Category: Holistic Health

Naturopathic, alternative medicine and chiropractic health care

  • Could Diet Remedy Going Grey Prematurely?

    Gray hair is not a sign of aging that is readily embraced by everyone who comes across this form of depigmentation. Each hair follicle contains pigment (called melanin — the same thing that colors our skin) that gives our hair its color. As we get older, we produce less pigment, resulting in gray hair. Dermatologists usually use the “50-50-50” rule of thumb which states that at 50 years old, 50 percent of the population has at least 50 percent grey hair. Melanocytes, the cells responsible for the production of melanin, decrease as you age. With this reduction, your hair’s pigmentation decreases, causing natural colors to turn shades of silver, gray and even white. Hair dyes have long been the treatment method of choice to avoid growing old gracefully, but proper diet and nutrition may be the answer that will stop gray hairs from ever sprouting. There are some that believe that its possible to reverse grey hair (or at least darken it) using onion juice.
    Health Issues That May be Indicated by Prematurely Gray Hair

    Celiac disease. (Within weeks, a gluten-free diet may result in hair darkening years after going gray.)
    • Endocrine imbalance. (Balancing hormones may result in hair darkening within months.)
    • Pernicious anemia.

      Supplements That May Help Halt or Reverse Graying Hair
      B-12
      Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) (from folic acid)
      Copper

    How to Correct a Vitamin or Mineral Deficiency
    When addressing nutritional deficiencies, there are 3 things to consider:
    • Diet
    • Toxic load
    • Ability to assimilate nutrients (gut health)

    A Healthy Diet – A Healthy Body

    The foundation of all health is a truly healthy diet – a whole food diet that consists of 80% or more fresh, organic produce, more vegetables than fruits. One large salad per day filled with a variety of vegetables can change your health. You will be giving your body the nutrients it needs to fuel and repair itself and the prebiotic foods to ensure gut health and on-going detoxification if you include the right foods.

    Eating certain foods boosts hair pigmentation, but avoiding certain foods is also essential. High quantities of salt can damage the blood, elevating blood pressure and inhibiting cell production. According to Evolution Hair Centers, processed foods, chips and other snack foods are loaded with salt that damages your hair. Other foods to avoid include high-carb foods such as pasta and white bread. A truly healthy diet eliminates processed foods along with all artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, MSG, GMOs, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, and refined sugar. It limits caffeine. It includes healthy fats rich in omega 3s and plenty of pure water.

    A healthy diet, a thorough detox and the right supplements may not result in darkened hair, but there is no doubt these changes will result in greater health. If you choose to supplement B-12 or folic acid, it is best to take a vitamin B complex. B vitamins work together. Be sure to choose a high-quality vitamin/mineral supplement.


    Vitamins

    Vitamins are essential to every single function your body performs on a daily basis. This includes hair growth and coloring.  A study of young people, 20-years-old and younger who had prematurely gray hair showed low levels of iron, copper and zinc. “Low vitamin B12 levels are notorious for causing loss of hair pigment,” says Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy, director of the Dermatology Center’s Cosmetic Clinic at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, tells Good Housekeeping. And a 2013 study found low vitamin D3, serum calcium and serum ferritin levels in people who went gray prematurely.

    Herbs

    Flavoring your food with the proper herbs is also beneficial to stopping gray hair in its tracks. According to World Of Hair’s website, curry leaves are a proven method of staving off gray hair. Adding curry to your dishes for flavor plays a dual role in boosting melanocyte production, with shine being an added benefit. Curry leaves eaten whole are also an ideal way to ensure you benefit from the properties this herb holds. However, this spice may be too strong for some.

    Minerals

    Alongside vitamins, certain minerals provide hair health support. Evolution Hair Centers says iron and folic acid are two such minerals, aiding vitamins B12 and C in blood-cleansing abilities. Individuals with lower-than-normal levels of iron suffer a condition called anemia, which has adverse effects on your hair that include fading and dull appearance. Consuming green leafy vegetables, liver and whole grains will ensure iron and folic acid are present in your system at all times. Other minerals that are required to fight the grays include copper and iodine, found in shellfish and other seafood, according to “Women’s Fitness” magazine.


    Onion Juice Reverses Gray Hair

    Onion juice has been used for centuries treat thin graying hair and alopecia. Onion juice has many benefits to the hair follicles:

    Onions are rich in sulphur and other compounds that are great for killing infections. Onion juice kills germs, parasites, some fungal infections; all can cause hair loss. Onions remove hydrogen peroxide buildup and reduce inflammation while providing enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and other nourishment to regenerate the hair floccules.

    Studies have shown that daily onion juice applied topically can reduce and reverse greying and regrow hair. You can juice or crush the onion. Apply the onion juice daily to your scalp and lightly massage or brush it in. Leave the onion Juice on the scalp for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    Start with a small amount, it’s tricky and it’s messy.

