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Vagal Nerve – part 1

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A policeman is on the trail of a very successful serial robber. Using the clues🔎 left behind at each crime scene, he finally identifies the robber and apprehends him. The only problem is that the robberies don’t stop, and they look strikingly similar to the original set of robberies. Now the policeman believes one of two things…… a copycat thief has emerged, or the original robber was actually working under the direction of a kingpin, and he was only one of the minions leaving the clues 🔎behind at each crime scene. The original robber isn’t talking, so the policeman must continue his investigation.
👆Sometimes that’s exactly what being a health detective can feel like! 
Every body system affects the others, and clues that are viewed as “the problem” may be just one identifiable member affecting the health “crime scene”. Or perhaps, like the copycat robber, the clue (ex: anxiety) has more than one root cause to identify and correct.    
Chronic stress may have seemed rather innocent until the truth of its ability to damage the body was unpacked in the last topic discussion. It is a kingpin. Another kingpin in the body is the state of health of the vagus nerve and there are a myriad of clues associated with this VIP portion of the nervous system. 
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve, extending from the brainstem to the colon. It is responsible for the “rest and digest” activity of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract, with quite a few additional responsibilities added in for good measure. Some of its major contributing functions include:
⭐️Regulation of appetite
⭐️Control of bowel movements
⭐️Regulating heart rhythm
⭐️Stimulating gastric juice production
⭐️Regulating sweating
⭐️Regulating breathing
⭐️Controlling inflammation response
⭐️Encouraging testosterone production
⭐️Stimulating growth hormone (In adults, this is important for retaining muscle mass, strength, prevention of osteoporosis, concentration, preventing memory loss, and even slowing balding)
⭐️Regulating mood and emotions
⭐️Promoting healthy kidney and bladder function
⭐️Lowering and controlling blood sugar concentrations 
⭐️Triggering the release of melatonin
⭐️Stimulating the body’s relaxation response allowing a more rapid recovery from stress, injury, or illness
⭐️Encouraging the storage of strong memories in the amygdala (which is essential for bonding and connecting with others relationally)
The vagus nerve also sends sensory information (on what we see, feel, taste, and hear) to the brain, and is intimately involved as a courier of information allowing the microbiome (the gut bacteria) to directly communicate with the brain. You might have heard of this referred to as the gut brain axis. This is extremely important because many of our neurotransmitters (especially serotonin and oxytocin…. two that contribute to the state of happiness) are directly affected by this feedback.
Having a low or poor vagal tone has a profound effect on the body. Clues pointing to possible vagus nerve dysfunction include:
🔎IBS, Ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s Disease
🔎Obesity, weight gain or weight loss
🔎Chronic fatigue
🔎Depression
🔎Irregular heartbeat (both too fast or too slow)
🔎Stomach ulcers
🔎Chronic inflammation
🔎Gastroparesis  (slowed movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine)
🔎Difficulty speaking, hoarse, or wheezy voice
🔎Pain in the ear
🔎Unusual heart rate 
🔎Loss of gag reflex
🔎Chronic abdominal bloating or pain, nausea or vomiting
🔎Anxiety
🔎Brain fog
🔎Dizziness
🔎Frequent headaches / migraines
🔎Insomnia
🔎Frequent urination
🔎Poor glucose control
🔎Food sensitivities
🔎Chronic feelings of disconnectedness or loneliness (Interesting, right? ) 
Common Causes of vagus nerve damage include:
🔥Chronic alcohol abuse
🔥Chronic stress / anxiety (Please revisit the information on ways to combat stress effectively!)
🔥Braces or extensive dental work (Revisit the post on the effect teeth have on the entire body)
🔥Posture (Revisit the clues related to posture.)
🔥Complications resulting from surgeries (especially those affecting the small intestine or stomach)
🔥Viral infections which are upper respiratory system focused
🔥Aging
🔥Botox injections
🔥Heavy metal toxicity (Heavy metals can be found in tooth fillings, vaccines, environmental contaminants, and even makeup. Young Living’s Savvy Minerals is a safe, beautiful and clean alternative! )
🔥Certain medications that affect the nervous system, including opioids, stimulants (ex: ADHD medications), immunosuppressants, sedatives, and many other prescription and OTC drugs. This is one more reason to identify and incorporate lifestyle changes whenever possible to avoid chronic drug use. Every single medication exerts a negative effect outside its intended target. 
The vagus nerve is a key player in living a life of resiliency.🙌 It will come as no surprise that people with high vagal tone have lower incidence of diabetes, strokes, and cardiovascular diseases. They also tend to find it easier to relax😴 after stressful situations, are physiologically 💪stronger, happier, more empathetic, better able to concentrate and remember, and are more likely to have close relationships with others👫. Vagal tone is kind of a big deal! Luckily for all of us, there are some really fun and practical ways to show the vagus nerve a little extra TLC on the regular. 
Test your gag reflex sometime soon. (Use a spoon handle and gently tickle the back of the throat on both sides. If you don’t have a gag response to the spoon handle, you’ve got some work to do😉!). 
Next week I’ll cover simple ways to incorporate vagal TLC techniques into daily life. It’s important to keep the vagal nerve happy and healthy!
xoxo~ liz
www.goodmedicine.info
#sharingiscaring
#caringforyourvagusnerveisgoodmedicine
#healthdetective
#goodmedicine
#thanksYL

