Tag Archives: digestion

Digestion… It Starts in the Brain.

, , , , , , , , , ,
Happy Labor Day everyone!  I hope you all enjoyed last month’s topics all around the adrenal glands. This month we will be diving into digestion, stomach dysfunction that is most likely underlying the digestive problems, and pathogens.

This week we will be starting with the gut/brain connection, and how brain inflammation can CAUSE digestion problems.  For the following weeks we will go into specifics about digestion talking about stomach acid, it’s role in many gut dysfunctional patterns, alkaline water and digestion, stress and digestion and pathogens.

Lets dive in……

Have you ever heard of the Gut/Brain Connection?


(not my image)

The gut is actually called the “second brain”, some scientists are giving it a name called the enteric nervous system.  This system has more than 100 nerve cells from the esophagus to the rectum!

Unlike the brain which has MANY different functions in our body, the gut nervous system has one main function: DIGESTION.

From swallowing, to the release of enzymes and stomach acid that break down food, to blood flow circulation that helps with nutrient absorption to elimination…

And what’s really important is that it communicates with the master regulator the Brain and vice versa.

“The ENS may trigger big emotional shifts experienced by people coping with irritable bowel syndrome and functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain and stomach upset. For decades, researchers and doctors thought that anxiety and depression contributed to these problems. But our studies and others show that it may also be the other way around. Researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes.

“Approximately 90 percent of the body’s serotonin is located in your gut. Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and learning and can influence your happiness and self=esteem. Serotonin also plays a critical role in digestion by helping to secrete enzymes that help you digest food.”These new findings may explain why a higher-than-normal percentage of people with IBS and functional bowel problems develop depression and anxiety. That’s important, because up to 30 to 40 percent of the population has functional bowel problems at some point.”

So, from this research we know that the gut function can cause brain problems, but what about the reverse direction?  How does brain inflammation problems affect the digestive tract?

I’m SO glad you asked.

The brain or central nervous system(CNS), controls digestion as well.  For instance, the vagus nerve which exits through the back of the skull bones, is a part of our parasympathetic nervous system which controls REST and DIGESTION.

Improper functioning of this nerve will impair digestion.

Another part of the brain called the hypothalamus, controls secretion of gastric juices, thirst, appetite and weight control, and balances body fluids (among other functions).

This gland is located within one of the cranial bones called the sphenoid.
Disruption in the movement of this bone and you will have digestion problems stemming mainly into the stomach, which is HUGE for the beginning stages of digestion.  Inhibit the stomach acid, and you got a laundry list of problems. 

These are just two examples of how brain inflammation coming from cranial tension can affect digestion.

There can also be dysfunction within the peripheral nervous system into your spine which can inhibit digestion as well….

For instance, your mid back area controls the stomach function, while the low back controls the function of your intestinal tract…


(not my image)

I can’t tell you how many patients i’ve seen that had so much cranial tension either as a baby from birth, car accidents/whiplash, hitting their head, concussions, clenching/grinding their teeth that also had digestion problems as a result. 

Or low back/Sacral issues that result in constipation and improper mobility within the intestines.

This is why I ALWAYS start with craniopathy chiropractic care in my office for every nutrition patient.  If you have brain/nervous system inflammation, it doesn’t matter how well you eat or how many supplements you take, it’s not going to matter.

Heal the brain, and you most likely will heal a good portion of the digestion issues.
Once that is healed you can see the underlying nutritional deficiencies and stress problems that may be at play..

OIL OF THE WEEK

ON the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s  Digest ZEN.DigestZen Product Description
With so many digestive health benefits, DigestZen quickly received the nickname of the “tummy tamer” blend. DigestZen is infused with Ginger, Fennel, Coriander, Tarragon, Anise, Caraway, and Peppermint essential oils, which combine together to help ease occasional stomach discomfort, maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract, and aid in digestion.* This powerful blend can be used aromatically, topically, and internally, and is great for at-home or on-the-go use. For those prone to motion sickness, DigestZen can also be used to diminish feelings of queasiness and occasional stomach upset.* DigestZen provides a safe and natural way to assist in digestive health whenever you may need it.*

