Knowledge is power. This is especially true when it comes to what we put into our bodies. Fresh, whole foods have the power to transform our overall health. By choosing to buy organic and local produce, we are voting for a healthy, sustainable, fair trade food source. One that supports small farmers and ensures the most nutritious meals for our families.

While the best place to find fresh fruits and vegetables is from your local farmer’s market; climate, price, and convenience send most of us to the local grocer. So how can we choose organic, non GMO produce? Pay attention to the sticker on your fruits and veggies. Know your labels.

This month’s newsletter is a follow-up to last month where I discussed the neurological benefits of The Ketogenic Diet. This month I will discuss the why and how-to of The Ketogenic Diet.

The World’s Oldest Diet
Many people are finding health benefits by abandoning their fear of fats and enjoying great tasting and nutrient-rich foods like eggs, bacon, avocados, cheese, meats and unlimited vegetables. This way of eating is enjoying resurgence as it is much like the way our hunter-gatherer ancestors naturally ate. Basically it is a high fat, moderate protein, and low carb diet. On a more fundamental level it is our oldest weight maintenance diet.

​Aha, the old "expensive urine" argument.

When was the last time you heard someone say, "You don't need to take vitamins if you eat a balanced diet. They're just a waste of money." Let's discuss this common misconception. Are your expensive vitamins going right through you? Do you ever think about what else can be found in your urine? How about H2O? Does that mean you shouldn't drink water? Ridiculous, of course.

Many essential substances can be detected in urine such as minerals, proteins, and yes, vitamins. It does not mean that you shouldn't eat foods or take supplements with these components in them. Positive urine tests for steroids and other drugs do not prove that these medications fail to work. In fact, if they're present in the urine we assume that they have done their job. These substances, like vitamins, don't pass through the body without having an impact. Our body takes what it needs and discards the rest.

The secret ingredient in this decadent mousse is creamy, delicious avocado. Avocados are nutrient dense and full of protein, fiber, potassium, vitamins K, E, B, and omega 3 fatty acids. Our chocolate avocado mousse also has the antioxidant benefits of the ingredients cocoa and coconut. So indulge and enjoy every delightful spoonful!

In honor of National Reading Month, we're sharing our list of ultimate healthy living books. Fifty books chosen and loved by our doctors, patients, and staff. From Bacon & Butter to Brain Maker, we hope these reads motivate you along your personal path to health. Many of our favorites are available at The Gleason Center. If you have a book you'd like to recommend, please comment below! Happy reading!

​Autism, Alzheimer’s, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s disease. What do these common conditions all have in common? Find out in this month's newsletter.

Get in the Spring Break mood with our recipe for a deliciously tropical Mango Coconut Smoothie! Packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, dietary fiber, and natural electrolytes- this smoothie will leave you feeling nourished and energized. Gluten free, dairy free, soy free, refined sugar free.

Reduce inflammation and heal your gut with Dr. Gleason's Anti-Inflammatory Trade Off Table. Swap inflammation inducing foods for anti-inflammatory SUPER foods. Your mind and body will thank you.

Homemade bone broth is simple yet incredibly healing. Its health benefits include skin, muscle, bone, joint, brain, eye, and gut health. Bone broth has been used for generations to support immune function, detoxify the liver and kidneys, and improve digestion. Our recipe may be used as a soup stock or taken up to four times daily for overall wellness. Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS
5 pounds of bones*
3 quarts filtered tap water
6 tablespoons. apple cider vinegar
Organic vegetables and herbs to taste (optional)

*Local, free range, grass fed, organic bones (beef, chicken, venison, or turkey)

1.  Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo - Formulas are designed to overpower the stain itself; by using highly toxic substances.  Perchlorethylene: known carcinogen, damages liver, kidney and nervous system.  Ammonium Hydroxide: corrosive, extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory track.  Protect kids’ safety wile crawling.

2.  Mineral Oil - Baby oil is 100% mineral oil. This petroleum derived substance, coats the skin just like plastic wrap covers any given vessel. The skin’s natural immune barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb (moisture and nutrition). Your skin’s ability to release toxins is impeded by this “plastic wrap”, which can cause the skin to age prematurely promote acne and other disorders by slowing down normal cell development.
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3.  Air Fresheners - Most air fresheners work by coating your nasal passages with an oily film or by releasing a nerve deadening agent. Known toxins are: Formaldehyde, a highly toxic, known carcinogen; Phenol,which can cause your skin to swell, burn, peel, and break out in hives.