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Even "Healthy" Foods Can Cause Your Body Grief



Even "Healthy" Foods Can Cause Your Body Grief


In this day and age we know so much more about our relationship to food than our predecessors, and the way we eat and think about food has become almost unrecognizable to our grandparents' generation. One example of this is our awareness of food allergies, a condition that has recently entered the collective consciousness. Most of us know someone who is allergic to such foods as wheat and dairy, and we may even be prone to such an allergy. Understanding how our bodies react to food, and making the necessary adjustments in our diet, can have a profound effect on our whole energy system, and can be the key to shifting our mind into a state of greater clarity! 




When we are continuously exposed to a food that gives us an allergic reaction, we feel lethargic, foggy-headed, or as if we always have a low-grade sinus infection. Other symptoms can include nausea, digestive difficulties, skin problems, and difficulty breathing. Many of us have been fighting these symptoms our whole lives without realizing that getting relief could be as simple as cutting a particular food out of our diet. When we do, we feel as if we are waking up out of a fog, and our whole system, cleared of substances that work against it, benefits. 

Many people see skin improvements, they sleep better, have more energy, and feel able to think more clearly. When we feel less than well, testing ourselves, or getting tested by someone else, for food intolerance's/sensitivities may be a good place to start!  Even common foods such as kale, cranberry, pomegranates, mushrooms, and Romaine lettuce have come up in testing!  If you are interested in learning more please contact me and I will share the food, chemical, herb, mold intolerance/sensitivity testing I offer as a service to my clients! It's a simple blood test and can be done anywhere. I have a mobile blood draw come to you and typically get the results in my inbox in 7-10 days. 




Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.






Jackie's Health Tip of the Week 1/22/17



Digestive upset?


Sip apple cider vinegar. As many as 90 percent of Americans produce too little stomach acid. This acid, known as hydrochloric acid (HCL), is responsible for unlocking digestive enzymes, promoting digestion and improving nutrient absorption. Low acid means the body is not properly absorbing nutrients from food, so you may be prone to deficiencies even if you have a balanced diet! Acid reflux is the result of producing too little stomach acid. By consuming 1 to 3 teaspoons of raw, organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) with the mother (I use Bragg's) diluted in water about 20 minutes before eating, ACV can help to increase stomach acid and nutrient absorption. Be sure to swish water in your mouth after drinking in order to protect your tooth enamel from erosion. 





Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.






Jackie's Health Tip of the Week 10/30/16



If you find yourself feeling anxious, jumpy, and panicky mid-afternoon, or lethargic, uncomfortable and sluggish, it could be your lunch stressing you out, rather than your job! 


*Don't rush your lunch. The faster you eat, the more likely you are to swallow air, which can cause wind, bloating and abdominal pain. People often swallow too much air as a reaction to stress. Try to sit quietly during and after lunch (preferably away from your desk!) A huge amount of blood - 40 percent of your blood supply - passes through the digestive system after a meal, allowing the nourishment to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body. You shouldn't even shop, let alone exercise, after eating because activity will divert most of the blood from the digestive system to help muscles perform.



CLICK HERE to follow me on Facebook for more health and wellness tips like this! 





Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

Jackie's Health Tip of the Week 7/24/16





Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.


Spring Body Cleaning



Juicing is a great way to cleanse your body and give your digestive system a break. It's beneficial to do a full body detox every time the seasons change. Here are my top picks to juice: 


Carrots- Beta-carotene. Great for liver, brain, eye health

Cucumber-Pancreas, liver, high in silica for glowing skin, hair, nails

Celery-Alkalizing, high in electrolytes, potassium, reduces cellulite, inflammation, tightens skin

Asparagus-High in vitamins C and D, removes heavy metals, radiation. 

