Dr. C’s Top 3: Fermented Foods
Probiotics are all the rage with good reason! The good bacteria or probiotics found in fermented foods can improve digestive health and also give your immunity a boost.
With optimal digestive health, we enable our bodies to better absorb the natural vitamins and minerals in our diets and to flush unwanted substances out. This detoxification can improve overall health and prevent disease! Feeling great is a bonus too.
Here are a few of my favorite fermented foods:
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Sauerkraut
You may think of this delicious dish of fermented cabbage and salt as a just condiment for game day hot dogs or bratwurst, but it packs a probiotic punch with added fiber. Try a raw, lacto-fermented version as a salad - minus the sausage of course - and enjoy!
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Kombucha Tea
For more than 2,000 years, the ancient Chinese have turned to Kombucha tea to prevent cancer, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Kombucha tea is made by brewing Kombucha cultures with yeast, black tea and sugar.
It is important to brew this delicious drink in sterile conditions to avoid contamination. Also, do not brew in glazed ceramic containers to avoid lead poisoning.
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Bubbies Pickles
Did you know early explorers packed their ships with pickles and sauerkraut to prevent scurvy among the crew as the searched for the New World? Bubbies all-natural Kosher dill pickles are lacto-fermented and have more than 15 million active bacteria per 1 oz. serving. Bubbies products are available in more than 30 varieties – try their sauerkraut too! - at select Whole Foods, Publix and Publix Greenwise locations.
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Dr. C’s Top 3: Uses For Essential Oils
Essential Oils have gained popularity with the launch of recent product lines,
however their use to treat chronic headaches, the common cold and even fatigue predate modern medicine. With concentrated amounts of the most valuable properties of plants such as eucalyptus, peppermint and lemon, Essential Oils offer many health benefits when consumed, inhaled or applied topically. They can also replace skincare products and common cleaning products in your home, reducing your exposure to dangerous chemicals.
If you’re still a skeptic, treat these three common ailments with Essential Oils and share your feedback in the comment field below;
1. CONGESTION
All stuffed up? A drop of thyme, rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus in the shower can help loosen mucus in nasal passages and bronchial tubes while easing sore throats.
2. FATIGUE
While there are many contributors toward fatigue such as adrenal or hormonal imbalance and mineral deficiency, often we simply aren’t giving our bodies what we need to process food and beverages efficiently. Oils like juniper, basil, lemon, lemongrass, thyme, eucalyptus, cypress, peppermint and rosemary can help optimize digestion and lead to a more restful sleep.
3. HEADACHES
Combined with a healthy diet, proper hydration, exercise and rest, Essential Oils can help combat many of our headache triggers. Calm muscle spasms, reduce inflammatory responses and promote circulation with these easy recipes:
- 4 drops wintergreen
- 2 drops Lavender
- 3 drops German Chamomile
- 1 drop Clove
- 3 drops Copaiba
OR
- 6 drops Eucalyptus
- 6 drops Peppermint
- 2 drops Myrrh
Mix in in a carrier oil and apply 1-2 drops topically or to a hot towel or aromatherapy diffuser and inhaled.
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HEALING RECIPE: Bone Broth
When the collagen found in the connective tissue (think bone, tendons, ligaments, marrow and cartilage) of vertebrate animals such as chicken and cows is converted to gelatin through the cooking process, consumption of this bone broth can boost the immune system, improve joint health, heal the digestive tract and aid in management of food intolerance and allergies. It can even reduce cellulite and boost collagen in the connective tissue of the skin, resulting in a healthier, smoother complexion.
First used in Functional Medicine in Ancient China, homemade Bone Broth has continued to be a staple in Eastern diets as compared with our Western addiction to carbs and processed foods. The fats in Bone Broths heal the gut, allowing greater absorption of minerals like calcium and phosphorus and improving symptoms of autoimmune disorders, Chrohn’s Disease, acid reflux, ulcerative colitis and IBS.
Gelatin in Bone Broth contains conditional or nonessential amino acids like arginine, glycine, glutamine and proline, which are necessary for immune system function, healing and growth. If you are ill or stressed, you can kick start the production of these vital amino acids with Bone Broth. Bone Broths are also known to support the adrenal glands and blood health, improve kidney function and strengthen teeth.
Hungry for some soup yet? Try this recipe:
BASIC BONE BROTH
- 3 pounds uncooked bones, joints from grass fed beef or chicken necks and feet
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 bunch celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cover with water until submerged. Cook on high for 12-24 hours. Strain and discard bones and vegetables, and drink two 8-ounce glasses per day as a partial fast, with meals or detox.
- 3 pounds uncooked bones, joints from grass fed beef or chicken necks and feet
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 bunch celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- Combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cover with water until submerged. Cook on high for 12-24 hours. Strain and discard bones and vegetables, and drink two 8-ounce glasses per day as a partial fast, with meals or detox.
GET THE SKINNY ON: LEAKY GUT
FAST FACTS
Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs when large particles of food or bacteria leak into the bloodstream through cell membranes that have become permeable over time due to stress, dietary or hormonal imbalance, medicinal side effects, or exposure to infection.
Many patients experience a near-allergic response to these irritants, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, food sensitivity, gas, abnormal bowel movements and systemic inflammation. However, eczema, muscle aches, joint pain, depression, brain fog and fatigue can also be symptomatic of a Leaky Gut when gastrointestinal symptoms are not present.
If left unmanaged, a Leaky Gut can lead to autoimmune diseases like Type 1 Diabetes* and Hashimoto’s Disease.
WHAT CAUSES A LEAKY GUT?
If you think you have a Leaky Gut, evaluate your exposure to the following potential culprits:
- Dietary: Alcohol, gluten, sugar, processed food and casein
- Infections: Bacterial overgrowth, yeast overgrowth, parasites and H. pylori
- Medications: Antibiotics, antacids, corticosteroids
- Stress: Increased cortisol
- Hormonal: Decreased thyroid hormones and sex hormones such as estrodial, progesterone and testosterone
- Autoimmune disease and intestinal inflammation are also known contributors.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis can be difficult and must include testing from an experienced functional medicine practitioner.
TREATMENT
Due to the variety of symptoms that result from lifestyle and physiological factors, this condition, its severity and course of treatment vary from individual to individual. A skilled clinician can evaluate and identify what is going on in your gut and put you on a specific protocol to heal your body.
Regiments may include removing grains, sugar, GMO’s, non grass-fed meat and dairy from your diet. Replace them with foods with healing properties such as bone broths, fermented vegetables and coconut products. Supplements like glutamine, digestive enzymes and probiotics can also aid in the repair of this condition.
PROGNOSIS
For best results, it is important to try to identify all possible irritants for your Leaky Gut individually. Once a course of treatment is in place, many patients see improvement in four to six months. For those with Leaky Gut caused by autoimmune deficiencies, long-term lifestyle changes may be in order.
*Vaarala O, Atkinson MA, Neu J (2008) ‘The “Perfect Storm” for Type 1 Diabetes The Complex Interplay Between Intestinal Microbiota, Gut Permeability, and Mucosal Immunity’, Diabetes Journal, (57)10(2555-2562).
If you are suffering with any health related issues, I am currently accepting new patients. To start the testing process and discover what is driving your health issues and to get on the road to recovery call our office at +1 (866) 498-1958 to schedule your initial consultation. If it is after our normal hours of operation you can click here to leave us a message. Please only leave a message if you would like a call back to schedule a consultation.
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