Category Archives: IBS

Microbiome Microbiota Probiotics Brain Health: What is the Connection?

Microbiome Microbiota Probiotics Brain Health

This topic – microbiome microbiota probiotics brain health – is the biggest rave right now in the medical field. But is it a new topic or just another “Johnny come lately” by conventional medicine to something natural medicine has been addressing for centuries? The latter is the case. This is important to know, but not new news. Science has just come up with more details and deeper explanations. Not a bad thing, but in my mind not a great sign that medicine is making great advances. These things were ignored and covered up because they did not fit the pharmaceutical model of treatment. Those of us with many decades of natural medicine experience have been fighting an uphill battle with the vast majority of MDs – they have berated us to our patients when we prescribed these effective approaches.
At any rate, what is the big commotion?

Microbiome protects the Blood-Gut Barrier

Did you know that there are bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, molds and other critters besides animals that influence your health? Of course you do. I first heard about the use of “good bacteria” over 50 years ago. I watched my father break up a pack of brewer’s yeast and flush it down our toilets at home. He explained that the bacteria help to break down our “poop” faster in the septic tank.
For those of you who don’t know, a septic tank is a buried tank to convert sewage into harmless water. People in the city don’t have their own septic tanks – the city sewage treatment system does that for you. In the country, though, a septic tank is the advanced way to safely manage human waste. It is a big step up from the pit at the bottom of an “outhouse.”

Septic Tank diagram from wikipedia

So, flushing brewer’s yeast into the septic tank allowed the yeast to break down the sewage so the septic tank would not back up. The third stage of the septic tank then released the final water into a “finger system” of pipes, buried underground, that led out to the yard to help water it.
Next, I learned about the healing power of good bacteria (also called flora) when travelling at age 25 in India and other parts of Asia. I started taking brewer’s yeast tablets I purchased in a “tin” in an apothecary in Columbo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The “digestive urgency” (also know as diarrhea) that was common for other travelers and myself was largely and beautifully controlled by taking 6-10 tablets per day. While others were having problems, my poops were relatively formed and healthy. Once again, good bacteria having a positive influence on the digestion of human waste output.

But how do we get from septic tanks to gastrointestinal health to brain health?

The role of gastrointestinal health in brain health is not new.
Studies dating back to the turn of the 20th century explored this connection. Ultimately, poor explanation, a concept of panacea, charlatanism, and a greater interest in cognitive theories ended the interest in the subject in 1920s-1930s. However, with better investigative techniques and new approaches, the connection was re-explored at the turn of the 21st century with astounding results. Alterations to the microbiome are now known to create physiologic adaptations responsible for changes in mood, behavior and neural plasticity. In this webinar you will learn about those physiological responses, what causes them, and how to fix it.

We start out life, after birth, with not a lot of this “flora” in our guts. By age one we have a similar mix as adults. That is over 1,800 genera of critters, 40,000 species (genus species, like “homo sapiens” humans), and 100,000,000,000,000 (one hundred trillion) single critter in all in our intestines. It weighs anywhere from 1 – 2 kg.

Each of these critters has DNA, genetic material like we do in each of our cells. Combining all of the critters together, they have 100 times the genes found in the human genome. Thus, all this genetic material can have a positive or negative impact on your genetic material. It is all a matter of having the right balance of flora.

Each person has her own “fingerprint” of flora that is unique to her. No one has the same mix. But there are general rules of thumb that we functional medicine doctors use in our treatments.

That is one of the specialty trainings we have to help you stay healthy. Not all probiotics are the same. Some are good for you as an individual. Others are a waste of money because they don’t even get to where they are supposed to go. Your stomach acid or bile kills them before they get to where they are supposed to go. And that is the job of your stomach acid and bile. But we use specific strains that we know will help you get the balance your intestine and brain needs. One excellent probiotic for general use is Ultra-Flora and you can get it through our portal at http://www.TheRedwoodClinic.Metagenics.com Call our office to get special code for ordering with free shipping. 510-849-1176

Stress Responses are Blunted by Good Bacteria

You have to have good bacteria in your gut for your stress response to not go crazy.

Imbalanced bacteria can cause liver pathology which can lead to negative brain responses.

Imbalanced bacteria can lead to “leaky brain syndrome,” a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and then changes in neurotransmitters. These include dopamine, serotonin, and others that effect mood and memory.

Imbalanced bacteria can also lead to autoimmune reactions.

