HEALTHY BODY

healthy body By Liz McGehee FROM NATUREProbiotics

The gut is sometimes referred to as the body’s “second brain” and with good reason. Studies have shown that gut bacteria is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, the immune system and overall mood. This is because more than half of our immune system and neurotransmitters are located in the gut. That’s also why antibiotics, which lack the ability to discern good bacteria from bad bacteria, can devastate gut health and cause other issues, such as yeast infections.

A popular way of correcting poor gut health is to take probiotics in supplement form. But there are a number of ways healthy bacteria can die before ever reaching the gut. Additionally, probiotic supplements are expensive.

So how can you guarantee great gut health at an affordable price? The natural way, of course!

One study published by Applied and Environmental Microbiology in 2015 indicated that the symptoms of test mice with inflammatory bowel disease lessened with natural probiotics when compared to the supplement form. Other studies suggest that yogurt has a better survival rate on its journey to the gut than supplements.

If you think about it, our ancestors were able to ingest probiotics naturally long before supplements ever existed. Korea’s national dish, Kimchi (spicy, fermented vegetables) was born in a time without refrigeration, and it’s still an amazing source of healthy bacteria. In fact, one serving of fermented or pickled vegetables can contain as many colony-forming bacteria as an entire bottle of probiotic supplements.

With that in mind, below are some natural probiotics to consider introducing into your diet for a healthier gut.

If you have any gut issues or questions about probiotics please speak with your primary doctor about your options and the best probiotic source for you.

Yogurt

Sauerkraut

SOURDOUGH BREAD

GREEN PEAS

OCCASIONAL BEER OR WINE

Probiotics RAW CHEESE TEMPEH MISO SOUP

KEFIR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

KIMCHI KOMBUCHA LASSI DARK CHOCOLATE for Focus, Healing and Freedom

GREEN OLIVES

Paintingfor Focus, Healing and Freedom

“We Take Painting Personally”

By Chad Ruiz

It’s holding a puppy: the smile, the tail-wagging, the jovial ball of bliss.

It’s your first carnival ride: the apprehension, the thrill of the moment, the rush of triumph.

It’s your first kiss; your successes; your child’s first big achievement.

It’s closing your eyes, inhaling and remembering the good times.

It’s freedom.

Let go of the rules of life and achieve freedom at the Impastato Art Gallery with Elizabeth Impastato’s art healing program. Her melodious voice draws you in. Her education and experience accompany your brushstrokes. Her smile calms your thoughts.

After the initial conversation, Elizabeth schedules several private art sessions with you where you, the student, enter a relaxing, stress-free environment. Then, with brush in hand, you stroke away your work worries. Another stroke and your stress from school, children, family and life disappear. The bristles transport your mind into a field of freedom.

Overcoming a loss? You paint for closure. Muddled thoughts? You paint for focus. When you need to escape from any of life’s stressors, you paint for healing. Whatever your mission, Elizabeth caters each session to you, coaching and cheering you along your journey to freedom.

“Art is so personal and scary for people,” says Elizabeth. “I’m focusing just on them and what their needs are. They’re going to learn a lot about themselves which can work in a lot of aspects of their lives, including confidence, self-esteem and work.”

Painting for healing can help improve your attitude, organize your thoughts, remember a loved one, bolster your self-esteem, sharpen your focus and clear away your anxiety.

Impastato Gallery and Art Therapy www.impastatogallery.com in the Chenier Marketplace in Mandeville, 1901 Hwy. 190, Suite 28. Phone: 985-778-5338