Gluten, the Silent Killer

by Glen Depke

I say silent killer because most are not aware of their own personal challenges with gluten. The long term response by your body can be chronic health issues and yes, even death.

When you visit restaurants and grocery stores these days, you will find quite and array of gluten free foods. Understand that when something such as gluten intolerance because so recognizably dangerous to the general public, even big business jumps in.

Gluten is a real problem and in no way a reoccurring fad!

Gluten is a major contributing factor to many chronic ailments including but not limited to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and brain disorders such as dementia and depression. 

Complimentary Gluten Assessment.

The biggest challenge for us is wheat but gluten is also within rye, spelt, bulgar, semolina, couscous, triticale, and durum flour. Gluten can also be hidden in so many of the foods we eat so you also have to be very careful with reading labels. Be wary of modified food starch, dextrin, flavorings and extracts, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, imitation seafood, and creamed products such as soups, stews and sauces.

With wheat being the most significant factor when discussing gluten, did you know that the average American now consumes approximately 55 pounds of wheat flour per year. Wow!

Since the biggest challenge is wheat, let's look at the main culprit.

Did you know that today's wheat would barely be recognizable some years ago? Wheat is now a dwarfed, weakened and genetically manipulated likeness of itself. The scary fact is that modern wheat has been manipulated to produce a higher yielding plant that contains much higher amounts of starch and gluten.

Both of these are an issue.

The higher starch creates significant blood sugar and insulin issues, eventually leading to disorders within the endocrine system such as diabetes and adrenal challenges. This is just the start of the problems though.

From a gluten perspective, it is my understanding that wheat used to contain approximately 3% gluten, yet after genetic manipulation, it now contains approximately 50% gluten. While if may create a better bread product, is it really worth it?

The answer is a resounding, NO!

Please recognize that a gluten intolerance does not necessarily mean you have Celiac Disease. If you have a negative test result to Celiac this is not free game on gluten. Even low level gluten intolerance can create significant health issues that honestly, you do not have to endure.

So what do you do now?

Here's an easy way for you to gain some personal knowledge for your likelihood of being gluten intolerant.  Feel free to visit our website to take your complimentary Gluten Intolerance Assessment and if you find that gluten is a challenge for you, we also supply you a complimentary list of Gluten Foods in Categories.

This assessment and food list is our gift to you. Please take advantage of it, it may just save your life!

If you would like to visit the Depke Wellness Gluten Intolerance page to view a video or further information follow this link.

If you have any comments or questions to this article, please leave a response below for us to respond to personally.

Inflammation and Immunity...Good or Bad?

by Glen Depke

Overall most of my clients will come in thinking that inflammation is bad and immune function is good. Based on what mainstream information tells us, this makes sense right?

Maybe, maybe not.

If you have inflammation, most have been taught to take an anti-inflammatory and/or use ice to reduce this. Even though this is the norm, get this...inflammation is a necessary component of a healing crisis and it is definitely a positive response. I would also add that inflammation is a sign that the immune system is doing its job.

As mentioned above, most will look at an immune system response as a very positive response, but that is not always the case. Understand that the immune system response as tied into inflammation occurs when the cells of the immune system are activated in response to antigens released during either acute of chronic inflammation. This is beneficial when antigens are neutralized but this can be severely detrimental if the underlying cause of the inflammation is not resolved.

So you can see that  an immune response is typically positive for you, but it can actually lead to further damage and inflammation. Often I see this poor response lead to autoimmune reactions and eventually full blown autoimmune disease. Understanding that autoimmune disease basically means tissue destruction.

When discussing the biochemistry of inflammation and immunity, these areas are at the top of my list.

During inflammation, these particular events are very common:

• IgG enters the tissues and stimulates phagocytes to destroy detrimental bacteria
• Eosinophils act to control allergies
• Neutrophils release lysozyme to destroy detrimental bacteria
• Mast cells "burst" and release histamine and serotonin as a defense mechanism against antigens bound to IgE that are attracted to mast cells
• The end product of the inflammation process is often pus, which is comprised of dead tissue

I would also like to add that an excessive production of particular immune system chemicals can cause inflammation. These are:

• Interleukin 1
• Interleukin 6
• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Let's take some time to address specific questions that I have received by followers of Depke Wellness in regard to immune function and inflammation.

