Tag Archives: skin health

This hidden chemical that causes a deficiency in your brain

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Happy Monday Tribe!
I hope you have all had an amazing past couple of weeks! I know its back to school time, and with school back in action, work in full swing, it’s important to talk about hidden toxins that are lurking!

As you now being a brain doc,  I’m always lurking for more information on how to enhance this vital organ that we possess. 

You see, because our brain controls every function in our body we HAVE to do our best to protect it at all costs.

A huge part in creating that healthy brain is of course making sure that environment is working, that VAGUS nerve.  You can take all the supplements in the world but if that nerve isn’t working, you will not get many results.

But, today i’m not talking about cranial work (for once;)), i’m talking about the gut/brain axis and specifically a chemical and many that disrupt this communication.

There’s actually many toxins in your home and that you utilize that you might not know are disrupting this super important connection.

What do you mean gut brain?.  Well, if you’re new here let me explain, for some of my current patients that have been with me awhile, you can sit back for a moment…

Your gut has been termed your “second brain”.  In fact your gut has its entire new network of nerves called the enteric nervous system, that works similar to your brain.

It connects and controls your digestive system, but also has a huge connection in the neurotransmitters in your brain.  It in fact, talks to your actual brain.  A lot of this resides in the health of our gut bacteria to be able to relay that information. So, really you can’t just heal your brain and neglect the rest of your body.

In fact, all the cells of your body talk to one another. So you can’t think that your liver not working won’t cause pain or dysfunction somewhere else.  The cells talk!!

———

So what are things that disrupt this connection?

1. Stress
2. Gluten
3. Processed Foods
4. GMO foods
5. Head Traumas
6. Gut dysbiosis
7. Chemicals
8. EMFs

So, let’s talk about one because of a patient story, so you can see the connection.

I am treating a female patient, and she is doing really well on her protocol, great energy, mostly all her symptoms managed.  She went on a camping trip, and upon her return cancelled her followup because she couldn’t get out of bed.  She said she was wiped out for a few days. I assured her to come in to check on her protocol.  After going through the program, it showed up that their was a titanium toxicity, and she was not making intrinsic factor (i’ll explain in a minute).

I asked her if she applied sunscreen during camping, to which she said yes lots all over my legs. She had the bottle in her car, and we read the back which said ” titanium oxide”. This chemical interfered with her intrinsic factor a glycoprotein that is produced in the stomach, which plays a HUGE role in absorbing vitamin B12. When you can’t use intrinsic factor, it results in a condition called pernicious anemia, which makes sense of why she was tired!.

I gave her some kidney and liver support, and she felt better that next day.
There are so many natural ways to prevent sunburn that don’t include chemicals!

This is just one example, but in reality there are many chemicals we are exposed to all the time!

What else has titanium oxide?

  • Food: Candies, chewing gums, powdered doughnuts, frosting, coffee creamer, vanilla pudding, chocolate bars.
  • Personal Care: Toothpaste, sunscreen, lotions.
  • Misc: Paper, paint, markers, and plastics.


What happens to your brain when you have B12 deficiency ( which can also happen when you have certain genetic mutations) ?!

  • loss of memory
  • cognition problems
  • decreased mood
  • decreased energy
  • Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the metabolism of fatty acids essential for the maintenance of myelin in the brain.

Again, this is just to show you that all your cells in your body talk to one another!  So what you continually put IN and ON your body matters and makes changes all the way in your brain. 
When the gut in this case is affected (from the chemicals), it sends a signal to the brain to dysfunction.  They HAVE to coordinate with one another.

There’s also a system called the Heart Brain Connection.  Maybe we’ll talk about that next time… stay tuned!

READ BELOW FOR NEXT EO CLASS!

Gut & Skin – Two Peas in a Pod

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Happy Monday Everyone!  And Happy Post Valentines Day!
I Hope you’ve been enjoying this month’s topics all about skin health!

The first week of February we talked about the Brain/Skin connection, last week we went over the Liver’s role in skin health, and this week we will go over the ever trendy and seems like all everyone talks about: GUT!

Why is it talked about everywhere? 

Well.  The more we know about science and as the field expands, the more we are seeing how big of an impact the gut really has.  And by “gut” I mean your digestive system, mainly your intestines.  Although, we will be going over your upper digestion (stomach) some as well.

As we’ve talked about previously, the liver at gut are very closely connected in their role in digestion and detoxing.  So, if we neglect one or the other, you won’t achieve the health results you desire. 

FACT:

Our Human DNA has over 20,000 genes, but our gut biome has around 10 million!

