Category: Heart

Dental Health and Your Body

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Dental Health and Your Body

What happens in the mouth has a significant relationship to your overall health. Actually, the mouth is a reflection of what is happening in your body. We have learned that disease often begins in the digestion, but, are finding that it actually begins in the mouth. The pathogenic bacteria on your teeth and on your gums do not remain above the neck. They travel through your bloodstream, affecting your entire body. The oral microbiome affects your gut microbiome which is linked to your brain microbiome, through the gut-brain axis. So, how is your oral hygiene? Dysbiosis in your mouth leads to an imbalance of bacteria in the body which can affect the lungs and the heart and even lead to cancer or diabetes.

 

In 1917, Dr. Weston Price, Dentist, researched the relationship between the diet, dental cavities, crowded teeth, and disease in the body. He found that natives, in villages throughout the world, rarely had cavities, distorted teeth, or the diseases that we consider to be normal. Their diets were high in plant minerals and processed foods were almost non-existent.

So, why does the incidence of chronic disease in North America keep rising?

Standard dental care involves home brushing and flossing, then office cleaning by a hygienist, drilling to fill cavities, root canals, bridges, implants, and, when all else fails, extractions. Unfortunately, for decades, this has led to some pretty disastrous consequences.

 

Let’s jump in and examine these dental techniques:

 

Home oral care is great, if we do it consistently and properly. If we don’t, the dental plaque, or biofilm, builds up. We all know how to brush, but there is often confusion as to which direction to employ, i.e., up and down or side to side and whether to use a soft or a hard brush or an electric toothbrush that sounds like a concrete drill. Some of us floss daily and some only for the week before our dental appointment. We only know if we are doing a good job if our dentist tells us that all is ok.

 

Mercury fillings have been the gold standard for decades. These fillings are actually 25-50% mercury, a much higher content than the fish we are warned not to eat. Mercury is put right next to our brains, stays in the body, and is a neurotoxin causing fatigue, neck pain, digestion issues, cognitive issues, nerve damage, and memory loss. The symptoms of mercury toxicity and Alzheimer’s Disease are identical. Many countries have banned its use, while in North America, we have been advised to avoid it for children and pregnant women. Improper removal of mercury amalgams can result in mercury poisoning to both the dentist and the patient.

 

Root Canals are the only procedure that leaves dead tissue tightly sealed inside your body. The nerve is removed, the tooth is cleaned up, as best as possible, but what about the remaining microbes? The surrounding area is impossible to fill in or clean completely. If there is a problem, like infection, you don’t know because the nerve is no longer there to warn you by causing pain. Each time you chew on a failed root canal, you are spreading infection throughout your body. Studies have shown a high incidence of breast cancer and heart disease caused by mouth infections.

 

A bridge connects two teeth, when the middle tooth has been extracted. We are pretty hard on our teeth and eventually you may lose one of those teeth that are holding the bridge or develop a cavity that can’t be seen by standard x-ray because it is beneath the bridge.

 

Dental implants will keep the teeth in place and make chewing comfortable but can result in infection, problems with the jaw, nerve damage, and damage to the surrounding bone. There is also a problem with the material that has been used for years. Titanium was a great solution for a very long time, but since it is now being used for hip and knee replacements, some people are becoming sensitive to it, causing many unpleasant side effects. WIFI and 5G networks can heat up as they pass through metal devices, like titanium, causing sparking and destroying the bone around the implants. Zirconia, which is not a metal, is now seen as the best alternative for dental implants.

 

Every tooth is related to an acupuncture meridian, therefore needed for proper energy flow throughout the body. Improper tooth extractions can result in cavitations – a hole or infection in the surrounding bone – a silent infection and a source of systemic inflammation. These need to be addressed. They can only be seen by a 3-dimensional cone x-ray that is usually found only at the office of a biological dentist. It also will show an infection or problem in an old root canal or beneath a bridge.

 

So how do we keep our teeth and our body healthy?

  • See a biological dentist in a mercury-free office
    • Biological dentists realize the important of removing the toxicity and inflammation allowing the body, in its wisdom, to heal itself
    • They will support your immune system throughout your treatments and remove anything that is harming you
    • They use ozone water to clean the area after extractions
    • They use the SMART method when removing mercury amalgams
  • Chew your food 40-60 times, where it is mixed with saliva and broken down, for proper digestion
  • Brush your teeth with a soft brush, sweeping down, away from the gum using a small vibrating motion and take your time – at least 5 minutes – once or twice a day
  • Use a clean non-toxic toothpaste or tooth powder or make your own
  • Clean your tongue
  • Avoid mouth rinses – they are full of alcohol that dry your mouth and don’t kill off the bad bacteria, using instead, a simple sea salt rinse
  • Avoid antimicrobial products – they kill off the good and the bad and disturb the diversity of our microbiome
  • Do not use products containing fluoride – they do nothing for your teeth but cause problems with your thyroid and make your teeth and bones brittle
  • Xylitol is a poison for your microbiome yet found in many organic toothpastes
  • Increase your mineral intake – strong teeth require a lot of minerals, like your bones – fat soluble vitamins, and Vitamin D3 and K1 & K2 (important for calcium metabolism)
  • Drainage support, like the UNDA numbers
  • Avoid sugar and ultra-processed foods, resulting in inflammation and altering the gut microbiome; but if you have a sugary treat, brush immediately afterwards
  • Fermented foods, like Kimchi or Sauerkraut, to improve your microbiome’s diversity & immune function
  • Diet – a plant based or Mediterranean diet, not our North American SAD diet
  • Exercise
  • Improved sleep
  • Spend time in nature

 

Take care of your teeth and they will take care of you.

