 6 inches of healthy skin, so whats up?

Burn is bad, but Vitamin D is good.

Here’s the deal: Sunscreens containing Zinc Oxide block the UV radiation required for your skin to synthesize Vitamin D.

So if you lather your skin with sunscreen, you lose out on this essential sunshine vitamin.

Why you Need Vitamin D:

  • Immune system
  • Healthy hormones
  • Absorption and uptake of calcium (bone density)
  • Strength, coordination, balance
  • Blood sugar control

Since Vitamin D is so important, it’s a GREAT idea to take off your clothes and get some sun exposure this summer.

Keep in mind that BURNED SKIN is dangerous, so you definitely want to avoid a sunburn.

Sun protection through natural health

There are two ways to protect your skin without using chemicals.

  1. Natural, herbal, and plant based lotions which heal the skin
  2. Food and nutrition that provide your body with natural SPF protection and maintain cellular integrity.

Lets give some examples of each…

Natural Skin Lotions

1. Aloe Vera

Everything about Aloe Vera is soothing, even the name itself! Alooooe verraa…yea I am feeling zen now.

Aloe Vera contains bioactive compounds that are beneficial to humans. For example, when applied to the skin, wounds will heal faster. When ingested orally, the stomach lining is soothed and can reduce or eliminate heartburn completely. Anti-inflammation is key here.

Aloe Vera on the skin can reduce the damage from sun exposure. Use it, sooth it, love it.

2. Neem

One of my favorite trees in existence. In India, the Neem tree is sometimes referred to as the “Village Pharmacy” due to the wide range of HEALING benefits.

Neem is soothing, cooling, and astringent. It tightens skin and leaves it feeling fresh. Neem may or may not reduce the chance of sunburn, but it will protect the skin from damage.

Another benefit of Neem is its natural bug-away abilities. The bioactive compounds in Neem are proven to disrupt activity of over 100 insects and bugs. In fact, Neem kills some bugs, destroys the ability of other bugs to feed, and it prevents the ability of other bugs to reproduce (by screwing up the insects hormonal system).

Neem has helped people avoid chemical skin therapy for parasites by soothing the skin and preventing ecto-parasites from reproducing. Think of some parasites on humans…body lice, head lice, pubic lice, and scabies. Use Neem lotion for a week and the problem is solved. No chemicals, and no damage whatsoever to your own skin.

Skin care AND mosquito repellent. After your day in the summer sun, you use Neem lotion to soothe and heal your skin. And a nice side effect is that once the mosquitoes come out, you will maintain protection from potential disease carrying bites thanks to the amazing natural powers of NEEM!

Nutrition and Food for natural SPF sun protection

1. Tomatoes

Fresh and delicious

Tomatoes contain high levels of Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin and internal organs.

How much: One serving of salsa, V8, tomato paste, or spaghetti sauce.

2. Brazil Nuts

Harvested solely in the Amazon

Brazil Nuts are the highest natural source of the trace element Selenium. Our bodies require selenium to create selenoproteins, which have at least 30 different functions in the human body relating to cell function and immune system. An extremely important function of selenium is its role in one of our bodies most important antioxidant called Glutathione. Moreover, selenium also rejuvenates Vitamin E and Vitamin C stores, and these vitamins are well established for immune function to protect skin and everything else.

Thanks to all of the contributions of Selenium, research has established selenium as an ANTI-CANCER nutrient — especially prostate cancer.

Because soil in the Pacific Northwest is largely void of Selenium, many of us may not be at optimal levels. Fortunately, Brazil nuts are SO high in selenium, that you only need to eat one Brazil nut per day for optimal selenium and glutathione activity.

3. Carrots

Don't let the carrot benefits go straight to your head

Whats up doc? Carrots contain high levels of Beta-Carotene, which is beneficial for two reasons. First, Beta-Carotene alone is a fantastic antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Moreover, Beta-Carotene can be converted into Vitamin A by the body, for even more immune system benefits.

Go to the juice bar and get some fresh carrot juice. I will even join you for stimulating conversation about health and vitality!