    How To Extract Onion Juice?

    There are mainly three ways by which you can extract onion juice. They are:

    1. Juicer: This is the easiest and the most popular method, which involve minimum efforts. All you need to do is to simply cut the onion into two pieces, put them into a juicer and make onion juice. Any inexpensive juicer will work very well for this.
    2. Blender: This is yet another commonly followed method. Take any blender or food processor to roughly blend the onion, ensure not to finely blend the onion. Once you have the blended onion, strain the juice out of the blended onion.
    3. Grater: Just in case you do not have a juicer or blender, you can simply grate the onions. Peel the onion and cut into two halves. Now grate the onions and extract the juice with the help of a strainer. (googles might help the onion tears in this case!)

    How To Use Onion Juice?

    Onion juice is very strong in nature, so doing a patch test is always recommended so as to avoid any allergic reaction or an adverse effect.

    Once you have the patch test is done without the discovery of any allergic reaction, you can follow to use the onion juice as a treatment.

    Apply the onion juice daily to your scalp and message it in very gentle motions. The gentle massage stimulates the follicles of hair, and also allows maximum amount of juice absorption. Leave the juice for about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Your hair may become a little stiff -nothing to worry about.
     Wash with a mild shampoo after an hour..

    Just in case you cannot stand the smell of onion, you can try using the juice in night, sleep and wash your hair next morning. Storing onion juice for more than a day is not recommended; Infact using the juice instantly after extracting is considered best.

    Remember that a gentle massage and good absorption of onion juice is the key to great results in gray hair reversal. Not only do the onions act as catalase, but they are also a very good source of Biotin, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Copper, Vitamin C, dietary fiber, Phosphorus, Potassium, Folate, and Vitamin B1. Â This not only helps in gray hair reversal but will also help in improving overall health of hair.

    So when are you giving onion juice a chance in your hair care regime?

    Further Reading: Gray Hair – Nutritional Medicine, 1st Edition, Alan R. Gaby, M.D.


    Diet to Prevent Gray Hair | LIVESTRONG.COM. https://www.livestrong.com/article/281798-diet-to-prevent-gray-hair/

    What gray hair says about your health – YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF1C9PM8PeM

    Reverse Gray Hair Naturally – organiclifestylemagazine.com. https://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/reverse-gray-hair-naturally

    What gray hair says about your health | MNN – Mother …. https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/what-gray-hair-says-about-your-health

    Gray hair linked to nutritional deficiencies …. https://www.naturalhealth365.com/gray-hair-nutrition-news-2629.html

  • Inflammation: The Root of Disease

    What is Inflammation? How does it affect our overall health? What can be done to repair or avoid it? These were the themes from all the practitioners at the Natural Health Symposium in Boise last month.  Research suggests that chronic inflammation contributes to the development of many diseases and various types of cancer. Genetic risk factors, a compromised immune system, stress, obesity, lack of sleep, and a poor diet all play a role in the onset of chronic inflammation. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, staying physically active, monitoring your genetic risk factors and staying on top of treating acute inflammation are steps to take to prevent an onset of chronic inflammation.
    Inflammation is the immune system’s protective response to injury, disease or irritation of the tissues.
    Inflammation may cause cancer, skin conditions, allergies, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches and painful menstruation. So what exactly is inflammation? 
    It’s a combination of heat, pain, redness and swelling that happens externally or inside the body. (Dr. David Samadi, Lenox Hill Hospital)

    Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation
    Acute inflammation occurs in the short-term and is responsible for getting rid of infection, helping clean a wound, and repairing your tissue. Examples may include cutting yourself while shaving, breaking a bone, or spraining your ankle. The inflammation that occurs is a healthy reaction to repair the injured tissue. An army of white blood cells are the first responders that essentially ingest and dispose of the damaged cells, pathogens, or irritants that may have entered your body.
    On average, as long as you don’t re-injure yourself, an acute inflammatory response should only last a few days or weeks. Your body knows to trigger acute inflammation in order to get rid of things that are harming you.
    Here’s the problem: if you don’t take care of that wound, or if your body is inundated with a constant invasion of pathogens or toxins, your cells continually call for help from your immune system, and your body is on high alert at all times. This prolonged “state of emergency” can cause lasting damage and is called chronic inflammation.
    Chronic inflammation can last from several months to years. The onset of chronic inflammation can be delayed, and signs of chronic inflammation are difficult to detect. In fact, it can be incredibly difficult to identify the part of your body that becomes inflamed when the problem is chronic.
    We were curious as to exactly which parts of our body are affected by inflammation. Let’s think of inflammation in terms of a car. For example, in order to run properly, a car engine needs fuel, air intake and a spark plug to ignite the fuel, which creates the energy to turn the driveshaft, that turns the qwheels and takes you to the grocery store. And the excess fuel mixture is burned off and turns into exhaust. (Dr. Brant Larsen)

    All of our human life happens inside our very tiny human cells. Each cell wall consists of a membrane made of a phospholipid bilayer that functions similarly to soap with a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic exterior. The food we eat gives the cells the fuel – in the form of sugars, glucose and fats. We breathe air to give the cells oxygen.  The spark – which are the electrical impulses from our nervous system – create the energy we need. Through the membrane, our cells eliminate the burned fuel, metabolic waste, and any harmful substances that have entered the cell through the membrane.

