Author Archive for nina

Own your own Glow

By Guest Writer Jennifer McGregor

Own Your Glow: Everyday Ways to Look and Feel Your Absolute Best
When you’re feeling your best, it radiates outward—your energy is magnetic, your
confidence is effortless, and everything feels just a little more in sync. But achieving that
glow-up, inside and out, doesn’t require a total life overhaul. In fact, it’s more about what
you consistently do than what you occasionally attempt. Looking and feeling your best is
about curating a lifestyle rooted in self-awareness, intention, and joy. It means making
choices that serve you not just in the mirror, but in your mind, spirit, and day-to-day life.
Move Because You Want To, Not Because You “Should”
Too often, exercise gets tied to guilt—something you do to burn off calories instead of as a
celebration of what your body can do. When you shift that narrative, movement becomes a
privilege, not a punishment. Whether you prefer yoga, lifting heavy, dancing in your
kitchen, hiking with no destination, or just stretching out while your playlist takes over, the
goal is to move in a way that brings you energy rather than drains it. Choose what feels
sustainable and fun, and the benefits—from improved sleep to better posture to boosted
confidence—will naturally follow.

Change Careers for a More Fulfilling Future
If you wake up dreading the workday ahead, it might be time to ask yourself if your current
career still aligns with who you are and what you value. Making a career change doesn’t
have to be risky or abrupt—especially now, with online degree programs that make it easy
to earn your degree while still working full-time or tending to family obligations. By
earning a degree in psychology, you can study the cognitive and affective processes that
drive human behavior so you can support those in need of help, offering both insight and
impact. There’s no better time than now to explore more and take the first step toward a
path that feels meaningful.
Fuel Yourself Like Someone Worth Taking Care Of
Eating well shouldn’t feel like deprivation. You don’t have to live on green juice and grilled
chicken to treat your body with respect. Instead, focus on how food makes you feel—what
gives you energy, what satisfies you, and what actually tastes good. When you view your
meals as opportunities to nourish and restore, you’ll notice how much better you look and
feel, from your skin to your focus to your mood.
Sleep Like It’s Sacred (Because It Is)
There’s no serum or supplement that can replace the power of real rest. Getting enough
quality sleep isn’t lazy—it’s foundational. Your body repairs, your brain resets, and your
emotions recalibrate while you sleep. Creating a wind-down routine that helps you unplug,
reset, and decompress doesn’t just help you avoid burnout—it sets the tone for how you
carry yourself the next day, physically and mentally.
Make Self-Care a Non-Negotiable
You don’t have to wait for burnout to earn your self-care. Taking time for
yourself—whether it’s a skincare ritual, a midday walk, or a Sunday with your phone
off—is a way of saying, “I matter.” Self-care doesn’t have to be indulgent or expensive; it
just has to be intentional. When you consistently show up for yourself in small, quiet ways,
it builds resilience, confidence, and clarity that show up in every area of your life.
Start Something That’s Just Yours
Hobbies aren’t just about passing time—they’re about reclaiming it. Whether it’s painting,
playing piano, journaling, cooking, or rollerblading, carving out space for something that’s
purely for your joy can reignite your curiosity and confidence. When you’re engaged in
something you love, you get lost in the moment, and that kind of presence is magnetic.
Don’t underestimate how good it feels to be bad at something just for fun—it’s freeing.
Surround Yourself With Mirrors, Not Judges
The people around you have a massive impact on how you feel about yourself. Choose

relationships that reflect your worth, not ones that make you question it. Supportive
friends and community are like emotional mirrors—they reflect your best qualities back to
you and hold space for your growth. When your circle uplifts you, it becomes easier to
believe in your own light.
This isn’t about vanity or chasing perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself in a way
that feels real, sustainable, and affirming. Looking and feeling your best comes down to
treating yourself like someone who deserves the time, care, and attention you give so easily
to others. When you build a life that nourishes you from the inside out, the glow becomes
undeniable—and it’s all yours.
Discover the transformative power of personalized nutrition and positive aging at Big
Picture Long Life and start making the rest of your life the best of your life!

By Guest Writer: Jennifer McGregor


Aging brings new opportunities to prioritize well-being and embrace a fulfilling lifestyle. As
the years go by, the choices made each day play a crucial role in shaping health and
happiness. A balanced approach to physical, mental, and emotional care creates a strong
foundation for navigating life’s changes. Exploring meaningful ways to maintain vitality
opens the door to richer experiences and greater independence. With the right mindset,
these years can become a vibrant chapter filled with growth and discovery.
Work with a Nutrition Coach
Working with a nutrition coach offers personalized guidance that helps you build a
healthier relationship with food and achieve your wellness goals. A coach provides tailored
advice to fit your unique needs, simplifying the path to better eating habits while offering
motivation and support. They can help demystify nutrition, create practical meal plans, and
ensure sustainable changes that align with your lifestyle. For expert insight, connecting
with Nina at Big Picture Long Life offers the opportunity to work with a dedicated
professional passionate about helping others thrive. With a nutrition coach by your side,
achieving long-term health becomes an attainable and rewarding journey.

Try a Mindfulness App
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can be a transformative experience.
Apps designed for mindfulness offer a user-friendly interface to make mindfulness
accessible to all ages, including older adults. These apps feature comprehensive beginner’s
programs with sessions that focus on key mindfulness elements such as awareness and
emotional management. While they may not boast an extensive library like some paid
options, they provide valuable resources, including specialized programs aimed at
improving sleep quality.
Start Your Dream Business
There’s no better time than now to turn your dream business into reality. Starting a
business requires thoughtful steps like identifying your niche, creating a solid plan, and
establishing a professional foundation. Forming a limited liability company (LLC) offers
valuable benefits like asset protection and flexibility in how you manage and scale your
business. For a seamless start, consider working with a reputable formation service to
handle the paperwork efficiently.
Drink Enough Water
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining overall health and supporting your body’s
vital functions. Water helps regulate body temperature, aids digestion, and keeps your
joints lubricated, ensuring your body operates at its best. Proper hydration also boosts
energy levels, enhances focus, and promotes healthier skin. When you drink enough water,
you’re giving your body the tools it needs to flush out toxins and stay balanced. Making
hydration a priority each day is a simple yet powerful way to support your well-being and
keep your body resilient.
Build a Support Network If You Have a Chronic Illness
Creating a support network is a powerful strategy if you’re managing a chronic illness. By
connecting with local support groups or online communities, you can share experiences
and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges. These groups offer a platform
for exchanging practical advice and emotional support, which is crucial for maintaining a
positive outlook. Additionally, professional support services, such as counseling and
therapy, can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs. These services
are often available through hospitals or clinics and may be covered by health insurance.
Invest in Cooking Classes
Participating in cooking classes can be a transformative way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
By learning new recipes, you not only broaden your culinary skills but also cultivate
healthier eating habits, which are essential for overall well-being. These classes offer a
structured environment where you can gain insights from experienced chefs, who provide
valuable tips and techniques that might be challenging to learn independently. The sense of accomplishment from mastering new dishes can boost your confidence and provide a
rewarding sense of achievement. Moreover, engaging in such social and educational
activities can help build lasting relationships, turning cooking from a solitary task into a
shared, enjoyable experience.
Embrace Continuous Learning
Embracing continuous learning fosters growth and keeps the mind active, making it an
essential part of a healthy lifestyle for seniors. Expanding knowledge through new skills,
hobbies, or interests enhances mental agility and creates opportunities for meaningful
connections. Learning stimulates curiosity, strengthens memory, and can even boost
confidence as achievements build over time. Engaging in ongoing education also helps
maintain a sense of purpose and opens doors to new experiences. For seniors, the pursuit
of learning can transform daily life into a journey of discovery and fulfillment.
As you explore these strategies, you pave the way for a life filled with purpose and vitality.
Each step you take towards a healthier lifestyle not only enhances your personal well-being
but also inspires those around you. Embrace the journey with enthusiasm and confidence,
knowing that your efforts contribute to a richer, more fulfilling life.
Discover the transformative power of personalized nutrition and positive aging with Nina
Rebstock at Big Picture Long Life and start making the rest of your life the best of your life!

