Osteoporosis and Holding Onto Happiness
Osteoporosis and Holding Onto Happiness What happens when your doctor diagnoses that you are now part of a staggering statistic of women with osteoporosis? Let me refrain that, severe osteoporosis. Huh????? When did I become an old woman? Of course, I cried first (a lot) and then pictured my self hunched over and walking with a cane. The next couple of days are a blur. I most likely obsessed with the news, and Dr. Googled everything there was to read on the internet. BTW, I would not recommend doing that. The situation tailspins and pointless maladies that will kill you within a year will present themselves. Thankfully my loving husband who knows when to reel me in and put his arms around me stepped in. He uses humor more often than not to diffuse a situation. Therefore, I am grateful. After cursing the estrogen gods for robbing me of my youth at the tender age of 53, I wiped my tears and decided to invest some time into this matter. I should add that after the Dexa scan, several bisphosphonates were highly recommended by my current Endocrinologist. The side effects of those drugs are super scary; however, that has prompted me to dig deeper to understand my overall health. I remember having my first DEXA scan ten years ago after breaking my ankle jogging. It was a hairline break, and my general practitioner suggested the scan. Back then, a different Endocrinologist ordered the scan, did some bloodwork, and sent me on my way. She told me to take calcium. Did I question anything? Why should I? She’s the professional with degrees decorating her wall. I wish I could go back in time and wring her neck. At times in our lives, we must see doctors. We trust them and follow their instructions. While I do believe the medical profession is full of brilliant individuals, I’m convinced some phone it in. Should we show loyalty to those not willing to spend more than 9.2 minutes with us? Ask as many questions as you need to and the minute you are intimidated or rushed, look for another doctor that cares. I have been fortunate to have proper health insurance and the means to gather several opinions. I’ve gone back ten years and looked at bloodwork and the original scans. With the help and insight of those caring doctors out there possessing the incredible bedside manner and compassion, I’ve learned that being on top of your health is the most selfless and considerate thing you can do for yourself. I haven’t ruled out medications but will weigh my options when there are answers to questions. I need to know why my body does not absorb the nutrients I’m feeding it. Considering the pros and cons associated with any step I take and educating myself better will ultimately clear those avenues and opinions that make sense for me. In the last six months, I’ve seen several doctors and have made strides with my health. There is more awareness of how I feel in addition to finding the time to take care of myself. Self-care not only requires food, water, and exercise. A well rounded human being needs quality time spent aligning their overall spirit, eliminating stress, finding joy, and holding onto happiness. Having been reacquainted with a friend that teaches the art of Qigong, she explained that movements from this practice help improve joint flexibility, muscle strength, and range of motion. Also, through a focus on breath, body posture, and state of awareness, students can achieve powerful healing and correct imbalances throughout the body. What do I have to lose aside from more bone density at this point? I took my first class with Tara this past week and felt incredible afterward. Tara gave me questions to answer that I’d like to share. 1. Does caring for yourself come natural, or is it a chore? Meaning deciding what to eat, exercise, going to bed on time. 2. Is your health your priority, or do you put someone else’s health and needs in front of yours? 3. Do you value your wellbeing? Might sound silly, but if we truly value something, we give it attention. 4. Can you honestly put yourself first? Before your job, family, social life, etc.? 5. Are you comfortable shifting your thought process from guilt to self responsibility when you put your health first? In other words, if your Priority is your health, then your responsibility to your health should help alleviate any guilt. What I will reinforce over and over again in this class is that we hope to help others learn about their bodies and help them support their health. I am not a teacher of caregiving. There is great value in caregiving, but I am not teaching that in this class, although you are giving care. Too often, we might feel we know what others need when our bodies are asking for attention. This is a chance to attend to your needs. Thank you, Tara, for sharing your passion and talents with me. I am grateful that we ran into each other and am appreciative of you taking interest. You ended your email to me with the following. Again I will use your words and thank you. The caregivers of this world have tremendous guilt over tending to their needs. Could you imagine that many of us only know that our needs come last?
Does Sugar Beget Sugar?
