Results, results, results...

by Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath

It is hard to believe but the 2014 six week "More Than Just Weight Loss" program is now complete. While we wait for the results of the completion assessments to come back, I have some results to share with you.

Here are the results of one of the participants to share with you and when the overall results

Before

are in, I will of course share these with you.

The person I will share with you today lost 10.5 pounds in body weight and 5 inches in their stomach. Yes, this was in 6 weeks. Not only was this in 6 weeks but there was no restriction on calories or how much food you can eat. Not only was the weight loss and inches lost a positive but the symptom improvement of 80% for this person is also such a significant factor.

For those that are not familiar with the "More Than Just Weight Loss" program, this is a program that covers all of the areas listed below.

• Anti-inflammatory
• Establishing a healthy gut/brain connection

  

  After

• Anti-parasitic, yeast and fungal
• Gut rebuilding
• Immune boosting
• Liver detoxification

During this entire program you have a focus on reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system function. Added to this in the first week, you will assist in reestablishing the gut/brain connection. In weeks two and three you are also working on the anti-parasitic, anti-yeast and anti-fungal program while also reestablishing the gut lining. Finally in weeks three thru the end you are also focused on improving phase I and phase II liver detoxification. And remember as mentioned earlier in this paragraph, you are working on an anti-inflammatory and immune boosting protocol thru the entire program.

So what does this look like? Well, just take a look at the pictures and you can see for yourself. You may even wonder to yourself, was this person also working out like a fiend through the 6 weeks? Actually they shared that their exercise had actually dropped during this time, so these results are actually with less physical activity.

All of the protocols listed above are tied into supplemental programs but there is also a very important nutritional component to this program. As mentioned earlier, there are zero caloric and food quantity restrictions on the program but you are eliminated all of the highest potentially inflammatory foods during this time. You can not only eat as much as you want but you are instructed to not allow yourself to get overly hungry during this program.

The interesting factor for so many in the program is the experience of new food choices and recognizing how poorly you may react to food choices that you had made with consistency in the past. I actually talked to one of the program participants that shared that almonds are a very high reactive food, yet prior to the program, she ate them all the time and potentially in excess. So many of us are doing this on a regular basis and simply not understanding to inflammation, gut/brain issues, immune challenges and so much more that this is causing.

This program often creates some deep incites for its users that have the potential to last a lifetime. This is due to the fact that you create an awareness of what the food you eat is actually doing to you.

This years program was also a bonus because of the weekly blogs. If you want to review what was discussed during this time, feel free to type "2014 More Than Just Weight Loss" into the search box on this blog and you will have weeks 1 thru 6 come up as well as the completion blog. You'll see what we were eating through this time, some of our successes as well as some of the challenges that will also come up for some. I can also share that the blog for this is not only one of my favorite parts of this program but it is also invaluable to many of the program participants.

I also feel that it is important to share that results do vary from person to person. Many will have results greater than the subject today, but many will also have results that are not as high as today's example. But in the end, we always learn more about ourselves and we can move forward with this information in an empowering way. Just the other day I spoke with a program participant and we were discussing an actual lack of weight loss. This was relatively easy to pinpoint a heavy metal toxicity that was hindering the weight loss, which in turn provides this person with some very important next steps to be taken. Some people in the program found out that they have some very deep and chronic gut issues that will need further repair. Others realized that they likely have some serious adrenal challenges this need to be assessed, while others are now questioning their blood/brain barrier integrity. But you see, when we feel that we do not find success, yet you deepen your awareness of what is truly going on, this is still success and often success at the highest level.

These are all the reasons I am always so excited to offer this program every year. This year, I am going to leave the program open all year. The blogs will be ongoing for each week and the recorded webinars will always be available for new participants. This is simply too good to only let out only once per year. After all, it's almost swim suit weather!

Anyway, shouldn't we all have the opportunity for "More Than Just Weight Loss"?

Recognize that this is so much more than just weight loss though. If you are challenged with any of these health conditions below, this program is essential for you.

