16 minute read
YOUR GUT AND YOU
by Emily Fritz
There are several gastrointestinal the mucosal barrier and protect against conditions, such as inflammatory GI-related diseases and other alterations bowel disease (IBD), antibioticto normal bodily function. Looking more associated diarrhea and clostridium closely, prebiotics occur as natural or difficile infection, that can occur when synthetic sugars. When these sugars reach the microorganisms in the small or large the GI tract, they are fermented by the gut intestine are disrupted. They often are a microbiota to create short-chain fatty acresult of poor gut health. We know that ids. These short-chain fatty acids increase “gut health” is important for a healthy electrolyte and water absorption, decrease body, but do we know what “gut health” intraluminal pH, alter cell proliferation actually means? and differentiation (which can decrease
Advertisement
Gut health refers to the balance of the risk of colon cancer) and decrease microorganisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) intestinal inflammatory processes, as well tract. These microorganisms aid in conas strengthen the immune system. Good tributing to a strong immune system, brain sources of prebiotics include fruits, veghealth and, of course, GI health. Therefore, etables, grains, legumes, Jerusalem artiit is important to maintain gut health to help chokes, wheat bran, chicory and soybeans. prevent disorders of the body. So, how do On the other hand, probiotics are we maintain gut health? Nutrition through live bacteria that are added to the gut to prebiotics and probiotics are prominent increase the presence of bacteria. Probiotsources for enhancing gut microbiota. ics technically consume prebiotics for fuel.
Prebiotics are nondigestible food Furthermore, probiotics are in a sense ingredients that stimulate the proliferation the opposite of antibiotics because rather of certain gut bacteria. In other words, than kill off bacteria, probiotics add to the prebiotics provide the “food” for current microbiome to provide a strong protective bacteria in the GI tract to help strengthen layer that fights for our gut health. Thus, we need to make sure that we consume plenty of probiotics when we are taking antibiotics for long periods of time. While probiotics can be found in the supplemental form of capsules or powders, it is not entirely necessary to seek these sources out because probiotics are also found in everyday fermented food products such as yogurts that contain added lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains, kefir, kombucha (fermented tea), tempeh (fermented soybeans) and sauerkraut (fermented cabbage).
Experts recommend starting with probiotics, microbiota-loving foods that will feed and strengthen our current gut bacteria. After all, our gut buddies do a pretty good job fighting off disease and maintaining a homeostatic environment for our comfort and quality of life. Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, is an expert on the gut microbiome and suggests starting out with some of these types of foods to help fortify and strengthen the existing bacteria: • Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains • Potatoes (boiled and cooled) • Bananas (not too ripe) • Jerusalem artichokes
Dr. Cresci explains that while it is ideal to obtain your prebiotics and probiotics from the diet, we may not get enough due to our busy lifestyles. If we need to take supplemental prebiotics and probiotics, she suggests choosing: • Product that has a seal of approval from testing agencies such as Consumer Reports or Consumer Labs • Probiotic capsules packaged with inulin or other prebiotics • Probiotic in spore form, which can survive on the shelf or in the digestive tract
Let’s help our army of bacteria by feeding them the fuel they deserve!
Emily Fritz is a recent dietetic graduate of the University of Dayton and has recently been accepted into Augusta University to pursue her M.S. in dietetics. Emily truly believes that food is medicine and is working towards becoming a registered dietitian to pursue her passion in health promotion and disease prevention.
Call ahead to confirm event
sunday
Sunday Sadhana – 9-10:15am. This all-levels class combines gentle yoga with mantra, mudra, medita tion and shamanism. Each heart-centered class is designed to bring balance and harmony to the mind, body and spirit. $15/drop-in. Bhakti Center CT, 750 Main St Rear, Willimantic. 860-593-5002.
