I look down at the cup of coffee in my hand for the second time this morning. I begin to wonder what is wrong with me. Why can't I seem to put that coffee down? Geez, How can I help people change their lives if I can't change my own? Sound familiar?
Look back......
I think back to a time when life was crazy and the kids needed to eat on the road. A quick and cheap fix may have been a McDonald's cheeseburger and fries. Of course we are in the car so we have some strays fall to the floor, or perhaps someone decided a chunk of burger looked good in the door pouch. I have seen these things!!! Often so well hidden that it had been weeks!!! The lifestyle was crazy and the food matched!! YUCK....the only color change was found on a fry that had gotten moist. Other than that it was just dry.
That is why this was not a shock to me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IGtDPG4UfI&feature=fvsr
When I think years back to my lifestyle and habits, I tend to think I should be able to "double time" to correct the errors of my ways. I am more educated now. The truth is, I was doing better than average then!!! That scares me, but I begin to relax a bit. I look again at my cup of coffee. I used to drink coffee by the half gallon (almost literally). I have changed cookware to stainless steel, storage to glass, and grain almost doesn't exist in our family diet. The things that DO exist in our diet now amaze me. It wasn't just a change in myself, it was a change in everyone around me!!!
Our food spoils......it changes.....If your food does not change and breakdown......then it cannot provide energy.....leaving you just as unchanging as the food you eat. We are far too dynamic for THAT around here!!!
So, I take a sip of fresh brewed coffee. It is so delicious. AAAHHH.......It's all about the journey.
Kandee
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Before A Cleanse...Understanding Your Poo....What IS "Normal"??
A happy liver is a happy body =) I just can't say that enough!!! It is no secret that it is our biggest internal organ....so why does it seem that so many people don't understand it's importance?? Sheesh....We see this organ directly related to the well being of all body systems!!!It is no surprise then that nutrients supportive of this organ are indeed also supportive of bowel health. When designing your cleanse you will notice many of these nutrients pop up.
When we look at bowel function, we have to understand what is "normal" and what is a sign of potential problems. How do we keep this system running smoothly? To begin with,fiber is absolutely essential. Body movement (exercise) is vital as well. Obviously, water consumption plays a huge role in maintaining bowel function.
There are also several botanicals that can be utilized to restore bowel function. Some botanicals have a laxative effect and can aid in cleansing the system when it is bogged down. (aloe,and licorice root for example) Bulking agents (psyllium husks, linseeds, and high fiber foods for example) can be useful on a regular basis to keep peristalsis running at a regular pace. The brain receives chemical signals based on the "mass" moving through the intestines. It seems the bulking agents give the mass, without being heavy and difficult to move. (provided adequate water)Bulking agents also clean away build up in the digestive tract. Probiotics play a role in breaking down wastes, and aiding elimination.
The biggest problem of suboptimal bowel function is really a matter of absorption.
The digestive process begins in the mouth. We chew, enzymes begin to break down the food as does the mechanical act of chewing. At the stomach we are dependent upon the stomach acid to further break down our food. As the broken down particles travel through the intestines there is a series of chemical reactions taking place. As the body breaks down the particles,they produce usable substances. The usable pieces are absorbed and the rest goes on to be eliminated. If the mechanical process is stalled, or slowed, (peristalsis) then there can become a sludge buildup on the intestinal walls. (much like plaque in the arteries.) If this sludge remains, the amount of space for the chemical breakdown and absorption is significantly reduced. We then begin to see the results of deficiency. The same is true of laxative abuse or chronic diarrhea. This situation still does not allow for proper absorption or manufacturing of essential nutrients. The particles simply move through too quickly. This is why regularity is such a concern. Knowing that the body is moving wastes at a good constant rate is a great sign of bowel health.
Well CRAP...yeah, I made the pun....The body has great system laid out for elimination. The problem is, most people run around constantly throwin' a monkey wrench into it. There are several causes for elimination problems and just as many ways they can manifest. Let's explore a few....
