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 Bio - Nutritional Preceptorship Program

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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 Bio - Nutritional Preceptorship Program
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Our Eyes – The Windows to Our Soul

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Eyes NPP Tip blog - Windows to the Soul | NPP Webinars | Nutritional Preceptorship ProgramHow many of us take our eyes and our eyesight for granted? This is usually the case, until we are faced with limited vision, or are diagnosed with an eye condition, like conjunctivitis, night blindness, dry eyes, blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or, most terrifying of all, blindness. Yet, the loss of our sight would impact our lives in countless ways.

 

Our aging population understands that vision disorders can limit us in terms of our mobility, independence, social interactions, activities such as reading, writing, and watching TV, and even the simple pleasure of enjoying a magnificent sunset or a clear blue sky. If our jobs centre around using a computer, we may no longer be able to work, thereby losing our primary income source.

 

As I notice changes in my own vision, I wonder if some are due to negative effects caused by the many hours that I spend on my computer, tablet, and/or smart phone each day. I definitely have experienced an increase in eye fatigue and eye strain.

 

Regular eye exams by qualified practitioners are essential. For me, it is important to know if any issues have surfaced so that I can jump into prevention mode, before a doctor tells me “I am sorry to say that you have….”.

 

I recently had an extremely thorough eye examination at a wonderful ophthalmology clinic near my home. They had renovated and added the latest eye testing equipment. I learned that I could benefit from different eye glass prescriptions depending on my activities. I don’t require glasses most of the time but, nevertheless, I now own four sets of glasses. These are not the drug store reading glasses that many of us have throughout our homes. Each pair has an individual prescription and/or a specific purpose.

 

For decades, I have had glasses for distance, necessary for driving my car or watching TV. Years later, I added a pair for attending seminars, so that I could look up at the PowerPoint presentation on the large screen and, at the same time, take notes. With these, the glass only covers my eyes when I look up or straight ahead. As I look down, I can clearly see my notebook or computer. Out of necessity, last year, reading glasses were added to my repertoire. But the real magic occurred when I recently purchased my fourth pair of glasses. This prescription is designed for use with my laptop, desktop, or tablet, while sitting further away than a book or closer than the television. I immediately noticed that my eyes no longer feel tired or strained while being online.

 

In order to protect these precious “windows to our soul”, there are many things that we can do, naturally.

 

Avoiding sugar, salt, saturated fat, fried foods, rancid foods and other sources of free radicals can decrease our risk of eye disease. Aging and environmental exposures are the usual culprits causing free radical damage in the body which can result in cell damage and a variety of eye diseases. They are caused by breathing in, being in contact with, and ingesting substances like cigarette smoke, chemicals, pesticides, household cleaners, cosmetics, and radiation from the sun itself.

 

Antioxidants, which protect us from free radical damage, have been shown in studies to prevent, or at least delay, age related macular degeneration and cataracts. Recommended foods would include leafy greens, yams, carrots, broccoli, a variety of highly coloured vegetables, fresh fruits, in particular citrus fruits and dark coloured berries. Primary antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral, selenium.

 

Orange coloured fruit and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots are high in beta carotene which the body converts to Vitamin A and are important for the retina, the cornea, to enhance night vision and to prevent dry eyes. This conversion is more difficult with a sluggish thyroid so, in this case, Vitamin A supplementation could be very beneficial.

 

Vitamin C has been found to help strengthen the blood vessels in our eyes and may even lower our risk of cataracts. It is essential to help the body repair and grow new tissue. It is found in citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and lemons and, also, in peaches, tomatoes, strawberries, and bell peppers.

Vitamin E keeps our cells healthy. It has been shown to help prevent age related macular degeneration and some studies have found it helpful in lowering the risk of developing cataracts. It is found in avocados, almonds, sunflower seeds, leafy greens, and extra virgin olive oil.

 

Vitamin D has been studied and seen to protect against age related issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. It helps to heal the cornea, in case of injury, and it can help increase tear production. Sources include cod liver oil, salmon, sardines, beef liver, and egg yolks.

 

Glutathione is found in the lens of the eye and plays an important role in keeping it healthy. Glutathione levels may be raised by increasing our intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly asparagus, avocados, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, okra, and squash, preferably organic.

 

Omega 3 fatty acids are good for tear production and may reduce the risk of eye diseases later in life. Good sources are found in cold water fish like salmon, sardines, halibut, and trout.

 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin (pronounced Zee-uh-zan-thin) protect the retina from oxidative changes caused by ultraviolet light. They are found in eggs, leafy green vegetables, spinach, kale, peas, and broccoli.

 

And finally, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night will help renew our eye health. While our eyes are tightly shut, we get improved moisture and a well-needed rest from the bright lights and radiation that assault us throughout the day. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily will help to reduce irritation caused by dry eyes. Washing our hands before touching our eyes and avoiding splashing tap water directly into our eyes can prevent severe eye infections. Warm compresses, using boiled water, can be very soothing and restorative.

 

If we take care of our eyes, our eyes will take care of us.

 

Have you heard of the 20-20-20 rule? Every 20 minutes, take a break and shift your eyes to focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds!

 

Blinking keeps our eyes moist and helps prevent dry eyes. Staring at a tablet, computer, or phone, and even when reading a book, our blink rate drops significantly from 17-18 times per minute to 4 or 5 times per minute. We are drying out our eyes. Take breaks!

