Category Archives: General Health

Gut Health, Uncategorized

NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST SEROTONIN

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How are you doing? I mean, really, how are you doing? If you’ve noticed you’re leaning into a more depressive state, then please know that you’re not alone.

Modern living, with all the pressure that comes with it, has taken us further away from a health-centric lifestyle and driven us more towards tech, isolation, and unhealthy attempts to cope.

IMPORTANCE OF THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS

But before you run to an MD for an anti-depressant, let’s talk about the gut-brain axis.

Pubmed.gov states, “The gut-brain axis (GBA) consists of bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions.” (1)

A direct link exists between the health of the gut (often called the “second brain”) and our moods, brain function, and immune system.

Also, according to pubmed.gov, “The gut microbiota – the trillions of bacteria that reside within the gastrointestinal tract – has been found to not only be an essential component (of) immune and metabolic health, but also seems to influence development and diseases of the enteric and central nervous system, including motility disorders, behavioral disorders, neurodegenerative disease, cerebrovascular accidents, and neuroimmune-mediated disorders.” (2)

That’s a lot of (dis) orders and (dis) eases!

When gut bacteria are depleted, the brain suffers.

The food we eat affects physical health and mental and emotional health – more proof of the close connection between the gut and brain.

It’s also clear that certain thoughts, or emotions, affect gastro functions. Have you ever had a “gut feeling”? Well, you’re not the only one.

This appropriate name is no coincidence as we do “feel” with our guts. Stress responses, within the brain, signal hormones and neurotransmitters to go into action. They travel through the gut-brain axis, thus creating gut hypersensitivity.

Which of us hasn’t had “butterflies”, in our stomach, due to nervousness or lost our appetite during a time of grief? Even mainstream medicine admits that excessive worry, and anxiety, play a role in inflammatory bowel diseases and can cause stomach ulcers.

THE “FEEL GOOD” CHEMICAL

Up to 95% of the serotonin is made in the gut. Serotonin is popularly known as the “feel good” chemical.

Most prescription-strength anti-depressants attempt to control serotonin function within the brain. This, however, is an extremely short-sided approach since very little serotonin is produced within the brain.

Gut health is an integral part of brain health. It plays a role in mental and emotional health. This includes mood regulation. It should, at least, be considered when attempting to aid depression sufferers.

NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST SEROTONIN

Here are some suggestions for those interested in boosting serotonin production, naturally.

 – Increase B Vitamins. Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B9 play a significant role in serotonin function. These B vitamins help convert tryptophan into serotonin. Think about how happy, and contented you feel, after a turkey (full of the amino acid, tryptophan) dinner. You can thank the tryptophan-boosted serotonin levels, and whoever made the meal, for that!

When B vitamin intake is reduced, serotonin function and availability decreases.

– Increase Folate intake. A clear connection exists between mood swings and a lack of folate. Depression is commonly seen in those with this deficiency. Studies have proven a strong correlation between folate deficiency and depression, among other mental symptoms.

Folic acid should be avoided as it is a synthetic form of folic acid.

Folate-rich foods include bananas, oranges, brussels sprouts, kidney beans, romaine lettuce, avocadoes, mustard greens, spinach asparagus, and beef liver.

– Increase Omega 3 fatty acid intake. Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential to serotonin production. DHA is necessary for brain development and EPA assists with behavior and mood.

Dr. Parris M. Kidd, of the University of Berkeley, CA, states the following, “In double-blind, randomized, controlled trials, DHA and EPA combinations have been shown to benefit attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and aggression. For the affective disorders, meta-analyses confirm benefits in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder, with promising results in schizophrenia and initial benefit for borderline personality disorder.” (3)

When choosing an Omega 3 supplement, purchase “cold-pressed”. Products created using a heating method will produce free radicals in the body. This causes inflammation and a possible autoimmune response – doing more harm than good.

Omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods include mackerel, salmon, anchovies, flax seed, walnuts, chia seeds, pasture-raised eggs, spinach, brussels sprouts, meat and dairy from grass-fed animals.

– Exercise. Exercising, consistently, may play a role in serotonin production. According to livestrong.com, “One 2014 study in the European Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies found that even mild to moderate levels of exercise, two to three times a week, can reduce symptoms of depression, though the quantities of blood level serotonin tested in a small sample size of individuals were not found to be highly significant.” (4)

At the very least, moving our bodies helps keep us fit and feeling well.

