Urban Zen Center: Dr. Mark Hyman Speaks On Diabesity
(by Kim Seelbrede, originally posted on urbanzen.org, Nov 10, 2010)
Urban Zen was delighted to hear that Mark Hyman, MD considers the Urban Zen Center to be his second home, and we were thrilled to welcome him back to the studio. On October 30, 2010, the center was filled with guests eager to learn more about his approach to living a disease free life. The day long workshop was dedicated to the topic of “Diabesity” which is, as Dr. Hyman describes, an epidemic health condition that is metabolic in nature and ranges from mild blood sugar imbalance to full-blown diabetes. It is such a health concern that military leaders have labeled it a “threat to national security.” Workshop guests were surprised to learn that one out of every three volunteers in the military is obese.
The statistics are even more sobering in the general population with an alarming obesity rate of nearly three out of four Americans. Dr. Hyman added that “our children may be the first generation that will not outlive their parents.” What would it take to turn things around so that our kids can grow old? Dr. Hyman’s sensible approach to health reminded us what we probably already knew—that lifestyle treatments and a whole systems approach to chronic disease IS the cure. So, if you think you can’t reverse the problem you are wrong. The trouble with conventional medicine is that we treat the symptoms, not the root cause according to Dr. Hyman.
After enjoying healthy lunches (low glycemic and nutrient dense), the afternoon continued as Dr. Hyman discussed ways to keep our mitochondria happy, nutrigenomics, and other hefty concepts that led to me launching a google search. One participant asked about genetics and he reminded us that we are "genetically predisposed to develop diseases." This may be fact, however, Dr. Hyman shared that there are ways to enhance gene expression so that “bad” genes lay low and don’t become expressed, otherwise known as epigenetics.
Participants appreciated Dr. Hyman’s gracious manner and sense of humor. Concerned that he was boring us, he revealed that he can be quite the nerd. He revealed that he had his own health crisis years ago, and was in such a bad way that he “couldn’t remember what his patients’ were saying to him.” Dr. Hyman appears to be vibrantly healthy now and wants you to understand how simple it is to heal your body, allow your body to do what it knows how to do and avoid chronic diseases.
What are some ways that we can avoid oxidative stress, impaired cellular functioning and enhance our gene expression along the way? Give yourself a metabolic tune up by monitoring the following: environmental toxins, food sensitivities, hormonal dysregulation, latent infections, nutrient deficiencies, stress, inflammation, digestion health and mitochondria.
Dr. Mark Hyman is a family physician, a four-time New York Times bestselling author, and an internationally recognized leader in his field. He is founder and medical director of The UltraWellness Center, chairman of the board of the Institute for Functional Medicine, board member of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, advisor to Dr. Mehmet Oz’s HealthCorps, and nominee to President Obama’s Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health. Through his private practice, education efforts, writing, research, advocacy and public-policy work, he strives to improve access to the whole-systems medicine approach known as Functional Medicine.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has receive advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provides the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.