Year Long Successful Effort Lowered Weight
To
122.8 Pounds
Using
Yoga & Nutrition
To
122.8 Pounds
Using
Yoga & Nutrition
Similar
To
Weight 50 Years Ago
 |
| Currently Enjoying Lean Body Improving Whole Body Mobility Good Balance, Strength, Flexibility Stable Blood Pressure Without Any Medications, Vitamins Or Supplements & After Fasting (15+ Hour) Maintaining Healthy Assay Values Including Lower Blood Glucose Normal Electrolyte Levels (Sodium, Potassium & Chloride) Good Liver, Kidney, Prostate Functions & Acceptable Lipid Panel Values (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL)* |
*These values were slightly elevated from last year and reflected my nutrition focus, deliberately consuming foods containing more fats.
Also Requested Evaluation Of Potential Celiac Autoantibodies
(All Tests Were Negative)
These laboratory assays evaluate generally accepted physiological and metabolic indicators of cell, tissue and organ functions involving blood, liver, kidney, prostate and immune systems.
During the 12 month interval since our last one-on-one meeting on April 3, 2017, I successfully enhanced my overall health status by significantly, safely lowering my weight from 136.0 pounds .
The assay data confirmed I was successful in using both carbohydrate (glucose) and fat metabolism (ketosis) as energy sources in a safe, healthy manner.
These collective positive lab results demonstrated my lifestyle focus and still evolving approaches to both yoga and nutrition contributed to short and long terms health benefits.
Still Improving My Yoga Mobility
Exemplified
By
Tortoise Pose
(Kurmasana)
[Eric LeCuyer Photo From 2013]
 |
| Significant Progress Experienced This Challenging Asana Now Easily Accessible As A Consequence Of Twice a Day Home Yoga Sessions Since January 1, 2018 Able To Enter Asana At 5:00 AM With Facility More Easily Accomplished At 6PM With Greater Torso Elongation, Flatter Back And Soles Of Feet In Contact, Face On Mat Deep Hand Clasp Ability To Cross Feet & Controlled Breathing |
This dramatically improved whole body mobility with Kurmasana extends to all my asanas during morning and evening sessions.
It now takes less than ten minutes to prepare for both daily yoga practices.
Moving my spine backwards is being achieved now with greater facility, with less resistance as a consequence of the 5am, 6pm sessions I created and further modified during March - significantly better than during my morning meetings with Patty Tremblay two and three times/week for five+ years for our one-on-one partner sessions.
It now takes less than ten minutes to prepare for both daily yoga practices.
Moving my spine backwards is being achieved now with greater facility, with less resistance as a consequence of the 5am, 6pm sessions I created and further modified during March - significantly better than during my morning meetings with Patty Tremblay two and three times/week for five+ years for our one-on-one partner sessions.
However, the enhanced whole body mobility I am experiencing, enjoying at this time this age has been impacted, limited by a connective tissue disorder that has gradually emerged during the past several years.
Compromised Right Hand Mobility
Dupuytren's Contracture
Abnormal Connective Tissue Disease
 |
| Daily Stretching, Yoga Activities Effective To Date To Counter Elevated, Dense Connective Tissue Regions (Right Palm, From Pinky Towards Middle Finger) & The Contractile Nature Of This Condition
Plank and 8 Angles Pose Possible
With Advanced Palm Preparation
|
Have Not Attempted Handstand in Over Six Months
Future Focus
> To increase my heart rate in a controlled manner, I began to walk two days ago. This will likely become a frequent year long activity and complement my twice a day yoga practice.
[My short and long term objectives are to lower my heart rate from current levels.]
> To learn more about Alopecia areata: a circular pattern of hair loss I am experiencing, became aware of around the Fall of 2017.
[Questions include what has led to this diagnosis? Is is possible to take actions to reverse this assumed autoimmune activity? Can this be explained by a nutritional deficiency?]
> To learn more about Alopecia areata: a circular pattern of hair loss I am experiencing, became aware of around the Fall of 2017.
[Questions include what has led to this diagnosis? Is is possible to take actions to reverse this assumed autoimmune activity? Can this be explained by a nutritional deficiency?]
Positive Outcomes
From
Increasing Diversity Of Food Selections
&
Daily Home Prepared Meals
During my April 3, 2017, annual session with Dr. Faucher I mentioned a decision, intent to significantly modify daily eating practices:
- motivated to reduce my weight to adolescent levels
- possibly to further reduce known health risk factors
Avoiding the consumption of processed foods with elevated, addictive levels of salt, sugar and fats was a priority and accomplished without difficulty throughout the year.
I was following Micheal Pollan's advice in his book, Food Rules An Eaters Manual:
- Eat Real Food - Mostly Plants - In Small Amounts
- Paying attention to my microbiota also was a priority
My weight did fluctuate narrowly as I experimented with different foods, quantities consumed during each day but at no time during the 12 months did I reach, exceed 130.0 pounds.