 

For more information:

 

Dental Health Matters Webinar https://www.nppwebinars.com/dental_health_matters.html

 

What Are You Putting in Your Mouth https://edisoninst.com/what-are-you-putting-in-your-mouth/

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall

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mirror mirror on the wall | NPP Webinars Blog | Skin The infamous “Mirror Mirror on the wall”, from the Snow White fable, is actually reflecting what is happening internally. It is a window into our state of health.

 

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is our barrier to the outside world and protects us from invading pathogens, like parasites, virus, fungus, or yeast, and damage by chemicals, preservatives, and toxic skin care products. Aging skin indicates that there are problems with our skin barrier. As the relationship with our internal microbes changes, there is an impact on aging and onset of chronic disease. We end up losing the barrier function of the skin and driving systemic inflammation.

 

A skin that is inflamed with acne, eczema, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and more, are all signs that the skin is unhealthy, and, you can be certain, so is our internal body. These annoying skin issues are actually a risk factor for chronic disease. In order to look our best on the outside, we need to be healthy on the inside.

 

Things That Impact Our Skin Health:

  • Washing our face and body using soaps with parabens and pthalates, linked to hormone imbalances, cancers, respiratory issues, and more
  • Anti-bacterial products that kill off the good bacteria and strip the oil mantle
  • Hand/alcohol sanitizers which kill off the protective layer of the skin on our hands
  • Too many chemical peels – anything “chemical” is a red flag and not pro health
  • Toxic skin care cleansers and lotions that imbalance the skin’s microbiome
  • Hand sanitizers, mouthwash, dandruff shampoos, cortisone, soaps, and even the detergents that we use to wash our clothes and linens. All of these things touch and are absorbed by our skin.
  • In general, hormones, genetics, environment, cosmetics, personal care and household products, diet, stress, lifestyle, immune function, and gut health all impact our skin

 

Chemical skin care products and many esthetic treatments actually dry out our skin. The decrease in hydration and the shift in microbes signal the immune system to trigger an inflammatory response. This causes further aging and loss of skin barrier. The skin loses its resilience and the ability to protect itself from stress, the environment, and the blue light coming from the sun and our electronic devices.

 

Many of our personal care products disrupt the pH balance of our skin. A proper skin pH prevents fungal and yeast overgrowth and the free radicals that accelerate the aging process. Neither too acidic nor too alkalinic is prime for our skin, so as not to disturb the skin barrier. The pH of our skin should be around 5. If your products are not the right pH, you may experience redness, flakiness, wrinkles, or breakouts. A pH balanced skin maintains its youthful state; hydrated, glowing, and supple.

 

Our Skin Microbiome and Dysbiosis

We have up to 1000 species of microbes on our skin, more than its total number of skin cells. The majority of the bacteria are resident microbes on the skin which are beneficial or, at least, harmless. About 20% are transient and attach themselves to our skin as we have contact with people, pets, fabrics, surfaces, or chemicals; anything that we touch or put on our skin or into our mouths. If our immune system is healthy, many of these have no residual effects.

 

A major cause of all skin issues is dysbiosis – the imbalance of our skin microbiome. Yes, our skin has its own microbiome, similar to the gut microbiome and the oral microbiome. We have been led to believe that aging skin is simply due to getting older. It is actually accelerated by the environment, our skin care products, and the lifestyle and diet choices that we make. As the microbiome community of the skin changes, we see changes in our face and throughout our body. We are constantly disrupting the microbiome on our skin.

 

A healthy skin microbiome prevents the overgrowth of pathogens and toxic production meaning lower levels of inflammation. This means that the skin will be able to repair itself. The dead layer turns over and new fresh cells come up. The skin glows, maintains moisture and a strong barrier, is resistant to pathogens, and looks healthy. We need the oils on our skin. They trap the toxins that come through the environment leaving our skin moist.

 

The health of the skin is connected to the health of our body. This includes bone, cardiovascular, kidney, and brain health. Unhealthy skin has been found to be a factor in most age-related chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cardiovascular disease. The solution is not found in the latest and very expensive skin cream or esthetic treatment. We need to protect our skin, not with a cream that makes it look healthy, but make it genuinely healthy by cleaning up internally and balancing our skin microbiome.

 

It’s All About the Terrain – Our Internal Environment

 

The cause of all dysbiosis is a toxic terrain, one that supports the growth of the bad bugs. Dysbiosis is the overgrowth of pathogens that produce toxins and recruit an immune response, which results in inflammation. This results in red, sensitive, and irritated skin which is prone to eczema and acne, and the slow turnover of damaged skin cells resulting in dull, thin skin and an unhealthy appearance. Pathogenic bacteria and toxins drive the inflammatory response causing dry and irritated skin.

 

The body is self-healing and self-regulating but toxicity will eventually block enzyme systems at the cellular level, preventing the cell from functioning normally. Fasts only clean the external part of the cell but do not go deep enough.

 

How Does the Body Tell Us That There is a Problem?

The body communicates with symptoms. Symptoms indicate that something is wrong – out of balance. Unfortunately, we usually interpret these signals as things that we need to make disappear. We want to shut them up with medication, creams, ointments, and things that suppress them, but, alas, we end up pushing them deeper into our body, causing disease. The problem is not the rash or the acne, but what has intoxicated the body and what the body is desperately trying to eliminate. Unfortunately, if we don’t take heed, the end result is imbalance, followed by pathology.

