Showing posts with label digestion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label digestion. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Heal Your Gut With Essential Oils, Nutrition, and Supplements

First of all, if you have not read my previous article about Essential Oils and Digestion I suggested you go back and read that first.

Remember last week, we talk about how your digestive system is the first line of defense against chemicals and pathogens. When the lining of our gastrointestinal (GI) tract  is damaged, whether it be from chemical or poor diet, large, partially digested foods, chemicals, and pathogens can slip straight into the blood stream causing systemic inflammation that can lead to food allergies and autoimmune diseases. This is call Leaky Gut Syndrome. If you have not heard of this before, I suggest reading this article from Dr. Axe called 4 Step To Heal Leaky Gut And Autoimmune Disease. This week we are going to further talk about essential oils and supplements that support digestive health. 


Single Oils:


+Black Pepper: The constituents in this oil are known for their antioxidant properties, supporting circulation, and aiding in digestion.* For digestive health, take internally in a capsule or apply topically to abdomen.


Cardamon: Cardamom can be taken internally or applied topically to abdomen to ease indigestion, alleviate occasional stomach discomfort, and maintain overall GI health.*


Cilantro: This is a powerful cleanser and detoxifier.* To aid digestion and support liver and kidney health, take internally in a capsule or apply topically over liver.*


Dill: As a powerhouse for antioxidants, this oil supports digestion, purifies the body, and maintains overall GI health.* Take internally in a capsule to support digestion and the immune system.*


+Fennel: Fennel is best known for promoting healthy digestion, metabolism, liver function, and circulation.* For digestive health, take internally in a capsule or apply topically to abdomen.


+Geranium: This oil is primarily used to support an healthy integumentary system (hair, nails, and skin), but it can also be used to support liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidney health.* Apply topically to area of concern or take internally in a capsule. 


+Ginger: Ginger is lauded for supporting digestive health and helping to ease occasional indigestion and nausea.* Diffuse, take internally in a capsule, or apply to abdomen and/or wrists.


+Grapefruit: It supports healthy metabolism, uplifts mood, and improve the appearance of blemishes.* Take internally by placing a few drops in water or apply over kidneys.

+Lemon: As a natural purifier, this oil aids in digestion, supports a healthy respiratory system, and promotes a positive mood.* To detoxify body, take internally in water or apply topically to ears and ankles.* Read my article about oil here.

+Marjoram: While great for cooking, Marjoram is also used as a digestive stimulant and aids the immune system.* Take internally in a capsule or apply topically to abdomen and over pancreas. 


+Peppermint: It is a great bug repellent, helps support respiratory function and clear breathing, and promotes digestion.* To support digestive health take internally in a capsule or a cup of water or apply topically to the abdomen. Read my article about this oil here.


+Thyme: Like many of these oils, thyme can be used for cooking, can purify and cleanse the body, and supports the immune system with it's heavy load of antioxidants.* Take internally in a capsule. 


+Wild Orange: Like Cilantro, this oil is a powerful cleanser, detoxifies, and is filled with antioxidants to support immune health.* For digestive health, take internally by adding a few drops to water and drinking.  Read my article about this oil here.


Blends:

DigestZen (Digestive) Blend: contains ginger, peppermint, caraway, coriander, anise, tarragon, and fennel. This blend aids in the digestion of food, soothes occasional stomach upset, and reduces bloating, gas, and indigestion.* Read my article about this oil here.


Slim & Sassy (Metabolic) Blend: contains grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon. It promote healthy metabolism, calms stomach, and helps to manage hunger.*


Zendocrine (Detoxification) Blend: contains tangerine, rosemary, geranium, juniper, and cilantro. This blend supports liver function and aids the body in purifying and detoxifying body systems.*


Supplements 

When you purchase doTERRA's Cleanse and Restore Kit from me, you will receive my cleansing program for FREE! (contact me to get the kit at wholesale price, dont pay retail!)



PB Assist+: This is a blend of pre- and probiotic microorganisms that encourage friendly bacterial growth. This contains 6 billion CFU of probiotics including lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus salivarius, lactobacillus casei, bifidobacterium longum, bifidobacterium lactis, and bifidobacterium bifidum.



