To Your Good Health Radio

Learn why you may have been needlessly avoiding meat, cheese, whole milk and eggs for decades.For decades, we have been told that the best possible diet involves cutting back on fat, especially saturated fat, and that if we are not getting healthier or thinner it must be because we are not trying hard enough. But, what if the low-fat diet is itself the problem? What if those exact foods you’ve been denying yourself are themselves the key to reversing the epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease? Based on a nine-year-long investigation, author Nina Teicholz shares how the misinformation about saturated fats took hold in the scientific community (as well as the public imagination) and how recent findings overturn these beliefs. She joins Dr. Friedman to explain why the Mediterranean Diet is not the healthiest, and how we might be replacing trans-fats with something even worse. The startling history on diet and nutrition, outlined in Nina's new book, The Big Fat Surprise, demonstrates how nutrition science has gotten it so wrong: how overzealous researchers, through a combination of ego, bias, and premature institutional consensus, have allowed dangerous misrepresentations to become dietary dogma. Listen to learn why you may have been needlessly avoiding meat, cheese, whole milk and eggs for decades and why you can welcome these “whole fats” back into your life, guilt-free.

Dr. Friedman and Kim chew on the devastating effects of stress and how to combat them, as well as the pros and cons of aspirin use.Dr. Friedman and Kim chew on the devastating effects of stress and how to combat them, as well as the pros and cons of aspirin use. Stop the Stress According to the American Psychological Association, stress can induce the following emotional, cognitive and physical consequences: Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress. 75 to 90 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death–heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has declared stress a hazard of the workplace. What are some ways you can reduce the stress in your life? Practice stress-reducing tactics such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture. If you can't change it, don't stress about it. Listen to music that you like (not necessarily calming varieties; just what you like). Take a hot Epsom salt bath. Visit your chiropractor regularly. Avoid inflammatory triggers such as sugar. Instead, choose stress-reducing foods like cashews, walnuts, oatmeal (steel cut), blueberries, dark chocolate, avocado, and green tea. Enlist the help of a supplement like SAMe (about 400 mg a day). Pros & Cons of Aspirin Approximately 44 million healthy Americans take aspirin as a preventative measure to stave off heart disease. And, it's the leading pain reliever. But, aspirin thins the blood, which can lead to other health concerns such as stroke, excessive bleeding and bruising, stomach irritation, and even vision problems. The best approach is to follow the advice of your doctor and to recognize that aspirin is medicine, not a vitamin. A more natural alternative (that's also easier on your stomach) is white willow bark. Dr. Friedman and Kim also answer a listener's question: what's the best alternative to cow's milk? Don't miss these intriguing topics!

Enough of dieting and deprivation! It’s time to embrace the joy of eating well with an intention that healthy foods are nourishing, sustaining and delicious.If you've received a diagnosis of diabetes or heart disease, part of treatment involves some sort of prescriptive diet (aka: restrictive). These diets are strict and uninspired, eschewing taste in favor of health. Enough of the dieting and deprivation! It’s time to embrace the joy of eating well with an intention that healthy foods are nourishing, sustaining and delicious. The new book by Katie Cavuto, MS, RD, Whole Cooking and Nutrition, shifts the conversation away from dieting to one of positive messages and gratifying intentions. The result is a book packed with information to help readers improve their relationship with food, turning a spotlight on 85 every day foods that maximize flavor and boast rich nutrient density that will inspire you to live a healthy lifestyle. With more than 150 vibrant, flavorful recipes, this cookbook promotes a mindful, pleasurable approach to eating. The book promotes a healthy lifestyle and, more importantly, restores the joy of eating. With a focus on whole foods, Katie aims to empower readers to get into the kitchen to create her approachable and delicious recipes that are nourishing whether you have diabetes or not. Listen in as Katie joins Dr. Friedman to share more about the book and her approach to whole food eating.

