Tag Archive for: wellness

Benefits of Digestive Health Testing

Benefits of Digestive Health Testing

There are numerous benefits of Digestive Health Testing utilizing a digestive health test with 24-hour urine collection.  This benefits  clients seeking to understand and improve their gut health. Loomis is a well-known provider of functional medicine tests, and their digestive health test can provide valuable insights into an individual’s digestive system. Here are some of the benefits a client can experience:

Comprehensive Assessment

The 24-hour urine collection test allows for a more comprehensive assessment of digestive health compared to traditional tests. It analyzes various biomarkers, metabolites, and gut byproducts, providing a detailed overview of gut function and overall digestive health.

Personalized Recommendations

The test results from Loomis can offer personalized recommendations based on the individual’s unique digestive profile. This means that clients receive tailored dietary and lifestyle advice that can help optimize their gut health and address specific digestive issues they may be facing.

Identification of Gut Imbalances

The test can detect imbalances in the gut microbiome and identify potential dysbiosis or overgrowth of harmful bacteria. By identifying these imbalances, clients can take targeted actions to restore a healthy balance in their gut and alleviate symptoms associated with gut imbalances.

Insight into Nutritional Absorption

The test can provide insights into how well the client’s body is absorbing essential nutrients from their diet. Poor nutrient absorption can lead to various health problems, and this test can help pinpoint any deficiencies and guide appropriate supplementation or dietary changes.

Monitoring of Progress

For clients undergoing balancing or support for gut-related conditions, the 24-hour urine collection test can serve as a valuable monitoring tool. Regular testing allows healthcare providers and clients to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary to achieve better outcomes.

Early Detection of Digestive Issues

The test can help identify potential digestive issues before they manifest as severe health problems. Early detection allows clients to take proactive measures to address the underlying causes, leading to better long-term health.

Holistic Approach to Gut Health

Loomis’ digestive health test takes a holistic approach to gut health, considering factors such as diet, lifestyle, and the gut microbiome. This comprehensive perspective allows clients to understand the interconnectedness of various aspects of their health and how they impact digestive function.

Empowerment and Informed Decision-Making

Armed with comprehensive test results, clients are empowered to make informed decisions about their health. They gain a better understanding of their digestive system, allowing them to make positive changes that can lead to improved overall well-being.

Conclusion

Using Loomis’ digestive health test with 24-hour urine collection can be a game-changer for individuals seeking to optimize their gut health. From comprehensive assessment and personalized recommendations to early detection of issues and empowerment through informed decision-making, this test offers clients valuable insights and tools to achieve better digestive health and overall wellness.

13 Self Care Gift Ideas

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.

Now Hiring: Office Manager at B Renewed Wellness Center

Do you have a passion for serving others or looking for a way to help others with their health? B Renewed is currently looking to hire an Office Manager with the following skills: *Attention to detail, professionalism and passion for serving others are priority *Strong interpersonal skills needed to greet and educate clients, answer telephone, schedule appointments and occasionally work events *Health and nutrition with administrative experience knowledge preferred *Approximately 25-30/hrs a week, Monday thru Thursday 8:30-4:30, which could lead to full time potential *Enjoys a calming work environment with Christian morals *Strong skills in Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) required *College education preferred. Please send a resume and cover letter stating how you can fulfill the above requirements and why you would be a great asset to our clients and team. Email your resume and cover letter to gethealthy@brenewed.com with the words Office Manager in the Subject line.

Can You Handle the Truth?

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!

2 Simple Ways to Love Your Body

Love Yourself HeartSo often, we get caught up in loving everyone else—our kids, our spouse, our family and friends—that we forget to love ourself.

Take a moment and visualize how that would look—if you loved yourself. How would your outside look? How would your inside look?

What if I told you two simple things you could do to love yourself and change your overall appearance from the inside out? Would you do it?