Does Sugar Beget Sugar? A sugar craving might be something that should concern you. Science and the media, quick to instill the same old belief that sugar is sugar is sugar, has many of us running from the healing benefits of real foods, mostly fruits, and vegetables. The difference between the sugar that comes naturally from a banana and processed sugar in the form of a package of Twizzlers bears no resemblance. “When sugary treats are so readily available, we are addicted and hardwired by the chemicals and additives. We are a society of fast, cheap, quick, and convenience. This lack of awareness comes with a price tag. Down the road, the damage may cost more than what a trip down your produce aisle costs right now.” Processed sugars may also be thriving on pathogens or bacteria in your body. The craving may be coming from the need to keep feeding; it’s similar to an addiction. The more you provide, the more damage and inflammation you contribute to your precious body. (2) There was a time when sugarcane came to America. It was so widespread and exciting that we packed it into everything we could. Companies then started to manufacture cereals, colas, and snacks. Then it wasn’t enough to get our sugar naturally, so we processed the sugar from corn in the form of high fructose corn syrup. This is added sugar. Too much-added sugars in our diets make it challenging to achieve healthful eating patterns. Too many calories and no vital, essential nutrients. (1) The fact is real fruit feeds our cells. Processed sugars or refined sugars are quick to get into our bloodstreams, raise blood sugar levels, and creates fat storages that will eventually clog up arteries in the form of cholesterol. Think of the high addicting drugs deliver. Sugar, in the form of processed sugars, gives pleasure in large, rapid does. The more we eat, the more we want. Let’s say you ate a bag of potato chips. Who hasn’t? How many of us are still hungry or sick to our stomachs afterward? Now try eating the same 4-5 potatoes it takes to make a big bag of chips. Instead of frying them in cheap hydrogenated oil and drowning them in salt, additives, and preservatives, try roasting these potatoes cut like steak fries with a little oil and fresh herbs. You will be full, satiated, and ultimately reaping the benefits of proper nutrition and healing foods for hours. Now think about that 1/2 pound of gummy bears you mindlessly inhaled watching a movie. I could eat more, couldn’t you? I use to feel that way, but after the damage the sugar did to my intestinal lining and the food intolerances I developed over the years, thinking I had it all figured out, I changed my mindset. Do you feel sick to your stomach after eating a nutritious piece of fruit loaded with fiber, nutrients, and sustenance? If the number of bananas, mango, papayas, and berries I eat in a week were processed sugar, my A1C and insulin would be through the roof. Throw in the extra weight in the form of inflammation, bloating, gas, constipation, and overall shame I feel every time I let that craving get out of control. The continual sugar addiction process tricks the brain into thinking it is starving because you are not physically nourishing your body. Cravings come from many warning signs your body is trying to give you. Most likely, a lack of nutrients. Similarly, an addict needs more pleasurable drugs; a sugar addict never truly nourishes their body. Pathogens and bacteria love processed inflammatory foods. If you keep this feeding frenzy going, chronic illness, diabetes, heart disease, and expanding waistlines are your future. Educate yourself and break the vicious cycle. (1)https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/DGA_Cut-Down-
Why The Elimination Ellen?
Why The Elimination Ellen? Alcohol is a toxin. When it enters the bloodstream, it impacts every organ and interrupts the human body’s normal process. Take 21 days off, and see how less is more when your body drops the excess weight. Dairy = inflammation and hormonal imbalance Dairy is the leading source of saturated fat next to animal protein. Animal products are the hardest to digest and cause inflammatory responses within the stomach lining. They are also a big source of pathogens. Caffeine interrupts the normal function of insulin in our bodies. It also affects our adrenals glands and disrupts hormonal balances. Sugar, gluten, and corn – are significant inflammation contributors and blatant pesticide use. This vicious cycle keeps you sick, cravings that won’t stop, and constant hunger. My goal is to eliminate the cravings and bring awareness to how positive improvements can happen in just three weeks. Add these all together, and you will sleep better, lose that stubborn weight, get rid of the bloat, be less anxious, clear up your skin, improve your digestion, and adequately support your immune system. This year, The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services will develop the 2020-2025 dietary guidelines for Americans. Based on the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommendations, plant-based high-carb diets improve overall health.
Questions on Your Bone Health?
