What REALLY Causes Heartburn?

by DR. JONATHAN V. WRIGHT, MD

Every day on television and other media we are barraged with ads about heartburn and acid reflux, which seem to tell us that stomach acid is the culprit causing our pain. If we take the patent medicine recommended in the commercial, our stomach problems will disappear.

 

And how do those medicines propose to “fix” the problem? They lower the level of stomach acidity by either neutralizing stomach acid (these are antacids) or by shutting down the stomach’s ability to produce acid (proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs).

But it’s not really the level of acid in the stomach that causes the discomfort we call heartburn. Heartburn is caused when acid that is supposed to be in the stomach aiding digestion backs up into the esophagus, whose lining is not capable of withstanding the acidity and is chemically burned by it. If we take the advertised patent medicine, it will reduce the level of acid in the stomach, and so if comes up into the esophagus, its acidity will be less there as well, reducing or eliminating the burning sensation. But is this really a heartburn cure, or just temporary symptom relief? And do people really have too much acid in their stomach? Most importantly, is it healthy to reduce stomach acid?

Are Antacids and PPIs Really a Heartburn Cure?

Antacids and PPIs do reduce stomach acid, so when acid comes back into the throat, it does not burn as much. But antacids do not stop acid from going where it doesn’t belong in the first place.

 

Why does acid come up into the throat? There is a valve at the bottom of the esophagus, just before the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It allows food to pass into the stomach, but is supposed to prohibit stomach contents from going in the other direction. When there is food present in the stomach, that valve is supposed to be shut tight, but sometimes it relaxes when it should not.

 

In some cases, the LES malfunctions because of food allergies and sensitivities, caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine. But it also happens when none of these is present. Doctors are not sure why, but some theorize that more acid, not less, is needed to keep the valve firmly shut, and that the valve relaxes in the presence of low stomach acid. If that is so, taking antacids could actually make the problem worse, not better.

 

Do People Often Have Too Much Stomach Acid?
Many studies have revealed that the production of stomach acid often decreases as we age, so that older people have much lower acidity level than younger ones. Yet often people develop heartburn in later years, just as acid production is declining. So it does not seem likely that heartburn is related to too much stomach acid at all. Yet when one goes to a doctor for a heartburn cure, antacids and PPIs are often prescribed without any testing on stomach acid levels. Ironically, when that test is done, it often reveals a lack of stomach acid rather than too much! This fact supports the theory that more acid keeps the LES more tightly closed.

 

Is It Healthy to Reduce Stomach Acid?
Stomach acid is needed in digestion and absorption of protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Older people in particular, who have lower levels of stomach acid, have difficulty absorbing sufficient nutrition. Moreover, stomach acid is a barrier that can prevent bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms from getting further into our digestive tract. Low stomach acid is linked to a variety of medical conditions including osteoporosis, pneumonia, and macular degeneration. Given that antacids only provide temporary relief from heartburn symptoms, and can lead to serious diseases or infections, they are not the best answer to the issue of heartburn.

 

What are better alternatives in curing heartburn?
Because many people suffering from heartburn have low stomach acid, some doctors have found that acid supplements often cure the problem. The supplements also help restore the digestive system, which enables better absorption of nutrients. Of course, no one should take acid except with the advice and under the care of a licensed doctor. If acid is normal in a person suffering from heartburn, his or her physician will often recommend testing for food allergies that could be causing the LES to malfunction. In addition, other natural supplements have been proven to help strengthen LES function, in particular melatonin.

 

So if you are suffering from heartburn, especially with any frequency, look for an integrative doctor (one who combines the use of supplements and natural remedies with more conventional approaches as needed) who is familiar with stomach acid level testing, and can get to the real cause of your heartburn.

Nick’s comment:
There is a sophisticated test available to test for low stomach acidity called the Heidelberg gastric analysis test.  Unfortunately this test is not readily available and is expensive. I have included 2 self tests below to help you determine if you have low stomach acid.

 

I personally take HCl with each meal and I have found significant changes in how I feel. No longer do I have bloating, constant pressure in my stomach area and wake up with last night’s dinner still in my stomach.  I just started doing procedure 2 below and had good results.

 

Initially in addition to supplementing HCl you may consider using a product called Heartburn Free. Heartburn Free is an extract from orange peel that you take every other day for 20 days, it strengthens the LES function to prevent acid from going up into the esophagus. A very important thing to do is to directly treat the stomach. People often have a condition called a hiatal hernia in which the stomach and esophagus are mal-positioned allowing stomach acid to go up into the esophagus.

 

I treat this manually and then teach the person who has this condition how to treat themself which also greatly reduces the reflux symptoms.  People who I have treated manually and then put on HCl supplementation have done very well in reducing their symptoms of reflux.

1.     Conduct an at-home test to see if your HCL is low. Mix 1/4 tsp. of baking soda in an 8 oz. glass of cold water. Drink the baking soda and water mixture first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. Time how long it takes to belch after drinking the mixture. You should belch within 2 to 3 minutes if your HCL is adequate.

2.     Purchase supplemental HCL tablets from a health food or nutrition store. Take one 10 grain HCL capsule at the beginning of a substantial meal with protein. Take two capsules at the beginning of the next meal. Continue adding a capsule at every each meal until you feel a burning sensation in your chest. Note how many capsules you took before you felt the irritation and inform your physician. Generally, the higher the number of capsules you take, the lower your HCL is.

 

Both Heartburn Free and HCl (I use Vital Nutrients BETAINE HCL W/PEPSIN & GENTIAN) are available at Emerson Ecologic’s. Use this link to place your order…

HEARTMATH/EMWAVE 2

 

The heart at rest was once thought to operate much like a metronome, faithfully beating out a regular, steady rhythm. Scientists and physicians now know, however, that this is far from the case. Rather than being monotonously regular, the rhythm of a healthy heart-even under resting conditions—is actually surprisingly irregular, with the time interval between consecutive heartbeats constantly changing. This naturally occurring beat-to-beat variation in heart rate is called heart rate variability (HRV).

Heart rate variability is a measure of the beat-to-beat changes in heart rate. This diagram shows three heartbeats recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Note that variation in the time interval between consecutive heartbeats, giving a different heart rate (in beats per minute) for each interbeat interval.

The normal variability in heart rate is due to the synergistic action of the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)—the part of the nervous system that regulates most of the body’s internal functions. The sympathetic nerves act to accelerate heart rate, while the parasympathetic (vagus) nerves slow it down. The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS are continually interacting to maintain cardiovascular activity in its optimal range and to permit appropriate reactions to changing external and internal conditions. The analysis of HRV therefore serves as a dynamic window into the function and balance of the autonomic nervous system.

Scientists and physicians consider HRV to be an important indicator of health and fitness. As a marker of physiological resilience and behavioral flexibility, it reflects our ability to adapt effectively to stress and environmental demands. A simple analogy helps to illustrate this point: just as the shifting stance of a tennis player about to receive a serve may facilitate swift adaptation, in healthy individuals the heart remains similarly responsive and resilient, primed and ready to react when needed.

HRV is also a marker of biological aging. Our heart rate variability is greatest when we are young, and as we age the range of variation in our resting heart rate becomes smaller. Although the age-related decline in HRV is a natural process, having abnormally low HRV for one’s age group is associated with increased risk of future health problems and premature mortality. Low HRV is also observed in individuals with a wide range of diseases and disorders. By reducing stress-induced wear and tear on the nervous system and facilitating the body’s natural regenerative processes, regular practice of HeartMath coherence-building techniques can help restore low HRV to healthy values.