The two simple changes you will need to make involve eliminating genetically modified foods and increasing your intake of whole, clean foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Stop eating genetically modified foods because these foods are linked to weight gain, cancer and other health related illnesses. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals that have been altered from the original state of the plant or animal and processed into our food. GMOs are found in everything from canned soups to baby formula! In fact, Brian Stoffel wrote an article that details “10 Foods You’ll Have to Give Up to Avoid Eating GMOs.” This article is alarming to say the least.

According to nongmoproject.org, “In the U.S., GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventional processed food. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale. ” This is a scary statistic and practice by our own government, not to mention a deceptive practice given the fact that companies are not mandated to include GMO’s on product ingredient labels. Furthermore, it is embarrassing that more than 60 other developed countries have either put a complete ban on GMOs or strong restrictions. Personally, I am not feeling the love of my country when it comes to GMOs!

According to greenamerica.org, there are nine GMOs to avoid:

  • Soy
  • Cottonseed
  • Corn
  • Canola Oil
  • U.S. Papaya
  • Alfalfa
  • Sugar Beets
  • Milk
  • Aspartame

Look for the NONGMO Project Verified stamp

To be sure your food and products are free of GMO’s, look for the verified label.

Eat more whole, clean foods and experience the freedom and physical and mental transformation of powerful nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber and beneficial fats. Your body was created for whole, clean food, so why not give your body what it needs to thrive! The best way to reduce your risk of disease is to eat healthy, and fruits and vegetables are two key food groups known to contribute to better health. Be mindful, though, of fruits and vegetables that may contain harmful pesticides. According to the environmental working group (EWG), there are vegetables and fruits that you should consider buying only organic.

The Clean 15 (the lowest in pesticides): Avocados, Sweet Corn, Pineapples, Cabbage, Sweet Peas (frozen), Onions, Asparagus, Mangos, Papayas, Kiwis, Eggplant, Grapefruit, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, and Sweet Potatoes

The Dirty Dozen (Buy these Organic): Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, Strawberries, Grapes, Celery, Spinach, Sweet Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Snap Peas (imported), Potatoes. PLUS Hot Peppers, Kale, and Collard Greens

In closing, I pray you will choose to love yourself by giving up foods containing GMOs. Experience the freedom of health and wellness that whole, clean foods will provide you.

signs of dehydration

Signs of Dehydration

Signs of Dehydration

What are the most common signs of dehydration? As summer is approaching, I want to reinforce the need for you to drink water continually.  Carry it with you when you run to grocery store, at your desk at work, running a quick errand, and especially doing anything outdoors. Do not wait until you are thirsty.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial, as it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

Here are some of the top signs of dehydration:

  1. Thirst: Feeling thirsty is one of the earliest indicators of dehydration. It serves as your body’s way of signaling that it needs more fluids.
  2. Dry mouth and lips: When you’re dehydrated, your mouth and lips may feel dry and sticky. You might also experience a lack of saliva production.
  3. Dark-colored urine: Dehydration can cause your urine to become concentrated and appear darker than usual. In a well-hydrated state, urine is typically light yellow or clear.
  4. Infrequent or reduced urination: If you’re not urinating as frequently as you normally do or if your urine output is significantly reduced, it may indicate dehydration.
  5. Fatigue and weakness: Dehydration can cause fatigue, lethargy, and a general feeling of weakness. Lack of adequate hydration can impact your energy levels and overall physical performance.
  6. Dizziness and lightheadedness: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to a drop in blood pressure, which may result in dizziness or lightheadedness.
  7. Headaches: Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. This symptom is often accompanied by other signs of dehydration.
  8. Dry skin: When you’re dehydrated, your skin may lose moisture and become dry, tight, or less elastic. You may also notice increased wrinkling.
  9. Muscle cramps: Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, particularly during physical activity. Electrolyte imbalances resulting from fluid loss can contribute to muscle spasms.
  10. Rapid heartbeat and breathing: In severe cases of dehydration, your heart rate may increase, and you may experience rapid or shallow breathing.

It’s important to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the degree of dehydration. If you suspect you or someone else is dehydrated, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, especially if the symptoms are severe or persistent.