1 Constipation....Though dehydration is NOT the only cause of constipation, many people experience firm to "boulder like" bowel movements. With so many causes for the dehydration in the average lifestyle, most people are at risk for at LEAST firm and "lumpy" stool. Stool should be formed but soft.
2 Excessive gas...I have a children's book called "The Gas We Pass...The Story of Farts". The average person passes gas some 14 times a day!!! (I found that to be a bit high, but I was like a rat....would likely blow up before tooting...I am cured now...lol.) ANYWAY..bloating and excessive gas is NOT reflective of a smooth running system.
3 Infrequent/ irregular bowel movements....One bowel movement per major meal is optimum....The frequency often reported as "normal" is based on what is "normal" for any one person and does not reflect the optimum function. Bowel movements should reflect the number of "major meals" a person eats (one movement per major meal)
4 Diarrhea/loose stool....again...soft but formed....
5 Bathroom Libraries.....yes, bathroom libraries. It should not take enough time to do ANY reading on the toilet!! Optimal bowel function makes for a quick trip...and not a research session!!!
6 Straining...any required straining is not a good sign. This can be associated with constipation, but can be a common practice for some even without the presence of hard,dry stool. This lets you know things are not moving easily and naturally.
7 Abnormally colored stool....Brown is the way to go....brown is indicative of the bile salts doing their job. Color can be influenced by consumption of some foods, but generally, unusual color indicates a problem. Sometimes, this is an indication of a serious problem. It pays to know your poo.....(Billy once had a neon blue movement....I am pretty sure it was the bag of blue raspberry licorice he ate...I'm not thinking there is ANY disorder that could mimic THAT color....YUCK...silly man)
When we look at bowel function, we have to understand what is "normal" and what is a sign of potential problems. How do we keep this system running smoothly? To begin with,fiber is absolutely essential. Body movement (exercise) is vital as well. Obviously, water consumption plays a huge role in maintaining bowel function.
There are also several botanicals that can be utilized to restore bowel function. Some botanicals have a laxative effect and can aid in cleansing the system when it is bogged down. (aloe,and licorice root for example) Bulking agents (psyllium husks, linseeds, and high fiber foods for example) can be useful on a regular basis to keep peristalsis running at a regular pace. The brain receives chemical signals based on the "mass" moving through the intestines. It seems the bulking agents give the mass, without being heavy and difficult to move. (provided adequate water)Bulking agents also clean away build up in the digestive tract. Probiotics play a role in breaking down wastes, and aiding elimination.
The biggest problem of suboptimal bowel function is really a matter of absorption.
The digestive process begins in the mouth. We chew, enzymes begin to break down the food as does the mechanical act of chewing. At the stomach we are dependent upon the stomach acid to further break down our food. As the broken down particles travel through the intestines there is a series of chemical reactions taking place. As the body breaks down the particles,they produce usable substances. The usable pieces are absorbed and the rest goes on to be eliminated. If the mechanical process is stalled, or slowed, (peristalsis) then there can become a sludge buildup on the intestinal walls. (much like plaque in the arteries.) If this sludge remains, the amount of space for the chemical breakdown and absorption is significantly reduced. We then begin to see the results of deficiency. The same is true of laxative abuse or chronic diarrhea. This situation still does not allow for proper absorption or manufacturing of essential nutrients. The particles simply move through too quickly. This is why regularity is such a concern. Knowing that the body is moving wastes at a good constant rate is a great sign of bowel health.
Well CRAP...yeah, I made the pun....The body has great system laid out for elimination. The problem is, most people run around constantly throwin' a monkey wrench into it. There are several causes for elimination problems and just as many ways they can manifest. Let's explore a few....
1 Constipation....Though dehydration is NOT the only cause of constipation, many people experience firm to "boulder like" bowel movements. With so many causes for the dehydration in the average lifestyle, most people are at risk for at LEAST firm and "lumpy" stool. Stool should be formed but soft.