 

Strategies for Healing

  • Biotherapeutic Drainage: Our major exit routes are the liver and the kidneys. Once they are clogged, the toxins start to come out through the skin. Drainage, using complex homeopathic remedies, opens the body’s exit routes, our emunctories, that are safe for the removal of toxins.
  • Rebalancing the skin microbiome. This is where probiotics come in. My favourite professional products are HMF Forte and HMF Intensive by Genestra and HSP Complete 50 by Integrity Health Naturals.
  • Hydration: 8-10 glasses of good quality water, preferably Reverse Osmosis
  • Sleep: 7-9 hours of good quality sleep every night
  • Good Fats: Efamol Primrose Oil – a major protector of the skin – and other essential fatty acids
  • And more…

 

For more information about the skin and healing protocols to improve skin health by cleaning up the terrain, eliminating the toxins, and rebalancing the skin microbiome, check out our NPP Skin Webinar: https://www.nppwebinars.com/the_skin.html

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner
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EFT-Tapping

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EFT Tapping Blog | Emotional Freedom Technique | NPP Webinars | Nutritional Preceptorship Programs

Imagine how it would feel to rid ourselves of triggers that cause us to react to uncomfortable situations with angry words that are blurted out and that we later regret. These often come from childhood traumas (big T and little t). As children, we didn’t have the vocabulary or the permission to express our feelings. Remember this one? “Children should be seen and not heard”.

 

Each of us has stored, unexpressed, and unresolved anger deep within our subconscious. We aren’t even aware that it is there, until we explode verbally, or even physically, in an inappropriate manner. It may even present with physiological symptoms; anything from a cold or flu to a full blown autoimmune disease. This intense emotion can cause constant feelings of low-level anxiety, fears that limit us, or even thoughts that make us feel unworthy or “not good enough”.

 

During stressful periods, the amygdala, the survival portion of our brain, our Sympathetic Nervous System, is activated and puts us into a fight or flight mode. It was designed to protect and keep us safe, as it did centuries ago, if we were being chased by a tiger in the wild. It was supposed to be activated temporarily, only when we found ourselves in dangerous situations. But, today, we are bombarded with news reports of climate change, the economy, wars throughout the world, compounded by our own daily worries regarding health, financial, and family issues. This causes the amygdala to remain vigilant most of the time, keeping us in a constant state of stress. This anxious state makes it difficult to access our prefrontal cortex, the intelligence portion of the brain. It limits us while writing a test or exam, delivering a presentation, or when trying to find a solution to a problem. The blood leaves the brain and rushes to our extremities, allowing us to fight or run away. The brain’s first order of business is always to keep us alive.

 

So how do you send a calming signal to the brain to let it know that you are ok? There is an easy, portable, and free solution. Something that you can do any time of day and/or night that will begin to quiet the voice in your head, your ego, that tells you that you’re unsafe or not enough. It is called Tapping, EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique. There have been hundreds of studies proving the validity of Tapping. It is said to “affect the body’s biochemistry such as immunity and blood pressure”, even the brain, and decrease cortisol levels, elevated by stress. You begin to feel better, have increased energy, sleep is improved, and fear and anxiety are diminished. Tapping puts us back into the Parasympathetic Nervous System, our state of rest, digest, and reset.

 

During each tapping session, begin by selecting one issue like anger, poor sleep, fear, pain, illness, or present or past bad memories. Be as specific as possible. Give it an emotional rating of 0-10, with 10 being the strongest or worst. When at a high number, it is almost impossible to bring the level down simply by self-talk. Tapping will lower your emotional level and allow you to begin to see things differently.

 

If finding the words is difficult for you, try writing down all the things that upset you that day and tap on the words written on that piece of paper. Or, begin with a physical issue, as if you are complaining to your best friend. If your traumas frighten you or seem unmanageable, try working with an EFT Practitioner.

 

During each session, start with where you are right now. Rate the emotion or issue out of 10. Begin by tapping on the side of the hand, the karate chop, repeating your phrase 3 times. Each phrase will begin with something that is negative and end with acceptance or something hopeful, like the following phrases:

 

“Even though I behaved badly today, I thoroughly love and accept myself”.

“Even though I wasn’t kind to my friend, I deeply and completely accept myself”.

“Even though my back is killing me, I choose to relax and feel my body heal”.

“Even though I am stressed about my finances, I give myself permission to relax.”

“Even though I feel very angry, I choose peace and calm.”

“Even though I am feeling all of this anxiety, I acknowledge and accept how I am feeling.”

 

Next, tap 8-10 times (or whatever feels comfortable) on each of the following meridian points. State “the limiting belief” and tap, using your index and middle fingers.

 

Inside of the brow – “Sleep”

Side of the eye – “I need sleep”

Under the eye – “I am so tired”

Under the nose – “I haven’t slept in days”

On the Chin (in the crease) – “why can’t I sleep”

On the collar bone – an inch below the bone, in the soft tissue – “I want to sleep”

Under the arm – mid bra line or one hand width below the armpit – “Is something worrying me?”

On top of the head – in a straight line, in a circle, or in the middle – “I need to sleep”.

 

Keep tapping for a few rounds. When you feel complete, stop and take a deep breath in through the nose and breathe out through the nose. Notice if you are taking deeper breaths. Is your breathing slower, calmer, and more even? Rate your issue. If the number has come down, you are headed in the right direction. If you are not at a 0, 1, or 2, repeat, beginning again with the Karate Chop, repeating your phrase 3x and then tapping on the points. Or, if a more pressing thought has come up, rate and then tap on the new thought. Always begin with the Karate Chop point.

 

I find it helpful to tap a few rounds on what is bothering me and end each tapping session with a turn-about by changing to positive phrases. For example, “I am ready to sleep”; “my sleep is improving”; etc. End each set by taking a deep breath in and then breathing out. Remember to rate your issue from 0-10 before and after each tapping session.

 

You can tap in a circle, in a line, or just by holding each point. You can speak out loud or think the words in your head. You can tap with one hand or both hands. It is important to begin with tapping 3x on the side of the hand so that the issue is clearly defined, followed by tapping on the meridian points as many times as needed. Begin with the negative and, if beneficial for you, end with the positive.