*Nina at Big Picture Long Life
*sessions that focus on key mindfulness elements
*reputable formation service
*supporting your body’s vital functions*connecting with local support groups or online communities*learning new recipes*maintain a sense of purpose

Nina really helped me

I got the help I needed with Nina

by nina

February 20th, 2024

I had been having digestive issues for years, and despite a very high fiber diet, had not
found a resolution for over 5 years. Finally, I decided I wanted to find a nutritionist.
Doctors or hospitals do not have lists of Nutritionists to recommend. So, I went
online to find some one local and found Nina.
I signed up for 3 visits with Nina. She spent lots of time on my first visit going over
my medical history, diet, and life habits. She made many recommendations, most
especially to begin to add fermented foods to my diet, as it is better to eat your pro
and prebiotics than take a pill. I searched out foods online then locally. I began
adding them to my daily diet. Within 2 weeks of starting the fermented foods, my
digestive issues were gone.
She also recommended collagen, taking vitamin D along with Vitamin K, introduced
me to Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, raw cheese, Nancy’s Cottage cheese with
probiotics and Proteolytic Enzymes.
I especially like the way Nina is versed in medicine and foods that are good for the
body and for health, alleviating issues people might have. She keeps up with the latest
research and tells you about them to educate you at the same time. I found this advice
priceless and very helpful for me.

2-15-2024

Microplastics

Microplastics: How They Get There, Health Risks & How to Minimize Exposure

Your yogurt containers are probably made of polypropylene (PP), or #5 plastic, which does not contain BPA, an estrogenic chemical that we know to be harmful. The #7 plastic is the one that may contain BPA. So the yogurt containers may be safe to reuse, although a recent study in Environmental Health Perspectives indicates all types of plastics used in food containers, beverage cans, plastic bottles, and wrappers can release estrogenic activators if reused repeatedly, and we know that such chemicals can be harmful. It may well be that the amounts released are too small to cause problems, but if you want absolutely certain safety, store food in glass containers only. If you do reuse plastic containers, follow the Environmental Working Group’s advice, and only use #1, 2, 4, or 5, although one study shows that higher temperatures can cause the release of the heavy metal antimony from #1, PET. And since heat intensifies the release chemicals, never microwave with any type of plastic container and don’t put hot food in it. Regarding the plastic bags, I doubt that they pose a problem, since there is no liquid in bulk items to leach anything out like there is with most leftovers. But to play it super safe, you could avoid storing grains, beans, nuts, or flour in the bags.

As noted, many #7 plastic containers contain BPA, and although the BPA is being phased out, you should not use any #7 container unless you are sure it is BPA-free. The most frightening thing is that some baby bottles, toys, and sippy cups contain BPA, to which to fetuses and children are more vulnerable than adults.

Also, BPA lurks in other places, including the lining of some metal water bottles and in food and beverage cans at possibly harmful levels, according to a study by EWG. I hate to break this news, because canned foods are an excellent way to preserve the solar energy and vitamins from a summer’s harvest.

While the food industry denies that BPA can reach hazardous levels in food, the jury is still out. Evidence of the dangers have prompted the EPA and the National Institutes of Health to conduct further research on the substance. Households that consume a lot of canned food and beverages, especially of they have children, may want to consider cutting back until we get the results of that study.

So, although reuse is usually preferable to recycling, in the case of plastic food and beverage containers, recycling is a better choice. Besides, the plastic industry is desperate for more of the stuff. While U.S. capacity for PET (plastic bottles) recycling alone is estimated at almost 1.9 billion pounds, only 20 percent of the PET even gets collected here, and of that, only about 642 million pounds make it to U.S. companies. The other 800 million pounds is, like so many of our jobs, outsourced to foreign factories.

In recent years, concerns about the safety of bottled water  have surged, especially with growing evidence of micro plastics and nano plastics contaminating our water supply. These tiny plastic particles, invisible to the naked eye, have raised alarm bells among health experts and environmentalists alike, and there’s no doubt that bottled water microplastics have become a significant concern due to their potential health risks.

In fact, research shows high levels of microplastics in bottled water. For instance, Columbia University and Rutgers University researchers found approximately 240,000 detectable plastic fragments in a typical liter of bottled water.

Another study conducted by Orb Media tested 259 bottles from 11 different brands and found that 93 percent of the samples contained micro plastic contamination. The study identified an average of 325 plastic particles per liter of water.

These plastic nanoparticles, often less than five millimeters in size, can infiltrate your drinking water through various means.

Let’s explore what microplastics are, how they end up in bottled water, their health risks and how you can minimize exposure.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, originating from various sources such as the breakdown of larger plastic debris, industrial processes and personal care products. Nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring less than 100 nanometers.

Both types of plastic particles are pervasive in the environment, making their way into oceans, rivers and even the air we breathe. 

Recent studies show that bottled water can contain both micro plastics andeven smaller nano plastics, which pose unique challenges due to their minute size.

How Do Microplastics Get Into Bottled Water?

Microplastics can enter bottled water at multiple stages of the production process:

1. Source water contamination

Natural water sources, including springs and aquifers, can be contaminated due to environmental pollution. These particles are difficult to remove through conventional water treatment plants. 

2. Bottling process

During the bottling process, microplastics can leach into the water from the plastic bottles and caps themselves. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other polymers used in bottle manufacturing degrade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight and heat.

3. Production process

During the bottling process, microplastics are found in the machinery and filtration systems used. For example, polyamide particles, a type of nylon, are found to contaminate bottled water through plastic filters used for purification.

4. Packaging and storage

Microplastics can also enter  bottled water during storage and transportation. Improper handling and exposure to fluctuating temperatures can exacerbate the release of microplastics from the bottle into the water.

