Maybe this is you? You can’t seem to lose the weight. You’re tired all the time or can’t seem to get enough rest. And you feel like you have “had it up to here” with your professional and personal responsibilities.

If you are like most individuals you have probably known that things haven’t been “just right” for some time and have been looking for a solution to regain your energy and burst through your weight loss plateau.

Unfortunately, most health care professionals offer very little guidance when addressing these issues. If lab testing is done, typically it returns negative for anything significant leaving you no closer to discovering what is going on and how you can fix it.

Sometimes anti-depressants are given and in other cases hormones may be suggested and administered. Many individuals may have some initial and temporary relief, but in the end, lasting change is never accomplished leaving you searching for more answers.

Stress is the Key

The number one thing that is overlooked when evaluating an individual’s health is their stress levels or past stressful experiences. Your body’s reaction to stress may be the KEY area to evaluate if true healing is ever going to occur.

When you come in contact with a stressful situation, such as a bear in the woods, your body must prepare itself to either run away very fast or fight. (I suggest run.) In order to do this, your adrenal glands produce a series of hormones including Cortisol.

These hormones are utilized by the body for a series of functions and when the stress is gone your hormone levels decrease back to normal. This proper response allows the body to rest and prepare for the next stressful event.

What if, however, the stress never goes away and allows your body to heal?

In our society we are bombarded with stressors all day long. With demanding work and personal schedules our body is constantly in a “fight or flight” response with little or no rest. This results in your adrenals becoming fatigued or “burned out” and decreases their ability to produce proper stress hormones.

When this happens you lose energy, sex drive, blood sugar control and an overall feeling of well being. Unless your stress hormones are properly tested and corrected, regaining your health will be nearly impossible to do.

Specialized Testing

One of the best ways to evaluate your adrenal stress hormones is through saliva testing. Saliva testing is extremely accurate in measuring your hormones and is very convenient to do. Another advantage is that it allows you to test your hormone levels multiple times throughout a day.

This is very important when it comes to accurately evaluating your hormone levels. Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and month and unless you can evaluate them over a coarse of time you may miss their true levels.

For example, the hormone Cortisol fluctuates throughout the day. Cortisol is very high in the morning and decreases as the day progresses. These levels are important because the high morning cortisol allows you to wake up with energy and the low evening cortisol allows you to fall asleep.

When this rhythm gets altered people develop all types of problems. Trouble getting out of bed in the morning, mid-morning and afternoon “crashes”, and trouble falling and staying asleep at night.

In addition, if your overall cortisol levels are too low you will develop other issues such as weight problems, depression, Hormonal imbalances, and GI issues.

To read more on how improper cortisol levels create these problems click HERE.

We Can Help

We utilize a very special saliva test that accurately evaluates your cortisol levels.  Not only does it tell us what your overall cortisol level is but shows us how your body produces it throughout the day.  This is key in developing a protocol to eliminate these symptoms for good.

With the use of natural supplements and dietary and lifestyle changes we can help you regain your energy, stimulate weight loss, and reduce the stress in your life.

If you are interested in having your adrenal glands tested to see if they are the root of your issues please call our office at (704) 588-1792 or visit HERE. The adrenal test is inexpensive and could uncover all the answers you need to regain your health.

For those of you who do not live near our office I would be happy to assist you in having your adrenals tested. If you are unable to locate a health care professional in your area who does this specialized testing we will be happy to drop ship you a lab kit. Please call or email our office for details.  (704) 588-1792 |  info@HuntForWellness.com

Although all of these changes are “healthy” what most people don’t realize is that the very foods that they believe are improving their health are not. Let me give you a couple of examples:

Fruit Juice

Whether you enjoy orange juice in the morning or apple juice during the day you are sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Fruit juices contain very high amounts of sugar and as a result increases fat storage. Fructose, the natural sugar in fruits, spike your insulin levels similar to eating candy and other sugar laden foods. Fruits are not necessary bad for you but when your juice them you remove all of the fiber causing the spike in insulin. Make sure you start your day with a big cold glass of water. This will speed your metabolism and hydrate your cells.

Soy

This favorite “health” food has been link to all sorts of hormone imbalances. Soy is a phytoestrogen which means that it mimics the estrogen in your body and causes your hormone cascade to become dysfunctional. This can result in lower progesterone levels which inhibits your body’s ability to burn fat. Soy should only be consumed sparingly and must be fermented! Tofu is NOT a healthy food choice and neither is soy based weight loss or meal replacement shakes or bars.

Margarine

“I can’t believe it’s not butter!” has become a favorite tag line in commercials leading individuals to believe that they can get a “healthy” alternative to butter without compromising taste. What most don’t understand is that they are actually compromising their health when they use margarine. Margarine is hydrogenated vegetable oil that wreaks havoc on your cell membranes. Inflammation is the result and an inability to break down fats in your body ensues. Butter actually PROMOTES fat lose! It contains CLA which helps the body utilize and breakdown your fat for energy.