In general, emotional stress—including emotions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety—gives rise to heart rhythm patterns that appear irregular and erratic: the HRV waveform looks like a series of uneven, jagged peaks (an example is shown in the figure below). Scientists call this an incoherent heart rhythm pattern. Physiologically, this pattern indicates that the signals produced by the two branches of the ANS are out of sync with each other. This can be likened to driving a car with one foot on the gas pedal (the sympathetic nervous system) and the other on the brake (the parasympathetic nervous system) at the same time—this creates a jerky ride, burns more gas, and isn’t great for your car, either! Likewise, the incoherent patterns of physiological activity associated with stressful emotions can cause our body to operate inefficiently, deplete our energy, and produce extra wear and tear on our whole system. This is especially true if stress and negative emotions are prolonged or experienced often.

In contrast, positive emotions send a very different signal throughout our body. When we experience uplifting emotions such as appreciation, joy, care, and love; our heart rhythm pattern becomes highly ordered, looking like a smooth, harmonious wave (an example is shown in the figure below). This is called a coherent heart rhythm pattern. When we are generating a coherent heart rhythm, the activity in the two branches of the ANS is synchronized and the body’s systems operate with increased efficiency and harmony. It’s no wonder that positive emotions feel so good – they actually help our body’s systems synchronize and work better.

Coherence: A State of Optimal Function

The Institute of HeartMath’s research has shown that generating sustained positive emotions facilitates a body-wide shift to a specific, scientifically measurable state. This state is termed psychophysiological coherence, because it is characterized by increased order and harmony in both our psychological (mental and emotional) and physiological (bodily) processes. Psychophysiological coherence is state of optimal function. Research shows that when we activate this state, our physiological systems function more efficiently, we experience greater emotional stability, and we also have increased mental clarity and improved cognitive function. Simply stated, our body and brain work better, we feel better, and we perform better.

The Quick Coherence Technique will help you reach the optimal state.

Step 1: Heart Focus. Focus your attention on the area around your heart, the area in the center of your chest. If you prefer, the first couple of times you try it, place your hand over the center of your chest to help keep your attention in the heart area.

Step 2: Heart Breathing. Breathe deeply, but normally, and imagine that your breath is coming in and going out through your heart area. Continue breathing with ease until you find a natural inner rhythm that feels good to you.

Step 3: Heart Feeling. As you maintain your heart focus and heart breathing, activate a positive feeling. Recall a positive feeling, a time when you felt good inside, and try to re-experience the feeling. One of the easiest ways to generate a positive, heart-based feeling is to remember a special place you’ve been to or the love you feel for a close friend or family member or treasured pet. This is the most important step.

You can do the Quick Coherence® Technique anytime, anywhere and no one will know you’re doing it. In less than a minute, it creates positive changes in your heart rhythms, sending powerful signals to the brain that can improve how you’re feeling. Apply this one-minute technique first thing in the morning, before or during phone calls or meetings, in the middle of a difficult conversation, when you feel overwhelmed or pressed for time, or anytime you simply want to practice increasing your coherence. You can also use Quick Coherence whenever you need more coordination, speed and fluidity in your reactions.

Inner Balance is a free app for IOS and Android that lets you know how you are doing with the technique. The bluetooth pulse sensor that pairs with the app can be bought here.

 

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=xcGYRQp8As0&offerid=181219.10000069&subid=0&type=4

from Health Info Newsletter April 1, 2018: Irritable Bowel and meditation and Heart Math

greenmedicinenewsletter.com/lipoic-acid-supplements-and-weight-loss

Jonathan V. Wright M.D.

For nearly three decades, Dr. Tory Hagen has worked to understand how lipoic acid supplements act in the body. His journey began under the mentorship of Dr. Bruce Ames at the University of California, Berkeley. Together, Hagen and Ames started on the path to understand how and why we age with the hope of learning how to live longer and feel better.

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Lipoic Acid Supplements and Weight Loss
A New Clinical Trial Sheds Light on the Benefits
By Dr. Tory M. Hagen, Ph.D.

Investigators at the Linus Pauling Institute, along with their collaborators at Oregon Health & Science University, recently published results of a clinical trial using lipoic acid supplements. This study shows that lipoic acid supplements can help some people lose weight.

For over 20 years, scientists and clinicians have explored the potential health benefits of lipoic acid, including its ability to promote healthy aging and mitigate cardiovascular disease.

Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute have documented that lipoic acid reduces oxidative stress and improves detoxification mechanisms and lipid metabolism. Although this work is primarily in rodent models, human trials at the Institute found that lipoic acid replicates some of the same effects listed above and may play a role in maintaining a normal circadian rhythm.

What is Lipoic Acid?

Lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound produced by both plants and animals. It has a structure that is unique in nature: chemically, it is a medium-chain fatty acid with two sulfur atoms at one end.

Lipoic acid is typically found attached to enzymes, where it acts as an electron carrier. Therefore, it should be no surprise that these enzymes are involved in energy and amino acid metabolism in the mitochondria.

The body usually produces adequate amounts of lipoic acid to meet its metabolic needs.

However, something different happens when lipoic acid is taken as a supplement. Often marketed as alpha-lipoic acid, the molecule is found in a free (not protein-bound) form. This allows it to take other actions in the body, like stimulating certain types of cell signaling.

Lipoic acid supplements have been shown to stimulate glucose metabolism, antioxidant defenses, and anti-inflammatory responses. For these reasons, lipoic acid has been investigated as a complementary treatment for people with diabetes, heart disease, and age-related cognitive decline.

Changing Focus

These studies laid the foundation for better human trials. Dr. Tory Hagen, the Linus Pauling Institute’s expert on lipoic acid, just released the results of a clinical trial on lipoic acid in The Journal of Nutrition, renewing interest in the beneficial effects of lipoic acid supplements.

Over the last few decades, there have been a number of clinical studies on lipoic acid. However, Dr. Hagen and other researchers in this field felt the study designs of the previous trials needed improvement.

One persistent issue was the choice of study participants. In short, the previous trials focused on volunteers with pre-existing conditions like diabetes. This made it difficult to tell if the benefits were due to lipoic acid supplements improving disease or if lipoic acid supplements would provide potential benefits for people without a chronic disease.

Another issue was the formulation of the supplement. “Commercially, lipoic acid is often found in a combination of the R– and S- forms of the molecule, ” explained Dr. Hagen. “However, the R-form of lipoic acid is the only form that is naturally found in the body.”

Dr. Hagen has long been an advocate of only using the R-form of lipoic acid in his experiments and clinical studies because it is the form that has all the biological activity. There are some indications that the R-form is better absorbed, has fewer gastrointestinal side effects, and may act on target tissues better than the S-form of the molecule.

New Study, New Revelations

The latest study published by the Linus Pauling Institute last year was a joint effort with Oregon Health & Science University. Participants took either 600 mg per day of R-lipoic acid or a placebo for 24 weeks (roughly six months).

The study focused on people who were both overweight and had high triglyceride levels. The primary objective was to see if lipoic acid supplementation could reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood. The principal investigators were careful not to include people who had a diagnosed disease.

In the end, some of the results were surprising. The analysis showed that the group taking lipoic acid did see a reduction in their blood triglyceride levels overall. Instead, it was clear that many participants taking lipoic acid were losing weight.

“The data clearly showed a loss of body fat that resulted in weight loss,” says Dr. Gerd Bobe, study statistician and coauthor on the study. “In some people, this resulted in lower triglyceride levels, but the weight loss had to come first.”

Some groups showed greater weight loss than others. For example, in female study participants there was over a 10% reduction in body fat in the lipoic acid group when compared to the placebo group.

Lipoic acid supplements had other effects as well. For example, participants in the lipoic acid supplement group had lower urinary F₂ isoprostane levels than the placebo. This biomarker suggests that these participants were experiencing less oxidative stress.

