Desert Health News - January-February 2024

www.blissfulreleasenow.com By now, many of us know that making small dietary and lifestyle changes can have transformative effects on our overall health andwell-being. One of these transformational changes, which has been gaining popularity in recent years, is "Dry January" – the act of abstaining from alcohol for the whole month. While many may undertake this challenge for various reasons, one of the most significant, yet often overlooked, benefits is its remarkable impact on gut health. Let's explore how amonth free fromalcohol can lead to a fantastic February, focusing on four critical gut health improvements: Restoration of the gut microbiome. Alcohol disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis, which affects digestion, mood and immunity. Abstaining helps rebalance the microbiome, enhancing digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function and mental health. Healing of the gut lining. Alcohol damages the stomach and intestinal lining, causing inflammation and a "leaky gut." A break from alcohol allows healing, reducing inflammation symptoms and decreasing risks of serious gastrointestinal conditions, improving overall physical well-being. Improved digestive function. Alcohol impairs digestion, affecting enzyme secretion and gut motility, leading to issues like acid reflux and poor nutrient absorption. Dry January aids the digestive system's recovery, improving bowel regularity and nutrient utilization, contributing to increased energy and better skin health. Reduction in inflammation and bloating. Alcohol-induced inflammation causes bloating and discomfort. Abstaining lessens these symptoms and has systemic health benefits, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation-related diseases. The journey through dry January is not just about abstaining from alcohol; it's a journey towards better health and a new appreciation for the role of diet and lifestyle in your overall well-being. As you embark on this challenge, remember that the benefits extend beyond just one month. The positive changes in your gut health could even be the catalyst for a new holistic approach to health and wellness. Imagine entering February with a rejuvenated digestive system, a more balanced mood, increased energy and a profound sense of accomplishment. This could be your reality after a successful dry January. Whether you're doing it for the first time or as part of an ongoing commitment to your health, the benefits of giving your body a break from alcohol are undeniable. I encourage you to embrace this challenge, not just as a one-month experiment, but as an opportunity to reset and reconsider your relationship with alcohol and its impact on your digestive health. Here's to a dry January and a truly fantastic February! Bryan Paul Blackwell, a cancer patient and co-owner of Barefoot BalanceHolisticHealth, specializes as a certified health coach in digestive health and integrative nutrition. He can be reached at (760) 401.1568, bryanpaul@barefootbalance.com, or through www.barefootbalance.com www.DesertHealthNews.com January/February 2024 Natural Options The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 12 Abstaining from alcohol for the month of January is a growing trend. are you ready to GROW & BLOSSOM? 365 Daily Words for Self-Discovery, Transformation, and Self-Love GET TRACY SMITH’S AMAZING NEW BOOK! TracySmith get your book today! SCAN CODE OR go to: blis f lreleasenow.com www.barefootbalance.com 760-401-1568 barefootbalance. om Bryan Paul & Stacey Michele Blackwell Certi ed Health Coaches We practice a holistic and balanced approach to health and wellness considering how all areas of your life are connected. Personal ized Integrat ive Heal th Coaching Stay balanced Gut health and hormone health for men and women Personalized nutrition planning Targeted meal plans Complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation Dry January Can Lead to a Fantastic February By Bryan Paul Blackwell, CHC What keeps golfers from reaching their potential and hittingmore good shots? Most of the time, the problem is interference from intrusive thoughts and emotions. Golfers have a lot going on in their head. For example, while standing over a simple short putt, golfers may think, “Do I have the right line? The last thing I need is a double bogey.” What golfers need to do instead is to be calm and fully present. The skills needed to achieve that calmness and focus can be developed through the practice of meditation. Golfers’ heads are usually filled with multiple swing thoughts such as, “Take the club back slower, stay on plane, don’t move my head, keep my elbow in.” On top of that, stream of thoughts are disruptive with emotions such as, “I would feel great with two more pars … I’m afraid I’m going to hit into the water again…I hate this hole.” It’s no wonder that we so often hear golfers moaning, “I lost my concentration.” Too few golfers have thought about how to improve their calm and focus. It is increasingly common to hear high-level players praising meditation. Phil Mickelson credited meditation with helping him win the 2021 PGA Championship. Rory McIlroy meditates 20 minutes before every competitive round. And who has had the strongest focus in the history of golf? Tiger Woods, whose Buddhist mother introduced him to meditation early in life. There is no shortage of advice on how to meditate, and those who want to learn can easily find instruction. Learning to focus attention on your breathing is a great place to Get Your Head in the Game The importance of mindfulness in golf By Rich Goldberg, MD start. Take 15 minutes, three times per week and get started. Once a golfer learns the basics, it’s possible to practice mindful breathing during the hours spent between shots. So, when you are standing over that short putt, facing a carry over the water or feeling self-conscious in front of other players, the ability to become calm and focused will greatly reduce your percentage of poor shots. This is how good scores happen. Your meditation will also enhance your general health through stress reduction. Though results are not immediate, even three weeks of regular practice will bring noticeable benefit, and you’ll see improved scores. Meditation can help you better manage and persevere through all kinds of situations both on and off the course. It fosters equanimity, which is one of the most important foundations for good golf. You may even begin to smile more at the constant challenges that emerge on the course - and in life. In your golf game, meditation skills will help you get out of your own way and allow your best natural swing to emerge. It will increase your ability to clear your mind and decrease the number of times you lose concentration. In golf (as in life) so many things don’t work out as we want them to. Meditation helps us stay present and reconnect with our best capabilities under adverse circumstances. Whatever else you’re doing to play better golf, you cannot afford to forego learning about and practicing meditation. Dr. Goldberg is professor of psychiatry at Brown University, founder of Dr. Rich Golf and author of Better Golf Better Life. He provides mental golf coaching and spends a portion of the season in Palm Springs. For a consultation contact drrichgolf@gmail.com or visit www.drrichgolf.com.