Most of us spend a lot of energy avoiding uncomfortable feelings. Why on earth should we welcome them? Well, for one thing, suppressing anger, guilt, envy, fear, shame, grief and other painful feelings doesn’t really work; the more we try to numb them, the more demanding they become, draining our energy and creating tension, stress and dis-ease! Another reason for welcoming feelings is that they convey information that’s helpful to hear and digest. Finally, the strategies we devise for suppressing them our various addictions to food, drink, exercise, overwork, shopping, TV-watching, internet surfing, or just getting into our heads and losing touch with our body and senses create additional problems. So how can we welcome our various feeling “guests,” even the unpleasant ones? Psychologist Abby Seixas, who recommends “befriending feelings,” says: “Befriending a feeling means neither indulging nor repressing, nor trying to manipulate it in any wa…

Allergic reactions are very taxing to the body (see Raymond Francis’ article, “The Shocking Truth About Allergies”) and getting them under control by reducing inflammation and restoring systemic alkalinity as soon as you can will not only make you more comfortable, it will minimize the serious damage that each allergic reaction causes to your overall health. Although if you’re prone to having anaphylactic type allergic responses, you should have an EpiPen handy, for most allergy attacks—itchy, tearing eyes; sneezing; congestion and fatigue—natural substances can do the job. Vitamin C and quercetin (Cell Repair Quercetin or Cell Repair Formula) are a powerful combination for subduing inflammation. Take maximum doses to nip those allergic reactions in the bud. For taking vitamin C “to bowel tolerance” click here for instructions. Allergic reactions make the body acidic, exacerbating inflammation and damage to body tissues. Many biochemical…

Coconut Oil: A Once-Maligned Fat Making a Well-Deserved Comeback For decades, coconut oil was unjustly maligned—pushed aside by poorly designed, misleading studies that lumped all saturated fats together and paved the way for widespread use of industrial seed oils like soybean oil. In hindsight, this shift has proven disastrous, contributing to an epidemic of metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and chronic disease. As awareness grows around the health consequences of refined vegetable oils, coconut oil is reemerging as what it has always been: a stable, traditional fat with unique metabolic and antimicrobial properties that support energy, immune function, and overall health. A Fat with a Long History of Safe Use Coconut oil has been used safely for thousands of years, particularly in tropical cultures where it remains a dietary staple. These populations—despite consuming large amounts of saturated fat from coconut—historically show low rates of heart disease, cancer…

Current medical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) leave a lot to be desired. Although the most popular BPH medications, drugs like Proscar (finasteride), alleviate BPH symptoms (lower urinary tract symptoms, or LUTS), they are apt to produce loss of libido, ejaculatory disorders and impotence as side effects. Meanwhile, surgery doesn’t always work, and its risks—infections, loss of sexual function (up to 30% of the time), and scar tissue, which can make the problem surgery was supposed to correct even worse by further narrowing the urethra—make it a less than inspiring option. Fortunately, BPH is not a new disease. It’s been around for thousands of years, and it’s been treated successfully for just about as long with herbs that alleviate symptoms without the major side effects associated with drugs. Botanist and integrative practitioner, Dr. Andrew Weil explains why herbs are so often superior to drugs. He notes that whole plants contain ma…

Could SIBO Be Behind Your Digestive Symptoms? Are you bothered by abdominal bloating, gas, flatulence, belching, or an irritable bowel—constipation alternating with diarrhea, or perhaps predominantly one or the other? If so, you may be dealing with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a now well-recognized but still frequently overlooked form of intestinal dysbiosis. What Is SIBO? You may already be familiar with one form of dysbiosis, in which yeast (such as Candida) or harmful bacteria overgrow in the intestines and crowd out beneficial organisms. SIBO is different. SIBO occurs specifically in the small intestine—the approximately 20-foot-long, tightly coiled digestive tube that connects the stomach to the colon. Under healthy conditions, the small intestine contains relatively few bacteria compared to the colon. When bacteria or other microorganisms that normally reside there begin to proliferate excessively, a pathological imbalance develops. This overgrowth i…

. . . new study could prove it helps prevent or reverse symptoms of dementia Recent data estimates 5.4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Plus another 30 million across the globe. Chances are, you know someone who has this dreaded disease, or are worried that you might be a likely candidate for Alzheimer’s. You can go here to read more on why Alzheimer’s is on the rise. But today, there’s reason for hope. A new study is underway to test the affects of coconut oil on volunteers with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. University of South Florida researchers know the stakes are high. In fact, previous studies at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute using other treatment options have come up empty. But while nothing currently exists that can cure or slow down the progression of the disease, Dr. Mary Newport and fellow researchers have reason to feel optimistic. A compelling case study on Alzheimer’s Mary’s husband, Ste…

