Recharge!
Optimal health is not a destination; it is a journey. We all must create a wellness mindset and implement sound wellness habits to create the health we were destined for from birth. Remember, we were born with an opportunity to be healthy and well throughout our life, but it is not given to us. True health requires active participation with our environment. The more we learn about what keeps the body well – and implement these strategies – the healthier we become, and medications are rarely needed.
- Indigestion/Acid Reflux– These are common issues, experienced by many. The two most common causes of these ailments are too little stomach acid and hiatal hernia. Insufficient stomach acid prevents proper absorption of minerals and break down of proteins. The inability to breakdown protein in the stomach causes food to rot in the stomach, creating formic acid, which leads to indigestion, reflux, and smelly flatulence. A hiatal hernia is the slipping of the upper stomach through the diaphragm, creating a sensation of fullness or of having a “ball” in upper stomach sensation. A simple solution is taking 1-2 tablespoons of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar in four ounces of water before each meal. Some cases call for a more powerful supplement, such as Zypan or DGL. Apple cider vinegar and Zypan both stimulate the production of stomach acid, and DGL helps protect the esophagus from acid. When a hernia is present, I recommend an appointment with a doctor like myself to manually re-position the herniated stomach.
- Acne– This skin disease is common among teenagers and younger women. In male teens, it’s most commonly caused by low zinc levels. Teen boys with acne should be given plenty of chelated zinc with B6, and the acne will slowly disappear. For teenage girls and women, the cause of acne may also be low zinc; however, estrogen dominance is the more likely culprit. Women should therefore cut out refined sugars and carbohydrates and add good fats. Supplementing with black current seed oil and coconut oil is a great starting point. I also recommend taking PMS Support with DIM and Chaste Tree Berry to get rid of excess estrogens and to normalize hormone levels. One additional cause for acne is yeast/parasite infection in the large intestines. When this type of infection is believed to be the cause, we use GI Synergy to help kill the nasties in GI tract.
- Low Energy– A dip in our energy levels affects us all at one time or another. When it becomes a consistent problem, then there are underlying issues to be addressed. Low energy can be caused by poor sleep, low iron, low vitamin D, low B12, thyroid problems, and/or adrenal issues. If adults are not getting adequate sleep (7-8 hours of quality sleep per night), nothing else is going to much help. I recommend turning off lights and electronics 30 minutes before bedtime, praying (or meditating or deep breathing), and drinking lavender or chamomile tea in the evening. If needed, Min-Tran, Min-Chex, kava, or melatonin can be taken to calm nerves and aid sleep. Once you are consistently sleeping well, your adrenal system can be effectively recharged with Desiccated Adrenal and Rhodiolia Ginseng. It’s potentially helpful to have your vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, TSH, Free T3, Free T4 levels measured to rule out deficiencies or imbalances. If deficiencies/imbalances are detected, then the levels must to be restored. If you are interested in having your levels checked, I can write you a prescription for the blood work required.
I hope these tips help you, a family member, or a loved one to live more abundantly. All of the products mentioned above are available, from quality sources, in our office. I would welcome the opportunity to hold a nutrition consultation with you to provide a more detailed analysis of any current health issues you are experiencing, or simply to help you improve upon your current nutrition for optimal health and vitality. Give our office a call to set up your appointment.