6 Simple Ways to Keep Your Kids Healthy… Naturally

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #49

6 Simple Ways to  Keep Your Kids Healthy… Naturally

With all the resources that we have why does it seem like kids are getting sicker quicker and more than ever before?

These are some simple way to keep your kids healthy all year round.

Balance the Gut

This is huge. Keeping out gut flora in check keeps are entire body running well. Some simple ways are to avoid processed foods and adding in prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods and supplements. Grab yours here.

Fun in the Sun

Food is a great way to get your vitamins but sometimes we could use a little boost especially with vitamins D & C. Sunlight is a big help where vitamin D is concerned but if you are needing a supplement this is one that we use. Citrus fruits are helpful when it comes to vitamin C but when we need extra this is a great source too!

Let Them Play in the Mud

As odd as it might sound to us as parents there are naturally occurring compounds in the dirt that boost serotonin levels and will also contribute to healthy sleep. On top of that, by interacting with dirt, kids are naturally exposed to a host of natural bacteria and pathogens that actually help strengthen the immune system.

Avoid Chemicals

This sounds super easy but have we really looked at what we are pouring on to them lately? Check out your toothpaste, lotions, shampoo/conditioner, bug sprays, sunscreen, laundry detergent and more.

Add Some Salt to the Tub

Epsom or sea salt baths are amazing for detoxing the body especially when we add some essential oils to them but it also has an additional health benefit- magnesium. Due to depleted soil and water levels, many adults and children are magnesium deficient.

Essential Resources

Keeping things like essential oils, homeopathic remedies, herbs, and tinctures on hand is crucial. That away when something does pop up, you are prepared to handle it.

What are some ways that you keep your kids healthy?

As always, be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

Simple Ways to Detox Daily

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #47

Simple Ways to Detox Daily

Drink lemon water

Warm to room temperature lemon water is the best, especially first thing in the morning. Add a drop of lemon vitality or some fresh squeezed organic lemon juice work well.

Sip on a Detox Tea

There are a variety of teas out there. Look for teas that contain dandelion root, ginger root, burdock, and licorice.

Add Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has a multitude of benefits. It alkalizes the body, helps detox the liver and supports the metabolism. Good Girl Moonshine is one of my favorite ways to add it to my day.

Jump

Jumping is a great way to stimulate our lymphatic system. It increases circulation.

Eliminate

Elimination is one of the key ways that our detoxes every single day. Be sure to eat clean and add in your fiber. Get in your probiotics, digestive enzymes, and Digize essential oils. Consider trying a coffee enema.

Dry body brushing

This not only feels good but it also activates the lymphatic system, stimulates circulation and enhances the elimination of toxins through our largest organ- the skin!

Detox baths

This is a good thing to add to your weekly routine to help support and cleanse our body. Grab the recipe here. All you need is some sea salt or Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils. If you can’t do a bath, try a foot soak.

Make your home healthy

Get some plants in your home that act as natural air filters. Avoid using chemical cleaners. Throw out your plugins, candles and other items that scent our home and instead use a diffuser with essential oils (I recommend Young Living.) Get a reverse osmosis system or water distiller.

What simple steps are you ready to make to detox your life daily?

It doesn’t have to hard or complicated, just start making little changes to a healthier you!

As always be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

Healthy Kids Part 3

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #40

Healthy Kids

Part 3

Healthy kids start before they are even conceived. We can start by getting both mom and dad healthy and functioning well so that the baby also can have a healthy beginning.

