Are you feeling tired, not recovering the way you used to or just don’t have the energy to do all you want to do? Consider an energy boosting nutrient called Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin.Vitamin B12 has long been known for its health benefits. It is a water soluble vitamin that is found in the highest levels in meat, fish, milk and fortified processed foods. People who are vegetarian/vegan most likely do not get an adequate amount if they are not eating animal products. Even those consuming nutritional yeast do not give their bodies enough B12. The problem with recommending patients to consume more of these B12 containing foods is that these animal proteins and processed foods, with the exception of fish, are the ones that we want to decrease since they lead to increased inflammation, increased cholesterol and worsening of asthma and allergies.B12 supplementation is available via oral tablets, sublingual drops and injections. Oral supplementation of vitamin B12 does not absorb very well overall and oral absorption decreases in most everyone as we age. Sublingual drops are better than oral tablets but the best way to know that you are getting the B12 you need is to take it via injection. Talk to your naturopathic physician about a good dosing schedule.Signs of B12 deficiency can include fatigue, weakness, sore tongue, nerve pains, insomnia, depression, canker sores, easy bruising, numbness and tingling in hands or feet and memory problems. B12 deficiency has also been linked to migraine headaches and menstrual irregularities.1. Recent research has shown that higher levels of Vitamin B12 protect against brain changes that happen with aging. People with higher B12 levels, even those without actual deficiency showed less age-related decline like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.2. B12 is involved in the process that converts food into energy, this is why it gives people an energy boost. Without it, the food we eat is not able to be processed as efficiently for energy production leading to fatigue and even weight gain.3. B12 also has an important role in forming new red blood cells and can cause an anemia if deficient. Anemia can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate and weakness.4. B12 protects against heart disease by reducing homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine increase cardiovascular risk by increasing atherosclerosis and hardened arteries.5. B12 is a very important part of the covering of our nervous system, the myelin sheath. Having coverings helps our neurological system to work better which improves mood, memory, reaction time and just makes us feel better!

Food sensitivity testing is the most efficient way to identify “problem foods”. They can often be the hidden cause of health problems including conditions like weight gain, asthma, eczema, headaches, migraines, digestive problems and many others.Food sensitivities typically cause more subtle signs and symptoms. It can be difficult to detect food sensitivity, because often the symptoms won’t manifest until well after an oHere are just a few possible symptoms and conditions that can be associated with delayed-onset food sensitivities:

• Rashes
• Digestive problems (constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
• Joint pain
• Asthma
• Cough
• Sinus problems
• Weight gain & inability to lose weight
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Chronic infections
• Swelling
• Headaches & migraines
• Post nasal drip
• Itching
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Behavioral issues in kids

You may have other symptoms that are caused by food sensitivities. If you suspect you have food sensitivities, we encourage you to come in for a sensitivity.Uncovering hidden food sensitivities using food sensitivity testing is an efficient way to find possible hidden causes of illness.Talk with us about getting scheduled for your test today!Food sensitivity testing is the most efficient way to identify “problem foods”. They can often be the hidden cause of health problems including conditions like weight gain, asthma, eczema, headaches, migraines, digestive problems and many others.Food sensitivities typically cause more subtle signs and symptoms. It can be difficult to detect food sensitivity, because often the symptoms won’t manifest until well after an offending food has been ingested. This could be anywhere from 24 to 72 hours later. For this reason, food sensitivities are often not suspected as the cause of health problems, and go unnoticed for a long time.Here are just a few possible symptoms and conditions that can be associated with delayed-onset food sensitivities:RashesDigestive problems (constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)Joint painAsthmaCoughSinus problemsWeight gain & inability to lose weightInsomniaFatigueChronic infectionsSwellingHeadaches & migrainesPost nasal dripItchingRheumatoid ArthritisAutoimmune diseasesBehavioral issues in kidsYou may have other symptoms that are caused by food sensitivities. If you suspect you have food sensitivities, we encourage you to come in for a sensitivity.Uncovering hidden food sensitivities using food sensitivity testing is an efficient way to find possible hidden causes of illness.Talk with us about getting scheduled for your test today!

Why You Should Stop Eating Sugar

10 Reasons Why You Should Stop Eating SugarAs adapted from 10 reasons.orgStop Eating Sugar.We mean it.Right now.Sugar may be sweet and delicious, but this white little additive may be killing you. If you need a reason to stop eating sugar, then check out our top ten list below.1. It Can Suppress Your Immune SystemAccording to Mayoclinic, “Consuming too much sugar suppresses immune system cells responsible for attacking bacteria. Even consuming just 75-100 grams of sugar. . .reduces the ability of white blood cells to overpower and destroy bacteria.” Keep that in mind the next time you grab a soda!2. It Can Contribute to DepressionSure, sugar may seem inviting and rewarding at first, but this sweet little deceiver can contribute to depression if you’re not careful. Sugar can raise endorphin levels and boost your mood temporarily, which is part of the reason why so many people are addicted to sugar.However, too much sugar can slow down the production of endorphins (the body’s way of keeping balance). Once you cut back on the sugar, you experience depression, and you have to eat more sugar to feel good again – creating a vicious circle.3. It Can Raise Your CholesterolResearchers at WebMD have discovered that “eating large amounts of added sugar more than tripled the risk of having low HDL, which is a major fact for heart disease.”4. It Can Age Your SkinSugar in the bloodstream can attach to proteins in the bloodstream, resulting in AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products). These molecules can then damage collagen and elastin production (which are responsible for maintaining your skin’s elasticity).5. It Can Trigger Tooth DecayWithin minutes after eating sugar, sticky glycoproteins (carbohydrate and protein molecules) start sticking to your teeth, forming plaque that can build up and damage your teeth.6. It Can Make You FatSure your metabolism may be high now, but as you age, your body won’t be able to handle the empty calories that sugar packs on. Studies have shown that humans (and animals) have a sweet spot for sugar, and when used to enhance already unhealthy foods, sugar can definitely lead to fat accumulation. Sugar can pack as much as 4 calories per gram – so skip the sugar if you want a slimmer waistline.7. It Can Increase Your Risk of DiabetesWhile sugar does not necessarily cause diabetes, it can certainly increase your risk of it. Studies have shown that obese individuals on high sugar diets are more likely to experience diabetes, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.8. It Can Cause Kidney DamageHigh blood sugar levels can disrupt the structure and function of your blood vessels, which in turn can put added stress on your kidney’s filtering system.9. It Can Produce HeadachesAs your blood sugar levels rise, your body releases insulin to move the sugar from the bloodstream and into cells. But as soon as the blood sugar is gone, you’re left with an excess of insulin, which can result in a “sugar crash” and headaches.10. It Can Promote Fluid RetentionAs you already know, sugar will raise insulin levels, but this in turn can inhibit sodium excretion as well. Water is attracted to sodium, and if your body is holding on to the sodium, it will also hold onto more fluids as well.Suggestions?Attend our nutrition class this coming Tuesday night to learn how we can help you stop the sugar habit and get healthy!Call to sign up 970.686.9117

Will you continue to damage your body this year? Or is it time to HEAL?So here it is, a New Year! What are you going to do to make the story of your life better? What are your goals and dreams? What are the limiting beliefs and physical limitations preventing you from becoming the best you can be in 2014?Remember, you are constantly regenerating as long as you are alive and taking in fuel! The passing of the old year and the dawning New Year with its hope of renewing your life is taking place every day inside your body! Did you know that every day you have new cells lining your organs? Did you know your muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs and bones are constantly rebuilding and breaking down? If you want to change your body and change your health state and change your life, what are you waiting for? Your body is a magnificent work of art that is meant to be healthy inside and out! If you feed yourself the right nutrients, the right exercise, and have the mindset that nothing can stop you from achieving your goals, you WILL!In this time of thinking about renewal and rebirth, don’t limit yourself! You are not your story of the past, you are not other people’s ideas about you, and you are capable of achieving great things if you have the right beliefs, coaches, and technology to get you there! isn’t it time to HEAL? Don’t delay, call us today or see our daily specials! We can help you get there!For our specials: http://benchmarkmedicalgroup.com/shop/category/current-special-dealsFor more information on how we can help you:http://benchmarkmedicalgroup.com/services-knee-pain

