Tag Archives: ketogenic

Nutrition to Help Heal Your Brain

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Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you all had a beautiful weekend and are enjoying this month’s topics revolving around the brain and brain injury!

Last week we talked about PTSD, emotional dysfunction and brain injury, so if you missed it, it’s a good one!  Head on over to my website to catch up!

Brain injury, PTSD and messed up emotions.. Whats the connection?

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To end out the month of March, I thought we’d finish up with some nutritional recommendations that can be helpful when dealing with brain injury and just overall boosting your brain’s ability to function. 

This is of course, after having done the first things we talked about this month like Craniopathy care, emotional help, and assessing the jaw/bite.  These must be done first, but there are great anti-inflammatory foods as well as nutritional recommendations that can be very helpful to help the brain and nervous system heal more effectively.

Let’s start with some brain facts and why the nutrition you put in your body is so important to help your brain function and do all the tasks that it needs to:

1.  Your brain utilizes 25% of the food energy we consume. That means whatever we put into our body, 25% of that is going straight away to the brain for fuel.

Meaning if you need your brain to heal, or if you need it to work harder or more efficiently, you can’t feed it junk.  It utilizes a lot of nutrients!

2. Your brain utilizes 25% of O2. This is a big point why the craniopathy care is VITAL as well as examining air passageways to make sure it gets enough oxygen to heal/function.

3.  The brain is 1-2% of our body fat. 

4. The brain is made of 60% fat.  “Fat Head”.  That means it NEEDS a lot of good fats to function.  The more inflammation and damage, the more good fats we need.  Hence why so many individuals are leaning towards more ketogenic diets.  I’m not saying it’s for everyone, and I modify it for different people, but so many are fat deficient in our society, with too much emphasis on carbohydrates and proteins.

5.  The brain is THE MOST affected by nutrition/and it’s environment.  We already talked about the brain environment a few weeks ago, so we most certainly need to change that or else nutrition won’t make much difference long term.  However, since it’s the most affected by these two, we need to make sure as best as we can we are feeding it what it needs!

So what does the brain need?
– Well it needs good sources of fats like fish, grass fed meats, coconut oil, grass fed better, oils, nuts, avocados, ect.
– It also needs some good carbs in the sense of fruit and veggies
– It doesn’t need as much protein, but that being said if you are eating good amounts of grass fed proteins and fruits and veggies, protein won’t be a problem.  Most people focus too much on getting enough protein which is usually dysfunctional if their upper digestion is improper and not breaking it down.  Not so much that you need  more consumption.

The four best brain foods are as follows:

1. Salmon – high in good fats omega 3

2. Wild Blueberries – high in natural antioxidants.

3.  Greens: Spinach/kale/swiss chard/ collards – high in folate, iron, calcium and vitamins E and K.

4. Nuts: Walnuts.- high in good fats, ALA/ Omega 3

These are all wonderful nutrients that help us to utilize that brain power that we need, while giving the vital nutrients needed to heal.

Ww also know about the Gut/Brain Connections, as I’m sure you’ve heard me talk in exhaustion by now.  

The human DNA has over 20,000 genes, which the gut microbiome has 10 million genes.  This means that problems in the gut can have a HUGE impact on how our brain and body functions.

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For instance, you can have gut dysfunction and it not manifest as actual digestion problems.  The gut/brain axis is so closely connected that it can really affect anything down that chain.

Symptoms such as tired, bloated, brain fog, cravings, or headaches….
All symptoms of dys-regulated gut/brain axis.

What I do like to mention though is yes, this gut/brain function is HUGE for adults but who is most affected by gut dysfunction is our children.  Children are 10X more likely to feel effects than adults. That means you could give your child a junk meal, high in carbs or sugar,  25% goes straight to the brain for fuel and if given junk the child is going to associate a symptom 10X more and faster.

You will see this when a child eats a heavy sugar meal or carb heavy and has a temper tantrum that day or the next couple of days. Or maybe they have a food allergy you don’t know about, because they don’t have a stomach reaction. They are growing and developing, and their brain needs that good nutrition to help those brain pathways to develop.  Quick changes in the mood or function of their body is most likely due to inflammation somewhere, and the head and gut are always my first go to’s.

It’s also important to differentiate for adults and children the difference between SNACKS and TREATS.

Many parents will give there kiddos a sugar filled bar, or fruit snacks, cookies, ect for a “snack”, when it in reality is a “treat.”  
On the whole, we shouldn’t consume these foods daily for snacks.  Once in a while it can be a “Treat”, like say at a birthday party or an event.  But, snacks should always consist of actual food needed to help us function.

