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Are Parasites the Hidden Cause of Your Fatigue, Brain Fog, or Bloating?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 21 May 2025 05:07:23 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Millions of people in the U.S. unknowingly suffer from parasites, yet they are often overlooked by conventional medicine. Fatigue, brain fog, bloating, and even mood swings may not be random – they may be signs that something far more insidious is draining your energy from within. 🧬 The Magnitude of the Problem According to the CDC, over 60 million Americans are chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasite found in undercooked meat and contaminated water. And that’s just one type. Intestinal parasites like Giardia lamblia, pinworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are also widespread—and often undiagnosed. A 2014 study in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene revealed that many parasitic infections in the U.S. go undetected due to limited screening practices. ⚠️ Overlooked Symptoms of Parasitic Infection Could parasites be causing your symptoms? Chronic fatigue or low energy Gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea Unexplained skin rashes or acne Nighttime teeth grinding or insomnia Brain fog or poor focus Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability Weight fluctuations These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as IBS, anxiety, or food sensitivities—when parasites may be the real root cause. 🧠 The Gut-Brain-Parasite Axis Emerging research shows parasites don’t just affect digestion—they can influence brain function. A 2015 study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that chronic Toxoplasma infection may alter neurotransmitters and affect behavior. Parasites can also: Increase inflammation in the gut Disrupt the microbiome Deplete essential nutrients All of which contribute to fatigue, anxiety, and mental fog. 🛡️ Top 10 Doctor-Recommended Ways to Prevent and Eliminate Parasites Naturally Rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals, many integrative practitioners—like Dr. Don Colbert—recommend a more natural, gentle parasite cleanse that supports the body’s detox systems while addressing both exposure risks and internal imbalances. Here’s how to protect yourself and actively cleanse your system: 1. 🧼 Wash Hands Before Meals and After Handling Pets Parasite eggs can transfer from contaminated surfaces, pet fur, soil, or litter boxes to your mouth—especially if you don’t wash your hands consistently. This is one of the most overlooked yet common pathways for parasite transmission. 👉 Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially: Before eating or preparing food After using the bathroom After touching pets, soil, or raw meat 2. 🔥 Cook Meat Thoroughly and Avoid Raw Pork or Wild Game Undercooked or raw meats—particularly pork, venison, and wild-caught game—can harbor harmful parasites like Trichinella, Taenia (tapeworms), and Toxoplasma gondii. ✅ Internal temperature guide: Pork: 145°F + 3-minute rest Ground meat: 160°F Wild game: 165°F Avoiding raw meat dishes or undercooked sushi made with pork or game is especially important if you’re immunocompromised or actively detoxing. 3. 💧 Filter Your Drinking Water—Especially Well Water Parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium are resistant to chlorine and can be found in untreated well water, mountain streams, and even some public systems. 👉 To reduce your risk: Use a high-quality water filter that removes parasites, bacteria, and protozoa Boil water when camping, traveling, or after natural disasters Consider regular testing if you use private well water 4. 🥬 Wash Produce with a Veggie Rinse or Diluted Vinegar Fruits, herbs, and leafy greens can carry parasite eggs from contaminated soil, water, or fertilizer—especially if eaten raw. ✅ Best practices: Use a veggie-safe wash or soak produce in a mix of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water Scrub root vegetables like carrots or beets Rinse all produce thoroughly, even organic items 5. 🌍 Travel with Natural Antimicrobials (Like Garlic or Oregano Oil) Traveling to tropical or developing countries? New environments often expose you to unfamiliar pathogens in food, water, or even insect bites. 🧳 To protect your gut while traveling: Bring natural antimicrobials like oregano oil capsules, garlic supplements, or clove oil Consider a daily probiotic to support your gut lining Drink only filtered or bottled water, and avoid raw produce in high-risk areas 🌿 Natural Remedies to Cleanse the Body of Parasites Rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals, Dr. Colbert recommends a natural, gentle cleanse that supports your entire detox system: 6. 🌿 Wormwood This bitter herb has been used for centuries to expel intestinal parasites and worms. It contains compounds like thujone, which have been studied for their anti-parasitic effects against Plasmodium and helminths. 7. 🧄 Garlic Garlic is rich in allicin, a sulfur compound that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity. 👉 It may help: Reduce active parasite load Inhibit reproduction of parasite eggs Support immune defense during cleansing 8. 🍃 Oregano Oil Oregano oil is one of the most potent plant antimicrobials. A 2000 study published in Phytotherapy Research showed oregano oil helped eradicate parasites in humans with gastrointestinal infections. 👉 It’s also: Antibacterial and antifungal Helpful in restoring gut balance Easy to take while traveling or cleansing 9. 🌀 Fiber for Colon Cleansing During a cleanse, fiber helps sweep out dead parasites, eggs, and toxins from the digestive tract, while also supporting healthy elimination. ✅ Dr. Colbert recommends: 👉 Fiber Zone – a delicious, psyllium-based prebiotic fiber blend that nourishes the gut and promotes regular detox support. 10. 🧬 Milk Thistle for Liver Detox As parasites die, they release toxic byproducts that your liver must process and eliminate. That’s why liver support is critical during any parasite cleanse. One of the most powerful and well-studied herbs for liver health is milk thistle. Rich in the compound silymarin, it has been shown to: Support liver cell regeneration Protect the liver from oxidative stress Enhance detoxification enzymes Help stabilize liver enzymes during toxic load [7] 🔁 For comprehensive liver support, consider combining milk thistle with other botanicals like Divine Health Nano-Glutathione Spray, NAC, alpha lipoic acid, or beet extract—found in Dr. Colbert’s Liver Gallbladder Cleanse. 