Is Gluten Impeding Our Ability To Heal?

Have you noticed how many foods nowadays seem to have the words 'gluten free' on their packaging? Wonder what all the fuss is about?

It can take a while to comprehend all the information about glutens detrimental effects on our healing ability.

Did you know that experts are now saying that there isn't a single disease that doesn't have an association with gluten sensitivity!

Could gluten be impacting your health?
Most of us were raised on cereals or oats for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, crackers and biscuits for snacks, and pasta for dinner. So you see how easily it becomes to track back how much gluten we've all been ingesting at virtually every meal of our entire lives. Is it a wonder that it's now causing so many problems for so many people?

Initially this topic was overwhelming for me to even consider. Everything I was learning couldn't be true, could it?

The most obvious sources of gluten
Gluten is found in all grains: wheat, barley, rye, oats. Then there's derivatives of these grains like kamut, cous cous, semolina, and others.

And then, there's hidden sources of gluten in dressings, sauces, beer, and other strange places!

Gluten is responsible for the elasticity in texture of products such as breads, pastries, pasta, cereals, cookies.
Let's face it, it sure tastes yummy and one bite is never enough!

The case against gluten
It's difficult to ignore all the negative attention gluten and grains are getting. The case against gluten is very convincing, undeniable actually.

Dr David Perlmutter, author of Grain Brain and recipient of humanitarian of the year award (American College of Nutrition) enlightened the world about the prevalence of gluten sensitivity.

As a neurologist, his area of expertise is the brain and nervous system. Through his indisputable research he discovered the impact that gluten had on every neurological disorder.

From depression, headaches, seizures, autism, MS, ADHD, to Parkinson's, epilepsy, dementia, bipolar, and even suicide.

You can watch a very informative interview with Dr Perlmutter and Dr Mercola here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2oMVzbLewk

In fact ALL inflammatory illnesses were linked back to gluten, because ingestion of gluten causes the gut to launch an inflammatory response, on the body's own tissues and organs!

The inflammatory response starts in the stomach lining. Gluten erodes this lining thus making digestion and absorption difficult.

The symptoms of gluten complications are on a continuum and can range from a mild sensitivity to full blown allergy and intolerance. 

What's 'leaky gut' got to do with it?
This is where the term 'leaky gut' comes from. This term has been used by natural health practitioners for over 100 years, so it's great to see that finally 'leaky gut' has been recognized by the American Gastroenterology Association.

Leaky gut occurs when undigested particles pass thru into the bloodstream, into the brain causing a further irritation and inflammatory havoc. It's not surprising that one of the first areas that people present with are mental symptoms.

All symptoms of allergy seem to indicate a 'leaky gut' issue also.

How prevalent is it?
Apparently hidden gluten sensitivity can be found in epidemic proportions in some populations.

Holistic doctors now widely claim that everyone has gluten sensitivity and experiences sub-clinical symptoms. This is the reason damage that gluten inflicts can go unrecognized for decades.

It is often difficult to diagnose unless serious tissue damage has already occurred. Apparently 70% of gut lining needs to be eroded before it will show up on tests, and it is only then that a doctor will diagnose it as Caeliac.

What symptoms could your body be giving you??
Are you curious to know which 5 areas of the body are most affected? Watch this short explanatory clip here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp6dEfbbWOg


Carbohydrate addiction
Gluten contains a protein called gliadin which acts as an opiate in the brain as explained by Dr William Davis, cardiologist and bestselling author of Wheat Belly.

Apparently that is why it is so difficult to stop eating these carbohydrates (grains) because they have an addictive effect on our brain.

Watch a fascinating interview with Dr Davis where he discuses the effects of wheat here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGpDduReFOw


Is gluten silently sabotaging your best efforts to heal?
Every time you ingest something containing gluten, and for most of us that's at every meal, your immune system thinks gluten is an invader, and attacks.

Once activated, your immune system can get confused and may then attack structures that are similar to gluten. Our body can mistakenly attack glands and tissues and this is how autoimmune conditions develop.

Is gluten free the solution?
The issue of avoiding gluten isn't as simple as it appears, and it can be a challenging journey.

It's important to mention that the reason why many people who go on a gluten free diet don't get the results they are hoping for is due to cross reactivity.

This is mainly because there are many other hidden ingredients, and foods that your body reacts to in a similar way as to gluten.

Also, many commercial 'gluten free' products are very high glyceamic, which can pose more problems for people with insulin resistance.
 
Oh boy, there's so much to be aware of. The more you know, the more you realize you don't know. Where does one start?

I guess this reminds me of the famous quote: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". And that's the only way to look at it.

If you found these insights informative please feel free to subscribe here:
http://www.journeythruwellness.com/my-blog.html



References:
Dr David Perlmutter
http://www.drperlmutter.com/
Dr William Davis 
http://www.wheatbelly.com/
Dr Joseph Mercola
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/23/why-is-wheat-gluten-disorder-on-the-rise.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24077239

5 Body Systems Affected By Gluten: How Gluten Sabotages Your Healing

Can Raw Juices Alleviate Your Symptoms?

Are you noticing a new trend? People who are no longer satisfied with the little information their doctor dispenses about self care? There are masses of people now who intend to take their power back by learning simple habits that can support their body's innate healing powers.

If you are one of those people who feels like suppressing a symptom indefinitely with a pill may not be the answer, then have you heard about raw juicing?

Raw juicing is an easy way to boost your health and help you treat an endless number of disorders. You may have read of people curing themselves of all sorts of debilitating illnesses simply by making this a daily habit.

