Research suggests that we should consume from 3 to 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Less than 25% of American children consume the basic requirements of vegetables to maintain good health. This product contains barley grass juice powder, buck wheat juice powder, brussels sprouts powder, kale powder and alfalfa sprouts powder (all grown organically). Cruciferous vegetables, which we processed without heat, our show went to support the P450 enzyme system of liver detoxification.

Also shown to support: Vegetarian product for adults and children who do not eat an adequate amount of vegetables. Phase 1 and 2 liver detoxification, macular degeneration; Protect's cells from oxidative damage and supports normal growth and repair. Supports the immune system, and joint health.

You can order direct from Standard Process at: www.standardprocess.com.  Go to Patient Direct and enter the code: DUVFH5

Trick or treat! Halloween is just around the corner, and you know what that means:  Candy... And Calories... And Cavities... And Hyperactive kids.  Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. Nearly one in three children are overweight or obese in the United States. This year Americans will spend close to $2 billion on Halloween candy and approximately 10 percent of the nation’s medical costs on obesity related diseases.

While kids love to dress in costumes and cause mischief, parents dread the thought of all the leftover candy and tremendous amounts of calories that accompany the day. It’s alright to indulge treats, just don’t forget to practice moderation. Halloween is the perfect time of year to begin practicing balance and mindfulness when it comes to eating. Halloween kicks off the holiday season with Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and then Valentine’s Day just around the corner.  When trick or treaters ring your doorbell, what will you offer? This year try nutritious foods, fun non-food items, and items that encourage activity.  I have put together 5 things you can do to limit the amount of candy and pounds you could potentially put on.

BE CALORIE CONSCIOUS

Weight management is always a challenge but more so during the holidays. The secret to success is calorie intake, which means choosing appropriate portions and remembering that extra bites add up. It takes only an additional 100 calories a day above what you need to lead to extra 10lb weight gain in a year. 

PROCRASTINATE

Purchase Halloween candy the day of trick or treating to avoid temptation. Buy less than what you think you will need to avoid leftovers and purchase candies that you do not like, if you still have leftovers place them out of sight. If you really have a hard time with temptation choose to pass out non-candy treats such as bouncy balls, spider rings, pencils, erasers, bubbles or stickers. Also,   Donate: There are numerous programs and establishments from dentists to children’s hospitals that will take that candy off your hands. You can also donate candy to the troops via care packages through Operation Gratitude. Make sure you and your kids include a personal letter as well to thank the troops for doing what they do.

EAT BEFORE YOU TRICK OR TREAT

Serve a healthy family dinner before the fun begins, this way the kids will not be tempted to eat candy along the way. After trick or treating, offer a cup of warm, low fat milk with just one treat to ensure that blood sugar is stable before bedtime. Sign a contract between you and your children regarding when and how much candy all of you can eat.

STAY ACTIVE

Take a long walk around your neighborhood while trick or treating and enjoy all the decorations and costumes that kids have on. 

PRACTICE PORTION CONTROL

After trick or treating sort the candy, inspect them and then set boundaries on an amount to be eaten over a period of many days. You can easily reach 100 calories with just one or two snack size treats. There are actually some candies that can satisfy your sweet tooth with fewer calories!

Always choose fun size candy bars based on the least amount of fat and calories per serving. Better choices are, 3 Musketeers, 100 Grand Bar, Butterfinger bar, Milky Way bar, Raisinets, Starburst and York Peppermint Patties. Lastly always choose healthier dark chocolate versions. Most candy has a long shelf-life. Put the “stash" out of reach and limit candy to two pieces per day. Larger treats, such as full chocolate bars, can be cut into smaller pieces and frozen.

Top Secret Trick

And lastly, a little trick that I use with my kids.  Put the candy in the fridge or freezer.  It makes it hard to chew and I find the kids don’t eat as much.  They will sometimes lose interest by the time it defrosts and they forget about it.

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!