What can cause imbalanced bacteria? Stress, environmental factors, and dietary factors. Gluten, dairy, food allergens, and others are the dietary factors. Medications can be part of the environmental factors.

Detoxification

Detoxification – Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall

Now in the northern hemisphere we are in winter. The time of hibernation. The time when the nights are longer, the days are shorter (although now, January 7, the days are getting longer). The time when the body is supposed to be conserving its reserves of energy.

On the other hand, the need for warmth drives people to gather, often with pot-lucks, gourmet buffet eatfests, and holiday gatherings over food and wine. And there are the Super Bowl bashes with lots of junk food and alcohol. So, unlike the bears, we humans are in high activity mode and adding to the toxic burdens in our bodies. To be more in line with Nature, instead we should be resting and not adding more toxicity (unless we are beavers). So, NOW is the time to help our hibernating bodies with detoxification support. Learn more in this video, and then call the office to start your 10 or 21-day detoxification that will make you feel so much better to start the New Year right.

This process of detoxification is also encouraged as a part of healthy brain support in my Dr. Jay’s two bestselling books, available online at the following locations:

Super Brain: Maximize Your Brain Health for a Better Life

Dr. Jay on Chicago TV

https://www.createspace.com/5585723
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TFOP926
Outsmarting the Dementia Epidemic: 7 Key Memory Care Actions to Avoid Alzheimer’s and Successfully Keep Your Brain Safe, Smart, and Sexy into the Future
https://www.createspace.com/5585869
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TFS5PBC

Further Information on Detoxification

Learn more about how and why detoxification from this video Dr. Jay created on our website.

“In Defense of Food” – Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan “In defense of Food”

Michael Pollan (#MichaelPollan) has recently come out with a new documentary movie and a new book called “In defense of Food.” (#InDefenseofFood) The documentary movie will be coming out locally at 9:00 PM Wednesday, December 30 on KQED. A long review article was written by David Weigand In the San Francisco Chronicle Monday, December 28, 2015, It is a review of the basic concepts in the book and an outline of the movie apparently. As a big fan of Michael Pollan’s books, I enjoyed the article and the basic premise that Pollan “simply makes a case for eating right,” “eating food” — and not something that is manufactured.

The article has a brief overview of the different trends and
official recommendations since the fifties regarding proper nutrition. These recommendations are related to the mass production of consumables by the food manufacturing industry. There is a review of no- and low-fat diets, the injection of vitamins into manufactured foods, the creation of trans fatty acids, and the massive amounts of sugar and salt in processed foods.
The bottom line suggestions in the article are “eat only foods that will eventually rot. Avoid foods advertised on television. Eat food that has been cooked by humans. If it’s made from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t….There is no single food whose consumption or avoidance will answer our dietary prayers.”

To the degree that this article or Michael Pollan’s book goes, these are certainly good ideas and advice. But they don’t go far enough. It is naïve to say that that simply eating foods will correct the imbalances that our bodies currently have. The proliferation of toxins in the environment —

Pouring Mercury

and consequently in our bodies, cannot be addressed simply by eating “food.” To address health issues it is necessary that each person have a carefully performed, individualized evaluation of functional capacities. Then there must be creation of a targeted remediation program that includes: detoxification, repair, and then replacement to address the years of exposure to processed foods and environmental chemicals.

The nutritional deficits that lead to damaged tissue structures, like in the intestine, must be corrected along with other deficits, and just eating food, even if it is all strictly organic, is not enough for most people. The damage is too extensive to fix without intensive action.
This is where the experience of clinicians such as Dr. Jay Sordean come into the picture. Looking at the big picture as well as the details, taking into account traumas, toxicity, stress and structural issues – all of which play a role in the breakdown and positive repair of the body, mind, emotions and spirit. This functional diagnostic medicine approach is lacking in your hospitals and most clinics. Its absence is a reason why chronic illness and epidemics (diabetes, ADHD, autism, dementia, obesity, to name a few major ones) are prevalent in America today. Dr. Jay’s series on issues such as functional causes of obesity and on female hormone imbalances are worth watching to understand why “just food” isn’t enough. Time to call for an appointment 510-849-1176
#MichaelPollan

Acupuncture and Sedona Method – Great Combination

At The Redwood Clinic we combine the best of natural medicine approaches to create a synergistic effect. This enables faster and deeper results for patients. This also addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels of a person’s health concerns.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a multifaceted system including energy work, massage, exercise, diet, stress-reduction, herbal formulas and even martial arts. As comprehensive as this may be, there are still other approaches to healing and health that work very well with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Thus, we like to combine the best of all worlds when possible. Of course, if you are coming in with an insurance plan, that plan has restrictions on what it will pay for and not pay for. Usually that is very limited. So to really get the full benefit of our years of clinical experience you may have out of pocket expenses. But believe me, that is worth it.