• Conditions tied into chronic inflammation
• acid reflux/heartburn
• acne
• allergies/sensitivities
• Alzheimer’s disease
• asthma
• atherosclerosis
• autoimmunity
• bronchitis
• cancer
• celiac disease
• chronic pain
• Crohn’s disease
• cirrhosis
• colitis
• dementia
• dermatitis
• diabetes
• dry eyes
• edema
• emphysema
• eczema
• fibromyalgia
• gastroenteritis
• gingivitis
• heart disease
• hepatitis
• high blood pressure
• insulin resistance
• interstitial cystitis
• obesity
• joint pain/ arthritis/ rheumatoid arthritis
• metabolic syndrome (syndrome X)
• myositis
• nephritis
• osteopenia
• osteoporosis
• pain
• Parkinson’s disease
• periodontal disease
• polychondritis
• psoriasis
• scleroderma
• sinusitis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• spastic colon
• systemic candidiasis
• tendonitis
• UTI’s
• vaginitis

If you want to learn more about the "More Than Just Weight Loss" program and the benefits this program this may provide for you, follow this link.

Once all the final completion assessments come in, I will post the results in the 2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Completion blog. I cannot wait to share the average results as well as our most astounding results with you.

2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Completion

Congratulations to everyone for reaching the conclusion of the 2014 More Than Just Weight Loss program! You've enjoyed the benefit of reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, reconnecting the gut/brain connection, anti-parasitic, fungal and yeast protocols, gut restorative and last but not least liver detoxification. That's more than a mouthful!

This is bittersweet because you have been such an awesome group and I have truly enjoyed interacting with all of you. Thank you for that!

With that said though, this is truly not the end but only the beginning. If you remember way back before you even signed up for the program, we discussed the 6 weeks as a long enough period for most to create new, healthier habits that you can move forward into the rest of your life.

As you are continuing these new habits, I will continue to monitor the completion blog to assist you on this level. So do not be afraid to reach out for direction.

Thank you all once again!

Wellness for the World,
Glen 

2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Week Six

Hello Everyone,

We are in the home stretch and I am very excited for all of you! I have seen some huge positive shifts for most of you in the program and that's what makes this all worth it.

Thank you for making such a significant commitment to change your own health and happiness, but do not let you foot off the gas. This last week is often still full of positive responses from every perspective for all.

Here are the supplemental needs for week six.

Turmero - one teaspoon before breakfast and dinner
Resvero - one teaspoon before breakfast and dinner
Ultra D - two teaspoon before breakfast and dinner
Hepato-Synergy – 1 packet twice daily before breakfast and dinner
ClearVite -
Days 15 thru 17
1 serving daily before breakfast and dinner
Days 18 thru 21
1 serving before breakfast

Have an amazing last week of the program and start preparing yourself for life after the plan.

Wellness for the World,
Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath

2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Week Five

Hello Everyone,
 
We are heading into the home stretch and are really pushing the liver detox to a whole new level. This week your nutritional recommendations remain the same as last week and remember to consume as little flesh protein as possible while still maintaining your individual needs. 

Supplement wise the Turmero, Resvero, Ultra D and Hepato Synergy will stay the same but there are changes with the Clearvite.

Week five changes.

ClearVite

• Days 8 thru 14 
• 1 serving daily before breakfast, lunch and dinner

Please let me know if you have any questions.
 
Wellness for the World,
Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath 

2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Week Four

Hello Everyone,

Congratulations for making it to the half way point of the program. There have been countless successes for most in the program already and many more to come.

Remember to cut back on protein consumption for the next three weeks and follow the recommendations on the webinar per Nutritional ID.

Here are the supplement recommendations for week four.