Learn which nutrient-dense whole foods can elicit the same excitement and satisfaction associated with deep dish pizza or Chinese take-out.Dudes. They're so well intentioned when it comes to healthy eating, even as they fail epically in execution... inhaling a “green salad” topped with chicken fingers and a vat of ranch dressing or ordering an Italian sub on a low-carb wrap (that makes it healthy, right?). After moving in with her boyfriend and becoming privy to his disturbing eating habits, Serena Wolf grew increasingly concerned about her dude’s long-term health (and waistline). As a labor of love, she set to work creating slimmed down versions of his favorite foods and posting them on her blog. Now, in THE DUDE DIET: Clean(ish) Food for People Who Like to Eat Dirty, Serena shares more than 125 recipes that prove that meals made with nutrient-dense whole foods can elicit the same excitement and satisfaction associated with deep dish pizza or Chinese take-out. Listen in as Serena joins Dr. Friedman to discuss the dude way of eating and why it might be the best fit for you.

Why do diets fail, time after time?Why do diets fail, time after time? Even with the help of so-called weight loss centers, many individuals continually fall off the wagon and return to their former lifestyles.  One of the problems is that diets are based on restrictions, and our minds are hard-wired to reject restrictions.  In her new book, Diet Slave No More!, Dr. Svetlana Kogan's approach to weight loss is about YOU... a holistic plan that focuses on you as an individual. As you explore the question “What am I?” you can discover that the tools you need to create lasting change already exist within you. Combining the best of Western and Eastern medicine, Dr. Kogan guides you on a journey that will align your mind and body. Listen in as Dr. Kogan joins Dr. Friedman to discuss her new book and how it may finally be the answer to achieving your weight loss goals.

Anti-aging has become a multi-billion dollar industry. But, up to 80 percent of treatments being sold don't provide any real results.Anti-aging has become a multi-billion dollar industry. But, up to 80 percent of treatments being sold don't provide any real results. Which products and procedures will actually work? If anyone can answer that question, it's Terry Dubrow, MD, author of the new book, Dr. and Mrs. Guinea Pig Present The Only Guide You'll Ever Need to the Best Anti-Aging Treatments. The "Dr. and Mrs. Guinea Pig" part comes from the fact that Dr. Dubrow and his wife have tried everything from cupping therapy to leech facials. Yes, blood-sucking leeches. Dr. Dubrow explains that while the typical anti-aging products you'll find in a department store run from $50-$500, most of them contain no viable anti-aging ingredients/properties.  One treatment that Dr. Dubrow has found benefits in is LED light therapy. The blue light reduces bacteria that causes acne and the red light is used for anti-aging. You can even purchase the light over the counter (and it's not every expensive). Dr. Dubrow offers these other general anti-aging tips: Avoid sun as much as possible and use sunscreen when in the sun. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Eat healthfully. Keep your weight steady (which will reduce risk of wrinkles). Also, take note of your age range for even more advice: 20-30s: make sure to have a solid skincare regimen (cleanser, moisturizer). 30-40s: early administration of Botox will prevent development of lines and wrinkles. 40-50s: radio frequency therapy can help the skin from aging. Beyond 50s: surgical therapy is an option. If you do turn to plastic surgery, the goal should be to look like the best version of YOU, not a celebrity. Having surgery outside of the U.S. raises risk of complication, as Dr. Dubrow knows well from his experience on his hit show, Botched. He advises three steps when seeking out a plastic surgeon. First, ask your surgeon, "Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure?" The regulations surrounding plastic surgery are quite loose. Second, search plastic surgeons according to their specialty. Review the medical board website (and other sources like Yelp) for any negative feedback. Third, meet your surgeon and go with your gut if it doesn't feel right. If he or she isn't very busy or is trying to "sell" you on procedures, it's probably not a great fit. Listen in as Dr. Dubrow joins Dr. Friedman to share even more anti-aging secrets, including which ingredients to use and which to stay away from.

