Digestion and Diabetes: The Relationship That May be Damaging Your Inner Miracle Worker
Have you ever wondered what really happens inside your body after you eat?
It’s a complicated process that involves muscles, organs, hormones, enzymes, acids and a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
I am really glad that my conscious mind doesn’t need to get involved to make it happen… it just happens.
Imagine if half way through digesting my food I got distracted by a phone call? The food would likely just sit there until my next meal as I’d be apt to forget I was digesting and move on to other more exciting tasks.
There’s an Inner Miracle Worker Inside You
Your body is a miracle, and it handles all those things behind the scenes so you don’t have to be involved on a conscious level. It’s like having the world’s best personal assistant doing everything you need before you even know you need it.
It all runs smoothly and like clockwork… if you take care of yourself.
When you feed yourself the right fuel, move, sail through the day with joy and ease, and sleep well at night your “personal assistant” inside keeps things running well, so you feel energetic, clear, focused and full of life.
Ideas pop up and you’re able to run with them and create the life of your dreams. You look great. Your tummy is flat, your muscles are toned and strong, and YOU are unstoppable. You are unlimited.
But What If Your Inner Miracle Worker is Run-Down and Ragged?
If what I just described is not your life, then listen up.
It’s not your fault.
It’s not that you’re lazy or unmotivated.
It’s because you learned habits early on that caused you to make choices that basically poison your “feel good” mechanisms.
You were fed processed foods from early in childhood, even just out of the womb in some cases. The processed foods cannot come close to providing the nutrition offered by their fresh counterparts. “Made by nature” is always better than “made by machine”.
The processed foods early on interfered with your body’s ability to choose the foods that nourish your cells rather than excite your taste buds and drain your energy.
By the time you were six, chances are good that you had been on multiple courses of antibiotics and maybe had even begun to put on some excess weight. Like me, you were most likely addicted to foods like M&Ms, Cheetos, cookies, and soft drinks.
If so, you no longer were accessing the inner wisdom that guides you to eat, drink, and move in ways that bring balance.
Fast forward to today.
Perhaps the extra weight is your biggest concern. Maybe it’s your fear of life altering illnesses like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Or it might be your lack of energy and your inability to really enjoy things the way you used to.
Whatever it is you are striving for in your life, without your health the path will be obscure.
Are You Eating Yourself Sick?
So getting back to digestion…
When you’re out of balance, missing key nutrients, have eaten foods or engaged in activities that disrupt normal intestinal and hormone function, it’s as if you’re in charge and get distracted by a phone call.
Digestive enzymes become deficient or ineffective, your gut lining gets damaged and can no longer absorb all the nutrients in your food. Worse, it also allows foreign proteins to penetrate the disrupted intestinal membrane.
And you start to feel unwell.
Your energy drops.
Your mind gets foggy.
All the sugar and processed starch causes a spike in insulin. Over time, your cells become resistant to the insulin, and almost all the food you eat gets stored as fat.
The high sugar levels make your blood cells more sticky. The high insulin levels thicken the walls of your blood vessel and make them stiffer.
You are now a prime candidate for a heart attack or stroke.
You are on your way towards diabetes.
You May Not Know If You Have Diabetes Until There’s Damage
Diabetes is on the rise and prediabetes is almost an epidemic. Normal blood sugar balance is one of the prime casualties of an out of balance lifestyle.
The sad part is, you won’t be warned by your medical doctor until much of the damage has been done.
The reason?
The methods used to assess blood sugar imbalances, prediabetes (often called “insulin resistance“), and diabetes are based on standards that are too lenient.
There’s an ideal range for you blood sugar and the conventional standards give too much leeway.
The Myths That Keep You From Feeling Miraculous
On January 31st, 2012, I’ll be opening up registration for an all new and very controversial webinar that will address the myths and surprising misconceptions around the metabolic and blood sugar issues that have people confused and chronically ill. The webinar will be part of my updated free video series called Bye-Bye Belly Fat, Brain Fog and Burnout!
We’ll be sharing fresh, newly recorded videos, so even if you participated in last year’s series, you’ll find something new!
I am soooo excited about this.
The truth is so many of my family members have suffered and even died because they were not given the information I am about to share with you. It’s not that I didn’t offer. It’s just that they were afraid to go against the status quo.
I know you’re really open to the latest and greatest health information or you wouldn’t be reading my newsletter.
Registration opens on January 31st at around noon, pacific time. I will send you an e-mail message when registration opens, but if you’d like to get your notice and access a little early, be sure to register for early notification:
http://www.ByeByeBloodSugarImbalance.com
Once the series begins on January 31st, the first video will come to you immediately. Then every day or two, another video will be released until right before my myth-busting teleseminar on Feb 9th, 2012.
