DIGESTIVE HEALTH
AUGUST 2018 Page 11
HEALTH AND WELNESS
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
According to a new , national survey of more than 2,000 U . S . adults , 72 percent said they had experienced at least one of the following symptoms a few times a month or more : diarrhea , gas , bloating , stomach pain , frequent bowel movements , unexplained weight loss and other non-specific gastrointestinal discomforts . Leaky gut syndrome is also prevalent among Americans and linked directly with certain drugs , toxins , and the wheat protein gluten .
Maybe you see yourself in this research . Some of you may be taking toxic drugs that purportedly treat the condition , but in reality , they only mask the problem . Perhaps you just deal with your daily suffering . The symptoms may be so ingrained because you have had them for so long , that you may accept them as ‘ normal ’ for you .
Consider homeopathy to
If you ’ re never without your smartphone , you may be missing out on a more peaceful , fulfilling life . “ Both the content on your phone and the act of checking it frequently can trigger a stress response , which releases cortisol into the body ,” says Dennis Buttimer , M . Ed , CEAP , RYT , CHC , a life and wellness coach at Thomas F . Chapman Family Cancer Wellness at Piedmont . He said , “ Too much cortisol can lead to anxiety and eventually , chronic disease .”
Why are smartphones so addictive ? “ When we check our phones , our brains release a small amount of dopamine ,” explains Buttimer . “ Dopamine motivates us to take action and each time we hear a notification , we check our device . The problem is that a dopamine boost is temporary and leads to a letdown . Our brains want more dopamine , which triggers the habit of checking our phones constantly throughout the day .”
The good news is if you limit how often you use your phone , you will notice life-changing benefits , including :
1 . Less anxiety and stress . With less stimulation from calls , texts , social media updates and “ urgent ” emails , you may have less chronic stress and anxiety .
address the issues that your chosen drug has not resolved . Homeopathy is a form of natural medicine , considered indispensable by some and nonsense by others . You can decide for yourself .
The indications for using specific homeopathic remedies is published in a reference book called the Materia Medica . According to the Materia Medica , Lycopodium is indicated for weak digestion , diarrhea , constipation and for those who feel bloated , even after just a light meal . It is probably the key homeopathic for addressing metabolism and is indicated for diabetes as well . Bryonia , Cinchona , Arsenicum album and Antimonium crudum are all used for different gastrointestinal symptoms .
To summarize , consider trying homeopathy for your digestive issues . For ease of use in your busy life , consider utilizing complexes instead of the single remedies discussed . Complexes are made up of several single remedies which are indicated for a specific condition , in this case , it is impaired digestion .
A well-formulated homeopathic complex is believed to have many advantages over the administration of numerous homeopathic single remedies . It is more efficient to take one complex than a dozen or so single remedies to address the same condition . It is also much less expensive . Additionally , most formulations have been determined by seasoned and expert homeopaths . Finally , organs have many functions , and conditions have many
2 . More clarity . “ Implementing healthy boundaries with your phone use will help you think more clearly all day long because you aren ’ t bombarded with communication and overstimulation ,” he says .
3 . Deeper connections with others . When you put your phone away , you ’ ll improve your relationships because you ’ ll be present and able to focus on the other person .
4 . Sharper critical thinking and creativity . “ Immediate gratification shuts the door on critical thinking and wonder ,” says Buttimer .
5 . You ’ re more present . Smartphone overuse can significantly decrease mindfulness because it distracts us from the present moment . Suppose you ’ ve had a vacation planned for months and when you arrive , you spend your time taking and posting photos on social media . “ A photo is fine , but it doesn ’ t recreate the moment ,” says Buttimer . “ You miss that sense of wonder and enjoyment you get when you are present .”
6 . More gratitude . “ We may be grateful for our lives , but then look at social media and see someone else ’ s vacation , new home or well-behaved children , and compare those things to our lives ,” he says . The constant comparison can lead to discontentment and unhappiness .
7 . A healthier body . Less screen time can help you sleep better and be more mindful of your meals . Getting enough sleep and eating healthfully are two of the most important aspects of your physical and mental health .
