Tag Archive for: improve health

13 Self Care Gift Ideas

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Curious about what tools would make your wellness journey easier? Here are 13 self care gift ideas just for you!  I’d like to share my most cherished wellness products and services that I love and use daily.  These tools have literally transformed my health and my clients plus make being healthy so easy.

Share this list with your loved ones for a subtle hint or ensure it is in your wellness regimen by purchasing one for yourself….you are worth it!

This shopping can be accomplished from the comfort of your home.  No fighting crowds, burning fossil fuels, or wasting precious hours of your time. Contact us if we can help at info@brenewed.com or by calling 812-461-8922.

1. Vitamix. Oh, how you have made my life in the kitchen simpler and much more fun.  I used to despise being in the kitchen, as I hated to cook.  Vitamix is an all-one tool that does it all from freezing “nice” cream to heating soup in one container.

It also acts as a food processor so you can cut the salad greens/cabbage and make the dressing in it as well.  If that wasn’t enough the beautiful, full-color, freestanding recipe books are worth the price alone.  Backed with a full 7-year warranty makes it my number one wellness gift.

2. Essential Oils. These gifts from God have supported our holistic options for emotional balance and a way to replace toxic air fresheners. They provide a fun and safe way to teach our children natural forms to support the body. We have essential oil products to place in the stockings or full kits. We can fit any budget with prices ranging from $10-$200.

3. Chi Machine.  Fifteen minutes equals 90 minutes of walking from an oxygenation standpoint.  Need I say more?  I use mine twice a day each morning and each evening.  I call it my “lazy woman” exercise machine.  It supports my spine (scoliosis), and discomfort and stimulates the lymphatic system to safely detox.  It is great for stress reduction, improved sleep, and weight loss. Contact us for wellness provider-only discounts.

4. Infrared Pad is a portable source of heat and healing that I don’t leave home without.  Regular heating pads heat the outside of the body, Far Infrared Ray heat penetrates 2-3 inches into the subcutaneous tissue.  I use this with my pets as well to relieve joint pain.

5. Infrared Dome.  The Far Infrared Dome is similar to the pad except it is about five times as powerful.  It emits about 9-11 microns which is so powerful it can help detox heavy metals from the body.  The dome provides improved circulation as well as pain relief.  I use all three modalities together which includes the Chi Machine, Infrared pad on the back and the Infrared Dome on the front of the body.  It feels like a slice of heaven on earth!

6. Inversion Table.  A few minutes a day is an easy way to relieve back pain and pressure. Contact your chiropractor to see if an inversion table is right for you.

7. Essential Oil Cold Air Diffusers.  Cold air diffusers use therapeutic-grade essential oils and release them into the air to be used by the body.  The cold air process helps maintain the therapeutic value of the essential oil, unlike heat diffusers that destroy it.  The diffuser creates a spa-like atmosphere with these wonderful aromas in your home that help heal without the toxic chemicals that synthetic air fresheners emit.

Modere Cellproof skincare

Award-winning skincare

8. CellProof Skincare. Finding skincare that is safe and effective is beyond challenging. However, Modere CellProof skincare has exceeded most people’s expectations for the highest quality products available. It’s a system where you can feel the difference and see it! If this is your first order, you can save money using the special discount code.

9. Q Link Pendant EMF Protection. Electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) are transmitted from wireless networks, phones, tablets, PCs, and all electronic devices.  Exposure to EMFs can impact sleep, energy, emotional balance, and productivity.  I’ve been using these for years and wouldn’t be around technology without them.  I used to feel drained at the end of the day after working at my computer and now I remain energized!

10. QLink Clear EMF Protection – These are great stocking stuffers and protection for your children and grandchildren that will last a lifetime. It is the same protection as the pendant but adheres to your electronic device. It supports your body’s natural defenses against EMFs.

11. Norwex Cleaning products. Oh, how you make my life easier! I love the enviro cloths, travel cloths, mops and just about everything they offer. Let me know what part of cleaning you dislike, and I’ll share how they make cleaning safer, easier, and save you money.

12. Massage Therapy. How do I love thee, let me count the ways!  Massage Therapy is not a once-a-year luxury.  It should be part of your regular health maintenance program to receive at least monthly. The benefits are endless from relieving aches and pain, detox, and building the immune system.  If you don’t have a favorite massage therapist, ask a friend who sees one regularly or contact us for a local referral.

