Alter Life

In this episode, we turn back to nutrition to talk about my all time favorite nutrient - FIBER!

It might be helpful to go back and listen to episode 15, episode 17, episode 19, and episode 23 where we cover other macronutrients.

We talk about why fiber is important for:

• DETOX
• Weight loss
• Gut health
• Mental Health
• and more

If you are going to focus on any one NUMBER in your diet - focus on FIBER. The recommended daily minimum of fiber is 25 grams, but the optimal diet contains at least 50g of fiber!

Links to more...

- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode27/

- Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

- Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

- Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter

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

Dr. Glen Nagel was my botanical medicine professor during naturopathic medical studies. His knowledge is vast, and I've always appreciated his teachings that are infused with his light heart and athentic passion for the plants.

In this talk we went into the range of therapeutic applications for many different plants, including cannabis. Dr. Nagel shares how all herbs can be used on energetic, physiologic, and pharmacologic levels to potentiate a range of desired effects in the body.

We get into some scientific details with regard to a variety of plants, while also staying balanced with a necessary amount of magical thinking. Dr. Nagel shares some of his personal favorites in the plant world, and some of the more profound experiences he has had over the years of studying and experimenting with various herbs.

Hope you enjoy this connection with Dr. Nagel as much as I did!

Links to more...

- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode26/

- Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

- Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

- Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter

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 podcast, we stray away from nutrition and into the vast world of emotions.

If you listened to one of our first LIVE episodes, you will know that emotions are absolutely one of the primary determinants of health.

And, if you are a human being, you know there is no escaping the emotions that come with our experience here on planet earth!

Dr. Susanna leads the way as she shares about her growing and evolving emotional perspective, and I (Dr. Benjamin) also share a bit about my intimate healing journey.

We hope you enjoy this one, and would appreciate any feedback, comments, or reviews as always!

Links to more...

- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode25/

- Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

- Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

- Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter

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

Yogi Arvind was my first ever proper meditation teacher! Since meeting him in Venice Beach, CA about 7 years ago, his presence has certainly influenced my path and understanding of health.

In this conversation, Arvind and I discuss yoga and how it is such a powerful intervention for health and life when applied in its truest form. Arvind's work is to inspire and educate the world of the full depth and breadth of yogic wisdom, focusing beyond the yoga mat/yoga studio. We talk a bit about the other 7 limbs raja yoga, beyond Asana, or the physical movement practice that we are so familiar with. We didn't cover them all, but here is a brief snippet of the 8 limbs of yoga:

1 - YAMA - Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows.

• Ahiṃsā: Nonviolence, non-harming other living beings.
• Satya: truthfulness, non-falsehood.
• Asteya: non-stealing.
• Brahmacharya: chastity, marital fidelity or sexual restraint.
• Aparigraha: non-avarice, non-possessiveness.

2 - NIYAMA - Positive duties or observances.

• Sauca: purity, clearness of mind, speech and body
• Santosa: contentment, acceptance of others and of one's circumstances as they are, optimism for self
• Tapas: austerity, self-discipline, persistent meditation, perseverance
• Svadhyaya: study of self, self-reflection, introspection of self's thoughts, speeches and actions
• Isvarapranidhana: contemplation of God (Supreme Being, Brahman, True Self, Unchanging Reality) and attunement to the supreme consciousness

3 - ASANA - Posture.

4 - PRANAYAMA - Breathing techniques.

5 - PRATYAHARA - Sense withdrawal.

6 - DHARANA - Focused concentration.

7 - DHYANA - Meditative absorption.

8 - SAMADHI - Bliss or enlightenment.

Arvind also shares about his practice and continual fine tuning to balance himself in his life just outside the hectic city of Los Angeles.

Links to more...

- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode24/

- Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

- Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

- Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter

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 podcast, we dive into the third and final macronutrient: PROTEIN!

For more on CARBS and FATS I'd recommend checking out those episodes, along with our very popular episode - Simplifying Healthy Eating

We talk about sources of protein, how much is needed, the harmful effect of eating too much protein, and what the deal is with protein powders. Similarly to the previous episodes on carbohydrates and fats, a brief but thorough description on the biochemistry and metabolism of protein is explained.

We bust some popular protein myths!

We also give a brief snip-it of our van journey, and how we came to arrive in the small town of Lewistown, MT.