💊 What Makes Dr. Colbert’s Liver Gallbladder Cleanse Unique? Divine Health’s Liver Gallbladder Cleanse is formulated with a synergistic blend of detox-supporting ingredients that go beyond milk thistle alone: Ingredient / Purpose Milk Thistle Extract (250 mg) / Regenerates and protects liver cells N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) (1000 mg) / Boosts glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid (600 mg) / Recycles antioxidants and supports liver detox Organic Beet Root (600 mg) / Stimulates bile flow to aid gallbladder function Artichoke Extract (125 mg) / Promotes bile production and fat digestion Selenium (100 mcg) / Supports thyroid and liver enzyme activity This combination is ideal for: Supporting phase I and II liver detox pathways Enhancing glutathione levels during a cleanse Assisting with fat metabolism and gallbladder function Managing oxidative stress during pathogen die-off ✅ This formula is especially beneficial during a parasite cleanse when your detox pathways are under extra demand. 👉 You can find all of these ingredients in Dr. Colbert’s Liver Gallbladder Cleanse — a core component of a complete cleansing protocol. 🛡️ The Gentle Cleanse Protocol A typical integrative parasite cleanse may include: Herbs: Wormwood, garlic, oregano oil, black walnut, and clove Fiber: Daily intake of psyllium or plant-based fiber like Fiber Zone Liver support: Milk thistle, dandelion, leafy greens Immune boosters: Zinc, vitamin C, probiotics 🙏 Final Thoughts If you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms—despite clean labs and diets—don’t rule out parasites. Many people find that once they address this root cause, their energy, clarity, and digestion improve dramatically. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” – 3 John 1:2 📚 References CDC on Toxoplasmosis Ajjampur SS et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2014 Flegr J et al. Proc R Soc B, 2015 Willcox M. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2004 Ross ZM et al. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2001 Force M et al. Phytother Res, 2000 Saller R et al. Drugs, 2001 To read the original article click here.

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Always Have A Bloated Stomach? Here Are 10 Reasons Why

AHA Publisher — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 07:00:29 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Stomach bloating is so common these days that it’s been called an “epidemic.” If you frequently deal with distention, digestive discomfort and a bloated stomach, you probably want to know: Why do I feel bloated all the time? With most people’s poor diets, high levels of stress, need for daily medications and exposure to various pollutants, it’s no wonder they suffer some sort of bloating more days than not. While a bloated stomach is certainly uncomfortable — even embarrassing when it comes along with gas or the need to run to the bathroom — it might be an even bigger deal than you think. Below we’ll look closer at reasons you may deal with an inflated belly, plus discuss bloated stomach remedies, such as foods to focus on and those to avoid. Causes What is stomach bloating a sign of? Can it point to an underlying health condition? Luckily, in many cases, it isn’t anything to be alarmed about. It can usually be cleared up by making some simple changes to your diet and routine, although not always. For many people, the cause of excessive gas in the intestines boils down to: Inadequate protein digestion (causing some foods to ferment) Inability to break down sugar and carbohydrates fully (certain complex sugar compounds need the presence of enzymes to be digested fully, yet people can lack these) Imbalances in gut bacteria (in the digestive tract, there are trillions of healthy and unhealthy bacteria that compete, and when “bad bacteria” outweigh the good for one reason or another, an imbalance can lead to abdominal bloating and excessive gas) Stomach bloating can however sometimes signify serious health problems lurking below the surface. For example, it’s one of the most common candida symptoms and also tends to develop when from other conditions, including allergies, hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, gut troubles and inflammatory bowel disease. Other potential causes of bloating can include: Irritable bowel syndrome, especially if you’re constipated Digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis Fluid retention Dehydration Constipation Food allergies or sensitivities, including celiac disease or lactose intolerance SIBO Infection in the gut Bowel obstruction Hormonal changes Certain types of cancer Many different things can affect gut health, the ability to metabolize food properly and the body’s way of naturally eliminating waste. Because so many different factors can contribute to stomach bloating — including some that seem totally unrelated, like sleep or stress — it’s possible to become bloated any time of the day or month. Contrary to what most people think, bloating is not the same as carrying around extra fat mass or even “water weight.” Fluids can’t actually accumulate in your stomach, although you might be bloated and have water retention in other parts of your body (like your ankles, face and feet) while also having a bloated stomach if you have a condition that’s causing both. Here’s more about some of the most common causes of bloating: 1. Digestive Disorders Most people dealing with various functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease have bloating, gas, distension and other symptoms. Some reports show that stomach bloating is experienced by 23 percent to 96 percent of people with IBS, 50 percent with functional dyspepsia and 56 percent with chronic constipation. 2. Fluid Retention (Called Edema or Ascites) Fluid retention in the abdomen is known as ascites, and it can be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as abdominal infection, liver disease or rarely even cancer. Check for other signs of liver failure or hepatitis, including yellowing of the skin (jaundice), changes in the white color of your eyes or pain in the abdomen. Stomach cancer often does not show symptoms early on. However, in addition to bloating, you may experience unintended weight loss, indigestion, nausea, vomiting blood and abdominal pain. 3. Dehydration Ever notice the day after you ate salty foods or drank alcohol that you become dehydrated and bloated as a result? It might seem counterintuitive, but the more water you drink (or consume in water-heavy foods) and better you stay hydrated, the less bloating you’re likely to deal with. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances both halt digestion and make it hard to “stay regular.” When your body tries to recover from dehydration, it holds on to excess water to prevent the situation from happening again. Plus, you might find yourself becoming constipated. This means when you do finally drink more fluids, you’re likely to store them around your midsection and feel extra puffy. 4. Constipation This might be the most obvious reason you have a bloated stomach — you need to go to the bathroom! Constipation can cause stool to remain in the intestines, leaving you with a hard-feeling stomach, pain, discomfort and gas. The biggest reasons for constipation include eating too little fiber, not drinking enough water, being too sedentary/avoiding physical activity and stress. 5. Food Allergies or Sensitivities Often, food allergies, sensitives or intolerances (like lactose intolerance) are common reasons for gas and bloating. The foods that cause gas include dairy products, gluten-containing foods (most bread, pasta, rolls, cereals, etc.) and certain kinds of carbohydrates called FODMAPs. There are dozens of other possible food allergies (like shellfish, nuts and eggs), but you’re likely to know if this is what you’re reacting to since symptoms are usually more noticeable. FODMAPs can be tricky to rule out since there are so many different kinds and everyone is unique in terms of tolerability. An elimination diet can help you pinpoint which foods might cause bloating (like apples or avocados, for example) because they’re not being properly broken down and digested. 6. SIBO Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is caused by high levels of abnormal bacteria living in the digestive tract, usually in the bowel (dysbacteriosis), where they can accumulate after taking antibiotics or due to inflammation and poor digestion. Normally, different strains of bacteria are in proper balance in the colon. This helps with absorption of essential nutrients, but when harmful bacteria invade and take over, damage of the stomach lining can occur along with numerous symptoms. Some foods are capable of causing SIBO symptoms and related sensitivities in the digestive tract, including FODMAPS, which in some cases can ferment abnormally during digestion. 7. Infection You can become bloated and swollen or develop ascites if you’re dealing with an infection because this triggers inflammation levels to rise, caused by an elevated white blood cell count around the pelvic, urinary and gastrointestinal organs. Check for signs of a fever, redness and pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which usually accompany a serious infection. 8. Bowel obstruction Sometimes a severely bloated stomach (though it isn’t actually your stomach that’s bloated) — along with constipation, nausea and vomiting — is due to a bowel obstruction. This can be caused by scar tissue or a tumor in either the small intestine or the colon, among other causes. When it grows and presses against the bowel, the bowels become blocked and hold in fluid and stool. You’ll likely know this is what you’re dealing with, since it’s usually very painful and stops you from going to the bathroom normally. It’s important to see your doctor and get medical treatment right away if you suspect a bowel obstruction. This condition can lead to a ruptured bowel, which is a potentially fatal medical emergency. 9. Hormonal changes PMS is known to cause a bloated abdomen and digestive issues, since it makes you prone to constipation and fluid retention. This is common and not too much of a concern unless you notice other serious symptoms, like an irregular menstrual cycle, fibroids or severe cramping. Having a bloated stomach before or during your period can differ depending on your cycle, and some women experience severe water retention for up to two weeks. Why do women experience bloating before, during and after their menstrual cycles? During the early days of a woman’s cycle — sometimes called the follicular stage — estrogen levels rise while the uterine lining thickens. Bloating can also become stronger as ovulation occurs and more fluids and blood build up. Normally when a woman has her period, she experiences shedding of the excess fluid, tissue and blood. This usually results in the bloating going away. 10. Cancer While it’s not the cause of most people’s bloating, one sign of cancer in the colon or uterus is bloating. This is why it’s important to talk to a doctor if you’ve tried all other ways of reducing bloating and digestive issues but still can’t seem to pinpoint what’s causing your symptoms. Symptoms Having a bloated stomach is different from gaining actual fat mass around your stomach, since bloating is temporary and mostly caused by air becoming stuck around your abdomen, making it distend outward. Simply put, being “bloated” is the feeling of having built-up gas in your digestive system that makes your stomach protrude uncomfortably. It usually causes some type of abdominal pain. Some people even kid around and joke that they “look pregnant” when their abdominal bloating becomes very bad. Sometimes bodily fluids can be stored around the body, including near the abdomen or pelvis area. This causes excess bloating and temporary weight gain. You might also notice jewelry and clothes becoming tighter, extra swelling, and pain around joints or tightness in the skin. Along with feeling full, gassy and having pain in your abdomen, you should check if your bloated stomach occurs simultaneously with other symptoms throughout the body. This can clue you in on what’s causing the problem and whether it might be serious enough to contact your doctor, including: A fever Skin rashes or hives Watery eyes, itchy throat and other signs of allergic reaction Constipation or diarrhea Vomiting or nausea Blood in your urine or stool Unintentional weight loss Trouble going to the bathroom Pain around your lymph nodes, including in your groin, throat or armpits Fatigue Brain fog and trouble concentrating Irregular periods Hemorrhoids How to Get Rid of a Bloated Stomach One of the most effective bloated stomach remedies is improving your diet, since the foods you eat play a huge part in regulating how much air and poop is trapped inside your digestive tract. To keep things “flowing” smoothly, you want to make sure to eat a high-fiber