Alter Life

I remember the first time I wandered through the "self-improvement" aisle of the book store. I found myself there not to "be better," but because I felt inspired by the words in some of the books.

The whole self-improvement industry is still booming to this day, and for good reason! People want to feel good. And it feels good to share material that helps others feel good. This is the sort of infectious "good energy" we are all naturally drawn to!

If we lose sight of the forest through the trees, we are likely to end up on a perpetual path seeking clarity, more good feelings, or anything else we feel lacking.

I've been struck many times by the profound insight that self-improvement is a farse. That's not to say we all don't have the potential to feel better more of the time, but the way we approach that desire is a slippery slope.

It's helpful to get curious about some basic questions like: What does it mean for me to be improved? What is in the way between where I am and my highest self? Where do my good feelings come from? How can I experience my untapped potential?

These big topics and ideas are explored in this week's Wisdom Wednesday episode! :)

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

For more, deep conversations on the topics of Mind, Thought, and Consciousness come on into Peace on Earth: https://alter.health/peace-on-earth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

• We are all innately whole, complete, peaceful, and well
• Our state of mind in a moment is only what generates our experience from within
• "Self-improvement" means waking up to the truth of who you are in plain sight
• "Highs" and "lows" are what bring texture and material to the classroom of life
• The desire to feel better is human nature, but the source of the good feelings are always on the inside, just waiting to come to the surface

Links to some more good stuff

- Join weekly Peace on Earth conversations: https://www.alter.health/peace-on-earth
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

The fresh growth and new life of springtime naturally invite cleansing.

Dandelions sprouting, asparagus shooting, flowers budding... it's like nature is trying to send us a message...

We know that all whole plant foods are nutritious and healing in their own ways, but in springtime, we've got some real superstars bursting through the ground!

We just wrapped up our Spring Cleanse where we enjoyed an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies of all sorts. In today's Medicinal Monday episode we highlight some of our all-time favorite cleansing veggies coming to the scene in spring.

The stars of the show: dandelion, artichoke, and asparagus.

We share some recipe/food prep insights, general cleansing tips, and other fun facts concerning these favorite spring veggies.

If you'd like to join these conversations live, be sure to Subscribe to the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

AND, join us in the FREE upcoming WFPB Anti-Inflammatory Challenge - https://www.alter.health/wfpb-antiinflammatory-challenge

Some highlights from today's MM episode...

• First rule of detoxification is to stop taking in toxins! (mitigate environmental exposure through food, air, water)
• Artichoke are an awesome and delicious LIVER food that also supports gut health
• Asparagus are known to e extraordinarily cleansing for the kidneys (asparagus urine might be an indicator of toxin release, resolving over time)
• Dandelions are one of the most nutrient dense weeds with known liver-protective and anti-cancer properties
• Focus on increasing diversity of whole plant foods as you sustain a detoxifying lifestyle.

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

We live in the information age with an exponential surge of data, ideas, pictures, words, voices, and stories flooding into our consciousness around the clock.

This is pretty exciting! Over the course of a few hours to days we can tap into data stream and quickly become proficient in any number of skills - gardening, cooking, construction, pet grooming - we can learn practically anything! Well, besides taxes... haha 

With data comes opinions. This is the best way to grow tomatoes, that is the best way to bake a potato, this is how you caulk the sink, and of course, eating plants is the best way to nourish your body!! (or is it???)

In today's episode, we talk about how we can interface with the influx of information in a grounded and empowered way, never losing touch of our true source of wisdom and inspiration.

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

For more, deep conversations on the topics of Mind, Thought, and Consciousness come on into Peace on Earth: https://alter.health/peace-on-earth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

• We can always find information and data that prove what we want to hear - and there will always be information that contradicts our perspective
• It is possible to receive, digest, absorb, and integrate information and weigh it with internal body wisdom before reacting/responding
• You don't have to believe everything we think - state of mind/thoughts are always changing
• Changing your mind is healthy and okay - we can do it often!
• When it comes to habits and lifestyle, connecting with inspiration, creativity, and wisdom is the way to sustain and enjoy meaningful change

Links to some more good stuff

- Join weekly Peace on Earth conversations: https://www.alter.health/peace-on-earth
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Grains have been vilified in more recent years, predominantly by modern Paleo Diet ideology. However, evidence suggests that humans have been consuming varieties of grains for at least 100,000 years!

Of course, 100,000 years is still little more than a blip in the timeline of human history, but if one thing is certain, it is clear that past actions and behaviors do not inherently equate to the healthiest practice in the present.

