Digestive health plays an important role in how skin appears on the surface. When digestion is not working optimally, it allows toxins to be reabsorbed in the body instead of being eliminated. The body then mounts a state of emergency as it's overwhelmed by toxins, some of them bad bacteria. These manifest directly on the surface for all the world to see, in the form of wrinkles, blotchiness, skin rashes, and acne.
This is where probiotics come into play. Probiotics contain potentially beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract--what some call good gut bacteria. They help strengthen the digestive system but they also play an important role in skin health. Probiotics consist of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic, and antiallergenic properties and can be used prophylactically and therapeutically.
There have been many studies showing benefits of probiotics to skin health. For example, there's a correlation between an imbalance of good and bad bacteria and the onset of acne. When bringing natural bacteria back into balance with a probiotic intervention, acne improves, in some studies, as much as 50 percent of the time.
There is no recommended daily intake for probiotics, but good food sources include buttermilk, kefir, miso, tempeh, yogurt, and other fermented foods. Supplements are generally higher in potency and are used for therapeutic purposes in treating irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis, and many other conditions.
While probiotics are essential for healthy skin and digestive health, there are many other appealing benefits to encourage their use, such as strengthening the immune system, replacing good bacteria after a course of antibiotics, and contributing to general health and well-being.
Because there are so many bacteria, it’s comforting to know that not all of them are bad. In fact, scientists are now discovering that most of the 2,000 strains of bacteria already identified on humans are beneficial. Our bodies are actually designed to have proper bacterial balance.
Bacteria help the immune system develop. Bacteria actually communicate with the B and T cells of the immune system. When bacteria are influenced by antibiotics, excess stress, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, or serious illness, the immune cells don’t receive their signal, resulting in a breakdown in immune activity.
If you are generally in good health, you may only want to use probiotics periodically, during times of high stress for example, or the time leading up to cold and flu season. If you are experiencing a specific ongoing health issue, such as gastrointestinal concerns like gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, you may want to think of probiotics as one of your foundation supplements.
For a free 32-page booklet on “Probiotics: Restore Your Digestive Health”, stop by my office or give me a call.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza, between the Post Office and Round Table Pizza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Invest in Your Health: The Benefits of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
•Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
•Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
•Ease medication dependence.
•Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
•Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
•Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
•Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
•Increase joint flexibility.
•Lessen depression and anxiety.
•Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
•Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
•Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
•Reduce spasms and cramping.
•Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
•Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
•Relieve migraine pain.
A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
•Decreased anxiety.
•Enhanced sleep quality.
•Greater energy.
•Improved concentration.
•Increased circulation.
•Reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
•Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
•Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
•Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
•High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
•Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
•Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs. Invest in your health in the new year with regular massage visits.
Review the clinical research studies examining the benefits of massage.
Review massage information from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns La Vida Sana Wellness, a clinic located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza between the Post Office and Round Table Pizza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
•Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
•Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
•Ease medication dependence.
•Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
•Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
•Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
•Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
•Increase joint flexibility.
•Lessen depression and anxiety.
•Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
•Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
•Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
•Reduce spasms and cramping.
•Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
•Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
•Relieve migraine pain.
A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
•Decreased anxiety.
•Enhanced sleep quality.
•Greater energy.
•Improved concentration.
•Increased circulation.
•Reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
•Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
•Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
•Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
•High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
•Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
•Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs. Invest in your health in the new year with regular massage visits.
Review the clinical research studies examining the benefits of massage.
Review massage information from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns La Vida Sana Wellness, a clinic located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza between the Post Office and Round Table Pizza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Coenzyme Q10: The Wrinkle Cure
Air pollutants, toxins, cigarette smoke, cell metabolism, exposure to the sun, and other environmental factors initiate free radicals, which can cause dangerous reactions that destroy cells and damage DNA, proteins, and fats. Free radicals also interfere with collagen production and integrity, resulting in loss of elasticity and, ultimately, aging skin. Although this is a natural and unavoidable by-product of metabolism, an overabundance of free radical damage can cause premature aging and wrinkles. Fortunately, there's a nutritional way to fight the elements.
Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10 and ubiquinone, is a fat soluble, vitamin-like nutrient present in virtually all cells and considered the spark plug of the body, helping to produce and regulate energy as well as fighting free radicals as an antioxidant.
CoQ10 levels are highest during the first 20 years of life and decline with time, so much so that at age 80, CoQ10 levels may be lower than at birth. Yet the body's demand for CoQ10 increases with age. Furthermore, statin (cholesterol-lowering) medications can further deplete the body of CoQ10.
The recommended daily CoQ10 dose is 30 mg, in combination with alpha lipoic acid and vitamins A, C, E, and selenium. Foods highest in CoQ10 include sardines, beef, peanuts, spinach, and albacore tuna. However, it would take a pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two-and-a-half pounds of peanuts to provide 30 mg, and cooking foods at high temperatures degrades the enzyme. Consequently, CoQ10 supplementation is likely necessary to achieve therapeutic effects.