    Chronic inflammation is more common than we think.

    If our body is using energy to unnecessarily fight a perceived “invasion”, then it has less energy for normal functions. More importantly, with less energy available, our bodies cannot produce anti-inflammatory compounds such as glutathione, one of our bodies’ major antioxidant. In addition, adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP)— the energy molecule used by our cells is being used to fight a threat that isn’t real. At the end of the day, we have less energy and lower levels of antioxidants creating vulnerability for potentially diseased states.

    How do you know if you are chronically “inflamed”?

    You may not always be able to visually see the effects of inflammation, but there are signs that indicate its presence. 

    Chronic inflammation can manifest itself in many ways, including digestive issues and skin problems, exhaustion, and recurring infections.

    Genetics play a role in inflammatory responses.

    Chronic inflammation is believed to play a role in the development of several long-term illnesses like cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and even brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

    Triggers for chronic inflammation.
    To better understand the primary reasons our body could have chronic, low-grade inflammation, we spoke to Dr. Peter Bongiorno of Inner Source Health. He discussed three primary triggers for chronic inflammation: 
    Digestive, Obesity, and Toxins.

    Digestive: Since the majority of your immune system is located inside your digestive tract, it is important to keep this healthy. Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods will encourage good digestive enzymes and healthy microbiota and enable your digestive system to process your food and effectively eliminate waste. A poor diet high in many processed foods, including hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, high in sugar and white flour causes your immune system to respond with an inflammatory response to protect its healthy cells. If you have been tested by your doctor and suffer from specific food allergens, like gluten or dairy for example, these foods can also trigger an inflammatory response.

    Researchers today are working hard to understand how much of the immune system is located inside your digestive tract. It is believed that it is a significant source for inflammation triggers.

    Obesity: Having excess body fat, especially visceral fat around the hips and abdomen, contributes to chronic, low-grade inflammation, which can cause DNA damage and an increase in risk factors for certain types of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, obesity is linked to at least 13 different cancers. However, half of all cancer cases could be avoided using the information we already know (i.e. keep a healthy diet, don’t smoke, and get good amounts of sleep and exercise).

    Fat tissue will create inflammation that uses up nutrients and makes it more challenging for your body to clear toxic substances. It also switches how cells grow and use energy. Dr. Bongiorno

    Obesity is a leading cause of chronic illness and is attributed to many types of cancer.

    Toxins: If you are inhaling or ingesting large amounts of toxic substances, they can be stored in fatty tissue and then eventually your healthy cells. While our bodies can handle a certain amount, an overload can cause healthy tissue and cell membranes to become inflamed and damaged. Additionally, processed foods and an unhealthy gut will negatively affect your body’s ability to process exposure to toxic substances. If you are exposing yourself to more toxins than your body is eliminating, this may create inflammation.

    If you are exposing yourself to more toxicants than your body is eliminating this may create inflammation.

    How should we fight chronic inflammation?
    Keep a healthy diet. You can avoid certain foods that are known to trigger inflammation. These include sugars and overly-processed foods – otherwise known as “junk food.” Additionally, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be curbed.
    • A healthy diet helps fight inflammation.

    Foods to eat include plenty of colorful vegetables and greens, and foods containing healthy fatty acids, such as those found in nuts and avocados. Additionally, drink plenty of clean water so your cells stay hydrated and can perform at their optimal level!

    Learn More About Diet: Jennifer Whitney

    Regular exercise is also an important part of fighting inflammation. A recent study performed by Mark Hamer, PhD, an epidemiologist at the University College London, examined the long-term effects of exercise with regard to inflammation. The study lasted for 10 years and included 4,000 middle-aged men and women.

    Dr Rosie Main has nutrition and exercise plans to support your healing

    • Regular exercise helps fight inflammation.
    Ultimately, Dr. Hamer found that subjects who completed approximately 2.5 hours of “moderate” exercise per week – or at least 30 minutes a day – reduced their inflammation markers by a minimum of 12%. Additionally, some study participants began exercising midway through the study period and were able to significantly lower their inflammation levels as well— meaning it is never too late for the benefit of working out!

    Get enough sleep and reduce stress. Poor sleep and stress are known triggers of inflammation. According to a study performed by Emory University and presented at the 2010 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, getting less than six hours of sleep per night is associated with higher levels of inflammation. This is also linked with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

    • Reducing stress and getting enough sleep helps fight inflammation.

