Tomorrow evening, 5-8 pm, Ivan Amayo, MBA and I (Rachael Richardson, RD, LD/N) will be educating people about how to choose a healthy Whey Protein Powder. The Promotion will also include freshly made protein power smoothie samples provided by Nutrolution, Body Fat Analysis by the personal trainers at David Barton, and free samples and promotion for another workout supplement called "React", by RRD Corp. I'll also be available for "Ask the Nutritionist" over the counter nutritional advice, and we'll be passing out our Nutritional Program for Athletes. Anyone who attends will receive a free workout at this gym which overlooks the Biscayne Bay and is in the epitome of South Beach Hip Lifestyles.
I'm looking forward to seeing new and old faces, mingling and sharing some of my favorite Whey Protein Powder and other favorite Sports Supplements with people, and of course, getting the word out that Nutrolution is the place to go for pharmaceutical grade nutraceuticals and the BEST nutritional ADVICE! (no really, I'm not biased ;) I hope to see you tomorrow! RSVP to be added to our guest list : RRichardson@nutrolution.com
Hi and welcome! I'll bring you relevant info and my original perspectives on nutrition. I'm a licensed and registered dietitian/nutritionist, and I've learned a few things in 10 years practicing. I've realized that nutrition is the most important factor in how we look, think, feel and age. I own www.nutrolution.com, offering superior nutritional and botanical supplements and consultations. I want you to look and feel your best, so come join me!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Start the Week with Self Care and Love by Batch Cooking Your Meals Ahead
Yesterday, I spent the day with a client as we planned, grocery shopped and batch cooked two meals which will likely last her all week. Once she gets the swing of it, it will be a quick process to make meals for the whole week. For breakfast she'll be eating probiotic rich yogurt, chopped apple or papaya and walnuts (excellent for the brain!) For lunch an egg frittada which also has homemade red potatoes, onions, scallions, mushrooms, and spinach. And for dinners she'll be having some fried rice which is dense in carrots, onions, scallions, basil, and garlic, as well as organic eggs and shrimp, cooked together with brown rice and healthy coconut and sesame oil. She seemed quite pleased and prepared for her week upon finishing, and this is the perfect way to spend the day in self love and care. Personally I couldn't think of a better way to spend my time. (well, maybe a couple, but it was surely a special experience for me as well)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Amazing & well-researched Probiotics
I can almost guarentee that any person (young or old) who walks in my door will benefit from taking probiotics. Why? Because the vast majority of people living in the US suffer from "dysbiosis". Dysbiosis is an imbalance of bacteria in the intestines. It happens when you don't have healthy protective bacteria in your system, such as after taking antibiotics, or in the case of a baby who wasn't breastfed.
Breastmilk is where we originally obtain our healthy bacteria, and without it, all sorts of microbes have a shot at colonizing your intestine. Long term, bad bacterial and/or yeast colonization will turn into GI problems such as constipation, gas, bloating, IBS, and even ulcers and other acute conditions. Immune problems also increase when there's no good bacteria present in your intestines. And I strongly believe that the overwhelming still relatively new problem of autoimmune disease is in large part due to dysbiosis. It is connected through a process by which dysbiosis leads to a leaky gut, which send proteins into the blood stream, causing immune system dysfunction.
So what's the solution? Take probiotics. And they must be the right kind, as found on my web site, http://www.nutrolution.com/ . Human grade, pharmaceutical grade, and FOS free to begin. I've posted a couple research studies below which highlight the benefits of probiotic supplementation with pregnant women and the elderly. There is so much more research available, not to mention clinical experience to support the regular use of probiotics for general health and disease prevention.
Research Study #1: Probiotic Supplementation During Pregnancy May Be Beneficial
Reference:"Impact of maternal probiotic-supplemented dietary counselling on pregnancy outcome and prenatal and postnatal growth: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study," Luoto R, Laitinen K, et al, J Nutr. 2010 Feb 4:1-8. [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Paediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland).
