Could your health condition be linked to “Leaky Gut Syndrome”?

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So what is a Leaky Gut? Well, imagine sitting outside on a porch with a nice cup of
tea, you’re on the inside; all the bugs, spiders, and mosquitoes are on the outside and
so you’re quite comfortable. Next, imagine that you’re sitting on the same porch but
your screened-in porch has morphed into a chain-link fence, and all the bugs and creepy
crawling things are coming in & out and now able to hurt you possibly…you’re no
longer happy!

The benefits of tight junctions:

The intestinal lining of the gut can be compared to this analogy. When the junctions
are tight, it allows only good substances to pass through. All nutrients are absorbed,
giving your gut healthy bacteria and immune cells to prevent infections, bacteria,
viruses, and fungi. A healthy gut also keeps you happy because many
neurotransmitters are produced in the gut. It communicates with the brain through
nerves and hormones which help maintain your overall wellbeing.

Testing for leaky gut:

One of the most popular tests we provide throughout the US
at our practice, The Olive Leaf, LLC, is the GI map. This test
checks your gut for pathogens (bad guys), opportunistic
organisms (more bad guys), normal flora (good guys), and GI
markers like zonulin, which is a biomarker for increased
intestinal permeability. GI map testing permits us to see the
overall health of your gut microbiome and helps us find out if
you have a condition known as “Leaky Gut Syndrome”.
GI Map Testing and Neurotransmitter Testing.

What is leaky gut syndrome?:

Several years ago, Leaky Gut Syndrome was not considered a true condition within the medical community primarily because medical experts found it difficult to isolate a specific diagnosis. This is understandable because patients experience various symptoms that could fall under many health conditions. Their complaints include various digestive issues: bloating, gas, pain, inflammation, and chronic illnesses. These symptoms are not unique to Leaky Gut; therefore, Leaky Gut Syndrome is not a condition taught in medical school. However, in Functional Medicine and Chiropractic, we are always searching for a cause. We believe that certain underlying conditions are causative and the symptoms are
just the tip of the iceberg. Another test we provide at The Olive Leaf is neurotransmitter testing to check the levels of excitatory & inhibitory neurotransmitters, cortisol, and hormones, especially if someone has anxiety and depression.

Having a leaky gut means that the intestinal lining has become more permeable, allowing unwanted particles and substances to enter the bloodstream and is usually a result of chronic inflammation. It can cause pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, fatigue, and food sensitivities. Also, it is important to remember that all these symptoms can be related to other GI conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, H. pylori (another bad guy), or other serious conditions so you should always have them evaluated by a gastroenterologist.

What to do? 

Once you have identified that you have a “Leaky Gut, ” lifestyle changes can help repair your gut lining. Diet plays a big role, so it is good to figure out what can contribute to your issues. The easiest and
the most cost-effective way to find out is to do a ‘food elimination diet for 30
days. You can find resources for this online. Or, if you would like free access
for an elimination diet that I recommend, you can email
[email protected], mention ‘Xooma Member’ in your subject
line and we will send you a link to an app that will guide you through the
process.

Also, you can start consuming foods that promote the growth of
beneficial gut bacteria, including certain fruits, cultured dairy products,
healthy fats, lean meats, fibrous & fermented veggies (like sauerkraut), and foods high in resistant starches, and pasture-raised eggs. Avoid processed and refined junk foods (the bad guy buddies).
Finding top-quality nutritional health supplements can work wonders when given the potency of specific
ingredients to help combat the challenging symptoms. Several key elements can make a
supplement highly effective for treating leaky gut and combat the main issues that cause leaky gut such
as inflammation, imbalance of bacteria, and a permeable intestinal lining.
30-day Food Elimination Diet

Xooma carries a superb line of GI supplements that are designed to achieve the following:

• Restore a healthy balance of good bacteria.
• Repair and strengthen the intestinal wall.
• Promote normal digestive function.

Restore a healthy balance of good bacteria:

The first product I recommend is Xooma’s “Probiotix™”. I was honored to have
taken part in the formulation of this product and can attest to the effectiveness
of its ingredients. Probiotix contains 8 clinically researched strains to replenish
your gut with beneficial bacteria (the good guys) and 30 billion CFUs per
capsule probiotix contains a prebiotic formula known as NutraFlora® which
is unique to this specific probiotic. Most of us are familiar with probiotics because they are spoken about in our favorite yogurt commercials. Their job is to populate and colonize the digestive tract with beneficial bacterial colonies. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics aren’t as popular but are extremely important! They are the food and nutrients that feed probiotics to stimulate probiotic activity in your GI tract. Probiotics alone cannot keep up with the constant battle against opportunistic bacteria. So basically, the prebiotic is there to encourage the probiotic colonies to thrive, and to promote general well-being. Like Batman and Robin, they ‘tag team’ the bad guys to help keep your gut in good shape.

Repair and strengthen the intestinal wall:

I am also very excited about Xooma’s newest product ‘Xiome 365™’, a comprehensive daily health beverage that tastes great and makes you feel great! I love how Xooma again focuses on the
importance of probiotic nutrients and a specific probiotic strain known as Akkermansia. If you’re on
social media, you see a lot of hype over this specific bacterium regarding gut health and GI permeability.
You can add in artichokes, onions, chicory, garlic (raw rubbed on toast), and leeks
to your food. They can provide a good foundation of prebiotics through food.

Akermansia (a good guy):

These super beneficial gut bacteria were originally identified in 2004 and are a species of bacteria that helps maintain the gut lining and possesses many other health benefits. Akkermansia
(a really good guy) lives in harmony with you because its job is to strengthen
your gut barrier and keep your immune system working well. It lives on the
mucous layer of your gut lining, making it self-sufficient, and its presence is
associated with healthy individuals. Patients who suffer from irritable bowel
disease tend to have lower levels of these beneficial bacteria. If
Akkermansia is low; you have an increased risk of developing ‘Leaky Gut’.
Xiome 365 is an outstanding supportive product for Leaky Gut with many
other benefits that can help you maintain healthy GI function.

Promote normal digestive function:

The optimal way to keep your digestive system and total body function at 100 percent is by staying
hydrated. It does not matter how many supplements you take. If you are dehydrated and your PH is acidic, maintaining wellness will be difficult. There is a free digital app I routinely recommend to my patients called ‘Plant Nanny’ to help remind them to drink their water throughout the day.  Subsequently, many try to drink tons of water all at once to hydrate, but our body can only absorb about 4 ounces of water every hour. Plant Nanny sends you a nice reminder to take a sip of water and in return, grow a little virtual garden. Your app will show you a skull and crossbones if you do not drink enough water.

Benefits of X20 Water sachets:

For those who add X20™, we know that it is a wonderful
way of drinking healthy water that provides 70 trace minerals
and alkalizes water to 9.5. You will never return to ordinary
water again! I have had so many patients rave about how they
have less pain and less constipation when they start drinking
X2O regularly.

On a Personal note:

I feel honored to be part of Xooma’s Scientific Advisory Board and always look forward to sharing health
information with our listeners on their Health Education calls. Xooma’s excellent reputation, high-quality products, external independent monitoring & testing, and an incredible risk-free, money-back guarantee policy, make Xooma a company you want to purchase supplements from. If you aren’t
already, you may want to consider partnering with Xooma to help your family and friends stay healthy.

For additional health tips from The Olive Leaf, LLC, follow
theoliveleaf_naturalhealth on Instagram. And, if you are interested
in a more in-depth approach to finding the root of your health
issues, you can schedule a remote or in-office appointment by
visiting www.theoliveleaf.com and clicking on the Schedule tab.

