Jacky's Health Tips

by Jacky Trought, N.D.

CARING FOR THE LIVER

The liver is the hardest working organ of the body. It works in conjunction with the digestive system and receives most of its blood, nutrients, and toxic substances from the small intestines through the portal vein. Blood is also supplied from the hepatic artery. Damaged liver cells are resilient and will recover or regenerate after chronic illnesses. However, scar tissue or cirrhosis, results in permanent damage. Two main enemies of the liver are alcohol and the hepatitis viruses. A safe herb to incorporate in the diet that aids in liver function is Dandelion Root.

BODY LANGUAGE

To be in tip-top shape, the body has a list of nutritional requirements that must be met. Failure results in cellular damage and overtime chronic diseases develop.

PROTEINS

1. Repair damaged tissues and cells.
2. Stimulate and maintain the body’s metabolism.
3. Stimulate the release of glucagon which prompts the body to burn fat.
4. Produce building blocks for DNA.

CARBOHYDRATES

1.Quick source of energy and fuel for cells.
2. Fiber content is essential for proper elimination.

FATS

1. Insulate and regulate body temperature.
2. Transport vitamins A, D, E and K.
3. Assist in the manufacture of sex hormones and protect cell membrane.

WATER

1. Assist in eliminating wastes and toxins.
2. Primary content of all bodily fluids and carries electrolytes.

VITAMINS & MINERALS

1. Essential for the metabolic process
2. Attach to coenzymes and improve their work. (NB. Enzymes speeds the rate of absorption in the body)
3. Minerals give foods the potential for being acidic or alkaline.

WHAT IS ACID INDIGESTION?

OTHER NAMES:

ACID REFLUX
HIATAL HERNIA
HEARTBURN

THE DIGESTIVE PROCESS:

Food is chewed in the mouth with the aid of saliva, then swallowed into the esophagus where a ring of muscular tissue (cardiac sphincter) opens for food to enter the stomach. The stomach churns the food around in acidic gastric juices (with a pH of about 2) and dissolves it to liquid then sends it to the duodenum and onto the small intestine. Much absorption takes place in the small intestine. Roughage, water, and other stuff pass on to the large intestines. The roughage and some water are eliminated from the body through the rectum.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

When the cardiac sphincter is weakened or relaxed, acid from the stomach washes-up into the esophagus. Erosion occurs which results in the burning, fiery pain in the chest.

CAUSES OF ACID INDIGESTION

1.  ACIDIC OR CAUSTIC FOODS

After complete combustion, foods turn to ash which are either acidic or alkaline. Some acidic foods are: hot and spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, onions, wheat, oats, white rice, pomegranates, strawberries, cranberries, breads, refined flour and sugar, cashews, pecans, peanuts, butter, milk, cheese, eggs, meats, poultry, beer, whiskey.

2. MUSCLE RELAXING FOODS

Chocolate contains methylaxanthines a known muscle relaxant. Fatty foods digest slowly, allowing foods to remain in the stomach longer. Alcohol can cause acid backwash without pain Onions increase acidity up to 2 hours.

3.  EXCESS WEIGHT

Increases pressure on the cardiac muscle. The rings stretch to capacity and then weaken.

4. FOODS THAT INCREASE ACIDITY

Milk, coffee, colas, beer, peppermint.

5. IMPROPER EATING HABITS

Eating too fast; not chewing properly. Eating too much, causing an overflow. Eating late or eating and resting. Lying down on the right side soon after eating, causes a backflow of food and acid into the esophagus.

WISE CHOICES

A balanced diet will lead to optimum health. Remedies or treatments are most effective when the body is at peace with its environment. Choosing the right foods will assist in correcting digestive disorders.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Begin by using foods that bring healing to the digestive tract. Alkaline foods will help maintain the body’s natural pH. A liquid diet will reduce food duration in the stomach. Eat in small increments. Eliminate foods that have molds and other bacteria. Take food-based vitamin and mineral supplements. Synthetic vitamins are poorly assimilated. Exercise that gets the heart pumping will help burn fat. Seek professional help when in doubt.

IN THE KITCHEN

Make use of the following herbs and spices to add flavor to meals and bring healing to the digestive system.

NAME                 SUGGESTED USE

Alfalfa                    Vegetable/Tea
Bananas                  Fruit
Aloe Vera               Beverage
Basil                      Spice/Tea
Raw Cabbage          Juice
Barley                    Beverage/Flavor
Cayenne                 Spice
Garlic                     Spice
Cinnamon               Spice
Green Tea              Tea
Fenugreek              Tea
Rosemary               Spice