Our Mission: Going Beyond Health At Beyond Health, our mission is simple—and radical: To help people go beyond health. Going beyond health means going beyond what most people have been taught to accept as “normal.” Redefining What It Means to Be Healthy Most people consider themselves healthy if they are functional—able to get out of bed, go to work or school, take care of family responsibilities, and squeeze in some enjoyment along the way. They may struggle with allergies, digestive problems, headaches, fatigue, stubborn weight gain, skin or hair issues, or frequent aches and pains. Often, these concerns are “managed” with over-the-counter remedies, yet the person still considers themselves healthy. As time goes on, medications are added to manage more serious conditions—arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, cognitive decline. We’ve known people taking multiple prescriptions who still describe themselves as healthy. Eventua…

Beyond Health’s Vitamin D Supporting Immune and Respiratory Health Vitamin D plays a far broader role in human health than bone maintenance alone. In recent years, a growing body of research has highlighted its importance in immune regulation and inflammatory balance, particularly in the respiratory system. Multiple reviews of the medical literature have observed an association between low vitamin D status and impaired respiratory health. A 2010 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reported that vitamin D deficiency was correlated with increased airway inflammation, reduced lung function, and poorer symptom control in individuals with asthma. How Vitamin D Supports Immune Balance Vitamin D appears to influence respiratory health through its effects on the immune system. Research suggests that adequate vitamin D levels help: Regulate inflammatory signaling Reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines Support the production of anti-inflammato…

. . . let's make the common cold rare! Although viral infections are considered normal, they’re actually quite unusual among cultures where people consume a healthy diet and follow a healthy way of life. Likewise, people I’ve worked with who follow the Beyond Health lifestyle rarely get colds, and I myself have had only two colds in 27 years. How do you eliminate colds and the flu from your life? By building and maintaining a superior level of health and immunity. Your diet should be 80% alkaline, with plenty of fresh, raw vegetables and fruits, as well as beans, legumes, nuts, seeds and healthy oils. Avoid allergens (every allergic reaction weakens your immunity) and omit the Big Four (sugar, wheat, processed oils and dairy/excessive animal protein). Eating sugar alone is enough to knock out your immune defenses for the next 6-8 hours, yet each American now consumes an average of 160 pounds a year (one big reason colds have become “normal”). Get on a high-quali…

The Modern Problem: We Are Oxidizing Faster Than Ever You can’t see oxidative stress.You can’t feel it directly. But it is happening inside your cells every second. And in today’s world it’s happening at an accelerated rate. Pollution.Pesticides.Stress.Radiation.Processed foods.Chronic inflammation. All of these generate free radicals. And free radicals drive aging. To understand why antioxidants matter, we must first understand what we’re up against. What Are Free Radicals? A free radical is an atom or molecule with one or more unpaired electrons. Electrons like stability. They like pairs. An unpaired electron is unstable and instability creates reactivity. Free radicals “steal” electrons from nearby healthy molecules in a process called oxidation. The classic example outside the body? Rust. Inside your body? It’s far more consequential. What Does Oxidation Do to the Body? Unchecked oxidation damages: Cell membranes Mitochondria Pr…

Why Sitting Is the New Smoking — and How “Exercise Snacks” Can Undo the Damage More people than ever are working from home and ordering what they need online, tethering us more closely to our computers. Americans were already sitting too much—but now it’s reached a new level. While sitting itself isn’t inherently bad, sitting in the same chair for hours at a time quietly alters body chemistry in harmful ways. Prolonged sitting increases: Insulin resistance Blood sugar Triglycerides These changes are linked to heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, dementia, cancer, and even earlier death. That’s why prolonged sitting has earned the nickname: “The new smoking.” Why One Workout a Day Isn’t Enough Many people try to counteract long sitting hours with a daily walk, run, or gym session. While these are beneficial—and we absolutely support them—they do not fully undo the damage caused by uninterru…

The Headlines Say “No Difference.” Your Cells Say Otherwise. You may have seen the headlines: A Stanford review of nearly 300 studies found no meaningful nutritional difference between organic and conventional foods. If you care about clean eating, that message feels confusing maybe even discouraging. So let’s step back and ask a better question: Is food just about vitamin counts on a spreadsheet?Or is it about nutrient density and toxic exposure? Because those are not the same thing. What the Stanford Study Actually Looked At The review focused primarily on: Measurable nutrient levels Documented bacterial contamination Certain pesticide residues It concluded that, on average, organic foods were not dramatically higher in vitamins and minerals. But here’s what matters: Health is not built on averages. It is built on cellular biology. And cellular biology is profoundly affected by toxic load. Nutrients Are Only Half the Story Even if nutrient differences…