Beets-Circulatory system, cleanses blood, Athletes-increases endurance

Broccoli- High in chromium-balances blood sugar and hormones

Cabbage-Source of sulfur- stomach ulcers, detox, digestive issues, joints, leaky gut

Cilantro-Heavy metal detox

Garlic-Heart health, Candida, colds/flu

Ginger-Reduces inflammation/swelling

Turmeric-Arthritis, inflammation, heart disease

Kale-Nutrient dense, alkalizes pH, detox

Lemons-Contains Quercetin, vitamin C, alkalizing, seasonal allergies

Parsley-Alkalizing, bloating, chlorophyll 



Want to learn more? Schedule a juicing consultation with me: 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com 






Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

Romaine Lettuce- A Bread Alternative

Make a grain-free wrap with romaine lettuce. It does not have a very strong flavor, so it will not overpower what’s inside. Stuff it with grass-fed beef, antibiotic and hormone free chicken, more vegetables, or a meat mixture like the one in my Raw Walnut Tacos from my Clean Eating Recipe EBook along with avocado and other veggies! 





Raw Walnut Tacos

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. raw walnuts, ground in food processor
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. coconut liquid aminos
pinch of cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients in food processor and pulse into a coarse mixture. Place in green leaf or romaine lettuce. 

CLICK HERE for more cleaning eating recipes like this one. 




Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

Food Intolerances Could Be Making You Fat

70 to 80 percent of the United States population is intolerant to one or more foods!  This number is believed to be rising due to several lifestyle factors in our modern world: processed foods, convenience foods, corn and soybeans in EVERYTHING, food colorings and additives, preservatives, and etc.  Most doctor visits are for misdiagnosed food intolerances. 

There is a difference between a food "allergy" and a food "intolerance". 


Food Allergy:

Definition- the body reacts in the predictable fashion-with an immune system attack that results in symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or a skin rash.  (peanuts, soy, dairy products, shellfish, etc.)  (immediate reaction)


Food Intolerance: 

Definition-when protein molecules or one or more chemicals in particular foods cause a complex series of reactions eventually causing white blood cells to react.  Reactions may include: leaky blood vessels, increased production of mucous, chronic inflammation of tissue, contraction of the smooth muscle of the lungs, intestines, and stomach, and general disruption of biochemical processes. (may not show up for days later..)

Common Symptoms Include:


Acne, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, ADHD, Autism, bed-wetting, chronic diarrhea, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, ear infections, eczema, hay fever, headaches (tension type and migraine), inflammatory bowel disease, muscle aches, obesity, panic attacks, stuffy nose, watery itchy eyes, weight gain, bloating, and etc. 

We crave the very foods we are most intolerant to! They be disguised and may not show up until hours or days later.  If you eat the same things day in and day out your body cannot fully get rid of the residue and your body will eventually start to attack it causing the symptoms listed above. 

Food allergies and intolerance commonly causes inflammation in the gut.  The greater the level of inflammation in your digestive system, the greater likelihood that your abdominal muscles will NOT respond to exercise.  (paunch belly)

When overweight people remove intolerant foods from their diet, their brain chemicals, metabolism, and digestive system normalize.  Their food addictions vanish, their metabolism functions at its optimum rate, and their water retention disappears-without deprivation low-calorie diets, dangerous diet drugs, and endless hours of exercise. 

Taking Action against Food Allergy and Intolerance:


Blood Test: ALCAT that I offer. This is a computerized blood test which measures any changes to white blood cells in presence of common foods, environmental chemicals, pharmaceuticals, molds, herbs, soy, gluten, dairy, candida, and etc. This test is much more reliable and accurate than skin scratch tests and ones done at your doctor's office. 

If the white blood cells become enlarged, burst, or shrink, these changes set the stage for serious health problems that develop immediately or perhaps years later. Cost varies depending on the different test panels! Please contact me for more information! 712.790.5883 Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com





Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com





Tips for a Healthy Holiday

Your "On the Go" Guide for a Healthy Holiday
1) Scout and plan ahead via the internet to determine where there might be health food stores or restaurants at your destination. Let your relatives know what type of foods you're used to and help direct them to the right choices.
2) Most gyms, workout and yoga studios offer a free week to newbies! Great way to stay fit while in another city visiting relatives if you are on a budget! Or bundle up and run outside! BURST exercise can also be done anywhere with little or no equipment! (Contact me for workout plans)
3) Cranberry acts as a natural diuretic by flushing excessive fluids out of your body, as you may inadvertently consume more sodium than usual when traveling by eating out at restaurants and on the go. I often keep concentrated cranberry on hand and pour into a glass fresh water with some stevia to drink in the evenings or drink Weightless Cranberry Tea from Traditional Medicinals. I wake up and pee a large amount, which is a huge relief from feeling bloated!
4) Digestive Enzymes! They promote better digestion, and help improve the absorption and assimilation of nutrients into the body. One of the brands I like is Garden of Life RAW Enzymes, which I stash in my purse at all times, so I can eat 1 or 2 right before a heavier meals. (Contact me if you would like me to order some for you)


5)Bring your own travel snacks! Skip the peanuts, pretzels or cookies typically served on planes! Excellent choices include: raw nuts and seeds, LARABARS, fresh fruit, nut butter, raw veggies, hummus, salsa. To boost your immune system pack a Greens powder or Vitamin C packets! You can buy single use packets of these at Whole Foods or your local food co-op.


6) I like to bring an eye mask and my own blanket, neck pillow, headphones, and ear plugs on the airplance when traveling! Remember to stay hydrated-Drink 8 oz of water for every hour in flight! Be sure you are drinking from a glass or BPA-free water bottle! Avoid alcohol and caffeine; it is dehydrating!

7) Pack a good attitude! Nothing spoils a holiday trip or exacerbates any problems more then a sour disposition. Do your best to make the most of the situation and enjoy the season because it only comes once a year. You never know what great memories you will make if you're willing to enjoy the holiday!
8) Holiday treats: It’s true—there will be plenty of terrific foods. But will you feel good after you eat them? Imagine yourself overindulging. How do you feel afterwards? Was the taste really worth it? Could you have received the same pleasure with a smaller amount? And don't beat yourself up if you do eat too much!! We are human! Just be sure to get back on track!


9)If you do decide to have an adult beverage here is an option!! I may have to enjoy this cocktail on New Year's Eve only I would add some vodka!







Berry Cosmo 


1 oz cran-raspberry or berry sparkling water
1 oz vodka 
squeeze of lime
garnish with lime twist

Shake everything except sparkling water in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass, top with sparkling water and garnish with a lime twist.



10)Lastly, remember the holidays come once a year! They can be stressful so take some time out for YOU! Family getting to you? Get outside and take a walk in the fresh cool air! Schedule a massage with the money you get as a gift! Head to the movie theater! Anxiety? Go to an empty room take some deep breaths!


Wishing you  a joyous holiday season!!
Jackie



Copyright, 2012, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or JackieAMart@hotmail.com.

As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com


Probiotics: Do you need them? How is your gut?

Commonly known as “friendly or good bacteria,” probiotics have become widely popular!! One of the most frequently asked for supplements of customers that come into our store are probiotics. Everyone has taken antibiotics at any time in their life even when young has experienced disturbed intestinal balance and will benefit from taking probiotics. Antibiotics kill the good bacteria as well as the harmful ones. The longer you use antibiotics, the greater the damage to the intestinal flora. Symptoms include: indigestion, acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and cramps. Skin problems such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis are also a reflection of intestinal health.


Our bodies are made up of around 27 feet of intestines. Seventy percent of our immune cells are located here. Probiotics populate throughout our intestines and help with digestion, manufacture B vitamins that relate directly to our energy levels. They also strengthen our immune systems and make us less susceptible to colds, flu, and super bugs!!

You can increase the beneficial bacteria in your body by limiting your sugar intake because it feeds intestinal yeast, washing your hands, get regular exercise and sleep to strengthen your immune system, and by eating a daily cup of yogurt, drinking Kombucha, or eating any fermented foods such as: kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, kimchi, natto, and etc.

I take the Raw Probiotics for Women from Garden of Life. They contain 85 billion live cultures and are food based!! If you have any questions about probiotics please don’t hesitate to ask me!!