Episoder
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Wilfredo, who also goes by Will, is a nutritionist who focuses on supporting athletes reach their performance goals. This conversation was a great one about Will's journey as a runner, ultimately finding his way into a nutritional science program at National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, which is where I originally met Will.
We talk about achieving goals in health and in life before we take a deep dive into the world of nutrition. Will shares how fueling the body with nutrient dense plants can be such a powerful means to support individuals in their peak performance, in addition to overall health.
Will also shares some great tips to help simplify a nutritional plan that helps to support people in achieving sustainable results.
Will is a great guy with lots to offer - I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I did!
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode32/
- 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
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In this episode, Dr. Susanna isn't able to be with us, but we are still able to get into some great stuff on the topics of forgiveness and fasting. I see both of these practices, which are central to the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, as amazing practices for cleansing and renewal.
I talk about the different methods of fasting, including the ever popular intermittent fasting, bringing up some very important considerations for anyone wanting to optimize their cleansing experience.
I also talk about living in a state of forgiveness, as opposed to simply forgiving. I share how self-forgiveness is the most powerful and effective way to let go and clear unnecessary pain and suffering on mental and emotional levels.
Of course, blending the physical fasting practices with the metaphysical practice of forgiveness can offer a profound holistic cleanse and detox.
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode31/
- 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
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Dr. Ben Reebs was a classmate in Naturopathic Medical School who's ways of thinking and practicing always intrigued me. His "vitalistic" approach to healing was one that I have always strongly believed in as well, and his background and path into the field of naturopathic medicine is an inspiring one.
In this conversation we talk about how there is no one-size fits all approach to health and healing, and how individualized vitalistic medicine is the way of the future (and past!).
Even though healing is highly individualized, Dr. Ben gave some of great tips that are extraordinarily applicable to anyone in this world today, including the ever-important point of connecting with nature.
I appreciated how this interview was much more conversational as we traversed many topics to come up with new ideas and visions for our way forward into a healthier and happier world.
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode30/
- 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
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In this episode, we take advantage of an opportunity to check in along our journey, now in Carbondale, Colorado, talking about a topic that is extremely pertinent to us both - HOME!
We have in some ways been on the search for our next home, which is inviting us both to tune into our feelings as we navigate through beautiful towns along our journey.
We talk about the Blue Zones and Dan Buettner's work (check out his books - Blue Zones, Blue Zones Solution, and Blue Zones of Happiness)
We share how our external environment can have a powerful and profound impact on our mental, emotional, and physical health for so many reasons.
We also share how both of us, personally, strive to maintain an environment that promotes our health, even when not "home."
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode29/
- 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
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After this powerful conversation, I came fully out of the closet - the VEGAN closet! For those of you who know me well, you probably are familiar with the fact that I don't eat meat or animal products. I have been teetering on the fence for several years, being fully "plant-based" for the last year or so.
Dr. Rao is a brilliant individual who offers a comprehensive and unique approach to so many of the problems that plague our world today. This conversation is more about the macro perspective, addressing these issues on a global scale.
We talk about how veganism is a way to a healthier and happier world.
Dr. Rao has been involved with numerous projects to create the infrastructure to support such a transition. Based on current trends, it sure does seem like veganism may in fact gain force to elicit such changes discussed in this episode!
While the message is clearly one that promotes veganism, it is not an all or nothing approach. We needn't sacrifice it all! We talk about this transition in length, and how adopting a lifestyle that advocates for 'normalized non-violence' in place of 'normalized violence' will slowly eradicate so many individual and global issues.
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode28/
- 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
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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 moreIf 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!
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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
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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!
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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
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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!
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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
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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 consciousness3 - 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.
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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
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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.
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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
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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.
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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
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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.
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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
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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!
> Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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/
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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/
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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!
- Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/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/
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In this episode, we dive deeper into healthy eating by tackling our first macronutrient - CARBOHYDRATES!
The term, "CARBOHYDRATE" is thrown around recklessly in our world today. I've heard doctors compare a piece of fruit to a bag of skittles. We live in a world where low-carb dietary trends persist, and there is no sign of things quieting down.
It's a bit longer than typical Alter Your Health LIVE episodes, but we covered a lot - from carbohydrate synthesis to metabolism, from fruit and fructose to potatoes and glucose. We talk about insulin and diabetes, and we talk about sugar cravings.
There are some fuzzy spots, as Susanna and I were not together in this episode physically, but hopefully you are able to listen through!
> Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode17/
> 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/
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Dr. Russell Marz is one of the most fun and fascinating individuals I know. He has a long history of teaching clinical nutrition at NUNM, my alma mater. I was not fortunate enough to have him as a professor when I attended NUNM, though I am grateful to connect with him in the naturopathic community of Portland, Oregon where he continues to practice. Like any conversation with Dr. Marz, this was a fun one!
It can be hard to keep this character tethered to this planet, but what would you expect with the last name of Marz!?
We covered all sorts of things concerning the the environment and the most effective way to change the course of out trajectory as a species. We talked about how many of us are suffering from "second hand meat eating." We touched on the blue zones, another one of Dr. Marz's passions, as well as the "IDEAL DIET" for humans.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
> Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode16
> 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/
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In this episode, we circle back around to the all important determinant of health - FOOD!
The topic of food has been a hot one to handle for some time now, and there is no sign of it cooling down.
In this episode we aim to CUT THROUGH THE CHAOS and find a simple and straight forward path to the optimal food choices and eating habits.
To sum it up, we focus on...
The importance of eating WHOLE FOODS over processed foods (this means olives over olive oil, peas over pea protein, and dates over date sugar) Reading nutrition labels - focus on THE INGREDIENTS Choose ORGANIC - or refer to the environmental working group's clean 15 and dirty dozen Cook your own food (restaurants mostly add LOTS of undesirable ingredients) Focus on PLANTS - plants are nutrient dense, and we need these nutrients to maintain optimal health Be conscious about food combining - specifically avoid high fat combined with high carb - a deadly combo! (think donuts, pastry, steak and potato, etc.> Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode15/
> 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/
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I was happy to connect and speak with Erin, a classmate of mine from the University of Santa Monica's Spiritual Psychology prorgam.
Erin has taken a dive (no pun intended!) into using water to facility deep healing and trauma release.
With trauma in our world today being such an epidemic, I was fascinated to learn of such a gentle yet powerful intervention.
In this conversation we explore why trauma is and how our bodies can hold on to this energy, potentially leading to chronic mental, emotional, and physical conditions. Erin shares how the water can be such a powerful means to release this trauma. She shares some profound stories from the work she has been facilitating as an aquatic bodywork therapist and Watsu practitioner.
> Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode14
> 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/
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In this episode, we dive into another determinant of health - RELATIONSHIPS!
As divine beings having a human experience, Earth School is where we learn and grow. In Earth School, our teachers are those who we have relationships with. Each reflecting opportunities to know ourselves and love ourselves more fully.
In this episode we talk about how relationships can be both a source of stress and a source of love. We also talk about how loneliness and feelings of disconnection and isolation are powerful predictors of all sorts of disease.
Dr. Susanna and I both share about some of our most powerful "teachers" in this life.
The take home message is that all of life and the teachers herein point us back inward, to focus on the most sacred and special relationship of all, that which we have with ourselves.
Without having a strong and loving relationship to the self, building health will remain a challenge.
> Read my latest blog for more!
PS - Sorry about the audio this week - we are playing around with a new system for recording these videos LIVE!
> Show notes and resources: https://alter.health/podcast/episode13/
> 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/
- Se mer
