Code Delicious With Dr. Mike

Strengthening your brain can help you find diet success.You have to be a warrior for your health. You’re presented with daily battles in keeping to your diet. Ads for cheeseburgers, enticing dessert menus, and limited edition holiday candies are ready to knock you off your nutritional track. It's essential to mentally prepare in order to overcome these temptations. Learn to resist temptation. Food can trigger inflammation and the release of stress hormones. It can also affect neurotransmitters and digestion. You must MASTER your mind and body. M - mindset over your brain and bodyA - assessment of what you need to changeS - sustenance to eat like a warriorT - training to make new daily habits that help youE - essence of turning your pain into purposeR - responsibility to do it for the rest of your life Here are some tips to start improving your mind now: Wake in the morning and hydrate with a little lemon, ginger and cayenne pepper. Journal your plans for the next day with intention before going to bed. See w

Learn about improving your bone health.If you’re suffering from chronic disease, it’s time to look to your food as medicine. Your body rebuilds tissues with proper nutrition. Nutrition can help with the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Learning about how bones are built and how your food is processed assists in making choices for maximum calcium absorption. There are a few things you can do to improve bone health immediately. Look at your vitamin K2 consumption. Improve your cardio health. Implement herbed bone vinegar in your recipes. Listen as Dr. Laura Kelly joins Dr. Mike Fenster to explore how nutrition affects bone health.

Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Chickpea Soup. Ingredients 1 quart chicken stock 1 breast skinless chicken breast, diced 1 cup chickpeas (cooked) 1 sweet potatoes, small diced 1 small to medium onion, diced ½ bulb fresh fennel, diced Luca’s Tajine Spice blend, to taste ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped salt & pepper, to taste chopped scallions, to garnish DirectionsIn large sauce pan, sauté chicken with Tajine our blend of cumin coriander and chili powder seasoning.When chicken is cooked, remove from pan and set aside.In same sauce pan sauté onions, sweet potatoes and fennel until translucent.Add chickpeas and chicken stock and simmer for around 15 minutes. Add cooked chicken and cilantro. Simmer until desired thickness is achieved.Salt and pepper to taste.

You may be able to arrest health symptoms with the GAPS diet.Many health issues are a direct result of the foods you eat. The modern Western diet plays with pleasure centers, preventing you from recognizing the symptoms in your body after eating non-optimum foods. Becoming Predisposed to Health IssuesThere are more caesarean sections than in prior generations. This means fewer babies are passing through the birth canal to get a dose of mothers’ vaginal bacteria. Vaccines, antibiotics, environmental toxins and processed foods disrupt a baby’s gut bacteria. The bad bacteria start to outweigh the good. They attack the good bacteria, weakening the gut lining. The weakened gut lining leads to undesirable health conditions. Once you are diagnosed with a health condition, it’s hard to undo the mechanics that landed you there. Using quality ingredients and spending more time in the kitchen can improve your health. The GAPS DietStarted by Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride, the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is an

Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Maple Glazed Duck Breast. Ingredients 4 duck breasts, skin on  1/4 cup maple syrup  1/2 tsp cayenne pepper  1 tbsp brown sugar  1 pinch salt DirectionsUsing a sharp knife, trim off any extra skin around the duck breasts. The skin should just cover the meat, not overhang at all. Also, slice a few slits into the skin with your knife, being careful not to cut into the meat. Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper and place them, skin side down, in a dry, cold, large skillet.  Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 5 minutes. Starting the breasts in a cold pan will help the fat render out of the skin. Put your glaze together and reserve. After five minutes, the skin should be starting to brown and the fat should be rendering out nicely. If it isn't browning, turn up the heat a bit.  If the skin is browned, flip the breasts so

It's time to start feeding your body's best friends: the organisms in your gut.Your microbiome is composed of all of the organisms that live in and on your body. The gut has the greatest concentration of organisms. We are ten times more bacteria than human. It’s time to start eating for those microbes instead of for yourself. The most toxic thing you do every day is to consume food. High-calorie and high-fat foods are unkind to your microbiome. Spore-based probiotics appear to be the most helpful to your gut. Listen as Kiran Krishnan joins Dr. Mike Fenster to talk about breakthroughs in understanding the gut microbiome.

Wheat has been part of the human diet for millions of years. Why are people now having problems with it?Scientifically, we’re built to process wheat. Gluten was found in the teeth of human skeletons from 3 million years ago. A handful of wheat berries could fill up a person for a day. Humans only started eating meat 500,000 years ago.So, why are so many people having trouble eating wheat now?If you can’t digest wheat today but you didn’t have problems with it in the past, your body is actually having a hard time detoxifying itself. All of our food sources are polluted.Is wheat really the problem? Other grains like khorasan wheat have greater gluten content than modern wheat. But, studies have shown that this wheat variety results in a greater reduction in inflammation, as well as other positive health benefits. The average Roman soldier received rations of several pounds of bread per day. The average person in 1900 consumed 86 more pounds of wheat per year than in 2008. The gluten levels in bread have been re

