Apple a Day EAT THAT

by Lynell Cavner, Owner & Master Certified Bowen Practitioner, Lynell & Company

Healthy daily practices are essential to developing consistent habits.

Taking the time to learn what creates a harmonious relationship within your mind, body and spirit will ultimately bless you with clarity, positivity and fluid movement within the nervous system of your body.

Relationships begin on the inside. Our lymphatic system and our digestive system, although they can work independently, rely heavily on each other to be the best they can be. It is the same within a family. We can live independently of each other but rely on our family unit to be the best we can be.

Keeping that unit healthy on all levels is important. Family units can be life-giving forces when healthy and stress levels are minimal.

Our enteric nervous system — otherwise known as our “second brain” — is a leader of our digestive family unit. Fifty percent of the body’s dopamine is developed here. This is your “joy hormone.” Ninety percent of the body’s serotonin also is developed here. This is your “happiness hormone.”

Though the enteric nervous system doesn’t appear to have “thought processes,” it does communicate back and forth with our brain producing profound results. Research is finding that when our enteric nervous system is not happy, then our digestive system is not happy, which results in a higher percentage of developing functional bowel problems that lead to anxiety/ depression issues.

Since our enteric nervous system reacts differently to diet and/or other disturbances, how do we keep it happy? As the medical community slowly does their research of various medications and stem cell treatments, there are a few ways to help yourself: One, reduce stress and/ or your response to stress with things like walking, soaking up the morning sunshine, doing some deep relaxation stretches and breathing in deeply.

Two, eat an apple every day. Remember the old saying “eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away”? Well, there is something to that. Pectin, which is the soluble fiber in an apple, improves digestion and gently cleanses the bowels.

The relationship between you and your body is reflected to those around you.

So, knowing yourself and holding yourself accountable when it comes to healthy habits will ultimately help you, help your family stay happy and healthy.