Your car insurance won’t pay for a tune-up — only crashes. But you don’t refuse to get the tune-ups just because your insurance won’t pay for it. The same thing should apply to your health.

When people are resting during an acupuncture session we often encourage them to listen to a guided imagery process to work on different aspects of their body’s healing powers. And to reduce stress responses. One of the many processes we offer selectively to patients, based on their individual needs and circumstances, might be the Sedona Method.

Please watch and listen to another recent positive experience using this unique integrative approach only found at The Redwood Clinic.

Sodium – Hair Mineral Analysis Element

Sodium – Hair Mineral Analysis Element and Body Functioning

Sodium is an important element and mineral test in the hair mineral analysis testing. Sodium plays a significant role in your body and cells, often paired up with Potassium. If you have high blood pressure your doctor will tell you to cut down on your Sodium. Doctors also look at the amount of Sodium in your blood during the comprehensive blood testing. This hair deposition of Sodium gives additional and significant information about your body that the blood Sodium levels do not.

Diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular illness, obesity, cognitive decline — are just a few of the many conditions, malfunctions, or diseases that do not develop symptoms often until they are progressed quite a long time and Sodium may play a key role. Functioning has to drop to around 40% for symptoms to be obvious — up until a drop of function by 60% we know about dysfunction by things other than symptoms. Hair Mineral Analysis focuses on particular minerals –macro, micro, trace and heavy metals found stored in your hair. Understanding the relationships among the different minerals found can tell us a lot about how your body is functioning. Not only your body, but your emotions and hormones.

After watching this, if you want to get a hair mineral analysis with explanation please contact The Redwood Clinic at +1-510-849-1176.

Hair mineral Analysis You tube videos

Sodium: https://youtu.be/WLiNaQqTHTM

Your Water Consumption is Important to Your Health

Did you know that water covers 72% of the earth’s surface? And that is about the percentage of water that our bodies are composed of! Water is also the medium that most toxins are removed from the body. Toxins in the body are, well, toxic. So not only do we want to get them out of our body if possible, but we don’t want to put more in our body.

Are you having any symptoms of toxicity? How long did it take for those symptoms to develop? Did you know that toxins are more prevalent than you may think? Filtering your water at the tap is key, and I recommend the Multipure water filtration system. They are less costly than bottled water, they are convenient and reliable. I have used them for over 30 year with great satisfaction. Order them online here.

Why should you filter your water before you consume it? Watch this video to understand why. Would you like to know what toxic contaminants the Multipure filtration system is scientifically tested and shown to remove? Download this report.

Susan B. Koemen Donation Version of System

Do you want the details of the NSF studies on the Multipure system removal of contaminants? mp-performance-data

So you have to prevent toxins from getting into your body as well as removing them from your body. Two different things, both both equally important. Removing them from the body takes professional advice and guidance and that is what you can get at The Redwood Clinic. Call now for an appointment.

For more information on toxins and your brain, go to the websites associated with the following two books: “Outsmarting the Dementia Epidemic: 7 Key Memory Care Actions to Avoid Alzhiemer’s and Successfully Keep Safe, Sharp and Sexy into the Future” and the companion book, “Super Brain: Maximize Your Brain Health for a Better Life”

Time for Detoxification: Removing Toxicity to Start the New Year Clear

Removing Toxicity – Start the New Year Clear

Time for Detoxification: Start the New Year Right. It is nearing the end of January. How are you feeling? Full of energy or sluggish already?

January is a great time to “ring out” the old. We often cap off a year of not-so-healthy habits with year-end celebrations featuring decadent foods and libations. Its no wonder that many people start each year feeling worn out and fatigued. These are also signs of a potential overload of internal “junk” you’ve built up from everyday chemicals and other potentially harmful substances in food, water, and air. Although the body has a natural detoxification process, we often give it more than it can handle.