What foods are best for sexy times?Medications that assist with sexual function have become available over the past few decades. Before you reach for that sex pill, be sure you’ve discussed the side effects in depth with your doctor. You wouldn’t want any undesirable effects to negatively impact your libido.Also, consider some natural ways to boost your drive. The pomegranate is viewed as a fertility symbol. It increases circulation and improves blood pressure. It can also increase testosterone in men and women. Garlic improves blood flow as well. The pungent scent of garlic may not turn your lover on, so just be sure to freshen your breath. You can also add parsley to the recipe to cut down on the odor. Chocolate can improve your get-up-and-go, because it contains a chemical that gives you a feeling of being in love, decreasing your blood pressure. Stick to dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa. Spinach is great for hormone health. Follow Popeye’s example. Listen as Jonathan Block of MedShadow joins Dr. Mike F

Do you reach for sugar for pleasure? Or, is that "sweet tooth" an addiction?You shouldn’t have to cut out everything that gives you pleasure. Who doesn’t want to have their cake and eat it too?The trick is navigating sweets in a healthy way. First, you have to learn how to translate the sugar content on food labels. Divide grams of sugar by four. That tells you how many spoons of sugar are in one serving of the food. Make the decision to put it back if it isn’t worth it for you. Consuming whole fruits instead of juices is a great way to enjoy something sweet but with a lower sugar price tag. Second, understand that 140 pounds of sugar per person are being added to processed foods in America every year. Processed foods contribute to many chronic health conditions. Mind your health. If you feel well, you should be able to consume sugar in moderation. Sugar Addiction If you have to ask yourself if you’re addicted to sugar, you probably are. Are you compelled to eat sugar, or do you just have some from time to ti

Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Bucatini Pasta Con Funghi e Crema. Ingredients 1 lb bucatini pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound assorted wild mushrooms, stems trimmed, wiped clean, and thinly sliced 1/4 cup chopped shallots 1 tablespoon chopped garlic 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives DirectionsIn a deep heavy casserole, heat oil until shimmering. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Cover to keep warm.In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add sherry wine to deglaze and let evaporat

Cholesterol isn't bad for your heart, contrary to what you may have heard.Doctors have gotten it wrong about cholesterol in the past. The guidelines have changed, but we still get stuck on old information. Why have you been told to avoid saturated fault? Because of cholesterol. You’ve been told cholesterol causes heart disease. Wrong. You need cholesterol for vitamin D production, sex hormones and brain health. This focus on cholesterol has lead to the over-prescription of statins. In many cases, you can improve heart health without these drugs. Statins are mildly anti-inflammatory but carry many side effects. Fish oil can reduce inflammation and has no negative side effects. Citrus bergamot lowers triglycerides and inflammation and raises HDL cholesterol (the "good" kind). Cholesterol is far more complicated than the two categories established decades ago. Particle testing is more reliable for getting an accurate picture of your own cholesterol. Of course, your cholesterol numbers won’t determine your risk f

Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Apple Cider Braised Pork ShanksIngredients 2 oz. avocado oil 6 pork leg shanks, about 1 pound each Salt to taste Pepper to taste ½ lb smoked slab bacon sliced think 1 stick cinnamon 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 2 bay leaves 2 thyme sprigs 6 garlic cloves, peeled; crushed 3 cups apple cider 3 cups chicken broth 1 large carrot, peeled; 1-inch sliced 2  celery ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces DirectionsIn a deep heavy casserole, heat oil until shimmering. Season pork shanks liberally with salt and pepper. Cook shanks over medium-high heat until browned all over, for about 10 minutes. Remove from pot.Add slab bacon to pot and sear till golden brown. Add cinnamon stick, onion, bay leaves, thyme and garlic, one at a time, waiting 30 seconds before adding each in the order listed. Add apple cider and broth; bring to a gentle boil. Return shanks to casser

Learn how to incorporate more seafood into your diet for better brain health.According to dietary guidelines and USDA, 80-90 percent of Americans are not eating the recommended amount of seafood each week. You should get two to three servings (8-12 ounces) of seafood each week, but most of us only consume one serving of seafood weekly. Children and pregnant mothers consume even less, about 25 percent of what they should be eating.The umbrella term of seafood includes fin fish and shellfish. It’s best to eat a variety, just like you would with fruits and vegetables. You’ll get the greatest health benefits by mixing it up. Seafood is packed with Omega-3s, which are essential for optimal brain development and overall health. These omega-3s also reduce risk of depression.You can start to increase your seafood consumption by first getting plenty of the fish you enjoy. Next, branch out and try some fatty fish and canned fish. Frozen seafood is nutritionally sound and more affordable than fresh. Watch for sales at t

