Tag Archives: kidneys

The 4 Pathways of Detox

The 4 pathways of detoxing

Happy Monday everyone, and happy New years eve!  This year flew by! Since the holidays are just about over, it’s time to start the new year talking about detoxing!  Last week I mentioned our 21 day detox group session beginning January 7th!  If you are interested and want more info, we will be placing orders this week!  Let me know if you have any questions!

Detoxifying is really something we should do on a daily basis, since toxins are LITERALLY everywhere.  But it’s a fabulous thing to do at the beginning of the year to start the new fresh, and with a clean slate.  Many people do goal setting and new year’s resolutions.  Many to lose weight or to get healthier.  Well, in order to affectively lose weight you really MUST detox.
Why?

Fat LOVES toxins.  So diet and exercise alone cannot make you lose weight if you are toxic, and most of us are.

This is why we are doing the 21 day group cleanse! This comes with a private FB group to help you along the way!

If you missed the live video describing the detox watch here: (click image)

Because we are surrounded on a daily basis, it is important that our pathways of elimination are always working for us!  It’s going to get a little personal today, so put on your seat belts we will be talking about elimination!The legend goes that at one time the most important person in the ancient Chinese emperor’s court was the “royal physician”, who had the very critical task of inspecting the emperor’s morning bowel movement.  Sign me up for that job? …..

The medical doctor’s role was dedicated to creating the emperor’s daily meal plan and itinerary of activities based on his daily inspection.  Regardless of the legend being true, this coincides with the tenants of traditional Chinese medicine that we can observe so much about our health from our OWN bodies. For one, our stool is an important indicator for our overall health.  It’s actually one of the only things we can actually examine to determine where our health is headed.  The signs of congested elimination are literally in front of your eyes every single day.

Truth of the matter is, when your pathways of elimination are congested, your body cannot get rid of toxins such as chemicals that interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism or elimination of the body’s natural hormones which can occur through air, water, soil, food and consumer products.    Now pile on the issues of mismanaged blood sugar ( a good majority of us) and adrenal fatigue (yup all of us again at some point), which further interferes with your body’s natural ability to clean out it’s own system, and you’ve got a monopoly free pass collect 100 dollars to hormone imbalance.

Your stool isn’t the only way your body gets rid of toxins though.  There are four other pathways that also deal with elimination and they are all interconnected.

1.  Liver and Large Intestine
These are your internal garbage processors, compacting and moving the big stuff such as digested food, toxins, chemicals and hormonal waste every single day!  
The liver’s primary purpose is to convert fat-soluble toxins (most) into water soluble waste through at two step process so that your body can excrete them via sweat, urine and bowel movements.  Hormones are fat soluble because that allows them to stay in the body longer.

Phase 1– the liver breaks them down using nutrients like glutathione, B vitamins, and C vitamins (from the food you eat).  This breakdown causes free radicals which are toxic, and so phase 2 is also vital and needs to happen.

Phase 2- Selenium and amino acids in the liver combine these free radicals and make them harmless and water soluble.

It then enters into the gallbladder, mixes with bile and leaves the body via the large intestine.  The last substance needed is adequate fiber so the large intestine can bind the waste and make sure it leaves quickly.

** Now an important point here, you can’t just supplement with these nutrients and expect the pathways to clear.  These nutrients don’t become bioavailable when you take them as typical supplements, if you eat them as they naturally occur in foods, the body can easily recognize them.  It’s important to consume enough and use whole food supplementation as needed to fill in the gaps and support both phases of detoxification.  If you don’t complete phase 2 because of a lack of nutrients, you’re exposing yourself to a greater degree of toxins.

When you wake up in the morning, have a glass of water and feel the urge to have a bowel movement within about 20 minutes of waking, this is successful elimination in this pathway.  If it’s longer than that, or if you require a cup of coffee to get things rolling your are constipated!. Even if you go later in the day. The reason being is because the liver stops working around 3am in it’s cycle, so by the time you wake up, you have been clearing yesterday’s waste for the past 12 hours.  If you don’t get proper elimination, the toxins and other chemicals work their way back through and become reabsorbed through the bloodstream.  This can lead to menstrual, fertility, libido, and chronic conditions.

