Category: Kefir

Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Allergies

5/12/2015

Allergy symptoms frequently begin with poor digestive function. When a person has indigestion, heartburn, bloating, pain, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel disorders, etc., their immune system is compromised and the body becomes more sensitive. It overreacts to things it shouldn’t, including pollen, grass, and other triggers associated with spring.

What causes allergy symptoms?

Several factors contribute to the digestive problems that give rise to allergy symptoms, including:

Dysbiosis: A very common scenario, bad bacteria in the gut overwhelms beneficial bacteria. Processed foods, a diet lacking in cultured and fermented foods, and antibiotic use all contribute to dysbiosis.

Gluten and other food intolerances: Eating foods one may be sensitive or allergic to can constantly provoke the immune system and damage the lining of the intestines.

Low stomach acid: Low stomach acid often underlies heartburn and acid reflux. When stomach acid is low, undigested food backwashes into the esophagus (heartburn), bacteria overtake the stomach, improperly digested food degrades the intestinal lining, and bacteria and other pathogens are able enter the intestines. Stomach acid is also necessary to trigger the gallbladder to release bile and the pancreas to release enzymes, two important processes for digestion.

Poor liver detoxification: Gut damage causes chronic inflammation, which keeps the immune system on red alert and overburdens the liver. As a result, the liver can’t adequately detoxify pathogens that escaped through the damaged intestinal lining into the bloodstream, another factor that triggers the immune system and leads to allergies.

Repairing gut health varies from person to person depending on his or her needs. The starting point is always an anti-inflammatory diet that removes food intolerances and calms inflammation, helping to restore balance to an overactive immune system.

Probiotics and fermented foods improve digestion, support detoxification and tame an overstimulated immune system. They can also help repair the gut and hence the immune system.

Digestive Enzymes - Many of us do not have sufficient digestive enzymes to help break down the foods we eat and therefore causing digestive distress. Consuming a digestive enzyme with each meal helps your digestive system to break down the fats, proteins and carbohydrates, enhancing your immune system.

Chewing mechanically breaks down very large food molecules into smaller particles. Food is then exposed to saliva that contains enzymes to aid in digestion.

Your immune system resides in the gut, and when digestive problems set in, immune problems are sure to follow.

By Michelle Pascal, Registered Holistic Nutritionist

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Cleansing

5/5/2015

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The liver's main role in the body is for detox, by taking in blood from the digestive system and filtering out toxins like alcohol, medication and processed foods to be excreted. It also helps in the maintenance of energy in the body by breaking down fats for use, as well as helping to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Focusing on the health of your liver is the foundation of vitality.

The liver purifies the blood. If the liver is stagnant, the blood purification may be inadequate, leading to the release of toxins through the skin causing acne, eczema, acidosis and allergies. Toxic blood feeds all degenerative conditions such as cancer and arthritis.

Digestion and elimination are the first steps toward a healthier liver. If you are not eliminating daily, that becomes the focus. Once you have established that your bowels are working, it is now time to increase digestion.
Promote elimination by including fibre and hydrating. The goal is to have one bowel movement at least once a day. If constipation is chronic, you can take 150 to 300 milligrams of magnesium citrate twice daily in capsule form. You can take more if you need to go to the bathroom. If you get loose stools, cut back.
Take daily probiotics — approximately 50 billion CFUs of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria and drink eight glasses of water daily.
Improve digestion: Promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, so that they can keep potentially harmful bacteria in check. Probiotics can also be supplemented.
Mind/body wellness: Stress can impair the body’s detoxification systems and lead to digestive ailments, impaired immunity, and have wide-ranging effects on health. A detox diet is a time not just to let the body heal, but to allow the mind to rest.

Probiotics Are Essential after A Cleanse

A cleanses flushes your intestine, taking the Candida yeast, bacteria and everything else with it. The right probiotic will rebalance your gut flora, boost your immune system and help maintain the correct acidity in your digestive system.

Signs of Toxic Overload

Bad breath and coated tongue

Foul smelling breath caused by unhealthy/bad digestion from a backed-up colon or periodontal disease.
Hemorrhoids

Constipation/Digestive complaints

Irregular or insufficient bowel movements

Use of pharmaceutical drugs and antibiotics

Weight gain

Acne – skin breakouts are often a sign of toxicity in the blood or the liver
Excessive body odour
Belching and bad gas

Chronic constipation
Lack of energy – could be environmental toxicity, allergies, sluggish liver
Inflammation and pain/fibromyalgia – joint pain (over-acid body)
Mental fog, poor concentration

Allergies

Depression headaches (includes sinus)

Foods to avoid when detoxing include dairy, wheat, gluten-containing foods, sugar and artificial sweeteners, fried and processed foods, deli meats. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit (avoid tropical fruit), include brown rice, quinoa and other gluten free grains.

By Michelle Pascal, Registered Holistic Nutritionist

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Super Breakfast

3/14/2014

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A delicious superfood breakfast that tastes great!

Kefir provides you with enzymes and friendly bacteria that naturally increase your immune system. It’s a cultured beverage that is rich with enzymes and living friendly bacteria. You can purchase it at most grocery stores and I recommend Saugreens brand.

Kefir is also easy to make and a Kefir Starter Kit by Wilderness Family is available at Quantum Vitamins. The other option is Kefir grains, often hard to find, but usually available for free if you can find someone who produces their own.

Goji berries are high in Vitamin C, which supports the immune system. They also contain Vitamins A and E, which promote skin health, and Vitamins B1, B2 and B6 which increase metabolism.

Cacao nibs are a good source of potassium, chromium, copper, calcium, zinc and magnesium.

Maca is an adaptogen, known for its ability to increase energy, build physical strength, improve mood, reduce anxiety and heighten libido. It is rich in essential minerals, EFAs, amino acids and polysaccharides Maca root helps rebuild weak immune systems, re-mineralize poorly nourished bodies and increase energy and endurance.

Medium chain triglycerides are very healthy fat, which bypasses the normal process of digestion and fat breakdown. Instead it gets absorbed directly into your liver where it is metabolized providing instant and sustained energy for your body. MCT oil can help in losing weight and in maintaining your optimal weight by boosting your metabolism and helping to optimize the production of thyroid hormones.

Recipe:

1/2 cup Kefir

2 tbsp. Goji Berries

1 tbsp. Cacao Nibs

1 tbsp. Maca

1 tbsp. Coconut or Red Palm Oil

1 small organic Banana (optional)

1. Soak Goji berries for 1/2 hour (can be soaked overnight).

2. Add the rest of ingredients.

3. Stir and enjoy.

By Michelle Pascal, Registered Holistic Nutritionist

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Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Allergies

Cleansing

Super Breakfast

Michelle Pascal

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