Continue with:

• One teaspoon of Turmero and Resvero before breakfast and dinner
• Two teaspoons of Ultra D before breakfast and dinner
• Finish all gut supplements at the dose you have been using until they are gone
• Add one packet of Hepato-Synergy before breakfast and dinner
• Days 1 - 4 in week four add one scope of Clearvite as a shake or smoothie before breakfast or as your breakfast
• Days 5 - 7 in week four add an additional Clearvite shake or smoothie before both breakfast and dinner

Thank you for your sharing and support on the blog. Creating this community is a big part of the program.

Wellness for the World,
Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath

2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Week Three

Welcome to week three of "More Than Just Weight Loss" week three. Week two is typically one of the most challenging weeks on the program and this showed for a few participants. This is most often due to those fighting some type of pathogen in their gut that typically have been there creating havoc for some time. Unfortunately, these pathogens go undiagnosed and lead to a host of physical and mental/emotional health issues. Thankfully this is being addressed for you right now.

Week three is a continuation of the gut support phase with of course the continued anti-inflammatory and immune support.

This week we will also discuss possible reactivity withing your allowable foods to assist you in fine tuning your diet and/or working through some trouble spots for yourself personally. With this said, be sure you watch this weeks webinar for directions on use of this updated food list.

Also be sure to incorporate the Nutritional ID percentages and preferred foods in your diet but remember, the allowable/avoidance food list trumps your Nutritional ID.

Week three supplements are the same as week two.

• Tumero - 1 teaspoon twice per day
• Resvero - 1 teaspoon twice per day
• Ultra D - 2 teaspoon twice per day
• GI Synergy - 1 packet twice per day
• Strengthia - 2 capsules twice per day
• Repairvite - 1 scoop twice per day

I am excited for you to move through the gut support phase this week and continued success for all.

Wellness for the World,
Glen

2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Week Two

Congrats on completing week one of "More Than Just Weight Loss."

Many are finding success already with weight loss among other positive shifts while some are finding themselves challenged with cravings, healing crisis and even discomfort. As your body is shifting and changing there is always the chance that you may go through some type of a healing crisis. This happens every year to some participants and I can assure you that continuing to move forward with the program will lead you through this. If this is occurring for you, please update me with your progress on this blog.

During week two you will obviously continue with the allowable/avoidance food list but we will add another benefit to you this week, which is introducing your Nutritional ID. This will allow you to use your allowable/avoidance food list in an improved way to increase your energy, improve your mood and potentially even need less food through your day.

Moving into week two, here is your updated supplement recommendations.

• Tumero - 1 teaspoon twice per day
• Resvero - 1 teaspoon twice per day
• Ultra D - 2 teaspoon twice per day
• GI Synergy - 1 packet twice per day
• Strengthia - 2 capsules twice per day
• Repairvite - 1 scoop twice per day

*If you have any Nitric Balance or Glutathione Recycler left, please continue with this as directed until empty.

Welcome to week two which is the gut healing segment of your program.

Wellness for the World,
Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath

2014 More Than Just Weight Loss - Week One

Get ready everyone! We are beginning a journey to experience improved health and happiness and perhaps shock you with results that may be unexpected. As you've heard me say before, this program has been running for four years now and I have have seen countless people lose weight, inches and most importantly, significantly reduce or eliminate their health symptoms. 

This is truly an amazing program and the reason why both myself and my wife participate every year.

Now to the nuts and bolts. This will be your blog through the program. This will allow you access to post questions and comments for me as well as interact with others in the program. There are many "More Than Just Weight Loss" veterans in the program as well as other health practitioners so the conversation on the blog will provide a high value. Also Lynda Buitrago, who is my partner in my office, will be sharing her expertise with you along this journey. She is also in the program with us and a veteran from last year.

As each new week begins, we will start a new blog. We have many in the program that are not starting on the same day so this will create ease of navigation for all, regardless of when they begin.

Each week I will post the supplement requirements for the week and sharing other news and tidbits to help you along the way. Please check in regularly for new posts and share from other participants. I will share that while the blog is not essential to your success, I do find that those participants that use the blog regularly consistently enjoy high levels of success.