  • lactobacillus acidophilus: relieves gas, bloating, improves lactose intolerance. Shown 61% reduction in e. coli, lower cholesterol levels, and creating of vitamin K. 
  • lactobacillus salivarius: relieves gas supports immunity and balances good bacteria in the gut.
  • lactobacillus casei: supports immunity, inhibits h. pylori, and helps fights infections.
  • bifidobacterium longum: supports liver function, reduces inflammation, and removes lead and heavy metals.
  • bifidobacterium lactis: supports immunity, improve digestion, lowers cholesterol levels, andinhibits h. pylori.
  • bifidobacterium bifidum: supports porduction of vitamins in gut, inhibits harmful bacteria, supports immune system response and prevents diarrhea. 

DigestZen (Digestive) Blend Softgels: see info above

TerraZyme (Digestive Enzyme Complex): this is a whole-food enzyme complex which are critical for healthy biochemical functions, digestion of food nutrients, and cellular metabolism of food for energy. 



Enzyme
Activity
Protease
Breaks down protein to peptides and amino acids*
Papain
Breaks down protein*
Amylase
Breaks down carbohydrates, starches, and sugars*
Lipase
Breaks down fats and oil to be absorbed in the intestine
Lactase
Breaks down lactose found in milk sugars*
Alpha Galactosidase
Breaks down complex polysaccharide sugars found in legumes and
cruciferous vegetables that can cause bloating and gas*
Cellulase
Breaks down fiber to help digest fruits and vegetables*
Sucrase
Breaks down sucrose to fructose and glucose for energy*
Anti-Gluten Enzyme
Assists in breaking down gluten*
Glucoamylase
Breaks down starch*

GX Assist (GI Cleansing Formula): a blend of oregano, melaleuca, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, and thyme essential oils that support a healthy gastrointestinal tract by creating an environment that only supports healthy bacteria. This blend also contains caprylic acid from coconut oil, which balances microbes in the GI tract.

L-Glutamine: this is an amino acid that supports digestive system by helping the Gi tract rebuild and repair itself as well as prevent further damage. 


  • Foods with L-Glutamine
    • Bone Broth
    • Grass-fed Beef
    • Spirulina
    • Chinese Cabbage
    • Cottage Cheese
    • Asparagus
    • Broccoli Raab
    • Wild Caught Fish (cod, salmon, tuna)
    • Venison
    • Turkey















  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Helps shuttle fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production 
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid: Supports the production of ATP and acts as a powerful antioxidant in mitochondria 
  • Coenzyme Q10: Important coenzyme for energy production; supports heart health 
  • Quercetin: Provides powerful polyphenol antioxidant protection in mitochondria and other cell structures 
  • Resveratrol: Polyphenol found in red wine; supports healthy mitochonodrial biogenesis 
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Essential cofactors of energy production in cells 
  • Essential Fatty Acids: Required for cell growth; supports healthy cellular function
Alpha CRS+ (Cellular Vitality Complex): contain polyphenols that protect cells from free radicals, reduces oxidative stress on cells, and increases energy at the cellular level.

xEO Mega: this blend contains fatty acids and other fat soluble nutrients that supports heart, brain, and immune health. 

Microplex MVp (Micronutrient Complex): contains food based vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols (antioxidants).


Foods That Nourish and Heal Gut
Bone Broth
Coconut Oil
Sauerkraut and fermented veggies
Goat's milk kefir
Blueberries

Squash

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References:  

Aroma Tools. (2015). Modern essentials: A contemporary guide to the therapeutic use of essential oils (7th ed.). Pleasant Grove, UT: AromaTools.

Axe, Joshua. (n.d.). L-glutamine benefits leaky gut & metabolism. Retrieved on 6 April, 2016 from http://draxe.com/l-glutamine-benefits-side-effects-dosage/

Axe, Joshua. (n.d.). Top 10 leaky gut supplements. Retrieved on 6 April, 2016 from http://draxe.com/leaky-gut-supplements/

Total Wellness Publishing. (2015). The Essential Life: A Simple Guide to Living The Wellness Lifestyle (2nd. ed.). Pleasant Grove, UT: Total Wellness Publishing.

