How Your Gut Health is Effecting Your Brain

The Gut Bone’s Connected to the Brain Bone...

In this interview with functional medicine expert Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo, we talk about the rarely acknowledged gut-brain connection.  With modern research, we are gaining a deeper understanding of how digestion and the gut micro-biome effects the brain, and common symptoms of mood disorder, and poor concentration.

You don't always connect that your:

• Headache
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Brain Fog

...are coming from the foods you eat or the damage that has been done to your gut.  When we get into habits of eating on the run, eating processed foods, eating gluten, etc, we may not notice a direct correlation between the meal and the brain symptom.  But in fact the internal inflammatory response could be increasing every time you eat.

Dr. Ritamarie is like a walking encyclopedia of health knowledge, and she is very generous about sharing it.  Here are some things we cover in the interview:

1.  How are the gut and brain connected?
2.  How do we make neurotransmitters and what do they do?
3.  What can go wrong in the gut that leaves us not digesting and absorbing nutrients?
4.  How do we come to have parasites and candida in the gut, and what damage do they do?
5.  What are some of the worst habits/things we do to our guts?
6.  What are a few reparative things we can start doing right away?
Dr. Ritamarie shared some helpful links both to help educate practitioners on this important relationship, and to give everyone more tools to nourish their own gut-brain axis.

Practitioner Gut-Brain Webinar

Gut Health Quiz

Happy Belly Recipe Book

Dr. Ritamarie also has an upcoming, affordable live event for practitioners called SHINE (Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, 2015.)  Please see this separate blog post for more details.

Here's Dr. Ritamarie's previous interview on blood sugar.

Listen below:

 For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/

Testing Female Hormones with Ann Melin

Hormones are such a mystery! One month your cycle is behaving, the next month it's not.  Why I love lab testing for hormones is that it reveals the cold, hard facts, and from there you can take the best action to get great results.

Our expert today is Ann Melin, who is a Clinical Nutritionist, a Clinical Master Herbalist, a yoga teacher, and a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner.

I invited her over to talk to us about DUTCH, or the Dried Urine Test of Comprehensive Hormones.  

Here are some things we cover:

• What is the dutch test and why do you use it?
• How do you take a dutch test? 
• What does it include and cost?
• What can you learn from your DUTCH test?
• How would you develop a protocol based on these results?

Ann also shares two really interesting case studies that help you see how the symptoms, tests and protocols come together.

You can find out more about Ann at her website.  Ann offers a complimentary consult for prospective clients at this link.  

Listen to my interview with Ann through the player above, and be sure to also get subscribed to our weekly interviews at iTunes or most podcast players.

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/

Re-Thinking Women's Nutrition with Dr. Ann Childers, MD

Does what you eat matter for your mental health?  According to Dr. Ann Childers, MD, it sure does.

Dr. Childers is a child and adult trained psychiatric physician with a passionate interest in regaining our physical and mental health through nutrition and sleep. 

Dr. Childers was 'trying to eat right' when the whole low-fat craze was going on in the U.S.  Despite her best efforts, she was getting increasingly dizzy and anxious, and had become pre-diabetic.


Since then she's adopted a ketogenic (high-fat, low-carb, moderate protein) diet, with great results for her own health.  She also works with her pyschiatric clients to establish this diet, along with healthy sleep habits, for improved mental health.

We talk about her nutritional experiences, plus the new dietary guidelines for Amercians, in this episode.  Dr. Childers is thrilled that the new guidelines, based on scientific evidence, are letting fats back into our diets, while limiting sugars. 

Learn more about Dr. Childers, who blogs regularly and has a private practice in Lake Oswego, OR, here.
For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/

Ketogenic Cooking with Maria Emmerich

Are you trying to reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet, but don't know what to cook instead?  Come check out this episode with Maria Emmerich, co-author of the Ketogenic Cookbook:  Nutritious Low-Carb, High-fat, Paleo Meals to Heal Your Body.

Maria has two young kids that she and her husband adopted both at once, and she stills manages to cook her little heart out, coming up with her own tasty, ketogenic recipes.