However, it was unclear if these biomarker changes were due to the weight loss or if lipoic acid affected these biomarkers independently. Future trials by the Institute will likely focus on differentiating these effects.

The Future of Lipoic Acid Supplements

“This study shows that lipoic acid supplements can be beneficial,” said Hagen. “But like many dietary supplements, it’s possible that the effects won’t be seen by everyone taking them. Right now, it is not a perfect panacea.”

Dr. Hagen points out that just over one-third of the study participants in the lipoic acid group did not lose weight during the trial. While this was clearly an improvement over taking a placebo (in the placebo group about half of the participants gained weight), it suggests that lipoic acid might have limited effect on its own.

Also, some of the participants in this study reported side effects of the supplements like heartburn or stomach aches. Side effects are not uncommon with lipoic acid supplements, especially when taking large doses on an empty stomach.

Furthermore, cost can be an issue. Lipoic acid supplements, especially R-lipoic acid, are often quite expensive. So, it can be a costly endeavor to find out that they might not work out for you.

“If lipoic acid works better in some people and not others, we need to know why,” concludes Hagen. “It will make for a more targeted approach to lipoic acid supplementation in the future.”

References

Bobe et al. J Nutr 150 (2020) doi: 10.1093/jn/nxaa203
Keith et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 450 (2014) doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.05.112
Keith et al. Pharmacol Res 66 (2012) doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.05.002

About Dr. Tory Hagen, Ph.D.

After coming to the Linus Pauling Institute in 1998, Dr. Hagen’s research team consistently published on the effects of lipoic acid supplementation in older animals. From maintaining cellular antioxidant levels to cell-signaling pathways, each study found similar results: lipoic acid could make old animals appear like young animals, at least biochemically.

In recent years, Dr. Hagen’s focus has transitioned into human studies. Although there are some clinical data demonstrating the utility of lipoic acid in diabetes treatment, there is still little evidence for lipoic acid supplements in otherwise healthy older adults. As more research emerges, Dr. Hagen hopes that funding for these trials in older adults will follow. Ultimately, it will help everyone discover if supplements like lipoic acid may be beneficial in our pursuit of health.

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Reprinted from the Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University Research Newsletter – Winter 2021 by permission.

Curious About Probiotics vs. Digestive Enzymes? Adapted From: https://doctormurray.com/curious-about-probiotics-vs-digestive-enzymes/

Gut health is a growing health craze for good reason. Digestive issues are a widespread problem affecting roughly one out or every three adults that contributes to millions of doctor visits in the United States every year. In an effort to improve their digestive health, Americans have become obsessed with probiotics or “friendly” bacteria. In addition to spending over $2 billion each year on probiotic supplements, there is also a growing rise in sales fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut. It is becoming popular to add probiotics to many other foods and beverages, as well including chocolate, nutrition bars, smoothies, and juice.

Marketing would have us believe that probiotics are the answer to all gut issues and there is no question that they are important considerations. But, do they always represent the best natural solution for common digestive complaints? Not really.

Improving Gut Health Beyond Probiotics
The simple truth is that the benefits that many people are looking for in improving their digestive complaints with probiotics, are better achieved with the use of other natural digestive aids, especially enzymes. Probiotics are living organisms that can have beneficial effects on digestive health, but they are not very effective in dealing with many common digestive complaints like the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as indigestion, gas, bloating, and food intolerances. The reason is simple: probiotics do not digest food.

The real issue and the underlining cause of most gut discomforts, is not digesting food properly. Most people compound the problem by choosing to simply block symptoms with an over-the-counter acid-blocking drug while others will jump on the probiotic bandwagon only to be disappointed. And many others will simply suffer though the embarrassing and uncomfortable effects of improper digestion, because they feel they have tried everything and nothing has worked. The reality is that they have not tried everything, they have just not tried the right product.

Lack of Stomach Acid and Pepsin
Although much is said about hyperacidity conditions, a more common cause of indigestion is a lack of gastric acid secretion. Lack of stomach acid affects more than 15% of the general population and over 40% of people over 40! It is a major cause of indigestion in this age group.

The stomach’s optimal pH range for digestion is 1.5-2.5. The use of antacids and acid-blocker drugs will typically raise the pH above 3.5. Although raising the pH can reduce symptoms, it blocks the effects of both hydrochloric acid and pepsin, a key enzyme involved in protein digestion.

Hydrochloric acid secretion aids in protein digestion, activates pepsin, and it encourages the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes. Hydrochloric acid also facilitates the absorption of many nutrients, including folate, vitamin B12, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, iron and some forms of calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

The bottom line is that without HCL and pepsin proper protein digestion and nutrient absorption will not occur. In addition, a lack of HCL and/or pepsin can adversely affect the gut’s microbial flora including the promotion of an overgrowth of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori that is associated with ulcer formation.

There are many symptoms and signs that suggest impaired gastric acid secretion, and a number of specific health conditions have been found to be associated with insufficient gastric acid output, especially conditions linked to a “leaky gut” like psoriasis, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid disease..

Common Signs and Symptoms of Low Gastric Acidity

    Bloating, belching, burning, and flatulence immediately after meals
    A sense of `fullness’ after eating
    Indigestion, diarrhea or constipation
    Weak, peeling and cracked fingernails
    Chronic intestinal parasites or abnormal flora
    Undigested food in stool
    Chronic candida infections

You can check to see if you are making enough stomach acid:
Nick’s Comments:
There is a sophisticated test available to test for low stomach acidity called the Heidelberg gastric analysis test.  Unfortunately this test is not readily available and is expensive. I have included 2 self tests below to help you determine if you have low stomach acid.

I personally take HCl with each meal and I have found significant changes in how I feel. No longer do I have bloating, constant pressure in my stomach area and wake up with last night’s dinner still in my stomach.  I just started doing procedure 2 below and had good results.

Initially in addition to supplementing HCl you may consider using a product called Heartburn Free. Heartburn Free is an extract from orange peel that you take every other day for 20 days, it strengthens the LES function to prevent acid from going up into the esophagus. A very important thing to do is to directly treat the stomach. People often have a condition called a hiatal hernia in which the stomach and esophagus are mal-positioned allowing stomach acid to go up into the esophagus.

I treat this manually and then teach the person who has this condition how to treat themself which also greatly reduces the reflux symptoms.  People who I have treated manually and then put on HCl supplementation have done very well in reducing their symptoms of reflux.

    1.     Conduct an at-home test to see if your HCL is low. Mix 1/4 tsp. of baking soda in an 8 oz. glass of cold water. Drink the baking soda and water mixture first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. Time how long it takes to belch after drinking the mixture. You should belch within 2 to 3 minutes if your HCL is adequate.

    2.     Purchase supplemental HCL tablets. Take one 10 grain HCL capsule at the beginning of a substantial meal with protein. If this does not aggravate symptoms, at every meal after that of the same size take one more tablet or capsule. (One at the next meal, two at the meal after that, then three at the next meal.)
 Continue adding a capsule at every each meal (maximum 7 capsules) until you feel a burning sensation in your chest. Note how many capsules you took before you felt the irritation. Generally, the higher the number of capsules you take, the lower your HCL is.  After you have found that the largest dose that you can take at your large meals without feeling any warmth, maintain that dose at all of meals of similar size. You will need to take less at smaller meals.
    When taking a number of capsules, it is best to take them throughout the meal.
    As your stomach begins to regain the ability to produce the amount of HCl needed to properly digest your food, you will notice the warm feeling again and will have to cut down the dose level.