CoQ10 can also benefit topically as it's a small molecule that can easily penetrate the skin. When CoQ10 is combined with vitamins C and E in creams or lotions, the synergistic effect can neutralize free radicals, thus reducing wrinkles.
Supplementing with CoQ10 is not only a good antiaging strategy for the skin, it can also enhance energy, cognition, heart health, stroke prevention, and immune support. CoQ10 is often referred to as the spark of life because of its profound effects on our overall health.
For a free 32-page informative booklet on “Coenzyme Q10: Discover the Spark of Life” and to learn about how this significant nutrient helps with heart disease, cancer, and more, stop by my office or give me a call.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10 and ubiquinone, is a fat soluble, vitamin-like nutrient present in virtually all cells and considered the spark plug of the body, helping to produce and regulate energy as well as fighting free radicals as an antioxidant.
CoQ10 levels are highest during the first 20 years of life and decline with time, so much so that at age 80, CoQ10 levels may be lower than at birth. Yet the body's demand for CoQ10 increases with age. Furthermore, statin (cholesterol-lowering) medications can further deplete the body of CoQ10.
The recommended daily CoQ10 dose is 30 mg, in combination with alpha lipoic acid and vitamins A, C, E, and selenium. Foods highest in CoQ10 include sardines, beef, peanuts, spinach, and albacore tuna. However, it would take a pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two-and-a-half pounds of peanuts to provide 30 mg, and cooking foods at high temperatures degrades the enzyme. Consequently, CoQ10 supplementation is likely necessary to achieve therapeutic effects.
CoQ10 can also benefit topically as it's a small molecule that can easily penetrate the skin. When CoQ10 is combined with vitamins C and E in creams or lotions, the synergistic effect can neutralize free radicals, thus reducing wrinkles.
Supplementing with CoQ10 is not only a good antiaging strategy for the skin, it can also enhance energy, cognition, heart health, stroke prevention, and immune support. CoQ10 is often referred to as the spark of life because of its profound effects on our overall health.
For a free 32-page informative booklet on “Coenzyme Q10: Discover the Spark of Life” and to learn about how this significant nutrient helps with heart disease, cancer, and more, stop by my office or give me a call.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Immunity: Power Up Your Natural Defenses
How do we survive and even thrive in this world that is teeming with microorganisms? The answer, in short, is our immune system. Our immune system is composed of millions of cells circulating throughout the body. Like a finely conducted orchestra, these specialized body tissues and organs create an elaborate and complicated symphony of defense against infection and cancer. The organs and cells of the immune system are an integral part of our skin, respiratory system, and digestive system. They protest us by fighting off microscopic enemy invaders such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, fungus, and parasites. We also depend on the immune system to identify mutated cells and to destroy them before they can replicate into cancerous tumors. The immune system recognizes and attempts to destroy anything that is foreign to our normal cells and tissues.
The health of the immune system is greatly influenced by our daily thoughts and our daily activities. We know that sleep, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption influence our immune system. How much sleep we do or don’t get, how much exercise we do, whether we smoke and how much alcohol we drink all significantly impact immune function.
Just like any of our bodily processes, our immune system relies upon good nutrition to function at its best. Optimal digestion occurs when we chew our food thoroughly, eat in a relaxed manner, eat nutrient-rich foods that contain their own enzymes (raw foods), and avoid processed and synthetic foods that can inflame the digestive tract and do not contain sufficient immune-enhancing nutrients. Maintaining healthy digestion and eating a nutritious diet will create more vigorous immune function.
A well-functioning immune system is integral to vital health. Our immune system is complex and adaptive and acts as a solid barrier against infection and diseases such as cancer. Keeping our immune system healthy will reduce sickness, autoimmunity and cancer.
A healthy immune system requires lifestyle improvements. Obtaining adequate sleep and exercise, along with managing stress and eating well, will support strong and balanced immunity. Quitting smoking is another critical factor for robust immune function. Diet is especially important, with an emphasis on consuming falconoid (colored vegetables and fruits), good fats, organically grown foods, and minimizing sugar and alcohol. Immune function is also enhanced with dietary supplements, such as Echinacea, garlic, olive leaf, astragalus, coenzyme Q10, vitamins B and C, and zinc. Remember, however: Supplements can never replace a wholesome diet. All of these daily practices and interventions will support the intricate and dynamic immune system, our most essential life-sustaining protection.
For a free 32-page booklet on your immune system, how it works, and supplement strategies to power up your defenses, stop by my office or give me a call.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
The health of the immune system is greatly influenced by our daily thoughts and our daily activities. We know that sleep, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption influence our immune system. How much sleep we do or don’t get, how much exercise we do, whether we smoke and how much alcohol we drink all significantly impact immune function.
Just like any of our bodily processes, our immune system relies upon good nutrition to function at its best. Optimal digestion occurs when we chew our food thoroughly, eat in a relaxed manner, eat nutrient-rich foods that contain their own enzymes (raw foods), and avoid processed and synthetic foods that can inflame the digestive tract and do not contain sufficient immune-enhancing nutrients. Maintaining healthy digestion and eating a nutritious diet will create more vigorous immune function.