Do anti-inflammatory drugs suppress immune function?

I would not say that this is a direct suppression but the immune function does suffer when taking anti-inflammatory drugs. This mechanism is tied into anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) inhibit an enzyme which is involved in the production of other chemicals in your body. These chemicals allow the blood vessels around an infection to have an ease of permeability for the movement of immune system components such as white blood cells. This allows the ease of immune function to the active site of the infection. With this understanding, the inflammatory response is significantly reduced this suppressing the immune response at this infection location.

Is the immune system like a battery or an engine?

Great question. I always say the immune response is a mechanism but to be honest with you, it is also the battery and the engine. The immune system is such a complex system that involves an immense quantity of components. Here are some of the most significant components of the immune system.

• Thymus
• Spleen
• Lymph system
• Bone marrow
• White blood cells
• Antibodies
• Complement systems
• Hormones

Collectively this shows the synergy of the mechanism, battery and engine, per your question. 

Do you store up immunity or use it as needed?

The answer here is both. Even if we just looked the the different types of white blood cells, you would recognize the some may last only a few hours, some a few days or some months or even years. Thankfully the immune system is in a constant state of regeneration but I will expand on this deeper with the question below.



Is immune function always available in varying amounts based on your overall health?

Your question here actually answers this perfectly. As long as you are alive immune function is available, but this is going to vary based on each persons focus on health and wellness as well as genetic capabilities. Recognize that two people can be exposed to the same pathogen, in the same amounts, yet respond so differently. The healthier individual will likely have a very strong immune response, move through the challenge rather quickly and likely eliminate the pathogen with ease. The less healthy individual may take a considerably longer duration of time to overcome or if their vitality is too low, they may not even have a strong enough immune response to overcome the pathogen. This would stall the healing crisis and lead to a chronic disorder.

If you have any questions or comments to this article, feel free to leave these below for me to answer personally.

Immune Support Liquid

*Great-tasting immune support complex in liquid form for adults and children

Elderberry and lemon balm extracts offer immune enhancing anthocyanins, flavonoids and polyphenols while polysaccharides from arabinogalactan and aloe provide complementary support for immune cell function and healthy immune mediator activity. Hesperidin plays the important role of maintaining healthy histamine release while zinc and beta-carotene serve as the nutritional foundation for supporting healthy immune system function.

Immune Support Liquid provides broad-spectrum immune support for adults and children and is free of artificial flavors and sweeteners.

 

Order Now

 

Supplement Facts

1 teaspoon (5ml/0.18 fl oz) contains:
zinc (gluconate)	3 mg.
beta-carotene	2,500 i.u.
hesperidin methyl chalcone	30 mg.
elderberry extract (fruit)	150 mg.
arabinogalactan	75 mg.
(Larix spp.) extract
lemon balm	50 mg.
(Melissa officinalis) extract (leaf)
(standardized to contain 5% rosemarinic acid)
aloe vera	10 mg.
(Aloe barbadensis) extract (inner fillet) (200:1)
(standardized to contain 10% polysaccharides)
stevia	37 mg.
other ingredients: purified water, natural glycerin, natural grape flavor, citric acid, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate

Ages 4 to 8, 1/2 tsp per day, with a meal. Can be mixed with juice.
Ages 8 to 18, 1 tsp per day, with a meal.
Ages 18 and up, 1–2 tsp per day, in divided doses, with meals.

Refrigerate after opening.

Order Now

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

More Than Just Weight Loss

by Glen Depke

First of all, I'd like to share that I am a human being like everyone else. I go through cycles in my own life and no, I am not "perfect". I laugh when others meet me and are surprised when I am not being "perfect" with my nutrition or other aspects of my health. My own weight can go up and down as well as my state of health. Maybe one thing that makes me different, is that I am going to recognize a down turn and I will do something to shift this in a very positive way.