VAERS data help

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vaers

With the above link, you’ll get regular updates to all the important numbers sent right to your email box. It takes the confusion out of ….”how do I find the pertinent information regarding the number of adverse events and deaths directly attributed to a certain poke which shall remain nameless. Just as a reminder, a Harvard study several years back found that VAERS was highly underutilized by healthcare professionals (many of whom are not even aware of its existence) in terms of reporting adverse events. Based on that study, true numbers have to be extrapolated…… the estimates are that only 1-10% are actually reported, so the numbers in each area will need to be multiplied by anywhere from 10 to 100 to get a better idea of actuality. I tend to split the difference, and multiply everything I see by 50 so I’m not over or underestimating the damage being done…… although, even if I don’t multiply the existing numbers by anything, the numbers as they stand are still mind numbing.
Below is an article with hundreds of cardiac events…..

goodsciencing.com

Christmas Scent Diffuser Blends

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Years ago, (before I knew better), I’d stock up on all the Christmas candles and plug ins from Baths and Bodyworks when they went on sale. Ugh…😬😳…. but I just didn’t know any better. 


Once you know, you can’t unknow. 


Here are some excellent Christmas scent diffuser blends to make your season scent filled in healthy ways! Just like cars, food (and even  crayons 😉 ), quality matters with essential oils. I won’t give you the pharmacist science-y reasons here, but I’d be happy to share what I know with anyone who wants to chat sometime….. #iykyk !
Simple changes can make profound impacts on life, both now and for our future selves.


Merry Christmas month friends! 
xoxo~ liz
 
#knowbetterdobetter
#toxinfreeforahealthierme
#thanksYL 
#knowingyouringredientsisgoodmedicine

Young Living December Freebies!

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T’was 31 days of🌲 December, and all through the land, people were scrambling to combat and support bodies against the cooties at hand.
Orders were placed with Young Living with care, knowing boxes of goodness would soon be there.
The kiddos were nestled all snug in their beds, with R.C. on their chest and Thieves on their wee little peds.
Papa in his boxers and me in my tee, we had just settled down for a good night of Zzzzz’s.
When suddenly he rolled over and said, “Shoot I forgot, can you help me out of this spot? I need to bring a gift for exchange to the office tomorrow, do you have anything you could get ready quickly?” Thankful again for Young Living’s freebies, I hopped out of bed and began assembling with ease, a gift🎁 that would be useful, lovely (and mostly free!).
I sprang from the bed with a idea in mind, and began assembling a wellness gift basket of the most amazing kind. The Winter Nights Foaming Hand soap will surely be a hit, along with a DIY Sugar Scrub made with Christmas Spirit. Oh, don’t forget, bath salts made with🌲 Pine. THEY may not know the benefits, but we do (#IYKYK ), and that’s all just fine. A gift with benefits, even if hidden, is better than sugary treats, or trinkets soon forgotten!
The gift basket was finished in less than an hour, and soon I was back in bed, having felt so empowered. I was able to save money, do good for a friend, share health tips by giving from the heart… Young Living is a godsend!
I turned on the diffuser, and blasted the Frank….. and then my hubby rolled over and said a big “Thanks”!
As I lay in bed, drifting off in a slumber, I remembered how many people still wonder…. “How are we to stay healthy and well in these days?”…well, friends, It’s up to us to share with them our ways. Our light and hope is not to be kept under a basket, but to be shared to all even to those who don’t ask for it.
Merry Christmas month friends! Let your light, wellness tips, and hope shine upon others!
xoxo~ Liz

(PS: This Christmas poem is brought to you by all the freebies this month Young Living has offered us with a qualifying purchase!)

STRESS – part 3

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Chronic Stress Part III : Solutions
Today’s post is full of butterflies, kittens🐱, and unicorns (Literally!). That’s a welcome change, I’m sure, considering the sobering long term ramifications of unmitigated chronic stress we’ve talked about these past few weeks. Chronic stress usually creeps in on very soft feet, so consider taking a few minutes to answer this simple yes/no “day to day stress assessment”:

stress assessment

 

