What are the labels on your food actually saying?

For this episode of the Health Quest Podcast, we’ve compiled a few of Dr. Sal’s answers to listeners’ questions from past episodes of the show.

He explains how to be mindful of food labels and common misleading information they may offer so you can understand the full impact of the product on your health. He recommends using the Yucca app for scanning product barcodes to determine if they're truly good for you. 

Dr. Sal also offers his critical insights on the popular weight-loss medication, Ozempic. He provides evidence-based information that empowers you to make informed decisions about your health,and he doesn't hold back in debunking myths and shedding light on the truth behind certain health practices.

Key takeaways:

1. When grocery shopping, focus on the periphery of the store, where you can find fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and eggs. This helps to avoid processed and additive-laden foods usually found in the aisles.

2. Use the free app called Yucca (or Yukka) to scan barcodes and get detailed information about whether the product is good to eat. If not, the app will recommend healthier alternatives.

3. It's advised to stay away from genetically modified wheat products and to opt for alternative options like almond butter. When reading labels, be cautious of claims like "0 trans fat" as they can still convert to trans fats within the body after consumption.

4. It's important to focus on natural alternatives and healthy habits for weight loss, rather than turning to pharmaceutical solutions with potential side effects. Natural supplements like resveratrol, vitamin B6, and NMN when paired with a natural version of semiglutide can naturally reduce appetite and increase metabolism.

5. Embracing discipline in diet and exercise helps to reset neural networks and create healthier habits. Prioritizing good health and making conscious choices in line with God's will ensures a happier and healthier life.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at http://www.drsalhealth.com or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].



Our bodies were miraculously designed for survival, so why are so many people unhealthy?

On today's episode of the Health Quest podcast, Dr. Sal is talking about the profound connection between our health and aligning our choices with God's will. As a practicing doctor and surgeon with 30 years of experience, Dr. Sal's insights shed light on the miraculous nature of our bodies and the impact of our daily decisions on our well-being.

He addresses the changes in our food industry over the years, underlining the significance of consuming natural and authentic foods to support our health. Dr. Sal also emphasizes the role of God's will in guiding our choices and the importance of making mindful decisions to transform our health for the better.

From the impact of biochemical reactions to the role of diet and lifestyle choices, Dr. Sal provides valuable insights into achieving and maintaining good health.

Key takeaways:

1. Our bodies are intricately designed by God to function in miraculous ways, with each cell capable of 100,000 reactions. This design enables us to fight diseases, adapt to stress, and maintain good health.

2. The modern diet has been influenced by industrialization and genetic modifications, leading to the consumption of processed and unhealthy food. Dr. Sal emphasizes the importance of returning to natural, unprocessed foods and being mindful of food choices.

3. The power of choice is a crucial element in achieving good health. By aligning our will with God's, we can make responsible and healthy decisions for ourselves and our families.

4. Dr. Sal advocates for a holistic approach to health, integrating dietary changes, weight management, exercise, and supplement use. He emphasizes the need to constantly evaluate the role of God in our daily lives and align our actions with His will.

5. While conventional medicine has its role, particularly in acute situations, Dr. Sal emphasizes the profound impact of lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, in managing and even reversing health conditions, such as high blood pressure. He encourages co-creating with God to achieve and maintain good health.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at http://www.drsalhealth.com or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].

What does it take to change our ways?

On today's episode of the Health Quest podcast, Dr. Sal dives into the key factors that can truly transform your health and well-being. He discusses the importance of dietary choices, exercise, and the impact of our environment on our overall health.

Dr. Sal shares insightful stories, including meeting an inspiring 87-year-old gentleman who maintains exceptional health through his lifestyle choices. He sheds light on the critical role of diet, emphasizing the significance of consuming whole and organic foods while limiting exposure to harmful chemicals and preservatives.

We're also discussing the New Year's resolution trend and why many people struggle to sustain their health goals. Dr. Sal offers practical advice and emphasizes the power of discipline in making conscious and beneficial choices for our bodies.

Key takeaways:

1. Diet plays a crucial role in good health. The majority of one's health, 85%, is determined by what is consumed, while only 15% is attributed to exercise.

2. The aging and health of individuals like Harry, an 87-year-old who maintains robust health through consuming organic whole foods and regular exercise, illustrate the impact of diet and lifestyle choices on health.