 

A great support is to download the APP: “The Tapping Solution” created by Alex, Nick, and Jessica Ortner. Many of the tapping sessions are free. You can also purchase a yearly subscription, in order to access the locked sessions. They offer free Tapping Challenges throughout the year. Alex has also written a book for children, “Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs: A Tapping Solution Children’s Story” helping kids to be comfortable with being themselves. Last spring, I even taught my 5-year-old grandson to tap. Whenever he got upset, I would begin to tap on him and he would start to giggle and forget about what upset him in the first place.

 

My last piece of advice is to make this a daily habit. It can only work if you use it. Tap every night, before bed, putting you into a perfect state of calm for sleep. Kickstart your day, on a positive note, by incorporating a morning tapping routine. In just a few moments, it will boost your mood and elevate your energy levels, giving you a sense of empowerment and allowing you the emotional freedom to be yourself.

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Benefits of Pets

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Pet Blog | NPP Webinars | Nutritional Preceptorship Program

 

Is this the right time to adopt a puppy?

 

We lost our fur baby over three years ago. Our third pet had crossed over the rainbow bridge. After each heartbreaking loss, it took us years until we felt ready to open our lives and our hearts to another pet.

 

When making this important, life changing decision, many of us first consider the work and cost involved. Do we have the time to train, feed, and care for a new puppy? Will we have the time and energy to bathe it, clean its teeth, and play with it? If we work full time, will our pet be safe on its own for the many hours while we are away? Is that fair to the dog? What about the mess and noise, i.e. accidents until it is trained, chewing on our shoes or furniture, and barking each time someone comes to our front door. If we live in condos or apartments, will the dog bark while we are away and annoy our neighbours?

 

Still thinking about it? If so, where should we purchase our pet? A breeder could be a great choice, but the cost of a purebred might be thousands of dollars and inbred pets may come with genetic predispositions to serious health conditions. Alternatively, purchasing an animal from a pet store is usually a bad idea. They often come from puppy mills and could have serious health and behavioural issues due to the cruel conditions into which they were born.

 

Instead, there are many pets ready and available to be rescued. Adopting a pet from a shelter may be saving it from being euthanized. Our first dog was referred to as a “mutt” and purchased from the Toronto Humane Society. She gave us 15 years of love, affection, fun, and was a great friend and caregiver for our newborn baby girl. I was eight months pregnant when my husband walked in proudly offering me this adorable puppy. How he thought that his wife who had swollen feet and had gained 50 pounds could take care of a dog and, at the same time, prepare for the birth of our baby, was beyond me. Muffy was a combination Beagle and German Sheppard. She loved to escape whenever the front door opened, and her escapades ended in more surgeries than most people experience in a lifetime. But she was pure love. Muffy became our daughter’s best friend, slept in her room, and is probably the primary reason that our daughter, Suzie, is a Veterinarian today.

 

The cost of an adopted pet is minimal. Many rescue animals have already been trained and have gone through the puppy stage so may be calmer. Alternatively, we will probably know nothing about its medical or behavioural history. That being said, we may have a particular breed, colour, and/or age preference in mind which may make our perfect companion even more difficult to find.

 

Yes, there is a great deal involved in caring for a pet but what can our pets do for us?

 

According to the Harvard Health Letter, “pets are wonderful companions and provide many emotional and physical benefits.”

 

Dr. Fricchione, director of Mind Body Medicine, discussed a study in the journal Science about how oxytocin, a good feeling chemical, is boosted in both the dog and the human when a dog owner stares into the eyes of his dog, referred to as “mutual gazing”.

 

A 2014 Study, published in the journal of Pediatric Nursing, stated that “children with autism may especially benefit from interacting with dogs which can provide unconditional, non-judgemental, love and companionship.” For many of these kids, a therapy dog can decrease meltdowns, anxiety, and anger. The child’s furry pal can teach him responsibility and comfort him when he feels afraid, overwhelmed, or insecure.

 

One of the main causes of depression for human beings is loneliness. Pets help us feel less alone. They have no expectations while offering us love, hugs and kisses. They are always ready to play, and are happy just to lie next to us as we sleep, read, or watch TV.

 

For the elderly, a pet is great company, can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, get his owner out of the house through daily walks, and has a miraculous effect on reducing depression and anxiety.

 

It has also been said that having a pet helps seniors focus on something other than themselves; ie, their physical challenges and preoccupations with loss or aging. Adopting an older pet that is already trained may be the best solution for seniors. An important consideration is if they are physically, emotionally, and financially able to care for a pet.

 

During the COVID pandemic, the number of pets adopted increased exponentially. Rescue shelters did not have enough animals to fill the demands of people looking to find a pet for their children stuck at home without their friends and for adults living alone who were seeking company and emotional support.  Unfortunately, these animals could not be taken out for walks due to government restrictions, couldn’t go to training classes, and got used to having their owners at home with them 24/7. They became used to constant love and attention and weren’t accustomed to staying home alone.

 

As many of these families returned to work and to school, they were no longer able to care for their pets, physically and/or financially. Shelters became concerned about “the possibility that animals would come flooding back when people returned to work and that these animals would suffer from separation anxiety.” Also Veterinary Clinics, particularly those in small towns, had difficulty accommodating the number of pets that required medical care. Pet owners had to wait for days and even weeks to get appointments. Many turned to Emergency Clinics but the costs were much higher and they experienced long waits because the ER Vets had to treat the more serious cases first.

