Posts Tagged ‘Stress’
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
Have you ever thought about your current level of health as a stage in your life? If so, what stage would you place yourself…?
Stage 1: Stabilizing
Stage 2: Getting healthy & bringing the body back into balance
Stage 3: Getting in Shape (stage 1 & 2 needs to be met first)
We find so many times in our practice that individuals have not felt well for so long and this becomes their baseline for “normal”. They know that they don’t feel themselves, however, they think that hopping on a treadmill and cutting calories becomes the answer to getting back in shape, as this is what the media usually teaches us. This path of finding health most of the time does not work and if it does, it doesn’t last for long because their bodies are not in a state of good health that can handle the level of intensity of exercise and caloric restriction. This is an example of an individual who needs to focus on Stage 1, stabilizing.
Once you become educated on understanding the pillars of health it will be easy for you to identify what stage of health you are currently at and you can begin your path to wellness where you health goals can be accomplished vs. feeling like no matter what you try or do you remain the same. Below are the definitions of the pillars of health, which are you?
Stage 1: Stabilizing: Stage 1 is all about being able to recognize how you are feeling and come into realization that those headaches, stomach aches, weight gain, poor sleep, night sweats, digestive issues etc…. are signs from your body that it is not in a stable state.
What to do? Contact Dorothy or Lori at Replenishing Soul to set up a consultation to discuss your current level of health. We will be able to put a plan in place for you that will help move you into Stage 2. Lab tests may be recommended, food tracking, temperature monitoring etc. may be asked of you to acquire more information about your current level of health/stage 1.
Stage 2: Getting healthy: Now that we have identified what items of health need to be addressed from Stage 1 we can move into Stage 2…Getting Healthy! Stage 2 is all about active participation on your part of the changes that need to be made in your lifestyle that will help us to bring your body back into balance. The goal in stage 2 is to eliminate all of those pesty aliments you have suffered from in stage 1. As these ailments begin to be eliminated this is your first clue that the body is coming back into balance.
What to do? Follow the plan that Dorothy or I have put into place with you. We will touch base with you every 2-3 weeks either in person or over the phone to see how things are progressing and if changes in the current plan need to be made.
Stage 3: Getting in shape: Congratulations you have made it! You are well on your way to dropping pounds, building muscle, increased athletic performance, anti-aging, improved skin tone, better sleep, increased energy/mood etc. Once the body has been brought back into balance (stage2) and does not need to work so hard as in stage 1, it’s smooth sailing from here. You have now created an environment that allows your body to optimally function.
What to do? Stay consistent with all plans put into place from previous stages. Be able to identify when you might be falling back into old patterns. Become aware of when life stressors are becoming too much and when boundaries need to be set or when you need to take a “time out”. Stage 3 is all about remaining as an active participate in your health.
If you would like more information about healing your metabolism or would like to one on one coaching, please contact us for more information.
Health & Happiness
Lori & Dorothy
Picture by: http://www.tylerandmimiford.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vemma_success_pillars.jpg
Tags: depression, disease prevention, healthy eating, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos personal training, Nutrition coaching Los Gatos, nutrition coaching san francisco, preventative health, stages of healing, Stress
Posted in Exercise Tips, Nutrition Tips, Prevention information, Stress, Weight Managment | 1 Comment »
Thursday, April 26th, 2012
We’ve all heard about the importance of having a healthy metabolism, which is responsible for turning the food you eat into energy. This chain of chemical reactions is also involved in
breathing, circulating blood, contracting muscles, eliminating waste and the function of your brain and nerves. As you can see it’s a pretty powerful system, and one that needs to be working optimally to keep you healthy.
If your body’s metabolism is altered, it will affect all other systems in your body. Difficulty with weight loss, thyroid issues, respiratory issues, getting sick frequently, PMS, headaches, depression, and so many others can be connected to a sub-optimal metaboilsm.
Did you that any form of stress can alter your cell metabolism, or put in another way how your cells breathe and use energy? These stressors can be emotional, environmental in the form of toxins (as Lori said in our last newsletter–think organic!), too much cardio, not eating the right amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, or not eating enough times during the day…to name a few! What’s even more alarming is that the very food you are eating could be making the problem worse, even if the food you eating is considered “healthy”. We always say that health is not ”one-size-fits-all”, so it’s vital to know what you personally need to keep your body working at it’s best.
