Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Rebekah's Daily Supplement Guide


The supplements listed are not intended to diagnose or treat anyone's pathology other than my own. Many of these supplements were self prescribed after reading vast amounts of research, clinical reviews, and dialogue with relative MD, Naturopath, and Holistic Psychiatrist. I am making no definitive conclusions for anyone other than myself.



DETOX oriented supplements:

Yeast/fungal detox by Nature Sunshine/ Alternate next month with Olive Leaf Extract
Heavy Metal Detox by Nature Sunshine
Aloe Vera/Senna colon cleanse by Nature Sunshine
Fiber Smart with probiotics by Renew Life
Pau d'Arco Tea by Traditional Medicinals



Daily Supplements Pre/During/Post Detox

IBS oriented:

Digestive Matrix enzymes by Ray and Terry
Fiber Smart with probiotics
Peppermint Oil by Heather's Tummy tamers (only when symptomatic)
Intestinal Bowel Soother by Renew Life (only when symptomatic)

------------------------
Vitamin D3
Calcium and Magnesium
FISH OIL ( epa 180/ dha 120 mg) 4 grams daily by Ray and Terry
Evening Primrose Oil (GLA source, 1 gram, 1 week pre menses, during, 1 week post)
tumeric extract with bioperine 900 mg
grape seed extract

Dizzy spell and anxiety oriented:
AdreCor by Neuroscience
Kavinace by Neuroscience
Travacor by Neuroscience


The Detox was inspired by how crappy I felt after the holidays but has evolved because my awareness level has increased due to my energy levels being more moderate and consistent.

Therefore, my 30 day sugar detox is evolving more into a day to day let's try to remain apply to my lifestyle eating and behavioral habits that are proving to be maintaining my energy levels at a premium relatively to my functional demands.

Therefore, although I have initiated many lifestyle , cognitive, behavioral changes within the last few years that have proven beneficial, I am noticing on this fast, regardless if it is directly or indirectly related to the fast, a few subjective physiological changes that I am making a mental note of to myself.

1) my MD who is holistic in nature, decided to put me on Travacor, Kavinase, and Adrecor, Calm PRT as part of a protocol to help with my dizzy spells, low energy levels, and high saliva testing of cortisol, anxiety , and inability to sleep. After numerous testing, including CAT scans, heart saver scan, tilt table testing, ACTH testing, and a few more, no one could explain why I was struggling with chronic dizzy spells for almost 2 years now.

After beginning this protocol, within one month- dizzy free for three months until this past month. I started having recurring dizzy spells after the protocol was changed. Dr. S, eliminated the Calm PRT altogether and even downed the dosage on some of the other things. I have not returned to see MD yet therefore, this has not been addressed.

2)IBS symptoms. Noting increases with processed food and cane sugar consumption.

3) chronic pain: joint, spine, muscle. Note: sometimes increases with exercise, sometimes decreases with exercise, increases with increased consumption of processed foods and sugar.


These are the three PRIMARY reasons I initiated the DETOX/no sugar fast.

Therefore, these are the three complaints I am addressing each day. I am trying to just make observations for now with little but some inferences so that I can be constructive with my application/changes to achieve my goals: decrease symptoms...
Day 23: Baltimore welcomed a small amount of snow this am and as usual , the drama began.

I drove to my 10 am yoga class and the instructor was 20 minutes late but no worries because I struck a casual conversation with the one other student as we stood outside the facility. Lucky enough, time flew by and the instructor arrived, gracing us with a one of one session that proved very kinesthetically useful.


My day was filled with errands on the road that I chose not to put effort into eating correctly or on time, which means, I skipped breakfast and didn't eat til dinner!

However, since news of another impending snow storm, college classes were canceled and I decided to stay home and cook Lamb Stew.

It was spicy, yummy, and healthy!


Spicy Lamb Stew laid on a bed of Spinach, served with asparagus

Cinnamon, cloves, ginger and cayenne pepper enhance this North African-style dish. Serve the stew over the a bed of spinach. Or rice, quinoa, etc.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 3 1/2 pounds lamb shoulder o-bone (round-bone) chops, trimmed, boned, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 cups chopped onions
  • 2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 cup water/or 1 cup chix broth

  • 2/3 cup dried apricots, or papaya ( I used papaya) quartered
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar ( I used red wine and apple cider vinegar- it was what was in my cupboard)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • I also used 1 tbs almond meal as a thickening agent

Preparation

Mix first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Add lamb and toss to coat. Heat vegetable oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until tender and golden, about 10 minutes. Add lamb and sprinkle with salt. Sauté until brown, about 5 minutes. Add minced ginger and stir 1 minute. Add 1 cup water/broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lamb is tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.

Add apricots/papaya to pot and simmer uncovered until liquid is slightly thickened and reduced, about 10 minutes. Stir in vinegar/ wine and honey. Season to taste with salt. Divide stew among 4 bowls.