Create Financial Freedom with Healthy Products
– 4-5pm. Learn how to build a business and create financial freedom for you by distributing natural Aloe Vera nutritional supplements to help others be healthy. Free. Bristol (call for address). RSVP: 860-372-8171. Women’s Global Circle – 6:30-8pm. Live/in-person first Sunday. Online the rest of the month. For heartcentered activism and manifestation. Women wanting to make their dreams for self and world come true. $60/monthly fee. Phone interview/sign up: 917- 860-0488. Call for address. DrSklover@gmail.com.
monday
Meditation Mondays – 7-8pm. First Monday. Meditation for all. Beginners and drop-ins welcome. Begin each week with a meditation practice to quiet your mind and let go of all that does not serve. Facilitated by Melanie VanOstrand. $10. Sea in the Sky Healing and Wellness Center, Hebron. 860- 530-1552. SeaInTheSkyHealing.com. Tong Ren Healing Class – 7-8pm. Dr. Ming Wu leads this class focusing on internally healing the body’s energy system by using the collective unconscious. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888. Sacred Meditation – 7-8:30pm. First Monday. Meditation can help to reduce stress and increase peace within. Lily will lead you as you settle in. Then you will have the opportunity to go off on your own to deepen your connection to self and spirit. Free. 129 Tolland Stage Rd. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.
tuesday
Dragon and Tiger Medical Qigong – 11:15am12:15pm. Gentle movements performed standing or sitting activate the acupuncture meridians. Improve your balance, coordination, energy and health. Don Myers, Certified Instructor, 30 years of teaching experience. $15/class. Universalist Church, 433 Fern St, West Hartford. Register at GreatPondTaiChi.com. Tai Chi for Kids (Ages 6-12) – 4-4:45pm. Learning the Chinese art of Tai Chi is a great way for children to relax, have fun and strengthen body and mind. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888. Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 6pm. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404- 2578. BridgeHAC.com. Ayurveda 102 – 6-7pm. 8-week series. Register online at ScheduleBliss.com/BhaktiCenterCT. $108. Bhakti Center CT. 750 Rear Main St, Willimantic. BhaktiCenterCT@gmail.com. Tai Chi with Dr. Ming Wu – 6-7pm. Learn from a Tai Chi master who has studied the art of Tai Chi for more than 40 years. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.
Monthly Information Sessions at The Graduate
Institute–6:30-7:30pm. Join us for an info session every 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Graduate Institute. Please contact us to let us know that you’ll be attending. The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd, Bethany. Call203-874-4252. Holistic Cancer Support Group – 6:30-8pm. Do you offer a healing modality or service which will aid those in recovery from cancer? If so, please attend and work with us to build CT’s first holistic cancer support group. BRIDGE Healing Arts
Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. Call Rod Kelly, 860-216-8671 or email Rod@EyeOftheEagle.org.
Soul Circle: A Meditation and Journey Group
– 6:30-8pm. First Tuesday. Join us for an evening of meditation, journeying, drumming and healing. Explore power animals and spirit guides, healing light meditations, nature spirit allies and more. Sea in the Sky Healing and Wellness Center, Hebron. $20. 860-530-1552. SeaInTheSkyHealing.com. Online Mediumship Development Circle/Class – 9-10:30pm. Mixed level circle/classwith Sharon Farber to develop evidential mediumship. Support, instruction, practice. $13/per session. $100/ten sessions. Online in a Zoom room. 860-989-2358. SharonFarber.net.