+ Increasing Your Fertility

  • Get rid of any pathogens- parasites, fungus, candida, etc.
  • Clean up your diet and eat foods that can increase your fertility
  • Avoid two things- soy and processed sugars

+ Fun Facts for Healthy Families

  • Babies do not have the proper enzymes for food until they have teeth
  • Thyroid issues are commonly a lack of iodine and minerals- increase iodine with Lugol’s liquid iodine and minerals with Pink Himalayan or Black Hawaiin Sea Salt
  • If you have had soy overload- one organic carrot day helps to reverse some of the damage that may have been done
  • Fermented food is huge and we need to start eating them
  • Reach for the sourdough or sprouted bread

+ How do we start

There are many ways that we can start making changes to have healthier kids and an overall healthier family. Simple changes every day is the key and being consistent. Where do you want to start? What is the most important area of your life that needs to start seeing change? Start there and make the change!

 

As always, be grateful and have faith!

God Bless!

 

Healthy Kids Part 2

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #39

Healthy Kids

Part 2

As parents, we all want what is best for our kids and their health is a priority to us. We talked about some of the key areas that we can look at to make sure that we are creating a healthy lifestyle and the overall health of our kids.

+ Fingernails

Fingernails are a good indicator of what is going on inside of our bodies. Who knew, right? What are we supposed to look for:

  • We should see eight moons on our fingernails, this is a sign of an overgrowth of candida(this is something that happens around those mid-teen years and older)
  • Inflammation around the cuticles is a sign of inflammation in the body
  • Lines from tip to cuticle is a sign of parasites
  • Fungus nails is a sign that we are not eating enough healthy fats
  • White marks on our nails is a lack of zinc
  • Constant biting or picking is a sign of parasites

All of these go back to gut health. It is important to keep an eye on our gut health because that is typically where illness starts.

+ Poop

We can talk about poop, right? Everyone’s poop is a good indicator of what is going on inside of our bodies, especially in our gut. The Bristol Stool Chart is something to familiarize yourself with so that you can make sure that everything is working as it should be for both you and your children.

  • 1-2 is a sign of constipation
  • 3-4 is where you want to be and you should be going at least once a day
  • 5-7 might be normal for some but is definitely not healthy

+ Start simple

It is not too late and you can start by taking simple steps. When we know better, we do better. Some simple steps in the right direction:

  • Clear any parasites, candida or fungus. Find EDS(Electro-Dermal Screening) in your area because it is worth every penny!
  • Start by making one healthy meal a day. Simple small changes make for a lifetime of improvement.
  • Limit sugars
  • Cut out as many outside toxins. This is the best place to start and I will walk you through the process.
  • Know what the root cause is to things that are issues for your child: reflux, breathing issues, food dyes, aspartame, etc.

Start simple but simply start

When we know better we do better and now that you know, what will you do?

Tune in next week on how we can prepare our bodies to have a healthy child and more steps to raising healthy and happy kids!

 

As always, be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

 

 

 

Healthy Kids Part 1

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #38

Healthy Kids

Part 1

 

As parents, we all want to have healthy kids and that seems to be getting more and more difficult these days. As parents, we need to learn to be an advocate for our kids- ask questions, educate ourselves and trust our gut.

 

+ Nutrition

Healthy children and family start with what we are putting in our bodies. The statistics that are out there are not only alarming but they didn’t happen overnight. Our genes, our genetics, they don’t change that quickly. It is something that we are being exposed to and something that our children are being exposed to.

The saying that you are what you eat rings true. Much of our diet lacks proper nutrition and more people are becoming aware of it. Dr. Weston Price did some fascinating studies on the difference between the “townies” and the “country folk.” The difference in their food and nutrition was obvious in not only their health but their overall appearance.

Good fats, fermented foods and food high in essential minerals are crucial to our overall health and in turn our children’s health as well.

 

+ Happy Microbiome

Our diet needs to feed us and not the possible passengers that we are carrying- parasites, candida, and fungus are the 3 most common. Our gut biome is crucial to our immune system and can be affected by many things including stress and sugar.

One key is to be using prebiotic and probiotic. This helps to feed the good bacteria and continue to increase the number of good bacteria that are there. MightyPro is an amazing supplement for kids and adults, grab yours here!

 

+Is it too late?