Summary:In a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 256 pregnant women, results indicate that probiotic supplementation and dietary counseling during pregnancy may improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce risk of gestational diabetes and larger birth size. The women were randomized in their first trimester to one of three groups: 1) diet+probiotic group: received intensive dietary counseling and probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12); 2) diet group: received intensive dietary counseling; 3) diet+placebo group: received intensive dietary counseling and placebo. During pregnancy, 13% of women in the diet+probiotic group were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, compared with 36% in the diet+placebo group and 34% in the diet group. Additionally, probiotic supplementation was associated with reduced risk of larger birth size. Thus, the authors conclude, "The results of the present study show that probiotic-supplemented perinatal dietary coun seling could be a safe and cost-effective tool in addressing the metabolic epidemic. In view of the fact that birth size is a risk marker for later obesity, the present results are of significance for public health in demonstrating that this risk is modifiable."
Research Study #2: Probiotic Supplementation May Be Beneficial For Chronic Constipation
Reference:"Efficacy of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) supplement in management of constipation among nursing home residents," An HM, Ha NJ, et al, Nutr J, 2010; 9(1):5. (Address: Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea. E-mail: aashhm@hanmail.net ).
Summary:In an intervention study involving 19 nursing home residents with chronic constipation, results indicate that supplementation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB: beneficial probiotics) may be effective in improving constipation. The subjects were assigned to LAB (3.0 x 1011 CFU/g) twice (to be taken 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner) a day for 2 weeks. At intervention end, increase in frequency of defecation and amount of stool excreted in defecation habit was observed. Additionally, tryptophanase and urease enzyme activities of intestinal microflora significantly decreased. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "LAB, when added to the standard treatment regimen for nursing home residents with chronic constipation, increased defecation habit such as frequency of defecation, amount and state of stool. So, it may be used as functional probiotics to improve human health by helping to prevent constipation."
Breastmilk is where we originally obtain our healthy bacteria, and without it, all sorts of microbes have a shot at colonizing your intestine. Long term, bad bacterial and/or yeast colonization will turn into GI problems such as constipation, gas, bloating, IBS, and even ulcers and other acute conditions. Immune problems also increase when there's no good bacteria present in your intestines. And I strongly believe that the overwhelming still relatively new problem of autoimmune disease is in large part due to dysbiosis. It is connected through a process by which dysbiosis leads to a leaky gut, which send proteins into the blood stream, causing immune system dysfunction.
So what's the solution? Take probiotics. And they must be the right kind, as found on my web site, http://www.nutrolution.com/ . Human grade, pharmaceutical grade, and FOS free to begin. I've posted a couple research studies below which highlight the benefits of probiotic supplementation with pregnant women and the elderly. There is so much more research available, not to mention clinical experience to support the regular use of probiotics for general health and disease prevention.
Research Study #1: Probiotic Supplementation During Pregnancy May Be Beneficial
Reference:"Impact of maternal probiotic-supplemented dietary counselling on pregnancy outcome and prenatal and postnatal growth: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study," Luoto R, Laitinen K, et al, J Nutr. 2010 Feb 4:1-8. [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Paediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland).
Summary:In a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 256 pregnant women, results indicate that probiotic supplementation and dietary counseling during pregnancy may improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce risk of gestational diabetes and larger birth size. The women were randomized in their first trimester to one of three groups: 1) diet+probiotic group: received intensive dietary counseling and probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12); 2) diet group: received intensive dietary counseling; 3) diet+placebo group: received intensive dietary counseling and placebo. During pregnancy, 13% of women in the diet+probiotic group were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, compared with 36% in the diet+placebo group and 34% in the diet group. Additionally, probiotic supplementation was associated with reduced risk of larger birth size. Thus, the authors conclude, "The results of the present study show that probiotic-supplemented perinatal dietary coun seling could be a safe and cost-effective tool in addressing the metabolic epidemic. In view of the fact that birth size is a risk marker for later obesity, the present results are of significance for public health in demonstrating that this risk is modifiable."