It was during February, March and April of 2018, after adding new sources of protein, carbohydrates and fats including seafoods that I was able to eat more each day and to experience my lowest weight to date: 122.6 pounds.
Two of these modified meals I have enjoyed this April are shown below:
Morning Meal
Meat, Vegetables, Grains, Fruit, Seeds
 |
| Small Serving Of |
Organic Chicken Pieces
Organic Asparagus, Spinach
Broccoli Florets & Organic Broccoli Sprouts
Raw, Fermented Sauerkraut
Raw, Fermented Sauerkraut
Organic Pomergranite Seeds
Organic Goji Berries
Medjool Date
Mix of Chia, Sesame, Sunflower Seeds, Pepitas
Seven Grain Mix
[Sprouted Buckwheat, Sprouted Millet, Chia, Golden Flax and Shelled Hemp Seeds, Red Quinoa, Amaranth]
&
Nine Herbs, Spices
Thyme Leaves, Parsley, Basil, Ground Tumeric, Rosemary, Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Rubbed Sage, Oregano
With
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
(California Olive Ranch)
Organic Goji Berries
Medjool Date
Mix of Chia, Sesame, Sunflower Seeds, Pepitas
Seven Grain Mix
[Sprouted Buckwheat, Sprouted Millet, Chia, Golden Flax and Shelled Hemp Seeds, Red Quinoa, Amaranth]
&
Nine Herbs, Spices
Thyme Leaves, Parsley, Basil, Ground Tumeric, Rosemary, Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Rubbed Sage, Oregano
With
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
(California Olive Ranch)
Afternoon Meal
Seafood, Vegetables, Grains, Nuts, Seeds
Mixture
Of
Wild Salmon, Wild Sardine
Avocado , Orgamic Asparagus
Organic Broccoli Sprouts
Organic Edamame
Organic Coconut Slices
Pomorgranate Seeds
Mix of Chia, Sesame, Sunflower Seeds
And
Pepitas, Goji Berries
One Fig (Unsulfured)
7 Grain, Seed Mix Cited For Morning Meal
&
Same Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Organic Coconut Slices
Pomorgranate Seeds
Mix of Chia, Sesame, Sunflower Seeds
And
Pepitas, Goji Berries
One Fig (Unsulfured)
7 Grain, Seed Mix Cited For Morning Meal
&
Same Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I have continued to purchase more items from Trader Joe's and The Living Earth I mentioned in my last post.
A recent Saturday afternoon meal included small portions of salmon, sardine, kale, avocado, leek, red onion, kimchi, olives, goji berries blueberries, pickle, chia & sunflower seeds, 9 herbs & spices, extra virgin olive oil.
These ingredients and others have become a regular part of my still expanding food selections and reflect my awareness, the importance of maintaining a diverse microflora.
In my December 5, 2013 yoga blog I mentioned a Michael Pollan article describing observations from several scientific investigations about the gut microbes including bacteria reported to influence our health.
My last post this past month on March 28th introduced Mark Hyman's new book: "FOOD: What The Heck Do I Eat?".
Hyman only briefly mentioned the microbe associated with our bodies and did not focus on specific data, details from the extensive amount of published research on the microbiome.
The comments below highlight topics noted in an excellent introduction about our microbiota (= bacteria, fungi, viruses & the less well known Archaea) in the 2015 book by the British author Alanna Collen.
I thank Deb Horan, owner of the Booklovers Gourmet in Webster, MA, for bringing this publication to my attention recently.
Alanna Collen, PhD
Evolutionary Biologist
Science Writer
 |
| Numbers Cited By Author (p. 8) Human Genome Approximately 21,000 genes vs. 100 Trillion Microbes [Non-Self] Approximately 4000 species Microbiome 4.4 million Genes |
Some Book Features
- 325 pages with a Prologue, Introduction and Eight Chapters, a Coda and Epilogue along with References, Illustrations and an useful Index
- The author begins this book describing how her health was compromised by a tick infection while doing bat research in the tropics and describes the sequence of events leading to her recovery
- Collen writes about some basic biology: gut anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and cell biology including the caecum and appendix regions of the large intestine ... see illustrations The Human Gut (p. 22) and Gut Lining (p.80)
- Names of bacteria (Genus, Species) appear along with terminology of lab techniques and experimental approaches using normal, "germ-free" and "knockout" mice) - all are clearly presented and accessible to the non-specialist ... see illustration on p. 195
- While results of controlled experiments with mice are instructive and provide insights, they do not necessarily apply to humans
The author presents a brief historical overview about the evolution of our understanding of microbes as a source of infectious disease.