Where to Buy DigestZen
DigestZen is one of doTERRA’s most popular essential oil blends due to its profound effect on easing occasional stomach discomforts.* To purchase a bottle of DigestZen, visit the DigestZen Digestive Blend product page. Like all of doTERRA’s blends, DigestZen is made up of CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils. CPTG® essential oils are oils that have gone through the CPTG protocol, which contains a series of strict tests that assess each batch of oil’s purity and potency. If the essential oils pass these tests, then they are potent, high quality, and pure essential oils that can be used as single essential oils, in essential oil blends, or in essential oil products. When you purchase from doTERRA, you can feel confident that the oils you receive are high-quality and effective oils that are ready to meet you and your family’s needs.

DigestZen Uses and Benefits

  1. If you are looking for a healthy and natural way to assist your digestive system, the DigestZen essential oil blend is an ideal option.* DigestZen contains a blend of essential oils that will naturally aid the body in the digestion of food.* To easily obtain these digestion benefits, add one drop of DigestZen oil to 4 fluid ounces of liquid, and drink.*
  2. The unpredictability and discomfort of occasional stomach upsets can often put a damper on the day. When issues like these arise, apply one to two drops of DigestZen to the desired areas of your skin. DigestZen will also work to soothe occasional stomach upset when taken internally, and can get you feeling ready to take on the day again.*
  3. Bloating and gas can make your stomach feel tight and full, often leaving you feeling sluggish and unappealing. If you’re experiencing these difficulties, use DigestZen oil.* DigestZen will help reduce bloating and gas so that you can feel your best at any time of the day.*
  4. Does flying or driving long distances make you a little nervous? Next time you’re planning on traveling for an extended period of time, rub DigestZen oil on your stomach before you take your trip. The sweet, minty smell of DigestZen will provide a calming aroma. You can also add a few drops of DigestZen to water and take it internally to keep stomach jitters at bay.*
  5. Holidays, vacations, birthdays, and family get-togethers often have something in common: food. And lots of it. Make sure to have DigestZen on hand for these occasions. The DigestZen essential oil blend can be used during these events to promote digestion when eating heavier meals.*
  6. Whether trying the cuisines of Italy or enjoying the tastes of India, introducing foreign food to the body has the potential to disrupt the stomach’s normal digestion. When you are traveling or exploring new foods, use DigestZen to soothe occasional stomach upset and to promote healthy digestion.*
  7. For a simple way to incorporate DigestZen into your regular routine, add DigestZen to your water or tea. This will help your body maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract.*
  8. The DigestZen essential oil blend can ease feelings of queasiness.* If you’re experiencing queasiness, take DigestZen to dismiss these feelings.*
  9. One of the most relaxing ways to use DigestZen oil is by applying it to the stomach and massaging. An abdominal massage will bring soothing comfort to your stomach and the aroma will provide you with calming feelings. DigestZen can also be applied to a child’s stomach for soothing comfort. Before using DigestZen for a massage, combine it with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to help increase the DigestZen oil distribution and minimize any skin sensitivity.

DigestZen Products
The digestive and stomach soothing capabilities of DigestZen have made it one of the most popular essential oil blends. Today, the many benefits and uses of the DigestZen essential oil blend have expanded with doTERRA’s DigestZen Product line. This line of products contains a series of dietary supplements that assist the body with digestion, cleansing and filtering functions, metabolism, and more.*

DigestZen® Softgels: These dietary supplements encapsulate the DigestZen essential oil blend in small vegetarian softgels that are easy to consume. The DigestZen softgels provide all of the same stomach-soothing and digestive benefits as DigestZen and can be consumed daily or as needed.*

DigestTab®: These chewable tablets are designed for individuals with sensitive stomachs. DigestTab combines calcium carbonate and the DigestZen oil blend into one supplement that can be taken to provide relief from occasional stomach upset, indigestion, and heartburn.*