3. The harmful effects of consuming chemically treated and processed foods, with an emphasis on the importance of consuming organic, whole foods as intended by natural processes and God's design.

4. The comparison between individuals like Harry, who prioritize a healthy diet and exercise, and others reliant on medications highlights the crucial role of discipline in making dietary choices for a healthy lifestyle.

5. God's design for good health implies making rational and disciplined dietary choices rather than allowing impulse and desire to dictate, attributing discipline to God's power in promoting better health and well-being.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at http://www.drsalhealth.com or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].

How did something that started as a textile dye end up curing malaria?

On this episode of the Health Quest podcast, Dr. Sal is talking about the fascinating substance called methylene blue. Originally meant for dying fabrics, methylene blue was found to have a great number of uses, from medical stains to poison antidotes to treating several different pathogens.

Dr. Sal also discusses how methylene blue has shown promise in inactivating the cellular replication of various viruses, including herpes, West Nile, hepatitis C, Ebola, Zika, HIV, and even COVID-19. It also has brain-boosting properties, the potential to improve cognitive function, and can reduce stress and chronic pain.

Plus, we'll explore the ongoing research into the various potential applications of methylene blue, from postoperative pain relief to its use in treating migraines and metabolic disorders associated with neurological conditions.

Key takeaways:

1. Methylene Blue as a Virus Inactivator: Studies have shown that methylene blue can effectively inactivate the cellular replication of a wide spectrum of viruses, including herpes, West Nile, hepatitis C, Ebola, Zika, HIV, and COVID-19.

2. Brain-Boosting Powerhouse: Methylene blue isn't just limited to virus-fighting properties. This remarkable compound has been linked to improved brain function and cognition, memory retrieval, attention, and emotional regulation. It also enhances mitochondrial efficiency, protecting brain cells from damage and increasing oxygen consumption and glucose uptake.

3. Pain Relief and Chronic Neuropathic Conditions: The benefits of methylene blue extend to pain management, including postoperative pain, chronic neuropathic pain, arthritic pain, and even refractory pain from mucositis related to cancer treatment. Recent studies are even exploring its potential in treating migraine headaches.

Wondering about the impact of wheat on your health?

On today's episode of the Health Quest podcast, Dr. Sal is exploring the way that wheat affects our health with the help of Dr. William Davis's book, Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health.

Dr. Sal shares eye-opening revelations from the book, discussing how wheat affects our body's response to insulin, contributes to visceral fat, and even shows addictive properties similar to opioid drugs.

Listen to the episode to discover all the insights from Dr. Davis's book and start adjusting your own diet to improve your overall health.

Key takeaways:

1. Wheat products, such as bread, can have detrimental effects on the body, including increasing blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance, and contributing to the development of conditions such as obesity, acid reflux, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, rashes, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma symptoms.

2. Wheat contains substances that can have addictive effects on the brain, causing behaviors similar to those observed with opioid drugs. Removing wheat from the diet can lead to a reduction in hunger and cravings, resulting in weight loss and improved mood and overall well-being.

3. Wheat consumption can lead to a variety of health issues, including the breakdown of proteins, aging, neuropathies, retinopathy, nephropathy, and increased susceptibility to allergens and irregular heartbeats.

4. Consumption of wheat contributes to an acidic burden on the body, which can lead to a disruption in the body's acid-base balance, potentially drawing alkaline stores from the body, including calcium from bones.

5. Contrary to common beliefs about cholesterol and heart disease, a cardiologist suggests that small low-density lipoproteins (LDL), particularly oxidized LDL resulting from excessive sugar consumption, rather than overall cholesterol levels, are the primary cause of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Increased fat intake has been observed to have little or no change in triglyceride levels.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at http://www.drsalhealth.com or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].

What is the cause of cardiovascular disease and, more importantly, can we prevent it?

That's what we're going to find out on today's episode of the Health Quest podcast.

Dr. Sal talks about the causes of cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the role of inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysfunctional immune system in contributing to atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Through practical advice and scientific explanations, he highlights the significance of lifestyle modifications, dietary considerations, and the value of incorporating regular physical activity to combat cardiovascular disease.