wednesday
Qi Gong Class – 9:30-10:30am. Class starts with standing Qi Gong exercises for beginners and then flows into Yang Style Tai Chi. $32 first month for new students then $92 month thereafter. $15/walkins. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. 860-593-8397. Erik@ChiForHealing.com. Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Soul{Her} Power – Second Wednesday. Calling all those who identify with the feminine Devine, those in touch and in tune with the magic that’s happening within and all around. Spiritual exploration, education and development. $30. 129 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland. TheWaterLilyCenter.com. Weight Loss Meetings – 5:30-6:15pm. Second and fourth Wednesdays. Join Dr. Stacey Munro for an in formational meeting about effective food-based weight loss and body composition change programs. We will go over program basics, cost and answer questions. All welcome. Please RSVP: 860-758-7808. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic, 178 Mountain Rd, Suffield. Qigong – 6pm. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com. LivFree All Levels Yoga – 6-7pm. With Tracey. Recharge your batteries midweek in this energetic, then relaxing yoga class. Walk-ins welcome. $10. TriCity Massage and Wellness, 220 Hartford Tpke, Vernon. Tri-CityMassage.com. Yoga Nidra – 6:30-7:30pm. Experience the calming effects of Yoga Nidra. Activate your parasympathetic nervous system and relax your body. $20. Enlightenment Center of CT, 660 Prospect Ave, Hartford. EnlightenmentCenterCT.com. Diabetes Support Group – 6:30-8pm. Third Wednesday. Explore the benefits of a supportive community of people struggling with similar issues and concerns. Share your wisdom and successes with others in need of help. Registration required. 10 Grassmere Rd, Ste 300, West Hartford. 860-930- 0308. Laura.EstanRD.CDE@gmail.com. Support Group More Better Happy – 7:15- 8:30pm. When people and circumstances are sucking the energy, motivation and life right out of you, come here. You can recharge while getting what
you want. Registration required. Free. Yoga Born, 1735 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. 860-432-5678. Mediumship Development Circle – 7:30-9pm. Mixed level circlewith Sharon Farber to develop evidential me diumship. Beginners welcome. Active since May 2012. $10-$15 donation. Dragonfly Healing Arts, 8 Wickett St, Pine Meadow. 860-989-2358. SharonFarber.net. Soul{Her} Power – Second Wednesday. Calling all those who identify with the feminine Devine, those in touch and in tune with the magic that’s happening within and all around. Spiritual exploration, education and development. $30. 129 Tolland Stage Rd. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.
thursday
Gentle Yoga – 9am. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com. Tai Chi & Meditation – 10:30-11:30am Instruction is focused on empowering Chi and enhancing health and healing of the mind, body and spirit. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888.
Online Mediumship Development Circle/Class
– 1:30-3pm. Mixed level circle/classwith Sharon Farber to develop evidential mediumship. Support, instruction, practice. $13/per session. $100/ten sessions. Online in a Zoom room. 860-989-2358. SharonFarber.net. Community Acupuncture – 6-7pm. Every otherThursday. 315 E Center St, Manchester. 860- 533-0179. RSVP required:CTNaturalHealth.com. Blended Style YogaClasses – 6-7:15pm. Ourmany styles meet you where you are. Gentle sound allows tuning and awakening improvinglifeand self. Also every weekday. See our website. $5 or $8. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860-649-9600. Tai Chi for Health and Meditation – 6:45- 7:45pm. Experience the proven benefits of Wu Style Tai Chi and Qigong for superior well-being and stress relief. Don Myers, Certified Instructor, 30 years of teaching experience. $15/class. Universalist Church, 433 Fern St, West Hartford. Register at GreatPondTaiChi.com. Shake Your Soul with Qi Gong – Third Thursdays. 7-8:30pm. Experience fluid dance and Qi Gong to awaken your energy and learn to ground. Journey of Yoga LLC, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. JourneyOfYoga.com.
friday
Self-Care Qigong and Shiatsu– 11:15am-12pm. Class introduces some most profound and easyto-apply methods from Five Element Meridians
saturday
Tai Chi and Qi Gong – 8-9am. Dr. Ming Wu is a Tai Chi and Qi Gong Master who has dedicated his life to teaching others how to live healing and healthy lives. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 978-790-8888. Massage Ball Yoga – 9am. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404- 2578. BridgeHAC.com. Qigong, All Levels – 11am-12pm. An ancient practice that has flowing, focused movements that reduce chronic pain, stress and blood pressure, along with creating an overall state of wellness. In Stafford. Call to register and for directions. 860-970-7383. Sound Concert & Journey – First Friday. 7-8:30pm. With Denise Cassella from Stairway to Healing Light. Journey in healing sounds using Tibetan Singing Bowls, Native Drumming, Gong, Rain Stick, various percussion instruments and Vocal Toning. $30. 129 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland. TheWaterLilyCenter.com.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. Create your Community Resource Guide Listing online at NAHRT.com.
