In this special presentation of Be HEALTHistic, naturopathic physician Dr. Drew Sinatra welcomes his Healthy Directions colleague, internist Dr. Ken Redcross, to discuss one of the body’s most important yet neglected organs — the liver. The liver works by both filtering and neutralizing toxins so they can be removed from the body. It is constantly working to break down not only environmental toxins that we encounter, but also toxins that we are exposed to daily, such as those in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the medications we take. The liver has a lot to do in our bodies and it's important to keep it healthy; today, the doctors discuss this vital organ and provide tips for keeping it in optimal shape. First, the doctors discuss how the liver functions in the body and signs they look for that could suggest liver issues. They talk about detoxification and the role the liver plays in filtering out tons of different environmental toxins. Then, the doctors do a deep dive on fatty liver disease — what it is, why it’s on the rise and how alcohol comes into play. They also discuss the impact of diet and give suggestions for healthy meal plans for weight loss. Next, the doctors talk about fasting and exercise, and how both can positively impact a fatty liver. They also discuss cholesterol and triglyceride levels and why those metrics are informative. Finally, the doctors share some nutrient strategies for liver support and suggest natural supplements to help keep the liver strong. Don’t miss this informative episode of Be HEALTHistic!

In this special episode of Be HEALTHistic, naturopathic physician Dr. Drew Sinatra welcomes internist Dr. Ken Redcross to discuss the impact that blood sugar can have on our heart health, and how this relationship is integral to our overall health and well-being. First, the doctors discuss how almost 12% of the population has Type 2 diabetes, and they share the red flags that signal blood sugar issues. The doctors talk about the role of insulin in the body, the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, how the American diet is fueling obesity, hypertension and blood sugar issues, and how metabolic syndrome is often the result of this tangle of conditions. Next, the doctors dive into the differences in the diet and lifestyle in America vs. Europe, and why the Mediterranean diet is so healthy , particularly for cardiovascular health and blood sugar control. They talk about the importance of movement, and how continuous glucose monitors can help patients track blood sugar, but at a cost. From there, they touch upon the importance of AMPK and talk about fasting. Finally, the doctors discuss berberine, a natural solution for the management of blood sugar that is comparable with Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug. They also share some other supplements that support healthy blood sugar, and discuss why vitamin D is an important nutrient to be getting enough of. Don’t miss this super-informative and engaging episode of Be HEALTHistic!

In this special episode of Be HEALTHistic, naturopathic physician Dr. Drew Sinatra welcomes integrative neurologist and Ayurvedic practitioner, Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, to discuss detoxification, a practice that has been followed by cultures worldwide for centuries that involves resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. Its primary goal is to remove and eliminate toxins while providing the body with essential nutrients. The doctors explain that no matter how “clean living” you are, we’re all exposed to hundreds of chemicals and toxins each day, which is why detoxification needs to be a part of daily life, not just something we do occasionally. The doctors share their advice and practical tips for supporting our body’s natural detoxification processes and how to lower the amount of toxins we take in. Don’t miss this informative episode of Be HEALTHistic!