Both Heartburn Free and HCl (I use Vital Nutrients BETAINE HCL W/PEPSIN & GENTIAN) are available at Emerson Ecologic’s. Use this link to place your order  https://wellevate.me/nick-soloway  I also stock both of these products as well as Similase mentioned below

Digestive Enzymes to the Rescue
While probiotics are marketed as a cure-all for digestive complaints, the relief that people are seeking to find is best obtained through supplementation with digestive enzymes.  Unlike probiotics, enzymes can make an immediate difference in digesting a meal. That is because enzymes actually help digest food, probiotics do not. Many people who have occasional digestive difficulties such as indigestion, bloating, or gas will often feel a relief from taking a digestive enzyme supplement in minutes. This fast action is because the enzymes are directly working to breakdown a meal. Many digestive symptoms are simply the result of improper breakdown of food by enzymes.

While our own body produces digestive enzymes, it may not be enough especially in older adults. Aging leads to actual structural changes in the pancreas as well as reduced output of digestive enzymes, often leading to impaired digestion and symptoms ranging from minor gas, pain, nausea, and bloating to severe malabsorption and malnutrition.

Digestive enzymes can be derived from animal, plant, or microbial sources. Of these three sources, enzymes derived from bacteria and fungi are emerging as the most effective source because they are very stable, resist damage caused by the stomach acid, and can function within a wide range of pH levels. For example, while the pancreatic enzyme trypsin and chymotrypsin are only effective in a pH environment of 8-10, some digestive enzyme supplements contain blends of microbial-derived enzymes that can be effective throughout the entire pH range. Since the pH of the human gastrointestinal tract varies from very acid to alkaline, it is important to choose products that are effective throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. Similase is the digestive enzyme product that I personally use. Available at https://wellevate.me/nick-soloway

These more advanced enzyme preparations have ushered in a whole new era for digestive enzymes. For best results, digestive enzymes are recommended to be taken before meals or early in the meal.

Final Comments

Just a reminder, in most cases it is not food that is causing digestive symptoms, it is the improper digestion of that food. So, the first goal in trying to improve gut symptoms is to focus on improving digestion. As far was which to use first, Betaine HCL or digestive enzymes. Here is a good rule of thumb. If the bloating, gas, indigestion occurs within the first 30-45 minutes of eating go with Betaine HCL. If it occurs more than 45 minutes after eating, go with digestive enzymes first.

For more information on heartburn and digestion read this previous post:
https://integrative-energetics.com/?s=heart+burn

Interesting and Impressive Benefits of Green Tea 

By Mercola.com

When you’re thirsty, pure water is always a good choice, but sometimes you may be craving something different – a cool refreshment on a hot summer day or a warm mug to sip on when temperatures plummet. Green tea fits the bill in both cases and, even better, provides significant benefits to your health.

You’re probably already aware that green tea is healthy… but you may be surprised to learn just how healthy it actually is. Green tea is one beverage you can feel good about enjoying even multiple times a day.

9 Health Benefits of Green Tea

1. Bioactive Compounds with Medicinal Properties

Green tea is rich in naturally occurring plant compounds called polyphenols, which can account for up to 30 percent of the dry leaf weight of green tea.

Within the group of polyphenols are flavonoids, which contain catechins. One of the most powerful catechins is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to positively impact a number of illnesses and conditions.

2. Improve Brain Function

Green tea contains theanine, an amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and has psychoactive properties. Theanine increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, and alpha wave activity, and may reduce mental and physical stress and produce feelings of relaxation.1
Theanine may also help to prevent age-related memory decline2 and has been shown to affect areas of your brain involved in attention and complex problem-solving.3

3. Increase Fat Burning and Weight Loss

There is some evidence that long-term consumption of green tea catechins is beneficial for burning fat and may work with other chemicals to increase levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis.
In one recent study, men who took a green tea extract reduced their body fat by 1.63 percent and increased their fat oxidation rates by 25 percent compared to those taking a placebo.4 And according to research in Physiology & Behavior:

“Positive effects on body-weight management have been shown using green tea mixtures. Green tea, by containing both tea catechins and caffeine, may act through inhibition of catechol O-methyl-transferase, and inhibition of phosphodiesterase.

Here the mechanisms may also operate synergistically. A green tea-caffeine mixture improves weight maintenance, through thermogenesis, fat oxidation, and sparing fat free mass…

Taken together, these functional ingredients have the potential to produce significant effects on metabolic targets such as thermogenesis, and fat oxidation.”

4. Lower Your Risk of Cancer

Green tea components have been shown to downregulate the expression of proteins involved in inflammation, cell signalization, cell motility, and angiogenesis, while an association between green tea intake and decreased risk of cancers (including ovarian and breast5) have been reported.6

Women who drank more than three cups of green tea a day also had a reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence,7 and previous research has shown green tea polyphenols act on molecular pathways to shut down the production and spread of tumor cells.8

They also discourage the growth of the blood vessels that feed the tumors. EGCG even acts as an antiangiogenic and antitumor agent, and helps modulate tumor cell response to chemotherapy.9

5. Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

In a study presented at the 2015 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases, those who drank green tea one to six days a week had less mental decline than those who didn’t drink it.10 In addition, the researchers revealed tea drinkers had a lower risk of dementia than non-tea drinkers.

In another study of 12 healthy volunteers, those who received a beverage containing 27.5 grams of green tea extract showed increased connectivity between the parietal and frontal cortex of the brain compared to those who drank a non-green tea beverage.11

The increased activity was correlated with improved performance on working memory tasks, and the researchers believe the results suggest green tea may be useful for treating cognitive impairments, including dementia.

Green tea polyphenols also appear to have an inhibitory affect on mechanisms involved in triggering Parkinson’s disease, leading researchers to suggest it may be useful for both prevention and treatment.12

6. Improve Your Dental Health

Green tea is thought to improve periodontal health by reducing inflammation, preventing bone resorption, and limiting the growth of certain bacteria associated with dental diseases.

 

Researchers noted that “the more frequently subjects drank green tea, [the] better was their periodontal condition.’13 Green tea may even help prevent bad breath.

Researchers concluded, “green tea was very effective in reducing oral malodor temporarily because of its disinfectant and deodorant activities, whereas other foods were not effective.”14

7. Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolism, prevents sudden increases in blood sugar levels, and has a balancing effect on metabolic rate.15 One study even found people who consume six or more cups of green tea daily had a 33 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who consumed less than one cup per week.16

8. Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Green tea improves both blood flow and the ability of your arteries to relax, with research suggesting a few cups of green tea each day may help prevent heart disease.17 Study results also show EGCG can be helpful for the prevention of arterio­sclerosis, cerebral thrombus, heart attack, and stroke — in part due to its ability to relax your arteries and improve blood flow.18

Green tea also appears to inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream.19 Oxidized LDL is more harmful than normal non-oxidized LDL because it’s smaller and denser. This allows it to penetrate the lining of your arteries, where it will stimulate plaque formation associated with heart disease.

In a meta-analysis of green tea for stroke, meanwhile, it was found that drinking at least three cups of green tea daily lowered stroke risk by 21 percent. The researchers noted, “Drinking tea regularly may be one of the most practical lifestyle changes you can make to significantly reduce your risk of suffering a stroke.”20

9. Increase Longevity

Drinking green tea is associated with reduced mortality due to all causes, as well as reduced mortality due to heart disease. In one study of Japanese women, those who drank five or more cups of green tea daily were 23 percent less likely to due during an 11-year period.

