Desert Health News - November-December 2023

. www.barefootbalance.com Eat organic. As often as possible, make sensible choices including lots of greens, veggies and clean protein for meat eaters. Fill your plate with high antioxidant foods. Many seasonal foods like fresh berries, carrots, potatoes and spinach are all high in antioxidants, as are artichokes, asparagus, avocados, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, collard greens and kale. Savor seasonal spices. Many holiday spices have high antioxidant values with clove at the top of the list, followed by peppermint, allspice, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary and saffron to name a few. Supplement with nutrients for cellular aid. Humates, humic and fulvic acid minerals, are nature’s most powerful antioxidants. They are naturally occurring in the earth, where we come from, and our cells require these nutrients to thrive and survive. Life is all about balance. Family, friends and celebratory times should be enjoyed to the fullest, but be mindful to provide your body and cells what they need to keep you healthy and joy-filled into the New Year and beyond! Candice Nicole is a health advocate and founder of HUmineral food derived mineral nutrients. She can be reached at info@HUmineral.com or (818) 400.7657. For more information visit www.HUmineral.com . www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2023 Natural Options The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 11 www.humineral.co m Good health starts with healthy cells. Give your cells the nutrition they need. HEALTHY CELLS = HEALTHY BODY Have questions? 818.400.7657 info @ humineral.com www.humineral.com • Auto-immune deficiency • Better sleep • Collagen production • Filtration of heavy metals • Healthy enzymes • Hormonal balance • Healthy joints, bones and muscles • Healthy thyroid • Nutrient absorption • Reducing inflammation OPTIMAL SKIN HEALTH AT A CELLULAR LEVEL 100% Plantlife Chemical-free Paraben-free þ þ þ FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS 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 The Intricate Connection Between Gut Health and Hormones By Stacey Michele Blackwell, CHC In the vast world of health and wellness, the gut is recognized as a substantial component in influencingour overall well-being, fromour immune systemtoourmental health. One less talked about, but equally significant, connection is the relationship between gut health and hormones in both women and men. This bond offers a deeper understanding of how food and gut microbiome can significantly influence hormonal balance. Before diving into the hormone-gut connection, let's first consider gut health. A healthy gut consists of diverse bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms that make up our microbiome. These microscopic entities play pivotal roles in digestion, nutrient absorption and the production of various essential compounds. One ofmany reasons tomaintain a healthy gut is due to its direct or indirect influence on the following hormones: Serotonin. Often labeled as the 'feel good' hormone, about 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut. Serotonin is crucial for our mood regulation, sleep and appetite. A balanced gut microbiome promotes optimal serotonin production, influencing emotional well-being. Cortisol. Chronic stress affects our gut, leading to a compromised gut lining and inflammation, further influencing the production and release of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels will disrupt our gut health, creating a vicious cycle. Insulin. Gut bacteria play a role in modulating insulin sensitivity. Dysbiosis, which is just another name for an imbalance in your gut bacteria, can contribute to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Estrogen. Our gut microbiomes regulate estrobolome, a collection of bacteria metabolizing estrogens. An imbalanced estrobolome can lead to either an excess or deficiency of estrogen, and both are associated with health concerns. Ghrelin and Leptin. Ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and leptin, the satiety hormone, are both influenced by the gut. An unhealthy gut can disrupt their balance leading to overeating and obesity. The gut-hormone feedback loop The relationship between our gut and our hormones is not simply one sided. While our gut affects hormone levels, hormones can, in turn, influence the gut. For instance, elevated cortisol due to stress can impair our gut lining, making it more permeable and leading to what is commonly referred to as "leaky gut." Similarly, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can impact gut motility, explaining some individuals' digestive issues during specific phases. Gut health disruptions can manifest in various hormonal imbalances and can display a range of symptoms: • Mood swings, depression, or anxiety (linked to serotonin) • Chronic fatigue or insomnia (potentially tied to cortisol and serotonin) • Weight gain, especially around the abdomen (often related to insulin and cortisol) • Hot flashes, heavy periods or polycystic ovary syndrome (linked to estrogen) Recognizing these symptoms is crucial in guiding our health care interventions to restore our gut and hormonal balances. Continued on page 21 I love this time of year. As November draws near, I start thinking about my holiday menus, invite lists and the flurry of activity and travel that are sure to ensue. It’s time for cooking, entertaining and all the merrymaking of the season. But with that also comes the temptation of veering off course from our standard lifestyle routines. Workouts give way to busy schedules and groggy mornings, and heavy caloric, high carb crowd pleasers tend to appear everywhere we turn. Remaining mindful is key to staying healthy and strong through it all. As we make uncharacteristic choices to please our palate in the name of holiday cheer, we cannot forget to also detoxify and nourish our cells to minimize the inflammation many of those celebratory choices can ignite. As we know, science now identifies chronic inflammation as the basis for many of today’s common diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and more. So, what can we do to try and balance the good with the bad this festive season? Minimize stress. Stress and the holidays seem to be synonymous, so be mindful to maintain your stress reducing practices like meditation, yoga or simple conscious breathing. As mentioned in this issue’s lead feature, take time each day to “just be.” Workout. Exercise is one of the best things you can do to detoxify your body down to the cellular level. Regardless of your busy schedule or how you feel, keep your exercise regime going to help maintain energy levels and to cleanse from unhealthy toxins. Holiday Mindfulness Balancing celebration and cellular health By Candice Nicole