 

Yours In Health,
Melissa Bennett, ND
404-997-9989

Deep Cleaning Your Home to Boost Your Health and Wellness

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Photo via Unsplash 

 

Deep Cleaning Your Home to Boost Your Health and Wellness

Looking for ways to brighten up your mood? If so, you should think about giving your home a
good deep cleaning. A clean and tidy home can prevent your family from getting sick and can
also be beneficial to your mental health. If you’re planning on selling your home in the near
future, then a good cleaning will make it that much easier to show your house. Plus, cleaning
your home has several benefits.

The Olive Leaf offers these tips for improving your health and wellness through cleaning:

Simplify Summer Cleaning by Hiring Professionals

If your schedule is pretty slammed or the idea of cleaning your entire home has you stressed,
you may want to think about hiring a cleaning service to help with your cleaning tasks. Having
professionals clean your home may seem like an unnecessary expense, but busy families and
individuals can benefit from having the extra time. Investopedia notes that if you clean your
house regularly, but your home still feels dirty, you might benefit from a cleaning service. A
professional cleaning service will have all of the necessary tools and know-how to help make
your home sparkle and shine.

Schedule a Weekend to Complete a Deep Cleaning

For one reason or another, you might decide that a DIY deep cleaning is the best for your
budget and home. If this is the case and you’re not sure where to start, you can follow these
steps to get germs, grime, and dust out of your home and extra stress out of your family’s life.

Buy The Right Cleaners  (The Olive Leaf recommends purchasing natural cleaners)

Before you begin deep cleaning your home, you need to make sure you have cleaning products
that can help you really get the job done. For example, if you are worried about cutting down on
germs, viruses, and bacteria, then disinfectant products should definitely be on your shopping
list. In addition to sanitizing products, you may also want to pick up a few helpful cleaning tools
that will make cleaning less of a hassle, like dusters and sponges.

Declutter and Organize

After you’ve finished shopping, you can start working on tidying up your home. If you want the
most health benefits for your efforts, begin by decluttering your home. Aside from attracting dust
and germs, clutter in your home can also lead to latent feelings of stress and anxiety. So, take
some time to go through all of your family’s stuff and get it organized. Becoming a Minimalist
recommends donating clothes you’ll never wear, creating a decluttering checklist, and taking
before and after photos of small areas to make your decluttering process easier.

Wipe All Surfaces Down

If you’ve cleared out the clutter and pulled out items from your cabinets and closets, it’s not time
to replace those things just yet. Take some time to wipe down each item you plan on keeping
and the surfaces in those cabinets, pantries, and closets. Also, work on wiping down counters
and other surfaces before you begin putting baskets, bins, and belongings back in their place.
Work from Top to Bottom. Wash Rugs and other fabrics curtains, throw pillows, and rugs can all trap dirt, dust, and bacteria, so it’s a wise idea to clean these items on a regular basis. You can clean these items by hand or throw them into the washer, depending on the size and fabric. Just be sure to read the care instructions to avoid damaging them. If you’re unsure about how to clean fabrics and upholstery in your home, you can also consider getting help, like pro upholstery cleaners.

Cleaning is about more than keeping up appearances. Cleaning your home each season and
keeping up with a cleaning routine in-between can have some major benefits for the health,
safety, and emotional well-being of your entire family.

Another thing to keep in mind as you declutter and clean your home is that it’s always best to
begin with higher surfaces and work your way down. Since harmful dust has a way of getting
trapped on light fixtures, fans, and tops of cabinets, thoroughly clean these areas first. Then,
you can skip back up to the previous step of wiping down counters and surfaces to keep that
dust and any remaining germs from hanging around and potentially making your family sick.

This article is brought to you by The Olive Leaf, where we provide holistic, personalized,
wellness solutions focused on natural healing such as Underlying Metabolic and Hormonal
problems, Nutritional imbalances, and Eating Right for Your Blood Type. Call 404-997-9989
today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our natural wellness programs!

By Tina Martin

Ion Cleanse Detox Interview

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Ion Cleanse Detox Interview with Juanita Barr, Registered Dietician.

 

What is an Ion Cleanse?

For additional information regarding the health benefits of the  Ionic Foot Detox

 

How to Cope with Major Life Changes Caused by COVID-19

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Image via Pexels

 

Change is never easy, but it’s especially challenging when it’s forced upon you by circumstances outside of your control. From job loss and a lack of child care to disrupted routines and isolation, everyone’s daily life has become a far cry from what it once was. However, there are healthy ways to cope with all these changes. The Olive Leaf invites you to read on for ways you can continue to find resilience in response to the many challenges caused by COVID-19.

Finding employment

If you’re one of the millions around the world who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, it can be hard to imagine competing with everyone searching for work, even a year later. The answer may be to not compete at all but to create work for yourself instead. By leveraging the ever-increasing demand for freelance workers, online services, and internet shopping, you can find creative ways to make a living.

You can find many opportunities by visiting freelance job platforms. Simply create a profile, and then individuals or businesses can hire your services. Whether you’re a web designer, website content writer, accountant, or virtual assistant, registering on a freelance job board can be a great way to earn some extra income and even start your own business. In fact, if you’re of a mind to launch a venture.

If you find a job that requires you to move, then you’ll need to find a new place to live. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find an apartment in and around the greater Atlanta area. Many websites allow you to search for apartments by neighborhood, allowing you to find a place to live that’s close — or just down the street! — from your new job.

 

Working from home with kids

Even if you were employed after the pandemic hit, school closures added a whole new level of complexity to getting work done. Many parents struggled to juggle childcare and homeschooling with the demands of their own full-time jobs. Right now, it looks like school will return to an in-person routine; however, if the Delta variant gets worse, we could be right back where we started with homeschooling front and center. In this case, be sure to work together with your partner (if you have one) so that no one is bearing an unsustainable burden. If both partners are employed, both of your careers are important. Work as a team, take turns, and practice good communication so that you’re able to support one another.

 

Disrupted routines

Major disruptions to our daily routines were a huge source of stress, and with pandemic cases rising again, those disruptions could make a swift return. If stopping at the grocery store begins to pose a health and safety risk again, consider contacting local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and food producers to see if they offer delivery or safe pick-up options. Supporting local small businesses can be a great way to move toward healthier and more sustainable food choices.

Exercise is another daily routine that was altered by COVID-19. If you no longer have a gym membership, consider hiking, doing yoga, or starting an online workout routine. Try to embrace new stress-relieving exercise routines rather than attempting to recreate pre-COVID ones.

While there is no roadmap for how to navigate the changes caused by the pandemic, you can create a path that leads you toward health and stability. By finding proactive solutions for employment, childcare, and your daily routines, you’ll be headed in the right direction. Just be sure to reach out for support if you need it.

5 Simple, Effective Ways for Business Owners to Lower Stress Levels 

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At the end of the day, stress and business ownership go hand in hand. Entrepreneurs know this, and they understand that’s what they’re signing up for when they start their own company. However, it’s easy for that stress to become too intense or too persistent. When this happens, you’re at risk for a myriad of health issues, not to mention serious burnout.  

 

The Olive Leaf is dedicated to helping people find wellness solutions that bring health and happiness. The following habits are shockingly effective when it comes to managing stress. Read on for stress-busting inspiration:  

 

  1. Eat Right 

 

One of the simplest ways you can reduce stress is to make sure your body has the vitamins and nutrients it needs to thrive. When we’re well-nourished, our bodies produce fewer stress hormones and have an easier time regulating emotions. There’s a whole world of approaches to meeting your nutritional goals out there, so try some and see what works for you. At the end of the day, if you’re getting protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and veggies, odds are you’re doing right by your body.  

