Tag Archives: hormones

This one’s for the ladies… syncing your cycle with exercise/food

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This one’s for the ladies…

Sorry men, this blog is dedicated to the ladies… BUT what I would say, is that if you are married or in a relationship this could be really helpful to you to understand certain things they may need or be expressing at certain times, so don’t completely throw it out!

This blog is going to be a quick review of a few things for the ladies, to help them understand their cycles, what happens with their hormones, and why they crave certain things or feel a certain way during hormonal changes to help them balance their cycles naturally.  Keep in mind this is just general information, if there are other things going on like improper elimination, toxins, bugs or other stressors these are also big hormone disruptions, just cycle syncing won’t be enough.

Additionally, I will be creating a fertility course very soon that I’m working on, as the miscarriage and infertility rates continue to skyrocket. So, this will just be scratching the surface, as I don’t want to reveal it all in one blog.

Okay, lets get into it…

First off, many women are never taught what actually happens during the month with hormones.

So here’s an image (NOT MINE), that shows what a normal cycle (28 days) should look like:

There are 5 hormones that govern your menstrual cycle: estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulation hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone. How much your body is releasing during the month changes about 4 times during your cycle. That is why it is broken down into 4 phases: follicular, ovulatory, luteal and menstrual.  These phases don’t just guide your reproductive abilities, but also how you feel physically and emotionally. By being able to sync what these specific hormones are doing, you can actually create structure in your hormones.  This goes back to the principle of using your body as a tool, to perform better and smarter every single day.

I’m going to go through each of these 4 phases, what is happening and give tips of how you typically feel and best lifestyle recommendations to help optimize each phase.  Additionally when we talk about days 1-28, day one is the first day of bleeding for reference.

What if you are on birth control?  These recommendations are for those not on birth control, as birth control has actually many detrimental health effects for women.  With birth control you don’t have a follicular phase and you don’t ovulate. These hormones trick the brain to think you’re pregnant. You can still try to sync with being on  birth control, but it will look different.  When you finish the last day of your period, the next day is your follicular phase for 7 days.  The next is the first day of your ovulatory phase (4 days), the next luteal(12) and then menstrual (5).

ONE- FOLLICULAR PHASE-  lasts 7-10 days

Hormonally:  The hypothalamus in your brain signals your pituitary gland in your brain to send FSH to your ovaries, telling them to get ready to release another egg.  Several egg follicles start to swell to prepare.  Estrogen increases to thicken the lining of your uterus so that it can be able to take care of the egg.

Bodily:  Typically through this phase your energy may increase, and you sometimes feel restless.  Initially you don’t have vaginal secretions, but it starts to increase here: usually white in color and tacky or sticky in texture.

Optimizing:  Creativity and new beginnings usually happen within this phase.  This is usually a time when directing your energy into stimulating projects is more successful.  Your brain’s creativity at this time is higher, so problem solving or brainstorming is easier during this phase.

Emotionally:  You feel more outgoing, energized, upbeat, great to schedule in new experience activities during this time.

Foods: Fresh and light foods usually make you feel more energized during this time when hormone levels are at their lowest.  As you know i’m a big fan of customization, but i’d say many women can crave lighter meals during this part like a salad, chicken and eggs, and sometimes grains.  Avocados are known to improve follicular ovulatory transition, so lots of good healthy grass fed meats and avocados.

Exercise: Trying a new exercise routine is often successful here.  Doing a new exercise will seem easy in this phase, and you’ll also be forming new neural connections, which means it’s a bit easier to step out of your comfort zone exercising and doing something new.  New activities are also likely to stick more when started during this time.

TWO- OVULATORY PHASE lasts 3-4 days

Hormonally: A sharp rise in FSH followed by LH, stimulates a follicle in the ovary to swell and burst, releasing an egg into one of the fallopian tubes, which then travels to the uterus.  Estrogen levels increase, thickening the lining of the uterus, and also supports immune cells in the uterus.  Testosterone surges and then drops right around ovulation.

Bodily:Vaginal discharge increases, and is clear, wet, slippery, or stretchy on your day of peak fertility.  Sometimes you may feel a little twinge with the release of the egg as well as a surge of energy OR a sense of cravings or headache(if not balanced).

Optimizing: Community connection is strong here.  A great time to have important conversations, as your communication skills are heightened here.  Maybe ask for a raise during this period..

Foods:  Lots of energy here, and mood is usually good because of all the estrogen, so go easy on grain carbohydrates here, and stick to things like quinoa or carbs from fruits and veggies.  Fiber helps to aid in elimination of excess estrogen, so fruit and veggies are helpful here.  Steaming those veggies is also pretty important. Lamb and grass fed meat is a good option here. Foods here are meant to promote vascular and antioxidant well being for your ovaries to create the best eggs.

