Love Your Gut!

What does my gut have to do with my health?

There is an undeniable connection between one's health and their digestive system. All diseases begin in the gut! The Father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, made this statement more than two thousand years ago.

"If we lived correctly, there would be no need to concern ourselves with the bowel. However, most of us are not living right." Dr. Bernard Jensen

How Can We Help Keep The Gut Healthy?

Our digestive system normally has what we call "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria. Maintaining a correct balance between the two is vital for optimal health.

There are literally trillions of individual bacteria residing in the digestive tract, with the majority of the population living in the large intestine. Ideally, 80 percent are good bacteria and 20 percent are bad bacteria. The complex ecosystem has over 500 different species of bacteria.

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract? A healthy supply of good bacteria is critical to supporting immunity. Remember, keeping your bacteria in balance is essential to maintaining your overall health.  An overgrowth of bad bacteria could suppress or tax your immune system.

What Are Probiotics:

The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word ""pro" meaning "promoting" and biotic, means "life".

Probiotic supplements help keep a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract which is home to more than the 500 different species.

The two most prevalent and most extensively researched probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species.  Lactobacillus, make up the majority of the probiotics in living in the small intestine, and bifidobacterium is the most prevalent probiotic living in the large intestine.

As we age, our body's stock of good bacteria decreases. Support your bacterial balance by taking a high-potency multi-strain probiotic supplement. Keeping  a healthy and robust population of probiotics in your gut will increase your ability to fight off harmful invaders.

Signs and Symptoms of Dysbiosis:

What is Dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis can result from a deficiency of good bacteria or an overgrowth of harmful organisms.  Dysbiosis  (dis-symbiosis) refers to the state of imbalance.

When the digestive system is out of balance, the following symptoms may occur:

• Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation (remember the commercial? Upset stomach diarrhea?..)
• A sense of fullness after eating
• Bloating
• Belching, burping
• Flatulence (gas)
• Rectal itching
• Distention of the abdomen
• Undigested food in the stool

What Causes Dysbiosis?

• Frequent antibiotic use
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Supressed Immune System
• Poor dietary lifestyle - Western Diet
• Stress
• Inflammation
• Parasite infestation

The Benefits Of Probiotics...

• Helps make use of nutrients
• Creates an unfriendly environment for potentially harmful bacteria and yeast
• Manufactures some digestive enzymes that help the body digest food
• Promotes regularity
• Maintains healthy colon cells
• Helps manufacture vitamins, such as B and K
• Promotes healthy immunity

I know you face a wide variety of choices when considering which probiotic supplement is right for you and your body. It is very important to note that not all probiotics are equally effective.

At Exodus Colon Health & Wellness digestive care is our primary focus. We are proud to provide you with premium-quality digestive care products. The innovative quality products and supplements are specifically formulated to provide the highest level of digestive support.

Eat Your Heart Out!

Love your body, eat well by nourishing your body with wholesome foods. We have all known for a while that plant-based foods are extremely beneficial and promotes optimal health. Research shows that eating a variety of colorful, phytochemical-rich fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are most common in plant foods, with bright  distinctive color. The most common antioxidants are vitamin A, C and E as well as beta carotene and lycopene.

Adding antioxidant-rich foods to your daily diet will strengthen your ability to fight infection (strengthen immune system), and lower risk of chronic disease such as cancer and heart disease. Research also suggests that antioxidants may indeed be effective, and the "key" to  preventing the ravages of degenerative age-related illnesses. 

You are probably asking yourself, "How do antioxidants work? As the name implies, they inhibit oxidation in the body, and act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease. Overall, they help keep you young, healthy and vibrant! 
 

Catch a "Rainbow" everyday! Add color to your plate and to your life.  To get the maximum disease-fighting power that phytochemicals can provide, it's important to select a "rainbow" of colors. Choosing an assortment of BOLD appealing colors is best, as different benefits exist in the different color spectrum.

All fruits and vegetables contain specific properties of health promoting nutrients. The nutrients are often concentrated in the skin and are responsible for their vibrant color, smell and taste. 

What Are Phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients simply means plant nutrients. They are nutrients derived from plant material that have been shown to be necessary for sustaining human life.  

What Are Phytochemicals?

Phytochemcials refers to a variety of compounds that occur naturally in  plants. Each food group carries unique benefits and contain varying amounts of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals also  know as phytonutrients contain protective, disease-preventing compounds. They are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, grains and other plants.

 

  See Chart below: For Health Benefits

When preparing a meal, aim to fill half of your plate with a full spectrum of vibrant plant-based foods.

A Valentine, from my heart to yours!

Love Your Body Wellness Week!

With Valentine's just a few days away, it's time to acknowledge our love! Thank- you for your loyal support and confidence in Exodus Colon Health & Wellness and the services we provide. We are feeling the love.  As a symbol of our appreciation we are offering you some incredible promotions on our services and the opportunity to WIN a $25 Gift Certificate.

Save 15% - All Bodywork Therapies

       Save 10% - Colon Hydrotherapy Session

    Exodus Colon Health & Wellness is celebrating!

"Love Your Body Wellness Week"

February 11th - 16th 2013

 Enter to WIN...

 $25.00 Gift Certificate 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join Us For A Seminar!