But how exactly? Why are so many people who are sick and tired of being sick and tired, adding this simple habit into their lifestyle? And what about commercial juices, are they a trustworthy source of good nutrients like their advertisements tell us?

Reasons to include a nutrient dense raw juice in your diet
One of the main reasons is because we are eating so much processed food that has lost most of its nutrients by the time it reaches our mouth.

Many of us are in severe deficit. We may not even connect the dots but our poor energy levels, inability to sleep, think, or maintain a healthy waistline are signals that are becoming harder to ignore.

Let's face it, we are no longer getting optimal nutrition from the foods we are eating. We are no longer eating food, but rather food like products!

Many people walk around for years suffering an undiagnosed mineral and vitamin deficiency. Deficiencies can present in various degrees of severity, depending on how long you've been deficient for, how much stress you are under, overall how 'good' your diet is, and how much nutrients you have 'in reserve'.

For example, a slight vitamin C deficiency initially may present as bleeding gums. Then may progress to dry skin, bumps and bruises that won't heal. Then an unrelenting cough or a cold that goes on for weeks. Perhaps further on as severe fatigue, and adrenal exhaustion.

People then may have to resort to taking a supplement in pill form, and a therapeutic dose to alleviate their symptoms. But sometimes pills can be difficult to break down or absorb. Unlike food in it's natural form, the correct synergistic nutrients often can't be put together in a pill.

Another great reason to add a raw juice daily is to counteract the effects of stress and help our body cope the endless list of pollutants we are exposed to. When we are stressed or exposed to toxins our body has to work harder at eliminating them, and needs more nutrients to maintain a healthy equilibrium.


Did you know?

• Every scent you inhale, goes directly into your lungs where its instantly absorbed into your bloodstream? It then circulates down to your liver to be broken down and eliminated. Many of the chemicals we are bombarded with found in perfume, air fresheners, deodorants, and fabric softeners our liver struggles to detoxify. This causes a big strain on our liver and may lead to signs that our liver is struggling, such as weight gain, constipation, and skin rashes. The nutrients in raw juices can help alleviate these symptoms of toxicity!
• Everything you put on your skin is absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Our skin is the largest organ. Residues of synthetic and harmful chemicals found in body moisturizers, face creams, make up and sunscreen can be found accumulating in our organs. This leads to symptoms ranging from allergies, metabolism dysregulation, and even tumors (e.g. aluminum residues found in biopsies of breast tumors due to the aluminum in deodorants being absorbed via lymphatics in the armpit)  

Benefits of raw juices
Consuming raw juices encourages easy elimination of these toxins and other wastes from the body. Toxins are also stored in fat. That's perhaps another reason why raw juicing is a great way to help lose excess fat.

But over all, raw juices are a powerful way to help the body maintain its balance. Juicing a variety of fresh (preferably organic) produce is also common sense.
  
When we experience symptoms of dis-ease they are just signs we are out of harmony. Raw juices will regulate metabolism, assist with weight loss, boost the immune system, and even prevent aging.

Raw juices also provide instant nutrition. Being fiber free they are rapidly absorbed and go to work immediately. The body receives a boost of antioxidants, essential enzymes, vitamins and minerals that are essential in maintaining optimal health.

Why green?
Green juices cleanse and restore the body, balance metabolism, and have a rejuvenating effect.

Some people don't consider fruit like green apples and pears, part of their 'green' juice. However, I believe that if they are still green colored then they fall under the category of green juice, and contain less sugar then colored fruit.

Green juices help purify the blood, build red blood cells, and heal the body. These actions are especially important for people who experience symptoms of arthritis, obesity, urinary tract infections, constipation, cancer, and many other signs of imbalance.

Green juices are generally lower glyceamic and are less sweeter. Therefore preferable for people with blood sugar irregularities. Green raw juices are packed full of minerals which are alkalizing too. Women with urinary tract infections, gout, or other conditions classified as 'acidic' will find them very beneficial.

Green juices are a rich source of chlorophyll which is the green pigment. Chlorophyll is virtually identical in structure to hemoglobin in our blood. The only difference between chlorophyll and our blood is the central molecule; in blood it's iron, and in chlorophyll it is magnesium!

Please watch this very simple and informative clip of what I like to include daily as part of my prevention plan. I hope it inspires you to try it for yourself. You can see it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAOfZ5PddKc


Why avoid commercial juices?
Many commercial juices are heat treated to lengthen shelf life. Heat destroys many nutrients, including vitamin C and bioflavanoids.

Plastic bottles can leach hormone disrupting constituents into the juice which is bad news.

Commercial juices may also contain added sugars, preservatives, and flavorings. Many are made from concentrate and then are watered down because its more profitable.

Self empowering practice
I like to think of raw juicing as my health insurance. It just seems true to me that my body has an innate healing ability and all it needs is support and care.

I choose to invest in my well being in this way because I find it unacceptable to believe that taking a handful of prescription drugs by middle age is what I have to look forward to.

And always remember that it's important to listen to what your body is telling you. So go by how you feel. Learn to trust your body and what it needs, prefers or doesn't.

Knowledge is power. We are all each others teachers. And I'm excited to continuously be learning new ways to better take care of this one body I've been privileged to receive.

Are you now keen to find out if raw juices could boost your health, or alleviate your symptoms? Why not start today, commit to just a month and see how your body responds!

Please feel free to subscribe. I value your comments, questions, and always love to hear about your experiences.

www.journeythruwellness.com

Are You Missing Opportunities For More Love In Your Life?

We all look for it, long to experience it, and want to prolong it for as long as possible. Love is a powerful force.

