Have you heard about the Gerson Tapes? They’re a collection of interviews and teachings from Charlotte Gerson, who runs the Gerson clinics that have successfully treated thousands of cancer patients with a therapy based on cleansing, detoxification and live foods nutrition.

The treatment is so successful that, even today, thousands of patients from around the world flock to the Gerson clinics in Mexico (www.Gerson.org) to heal themselves of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic degenerative conditions.

Why are the clinics in Mexico? Because, not surprisingly, U.S. authorities have outlawed all natural cancer treatments in America and even viciously attacked the top scientists who discovered scientifically-validcancer cures that really work. Want some proof? Watch the shocking documentary ”Burzynski” and you’ll be stunned by what you learn.

That documentary is available to be watched, full length, at no charge right now at NaturalNews.TV. Seriously, watch this video and you will be absolutely blown away by how the government has declared war on our country’s best anti-cancer pioneers who could cure millions of people.

There are a variety of reasons why we “bag out” or can’t seem to get through the day without a ‘catnap’. Shift -work, medication, stress, sleep difficulties or illness all contribute to that dip in energy somewhere during your day.

Though some of those issues may need specific attention, you can generally maintain your energy levels throughout the day and evening with a change in diet. Improper eating habits are the fundamental base for so many health issues it boggles my mind. People run around looking for that magic pill or quick fix – when in fact, all they need is the right foods in the right proportions.

Here are a few basic guidelines – not overly complicated – that if followed properly will help to give you energy and possibly help with other health issues as well.

1. Protein: Fish, meat, dairy products, beans

If you eat only salads with no meat, fish, or beans for lunch but discover yourself ‘nodding out in the early afternoon, chances are that lacking protein is your problem…and it can become more than just a lack of energy. Studies have shown that people who skip protein for breakfast, for instance, are more apt to be depressed, stressed, and less physically fit than those who regularly add protein to their plates.
Amino acids, which make up proteins, are the body’s building blocks, growing and repairing everything from blood vessels to hair. Amino acids also help increase levels of neurotransmitters that in turn boost mood and alertness.
What the experts say…but always adjust to your needs: 0.8 gram of protein per kilogram (0.36 gram per pound) of body weight. For example, if you weigh 68 kilograms (150 pounds), you need 54 grams of protein. One serving of beef tenderloin has 32 grams of protein; ( Strive for beef that is grass fed and hopefully antibiotic or chemical free.) 1 cup (250 milliliters) of black beans, 15 grams; and 1 cup (250 milliliters) of milk, 8 grams
2. Iron: Red meat, molasses, beans
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, leading to a low volume of red blood cells that result in fatigue. Symptoms include weakness, pallor, fatigue, and brittle nails. If you suspect anemia, check with your doctor. Most cases are caused by blood loss (for example, from a bleeding ulcer or heavy menstrual flow).
What the experts say…but always adjust to your needs: The recommended amount of iron is 8 milligrams per day for men and menopausal women and 18 milligrams for menstruating women. One 90-gram (3-ounce) serving of beef has 3.2 grams, and a cup (250 milliliters) of soybeans provides 8.8. These quantities of course will vary depending on the food source.
Something worth knowing! Our bodies absorb iron much better from meat than from plant foods. If you get most of your iron from vegetarian sources like beans and peas, eat them with foods like citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C, which aids iron absorption.

3. Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables
Carbohydrates – thats your bodysuit main source of energy. HOWEVER most people have a tendency to eat too many “simple” carbs that digest quickly, and that sends blood sugar on a roller coaster ride and that my friend will sap your energy rather than giving you energy. You should choose ‘complex-carb’ foods like brown rice over white, to get a steady supply of energy. Generally, people who regularly eat high-fiber cereal at breakfast, have more energy, mental clarity, and less emotional upset than those that do the ‘coffee and muffin thing.
Whole grains are also a good source of B vitamins. Run low on these “B”s, and you’re going to feel that lack of energy we were talking about. They have many functions, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into glucose, the fuel our bodies run on.
What the experts say…but always adjust to your needs: The people in the know recommend 7 to 10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Try to get at least three carbohydrate servings from whole grains like whole wheat or brown rice. A serving of bread is one slice; a serving of rice is 1/2 cup (125 milliliters).

4. Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli
Most of us have heard how the 17th century sailors that were sick and dying from scurvy were miraculously saved by sipping lemon juice. Studies have found that vitamin C deficiency is associated with fatigue. C is necessary for a healthy adrenal system, which helps prevent fatigue from physical or emotional stress. It also helps fight off infections and helps us absorb iron. C – I mean see – it’s all about balance.
What the experts say…but always adjust to your needs: 75 milligrams a day for women and 90 milligrams a day for men, – thats the standard recommendations I think more is much better. One red bell pepper has about twice that amount; a cup (250 mL) of broccoli also provides more than the quota. So I’m sure you can manage to munch your way through more than those in a day!
Something worth Knowing! Cooking reduces vitamin C by about 25 percent, so eat some fruits and veggies raw. Actually – I prefer to eat them all raw…at the very most lightly steamed.

5. Magnesium: Pumpkin seeds, spinach

Remember Popeye? “I’ll fight to the finish ‘cause I eats me Spinach…”. Well – he was on the right track for creating energy. Sorry to get a little technical here but – One of its nutrients, magnesium, is essential for the production of a molecule called adenine tripolyphosphate, the end product of food’s conversion to energy. Magnesium also relaxes muscles and aids sleep. If we don’t have enough, we feel tired and weak. So take Popeye’s lead and chow down on your Spinach.
What the experts say…but always adjust to your needs: 400 to 420 milligrams of magnesium daily for men; 310 to 320 milligrams for women. A quarter cup (50 ml) of pumpkin seeds has 185 milligrams; a cup (250 mL) of cooked spinach has 157. Have you notices you need a good variety of veggies and fruits?

6. Beta-carotene: Sweet potatoes, carrots
Beta-Carotene needs a discussion on it’s own – we’ll get to that at a later date – for now know this – by adding color to your plate, you’ll add energy to your life. Beta-carotene, the vitamin A precursor, puts the color in carrots sweet potatoes and spinach. It helps boost a depressed immune system, and this, though not realized by most people, is often at the root of chronic fatigue.
OK – my technical stuff again – By promoting healthy cell membranes, beta-carotene boosts protection from viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies. It also ups the activity of T cells, which fight infections, and it’s necessary for healthy red blood cells. Colors on the plate – make the doctors wait.
What the experts say…but always adjust to your needs: Make five of your daily produce servings leafy dark green vegetables and yellow or orange fruits and vegetables. Don’t be bland man – the more color – the better.

Something worth Knowing! Lightly steaming (not overcooking) foods like carrots and spinach can help your body absorb their beta-carotene.

7. Potassium: Spinach, avocados, squash
Potassium! We’ve all heard of it but if your body is low on this stuff, you risk muscle weakness and exhaustion. It’s interesting to know that people low on potassium usually have weaker hand grips than people with enough of the nutrient. Nothing worse that a soft swishy hand shake – or not enough strength in your grip to open that jar of pickled cabbage! Potassium helps transport nutrients to cells, maintain water balance, regulate muscle contraction, and maintain a healthy nervous system and heart rate.
What the experts say…but always adjust to your needs: 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day. One cup (250 ml) of cooked spinach has 839 milligrams; an avocado, 875; and a cup (250 ml) of winter squash, 896. Mmmm – I love Avocado!
Something worth Knowing! Potassium decreases the excretion of calcium, so boosting your potassium intake also helps keep your bones healthy…too much calcium cause all kinds of health issues…again – it all comes down to balance. Not too much – not too little – not too hot – not too cold …The Three bear concept works well !

Eating a Balanced meal is a start – Eating a Healthy Balanced meal is progress – Eating a Healthy Balanced meal in proper proportions – that’s success!

