Body Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Lifeholistically

Digestive Sense: Defining How Our Emotions and the Food We Eat Affects Our Gut Health

by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body, Mind, Uncategorized

A significant factor in determining our overall health involves an organ system that many ignore and disrespect. This system does so much for us but does not get the respect it deserves; that system is our gut. However, once our gut is in a state of distress, we are not likely to ignore it any longer. Many things can disrupt our gut’s function, which has also been dubbed our second brain. There is a strong relationship between the food that we eat and our levels of stress in regards to how our gut functions, and our overall health.

Have you heard that term your second brain before? Contrary to what most know to be our only brain located in our head, our gut holds the “second brain”. Dr. Alejandro Junger explains that “your first brain serves as your intellectual hardware and your second brain-the gut-is your spiritual and emotional GPS” (1). Each of us has a digestive brain, or ENS (enteric nervous system), that contains millions of neurons which, have the power to influence not only our digestion capabilities but our psychological state as well (2). So as Dr. Junger states, your second brain, or your gut, is where you’re spiritual and emotional center is. Perhaps this is why we say to trust our gut, our deep-seated intuition? That “it”, not our head, never fails us? Another interesting fact is that 90% of our serotonin levels are produced there, with the remaining 10% being produced in the brain in your head (3). Therefore, if your digestive system is out of whack, your feel-good hormones will also be disturbed.

Stress, tension, never-ending work, no vacations, and the standard American diet (SAD) exhaust the body and the mind and cause the systems of the body to become compromised—beginning with our digestive system. Do you show symptoms of stomach upset when you are under high levels of stress? How about when you make a less than healthy meal choice? Both of these things can result in the same symptoms. These can include but are not limited to:

*Stomach upset
*Constipation or diarrhea, gas, bloating
*Cramping (IBS)
*Indigestion
*Heartburn
*Acid reflux
*Mood swings
*Anxiety
*Excess mucous
*Sinus pressure
*Skin eruptions
*Joint pain
*Inflammation of any kind

If you have many of these symptoms, your digestive system is likely struggling. Gut issues have also been linked to seemingly unrelated conditions like obesity, arthritis, cancer, vaginitis, and even mental health, including depression, attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorder (4). Hippocrates stated that all disease begins in the gut. I think he was on to something.

Even if you do not have some of the many symptoms mentioned above you may find yourself in another situation, that of developed food allergies or sensitivities. I have had to learn and troubleshoot health issues in the past this way. I did not have any of the classic digestive symptoms, but I have been under extremely high levels of stress in the past. Even though my diet was cleaner than most, organic, vegetarian, no GMO’s, etc…I had endured the loss of a parent, a severe car accident resulting in years of chronic relenting pain, two emergency surgeries within two weeks of each other, and the common life challenges that a mom of two young boys and being a full-time student brings. My health issues started in the gut but did not show it until I was way beyond a simple fix. Once the digestive system is under constant assault with stress, and then add to that wrong food choice, etc., the gastrointestinal (gut) microbiota is negatively affected, and this is the cause of the various possible health issues listed above.

It is vital to sit and observe your gut as it is trying to speak to you. Once symptoms arise, such as painful bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, your gut is beyond talking and is now yelling. Observe your gut signals when there is no pain, both on an empty stomach and after meals. Is there rumbling, dull aches, throbbing, emptiness, or minor bloating? Listening to your gut can help to identify irritating foods and our guts’ overall state of health during any given moment of the day.

It is equally important to observe your stresses. Everyone is stressed, and there are many ways to cope. Many are surprised when they learn that the amount of weight they are under directly correlates to their gut health. Stress is a normal part of life, but it is essential to recognize and observe it and do things to find relief. When you are under undue stress, pay attention to how you feel. Is your stomach tight and in knots? Do you have more indigestion? Constipation? General stomach aches?

Try to sit in silence and see what your gut is telling you when you are in a stressful situation. Maybe you have never paid attention before. You may find the sensations are powerful. This is the gut-brain connection at work.

Have you ever heard the phrase over 70% of your immune system lies in your gut? (5) This is our gut microbiota or gut bugs. For the most part, we live in harmony with the bacteria, viruses, and fungal organisms that typically inhabit the gut (called the gastrointestinal microbiota). These have played a vital role in maintaining human health. Gershon stated that “the rigors of the modern lifestyle, overuse of antibiotics, and the SAD diet have done much to restructure the once symbiotic relationship, resulting in a significantly disrupted gut environment” (6).