Learn more about the versatility of tubers.Potatoes have been in the human diet since 15,000 BC. The Incans found it was a culturally sound vegetable. Potatoes traveled from South America to Europe before coming back to North America.The potato was embraced with such gusto because it was available year-round. It's also very versatile. Potatoes are the fourth largest crop in the world.There are two categories for potatoes: floury and waxy. Floury potatoes have a high-starch and low-water content. They're fluffy and are great for mashing, baking or frying. Waxy potatoes have a low-starch and high-water content. They maintain their shape when cooked. They work well in potato salad.Be sure to eat the peel to get the greatest health benefit for your gut microbiome.The Ultimate Mashed PotatoPeel (optional) and cube russet potatoes. Boil until just tender so that it just starts to fall apart when pierced with a fork. Drain water and dry cubes.Heat heavy cream, cream cheese and butter in another pan. Add quality blac

Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Mediterranean Style Red Snapper with Fennel.Ingredients 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 4 red snapper fillets (6 ounces each) 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided 1/2 medium sweet red pepper, julienned 3 green onions, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 bulb of fennel diced fine 2 chopped roma tomatoes fresh 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata/Castelvetrano olives 1/4 cup minced chives DirectionsCombine the lemon zest, garlic, thyme and cayenne; rub over fillets. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook fillets in 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove and keep warm. In the same pan, sauté the red pepper and onions & fennel in remaining oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in

Find out what may be causing your digestive issues with grains and how to improve your nutrition.Digestive problems are rampant. This has spurned a multi-billion dollar gluten-free industry.There are two reasons we have trouble digesting hard-to-digest foods: Processed foods designed to replace cholesterol in the 1960s are indigestible fats. They congest the liver and gallbladder, our kingpins of digestion. 400 billion pounds of toxic chemicals are dumped into the American environment every year. Toxins and pesticides are designed to kill bacteria. This is eliminating necessary participants in the gut microbiome and reducing the ability to digest wheat and other foods. If you can't digest well, you can't detoxify very well either. Grains and nuts require specific microbes to be broken down. These foods stimulate and irritate the intestinal tract to trigger an immune response. Eliminating hard-to-digest wheat and nuts can compromise the immune system.Are we sterilizing our environment by removing these compone

Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Cider & Crème Fraiche.Ingredients 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 large onions chopped 2 tablespoons mild curry powder 1 teaspoon of cinnamon ¼ cup local maple syrup 2 large butternut squash Salt & Pepper to taste 2 cups crème fraiche 2 cups water 2 cups good apple cider DirectionsWarm the butter, olive oil, onions, and curry powder, cinnamon in a large stockpot uncovered over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions are tender. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pot.Peel the squash, cut in half, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into chunks. Add the squash, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, until the squash are very soft. Process the soup through a food mill fitted with a large bla

Your chronic rash may actually be atopic dermatitis.Atopic dermatitis is chronic eczema, and it doesn’t respond well to steroid cream treatment like a regular rash. People with atopic dermatitis are susceptible to systemic issues, like asthma. It affects the body with chronic and continuous low-level inflammation. Exercise can help regulate that inflammation. Triggers vary from person to person, so you may have to discover your own. Keep stress levels low. Track your eating habits over a week and see if your dermatitis flares. Try eating seasonal, local produce so you’re taking in nutrients from your local environment.As for treatment, you may be able to calm a flare-up with yogurt and leafy greens. Topical application of Neem oil may also help. Sea buckthorn is a natural dietary supplement that has aided skin inflammation.Finally, talk to your dermatologist if you have chronic rashes. There is help for suffering. Listen in as Chef Elizabeth Falkner shares her story of life with atopic dermatitis. Sponsor: R

Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest savory recipe.In this segment, Chef Luca Paris joins Dr. Mike to discuss his latest creation for Culinary CPR: Porchetta. Recipe variation from Mario Batali.Yields up to 8 servings INGREDIENTS 1/2 boneless pork loin, about 4 pounds 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil plus 4 tablespoons 1 medium onion, thinly sliced plus 4 cut in halves 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced, leaves removed and set aside 2 pounds chopped pork shoulder 2 tablespoons fennel seeds 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 3 eggs DIRECTIONSPreheat oven to 425 degrees F. Butterfly pork loin to become a sheet 1inch thick and about 8 inches by 14 inches. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside. In a 12 to 14 inch saute pan, heat olive oil until smoking. Add onion and fennel and saute until softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add ground pork, fennel seeds, pepper, rosemary and garlic. Cook until the mixture assu

Chicken is a mealtime staple. Find out how to get more out of your chicken.Chicken is the most consumed animal protein in the world. It’s the thing that we make for dinner. Chicken readily takes on flavors from spices and herbs. If you cook it properly it is tender, tasty and delicious. The chicken we eat today descended from domesticated birds from southeast Asia about 10,000 years ago. Chickens traveled with explorers to other continents. Look to local and regional farmers for your poultry. The process is typically more humane and is always more nutritious. What Do the Labels Mean? “Free range” appears on labels but only requires chickens have an opening to access the outdoors. The opening may not be large enough for the chicken to exit the coop. It may not be as pastoral as you think. “Farm raised” is misleading. All chickens are raised on farms. “Air chilled” is a process that cools the meat quickly, sending it through cool chambers on conveyers. The meats are typically chilled in cold vats of water. The