Her secret?  "Plan, plan, plan."  Ok, planning might sound like a drag, but once you get in the hang of it, you'll be a pro. Besides, most of us just rotate 12-15 meals, so you don't need to learn too many to eating well and low-carb daily

What is ketogenic?

Ketogenic describes a kind of high-fat, low-carb, moderate protein diet that results in the body primarily burning ketones for fuel.

Ketogenic diet has historically been used to treat epilepsy and diabetes, but also has benefits for things like:

•   Brain fog
•   Belly fat
•   PCOS

See our past podcast episode "Should You Try a Ketogenic Diet?" with author Jimmy Moore for more on the theory and practice of ketogenic eating.

Listen to this episode through the player below, or get yourself subscribed to our weekly podcast through iTunes or your podcast player on your smart phone.  Thanks!

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/

Functional Tests for the Gut and it's Relationship to PCOS

Why does the gut matter for PCOS?  Here are a few reasons:

•  Indigestion can equate to nutrient deficiencies
• An unbalanced bacterial environment in the gut can cause excess hunger & carb cravings
• The inflammation produced by internal parasites and food sensitivities stresses other body systems.

The tricky thing about the gut is that you may not complain of digestive symptoms.  But poor health in the gut can manifest in myriad ways- from headaches to moodiness and fatigue.

How Can You Learn if Your Gut is Stressed?

There are many types of tests for gut health.  I'll discuss three here:

 1.  Genova Intestinal Permeability Test

This is an easy at-home urine test that measures both how leaky your gut may be (letting large particles into your blood stream) and how well you are absorbing nutrients (if your gut surface too clogged to let them pass.)

To perform this test, you drink a sweet liquid in the morning, containing a small and large sugar molecule.  The small molecule (representing a nutrient) “should” get through your gut barrier.  The large molecule (representing a large peptide or immune complex) should not get through the gut barrier.

Seeing the amount of each type of molecule left behind in your urinary waste informs you of the health of your gut barrier.  You can then set about healing that gut barrier, reducing chronic inflammation and getting the most out of your food.

2.  Biohealth 401 H Stool Test

 

You know you’re getting down and dirty when you’re doing a stool test!  In this test, done at home, you collect stool (involving things like a paper plate, gloves and a spork) over three days or three bowel movements.

While collecting these samples may not be too fun, getting the results is definitely worth it.
This test is strong at identifying H Pylori infection, intestinal parasites, and a basic level of gut dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance.)  In some cases, it can pick up Candida as well.

These infections are much more prevalent than you think, and can go undetected for decades without proper testing!

If you have been dealing with irritable bowel syndrome, this test can be quite helpful in devising a protocol with your practitioner to finally resolve it.

3.  Leap MRT 150 Food Sensitivity Test

 

This final test does require a participating lab to collect your blood.  Your blood is then tested for it’s inflammatory reaction to 150 foods and food additives.  If your blood produces inflammatory cytokines, histamines, prostaglandins, etc., then you have a sensitivity to that food.

Imagine you are unwittingly eating 20 different foods that cause inflammation each time you ingest them.  That’s a real stress on the body, and could contribute to endocrine disorder.

Avoiding those 20 foods, however, can be sweet relief.  It’s advised to remove your food sensitivities for at least 3 months, then you may try eating them again if desired.  Your test results come with a handy laminated list of your food sensitivities, plus a book about how the test works, and what to do with your diet.

One thing I learned in the book was the categories of problem foods:

Food Sensitivities:  foods that cause an inflammatory response (what this test covers)

Food Allergies:  foods that trigger mast cells and basophils to produce a massive IgE reaction (think anaphylactic shock)

Food Intolerances:  foods that you can’t digest well due to your own digestive weakness
Helpful, right?

Getting functional tests run can really shed some light on your symptoms.  As our gut plays such a central role in our health, getting our gastrointestinal system in tip top shape can help to alleviate many conditions, including PCOS.