I chose to pair the stew with spinach and asparagus which proved to be a yummy combination. Frank enjoys Naan therefore, although not gluten free, we toasted our carb. A small slice of English hard Cheddar added another texture and sensation.

Summary
Yoga: check
sugar: some
Energy level: medium
IBS: symptomatic

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Hey folks,

Sugar free Day 22. I am not proud of my food choices this evening however, I waited to long to eat dinner and was starved so I grabbed the first things I could get upon entering my home at 9 pm.

What did I grab?

I had wheat and rice cereal with goat milk, raisins and a banana. Then , I searched the cupboards and found more wheat crackers, had 4 with Monterrey jack cheese. Still hungry, I waited til Frank wasn't looking and grabbed one of his chicken tenders he just brought out of the oven. Ok, so I think I will be paying for all the wheat later but for this moment, I am satisfied!

I started off great, eating my bowl of veggies for breakfast with cinnimon sprinkled on top. Two hours later my lara bar, then my regualar schedule of eating every 2-3 hours went great.

I have now added more supplements/herbs to detox my liver and gut.

Again, I will get into more detail later. Just wanted to touch base, just in-case anyone is staying up on my progress. I am really tired however this evening, as I worked, did yoga, had a late appointment and am just now getting home to wind down.

Since this is a health and nutrition blog, I am going to assume, it is ok to share a few intimate things... I ate beans for dinner two days ago and even took enzymes with the meal but my gut still is not performing in my opinion optimally. It created some IBS issues, distention, gas, diarrhea. I also am noting that my fatigue level has increased along with the bowel issues. Hmmm, interesting inference!

I think when my gut is not working optimally, it definitely effects my energy levels. I have been more tired for two days now and am not enduring as long throughout the day as pre- IBS symptoms.

I am not mentally stressed any more than normal. However, I did stay up til 2 in the morning initializing this blog!

Summary, eating efficiently , having a healthy gut and sleep is important!!!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Detox/Sugar Cleanse: Nutrition and Exercise

I promised some of you, that I would start blogging about my 30 day Detox so here are my thoughts, protocols, sufferings, and moments of enlightenment's-- hope you enjoy!

Some of you have been asking me to clarify what is this sugar detox? Why am I torturing myself? What is my protocol? Am I achieving or satisfied with my goals? I want to address all of these questions and more in my post because I find it exciting that so many have been inquiring and encouraging me forward! I also, am having a lot of fun on this journey and thought it may increase my joy to blog about it!!!

So, here I go into the vast unknown with some anxiety contemplating sharing my intimate moments with friends and family. Sharing is not my thing when it comes to discussing so openly my inner struggles, especially with food. My fear of sharing my intimate thoughts, actually fuels me to invite all of you into my heart and mind as a sign of defiance to all things that generate fear. I refuse to be bound by anything especially fear.

I decided to participate in a self made sugar detox because I felt the holiday season had catapulted me into a state of being out of control! The cookies, and homemade egg nog, the boxes of chocolate brought to us, the staff at work by our patients, the wonderfully warm and gooey cakes and brownies, made so lovingly by one of our secretaries, by my perpetual addiction to peppermint mocha lattes!!!! Oh, I blame the season but in reality, I felt I had already been on the path of sugar overload for a very long time.

I am not going to debate the relativity of what is too much sugar because this is my journey and about what is relative to me. For me, I did not want the effects of sugar but I so eagerly participated in the consumption of my favorite pastime- chocolate. Chocolate kisses, hot chocolate, chocolate mocha, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate candies- chocolate donuts, chocolate brownies. Mind you, I did not consume chocolate all day long, but first thing in the morning, my peppermint mocha was on the to do list prior to heading out to work, then of course, there was always 3 or 4 pieces of chocolate at work, then perhaps a desert later that night and to celebrate a glorious day, sipping on wonderfully hot chocolate while cuddled up under my down comforter- ah so perfect...

However, from previous sugar fast, I had realized that addition of sugar in my diet, had a very strange effect on me- muscle aches and pains, fingers and toes swelling, chronic fatigue, increased fat. Over the years, since my early 20's , I routinely fasted from sugar, dairy, complex carbs, and discovered, in my body- eliminating these substances for short periods of time, always made me feel and look better.

So, why not start off the New Year, with a behavior that had proven to me in the past, to make me feel better. Beginning this detox was not difficult because I was just fed up with my low energy, my muscle aches and pains, my increasing flabbiness, my moodiness- all of which I was confident could be helped by simply eliminating sugar.

So, the blog begins on DAY 20.

Today was a great day- however it was not sugar free. I started my day on target with breakfast, then every 3 hours eating small amounts of combined carbs, fats, and protein. Later in the day, I enjoyed my first latte in 20 days (sugar in the syrup), and then after dinner- finished my day with a hot chocolate. These foods are not allowed on a sugar free detox diet but I allowed myself to participate. It is important for me to understand why I would chose to make a choice that is directly contrary to a decision I had previously made which was detox for 3o days. After contemplating, I have decided that I was slightly stressed today- as a result, I reverted back to a known behavior which has brought me temporary comfort. Now, I am asking myself, after the fact, is this something that I want to change or am I satisfied with my behavior?