Separate research found elderly individuals (aged 65 to 84) who drank the most green tea were 76 percent less likely to die during the six-year study period.21 Research also shows holistic benefits to green tea consumption, including lower blood pressure, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation.22

Freshly Brewed Tea Is Best for Your Health

While it may be tempting to purchase pre-made bottled tea, especially the iced variety, be aware that it likely won’t contain the same level of health-boosting flavonoids as freshly brewed tea. Nutrition scientist Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University, told Bay Area Bites:23

“Tea is not stable… You know that cloudy stuff that you see at the bottom of a bottle of ice tea or a gallon batch that you made a few days ago? That’s precipitated flavonoids – and that doesn’t do you any good.”

An analysis of the strength and purity of more than 20 green tea products by ConsumerLab.com found that EGCG levels in bottled green tea can range from just 4 milligrams (mg) per cup to 47 mg, while brewable green tea (from tea bags, loose tea, or a K-cup) contained levels ranging from 25 mg to 86 mg per serving.24

One variety, bottled Diet Snapple Green Tea, reportedly contained almost no EGCG, while Honest Tea Green Tea with Honey contained only about 60 percent of the 190 mg of catechins claimed on the label.25 Added sugars or artificial sweeteners were also common in the bottled tea brands.

 

Fortunately, brewing your own tea fresh at home is easy. Here are a few simple guidelines for making the “perfect” cup of tea:

·         Bring water to a boil in a tea kettle (avoid using a non-stick pot, as this can release harmful chemicals when heated)

·         Preheat your teapot or cup to prevent the water from cooling too quickly when transferred. Simply add a small amount of boiling water to the pot or tea up that you’re going to steep the tea in. Ceramic and porcelain retain heat well. Then cover the pot or cup with a lid. Add a tea cozy if you have one, or drape with a towel. Let stand until warm, then pour out the water. (This step is unnecessary if you’ll be drinking your tea iced).

·         Put the tea into an infuser, strainer, or add loose into the tea pot. Steeping without an infuser or strainer will produce a more flavorful tea. Start with one heaped teaspoon per cup of tea, or follow the instructions on the tea package. The robustness of the flavor can be tweaked by using more or less tea

·         Add boiling water. Use the correct amount for the amount of tea you added (i.e. for four teaspoons of tea, add four cups of water). The ideal water temperature varies based on the type of tea being steeped:

oWhite or green teas (full leaf): Well below boiling (170 to 185°F or 76 to 85°C). Once the water has been brought to a boil, remove from heat and let the water cool for about 30 seconds for white tea and 60 seconds for green tea before pouring it over the leaves

oOolongs (full leaf): 185 to 210°F or 85 to 98°C

oBlack teas (full leaf) and Pu-erhs: Full rolling boil (212°F or 100°C)
·         Cover the pot with a cozy or towel and let steep. Follow steeping instructions on the package. If there are none, here are some general steeping guidelines. Taste frequently as you want it to be flavorful but not bitter:

oOolong teas: 4 to 7 minutes

oBlack teas: 3 to 5 minutes

oGreen teas: 2 to 3 minutes

·         Once the desired flavor has been achieved you need to remove the strainer or infuser. If you’re using loose leaves, pour the tea through a strainer into your cup and any leftover into another vessel (cover with a cozy to retain the heat)

·         If you prefer iced tea, transfer your tea to the refrigerator to cool or add just enough ice to bring the temperature down (be careful not to water it down too much).

Tips for Getting the Most Health Benefits Out of Your Tea

There are many variables that affect just how healthy your cup of green tea is. A telltale sign of high-quality green tea is that the tea is in fact green. If your green tea looks brown rather than green, it’s likely been oxidized, which can damage or destroy many of its most valuable compounds. Many enjoy using loose tea leaves, which ConsumerLab found may offer even more antioxidants (while also avoiding potential toxins in tea bags). Other considerations include:

1.    Add Lemon: To boost the benefits of green tea, add a squirt of lemon juice to your cup. Previous research has demonstrated that vitamin C significantly increases the amount of catechins available for your body to absorb. In fact, citrus juice increased available catechin levels by more than five times, causing 80 percent of tea’s catechins to remain bioavailable.26

2.    Skip the Milk: The proteins in milk may bind to and neutralize the antioxidants in tea, such that its health benefits are significantly reduced. One study even found “All [beneficial vascular protective] effects were completely inhibited by the addition of milk to tea.”27

3.    Choose Organic and Grown in a Non-Polluted Environment: Green tea plants are known to be especially effective at absorbing lead from the soil, which is then taken up into the plants’ leaves. Areas with excessive industrial pollution, 28 may therefore contain substantial amounts of lead.29 Both black and green teas are naturally high in fluoride as well, even if organically grown without pesticides.

This is because the plant readily absorbs fluoride thorough its root system, including naturally occurring fluoride in the soil. There are reports of people who have developed crippling skeletal fluorosis from drinking high amounts of iced tea alone.30

When selecting tea of any kind, it should preferably be organic (to avoid pesticides) and grown in a pristine environment because, as mentioned, tea is known to accumulate fluoride, heavy metals, and other toxins from soil and water. A clean growing environment is essential to producing a pure, high-quality tea, and, ideally, the water you use to brew it should be fluoride-free as well.

An Unexpected Superfood: All About Eggs

 

From: Dynamicchiropractor.com

 

About 40 years ago, excessive dietary cholesterol was labeled a public health concern. Specifically, it was thought that there was a causal link between consumption of cholesterol-laden foods and increased risk of heart disease.1 As a result, for many years, one of the healthiest and most convenient food options suffered from a smear campaign that boosted sales of “egg alternatives.” But as happens so often, the truth  eventually comes out. In the case of eggs, the reality is they’ve gotten a bad rap.

 

Cholesterol: Good and Bad

 

The original confusion regarding egg consumption stemmed from their cholesterol content. The average large egg contains more than 200 mg of cholesterol, which accounts for about two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance. Since high cholesterol was linked to heart disease, it seemed logical to suggest limiting any foods with a high cholesterol content. Thus, eggs became a food to be avoided at all costs, resulting in about a 30 percent per-capita drop in egg consumption among Americans.2

 

Then scientists began to recognize the difference between “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol.” Healthy foods with “good fats” will raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or goodcholesterol levels, which is beneficial.3 Suddenly, eggs weren’t so bad after all.

 

Healthy and Nutritious

 

The reality is that eggs are an amazing source of protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. While once considered a health risk, the egg can actually be called a “superfood.”4 Yes, the yolk does contain the lion’s share of cholesterol, but it also contains almost 3 grams of protein and is a great source of vitamins A, D, B6, B12 and iron. Consuming only the egg white eliminates many of the nutrients and all of the antioxidants found in eggs.4-5

 

Eggs (yolk and white) contain vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12, D, E, and K, calcium, folate, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. As a whole, the egg has 77 calories, 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of healthy or good fats, and omega-3 fatty acids, which lower triglycerides (a well-known risk factor for heart disease).4-5

 

This amazing food also contains the cell membrane-building nutrient choline, which is lacking in almost 90 percent of diets. Choline is important from a health perspective because it promotes normal cell activity, liver function and nutrient transportation in the body. Then there’s the nine essential amino acids the egg contains.5

 

Last, but not least, eggs can actually be beneficial for eye health, since they contain the important antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which have shown to help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.4

 

Convenient and Versatile

 

With all its amazing nutritional and health benefits, the egg is a great meal or snack. Whether boiled, poached, scrambled or fried, it can be part of any meal, and when you’re on the run, it is probably one of the most healthy items to eat on the go. With zero carbs, no sugar, no gluten and 6 grams of protein, an egg should be a dietary staple.5

 

Organic or Non-Organic?

