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.

 

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.

Healthy Holidays

1. Reduce Sugar Use – Choose the recipe ingredients you use in your holiday baking wisely. Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar or stevia extract instead of refined sugars. For recipe ideas, see my blog at www.realfastfood.blogspot.com

2. Plan Ahead – Stress is a major holiday bummer, not to mention a hazard to your health. Any preparation and planning you can do ahead of time will cut down on the last minute stress that the holidays can induce. Make a list and check it twice if you need to, so you stay nice throughout the holidays!

3. Take ME Time – We all need time to ourselves to do whatever makes us feel most content. Don't forget to schedule in at least an hour every week that is only for you. Do your most desired activity, whether that be taking a nap, a hot bath, making love or working out.

4. Be the Boss of the Cost – Don't get carried away on spending. Often the most treasured gifts are those that were the most thoughtful, not the most expensive. Gifts of homemade bread, treats or even frozen meals that your friends or family can pop in the oven and enjoy on a busy evening are bound to bring more holiday cheer than yet another pair of slippers.

5. Enjoy the Magic – Even if you don't have children, spending time with our families around the holidays can help us remember the magic of the season. Donating a bit of time or money to a worthy cause is another way to make your days merry and bright. If you have a talent or hobby, use it to share your gift with those around you.

6. Don't Panic – No matter how much it seems like everything has to be absolutely perfect when Aunt Gertrude arrives, remember that this is a time of love and sharing – not stressing and obsessing. No matter what she says about the color of your curtains or the dried out ham, let it slide off of you with a smile. Life happens, to all of us. And there is no reason you can't enjoy it anyway.

7. Make Your Own Tradition – Traditions are things we do each year because we look forward to them, not because it has always been so. Make up a new tradition with your family that you all will enjoy. One year my family made cut-out cookies, decorated them and drove around the neighborhood ringing doorbells and leaving plates of cookies on the front step. We called ourselves The Phantom Santa, and it was so much fun, we did it year after year.

8. Steer Clear of Excess – Whether it's drinking, indulging in sweets or excess shopping, don't let yourself go overboard just because its a holiday. All things in moderation is an excellent creed, any time of year.

9. Listen to Your Body – There is a reason we crave baked foods and rich flavors when the weather gets chilly. Our body knows that warming foods will nourish us more deeply than lighter dishes at this time of year. Allow your body to tell you what it is craving, and listen closely. You may be surprised that you are craving a big bowl of chili or some mashed potatoes, and not that second slice of cheesecake.

10. Stay Hydrated – Cold temperatures and dry heating systems literally suck the moisture from our skin and bodies. Be sure to carry your water bottle with you everywhere and drink water at least every half hour. Hydrate your lips and skin with natural products with as few ingredients as possible. Unrefined coconut oil is a great skin, hair and lip conditioner, and its sweet scent is deliciously soothing. Smooth unrefined coconut oil onto lips and skin. To condition your hair, warm the oil, then apply lightly from roots to ends. Wait 15 minutes to one hour, then rinse out with very warm water. Wash hair as you normally do.

Political Nutrition

The latest political buzz revolves around governmental regulations of nutrition, particularly in the dairy industry and education system.  Few people have not in some way experienced the self serving promotion of Sarah Palin as she presented grade schoolers mountains of cookies in profitable protest of the Obama campaign to reduce the amount of highly processed sugars used in schools.  One can hardly ignore the obvious cliche that this is a governmental attempt to "take candy from the babies."

Although I highly applaud the efforts of Michelle Obama and other political groups promoting a change in national nutrition to promote wellness, I am afraid that their urgings are falling on deaf ears at best and at worst could backfire completely.  No one wants to be told what to eat and how to eat it.  Even the mailable minds of our youth will balk at a direct order to eat less junk food, especially when it is represented as law or regulations.  It is in our nature as free Americans to want to make up our own minds; to do what we want to do, because we can.

No, I fear that regulating nutrition will have a similar effect as regulating illegal drugs; making it more desirable to those who are attempting to rebel and go against the grain of society.  In an extreme case, nutritional regulations could cause a national rise in junk food consumption, just because it is seen as against the rules.

The only way we can truly create a movement of change in the way we eat as a nation is to lead by example.  The more people who engage in healthful habits nationwide, the more people will begin to see this as the socially acceptable and "cool" thing to do.  It is not surprising to me, (although there is little difference on the surface between the social acceptance of something that is right and something that is cool) that focusing on the negative leads to negative results, whereas a positive focus will procure the desired outcome.  We need to focus on changing minds, not changing government policy. 

Don't get me wrong, I do believe that there is a place for government in nutrition.  It is simply a very delicate topic that needs to be handled with extreme regard to psychology and sociology.  We need to promote healthy living in ways that Americans can easily implement without changing their entire comfort zone. 

