Leaky Gut Syndrome 

(Increased Intestinal Permeability)

What is this new disease we are all hearing about lately? OK let's rewind a few years, maybe 30, most of you reading this might have been newborns or not born yet. As for me 30 years ago I was having my newborns.

At that time I don't recall ever hearing about diseases like Leaky Gut, Celiac, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Autism, or many of the new "auto-immune" diseases that are rampant today. In fact I was shocked to hear in the late1990's a statistic of 1 out of 3 people will get cancer and today it is almost as often as getting the flu. With all our modern day technology and billions of dollars spent on medical research why don't we have a cure? Why are we seeing more Cancer and many new diseases popping up. One thing I am certain of is that most of these diseases are man made. I will elaborate on this further in a minute. I don't buy into the hereditary theory. Don't get me wrong I believe in the involvement of genetics to a degree but lets not blame genetics for everything especially crazy diseases that started developing only recently, in fact shortly after the genetic modifications of our foods. 

A Bit of History- A great place to start is back in 1944, Oswald Avery identified DNA as the carrier of molecular information, and his findings were confirmed in 1952. A year later James Watson continued this work which opened the door to Genetic engineering. In 1972 Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer developed techniques to chemically cut and splice DNA. In 1976 Agricultural researchers at the University of Washington discovered a way to insert a molecule plasmid (bacteria) into the nucleus of a plant cell to cause tumors. They called it a natural form of gene splicing. (OK we trust scientists) They founded a new company called Genentech and introduced human genes that produce insulin into strains of bacteria. (the movie Frankenstein became popular) By 1983, scientists at two universities and Monsanto had figured out how to take out harmful genes from plasmids, insert them into the plant cell where it would introduce the gene (or bacteria or who knows what) into the nucleus of the plant itself. Gene splicing technology entered the food industry in 1990 when the FDA (we really trust them) approved the safety of a new strain of GMO rennet. In 1994, Monsanto introduced a form of bovine growth hormone BGH that was manufactured by GM bacteria. Farmers could now inject the hormone directly into dairy cattle to increase their milk production. By 1995, 67% of the cheese produced in the US was being made with rennet from genetically modified organisms.  Genetically modified crops have taken over in most of the major agricultural states. According to the USDA, by 2008, 92 percent of the soybeans planted in the U.S. were GMO varieties. Nebraska and South Dakota were the two highest percentage states at 97 percent each. 

Genetically modified corn was planted in 80 percent of the fields in the U.S. by 2008. Again, "sophisticated" farmers in the Midwest led the way. Nebraska farmers planted 86 percent GMO corn while South Dakota topped the list of states at 95 percent GMO corn. Are we all happy about this progress? Several European Union countries have banned the import of GMO crops. I wonder why, too old fashioned? stuck in the mud? We need to back track and fast forward to see the answer clearly! OK, we started in 1944 and are at 2008, before we go further try to identify yourself at some point in this progression. Maybe you we born in the midst of all this or giving birth or not yet born yet. The point is to pay attention to details, mainly the dates. 

Glyphosate (the key ingredient in RoundUp) herbicide, Monsanto’s seeds (see history) are genetically engineered to withstand these glyphosates which means they can spray the crap out of them and not destroy the seeds. more than 88,000 tons of glyphosate were used in the US in 2007, up from 11,000 tons in 1992. Since the advent of “super weeds,” the use of glyphosate (and other even stronger weed killers) has risen significantly. multiple studies have found significant levels of glyphosate in streams, soil, air, rainwater, and groundwater. How bad are glyphosate to humans? 

REMEMBER  "All disease begins in the colon"

Gut Bacteria: Our gut bacteria was recently discovered to contain the very same metabolic pathway in plants that is being targeted and disrupted by Glyphosate—in direct opposition to Monsanto’s claims that the human body would not be harmed in this way. (Oh no! the Scientist was wrong?) The lining of your digestive tract mainly the small intestine, is like a net (picture a woman's stocking or hose) it is designed to only allow specific substances to pass through. It is designed as a barrier to keep bigger particles out of the blood.

My point is when and what caused Leaky Gut? If you look at the history these symptoms started escalating around the mid to end of the 1990's although it didn't have a name (Leaky Gut) until recently.  Ask your doctor about Leaky gut, he will probably laugh or if he can hold a straight face he will tell you there is no scientific research to back it. If you ask him about Intestinal Permeability he may tell you it plays a role in diseases such as Chrohn's, Celiac, Diabetes, IBS Schizophrenia and cancer etc. but that it is usually genetic. (all disease begins in the leaky colon?) Best question is Why is our colon leaking? Why do more and more young people have diseases like Crohn's?