 

As with many food items, it is my recommendation that the best source is always going to be organic. Surprisingly, the omega-3 levels in eggs can actually be affected by the hens’ diet and can be increased in either organic or conventional eggs. However, clearly a healthier diet and better care are provided to hens that lay eggs labeled organic.6

 

A primary concern in non-organic eggs may be contamination. However, while chicken meat has tested positive for arsenic and other contaminants, a study in 2011 tested 497 egg samples and found no residue of pesticides, contaminants or veterinary drugs including antibiotics. A poultry scientist from Auburn University, Pat Curtis, says that this shouldn’t be surprising, as chemicals are not typically given to laying hens, and when they are, there is a “mandated withdrawal period” before their eggs can be sold.6

 

While this may be comforting, I suggest that to avoid any risk of contamination by pesticides or other chemicals, organic will always be the best source.

 

Allergy Information

 

According to the Mayo Clinic, eggs are one of the most common food allergen for children, with symptoms manifesting as early as infancy.7 While allergic reactions may vary from one person to another, they will generally occur soon after exposure and can include the following: skin inflammation or hives; nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing; digestive symptoms such as cramps, nausea and vomiting; and asthmatic signs and symptoms such as coughing wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.7-8

 

One of the easiest ways to test for food allergens is to keep a food or dietary journal. Parents can track what their child eats and when they have an allergic reaction; then remove eggs from the child’s diet to see if there is a reduction or elimination of symptoms.9

 

If your child patient is allergic to eggs, it helps if parents are aware of potentially hidden sources of egg in the child’s diet such as: marshmallows, mayonnaise, baked goods, breaded foods, processed meat, salad dressings, most pastas and even pretzels, as they are typically dipped in an “egg wash” before being salted. Additionally, there are manufacturing terms that can indicate the presence of eggs, including albumin, globulin, lecithin, livetin, lysozyme, vitellineand words starting with the prefix “ova” or “ovo,” such as ovalbumin or ovoglobulin.7-8

 

The Vaccine Link

 

Some vaccines actually contain egg proteins and may pose a risk of triggering an allergic reaction. While some sources say the risk is minimal and that informing the pediatrician of the egg allergy can avoid any complications, it is wise to consider these concerns and make sure parents are informed.8-10 The following vaccines are produced with eggs or egg protein:8-10

§  Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines are produced using eggs.§  Flu (influenza) vaccines sometimes contain small amounts of egg proteins.

§  Yellow fever vaccine can provoke an allergic reaction in some people who have egg allergies.

§  Other vaccines are generally not risky for people with an egg allergy, but it is always best to discuss concerns with a doctor, as they can test for allergic reactions.

 

An Egg a Day

 

Eggs are one of the most beneficial food items available for consumption. They are incredibly filling and high in protein, which is by far the most filling macronutrient. Eggs score high on the satiety index, which measures the ability of foods to induce feelings of fullness and reduce subsequent caloric intake. When all is said and done, for any meal or snack, you can’t beat an egg.

 

Getting Kids to Consider Eggs

 

Little ones can be extremely picky eaters, particularly during the first 10 years of life, but introducing the egg early may help foster a healthy protein habit. A simple way of using the egg for breakfast is creating an egg burrito, which also gives parents the opportunity to fill gluten-free tortillas with finely chopped veggies. For Paleo families, a lettuce wrap will substitute for grain products. Half a hard-boiled egg with a slice of apple or avocado can serve as a balanced snack.

 

For the sneak approach, scrambled eggs, finely chopped and added to spaghetti sauce, can do the trick. And a raw egg (presuming you know the source of your eggs) added to a smoothie will never be noticed.

 

Nick’s comment:  I have treated many people with severe migraines and after several treatments they are significantly reduced or eliminated completely. The main culprit besides either a short leg or short pelvis is a trigger point in the lower trapezius that initiates the migraine process.  Once lifts are used to correct the short anatomy the trigger point is eliminated and then… no more headaches.  I had migraines since I was in elementary school and have used lifts and had the trigger point treated,  I haven’t had any kind of headache for 15+ years.

 

OSTEOPOROSIS

There are two supplements that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of osteoporosis. The first one is called ipriflavone and the other is called strontium. Both of these supplements have been shown to increase bone density in people taking them.

 

Ipriflavone

 

In most double-blind placebo-controlled studies of Ipriflavone, involving a total of over 1700 enrolled subjects, results demonstrated either a significant bone sparing effect or improvements in bone mineral density measured at the radius, whole body, or vertebra. In studies that ranged from six months to two years bone mineral density in the Ipriflavone groups increased from 0.7% to 7.1% over the course of the studies. In comparison, the placebo groups had losses as high as 5%. The dosage of Ipriflavone used was 200 mg daily plus 1 g of supplemental calcium.

 

In other studies looking at the rate of fractures Ipriflavone again showed significant effects. In one study there was a 50% reduction in the rate of new vertebral fractures in the first year of Ipriflavone treatment.

 

For the most part, all of the studies of Ipriflavone have been positive. In a very recent study Ipriflavone did not show any benefit. The explanation of this result may be that the trial group did not take sufficient calcium. In the previous studies, all of the participants took 1 g of supplemental calcium but in this study participants took just half of the amount.

 

Generally, Ipriflavone is well tolerated by people, although mild gastrointestinal distress can occur. In certain individuals with low white blood count numbers or immunosuppressed systems may want to avoid taking Ipriflavone. Similar to Grapefruit, Ipriflavone may cause an increase in the blood levels of certain medications. So if you are taking medication that says to avoid grapefruit you should maybe avoid taking Ipriflavone. In general, Ipriflavone can be used by the majority of people who are experiencing osteoporosis or want to maintain good bone density.

You can read a monograph on the Ipriflavone at the following site:

http://www.vitalnutrients.net/research.htm

 

Strontium

The patent medicine osteoporosis remedy that kills bone cells—and the all-natural alternatives that save them.

This article is by Dr. Jonathan Wright, MD

 

A few months ago at the Tahoma Clinic I visited with a man—let’s call him Derek—who had been diagnosed with early osteoporosis. He had heard of the connection between good testosterone levels and healthy bones, and he wanted to have his levels checked to see if he should try supplementing with this hormone.

 

Derek’s regular medical doctor, a member of an insurance company preferred provider network, told him he should take Boniva, a “biphosphonate” patent medication. A two-year double-blind, placebo-controlled “prevention” study had shown that Boniva increases bone density in post-menopausal women by approximately 3 percent in the spine, and approximately 2 percent at the hip. A similar three-year treatment study had shown a very significant reduction in new vertebral fractures. Derek had done some basic Internet research and had found that millions of Americans were using biphosphonates for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

 

Unfortunately, Boniva also kills certain bone cells.

 

I read the following excerpt to him from an information bulletin on the product: “Boniva is a biphosphonate, a metabolic poison that kills the osteoclast bone cells that help create the balance between bone resorption and bone building, thus forcing an increase in bone mass.” I skipped to the side effects section, which included the following: “dyspepsia [heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain], diarrhea, tooth disorder, vomiting, gastritis, infection, and allergic reaction.”

 

Derek was alarmed when he found out the truth, and I’m sure many of you are feeling the same—especially if you’re taking Boniva.

 

But you may be wondering, as Derek did, if testosterone and calcium are enough to improve your bone health. I told him I would certainly recommend testosterone if his tests showed the need. But there are other effective options for improving your bone health that don’t require hormonal therapy. In fact, the people I’ve worked with have experienced between 3 and 11 percent improvement in bone density in just one year by using calcium, strontium, vitamin D, and a variety of other nutrients.