Can you clearly recall a point in your life when love gave you a sense deep of purpose? When you were inspired to do so much more than you thought you were capable of? When you felt courageous, strong, and nothing could deter you? When love gave you hope, limitless patience that you never thought you had? Or when love made it easier for you to forgive someone?

I was inspired to write this blog because I heard a statement the other day that really struck me. Probably because it was a perspective about love that I hadn't really paid too much attention to.

The words "All human suffering is due to a deficiency of love" resonated deeply. I stopped to think about its simplicity and truth.

I started to ponder in all the ways in which we suffer because of a supposed lack of love.

And a more empowering question came to mind; are there opportunities that we miss or unknowingly reject?? How can we say "yes" to love?

According to quantum physics what we focus on brings it into our experience. Then why do we spend so much time complaining, discussing in great detail, replaying in our mind painful stories of heartbreak? Why do we want endless validation of our past hurts, disappointments, and betrayals?

We seem to wear our emotional wounds like badges. I know, I've definitely spent a lot of time there too. And I do understand the value of validation. But there comes a point in our lives when we've just had enough of reliving past wounds. 

I recall Ekhart Tolle saying "suffering is only necessary until you realize it is unnecessary".

That really woke me up. I started to become aware of all the ways I was still choosing to suffer and dwell on how much love was missing in my life.

I started to consciously change my focus and wonder; how can we become more present of these opportunities for love, how can we welcome them? Perhaps by being more aware of all the ways in which love presents itself to us?

Are you missing these subtle opportunities?
I encourage you to 'see the world with new eyes' and observe all the different ways people express their love to you.

Be present as these moments occur. Honor them. This is creating a space for love and welcoming more love into your life.

Examples of love we frequently overlook every day

• Someone walking by, looking at us kindly, acknowledging us in the street as we pass each other. Saying a polite "hello", choosing to extend to us a moment of presence. Their gesture meaning "I see you". Acknowledgement and validation, no matter how brief, are expressions of love. We've all had the experience of being ignored, so why not choose to see this brief validation through loving eyes?
• Someone giving way to us in traffic. Extending patience. Recognizing that we may be in a rush. Extending consideration to us. Putting our priorities and time ahead of theirs. A brief gesture of kindness and putting someone else first, is an expression of love.
• A waitress, barista, or receptionist smiling and saying "thank you" when we exchange payment for their help, services, or product. Their moment of presence is an expression of love.
• A stranger at the dog park starts a conversation by showing interest in your pet, reaching out for a moment of shared connection. Or a woman at the cafe stops to ask you about the book she noticed you were reading. Choosing to pay attention and genuinely extending interest in another person can be an opportunity to express love. 
• Your new friend invites you over for lunch and makes a meal she remembered you said was your favorite. But although you say thank you, you are quick to start discussions of your issues, problems, and clearing what weighs on your mind. Why miss the opportunity to overlook her loving gesture? Take this moment to stop, give her undivided attention and heartfelt recognition of the effort she's gone to... for you. Appreciation inspires others to want to share even more with you. Love cannot exist without gratitude.

What we see depends on what we look for

These are only small examples of ways in which we miss opportunities to experience more love.

Be attentive of all the different ways loving actions, kindness, patience, and compassion are extended to you. Treasure these small opportunities and soon life will reveal even more.

Although love is something that we feel and experience, I believe that love is what we actually ARE.
I propose that it's most empowering to consider love as a way of being, rather than just an action.

Loving experiences only remind us of our true nature. That's why it feels so good and familiar, to love and be loved.

I believe that opportunities to experience more love are everywhere but, only if we choose to notice.
What seemingly hidden opportunities could you be overlooking in your daily life?

Thanks for reading my expressions of my current internal processes. I hope it was helpful and clarifying to you.

If this information resonated with you, please feel free to subscribe to YouTube or blog by clicking the icons above.
www.journeythruwellness.com

Illuminating Self Love: 5 Vital Questions We All Need To Ask

The concept of self love is foreign to most of us, especially women who have traditionally been the care takers for generations. This particular blog was prompted by some challenges I recently have been facing regarding this very topic.

Personally, it has been very confronting to consider self love. How do I love me? How do I look after me? How do I show others how to care for me, what's acceptable? What are my preferences, what are my limitations?

I was recently immobilized by a health crisis that brought this very important issue to the surface. I interpreted this as the Universe's way telling me to completely stop. Cease doing. Just BE.

I had to learn to ask, learn to receive, and feel deserving of all the support that I actually had. I had to become comfortable with this feeling of uncomfortability!

In retrospect, it was a seemingly short but intense time of learning, looking at my beleifs about my own self worth, and how much love do I believe I deserve to experience.

Vital Questions To Ask Yourself
So I ask you now to take an internal inventory and ask yourself the following 5 questions regarding self love.

I hope you find this inquiry enlightening, revealing, and that these questions stimulate your conscious consideration.
Just observe your initial reaction, feelings, and self talk:

1. How do you feel, respond when someone gives you a compliment? Do you feel awkward, act ambivalent, are quick to dismiss, or minimize their expression? Can you take a moment, validate that person, and perhaps see this as a gesture of love they are wanting to share with you? Can you fully acknowledge and recognize their truth, that they have glimpsed the true nature of you? And that feels uncomfortable to you because it's not what you believe about yourself? How quick are you to reject being in that vulnerable moment of receiving? If you find it challenging then perhaps just begin to feel their loving intention behind the words.
   