I’ve been intently studying blood sugar imbalances and all the hormones and lifestyle factors involved in creating and preventing them so I can bring you the most cutting edge information.
In the videos and on the teleseminar, I’ll share 5 simple strategies you can start to incorporate right away.
An Easy Step To Help Heal Your Inner Miracle Worker
For now, I would like to close with a small piece of one of the strategies you can get started on right away.
It’s from my “Timing is Everything” strategy.
It’s going to sound really simple, and I know you’ve heard it before.
During the Bye-Bye B4 Video Series, I will share the details about how and why this strategy works. Its effectiveness has to do with hormone balance and your body’s detoxification mechanisms.
Stop eating at least 3 hours before you go to bed.
There should be 12 hours between dinner/supper and breakfast.
Go ahead and try it.
Once we open up registration, we’ll have a blog area where you can post your experiences. Start slowly if this is hard. Increase the time between dinner and bed time by 15 minutes each day until you’ve reached your goal.
Then when you come to the training call and watch the videos, you’ll learn how this affects your hormones, blood sugar, brain chemistry and detoxification. You’ll understand how proper meal timing protects you from life threatening diseases like diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
The registration page will be here:
http://www.ByeByeBloodSugarImbalance.com
The Recipes That Will Bring Your Inner Miracle Worker Back to Life
If you act quickly, you can take advantage of another helpful resource.
I’m going to make available a Bonus Recipe Sampler from my B4 Be Gone System for the first 500 people who register for the Bye-Bye B4 Video Series. If you’re among the first to sign up on January 31st for the free series, you can enjoy a taste of my delicious low-glycemic recipes designed to help heal your insulin receptors and restore your blood sugar balance.
You can ensure you receive your notice as soon as possible by registering for the early notification list here:
http://www.ByeByeBloodSugarImbalance.com
Tags: belly fat, blood sugar, brain fog, burnout, Diabetes, digestion, Dr. Ritamarie, Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo, fatigue, insulin, insulin resistance, low-glycemic raw food recipes, prediabetes, raw food recipe sampler, reduce belly fat, weightloss
Posted in Brain Fog, Chronic Fatigue, Fatigue Treatment, Reduce Belly Fat
Pain and Inflammation From Food Allergies: How to Live an “Itis” and “Algia” Free Life
I work with lots of people who suffer from the effects of inflammation in their body. When I work with clients, we work closely to identify and eliminate the causes so they can lead happy and fulfilled, pain-free lives.
Inflammation causes pain, stiffness, heart attacks, ulcers, and all diseases ending in “itis”.
The list of “itis” diseases is long. Here are just a few of the most common ones. You or someone you love just may be suffering from one of these:
- arthritis
- gastritis
- colitis
- thyroiditis
- dermatitis
- sinusitis
- and many more…
Other diseases whose names end in “algia” are also caused by inflammation. “Algia” means pain. Among the most common “algias” are fibromyalgia and neuralgia.
What most people don’t realize is that inflammation can be caused by what you eat.
Oh! Mega Trouble!
Some foods are inherently inflammatory. These include many fats in the omega-6 family.
There’s a particular omega-6 fat that’s especially inflammatory called “arachidonic acid“. It’s found in commercially raised meats, poultry, dairy products, eggs, peanuts, and many hydrogenated oils.
An imbalance in omega-6 to omega-3 fats creates inflammation. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is very imbalanced when it comes to omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats ideally should be 3:1 or less. The average American has a ratio of 12:1 or higher. That’s a big part of why so many of us suffer from inflammatory diseases and why heart disease and cancer affect such a large percentage of the population.
What most people don’t realize is that even most people on a “healthier” diet, including vegans and raw fooders, have an imbalance of fats that sets the stage for inflammatory diseases. The imbalance of fats is due to their widespread use and consumption of vegetable oils, grains, and nuts.
Put a Fork in the Road of Inflammation!
Your fork can be a powerful weapon or a mighty healing tool. It all depends on what you put on the end of it.
In coming issues and blog posts, I’ll explore how to balance the fats in your diet to heal inflammation and protect yourself from inflammatory diseases.
In the meantime, you can’t go wrong by eating a fresh diet loaded with green vegetables, sea vegetables, and omega-3 rich chia, flax, and hemp seeds.
What many people don’t realize though is that even healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds can cause inflammation WHEN you develop an allergy to them.
Food Allergies: Potholes on the Path to Healing Inflammation
On the Vibrant Health Solutions Radio show “The Pain of Undiagnosed Food Allergies,” I reviewed one of the very important AND controllable causes of inflammation – Food Allergies!