A product I carry with me is called E-lyte which is a clean (no added flavors, colors or sugar) electrolyte. One capful in each 8 oz glass of water is all you need to increase energy and hydration. Or when a liquid isn’t convenient, I use BodyHealth’s Perfect Aminos Electrolyte powder.

Fun Facts about the importance of water

  • Vital for bodily functions: Water is essential for nearly all bodily functions. It helps regulate body temperature, aids in digestion, carries nutrients to cells, and removes waste products.
  • Major component of the human body: Approximately 60% of the human adult body is composed of water. It is involved in the composition of cells, tissues, and organs.
  • Maintains hydration: Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain proper hydration, which is crucial for overall health and well-being. It helps replenish the water lost through activities like sweating and urination.
  • Promotes healthy skin: Staying hydrated can contribute to healthier and more radiant skin. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture, improves elasticity, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Supports weight management: Drinking water can be beneficial for weight management. It has no calories, can help reduce appetite when consumed before meals, and can replace high-calorie sugary drinks.
  • Boosts energy levels: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels. By staying properly hydrated, you can enhance your energy and physical performance.
  • Aids in exercise performance: Drinking water before, during, and after exercise is vital for maintaining hydration and preventing dehydration. It helps regulate body temperature and supports optimal muscle function.
  • Facilitates cognitive function: Proper hydration is essential for optimal brain function. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance, including concentration, memory, and mood.
  • Supports kidney function: Adequate water intake is crucial for proper kidney function. It helps remove waste products and toxins from the body through urine.
  • Can prevent headaches: Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. Drinking enough water can help prevent or alleviate these symptoms.

Remember, individual water needs can vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, climate, and overall health. Therefore, it’s important to listen to your body’s signals and ensure you drink enough water to stay properly hydrated throughout the day. Next, I’ll share why the body signals are so important to pay attention to.

Body tissues and organs comprised mostly of water

The human body is composed of varying percentages of water, depending on the organ or tissue. Here are approximate water percentages for some organs and tissues:

  • Brain: The brain is composed of about 75% water.
  • Heart: The heart is composed of approximately 73% water.
  • Lungs: The lungs consist of around 83% water.
  • Muscles: Muscles are made up of roughly 75% water.
  • Kidneys: The kidneys are composed of about 79% water.
  • Liver: The liver consists of approximately 71% water.
  • Skin: The skin contains about 64% water.
  • Bones: Although bones are not primarily composed of water, they still contain a small percentage. Bone tissue typically consists of around 31% water.

In conclusion, your body requires water to function. Unfortunately, excess caffeine, carbonated or sugar-laden drinks will dehydrate. If you are looking for scientific ways to determine hydration, consider the Digestive Health Test.

Busyness is Based in Fear

I recently listened to an audio (How Did I Get So Busy) by Valorie Burton that really moved me. It was an aha moment learning that busyness is based in fear.

My goal this year is, believe it or not, to do LESS.  Don’t get me wrong, I want to help more people but want to find ways of reaching more without overextending myself in the process.  I have come to the conclusion that if I don’t practice self-care, I will not be able to serve those who need it most.

Busyness is often based on fear.  I heard the words but never really equated busyness with fear.  Valorie discusses some of the reasons why people stay busy.  It’s often the “what if?” questions that cause people to get caught up in the busyness cycle.

“What if I say ‘no’ to certain activities and let people down?”

or

“What if I slow down and I’m not able to accomplish everything I need to?”

“What if I stop taking on so much and discover people don’t need me as much as I thought they did?”

Often, people equate being busy with being significant.  We wear our busyness as a badge of honor.  Significance and busyness are not one and the same. One is about doing a lot and the other is about making an impact.  It is about being intentional.

 

So what can we do to stop the busyness cycle?

First, acknowledge there that busyness is a challenge in your life.

Second, know you can reclaim your schedule. You can make time for yourself and those who matter most to you. But you must be intentional about it. That means making sure your priorities are reflecting in your schedule and life .  Is Wellness a priority for you? Then make sure you plan for it every day.  It could be meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, exercise, stress reduction or rest!

Is family a priority for you?  Be sure to connect with your spouse or children daily at breakfast, dinner through meaningful conversation and by being fully engaged.

