Yummy kombucha!

As I've stated before, your digestion is the key to achieving and maintaining good health, and today I thought I would add a few more words about those friendly bacteria and what you can do to keep your digestive system in tip top shape.

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, the author of the book, Gut and Psychology Syndrome, theorizes that there is a link between the health of our digestive system and our brain chemistry. She states that the surface area of our small intestines are about the size of a tennis court. Friendly bacteria help our bodies to absorb the nutrients from the food we eat, as well as keep the numbers of unhealthy bacteria, yeast and other pathogens under control.

Dr. Campbell-McBride laments the fact that our diet is virtually free of fermented foods. In many cultures especially in the past fermented foods were a very important part of the diet. She encourages people to find some way to turn that around.

In my family, kombucha has been a important way for us to achieve and maintain our health. Since we started brewing and drinking kombucha regularly we have had less colds/flu and digestive problems. We've seen dramatic changes with one of my sons especially. He was a very fussy eater, and was very thin. He would catch any cold that came along and had a very difficult time fighting them as well. Once his gut began to get healthy, his appetite increased, and so did his health (as well as his energy level).

Here is a great website with a lot more information about kombucha and it's benefits; http://www.getkombucha.com/koorandbe.html

If kombucha isn't your cup of tea, how about sauerkraut (make sure it's not pasteurized)or other fermented vegetables, kefir (cow/goat milk or coconut milk), good quality yogurt. Try to add a small serving of fermented foods to your diet every day, and see how your health will improve.

Meditation support

Hi Everyone!

One of the things that most amazed me as I moved from studying Chinese medicine, to actually working with patients in a clinic setting was how essential emotional and spiritual heath is to maintaining physical health. Our lives are so busy now a days running from here to there, with so many things vying for our time.

We really need quiet.

Our bodies, minds and spirits need that time to recharge. It's so easy to get burned out, or worse!

Meditation or some type mind quieting activity is an essential part of health maintenance, it will keep you happy and healthy, and there's nothing better than that. It has even been shown to create changes in the brain to help you to become less affected by stress and more compassionate! (check out this article...http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2601)

If you'd like give meditation a try, check this out... There is a free 21 day meditation challenge, and you can sign up for it here.

http://www.chopra.com/meditationchallenge

They will give you support in daily guided meditations and other support and advice to help you make meditation a part of your life. Did I mention that it's free?

If you're interested, check it out. You have nothing to lose! And if this doesn't work for you, don't give up! There are so many different ways out there to support you in quieting down your mind. It could be tai chi, qigong, yoga or just a quiet walk by the lake. You deserve quiet, and all of the good things that it will bring to your life!

Peace, to one and all on this lovely day!

Joi

Bacteria is good...REALLY!!!

Hey everybody!

This month I'm planning on posting a number of blogs to help you have the healthiest tummy on the block! It may seem crazy, but the healthier your digestive system is, the healthier you will be! (read...'no, and I mean absolutely no colds or flu this year!!!')

Many people have heard that there are 'friendly bacteria' in our bodies, that help our digestive system to work at it peak. It seems like suddenly everyone is talking about probiotics, which is great. Personally, I think that just 10 years ago I would've been really queasy thinking about adding morebacteria to my body, but now it's a daily event!

Check this article out...

http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2010/08/western-diet-tied-to-intestinal-.html

As you can see, keeping your digestion in good shape is not only good for preventing colds, as well as a host of other illnesses it's an essential part of health maintenance.

Next week I'll discuss easy and yummy ways to bring friendly bacteria into your life. It will be fun...really!

How to beat a cold before it strikes!

Hello everyone!

It's August and in Minnesota this is a very hot and sticky time of year! I remember hearing people call this 'the dog days of summer" and I always wondered why. I always thought that maybe after three months of summer the heat and humidity would begin to drive all of the poor four legged furry friends to their limits! Hopefully you are enjoying the weather, and not wilting...

In China this time of year was referred to as late summer and it was associated with the high humidity that we experience as well. August is also associated with our digestive health. In traditional chinese medicine, the digestive system is seen as the most vital part of the body. If you are eating and processing your food properly, you will be well nourished and full of energy and qi which will make you strong and less affected by illness.

Summer was seen as a great time to strengthen the body and prepare for the winter ahead. The warm weather and sun offer us the opportunity to spend time outdoors as it grows and ripens all of the delicious food which will jointly help strengthen you to be ready for all of the naughty bugs that winter might throw your way.

Chinese medicine is all about balance, and part of that is living in harmony with the seasons. So sit back and enjoy the sun and all the local produce you see - like yummy tomatoes,cucumbers, wild blueberries, raspberries or sweet corn, and know that you are helping your body to beat the flu before it comes a knockin' this winter!

Happy eating!

Joi