What's The Fastest Way To Heal Digestion Problems?

Digestive symptoms can be caused by many things. From wrong food choices, allergens and sensitivities, over eating, food poisoning, and even stress.

If you're like me, you see the value of trying something natural before you start taking more drastic measures and turn to drugs.

'First do no harm' sounds like a very reasonable place to start.

So what's the fastest way to heal digestion problems? Well, aside from taking into consideration all the obvious causes, the answer is a digestive tonic.

A digestive tonic is a concoction of herbs that regulate the organs of digestion.

My favorite of all time is absolutely Swedish Bitters. Surprisingly, it's a really brilliant digestive remedy that many people have never heard of.

Swedish Bitters is a combination of herbs that obviously are bitter. So how do they work exactly?

One main method of healing digestion is simply by their bitter taste.

When we taste bitter it stimulates a reflex in our brain. Our brain then signals our digestive such as our salivary glands to start producing saliva, our stomach to start producing gastric acid, and our pancreas to start secreting enzymes.

Most of us in the West probably can't even remember eating something bitter! It's like the taste has been eliminated from our diet. And that is unfortunate because this is exactly how bitter herbs regulate movement our whole digestive process, and enhance our ability to absorb food.

Swedish Bitters has an impressive and long history of use. The famous alchemist, botanist, and toxicologist Paracelsus used this recipe back in the 15th century!

I have personally uses Swedish Bitters since I was a child. My mum cured my earaches, sore throats, coughs, and acne all with this ancient herbal concoction.

It wasn't til years later when I studied Herbal Medicine that I learned about the true value of herbal synergy.

The way in which certain combination of herbs work together, and the sum total magically has a much more powerful effect than using those herbs individuality.

Swedish Bitters has that magical synergy.

The combination of herbs can help heal most digestive symptoms within minutes. From indigestion, bloating, abdominal fullness, constipation, to heartburn.

It contains a herb that acts as a gentle laxative to stimulate detoxification via the bowel, thus easing constipation.

It helps regulate appetite, and is really great in supporting liver function. These are also very helpful actions for people needing herbal support with their weight loss efforts.

I have certainly seen and personally experienced Swedish Bitters relieving digestive problems fast.

It's as simple as a teaspoon in 150ml of warm water, either 20 before a meal. Or, if you have a sudden onset of digestive upset, a dose straight after the meal is very soothing on most occasions too.

Please remember that if the problem reoccurs, or persists, we have to honestly look at the probable causes.

Swedish Bitters taken over a longer term period of a couple of months can do an excellent job at nourishing, and balancing the function of the entire digestive tract too.

This honestly has been one of my favorite 'first aid' digestive remedies for about 30 years.

Swedish Bitters has many other applications but regarding healing digestion problems, it's definitely my number one go to product.

Please watch my latest product review of two brands of Swedish Bitters here

Swedish Bitters: Heal Your Digestion Fast!

How To Recongnize A Highly Sensitive Child (HSC)

Did you know that apparently 1 in 5 children is born with a heightened sensitivity?! Were you a Highly Sensitive Child? Do you care for a child who displays these sometimes peculiar behaviours?

It means that they have a sensitive nervous system and are acutely aware of subtleties in their surroundings. They are also more prone to being much more receptive to stimulation.

And whether they will experience and perceive this heightened sensitivity as an advantage, or disadvantage later in life will be dependent on many factors.

The most profound being: a caregivers ability to recognize these characteristics and help that child navigate this sometimes harsh world.

Apparently according to a Harvard study on the trait of 'sensitivity' when these children were infants they experienced allergies, insomnia, constipation, and colic much more frequently than the 'average' child who was not considered as 'sensitive'.

Would we be justified to conclude that the higher levels of stress that these children perceived and experienced had a profound impact on their health?

Common Characteristics Of Highly Sensitive Children

I must confess I don't have children but I was a Highly Sensitive Child.

And I can confirm that I endured many situations that were extremely stressful for me, but not anyone else.