A study done By Oxford in 2005 showed that brain foods in general helped school children with reading, spelling and writing.  When we “feed” the brain what it needs, it will perform how we need it to. 

The more junk food we consume, the more what is called oxidative stress builds up in our bodies. What do I mean by junk?
– Processed foods!  Anything in a box or bag.  Breads, pastas, rice, GMO foods, fast foods, lots of sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, to name a few.  Basically just not real food.  Even some “organic” labeled food can be junk.  Like organic crackers… Yes maybe the ingredients are better, but is a high carb load really what you need for your brain, probably not unless you are an elite athlete that burns so many carbs.

Oxidative stress can come from other things as well such as physical stress, metabolism, uv rays, alcohol, pollutants and toxins, pesticides and herbicides, lack of sleep, smoking, ozone, emotional stress, processed foods, radiation, car exhaust, EMFs ect….

We DON’T Want oxidative stress because that means our cells and in particular our cell’s membranes won’t work well.  We need those membranes to be strong.  If they aren’t memory will decline, and chronic inflammation will occur.

That’s why eating foods high in anti-oxidants and using other means like Kangan water, DoTerra Essential oils like clove, rosemary, juniper berry and others which are high in antioxidants are so helpful for taking that oxidative stress down.

Unfortunately our foods are just not rich enough in these brain nutrients so supplementation is often needed.  This is because our quality again is so poor, soil quality ect.  So supplementation to fill in these gaps is VITAL.  

 

Giving things like Omegas, whole food vitamins/minerals, gingko, alpha lipoic acid, glutathione/milk thistle and others are vital for that brain function.  These I offer in my practice.  Other’s are needed with brain injury or brain infections that happen.  I like to use actual brain gland to support these and stem cell organ supplementation to help rebuild the brain.

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Other ways we can improve our brain is through neuro aerobics.

Doing things to constantly keep the brain active.  This is great for ADD, brain fog, memory, brain injury and dementia.
– Things like exercise
– Brain exercises like those found on luminosity or other kinetic movements
-learning an instrument
– learning a new craft
-educating in general
-moving while working your brain like working out and counting by 2s and 3s or backwards.

Our brain will adapt if we don’t challenge it.  That’s why those who are more active have actually smarter brains.
There’s so much research for exercise and brain function because it increase difference factors in the brain like NRF2 and others.

I hope this topic was helpful to you!  Take care of your brain it’s the BEST ASSET you have really.

Till next week!

Oil of the WEEK.

The oil of the week this week is Yarrow Pom.
Pomegranate is known as an amazing anti-oxidant, but this nutraceutical combines cold pressed pomegranate oil with Yarrow EO!  It’s the first of it’s kind.

Yarrow|Pom Oil Product Description

A unique blend of Yarrow essential oil and Pomegranate seed oil, the doTERRA Yarrow|Pom Active Botanical Nutritive Duo offers significant benefits for the skin, body, and emotions. This proprietary blend has been carefully crafted to provide benefits related to the aging process, feelings of vitality, and overall wellness. Once you experience the variety of benefits that Yarrow|Pom oil has to offer, and breathe in the distinctive fruity, spicy, and herbaceous aroma, you’ll see that this is a blend you definitely want to add to your essential oil collection.

