Wise Traditions

Dr. Ann Childers had a health crisis that made her examine the role of nutrition in physical and mental health. Soon she began applying her new-found information in her practice. She began emphasizing a nutrient-dense diet and sufficient sleep for the children and adolescents in her care. She soon noted that many experienced relief and healing from all types of conditions including: anxiety, ADD, trouble concentrating, poor behavior, digestive issues, Type II diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Even those suffering from emotional or mental issues like depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm were improving with this simple, straightforward protocol. Children, adolescents, and adults alike will benefit from Ann's approach and advice in today's episode.

As President and Founder of the Raw Milk Institute, Mark McAfee has lectured on the subject of raw milk all over the United States. A consummate educator, Mark elucidates its benefits, even as he addresses the risks associated with it. His mission is to stem the influence of what he calls the "fear campaign that is steering us over the sterilized food cliff." Raw milk is a living food with properties that help us avoid chronic illnesses such as Krohn's, and can build our immune system so as to avoid illnesses that necessitate prescription drugs and costly surgeries. Mark makes his case with facts and passion. Mark emphasizes the health-enhancing properties of raw milk, and advocates for it to be safely produced and distributed widely.

Stress, autoimmune diseases, obesity. These modern epidemics were not a part of the paleolithic landscape, but they certainly plague us now. Chris Kresser, author of "The Paleo Cure" and functional medicine practitioner, recommends that we look back to the wisdom of our ancestors to experience vibrant health today. In this episode, he tells us his story: how a health crisis precipitated his interest in nutrition and medicine, and how the Weston A. Price Foundation played a part in his journey back to health. Chris emphasizes how geography and genetics play a role in determining our diet and he touches on the pivotal role of fats and the need to decrease or manage our stress.

All traditional cultures consume some sort of animal food:fish and shellfish, land and water fowl, land and sea mammals, eggs, milk and milk products reptiles, and insects. Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, explains why this is principle #2 of the Wise Traditions diet. She goes into detail about what nutrients are bio-available in animal products and why many traditional cultures considered these foods to be "sacred." She also addresses what to do if you have trouble digesting meat or if you prefer not to eat meat altogether. If you want to regain or maintain your health, Sally has some very practical suggestions about how to incorporate this principle into your current diet.

For Richard Morris, walking to work was a struggle akin to hiking Mount Everest. Weighing over 400 pounds made most of life difficult and burdensome. His wife and daughters also had an unhealthy lifestyle. Hear about his turning point which led him to turn his back on processed food. Now, he cooks, takes regular walks with his wife, and even competes in obstacle races. Embracing whole, real foods has led Richard and his family to a much healthier and happier life.

Of the twelve characteristics or markers of autism, Tressie's young son had 11 of them. Behavioral therapy is recommended as the treatment of choice for autistic children. But Tressie wanted her son to be able to do more than simply sit still in school and communicate basic needs (the hoped-for outcome of the therapy). So she researched other options. She found a protocol that has moved her son from a diagnosis of low-functioning autism to where he is today: he has lost his diagnosis. Tressie is now an advocate of nutrient-dense food and a protocol to treat metal and mercury toxicity. She is not big on speculating about the causes of autism but she IS big on finding ways to beat the disorder. Tressie has studied holistic nutrition and environmental health, and is the author of "Fight autism and win."

Joel Salatin is the renowned farmer of Polyface Farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Today's episode centers around the concept behind Joel's upcoming book "The marvelous pigness of pigs." You'll learn more about what sets Polyface apart from countless conventional farms. Joel's heart is central to his approach to the animals and the land. His ethics and faith imbue in him a desire to honor and celebrate the uniqueness of each animal he raises. He respects the pigness of pigs, the cowness of cows, and so on. He challenges us to look at our choices through that same ethical paradigm and to opt out of the industrial food complex: for our health, the good of the land, and the nurturing of the animals under our care.

Are you willing to take a closer look at the vaccine issue? Where does the truth lie? The media tells us that anyone who questions the efficacy of vaccines is anti-science. In fact, there are "hundreds and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies [which] document the problems with vaccines, and yet these are not being acknowledged," says our guest Leslie Manookian. In today's episode, she explores the reasons for the cover-up. She also delves into studies that show the link between vaccines and myriad illnesses such as autism, cancer, seizures, auto-immune disease, behavioral problems, speech delays, and much more. But there is no need to despair. Backed by promising studies, Leslie presents some sound alternatives to vaccinations.

Leslie is the writer and producer of the award-winning documentary "The Greater Good." She encourages everyone to look into this issue carefully, as current vaccination schedules may be jeopardizing our health. Leslie says, "We have essentially swapped the short-term suppression of disease for the prospect of very expensive, very debilitating life-time chronic disease."

Don't vaccines keep us healthy and disease-free? Aren't they the greatest invention of mankind? Many of us, including Leslie Manookian, once held these beliefs. In this episode, Leslie brings to light facts found in scientific studies, books, and other resources that persuaded her to reconsider her thinking on the matter. This episode is dedicated to educating ourselves on this topic that is so very critical to our health and the health of our loved ones.

Today, Leslie gives us a "peek behind the veil" of the vaccine industry. There, we discover more machinations than we may have ever imagined. She explores the purpose behind the the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Law of 1986, a law passed to protect vaccine manufacturers from liability from lawsuits. She clearly articulates the preponderance of evidence (much of it recognized by the government) that demonstrates a link between vaccinations and chronic illnesses ranging from asthma, allergies, and joint pain, to the more serious, like cognitive issues, autism, and even death.

Leslie Manookian is a successful Wall Street business executive turned award-winning filmmaker. She conceived, wrote and produced the "The Greater Good" a documentary exploring vaccines. She is a board member and a chapter leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation. She is a qualified homeopath and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, a BA from Middlebury College, and M.L.C.Hom from Lakeland College of Homeopathy.

Jesse Straight is a local farmer and father of five young children. A few years back, he never would have imagined the life he leads today. As a student at the University of Virginia, Jesse was on a religious studies and pre-med track. Hear what changed the direction of his life and sparked his passion for farming--and not just any farming but sustainable farming. All of the animals at Whiffletree Farm are regularly moved to fresh pasture, receive no GMO feed, antibiotics, chemical wormers or hormones. No chemicals are used on the land, either. Jesse loves his work and wants all people to find joy and health in good food raised with integrity, on a small scale.