Just know that it is not too late and making simple changes now will make big changes down the road for you and your kid’s health. What changes are you ready to make to start this process?

 

Tune in next week for more about how we can create health changes to create healthy families.

 

As always, be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

 

 

Podcast #27 Supplements- Do we really need them?

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #27

Supplements-

Do we really need them?

With thousands of supplements lining store shelves, it’s no wonder people are confused. Where do you start? Should you start? Do we even need supplements? Which of these pills and potions are legit, if any? Are the people that buy them just investing in really expensive pee? How does one know what to take??

The short answer is that yes, we do need supplements for a variety for many reasons:

  • soil and water has been depleted of nutrients
  • non-organic food contains fewer nutrients
  • your body needs nutrients to deal with the toxins that are present in our environment
  • nutrient absorption declines with age
  • exercise increases our need for certain nutrients

So why Young Living supplements?

Research has shown that before putting essential oils in MultiGreens, there was 42 percent blood absorption in 24 hours. After adding essential oils to MultiGreens, blood absorption increased to 64 percent in 30 minutes, and 86 percent in an hour. The conclusion was that the cells were now receiving nutrients that they had previously not been able to assimilate. So many of these supplements that we love are infused with essential oils, which help so much with absorption, plus we also get all the added benefits from the oils themselves! It’s truly amazing that we have such awesome supplements that we can use to support our bodies!

Where do we start?

There are so many supplements out there how do we even know where to start? Do you take them all? Or which one do you start with?

Pick a system! Where do you feel your weaknesses are? Where does your body need support? Digestive system? Circulatory system? Brain health? Bones and muscles? You know your body better than anyone else, so pick a system that needs support and start there.

Some people will notice a change right away and others may not. Supplements work in our bodies in subtle ways over time. Sometimes our bodies need to build up whatever we are lacking so consistency is key.

Not only is consistency a key but also having the right base as a start. There are a few supplements that can help the whole body function optimally and these are like the legs of your table- crucial to have a balanced life.

Oh, our Omega’s and all the healthy fats that we need for our brain!

Omegagize is a source of healthy fats, vitamin D, and CoQ10. It targets the heart, brain, eye, and joint health. This is a supplement rich in the nutrients needed to feed a healthy heart and brain. A starving brain and heart malfunction while proper nourishment can promote wellness at all stages of life. This is something that we all need. The biggest thing that to remember is the quality of this amazing fatty oil is also of the utmost importance.

Hair, skin, and nails!

Sulphurzyme is the ultimate hair, skin, and nails superpower! It is a unique combination of MSM, which is the protein-building compound found in breast milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and Ningxia wolfberries. Together, they create a new concept balancing the immune system and supports every major function of the body. MSM has the ability to equalize water inside the cells, which is amazing for those who are in need of joint support.

If you have hair, skin or nails, this is a supplement that you should be taking because you are likely not getting enough of this compound. Weak and brittle nails, hair loss or hair that doesn’t grow or that isn’t healthy, joint that are painful and skin issues that really are a walking billboard telling us that we need more nutrition in this area. When you have skin that is super sensitive with the topical application of essential oil, this is another tall tell sign that your body is in need of this supplement. The main thing that sets this supplement apart from other MSM out there is not only that fact that it is combined with the Ningxia wolfberries but the quality and exceptional purity of the MSM. It is a pharmaceutical grade MSM that is light years ahead of the materials imported from Asia that you find on most store shelves. This is a supplement that is suitable for not only us but also our kids and pets.

All the good bacteria!

Fun fact- 80% of our immune system is in our gut. This is why supporting our body with a probiotic such as Life 9 or MightyPro is so important to our good bacteria and gut flora. It targets guts, our digestion, skin, brain and immune system. Life 9 is a high-potency probiotic that combines 17 billion live cultures from 9 beneficial bacteria strains that promotes healthy digestion, supports gut health, and helps maintain normal intestinal function for overall support of a healthy immune system. MightyPro is slightly different because it is a not only a probiotic but it is also prebiotic, meaning it feeds the bacteria that are being delivered to the digestive track- amazing! Remember that a healthy gut is a key to a healthy brain, immune, and skin health.