Also remember the keys to this program. Allowable/avoidance foods, anti-inflammatory, liver detox, gut/brain connection and immune support. These will be your keys to health and happiness.

One last note. It does add an ease of navigation if you become a member of this blog. You can take care of this is the right header.

So here we go...

Wellness for the World,
Glen

Is Your Liver Screaming Too?

by Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath

Well, the holidays are behind us and if you are like me you may have enjoyed a bit more alcohol than would be normal for you. On top of the alcohol there may have been some other issues for you. Potentially some food choices with "who knows what" as ingredients? Or maybe you either live in or visited a cold weather region where you were stuck inside breathing stale contaminated air all day. So what does all this mean to you?

It means it's time to be nice your liver.

If you have been following Depke Wellness for some time, you already know that I am not a fan of moving into detoxification too quickly. I have listed some bullet points to refresh your memory to why detoxification too quickly is an issue:

• Most individuals with chronic health issues are simply too weak to go through an aggressive detoxification program
• Many that are in a detox program are doing so with a less than optimally functioning blood/brain barrier
• This poor blood/brain barrier function will lead to detoxification symptoms such as headaches, body aches, fatigues and so much more
• Due to the fact that our world is so toxic, most push detoxification too quickly
• Some people are actually too lean to detoxify in a healthy way

This is the reason why I incorporate a liver detox along with a whole health building program in "More Than Just Weight Loss."

Before we move on, first understand that your systems of detoxification and elimination include the:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Colon
• Lymphatic system
• Skin
• Lungs

We'll first discuss the liver, understanding that your liver is going to actually address approximately 80% of detoxification in your body through a phase I and phase II detoxification.

Phase I liver detoxification is often referred to as bio-transformation. Within this bio-transformation, enzymes change the biochemical structure of toxins, drugs, etc., which are fat soluble into water-soluble metabolites. This process  is governed by at least 50 different enzymes and this primary enzyme system is known as the cytochrome P450 (CP450) system. Simply put, toxins are converted to water soluble metabolites. These metabolites are usually less active, but they can be even more toxic than the original toxin. It is important that these metabolites are processed and excreted. If not, they will accumulate in the tissues of the body rather than in the bloodstream. These can be deposited in the fatty tissue, connective tissue and/or nervous system tissue. As a side note, storing toxins in connective tissue and/or nervous system tissue can be a very painful experience but generally only and issue for those that are very lean.

I remember years ago when I was working along side Dr Mercola, we had a young woman (maybe late 20's or early 30's) come into the clinic that moved as if she was in her 80's, and I mean an unhealthy 80's. You could actually see that pain on her face with every step and when she hit the chair in my office, she burst into tears. What you do not know is that she was very health conscious, very lean and fit. Just prior to coming into the clinic, she had all her silver amalgams removed improperly and this released a significant amount of toxins (mercury) into her body. Because she was so lean, there was not much fat tissue as a storage for these toxins, therefor connective tissue and nervous system tissue were the point of storage. I cannot begin to tell you how upset and distraught this woman was.

During phase II liver detoxification or also known as the conjugation pathways. Through different metabolic pathways, amino acids, sulfur, vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances bind or conjugate to the metabolites from the Phase I enzyme process so that they can be eliminated. If the nutrients needed to conjugate the toxins are in low supply, the toxins re-circulate as new toxins that are sometimes more toxic than the original toxin. You can tell that your phase II conjugation is sluggish if perfumes or scents start to create symptoms for you. 

Also understand that hormones, natural waste products, medications, and fat-soluble vitamins are also broken down through the liver detoxification process.

Now as far as your kidneys are concerned they receive 20% of the blood pumped to the heart. As the blood flows to the kidneys they remove wastes and then return the processed, purified blood back to the body. Waste material and water leave the blood and enter the urinary system. Toxins then end up in the urine.

