Archives for June 2011
Gluten Intolerance & Pain : Could there be a connection?
Gluten Intolerance & Pain : Could there be a connection?
By Mari Ann Lisenbe
July 10th, 2002. That's the date I received my diagnosis: "Severe gluten sensitivity, leaky-gut syndrome & candida overgrowth".
How could this be? In my quest to feel better, I'd even become a vegan. I was eating lots of fresh fruits, veggies and healthy, whole grains. I had become regular health-food nut!
Becoming a vegan, I'd lost a ton of weight. But also, I was losing bone mass. And the pain was getting worse.
"OK. Where's the truck?"
That's the question I'd wake up asking every morning.
Surely that's what happened. If I hadn't been hit by a truck, why did I hurt so badly?
Groggy Head.
Draw a very hot bath, and soak at least 30 minutes so I could face the world.
And, the crazy body aches was just one part of it.
I had excruciating bouts with cramping. And constipation. It had even gotten to the point where I was regularly performing soap-suds enemas just to get rid of the bloating.
So, here I was again. Back in another doctor's office on my never ending quest to try to find out why I felt so miserable.
And she tells me I need to get off wheat? AND all those other "healthy" whole grains I'd been filling my body with?
How could it be so simple? I'd spent the last 20 years going to doctors in attempts to find out why I hurt. Gastroenterologists. Neurologists. Orthopedics. Gynecologists. Allergists. Pain management clinics.
How could they have missed something so basic? So simple.
But I was desperate, so I decided to listen to this new doctor's recommendations and eliminate all grains from my diet. Not just wheat, but all grains (including corn).
And, within 3 weeks, I felt as though I'd been given my life back.
I've spent the last 10 years learning about gluten and it's devastating effects on the body.
For one thing, you do not have to have "celiac disease" to experience problems with gluten. I didn't, and that is why the gastroenterologists missed it. They were looking for signs of celiac.
Gluten sensitivity causes inflammation in your body. And, the inflammation does not just manifest in your gut. It can manifest in pain all over your body. In my case, it caused excruciating leg pain, swelling, bloating and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Gluten is also linked to neurological disorders. This is one reason why "brain fog" goes away when you eliminate gluten from your diet.
Now, "gluten free" has become the new buzz-word. In a way this is good because people are becoming aware of problems with gluten.
However, many of the so-called "gluten free" products you see everywhere now, are not really gluten free! They are only "wheat-gluten" free.
And, that is why many people go on a "gluten-free" diet, but don't see all their symptoms go away.
You see, every grain (including rice) contains it's own form of gluten. Even corn. ESPECIALLY corn!
In fact, corn gluten is often one of the biggest offenders, and it is added to many products in the form of "malto-dextrin".
So, even if you're reading labels, you may miss some of the hidden forms of gluten lurking in your foods. You have to learn all the hidden things to look for.
Why is this? Why are people suddenly becoming gluten sensitive when grains have been consumed for thousands of years?
It's quite possibly because of the hybridization of grains. Genetic selection and sometimes actual genetic modification produces grains that are vastly different than they were 200 years ago. Genetic modification of corn has become so prominent that unless the corn you buy specifically says "USDA Certified Organic", you can safely assume that it is GMO corn!
If you experience Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Crones, IBS, Carpal Tunnel, or neurological problems, let me encourage you to try going gluten free for at least 3 weeks.
– No grains (not even rice). This means no flour, or products made from flour, too. Eliminate breads, pastas, rice, corn, corn chips, tortillas, etc. You really can get by with out this things for 3 weeks!
– Read labels. If the product contains malto-dextrin, MSG, monosodium glutamate, "natural flavors", or any obvious form of grain…put it back!
– At the end of 3 weeks, begin adding back 1 grain at a time.
Begin with quinoa since this is usually the least offensive grain. Then, try brown rice, corn, oats…waiting at least 4 days between the time you add a new grain. If you notice any of your old symptoms returning, eliminate that grain.
Being gluten free does not necessarily mean remaining bread free. Many people who are gluten sensitive can tolerate sprouted grains. The most commonly known sprouted grain products are by "Food for Life", the makers of Ezekiel Bread. However, there are many others. Just look for the words "made with sprouted grains".