Questions on Your Bone Health? Our bone health is something that doesn’t have to be so complex. Understanding how important the functions of aging, hormones, and protocols related to supporting how our precious bones play out should be fully explained and understood, especially when long-term (heavy-duty) medications become part of your life. As someone that went through menopause at an early age and was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis; as a result, digging deep to understand and pick the best possible option for me was crucial. Bone density tests, blood markers, bisphosphonates, urine tests, blood draws, and way too many medical terms left me sad, confused, vulnerable, and scared. Off the bat, I knew I wasn’t about to take a year’s worth of medication in one shot. Another option was to inject medication myself once a week or ingest pills with many potential side effects. Don’t even get me started on the lack of bedside manner and agitation towards some of these doctors. I was 51 years old and living a healthy life. I decided to research and get to the root first. Why I went through menopause at an early age was essential to understand. The physiology of ME determined many facets to this diagnosis. I have been to many doctors in the 5+ years and weeded out what didn’t feel right. Remember, you have to feel comfortable with whatever is decided for you. If you don’t, move on. “Resorption is the breakdown of old bone, followed by the laying down of new bone. Remodeling occurs every month, or it should, controlled by our osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoporosis is an autoimmune condition where this resorption is compromised. Osteoporosis emerges from an imbalance in the activity of old bone to the formation of new bone. If chronic inflammation is present, you are doing yourself a disservice not to address before jumping in and trusting what science is still testing on the majority. Our bones need quantity and quality strength to keep us from potential fractures and life-threatening co-morbidities related to bone loss.” Doctors use blood test to test these bone markers. CTX (Osteoclasts is the old bone dissolving properly) and NTX (Osteoblasts is the function of building new bone growth.) My point with bisphosphonates is that there is a bigger picture to look at. If we are not timing the resorption of old bone to new bone growth, you are an unsuccessful mission to establish better quality and quantity of bone remodeling. There are always variables, and this is important to know. Estrogen, minerals, vitamin deficiencies, stress, adrenals, and optimal collagen production, to name a few, are factors. Find someone reputable that understands that timing is necessary when bisphosphonate protocols are in place. The proper absorption and understanding of how these bone markers are cycling in YOUR body will help these medicines work most efficiently. Navigating your best options and fully understanding that improving the quality and quantity of bone is possible should be explained in detail. My all-time favorite cheerleader on the subject is Dr. Keith McCormick. His book, The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis, changed my life. I entrusted his work and dedication to helping others. He empowered me and made sure I understood that I was the boss in all of this. As my advisor on the subject, he has also helped me reverse a good percentage of damage with scholarly attention to the details of MY physiology. To navigate your health would be to comprehend the journey, yes?!!
Ready, Set, Go! The Menopause Journey
Ready, Set, Go! The Menopause Journey Is menopause confusing you? How might one navigate menopause when I do not understand its true meaning? How do we navigate peri-menopause/menopause? What’s the starting point? Are we there yet? Needless to say, this is certainly a trip. Ready, set, go! Wait, this trip could start years before my last period? What’s my estimated time of arrival?! Huh? There should be a class on this. Are you tired of waving your hand in front of your face to cool off, knowing that this motion will not stop the heat-filled sensation flushing throughout your entire body? Grab your jacket again; here comes the chill. How about changing your pj’s throughout the night? Painful sex? Dry skin? Sniff, sniff. Menopause, peri-menopause, postmenopausal symptoms, what they mean, and what you can do to alleviate the madness is information that is vital to most women over the age of forty. OR, should we be more mindful at an earlier age? “We look at it all like a curse, and why wouldn’t we? No one seems to want to be around us unless, of course, we joke and make fun of ourselves sweating in 45-degree weather. The truth of the matter is that when we experience a decline in estrogen, symptoms such as mood swings, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, headaches, irregular periods, the end of periods, and our reproductive years hit us hard. We are faced with a new unchartered phase of our lives. This trip is different for all of us ladies, so hold on tight, here we go….” Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. Our endocrine system and hormones regulate and control mood, hunger, growth, sugar levels, reproduction, and puberty. Our hormonal balance is affected by internal and external disruptors. The right foods play such an essential role in regulating hormones, but external endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen range from plastics, canned foods, shampoos, creams, make-up, and air fresheners, to name a few. In a nutshell, and in a perfect world, the transition would be as follows. Normal fluctuations would be mean estrogen levels would start to decline as we age. Irregular periods and less responsive egg development would be the beginning of peri-menopause. Shifting into menopause means our estrogen and progesterone levels continue to decline and, our ovaries stop releasing an egg once a month. When menstruation stops for twelve consecutive months, you are there. You would be considered post-menopausal immediately after your periods have ceased for more than a year. The imbalance of hormones does not allow women to normally transition, pain-free as we should. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, painful periods, endometriosis, and infertility are on the rise in younger women. Could these “common symptoms” be a precursor to a not-so-healthy transition to menopause? Could these endocrine disruptors throw us into early-onset peri-menopause and open the door to premature osteoporosis, depression, auto-immune, heart disease, and cancers? Changing your diet if it lacks fresh organic produce (whenever possible) is a game-changer and the first step in preventative care. Taking that awareness to a new level includes looking around at external factors. Start by eliminating toxic chemicals from your everyday environment: additives, preservatives, buy chemical-free cosmetics, cleaning products, bug sprays, and store you food in glass instead of plastics. Is your mind at peace? Are you constantly on the go, excessively exercising, trying to rid your body of those extra pounds? At times the body interprets excessive exercise as stress. This constant survival mode we grow accustomed to most likely involves multi-tasking, chronic tension, and too much activity. This flight or flight mode affects the function of our thyroids, our immune responses, metabolism, and reproductive system. How do we alleviate these peri, post, and often debilitating symptoms associated with what should be so typical a passage in every women’s life? The food is important, but at times it’s not about the food. We do want to supercharge our diets with better options, but a little TLC goes a long way at times. Hydration is always important at any age. Focus on feeling your best, not beating yourself up for growing older. You are not shriveling up. Embrace the beauty within and shine on the outside because you are beautiful, strong, and sexier than ever. You cannot stop the aging process, but you can find your balance. To help detox the body naturally without starvation and crazy diets, seek the help of a professional that wants you to eat real food, explore the elimination of inflammatory foods, and cleanse the body of impurities with infrared sauna, facials, massage and a good nights sleep. Lifestyle modifications and a journey that leaves you feeling centered most days is the goal. What works for your friend may not be working for you, and that’s okay. We are all unique and must not be defined by the trending diets of the moment. Make it peaceful and more favorable for you. Exercise is essential, but anything excessive could backfire on those precious hormones. Get a massage, a facial, call a friend, consume good mood foods, and discard the processed garbage. Focus on happy moments and breathe. When you get there, you get there. Enjoy the ride, be in control and in the know.
The Importance of Stomach Acid
The Importance of Stomach Acid We are only as healthy as the food we can digest. Lack of stomach acid gives harmful bacteria the perfect environment to grow. Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and the lack of it will bring about nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and digestive issues. (1) When harmful bacteria increase, you don’t break down food, and you don’t produce vitamins, essential minerals, or macro-nutrients. When good bacteria have dwindled, our immune system grows weak. The damaging bacteria become colonized, causing gas, migraines, candida, parasites, constipation, reflux, indigestion, dry skin, hair loss, and no energy. “The food we ingest controls insulin properly and hopefully gets distributed to vital organs, muscles, and tissues but must pass through the gut first. If this environment is hostile, even good clean food becomes an invader, and our immune system kicks in. Inflammation is present and becomes constant as your body is always defending against these poor choices or the overabundance of harmful bacteria.” Our liver is responsible for breaking down estrogen to pass through the GI tract and ultimately leave our bodies. The health of our gut flora also determines excess estrogen or lack of estrogen. Overgrowth of harmful bacteria causes estrogen receptors to bring it (old estrogen) back into the body resulting in estrogen dominance. Conversely, a lack of estrogen could bring about PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, and thyroid issues. (7) As we age, our microbiome (gut flora) changes. Other factors contributing to low stomach acid are meds, namely acid blockers being one of the biggest offenders. Autoimmune disease also affects the cells that produce acid, and diet, specifically the standard American diet, contributes to deficiencies like B-12 and zinc. (5) Variety with food is vital, as your microbiome (your overall good gut flora) needs the diversity to tolerate food. Beyond tired and feeling horrible? Food sensitives, leaky gut, autoimmune, hormonal issues, chronic illness, and a fragile immune system are what becomes of your stomach when there is not enough acid. What causes low stomach acid? To name a few; chronic illness infection stress BPA prescription (just a week of meds can throw off our gut flora) and anti-acid drugs (PPI’s) sugar eating too quickly excessive exercise (3) zinc deficiency Gerd, indigestion, and acid reflux happen when there isn’t enough stomach acid to break down food; therefore, the food rots and creates an over-acidic environment. The