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The Importance of Hormone Balancing during Menopause 

Understanding Progesterone, Estrogen, Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol, and the Role of the DUTCH Test

By Maria Jones-Sasso, Bioenergetic Practitioner

 

Menopause is a natural phase of life that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can vary widely. This transition, while universal, is uniquely experienced by each woman. Navigating hormones and menopause can be challenging, but understanding the changes and adopting strategies for managing them can help ease the journey.

 

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It is preceded by perimenopause, a transitional period where hormonal fluctuations can cause various symptoms. This phase can start several years before menopause, often in a woman’s 40s.

This period is characterized by a decrease in the production of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, along with alterations in cortisol and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels. Managing these hormonal shifts effectively can make a substantial difference in how a woman experiences menopause. As their levels decrease, women may experience a range of symptoms.

 

Understanding Hormonal Changes in Menopause

Estrogen: Estrogen, which plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining bone density, drops significantly during menopause. This decline is associated with common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Low estrogen levels can also contribute to osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.

 Progesterone: Progesterone levels also decrease during menopause. This hormone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports the uterus. Lower levels of progesterone can lead to irregular periods and can exacerbate symptoms like mood swings and sleep disturbances.

Testosterone: Although testosterone is often associated with men, it is also important for women. During menopause, testosterone levels decline, which can affect libido, mood, and energy levels. While testosterone levels are not as pronounced as estrogen or progesterone, they still play a role in overall well-being.

DHEA: DHEA is a precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands that can be converted into estrogen and testosterone. Its levels also decline with age, and this reduction can impact energy, mood, and overall vitality.

Cortisol: Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol levels can become imbalanced during menopause. Chronic stress or adrenal fatigue can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may exacerbate menopausal symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings.

 

Common Symptoms of Menopause

  • Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed appearance.
  • Night Sweats: Hot flashes that occur during sleep, which can lead to disrupted sleep and fatigue.
  • Irregular Periods: Menstrual cycles may become erratic before they stop altogether.
  • Vaginal Dryness: Decreased estrogen can lead to dryness, which may cause discomfort during intercourse.
  •  Mood Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep can be common.
  • Memory and Concentration Issues: Some women report challenges with cognitive functions during this period.

Strategies for Managing Menopause Symptoms

Lifestyle Adjustments:

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage symptoms. Foods high in calcium and vitamin D are particularly beneficial for bone health.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce hot flashes, improve mood, and support overall health. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can be particularly effective.
  •  Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help manage stress and improve emotional well-being.

 

Medical Treatments:

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can alleviate many menopause symptoms by replenishing estrogen levels. However, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
  • Non-Hormonal Medications: For those who cannot or prefer not to use HRT, other medications, including certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications, may help manage symptoms.
  • Vaginal Estrogen: Local treatments such as vaginal estrogen can relieve dryness and discomfort without affecting the entire body.

 

Alternative Therapies:

  • Herbal Supplements: Some women find relief with herbal supplements like black cohosh, evening primrose oil, or soy isoflavones. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements, as they can interact with other medications.
  •  Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique has been shown to help with symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings in some women.

Navigating menopause can be challenging, but understanding how your hormones are fluctuating can be incredibly helpful. Remember, it’s not a one-size-fits-all experience. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for managing symptoms. The DUTCH test, which stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones, is one tool that some people use to get a detailed look at their hormone levels and how they are metabolizing those hormones. Here’s a basic overview of how the DUTCH test works and how it might help with hormone balancing during menopause:

 

What is the DUTCH Test?

Comprehensive Hormone Assessment: The DUTCH test measures levels of various hormones including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. It also provides insights into hormone metabolites, which can help you understand how your body is processing these hormones.

Dried Urine Samples: Instead of blood samples, the DUTCH test uses dried urine samples. You collect these samples at different times of the day to get a comprehensive view of your hormonal patterns.

Metabolites and Patterns: The test not only measures current hormone levels but also assesses how these hormones are metabolized. This can help identify imbalances or patterns that might be contributing to symptoms.

Insight into Stress and Adrenal Function: Given the role of cortisol in stress management, the DUTCH test also assesses adrenal function and cortisol patterns. This can be crucial for addressing symptoms related to chronic stress and adrenal fatigue.

 

How to Use the DUTCH Test During Menopause:

Identify Imbalances: The DUTCH test can help pinpoint imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. For example, during menopause, estrogen levels typically decrease, but the DUTCH test can provide more detailed information on how this drop is affecting your body.

Assess Metabolism: Understanding how your body metabolizes hormones can be crucial. For instance, certain estrogen metabolites can be more problematic than others. The DUTCH test can help identify if you need to focus on detoxifying specific types of estrogen.

Customized Treatment: Based on the results, your healthcare provider might recommend personalized hormone replacement therapy (HRT), dietary changes, or lifestyle modifications. This can help target specific symptoms you’re experiencing, such as hot flashes, mood swings, or fatigue.

Monitor Progress: The DUTCH test can be used periodically to monitor how well your hormone balance is improving with any interventions you’re undertaking. It’s a way to see if your treatment plan is effective or if adjustments are needed.

 

Next Steps to Take:

Consult a Healthcare Provider: Before deciding on the DUTCH test, discuss it with a healthcare provider who is familiar with menopause and hormone testing. They can help you understand if this test is right for you and interpret the results in the context of your overall health.

Prepare for the Test: Follow any preparation instructions provided with the DUTCH test kit. This may involve specific timing for urine collection and avoiding certain foods or medications.

Review Results with Your Provider: Once you have the results, review them with your healthcare provider to develop a plan for managing your symptoms based on the findings.

Adjust as Needed: Be prepared to make adjustments to your treatment or lifestyle based on what the DUTCH test reveals. Hormone balancing is often an iterative process.

 

Menopause is a unique experience for everyone, and a personalized approach can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The DUTCH test is just one of many tools that can provide valuable insights in this journey.

By staying informed, seeking appropriate treatment, and embracing a holistic approach to health, women can navigate menopause with confidence and maintain a high quality of life during this transformative phase.

The Benefits of Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback Therapy with Julie Miles

The Benefits of Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback Therapy with Longevity’s Naturopathic Practitioner, Anna Powers 

Our very own Anna Powers was recently interviewed by Julie Miles of Beauty for Broken Life Coaching. In addition to being a caring and compassionate Patient Coordinator at Longevity, Julie works with women who desire to discover the broken rhythms in their lives and move forward to a beautiful transition to whole health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Anna sat down with Julie for her Summer Wellness Series to discuss the many benefits of Brain Mapping and NeuroFeedback for our minds, bodies, and spirits. Brain Mapping, also known as Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), measures electrical activity in the form of brainwave patterns, showing us how brain cells are communicating and helping us create NeuroFeedback protocol specific to the brain’s needs. It can benefit those with mental and cognitive health issues such as ADHD, anxiety, headaches/migraines, sleep issues, and more. 