– Spend time outdoors in nature and sunlight. Light therapy has become a popular way to help sufferers of Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD). It aids in Vitamin D production. When Vitamin D is low, serotonin levels will not be optimal. This can be applied to those who suffer from non-seasonal affective disorder, as well as depression.

If you’re interested in light therapy, safely expose yourself to the sun, or a light box, often.

– Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts serotonin pathways. Likewise, serotonin plays a major role in maintaining proper sleep patterns. Getting a solid 8 hours, of sleep, every night ought to be the goal.

Proper sleep hygiene is a must for serotonin production, as well as for overall health.

– Work on Stellar Gut Health. One probiotic strain, Lactobacillus, increases serotonin. Supplementing with probiotics, and digestive enzymes, eating probiotic-laced foods, and avoiding pharmaceutical antibiotics help ensure that the number of good bacteria, in the gut, remains at an optimal level.

Click on this link to learn about natural antibiotics: https://shalomtotalwellness.com/2022/09/05/top-5-natural-antibiotics/

The healthier our guts are, the more able they will be to aid in serotonin production.

– Think positively! Serotonin levels affect moods and moods affect serotonin levels. This goes both ways. There is a direct link between the quality of our thought life and our moods. The more we allow negativity to invade our lives, the more our inner thought lives will suffer.

Meditate on things that fall into the Philippians 4:8 category and protect your eye and ear gates.

– Choose a Life of Shalom. Stress increases cortisol levels and decreases serotonin. It can’t always be avoided. Life tends to happen. This includes unpleasant things that are beyond our control. However, we can control how we choose to respond to those things.

Rather than living, in reaction, respond with shalom. We can roll our cares onto Yeshua (Jesus), trusting Him to walk us through all our days…the good, the bad, and the ugly.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus in Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

Difficult seasons, of life, exist. Depression is real. But you can be the boss of your thoughts and feelings!

Boosting serotonin levels using natural methods does take a bit of purposefulness. However, it’s well worth the effort.

You’re well worth the effort AND more powerful than you may realize!

I pray this was encouraging to you. May GOD give you the wisdom, and guidance you need for your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Shalom to you,

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

Excerpts of this blog were taken from the book Shalom Total Wellness: Biblical Principles for Health & Healing by Dr. Sheli Ricci. Available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com.

References:

  • Carabotti M, Scirocco A, Maselli MA, Severi C. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015 Apr-Jun;28(2):203-209. PMID: 25830558; PMCID: PMC4367209.
  • Strandwitz P. Neurotransmitter modulation by the gut microbiota. Brain Res. 2018;1693(Pt B):128-133. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2018.03.015 [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6005194]
  • Kidd PM. Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood: clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Sep;12(3):207-27. 152 PMID: 18072818. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nml.nih.gov/18072818/]
  • [www.livestrong.com/article/22590-effects-exercise-serotonin-levels/]

Detox, General Health

Spring Detox for Life

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One of my favorite things, about spring, is watching the wildflowers bloom! The chill of winter evaporates as warmer days set in. Things are changing. Can you feel it?

Of course, Texans take it to another level, as we not only enjoy our wildflowers – but we hunt for them. As Robin Williams said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'”

New growth causes an explosion of beauty. But first, the old must be sloughed away. Perhaps we should take a hint from Creation. As the dandelions start to poke through the soil and share their beauty and healing properties, we too, should begin to think about what we need to do before summer arrives.

When many are thinking about slimming down for summer, I would encourage you to consider doing a whole life detox this spring. While detoxing should be a purposeful part of our everyday lives, spring is the best time to do a seasonal detox.

The warmth, of spring, is in our favor for expelling toxins. The reset that comes from the biblical new year, that occurs each spring, also propels us to make overall life changes. Detoxing isn’t just about dropping weight – it’s about dropping anything AND everything in your life that may be weighing you down!

Listed below are 4 areas to consider when doing a spring detox. Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the options but, rather, lean into those things that truly resonate with you.

Mentally:

-Take off work for a mental health day, if possible, and get outside to enjoy the weather!

-If you are currently stuck in any negative thought patterns, then choose one negative repeating thought and replace it with a positive one.

-Get thankful!

Spiritually:

-Choose one positive spiritual attribute (joy, peace, love, strength, etc) and go deep with it. Find a Bible verse, each day, that focuses on your attribute of choice to meditate on.

-Be intentional about leaving behind the things of your past. Pray over anyone who is not part of your present and leave them in the Father’s arms. This will make room for new things, and new people, for your future!

Emotionally:

-Don’t stress! Choose rest, instead.

-Do everything you can for today and then leave today behind – start fresh tomorrow!

