Blood Sugar: A Holistic Conversation About Diabetes, Insulin Resistance & Heart Health

In this special presentation of Be HEALTHistic, naturopathic physician Dr. Drew Sinatra welcomes his Healthy Directions colleague, internist Dr. Ken Redcross, to discuss one of the body’s most important yet neglected organs — the liver. The liver works by both filtering and neutralizing toxins so they can be removed from the body. It is constantly working to break down not only environmental toxins that we encounter, but also toxins that we are exposed to daily, such as those in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the medications we take. The liver has a lot to do in our bodies and it's important to keep it healthy; today, the doctors discuss this vital organ and provide tips for keeping it in optimal shape. First, the doctors discuss how the liver functions in the body and signs they look for that could suggest liver issues. They talk about detoxification and the role the liver plays in filtering out tons of different environmental toxins. Then, the doctors do a deep dive on fatty liver disease — what it is, why it’s on the rise and how alcohol comes into play. They also discuss the impact of diet and give suggestions for healthy meal plans for weight loss. Next, the doctors talk about fasting and exercise, and how both can positively impact a fatty liver. They also discuss cholesterol and triglyceride levels and why those metrics are informative. Finally, the doctors share some nutrient strategies for liver support and suggest natural supplements to help keep the liver strong. Don’t miss this informative episode of Be HEALTHistic!

In this special episode of Be HEALTHistic, naturopathic physician Dr. Drew Sinatra welcomes internist Dr. Ken Redcross to discuss the impact that blood sugar can have on our heart health, and how this relationship is integral to our overall health and well-being. First, the doctors discuss how almost 12% of the population has Type 2 diabetes, and they share the red flags that signal blood sugar issues. The doctors talk about the role of insulin in the body, the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, how the American diet is fueling obesity, hypertension and blood sugar issues, and how metabolic syndrome is often the result of this tangle of conditions. Next, the doctors dive into the differences in the diet and lifestyle in America vs. Europe, and why the Mediterranean diet is so healthy , particularly for cardiovascular health and blood sugar control. They talk about the importance of movement, and how continuous glucose monitors can help patients track blood sugar, but at a cost. From there, they touch upon the importance of AMPK and talk about fasting. Finally, the doctors discuss berberine, a natural solution for the management of blood sugar that is comparable with Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug. They also share some other supplements that support healthy blood sugar, and discuss why vitamin D is an important nutrient to be getting enough of. Don’t miss this super-informative and engaging episode of Be HEALTHistic!

In this special episode of Be HEALTHistic, naturopathic physician Dr. Drew Sinatra welcomes integrative neurologist and Ayurvedic practitioner, Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, to discuss detoxification, a practice that has been followed by cultures worldwide for centuries that involves resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. Its primary goal is to remove and eliminate toxins while providing the body with essential nutrients. The doctors explain that no matter how “clean living” you are, we’re all exposed to hundreds of chemicals and toxins each day, which is why detoxification needs to be a part of daily life, not just something we do occasionally. The doctors share their advice and practical tips for supporting our body’s natural detoxification processes and how to lower the amount of toxins we take in. Don’t miss this informative episode of Be HEALTHistic!

In this special presentation of Be HEALTHistic, join integrative neurologist and Ayurvedic practitioner, Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, and naturopathic physician, Dr. Briana Sinatra, as they embark on a profound exploration of women's health, with a specific focus on working moms. Unveiling the challenges faced by women who often prioritize others while neglecting their own needs, the doctors discuss the toll this lifestyle takes on their physical, mental and emotional well-being, as well as its impact on relationships. They also highlight the need for self-care and self-love to stay healthy, balanced and vital. Self-care is not a selfish act, but necessary for a woman's health and well-being.