The difference between cheap protein and high quality protein- The story is they are cheap for a reason.Generally, most people understand that whey protein is the most efficient protein for muscle growth, but what has been muddied over the last few years (for sake of profit) is the fact that whey protein quality is the determining factor for how effective whey protein is at supplying nitrogen for muscle repair and growth. It goes way beyond just gulping down glass after glass of whey protein powder. In fact, doing this with the cheap whey protein can actually set back your progress as you have found. The money you think you save will actually end up costing you much more in the long run.There are literally hundreds of processes that go into producing a high quality whey protein. There are probably about 5 processes that go into producing cheap whey protein. And the difference between a cheap whey and a high quality whey is night and day.I’m going to touch on one very bad trait that all cheap whey proteins have in common. Now you certainly will not read this on the label and the manufacturer of this feed-grade whey will not own up to it, but here’s the deal.Commercially purchased whey protein comes in basically 3 concentration formats: 34% concentrate, 75-80% concentrate, and 90 plus percent isolate. What the manufacturers of the cheap whey protein supplements do is blend 34% concentrate, which costs less than 40 cents a pound (see how they sell it so cheap), with the 75% concentrate to achieve a protein concentration of about 50 to 60%. Forget about finding any isolate in there. Not a chance. Most of them also fudge on the label so the actual protein percentage is probably lower, but they know they are allowed a margin of error on the label so they take full advantage of it and claim the protein percentage to be higher than it really is. So what’s the other 50%? Lactose – milk sugar.Now getting half lactose and half protein is bad enough, but here’s the real bad side to the actual protein portion that even the companies selling this stuff are most likely not even aware of. The whey is delivered to the processing plants as a liquid. It then goes through a filtering process to remove a percentage of the lactose. The higher the percentage of protein concentration yields the more extensive filtering process it must go through. This is an expensive process and goes up exponentially to the percent of protein yielded.When the filtering is complete you’re left with a viscous liquid whey. The higher the percentage of protein the thicker the liquid. The 75-80% is like a gel, you can hold it in your hand. The 34% is a much thinner liquid. Because the 34% is very much a liquid it can not be cool dried like the higher protein concentration whey can. You guessed it, it must be heated to be dried. It’s literally boiled to burn off the excess liquid. And what happens when you heat whey protein? The delicate protein fractions become cross-linked and this cross-linking damages the unique functional properties of the native whey. This cross-linking is exactly what happens when you char meat on a grill.Now this protein cross-linking is perfectly fine for what 34% whey is intended to be used for and that’s in food processing for things such as potato chips, cake mixes, crackers, processed meats etc. The functional properties of whey with regards to nitrogen delivery, cysteine modulation, antioxidant support, etc. do not matter when whey is used in things such as these. And that’s fine because the 34% whey (the kind that makes up a very large portion of the protein in the cheap whey protein powders) does not contain the unique techno-functional properties that high concentration whey proteins and whey isolates contain.Sure, when you buy this cheap whey protein you’re getting “whey” protein, but you’re getting a very low percentage protein content and the percentage that is protein consists largely of cross-linked fractions that will have little effect on muscle growth. You cannot compensate for this cross-linked handicap that the cheap wheys impart by just consuming more. And as you have found out, the high percentage of lactose will inevitably cause you to put on body fat.So when you think you are getting a good deal buying the cheap “whey protein” think again. The entire purpose of supplementing with protein is to feed your muscles a very efficient and effective nitrogen source to help repair and build muscle and to benefit from protein’s many unique physiological effects. You don’t get this with the low dollar, cross-linked, half lactose/half protein wheys no matter how hard the “gurus” selling it try to convince you.So much for “all proteins are the same”. Shoveling down the half lactose – half protein concoctions masquerading as high quality protein will do little to assist in muscle growth.As adapted from ElitefitnessThe difference between cheap protein and high quality protein- The story is they are cheap for a reason.Generally, most people understand that whey protein is the most efficient protein for muscle growth, but what has been muddied over the last few years (for sake of profit) is the fact that whey protein quality is the determining factor for how effective whey protein is at supplying nitrogen for muscle repair and growth. It goes way beyond just gulping down glass after glass of whey protein powder. In fact, doing this with the cheap whey protein can actually set back your progress as you have found. The money you think you save will actually end up costing you much more in the long run.There are literally hundreds of processes that go into producing a high quality whey protein. There are probably about 5 processes that go into producing cheap whey protein. And the difference between a cheap whey and a high quality whey is night and day.I’m going to touch on one very bad trait that all cheap whey proteins have in common. Now you certainly will not read this on the label and the manufacturer of this feed-grade whey will not own up to it, but here’s the deal.Commercially purchased whey protein comes in basically 3 concentration formats: 34% concentrate, 75-80% concentrate, and 90 plus percent isolate. What the manufacturers of the cheap whey protein supplements do is blend 34% concentrate, which costs less than 40 cents a pound (see how they sell it so cheap), with the 75% concentrate to achieve a protein concentration of about 50 to 60%. Forget about finding any isolate in there. Not a chance. Most of them also fudge on the label so the actual protein percentage is probably lower, but they know they are allowed a margin of error on the label so they take full advantage of it and claim the protein percentage to be higher than it really is. So what’s the other 50%? Lactose – milk sugar.Now getting half lactose and half protein is bad enough, but here’s the real bad side to the actual protein portion that even the companies selling this stuff are most likely not even aware of. The whey is delivered to the processing plants as a liquid. It then goes through a filtering process to remove a percentage of the lactose. The higher the percentage of protein concentration yields the more extensive filtering process it must go through. This is an expensive process and goes up exponentially to the percent of protein yielded.When the filtering is complete you’re left with a viscous liquid whey. The higher the percentage of protein the thicker the liquid. The 75-80% is like a gel, you can hold it in your hand. The 34% is a much thinner liquid. Because the 34% is very much a liquid it can not be cool dried like the higher protein concentration whey can. You guessed it, it must be heated to be dried. It’s literally boiled to burn off the excess liquid. And what happens when you heat whey protein? The delicate protein fractions become cross-linked and this cross-linking damages the unique functional properties of the native whey. This cross-linking is exactly what happens when you char meat on a grill.Now this protein cross-linking is perfectly fine for what 34% whey is intended to be used for and that’s in food processing for things such as potato chips, cake mixes, crackers, processed meats etc. The functional properties of whey with regards to nitrogen delivery, cysteine modulation, antioxidant support, etc. do not matter when whey is used in things such as these. And that’s fine because the 34% whey (the kind that makes up a very large portion of the protein in the cheap whey protein powders) does not contain the unique techno-functional properties that high concentration whey proteins and whey isolates contain.Sure, when you buy this cheap whey protein you’re getting “whey” protein, but you’re getting a very low percentage protein content and the percentage that is protein consists largely of cross-linked fractions that will have little effect on muscle growth. You cannot compensate for this cross-linked handicap that the cheap wheys impart by just consuming more. And as you have found out, the high percentage of lactose will inevitably cause you to put on body fat.So when you think you are getting a good deal buying the cheap “whey protein” think again. The entire purpose of supplementing with protein is to feed your muscles a very efficient and effective nitrogen source to help repair and build muscle and to benefit from protein’s many unique physiological effects. You don’t get this with the low dollar, cross-linked, half lactose/half protein wheys no matter how hard the “gurus” selling it try to convince you.So much for “all proteins are the same”. Shoveling down the half lactose – half protein concoctions masquerading as high quality protein will do little to assist in muscle growth.As adapted from ElitefitnessLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. 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Your body can now be contoured with no anesthesia, no scars, and no down-time!This amazing form of Body Sculpting allows for non-invasive removal of stubborn fat deposits that never seem to disappear regardless of your diet or how hard you work out.Our Body Sculpting process removes fat cells permanently through the process of cavitation. It Improves skin texture and tightness and enhances body tone and shape.

• No anesthetic, no surgery and no pain (a HUGE benefit!)
• Great results naturally – our process improves blood circulation and lymph circulation
• An excellent cellulite therapy and connective tissue tightening process

Key Benefits of Body Sculpting:

• Fat removal and cellulite reduction
• Enzymatic liposis, skin toning
• General reduction of waist, abdomen and buttocks (i.e. drop dress/suit sizes!)
• Body shaping and contouring
• Skin tightening and rejuvenation, improved elasticity and tone
• Scars and wrinkle smoothingYour body can now be contoured with no anesthesia, no scars, and no down-time!This amazing form of Body Sculpting allows for non-invasive removal of stubborn fat deposits that never seem to disappear regardless of your diet or how hard you work out.Our Body Sculpting process removes fat cells permanently through the process of cavitation. It Improves skin texture and tightness and enhances body tone and shape.No anesthetic, no surgery and no pain (a HUGE benefit!)Great results naturally – our process improves blood circulation and lymph circulationAn excellent cellulite therapy and connective tissue tightening processKey Benefits of Body Sculpting:Fat removal and cellulite reductionEnzymatic liposis, skin toningGeneral reduction of waist, abdomen and buttocks (i.e. drop dress/suit sizes!)Body shaping and contouringSkin tightening and rejuvenation, improved elasticity and toneScars and wrinkle smoothing

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Here are 6 more reasons to give up diet soda: As adapted from Well and Good Newsletter1. It messes with your skin. Diet Coke lowers your pH levels, which can cause acne, and zap you of radiance. We need a high level of alkalinity for our bodies to be healthy and expressed in our glowing complexion, explains Dr. Jeanette Graf, author of Stop Aging, Start Living: The Revolutionary 2-Week pH Diet. As Dr. Graf told us recently, “If there’s one thing you should never consume, it’s soda. Soda is an extreme acid-forming substance which will lower your pH level dramatically.”2. It alters your mood. The mood-food connection is ever-rising, and Aspartame in Diet Coke can really do a doozy on those with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Aspartame is also on an EPA list of potentially dangerous chemicals contributing to neurotoxicity, right under Arsenic. So that’s kind of saying it could alter your brain, too.3. Weight gain and belly fat. Ironically, we actually gain weight from Diet Coke. In two studies conducted by the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, those “who said they consumed two or more diet sodas a day, experienced waist circumference increases that were 500 percent greater than those of non-users.”4. It causes diabetes and heart disease. When waist circumference (belly fat) increases, this contributes to diabetes and heart disease, which a 2010 study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine confirmed.5. It makes your kidneys sluggish. Diet soda may interfere with the kidneys, found theHarvard Nurses Study, which reported a 30% drop in kidney function with just two servings of diet soda each day.6. Aspartame has been linked to cancer. A lot. Aspartame is “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA while substantial data has shown its link to cancer. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) cautions against Aspartame because it’s poorly tested, and contains three well-recognized neurotoxins. Aspartame was found to increase cancer risk if exposure begins in the womb, reported a study at the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center. And various studies have linked lymphoma and tumors in rats. And beware the BPA of cans and caramel coloring,reports Grist.Kind of takes the fizz out of it, right?

Don’t be a statistic!, Diabetes, obesity, heart disease, over use of medications, inability to exercise due to pain or injury, loss of quality relationships due to poor libido or loss of sexual function, and poor life satisfaction all have a final consequence: slow and painful DEATH! If you are not living in the body you want, your risk of diseases, infirmary, and death all increase dramatically. Alzheimer’s, Diabetic amputation, hospital acquired diseases leading to death, and depression with your current body need not be a part of your future! You can change! You can become the person you know you want to be! You can regain your health, passion, and start living the life you want! But on that journey that so often involves weight loss, don’t make these mistakes!1) Don’t try to fit yourself into a box- Every person is very different, we are not all the same!Are you trying to use the same “Weight Loss” programs that your friends, co-workers and others are using? Are you using a “weight loss” program that you saw on TV promoted by a celebrity who is getting paid big bucks to sell you their boxes of food?Understanding that every person is different and unique is often the critical aspect of a successful, lasting weight program. Metabolic differences, genetics, other health conditions, injuries and current health status all play a major role in the understanding of how and why every individual loses weight, gains muscle, loses fat and improves their body and health overall. If you want to be treated like a person and have an individualized approach, Benchmark Medical Group of Windsor, Colorado will treat you according to your current state of health in helping you succeed in losing weight, and getting the body you deserve!2) Failure to use Diagnostics and Analysis tools for successful weight lossFailure to measure your differences in your anatomy, physiology, metabolic abilities, genetics, and current health status including strength, range of motion, structure and functional abilities often leads to less-than successful programs. At Benchmark Medical Group we have the diagnostic tools to give you measurable results in multiple aspects of your health journey; we will analyze you and give you the ability to make a real and lasting change in your weight and overall health.3) Not Understanding Body Composition vs. Pounds lostIf you are using just the scale to tell you if you are successful in your chosen program, you may be missing some information that can cost you your life! Simply losing “weight” without the understanding of whether that weight came from muscle, fat or water can set a person up for losses of muscle mass that can compromise the heart and other vital muscular parts of the body, thus leading to poor long term health outlook. We have state of the art body composition that assists us in your weight loss journey, measuring you with incredible accuracy on how your body is changing! We’ll show you in detail how you are getting more muscle, less fat and the sexy, healthy body you desire.If you would like more information and to take advantage of our limited time only specials, call us today! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to get your health back! You can change your life and we can help!