 

If you have trouble sticking with a good nutritional plan, don’t be afraid to give yourself shortcuts. There’s nothing wrong with getting vitamins and nutrients through dietary supplements, for example, as long as they’re legitimate, well-reviewed, and doctor-approved. You can also use meal-prep techniques such as premade smoothie bags to make snacks and mealtimes easier. Little steps that make your day-to-day nutrition goals easier always pay off.  

 

  1. Exercise Daily 

 

Exercise is one of the single most effective tools when it comes to reducing stress and anxiety. Our bodies are meant to move, but in our ever-more sedentary lives, opportunities for movement are few and far between. That’s why it’s so important to make an active effort to exercise every day. In doing so, we help regulate our energy levels and avoid building up anxious energy by accident.  

 

The best way to stay active is to work on figuring out what kind of exercise excites you. Think back to when you were a kid: You didn’t run around the playground to burn off energy; you did it because it was fun. Try to tap into that same energy now by trying dance workouts, joining a casual sports team, or even indulging in a throwback to childhood such as skating or hula-hooping.  

 

  1. Get Enough Rest 

 

Rest and recovery are exercise’s natural companions, and you must have both in order to achieve wellness. Entrepreneurs have an abundance of drive and passion, but it can sometimes lead them to run themselves into the ground. It’s extremely important to take time to rest, both for physical health and emotional well-being. ZenBusiness even notes that vacation has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce stress.  

 

  1. Schedule Downtime 

 

Although getting at least seven hours of sleep a night is a good start, it’s not just bedtime you should be concerned about. It’s also vital to have downtime during your day. If you spend every waking minute focused on work or betterment, you’re going to wear yourself out. Be sure to work in time to engage in a creative hobby or enjoy a leisurely walk.  

 

  1. Set Specific Goals 

 

Entrepreneurs, on the whole, tend to be goal-oriented people. You can use that skill in your personal life just as well as you can in your professional one. Come up with specific, achievable goals that will help you develop stress-busting habits. For example, they could be centered on the topics above or on other stress busters such as meditation, reading, or committing to a creative hobby.  

 

At the end of the day, your goals should be centered on actions you can take, not the results you want to see. Though you can track your results to see what’s working, you can’t guarantee what will or won’t happen when you commit to a specific stress-management tool. By taking specific actions and observing their results, you can figure out how to effectively manage stress, making it easier to take your entrepreneurial goals by storm.  

 

Photo Credit: Pexels 

 

Take Better Care of Your Digestive Health

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5 Things You Can Do Now to Take Better Care of Your Digestive Health

Digestive health problems, like heartburn, gas, and bloating, are pretty common. But when you are living with these issues, it can feel like your world is ruled by your stomach. Finding a good solution usually means making lifestyle changes that reduce your symptoms and make life more manageable. So, if you struggle with digestive discomfort, try changing your habits to include these stomach-friendly fixes.

 

Take a Look at What You Eat

 A lot of digestion problems can be solved by paying closer attention to what you eat. Processed foods and fatty meals can lead to heartburn and bloating, so sticking to a clean diet of whole foods is the best choice for your digestion. If you have a busy schedule, however, shopping for healthy options can be a challenge. One idea is to look into food delivery services in your area to help keep your kitchen stocked with fresh fruits and veggies.

You may also want to include fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut on your list to add some gut-healthy probiotics. Keeping your gut healthy is vital for your entire health, because the microbes that live in your gut perform different functions. For example, Akkermansia helps to boost metabolism, Lactobacillus aids the digestive and immune systems, and Bifidobacterium can treat gastrointestinal problems. In order to keep these microbes functioning efficiently, you should definitely pay attention to what you eat.

 

Be Careful About How You Eat, Too

 When it comes to digestive health, how you eat can be as important as what you eat. While grazing has become a popular weight-loss tactic, this may not be the best option if you have any chronic digestive issues. Grazing can make symptoms worse if you struggle with bloating or keeping your digestive tract in check. But overeating doesn’t help either. When you do eat a big meal, try going for a walk to help calm your tummy down. Getting your body moving can aid digestion, but keep activity gentle immediately after a meal to prevent further upset.

 

Eliminate Any Problem Foods

 Sometimes digestive health issues may be the result of certain foods you are still including in your diet. Many of these foods are even considered part of a clean, healthy diet, so you may be shocked to hear that they can cause issues for your digestive system. Some common stomach culprits include nuts, seeds, legumes, and even whole grains. Sensitivities to these foods may cause you to bloat, have gas, or experience constipation after consuming them. If you think your diet may be the source of your discomfort, try eliminating potentially problematic foods one at a time, or all together, to see if your symptoms improve. You should aim to eliminate foods for at least three weeks for optimal results.

 

Use a Journal to Track Symptoms

 Tracking your symptoms is an important step in determining the source of your digestive troubles and can even help your doctor determine if your symptoms are the result of a chronic digestive disorder, like IBS or celiac disease. You can use a journal to track what and when you eat, as well as how you feel afterward, or you can make things even easier with a gut health app. Apps like Bowelle and Cara allow you to track your diet and symptoms on the go, and have your results with you to discuss with your doctor.

 

Improve Your Nightly Sleep Habits

 This may come as a surprise, but your digestive health is closely connected to how well you sleep at night. Gastrointestinal discomfort disrupts sleep in people who live with IBD, GERD, and frequent heartburn, but a lack of sleep can lead you to eat more foods that make your stomach problems worse. It’s a painful cycle, but you can find relief by using simple tips to help you get better sleep. Set up a regular sleep schedule and use an alarm to make yourself get in bed at the same time each night. You should also be careful what you eat before bed. Avoid anything that’s fatty, spicy, or caffeinated that can make your symptoms worse and keep you from falling asleep.

 

Making changes to your diet, daily routine, and sleep habits is the simplest way to find relief from common digestive health issues. If these fixes don’t work or if your symptoms become worse, it also may be time to see a doctor. Proper digestion is important for your overall health, so don’t let it become a major problem in your life.

 

 

Photo Credit: Pixabay

 

 

Thankfulness

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I heard a message that inspired me to create this template on Thankfulness. Many times we program ourselves through repetitive negative thoughts and slowly over time our personality conforms to these established patterns. This is a sneaky way the enemy comes in to seek, steal and destroy our trust in the Lord. In order to break this cycle we need to set ourselves apart from the pattern in order to reestablish our belief systems within the context of God’s word.

The Bible says in Thessalonians 5:18 “to give thanks in all circumstance; for this is His will in Messiah Yeshua.” The Lord also say’s in Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” We need to know in our heart of hearts that He is with us, He is for us and not against us even if we do not feel He is there. It is not always easy to make a decision to be Thankful in the midst of tragedy, trials, injustice, or sickness but by the power of choice and by Gods grace, He will give us the power of God to do the will of God. So making a decision to fast negativity is not easy but can be done by making a daily choice and taking action.

For the next 21 days to fast from the following 5 things:

  • Complaining
  • Murmuring
  • Gossip
  • Negative Internal talk
  • Holding offensives against others

And thank God and thank others as much as possible. If you find yourself slipping, which we all do just ask God to help you have a Thankful heart and continue to give thanks for everything positive that He has provided for you.

Take some time outdoors to get outside of yourself and your circumstance and breath deeply, be thankful for the oxygen He has provided, the trees He has created, the sunset and sunrise. Anything that you see that was created by Him for you.

Look at your family (even the ones you cannot stand) and realize they were all created by Him and are connected to you. Work on seeing them as a child through His eyes and not your own. This can be very difficult especially if there is hurt or rejection involved. Search for any positive qualities about this person and be thankful.

Thank Him for the Ruach Hakodesh (the Holy Spirit) which He as given to you as a comforter. Take refuge in this covering which will allow you to release your fears, worries and anxiety. Picture yourself as a child of God enveloped in His eternal embrace just holding you and protecting you from any harm.