Chronic inflammation fuels the fire of a continual PCOS pattern.  Imagine what eliminating chronic stressors in the gut could do to eliminate that chronic inflammation and restore health.

A healthy gut can also help to prevent and manage autoimmune diseases, which commonly have a link to leaky gut.

In my opinion, this type of testing, followed by a lab-guided protocol, is one of the most powerful investments you can make in true, long-term healing.  To learn more about our services, please see our services page.

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/

 

Paleo for Women (The Get Real Version)

I get beyond "just eat paleo" and get real about a paleo lifestyle that is balanced and healthy for women in this interview with my guest Noelle Tarr, the Chief Empowerment Officer at Coconuts and Kettlebells.

Noelle is very savvy about nutrition and fitness but also very realistic about women's health, in the sense that we can't all look like super models and we can't be "perfect" about our diets 100% of the time. 

 

I love that Noelle crosses the bridge between, yes, let's have good nutrition and habits, and, yes, let's also embrace our bodies "as-is" and embrace a full life (without the need to count calories or miles run).  It's a bridge that's not crossed enough in conversations about women's health.

"I just want people to be happy."  Noelle Tarr

I hope you can check out this episode with Noelle Tarr below, and you can also check out the podcast she co-hosts, The Paleo Women podcast.  

You can listen to the podcast episode where Noelle and I were both guests on Low Carb Conversation with Jimmy Moore and Dietician Cassie here.

You can listen to the interview through by clicking on that arrow down there, and, even better, you can subscribe to our podcast through iTunes or most any podcast player.

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/
 

Stress Relief through EFT with Dr. Linda Wilson

Do you feel like stress has become your norm?  Or that you are way too busy but can't see how to reduce your load?  Do you have trouble letting go of stressful events, and end up in constant anxiety?

My interview guest today is Linda Wilson, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a hypnotherapist and an Faster Emotional Freedom technique who is based in Melbourne, Australia.  She is also the author of Stress Made Easy:  Peeling Women Off the Ceiling.

"It's about the degree of stress and how we interpret it."

Here's a few things you'll learn from Dr. Linda:

• Under stress, blood moves away from the forefront of the brain, involved in connection, creativity, problem solving
• Chronic stress effects your heart, your gut, your immune system
• Weight gain, insomnia, headaches are common complaints in chronic stress
• The fatigue of chronic stress can cause negative thinking and emotions
• The Faster Emotional Freedom Technique, which uses the meridians of Chinese Medicine, touch, images and language to create change.

"Stress is predominantly a learned response."

To learn more about Dr. Wilson and her resources, visit her very pretty website here.

Dr. Linda has a video where you can quickly learn Faster EFT.  This is the one I mention on the audio recording that I tried and it did work for me.

For watching video:https://youtu.be/pp_erDf7POc?list=PLSyTj7vneTCScjffP2hrK9Y0hu0L35406

 For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/
 

The Micronutrient Miracle with Mira and Jayson Calton

Mira and Jayson Calton are super passionate and knowledgable about micronutrients, and my podcast recording with them is a taste of the fun and adventure they've created in their lives.

Mira was a busy publicist in New York City, living the dream, except for increasing, debilitating pain.  She was diagnosed with advanced osteoporosis, and advised to move home with her family and recuperate.

In her search to figure out her osteoporosis, she met Jayson Calton, a clinical nutritionist who did not specialize in osteoporosis,  but agreed to dive into this project with Mira.  Her osteoporosis was completely reversed, and meanwhile she and Jayson fell in love and got married.

You have to listen to the podcast to hear about how they have only spent 8 hours apart in 12 years together, and how they make that work to build an amazing life and business.

They journeyed for 7 years to 134 countries to learn the diets and lifestyles of many cultures, and synthesized that information into books and supplements with lots of research behind them.

The podcast covers the tenets of their new book, The Micronutrient Miracle:  The 28 Day Plan to Lose Weight, Increase Your Energy, and Reverse Disease.

"It's all about education, not limitation."  Mira Calton

Their new book is highly educational, but also very practical.  There are quizzes to find out where you might be deficient, and plans to follow (including meals for a whole month) for different health goals.