2 Excessive gas...I have a children's book called "The Gas We Pass...The Story of Farts". The average person passes gas some 14 times a day!!! (I found that to be a bit high, but I was like a rat....would likely blow up before tooting...I am cured now...lol.) ANYWAY..bloating and excessive gas is NOT reflective of a smooth running system.
3 Infrequent/ irregular bowel movements....One bowel movement per major meal is optimum....The frequency often reported as "normal" is based on what is "normal" for any one person and does not reflect the optimum function. Bowel movements should reflect the number of "major meals" a person eats (one movement per major meal)
4 Diarrhea/loose stool....again...soft but formed....
5 Bathroom Libraries.....yes, bathroom libraries. It should not take enough time to do ANY reading on the toilet!! Optimal bowel function makes for a quick trip...and not a research session!!!
6 Straining...any required straining is not a good sign. This can be associated with constipation, but can be a common practice for some even without the presence of hard,dry stool. This lets you know things are not moving easily and naturally.
7 Abnormally colored stool....Brown is the way to go....brown is indicative of the bile salts doing their job. Color can be influenced by consumption of some foods, but generally, unusual color indicates a problem. Sometimes, this is an indication of a serious problem. It pays to know your poo.....(Billy once had a neon blue movement....I am pretty sure it was the bag of blue raspberry licorice he ate...I'm not thinking there is ANY disorder that could mimic THAT color....YUCK...silly man)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Where Do We Begin?? A Journey To Nutritional Healing
After much consideration, I have chosen to move forward with my personal research in the areas of detoxification and clinical fasting. I feel that the general health issues I encounter would be far more effectively treated if my clients had a fresh slate to begin with. The diets that I see commonly would more than likely prevent or restrict any benefits of supplementation. A system that is overloaded with toxins and intestines that are spackled with fats and other toxic residues just cannot effectively absorb nutrients from foods or supplements.
I believe that detoxification of the body, cleansing, fasting and purging of wastes would be the most logical place to start. I realize that I will more than once hate myself for choosing this path. I know that experiencing these things for myself may be one of the toughest things I ever do. I know that this means I will curse, cry, and shake my fists at times out of frustration. I also know that, in the end, I will celebrate. I will be able to hold the hand of even the most challenged client and say..."I PROMISE ...If you just hang in there you will be endlessly thankful that you did. I know what a challenge this might be for you, but it will be well worth it."
And so begins my journey..........
I believe that detoxification of the body, cleansing, fasting and purging of wastes would be the most logical place to start. I realize that I will more than once hate myself for choosing this path. I know that experiencing these things for myself may be one of the toughest things I ever do. I know that this means I will curse, cry, and shake my fists at times out of frustration. I also know that, in the end, I will celebrate. I will be able to hold the hand of even the most challenged client and say..."I PROMISE ...If you just hang in there you will be endlessly thankful that you did. I know what a challenge this might be for you, but it will be well worth it."
And so begins my journey..........
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Mineral Depletion of Soil....So what....
Minerals are an essential part of our natural diet and a lack of them may in part account for our increasing susceptibility to the “diseases of civilization” – such as heart disease (magnesium), cancer (selenium), diabetes (chromium) and mental illnesses (zinc). Every one of us should take care to get the minerals we need, for the good of our health.
http://www.physicalnutrition.net/soil-mineral-depletion.htm
I have been puzzled for several years by the increase of childhood asthma, allergies, bipolar disorder, ADD and ADHD, and other such disorders among the general population. Throughout my holistic nutrition research I have seen many probable explanations. I was content, before, to place blame on the fact that we are introducing new chemicals into the atmosphere all the time. I now have the understanding that it is far more than that. In fact, it is not just the addition of chemicals into the atmosphere and our diets, but also the depletion of nutrients from our soil.