All the Antioxidants!

Who love’s their Ningxia?!?!? This is an amazing source of vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients and it targets our overall health, immune system, healthy blood sugar levels, energy, and so much more! Why is Ningxia Red so huge? We get worn out, our digestive systems get tired, our cells get dirty, and we need something we can assimilate quickly and easily to go to work. Thank you Ningxia Red! This is a powerful antioxidant supplement drink made from wolfberry puree, blueberry, plum, cherry, aronia, and pomegranate juices, grape seed extract and it contains Yuzu, Tangerine, Lemon, and Orange essential oils, stevia and vanilla extract. It supports immune function, liver function, and eye health and is reported to increase energy without harmful stimulants. Plus it has the highest antioxidant level on the S-ORAC scale, meaning that it protects our body from the dangers of free radicals and is a whole-food source of nutrients- filling in all of those little gaps and helping us to feel amazing! Want to grab the complete Ningxia kit & save money? Grab it here!

 

Four legs to our tables

Omegagize, Sulphurzyme, Life 9 and Ningxia. Which one will you start with? Maybe all 4? What system of your body needs the most love? Start there and grab them here!

 

As always,

Be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

More about Emotions

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

More about EmotionsPodcast #12

More about Emotions

Some of the most popular questions we get asked regarding oils are how to use them to help manage emotions. Let’s start by exploring the science behind oils and emotions. I want you to be in charge of your emotions and actually, use them for good! Your emotions don’t have to control you. Get ready to release some negative emotions!!!

THE SCIENCE

We’re going to start with some basic science. This is only the tip of the iceberg but when we heard this info for the first time it blew our minds. It sheds so much light on how our emotions affect us and how oils can help.
A New York University study found the only way to release fear from the amygdala (part of the limbic system) is through smell.

Essential oil compounds can actually work to repair and reprogram cellular memory!

THE HOW

Focus on your emotion and your “why.” What situation, what event, what people- what is the “why”?
Then begin to let go of the negative emotion and start focusing on the opposite side of that emotion, or how you want to feel about the situation or memory.
If you are working through a deep-seated memory, this process will take time.

Now that you understand the root of your emotions, apply your oil and inhale it deeply. Begin to shift your focus to the positive. Focus on connecting and building memories and on releasing the expectations you’ve put on yourself.
Remember, everyone’s body and emotional responses are different. So try a few different oils to see which ones resonate best with you!

 

For more in-depth information, I recommend the book, Releasing Emotional Patterns With Essential Oils.

GUT HEALTH

You might think that it’s strange to talk about your digestive system in this class. But the truth is, your gut and your brain are tightly connected and they communicate back and forth all day long! It is important for you to drink water, eat whole food and get a good probiotic like Life 9.

HORMONE BALANCING

When our hormones are not supported out emotions are affected. Progessence Plus and Shutran are wonderful for supporting our hormones.

Progessence Plus(only for women)
Apply 2-4 drops on the wrists or neck daily.
Shutran(for men & women)
Apply 2-4 drops on heart, wrists or feet.
 

NORTHERN LIGHTS BLACK SPRUCE

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Nervousness and hyperactivity
Lethargy and melancholy
Helps promote Feelings Of:
Harmony and goodwill
Relaxation and restoration
Ways To Use:
Add a drop or two to a hot bath.
Add a drop or two to your chosen carrier oil for massage.
Diffuse during prayer time, yoga, and meditation.
 

WHITE ANGELICA

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Greed
Loneliness
Rejection
Shame
Weakness

Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Protection
Strength
Comfort
Wholeness

Ways To Use:
Diffuse throughout the day.
Wear on wrists and chest.