13. Wellness Gift Certificates from B Renewed. Consider a comprehensive Wellness Review to determine where your body is out of balance. Improving energy, reducing stress, and dropping excess weight are easy once you know what’s out of balance.  Show yourself or someone some love by purchasing a gift certificate today. Call 812-461-8922.

Allergies and asthma

12 Natural Solutions for Allergies and Asthma

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I suffered from severe seasonal allergies and asthma for years.  My symptoms ranged from annoying to debilitating at times.  I had itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a fogged brain.  I was just plain miserable!  Sound familiar?  I went the conventional treatment route, but the side effects were as bad if not worse than the side effects of allergies/asthma.

As of today, I have not used a conventional allergy medication or my inhaler for 15 plus years! How did I do it?  It may be hard to believe, but I simply eliminated the foods in my diet that created inflammation and supported my immune system.  The most important time to start is LONG before allergy season begins.  Depending on where you live, seasons may vary, but it is typically March-April and again in the fall.

Here are the top 12 strategies that have worked for clients.

1. Switched from drinking cow’s milk to almond or other plant-based milk.  I use certified organic and non-GMO sources.  Greatly reduced or eliminated other sources of dairy such as cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt.  I made those “sometimes foods” instead of consuming them daily.  Dairy products (lactose) do not break down well, for most, and create mucus in the body.

2. Used Alcat food sensitivity testing to determine what foods, herbs, and chemicals created inflammation.  Even healthy foods, for me, were creating inflammation like lemons, avocados, coconut, and turkey.

3. Once I learned that I had a mild intolerance to gluten, I switched to eliminating or using gluten-free organic grains. In many people, gluten sets the immune system into action and causes inflammation. Grains that contain gluten are wheat, rye, spelt, and barley. Gluten-free grain options are quinoa, rice, millet, and buckwheat. Also note that wheat and rice are two grains that are highly sprayed with glyphosate, a herbicide in Roundup, that has been linked to numerous health conditions including allergies.

4. Don’t just eat your greens, drink them! I drink a green drink almost every morning.  Organic greens, fruits, and vegetables in raw form are natural anti-inflammatory foods and gentle detox. In addition to tasting delicious, this drink supports your immune system by adding much-needed antioxidants to your cells.

5. Enzymes and Probiotics. Using plant-based enzymes between meals also works well for seasonal discomfort.  We carry healthcare professional-grade plant-based non-GMO enzymes that are much more potent than conventional enzymes.

Balancing gut health is key to supporting your body so adding a potent probiotic is critical. Consuming processed or nonorganic foods destroys our good gut flora. Probiotics are best taken in the morning with food. If you are looking for one of the best probiotic combinations to supplement, consider one that contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.

6. Cleanse nasal passages with natural saline and that is drug and preservative-free. One safe brand is NeilMed NasaMist Saline Spray.

7. Add Concentrated Phytonutrients.  Modere Axis™ PhytoGreens is a simple way to get 27 highly bioavailable and bioactive ingredients including marine and leafy greens and adaptogens to help optimize alkalinity, energy, and digestive health. It’s non-GMO and tastes great.modere phytogreens

8. Buy and consume certified organic or naturally grown local produce. Allergies can be a negative response to toxins so the goal is to reduce them in food, beverages, and personal care products. Herbicides (especially glyphosate) and pesticides can create respiratory issues and create more inflammation in our bodies.  Today, almost every grocery store carries thousands of organic items to enable you to eat clean. It is worth the time and money to go the extra mile.

Switch your in-between meals snacks from crackers and chips to fruit or raw veggies.  Be sure to avoid the MSG-laden ranch dressings and opt for hummus or organic dips. Again, fruits and vegetables act as natural anti-inflammatory agents. Fruits and veggies should come from the whole food either fresh or frozen, never canned. Canned foods are void of enzymes and nutrients, which are essential in reducing inflammation and building the immune system.

9. Vacuum your home more frequently, especially in your bedroom and if you have pets. Delegate to another family member (assuming they do not have allergies) or hire someone to do this for you.  Keep your windows closed during peak pollen seasons as well. We invested in a Roomba and this has helped immensely to save time, energy and it gets in those hard-to-reach spots we can’t (under the beds).

10. Eliminate chemical or perfumed cleaners, dryer sheets, detergents, soaps, and shampoos.  Consider making your own detergents and choose personal care products that are free of chemicals that aggravate your skin and cause inflammation. I clean with simple products like baking soda and/or vinegar.

One outstanding laundry detergent is Norwex. Not only is this product safe but it is the best at getting out tough stains. I was able to get ink stains off my husband’s brand new polo shirt after running it through the dryer!