diet, aiming for about 25–30 grams every day or even more. This isn’t too difficult when you eat plenty of whole foods, including veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and ancient grains. It can certainly help you to track your symptoms after eating certain foods known to cause bloating, but remember that a bloated stomach is caused by your entire lifestyle, not just the food on your plate. Some of the best foods for helping to battle stomach bloating include: Probiotics: “Good bacteria” called probiotics act like friendly gut bugs in your digestive tract, killing off bad bacteria that can trigger digestive issues and reactions. You can take probiotic supplements, but acquiring them from natural probiotic foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir and kombucha is also beneficial. Raw dairy: In the case of dairy, I always recommend consuming raw dairy as opposed to the conventional kind sold in supermarkets, which has been pasteurized/homogenized. Manufacturing processes can kill enzymes that are needed for proper digestion, even to the point that some people who think they have symptoms of lactose intolerance can consume raw dairy products without having negative reactions. It also helps to avoid flavored yogurts, which have artificial ingredients, to consume aged/raw cheeses instead of soft cheese, and to consume kefir/yogurt instead of milk, which are lower in lactose. Water-rich fruits and veggies: Veggies and fruits that provide water, key electrolytes and beneficial enzymes are your best friends when it comes to relieving stomach bloating naturally. Try eating more raw or cooked leafy greens, cucumber, celery, fennel, artichoke, melon, berries, steamed veggies and cultured/fermented vegetables. Herbs, spices and teas: Natural digestion-soothing herbs like ginger, dandelion, aloe vera and fennel have been used for thousands of years to soothe an uncomfortable belly. Many herbs act like diuretics and help the...

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Digestive Enzymes Offer POWERFUL Benefits to Improve Digestive Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:00:21 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – If you frequently experience bloating and flatulence (gas), and the physical and … ahem… social discomfort that can ensue, you may be wondering if digestive enzymes could help. You’re definitely not alone. The use of over-the-counter digestive enzymes is growing by leaps and bounds, with some experts predicting that the global market for these supplements will balloon to a shocking $1 billion industry by the year 2025. While digestive enzymes – proteins that help break down and absorb nutrients from food – are created naturally in the body, sometimes the supply is outstripped by the body’s demands. The result is digestive discomfort. (This is often the case when certain foods, such as beans, legumes, and dairy products, are consumed, and the body lacks the proper enzymes to digest them). For a closer look at the “nuts and bolts” of supplementary digestive enzymes – and a reviewfrom the Mayo Clinic – keep reading. Here Is What You Need to Know About How Digestive Enzymes Perform Their Incredible Functions There are three primary types of digestive enzymes – proteases, lipases, and amylases. Proteases, or proteolytic enzymes, break down protein into small peptides and amino acids. At the same time, lipases work with liver bile to break down fats into fatty acids (plus a molecule called glycerol). As you can imagine, lipases are particularly necessary for your body to access essential fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamin D, E, A, and K. Finally, the amylase family of enzymes breaks down carbohydrates – such as starch – into simple sugars. Although the lion’s share of digestive enzymes is produced in the pancreas, the mouth, salivary glands, stomach, and small intestine get in on the act too. Once the enzymes have done their work and the food is broken down, the nutrients are absorbed through the small intestine wall and then distributed throughout the bloodstream. There are also a host of specialized digestive enzymes such as cellulase, which breaks down fiber, and lactase, which breaks down milk into milk sugars. Similarly, maltase, a type of amylase, breaks down maltose – or malt sugar – into simple sugars, while alpha-galactosidase can help break down sugars in vegetables. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Formulations Both Have Their Place Sometimes, shortages in digestive enzymes result from specific and serious problems, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, and pancreatic cancer. These deficiencies can cause malnutrition, shortage of essential vitamins, and severe gastrointestinal issues – and should be managed by a physician, who will often advise prescription digestive enzymes. But, for routine bloating and flatulence that follow the ingestion of certain foods, over-the-counter supplements may be the way to go. For example, researchers and natural health experts have gone “all in” on the incredible disease-fighting and health-preserving effects of cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale. Their cancer-fighting isothiocyanates and their healthy cargo of fiber, carotenoids, and polyphenols make them a true boon to health. But, they can be notoriously hard to digest. You could choose to simply avoid these superfoods, but another solution may be available. The answer could be as simple as taking alpha-galactosidase supplements, commonly sold under the brand name Beano. These enzymes excel at breaking down cruciferous vegetables and legumes. Another common problem is a deficiency in lactase, which is designed to break down lactose or milk sugar. This enzyme may offer relief to lactose-intolerant individuals who would otherwise suffer from cramping, nausea, and diarrhea after ingesting cows’ milk. These Useful Proteins Can Join Forces With Probiotics and Proper Nutrition for Better Digestive Health Not only do proponents of digestive enzymes say that these supplements can relieve digestive discomfort – but they also believe they may help probiotic and prebiotic interventions be more effective. Does this mean that probiotics and digestive enzymes are the same? Not exactly. Probiotics are live organisms that promote the health of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while digestive enzymes actively help the body digest proteins, fats, and carbs. However, the benefits and functions of digestive enzymes and