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)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Natural Fertility Diaries......The Hormone Balancing Act
The female cycle is ruled by a delicate balance between Estrogen and Progesterone. Making sure that these hormones are present in sufficient and complimentary quantities is imperative to fertility. Lets explore the roles of these hormones in the menstrual cycle.
What role does estrogen play in the female reproductive cycle?
When answering this question, it is imperative to understand the parts of a woman's monthly cycle. Cycle day 1 is considered the first day of menses. This is also the last day of the previous cycle.(It is the alpha and the omega....the beginning and the end.) What happens at this point? The uterine lining is shed. The amount of lining, or endometrium, that is shed is based on estrogen and progesterone levels. The beginning of the cycle (Follicular phase) is a time of very low estrogen production, typically. When estrogen is low, FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is released by the hypothalamus triggering an increase in estrogen from the ovaries. The estrogen levels rise, and eventually spike, which produces a mature follicle (an egg ready to be released). Ovulation takes place when LH (Luteinizing Hormone)surge is present.This turns the follicle into the corpus luteum (luteal phase) which will produce progesterone until either the placenta takes over (if pregnancy has occurred) or until it withers away allowing progesterone levels to drop signaling the shed of the edometrial lining (menses)
The increased level of estrogen during the follicular phase is also responsible for building the endometrium so it is rich and ready for implantation of the fertilized ovum. We often see problems with fertility stemming from estrogen dominance. Increased levels of estrogen during this phase inhibits the FSH release and thereby reduces the chances of a mature follicle forming. Birth control pills utilize this by preventing ovulation by increasing estrogen levels at this time. When we are exposing ourselves to increased phyto and xenoestrogens we are also inhibiting ovulation by raising the estrogen levels during the follicular phase. It is very important during this time to avoid foods and substances containing phyto and xenoestrogens, not just for fertility purposes, but also to keep from building an excess of endometrial lining which can be difficult to shed during menses. This can lead to painful periods and excessive bleeding. When using birth control as a remedy for this, there is a method to the madness. Just as increased estrogen is present in the follicular phase, and kept consistent to prevent the spike that triggers FSH and LH production,progestins are added to counteract the estrogen dominance that leads to symptoms of low progesterone. The added progestin keeps the endometrium from becoming very thick and hard to shed. In this way, the pill is able to regulate excessive bleeding and some pain caused by hormonal imbalance. When regulating a cycle using natural methods, we must take that into consideration. The best place to start when attempting to regulate your cycle, whether it is for control of pain and bleeding or increasing fertility, we should cleanse the liver of excess estrogen. This requires a bit of patience, but is well worth the effort. Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies have a very powerful effect and results can be seen within a week! A liver supportive diet will continue to provide relief. Be very conscious of phytoestrogens in foods (eliminate soy completely during this time) and xenoestrogens that are found in every day items and products. Inform yourself, and beat the cycle...so to speak.
My liver supportive meal that I love to share is simple and artistic. Balancing color and flavors was the aim. This heightened the experience which is always a way to ensure the full energetic potential of the food is readily accepted by the mind and body.
Yin Yang Soup
one half of the soup is
Organic pumpkin
Chinese Five Spice powder
very finely chopped sweet peppers
Brewer's yeast
The other half of the soup
Split peas
onion
garlic
sea salt
very finely chopped jalapenos
both soups are pureed or cooked to desirable consistency....I wanted my split pea side to have a bit of texture in it so I did not puree it.....
When both soups are complete, serve them by making a Yin and Yang pattern in the bowl. A nice flavor booster (and to make the dots in the symbol) can be some soy or coconut yogurt dollops =) SOOOOOO tasty and pretty too!!
This healthful soup is not only good for the liver by providing plenty of fiber, vitamin A, alpha-lipoic acid (thanks to the brewer's yeast), Omega3, and B vitamins, but is also supportive of gold element, fire and acessory fire, earth, and water. Talk about the balance found in the Yin and Yang =) If the vision alone of this soup does not support peaceful emotions and calm mind, the patience needed when creating it, the joy of the flavors,all of the nutrients, and the positive message you send when serving it to others will certainly boost healing energies!!
454 calories (without the yogurt). 0 refined sugars. 22g fiber. I burned 542 calories by writng 30 minutes, talking on the phone 30 minutes, washing the dishes (30 min) cooking for 30 minutes, studying 45 minutes, and walking 30 minutes at 4mph. =)
What role does estrogen play in the female reproductive cycle?