11. Drink plenty of purified or reverse osmosis water to support the detox process. Your body is 70-80% water, so replenish it with the good stuff.  City/tap water contains heavy metals that block nutrients. To learn more about what pure water really is and bring an affordable system into your home, go to Aquasana.com. One of the better-bottled waters on the market is Fiji water.

12. Tongue Scraping. As crazy as this sounds, this ritual has really helped my allergies. Purchase a stainless steel scraper as they work better than the plastic versions. Scrape your tongue each morning before you brush. I start in the middle and then scrape both sides rinsing your scraper at each section. Using your toothbrush (which is what I used to use) doesn’t remove the bacteria but can drive it in. Since 70% of bacteria reside on the tongue, scraping can help keep you healthy and reduce allergy symptoms.

Understand that when you experience unpleasant symptoms your body is temporarily out of balance. Allergies and asthma are not necessarily lifetime conditions if you are diligent and disciplined with your diet and lifestyle. Reach out with questions as we love to help or let us put a personalized allergy support protocol together for you at no cost.

 

 

Liquid Soap, Harmless or Hazardous?

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Not too long ago while visiting a relative’s house, I began to wash my hands with the liquid soap provided in the attractive dispenser. After being taken a back by the strong perfume smell, and I tried to re-wash to remove the overpowering smell to no avail. Finally with the use of some vinegar, I was able to eliminate the strong perfume smell. Next, I found the actual container to determine the ingredient list and was horrified!

Consider how many times per day you are using this to “clean” you hands but in fact you could be adding more toxins to your body and environment. This moment reinforced the need to be vigilant no matter where I am, to read labels and know what I am putting on or in my body. The number of toxic ingredients that are added to something so innocent as a soap product is killing our fish & wildlife and adding hazardous toxins into our body. Below is a list of just a few of the ingredients in this brand of liquid soap along with the toxicity concern courtesy of the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org).

HIGH CONCERN – Can include, but is not limited to: Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) acute aquatic toxicity, skin irritation/allergies/damage, damage to DNA.

  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone (5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), also referred to as MCI, is a preservative with antibacterial and anti-fungal effects within the group of isothiazolinones. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
  • Methylisothiazolinone, MIT, or MI, (sometimes erroneously called methylisothiazoline), is a powerful synthetic biocide and preservative within the group of isothiazolinones, which is used in numerous personal care products and a wide range of industrial applications.
  • DMDM Hydantoin is an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative with the trade name Glydant. DMDM hydantoin is an organic compound belonging to a class of compounds known as hydantoins.
  • Sodium Hydroxide is a strongly alkaline white deliquescent compound used in many industrial processes, e.g., the manufacture of soap and paper.

MODERATE CONCERN – Some potential for hazards to health or the environment. Can include, but not limited to: Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions, Contamination concerns.

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (commonly known as SLS) is a widely used and inexpensive chemical found in many mainstream personal hygiene products such as shampoos, toothpastes, mouthwashes, bodywash, soaps, detergents and body wash , along with Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS).
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) Is a mixture of closely related organic compounds derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. CAPB is available as a viscous pale yellow solution and it is used as a surfactant in personal care products.
  • Polyquaternium-7 is a synthetic polymer based on quaternary ammonium compounds.
  • Tetrasodium EDTA is a water-soluble ingredient used as a chelating agent in cosmetics and personal care products because of its ability to sequester metal ions and allow them to remain in formulas but lose their ability to react with other ingredients.
  • PEG 120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is the polyethylene glycol ether of the diester of natural Methylglucoseand Oleic Acid. It is used in beauty products and cosmetics as a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used as a thickener in hair and skin care products.
  • Poloxamer 124 (P1168) is a surfactant and emulsifying agent… In cosmetic and personal care product formulations, it functions as a surfactant – emulsifying agent and surfactant – solubilizing agent. It can be used in soaps and cleansers. It is soluble in water.
  • Benzophenone-4 is a white sweet-smelling crystalline solid used mainly in the manufacture of organic compounds and in perfume.

SOME CONCERN – Can include, but not limited to: skin irritation/allergies/damage, acute aquatic toxicity, nervous system effects, respiratory effects, biodegradation.

  • Fragrance (Parfum) a substance, extract, or preparation for diffusing or imparting an agreeable or attractive smell.

This is just one example of a typical household product. Despite the known dangers associated with many of the ingredients in personal care products and cleaning products, some manufacturers continue to use them. Many household products carry health risks for not only you, but also your children, pets, wildlife or the environment. Reading labels can go a long way in helping protect your family.