Over the last century our animal and vegetable food sources have suffered a significant drop in nutrient content. Genetic engineering has placed a higher value on physical traits rather than nutritive quality. The soil has been depleted of it's minerals due to chemical use and over farming. This affects all of our vegetation and therefore all of our livestock and even the human population.
Though most can understand the link between chemical pollutants and the increase instance of allergies and asthma in the population, it may not be so obvious why we are seeing an increase in the other disorders or what any of this has to do with our food sources. Let me explain.
When our body systems are not balanced, even down to the cellular level, we see an increased likelihood of symptoms of disease and disorder. These symptoms or signs of imbalance can be very subtle. Often times we associate these things with other causes without understanding what is really going on. What IS going on is that our diets are lacking nutrients, are too acidifying, and completely unbalanced. We are creating a toxic environment in our bodies and then attempting to treat the symptoms with more toxins!!!
We should, instead, focus on returning balance to our bodies and our food sources. The mineral depletion of our soil has reduced the mineral contents of our food. I found some really interesting information when researching mineral values. I was instructed to further research Selenium. I ended up finding that Selenium, Glutathione Peroxidase, and Vitamins E and C are related to asthma. Selenium (actually in the form of selenocysteine) is incorporated to the four active sites of the enzyme Glutathione Perioxidase. This enzyme plays an active role in eliminating free radicals associated with oxidative damage.
I had such a DUH moment when I put all of this together. This explained why we are seeing such an enormous rise in childhood asthma. WOW!! I was relieved to finally have another piece of the puzzle.
The soil depletion is just an example, just one of the many effects of our carelessness on this planet. Organic farming, crop rotations, and other methods of keeping the soil healthy and nutrient dense are long past due. This cycle of destruction needs to stop. We need natural, healthy food sources if we want to be healthy individuals. We need a healthy planet if we want healthy food sources.....it is a very simple concept.
http://www.physicalnutrition.net/soil-mineral-depletion.htm
I have been puzzled for several years by the increase of childhood asthma, allergies, bipolar disorder, ADD and ADHD, and other such disorders among the general population. Throughout my holistic nutrition research I have seen many probable explanations. I was content, before, to place blame on the fact that we are introducing new chemicals into the atmosphere all the time. I now have the understanding that it is far more than that. In fact, it is not just the addition of chemicals into the atmosphere and our diets, but also the depletion of nutrients from our soil.
Over the last century our animal and vegetable food sources have suffered a significant drop in nutrient content. Genetic engineering has placed a higher value on physical traits rather than nutritive quality. The soil has been depleted of it's minerals due to chemical use and over farming. This affects all of our vegetation and therefore all of our livestock and even the human population.
Though most can understand the link between chemical pollutants and the increase instance of allergies and asthma in the population, it may not be so obvious why we are seeing an increase in the other disorders or what any of this has to do with our food sources. Let me explain.
When our body systems are not balanced, even down to the cellular level, we see an increased likelihood of symptoms of disease and disorder. These symptoms or signs of imbalance can be very subtle. Often times we associate these things with other causes without understanding what is really going on. What IS going on is that our diets are lacking nutrients, are too acidifying, and completely unbalanced. We are creating a toxic environment in our bodies and then attempting to treat the symptoms with more toxins!!!
We should, instead, focus on returning balance to our bodies and our food sources. The mineral depletion of our soil has reduced the mineral contents of our food. I found some really interesting information when researching mineral values. I was instructed to further research Selenium. I ended up finding that Selenium, Glutathione Peroxidase, and Vitamins E and C are related to asthma. Selenium (actually in the form of selenocysteine) is incorporated to the four active sites of the enzyme Glutathione Perioxidase. This enzyme plays an active role in eliminating free radicals associated with oxidative damage.
I had such a DUH moment when I put all of this together. This explained why we are seeing such an enormous rise in childhood asthma. WOW!! I was relieved to finally have another piece of the puzzle.