Small steps for BIG FITNESS CHANGES!!

Small steps for Big Change! Weight loss, Fitness and great Health!

Many people have high hopes for weight loss, getting fit, healthy and skinny at the beginning of the year. They will often go to extremes to achieve their goals. However, the guilt of “falling off the wagon” or not making huge gains in strength, fitness or weight loss quickly can be so discouraging that most people give up on their goals by mid-February.You do not have to suffer the same fate! There are really some simple things that, if you make them a habit, they can make the journey toward better health simple.1) NO more processed, fast food or junk food.The overconsumption of fat and sugar found in most fast food meals are a quick and effective way to sabotage your health goals. Simply don’t buy them at the store and when you’re tempted to turn into the fast food drive-thru, just keep on going. Make sure you always have healthy snacks with you to suppress the urges.2) Go through your refrigerator and pantry. Most of us do not have the willpower to not eat bad foods when there is no one around and the food is right in front of you. Do yourself a huge favor and get rid of the sabotage foods in the fridge and pantry. Replace them with wholesome, health-friendly foods and make the right choices out of necessity.3) MOVE. Quite simply, if you are sedentary, sit at a desk or behind the wheel all day, your metabolism will grind to a halt. If you simply add some extra movement to your daily routine, you will find it gets easier and easier to make real exercise happen. Walking for 30-45 minutes every day will improve overall fitness, finding time to do a few jumping jacks, sit-ups or push-ups every day can get you on the path to better habits for life. Less is more in many cases, if you really want to accelerate your fitness, find the time to exercise on our Power Plates® a 25 min workout can produce the same effects as an hour or more in a traditional gym setting.4) Fix your pain. If you have pain that prevents you from exercising, or increases after exercise, you will need to find the cause of this pain and address it proactively. To truly get healthy, you are going to need to exercise and if you have physical pain that is stopping you, this will prevent you from ever reaching your goals.5) Get a coach. Pain relief coach, strength and flexibility coach, weight loss and nutrition coach, if you have doubt that you can do this on your own, you’re probably right. Finding the coach that can safely help you reach your goals will add accountability, and increase the likeliness that you succeed. When in doubt, get help!These five simple changes can make huge impacts on your quality of life, your waistline and your overall health. If you are interested in learning more about our amazing services offered, don’t miss one of our upcoming events and if you are ready to get fit, healthy, and happier than ever, give us a call!!!

Transform Your Body and Change Your Life | Windsor Health Center

Pants getting tight? Are you wearing baggy clothes to hide your growing waistline? Is it getting harder and harder to get in and out of the car? And airplane seats? Forget about it! At Benchmark, we understand your struggle. We understand your frustration with your own willpower, your indifference to being healthy and we understand that you need help to transform.We understand if you don’t know how to reverse course and get back to better health. We know because we’ve been there ourselves, and we’ve helped thousands just like you. Total transformation is what is necessary. In order to get your mind straight, your will power is firmly set, and in order to get the results you’re looking for, you will need help. Why try to do something on your own that you’ve failed at time and again?Fortunately, our physicians and coaches and therapists can help you on this journey. We understand if you are not getting the nutritional advice from your current doctor that you should. Most of them do not spend more than 10 minutes with you and cannot answer your specific nutrition questions, and most often you’re there for an illness, not to discuss how to improve your health! Too often the medical advice about nutrition from other doctors is not based in experience and in some cases is not based in science.At Benchmark, we have the experience of working with over 7000 patients in the last 13 years for pain relief, structural and functional rehabilitation, age management medicine, nutrition and weight loss, performance enhancement and fitness, and we have helped over 3000 medical weight loss clients lose thousands of combined pounds! If you show up, we have the tools to get you serious results!You know that you need to get healthy. Look into your kids’ eyes and imagine them having to take care of you because of your health choices. How does that make you feel? Look at the money that is spent on treating all of the terrible diseases that are the result of poor lifestyle, obesity and sedentary behaviors. We know that this struggle is real and we know that it’s not easy losing weight, exercising and trying to look and feel healthy. However, the struggle to lose weight pales in comparison to the struggles that the diseases associated with being overweight or obese you will face. Diabetes can lead to amputation, blindness, crusty, scaly bleeding ulcers on the legs and unregulated sugar diabetes can lead to death. The financial burden on those who have diabetes is enormous and is often the cause for bankruptcies, divorce, even imprisonment!Heart disease can lead to painful heart attacks, open heart-surgeries, a lifetime of medications and is still the leading cause of preventable death in the US. Heart disease and poor lifestyle and obesity all go hand in hand and the ultimate price is your quality of life. If your health and wellbeing are not where they should be, how do you think that going to affect you and those around you? Not well.When your health suffers, your family suffers. When your health is poor, your relationships are poor. No matter what it is you would like to accomplish in your future, you are more likely to get there if you are focused on your own health and wellbeing first. Just as you are to put your oxygen mask on first before helping those around you in the unlikely event of a loss of cabin pressure; if you’re not putting your own health first, those that you want to help will be unable to receive it.Call us and learn about our transformation services, learn how we can get your mind together and get your feet on the right path toward better health, fitness and pain relief. Call us to see how we can get your blood profiles normalized, how we can fix your pain, and call us to see how we can get you back to where you need to be for those who depend on you. Call us to see how we can smooth wrinkles, blast fat and cellulite, and get you lean, toned and fit. It’s not too late to totally transform your mind and body and we can show you how! Call us at 970-686-9117 and experience the difference!#Weightlosscolorado #loseweightnow #losebellyfat #stopdiabetes #CBPChiropractic #WindsorHealthcare

Don't Ignore Your Pain | Windsor Pain Relief

Injury has consequences. At the initial time of injury tissues are stretched and squeezed beyond what they can withstand and this stretching and compression causes cells to rupture and start a cascade of inflammation chemical signals that make the area hurt, red, swollen, and hot. Eventually the swelling and pain will cause a loss of function. Hopefully this function returns, but what you do about it makes all the difference.If the injury is minor, the healing will occur and function will return. If the injury is more moderate, function may be limited for a much longer period of time and this loss of function can become permanent. When the injury is severe, the scar tissue that is created from the “healing” process can lead to constant and chronic pain, loss of function and eventually, disability.Fortunately, there has been a tremendous amount of research conducted about the proper care and treatment of injured tissue. In the past, bedrest was often recommended for joint injuries and back pain. We now know that bedrest actually increases the chronic nature of pain and increases the likelihood of permanent problems. Movement as early as possible in non-fractured injuries and post surgically is very important if a complete return of strength, flexibility and function is expected.With the right type of early treatment and therapy, pain can reduce much faster, swelling and range of motion will return much quicker than it would in the ”normal” healing process. If you have been injured in Windsor, Loveland, Greeley, Fort Collins, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, you need to know that there is a very big difference in who you choose to do your injury rehabilitation.Fortunately at Benchmark Medical, we have the commitment and tools to get you out of pain as quickly as possible and we have the technology and therapists that you will not find elsewhere who can help you get your joints healing, the movement back in your neck and lower back and we can get you recovered faster than the “traditional” approach. Our team of physicians and therapists can give you the pain relief you need quickly and we can show you the best approach you can take to home care and getting as much of your pre-injury life back as quickly as possible.There is a difference in structural and functional rehabilitation and the doctors at Benchmark use CBP® Structural rehabilitation in addition to other therapies such as our amazing K-Laser Technology, Power Plate pain relief techniques, and tissue healing IV’s. We have a facility that can give you what you need to get out of pain quickly and get your tissues back to normal.Then, once the pain is gone, we want to truly fix you! We want to see what made you susceptible to that injury in the first place. Was it muscle weakness? Poor balance? Slow reaction times? Lack of muscle mass? We don’t just want to get you to pre injury status, we have the tools to get you stronger, more flexible and in better shape than you’ve ever imagined. We can change your life if you give us the time and commitment!Imagine having a body that makes you smile on the beach. Imagine having no pain at the company picnic football game. Imagine being able to keep up with your teenager! You do not have to continue suffering; if you have injuries, new or old, we have a way to get you feeling better, functioning better and living the life you deserve. What are you waiting for? Call! 970-686-9117#WindsorPainRelief #Neckpainrelief #Lowbackpainrelief #CBPChiropractic #Spinalcorrection #injured

Achieve Any Goal | Windsor Health Center

You can achieve any goal. Be it financial, career, family and relationship, educational, spiritual or any other possible goal you desire. Humans achieve. That is what we do. We see our prize and we work diligently to get to whatever it is that we want. We make it happen. Determination, willpower, perseverance, resolute and determined actions lead us to success. It is by our will alone that we get those things we want out of life and we must focus; laser-like, to achieve them.Thomas Edison ruined hundreds of bulbs before he got it right. The Wright brothers failed numerous times before flight. We understand that the past problems that you have had with getting healthy and fit, lean and strong, have not been successful. But the harder you work at it, the more you fight, and the more you find out WHY you want to, and must be healthy; the closer you will ever get to achieve your goals.The crux of the matter is your own personal health. Your health must be the center of your universe, because if it’s not, you will never get there. You can work and work and neglect your health and you will not reach your goal. You can strive to do, to give, to love those around you, and to serve the people in your family or your neighborhood and community, but if you don’t take care of yourself first, you’ll never reach your potential of helping those you love and will never reach the goals that you have so carefully designed.Your health is the most important component, as it is the catalyst to all of the changes and actions that are necessary to accomplish your goals. When flying, you must always put your oxygen mask on in the event of a loss of cabin pressure, because if you try to fumble with your spouses or your kids you may run out of oxygen, pass out, and could die. Now what use are you to those around you? None.You must take care of your needs for strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and great function that leads to joy and overall great wellbeing. If you have any hope of giving and promoting those things in those around you, you have to be the best you can be. Remember, you are what you think, what you eat, what you expose yourself to and you have an active choice in who you want to be. You get to decide how healthy you want to be and the healthier you choose to be, the greater the level of experiences you will have, the greater the level of joy you will receive from accomplishment; and the more likely you are to reach your goals. You must be at your peak of health if you have any realistic chance of reaching and exceeding your dreams, visions and goals.If you want to know how to get to this ultimate state of health, give us a call, we have services that have helped thousands of people in northern Colorado get healthy, fit, active! When you are actively moving toward and accomplishing your goals, your life will get better and better. We have the tools, and we’re here when you’re ready. If you or someone you know is ready to get healthy and fit and truly wants to accomplish their hopes, dreams, and goals, call us. We know how. 970-686-9117#painreliefcolorado #transformhealth #spinecorrection #CBPchiropractic #agemanagementmedicine #losebellyfat #loseweightfast #weightlosscolorado