Anna uses her experience and expertise to advise and walk alongside both our adult and children clients at Longevity as they go through their detox and healing journeys. 

Be sure to tune in for this great conversation! 

How Mold and Mycotoxins Impact Our Health with Julie Miles

 Mold and Mycotoxins with Certified Naturopath, Janelle Bertler

Our very own Janelle Bertler was recently interviewed by Julie Miles of Beauty for Broken Life Coaching. In addition to being a caring and compassionate Patient Coordinator at Longevity, Julie works with women who desire to discover the broken rhythms in their lives and move forward to a beautiful transition to whole health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Janelle sat down with Julie for her Summer Wellness Series to discuss mold and mycotoxin toxicity, how we get exposed to it, and how it can impact our health. You’ll get to hear Janelle’s own story of mold illness and how she recovered, as well as steps to aid in your own recovery. 

Today Janelle uses her firsthand experience to advise and walk alongside our clients at Longevity as they go through their own healing journeys. 

Be sure to tune in for this great conversation! 

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

By Dr. Alice Honican, Licensed Acupuncturist, Bio-Energetic Practitioner

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of natural health care that encourages the body toward homeostasis by observing and following the natural forces of the universe. The aim of TCM is for the harmony of the whole, for which this intricate system was developed over 4,000 years ago. 

 

Western Medicine tends to not look at the whole, but rather isolate a single causative factor for disease. When I was in Acupuncture school in the year 2000, I took a course called “The Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders.” This course was presented with an allopathic view for the treatment of muscular imbalances. The professor foresaw that medical doctors and physical therapists would try to westernize popular and effective traditional methods to increase its efficacy. And boy was he right, the term “dry needling” was coined and has become a very popular modality to treat sports injuries. 

 

Unfortunately, there has been some conflict among PT’s and Acupuncturists. Acupuncturists feel that 27 hours is not long enough to learn needling techniques and the public safety is at risk. There is ongoing debate about whether dry needling is a type of Acupuncture, or a different technique altogether. Some groups, like the American Alliance for Professional Acupuncture Safety (AAPAS), say dry needling is a form of Acupuncture and that practitioners should have the same training and oversight as Acupuncturists. Others, like Physical Therapists, say dry needling is a different technique. 

 

What is the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling? 

At Longevity our patients were asking if Longevity offered this service so, as a perpetual student, I decided to take the course. I got certified in Dry Needling from the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. Since Dry needling is not taught in PT school, the therapists must take a CEU course to learn the techniques. The certification took place over 2 weekends. The first 27-hour course focuses on disorders of the upper body and the second on the lower half of the body. After the introduction of theory and Dry Needling and Acupuncture studies, the course began with disorders of the shoulder. 

 

I was honestly a little surprised to discover that the course was taught using Acupuncture points and not what I assumed to be trigger points. For example, a point suggested for posterior scapula / shoulder issues is called Small Intestine 9, or “True Shoulder” in TCM. This point treats the shoulder, relieves pain and benefits the ear. For Dry Needling purposes, this point affects the disorder of the Teres Minor muscle. The professor stated the reason they are teaching location according to the Acupuncture system is because they have found they correlate with the affected anatomy, with less errors and better success rate. However, even though the therapists are needling Acupuncture points, they adamantly state that they are not practicing Acupuncture, as they are not trying to stimulate “qi.” They are not trying to treat the whole patient, just the musculoskeletal disorder. 

 

I will say that some of the PTs at the dry needling training felt the course information was like “drinking out of a water hose.” Once I got over my personal bias, I realized we can all play in the sandbox together. Physical Therapists are extremely knowledgeable of the body and muscles and can master needling techniques with enough practice. However, you must get a referral by an orthopedic to get a dry needling prescription. 

 

As an Acupuncturist, I do not need a medical referral, however most insurance will not cover it.  For both dry needling and acupuncture, the needles allow the body to release endorphins and opioids, natural feel good hormones, to relieve pain and create a greater sense of well being.   If you are suffering from an issue of pain such as neck, shoulder, back, knees, foot, etc.  and want to try acupuncture and dry needling, I feel confident I can help.  I can spend half the session treating the chief area of pain and the second half balancing your energy.

 

Schedule a session with me at Longevity on Fridays! 

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Mental Health

By Dr. Alice Honican, Licensed Acupuncturist, Bio-Energetic Practitioner

In Western physiology, emotional and mental processes are attributed to the brain. The brain, situated at the top of the body, plays a crucial role in how emotions affect us. Emotions impact the limbic system within the brain, sending nerve impulses down through the hypothalamus and through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve centers, eventually reaching the internal organs.

 

In contrast, Chinese medicine views mental processes not as a pyramid but as a circle or sphere of interaction between the internal organs and their emotional effects. The state of an organ affects emotions, and emotions, in turn, affect the state of the internal organ. This holistic view of organs as mental-emotional spheres of influence is a cornerstone of Chinese medicine.

 

Each organ is associated with specific emotions: the heart with joy, the liver with anger, the lungs with sadness and grief, the spleen with worry and overthinking, and the kidneys with fear. For example, the kidneys correspond to the anatomical kidneys, the energies associated with the kidneys on an energetic level, the brain and thinking on a mental level, and fear on an emotional level. All these levels interact simultaneously. Consider long standing anger: while everyone feels angry at times, harboring anger for years can cause disease. Anger makes the qi rise and negatively impacts the liver. In such cases, the tongue may be red, especially on the sides, the pulse wiry, and the stools hard and dry. The patient may suffer from headaches and exhibit frustration. Acupuncture points and herbs chosen for treatment aim to soothe the liver and sedate fire.

 

Chronic stress is detrimental to both the mind and body. When a person is constantly in fight or flight mode, elevated cortisol levels compromise optimal rest and digestion. Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific points along the meridian to restore and balance the flow of qi, allowing the body to function normally and repair itself. Acupuncture can lower cortisol levels, release endorphins, and opioids—natural feel-good neurotransmitters—to relieve pain and foster a greater sense of physical and emotional well-being. Improved emotional and mental health leads to enhanced physical health.

 

To create a treatment plan, an acupuncturist observes the body and tongue, takes the pulse, and asks questions about energy, sleep, pain, digestion, menstrual cycles, and mental state. In cases of severe and long-standing emotional problems, acupuncture alone may not suffice. The patient might need the support of a skilled counselor. For chronic mental and emotional issues, I recommend a series of 10 treatments, with 1-2 sessions per week.

