Intermittent Fasting and Artificial Sweeteners, Bulletproof Coffee, Weight Loss, and Moreā€¦

Is intermittent fasting (IF) good for you?

Does it work?

What are some tips for success?

My readers are aware that I have written about diets and nutrition in the past. Our family completed the Whole30 diet in October of 2019 and my wife and I were successful in sticking to the rules for the entire month. The kids couldnā€™t stick with it. They needed more carbohydrates and got very tired of stir fryā€™s and curry. Although we arenā€™t currently eating such a restrictive diet, much was learned during that month with regards to eating and how your body can feel differently when only whole foods are consumed.

Intermittent fasting (IF) was introduced to me by a pharmacist colleague a couple of years ago. He sent me some information via email and I decided to give it a try.

IF is a pattern of normal food intake combined with extended periods where little to no food is consumed. Restricting food intake to a time window of eight hours or less per day is also known as time-restricted feeding (TRF). As you can probably imagine, there are many ways to achieve this.

Alternate Day Fasting

During this plan, you can eat normally on even days and fast on odd days. During your fasting days you may drink non-calorie beverages such as coffee, tea or water. There are many books explaining this method. Probably the most popular is ā€œThe Every Other Day Dietā€ by Krista Varaday. The premise is you can eat all you want, half the time, and lose weight.

The 5:2 Diet

The 5:2 method involves eating normally for five days of the week and consuming only 500-600 calories on two consecutive days after that. I am unable to do this. Eating a few calories makes me hungry.

Lean Gains Protocol

This is also called the 16/8 method. This plan involves restricting your calorie intake to an eight hour period. In my opinion, this is a great place to start. Just pick an eight hour period during the day where you are allowed to eat, and fast for the rest of the day. You could eat from noon until 8:00 PM, for example.

The 20:4 Plan

This is the plan I follow. It is the most restrictive single day fast. This regimen allows for one meal per day. Many find this best for weight loss, ketone production, and mental sharpness. I do not recommend starting here, but you can work your way towards this goal. I suggest starting with the 16/8 method as mentioned above.

There are many more possibilities to choose from. Just google ā€œintermittent fastingā€ and you will find many ideas. There are also several apps available for the iPhone to help you. Some of these include:

  • BodyFast Intermittent Fasting
  • Zero-Fasting Tracker
  • Simple: Fasting & Meal Tracker
  • Ā MyFast Intermittent Fasting

If you own an iPhone and want to try IF, I strongly suggest downloading one of these apps. It makes the process much easier. These apps also contain a ton of useful information on the subject.

I have been an ā€œintermittent fasterā€ my whole life. I very rarely eat breakfast because it tends to make me sluggish and hungry, and I find it causes unwanted GI symptoms, dizziness and increases my sugar cravings.

I have always read that you shouldnā€™t skip breakfast, but this strategy has never worked for my body. I have started using the intermittent fasting plan during the last couple of years where I only eat during a four hour window on weekdays. I do not do this on weekends because I find it too hard to accomplish.

I decided to write a post about the IFD because I wanted to report the available research to my readers. There are many benefits to this diet and I find it to be an effective method to keep my weight stable.

The Basis For Intermittent Fasting

It is no secret that, as a society, we overeat. Most of us eat at least three meals per day and snacks in between. This often leads to the consumption of too many calories predisposing our bodies to metabolic complications such as excessive visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Lack of exercise makes these conditions even worse. The truth is, we are perfectly capable of surviving by eating less food, less often. There are many ways to practice IF. The benefits of these diets include:

  • Depletion or reduction of glycogen stores.
  • Mobilization of fatty acids.
  • Maintaining blood glucose levels in the low-normal range.
  • Reduced leptin and elevation of adiponectin levels.

1

2

3

Behavioral effects are also possible and include increased alertness and improved mental acuity.4

Intermittent Fasting and Diabetes

The popularity of IF has revolved around losing or maintaining weight. This is what initially piqued my interest. It makes sense that if you eat for only a small portion of the day, you will likely consume less calories. Less calories means less weight. There are other benefits, however, which I have listed above. What do the studies say about IF and weight loss?

Most of the studies performed on intermittent fasting and weight loss are done during Ramadan. One such study, published in 2019, looked at the effects of intermittent fasting on individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS).5

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance, hypertension, abdominal obesity, and poor lipid profiles. Most countries have a 20-30% prevalence of MetS among their adult population.6

It is important to point out that there are three general approaches most commonly investigated in studies of fasting.

  • Dietary restriction ā€“ One or more macronutrients are restricted with or without a total calorie reduction.
  • Intermittent fasting ā€“ Whole-day fasting or time-restricted feeding (TRF).
  • Daily caloric restriction ā€“ cutting 20-40% of daily caloric intake.

The 2019 study cited above showed a significant positive association between weight loss and the number of fasting days. The reduction of fat and body weight were achieved during the Ramadan fast while retaining lean mass. The non-fasting group showed no changes in weight. The fasting group experienced a decrease in both daily calorie intake, and physical activity. This led to a weight loss of 1.5 kg. This loss was 76% fat mass, 17% body fluid loss, and only 6% protein loss. The loss of body fat occurring in this study is higher than that reported from calorie restriction alone.7

A meta-analysis was published in February of 2018 reviewing intermittent fasting interventions for treatment of overweight and obese adults.8

This analysis included 400 subjects ranging in age from 37 years to 49 years. All participants were overweight or obese with a BMI range of (26.0 kg/m2 to 35.6 kg/m2). The studies contained in this analysis used different methods of IF. All but one study used self-reporting through food diaries to monitor compliance to the various protocols.

This meta-analysis found that intermittent fasting is as effective as the current clinical practice utilized for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. Only a few studies met criteria to be included in this analysis, and most participants were women. These studies were of short duration and follow-up was very poor. Compliance was measured almost exclusively by diaries obtained by the subjects. Due to these issues, the researchers concluded that there was insufficient evidence at this time to recommend routine use of IF for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. I did consult my personal physician and his take was that IF likely not cause harm and may indeed lead to weight loss. He stated that many of his patients utilize IF, especially athletes.

What to Drink During Fasting Periods

A common question people ask is ā€œwhat can I drink during the fasting period?ā€ My suggestions are listed below. If you ask several people about this, you will get many different answers. Always remember that no two people are the same. Find a plan that works for you and stick to it!

