The power of mistakes

It seems more pervasive today than ever before that men and women feel they are not where they should be in their life journey.  They often carry with them a sense of heaviness, and concern that they are failing, and are behind “the 8 ball”, wondering how to catch up to where they believe they should be.  

What is remarkable is that so many of these men and women are any, or a combination of these: highly educated, talented, hardworking, industrious, gainfully employed, property owners, business owners, and kind-hearted souls who maintain healthy relations.  Regardless of these facts, they frequently feel frustrated, fearful, and sometimes hopeless.

It is important to understand that sometimes we walk a very straight path, but often we take detours.  Although these roundabout routes may seem like mistakes, they actually provide invaluable experience, which creates a portfolio of knowledge that enhances our earthly journey.  Life lessons teach us what works, and does not work, what we like and do not like, and what we truly want, and definitely do not want.   Failures can provide us with fertilizer to grow us into a healthier and better version of ourselves, and give us the tools to create the life we truly want for ourselves.  And that is priceless! 

Why is self-criticism more pervasive today?   

There was a time, not so long ago, in which social media was not a “thing”.  With the birth of social media, and the extensive use of it, insecurities crept into the minds of so many. People started pitting themselves against others based on the posts they read and the pictures they observed.  While we should never be jealous of someone else, we must also realize that much of what you see on social media is “good stuff”, and does not reflect the internal battles someone is or may be struggling with.   As in The Wizard of Oz, we do not know what is behind the curtain. 

Moreover, we do not know what the future holds.   Perhaps there is a great turn of events right around the corner, and all you have worked for, hoped for manifests in ways you could not imagine.  

Compare yourself to yourself only, as it is an effective way to mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically monitor your development & growth.   Try creating a state of  self-actualization.  Therein, you will achieve the fulfillment of your talents and potential.  

Accept and embrace where you are now, and then take steps towards your aspirations and dreams.  

Take deep breaths and release, stay focused in the present moment, and do not ruminate about the past, or fret about the future.  Do not judge yourself or others.

Most importantly:  acknowledge your achievements, as they are a big deal! 

Create the life you wish to live, and be kind to yourself along the way.  

~ LisaMarie

Celebrating 10 years in Wellness

God enters by a private door into each individual.”  
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Greetings to you on this lovely fall day,

To me, there is something so very majestic about the weeping willow tree.  It exudes a peaceful, loving, and gentle energy as it stands strong, and deeply rooted in its conviction of graceful longevity withstanding nature’s harshness.
 
As the branches of the willow tree gracefully sway freely without resistance when the windy storms rip through them, let us be reminded to be non-resistant to disturbances thrust upon us. In non-resistance we will have tranquility, and in this state of calmness, we will best know how to proceed with the challenges we have upon us. In moments of peace, we have the opportunity to reflect, learn more about ourselves, and hear the guidance of our higher self, and perhaps the voice of Source/God/Love.
 
September (2022) marked Inspiring Wellness Solutions’ (IWS) tenth year as a counseling, holistic wellness, and healing practice. Within these ten years, IWS and I, like many of you, experienced winds of opposition. In the moments of peace, however, came the moments of clarity. And among the challenges have been a plethora of beautiful blessings. Among the most significant blessings is the meeting of you and being a part of your wellness & healing journey.  Much gratitude to you, to my God & Angels, and to all who has made this calling a blessing.
 
In celebration and appreciation, IWS is offering two complementary events this fall.  Check out our events page for information on these two classes.

In peace, love, and healing,
 
LisaMarie

September 2022

Anxiety; a shortage of B6 & Iron the cause?

Approximately 40 million adults in the United States experience anxiety each year.  There are many theories regarding the root cause of anxiety, including brain chemistry, genetics, environmental factors or other medical factors/or disease, however, there is not yet a definitive answer to the root causes of anxiety.

A study out of Japan may provide an important insight into the connection between nutritional deficiencies and mental health.  This study reveals that low levels of vitamin B6 and iron may actually trigger the chemical changes in the brain responsible for panic attacks, hyperventilation and other forms of anxiety.

The research team analyzed the nutritional levels of 21 participants with varying levels of anxiety, panic attacks and hyperventilation episodes.  While some experience minor attacks, manageable at home, other attacks resulted in emergency room visits.  The participants were tested for a number of different nutritional deficiencies or abnormalities in the hope of identifying a pattern.  At the same time, they ran a similar set of tests on a control group of 20 people, and compared the two.

The data showed that those who were experiencing anxiety were found to have lower levels of B6 and iron than those in the healthy control group.  This is important due to the fact that one of the most accepted theories regarding the development of anxiety is that it is caused by chemical imbalance in the brain, with serotonin seen as a key player.  Serotonin is one the “happiness hormones”, responsible for triggering the reward and pleasure centers of the brain.   Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan, and both iron and vitamin B6 play an important role in this process.  An absence of these nutrients, therefore, can cause a decrease of serotonin levels.  As a fact, many of antidepressant drugs work on the same theory; boost serotonin levels to regulate mental health.