When people talk about grains in the diet today, most people immediately imagine a loaf of bread, a bowl of pasta, or cupcakes. Like refined fats or sweeteners, processing grains strips away so much of the fiber and nutrients leaving mostly "empty calories" that shouldn't ever be considered "health-promoting." BUT, in their most natural and intact state, the conversation around whole grains completely shifts.

In today's episode, we hope to dispel any confusion around consuming grains in your plant-based diet.

If you'd like to join these conversations live, be sure to Subscribe to the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

AND, join us in the FREE upcoming WFPB Anti-Inflammatory Challenge - https://www.alter.health/wfpb-antiinflammatory-challenge

Some highlights from today's MM episode...

• Grains are defined as the seeds of a grass, though there are also many "pseudo-grains" that are widely consumed
• Most think of wheat, oats, rice, etc - but there are in fact hundreds of varieties of whole grains (amaranth, barley, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, farrow, freekeh, millet, quinoa, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, wild rice - and more!) 
• Gluten is a protein found in only 3 varieties of grains - wheat, barley, rye - most gluten sensitivity is likely a result of chemical exposure from conventional agricultural practice
• Whole grains contain bran (B vitamins and fiber), germ (protein, minerals, fats), endosperm (carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals) - refined grains generally just contain endosperm
• INTACT whole grains are best - processed grains (even processed whole grains) increase surface area thereby diminishing nutrient density and fiber content
• Diversifying intake of intact whole grains is best - brings in unique fibers, minerals, and phytonutrients

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Do you ever find yourself coming up with an excuse for what you did or didn't say or do?

I do. And it never feels very good...

Each time I make an excuse, I feel my soul cringe a bit. I now recognize that feeling, being out of alignment and integrity, is an opportunity to step into full responsibility.

In this episode, we share our experiences of making excuses for how we show up with ourselves and others and explore the new territories beyond perpetual excuse land.

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

For more, deep conversations on the topics of Mind, Thought, and Consciousness come on into Peace on Earth: https://alter.health/peace-on-earth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

• Excuses are like assholes. We all have them and they're all full of shit.
• An excuse always comes along with a judgment ("I should....______")
• Making an excuse is pointing the finger outside and blaming something/someone for what's happening inside
• You can't take partial responsibility - it's all or nothing
• We don't need an excuse to not be perfect. We just need responsibility and compassion.

Links to some more good stuff

- Join weekly Peace on Earth conversations: https://www.alter.health/peace-on-earth
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Eczema is the most common chronic skin condition that so many people just “deal with.”

Otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, its incidence has increased 3 fold (!!!) since the 1970s. About 20% of children and 3% of adults are affected worldwide with an even higher incidence in the US.

While the majority of children “grow out of” it, the underlying conditions that cause eczema are generally not addressed which sadly means that one chronic condition is often traded for another…

The conventional approach is simple! Just a slathering of steroids. Of course, this doesn’t address what’s going on beneath the surface which can lead to further chronic symptoms and conditions of all sorts.

In today’s Medicinal Monday episode we discuss the underlying cause(s) of eczema and how our diet and lifestyle have the power to reverse these nagging symptoms.

The conversation is a little different depending on whether we are talking about childhood or adult eczema, but the relevant overlap is important!

If you'd like to join these conversations live, be sure to Subscribe to the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth
 
Some highlights from today's MM episode...

• Eczema can be a sign of digestive vulnerability, or "leaky gut," which leads to over activation of GALT hyperactive immune response
• There is also definitely a skin-liver connection with the toxic burden often expressing itself through the skin
• Fiber-rich WFPB eating supports optimal microbiome and digestive health as well as bringing many direct anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties
• Hydration and stress are also hugely important factors for skin and immune health
• Being mindful of topical stressors is key - chemicals in soaps, lotion, laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Since meditation practices have swept the western world, many may come to believe that meditation is a necessary tool for "enlightenment," spiritual growth, or just mental wellbeing.

While we are certainly not here to suggest that there is anything at all remotely wrong with meditation, we find it helpful to explore what a meditation practice can offer, and why people may experience benefits in health and wellbeing.

As the title suggests, neither of us currently engage regularly in any sort of meditation practice, but that's not at all to say we don't have lots of experience! I (Dr. Ben), held a daily practice of 1-2 hours of meditation per day for at least 5 years with experience in multiple traditions and techniques including extended meditation retreats.

In a nutshell, we share our understanding of how and why meditation is not a fundamentally important technique for spiritual growth and wellbeing as well as the evolution of our relationships with mindfulness as a practice.