For a limited time (through August 31, 2015), you can buy the book and get $200 in Healthy Gift Certificates.

What do you get?  

• $50 to spend at Wild Things Seafood
• TWO free months + $20 to spend at THRIVE Market (like an online Costco for health food)
• $50 for US Wellness Meats (high-quality, clean meats)
• $50 for Vital Choice Seafood (high-quality, clean seafood)
• $25 to spend at Kasandrinos (The BEST gourmet Olive Oil out there!)

Once you've signed up at this link, then just buy the book at the seller of your choice (including local bookstores or kindle) & send your receipt to book@MyMiracleGifts.com.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How BPA is in more places than you'd think, and how it raises your insulin levels
• How adequate vitamin C can moderate your stress response
• Why iron should be taken away from most other supplements
• The best form of chromium (it's polynicotinate)
• The most important nutrients for thyroid health

Enjoy this episode on the player below, or, better yet, subscribe in iTunes or another podcast player.  To be informed of the next episode and our other online resources, be sure to opt in to our free gift on the right hand side of the homepage.  Cheers!

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/blog/the-micronutrient-miracle

Broth Bar Grand Opening in Portland!

Last week I attended the grand opening party of Broth Bar, the creation of sisters Tressa and Katie Yellig.  Broth Bar is the baby brother of Salt, Fire and Time, Tressa's mainly online business, serving up homemade, nutrient-dense foods like broth, coconut yogurt, date truffles and kombucha. 

At Salt, Fire and Time, Tressa found that her customers preferred to pick up in person and to interact.  So she wanted to create a hub where people could do just that. Thus, Broth Bar was born.

Broth Bar is bright and clean, with a little counter space to watch the rain while having a cup of hot broth with a friend.  It also offers the other products made by Salt, Fire and Time, as well as some other locally-made healthy foods.  Tressa also stocks some non-local favorites, like high-quality cod liver oil.

While I visited, I enjoyed some very rich miso broth, and went home with a gluten-free handpie, some fancy maple syrup, mineral drops for my water, and Salt, Fire and Time's delicate coconut yogurt.

Broth Bar is in a great, centrally-located neighborhood, just north of East Burnside at 115 NE 6th Ave.  Like every other close-in Portland 'hood, it seems to be evolving at at rapid rate, with adorable new shops and sleek offices popping up. 

As a a traditional food lover, I love to see a new way we can interact with traditional foods.  I hope Portlanders and our visitors find Broth Bar and get inspired!

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/

How Your Adrenal Glands Work with Dr. Saman Rezaie, NMD

Our little adrenal glands (we've got a pair with each kidney) are getting more attention nowadays.  Why?  In one word:  stress.  The stresses of modern life- whether it's traffic, deadlines, pollution, processed food, or late night tv- are really taking a toll on our adrenals.

In today's interview, Dr. Saman Rezaie, NMD of the Integrative Health clinic in Scotsdale, AZ, explains:

• How our adrenal glands work
• The difference between adrenal disorder and adrenal disease
• The stages of adrenal disorder
• Why getting tested for adrenal fatigue is not performed in a standard MD's office
• A few simple things you can do to be nice to your adrenals

Listen to the interview at the player below now or, better yet, subscribe to the show through iTunes or most any podcast player.
Be sure to grab our free gift at the side bar and stay in touch with our weekly guest experts!

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/blog/how-your-adrenal-glands-work

Eliminating Food Sensitivities for the Whole Family with Tom Malterre

I met Tom Malterre on a dance floor getting sweaty to hip hop music.  Yup.

We were both at health conference with a party event, and there were a few of us who clearly shared a love of dancing full on, late night.

Tom is a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner through the Institute of Functional Medicine, and he holds a master's degree in Nutritional Science.

He co-authored a new book with his wife, Ali Segersten, called The Elimination Diet:  Discover the Foods that are Making You Sick and Tired, and Feel Better Fast.