 

Acupuncture is highly effective for achieving emotional balance and overall wellness. By treating the whole person, it supports lifestyle improvements and self-care practices, helping individuals lead healthier, more balanced lives.

 

To learn more about how acupuncture can benefit you and to schedule your first treatment, visit Longevity Health. Start your journey towards emotional balance and holistic well-being today.

The Importance of Nutrition in Healing Eczema Part Four: Supporting Optimal Methylation 

By Carrie Rutledge, Nutrition Therapist Master 

 

The MTHFR Gene and Health Outcomes

Great genes do not necessarily mean someone will live a longer, healthier, life and they are not a determinant for someone’s long-term health. In fact, foods, herbs, and spices have a powerful effect on whether a gene is expressed or repressed. An example of this is EGCG from green tea or genistein from quality soy. Both promote the repression of pro-inflammatory genes. Foods that can stimulate gene expression are sulforaphane from broccoli and curcumin from turmeric. Both can activate genes that are involved in cellular repair. Furthermore, if you look to Italy and Spain who are also carriers of similar genes, they do not manifest the same symptoms that we do in America due to a cleaner diet, that is pesticide free, not genetically modified, and less processed. 

Methylation is simply taking a methyl group (1 carbon and 3 hydrogens or CH3) and transferring this group from one molecule to another.  Methylation is important for turning processes on and off in the body: methylation turns a process on, and demethylation or the removing of the methyl group, turns the process off. The methylation cycle is involved in over 200 different reactions in the body such as DNA production, liver detoxification, immune function, and hormone production. Any disruption in the methylation cycle can have drastic effects on the body’s ability to function optimally. 

When someone has a genetic SNP or “snip” then it will be more difficult for the methylation process to happen effectively. The MTHFR SNP seems to be increasing and has been associated with elevated homocysteine (associated with heart disease), decreased ability to detoxify external and internal assaults, abnormalities in DNA repair (associated with Cancer), neurobehavior issues, impaired expression and/or repression of essential genes, elevated risk for autism, and increased risk for miscarriage. Everyone has 2 copies of the MTHFR gene; however, there could be several genetic SNPs and in less than 1% of the population the MTHFR enzyme is completely impaired.

When DNA is methylated then certain genes will be suppressed and others will become activated and generally these genes help us to enhance our quality of life. When our methylation cycle becomes inhibited due to a genetic SNP, then disease causing genes can “wake up” causing us more burden. 

The body’s ability to methylate requires several nutrients including amino acid methionine, choline, and B vitamins folate (B9), B12, and B3. Each nutrient must be in balance and available to ensure methylation. Folate is the nutrient necessary for beginning the methylation cycle. There is a difference in chemical structure between folate acquired from whole foods and folic acid which is synthetic and acquired from fortification or supplementation. Furthermore, folate from food can be easily destroyed from cooking, chopping, and juicing. The difference between synthetic folic acid and folate from foods is the way in which the body can use them efficiently. Studies show that our gut bacteria are also capable of synthesizing folate. This synthesis of folate in the gut is dependent on a healthy microbiome. For this reason, folate from food may not be as necessary as we once perceived. 

Intake of folic acid enriched foods or prenatal vitamins needs activation from an enzyme called DHFR which is very slow in humans. In fact, research is now showing that high doses of folic acid supplementation or through processed foods impairs this enzyme and leads to high levels of un-metabolized folic acid in the blood. Furthermore, synthetic folic acid has been shown to inhibit the MTHFR enzyme and may bring about the same methylation insufficiency as someone who carries a genetic SNP. 

Beginning in 1998, the United States began to add synthetic folic acid to all refined grains, cereals and processed foods which has been shown to bind to folate receptors on the surface of our cells. This prevents the active form of methyl folate to enter our cells. High doses of folic acid can completely gum up the entire methylation cycle and prevent us from absorbing natural folate. Testing serum folate levels in people with MTHFR usually show up with high levels of folate and homocysteine which indicates unmetabolized, synthetic folic acid binding to folate receptors and the body’s inability to utilize it.

Current research shows synthetic folic acid impairs the enzyme DHFR and natural folate absorption. As research continues to grow, we are finding that 98% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an MTHFR SNP and mothers taking high doses of folic acid in pregnancy have higher rates of birthing children with ASD, childhood cancer, asthma, child allergic diseases and eczema. Likewise, conventional baby foods, formulas, and breast milk (if the mother supplements or eats fortified foods) is causing a burden on the infant after birth.

 

Supporting Optimal Methylation Through Diet

Although I do give my daughter a multivitamin with methyl-folate, I think it is important to understand that adding methyl-folate in the form of supplementation can worsen a person’s condition if they are over-methylated and/or deficient in B12, B2, B6, zinc, choline, and Magnesium. Methylation is used to detoxify the body and once the body is given increased methyl donors the body may begin releasing toxins faster than can be eliminated, which can exacerbate symptoms. Furthermore, methylation requires several vitamins and minerals in a delicate balance, so if supplementing, it is important to work up from low doses of methyl-folate while incorporating other nutrients.

It is important to understand when choosing healing foods to ensure proper methylation, you want to refrain from eating foods that will increase the toxin and inflammatory load. Remember, in other countries such as Europe, even though they may be carriers of the same genetic SNPs, many are not manifesting the same chronic disease symptoms (allergies, eczema, heart disease, ADHD, ASD, depression, cancer and PCOS) due to a cleaner diet. While it is important to include several nutrients in the diet, it is also important to avoid foods from the Standard American Diet (SAD diet). This includes: gluten containing grains, sugar, soy, corn, farm-raised seafood, soda, and conventionally raised meats, dairy, and eggs.

If we look at how the methylation pathways work, we see individual nutrients that are required for the process to run smoothly and if any of those nutrients are unavailable, we will see problems with the pathway and chemical reactions in the body. Personal nutrition to support methylation has been studied and shown to be effective in reducing biological age, improving brain health, and reducing risk of many chronic diseases when implemented. 