 

The mineral that can make calcium even more effective

 

Taking strontium in addition to calcium is more effective than calcium alone. Numerous studies have demonstrated that strontium does much more than slow the deterioration of your bones—it actually stimulates rapid bone formation. A 2004 double-blind, placebo controlled study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that a combination of strontium ranelate, calcium, and vitamin D increased bone density by 9 to 15 percent over three years.1 Research conducted in the 80s by one of the same researchers showed under-the-microscope improvement in bone density with strontium carbonate and calcium. And research done at the Mayo Clinic in the 50s showed both clinical and x-ray improvement with a third form of strontium.

 

For best results, I also recommend having a gastric analysis. Twenty years of tests done at the Tahoma Clinic have shown that 90 percent of individuals with osteoporosis have low stomach acid. If your stomach acid is low, your body won’t be able to absorb calcium, strontium, and other minerals nearly as well, and your results won’t be as good.

 

You can take these and other bone- building nutrients separately, or all together in one bone-building combination formula. If you take them separately, be sure to always use at least twice as much calcium as strontium. Because some leading researchers state that calcium and strontium mutually inhibit each other’s absorption, either calcium or strontium should be taken in the morning and the other taken at night.

 

Citations available upon request and on the Nutrition & Healing website: www.wrightnewsletter.com

 

 

Other nutrients

One of the most important nutrients involved with bone health is Vitamin D

Many people don’t get enough Vitamin D. You may need to reexamine your Vitamin D intake to make sure you get at least 1000 Units a day The following link is to an article on Vitamin D. You can also do a search for Vitamin D at this site to learn more.

http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20050430/food.asp

 

Other important nutrients include Vitamin K, boron, and vanadium. If you are taking a high quality multi-vitamin these should be in the formula.

 

You should be taking a high quality multi-vitamin!!!!

EFT 

Emotional freedom techniques (EFT)

Over the last seven or so years I’ve been teaching many people EFT. EFT is a very simple technique to do that involves tapping acupuncture points with your fingertips while remembering a negative event or emotion that is occurring in the present or has happened in the past. What happens we have a negative thought or emotion is that we relive a fight or flight response that sets up the physiological response that I outlined above. Tapping the EFT points essentially resets are nervous system to function with the parasympathetic nervous system in charge. The previously disturbing emotion or thought becomes associated with the rest and restore response and soon it does not bother our equanimity. And as a result, the previously negatively charged motion or thought ceases to bother us anymore.

 

The basic EFT recipe is as follows:

First identify a problem that you’d like to work on and try to be as specific as possible. Rate the intensity on a 0 to 10 scale where zero is no intensity and 10 is extreme intensity. And just make a note of what your rating is.

 

When you’re ready to do EFT just hold the problem in your mind. I begin tapping the point on the top my head and work down the body. See the picture below for the points. Tap each point for as long as you say the phrase. You can tap either side of the body or both sides.

 

At each point use the phrase “Even though I have this_______ I deeply and completely accept myself”. In the blank space of this phrase put in the best description of the problem you want to resolve. Once you have completed tapping all the points reassess the intensity of your problem again on a 0 to 10 scale and see how it’s changed. Repeat tapping the points and saying the phrase until the intensity is zero or very close to zero. There is another area that I tap that is not included in this picture and that is on the palm side of the wrist. The easiest way to do this area is just to bang your wrists together.

 

This is a very short description of EFT but here are some resources that will provide you in-depth information about EFT.

 

This link is to Dr. Joseph Mercola’s website about EFT. I have used the information that he provides and have printed it out as a small booklet that I have given to many hundreds of people.http://eft.mercola.com/

 

Another great source of information is EFT Universe:http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1396093.

There are quite a few videos to watch of people clearing issues. There is also a tutorial page. One procedure on the tutorial page is called the Personal Peace Procedure. The Personal Peace Procedure consists of sitting down and writing down things that have gotten you upset in the past. It may take you a while to complete this process but it is well worth it. After you have made your list, pick out one of the biggest issues and use EFT to reduce the intensity.

 

EFT can be used with children and it is especially effective. One of the ways to use EFT with kids is at bedtime. Have them tell you anything that bothered them during the day and as they tell you just simply tap on the EFT points as they speak. In a very short time they will feel better about it.

 

Another great source of information is provided by Gary Craig who originated EFT. His website is this: http://www.emofree.com/EFT/?aft=450.

 

Try to use EFT throughout the day to clear your stresses. Use it at the beginning of your day when you know you may be stressed by something. Use it at the end of the day discharge the stress that has occurred. As you use EFT on a daily basis, things that used to bother you in the past will no longer do so. And as I tell everybody that I teach them EFT “the hardest thing about EFT is to remember to do it”.

 

Reflexercise is a body-based stress reduction technique compiled by Scott Musgrave, a Colorado physical therapist. It is really simple to do and takes less than 30 seconds. In order to feel how it works as a test do this first. Pinch the muscle on top of your shoulder and note its thickness and how much pressure it takes to be uncomfortable. Reflexercise can be done lying down sitting or standing. Here are the Reflexercise instructions:

 

Gently curl your toes, don’t do it too hard or you may get a cramp in your foot

Put your arms by your side palms facing forward and spread your fingers gently

Slightly rotate your head

Close your eyes

Gently, but firmly, bite the tip of your tongue

Focus your attention into your heart region and generate a positive feeling

Take in four deep breaths with your focus at your heart region

After the four breaths you can relax the pose.

 

Recheck your tight shoulder muscle and it will probably be significantly looser.

 

It is suggested that Reflexercise be done every hour. If you’re sitting in front of the computer is good way to take a break.

 

For more information on Reflexercise go here: http://www.wellnessandperformance.com?AFFID=85254&n=[networkID]&tsi=[subid]&p=[SubSubid]

TRAUMA RELEASING EXERCISES (TRE)

 

Dr. David Berceli, PhD, is a former priest and has spent a number of years studying how people experience trauma in worn- torn countries, earthquake zones and countries that have experienced genocide. He has developed a system TRE to help people release trauma from their bodies.

 

Humans and animals the three same reactions to a traumatic event: Fight, flee or freeze. The body will then release massive doses of chemicals like adrenalin to assist the body with whatever response it has chosen to go with.

 

However where animals and humans differ is after the traumatic event.

Many animals will shake violently- this may look disturbing but they are actually releasing the trauma and extra chemicals from their bodies. Once they are done they will gone with their lives, trauma forgotten. Humans on the other hand, have lost this ability. Who of you during a traumatic event will put on a brave face, suck it up and resist the shaking that tries to happen? Unfortunately by doing this the traumatic memory is stored in our brains and in our bodies at a cellular level and this causes all types of problems.

 

Dr Berceli’s solution to this is simple: SHAKE IT OUT. And he has developed a few simple exercises to help us do so. The main muscle that he focuses on is the Psoas muscles which is the gravitational center of the body. The first few exercises are all about stretching you hip and leg muscles then you have to lie on your back with your feet together, legs apart and that’s when most of the shaking will take place.

 

Dr Berceli has traveled the world with this technique and has helped solders in Afghanistan and Iraq and has been to places where mass trauma has occurred. Originally TRE was design for PTSD but he found that it could be used as a relief from every day stresses and anxiety. It has been particularly helpful to people with depression.

 

Step 1
Stand with your feet hips-width apart. Roll your feet onto the outer edge of one foot and inner edge of the other foot. Put all your weight equally on both feet. Then role your feet to the other side. Repeat x10 on each side.

Step 2
Stand with one foot forward, put your full weight on that foot, using the foot behind for balance. Rise up on your toes, let your back foot leave the ground. Stand on your toe for a few minutes (you can hold on to something for balance). Repeat x10 on each foot.