Health Risks of Bottled Water Microplastics

The ingestion of microplastics and nanoplastics through bottled water poses several potential health risks:

1. Toxic chemical exposure

Microplastics can act as carriers for toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A BPA, phalates and other harmful substances. These chemicals can disrupt endocrine functions  and lead to various health issues such as develpment malformations, interference with reproduction, great risk of cancer, and immune and nervous system function disturbances.

2. Inflammatory responses

Microplastics can cause inflammation in the body, potentially leading to conditions such as gastrointestinal inflammation and other related diseases.

3. Cellular damage

Nanoplastics, due to their extremely small size, can penetrate cellular membranes, contributing to  oxidative stress and cellular damage, interfering with normal cellular functions and may contribute to chronic diseases.

4. Bioaccumulation

5. Organ and tissue damage

Microplastics are toxic and cause damage to tissues and organs when they accumulate in significant quantities.

6. Further exposure to pollutants

Microplastics transport other pollutants, including heavy metals and organic toxins, potentially introducing them into the human body when ingested.

How to Minimize Exposure

While it may be challenging to avoid microplastics entirely, there are several steps you can take to minimize your exposure:

1. Choose glass or stainless steel

Choose water stored in glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic bottles. These materials are less likely to leach harmful particles into the water.

For instance, studies have shown that glass bottles tend to have lower levels of microplastic contamination compared to plastic bottles​.

2. Use water filters  Invest in high-quality water filters that are capable of removing microplastics and helping remove tap water toxicity. Look for a filter with a pore size small enough to capture even the tiniest particles.

3. Avoid single-use plastics

Reduce your consumption of single-use plastics, which cause pollution and the breakdown into microplastics. Use reusable water bottles and other sustainable alternatives.

4. Stay informed

Keep abreast of the latest research on microplastics and water safety. Awareness is key to making informed choices about the water you consume.

Conclusion

The presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. While the full extent of their health impacts is still being studied, it is clear that reducing exposure to these contaminants is essential.

By making conscious choices about the water you drink and the containers you use, you can protect yourself and contribute to a healthier environment.

Stay informed, choose wisely and advocate for cleaner, safer water for all.


Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Your Favorite Sparkling Water?

Here’s What to Know

Many brands have PFAS levels of more than 1 part per trillion, exceeding the Environmental Working Group’s recommendation.

 Another day, another potential toxin in one of your favorite products to worry about. This time, it’s PFAS in sparkling water. 

PFAS, short for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals designed to withstand water, oil, grease, and heat, which may sound ideal for food packaging. Until you learn that these chemicals take at least a century to break down in the human body, and much longer in our environment, and like many man-made substances approved for extensive use, they’re much less safe than we thought. 

FOOD & WINE / LA CROIX BEVERAGES INC. / THE COCA-COLA COMPANY / POLAR BEVERAGES

Linked to cancer, autoimmune disease, thyroid problems, and more health issues, PFAS’ toxicity is worrying, and still being studied. And unfortunately, PFAS are prevalent throughout our environment, from the seafood to water.

How to Mitigate Your Exposure to ‘Forever Chemicals”

Bottled and canned water is often considered a healthier or safer option, thanks to purification and processing. But that may not necessarily be the case. In 2020,Consumer Reports ran a study to determine PFAS levels in 47 bottled waters, including 35 non carbonated and 12 carbonated samples. Many of the carbonated waters had PFAS in them.  

Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water, La Croix Natural Sparkling Water, Canada Dry Lemon Lime Sparkling Seltzer Water, Poland Spring Zesty Lime Sparkling Water, Bubly Blackberry Sparkling Water, Polar Natural Seltzer Water, and Topo Chico Natural Mineral Water all had PFAS levels higher than 1 part per trillion.The Environmental Working Group (EWG)  recommends only drinking water with less than 1 ppt of PFAS. Meaning, yes, sparkling water can be potentially problematic. 

San Pellegrino sparkling water has PFAS, but at levels that are considered safe. As of July 2023, Yahoo reported that San Pellegrino’s PFAS levels are 0.31 parts per trillion (ppt), while levels below 1 ppt are considered safe. Other sparkling waters with low PFAS levels include:

  • Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry Sparkling Water: No detectable levels
  • Spindrift: 0.19 ppt
  • Dasani: 0.37 ppt
  • Schweppes: 0.58 pp

Luckily for seltzer drinkers, improvements can be made. After pledging to create a healthier product following the Consumer Reports study, Topo Chico halved the amount of PFAS in its sparkling water, from 9.7 parts per trillion to 3.9 parts per trillion by 2021. Still, that’s higher than the suggested intake, but it’s a start. 

Seltzers are commonly believed to be healthier than sugar-packed sodas, but recent research is bringing down their cred. For many, sparkling water is a great way to hydrate and drink the water necessary for overall health. For others, sparkling water can cause gut issues including bloating and reflux. If sparkling water triggers IBS or other digestive symptoms, it may be time to cut back on the bubble habit. Seltzers with sweeteners or additives, like artificial flavors, can also be detrimental to gut health, equivalent to, say, a Diet Coke. Something to smile about: Seltzer is healthier than soda any day.

This April, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the first-ever legally enforceable drinking water standard, in order to protect Americans from PFAS-contaminated water. And while that infrastructure project is in the works, there are a few ways you can remove PFAS from your water at home. 

First, you can test your tap water with a home test kit or through a local environmental agency. If PFAS are found, you can try removing them at home. Unfortunately, boiling water to sanitize it doesn’t work with forever chemicals, but Consumer Reports tested several faucet filters and a refrigerator filter to extricate PFAS from your water. From there, you can also make sparkling water at home with a counter top machine.

You can’t control what’s in your bottled water, but purifying and carbonating your water at home may be the safest and healthiest option for sparkling water lovers. 

The Top 12 Berberine Benefits

1. Aids Weight Loss

If you have extra pounds to shed, berberine may help. While there’s no substitute for having a healthy diet and getting exercise, berberine may actually rev up your metabolism.

Berberine not only boosts metabolism but also increases weight loss. Obese individuals who took berberine three times a day for 12 weeks lost weight — about five pounds each. While that’s not a huge amount of weight, it was also accompanied by a reduction in their body mass index (BMI).

Consuming berberine can shrink fat cells — for good — even when your diet works against you. If you have a healthier diet, you may have even better results!

2. Supports Normal Blood Sugar Levels

Berberine may promote normal blood sugar levels in the body. Maintaining a steady blood glucose level is best for good health, stable energy, and a healthy weight. This is not just true for the millions of Americans who experience Type 2 diabetes, but for all people.

Taking berberine three times a day for three months may help balance blood sugar. And berberine has low toxicity and few if any side effects.

3. Boosts Your Immune System

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have long used berberine to help infections, particularly gastrointestinal ones.

This herb can deter harmful organisms in your body because of its natural antibacterial properties. That means berberine can boost your immune system. 

Researchers found that the compound stopped certain harmful bacteria from creating a biofilm, a sticky substance that protects them. It takes up to 24 hours for bacteria to produce biofilms, so taking berberine every day can help your immune system ward off these harmful organisms.