-Check out Bach Flower Remedies for a helping hand from nature to get your emotions moving in the right direction.

Physically:

Grounding aka “Earthing”

-Daily life in modernity means toxins – from food, the environment, tech, stress, etc. Consider grounding, aka “earthing” now that the weather is more cooperative. As we go about our lives, toxic ions fill our bodies.

According to homeionizer.com, the following are some of the sources of toxic “positive” ions:

  1. Common household and workplace objects like cell phones, television, and computers.
  2. Air pollution.
  3. Toxic carpeting, upholstery, paints.

Walking barefoot, on the grass, helps release toxins and infuses our bodies with healthy “negative” ions.

Increased healthy, negative ions within the body, decrease inflammation, increase cellular healing, reduce chronic pain levels, and act as a natural antidepressant.

-Turn off your phone and minimize the amount of wifi/radiation producing things in your house.

-Consider a Mild Dandelion Cleanse for Optimal Liver Function. Everything we eat, drink, or medicate with is passed through the liver for filtering and detoxification.

When the liver is overtaxed, you may feel sluggish, less able to bounce back from stressful situations, and be more prone to become sick (among other things). According to motherhealth.com, here is a list of common symptoms related to poor liver health:

  • Weight gain/difficulty losing weight
  • Fluid buildup in the belly or abdomen
  • You bruise easily
  • Painful gallstones
  • Chronic itching
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Kidney failure
  • Muscle loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unsightly skin conditions and liver spots
  • Spider-like veins in the skin
  • Low energy and frequent weakness (fatigue)
  • Mental confusion as toxins build up in the blood
  • A weakened immune system, leaving you unguarded against sickness, disease, and infection
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Poorly functioning immune system

Ignoring liver health simply isn’t an option, as it affects so much. Drinking an organic dandelion tea or making your own dandelion based concoctions will provide your liver with the support it needs.

Doing a bit of self-inspection – in regard to what you may need to detox from – goes a long way. Following through on simple changes will help you embrace life feeling lighter and more prepared for the heat of summer.

Welcome Spring!

Shalom to you,

Resources:

http://www.motherofhealth.com/benefits-liver-cleanse

http://www.healthline.com/health/grounding

http://www.homeionizer.com/what-are-positive-and-negative-ions/

General Health, Holidays, Uncategorized

4 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

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It’s November! The crispness of autumn invigorates the body as well as the spirit. Change is in the air!

The winds of autumn swirl the leaves and play on our senses.

The changing weather may prompt you to make personal changes, as well. Lean into these promptings.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to November, as well as December. This time of year, often comes with feelings of being overwhelmed attached to over committed schedules. Of course, we wouldn’t want to miss out or cause our loved ones any disappointment.

But where do we draw the line between healthy activities and unhealthy expectations?

Here are 4 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays:

1) Listen to your body. If you are tired, then choose to rest. If you’re hungry, then don’t put off eating. Don’t wait until you’re thoroughly exhausted or worse – SICK – to begin meeting your own basic needs. You know yourself best. Listen when your body is trying to tell you something.

2) Don’t be afraid to say “no” from time to time. Don’t worry, “they” will get along just fine without you. Overextending yourself doesn’t help anyone.

3) Skip the sugar. I know…I know…there are so many treats that we only get this time of year. But you’ll pay for the indulgence later on. Say “yes” to your health by saying “no thank you” to sugar laden treats.

4) Stay in tune with your Creator by choosing to be JOYFUL always and by remaining in PRAYER. Stay close to the heart of GOD by remaining thankful.

“Always be joyful. Pray regularly. In everything give thanks, for this is what God wants from you who are united with the Messiah Yeshua.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Consider the root of your celebrations and keep the main thing, the MAIN thing. Staying fervent in fellowship with your Creator will have a positive effect on all other relationships, keep you focused on what’s truly important and in the flow of shalom.

Happy Fall Y’all!!!

With much love and shalom to you,

Antibiotics, Gut Health

Top 5 Natural Antibiotics

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Antibiotic use, or perhaps I should say overuse, causes catastrophic damage to the health of an individual. What one may think of as a “quick fix” may cause a short-term remission of infection. However, the eventual long-term damage is far more distressing, often overlooked, and points to the original problem – compromised gut health.

 Prescription strength antibiotics will indeed wipe out the bad bacteria (infection), that one is facing, but they are nondiscriminatory and wipe out good bacteria as well. This leaves one more open to allergic reactions, auto-immune distress and all sorts of maladies that would have naturally been prevented if the microbiome, of the individual, had not been tampered with.