The soil depletion is just an example, just one of the many effects of our carelessness on this planet. Organic farming, crop rotations, and other methods of keeping the soil healthy and nutrient dense are long past due. This cycle of destruction needs to stop. We need natural, healthy food sources if we want to be healthy individuals. We need a healthy planet if we want healthy food sources.....it is a very simple concept.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Surprising pH Experiment Results
Our Holistic Nutrition Instructor...or should I say "nutrition Guru" assigned an experiment involving testing our saliva and urine pH daily. We were to take a waking sample on saliva, waking urine, and last nightly urine. I was absolutely dumbfounded by my findings!!
I struggled to find the test strips required for this project. I finally found them a few towns away. I am surprised that the stress of not finding these on time didn't cause a different outcome!! I tested every day....and every time I tested, I was shocked to find the readings to always be between 6.0 and 6.4ish. This is within the optimum range but on the low side. I love my coffee, but have cut back to only one or two cups a day and I try to make those organic. Based on the coffee alone, I expected my diet to land farther on the acidifying end of things. SURPRISE!! I had just done calculations for refined sugar in my diet as well. I was also shocked by how little sugar I consume on a regular basis. I am not sure why I am so shocked. I suppose I have designed my diet up until this point for what FEELS best for me with little regard for why. SURPRISE!! I am most satisfied with my eating habits. Naturally, there are adjustments to be made.....as I assume there always will be as my body changes. I enjoy yoga daily, and have begun to study breathing techniques. Honestly, I FEEL healthier knowing that I AM healthier than I thought....hahahahahahahaha This creates a cycle of even healthier behavior!!! This only gets better from here!!!
I struggled to find the test strips required for this project. I finally found them a few towns away. I am surprised that the stress of not finding these on time didn't cause a different outcome!! I tested every day....and every time I tested, I was shocked to find the readings to always be between 6.0 and 6.4ish. This is within the optimum range but on the low side. I love my coffee, but have cut back to only one or two cups a day and I try to make those organic. Based on the coffee alone, I expected my diet to land farther on the acidifying end of things. SURPRISE!! I had just done calculations for refined sugar in my diet as well. I was also shocked by how little sugar I consume on a regular basis. I am not sure why I am so shocked. I suppose I have designed my diet up until this point for what FEELS best for me with little regard for why. SURPRISE!! I am most satisfied with my eating habits. Naturally, there are adjustments to be made.....as I assume there always will be as my body changes. I enjoy yoga daily, and have begun to study breathing techniques. Honestly, I FEEL healthier knowing that I AM healthier than I thought....hahahahahahahaha This creates a cycle of even healthier behavior!!! This only gets better from here!!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Fiber...a "Moving" Tale
I have never understood why getting enough fiber is so challenging for most people. I have always had a little rule I follow.....avoid foods that have less than 2grams of fiber. That sounds great until you learn the next lesson; you can get too much fiber!!! WOW!! I never knew that before I suffered an awful attack of constipation. I couldn't believe it!! I was sooooo good about my fiber intake. "How could this happen?" I wondered. I was taking a nutrition course in college, so I asked my instructor. It was then and there that I felt like a total idiot. An idiot that had just learned something amazing. I mean, everything in moderation right??? DUH...even good things become not so good in excess. Since then, I still eat quite a bit of fiber but am careful not to consume too much. There are several very tasty treats on the market that have a high fiber content. I try to avoid these now if I am enjoying a full day with all of God's high fiber foods =)
How much fiber should one consume? Well, an average of 21-30 grams a day is a good place to start. At about 50 grams daily you may start to see some ill effects. O_o Staying below 45 grams seems to be a safe bet.