probiotics can overlap, as the appropriate probiotics can replenish gut bacteria to help break down fiber and restore normal digestive function. In addition, it turns out that certain dietary choices are naturally high in digestive enzymes. These include raw papayas and pineapple, which contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proteolytic digestive enzymes known as papain and bromelain. And, avocados have the advantage of not only contributing healthy monounsaturated fats to the diet but also contain lipases, which help turn fats into fatty acids – and are particularly useful after a high-fat meal. (So much for the outdated belief that avocados, themselves, are a “fattening” food. They are anything but!) Other enzyme-rich foods include bananas (which contain amylases and glucosidases), raw honey (which contains amylases and proteases), ripe mangoes, and unpasteurized sauerkraut – which has the added advantage of being probiotic. As always, it’s best to seek out non-GMO, organic fare. A Wealth of Digestive Enzymes Exist, Many Tailored to Specific Uses Over-the-counter enzyme supplements are made from animal pancreases or assorted molds, yeast, bacteria, fungi, and fruit. They are available in a wide variety of combinations and formulations. Some even contain prebiotic ingredients – such as inulin – and probiotics specifically added to enrich gut bacteria in the microbiome. (Tip: for maximum benefit, look for strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, and L. salivarius). In addition, some digestive enzyme products contain time-honored carminatives (gas relievers) such as fennel, ginger, turmeric, and peppermint. Natural health experts advise seeking out digestive enzymes free of wheat, gluten, egg, peanuts, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated fats, artificial sweeteners, and dyes. Tip: when possible, opt for products that have been certified by the Natural Products Association or USP Quality Supplements. For best results, digestive enzymes should be taken before meals. Of course, check with your knowledgeable integrative doctor before supplementing, as digestive enzymes can interact with certain medications. In a review published in Proceedings of the Mayo Clinic, the authors noted that the use of enzyme supplements seems to be increasing. Not only that, but “emerging clinical data seem to support many of (digestive enzymes’) purported benefits.” While more study is needed, it seems clear that digestive enzymes are emerging at the forefront of the field of improved digestive health. Editor’s note: I highly recommend the digestive enzymes from LuvByNature. I use them every day and really enjoy the taste of the chewable tablets. Click here to learn more. Sources for this article include: VeryWellHealth.com Healthline.com Healthline.com Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Chemicals Found in 1,000 Processed Foods May Harm Immune System, According to New Study

AHA Publisher — Mon, 10 May 2021 07:00:16 +0000

Damon Hines via NaturalHealth365 – You know the symptoms; we all do. Bloating, fatigue, stomach upset, and a general feeling of blah thrown in for good measure. It’s the after-effects of gorging on Doritos or indulging in a pint of ice cream. Too much fat, sugar, and salt, too much high fructose corn syrup, and we’re left with a food hangover, our bodies laden with additives and preservatives and depleted of the water and enzymes needed to process them. But the health problems associated with processed foods are far worse than bloat and a mean case of the blahs. Processed foods account for a shocking 58% of calories in a U.S. diet. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, ultra-processed food consumption is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. But that’s only the beginning. New research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that chemicals found in over 1,000 processed foods may also harm the immune system. TBHQ: Used by Manufacturers to Prolong a Product’s Shelf Life and SHORTEN Your Life Ultra-processed foods are defined as “industrial formulations made with no or minimal whole foods and produced with additives such as flavorings or preservatives.” According to the study, the chemical preservative tert-butylhydroquinone, or (TBHQ), which is found in Pop-Tarts, Cheez-It crackers, Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, and more than 1,000 other processed foods, can negatively affect the immune system, as well as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of chemicals that can leach into food from packaging. In addition, a 2017 Trusted Source study concluded that eating foods containing additives – including processed meats– may lead to an increase in the risk of several immune conditions. The study looked at additives such as sucralose, aspartame, carboxymethylcellulose, polysorbate-80, sodium, and carrageenan. Big Food Manufacturers Have No Incentive to Change Their Formulas Additives like TBHQ were approved by the FDA decades ago. The FDA allows the food and chemical industry to determine which ingredients are safe for consumption, like asking a drug cartel to regulate its product. Sodium Nitrate. Yellow #5. Brominated vegetable oil. TBQH. Sadly, our kitchens have become as chemically-filled as a science lab. Potentially dangerous additives need to be reviewed by the FDA, and regulatory loopholes need to be closed. Guarding Your Immune System Starts With Choosing a Carrot Over a Bag of Industrially Produced, Carrot-Flavored Veggie Puffs Processed food makes us ill, increases the risk of heart disease, weakens the immune system, and drives the global obesity epidemic. But if you want to improve your health and maintain a well-functioning immune system, it’s going to take more than avoiding what food journalist Michal Pollan calls “the edible food-like substances.” You’re going to have to eat right, too. Foods that are known to provide immune-boosting benefits include citrus fruits, foods that contain zinc – such as peas, raw cheese, organically-raised chicken breast, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Finally, as a consumer, be sure to read all packaging and labels carefully. Don’t let processed food take over your shopping cart. Bottom line, if you’re having a hard time reading (and understanding) a food label – don’t buy it! Sources for this article include: Livescience.com Medicalnewstoday.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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How You Can Beat the Bloat!