4. Helps Canker Sores & Oral Health

Historically, Native Americans used goldenseal — which contains berberine compounds — to help with irritation inside the mouth and nose.

Today, people still use berberine for oral health, including for canker sores, which can make it uncomfortable to eat or drink.

Applying berberine gel may relieve both the discomfort and the redness of these sores. The gel even helped reduce the size of the canker sore when taken four times per day.

5. Counters Free Radicals With Antioxidant Properties

Berberine has antioxidant properties, which means that it helps reduce the damage free radicals cause to your cells.

When free radicals damage your cells, it leads to aging and disease. The process is similar to what happens to a freshly-cut apple after it gets exposed to air: The oxygen makes it turn brown.

Berberine activates an enzyme inside cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK slows down the production of free fatty acids — a type of free radical — thus slowing down oxidative stress in your body.

6. Soothes Inflammation

Berberine has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it reduces redness and swelling throughout the body.

Gut conditions like colitis and Crohn’s disease cause a lot of inflammation. In autoimmune diseases like these, your body attacks its own cells. Berberine may lower your body’s release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This reduces redness and swelling and boosts the immune system.

7. Balances Cholesterol & Helps Heart Health

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of berberine can boost heart health.

Berberine promotes normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are fats that your body makes from the foods you eat.

Keeping your cholesterol and triglyceride levels in check reduces your risk of heart disease. Researchers were so impressed with berberine’s powers, they hailed it as a breakthrough herbal medicine.

Berberine may also reduce high blood pressure. 

8. Soothes PCOS

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is an uncomfortable condition that affects many women. In people with PCOS, hormone imbalances lead to ovarian cysts.

Evidence suggests that berberine improves PCOS by promoting healthy blood sugar levels. 

Women with PCOS and infertility who took berberine for three months ended up with better-balanced hormone levels. On top of that, berberine helped balance their blood sugar and even improved pregnancy outcomes. That’s promising.

9. Helps Anxiety & Depression

This herb has a positive effect on mood. Not only does it lift your spirits, it may also help you feel calmer, happier, and less withdrawn. 

Berberine stimulates the production of brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. This is likely responsible for its antidepressant-like effects.

10. Boosts Memory & Learning

As we age, our memory and learning abilities can change, but taking supplements like berberine may promote normal brain aging processes.

Berberine can help boost memory and recall skills. Some evidence also suggests it can protect the brain from neurodegenerative conditions. One of the ways that berberine helps your nervous system stay healthy is by promoting healthy, normal levels of inflammation.

11. Provides Liver Protection

It’s not just for your heart, gut, and brain. Berberine may also protect your liver.

By promoting normal fat levels in the blood, berberine keeps fat from accumulating in the liver. It appears to help people with both alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, known causes of fat buildup in the liver.

Berberine seems to influence genes that control liver metabolism, helping it function more effectively.

12. Supports Gut Health

From minor concerns to leaky gut, your gastrointestinal health has a significant impact on your overall wellness. In fact, your gut microbiota has a tremendous influence on how you feel mentally and physically.

Although a probiotic can quickly improve the health of your gut, you may also want to consider berberine. People have used this compound for centuries to help digestive issues.

For instance, berberine can soothe diarrhea by fighting certain stomach infections caused by E. coli. When people took 150 mg of berberine HCL three times per day, it helped reduce their diarrhea.

I got the help I needed with Nina

I had been having digestive issues for years, and despite a very high fiber diet, had not
found a resolution for over 5 years. Finally, I decided I wanted to find a nutritionist.
Doctors or hospitals do not have lists of Nutritionists to recommend. So, I went
online to find some one local and found Nina.
I signed up for 3 visits with Nina. She spent lots of time on my first visit going over
my medical history, diet, and life habits. She made many recommendations, most
especially to begin to add fermented foods to my diet, as it is better to eat your pro
and prebiotics than take a pill. I searched out foods online then locally. I began
adding them to my daily diet. Within 2 weeks of starting the fermented foods, my
digestive issues were gone.
She also recommended collagen, taking vitamin D along with Vitamin K, introduced
me to Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, raw cheese, Nancy’s Cottage cheese with
probiotics and Proteolytic Enzymes.
I especially like the way Nina is versed in medicine and foods that are good for the
body and for health, alleviating issues people might have. She keeps up with the latest
research and tells you about them to educate you at the same time. I found this advice
priceless and very helpful for me.

2-15-2024

Reduce Inflammation

Ways to reduce Chronic Inflammation

And manage Chronic Pain

 

What is inflammation?

Acute inflammation in the body is a normal and healthy response to injury or attack by germs/bacteria.  We can see, feel and measure it as local heat, redness, swelling and pain.  This is the body’s way of getting more nourishment and immune activity to heal areas of infection or injury.

Chronic inflammation has a destructive potential, which we see when the immune system targets our own tissues in autoimmune dis-eases such as Type 1 diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia and lupus. (to name a few)

Whole body inflammation refers to a chronic, imperceptible, low-level condition.  It is the foundation for all dis-ease.  It can even contribute to psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety.

**The single most important thing one can do to counter chronic inflammation is to stop eating refined, processed, sugar laden food.

Ways to Reduce Inflammation

 

  1. Choose an anti-inflammatory diet-Organic if at all possible
  • Eat mostly vegetables daily—and low sugar fruits such as berries, apples, avocados, kiwi and grapefruit.
  • Consume abundant Bioflavonoids—Found in citrus, veggies, green tea, and cacao (raw chocolate), red wine, legumes, parsley and onions.
  • Bone broths are excellent
  1. Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices-Anti bacterial, fungal, microbial
  • Ginger-Shares properties with over the counter NSAID’s. It can inhibit genes that encode the molecules involved in chronic inflammation.
  • Boswellia-Ayurvedic medicine that can switch off key cell signalers known at cytokines, reducing inflammation.
  • Turmeric/Curcumin-Is a mild COX-2 inhibitor (like prescription strength drugs) but with only positive side effects.
  • Use quality Himalayan Sea Salt
  1. Use a bio-available multi vitamin/mineral complex
  • Folate, B complex, Vit C, D, A and E are powerful antioxidants which counter the effects of free radical damage. (Good Health or Life Extension)
  • Add Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) to your regiment. If vegetarian, algal sources are effective.  Use a tested product (free of mercury and other heavy metals) such as Krill Oil from Good Health.
  • Nuts and seeds such as walnuts (soaked is best) and freshly ground flaxseed are good sources of Omega 3’s.
  1. Upgrade your cooking oils. Do not use corn, soy, safflower, sunflower, canola or any other highly processed vegetable oil.
  • Use either coconut or avocado oil for cooking. Olive oil should be used for dressing foods.
  • Avoid Canola, safflower, peanut, soy etc. (refined oils high in Omega 6 which contributes to inflammation.)
  • Use real butter, not margarine or spreads. Cultured butter from Organic Valley is a good choice.
  1. Eat raw food–Enzymes reduce inflammation
  • Include raw fruits at breakfast (berries, apples etc)
  • Even in the winter eat seasonal, raw food such as sunflower sprouts, raw beet salads (greens of all kinds), broccoli, kale, cabbage and squash are all available.
  • Smoothies with green food, berries and milk substitute (not soy)
  1. Reduce or eliminate sugar!
  • The best way to reduce unhealthy sugars in the diet is to consume fewer processed foods and drinks in general, and refined carbs and sugars in particular. Fuel your energy demands with a slower-burning balance of proteins, healthy fats and whole-food carbs.
  • Change and sprout the grain you eat. Quinoa is a seed.  Sourdough bread is fermented and easier to digest.  Reduce grains in general as they are inflammatory.
  • Sugar destroys your immune system. Complex carbohydrates are considered healthy.  Real, whole foods.
  1. Move your Body and drink filtered water-Start hydrated daily!
  • Regular exercise has been proven to help control inflammation and insulin, thereby avoiding metabolic syndrome.
  • H2O is the very best way to hydrate. Avoid plastic bottles.  Mother said 8 glasses a day, she was right.
  • Exercise is excellent and recovery is important. Give your body time to heal and recover.  Reduce stress and self nurture.