Well, that time is now!

It is that time of the year for me and I want you to know that you can join me.

Last year about this time I followed the 30 day leaky gut protocol and I lost 20 pounds of body fat but enjoyed so many other benefits. My energy increased, my mental clarity was amazing, I required less sleep every night, I was never hungry and to be honest with you, I felt as if I was eating more food more often. Go figure?

This year I am doing a 6 week program to enjoy the same benefits and more...

This program is designed to enhance the function of the gut, improve brain function, assist with any inflammation, improve immunity, improve sleep, enhance detoxification, increase energy and yes, lose weight (if needed.) 

Hopefully you can see that this is so much more than just a weight loss program?

Before

Here are some before and after pictures from last year's 30 day protocol. This too can be you.


Yes, believe it or not, these are before and after pictures of me. What you cannot see in the after picture is how awesome my mental clarity was, how incredible I felt and how much my energy had increased. It was actually euphoric!

Getting back to this year, I can share that I am currently in a bit of a challenging pattern myself and it is time to get out!

After

It seems that some of the choices I made during the holidays at the end of last year do not want to go away. I can't seem to create the shift for myself and I am craving that euphoric feeling from last years 30 day protocol. So with this said, I am going to start a 6 week program for myself in March of this year. Six weeks from then I will feel euphoric and I will be ready for the beach weather, feeling confident when I put on that bathing suit, and you can too.

But here is the big difference this year.

This year, I am inviting you to do this with me. Why should I be the only one losing weight while never feeling hungry? Why should I be the only one enjoying high energy, improved sleep and amazing mental clarity? Why should I be the only one feeling euphoric?

Well, I shouldn't...

I am offering this 6 week personally guided program for only the cost of the supplements needed. We are starting with an initial complimentary webinar to explain the details of the 6 week program and if you find this is for you, you are welcome to join me in the fun. During the 6 week program, we are going to get together once per week on a webinar for guidance, Q&A as well as further weekly instruction. As I mentioned, all the weekly webinars and expert guidance are complimentary to you. It is basically working with me for free! How can you beat that?

If you would like to learn more about this program, click here to register for our complimentary introduction webinar. See you soon...

Pure Encapsulations B12 5000 Liquid

*Recent research has indicated that methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12, supports neurological function and nerve cell health. In studies, methylcobalamin has demonstrated the potential to support healthy cognitive and nerve function as well as memory and emotional well–being. Vitamin B12 is also an important cofactor for energy production and plays a role in immune system health and healthy homocysteine metabolism. Due to these factors we recommend the use of the B12 5000 Liquid during periods of fatigue.

 

B12liquid supports nerve cell health, neurological function, energy production and immune system health.

 

Order Now

 

Supplement Facts

1 ml (0.03 fl oz) (one full dropper) contains:
vitaminB12	5,000 mcg.
(formulated with methylcobalamin)
other ingredients: purified water, apple juice concentrate, natural vegetable glycerin, citric acid, black currant juice, purified stevia extract, potassium sorbate

serving size: 1 ml (0.03 fl oz)
servings per container: 30 ml

1/2–1 dropper, as directed by a health professional.

Order Now

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Why Doesn't Holistic Health Work for Me?

by Glen Depke

So why is it that one individual responds so well to holistic health practices while another individual either does not respond at all or their benefits are short lived?

I often hear individuals share comments such as, "my acupuncture treatments don't hold like they used to" or "I cannot hold a chiropractic adjustment" and the list goes on. I have even had clients of mine share that a certain aspect of the Depke Wellness protocols may not by working as expected or perhaps not in the way they once have.

Many times when it appears that Holistic Health practices are not working, this is tied into many of the simple aspects of life. Here at Depke Wellness we call them the Fundamentals of Health. It is important to recognize that in order for the practices of Naturopaths, Chiropractors, Acupuncturist as well as many other Holistic Health practitioners to be fully expressed, you have to take care of the simple things first.