Rewire Your Brain | Windsor Chiropractor

Forgetting your keys? Losing track of time more frequently? Are you feeling that the energy to think and move around after work is a thing of the past? Don’t give up!Are you feeling that you’re not as quick to catch yourself when you slip? Do you feel like your coordination is “less-than-perfect?” Are you finding yourself afraid to go out in the cold because of the ice and afraid of wet grass in the summer because you know you can’t stop yourself from falling? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, we may have solutions to help!Your brain and your body must constantly be communicating with each other. If you lose good strong nervous system signals from the brain to the muscles, joints, tendons and other structures, you increase the risk of falling. Falls in young people can lead to catastrophic traumatic brain injuries, and concussion can have debilitating long term effects such as depression, anger, migraines and mood swings. Trauma to the wrist is a very common cause of fracture that can lead to many complications including arthritis, pain and inability to use the wrist and hand. Falls in older folks can lead to hip and femur fractures that can quickly lead to disability, and infections and unfortunately, death.Nervous system tissues are primarily made of fat and protein and feeding your body the right types of fats and proteins with great micronutrients, vitamins and other cofactors can help bring the brain back to life. We have specialized tests that can tell us exactly which nutrients your brain requires and we can get you on a program that will give your brain the building blocks it needs to grow and learn again. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to learn and grow new connections and what you eat and what you do makes all the difference in re-building your brain and getting control of your body and coordination again. Learning and growth is possible, even later in life!Once we begin the process of nutritionally rebuilding your brain, we can simultaneously use our advanced equipment such as the Power Plate™, BioDensity®, Vertical Training System™, TRX®, Alter-G® and CBP® Rehabilitation to maximize the physical component of rebuilding your brain and thus your body, posture and all of you! We have the tools that can get you re-learning your basic movement patterns that are necessary to have balance, stability, coordination and great posture.With the right foods, supplements, movements and exercises, we can begin to rebuild you. We can retrain old muscles to react again and can get you feeling more secure on your feet, faster, lighter and better coordinated. We have therapists, coaches and trainers to sculpt your body and ultrasonic fat cavitation and tri-phasic radiofrequency to finish the job of flawless skin and a lean, toned body. We can make you look younger and feel younger than you’ve felt in years.Why wait to indulge yourself? We can show you how to rebuild your brain. We can fix your posture. We can do what other gyms and weight loss programs can't. We have the tools, all you have to do is show up. Call today. 970-686-9117#Windsorhealthcare #painrelief #memoryloss #lowenergy #CBPChiropractic #Alter-G #PowerPlate #losebellyfat

Get Fast Pain Relief | Windsor Rehabilitation

Everyone knows that pain is no fun. Pain keeps us awake when we need sleep, stops us when we need to move, and pain puts us on a collision course with poor health. But it’s much worse than that. Pain is one of the leading causes of complete disability in the world and pain is a factor in almost every serious health condition.Pain has a million sources, Car crashes, bike wrecks, and baseball slides-gone-wrong. The cause can be slow and insidious from diabetes, or quick and lightning like from disc herniation. Pain can turn strong grown men and women into incapable shells of their former selves. Pain is a problem in all walks of life from Wall Street executives to Main Street retailers. Pain impacts all walks of life, no one is immune, and if the event or disease or condition is serious enough, it can take away everything beautiful we have and leave us dark and suffering. Pain is cruel and heartless. Pain takes away love.Unfortunately, the human experience is fraught with the potential of pain. We can stub our toe or get a hang-nail and we can slip and fall and break a hip. It is lurking when we least expect it and it throws the biggest monkey wrench into our precious lifetime plans. Taking a trip? Fall at the airport and break a few bones? Trip over.In spite of the fact that pain is an integral part of the human experience, pain can be lessened and with the proper treatment; long term rehab and follow-up, time and patience, pain can be resolved. Suffering does not have to be a part of the process of life and even though we will be injured, we will get sick and we will experience pain, there are solutions that are fast acting, effective and long-lasting.Fortunately for Windsor and Northern Colorado, Benchmark Medical has solutions for pain relief. We will first find out what is wrong, determine if you’re a candidate for our amazing pain-relief technologies and we will then determine the best course of care for your rapid pain relief and fix your problem!We have technologies that can get your painful joints moving again, get those muscles that have been damaged strong again and we can guide you through the process of recovery, rehabilitation and into the realm of real sustainable improvement! Let us get you beyond how you felt before the injury and get you to levels of health you’ve never dreamed of before! We have the physicians, coaches, therapists and trainers to guide you through the process of total injury recovery, health restoration and complete performance analysis and perfection. You’ve heard of going from fat to fit? It happens here every day!If you are tired of suffering, why continue? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from fully using the amazing services Benchmark provides. If your kids are suffering, why? Has your spouses’ pain gotten to the point that you can’t recognize them anymore? Do you sometimes think you don’t feel any love because it’s covered up with pain? Get the help and the relief you and your loved ones need. Pain robs us of every aspect of enjoyment and enrichment of our lives. Motion over-rides pain, so get moving! Stop suffering, call. 970-686-9117#painreliefcolorado #Windsorpainrelief #Lovelandpainrelief #FortCollinspainrelief #Spinalcorrection #CBPChiropractic #CBPChiropractor #KLaser #PowerPlateUSA #weightlosscolorado #drjasonwadehaas

WHAT SYMPTOMS CAN BE ALLEVIATED THROUGH CHIROPRACTIC?


Scientific literature now substantiates the effectiveness of spinal and postural rehabilitation care for various conditions. The following are just a few:

- Back pain
- Headaches
- Numbness & Tingling
- Neck, Shoulder, and Arm Pain
- Scoliosis
- Carpal Tunnel
- Seizure Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
- Sciatica
- Leg & Foot Pain
- Joint Pain
- Disc Herniation/Bulges
- Instability, Atrophy, Weakness
- Neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia

HOW CAN REHABILITATIVE CARE REDUCE STRESS?

Stress if very common in our society. From upset stomachs to back pain and muscle stiffness, the function to the nervous system is crucial. The CBP approach to stress is to help normalize the structure and function of your nervous system by finding abnormal shapes in the spine and nervous system. This can help restore better structure and function, making a profound difference in your response to stress.


WHAT IS SPINAL MANIPULATION? WHAT IS A CBP® ADJUSTMENT?

Spinal manipulation is the process of taking the body through full range of motion and the result is decreased pain and increased range of motion. Spinal manipulation is a safe and effective tool that has been used for hundreds of years to decrease pain and improve range of motion. A CBP® adjustment differs from manipulation in that the goal is not just decreased pain and improved range of motion but also a change toward normal structure. CBP® certification ensures that the doctors performing the Adjustment are trained in the proper way to change the spine toward normal.

Does an adjustment hurt?
No. In fact, when you allow the vertebrae in your spine to return to their proper position, you will notice much less stress and tension. Thus, CBP® adjustments actually leave you feeling great. We are confident that your visits to our office, including spinal manipulation and CBP® adjustments, will quickly become one of the highlights of your week.

WHY IS TRACTION A NECESSARY PART OF CARE?

Traction is the only known conservative method used to restore normal curves to the spine. Traction is simply a sustained force applied to the spine in a specific direction for the purpose of restoring normal spine position. These traction forces are necessary to reduce abnormal spinal curvatures, correct abnormal postures, and will provide increased stability to damaged spines. The proper application of spinal traction in our office will ensure safety and effectiveness of care.

Your spine exhibits many different properties. It will move quickly is a traction force is applied, but quickly resume the original abnormal shape similar to a rubber band. If a force is applied to the spine for a certain amount of time, a change will take place but if removed too soon, the spine will again resume its abnormal shape-similar to silly putty. However, if a traction force is applied for more than 10-15 minutes, permanent change is made. That change will become more and more apparent improving posture, structure, and function. Types of traction are specific with your diagnosis. Be patient. It can take time for the abnormal spine to become normal. Traction may cause some soreness but should not cause pain. Keep communication lines open with your CBP® Practitioner if you feel possible modifications concerning weight or time may be needed. Your consistency and effort will pay off in the end with a healthy spine.


WHY IS THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE IMPORTANT?WHY IS THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE IMPORTANT?

Most of the time, it is necessary to perform very specific exercises as prescribed by our CBP® Practitioners. These exercises are designed for your posture and spine, assisting in the goal of maintaining maximum spinal correction and improved function through improved structure. These exercises are different than any other because they are created through careful analysis of your posture, x-rays and ergonomic/postural habits. These exercises are the Mirror Image of your abnormal posture and x-rays. Each exercise is designed to strengthen muscles that have become weak due to poor posture. There are over 128,000 possible abnormal postures. The exercises are designated and specific to you with the goal of attaining that one normal posture.

Some of the exercises prescribed for you may feel unusual at first. Remember, the exercise is the exact opposite of your abnormal posture. With that in mind, your muscles are not used to working in that position and it may take time before you are used the exercises. Be patient. Abnormal posture takes time to develop and also takes time to correct. Some soreness may occur which is a good sign that you are performing the exercises properly. Some soreness is expected, but pain is not. Always remember that water consumption can ease soreness. Water is your friend and a key nutrient to your treatment success!



WHAT IS NORMAL SPINAL ALIGNMENT?

Normal values exist in all bodily functions. Normal blood pressure, normal temperature, normal blood sugar, and normal hormone levels are just a few examples of a body's normal values. Just as there are normal values in all bodily functions, there are normal curvatures of the spine. The spine has one normal position, which minimizes stress on the nervous system, skeletal system, and muscular system. This normal position is important in reducing abnormal symptoms, such as pain, as well as improving overall bodily function.

When looking at the spine in the frontal view, the spine should be straight. From the side, the ear should be directly over the shoulder, the shoulder directly over the hip, and the hip directly over the ankle. If these normal structures and postures are not present, stress and strain are placed upon the spine. These stresses and strains lead to breakdown in the tissues causing dysfunction and eventually pain, and interfering with the normal processes of the nervous system. The restoration of normal structure, as facilitated by your CBP® doctor, will lead to normalized function in the body.

Spinal care now can prevent a number of spine problems later in life. Through a customized treatment plan and lifestyle changes, you can have the freedom from pain you deserve, now and in the future.


WHY IS GOOD POSTURE SO IMPORTANT?

Posture is a window to the shape of the spinal column. Abnormal posture can be related to a number of health problems and increases stress and pressure on the muscles, ligaments, and bones of the spinal column. These abnormal stresses (caused by poor posture) lead to a breakdown of body tissues and eventually cause pain. Benchmark Medical Group uses the Posture-Pro spinal postural analysis system. This digital program is capable of detecting abnormal body positions of the skull, shoulders, ribcage, pelvis, knees and feet.