 

Yes, purchasing a pet is a decision that should be considered carefully. For most of us, the benefits outweigh the costs. As the proud “mom” of three dogs, over the past 50 years; each with us for over 15 years, I can honestly say that these dogs were our babies. They brought great joy and love to our home and to our family. During times of illness and loss, they provided support. Each of them seemed able to sense whenever something was wrong and provided us with exactly what we needed. I miss them all terribly but am grateful to have had them as part of our lives. True blessings, their memories will forever remain in our hearts!

 

So, back to my initial question. Am I ready? Is this the right time? All I have to do is look into those big brown eyes, feel it snuggle against me, enjoy the kisses, and breath in the love, and, somehow, all of my questions and concerns disappear.

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

 

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Hiking Benefits

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Hiking Blog

Hiking takes walking, as a healthy exercise, to the next level. Both are excellent cardio workouts, great for the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, our bones, and our muscles. Each will lower our stress levels and is great to support any weight loss program. But hiking gives us the extra piece: it can improve our balance and increase our strength and endurance as we navigate the steep and/or bumpy trails. An old English term used for hiking was “hillwalking”. Walking poles can be included for balance or stability in order to provide additional security and safety.

 

Hiking uses muscles that are rarely used in the gym. It is also considered one of the best ways to burn fat – even that stubborn belly fat. This physical exercise promotes the release of endorphins – the hormones that make you happy.

 

Studies have found that exercise and cardio workouts benefit us – mind, body, and spirit. So why choose to walk outside or hike? For many, exercise can be tedious and boring. Something on our daily routine “have to” list. Not something that brings us pleasure. On a treadmill, an hour can feel like a very long time. So we manage to pass the time by watching TV, reading our emails, and/or talking on our cell phones. By doing this, we are being mindless. Our focus is entirely outside of ourselves. We are still working, still obsessing, still stressed. Being outside, on the other hand, on a hike, maneuvering the trails, time seems to fly by. It also adds the extra dimension of being in beauty. Surrounded by nature, we reduce our levels of anger and fear and increase our feelings of wellbeing.

 

Exercising at the gym or at home is usually a solitary act. Hiking with friends may turn this dull activity into a fun-filled experience. Connecting with friends in a natural setting, can involve opening ourselves up and even allow them to see our limitations, our stumbles, our vulnerability. It encourages us to share stories that we might otherwise keep hidden or have even forgotten. We may deepen some of these friendships, making them more meaningful. There is something very special about sharing this experience with others, making memories, and changing relationships. We may even get out of our egos and become ourselves.

 

Many have written about the benefits of hiking. Lao Tsu wrote, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Ken Ilgunas: “On a hike, you’re less a job title, and more a human being.” “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” – Friedrich Nietzsche. “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.” – Edward Abbey. “Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.” – Henry David Thoreau.

 

Hiking, whether alone or with others, is a way of enjoying the beauty of nature while promoting mindfulness, as we remain closely aware of what is underfoot so as not to stumble or fall. Focusing on our surroundings and the possible dangers stops the monkey mind from regretting the past and worrying about the future, thereby lowering anxiety and improving our mood. Hiking is also a great way to unplug. Rarely do we see a hiker spending their time on the hills checking emails, texting, taking selfies, or tweeting.

 

Whichever you choose to engage in, whether walking or hiking, remember to dress accordingly, wear the proper footwear, and stay hydrated. Bring your water bottle and, of course, your phone, (just in case of an emergency)!

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Organic Eggs

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Organic EggsEggs are referred to as one of the “most perfect” sources of protein – six grams of protein in just one large egg – and have even been called “superfoods”.  In Healthline, it reads that “an egg contains all the nutrients required to turn a single cell into a baby chicken” and that “eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet”.

 

They contain all of the essential amino acids – the body’s building blocks – in perfect ratios. Eggs are rich sources of Selenium and Vitamin D for the immune system; Choline for the brain and the heart, Iron for the blood, Folate for our Moms-to-be, B6 for energy, B12 for the blood, Zinc for healing, and Lutein and Zeaxanthin for the eyes. Most of the nutrients are found only in the yolk – not in the egg white, if eaten alone. Many people on weight loss and low cholesterol diets have turned to eating only egg whites, eliminating the yolk for all of their cooking and baking needs. Egg whites are high in protein and lower in calories, but contain fewer vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats than whole eggs. The precious yolks have been unfairly maligned for decades.

 

Although demonized in the past, recent studies have concluded that eggs do not cause heart disease and stroke. Low in calories, about 75 in total, eggs are filling, rich in healthy omega 3 fats, and make a nutritious and satisfying breakfast, even on a weight loss program. 

 

“According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, eggs are one of the proteins that make up a healthy eating pattern. Research suggests that eating two to three eggs per day may have cardiovascular benefits”. That being said, we are unique. Although eggs will benefit HDL levels for most, for some whose LDL levels are too high, they could raise them a bit more. So, it is important to know your numbers and not to overdo if you are in this category.

 

Does colour matter? For the shell, the colour does not determine a difference in the nutritional value or taste. The colour of the yolk is a different story. It usually depends on the food that the hens are being fed. Rich, dark yolks contain more antioxidants than pale yellow ones. Pale or medium yellow yolks usually come from conventionally raised hens that are grain fed. The grains usually include corn, which is genetically modified so contains glyphosate. A darker, more orange coloured yolk is a result of carotenoids, particularly xanthophyllis, in the hens’ feed, which is organic with no added GMO ingredients.

 

Eggs should be organic, meaning they are totally free range. If not, you are probably eating eggs laid by chickens that have been raised crowded together in cages. A “free range” or “cage free” label may describe chickens that are crowded, closely together, into hen houses with no fresh air or sunlight. Organic eggs are laid by chickens that are allowed to move freely through the outdoors into the sunshine. Which chickens, and therefore, which eggs, do you think will be healthier and contain more nutrients?