There are also many truly gluten free recipes for products made with almond meal and or coconut flour. With many of these, you'd never guess that the muffin you're eating doesn't contain even an ounce of grain!
For overall good health, you should continue to be fanatical about reading labels.
This new way of eating may take a little getting used to, but feeling good again is worth the effort. You can do it!
About the Writer:
Mari Ann Lisenbe is the creator and CEO of The MARI Method where they teach “Mindful Actions for Radical Improvement!”. Her faith-based approach to weight loss is helping people, many who’ve struggled with weight their whole lives, finally lose weight and keep it off… without feeling deprived. One reason for Mari Ann’s success with her clients is her belief that “weight loss begins in your mind”. So, she sets out to help clients change the way they think about food and exercise. Married to her childhood sweetheart, musician Steve Lisenbe, they have 2 grown sons and one beautiful daughter-in-law. Mari Ann & Steve are active in their local church and live on a hobby farm near Houston, TX. At 56 years old, Mari Ann is living proof that you can continue living a strong active life when you learn to honor and respect the body God gave you. You can find her at www.marimethod.com. While you are there, grab her free online training called 8 Secrets to Transform Your Body in Record Time.
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We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.
Benefits of Exercise
Benefits of Exercise
By Dr. Peggy Malone
Moving your body regularly is one of the best things that you can do for your health. In previous posts, I have emphasized that the human body is a perfect motion machine. It is designed to move; to run and jump and hunt and gather. Our current modern day world has taken many of us away from the motion that our body needs.
Getting your body moving through a regular exercise program has more benefits than you think.
Here are 43 of the advantages that a regular exercise program can bring to your health and wellness…
1) Reduced stress and tension
2) Increased energy to manage your day to day routine
3) Pain relief
4) A stronger immune system: Exercise is a natural defence against colds and flu viruses.
5) Increased good cholesterol (HDL-High Density Lipoprotein)
6) Reduced depression
7) Prevention of and reduced incidence of Low Back Pain
8 ) Blood Pressure levels that are improved and regulated
9) Improved co-ordination and balance
10) Decreased risk of stroke and heart disease
11) Decreased risk of Type II Diabetes and more controlled blood sugar levels.
12) Increase bone density and decreased risk of Osteoporosis
13) Decreased risk of breast and colon cancers
14) Improved respiratory function
15) Increase mental alertness and focus
16) Enhanced ability to relax and sleep
17) Reduced triglyceride levels and gives the body the ability to more effectively burn fat
18) Aid in alleviating varicose veins
19) Decreased menstrual cramps
20) Improvement in skin tone
21) Enhanced sex life
22) Increase in flexibility
23) Improved joint health including increased range of motion
24) Toned and firm muscles with more definition
25) Increased strength and endurance
26) Increased lean muscle mass (which begins to decline at an alarming rate of up to 2% a year after age 35)
27) Increased athletic performance
28) Decreased resting heart rate
29) Enhanced heart function including higher cardiac output
30) Increased speed of muscle contraction and reaction time
31) Improved posture
32) Weight loss, decrease in obesity
33) Improved chances of keeping the weight off after you lose it
34) Increased cravings for healthier foods
35) Improved digestion
36) Improved social interaction with exercise group
37) The challenge and achievement of a goal
38) Heightened self esteem and self image
39) Reduced number of ‘sick’ days
40) Reduced chance of a fatal heart attack
41) Reduced risk of premature death
42) Increased length of life
43) Overall improvement of quality of life
It is never to late to experience the benefits of regular exercise. Even if you are 85 or even 95, if you start a regular exercise program (under the guidance of a health care professional please) you can see massive benefits in many areas of your health and wellness and most importantly in your overall quality of life.
I’ve written in previous posts about the benefits of moving your body every day. If you need another reminder as to why you should be exercising, I have just given you 43. If you can add to the list, I would love it if you would comment below and give me your exercise benefit!
Get moving…..
Your body will thank you and your overall well-being will be improved as a result.
About the Writer:
Dr. Peggy Malone is a Chiropractor and an Athlete who helps other athletes to overcome injury and get back to their sport. She also inspires patients from all walks of life to take control of their health to be as happy and as healthy as they can be. It's simpler than you think to take control of your health. My gift to you today is my free report: Top Ten Steps That Make a Difference
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We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.