Unhealthy eating can add to your toxic burden. Even within our body we produce toxins, such as byproducts of impaired digestion and unhealthy eating. It can also cause weight gain, and excess fat makes a comfy hiding place to store what your liver has trouble cleaning out. Year-end pressures at work and emotional stress (and added pounds) from seasonal gathering and preparations can add to this toxic buildup and increase “blue” feelings in January.
Make a clear resolution to feel better. New Year’s resolutions to “be healthier” often fail due to a lack of a measurable goal. But there’s a simple way to promote good health and feel better while helping your body get back to its top cleansing speed. A 10-day metabolic detoxification program is how many people choose to start the year off rightand help them stay clear-headed and energetic all year long.

Call today to schedule an appointment to learn how a metabolic detoxification program can help you feel better. 510-849-1176

Even your water can be a source of toxins — filtering your water from the tap prior to consumption is very important. I recommend the Multipure water filtration system and you can order it here

Many other methods of detecting toxicity in your body as well as approaches to dealing with that toxicity are mentioned in this and other postings on this site.

BRAIN BALANCE: ADHD, Autism, ADD, Dyslexia, and DEMENTIA PREVENTION

BRAIN BALANCE: ADHD, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and DEMENTIA PREVENTION

When a patient comes into The Redwood Clinic for a health consultation, that person usually has concerns about particular symptoms or conditions. Often they have been many other places for solutions and didn’t get the help they wanted. If the symptoms were the only things being looked at then the underlying cause may have been missed. So that is what we do – search for the underlying cause of the symptom.

What do the following have in common?

Acid Reflux
Erectile dysfunction
High blood pressure
Increased cholesterol
Allergies, food or otherwise
Dry eyes and mouth,
Sleep problems
Depression
Memory problems
Autoimmune Disorders

Any and all of them can be observed with, and could be due to unequal brain development. In other words, the two sides of the brain need to be fairly well matched in development of those symptoms can occur.

Today, as you can tell, I am focusing on the brain and how the brain functions.

In acupuncture, the brain and brain stem are associated with water and winter. Ergo one reason why I am talking about this now.

I am also doing prepublication publicity of my book, Super Brain – Maximize your Brain Health For a Better Life.

Stress Trauma and Toxicity are 3 primary causes of most conditions and effect the brain function. Any anomalies in the functioning that we tested can come from any of those 3.
At the same time, neurological developmental problems can cause many problems as well.

Right and Left Brain Dominance issues

In a recent lecture I gave to professionals at BNI, I had them perform a series of tasks and had them write down the answers. All of them have to do with hemispherical dominance. In general, our brains have two sides with functioning divided up so that similar functions are close together.

However, the two sides have to work together like a team and in time.

Ever flown in an airplane with two or more engines? What if the engines were not tuned well to be going at the same speed? Then you would be going in circles.

The same with our brains.

Non-verbal communication

80% of communication is said to be non-verbal. The right side of the brain is the non-verbal, big picture,emotional side. Did you think I was happy, puzzled or perplexed, and sad?

When the right side of the brain doesn’t develop properly, inability to read social and emotional non-verbal cues is the result. Up to age 2 is when the right side of the brain is really developing.

If it isn’t developing well, problems can occur. Language verbal skills are delayed because the non-verbal side is weak. When language verbal skills are weak, socialization and social interaction skills are delayed. Autism spectrum disorder occurs.

Cross Dominance

Do you have a dominant hand on one side and a dominant foot on the other? This may indicate a developmental inequality of the brain.

OTHER SYMPTOMS

What else can be observed and developed with unequal brain development?

Acid Reflux
Erectile dysfunction
Hypertension
Increased cholesterol
Allergies, food or otherwise
Dry eyes and mouth,
Sleep problems
Depression

If you are experiencing any of these things and are not sure of the root cause, you owe it to yourself to call The Redwood Clinic to get checked out. Be aware that most insurance plans that cover acupuncture treatments DO NOT PAY for comprehensive evaluations required to really figure out the cause. It is like AAA Roadside Assistance. Great for a flat tire or a dead battery. But they WON’T pay for a replacement tire, a new battery, or a tune up of your engine. BECAUSE you didn’t pay them for that. Same thing with medical insurance. You get what you pay for.

Call today for an appointment 510-849-1176. “Take the Natural Path to Optimal Health.” Get further information about neurological solutions like NRCT as well.