Unfortunately at this time, most of my political focus has been on preventing the ban of raw milk and cheese production.  Local farmers who create healthful and delicious dairy products using traditional methods are in danger of being shut down all over the nation.  There are already surprisingly few states that allow the sale of raw dairy for any purpose, and with the national government attempting to sidle in on state nutritional regulations, there is even more danger for these small farms and the farmers who have been making a living taking excellent care of their animals and loyal customers for years.

The FDA's attempt to take the power of regulating dairy production from the states is one example of why the government should not be legislating nutrition.  American consumers have the right to consciously choose a healthful alternative to highly processed and nutritionally ruined pasteurized dairy products.  We have a right to choose to go back to our roots and eat our food the way nature has intended and our ancestors have done for countless generations before.

We also have an obligation to our friends and neighbors to promote healthful living by being a leader in wellness in our homes, our schools and our communities.  We cannot hope to create change without first changing our own minds, our own habits.  Only when we are living in a way that makes us proud will we inspire others to do the same. 

It does not take a presidential figure or celebrity to promote a cause.  The big changes are happening in our own backyards, being led by our friends, family and neighbors.  Help them deliver a message of positive change.

Thanks Giving

Buddha said, “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.”

Gratitude is something that is all too often overlooked in our busy modern lives.  We rush from one job to the next, one appointment to another; rush the kids to practice or recital, then home again for dinner.  The television and internet bombard us with the next new gadget that we can’t possibly live without.  We compare our lives and possessions to the Jones’s, and never seem to have enough time or money to fulfill our ambitious dreams.

In a society based on commercial materialism, it is no wonder we have forgotten how to be thankful.  We have strayed so far from our attitude of gratitude, in fact, that we have had to create a special holiday just to remind us to give thanks!  Honestly, how many of us would ever stop to think about all the wonderful things in our lives even once each year if it weren’t for the holidays to remind us?

It has been proven that having a grateful attitude can improve your overall health and happiness.  When we take a moment each day to reflect on what an awesome life we lead, we are opening our hearts and minds to a positive outcome in the future. 

Nothing is more powerful than gratitude.  Even love, our most treasured emotion, has its roots planted deep in the soil of gratitude.  Without gratitude for what we have and who we are, we would cease to lead a meaningful life.  One could even argue that we would cease to exist at all.  What good is something that has no value?

My challenge to you is this:

Create an attitude of gratitude, today and every day!  Take a moment each morning to think of five things you are thankful for that day.  Appreciate the beauty in your life and imagine what the world might be like without all the wonderful things you are thankful for.  You may offer up a smile of thanks to yourself, your family, your god, or your dog... whoever you feel most grateful to that day.

Self Destruction

Substance abuse is a constantly growing problem throughout the modern world. The everyday stresses of our lives trigger an unconscious instinctive reaction to reject the way we are living. It creates a sort of self destruct mode within our body, which tells us it is ok to engage in self defeating attitudes and behaviors.  We are literally conditioning our selves to destroy our selves. It is apparent in the news and media, in growing crime and terrorist activities, and even in our own families on a daily basis.

We eat food that causes disease and addiction, engage in self defeating attitudes and reckless recreation, and intentionally pollute our own habitat to near total annihilation. And we do it all without a second thought to our actions. We have become so accustomed to destruction and devastation that we assume this is an acceptable and unavoidable part of existence. When in fact, it may be an undeniable part of life on Earth, but certainly not one that should dominate the scope of our being.

Our own actions have brought our civilization to this brink of natural disaster, but it is our negative reaction to the problems that causes us to turn to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain. It may be easier to forget that we continue to deplete our own resources on a daily basis when we are high, and it is certainly easier to ignore our longing for healthy personal relationships and greater self esteem after having a few drinks. We feel horrible about ourselves and our culture, and to compensate we deliberately partake in substances that will continue to make us feel horrible.

You may argue that smoking a joint makes you feel great, but your body knows better. Even just one beer can cause chemical reactions in your brain and body that are devastating.  Each time we use mood altering substances we are burning up and shutting down brain resources, damaging our liver and kidneys, and weakening our immune system. These reactions pave a clear path for other more disturbing diseases like cancer, heart, liver or kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, depression and even schizophrenia.

Take a moment to ask yourself why you indulge in alcohol or other drugs. Are you lonely, depressed, or bored? Maybe you only drink after a hard day at work. But what could you do instead that would make you feel great while also being good for your body, mind and soul? Do you enjoy sports or exercise, or even walking your dog? Do you love to play with your children, but never seem to find the time or energy? Or maybe you are the kind of person who loves a good book or some insanely loud heavy metal. Whatever it is that turns you on naturally is what you should turn to at the times that you are struggling to feel good and looking for something to help you forget that you have problems.