 

Nutrients Needed to Support Methylation

  • Folate-B9 (required to start the methylation cycle) folate is found in numerous foods including lentils, black beans, peas, chickpeas, asparagus, eggs, raw spinach, arugula, broccoli, beets, citrus fruits, and liver. *Note: Although liver is a superfood, it is high in vitamin A and iron which can be toxic in large amounts. Liver should be consumed no more than once per week.
  • B12 (paramount to initiating the methylation cycle and necessary for generating SAMe (the main methyl donor for the body)) B12 is found in oysters, animal liver and kidneys, clams, sardines, beef, salmon, dairy products, eggs, and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is the only vegan option for B12; therefore, vegans should supplement with B12 in the form of methyl-cobalamin)
  • Riboflavin-B2 (the precursor to coenzymes that are responsible for energy production of the cell) Sources for B2 are liver, soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, eggs, fish roe, Greek yogurt, mussels, almonds, pork, lamb, and feta cheese
  •  Zinc (required for an enzyme that activates folate) the best zinc sources come from oysters, red meat, chicken, eggs, lentils (contain phytates which inhibit absorption), hemp seeds, dark chocolate, and cheese
  • Choline (a methyl donor used for the conversion of homocysteine) even though the body can make choline, it is not enough to fulfill the biochemical needs of the body. Choline can be found in eggs, liver or organ meats, fish roe, fish, shiitake mushrooms, soybeans, wheat germ and lower amounts in chicken, turkey, and cruciferous vegetables
  • Magnesium (required to produce SAMe) magnesium can be difficult to get though foods due to the depletion of mineral rich soil. Foods that contain magnesium are nuts and seeds, black beans, soybeans, dairy products, swiss chard, collard greens, spinach, avocadoes, chocolate, peas, and potatoes, however, supplementation may be necessary.
  • Betaine (helps to convert homocysteine to methionine) betaine rich foods are beets, spinach, turkey, beef, veal, sweet potato, bulgur, and quinoa
  • Fermented foods (required for producing a healthy microbiota which in turn can produce active folate in the digestive tract) fermented foods to include are kimchi, coconut kefir, unsweetened Greek yogurt, pickled vegetables, and probiotic supplements

 

Incorporating a whole foods diet focused on healthy methylation can greatly reduce inflammation and express positive effects on the body. The skin is a direct reflection of what is happening in the liver. When the liver becomes overburdened due to excess toxins coming in and ineffective methylation, it is common to see skin inflammation such as psoriasis or eczema. Although further research needs to be completed, it is important to understand that when we give the body nutrient dense foods that support methylation, are abundant in B vitamins, zinc, and choline, the liver will begin to detoxify effectively, and the skin will start to heal.

If you would like to learn more about healing your body through nutrition and lifestyle, please contact me at carrie.rutledge@longevityhealthcenter.com and set up a consultation to see how we can tailor a plan for you. 

The Importance of Nutrition in Healing Eczema

Part Three: Essential Fatty Acids and the Omega-6: Omega-3 Ratio

By Carrie Rutledge, Nutrition Therapist Master 

 

Vegetable Oils and Chronic Inflammation

Essential fatty acids are essential because we must get them through our diet. Omega-6 (LA-

linoleic acid and Arachidonic Acid) and Omega-3 (ALA-alpha-linolenic acid) are imperative to great skin health. ALA needs to be converted in the body to EPA and DHA to be used effectively. Linoleic acid is needed for the inflammatory response and ALA is important for reducing inflammation. It is important to keep these fatty acids in balance to avoid chronic inflammatory disease. Because eczema is an inflammatory condition, it is crucial to make sure these fatty acids are kept at a ratio of 4:1.

In the last 100 years, the ratio of these essential fatty acids has increased in favor of Omega-6 to between 10-20: This ratio predisposes us to chronic inflammatory conditions and allergies. Americans are overconsuming LA mainly from industrial seed oils such as canola oil, sunflower oil, corn oil and soybean oil. Seed oils go through a refining process that requires degumming, deodorizing, and bleaching to make them edible and nearly all restaurants in the United States use them for cooking. Furthermore, studies show that polyunsaturated rich vegetable oils increase the risk of lifestyle diseases such as, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and obesity. 

Supplementation of Omega3 fatty acids in pregnancy is a necessity for reducing allergic diseases in offspring. In fact, women who supplement with 3,700mg per day of EPA and DHA at 25 weeks’ gestation until 3-4 months of breastfeeding, reduce risk of food related eczema by three-fold. Therefore, ensuring an optimal Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio before the fetal immune system develops could be an important step to preventing allergic diseases such as asthma and food allergies in children. 4

 

3 Steps to Bring the Omega-6: Omega-3 Ratio Back to Balance

 

Stop cooking with vegetable oils and eating in restaurants that use them

Vegetable oils are highly processed and go through refining which often involves removing essential nutrients and chemical extraction including bleaching. Refining is done to maintain shelf life; however, most of the nutritional elements are lost during this process and these oils tend to oxidize during the heating process. Unfortunately, most restaurants use these oils for frying and cooking at high temperatures.

The best oils for cooking at high heats are saturated because the chemical structure of saturated fats has each carbon molecule saturated with hydrogen; therefore, it won’t become oxidized when heated. Hence, the more unsaturated a fat is the faster the oxidation reaction proceeds. Coconut oil, butter, ghee, lard, and beef tallow are all solid at room temperature and can remain stable when heated above 180 degrees. The chemical structure of saturated fats has each carbon molecule saturated with hydrogen; therefore, it won’t become oxidized when heated.

Monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, chicken and duck fats are liquid at room temperature and should not be used to cook over 180 degrees as they will begin to smoke and oxidize (or loss of electrons and an increase of the oxidation state). These types of oils are great for cooking low and slow or used in dressings. 

Finding restaurants that cook with healthy oils in the United States is getting easier. Using the Seed Oil Scout app is a great way to find farm to table restaurants that are cooking with healthy oils. Choosing menu items that are unlikely to be fried or cooked in oils and reviewing the menu before eating out is a good way to navigate the menu when traveling.

 

Add Omega-3 fatty acid foods to your diet including wild caught fish

We begin introducing foods to babies around six months. Some of the best advice I received

from my holistic pediatrician was to start with introducing fat and protein instead of grains and carbohydrates. This way babies begin to develop a taste for healthier, nutrient dense, non-processed foods. He advised us to start with avocados, salmon roe, sardines, and chicken liver.