This means we can actually have a greater affect working with our genes when we enhance the ability of the gut’s function.

But, how does this affect our skin? 

I’ve spoken previously about how the skin is basically our map of how well our internal environment is going.  And a HUGE role in that map is the gut.

The gut is saturated with something called the microbiome, it’s effect on the entirety of our body function is vital to your understanding.

“Our gut microbiome contains tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of known bacteria. These microbes can, in total, weigh up to 2 kg. One third of our gut microbiome is common to most people, while two thirds are specific to each one of us. In other words, the microbiome in your intestine is like an individual identity card.”

Pretty cool huh?

We know now that a sick gut just doesn’t just cause digestive problems.  It’s also associated with many other health concerns like: emotional stress, obesity, decreased immunity, metabolic problems, hormone problems, brain inflammation and finally inflammatory skin conditions. 

It’s kind of known from people that allergies can cause skin reactions, right? And that eating foods like processed foods and dairy can cause skin problems like acne.

Here are the similarities between your gut and your skin to help clarify a bit:

  • They both have a role in keeping pathogens/toxins out
  • Both have a lot of nerves and blood vessels
  • Both the skin and the gut communicate with your immune, nervous and hormones
  • Both the skin and the gut have microbiomes!
In more and more research, it links inflammatory skin conditions to something called dysbiosis which means improper gut function.

What causes dysbiosis?

  • antibiotics
  • stress
  • diet rich in carbs, processed foods, gluten and vegetable oils
  • infections
  • brain inflammation (brain/gut connection)

When your gut bacteria are healthy, your immune system is healthy.  This is because the good guys in that microbiome keeps the bad guys at bay, produce anti-inflammatory markers, and help regulate your neurotransmitters.  These help fight against the inflammatory skin conditions like : eczema, dermatitis, acne, rosacea and psoriasis.

BUTTT..

The effect of these guys to do that job relies on the environment that they reside in, and also if they are fed what they need. 

This is a very important point.  If the good guys DON’T have the food that they need they WILL find something.  Their survival depends on it.  So, what do they eat when they don’t have what they need?

They eat the mucus layer that surrounds all our intestines.   This layer is meant to be protective, to not let bad guys, food and other chemicals into the deeper layer of our intestines.  We need a healthy mucus layer in our intestines.  But, when theres no food, the bacteria start to eat up this mucus layer, creating holes = LEAKY GUT.

LEAKY GUT= food allergies as well, as food particles get through the layer.

There will be no good barrier.

If you have a leaky gut, you basically just have an improper mucus layer.

 So……….. what do we need to feed the good guys to make our skin more healthy?

Well there may be some things we need to address first before rushing right into the dysbiosis.

We FIRST, need to make sure you are breaking down your proteins and fats properly.  So, we need to make sure your stomach acid is acidic to digest the proteins, and that your liver ( we talked about last week) and gallbladder are functioning well to help you digest your fats.

*** If you have ever been on any acid blocking medication you already have dysbiosis.  When you stall your digestion, your stalling your colon.  It’s difficult to dig yourself out of that ant-acid hole as dependency comes in only 14 days or less of use.  An addiction takes a couple months to break with this medication!!  The rebound phenomenon from ant acids is horrible as well trying to get off of them.  It’s actually easier to get off an opioid than these medications.

With weak stomach acid, you’re not breaking down your proteins, B vitamins, minerals, and lowers your bone density.

After we’ve addressed this, we can then start to feed the good guys.  

I will also say, if there are other infections going on like yeast, parasites, viruses or bacteria in the gut as well, this protocol looks a little different.  It’s a process of killing the bad guys and feeding the good guys and rotating for many months (talk with your provider).

GOOD GUYS LOVE:

  • FIBER.  Good guys feed off fiber from fruit and veggies.  That which is lack in the western diet.  Increase your veggies, and add in some great lentils and legumes for some added fiber.  ( If beans give you gas, then you don’t have enough good bacteria).
  • Lactic Acid– Good guys also feed off lactic acid.  Something that is found naturally in fermented foods!
  • Pre-biotics–  Fiber is a pre biotic, but they also need other prebiotics to help feed them.  Some great sources are onions, jicama, garlic, asparagus, avocados, dandelion greens, and potatoes with the skin.
  • Eat probiotic rich foods!  Anything fermented including veggies and yogurt.  Getting probiotics from your foods gives you a wide range to replenish.

Notice I didn’t say TAKE A PROBIOTIC did I?  GASP! 