ASTROLOGY
DEE RANDIS Watertown 860-274-1690 MetaphysicalCntr.net Dee Randis is an astrologer and psychic medium with over 40 years of experience specializing in personal and relationship counseling. She provides guidance on business matters, real estate decisions, legal issues, as well as missing persons. She does private parties and organizes well-attended holistic/ psychic fairs.
BODYWORK
WU HEALING CENTER Rich Kevorkian LMT Certified Tui Na Therapy 45 S. Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 860-462-3934 RichKevork@yahoo.com WuHealing.com Tui na is a hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese Taoist principles in an effort to bring the eight principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into balance in the body. Tui na is a treatment strategy for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as non-musculoskeletal conditions. See ad, page 7.
CHINESE HERBALIST
WU HEALING CENTER Dr. Ming Wu 45 S Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 978-790-8888 Center@WuHealing.com WuHealing.com Chinese herbal therapy accounts for the majority of treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Dr. Wu is a master herbalist with decades of experience and thousands of years of wisdom. The herbs he prescribes help stimulate the body toward self-healing. See ad, page 7. THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby 860-764-9070 Joan@TIOSN.com TIOSN.com We offer a unique certification program blending the science of nutrition with the hands-on components of sustainable gardening practices. We use food and herbs to make kitchen medicine, teach basic culinary skills, and practice foraging for and using nutrient-rich wild food. Now enrolling. See ad, page 17.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
TAMARA SACHS, MD Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 TSachsMD.com Using Functional Medicine, Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illnesses by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity and intuitions that make us human. Trained at Mt. Sinai Medical School and Yale University Hospital in Internal Medicine, in 2003 she opened Functional Medicine and Integrative Care LLC. She has great success with IBS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, autoimmune problems, toxicity and more, by creating individualized, realistic and comprehensive personalized wellness plans. She consults in her New Milford, CT office, and also by phone or video using telemedicine.
HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER
SHARING THE LIGHT WHOLISTIC CENTER, LLC 395 W Avon Rd, Avon 860-936-0012 Cheryl@SharingTheLightWC.com SharingTheLightWC.com Sharing the Light is your premier healing destination specializing in Traditional Usui Reiki Practitioner certification classes and sessions with Reiki Master Teachers; Crystal Dreaming; singing bowls; tuning forks; tai chi; yoga; reflexology; drum building; psychic readings; and AngelLinks. Visit website to view our calendar of events that includes programs with full-time and part-time practitioners. See ad, page 15. RAYA CLINIC 200 Queen St, Southington 860-621-2225 RayaClinic.com Our 30-year-old Wellness Center consists of a team of doctors combining chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition, food-sensitivity testing, physical therapy, cold-laser, spinal decompression and neuropathy treatments.
HORMONE SUPPORT
COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS 315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 • CTNaturalHealth.com The clinic offers the best of both worlds; our physicians are trained in both conventional and natural approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. We combine science with the wisdom of nature to address the causes of disease, not only the symptoms. See ad, back cover.
MEDIUMSHIP
KEIKO BROYLES Willows Healing Path, LLC 860-280-5548 Keiko@KeikoMedium.com KeikoMedium.com I am a Psychic Spiritual Medium and also a certified Usui Reiki Master and teacher. As a natural psychic and medium, my sincere wish and desire is to promote healing for people in both the physical and spirit worlds. I am a tested member of Shay Parker’s Best American Psychics. See ad, page 2.
NATURE SCHOOL
TWO COYOTES WILDERNESS SCHOOL P.O. Box 711, Monroe TwoCoyotes.org Facebook.com/TwoCoyotes Instagram.com/TwoCoyotes
Two Coyotes Wilderness School is a nonprofit nature organization dedicated to creating a healthier, more connected future by connecting people to nature, community and their personal empowerment. We offer year-round, wilderness-based mentorship programs, including summer camps, for all ages.
COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS 315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 • CTNaturalHealth.com Receive sustainable and natural solutions for health conditions to address the cause of disease, not only the symptoms. We combine science with the wisdom of nature. See ad, back cover. NICOLE KLUGHERS, ND, PHARMD, MSAC Vis Wellness Center 1845 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill (234)2-ACU-DOC DrNicoleKlughers.com Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com Dr. Nicole Klughers offers comprehensive naturopathic care to restore optimal health and prevent disease. Dr. Nicole’s approach addresses the root cause of symptoms with all-natural solutions such as “Food as Medicine” with individualized nutrition, herbal medicine, nutrient therapies, acupuncture and more. In-depth assessment is often done with detailed testing to evaluate the status of nutrients, hormones, inflammation, food sensitivities, toxins or digestive function.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
THE HAPPINESS CLUB Audrey Carlson 860-841-5894 AudreyBCarlson@cox.net HartfordHappinessClub.com Come to Hartford’s Happiness Club monthly meeting on the first Thursday of every month from 7-8:30pm, at Town and County Club at 22 Woodland St in Hartford. Happiness is a choice… make it yours. COLLABORATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PARTNERS 315 East Center St, Manchester 860-533-0179 • CTNaturalHealth.com The clinic offers the best of both worlds; our physicians are trained in conventional and natural approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. We combine science with the wisdom of nature to address the causes of disease, not only the symptoms. See ad, back cover.
QUANTUM PSYCHOTHERAPY
PSYCHOTHERAPY HEALING SERVICES, LLC Celeste Emelia Mattingly, LCSW West Hartford 860-586-8700 Fax: 860-236-1909 CMattingly100@comcast.net CelestialEmpowerment.com The Sanctuary for Celestial Empowerment is a safe, uplifting, high-frequency environment for individual psychotherapy, Tachyon Anti-Aging and Reconnective Energy Healings, workshops and more. Distance healings, evenings and some Saturday appointments available. Celeste accepts insurance including Medicare and Husky.
TAI CHI/QIGONG
WU HEALING CENTER Dr. Ming Wu 45 S. Main St, Ste 100, West Hartford 978-790-8888 Center@WuHealing.com WuHealing.com Tai chi and qigong focus on empowering Chi, enhancing health and healing the mind, body and spirit using diverse bodywork therapies. Develop physical and mental fitness with calmness, balance and awareness. Dr. Wu is now offering regular classes, workshops and retreats for all levels. See ad, page 7. CT THERMOGRAPHY HEALTH SCREENING CENTER April Beaman, CTT, RDH Farmington 860-415-1150 April@ctthermography.com CTThermography.com Thermography is a FDAapproved, radiation free, no-touch screening procedure. Used as part of a routine health screening program, thermography can increase the chances of detecting breast abnormalities, disease and cancer up to 10 years earlier than traditional methods. See ad, page 21.
TRANSFORMATIONAL HEALING
SIMPLY PEACEFUL HEALING LLC Joan Witherell, RMT 2433 Main St, Ste 6, Rocky Hill 860-685-0604 JoanWitherell@gmail.com Joan has a professional office in Rocky Hill, where she offers Angel & Tarot Card Readings, Reiki Healing Sessions, Reiki Certification Training, Transformational Life Coaching Sessions and she also facilitates a variety of inspirational classes.
YOGA
YOGA CENTER OF COLLINSVILLE 10 Front St, Collinsville 860-693-YOGA (9642) info@YogaCenterCollinsville.com YogaCenterCollinsville.com
Experience yoga in the vibrant surroundings of historic Collinsville. Morning / evening classes available: Beginners, Gentle, Mixed, Advanced, Yogalates, Belly Dance and Yoga for Kids. Drop-ins welcome! New student special: $50 for one month of unlimited yoga classes. See ad, page 11.
I simply can’t build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death... I think... peace and tranquillity will return again. ~Anne Frank