AHA Publisher — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 07:00:20 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Do you suffer from bloating after meals? With 74% of Americans reporting experiencing digestive discomfort, bloating has become an epidemic in our society! Not only is bloating an uncomfortable experience but it can be embarrassing in social situations when you have excessive gas or need to urgently run to the bathroom. Causes of Bloating Although most people consider bloating a rather minor health issue, it can often be a sign of a serious underlying problem in the digestive system. The sensation of bloating is often caused by a buildup of gas in the digestive tract. This gas comes from either air that has been swallowed or from the bacteria in the gut. Anxiety Swallowed air is usually a result of anxiety. When the nervous system is in “fight or flight” mode the breathing becomes short and shallow and can lead to excess air being swallowed. In fact, anxiety attacks are frequently accompanied by bouts of burping up of air that has been swallowed due to improper breathing. Effective anxiety reduction techniques include prayer, meditation, nature immersion, and relaxed time spent with loved ones. There are other reasons for swallowed air such as eating too quickly, using straws, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy. Gut Dysbiosis The other common cause of air in the digestive tract is from the fermentation of sugars and fiber by the bacteria in the gut. Trillions of bacteria live in our gastrointestinal systems and the collection of these bacteria is referred to as the “microbiome.” Some bacteria are good, some are bad, and some are neutral. The good bacteria help us break down and assimilate our food, modulate our immune systems, and protect our bodies from foreign invaders. Unfortunately, due to our modern lifestyles, the ratio of bacteria can become imbalanced and the bad bacteria can take over and even migrate to parts of the digestive system they are not meant to be in. This is referred to as “intestinal dysbiosis.” Bacteria and Bloating In those with dysbiosis, foods that contain certain types of sugar and fiber will feed the excess bacteria who then produce gas as a byproduct of digestion. The buildup of this gas is often the cause of bloating. In order to ease the symptoms of bloating it is essential to balance the microbiome. This can be done by eliminating foods that feed the bad bacteria and consuming more good bacteria (probiotics) and food for the good bacteria (prebiotics). FODMAPs Sadly, many otherwise healthy vegetables can potentially contribute to bloating in certain extreme cases. This is because vegetables like onions, garlic, and leeks contain specific carbohydrates called FODMAPs. These carbohydrates are readily fermented by bacteria in the bowel and can feed an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Beat the Bloat! In order to reduce the incidence of bloating it is important to pay attention to the lifestyle factors that contribute to this phenomenon. There is no one cause of bloating universal to everybody. It is important to listen to your body so you can figure out what foods and factors are major contributors for you. To make it easier for you, here is a list of foods that likely contribute to bloating and foods that will likely help prevent it. Foods to Avoid Sugar Difficult to digest grains such as wheat, corn, brown rice, barley, rye, and oats. High FODMAP veggies such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower Pasteurized dairy Foods to Add Probiotics Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, raw yogurt or kefir, kombucha, and Fermented Green Supremefood Water rich and low sugar fruit and veggies such as leafy greens, cucumbers, berries, and celery Feel the Fermented Difference Dr. Colbert developed Fermented Green Supremefood as an easily digested alternative to conventional greens powders. By fermenting the vegetables before consumption, the chances of bloating are dramatically decreased. The result is a delicious and nutrient dense formula that provides a substantial dose of probiotics! More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health. References https://draxe.com/bloated-stomach/ http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/788563/bloating-stomach-symptoms-cause-link-to-IBS-diet To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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5 Surprisingly Simple Tricks to Eradicate Acid Reflux

AHA Publisher — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 07:00:44 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Are you one of the millions of people suffering from acid reflux? Statistics show that around 50% of Americans will suffer the symptoms of this unfortunate condition! That means the likelihood of you or your family being affected is really high. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 all-natural remedies for acid reflux. But first… What Is Acid Reflux? Acid reflux is a result of stomach acid that has made it’s way up into the esophagus. This part of the body is not designed to have contact with the powerful acid of the stomach and prolonged exposure can lead to damage of the tissue of the esophagus. Interestingly, acid reflux is not always caused by too much stomach acid, but can also result from the body not producing enough stomach acid and/or digestive enzymes. Poor dietary choices, over eating, quickly eating, or eating in a stressed state can all contribute to acid reflux. These activities can cause an excess of acid production which may then lead to acid finding its way into the esophagus. Symptoms Of Acid Reflux Acid reflux can cause a myriad of symptoms including heartburn, bloating, nausea, and indigestion. Symptoms can be triggered by eating fried