Some indicators of a happy and healthy gastrointestinal tract include 2-4 bowels movements per day, feeling good and energized not only after eating but all day long, sleeping well, and having no extreme mood swings or food cravings. These indicators are pretty rare; do you have all of them? What can we do to help to restore the gut microbiota of our gastrointestinal tract as well as our health? An excellent first step is to avoid processed foods; eat less from a box, bag, or can. The main culprits of food sensitivity include but are not limited to wheat, gluten, yeast, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, nuts, and coffee. Taking a high-quality probiotic is critical to keep the balance of your microbiota healthy. Digestive enzymes are naturally produced in the body but are on the decline as we age. It is essential to eat plenty of raw uncooked fruits and vegetables to get enzymes naturally; cooking kills the enzymes in our food. If you are having digestion issues, taking an enzyme may prove to be very helpful. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fiber. Equally crucial to overall health is reducing stress. Do something that makes you calm, happy, and bring you back to what is really important in life.

Some simple ideas on how you can improve digestion when eating a meal:

*Eat in a relaxed state (happy is best with smiles and laughter)
*Take time in between bites.
*Make sure to chew your food thoroughly.
*Do not drink a lot of liquid just before or during your meal.
*Bless your food before eating if this resonates with you

Another excellent recommendation is to keep a food journal. Recognizing what you have eaten before you become bloated, gassy, and irritable will help find out what is not working for you.

I hope that this short explanation of how our digestive system “works” has led to a better understanding of why it is vitally important to provide your body with the good food and good attitude it needs, and what can happen if you don’t. Remember, your digestive system is very complex and is there to protect you; but it needs your constant care to pay attention to it.

References:

(1) Junger, A., M.D (2013). Clean Gut-The Breakthrough Plan for Eliminating the Root Cause of Disease and Revolutionizing Your Health. New York: HarperCollins Publishing Inc.

(2) Matveikova, I., M.D (2014). Digestive Intelligence. Scotland, UK: Findhorn Press

(3) (6) Gershon, M. (1999) The Second Brain: A Groundbreaking New Understanding of Nervous Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines. New York, New York. HarperCollins Publishers

(4) Wallace, TC., Guarner, F., Madsen, K., Cabana, MD., Gibson, G., Hentges, E., Sanders, ME., (2011) Human gut microbiota and its relationship to health and disease. Nutr rev. Jul;69 (7); 392-403

(5) Allergy and the Gastrointestinal System.

Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.

Carrier Oils-What are they and why should you use them?

by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body, Essential Oils

Do you have dry skin? Do you like massages? Do you use essential oils? Then you should familiarize yourself with the many carrier oils at your disposal. Carrier oils are fixed oils. They are pressed from the fatty portions of a plant (seeds, nuts, kernels) and unlike essential oils can go rancid over time. They nourish the skin as they have many nutrients and fatty acids, and they are essential to use when using essential oils for topical application.

Some carrier oils are odorless, light and penetrate the skin quickly while others can be overwhelming in an aromatherapy blend and leave an oily residue on the skin.

It is important to know the shelf life of your carrier oil and remember to always store in a dark cool spot.

Part II

Most everyone has a favorite carrier oil. Which one to use will depend on what you are trying to accomplish. I could not possibly pick just one, or even three favorites. I have at least 50% of these carrier oils at my disposal, and the more you use them the easier it will be to instinctively know which one to grab when making a product.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me. I am happy to help!

If you are interested in purchasing a carrier oil to try, Mountain Rose Herbs has a large variety of carrier oils, as well as essential oils, herbs and more. (Carrier oils are under ingredients) Click here to be redirected.

**Please note this is a affiliate link. I have chosen only Mountain Rose Herbs to be an affiliate as I stand behind their phenomenal products. For those unfamiliar…rest assured you will not pay any more for your product by using this link.

Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.

Additional Resources/Recommendations

The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide by: Danielle Sade

Power of the Seed by: Susan Parker

Liquid Sunshine by: Jan Kusmirek

What Is Your Liver Telling You?

by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body, Cleansing

The liver is THE hard-working organ in the human body and the second largest; the first being our skin. It performs many functions that are vital to life. The liver is responsible for hundreds of processes in the body; yes you read that right! By far the most important function is that of detoxification.