Exercise: Typically high impact workouts and group settings work well here.  Energy levels are high, so more strenuous exercise is easier here like weightlifting, plyometrics.

THREE- LUTEAL PHASE lasts 10-14 days

Hormonal: The follicle in which the egg bursted out of has something called a corpus luteum which produces progesterone. This rise in progesterone tells the body to keep the uterus lining strong, and tells the brain to stop sending out FSH and LH, so only one egg is released.  If the egg isn’t fertilized the corpus luteum is reabsorbed by the body (pretty cool right?), progesterone goes back down, and this triggers your period.

Bodily: physical energy goes down, if hormones are unbalanced, may experience bloating, irritability, headache, mood swings and cravings.

Optimizing: Comfort is higher here.  You’ll notice you want to nest more like cleaning your home, reorganizing, laundry, grocery shopping etc, or maybe even saving all those activities for just this week.  The ratio of progesterone and estrogen may make you realize things you didn’t before, and your brain prioritizes things. Many women also prioritize self care during this phase, and less social engagements.

Foods: Foods rich in B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and fiber are great here which promote progesterone production as well as minerals helping to mitigate the fluid retention and fiber helps flush out excess estrogen through the bowels.  Natural sugar like honey and fruit, or roasting veggies helps with the huge dip in estrogen that occurs in the second half, which can make you feel irritable.  B vitamins are best bioavailable in organ meats and grass fed/finished meats.

Exercise: The first half your energy may still be high, so more strenuous activities are great like in ovulation.  During the final days less strenuous is better like walking/hiking, pilates…

FOUR- MENSTRUAL CYCLE lasts 3-7 days

Hormonally: progesterone is at the lowers, which makes the uterus to start shedding the lining- AKA bleeding.  Estrogen dropping stimulates the brain to prepare another cycle of ovulation.

Bodily: brown spotting and red bleeding happens here.  Sometimes women experience a sense of relaxation and relief as your estrogen peak passes.  Imbalance here results in pelvic cramping, low back pain, fatigue and cravings.

Brown stains?  You may have lower progesterone, which mean your cycle doesn’t start on time.
Dark red or black clots? low progesterone, too high estrogen, and congestion.
Heavy Bleeding? can be a sign of fibroids or polyps and it’s important to get evaluated.  Eat plenty of grass fed meats for iron, organs and beets.
Short bleeding? low estrogen and progesterone, which are nutritional deficiencies and adrenal burnout. Get your nutritional markers tested.
Frequent bleeds? Sluggish thyroid, so might want to get a full thyroid panel.

****Also, it best to NOT use tampons as much as possible.  They create carbon monoxide, which also makes women cramp and bloat. Try menstrual cups or chemical free pads (don’t want to add in more toxins to a sensitive area).

Optimizing:  Self analysis and course correction happen here.  During this phase the communication between left and right brain is more powerful.  Check in here, you may feel stronger pushes of intuition.  If you come up with the same fears, thoughts or issues every month it is usually here, and it’s meant to allow you to push into what it is that needs to be changed/healed.  You’re not just “emotional”.

Foods:  An intense process is happening during this phase, so low glycemic foods, and water rich fruits and veggies are great.  Seafood and grass fed meats help remineralize your body with iron and zinc, which you lose during menstruation.  Soups and stews are helpful here, as warmth heals the uterus.

Exercise: Rest and recovery.  Walking or stretching during the first two days, and towards the end you’ll be able to ramp up your activity again.

Notice, that exercise is so different during each phase… Meaning that doing things or workouts like running everyday, or high intensity workouts every day, or weight training everyday is not really ideal for how our body’s as women work.  In fact, it can stress these hormones out even more… Thats why its important to sync up and listen to the cues… If you’re exhausted, don’t go do a high intensity workout and if you feel energy, try something a bit more challenging.

By learning about these phases and not pushing beyond your means you’ll also be able to balance your stress hormones more and your blood sugar levels.  This will take a big paradigm shift in the relationship you may have with your body.  However, the lack of relationship is what got the cycle so dysfunctional in the first place.  Don’t push against your hormones.

There’s more than goes into this, but I hope it was a helpful tool for you, and that you can share to many women all over!!

If you’ve enjoyed my book Freedom Brain, I ask that you PLEASE write a review on amazon!  I truly would appreciate it, it helps us get the word out about it:)

 
That is all for now.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy week!

Fungus and the Gallbladder…

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Happy Monday Everyone. We are continuing on for the rest of the month about infections!  If you missed earlier in the month, I talked about sinus infections, sinus headaches and puffy eyes, don’t worry, head on over to my website to catch it under the “blog” tab.

