A client recently asked me to write about the connection between gut health and energy production, as she saw a direct correlation between improvements in her GI health and increased energy. Without knowing it, she was experiencing the effects one of the most fundamental, and least thought about aspects of optimal health. (more…)
Chewing has long been part of any foundational program for optimizing digestive function. Now, it’s also been shown that chewing your food can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes. (more…)
Migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, fibormyalgia, obesity and even ADHD can all be traced back to depleted serotonin levels – and the effects on your body can be as damaging as they are diverse. When most people think of serotonin deficiency, the first thing they usually think about is depression. If that someone is you, you’d be right. But there’s a lot more to this neurotransmitter than meets the eye – a lot more. (more…)
Many people know that yoga has numerous health benefits. However, most people do not know that there are simple and easy yoga poses that can actually help improve digestion.
The overall point of yoga is to find a conscious balance in our lives and make everything we do sacred. Outside of the actual practice of yoga poses, this means to try and have meals in comfortable environments and to use food for its intended purpose: as fuel for the fire of our physical and spiritual transformation.
The average American consumes 12 grams of fiber per day. In 1850 the average consumption was 25‐30 grams, which is the same number that the American Cancer Institute recommends today. (Lipski 58) As the numbers illustrate most we are falling short of reaching optimal levels.
Before addressing how to increase your fiber intake, I want to explain the two different types of fiber and what roles they play in the body. Essentially, dietary fiber is the non‐digestible component of carbohydrates naturally found in plant food and is further broken down in the following two categories:
Soluble Fiber is made up of polysaccharides (carbohydrates that contain three or more molecules of simple carbohydrates), and it dissolves in water. Soluble fiber has the ability to bind with fatty acids and also prolong stomach emptying time so sugar can be released more slowly. This type of fiber helps to regulate blood sugar and also aids in lowering the total and LDL cholesterol counts. Soluble fibers are often viscous (gel‐like consistency). Some examples are: psyllium husks, flax seed, glucomannan, oat bran, dried beans and peas, fruits (apples, pears, citrus fruits, berries, apricots, prunes), and vegetables (carrots, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes).
Insoluble Fiber is mainly made up of plant cell walls, and it cannot be dissolved in water. Insoluble fibers move bulk through the intestines and also help to control and balance the pH of the bowel. The bulking action of insoluble fiber aids in alleviating constipation and also helps to sweep toxins out of the body. Insoluble fibers can be found in the following foods: vegetables, such as green beans and dark leafy greens, fruit skins and root vegetable skins, whole wheat products, corn bran, nuts and seeds.
Here are some ways to add more fiber to your diet. (Stick as close to nature as possible):
Fiber even helps a person feel full. It can also aid in weight loss by stimulating the increased production of CCK (the satiety neurotransmitter) and reducing ghrelin (the hunger hormone).
Detoxification is a highly nutrient dense process. Not to be confused with intermittent fasting, detoxification requires the addition of whole foods, rich in vitamins and minerals to help repair your system while getting rid of toxins.
Give the gift of health!