So ask yourself these simple questions.

• Do I deep belly breathe often throughout my day?
• Do I drink approximately one quart of water for every 50 pounds of body weight every day?
• Do I regularly take digestive aids such as probiotics and digestive enzymes?
• Do I eliminate gluten or other intolerant foods if I find them to be a challenge for me?
• Do I eat right for my Nutritional ID?
• Do I sleep 8 hours per night and wake up refreshed upon sunrise?
• Do I regularly move my body throughout the day?
• Do I have 2 or more healthy bowel movements per day?
• Do I maintain a healthy spine?
• Do I expose a healthy amount of sun to my skin and eyes daily?
• Do I have regular stress relieving practices daily?

These are the questions that you should be answering yes to with consistency. While I do not expect everyone to be perfect at all times, by all means I am not either, you do need to have a significant focus on these fundamentals. If you do not, you could be playing a major role in limiting the success of Holistic Health protocols.

So number one is for you to take responsibility for all the fundamentals above.

The second factor is to restrict self destructive practices, such as over consuming sugar, alcohol or any foods that you know create challenges for you. I have seen many individuals in the past that complain about the lack of progress with Holistic Health practices, yet they continue to over consume some of these challenging foods. Another destructive practice that is often ignored would include mental/emotional patterns that are self destructive. Living in a constant state of stress will hinder the progress of any Holistic Health practice.

The third and last factor I will address today is tied into adrenal health. Almost 100% of the clients I see have an adrenal issue and if this is not addressed, your success will be significantly limited when using Holistic Health practices.

So take this information, empower yourself and get the most out of any and every Holistic Health practice that you choose. You are worth it!

Why I Recommend Pure Encapsulations Products

Here at Depke Wellness, we offer what we regard as the "best of the best" available to our followers. With this said, we are proud to share the recent award winning Pure Encapsulations within the newly revamped Depke Wellness Store. Review not only the Pue Encapsulation supplements offered, but also the Depke Wellness line of supplements. Order Pure Encapsulations supplements here with FREE shipping/handling. February 14, 2012 - Sudbury, MA – Pure Encapsulations, a leading manufacturer of research-based, hypo-allergenic nutritional supplements, announced today that in the recent Consumer Labs survey including over 10,000 subscribers and 90 popular supplement brands, Pure Encapsulations was again named the "#1 Rated Healthcare Practitioner Brand†". This marks the 5th consecutive award for Pure Encapsulations. "On behalf of everyone at Pure Encapsulations, we are honored to receive this award for the 5th year in a row," said Kyle Bliffert, President of Pure Encapsulations. "We take pride in the fact that health professionals entrust Pure Encapsulations with their patients' health and well-being. Manufacturing the absolute highest quality nutritional supplements available on the market is our number one goal." Criteria covered in the survey included quality, perceived effectiveness, and overall satisfaction. Consumer Labs is an independent 3rd party testing laboratory that has been helping consumers identify the best quality health and nutritional supplements since 1999. Pure Encapsulations is committed to producing the most complete line of science-based nutritional supplements. Available through health professionals, every finished product is pure and hypo-allergenic to best optimize the long-term health of the most sensitive patients.* Pure Encapsulations manufactures nutritional supplements in an FDA-inspected facility, and is NSF-GMP registered in the U.S., GMP certified in Canada, and exceeds the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for supplement manufacturing. An industry leader in manufacturing excellence, Pure Encapsulations is the supplement brand of choice for health professionals worldwide. Order Pure Encapsulations supplements here with FREE shipping/handling.  To review the Pure Encapsulations products recommended by Depke Wellness, visit this link. Review not only the Pue Encapsulation supplements offered, but also the Depke Wellness line of supplements.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. †Based on customer satisfaction. Ratings based on results of the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 ConsumerLab.com surveys of supplement users. More information at www.consumerlab.com.