Express appreciation for those around you even if its for the smallest things. My daughter Brittany has a wonderful bumper sticker which says “Do Small Things With Great Love” because when you think about it nothing is really small when done in love. By doing so we stir each other to fulfill the will of God in each of our lives.

Remember faith is waiting on God to move not only for yourself, but also for others. He will move, He always does and He always will.
I attend a Messianic temple Beth Hallel in Roswell and as Rabbi Robert once said “When you feel like your at the end of your rope just tie a knot and hold on because the Lord will pull you back up” He is always on time.

Gratitude is a decision of will and it takes work. Abraham Lincoln once said “We can complain that the rose-bush has thorns or rejoice that the thorn-bush has roses.” May you be blessed during the next 21 days of thankfulness and may God deliver you from all fear and anxiety. May he shower you with His Love and Grace abundantly overflowing and provide you with his Shalom in any and all circumstance.

Yours In Health,

Melissa Bennett, ND

Healthy Lifestyle Living Tips to Keep You Feeling Great as Senior

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Photo via Unsplash

Understanding your health needs and striving to meet them is an important part of being a senior. Maintaining your health through simple lifestyle choices will minimize age-related decline and help you live a long and happy life. Whether you want to stave off illness, maintain your independence, or wake up feeling good each and every day, here are some great ways you can meet your health goals.

 

Keep Your Meals Healthy

 

Eating healthy can be difficult when you’re homebound. Fortunately, technology has made it simple for anyone to stick to healthy meal plans by allowing ingredients and ready-made meals to arrive right at your door. Shop your local grocery store from the comfort of your own home. Or, use meal delivery services to receive ingredients for wholesome meals that only require some simple cooking. Alternatively, bring a smartphone app shopping list with you to the grocery store to ensure you only pick up the healthy foods you intended.

 

Eating healthy will ensure your organs, muscles, bones, immune system, and brain remain free from health issues and function optimally as you age. You need many essential nutrients to support these functions including fiber, protein, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and omega 3’s. Aim to eat a rainbow of colorful fruits and veggies, as well as plenty of lean protein, to ensure you’re getting all of these nutrients from your diet.

 

Get More Quality Sleep

 

Seniors tend to get much less sleep than younger adults, often suffering from higher rates of insomnia and other sleep disorders. However, The National Sleep Foundation explains that most sleep issues experienced by seniors are due to illnesses and the medications used to treat them. This is unfortunate, since getting quality sleep is key to feeling good during the day. If you experience daytime fatigue and have trouble sleeping at night, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about how medications or psychological conditions may be affecting your sleep. Doctors will be able to help you pinpoint and address any health issues that may be contributing to your poor sleep, including obstructive sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.

 

Exercise Safely

 

Ensure you make time to exercise every day, striving for a combination of cardio, flexibility, and strength training. Exercise will help you improve flexibility, bone density, and balance to prevent injury from falls. It will also reduce the woes of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain. It’s important that you exercise safely so you don’t get hurt. Chair squats and wall push-ups are joint-friendly ways to strengthen both your upper and lower body. If you’re doing yoga for practicing flexibility, keep a chair nearby for support. This will keep you from falling if you lose balance. Another great idea is to head to your local pool to do aquatic exercises for a safe, full-body workout.

 

Socialize More Often

 

According to Bethesda Health Group, being social is one of the keys to healthy aging. For one thing, it helps keep your mind sharp and reduces your risk of dementia. Socializing has also been found to stave off depression and stress. To get connected with people, pursue your hobbies and passions within your community. Find out if there are groups you can join where you can participate in activities with others who share your interests. Senior centers are wonderful places for engaging with people while playing mentally stimulating games or setting up group outings.

 

Stimulate Your Mind with Hobbies

 

Hobbies have numerous benefits for seniors, from beating boredom to improving cognitive functioning. Try to pick up hobbies that challenge your mental abilities to enhance your memory and problem-solving skills. Learning to speak a new language or play an instrument are fantastic options. Other hobbies such as gardening, knitting and painting are more meditative and perfect options for soothing a stressed mind.

 

Don’t wait until you feel unhealthy to start making changes to your lifestyle. Being preventive about aging will help you tackle the sources of illness and pain before they become a problem for you. These healthy habits will soon become second nature as you work to maintain your quality of life well into your golden years.

Clean 15 / Dirty Dozen

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When I give my health talks across the country I am asked which foods should be purchased organic and which ones are okay to consume without being labeled organic.  The following list contains the dirty dozen and the clean 15.  According to the PDP, 99.5% of samples tested had residues “well below” the EPA’s established tolerances, and 22% had no detectable pesticide residue.  I always recommend washing your fruits and veggies with an organic spray cleaner from the health food store or use a vinegar and water combination.  I also recommend trying to find fruits and veggies which are in season and look for local farmers or farmers markets to purchase from to help your local economy.  

The group identified the following items on its “Dirty Dozen” list of produce with the most pesticide residue:   

  • Strawberries 
  • Spinach 
  • Nectarines 
  • Apples 
  • Grapes 
  • Peaches 
  • Cherries 
  • Pears 
  • Tomatoes 
  • Celery 
  • Potatoes 
  • Sweet Bell Peppers 

Here are the items the EWG identified for its “Clean 15,” which report the least likelihood to contain pesticide residue. 

  • Avocados 
  • Sweet Corn 
  • Pineapples 
  • Cabbages 
  • Onions 
  • Sweet Peas 
  • Papayas 
  • Asparagus 
  • Mangoes 
  • Eggplants 
  • Honeydews 
  • Kiwis 
  • Cantaloupes 
  • Cauliflower 
  • Broccoli 

5 Things Every Senior Can Do To Sleep Well at Night

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If we aged like the main character in the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” then our later years would mean sleeping 10-12 hours through the night. Unfortunately, only toddlers and college students are able to sleep that long without interruption. Seniors who have likely spent most of their adult lives sleep-deprived probably don’t want to spend the rest of their lives tossing and turning at night.  

 Adults should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep nightly, and many of us aren’t meeting that requirement. Here are five things you can do to get a more restful sleep. 

1. Diet and Exercise 

 Let’s examine the link between diet, exercise and sleep. Diet and exercise are important for a good sleep, but sleep is also important for healthy weight management. Sleep regulates moods, energy and brain function. Sleep allows your food to digest while the rest of your body is able to rest. Lack of sleep can also raise your cortisol levels, which can lead to belly fat. Weight gain can then lead to type 2 diabetes. 

 The types of food you eat can make an impact on your sleep. A healthy diet affects your brain activity, thereby affecting your sleep. As a result, your body’s nightly functions are linked to your sleep. You don’t want to go to bed hungry, but you don’t want to go to bed full either. A full stomach still has to digest and digestion interrupts your sleep. Exercise reduces your stress and makes your tired, leading to better sleep. 

2. What You Sleep On 

Your mattress and pillow can mean a solid night of sleep or a restless one. One thing you don’t want to skimp on is a good mattress, whether it’s orthopedic, memory foam, or pillow top. Your pillow matters too, as it controls your neck positioning and posture. Some pillows can be too soft, while others can be too firm. If you’re waking up with a stiff neck on some mornings, then it might be your pillow. Your pillow should provide neck support without making you bend or extend in uncomfortable ways. Invest in a good pillow that feels right for you and remember to replace it when it loses shape. 

3. Lighting 

Lighting affects your circadian rhythm, which tells your body when to sleep and wake up. Blue light from electronic devices can signal the body to stop producing the melatonin that helps you sleep. LED lights can also be glaring, but incandescent bulbs have a soothing effect. Consider changing the lighting in your bedroom to help prepare your body to rest. 