 

Happy and healthy chickens will lay healthier eggs. The vibrational energy of our food impacts our health and well-being. Ancient Greeks knew the importance of food having good energy and bringing unconditional love “agapi” to their families.  Also, many an Italian grandmother has announced that the most important ingredient in their food is “the love”.

 

Banana Blueberry Muffins
(Organic & Gluten-free)

 

INGREDIENTS: 

 

  • 2 organic bananas, mashed
  • 4 organic eggs, beaten
  • Fresh, or frozen, organic blueberries

 

Directions:

  1. Blend the mashed bananas with the eggs. 
  2. Oil the bottom of a muffin tin and/or line with paper cups
  3. Place blueberries into the bottom of each cup
  4. Fill each cup with the egg & banana mix 

 

 Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 12 minutes.

Enjoy!

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Potassium

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SIGNS OF DEFICIENCYNPP TIP Blog Potassium
Abnormal Heartbeat
Constipation
Fatigue
Headaches
Hypertension
Low Blood Sugar
Muscle Cramps
Muscle Weakness
Palpitations
Stomach Pain & Gut Obstructions

 

 

Many years ago, while on vacation, I noticed that my hands and fingers were swollen. To combat this, my friend offered me one of her water pills, which I gratefully accepted. About 2 or 3 hours later, I felt weak, dizzy, and light-headed. I felt as if I was about to faint. This was my first experience with a potassium deficiency. I learned, the hard way, that if one is taking a drug, like Lasix, it must be coupled with increased water and a consumption of high potassium foods, like a banana or orange juice. I also learned not to take anyone else’s prescription drugs.

 

Potassium is an essential macromineral. It is also an electrolyte, like sodium and magnesium. It partners with sodium to manage the water within the body. Sodium works outside of the cells while potassium works inside of the cells in order to maintain a proper fluid balance, preventing water retention or dehydration. Potassium supports blood pressure and helps to maintain proper pH levels, beating of the heart, muscle mass, and repair of body tissue. It is essential for proper muscle function, cardiovascular health, bone strength, and the transmission of nerve impulses sharing messages between your brain and your body. Potassium loss can be the result of diarrhea, vomiting, or low water intake during a flu or gastric ailment.

 

Optimal daily potassium intake from food for a healthy adult is 3500 to 4700 mg daily. Great sources of potassium are bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, apricots, cooked spinach, kale, beet greens, soy and lima beans, cucumbers, baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, yams, wild salmon, and avocado. Most of us can easily get what we need from food. If you are unable to consume enough dietary potassium or if you have been ill, you can top it up with supplements purchased at your local health food store. An average dose may be one or two 250 mg capsules of potassium citrate daily with meals.

 

We are continuously reminded to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Some people overdo their water intake thinking that it will help them lose weight more quickly. This can result in a depletion of potassium causing kidney stones or heart malfunction.

Our webinar, The Kidneys, includes:

    • a discussion on how a diet low in potassium and high in sodium is associated with hypertension;
    • that 95% of our potassium is found inside of our cells;
    • that a natural diet rich in fruits and veggies can give us a 100:1 ratio of K: Na;
    • how 2.5 to 5.0 grams of potassium per day can give significant drops in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, and much more.

 

NPP Related Webinars:

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Magnesium

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Magnesium blog

 

BENEFITS:

Relaxes every muscle in your body – including the heart

Relief from Insomnia

Reduces anxiety, depression, stress, sadness

Necessary to get calcium into the bones

Regulates blood pressure

Supports Insulin metabolism

Blood vessel constriction – may prevent migraine headaches

Improves PMS symptoms

 

Magnesium, as a macromineral, is essential for the bones, muscles, heart, brain, the immune system and the nervous system.

 

Foods rich in magnesium include dark chocolate (64 mg/oz), avocado (58 mg), nuts (82 mg/oz), legumes, tofu, whole grains, fatty fish, leafy greens, bananas, and seeds. 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds offer 307 mg and sunflower seeds, 129 mg.

 

As a supplement, in a capsule, Magnesium is taken to bowel tolerance. If you experience diarrhea, nausea, or cramping, back off by one. With calcium, the recommended dose is a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium but for women, a 1:1 ratio or even a 1:2 ratio is often more beneficial, particularly for those experiencing PMS.

 

Magnesium can also be taken as a Tissue Cell Salt, small tablets that are dissolved in the mouth. Mag Phos 6X is excellent for muscle pain, restless leg, and, for some, as a sleep aid. The body uses what it needs and expels the rest without causing bowel disturbances.

 

Women have often been referred to as “mag wasters” meaning that they lose an unusual amount of magnesium throughout the day.  Magnesium loss is also experienced by Massage Therapists, both men and women, who often experience muscle cramps in their hands and fingers.

 

In our “Heart & Stroke – Women vs Men” webinar, we focus on how a woman’s heart differs in size, heart rate, and also the contrast in structure of the arteries and valves resulting in a substantial difference between the two sexes in terms of risks, symptoms, care, diagnosis, and treatment. We discuss how Magnesium helps to keep calcium in solution preventing it from precipitating out into artery walls which would result in the building of plaque. Also, how magnesium prevents Aluminum buildup in the body. Magnesium is essential for a healthy heart, maintaining a steady heartbeat and a normal blood pressure.

 

In our “Adrenal Fatigue” webinar, we discuss Adrenal burnout and exhaustion due primarily to stress, emotional, physical, and environmental. We discuss the importance of Magnesium, the inhibitory mineral for the Sympathetic Nervous System. Magnesium activates the parasympathetic nervous system which is instrumental in keeping you calm and relaxed.