He and his wife have also co-authored two other books mentioned in my podcast interview with Tom:

• Nourishing Meals:  Healthy Gluten Free Recipes for the Whole Family
• The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook:  Over 300 Delicious Whole Food Recipes, including Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free and Egg Free

You can find all their books, plus The Elimination Diet support program on their site, WholeLifeNutrition.net.

 

On this episode of the podcast, Tom talks about:

• How removing inflammatory foods eliminates symptoms throughout the body
• How doing an elimination diet can be as easy as learning a dozen new recipes
• How children's moods (and adults!) can be effected by foods
• Why we are sensitive to foods in the first place

Tom has a truly heart-felt desire for people to feel healthier, and his enthusiasm and positivity are contagious.
Hope you can take time to listen to this episode through the player below, or better yet, subscribe on iTunes or your Android podcast player.

For more info:http://www.bridgitdanner.com/blog/eliminating-food-sensitivities

 

What I'm Eating for Breakfast

My Big Fat Breakfast

I wanted to share a new breakfast I made up this summer that could be called "my big, fat breakfast."  If you heard me on a recent podcast with low carb expert Jimmy Moore, you know I'm interested in the idea of a ketogenic diet.  If you missed that episode, you can check out this link.

I'm not yet doing a full experiment in ketosis (a high fat, low carb, moderate protein diet in which you burn ketones for fuel,) but I have been trying to up my fat intake and lower my carbs.

Even this brief experiment in high fat diet has made me feel slimmer, and I can go longer after a meal before getting hungry.

"What do you eat for breakfast?"

It's a question I get quite a lot, so I hope this article gives you some inspiration.  

I'll share two more low carb breakfast resources below, after the recipe.

Why low carb in the morning?  

In the morning your blood sugar is naturally higher as a result of your high morning cortisol (your energy/ stress hormone.)  If you raise your blood sugar even more with juices and starches, then it spikes to an unhealthy level.

Your ever-so-smart body knows this is dangerous, so it stores calories as fat, to manage your blood sugar.  This could be fat in the abdomen, or fat in the liver, if you consumed excess fructose.  Or you may not be a person you gets fat easily, but instead your liver will get taxed or your brain will get foggy (as a result of dropping blood sugar.)

Luckily reducing carbs in the morning can be easy and delicious, as with this recipe.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh, seasonal berries 
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup whipped coconut cream (you'll need canned coconut cream, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla)
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup raw pecans
• 1 T raw hemp hearts

What to Do:

1.  The first thing you'll need to do is make the whipped coconut cream.  I am teaching you a fancy way, but, trust me, I'm not always fancy at home.  You can also just use a big scoop of coconut cream straight out of the can.

Just like making dairy whipped cream, it works better when chilled.

A.  Put your whole can of coconut cream into the fridge for at least an hour before making.

Coconut cream is denser and fattier then coconut milk.  It is best for this recipe.  This link shows a coconut company with BPA free cans.  If you can't get canned coconut cream, I bet just using the fatty section at the top of a can of full fat coconut milk would work.  I buy the coconut cream at Trader Joe's, in a brown can with white writing.

B.  Scoop out your can of coconut cream into a mixing bowl.

C.  Add a 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 nutmeg, and a dash of pure vanilla extract if desired.

D.  Beat on high until the mixture starts to peak.

E.  Store reminder in fridge for more breakfasts or desserts.  **Note that once whipped, the mixture goes bad faster.  Use it within a week,  freeze it or half the recipe.

2.  Add fresh, seasonal berries to the bottom of a small bowl.  Berries are lower in sugars than other fruits, and have wonderful fiber and antioxidants.

3.  Layer on a small amount of raw pecans.  Store pecans in the fridge for freshness.  These will give you more fat, some protein, and some magnesium and B 6 that is great for women.  And they have a naturally sweet taste.

4.  Add your cream...as much as desired, but don't worry about having too much fat!

5.  Top with the hemp hearts.  They have a nice variety of micronutrients, fats and protein.  Store these in the fridge too.

I find that I get full quickly on this dish, so you may just want to start with a small bowl have seconds if needed. You can totally swap out ingredients, or add your own twist.  Experimenting is an important part of learning to cook! 