By Coach Doug Bowers

There’s a lot of free advice about physical activity out there these days ? some reliable, some not. It’s easy to fall into the trap: A friend gives you an activity tip, and then you pass it on to several buddies you know. One day, you’re at your weekly yoga class, and sure enough, you hear the same tip repeated, so you figure it must be true. When you’re unsure, the important thing is to ask a qualified fitness professional for advice. In the meantime, knowing the difference between fact and fiction will keep you healthy, injury-free, and on track to meeting your physical activity goals. Here are some myths that need some challenging:
Myth #1: An aerobic workout will boost your calorie burn for hours after you stop working out.
False: Don’t confuse calorie burn with metabolism. While your metabolism will continue to rev at a slightly higher rate after you finish an aerobic workout, the amount of calorie burn is not statistically significant. In fact, you’ll only use up about 20 extra calories for the rest of the day. While there’s a little bit more of a metabolic boost after strength training, it’s still negligible. In other words, don’t use the fact that you worked out to eat more.
Myth #2: If you’re not working up a sweat, you’re not exercising hard enough.
False: Sweating or perspiring is not necessarily an indicator of exertion. Perspiring is your body’s way of cooling itself. It’s possible to burn a significant number of calories without breaking a sweat.
Myth #3: Strength training will make me “bulk up.”
False: Gaining muscle mass is something you have to work very hard at to achieve, male or female. Women tend to avoid weight training because they don’t want to look bulked up. However, strength training is a critical element to maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your body. What we know is that the average woman doesn’t typically gain bulk from strength training because she doesn’t have the amount of hormones necessary to build massive amounts of muscle.
Myth #4: Machines are a safer way to weight train because you’re doing it right every time.
False: Although it may seem as if an exercise machine automatically puts your body in the right position and helps you do all the movements correctly, that’s only true if the machine is properly adjusted for your weight and height. Before using any equipment or performing any exercise, you should ensure you understand the full mechanics of the movement and the proper endpoints. Unless you have a coach or a trainer to figure out what is the right setting for you, you can make just as many mistakes in form and function and have just as high a risk of injury on a machine as if you work out with free weights or do any other type of workout.
Myth #5: When it comes to physical activity, you’ve got to feel some pain if you’re going to gain any benefits.
False: While you should expect to have some degree of stiffness or soreness a day or two after physical activity, that’s very different from feeling pain while you are working out. A fitness activity should not hurt while you are doing it, and if it does, then either you are doing it incorrectly, or you already have an injury. As for “working through the pain,” experts advise against it. If it hurts, stop, rest, and see if the pain goes away. If it doesn’t go away, or if it begins again or increases after you start an activity, see a doctor.
Myth #6: If I can’t be active often enough, I might as well not even do it.
False: Remember: Any activity is better than no activity, even if it’s only a 15-minute walk. Being physically active is important for heart health and is proven to reduce stress. So, even if you can’t make it to the gym or yoga class, you can always do something active each day. Taking a walk, climbing the stairs instead of hopping on the elevator or escalator all count!
Myth #7: You can take weight off of specific body parts by doing exercises that target those areas.
False: This concept is called “spot training” and unfortunately, it doesn’t target fatty areas. When you lose weight, your body predetermines which fat stores it will use. For example, doing sit-ups will strengthen your abs but will not take the fat off of your stomach. Similarly, an activity like running burns fat all over your body, not just your legs. You can, however, complement a balanced physical activity program with a selection of weight training exercises to gradually lose weight and tone your body.
Myth #8: You will burn more fat if you exercise longer at a lower intensity.
False: The most important factor in physical activity and weight control is not the percentage of fat calories burned, but the total calories burned during the activity. The faster you walk, bike or swim, for example, the more calories you use per minute. You may still be burning more calories (and likely will be) from fat but the relative percentage of the source will be altered. So high intensity exercises will likely burn more calories total, as well as attributable energy to fat metabolism.
Myth #9: I can eat what I want because my workout will keep the weight off.
False: If you tend to eat large-portion meals such as 340 g/12 oz steaks, two to three cups of pasta, three to four slices of pizza, or high-calorie foods such as chocolate shakes and fries on a regular basis, no manner of workout will burn enough of those calories off to keep your weight in check. A healthy way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is to combine healthy eating with regular physical activity – they go hand in hand. Need help? Try our Healthy Weights Action Plan.
Myth #10: The best time to be active is early in the morning.
False: There is no one optimal time to be active. The best time is the time that appeals to you and fits into your schedule on a regular basis. Some folks love to jump-start their day with a morning workout, while others swear that physical activity at the end of the work day is a great way to boost energy for the evening and eliminate stress. Choose whatever works for you.
Before starting any activity program, be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional.
This physical activity column was written by a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor and reviewed by a specialist in kinesiology.

This information is mostly for men but it’s good information for everyone to know… and ladies…I know you’re reading this OK.
Men have a tendency to “eat on the run” and believe me, what they choose to eat isn’t always the most healthy of choices. I’m not sure if it’s strictly a ‘guy thing’ or not but regarding eating habits, one  study I found referred to the probability of men developing nutritional ‘blind spots‘ in their diet. That is – they will favor only certain foods, say burgers or steak and some form of potatoes. I’m sure the ladies out there have the same issue but today I’m focusing on one of the few and rare problems we men have. What? OK. OK.  I’m Just kidding. Don’t roll your eyes at me girls – just read on…
As you can see, favoring one food type means missing  out on a lot of valuable nutrition and that can become quite a problem. Your body, as most of us all know, needs a supply of vitamins and minerals to function properly. So if your diet isn’t what it should be you may have to resort to supplements. For me, a multi vitamin just doesn’t cut the mustard. If you don’t have the time to eat right – at least get the proper supplementation to help keep you healthy.  Please remember they are supplements – not substitutes.  Just note …
Nothing will replace nutrition from good, wholesome, well balanced meals.