DigestZen TerraZyme®:A proprietary blend of whole-food enzymes, DigestZen, and supporting cofactors, DigestZen TerraZyme is a dietary supplement that helps strengthen the body’s production of enzymes, promote healthy digestion, and support metabolism of enzyme-deficient, processed foods. *

GX Assist®: Used as the first step in an essential oil digestive maintenance program, GX Assist uses CPTG essential oils and caprylic acid to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract before the use of PB Assist + (the next step of the maintenance program).* The combination of ingredients in GX Assist provides an unfriendly environment for potential digestive threats.*

PB Assist®+: The second step in the digestive maintenance program, PB Assist+ is a formula of pre-biotic fiber and probiotic microorganisms in a double-layer, time-release vegetable capsule.* This supplement encourages friendly bacterial growth, supports an optimal metabolism, promotes healthy function of the digestive and immune systems, and maintains a healthy intestinal microflora balance.*

Cleanse & Renew: This system includes a bottle of GX Assist and PB Assist +. The combination of these unique supplements will work together to cleanse the body and promote positive bacterial growth.*

Zendocrine® Detoxification Complex: A proprietary blend of whole-food extracts in a patented enzyme delivery system, the Zendocrine Detoxification Complex supports healthy cleansing and filtering functions of the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, and skin.*

Ingredients

  • Ginger Rhizome/Root
  • Peppermint Plant
  • Caraway Seed
  • Coriander Seed
  • Anise Seed
  • Tarragon Plant
  • Fennel Seed

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

 

Recipe of the week:

Homemade Bone Broth

Bone broth should be a staple food in any kitchen. Full of nutrients and wonderful minerals, bone broth contains a plethora of healing properties!

Ingredients:

1 whole free-range chicken OR 2-3 pounds grass-fed or free-range bones (beef knuckle bones, marrow bones, meaty bones, chicken or turkey necks or carcass bones, breastbones, or any leftover bones)

2-4 chicken feet (optional)

Chicken gizzards (optional)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (organic, unfiltered such as Bragg’s brand)

Celtic Sea Salt to taste (don’t worry about over-salting your broth – this is highly unlikely if using unrefined salt. You will likely need to use 1-2 teaspoons in a 5 quart crockpot full of bones and water)

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

2 large organic carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped

3 organic celery stalks, coarsely chopped

4 quarts filtered water

1 bunch organic parsley

 

Instructions:

Fill a large stockpot or large crockpot with filtered water.

Add vinegar and all vegetables except parsley.

Add the bones OR the whole chicken.

Bring to a boil and remove any scum that floats to the surface.

Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer.

If cooking a whole chicken, the meat should be fully cooked after about 2 hours. Remove the chicken from the pot, separate the meat from the bones and return all bones to the pot of stock. Chicken can be used for other cooking purposes.

If cooking bones only, allow to continue simmering for about 24 hours.

Add the fresh parsley about 10 minutes before removing the stock from the heat.

Allow to cool slightly and remove bones from the broth with a slotted spoon.

Strain the rest through a strainer to remove any bone fragments.

Store in the refrigerator.

Reheat as desired for a delicious cup of healing bone broth.

Nutritional Habits of Healthy Children, Nutrients at Different Ages

, , , , , , , , , ,
Happy Monday!  I hope you all have been enjoying this month’s topic on children’s health.  If you missed last week’s Facebook live video I went over the top 4 foods that are a big no no for children.  If you missed that topic you can watch the replay here:
https://www.facebook.com/drrachelhamel/videos/2093150134157617/

As we shift for the second half of this month, we are talking more about nutrition in children.  We have gone over the importance of Craniopathy chiropractic care in children, and nutrition is another huge topic, but we will highlight the main points here.

What do our children need to feel healthy and happy?

  • Water
  • Digestion
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Play
  • Sleep
These I believe are the top factors that need to be looked at for healthy and happy children.  
1. Water-  Is he/she getting enough water?  So many children drink so much juice, milk and sports drinks and are severely dehydrated.
2. Is the child getting daily exercise?  What activities could be recommended besides organized sports?
3. What is the child eating?  (topic today)
4. Is the child getting adequate rest?  How many hours and what is the quality?  Is the sleep schedule consistent?
5. What kind of stress is this child managing?  What can produce stress reduction for this child?  Is this child allowed time to relax and have fun?