foods, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, spicy food, onions, garlic, citrus, soda, and tomatoes. The chances are that you or a loved one will be dealing with acid reflux at some point in your life. Many people use antacids or other medications to help alleviate the symptoms but these treatments can often have unwanted side effects and don’t always actually treat the underlying cause of the condition. So before you pay for expensive and often counterproductive medications first try these 5 easy and natural acid reflux remedies: Chew Your Food By eating mindfully and chewing each bite of food at least 30 times, not only is the act of masticating mechanically breaking down the food, but this also allows the enzymes of the saliva to begin to digest your food before swallowing. Plus, this gives the stomach adequate time to gauge the proper amount of acid that needs to be produced. Be sure to eat in a relaxed state without too much distraction. When we are relaxed, the nervous system to comes in to parasympathetic dominance which is considered the “rest and digest” state. This will allow your body to utilize adequate resources for the digestion and assimilation of your meal. Apple Cider Vinegar Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 6-8 oz of filtered or spring water. Drink this mixture 10-30 minutes before your meal to help create an environment in the stomach conducive to healthy digestion and balanced stomach acid production. The vinegar will help curb overproduction of acid or will stimulate acid in the case of underproduction. Ginger Ginger root can be used as a delicious appetizer to help prepare your stomach for digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid, enzymes, and bile. Take a small slice of ginger root and marinate it in a bit of lime juice. Top it off with a dash of mineral rich celtic, himalayan, or aztec sea salt. The salt contains chloride which will help stimulate production of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Allow the ginger to marinate in this mixture for 1-2 hours. Consume the marinated ginger 10 to 30 minutes before your meal for best results. Probiotics The balance of bacteria in our digestive tract is critical to the efficiency of our digestion. By adding a small amount of fermented food such a sauerkraut, kimchi, grass-fed yogurt or kefir, raw grass-fed cheese, or kombucha, you introduce a high number of beneficial bacteria, yeasts, and enzymes that help regulate digestion and balance stomach acid production. Additionally, you can supplement probiotics in a capsule or powder form. Digestive Enzymes When the pancreas is not producing adequate digestive enzymes or if the pancreatic ducts are congested and the enzymes can not make their way to the stomach then the food you eat is not broken down entirely and can irritate the stomach causing acid reflux. Raw living foods have naturally occurring enzymes that are wiped out by the cooking of food. To get around this issue you can use a high quality digestive enzyme supplement before meals can help supplement the digestive process allowing your food to digest easier and prevent the overproduction of stomach acid. It is important to only use digestive enzymes intermittently because the goal is to boost your body’s own innate ability to produce enzymes so you are not overly reliant on a supplement. Digest Like The Best! These 5 simple tricks can support your body’s balanced production of stomach acid and dramatically reduce the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux. These all natural and effective remedies produce results without turning to Dr. Don Colbert has formulated a highly efficacious supplement called Fermented Green Supremefood. This collection of fermented grasses and vegetables comes packed with beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and fiber which all help to regulate digestion and alleviate acid reflux. References http://articles.mercola.com/home-remedies-heartburn-acid-reflux-ulcer.aspx http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/home-remedies-for-acid-reflux/ https://draxe.com/acid-reflux-symptoms/ http://lifespa.com/cool-your-digestion/# To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Healthiest Holidays Ever: What to Eat & How to Handle Falling Off Track (Part 2)

AHA Publisher — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:00:15 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you’re aiming to make this year your healthiest Holidays ever, we are here to help. Earlier last week, we started with a simplified frame of mind with our first post in this 4-part series. Today, it’s tips for what to eat during November and December, and how to get back on track if you fall off. This 4-part series will cover these topics for your Healthiest Holidays Ever: Part 1: Begin in the Mind: How to Slow Down, Simplify, and Get Enough Sleep During the Holidays Part 2 (this post): What to Eat and What to Do When/If You Fall Off-Plan Part 3: Healthy Habits for Staying Social, Holidays Meals, and Parties Part 4: How to End One Year With Gratitude and Peace, and Choose Optimism for a New Year 6 Easy Tips for What to Eat During the Holiday Months The easiest way to stay on track with eating through the Holidays is to focus on what you should eat, day to day. Remember, as we discussed in Part 1, the actual Holidays are only 2-3 days. For the rest of November and December, do your best to eat normally and stay on track (then, the 2-3 days won’t make a big difference in the overall picture). Day-to-day, you know what to do. Stay in the Keto Zone and/or on track with healthy eating. Here’s what to eat during the Holidays, and what to skip during these months: 1. Eat as much from home as possible. Anytime you eat out, you are risking eating foods that are laden in hidden carbs, sugars, processed fats, and more. You are in control of all of this at home. 2. Avoid processed, quick dinner if possible. TV dinners or other ready-made convenient ones are often high in unhealthy ingredients. Instead, save time with these kitchen time-savings tips. 3. Eat plenty of vegetables, at home, at parties, or when out. Bitter greens, kale, broccoli dishes, salads, fermented vegetables, like Keto Zone Sauerkraut, and more can be a great addition to the feast. If you’ve decided to bring a vegetable dish, use a fun, unique, delicious vegetable recipe to keep it lively and not drab. 4. Whether at home or away, find a healthy protein. Turkey, chicken, seafood, grass-fed beef, venison, and elk are all great choices that will fill you up and keep you from craving other foods. 