Friday, March 23, 2012

Heel Detox

A few months ago I did a light detox with the Heel Detox-Kit, and I figured I'd take a little time to write about my experience. What I liked most about this is that it's a very gentle detox and it's really easy to use. In my research, I only came across one story that indicated sensitivity to the product. To use this detox, you just put 30 drops of each bottle in your water bottle in the morning and sip it throughout the day. Easy as that! Here is a little more about each of the formulas that comes with the kit:
  • Lymphomyosot - this formula helps to support the lymphatic system.  This formula may also be given in isolation to treat colds, flu, bronchitis, and eczema.
  • Berberis-Homaccord - supports bladder, gallbladder, and kidney function.
  • Nux-Vomica-Hommacord - helps deal with functional disorders in the gastro-intestinal and hepatic region.
The kit lasts for 30 days and it is recommended that you do the detox 1-2 times a year.  

Friday, March 16, 2012

Low Stomach Acid

After much research in regard to my upper GI issues, I landed upon some interesting information suggesting that some of my problems could be related to low stomach acid.  While I don't know if this is the case, I'm definitely open to trying anything that could possibly help.  According to the self-tests listed in Dr. Elizabeth Lipski's book, Digestive Wellness, my issue could be low stomach acid OR high stomach acid.  In her book, she does indicate that the symptoms of both are almost indistinguishable.  She goes on to mention that low stomach acid is a much bigger problem than is acknowledged and that we can actually be worsening our condition by taking proton pump inhibitors (like prilosec, nexium, etc.) because these drugs further reduce the acid in your gut. 


One way to test for this problem is by supplementing with hydrocholoric acid (HCL) with pepsin to see how you respond.  If you respond with heartburn and lots of discomfort, than this is likely not the problem for you.  If it makes you feel better, then there is a good possibility that low stomach acid could be your culprit.  If you do feel discomfort after the trial supplementation, you can take a bit of baking soda mixed with water to neutralize the acidity.  Please consult your healthcare provider before trying this and remember that what I am sharing here is based on my personal experience and is not meant to be or replace medical advice.

Another way to boost your stomach acid is with the use of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.  (Tip: sip these through a straw to protect the enamel on your teeth.)  Ideally, you would mix any where from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of the apple cider vinegar (ACV) with some warm water and drink it before a meal.  I have read you can drink it right before a meal, up to 30 minutes before a meal, between meals, or after a meal- so I plan to do whatever seems to work best with my body.  Today, I took 1 teaspoon mixed with water about 10 minutes before breakfast.  I did not have any negative reactions or discomfort.  Hopefully after doing this regularly, some of my upper GI issues will disappear!  I will post back with an update within the next month.  Below are some resources if you're interested in learning more about low stomach acid, HCL, or ACV.

Resources:

Friday, March 9, 2012

Some Low FODMAP Recipe Ideas - Part I

Baked Chicken with pineapple, cranberries, mint leaves, and almond slices:
I do not have exact amounts for the recipe listed above, but here is a basic overview: Marinate 2 chicken breasts in garlic infused olive oil and the juice of one orange for a few hours.  Preheat oven to 350.  Add chicken to baking dish coated with garlic infused olive oil.  Add mint leaves, almonds, sliced cranberries, and pineapple on top of the chicken.  Add preferred seasonings that are low FODMAP legal.  Cover with foil and bake about 20 minutes.  Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until done.  Tip: if the cranberries are too tart for your taste, mix them with a little bit of maple syrup or stevia prior to adding to the chicken.

Frozen sliced bananas topped with organic dark chocolate and chopped almond pieces:
 This recipe is one of my favorites and VERY simple.  A few hours before dinner, slice up a banana and place the slices so the form a circle on your plate.  Heat up a few squares of organic, dark chocolate (this should be pure chocolate with no sugar or milk added) and drizzle over the top of the bananas.  Add some sliced almonds atop of the chocolate.  Put in the freezer for 2-4 hours.  Remove 5 minutes prior to consuming.  Enjoy, this one is delicious!