    In addition to lack of sleep, excessive levels of long-term stress can negatively affect your gut and compromise the production of enzymes that aid in the digestive process. For your best performance, it is optimal to get eight hours of sleep each night, with at least five of those hours being continuous or uninterrupted.

    Our Local Practitioners All Shared Numerous Ways To Support Your Healing From Inflammation visit their sites to learn more: 

    David DeHaas of Living Waters Wellness Center  

    Malisa Williams, LMSW, CMSP of Renew Wellness  

    Dr. Michael Karlfeldt of The Karlfeldt Center

    Tamra Geryk RN of Functional Medicine of Idaho  

    Dr. Rosie Main DC of Main Health Solutions  

    Jennifer Whitney of Restoring Nutrition  

    Lisa Hevern, an Independent DoTerra Wellness Advocate 

    Dr. Jon Harmon of Clear Mind Idaho 

    Dr. Andrew Rostenberg of Red Mountain Natural Clinic  

    Sources:

    “Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Research.” Inflammation Research Foundation, www.inflammationresearchfoundation.org/

    “Acute Inflammation.” Washington.Edu. University of Birmingham, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

    DiCorleto, PhD Paul. “Why You Should Pay Attention to Chronic Inflammation.” Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 25 July 2016, health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/10/why-you-should-pay-attention-to-chronic-inflammation/.

    Gushée, Sophia Ruan. A to Z of D-toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

    Heid, Markham. “The Habit That Can Save Your Life.” Prevention. N.p., 16 Aug. 2012. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

    “How being overweight causes cancer.” Cancer Research UK, 6 Apr. 2017, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/bodyweight-and-cancer/how-being-overweight-causes-cancer.

    Hume, Tim, and Jen Christensen. “WHO: Imminent Global Cancer ‘disaster’ Reflects Aging, Lifestyle Factors.” CNN. Cable News Network, 04 Feb. 2016. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

    Nordqvist, Christian. “Pain / Anesthetics Bones / Orthopedics Immune System / Vaccines Arthritis / Rheumatology Inflammation: Chronic and Acute.”Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 16 Sept. 2015. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

    Paddock, Catharine. “Cardiovascular / Cardiology Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia Heart Disease Stroke Poor Sleep Tied To Inflammation, A Risk Factor For Heart Disease, Stroke.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 15 Nov. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

    Pevzner, Holly. “10 Ways to Reduce Inflammation.” EatingWell. Eating Well Magazine, June 2012. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

    Rattue, Grace. “Immune System / Vaccines How Does The Immune System Power Inflammation?” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 05 July 2012. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

    Samadi, David. “Inflammation: The Battle to the Death Inside Our Bodies.” The Observer. N.p., 11 Sept. 2015. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.

    Share:

         

    This article originally appeared at: https://www.dirt-to-dinner.com/what-is-inflammation/.

  • When State Defines Neglect Limiting of Recognized Treatments

    Health Freedom Idaho doesn’t take a position on the “faith healing” aspect per se as much as a government mandate and their involvement of the health/medical care of children. The government should not have the power to determine a parents choice of care over the child.

    In Idaho, and across the nation, laws were passed during the 1960’s, and 70’s to legally guide state’s care and protection of children, especially during instances in which it is found that children have been neglected or abused. The states found it necessary to pass statutes, to prosecute parents and guardians for neglect, who might be found guilty of neglect, to protect some children who would otherwise be neglected.

    The word neglect naturally is used to describe a failure to provide care and treatment for the parent’s or guardian’s children.

    Whose parents, guardian, or other custodian is unable to discharge his or her responsibilities to and for the child and, as a result of such inability, the child lacks the parental care necessary for his or her health, safety, or well-being…Neglect: Citation: Idaho Code § 16-1602

    No One Form of Treatment Can Guarantee Positive Results

    Licensed medical healthcare, since it was and is widely used as a treatment, was and is recognized by statute. The state of Idaho and many others recognized the fact that prayer was and is a treatment, and that many practitioners of treatment by prayer use that form of treatment exclusively. Today, many people use modern medical care exclusively, while others choose treatment by prayer exclusively. Many people prefer to use both forms of treatment. Some people of diverse cultures select alternative methods of treatment which are not recognized by licensed medical practitioners.

    It is a fundamental, God-given right of an individual to make his or her own choice of treatment for themselves and as such for their children.

    Conventional Treatments Fail vs Faith Healing/Alternative Treatment Fail

    Since medical care and its practitioners are unable to guarantee complete success, it is unreasonable to assume that it is always the best form of treatment. Treatment by prayer alone does not always produce measurable results, but neither does medical care. A combination of the two different treatments often produces no measurable results as well. Still, most people can attest to successful treatment, whether by prayer or by medical or through use of both types of treatment.