“These results suggest that low serum concentration of vitamin B6 and iron are involved in panic attacks and hyperventilation.  Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism involved in such differences’      

Those struggling with chronic anxiety may wish to have their B6 and iron tested, and if low, consider consuming foods high in B6 and iron, take high-quality supplements, and reach out to LisaMarie for a health consult.

Lower Risk of Death From Cardiovascular Disease

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Higher adherence to a plant-based diet resulted in a lower risk for heart disease and up to a 25 % lower risk of all-cause mortality and 19% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, compared with lower levels of adherence.

Researchers compared four dietary patterns among middle-aged adults and tracked mortality rates. Diets that included more plant foods received higher ratings than those that included more animal products. Higher intakes of fiber and micronutrients and lower intakes of processed meat and saturated fat on a plant-based diet may account for the decreased risk of death.

Plant-based diets lower the risk of death from heart disease by up to 19 percent, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.


Kim H, Caulfield LE, Garcia-Larsen V, Steffen LM, Coresh J, Rebholz CM. Plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of incident cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease mortality, and all-cause mortality in a general population of middle-aged adults. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019;8: e012865.      
 

Shortage of B-12 related to gastric bypass surgery

There are a variety of types of weight-loss surgery, know collectively as bariatric surgery.  In the United States, gastric bypass surgery is one of the most common types of bariatric surgeries performed.

After gastric bypass surgery, food bypasses parts of the patients stomach and small intestine.  B-12 usually breaks down into usable form in the stomach and small intestine, therefore, it is likely post-surgery, a patients B-12 levels will need to be monitored to assure adequate B-12 levels.   Supplements or B-12 shots may be required to sustain an adequate level.

The impact of B-12 deficiency can be serious.  Vitamin B-12 in intimately involved with protein metabolism and DNA synthesis; two important biochemical processes controlling everything from heredity to metabolism.

If you had gastric bypass surgery, make sure you know your B-12 levels.  

If you would like more information on this subject matter, or health care in general, reach out to your physician, or to me.    

Best in good health!

LisaMarie

Paleo Diet; Harmful to long-term health?

A “paleo diet” increases levels of TMAO, a metabolite associated with heart disease, according to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers tracked TMAO levels and markers of gut-bacteria health for those following a “paleo diet,” which included meat, while excluding grains and dairy products, and compared results to a control group. Decreased consumption of carbohydrates, especially from fiber-rich grains, and increased fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake in the paleo group led to more gut bacteria species linked to heart disease and inflammation than those in the control group. The authors note that these results suggest that a paleo dietary pattern may be harmful to long-term health.

References:
Genoni A, Christophersen CT, Lo J, et al. Long‑term Paleolithic diet is associated with lower resistant starch intake, different gut microbiota composition and increased serum TMAO concentrations. Eur J Clin Nutr. Published July 5, 2

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Plant-Based Diets Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Adherence to a healthful, plant-based diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes prevents type 2 diabetes, according to a review published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers reviewed nine studies on plant-based diet adherence and type 2 diabetes incidence rates. Results showed an inverse association between consumption of a plant-based diet and risk of diabetes when compared to low adherence to the diet. These associations appeared stronger when studies defined plant-based diets as containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, which help provide protective nutrients and antioxidants and avoid high-cholesterol and high-fat products associated with inflammation and weight gain.

References

Qian, F, Liu G, Hu FB, Bhupathiraju SN, Sun Q. Association between plant-based dietary patterns and risk of type 2 diabetes. A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. Published online July 22, 2019.

Increased Risk for Colorectal and Breast Cancer


Researchers scored dietary habits based on inflammatory effects and antioxidant content and compared cancer risk. Those who consumed the highest amounts of inflammatory products, including red and processed meat increased their risk for colorectal cancer when compared to those who consumed the fewest inflammatory foods and consumed the highest amounts of antioxidants and fiber. P

The highest intakes of pro-inflammatory products were also associated with an increased risk for breast cancer, compared with the least intake.

These results suggest a link between meat intake and pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory effects associated with increased cancer risk.

References: Obón-Santacana M, Romaguera D, Gracia-Lavedan E, et al. Dietary inflammatory index, dietary non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, and colorectal and breast cancer risk (MCC-Spain Study). Nutrients. 2019;11:1406-1426.

Is your endocannabinoid system (ECS) effectively working?

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Our endocannabinoid system [ECS] is vitally important to maintaining homeostasis throughout our bodies and minds.  It is one of the most important communication systems in the body.  An imbalanced ECS may contribute toward conditions such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, obesity and more.  