Take the Metabolism Test:
Your body temperature is a way to test the health of your metabolism. Under “stress” your body pulls blood from the periphery (arms, legs) to support your vital organs which causes your body temperature to drop. (A cold nose is also an indicator). So, if your body temperature is below 98.1-98.6 which is considered “normal”, you could have a slowed metabolism. This handy test can also help you see if the food you are eating is slowing your metabolism even further and if the exercise you are doing is helping or harming you!
1. Take your body temperature as soon as you wake up, before getting out of bed. Record this number.
A number below 98.1 can indicate a slow metabolism.
2. Take your body temperature 20 minutes after a meal.
If it goes below the body temperature you had when you first woke up, the food you are eating is not right for your metabolism.
3. Take your body temperature 30 minutes after exercising.
If it drops below the number you had in the morning, the exercise you are doing is not right for your metabolism.
If you would like more information about healing your metabolism or would like to one on one coaching, please contact us for more information.
In Health,
Dorothy and Lori
Tags: healthy eating, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos personal training, nutrition coaching san francisco, Stress, weight loss
Posted in Digestive Health, Exercise Tips, Nutrition Tips, Prevention information, Stress, Weight Managment | No Comments »
Sunday, January 1st, 2012
New Year’s resolutions! Yep, it’s that time of the year, now we don’t know if any 
you have set out to make a resolution or even what they might be but, we thought we might help get you started with discussing a few easy tips to getting healthy and in turn just might help put some extra cash back into your wallets. So here you go!
1. Get to bed early- not only does sleep help to rejuvenate your body but if you get to bed early, you can get up earlier & more easily. Therefore, having time to make yourself a healthy breakfast and instead not have to spend money on grabbing breakfast on the go.
2. Stop or cut back on drinking caffeine – caffeine stresses the adrenal glands and in turn can make loosing weight difficult. Cut back or if you’re brave enough stop caffeine all together. See how much moola you save from ordering those triple venti latte’s.
3. Plan your weekly menu- when planning your weekly menu you not only eat healthier during the week you also save an incredible amount of money. I have found that when I don’t plan my menu I can spend anywhere from $30.00-$180.00 extra a week.
4. Drink water- if there is only one health change you make for the better, let it be to drink more water. It’s an easy and cheap way to detoxify the body. So instead of grabbing that afternoon coke from the vending machine, pocket that change and drink out of that water bottle you brought from home.
5. Exercise- if exercise is one of those things that is hard for you to fit into your schedule, then do it over your lunch. The point is that you just need to get your body moving! Rather than spending money on lunch and gas spend that time more wisely and use it to exercise and bring leftovers from last night’s dinner. Ask a friend to join you and get healthy together.
We hope these quick 5 tips help you start your New Year off right! If you would like a health plan designed specifically for you please give our offices a call to set up your consultation!
Health & Happiness in 2012
Lori
picture by: http://www.targetwoman.com/image/money-saving-tips.jpg
Tags: depression, healthy eating, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos personal training, nutrition coaching san francisco, san francisco nutrition, Stress, weight loss
Posted in Nutrition Tips, Prevention information, Sleep, Stress, Weight Managment | No Comments »
Sunday, October 30th, 2011
Did you know that drinking water at certain times of the day can have a dramatic effect on the body? It is true, every day I start my morning off with a large glass of room temperature water to awaken my internal organs and get “things” moving. Water is a necessity for the body, it helps to regulate blood pressure, helps with digestion and can help avoid stroke and heart attack. Below is information that was written by a cardiologist and was an email sent to us from one of our clients explaining the best times of the day and how much water to drink so that risk of illness may be avoided.
- 2 glasses of water upon awaking will activate internal organs
- 1 glass of water before a meal will help with digestion
- 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a bath can help lower blood pressure
- 1 glass of water before going to bed avoids risk of heart attack, stroke and/or leg cramps.
Depending on what literature you read our bodies are made up 75%-90% of water. Every organ, muscle and cell in your body uses the water you drink to help keep your body working every single day. Dehydration can be a serious issue and by the time you’re thirsty your way behind in your water intake. Here are some signs that you may be dehydrated before you even become thirsty.
- Hunger ( if you notice you’re hungry after eating a good sized meal – drink water before putting more food in your mouth, your thirsty, not hungry)
- Foggy thinking
- Tired
- Dizzy
If you would like more information about how much water you should be drinking daily or have health information you’d like to share with us please feel free to contact us.
