Did someone at Stanford U. see “The Road to Perfect Health” PBS special? Now THIS is exciting! http://on.wsj.com/x0n5Yk

I know that way too often the articles that stimulate my comments border on the absurd – in my mind anyhow. FINALLY, in the WSJ (thank you Shirly S. Wang, author) – “A Gut Check for Many Ailments”.

Back in the late 90s, Dr. Michael Gershon (considered the ‘father of neurogastroenterology’) wrote about “The Second Brain”, where he credits two British scientists, Bayliss and Starling, with identifying the “law of the intestine” – peristalsis. This is a muscular movement which happens without direction from the brain. So the word about the important independence of the gut has been out, even if not well appreciated in modern times!

“The gut is important in medical research, not just for problems pertaining to the digestive system, but also problems pertaining to the rest of the body.” says Pankaj J. Pasricha, chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at Stanford University School of Medicine. So encouraging to think a well-known training center for future physicians is expanding their awareness! How many more of you, in a few short years, will be able to finally find a doctor who doesn’t shake his/her head at your symptoms, or inform you it’s just “all in your head”!?

Dr. Gershon, a professor at Columbia University, was quoted to say “The brain is a CEO that doesn’t like to micromanage”. He would undoubtedly enjoy my reference to probiotics as your own body’s “GPS” – Gut Protection System”. Friends, we all know, don’t we, that the balance of bacteria in your gut determines the health of your your digestive system, and, in turn, the health of your entire body!

I’m so happy that Dr. Gershon recognizes that 95% of the serotonin in the body is made in the gut! Besides increasing peaceful and tranquil feelings, it was reported that serotonin is necessary for repair of cells in the liver and lungs, and plays a role in normal heart development and bone-mass accumulation. Definitely important functions beyond elimination, I would say.

How great it was to read that perhaps one day, Parkinson’s disease may be diagnosed and tracked through a routine colonoscopy, rather than an invasive brain biopsy! Apparently gut neurons may mirror the damage experienced by brain neurons, according to Pascal Derkinderen, a professor of neurology at Inserm, Frances national institute of health.

Sometimes, through the years of sharing my understanding of the gut – as a colonhydrotherapist, as a nutritionist/herbologist, as an author in book after book, and more recently on PBS through all the specials, I still feel as though I’m holding up a little candle in the dark. As I hear your stories of suffering, sometimes for months and years with gut issues, and your deep frustration when you can’t find a knowledgeable, compassionate doctor, my heart breaks….  And we move forward, changing diets together, cleansing, supporting, sharing — and we wait.

Today, after reading this WSJ article, I feel a surge of hope and joy!  Working together, you and I, we are educating with love and expanding an awareness of true health that will serve and heal for generations to come.

IBS can be depressing, literally and figuratively! A lot of people who may be suffering from a type of digestive disorder such as crohn’s, colitis, IBS or even chronic constipation, many times also suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety, depression or irritability.  Now, I know that not feeling well can make you cranky, but there’s a lot more to it than that. The link between between the gut and the brain is very real. Serotonin, know as “the feel good hormone” is produced in the gut. One reason for depression could be the lack of serotonin because the gut is out of balance.

Without getting too technical, the same type of cells and neurotransmitters found in our brain are also located within the digestive system – which by the way is the largest part of our immune system.  When we get any type of intestinal irritation, inflammation, bacterial or viral infection our “intestinal” immune system reacts by producing proteins called cytokines. These cytokines tell our body what type of reaction to have, such as swelling, stiffness, pain etc…It has now been shown that these cytokines will travel a very unique pathway from the gut to the brain, setting into motion a chemical reaction that results in the breakdown of the neurotransmitters involved in mood stability.

 So, this is a two-way street. When your digestive system is out of balance, you feel depressed and when it’s in good shape you feel good. This may be why we often get a sense of euphoria after a really good dump – you know what I mean.