In this episode, Dr. Sal also shed light on the several ways we can adjust our diet to improve our health, including a discussion on intermittent fasting, the benefits of the paleo diet, and the role of antioxidants in our daily nutrition. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are also critical in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, so Dr. Sal recommends a combination of weight training and aerobic exercises.

Key takeaways:

1. Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as consistently working out with weights for 40 minutes and incorporating 20 minutes of aerobics every day, can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. Importance of Diet: It's important to focus on dietary choices, including avoiding fast foods, processed foods high in sugars and trans fats, and opting for a balanced and nutritious diet like the paleo diet.

3. Understanding Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in the development of cardiovascular disease. It's crucial to understand how these processes occur and their impact on the body's arterial system.

4. Role of Antioxidants and Supplements: Consuming antioxidants through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and supplements like vitamin A, C, E, and K, as well as fish oil, can help counteract oxidative stress and support cardiovascular health.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Making ongoing lifestyle modifications, such as intermittent fasting, home cooking with healthy oils, and incorporating regular physical activity, are instrumental in managing and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at http://www.drsalhealth.com or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].

Can an herb have magical powers?

Well, no. But gyneostemma has such powerful effects on our body that it may as well be magic.

On today's episode of the Health Quest podcast, Dr. Sal is talking about this miracle herb and the many benefits it offers.

Gynostemma is an herb that has long been used in Southeast Asia for its medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants, it has been shown to improve resistance to DNA damage, support heart health, and provide cardiovascular support. It contributes to overall well-being by reducing anxiety and stress, and it can also help in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

This powerful herb works through two key mechanisms, AMPK and PTP1b, which play roles in regulating glucose, fat, and energy metabolism in the body. When combined with a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, this herb has the potential to positively impact your health and well-being.

Key takeaways:

1. Gyneostemma pentaphyllum, an herb used in folk medicine, has shown to contain valuable constituents similar to ginseng and rich in antioxidants. It is known to contribute to heart health, improve resistance to DNA damage, and provide cardiovascular support.

2. Gyneostemma pentaphyllum works to improve metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes through two main mechanisms - AMPK (AMP Kinase) and PTP1B (protein Tyronase phosphatase 1b). These mechanisms help in increasing energy expenditure, improving insulin sensitivity, and enhancing glucose tolerance.

3. The podcast emphasizes the importance of making dietary changes, including restricted calorie intake, elimination of refined sugars and carbohydrates, and implementing exercise, in combination with the use of gyneostemma for improved health outcomes.

4. Dr. Sal shares his personal recommendation of taking 500 milligrams of gyneostemma extract per day by adding it to his daily coffee intake. The studies showed that individuals who were obese and had type 2 diabetes benefited from taking 3 to 6 grams (3000 to 6000 milligrams) of gyneostemma per day.

5. The episode underscores the importance of healthy dietary habits, including lean proteins, healthy fats, high fiber carbohydrates from vegetables and low glycemic fruits, in conjunction with the use of gyneostemma to improve fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and overall health.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at http://www.drsalhealth.com or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].

You asked, we've answered.

For this episode of the Health Quest Podcast, we've compiled a few of Dr. Sal's answers to listeners' questions from past episodes of the show.

Dr. Sal addressed the issue of storing food in plastic containers. He emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to harmful chemicals from plastics by switching to safer alternatives, such as glass containers.

He also explains the link between chronic inflammation and brain health, highlighting the role of a healthy gut and lifestyle habits in preventing memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. He stresses the importance of staying mentally and socially active to maintain brainpower and overall wellness.

To support optimal health, Dr. Sal recommends incorporating supplements, particularly antioxidants, to compensate for potential nutrient deficiencies in modern diets. By taking proactive steps and making informed choices, you can align your lifestyle with God's design for good health.

Key takeaways:

1. Avoid storing food in plastic containers, as they can contain harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates which can leak into food and disrupt metabolism and hormone levels. Consider using glass containers, such as Pyrex, for storing food as they are a safer alternative to plastic.

2. Reconsider reheating food in the microwave as the chemicals from plastic containers can leak into food when reheated, and consider using alternative methods such as a cast iron pan or toaster oven.

3. To strengthen brain power and reduce the risk of memory loss or Alzheimer's, focus on reducing inflammation in the body through means such as consuming fish oil and turmeric, as well as staying mentally active through activities like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills.

