In the last few episodes, we discussed insulin resistance and its connection to excess sugars and bad fats in our diets. Today, we will explore how this metabolic imbalance can lead to diabetic neuropathy.

In the episode, Dr. Sal explains how excess sugars and fats can lead to insulin resistance, causing a disruption in the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, the liver starts producing its own sugar and fat, leading to complications such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and neuropathy.

Neuropathy is dangerous for many reasons, often manifesting as pain and a loss of sensation, most commonly in the feet. The overall impacts can be severe, leading to cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, and even fatal heart attacks.

Key Takeaways:

1. Diabetic neuropathy can cause pain and loss of sensation, particularly in the feet. This can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ulcers and a higher risk of injuries. It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to stay vigilant about foot care and seek medical attention for any signs of neuropathy.
2. Neuropathy also affects the circulatory system, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the affected areas. This can result in tissue breakdown and further complications. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing diabetes effectively, we can mitigate the risk of developing neuropathy-related issues.
3. The impact of neuropathy extends beyond physical symptoms. It can also affect cognitive function, leading to a decline in brain health. Furthermore, diabetic autonomic neuropathy can increase the risk of silent heart attacks, which can be fatal. Regular check-ups and proactive management of diabetes are crucial for early detection and prevention.

Have a question you want to ask Dr. Sal? Email us at [email protected].

Does our body have the power to heal itself?

On this very special episode of Health Quest, we are welcoming Dr. Joshua Henk as our first-ever guest. Dr. Josh is a chiropractor who believes that healing begins on the inside and is joining us to share his insights into the connections between our nervous system, our bodies, and our spiritual well-being.

We're discussing his personal journey of growing up between two belief systems, why he became a chiropractor, and the crucial impact that mental and physical alignment can have on our health.

Key takeaways:

1. The nervous system plays a crucial role in our overall health. When our nervous system functions optimally, it allows the body's natural healing abilities to thrive. By ensuring that the spine is aligned and there is clear communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body, we can experience true healing.
2. Chiropractic care encompasses a holistic approach, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit connection. When we consider our overall well-being, including our diet, exercise, and the environments we surround ourselves with, we can create a harmonious balance that supports our body's innate healing capabilities.

Have a question you want to ask Dr. Sal? Email us at [email protected].

Ever wondered why some seemingly healthy individuals suddenly experience life-threatening conditions? It could be caused by their autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system [ANS] controls countless involuntary functions in our body, from breathing and heart rate to digestion and even sexual arousal. But what happens when the ANS becomes dysfunctional? In this episode, Dr. Sal will delve into the condition known as autonomic dysfunction or autonomic neuropathy, where underlying chronic inflammatory activity can lead to vague symptoms that are difficult to diagnose with conventional testing methods.

Dr. Sal will shed light on the importance of establishing and maintaining autonomic balance, as evidence suggests it can reduce complications and even prevent potentially life-threatening events like heart attacks. This balance can come from reducing stress, making meditation a treatment option for conditions like IBS.

Key takeaways:

The autonomic nervous system is comprised of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system, which is associated with the fight or flight response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which is involved in rest and digest responses.

Autonomic dysfunction occurs when the autonomic nervous system becomes dysfunctional, leading to vague symptoms that are often difficult to diagnose with current medical tests.

Chronic inflammation is often present in individuals with autonomic dysfunction, and this can eventually lead to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Establishing and maintaining autonomic balance through autonomic nervous system testing can help reduce the risk of complications and death from various diseases.

What is the role of insulin in our body and how does it impact our health? In today's episode, we delve into the topic of insulin resistance and its relationship to type 2 diabetes and our modern diet.

One of the primary causes of insulin resistance is the type of food we consume. Dr. Sal emphasizes the detrimental effects of high sugar and high carbohydrate diets, particularly those containing fructose. He explains how fructose gets metabolized in the liver, leading to the production of bad cholesterol and increased fat storage. Interestingly, he points out that high fructose corn syrup, which is widely used as a sweetener in many processed foods, is a major culprit in this process.