    
2. Have you set aside a special regular time, a ritual that makes you feel good about being in your body? A monthly massage? 10 minutes in the morning in meditation, appreciating all that you are, all that you have been blessed with? How about, a regular green juice that you know nourishes you and makes you feel good? Do you pay an extra $5 for the organic option on a menu because its an investment in your physical wellbeing? Do you devote regular time to be alone, sitting and being, perhaps journalling? Do you limit your time around people that drain you energetically?
   
   
3. Are you able to lovingly assert yourself? Set boundaries on what you will and won't do? Can you be firm with your decisions? Your "no" meaning "no", without justifying, explaining or guilt?
4. Do you recognize and appreciate your uniqueness? Or, do feel guilty because you struggle to conform to society's version of 'normal'? Is your life, work, and relationships based on your personal preferences? Or do you politely go along with the crowd, your family, or religion not wanting to cause waves or feel rejected? 
5. Are you critical of your physical appearance? Your level of education? Where you are in life right now? Do you berate yourself and compare yourself to others? Are you quick to find faults and your inner self talk is very judgmental? Do you walk around feeling not good enough?
   

What If You ARE Enough?
I truly believe that self love is the experience of total self acceptance. We keep living our lives as if "one day in the future we will be perfect and then...". This is a false premise. This is not conducive of self love.

We don't have to be something more. We are enough. Right this moment.

It's time that we begin to consciously hear how we speak to ourselves. To learn to be more gentle, loving, forgiving, and accepting.

Self love implies that we are enough, we are lovable just as we are. Not once we lose 10 kilos, once we get that promotion, once we've whitened our teeth more, or finished our degree.

Effects Of Self Love
I'm also suspecting that the more we love ourselves, the more people will feel loved by us.

Aren't we all drawn to loving people? Accepting, patient, kind, non judgmental, these are all such attractive qualities! Can we express these to ourselves?

I certainly admit that I may have a long way to go, that I've just began learning consciously about what it means to love ME.

But I've definitely grasped the importance of if. And am humbly conceding that I hid behind my busy life, self imposed obligations, and imagined expectations for far too long.

We are all evolving at our own unique pace. We are undoubtedly deserving of our own attention and nurturing. If we don't love ourselves we will forever be seeking, expecting it from external sources.

We need to embody love, choose loving thoughts because the way we speak to ourselves matters. Express loving behaviors and start living more from that space of awareness. It all starts when we love ourselves enough, first...

Please feel free to subscribe to my blogs and Youtube channel. I value your comments, suggestions, and feedback about your experiences regarding this topic..
 
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How To Eradicate Sugar Addiction & Suppress Appetite With One Crucial Nutrient!?

Let's face it, who doesn't love chips, bread, pastries, cakes and soft drinks sometimes? But for some of us it's become an addiction that we can't seem to stop! A refined carbohydrate was meant to be a 'sometimes' food choice but now it has veered into the category of an 'all the time' food obsession!

So many people are diagnosed with poor glucose metabolism, are pre-diabetic, or taking medication to help them manage this lifestyle that's so challenging to get a hold of?!

What if a simple mineral deficiency was at cause? What if supplementation for a short period of time could be the answer to all your prayers? And why isn't it as well known as vitamin C, or zinc?

Because it's regarded as 'non essential'. But until you are in the full grip of a sugar addiction, this mineral really becomes essential to your ability to break the habit.

I'm passionate about this particular subject because I have personally experienced the life of a type 1 diabetic for over three decades. My whole life has consisted of being a guinea pig, attempting to get one step closer to maintaining balance of my blood sugar levels.

I have experienced some amazing results with several supplements that have impacted my quality of life significantly. It's my intention to share my experiences so others can benefit, to discus products that are affordable, easily accessible, and effective.

Most people sabotage their weight loss efforts because of the evening 'slump' in blood glucose levels and that's when the hunger for a carbs hit hard.

It's not so much the complex 'good' carbs but the fast, refined carbs that leave us wanting more, and more. The spike in blood glucose levels sets the stage for a serious addiction.

In fact, the more refined carbs we eat, the more deficient we will be in this mineral. The reason for this is because it is needed to metabolize carbohydrates.

So the nutrient that I honestly have to say that's made the biggest difference in my ability to cut my sugar and carbohydrate addiction is chromium
See my favorite chromium here!


This nutrient can be found in most combination weight loss products because it helps you to utilize glucose better. In therapeutic doses it can suppress hunger and cut your carb cravings entirely.

It certainly does this for me and that's why I'm keen to let others know who are tired of sabotaging their weight loss efforts.

People who have poor glucose metabolism also experience severe fatigue, brain fog, and other associated symptoms with that exhausting roller coaster ride we call unstable blood sugar levels.

As we know, long term high blood sugar levels set the stage for more serious complications such as blindness, neuropathy, and amputation.

Chromium is a co-factor in the action of insulin, meaning it sensitizes your body to it's own insulin. It helps insulin to transfer glucose from the blood into the cells for energy. This fact about chromium is absolutely essential for all type 2 diabetics to be aware of.

Whats also great about chromium is that it helps maintain muscle mass. So if you have been training at the gym, you should have this nutrient on your radar!

I've put together a short clip which helps you understand a little bit more about how chromium could impact your wellness. Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Bv_OOthQg&feature=youtu.be

Just like with any other mineral, it's a good idea to take with food and with your regular multi vitamin/ mineral supplement. Try it for a month and see if you notice a difference!

Please seriously consider sharing this information about chromium with anyone you love who has glucose metabolism issues, such as diabetes, is overweight and struggles with sugar addiction.

Feel free to leave a comment or share your experience below. I appreciate your feedback because I believe we are all here to learn from each other.

