Step Outside, Ignite Digestive Vitality

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, achieving digestive wellness can often seem like a daunting task. However, I propose a simple yet powerful solution – step outside and take a walk.

The Link Between Movement and Digestion:

There’s a fascinating connection between physical activity and digestive processes. Understanding how movement stimulates the digestive system lays the foundation for appreciating the role that walking can play in optimizing digestion.

The Outdoor Advantage:

While any form of movement can be beneficial, I want to highlight the unique advantages of taking your walk outdoors. The combination of fresh air, natural surroundings, and exposure to sunlight contributes to a holistic approach that goes beyond mere physical exercise, promoting overall well-being.

3. Mindful Walking for Mindful Digestion:

Being present during a stroll can positively influence digestion. Mindful walking not only aids in reducing stress but also encourages a state of relaxation that enhances the body's ability to digest food effectively.

Stepping outside and taking a walk emerges as a simple yet potent strategy for achieving digestive wellness. I hope you are inspired to embrace this accessible and enjoyable activity, unlocking the transformative power of outdoor walks for improved digestion and overall well-being. Join us on this journey toward digestive bliss through the simplicity of a stroll in the great outdoors.

Bloating Unveiled: The Startling Link Between Fiber and Why Excess Isn't Idea

I believe in unraveling nutritional mysteries to empower informed choices. I want to delve into the often-overlooked connection between fiber consumption and bloating, challenging the common belief that more fiber is always better.

While fiber is celebrated for its role in digestive health, its excessive consumption can lead to unexpected consequences. I want to shed light on how an abundance of this nutrient can sometimes contribute to bloating rather than alleviating it.

Contrary to the notion that more fiber equals better health, I advocate for a focus on the quality of fiber sources. Various types of fiber may be more prone to causing bloating and I want to emphasize the importance of a balanced and varied approach to fiber-rich foods.

The relationship between fiber and bloating is more nuanced than commonly believed. By understanding the fiber puzzle and adopting a mindful approach to intake, you can navigate towards digestive well-being without falling into the "more is always better" trap. When it comes to fiber, less might indeed be more for a happier, bloat-free gut.

Revitalize Your Day: Unraveling the Connection Between Digestion, Blood Sugar, and Post-Meal Energy

Ever experience that midday slump or a sudden lack of energy after a meal? The answer might lie in the intricate dance between digestion and blood sugar regulation. Embark on a journey to understand the interplay of digestion and blood sugar in post-meal energy levels and discover actionable strategies to revitalize your day.

The Post-Meal Vitality Challenge

Feeling sluggish after meals is a common challenge, often stemming from the energy-intensive process of digestion and the dynamics of blood sugar fluctuations. This blog post aims to unravel the mystery behind lacking post-meal energy and provide insights into maintaining vitality throughout the day.

Optimizing Digestion for Lasting Energy

Efficient digestion is a cornerstone of sustained energy. Explore strategies for enhancing digestion, including mindful eating practices, easily digestible food choices, and the transformative potential of Beat the Bloat, a comprehensive program addressing digestive issues to support optimal nutrient absorption and energy production.

Blood Sugar Regulation for Steady Vitality

Balanced blood sugar levels are crucial for avoiding the highs and lows associated with post-meal slumps. Learn how a well-rounded diet, rich in complex carbohydrates, fat, and protein, contributes to stable blood sugar levels, providing a steady release of energy.

Beat the Bloat: Your Ally for Digestive Harmony

Discover how Beat the Bloat can be your ally in achieving optimal digestion. By addressing the root causes of digestive discomfort, this program contributes to efficient nutrient absorption, potentially minimizing post-meal energy slumps and promoting all-day vitality. As an added bonus, it also includes an extensive module on Blood Sugar Regulation.

Energize your day by delving into the dynamic relationship between digestion, blood sugar, and post-meal vitality. Say goodbye to post-meal slumps and hello to a revitalized, energized you.

For the Love of Salt

If you’ve ever had a discussion with me about salt, you know that I do not shy away from adding salt to my food. I salt to taste, nothing more, nothing less. I do not demonize real salt. My favorites are Redmonds and Celtic Sea Salt; both have great mineral profiles.