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Fungus AMONG us. Yeah.  You’ll probably hear mold infections, mold toxins, mycotoxins again and again.  That’s because fungal infections are pretty rampant. Why?  Well, we gotta start at the beginning to get that answer. 

In a perfect environment within the body, we are born with flora (good bacteria) in our digestive tract. The body lays seven layers of acidophilus and other good bacteria with the help of colostrum (found in breastmilk) to coat and protect the lining of the intestinal tracts from parasites, bad bacteria and funguses. This protective coating prevents fungus and parasites from leaking through the intestinal lining and infecting the bloodstream.

Unfortunately, we are bombarded with wide spectrum antibiotics, which destroys the good flora. I’m sure if you’ve been around here you’ve heard me talk about antibiotics extensively. This exposure can even happen before we are born!

Many women that take antibiotics during pregnancy will, in turn, give her unborn baby a dose of antibiotics as well through the amniotic wall. Also, in some cases, antibiotics are introduced into a newborn’s bloodstream through the mother’s breast milk, which is a common occurrence with babies born through cesareans.

Many young children suffer from frequent ear infections (which is a cranial and lymph problem!) and are given antibiotics for treatment.

Throughout life, we are given antibiotics as a way of dealing with sickness. Whenever antibiotics are used, it destroys all seven layers of acidophilus and the other good flora and creates leaky Gut Syndrome(other things cause leaky gut as well). This is when the fungus eats its way through the intestinal lining and enters the bloodstream.

This is one way Leaky Gut Occurs and Allergies:
On its way through, the fungus leaves little pinholes behind, which allows proteins, carbohydrates and fats that have not yet been fully digested to enter the bloodstream. The immune system reacts and builds antibodies and enzymes to destroy what the body considers to be foreign objects and pathogens.
Let’s use broccoli as an example. Broccoli is good for you. Your body needs the necessary amino acids that it produces. When your body breaks down the broccoli into an amino acid, it still carries a broccoli signature. Because you have been prone to antibiotics, have fungus and have leaky gut syndrome, when the broccoli amino acids enters the bloodstream, the body believes that it is a foreign invader and creates antibodies to destroy it. It is no longer getting the good amino acid it needs to run effectively. We call this an auto-immune problem or a food allergy.

Antibiotic use disrupts normal digestion. This causes an overgrowth in fungus in the digestive tract, which kills good digestive flora leaving the intestinal wall exposed. This allows fungus to eat its way through the intestinal lining and get into the bloodstream. This, in turn, disrupts the immune system and contributes to autoimmune problems. These problems manifest itself in forms of food allergies and a malabsorption of nutrients.

At this point, the fungi proliferate throughout the whole system creating a cascade of different reactions, first of which is a craving for carbohydrates. The brain is a carbohydrate fiend. It utilizes 50-80% of all the carbohydrates we ingest. Fungus also loves to feed off carbohydrates and trace minerals. The problem is that the fungus eats the carbohydrates in our bloodstream making the brain crave carbohydrates.

Food manufacturers love to take advantage of this carbohydrate craving by enticing you. Just think about it, if you go into a grocery store, all you see are cakes, chocolates, cookies and candies. I see you girl scout cookies!!!
When you eat these sugar loaded carbohydrates, your insulin spikes, “insulin is the number one cause of aging and the number two cause of brain damage.” Hence the saying, “the less you eat, the longer you live” because you do not spike insulin.
When your insulin spikes, you end up storing the carbohydrates along with the fats and proteins. Now, you have put yourself in the position of unwanted weight gain.

The fungus that has proliferated the body also effects the brain. The fungus gives off a bowel movement, which is an offshoot of ethanol. This overpowers the immune system, entering the brain and disrupts neurotransmission for short term memory, causing mutation and malfunctions in the brain. This is one of the symptoms of a fungal infection.

WOAH okay, sorry that was a lot but that’s just how we can first get exposed to mold!  Different types of mold can also be in homes and foundations, bathrooms, and many other areas.  When we constantly breathe it in, it’s also a problem and produces similar effects in the body. A big spot I find is in the turbinates of the sinuses, they LOVE to hide here and give sinus and allergy issues. CRANIAL TO THE RESCUE.

Additionally, there are what are called mycotoxins that are toxins from mold in food. More and more crops are being infected and it’s pretty common now to find. Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi like mold, which can infest buildings, vehicles, and food.   A majority of mycotoxin exposures are through food ingestion or airborne exposure.  It causes a big histamine reaction in the body, and over time can cause a person to become very hypersensitive to so many foods and environmental agents. 