5. Add healthy fats. Olive oil, avocados, MCT oils, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil are great choices. 6. If you have a get-together that involves sharing cookies or desserts, consider making a healthy one. Try our pumpkin cookies, Keto Zone Pumpkin Pie, Cranberry Tart, or Pumpkin Cashew Cookies. What to Do if You Get Off Track: It’s easy to get carried away and overeat during a holiday. But, if you’re trying to stay in the Keto Zone and eat a healthy diet, the indulgence can cause a host of issues in your body including: • Increased blood sugar and insulin • Increased fluid retention • Inflammation • Weight Gain If this describes your day-after-Thanksgiving condition, it’s time to get right back on track. One of the best ways to get back is a detox smoothie. Why? It provides both a physical and mental shift back towards Keto Zone eating. There’s no wallowing in guilt. Here’s what it is and why it works. Drink it, and consider yourself back on track. Keto Zone Anti-Bloat Detox Celery Smoothie Ingredients: • 1.5 cups almond milk • 1 cup spinach, loosely packed • ½ cup cucumber, sliced (appox. ¼ medium cucumber) • ½ cup celery, chopped (appox. 1 medium stalk) • ½ small avocado (peeled & pitted) • 1 scoop MCT Oil Powder OR 1 tbsp. coconut oil • 1 scoop Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder • 1/2 small beet OR 1 scoop Fermented Green or Red Supremefood (recommend: Apple Cinnamon) • Optional: 5-10 drops liquid stevia or low-carb sweetener of choice, to taste Instructions: 1. Into a blender, mix almond milk and spinach. Pulse to break down spinach and make room for the other ingredients. 2. Add all ingredients EXCEPT stevia. 3. Blend for about 1 minute or until creamy. 4. Taste it. If you’ve used flavored MCT Oil Powder and/or Green Supremefood, it may be sweet enough. If not, add stevia (or another low-carb sweetener), to taste. Nutrition Info: 375 Calories, 25g of Fat, 20g of Protein, 4g of Net Carbs Detox from Sugar Bloating If you’ve overeaten, eaten too many carbohydrates, or indulged in sugary desserts during Thanksgiving, there’s a good chance you’re not feeling so hot today. Don’t despair, we’ve got a secret weapon in our detox smoothie: celery. Sugar can cause damage to the body. But, celery can help you stop the damage, reverse it, and get back on track. Detox Celery Smoothie to the Rescue While I’m not encouraging you to ever overeat sugary desserts and carbohydrates, we all live in the real world and know it happens. Rather than pretend it doesn’t, let’s focus on a tool to get you back on track. One tool is celery and this Keto Zone Celery Detox Smoothie. Why celery? Celery has a gentle diuretic effect which quickly normalizes fluid retention without leaving you dehydrated. This beats the bloat. Next, it’s loaded with nutrients. In fact, celery is: • A nutrition powerhouse. It contains calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. In addition, a plethora of vitamins: including vitamins A, C, E, D, B6, B12, and vitamin K as well as thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid and fiber (1). • Rich in Vitamin C, which promotes good immune function and works as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress. • A blood pressure reducer. It reduces stress hormones and relaxes arteries to make them more elastic (2). • A cholesterol-binder. Celery increases bile production which binds cholesterol in the gut and promotes excretion out of the body (3). A gentle diuretic. Detox Celery Smoothie Super Ingredients: The other ingredients in the Detox Celery Smoothie are not exactly slouches. They bolster it to the next level and provide a full-nutrition meal with healthy fats and protein. Cucumber also promotes gentle diuresis, helping you beat the bloat from extra foods and sugars. Avocado is full of vitamins and minerals along with health-promoting omega-9 fats and cholesterol-binding fiber. Spinach provides many phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s deep green hue is an indication of health-benefiting chlorophyll. MCT Oil Powder is a convenient and non-greasy form of the best MCTs available. They are easy-to-digest and produce ketones your brain can use as a super-fuel. Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder promotes healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, gut function, and more. Additionally, it provides amino acids seldom found in modern diets. Fermented Green Supremefood, a blend of fermented vegetables and wheatgrass, provides concentrated vitamins and minerals. The fermentation process “opens up” these natural superfoods to get more nutrients out. Plus, it contains healthy bacteria to support digestive and whole-body health. Bottom Line Feel better already? You should be. Just knowing you have a tool for such a case as post-Thanksgiving bloat is a good start. Don’t delay! Blend this up and drink it. This Keto Zone Anti-Bloat Detox Smoothie has all the nutrition you need to shed the extra water weight, boost energy, and get back into the Keto Zone. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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