To Your Health,
Dorothy and Lori
Tags: dehydration, depression, healthy eating, importance of water, los gatos lifestyle coaching, Nutrition coaching Los Gatos, nutrition coaching san francisco, signs of dehydration, Stress, weight loss
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Saturday, September 10th, 2011
What is inflammation? By definition it is …Pathology. Redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, heat, and disturbed function of an area of the body, esp. as a reaction of tissues to injurious agents.
Typically when one thinks of inflammation one thinks of a cut or a sprain that may become red and swell and this is the extent of what one thinks of when it comes to inflammation. We are here to tell you that inflammation is more than just a cut or a sprain. Just as the definition above states it is a disturbed function of an area of the body do to injurious agents. For the purpose of this newsletter we will be discussing areas of the body that are susceptible to inflammation and what exactly are injurious agents.
First of all, any part of the human body can become inflamed. That means that muscles, nerves, organs and skin are all vulnerable to inflammation. Becoming inflamed does not just happen from being injured from an accident. Becoming inflamed as stated above in the definition comes from injurious agents. What we need all of you to understand is that an injurious agent can come from the food you eat, the beverages you drink, lack of sleep, emotional and physical stress, etc. Each of these agents can affect your body in different ways but all can end up causing inflammation.
We see so many people that come into our offices not feeling well, feeling tired, knowing that something is wrong with them but yet nothing is found by their healthcare professionals. More times than not these individuals bodies are trying to fight inflammation and our job is to find the source. We do this by running gut, hormone, liver or food sensitivity testing. Typically what is given to treat inflammation are anti-inflammatory drugs and at times this is necessary but what we want all of you to know and understand is that if the injurious agent is not removed then you are only treating the symptoms and not the problem.
If you would like more information about our in-home test kits or would like more information about injurious agents please feel free to contact us at www.replenishingsoul.com
Tags: depression, food intolerances, food sensitivity testing, healthy eating, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos personal training, los gatos yoga, nutrition coaching san francisco, Stress, weight loss, yoga
Posted in Hormone Health, Nutrition Tips, Prevention information, Stress, Weight Managment | No Comments »
Monday, July 11th, 2011
We are trained to believe that if you’re skinny then you’re healthy. Why is this? Just because someone is skinny doesn’t mean that they are physically strong, have healthy hormones, blood pressure or even cholesterol etc.. Believe it or not those skinny people you see walking around may actually be carrying excess weight on them because of their high body fat to low muscle ratio. We classify these types as skinny fats. Having a body with excess weight on it is just one small part of the equation to getting healthy.
In this month’s newsletter we wanted to touch upon the importance of physical strength, which is important for everyone. Physical strength is necessary for many reasons: It helps to increase muscle mass, prevents osteoporosis, prevents/reduces injury, corrects muscle imbalances and reduces pain just to name a few.
Take The Strength Test
Below is a list of exercises for you to perform to see how strong you are. If you can do all the exercise with the correct form and for the designated amount of time listed then congratulations you are strong and keep it up. If you can’t we suggest giving us a call or finding someone in your area to help get you started on a strength exercise program.
Squat: This is the most challenging for everyone because typically it is done with incorrect form. To perform correctly, squat down as if you are sitting in a chair. Your head and chest need to be facing forward and your thighs need to be parallel to the floor. You should feel most of your weight in your heals and should be able to lift your toes off the floor; your knees should not go past your toes. Perform this up and down motion for 12 times. If you are unable to perform for 12 times or lose your form along the way then you have failed the squat portion of the test.
Lunge: In a standing position place your right foot out in front of you and your left foot behind you-stay up on your toes of your left foot, bend your left knee towards the floor then rise back up, this completes one full lunge. Perform for 12 times then switch sides and perform 12 again. If you are able to perform 12 lunges on each side you have passed the test, if not you have failed this portion.
Standing on one leg: Raise your left leg up by bringing your knee up towards your chest while standing on your right leg. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Then switch sides. If you are able to stand on each leg for 10 seconds you have passed the test, if not then you have failed.
Push-ups: come down to the floor on your hands and knees. Placing your hands on the floor and lifting your knees up so that you are up on your toes lower your chest to the floor and rise back up. Perform for 12 times. Modification for females is to place your hands on the floor keeping your knees on the floor and cross your feet at your ankles. Now try to lower your chest to the floor for 12 times. If you are able to perform 12 you have passed the test if not you have failed.
Sit-ups: place your feet under something sturdy or have someone hold your ankles. Cross your arms across your chest and pull your chest up towards your legs for 12 times. If you can perform 12 then you have passed if not you have failed.