We’ve seen mold affect the gut AND the brain AND the immune system. 
But what about the gallbladder?

Let’s look deeper…..

Gallbladder removal is one of the most common operations in the United States.  Most are due to gall stones which are backed up bile. Some I have seen can be from a spasmed gallbladder from a shock or stress to the body. However, fungal infections are another cause:

The gallbladder’s main function is to store bile. Bile is a breakdown of red blood cells that have been crushed in the spleen. The spleen removes the necessary minerals and the red blood cells are processed and reutilized in the body. These minerals are processed back through the liver where they are bound to used cholesterol-forming bile acid.
This bile is supposed to be stored in the gallbladder for later use and excreted during heavy meals to help us digest fats. When the gallbladder is backed up, it doesn’t excrete the proper bile to digest fatty foods.

Because the fungus clogs up the gallbladder, it causes the bile acid to bleed into the pancreas. This causes the pancreas to create excrete insulin, which is a major cause of aging and also brain damage. Too much insulin in the blood causes hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia includes shakiness, pounding heart, crankiness and hunger headaches. Excessive insulin also makes your body store glucose, fats and proteins that you really don’t need. The pancreas is responsible for making enzymes that are crucial for digestion and for making chemicals necessary for proper body function.

“Because of the fungus, the bile acids damage the pancreas and destroys its ability to seek out cancerous cells and provide insulin, which slowly turns the body diabetic. When the gallbladder gets clogged up with fungus and the bile starts to back up into the liver through the liver ducts, eventually damaging the liver, which is the primary organ that produces chemicals in the body.” Because bile is no longer digesting fats, it cannot be turned into good cholesterol in the liver. This poses a major problem as all our hormones are made from cholesterol, so hormone issues will begin. Most individuals get the gallbladder removed at this point, which doesn’t fix the issue and eventually symptoms return or get worse.

The fact that fungal infections deprives our body of proper hormone balance causes a cascade effect which affects every aspect of our lives. Fungal infections cause multiple malfunctions throughout the body which results in sickness, cancer and an overall depressed sense of well being.  If your body isn’t happy and healthy, your relationships will not be either.

SO that’s it FOLKS.  Fungal infections are extremely common and hugely depend on the health of our gut, and oxygenation of our body.  Fungus hates oxygen.

Another cause of constant fungal infections is also heavy metal exposure.  If you’ve been battling chronic fungal infections, you probably also have a heavy metal issue that needs to get addressed.

Suspect you may have fungus issues?

Let’s talk.
Fungus can be tricky, but there are options. First you have to decrease your exposure.  We then look into building the body up a little through genetic based nutrition, especially the vitamin D and metabolic pathway.  Then we can start to attack the metals and fungus.  The attacking part looks different for different people, whether nutritional or other methods. Don’t just go trying to kill fungus without first having support!  You could feel REALLY bad .

Hope this was helpful.

Keep trekkin warriors!

Dr. Hamel

Brain Fortitude:  Utilizing your brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions

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Brain Fortitude:  Utilizing your brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions

Happy Monday Warriors!

It’s 2020!! I can’t believe it!  I was laughing with a patient this past week about not thinking we would make it to 2020 haha.  But, we definitely have arrived, and in full swing!

Thanks for all who came a couple weeks ago to our mobility workshop!  I hope you learned some tips to keep your body moving.  If you are sad you missed it, we WILL be holding another next month so make sure you let us know!

This year is gong to be a big year for my practice I can feel it.  I’m continuing to write my  book, and in fact alot of this blog is coming directly from that.  I’m also wanting to start a podcast very soon.  If someone is very familiar with running podcasts or would love to donate time, ect. let me know!  There’s so many things I’d like to do, but time!!! Right?  Finding that balance.

Also!  If you are a patient of mine, I have created a private account on MeWe.  Its a social media platform similar to Facebook.  I wanted to create a community for my patients to talk about various health topics, and not be censored like facebook does.  I also wanted a place for you guys to share maybe about things that you do and offer!  A real community!  It can feel isolated especially for some of my families that don’t vaccinate, to find like minded communities. So, if you don’t have an account GET ONE!  Add me Dr Rachel Hamel, then I will add you to the group!

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Alright enough house keeping. BUT ONE MORE.. If you are a patient and have not written a google review, would you mind taking a couple moments?  They really really help my practice and inspire others!
Thank you!

https://www.google.com/search?q=dr+rachel+hamel&oq=dr+rachel+hamel&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60l4.2349j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x80dc03fcb1653753:0x18259cad4a17cc08,3,,,

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The Brain!
Brain Fortitude.  The ability to utilize the brain to shut down unwanted thoughts and actions.

What do you mean doc?