4. Talk to your doctor 

 A medical issue, prescription medication or supplement that you’re taking could be causing insomnia and restless sleep. Speak to your doctor if you’re having problems sleeping. She or he may be able to treat the issue, switch you to a different medication, or offer an alternative solution to the problem. 

If you’re not living near your loved ones, this might be a good time to purchase a senior-friendly tablet to keep long-distance family apprised of your medical issues though email or video chat. Doing so will allow you to contact multiple family members simultaneously when your medical plan changes. 

5. Prepare Your Body and Brain for Sleep   

Besides establishing a nightly routine, there are many ways to prepare for sleep. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t consume stimulants close to bedtime, but as mentioned above, food and drinks in general should be avoided. Drinking water too close to bedtime could interrupt your sleep for bathroom breaks. Set the thermostat at a comfortable level so you’re not waking up uncomfortably hot or cold during the night. Put away that tablet, television and other mobile devices before bedtime so your body can produce melatonin without the interference of blue light. Avoid work or mental activity close to bedtime so your brain isn’t on overdrive when you’re trying to shut it off. Think relaxing thoughts and take deep breaths.

Let your senior years be your most peaceful and stress-free. You’ve suffered through so many years of inadequate sleep that now is the time to catch up. You’ll be able to enjoy your waking hours more if your slumber is complete. 

 

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Benefits of Alkaline Water (X20) and FocusUP Sample Pack

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X2O Alkaline water sachet (Xooma Worldwide)

The alkaline water sachet actually comes directly from a coral reef which is located 300 feet below the ocean and contains 70 trace minerals which are so beneficial to our health.  The coral reef has the same mineral composition as our bones which is amazing and probably why I no longer have osteopenia which I had after finishing 2 years of chemo and radiation therapy and given at 45% chance of survival 16 years ago.  The minerals are minimally processed and placed into a natural sachet made out of birch tree (No bleach)  Our soil is depleted of trace minerals we are down 84% from 100 years ago and but they are numerous in the ocean. The minerals alkalize your water to 9.5 which is very important. Dr. Warburg won a Nobel prize for discovering cancer has a hard time surviving in an alkaline body.

THE ROOT CAUSE OF CANCER – Noble prize Winner Dr. Otto H Warburg . Dr. Warburg has devoted his life to study the causes of cancer.
“All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen – a rule without exception. “Deprive a cell 35% of its oxygen for 48 hours and it may become cancerous.” Dr. Warburg has made it clear that the root cause of cancer is oxygen deficiency, which creates an acidic state in the human body. Dr Warburg also discovered that cancer cells are anaerobic (do not breathe oxygen) and cannot survive in the presence of high levels of oxygen, as found in an alkaline state.

Most bottled water when tested has a PH of less than 5, Diet coke is 1.5 and Coke is 2.5  (The sachet will blow up a diet coke)  Absorption is 300 times better than regular water because the water has a negative ION charge from the trace minerals which attract to our cells which have positive charge so absorption is better. Negative IONS are very healing for the body.  The sachet is considered a filtration device in other countries because it can remove chlorine from water immediately after dropping it in chlorinated water (you can test this with OT drops) 

I personally feel the contents in the sachet is beneficial for our bodies to help us stay mineralized, alkalized and hydrated.

According to the Truth About Cancer which you can find online Cancer is related to a toxic environment internally and externally, so personally I believe using X20 provides daily cleansing by providing optimal hydration.

Directions

You will use 2 sachets per day in 4 bottles of filtered water. After placing the sachet in the water bottle shake for 10 seconds and you can use again on the second refill. After the second use you can place the sachet in your plants to help them grow.

 

FocusUP – The Pure Energy Think-Drink

FocusUP is setting the new standard for energy products. It is uniquely formulated with internationally-researched energetic nutrients and botanical ingredients that are designed to improve focus, memory, mood, concentration and mental performance. Available in both capsules and a great tasting drink, FocusUP gives you the right kind of energy boost with none of the unhealthy byproducts and side effects of today’s popular energy drinks.

Benefits of FocusUP

  • Specialized ingredients – that improve focus, memory, mood, concentration and mental performance
  • Long-lasting energy boost – without the jitters and energy crashes associated with today’s popular energy drinks and shots
  • NO artificial flavors – sweeteners, colors, preservatives, acidic carbonation, sucrose or fructose with just 10 calories per serving
Directions

You have received a packet of focus up capsules and powder packets in your Xooma sample packet.  I recommend trying the powder which can be added to your xooma bottle along with your X20 one day and use the capsules on a separate day to see which one is most beneficial for you.

For additional information you can visit www.xoomapro.com (I can provide a 50.00 gift card toward specific purchases.

To order additional products please visit www.xooma.com/theoliveleaf

 

 

Healthy Eating Habits for Busy Women: A Guide for Total Beginners

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay by freepht

When it comes to eating healthy, most of us are completely lost and confused. A recent study found that over half of all Americans are so overwhelmed when making healthier food choices, they would literally find it easier to do their own taxes. No wonder 1 in 4 people consume fast food at least one meal per day!

 

Unfortunately, one fast food meal alone can contain an entire day’s worth of calories – or more! Not to mention, diets consisting of large amounts of fast food and junk food have been contributing to a wide range of chronic (and even deadly) health conditions.

Here’s just a handful of the diseases, illnesses, and other medical conditions that have been associated with poor eating habits:

  • high cholesterol
  • high blood pressure
  • obesity
  • heart disease
  • stroke
  • breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma
  • reproductive and fertility issues
  • certain types of cancer

 

According to CDC data, many of the diet-related health conditions above can also be found on the list of the top 10 leading causes of death among American women. In addition, women in particular are at risk of certain reproductive problems, such as endometrial cancer or breast cancer, and fertility issues, including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Given the impact our diet has on our health, it’s understandable that many people are interested in healthier eating habits. Of course, many of these same people have no idea where to start.

If you’ve ever felt perplexed by food and nutrition, this article is for you. Here are some tips for any busy woman on how to overcome the daily grind by finding small ways to gradually improve nutrition and overall health:

Nutrition Issues

As we all know, healthy eating habits play a big role in improving our overall health and wellness. One very simple way to start improving your overall health is by making sure you are drinking enough water. Another tip is to make wise choices in swapping foods. For instance, you can reduce your caffeine intake (and save money) by skipping the Starbucks latte and drinking a cup of herbal tea instead. You should also avoid fad diets and instead focus on making small lifestyle changes each day at a time, which lead to more permanent behavior patterns.

 Other Ways to Boost Your Health

When in comes to improving your overall health, it’s important to realize that there are many factors to health and wellness. Nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. You should also consider how your mental health, emotional well-being, stress from work, exercise habits, and any possible relationship issues might be impacting your overall physical health. Try to work on any relationship issues and begin implementing stress-reduction techniques to gradually improve your overall health in all areas of your life.

In Conclusion

Even if you currently feel unsure of where to begin when it comes to making healthier decisions, remind yourself that we all start somewhere. It’s never too late to begin down the path to better overall health – and by incorporating the small steps listed above, you’ll already be on the right track to a healthier lifestyle.

 

The Effects of Gut Health on Depression: A Review of The Literature

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 The Effects of Gut Health on Depression: A Review of The Literature Brittany Cutler, The University of Georgia  Introduction Major depressive disorder includes the presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood along with cognitive changes that significantly affect an individuals’ capacity to function. In the United States, major depressive disorder has potential onset at any […]

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Best Fall Foods for Health and Weight Loss

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Melissa Bennett ND contributed this AJC article. Please check out this link.