1. Water ā€“ This is my number one choice. Water is very good for your body and you need to remain hydrated. You should drink plenty of water daily whether or not you are fasting. You may add lemon slices to the water if you desire.

2. Bulletproof Coffee – This is one of my favorites. There are different ways to make this but I just use black coffee and add MCT oil to it. Others use butter and some add butter and MCT oil. The MCT oil I use is pictured below. I only drink one cup of coffee per day that contains one tablespoonful of MCT oil because the oil contains saturated fat. This special coffee helps curb hunger. You can also try one of our keto supplements if you find you are getting hungry or are low on energy.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar ā€“ I occasionally add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to my water for taste and health reasons. I wrote an entire article on this. Click the link above to read more about the benefits.

4. Tea ā€“ Tea is fair game as long as you donā€™t add sugar. I also advise against artificial sweeteners (see below.)

Intermittent Fasting and Artificial Sweeteners

I do not recommend using any artificial sweeteners during IF. These products are not good for your body and, in many cases, can cause sugar cravings. This means no diet sodas or sweet coffee. At least one study showed that these substances actually lead to glucose intolerance by altering the intestinal micro biota.9

If you must utilize artificial sweeteners, I recommend Stevia. I just prefer the brand you use does not contain glucose or sugar alcohols.

Risks of Intermittent Fasting

  1. Dehydration.Ā  Be sure to hydrate especially during your fasting periods10

2. Increased afternoon urine osmolality.

This can also be avoided by adequate hydration. Remember to drink plenty of water during the day.11

3. Increased cortisol levels.

Fasting causes stress to our bodies. This leads to a release of cortisol which is our primary stress hormone. This may lead to an increase in fat storage although, as stated above, studies show that IF actually decreases fat.12

4. Increased guilt.

Inability to stick to the fasting regimen may cause one to feel guilty. I donā€™t put much stake in this as any diet may have this effect.

5. Decreased alertness.

Even though IF is known to improve alertness and concentration in the short term, it is possible that if enough calories are not consumed, one may actually become less alert and fatigued. Dizziness may also result. This can be easily rectified by simply eating more calories during your eating window.

I have been using the 20:4 intermittent fasting plan off and on for a couple of years. For me it was a fairly easy transition as I rarely eat breakfast. I just had to train myself to skip lunch. It was difficult at first, but I found the bulletproof coffee and drinking a lot of water helped me get through the day. I also only do this during the work week so I eat whatever I desire on weekends. I do not lose weight on this diet unless I am exercising regularly, but I donā€™t gain weight, either. It is a perfect solution for me.

My recommendation is to also check with a physician prior to initiating a diet, especially if you have diabetes or take medications. You should have routine check-ups with your physician and you may discuss diets at that time. Although IF is not for everyone, I do believe it can help most people achieve weight loss safely.

Some other pointers are:

  • Be sure to have healthy food available to eat during your feeding period. You do not want to fill up on junk food and empty calories.
  • Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help you feel less hungry and keep you from getting headaches and becoming lethargic.
  • Have a plan. Try different approaches to IF and pick the one that is right for you. Remember, we are all different.
  • Utilize an iPhone IF app. There are many to choose from. These apps are great for tracking your food intake, weight, and they contain valuable information to help you succeed.

I hope you have gained something positive from this post. My goal is always to help my readers live a happy, healthy life. If you have any topics you would like covered or have any questions for me, please reach out by email. I am always here to help.

Have a great week!

Michael Brown in Lab Coat with arms crossed

Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP

Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.

Read Michael’s story here.

Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.

Ā 

Ornish vs Mediterranean Diet, Which is Better

What is the healthiest diet?

Ā 

How can I achieve sustainable weight loss?

Ā 

Is it possible to prevent, reverse or control type 2 diabetes with diet?

Ā 

Those who have been following my blog know that I believe in the following key strategies to live a happy, healthy, healing lifestyle:

Ā 

  • Eat whole foods
  • Exercise
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night
  • Control stress and anxiety
  • Spend as much time as possible with your happiness elements

Ā 

This post will focus on the best diet to achieve weight loss and keep your body as healthy as possible.Ā  Our family tried the Whole30 diet in October.Ā  It was challenging for us all, but some major lessons were learned from the experience.Ā  First, it is amazing how good you feel when crappy foods are eliminated from your diet.Ā  Your thoughts are clear, your energy level improves, and you feel better in general.Ā  Secondly, your skin improves, you look healthier, and sugar cravings disappear.Ā  Although this diet is hard to continue indefinitely based on its restrictions, I do recommend trying it to get an idea of how the food you eat effects your life.

Ā 

Letā€™s look at two different diets that may help you.

Dean Ornishā€™s Spectrum Diet

Dr. Dean Ornish has created a program which is similar to what I believe will lead to a healthier you.Ā  His program claims to be able to reverse heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, and lead to weight loss.Ā  Dr. Ornish believes that foods are neither good nor bad, but some are healthier than others.Ā  He believes eating more of the healthy foods such as

Ā 

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Nonfat dairy
  • Fats that contain omega 3 fatty acids
  • Legumes
  • Soy products
  • Egg whites

Ā 

can have anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-heart disease effects.Ā  Like me, Dr. Ornish emphasizes whole foods.Ā  Processed foods should be limited.Ā  He believes eating mostly plants in their natural form will lead to better health.

Ā 

Ornishā€™s diet does not restrict calories unless weight loss is a goal.Ā  He believes in small frequent meals throughout the day which maintain energy levels and controls hunger.

Carbohydrates

This diet limits the following ā€œbadā€ carbs

Ā 

  • Sugar
  • Concentrated sweeteners
  • White flour
  • White rice
  • Refined carbohydrates

Ā 

Added sugars such as agave, honey, white or brown sugar, maple syrup and refined carbohydrates are limited to 2 servings per day.Ā 

Ā 

Alcohol can be consumed in limited quantities, but is not encouraged and is limited to one serving per day or

Ā 

  • 5 ounces liquor
  • 4 ounces wine
  • 12 ounces beer

Fats

The Ornish diet recommends 4 grams of good fats daily.Ā  These include

Ā 

  • Fish oil
  • Flax seed oil
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Plankton based omega-3 fatty acids

Ā 

Limit calories from fats to 10% or less.Ā  This diet achieves this by not adding fats, oils, avocados, coconut, or olives to the mostly plant-based diet.Ā  The fat will come naturally from grains, vegetables, soy, fruit, legumes, and beans.

