Alter Life

Plans, expectations... we all have them. And, let's be real... life does NOT always unfold in such a way that is aligned with our human hopes.

This brings to mind the Zen parable of the Chinese farmer...

A farmer and his son had a beloved stallion who helped the family earn a living. One day, the horse ran away and their neighbors exclaimed, “Your horse ran away, what terrible luck!” 
The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

A few days later, the horse returned home, leading a few wild mares back to the farm as well. The neighbors shouted out, “Your horse has returned, and brought several horses home with him. What great luck!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

Later that week, the farmer’s son was trying to break one of the mares and she threw him to the ground, breaking his leg. The villagers cried, “Your son broke his leg, what terrible luck!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”

In this week's Wisdom Wednesday we reflect on the things that have not gone "as planned" and share insights that have led to deeper trust in the universe.

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...

• Having plans and expectations is completely normal and it is 100% okay to feel disappointment when things don't go our way
• Growth, learning. healing is not linear - there are invariably ups and downs in the process forward
• "Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - William Shakespeare tells us how powerful our perception is
• We never do know what the universe is in the process of unfolding for us so we don't need to make preemptive judgments
• Even through difficulties, the universe is always supporting us - we can tune into the language of nature to hear and feel the support

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

Food sensitivity tests, heavy metal testing, SIBO tests, stool panels,  organic acids tests, genetic testing...

If you wanted to, you could spend 10's of thousands of dollars just trying to identify "the problem!"

But, there are a few questions...
- Have sensitive/specific are these tests?
- What do you actually do with the information?
- Will this information actually help me to feel better?

Functional Lab Testing is a HUGE industry! There are TONS of different tests. In general, we don't recommend them.

In this week's episode, we discuss our philosophy of creating health and why going down the testing rabbit hole might not be in our highest good.

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...

• Any lab test is only capturing a snapshot of our physiology/biochemistry at one point in time
• Information from these tests can send us down a rabbit hole of limited thinking, leading us to feel broken and disempowered
• Oftentimes testing results are met with a long list of supplements to push buttons and pull levers in the body
• The body's wise messages, symptoms, are generally the best indicator of our health - what good is it to "fix our biomarkers" if we still feel crappy!?
• The therapeutic strategy of creating health from the ground up - taking responsibility for diet, hydration, movement, sleep, lifestyle, mindset - supports the body in balancing pretty much any issue

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

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
- Winnie The Pooh

Patience can be easy to find when we are in a patient and understanding state of mind. But, what happens when we just need clarity or that one simple thing NOW?!

"You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, well, you might find you get what you need."
- Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, (The Rolling Stones)

It's funny how when things seem to not be following the timeline we have expected, generally the universe has something even greater in store for us.

That being said, finding patience is not always easy!

In today's episode, we talk out the topic to discover greater ease, peace, trust, and hope for what the future holds.

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...

• Our hopes and expectations only ever come from the limitations of our human thinking
• Expectations and attachments are natural for all humans, but we can also move beyond them in an instant
• It's helpful to have visions and intentions while also surrendering to "this or something better for the highest good of all concerned"
• The universal divine timeline is not linear - we never know the cosmic steps necessary to unfold to manifest what our soul needs
• When we feel the energy of impatience, anxiousness, or attachment we can be reminded of the divine perfection coming our way

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

There are all sorts of things that can be done to create short-term results.

Caffeine gives an energy boost. Ibuprofen stops inflammation. Alcohol calms the nervous system.

But, are any of these things actually contributing to long-term, big-picture health? Not really.

Our society is obsessed with instant results and constant gratification yet neglects the longer-term consequences of behaviors.

In today’s episode, we break down the mindset shift necessary to create sustainable and resilient health from the ground up.

This is not a glamorous approach to health that sells books and makes money from supplements and protocols. This conversation is simply the humble truth about keeping the body in balance and aligned with nature.

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...

• There is no magic pill and never will be, but that will not put an end to nonstop miracle claims
• Health is a journey, not a destination
• Body and mind are in constant communication through symptoms and feelings, guiding us to best care for ourselves
• It always helps to zoom out to see the biggest picture rather than micromanaging granular nuances
• In the end, state of mind matters most - if we are not aligned and invested in live choices, we will fail to experience meaningful benefit

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

Is Mindfulness a practice? If so, should we be doing more of it?

These are questions that demand answers!

SO many people subscribe to mindfulness practices, teachings, ideas, or at the very least, meditation apps or the like.

Is engaging with life mindfully something that can be taught? Can we "overdo it" with the mindfulness practices?

In this week's Wisdom Wednesday we unpack these deep topics as we traverse the all-important concept of self-love, acceptance, and peace that is innate to our beingness.

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...

• Mindfulness practices can serve as helpful extrinsic inspiration to help someone feel connected with their peace in a moment
• Meditation and mindfulness is not an essential ingredient for a peaceful life
• Like anything, mindfulness routines can sometimes perpetuate self-judgmental narratives of fixing or bettering oneself
• Being mindful (or bringing a state of presence) to each moment in any day connects us with innate peace no matter what we are doing
• True peace and freedom comes from awareness of our true nature, perfect and complete without a need to be fixed or improved through any technique

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

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with about 99% of it stored to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Many people obsess over getting enough calcium for healthy and strong bones, but it is also required for many other physiologic processes such as healthy muscle contractions, signaling neurological pathways, and facilitating numerous enzymatic reactions.