Yarrow|Pom Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. One significant benefit of Yarrow|Pom is the potential the oil holds for calming the body and mind.* Properties within the oil make it useful for those days when you need to calm or uplift your heart and mind. Diffusing or inhaling the oil is an easy way to take advantage of the calming effects of this oil. The next time you would like to promote feelings of calm, put a drop of Yarrow|Pom in the palm of your hand, rub the hands together, place the hands over the nose, and inhale deeply. When you’ve had a moment to breathe in the unique aroma of Yarrow|Pom oil, rub the excess oil over your heart to provide calming feelings throughout the day.
  2. Due to the chemical makeup of the oil, Yarrow|Pom is useful for promoting cellular, immune, and nervous system health.* One of the chemical constituents in Yarrow|Pom oil known as Beta-Carophyllene (β-caryophyllene) has substantial benefits for the immune and cellular systems. To promote a healthy immune response, consider taking one to two drops of Yarrow|Pom daily by adding the oil to at least four fluid ounces, and swallowing.
  3. As mentioned, the uplifting properties of Yarrow|Pom oil can help to calm the body and mind.* If you enjoy using essential oils for mood management, try diffusing Yarrow|Pom oil during the winter or during dark, dreary days in order to uplift your mood. The calming combination of Yarrow oil and cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil will lift your spirits as the aroma fills your home on a monotonous day stuck indoors. As you can imagine, Yarrow|Pom is a great oil to diffuse during holiday parties and gatherings, because it promotes a soothing environment. Furthermore, if you know someone who is feeling down during the holidays, consider sending a bottle of Yarrow|Pom their way for a pick-me-up.
  4. Yarrow|Pom oil contains many internal benefits, including powerful antioxidant support, healthy metabolic function support, and benefits for the cells.* When taken internally, Yarrow|Pom oil can help to provide the body with useful antioxidants, promote a healthy metabolism, and restore youthful vitality. No matter your goals for internal health, Yarrow|Pom oil is definitely an essential oil that you will want to incorporate into your regular routine.
  5. When incorporated into your skincare regimen, Yarrow|Pom has the potential to promote a smooth, youthful complexion. Both Yarrow and pomegranate seed can help to moisturize and restore healthy-looking skin, while also working to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. As a special, proprietary blend, this essential oil works to activate protecting proteins within the skin in order to protect the complexion from enzymes that breakdown collagen and elasticity. To take advantage of the revitalizing and skin-protecting benefits of Yarrow|Pom oil, try applying two drops to the face, chest, neck, and hands each morning and night.
  6. The properties of Yarrow|Pom oil make it useful for providing the body with targeted benefits. Because the oil is calming to the body and mind, it can be used as part of a relaxing massage after a long, tiring day. To experience the targeted benefits of Yarrow|Pom oil, use the oil to create a rejuvenating massage that will help to soothe tension in certain areas.

Chemistry of Yarrow|Pom Oil

Main chemical components: Punicic acid, β-caryophyllene, chamazulene

The exclusive, proprietary doTERRA Yarrow|Pom blend contains chemical components that support the body when taken internally* With chemical components like the omega 5 punicic acid, antioxidants, β-caryophyllene, and chamazulene, the Yarrow|Pom oil blend supports immune, nervous system, and cellular function and rejuvenation.* Not to mention, the blend is vegan-friendly.

 

 

 

 

Wishing you a happy and healthy week,

 

Dr. Hamel

 

 

 

Supercharging Fertility Through Nutrition

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Continuing on this month all about Fertility!  Last week we chatted about how the nervous system is #1 in my fertility program, because if there’s no signaling= no fertility!

#2 in my fertility protocol is nutrition.  So, this week we will briefly chat about how to supercharge your fertility through nutrition.

If you need more information about nutrition and fertility I highly recommend the book:  Woman Code!  I use tips from this book in today’s blog as well as other information from other sources and evidence based nutrition sources.

There are usually 3 things that women/men experience with endocrine problems:

1. Menstrual Problems
2. Fertility Trouble
3. Low Libido

Let’s start with number 1…..

Menstrual Problems.  Did you know that the women’s cycle doesn’t fully mature till the age of 25?!  So, there will be fluctuations within the cycle up until that age, that are normal.  However, genetics and nutritional factors determine how are bodies react to the mountain of estrogen we are bombarded with daily.

In some families they adapt to this estrogen load by presenting as PCOS, others: fibroids, others: endometriosis, PMS (PMD).

“You actually were PRIMED to develop your own unique issue before you were born, or had your first period. “
This is why it’s crucial to do something about endocrine function now!  You can actually change your epigenetics to set future generations of women down your family line up for pain free and healthy periods!
And you will also feel so much better.  Did you know you are supposed to just wake up and realize you started your period?  THIS IS NORMAL..
NOT.
The symptoms handed down from generations, cramping, bloating, pain, acne, PMS……

Number 2…..

Fertility Trouble. Our bodies as women are very fine tuned, and require a very specific ratio of progesterone to estrogen in order for conception to be successful!

Estrogen levels can become elevated by:
Poor blood sugar regulation, adrenal fatigue, congested pathways of elimination (food and product sources), birth control.

When it’s elevated, progesterone becomes insufficient.  And when progesterone is insufficient, ovulation is not regular, which means no baby….
OR.. you will get pregnant, but your chance of miscarriage is very high because you can’t produce enough progesterone to maintain it.

PCOS prevents ovulation, which is of course essential for allowing an egg to be available for conception.  Fibroids and endometriosis also cause fertility problems by creating actual blockages within the uterus or ovaries.

But, it’s easy right.. just take a pill to regulate these mentrual issues.! Right?!
So so wrong.