First and foremost, it matters WHAT our children eat!
Numerous studies have shown how our diet can affect:

  • mood
  • energy
  • clarity of thought
  • behavior
  • healthy weight
  • overall health and vitality

The quality of the food is also extremely important.  Non-gmo, organic foods or growing your own foods is SO important!  Otherwise you aren’t eating real food, and are ingesting loads of toxins.  There are however different needs children have at different ages.

As I’ve mentioned before the BIGGEST age in brain growth in development is the age of 2 years and younger.  So, it will be no surprise to you that nutrition for this growth is extremely important.

2 years and younger:

Children during this age, should of course be breastfeeding if possible.  It is through breastfeeding that the child will develop immunity, and get adequate nutrients from mother’s milk.  If there are issues with breastfeeding, this can be helped with craniopathy and nutrition for both mom and baby.  I do understand women are in the working world and breastfeeding that long may not be feasible.  So, here are the key percentages of nutrients children need at this age.

Children can’t digest protein until they have molars, so protein at this age is less than that of older ages.
The majority of their nutrition should be healthy fats 40%.  The brain is made of fat, and needs a good amount for that huge amount of brain growth.  Carbs are second coming in also at 40%  I will explain in a minute what type of carbs because it’s “complex carbohydrates” that they need.  And lastly protein at 20%

2-5 Years Old:

The percentage starts to change slightly through this stage, fats move down to 30%, protein increases slightly to 25%, and carbs increases to 45%.

School Aged and Older:

The fats are around 20-25%, protein 25-30% and 50% Carbs.

What are complex carbohydrates??

  • Complex carbohydrates are nutrient dense but light in calories.  Refined foods and sweet will have just to opposite composition.  Try to limit those to occasional treats.
  • Complex carbohydrates should consist primarily of vegetables and fruits at a 2:1 ratio.
  • Organic fruits and vegetables when possible!
  • Whole grains should be organic and limited to no more than 2 servings per day
  • Understand that the percent of carbohydrates recommended in the guidelines is referring to quantity of food, not calories.

PROTEIN

  • Adequate protein is essential for children for growth and repair of cells, nerves, muscles and bones.
  • Relatively subtle effects of protein deficiency are now recognized, especially on the immune system and gastrointestinal mucosa
  • A child with aversion to protein should be tested for mineral imbalance and food intolerances, their bodies will pull them in a certain direction.
  • Quality protein from natural sources is best and animal proteins contain the highest amount per serving.
FATS

  • Fats are the main dietary energy source for infants.
  • Fats provide essential fatty acids necessary for brain development
  • They are needed for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and for myelination of the central nervous system.
  • They can be stored easily without much every cost which is important for infants.
  • Good sources are: avocados, eggs, nuts, olives, fish.
    • Introducing a variety of foods slowly helps the immune system
  • All trans fats should be avoided
  • Breast milk
    • It is considered a superior source of fat for infants because of its normal array of fats in its composition ALA, GLA, AA and DHA
    • It is important for a nursing mother to keep her diet high in healthy fats
    • Parent essential fatty acids and DHA need is especially high for the infant since it cannot efficiently make this fatty acid for rapid brain growth.
What is happening to our youth when it comes to weight management??

Why is their an increase in Type II Diabetes in children?  Now up to 46% of cases are children.
Why has the weight problem in children more than tripled in the past 30 years??
In 2012, more than 1/3 of children and adolescents were overweight or obese!