For those interested in purchasing the Now Chromium Picolinate mentioned in my Youtube clip please use this code to receive $10 off your first order:
http://www.iherb.com?rcode=JOV897

Subscribe to my blogs or YouTube channel for further enlightening information I look forward to sharing!

HSP And The Price Of Self Betrayal

Highly Sensitive People often minimize discomfort and messages from their body about situations they're not happy about.

Do you remember a time in your past when you were at a job you absolutely loathed? Do you remember the gut wrenching thoughts you were having before you went to bed each night, when you woke each morning, how your body felt walking into that work place? How much tension you were holding each and every day you tried to convince yourself you like it there, that its not so bad?

Now fast forward to the day you knew you were going to quit. The relief you felt when you faced your fear and courageously told your boss when your last day will be. Remember the tremendous sense of weight being taken off your shoulders, the ease you felt as you finally walked out?

What are acts of self betrayal?

Recalling events like these in our mind helps us remember how much energy it takes to live a lie. I'm sure many HSP  can relate to experiences like this.

Whether its going to a party we didn't really want to go to, or enduring another Christmas with relatives whose company we didn't enjoy, or pretending the new guy we're dating is a prospective boyfriend.

These are all examples of the numerous times we lie to ourselves. This self betrayal is the worst kind of deception. When our body and conscience says one thing, but our ego mind convinces us of the exact opposite.

Our body is an instrument attuned to truth. It communicates with us constantly via sensations. We either feel good or not so good.

Highly Sensitive People feel truth or deception acutely. This is our gift.

It only begins to feel like a curse if we try to ignore or supress the messages.

Lying to ourselves about what we know is truth costs us dearly. The longer we live these lies, the louder the messages we receive from from our body in physical signs of discomfort and dis-ease.

Life IS meant to be good for us. I love the affirmation: "You will know your path by the ease of it".

Bumps in the road, indisputable signs from our body offer us opportunities to be truthful with ourselves. Does this bring us joy? Are we really happy? Are we pleasing others, or fear displeasing them or the system? Are we fearful of making waves? How easily can we identify what we want or don't want?

Each choice we make, fail to make, or ignore is like a temperature gauge. Are we getting warmer and closer to living life authentically? Or are we getting colder and further away from living life on our terms?

The moment we are able to tell the truth, the faster our healing will begin. Whether its a job, relationship or our health. Notice the signs life is giving you. If things are difficult, are you forcefully pushing through it, or are you stopping to listen and be aware of how you truly feel?

Do you know a Highly Sensitive woman like this...?

Take for example the loving, sacrificing, people pleasing woman we all love. She gives her all to her family, children, job and partner. Everyone's needs come before hers.

After years of endless giving, she starts getting tired but ignores her own body's needs because she doesn't want to disappoint anyone.

She notices she is gaining weight because she soothes her stress with over eating comfort foods. She develops other symptoms such as severe muscle tension, migraines and indigestion that make it difficult to keep up the pace shes used to.

She suffers shame, guilt and self hatred for her body because it just wont do what it used to. She imagines people won't love her because she can no longer do as much as in the past. But she still keeps going. She has an imagined image to uphold.

Shortly thereafter she's diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Supposedly 'out of the blue' her unobservant friends say. She struggles to accept help from her loved ones. She's never been shown how to receive.

She continues to ignore these signs from her body, and is surprised that a year later her doctor diagnoses her with suspicious breast issues that must be investigated further.

Only then, is she forced to surrender and reluctantly receive help. She now begins learning the importance of nurturing herself, and the foreign concept of self love.

At what point could she have started telling the truth, to herself? Are you one of these women? At what point could she have honored her body and listened?

Are you listening to the indisputable signs?

How many of us aren't listening? What subtle signs have you been getting to quit that job and follow your heart? What is your body telling you when you notice yourself losing energy around a certain person?

When do you notice that you feel alive with an endless supply of vitality? Who do you feel good around? What activity happily keeps you up til 2am? What enthusiastic ideas get you jumping out of bed in the morning?

We can continue lying to ourselves and pretend that it's a total surprise when we finally get a serious diagnosis, or an 'accident' occurs bringing our life to a halt. Prolonged self betrayal can come at a high price.

We may not want to confront our truth but life has an interesting way of showing us exactly when we are on track, or when we aren't.

How much longer can you betray yourself?

So many of HSP are on that treadmill. Predominantly doing things that we don't want to admit to ourselves we aren't completely happy with.

We tend to see illness as a bad thing, to be cut out and medicated, so we can continue on our merry way toward a denied Self destruction.

We get angry when illness slows us down. We take another pill and 'soldier on'. Its as if care of our body is a hindrance to our unrelenting ego.

Don't wait for more serious signs to get your attention. Have a heart to heart with yourself. Reassess whether the goals you set last year are still relevant to you today. Ask yourself where you need to cut ties, and with whom.

Its ok to change your mind. Its ok to slow down, re evaluate, or downsize. Don't betray yourself for a moment longer.

Many of us get to a certain age and wonder why we spent so many years in careers that cost us our health, and precious friendships.

Or why we invested so much of ourselves in dead end relationships with unsuitable partners we knew should've ended sooner.

Time is precious. Spend it wisely. Only on things that bring YOU joy and fulfillment.

Your body is your temple and the only vehicle you have to navigate this lifetime. Treat it lovingly and kindly.

You don't have wait for permission from a doctors diagnosis, to stop doing things you don't enjoy.

Please subscribe for more inspiring clips for Highly Sensitive People here.

From Bitter To Better: How Has Trauma Transformed You?