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body when it comes to detoxifying toxins, but not the only one. The liver converts fat soluble toxins into water soluble substances that can be excreted in the urine or the bile. Many of the toxic chemicals that we encounter in our environment, food, beauty products, etc. are fat-soluble, which means they dissolve only in fatty or oily solutions and not in water. This makes them difficult for the body to excrete. What happens if they are not excreted in a timely manner from the body? They are stored…sometimes for YEARS only to be released during times of intense exercise, extreme stress or juice/water fasting. During the release of these toxins, several symptoms such as: headaches, poor memory, stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and palpitations can occur.

In addition to the role of detoxifier; the liver also plays an important role in:

Cleansing your blood and returning it to the heart
The liver stores glucose when it is in excess after you eat and releases that glucose in the blood when needed. This is an important function which when impaired during liver disease, results in hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Liver plays important role in hormonal modification and inactivation. Liver stagnation may cause hormonal imbalances, particularly excess estrogen.
Most drugs are metabolized by the liver.

IF the liver is overloaded with toxins and unable to function at optimal levels, “liver stagnation” can result in:

Abdominal bloating
Anxiety
Irritability
Menstrual disorders
PMS disorders
Stress disorders
Chronic fatigue
Inability to lose weight
Sensitivity to chemicals

So what can you do?

The first step is to remove or reduce exposure to toxic food and drink:

Alcohol
Preservatives
Dyes
Pesticides and Fertilizers
Heavy metal in large fish – stick to wild caught salmon
Contaminated water – invest in a filtration unit
Chlorinated and brominated products (found in almost all commercially produced breads and bread products)
Switch to non-toxic and plant-based, cleaning and personal care products such as vinegar, lemon juice and essential oils
Your skin is the largest organ of your body so do not put anything on your body that you would not put in your body

The second step is to pay attention to what you do eat:

Eliminate processed foods, simple carbohydrates and sugar. A good motto is “Do not eat from a box.”
Focus on eating more organic produce.
Eliminate toxic, poor quality fats like canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil.
AVOID GMO’s. Do not eat animal products from animals fed genetically modified feed such as soy, corn, and wheat.
Eat the rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. Aim for a minimum of 60% of your daily intake of food to be raw.

Let’s talk some specifics….

Lemon juice

The juice of half a lemon in hot water first thing in the morning is a perfect way to start the day; and is an excellent wake up call for the liver. The sourness of lemons triggers nerve and hormone activation to the liver and digestive system. Hot lemon water is also very helpful for those who suffer from sluggish bowel.

Beets

Beets are amazing for liver detox. They have the ability to help thin your bile, which allows the body to detox more efficiently. A common problem is sluggish/stagnant bile flow. Regular beet consumption (and a wealthy diet) can help strengthen natural detox!

Turmeric

Turmeric is superb for inflammation of all kinds in the body; liver included. Cooking with it is helpful, but not enough in this circumstance and a quality supplement is recommended.

Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion root is excellent for liver health. It works by promoting the flow of bile and purifying out blood. It is a great alternative to coffee.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. (Those allergic to ragweed should avoid) Milk thistle helps to purify the liver. Some reports suggest milk thistle may offer a possible benefit for people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. (WebMD)

Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are high in sulfur, which helps to remove toxins from the blood. Eating a serving or two of brussel sprouts daily will help sponge out toxins – whether they’re environmental or dietary. These little sprouts also boost glucosinolate, an antioxidant that forces the liver to release enzymes that block damage.

Glutathione rich foods

Carrots, tomato, grapefruit, walnuts, cooked spinach, and avocados are rich in glutathione; a protein that helps to detoxify the liver. Glutathione sticks to the toxins and sweeps them out of the body very efficiently.

As you can see, if you are showing signs of liver stagnation, there are plenty of things that you can do to help rectify the situation. Our body has amazing healing powers when we support it properly.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects

Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.