Pills or injections will temporarily lower symptoms I’ll give you that, but estrogen levels managed improperly for too long, and these symptoms will always come back, AND your chances of having a baby when you are ready will go way way down….

View your fertility in the long term!  By fixing these three pathways mentioned above which cause estrogen elevation.

** also important to note, if you’ve had the SUPER toxic gardasil vaccine, your fertility will also be compromised.  It has been shown in research to make young girls infertile, and also increases cervical cancer risk.  I’ve had many patients with vaccine injuries from this terrible and corrupt vaccine.  Please please say no for our young girls. **

Number 3…

Low libido… Well, you could be riding blood sugar highs and lows, stressed out from work, chasing kids around, deadlines approaching… So, getting some love from your husband/wife is safe to say not on your mind. 
You probably don’t have much energy at the end of the day to do much other than eat that chocolate or treat and collapse on the couch.

For women AND men.  Blood sugar irregulation and chronic stress = low libido.

If this cycle remains, your body will become really confused, and tell you to eat more carbs although you’ve already eaten too much.. Hypoglycemia…This then dampens the production of DHEA as cortisol is being pumped out excessively.  Which DHEA turns into testosterone (supports sex drive).

Carbs/Sugar and stress= exhausting your body= no energy for love stuff! 

So..
Enhancing Fertility through nutrition is quite simple when you think of it.

It involves these principles:

1. Stabilizing the blood sugar.
This is done through customized eating plans for you.  It’s not about dieting.  Dieting DOES NOT work.  It’s just NOT sustainable.  Eating pre-packaged foods, or limiting what you can eat so much you end up eating a whole carton of ice cream in one sitting and just say heck with it!.
Yep.. been there.

Its about reconditioning what you are eating.  I want you eating, and actually eating quite a lot to stabilize the blood sugar, but I want you feeding your fertility instead of inhibiting it.

This is all explained in my 120 day fertility program, but includes more of a ketogenic whole food plan, Organic and non GMO foods, high fat, limited grains and dairy.  This is of course customized for each patient depending on their needs.

Eating regularly and increasing good fats stabilizes the blood sugar amazingly.  In fact, when stabilized, most people are able to do intermittent fasting as well, which is so healing for the body and fertility.

2. Supporting the Adrenal Glands ( Stress Glands)
Also included in the 120 program.  Some individuals are in super high stress environments, and they need supplementation in order to get things back on track.  This involves customized herbs and whole food nutritional recommendations as well as specific NET ( a stress technique I do in my office) and stress related work to help create healthy habits.

Some individuals will need to change things within their pattern to decrease adrenal fatigue.  Whether its changing things with your job, decreasing the amount of things you are doing, working out less (yes there are many women and men who work out too much and deplete their adrenal glands), asking for help, ect.

Remember it’s a lifestyle.

3. Clearing out the estrogen and pathways of elimination .
This means first getting rid of that birth control pill or shot.  It’s harming you short and long term.  Detoxifying the body through specific herbs and whole food nutrients and going on safer birth control methods (if needed). Birth control completely depletes all your B vitamins, so this is something that has to be added in.  It also decreases your immune system, so often immune system support is needed.

Cleaning out your food sources that aren’t organic (hormones and chemicals), beauty products that aren’t organic (hormones and chemicals), plastic wear ( all estrogen), decreasing microwave use (estrogen), non natural cleaning products (toxic chemicals), cleaning up your water source, and other exogenous exposures.

I know it sounds like a lot, but these are REALLY big hormone disruptors. And over time, these wreak havoc not only on fertility but many systems and cause cancer and other illnesses as well.

Then we move onto cleaning out the main pathways of detoxification such as the Liver and large intestine, skin & lymphatic system.
This is through nutrition and chiropractic care.

Sometimes, it takes more detoxification means as well such as incorporating saunas, colon hydrotherapy, cleaning out toxic heavy metals in the mouth and body ( food sources, vaccines, passed down).

I also, always always include CBT, craniobiotic technique which helps clear out hidden infections in the body, and also desensitizes against allergens.  Both can be HUGE in being the tipping point for successful fertility.

4. Supporting the sex organs.

This is done through specific whole food nutrition supporting these organs with nutrition and what are called protomorphogens.  If you’ve taken birth control these organs will need support as they haven’t been producing the hormones because you’ve been taking fake ones.

5.  Supporting the brain glands which signal the hormones

Also done through specific whole food protomorphogens and herbals targeting to help with the signaling process.  This is also AMAZING for teenagers to help with that fluctuation I was talking about in the beginning. PMS, bloating, heavy bleeding, acne.  If you have a teen girl you will THANK ME for this one.