Colic in babies is one of those conditions that the medical community cannot seem to figure out. Colic occurs in up to 28% of infants. Babies with colic cry for hours, unconsolable, sometimes every day. The cause of colic is unknown and the treatment of colic is uncertain. So many infants suffer from colic and parents are at a loss for how to deal with it. A colicky baby can be quite a handful for new parents who may not feel equipped or emotionally able to handle the situation, especially when doctors don’t provide many answers.

A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center has found that babies with colic are more likely to have higher amounts of gut inflammation and a bacteria called Klebsiella in their intestines. They also found that the babies who did not have colic had a greater diversity of bacteria in their guts. The lead researcher also suggested that colic may prove to be a precursor to other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and other gut allergies.

This study is exciting because the next step, researchers say, is to investigate the use of a probiotic to control gut inflammation in these babies. Now they are on to something.

The establishment of healthy gut bacteria, in a vaginally born baby, begins at birth. It then continues during breastfeeding and through contact with the outside world. Many factors can inhibit this process leaving the infant with less-than-optimal gut flora. In many ways these beneficial bacteria act as a partial immune system for the infant. The importance of establishing a healthy and diverse bacterial population in those little guts is vitally important, as this study has pointed out. Renew Life’s Flora Baby was developed specifically for babies and toddlers. It contains five strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria and comes in a powder that can be mixed with liquid.

Learn the ABC’s of Probiotics.

Summary:
In this video blog I discuss a recent study published in the journal “Pediatrics” that suggest a very odd way to help children that have eczema. What do they suggest? What are some other options? Tune in and find out…

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Can you imagine putting your infant or young child into a bath of bleach water with the raw skin associated with eczema? Well that is exactly what a study published in the journal Pediatrics is suggesting. The bleach, being an antibacterial will help eliminate bacteria on the skin as a result of so much scratching.

Julie Block, of the National Eczema Association says this type of suggestion “will help people learn options that they can do at home to empower themselves”.

Sounds more like a punishment to me.

How about all the studies out there now showing that probiotic supplements can greatly reduce eczema in children. Or how about getting your child tested for food allergies and sensitivities, which play a huge role in the development of eczema.

If your worried about the bacteria try getting a natural anti-bacterial cream from your local health food store. I’m willing to bet it won’t contain bleach!

In the meantime, ReNew Life Formulas has an award-winning line of probiotic supplements for children and adults.

Summary: In this video blog I discuss the how many people suffer from Omega 3 Deficiency . What are Omega 3′s? How do you get these healthy Omega oils in your diet? What happens if you don’t have enough? The answer to all these questions and more are in this video. Tune in and find out…

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Did you know that Omega-3 Deficiency is a major killer? The sixth biggest killer of Americans according to a new study just released. That’s right – according to the study funded by the CDC and performed by Harvard University there are between 72 to 96 thousand Preventable deaths each year due to Omega-3 deficiency.

Many of us in the natural health field have long been touting the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. From cardiovascular health to brain health to vision health, the benefits are enormous. Unfortunately most Americans get very little in the Standard American Diet. The best food sources of these fatty acids are fish, especially fish like mackerel, sardines and salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in some seeds and nuts, like flax seed and walnuts. Although your diet has a tremendously powerful effect on your overall health, these are not foods normally included on a lot of Americans dinner plates.

Thankfully, you can purchase these valuable essential Omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form. Renew Life’s Norwegian Gold Critical Omega is the best on the market. It is highly concentrated, enteric coated and burp-free, thanks to Lipase. You can get tremendous health benefits from just one capsule a day. This newly released study just proves that Omega-3 fatty acid intake, whether in the diet or by supplementation, goes well beyond minor health benefits.

It is a matter of life or death.

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In this video blog I discuss the use of proton pump inhibitors. A recent study has found why people stay on these drugs for long term use instead of the 6-8 week suggested use. They call it “acid rebound phenomenon”? What is acid rebound phenomenon? What does it to your body? What can you do naturally to help with heartburn? Turn in and find out the answer to these questions and more…

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For some time now I have been speaking up about the continued use of the medications prescribed for acid reflux. These medications, called proton pump inhibitors are one of the most commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals on the market. I have many times said that the problem with these meds is that people stay on them long term when if fact they are only meant for a period of six to eight weeks.