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

For more, deep conversations on the topics of Mind, Thought, and Consciousness come on into Peace on Earth: https://alter.health/peace-on-earth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

• Peace, Love, Wisdom, Creativity, Compassion is the essence of our True Nature - all of us, all the time
• Meditation can provide a sacred space to disengage with thoughts and experience the space through which thoughts flow
• Thoughts flow through the mind regardless of where we are and what we are doing and we can always, in any moment, bring awareness to our True Nature beyond thought
• Some might say a goal of meditation is to be more meditative and peaceful throughout daily life - something we can always access in an instant
• Our state of mind in a moment is not a result of external circumstances (practices or techniques) but a result of the thoughts we attach to at a point in time

Links to some more good stuff

- Join weekly Peace on Earth conversations: https://www.alter.health/peace-on-earth
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Liver disease is much more common than people realize! Approximately 25% of adults and 10% of kids have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common condition affecting liver function.

... but, there is GOOD NEWS! Liver disease is completely reversible! (before scarring, or cirrhosis, takes place)

Liver disease does not just come out of nowhere (except in rare circumstances of acute toxicity, most often from pharmaceuticals). Liver function becomes sluggish over months, years, and decades of “toxic buildup” from a suboptimal diet/lifestyle.

Toxicity and nutritional deficiency set the stage for a sluggish liver which then has innumerable consequences when it comes to each and every system and function in your body.

Last week, in Episode 289, we talked about “Staying Toxin-Free.” This is hugely important for liver health, but there is so much more.

This week, we dive deeper to understand the amazing design and function of the liver and how to optimize its performance to keep us healthy in this crazy and toxic world.

Spoiler alert... one amazingly loving thing your can do for your liver is a Seasonal Cleanse - such as the upcoming Alter Health Cleanse! Learn more at www.alter.health/cleanse

If you'd like to join these conversations live, be sure to Subscribe to the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth
 
Some highlights from today's MM episode...

• The primary roles of the liver - 500 incredible functions, including detoxification
• Some common signs of sluggish liver function (pre-NAFLD diagnosis)
• The 5 big obstacles that contribute to liver disease
• How your body is like a bucket and what can go wrong that causes it to overflow (express symptoms )
• 9 powerful lifestyle practices that reverse liver disease (including Alter Health Cleanse, of course!)

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Cognitive dissonance means "mental stress or discomfort experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time."

To be honest, I didn't really know what it meant until the last couple of years as I've heard the term used more and more.

It turns out that we all live to preserve our mental wellbeing, and avoid this mental stress. For some, this means avoiding such "contradictory beliefs."

But, we don't need to live in a right or wrong dichotomy. We can live in a way that prioritizes connection, relationship, growth, and learning.

In today's Wisdom Wednesday we explore the human nature of perception and separate realities that always exist and share insights to navigate in the world with a compassionate heart and open mind.

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

For more, deep conversations on the topics of Mind, Thought, and Consciousness come on into Peace on Earth: https://alter.health/peace-on-earth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

• Every human being has a unique perception, always changing from moment to moment
• We, as humans, are not our thoughts or perception, but the consciousness through which we experience our reality
• Freedom doesn't come from isolating in an echo chamber and avoiding contradicting viewpoints, but understanding that we, and perceived others, are not our thinking
• We can get curious about other perspectives rather than close our eyes, ears, heart, and mind
• Life is not about being right or wrong, but connection, relationship, growth, and learning

Links to some more good stuff

- Join weekly Peace on Earth conversations: https://www.alter.health/peace-on-earth
- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Environmental toxins are ubiquitous in today's world and often play a central role in numerous chronic conditions.

Staying free from toxicity doesn't come easily... but is it even possible?!

We can absolutely mitigate the toxic exposure by mindfully choosing how we eat, drink, and breathe.

More importantly, we can stay optimally nourished and "cleanse" periodically to flood the body with the precise resources to create the environment for optimal detoxification.

(Such as through the Alter Health Cleanse - www.alter.health/cleanse)

While we discuss all sorts of toxic chemicals like VOCs, herbicides/pesticides, phthalates, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, and more, the aim of this episode is to empower you with what you need to navigate this toxic world healthfully and gracefully.

If you'd like to join these conversations live, be sure to Subscribe to the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth
 
Some highlights from today's MM episode...

• Various toxins found in food, air, and water supplies and how to avoid them
• The 100,000+ unregulated toxins in the environment are largely linked with increased incidence of all sorts of chronic conditions
• Where to find the chemicals hiding in body care products and other household items
• The role of the liver in the detoxification process and how to optimize its function 
• How the Alter Health cleanse is designed for liver support and seasonal detoxification

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products