Product Information:


doTERRA Product Page:

Black PepperFennelGingerWild OrangeGrapefruitPeppermintCardamomMarjoramCilantroLemonGeraniumDillThymeDigestZenSlim & SassyZendocrinePB Assist+TerraZymeGX Assist

+ CAUTION. Read the labels carefully for these oils. Some should not be used during pregnancy, could cause skin sensitives, and or should not be exposed to UV light for 12 hours.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Essential Oils and Digestion



Our digestive system is a long pathway in our bodies that is responsible for breaking down and processing food, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste. Over our lifetime, our digestive system will break down more than 25 tons of food! System organs include our mouth, spleen, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, and colon. For more about each organ’s responsibilities, read Dr. Axe’s article about How Your Digestive System Works.

We commonly believe this is our digestive system’s only job, process food, but it is also our first line of defense again infection and works closely with our immune system. Think about this, through the food we eat and liquid we drink the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is exposed to pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In concert with our immune system, our GI tract works tirelessly to break down those pathogens at various stages of digestion. Without this process, our GI tract is the perfect warm, moist, dark location for colonization. With this relentless barrage of food, chemicals, and pathogens, our GI tract never gets a break. The lining of our digestive system must always protect itself while also discriminating particles that are permitted through to the blood stream.

Digestive problems are becoming more prevalent within the United States population. In 2010, it was estimated that 60-70 million people were affected by digestive diseases and there were 245, 921 deaths (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). The total cost of these digestive problems, which includes both direct and indirect costs, was $141 billion in 2004. The most common GI problems include gas, bloating, excessive diarrhea, constipation, and inability to absorb nutrients. There is also overwhelming medical evidence that there is a link between our digestive system and emotional health, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The most astounding part about all this is that these problems are preventable!

It all starts with nutrition. This cannot be stressed enough. I think that there is a lot of misinterpretation of information by consumers. Many of us think we are eating healthy because we are eating low fat, or low carb diets or eating “clean”. These are all buzz words that do not really mean a whole lot if you do not truly understand what you are putting into your body. It is important to eat organic, nutrient dense foods. Lot of vegetables of course, free range chicken, grass feed beef, fermented foods, and absolutely no processed sugar or conventional meat and dairy products. That may sound like a lot, but I promise that it is easier than you think. It is important to also know what triggers an adverse response from the gut; Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) kill gut bacteria because they are loaded with chemicals; antibiotics kill EVERYTHING in the gut; gluten, processed sugar (feed yeast in intestines) and conventional dairy can all wreak havoc. Check out this video from Buzzfeed that will totally turn you off to conventional meats and dairy. 

You also should consume pre and probiotics because we absolutely need good strains of bacteria in our guts for immune support. We should also use essential oils that support digestive organ health and remove harmful bacteria. Lastly, exercise has a huge influence on your digestive health. As mentioned before, stress and emotional problems can affect our bowls in horrible ways. Physical activity and stress management techniques are imperative for keeping the digestive system working at optimal levels.

Just remember this, your immune system starts in your gut! Support the gut and everything else will fall into place!



Disease/Disorders Associated with Gut Health
(Read Dr. Axe’s article about gut and autoimmune disease: link below)

Depression/Anxiety
ADHD
Acne
Eczema
Psoriasis
Hashimoto’s
Hypothyroidism
Grave’s Disease
Irritable Bowl Syndrome
Chron’s
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fibroidmyalia

Single Oils
Stomach: black pepper, fennel, ginger, wild orange
Stomach /intestinal lining: grapefruit, peppermint
Intestines: cardamom, ginger, marjoram, peppermint
Liver: cilantro, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary
Gallbladder: geranium, grapefruit
Pancreas: dill, fennel, geranium, ginger, thyme
Buy essential oils from me here

Blends
DigestZen (Digestive) Blend: supports digestion and elimination
Slim & Sassy (Metabolic) Blend: supports stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, fat digestion, and satiation
AromaTouch (Massage) Blend: supports peristalsis and bowel tone
Zendocrine (Detoxification) Blend: supports gallbladder, liver, and pancreas
Buy essential oils from me here

Supplements
PB Assist+ (Defensive Probiotic): You need a supplement with at least 50 billion IU
DigestZen (Digestive) Blend Softgels
TerraZyme (Food Enzymes)
GX Assist (GI Cleansing) Softgels
L-gutamine: crucial amino acid for gut health
Gingseng
Buy supplements from me here

Foods That Nourish and Heal Gut
Bone Broth
Coconut Oil
Sauerkraut and fermented veggies
Goat's milk kefir
Blueberries
Squash

Essential Oil Usage Tips
Internal: Place 1 - 5 drops in water and drink, take in capsule, or place drops under tongue.
Topical: Apply essential oils to abdomen and/or bottoms on feet.

