Rejuvalife Vitality Institute
Beverly Hills CA

Cocommune – A Rave Review!

Happy 2010 folks!

I hope everybody had a great holiday and New Year celebration!

It’s the first work week of the year and I’ve got something exciting to tell you all!

This morning I checked into the office, just like any other day. Mail came in, FedEx dropped off some boxes, the usual.

Well, one of the boxes contained a special surprise, one that was so tasty the second I bit into it I just had to write about it!

It’s called Cocommune Bar, for Gastrointestinal, Digestive, and Immune Support.

Here’s what their makers have to say:

“Cocommune Bar™ is our latest, delicious creation in functional food bars. We have blended a rich dark chocolate with a generous amount of moist, chewy coconut filling to provide a taste that will rival even a Mounds® bar! This all natural, kosher food bar also contains a very useful 500mg of our specially prepared Tegricel™ colostrum per bar. This unique and potent colostrum was designed to enhance general immune function and to protect and repair damaged GI tissue from the use of NSAID’s. Tegricel™ can also be beneficial in other conditions such as Crohn’s, Celiac, IBS and ulcerative colitis that can result in intestinal damage.”

And what do I say? I say GIMMIE MORE – and the staff agrees!!!! These scrumptious bars are so delish (and healthy) I was shocked when I read the nutritional label. For just one serving (one bar is 40g) you’ve got 160 Calories, 12g of fat (remember, it’s made with coconut), 23g of carbs (that’s only 2 NET GRAMS PER SERVING!), 4 g of dietary fiber, 1 g of sugars (ONE GRAM!!!! Almost everything you pick up nowadays is simply made only of sugars!), 17g of sugar alcohol, 2g of protein, and 60mg of sodium.

The ingredients were a list of easy to read words. You know, I always frown and typically turn away from foods that have ingredients that I can’t even pronounce – a good rule of thumb: If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s probably not something you want in your body.

Did I mention the chocolate is sugar free???

So if I haven’t enticed you enough, I say come on down and grab a bar for yourself. If you’re a fan of chocolate and coconut, I can assure you won’t be disappointed!!

The Girl Loves to Grill!

Being the food nut that I am, when I read Dr. Berger’s blog about grilling red meat, my heart just dropped.

This is definitely controversial (for me, at least) because we’ve heard for so many years that grilling especially is a healthier method of cooking rather than frying, for example. The problem with grilling and BBQ-ing is that most people figure “well done” means burning your steak down to a crisp. By charring and burning the meat, you’re essentially going to end up eating charcoal!

Well, I know how much we all the outdoors and grilling assorted meats (granted its freezing out now), so I dug a little deeper to give you pointers on the proper way to grill red meat.

1. Make sure the grill is hot!

a. Generally, anything (whether it’s an oven or grill) over 300°F is safe to cook meat on.
b. If you’re using a gas grill, turn it on and close the lid for about 10 minutes to burn and scrape off any remainders stuck on the grill
c. For charcoal grills, make sure all the coals are nice & red and no longer give off fire before placing the meat.

2. Meat should be seasoned and tenderized prior to grilling

a. If you’re using any oil in your seasoning, use lightly because oil will cause flare-ups and that will needlessly burn and carbonize the meat – Not Good!

3. Don’t let it get too hot

a. A higher flame means you can sear the meat and trap the juices but if it’s too high, the meat will be burned on the outside and left uncooked on the inside.

4. Remove the meat once you have it to your liking

a. Having a meat thermometer is a great tool to own in the kitchen. Using the meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the meat. Temperatures should be as follows

i.      Rare: 120°F – 125°F
ii.      Medium-Rare: 130°F – 135°F
iii.      Medium: 140°F – 145°F
iv.      Medium-Well: 150°F – 155°F
v.      Well Done: 160°F+

b. If you don’t have a thermometer, press the center or thickest part of the meat with your finger. If it’s still soft and squishy, that means it’s rare and needs more time for cooking. Medium will be firm but still have its buoyancy and well done would feel very firm and not as resilient.

5. Note…

a. that the meat’s internal temperature will rise a minimum of 5°F after removing from the grill so if you want Medium steak, remove the meat off the grill when at 140°F.
b. that using a meat thermometer means you may lose some of the succulent juices when piercing the meat

I hope these tips help you grill the most succulent (and not to mention healthier & safer) of steaks!

Anoush!

~Sho

MEN, RED MEAT & PROSTATE CANCER

…SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Aren’t “real” men supposed to love red meat?  The media hypes it big time with rugged cowboys supposedly thriving on it, right? WRONG!  I hate to burst your bubble but red meat, processed meats and prostate cancer go hand in hand.  I’ve been following the studies and can confidently report to you today that the results are pretty conclusive.  One large study involving over 17,000 men ages 50 to 71 (over 9 years) found that those men who ate the most red and processed meats had significantly elevated risk of developing prostate cancer at any stage and, particularly, advanced cancer.