To this day our daughter loves a wide variety of nutritious foods and is always willing to try something new. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for skin and brain health. In a recent study measuring serum EPA and DHA, results showed that over 68% of adults and 95% of children in the United States, do not consume enough Omega-3s to meet nutritional guidelines.6 Omega-3 fatty acids are tied to learning, behavior and a reduction in childhood allergies including asthma. 1,7 Omega-3 fatty acid foods to be included in the diet are:

  • Low mercury fish including wild-caught: Salmon, Anchovies, Crab, Sardines, Black Cod, Oysters, Shrimp, Trout and Arctic Cod. Wild caught fish are high in Omega-3 fatty acids because they eat algae. Farm raised fish are fed grains and soy and very high in Omega-6
  • Grass-fed beef, lamb or veal and pasture raised eggs
  • Walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds (conversion rate to EPA and DHA is low)

 

Omega-6 fatty acids are still important to include in the diet, but they should come from whole

food sources as opposed to industrialized vegetable oil. Whole food sources of Omega-6 fatty

acids to include are:

  • Nuts and seeds
  • Pastured animals

 

Supplement to Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Diet

Scientific studies continue to show that supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the production of IgE, the antibodies that cause allergic symptoms in those with asthma. From all the immune cells investigated DHA and EPA have been shown to inhibit the activation of immune cells while promoting some more specific immune functions including destruction of abnormal cells. Furthermore, supplementation has benefits on the brain. Children with ADHD have

shown to have low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in their cellular membranes correlated with learning and behavior problems. A study in Japan looked at 40 children with ADHD symptoms and supplemented with 510 mg of DHA and 100mg of EPA a day improved outcomes on combined teacher/parent ratings. More and more, studies are showing supplementation with EPA and DHA can improve a wide range of health disorders including Autism, Mood Disorder, Dementia, Dyspraxia, inflammatory issues, and improve brain function overall. 

  • Be sure to find a quality Omega-3 fatty acid supplement and store in the refrigerator
  • Choose one that is third party tested and free from heavy metals
  • The supplement should contain at least 500 mg of EPA and DHA per 1,000mg of fish oil
  • Vegans can supplement with a quality algae supplement such as Juice Plus

Lowering the Omega-6: Omega-3 ratio is imperative for the long-term health of our children. The benefits of eating and supplementing with EPA and DHA are widely known. From lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, asthma, mast cell activation, autoimmune disease, diabetes, dementia, and eczema; it is crucial to begin making this change in your diet for the long-term health of your family.

If you would like to learn more about healing your body through nutrition and lifestyle, please contact me at carrie.rutledge@longevityhealthcenter.com and set up a free consultation to see how we can tailor a plan for you. 

 

The Importance of Nutrition in Healing Eczema  

Part 2: Gut Permeability and Chronic Inflammation 

By Carrie Rutledge, Nutrition Therapist Master 

 

Gut Permeability and The Immune Response  

Hippocrates once said that “All disease begins in the gut”. Studies are increasingly showing that eczema  and gut health are linked and when there is an imbalance of gut or skin flora, we now have an  inflammatory condition called dysbiosis. This occurs when there are too many pathogenic species, not  enough commensal species, and not enough diversity of species. Hence, if you want to heal the skin; you  must heal the gut.  

Gut permeability is a theory that explores intestinal permeability or impairment as a cause of letting  toxins into the bloodstream and as a result, an inflammatory response occurs. Our intestinal barrier  performs many critical functions, most importantly, regulating the absorption of nutrients from the gut  into the blood while preventing the entry of toxins and microorganisms.  

The digestive tract is considered outside the body as both openings of the digestive tract are connected to  the outside world. A strong, robust immune system in the GI tract will prevent these pathogens from  entering the bloodstream. In fact, 70-80% of all immune cells are found in the GI tract ready to fend off  the multitude of pathogenic organisms that enter our body every day. 

The digestive tract has a unique job of killing off the pathogenic bacteria while protecting commensal  bacteria and antigens which can induce an immune response. IgA antibodies (SIgA) are important for immunotolerance or the immune system’s ability to stay unresponsive to substances that would otherwise  elicit an immune response. They can also prevent mass bacteria invasion and intercept invaders that have  passed into the intestinal barrier. The microbiome and IgA antibodies have a synergistic relationship as  commensal bacteria are an important facilitator of IgA and probiotic supplementation has shown to  increase IgA production. 4Low IgA is associated with an increase in allergies, eczema, asthma, food  intolerance, UTI infections and gut dysbiosis (imbalance between pathogenic and commensal bacteria).  Therefore, if we are seeing these symptoms in ourselves or our children, we can begin taking steps to heal  and seal our gut to decrease the inflammatory response.  

 

Healing and Sealing the Gut with the 5R Approach 

Step 1: The Removal Process 

The removal process consists of getting rid of food items and environmental allergens that are causing toxicity.  Finding food intolerances can be tricky; therefore, a more expensive approach is to go through food sensitivity  testing and to strictly avoid those foods. You can also do an elimination diet in which you remove the most  common allergens from your diet and gradually add them back in after four weeks. The most common allergens to  remove will be eggs, dairy, gluten, soy, legumes, nuts, and seeds. After four weeks you will introduce one new food  per week and keep track of your body’s response. If you notice a new symptom or previous symptom return, then  that food is not tolerable for your system. During the elimination period, acceptable foods include meat, all  vegetables expect nightshades, all fruits except citrus, organic white rice, and healthy fats except butter. Removing  toxic shampoos, pesticides (especially glyphosate) and sanitizers will also be important to healing the skin and gut  microbiome.  

The removal process also consists of removing parasites and fungal overgrowth. This can be done with food, herbs,  or supplements.  

Antimicrobial Foods and Herbs to be Added to the  Diet Daily  

  • Pumpkin seeds 
  • Coconut oil  
  • Raw Garlic 
  • Manuka Honey 
  • Thyme, Clove, Rosemary, and Ginger

Anti-Parasitic Tea Recipe:  

Ingredients:

  • 1 Teaspoon Clove
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 Sprig of  Rosemary
  • 1 Teaspoon of fresh Ginger  

Instructions: Boil all ingredients in purified water for 30  minutes 

 

Step 2: Replace the Digestive Enzymes that May be lacking from Gut Dysbiosis  

Once we start to remove foods, toxins and parasites that are causing dysbiosis, we need to start replacing enzymes, vitamins, and minerals for optimal digestive function. For those with heartburn you may not be producing enough  hydrochloric acid or HCL, therefore, you may need to supplement as the digestive tract heals. Ox Bile (if you have  had your gallbladder removed) is good for supporting the liver and digestion of fats and adding in protease, lipase  and amylase will help break down the nutrient dense foods you are now eating. 

 

Foods That Increase Stomach Acid: 

  • Apple cider vinegar  
  • Celery juice  
  • Sauerkraut juice  
  • Bitters-stimulates HCL, pancreatic enzymes and bile production 
  • Warm lemon water, dandelion root tea or ginger tea with meal

 

Foods that Contain Digestive Enzymes 

  • Honey (amylase and protease)  
  • Ginger (contains protease)  
  • Kimchi (contains lipase, protease, and amylase)  
  • Mango (amylase)  
  • Papaya (protease)  
  • Avocado (lipase)  
  • Pineapple (bromelain, protease)  

 

Step 3: Replacing the Gut with Probiotics and Prebiotic Foods to Increase  

Because eczema is an inflammatory disease, our goal in treating the root cause is to lower inflammation internally.  Once we have removed pathogenic bacteria and replaced nutrients and enzymes for proper digestion, we want to  begin replacing the commensal bacteria with probiotic rich foods and supplements. As we begin to replace, we also  want to make sure we are feeding the microorganisms in the gut prebiotics. To qualify as a prebiotic a food must  benefit the commensal bacteria as well as benefit you, the host of the bacteria.  