Well, we know that the Brain controls every function in our body.  But what if it fails to turn on or shut off certain systems?
What is happening here.?  Usually, there is some malfunction in the frontal lobe in our brain.  The frontal lobe is the executive functioning, reasoning, rationale, impulse control, allows us to start and finish tasks and provides short term memory. This is a huge driver for us as adults and children.  You want to be able to access this part of your brain effectively and entirely. So how do we do that?

Well, the brain in general when you are able to utilize it, is better at inhibiting unwanted thoughts, actions and movements.
If not working right, it cannot put the brakes on the limbic system, emotional center.  You can get stuck in this emotional paradigm where all rationality goes out the window.  This is not where you want to be.

The frontal lobe is the most compromised when there is any injury to the head, brain or cervical spine. Children, are very sensitive when this section of the brain is compromised.  This can be from trauma during the birth process, or any falls or injuries during childhood.

Neuro-expression is how the nervous system expresses itself, and it gives us a window into how the nervous system is working.  For instance, a child’s behavior can be an outward expression of the integrity of the nervous system.  If a child can’t sit for a long period of time, maybe are running around or kicking the desk of a child in front of them at school, chances are they have dysfunction going on in their vestibular system.  If they are forceful, they could be lacking appropriate proprioceptive input and are trying to regulate their brain through this action. Many children may seem “defiant”, and although can be perceived this way, often times don’t want to do things that make their brain uncomfortable. Sometimes defiance is yes defiance, other times it’s a protective mechanism to avoid discomfort we cannot see.

What individuals react to will determine which part of their brain isn’t “online”.
What’s important to note here is that when children, and adults for that matter get into this state in their frontal lobe, cognitive or rational types of treatment doesn’t work effectively because they don’t understand. Methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and meditation won’t really be helpful here until the frontal lobe is on board. Their frontal lobe isn’t online and so rationality is out the window.  When you regulate the sensory modulation and work with the frontal lobe, then you can do this other more rationale work and it be more successful!

The short story of this is that the brain ALWAYS has a reason to what it’s doing.  Sometimes controlling emotions and other functions in our body is difficult when certain areas of the brain aren’t really working.

If you or someone you know has difficulty regulating their emotions, or difficulty controlling certain body systems, you might look to the brain for the answer.  EVERYTHING in the body works better, when the brain is online…

So how do we make sure it is?
Work with the sensory nerves! Craniopathy and chiropractic manipulations with proper sensory/motor looping is where you’ll get the most success.  I often see many children who have gone through so many different types of therapy prior to finding my clinic. Behavior therapy, speech therapy ect.  Although some of these cognitive methods can provide some help, I find that many children aren’t even properly doing them because their frontal lobe isn’t online.  Once we start working with those sensory deficiencies, most children can then go to different therapies and get much greater results.  You can’t train something when the connection isn’t online!

This is not only for children, but for all of us.  Many patients say that movement for instance is so much easier now that their brain is working better.  Digestion is better, falling asleep is easier, and they aren’t reacting to stress as dramatic.

I hope you enjoyed this little snippet this week.

Despite all the negative things going on in our health system, I think 2020 is going to be a great year!

That is all for now.
Wishing you a happy and healthy week!
Dr. Hamel
OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Juniper Berry.
Juniper Berry is a great oil to help balance the nervous system.    It actually helps the NS to get into more of a parasympathetic tone, which we ALL need right?!

Extracted from the berries of a coniferous tree, Juniper Berry essential oil is recognized for its versatile uses and benefits. The scent of Juniper Berry oil is woody, spicy, and clean. When used for its aroma, Juniper Berry essential oil has a calming and grounding effect and can also be diffused to help cleanse and purify the air. Juniper Berry oil can be used internally as a powerful cleansing and detoxifying agent and to support urinary tract and healthy kidney function.* Applied topically, Juniper Berry essential oil acts as a natural skin toner and reduces the appearance of skin blemishes.