When answering this question, it is imperative to understand the parts of a woman's monthly cycle. Cycle day 1 is considered the first day of menses. This is also the last day of the previous cycle.(It is the alpha and the omega....the beginning and the end.) What happens at this point? The uterine lining is shed. The amount of lining, or endometrium, that is shed is based on estrogen and progesterone levels. The beginning of the cycle (Follicular phase) is a time of very low estrogen production, typically. When estrogen is low, FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is released by the hypothalamus triggering an increase in estrogen from the ovaries. The estrogen levels rise, and eventually spike, which produces a mature follicle (an egg ready to be released). Ovulation takes place when LH (Luteinizing Hormone)surge is present.This turns the follicle into the corpus luteum (luteal phase) which will produce progesterone until either the placenta takes over (if pregnancy has occurred) or until it withers away allowing progesterone levels to drop signaling the shed of the edometrial lining (menses)
The increased level of estrogen during the follicular phase is also responsible for building the endometrium so it is rich and ready for implantation of the fertilized ovum. We often see problems with fertility stemming from estrogen dominance. Increased levels of estrogen during this phase inhibits the FSH release and thereby reduces the chances of a mature follicle forming. Birth control pills utilize this by preventing ovulation by increasing estrogen levels at this time. When we are exposing ourselves to increased phyto and xenoestrogens we are also inhibiting ovulation by raising the estrogen levels during the follicular phase. It is very important during this time to avoid foods and substances containing phyto and xenoestrogens, not just for fertility purposes, but also to keep from building an excess of endometrial lining which can be difficult to shed during menses. This can lead to painful periods and excessive bleeding. When using birth control as a remedy for this, there is a method to the madness. Just as increased estrogen is present in the follicular phase, and kept consistent to prevent the spike that triggers FSH and LH production,progestins are added to counteract the estrogen dominance that leads to symptoms of low progesterone. The added progestin keeps the endometrium from becoming very thick and hard to shed. In this way, the pill is able to regulate excessive bleeding and some pain caused by hormonal imbalance. When regulating a cycle using natural methods, we must take that into consideration. The best place to start when attempting to regulate your cycle, whether it is for control of pain and bleeding or increasing fertility, we should cleanse the liver of excess estrogen. This requires a bit of patience, but is well worth the effort. Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies have a very powerful effect and results can be seen within a week! A liver supportive diet will continue to provide relief. Be very conscious of phytoestrogens in foods (eliminate soy completely during this time) and xenoestrogens that are found in every day items and products. Inform yourself, and beat the cycle...so to speak.
My liver supportive meal that I love to share is simple and artistic. Balancing color and flavors was the aim. This heightened the experience which is always a way to ensure the full energetic potential of the food is readily accepted by the mind and body.
Yin Yang Soup
one half of the soup is
Organic pumpkin
Chinese Five Spice powder
very finely chopped sweet peppers
Brewer's yeast
The other half of the soup
Split peas
onion
garlic
sea salt
very finely chopped jalapenos
both soups are pureed or cooked to desirable consistency....I wanted my split pea side to have a bit of texture in it so I did not puree it.....
When both soups are complete, serve them by making a Yin and Yang pattern in the bowl. A nice flavor booster (and to make the dots in the symbol) can be some soy or coconut yogurt dollops =) SOOOOOO tasty and pretty too!!
This healthful soup is not only good for the liver by providing plenty of fiber, vitamin A, alpha-lipoic acid (thanks to the brewer's yeast), Omega3, and B vitamins, but is also supportive of gold element, fire and acessory fire, earth, and water. Talk about the balance found in the Yin and Yang =) If the vision alone of this soup does not support peaceful emotions and calm mind, the patience needed when creating it, the joy of the flavors,all of the nutrients, and the positive message you send when serving it to others will certainly boost healing energies!!
454 calories (without the yogurt). 0 refined sugars. 22g fiber. I burned 542 calories by writng 30 minutes, talking on the phone 30 minutes, washing the dishes (30 min) cooking for 30 minutes, studying 45 minutes, and walking 30 minutes at 4mph. =)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Natural Fertility Diaries.......Diagnosing Infertility
Fertility issues often go undiagnosed because, unless a couple is trying to conceive, the underlying causes can go unnoticed. Most couples find success within the first 6 months of trying to conceive. An estimated 85% of couples will conceive after twelve months of unprotected intercourse. Approximately 50% of the remaining couples will conceive within the next 36 months. For the ones that have not conceived, this may be the only sign of infertility.
There can be other indicators of an underlying problem when the female experiences any abnormal menstrual patterns. This can include pain and abnormal bleeding as well as cycle irregularities. This could be indicating hormonal imbalances or a physical blockage or barrier. A male may experience and show signs of sexual dysfunction and abnormal hair growth patterns that may signal hormonal imbalances that could possibly be contributing to the couple's inability to conceive. There are also potential physical blockages in the male that may influence the couple's fertility issues. So how do we figure out the causes??
The first step is to review a complete medical history on the couple to find any clues as to what may be causing the problem. This will include questions about the couple's sexual habits. This is to ensure intercourse is happening in a way that is enabling conception to occur. Often the cause of a physical barrier to conception can be found during an ultrasound if a female's history contains any previous STDs, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), endometriosis, PCOS, ectopic pregnancy, abdominal or pelvic surgeries, or any other uterine abnormalities.Physically manifested problems are estimated to cause approximately 35% of female infertility. In the male, Varicocele, a mass of dilated veins in the scrotum, can cause a physical barrier. Other potential male physical complications could be a result of testicular injury, trauma, surgeries or illness.