These are just suggestions OK. What and how much of anything you take depends on you, your lifestyle and your diet…and probably your budget.

Greens
What is the one thing men think about most throughout the day? Eating greens, right?  No? Oh! OK, I must have missed something there. Actually, eating greens is probably the furthest thing from a guys train of though so that’s why they  need to supplement. Greens are great for alkalizing because of their calcium and magnesium pack a powerful punch when it comes to nutrients;
- They contain more vitamin A than carrots
- They contain more vitamin C than oranges
- They contain more vitamin E than whole wheat
- They contain more vitamin B2 than milk
- They contain high-quality proteins with a good amino acid profile
Greens provide assimilable essential alkaline minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are found in insufficient quantities in fruit, nuts and seeds, not to mention other more conventional, acid-forming foods.
I’ve tried several brands and guess what – they all taste like…grass. But I drink them anyway. My personal favorite -Aim Barley Green. It’s smoother and doesn’t clump, making it a little easier to to drink.

Saw Palmetto.
Lets face it, the years are sneaking past us and the media keeps throwing the fear of BPH ( benign prostate hyperplasia) at us every chance they get. Thats sort of an indication of problems with your prostate. ( be sure to get second and third opinions  if you are diagnosed with high BPH ) Often, this causes the feeling to have get up and go to the washroom at night but only a trickle comes out. Korean studies show that men taking 320 mgs of Saw Palmetto daily saw their BPH symptoms reduced by 50% after 1 year.
There are many good sources of Saw Palmetto ( some with combination of other herbs) in most health food stores. I , again, prefer the AIM product.

Lycopene.
This nutrient is found in Tomatoes. From what I understand, you get the biggest bang for your dollar if the tomatoes are heated rather than sliced cold and thrown into a salad or sandwich. I love cooking mine up with my eggs for brekky. Lycopene is a powerful anti-oxident that may reduce your risk of prostate cancer according to many recent studies. Guys – you really, really don’t want any problems with your prostate – the ‘love life’ may suffer greatly  – if you get my drift. So get moving on this one OK. it’s also of great benefit to your vision.
15 to 20 mgs per day is usually recommended.

Probiotics
Probiotics are a healthy bacteria ( yes we need bacteria in our bodies!) in our digestive system that helps break down the food we eat, so we get the full benefits of it. There are 60 trillion of the little critters down there. I haven’t had time to count them all but there’s a lot. Proper digestion is important in many aspects of your helath – the immune system, detoxification and energy levels.
My choice is from Dr. Mercola.

Co-Q -10
This is something that causes a little bit of confusion. Coenzyme  Q-10 has been sold for years and usually has been the cheaper, oxidized form Ubiquinone.  Your body has to convert this into Ubiquinol to be utilized properly. Ubiquinol is a little more expensive to produce  so naturally more expensive to buy.
Ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form of CoQ10, is essential to the body’s natural production of cellular energy and provides powerful antioxidant protection to cells. Without it, the body cannot sustain energy. The body’s ability to naturally produce this vital nutrient is diminished over time. This makes it vital for good heart health.
Once you’ve passed the late twenties, the body has trouble producing it’s own Ubiquinol so it’s a good idea to start supplementing.
Recommended dosage is usually around 200 – 300 mgs per day for a few weeks and then ease down to about 100 mgs per day. Look around – the health shops have plenty. Read the labels!

Omega 3.
Over looked – mis-understood – confused with all the media hype. Our brain is made up of somewhere between 40% and 60% fats and more than half of that is Essential Fatty Acids. Omega 3 is called the Super Unsaturated Fat – it’s essential because our bodies don’t make it and Heath professionals world wide feel it is the one nutrient we are missing the most in our diets. It’s good for everything! Heart, brain function, reducing inflammation, vision – even digestion. It’s also been shown to help children and adults with ADD and ADHD greatly improve their health. Even MS patients are raving about the results from a proper Omega 3.
Omega 3  also really helps get the blood flow moving much better – and guys – you know what that means!!
We are not fish and we are not plants. Taking this Essential Fatty Acid from a plant or fish means you are getting the wrong molecular chain structure that the human body needs. Are walnuts, flaxseed oils, eggs and all  good for us? Of course. But to get the real benefits of the Omega 3 you need to get it in the proper, healthy form in the right balance with Omega 6. Right now I know of only one source that does that and that’s Auum Omega oil, made here in Canada.

And that’s about it. There are hundreds of supplements on the market. They can be very specialized and you should get proper information from a qualified Nutritionist before starting anything out of the normal and basic supplementation.

Firstly try to improve your diet. Then with these basic supplements you should be able to maintain a good, healthy body.

Stay well – and smile.
Coach Doug.