Recently results of a study may have revealed the reason why people remain on these drugs long term, something I had suspected for some time now. It seems that these proton pump inhibitors cause what is called an acid rebound phenomenon in the two to three weeks after discontinuing. What this means is when people try to get off the medications they get an increase in gastric acid secretion well above normal which leads to symptoms such as heartburn, acid regurgitation and dyspepsia. This increase in symptoms then results in a resumption of therapy with the medication.

In other words, these meds cause a vicious cycle of acid secretion and heartburn symptoms. This occurred not only in those having symptoms to begin with, but those participants of the study that had no prior history of upper gastric disorders. Interestingly most people who are put on these medications do not need their acid levels turned off, but instead need a good digestive enzyme supplement containing hydrochloric acid ( HCI ). It is much more common to have a low stomach acid level, which mirrors the symptoms of too much acid, such as heartburn and reflux.

If only the Heidelberg Acid test was more readily available around the country, one could truly know if they are producing too much acid in the stomach or in fact have too little. This test involves swallowing a capsule that relays information back to a computer on the amount of acidity within the stomach. Until the time this test is available in your area, try taking a digestive enzyme with HCI (hydrochloric acid) like the Renew Life’s Heartburn Prevention formula. You might be able to avoid the vicious cycle of masking acid reflux symptoms with medication only to experience worse symptoms after discontinuing them.

Thanks again for watching, check back for more of my video blogs

Summary:
In this video blog I discuss Celiac Disease. In a recent study performed by the Mayo Clinic they found that celiac disease is more common today than it was 50 years ago? What is celiac disease? Why is it more common today than 50 years ago. Tune and in find out…

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I recently read an article about the incidence of celiac disease today compared to the 1950’s. According to findings of a Mayo Clinic study celiac disease is over four times more common today than it was 50 years ago. It now affects about one in one hundred people.

For those of you who do not know – Celiac disease is when the presence of a protein called gluten from grains such as wheat, barley or rye triggers an immune system attack upon the small intestine. This can cause severe damage and result in long term health problems.

A Dr. Murray of the Mayo Clinic study stated “Something has changed in our environment to make it much more common. ….we don’t know why”

Is it really that hard to figure out? How about correlating it with the huge increase in processed carbohydrates people eat today compared to the 1950’s. Wheat gluten is a major, if not the worst, food irritant to the digestive system. It is an ingredient in a huge number of products on the market, not just bread, as some may think. If a product contains wheat, it contains gluten.

I challenge you to take a look in your cupboards for this ingredient or how many food items you have that contain wheat. Look at the packaging label on the products your about to purchase. Those already on a wheat and gluten free diet know how tricky it is to find gluten free products. Luckily, most health food stores have an entire section dedicated to just these type of foods.

The March of Dimes is a not-for-profit organization whose mission it is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  Through research, community services, education and advocacy, they strive to carry out this mission.  March of Dimes might be best known for their recommendations that women of childbearing age to take 400 mcg of folic acid daily to help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.  Because of their far reaching efforts, most women are now aware of the importance of taking this vital nutrient for a healthy pregnancy.

Recently, the March of Dimes has made a new recommendation for pregnant women – the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.  Specifically, they are recommending that women should get at least 200 mg of DHA daily.  For women concerned about the presence of mercury in fish, or who do not eat fish, they recommend obtaining the DHA from a supplement containing at least 200 mg.

The March of Dimes has added this important nutrient to its recommendations only after careful examination of the existing science.  That science is hard to ignore when it comes to DHA and infant brain development.  Kudos to March of Dimes for their recognition of this essential nutrient. Not only is DHA important for baby, but it is also important for mother.  The baby takes what nutrients she needs from her mother, often depleting the mother’s own stores.  So during pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding, nutrients are funneled to the baby first.  Mom gets whatever is leftover.  Proper diet and supplementation of pregnant and breastfeeding women is crucial for the health of both mom and baby.