Links to more...

- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode23/

- Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

- Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

- Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter

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

Dr. Satya Ambrose has served as a teacher and mentor in my Naturopathic Medical education. In addition to being one of the kindest and most compassionate humans, she is a brilliant clinician. The way that she weaves Naturopathic and Chinese medicine together so artfully to support the holistic health of her patients is an inspiration.

In this conversation we talk about the evolution of medicine and science. She shares how the field has changed over the years, with more and more doctors practicing in more of a "naturopathic" way.

Dr. Satya also shares some inspirational stories of hope from her own patients over the years.

Finally she shares some pearls for health and happiness.

**NOTE: I apologize for the audio quality in this episode! There must have been a loose connection with a microphone which led to some constant background noise throughout. The content was just too good to let go of! Thank you for your understanding.

Links to more...

- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode22/

- Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

- Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

- Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter

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 this episode, we change directions for a moment to be present with where Dr. Susanna and I (Dr. Benjamin) are at personally in our life journey.

We discuss why we are immersed in the beauty of Cortes Island, British Columbia, and how following our hearts calling continues to point us down our authentic path.

Dr. Susanna shares a bit about her recent surrendering to some sudden and scary skin conditions, and how doing so led to a state of peace that fueled her recovery.

I share a bit about my surrendering and trusting to create Alter Health after my time working in a more traditional clinical setting in the SF Bay Area.

Future Alter Your Health LIVE episodes will be a blend of authentic sharing blended with more direct health and wellness information.

 Links to more...

- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode21

- Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

- Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

- Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter

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

When I met Jovinna just over 5 years ago, I was struck by her strength, her presence, and her aliveness. She was the facilitator of my Yoga teacher training at Esalen Institute, a powerful month-long immersion that was a integral component to my own wellness journey.

In this conversation Jovinna and I didn't talk much about yoga, but we explored the broader question of what it means to "Be Fully Alive." Having just led a workshop on this topic, we discussed some of the practices that Jovinna weaves through her own life.

We talked about the year that time that Jovinna has been spent nurturing her own health and wellbeing, and how she has been relating to that process.

It was wonderful to reconnect with such a beautiful and vital force in this world - I hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Links to more...

> Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode20/

> Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

> Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

> Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter/

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 this episode, we dive deeper into healthy eating by tackling another macronutrient - FATS!

Last week, we dove deep into carbohydrates - tune in if you'd like a review!

This week we talk about all of the different types of fats - saturated, unsaturated, short chain, medium chain, long chain, omega-3, omega-6...

All of these fats are different!

We pick it all apart and talk about how these fats affect the body differently.

The take aways are...

• Focus on WHOLE FOODS (eg - olives over olive oil)
• Focus on unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, etc
• Remember that the body prefers carbohydrates as a fuel source - so these fats can get stored as fat
• High fat diets can strain the liver and gall bladder and "slow the metabolism"
• Remember the concepts of food combining - don't eat high carb, starchy foods with too much fat (especially saturated fat!)

I apologize for Susanna's poor connection - thats the only reason I was speaking the whole time! We will be reunited tonight :-)

> for more information check out the latest blog - https://alter.health/blog/the-truth-about-fat/

> Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode19/

> Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

> Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

> Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

> Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter/

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

I feel fortunate to connect with Amber Ryan this week to explore a new topic: healing through dance and movement.

I was introduced to 5 rhythms and other meditative movement practices several years ago. At first, I was scared and exceedingly uncomfortable, but I was also intrigued. I kept coming back, slowly feeling the joy and freedom that was available through the simple uninhibited movement of my body.

NOTE: I have never been a dancer or performer in anyway. Fortunately, such a background is in no way a prerequisite to engaging in such practices.

I was enlightened throughout this conversation as I gained insight into how we unconsciously carry and express energy through our bodies in subtle ways. I learned that practices like 5rhythms invite a mindful exploration of mind-body awareness. The implications for health and wellness are vast, as we humans are multidimensional beings!

Links to more...

- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/episode18/

- Get a copy of Dr. Benjamin's book: https://amzn.to/2tmiOz3

- Apply to work with Dr. Benjamin: https://alter.health/membership

- Connect on Facebook: https://fb.me/alterhealthinc

- Follow Dr. Benjamin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbenjaminalter/

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