integrative nutrition

Millions of Americans unknowingly suffer from Leaky Gut Syndrome.  

This happens when the lining of the gut is eaten away over time, creating actual pinholes in the gut lining. 

Many things contribute to Leaky gut.  At the top of the list is a steady diet of processed foods, laden with toxic chemicals, pesticides, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors and preservatives. Other contributing factors are toxins such as mercury & lead, stress, and infections.

When the gut lining has been breached, it allows undigested food and bacteria, everything that should stay contained in the gut, to circulate through the bloodstream. Leaky Gut Syndrome is the gateway to auto-immune disease, systemic inflammation and at the root of most health issues. 

Leaky Gut Syndrome also affects the brain. Research proves that the same factors that cause Leaky Gut also eat away at the blood brain barrier, the protective lining in the brain, creating a Leaky brain. Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's, and many other neurological disorders are attributed to a leaky, inflamed brain. 

How to know if you may have Leaky Gut?  

Do you have gastrointestinal problems such as IBS, constipation or bloating? 

Have you been diagnosed with an "inflamed" gut, an auto-immune disorder, or something ending with "itis"? 

Do you suffer from migraines, depression, joint pain or chronic allergies and upper respiratory infections? 

If you can answer yes to any of these, then you probably have a dysfunctional leaky gut.

The good news is that the gut can be repaired and your health can improve!

To learn more, schedule your free 15 minute consultation by clicking below

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." 

Hippocrates, circa 400bc.

The fastest way to change your health is to change what's on your fork.  A clean, whole-food, unprocessed diet of fresh fruits, veggies, health fats and clean proteins is not only nutrient dense, but makes you feel better and helps prevent disease.  

Vitamins and minerals are the raw materials we need in order for every body system to function optimally. Lack of nutrients leads to deficiencies, hormone imbalances, inflammation, cognitive decline and disease. 

For example, Omega 3 fats are important building blocks for a healthy brain and healthy cells. These fats are anti-inflammatory but virtually non-existent in the standard American diet (SAD). Healthy fats come from cold-water fish such as wild salmon, sardines and cod, but also from pasture-raised eggs, olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. 

Unfortunately, the typical diet is heavy in inflammatory Omega 6 fats, and deficient in Healthy Omega 3's.  The unhealthy fats & oils  we consume too much of are trans fats, canola oil, vegetable oils and soy.

With most of the immune system residing in the gut, every bite of food impacts it. You can strengthen your immunity, or you can suppress it at each meal. Sugar severely suppresses the immune system, leaving you more susceptible to sickness in the few hours after eating it. Processed, refined foods and sugar also alter the bacteria in the gut, creating and environment for disease to thrive.

Many of the diseases we suffer from today begin in the gut. 

Food does one of two things: it will build you up, or break you down. If you choose whole nutrient-dense foods, you will reap the benefits. If you choose sugary, processed foods, the consequence will be ill-health.

To learn more, schedule your free 15 minute consultation by clicking below.

There are so many factors that influence our physical and mental health, but none as much as stress.

It is vital to your health to learn tools to deal with stressors of all kinds.

Stress causes inflammation, hormone imbalance, elevated blood sugar, weight gain and a host of other health issues.

Stress shifts our Central Nervous System into a Sympathetic state, often called fight or flight. Here, the body is on high alert, diverting all of its energy to battle the perceived stressor. Energy is pulled away from the gut and we can’t digest food and our bodies can’t maintain normal function. 

We must learn how to shift the CNS to a Parasympathetic state, or rest and digest mode. 

Here we can properly metabolize food, balance hormones and function optimally and heal. 

The Vagus nerve connects the gut and the brain, it controls gut motility, heart rate variability and is greatly impacted by stress. 

This is a parasympathetic nerve, and is only activated when we are in rest & digest mode. 

If we remain in a stressed state, the Vagus nerve is deactivated, the CNS is on high alert, we're pumping out stress hormones like crazy and this creates an environment for disease to thrive. 

Stress compromises every body system, physically, mentally and emotionally. Trauma and abuse are stored in the body and if left unresolved will manifest into physical disease. Fibromyalgia is a good example of this.

Deep breathing, yoga, meditation and exercise are excellent ways to shift the CNS into Parasympathetic state. Vagus nerve stimulation can also be achieved with certain foods and Essential oils 

To learn more, schedule your free 15 minute consultation by clicking below.

There's no denying the fact that our Conventional Medical System is broken. Patients get shuttled through Dr.'s offices, receiving a 5-7 minute appointment, a label (diagnosis), then handed a prescription. Unfortunately, what 's missing here is you, the patient. 

You expect answers to your questions. The sad truth is that many people are intimidated by their doctors. We don't ask questions for fear of hurting their feelings, questioning their education, or being dropped as a patient. 

By the time my clients come to see me, they have a bag full of medications, have been through the cycle of "specialists", and are sick and frustrated. In my experience, personally and professionally, it is rare that a conventionally trained doctor takes the time to get to know patients, ask about their lives and really dig down to figure out the root cause of health issues.

You deserve to be listened to. You have the right to question why a medication is being prescribed, have the benefits and side effects thoroughly explained, as well as other treatment options. You have the right to know, and question, everything about your care, it's your body! You have the right to be treated with respect. Your HealthCare Provider should be providing true healthcare. 

This is where I can help! I will coach you through your Dr. visit. We will discuss the specifics of your appointment, your expectations, your questions, and ensure you get the answers you want. This can be done in a private coaching session ahead of time, or I can accompany you to your appointment as your advocate (in the San Antonio area). I can help you to become an advocate for your own healthcare!

To learn more, schedule your free 15 minute consultation by clicking below.