Question: I would like to take protein powder to help gain muscle mass. I plan to buy organic whey protein powder, but would also like to understand the benefits of eating organic red meat, chicken and fish.

Also, how many grams of protein should be eaten per day? I know that everyone is different, but what would you consider to be average?

Building muscle mass is hard work. In fact, it’s almost as hard as building good health, and I know from personal experience how hard it can be to accomplish either goal.

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Question: What are your thoughts on hydroponically grown produce? I was wondering how it compares to organically grown food.

Hydroponic farming is the process of growing plants inside a greenhouse with the use of a mineral solution instead of soil. With artificial lighting, you can even grow hydroponic produce right in your own home.

While hydroponic farming has several significant advantages, there’s no guarantee that the resulting food will be of equal quality to that which is grown in a more natural environment. The following information will help you evaluate if the advantages of hydroponically grown food justify this uncertainty.

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Question: You often praise the benefits of natural foods and products. Are there any cases where processed foods or unnatural products are equivalent or better?

In most cases, the health related distinction between natural and processed foods or products lies in the body’s ability to recognize and appropriately respond to the substances they contain. Humans have spent millions of years adapting to the conditions of nature and improving the ability to survive on the resources that it provides. As such, the body typically doesn’t react favorably to any unnatural substance that didn’t exist during this long period of adaptation.

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Do you have recipes and tips for families following the gluten and casein free diet which can be very effective in helping children with autism?

For those that may not know, gluten is a protein found in most grain based foods and casein is a protein found in dairy. Many people react negatively to these proteins and experience a wide variety of health complications as a result. Because of this, it’s becoming more and more common for people to eliminate grains and dairy from their diets.

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Everyone keeps talking about the benefits of fish oil and krill oil, but when I take either of these, I have trouble sleeping. Any suggestions?

Fish oil and krill oil are popular health supplements primarily because of their fatty acid content. While fat doesn’t deserve the villainous reputation it’s been given, most people know about the importance of the omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Because they can’t be produced by the body, these essential fatty acids must be supplied through diet.

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I’m looking for some healthy energy shakes. I’ve got flax oil, organic frozen berries and organic whole milk. What could I use (besides bananas) to give the shakes some texture? Is there any other ingredient you would recommend always including?

Also, any links to recipes for healthy, organic shakes would be much appreciated! Shakes are convenient for after work-outs and for quick breakfasts when on the go.

With our fast paced culture and a trendy fitness industry, protein shakes have become quite popular. They go by many names and are also referred to as smoothies, energy shakes, workout shakes or recovery shakes. They’ve become so popular that there are even shops and franchises dedicated to selling them.

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“I was wondering what you think about the apple cider vinegar diet for weight loss. I thought it seemed like one of those diet fads, but after reading about it on health websites, it seems that the diet actually works and isn’t bad for you. In fact, they even say there are other benefits as well.”

Apple cider vinegar has been regarded as a health food for a long time. As such, it’s even sold in supplement form. While very few of the beneficial claims associated with vinegar are supported by trustworthy evidence, there is research suggesting that apple cider vinegar has a beneficial effect on diabetes and weight loss. This information has given rise to the so called “apple cider vinegar diet” that consists of 2 teaspoons or tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with water and consumed twice per day.

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Can you please explain why women are hormonal when they are pregnant and do you recommend any particular type of foods that may help alleviate the symptoms?

By “hormonal”, I’ll assume that you’re referring to the severe mood swings that many women experience during pregnancy.

Mood swings are also a common symptom of PMS, and in both cases, hormone imbalance is a likely cause. Unfortunately, hormone imbalance is quite common and is often a result of the unhealthy habits that our modern lifestyles promote. While there are many health factors that can cause moodiness, female hormone imbalance will be the focus of this discussion.

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In order to develop more of an interactive atmosphere at Natural Bias, I’m excited to announce that I’ve added a question and answer section.

Because it’s not always possible to deal with specific and individual situations in articles, I’d like to provide the opportunity for you to ask more questions. We all have different challenges that get in the way of our health, fitness, and happiness and I’d like to help you get through them. To submit your question, click on the “Ask Vin” link on the main menu or simply click here.

Each week, I’ll choose one question that I’ll respond to in detail and post here on Natural Bias. I’ll also do my best to respond to all other questions through email.

I’m looking forward to answering your questions and helping you achieve better health, better fitness, and increased happiness!