1. Current agriculture techniques leave soil deficient in important minerals, causing the food grown in this soil to share the same mineral deficiencies. The amount of food we would have to eat in a given day in order to get our daily mineral and vitamin needs would leave us eating all day long and not necessarily one’s favorite foods.

2. Many foods are shipped long distances and are stored for long periods of time, both of which cause the depletion of vitamins in these foods, including the important B-complex and C vitamins. Once picked fruits and vegetables start to deplete and there nutrients breakdown not all of us are so lucky to have a tree in the backyard.

3. Food processing, cooking, and preserving leads to nutrient depletion in our food supply that makes it difficult to obtain adequate nutrition from foods alone. Unless you are eating foods in a completely raw state it’s hard to get full nutritional value from each item.

4. Many fruits and vegetables are genetically bred to improve visual appeal and crop yields, not nutritional value, which frequently results in lesser nutritional values than our ancestors’ food supply.

5. Erratic eating habits, insufficient chewing of food, eating on the run, and stress contribute to poor digestion, making it difficult for our bodies to extract all the nutrients it needs from food.  Let’s face it who chews each bite 30 times?

6. Pharmaceutical drug use has escalated over time.  Most medications deplete essential nutrients, making people more vulnerable to deficiencies. It’s important to know what nutrients are depleted with each medication you take so you can compensate.

7. Specific times in life and health conditions may result in higher needs of certain nutrients.  For example, folic acid needs tend to be higher during pregnancy, while menopausal women may be vulnerable to calcium, b-vitamin, iodine, magnesium deficiencies, etc…

8. Increasing levels of environmental pollution in our air, water and food may cause our bodies to use more nutrients than normal to detoxify and eliminate harmful substances.  This is especially true of the antioxidant vitamins, some of which include: the “ACE Vitamins:” Vitamins A, C, and E.

9. We all have genetic weaknesses, including higher needs of some nutrients, higher rates of depletion for certain nutrients, and an increased likelihood of genetic expression of some illnesses if vitamin or mineral deficiencies are present.

10. Many nutrients have been proven to prevent or aid in the treatment of health conditions like high cholesterol, arthritis, birth defects, and cancer.  There is much research about how nutrients can help prevent disease.

Of course, you should always consult a qualified health professional first to avoid any drug-nutrient interactions.  And avoid supplements with sweeteners, colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers.  Children should always take supplement formulas designed for their needs. At our office we develop specifically nutritional programs for people of all ages including children.

All the best for amazing health!

Dr. Stephanie King

1. Period changes: These changes can include a lengthening or shortening of the number of days in between periods, heavier or lighter flow, and missing a period entirely. A woman is considered to have undergone menopause when she hasn’t had a period for at least one year.
2. Hot flashes and night sweats. Yes these can occur while still having a normal cycle.
3. Disrupted sleep: This can be related to the above or may happen without night sweats. In addition to waking in the middle of the night, many women have problems falling asleep. Tossing and turning and racing mind are often common with the disrupted sleep pattern.
4. Mood swings: Ranging from irritability, edgy, snappy, anxiety, to severe depression, the hormonal changes of perimenopause strike at women’s emotional health.
5. Vaginal dryness: This dryness can result in painful sex unless a sufficient amount of an appropriate lubricant is used.
6. Increased fat around the waist: Hey, at least there’s an excuse! Still, excess stomach fat is a health risk and can be addressed with natural hormone balancing, healthful diet and consistent exercise.
7. Urinary problems: Lower hormone levels can result in vaginal and urinary problems.
8. Memory and concentration problems: Taking nutritional supports and balancing hormones naturally can help reduce these problems.
9. Bone loss: Osteoporosis risks increase during this stage of life. It is recommended that women take a baseline bone density test around the age of 40 so that bone health can be monitored and treated as needed.

