Heidi's Healing Hands

Importance of a healthy digestive system and assimilation of nutrients

2010-09-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Wow what a crazy Summer! It has went by so fast. Had a wedding in June and just found out I am going to be a grammie for the first time :)

My topic this month is the importance of a healthy digestive system and assimilation of nutrients.

First: Eat Real Foods

Typically I say if you can't hunt it, pick it, or gather it, you should not eat it. Obviously we know that everyone does not have what they need to do this themselves but carry this thought with you to the grocery store. If it comes in a box or wrapper it is not real. Stay on the outside isles of the store. Produce, meat, and dairy are where you want to spend most of your money and it will cost you less in the long run. Eat natural foods without additives so your body can concentrate on assimilating the good stuff instead of eliminating the bad stuff.

Second: Eat Raw

Summer and Fall are especially good to concentrate on eating many of your foods raw. This is the time of year when nature provides us with many fruits and vegetables that are meant to be eaten in this season. Raw foods provide natural enzymes and nutrients that might be denatured by heat. Raw foods are easy on your digestive system and give your body the break it might need.

Third: Fermented foods

Fermented foods have been eaten for thousands of years. As a society we have forgotten the practice of eating these important foods that are key eliments to our digestion and immune function. Fermented foods provide us with the proper flora in our digestive tract to keep us healthy. Fermented foods provide probiotics, and important enzymes. These foods include sauerkraut, miso, Kim Chee, and Kombucha.

Fourth:Bitter Herbs

Bitter herbs have also been used for many years to aid digestion. These herbs are taken before or immediately after a meal to stimulate bile production and are especially good for Celiacs and those who suffer from gallbladder ailmemts. These herbs include Oregon Grape root, Dandelion root, and Gentian to name a few. You can find digestive bitters in your local health food store. I recommend using them in tincture form for best results.

Fifth: Eliminate stress

Stress plays so many negative roles in our bodies. Have you ever had that gut feeling that makes you sick to your stomach when something is wrong? It is true that emotions are in your gut and they can effect the digestive system. Stress cuts of circulation to the digestive tract and can impaire the bodies ability to assimilate nutrients (which is already an issue for those with celiac) Eat slowly and in a good enviroment. Chew your foods well and do not drink with meals. Liquids should be consumed between meals. Mealtime should be relaxed and enjoyable. Sit down at the table and use this time to unwind and enjoy the delicious foods you are eating.
Your body will thank you!

Best wishes to your healthy Digestion!!!

How to boost your immune system

2010-05-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 80% of your immune system is in your gut?

This information is especially concerning to those of us who suffer with celiac disease. Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities can cause many problems with your digestive tract and in turn cause problems with the immune system. The key to a healthy digestive tract and robust immune system is to make sure that you have the good bacteria in the gut. Eating foods that are highly processed and deprived of nutrients are hard on the stomach and allow for the bad bacteria to take over. Getting the good flora in the intestines can dramatically affect your immune system. Helpful bacteria prevent the growth of less desirable bacteria and aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. This is why it is so important to keep the right balance of bacteria in the gut to support the immune system.
Some main food sources of health enhancing bacteria are yogurt, keifer, sauerkraut, miso and kombucha. You can also find a good pro-biotic at your local health food store. Living with Celiac disease can impare the immune system and cause a host of other problems. It is vitally important to keep a strong immune system, after all this is our defense against all disease! Some herbs that can also help to boost the immune system are;
echinachea, garlic, angelica, borage, and wild yam.

Best wishes in health and vitality,
Heidi

This article is not meant to cure any disease

Welcome Heidi, Herbalist and Iridologist to Gluten Free Frenzy!!!

2010-03-20T20:47:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to become a part of the Gluten Free Frenzy website. I have been living Gluten Free for over two years now. My daughter Cassidie was diagnosed with a gluten allergy and since then we have been living gluten free. As a licensed herbalist I have done extensive research on Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance and like many of you have been able to successfully live gluten free!

A little about me: I am a mother of three wonderful daughters age 19, 16, 14. and a wife to my soul mate Robert for twenty five years. I live in the big town of Salina Utah population of about 6,000 people. We enjoy our country life here with simple pleasures. I love to travel, garden, work in my yard, and enjoy many outdoor activities.

My passion is loving and caring for others. My most recent love in life is learning about health, nutrition and natural medicine. I have been studying natural medicine for about four years and have recently graduated with honors as a consulting herbalist and Iridologist. My family has been living a prescription free life for over five years now with great success. I am excited that I can apply what I have been learning about healthy foods and natural medicine to help others.

This month’s health tip for my Gluten Free Friends: To aid in the healing process of the intestinal wall you might want to try Silica rich horsetail tea or tincture. Drink three cups of this tea daily or take fifteen drops of horsetail tincture in liquid three times daily. Silica has been found to help with inflammation and to heal connective tissue. I also suggest that you try Redmond Clay, (purchase here) one teaspoon in a glass of water twice daily. We have had great success stories from the benefits of this clay helping to heal the intestines.

I am excited to offer my services to you as part of being a fan of Gluten Free Frenzy

Please feel free to contact me with your health questions @ hbsynergistichealing@gmail.com.

Best Wishes to your Health and Happiness!

Heidi