Angels Among Us
Angels – The Body Guards that walk with me
By Angela Brooks
I was raised in a small Methodist church out in the country where my family have always attended. I grew up hearing about angels and how they watch over us but had never had an angel experience, until I began working in a state funded mental hospital.
As I drive to work, usually in the peace and quiet of the car – I use my time for prayer with God. I want Him to walk alongside me as I go into an environment that is so unpredictable.
On many occasions I will ask in prayer to be covered with a protective shield before I reach the unit. There are times I have been confirmed that it was answered by a client on the unit or an event that shows up.
After a long week of very difficult clients I dreaded coming into work this particular day. I felt drained going in. As I stepped on the unit a long term client who I have worked with over the years came in this admission in worse shape than normal for him. He had sat on the hall talking to his internal stimuli most of the time with little interaction to the staff.
This day as I stepping on the unit he came walking straight to me and I stopped because we had direct eye contact. He said, "Mrs Angie can I tell you something?" I said, "Sure how can I help you?" He says, "Mrs Angie when I see you walk on the unit. I know I am going to be ok. I said, "Thank you I appreciate that." He goes on to say, "You remind me of a light house." I turned my head – smiled and stated, "Really why is that" He speaks very clear and very sincere as he continues to explain. "A light house is a safe place for those that are out to sea. When the boat is rocking back and forth in rough water the sailors begin looking for the light. I see that in you. A bright light that shines all over this town reaching others. But your light is going to reach more than this town – it will reach way out into the world and others will see you. Thank you for taking care of me when I am sick." He turned and walked back down the hall way to his room. We did not talk any more that shift.
I was speechless. Actually I had to step across the hall in private to wipe my tears because he had just answered the prayer I had spoken in the van on the way to work less than 10 minutes before. I had dreaded coming to work that day and my prayer was – God just let me be a light to one person. Let that person see you in me.
When we have a disturbed client we have a buzzer than will sound called a 'Code D' all available staff will go to that area to assist on that unit. Most the time when a client sees a large group of people entering the unit they will stop on their own.
This young man around the age of 23 years old began throwing chairs. Raging until the staff felt he was out of control and called a code D. The buzzer sounded and the unit number was given over the loud speaker. You could hear people running across the floors above and doors opening and slamming closed as staff ran to that area.
When you go to a high risk situation you have no idea what will be waiting on the other side of the cold steel door. You put your key in the lock, turn the key and step in to the unknown. As I run to these situations I am asking for 10,000 angels to show up and go with me for protection for the client and the staff so that no one gets hurt. That is our main goal, safety.
I opened the door and locked eyes with the young man we were going to assist. He stopped, leaned back against the wall, slid down to a sitting position on the floor. We began talking to him to see what was going on. He became very cooperation with the staff and walked to his room to receive medication the doctor had ordered.
Later that evening I went back to check on him and see how the medication was helping. He was standing at the desk talking to the staff. He turned to me and said, "Did I hurt you earlier?" I answered, "No one was hurt how are you feeling?" He stated, "I am feeling better why did you have to bring those great big men with you? I looked at him puzzled and questioned him, "I do not remember any one walking in with me. I came alone. What men are you talking about? He said, "They were big guys that came in with you and pushed me to the ground.
It did not dawn on me until later who those men were. They were my body guards that I did not hire, but they walk with me. Angels really do walk among us.
Another gentleman that comes to mind has a long history of hurting the nurses that work with him. He stands 5'10 around 250 lbs. In 21 years not to many of the men give me the good ole creeps. He did. I did not walk close to him when out on the hall. This evening we were watching a movie with the clients.I stood against the wall because I felt more comfortable with him still awake on the unit. There was another male sitting in a chair between us and he leans over to speak to me.
His eyes carried a darkness and his smile looked so evil he said, "I ain't gonna mess with you." I looked at him and questioned him "What did you say?" He said again. "I am not going to hurt you. You always walk around with your big ole guards." The other client sitting between us smiled and snickered as he glanced at me listening to this man speak. There was no one standing beside me. No other staff. No other clients. Just me. I smiled and stated "Thank you, I am glad you feel that way." From that day forward – he walked on the other side of the hall from me.