Juniper Berry Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. Juniper Berry essential oil is known for its ability to act as a natural skin toner and reduce the appearance of skin blemishes. To promote a clear and healthy complexion, apply one drop of Juniper Berry essential oil to your skin. You will love the refreshing look this oil brings to your skin!
  2. Your body is constantly working. Even when it is considered resting, the organs and functions of your body are continually in motion, working hard to provide for your needs. Show your body some love and give it an extra boost of support by taking Juniper Berry oil internally. Taken internally, Juniper Berry essential oil will help support healthy kidney and urinary tract function.*
  3. Fill your home with the refreshing scents of Juniper Berry and Bergamot essential oils with this incredible diffuser blend. For an optimal aroma, diffuse three drops of Juniper Berry and four drops of Bergamot for a light, fresh scent. Juniper Berry oil is ideal for diffusing due to its calming and grounding effects and its ability to cleanse the air. Bergamot is one of the best essential oil pairings for Juniper Berry, and will enhance the benefits of this aromatic fusion by providing a calming and uplifting effect. Together, this blend will enhance positive feelings and create a calming atmosphere.
  4. Time to invite your closest friends over for a doTERRA facemask party! Make a facemask all your friends will love by adding one to two drops of Juniper Berry to a Bentonite clay mask. Juniper Berry is valued for its ability to help reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and act as a natural skin toner. With Juniper Berry’s many facial enhancing properties, you won’t want to miss out on this rejuvenating face mask.
  5. Enrich your skin with the best of essential oils, while enjoying a relaxing massage. For a wonderful massage blend, combine Juniper Berry essential oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a soothing, cleansing massage. Juniper Berry oil contains powerful topical cleansing benefits that will help to cleanse the skin. The aroma of Juniper Berry oil will help provide a calming, grounding effect that is ideal for any massage.
  6. Try something new and turn an average meal into delectable meal by adding Juniper Berry essential oil. Juniper Berry oil goes great with French-inspired sauces and desserts and will give an unexpected boost to a variety of meals. For best results, use Juniper Berry essential oil sparingly.
  7. Natural cleanses are popular for a good reason. They help to remove toxic chemicals from body cells, support natural functions of the body, and promote overall well-being. If you are trying a natural cleanse, add one to two drops of Juniper Berry essential oil to water or citrus drinks as a part of your natural cleansing regimen.* Juniper Berry oil is excellent for cleanses due to its natural ability to cleanse and detoxify as well as support healthy kidney and urinary tract function.*
  8. There is no knowing what kinds of twists and turns may occur while traveling. For a positive traveling experience, always pack Juniper Berry essential oil in your getaway pack. Juniper Berry oil has a myriad of uses and benefits that can help ease emotional and physical problems that may arise when traveling.
  9. So much to do and so little time? When life has you feeling overwhelmed, put one to two drops of Juniper Berry essential oil into the palm of your hand and lightly rub your hands together. Cup your hands over your nose and inhale to help combat stressful feelings. Juniper Berry oil has incredible aromatic benefits that provide a grounding, calming effect—perfect for any busy day.
  10. Create your own freshening spray. Simply combine a couple of drops of Juniper Berry essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use to cleanse any area that needs it. This spray can be used to freshen a linen closet, mattress, car, or the air. Juniper Berry oil has natural cleansing benefits that make it a great essential oil for purifying and freshening.

Fun Fact
It was said that if you dreamed of gathering juniper berries in winter, you would prosper. It is also noted that the berries of a common juniper signified honor or the birth of a boy.1

Plant Description
The common juniper, Juniperus communis, is an evergreen conifer tree that can grow up to 10 meters high and can live for as long as 200 years. The tree’s bark is grey-brown while the twigs of the tree are reddish brown. The leaves of the common juniper are needle-like with prickly points and are green in color. The tree also produces male and female flowers. The male flowers are small and yellow and grow near the tip of the twigs whereas the female flowers are green and eventually evolve into the purple fruit of the tree. The fruit is a berry-like cone that is fleshy and aromatic.2 doTERRA Juniper Berry essential oil is extracted from the berry of the common juniper plant.

Chemistry of Juniper Berry Oil 
Main Chemical Components: α-pinene, sabinene

One of the main chemical constituents found in Juniper Berry essential oil is alpha-pinene. Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene which, due to its chemical properties, can help uplift and renew when used aromatically. Another main chemical component in Juniper Berry oil is sabinene. For more information about the chemical constituents found in Juniper Berry oil or other essential oils, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.

How infections affect the HPA axis.

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Happy Monday Tribe!

I hope you all have had a wonderful past couple of weeks.  As we move into October, sickness is in full swing already due to many factors.  As we know a big culprit is lower vitamin D levels as well as enclosed spaces with lots of shedding viruses! 
However, even not in “flu season”, there are many viruses and bacteria that can affect the way your brain can function.
I came across some research lately, that isn’t that new but was very interesting when I dove deeper into it.
It’s research done from the society for endocrinology in Maryland. ( If you want the article just let me know).

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Before I begin, I should probably explain what HPA means.  HPA stands for hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are in your brain, and your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys.  This is basically a signaling system.  The just HP axis, is a signaling system from your brain for many different hormones to be secreted, and organs to function.  You NEED that brain signal working first and foremost to be able to tell the organs what to do!