2. Skin
Your skin is your largest organ!  That’s why products in your home were so important to be clean.  It has to handle whatever the large intestine and liver are unable to eliminate.  It does so by exerting waste, by sweat. Have you ever noticed when you are stressed or upset, the sweat from your armpits smells foul?  That’s a sign your pathways of elimination are congested and your skin is trying to expel it.
Cystic acne, rosacea, eczema, often are all signs the other systems haven’t been working well!

3. Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of organs, nodes ducts, and vessels that produce and transport lymph, a fluid made up of white blood cells.  This system sweeps up metabolic waste, toxins, dead cells, and excess fluid from your organs and deposits them into your bloodstream, which eventually transfers them to the liver and large intestine.  When it’s clogged, the  organs and parts of the body that deposit waste into it become backed up too.

When it works efficiently, your lymphatic system directs white blood cells to germs and other invaders and helps you fight off infections.  When congested, it still attracts these bugs and transports them throughout your body, dumping them into the bloodstream, putting at a greater risk.
You can also experience allergies, high blood pressure, chronic sinusitis and can develop autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus with clogged lymphatics.

4. Kidneys
Just like the liver, the kidneys process toxins all the time and are very sensitive to chronic exposure.  Instead of eliminating through the bowels, it’s elimination is through the urinary system.  An over abundance of chemicals, hormones and low numbers of minerals and electrolytes leading to dehydration puts this organ and relationship out of balance, and can also lead to kidney stones, low back pain and infections.  

So there it is…..
I would also state that our oral health and respiratory system and lungs are also areas that are pretty vulnerable to these toxins.
Oil pulling is a great option here!

 

 

Oil of the WEEK.

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Grapefruit!
Commonly known for its sour and tangy taste, grapefruit is the rotund, yellow-orange fruit of an evergreen citrus tree. Grapefruit essential oil is derived from the rind of this fruit and is cherished for its many uses and benefits. The aroma of Grapefruit essential oil matches the citrus and fruity flavors of its origin and provides an invigorating and energizing aroma. Diffused Grapefruit oil invokes a sense of clarity, and due to its main chemical component, limonine, can help to uplift mood. With its powerful cleansing properties, Grapefruit oil is valued for its skin care benefits and ability to promote the appearance of clear, healthy-looking skin when applied topically. When used internally, Grapefruit oil can help support a healthy metabolism.*

Grapefruit Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. Teenage years can be rough, and with constant blemishes making their appearance, feelings of self-consciousness can quickly add to already existing frustrations. For a simple way to help your teenager improve the appearance of blemishes, add Grapefruit essential oil to his or her nightly facial routine (avoid sun exposure for up to 12 hours after applying any citrus oil topically).
  2. Are you trying to shed some extra weight or stick to a diet? Use Grapefruit essential oil to help you meet your goals. Add a few drops of Grapefruit oil into a diffuser to help increase motivation.
  3. The fruity and spry flavor of Grapefruit essential oil makes a great addition to a variety of different foods and drinks. To enliven the flavor of your smoothies and also give your body the benefits of Grapefruit oil,* add one to two drops of Grapefruit essential oil to your favorite smoothie. If you are looking for a good way to add a brightness of flavor to your morning, make an Acai Bowl for breakfast and add a drop or two of Grapefruit oil.
  4. Grapefruit is well-known for its ability to support a healthy metabolism.* Support your metabolism at home or on-the-go by adding one to two drops of Grapefruit oil to your water. This essential oil addition to your drinks will also give your water a flavor-filled and vitalizing boost. Take the benefits of Grapefruit oil wherever you go by carrying it in your purse or briefcase and adding it your water at restaurants or at work.
  5. Enjoy a soothing massage with Grapefruit essential oil. For a good pick-me-up after a long day, apply Grapefruit oil and massage in needed areas. The Grapefruit oil will leave behind a light, uplifting fragrance and will also help improve the appearance of blemishes where it is applied. For the areas massaged, avoid UV light for up to 12 hours after applying citrus oils topically.
  6. Improve the relationship with your body by giving it some essential oil care. Rub one to two drops of Grapefruit essential oil on your stomach to help you have a healthy emotional relationship with your body.
  7. Push the tense feelings away with the aromatic and topical benefits of Grapefruit essential oil. If you are feeling tense or down, rub one to two drops of Grapefruit oil onto your neck and shoulders for positive vibes. Grapefruit essential oil will help promote feelings of vitality and will uplift mood.
  8. Make sure to spread the effects of Grapefruit essential oil to your entire body by adding it to your body scrubs and body wash. This essential oil addition will emit an invigorating scent and help smooth the skin.
  9. Often times, reading or studying for long periods of time can cause the mind to wander and lose focus. For those moments when you need a boost to help you study or you are wanting to finish up the last pages of a book, diffuse Grapefruit essential oil. Diffusing Grapefruit oil will help promote a sense of focus while studying or reading.
  10. For a citrus diffuser blend you can’t get enough of, put two drops of Grapefruit, two drops of Juniper Berry, and one drop of Wild Orange in a diffuser. Limonene, the main chemical constituent of both Wild Orange and Grapefruit oils, will produce the uplifting aroma emitted from this citrus blend, while Juniper Berry’s woody scent will create a calming and grounding effect. You will love the stimulating effects of this amazing blend.

