Friday, January 28, 2011

A Question of Digestion

More often than we would like to admit, there is the unpleasant feeling of indigestion. Heartburn, acid stomach, diarrhea, bloating and gas. None of it pretty. We treat the problem not by looking at why it is happening, but rather by adding medicines and antacids to the already tumultuous depths of our guts.

Lets move beyond treating symptoms, and start addressing the real problems: poor diet, excess stress and a lack of beneficial probiotics and enzymes.

The simplest way to improve your digestion is to eat more raw, fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods contain more micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Eating more fruit and vegetables daily will improve digestion and increase overall health, immunity and beauty.

Fresh fruits and vegetables also contain water, which is another important element of digestion. Drink at least 8 large glasses of water every day, and be sure to take a water bottle with you wherever you go. By the time you actually feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated, and dehydration is a common cause of heartburn and acid reflux. Drinking water and reducing sweet drinks and caffeine will keep you hydrated, and keep your body looking and feeling your best everyday.

Another key to digestive health, particularly if you suffer from chronic indigestion, is choosing the right supplements. Chewable papaya enzymes are a great remedy for heartburn and even prevent indigestion when chewed after meals. They work as fast and even more effectively as an antacid and taste much more pleasant.

A high quality probiotic supplement is also recommended for optimal digestive health. The best contain several different types of beneficial bacterias and flora. These little guys help break down our food for us, relieving the heavy burden on our stressed out systems. They also fight to kill nasty bacteria and yeast in our bodies that often give us the gut rot to begin with. An easy way to get more probiotics in your diet is to eat a whole, low sugar yogurt daily.

The most popular cause of indigestion of course, is stress. Not only ulcers, but also chronic heartburn, acid stomach and IBS are often caused by a stressed out body. Taking a good look at the pace of our lives and evaluating where we can cut complication and reduce stress is critical to overall better health. Implementing a daily meditation or relaxation for several minutes each day also does wonders to relieve stress and brings a greater sense of balance.

 

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Fruit, Vegetables and Honey are in Danger!

http://animals.change.org/blog/view/wikileaks_uncovers_government_bee_killing_conspiracy

If you have ever had the pleasure of getting up close and personal with a colony of honey bees, you know that these tiny insects are some of the most amazing and energized creatures on the planet.  Watching them work to feed, build and protect their community is truly a spiritual experience.  Honey bees create some of the most versatile and potent health products on the planet, including bee pollen, royal jelly, and of course, honey! 

What's more, bees are the number one plant pollinating insect, which means that they are an integral part of growing and sustaining natural foods.  Any fruit or vegetable that produces a flower needs a bee to pollinate that flower before the tomato, squash, apple or berry will grow.  Considering this, bees are probably the most important player in our quest to a more healthful and sustainable future.

Many of you have heard about the "bee crisis."  For those who haven't, basically billions of bees have been dying since 2003 and scientists have been unable to pinpoint and eliminate the problem.  Bee farmers around the country are losing entire colonies and sometimes their entire bee farm to this "disease."

But it is no disease that is killing our bees!  A pesticide that has been approved to kill undesirable insects on common crops like soy and corn has a devastating effect on our honey bee population, and the government and the chemical's distributor have been covering it up to increase crop production and  profits.

Please sign this petition to make a stand against this gross disregard for our health and the sustainability of our planet!  Thank you.