One herbal I use… chaste tree ( depends on quality!), is amazing for regulating the brain signaling.  If you’ve ever taken birth control this signal is damaged and needs support.

That’s it!!  haha. I know seems like a lot, but really EVERY person is different, and your path will look different from the next.  You may need some or all of these steps, but the fact of the matter is all hormone dys-regulation CAN be helped naturally.  I see it everyday!

Don’t forget about the men too!!

They also need sperm support, detoxification, stress and blood sugar support!  Remember you can actually CHANGE your epigenetics, which can change your child’s and their child’s genes to be strong and more efficient!

Often times infertility is a mix of the man and the woman.  So, most of my program’s require BOTH to be involved in the process.

Next week.

We’ll talk about Exercise and Mindset in Fertility.
Stay tuned!  And please please SHARE THIS!

Nutrition and Post Partum for Proper Healing

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Post Partum and Nutrition

Happy Monday Everyone!  I hope you all had a great Mother’s Day Weekend, and a big shoutout to all the moms out there!  Dr. Hamel is offering FREE mom exams the WHOLE month of May.  So, if you know anyone in need, please let her know!

This week we will be focusing on nutrition and post partum, while next week we will be focusing on incontinence, diastasis, tearing and prolapse.

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After birth, women can be confused on what to actually consume after birth to help rebuild the body as well as what is appropriate with breast feeding.

The focus on the first two weeks is completing the cleansing of the uterus, minimizing risk of infection and aiding milk production.  Simple soups are great for this time.  Certain Chinese herbs can be wonderful to include during this phase as well including Sheng Hua Tang.

In the following weeks, soups should change from detox to fortifying to strengthen the blood.

Avoid cold foods like ice cream and iced water, which transfer cold to the uterus and increase the energy needed for digestion, and we know that women don’t have energy  to spare at this time.

Women might choose juices, salads and smoothies in an attempt to lose weight quickly, but cold and raw foods are actually taxing during this time and can cause further depletion.

Hydration is also extremely important post partum to ensure what was lost in childbirth.

With birth, there is a huge blood loss and deficiency, so to counteract the cold of blood deficiency, a new mother will benefit from eating warming foods and foods that build blood:

These include:
– Beef
-Chicken
-Eggs
-Black sesame seeds
-Dates
-cooked greens
-carrots
-soups (mung bean is best)

In general, food should be warm and oily (naturally saturated, or covered in fats like ghee, butter and lard).  They should also be prepared with the right spices to help keep a mother’s inner body warm, aid digestion and stimulate the circulatory system. ( like cinnamon, tumeric, clove, ect)

Maintaining even blood sugar levels by eating three balanced meals with two snacks will also help ensure that a woman is eating the building blocks she needs to recover.

All vegetables and fruits are beneficial of course as with anyone.  Antioxidants are very important post partum and there are certain foods that are high in these nutrients.  Lightly steaming veggies or stewing fruits will be helpful during this time as well.

Here is an extended list of foods that provides these nutrients:

  • avocados– excellent source of good fats, feeding the brain and assist the nervous system
  • banana– rich in potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, manganese, fiber, protein
  • beets– b vitamins, magnesium, boron, iron these are awesome blood builders
  • Wild blueberries– high in antioxidants, helping repair damage
  • cherry tomatos– vitamin C, A and B6, help repair cellular damage
  • dandelion greens– vitamin B complex, minerals, digestive system, liver, gallbladder
  • figs-potassium, minerals, antioxidants
  • mango– antioxidant, vitamin c, pectin, fiber, alkalize the body
  • papaya-  digestive system, vitamin c, minerals
  • pears- mineral rich, vitamin C and fiber
  • persimmon– antioxidant, beta cartotene, vitamin C, anti inflammatory/hemorrhagic, rich in minerals
  • pomegranate– vitamin b complex, minerals, vitamin c, antioxidants, improve circulation
  • Almonds, cashews, walnuts–  I would recommend cashews as they have the least amount of mold .  These are good sources of fat, protein and minerals
  • Seeds– cocao nibes, chia seeds, hemp seeds, millet, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
  • Grains- Amaranth, quinoa and wild or brown rice blends.

