HouseCall: Ginseng, Genetic Testing, Starving While Fasting, Jazzercise Comeback, Grocery Shopping Tips, Perfect Post Workout Carb Source

Thank you for joining us for our 2nd Cabral HouseCall of the weekend!

I’m looking forward to sharing with you some of our community’s questions that have come in over the past few weeks…

Let’s get started!

Dar: What are your thoughts as using a ginsing based tea or supplement for extra energy? Gracias.

Jon: Hi Dr Quick question, I’m wanting to do the genetic test but it’s unavailable, are you going to be doing them again? If not, what would you recommend.Thanks for all your knowledge.Jon from Aus

Vivian: Hello, I just listened to the faster way to fat loss pod cast and you were so interesting. I did the faster way over the summer and while it was good I still didn’t see the results I was hoping for. I just had a bunch of blood work done and wanted to know if you do any consulting. I’d love to have you take a look at the results of my bloodwork and let me know what you think. Basically I’m 45 and I’ve been steadily gaining weight over the past year. I’m not overweight but if I continue on this path I will be overweight soon.I workout 3-5 days a week with a combination of strength training and running/ walking and some yoga. I eat a whole food diet but I do enjoy wine when I eat out once a week or so and I do have a sweet tooth but it’s minimal. I drink one cup of coffee per day with a tablespoon of cream. According to my doctor all of my numbers are in the normal range some low end but still with in normal limits. I’m so frustrated with my weight I’m not sure what to do.I do the intermittent fasting but after hearing you speak I’m wondering if that is helping or possibly hurting me. I try to do the 16/8 but it’s very hard for me. I find myself starving after 13 or 14 hr fast. Anyway, would love to get your feedback if you do that. Thanks, Vivian

Kristin: Hi Dr. Cabral, I listen to your podcast often while working and enjoy all the great info. on healthcare, etc. I have learned so much and my husband and I are looking forward to doing the 21 day detox in January! I have a little beef I gotta get off my chest…just kidding 🙂 I did want to mention though, after listening to episode 741 of the podcasts, that Jazzercise is a great workout! I’m 35 and I have tried many different types of exercise and I have found that so much of what is out there is just way to difficult to sustain for more than a few months, and I want something I can do for many seasons of life. I tried Jazzercise since I was always drawn to dance aerobics and have ended up loving it. Each 55 min. class includes 20-30 mins. of cardio, some stretching, and weight training. You can also adjust your level of difficulty by how much “umph” you put into your moves and how heavy of weights you use. The ladies in there are in great shape and are strong. I realized how well this was working for me when I decided to go running one day, without any training, just to mix it up. I ran 1 1/2 miles, faster than I had ever ran. I think I could have run further but it was in the dead of summer and the heat was a lot. I could tell that my cardio endurance has reached a new level. Anyway, I just wanted to mention this since you like knowing what’s out there and getting information about all types of diets and exercise. Maybe you could give Jazzercise a second glance. Who knows, you may even recommend it to someone! Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Kami: Hi Dr.Cabral! Thanks for everything you do. I’ve spent a lot of money on supplements and a local naturopathic doctor, including a blood and hormone test. I have some gut dysbiosis and severe estrogen dominance symptoms. I am also a college student and have found myself in a lot of credit card debt. I’ve finally had to crack down and make a tight budget. I try to eat mostly blant-based, dairy free, and gluten free – however, my healing fluctuates because I don’t always stick to these guidelines 100 percent. I’m currently taking your multi-vitamins, probiotics and omega 3’s, some digestive enzymes, ester-c, DIM, evening primrose oil, and some herbs to support the liver and menstruation. I have some supplements to tide me over for a while, but I’m wondering when I run out, what to do? My monthly budget for supplements will probably be 20 dollars. Would some lower quality vitamins do anything, or do I need to just try to be very mindful of my diet to get all my nutrients? Also I was wondering if you have any tips with groceries. I try to get organic when I can, but some things I have to pick and choose. My grocery store also has gluten-free oats, and organic oats in the bulk section, but not gluten-free organic. Is it better to go with gluten-free, or just get the organic? Any tips you would have for staying healthy on a budget would be much appreciated.Thanks!

Simon: Hi Dr Cabral I have some questions on perfecting my Post Workout Shakes. I am a fit vata-pita wanting to put on lean muscle mass and increase overall health and longevity. 1) what would you recommend as a healthy (powdered) carb to use in a post workout mix for muscle recovery and weight gain? I have previously used maltodextrin (but stopped because it is basically sugar) then waxy maize starch (which seemed good but is corn-based) then transitioned away from carbs altogether after getting into the whole low/no-carb ‘craze’. Now having listened to your podcasts I understand a reasonable amount of carbs before/after workouts may benefit my gains and health. You recommend a fruit smoothie however I need a pre-mixed powder (which I’m happy to formulate myself in bulk). At present my (non-carb) mix consist of: grass-fed whey; collagen peptides (for gut health); BCAAs; glutamine; spirulina (antioxidants) and stevia. I care more about results that flavour! Any recommendations for a healthy powdered carb addition? I was thinking maybe powdered organic fruit but what are your thoughts on waxy maize starch or Palatinose as options? 2) How important is it to include antioxidants straight after an intense workout? I have heard some say antioxidants can actually dampen some of the positive (stressors?) of working out?

Thank you for tuning into this weekend’s Cabral HouseCalls and be sure to check back tomorrow for our Mindset & Motivation Monday show to get your week started off right!