The same holds true for reconnecting with yourself. Resting, self-reflection, vacation, hobbies, fun—these are all important aspects of living intentionally and fully. When these things get crowded out, it’s a sign that you’re too busy!

Need to know if you need a busyness detox?  Take the first steps toward better health and mental clarity today by booking a consultation today! I offer a 6-week program on helping you kick the busyness addiction that has been transformational for so many.

Waking to the smell of cinnamon rolls

Okay, it is not exactly the title you would hope to find on January 2 from a Wellness/Nutrition Consultant!  Well, I did not plan this either. It’s called real life.  I wake up on the beautiful Sunday morning to the smell of cinnamon rolls–yikes! I suddenly remember my husband slipped them in the cart yesterday. I found them at checkout and questioned how they landed in my cart. He said they “jumped off the shelf into the cart” because he “didn’t do it”. I do love his sense of humor.

However, it makes for a perfect segue for us to transition back into the real world tomorrow. Statistically, around 45% are making commitments to eat better and exercise more or both. Piece of cake (or cinnamon roll), right? Okay, bad metaphor.

First of all, we all have to deal with temptations in the real world. If our spouses and grown children are not always on the same program, that is not an excuse for us to make poor choices. That seems to be the number one excuse people use as to why they can’t eat healthy. I often hear that “my spouse brings home junk food” or “my kids won’t eat that”.

Zig Ziglar said it so well, “For 24 years of my adult life, by choice I weighed well over 200 lbs. I say by choice because you see I have never accidentally eaten anything.”

I didn’t eat the cinnamon roll. Was I tempted? Yes. But I remember the commitment I have to myself and my body. I remind myself how bad I will feel after eating it and that the so called pleasure of the moment of eating it will not outweigh the damage to my body. I also know that sugar is much like a drug, highly addictive and eating it will disrupt my blood sugar levels for the entire day.   I remind myself of the mental aspect and dealing with the guilt of caving in–not being true to my word or commitment. It really isn’t worth ruining my day.

Yes, everything in moderation but for most it works best to make that 100% commitment. Think about your physician, surgeon, nurse, pilot and air traffic controller. What if they had a 90% or 95% commitment mindset? Having that wavering mindset can wear you out when you are in constant battle. 100% commitment is a breeze!

 

The Ripple Effect…Why I Do What I Do

The first email that I opened today was from a newsletter subscriber thanking me for doing what I do.

A few hours later, I received a phone call from someone diagnosed with cancer.  He said the nurse at the clinic had suggested that he contact me.  She had attended one of my online classes and told him I would be a great resource as he wanted to take a healing approach to his cancer. I have since completed my training as a holistic cancer coach.

Later that day I met with a new client and she commented “meeting you is an answer to my prayers”.

Someone once shared that what I do is like skipping a stone on the water.  The ripples can continue on and on.  You never know where it will stop or if it does.

It is on those days that I may think I’m not really making a difference in the world or that it is all too hard to be a solo entrepreneur where a few words of appreciation and encouragement really keep me going.

However, I want to say that I do receive so much support and words of encouragement regularly from my friends, family, business partners and clients.  I am so blessed in that respect.

When I am working with a client and they change their eating habits, it can impact their spouse,  kids and their grandkids.  I think about the fact that we are in times where we could outlive our children because of the breakdown of DNA over the generations.  This is sad and scary.

What if I could help change that?  I know how my health has dramatically improved  but would people really want to make such “drastic” changes in their health?  Drastic defined as not eating junk food, fast food or processed food daily.  What if people were willing to take extra time to cook foods that are not laden with additives, preservatives, antibiotics, hormones, etc?   What if we decided our life is worth investing time and resources in?

Well,  first I had to stop making decisions for others, put it out there and see who was open to experiencing a new way of life with energy, vitality, mental clarity and free of prescription medications and sickness.

Creating and maintaining a lifestyle of wellness isn’t for everyone.  However, it is for those who want to experience a life that is much easier to navigate through as well as those willing to experience temporarily inconvenience to make it a reality.