FRANKINCENSE

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Depression
Anxiety
Melancholy
Dwelling on the past
Worthlessness
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Freedom
Focus
Calm
Support
Ways To Use:
Apply to the forehead, temples, and back of the neck before relaxing.
Diffuse during prayer, meditation, and yoga.

JOY

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Anxiety
Disappointment
Grief and sorrow
Judgment
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Love (both for self and others)
Balance
Confidence
Ways To Use:
Wear on wrists, the edge of ears, neck or chest. (Possible sun sensitivity).

GROUNDING

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Chaos
Feeling frozen or stuck
Overwhelming
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Relaxation
Focus
Balance
Clarity
Ways To Use:
Diffuse throughout the day.
Apply to the back of neck or temples.

RELEASE

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Anger
Frustration
Being held back
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Cleansing
Freedom
Harmony
Ways To Use:
Diffuse throughout the day.
Apply topically to wrists, the edge of ears and feet.

SARA

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Fear
Unmet expectations
Stress
Weight control

Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Freedom
Positivity
Release

Ways To Use:
Apply topically to wrists, ears, neck, and feet. (Possible sun sensitivity).
Add a few drops to a warm bath.

ORANGE

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Anxiety
Tension
Frustration
Insomnia

Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Happiness
Calmness

Ways To Use:
Great to add to diffuser combos.
Add a few drops to a tissue and inhale directly.
Add a drop to your water for a citrus twist.
*Possible sun sensitivity

VALOR and VALOR II

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Fear
Self-doubt – “I’m not good enough”
Defensiveness
Aggression
Persecution

Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Courage
Confidence
Self-esteem and empowerment

Ways To Use:
Apply to chest, neck, and shoulders.
Diffuse throughout the day.
Add a drop or two to your chosen carrier oil for massage.

BERGAMOT

Helps Release Feelings Of:
Depression and fatigue.
Stress and anxiety.
Nervous tension.
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Sedation and relaxation.
Joy
Freshness
Energy
Ways To Use:
Place a few drops on a washcloth and place it over your chest while taking a hot shower.
Massage over the abdomen
Diffuse in the mornings for an energetic start or simply put a drop in your hands, cup over nose and mouth, and breathe slowly.
I hope that you have learned about at least one new way to use essential oils to support healthy emotions and if you are looking for a wonderful protocol check out the Feelings Kit from Young Living!

As always,

Be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

Water Kefir & Kombucha

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #8

Water Kefir & KombuchaKefir water and Kombucha

Kefir water and Kombucha- what are they and what is the difference between them. Some of you may have heard of Kombucha and maybe you have even tried it but do you know why it is good for you and how easy it is to make? Kefir water is a little less know but similar.

What are they?

Kombucha and Kefir water are both fermented beverages.

Kombucha is made with a scoby(symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), held together by polysaccharides. It looks like a mushroom but is not fungus. Kombucha is known to contain a variety of yeast and bacteria.

Kefir water is made of “grains” which are a colony of bacteria and yeast. They look like small translucent grains. The term “grains” is only used to describe their appearance. Kefir grains contain no actual grains such as wheat, rye. Etc. They also contain a variety of bacteria and yeast.

Preparation and time frame:

Kombucha is prepared by adding starter tea and a kombucha culture (your scoby) to sweet tea (black, green, oolong, etc). This Is then fermented for 5 to 30 days depending on the flavor you desire.

Water kefir is prepared by adding water kefir grains to sugar water (we add a little molasses and baking soda for added minerals). This is then fermented for 24-48 hours.

Do you flavor them?

Kombucha is tangy, kind of sweet and effervescent. The flavor varies greatly depending on how long you allow it to ferment and the tea that you use. The fermenting or culture time really determines whether the kombucha tea has a very mild taste or a strong vinegar-like taste. Kombucha can be flavored or you can drink it plain as well.

