Made by Ortho Molecular Products InflammaCORE is a protein powder designed to alleviate intestinal inflammation. My doctor prescribed this for me, and though it's pricey, it's been a saving grace on my journey from how sick I felt just over a year ago. Packed with ingredients such as flax seed, green tea and turmeric it brings a well-rounded set of herbs to stimulate internal healing. Each serving has 19 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber in addition to 1,000 grams of Omega 3's. On top of it all, it's naturally sweetened with a touch of Stevia and it tastes delicious. Available in cherry, orange and banana creme, I myself prefer the banana creme. It pairs so yummy with all natural blueberry juice, coconut milk or chocolate almond milk with an added real banana as a dessert treat that takes care of my body. Below is a listing from OrtoMolecular on the specific benefits of each herb. I've also seen many reviews on this product about how well it works, being a saving grace for a lot of patients with IBS. I myself can vouch for this product and highly recommend it to anyone struggling with inflammation problems. Visit OrthoMolecular's official site here. Turmeric (Curcumin) This orange-colored spice, used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine, is rich in curcumin. In numerous studies, curcumin has been shown to have strong NFkB-modulating properties. NFkB plays a crucial role in inflammation. High activity levels of NFkB are associated with cell death and tissue damage. This broad-spectrum activity makes curcumin a great choice for supporting balanced inflammation in the body. Skullcap Root Extract Skullcap root has been used historically in Chinese medicine to support balance in the basic inflammatory response function and healthy immune function. Studies show skullcap is a strong scavenger of oxidative radicals, and is also able to promote balanced NFkB activity and maintain normal prostaglandin synthesis. Green Tea Extract (EGCG) EGCG, the most well-researched catechin in green tea, has been shown to protect cells from free radical damage and positively affect inflammatory response markers. Intestinal Reinforcement Efficacious amount of l-glutamine and glycine, amino acids crucial for mucosal regeneration and tissue repair. Immune System Balance Biologically active amount of vitamin D and arabinogalactan for support of proper immune function.
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A guest post by Kaity One of my goals in life is to help open other’s minds to the amazing world of alternative healing. There are too many common misconceptions floating around out there and I am determined to challenge those that believe otherwise to give alternative methods a chance. One way I do this is through sharing my personal health testimonial with others, which will be a follow up to this article. (Don’t want to overwhelm you all!) Today I want to share with you my health revelation that has forever changed the way I view health and wellness- my rendezvous with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient healing practice originating from Asia, mainly the Chinese Orient, which involves the application of special herbal blends, diet therapy, and exercise therapy to heal dis-ease. The first known documented material is from the Stone Age, allowing this traditional Asian healing method time to mature. I imagine I would know what I’m doing after being around a couple thousand years. In a nutshell, TCM seeks to restore internal balance and harmony in a natural, non-invasive approach so that the body and mind can function optimally, the way they were designed to. One of the things I like most about Traditional Chinese Medicine is the recognition of individuality. It is so important for any type of doctor to realize that we humans are not created via cookie cutter; we are all unique and therefore require unique healing methods designed to compliment us. Traditional Chinese Medicine isn’t about just poppin’ a few pills to feel better; its purpose lies in making manageable changes to one’s lifestyle in order to cultivate true, lasting health. While a great deal of attention is focused on the diet, TCM also utilizes natural remedies of Chinese herbal formulas. All the different combinations of herbs, in either teapill or raw herbal form, have been developed and refined over hundreds, some even thousands of years. These Chinese herbal formulas, because of their unique and well-thought out combinations, have the flexibility and focus to address a root problem. The healing power of these formulas is unlike any I have ever experienced; it is quite remarkable. In order to diagnose disease, TCM focuses on identifying the root of disharmonies within the body through analyzing patterns. Patterns are descriptions of the organ systems’ environmental state, but also describe the interrelationship between organ systems. TCM draws all disease back to five main organ systems: the Spleen, the Liver, the Kidneys, the Heart and the Lungs. Each of these organ systems have specific responsibilities. In fact, they even rule other organs systems and more importantly, the understanding of how they interrelate is essential to TCM’s success. Another reason why I like TCM is that its practice is founded in nature. All the herbs used are raw, natural, found in nature. Our diet is a natural part of our being and should also be of the earth in order to support our systems properly. You cannot deny that our planet and all its resources and living things were created to sustain and support each other in some way; it is imperative that we respect this and recognize it is essential to our health & wellbeing. This is why TCM has stood the test of time: it is of nature, and that will never change. I have offered only a small taste of the incredible world of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I encourage you to do a little research and just read about the TCM perspective- it is a truly unique way of looking at how bodies and health operate. Heaven and Earth Chinese Herbs offers loads of information, all broken down into various topics, making it easy to read what you are interested in. David Akrish is the TCM practitioner that I worked with through my healing journey. TCM World Foundation offers valuable information that incorporates a more Eastern-spiritual view, but still easy to read & understand. Be sure to read through the different articles that explain the perspectives of TCM! For more in-depth information, the Institute for Traditional Medicine offers amazingly detailed articles relating to TCM and breaks down certain perspectives. So as a health driven girl without the most stellar of immune systems I always try to be aware of herbs and supplements that can help give it a swift and natural boost. Even with cold and flu season behind us, (or ahead of us, however you choose to see it) those of us with compromised or weakened immune systems can always benefit from these friendly earth offerings. Echinacea in capsules or tablets -- I even make my own tea! I get high quality echinacea capsules from my naturopath or from a vitamin store and open them up in hot water. To cut back on the bitterness I usually add in a small teaspoon of organic honey. Taking garlic capsules daily or incorporating fresh garlic in your