FATS

Fat is a VITAL role in the healing process, and overall for healthy families.  They are vital for brain function and absorbing nutrients which we all need.  When consuming these good fats, its important to choose pastured and 100% grass fed animal fats, or else the health of the animal is transferred into that source.
-Olive oil
-coconut oil
-ghee
-butter
-lard

Women with less connective tissue density , saturated fats are imperative to giving the body the basic building blocks to strengthen organ tissue and ligaments, and turn them to a robust and stable structure.
The body will take whatever it needs form the other to make the highest quality breast milk possible for the baby. In order to heal well after childbirth, it is crucial that women have sufficient nutrient density to nourish both themselves and their babies.

PROTEINS

Whether plant or animal based, quality is SO important.  Mass production of food comes with using toxic pesticides and hormones.  If choosing plant based also look for fair trade products or buy directly from farmers . Beans, lentils, grains and hemp products are examples. 
Fish?  Make sure it’s wild, farmed is usually fed genetically modified feed and added colors

-Bone broth
-chicken breasts or thighs
-ground beef/buffalo
-turkey sausage
-duck
-bacon
-salmon
-raw cheese
-full fat yogurt
-cottage cheese
-kefir

SWEETENERS

During postpartum, since your hormones are dis-regulated, keeping a low glycemic index is extremely important.

Options
– Local Raw Honey- Manuka honey is best with is antibacterial properties
– Real Maple Syrup
-Yacon Syrup
-Stevia

The first forty days is an amazing postpartum cookbook ad resource that has over 40 different recipes .

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the Spotlight this week, is DoTerra’s Star Anise.

The star anise tree is an evergreen indigenous to southeastern Asia. Usually the trees grow only 14-20 feet high, but they can reach up to 65 feet. In Chinese culture, the plant is called “eight-horned anise” or simply “eight horns,” referring to the usually eight-follicled fruit. Anethole, the main chemical component of Star Anise, is what creates the characteristic licorice aroma that Star Anise essential oil and fruit are known for. Star Anise essential oil has many benefits, both topically and internally. Immune system support and healthy cellular function are just a couple of the main benefits Star Anise offers.* Star Anise is most commonly known for its support of digestive health.* As a main ingredient in dōTERRA DigestZen®, Star Anise can be used to calm an occasional upset stomach.* Star Anise can also support feelings of relaxation when taken internally.*

Star Anise also helps to increase milk supply in nursing mothers.

USES • Put 1-2 drops of Star Anise essential oil in tea to support healthy digestion.* • Dilute a drop or two of Star Anise oil with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a soothing massage. • Take a drop or two internally to promote relaxing feelings.* • Blend with floral or wood oils to create a grounding and emotionally balancing experience. DIRECTIONS FOR USE Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice. Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid. Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.

What does detoxing your brain look like?

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Happy Monday!  Last week we talked about the four pathways of elimination that need to be working efficiently for us everyday. If they aren’t, then we get inflammation and chronic conditions like hormone dysfunction, fatigue, skin conditions, ect.  I hope you are all enjoying this month, and as always, if you have topics you want more information on, let me know!

This week we will briefly talk about how your brain detoxes and why this is so important for our health.  As well as tips to increase it’s productivity so that we can optimize our brain function and detox pathways.

We talked last week about the lymphatic system and it’s importance in keeping it flowing.  We have a similar system in our brain it’s called the glymphatic system, or the “brain drain”.

This system was only recently discovered in 2012. It’s uses the cell’s mitochondria (energy system) to remove cellular waste from the brain.  The cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the brain is what is responsible for draining toxins from brain.  The brain has no lymphatic system, just the CSF fluid.

The kicker here, is this system is especially active during sleep!  That being said if you enhance the mitochondria’s ability during sleep, you will turbocharge this maintenance system and get more cleanup in less time.

In 2013 as well, researchers found that something called “autophagy” is required for healthy brain cell mitochondria.  This is a natural process called autophagy (literally “self-eating”), and it’s the bodies system of cleaning house: Your cells create membranes that hunt out scraps of dead, diseased, or worn-out cells; gobble them up; strip ’em for parts; and use the resulting molecules for energy or to make new cell parts.

It’s like an internal recycling program.  We get rid of faulty parts, stop growths, ect.  When the scientists monitored rat specimens who had difficulty with autophagy, they were fatter, sleepier, had higher cholesterol and impaired brains.

How to increase autophagy to boost the cell’s mitochondrial function:

1. Exercise.  “Regular exercise is the most popular way that people unintentionally help their body to cleanse.”

2. Fasting.  Although I don’t usually recommend skipping meals, occasional fasting is actually beneficial. Practitioners usually forgo food for anywhere from 12 to 36 hours at a time, making sure to drink plenty of water. (You might also want to limit activity to gentle yoga or stretching.)