Another Angel spoke, After a long hard stressful night another staff member and I were walking through the connecting unit to go to our cars. A lady sitting in a chair at the end of the hall close to the door sat rocking back and forth. I have never spoken to this lady before. I did not know her name. All I had ever seen her do was rock. Both of us were walking mentally exhausted from all the drama that had happened during the night and I was wondering to myself how could anything that had happened really helped anyone in those 13 hours. When the rocking lady looked up – not really gaining eye contact but looking upward and said, "God said, you did good ladies." She looked back down and went back to rocking. I smiled, looked up and said "Thank you".
Do you have angels that walk with you? Tell me about it by leaving a comment below. I want to hear your story.
Angela Brooks is a leading distributor of Young Living Essential Oils. Dedicated to natural health solutions, Brooks provides people with healing alternatives without harsh side effects. Additionally, Brooks is a mental health nurse committed to bringing mental happiness to the nursing profession by motivating and supporting nurses around the country.
We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.
Depression: Putting Yourself Last Causes Depression
Depression: Putting Yourself Last Causes Depression
By Angela Brooks
Most women are doing too much, expecting too much, influenced by crap and were never taught to take care of themselves. As a mom of two handsome young men, I am guilty for putting myself last in taking care of myself and making plans for my own personal growth.
Guilt sets in when plans are made without the boys or my husband involved, feeling as if I am selfishly taken time away from my family. When in fact – when I do invest in myself, I give them a happier, better mom and wife.
Over the years women have been taught and some expected to take care of the children, the household chores,, the meals, errands for the household, take children to their activities. Plus in today's average families, also work a full 40 hour a week job. No wonder so many women are worn out, out of shape and depressed.
Unresolved anger, and fear cause women to drop out of the game and let their own needs go without realizing how it is making them feel. After taking care of a full plate of everyone else's needs they give the excuse of being too tired or it is to late. It becomes a form of self abuse, almost as if they are the sacrifice for everyone else to succeed.
Putting Yourself Last Causes Depression
Expecting yourself to fill the shoes of wonder mom leaves you feeling empty and frustrated. Magazines and Television show moms with a baby on their hip, dressed for business, talking on the phone and smiling. The real truth in – one person cannot do it all without burn out.
Very few women are taught how to take care of themselves; most are influenced with so much crap the focus is taken away from their own health and needs. Leaving mom agitated and tired.
When I began my home business, I was working full time at night, multi-tasking on very little sleep. Attending the boys activities and not taken any time away from the rush of the daily events for me. I began falling apart at the seams and stayed frustrated. I pulled back and had to make a decision quick before mom popped like a balloon. Investing into my own personal growth, exercising – education for my business and branching out to a whole new outlook. I began to change how I was thinking.
After returning from a mastermind event with a group of talented women it shifted my thinking about me and my business – My husband gave me the best compliment I could ever have received. "You have a new business and I have a new wife." The smile had returned to my face. I felt happier than I have been in a long time.
Why? Because I took time for me and my dream.
Women need to step out of the dirty laundry room and re-discover who they are. Over the years, as I observe and listen to not only the patients at the hospital, but the nurses on the unit as well. Frustration is a common conversation around the water cooler. A lot of women feel that when they have children and get married all their dreams have to be placed on the back burner or forgotten. Within a few short years or working in robot mode – people begin to see a changed person.
Who Am I?
I always think about the older lady who came to the hospital, whom for 30 plus years had served her husband and her children. She ran the household like a business. When her husband came home from work one day and told her it was over. She was devastated. She had no idea who she was without the role she had lived for all of those years. She had lost herself taking care of her family. To her surprise she had a serious wakeup call on her life. Who am I?
Don't wait until you're so worn out, out of shape, depressed before you start living. When you live a full life those around you will benefit from your new joy. Stop worrying about not being enough, or what people will think, (I mean who really cares anyway), forget the rejection, no one will notice if your clothes are ironed or your hair is perfect. When you give others your control, you're allowing them to determine yourself worth. Start a journal today and you will amaze yourself what you will learn about YOU.
About the writer:
Angela Brooks is a leading distributor of Young Living Essential Oils. Dedicated to natural health solutions, Brooks provides people with healing alternatives without harsh side effects. Additionally, Brooks is a mental health nurse committed to bringing mental happiness to the nursing profession by motivating and supporting nurses around the country.
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We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.