Live Probiotic Foods to Include 

  • Unsweetened yogurt (if you can tolerate dairy add raw honey for sweetener)  
  • Sauerkraut (for babies you can give a tablespoon of juice daily or use as a salt substitute for  meats and vegetables)  
  • Kimchi, Pickled vegetables, Kombucha, or Kefir, Sourdough 

Prebiotic Foods to Include 

  • Beans, Lentils and Peas 
  • Raw Garlic  
  • Leeks  
  • Apples
  • Unripe Bananas  
  • Cooked and cooled potatoes or white rice

 

Step 4: Repairing the Lining of the Digestive Tract from Long-Term Inflammation 

To prevent toxins and foods from entering the blood stream, it is important to start repairing the mucosal lining of  the digestive tract. Two nutrients that help to restore gut health and the epithelial lining are L-Glutamine and  Glycine. Herbals to consider including in the diet to support a healthy digestive tract are Marshmallow Root,  Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL), and Slippery Elm.  

L-Glutamine: Is an amino acid that acts as a building block for protein. The body relies on L-Glutamine to   facilitate healing in conditions of severe metabolic stress, to reduce gastric inflammation, make  neurotransmitters, and repair muscles. It also serves in protecting the tight junctions of the gut. Dietary  glutamine is found in animal foods such as beef, chicken, pork, raw cheese, milk, and yogurt. A supplement  may also be necessary in cases of severe inflammation, poor gut health and lowered immunity. 5 

Glycine: Even though glycine is a non-essential amino acid, supplementation has been shown to reduce the  development of chronic inflammation and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Glycine is synthesized in the  body from choline, threonine, and serine. Foods to incorporate to ensure adequate synthesis of glycine are  gelatin, bone broth, poultry skin, dried seaweed, wild caught salmon, and oxtail. 

Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root has been shown to restore a protective lining around tight  junctions in the gut as well as treat irritated tissue in the mucous membranes. It is typically consumed  through a capsule or tea form and is often used for a wide range of digestive disorders including  constipation, colic, and heartburn. Marshmallow root has also been shown to treat atopic eczema. 

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): DGL has been shown to maintain and rebuild the intestinal lining of  the gut. In studies, DGL is shown to increase the protective mucus in the stomach and esophagus. and  protect the liver from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 

 Slippery Elm: Slippery elm is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and helps to form a protective  coating in the digestive tract. Studies show that when combined with Glycine, Aloe Vera, Pectin,  Peppermint Oil and Glutamine, individuals were able to reintroduce food triggers after 16 weeks of  consumption without provoking original symptoms. 

 

Gut Healing Recipes  

Bone Broth Recipe 

  • 1 chicken carcass or marrow bones 
  • 3 medium carrots 
  • 3 stalks of celery 
  • Fresh herbs 
  • Apple cider vinegar  
  • Keltic sea salt  

Directions: Roast the bones in the oven for 30-45 minutes. Take the bones and add to a dutch oven.  Add 2 Tsp of apple cider vinegar, vegetables fresh herbs and sea salt. Cover with filtered water and  bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 12-24 hours. After cooled, strain the broth into mason  jars. Use the broth to cook rice, soups, and stews.  

Jell-O Recipe  

2 cups of organic fresh juice 

2 TBSP of gelatin 

Raw honey 

1/2 -1 Cup of raw fruit or 2 TB of fruit rind (Optional)  

Directions: Pour juice into a saucepan and add 2 TBSP of gelatin and stir until it’s dissolved. Turn  on heat to medium and let simmer for 5-10 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for 1 minute. Add in  honey and pour into a glass tray. Put into the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. 

 

Step 5: Rebalancing the Gut 

Rebalancing is all about following a healthy, long-term goal of reducing stress and supporting a healthy nervous  system. Studies show that genetics lay the groundwork for eczema, but it’s the environment that contributes to the  expression of the gene and both play a key role in the dysregulation of the nervous system as well as the immune  system. A dysfunctional nervous system can contribute to inflammation of the gut as well as the skin. In fact, recent  studies show that the skin is a target of the stress response. Psoriasis, mast cell activation, acne, and eczema have all  been tied to psychological stress, anxiety, and depression.

The 9 Essentials to Rebalancing your Life for a Healthy Happy Gut: 

  • Quality Sleep (Adults 7-8 hours, Teenagers 8-10 hours, Children 10-12 hours) 
  •  Food (make sure you sit down and avoid screens for your largest meal)  
  • Water (filtered from chlorine, pharmaceuticals, and fluoride)  
  • Exercise  
  • Healthy relationships  
  • Mental Health  
  • Spiritual Health 
  • Nature  
  • Have Fun  

Do Not Underestimate the Power of Relaxation

Modern American society is too focused on its definition of “success”. Our culture has us believing that success is  measured in achievement. It has us running from here to there, competing for this and that all to the detriment of our  health. Children today are pressured to perform at levels unseen in history. Driving from activity to activity and  rarely getting time to decompress. Being indoors all day and in front of screens has damaging effects on our  hormones, especially cortisol. With phones and computers contributing to increased cortisol and acting as a  psychological stressor, it is important to wean ourselves and our children off the addictiveness of the screen.  

Current studies are showing the power of mind-body therapies as treatment for many chronic diseases including  eczema. In fact, stress is the common risk factor for up to 90% of all diseases. When we are stressed, we release  more cortisol. High cortisol contributes to increased inflammation. 10,11 Therefore, it is important to practice  relaxation techniques. Whatever that looks like in your world, I encourage you to go outside, walk barefoot in the  grass, take day trips, explore, meditate, laugh, and have fun 

 

*If you would like to learn more about healing your body through nutrition and lifestyle, please contact me at carrierutledge@gmail.com and set up a free 15-minute consultation to see how we can tailor a plan for you.  

 

**Disclaimer: The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness. I am a certified Nutritional Therapist Master practitioner, therefore, the information and material in this post is for informational purposes and not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any illness. Please seek advice from a qualified medical professional regarding any medical condition or diagnosis.

 

The Importance of Nutrition in Healing Eczema  

Part 1: Lowering Inflammation

By Carrie Rutledge, Nutrition Therapist Master 

 

The “Why?” Behind this Series

I am the proud mother of a healthy five-year old girl who began struggling with Atopic Dermatitis, or Eczema, at 3 years of age. I approached this chronic inflammatory disease by exploring the root cause, instead of with topical steroid creams that may relieve symptoms but never address the fire inside. Although the Eczema took almost a year to heal (True healing is rarely a quick fix), with many setbacks, we have finally gotten to a place in which her body can withstand assaults and not break out into an itchy, uncomfortable rash. 