Actually, we know now through research that probiotic supplementation is not that successful.  It does NOT repopulate your intestines.  Probiotics that are manmade are transitory.  Meaning they just go right through the intestinal tract.  They DO however, create an immune response which is good, but if your really want to feed these good guys and repopulate them, probiotics from a bottle aren’t that reliable. 

The only time I give probiotics now is right after antibiotic use, and for infants after C-section births.

It’s way better to get them in our food, to get a WIDE variety and switch them up daily!

STAY AWAY FROM-

  • Any non organic food.  Anything non organic has glyphosate which depletes your body of minerals and is shown to give LEAKY GUT.
  • GLUTEN-  gluten has been proven to cause inflammation in the gut and now in research leads directly to autoimmune conditions
  • sugars
  • Processed foods and dairy
  • All the “alkalizing” things.  You NEED acidity in your gut.  Too much alkalinity will cause dysbiosis.

Clean this up, you’ll have some healthy looking skin from the inside out!

Oil of the WEEK.

This week is BOGO week with Do Terra!!! Today’s BOGO is Buy one pettigrain get a lavender for free!

LAVENDAR:

  • For restful sleep, diffuse Lavender oil at bedtime to calm your mind and create a peaceful environment.
  • Take internally to reduce anxious feelings.*
  • Use in cooking to soften citrus flavors and to add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts.
  • You can add Lavender to an evening bath to soak away the cares of the day, or put a drop on your pillow at night.
  • Freshen your linen closet, mattress, car, or the air by combining Lavender with water in a spray bottle.
  • Keep a bottle of Lavender on hand to soothe occasional skin irritations.

LEARN MORE

Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and balancing properties. doTERRA Lavender essential oil is distilled from the freshly harvested flowering tops of the True Lavender plant (also known as English Lavender) from lavender farms in Bulgaria and France. Although often used at bedtime, Lavender essential oil is equally calming during the day. Lavender is popularly used to ease feelings of tension and encourage feelings of mental clarity and focus.

Lavender essential oil supports the immune system, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system.* Used topically, Lavender can help keep the skin and scalp looking clean and healthy. It can also soothe minor skin irritations and bites. Lavender helps ease feelings of anxiousness and can be particularly calming during times of stress. It evokes feelings of self-awareness and relaxation.

The varied uses of Lavender essential oil make it perfect to keep on hand for topical, internal, and aromatic use. Use Lavender Touch Roll On for convenient topical use. Alone or as part of a blend, Lavender essential oil delivers benefits for people of all ages.

PETTIGRAIN:

  • Diffuse for a relaxing and calming effect on emotions.
  • Take internally to help calm the nervous system and promote restful sleep.*
  • Rub a drop of Petitgrain together with Lavender or Bergamot and fractionated coconut oil to the bottoms of your feet to promote feelings of relaxation.
  • Take one or two drops in water or juice to support cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and digestive systems.*

LEARN MORE

Petitgrain essential oil is often referred to as “Lavender for men.” It provides many of the same benefits, but has a fresh, herbaceous aroma that is popular among men and women. Petitgrain helps enhance other fragrances, making it a common ingredient in the perfume and cologne industry.

Historically, Petitgrain essential oil has been used to clean surfaces, and to support healthy immune system and nervous system function when used internally.* Emerging scientific evidence is providing support for these traditional and other uses.

Petitgrain contains the chemical constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, both of which are known for their calming properties. Taken internally, Petitgrain may help to calm and soothe the nervous system.* It also has a calming aroma that can help reduce anxious or tense feelings when inhaled. Diffusing Petitgrain before bed promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation. Experimental research suggests that Petitgrain helps to promote healthy relaxation and sleep when consumed internally.*

The benefits of Petitgrain are not limited to the nervous system, however.* Taken internally, Petitgrain helps support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems.* It also provides antioxidant support.*

Petitgrain has powerful surface cleansing properties. Add to a spray bottle of water and use as a fresh-scented surface cleaner.

The essential oil is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. doTERRA Petitgrain is sourced from Paraguay through the Co-Impact Sourcing® initiative. By supporting rural development projects and small-scale farmers, doTERRA provides an economically viable alternative to clear-cutting land. This helps protect the remaining patches of the Atlantic Rainforest in eastern Paraguay from deforestation.

 

 

 

 

Spiraled Fermented Beets

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 medium sized beets, peeled and spiralized (or sliced or grated) – $1.50
  • ½ tablespoon sea salt (or more to taste) – $0.12
  • Half a sprig of dill – $0.05

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1

Wash two half pint mason jars well with warm soapy water. Rinse well.