Ā 

Cholesterol is limited to 10 mg or less per day.Ā  Non-fat dairy products are optional but should be limited to 2 servings per day.Ā  Alternatives such as soy milk are preferred as they are rich in healthy nutrients and are cholesterol-free.

Ā 

Since nuts contain large amounts of fat, serving sizes are limited.Ā  Three servings of the following types of nuts are recommended.Ā  These specific types contain antioxidants, phytochemicals, and polyphenols which convey cardiovascular benefits.

Ā 

  • 5 tsp pumpkin seeds
  • 6 peanuts
  • 3 pecan halves
  • 1 whole walnut
  • 5 almonds
  • 9 pistachios
  • 2 cashews
  • 5 tsp flax seeds, ground
  • 2 tsp chia seeds or sunflower seeds

Ā 

Low fat packaged foods are not encouraged, but optional.Ā  Remember, whole foods are preferred.

Ā 

Ā 

Protein

Protein, obtained mostly from plants, is encouraged by the Ornish diet.Ā  Examples include.

  • Beans
  • Legumes
  • Tofu
  • Tempeh
  • Egg Whites
  • Non-fat yogurt
  • Non-fat cheese

Other Recommendations

Flavoring foods with herbs, spices, vinegar, and citrus fruits is preferred over salt.Ā  If you are a coffee drinker, limit coffee to one cup per day, or two cups decaf or black or green tea.Ā  Supplements may be taken as well.Ā  Dr. Ornish recommends a low-dose multivitamin and mineral supplement with vitamin B-12, fish oil, and calcium supplements if directed by a physician.

All information regarding the Ornish diet was obtained directly from his website at:

https://www.ornish.com/proven-program/nutrition/

Ā 

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating in countries that surround the Mediterranean.Ā  The basic guidelines are as follows.

Foods to eat daily:

  • Whole grains
  • Beans
  • Spices
  • Healthy fats
  • Herbs
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Nuts

To be consumed twice a week:

  • Fish
  • Seafood

Moderate portions of:

  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
  • Poultry (occasional)

Foods to consume infrequently:

  • Red meats
  • Sweets

There are many websites devoted to a Mediterranean diet and lifestyle.Ā  One of my favorites is http://www.oldwayspt.org

This pyramid is found on that site.Ā  This gives a visual explanation of what I have written above.

Why the Mediterranean Diet?

Studies have shown that this diet achieves better results than other diets in many areas:

  1. A 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to low fat diets.1

Ā 

  1. Lower blood sugars in type 3 diabetics compared to other diets.2

3

  1. More effective for sustainable weight loss.4

5

  1. Lower rates of cancer, dementia, heart disease, stroke, and overall dementia.6

  1. More favorable cholesterol, blood sugar and inflammation levels compared to low fat diets.

    7

It is important to realize that what you actually eat depends on your situation and what you are trying to achieve.Ā  The above Mediterranean diet pyramid shows what to eat in general.Ā 

Since most are likely reading this because they want to lose weight, here are some pointers.Ā  Remember, if you are at your goal weight, just eat according to the pyramid above.

Try to stop eating and drinking sweet foods and beverages.Ā 

This includes those with artificial sweeteners.Ā  Even fruit juices should be avoided.Ā  These items are high in empty calories and can spike insulin levels.Ā  If you refrain from eating sweets, your cravings for them will decrease.Ā  I noticed when on the Whole30 diet that fruits will also start to taste much sweeter and become more enjoyable to consume.

Avoid grains, even whole grains.Ā 

If you want to lose weight, or are having trouble controlling blood sugar, avoiding all grains is important.Ā  Grains contain high levels of carbohydrates.Ā  Grains fit into three broad categories.

Ā Ā Ā Ā  Highly-refined grains ā€“

Any foods made with white, wheat or enriched flour.Ā  Some examples include bagels, focaccia bread, pizza, pancakes, pastries, donuts, cookies, chips, pretzels etc.Ā  White rice, tortillas, most granola bars, and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals also fit into this category.Ā  Highly refined grains should ALWAYS be avoided.

Ā Ā Ā Ā  Moderately-processed whole grains ā€“

These foods are not as processed as the highly refined carbs but contain rapidly-metabolized starches which spike blood sugar levels much like their highly-refined counterparts. Examples in this category include whole grain versions of pastas, crackers, breads, couscous, brown rice cakes, puffed grain cereals, muesli, and granola.Ā  People at goal weight without diabetes, high triglycerides, or insulin resistance can eat moderately-processed whole grains in limited quantities.

Ā Ā Ā Ā  Intact whole grains ā€“

These are grain products that have not been processed.Ā  Examples include whole unpearled barley, wheat and rye berries, oat groats, brown rice and millet.Ā  These are the healthiest grains available but, again, should only be eaten by those who are at goal weight, donā€™t suffer from diabetes, insulin resistance, or high triglyceridemia.

Eat nine servings of whole fruits and vegetables daily but eat the vegetables first.Ā 

Most frozen vegetables are almost as good as the fresh variety.Ā  Be sure to eat more vegetables than fruit and eat vegetables with every meal, even breakfast.Ā  Eat the vegetables whole instead of juicing them.Ā  Steer away from starchy vegetables such as potatoes.Ā  Keep serving sizes of yams, carrots and sweet potatoes small.

All fruit is not created equal.

The best fruits to eat are apples, pears, berries and citrus fruits.Ā  Dried fruits should be avoided as they contain concentrated sugars.Ā  The only exception is dried prunes which have a lower glycemic load.Ā  Higher sugar fruits such as bananas, pineapple, grapes and mangoes should be consumed in moderation.

Eat beans and legumes regularly.Ā 

These are best prepared from the dry versions.Ā  Be careful when using canned beans.Ā  Many contain added sugars and fat.Ā  Beans and legumes add vegetable protein to the diet and have less of an impact on weight gain and blood sugar than whole grains.

Try to eat good fat, protein and fiber with each meal and snack.Ā 

This has a couple of benefits.Ā  First, blood sugar will rise more slowly and increase satisfaction.Ā  Secondly, combining these leads to a longer digestion time which curbs hunger.Ā 

Donā€™t skip meals.Ā 

I know intermittent fasting is currently popular and I like to practice it myself.Ā  Eating a good breakfast and small, frequent meals has been shown to help with weight loss.