The bacteria, in our gut, is our first defense against sickness and disease. When we don’t take care of the bacteria, we lose that protective barrier.

One way to protect gut bacteria is to avoid taking prescription strength antibiotics. If you do find yourself with an infection, internal or external, before turning to prescription strength medication, consider trying one of the natural substances that Creator God has blessed us with.

There are many options, readily available to us, found within nature. These God given antibiotics won’t wipe out good bacteria and will give your immune system a boost in the process.

 BLACK SEED OIL

Touted as the “cure for everything except death”, black seed oil (Nigella sativa) is a powerful ally against many physical maladies, including internal and external infections. It also works to speed up healing.

In fact, research shows that black seed oil can even be used against “super bugs” – infections that are antibiotic resistant.

As with any oil, used therapeutically or to cook with, black seed oil must be purchased in an organic, raw and “cold pressed” state. When an oil is created using a pressing method that utilizes heat, it creates free radicals and can cause more harm than good, when consumed.

*Caution: Due to its tendency to burn the throat, you may want to add the black seed oil to some juice, and then swallow. I would recommend against taking on an empty stomach.

COLLOIDAL SILVER

Used as far back as ancient Greco Roman times, solid silver has long been known as a very effective healing substance. In modern times, silver has been used in colloidal form which simply means that it has been broken down into very small particles and is now suspended in a different matter, or liquid.

Once in the presence of colloidal silver, single-cell bacteria (such as fungus, some infections and viruses) are destroyed. The silver literally chokes out the enzymes that feed single-cell bacteria, thus starving out the bacteria and killing them.

Another major benefit of using silver, as a natural antibiotic, is that it leaves good bacteria alone – unlike prescription antibiotic drugs. This is good news for the times we’re living in, where over[1]usage of prescription strength antibiotics has created infections that no longer respond to modern drugs.

Colloidal silver is a secret weapon that more people are waking up to. It can be used to help benefit many illnesses and is seen as being safe enough for internal, as well as external use. Some people use it for its immune system boosting effects during what is known as cold and flu season.

Colloidal silver gets a bad rap among some health professionals. As always, research the benefits, as well as risks, in order to make your own informed decision.

 GARLIC

Fresh, raw, garlic in its natural form should be crushed and then left alone to sit for 10 minutes in order to allow the potency to surface. Just remember that cooking the actual garlic or heating it up to any degree, will destroy the active ingredient in garlic – allicin – which will, in turn, take away the healing properties.

For internal infection, garlic can be chewed and swallowed directly or chopped and then added to liquids, honey, or food, and then consumed. A therapeutic dose should contain at least 4 garlic cloves at a time. For serious infection, consider consuming a therapeutic dose, twice a day.

Garlic can be used for external infections as well. Once again, fresh, raw garlic should be crushed and then set aside for 10 minutes to allow the allicin to come to its maximum potency. Then the garlic can be directly added to honey, or coconut oil, and then applied to the affected area of skin. This would also work with combating fungal infections. Use this method of application twice a day until the skin clears up.

As a side note, garlic also helps stimulate cancer fighting cells. It’s truly a powerhouse of health benefits!

*Caution: To avoid an upset stomach, do not take garlic on an empty stomach. Since garlic is so strong, it’s possible that it may kill some of the healthy bacteria in the gut. Supplementing with probiotics will help insure this will not be a problem.

OREGANO OIL

This well-known remedy has been around for centuries and is just as effective, against coughs, colds, and infections as it is old. Its active ingredient, carvacrol, is what causes oregano oil to be so powerful against harmful bacteria, making it another one of nature’s antibiotics.

For internal use, add oregano oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil or grape seed oil, before ingestion. This cuts back on potential stomach upset as well as dilutes the strong flavor that is characteristic of this oil.

Oregano oil can also be used externally for psoriasis and fungal infection. In order to stave off burning, or irritation, oregano oil ought to be diluted with a carrier oil before placing on the affected areas. Avoid placing oil on open scrapes and wounds.

Oregano oil can also be deeply inhaled, or used in a steam inhalation, to help break up congestion, mucus, and bring overall relief from sinus infections, colds, and flu.

 *Strong Warning: Pregnant women, and women who are trying to conceive, are advised against using oregano oil due to its emmenagogue properties, meaning that it may induce menstruation which can harm the fetus. The therapeutic use of oregano oil is not recommended for infants, children or nursing women. Those with a heart condition, or high blood pressure, should avoid oregano oil use or, at least, consult their physician or natural healthcare practitioner before use.