We'll explore how insulin functions in our bodies and how its resistance can lead to a multitude of health issues. Stay tuned as we discuss the impact of sugars and carbs, particularly fructose, on our metabolism and the production of harmful fats. It's time to uncover the truth about our dietary choices and their effect on our overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body becomes less responsive to the hormone insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels and eventually to type 2 diabetes.

2. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by lowering them and preventing the liver from producing more sugar. However, in insulin resistance, the liver continues to produce sugar and insulin production becomes impaired.

3. The type of food we eat, particularly processed and high-carb foods, can contribute to insulin resistance. Consuming fructose, found in high fructose corn syrup, can lead to the production of bad fats and contribute to inflammation in the body.

4. Fructose does not stimulate insulin secretion or suppress hunger hormones, leading to overconsumption of calories and the conversion of sugar into fat.

5. Insulin resistance and the resulting metabolic effects can have significant implications for overall health, including increased risk of type 2 diabetes and inflammation-related conditions. It is important to be mindful of the types of foods we consume and make choices that support good health and manage insulin levels.

Does our body chemistry control our weight? Today, we'll be delving into the topic of hormones and their role in our health. Contrary to popular belief, weight gain cannot solely be attributed to hormonal imbalances, as we'll explore in this episode. Specifically, we'll take a closer look at the thyroid gland and the hormones secreted by fat cells, such as leptin and adiponectin. 

While conditions like hypothyroidism can contribute to weight gain, Dr. Sal asserts that hormone replacement therapy alone is not enough to explain the staggering weight gains seen in our society today. Instead, this episode emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, engaging in prayer and meditation, and making conscious choices about our eating habits and overall lifestyle.

Key takeaways:

1. The thyroid gland and its hormones play a crucial role in regulating weight and metabolism. However, thyroid issues alone cannot account for significant weight gain.

2. Fat cells secrete various hormones, including leptin and adiponectin, which affect appetite, energy expenditure, and insulin sensitivity.

3. Leptin works by signaling to the brain that we are full and need to stop eating. However, in overweight or obese individuals, leptin resistance can occur, leading to constant feelings of hunger.

4. Adiponectin increases energy production in cells, protects blood vessel lining, and promotes memory function.

5. Our eating habits and lack of physical activity contribute to weight gain and the development of unhealthy neural networks. It is essential to seek balance and follow God's will for our health.

Today's episode is a little different from our usual show. In fact, it wasn't even supposed to be a show. When issues come up that are negatively affecting the American people, Dr. Sal, like the rest of us, sometimes just needs to rant.

This episode is a candid and passionate rant from Dr. Sal that talks about the consequences of disregarding nature's intentions and the pursuit of profit at the expense of our well-being. As always, we encourage you to embrace God's path and make informed choices that prioritize your health.

"Sometimes you have to replace half the government and put some decent, respectable people in there and say, listen. We've gotta do things what's right for the people, not because the FDA makes $15 billion a month for the government." Dr. Sal

Do things like plastic storage containers and food dyes really impact our health? Listeners have been asking these questions, so we're looking at the facts.

In today's episode, we're talking about the effects that plastics and dyes can have on our health, the different chemicals they add to our bodies, and some alternatives we can use to avoid some of these impacts.

"Always shop on the periphery of the grocery because that's where you're gonna get your fruits and vegetables, your meats, your dairy products, your eggs, the kind of stuff that you basically have to go home and you have to cook it yourself. Everything that's in the aisles is always packaged in boxes and bags, and a lot of this stuff is not only processed, but they have food colorings and additives." Dr. Sal.

Key Takeaways:

• Plastic containers, particularly those made of soft plastic, can release harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates into the food and beverages stored in them. These chemicals can act as metabolic disruptors and endocrine disruptors, affecting our body's ability to process food and disrupting hormone levels.
• Storing food in glass containers, such as Pyrex, is a safer alternative to plastic. Glass is recyclable and does not release harmful chemicals into the food. It is a better option for both storage and reheating.
• When reheating food, avoid using microwave ovens, especially with plastic containers. The heat can cause the chemicals in the plastic to leach into the food. Instead, use alternatives like cast iron pans or toaster ovens set at low temperatures.
• Cooking food at low temperatures is ideal to minimize the production of potentially carcinogenic polycarbons. It may take a bit longer, but it ensures that food is heated thoroughly without charring or burning.
• Be mindful of the materials used in your home's plumbing system. PVC pipes, commonly used as a replacement for copper pipes, can contain chemicals called organotins. These chemicals can leach into drinking water over time and have adverse effects on the body, including disrupting the endocrine system and potentially leading to increased fat storage.