Eat unsweetened cultured dairy products.Ā 

Some studies have shown that eating dairy reduces diabetes and obesity risk.Ā  It is also better to choose whole or 2% milk products instead of the low-fat or non-fat variety.Ā  Eating aged cheeses is preferable to drinking milk.Ā  Kefir and yogurt can be a great source of microorganisms (probiotics), calcium and protein.Ā  It is always best to consume plain yogurt and sweeten it yourself.Ā  I like to use blueberries, raspberries and blackberries for this purpose.

Always read food labels.Ā 

Donā€™t fall for marketing slogans such as ā€œhealthyā€ or ā€œlow-fat.ā€Ā  Avoid packaged foods that contain added sugar, refined grains and bad fats.Ā  Remember, it is always best to eat whole foods whenever possible.Ā  If it doesnā€™t come with a label, it is probably much healthier for your body.

Plan ahead.Ā 

Often we make poor choices when in a hurry or when we havenā€™t purchased the correct ingredients for healthy meals.Ā  Stay away from fast food and limit trips to restaurants.Ā 

Exercise!Ā Ā 

My readers are probably tired of hearing this but it is probably the most important key to health, happiness and weight loss.Ā  Be active, take the stairs, park further from your destination and walk.Ā  There are many ways to get exercise, you donā€™t necessarily have to live at the gym to accomplish this.

Get enough sleep.Ā 

This is another thing that comes up over and over in my posts.Ā  Lack of sleep puts you at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

Let's Compare the Two Diets

Now that we have explored these two diets, we can compare them.Ā  They are actually not that much different.Ā  They both rely on fruits and vegetables as the primary food source and both prefer you eat the ā€œwholeā€ versions of these.Ā  They both restrict refined sugars, processed foods, and unhealthy carbohydrates.

Ā  The Ornish diet allows 2 servings of ā€œbad carbsā€ daily whereas the Mediterranean diet advocates consuming them as a treat or on special occasions.Ā 

Fat consumption in the Ornish diet is only 10% of the daily caloric intake whereas the Mediteranean diet allows for approximately 29% fat on a daily basis.Ā 

Every physician I have consulted regarding diets has recommended the Mediterranean diet over all others.Ā  The primary reason for this is the large quantity of clinical data available to support it for heart disease, diabetes treatment and prevention as well as the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinsonā€™s disease and Dementia.Ā  The prevention of dementia is of upmost importance to me as I work on a hospital unit that cares for these patients.Ā  This disease is devastating for both the patient as well as the family and care-givers.Ā  Anything I can do to prevent this disease is worth the effort.

U.S. News and World Report ranked 35 diets and ranked the Mediteranean diet #1 and the Ornish diet #9.Ā 

https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-diets-overall

This isnā€™t surprising considering the evidence available.Ā  The main complaint surrounding the Ornish diet was the finding that the fat limitation made the diet hard to adhere to.Ā  Nevertheless, this diet is very good for your heart and is also supported by quality evidence.Ā  I see no problem following this diet if you are able to stick to it.Ā  You will likely lose weight and feel great.Ā  It follows all of my ā€œrulesā€ which are explained at the beginning of this post.Ā 

I plan to stick with the Mediterranean diet for now.Ā  My main reason for this is the evidence supporting its effect on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.Ā  I have no problem recommending the Ornish diet as well.Ā  I have researched it and find it to be a great alternative for weight loss.Ā  I recommend you take a look at both and make your decision based on what you can maintain.Ā  A diet only works if you are able to stay on it.

As always, if you have any questions or comments positive or negative, please let me know.Ā  I would also love to hear topics you are interested in reading about.Ā  The goal is to keep you informed about anything that supports a happy, healthy, healing lifestyle!Ā 

Get Our Monthly Newsletter Sent to Your EMAIL Sign up Below

Michael Brown in Lab Coat with arms crossed

Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP

Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.

Read Michael’s story here.

Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.

Ā 

Ā 

My Whole30 Summary

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click on, or make a purchase through a third-party link.

What is the Whole30?
Should I try it?
Is it hard?
Will I lose weight?

Here is my Whole30 summary

Ā 

I discovered the Whole30 while researching the best body detox plans for a recent blog post I was writing. I donā€™t like to make recommendations to my audience that I am not willing to try myself. That being said, I started the thirty-day program on October 15th, 2019. I was well aware that Halloween would be a bummer (no candy), but I wanted to do this. I set up a Google Doc on my phone and kept notes of what I ate and how I felt during the program. My starting weight was 188 pounds.

What is the Whole30

The Whole30 was created in 2009 by Melissa Hartwig. This is not a diet or a test of willpower, itā€™s a program designed to change the way you think about food. The basic premise is simple; some foods are not good for your body. Of course, many of these are the foods we crave the most. Eliminating all the ā€œunhealthyā€ foods removes toxins from your body. Saying goodbye to the ā€œsugar monsterā€ is difficult at first, but as you will see, changes the way you feel. No fast food, no added sugar or sugar substitutes, and no cheese! This program changed the way I plan to eat going forward.


I have to admit I was skeptical.


What you will read in this post is what I went through during the thirty days. Some days were difficult. There was bickering at the dinner table. The kids missed ā€œtheir foodā€. Donā€™t send me messages about child abuse, I did not make them stick to the program, but I didnā€™t make fancy Mexican and Italian dishes, either. Ashley looked at me one night and said, ā€œI just want my food backā€. These kids are not fans of fast food or restaurants, except sushi. They love daddyā€™s cooking.

Whole30 Rules

The rules seem very simple at first. The problem is there are almost no processed foods that donā€™t contain an ingredient you canā€™t have. You are much better off only eating fresh organic food. Fruits and vegetables will become your best friend. Here are the rules:

  • No added sugar or sugar substitutes of any kind. This includes honey and agave nectar.
  • No alcohol! This was the most natural rule for me.
  • No grains. No wheat, corn, rice, barley, oats, millet, quinoa, etc. This covers a lot of foods. I suggest referring to the Whole30 book for a complete list.
  • No Legumes. No beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, or peanuts. That means no peanut butter. You can easily substitute almond butter or cashew butter ā€” no soy of any kind or tofu, edamame, or tempeh. Soy sneaks into products almost as often as added sugar. Learn to read the labels.
  • No dairy. Another crushing blow to me. No cheese, milk, cream cheese, or sour cream. You can eat clarified butter, but I skipped it. I used olive oil and coconut oil for all of my cooking, a change I plan to continue.
  • No carrageenan, MSG, or added sulfites. Careful with dried fruits and sausage, be sure there are no sulfites added.
  • No junk foods or baked goods made with improved ingredients. This means you canā€™t make pancakes out of coconut flour. I will give you some suggestions for sweet snacks later in the post.
  • Do not weigh or measure yourself in any way during the program. Just before and after. This is to keep you from concentrating on your weight and missing other benefits.