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Snowshoeing

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NPP TIP Blog-snowshoeingWinter, in Canada, is a magical season but, generally, the streets and hills are covered with snow and ice. Walking, running, and even hiking are not as easy or as safe as they were during our other three seasons. So, how do we exercise and stay in shape out of doors during the winter months? We suggest Snowshoeing, originally used by Native Americans and European Explorers to forage for food and travel through deep snow for almost 4000 years, and even longer in Central Asia.

 

Snowshoeing, now seen as a recreational exercise, is a fun way to lose the calories that we generally pack on during the winter months. It is said to burn off anywhere between 420-1000 calories per hour. The colder the weather, the more energy we use; the taller the snow, the higher we lift our legs; thus, a great fat-burning, muscle-building exercise. Snowshoeing is a terrific low-impact aerobic exercise that is easy on the joints, healthy for the heart and the lungs, strengthening for the muscles, and great for improved balance and stability. If balance is an issue, poles can keep you upright and protect you from slipping.

 

This is also a wonderful way to dispel the winter blues. Being in nature is known to decrease depression and stress levels. Practising mindfulness, while walking along the snowy, beautiful terrain on a sunny day, will stop the monkey mind from taking you to the past, where you house your regrets, or into the future, worrying about what lies ahead. Good for all ages, including children and seniors, Snowshoeing is a safe and healthy way for us to get outside all winter long, burn calories, strengthen our glutes, quads, and our calves, unplug, relax, and simply have a lot of fun. Check out the many schools, recreational facilities, and resorts that offer snowshoeing lessons for beginners. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Please remember to stay hydrated, so bring along your water bottle!

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Organic Chicken

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NPP TIP Blog chicken soup

Organic Chicken Breasts are delicious – roasted, stir fried or as a soup. Chicken has become a staple dish for most non-vegetarians. It is one of the best sources of protein, necessary to build muscles and keep bones healthy. It is rich in minerals like phosphorus and calcium and also selenium which may cut the risk of arthritis. Containing tryptophan and B5, both having a calming effect on your body, Chicken can help relieve stress. With beneficial magnesium, it can also reduce PMS symptoms and muscle pain. It is rich in B Vitamins for heart health, particularly B6, helping to lower homocysteine levels and niacin helping to lower cholesterol. A great source of Omega 3, Chicken is low in saturated fat. The lowest fat content is found in the breast meat.

 

Why organic? If not, the chicken you are cooking may have been injected with antibiotics and/or hormones and grown with the use of toxic chemicals and pesticides. Organic chickens are also free range, meaning allowed to roam freely rather than crowded into cages, although free range does not necessarily indicate organic. Remember, we are what we eat!

 

A steaming bowl of chicken soup filled with vegetables and delicious chicken pieces has long been the secret health cure of mothers and grandmothers through the ages for colds, respiratory infections and flu and has often been referred to as “Jewish Penicillin”.

 

Years ago, I found a delicious recipe for an immune boosting Astragalus-Ginger Chicken Soup – my go to whenever I feel under the weather.

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a large pot, 1/3 filled with filtered water, toss in some sea salt, ground pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  2. Heat the water just below boiling. Add two split organic chicken breasts, bone in but fat and skin removed.
  3. Add a 3″ piece of ginger, cut into strips.
  4. Slice and add
    • 4 carrots,
    • 4 celery stalks,
    • 1/2 onion,
    • 2 garlic cloves,
    • 6 shitake mushrooms, and
    • 6 slices of astragalus root
    • Cook on low heat for 30 minutes.
    • Pull off the leaves of a large bunch of kale and set them aside.
    • Chop up the kale stems and throw these into the soup.
    • Continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes and then add the kale leaves.

Continue cooking (not boiling) for 30-60 more minutes. I recommend only organic ingredients, where possible. Add the sliced chicken, vegetables, salt and pepper to taste, and the delicious hot broth to your favourite bowl and enjoy! Yummy and filled with nutrients.

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Organic Cucumber

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NPP TIP Blog cucumbersOrganic Cucumbers, actually members of the fruit family, have a high water content (95%) and are packed with  B vitamins, vitamin A, and antioxidants. They were once thought of only as a great addition to green salads, or a side to a meal, adding variety, colour, and a light, pleasant taste. They are now seen as helping with weight loss, constipation, blood pressure, skin, eyes, and bones while, at the same time, keeping you hydrated. You will derive even more benefits if you eat the entire cucumber, including the seeds and skin, after a thorough scrub and wash.

 

Cucumbers are rich in carotenoids and flavonoids that have been shown to help with blood sugar regulation. These, and other phytonutrients found in cucumbers, have also been studied with respect to their ability to lower chronic inflammation, decreasing the risk of many chronic diseases. Studies have suggested that the lignins found in cucumbers may help lower cardiovascular disease and prevent cancer. An anti-inflammatory substance, “fisetin”, found in cucumbers, are thought to have “the ability to reduce the impact of age-related neurological diseases on brain function” and may also help to “maintain cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s Disease”.  

 

As a beauty treatment, cucumber slices have long been applied directly to the eyes to reduce puffiness. Spas feature cucumber slices floating in elegant carafes of water to help with water retention. In a YouTube video, a fellow, named Bryan, drank organic cucumber juice, skin and all, for seven days in a row. On day 1, he found that he was experiencing a huge diuretic effect. On day 2 & 3, he was feeling very hydrated. After day 4, he felt like he could run a marathon; full of energy.  At only 16 calories per cup, enjoy a snack of fresh, crisp slices of cucumber dipped into your favourite organic hummus.

 

Organic Cucumber, Goat Cheese, & Black Olive Salad

Organic Cucumber Recipe

  • 2 cups organic cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup organic goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup organic kalamata black olives
  • 2-3 tbsp organic cold pressed olive oil
  • sea salt & pepper to taste

 

  1. Slice the cucumbers, into rounds, skin on or off
  2. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half
  3. Place cucumbers & tomatoes into salad bowl
  4. Combine the other ingredients and toss with the veggies
  5. Sliced red onion may be added, if desired

                                             ENJOY!