RAW HONEY

Perhaps the most delicious antibiotic that nature yields is raw honey. In order to receive its therapeutic properties, honey must be labeled “organic”, “raw” or “unpasteurized”, and preferably, “local”.

The location where the honey has been gathered determines the specific ingredients found within the honey. It can even be said that relief for seasonal allergies can be found when one consumes the raw honey that has been gathered from bees that live, locally, to the allergy sufferer.

Raw honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase. This enzyme produces a natural form of hydrogen peroxide – a substance that has antibacterial properties. This makes raw honey an excellent option in terms of cleansing skin wounds and preventing infection.

One of the benefits of using raw honey, on external skin infections and wounds, is that it won’t sting or irritate the skin.

Raw honey can be consumed to help soothe a sore throat, boost energy, aid in digestive issues and improve immune health. Raw honey also has anti-inflammatory properties and, when combined with cinnamon, may provide relief to those who suffer from painful joints.

 *Strong Warning: Raw honey should never be given to infants due to the possibility that it could induce botulism. People who are insulin resistant ought to avoid, or take caution, when consuming honey.

Our bodies respond best to things that they recognize – plants, herbs, minerals. This connects us more deeply to Creator. This type of co-creating brings about the health and healing that we need. Besides that, it is incredibly empowering to walk away from pharmaceuticals and the systems of the world!

Shalom to you,

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
-3 John 1:2

References:

1) Salman, Mohd Tariq & Khan, Rahat & Shukla, Indu. (2008). Antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa Linn. seed oil against multi-drug resistant bacteria from clinical isolates. Nat. Prod. Radiance. 7.

2) Nicastro, H., Ross, S., and J. Milner. Garlic and onions: Their cancer prevention properties. Cancer Prevention Research. 2015. 8(3):181-189

Excerpts of this blog were taken from the book Shalom Total Wellness: Biblical Principles for Health & Healing by Dr. Sheli Ricci. Available on amazon, scribd, and barnesandnoble.com.
COVID19, General Health, Immune System

IMMUNOLOGY 101: A SANE APPROACH TO COVID19

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One thing that can be said about this whole “COVID19” ordeal, without a doubt, is the lack of knowledge so many people have of how our GOD-given immune system works, what keeps a person healthy, and the role of antigens within the body.

Sheer ignorance is something that we should be patient with because, obviously, no one knows everything. But when hateful belligerence becomes the response of the ignorant upon hearing the TRUTH, then we truly are dealing with a different sort of brain washing. This type of blind abandonment which favors fear and hatred is very concerning!

The following explanation, by Dr. Dan Erickson, deserves not only to be considered, but also to be highlighted. After all, REAL knowledge is self-empowering and (as we are seeing these days) trying to be snuffed out.

“The immune system is built by exposure to antigens… viruses, bacteria. When you’re a little child crawling on the ground, putting stuff in your mouth, viruses and bacteria come in, you form an antigen-antibody complex… you form IgG, IgM… This is how your immune system is built.

You don’t take a small child, put them in bubble wrap in a room and say, go have a healthy immune system. This is immunology, microbiology 101. This is the basis of what we’ve known for years. So what I’m seeing is when you take human beings and you say, go into your house, clean all your counters, Lysol them down… you’re going to kill 99% of viruses and bacteria, wear a mask, don’t go outside… What does that do to our immune system?

Our immune system is used to touching. We share bacteria, staphylococcal, streptococcal bacteria, viruses. We develop an immune response daily with this stuff. When you take that away from me, my immune system drops. As I shelter in place, my immune system drops. You keep me there for months, it drops more. And now I’m at home hand washing vigorously, washing the counters, worried about things that are, indeed, what I need to survive.

Let’s follow the science. This is immunology folks, this is microbiology. This is common sense immunology.If someone has a reduced immune system, you hide them away because they can’t build an immune system. If you have a normal functioning immune system, you need interaction.

When a child is in a womb, you’re in this protected environment. When you come out, you have almost no immune system. You develop that through touching your mouth, touching your eyes, virus, bacteria, virus, bacteria, immune response, IgG, IgM. This is how you build a strong immune system.”— Dan Erickson, MD, emergency medicine, Accelerated Urgent Care in Bakersfield, California

It is my sincere hope that the TRUTH behind getting well, staying well, and living well will begin to GROW and that we will become a healthier people. Regardless of the world systems, the hateful, the fearful, and those who choose blatant ignorance – the TRUTH WILL COME FORTH for those who have ears to hear!

Shalom to you! —