Preparing for the Whole30

I am going to stress this step. Be sure you have an adequate supply of ā€œWhole30 compliantā€ food in your house before you start. Do not try to wing it! I suggest stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables, almonds, cashews, eggs, and other sources of protein. If you are vegan, you are in good shape, remember, no grains. There are a few bars you can use that I will get to later.

If you donā€™t prepare, you probably will fail.

One of the things we ate several times is various forms of curry. This is ideal because not only can you change up the vegetables, the turmeric in the curry is very good for your body. I suggest stocking up on curry powder.

Be ready to spend more time cooking and preparing meals. There are no drive-throughs in this plan. Give yourself an hour for dinner preparation each night. I will share ideas for meals later. My plan was to eat simple things during the day and make a healthy dinner at night.

Restaurants and the Whole30

My suggestion is to plan to stay away from restaurants for thirty days. We went out once, and it was extremely frustrating. There was almost nothing on the menu that fit the plan. It was a horrible experience and, if I do this again, I will prepare every meal myself. I am not a huge fan of restaurants anyway, so this isnā€™t a significant loss for me.

Whole30 Compliant Snack Bars

There are a few snack bars that are Whole30 compliant and I have listed a few here.Ā  The most inexpensive ones I was able to find are pictured above.Ā  Please note that all Larabars are not Whole30 compliant.Ā  The ones listed above are fine but please read ingredients on anything processed prior to eating.

Some of the EPIC bars such as the one pictured are also Whole30 compliant.Ā  Just a warning, this chicken one is spicy!Ā  Be sure to check all labels because some I found had added sugar.

RX bars are also mostly compliant.Ā  I would not suggest eating any of these bars often.Ā  Just keep them on hand for emergency use.Ā  It is much better to always eat whole foods.

A Few Whole30 Recipes I Used

I have added a few recipes to this post that my family ate during the Whole30 experience.Ā  The first is a snack bar that is super easy to make and very good.Ā  So good, in fact, I am still making these even after finishing the Whole30.Ā  The second is a frittata where you could substitute virtually any vegetable that works with eggs.Ā  The last is a curry recipe. As I said above, we ate a lot of curry during the Whole30 and you could use any vegetables or curry types for this.Ā 

My Experience with the Whole30

My starting weight was 188 pounds on 10/15/19. The first day was excellent. In the morning, I had black coffee only. For lunch, I had cherry tomatoes, blackberries, and raspberries. This was my pattern, although some days, I added almonds or cashews and turkey or tuna to lunch. I skipped breakfast almost every day, which is typical for me. The first night I made chicken primavera from the Whole30 book for dinner.

Day two, I was tired and hungry. I made a spinach frittata for dinner. I am not a fan of eggs, but it was pretty good.

Day three was a good day. I had a false sense that the hard part was over, but I was very wrong. Spaghetti squash with marinara sauce, steamed broccoli, and chicken Italian from 365 was dinner.

Day four, I was sluggish in the AM, but the day got better.

On day five, Luke Combs came to Portland, and Cathy and I went to see him. It was a great concert, and I didnā€™t think much about food. I made pork meatballs and sweet potatoes with bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes in a red curry sauce.

Day six was the WORST day of all, especially in the evening. I ate a lot of food but I felt like my energy was depleted. I wasnā€™t sure if I could make it. Looking back, Iā€™m glad I pushed through. I worked the evening shift and didnā€™t get home until after midnight.

Day seven, I slept until 10 am.Ā  I had two poached eggs and stuffed peppers before leaving for work. The worst was over!

Day eight, even with five hours of sleep, I felt amazing all day. I had read about it, but guess what happened next?

Tiger blood

The Whole30 book says this should happen from day 16 to 27 but it occurred for me on day 9. I canā€™t explain this feeling, but it is terrific. I felt better than I have in years. I attribute it to being detoxed off of all the crap I had been eating. I wonā€™t bore you with all the details of the rest of the days, but they all went pretty well. I did get a little tired of the same food towards the end. In the last couple of days, I wanted to change up the diet a little.

We had curry in one form or another nine different nights. I had it leftover at least twice. I would say one of the main things I learned is that curry is excellent and healthy.

Michael Brown pictured with Final Thought written

I woke up at 2 am on day 31 and weighed myself. I was down to 175.8 pounds, so in 30 days, I lost 12.2 pounds.

I am not sure if I would do this again, but it wasnā€™t terrible, especially after day six. I did feel great during the last couple of weeks.

My wife also lost weight but struggled at times to find compliant food to eat when I wasn’t around.Ā  Her skin improved, and she experienced no migraine headaches during the thirty days.Ā Ā 

Cathy brought home a pizza for the kids on day 15. This was probably the hardest thing to ignore because it smelled delicious plus I was hungry. I had a few days that I had to pass on Krispy Kreme donuts and candy, as well. I thought I would miss Diet Coke more than I did, but I guess I missed Mexican and Italian food much more.

Here is what I plan to change as a result of this experience; I will continue to drink my coffee black and cut back on soda, I want to continue the habit of drinking a lot of water daily, and fresh fruit and vegetables will always be available. I plan to snack on them often. I will keep monitoring my weight and try to stay where I am currently.

If you are interested in what I ate the other days, feel free to send me a message. I kept track of my meals, so Iā€™d be glad to share that with you. If you have any questions regarding my experience, feel free to ask.

I am creating a diet of my own that I will share will you in the next few months.Ā  One of the new products I have enjoyed is available below.Ā  Give it a try.Ā  Who doesn’t like pizza?Ā  This crust eliminates unnecessary carbs!

I am creating a diet of my own that I will share will you in the next few months.Ā  One of the new products I have enjoyed is available below.Ā  Give it a try.Ā  Who doesn’t like pizza?Ā  This crust eliminates unnecessary carbs!

Michael Brown in Lab Coat with arms crossed

Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP

Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.

Read Michael’s story here.

Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.

Ā 

Best Cleanses and Detoxes for Weight Loss

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click on, or make a purchase through a third-party link.

Have you felt crappy lately?