Posture is one of the most simple, but difficult aspects of our everyday lifestyles. Whether it is at work or play, keeping good posture is of utmost importance. The nervous system controls all functions in the body and posture controls how well the nervous system functions. Losing posture affects not just how you look but how you feel and how well all processes in the body work. Being aware of your posture while sitting, standing, walking, or lying down can make a significant difference in the success of your treatment plan.


WHY ARE X-RAYS IMPORTANT? WHERE DO I GO TO GET X-RAYS?

X-rays determine where the spine is in relationship to the normal spinal models. Without an x-ray, proper treatment cannot be determined. Properly taken x-rays are like a blueprint of your spine. With x-rays, we can see how an individual spine deviates from normal alignment and it allows us to decide on the appropriate treatment. The proper, individualized, course of treatment can only be developed once your CBP® Chiropractor has reviewed your x-rays. Your CBP® doctor will review your x-rays with you and explain the differences between normal and abnormal alignment. At Benchmark Medical Group, we are not afraid to show you your x-rays, and we tell you if we can make a change back toward normal!

Another important finding that properly taken x-rays can show us is arthritis. Arthritis is not a normal process of aging and shows how abnormal stress on bones and discs from poor posture can cause degeneration. Some people may not even know this degeneration is taking place and can be a painful "time bomb" if not addressed properly.

Where do I get my x-rays?
At Benchmark Medical Group, you have the added convenience of having your x-rays taken on the premises, during your first appointment.

CAN BENCHMARK MEDICAL GROUP TREAT CHILDREN?

Children are our most prized possession in the world. Their health is often more important to us than our own. Protecting them from dangers in the unpredictable world is a high priority. We feel the same way. We are on the lookout to safeguard one of the most vital, necessary parts of a child's body, the nervous system. How do we do that? By delicately taking care of the protector of the nervous system...the spine.

Did you know that one the first parts of an embryo to form is the nervous system? From this nervous system, direction is given for the proper formation of vital organs, muscles, and skeleton. Without the proper signal from the growing nervous system, nothing would form properly, and normal growth would not occur.

CBP doctors are trained to detect spinal abnormalities even in the youngest spines. Our CBP doctors can see abnormal posture, feel muscle spasms, and if needed, verify spinal abnormalities with x-rays. These spinal abnormalities can then be corrected, not allowing them to lead to pain and dysfunction later in life. Benchmark Medical Group offers kids the treatment and knowledge to make this prevention last.



HOW LONG DOES REHABILITATION TAKE?

We treat patients for as little as a few weeks to as long as two years, depending on their current health conditions. The extent to which you choose to benefit from your rehabilitation is ultimately up to you. Each and every one of us is solely responsible for the quality of our health and wellbeing. Once a patient's treatment plan is complete and our goals are achieved, we do strongly urge all patients to continue what we refer to as maintenance care. This is where the long-term, lasting benefits of care are enjoyed. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits are lifestyle decisions and so is lifetime, wellness care.

Many of the patients seen in our office have spinal degeneration (decay) which has taken years and in some cases a lifetime to develop. The trauma of the birth process, slips, falls, accidents and countless other stresses over the course of your lifetime adversely affect the health of your spine. The longer you wait to have your spine checked by the doctors at Benchmark Medical Group, the longer it will take to correct postural and structural abnormalities. However, how you choose to use rehabilitation is ultimately up to you. It has been our experience that those who stop care prior to the conclusion of their treatment plan because they are "feeling fine" return with the same health challenge(s) which brought them to our office in the first place...only it's typically worse. On the other hand, those patients who commit to rehabilitation to correct their health conditions find their health challenge(s) rarely return and they enjoy a higher quality of life and health.



DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE? ARE THERE OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS?

Because spinal care is currently a major health problem in the U.S., CBP® treatment is covered by most insurance plans. We also accept most PPO insurance plans, auto insurance policies that include medical payments (med-pay), and Medicare. Since there are many plans and coverage varies widely, please call us to find out if your plan covers care in our office. Our staff will verify and explain your benefits to you before treatment.

Are there other payment options?
For patients with little or no insurance coverage, we offer an affordable payment program. Most patients pay directly for care, as they discover rehab to be extremely cost-effective and affordable. . We also offer Care Credit, used by many health care providers such as dentists, orthodontists, veterinarians, and we are always willing to work with you to best suite your needs.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT SPINAL HEALTH?

Education is a primary component to CBP® success. It's not just about the knowledge of the CBP® Practitioners although that is at the top of the list. It's about the partnership between the doctors' professional integrity, and the daily perseverance of the patient. These two key points pasted together with positive attitude can create lasting changes towards a healthier and happier life. Spinal health is a way of life, and a freedom pointing towards a healthier way of living. Benchmark Medical Group offers a complimentary Regaining Youth and Vitality class weekly. You need only call our office to reserve a seat. Complimentary food and beverages are provided.

WHAT WILL MY FIRST VISIT INVOLVE?

On your first visit to our facility, you will understand that this is a truly unique place. The relaxed, spa-like ambiance is just as important as the paperwork needed to begin your initial exam. Making sure we know you: Your name, history, ailments and fears are as crucial to your initial exam as the x-rays themselves.

Getting Started

If you become our patient, there are four important steps we ask you to follow:

- History of Injury and Examination
- Computerized Postural Analysis
- Spinal X-rays
- Report of Findings
- Your History of Injury will determine whether your condition is within the realm of our care.

Our results will determine if you are a candidate for our care or if there is as need for referral to the appropriate specialist. A through spinal and Musculo-skeletal/orthopedic examination will be performed to identify which structures in your body may be damaged and most likely causing your problems.



HOW IS THE THE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROTEIN DIETS?

The weight management program treats weight issues at its source. By the time you reach your weight management goal, you will have transformed your body's ability to metabolize sugar and carbohydrates and we will have taught you how and why this is so important.

The program aims at reducing carbohydrates and fats, not necessarily protein. In doing so, it preserves muscle and protects vital organs to secure their proper function. In other words, you will lose fat, not muscle.

The program features up to a whopping 20 grams of protein per portion. making it convenient, efficient and sustainable.

The weight management program features a high biological protein, complete with eight (8) essential amino acids, that recreates 100% of the biological value of a complete protein for maximum assimilation and absorption.

The program is less toxic than other protein diets because it features less saturated fats, no trans fats, no aspartame, no Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and no Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs).


IS THE PROGRAM SAFE?

Our protocol is safe for everyone, except those with a dysfunctional liver or kidneys, if you have these conditions, you must see Dr. Sandy prior to starting a weight management program.
Type one diabetics must also see Dr. Sansy before starting the program.


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BENCHMARK MEDICAL GROUP WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND OTHER DIETS?

Our protocols have 3 segments:

Segment 1: Fat loss until 90% Success (90% of your goal)
Segment 2: Transition period remaining 10% of your goal
Segment 3: Lifestyle Nutrition Coaching

Type one diabetics, athletes and specific health conditions require different plans. Each plan will be custom made to suit the person's needs. However, the initial fat loss segment will see a limitation of carbohydrates such as breads, pasta, rice, alcohol, fruits, potatoes and other foods that are high glycemic or high in sugar. The specific portions of fats proteins and carbohydrates will be considered from your initial evaluation, your food journal and goals as well as laboratory analysis and hormonal and food sensitivity testing.

Everyone will be encouraged to strictly adhere to the program that is designed for you.

Once the goal of 90% of your body fat or overall health goal is met, we will transition you from the packaged protein food to more whole foods that you can purchase. Success through the transition is the demonstration that you are keeping you healthy weight and continuing to move toward your goal.

Once you reach your goal, we will transition you to lifestyle health and nutrition coaching. This segment can be brief or indefinite, depending on your lifetime health goals.


WHY IS EXERCISE NOT RECOMMENDED DURING THE INITIAL FAT LOSS SEGMENT?

Dieters on the protocol are on a very low caloric diet, yet their body is actually "getting more calories" than they were prior to starting our protocol. Why? Because they are burning (using their fat stores) fat. They are getting about 900 Kcals per day from the foods they are eating but if they lose 4 lbs per week (on average) 4 x 3500 Kcal/lb of fat means 14,000 Kcal/week, divide by 7 equals 2000 Kcals per day. They are actually consuming 900 Kcal + 2000 Kcals = 2900Kcals per day. Understand their bodies must make the necessary enzymes to fully burn the ketone bodies that are produced from fat metabolism It takes about two weeks for this to happen. During the first 3 weeks, your body is getting the necessary "enzymatic machinery" in place so it can use 100% of the ketonic bodies (for cellular fuel) that your body is producing from burning the fat. In the first couple of weeks, it cannot use all of them and you breath them out (acetone breath), "pee them out" (ketostix turn purple when you dip them in your urine) or you excrete excess ketones in your feces.

If your blood sugar gets too low during this time period, the proteins we supply and the muscle you have can undergo gluconeogenesis and glucose can be produced.

If you increase the glucose demand (i.e. exercise vigorously during these first 3 weeks) you will increase gluconeogensis markedly. This CAN result in muscle loss, SOMETHING WE WANT TO AVOID!!!! If you MUST exercise during the first 3 weeks, please do it lightly, (1/3 to 1/2 your normal intensity) or not at all. Here's the beauty of the program: During this period...you literally are "peeing out calories" without having to exercise!!! You will lose the same amount of weight, but will not risk losing muscle. This is not about calories in - calories out; it's about hormones and metabolism. They were fighting a hormone (Insulin) before and you can't exercise your way out of that, the hormone always wins. After the first 3 weeks, you may exercise, but please keep in mind:

- Do not get overly tired
- Supplements are a must! (Serious cardiac problems can result; arrhythmias, tachycardia, etc.)
- Keep well hydrated, if exercising you must increase your water and protein consumption.

If you are an athlete that exercises 5 or more days per week or you perform very intense physical activity, you must inform the dietitian or nutritionist or nurse practitioner, so the program can best suit your needs.


WHY IS DIET SODA DISCOURAGED DURING THE PROGRAM?