All that being said, let’s talk about when craving salt or salting food before tasting becomes a cue that you may have to check into your body and see if something is out of balance or extra care and attention should be given to an area.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Did you know that your adrenal glands help with mineral balancing in the body? Aldosterone is a mineral corticoid hormone that causes the reabsorption of sodium and chloride. If your adrenals are insufficient, your levels of aldosterone could be compromised impacting your sodium and chloride levels, therefore creating a craving for salt.

Some ways to support your adrenals are to get 8 hours of sleep, practice breathing and relaxation exercises, and go for short walks outside to get into natural light and get gentle exercise in.

Need for Electrolytes

Sometimes our body just needs extra electrolytes. If you are someone who is on a keto or carnivore protocol, your need for additional electrolytes is crucial. If you are fasting your need for electrolytes also increases. One of my favorite electrolytes is LMNT. I add one packet a day to some sparkling water and drink when I am working out. When I am doing extended fasts, I will drink up to 3 packets a day.

I hope this helps give you a little insight on salt cravings. If you would like to dig deeper, I would love to connect. Schedule your 30 minute free consultation with me today!

Sunglasses

One of the most interesting Lingual Neuro Tests I give my clients is testing their pupil constriction in the presence of direct light. Some people with poor adrenal health will have an interesting response to to direct light. When you have a tendency to need to wear sunglasses, this could be an indicator of adrenal fatigue. It is not a defining factor, but if other symptoms exist along with this sensitivity to light, we may begin a protocol to support adrenal health.

Some things I may implement would be adding some botanical support like ginseng and licorice. I have personally found great benefit to taking herbal supplements like Adrenal Tonic, by Wise Woman Herbals. Other things that help support adrenal health are getting outdoors into natural light, light to moderate exercise, and eating whole foods.

If you believe you have symptoms of adrenal fatigue, I would love to create a protocol specifically for you. Let’s work together and discover your best health!

Afternoon Exhaustion - Explained!

Do you crave coffee or sugar in the afternoon? Are you sleepy around 3pm and need a cat nap? Do you get hangry?

All of these signs point toward a tendency of hypoglycemia and your body dealing with low blood sugar. Blood sugar regulation is a complex system that involves your pancreas, adrenals, and liver.

The liver helps support your body in the short-term by releasing blood sugar and has the ability to raise blood sugar when it begins to drop. The adrenal glands will also help raise blood sugar in a crisis. Adrenals usually compensate for a weak pancreas. Hypoglycemia is debilitating and can lead many people onto a refined carbohydrate roller coaster to cope with symptoms of low blood sugar.

One tip for helping to curb this vicious cycle is to eat protein-rich and complex carbohydrate foods. When eating foods with more “time-released” source of sugar will help you avoid the peaks and valleys of poor blood sugar regulation. Foods such as eggs, fish, meats, nuts, and seeds will yield their glucose slowly and steadily into your system, thereby helping to curb the drastic spikes of glucose in your system.

Getting adequate sleep, practicing relaxation exercises, and getting natural light on a daily basis will also support your body in restoring your adrenals.

For a deeper dive into proper blood sugar regulation and to discover your best health, schedule your 30 minute free consultation with me.

Night Owl

I have been a “night person” most of my life. I always felt like I was being most productive at night and could stay up all hours checking things off on my to-do list. What I did not know prior to my Functional Nutrition training was that cortisol output should slowly decline over the course of the day and that staying up late and getting things done into the wee hours at night was throwing my cortisol rhythm out of balance. Being a night owl was signaling an increased output of cortisol at night, but cortisol should be lowest at midnight and increased in the morning, which signals your body to wake up and be ready for the day. If you are like me and are up at night and drag in the morning, your adrenals most likely need some support.

One of my favorite ways to support my adrenals is getting adequate amounts of outdoor time in natural light first thing in the morning. This helps set up my circadian rhythm and is essential for healthy adrenal function. Some other ways I like to support my adrenals is by getting light to moderate exercise in, at least 8 hours of sleep starting around 10pm, spending time in prayer or meditation, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and refined sugars. I try to do an adrenal reboot every couple months to makes sure the night owl in me doesn’t lurk.

For more personalized support, schedule a 30 minute free consultation with me. Let’s come up with a plan to discover your best health!