Research Study #2: Probiotic Supplementation May Be Beneficial For Chronic Constipation
Reference:"Efficacy of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) supplement in management of constipation among nursing home residents," An HM, Ha NJ, et al, Nutr J, 2010; 9(1):5. (Address: Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea. E-mail: aashhm@hanmail.net ).
Summary:In an intervention study involving 19 nursing home residents with chronic constipation, results indicate that supplementation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB: beneficial probiotics) may be effective in improving constipation. The subjects were assigned to LAB (3.0 x 1011 CFU/g) twice (to be taken 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner) a day for 2 weeks. At intervention end, increase in frequency of defecation and amount of stool excreted in defecation habit was observed. Additionally, tryptophanase and urease enzyme activities of intestinal microflora significantly decreased. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "LAB, when added to the standard treatment regimen for nursing home residents with chronic constipation, increased defecation habit such as frequency of defecation, amount and state of stool. So, it may be used as functional probiotics to improve human health by helping to prevent constipation."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Nutritional Treatment for Bipolar disease
So for many reasons, this is a very pertinent topic lately. Just this week, I began working with a new client who is suffering from bipolar disease. The client takes numerous prescription medications, and is still suffering with severe depression, insomnia, and addictions. He's been using food (specifically sugar/starches) to self medicate at bedtime when not even Ambien is putting him to rest.
The interesting thing about this case is the timing at which his most recent episode with bipolar depression began. During our initial conversation, we discovered that this episode- which has lasted 5 months and is still full blown- began right around the time that he cut out most animal proteins. As we delved into his diet, it became clear that he is highly deficient in protein, and many other essential brain nutrients. So needless to say, we began him on a program to increase complete proteins, which are the key building blocks for serotonin. As well, we've increased his DHA through food and supplemental sources, needed for opening brain cell receptor sites. We also added specific micronutrients including vitamin D3, B Complex, and a multimineral. Last but not least, we're ensuring balanced blood sugar through more balanced eating, and reducing gluten and other chemicals that could be affecting his brain negatively. In this particular case, digestion appears to be in tact, however had it not been, digestive repair including probitoic supplementation, specifically HLC Mindlinx would bevery important. Now the only thing that stands between seeing results is time and the ability of this client to stay on course. This will certainly be an interesting case for me personally, and I look forward to sharing results as they occur.
On a more grandiose note, I've seen so many people struggling lately with depression, addictions, attention deficit disorder, and other brain-related imbalances. It happens around this time of year, when vitamin D levels are at there lowest from less light. Also due to less sunshine, fatty acid malabsorption is more likely to occur, which again, impacts the brain cells.
Nutrition is one avenue that most people haven't explored in the treatment for brain problems. Yet clinical research and experience point to the fact that nutrition is an effective first step for treatment for mild to moderate brain imbalances. As well, people who are already on medications can benefit from dietary changes and nutritional supplementation to restore deficiencies.
I personally hope to begin to reach family doctors, psychiatrists, physcologists and therapists to start letting them know that there is absolutely more that they can do for their patients. Nutrition could be a huge key to restoring a healthy quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people. From a health practitioner perspective, as well as on a personal level, I feel very connected to this topic and will be sharing more with you as I learn in my journey.
The interesting thing about this case is the timing at which his most recent episode with bipolar depression began. During our initial conversation, we discovered that this episode- which has lasted 5 months and is still full blown- began right around the time that he cut out most animal proteins. As we delved into his diet, it became clear that he is highly deficient in protein, and many other essential brain nutrients. So needless to say, we began him on a program to increase complete proteins, which are the key building blocks for serotonin. As well, we've increased his DHA through food and supplemental sources, needed for opening brain cell receptor sites. We also added specific micronutrients including vitamin D3, B Complex, and a multimineral. Last but not least, we're ensuring balanced blood sugar through more balanced eating, and reducing gluten and other chemicals that could be affecting his brain negatively. In this particular case, digestion appears to be in tact, however had it not been, digestive repair including probitoic supplementation, specifically HLC Mindlinx would bevery important. Now the only thing that stands between seeing results is time and the ability of this client to stay on course. This will certainly be an interesting case for me personally, and I look forward to sharing results as they occur.