Energy Drinks

Almost everyone that begins exercise considers using an energy drink during or post workout. What most people don’t realize is that most of these “recovery” drinks are loaded with sugar and artificial colors. Sure they can provide some electrolytes, but what you are really getting is a bunch of unnecessary calories. Only elite/Olympic level athletes ever train hard enough to justify consuming one of these drinks. For the average person it is just inhibits your weight loss goals.

Protein Bars

These popular snacks and workout recovery items are typically just “candy bars in disguise”. Sure they may have been fortified with “vitamins” but the other ingredients mimic the most popular junk food on the shelves. These are typically loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives all resulting in fat storage and weight gain. You must find one with a natural source of protein (whey from grass fed cows is the best) and sweetened with stevia or xylitol.

Artificial Sweeteners

Everyone knows that sugar is bad but what most people don’t understand is that artificial sweeteners are worse. Suclurose (Splenda), Sweet-n-low, and Equal (Aspartame) all have very serious negative side effects to your health. These sweeteners are neurotoxins that destroy brain cells and create inflammation in the body. As a result, your body is unable to metabolize fat correctly and prevents you from reaching your weight loss goals. Using natural sweeteners such as Stevia or Xylitol is a much healthier option, as well as, local organic honey. Do not be tricked, however, into using some stevia “look a likes” such as Truvia or Pruvia. These items still contain sugar and is not the same as pure stevia.

MOOD SWINGS?

 A New You REQUIRES a New & Different Approach!

• Come discover 3 Hidden Keys that are helping make remarkable, life-long changes in Weight , Energy, & Mood….

• Leave with a Simple Action Plan that will help you get the results you have been looking for!

• Don’t miss this opportunity… This Community Wellness Program is Free to the public and seating is limited to the first 60 Registrants!

Bring a friend & make this a Breakthrough Year! 

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 6:30-8:30 pm

Where: CMC Steele Creek Hospital 13640 Steelecroft Parkway, Charlotte, 28278

Presented By: Carmen Johnson, BCHC in conjunction with

Bree Ziegler, RN, BCHC & Dr. Tunis Hunt, Jr.

Register Now by Clicking HERE!

Or by Calling our office at

704-588-1792  

www.HuntForWellness.com

If you visit your local supermarket or home improvement store you will see the shelves lined with powerful insect repellents and killers.  All of them promise to rid you of those pesky unwanted guest.  But are all of them safe to use in your home?

According to the EPA there are approximately 80,000 chemicals used in industry today.  Only a small fraction, however, have ever been tested for safety!  These chemicals are used in everything from cosmetics to food enhancers and many of them are the main ingredients in most insecticides and pesticides.

The chemicals found in most repellents and bug sprays have been proven toxic.  All it takes is a quick look on the packages warning label to understand that there is serious consequences for ingesting or inhaling these compounds.  And if you have children or pets, the concern for their safety comes into consideration when using these products.

What if there was a safer way to mange pest?  A NATURAL way that didn’t create harm for you are those who you care about.

The reality is that there are great natural and safe ways of dealing with all kinds of pests!  Here is some solutions for handling some of the most common.

Flies

Available at your local hardware or feed store is the disposable fly trap. It is a plastic bag with a funnel-like top. You put an attractant in the bottom of the bag and hang it up out in the yard. If you have animals, it is a good idea to hang it somewhere close to the barnyard. The flies, attracted by the liquid inside, go into the funnel but cannot fly out. When the bag is full, you throw it away and hang a new one.

We personally used these this summer with great success!

Roaches

Taking a wide-mouthed jar, wipe the inside with vegetable oil. Then put a blob of peanut butter in the bottom of the jar. The bugs will go into the jar to get to the peanut butter and won’t be able to get out because the sides are slicked with oil. Simply cap the jars, and throw them into your dumpster.

Ants

Nothing is more annoying than a trail of ants running through the kitchen or bath. But there are several ways to destroy or repel those unwanted armies.

Keep a spray bottle of half white vinegar/half water in the kitchen. Several times a day spray the counter tops and wipe with this solution. Ants do not like the smell and it will eliminate the scent trails that they leave, thereby confusing those to follow.

Mix borax with something sweet like jelly or honey and put in a bottle cap in a corner where the ants travel. They will eat the borax and die. Do not use this method, however, if you have small children or pets that would find the bottle cap.

Sprinkle baby powder or cinnamon along the trail. Both substances are natural ant repellents and will discourage the ants from coming that way.

Spiders

Spiders avoid a wide number of natural oils extracted from plants, herbs and  fruits, including citrus fruits, lavender, peppermint, citronella, cinnamon, tea  trees and cloves. Pure forms of these oils may be purchased at health food  stores, and most are inexpensive.