Over the course of this 4-part series, I will share with you my protocol for healing my daughter’s Eczema through diet, supplements, and herbs. Although there are other parts of the protocol that I will not cover, I will be giving you some wonderful tools to get you on your way to healthy skin. 

As always, everyone is biochemically different; however, my hopes are that this information will set the stage for recovery from a chronic inflammatory state. 

 

What is Eczema? 

According to the National Eczema Association, Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, rashes, blisters, or skin infections and can leave someone at a higher risk for developing asthma or food allergies. The cause is unknown, but is attributed to genetics and environment, or epigenetics. Epigenetics is when our genes are “turned-on” by an environmental influence such as mold, heavy metals, fragrances, or chemicals.  Currently there is no “cure” for Eczema and can only be managed by avoiding triggers and using topical creams or immunosuppressants. 

My first question is: What is the “root cause”? As a nutritionist, I am always investigating the root cause. When my daughter was struggling with Eczema I asked myself, “Is it an allergy or an inability to detoxify appropriately?” “Is it because she was born via C-Section or because I had antibiotics when breastfeeding?” “Do we have a moldy house?”

I don’t subscribe to the idea that chronic disease happens by accident or purely through a genetic disposition. And if Eczema is an inflammatory condition, what is causing the inflammation?  We all want the best for our children, and my biggest concern for my daughter was Eczema turning into asthma. I was determined to heal this condition to the best of my ability, and not by masking it with long-term creams or steroids, but through a holistic means of nutrition and herbal supplements. 

 

The Top 4 Foods to Avoid When Combating Inflammation

When my daughter was 3, she broke out in a rash on the backs of her knees and in the creases of her arms. As a Nutritional Therapist I was already feeding her a healthy diet, so how could this happen? Was it even Eczema, or could it be some sort of allergy? I went down the rabbit hole into a year-long battle of getting a diagnosis, a prescription cream (or a band-aid if you will) and still no answers as to why my healthy child had inflammation of the skin. 

I quickly learned that Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition and can range from mild to severe. There is no “cure” for Eczema, and experts are not aware of the cause, but they do believe it is a combination of genes and environmental triggers or epigenetics. The skin is the largest organ of the body and is involved in many important functions including protection from the external environment and as an excretory organ. That’s right, many of the toxins your body is harboring (heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, steroids, and cytokines) are excreted through the skin. For this reason, having healthy skin is going to require the body to be less toxic. 

Nutrition is of the utmost importance when healing Eczema. In fact, healing any skin condition requires a nutrient dense, whole-food diet. According to an eighteen-year study, the consumption of ultra-processed foods in America, consisting of fast food, ready-to-eat meals, sweets, salty snacks, canned soups, and breakfast cereals, has increased from an already high 53.5% in 2001 to 57% in 2017%.  Although my daughter did not eat an ultra-processed diet, she did eat many of the foods that would be under a list of common allergens such as, wheat, dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts, so I began the process of removing these foods from her diet. 

I do not suggest removing all the above foods at once, especially if you are trying to help a small child with Eczema. I am going to briefly touch on the four most important foods to eliminate when you are trying to bring down inflammation quickly. 

 

Gluten

Gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease is on the rise and has seen a drastic increase since 1990. The wheat grown in the United States has changed drastically in the last 70 years. We now grow a genetic variant called Semi-Dwarf wheat. This type of wheat is grown so that farmers can harvest more product in less time and under tough conditions. This may be why someone with a gluten sensitivity may have symptoms in the United States, but not in Europe. Furthermore, gluten upregulates Zonulin which is a protein that regulates the tight junctions or barrier in the cells of the gut. When the tight junctions of the gut become disturbed, the permeability of the gut lining allows for foods and toxins to pass into the bloodstream causing a whole host of problems. This is called “leaky gut” and can result in chronic inflammatory disease. 

I strongly recommend anyone with an inflammatory condition to remove gluten for at least ninety days. When you remove gluten, you will also be removing many processed foods and foods sprayed with pesticides, precisely glyphosate. The great news about removing gluten is it is extremely accessible to find healthier, gluten-free options. It should be noted that many gluten-free foods are still heavily processed; therefore, you will need to read labels thoroughly. 

 

Conventional Dairy

Not all dairy is created equal, and replacing dairy with a vegan beverage that is ultra-processed and high in oxalates isn’t the answer either. For this reason, it is important to choose your dairy wisely. Look for dairy in which the animal is pasture raised, organic and preferably raw. If we look to the French, who have diets high in saturated fats, but low incidences of chronic inflammatory disease, we learn that dairy stimulates an enzyme in the digestive tract called alkaline phosphatase (IAP) that is responsible for detoxifying lipopolysaccharides, a pro-inflammatory microbe.  Furthermore, dairy raised responsibly has a high nutritional value as it is a complete protein with vitamin A, D, folate B12 and butyrate which stimulates intestinal IAP. Butyrate plays an important role in the digestive tract by supplying the colon cells with energy lowering inflammation and supporting immunity. 

Dairy that is acceptable when targeting Eczema and inflammation would be imported raw cheese, raw milk from a local trusted farmer, and butter or ghee for cooking. In fact, pastured ghee and butter is a much better choice for cooking as opposed to vegetable oil because saturated fats are more stable to heat and are not prone to oxidation. If you do choose to avoid dairy altogether, I suggest making your own almond milk from organic almonds or finding a brand such as MALK that does not have synthetic gums, nutrients, or stabilizers. 

 

Artificial Dyes and Flavors

Last summer, I got my daughter’s Eczema under control and then she started pre-school. It wasn’t long until the Eczema showed up all over the back of her legs. The teacher sent a note home one day saying that my daughter couldn’t focus, not only that she was always crying within an hour of picking her up. I finally asked the teacher if they were giving her any food at school besides what I was sending in for snacks and was told students get a skittle every day when they leave the classroom. That alone was enough to send her into a skin flare up, as well as emotional outbursts. For this reason, I don’t budge when it comes to artificial dyes for my child. Not only are artificial dyes banned in Europe, but studies also show that they are linked to hyperactivity, hypersensitivity, and tumors in children.   Luckily, there are plenty of treats available that use safe ingredients for coloring. Some of my favorites are Giggles, Unreal, Black Forest Organic, Trader Joe’s Gourmet jellybeans, TruSweets Candy Canes, King Arthurs Frosting and YumEarth Organic Lollipops. 