By knowing these symptoms you can recognize that your body is changing due to hormonal change, supporting your body with good health, natural remedies, nutritional supports and natural hormone balancing as needed along with a healthy diet and exercise, will go along way to helping you have a healthy smooth transition.  Finding a great trustworthy healthcare provider will help guide you through this time of life and help you have a continued amazing great life.  For more information on how to balance your body naturally and reach your full health potential talk with Dr. Stephanie King at 626-799-0557. Visit our website at www.dedicatedtohealth.com

1. Soup—Most all soups, even most homemade soup contains MSG, even if the cook swears it doesn’t, they may not know they’ve used it. Most soup bases use commercial stocks, and bouillion powder or cubes which contain MSG. If you make you soup from scratch without these pre-made stocks and powders you will be safe.

2. Spice Mixtures—Love that Cajun seasoning, TexMex rub, or other spice mixture? Most spice mixtures contain MSG—frequently as autolyzed yeast or yeast extract. Fresh herbs from the garden are best, but you can get organic herbs that have been made with only the herbs and seasoning and are free of these additives.

3. Infant Formula—As terrible as it sounds, some infant formula actually contains MSG in one of its myriad disguises. This is to make it taste good so your little one will actually eat it.

4. Soy “Meat” Products—Many of the vegetarian burgers, hot dogs, sausages, or other meat alternatives contain textured vegetable protein (TVP), hydrolyzed vegetable protein or hydrolyzed plant protein, all of which usually contain MSG.  Processed “fake” meat products are by far one of the worst products we can eat going vegetarian should be whole unprocessed clean foods talk to us about a good healthy balanced diet if this is the path for you.

5. Baby Food—Shocking as it is, manufacturers of baby food often include glutamate, one of MSG’s many guises—as a flavor “enhancer.”

6. Bottled Sauces—Just gotta have your Thai, Teriyaki, or Jamaican Jerk sauce? Well, most bottled sauces contain MSG. Not only due they contain MSG, but also sugar equally causing inflammation and illness to the body.

7. Salad Dressings—The salad dressing you’re choosing could be negating any of the health benefits of eating salad, if you choose a bottled dressing that contains MSG. Bottled salad dressings may contain “natural flavour,” “spices,” or “seasoning,” all of which can legally contain MSG. Beyond that also avoid dressings with sugar.  My advise make your own with natural vinegar or lemon and olive oil with your own spices.

8. Salad Croutons—Most croutons are flavored with bouillion, soup base, or “natural” or artificial flavors that contain MSG.

From Neurologist Dr. Russell Blaylock a full list of Additives that always contain MSG:

-Monosodium glutamate (that’s the full name for MSG)

-Hydrolyzed vegetable protein

-Hydrolyzed protein

-Hydrolyzed plant protein

-Plant protein extract

-Sodium caseinate

-Calcium caseinate

-Yeast extract

-Textured protein

-Autolyzed yeast

-Hydrolyzed oat flour

Additives that frequently contain MSG:

-Malt extract

-Malt Flavoring

-Bouillon

-Broth

-Stock

-Flavoring

-Natural Flavoring

-Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring

-Seasoning

-Spices

Additives that sometimes contain MSG

-Carrageenan

-Enzymes

-Soy Protein Concentrate

-Soy Protein Isolate

-Whey Protein Isolate

Next time you’re buying packaged foods, be sure to take this list with you to avoid harmful neurotoxins that could be affecting your health.

For a guide on healthy eating specific for your body talk with Dr. Stephanie King and have your own Nutrition and Lifestyle one-on-one consult.

Is hCG safe and effective for weight loss?

hCG is a natural hormone found in both men, women during pregnancy and even non-pregnant women.  It was discovered in 1954 by Dr. Simeons that hCG could accelerate fat mobilization if combined with a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD).  At that time, Dr. Simeons had been using hCG to treat obesity.  It has continued to gain popularity to this day as a natural approach to weight loss.

No other weight loss program addresses and corrects low metabolism, emotional eating and cravings for sweets.  With hCG you lose fat rapidly and maintain muscle mass.

Why the 500-Calorie Diet?