Here are those couple resources for more breakfast ideas I wanted to share:

The first is from Noelle Tarr at the great site, Coconuts and Kettlebells.  This is a free collection of seven egg-free paleo breakfasts.

The second is from Caitlin Weeks, aka the Grassfed Girl. This is an ebook with 52 recipes that costs about $10. 

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/blog/what-im-eating-for-breakfast

Identifying Gut Bugs and Systemic Candida with Andrea Maxim, ND

 July 28, 2015

Sometimes when we know some things about natural medicine, we can oversimplify a problem.

Let's say, you have loose stool, and you say, "oh, I just have a sensitive stomach," or "it's because I eat a lot of vegetables." (By the way, I hear that second one A LOT and, no, you don't get loose stools from vegetables or being a vegetarian!)

Or say you are having brain fog (for the 100th day in a row) and say,"I just need a snack."

What if it's not that simple?  What if there are major issues you are overlooking, perhaps lurking in your gut?

  Dr. Andrea Maxim is our guest on the podcast today, and she is sharing some great insights on commonly overlooked symptoms of intestinal parasites, bacterial imbalance, and systemic candida.

Dr. Maxim is the author of the book, Maximized Health:  The New, Intelligent System for Optimal Digestion and Hormones.  Her clinic, in the Hamilton, Ontario region of Canada, were voted 'best naturopathic clinic' by the Hamilton Reader's Choice for the past three years.

Andrea is passionate about spreading the message of Maximized Health.  You can find her video blogs, her book, and information about becoming a patient at her website, The Maxim Movement.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The possible signs and symptoms of a gut infection
• How she tests for infections
• How we become infected in the first place 
• How often she finds gut bugs (this may shock you!)
• Some of Andrea's favorite supplements and protocols for infections

Andrea also shared her top 3 'must have' supplements for every body:

1. A quality multivitamin
2. Fish oil
3. Greens powder

Enjoy this episode with Dr. Andrea Maxim, and share this blog if it would be helpful for the ones you love!

For more info: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/womenswellnessradio/2015/07/28/identifying-gut-bugs-and-systemic-candida-with-andrea-maxim-nd

Ayurveda Curious? Learn from Guest Expert, Jeevani Eigen

I am a yoga-loving American woman, having practiced for over a decade, but still don't know much about Ayurveda.  If you're like me, Ayurveda curious, then enjoy this new podcast with my old friend, Jeevani Eigen.  

Jeevani will give us some context, taking the elements and how they influence Ayurvedic theory.  Then we'll dive into one theory within Ayurveda, the tri-doshic theory.  

The three doshas are:  Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.  When there are imbalances in these subtle energies, it can signal a pre-curser to disease.

Here are some qualities of each dosha, and Jeevani explains you can have a blend of types:

Vata

• Air and ether
• Fall
• Tall and slim body type
• Skin and hair may be dry
• Dark, small, darting eyes
• Creative, enthusiastic
• Like to travel and move
• May struggle with boundaries and focus
• Can get overwhelmed, or crash and burn
• Most active 2-6 AM or PM

Pitta

• Fire and water
• Summer
• Medium build
• Straight, fair hair, or bald
• Sharp, bright eyes, and sensitive to light
• Intelligent, clear thinking learners
• Likes to be the leader
• Most active 10-2 AM or PM

Kapha

• Earth, water
• Winter, Spring
• Big boned
• Pure, pale skin
• Thick, curly hair
• Big, beautiful eyes
• Loving, grounded, stable
• High endurance
• Nourishing homebodies
• Struggle with deadlines
• Most active 6-10 AM or PM

Here are some resources Jeevani mentioned:

• Schedule with Jeevani through Yoga Pearl
• Jeevani's site for email/ phone
• Look for Ayurvedic books by Dr. Vasant Lad, David Frawley, Dr. Robert Svoboda

Hope you enjoy this episode with Jeevani Eigen!  To stay tuned with the show, subscribe on iTunes or the Android podcast app you use.