3. Lower your carb intake.Ketosis, is an increasingly popular diet among bodybuilders and anyone seeking a longer lifespan. The idea is to reduce carbohydrates to such low levels that the body has no choice but to use fat as a fuel source instead.

Ketosis is like an autophagy hack. You get a lot of the same metabolic changes and benefits of fasting without actually fasting.
Keto diets are super high fat (good fats): Between 60 and 70 percent of one’s overall calories should come from fat. (Lots of steak, bacon, and peanut butter shakes are a definite bonus for the keto crowd.) Protein makes up 20 to 30 percent of calories, while carbs are kept below 50 grams per day.

So, increasing good fats, moving and intermittent fasting improve this system.  But what about getting it flowing directly at its source?  What about actually changing it in the brain where it flows in and out of?

That’s right! Cranial care!

Craniopathy care has been proven to increase the CSF flow in the brain and in the entire system.  When there is pressure on the brain from the bones of the head, this fluid cannot maintain its flow.

This means the CSF flow is hindered.  Therefore, the detox pathway is hindered.

Additionally, as I mentioned previously, this system is active entirely during your sleep.  So if your sleep is hindered, or you aren’t getting adequate deep sleep you won’t be detoxing your noggin and body very well.

Sleep can be helped in many ways.

1.  Getting cranial care
2.  Supplementation, including minerals and herbs
3. Exercise
4.  Reducing EMF exposure.  No tv or cell phones in the bed room.  Turn off your wifi in your home every night, and make sure there’s no light in your room.  Completely dark room allows your brain to produce melatonin.  EMF exposure actually calcifies the pituitary which releases melatonin.
5.  Essential Oils and CBD. Certain oils can be really helpful for creating calmness and allowing sleep to happen.

Fish oils may not be as good as we thought

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This week I wanted to chat a little bit about some research I’ve been looking into, and getting all your comments as to what you think!

I know its confusing in the health world, first coffee was bad for us, then it was good, fat was bad and now its good, salt was bad and now its good, ect… You have to know the science, because our health field is always changing.. This is how you determine quality is real scientific studies.

In the nutrition world, and natural healing world, we have been taught to use fish oils Omega 3 (mainly), 6, 9 for decreasing inflammation and increasing good fats for cellular membranes, hormone production ect.
In my practice I use omegas for hormone work, any chronic injuries with inflammation, and other ailments.  Most everyone goes on a fish oil for a great foundation along with a whole food based multivitamin, because our food sources and soil are so nutrient deficient.

However, there has been more and more research coming out, that fish oils really aren’t all that “fishy”… or great for us because of the type of oil called “adulterated” oils. 

You have 100 trillion cells in your body and all of them have a cell membrane — and over 30% of the “material” from which those membranes are made are polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e. oils).

There is a superiority of plant based oils.  Parent EFAs (essential fatty acid) which come from seeds, was coined by Dr. Brain Peskin because so many people use EFA incorrectly as a derivative.  There are two types of  essential fatty acids: Omega 3 and omega 6, and they HAVE to come from food, meaning we do NOT make them.Omega-9 fatty acids are from a family of unsaturated fats that are commonly found in vegetable and animal fats. These fatty acids are also known as oleic acid, or monounsaturated fats, and unlike omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids can be produced by the body, which means the need to supplement is not as important.

50% of the 100 trillion cells we have are made of FAT. 25-33% consist of parent oils, it is the structure of every cell we have.  It is also the mitochondria that makes our energy.

Parent essential oils are essential meaning we cannot make them, and are termed LA and ELA( Linoleic Acid and Alpha Linolenic Acid). Fish oil has compounds called DHA and EPA which are DERIVATIVES, meaning they come from the parents.  So, if you have the parents, your body makes derivatives as needed.

What the medical field didn’t know till recently, is that 99% of the parents stay as parents in the cell, they thought prior that they go to derivatives, they had it backwards.. The parents stay as parents, so unfortunately we have an overdose of fish oils, because they are not the parents, they are derivatives.

PEO’s support appetite, beauty, anti-inflammation ect, they make the cell.  You can be overweight and not diabetic, and vice versa, which has everything to do with the cell membrane.  The cell membrane allows insulin and any hormone to go back and forth.  If you have a compromised cell membrane, then oxygen, hormones ect are impaired.

Why is this?

The answer is oxygen.

But, where in the body does that oxygen need to go to sustain life?

  1. The lungs?
  2. The bloodstream?
  3. The cells?

The answer is that oxygen must ultimately go into each cell of the body by going through the lungs, through the bloodstream and through the cell membrane of each cell into each cell’s cytoplasm. And, there may be barriers that hinder this.

