July 2016
Olive Branch Wellness
Center
Wellness Newsletter
Brain Fog
Gosh darn don't you hate that "muzzy" feeling
of not quite getting clicked in? If you are suffering with brain fog
you aren't alone. Brain fog is a huge problem for a large number
of people and sadly, the conventional medical model really does nothing
to address the problem.
Are you feeling your brain is; Cloudy, spacey or moves in slow
motion? Do you forget things A LOT, like where you put things,
people's names or details? Is it difficult to just do your job,
take care of your family, hold a conversation or just do the things
that used to make you happy? Are you suffering from things like
fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, an auto immune disease or
inflammation? If you've answered yes to a bunch of these first of
all you need to know that brain fog is NOT a normal occurrence!
What IS happening is that your brain is trying to tell you that
something is wrong, and this is the only way it can get your attention
other than shutting down.
Ray Ilg, ND
Raynette Ilg, N.D., is the owner of
Olive
Branch Wellness Center in South Elgin, IL. A Naturopath who earned a
Bachelors of Science in Biological Medicine and then a Doctor of
Naturopathic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences, she
employs Nutritional Guidance, Herbal Medicine, Hydrotherapy, and
Homeopathy in her clinic. Dr. Ray can be contacted via her website,
Olive Branch Wellness Center
The things that cause brain fog are different for everyone and it's
important to address the underlying problem for the brain fog. If you
leave brain fog alone it can lead to other problems such as depression,
inability to lead a normal life and even things you don't want to think
about like Alzheimers.
So here are the fast top 5 causes of brain fog.
1.) Unstable blood sugar. Yes your blood sugar should be pretty
stable throughout the day. So, skipping meals, existing on coffee and
waiting to eat can definitely cause some brain imbalances. There is
also a direct correlation between the gut and the brain.
2.) Leaky/bad gut. Leaky gut can trigger a host of different
responses including some big time inflammation, food intolerances,
pain, autoimmune disorders, joint problems, brain fog, and depression.
3.) Poor Circulation. Because the blood brings oxygen to the body
and the brain, poor circulation can be a messy culprit in having brain
fog as well as problems with nutrients, hormones, neurotransmitters,
immune cells and other things that the brain needs to keep functioning
properly.
4.) Autoimmune Diseases. These are things like Hashimoto's
thyroiditis, Type 1 Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or Addison's
disease.
5.) Thyroid or hormone imbalances. Things like hypothyroidism, male
or female hormone problems, whether high or low can place a drain on
the system and not allow for proper information to get to the brain
itself.
So what am I really saying here? I'm saying that keeping your body in perfect running order and making sure you are PROPERLY detoxified is your best bet against brain fog. Remember, everyone has a little off day but if you start noticing more than one occasionally you might need to get yourself checked out by a Naturopath who can make sure you get the most out of that 3.5 lb thing in your head!
Olive Branch Wellness Center 630-370-7290
www.olivebwc.com
The Monthly "Vita - Mini"
B3 (Niacin)
As we continue our short journey through the B vitamins we get a lovely little stop over on B3 or as some of you know it Niacin. Niacin is utilized by the body for something extremely important. That little important thing is proper circulation and some healthy skin. As with most of the other B vitamins, Niacin is responsible for; functioning of the nervous system, metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and the proteins and then it's also responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid which comes from the stomach. Niacin aids in the secretion of bile and the changing of sex hormones. Some have used it previously for lowering cholesterol, which it does nicely, and there are some other claims that it is quite helpful in mental illnesses.
Some people can experience a "Flushed feeling" after taking a niacin supplement and others may experience a red rash on the skin along with a slight tingling sensation. Usually these little fun things just last a few minutes before they disappear into the sunset!
The best form of niacin for cholesterol control is regular ol' niacin. Niacinamide is a form of B3 however, it doesn't help with lowering cholesterol, but it doesn't give you the "Flushed feeling". If you are watching your blood sugar levels you should note that Niacin may very likely raise your blood sugar so…………
Jeana's Cucina
Buttermilk-Coconut
Southwest Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
-
2 lbs. chicken breasts
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. ground cumin
-
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. paprika
-
2 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. turmeric
Ingredients for the coconut buttermilk:
-
2 cups of coconut milk
-
2 tbsp. lemon juice
Preparation:
2. Add the chili powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, all spice, turmeric, garlic, lime zest, and lime juice to the coconut buttermilk mixture. Season to taste and mix well.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours.
4.Preheat a grill to a medium-heat.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill until cooked through and golden on both sides.
6. Sprinkle with fresh Cilantro (Optional).