Water kefir can be sweet and the longer we let it ferment or culture the less sugary it is. It is recommended that you flavor water kefir because the taste of plain water kefir isn’t as pleasing.

Which is better?

Kombucha can aid in our digestion It also adds to our beneficial bacteria in our gut and it contains some acids and enzymes to aid in breaking down food.

Water kefir is more so a probiotic drink. It contains acids and enzymes to aid in digestion though not quite as strong as those in kombucha. Water kefir does, however, have a greater number of bacteria strains than kombucha.

Both drinks are very beneficial in aiding our natural body systems and both are great for hydration. Depending on what flavor you like and the health benefits you are looking for, consuming one or both is a matter of individual preference.

 

Kombucha Water kefir
Brew time 5-30 days 24-48 hours
Brews in Sweetened tea (black, green oolong) Sugar water(juice or coconut water can be used)
Batch size Quantity not limited by size of scoby Limited to size depending on the amount of grains(usually about a gallon)
Flavor Tart, slightly vinegary. Gets stronger as it brews Sweet. Should be flavored with fruit juice or extracts
Carbonation Effervescent Slightly bubbly(very bubbly after 2nd fermentation)
Drink it plain? Yes, but flavor is good too! Not recommended
Contains Probiotic & yeast Probiotic & yeast
Culture growth The mother scoby always produces a baby which can be given away. Grains will multiply- sometimes slower and other times very quickly.
Health Benefits Detoxifier & digestive support. General health & probiotic supplement.

 

Instructions for making Kefir Water

  1. Pour 1/4 cup sugar into the jar.
  2. Add 1/2 cup hot water.
  3. Swirl to dissolve the sugar.
  4. Add 3 cups room temperature or cool water.
  5. Check the temperature of the liquid to make sure it’s room temperature ( 68°-85°F.)
  6. Add the water kefir grains
  7. Cover the jar and place in a warm spot, 68°-85°F, to culture for 24-48 hours.
  8. After culturing is complete, prepare a new batch of sugar water, (steps 1-4 above).
  9. Separate kefir grains from the finished water kefir.
  10. Place kefir grains in the new batch of sugar water.
  11. The finished water kefir is now ready to consume, or flavor.

 

Making Larger Batches

To make larger batches, use up to 2 cups grains and use 1 cup cane sugar per gallon of water.

The best method for removing water kefir grains from finished water kefir is to use a plastic mesh strainer. Simply set the strainer on top of a clean jar and pour the entire batch of finished water kefir through the strainer into the jar, catching the grains. Transfer the grains immediately to the new batch of sugar water.

Kombucha Ingredients & Ratios:

One-Quart Batch:

  • 1½ teaspoon loose tea OR2 tea bags
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2-3 cups water
  • ½ cup starter tea or vinegar

Half-Gallon Batch:

  • 1 tablespoon loose tea OR4 tea bags
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 6-7 cups water
  • 1 cup starter tea or vinegar

Gallon Batch:

  • 2 tablespoons loose tea OR8 tea bags
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 13-14 cups water
  • 2 cups starter tea or vinegar

Instructions for Making Kombucha Tea

 

  1. Combine hot water and sugar in a glass jar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. The water should be hot enough to steep the tea but does not have to be boiling.   
  2. Place the tea or tea bags in the sugar water to steep.
  1. Cool the mixture to 68-85ºF. The tea may be left in the liquid as it cools or removed after the first 10-15 minutes. The longer the tea is left in the liquid, the stronger the tea will be.
  2. Remove the tea bags or completely strain the loose tea leaves from the liquid.
  3. Add starter tea from a previous batch to the liquid. If you do not have starter tea, distilled white vinegar may be substituted.
  4. Add an active kombucha SCOBY.
  5. Cover the jar with a tight-weave towel or coffee filter and secure with a rubber band.
  6. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed at 68-85°F, out of direct sunlight, for 7-30 days, or to taste. The longer the kombucha ferments, the less sweet and more vinegary it will taste.
  7. Pour kombucha off the top of the jar for consuming. Retain the SCOBY and enough liquid from the bottom of the jar to use as starter tea for the next batch.
  8. The finished kombucha can be flavored and bottled, if desired, or enjoyed plain.