If you’re suffering from chronic health symptoms in spite of all your attempts to control them naturally and/or using Western medical approaches, I suggest you listen to the replay for a wealth of information.
On the radio show, I explored the relationship between pain and food allergies and discussed ways you can identify and eliminate triggers AND heal the underlying causes so that “innocent” foods no longer hurt you. If you’ve been suffering from chronic pain; digestive upset; weight that just won’t go away; or other vague symptoms like depression, brain fog, or fatigue, you owe it to yourself to listen in.
http://www.drritamarie.com/radio/2012/01/the-pain-of-undiagnosed-food-allergies/
Not Sure if You Have Food Allergies?
I recently hosted a teleclass where I shared the details about an exciting new program I’m offering to guide you to identify and eliminate food allergies that may be causing inflammation in YOU. You’ll learn how to heal the underlying dysfunctions in your gut and immune system that caused you to become allergic to what you eat.
If you missed the teleclass you can register for the free recording here:
http://www.drritamarie.com/go/TurnFoodAllergiesInsideOut
If the teleclass message resonates, you just may consider joining me for my brand new, fully coached “Food Allergy Spy Training” program. I’ll guide you to identify all your trigger foods, heal the underlying immune and digestive issues that are likely at the core of your problems, and help you start to feel really good again.
The FAST Way to Heal Allergies and Inflammation
The Food Allergy Spy Training (FAST) program is one of a kind. Up until now, identification of food allergens was expensive, time consuming, and confusing. I’m eliminating a lot of the confusion and guiding you through the Gold Standard for identification of food allergens – the Food Elimination Provocation Process (FEPP).
The FAST program will guide you to become a super sleuth detective by training you to carefully observe changes in your body around food choices.
http://www.FoodAllergySpy.com
Food allergy tests are fraught with error and are very expensive. For a fraction of the cost of a comprehensive food allergy test, you can reliably determine what foods may be triggering you to feel unwell.
The FAST program starts next Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 and the dozens of people who’ve jumped onboard have already gotten a head start on the first two assignments designed to help you identify potential food triggers.
I would love the opportunity to get to know you and guide you to start the new year on a great path to new-found wellness of a magnitude you could only imagine before now. Because this is the first offering of the Food Allergy Spy Training program, it’s very affordable to participate in this live group program!
For a limited time only I’ve slashed the price by $100 to make it easy and affordable.
http://www.FoodAllergySpy.com
Imagine an “Itis” and “Algia” Free Life!
Imagine how it would feel to know you’re handling the cause of your ill health rather than trying to treat the symptoms.
- Think about how it would feel to know that the food you eat will no longer mistakenly trigger and over-activate your immune system.
- Step into how it will feel to experience freedom from food allergy associated conditions like depression, headaches, poor digestion, fibromyalgia, or fatigue.
If you’d like to stop imagining how it would feel to be well again and make vitality a reality for yourself through a 30-day process, I hope you’ll join me.
Let’s balance your omega fats, identify your trigger foods, and turn your fork into a powerful tool for healing and health so that you can enjoy a life of vibrant living!
Tags: arachidonic acid, arthritis, colitis, depression, dermatitis, digestion, Dr. Ritamarie, Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo, elimination provocation, FAST program, fatigue, fibromyalgia, food allergies, food allergy, food allergy spy training, food allergy test, food elimination, food elimination provocation, food intolerance, gastritis, immune system, inflammation, Leaky Gut, neuralgia, omega 3, omega-6, pain, ritamarie loscalzo, sinusitis, thyroiditis
Posted in Autoimmune, Chronic Fatigue, Exhaustion, Fatigue Treatment, Health Coach, Immune System Support, Leaky Gut, Reduce Belly Fat
Dr. Ritamarie’s Appreciation Journal Day 8 – Boost for Adrenal Fatigue
Going into week 2 of appreciation is exciting. Especially since today is 11/11/11!
Use the day of ones as a new beginning. It’s also Veteran’s day here in the US, which is a day to acknowledge and appeciate those who’ve given their lives or risked their lives for our freedom.
So let’s focus on the positive effects of appreciation on your adrenals and those things effected by adrenal fatigue and excess adrenal activity when you’re stressed. Appreciation shifts you out of fight flight mod and into positive emotion that has the following benefits:
- Decreases your cortisol production and prevents your blood sugars from getting too high and exposing you to the negative effects of excess insulin
- Improves your digestion by relaxing the valves between the components of your GI tract and improving enzyme production.
- Improves your short term memory by supporting DHEA production and preventing the destruction of hippocampus cells by cortisol.