    It is of paramount importance that the state recognizes the individuals God given right, to use the treatment of individual choice, or to refuse treatment, not interfering in families or parents choices of conscience. I can think of few things more intrusive, than an external interference, by the state or another individual, in the matter of treatment, for my own body or that of my children.

    We must not allow the state to re-define treatment to exclude all but state-licensed forms of treatment!

    Neglect Should Be Defined as ‘Lack of Treatment’ Not Adherence to a Specific Treatment Protocol

    Since neglect is and should be a crime, punishable by law, the burden of proof of a crime of neglect should remain on the state. If the state is allowed to define a totalitarian definition of “treatment”, the burden of proof of neglect, would be simply eliminated. Unless a practice of compliance with state-approved treatments is adhered to. We are addressing individual rights. This has nothing to do with any religious exemption.

    Neglect should not be legally re-defined to exclude all but medically licensed treatment. Neglect should remain defined as it is, a lack of treatment.

    If the state wishes to prosecute a parent or guardian in the event of the apparent failure of alternative treatment, then it must also prosecute practitioners of licensed medical treatment in kind! 

    If Parents Are Prosecuted for a Lack Of Positive Results for Their Treatment Choice So Then Should Practitioners

    Before that should happen, be reminded that licensed medical practice is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. at this time. The death toll estimated from 220,000 – 444,000 deaths per year from state-licensed medical error. At the same time abuse and neglect is expected to be responsible for 1520 deaths of children according to the National Child Abuse And Neglect Data System in 2013,  a 12.7% decrease from 2009.

    “If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.”  -Thomas Jefferson-

    SOURCES: 

    1. MEDICAL ERROR. THIRD LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH.
    source of statistics/interview of author Death from medical care itself : John Hopkins University 3rd leading cause of death
    original analysis: http://www.bmj.com/content/353/bmj.i2139

    Medical error has been defined as an unintended act (either of omission or commission) or one that does not achieve its intended outcome, the failure of a planned action to be completed as intended (an error of execution), the use of a wrong plan to achieve an aim (an error of planning), or a deviation from the process of care that may or may not cause harm to the patient.

    Pediatric Staff admits errors as much as 67%
    from the Nursing Certification review Manual Continuing Education Resource Clinical Practice Resource

    2. Stratton, Biegen, Pepper and Vaughn 2004 conducted a descriptive study that surveyed a convenience sample of 57 pediatric-care and 227 adult care hospital nurses regarding medication errors reported on their units, examining why medication error occur, and why medication errors are not always reported. This study primarily focused on pediatric data with a comparison of adult acute care nurses. Pediatric nurse indicated that a higher proportion of errors were reported compared with adult care. 67% pediatric care errors compared to 56% adult care.)

    2. DEATH REVIEW BOARD FINDINGS Idaho Children who received treatment by prayer or alternative means:

    Refusal of Medical Treatment Due to Religious Beliefs
    In 2013, the CFR Team identified 5 deaths to infants from families whose religious beliefs prevented them from seeking medical intervention. All of these 2013 deaths were to newborn infants. ***IDAHO ranks one of the highest states in PREMATURE BIRTHS. Still more infants born in hospitals DIED receiving conventional medical treatment.

    In 3 consecutive review years, the team has encountered a total of 10 deaths to infants or children who were reportedly not treated medically due to the parents’ religious beliefs. These cases were identified using information provided on death certificates and coroner reports. Since Vital Statistics does not compile the number of deaths in this category, it is difficult to estimate the actual number of preventable deaths to children of religious objectors.
    For the 2013 review year, the causes of death to infants from families who did not seek “conventional’ medical treatment included meconium aspiration, intestinal blockages, and sepsis. The CFR Team determined that each of these deaths may have been prevented with proper and timely medical treatment.

  • Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain: How Gut Problems Create Brain Problems

    Those who attended the Natural Health Symposium July 21, 2018 had the privilege of hearing Boise expert on MTHFR, Dr Rostenberg. His website www.beyondmthfr.com is filled with resources and information for those seeking to know more.  Listen to Dr. Rostenberg explain how most of our brain and mood problems are caused by imbalances in our gut bugs. This info-packed video will leave you with a new understanding of how to heal your gut and optimize your brain!

    Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, brain fog or other concerns, optimizing your gut function is key to restoring your health. Gut bacteria produce vitamins, neurotransmitters and other molecules that can impact every cell and organ in our body.  If our gut isn’t in an optimum condition, then the healing process is slowed and we suffer longer than necessary.  The main reason why individuals cannot tolerate taking B-vitamins or methylation support is that the gut is eating the nutrition first, leading to increases in inflammation and symptoms.  By understanding the connections between our gut environment and our brain environment, we can learn to heal serious, chronic conditions that otherwise seem impossible to treat.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with leaky gut and/or leaky brain symptoms, please share this video with them! For help optimizing your genes, your gut and your brain, so you may experience more abundant health in your life, you may contact Dr. Rostenberg at 208-322-7755 or redmountainclinic@gmail.com.