We hope that by taking this test it gave you some insight on what it means to be healthy and strong regardless if you are thin or carrying a few extra pounds. If you have any questions, concerns or would like to set up a strength training appointment please feel free to give us a call.
To strong & healthy bones…
Tags: depression, healthy eating, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos nutrition, los gatos personal training, nutrition coaching san francisco, Stress, weight loss
Posted in Exercise Tips, Prevention information | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
How many of you reading this months newsletter have tried using willpower to break old habits and form new ones? ”I can lose these last 5 lbs. if I just don’t eat dinner.” or “I will use willpower to stop smoking”. This usually doesn’t work and here’s why:
Willpower is controlled by a part in the brain called the orbital frontal cortex (part of the frontal lobe located in the front of the brain). In order for the orbital frontal cortex to be turned on it requires an active focus. So one may ask how is this a bad thing? Let me explain…
If I say to you “Don’t think of a pink elephant.” what are you most likely to do? Think of a pink elephant. Therefore, each time you think to yourself “Don’t eat the chocolate chip cookies.” You’ll want to eat the chocolate cookies. Before you know it you’re giving into the chocolate chip cookies and thinking of yourself in a negative manner for not having the willpower to say “No”.
Instead what needs to happen is that new good habits need to be formed by changing your beliefs, values & expectations. This happens by improving your ability to identify a negative behavior, emotion or thought before it actually takes place. If you are able to identify the bad habit before it take place then you are in a position for a new good habit to be formed.
Remember this…bad habits cause immediate benefit but long-term harm with repetition. Good habits cause immediate benefit and long-term benefit.
Quick tips:
1. Don’t deprive yourself. Depriving yourself fits the model of “don’t think of the pink elephant” as described above.
2. Start out small & be gentle with yourself. Don’t expect things to change overnight.
3. Recognize and honor that making new habits take time as bad habits are engrained in your subconscious memory and take awhile before they are pulled to the conscious brain.
4. Surround yourself with opportunities & people who share the same goals. We tend to think, act and feel like those around us.
5. Identify where your bad habits are coming from…overworked, lack of boundaries, emotional stress or a childhood issues etc…once you’ve identified where the bad habit is coming from it helps to make sense of why your doing your bad habit.
6. Enrich your life, manage your stress and find yourself a support system. Replenishing Soul & ABS Fitness are always here for you!
References: Institute for Brain Potential
Pic by: http://dericbownds.net/uploaded_images/orbitofrontal.gif
Tags: depression, healthy eating, how to break old habits, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos nutrition, nutrition coaching san francisco, Stress, weight loss, will power why it doesn't work
Posted in Emotional health, Exercise Tips, Meditation, Nutrition Tips, Prevention information | No Comments »
Saturday, January 8th, 2011
Over the past few months we have been discussing specific vitamins and minerals, explaining what each does, how each are best absorbed and foods that each are found in. We have completed our discussion of each specific vitamin and mineral however it does not stop there. For the next 2-3 months we will be discussing the effects of heavy metal toxicity that include sources they are found in, toxicity symptoms and counteracting nutrients that include the vitamins and minerals we previously discussed. As always we hope you enjoy and if you have any questions please feel free to contact us. If you suspect heavy metal toxicity for yourself or are just curious call our offices and we will would be more than happy to assist you in running a heavy metal test.
Heavy metals include and are not limited to mercury, lead, aluminum, copper and fluoride. These items are found in our environment including our food, cleaning supplies, air & water. Completely avoiding heavy metals is near to impossible however there are several preventative steps that one can take in order to keep your body in a healthier state, therefore, making it easier to fight off exposure. These steps include and are not limited to:
- Eating organic when possible
- Thoroughly washing fruits and veggies after purchasing
- Drink plenty of clean water (filtered water is best)
- Avoid processed foods, sugar & caffeine
- Breathe fresh air – live in the city? Consider taking a ride to the country side or ocean
- Stress reduction – do something that helps you to manage & reduce stress such as exercising, meditation, listening to music that soothes you etc.
For our next heavy metal blog entry we will be discussing Copper.
Copper is vital to our health. It plays a role in bone growth, reproduction & immune response to name a few. Copper toxicity can occur from eating acidic food that has been cooked in un-coated copper cookware. Exposure can also come from drinking water.
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide:
Toxic Symptoms:
- Mineral deficiencies such as zinc, iron & magnesium
- Gastrointestinal tract irritations
- Mental disorders
- Fatigue & insomnia
- Depression
- Headaches & skin rashes
Counteracting Nutrients
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Vit C plus bioflovanoids
- Zinc
Resource: Fighting radiation & chemical pollutants by: Steven Schechter, N.D.