 

My 3-day Cleanse Journey

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It’s day one of my 3-day cleanse which started with a 2.5-mile walk on July 4th. What a perfect day to celebrate freedom from toxins! Instead of focusing on what I won’t be eating, I’m focusing on the benefits such as mental clarity, focus, and increased energy.

I prepared my body by eliminating meat and increased my consumption of fresh, raw organic fruits and vegetables. If you consume alcohol, caffeine, or dairy on a regular basis, I  would eliminate these products a few days before as well. Except for an occasional (organic) ice cream, I swore off these vices years ago. However, with dark chocolate, I still have issues!

I typically make my own juices but due to time constraints and the fact I sold my juicer a few years back (in lieu of a Vitamix), I purchased the organic juices from a local company called Sunshine Juice. I’m not being paid to endorse their products, I just wanted to share my experience with others. Their cleanse consists of seven juices per day which you consume every two hours.

It’s been several years since my husband and I fasted. He is a great support as he offered to join me…with modifications (as he tossed the pound of grass-fed beef back in the freezer). His modified liquid diet will consist of using our favorite plant-based powder, Juice Plus Complete, with almond milk. We’ve used the shakes for several years (love them) and this is what I will transition to prior to starting back on whole food.

I remember how much fun with had with it last time as we started to get a little slap-happy around the second and third day. Watching television wasn’t a good idea as we realized almost every commercial promoted food! Even though most of it isn’t stuff we would ever eat, it all started to look good. We decided that reading was our best bet and I spent lots of time in prayer and meditation.

For me, this isn’t about weight loss, although I put on a few extra pounds over the winter. Cleansing is more for the emotional and spiritual aspects of my life. Spending time with my creator without distractions is my ultimate goal.

Can You Handle the Truth?

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Can You Handle the Truth?

A couple years ago I discovered a great book called One Word that will change your life. The book inspired me to create a one word theme for my personal and professional life. My word this year is Truth!

As a chronic people pleaser, I sometimes avoid the truth. It’s not that I outright lie but it’s more I’m not being true to myself or being true to the person God called me to be. You truly cannot serve two masters; it’s either man or God.

When you try to be all things to all people, you start to become someone you are not. And know, you may not like this other person that you become. I’ve withheld truth from my friends and family far too long and realize this serves no one and could actually do harm in certain situations. We withhold truth to avoid hurting someone’s feelings but we must consider the truth may help them to grow.

So this year, it’s the year of truth. I’m speaking the truth in love. Someone close to me recently told me a truth that initially hurt me. She brought to light a character flaw that was causing others to hurt. However painful it was to hear, my love and respect for this person escalated beyond measure. My husband has always had the gift of speaking truth in love (although the delivery may lack gentleness at times).

Whatever method the truth is delivered, it creates an opportunity for growth as we typically grow the most through adversity. I’ve in turn shared my feelings/truth with people that I’ve kept hidden inside for years. Sharing my feelings has allowed me to trust and help others see me for who I really am.

Part of my truth journey is cleaning my house literally and figuratively. I’ve eliminated clutter from my home, office and mind. I’ve unsubscribed, unfriended, opted out of groups, events or services that no longer speak to my truth. When you are in constant response mode to email, texts and Messenger, you are living by other’s agendas and being controlled by their needs. Seeing the balance between serving and being a slave to others is where the balance lies.

I’ve also eliminated exposure to people in my life that aren’t of truth or are in alignment with my goals and mission. I’m protecting my God-time and sacred positive energy. We have to continually fill our cup/mind with messages of hope, positivity, love and abundance. My focus is on making a huge impact in the world. Therefore, I’m not accepting excuses or negativity from myself or others. Saying “no” to people and things that are not in alignment with my purpose means saying “YES!” to freedom (my word in 2016) and truth.

Truth is sincerity of actions and character, not just the absence of a lie. Truth is the self-expression of God. Be true to who God called you to be. He doesn’t call us to play small in this world. I challenge you to find your truth and step out in faith this year.

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to say YES to the things that light you up inside check out our frequently asked questions to see how we can help you. We’d love to chat more about the programs we offer!

How to Lose Weight Without Dieting

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Many women accept their weight because of their age especially if they are over forty. Some may use their age as a reason why they have lost all control of their body (and sometimes their mind!).  I’m here to tell you that you can be at your ideal weight no matter what your age.

I know because I did it in my forties and it was a pretty simple process if you take one step at a time.