Jumpstart Your Weight Loss

Weight Loss & Detoxification Seminar

Learn why it can be so hard for some people to loose weight and keep it off. Learn tools to make your body a better fat burning machine!

Date: Monday, February 25th 2013

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Place: Westgate Wellness Centre

          #200-20395 Lougheed Hwy. Maple Ridge 

      

Cost: $20

RSVP your seat, space is limited

Tel: 604-465-4263

Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Terrie Van Alstyne, N.D.
                                   Dr. Jenn. Pham-MacMillan
                                   Elzabeth Mazzei, NBCHT, C.N.H.P.
           

Weight Loss And Detoxification

It can be strongly said that the health of an individual is largely determined by the ability of the body to detoxify"

                                 - Joseph Pizzorno, Michael Murray, N.D.s

Whether you're just getting started or you've been on a pathway to wellness for years..Make 2013 the best year!

The importance of the direct relationship between colon health and general health cannot be over-emphasized. Colon hydrotherapy - also known as colonics or colon irrigation is a vital part of a successful "total body" detoxification program, as well as maintenance for a vibrant and lasting sense of wellness.

Whether you want to reclaim your health by reducing your toxic burden or you've decided to embark on a detoxification program for the very first time, detoxification through targeted nutrition is a safe and effective approach to optimizing and restoring liver function for overall health. This is also an opportune time to adopt a healthy lifestyle such as: healthier eating habits and start a new exercise program.

While detoxification is a natural function, our elimination channels can become clogged or over-burdened due to toxic overload and poor diet. To achieve optimal cleansing results we need to nourish and support all of our channels of elimination. The seven channels of elimination include: the blood and lymphatic system and five organs - liver, colon, kidney, lungs and skin. All have a unique role to play in getting rid of toxins, and all must be functioning optimally for effective total-body detoxification.

A liver overloaded with toxins cannot efficiently burn body fat, thus sabotaging your weight loss efforts. You may be wondering what steps you need to take to improve liver function to activate your fat burning hormones to stimulate natural weight loss and  improve liver function. It is important to reduce the detoxification load on the liver.

An effective detoxification program is best accomplished through: A lifestyle change, a nutritious cleansing and healing diet, premium quality herbal supplements to support and enhance your body's ability to detoxify and most importantly colonic treatments.

Colon Hydrotherapy is an advanced and extensive method of colon cleansing. It accelerates your body's expulsion of toxins allowing deeper level of cleansing to occur. Individuals achieve powerful lasting results with a comprehensive detox program.

All cleansing and detoxification programs are uniquely and specifically customized to address your current health concerns and needs. Your lifestyle, energy level and daily tasks are taken into consideration. All programs include professional premium-quality nutritional supplements to provide the highest level of digestive support, as well as assist the body's natural cleansing and detoxification process.

It is best to follow a detoxification program under the supervision of a health professional. A health professional can guide you gently through the process so that you can get the maximum benefits for both mind and body with minimum discomfort. Individuals achieve powerful and lasting benefits with our tailored programs.

Are you ready to make some simple changes for lifelong health?

Elizabeth Mazzei, NBCHP, CNHP, LPC

*******************************************

Weight Gain And Weight Loss

Signs and symptoms of toxicity can include headaches, low energy and fatigue, body aches and pains, acne, bloating, digestion problems and weight gain. A new year has resolutions and at the top of everyone's list is weight loss.

A common mistake people make is they assume that calorie restriction will lead to weight loss.This leads them to the trend of consuming more "zero calories" and "low fat" products. More chemicals (toxins) are in these shelf products, and can have adverse health effects. Excessive calorie restriction can actually cause your metabolism to slow down in the long run as your body is being deprived of nutrients it needs.

A healthy diet should always include fruits and veggies, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Timing and types of food to eat are also critical to meet your goals. Diets need to be individualized for unique health concerns and health goals. Consult with a naturopathic doctor to build a cleanse perfect for you!

Why Detox?

The human body is exposed to more and more toxic compounds in our air, water, food and general environment. Our ability to detoxify these harmful substances is essential to disease prevention,k health optimization and increased vitality.

The new year is a great time to do a detox, and kick start a new health regime for the year. It is important to remember that not all detoxes are created equally, and consulting with a naturopathic doctor, dietitian, herbalist or other health care professional is essential to effective and safe detoxification.

Do's And Don't Of Detoxification

Effective, safe and healthy detoxification requires nutrients, rest and supplementation. Prolonged fasting or laxative-based cleanses can cause more harm than good, leaving the body more depleted and weakened. Specific vitamin, mineral and botanical combinations encourages the body's detox pathways, up-regulation the liver's detox enzymatic systems, assuring optimal kidney and intestinal function, and support the body through the process.

Detoxification programs should begin with elimination of major toxin intake. Avoiding packaged, processed and refined foods, as well as any food sensitivities, and switching to a whole foods diet with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables is the first step. Drinking adequate daily water intake is essential for elimination of toxins. Supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals, such as B-vitamins, N-acetylcysteine, and amino acids, optimize liver function and allow for processing and packaging of toxins. Fiber, probiotics, and specific herbal combinations can encourage digestive elimination and liver function.

Cleanses are important for everyone to incorporate into general health, but need to be individualized for unique health concerns and health goals. Consult with a naturopathic doctor to build a cleanse perfect for you!

Dr. Jenn Pham-MacMillian, N.D.