Renew Life’s Norwegian Gold Critical Omega contains a balance of EPA and DHA, with 240 mg of DHA.  For those looking for more DHA, Critical DHA contains 500 mg.  Ultimate Fish Oils are third-party tested and certified by the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) for freshness, purity and potency.  The IFOS program is a world leader in Omega-3 testing, ensuring Norwegian Gold oils meet or surpass all world pharmaceutical standards – including the Norwegian Medicinal Standard.

So if you’re considering pregnancy, consider taking a DHA supplement – healthy oils have great benefits.

My assistant recently returned from the latest Institute for Functional Medicine conference in southern Florida. For those not familiar with Functional Medicine it is a personalized medicine that deals with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of symptoms for serious chronic disease. In other words, they teach Medical Doctors as well as all other specialties how to evaluate a person to get to the route of a problem or disease and treating the cause verses just treating the symptoms.

A big part of Functional Medicine includes the use of nutraceuticals in treatment.

This year’s conference centered on Mood Disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder as well as touching base on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Amazingly, one of the focuses of the lectures was the gut-brain connection in relation to mood disorders. More specifically, how reactions of our immune system and gut inflammation can directly affect our brain.

Remember that most of our immune system is in our gut.

Without getting too technical, the same type of cells and neurotransmitters found in our brain are also located within the digestive system. The development of an infection or inflammation anywhere in the body will set the immune system in action. Again, most of this reaction takes place first within the immune system of the digestive tract. Our immune system responds by the reaction of proteins called cytokines. These cytokines tell our body what type of reaction to have, such as swelling, stiffness, pain etc…It has now been shown that these cytokines will travel a very unique pathway and arrive at the brain, setting into motion a chemical reaction that results in the breakdown of the neurotransmitters involved in mood stability and inflammation within the brain itself.

Once this brain inflammation develops, it can remain for months even though the initial problem in the other part of our body gets resolved. This brain reaction can result in symptoms such as brain fog, memory problems, depression and anxiety. In addition, the influx of these cytokines to the brain can disrupt the lining of the brain called the blood-brain-barrier, causing what they now call “Leaky Brain” syndrome, making the brain more susceptible to other agents that do not normally pass this barrier. This is very similar indeed to what we know as Leaky Gut syndrome.

The more inflammation and irritation of the gut lining, as in Leaky Gut, will in turn send more of the cytokines to the brain, resulting in more inflammation and irritation there. In reverse, they are now seeing that healing the gut, reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system with the proper nutraceuticals can in turn reduce depression, anxiety and even reduce some symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

All the more reason to take precautionary measures by supporting your immune system with probiotics, as well as your vitamins and minerals. Taking a glutamine supplement such as IntestiNew will help keep your intestinal tract healthy, reduce inflammation and defer the development of leaky gut.

It is funny that years ago scientists and doctors treated the brain and mood disorders as a total separate entity from the rest of the body. It is nice to see that they now realize the brain is connected to the body, through something called the neck!

Summer is quickly approaching and I’m sure everyone is starting to think about their family vacation. You might be going to a state park, an amusement park or visiting friends and family. No matter where you are planning to spend your family vacation, you are sure to think of your family’s safety first. With that said, one part of your family’s safety is keeping them healthy during travel.

During your vacation it is important to have your children wash their hands before eating, use the antiseptic wipes at crowded places and avoid contact with anyone coughing or sneezing. But, equally, if not more important, is for you and your children to take a probiotic supplement daily.

I would recommend starting one a week before your scheduled travel and take it religiously throughout your trip. A good probiotic supplement will help keep your family’s immune system stay strong and ready to fight off bacteria and viruses you may come into contact with on your vacation.

I would suggest ReNew Life brand FloraSmart probiotic. This probiotic supplement is great for travel because it is “shelf stable” so it does not need refrigeration. Plus, the tablets are individually wrapped, which makes them easy to shove into your purse or pocket. There are several different strengths including a 6, 12 and 24 billion culture strengths. For travel I would suggest at least the 12 billion culture strength. This is suitable for your entire family. This means that children from age 3 and up can take the same adult probiotic supplement. This will make your travels easier knowing you only need one option on hand.

So, go out there, have fun and enjoy your family vacation.