Fun Fact
The name “grapefruit” is attributed to the fruits growing in clusters that resemble those of grapes.

 

 

 Try this great DETOX SALAD!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups kale
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups brussels sprouts, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups red cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup fresh parsley
  • ½ cup almonds
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds

For the dressing:

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup lemon juice (or juice of two lemons)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 3 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. honey (or maple syrup)
  • ¼ tsp. sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Using a food processor, process all the veggies up to the parsley until finely chopped and mix together in a large bowl. This may take a few batches.
  2. Add almonds to the food processor and pulse, until roughly chopped, and mix in with the salad along with the sunflower seeds.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing and drizzle over top of the salad OR place in a jar and use as needed. Enjoy!

More about the kidneys, and damaging habits

So last week we went over dehydration, and I can’t tell you enough how everyday in practice I am presented with low back complaints over and over arising from improper kidney function.  Remember.. our kidneys and liver are working CONSTANTLY for us filtering toxins, hormones and chemicals out of our bodies.  And the kidneys are linked to the psoas muscles which attach to the low back.  So, if you have constant tight hip flexors, this could be your reason.

Here are 10 Common Habits that are really damaging our kidneys:

1. Not drinking enough water.   We went over this last week, so look back if you missed it!

2. Too much salt in your diet. Your body needs sodium to work properly. Most people however consume too much salt (and the wrong kind) which may raise blood pressure and put a lot of stress on the kidneys. As a good rule of thumb, no more than 5 grams of salt should be eaten on a daily basis.  If you “crave” salt, most likely your electrolytes are way out of balance.  True dehydration you actually might need sodium, but having too much sodium can throw off the balance of your electrolytes like magnesium, potassium and calcium and can be really hard on your kidneys.  You want a good balance.   Also the quality of salt is important too or else you won’t really be replenishing your sodium stores.

3. Delaying “when nature calls”.   Many of us ignore the urge to go because you are too busy or want to avoid public bathrooms. Retaining urine on a regular basis increases urine pressure and can lead to kidney failure, kidney stones, and incontinence. So listen to your body when nature calls.

4. That sugar addiction. Scientific studies show that people who consume 2 or more sugary drinks a day are more likely to have protein in their urine. Having protein in your urine is an early sign your kidneys are not doing their job as they should.

5. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiences. Eating a clean, whole food diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits is important for your overall health and a good kidney function. Many deficiencies can increase the risk of kidney stones or kidney failure. Vitamin B6 and magnesium, for instance, are super important to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

An estimated 70 to 80 percent of Americans isn’t getting enough magnesium, so there may be a good chance that you are one of them.  Those of my patients with Candida, Lyme are also supperrr magnesium deficient as they eat up our stores.  BUt in general, most individuals are deficient in magnesium.