meals daily is an amazing natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. It's especially beneficial to those of us with candida issues as it can help kill it naturally. You can also use blends such as almond oil (do not use if you have a nut allergy) and lavender, or almond oil and thyme essential oils as a blend to massage on your chest daily for added benefit to keeping your immunue system functioning properly. Guest Post by Kaity Hello Everyone! This month I would like to introduce you to Bikram Yoga. *Cue Applause* Bikram yoga is a series of 26 asanas (postures) precisely strung together so that each asana prepares the body for the next, and systematically works every inch of the body from the inside out, from the top of the head to the tips of the toes. It is, in my opinion, THE BEST exercise you can give yourself. So what is so amazing about Bikram? The list is endless… Promotes true healing through postures that activate the body’s natural healing abilities and detoxification system Promotes mental clarity by reducing stress & anxiety levels and building concentration levels Promotes healthy metabolism Expands lung capacity and strengthens the heart Improves the spine’s flexibility and health Lubricates the joints Strengthens bones, and stretches and tones the muscles Supplies oxygen and nutrients to parts of the body that have been blocked or stagnant Builds energy and stamina And much, much more!Yoga is traditionally considered a discipline, used to focus the mind through physical movements that quiet the body and nervous system. Bikram takes discipline to a whole new level. First of all, you’re basically in a sauna; 105 degrees, 40 percent humidity. Bikram himself refers to his studio as the ‘torture chamber’; I think you can understand why. But there is a method to the madness- the heat warms your muscles, making them more malleable, allowing for greater ease of stretching. It does the ‘warm-up’ part for you and allows for more focus on the postures. Along with the humidity, the heat also promotes the body to sweat (profusely; I mean you will be drenched by the end of class), aiding in the detoxification process. Second, Bikram tests your willpower. Standard Bikram dialogue tells students to push themselves: go farther, stretch harder, focus deeper. Each Bikram posture forces you to focus 110% on your body; lock the knee, suck the stomach in, stretch and stretch and STRETCH! Oh, and don’t forget to breathe! Bikram purposely designed his series to challenge the student; it is all about pushing past the limits your mind has made up, and building your confidence and inner strength. Every posture is a fight against yourself because the ego cannot stand the thought of accepting defeat. Like the little train chugging up the hill- I think I can, I think I can- you must break the boundaries fabricated between your mind and body and persevere. Regular practice builds one’s focus by quieting the mind and channeling the attention into the moment, into each breath and movement. It is not about just going through the motions, but putting intention into each movement in order to gain the greatest benefit from each posture. This is true discipline. I fell in love with Bikram yoga my first class in September of 2011. I LOVE the challenge; I practically feed off of it. You’re basically working against yourself; I get extreme satisfaction from pushing past my boundaries and testing myself. I often smile in class because that is when I break past boundaries and take a posture to a whole new level. It makes me feel like a child- “Look what I can do!” The personal gratification Bikram practice brings helps to build your confidence and ground your energy, or make you more connected with your inner self. I have learned more about myself through practicing Bikram than I ever have through a therapy session; it makes me feel like a better person. Other things I have noticed change throughout my practice are my eating habits, my energy level, and my anxiety level. My eating habits become cleaner; my cravings for junk food subside considerably and I naturally crave healthier, more fulfilling foods. I am more able to sustain my energy throughout the day, as well. Exercise in general is a great stress buster, but Bikram really does the trick for me. I am less anxious and more able to deal with stressors and let things go. My practice also provides incredible emotional maintenance. Each posture works not only on a physical level but on an emotional level, too, releasing built up energy. If you are holding onto things (emotionally) be sure they will come up during practice. Don’t be wary though, it is just as important to cleanse the physical self as it is the mental self. Physically, I feel and look healthier and more vibrant. My skin becomes clearer, my posture is normal, and I am more able to enjoy other physical activities, such as hiking. I believe in Bikram so deeply because I have experienced the healing powers it can provide and know others that have experienced it too. It is a truly amazing practice! Bikram clears the mind, renews the spirit, and rejuvenates the body. A complete package! There is a type of yoga that suits each individual, but I strongly encourage you to try Bikram. I promise it will be worth it! You can find out more about Bikram yoga, the postures, and find a studio near you at this website: http://www.bikramyoga.com/ Check back next month for my article about Traditional Chinese Medicine! Stretching. Is. Totally. Important. I was told this as a dancer. Throughout yoga. While I was touring. Through my pelvic problems and more so now probably than ever before working at the massage studio. And although my stretches have changed from time to time I know the value of good stretching in keeping my body young, limber and healthy. As many professionals work daily sitting at a desk as I do. (six hours at work, followed by another four to six hours writing, blogging and working on music) so I know the aches and pains of my shoulders, wrists, hips, neck, back, pelvis, etc. when I don't regularly get my stretches in. So below are some to get you started. Generally I'll do neck & arm stretches at my desk, but some of these you can save for home or get up, walk around, and do them at work. Kick-Back, Log-on Pose: While sitting at your desk, interlace your fingers behind your head. Relax your elbows and shoulders. Breathe and stretch your elbows back. Keyboard Calisthenics: Place hands in prayer position, move fingers in all directions and stretch. Squeeze fists tight. Then, stretch your fingers wide. Interlace your fingers and rotate hands. Neck Rolls: Drop your head to one side. Roll it around in a wide circle, and then switch directions. Chair Stretches: While sitting, interlace your fingers below your knee. Bend your leg up, and then stretch your forehead to your knee. Switch legs. Another stretch for your chair: Cross your left leg over your right. Place your right hand or elbow on the crossed knee. Gently turn your body to the left and look behind you. Switch legs, and twist the other way. Lower Back Bend: Grab the edge of your desk or counter, and step back a couple of feet. Spread your feet shoulder-width apart. Let your upper body stretch down, relaxing your head and neck. |
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