4. Socialization and maintaining an open mind contribute to overall well-being and may play a role in longevity, as observed in cultures with high numbers of centenarians.

5. Consider the use of supplements such as antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E) to ensure the intake of essential nutrients that may be lacking in modern diets.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at www.drsalhealth.com, or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].

Can what we eat cause us pain?

In this episode of the Health Quest podcast, Dr. Sal is talking into the profound impact that diet and stress management have on our overall well-being.We're looking at two scientific articles: one on the relationship between diet and chronic musculoskeletal pain and one on the recently reported decline in life expectany in the U.S.

These articles both support the idea that lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on our overall health.

Exploring these articles, Dr. Sal discusses the effectiveness of various diets, including intermittent fasting, ketogenic, Mediterranean, and calorie-restricted diets, in improving chronic musculoskeletal pain. This evidence-based approach explores how dietary changes can lead to reduced inflammation, improved quality of life, and even extend life expectancy by positively influencing the immune system.

With the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealing a decline in life expectancy to 76.4 years, the shortest in nearly two decades, Dr. Sal also discusses the role of chronic stress in this decline, including financial strain, unaffordable housing, inadequate healthcare, poor education, and lack of social support as contributing factors.

These articles and Dr. Sal's insights make one thing very clear: our health is in our hands and we need to make an effort to improve our overall wellbeing.

Key takeaways:

1. Chronic musculoskeletal pain can be improved through various diets, such as intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet, Mediterranean diet, and calorie-restricted and time-restricted diets. These diets showed improvements in pain intensity, quality, frequency, and inflammation, as well as benefits to overall quality of life.

2. The declining life expectancy in the United States is attributed to chronic diseases, which are largely preventable. Dr. Sal emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's health through dietary choices and lifestyle changes, rather than attributing it to hereditary or genetic factors.

3. Chronic stress has become a societal epidemic and is linked to shortened life expectancy, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurologic disorders. Addressing chronic stress through spiritual and mental exercises, such as prayer, meditation, and focusing on positive activities, is crucial for maintaining good health.

4. Financial strain, inadequate healthcare, poor education, unaffordable housing, and lack of social support are contributing factors to chronic stress. Dr. Sal encourages reducing unnecessary spending, increasing education through focused learning, and seeking support from family and friends.

5. The key to good health is to adopt a natural, healthy diet, avoid overeating, get enough rest, and focus on positive activities. Dr. Sal emphasizes the importance of connecting with God, and finding purpose and happiness in life. He also suggests addressing chronic stress through prayer, meditation, and relaxation techniques.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at www.drsalhealth.com, or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].

Heavy metals are everywhere in our environment, but how do we keep them out of our bodies?

On today's episode of the Health Quest Podcast, Dr. Sal is talking about chelation therapy and its role in removing heavy metals from our bodies.

We're all unintentionally exposed to heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium through air, water, and soil, and these substances can be harmful to our health. Chelation therapy utilizes an amino acid called EDTA to reduce the body's burden of heavy metal toxins and improve physiological functions. This man-made synthetic amino acid is used for food preservation and has a fascinating "claw-like" action that helps dissolve unwanted substances to be excreted from the body.

Dr. Sal explains the effects of chelation therapy on the cardiovascular system, from its role in preventing and reversing atherosclerosis to improving blood circulation and reducing blood clot formation.

Key takeaways:

1. Chelation Therapy: Dr. Sal explained how EDTA can effectively remove heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum from our bodies. By clearing these toxins, chelation therapy aids in preventing and reversing atherosclerosis, improving blood circulation, reducing blood clotting mechanisms, increasing energy production in the cells, and exerting antiviral and antioxidant effects.

2. Identifying Heavy Metal Contamination: The episode shed light on the rampant presence of heavy metals in our environment, from air and water to soil. Dr. Sal emphasized the profound impact of lead contamination and its widespread prevalence, underscoring the necessity of addressing heavy metal exposure for overall well-being.

3. Mitigating Health Risks: Understanding the detrimental effects of heavy metals, especially in increasing free oxygen radicals and causing oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, points to the critical need for detoxification processes and chelation therapy to counteract these health risks.

Find transcripts, videos, and more at http://www.drsalhealth.com or send a question to be answered on a future episode to [email protected].