How can we slow down the aging process? The secret lies in our telomeres. These tiny parts of our DNA play a crucial role in our aging process and susceptibility to diseases. As we age, telomeres gradually shorten, leaving our DNA vulnerable to mutations and breakdown. This affects our immune system, neurotransmitter regulation, and overall health.

In light of recent global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, we've discovered that even young and seemingly healthy individuals can have shortened telomeres, making them more susceptible to severe illness. So, in this episode, we delve into what telomeres are, their importance, and how we can protect and improve their function to enhance our lifespan and quality of life.

"We are genetically designed to live 120 years." Dr. Sal

Key takeaways:

• The one-pill theory isn't effective for achieving good health. It is a combination of various factors that contribute to overall well-being.
• Telomeres, which are parts of our DNA, shorten as we age, making us more susceptible to diseases.
• The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting us from diseases, and having balanced immunity is important for preventing cell mutations and cancers.
• Shortened telomeres have been linked to increased vulnerability to severe illnesses, such as COVID-19.
• Taking measures to protect and improve the telomeres, such as consuming a healthy diet and taking supplements like niacin or nmn, can lead to a longer and healthier lifespan.

Have you ever wondered why some people struggle with weight while others don't, despite having similar genetic makeup? In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of genetics and obesity. We'll explore the surprising truth that genes play a minimal role in obesity, accounting for only 5% of cases in America.

So what explains the other 95%? Dr. Sal uncovers the concept of epigenetics and how our behaviors and environment can influence our gene expression. We'll delve into the science behind DNA, histones, and chromatin, revealing the intricate dance that determines whether our genes are turned on or off.

Key takeaways:

• Only about 5% of obesity in America is attributed to genetics, meaning that the majority of obesity cases are not solely caused by genetic factors.
• Epigenetics, the study of how our behaviors and environment interact with our genes, plays a significant role in determining our physical build and health outcomes.
• The epigenome controls how our bodies read and express our DNA sequence, leading to different physical characteristics and health profiles.
• Epigenetic changes can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and other environmental factors.
• Understanding the complex mechanisms of the epigenome and how it affects gene expression provides insight into the intricate design of the human body and reinforces the idea of a higher power at work.

Weight is something a lot of us struggle with--whether we're trying to gain it or lose it. A listener wrote in because they were struggling to lose weight and wanted Dr. Sal's opinion on why.

In this episode, we're talking about toxins and the impact they have on our health. As humans, we've been drastically changing the chemical makeup of the earth and throwing our own bodies out of homeostasis. As we lose our chemical balance, we get into allostasis and, at a cellular level, our body falls into chaos.

It's time to discover the natural and effective ways to detox your body and achieve the balanced and healthy detoxification system you've been longing for.

Key takeaways:

• Environmental Factors: Our bodies are constantly exposed to a myriad of synthetic chemicals, called endocrine and metabolic disruptors, that are being produced in our modern world. These disruptors can throw our body's systems out of balance, leading to various diseases and health issues such as neurologic disorders, kidney disorders, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and even type 2 diabetes.
• The Food Connection: The quality and composition of the food we consume play a major role in our exposure to toxins. From artificial additives and synthetic hormones to industrial pollutants and pesticides, our diets can contribute to internal pollution. Choosing clean, organic options and being mindful of food additives can go a long way in reducing our toxin exposure and promoting better health.
• Liver Detoxification: Our liver is a powerhouse when it comes to detoxification, with 75% of the process happening there. Understanding the two phases of liver detoxification (bioactivation and conjugation) and supporting them through a nutrient-rich diet, specific foods like pomegranates and green tea, and detox supplements can help optimize our body's detoxification system and protect against the harmful effects of toxins.