3 Aspects of Health to Address to Improve Focus and Mental Clarity. Maybe you don't have ADHD?

You have these things to do, and it seems to take longer than you like. You are reading things over and over again and it is not only getting to be very not interesting but dreadful. Then perhaps there is a small amount of guilt that overhangs as it feels like not much is accomplished today. You might start to feel tired. The more behind you are, the less you feel like doing it. It’s not your fault. Maybe ADHD is not to blame either. Perhaps there may be some physical issues that may have been overlooked.

Candida:

Some symptoms of Candida overgrowth can include: brain fog, mood issues, fatigue, skin issues, acne, fungal eczema, scalp odors, bloating vaginal discharge, headaches etc. Other “bad” dysbiotic microbes in the gut can also affect concentration, focus and memory. In fact there are associations between increased leaky gut and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s later in life. The increased inflammation in the gut is often associated with increased microinflammation in the brain and nervous system which is a contributor to some of these conditions.

Not consuming refined carbohydrates or refined sugars is important because these foods feed candida overgrowth.

Spleen Qi Deficiency

The “Spleen” in western medicine is an organ that stores an extra reserve of blood to be used in case of an emergency (blood loss) or hypoxia. In Chinese medicine, the spleen is related to the digestive system and plays a role in the immune system. The energy of the spleen is easily depleted with mental work and even more depleted with frequent emotions of worry. So by nature of jobs, a construction worker is less likely to be spleen qi deficient than a lawyer. Worrying and overthinking weaken digestion, but the weaker the spleen qi, the harder it is to focus the mind. Another task of the spleen is to remove “dampness”. Too much dampness in the stomach can lead to feeling bloated, loose stools, nausea etc. Too much dampness in the lungs is associated with a tendency to phlegm in the chest. Too much dampness in the head is associated with brain fog, cloudy thinking, slow thinking, difficulty concentrating and feeling easily overwhelmed.

Consuming room temperature or warm foods as opposed to ice-cold drinks, ginger, cinnamon, poria and ginseng are some things that can help improve spleen health. Using the dry sauna or an infrared sauna is also helpful in fortifying the spleen system.

Liver qi Stagnation and Liver Fire

The liver is a very important organ and performs hundreds of metabolic functions, many of which involve detoxifying or keeping the toxins out of our bodies. Note that the TCM imbalances described may often be present with normal liver bloodwork such as AST, and ALT etc.

Often when there is an overload of toxins, and the system is “clogged”, TCM calls this imbalance Liver qi stagnation. It is associated sometimes with emotions of feeling stuck in life, or difficulty starting tasks. Liver qi stagnation is often associated with any type of achy pain.

Simple ways to move the liver qi is to exercise and move the body. Deep breathing, breathwork and even a message can move liver qi as well as specific herbs and supplements. When the liver qi flows, you’ll feel more energetic, focused, motivated, light and often with less aches and pains.

When there is an overload of toxins, sometimes the body creates an imbalance pattern of “Liver Fire”. Fire and heat rise. Symptoms of this include overthinking, recurring thoughts, tendency to anger or frustration, migraines and anxiety. When we use herbs such as Rehmania and others as well as appropriate liver detoxification support, many patients find that their minds quiet, they are less easily triggered and that it is easier to focus and accomplish things with less effort.

I’ve worked with adults and kids naturopathically to help with attention and improved mental function and mood. It is encouraging to see how natural therapies work well and offer an alternative to those who prefer to not take medications. I have some perceptive teenagers telling me they find schoolwork easier, and that they get better grades. Not only is it important to address the physical, spending time with patients to talk and address the mental, emotional, and energetic aspects can take progress much farther. It is beautiful to see people having an easier time with school or work, more confidence, feeling fulfilled, and able to enjoy life.

Feel free to reach out here if I can be of help. 

The information above is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. 

How Does Stress Affect Your Stomach?

Does Relationship Stress Relate To Digestive Problems?

Have you noticed that when you are in a healthy relationship that your physical health is generally better? Have you seen a friend who is going through a rough patch in their relationship and you see their physical health declining? Relationship stress does affect physical health and here’s the medical reasoning for this. According to Guyton’s Textbook of Medical Physiology, stress affect over 12 different body systems. Today we talk about how stress affects your digestive system. Photo Credit Filip Bunkens

“To be or not to be, that is the question”. Should I call him or not? Is it too soon? What does she think about me? I like them a lot, and sometimes I get a really nice text and sometimes I’m not sure how important I am to them. Did I do something wrong? These are some very common internal fears and conversations that go on in the head of our single folk. 

Now if you are married or in a steady relationship there are different issues that go on in a relationship that can be stressful, such as seeing blind spots in your partner that you really want them to change. But if they don’t change, it bothers you more than them! 