Candida Infection-What You Need To Know

by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body

Candida Albicans is a yeast microorganism that commonly lives in the intestinal tract of every human being. It shares space in your bowel with a variety of other microorganisms, mostly helpful bacteria, called probiotics. The bacteria to yeast ration in a healthy person is about 10:1, so in a normal bowel everything lives in a nice ecological balance. (National Candida Center) This balance called ‘gut flora’ is a crucial part of your immune system and digestive health. The problem comes when your gut flora gets off balance. Once this gut flora is disturbed, yeast (Candida Albicans) has a chance to proliferate. An overgrowth of Candida Albicans also called a yeast infection often begins in the digestive system and gradually spreads to other parts of the body. For example, by the time someone has a vaginal yeast infection or thrush which is a white coating on the tongue; the yeast has already taken up residence internally .

The first thing that happens internally with Candida is inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract which can lead to: painful bloating, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, fatigue, reduced absorption of nutrients, muscle aches, poor memory and a whole host of other symptoms. As these symptoms can also belong to other ailments one typically does not realize they have an issue with yeast until it presents itself as a vaginal yeast infection or oral thrush as mentioned above.

Candida Albicans is more common than you may think. What causes this overgrowth of yeast to flourish in the body in the first place? There are quite a few things that can knock our gut balance out of whack. Here is a list of the most common culprits:

Lowered immunity (which can in itself be caused by many things)
Weakened or overworked adrenal glands due to high stress
An overall unhealthy lifestyle. Eating processed foods, red meat and dairy. Most of all consuming a lot of white sugar and white flour. Drinking alcohol and smoking. Leading a sedentary lifestyle. Not getting enough fresh air. These are just a few examples.
Taking a prolonged course of antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, etc.
The use of chlorine and fluorine in our water.
Overuse of additives, preservatives, and colorings in food.
Lastly food sensitivities /allergies. Many people are sensitive to commonly eaten foods. This weakens the adrenal glands, and causes symptoms all over the body.

Candida is a stubborn hardy fungus so once it is flourishing in your body it can be tough to restore balance.

The first thing to consider is what you are putting into your body. Every meal is either feeding the yeast or fighting it. Remove all yeasted food from the diet including: bread, yeast extracts, food yeast, wine, beer, and cider. It is also important to remove all sugar from the diet even those occurring naturally in fruit.
Be sure to eat plenty of yogurt and fermented food with probiotics. The beneficial bacteria contained in probiotics secrete small quantities of lactic acid and acetic acid. These help to maintain the correct levels of acidity in your gut. Probiotics fill your gut with ‘good’ bacteria to crowd out the Candida yeast. Think of it like this: when antibiotics kill the good bacteria, they leave your intestine open for the faster-growing Candida yeast to take over. So conversely, if you use probiotics to fill your gut with beneficial bacteria, this leaves less spaces and resources for the Candida to grow.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a great home remedy that naturally restores the pH of the body and helps to eliminate yeast overgrowth.
Along with a low-sugar diet and probiotics, antifungals are an important element of a successful Candida treatment plan. Antifungals work by breaking down the cell walls of the Candida yeast, and are an important part of your diet. Popular antifungal treatments include caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, garlic and oil of oregano.
If a vaginal yeast infection is present douching can help to restore balance of the vaginal flora. Options for douching are probiotics, goldenseal tincture, or propolis tincture.

Strategies like a low-sugar diet, antifungals and probiotics can all be helpful, but to be most effective they need to be used together. Candida may be hard to get rid of, but it is not impossible.

Click here to take a free questionnaire to see if candida might be a problem for you.

If you feel that you may have a yeast issue, here are a few resources for you:

TheCandidaDiet
NationalCandidaCenter
Mercola

Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.

websitestamp

Flu Shot? Ain’t nobody got time for that!

by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body

So seriously, I know how sensitive this topic is to so many. Rather than give you a ton of reasons why I think the flu shot is a REALLY bad idea…I am going to give you a number of other ways to obtain a healthier stronger immune system without the jab. WIth the extremely high volume of individuals getting the flu every year who have actually had the jab, I think it is time to talk about a little bit more about prevention. Flu Shot? Ain’t nobody got time for that!

This blog will cover preventative measures, the day-to-day. I will not be talking about herbs, oils or other remedies today even though that is my specialty. Let’s build a body that can limit the chances getting ill in the first place.