Dieters on the protocol are on a very low caloric diet, yet their body is actually "getting more calories" than they were prior to starting our protocol. Why? Because they are burning All diet drinks (i.e. sugar-free, carb-free) are NOT contraindicated on the program. The problem that can arise is imbalances in acid / base regulation. Our protocol is very alkaline and this is why we do not see complications common to other "protein type diets", namely kidney stones, gout, bone spurs, etc. Some diet drinks (Crystal Light for example) are mixed with water and these are acceptable. Many others (flavored Aqua-Fina, Dasani, etc.) contain a lot of phosphoric acid. This is a very strong acid and will play havoc with the body's bicarbonate buffering system. The same goes for diet sodas... particularly the "brown ones"... Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, root beer, etc.). Flavored seltzers are usually OK, just read the label and make sure it is carb-free and contains no phosphoric acid. Carbonated beverages contain CO2 which, when dissolved in water becomes carbonic acid, a weak acid (unlike phosphoric). To have a glass of these occasionally would not be a problem, but consuming large amounts (like in place of the 2 liters of water per day) would not be a good idea. The pH of Perrier is about 5.7, weakly acidic. Our protocol provides so many health benefits besides weight management; it would be a shame to compromise some of the benefits by consuming these products. Acid / base balance plays a major role in physiology, particularly in such conditions as osteoporosis, gout, "hardening of the arteries", and a more acidic blood does not carry oxygen as well. Using sugar-free, carb-free drinks and diet sodas will not compromise your weight management (providing you drink extra water if these drinks contain caffeine, remember an extra cup of water for every cup of coffee you drink, same thing here) the dieter who chooses to use these products a lot, will not receive all of the wonderful benefits of the program.


CAN DIETERS EAT 'SUGAR-FREE' CANDY ONLY CONTAINING SUGAR ALCOHOL?

There are many different types of sugar alcohols, some are more easily absorbed (xylitol) and some are absorbed very poorly (erythritol). If they are absorbed, they can affect blood sugar. As a rule of thumb, divide the grams of sugar alcohols by 2 and consider that the number of grams of carbohydrates that are being consumed. If you have 13 grams of sugar alcohol in the mints (13 / 2 = 6.5) + 1 other carb = about 7.5 grams of absorbable carbohydrates.There are many different types of sugar alcohols, some are more easily absorbed (xylitol) and some are absorbed very poorly (erythritol). If they are absorbed, they can affect blood sugar. As a rule of thumb, divide the grams of sugar alcohols by 2 and consider that the number of grams of carbohydrates that are being consumed. If you have 13 grams of sugar alcohol in the mints (13 / 2 = 6.5) + 1 other carb = about 7.5 grams of absorbable carbohydrates.


IF A DIETER IS HNGRY CAN HE/SHE HAVE ADDITIONAL ENVELOPES?

Yes, however, you cannot exceed your personal recommended carbohydrate amount, nor can you exceed 1/2 of your goal body weight in grams of protein. A dieter may have up to five (5) envelopes per day.Yes, however, you cannot exceed your personal recommended carbohydrate amount, nor can you exceed 1/2 of your goal body weight in grams of protein. A dieter may have up to five (5) envelopes per day.


WHY IS FRUIT NOT ALLOWED ON THE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM?

While fruits do not make you gain weight, they can slow down and even prevent you from losing weight. That's because once metabolized by the body, fruits transform into sugar - or glucose - and the glucose reserve is precisely that which you want to deplete in order to get your body to begin to burn calories from your excess fat supply. Fruits are denied on the protocol only until the weight management goal is achieved. Fruits are later introduced in the stabilization period of the protocol, once your pancreas' proper metabolizing of sugars has been restored.

You should know that the body stores no more than three (3) days' worth of carbohydrates in your body. The goal of the protocol is to empty the body's reserves of carbohydrates so that it can begin to burn its reserve of excess fat, all the while remaining alert and vigorous through muscle-building and organ-protecting protein foods, such as the program's foods, eggs, lean meats, poultry, fish and seafood


WHAT SHOULD A DIETER KNOW BEFORE STARTING THE PROGRAM?

Although many people do not experience any discomfort and feel utterly satisfied throughout the protocol, some may experience "withdrawal" symptoms during the first few days of the diet. This is absolutely normal and should even be anticipated, especially by those who are used to consuming a lot of processed foods, sweets and salty foods. See the dietician or Nurse practitioner if your withdrawal symptoms are unbearable. We always have suggestions and will help you get through the initial period.



CAN A DIETER EXPECT CONSISTENT WEIGHT MANAGEMENT?

Yes. Women will lose on average 3-5 lbs, Men 5-7lbs per week. If the protocol is followed without any deviations and weight management is not achieved in any given week it is due to one of the following 4 reason:

- Intentional or unintentional deviations from the program (cheats).
- Pre or Peril-Menopausal Women
- Constipation
- Muscle gain vs. Fat Loss


WHAT IS SUCRALOSE?

Sucralose is a sweetener derived from sugar cane. It tastes like sugar but, thanks to a process, sucralose has zero (0) calories and is not assimilated by the body, which means that it has zero (0) impact on the blood and its glycemia. If you find a program food too sweet, simply "stretch" it with a little more water.Sucralose is a sweetener derived from sugar cane. It tastes like sugar but, thanks to a process, sucralose has zero (0) calories and is not assimilated by the body, which means that it has zero (0) impact on the blood and its glycemia. If you find a program food too sweet, simply "stretch" it with a little more water.


WHY IS SEA SALT COMPULSORY DURING THE PROGRAM? WHY IS SEA SALT COMPULSORY DURING THE PROGRAM?

The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Guide) recommends that people consume 2,300 mg (approximately 1 teaspoon) of salt, per day. That quantity is often exceeded by the mere presence of the bulk of industrial foods consumed each and every day in North America, including breads, pastas and cheeses, all saturated with salt. That's why most doctors tell their patients to stay away from salt, generally speaking. With all that salt, you need not add more salt to your food. The program has none of these industrial foods. And even if choices of the envelopes are salted, you need to add sea salt to your diet: lightly sprinkle your vegetables and your protein source, whatever it may be, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs or tofu, with sea salt to ensure that your body has all the sodium it needs to function properly.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AN ALLERGY TO SHELLFISH AND SEA-SALT?

Sea salt has nothing to do with shellfish. Allergies are usually caused by protein molecules (like chitin) not inorganic minerals. Some patients might be allergic to freshwater shrimp and clams (where there is no sea water).



IS THE PROGRAM CONSIDERED A HIGH, MEDIUM OR LOW CALORIE DIET?

The protocol would be considered a medium to low calorie diet whereas the Alternative Plan, which incorporates additional foods from Groups I, II and III, would be considered a medium calorie diet. Neither protocol is considered a hypo protein diet nor a hyper protein diet. The medical weight management program offers the optimal quantity of proteins, vitamins and minerals required to ensure the proper functioning of all body systems.



ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL-LEGAL PROBLEMS TO CONSIDER IN RECOMMENDING DIETS LESS THAN 1200 CALORIES A DAY CONSIDERING BALANCED VERSUS UNBALANCED PROGRAMS?

The medical weight management program is based on the NAASCO (North American Association for the Study of Obesity) guidelines. It states that "a loss of 2% of body weight per week is totally healthy". The USDA Food Pyramid recommends that 20% of calories should come from protein. Based on a 2,000 Kcal diet per day, this equates to 400 Kcals coming from protein (protein = 4 grams / Kcal) so 100 grams of protein is the minimum daily allowance according the USDA. Let's suppose you have a 150 lb. female. She will probably lose on average 3 lbs per week. It means exactly 2%. If she eats only the very "low-carb foods" she will add 850 Kcal/day. If the average weight management is 3 lbs of fat per week (1 lb of fat = 3500 Kcal) the body consumes 3 X 3500 Kcal = 10,500 Kcal / week. Now divided by 7 = 1,500 Kcal per day from body fat. So now add 850 Kcal (from our food) + 1,500 Kcals from body fat and you will see that our protocol provides 2350 Kcals / day (at a bare minimum). We triggered the physiological mechanism for them to lose fat, while giving the body this seemingly enormous amount of calories.

WHY ARE PROTEIN FOODS SO VITAL?

The immune system, all of your vital organs, your eyes, your nails, your hair, your skin and your muscles all are made of protein. Muscles are the engine that burns calories. So, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn and the more calories you burn, the more fat you burn. That's why men lose weight faster than women, because typically men have greater muscle mass than women.

WHY ARE THE NATURA SUPPLEMENTS COMPULSORY DURING THE PROGRAM?

It is important for people following the protocol to ensure they take the recommended supplements as specified to compensate for nutrients otherwise present in foods from Groups I, II and III. If they don't, their body's systems will be lacking the nutrients they need to function optimally.



WHY ARE COOKED ONIONS NOT ALLOWED?

Cooking breaks long-chained sugars (which digest slowly and do not raise the blood sugar rapidly) down to short-chained ones or Monosaccharide's (small sugar molecules that are easily absorbed). It raises blood glucose and consequently cause a "blast of insulin" to be released. This is counter-productive to the protocol. This is true whether you sauté or bake them.


HOW DO WE DETERMINE A DIETER'S PROTEIN NEEDS/CALORIE NEEDS WHEN THEY ARE OVER 200 POUNDS?

Ex: (Case A) - If a person is 300 pounds and 50% fat, why do they need more calories than someone (Case B) who is 200 pounds and 25% body fat if both have a lean body mass of 150 pounds?

Case A: This patient weighs 330lbs (a "big guy"). He relates that he played college football and was in great shape at 250lbs (linebacker). His goal is to be around 260lbs. We are not talking about the BMI as the lean weight, our lean weight is a weight where the patient doesn't suffer from health risks of obesity (high BP, bad lipids, high blood sugar, etc), doesn't suffer from emotional anxiety of being fat, and can wear what they want, not "what they have to" (pretty un-scientific I guess, but practical). So here we are going to base our protein calculation on 260lbs not 330 lbs.

Our guidelines for both men and women of our program state that: "lean weight" or "goal weight" of up to 200 lbs: 3 packets from the program plus one whole protein food (5 to 6 ozs. of meat for instance). Meat yields about 7 grams of protein per ounce of weight, so a 6 oz. piece of filet mignon would give you about 42 grams of protein (plus or minus). We have 3 x 19 grams (from IP) = 57 grams plus 6 oz. meat (6 x 7 g/oz) = 42 grams totaling 99 grams of protein or almost exactly ½ gram protein per pound of lean body weight (200 lbs x 0.5 g = 100 g).

- If the dieter has a lean body weight of 201 lbs to 240 lbs, we add another envelope + the 3 envelopes and the whole meal.
- If the dieter has a lean body weight of 241lbs to 280lbs we add 2 envelopes + the 3 envelopes and the whole meal.
- If the dieter has a lean or goal weight of 281lbs to 320lbs, add 3 envelopes to the standard (3 envelopes + the whole meal) for a total of 6 envelopes of IP.

Basically, every 40 lbs over 200 lbs, add another envelope of program food. So in "Case A", our ex-football player would get 5 envelopes of IP plus his whole meal per day.