On a more grandiose note, I've seen so many people struggling lately with depression, addictions, attention deficit disorder, and other brain-related imbalances. It happens around this time of year, when vitamin D levels are at there lowest from less light. Also due to less sunshine, fatty acid malabsorption is more likely to occur, which again, impacts the brain cells.
Nutrition is one avenue that most people haven't explored in the treatment for brain problems. Yet clinical research and experience point to the fact that nutrition is an effective first step for treatment for mild to moderate brain imbalances. As well, people who are already on medications can benefit from dietary changes and nutritional supplementation to restore deficiencies.
I personally hope to begin to reach family doctors, psychiatrists, physcologists and therapists to start letting them know that there is absolutely more that they can do for their patients. Nutrition could be a huge key to restoring a healthy quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people. From a health practitioner perspective, as well as on a personal level, I feel very connected to this topic and will be sharing more with you as I learn in my journey.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A bunch of Updates from Rachael
Hey peeps-
It's been forever, but I am back. In the past few weeks, we've been working on many things, some of which have been exhausting, and out of my comfort zone, while others a blast. Races, social events, and web shopping cart glitches, now that's a good combination. The good news is that Nutrolution-the live site-now has over 50 nutroceuticals avaiable online, all of which are pharmaceutical grade, tried and true supplements which I've personally been using in practice as well as in my personal life. Some of my favorites are Paleogreens and Reds, Whey Cool Protein, HLC Mindlinx and Vitalzym. I truly believe that supplements, different ones for specific times in my life, have helped keep me from becoming extremely out of balance at times, healed me from potential disease, and kept me looking and feeling younger that I would have without them. If anyone is interested in these, I will provide a complimentary 10 minute supplement consultation as time permits during business hours to help you determine which will help you the most based on your goals. As well I will advise you if there are any contraindications based on any meds you are taking, although I don't have all the answers there, because nobody does.
Some other cool things Nutrolution has been involved in through the past month are an event a special place- Canyon Ranch- in Miami Beach. Here Ivan and I were excited to meet the Medical Director and see her speak about some of the same things we recommend for improving wellness. Recommendations she made in her speech included eating 8+ servings of vegetables per day, drinking a daily greens drink, and getting enough rest. I certainly could not, nor would I argue with any of those tips!
As well, we participated in the Haiti Relief Fundraiser by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Coconut Grove which was a huge success, raising over 15,000 for the victims of Haiti. That was a treat, and we're still waiting to hear from the winners of the raffle for free nutritional consultations ;-) We also had a booth at and ran the "V-Day 5K" race in Key Biscayne, which was benefitting the Association who puts Defibrilators into the community. I ran it in 29:53, definitely not a sign of being in shape! Though I'm slowly AND surely getting back into fitness, baby.
One thing I wanted to share with you is that a friend of mine, in fact, my oldest childhood friend, Rachel May, who is a speech pathologist in Colorado, sent me an informative video on an eating system called "Body Ecology". You may have heard about it. Actually, I was pretty impressed with the insights and information contained in the video I watched. Some people think it's competition to see others out there with great messages, but for me, it always feels so wonderful to hear other practitioners speak my language and start to depict the messages I've been learning through practice and sharing for years. Donna Gates, in her video on Body Ecology system, has the right philosophies and makes clear sense in her word choices and presentation style. The only thing that I can't quantify so far is what she's actually recommending in terms of foods, though what she has described so far pretty darn healthy, even by my standards! I guess there's a hook still waiting...