perfect setting for this harmful bacteria to thrive. The rest of your body becomes compromised. Over-the-counter PPIs are only a band-aid. The root cause needs your attention and dedication. (4) Protein intake (and the conversion of essential amino acids) and its breakdown happen in the stomach. Without proper hydrochloric acid, reflux occurs. Most people have inadequate stomach acid because of stressors, both physical and environmental. So, how do we do this? How do we get enough stomach acid and digestive enzymes to break down food? How do we build up the lack of vital hydrochloric acid so desperately by most? Eat real food and support the body’s microbiome. Think of your microbiome as the army of soldiers defending your precious gut lining and keeping harmony within. It must become a well-oiled machine to work correctly. eat real food chew your food warm lemon water in the morning celery juice on an empty stomach (one of the best ways to replenish mineral salts supporting hydrochloric acid production) (6) HCL (Betaine Hydrochloride) therapy (functional medical practitioner) eliminate or cut down on processed foods pay attention to sensitivity reactions no stress (2) When you achieve a better balance of stomach acid, absorbing real food’s proper nutrients is possible. The importance of stomach acid, good gut flora, PH levels, blood sugar, and insulin orchestrate our precious hormones. A physician or functional medical professional and regular blood work to evaluate blood marker levels will help monitor how much better absorption becomes appropriate for balance and harmony. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991651/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20941511/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1589703/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4838018/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991651/ https://www.medicalmedium.com/celery-juice/celery-juice-raises-hydrochloric-acid https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23259758/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987712001703
Self Care
Self Care I was recently asked to answer questions about self-care for a potential feature in a magazine. I am still waiting to hear about that, but in the meantime, I thought the topic would make for an engaging blog post to share with my readers. At this time of the year, being grateful and taking stock of what’s meaningful should take center stage. Having your head in the game and feeling your best doesn’t have to be a constant all-consuming struggle. Sometimes we have to take a step back to move forward. Change is never easy, but self-care and the positive changes it could bring about are worth exploring. -What does self-care mean?Self-care not only requires food, water, and exercise. A well rounded human being needs quality time spent aligning their overall spirit, eliminating stress, finding joy, and holding onto happiness -Why is it important to practice self-care?Because your health is invaluable. Self-care should be a priority. Without our health we lack self reliance. I go back to the simple task our flight attendants remind us of each time we fly. You must first put on your oxygen mask before you can help others. – How does it affect all areas of your life?It’s a snow ball effect that could go either way. You could aim to benefit from self-care and look at situations in a brighter light or you could continue to be the care-giver that will eventually run themselves into the ground full of resentment and anger. It’s a choice. -What are your recommended ways to practice self-care during the holiday/winter season?Showing gratitude by helping others. That could be as simple as donating food to a shelter or volunteering at one. Meditation is something that someone could implement into the weekly schedule gradually. Find an app or practice you like and see how closing your eyes for 10-20 minutes can completely change your mood. I like to go on YouTube and meditate with Lee Holden. 10-minute smile meditation makes me happy. If you are hosting a party this holiday season, find time for yourself prior to events. Ask for help and delegate if someone is offering. Saying no is ok and completely acceptable if that’s what you feel. My husband and I got a massage recently and we noticed how unusually busy the reception area was. I said “Everyone must be getting ready to see their families.” We laughed but in all seriousness, tackling a gig like hosting Thanksgiving is a daunting task. There are many facets to pulling off a day/evening where your entire family is present and you must take care of their needs. Practicing self-care is an excellent way to care for your own needs first and put you into the giving frame of mind the holidays represent. -What self-care rituals/practices do you recommend to prepare for the new year?Write your goals, make them realistic and use the 80/20 approach. Put positive changes into practice but don’t be so strict and hard on yourself. If you are where you want to be 80% of the time, you are creating realistic expectations. You will be more likely to choose what makes you feel good in the long run. When you work with me, I aim for the 90/10 approach for three weeks to eliminate inflammation and cravings. From there we take those positive changes and implement your triumphs into a kind and realistic version of where you’d like to be -What are your tips for making time to practice self-care during this busy season?Don’t look at something you want to change as anything but positive. Self-care is not a chore. Put value on your health and lost the guilt we associate with self-care. Talking a walk, seeing a movie, reading a book and just breathing creates a focus on your needs and gives them value.