Try it.
Join Me for 30 Days of Gratitude!
Simply go down below to the comments box and post your appreciations for the day.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the changes in your “energy, vim, and vigor.”
Evoke appreciation before each meal, and you’ll soon find your digestion is humming and your energy is rising.
Dr. Ritamarie’s Appreciations for Today – Day 8
- All the lovely comments I have had and the outpouring of love I have felt since starting this appreciation journal.
- That it’s November and the temperatures are back into the 80s!
- The ability to buy and eat all the whole, organic food I need to keep me healthy, strong and vibrant.
I tried to focus on all the bad things that happened this week, to write down for contrast. It was hard. My mind just keeps focusing on what I have to be grateful for.
Go ahead, give it a try and discover the magic for yourself. Write your appreciations below.
Tags: Adrenal Fatigue, adrenals, appreciations, blood sugars, digestion, excess insulin, freedom, gi tract, gratitude, love
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Appreciation for Health, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Stress
Arugula: Nature’s Viagra! Come-Hither Collard Wraps Raw Food Recipe
- by Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo
Many raw food recipes, such as the one below, are quick and easy to make, filling and support several body systems.
- Arugula is great for circulation and is nature’s Viagra.
- Sauerkraut is great for digestion.
- Broccoli sprouts are super for hormone balance, liver detox and cancer protection
- Collard greens are loaded with life-sustaining minerals.
The more healing and energy-providing food you put into your body, the more you may find you have some “extra energy” to burn off.
Come-Hither Collard Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 collard green leaf
- big handful arugula
- small handful broccoli sprouts
- 2 tablespoons sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons *creamy nut cheese or nacho uncheese
Looking for my delicious Creamy Nut Cheese and Nacho Uncheese recipes? Sign up for my newsletter and get access to these recipes and more every week! You’ll find the Nacho Uncheese recipe printed in the September 1st, 2011 – Volume 1, Issue 11 edition! My Creamy Nut Cheese recipe will be coming soon in a future newsletter.
Directions:
Lay out your collard leaf and fill with amazing and amour-inspiring ingredients! Essentially, you’ll want to layer your ingredients, roll them up tight, and cut into chunks. Watch video for details on how to roll:
Raw Food Recipe Variation
Hot Under the Collard Wraps
Same as above but add roasted hatch chili peppers!
Tags: arugula, Cancer, collard greens, collard wraps, digestion, raw food recipe, sex drive
Posted in Cancer Nutrition, Raw Food Recipes, Raw Foods, Raw Foods Diet, Vegan Diet
Thyroid Issues: What’s Really Leaving You Feeling Flabby, Foggy, and Fatigued!
- by Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo
Thyroid imbalance can leave you feeling flabby, foggy, fatigued and unfocused because your thyroid gland rules your metabolic rate.
Fatigue is a huge part of thyroid imbalance… and not just general fatigue either. Did you know that your organs and glands can suffer from fatigue? Your skin and immune system can too.
When you turn down the internal metabolic furnace and burn your fuel more slowly, the inevitable result is weight gain or the inability to easily shed your extra pounds. Generally, this slow-down is accompanied by a feeling of exhaustion, but not always.
Often the “exhaustion” is at a cellular level. When your skin is tired, you get outbreaks and slow wound healing. When your digestion becomes sluggish, you may experience constipation or indigestion. A fatigued immune system can’t adequately protect you from microbes and starts to attack itself. And a worn out liver is unlikely to be efficient at eliminating toxins.
While fatigue and exhaustion can have many causes, an underactive thyroid is a very common one. And what most people don’t realize is that most hypothyroidism (about 80%) is caused by an autoimmune process. Which, incidentally, means the real cause of your fatigue and weight gain has nothing to do with your thyroid. The thyroid gland is just an innocent bystander in the war that’s raging in your immune system, for it’s your immune system that creates antibodies that attack the thyroid and make it malfuntion. So simply replacing thyroid hormon without fixing your immune system does not solve the problem.
Learn all about thyroid function, testing, and a few tips to restore balance on my video here. It’s best to identify autoimmune thyroid problems early on, before your thyroid is completely destroyed. And the best way to do that is to balance your immune system. We’ll discuss that more in the new 5-part video series Bye-Bye Belly Fat, Brainfog, and Burnout, so be sure to sign-up and follow the series!
Join the program here:
Tags: belly fat, digestion, Exhaustion, fatigue, hormones, immune system balance, thyroid
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Brain Fog, Chronic Fatigue, Exhaustion, Fatigue Treatment, Hormone Imbalance, Reduce Belly Fat, Vibrant Health