Picture by: http://design-milk.com/images/2008/MM/3116601144_58e5015743.jpg
Tags: copper toxicity, depression, healthy eating, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos personal training, nutrition coaching san francisco, Stress
Posted in Heavy Metals, Nutrition Tips, Prevention information | No Comments »
Sunday, December 19th, 2010
Over the past few months we have been discussing specific vitamins and minerals, explaining what each does, how each are best absorbed and foods that each are found in. We have completed our discussion of each specific vitamin and mineral however it does not stop there. For the next 2-3 months we will be discussing the effects of heavy metal toxicity that include sources they are found in, toxicity symptoms and counteracting nutrients that include the vitamins and minerals we previously discussed. As always we hope you enjoy and if you have any questions please feel free to contact us. If you suspect heavy metal toxicity for yourself or are just curious call our offices and we will would be more than happy to assist you in running a heavy metal test.
Heavy metals include and are not limited to mercury, lead, aluminum, copper and fluoride. These items are found in our environment including our food, cleaning supplies, air & water. Completely avoiding heavy metals is near to impossible however there are several preventative steps that one can take in order to keep your body in a healthier state, therefore, making it easier to fight off exposure. These steps include and are not limited to:
- Eating organic when possible
- Thoroughly washing fruits and veggies after purchasing
- Drink plenty of clean water (filtered water is best)
- Avoid processed foods, sugar & caffeine
- Breathe fresh air – live in the city? Consider taking a ride to the country side or ocean
- Stress reduction – do something that helps you to manage & reduce stress such as exercising, meditation, listening to music that soothes you etc.
For our next heavy metal blog entry we will be discussing Carbon Monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide, also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, which is slightly lighter than air and is highly toxic to humans and animals in high quantities. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned.
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide:
- Auto exhaust
- Cigarette smoke
- Smog
Toxic Symptoms:
- Anemia
- Angina
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Respiratory Disorders
Counteracting Nutrients
- Eleuthero
- Vitamins A, B complex, C and E
- Cysteine
- Bee pollen
- Nutritional yeast
Written by: Lori Metroka Yu
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
Resource: Fighting radiation & chemical pollutants by: Steven Schechter, N.D.
Picture by: http://www.ozyco.com/images/cigarette1.jpg
Tags: depression, healthy eating, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos nutrition, nutrition coaching san francisco, san francisco personal training, Stress, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Posted in Heavy Metals, Hormone Health, Nutrition Tips, Prevention information | 51 Comments »
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
Tis the season, not just for eating Turkey, putting up the Christmas lights but also
for getting sick. For this weeks blog entry we are taking a break from discussing heavy metals and instead going to discuss a few quick tips for keeping yourself healthy during the flu season.
Illness is going around if you have not noticed and keeping oneself healthy can be a bit of a challenge this time each year. The tips you will read below may seem like common sense but stop for a minute and check in with yourself to see if you are actually doing these “common sense” items:
1. Wash your hands- after coughing, using the bathroom or shaking hands
2. Sneeze into your arm rather than your hand- so many times we think we are being polite by sneezing into our hand but do you always have immediate access to a bathroom to wash your hands before having to possibly shake or touch someone else?
3. Get plenty of sleep: sleep is when your immune system goes to work. Therefore, no sleep, no repair and illness strikes.
4. Cut back or stop all sugar: Sugar suppresses the immune system and can’t fight off illness as easily.
5. Wipe down objects: wipe down your desk, phone & door handles with antibacterial wipes. Help assist in stopping the spread of germs
6. Take your vitamins and immune system boosting herbs
7. Drink plenty of water- this helps your body flush out toxins
8. Eat healthy foods- rather than having your mid-day snack be a snickers bar how about some carrots and hummus or a banana and nuts?
9. Exercise: be careful with this one…even though exercise can help keep us strong and relieve stress is can also lead to illness if one’s body is already tired and run down. Keep exercise moderate this time of year.
10. Slow down & If you feel sick…STAY HOME and not contribute to the illness being spread
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Here’s to your health
Lori Metroka Yu, Clincal Nutritionist, Physical Therapist
Tags: healthy eating, los gatos lifestyle coaching, los gatos personal training, Nutrition coaching Los Gatos, staying healthy this flu season, Stress
Posted in Exercise Tips, Nutrition Tips, Prevention information, Stress, Uncategorized | 30 Comments »