(not my image)

We know that for instance STRESS can make our immune system go down right?  Well, that is because of this pathway.  Stress activates the HPA axis and allows the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol (a stress hormone).  Cortisone controls the body’s blood sugar levels and thus regulating metabolism, acting as an anti-inflammatory, influencing memory formation, controlling salt and water balance, influencing blood pressure and helping development of the foetus. But chronic stress, means chronic cortisol being secreted and lots of problems.

The release of cortisol has many effects on bacterial and viral infections and on the immunity induced by these infectious agents. This study showed that HPA axis activation enhanced Mycobacterium growth in susceptible mice, and increased susceptibility to viral disease.  It also enhances the replication of some viruses.

This talk today though won’t be about that direction, because we know stress causes many problems.  Today we want to talk about the opposite direction: how these infections effect the HPA axis.

The HPA axis is a bidirectional communication between the brain and immune system.  The immune system will signal to the brain via something called cytokines, then the brain will respond by regulating the immune system in part through the action of the HPA axis.  It’s a feedback loop.

How do bacterial and viral infections activate this axis?!

The activation of this axis is probably the result of the action of inflammatory mediators (cytokines).  However, also possible that infections can get into the brain, and have a direct impact on how the HPA axis functions.

These are the infections they studied:
-Mycobacterium
-Endotoxins like salmonella
-Clostridium difficile
-Staph Aureus
-cytomegala virus
-HIV
-Herpes type 1
-sindbis
-newcastle disease
-influenza

They also found that the release of cortisol during cytomegala virus infection, wasn’t mediated only through the HPA axis, but can be released from the adrenals directly by the immune system.  

The HPA axis release following a viral or bacterial infection is advantageous to the invading organisms, as it serves to minimize the host’s immune response, enhancing the organisms ability to survive. 

An intact and HEALTHY HPA axis and cortisol response are necessary for host survival after exposure to an infectious agent as well. The lethal level of a pathogen depends on a complex interplay between the specific organism’s induction of an appropriate level of the host’s HPA axis response, the health of that response and pathogen interactions at the level of the cortisol receptor. 

ok ok enough research..

Basically Infections cause problems with how our brain functions and signals… Some infections can even affect the brain directly by being IN the brain, but don’t have to be.  They can have an effect on the brain through this axis not being regulated properly because of an infection!

As I mentioned previously, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland have MANY functions, and so we really need this signal to work well.  But, the research shows in the presence of infections it can’t work well.

SO…
Where does that leave us?

Well..

WE know that first the HPA axis needs to be supported and healthy so that the immune system doesn’t allow infections to arise. 

But additionally, infections NEED to be cleared in order for this axis to work effectively as well.

How do we achieve this?!

Well we look for both!

In my practice, we can support the HPA axis through enhancing how the brain is functioning through craniopathy and chiropractic care.  If anything is putting pressure or creating tension directly on the brain or directly on these glands, it has to be released in oder for the intact HP axis. 
Nutrition can also be given to help heal and nourish the brain if there has been any previous damage to the hypothalamus and pituitary either from trauma, stress or hormone dysregulation.

THEN.

WE must attack those infections!

I love using craniobiotic technique (CBT) in my practice to clear infections energetically.  More information is found on my website about this amazing technique.
We also use herbals and remedies if needed to kill the infections, but usually CBT will do the trick.

Lyme Disease Brain is a very real thing and needs MORE complex care, but infections in the brain like lyme disease and many other related viruses cause HUGE problems in brain function.

We then utilize genetic based nutrition to make sure that there are no cracks where infections can creep back in.  No detox pathways that are clogged, no blood brain barriers open, vitamin D is being absorbed (huge for infections) no hormone pathways blocked.

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Utilizing these methods, we can heal the brain and regain that HPA axis health that we need!

That is all for now.
Wishing you a happy and healthy week.


Dr. Hamel

Hormonally Charged Skin

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Happy Monday Everyone! We’ve covered a lot this month all regarding the skin!  The brain connection, liver, gut…  Before we close out the Month of February (Time Flies), there’s one last topic we have yet to cover and that is hormones!

Now, I will say.. All of the above topics mentioned all need to be addressed when looking into the hormonal portion, and all I would look into FIRST since they are all inter-related.  

But, once you’ve addressed these, and there are still skin issues persisting, regulating the hormones is the next step. 

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When we think of hormones and their relationship to the skin, we often think about a certain age when this is pretty visible.  The teenage years?  Am I right?  Throughout adolescence there is a big shift in our hormones and many ups and downs that take take place until we reach an age of maturity in this system. 

For instance, for females did you know that the female hormones cycle does not completely mature until around the age of 25?!  That means there will be a lot of fluctuations in this system as maturation is occurring.  Now, we know from our previous talks there there are also A LOT of hormones within our environment, products and food that can completely disrupt our hormonal systems, so we need to do as previously mentioned and clean out the liver. 