In this week’s episode of Be HEALTHistic, Drs. Drew and Briana Sinatra welcome chiropractor, public health researcher, aromatherapist, podcast host, and author, Dr. Eric Zielinski — also known as Dr. Z. He wrote the bestselling primer on using essential oils for general health and today, we focus on his latest book, The Essential Oils Apothecary, which has more than 100 formulations to help with symptoms of many chronic conditions. First, Dr. Z talks about his background as a researcher and how he discovered the power of essential oils to heal. He explains what essential oils are, how they need to be manufactured for medicinal use, and why dilution is important. Dr. Z discusses how essential oils can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, and how they can replace the toxic chemicals found in many household cleaners. Next, he talks about ingestion (or oral dosing) of essential oils and the latest safety information, as well as the more traditional uses for EOs, such as aromatherapy and topical application. Drs. Drew and Briana ask Dr. Z about purity standards, and how to find the most high-quality oils. Finally, Dr. Z provides tips for getting started with essential oils, and shares some of his favorite “recipe” combinations for the whole family. Don’t miss this essential episode of Be HEALTHistic!

In this week’s episode of Be HEALTHistic, Drs. Stephen and Drew Sinatra welcome Dr. Joel Fuhrman — a board-certified family physician, New York Times bestselling author, and an expert on nutrition and natural healing. He explains the facets of his Nutritarian diet, and how it’s possible to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses while also achieving sustainable weight loss using smart nutrition. First, Dr. Fuhrman explains how a healthy diet can be instrumental in reversing or even preventing chronic health conditions. The doctors ask about his weight loss retreat center, which focuses on food addiction, and what the daily routine is for patients. Dr. Fuhrman discusses the plant-based Nutritarian diet, and why whole foods are used in all of the recipes at the retreat. He describes the main withdrawal symptoms food addicts experience, why nuts and seeds are integral ingredients in his menus, and what the long-term goals are for his patients. Finally, Dr. Fuhrman gives his top Nutritarian tip for achieving better health quickly. Don’t miss this informative episode of Be HEALTHistic!

In this week’s Be HEALTHistic Video Extra, Dr. Drew Sinatra welcomes registered dietitian and hydroponic gardening pro, Suzanne Amoruso, to discuss this trendy type of gardening that is growing in popularity. Dr. Drew asks Suzanne all about hydroponic gardening, which allows city-dwellers and those without outdoor space for a traditional garden to grow produce and herbs — with no soil, and year-round! From the tower garden equipment you’ll need to get started, to the types of plants you can grow, to helpful tips for yielding a big bounty, Dr. Drew finds out all you need to know about hydroponic gardening in this informative Wellness Wisdom video segment.

In this week’s Be HEALTHistic Video Extra, Dr. Stephen Sinatra brings you inside a cardiologist’s office visit to talk about mitral valve regurgitation, a common heart lesion that causes leakage of the mitral valve. From the symptoms that can signal this heart issue to the medical interventions and supplements that can help some patients avoid surgery, Dr. Steve explains what you need to know about this pervasive heart issue in this informative Wellness Wisdom video segment. HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES·      For more information on this common heart issue, read about how to live with mitral valve regurgitation: https://bit.ly/3h8aFHW.·      Mitral valve regurgitation can be treated medically, but some may need surgery; learn about whether you should have heart valve replacement surgery: https://bit.ly/3y8bRAv. ·      Dr. Steve mentioned diastolic dysfunction of the heart; find out more about symptoms, causes and treatment: https://bit.ly/3qDW2iI.·      Dr. Steve talked about supplements for a healthy heart; find out the best supplements to reduce blood pressure naturally: https://bit.ly/3y9qO5r. ABOUT DR. SINATRA:Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.N., C.N.S., C.B.T., is a board-certified cardiologist who is also board certified in internal medicine, with additional certifications in nutrition, bioenergetic psychotherapy, and anti-aging medicine.  STAY CONNECTED:Learn more about heart health at https://www.healthydirections.comFollow Dr. Stephen Sinatra on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SinatraMD DISCLAIMER:This content is strictly the opinion of the doctors is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. All viewers are expected to consult with their health care professionals regarding any personal health questions, especially before starting any nutritional program, and/or if they are taking any medications. 

In this week’s Be HEALTHistic Video Extra, Dr. Briana Sinatra discusses how menopause can affect a woman’s cognitive health and how many of the most common symptoms actually start in the brain. She explains how menopause can impact sleep — which in turn influences mood, energy, cognition, recall and memory — and provides helpful advice for what women can do to minimize uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia in this informative Wellness Wisdom video segment.