REPRINTED FROM BEYOND HEALTH® News by Raymond Francis What is MSM, and why should you care? A healthy body is made of healthy cells, and healthy cells need sulfur. It is essential that the body have a plentiful supply of this mineral in its usable form. MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane) is an organic form of sulfur that is easily absorbed and utilized by the body. It is a naturally‐occurring compound that is found in many foods including meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables. MSM plays an essential role in heavy metal detoxification. It mitigates allergies, reduces joint pain, improves digestive ailments, alleviates emphysema and helps with diabetes. MSM is found in every cell in the body, and because sulfur is so important, supplementing with MSM is a good idea, especially for people over age 50. Some say we don’t need to supplement because MSM is found in so many foods. However, storage, cooking and processing destroy MSM, so most of us need to supplement. Sulfur is an essential…

The Secret to Green Drinks That Taste Amazing (Without Sugar Overload) Green drinks are one of the most powerful tools for supporting detoxification, energy, and cellular health. But there’s one problem most people run into: They taste terrible unless you add fruit. And fruit can spike blood sugar. The solution isn’t abandoning green drinks.It’s learning how to make them delicious without sugar. Why Green Drinks Matter for Cellular Health Green vegetables provide: alkalizing minerals chlorophyll compounds detox-supporting phytonutrients fiber for gut health antioxidants for cellular protection Consuming them in liquid form allows rapid absorption and efficient nutrient delivery — especially when digestion is compromised or nutrient demands are high. How to Improve Flavor Without Raising Blood Sugar You don’t need apples, bananas, or pineapple to make green drinks taste good. Instead, use low-glycemic flavor boosters: Flavor Enhancers lemon…

. . . why gluten in your diet could be making you fat! The buzz at the Beyond Health office these days is from customers who tell us they’ve been losing 10, 20 and even 30 pounds by doing nothing else except cutting out wheat! Of course we’re all biologically unique, and this doesn’t work for everyone, but wheat (and the gluten in wheat) isn’t healthy for anyone, so if you’re looking to lose excess weight, going gluten-free is certainly worth a try! Why would eating wheat make you fat? Well, you might be one of the up to 50% of the US population that has a gluten allergy or sensitivity and is “gluten intolerant.” Food allergies and sensitivities can cause both water and fat retention. I’ve known people who lost almost 10 pounds in the first week after giving up gluten, most of it water-weight. It takes longer to release the fat, but that comes off in time too. Also, we often become addicted to foods we’re allergic to, leading to int…

Enough to Get the Job Done Why the Right Supplements Matter—and Why “Too Little” Is the Real Mistake We often hear this question from customers: “I don’t have enough money to take all the supplements in your kits—just tell me the ones I really need.” The honest answer is simple: You need enough to get the job done. Not more than necessary—but not less either. Prevention vs. Recovery: The Difference Matters For most people in fairly good health whose goal is disease prevention, the Ultimate Wellness Kit is typically sufficient—plus Vitamin D, if testing shows it’s needed. However, if you already have a diagnosed condition, prevention is no longer the goal—reversal and repair are. In those cases, the Ultimate Wellness Kit must be paired with one or more Support Kits, depending on what systems need rebuilding. For example: Recovering from food allergies often requires simultaneous support for digestion immune balan…

. . . drinking it daily is good for you! Wine, especially red wine, is less problematic than chocolate. You can drink it every day, and it’s actually good for you! . . . as long as it’s in moderation. Alcohol is a toxin, and while we can tolerate small amounts in order to get its benefits, most women should limit their daily wine consumption to one 5-ounce glass; most men two. Actually any alcoholic drink is potentially beneficial. A 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce stein of beer, or a cocktail made with 1-1/4 ounces of 80 proof liquor daily – all have been variously connected with longer life, increased HDL (the “healthy” cholesterol), thinner blood (less clotting), improved insulin sensitivity, beneficial effects on bone mineral density, and significant reductions in the risk for both heart and Alzheimer’s disease, all because of their alcohol content. Wine is particularly healthy because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenols found in grapes. The “French Paradox”…

. . . women who ate more chocolate had less heart disease! Yet another study has found that eating chocolate is good for you. Researchers in Australia observed more than a thousand older women (average age 75) for 10 years. About half of them habitually ate chocolate. The study found that the women who consumed chocolate most frequently were much less likely to develop heart disease – including ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery – than women who rarely ate chocolate. The frequent chocolate eaters were also much less likely to be hospitalized or die from heart disease. Why is chocolate healthy? It’s the flavonoids. Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, is very high in heart-healthy flavonoids. If you want to get the most flavonoids, get dark chocolate with over 70% cacao (avoid white and milk chocolate). Of course you don’t have to rely on chocolate to get flavonoids. Green tea, wine and grape juice, garlic, an…