You are restricted to a 500 Calorie Diet while on the hCG protocol because the hCG injections in itself releases 1,500 to 4,000 calories from your stored fat per day.  Regardless of your size or weight, 500 calories from food is sufficient because you will be utilizing stored fat for energy. Most individuals on this diet will lose about 1 pound of fat per day. A pound of fat = 3500 calories, so that in addition to the 500 calories of food you consume a total of 4000 calories are consumed daily.  That’s why most people on this protocol do not experience hunger and some even have trouble eating the 500 calories each day.

hCG accomplishes INCREASES YOUR metabolism permanently while preserving muscle tissue.  In 4 weeks you can lose up to 30 pounds of fat with hCG.

How much will one person lose while on the hCG?

Weight loss will vary per person depending on your sex and individual metabolism.  Men generally lose more than women.  hCG is not a miracle and is very patient compliant, therefore, your success will depend on how strictly you adhere to the protocol.

It is possible to lose between 15 – 35 lbs while on the program.  On an average you can lose between 0.5-1 lb daily.   Depending on whether you want to do our short or long version and then based on how we do our Maintenance and Nutrition you can stabilize your weight or continue to lose slowly.

Are there any preparations required prior to starting the program?

Yes.  we do a free consultation to discuss your case specifically whether you quality for the program and which program best suits your needs, short, long, basic or complete with Nutrition protocol and lab testing.

Is hCG safe and effective for weight loss?

hCG is a natural hormone found in both men, women during pregnancy and even non-pregnant women.  It was discovered in 1954 by Dr. Simeons that hCG could accelerate fat mobilization if combined with a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD).  At that time, Dr. Simeons had been using hCG to treat obesity.  It has continued to gain popularity to this day as a natural approach to weight loss.

No other weight loss program addresses and corrects low metabolism, emotional eating and cravings for sweets.  With hCG you lose fat rapidly and maintain muscle mass.

Why the 500-Calorie Diet?

You are restricted to a 500 Calorie Diet while on the hCG protocol because the hCG in itself releases 1,500 to 4,000 calories from your stored fat per day.  Regardless of your size or weight, 500 calories from food is sufficient because you will be utilizing stored fat for energy. Most individuals on this diet will lose about 1 pound of fat per day. A pound of fat = 3500 calories, so that in addition to the 500 calories of food you consume a total of 4000 calories are consumed daily.  That’s why most people on this protocol do not experience hunger and some even have trouble eating the 500 calories each day.

Why can’t I just go on the 500-Calorie diet without the hCG?

Going on the 500-Calorie diet without the hCG, your body will be losing the normal fat (fat that is being used by the body for energy), structural fat (fat that protects your organs) and your muscles.  This will cause you to be excessively hungry which will affect your mental health and well-being.  By combining the hCG with the 500-Calorie diet  your body will lose the abnormal fat (fat that is stored and cannot be lost with diet or exercise alone) and use this as energy.

Will I feel hungry while on the hCG program?

Because hCG is mobilizing your stored fat, your body will be constantly fed by the broken down fat upwards of 1200 to 4000 calories daily. Most people report a feeling of being satisfied while using hCG even though their actual food intake is  500 calories, at our office we also compliment the hCG with specific nutrients to make sure your body will be in complete health during the program and also to correct any nutritional imbalances your body may already have that caused the weight issues to begin with.

Will I gain the weight back?

There is no reason that you should.  After the hCG program your metabolism has been reset along with your food cravings and emotional eating: and most importantly, your body has transformed.  The hCG program has now taught you to replace your negative eating habits and inactive lifestyle with  healthy perspectives on food and exercise.  We carefully transition you through maintenance and then into a healthy lifestyle of eating you are not left “hanging” following this program so you will maintain this set point and now have a healthy working metabolism and learned how your body works and the foods that work for your system together with us.

Do I have to exercise while on the hCG program?