2

Use scissors to cut the spiralized beets into smaller, bite-sized strands. Place them into a large bowl and sprinkle over the salt. Massage with your hands for about five minutes until they release a bit of liquid. You can use your bare hands, the beet juice washes off easily, or slip them into plastic bags if you’re worried about dying them.

3

Pack the beets into the mason jars, tossing in a few leaves of dill from time to time. Squish the beets down to ensure that the juice covers them entirely. If not, you can make a brine of ¼ cup (60 ml) filtered water (don’t use tap water) and a pinch of sea salt. Add as much as is necessary to submerge the beets completely.

4

Take a leftover end of a beet from the spiralizer (the bit that looks like a mushroom), turn it upside down and wedge it into the jar, “stem” sticking up. This is to hold the beets down in the jar and ensure that they maintain submerged. If it’s not working, you’ll have to find something heavy. You can boil rocks and put them on top (seriously).

5

Cover the jars with a towel and leave to ferment. Begin checking them after a couple of days to ensure that the beets are still submerged, add more brine if necessary, and taste to see how they’re doing. They may develop a bit of scum on top, scoop it off, it’s harmless.

6

You can eat them when they have enough sourness for your taste. They will continue to sour until you’re ready to eat them or put them in the fridge to maintain their level of sourness.

 

 

 

 

That is all for now.

 

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Week.

 

Dr. Hamel

 

The Skin/Brain Connection

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The Skin/Brain Connection

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope you all had a great Superbowl weekend!  As most of you know my niche so to speak is really about healing the brain in many difference forms.  This week,  we dive into the relationship between the skin and the brain.

Our skin (our biggest organ), yes it is an organ, can give us a lot of information as to how our brain is functioning.

The skin changes at different rates according to

-genes
-environmental factors
-diet
-exercise
-habits
-hormones

Skin mirrors the first sign of aging, usually because of hormonal decline.  Skin can become, dry, pale in color, fine lines and wrinkles.  The brain is also affected by the decline in hormones as well.  Cognitive decline, can also be attributed to hormone deficiency.  This doesn’t mean jumping to hormone replacement therapy, as you know I’m not a huge fan of this, as it can lead to other symptoms and problems long term. I always for natural options that work with the body chemistry.
When you balance your hormones, you also balance your skin and your brain.

Why Do Skin & the Brain Age in Similar Ways?

“There is a biological reason that skin and brain age in similar ways. In early embryo, both skin cells and brain cells develop from the same kind of embryonic tissue (ectoderm). It is not feasible to do a brain biopsy to assess aging of brain tissue, but a skin biopsy is simple. Researchers are finding that skin cells can provide an experimental model for aging research on the brain.

Perhaps not surprisingly, considering the brain-skin link, what is good for the brain is also great for the skin. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed fish oil is beneficial for the brain and the skin. It appears to help limit the damage of radiation from the sun, give skin a younger appearance and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

This is good news because it means that you possess the power to change your brain! There are many ways to become sick, but there is a clear path to wellness and it’s simpler than you think. ”

By improving your brain health you can improve your skin!

The key is to figure out what is inflaming your brain.  Is it the fascial tension (read below) starting all the way in your brain from cranial misalignment? Is it hormone imbalance?  It is toxicities from our environment, food, injections?  Is it hidden infections?  What are the fires burning that are depleting and causing your brain to be inflamed?

That is my job to figure out..

Another important thing to mention about the skin.
Is the topic of fascia….

Every muscle and structure in your body is enveloped and joined by an interconnected tissue network. This tissue is called fascia.  

“Simply put, fascia is the body’s connective tissue. It is a head to toe, inside to out, all-encompassing and interwoven system of fibrous connective tissue found throughout the body. Your fascia provides a framework that helps support and protect individual muscle groups, organs, and the entire body as a unit.

For those of you who are visual learners, you can imagine your skin is like the rind of an orange. So, if your skin is the outer layer of the orange peel, the thicker, white, fibrous layer that lies almost immediately beneath the peel would be your fascia. Just as that thicker layer completely surrounds the inside of the orange, the same holds true to your fascia. We all have a layer of fascia directly beneath the skin that completely envelopes the body, giving another protective barrier between the skin and the deeper soft tissue.

The vitality and strength of your fascia is key to good health and synergy throughout each system of your body. ” How this affects the skin is when there are bunches of this tissue that have formed because of usually improper postures or injuries, this tissue affects how the skin looks.  That’s why there can be dimples, or creases, ect.  The health of the fascia depends on proper movements, hydration, movement of the joints(chiropractic) and nutrition.