Remedy Recipes
IBS Relief*:
4 drops Frankincense
2 drops Peppermint
2 drop Fennel
2 drops Ginger
Combine oils in capsule and take three times a day with meals.

Constipation Remedy*:
7 drops Wild Orange
5 drops Coriander
4 drops Lemon
4 drop DigestZen
2 drop Ginger
Combine in 2 oz. spray bottle; fill about 1/2 full of carrier oil. Spray on belly and rub in clockwise motion for three to five minutes.

Digest-Ease*:
Combine 1 drop each of -DigestZen, Zendocrine, and Oregano in a capsule. Consume to ease digestive discomfort, stomach pain and bloating.

Navel Drop:
Add 1 drop of essential oil (choose one to meet specific digestive needs) into belly bottom for relief.
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References

Axe, J. (n.d.) How Your Digestive System Works. Retrieved from http://draxe.com/how-your-digestive-system-works/

Axe. J. (n.d.). 4 Steps To Heal Leaky Gut And Autoimmune Disease. Retrieved from http://draxe.com/4-steps-to-heal-leaky-gut-and-autoimmune-disease/

Center for Disease Control. (2011). National hospital ambulatory medical care survey: 2011 outpatient department summary tables. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/ahcd/nhamcs_outpatient/2011_opd_web_tables.pdf


National Institute of Diabetes and Digestives and Kidney Diseases. (2014). Health statistics: Digestive disease statistics for the United States. Retrieved from http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/Pages/digestive-diseases-statistics-for-the-united-states.aspx

Total Wellness Publishing. (2015). The Essential Life: A Simple Guide to Living The Wellness Lifestyle (2nd. ed.). Pleasant Grove, UT: Total Wellness Publishing

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

"Back to Basics" - Top Ten Oil Blends - DigestZen

Today is day 13 of my "Back to Basics" series.



DigestZen (Digestive) Blend

I have been traveling the last couple of days and this blend has really come in handy for all of us. We have been eating food that we do not normally eat, drinking less water, and not exercise as much. It has really wreaked havoc on our digestive systems. That's where DigestZen comes in! This blend contains Ginger, Peppermint, Caraway, Coriander, Anise, Tarragon, and Fennel. Each of these ingredients on their own can help aid in digestion, but together, there is no digestive issue they cannot handle!* Tarragon is known for maintaining the health of digestive organs,* caraway supports the healthy elimination of intestinal gas,* and anise promotes healthy digestion.*

This blend aids in the digestion of food,* soothes occasional stomach upset, * and reduces bloating, gas, and indigestion.* It can also help with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and motion sickness.* Since we have all of us have experienced some type of tummy issue on this trip, we have had to use it in multiple ways. My sister is prone to tummy issues and I have not been eating clean on this trip, so both she and I have been taking DigestZen in veggie capsules to help soothe us. We have also applied the oil topically to our tummies and the bottoms of our feet. My kids have also had the topical application to help them get things moving....if you know what I mean. :)

Using DigestZen along with other doTERRA digestive products can help cleanse the digestive system and the rest of your body.* Check out this article on the doTERRA Science blog for more info on detoxification and cleansing.

DigestZen is considered a gentle oil blend and can be used neat (no dilution) and can be applied with the any technique: aromatically, topically, and internally. This blend can be found in multiple forms through doTERRA's product line. Besides the oil blend itself, there are softgels, and tablets (used just like TUMS). doTERRA also carried probiotics, digestive cleansing blends, whole body detoxification blends, and whole-food enzymes blends. To see the entire line, click here.


















Links:

doTERRA Product Page: DigestZen
doTERRA Product Video: DigestZen
doTERRA Science Blog article: Detoxification and Cleansing
DigestZen Product Line

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Statements with asterisks refer to internal use. All others refer to aromatic or topical use.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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