4. Beets

Beets are therapeutic

They are purple and love to stain your kitchen counter. However, the purple pigment is responsible for some of the most powerful detoxification known to man. The beet is purple because of Betacyanin, which may or may not make you pee red. Either way, beet juice has been known to literally shrink and eliminate tumors.

If you want to avoid skin cancer, add a beet to your carrot juice.

5. Omega-3 enriched Eggs

Healthy Eggs from Healthy Hens!

I love eggs. I love eggs so much that I eat eggs raw in front of my co-workers.

Whole Eggs (including the yolk) contain so many vital nutrients that they should be a part of nearly any healthy diet. Aside from the complete bio-available protein content, eggs also contain B-family vitamins such as Choline, which (along with Folic Acid) helps to normalize brain function. Moreover, choline is a vital component of cell membranes and you definitely need healthy cells if you want to keep your skin safe.

6. Salmon

Dinner for healthy skin AND heart.

Similar to eggs, salmon is an amazing source of essential amino acids, but it is an even greater source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Salmon contains Omega-3s in higher forms than plant-based foods. The Omega-3’s in Salmon are EPA and DHA, which have a multitude of functions in the body, but also contribute to healthy moisturized, and tight skin.

7. Broccoli

"Broccoli drink KO'ed my cancer!"

Eat your broccoli, André says. Broccoli is green, therefore it contains Chlorophyll, another detoxifying compound (why do you think Iron Man drinks chlorophyll?) There are lots of beneficial elements in broccoli, but there are two that I will touch on here.

First, broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables) contain Diindolylmethane (DIM), which is a beneficial plant indole. Basically, DIM promotes healthy estrogen metabolism by converting estrogen in the body into non-toxic forms. I’m sure all breast cancer survivors are familiar with the importance of healthy estrogen metabolism, but let me reinforce how important this is for EVERYONE, not just women. Estrogen can be dangerous — but broccoli makes estrogen safe.

Second, broccoli (and again…other cruciferous vegetables) contain the precurser to Indole-3-Carbinol, which has proven anti-cancer effects on the immune system.

For maximum benefits, consume both raw and cooked broccoli every week.

Why? Because temperatures above 114 degrees inactivate the enzyme that converts broccoli into Indole-3-Carbinol and therefore you lose some of the anti-cancer benefits completely.

8. Kimchi

I'll admit, I DO talk to the Korean girls when I shop at the Asian market. Then I go purchase my Kimchi.

Kimchi prevents colon cancer. There, I said it.

By providing your body with beneficial lactic acid bacteria, Kimchi cleanses the colon and kills bad bacteria. Moreover, Kimchi is attributed to the radiance of Korean skin through other nutrients like Vitamin C, garlic, red pepper, and a healthy digestive system.

9. Pumpkin Seeds

Expensive? Check. Powerful flavor? Check. Makes you horny? Thats for another blog post...

I think an essential part of a fun summer is having a healthy reproductive system. Pumpkin Seeds contain good levels of the essential mineral Zinc, which plays a vital role in both human sexual organs, but also the entire immune system. Zinc is required in over 100 enzyme functions and will protect your body for years to come (hehehe…)

Give your body the nutrients it needs, and cancer doesn’t have a CHANCE.

If your body has optimal nutrients, cancer won’t take over. It won’t take over on your skin, in your brain, or on your boobs.

Do you really need sunscreen?

Look, if I’m going to be out in the sun for 3 hours straight, then yes I’m going to use it. But when I take my 45 minute shirtless jog around the neighborhood, you better bet I’ll be soaking up the Vitamin D.

You should always strive for a balanced and complete diet. Our bodies are only as strong as the nutrients we provide it.

Now go forth and DOMINATE the summer-time fun.

Lets have some juicy watermelon and just chill by the lake.

May the healthy skin be with you!

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion
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Why is Losing Weight BAD for your Health?

Most would agree: excess fat is not healthy.

But, would you believe that losing weight could potentially be bad for your health too?

Believe it.

Why?

The body fat stores on your thighs, abdominals, and glutes contain more than just energy reserves.

So what IS body fat and why is it dangerous?