  1. Lung problems (asthma, COPD, etc.) can be a barrier to oxygen reaching the bloodstream.
  2. Hemoglobin problems (anemia, not enough iron) can be a barrier for oxygen reaching the cells.
  3. And cell membrane problems (membranes constructed from adulterated fatty acids) can be a barrier for oxygen reaching the cell’s interior.

In a study in 2008 individuals who took the the parent omega 3 had less heart disease, while those on fish oils did not have much benefit.

In a study in 2013-men with the highest DHA, EPA levels had the highest prostate cancer, the reason was because of oxidized omega 6.  By bringing in the parent OMEGA 6, this decreases the chances significantly.

In 2009, they reported that they were all wrong about omega 6, Arachidonic acid saying that it is bad.  PARENT omega 6 has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

You need lots of omega 6, the problem is we get too much adulterated omega 6.  When the PEOs become oxidized, oxygen transfer stops.  This can be seen as “age spots” on the skin.  There was a study of monkey’s taking adulterated omegas and getting age spots in their liver.  The cell oxygen transfer stops.

WARNING.  In America, you are having highly processed foods, and lack of fully functional Omega oils, unless you are eating whole food raw vegan diet, which most aren’t. And I don’t recommend as we need the good fats in our meat sources as well.

Unfortunately, in our modern world, most people consume denatured polyunsaturated fatty acids… that is oils that have been changed from oxygen-attracting to oxygen-resisting… in pursuit of long shelf life.

Denatured (cooked or damaged by manufacturing practices that seek to make a long shelf life product) polyunsaturated oils are dangerous to your health. Long term use of denatured polyunsaturated fatty acids ranks with eating sugar as among the world’s worst health habits because denatured polyunsaturated fatty acids will be used in making your cell’s membranes and restrict the flow of oxygen into your cells.

We need a conservative amount of omega 3 but more omega 6.  It has to be cold pressed not adulterated in regards to the research. Even the inside layer of our arteries are omega 6! The key is a supplement with more parent omega 6 than omega 3.

PGE1- the body’s number 1 anti-inflammatory is through the Omega 6 pathway.
Prostacyclin makes platelets not stick to each other or the artery, this is the omega 6 pathway.

PEOs are anti-aging: Because of the arterial flexibility.  In a study, the measured arterial flexibility giving fish oils vs seed oils.  Those taking the fish oils then stopping and going to seed oils after 4 months, looked 11 years younger cardiovascular wise.  This is clinical scientific proof plant oils are anti-aging.

“Nobel Prize winner Dr. Otto Warburg stated the cause of cancer was inadequate cellular respiration (oxidizing of fuel in the presence of oxygen in the mitochondria to make energy) and how  modern processing of vegetable oils for long shelf-life leads to denatured oils that are resistive to the transfer of oxygen (this is what oil manufacturers want so that oils don’t go rancid). These denatured oils incorporate into our cell membranes and resist the flow of oxygen into the cell, setting the stage for our modern epidemic of cancer.”
What transfers the O2, the cell membrane! The omega 6 in that cell membrane.  If you are having cooking oil, baking, frying it, you are going to increase your chances for cancer.  Inflammation takes all your oxygen.   You can get cancer in any cell that is oxygen deficient!

We know cancer can be caused by many things not just vegetable oils, but it is interesting that this could be a HUGE cause as well, as we know oxygen depleted cells love cancer.

Plant based oils are oxygen magnets, they allow transfer of oxygen into the cell membrane, which is critical and vital for us. 

“Having ample oxygen in the cells of tissue is at the top of “best health insurance practices” anyone can have. And, all it really takes is switching one’s oil consumption from oils that degrade cellular oxygen content (i.e. today’s, grocery-shelf vegetable oils) to oxygen-friendly oils, called Parent Essential Oils (these oils are Alpha-Linolenic and Linoleic fatty acid containing seed oils that are extracted without damaging heat or damaging processing techniques, and protected from oxidation).”

Processing fats is also huge here, which depends on the liver and gallbladder.  Eating a high fat low carb diet is really critical, but you have to be able to process that fat as well, which might require supplementation.

I hope this was eye opening for you, as it was for me, being that I will be switching most of my protocols from fish oil to more plant based parent seed oil.  We should at this point already all know vegetable oils are very bad. But, for those that don’t I hope this spread some light for you.  Be careful when jumping on the fish oil wagon, as with everything science is changing, so we must shed light on the good and the bad.