Happy February, everybody! How is that possible that we are at the start of the 2nd month of 2022? When I take the pulse on how I am doing, personally and professionally, I am on a mission to get rid of all that no longer serves me, so that I can move into the best version of myself.
Everyone has habits that need tweaking, from time to time, myself included.
For years, I have been gluten-free and, until the past year, grain-free. I have followed the Eat Right 4 Your Type diet, by Dr. Peter D'Adamo. I have a very rare blood type, AB-, Non-Secretor. Most of the world's population, 80-90%, are Secretors. Say what? What is Non-Secretor, you ask?
Basically, the only way you can detect what type of blood type I have is by literally taking my blood and running tests; folks who are identified as Secretors secrete the antibodies to their blood type, which can be identified in their bodily fluids. Being an AB-type, I have the best and worst of both type A and type B blood types. Interesting fact: I have eaten chicken my entire life, but it wasn't until last November when I learned that chicken contains a Blood Type B agglutinating lectin in its muscle tissue!! Who knew? Not me. Now I am aware and have chicken, on occasion, as opposed to just about every day of the week.
According to D'Adamo, oatmeal and rice cakes are beneficial for my rare blood type. And walnuts, too. Who hoo! I was excited to add back some nuts and grains into my fairly limited diet. I began whipping up homemade walnut butter and loved to spread it on organic rice cakes or an apple. I loved waking up and preparing my oatmeal. Truly, I was in my glory. Have you ever had such a love for your favorite foods?
A year later, my body is asking me to "Slow down, sister!" The combination of hormones changing, along with managing the ever-changing culture we have all endured and getting hit hard with influenza, Covid, bronchitis, and asthma just before Christmas, it's been a cytokine storm. What does that mean?
Cytokines are inflammatory cells in the body, the trouble-makers on the playground, so to speak. For me, my Teacher Genotype naturally creates extra cortisol, which can trigger inflammatory responses. Also, it is very common for Teacher types to have SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) or IMO (intestinal methane overgrowth). You must get an official breath test, in order to distinguish which type of gas your body produces, hydrogen or methane; however, there are many similar symptoms to look for:
Gas, pain, and bloating after eating food
Irregular digestion, either you are running to the bathroom or you cannot go
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Food sensitivities and histamine reactions
Fat Malabsorption, which can lead to malabsorption
What can be done to heal SIBO or IMO?
Reduce stress and anxiety
Incorporate proper movement into your day
Reduce the consumption of inflammatory foods
Do some Intermittent Fasting, to kill the excess bacteria and to heal the gut lining
Benefits of Intermittent Fasting:
Changes the function of hormones, cells, and genes
Can help you lose weight and visceral fat
Can reduce insulin resistance
Can reduce inflammation in the body
It may be beneficial for heart health
Speeds up the autophagy process and helps eliminate toxins
It may help reduce the risk of cancer
Can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain
May delay the onset of Alzheimer's Disease
May help you live a longer and healthier life
For more in-depth info on fasting, access the full Healthline article here.
Audiobook: Intermittent Fasting 101: The Complete Guide with Everything You Need to Start Your Diet, Lose Weight. By Brandon Fung.
I feel that my body would benefit greatly from eating all my food in a 6-8, or even a 10-hour window; the rest of my day will be spent drinking water or herbal tea, working, exercising, resting, and sleeping. I also highly recommend consulting with my boss, Dr. Rich Bailey, chiropractor, acupuncturist, and functional medicine in Danbury. He is very well-versed in intermittent fasting and has different options for those who'd like to do a Fasting Mimicking Diet. Would you like to join me on the journey??
Health & Wellness Coaching Offering - Limited to 3 Clients:
30-day BEMER Pro Set rental - learn more about the BEMER here.
3 90-minute therapeutic massage therapy sessions (to be completed within the 30-day timeframe)
Daily coaching on The Whole30 Program, intermittent fasting, incorporating self-care, proper sleep, and movement
Normally $1,300. $1,200 for the month. Message me to take advantage of this coaching offer, 203-312-3960. I would be delighted to help you elevate your self-care practice and believe incorporating BEMER vascular therapy is an amazing tool for helping bring the body into homeostasis - body, mind, and spirit.