A new survey conducted by Orlando Health finds the key to losing weight may lie in snapping the emotional bond that people have with food.Recent studies indicate that “emotional eating” affects up to 83 percent of people trying to lose weight, yet only about one in 10 Americans think having an emotional connection to food is a factor in being overweight. A new survey conducted by Orlando Health finds the key to losing weight may lie in snapping the emotional bond that people have with food. That’s why so many people fail to lose weight or quickly regain it, despite trying new diet and exercise routines. Dr. Bradley Nelson, author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Code, has trained more than 2500 healing practitioners in 62 countries to uncover and release “trapped” negative emotions, which he calls a top cause of obesity and weight problems. “The trapped emotions that we develop from experiences that we have been through in our lives oftentimes manifests as fat, which is like armor that protects us from negative people and negative circumstances. Getting rid of your emotional baggage can actually help you to lose weight.” Dr. Nelson joins Dr. Friedman to explain why your emotions may be getting in the way of a healthy weight. He also offers these three tips: 1. Discover Your Triggers: Get out a piece of paper and spend some time considering what it is that actually triggers you. What is the source of your emotional discomfort? Think about all the different life situations you’ve been through, especially the ones that left you feeling hurt, upset, angry or alone. Your emotional eating triggers are rooted in these upsetting events and traumas from your past, even if they occurred long ago. Beginning to become aware of the emotional baggage that you carry will help you to recognize when some of these old issues are being activated by events in the present. This is the first step to altering how you respond to these triggers in the present. 2. Keep an Eating Journal: Many weight-loss programs suggest that you write down what you eat. This is similar, but instead of simply writing down the food you are consuming, write down what you were feeling and thinking when you ate it. What inner voice were you trying to silence when you ate that tub of ice cream or that whole box of cookies? What stress were you trying to deal with? Making the connection between your eating habits and your emotions is a huge key to breaking away from unhealthy eating patterns. 3. Start Listening to Your Body: This is the most important step of all. Believe it or not, your body is constantly communicating with you and telling you what is helping it and what it hurting it. The trick is to tune in and pay attention to the signals it is giving so you can provide it with what it really needs rather than covering up the emotional hurt or aches and pains with unhealthy foods.

The real Buddha was thin... not the current vision we have of the big Buddha belly. How can his principles help you lose weight?There’s a lot you probably don’t know about the Buddha. For one, the real Buddha was thin... not the current vision we have of the big Buddha belly. And, before he became the “Enlightened One,” he was a pampered prince named Siddhartha. He tried dieting once and didn’t like it any more than you do. Instead, he sought a “middle way” between unhealthy overindulgence and unrealistic abstinence. The instructions he gave his monks about eating, more than 2,500 years ago, were surprisingly simple. Fast forward to today, and modern science confirms what Buddha knew all along. It’s not what you eat that’s important, but when you eat. Instead of the modern world's "around the clock" eating, this approach focuses on an eating clock; essentially a window of time within which you eat. For example, a nine-hour window would allow you to eat between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The rest of the time you would fast. You don’t need to follow the latest fads or give up your favorite foods. You just have to remember a few guidelines that Buddha provided... guidelines that, believe it or not, will help you lose weight, feel better, and stop obsessing about food. Sure, Buddha lived before the age of doughnuts and French fries, but his wisdom and teachings endure, providing us with a sane, mindful approach to achieving optimum health. Listen in as Dan Zigmond & Tara Cottrell, authors of Buddha's Diet: The Ancient Art of Losing Weight Without Losing Your Mind, join Dr. Friedman to explain what the Buddha Diet is and how it can help you lose weight and get healthy. 

Mismatched libido is one of the biggest problems in relationships. How can you improve intimacy within your own partnership?Sex is humans' second basic instinct after survival. It shouldn't be reserved for "special occasions" or when that Blue Moon comes around. Unfortunately, mismatched libido is one of the biggest problems in relationships. How can you improve intimacy within your own partnership? Ava Cadell, PhD, is a sexologist who has helped countless couples become closer in their sexual relationships.  Her new program involves the use of yoga poses, which allows couples to engage in physical activity and mindfulness, as well as stay connected on the journey to sexual fitness and satisfaction. The poses, coined "sexycises," range from playful to passionate and provide mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual benefits for individuals and couples. Listen in as Ava joins Dr. Friedman to explain why sex is such a vital part of life, as well as how sexycises can help you connect with your partner.  Plus, learn Ava's opinion on bondage, 50 Shades of Grey, erotic activities, role playing, and sex toys.