 RED MEAT & GRILLING/BARBEQUEING

I know you don’t want to hear it but …. The researchers found a direct link to grilling and BBQ’d red meats and prostate cancer.  They believe the link involves high-heat cooking and the chemicals it produces, namely polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines known to cause cancer in animals.

 Sorry guys!  My mission in life is to bring you health and wellness and I’m convinced it’s not found in red and processed meats.

 How about we talk about some other healthy options…

 Let me hear from you!

 At Rejuvalife Vitality Institute – we help change you from the inside out!

 To your health,

Dr. Berger

Welcome RejuvaPhyl! – The latest bio-injectable rejuvenator!

We’ve introduced a new procedure at Rejuvalife called Selphyl , and it is an injectable that’s derived from your own plasma, so there are no allergic reactions or adverse effects, like fillers made from artificial materials. What differentiates it from other fillers, is Selphyl actually causes your own collagen to regenerate, and your skin to thicken. It’s quite amazing, really, and I’ve explained it all in my latest video…

Thanks for watching,

Andre Berger, M.D.

Tropical Smoothie & Soy Yogurt

It has been a week since Thanksgiving and if you’re like me, you had enough turkey & cranberry sauce to last you until next year. And being the holiday season, there are more family gatherings and feasts ahead, which means more food, more calories and more pounds to put on – yikes!

So, to keep those pesky pounds off and make sure you fit into your little black dress or snazzy suit this New Years, why not start your days with a refreshing smoothie!

Tropical Smoothie

Pineapple and papaya are rich in antioxidants and contain digestive-system stimulating enzymes – the perfect wake-me-up to any morning.

You will need:

• 1 ripe papaya, peeled, pitted, and chopped
• 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and chopped
• 2/3 cup soy milk
• 1 & 1/4 cups soy yogurt (you can purchase this at most grocery stores or you can make it yourself by following the recipe below. If you plan to purchase, I recommend getting the “light” soygurt)

Place all the ingredients in a juicer or blender and process until smooth. Serves 2.

Soy Yogurt

Making yogurt is not exactly the easiest thing in the world but it sure is an adventure!

Live yogurt helps to repopulate the digestive system with friendly bacteria to make sure it runs smoothly. This yogurt is delicious with fresh fruit, fruit purees, or simply with honey.

You will need:

• 2 & 1/2 cups soy milk
• 4 tbsp powdered soy milk
• 1 tbsp live plain soy yogurt

1. Boil the soy milk in a pan. Leave to cool until tepid. Add the powdered soy milk and yogurt and blend with a hand whisk.

2. Rinse a vacuum flask (AKA thermos) with boiling water to sterilize it. Pour in the soy mixture, then replace the lid and keep in a warm place overnight (an airing closet is ideal).

3. Empty the flask contents into smaller pots or jars and refrigerate. Save 1 tablespoon of yogurt to use as a starter next time you make yogurt.

Serves 4.

I hope you enjoy making these recipes and don’t forget to have fun when you cook! Be creative, try new things and always remember to share with the ones you love.

Anoush! (Enjoy!)
-Sho

Rose, Sara.Detox: The Process of Cleansing and Restoration. Bath: Parragon. 2006

Welcome to Sho-Stopper Recipes!

Hello to our dear patients and readers!

This is the first entry and beginning of our newest addition to the blog – The Sho-Stopper Recipes!

My name is Sho, the latest member of Team Rejuvalife, and I will be updating you with healthy and nutritional tips & recipes that are no doubt good for you but are easy to follow, scrumptious, and most importantly, enjoyable for you & the whole family.

My passion for cooking has long since developed when I was child and it’s all thanks to my family. My mother is always contemplating on what delicious meals she will be crafting for dinner.  – I’m lucky to say that there isn’t a single food my mom has made that I didn’t enjoy. Sundays were kept for my father who, to this day, still makes his infamous all-star breakfasts and dinners that usually came hot, right off the grill.

I can go on and on and on and on about food. What can I say? I love food!

And I hope that by sharing my passion and love for food to the world, you too will be able to enjoy one of the greatest gifts we have – Eating!!!

Let’s Start Cookin’!

-Sho

Ask Dr. Berger – What is “Fat Transfer”?

I was explaining our new Body-Jet procedure to a patient last week, and how one of the great things about the Body-Jet Liposculpture procedure was the ability to use the Body-Jet to harvest fat in near perfect condition for use in Fat Transfer procedures. The patient asked me why she would need or want to transfer fat – GOOD QUESTION!  I’ve posted the answer I gave her as the subject of my latest video:

If you have any further questions on this, or any other procedure or topic, feel free to post them here, on our Facebook page, or give the office a call at 877-REJUVMD.

Thanks for reading,

Andre Berger, M.D.

Excess Body Fat = Thousands of Cancer Cases Annually

A shocking new study was published last week by researchers with the American Institute for Cancer Research,  that states more than 100,000 cases of cancer are caused annually by excess body-fat and obesity. The researchers studied seven cancers with known links to obesity along with actual case counts that were likely obesity-related.

