All I want Is Relief - Healing IBS - March Newsletter!

All I Want Is Relief! Healing Irritable Bowel Syndrome   It is estimated that up to 22% of the United States population has Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Of those suffering from this condition 75% never seek medical attention. Over the years IBS has had a variety of names such as spastic colon, spastic bowel, mucous colitis, colitis and functional bowel disease. It accounts for 10% of all medical visits and 50% of all referrals to gastroenterologists. It is called functional bowel syndrome because the majority of sufferers do not have any obvious changes in their bowel structure, have no other complications and are rarely hospitalized. This condition is the second most given reason used for missing work or school. IBS is usually triggered by  diet and/or emotionally stressful situations but can also have its origins in food intolerance, infections, hormonal imbalances and environmental issues. Symptoms include bouts of diarrhea, diarrhea alternating with constipation (the most common form), constipation, excessive gas, belching and abdominal bloating and pain. Considerable anxiety is associated with a constant urgent need to go to the bathroom.  It can be very embarrassing to have to get up several times during dinner at a restaurant to go to the bathroom.  Even worse is the fear that you will not make it to the bathroom in time. IBS can significantly restrict one’s lifestyle. Most suffers always know where the bathrooms are in the locations they frequent. Due to the unpredictibility of their bowels,this condition makes morning appointments difficult. Eating outside the house becomes very tricky and timing can mean everything. Despite this, IBs is one of the most treatable digestive conditions and responds well to a reduction in stress, an increase in exercise and dietary modifications. There is no single cause for IBS. Some people will see an incredible improvement by eliminating a certain type of food from their diet while others will not see any change.  Others have an insulin rise after meals, causing an increase in serotonin, which can cause diarrhea.  Some say that 25% of all IBS cases are originally caused by infection.  Women experience more flare-ups in their symptoms around their menstrual period.  Parasites and candida overgrowth have also been linked to IBS, along with antibiotic and prolonged steroid use. So what are you to do? *It is best to work with a supportive, informed professional that can help you make sense of as well as the connection to your symptoms and your lifestyle and diet. *Low-fat, high-fiber diets are best.  Relief can be seen when the client increases their fiber intake – whether through fiber added to juice drinks or high fiber natural foods. *Eating smaller meals will help some and it is always advised to chew your food well. *Foods that are hard to digest like alcohol, sugar, coffee, beans and cabbage-family of vegetables should be avoided.  Food sensitivities can be the cause.  Some of the worst offenders are wheat, corn, dairy products, coffee, tea, citrus fruits and chocolate.  By food journaling and playing with different amounts of these foods that they eat,  my clients are able to see a threshold where they can eat the food and have no issue but once they step over that line that is when they experience IBS symptoms.  It does not have to be an all or nothing situation.  I particularly like that as far as chocolate goes!  What is really interesting is that the clients that participated in an elimination diet program saw an improvement in other issues like hay fever, asthma, eczema, migraines and sinus infections. *Taking probiotics proved beneficial in numerous studies in regulating IBS. *Take peppermint oil it is a muscle relaxant that is used in England to treat IBS. *Drink herb teas like chamomile, rosemary, valerian because they all have antispasmodic properties.  They help relieve gas and strengthen and tone the stomach and sooth pain. *Eat ginger as it helps relieve gas pains.  It can be added to food or drank as a tea. *A well balanced, plant-based diet with a lot of water will make a huge difference in calming the system down. If you or someone you know is suffering from this syndrome please let them know that there is relief in a natural long-lasting way.  I would love to hear from you! Good Health Is As Close As Your Next Meal!