Like everything in the body, calcium levels are tightly regulated. This is where vitamins D and K come into play. Vitamin D levels regulate calcium absorption and excretion in the gut and kidneys while Vitamin K is responsible for ensuring calcium is properly utilized and stored throughout the body.

When it comes to maintaining strong and healthy bones, calcium is important, but so are all other vitamins and minerals. However, physical activity, specifically weight-bearing exercises, is most important for your skeletal health!

In this episode, we unpack the nutritional science and dismantle the obsession with calcium consumption that so many have been programmed to have.

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...

• Calcium does not come from dairy/animal products, but from the earth, absorbed by all plants alongside other minerals/nutrients
• The calcium requirement in the US is 1,000 mg (1,200 mg for females over age 50) compared to 500-700 mg for most other countries!
• Excess calcium can cause calcification of arteries and kidney/gallstone formation
• Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption and balance in the body
• Vitamin K ensures calcium is stored in bone/teeth and not arteries, kidneys, gall bladder, etc
• Calcium is most abundant in dark green leafy veggies (which also have tons of Vit K), but also legumes and intact whole grains 
• Calcium supplementation can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
• For bone health, weight-bearing exercises and muscle engagement trigger new healthy bone growth

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

Being with suffering can be challenging!

This is where compassion comes into play. Our ability to hold ourselves and others in a space without trying to judge or fix is an innate quality that we are called to more fully embody.

It's always easier said than done and we can only ever do our best.

This makes SELF-compassion paramount, though we can also always use our relationships and circumstances as teachers and guides in the perpetual journey of self-discovery.

In essence, we can choose to embrace the experience for ourselves and others while recognizing and trusting the innate intelligence of an individual and support of the universe.

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...

• Important reminder: anything a person says or does while suffering is not coming from their clear state of mind and authentic self
• Taking things personally serves nobody, especially during times of suffering
• Each person has everything they need to sail through the storm of suffering
• We are not always in a state of mind where we can be compassionate or offer support, but we can do our best while listening to our own highest self
• Offering support without trying to "fix" takes love and understanding and we are never responsible for the health or well-being of another
• Grounded communication is invaluable - ask how you can support someone rather than making assumptions
• Most importantly, remember to be compassionate with your SELF

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

In today's Medicinal Monday we are taking about 10 steps backward to better understand and more fully contextualize the body and how to create health.

Instead of being subject to our experience of health and/or dis-ease we can be empowered in our role to heal ourselves.

This all sounds nice and idealistic, but how can we actually start to move the needle to feel better in body and mind?

This is what we dig into today, and more, in this long-awaited conversation on the podcast.

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 body heals itself. ALWAYS.
• Our experience of health is dependent on the environment and resources at hand in the moment
• Symptoms are not signs the body is broken or malfunctioning, but in fact evidence of self-healing potential
• Acute dis-ease can be fundamentally unique from chronic conditions
• Identifying the true root of illness means addressing fundamental lifestyle choices
• No person can heal or fix you besides YOU

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

Limited thoughts are sneaky! They are often hidden in plain sight, but completely out of awareness at the same time...

It's like when a friend points out an exotic bird on a distant tree... you strain your eyes in attempts to spot the bird, meanwhile, another one flies up to perch on a branch just above your head!

Sometimes our focus is simply limiting our perception and we are unable to fully grasp the reality of a situation.

Arguably, this is to some degree the case ALL THE TIME! But, bringing insight to the invariable blindspots can be very empowering... and humbling!

We unpack the mysterious nature of these sneaky limited thoughts in today's 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...

• State of mind (and awareness) shifts moment to moment
• Curiosity keeps a mind open to new ideas and possibilities
• Humans are creatures of habit - we fall into habitual thinking
• We can create new habits, have fresh thoughts, and experience the world anew in a moment
• Even the most stubborn and "close minded" person is connected with infinite creative potential

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

Nitric oxide is the most powerful compound for maintaining vascular health!

Unfortunately, the endogenous production of this potent molecule naturally declines with age... BUT, there is MUCH to do to preserve optimal nitric oxide production and vascular function, and of course, it comes down to DIET.

In this episode, we get nitty-gritty and nuanced in discussing vascular performance and the importance of nitric oxide while maintaining perspective of the bigger picture when it comes to cardiovascular health.

In a nutshell, avoiding oxidative damage while  loading up on anti-oxidants is KEY... especially alongside a diet of NITRATE-RICH plants that naturally lead to the creation of our beloved nitric oxide molecule.

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...

• Nitrates occur naturally in most whole plant foods and are not to be confused with added nitrates/nitrites found in processed meats known to create nitrosamines, known carcinogenic compounds
• Nitric oxide plays many roles in maintaining vascular health - dilation/relaxation of blood vessels, blocking platelet aggregation (clotting), inhibiting WBC adhesion and inflammatory response 
• In the blood, the amino acid arginine is converted into nitric oxide, but this pathway declines with age
• Nitrates from foods are converted to nitrites by bacteria in the mouth and then into nitric oxide in the bloodstream 
• High nitrate foods include: Arugula, spinach, beets, beet greens, kale, cabbage
• Other foods are known to promote nitric oxide production by enhancing nitric oxide synthase enzymes: garlic, cacao, citrus, pomegranate 

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