Dr. Friedman and Kim chew on the FDA's subterfuge, as well as the myths surrounding salt and sugar.Dr. Friedman and Kim chew on the FDA's subterfuge, as well as the myths surrounding salt and sugar. FDA Fails Instead of Food & Drug Administration, should the FDA be named "Fooling Dieters Again"? Independent research has shown there is a 20 percent margin of error on all food labels, and that the products are always over the amount listed; never under. Plus, serving sizes can be very tricky. For example, a 200-calorie Pop-Tart serving is just one of the tarts in a package, not both.  Another fail by the FDA is that terms like "all natural" aren't regulated by the FDA and are used more as marketing tools. Look for labels of Certified Organic or Non-GMO Verified.  Some companies have outsmarted consumers by renaming chemicals like aspartame (aminosweet) and MSG (hydrolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein or yeast extract). A good rule of thumb is that if you can't pronounce an ingredient, do not eat or drink it.  How can these fails be addressed? Perhaps there should be a separate administration that focuses only on food, not on drugs. Salt Slander Salt has been linked to health issues like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Researchers have now discovered that individuals who were put on a low-salt diet were actually at more risk of heart disease and other conditions. Your body needs sodium to function properly. Sugar Sabotage Many people aren't aware of just how much sugar they're ingesting on a daily basis. One 12-ounce can of cola typically contains 39 grams of sugar, which is well over the amount the average woman should have total in one day. Sugar is simply enemy number-one for almost all health goals. Don't miss these intriguing topics!

Being a mom has never been an easy job, but the increasing popularity of social media has put a new spin on motherhood.Being a mom has never been an easy job, but the increasing popularity of social media has put a new spin on motherhood (and parenting in general). Suddenly you may find yourself comparing your abilities with others. Sure, it may appear that you mommy circle of friends are "doing it all" or have the perfect children, but chances are that is just a facade.  At the end of the day, everyone has a unique situation. Founded on the premise of bringing moms together in engaging environments to learn and grow together, Social Common has become a trusted brand that is authentically lead by two very candid moms. Catherine Belknap & Natalie Telfer have evolved their brand into YouTube hosts for The Cat & Nat Show, brand ambassadors, branded content experts, TV personalities, social media leaders, and more. With their show, Cat and Nat use humor to help moms to get through the day, and they explore the emotional and physical challenges of being a mom. The overall message? Give yourself a break. No matter how the day turns out, there is always the next morning. Listen in as Cat and Nat join Dr. David Friedman to share more about their show, Social Common, and how they're providing a fun escape for busy moms and dads.

Why has opiate addiction taken such a devastating turn?Pain is a huge problem in today's world. It's how you deal with pain that becomes an even greater issue. Oral opiate addiction has steadily been on the rise in the last few decades. A whopping 90 percent of oral opiates are consumed in America.  Why has opiate addiction taken such a devastating turn? According to Dr. Drew Pinsky, a movement began with the premise that pain was being under-treated. Pain became the "fifth vital sign." This movement gained a legal and political presence, and now, there is a giant philosophy that pain is what the patient says it is. There is no objective proof of pain.  And, no good evidence exists that opiates are effective for chronic pain; they were designed for acute pain.  Doctors have a massive responsibility when dealing with chronic pain patients. They must look at history of addiction or family history of addiction. Paying attention to potential abuse risks could mean the difference between life and death. Remember, addiction is a brain disorder. Just because you can't see it or cut it out doesn't make it any less powerful than something like cancer. It can also have a genetic link.  If you're suffering with pain, there are alternative pain management methods, such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, etc. Listen in as Dr. Drew joins Dr. David Friedman to explain why opiate addiction is so prevalent.