Managing Chronic Pain

 

  • Recent studies show that taking ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) increases heart attack risk by 48% and Aleve increases risk by 53% when taken for as little as one to seven days.
  • Kidney impairment increases by 32%.
  • More than one in 10 Americans suffer from chronic pain, which increases with age.
  • The current opioid epidemic arises from inappropriate prescribing of drugs that work well for acute pain but not for managing ongoing chronic pain.
  • Acute and chronic pain, require different approaches.
  • Pain is the body alerting us that something is wrong. The challenge is both addressing the underlying cause of the pain and turning off the pain signal.
  • Pain such as sciatic nerve pain involves inflammation and pressure on the main nerve supplying eh back portions of the leg. It affects up to 43% of people and is associated with lower-back pain.
  • Treating pain with meds can result in high rates of addiction, side effects and even death.
  • As we live longer, chronic pain increasingly develops. It involves both peripheral inflammation at the site of an old injury and central stimulus in the brain.  In order to treat it, we need to intervene in the brain and peripheral sites.

Additional Effective Supplements and Modalities for Managing Chronic Pain:

  • Curcumin
  • Malic Acid (especially for fibromyalgia)
  • Willow Bark
  • Quercitin
  • CBD Oil
  • Sam-e
  • Skullcap
  • Magnesium
  • ComfortMax by Life Extension
  • Essential oils: https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/essential-oils-to-relieve-pain/

Treatment Modalities:

  • Accupunture
  • Tens 7000 Unit
  • Foam Roller (Find a good PT?)

 

Bonus Recipes: Greens with Glazed Garbanzo Beans

  • 10 ounces mustard greens (can substitute kale or any green of choice)
  • 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4-6 tablespoons vegetable broth, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tea Bragg’s amino acids
  • 1/4 tea raw honey (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Remove any large stems from the greens and discard. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.  In a deep pot or wok, sauté the onion in a tablespoon or two of vegetable broth until mostly faded to pink, about 4 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper and another tablespoon of broth and cook, stirring, for another minute. Add the mustard greens, 2 tablespoons of broth, and cook, stirring, until greens are wilted but still bright green, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the salt, if using. Remove greens and onions from pan with a slotted spoon and place in a serving dish, leaving any liquid in pan.

Add the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and agave or sugar to the liquid in the pan (if there is no liquid, add 2 tablespoons of broth). Add the chickpeas and cook, stirring, over medium heat until the liquid is reduced by about half. Spoon the chickpeas over the greens and drizzle the sauce over all.

Raw Kale Avocado Salad

 

1 bunch kale

1 ripe avocado

1 lemon (juice)

Sea salt

Olive oil to taste.

Massage kale with oil, add smashed cado, lemon juice and enjoy…Easy!

 

Prevent Cognitive Decline

Things that contribute to Alzheimer’s and Dementia,

and Things that help prevent these conditions.

 What are risk factors?

  • Risk factors are aspects of your lifestyle, environment and genetic background that increase the likelihood of getting a disease.
  • Risk factors on their own are not causes of a disease. Rather, risk factors represent an increased chance, but not a certainty, that dementia will develop.
  • Similarly, having little or no exposure to risk factors does not necessarily protect a person from developing dementia.

There are some risk factors that can be changed, and some that cannot.

Are there risk factors for dementia that you can control?

Some risk factors are modifiable, meaning that they can be changed. It has been estimated that around 40% of dementia cases may be the result of twelve key modifiable risk factors.

High blood pressure People who have consistent high blood pressure (hypertension) in mid-life (ages 45 to 65) are more likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal blood pressure.

High blood pressure can increase the risk of developing dementia, particularly vascular dementia, because of its effect on the heart, the arteries, and blood circulation.

Smoking The evidence is strong and consistent that smokers are at a higher risk of developing dementia vs. non-smokers or ex-smokers.

The WHO details the evidence behind smoking tobacco as a risk factor for dementia. It is known that smoking increases the risk of vascular problems, including strokes or smaller bleeds in the brain, which are also risk factors for dementia. In addition, toxins in cigarette smoke cause inflammation and stress to cells, which have both been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s never too late to quit! Smokers who quit can reduce their risk of developing dementia.

Diabetes People with type 2 diabetes in mid-life (ages 45 to 65) are at an increased risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Obesity – in mid-life (ages 45 to 65) increases the risk of developing dementia. Obesity also increases the risk of developing other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes.

Lack of physical activity Physical inactivity in later life (ages 65 and up) increases the risk of developing dementia.

Poor diet- unhealthy diet, high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt, can increase the risk of developing many illnesses, including dementia and cardiovascular disease. (We know this!)

High alcohol consumption Drinking excessively (more than 12 drinks per week), can increase your risk of developing dementia.

Low levels of cognitive engagement Cognitive engagement are thought to support the development of a “cognitive reserve”. This is the idea that people who actively use their brains throughout their lives may be more protected against brain cell damage caused by dementia.

Depression People who experience depression in mid- or later life have a higher risk of developing dementia. However, the relationship between depression and dementia is still unclear.

Many researchers believe that depression is a risk factor for dementia, whereas others believe it may be an early symptom of the disease, or both.

Traumatic brain injury People who experience severe or repeated head injuries are at increased risk of developing dementia. Brain injuries may trigger a process that might eventually lead to dementia.

This particularly affects athletes in boxing, soccer, hockey, and football, which often have repeated head injuries.

Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury. Falling is especially dangerous for older adults.

Hearing loss Mild levels of hearing loss increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Though it is still unclear how exactly it affects cognitive decline, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, loss of independence, and problems with everyday activities.

Social isolation social isolation can increase the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, depression, and dementia.

Staying socially active may reduce the risk of dementia. Social interaction may also help slow down the progression of the disease.