I firmly believe that occasionally it is necessary to “self medicate” to relieve stress and anxiety, but we must choose our medicine wisely. Instead of turning to drugs, alcohol or calorie filled desserts, lets try to find ways that we can make ourselves feel truly fulfilled. Something that will help us grow and evolve, not become sick and deteriorate. Do what you love, and learn to love who you are.

The Tao of Eating, part 2: Awareness

The experience of eating should be just that- an experience. If we fail to consciously register our food with our five senses, our brain has no idea it has eaten. Think about it. Has your brain ever taken in even a morsel of food? Of course not. Your brain experiences eating through your senses. It smells the food cooking, sees it steaming in the bowl, then tastes the warm comforting goodness as it caresses your mouth and tongue. If we fail to recognize the sensual nature of the eating experience because we are distracted and stressed, our brain may crave more food no matter how full our stomach may be.

In a culture that rewards multitasking and insists upon productivity, it is no wonder that so many Americans find themselves overweight and unhappy with their diet, no matter how health minded they try to be. It is so common, it almost goes without saying that people will eat while they drive, talk on the phone, read, write, watch TV or surf the net. Most people probably feel guilty for “wasting time” if they are simply eating, without engaging in one or more other daily tasks and assignments. Many of these same people will finish eating on the run or at their desk and within a few minutes will feel empty and unsatisfied, craving more food, even if their stomach feels full. This is because their brain has not yet eaten!

It is scientific fact that your brain plays a large role in your digestion, and it is also fact that there is another equally important and highly developed nervous system located in your abdomen, sometimes referred to as your “gut brain.” This circuit board of nerves controls every craving you have ever had and records every good and bad food choice you have ever made. It knows when it is ok for you to have chocolate and when you should definitely avoid that chili dog at the game. It understands what your body needs and sends a signal to your brain to cue that craving. If you listen very closely to your stomach, figuratively speaking, you will hear it tell you what it wants for dinner.

It is far more effective to allow your body to eat what it craves, when it craves it, than to try to enslave your “gut brain” by depriving it of what it needs based on calories alone. Your body would not crave a food that would give you thunder thighs.

Now, before you go raid the fridge, remember…. You must truly listen. Try not to go bonkers with this information. As you learn to quiet your head brain and listen more closely to your gut brain, you will hear it tell you more often than not that it craves healthful foods. You may have a need for a high fat meal, and your body may tell you it wants avocados, cheese or eggs. Or you may crave sweets, but your body passes up that double layer cherry cheesecake and chooses a chunk of dark chocolate or some fresh fruit instead.

Remember that it is alright to indulge in a food you truly love once in a while, as long as you are aware while you are eating it. That means no cramming it in your mouth before someone else notices, no eating the whole box of cookies or ice cream frantically, and absolutely no pigging out while you watch TV or do other tasks. Your cravings will only be satisfied if you are fully experiencing the food with all of your five senses.

The idea is that if you allow yourself to experience what you desire, you will be satisfied, and your cravings will decrease in frequency and intensity. Eventually you will be able to listen with awareness to your body and know exactly what you need to eat at any given moment. You will begin to eat more healthfully on a daily basis, it will be easier to turn down dessert and those late night munchies will disappear.

If you find yourself wondering how to listen to your body, try this simple exercise. When you begin to feel hungry or notice a craving coming on, take one minute to close your eyes and relax. Breath deeply, and try to clear your mind of thoughts and distractions. It is not necessary to completely empty your mind or achieve a deep state of meditation, you are simply trying to tune in so you can hear your intuition.

Ask yourself, “Am I truly hungry right now, or am I craving something other than food?” Often we use food to cover up and “medicate” other issues in our life, such as emotional distress, lack of intimacy and daily stress. It is important to make sure you are not using food as a distraction for other areas of your life that are out of balance, because emotional and stress eating leads to more dissatisfaction and inevitable weight gain.

If you find you are genuinely hungry, ask yourself simply, “What foods will nourish and satisfy me right now?” The first few times you may feel confused with what you “should” eat based on calories, strict diets or nutrition trends, but as you continue to quiet your head and listen to your gut, you will eventually be able to hear it’s infinite wisdom.

While you are eating, make sure you take the time to see, smell, and taste your food to the fullest extent. Take your time and relish the experience. Turn off electronic devices and try to remove yourself from other distractions. If you are eating with others, enjoy! Food always tastes better and is more satisfying with friends.

It is amazing how empowered you will feel as you turn away from fads and restrictive diets, and become aware of what your actual nutritional needs are. You will free yourself from feeling deprived and unsatisfied, and your body will thank you by giving you more energy and a slimmer waistline!