Within your lymphatic system, the lymph fluid picks up nutrients, hormones, waste products, bacteria, and cellular debris. Then your lymph nodes act as a toxin filter and the lymph fluid is circulated by physical activity (especially rebounding), deep breathing, massage and dry skin brushing.

Here's some more tidbits on detoxification:

• Respiration: breathing (gas exchange), coughing, sneezing, clearing mucous
• Skin: sweating, sebaceous gland secretion, tears, Epsom salt or sea salt baths, dry skin brushing
• GI System: liver function, gallbladder, bowel and intestinal tract function
• Kidneys: acid/alkaline balancing, urination, hydration with filtered water
• Circulatory and lymph systems: blood flow, lymph circulation, and immune function

With all this in mind, you will likely understand why I include 3 weeks of liver detoxification in the "More Than Just Weight Loss" program. It is so interesting every year to watch the participants in the program. Some, like myself, dump quite a bit right away due to the fact of most of the weight being inflammatory. Others may lose more weight in the second to third weeks due to challenges in their digestive system. But the last couple of years I've seen the percentages grow for those losing the bulk of their weight toward the end of the program due to the increased liver function. As mentioned, this is so interesting.

If you want to learn more about the "More Than Just Weight Loss" program, click here. This has the potential to change your life forever!

Aches, Pain, Stiffness, Why?

by Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath

You may know of someone that suffers from one of more of these challenges.

• Do you find regular joint pain a part of your daily life?
• Are regular body aches beginning to annoy you regularly?
• Is your body stiff when you wake in the morning or after sitting for some time?

If any of these are a challenge for you, it is likely that you are suffering from chronic inflammation. If this is your challenge, I do not have to tell you how this affects your daily life, your mood, your health and your happiness. The unfortunate reality is that most with chronic inflammation live with daily aches, pain or stiffness. For those that do not recognize this expression, look at this question.

Did you also know that chronic inflammation is a key component at the core of basically every chronic illness?

With this said, I don't want you to get the impression that inflammation itself is the problem. The true problem are the triggers for this inflammation and the ongoing feed back loops that continue this chronic inflammatory state.

We can first look at the triggers.

• Mental/emotional stress
• Gluten and other cross reactive food intolerance
• Infection
• Obesity
• Chemotherapy
• Addiction

The primary triggers that we see with clients on a regular basis are the first three that are in bold, stress, food intolerance and infection. Obviously a major aspect of eliminating your inflammation is tied directly into reducing or eliminating your triggers, but that's not all. Once chronic inflammation has been your "friend" for a longer period, you can potentially develop one or more of the following feed back loops that continue this inflammation. These feed back loops are listed below. 

• Understand that chronic inflammation will often inhibit phase I and phase II liver detoxification pathways. This occurs due to the fact that the NF-kB state can create a suppression of cytochrome P450. This suppression leads to a compound hepatic biotransformation, thus activating hepatic end products. It helps to understand that biotransformation is the process of rendering fat-soluble compounds to water soluble compounds so they can be excreted via the urine, feces and sweat. Hormones, toxins and drugs undergo hepatic transformation by phase I and phase II pathways in the liver and are eventually eliminated by a phase III pathway. A significant key though to this biotransformation, phase I, phase II and phase III pathways is the initial release of cytochrome P450. As noted above, chronic inflammation suppresses this cytochrome P450 thus inhibiting the entire liver clearance pathways. When this occurs, further inflammation is initiated and round and round you go. Simply put, the chronic inflammatory state leads to a multiple challenges within the liver, thus leading to more inflammation.  
• Chronic inflammation can also cause and increase in fat cell production. This increase in fat cells leads to insulin surges which in turn leads to insulin resistance. And guess what this leads to? If you said more inflammation you are right on.
•  Another challenge created by chronic inflammation is the creation of leaky gut. Leaky gut occurs when the tight junctures, or openings, in your small intestines that allow your macro-nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and and co-enzymes, actually become enlarged. When this occurs, whole food substances will be allowed through these tight junctures and lead initially to an autoimmune reaction. As this autoimmune reaction continues this can lead to a true TH-17 response AKA, tissue destruction and your guessed it, more inflammation.
• Last but not least, when you are living with chronic inflammation, your body may respond by raising cytokine production. Cytokines are proteins secreted by immune cells that act on other cells to coordinate appropriate immune responses. When these cytokines are responding to chronic inflammation, this often leads to autoimmune disease and more inflammation.