 

Vegetable Oils 

When we want to know which oils to cook with, we can once again look to the French, who use lard, tallow, ghee, butter, and olive oil. The fact is, the French, Italians and Spanish are the biggest consumers of saturated fats, but are leading in health outcomes. In the U.S. vegetable oils have replaced butter, ghee, and animal fat as the most used cooking oil in the last century, and we have never been sicker. 

The refining process of vegetable oil is a process that requires bleaching, degumming, and deodorizing to make these oils edible. Studies show that cold-pressed vegetable oils contain pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs which are all considered to be hazardous chemical contaminants.  Furthermore, vegetable oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids which promote the inflammatory response. Studies show that reducing omega-6 fatty acids and increasing omega-3’s is effective in combating inflammation. Unfortunately, most Americans have a high ratio in favor of omega-6’s, which is associated with increased inflammation, allergies and autoimmune issues. 

Ways to reduce your omega-6 intake and increase your omega-3’s: 

  • Eat more wild-caught fish, including salmon, sardines, anchovies, scallops, shrimp, and bass.  
  • Plant-based sources such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are good, but not as bioavailable.
  • Avoid vegetable oils by cooking with animal fats, ghee, cold pressed olive oil, butter, and coconut oil. 
  • When eating out, use a restaurant tracker to find better choices such as Seed Oil Scout or Localfats.com, which will guide you toward restaurants that cook with healthy fats.
  • Avoid fast food whenever possible. 
  • When traveling, pack healthy snacks and research healthy restaurant options. 
  • Read labels for added fats such as canola oil, soybean oil, or sunflower oil. 
  • Buy pasture raised eggs and meats.
  • Take a quality Omega-3 supplement such as Barleans, Cod Liver Oil or OrthoMega. 

Keep in mind that healing from inflammation is not a quick fix. It takes patience and a dedicated commitment to looking and feeling better. If you begin by taking steps to eliminate gluten, conventional dairy, artificial dyes, and vegetable oils, you will begin to reduce the inflammatory load on the body and skin will begin to heal. 

 

Tune in for Part 2 of this series on Gut Permeability and Chronic Inflammation

 

Parasites Part 2: Holistic Steps for Treating and Preventing Infections

By Mariela Amiri, Traditional Naturopath & Patient Coordinator

 

In part 1 of this series we dove into the world of parasites, looking at the types of organisms that can infect humans and the symptoms and havoc they can wreak in the body. Now let’s take a look at the holistic steps we can take to treat these infections and prevent these creepy crawlers from invading in the future. 

 

Bioenergetic Testing & Parasites

Bio energetic testing is a form of  testing that measures the energy frequencies of the body and looks for disturbances. It is used to detect many imbalances in the body including parasites. Bio energetic testing also customizes a more personalized approach to the client’s healing journey. We are all unique, so what works for one person may not work for the next. 

 

Parasites and the Detox Pathways 

Parasites hold onto, or “house” 6-8 times their weight in other toxins and  pathogens. They carry  mold, metals, Lyme pathogens,  viruses, pathogenic bacteria, retroviruses, chemicals, EMF and radiation! It is imperative for our detox pathways to be functioning properly in order to release parasites. 

When parasites poop, ammonia builds up and creates stagnation in our detox pathways, primarily in our lymphatic system. Once the lymphatic system gets congested, it will excrete build up wherever it can causing illnesses such as psoriasis, hives, acne, viruses etc. It’s super important to have those detox pathways working properly otherwise allergies, histamine intolerances, herxing and mast cell activation symptoms will occur.

 

Anti-parasitics To Detox and Support 

Here at Longevity, your practitioner can personalize a homeopathic remedy to detox from specific  parasites and give you drainage support. Certain homeopathics such as Drainage Tone will help detoxify and open up your detox pathways. Additionally, herbal remedies from Marco Pharma (Lymphonest, Bucco and Hepatica), will assist your liver, kidneys and lymphatic system in the detoxification process.  Binders such as GI Detox by Biocidin Botanicals or CellCore Biotoxin Binder (CellCore) are systemic binders that actually go into the  cells, glands, organs, tissues, blood, and mop up toxins such as  amonia (toxic byproduct of candida, yeast lyme, parasite and mold). 

Anti-parasitic herbs are essential for addressing parasites. We have various herbal combinations in our nutrition shop to choose from (both capsules and tinctures).

 

Supportive Detox Therapies for Parasites 

  • Coffee Enemas
  • Light Frequency
  • Ionic Foot Baths 
  • Ozone Rectal Insufflations 
  • PEMF 
  • Castor Oil Packs 
  • Detox Herbal Teas 
  • Electro-Lypmhatic Therapy 
  • HOCATT 

 

 

Parasites & Diet 

Parasites love to eat, therefore they rob our vital nutrients. They love to steal our vitamins and nutrients, creating major nutritional deficiencies, leading to a whole bunch of issues and chronic illnesses. 

Diet plays a huge role in keeping parasites at bay.  In order to eliminate parasites, one must reduce sugar, which is the primary food source for parasites. Parasites secrete enzymes that make you crave the exact foods that they want (sugar, refined carbs). It is also recommended to avoid dairy, pork, grains, alcohol and raw fish. Strong stomach acid is also very important when addressing parasites.

Interesting fact: the top dairy-loving parasites are Intestinal flukes, Tapeworms, Hookworms, and Roundworms.  

 

 

Anti-parasitic  Foods and Herbs                                  

  • Pumpkin seeds                                      
  • Beets                                                           
  • Raw Garlic                                                 
  • Carrots
  • Pomegranate 
  • Cinnamon
  • Clove 
  • Papaya
  • Turmeric 
  • Papaya seeds & honey mixture                   
  • Green Tea
  • Ginger 
  • Rosemary 
  • Cayenne Pepper 
  • Thyme
  • Coconut Oil                        
  • Pomegranates                      

 

Parasites & the Full Moon 

What does the lunar cycle have to do with the creepy crawlers inside our bodies? Your circadian rhythm is synced with the moon cycles. During a full moon, you produce less melatonin and  more serotonin. 

Parasites love this shift in biochemistry! Melatonin is the neurotransmitter that helps control your immune system and keep pathogens and parasites in check/balance. With a lack of melatonin down regulating the immune system and a spike in serotonin enabling parasite mobility it’s the perfect time to implement a parasite cleanse.

During a full moon parasites are extremely active & defend themselves by producing more biofilm. This is why some people experienced heightened symptoms during a full moon. All of this makes a full moon a perfect time to target them. 

Before doing a full moon parasite cleanse, make sure your detox pathways are working! It is equally important to optimize stomach acid, address biofilm. Once a parasite cleanse is done , a protocol to support the immune system and strengthen the gut is recommended. 

 

 

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