Place a few drops of any of these oils, in any combination, into a spray  bottle. Add a squirt of liquid detergent and fill the bottle with water. Spray the mixture on cobwebs, around doors and windows, around the lawn and garden and  on any surfaces where spiders lurk. In addition to having a pleasant aroma, this  mixture is nontoxic and safe to use around children and pets. The combination of  coconut oil and white vinegar also makes an effective spray for repelling  spiders. As oils may stain or cause spots, test the mixture on a small, hidden  area of carpets, curtains or upholstered furniture before spraying the entire  surface.

There you have it. A natural and safe way of dealing with some of nature’s pests.  I encourage you to try some of these remedies yourself and enjoy a safer and greener environment.

As you can imagine, all of this sweet indulgence is not the most healthy thing for your health.  The onslaught of sugar impairs your immune system and often leads to myriad of symptoms including the dreaded flu.

But is all candy bad for you?  Certainly there must be some sort of sweet treat that actually has some health benefits?

Well, there is!

Chocolate can actually be healthy for you!

There have been several studies throughout the years that has proven the health benefits of Chocolate.  A 2005 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study showed that dark chocolate has antioxidant properties and can help fight off diseases, improve insulin handling, and lower blood pressure.

Numerous other studies have discovered similar outcomes including a John Hopkins study that showed individuals who ate chocolate had less platelet waste in their urine and their blood clotted more slowly than samples taken from non-chocolate eating patients.

Now, before you go crazy and drink the bottle of Hersey’s syrup let me explain.

Not all chocolate is created equal.  In fact, the majority of the chocolate on the market does not have any health benefits and will wreak havoc on your health.  The type of chocolate that does have health benefits, however, is Dark Chocolate.

This is very important to understand.  Most chocolate on the market is loaded with sugar and  processed which results in the loss a the majority of the health benefits associated with it.  In addition, when you add milk to the chocolate you cancel out the antioxidant effects.

Only minimally processed Dark Chocolate retains the health benefits of the cocoa.

Another note to mention is that DO NOT eat chocolate if you are sick or unhealthy.  If you are struggling with your health or if you are fighting a cold or flu, do not eat chocolate.  Even healthy organic dark chocolate contains sugar and the last thing your body needs is sugar.

Also, only eat Dark Chocolate in MODERATION.  Eating a small piece at a time and savoring it vs. woofing it down is the best practice.  I personally eat a small piece most evenings after dinner.  I buy a 85% dark organic chocolate bar and break a small piece of it each night.

Eating sweets can not only be fun but have health benefits as well.  Choosing the right type of  sweets is the key, as well as, eating them in moderation.

Approximately 598 million pounds or $1.9 billions worth of candy  is sold during the Halloween season and nearly 90 million pounds of the candy sold during Halloween week is chocolate.

I am always amazed at the amount of candy my kids can collect in a two block radius in approximately 45 minutes.  In fact, in years past I would have to assist them in carrying their bags due to the weight of all the candy!

Now, those of you who know me may be wondering what we do with all of the candy that our kids collect?  And although we have a strict policy in our household of no candy with sugar and artificial colors, at Halloween we bend the rules slightly.  What?  You want me to be an “uncool” dad?!?

Many of you know, sugar is one of the most detrimental things you can put into you body.  Its overconsumption has been linked to many diseases and disorders.  In fact, the more you consume of it the weaker your immune system becomes.

This point is an important one to remember.  Every year at this time, in addition to costumes and candy, we have the beginning of the FLU season.

Have you ever thought about this?  It makes perfect sense if you think about it.  We give kids TONS of candy, parade them around in costumes in cool weather, and allow them to stay up late.  No wonder so many kids get the flu the first couple of weeks of November!

As I mentioned, I allow my kids to eat candy on Halloween.  But here’s the deal, they can eat it that night but we get rid of the rest when they go to bed.  One night of immune system abuse is all they get!

Unfortunately, many kids continue to eat candy everyday until their supply is gone.  This daily consumption of sugar weakens their immune system and sets them up for sickness and the flu.  About the time they are done with all of their candy, Thanksgiving is here with a whole new supply of baked goods and other treats.  And you know what comes after Thanksgiving, 4 weeks of Holiday candies and goodies!

Is it really any surprise that so many people are sick during the month of January?

This year, one of the best things you can do to reduce the likelihood of your child getting the flu is LIMIT their sugar consumption.  Allow them to have a good time, but do them a favor and restrict their candy supply.

In addition to reducing the amount of sugar your child consumes this year, supplying them with the proper vitamins and nutrients is also key in preventing the flu.  We make sure our kids get extra vitamins leading up to Halloween so their immune system is in “tip top” shape during the candy onslaught.

Halloween can be fun and eating candy is always a treat.  Don’t let it however, be a detriment to your child’s health.  Restrict their sugar consumption this year and enjoy a flu-less season.