Ask on your local crunchy mom’s Facebook group or check out www.culturedhealthforlife.com to purchase kefir or kombucha supplies.

Have you tried either? Which drink are you ready to try? What is your favorite flavor?

As always be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

 

Gut Health

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Gut HealthPodcast #7

Gut Health

All disease starts in the gut ~ Hippocrates

Your gut is the cornerstone of your health and overall immunity.

  • The gut is known as our 2nd brain
  • Gut bacteria 10:1 from human cells

Why is our gut health so important?

  • Gut bacteria assist in the breakdown of our food
  • Without the right balance of bacteria, our digestion and assimilation is sub-optimal

All of this has powerful implications for the health and vitality:

  • Immunity & protection from food allergies & intolerances
  • Cognitive memory & brain health
  • Natural detox pathways and so much more

 

Our gut acts as the frontline for our immune system and contains our amazing microbiome. What is our microbiome?

It Is the collection of microbes that live in and on the human body known as microbiota. Our microbiome refers to the complete set of genes within these microbes. These microbial genes significantly influential to how our body operates. We each have a unique microbiota and microbiome. The role of the microbiome is so central to the body’s operation that it actually acts as an organ. It impacts aging, digestion, immune system, mood and cognitive function. Research is also showing a huge relationship between the brain and the gut called the gut-brain axis. Our microbiota also interacts with our central nervous system to regulate our brain chemistry and mediates our stress response to things like anxiety & memory. We are first exposed to microbes during birth. This is why we see a difference in the gut health of those born vaginally vs. via c- section. Babies born via c- section are know being swabbed with mom’s vaginal bacteria to optimize babies all over health.

Gut bacteria is absolutely essential for proper digestion.

What does it mean to have a healthy digestive system and a healthy gut?

Your poop- How often do you go? Do you have discomfort-diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headaches, unusual cravings, or pain? These can be a response to stress or specific foods, so watch for and avoid triggers. Sometimes things might not be as noticeable but still signs of an underlying issue like a weakened immune system, trouble concentrating, mood swings or emotional upset.

 

Some of the common reasons that our gut health is off:

  • Poor nutrition- eating more processed foods and less fresh or fermented foods
  • Stress- mental, heavy metals and environmental toxins
  • Modern medicine- over use of antibiotics, synthetic drugs, contraceptives, etc.

So, what do we do and where do we start?

Watch what we eat- read labels, cut out processed foods, add more fermented, raw and natural food choices. Since we know that by changing our gut health we can improve our immune & brain function, reduce feelings of sadness & anger, obesity, toxin levels in the body, fatigue, allergies, and more.

Here are some easy steps to improving it today:

  • Probiotic-rich foods- kefir, sauerkraut, etc.
  • Prebiotic-rich foods- garlic, onions, etc.
  • Probiotic supplements- Life 9 from Young Living is amazing and works synergistically
  • Cut out sugar & processed foods
  • Enzymes- amylase, cellulose, lactase
  • Digize essential oil- contains the blueprint for your enzymes
  • Ningxia Red- fills in your nutritional gaps
  • Digest & Cleanse- balances gut & supports healthy digestion
  • Open windows-indoor air affects our microbiome
  • Stress less- #1 cause of disease in our bodies 95% of the time
  • Laugh more- improves gut flora
  • Limit use of medications
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep (7-8 hours recommended)
  • Don’t be a clean freak
  • Garden

What is one change you are going to make to improve your gut health?

Remember the 4 R’s: Remove, Repair, Restore & Replace.

All disease begins in the gut and so does your health!

Remember to be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!