FACTORS:

  • Parental Influence
    • Family food preferences
    • Eating patterns
    • Daily activities and habits
  • Portion size and food choices
    • increased portion sizes in restaurants and fast food establishments
    • increased intake of sugary drinks, refined flour and other high processed foods
    • increased consumption of high fructose corn syrup that has replaced sugar in almost all processed food and drinks, hunger is barely satisfied.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle
    • increased screen time
    • reduced opportunities for physical play
  • Increase in toxins
    • typical american diet
    • gmo, non organic food
    • vaccines
    • amalgum fillings
    • digestion bugs
RESTORING NORMAL, HEALTH DIGESTION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT GOAL WHEN I WORK WITH CHILDREN!
ACID stopping medications, the number one selling drug initially meant for adults, are being prescribed at an alarming rate for our children.  Children don’t really produce adequate stomach acid until they get molars, because they then need it for protein digestion!
These drugs:
– Induce a state of low acid which creates progressive malabsorption and malnutrition!
Mineral and protein digestion requires strong acid production in the stomach.

PROMOTING STRONG DIGESTION REQUIRES:

  • quality nutritious foods
  • adequate enzyme production
  • proper pH balance in the stomach and intestines
  • presence of healthy bacteria
  • relaxed state of mind
  • healthy adrenal function
    • HEALTHY Teeth and Gums!  (You would not believe how many “healthy” people who eat right, exercise, do everything but still struggle because of hidden dental infections and metal fillings)
    • Healthy Teeth and a Healthy Gut is our immune system!
Common causes of impaired digestion:

  • Dehydration, low fiber, food intolerances
  • Birth Trauma, nerve compression to the vagal nerve and intestinal nerve areas
  • Not breastfed
  • C-section
  • Carbonated beverages with meals- neutralized the digestive enzymes
  • reduced pancreatic enzymes
  • antibiotic use
  • acid stopping medication
  • adrenal insufficiency
  • hidden gut parasites, bacteria, viruses or mold
How do you know if your child is having digestive symptoms?  Other than the obvious ones….
  • Indigestion/upset stomach/ “belly aches”
  • Constipation/diarrhea
  • reflux
  • fatigue
  • eczema/psoriasis
  • food cravings/food intolerances and/or allergies
  • weight loss/gain
Two facts:

1. Stomach pain is the MOST common reason for children to visit their primary care physician, according to the CDC
2. Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of abdominal pain in children and can be caused by viruses or bacterial agents.

I hope this was helpful to you this week.  I know it’s a lot of information, so you might have to go through it a few times.  Next week we will go into a few other nutrition related topics for children.  Share this with those who have kiddos as children are our future!!

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Digest Zen Roller ball!  The rollerball products are awesome for children because they are already diluted, so no worries for the safety or skin irritation for children!

DōTERRA DigestZen Touch is the perfect oil to have on hand at home, work, or when traveling. The calming aroma of DigestZen essential oil blend is combined with Fractionated Coconut Oil in DigestZen Touch for gentle topical application. The essential oils of Anise, Peppermint, Ginger, Caraway, Coriander, Tarragon, and Fennel are known for their ability to ease the effects of motion sickness and stomach upset when inhaled or applied topically. dōTERRA DigestZen Touch is perfect for those who want the benefits of DigestZen essential oil in a diluted version for gentle or sensitive skin.

Uses

  • Take on a road trip to ease the effects of motion sickness.
  • Apply to the stomach or bottoms of feet after eating a large meal.
  • Have on hand when flying or traveling.
  • Use for food poisoning, diarrhea, constipation

Digestion Issues in Children on the Rise, What is happening?

, , , , , , ,

Happy Monday!  I hope you are all enjoying this month’s topic of chiropractic, nutrition and children.  After this week, I will diverging more from the chiropractic portion and moving more towards the nutrition aspect. 

I am returning this week, from a chiropractic research conference, where I had a poster and presentation this year (see the bottom for pictures).  I will tell you, there is a huge need for more research for cranial care, but one thing is certain that there is more and more research happening for its use in pregnancy, post partum and children.

It seems more and more children are having more and more digestion issues.  Why is this?
Well, of course this isn’t an “easy” answer or a quick fix, as it can be multiple different factors. This is a “blog” so as you know this is my professional opinion, I believe that the increase in digestion issues is caused by three main factors.

1. The increase in vaccinations.  Food proteins are added among other things, which causes abnormal immune responses, which can then lead to food allergies, and gut imbalances.  Wonder why no peanuts are allowed in schools anymore, that’s because so many are allergic to so many foods because of this increase.