We have all experienced trauma, its part of the human condition. Most people consider trauma a one time event. We consider it traumatic to have had experienced the loss of a loved one, a life changing accident, rape, sexual or physical abuse, loss of a job or relationship, for example.

There is also trauma that is more insidious that slowly chips away at our self esteem, our goodness. This form of trauma is very subtle, and its rarely recognized for the negative impact it has. Because our self worth is eroded slowly day by day, we learn to accept that this is normal. That is the long term effects of daily traumatic experiences of being in a long term toxic relationship, or being chronically bullied, for example.

Trauma is very personal to every individuals perception, so not validating someone else’s experience as traumatic for them, is actually an act of re-traumatization.

Trauma is associated with a shattering betrayal of some sort. The way a person experiences, or survives a trauma needs to be respected, certainly not dismissed or minimized in any way. 

When we experience a trauma we become disconnected from our bodies, so we struggle to be fully present. There seems to be a constant sense of nostalgia that we carry, which feel like a loss of something. That something, is our Authentic Self.

Trauma scrambles our sense of right and wrong. It shatters our sense of trust, of security in something or someone we previously believed in. Trauma frequently may express itself via a physical or psychological illness.

Trauma forces us to perceive our life in a different way. It compels us to re-evaluate our perception. And it is in this realization that we face a big fork in the road, so to speak.

Our belief and trust has been shattered, and we have two options. To get justifiably bitter, and remain a victim. Or, we can empower ourselves by gradually learning to possibly see this trauma as a way to totally alter our perception of 'reality' and, go inward.

I certainly can relate to this when after two decades of perceived friendships, goodwill, and consistency of a religion I was raised in since childhood, suddenly withdrew all support. 

The sense of isolation, rejection, and guilt was soul crushing. I knew I was a good person but to all those people I loved, my hearts choice to no longer blindly follow their chosen religion was seen as an act of rebellion against God. And I was severely punished, and shunned.

It took me many years to put this experience into a greater perspective. I’m still realizing valuable lessons and gaining wisdom from that crushing experience, and several other traumas that altered my whole world.

I believe trauma calls us to rebuild ourselves from the inside, to learn to trust our inner senses more. To survive a traumatic event we have to begin to see it through our soul's eyes. Nothing on the outside makes sense, what has happened is totally irrational and there is no justifiable reason for the horrific things we may have endured.

When we experience trauma its the beginning of an awakening process. Its almost like our bubble, what we thought was real, what we relied on, has burst. Our exterior world has been annihilated.

We start to recall all the times when possibly we dismissed urging from our intuition that something wasn't right. A subtle but uncomfortable feeling, a certain tone of voice, an inappropriate behaviour, for example. 

Sometimes there’s no signs at all. No matter how many times we replay the event back in our mind, there are no clues whatsoever.

Because our trust in the outter world has been destroyed we start to hear, and begin to trust our Inner voice more than ever before. And this can truly be traumas biggest blessing. Our biggest opportunity for our evolution.

Trauma can accelerate our ability to be compassionate toward others in ways we were never before. We can connect to others from such a deep place in our heart. Trauma can awaken a deep sense of love, and can even speed up our realization of life purpose.

It can take a long time to begin to depersonalize from our experience of trauma. 

If you are challenged by a traumatic event, are you able to step back and perhaps see all the insight we've gained because of that occurrence? 

 

What helped me gain a wider perspective of some extremely harrowing traumas that I experienced was the new story that I had to tell myself. I began to consider beliefs which helped me survive.

One such story that I live with is that I am an immortal Soul. That this is just one lifetime. It doesn't end for me here, even though the illusion of an aging body seems convincing some days.

The trauma I experienced of watching my mum die excruciatingly of cancer for four years really helped me adopt this belief. I don’t think, I now know, she is an immortal being and with me. I know we are bound by our love.

I remember moments that we both shared of being in a space of seeming eternity. Beyond the horrors of what was going on physically, it was as if she was untouchable. Her loving presence in those ghastly and incomprehensible moments confirmed my belief in a non physical reality.

The trauma of being forced to let go of the identification of the body I recognized as my mum was very painful. I had to go In and embrace new beliefs to be able to survive this shattering transition. 

Regarding perpetrators of trauma, I'm now choosing to believe that they really don’t know what they are doing. They truly must be in a dark place themselves. Unaware, disconnected, perhaps coerced by their own unexamined beliefs. Only hurt people, hurt other people.

So my journey continues. I know I need to transcend my ego, my anger, rage and bitterness, and see all trauma through my Higher Self's eyes. Trauma seems to be our calling to awaken to spirit. 

I've also come to the conclusion that by me not being able to change my perspective of trauma I'm further hurting myself by repeating the story internally. I must change the story to keep it from re-truamatizing myself. The past is the past, and I refuse to let it take away from the brilliant life I have now. 

Yes its easier said than done. But I have learned to ask for help and there are amazing people and therapies that can help us crawl out of that deep hole called trauma. We don't have to be alone in our healing.

I can choose to stay bitter for the rest of my life, or get better, expand my heart space beyond what I thought I was capable of.

It is challenging and takes commitment. But every day, and with every conscious thought, I'm being compassionate toward myself We are all walking each other home.

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How Stress Makes You Fat

How many of us have tried the latest diet shake, the newest pill, diuretic, and appetite suppressant promising to make us look just like the 18 year old in the advertisement? Who hasn't bought a ridiculous amount of very appealing sports equipment that promised to turn your body into a sculpture after 8 weeks?