“So much pain, tightness, and discomfort is unnecessarily caused by distorted fascia. Distortions in fascia can pull, torque, and compress the body into misalignment. Studies show that fascial tension in one structure – such as the knee – can cause tension or issues in adjacent structures, such as the hip or ankle. Some common conditions you may have heard of like Plantar Fasciitis, IT Band Syndrome, and frozen shoulder are all attributed to distortions in your fascia.”

“The condition of our skin can be affected by the state of our fascia. Not many people understand the impact of blood and fascia, and how it relates to the quality of our skin. Elastin and Collagen are two proteins which are essential to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Nutrients are carried through the blood to the skin, and when the fascia is distorted, it limits the supply of these proteins. This can cause a decrease in cell turnover, which is responsible for the natural, healthy glow we all strive to maintain.”

It baffles me that we try to treat our skin from the outside, when it’s what’s going on inside that determines health of the skin.

This fascial tissue starts up in the head, and surrounds the brain.  That is why you MUST start with cranial care to relieve head tension and fascial pull.  

I’ve seen fascial structures change before my eyes just with one session of craniopathy care.  But it really is effecting and changing the ENTIRE fascial system down to your feet since it is all connected.

 

 

If you have skin or scar tissue or injuries, you can break up this fascia over time, which will also improve your skin health.  Be aware, it’s painful and takes time, and you will detox, but it does work.  As long as you work on improving your movements and all the other factors mentioned.

Remember there’s fascia all the way in the skull surrounding your brain!  So that’s the first area you want to unwind the tissue from, because head tension can cause even leg tension!

Nutrition:

Another favorite is the herb Gotu Kola.  This herb I love and with the quality of the herb I use a lot of women have said it’s like a facelift in a bottle!  Thats because of its influence on the fascia, blood circulation and skin tissue.
Theres also an amazing Essential oil botanical blend you can read on below that is wonderful for circulation and the skin!

More nutrition Tips will be given later this month!

Also Clean beauty products for your skin is always a MUST.  One of my favorite companies is Beauty Counter for makeup, and DoTerra for skin care.

You can get some here: https://www.beautycounter.com/anneliesewells

 

Oil of the WEEK.

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Yarrow/Pom Oil.

Yarrow|Pom is a one-of-a-kind expertly crafted proprietary blend of Yarrow essential oil and cold-pressed Pomegranate seed oil, offering powerful benefits to both the skin and the body.

Primary Benefits

  • Provides powerful antioxidant support*
  • Promotes cellular, immune, and nervous system health*
  • Supports healthy metabolic function*
  • Calms the body and mind*
  • Soothing to the skin

Yarrow|Pom is an expertly crafted proprietary blend of Yarrow essential oil and cold-pressed Pomegranate seed oil designed to be your go-to for a true inside-out approach to aging, vitality, overall wellness, and, quite frankly, how to get that glow. This synergistic and first-of-its-kind blend naturally up-regulates the body’s protective transcription factors while activating skin-protecting proteins (inhibiting the enzymes that breakdown elasticity and collagen) with the added benefit of promoting collagen production.* Additionally, this active botanical powerhouse can be applied topically to revitalize aging skin and taken internally to support a healthy inflammatory response at the source and promotes healthy metabolic function.* With main chemical components punicic acid (an omega 5), antioxidants, β-caryophyllene, and chamazulene, this vegan-friendly active botanical duo supports cellular, immune, and nervous system function and rejuvenation when taken internally.*

Uses

  • Consume one to two drops morning and night to promote a healthy metabolism.*
  • To promote a healthy immune response, take one to two drops of Yarrow|Pom daily.*
  • As part of your skin care routine, apply Yarrow|Pom to help promote the look of young and healthy skin, or to help reduce the appearance of blemishes.
  • Create a soothing massage experience with a few drops of Yarrow|Pom to help soothe tension.

 

 

Collagen production.
Boost collagen production with Vitamin C:: This is a biggie for producing collagen and repairing skin cells. Find it in dark leafy greens, broccoli, strawberries, peppers, and oranges.

  • ½ cup fresh or wild frozen blueberries
  • 1/4 c fresh strawberries
  • ¼ cup pineapple
  • 1 cup unsweetened vanilla flavored almond milk
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

  1. Put all the ingredients into the blender and blend it until nice and smooth.

 

 

That is all for now,

 

Have a happy and healthy week.

 

Dr. Hamel