Best Fall Foods for Health and Weight Loss

 

Mesothelioma Awareness

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Immune System and Cancer

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Allergies

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With recent news of the EpiPen increasing to approximately $600.00 per year, allergies are in the headlines. According to research allergies affect as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children. Allergic disease, including asthma, is the fifth leading chronic disease in the U.S. in people of all ages. Allergies not only disrupt our lives, but ultimately keep our immune system in a state of constant hyperactivity.

Allergies and Stress

I personally feel allergies and stress or deeply connected. I remember the day I visited my veterinary friend’s practice and fell deeply in love with the clinic kitty “Smokey”. He was a beautiful silver grey cat and if he had been human, he definitely would have been a handsome underwear model!  He looked at me and I was his. This day he adopted me and I took him home.

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By the time I got him into my house, my eyes were swollen and I could hardly see…sadly I had to bring him back to the office.  Several weeks later, I am visiting my friend and there he is again…this time he would not take his eyes off of me and I could not resist trying to take him home once again. To my surprise, I had absolutely no reaction to him the second time. Now over the past 7 years I occasionally have a flare up but it soon dissipates.  So what happened?

“Allergies” are the immune system overreacting to benign substances. Individuals who suffer from allergies do so as a result of a genetic susceptibility combined with nutritional and environmental influences. Our bodies are exposed to so many internal and external chemicals each year. They come in the form of air pollution, pesticides, toxic household cleaners, and industrial contaminants. It is not surprising that at times our immune system is overwhelmed and confused by this toxic load. Epidemiological studies have shown that all types of allergic diseases are more common in polluted than in unpolluted areas. So the fact I was allergic to Smokey at one time and not at another confirms that my body was in a state of stress and could not handle one more stressor at that point.

What does one do?

From a naturopathic viewpoint, decreasing exposure to the cause is the first step to treating allergies and asthma. The next step is identifying any and all food sensitivities. Most people have some food sensitivities, and when we decrease the immune reactivity in one area of the body, it helps decrease in other areas as well. This basically says that any decrease in the overall allergenic load will decrease full body symptom expression. Since we can control what we put in our mouths, this is the first place to start after removing evident toxic chemicals from our foods. A great book to read regarding chemicals in our food is the Dorito Effect By Mark Schatzker. This book has a very cool cover of floating Doritos which will grab your attention.

Our goal through nutrition is to decrease histamine, decrease inflammation, and increase anti-allergic substances in our diet. Foods high in histamine which should be avoided are cheese, some wines, and certain kinds of fish such as tuna and mackerel.

Foods that should be included in your diet are anti-oxidant rich foods and essential fatty acids. Anti-oxidants are high in green, red and yellow vegetables, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, and Brazil nuts. Essential fatty acids are present in flaxseed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, grass fed animals, and cold water fish. Onion and garlic are particularly antiallergenic because they inhibit inflammatory enzymes. Of course even healthy foods can sometimes cause a food intolerance. Therefore it is good to give your body a break from these foods for a certain time to allow a “rest” period from specific foods which show up on an allergy test.

Services

The Olive Leaf provides several avenues for eliminating inflammatory foods and chemicals…

  • Food sensitivity testing such as Alcat or Alletess will specifically tell you what foods and chemicals should be eradicated from your diet for a period of time and reintroduced in a rotational diet.
  • The blood type/genotype program is not a food sensitivity panel.  Howevert it does show foods that cause inflammation in the body in relation to certain lectins within each food group.
  • Shaped Reclaimed Program consists of only anti-inflammatory food choices and a dietary guideline to follow to decrease inflammation in the body.
  • Detoxification programs that eliminate foods and strengthen the liver which in turn help isolate food intolerances.

If you are interested in any of these programs, please schedule a consultation and we will be happy to discuss the best option for you or your loved one.

Probiotics

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I know many of you are familiar with probiotics, but I want to give you a brief history of the origin as well as an overview of the benefits of what probiotics have to offer you and your family.

The history of probiotics started in the early 20th century, a scientist Elie Metchnikoff (the father of probiotics) discovered that a particular group of people who lived in rural Bulgaria was living to very old ages even though they were living in poverty and very harsh climates. Elie theorized that health could be enhanced and senility delayed by manipulating the intestinal microbiome with host-friendly bacteria found in sour milk. Scientists at this time did not support his hypothesis, and he endured much opposition, particularly from scientists who claimed that only body fluids and soluble substances in the blood (antibodies)—and not cells—destroyed invading microorganisms.  This view was known as the humoral theory of immunity. For the next 50 years this was considered mainstream, but in the 1940s scientists began to reexamine the role cells play in fighting off infections. Eventually, Metchnikoff’s theory of cellular immunity was vindicated when aspects of both schools of thought became integrated into the modern understanding of immunity. Metchnikoff devoted the last decade of his life to investigating means of increasing human longevity and advocating the consumption of lactic acid-producing bacteria.  It is ironic that many ideas in health care came about from those who questioned “mainstream” and sought after wisdom to gain knowledge.  Due to the diligence of Elie Metchnikoff, we were introduced to the wonderful world of probiotics!

The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word pro, meaning “promoting,” and biotic, meaning “life.”  When one thinks of beneficial bacteria, it can be a little difficult to understand.  How can bacteria be beneficial especially when many take antibiotics to kill bacterial infections and our world is consumed with antibacterial lotions and soaps!  It would appear that we are in a constant all-consuming battle to kill the ever-present bacteria invading our lives.  It is true that the wrong bacteria in the wrong place can cause problems…

personally, I have not taken an antibiotic in 20 years but as I sit here writing this letter I am currently on an antibiotic which is helping my big toe who injured itself (from no fault of my own) while I was hiking down Stone Mountain last week!  The inflammation and severe pain subsided after starting the medication, and I was greatly relieved to see my big toe not be as big and the color going back down to the lovely pale pink and not the screaming red of bacterial infection.  Antibiotics are “anti-microbial” therefore; they are on a mission to wipe out any source of bacteria “good” or “bad” to complete their job. I am glad to say me and my toe are happy to have them!

Unfortunately, according to the CDC overuse and misuse of antibiotics can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Every time a person takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria (bacteria that antibiotics can still attack) are killed, but resistant bacteria are left to grow and multiply.  Repeated use of antibiotics can increase the number of drug-resistant bacteria. Antibiotics have also been prescribed and are not effective against viral infections like the common cold, flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections. Widespread use of antibiotics for these illnesses is an example of how overuse of antibiotics can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

I feel probiotics have the greatest impact from a preventative standpoint.  We all have an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms representing more than 500 different species inhabit every normal, healthy bowel. These microorganisms (or microflora) do not make us sick; most are helpful. These Gut-dwelling bacteria keep pathogens which are harmful microorganisms in check. They also aid digestion and nutrient absorption and contribute to immune function.  The problem occurs when these flora get out of balance. If you’re dealing with any of the following, you might have an unhealthy gut:

Gastrointestinal:

We all have different standards of what is to be considered “normal” with our digestive system.  But certain issues especially those that are chronic can have a considerable impact on our health and quality of life.  The following is a short list of conditions that may indicate your gut is out of balance.

•    Gas

•    Bloating

•    Heartburn/acid reflux

•    Diarrhea

•    Constipation

•    Irritable Bowel Syndrome

•    Irritable Bowel Disease (including Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis)

Mental Issues

Your Gut is your second brain! Have you ever felt that deep sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach? The feeling you are having is a visceral reaction to emotion.  So it makes sense that the health of your gut affects the health of your brain. Your gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as Gaba and Serotonin, in fact, 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut which is responsible for appetite, mood, sleep and relaxation.  Studies are now showing the correlation between people with certain mental disorders and disturbances within their gut bacteria.