Air pollution the relationship between air pollution and dementia is still unclear. However, it’s estimated that those living close to busy roads have a higher risk of dementia because they may be exposed to higher levels of air pollution from vehicle emissions.

It’s never too soon, or too late, to make changes that will maintain or improve your brain health. Learn more about managing some of these risk factors.

Are there risk factors for dementia that I cannot control?

Age Dementia is not a normal part of aging. However, age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia. The older you become, the higher the risk:

  • One in 20 over age 65 has Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
  • After 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles approximately every five years, with one in four over 85 having Alzheimer’s disease.

While rare, dementia can affect people under 65. This is known as young-onset dementia.

Gender- Women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than men. While the reasons for this are still unclear, some of the potential contributors include women generally living longer on average than men and changes in estrogen levels over many women’s lifetimes.

For types of dementia other than Alzheimer’s disease, men and women have the same risk. There is not much data yet available on non-binary people and dementia, though some research is in progress.

Genetics We don’t yet fully understand the role of genes in the development of dementia. We do know that most cases of Alzheimer’s disease are sporadic, meaning they do not run in families. Only rare instances of Alzheimer’s disease are inherited or familial, accounting for two to five percent of all cases.

Scientists have found over 70 genes that may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Three of these genes directly cause Alzheimer’s disease: PSEN1PSEN2, and APP.

If a person has an alteration in any of these genes, they will almost certainly develop familial Alzheimer’s disease, often well before the age of 65. If a parent has any of these changed genes, their children have a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.

The other genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease increase the risk, but don’t guarantee that Alzheimer’s disease will develop. Some other forms of dementia also have familial forms, such as some forms of frontotemporal dementia.

Other risk factors

  • Other medical conditions that can increase your chances of developing dementia include Parkinson’s diseasemultiple sclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and HIV.
  • Down syndrome and some other developmental disabilities may also increase your risk of developing dementia.

Now that you know what the risk factors are, find out more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and brain.

Aluminum

Current research provides no convincing evidence that exposure to trace elements of aluminum is connected to the development of dementia.

Aluminum has been studied for over 40 years as a substance that might be linked to dementia. However, there have been many conflicting findings.

  • Some studies show increased levels of trace elements of aluminum in the brains of people with dementia, while others do not.
  • Studies have not found an increased incidence of dementia in people with occupational exposure to aluminum.
  • Tea is one of the few plants whose leaves accumulate larger trace element amounts of aluminum that can seep into the brewed beverage. However, there is no evidence that dementia is more prevalent in cultures that typically drink large amounts of tea.
  • Unfortunately, earlier animal studies focused on one animal that is particularly susceptible to aluminum poisoning, which has led to incorrect conclusions about the general effects of aluminum on the body.

Aluminum in cookware and other products

It would be difficult to significantly reduce exposure to aluminum simply by avoiding the use of aluminum products such as pots and pans, foil and beverage cans.

That’s because the use of aluminum in these products only contributes to a very small percentage of the average person’s intake of aluminum. It’s important to remember that aluminum is an element found naturally in the environment and our bodies at levels that are normal and not harmful.

Aluminum in the environment

Aluminum has a non-metallic form that makes up eight per cent of the earth’s surface. In small amounts, aluminum is referred to as “trace elements”, and occur naturally in the foods we eat, in our drinking water and are even added to the water treatment process in some municipalities.

Trace elements of aluminum may also be found in:

  • Many processed foods
  • Cosmetics and personal hygiene products, such as deodorants and nasal sprays
  • Some drugs to make them more effective or less irritating.
  • The air we breathe from dry soil, cigarette smoke, pesticide sprays and aluminum-based paint.

Aluminum in our bodies

Aluminum is also found naturally in our bodies, but its role is not fully understood. Very little of the aluminum taken in by a healthy individual is absorbed; most of it is flushed out by the kidneys.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep… According to New York Times Best Selling Author, Lisa Genova. sleep (including naps) allows our brains to rest and restore. Loss of sleep can lead to an increase of amyloid and tau in cerebral fluid. Studies show clearly that lack of sufficient, good sleep is likely a contributing factor in developing dementia/Alzheimer’s.

“Sleep helps save memories in two steps. First, the unique pattern of neural activity that occurred in your brain when you were experiencing, learning and even rehearsing something while awake is reactivated during sleep. This neural replay is thought to facilitate the linking of these connections, cementing them into a single memory,” says Genova.  Sleep helps consolidate memories, and insufficient sleep interferes with consolidation.

Sleep appears to be helpful for all muscle memory skills.

There is also power in napping. Naps help you retain what you have already learned, and they seem to help make room for what you’re going to learn. 20-minute naps are plenty and seem to be ideal. A key to napping is rest 7-8 hours after you awake in the morning. So, if you rise at 7, 2 or 3 would be a good nap time. When you go beyond this 8-hour window it tends to mess up your circadian rhythms and can cause drowsiness and disorientation.

I have been a “power” napper most of my adult life. I’ll discuss my method at this class…

Studies are showing that sleep is critical for reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Deep sleep is like a power cleanse for your brain.

If you operate on less-than-optimal sleep, it’s like your brain is on an amyloid hangover. The glial cells won’t have enough time to clean your brain.  Sleeping less than seven to nine hours a night poses a real risk to your health and your memories.

Women and Dementia: Understanding sex/gender differences in the brain. brainXchange, 2018. This webinar discusses understandings of sex and gender, sex differences in Alzheimer’s disease, how the higher number of women with Alzheimer’s may be due to both, and a discussion of the role of estrogen in the health of brain regions associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the Canadian Consortium of Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA).

The most known supplements that are used in prevention of dementia are:

  • Vitamin E
  • Gingko biloba- Ginkgo has a long history of use in treating blood disorders and memory issues. It is best known today as way to potentially keep your memory sharp. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by opening blood vessels and making blood less sticky. It is also an antioxidant.
  • Turmeric
  • Omega-3s
  • Vit D3 with K
  • B Complex
  • Bacopa- Bacopa monnieri (often called brahmi) is a botanical frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine. The main indications for using Bacopa in Ayurvedic medicine are memory improvement, insomnia, epilepsy, and as an anxiolytic.
  • Phosphatidylserine- Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance that protects nerve cells in your brain and enables them to communicate with each other. The nutritional supplement phosphatidylserine promotes cognitive function and memory, especially as you age to better support how your cells communicate and enhance your glucose metabolism.
  • Luteolin-Luteolin has potent anti-inflammatory actions, inhibiting important mediators of inflammation, that are also involved in pain, such as cytokines and enzymes.
  • Acetyl L-Carnitine- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), the short-chain ester of carnitine, is a common dietary supplement, claimed to improve energy levels and muscle strength.
  • Lion’s Mane

The MIND diet, a nutrition plan developed for the prevention of dementia, was developed over a more than 20-year study of thousands of individuals.

Experts have developed a diet that brings many of these brain-healthy foods together. The MIND diet – which stands for Mediterranean/DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay – combines elements of the popular Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.