This is another reason for electrolyte imbalance is hidden infections. There can be underlying hidden infections in the kidneys and bladder that can cause disruption in their function. This is where CBT Technique comes in handy decifering if this is going on.

6. Too much protein.  Over consumption of protein, especially red meat, increases the metabolic load on your kidneys. So more protein in your diet means your kidneys have to work harder and this can lead to kidney damage or dysfunction over time.  You need to make sure you are adequately breaking down your protein as well, which a good majority of people aren’t.  Low stomach acid is the culprit and is sooo common, I could probably safely say 99.9 % of my patients have low stomach acid.  We need good amounts of protein, but the quality of protein matters, as well as the amount.  This is why many body builders end up having kidney issues because they over consume protein and the quality is terrible, which puts severe stress on the kidneys

You can also get a type of dysbiosis caused by higher meat and low fiber diet.  It reduces the bifidobacteria species in our gut, deconjugates estrogens which elevates blood levels, and is linked to breast and colon cancer. **

So, if you eat meat like myself, you must make sure digestion, quality of meat, and adequate fiber is also consumed.

7.  Sleep Sleep what sleep?
We have all heard how important it is to get a good night’s rest. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to many diseases and kidney diseases are also on the list. During the night your body repairs damaged kidney tissue, so give your body the time to heal and repair itself.

8.  Sorry in advance coffee lovers.   You know my motto is everything in moderation . Just as salt, caffeine can raise blood pressure and put extra stress on your kidneys. Over time excessive consumption of coffee can cause damage to your kidneys, if you are not replenishing the dehydration.  1 cup of coffee needs 32 ounces of water to replenish!

9. Painkillers. Way too many people take painkillers for their small aches and pains, while there are many all-natural, safe remedies available, not to mention chiropractic care! Excessive use or painkiller abuse can lead to severe damage of liver and kidneys.

10. Alcohol.  Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of wine or having a beer once in a while, most of us don’t stop after just one drink. Alcohol is actually a legal toxin that puts a lot of stress on our kidneys and liver.

To stay healthy and avoid kidney issues it is important to eat lots of fresh, whole foods and if you keep the above information in mind and avoid these common habits as much as possible, your kidneys will not be under constant stress and your body will thank you for that!  As always, with the new year I recommend doing a 21 day purification cleanse.  I guarantee with my program you will feel higher energy, less pain and sleep better!  The level of toxins around us is astonishing, so make sure your kidneys are up for the constant challenge.

If you have chronic back pain, this could be the reason.  So fix your kidneys, and you might notice less pain!

A patient case study I had this last year. The patient was symptom free low back wise, but each treatment I kept getting kidney reflexes showing up every treatment.  I suggested the patient get blood work. They patient went in for routine blood work, and ultimately found that levels were out of balance.  This led to further testing, and the patient ended up having multiple tumors in their kidneys.  This was without any symptoms, the patient was extremely active! So, these tumor could have actually spread, but we caught it early.  Thats the importance of preventative care as well.  The kidneys are huge or many complaints!

My new office location is open this week!!! Book online today for those in the Southern California Area!!
www.drrachelhamel.com!!

That is all for now.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy week.

Dr. Hamel

OIL OF THE WEEK

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Cassia.

Extracted from the bark of a Cinnamomum cassia plant, Cassia is a warm and spicy essential oil with a myriad of benefits that can help the mind and the body. For centuries, this sister to the cinnamon spice has been used internally to maintain physical health and aromatically to support emotional well-being. One of Cassia oil’s most prominent health benefits is its ability to promote healthy digestion when used internally.* Cassia is also a popular ingredient when making many different entrees, breads, and desserts. This spice is flavorful and can be used to replace cinnamon in a variety of food items. Along with its digestion benefits, Cassia oil can be taken internally to support healthy immune function and to maintain cardiovascular health.* Cassia oil is also a powerful agent when used aromatically. In small doses, its strong and spicy aroma can be used to create an uplifting atmosphere that will promote emotional health. The fragrance emitted from Cassia is recognized anciently in the Old Testament for its powerful scent and calming properties. Due to its caustic nature, Cassia oil should be diluted with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil when applied to the skin and can be very strong when inhaled directly.