  • Learn 7 Simple Ways to Get More from Herbs

    If you are new to herbs and want a very basic and yet through confidence building understanding of herbal remedies, I highly recommend learningherbs.com. Founder John Gallagher is a teacher at heart, and shares plethora of free resources to help the young (and young at heart) learn the nature of remedies. For those who want to use herbal remedies, it can be confusing as to exactly how to incorporate them into our lives. It’s really not as simple as “take this herb for that ailment.” 

    Herbalism is an art and science that enhances not just your health, but way of life.

    John shares a podcast from several years ago that is still an excellent resource.  An engaging podcast of the 7 ways to easily incorporate herbs and remedies into our lives. Herbalist and author Susun Weed specializes in keeping it simple for folks. 

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

    Susun Weed

    Which herbs should you take every day? What sort of herbal preparations should you avoid? What foods are antioxidants and will help prevent chronic illnesses? Which herbal remedies are simple to make in ANY kitchen? Already make herbal remedies like tinctures and infusions? Susun will share BRAND new ways to get more out of these tried and true remedies. This class is for all experience levels.

    Susun Weed has been practicing and teaching herbalism for over 40 years, and has written several books. Susun founded the Wise Woman Center in Woodstock, NY. She speaks at conferences worldwide and often appears on television and radio shows.

    You can visit Susun at www.susunweed.com
    Learn More at https://learningherbs.com/podcasts/susun-weed/
    Copyright © 2018 LearningHerbs.

    DID YOU LISTEN? What was the most fascinating piece of knowledge you gained from this podcast? Share in the comments below.

  • The Science of Chiropractic Care, Healing without Drugs or Surgery

    Many people say that they are huge “believers” in Chiropractic. Others say “Oh I “don’t believe” in Chiropractic. For those of us who are dedicated to helping patients through chiropractic care, we wouldn’t categorize the practice as something we believe in or don’t believe in….Why? …Because chiropractic is not a value or a religion. Chiropractic is a scientific health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on your health. 

    Chiropractic services are used most often to treat neuro-musculoskeletal issues, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. The body and caring for all of its integral parts takes an army of professionals. However, if you understand how specific our bodies are designed, you will turn to a chiropractor, first, for help with most any ailment that arises.   

    It’s helpful to understand how the spine, nervous system and body work together for your health. The spinal cord and nerves run through the spine, a canal comprised of vertebrae and discs. The vertebrae and nerve areas of the spine are broken into segments. There are 8 neck or cervical nerves, C1-C7, 12 middle back or thoracic nerves, T1-T12, 5 lower back or lumbar nerves, L1-L5, 5 sacral nerves and 1 coccygeal nerve.  The spinal cord is a pathway of nerves each designated for a particular job, either controlling an internal organ or a  body function.  Let’s give you an idea of how integral the spine, nervous system and body are.

    The first 2 cervical nerves, C1 and C2, are responsible for the functions of the head and neck. 
    If you have a headache, dizziness, ear aches, tinnitus, brain fog, colds, allergies, there is likely interference in the nerves in that area. 

    C3 is responsible for the area of the diaphragm, and if you’re having symptoms like difficulty breathing, chronic fatigue, or anxiety, this may manifest itself as neck pain. 

    C4 controls the thyroid, and the source of ailments like weight gain, being cold, insomnia, swollen glands. 

    C5 nerve impingements can cause shoulder pain which ties to craving of sweets, tired or headachy during lags in mealtime, heart palpitations.

    Drop down to T4 in your back if you’re experiencing heartburn, gall bladder issues, bloating after meals, trouble with fatty foods.  You may feel upper back pain with these ailments. Even lower to L4 and L5 in your lumbar region, you may be getting knee or ankle pain, oddly a symptom of colon, prostate or uterine issues.

    You get the idea. If you have an ailment, chiropractic specialists are healthcare providers that are trained to get to the root of the problem. It’s likely there is an issue relating to proper nerve transmission. We want you to be able to experience healing without drugs or surgery through the benefits of chiropractic care.

    So if you believe in something, believe in the value of hard work!  Believe in a higher power if you’d like to!  But when it comes to belief in healthcare, would you say “I believe in medical care” or “I believe in dentists”? You probably wouldn’t find yourself saying that.

    Do you believe that you have a nervous system and a spinal column?  Then you need a good family chiropractor. 
    We “believe” you will be amazed!

