The incidence of food allergies is on the rise.  Mostly likely you or someone close to you suffers from some level of food sensitivities.  Many of my patients come in for this very problem.  Some of them don’t realize allergies might be causing or contributing to other health issues.  (See list below.) 

Why is this increase occurring?

I’ve found through research and clinical experience different reasons.  A few of them include:

1. Over-consumption of or too early exposure (under 6) to high allergen foods.
2. Genetically modified foods.
3. Side effects of certain vaccines.
4. Weakened immunity, if not breast-fed or exposed to high allergen foods through breast milk.
5. Overuse of antibiotics- either as medication or in non-organic animal products.

One of the tricky things about food allergies is that they don’t always show up how you’d expect.  Not everyone responds with an upset stomach, digestive complaints, or fatigue after eating.  This is not something many doctors know, unfortunately and may be slow to diagnose. 

Below is a list of some of side effects of eating foods you’re allergic to:

Eczema, Ear Infections, Infertility (men and women), Depression, Asthma, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Autism, Diarrhea, Gas, Abdominal Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Gallstones, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Peptic Ulcer, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Urticaria, Migraine Headaches, Multiple Sclerosis, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Epilepsy, Celiac Disease, Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Frequent Flus & Colds, and Weight Gain.

If you have any of the above health concerns, please consult a qualified physician for diagnosis and treatment. There is hope! Healing or minimizes food allergies is now possible. Abstaining from those foods, acupuncture/acupressure, detoxification, proper nutrition, and appropriate supplementation are a part of the protocol. Boosting your immune system, cleansing your body of toxins, and healing any damage done to your digestive tract from the exposure to allergen foods will bring you optimal wellness.  The result will most likely be at minimum a reduction in allergy symptoms, and at best- a complete elimination of your allergies.

Live Natural.  Live Well.

Heather

If you’ve been reading my blog or Tweets for a while, you know I’m not a fan of plastic. Well David de Rothschild, founder of Adventure Ecology, has found a way to make plastic work. After being inspired almost four years ago by a United Nations Environment Program Report, de Rothschild had an idea to build the world’s first boat made completely of recycled plastic bottles. David and his crew, heading from San Francisco to Sydney, set sail on the Plastiki last week.

The Plastiki, a 60-foot catamaran, is named after the Kon-Tiki -- the raft used by Norwegian explorer and writer, Thor Heyerdahl, in his 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Polynesian islands.

The Plastiki is made of 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles. She will travel 11,000 nautical miles across the Pacific to both raise awareness about the condition of our oceans as well as to see first hand the impact we people having on the environment. The Great Eastern Garbage Patch is one of the destinations prior to completing the journey three months later in Sydney.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Plastiki’s press unveiling a few weeks ago. I met the crew and was even able to go on board and check her out myself. David de Rothschild’s passion for this project and the environment is

obvious. For the past several years his life has been dedicated to saving our planet – even at great risk of his own.

Jo Royle, the Plastiki’s award-winning Skipper (hear my interview with her), was super-sweet and very enthusiastic about spreading the message about plastic and other pollutants in our oceans. Jo shared something that really made such an impact on me- and makes no sense to her: The boating industry is responsible for producing incredibly toxic waste, even though their own captains and crews see the effects first hand. Isn’t it time to change?

Another interesting person (and crew member) I met was Olav Heyerdahl -- Thor Heyerdahl’s (Norwegian explorer, writer and Captain of the Kon-Tiki mentioned above) grandson. Olav shared some of his own experiences sailing the world, comparing his journeys to those of his grandfather’s, via diaries and logs meticulously kept by the elder Heyerdahl. Since his grandfather’s travels, the condition of our oceans has changed drastically. Where sharks made it nearly impossible for his grandfather to swim, Olav said he has seen only a few. Where his grandfather was able to eat tuna daily, Olav only had one such, because there just wasn’t any tuna to be caught. Olav, unfortunately, has seen an abundance of trash, especially plastic; his grandfather, however, saw none. In fact, his grandfather never recorded seeing any man-made debris.

The Plastiki

Not that I’m an expert on boat building, but my first impression was how sleek she is. Nothing I saw made me think she was built from recycled materials. Actual bottles make up the body of the boat and provide nearly 70% of her buoyancy. The glue, made especially for the Plastiki, is a special mix of cashews and sugar (ok, yum!). The sails are one of the first to be made from recycled plastic and the masts are constructed from aluminum irrigation piping.