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Organic Onions

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Organic onions new

The onion, like garlic, is a member of the lily family of plants. The homeopathic remedy for the common cold, allium cepa (cepa meaning onion), is prepared from red onions. Boericke’s Materia Medica refers to this remedy as “a picture of coryza with acrid nasal discharge and laryngeal symptoms and eye secretion”.

 

Onions are thought to have originated in Central Asia, from Iran to Pakistan and north into southern Russia. Since the sixth century, the  onion has been respected as a great way to spice up any dish and, also, in India, for its healing properties. Most onions are white, red, or yellow appearing globular in shape although there are many varieties of shapes and colours, including green; each offering its own distinctive taste. Onions have provided cooks with an inexpensive way of enhancing the flavour of almost any dish. Many delicious recipes begin with the browning, sautéing, or carmelizing of yellow onions.

 

Onions are low in calories, fat, and carbs. According to Michael Murray, ND, they are “very good sources of vitamin C, B6, biotin, chromium, and dietary fibre and, in addition, good sources of folic acid and vitamins B1 and K”.  They also contain sulphur, phytochemicals, anthocyanins, flavinoids, and particularly quercetin, which is beneficial for disorders including cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and for reducing body fat. Quercetin is found primarily in the outer layers of the onion so it is recommended that as much as possible of the skin be used. It also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

They have been known to lower blood pressure and blood sugar and also to improve bone health, gut health, and heart health.  Centuries ago, onions were included in remedies used to treat headaches, colds, and heart ailments. They contain inulin and fructooligosaccharides and are rich in prebiotics so helpful to increase the number of friendly bacteria in the gut which will improve immune function.

 

Studies have shown that the organosulfurs in onions may suppress tumour growth and that there may be a connection between allium and a reduced risk of cancer. A 2019 study found that quercetin had links to lower blood pressure. Another recent study showed that peri-menopausal and menopausal women who ate onions at least once a day had a greater bone density and a reduced risk of hip fractures.

 

Why organic onions?  These are preferred in order to avoid consuming the chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals used during the growth process. Also, conventionally grown onions will most likely have been irradiated to prevent them from sprouting. Onions should be stored at room temperature, away from sunlight, in a well ventilated area. Green onions can be stored in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator, safely for about a week. Leftover cut onions will stay fresh for a day or two in an airtight, sealed container in the refrigerator or may be frozen for later use in soups or casseroles. To avoid tears, refrigerate the onions for an hour or two before chopping. Also, keep them as far away from your eyes as possible, to avoid the sulfur-based gas emitted from the onion.

 

Eggs & Onions (2 servings)

My husband David’s favourite egg breakfast.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or butter
  • 1 organic onion, diced
  • 4 organic eggs, beaten
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • turmeric and/or oregano, to taste (optional)
  1. Heat olive oil or butter on medium heat in a non-stick green pan
  2. Saute the diced onions until translucent, but not browned
  3. Pour the seasoned beaten eggs onto the hot pan
  4. Stir until the eggs are cooked through
  5. Serve hot with a side of organic blueberries and sliced strawberries
  6. Crumble goat cheese over eggs, if desired

Enjoy!

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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Organic Brussel Sprouts

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NPP TIP Blog brusells sprouts

Organic Brussel Sprouts were actually named after their prominence in Belgium. They are cousins to cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, and kale – all cruciferous vegetables said to help decrease belly fat.

 

High in Folic Acid and iron, they are perfect to support a healthy pregnancy. These miniature cabbages are also excellent sources of vitamins C, A, and K. One cup offers you 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fibre, and 270 mg of ALA, so an excellent source of Omega 3 at a cost of merely 56 calories. Rich in kaempferol, an antioxidant, studied for its ability to reduce cancer cell growth and chronic inflammation, makes it also valuable in reducing cardiovascular disease. Alpha-lipoic acid, also found in this vegetable, has been studied for its effects on insulin levels.

 

Heart healthy Brussel sprouts help regulate blood sugar, support digestive health, and vision, and help feed the beneficial gut bacteria. They are important for mood, inflammation, and immunity. Their sulphur content helps reduce ulcer risk by limiting H. Pylori overgrowth. One of these sulphur compounds, glucosinolates, has been researched for its anti-cancer properties. Brussel sprouts have been shown to reduce the risk of many types of cancers, including breast, skin, and prostate.

 

Generally, in season during the fall and winter months, roasted, grilled, steamed, or stir fried in extra virgin olive oil with sea salt and garlic, they make a delicious addition to any meal. Avoid boiling or overcooking as this may release the sulphuric “rotten egg” smell. Try sautéing Brussel sprouts in butter. Add 1/2 of a fresh lime squeezed onto the cooked sprouts followed by salt & pepper and enjoy!

 

Roasted Balsamic and Honey Brussel Sprouts & Sweet PotatoOrganic Brussel Sprouts Reciepe

  • 1 lb organic Brussel sprouts, trimmed
  • 2-3 organic sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 5-6 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt & pepper to taste

 

Combine: (to taste)

  • 2 tbsp of your favourite organic balsamic vinegar
  • 3-4 tbsp organic honey
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Combine sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, olive oil, salt & pepper; coat evenly
  3. Spread vegetables onto the baking sheet
  4. Roast in the preheated oven until browned, about 30-45 minutes
  5. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey & balsamic vinegar mixture

                   ENJOY!

Gilda Rovan, BA, RHN, ROHP Certified Biotherapeutic Drainage Practitioner

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