    Learn More from The WELLNESS Center of Boise Dr. Collin Struble, DC CME
    www.yourboisechiropractor.com

    The Wellness Center will be a vendor at the Natural Health Symposium Saturday July 21

    PURCHASE TICKETS

  • Essential Oils Health Benefits

    After a failed spine surgery at 26, my liver and kidneys were damaged from prescription arthritis medication for managing chronic pain. I was able to stop taking my prescription medications and detox my body with safe, pure, beyond organic essential oils. In this presentation, I’ll share the basics of essential oils; where they come from, safety and purity, and the three ways to use them.

    You don’t have to rely on conventional methods to reduce or even eliminate your pain! I have been exclusively using essential oils to manage the persistent pain from my spine surgery and active lifestyle. And unlike most conventional methods, these high quality essential oils won’t pollute your liver, and they don’t wreck the lining of your stomach or your gut microbiome!

    Lisa shares her experience and expertise in essential oil use at home in an effective and safe manner. 

    PURCHASE TICKETS

  • Mental Health Matters: Introduction to the Splankna

    In promoting wellness, mental health is one of your most significant assets. It helps you focus at work, overcome obstacles, get along with the people around you it is the critical component of getting and staying well.  Malisa Williams of Renew Wellness LLC, provides a unique approach to wellness combining Spirit, Soul, and Body. Splankna is a unique protocol that brings together the best aspects from different energy psychology approaches and complementary protocols of deep awareness. The treatment protocol taps into the subconscious root of symptoms. Learn how clients utilizing Splankna receive benefits of eliminating negative patterns or habits they have recognized that are negatively impacting their lives; client’s eliminate blocks to healing they are already receiving from other practitioners; client’s clear stored emotions and are enabled to thrive in new ways.

    Malisa Williams has been practicing in the Mental Health Field since 2003.  Malisa is a Mental Health Counselor and has worked with a variety of populations including Adoption; In-Patient & Out-Patient Substance Abuse Treatment; Adult, Youth & Child Mental Health and more.  Malisa’s business Renew Wellness provides Splankna Protocol to client’s in the Treasure Valley.  Malisa is the only Masters Level Splankna Practitioner in Idaho and Renew Wellness is the only business that provides Splankna in the Treasure Valley.

    For more information visit

    website: malisawilliams.com

    fb page: https://www.facebook.com/RenewWellnessLLC/

  • You Might Think Chiropractors Are “Bone” Doctors, But In Fact They Are More Like “Nerve” Doctors

    Natural Health Symposium July 21 we have a exciting line of up speakers and vendors who will share their expertise in health and wellness. One such vendor is Dr. Collin Struble of the Wellness Center of Boise at the Natural Health Symposium. Dr Struble provides us some insight to the importance of chiropractic. 

    When someone tells you that they are a chiropractor, what do you think? What probably comes to mind is “a bone cracker”. Well, just as there are many types of surgeons, each with their own specialty, there are also many types of chiropractors, each with their own specialty and techniques.

    You might think that chiropractors are “bone” doctors, but in fact they are actually “nerve” doctors. The body naturally heals itself through our central nervous system. The body knows what it needs to be healthy, and when there is proper nerve flow, the body can better diagnose and heal itself through the nervous system. The spinal cord is th

    e channel through which all of our nerves run. The only way to keep the nerves free of interference is by realigning the bones that cause the interference. Chiropractors are uniquely trained to locate and remove the nerve interference so the body has the capacity to do what it has been made to do – heal itself – naturally – without drugs – without surgery.

    After years of study at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, I was trained and certified in many different chiropractic techniques, including the ability to be a “bone cracker” through manual adjustments.  However, I feel that our bodies experience enough trauma from the daily activities of our life, and though I will perform low force manual adjustments and utilize many techniques to aid in the healing of the body, I prefer to utilize one particular technique.  This technique, called the Blair Upper Cervical Technique, focuses on the “power of the upper neck”.  It is a subtle, passive adjustment that is extremely powerful.  Many healthcare providers do not recognize or understand the power, and if they did, they may refer their patients to a chiropractor instead of prescribing medication or surgery.

    Through years of study, clinical practice and research, I have compiled key points into a handout to help my patients understand how they can achieve health through this very specific technique.  To start, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spine is technically divided into 3 major regions, the cervical or neck region, the middle or thoracic region and the lower or lumbar region, followed by 2 additional lower regions, called the sacrum and coccyx.  Each region is distinguished by a specific curve.  The cervical and lumbar regions have a lordotic or forwards curve, and the thoracic region has a kyphotic or backwards curve. There are seven vertebrae in the neck numbered from C1 through C7. Your skull sits directly on the C1 vertebra, named the atlas.  Derived from Greek mythology, Atlas had the weight of the celestial spheres on his shoulders, just like your atlas vertebra has the weight of your head on it.

    Your head, which typically weighs around 10 or 11 pounds, rests upon the two-ounce atlas vertebra. The atlas is also often called the “yes” bone because your head rocks back and forth on its two articulations when you nod your head to indicate “yes”. That is why, when your skull slips partially off one of these atlas joints in one direction or another, pressure is applied to the brain stem.