Answers: The answers are found in the questions, the history and multiplication. Let me explain; We never heard of most of these diseases such as Celiac's etc. until recently and those diseases we have heard of are growing in leaps and bounds. (subtract a few years) As Monsanto gains ground (literally) the diseases (multiply) Do you think there is a connection? You are what you eat? You are what you digest? Most of "us, our children and grandchildren" can't digest! Let's (add) more vaccines, (the ingredients are the same nasty bacteria Monsanto uses in their GMO mix). "Our children" got double to triple the vaccines we got and "our grand children" are and will get twice or more of that amount. How many of "us" will get the flu, hepatitis and shingles etc. vaccines? Should we mention what we are doing to our environment, Air & Water? Do you think there is a connection? OK, we are being over-loaded with harmful bacteria to our gut right? Our natural gut bacteria which fights back the bad guy's (harmful bacteria) is defeated in this war. Antibiotics are being prescribed way to much and even in higher concentration. (more is NOT better) Taking probiotics is NOT helping, Why? Answer Leaky Gut! The intentional wall cannot keep the nutrients in and it lets those larger particles out which (equals) auto-immune diseases. We need to fix the leak and stop doing what is causing our gut to leak to begin with).

Solution: I will provide detailed info in future blogs. But for now I recommend you see your favorite ND (hopefully it's me) Stop eating all inflammatory foods. Absolutely NO Gluten, dairy or sugar. Many nutrients (I like to tailor them to you individually) such as L-glutamin, bone broth, collagen, pea protein, digestive enzymes and more. 

Watch my blog for more on this subject soon!

Testing with Energy

Scientists have performed experiments with atoms and their subatomic particles such as electrons. Do you remember in science class around 5th grade, you saw a diagram of an atom with the electron orbiting it like the earth orbits the sun. what is interesting is the electron that is orbiting the nucleus is not always therein particle form. It only appears when you look at it. How does it know someone is looking at it? These particles behave a little differently for each observer. Could this be what happened in the beginning when God spoke the Word and created the World? Could this have caused the "Big Bang"? Are the substances of this World made up of a manifestation of words? Are the things we desire made up of atoms? Do these substances know what you believe, hear what you say? and behave accordingly? Is this what is called faith? A substance of things hoped for, evidence of things unseen?

Our beliefs do produce energy as well as do our words. I have discovered this through the Quantum testing that I have performed numerous times at the Healthy Living Center by analyzing the voice of a person through our Bio-Acustic software. The client speaks into a microphone for 45 seconds and it will scan the type of energy from the vocal vibrations showing body system imbalances in areas of nutrition, sensitivities, spinal energy, emotional, toxicity, stress and a host of many other things. We know through the study of Chinese Medicine that a balance in the Meridians is important to our health because of the blocks in the emotions that effect the flow of Qi in the body's cells etc. Qi is energy and everything is about energy. The root of all disease is stress. We are told by our scientific community that 87% of all disease comes from stress. Exactly what is stress? How do we know it is effecting us? What does stress feel like?Our thoughts and beliefs attract either positive or negative reactions around us. When a person comes around us who is depressed we feel the negative energy and want to get away from it. When a person who is energetic and joyous comes around us we want to be around this person because of the energy that draws us. When we think about these things can we understand why our attitude has so much to do with our healing responses?

Favorite Recipes

What to Eat?
We have been talking a lot about what should we eat? Last night several of our class members brought in their favorite recipes and dishes to sample. Someone mentioned we should start a Blog to post these recipes.
I felt that we could use the post we have available for the Healthy Living Center!
So, What do I eat? 
With all the talk about GMO, MSG, and HFCS we wonder what is left that we can eat!
We should start by making sure we have the proper kitchen tools available. A High powered Blender such as a Blentec or Vitamix. A Food Processor, Pressure Cooker, no aluminum or coated pots and pans, iron or stainless steel is best.
Now Back to What to Eat?
Legumes are my favorite- High in protein,
Beans and other legumes are encouraged as a good source of fiber, and other nutrients. Other than non-starchy vegetables, they are one of the least high glycemic sources of carbohydrates, because the starch is either slowly absorbed or resistant.  Canned beans tend to raise blood sugar more than beans which you soak and cook yourself. I cook them in the pressure cooker they only take 2-5 minutes. I then move them to the crock pot and add onions and garlic and seasoning of choice, garlic, parsley, cumin (a favorite) oregano, etc. Cook all day on low and serve for dinner with a salad or home made bread.
A favorite Broccoli dish-steam broccoli and cut up in a bowl add sun dried tomatoes cut in small pieces, add favorite cheese, feta, goat or Parmesan etc., add bread crumbs and olive oil, lemon and heat until cheese melts.
I will add more later on!
Feel Free to add as many recipes as you can!  

What is a Doctor of Naturopathy?