A well-functioning immune system is integral to vital health. Our immune system is complex and adaptive and acts as a solid barrier against infection and diseases such as cancer. Keeping our immune system healthy will reduce sickness, autoimmunity and cancer.
A healthy immune system requires lifestyle improvements. Obtaining adequate sleep and exercise, along with managing stress and eating well, will support strong and balanced immunity. Quitting smoking is another critical factor for robust immune function. Diet is especially important, with an emphasis on consuming falconoid (colored vegetables and fruits), good fats, organically grown foods, and minimizing sugar and alcohol. Immune function is also enhanced with dietary supplements, such as Echinacea, garlic, olive leaf, astragalus, coenzyme Q10, vitamins B and C, and zinc. Remember, however: Supplements can never replace a wholesome diet. All of these daily practices and interventions will support the intricate and dynamic immune system, our most essential life-sustaining protection.
For a free 32-page booklet on your immune system, how it works, and supplement strategies to power up your defenses, stop by my office or give me a call.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Art of Aromatherapy: Essential Oils Provide Healing and Balance
Aromatic essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, wood and roots have long been a source of healing since ancient times, aiding in relaxation, circulation and wound healing. However, the use of these medicinal oils declined as the modern pharmaceutical industry developed. In 1928, French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse revived the use of essential oils and developed the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from botanicals to balance and harmonize the health of body, mind and spirit. Gattefosse coined the practice and named it “aromatherapy“.
Interest in the therapeutic effects of essential oils continues to grow. Essential oils are being pumped into offices, stores, and even some hospitals to make the atmosphere more relaxing. Large corporations are turning to fragrance to keep their workers alert, and more content, on the job. Inhaling certain essential oils has even been shown to lower blood pressure.
Because aromatherapy's affect on emotional health, many massage therapists and bodywork practitioners incorporate this noninvasive treatment into their practices. Dispensers or diffusers filled with aromatic essences may be used to scent the massage room, and specific essential oils are used on the client's skin during the massage. Because each oil has unique characteristics and benefits, the choice of oil or oils can be customized to the client's needs and emotional state. Whether inhaled or applied topically, aromatherapy requires an understanding of how each essential oil interacts with the body, as well as the mind.
Many pure essential oils need to be diluted, as they can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. To guarantee safe and correct usage, consult a trained herbalist or practitioner.
The emotions listed below can be gently eased by one or a combination of the following essential oils:
Anxiety: bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, Roman chamomile, rose, sandalwood.
Fatigue, Burnout: basil, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood.
Stress: bergamot, frankincense, geranium, lavender, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, Roman chamomile, ylang ylang.
Anger: jasmine, neroli, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, Roman chamomile, rose, vetiver, ylang ylang.
The beauty of aromatherapy is that you can take advantage of both its physical and emotional applications in the same treatment. For example, you can blend a combination of essential oils that will not only stop indigestion but also calm you down and reduce the nervous condition that led to the indigestion, and you can design an aromatherapy body lotion that will not only improve your complexion but also relieve depression.
I invite you to explore the healing power of essential oils. I am a Certified Aromatherapist and can provide you with advice on pragmatic fixes for everyday challenges. Stop by my office today or go online to my website for more information.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner, licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Aromatherapist who owns La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
Interest in the therapeutic effects of essential oils continues to grow. Essential oils are being pumped into offices, stores, and even some hospitals to make the atmosphere more relaxing. Large corporations are turning to fragrance to keep their workers alert, and more content, on the job. Inhaling certain essential oils has even been shown to lower blood pressure.
Because aromatherapy's affect on emotional health, many massage therapists and bodywork practitioners incorporate this noninvasive treatment into their practices. Dispensers or diffusers filled with aromatic essences may be used to scent the massage room, and specific essential oils are used on the client's skin during the massage. Because each oil has unique characteristics and benefits, the choice of oil or oils can be customized to the client's needs and emotional state. Whether inhaled or applied topically, aromatherapy requires an understanding of how each essential oil interacts with the body, as well as the mind.
Many pure essential oils need to be diluted, as they can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. To guarantee safe and correct usage, consult a trained herbalist or practitioner.
The emotions listed below can be gently eased by one or a combination of the following essential oils:
Anxiety: bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, Roman chamomile, rose, sandalwood.
Fatigue, Burnout: basil, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood.
Stress: bergamot, frankincense, geranium, lavender, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, Roman chamomile, ylang ylang.
Anger: jasmine, neroli, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, Roman chamomile, rose, vetiver, ylang ylang.
The beauty of aromatherapy is that you can take advantage of both its physical and emotional applications in the same treatment. For example, you can blend a combination of essential oils that will not only stop indigestion but also calm you down and reduce the nervous condition that led to the indigestion, and you can design an aromatherapy body lotion that will not only improve your complexion but also relieve depression.
I invite you to explore the healing power of essential oils. I am a Certified Aromatherapist and can provide you with advice on pragmatic fixes for everyday challenges. Stop by my office today or go online to my website for more information.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner, licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Aromatherapist who owns La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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