We can all agree on this: body-fat is extra storage.

This storage has been responsible for the continuation of our species. Through war and famine, body-fat’s dense per/gram source of energy has kept our ancestors alive.

But the average American is not in war or in famine.

How Body-fat is Toxic

Pause and consider the cycle of obesity.

  1. Sweet, processed foods are cheap, convenient, and easy sources of calories.
  2. A snickers bar is easier to consume than raw broccoli.
  3. Young boy discovers snickers
  4. Then he rediscovers snickers everyday thereafter.
  5. Since candy and sweets are high-sugar and lacking nutrients, his genes are expressed poorly.
  6. The cells in his body are inefficient and unable to detoxify chemicals, pollution, and oxidation.
  7. Too many toxins in the system,
  8. Never enough nutrients for cellular protection.
  9. Body fat storage increases in order to push toxins away from lean mass.
  10. There are now lots of toxins stored up in his body-fat.

Understand that body-fat accumulation is due to nutrient deficiency. Excess body-fat is almost always caused by a lack of essential nutrients.

Since the body cannot run effectively on a bad diet, the stresses of the body are transfered into body-fat tissue to be dealt with later. Which means if that you want to actually burn fat, you need to consider the toxic effect of weight loss.

How to Lose Weight and NOT make your body worse:

For most of us, we need to focus less on calories and more on nutrients. Then, the pesky calories part takes care of itself.

In other words, Focus on Nutrients.

Since most people are deficient in multiple nutrients, here are some common solutions:

  • Aim for 30 grams of fiber per day, ultimate colon, digestive, and immune system booster.
  • 1-2 servings of red vegetables for Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant to ward off disease.
  • 1-2 servings of broccoli/kale/cauliflower, lightly steamed, for Indole-3-Carbinol the cancer-fighter. (Add points for the fiber content)
  • 1-2 servings of orange vegetables for Beta-Carotene, another powerful antioxidant that can also be converted into Vitamin A.
  • 2-4 eggs per day for high quality protein, high quality dietary fat, antioxidants like lutein, and the egg is also a great source of the B family vitamin known as Choline. We need choline for cell membrane integrity, also very important for Pregnant Women (alongside Folic Acid)
  • 1 serving of fish or wild meat. Aside from the high quality protein found in fish and game meat, there will also be high levels of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids. This is a common nutrient most people lack, and because most people don’t get enough omega-3, cardiovascular death is rampant. Omega-3’s protect the body from inflammation, and since body fat is inflammatory, Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids promote healthy weight loss.
  • 1 serving of olive oil for antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Have you noticed that olive oil is soothing on your skin? Just imagine how the cells inside your body benefit from olive oil.
  • 1 serving of onions for potent bioflavanoids that boost the immune system and regulate blood sugar levels.
  • 1 serving of Avocado for healthy unsaturated fats, dietary fiber, and cancer-fighting nutrients.
  • 1 serving of traditional Korean Kimchi for high levels of Vitamin C, Live Enzymes, and Beneficial Probiotic Bacteria. Moreover, Kimchi boosts the immune system with red pepper and garlic.
  • 2 servings of whole grains, brown rice, or pseudo-cereals like Quinoa. Great source of slow burning energy, fill you up-fiber, bulk of your diet, vitamins and minerals. Easy to mix with vegetables.

That may seem overwhelming, but my intention is to stimulate some creativity all around. I wouldn’t expect anyone to be able to eat all of this food starting tomorrow, but it is important to be aware of all the nutrients you could be lacking.

The more nutrient deficient you are, the more difficult it will be to get the body OR the health that you want.

Make losing-weight GOOD on you.

Healthy food can detoxify the fat and burn it into oblivion.

Imagine your fat melting off and revealing lean, toned muscle underneath.

It’s entirely possible.

Let your genes flourish and display positively. Seek nutrients first, and fat-loss will come.

Weightloss Now
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How can Dietary Fat help YOU lose weight and burn bodyfat?

Dietary Fat.

Fat. Think about what that word represents to you.

From the nutritional resource, I understand that fat is dense.