 The first annotation in the dictionary defines "doctor" as a teacher. A naturopath is a teacher of natural means for enhancing health, wellness and longevity. Naturopathy is not a system of medicine, diagnosis or treatments such as are held by the medical societies, but a lifestyle of practices which builds immunity, improves mental health and enhances body function. Our belief is that every person has the right to learn of the natural God-given, life-enhancing practices embodied in naturopathy which will help him/her maintain mental, physical and emotional health. To this end, the Healthy Living Center offers training which shall first be used by the individual for his/her own personal development after which time, at the individual's own discretion, may be used to educate others.  Naturopathy embodies philosophies and principles involving pure water, clean air, wholesome food, proper diet and nutrition, exercise, proper living, appropriate rest, right thinking, absence from toxic substances, body ecology, effective management of stress and a number of other natural subjects which lead to a balanced living concept. Only those who agree with this philosophy should apply to the Healthy Living Center. We believe that physical health is primarily a reflection of God's universal law of cause and effect. A man reaps what he sows. How we care for our bodies is both a physical and spiritual issue which impacts our health and the health of our offspring. In cases where health principles have been violated the only true "cure" is for the body to restore its own protective mechanisms by removing those physical and spiritual roadblocks which hinder proper restoration and/or healing.

Emotional Health

I have always taught my clients that emotional health is as important as their nutritional health. Statistics tell us that 87 percent of all disease is from stress. The Bible teaches us that men's hearts fail them for fear. Fear is at the root of all stress. At the Healthy Living Center we always look at the health of the emotions when consulting with our clients. What are the "lies" we believe about ourselves. Lies represent the way we look at situations according to the beliefs we developed as children and were enforced by circumstances later on. These beliefs usually come from negative words that were spoken to us about ourselves. These words usually come from an authority figure in our lives such as a parent, older sibling or teacher etc.

99% of all lies are learned and believed before the age of 12.  For example: If your Dad said those words that so many do say to motivate us to good works, such as "you will never amount to anything" This becomes a lie in the heart of a child which causes their heart to believe it as a truth and allows that lie to permeate into their whole being, taking on that identity; in this example this lie will govern that person’s thoughts and emotions and consequently their decisions and actions.

At the Healthy Living Center we use a therapy that is simply the process of removing the lie from your heart and replacing it with the TRUTH. John 8:32  says you will know the truth, and it will set you free. This therapy is about receiving the freedom that we need to set free us from the negativity that has kept bound. 

We recall the root memory where you "learned the lie" and then we explain the Truth you can see (God’s perspective) about the situation.

When we choose to believe the Truth and reject the lie, we essentially uproot the lie from our heart and replace it with the Truth. Once the Truth has taken root and matured, through daily meditation on what is revealed, we experience healing and freedom and our lives began to take a turn in a different direction.

Once we are free emotionally we get healing in those physical areas that seem so difficult to overcome. In this way we are becoming "FREE" in more ways than one.

Adrenal

Adrenal health in women

We’re all familiar with stress — it’s a constant element in women’s busy lives. But what we aren’t so familiar with is the body’s response to stress and the ways in which the stress we face today goes far beyond the kind of stress we faced as we evolved — and ends up depleting our energy and health.

When faced with a stressful situation, our bodies rely on the adrenal glands sitting atop our kidneys to monitor our “fight or flight” response. For the most part, our stress response evolved from short-term events — crises that came and went. If we had to run from a predator, for example, our healthy adrenal glands responded by releasing adrenaline, which makes us more alert and focused, and cortisol, which converts protein to energy and releases our stored sugar, glycogen, so our bodies have the fuel needed to respond quickly. In concert, the adrenal response rapidly increases our heart and respiratory rates and blood pressure while releasing energy, tensing our muscles, sharpening our senses, and slowing our digestion so we are primed to escape or fight back, whichever is needed. When the threat is gone, the body returns to normal — quickly with respect to adrenaline levels, less quickly with respect to cortisol.

But in today’s society, women are inundated with stress — stress that doesn’t let up. And when chronic stress repeatedly forces the adrenal glands to sustain high levels of cortisol, two things happen: first, the adrenals can’t attend to their broader role in hormonal regulation because the same resources they use to make hormones like estrogen are required to make cortisol, and second, cortisol starts to damage healthy tissues. Eventually, adrenal fatigue sets in, and many women experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, fuzzy thinking, depression, cravings and mood swings. Once the adrenals become depleted, it can lead to adrenal exhaustion and much more serious health concerns.

The following articles will aid you in identifying symptoms of adrenal fatigue early and provide steps to restoring and supporting your adrenal glands. From finding new strategies to manage stress to learning which foods are best to eat and when — there are many ways to replenish adrenal health naturally. One thing I can promise you is that when you heal your adrenal glands, you’ll see results on every physical and emotional level, and your whole body will thank you for it!