What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a centuries old form of Chinese medicine that has found a strong footing in today’s holistic approach to modern medicine.  Practitioners of acupuncture have used this noninvasive form of medicine to treat millions of people.  It is a painless, safe and effective way of treating a host of medical problems. Acupuncture focuses on the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or Life Energy, flows throughout the body.  This Qi protects the body from illness and pain.  The quality, quantity and balance of Qi influence the overall health of the individual. Qi flows through the body along meridians.  Each meridian is connected to specific organs and glands.  An accurate analogy of Qi is that of a river.  Where a river flows, the area surrounding it is fertile and well nourished.   Like a river, Qi provides nourishment to the human body.  When Qi is blocked in one part of the body, other parts of the body can be affected and cut off vital nourishment. Many factors can interrupt the flow of Qi through the body: physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents or excessive activity.  When a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body usually heals itself.  When blockages are prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness or pain may occur. Acupuncture works by relieving the blockages and returning the flow of Qi to the body. Call Now and Feel Better! Fairfield: 203-259-1660 Bethel: 203-778-6551 Wilton: 203-762-3646 Send Email to Ingri By Appointment only. Open 7 days a week!   Arugula with Hazelnuts, Raspberries and Manchengo Raspberry Vinaigrette A few fresh raspberries 1 T cider vinegar 1 t balsamic vinegar pinch of sugar salt pepper 1/2 cup of olive oil Salad 6 cups of arugula 1/4 cups thinly slice red onion 1/2 cups raspberries 1/3 cups coarsely chopped and toasted hazelnuts 3/4 shredded Marchengo cheese Make the vinegrette right in the salad bowl. With the back of a spoon crush the raspberries in to the vinegars, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk in the oil. Place the greens, red onions, and raspberries into the salad bowl and toss with the dressing. Sprinkle the nuts and cheese on top of the salad, or pass them at the table. Variations: Frozen raspberries work in the dressing but not as an ingredient of the salad. You can replace the olive oil with hazelnut oil or walnut oil. You can replace the Manchengo with feta or chevre or shaved parm - but Marchengo is the best!

Weight and IBS It is a proven fact that people that are carrying extra weight tend to experience more digestive issues. Try some of these tips for losing weight and calming your digestion. Drink More Water - you need on an average 64 ounces of water a day. Get moving - find an activity that makes you happy and do it! Eat more vegetables preferably leafy greens. Enjoy local berries.  They are low in sugar, high in fiber and filled with antioxidants Spend time with friends that make you happy. Listen to music that inspires you. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Soak up some sun! Spend time in nature. Events! Lululemon Athletica Greenwich, CT Sunday April 3, 2011 11am - 2pm The Cleansing Food of Spring! Food Demo Come and join us for a free yoga class from 10-11 Mrs Greens Natural Market Fairfield, CT April 7, 2011 10am- 2pm Eating to Promote Good Health for You and The Planet! Food Demo! Come on in and see what Spring has to offer in the way of health and delicious foods. Network Plus New Haven, CT April 8, 2011 2-4pm The Bourse Eating to Promote You and The Planet Food Demo and Wellness Seminar on Food Sustainability and Promoting Earth Health Beach Recovery Cafe Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk April 20, 2011 7-9pm Green vendors and art display Fairfield County Women's Expo  April 30-May 1, 2011 Stamford Plaza Hotel Sponsored by Stamford Hospital, Foxwoods and Lord And Taylor Come see 175 vendors with a wide variety of products and services for women! We will be at booth 158 If you belong to a group that is interested in a wellness seminar or group cooking class please let me know.  Most seminars are free and group cooking classes are reasonably priced.  Have a great day! PROGRAMS OFFERED Just The Basics Includes individual coaching sessions, course material, giveaways and health food store tour. Basics and Teach Me to Cook! Just The Basics plus 2 cooking classes and one relaxation therapy session of your choosing (massage, meditation, acupuncture or yoga). The Works Just The Basics plus 6 cooking classes and one relaxation therapy session of your choosing (massage,meditation, acupuncture or yoga). Group Wellness Seminars These seminars address the factors that contribute to our lack of energy and focus, digestive problems, weight issues and stress. Seminars provide everyday measures that can be taken to improve health, happiness and reduce loss of productivity. Best done in small groups of no more than 25 per seminar. Includes material, food recommendations and giveaways. Individual or Small Group Cooking Classes Want to cook for yourself or your family but not sure how to prepare healthy food? I will customize a cooking class for you. It will include general techniques and foods that will make cooking healthy meals easier and more delicious. Great idea for a fun and healthy party with your friends and family! Natural Foods Personal Chef Have your healthy meals prepared in your home by a personal chef. Plans are personalized to your health and wellness goals and meal plan desired. I specialize in meals that utilize organic, healthy, locally grown foods. A great plan for the busy professional, aging parent or new mom. WANT TO LEARN MORE: CONTACT ME AT 203-210-7462 Mindy@ChewYourRope.com