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Q: I’ve
read several of Dr. Schwarzbein’s books and she talks
about insulin resistance and burned out adrenal glands. Do we
cover this in the class, and do you do the testing for these
conditions?
A: In Dr Schwarzbein’s book “The Transition”
she divides your current metabolic state into 4 different categories.
She found this to be confusing to many people who attempted
to heal their metabolism without the help of a doctor. In her
latest book “The Program” she classifies your metabolism
in 2 categories, “healthy” or “damaged”.
We will cover this in class, and yes, I do have available the
testing to determine whether your metabolism is insulin resistant,
diabetic, adrenal burned out or healthy.
Q: Is the testing covered by my insurance?
A: Everyone’s insurance is different. Some of the testing
is “functional medicine” (FM) and is not covered
by insurance. The purpose of FM is to detect faulty function
before it turns into a full blown disease process. Many traditional
tests do not find a problem until you’ve already damaged
or destroyed one of your body’s systems. The lipid panel
(total cholesterol, HDL’S, LDL’s, triglycerides
etc) is typically covered by insurance. Sometimes your sex hormone
levels are also covered. The adrenal test of saliva cortisol
levels and the GI panel that tests saliva and stool samples
for the health of your gut and immune system are cash tests.
I accept VISA/MC and checks for these tests.
Q: I’m depressed and frustrated!
I’m not sure what happened to me. I seemed to be fine
until I hit 40, and now everything’s changed! I still
eat the same and I’m exercising, but I can’t seem
to lose any weight! I feel bloated all the time and moody. I’m
not sure if I have a “head” problem or a “body”
problem. Can your class help me?
A: Actually, your “head” and “body”
problems most likely go together. Here’s how. After age
35 we genetically/physiologically can’t produce the same
hormones and enzymes we use to. You’re losing hormones
to the brain called neurotransmitters (like serotonin, the feel-good
hormone) and hormones in your body that keep your lean and strong
(like human growth hormone) and enzymes in your stomach and
pancreas that help you digest and eliminate your food. All this
sets the stage for metabolic imbalance and the beginning of
degenerative diseases like diabetes, menopause, heart disease,
and obesity. This class will teach you how to eat correctly,
take supplements and test your gut to help you stay balanced,
fit and healthy.
Q: I have been to Weight Watchers in
the past and have successfully lost weight on their program.
Unfortunately I have gained some back and struggled to lose
again. I crave sweets! How is the Schwarzbein Program different
and do you think I will lose weight on this program?
A: I too was a Weight Watcher at one time-28 years ago! I went
on my first diet at age 16. I lost 25 pounds (a lot when you’re
in high school and want to look like the other girls) but I
continued to struggle with my weight the rest of my life. I
was always thinking about what to eat, what not to eat, I really
should lose 10 pounds, and I was always hungry and craving something.
I felt food/weight obsessed, and I was moody too. Once I began
the Schwarzbein program I didn’t feel hungry anymore,
my cravings went away, and my moods balanced out. After a time
I began to lose weight naturally. The best part was I stopped
obsessing about food and my weight. I felt healthier, more alive,
and I was a nicer person!
Q: How long will it take me to lose
weight on the Schwarzbein Program?
A: To be honest, it depends how damaged your metabolism is.
The program is really a healing program. Once your body and
hormones are balanced and healthy, you will begin to burn fat
efficiently and lose weight naturally. There are 4 stages to
the healing program:
1. Your Starting Point. Unfortunately
we can’t start with the metabolism you wish you had, we
have to start with the metabolism you do have! Depending on
your health and habits and your history of dieting, we have
to go back and heal the past first. Don’t be discouraged
though, you will begin to feel better and everyday you do something
right to heal you’re one step closer to being better forever!
2. The Healing Phase. This is
where your body begins to repair itself. Sometimes this feels
like “suspended animation!” You’re doing all
these things right but you can’t see the results yet.
Healing is an “inside” job. You have to be patient!
In this phase you may have disturbing symptoms and may actually
have to gain some fat to heal. This phase may last months or
years. Don’t worry, it’s all good!
3. The Fat Burning phase. After
your body has done all it’s rebuilding, your hormones
are normalized and your metabolism is healed, you will begin
to lose excess fat weight as you use up your fat stores for
energy to help you regenerate!
4. The Healed State. All your
hormones are balanced and you have your ideal body composition.
You feel healthy and well and are at the least risk for the
degenerative diseases of aging like diabetes, osteoporosis,
heart attack, cancer, stroke and Alzheimer’s.
Q: I’ve heard a lot of scary things
about hormone replacement. I’m getting to the age where
I think I might need it but I’m not sure and I’m
concerned about the risks. I read in her book that Dr. Schwarzbein
uses hormones in her program. Am I a candidate for them? How
do I know they’re safe?
A: This class will introduce the concept of hormone replacement.
If you’re really interested to know more about your situation,
you will need to schedule an individual consultation. I am very
sensitive to your concerns in this area. My own mom died of
breast cancer induced by the improper use of a synthetic hormone
replacement pill called Prempro. We now know that Prempro increases
the incidence of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke & Alzheimer’s.
I think Dr. Schwarzbein’s approach to hormone replacement
is right on, and I have had safe, effective results with the
patients I have consulted with on her protocol. |
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