No.  We do not recommend strenuous exercise while on the program but you can limit yourself to a 20-minute walk daily.  The 500-Calorie diet is not sufficient for strenuous exercise.  When you start exercising on a HCG diet, the body will perceive it doesn’t have enough energy sources to rely on and it will believe you are starving.  This reduces the metabolic processes and severely slows, if not all together stalls the weight loss process.  If you do have to do physical work or heavy exercise we can design a supplement program to compliment that activity level so you can still do the program.

hCG and menstruation in women

Most have a slight plateau while on their period, but otherwise women do quite well and cycles are unaffected unless we are dealing with hormonal imbalances which we address on and one-by-one basis.

hCG for Metabolic Diseases?

Increasing metabolism with hCG will improve or completely eradicate metabolic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or hypothyroidism.   Therefore less medication would be required or discontinued all together.  Eczema also improves with hCG.

Who can be treated with hCG?

Men and Women at least 18 years of age can be treated with hCG except women who are pregnant.  Clients with metabolic diseases mentioned previously will have the additional benefit of becoming healthier while experiencing complete body transformation and regain control of their lives.

Is Weight Loss Permanent?

Yes! Maintaining your reset increased metabolism and lean body is accomplished by continuing the same eating habits learned during the hCG protocol. Eating small healthy meals or healthy snacks at regular intervals will keep your body burning fat to maintain your transformed body.

We offer a FREE CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE and our programs specifically as we have two versions to tailor to best suit your needs and what will work for your body.  Call us today to find out more and start losing weight to look amazing in your outfit.  I know that being able to fit into all your clothes is sooo important and this program will do that for you!

The foods you eat show through your skin. They’re what end up keeping you looking young or not so much. After all, your food is your medicine, three times a day or five, everyday. So we are a reflection of what we eat.

As most of you know plenty of fresh organic  fruits and vegetables as well as whole unprocessed foods do the trick. If you’re concerned with aging gracefully, start where it matters, in your diet. You can buy all the “high end” creams but if you don’t change what you put in the body then everything you put on the body doesn’t matter. Here are seven foods that will keep you looking younger longer.

1. Avocado and Other Good Fats

Avocado has a lot of things going for it not the least of which is its fat content. You’ll notice that as you age those with little flesh on the body, especially in the face, begin to age faster. A little flesh keeps us looking younger. Bathe yourself in good fats like olive oil and avocado. If you’re concerned with cutting the fat, focus on the bad fats like lard and excessive amounts of butter.

3. Guava

Guava is great for your skin because it’s loaded with vitamin C. It has 4 times as much as citrus fruits. Vitamin C serves as the body’s natural Botox, keeping your skin cells full and wrinkle-free.

4. Oysters

Depending on type and variety oyster, they provide 16 to 182 mg of zinc per 100g serving, according to Healthalicious. This accounts for 110 to 1200 percent of the RDA for zinc. Zinc serves to repair damage done to skin cells. So if you spent too much time out in the sun as a child and caused problems for your skin, zinc can prepare it.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have beta-carotene, which is known to balance your skin’s pH, helps combat dryness, and promotes cell turnover, all resulting in smoother skin. Combining good fats like coconut or olive oil with beta-caratene makes it even more effective.

6. Seasonal Berries

Berries are among the highest is antioxidant content. Berries like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries have some of the highest antioxidant capacity. These antioxidants fight the free radicals that cause wrinkling on the skin.

7. Omega Fatty Acids

“Essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which is not only what act as barriers to harmful things but also as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell,” Ann Yelmokas McDermott, PhD, a nutritionist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston toldWebMd.

Omega 3 is made up of three acids EPA, DHA, and ALA. ALA can be found in hemp seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds. DHA and EPA are found in algae, spirulina, blue-green algae, and chlorella.

Eating healthy shouldn’t be stressful, small baby steps can get you in the right direction to not only feeling great but looking amazing. Next time you pick up that high priced moisturizer think about what you put on your plate and make sure you are adding some of these great anti-aging foods.

For a plan specific for your body call and find out what we can do for you 626-799-0557.