First and foremost, eliminate all that sugar from your diet! Ditch the soda, white bread and pasta…..and conventional meat/dairy? Forget about it!!!

When your digestive system is constantly being assaulted, your immune system lowers. After a meal of high carbohydrates, your digestive system is overloaded, overheating, and all other systems of the body are on hold so to speak.

Ideally, if you can give your digestive system a break now and again with intermittent fasting, your other systems will thank you!

By eating a TON of fruits and vegetables, ideally, 60% raw every day…your body sings to you! Seriously, there is a party going on in there! Try eliminating sugar, alcohol, caffeine, high carbs (ideally all gluten), dairy, corn, and soy for 10 days and see how you feel. I bet AMAZING!!! If you maintain this healthier way of eating the number of times you are likely to get sick goes DRASTICALLY down.

The next thing I want to talk about is vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D is not only linked to depression, but dis”ease” from more col’s and flu’s to diabetes to cancer. Winter is the most prevalent time to be low on vitamin D due to a lack of sunshine…and as a result more illness. Do a little research. There is a plethora of in on the internet. Also check out my blog on Vitamin D here.

Washing hands is just as important to maintain health than any other method. By the way, I do not think that “flu season” holds too much truth. The reasons why winter tends to be the time more illness occurs is 1-lack of sunshine and vitamin D 2-Lack of exercise 3-eating more sugary foods (Halloween, Thanksgiving, holidays) These are the primary reasons we get sick, but I do realize that close quarters and lack of air circulation are a factor as well. Back to hand washing. Do not use antibacterial soaps. Those are proven to do NOTHING but help breed superbugs. Use a castile based soap or a basic bar soap and some good old-fashioned friction of rubbing your hands together long enough to sing your ABC’s…good to go.

Much of your immune system lies in your gut, making it very important to care for it with probiotics and fermented foods. If you have had to take even one round of antibiotics, it can take up to one year to rebuild the gut bacteria back [1].

Lastly, the more you stay hydrated, maintain a low level of stress and get enough rest is also advisable for a strong immune system. EXERCISE! These are just a few ways in which you can maintain health naturally. There are many more in herbal remedies as well. Look for more of my blogs on ways to maintain your health and balance in life.

My Top 10 Immune Boosters

My Holistic First Aid Kit

Essential Oils for the Youngest in the Home

I would love to hear from you with any questions you might have. To your health!

References

[1] How to Restore Gut Flora After Antibiotics. Retrieved from https://www.holisticprimarycare.net/topics/topics-a-g/digestive-health/1862-how-to-restore-gut-flora-after-antibiotics.html

Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.

Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.

Digestive Enzymes…Has your stomach taken your health hostage?

by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body

Did you used to be able to eat anything without giving it a second thought?

Do you frequently get bloated after you eat?

Do you have frequent intestinal gas?

Do you avoid certain foods?

If these things sound familiar to you, you are not alone. The good thing is that you do not have to suffer. Right now your digestive tract is not functioning at optimal levels. As we get older, we do not produce as many digestive enzymes that we once did. Think about this…have you ever sat down with your kids to have spaghetti? pizza?, anything with a high carbohydrate load only to go into what I jokingly call a “food coma” while your child is playing…or bouncing of the walls with no ill effect? Their digestive system is functioning optimally….yours, not so much.

Click image to enlarge

Lets take a minute to talk about digestive enzymes. To absorb nutrients into your bloodstream you have to break these large molecules down into smaller pieces. While you are eating, digestive enzymes are entering your small intestine from the liver, gall bladder and pancreas to break down your food. Digestive enzymes are essentially proteins:

Amylases -to break down carbohydrates

Lipases- to break down fat

Proteases- to break down protein

Due to many different reasons, these enzymes can become depleted. An unbalanced diet, eating too fast (remember digestion starts in the mouth), and yes aging …all depletes enzyme secretion. Once you can not digest your food properly you run into issues such as: bloating, indigestion and other digestive issues.

Taking an enzyme supplement is like hiring help for your digestive crew. Digestion will happen more quickly, more easily, and with less “work.”

As with any other supplement, all are not created equal. I have used two different kinds in the last few years. Both work equally well, and have been a life saver with many a meal. Here are the two I recommend:

Enzymes by Dr. Mercola’s

Enzymes by Standard Process

To your digestion =)

Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.