When your thyroid is not working properly, you may be subject to head-to-toe symptoms.If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, the problem could be your thyroid: mood swings brain fog depression digestive issues insomnia hair loss inability to lose weight Your thyroid is considered your "master metabolism gland" because it is intimately connected to every bodily function. Understanding Signs & Symptoms When your thyroid is not working properly, you may be subject to head-to-toe symptoms. For example, with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), everything slows down. You may suffer with depression, fatigue, hair loss, infertility, or constipation. When it's overactive (hyperthyroidism), your body speeds up and you may experience symptoms like anxiety, diarrhea, and insomnia. However, symptoms can cross over. The good news is, you don't have to play a guessing game. Specific blood tests can assess how efficiently your thyroid is performing. The crucial element is that you need to get the right test. Most conventional doctors will request the TSH lab. This tells more about the pituitary gland, not the thyroid. Many doctors are also using outdated ranges for what is considered "normal." These ranges are way too broad. Make sure you ask for these labs: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies and Thyroglobulin Antibodies. Thyroid Issues on the Rise Why have thyroid problems increased in the last few decades? One factor is environmental shifts. Diets consiste of GMO and heavily processed foods, which has contributed to leaky guts. We are bombarded by toxins (including EMF), infections, and stress. And, most Americans are not eating an iodine-rich diet. This means that fluoride, bromide and chloride are allowed to take over. Another culprit is the increased consumption of soy, which can disrupt the activity of the thyroid. Much of soy today is GMO. Gut/Thyroid Connection Your gut is closely connected to your thyroid. In fact, the gut is the gateway to all health; the center of all health problems (even if you're not having digestive issues). A whopping 80 percent of your immune system sits in the gut. The first step in reversing autoimmune conditions, including thyroid issues, is to heal your gut. Eat lean, organic, pasture-raised, hormone-free meat and other animal products, as well as organic produce. Avoid endocrine disrupting ingredients and compounds. Make sure you're getting quality sleep, because that is when your hormones sync up and your body heals as a whole. One last thing... removal of thyroid due to cancer or other severe disease should be looked at as a last resort. Many alternative options exist. Listen in as Amy Myers, MD, joins Dr. David Friedman to discuss all things thyroid, including solutions and tips from her new book, The Thyroid Connection.

Dr. Friedman and Kim discuss foods that were once deemed "bad" but are now healthy, as well as the health benefits of vacation.Dr. Friedman and Kim chew on all the contradictions surrounding foods these days, as well as the health benefits of going on vacation. Food Contradictions It can go both ways... foods once deemed unhealthy, are now viewed as good and those once thought of as superfoods are now in question. Bad Foods Gone Good White potatoes. Help you lose weight, build strong bones, and provide 50 percent of daily vitamin C. Coffee. New research shows having 2-3 cups per day can help you live longer, lose weight, and combat colon cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Coffee can also improve focus, concentration and motivation. Coconut oil. Lowers bad cholesterol, combats heart disease and aids in weight loss.  Chocolate. Dark chocolate strengthens the heart and protects against cancer.  Beer. Lowers risk of heart disease and stroke. Contains B vitamins and antioxidants. Good Foods Gone Bad Beans & Legumes. Paleo proponents claim they contain potent toxins. Oatmeal. While once thought to be a good option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac, oats can be cross-contaminated with other grains and not necessarily gluten-free. Popcorn. Causes inflammation and blood sugar imbalance. Microwave popcorn is especially troublesome, because it contains a chemical that has been marked as a carcinogen by the EPA. As with anything in life, moderation is key. If you eat something and it doesn't make you feel good, it's probably not good for you. Going on Vacation Can Change Your Gene Activity Vacation reduces stress, which in turn affects the health of your cells and immune system. Taking time off changes an individual's bio-markers so much so that you could live longer.   Even the anticipation of going on a vacation can be beneficial. Don't miss these intriguing topics!

Dr. Friedman and Kim discuss why your AC may be making you fat, as well as how eating boogers might boost a kid's immune system.Dr. Friedman and Kim chew on a study from the Clinical Nutrition Research Center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, that suggests your air conditioner may be making you fat. One theory is that the cooler the temperature, the more fat gets stored to keep you warmer. Also, your appetite increases when exposed to colder temperatures and you crave less food when it’s warm. Then, the duo discusses research coming out of New Zealand which has found that children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails have a stronger immune system and are less likely to develop allergies later in life. Another study from Canada found that kids who pick their nose and eat their boogers also have a stronger immune system. Don't miss these intriguing topics!