But, who uses those smelly products, lotions and potions the most? Who also is exposed to sugar, processed foods and hormone foods more? Yep teenagers.  They are exposed A LOT to hormones in their environment, and in the midst of trying to calibrate their own hormonal system in the process is difficult. 

So, first and foremost if you want to start balancing the hormones you got to do the above and get rid of hormones in the environment and clean up their diet.

It’s also ‘normal” in the US for girls to start their period between 6 to 8 years old! WHAT?!  Yes… it keeps getting younger and younger because of hormones in the environment.

But also, many teenage girls are given other options for literally any symptom they have with their cycles.  Cramps, moodiness, acne, heavy bleeding, bloating, headaches.  All given the magic pill,  birth control…. Well.. i mentioned it takes a WHILE to actually mature the hormone cycle.  So does birth control really help it along?  I’m sure you know the answer is NO.

Rather than give exogenous hormones, which they are already exposed too much to, what these girls really need is support to help as they mature through this phase of their life… Did you know cramping, bloating, mood swings, ect. are NOT normal?  Yep, these aren’t “normal” variants, despite what we’ve been told from generations down the line.  

When women, and let’s start with teens get these symptoms these are signs that the system is not balanced.  For teens again it takes many years, and they need support going through those fluctuations so these symptoms are less harsh or non existant.

For adult women, you need some serious balancing.  Clean out the liver, clean out the exogenous hormones and support the female organs. 

Birth control sets you up for failure. …..

If birth control is taken for the sole purpose to try and balance a menstrual cycle which is the majority of cases, it sets women up for future failure with their hormone regulation.  The longer you are on it, the more damaging it becomes.  But,  especially for our young girls, it is very damaging for their brains to confuse it with hormones.

Birth control has created a HUGE problem for fertility.  The pill hides problems that we don’t want to deal with.  And when you take hormones, the actual organs that were producing the hormones go on vacation, because they no longer have to produce them.  The longer you’re on birth control the harder it will be to conceive.

With our teens, it really short wires the brain giving birth control, and causes them to grow into that bad brain signaling pattern.  It also depletes the body of B vitamins and lowers the immune system.  A lack of these, you will also have skin problems.

So, if there are symptoms in a female because of hormone issues like acne (since we are talking about the skin), DON’T give them birth control, support the brain as its maturing to handle the ups and downs instead.

Many skin related hormonal issues can he helped a ton through brain support, liver support, taking out all the sugar and giving craniopathy care. 

Now, this isn’t for just teens.  Ladies if you have skin problems associated with your hormones, you need to clean out your body and start regulating that brain signal.  Patterns can be changed, epigenetics can be changed, and you can change those hormonal patterns even in your children. Genetics do play a role in the clearing of the estrogen load we place our bodies in, but they can be helped and changed. 

For men…
Yes hormonal changes are not just for women.  In fact, you can actually transfer hormones through the skin.  So if your women is taking birth control and you nuzzle up to her, you can become estrogen dominant as well.  All hormones transfer through the skin. Women, if your man is taking testosterone supplementation, that means you’ll get more than you need as well.

If you have skin related problems, the same goes for you.  You need to clean out the estrogen and toxins, and help support the male hormone pathways through specific nutrients needed.  For instance, men need a good amount of Zinc for sperm production and other hormonal balancing.  But most men are depleted in it.  Stop spraying the axe body sprays and deodorants.  You’re messing up your hormones and your future kids hormones.  Also your skin will be no bueno.

When you balance the liver, gut, brain and hormones, you will have to choice but to have radiant skin!  But remember, always look to the sources.  Giving things to cover symptoms will help for awhile but can cause further problems later on such as fertility, low libido and others, not to mention increased aging in your skin. 

Good hormone balancing means great supple flawless skin!

Oil of the WEEK.

The oil of the week this week is Immortelle.Powerfully renewing, this proprietary blend combines rare essential oils that have been use throughout history for their beautifying benefits. Immortelle Anti-Aging Blend is formulated to support and nourish the skin while helping to reduce contributing factors to the appearance of aging skin. These unique essential oils were expertly selected to help sustain smoother, more radiant, and youthful-looking skin. Immortelle easily absorbs into the skin and can be used on the face, neck, and décolletage to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and aging skin.

Uses

Apply a thin layer of Immortelle to the face, neck, and decolletage, then repeat application to targeted areas. Follow with the doTERRA moisturizer of your choice.

Apply to reduce the appearance of blemishes.

 

 

 

Thats all for now..

 

Have a happy and healthy week!

 

Dr. Hamel