The last thing of real importance in my communicating with you today is really that I am working on a system of education via the web for people to learn and grow from. So far, I'm looking at a Wellness Wednesday email which includes a variety of relevant tips on local practitioners, restaurants, research and more, as well as my blog, which you're reading. I will be expanding the blog and formatting it to make all the more pretty for you to enjoy. I would sincerely appreciate any input or feedback from you if you have topics or types of things you would benefit from.
okay, well as I finish sipping this amazing green tea drink I'm into these days (more coming on that another day), I see that it's almost time to change and get ready for soccer tonight. So far, 2010 has been an interesting, to-become amazing year, and I am hopeful you will be joining me in the adventure!
yours in health and light, Rachael
It's been forever, but I am back. In the past few weeks, we've been working on many things, some of which have been exhausting, and out of my comfort zone, while others a blast. Races, social events, and web shopping cart glitches, now that's a good combination. The good news is that Nutrolution-the live site-now has over 50 nutroceuticals avaiable online, all of which are pharmaceutical grade, tried and true supplements which I've personally been using in practice as well as in my personal life. Some of my favorites are Paleogreens and Reds, Whey Cool Protein, HLC Mindlinx and Vitalzym. I truly believe that supplements, different ones for specific times in my life, have helped keep me from becoming extremely out of balance at times, healed me from potential disease, and kept me looking and feeling younger that I would have without them. If anyone is interested in these, I will provide a complimentary 10 minute supplement consultation as time permits during business hours to help you determine which will help you the most based on your goals. As well I will advise you if there are any contraindications based on any meds you are taking, although I don't have all the answers there, because nobody does.
Some other cool things Nutrolution has been involved in through the past month are an event a special place- Canyon Ranch- in Miami Beach. Here Ivan and I were excited to meet the Medical Director and see her speak about some of the same things we recommend for improving wellness. Recommendations she made in her speech included eating 8+ servings of vegetables per day, drinking a daily greens drink, and getting enough rest. I certainly could not, nor would I argue with any of those tips!
As well, we participated in the Haiti Relief Fundraiser by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Coconut Grove which was a huge success, raising over 15,000 for the victims of Haiti. That was a treat, and we're still waiting to hear from the winners of the raffle for free nutritional consultations ;-) We also had a booth at and ran the "V-Day 5K" race in Key Biscayne, which was benefitting the Association who puts Defibrilators into the community. I ran it in 29:53, definitely not a sign of being in shape! Though I'm slowly AND surely getting back into fitness, baby.
One thing I wanted to share with you is that a friend of mine, in fact, my oldest childhood friend, Rachel May, who is a speech pathologist in Colorado, sent me an informative video on an eating system called "Body Ecology". You may have heard about it. Actually, I was pretty impressed with the insights and information contained in the video I watched. Some people think it's competition to see others out there with great messages, but for me, it always feels so wonderful to hear other practitioners speak my language and start to depict the messages I've been learning through practice and sharing for years. Donna Gates, in her video on Body Ecology system, has the right philosophies and makes clear sense in her word choices and presentation style. The only thing that I can't quantify so far is what she's actually recommending in terms of foods, though what she has described so far pretty darn healthy, even by my standards! I guess there's a hook still waiting...
The last thing of real importance in my communicating with you today is really that I am working on a system of education via the web for people to learn and grow from. So far, I'm looking at a Wellness Wednesday email which includes a variety of relevant tips on local practitioners, restaurants, research and more, as well as my blog, which you're reading. I will be expanding the blog and formatting it to make all the more pretty for you to enjoy. I would sincerely appreciate any input or feedback from you if you have topics or types of things you would benefit from.
okay, well as I finish sipping this amazing green tea drink I'm into these days (more coming on that another day), I see that it's almost time to change and get ready for soccer tonight. So far, 2010 has been an interesting, to-become amazing year, and I am hopeful you will be joining me in the adventure!
yours in health and light, Rachael
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