Matthew Grey, the Expedition Coordinator, demonstrated one of the most unique and interesting features of the boat – the on-board bicycle. The bike has a dual purpose: 1) to help prevent loss of muscle mass, and 2) to generate power.

One of my most favorite features was the vegetable garden. As a nutritionist and vegetarian, I thought this was such a great idea. Having on-board access to fresh, organic greens will no doubt help keep everyone healthy.

It took immense effort to make the Plastiki as sustainable as possible and if it’s possible for a boat, it’s no doubt possible for any building or structure. The homes we live in, the cars we drive, the offices we work in can all be made less toxic! The technology is out there. It takes commitment, but as David de Rothschild, his crew and the developing team have proven, it’s possible.

I commend them all for their dedication. David said that one of his goals was to show that it could be done. the Plastiki will definitely inspire other industries to head in the same direction.

Now I ask, how can you raise awareness and have a positive impact?

Live natural. Live well.

Heather

Check out Heather's site, www.getnaturalgetwell.com

Almost all of my patients regularly drink coffee when they first come to see me. And you know what they hate to give up as much as sugar?  That’s right, coffee.  If you’re a coffee drinker, you’re not going to like what you’re about to read.  But this information is vital. Many think it’s good for you.  At least decaf isn’t bad for you, right? Sorry!  You want to know why I encourage them to give it up?  Keep reading!

Toxicity

Caffeine combines with the stomach’s hydrochloric acid to form a potent toxin, caffeine hydrochloride. When it’s absorbed, bile is released in an attempt to flush the toxin from your system. This accounts for increased bowel regularity, of which many coffee drinkers boast. If you only have a bowel movement after your morning coffee, most likely your body has become dependent on the laxative side effect.

Decaffeinated coffee is no better, because it contains a large concentration of the chemical Trichloroethylene. It is used mostly as a de-greasing agent in the metal industry and as a dry cleaning agent and is linked to liver cancer.

Because the liver is overworked to detoxify chemical residues in coffee, long-term coffee drinkers often have a toxic, congested liver and impure blood. The function of the liver is to filter the blood so it can nourish your cells. When the liver is congested, the blood doesn’t get filtered and it deposits impure blood into the cells.  Then your cells can’t regenerate and grow healthy tissue, which can lead to degenerative diseases. A congested liver can manifest as dark spots/liver spots on the skin as people age.  Most people think those spots are a normal=healthy part of aging. Think again!

Adrenal Exhaustion
Coffee stimulates your adrenal glands to secrete adrenalin, which activate your fight or flight response. This stimulates insulin secretion and leads to secondary hypoglycemia, which result in a mild rise in blood pressure, 2-3 hours later a craving for sweets, low energy and mood, and overworking the adrenals.

Weight gain is another result of adrenal exhaustion.  Cortisol (a stress hormone) is released when you drink any coffee.  This triggers your body produce more fat.  Many coffee drinkers have a hard time losing belly fat as a result.

Also- when your adrenal glands are stimulated too often, they eventually burn out.
This burn out will lead to your body searching for a replacement hormone -progesterone. Progesterone helps keep your body’s estrogen in balance. As your progesterone is used up compensating for your exhausted adrenals, you can become estrogen dominant, which eventually leads to osteoporosis.
Coffee also raises the acidity levels of your blood, causing calcium to be pulled from your bones and teeth to use as a buffering agent. The combination of estrogen dominance and high blood acidity puts you at an even greater risk for osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Nutritional Deficiencies
Most heavy coffee drinkers have a B-1 (Thiamine) deficiency with symptoms of fatigue, nervousness, aches and pains, and headaches. Drinking coffee and tea reduces iron absorption by 40 to 60%, thereby increasing the risk of anemia.

Regular coffee drinking prevents some nutrients from being absorbed in your small intestines, which leads to further vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The results- gray hair, a distended belly, constipation, spastic colon or irritable bowel, an enlarged gall bladder, and high cholesterol and triglycerides.

Other Side Effects
Some adverse effects of drinking coffee include: insomnia, tremors, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, headaches, temporary increase in the stiffening of arterial walls, elevated blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels, irregular heartbeats and palpitations, increased risk of a heart attack, PMS symptoms, increased risk of bladder and rectal cancer, and higher risk of the birth of a low-birth-weight child.