Intuitive Eating
Intuitive Eating What’s in your food? Are you reading labels? Ingredients in packaged foods and convenience foods with processed additives, saturated fats, and toxic flavor enhancers. These additives you cannot pronounce cause inflammation and, over time, make you more susceptible to chronic illness and disease. Intuitive eating Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. Sounds simple enough? Listening to your body’s responses to food may be the ideal way to overcome emotional eating. Is intuitive eating another trendy way to say “diet”? I respect the principals of this mindset but if it were intuitive, it would come naturally and easily. I’m all for rejecting the diet mentality, but I believe we ALL need help with figuring out what works for our bodies. With my support, you are educated on what’s really in your food and, most importantly, choosing to eat better while enjoying your meals. It’s this consciousness you follow because you immerse yourself in it with food elimination and detox. What follows is a revelation about mindful eating and how it can change you for the better. Choosing to opt-out from foods with additives and chemicals empowers. Having the ability to reverse and prevent the adverse reactions is possible. Electing to rid your body of potential disease, re-building your gut, and creating an environment of friendly bacteria is possible. A body free of stress, inflammation, and chronic pain is an investment in your healthful future. My passion is to inspire and support clients dedicated to feeling their best. The bottom line is that it’s a choice. Transform and see a new glow, experience the way you feel both emotionally and physically with a different mindset. Real food can transform, but in today’s world of convenience, we need to get back to basics. Ask questions, read ingredients, and demand change when change is needed.
A Resilient Immune System
A Resilient Immune System In today’s world of Covid, the unsureness, the vaccine, and the aftermath of symptoms, this virus’s residual effects are still unknown. If you are a victim of this virus, this trauma can leave you out of sorts now and in the future if you don’t support your body’s immune system with the right foods. In addition to nutrition, a client becomes more in tune with how stress and anxiety have a significant adverse effect on their immune health. A trauma like Covid, the flu, Epstein Barr, an earache, or strep throat are examples of foreign invaders that make our bodies ill. Chronic stress is also a considerable component that can weaken a compromised environment. Antibiotics, meds prescribed, and the opposing force an illness has on your body most likely has killed friendly bacteria in your gut. When there are not enough friendly bacteria to keep your cell membrane healthy (think of this like a wall keeping harmful invaders out), your good bacteria keep the bad from getting overpopulated. When there is too much bad, the body becomes weak, sick, and tired. “A typical round of antibiotics can kill a great deal of our stomach acid needed to digest food properly. Over time, a lack of stomach acid means that a lot of our food goes undigested. When our gut is weak, we do not break down food properly, we do not make essential vitamins from the food we ingest, nor do we absorb them. The invaders take over, and you are on a downward spiral of illnesses, malnutrition, autoimmune, and no real answers.” Antibiotics to include are also those found in non-organic foods, especially meats (1). Livestock is routinely injected with antibiotics so that they can survive in a crowded, unhealthy environment. Pesticides on non-organic food not only kill beneficial bacteria from the soil, but we ingest those pesticides and any antibiotics those animals consume. The same goes for vegetables sprayed with pesticides-think of the ground soil and thoroughly wash your vegetables if you are not buying organic. Take it easy on your body (no excessive exercise), and get into a good sleep pattern (we all need a good night’s sleep). Your digestive system needs calm (remove inflammatory foods), and your mind (self-care and the routine practice of what makes you happy) craves this balance encouraged. Do not ignore bloating issues, sugar-cravings, disrupted sleep patterns, fatigue, anger, hormonal imbalances, irrational behavior, irritability, and sadness. These symptoms lasting months and years could be precursors to chronic illnesses down the road. When the immune system is not regulated correctly, it cannot determine which cells are healthy and which are not. Typically this is referred to as the immune system attacking itself. It merely means there are breaks in that wall that need repair. The brain-gut connection needs attention, healing, more serotonin, less stress, and the right foods. Plant-based, low fat inflammatory food elimination programs, with support, reduce toxic burden (2), and guide in optimizing the strength of your protective wall. All the above supports a resilient immune system. As you learn more about your body, identifying stressors, and the most beneficial lifestyle practices, your cells are more robust. They can easily knock out unwanted invaders quicker without impacting your quality of life. “What if the most common medical treatments for chronic conditions are misguided in that they are only treating the symptoms of disease rather than identifying and fixing the underlying problem? Furthermore, what if the majority of the medical establishment is built in on this very practice of treating symptoms rather than root causes?” ~ Sr. Saray Stancic, MD (3)What’s Missing From Medicine “When you have your health, you are the richest person in the world.” ~ my dad (1) https://getwell-now.com/gut-health-weight-loss? fbclid=IwAR0K_yW8XGxdOP5QhctF2pkZX1jeWWTo23_II8lic2cYOoHaTW9P6Z9xFTI (2) Elimination Diet Comprehensive Guide www.p.widencdn.net/he7a5v/Elimination-Diet— Comphrehensive-Guide_v6 (3) What’s Missing From Medicine – Dr. Saray Stancic (author) introduction xxiv