2. The sources of our food.  Genetically modified foods we cannot digest, sprayed with herbicides and pesticides that break down our intestinal wall, and allow bugs and proteins to seep through.  Our soil is nutrient deficient, so most are nutrient and mineral deficient. Non organic GMO foods can cause problems in children and adults as well, and dairy (cow’s milk) has often too much casein that children cannot properly digest.  A decrease in infants breastfeeding, and an increase in children being fed soy based formulas is also a huge cause of digestive disruption in children.

3. Nervous system dysfunction and Sympathetic overload. This is mainly structural problems caused from birth.
 For the sake of this blog, we will mainly focus on the structural causes of digestive issues.  

1 What’s big in this category is the involvement in the nervous system.  As previously mentioned before            in last week’s blog is birth is traumatic on the head and nervous system.  Because it is traumatic on                the head and nervous system, what can usually happen and cause digestion problems in infants and           children is compression on a nerve called the vagus nerve (shown in green).

The vagus nerve starts its origin within the head, and exits through the base of the skull.

What does the vagus nerve do??

It is one of the 12 cranial nerves we have that exit the skull. The vagus nerve is the longest and most complex of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves that emanate from the brain. It transmits information to or from the surface of the brain to tissues and organs elsewhere in the body. This nerve has many functions, but the 4 main functions are:

  • Sensory: From the throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen.
  • Special sensory: Provides taste sensation behind the tongue.
  • Motor: Provides movement functions for the muscles in the neck responsible for swallowing and speech.
  • Parasympathetic: Responsible for the digestive tract, respiration, and heart rate functioning.

The parasympathetic side, which the vagus nerve is heavily involved in, decreases alertness, blood pressure, and heart rate, and helps with calmness, relaxation, and digestion. As a result, the vagus nerve also helps with defecation, urination, and sexual arousal.

Other vagus nerve effects include:

  • Communication between the brain and the gut: The vagus nerve delivers information from the gut to the brain.
  • Relaxation with deep breathing: The vagus nerve communicates with the diaphragm. With deep breaths, a person feels more relaxed.
  • Decreasing inflammation: The vagus nerve sends an anti-inflammatory signal to other parts of the body.
  • Lowering the heart rate and blood pressure: If the vagus nerve is overactive, it can lead to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body. In some cases, excessive vagus nerve activity can cause loss of consciousness and organ damage.
  • Fear management: The vagus nerve sends information from the gut to the brain, which is linked to dealing with stress, anxiety and fear – hence the saying, “gut feeling.” These signals help a person to recover from stressful and scary situations.
Because we are focusing on digestion, some big points here.  Vagal dysfunction whether increased or decreased CAN and does can digestion problems.  
  • Difficulty swallowing is one, which when you are dealing with a child or an infant swallowing it can have huge problems.  Also can lead to problems with the tongue and palate which can change the way the palate grows and develops.
  • Delayed gastric emptying- nausea, heart burn, stomach pains, spasms in the stomach, weight loss
  • B12 deficiency.  The vagus nerve stimulates parietal cells in the stomach to secrete acid and intrinsic factor. This factor is needed to absorb vitamin B12.
  • irritable bowel syndrome.  Dys-regulation of the nervous system plays a role in the development of IBS.

How to normalize the nerve function?

-There are many ways to stimulate the vagus nerve, however the BEST and only way in children I have found (and adults), is taking the compression of the nerve away at its source.  THE HEAD.  Craniopathy chiropractic care.  Taking direct pressure can cause symptoms to improve almost instantly in children.

2.  Structural causes can also stem from dysfunction within the palate, which can further cause digestion problems.  Birth trauma can cause changes in the palate, or dysfinction in the tongue.  And of course genetic problems such as tongue and lip tie can cause digestion difficulties and speech and developmental problems for some if severe.  These dysfunctions also made breastfeeding difficult and for some infants impossible.  Get them checked for cranial care before stopping breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding is huge for much development.