From

The report says that 49 percent of endometrial cancers are caused by excess body fat. That number is followed by 35 percent of esophageal cancer cases; 28 percent of pancreatic cancer cases; 24 percent of kidney cancer cases; 21 percent of gallbladder cancer cases; 17 percent of breast cancer cases; and 9 percent of colorectal cancer cases.

“This is the first time that we’ve put real, quantifiable case numbers on obesity-related cancers,” said Glen Weldon, the American Institute for Cancer Research educational director. In addition, he said, it’s not just causing cancer that’s an issue.

“Obesity not only raises the risk for getting cancer,” Weldon said. “It also has a negative effect on survival and can make treatment more difficult.” (Link to full story)

The sheer magnitude of this is a bit overwhelming, and calling attention to the problem is certainly necessary. In addition to cancer, we know obesity-related health problems abound, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes and various other maladies. As I’ve explained before, increased body fat can lead to increased cellular inflammation, which is linked to DNA mutation and diseased cell growth, as is seen in cancers and many other diseases.

Unfortunately, the study doesn’t propose any solution. While some would suggest simply losing the weight, or not gaining it at all, I can’t help but add “keeping your soup clean” – i.e. not just counting calories, but eating a nutritionally dense and healthy diet and adopting an active lifestyle are paramount to good health.

Thanks for reading,

Andre Berger, M.D.

Related recent posts from the archives:

• Obesity Shrinks Your Brain & Shortens Your Life
• Is Your Soup Clean? Questions & Answers about Diagnostic Testing
• This is Your Brain on Junk Food
• Food Choices Supersede Genetics

The Body-Jet is Here!

I talked recently about the newest procedure at Rejuvalife, and now that I’ve been performing the procedure for a few weeks, I’m even more excited that it’s available, and even more so that it’s here at Rejuvalife. Its safer, and more precise, with very little discomfort or downtime for the patient. It can be done in conjunction with other skin tightening treatments such as SmartLipo, though the skin is left in excellent condition post-procedure with Body-Jet alone! Also, we can use the extracted fat within minutes in a Fat Transfer treatment to restore volume to the face and/or hands, in desired.

I talk about the benefits and advantages of Body-Jet over other liposculpture methods in the video below, and there are some amazing before and after photos, too.

Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions, please leave a comment on the blog or give us a call – 800-REJUVMD.

Andre Berger, M.D.

Chewing Gum Can Assist Weight Loss

Chewing gum has benefits, after all!

Your mother or your teacher may have told you about the dire effects of chewing gum, “it’s bad for your teeth”, or “it’s an ugly habit”,  and it’s definitely no fun stepping on a piece someone’s dropped on the ground. Contrary to what they may have told you, however, recent research proves chewing gum can have real benefits for those on a weight management plan. According to a study conducted by a professor of nutrition at the University of Rhode Island, chewing gum can actually reduce caloric intake and increase energy expenditure. This is great news for those looking for an effective weight management tool.

Though it doesn’t count as “exercise“,  apparently the nerves involved in the act of chewing send signals to the area of the brain that determines whether you’re “full”.  Consequently you may not feel hungry, and your calorie consumption may go down as a result.

Kathleen Melanson, URI associate professor of nutrition and food sciences, compared gum chewing to non-gum chewing in healthy adult volunteers who came to her lab for two standardized tests in random order. When study subjects chewed gum for a total of one hour in the morning (three 20-minute gum-chewing sessions), they consumed 67 fewer calories at lunch and did not compensate by eating more later in the day. Male participants also reported feeling significantly less hungry after chewing gum. Melanson also found that when her subjects chewed gum before and after eating, they expended about 5 percent more energy than when they did not chew gum. In addition, her subjects reported feeling more energetic after chewing gum.

“This was a short term study, so the next step is to do a longer study and to use subjects who need to lose weight,” said Melanson. “But based on these initial results, one could hypothesize that gum chewing may be a useful adjunct to a weight management program.” (full story)

Chewing sugary gum won’t make your dentist very happy, however. 

The best alternative would be to find a sugarless gum sweetened with Xylitol, a natural sweetener that does double duty improving the health of your teeth. (Xylitol causes an increase in salivation. The saliva in your mouth is like a car wash: It washes the plaque and food off your teeth. But saliva also has antibodies, and by increasing those, you get a healthier mouth.)

Thanks for reading,

Andre Berger, M.D.

p.s. If you’re interested in what Rejuvalife has to offer for those looking for a medically managed weight loss program, view the video, below.

Related posts:

Keeping Your Soup Clean: Questions and Answers About Diagnostic Testing

Obesity Shrinks Your Brain & Shortens Your Life

Insulin Resistance Improved with Exercise

Weight Loss Improves Mood in Depressed Individuals

FDA Cracking Down on Misleading Nutrition Labels