Have you had low energy or problems sleeping?

Do you ever consider trying a body cleanse or detox program for weight loss?

Body cleansing and detox have become very popular in recent years. Some people use these for health reasons and others for weight loss. Cleansing and detoxes are meant for short term use only and are used to eliminate toxins from the body.

Due to global industrialization, we are all subjected to harmful chemicals daily. These chemicals include pesticides, phthalates, bisphenol A, and many others. Adverse health conditions can be caused or exacerbated by these chemicals, including various cancers,1

reproductive effects,Ā 2

and cardiovascular disease.3

There are more than 80,000 chemicals registered for use in the US. Each year, 2000 new ones are added. A large percentage of these have not been adequately studied for detrimental health effects.4

Naturopathic doctors study methods of detoxification during their schooling. We know that medical nutrition can treat and prevent several ailments, including allergies, asthma, and inflammation. It can also be useful in treating and averting toxic environmental exposures.

Ā 5

Ā 

Ā 6

The purpose of this article is to present cleanses and detoxes available to help in weight loss. Some of these may also help rid the body of toxins.Ā 

It is essential to be aware of the harmful effects some of these detoxes and cleanses may have on our bodies.

Most of these methods consist of fasting, following a specific diet, and drinking plenty of water.Ā 

What are the best choices?

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) promotes a healthy digestive tract by creating an environment more conducive to ā€œgoodā€ bacteria. This can lead to improved absorption of nutrients, which increase energy, metabolism, and aids in cholesterol removal.

Ā It has also been associated with improving insulin sensitivity. Some report ACV can diminish appetite leading to weight loss.


APV can lead to stomach upset and may remove the enamel from teeth when consumed as a liquid.


If you plan to incorporate ACV into your weight loss program, I suggest using capsules that will protect your teeth. You may also consider making a salad dressing using it in a diluted form. Below is a simple recipe for ACV salad dressing:

Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing

Ā¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 Cup high quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons sweet mustard (I like Beaver brand sweet hot mustard)
3-4 teaspoons real honey (add to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste

Use an immersion blender to mix or make in a salad dressing shaker.

Whole 30

The whole 30 was started ten years ago by Melissa Hartwig Urban. This is an outstanding program that I am starting myself.

If you sign up at her website, you will receive the Whole 30 starter kit. She includes a few recipes and simple rules for success. I am not going to suggest this will be easy! Here are the foods and substances you must avoid for 30 days:

Added sugar, real or artificial
Alcohol of any kind
Grains
Legumes
Dairy products
Carrageenan, MSG, or sulfites
Baked goods, junk foods, or treats with ā€œapprovedā€ ingredients
No weighing yourself or taking body measurements for 30 days!

This is a way to change the way you eat and learn how your body feels without preservatives and high calorie, unhealthy foods.Ā  The complete rules of this plan can be found at:

https://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/

Ā 

Juice Detox Diets

There are many juice diets available on the internet for purchase. These usually promise weight loss and removal of toxins from your body. Most of these products are very expensive and may or may not include supplements.Ā 

I am very wary of any detox or cleanse that starves the body, especially over a long period. As explained in last weekā€™s post, when our body goes into starvation mode, metabolism slows, and it becomes harder to lose weight.

Some Juice diets only allow consumption of 400 calories per day. This will lead to weight loss but also increases cortisol levels. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone found in our bodies. These levels can remain elevated even after a 21-day caloric restriction of 1200 kcal/day.

Ā 7

This increase in cortisol can lead to binge eating due to appetite stimulation.

Ā 8

Ā 9

Ā 

Most juice diets are similar to the lemon detox described below but are probably more healthy because they contain more nutrients.

Ā 

The Lemon Detox Diet

The Lemon detox program, also known as the Master Cleanse or Lemonade Diet, was developed by Stanley Burroughs in the 1940s. It is a very low calorie diet (VLCD) providing 800-1000 kcal/day. This method substitutes meals with:

Ā· two tablespoons of lemon juice
Ā· two tablespoons of maple syrup
Ā· cayenne pepper
Ā· water

A research study was conducted in 2015 using the lemon detox diet. In this study, lemon juice was mixed with organic maple and palm syrups. Overweight Korean women were divided into three groups. The period of the detox was seven days.Ā 


This study found that the lemon detox diet can reduce body fat, improve insulin resistance, and may have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors.Ā 


There were some unexpected changes in homocysteine levels and serum lipid profiles of the subjects in the Lemon-D group, which questions its positive cardiovascular effects.

Ā 10

Michael Brown pictured with Final Thought written

Obesity is a significant problem in the United States. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates 39.8% of adults over 20 years old were obese, and another 31.8% were overweight in 2015-2016. The rates of obesity have increased for all population categories during the last several decades.

It is not surprising than many are looking for a quick fix for this problem. Unfortunately, we donā€™t become obese overnight, and we canā€™t remedy the problem quickly. My research into cleanses and detox programs have led me to the following recommendations.

Start with the Whole 30 plan. I am now on day #9 of this diet and at the present time, feel outstanding. There have been periods where I have felt low on energy. This was especially evident during the evening of day six. I am hoping I have passed the sluggish stage.

I recommend this plan first because you are still eating plenty of calories. You are detoxing your body by drinking a lot of water and consuming only whole foods. It is not easy to eliminate all added sugar, sugar substitutes, dairy, and grain from your diet, but I feel really good and have learned a lot from this program in the last two weeks.

The Whole 30 teaches you how your body can feel in the absence of chemicals and processed foods. It does take more time to prepare meals, but I have been able to cook dinner each night, and my kids have enjoyed every meal so far! Look for my post on my experience with the Whole 30 in the next month.

I recommend avoiding juice detoxes. The weight loss will likely not last after the detox ends. There is a good chance your cortisol level will increase, making you hungry. Your body needs a certain number of daily calories to function correctly. These programs are expensive and have limited data to support their use.

Experimenting with apple cider vinegar or a colon cleanse supplement such as Psyllium Husk Plus is also an option and will allow you to maintain your current eating habits. Just remember to use these products in moderation. There is no reason to take Psyllium Husk Plus capsules daily.

I hope I have answered your questions regarding cleanses and detoxes for weight loss. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. If you believe juice detoxes have helped, I want to hear from you. My ultimate goal is to make this blog as informative and as useful as possible for my readers.

Michael Brown in Lab Coat with arms crossed

Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP

Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.

