on Nov 4, 2014 in Nutrition, Wellness Blog
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism (2013) found that a single serving of four Brazil nuts lowered blood cholesterol levels faster than Statin drugs and kept cholesterol levels down even a month after eating them! Sounds too good to be true? Maybe, but The Department of Chemistry at University of Santa Maria and the Department of Nutrition at Franciscan University in Brazil conducted a study that found just that. They took 10 men and women who had elevated blood cholesterol levels and fed them one dose of four Brazil nuts. Just nine hours after eating the four nuts, the blood cholesterol levels of the subjects in the study started to drop. Blood cholesterol levels continued to drop over the next 48 hours, leveling off to a total drop of 20 points. Considering that Statin drugs take four days to lower blood cholesterol, this is impressive. Even more astounding, the test patients continued to maintain the lowered blood cholesterol levels for one month after ingesting the nuts. Since they only followed the test subjects for one month, we are left wondering how long the lowered blood cholesterol effect may have lasted. What could explain these phenomenal results? Researchers theorize that perhaps it is the anti-inflammatory effect of the naturally high levels of selenium found in Brazil Nuts. While this is only one study done on only ten people; it isn’t enough research to make a definitive conclusion. But considering there are no negative side effects from eating a few Brazil nuts and the potential to naturally lower blood cholesterol without taking dangerous drugs, it seems a reasonable nutrition strategy! ...
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on Oct 8, 2014 in Patient Testimonials, Wellness Blog
George lost 92 pounds – So can you! Trying to lose weight can seem impossible, but it’s not! Sometimes it just takes the right timing and support. If you don’t know where to start, contact us and we will help. Way to go George! Eat healthy, move a lot, laugh, love, and live...
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on Sep 9, 2014 in Patient Testimonials, Wellness Blog
“I have never been my ideal goal weight EVER in my adult life. The last time my weight was normal was when I was in the 7th grade!” Thanks to the Full Fasting program at Positive Choice I have lost 150 lbs. My blood pressure is now normal and I have now been able to stop taking blood pressure medication. My starting weight was 325 lbs and I am currently at 175 lbs. I am looking forward to entering the maintenance program. The Positive Choice Wellness Center and the OPTIFAST Weight Management Program helped me tremendously. I have had a great experience with everyone on staff. I am very thankful and proud that I decided to come in and give Positive Choice a try. It is something that has changed my life for the better!”...
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on Sep 2, 2014 in Healthy Skin, Wellness Blog
Kaiser Permanente now provides cosmetic skin services and products to help you achieve your skin’s optimum health. You can look more youthful and radiant, no matter your age! The corner stone of a healthy, vibrant complexion begins with a quality skin care regimen using high quality, pharmaceutical grade products that support gentle cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing, cellular repair, and sun protection. Kaiser is proud to offer high quality, pharmaceutical grade skin care products. The difference between these products and skin products sold commercially is the amount and quality of active ingredients. Pharmaceutical grade cosmetic products can only be prescribed by licensed staff and physicians. In addition to a complete skin care line, Kaiser Permanente offers a variety of cosmetic services. You do not need to be a member of Kaiser Permanente to take advantage of these affordable and high quality services and products. Everyone is welcome. To schedule a complimentary skin consultation, or for more information, contact Kaiser Permanente Cosmetic Services — (858) 847-3744 Chemical Peels Acne Care Skin Care Products Sun Protection and starting October 2014 Botox, fillers, and...
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on Aug 6, 2014 in Nutrition, Weight Loss, Wellness Blog
Cooking With Barley Traditionally American diet’s are rich in wheat. But the wheat grown now is genetically different from the wheat our grandparents ate because it has been genetically modified over the last two decades. These newer strains of wheat are not as widely tolerated and have increased the incidence of wheat allergies and gluten-intolerance. It is estimated that as high as 40% of the population has some reaction to wheat, which leaves many of us looking for alternative healthy grain sources. One great alternative is Barley, a staple of soups and stews. Barley is the oldest known domesticated grain, grown for 10,000 years as food for humans and animals, and as the basis of the first alcoholic beverages. Like millet, barley comes in hulled and pearled varieties; hulled barley is the true whole-grain form, with only the outermost hull removed, whereas pearled barley is polished to remove the bran layer and often the inner endosperm layer as well.Pearled barley is both easier to find and the type called for in most recipes. To use hulled barley (which you can find in health food stores) in place of the pearled variety in any recipe, increase the cooking time. Barley is an excellent source of fiber (one cup cooked containing 13 grams); its insoluble fiber helps maintain large populations of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Additionally, barley has been shown to aid in regulating blood sugar after meals (more so than other grains of similar glycemic index, like wheat) for up to 10 hours, most likely thanks to the colonic fermentation of barley’s indigestible carbohydrates. This finding is good news for diabetics and others concerned with their blood glucose levels. Like wheat and rye, barley is a gluten grain and is therefore unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Cooking time: pearled, 45-60 minutes; hulled, 90 minutes Liquid per cup of grain: 3 cups How to cook barley: Combine barley and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until...
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