This class offers you the chance to explore this transformative approach under the guidance of Dr. Jana Schmidt, a renowned Board Certified Naturopath with over 30 years of experience.
Dr. Schmidt’s holistic methods have been a beacon of hope for many seeking natural health solutions. With extensive expertise in fertility, women's and children's wellness, detox, and more, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping others achieve optimal health.

Read about this class:
In this Masterclass, Dr. Jana Schmidt, a naturopath, master herbalist, and GoldCare wellness director, shared her insights on the dangers of fad diets and trendy weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Monjaro. With a background in natural health and extensive research, Dr. Schmidt emphasized the importance of understanding how the body functions and adopting a balanced, holistic approach to health. Here are the key takeaways from her presentation.

---

The Problem with Fad Diets

Dr. Schmidt began by warning against the allure of fad diets, which often promise quick results but can lead to long-term health issues. She explained that extreme diets, such as the paleo or carnivore diet, can cause nutrient deficiencies and other health problems. For example:

- Paleo Diets: Prolonged adherence can lead to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, impacting bone health.

- Carnivore Diets: High consumption of animal protein can create an acidic, inflammatory environment in the body, increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Dr. Schmidt also noted that excessive testosterone spikes from carnivore diets can lead to aggression and hormonal imbalances in men.

- Vegan Diets: While some people thrive on plant-based diets, others may struggle to meet nutritional needs, especially during life stages like pregnancy. Dr. Schmidt highlighted that not all vegan foods are healthy—Oreos, for example, are technically vegan but far from nutritious.

Her advice? Avoid extreme diets and work with a knowledgeable health practitioner to tailor a plan that meets your body’s unique needs.

---

The Dark Side of Weight Loss Drugs

Dr. Schmidt then turned her attention to the growing trend of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Monjaro. These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, mimic the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar and appetite. However, they come with serious risks:

- Synthetic Ingredients: These drugs are made from a synthetic peptide derived from the venom of the Gila monster, a poisonous lizard. This venom-like substance can have toxic effects on the body.

- Dangerous Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), thyroid cancer, and even long-term damage to the digestive system. Dr. Schmidt shared shocking stories of individuals who experienced severe vomiting, dehydration, and job loss due to these drugs.

- High Costs: These medications can cost up to $1,000 per month, and their effects can linger in the body for up to 10 years after stopping use.

Dr. Schmidt emphasized that these drugs are not approved for weight loss in many countries, including Denmark, where they were developed. Despite their popularity, the risks far outweigh the benefits.

---

Natural Ways to Boost GLP-1 and Support Weight Loss

Instead of relying on dangerous drugs, Dr. Schmidt advocates for natural methods to stimulate the body’s own GLP-1 production. She shared several strategies:

1. Foods That Stimulate GLP-1

- Fiber-Rich Foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

- Probiotics: Found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha.

- Berries: Rich in polyphenols, which enhance GLP-1 secretion.

- Clean Protein: Both plant-based and animal proteins can help regulate blood sugar and appetite.

2. Herbs and Spices

Dr. Schmidt highlighted several herbs and spices that naturally boost GLP-1:

- Bitters: Ginseng, fenugreek, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and berberine.

- Resveratrol: Found in grapes and berries, it improves glucose control and cholesterol levels.

- Gardenia: A versatile herb that fights free radicals, improves insulin resistance, and supports overall health.

### 3. Lifestyle Changes

- Exercise: Light weight training can improve insulin sensitivity and support metabolic health.

- Intermittent Fasting: Extending the time between meals can promote mitochondrial health and fat burning.

- Hormetic Stress: Practices like near-infrared saunas and cold plunges can jumpstart metabolism and support cellular repair.

---

Detoxifying After Weight Loss Drugs

For those who have already taken drugs like Ozempic, Dr. Schmidt offered a four-step plan to detoxify the body:

1. Block: Use herbs like neem, lobelia, and moringa to prevent toxins from attaching to cells.

2. Bind: Apple pectin powder, EDTA, and iodine can help bind and remove toxins.

3. Eliminate: Near-infrared saunas, bentonite clay, and activated charcoal can aid in detoxification.

4. Nourish: Restore the body with probiotics, enzymes, and nutrient-rich foods like bee pollen and moringa.

---

A Balanced Approach to Health

Dr. Schmidt concluded by emphasizing that the body is designed to find balance. By focusing on whole foods, natural herbs, and healthy lifestyle habits, individuals can achieve sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health without resorting to extreme diets or dangerous drugs. Her message was clear: health is a journey, not a quick fix.

---

Key Takeaways:

- Avoid fad diets and extreme eating plans that can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health risks.

- Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy come with serious side effects and should be approached with caution.

- Natural methods, including fiber-rich foods, herbs, and lifestyle changes, can effectively boost GLP-1 and support weight loss.

- Detoxification strategies can help mitigate the effects of weight loss drugs.

- A holistic, balanced approach to health is the safest and most sustainable way to achieve long-term wellness.

Dr. Schmidt’s insights serve as a reminder that true health comes from understanding and nurturing the body, not from quick fixes or synthetic shortcuts.