    Your second vertebra (C2) is called the axis. The axis is the vertebra that allows you to turn your head left and right. It’s referred to as the “no” bone because it allows your head to rotate left and right as you shake your head “no”.  Your atlas and axis are the only two vertebrae which do not have inter-vertebral discs between them like the rest of the vertebrae in your spine. In addition, they are the two most freely moveable vertebrae; and as a result, are the ones that are most susceptible to becoming misaligned.

    Your brainstem extends down into the atlas and axis cavity so your spinal cord basically begins with the C3 vertebra. If your top two vertebrae are out of alignment, they put pressure on the base of your brainstem. This, in turn, interferes with the free flow of signals back and forth to your brain and the entire nervous system. This is termed subluxation and can cause serious consequences in the body.  When the upper neck is out of its proper position, it can irritate, constrict or disrupt vital nerve signals to any portion of your body. This can cause many ailments, such as joint pain, organ dysfunction, lowered immune system and countless other conditions and dis-ease that you would not ordinarily relate to a problem originating in your neck.  As Dr. Burcon explains, “Five of the twelve cranial nerves originate in the brainstem. The base of the brain controls many important bodily functions, such as breathing, blood pressure, the sleep center, and balance.”  In addition, if the atlas is subluxated, the spine cannot maintain its proper curves, causing issues like scoliosis.

    When a C1 or C2 subluxation occurs, the weight of your head is no longer balanced or positioned correctly on your atlas, causing your head to tilt. This causes the rest of your body to compensate for that tilt and shift of weight. Our bodies response is for one shoulder to drop down, one hip to come up, hence, bringing that leg up with it. This creates imbalance in your body which we call a functional short leg.  One leg appears relatively shorter than the other and you are not walking with a normal gait.  The impact of this is often realized as headaches, neck, back and extremity pain.

    This head-neck misalignment is where upper cervical chiropractic treatment comes in. Adjusting the atlas (and axis) can take this pressure off your brainstem, alleviating many problems by allowing your brain to send its healing messages throughout your body and allowing your spine and nervous system to revert to its proper alignment and function.

    This is why I practice the Blair Upper Cervical Technique. Dr. William G. Blair began to develop this distinct method because he was concerned with the accuracy of the traditional adjustments. By analyzing the vertebrae for asymmetry, he calculated margins of misalignment that revealed different effects on the movement between the head and neck.  He found that through imaging he could arrive at calculations tailored to each misalignment. I was impressed by the results of this technique and wanted my patients to benefit from the accuracy of this method. With this technique, I take a special set of x-rays to look at and analyze the C1 vertebrae.  With these x-rays, I am able to determine exactly how the C1 has misaligned and at what angle, realizing every person’s unique anatomy.  By analyzing the x-rays, I am able to measure out and generate a “listing” or calculation which tells me at which angle to adjust the patient in order to return the C1 back to its proper position.  I utilize a special drop table for this adjustment, have the patient lie down on their side, then use a protractor to line up at the exact angle of the joint.  It takes these elements together with a proper stance and specific motion to deliver the perfect adjustment.  It’s an accurate, mathematic adjustment that gets precise results every time.

    Through this very scientific method of chiropractic care, the body is able to function as it was designed, like a super highway of information, with the innate ability to keep itself healthy and happy…naturally.  

    Listen to more insight from Dr. Collin Struble at

    July 21 from 10 a.m .to 5 pm
    Vineyard Boise
    Seating is limited. Purchase Tickets Today

  • Learn From Amazing Natural Health Practitioners

    The Natural Health Symposium is near and dear to my heart because I want to help others know of the powerful healing opportunities that we have right here in ID. 

    In 2013 I was a healthy single mom of 4. I owned my own business. I exercised and ate right. It didn’t make sense to me that I would be the one to be overtaken with nerve pain, bedridden, taking longs lists of meds, and relying on my community to help with my kids and bring us meals. I exhausted all options in the field of allopathic medicine, even spending 2 weeks away from my children to seek answers at the Mayo Clinic. 

    Being ill comes with costs on so many levels. I would have saved much time, energy, and money if I had only known of the amazing natural health practitioners that I had in my own back yard. 

    Grab your tickets, friends! This event is going to be awesome! 

    Enjoy a day of natural-focused presentations, exhibits and demonstrations at Boise’s first Natural Health Symposium! Join us and other health-seeking locals on Saturday, July 21st from 10am to 5pm at Vineyard Boise.

    Bring your family, friends and your enthusiasm for meeting other passionate health-minded people and practitioners in a collaborative, functional setting. We hope that you’ll be inspired, encouraged and nurtured in optimizing your well-being! See the speaker line-up below the ticketing widget. 

    Visit our Evenbrite page here.