Coping with stress involves two steps:
1️⃣Recognizing the signs and symptoms of EARLY burnout and stress (you’ve got the tools now!)
2️⃣Activating any or all of the self care tools below. 
Now, here’s the fun part….. Giving yourself some self care time by mixing and matching ways to “de-stress” on the regular. This is not a “once and done” experience. These are lifestyle changes for life!
🙌Stressbuster Options🙌
👉Get regular exercise! 
👉Engage in self care activities (ex: a long soaking bath or a massage)
👉Prayer, meditation, and/or quiet time with no electronic or television distractions
👉Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (aka CBT) . This can be a very valuable tool, especially if you find yourself trending in negative thinking patterns. I would really recommend picking up Dr. Caroline Leaf’s book and workbook, “Who Switched Off My Brain? Controlling toxic thoughts and emotions” to begin diving deeper into this subject.
👉Journal. Write out your thoughts instead of letting them fester in your mind. Create a gratitude journal, write a letter you’ll never send to someone, or begin success journaling)
👉Turn off social media and electronics as often as your day allows.
👉Limit scrolling time  
👉Get outside as much as possible and connect with nature. Go barefoot or get your hands on plants and in soil. (Grounding! ….. We’ve talked about this in previous posts)
👉Read something relaxing and nontriggering (ex: a work of fiction). Allow your brain to wander within the pages of the book.
👉Engage in Yoga, pilates, Tai Chi (soooo many health benefits!)
👉Practice breathing exercises ( left nostril breathing or box breathing are both excellent breathing patterns to quiet the mind)
Improve your sleep in both quality and quantity (we talked about that last week)
👉Try salt water floatation therapy for deep relaxation
👉Listen to 432 Hz frequency healing music ( check out the company WholeTones for more info!)
👉Laugh! It releases endorphins.
👉Spend time with a pet. Did you know that a cat’s purring frequency corresponds with established healing frequencies in therapeutic medicine for humans? 
👉Practice saying no to the things that bring stress, and saying yes to the things that will bring joy.
👉Avoid procrastination and just do the thing. Learn time management techniques and goal setting.
👉Eat healthy nourishing foods
👉Engage in a hobby
👉Connect with actual people in a community….. In person. We are not created to be an island.
👉Examine your values and beliefs and then live by them. An enormous amount of internal stress comes from living differently from your beliefs and values. 
👉Oils and Supplements. We have so many amazing tools to help us navigate stress:
🌿Lavender, Vetiver (Yes, it doesn’t smell great, so apply to bottoms of feet!), Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense,  Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Orange, and Geranium are just a few oils known for their calming qualities.
🌿Young Living has created an amazing array of perfectly blended oils to help add to the peace and tranquility in our lives: StressAway, Tranquil, RutaVala, Peace and Calming, and Valor are just a few that come to mind. 
🌿An herb called Ashwagandha is known for its beautiful ability to lower symptoms of stress in the body. It is one of the important ingredients in Young Living’s EndoGize (typically for women) and PowerGize (formulated for men).
🌿Young Living’s Calm CBD Roll-on is another fantastic tool to help relax and quiet the mind. Have you tried it yet? Be sure to find and follow Dr. Oliver Wenker MD, DEAA, ABAARM, FAARFM, MBA on his website and social media to learn in depth information on all things CBD.  


Unfortunately, many doctors don’t recommend steps to help mitigate stress in a patient’s life. Nearly 20% of adults age 18 or older are on medication💊 for symptoms related to stress.  A patient may present with anxiety, depression, or any of the other stress related clues we’ve talked about, and a prescription is written without any further discussion (and often, without comprehensive lab work being ordered to ensure there’s not also an imbalance somewhere in the body causing the symptoms). There will always be a time and a place for medication as a final option, but patients need to be fully aware of the problems that lie with using medication long term as a coping mechanism. 
💊Many of the medications used to treat symptoms of stress are highly addictive. Additionally, these medications have the capacity to impact brain function when taken over extended periods of time.
💊According to a study published in 2010 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, one of the most common classes of drugs (SSRI’s)  used to treat mild to moderate anxiety and depression was “unable to outperform placebos for moderate symptoms of depression”. So…. there’s that.
💊All of the medications used to mediate stress symptoms have side effect profiles that may well require a 2nd or 3rd medication to help manage the side effects of the initial medication.
💊Very few studies on the effects of a polypharmacy (using multiple medications concurrently)  lifestyle exist, yet we know that prescription drugs are the 3rd leading cause of death in the USA (after heart disease and cancer)…… (Don’t let anyone tell you that essential oils and herbs are dangerous!😉).
💊There is no way of measuring serotonin (the primary “happy”  neurotransmitter) in the brain of a living person, nor is there a “normal level” of serotonin we should all have to be emotionally healthy. People with high serotonin levels can still be depressed, and people with low serotonin levels can still be happy and joy filled. Indeed, we are largely the masters of our own emotional state.
💊Many medications used to treat symptoms of stress should be used in caution with people who have preexisting extreme mood disorders, diabetes, kidney, liver, or heart disease, or pregnancy (due to risk of miscarriage, congenital heart disease, or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the baby).


We have so many low cost (to free!) tools available to us when it comes to how we choose to deal with stress, and as you’ve hopefully seen, most are very pleasant options with no icky side effects.
Use the two stress surveys📊 you now have on hand to check yourself periodically, and then evaluate your self care / fun quotient. Your future self will thank you! 
xoxo~ liz

#sharingiscaring 
#beingwellinformedisgoodmedicine
#ThanksYL 
#fearfullywonderfullyjoyfullymade 
(PS: if anyone needs a stress relieving kitten, I’ve got 4 fosters looking for a home! )

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