•    Depression and anxiety

•    Brain fog

•    OCD

•    Autism

•    Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Nutritional Deficiencies

A healthy gut also plays an important role when it comes to helping your body produce and synthesize vitamins and minerals. When your gut bacteria is out of balance, your body has a harder time getting enough of the following essential vitamins and minerals.  I provide micronutrient testing in my practice to identify depleted nutrients.  If there is an excessive amount of nutrient imbalance, we offer testing to check the microflora and SIGA levels of the gut to see what is out of balance.

•    Vitamin D

•    Vitamin K

•    Vitamin B12 and B7

•    Magnesium

Antibiotics

Correctly using Antibiotics are beneficial.   Using them incorrectly can create issues. Antibiotics used in the food industry on factory-farmed animals. They are prescribed for viral infections and are not useful.  Antibiotics wipe out bad bacteria, but they also wipe out many of the good bacteria in the gut that are essential for your health. Research also suggests that good bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics and do not replace themselves unless you intervene.

Chronic, Unmanaged Stress

•    Unmanaged stress raises cortisol levels, which can stop the gut from working properly. If you’ve been stressed for the past few months (or years, or decades) but haven’t acted to manage your stress, you’re more likely to have an unhealthy gut.

Skin Conditions

The skin is your largest organ, and it can reflect what is happening inside your body.  The problem isn’t with the skin itself; It can be due to unbalanced flora. If you have any of these skin conditions,  You may want to look inside to help the outside.

•    Acne

•    Rosacea

•    Psoriasis

•    Eczema

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases can be difficult to manage because the body is attacking itself and autoimmune disease hard to diagnose for many doctors. Research is emerging linking autoimmune diseases to an unhealthy gastrointestinal system. Balancing your gut flora is a foundational approach which may help relieve symptoms, If you’re dealing with any of the following.

•    Hashimoto’s

•    Rheumatoid arthritis

•    Inflammatory bowel disease

The good news is that a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that you can treat and even prevent some illnesses with foods and supplements containing certain kinds of live bacteria. Northern Europeans consume a lot of these beneficial microorganisms, called probiotics because of their tradition of eating foods fermented with bacteria, such as yogurt. Probiotic-laced beverages are also big business in Japan.  The United States has jumped on board the Probiotic bandwagon and now almost every yogurt commercial praises the benefits of probiotics and its amazing ability to help with our immune system. Some digestive disease specialists are recommending them for disorders that frustrate conventional medicine, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Since the mid-1990s, clinical studies suggest that probiotic therapy can help treat several gastrointestinal ills, delay the development of allergies in children, and treat and prevent vaginal and urinary infections in women.  Other GI issues such as diarrhea (studies in children and infants showed that probiotics reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 60% when compared to a placebo) I have used probiotics to help those with chronic sinus infections as well as those with yeast infections.

Probiotics are safe because they’re already present in a healthy digestive system but, it is important to know that not all probiotics are the same. Health benefits are strain-specific, but not all strains are useful.  Also, manufacturers are responsible for making sure they are safe and efficient.  Manufacturers are also accountable to list the types of bacteria listed on a label are true. In the United States, most probiotics are sold as dietary supplements, which do not undergo the testing and approval process so make sure your probiotic is provided by a reliable source.  The Olive Leaf only carries the highest quality supplements. Please check out our online store and our affiliates. If you are interested in ordering a probiotic please contact our office and we will be happy to make suggestions. If you are a family member are suffering from any of the conditions listed in this newsletter you may want to consider adding a probiotic into your daily routine to maintain balance within your digestive system which in turn will help your body function to the best of its potential.

breathing

Deep Breathing Exercises

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The following is a list of breathing exercises that are effective.  I also like pillow breathing — Just lay on your back with a throw pillow on your abdomen you can inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth 3 or 4 times while watching the pillow rise and fall with each breath. You can start with 3 or 4 and work up from there.

This is also a great website for meditation. I feel breathing is very important to help calm the mind.  God breathed His life into us and He has placed everything here for our healing. Breathing air properly will help us reset our sympathetic nervous system.

http://guidedchristianmeditation.com/537/meditation/help-for-anxiety-try-this-breathing-meditation-technique/

This is the breathing exercise from Dr. Andrew Weil

Exercise 2:

The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise
This exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

·         Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.

·         Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.

·         Hold your breath for a count of seven.

·         Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.

·         This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.

 

Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens – before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. This exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it.

 

Yours In Health,

Melissa Bennett, ND

 

Skin Brushing

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Skin brushing is a wonderful way to open up an area of elimination through the largest organ in the body “You’re Skin”! Shedding of skin is a natural process which our bodies are constantly doing. Skin brushing is a highly effective technique for assisting the lymphatic system and boosting circulation. The following are guidelines to help you get started: Always use a “Natural Bristle” Brush such as Bass which you can find in your local health food store. If you use the script I gave Eileen you will receive 10% off the purchase.
 Directions for Skin Brushing
  1. Skin brushing should be done before showering.
  2. Brush in long firm strokes towards the heart.
  3. You can use a chair or your bathtub to prop one foot up at a time.
  4. Brush firmly under the sole of the foot and move up and all around the leg.
  5. Repeat on the other foot and leg.
  6. Gently brush the hips and buttocks ( these areas may turn slightly pink)
  7. Brush your hands and arms (remember always away from your extremities)
  8. Stroke your belly in a clockwise direction (to follow the flow of the colon)
  9. Brush up the sides of your ribs.
  10.  Brush up under the breasts (Ladies, be aware of the consistency of your breasts as you do this).
  11. Brush under your chin and down the top ribs, then reach behind with the long handle and scrub your back as thoroughly as possible.
  12.  Brush shoulders.
  13.  You can also us a small soft brush for your face if you choose to do so.
When your body starts to detoxify you may release toxins that have been stored in the colon or in fats cells which can create a variety of reactions. These reactions do not occur with everyone but some may experience a slight headache, mild depression and fatigue. Your skin may break out as toxins are eliminated. The symptoms are usually of short duration and the following can be used to help alleviate them:
      1. Drink more water to flush toxins through the kidneys.
     2.   Make sure you are eating well with whole  foods and avoiding processed.
  1. Use bentonite (clay) baths to pull toxins through the skin. These baths may be taken twice daily: use ½ cup of liquid clay in a tub of warm (Not Hot) water and soak for 20 minutes. After rinse in the shower.
  1. If PH is acidic you can also use 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of ebson salt and 2 ginger capsules to soak in for 20 min and then shower.

Oil Swishing

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Have you tried Oil Swishing? This method of detoxification is quite inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. This form of alternative healing is derived from Ayveredic medicine and has been practiced for thousands of years in India.
Instructions
 
The person rinses their mouth with approximately one tablespoon of oil (sesame and sunflower oils are the most recommended) for 15−20 minutes on an empty stomach (preferably first thing in the morning, before eating/drinking), then spits it out. This procedure is typically performed daily. The oil is put in the mouth, with chin tilted up, and slowly swished, sucked, chomped and pulled through the teeth. The oil changes from yellow and oily consistency to a thin, white foam before spitting out. The mouth is rinsed out well after the procedure and followed by 2 – 3 glasses of water.
 