IS TOFU ALLOWED ON THE DIET?

Tofu is allowed and Tempeh (which is a Japanese 'fermented tofu') as well. Plain Tofu has about 7-8 grams of protein per ounce of raw product, so the dieter would want about 3 to 4 ounces to create a meal (around). Be careful with some of the "flavored tofu" because they might have too many carbohydrates (total carbs should be less than 5 grams per serving). Also there are many soy "meat products" out there like "Tofurkey" etc. and the dieter should read the labels. Most of the "Garden Burgers" are unacceptable as they have little protein (5-6 grams) and way too many carbohydrates.



WHAT IS THE TARGET NUMBER OF CALORIES, GRAMS OF FAT, PROTEIN AND CARBOHYDRATES WHEN SOMEONE IS ON 3, 4 AND 5 ENVELOPES RESPECTIVELY?

(Taking into consideration there is some variability because people have their own meal at dinner and choose different envelopes during the day.) We target between 700 and 800 Kcals. per day on. The latitude is due to the choices they make for the "non-program meal" (filet mignon, zucchini and yellow squash may have more calories than a filet of cod and broccoli). If a person is doing 3 envelopes plus a "whole protein", this would be approximately 100 grams of protein (4 cal/gm = 400 Kcals from protein). 2 teaspoons of olive oil are approximately 90 Kcal or 10 gms of fat. Taking fish oil capsules (the Omega-3) and estimating the fat in the whole protein we can probably add another 15 gms. of fat (or 135 Kcals).

So thus far we have 400 calories from protein and 225 Kcal from fat.

Add the 4 cups of veggies and salad and the carbohydrates in the program foods, we get approximately 120 calories or about 30 grams of carbohydrates.
This would be about 54% Protein, 30% Fat and 16% Carbohydrates (3 packs + 1 whole protein per day).

If we add another envelope (and these should be the drinks, soups or puddings...the lo-carb foods) we add about 18 gms of protein and about 3 gms of
Carbohydrates, on average.

So 4 packs + 1 whole protein would be about:

118 gms Protein (472 Kcals)
33 gms Carbs (132 Kcal)
25 gm Fat (225 Kcal)
OR: 57% Protein, 27% Fat and 16% Carbs
5 envelopes + 1 whole protein would be about:
136 gms Protein (544 Kcal)
36 gms Carbs (144 Kcal)
25 gms Fat (225 Kcal)
OR: 60% Protein, 25% Fat, and 15% Carbohydrates
Now let's go back to the standard protocol, 3 envelopes + 1 whole protein:
Total calories = 745

If we figure the basal metabolic rate + normal daily activity (no exercise) to be 1800
Kcal we can calculate how much body fat is used for fuel: 1800 - 745 = 1055 Kcal
1055 / 9 kcal/gm = about 118 gm of fat per day (which would be a little over 2 lbs. of fat per week lost), this weight doesn't count the water lost as the glycogen is depleted. So our protocol is really a "high fat diet"
25 gms of fat from food + 118 gms from the body = 143 gm Fat (1287 Kcal)
100 gm Pro ( 400 Kcal)
30 gm Carb( 120 Kcal)
OR: 71% Fat, 22% Protein, 7% Carbs


IS IT NORMAL TO EXPERIENCE NAUSEA WITH DURING THE PROTOCOL?


Some people do experience nausea. To remedy this, they should have "familiar food" for breakfast: 2 eggs and some lean ham (Canadian bacon) (no toast of course). Also, consume only 1/2 of a shake at a time; drink the other half an hour or so later. If this doesn't help, offer the Alternative Protocol for 1 or 2 weeks. This will "ease the dieter's off the sugar".



WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND RICE VINEGAR?

Both of them are fine on the protocol. It's a matter of taste more than anything else. Apple Cider Vinegar has more alkaline minerals, so it might be preferable.


MY DIETER SAYS HE'S NOT LOSING WEIGHT, AS HE SHOULD. HE STARTED AT 360 LBS AND AFTER 7 WEEKS HE LOST 29LBS. AFTER THE 1ST WEEK HE LOST 7 LBS.

He is losing about 4 lbs per week. If he stays on the program for a year that's over 200 lbs and that's loosing way faster than he gained it. Obese people have more fat per square inch of surface area. An obese man with 20" arms will have more fat (calories stored) than a person with 14" diameter arms. This means the big guy will see a slower decrease in diameter because there's "more fat per inch". It's like a roll of paper towels, if you start pulling sheets off a new roll at a steady rate the diameter of the roll will decrease slowly at first, and then accelerate as the diameter decreases. If his weight management drops to 2 pounds or less per week, make sure you check the food diary for any "hidden carbohydrates". You may also want to put him on a VERY strict diet for a week or two: No "Restricted Foods" (only shakes, puddings, soups and omelet) and no restricted vegetables.


WHY DO WE ASK DIETERS IF THEY ARE COLD?

This may indicate hypo-thyroidism. We should ask Dieters "When was the last time your Doctor ordered a thyroid panel?" If they fail to lose the weight we expect when they follow the protocol, in other words, if they only lose on average 2 lbs./week, go back to the health profile and see how they answered this question. Perhaps they will need thyroid hormone replacement for a short period of time.


I HAVE A DIETER THAT HAS BEEN ON THE PROTOCOL FOR OVER 4 MONTHS AND HAS LOST ABOUT 33LBS. FOR THE LAST 3 WEEKS SHE HAS HAD NO WEIGHT MANAGEMENT. SHE IS ALSO ON HER MENSTRUAL CYCLE AGAIN: 2 WEEKS NOW, BEFORE IT WAS 3.


She is having more frequent "periods", then it would stand to reason she will gain water weight one week prior to her menses. Also check her food diary; a lot of dieters get a little "slack" with this once they are a few months into the program. Contemplate a week or two of a protocol with the "rocket-Fuel" foods only (no restricted foods) and no restricted vegetables.


I HAVE A PATIENT WHO IS ALLERGIC TO EGGS, WHEAT AND DAIRY. WHICH OF OUR FOODS CAN I SUGGEST HIM?

If a person says they are allergic to soy, DO NOT offer them any foods with soy protein! Same with an egg allergy: no foods with egg protein (albumin). You can read the boxes to have more details. A dairy intolerance (i.e. Lactose Intolerance) is NOT an allergy in the true sense of the word, they are merely lacking in the enzyme "lactase" and if they ingest whole milk products, they can get gas, bloating and cramping - not a life threatening anaphylactic reaction. This is usually corrected by giving lactase (i.e. "Dairy-ese" or "Lact-Aid" caplets with the food). People with lactose intolerance usually (probably 99% of the time) CAN use our whey isolate products as they contain only traces of lactose (0.005%) which is probably not enough to cause any problem.

People with a true milk allergy are usually allergic to casein: the other protein found in milk and not the whey fraction. What we did was to tell them to TRY a tiny bit of our whey isolate products (give them a teaspoonful or half a teaspoonful of the Peach /Mango) and see if they experience a reaction. We've never seen a problem with this BUT, remember; we did this in a physician's office and had an epi-pen ready. I would not advocate non-practitioners to do this! Basically, if they say they're allergic to a food, (egg, milk, soy) just steer them to the foods that don't have these ingredients in them. Also do not have them take our collagen products more than once a day, collagen is not a complete protein and we do not want to cause any nutritional deficiencies. Our foods contain no chemical preservatives and are among the "cleanest" in the industry, so in that regard, they are "hypo-allergenic". Just use good judgment and when in doubt, don't do it!


WHAT CAUSES THE BLOATED FEELING OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH EATING OUR PROTEINS?

Bloated feeling may come from not having all the appropriate enzymes available for complete digestion; this is particularly true if they weren't getting enough protein / day prior to the protocol. Recommend they supplement with our enzymes (2 with each meal). As they continue on the program, their bodies will start to produce more of the proteases (enzymes to digest protein). Also ask if they are lactose intolerant, should that be the case; avoid our foods made with whole milk protein (whey isolates are OK). Adding a lactase supplement ("Dairy-Eze" or "Lactaid") is often helpful with these folks.


AFTER LOSING 50LBS MY DIETER HASN'T LOST ANYTHING ELSE! WHAT'S GOING ON?


After losing 50 lbs (having been on the protocol for a while) they are probably gaining some muscle at this point, which would offset the scale weight. Also check the food diary carefully: maybe they haven't been filling it out weekly at this point. Look for "2 restricted foods" per day. Tell them "little cheats" will replenish some glycogen and they will gain water weight. We also suggest 1 week of "Boot Camp": 5 envelopes of protein (Rocket-Fuel-only) soups, drinks and puddings. One, for breakfast, one for lunch, 2 for dinner - NO WHOLE FOOD PROTEIN and 1 at bedtime.


IS THERE SOME GUIDANCE AS TO KNOW WHEN TO SHIFT CERTAIN KINDS OF INDIVIDUALS TO PERHAPS AN ALTERNATIVE DIET PLAN TO PROVIDE THE FEW ADDITIONAL CARBOHYDRATES THAT MAY BE NECESSARY TO SOME INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT TYPICALLY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE BUT WHO IS MENTALLY ACTIVE TO PLEASE THE AVAILABLE GLYCOGEN?

Our protocol provides enough carbohydrates for the brain and other glucose dependant tissues. The "fuzzy thinking" (brain fog) is mostly likely due to low sodium levels resulting in low BP. One-half to one third of a teaspoonful of sea salt; dissolved in 5 oz. water quickly rectifies this. The only time a person would really get hypoglycemic is if they exercise heavily during the first 3 to 4 weeks of the program OR they are on hypoglycemic agents (or insulin) and have to have their doses cut back or discontinued. A quick way to differentiate this is to have the patient lie down with his / her feet elevated. If they feel better doing this, it's usually the sodium / low BP causing the problem, if they don't feel better, then it's possibly low blood sugar (but they will usually feel shaky also if this were the case).


ARE EDAMAME SOY BEANS?

The Edamame are soybeans. They come either as fresh, usually served steamed with salt in Japanese restaurants or dried and flavored (usually wasabi). They do contain some carbohydrates as all legumes do and I would use this VERY SPARRINGLY. They're like nuts, you can consume a lot very quickly and the carbohydrates would add up! 

I HAVE A DIETER COMPLAINING ABOUT LOWER BACK PAIN (STATES IT'S NOT LIKE BACK PAIN - HE FEELS HIS KIDNEYS). 

Remember our protocol provides only the MINIMUM daily requirements as far as protein go. If you take in less then you are not getting enough. Pain in the back area could be a number of things: muscular, UTI, kidney stone, etc but it's definitely not from "too much protein". Refer the dieter to his/her primary care physician to rule out any acute medical condition.