Because caffeine increases the production of stomach acid, high consumption over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis and acid reflux/GERD.

Caffeine is a very strong diuretic (makes you pee).  Most coffee drinkers are dehydrated, resulting in electrolyte imbalances, hypotension, kidney failure and confusion (even coma) due to decreased blood flow to organs and brain.

I know the thought of giving up your morning coffee sounds almost impossible. The caffeine in the coffee belongs to the same alkaloid group as morphine, cocaine, and strychnine, making it really hard to give it up.  But think of how much better you’ll feel once you’ve quit.  The initial withdrawal symptoms and crankiness will subside. If you’re worried about being tired at work, then slowly make the switch to green tea or kombucha (a healthier drink for energy and health).  It will be worth it.

Live natural.  Live well.
Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac.

Check out Heather's Web site at www.getnaturalgetwell.com

I get asked this question a lot.  Our bodies aren’t made to handle the amount of toxins we’re constantly exposed to.  Toxin overload can lead to a whole host of illnesses and side effects.  Take the quiz below to see if you need to do a cleanse.

• Do you eat processed foods, fast food and/or eat out regularly?
• Do you eat non-organic animal products and produce?
• Do you consume genetically altered foods?
• Do you eat foods containing hydrogenated oil?
• Do you or have you used artificial sweeteners (Nutrasweet/Aspartame, Splenda, Sweet n Low)?
• Do you eat foods containing preservatives, additives, dyes, or sweeteners?
• Do you charbroil or grill foods?
• Do you drink coffee, soda or alcohol regularly?
• Do you drink unfiltered tap water?
• Do you use a microwave?
• Do you microwave/cook/store food in plastic containers?

If the majority of your answers are yes, then your diet contributes significantly to your toxic load. Most likely, you’re also exposed to other irritants such as pollution, cigarette smoke, dry cleaning fluids, cosmetics and beauty products, exhaust fumes, cleaners, and medications.

You might want to consider detoxing, if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Insomnia
• Reduced mental clarity
• Poor digestion
• Low libido
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Thyroid Disorders
• Adrenal Exhaustion
• Infertility

Not all cleanses are created equal.  It’s important to have a qualified physician help you find one that is right for you.  If you go back to your old habits once you’ve completed a cleanse, the benefits won’t last.  I see a lot of people go through the effort, but don’t change their lifestyle.  I highly recommend avoiding unhealthy foods and products to guarantee long lasting results.

Live natural.  Live well.
Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac.

Check out Heather's Web site at www.getnaturalgetwell.com

Feeling stressed out lately?  Finals got you down?  You might want to think about adding some vitamins and improving your diet.  Some of you reading this might be thinking “I can just take a pill for my problems.” I hear a lot of my patients think that taking medication long term is completely safe. 

Well guess again.

Side effects of anti depressants may include: abnormal dreams, impaired vision, anxiety, chest pain, chills, confusion, diarrhea, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, headache, hives, impotence, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, seizures, fatigue, sore throat, sweating, vomiting, & muscle weakness.

Simple ways to help cope

Folic acid  (brown, red & wild rice, beans, oranges, dark greens) and B12 (sea vegetables, Brewer’s yeast, miso, fortified foods, salmon, eggs, milk) People with B deficiencies are more likely to have severe depression.  Take 800 mcg of folic acid and 1 mg of B12 per day.

Magnesium  (wheat and oat bran, brown rice, nuts, molasses) Supports brain function and helpful for mood disorders, including PMS and bipolar disorder.  Take 300 mg of magnesium per day.

Omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flaxseed oil, hemp seeds, borage oil, primrose oil, oily fish,) Build healthy brain cell membranes and help facilitate neuron-to-neuron communication.  Take a supplement that includes a total of 650 mg EPA and DHA daily.

Chromium (broccoli, grapes, oranges, grains) Lessens depression, particularly in people who are also craving sugar. Chromium is a blood sugar stabilizer for all you sugar addicts out there.  Take 300 mcg of chromium per day.

Zinc (beans, nuts, oatmeal) Helps metabolize omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. Low zinc levels are often found in those suffering from postpartum depression.  Take 25 mg zinc per day.

So, if you’re having a hard time, please use the above information to at least get started. I hope this information helps lift your spirits!

Live natural.  Live well.
Heather