Noise. Light. Certain smells. Certain foods. The way some people 'felt' when I was in their presence.

A tone which sounded absolutely unbearable in my head. It was as if the volume was turned up to maximum on certain things.

The sound of traffic, especially loud motor bikes and trucks just overwhelmed me to the point where momentarily I felt physically sick (and still do!)

I felt nauseous and lost my appetite if I saw an animal suffering. I felt like my heart was going to explode when I felt tension from people who suppressed their fear, trauma, or rage.

Highly Sensitive Children have low tolerance for artificial colours, flavors, and processed foods.

And spending extended periods in artificial environments can cause stress and anxiety.

Their inability to express the specific cause of their suffering or discomfort may be very confusing to them, and anyone observing their seemingly inappropriate response.

HSC's are easily overwhelmed by many things, and feel stress for a more prolonged period of time.

They need more quiet time than others.

Being in nature is very soothing to their irritated nervous system. And the company of a pet is very restorative.

Importance Of An Empathetic Care Giver

Looking back now, growing up as a Highly Sensitive Child was very challenging.

Especially since forty years ago this subject was completely unknown to most people. Except if you had a highly intuitive and empathetic mother.

I'm grateful I had a mother like that. She did her best, she was quick to observe my overwhelm and inability to cope.

She never forced me to socialise or made feel there was something wrong with me because I loved spending most of my time quietly by myself, usually surrounded by a mountain of books!

My only regret is that I missed the opportunity to thank her for all those subtle things she recognise, which made a significant difference to me. She died a coupe of years ago. She too was a HSP.

We share a special connection with those like us, Highly Sensitive others. We are able to wordlessly communicate and 'sense' their loving essence.

It gives me some comfort though, to be able to share these insights with other mothers.

Even though I don't have children of my own, I know these observations can make a tremendous difference to Highly Sensitive Children who experience this world through a filter that's challenging for others to understand.

We as care givers or parents can help these sensitive souls navigate this life with greater ease and self confidence.

Highly Sensitive Children have many brilliant gifts to share.

They are extraordinarily creative, visionary, and sense an indescribable amount of love that many people don't comprehend.

With their sensitivity they are able to perceive beyond the veil of illusions. They are here at this time to 'hold' the energy of love.

And particularly need our compassion, patience, encouragement and reassurance to be able to fully share their gifts with the world, and reach their highest potential.

Please watch my latest video on this subject here How To Recognize A Highly Sensitive Child

If being Highly Sensitive is a subject of interest to you, please subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch more videos and self help insights for HSP's.

The Little Girl Who Lost Her Self

Once upon a time there was a precious little girl. She was inquisitive. Spontaneous and a daydreamer.
Being an only child she spent a lot of time in her imagination, where she frequently escaped to.

Just a sheer thought of the ocean or the forest filled her with awe and joy. She felt the safety and comfort of nature and her animal friends envelop her.

The magical word she lived in had no limits. There was nothing but ease, endless possibilities, and expansion. Her creativity was boundless.

She loved to collect her mothers magazines so she could cut out favorite pictures of experiences she would like to have when she grew up. She loved most to paste those pictures on a big, brightly colored piece of cardboard that she could look at every day and smile.

She thrived in the simplicity of this creative process. It was so much fun!

Then one day things began to change.

One of the adults began to ask questions. "Why are you doing such a silly thing? Do you know how much money it costs to buy this? Do that? Do you know the kind of people who can only afford this? Why don't you spend your time more productively"

She heard, and for the first time felt, words like illogical and irrational. She felt the impact of the sensation that arose in her, of judgment, criticism, and shame.

Her inner magical world began to shrivel and fade.

She believed the adults because after all, they loved her...didn't they? And she trusted them.

She grew up quickly and learned to value being 'realistic'. She reluctantly surrendered to their definition of the 'real' world and concluded they knew what was best for her.

The adults guided her to believe there were limits in this physical reality. That's just how the 'real' world was. That's what they had experienced, and their grandparents before them.