We are told of the four major developments that significantly decreased infectious disease mortality from the late 19th Century, into the 1940's & 1950's:
- Vaccinations to Smallpox, Polio, many other childhood illnesses
- Hygienic Medical Practices in Hospitals to decrease deaths in childbirth
- Public Water Sanitation to combat Cholera, other pathogens
- Antibiotics to bacterial infections starting with Penecillin
Cohen identifies various medical conditions that have emerged since the mid-1900's into this 21st century including:
- Allergies to dust, pollens, pet hairs, foods (including milk, eggs, nuts, glutens, others)
- Autoimmune diseases including Type 1 Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis,
- Digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease
- Mental Health issues including Autistic Children, Attention Deficit Disorder
- Obesity and its link to Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Some Cancers
She asks the what, where, who, when and why questions that might lead to an explanation accounting for these contemporary health issues.
The author makes a connection with our 21st illnesses and examines the relationship between our gut, an overactive immune system and the foods we consume.
She effectively communicates several interesting stories of results selected from the large and expanding international research community activities.
She effectively communicates several interesting stories of results selected from the large and expanding international research community activities.
 |
| The Human Microbiome Project |
Extensive Initial Focus
Of
Examining Microbiota
Evaluation Of 18 Different Habitats On Human Body
Identification Of Species
Using
Molecular Biology Techniques
[Gene Sequencing, Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene]
Possible Topics Of Interest Are Identified Below
Considerable Interest
In
Microbes
Of Healthy Individuals, Those in Poor Health
Quote (p. 72) from Chapter 2 (All Diseases Begin In The Gut):
The author writes about the potential of microbes influencing behavior in Mind Control (Chapter 3). Comments linking gut microbes to the brain functions including Autism, other named conditions are interesting.
[ Also see pp. 103-104 sections on tryptophan, on the vagus nerve]
Antibiotic use and abuse are one of the subjects discussed in Chapter 5 (Germ Warfare).
Collen notes the unintended consequences of antibiotic use leading to the rise of antibiotic resistance by bacteria such as MRSA (methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
The author explains how antibiotics can and often do disrupt the good bacteria while treating pathogens responsible for infections.
- "In a lean person, gaining a bit of weight leads to extra leptin * production, and a decrease in appetite. But in an obese person, though plenty of leptin is being produced, the brain can't detect it and so they never feel full"
The author writes about the potential of microbes influencing behavior in Mind Control (Chapter 3). Comments linking gut microbes to the brain functions including Autism, other named conditions are interesting.
[ Also see pp. 103-104 sections on tryptophan, on the vagus nerve]
Antibiotic use and abuse are one of the subjects discussed in Chapter 5 (Germ Warfare).
Collen notes the unintended consequences of antibiotic use leading to the rise of antibiotic resistance by bacteria such as MRSA (methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
The author explains how antibiotics can and often do disrupt the good bacteria while treating pathogens responsible for infections.
Some notable observations from Chapter 6 (You Are What They Eat) include:
- Species of microbes found in guts of populations in African village and urban Florence, Italy reflect respective diets and are totally different
- Fiber intake was found to be different in two groups: three times more fiber eaten by African children
- "A plant-rich diet, it seems, makes for a 'lean' set of gut microbes." (p. 191)
- Gut microbes produce compounds (short-chain fatty acids) -acetate, propionate, butyrate - in the large intestine, these are known to interact with receptors on immune cells and make them less responsive - decreasing inflammation
The reader becomes informed how most newborns acquire their microbes in Chapter 7 (From The Very First Breath) - from passing through the birth canal and by exposure to a mothers milk.
Among other topics, Collen highlights the importance of oligosaccharides in breast milk (small group of sugars) "to establish the right species of microbes in the baby gut"; these bacteria, in turn, produce small-chain fatty acids and, among other roles, bind to the immune cells.
In Chapter 8 (Microbial Restoration) Cohen presents:
- The results of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: positive outcomes from the transfer of microbes from healthy individual to another person with a compromised gut; read about OpenBiome, a stool bank
- Information on the 'FATLOSE' study: the transfer of microbiota from a 'lean' individual into obese patients - see increase in butyrate, helping gut from becoming leaky and contributing to mucus production, decreasing inflammation
- Comments on Prebiotics (food for bacteria found in fiber), Probiotics are discussed
- See discussion on Robogut, 'Microbiota Ecosystem Theraputics'
Collen again expresses her concern about childbirth, early feeding in the Coda and reminds the reader of the significance of a vaginal birth versus a Caesarean section, of being breast fed or not given our knowledge about microbes in newborns: how this occurs, the establishment and evolution of species diversity during the first years of life.
The author writes in the Epilogue:
- p. 275, 276 " As an adult, the food you eat and the medications you take determine the microbes you have. ".... food is medicine."
- (p. 282) "... its worth remembering that this is a scientific field in its infancy. Exactly what roles specific microbial genes, species and communities play in our health and happiness will take time to establish, we don't yet have the knowledge to diagnose health problems on the basis of the microbiome.
This is a book that will continue to serve as a useful reference, guide as I learn more about our our microbes, microbiome.
Looking forward to receiving your reaction to my comments, images.
#BobCrowther #Nutrition #Yoga