For me, this is something I want to change. I do not want to find comfort, on a subconscious level, in food. Why, because this type of food, is actually unhealthy for me. Sugar, as I am defining it: processed, white cane sugar, has been proven to create inflammation in the body. It is my goal, to decrease the amount of inflammation in my body for many many reasons which I will not get into today.

As the days passed, my protocol of my detox evolved!! I started off eliminating sugar, defined as processed sugar, anything other than agave, stevia, maple syrup, or honey was not allowed. Therefore, this appeared to cut back on some foods like protein bars I was consuming, yogurts, breads, crackers. As a result, I realized that after 10 days, I had also been gluten free! I felt fantastic. Therefore, I decided to continue on the path of gluten and sugar free!

So what is a typical day like for meals?

I start my day rotating between 3 or 4 choices: a huge bowl of veggies with butter, salt and spices; egg or hemp protein shake with almond or rice milk; veggie egg omelet; or a Luna peanut butter cookie bar.

3 hours later: I have a small 'meal' that consist of protein, fat, carbs ex: Greek yogurt with applesauce and hemp seed; or the Luna bar; or a serving of almonds; or carrots and hummus.

3 hours later: same as above

3 hours later: same as above

3 hours later: supper with the hubby: a large salad, with some source of animal protein, sometimes a carb such as brown rice, gluten free pasta, or sweet potatoes.

The protocol evolved somewhere in those first few days to include YOGA!!!

I now have maintained a steady workout routine of 1.5 hours of yoga, or running, or P90X routines a minimum of 5 x per week.


Other parts of the protocol:

As mentioned previously, one goal is to decrease the amount of subclinical 'inflammation'
in my body therefore, I try to add spices such as Cinnamon, turmeric, cardamon, ginger, garlic to my foods. Also, if I eat a sugar in my tea such as agave, I add stevia to counter the effects of the insulin rise. Exercise regularly helps control inflammation in the body and brain.

I am also on a supplement protocol which I will get into later.

To conclude today's post, I want to briefly summarize what I am achieving from this DETOX.
As a result of eliminating sugar, within two days my energy levels were increased. As most of you know, I work in a fast paced, outpatient facility managing one patient every half hour, for an 8-11 hour day. Amoungst those patients, each and every one potentially has a different diagnoses in which I must immediately, transition my mind and body to analyze and apply the appropriate treatment intervention. Mistakes are not allowed. I give 110 percent to every single patient/client. I am rarely sitting. Most of my time is spent mobilizing joint/articular structures of individuals ranging from 250 pounds to 90. Transitioning between strictly orthopedic to all levels of cognitive abilities, neurological pathologies, all age ranges including pediatrics to geriatrics, back to back clients of potentially a professional athlete and the next, a MS patient. Many clients have co-morbid diagnoses and every client learns differently. I have to perform my duties in 30 -38 minutes per patient/client.
Needless to say, I have a high stressed job, which I love, perform well but expect more of myself of which is limited if I am in pain , tired, or stressed.

Four and half years ago, I sustained a back injury while skiing. I was paralyzed for 15 minutes in my lower extremeties, and since learned I perforated a lumbar disc. Over the years, juggling between working 50 hours a week and being in college at the same time- full time; my regular workout routines were put on the sidelines. As a result, I lost a tremendous amount of muscle mass. Two years ago, I began tripping and noted I was unable to sit up straight unless I put cognitive effort into it. Recognizing this as a sign of disc issues, I had a PT friend evaluate me and sure enough, my muscle tone was none existent througout my right paraspinal lower lumbar region. Therefore, I made an appointment with a neurologist, who first scanned my brain to make sure I wasn't having mini strokes, then performed the lumbar MRI- revealing a perforation. I was told surgery was an option.

Of course, surgery is never an option for me if it is strictly orthopedic. So, I became motivated to strengthen my core. However, I struggled in many ways which I will not get into today but one of those ways was that I had developed muscle aches and pains , joint pain, stiffness and was in pain daily. As I proceeded to embark on workouts, my muscles which previously has sustained massive amounts of endurance and eccentric loads, fatigued and were painful within minutes.

WTF??? I was so frustrated, but recognized this as a sign of chronic inflammation which sets off an entire chain of weakness and pain on the immune levels and had lead to tissue degradation and nerve inflammation.

Thus, I decided to address my nutrition, brain health, hydration, sleep, and appropriate protocols to slowly regain my strength and muscle mass.

I was extremely frustrated in myself. As previous to my back injury, I had began participating in tri-atholons and prided myself in my endurance and power as an endurance athlete. I had logged hundreds of miles on my road bike, crashed like a big dog on cross country mountain biking and got up in minutes without perceived injury. So imagine, how utterly disgusted I was that I could not perform a bridge position without struggling with strength and muscle spasms.

Needless to say, my journey did not begin with January 2011 Detox. It is only a small part of what I have already begun...