Our brains have a complex network of receptors, central nervous system and immune system that are activated by two natural chemicals (endocannabinoids) called anandamide and 2-AG.  The receptors (CB1 and CB2) are everywhere in our bodies.  Endocannabinoid activity is involved in a myriad of physiological functions; sleep, appetite, sexual reproduction, pain, immune system, mood, memory and cell growth.

Scientists believe the ECS works as a master biological regulator, a bit like a conductor in an orchestra, making sure that all the individual sections work in harmony. 

Due to our current culture (lifestyles of the 21st century) of rushing, living fast, eating processed foods, self-medicating with alcohol/drugs, sleep deprivation, increased stress, our endocannabinoid system is straining and struggling.  The results of the ECS struggles is resulting in a litany of health conditions ranging from fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, MS, anxiety and depression.

Signs your endocannabinoid system may be off-balanced and straining:

  1. High or oversensitivity to pain:

Scientists have discovered that a number of conditions relating to oversensitivity to pain such as fibromyalgia, IBS, migraines, and MS share what is known as endocannabinoid deficiency. This refers to lower levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG as well as fewer endocannabinoid receptors.

  •  You feel anxious or depressed

While there is a variety of reasons someone may be anxious or depressed, a deregulated endocannabinoid system is believed to be a biomarker.

Studies indicate that low levels of  2-AG (a key endocannabinoid) are present in depressed states and PTSD.  In addition, normal CB1 endocannabinoid receptor expression in the brain appears to play a pivotal role in maintaining mental health as well:  a study trialing a new obesity drug found that blocking the CB1 receptor had the unwanted side effect of causing anxiety.

Good news:  something as simple as going for a power-walk or run could be a good way to give our ECS a mood boost. We know that the euphoria experienced through intense exercise is as much to do with anandamide as endorphin production.

  • You Have an Autoimmune Condition

Over the last fifty years there has been a dramatic rise in autoimmune conditions.  Elevated stress levels certainly play a role, but could an off-kilter endocannabinoid system also be a factor?

A fully functioning  ECS is vital to keeping our immune system in balance. It acts rather like a dimmer switch, giving our immune system a boost when it needs a helping hand, and dampening it down when over-activated. Immune over-activation occurs in autoimmune disease. Instead of fighting off outside invaders, our immune system literally turns in on itself, reaping havoc in the body.

We know that elevated endocannabinoid levels and CB2 receptors are found in patients with autoimmune diseases and conditions associated with chronic inflammation. It is thought that this increased activity is the ECS trying to bring our systems back into balance again.

Compounds in cannabis and hemp like CBD have been found to reduce inflammation in the body and, thanks to their antioxidant properties, may even protect autoimmune sufferers from further cell damage.

  • You Find it Hard to Lose Weight

Above we spoke about a deficient ECS, but it’s also possible for our endocannabinoid system to become over-activated, causing weight gain and even diabetes. That’s why an obesity drug trialed was found to block endocannabinoid CB1 receptors.  Scientists, however, are unsure if overeating causes increased CB1 signaling, or whether obesity itself is a consequence of an overactive endocannabinoid system. Either way, the goods news is that diet and exercise, as well as, quality Omega 3 will bring your endocannabinoid levels back into balance again.  Our endocannabinoid system works tirelessly on our behalf. 

It may be time to start giving your ECS much needed tender loving care.  How?

  1. Minimize stress
  2. Receiving enough sleep
  3. Eating healthy
  4. Eliminating/reducing alcohol
  5. Regular fitness
  6. Supplementing with natural, organic CBD Oil.  CBD oil is high in cannabinoids.

Known or believed benefits:

  1. Neuroprotective properties
  2. Reduce acne
  3. Alleviate cancer related symptoms
  4. Benefit hearth health
  5. Anti-tumor effects
  6. Diabetes prevention
  7. Substance abuse treatment
  8. Anti-psychotic effects
  9. Reduction of anxiety
  10. Pain relief

Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil is high in cannabinoids; a group of phytochemicals found in cannabis plants. It is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. Scientists have proposed Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (CEDS) as a spectrum disorder

 To learn more about CBD Oil and how it may help you, your loved ones, or your animal companions, give us a call.

Crohn’s Disease Remission

According to a case study published in Nutrients. a plant-based diet may lead to a remission in Crohn’s disease.

Clinicians followed a patient with Crohn’s disease whose condition did not reach remission after more than a year of intravenous treatment.

During his second year of treatment, the patient removed all animal products and processed foods from his diet for a 40-day religious observation and experienced a total absence of symptoms.

The patient decided to maintain the new dietary pattern and experienced a complete remission of Crohn’s disease.

The prevalence of Crohn’s disease across areas with increased intakes of animal products highlights the dietary factors involved in this condition

Sandefur K, Kahleova H, Desmond AN, Elfrink E, Barnard ND. Crohn’s disease remission with a plant-based diet: A case report. Nutrients. Published online June 20, 2019