So based on what I am saying, it may sound hopeless and I hear you. Thankfully though, it is not hopeless. I know this personally, because I lived with chronic inflammation for decades before I finally overcame this issue. My inflammation was due to an initial injury followed by years of consuming intolerant foods and life's stressors. Here's my story for your education.

During this video, I mention the "More Than Just Weight Loss" program. During the six week span of this program, my knee pain was actually eliminated because for the first time in decades, I was able to eliminate my chronic inflammatory state. This too can be you.

Follow the link below to get more information on your potential of walking away from aches, pain and stiffness.

More Than Just Weight Loss

Your Reset Button!

by Glen Depke, Traditional Naturopath

Wouldn't it be nice if we could hit a reset button and most of the symptoms of our poor health choices could simply go away? Oh, and especially after all the stress, poor food choices, too much alcohol and too little sleep of the holidays. Heck, just over the Thanksgiving weekend I personally put on 10 pounds. Two Thanksgiving dinners, a birthday party and some alcohol at each was obviously a disaster. All with Christmas, traveling and New Years yet to arrive. 

Yikes!

Well thankfully, there is a reset button and I hit it every year after this holiday mess. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the holidays. I love to be with people, the engagement with others, the yummy food and even the occasional Christmas margarita. It's really not a different margarita, just a homemade margarita made around Christmas time. LOL!

As you can imagine, this leaves me a mess just as it does the rest of you reading this article. So what do we do?

Hit the reset button!

For me this is the 6 week "More Than Just Weight Loss" program. I have done this the last 3 years in a row and I am already craving this time again. You may ask, why do I crave this and what is it all about?

First of all, most of us gain weight at this time of the year and while a percentage of this is fat, there is often a significant weight gain accompanying an increase in inflammation. The weight gain isn't even the biggest issue with weight gain, but the aches and pains of inflammation are actually the more significant challenge. In addition to weight gain and inflammation most of us are also dealing with a gut/brain issue due to the holidays. Eating intolerant foods, alcohol affecting your brain function, stress and your lack of sleep are all feeding the gut/brain issue.

Along with this immune system function takes a hit. This is due to a couple of factors. Number one is the fact that about 70 to 80% of your immune function actually originates in your gut, so when there is a gut/brain connection issue, there is an immune issue. Secondly tied into the inflammation, this chronic inflammation actually creates an immune dysregulation that can be scary. Scary because this can lead to multiple chemical sensitivities and the shut down of apoptosis, which long term can lead to cancer. Another factor that is huge for the immune function is the lack of sleep that leads to a weakened immune function also.

Lastly, how about our livers' screaming out at us after the holidays. Heck, daily living is enough of a stress on our liver. Throw some alcohol, stress, poor food and the typical response to dealing with a hangover are all so taxing to the liver. Ouch!

So in the end, you know what to do? Hit the reset button!


The 6 week "More Than Just Weight Loss" program really isn't even a weight loss program. Don't get me wrong, if you have inflammatory or fat weight to lose, this will happen, but the program is actually quite different. It is actually a  gut/brain supportive, immune building, liver detoxifying, anti-inflammatory program.

The first year I did this I lost 16.9 pounds, last year I lost about 12.4 (don't remember exactly) and this year I hope to lose about 9 or 10. But more important than the weight loss and the fact that my pants will be a bit more comfy and I will get back into the "skinny" pants again, I will feel amazing! 

That's what feeds my drive for this 6 week program every year. I LOVE feeling amazing! Don't you?


Find out more about the 6 week "More Than Just Weight Loss" program.