Now assuming you are getting enough fiber....but not too much LOL ....there are many benefits. A diet high in fiber is great if you are trying to lose weight. It takes longer to chew and digest, generally, and once it is in, it keeps you feeling full and satisfied longer. With a high fiber diet, it is also imperative to drink plenty of water. This also keeps that full feeling longer. There is a whole digestive cleaning that occurs with proper fiber intake. Like a small roto rooter it gently scrapes the remnants of other food products from the intestines. This leaves more surface space for nutrient absorption. If your body is feeling true nourishment from the food that is eaten and absorbed, overeating is a bit less likely =) On top of that, there are many wastes that are removed by this process. Less waste equals less toxins in the blood stream. Isn't fiber grand???
So the question is really a matter of where to get this fiber. Most American's favorite foods have very little, if any, fiber content. Read your labels!! Avoid the foods that have less than 2 grams of fiber. Enjoy the many God-given options available such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits and veggies. You can't cook the fiber out of your food, so there is no need to go "raw" and there is no difficulty in picking up a piece of fresh fruit or a veggie. Point being......there are no valid excuses for not consuming enough fiber =) Sorry....
How much fiber should one consume? Well, an average of 21-30 grams a day is a good place to start. At about 50 grams daily you may start to see some ill effects. O_o Staying below 45 grams seems to be a safe bet.
Now assuming you are getting enough fiber....but not too much LOL ....there are many benefits. A diet high in fiber is great if you are trying to lose weight. It takes longer to chew and digest, generally, and once it is in, it keeps you feeling full and satisfied longer. With a high fiber diet, it is also imperative to drink plenty of water. This also keeps that full feeling longer. There is a whole digestive cleaning that occurs with proper fiber intake. Like a small roto rooter it gently scrapes the remnants of other food products from the intestines. This leaves more surface space for nutrient absorption. If your body is feeling true nourishment from the food that is eaten and absorbed, overeating is a bit less likely =) On top of that, there are many wastes that are removed by this process. Less waste equals less toxins in the blood stream. Isn't fiber grand???
So the question is really a matter of where to get this fiber. Most American's favorite foods have very little, if any, fiber content. Read your labels!! Avoid the foods that have less than 2 grams of fiber. Enjoy the many God-given options available such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits and veggies. You can't cook the fiber out of your food, so there is no need to go "raw" and there is no difficulty in picking up a piece of fresh fruit or a veggie. Point being......there are no valid excuses for not consuming enough fiber =) Sorry....
Friday, July 9, 2010
Protein
Protein is such a huge factor in human nutrition. Next to water, protein is the second largest component in the human body. Some of the protein broken down in the body can be recycled, but we cannot store it!! Unlike the crumbs on your shirt from lunch, there is no saving some for later =) In fact, this process of breaking down proteins, and rebuilding them (protein synthesis) is taking place within our bodies 24 hours a day. If we do not intake the right amount of protein daily, the body will find other structures within the body to break down. This could lead to serious health issues. How do we ensure the right amount of protein is available? Let's take a look, first at what our bodies can and cannot produce internally.
Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Most microorganisms can biosynthesize all 20 standard amino acids, while most animals, humans included, must receive the 8 out of these 20 from their diet. So where do we find all of these essential amino acids??
Foods from animal sources are typically rich in essential amino acids. These include chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, beef, and pork. Plant sources of protein are readily available. Such sources include dried beans, peas, soy, nuts, and seeds. Although plant sources generally lack one or more of the essential amino acids, when combined with whole grains such as rice, or by eating nuts or seeds with legumes, all the amino acids can be obtained.
Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Most microorganisms can biosynthesize all 20 standard amino acids, while most animals, humans included, must receive the 8 out of these 20 from their diet. So where do we find all of these essential amino acids??
Foods from animal sources are typically rich in essential amino acids. These include chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, beef, and pork. Plant sources of protein are readily available. Such sources include dried beans, peas, soy, nuts, and seeds. Although plant sources generally lack one or more of the essential amino acids, when combined with whole grains such as rice, or by eating nuts or seeds with legumes, all the amino acids can be obtained.
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