Step 3
Stand on one foot, bend the other knee behind you in the air. Put both hands down on the ground, on either side of the foot for balance. Bend and straighten the leg that you are standing on. Repeat x10 on both legs

Step 4
Stretch your feet wide apart. Put your fists on the small of your back. Bend knees, push your pelvis forward and lean your head back and breathe. Repeat x3 times
Straighten up then turn and look as far as you can over your shoulder and breathe(legs still apart, hands still on back). Change and look over the other shoulder. Repeat x3 for each side

Step 5
Legs wide apart bend forwards, stretch your arms out with your fingers touching the floor. Bend one knee and walk your hands to that foot and breathe. Bend other knee and do the same. Repeat x3 for each foot

Step 6 
Shake body out. Stand with your back against the wall, feet apart and bend your knees- you should be able to see your toes. Rest your hands against your sides. 5 minutes

Step 7- The crunch!
Lie on the floor, push the soles of your feet together, legs apart. Left pelvis about 1 inch off the ground and hold. 5 minutes or for as long as you can make it without pain!.
Drop pelvis, with soles of your feet touching lift knees 1-2 inches off the ground for 5 minutes, then 4 inches for 5 minutes and finally 10 inches for 5 minutes. Rest.

 

The trembling varies from person to person. Some people start of furiously trembling while others will barely feel a thing. The more you do it the more the trembling will spread, starting in your legs and hips, moving to your stomach, then chest and head. For you to see any difference you need to commit to doing the exercises every day for ten days.

 

I do TRE on a regular basis…..Most of the time I just do Step 7 because of time constraints and this one causes the most trembling for me. There is more info here: http://traumaprevention.com/

 

HEARTMATH/EMWAVE 2

The heart at rest was once thought to operate much like a metronome, faithfully beating out a regular, steady rhythm. Scientists and physicians now know, however, that this is far from the case. Rather than being monotonously regular, the rhythm of a healthy heart-even under resting conditions—is actually surprisingly irregular, with the time interval between consecutive heartbeats constantly changing. This naturally occurring beat-to-beat variation in heart rate is called heart rate variability (HRV).

 

Heart rate variability is a measure of the beat-to-beat changes in heart rate. This diagram shows three heartbeats recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Note that variation in the time interval between consecutive heartbeats, giving a different heart rate (in beats per minute) for each interbeat interval.

 

The normal variability in heart rate is due to the synergistic action of the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)—the part of the nervous system that regulates most of the body’s internal functions. The sympathetic nerves act to accelerate heart rate, while the parasympathetic (vagus) nerves slow it down. The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS are continually interacting to maintain cardiovascular activity in its optimal range and to permit appropriate reactions to changing external and internal conditions. The analysis of HRV therefore serves as a dynamic window into the function and balance of the autonomic nervous system.

 

Scientists and physicians consider HRV to be an important indicator of health and fitness. As a marker of physiological resilience and behavioral flexibility, it reflects our ability to adapt effectively to stress and environmental demands. A simple analogy helps to illustrate this point: just as the shifting stance of a tennis player about to receive a serve may facilitate swift adaptation, in healthy individuals the heart remains similarly responsive and resilient, primed and ready to react when needed.

 

HRV is also a marker of biological aging. Our heart rate variability is greatest when we are young, and as we age the range of variation in our resting heart rate becomes smaller. Although the age-related decline in HRV is a natural process, having abnormally low HRV for one’s age group is associated with increased risk of future health problems and premature mortality. Low HRV is also observed in individuals with a wide range of diseases and disorders. By reducing stress-induced wear and tear on the nervous system and facilitating the body’s natural regenerative processes, regular practice of HeartMath coherence-building techniques can help restore low HRV to healthy values.

 

In general, emotional stress—including emotions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety—gives rise to heart rhythm patterns that appear irregular and erratic: the HRV waveform looks like a series of uneven, jagged peaks (an example is shown in the figure below). Scientists call this an incoherent heart rhythm pattern. Physiologically, this pattern indicates that the signals produced by the two branches of the ANS are out of sync with each other. This can be likened to driving a car with one foot on the gas pedal (the sympathetic nervous system) and the other on the brake (the parasympathetic nervous system) at the same time—this creates a jerky ride, burns more gas, and isn’t great for your car, either! Likewise, the incoherent patterns of physiological activity associated with stressful emotions can cause our body to operate inefficiently, deplete our energy, and produce extra wear and tear on our whole system. This is especially true if stress and negative emotions are prolonged or experienced often.

 

In contrast, positive emotions send a very different signal throughout our body. When we experience uplifting emotions such as appreciation, joy, care, and love; our heart rhythm pattern becomes highly ordered, looking like a smooth, harmonious wave (an example is shown in the figure below). This is called a coherent heart rhythm pattern. When we are generating a coherent heart rhythm, the activity in the two branches of the ANS is synchronized and the body’s systems operate with increased efficiency and harmony. It’s no wonder that positive emotions feel so good – they actually help our body’s systems synchronize and work better.

 

Coherence: A State of Optimal Function

 

The Institute of HeartMath’s research has shown that generating sustained positive emotions facilitates a body-wide shift to a specific, scientifically measurable state. This state is termed psychophysiological coherence, because it is characterized by increased order and harmony in both our psychological (mental and emotional) and physiological (bodily) processes. Psychophysiological coherence is state of optimal function. Research shows that when we activate this state, our physiological systems function more efficiently, we experience greater emotional stability, and we also have increased mental clarity and improved cognitive function. Simply stated, our body and brain work better, we feel better, and we perform better.

 

The Quick Coherence Technique will help you reach the optimal state.

 

Step 1: Heart Focus. Focus your attention on the area around your heart, the area in the center of your chest. If you prefer, the first couple of times you try it, place your hand over the center of your chest to help keep your attention in the heart area.

 

Step 2: Heart Breathing. Breathe deeply, but normally, and imagine that your breath is coming in and going out through your heart area. Continue breathing with ease until you find a natural inner rhythm that feels good to you.

 

Step 3: Heart Feeling. As you maintain your heart focus and heart breathing, activate a positive feeling. Recall a positive feeling, a time when you felt good inside, and try to re-experience the feeling. One of the easiest ways to generate a positive, heart-based feeling is to remember a special place you’ve been to or the love you feel for a close friend or family member or treasured pet. This is the most important step.

 

You can do the Quick Coherence® Technique anytime, anywhere and no one will know you’re doing it. In less than a minute, it creates positive changes in your heart rhythms, sending powerful signals to the brain that can improve how you’re feeling. Apply this one-minute technique first thing in the morning, before or during phone calls or meetings, in the middle of a difficult conversation, when you feel overwhelmed or pressed for time, or anytime you simply want to practice increasing your coherence. You can also use Quick Coherence whenever you need more coordination, speed and fluidity in your reactions.

 

I use the emWave which allows me to watch my heart rhythms in real time and see how intentionally changing emotions affect them. With a patented, noninvasive heart-rhythm monitor, the emWave is a software/hardware program that collects pulse data through a fingertip or ear sensor and translates the information from your heart rhythms into user-friendly graphics displayed on your computer monitor. You will discover which emotions you can activate to effectively manage stress and boost vitality. Among other features, the emWave package includes the Coherence Coach™, an entertaining software application that teaches the Quick Coherence Technique. The emWave 2 is a portable device it performs similarly to the emWave. It is about the size of a deck of cards and can interface with your computer to monitor HRV and see it in a graphic form.

There are HeartMath sensors and apps for both iPhone and Android devices to moniter your Heart Rate Variability to help you get back to balance and a sense of calm.

 

If you’d like to get more information or to order the HeartMath product that best suits you and your situation click the HeartMath image or you can click this link…

Invest in your health. Go here for more info and to order:

https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=xcGYRQp8As0&offerid=448144.10000224&subid=0&type=4

From Health Info Newsletter September 4, 2012: EFT Workshops, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Flax Seed