MY DIETER IS NOT LOOSING ANY WEIGHT. WHAT'S WRONG?

The 2 biggest reasons why dieters "don't lose weight" are 1) cheating - intentionally or by mistake (like having 2 "restricted foods per day".... i.e. oatmeal for breakfast and a bar before bed.) The other reason is not having a "good bowel movement" per day. They can store up wards of 10 lbs. in the colon. Please check the weekly meal diary and make sure he/she's not doubling up on the treats. Also ask about their bowel habits. Please refer to "Irregular weight management" document.


IS THE GUM XENATOL (ONLY AVAILABLE AT HEALTH FOOD STORES) PERMITTED?

Xylitol Gum ("Xyli-Chew" and other brands) is generally O.K., IF IT IS NOT CONTINUALLY CHEWED ALL DAY LONG! "Sugar alcohols" are not completely absorbed, you get about 1/3 the carbohydrates it says on the label. Something with 9 grams of "sugar alcohols" would give you about 3 net carbohydrates. If you chew piece after piece, that will add up. If something appears like it would be appropriate on the protocol, try it IN MODERATION, then check the weight management the following week. If the rate of weight management is not continuing then stop it completely.


WHAT IS THE WHEY PROTEIN SOURCE? IS IT FROM COWS, WHICH ARE NOT GIVEN BOVINE GROWTH HORMONES (BGH) AND ARE THE COWS GRASS FED/ORGANIC?

The milk used in processing our whey isolates comes from cows raised on small European farms, grass fed and with no hormones. We cannot claim "organic" as the process of extracting the isolates precludes this nomenclature. That being said, the person must understand that an "isolate" is just the pure protein fractions of the total whey, these are issued with a "Certificate of Analysis" showing any traces of heavy metals, hormones, pesticides or any other chemical. The lot is PLACED IN QUARANTINE (i.e. Not even brought into the lab) until we do our own mass spec assay of the product. If our on analysis does not "jive" with the "Certificate of Analysis" from the European company the product is rejected and returned.


MY PATIENT IS HAVING A HARD TIME EATING ALL OF HIS VEGETABLES. HE IS ONLY EATING ABOUT 1 CUP PER DAY BUT IS FEELING FINE. IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT?

The problem is he will not get enough fiber and will likely be deficient in minerals. This may not cause problems if he's in good health but could possibly cause an arrhythmia in "poorer" patients. Also it helps maintain regularity.

I HAVE A DIETER WHO WORKS FOR A DELIVERY COMPANY. HE SAYS HE HAS TO HAVE SOME SORT OF ELECTROLYTES DURING THE SUMMER AND HE DOES NOT WANT GATORADE OR ANY OF THOSE TYPES OF DRINKS. WHAT CAN I SUGGEST FOR HIM ON THE TRUCK? HE TELLS ME HE IS ALWAYS IN A HEAVY SWEATER.

He can use Pedialyte (comes as a 1 liter bottle) and dilute it with spring water to 2 liters (i.e. just add a liter or quart of spring water). He can drink a liter of this solution when he works, but the diluted mixture will provide about 12.5 g of sugar  no "restricted foods"!! Any other fluid should be water or put a little salt in water and add a little peach mango for flavor.


IS SUGAR FREE WINE ALLOWED ON THE DIET?

This would be OK but not because alcohol has calories (7 Kcal per gram) but more importantly is ultimately converted to a molecule of glycerol. Glycerol is one of the major components of triglycerides (fat), thus it promotes the production of fat.


IF TAKING THE OMEGA III'S ON OUR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL, DOES THE DIETER STILL NEED THE 1 TO 2 TEASPOONS OF OIL? IF SO, WHY?

The answer is yes. The olive oil will provide the substrates for building up their HDL. Most diets will drop Total cholesterol, LDL AND HDL (if the HDL drops too, cardiovascular benefits may not be realized). Keeping the olive oil in ensures good HDL levels plus is also necessary for proper gallbladder function.


IS THERE ANY ISSUE WITH DIETER WANTING TO SPLIT UP THEIR STORE-BOUGHT PROTEIN (E.G. FISH, CHICKEN, ETC.) AND HAVE 1/2 (3 OZ) AT BOTH LUNCH AND DINNER (IN THEIR SALAD), ALONG WITH A PROGRAM DRINK?

No, that should be fine. However, they must consume all the carbohydrates we re-introduce into the protocol at the morning meal! In other words, they can't have toast at breakfast and save a fruit serving for lunch or a midday snack, We only want to "spike the insulin" once a day.

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WHAT IS POWER PLATE THERAPY?

Power Plate equipment is the premium vibration device powering a new dimension in wellness solutions for all ages, lifestyles, and physical abilities by using the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body's natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 to 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week. Acceleration Training™ on Power Plate equipment offers a host of benefits, ranging from an immediate improvement in blood circulation, to a variety of other measurable outcomes: such as increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved range of motion, decreased cellulite, increased bone mineral density, reduced pain and soreness, and faster recovery. Our three-dimensional vibration technology continues to lead the industry, and it’s benefits are grounded in extensive academic and independent scientific medical research.


HOW DOES IT WORK?

Acceleration Training™ with Power Plate machines creates a controlled instability in the human body, as with each vibration the body is forced to perform reflexive muscle actions, multiple times per second. These contractions must work in multiple dimensions as the Power Plate machines actually oscillate in all three planes, exactly as the human body is designed to do. The net result is an incredible improvement in force production, strength, and power. The principle by which Power Plate machines work lies in the law of motion, stated by Sir Isaac Newton: that the force of an object is equal to its mass multiplied by acceleration, or f = m x a. What this means is that one can improve functional force (stability, strength, and power) by either applying more mass or more acceleration to the body. 
Many forms of training and conditioning use mass - as seen in methods with weight machines, free weights, etc.; however, Power Plate machines, instead, use the second half of this equation, by applying acceleration to the body, while keeping mass, i.e. your body weight, the same. This is a real breakthrough in training and conditioning as we can now optimally "load" the human frame while minimizing high impact, high load, and high stress factors. Gravity is the force that adds load to the human body every second of every day for every movement we perform, and through Acceleration Training™ exercise, Power Plate machines make the body feel as though it "weighs" more every time acceleration forces increase. The result of this process is that you work against a far greater influence or "load" of gravity in every movement you perform, which is the essence of all strength and conditioning programs. Power Plate machines simply use a different part of the same equation to achieve this! In fact, the amazing outcomes seen with Acceleration Training™ exercise respect the same biological and physiological laws of the body as witnessed in other forms of training. The difference is merely the nature of the stimulus applied (i.e. acceleration), and not the human response.

HOW LONG IS THE TYPICAL POWER PLAT WORKOUT?

We encourage patients to work out on the Power Plate for only 30 minutes at most. If you incorporate other modes of training during the workout, you would be able to lengthen the workout time.

HOW IS THE POWER PLATE MACHINE DIFFERENT FROM ONE THAT WOBBLES SIDE TO SIDE?

Our machine is vertical displacement, which is the best way to combat the natural force of gravity especially for an increase in strength and power. We have five training elements on our machine which would be limited on one that wobbles.

HOW LONG HAS LASER PAIN RELIEF THERAPY BEEN USED IN PAIN MANAGEMENT?

The laser was invented in 1960 and the biostimulative properties of laser light were first discovered in 1967. Therapy lasers have been used in Europe much longer than in the United States. The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) first cleared therapy lasers in 2002, and Class IV lasers in 2003.


WHAT IS THE POWER OF MOST LASER PAIN RELIEF THERAPY DEVICES ON THE MARKET TODAY?

Laser therapy devices being used in the US today range in power output from 5 milliwatts to 12,000 milliwatts. Class 3a lasers are 5 milliwatts, Class 3b range from 5 to 500 milliwatts, and a Class 4 laser is any greater than 500 milliwatts (or half a Watt). The K-Series Class 4 therapy laser has power adjustable from 0.1 to 8 Watts in the K-800 model, and 0.1 to 12 Watts in the K-1200. The adjustable power allows for a wide range of treatment protocols. Class 4 laser therapy delivers a therapeutic dosage to a large volume of tissue in a shorter period of time.


HOW MANY LASER PAIN RELIEF SESSIONS ARE NECESSARY?

The number of sessions will depend on the exact diagnosis, age and overall health status of the patient, and other factors. In general, acute conditions can be treated more frequently and require fewer visits, typically 4-6. Chronic conditions may require more visits, and do not need K-Laser treatment as frequently. The effects of K-Laser treatments are cumulative. Patients may experience significant pain relief very quickly - it is important to follow through with care in order to benefit from the biostimulative properties of therapeutic laser light.


ARE THERE ANY SAFETY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CLASS IV LASER PAIN RELIEF THERAPY?

K-Laser treatments are extremely safe when applied by a K-Laser certified, properly trained professional. K-Laser treatments should never be given directly over the eye or the thyroid gland - along with other absolute and relative contraindications as spelled out in the K-Laser Safety Manual. K-Laser treatment is safe to deliver directly over metal implants, over broken skin, and on acute injuries.


IS LASER PAIN RELIEF THERAPY BASED ON THERMAL EFFECTS?

The primary mechanism of laser therapy is photobiomodulation. Thermal effects are one component of high power laser therapy; however the stimulation of cells and tissue repair is based on scientific research that has demonstrated positive physiological effects of infrared wavelengths on cellular organelles and electron chain molecules.


CAN'T THE SAME THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS BE ACHIEVED WITH A NON-COHERENT LIGHT SOURCE?

Coherence of laser has a greater penetration ability and higher therapeutic value than non-coherent light, although wavelengths specific to photobiomodulation will provide a therapeutic application regardless of the source. The K-Series laser provides high-powered laser in specific wavelengths that dramatically decrease treatment times and improve deep tissue penetration. Faster treatment time is a great benefit to the busy practitioner.


IS IT TRUE THAT NEW THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES ARE BEING DEVELOPED IN LASER THERAPY TODAY?

Yes, multiple researchers throughout the world are finding therapeutic application of different infrared wavelengths as well as other visible light wavelengths such as red, green, and blue frequencies and their effects on tissues. Advances in laser application and delivery include variations in modulation or frequency and intensity as well as different treatment wavelengths. These variations in laser delivery produce different effects on tissues resulting in shorter treatment times and better treatment outcomes. There are limitations in low-level laser therapy because of dramatic absorption of infrared in the subcutaneous tissues. It is difficult for lasers under 200 milliwatts to penetrate beyond a few centimeters. The K-Laser Class IV therapy laser is the front-runner in high-power laser therapy systems and will continue to improve as new applications develop.