How to break your smartphone addiction : symptoms related to their underlying causes . Therefore , in using the clinical homeopathy approach , different single remedies are selected to address these various functions and conditions .
However , don ’ t just rely on medication , whether it is chemical or homeopathic . Make lifestyle changes to support your digestive health . Eat a balanced diet by choosing a variety of foods from each food group , especially fiber-rich fruits , vegetables and whole grains , as well as certain yogurts and fluids . Eat food free of preservatives and toxins whenever possible . Go for the fresh foods . If you have digestive issues , consider eating small meals four or five times a day instead of two or three large meals . Drink an adequate amount of good clean water to maintain hydration and discourage constipation .
Get moving . Even slow activities such as stretching and walking promote good digestive health . Exercise is not only to help you lose or maintain weight . Slow down and chew your food thoroughly . Thorough chewing helps with the breakdown of food and continued digestion . Take your time when eating ; eating fast , even if your food is pureed , can contribute to indigestion , heartburn , and gas .
Hippocrates , considered by many as the Father of Medicine said , “ Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food .” Food is your lifeline , and the health of your digestive system helps determine what will help make you healthy or make you ill . Take care of your digestive
Sometimes we focus so much on saving women from unfortunate situations in this world , that we forget about the men . Men deserve justice as well . Men are hurt and need healing too . Maybe if we focus on helping the men first , the healing of women will follow . Damon Thomas has a heart for focusing on the men . Damon is a father , author , TV host , and motivational speaker . He is currently living in Atlanta , but he was born in Philadelphia . He had a stable upbringing from his parents , but a few personal experiences inspired him to reach out to young men by mentoring and educating them through life ’ s pivotal moments . He stresses the importance of helping men overcome emotional experiences .
Damon dedicates his life to discussing the need for awareness , education , and resources for male survivors of abuse ( sexual , domestic violence , etc .) and the issues that too often stem from abuse including drug addiction , trust issues , and communication barriers . Also , he is developing an upcoming program series called The Men of Courage Show . This series will be a place for men to discuss abuse and trauma through interviews of male survivors . Dr . Maurice Lee , John Palomino and
Start with moderation , advises Buttimer . You ’ ll be more successful if you don ’ t take an all-or-nothing approach .
• Monitor how often you reach for your phone . Consider downloading an app that tells you how many times each day you check your phone .
• Turn off notifications . The constant alerts can create unrest and even fear (“ What could this call be about ?”). When you turn off the distractions , you can focus on completing the task at hand .
• Set your phone aside during meals . When you nix the distraction , you can savor your food and pay attention to your body ’ s cues so you don ’ t overeat .
• Enjoy phone-free mornings . You want to start your day with clarity and it ’ s hard to do that when you are
MEN OF COURAGE SHOW
La ’ marc Bishop are the co-hosts for this program .
The Men of Courage Show is a program that will embrace both reality and substance . The show is designed to delve into the lives of everyday people who ’ ve experienced trauma but have accomplished incredible goals and achieved success , despite the demons of their past . This show will become the informational and communal safety net for persons seeking answers and solutions to their greatest personal challenges . While The Men of Courage Show is not intended to replace professional expertise in many areas of need , its goal is to serve as the conduit and portal for individuals to find solace through true and accurate solutions . With a team of professional counselors , each guest is offered free services to fit their personal needs of growth in life .
If you are interested in finding out more about The Men of Courage Show , please visit the website at , www . menofcourageshow . com . The website also has a form to fill out if you are in need of help . There are offices in Atlanta , Georgia and outside of Los Angeles , California . You are not alone .
7 REASONS TO BREAK YOUR SMARTPHONE ADDICTION
bombarded by news , texts and alerts . Instead , enjoy a cup of coffee , read a book , pray or meditate , or fix a healthy breakfast . You ’ ll have a better day when you start your morning on the right foot .
• Limit screen time 30 minutes to an hour before bed . You ’ ll sleep better when you limit the light from your screen and overstimulation from your phone ’ s content .
Once you ’ ve implemented these small changes , take on a bigger challenge , such as going phone-free one day a month or enjoying social media-free weekends . “ Think progress , not perfection ,” says Buttimer .
For more information on Living Better , go to www . piedmont . org / livingbetter .