Know, Need and Want
KNOW, NEED and WANT
by Dr. Mary Starr Carter
If you are struggling with a Health Challenge ask yourself the following Questions
- Do I KNOW how to improve this condition?
- What do I NEED to do?
- What do I WANT to or What will I CHOOSE To Do?
KNOWING
For the past 15 years I have been submerged in Health through school, practice, and working with pioneers in the nutritional field. Many times I will learn about a new breakthrough or discovery years before it becomes mainstream. My clients will listen, learn and apply the information but it usually takes my family and friends to hear it on the nightly news or if Dr. Oz says it that they start to believe me.
I am constantly learning but I forget that not everyone has access or knowledge of what I know. I sometimes get shocked when I will be having discussions with intelligent college educated friends and they still believe diet soda is safe to drink or some other really bad nutritional choice.
If you didn't know diet sodas are bad for you that is okay it is kind of covered up by the fact that a little bit once and a while won't hurt you but unfortunately most people are not drinking or eating a little bit.
If you would like to learn more about Sugar free sodas and food and how it effects our health read the book The Crazy Makers: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children Carol Simontacchi. Here is an excerpt from the book: "One liter of an aspartame-sweetened beverage can produce about fifty-six milligrams of methanol. When several of these beverages are consumed in a short period of time (one day, perhaps), as much as two hundred fifty milligrams of methanol are dumped into the bloodstream, or thirty-two times the EPA limit."
(I promise I will do a blog on artificial sweeteners because I believe some of the Fibromyalgia out there is caused from these dangerous substances. )
NEEDs and WANTs
A close family member battled prostate cancer. I sat at a table with him having dinner talking about celebrating his 70th birthday and I cheered to 30 more years, he stated oh no I will be happy for 12 years. I sat there a little shocked and after thinking why wouldn't everyone want to live to 100 years old. It wasn't that he didn't want to live to 100 years old he just wanted to live his life how he wanted too. He loved beer and food and that wasn't going to change. He knew he wasn't going to change his ways and that for the past 15 years his health had been deteriorating from it. Gout, arthritis, back issues, acid reflux, skin cancer and now prostate cancer. He knew he NEEDED to change his ways. But he didn't WANT to.
In contrast a recent client got lab tests back showing she had both liver and thyroid dysfunction. She researched sought out professional and nutritional education and made the decision to change her life. She was sick and tired of being obese, having difficulty breathing and sleeping from her weight and lifestyle choices. SHE WANTED A CHANGE and made the CHOICES to change. On a limited single mom's income she is investing almost a 1/3 of her monthly income on the right foods and nutritional supplementation that will improve her health. Her commitment to her health is inspiring ! No excuses why she can't do it, just moving towards getting her life back. She NEEDED to change and she WANTED to change.
As Health professionals, Spouses, Parents, or Care Takers we may KNOW that our loved one NEEDS to drink more water, get out and exercise, stop eating so much sugar etc but they may not WANT too.
You may feel frustrated with that loved one, but I am going to ask you to have ACCEPTANCE for their choices. (If you need help with ACCEPTANCE I recommend the Serentiy prayer )
After 8 years as a Health Professional I realized my job is just to educate the client so they know, then it is their choice to decide what they are going to do. Some do nothing, some do some of the recommendations and others follow their health plans. I am not here to judge your choices just to educate and provide them.
So again if you are struggling with a Health Challenge ask yourself the following Questions
- Do I KNOW how to improve this condition?
- What do I NEED to do?
- What do I WANT to or What will I CHOOSE To Do?
If you don't know how to improve your condition or what you need to do then go to Wellness Coaching and let's see if we can help you.
Dr. Mary Starr Carter has worked with thousands of clients from terminally ill and chronic diseases to those who are healthy and want vibrant health. She has counseled hundreds of families who had given up hope find simple safe solutions. Known as the Total Wellness Doc she looks at all aspects of health to help someone overcome disease. She specializes in difficult cases like Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes and Chronic pain.
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This Week's Total Wellness Tuesday TeleClass :
Tuesday June 7th, 9pm EST
203-347-3041 participant code 700454#
Dr. Mary Starr Presents:
Summer time Fun: Camping, Beaches, and Cruises
How to be prepared to have a GREAT time.
Healthy First Aid and Preventative Health Tips.
We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.