I hope this was all beneficial to you this week, and for those with children, know children or expecting children, please keep my care in mind.  There are not many individuals that do what I do, and the need is BIG.  Having proper digestion is key to actually absorbing nutrients which help children and adults alike.  If that child is nutrient deficient it can cause big problems later on.

Neurological & Structural Growth and Developmental Factors in Infants, and where Craniopathy Comes into play.

, , , , , , , , , ,
Happy Monday everyone! This month is all topics on chiropractic and nutrition for children and infants.  If you missed last week’s blog I mentioned that each month will have a topic we will focus on for the ENTIRE month, as well as every Wednesday Live Facebook videos on the topic of choice!  If you have topics you’d like covered, suggested are HIGHLY welcomed:)  It is hard coming up with topics every week!

I will also be out of town the later part of this week presenting at the annual chiropractic research conference for a couple of papers I submitted.

On to this week’s topic!

This blog is about the neurological development that happens as we grow, and how chiropractic care (especially cranial care) is essential in this time.

I will be taking most information from different sources, the majority from a certified craniopath Dr. Martin Rosen as he has done so much for the pediatric chiropractic world.

Growth & Development 
How and when does the nervous system develop?

  • Total brain volume increases 101% in the first year of life, 15% in the second year.
  • Gray matter development increases 149% in the first year, white matter 11%
  • Cerebellum (cognitive) volume increases 240% in the first year
  • Lateral ventricle volume increases 280% in the first year
  • The brain reaches 80-90% of adult volume  by age two
  • The period from birth to two may be THE MOST DYNAMIC and IMPORTANT phase of postnatal brain development in humans!
The large increase in total brain volume in the first year of life suggests that this is a critical period in which disruption of developmental processes, as the result of genetic abnormalities, birth trauma, or environmental insults may have long lasting or permanent effects on brain structure and volume. 

The dural tissue.. let me explain… we have a tissue over our brain like a sac the brain sits in, which extends all the way down into the tailbone.  This tissue when under tension either from head or sacrum trauma results in neurological dysfunction developing at the spinal or cranial area are under the greatest stress.

“The primary mechanisms of injury to the spinal cord appear to be excessive traction applied to the spinal canal and cord during the birth process.” – Donn, MD Obstetrician.

This is why it’s so important to correct these structural components in an infant!  Studies have shown that these children will function at reduced capacity later in life.  It will cause compensatory patterns, to allow us to react to our environment the best we can.  However, this can cause complications.

Environmental factors come into play OF COURSE.  Being that a relatively small percentage of illnesses are really just from genetics…

Perceptions acquired before the age of six become the fundamental subconscious programs that shape the character of the individuals life!

This can even happen all the way in the womb…

Any pregnant woman who wants to give birth to a child must understand how much she affects the child in her womb.  She influences her child through the vibratory effect of her mental self, her circulation, her impulses, her feelings and all that she goes through.  The serum which flows through her spine and the change of the grey matter and neural patterns in her brain, combine with the beat of her heart and the impulse of the breath, to produce an imprint on her child’s brain. – Yogi Bhajan.

Birth trauma is REAL, and even in a normal birth, it can cause complications in the infant.  C-sections, forceps, vacuum, all have detrimental effects on how the child functions, unless these injuries to the head and body are addressed right away.  As previously mentioned, so much happens during the first 2 years of life!

Chiropractic care and cranial care for children is not just a “hoax”.  It really can be preventative, since most “patterns” we have as adults are made up till the age of seven.

Then … layer of years of other accidents, traumas, and other incidents.  It’s often times hard to actually see what the true pattern was!

Most the time I will say to my adult patients, after an initial examination, at the end of the treatment after we’ve treated and addressed many things… noww.. we had to clear ALL of that out to get to your ORIGINAL cranial compression from BIRTH.

It’s harder when you’re an adult to fix all these problems, if only children could get this care right away, you can avoid so many implications and interventions.  This is why I’m also passionate about treating children.  We have the ability to change THEIR future and development.

Wouldn’t you have liked that opportunity?  I sure would have.  It’s important now as an adult to create the best environment possible since I myself didn’t have that care.

Share this with those who have little ones or who are prepping to have little ones!  It could be LIFE changing for them.!