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/

Holistic Dental Care with Cindy Haas

When I first began to specialize in fertility, I learned that it's important to have a healthy mouth.  I was surprised, but intrigued.  I went on to learn the danger of hidden / untreated infections in the body, and how they stress our whole system.

As I developed my Baby Launch Camp training program, I shared this information with other women.  They were equally surprised, and eager to learn more.
It took a while to find a real-life holistic dental expert, but I finally found one at a housewarming party in Vancouver, Washington!

Cindy Haas was a Dental Hygienist for many years before also becoming a Certified Holistic Health Coach.
She published a book called Over the Lips and through the Gums to teach others about the mouth and how our choices effect our oral health.  She also educates dental professionals who want to incorporate more holistic methods into their practices at Integrative Dental Concepts.

Cindy was nice enough to answer my myriad of questions about oral hygiene.  It's a long episode, but I encourage you to listen through to the end when we give some practical tips.

Here are some things you'll learn on the show:

• What is the bacterial environment in the mouth?
• How do teeth get nutrients versus get decayed?
• What are the most important foods to eat or avoid for oral health?
• Are brushing and flossing getting the job done?
• What about these dental options:  fluoride, xylitol, MI paste, oil pulling and water pics?
• How can we help our babies develop a healthy mouth?

This is really exciting and important information that is sadly still hard to find.  I hope you enjoy the show and share it with a friend who needs it!

Listen now at the link below, or find us in iTunes and other podcast players.

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com/

The Reproductive Continuum

I recently had the pleasure of treating a 16 year old woman with Chinese Medicine for the first time.  After initially stating her health was 'fine,' I soon learned she was under a lot of stress, and her cycle had been heavy and painful for a few years.

I was so delighted to teach her about her estrogen and progesterone, how stress effects our hormones, and how exposure to xeno-estrogens can effect our cycles.  I learned that she had gotten her first cycle quite young, and was soon due to visit a gynecologist who, her mom suspected, would put her on birth control to 'fix' her heavy cycle.  Her mom had had the same experience as a teenager.

It made me think about how we now having two generations of women being offered the Pill at an early age.  It also made me think about how this well-meaning mom wanted to help her daughter, but didn't know much herself about the menstrual cycle worked, or how to fix it naturally.

On the podcast recently, we talked about perimenopause with Andrea Thorpe.  The next week we heard from Dr. Joleen Fuller, who walked us through thyroid disorder, from fertility to post-partum.

What do all these various stages from first periods to births to waning periods have in common?  They are all on a continuum of our reproductive years.

Linking these stages is something I'm very passionate about as an educator and practitioner. This first came to the forefront for me as I suffered through some post-partum depression.  Coming out of it, I knew I wanted to help prevent suffering for other women!

The lightbulb went off again as I began to specialize in fertility.  I met so many wonderful women, who were suffering so much.  Sure, they were suffering because of an unrealized goal of becoming pregnant.  But there was something else going on, and I think that was a lack of understanding and trust in their bodies, sometimes coupled with an inability to find meaning in their lives sans the baby they expected.

This is when I took a step back to approach women's health as a whole.  

• How can I prevent a women from getting into post-partum depression?  
• How can I educate a woman about her cycle, so that her teenage daughter can learn from her?  
• How can I inspire a woman to eat healthfully, whether she's trying to conceive or not?  
• How can I help break stereotypes of what a woman needs to be in our culture, so a woman can be whatever bad ass way she wants?

It's been about one year this I took this step back, and it feels good to finally be stepping forward with a clearer mission in how I can serve you.  

Another thing I really value is collaboration, and thank goodness, because I'm not sure how I'd reach the lofty goal about educating as many women as possible about their health without some help!

I love interviewing experts on the podcasts, hosting guest bloggers, and hosting online summits. 

Look for more of that to come in the coming year.  I've even grabbed a new url (not yet constructed), Women's Wellness Collaborative, to further grow that community vibe.

Thank you for being a part of this community, as we grow and learn together!

For more info: http://www.bridgitdanner.com