Digestion, Immunity, and Probiotics – Your Natural Choices

Boost Digestion, Immunity with Probiotics: Finding digestive comfort and Regularity

Many digestive complaints may be due to an imbalance of intestinal microflora. Digestive discomforts such as bloating, indigestion, and mild or occasional constipation or diarrhea could be

warning signs of an imbalance of intestinal bacteria referred to as
microflora. Certain inflammatory disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases) are also associated with microflora imbalance. Stress and other lifestyle factors including diets high in sugars and low in fiber can foster harmful bacteria growth. Frequent or prolonged use of certain medications can also disrupt microflora balance.

Good bacteria are good for your health. Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to hundreds of bacterial strains, including both good and bad bacteria. One of your GI system’s main immunological functions is to rid the body of harmful bacteria and maintain a favorable ratio of health-promoting microflora. “Friendly” bacteria aid in digestion, intestinal motility to promote regular bowel movements, and immune function to defend against infection by food-borne or other disease-causing germs. A “probiotic” may help restore balance. Daily supplementation with beneficial probiotic bacteria complements healthy eating, regular exercise, and managing stress to support digestive, immune, and overall health. Probiotics can also be used strategically to help respond to brief flare-ups of digestive distress, such as travel-associated diarrhea or discomforts associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Get the right probiotic to meet your needs. Different probiotic strains have unique benefits. So it’s important to select a beneficial combination of probiotic strains to get the health support you need.

Stomach, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine

Make an appointment to discuss how a targeted probiotic can help you in the context of overall health and better functioning. Call us today 510-849-1176 * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

A Safe and Natural Approach to IBS

IBS Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a complex disorder which affects the intestines ability to effectively move their contents; most often too fast but other times too slow. The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Less frequently occurring symptoms of IBS include headaches, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Symptoms are often triggered by stress, dietary changes, emotional upsets, hormone levels and even medications.

Offering a Safe Natural Approach

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer a safe, effective, natural and drug-free way to address IBS. This holistic healthcare system looks at the body differently than Western medicine. According to Chinese medicine, the body is like a garden that must be cultivated and maintained in order to grow strong and remain healthy. Good health happens when all of the organs and meridian systems are balanced and working together.

How Can We Help?

According to Chinese medical theories, there are several possible causes for IBS including imbalances of the spleen, liver, or kidneys.

One of these is an imbalance of the spleen. The spleen is the organ in charge of digestion and assimilation of foods and liquids. One of the main functions of the spleen is to aid in the production of spleen Qi. Spleen Qi is the energy that provides power and nourishment for the entire body. Another function of the spleen is to produce blood from the food it breaks down and to convert it into usable energy to power your body. If your spleen isn’t properly cared for, the body’s energy levels will not be supported and illness may occur. The spleen is easily affected and weakened by poor eating habits and diet, antibiotics, excessive worry, or a weak constitution. When a weakened spleen cannot metabolize or process food efficiently, “dampness” appears in the body. Dampness occurs when rotting, undigested food sits in the gut, causing a variety of symptoms. If dampness “rises” to your head, you may experience headaches, a “foggy” feeling and an inability to concentrate. Over time, dampness can lead to bloating, fullness and loose stools.

Another possible scenario is an imbalance in the liver. According to Chinese medicine, the liver is associated with emotional health. Stress and anger directly influence the function of your liver. Alcohol, drugs and medications, or a poor diet further compromise its function. When this happens, your liver energy overflows, in a figurative sense, and attacks the spleen. If your spleen is already weakened, it can be easily overcome. The result can be stress-induced IBS. If your liver is compromised, you may experience alternating diarrhea and constipation, as well as bloating, gas, headaches, and dull pain. In this case, your liver may be the root of the problem, and your spleen the secondary problem.

An imbalance in kidney Yang could also cause IBS symptoms. Kidney Yang is energy that provides warmth for your body. This energy warms up your spleen to aid in the digestion and breakdown of food. If your kidney energies are compromised, you may experience early-morning diarrhea and possibly bladder incontinence, cold limbs, weak knees and a sore back.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can create a clear picture of the root imbalance(s) that lead to IBS symptoms. When you meet with your practitioner, he or she will determine what organ and meridian systems are contributing to your IBS. They may also suggest adjunct therapies such as herbs, dietary changes, breathing techniques and exercises in order to maximize your healing.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to address IBS.

Dr. Jay Sordean and The Redwood Clinic in Berkeley, California can help you with your IBS. Call us at today (510) 849-1176 to set up a consultation.

The Redwood Clinic, Berkeley Acupuncture & Natural Medicine

Take the Natural Path to Optimal Health.™