Read Michael’s story here.

Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.

Ā 

Are Rasberry Ketones Safe While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding? Do They Work For Weight Loss? Are There Side Effects?

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click on, or make a purchase through a third-party link.

What can I use raspberry ketone for?

Is raspberry ketone safe while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Is a raspberry ketone supplement right for me?

Raspberry ketone is the compound found in the red raspberry responsible for its distinctive odor. This substance is often used as a flavoring agent in the food industry.

Ā 1

Raspberry ketone is a popular weight loss supplement. This substance has also has been used to promote hair growth and improve the elasticity of the skin.

This post will take a closer look at this unique substance and the data to support its use. Raspberry ketone is available at our Sunshine Store in both capsule and liquid form.

Raspberry Ketones for Weight Loss and Obesity

Raspberry ketone helps to regulate adiponectin in the body. Adiponectin is a protein specific to adipocytes (cells that store fat). Adiponectin is thought to affect both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.

Ā Raspberry ketone helps to burn fat by breaking it up more efficiently within these specialized cells.Ā 

Higher levels of adiponectin are found in people with healthy weight. As overweight individuals lose weight, adiponectin levels increase.

Ā 2

Ā 

Ā 3

Ā 

Ā 

Ā 

Ā 

After four weeks of supplementation with raspberry ketone, Ushiki et al. were able to show a significant loss of both body weight and body fat. Arteriosclerosis index scores and triglyceride levels were also suppressed.

Ā 4

Ā 

The data mentioned above is from three small studies. There are many success stories on the internet for individuals claiming raspberry ketone has helped them lose weight.Ā 

I am currently in the middle of the Whole 30 diet, so am unable to test the product at this time. I plan to try my supplement in both forms to see if it indeed curbs my appetite.

Ā More research needs to be conducted to determine the optimum dose, potential side effects, and effectiveness of raspberry ketone supplements in helping with weight loss.Ā 

Ā 

Raspberry Ketones for Hair Loss and Skin Rejuvenation

Raspberry ketone may be useful in treating alopecia (hair loss).

A small study was conducted by Harada et al. in 2008. This study had many limitations, including a small sample size (N=10).

After five months of daily treatment with topical 0.01% raspberry ketone cream, 50% of the subjects showed increased hair growth.


This same study also looked at the effects of raspberry ketones on skin elasticity.

The study was performed on ten healthy females. The researchers concluded the topical raspberry ketone increased cheek skin elasticity.

Ā 5

Raspberry ketone works by promoting the release of insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the scalp. This helps to create new hair cells and increase hair count.

Raspberry Ketone Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Although the FDA categorizes raspberry ketone as ā€œGenerally Recognized as Safeā€ when used as a food additive, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether this substance is a safe supplement for weight loss in individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. I would suggest not using raspberry ketone if you fit into either of these categories.

Raspberry Ketone Side Effects

More studies need to be conducted to determine the incidence of various side effects that may be caused by raspberry ketone. I have listed a few adverse effects reported by users of this substance below:

  • Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Nausea.
  • feeling jittery.
  • Decreased blood sugar levels.
Michael Brown pictured with Final Thought written

After researching raspberry ketone, I believe this supplement can work for some people.Ā  I would prefer to see more research on its effect on weight loss.Ā  I do not think this supplement is harmful, but would definitely not recommend it to a woman who was pregnant or breastfeeding. I feel the risk outweigh the benefit in this circumstance.Ā 


Overall I have been impressed with the positive information I have learned while researching my supplements. I plan to keep the raspberry ketone in my store as I believe it may benefit some of my readers.Ā 

My product also contains African Mango, which has positive effects on obesity and diabetes.


I would love to hear feedback from anyone who has used this product. I may even add your story to this post!

Michael Brown in Lab Coat with arms crossed

Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP

Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.

Read Michael’s story here.

Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.

Ā 

Ā 

Apple Cider Vinegar Genital Wart Removal, Weight Loss, Sebaceous Hyperplasia, And More Surprising Uses

Are you ready to get your hands on one of the hottest supplements available today?

Ā 

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has traditionally been used in cooking, but is currently a popular health food supplement. It has many different uses. In this post, I will discuss some of the possible applications. ACV is available in liquid and capsule form. Sunshine Nutraceuticals has an ACV capsule preparation available for purchase on this website.

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click on, or make a purchase through a third-party link.

Diabetes

Individuals with type-2 diabetes have increased blood sugar levels due to their decreasing capacity to secrete insulin or an increase in insulin resistance.

Ā 1

A systematic review was conducted in 2018 to evaluate the effects of vinegar on blood glucose control.Ā The focus was on both short-term and long-term effects.

Ā 

This study found vinegar did have a statistically significant effect on long term blood sugar levels as measured by HbA1c.Ā The reduction was small (-0.39%)

Ā 

Short-term outcomes were only statistically significant at 30 minutes.Ā These showed the postprandial (after meal) glucose levels to be almost one mmol/L lower than the control group.

Ā 

Vinegar does seem to have a positive effect on blood glucose levels in patients with type-2 diabetes.Ā More studies are needed to determine its usefulness as an adjunctive agent in these patients.

2

Ā 

Ā 

Ā 

Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a weight-loss agent. There have been small studies supporting this. A review of 175 obese individuals in 2009 showed daily supplementation with ACV led to weight loss and a decrease in fat mass as well as triglycerides:

Ā 

15ml ā€“ loss of 2.6 lbs

30ml ā€“ loss of 3.7 lbs

Ā 

This occurred over twelve weeks, so it is not a rapid weight loss.Ā  ACV may have a positive effect on weight loss when used in addition to a well-balanced diet and exercise3

Genital warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV.Ā This is a sexually transmitted disease.Ā Warts generally appear in the pubic region and are small, pink or grey, fleshy growths.Ā 

Ā 

Apple cider vinegar can be used to treat genital warts.Ā A cotton ball or Q-Tip can be soaked in the vinegar and then applied to warts.Ā A waterproof bandage is then placed over the wart after the application.Ā 

Ā 

It may take up to three weeks for warts to disappear.Ā ACV contains acetic acid, which helps to kill the virus.Ā If warts remain after three weeks, a physician should be consulted.