I certainly have enthusiastically joined a gym too many times to mention, only to be too exhausted to regularly attend. I suffered guilt not only from thinking of all the money I wasted but that I must be  lazy and unmotivated.

What it took me years to realize is that most of us were never taught about the significant missing link between stress, our adrenals working optimally and how that impacts our ability to maintain our weight within the normal range.

What I'm about to share with you really changed my life and my ability to be compassionate, toward myself and others. It often isn't as simple as taking a pill or exercising til we drop.

Is there a correlation between fat and being stressed? Our bodies are wise. Consider the following and see if you can connect the dots about what your body could be telling you:

• Stress stimulates our 'fight or flight' reflex and our adrenals release stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This is only meant to last briefly and not to be a permanent response. Most of us however, live with chronic stress permanently. Whether its is physical, psychological, or emotional stress, the response is a hyper arousal of our nervous system. 
• Cortisol is the hormone that activates fat being stored in your mid section. So development of belly fat, or saggy tummy is a sign of chronically elevated levels of stress hormones. If you've done thousands of sit ups with not much result of your abs showing, remember this!
  
• Stress is cumulative. A typical 20 year old levels of cortisol are significantly lower than a 50 year old who is menopausal, has a chronic illness, is juggling a busy career and family obligations. That's why supposedly, as we get older we tend to get fatter! 
• With excess stress your adrenals lose sodium. So you may experience salt cravings. Sodium is an electrolyte and therefore your hydration levels will be affected. You may feel or look dehydrated, or experience water retention especially around the ankles. Water retention or looking 'puffy' could be a sign from your adrenals, not an indication that your diet failed you! Dehydration can also present as constipation, which is significant for balanced weight.
• If you don't have sufficient sodium your muscles will tighten, you can notice this especially with the largest muscles, your thighs. They may tighten, and atrophy. You may experience twitching, restless legs, or struggle to walk up stairs like you used to, or get up from a seated position without your thighs aching. You may observe that perhaps your thighs aren't as muscly as they used to be, seem to have shrunk, or your legs are losing shape.
• If you're excessively adrenalized, along with sodium you may also lose other important electrolytes such as potassium. The interesting fact about potassium is that its necessary for proper heart function therefore blood pressure issues may present, alongside palpitations and even chest pain. 
• Adrenals control blood flow to the heart, so there will be a constriction in that area, also constriction of coronary arteries. This constriction in the chest will pull on the neck and shoulder muscles, tension experienced particularly between the shoulder blades is a common sign.
• Long term stress causes digestive system issues. You may not be able to absorb nutrients from food and supplements. If you are not absorbing nutrients you may crave certain foods or have an excessive appetite, in an effort to get those nutrients. For example, chocolate cravings could indicate a need for magnesium, crunchy chips a need for sodium, and deep fried foods for essential fatty acids. Comfort eating and self soothing by choosing calorie high and nutrient poor foods can also become a habit to manage stress. 
  
• Chronic stress dis-regulates our hormonal system and metabolism. There is an undeniable link between hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency.
• Excessive exercise stresses the adrenals further. If it takes you a significantly longer amount of time to recover from exercise, if you seem to catch a 'cold' after exercise, or even if the thought of vigorous exercise makes you fatigued, take note. Not all exercise is appropriate for everybody. Yes, exercise can help with stress management but not if you are pushing your adrenals beyond their current levels of capability.

Managing your stress levels may be the best weight loss advice you have ever heard. Most people's bodies today are seriously struggling with the unrelenting demands of just every day life.

Holidays are too often postponed and the value of relaxation, restoration and convalescence has almost been made obsolete.

We need stimulants just to get out of bed and to get on the tread mill that society has become reluctantly accustomed to.

Before you try another weight loss diet, shake or pill, remember to be kind to your adrenals first. Your life is dependent on these glands for survival. The above mentioned symptoms may be serious clues from your adrenals.

I believe that most of us are not simply fat, we're just over adrenalized! Before we judge anyone as being 'fat' perhaps we could view them with compassion and consider they may be utterly overburdened with stress?

If this subject resonated with you and you're interested in learning more about wellness, please subscribe to YouTube or to receive blogs by clicking on the icons above.

Vitamin C: How Can This Remarkable Nutrient Help You?

Vitamin C is such an important nutrient that has been researched extensively over many decades. And many amazing facts keep getting unveiled. Are you keen to learn some more fascinating findings that could increase the quality of your life?

Humans are unable to produce their own vitamin C and have lost their ability due to a non functional gene. Most mammals are able to produce their own vitamin C as a metabolite of glucose in the liver.

Guinea pigs, primates and humans however, are unable to produce this important vitamin.  This is the reason why we must get our vitamin C from external sources.

However even if you are consuming organic vegetables and fruit, you may not be consuming enough vitamin C to sufficiently cover your body's needs. And most of us who are health conscious can clearly taste that conventional food isn't what it used to be 30 years ago.

Eating an orange in the 1950's would not have the same nutritional value as eating an orange today. Once you buy it at your local supermarket, most likely that orange has been sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, transported thousands of kilometers, possibly stored for months at a time, refrigerated, and then sold to you. I think you get the picture about declining nutritional value of our food.

If you are elderly, have a chronic illness, are experiencing stress, have recurring infections, are exposed to environmental toxins, live in a major city, and other factors most of us are exposed to in this day and age, you will have a higher need for this particular antioxidant.

History of vitamin C research and medicinal use
Two time recipient of the Nobel Peace Price, Dr Linus Pauling was influential in making everyone aware of the importance of vitamin C and its ability to enhance the immune system.