First step is to eliminate processed food. I chose REAL, WHOLE foods grown naturally or certified organic and preferably non-GMO. Eliminating pesticides and herbicides reduces the toxic load to your body. Besides what is excess weight? Mostly toxins.

Second step is to eliminate or reduce gluten and dairy.

Next, I learned portion control. I used a measuring cup instead of a serving spoon. I would play a game that if I normally ate one cup (if that were a suggested serving size), I would cut the amount down by a third.

A majority of the time I was more than satisfied which brings us to the next key to weight loss, satiation. Satiation means learning to eat until satisfied instead of until you are full. Most people eat until they are full which means you have over eaten. Eat your one serving, put your plate in the dishwasher and step away from the food sources. Let your food digest by resting for 10-20 minutes and go for a family walk.
However please note that I NEVER deprived myself and listened to my body. If I truly needed more food, I ate it. If I had an intense workout and my body needed fuel, I fed it with whole, clean food.

Hydration is key and tracking your daily intake helps as few people are properly hydrated and many are severely dehydrated. Water is the best method to remove toxins from the body and also creates a feeling of fullness. It can provide us with energy and so we rely less on food to provide. What I had to learn is the difference between hunger and thirst, which can be a bit tricky at first.  Drink purified water all day long by carrying a water bottle with you everywhere.

Eating raw foods with my meal or preferably before the meal like a small salad or a handful of raw veggies is beneficial for a couple of reasons.

First benefit is that raw foods contain live enzymes. Most women over 40 have a diminished ability to produce enzymes which connects back to excess weight. A lack of digestive enzymes means your food isn’t breaking food into nutrients to be assimilated and isn’t allowing proper elimination (constipation).

Second, statistically, we know that consuming a small salad before a meal cuts down your caloric intake by 15%. Just remember to pass on the conventional salad dressing laden with fat and preservatives by making your own. Request my free recipe book if you need ideas.

Another simple tip is to replace a meal with a plant-based (not whey) non-GMO, gluten-free protein drink.  The statistics here again tell us this is a good way to reduce weight assuming it is a quality source.  I use and recommend Modere Pure Vanilla Meal Replacement Powder.

Next is the dreaded requirement of weight loss: exercise. I prefer to call it FSA (fun, sweaty activity). Find something to do that is fun and makes you sweat.  Yoga is something that I really love along with hiking with my family and bulldog. When you find something you love, it’s no longer grueling or hard.

A few things I did NOT do are count calories or points or add toxic “weight-loss” products into my body. Counting things doesn’t teach you how to listen to your body or how to enjoy whole foods and life while achieving your wellness goals. Putting more toxins in your body from dangerous weight-loss products will create much bigger health issues down the road.  God gave us everything we need in nature to keep our bodies balanced.

Most importantly, I stopped worrying about what people would think if I didn’t eat the same things they did. I respected myself and the body God gave me and decided to finally treat it like a temple (and stop treating it like a garage).

I’m in my early 50’s and have more energy and feel better now than I ever did in my 30’s.

If you have some keys to your weight-loss success, I would love to hear what worked for you. Or if you need a little help, please call or email at info@brenewed.com.

 

Healthy Digestion and You

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You’ve heard the saying, “you are what you eat” but realistically we should say, “you are what you digest!”.  Eating the same foods daily or processed food with sugar, fat and sodium in excess is over burdening the body and disrupting the digestive process.

Even if you strive to eat well, our food system is working against you. Foods are laden with processed junk that is nutritionally void and jam-packed with other toxins your body doesn’t know what to do with!

Healthy digestion is essential to optimal health. The food you eat should fuel your body but if your digestion isn’t up to par then the nutrition you consume may not benefit you. You can eat a perfect diet and lead a healthy lifestyle, but if your body can’t assimilate your foods you’ll be destined to remain unwell despite your best efforts.