The next step, if there are no noticeable signs of disease or dysfunction, would be a fertility work up. This would include a series of tests that check the hormone levels at several points in the cycle for the female and a semen analysis for the male. Anovulatory cycles and reduced fertility due to age can be detected in this manner in the female. Levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, and progesterone are checked. Male sperm quality and quantity are observed.
As we move forward with the Natural Fertility Diaries, I will explore options to improve the chances of conception by looking more closely at these and other potential causes and finding alternative treatments for many. I welcome you to join me on this journey.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infertility/DS00310/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/infertility/diagnosis.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.org/infertility/diagnosis.html
http://www.sharedjourney.com/dx.html
There can be other indicators of an underlying problem when the female experiences any abnormal menstrual patterns. This can include pain and abnormal bleeding as well as cycle irregularities. This could be indicating hormonal imbalances or a physical blockage or barrier. A male may experience and show signs of sexual dysfunction and abnormal hair growth patterns that may signal hormonal imbalances that could possibly be contributing to the couple's inability to conceive. There are also potential physical blockages in the male that may influence the couple's fertility issues. So how do we figure out the causes??
The first step is to review a complete medical history on the couple to find any clues as to what may be causing the problem. This will include questions about the couple's sexual habits. This is to ensure intercourse is happening in a way that is enabling conception to occur. Often the cause of a physical barrier to conception can be found during an ultrasound if a female's history contains any previous STDs, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), endometriosis, PCOS, ectopic pregnancy, abdominal or pelvic surgeries, or any other uterine abnormalities.Physically manifested problems are estimated to cause approximately 35% of female infertility. In the male, Varicocele, a mass of dilated veins in the scrotum, can cause a physical barrier. Other potential male physical complications could be a result of testicular injury, trauma, surgeries or illness.
The next step, if there are no noticeable signs of disease or dysfunction, would be a fertility work up. This would include a series of tests that check the hormone levels at several points in the cycle for the female and a semen analysis for the male. Anovulatory cycles and reduced fertility due to age can be detected in this manner in the female. Levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, and progesterone are checked. Male sperm quality and quantity are observed.
As we move forward with the Natural Fertility Diaries, I will explore options to improve the chances of conception by looking more closely at these and other potential causes and finding alternative treatments for many. I welcome you to join me on this journey.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infertility/DS00310/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/infertility/diagnosis.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.org/infertility/diagnosis.html
http://www.sharedjourney.com/dx.html
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Natural Fertility Diaries
Infertility is a problem that an estimated 6.1 million couples battle. Some very dear friends of mine are one of those 6.1 million. I have never met a more deserving couple. I cried with them. I prayed with them. I watched this couple struggle with the trials and tribulations, and witnessed their heartache. After a surgery claiming one ovary, staying positive and hopeful was a bit difficult, but they just kept trying. Eventually, they even tried medical fertility interventions, but to no avail. They stopped trying as so many couples do.
My friend had shared my interest in herbal medicine and nutrition therapy and was using this as a means to treat several existing health issues for her and her husband. She had no idea what was in store for them. One fateful day, she entered the hospital, fearful that the pain she felt meant she was going to lose her remaining ovary. Quite to their surprise they found out they were 7 weeks pregnant!!!! They had changed their diets to include mostly organic foods and continued to treat other health issues with herbal remedies. Little did they know at the time that they were also enhancing their fertility!!
So what exactly did they do? What did they change? How did this affect their fertility? Over the next few weeks, I will be looking deeper into their diet and other changes that may have increased the chances of conception. I will take a closer look at other herbal and nutritional recommendations for treating infertility in men and women. I will also cover some topics related to pregnancy as well as hormonal regulation through diet and supplementation. I hope this information will be useful for clients and readers alike when bringing their little miracles into the world.
My friend had shared my interest in herbal medicine and nutrition therapy and was using this as a means to treat several existing health issues for her and her husband. She had no idea what was in store for them. One fateful day, she entered the hospital, fearful that the pain she felt meant she was going to lose her remaining ovary. Quite to their surprise they found out they were 7 weeks pregnant!!!! They had changed their diets to include mostly organic foods and continued to treat other health issues with herbal remedies. Little did they know at the time that they were also enhancing their fertility!!
So what exactly did they do? What did they change? How did this affect their fertility? Over the next few weeks, I will be looking deeper into their diet and other changes that may have increased the chances of conception. I will take a closer look at other herbal and nutritional recommendations for treating infertility in men and women. I will also cover some topics related to pregnancy as well as hormonal regulation through diet and supplementation. I hope this information will be useful for clients and readers alike when bringing their little miracles into the world.
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!!!
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