This diet incorporates fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs, whole grains and healthy fats, such as olive oil, all of which have been shown to decrease inflammation, prevent cell damage, and slow down the effects of brain aging.

Best Foods for Preventing Dementia (no mystery here…)

  1. Colorful Fruits and Vegetables

Studies have found that foods with higher levels of carotenoids – the pigments that give fruits and veggies their orange and red color – are associated with better brain health and a lower risk of dementia. Food that are rich in carotenoids include carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, papaya, apricots, and leafy greens such as spinach and kale.

  1. Berries

Berries are a great source of antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which are known to prevent cell damage and can stop the progression of brain damage from free radicals. Foods such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries all pack this nutritional punch – plus they have the added benefit of being naturally lower in sugar than many other fruits.

  1. Fish

Seafood, in particular fatty fish such as tuna and salmon, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with good brain health and a reduced risk of cognitive decline. The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is especially helpful in this regard, but our bodies cannot produce it on their own, so we have to rely on diet. Experts say two to three servings of fish a week is enough to provide your brain with all the benefits of this nutrient.

  1. Nuts, Seeds and Legumes

Nuts, seeds and legumes contain antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as other nutrients such as vitamin E, B vitamins, choline, magnesium and zinc. All of these are shown to promote brain health and reduce age-related cognitive decline. Foods such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are all good choices to add to your diet if you’re looking to score these benefits.

  1. Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in fiber, B vitamins and other nutrients and can reduce inflammation in the brain, supporting memory and warding off dementia. Whole grains such as quinoa, barley, brown rice and oats are great choices and can be healthier alternatives to more processed grains, such as white flour.

Foods to Avoid

Foods that are known to contribute to inflammation should be limited if you are seeking to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Some of the main culprits include:

  • Red meat
  • Desserts, sweets and sugary beverages
  • Refined grains
  • Processed, fried and fast foods.
  • Alcohol (consume in moderation)
  • Sugar

 

Good Sources of Good Fats

Good Sources of Good Fat: 4-5 Servings daily

  • Ex V coconut oil
  • Ex V olive oil, avocado, macadamia, walnut or almond oil. Should not be used for high-heat. For cooking use ghee ,butter or coc oil.
  • MCT oil-medium chain triglyceride oil from coconut-NuMedica
  • Organic coc milk (1/4) cup-Native forest
  • Avocado
  • Fatty fish: sardines, mackerel, herring, black cod, and wild salmon
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Olives
  • Grass-fed butter, clarified butter, ghee (if allergic to dairy use ghee)

Best Fat-containing Foods:

  • Animal Protein: grass fed beef, bison, lamb or venison
  • Poultry: Organic chicken, duck, turkey, eggs
  • Seafood: Sustainable and low in mercury: Tilapia, trout (freshwater), wild salmon (canned or fresh), anchovies, sole, calamari, sardines, herring
  • Shellfish: clams, crab, mussels, oysters, scallops, shrimp
  • Dairy: Clarified grass fed butter, ghee and grass fed butter
  • Nondairy Milks: almond, cashew, coconut, hemp
  • Nuts: almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts macadamias, pecans
  • Seeds: chia, black sesame, flax hemp, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, walnuts
  • Nut and Seed Butter: almond, cashew, hazelnut,
  • Saturated Plant Fats: Coconut milk, Ex V organic coconut butter and oil, palm oil (Nutiva or Spectrum only)
  • Sesame oil-can be used for higher heat (expeller-pressed only)

 

*Divide protein up to 30 to 40 grams and a meal. Protein powders: a few good choices are: Raab Whey protein, Raw Organic Green Food by Garden of Eden, Hemp or chia protein based powders.

 

Most of your diet should be: whole plant foods, vegetables, nuts and seeds, sustainably raised animal products, and limit fish.

 

Fiber is your friend: When you increase fiber, you decrease spike effect of cabs in your blood sugar.

 

 

Excellent fiber foods are:

 

  • Fiber: 6.7 grams per half, raw. …
  • Fiber: 5.5 grams per medium fruit, raw. …
  • Bran Flakes. Fiber: 7 grams per cup, raw. …
  • Whole-Wheat Pasta. Fiber: 6.3 grams per cup, cooked. …
  • Pearled barley. Fiber: 6 grams per cup, cooked. …
  • Fiber: 4 grams per cup, cooked.
  • Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and kale

 

Good Fat Recipe     Avocado/Orange Salad

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

 
  • 1 cup packed cilantro
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • Pinch of minced garlic

Salad

  • 2 large oranges
  • 8 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup slivered red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
  • Puree cilantro, oil, lime juice, orange juice, salt, pepper and garlic in a blender until smooth. Slice both ends off oranges. With a sharp knife, remove the peel and white pith; discard. Working over a salad bowl, cut the segments from their surrounding membrane; discard the membrane. Add greens, avocado, onion and vinaigrette; toss to coat. (Refrigerate the extra dressing for up to 2 days.)

High Fiber Eases Inflammation. Soluble and Insoluble…what are they, why should we care, and how do we get it?

Plagued with achy joints? Your remedy may be found on your plate…

New research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases journal discovered that those that eat a higher fiber diet are less likely to experience osteoarthritic knee pain.

The Framingham study spanned over 34 years and included just over 1,200 people with an average age of 54.

  • The group that ate the highest amount of fiber ate an average of 26 grams
  • The group that ate the lowest amount of fiber ate an average of 14 grams

The researchers found that the more fiber people ate, the less knee pain they reported, and the less likely they were to be diagnosed with knee arthritis. In fact, those that ate the most fiber had 61% less risk of osteoarthritis knee pain compared to those who ate the least fiber.

No One Gets Enough Fiber

The group that ate the highest amount of fiber was still under the recommended daily allowance for dietary fiber. Fiber only occurs in fruits vegetables and grains. Ii is part of the cellular wall of these foods. High fiber diets may reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. They draw fluid from the body to add bulk to the stool.

Fiber supports healthy cholesterol, feeds our microbiome, stabilizes blood sugar levels, escorts toxic bile to the toilet and keeps the bowels running smoothly.

It safeguards your colon, liver and gallbladder, supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and, as the study above showed, it can also reduce knee pain from arthritis! It may not surprise you that Americans only eat about half the fiber they should in order to harvest the health benefits of a high-fiber diet. The average American only gets 10-20g of dietary fiber per day. According to experts, if you can achieve a fiber intake of 50 grams per day or more, you will experience a healthy difference.

Ayurveda’s takes on Joint Ailments

Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda made the connection between joint health and colon health, in that many joint ailments actually originate in the colon. Toxins and undigested food can irritate and compromise the integrity of the intestinal wall. These irritants can lead to lymph and liver congestion, which can lead to an accumulation of toxic irritants in the joints.

A high-fiber diet ensures the health and integrity of the intestinal lining, and also ensures that the unwanted toxins attach to the bile (which acts like a toxin-eating Pac-Man) It is important to be eating fiber at all times of year to ensure the health of the colon. There are two types of fiber, insoluble and soluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber is often called “roughage,” as it generally does not break down in the digestive tract. It is found in fresh fruits, veggies, tubers and legumes.