  1. If you like citrus blends, you will love the refreshing twist that Cassia will bring. Add one drop of Cassia oil to your favorite citrus blend for a spicy and uplifting aroma. If you are looking for a great essential oil diffuser recipe using citrus oils and Cassia, combine three drops of 3 drops of Wild Orange essential oil with 2 drops of Cassia oil and diffuse. This diffuser recipe will provide you with warm, uplifting feelings.
  2. Because internal use of Cassia oil can help support healthy immune function,* Cassia is a powerful commodity in protecting the body from seasonal threats. To keep your body healthy throughout the year, take one to two drops of Cassia oil in a Veggie Capsule for added immune support when needed.*
  3. Relax and unwind from the day with a massage using Cassia oil. Combine one drop of Cassia oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut oil and massage into skin for a warming sensation. When applied topically, Cassia oil has the ability to help soothe the body and its aroma can help to uplift the senses. This massage blend is especially beneficial during the winter months due to its warming properties and spicy scent.
  4. Looking for something delicious to drink that will also provide internal benefits? Look no further. Combine one to two drops of Cassia oil with Lemon oil in a glass of water for a delicious essential oil infused water that can aid in digestion.* This lemon water and Cassia oil drink is also a perfect way to ward off hunger cravings.* Combined with frequent exercise and healthy eating, this drink can be a tasty option to aid in weight loss.*
  5. Exfoliate your skin with this do-it-yourself Festive Fall Sugar Scrub with Cassia oil. This customizable sugar scrub is a wonderful way to soften your skin while also enriching your senses with the fragrances of autumn. In this DIY, you can blend the rich scents of Cassia, Ginger, and Clove essential oils for an uplifting and rejuvenating look and feel your skin will want to thank you for. This sugar scrub is also a great gift for friends, birthdays, baby showers, teacher gifts, or simply showing someone you are thinking of them.
  6. Cassia is a heart-healthy essential oil when used internally. If you are looking for a way to help support your cardiovascular system, use Cassia oil internally. Put one to two drops of Cassia oil in a Veggie Capsule to promote healthy cardiovascular system function.*
  7. Cassia oil can be just as powerful in the kitchen as it is on the body. The spicy, cinnamon taste of Cassia can be used to spruce up a variety of traditional recipes—especially during the holiday season. Cassia oil can be used in pies, breads, and other entrees or deserts. Because Cassia is a close relative to cinnamon, it can replace cinnamon in many different foods.
  8. Along with its uplifting aroma, Cassia oil can also produce feelings of excitement. Get the most out of Cassia by diffusing it for its aromatic benefits. Diffusing Cassia oil can help promote feelings of arousal.
  9. Inspire your senses with this choice doTERRA diffuser blend using Cassia oil. Place 2 drops of Cassia, 4 drops of Wild Orange, and 2 drops of White Fir oil into a diffuser for a refreshing aroma. With White Fir’s calming effect and Wild Orange’s energizing aroma, this diffuser trio is a stabilizing blend you will not want to miss out on.
  10. Are you a lover of the great outdoors? In outdoor activities and especially during hikes, hydration is a crucial element to maintaining health and enjoying your outside adventures. To support hydration, put a drop of Cassia oil in your water for a delicious flavoring to help increase your water intake when hiking or doing extensive outdoor activity.

Cinnamaldehyde, the main chemical constituent of Cinnamon Bark and Cassia essential oils, is well known for its warm, spicy aroma. A study printed in the June 2015 issue of the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry suggests that cinnamaldehyde acts to support healthy molecular function in the kidneys.*

The molecular environment of kidneys is dependent on many biochemical pathways. Biochemical pathways can be thought of as a Rube Goldberg machine. One molecule stimulates another molecule to act on a different set of molecules, and so on, in a chain of events until the desired outcome is achieved. This study showed that cinnamaldehyde inactivated the JAK2-STAT1/STAT3 biochemical pathway in the kidney cells, which may help keep kidney cells healthy.*