They encouraged her to participate in things that didn't come naturally to her, or bought her joy. But that didn't matter because it brought them satisfaction and pride.

She learned that pleasing others was priority, and it was approved of.

Approval felt great. Almost like... love?? And disapproval was bad.

Her curious mind, any outspokenness, or non conformity could shame the entire family.

On the very rare occasions when she attempted to express herself honestly, there were always repercussions.

There were deadly silences. Stern looks. And the most painful of all, no validation, and withdrawal of attention.

Their possible disappointment and emotional disconnection was unbearable to her gentle soul.

The feeling of not belonging was a subtle ache she learned to live with. This rejection made her feel isolated, and that meant something had to be wrong with her.

So she tried even harder to be more of what they expected.

She grew up suppressing all her hopes, dreams, and longings. She didn't trust what her heart was saying. It was too often minimized and disregarded by the adults.

She knew that living from her intuition and heart was not safe.

Like a sponge, she absorbed and accumulated years of these subtleties. And it was this unseen, unspoken discordance that crushed Her.
 
It was many decades later that she started to look for her fragmented, yet precious Self.

But it was with a new found, yet familiar sense of joy that she remembered what she came here for.

To love and treasure her Self, first.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6Jy4RMvzLQ

When Does Healing Begin?

Healing begins when you start to tell the truth. Not only to others, but to yourself.

Many of us had witnessed denial and suppression as a way of life. We learned to tolerate and put up with situations that we knew weren’t for our highest good.

We minimized messages from our body. We ignored urgings from our heart.

We observed others all around us behaving in the same manner, as a way to conform and 'survive'.

And this created a silent inner conflict that we learned not to voice. We became accustomed to living with this helplessness.

We reluctantly concluded that its better to be unaware, because some of the things our heart required us to pay attention to meant we had to change. And, coming out of our comfort zone was very risky.

But on some level we also knew that with each passing moment where we chose to remain in our denial, we would die just a little.

This inner conflict is not conducive to healing rather, it creates unhealthy energy.

We feel stuck, frozen, rigid, brittle, out of balance and all the feelings that range on the negative spectrum of emotion.

This unspoken, denied awareness physiologically creates stress. And this insidious inner stress that we subject ourselves to lowers our immune system.

Did you know that our DNA is also physical aspect of our body and is made of energy? We can change our DNA's energy patterns thru our own change of awareness.

So healing begins when you become aware of your own energy, and noticing if its creating feelings that are flowing, flexible, balanced, or soft. Whether there's ease, or basically any sensation associated with positive feelings.

Our bodies are miraculous instruments that are attuned to truth.

Kinesiology can prove that our entire muscular system either strengthens when we tell the truth, pay attention to truth, or do what’s good for us.

And our muscles literally weaken when we chose to be untruthful, either to ourselves or others.

Our heart is a powerful muscle. What implications does this have on the entire functioning of our body, it's organs and systems?

Have you even been in a job that you absolutely knew you didn't like but convinced yourself to stay because of its monetary value? Recall how your body felt as you continued to lie to yourself, suppress your truth, and kept showing up each day 'half heatedly'? Maybe you started to experience muscle aches, headaches, or your stomach tightened?

This is how we create our own inner 'heaven or hell'.

We have the power to create an inner environment that either supports well-being or dis-ease.

I propose each of us start on the greatest project we will ever undertake.

And that is paying attention to all the subtle ways in which our body communicates truth to us. No longer minimizing, denying or ignoring this language.

Taking small steps each day in speaking our truth, assertively and lovingly asking for what we need from others. 

 

Turning up the volume of our heart, and slightly turning down the volume of our head.

This is something I believe none of us will ever look back on and ever regret. Would you agree?

Our heart is always connected to truth, and our heart always longs to guide us to optimal health and happiness.

An enlightened poet once said “Our heart knows reasons our head knows not of”.

https://www.journeythruwellness.com 

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