Now, you probably learned how the body digests food in 5th grade but it is vital to your health that we review the process…

The Five Steps of Digestion & Absorption

  1. Sight and smell—these sensations stimulate the flow of saliva to prepare for incoming food.
  2. Mouth—teeth chew the food into semi-liquid texture to expose more of the food surface to the enzyme activity in saliva. Saliva contains the digestive enzyme amylase, which begins the breakdown of carbohydrates only, therefore, the more you chew and mix the food with these enzymes the better you breakdown of carbohydrates. Starches will begin to taste sweet if they are chewed long enough to begin their breakdown into simple glucose/sugar molecules.
  3. Stomach—(holds approximately 1 gallon of food) Carbohydrates are not digested in the stomach. No food is absorbed into the body from this organ.
    1. Depending on the food it can take between 15-minutes or 5 hours.
      • Liquids take minutes
      • Fruits: 15-30 minutes if eaten alone
      • Veggies: 30-50 minutes depending on preparation and type
      • Grains/starches: 90-120 minutes
      • Animal proteins: 4-6 hours
      • Fats: slowest of all foods
    2. Stomach produces Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and enzymes (pepsin), which break down proteins. Overall levels of HCl can decrease if a diet is high in red meat; dairy and processed food is consumed. Protein, calcium and iron require a good acid/HCl soak to break down properly.
    3. HCl levels decrease with age
      • Over 40 yrs. old, levels can be half of an 18 year old
      • Over 60-65, a dramatic decrease so it is important to use digestive enzymes once you’ve tested to determine which type you need
  4. Small intestine – the body’s major digestive organ
    • 3 sections include duodenum (10 in), jejunum (8 ft.) and ileum (12 ft.)
    • Depending on the meal it takes between 2-6 hour journey
    • Tiny fingerlike projections (villi) line the inside of the small intestine increasing the absorption area. The villi can be damaged or flattened by constipation, highly processed food, alcohol, drugs, or lack of good bacteria. This can contribute to malabsorption (IBS, Chron’s, colitis) and other disease.
    • The small intestine can only process small amounts of food at a time. The small intestine is where chemical digestion of food really begins. When the acidic chime enters the duodenum (1st section of small intestine) its acidity triggers the release of two extremely important digestive juices.
      •  Pancreatic juice (from pancreas) is very alkaline and contains amylase for carbohydrate digestion, lipase for fat and proteases for protein.
      • Bile (from liver and stored in gallbladder is an emulsifier and acts as a detergent to break down large fat globules and expose them to lipase. Bile is necessary for the absorption of the fat- soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K).
  5. Large intestine (colon or bowel)
    1. Larger than small intestine, no villi and about 5 ft. in length
    2. Journey thru colon take 8-12 hours
    3. Produces no enzymes and contains 500 bacteria which involve:
      • Production of vitamins K, B12
      • Control the colon’s microflora (balance of good/bad bacteria)
      • Metabolize remaining nutrients (releasing gases, especially if there is a microflora imbalance)
    4. Feces contain undigested food residues, mucous, millions of bacteria and enough water to allow smooth passage. The longer feces remain in the colon, the more water the colon absorbs from the stool and the harder it becomes. This may result in constipation. If passage is too quick, not enough water, results in diarrhea.

Most children typically properly digest their food properly until their bodies are corrupted with excess sugar, fats, additives, preservatives and genetically-modified foods.

However, by the time we reach the age of 30-40, our bodies are struggling to break down food. Next, we start to experience gas, bloating, belching, heartburn etc. that tells us something is not working.

Often times, instead of looking at our diet for clues, we take antacids or the magic purple pills that further breakdown the immune and digestive system and only mask the symptoms instead of resolving the issues. These products can further impede and disrupt the natural process of digestion.

Don’t mask your symptoms or reach for that quick fix if you want to GET BETTER!

Antacids, gas pills and others aren’t going to help you to remedy the breakdown in the digestive process! You might temporarily feel relief but the real issues at hand will not be addressed and they’ll usually become worse as you body continues to grow deficient in the vital nutrients it can no longer digest and absorb. Nutritionally, you are starving!

My favorite saying is we need to “get the colon rollin”. Examine your bowel movements (and yes, I mean that literally) to determine your frequency and consistency. If you eat three meals, you should have three bowel movements. The feces should be brown, well-formed and about the size of a banana.

The digestive process is so complex that I always recommend you get some solid informatin about your digestive functionings (or lack thereof) before you attempt to make any diet, supplement or lifestyle changes.

Hair Mineral & 24 Urinanalyis testing can give you a road map to improving the digestive process and purging toxins that is uniquely tailored to you. Your test results will provide amazingly powerful information and insights to your own body functioning and you’ll even get specific recommendations for improving digestion and absorption.

Past clients have found that enzymes, personalized supplements and even detox products are recommended to get back on the road to wellness. While you can certainly buy these products independently as you self-diagnose, you’ll typically stay sick longer as you’ll not know the specific requirements of your body without nutritional testing. Remember, nutritional testing is prevention based, not diagnostic.  If you want to take a peek ahead into your health and prevent disease, I would love to help you!