Insoluble fiber’s job is to provide bulk in the intestines, while helping to balance the pH levels in the intestines. It promotes regular bowel movements, and helps to prevent constipation. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, and doesn’t ferment with bacteria in the colon. It is believed to help prevent diverticulosis and hemorrhoids, while sweeping out carcinogens and toxins from the system. Nuts, seeds, potatoes, fruit with skin, and green vegetables are excellent sources, as mentioned above.

The job of soluble fiber is much the same, however it creates a gel in the system binding with fatty acids. Studies show that it prolongs stomach emptying to allow for better absorption of nutrients. Soluble fiber helps to lower cholesterol and helps to regulate blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes. It is present in beans, legumes, oats, barley, berries, flax seeds, and some vegetables like okra. It does ferment in the stomach, which can lead to bloating and gas. Increase these foods gradually, and drink plenty of water.

Soluble fibers are the fibers that break down and become slimy and soft during the digestive process. Many foods have a little of both types of fiber, but there is a seasonal emphasis that we can follow.

In the spring and summer, there is an abundance of insoluble fiber with the harvest of leafy greens and fibrous fruits, veggies and tubers. In the fall and winter, there is a shift to a harvest of soluble fibers with more grains, beans and seeds that are readily available.

Where has all the Fiber Gone?

According to a new study out of John Hopkins, every day, massive amounts of fiber are thrown away.

Instead of eating the fiber-rich foods on our plates, we are throwing our uneaten food fiber into landfills. The amount of fiber we throw away annually, if eaten, would provide the amount of fiber we would need to meet our daily fiber requirements.

For example, food wasted each day in 2012 contained about 1.8 billion grams of dietary fiber. That same year, American women under-consumed dietary fiber by 8.9 grams per day.

The daily amount of wasted dietary fiber was equivalent to the amount needed to fill this shortfall for as many as 206.6 million adult women, according to the study. 

To help remedy this problem, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency have a goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030.

Soluble Fiber–Soluble fiber is soluble in water. It becomes slimy and lubricating in the gut when it mixes with water in the digestive system. Think of psyllium or Metamucil.

Food Sources

Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas and some fruits and veggies.

Function

  • Binds with fatty acids and bile in the gut, which are generally attached to bad cholesterol and toxins earmarked for the toilet.
  • Becomes gel-like in the gut and slows the absorptions of fats and sugars into the blood stream.

Benefits

  • Supports healthy good and bad cholesterol and LDL levels, thereby supporting heart health.
  • Regulates or slows the blood sugar release from the gut for healthy blood sugar levels.

Risks

  • Too much soluble fiber can dehydrate the gut. Have you ever added water to psyllium in a glass? Being a soluble fiber, it will attract water and expand quickly in the glass. If too much soluble fiber is taken, it may pull water away from the gut wall, drying it out.
  • The expansive effect of soluble fiber can also overly distend the gut. This could cause chronic constipation, a distended bowel, and sluggish absorption of certain nutrients such as sugars and fats into the blood stream.

Insoluble Fiber–Insoluble fiber does not mix with water and generally moves through the gut intact, acting as bulk and scrubbing the intestinal wall. Think of vegetable roughage.

Food Sources–Insoluble fiber is found in wheat bran, fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Function

  • Insoluble fiber tends to speed up the passage of food through the stomach and intestines, adding needed bulk to the stool.
  • It is also in charge of maintaining the proper pH of the gut, which regulates the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

Benefits

  • Promotes regular bowel movement and prevents occasional constipation
  • Removes toxic waste through the colon in less time.
  • Scrubs the villi of the intestines.
  • Helps keep an optimal pH in the intestines to prevent microbes from producing toxic substances.

Risks

  • Too much insoluble fiber can irritate the gut as excess roughage can inflame a sensitive digestive system.

While most nutritionists give soluble fibers most of the credit for cardiovascular support, blood sugar regulation and healthy cholesterol, much of these benefits would not exist without the aid of insoluble fibers.

Insoluble fibers in the form of cellulose escort the toxins into the toilet. If only soluble fibers existed, toxins might be bound to soluble fibers in the gut with no way out, lingering in the gut and eventually being re-absorbed back into the bloodstream and liver.

Experts at the National Academy of Sciences are recommending that these two terms, soluble and insoluble, be phased out with regard to fiber, as their benefits are so intertwined that their exact roles in the gut are still unclear.

How much daily?

Today, the general consensus is that we should eat about 25-30 grams of fiber a day in a ratio of 3:1 insoluble fiber to soluble fiber. This suggestion is the same for every day of the year. Nature has a nutritional cycle that takes one year to complete, so getting all your nutritional needs met each and every day in a daily nutritional allowance is quite impossible from nature’s perspective.

Nature’s Prescription

It should be clearly understood that most whole foods carry a balance of soluble and insoluble fibers. That said, each food seems to have an emphasized amount of either soluble or insoluble fiber, helping fulfill the function of that kind of fiber in the diet.

In the spring and summer, we harvest mostly fruits and vegetables, which clearly emphasize a higher content of insoluble fiber, which is abundant in fruits and veggies.

In the fall and winter, the harvest is mostly nuts, seeds and grains, which emphasize a higher soluble fiber content.

It seems that nature may have intended us to eat a soluble fiber-rich diet of lubricating and moisturizing nuts, seeds and grains in the winter, and a higher insoluble fiber diet of cellulose-rich fruits and veggies in the summer. Why?

The Indisputable Logic of Nature

In the summer, the digestive strength weakens in an attempt to not overheat the body, and survive a long hot summer. To balance the weaker summer digestion, the foods harvested in this season are cooked on the vine by the hot summer sun. Being pre-cooked in this way, they do not require excessive digestive heat.

Insoluble fibers in the form of fruits and veggies are cooling in nature and provide intestinal bulk and the proper pH to keep a somewhat weaker digestive process moving through the summer months. Since it is the insoluble fiber that moves the waste out of the intestines, a diet low in insoluble fiber will allow toxins to linger in the gut and be re-absorbed to the liver, where they will slow bile flow. Toxins (also known as internal heat) will build up in the liver.

In the fall and winter, as the heavier, warmer, and denser foods are harvested, the digestive fire and body heat are increased to boost digestive strength and provide needed winter warmth. It is much the same as turning the heat on in the house in the winter!

Foods high in soluble fiber are emphasized this time of year to lubricate and during a long, cold and dry fall and winter.

**Eat more raw Fiber Foods for Spring/Summer:

**Eat more Cooked Fiber Foods for Fall/Winter: Think vegetables, lentils, peas, beans, grains, (in moderation), nuts, seeds, fruits etc. **Refer to Seasonal Eating Handout.

Reference list of high fiber foods: Avocado, figs, Asian pears, Artichoke, Berries, Coconut, Peas, Okra, Brussels sprouts, Lima beans, Lentils, Nuts, Flax and Chia seeds, Quinoa