Perhaps one partner is too overbearing and nagging. Perhaps one partner does not feel they are a priority in the relationship and feels neglected. Perhaps there are disagreements in how to raise children. Over 50% of marriages in America end in divorce. I believe a key to being and staying in a happy and fulfilled relationship is getting the tools that we may not have had growing up. Then taking small consistent action to love and honor your partner, so that you have a thriving relationship.

Let's talk about how stress affects your digestive system. 

How does stress affect your Stomach?

When you are stressed, your nervous system shifts to the fight and flight response known as the sympathetic nervous system. In the sympathetic state, you do not feel safe and the body shifts to survival mode. In survival mode your blood flow goes away from the digestive system. Imagine in the olden days if a bear chased you, the last thing you should do is start snacking. This is pure physiological adaptation. 

If less blood supply goes to your digestive system, digestion is not as effective, and nutrient absorption is compromised. If improperly digested food sits too long in your gut, it rots, producing more bloating and gas. Stress also induces more inflammation in the body, so there will be a higher chance of IBS and ulcers. 

Stress also increases the production of a hormone cortisol that can affect the nervous system control to the immune system. Since 70% of your immune system is in the GI tract, stress can make you more susceptible to dysbiosis (imbalance of bacteria or yeast in your gut), as well as susceptibility to infections from bacteria, parasites, or the bacteria H. pylori associated with GERD.

I’ve seen so many patients who are incredibly hard on themselves. When they don’t feel loved the way they want in relationships, they may sometimes change themselves based on what they assume will make themselves more attractive to their partner. They may tend to have thoughts revolving around themselves not being enough. I’ve seen thriving people quickly spiral down this path within a few weeks of emotional stress, and perhaps develop digestive problems. 

Ayurvedic Help for the Stomach

In Ayurveda, the Solar Plexus or 3^rd Chakra is associated with our will power, healthy sense of who-we-are, self-worth, and confidence. There are 7 Chakras in our body; they are concentrated energy centers in our body that relate to different aspects of us. The Solar Plexus is located just above your navel in your abdomen and this energy center is connected to a healthy digestive system. Repressing your emotions, losing a sense of identity, or feeling not good enough is linked to a weak solar plexus. 

To strengthen the solar plexus so that you increase energy and healing to your digestive tract it is first very important to see, believe and love the beautiful person you are. Value who you are. 

Second, breathe energy into your abdominal area. You may feel that the breath is blocked and does not reach that far down into your belly. That is OK, keep imagining moving your breath down your belly and it will come with some practice. While you breath into your abdomen, imagine a light that is re-igniting and reconnecting you with who you are, and start to feel the strength and confidence that comes with that. Do this for 5 minutes twice daily. Third, you can use lavender or lemon balm essential oils to rub on your solar plexus to help release the knot in your stomach.

Chinese Medicine Help for the Stomach

If you tend to feel angry or frustrated often in your relationship, these emotions are often related to a liver and gallbladder imbalance according to Chinese Medicine. This means that the energy flow to these organ meridian paths is blocked and does not mean that you have liver or gallbladder disease. The beauty about herbal medicine is that not only does it have specific biochemical scientific mechanisms whereby it can correct certain disease states in our body, but the herbs also have an energetic personality, which when matched correctly with a patient’s constitution can be very specific and effective in balancing any physical problem that is also connected to emotional stress patterns. Photo Credit Jacki-Dee

The herb Bupleurum is very good for helping with sluggish digestion, supporting the liver, and decreasing the “yucky” feeling in your stomach as well as helping with decreasing stress associated with anger and frustration. You can find Bupleurum in this wonderful stress formula called, Tran Q by Metagenics. Please seek medical advise from your doctor before using any information contained in this article.

If you tend to have a lot of racing thoughts and unable to quiet your mind, constantly dwelling on the “what ifs”, it is very likely you are Yin Deficient according to Chinese medicine. Yin is important to help you stay grounded, calm, peaceful, and positive. Yin also is important to help one fall asleep as well as bringing energy to the digestive tract. If you are Yin deficient, the herb Rehmannia is very helpful to bring more grounding and nurturing to the body. The herb Polygala Root is helpful to give strength and willpower to withstand difficult or stressful times gracefully. I like the formula Serenagen by Metagenics, which contains both these herbs. 

You can get Tran Q and Serenagen here:

http://modernintegrativemedicine.com/supplement-store/

I have been blessed to change many patients lives, often turning around debilitating stomach, intestinal problems in one to two months by giving the body natural treatments based on their specific individual case and the latest cutting edge scientific research. Remember if you are stressed in your relationship, that the answer is right in front of you. Work with your relationship coach. Start seeing outside of your box and expand your perspective. Start experimenting with letting go of any thought that does not give you life, freedom and joy. You can have a life with a joyful and fulfilling relationship. There is hope you can heal if you have a physical illness. Remember consistent action gives results.