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Marjoram. Marjoram Oil Product Description
Commonly recognized for its ability to spice foods, Marjoram essential oil is a unique cooking additive with many additional internal and external benefits. The herbaceous flavoring of Marjoram oil can be used to spice up stews, dressings, soups, and meat dishes and can take the place of dried marjoram when cooking. Aside from its culinary benefits, Marjoram can be taken internally to help support a healthy cardiovascular and immune system.* Marjoram can also be used topically and aromatically for its calming properties. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system.* The aroma of Marjoram oil is warm, herbaceous, and woody and helps promote a calming atmosphere.

Marjoram oil is a unique and valuable oil because of the extensive benefits it provides for the body. One of the most significant benefits Marjoram essential oil offers is its ability to have a positive effect on the nervous system.* Marjoram oil is also used for its calming properties. To obtain these benefits, take Marjoram oil internally, apply it to the skin topically, or use it aromatically.

Acetylcholine is an important chemical produced by the body. It plays a crucial role in numerous neurological functions as a neurotransmitter. For example, acetylcholine is necessary for muscular contraction, the function of the cerebellar cortex, hippocampus and other neurologic structures. Recent research has even begun to suggest that healthy acetylcholine levels may correspond directly to healthy neurological function.1 An in vitro study lead by Tunisian researchers found that Marjoram essential oil inhibits enzymes that degrade acetylcholine. While further investigation is needed, these findings add to a growing body of research suggesting the use of essential oils in maintaining neurological health.*

Another powerful benefit of Marjoram essential oil is its ability to support a healthy immune system.* To help support your immune system with Marjoram oil, dilute one drop of Marjoram into 4 fl. oz. of liquid and drink. You can also put Marjoram oil into a Veggie Capsule and ingest.

While working on long, intense projects, apply Marjoram essential oil to the back of the neck to lessen feelings of stress. Marjarom oil contains calming properties that help relax emotions during stressful moments. Applying Marjoram essential oil topically can help provide the calming feelings you need to get through difficult or strenuous tasks.

The cardiovascular system includes one of the most fundamental and crucial parts of the body—the heart. Because of its prominence in keeping the body running, it is important to support your body’s cardiovascular system. Marjoram oil may promote a healthy cardiovascular system, helping to give your body essential strength that it may need.* These benefits can be obtained by taking Marjoram essential oil internally.

Indulge in a creamy, Low-Fat Spinach and Artichoke Dip that will have you coming back for seconds. Combining the rich flavors of cheese and yogurt with the nutrients of artichoke, jalapenos, and spinach, topped with a hint of Marjoram, this recipe will be hard to replace. This essential oil recipe is easy to make and is an instant crowd pleaser—perfect for office parties and holiday gatherings.

If “Rock-a-bye Baby” doesn’t seem to be lulling your child to sleep, don’t worry; just use some Marjoram oil. Prior to a nap, apply Marjoram essential oil to a fussy child’s feet. The calming properties of Marjoram oil will help soothe the child, helping him or her to rest easily and peacefully.

Marjoram is a great spice to have in the kitchen and can help spice up a variety of dishes. Next time a recipe calls for dried Marjoram, replace it with Marjoram essential oil for a convenient and spicy flavoring that will take your meal to the next level. Usually, one drop of Marjoram essential oil is equivalent to two tablespoons of dried Marjoram.

To bring relief to your muscles, apply Marjoram essential oil to the desired areas of your skin before and after exercising. Marjoram is also a perfect oil to add to a soothing massage blend for targeting tired and stressed muscles.

Fun Fact
In Germany, the marjoram herb is known as the “Goose Herb” for its traditional use in roasting geese.

Plant Description
The marjoram plant, Origanum majorana, is an herbaceous perennial that is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This plant can grow to be one to two feet in height and can spread an equal distance. This plant is busy with fragrant, ovate leaves that are gray-green in color. Tiny, tubular flowers that are white or pale pink bloom in clusters on this plant.1 doTERRA Marjoram essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant.

 

That is all for now.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy week.

Dr. Hamel