Trying to maintain a youthful appearance naturally? I like many of you don’t want to undergo the knife, Botox, or some other invasive procedure if I can avoid it and still look amazing in the mirror. Natural herbs and nutrients can help turn back the hands of time. Here are some of the best ones for anti-aging:

1. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): ALA is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radical damage. It also helps to recycle other antioxidants like vitamins E and C, giving you greater protection against free radicals. Free radicals are to blame for aging and disease, including skin damage and wrinkling. We offer a great timed release form of Alpha Lipoic called AlamaxCR which works continually in your system once ingested.

2. Bilberry: Packed with antioxidants, bilberry is an amazing herb. It is helpful to preserve vision and prevent degenerative eye diseases.

3. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid): Declining levels of HGH are linked with many of the symptoms linked with aging: fat gain, muscle loss, loss of energy, poor sleep, skin changes, bone density loss, and a decline in libido. Supplementing with GABA, a natural amino acid helps to maintain levels of HGH naturally, lessening these unwanted symptoms. We offer a great form of this (best taken at night) in our Relax Max which also helps you unwind at the end of the day.

4. Garlic (Allium sativum): Garlic is renowned for its potent effects on viruses and bacteria, but it also reduces cholesterol levels and helps lower blood pressure. In one Japanese study, garlic slowed age-related memory loss in animals. Add garlic to soups, salads, salad dressings or if you are concerned with scent Kyolic orderless Garlic capsules will work for you.

5. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): There is solid scientific research that supports the use of ginkgo to increase blood flow to the brain, one of the areas that is commonly affected by aging. European research shows ginkgo’s capacity to help people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia to become more sociable and alert. You can take 60 to 240 mg of standardized ginkgo extract per day.

6. Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Among the Chinese, ginseng is considered the Fountain of Youth. According to renowned herbalist Dr. James Duke, it tones the skin and muscles, improves appetite and digestion, and restores sexual energy. Ginseng is included in many of our transdermal creams and adrenal support formulas because of it’s anti-aging affect and effect on hormone balance.

7. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Frequently used in India to improve memory and extend longevity, gotu kola is excellent when made into an herbal tea.

8. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): Loaded with the mineral silicon that often declines with age, horsetail plays a role in increasing the silicon in arteries, skin, bones, cartilage and connective tissues. Horsetail is also available as a tea. If you are taking Osoplex you are getting pure silicon in a highly compounded formula.

9. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum): Since the liver has more than five hundred functions, including processing and filtering medications and environmental toxins, it can suffer from the stresses of the modern world. Silymarin, an active ingredient in milk thistle stimulates liver cell regeneration to help the liver rebuild after it has been damaged. A standardized extract of 140 mg of silymarin per day is suitable to help protect and repair the liver, a break must be taken as this is an herb that cannot be taken continually.

10. Peppermint (Metha peperita): In addition to helping with digestion and gastrointestinal problems linked with aging, peppermint contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other age-related disorders. It is readily available as an herbal tea. Peppermint oil capsules and tea helps with heartburn which is great!

11. Turmeric (curcuma longa): Turmeric is powerful against many types of pain and inflammation associated with aging. A spice, commonly used in Indian curries, you can add it to your soups, stews, and curries to benefit from this valuable spice. Powerful herb associated with many health benefits add this to all your foods it has been linked to helping in prevention of cancer and dementia.

12. Vitamin D: vitamin D helps protect against bone loss linked with aging, as well as many chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Staying free of these diseases can certainly help you live a longer, healthier life. A dose of 2000IU per day is the minimum more should not be taken without a blood serum study.

It isn’t necessary to take all of the above herbs and nutrients to benefit from their anti-aging properties. Even one or two taken consistently can help. Start by drinking horsetail, gotu kola, or peppermint tea regularly and eating more curries with garlic and turmeric. Follow the manufacturer’s suggested dose for tinctures, capsules or tea. It is highly recommened if you want to start a nutrition program or anti-aging program that you consult a qualified health professional before taking any herbs or combining them with medications. If you are interested we would be happy to consult with you about our Health & Lifestyle Sessions that can put you in the right direction.

All the best for amazing health,

Dr. Stephanie King