Gargle For Sore Or Strep Throat

Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that causes strep throat.Ā This condition usually presents with a sore throat and painful swallowing.Ā Other symptoms include:

  • White spots in the throat
  • Fever of 101 degrees or higher
  • Swollen tonsils
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy

Apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria in the throat due to its acidity.Ā ACV should be diluted before gargling.Ā One teaspoonful (5ml) should be mixed with 8 ounces of water.Ā A teaspoonful of salt may also be added, and the mixture warmed.Ā  Ā ACV may also help soothe a sore throat.

I strongly suggest seeking medical care if your sore throat is accompanied by a high fever or the other symptoms listed above.Ā The doctor can do a quick test to determine if you have strep throat.Ā If you do, antibiotics can be prescribed to alleviate the infection.Ā 

Strep throat can make you very sick if not properly treated. This is especially true in pediatric and geriatric patients, as well as patients who are immunocompromised.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin caused by an overgrowth of yeast. This yeast is known as Malassezia furfur. This condition commonly affects teens and young adults.

Ā 

Ā  Symptoms of tinea versicolor include:

Ā 

  • Itching
  • Scaling of the skin
  • Skin patches that are discoloured and appear darker or lighter than usual
  • Usually occurs on the chest, neck, back and upper arms.

The risk of contracting tinea versicolor increases in hot and humid climates.Ā Individuals who sweat a lot also have a higher risk.

Ā 

It is best to have a physician confirm the diagnosis of tinea versicolor.Ā Other, more severe skin conditions have similar symptoms.Ā A physician may look at the scaly patches using an ultraviolet light or may view a skin sample under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Ā 

ACV helps to control the growth of the fungi.Ā It can be useful if rubbed on the affected skin after diluting with equal parts of water.Ā Oral ACV capsules may also help by controlling the gut flora.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition of the skin characterized by small yellowish bumps usually occurring on the face.Ā Ā Occasionally, they may be found in the groin area, armpits, back, shoulders or on the nose.Ā 

Ā 

The sebaceous glands in the skin secrete a protective oily substance known as sebum.Ā When sebum becomes trapped inside the gland, the buildup of sebum forms a bump.Ā These bumps have a depression in the center, unlike acne pimples.Ā 

Ā 

This skin condition is most common in people over the age of 40 with fair skin.Ā Ā Overexposure to sunlight is known to facilitate this ailment. Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless, but the patient may feel the need to treat it for cosmetic reasons.

Ā 

Apple cider vinegar can be used to treat sebaceous hyperplasia.Ā Soak a cotton ball in ACV and gently dab it onto the bumpy areas of the skin.Ā ACV can prevent as well as manage the condition.Ā It works by balancing the pH of the skin and helping to dissolve the bumps.Ā 

Ā 

ACV may also be mixed with peppermint oil.Ā This may help clean out the unwanted sebum as well as reduce inflammation.Ā Ā If you do not see any changes within a week, consider visiting a doctor or dermatologist.

Athletes Foot

Many believe soaking their feet in a mixture of vinegar and water can cure athletes foot.Ā This will not harm your feet, but there isnā€™t enough scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness.Ā 

Ā 

It is possible that cleaning your feet and keeping them dry after the soak is what helps cure the athlete’s foot.Ā I have always had the best luck with clotrimazole.

Buy Anxiety Formula Here

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis (AK), or solar keratosis is the most common precancer which develops on the skin.Ā It is caused by long-term exposure to UV radiation from the sun or indoor tanning salons.Ā 

Ā 

AK results in rough, scaly patches on the skin’s surface.Ā Ā This condition progresses to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in about 5-10% of cases.Ā 

Ā 

The best way to prevent this condition is to limit sun exposure.Ā It is also best to avoid tanning beds.Ā Be sure to wear proper clothing when engaging in outdoor activities.

Ā 

If you suspect you have actinic keratosis, consider visiting your physician.Ā They will be able to determine whether SCC is present.Ā Yearly check-ups are suggested.

Ā 

Proper diet is essential to maintain healthy skin.Ā People with AK should be sure to get enough vitamin A and zinc in their diet.Ā Omega-3 oils, as well as fatty acids, are also helpful.

Ā 

ACV can be dabbed onto the skin using a cotton ball to help relieve the dryness in AK.Ā Ā The treated area should be covered tightly with a waterproof bandage overnight.Ā This must be done regularly to be effective.

Granuloma Annulare

Granuloma Annulare is a skin condition that is often mistaken for ringworm.Ā It usually causes a rash and is not contagious.Ā The cause of this condition is not known, but it can be triggered by:

Ā 

  • Exposure to the sun
  • TB skin tests
  • Some drugs
  • Animal or insect bites
  • Vaccinations
  • Some skin injuries

Ā 

Some reports are suggesting ACV can be helpful for this condition.Ā Although apple cider vinegar can be tried, I was not able to find evidence to support its use.Ā 

Ā 

If this condition does not resolve after a few months, or it is bothersome, I suggest visiting your doctor.

Ā 

There are creams available by prescription that can help the condition heal more rapidly. Ā 

Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar does have side effects, especially if used chronically.Ā Some of these include:

Ā 

  • Burns and irritation if applied to the skin undiluted
  • Erosion of tooth enamel
  • Hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood)
  • Delayed gastric emptying
  • May cause a decrease in appetite
  • Esophageal burns (when used in an undiluted form)
  • May interact with some drugs (digoxin, diuretics, some anti-diabetic agents)Ā 

Apple cider vinegar is being used for a variety of health-related benefits. It is thought to help control blood sugar, aid in weight loss, help reduce itching from bug bites and bee stings, and ailments described above.

Ā 

I do believe ACV is a beneficial supplement when appropriately used.Ā It is important to dilute the liquid product before ingestion to prevent burns.Ā The capsules may be taken whole.

Ā 

As with any supplement, ACV is not intended to be a replacement for traditional health care.Ā I recommend visiting your doctor yearly for a check-up.Ā 

Ā 

If you suffer from any of the conditions discussed in this post, and they donā€™t resolve, or get worse after using ACV, a physician should be consulted.

Ā 

This blog is about living a happy, healthy, healing life.Ā Supplements can help us to achieve that goal.Ā Remember to use common sense and always eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.

Ā 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.Ā I would be happy to answer questions or give my opinion on any subject.Ā Ā 

Michael Brown in Lab Coat with arms crossed

Michael J. Brown, RPh, BCPS, BCPP

Mr. Brown is a Clinical Pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy and psychiatry.

Read Michael’s story here.

Feel free to send Michael a message using this link.

Ā 

Ā 

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click on, or make a purchase through a third-party link.