Science has revealed that Dietary Fat has more than double calories per gram than both carbohydrates and proteins. Instead of 4 calories per gram, Dietary Fat has a whopping 9 calories per gram. Yes, fat is dense.

But, sometimes dense is good.

In fact, in America we aren’t even dense enough!

1 out of every 3 Americans have thin bones that lack bone mineral density. That’s Osteopenia.

These weak bones break easy.

In 1995, osteoporosis-related fractures cost the healthcare system 2.5 billion dollars. That was 1995, it hasn’t gotten better since then.

Good Fats promote Good Bones

In 1998, Italian researchers tested the effects of saturated vs polyunsaturated fats on human subjects.

The group who consumed Fish Oil supplements showed improvement in bone mineral density. Whereas other group lost bone mineral density in the spine after taking a saturated fat supplement.

Clogged arteries and Low-bone-density come together together

If the pipes are clogged up, not much can get through. Bone density suffers.

Diets high in saturated fat are linked to clogging of the arteries. The fat literally deposits itself onto the walls to cause plaque and trouble for you.

Since clogged arteries weaken the circulatory system, all parts of a person’s body may be starving for nutrients.

If there are not enough nutrients available, then bad things happen. Really bad things.

Nutrients are the foundation of all lean muscle and skeletal mass.

When the body Lacks Nutrients:

  • Inflammation
  • Reduced ability to fight disease, virus, and harmful bacteria
  • Floating Free-Radicals cause cell damage
  • Less resources to protect cells
  • Bone density loss
  • Muscle tissue catabolism
  • Infection
  • Cancer
  • Necrosis

Consider how the conditions on this list contribute or support a fat loss program. None of these are good.

If your body is starved for nutrients, fat-loss can be very difficult.

Research has repeatedly shown that certain oils and fats are essential for normal body functions.

Essential fats must be consumed in food or supplement, otherwise a deficiency will exist.

The most common deficiency is the Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid. The Omega-3’s are a high quality essential fat that reduces inflammation and the clogging of arteries.

Make Fish Oil a Priority

Aside from saving your life and reducing risk of mortality, Fish Oil supplements promote a healthier reality.

Fish Oil protects your:

  1. Heart * Cardiovascular system
  2. Eyes * Ocular system
  3. Brain * Nervous system
  4. Bones * Skeletal system
  5. Joints
  6. Skin
  7. Muscle tone
  8. Mood
  9. Skills

A person with achy joints, a weak heart, degrading eyes, and foggy mind, would have more trouble losing fat than a healthy person. You don’t want to be that person.

Take Fish Oil Omega-3 Supplements for weight loss.

Then enjoy the benefits of being able to live the way you should.


Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion Weightloss Now
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How Setting Goals allows you to Exceed Fitness Expectations

This is how we get fitter, healthier, and happier.

Set goals and work to achieve them.

Three years ago, I could have said that all I wanted was six pack abs. Unfortunately, those abdominal crunches I was doing didn’t seem to do the trick.

If you can quantify a goal, you can make it happen.

For example, the aspiring professional wants to earn $65,000 next year. What steps must be taken to make that happen?

Just like careers, fitness goals can be quantified and then become more realistic and attainable.

To get abs, don’t worry about abs.

Eat, sleep, recover. Then hit THAT personal record.

For me, I place a high priority on a particular full body exercise that really targets the core muscles.

My favorite exercise…the Turkish Get Up.

Think about the numbers, and do what it takes.

If you want more toned arms, you can’t stick with the same weight. You HAVE to get stronger. Move up from the lighter dumbbells, use a pencil to write down your efforts, and then blast away plateau’s.

It’s easier to make several small goals interconnected to each other than it is to make one large vague goal.

For example,

Goal 1: Turkish Get Up 60 pounds for three reps.

Goal 2: Dumbbell Bicep Curl 20 pounds for ten reps.

Goal 3: Eat breakfast every day on THIS particular week.

All of these goals can support the over arching goal for physical fitness.

Quantify your goal, now today.

So that tomorrow, you are one step closer.

Physical Fitness by Dre