The effects of adrenal dysfunction can be profound: fatigue and weakness, suppression of the immune system, muscle and bone loss, moodiness or depression, hormonal imbalance, skin problems, autoimmune disorders, and dozens of other symptoms.

The good news is that adrenal fatigue can almost always be relieved. Let’s look at the relationships between stress, high cortisol levels and adrenal fatigue, and then we’ll look at how you can give your adrenals more support.

The original, life-saving role of the adrenal glands

To understand how adrenal fatigue develops, it is important to understand the original, evolutionary function of the adrenal glands. The adrenals are walnut-sized glands located on top of each kidney, and are important control centers for many of the body’s hormones. The outer layer of the gland, called the adrenal cortex, produces hormones including cortisol, DHEA, estrogen and testosterone. The centers of the glands produce adrenaline, the hormone named after them.

The basic task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your body’s resources into "fight or flight" mode by increasing production of adrenaline and other hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses.

Let’s emphasize two points about this healthy stress response. First, it takes priority over all other metabolic functions. Second, it wasn’t designed to last very long.

Stress and the adrenal glands

Unlike our ancestors, we live with constant stress. Instead of occasional, acute demands followed by rest, we’re constantly over-worked, under-nourished, exposed to environmental toxins, worrying about others — with no let-up.

Every challenge to the mind and body creates a demand on the adrenal glands. And the list of challenges is endless: lack of sleep, a demanding boss, the threat of losing your job, financial pressures, personality conflicts, yo-yo dieting, relationship turmoil, death or illness of a loved one, skipping meals, reliance on stimulants like caffeine and carbs, digestive problems, over-exercise, illness or infection, unresolved emotional issues from our past or present and more. The result is adrenal glands that are constantly on high alert.

The destructive effect of high cortisol levels

What is cortisol? In its normal function, cortisol helps us meet these challenges by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen and counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that’s okay. But at sustained high levels, cortisol gradually tears your body down.

Sustained high cortisol levels destroy healthy muscle and bone, slow down healing and normal cell regeneration, co-opt biochemicals needed to make other vital hormones, impair digestion, metabolism and mental function, interfere with healthy endocrine function; and weaken your immune system.

Adrenal fatigue may be a factor in many related conditions, including fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, premature menopause and others. It may also produce a host of other unpleasant symptoms, from acne to hair loss. (Please click here to see a list of adrenal fatigue and related conditions.)

The loss of DHEA production

When the adrenals are chronically overworked and straining to maintain high cortisol levels, they lose the capacity to produce DHEA in sufficient amounts. DHEA (the full name is dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and is necessary to moderate the balance of hormones in your body. Insufficient DHEA contributes to fatigue, bone loss, loss of muscle mass, depression, aching joints, decreased sex drive, and impaired immune function. (For more information, read our article on DHEA.)

Testing for adrenal fatigue

Conventional medicine is truly wonderful at treating disease-state conditions. Unfortunately its focus on drugs also tends to suppress early-stage symptoms rather than treat their underlying causes. This can have the effect of delaying treatment until a disease state has developed. This is true in the case of adrenal fatigue cortisol testing. In the conventional standard of care, any cortisol level within a very broad range is considered normal, and anything outside that range indicates disease.

In our practice, we measure cortisol levels at several points in the day to track the adrenals’ day–night pattern (called the “diurnal rhythm”) using a panel of simple saliva tests. We hope to see cortisol elevated in the morning to help you get going, lower but steady throughout the day to sustain energy, then fall in the evening to support restful sleep.

In the early stages of adrenal dysfunction, cortisol levels are too high during the day and continue rising in the evening. This is called “hyperadrenia.” In the middle stages, cortisol may rise and fall unevenly as the body struggles to balance itself despite the disruptions of caffeine, carbs and other factors, but levels are not normal and are typically too high at night. In advanced stages, when the adrenals are exhausted from overwork, cortisol will never reach normal levels (“hypoadrenia”).

Conventional medicine will detect only the extremes of these conditions, when damage to the adrenals has already occurred (Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease). Within those extremes, you can feel miserable and still be told your cortisol levels are normal. But by responding to early-stage symptoms of adrenal fatigue, we can reverse the developing dysfunction.

Should you get an adrenal test?

In general, if you feel happy and well, have steady energy and emotions, sleep soundly seven to nine hours a night, wake up feeling rested, recover well from stress, and maintain a healthy weight without dieting, then your adrenals are probably doing well.

On the other hand, if your energy lags during the day, you feel emotionally unbalanced much of the time, you sleep poorly or less than seven hours a night, can’t lose excess weight even while dieting, use caffeine or carbohydrates as “pick-me-ups” — these are all red flags indicating adrenal insufficiency.