It’s week 2 of our HOT TOPICS! Last week we talked about PMS. This week we are talking about
- Lack of adequate rest to our mind can affect our digestion system in a negative way. It can cause our systems to become backed up.
- Not getting a proper night sleep can change hormone levels in the body!
- Lack of adequate sleep raises the hormone cortisol, which triggers that constant “hungry” feeling.
- It also raises our insulin levels. Insulin causes sugars to be stored as fats, and this makes weight control difficult!
- Chronic stress can keep our digestive system partly shut down.
- Be sure you are dealing with stress in a positive way.
- “The stomach and intestines actually have more nerve cells than the entire spinal cord, leading some experts to call the digestive system a “mini brain.” A highway of nerves runs directly from the real brain to the digestive system, and messages flow in two directions. Consider this: 95 percent of the body’s serotonin — a hormone that helps control mood — is found in the digestive system, not the brain.”
- Besides air, water is the thing that is most necessary to survive. We can go without food for almost two months, but can’t go much longer than two days without water. Most of us live in a state of dehydration on a daily basis!
- Without water, we would be poisoned to death by our own waste!
- Water also is vital for chemical reactions in digestion and metabolism.
- Water is essential to move waste products through the colon.
- Drinking enough water enhances fat loss, combats many common ailments such as fatigue, headaches and back pain! It can help to reduce our hunger, help us look younger by hydrating our skin and flushing the toxins that build up in our body!
- 8-10 glasses of water a day can give us a glowing complexion, clearer skin, better immunity and digestion, less aches and pains, help with weight loss, less cellulite, better concentration and renewed vitality and energy.
Get Movin!
- Exercise is essential for regular bowel movements! We all know exercise is good for our heart, but it is also good for our colon!
- Do exercises which can increase the tone of lower abdominal and pelvic muscles.
- Females between the ages 19-50 should get at least 25 grams of fiber in their diet.
- Check out some High-fiber foods By, Mayo Clinic Staff
- Dietary fiber has long been reported to have many health benefits, but the big five are:
- improvements in gastrointestinal health
- improvements in glucose tolerance and insulin response
- reduction of hyperlipidaemia
- hypertension and other coronary heart disease risk factors
- reduction in the risk of developing some cancers
Omega-3 and
Flax Seed OilBenefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Adding omega-3 fatty acids to our diet not only promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, but also may help: reduce blood clotting in the arteries and protect from hardening of the arteries; reduce inflammation and stiff joints in those with arthritis; improve symptoms of depression; improve blood sugar levels in those with diabetes; and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
- Albacore tuna
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Atlantic herring
- Swordfish
- Lake trout
- Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
- Soybeans and soybean oil
- Walnuts
- Brazil nuts
- Soy nuts
- Olive oil
- Hemp seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
Flaxseeds are dark-colored seeds that have a shiny appearance, have a slightly nutty flavor, and are available year-round in both supermarkets and health food stores. Because flaxseeds are rich in alpha linolenic acid (a plant-derived source of omega-3 fatty acids), fiber, and many essential vitamins and minerals, flaxseeds offer many health benefits and can play an important role in boosting overall health. In addition to be an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, flaxseed contains many essential nutrients including:
- Protein
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Folate
- Copper
- Phosphorous
- Vitamin B6
- Protein
Flaxseeds balance the estrogen levels in the body and help to protect the body against breast cancer. Flaxseeds are the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed oil is a good alternative for those who do not eat fish or take fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids provide many health benefits including: reducing inflammation, promoting bone health, helping protect the body against heart disease and diabetes, controlling high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids aid weight loss. Flaxseeds are also a rich source of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, prevent constipation, and stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Avoid all products with baking soda or baking powder, alcohol, tea, yeasted breads, refined white foods, e.g., white flour, white sugar, white rice.
• Milk and cheese cause constipation in some people.
• Constipation may be a side effect of iron supplementation.
• Check your medicine cabinet for drugs that cause constipation. Diuretics, painkillers, tranquilizers, antidepressants, antihistamines, narcotics and decongestants are potential culprits.