Budget Biohack #3: Got Nature?

This is one of my favorite topics.  Getting outside especially among trees has so many incredible health benefits.  We were made to be outside, not inside, siting ALL DAY.

A study in 2009 by Dr. Qing Li at the Department of Forestry Medicine in Japan showed that breathing in the phytoncides that trees produce can stimulate your thymus gland to produce natural killer (NK) cells.  NK cells play a critical role in immune function by targeting virus infected and tumor cells.  

Trees also reflect infrared light - this infrared light is used by our mitochondria to produce ATP - the main fuel currency that powers every function in our bodies.

Lastly, just looking at greenery - even a green wall - can increase your microbiome diversity according to microbiome researcher Kathy Willis of Oxford University.   The more diverse your microbiome, the healthier and stronger your immune system will be!  One of the key elements of a healthy gut is a DIVERSE microbiome. Both Hippocrates and the ancient Chinese doctors stated that ALL DISEASE begins in the gut.  One of the unique features of blue zones is an incredibly diverse mircobiome that differs from region to region.

So put down your phone and eat your lunch outside under a tree. If not, just look outside your window at some greenery!  Just don't look at your phone!  

One more thing, do you suffer from acid reflux? Indigestion?  BLOATING? count how many times you chew your food before you swallow.  Chew your food 20-30 times and improve your indigestion and reflux.  IF you feel like that's too much then try chewing 10 more times than you do now. Maybe you can get off those proton pump inhibitors which have been linked to reduced calcium absorption, infections, neurological risks like dementia and other nutrient deficiencies like magnesium and iron.  This is because your body needs acid to convert iron and calcium to bioavailable forms. Stomach acid also protects against bad bacteria growth. Long term PPI use has also been linked to kidney issue and poor cardiovascular health. 

BUT, do NOT go cold turkey - you will have to talk to your pharmacist or doctor who can give you a schedule to taper off them.  The real issue is with the valve that separates your esophagus and your stomach, poor microbiome diversity, or small intestinal bowel overgrowth (SIBO).  We can also help you ween off your proton pump inhibitors and reduce your risk for other illnesses.

If you are interested in healing your GUT call our office!

Until next time, be well, God Bless :)