Dr. Chad McKernan, DC is a weight loss and wellness expert.  His practice is located in Shelby Township and has been helping people live a more healthful life for over 10 years.  You can learn more about Dr. Chad at www.ANewBelly.com

Tuesday, Aug. 19th, 7pm - Relax The Back and Dr Chad McKernan have teamed up to bring you the Documentary “Food Matters”.

Join Us for Movie Night!

Relax The Back and McKernan Chiropractic have teamed up for Movie Night.  We will be showing the documentary Food Matters.  "Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine, And Thy Medicine Be Thy Food." - Hippocrates.  That is the message from the founding father of modern medicine echoed in this brave new documentary film brought to you by Producer-Directors James Colquhoun and Laurentine ten Bosch. 'Food Matters' is a hard hitting, fast paced look at our current state of health.

Relax The Back will be bringing in their “Zero Gravity Chairs” to help enjoy the movie!  Dr. McKernan will be answering any questions you may have after the showing.  Seating is limited, so please call 586-532-1448 to reserve your spot!

This wonderful season of summer invokes images of beaches, picnics, camping and pools.  Nearly all of our favorite summer activities include enjoying the warm weather and the brilliant sunshine. However, summer’s coveted golden rays not only inflict more direct ultraviolet rays our way, but they target a much greater surface area as more of our skin is exposed during this season. This unfortunately results in damaged skin cells that are in dire need of nourishment and repair. 

The outermost layer of skin – the epidermis – is composed of keratinocytes in various levels of maturity, containing different amounts of melanin. These cells create the largest physical barrier to protect the body from outside assaults. Often referred to as the body’s largest organ, this layer of the skin possesses a multitude of functions. The melanin, specifically, protects the deeper layers of skin from penetrating ultraviolet photons, scavenges free radicals that may damage DNA, and contains antimicrobial activity 

Damage to keratinocytes from excessive sunlight exposure initially elicits an inflammatory response classically known as sunburn. Further exposure induces apoptosis of keratinocytes, followed by a fervent rebuilding of cells to form a more protective barrier. However, this latter response leads to the characteristic skin thickening seen in individuals frequently exposed to sunlight. Exposure to UV radiation also encourages free radical production and oxidative damage to cells and their DNA, accentuating the DNA damage induced directly by UV photons

Nutrition Support 

Various nutrients have been found to be helpful in repairing keratinocytes and preventing further damage to skin that has been already marred from sunlight. Plant polyphenols have an extraordinary array of benefits for sun-damaged skin, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.  In one study that followed standard photocarcinogenesis protocolsoral administration of green tea polyphenols resulted in significant protection from skin tumorigenesis and an inhibition of UV radiation-induced cutaneous edema, erythema, and bi-fold skin thickness. Additionally, green tea polyphenols were able to significantly reduce free radical production and damage. Clearly, plant polyphenols – such as those found in green tea extract, olive fruit extract, grape seed extract and resveratrol – are highly beneficial for sun-damaged skin.

Individual micronutrients may also play an important role in overall skin health. Vitamin A, known to be a powerful antioxidant, is a naturally occurring constituent of the epidermis and is involved in cell differentiation and turnover. Overexposure to sunlight will quickly deplete the keratinocytes of vitamin A, leaving them more prone to oxidative damage from UV radiation.3  Vitamin C also plays a contributory role in reducing initial inflammation from UV radiation, and is significantly involved in the healing process. This vitamin aids in the synthesis, maturation, secretion and degradation of collagen, the structural protein found in deep skin layers. Collagen is damaged by frequent or excessive exposure to sunlight and results in signs of early aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Vitamin C will help to rebuild collagen and prevent the aging effects associated with sun-damaged skin.

When it comes to sun exposure, it appears that moderation is the key, with the best way to protect the skin from excessive UV radiation is by limiting your exposure to the sun.  Yet, there are ample reasons that drive everyone to get outside and enjoy some of those rays. While no nutrient will completely turn back the clock on the effects sunlight has on skin health, these nutrients mentioned here do offer some much needed skin protection.

For a further look at skin health, please listen to our Clinical Rounds from February 9, 2011, The Clear Skin Diet, with Valori Treloar, MD.

Related DFH products: H-S-N Complex & Resveratrol Synergy