He was the pioneer of orthomolecular medicine which uses megadoses of vitamins.

Dr Linus Pauling was successfully treating people suffering from numerous illnesses with intravenous vitamin C, with pharmacological doses of up to 100,000 gm! He claimed that the more serious the condition, the more vitamin C the person required.

 
If you would like to read more about intravenous vitamin C therapy please read the fascinating published documents of Dr. Klenner, in which EVERY disease is healed by this therapy.

Clinical Guide To The Use Of Vitamin C written by Dr. Fredrick Klenner, was a medical researcher and also a pioneer in orthomolcular medicine.

More recently the worlds most renowned vitamin C researcher Dr Ronald Hunninghake continues to research and successfully treat people via intravenous (IV) vitamin C with amazing results.

Watch a brilliant interview with Dr Mercola and Dr Ronald Hunninghake on his ground breaking work with vitamin C here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL56766D98C0433796&v=vzeZ8u5W6iw


Fascinating facts about vitamin C you may not know!

•  According to research men have a 20% higher requirement for vitamin C than women!

• Regarding getting your vitamin C from food, always remember that the more colorful your diet, the higher it will be in bioflavanoids and cartenoids which will naturally increase availability of vitamin C. 

• Studies show that vitamin C is the best antioxidant within the plasma or fluid of the body primarily because it is water soluble.

• Vitamin C has the ability to regenerate vitamin E and intracellular glutathione so they can be used again and again 

• Analgesics, alcohol, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and steroids reduce the levels of vitamin C in the body. 

• Smoking causes a serious depletion of vitamin C.

• Vitamin C is highly concentrated in the fluid within the eye and is a very important nutrient for the retina. 

• Vitamin C is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine and phenylalanine

• Vitamin C increases absorption of iron.

• Studies confirm that vitamin C does NOT cause kidney stones.

• Vitamin C can combine with toxic substances, such as certain heavy metals, and render them harmless so they can be safely eliminated by the body.

• Essential in the formation of collagen, so a deficiency has implication for everyone that is aging or experiencing a decline in health.

• Promotes the healing of wounds, bruising and burns.

• Avoid chewable forms of vitamin C as these can damage tooth enamel due to the ascorbic acid.

• Works synergystically with both vitamin E and betacarotene, which means when these vitamins work together they have an effect even greater than the sum of their individual effects. Vitamin E scavengers for free radicals in cell membranes, whilst vitamin C attacks free radicals in biologic fluids. They both reinforce and extend each others antioxidant activity.

• Vitamin C can concentrate in the tissue and fluid around the brain and nerves. It's able to pass through the blood brain barrier. This barrier protects our brain by acting as a filter so no toxins can cross and only essential nutrients can pass.

• Vitamin C promotes bone and tooth formation and growth, improves appetite, raises resistance to infection and bacterial toxins, keeps blood vessels in a healthy condition, protects the heart, distributes and diffuses calcium to tissues from the blood and is necessary for normal adrenal function.

• Bioflavanoids (hesperedin, rutin, citrin) work concurrently with vitamin C and together are known as vitamin P. They have a strengthening effect on capillary walls and act as anticoagulants and are antihistamine. 

• Bioflavanoids are important because they prevent the destruction of vitamin C in the body by oxidation, and are beneficial in supporting the roles of vitamin C which they also share.

Broken capillaries indicating possible deficiency

What is esterfied vitamin C, also known as Ester C?
It is created by having the vitamin C react with a mineral, such as sodium, calcium, potassium or zinc. This results in a non acidic form of vitamin C, which contains metabolites identical to those produced in the body. 

Esterfied vitamin C allows the person to take higher doses because its in the non acidic form which won't irritate the gut.

Large amounts of ascorbic acid alternatively, can irritate the gut and lead to diarrhea, also known as 'bowel tolerance'. Once you reach 'bowel tolerance' that is your maximum absorption dose. This will vary with each individual. That's why smaller divided doses are always advised. 

Apparently esterfied vitamin C enters the bloodstream and tissues four times faster than standard forms of vitamin C because it is able to move into the blood cells much more efficiently. It is also able to stay in the body tissues longer. 

The levels of vitamin C in white blood cells were much higher than those levels achieved with non esterfied vitamin C. And, only one third as much was lost through the urine. So esterfied vitamin C showed to be retained by the body faster, for longer periods of time.

For a while the public went off the buffered forms of vitamin C (ie Ester C) because it was rumored that it may have been oxidized. However based on Dr Hunninghakes expertise in this area, those claims have been proven untrue.

What about liposomal vitamin C?
Because vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and our cell walls consist of fat this makes it difficult for it to pass into the cell where its needed. 

Liposomes are tiny “nano-size” fat soluble vehicles that can carry a nutrient directly into the body’s cells.

Liposomal vitamin C once swallowed is predominantly taken up by the lymphatic system in the stomach, so its absorption rate is significantly higher than standard vitamin C, it is absorbed directly by the cell. 

In this way it super charges the immune system directly. Larger doses won't irritate the gut, cause diarrhea or be lost in the urine.  

For these reasons, liposomal technology is considered to be the most efficient way to deliver high curative doses.

Dr Thomas Levy, another expert in vitamin C therapy, claims that 6 grams of liposomal vitamin C is equivalent to 50 grams intravenous.

You can purchase sachets of Lipo-spheric Vitamin C here!


Or,  learn to make your own lipospheric vitamin C here!

Research and studies are still being conducted and we are learning new things about this humble vitamin every day. Its exciting to always be learning more about how we can support our body through specific nutrients and what marvelous ways we can nurture our health.

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