Precautions
 
1. Oil should not be swallowed or gargled.
2. Oil pulling should be attempted only on empty stomach to avoid vomiting.
Benefits
 
Proponents assert that the procedure reduces plaque and gingivitis, which they claim leads to whitening of teeth and fastening of loose teeth.
How it works
 
Oil Pulling claims a lot of benefits; each individual has their own level of results.
1. Some practitioners believe the tongue is an indicator of what is going on in the body. By examining the tongue and its color, it is possible to pass a judgment on the condition of the patient and the nature of the ailment. Just as the skin is known as a very good organ for excreting waste and toxins, it is claimed that the tongue also is a key organ in eliminating toxins and harmful microbes from the body. According to this life science, the tongue is mapped by organ-locations — that is, each section of the tongue is connected to the kidneys, lungs, spleen, liver, heart, pancreas, small intestines, stomach, colon, and spine. Oil swishing eliminates toxins from the whole body through the tongue
2. Sublingual absorption through the tongue is more efficient and faster in some cases. Some hormone replacement therapy products and vitamin supplement products take advantage of this method. Trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, hormones and other chemicals in the oil might be absorbed into the body, and circulated to various body parts, through the tongue. Phyto-chemicals in oil and oil seeds have been shown to reduce cholesterol, fight cancer, treat hormone related imbalance like acne and improve the mood. The List of phytochemicals and foods in which they are prominent include Phytoestrogens and Phytosterol in soybean, sesame oil,sunflower seeds

 

How is a Castor Oil Pack Made?

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castor

Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of flannel in castor oil and placing it on the skin. The flannel is covered with a sheet of plastic, and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.

A castor oil pack can be placed on the following body regions:

  • The right side of the abdomen. Castor oil packs are sometimes recommended by alternative practitioners as part of a liver detox program.
  • Inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains.
  • The abdomen to relieve constipation and other digestive disorders.
  • The lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities and uterine and ovarian cysts.

Safety

Castor oil should not be taken internally. It should not be applied to broken skin. It should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstruation.

Materials

  • Three layers of undyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area
  • Castor oil
  • Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
  • Hot water bottle
  • Container with lid
  • Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.

Method

  1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.
  2. Place the pack over the affected body part.
  3. Cover with plastic.
  4. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place.
  5. After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda.
  6. Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.

Lose Weight Without All The Gimmicks

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Lose Weight Naturally

What does it mean to lose weight holistically?  It is becoming more and more commonplace for people to practice holistic lifestyles. Holistic meaning “the whole you”. Our bodies are complex networks intertwined in many ways and approaching healing them that way has shown significant improvement in our daily lives. Often times, there is a natural, organic alternative available to meet your needs with weight loss and management.

One of the biggest challenges to losing weight is changing your diet. Many people believe it involves drastic changes and the loss of all our favorite things. It’s not! Yes, there will be compromises. But, you can still have that steak for dinner; butter slathered on your vegetables. And bring on that cheese omelet for breakfast! With all things in life, moderation is key, but let’s get a little more in depth concerning good fats, protein in our diets, and the roles of processed foods.

Grassfed Proteins

What are they? Up until the late 1990’s most farmers sent their animals such as beef, bison, lamb, and goat to feedlots where they were fed soy, grain and other supplements with growth promoting additives and hormones. Does that sound like something you would like to be consuming? I didn’t think so. The sad fact is that you are…unless you are buying grassfed meat. Grassfed animals are raised on a pasture which is high quality grasses and legumes only. They receive no additives or hormones and need no antibiotics or medicines because they are being taken care of so well they rarely become sick. Grassfed animals also produce meat that has less total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories than other animals. Their meat also contains more vitamin E, beta carotene, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, and CLA. After learning all of that, why haven’t we all moved to eating strictly grassfed meat?

Low Carb High Protein

Overwhelming research has shown the benefits of a high protein low carb diet.  Some experts believe if carbs are to be consumed it is necessary to minimize as much as possible and to avoid processed and refined carbs at all costs. Protein keeps you fuller longer and keeps blood sugar from spiking. It also aids in the muscle recovery process if exercise is part of your routine for weight loss.

Cutting Out Sugar and Processed Foods

Sugar is often one of the biggest contributors to empty calories in our food. It hides so easily in many things, we often don’t realize we are even consuming it.  Calorie counting is the least of our worries when it comes to this silent killer. The effect sugar has on our bodies is severely understated and misunderstood. Some of the most lethal and prevalent diseases known to our population can be attributed to the overconsumption of sugar. The scariest fact? It’s not because we are eating cupfuls of sugar everyday. It’s coming from the processed foods we consume every day without a single thought as to how much damage we are really doing. Click here to read about the Negative effects of sugar.

3 Ways To Take A Load Off IBS

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain and cramping, changes in bowel movements, and other symptoms. Some of the other symptoms include urgency to go, bloating, fatigue, and weight gain. There are typically two causes of IBS. Food sensitivities or allergies and an overabundance of pathogenic bacteria in the GI tract. Most people suffer for years or even decades with these symptoms and are unable to find the help they need. The prevalence of food allergies in our population is on the rise with almost 70% of adults and 50% of teens suffering from mild food allergies or food sensitivities.

1. Take the test.The Olive Leaf offers simple blood tests to screen for foods your body may react with in a less than ideal way. It’s simple and quick! Armed with the knowledge of what your body’s intolerance’s are, can be the first step to a better, healthier you!

2. Rotate your diet. A rotation diet is used to identify mild food allergens and sensitivities. Typically this is started by eating biologically related foods one day, then waiting several days to consume those foods again. This is done because it has been shown that most sensitivities may not manifest immediately or even the same day as the consumption. This can help identify the culprit foods that have been wreaking havoc on your gut all along. For more information on starting a rotation diet click here.

3. Avoid trigger foods. When you do identify the foods that cause symptoms related to IBS. It is important that you try to avoid consuming them. Planning ahead is the key. Whether it is eating out or meals at home, always know what your options are and stick with them. Your body will thank you for it!

Food Allergy, Food Sensitivity, and Food Intolerance: What’s the Difference?

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Food allergies are typically diagnosed when a person is younger, but today more physicians are realizing that just because a person isn’t “allergic” doesn’t mean they aren’t sensitive to particular foods they eat. There is a lot of conflicting information regarding food allergies, food sensitivity, and food intolerance. So, we are here to set the record straight. If you think the food you eat is causing an adverse reaction, visit The Olive Leaf clinic today. We can test you for any food allergies and sensitivities and help you find what foods are causing your issues.

What is a Food Allergy?

Food allergies manifest early on and usually appear suddenly. When a person eats a particular food, such as strawberries, they have a reaction immediately. All it takes is a small amount of food to trigger a food allergy— for some people just touching that food can result in a rash or difficulty breathing. People with food allergies will have reactions to foods every time they eat them and if the allergy is severe enough, it can be life threatening.

What is a Food Sensitivity?

Food sensitivities occurs when you have an unpleasant reaction to particular types of food. You won’t break out in hives or have difficulty breathing. Instead, you may suffer from acid reflux, nausea, or even have cramps. A food sensitivity is not a response from your immune system like food allergies are, and the reaction doesn’t always occur every time you eat the food either.

What is a Food Intolerance?

Food intolerances mean your body lacks a specific enzyme to help breakdown the foods you eat. For example, if you are intolerant to dairy or celiac (gluten), you have an autoimmune disorder that does not allow your body to digest the foods you’re intolerant too. The reactions from a food intolerance can vary. Some patients suffer from malnutrition, severe stomach problems or even joint pain. If you’re intolerant to a particular food, you should avoid it. While it might not be life threatening, continuing to eat a food you’re intolerant to could lead to other life-threatening conditions.

Why Are They Confused?

A food intolerance and food sensitivity are the most confused terms. They share similar symptoms — nausea, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, etc. People with food sensitivities can still eat particular foods, but may have adverse reactions. People with a food intolerance, however, should avoid those foods at all costs.

Which Do I Have?

The best way to tell what you have is by getting a food sensitivity or food intolerance test. The team The Olive Leaf can run a sensitivity and intolerance test to identify what foods are triggering your symptoms. By omitting these foods from your diet, you may start to feel better and you’ll notice a significant improvement in your condition within a few weeks.