 

The importance of taking care of my eyes was clearly brought home to me recently, after receiving this email:

 

“Can You Enhance Your Blog Page?

 

Hello, I’ve been a reader of your website for around 4 months and I would like first of all to say that I really enjoy it. I have recently started having some problems with my eyes which affects my reading ability. Therefore, I have a favour to ask. Is it possible for you to add podcast audio versions of your articles on your website? It would be very useful for people like me or others who like to listen to your content.” – Patricia H.

 

Thank you Patricia for that brilliant idea. This was something I never thought about, which could be beneficial for many. So, I have begun to add an audio version to each of the Blogs on our NPP Tip page.

 

Our eyes are a reflection of what we are feeling and often communicate to others what we are thinking; our story. But, when we meditate, we close our eyes and turn our gaze inwards. Each time, we learn a little more about who we truly are; the true essence of our beings.

Gilda Rovan Bio - Nutritional Preceptorship Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bone Health: Osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is not just A Calcium Deficiency!

 

What is holding you up?  Bones are made up of at least a dozen minerals and more. We need to have these minerals, all in perfect proportion, in order to have healthy bones and healthy bodies. Before we start rebuilding the bone, and adding calcium, magnesium, potassium and all of the other important minerals and supplements, we must address the original cause of bone deterioration.

 

Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” where the bones become less dense, weak, and brittle. Its name comes from the latin – “osteo” meaning bone and “poras” meaning porous. For many adults, a slight fracture is the first indication that there is a problem. We may experience a minor bone break due to a benign event, possibly after a cough or a sneeze, increasing the probability of future fractures.

 

Today we are living longer. Seniors have become one of the largest population groups throughout the world. As children, our body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone tissue. By our early 30’s, bone mass no longer increases and we need to preserve our bones for as long as possible. As we move toward middle age, and our hormones become depleted and out of balance, our bones naturally lose their density every year. Our ability to build bone diminishes, resulting in thinner and more fragile bones that will break more easily. For women, this has become a serious concern during perimenopause, as the estrogen levels decline, and, particularly, after menopause. Men begin to lose bone around the age of 60–70. Hip and knee replacements are now very common for both women and men.

 

 

Early Warning Signs:

  • Loss of height
  • Changes in posture; ie stooping forward
  • Bone fractures, particularly after age 50
  • Lower back pain

 

Risk Factors include being female; being Caucasian or Asian; a genetic predisposition; a history of irregular periods; eating disorders; early menopause; poor nutrition; lack of exercise; tobacco and/or alcohol use; a PH below 6.5; low body weight; a small, thin frame; Kidney Disease; Celiac Disease; IBS; Prednisone; Cortisones; and other Drugs.

 

Fortunately, there is a tool that can determine bone loss, using T score ratings. This is suggested for women every two or three years after menopause. This Bone Density test, also known as DEXA, uses x-ray to measure the density of the bones in your wrists, hips, or spine, three areas most at risk, and also, the neck.

 

T Scores: 

  • A score of -1.0 or above is normal
  • A score of -1.0 and -2.5 is considered Osteopenia
  • A score below -2.5 is diagnosed as Osteoporosis

 

Today our systems are assaulted by more toxins than ever before. Toxicity inhibits the body from working effectively. Whatever we can’t eliminate, we store. As we become more toxic, we also become more acidic. The body then leaches minerals, particularly calcium, from the bones in order to become more alkaline. How do we reverse this process? We make changes that will begin to move our body in the direction of healing. That is what Natural Nutritionists strive to do for every client that walks through their clinic door.

 

Doctors use medication, orally or by injection, like Fosamax, Actonel, etc to increase bone density while also recommending weight bearing exercise. In men, testosterone therapy has been used to increase bone density. Women were given estrogen therapy for decades until a large number of studies discovered a correlation between hormone replacement therapy and an increase in the risk of blood clots, heart disease, and hormone related cancers, like breast and ovarian.

 

Natural therapy protocols include supplements, weight bearing exercises, an alkaline diet, and a cleaner, more active lifestyle. In my practice, I use Biotherapeutic Drainage to promote the body’s ability to eliminate toxins, by making the liver, kidneys, and other major emunctories more efficient, through the use of combination homeopathic remedies. Once the body is less toxic, it becomes more alkaline and is better able to absorb and assimilate the nutrients necessary to build strong bones.

 

A link has been found between thyroid disease and osteoporosis. Thyroid hormones can affect the rate of bone loss. Too much thyroid hormone, like thyroxine, prescribed for years, may speed up the rate at which bone is lost. The body’s osteoblasts may in turn be unable to replace the bone loss as quickly as required.

 

In the Nurses’ Health Study including 122,000 women, risk factors for chronic diseases, like osteoporosis, were analyzed. It found that “women with the highest consumption of dairy products actually had substantially more fractures than women who drank less milk”.

 

Our NPP Webinar, Osteoporosis, includes:

  • Bone formation and integrity
  • Underlying issues
  • Warning signs
  • Rebuilding the bones with Nutrition, Supplements, Biotherapeutic Drainage, Tissue Cell Salts, Diet, and Lifestyle Changes

 
Our NPP Webinar, Hormones, includes:

  • Foods to balance hormones
  • The Endocrine System
  • Adrenal & Thyroid Nutritional Support
  • Thyroid and Osteoporosis

Gilda By Line11

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