Author Archive | Alexander Gardener

Including Cancer…

The test for cancer involves a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan to find cancer and see if it is spreading.

A radioactive dye containing dextrose (sugar) is injected shortly before the scan.

The cancer cells eat the sugar, and the dye lights up like holiday lights when scanned.

Because cancer cells generally grow more quickly than normal cells they tend to consume more sugar.

Cancer feeds off of sugar!

Cancer Cells have more receptor sites for sugar than for anything else.

Sugar is the fuel Cancer Cells depend on to thrive and survive.

This has been known, at least since 1966 when Dr. Warburg discussed that the prime cause and prevention of cancer was related to sugar.*

The average child, by the time they are 8 years old will have consumed more sugar than a person did their entire life just 100 years ago.

I happened upon a mom and her child in the wellness section of a health food store the other day.  I could not help but notice that the child was actually in an excited state reaching for the supplement in the mom’s hand.

Wow this child loves their supplements!

When I looked at the ingredients the second item listed was sugar.

There is sugar everywhere these days.

I looked at another child’s supplement, a liquid vitamin C and the second ingredient listed was fructose.

A little over a year ago I began looking at all the condiments and foods I would use myself and was astonished to see how many of them had some sugar in one form or another in the ingredient list.

The thing is even if you are eating “healthy sugars” they still have a similar effect when consumed.**

Cancer thrives on and loves that sugar.***

It is more important than ever to be sure we are reading all ingredient labels so that we know what we are feeding to our bodies and to any potential life threatening invaders.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

* In June of 1966, Dr.Otto Warburg delivered a lecture to Nobel Laureates titled, “The Prime Cause and Prevention Of Cancer” where he discussed the role of sugar in the spread of cancer.  ” Cancer, above all other disease, has countless secondary causes, but even for cancer, there is only one prime cause.  The prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by fermentation of sugar (anaerobic respiration).”

** The only real exception to this would be Stevia and to some degree Xylitol.  Even coconut sugar and agave must be monitored as they too cause spikes in blood sugar levels.  All other sugars such as honey, maple syrup, molasses, turbinado sugar etc. must be used cautiously and only organic and in the raw state.  Exercising regularly helps to reduce the negative impact on the body.

***We know that if we starve fungus with a candida diet that drastically limits sugars and carbohydrates that the fungus will actually send messages to the brain to crave these foods for their own survival.  I wonder if cancer cells do the same thing?

See Cancer Cells Dying…

The last two newsletters I wanted to focus on some of the basic concerns around smoking marijuana while at the same time acknowledging that there are health benefits.

Today I want to go deeper into the research that is being done on using Cannabis Oil to kill cancer cells.

There is enough data out there now that it cannot be ignored that Cannabis Oil does in fact kill cancer cells in the human body.

In fact, in test tube experiments 100% of the cancer cells died.

Many things are going on as to why the Cannabis oil is able to kill the cancer cells.

Because Cannabis oil is a fat soluble substance it is easily absorbed into the cells of the body.

Some of Cannabinoids’ properties are:

• Anitproliferative:  Prevents cancer cells from reproducing
• Antiangiogenic:  Prevents formation of new blood vessels needed by tumors to grow
• Antimetastic:  Prevents cancer cells from spreading to other organs
• Apoptotic:  Induces cancer cells to die

Cannabis Oil is able to destroy cancer cells without causing any harm to healthy normal cells.

Of course this is key to have an agent that can kill the cancer and not harm other parts of the body in the process.

No traditional treatment can make this claim.

This treatment is especially exciting news for brain tumors.

The brain has extra protections from harmful agents passing from the blood to the brain cells.

Because of Cannabinoids’ fat-soluble nature it is able to pass through the protection barriers and reach the cancer cells in the brain and kill them.

New research is showing that the Cannabinoids actually communicate with the cancer cells through Cannabinoid receptors that are on the surface of the cells instructing them to commit suicide.

Another side of this research is that due to THC’s proapototic effect it is able to encourage aging cells to die before having the opportunity to mutate into cancer cells.

Most of the research is being down in Europe as the climate here in this country has been so closed even to the idea of medical marijuana.  This is of course changing.

There was even a headline in the local paper. “Republicans ‘experimenting’ with marijuana” with upcoming elections in the horizon.

It is impossible to ignore that marijuana is part of our society both by those who are using it recreational but more importantly by those who found it’s medical benefits to be life saving and at the very least life supportive.

My own hope is that with all the research and information that is coming out it will help people to have access to this plant for its’ life affirming qualities.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

The Science Behind Munchies…

I just happened to come across a recently published article on why people get the munchies when smoking pot.

We see this all the time in movies, even if you have not had your own personal experience with the munchies.

You smoke and you cannot stop raiding the refrigerator, pantry, even your roommates’ private stash of chips.

It does not matter if you have just finished a huge dinner, in minutes you are ready to do it again!

So what is happening internally when a person smokes that stimulates this bottomless pit of food desires?

The brain is made up of neurons.

Neurons are excitable cells that process and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.

Some of these neurons stimulate our appetite and lead us to want to eat.  Others signal that we are full and time to stop consuming.

There is a cluster of neurons in the Hypothalamus called the POMC.  This is a region of the brain that is typically associated with sexual arousal, alertness, and feeding.

A chemical signal is sent out telling us we are full and to stop eating.

When cannabinoid compounds are introduced to the brain something unexpected happened.

It was assumed that the THC would stimulate the specialized neurons that tell us we are hungry.

Instead the cannabinoid compounds slowed down the POMC neurons that tell us we are full.

The same neurons that tell us we are full are now telling us we are hungry.

As one researcher put it: “It’s a bit like slamming down on the brakes and finding weed has turned it into another gas pedal.” *

There are other factors involved here also.  Many parts of the brain get “lit up” with smoking pot.

Our olfactory senses get heightened and dopamine levels are increased (especially with the pleasure of eating everything in sight).

As we move towards legalization of marijuana more studies are being done to understand exactly what goes on especially in our brains.

This study was especially exciting in the area of brain research, as it was not known before that a neuron could switch activity from giving off one signal to giving the totally opposite signal.

Marijuana is such a healing plant and does want our respect as such.  She is another gift from our Mother to be used to help us here in these physical bodies.

She helps people in pain whether from cancer or depression to be able to eat who otherwise might have no appetite at all.

Understanding the dopamine connection is also helping us understand the psychological addiction that can form with smoking pot. **

As with any herb whether it is Comfrey Root or Red Raspberry Leaf, or spices like Turmeric the more we understand the relationship between plant and our bodies the better we are able to incorporate these amazing plant gifts into our healing arenas.

Marijuana is just one of those amazing plant gifts for us to use as medicine.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

*Jessica Barson. Rockefeller University, NYC

** Dopamine is part of the brain’s pleasure and reward center.  It makes sense with all the difficulties around we would seek an easy and immediate relief from pain to pleasure that an herb such as Marijuana can provide.  Unfortunately, as with any “drug,” dependence can form and with it an addiction seeking out that pleasure state more and more often. At some point the body does become dependent on the pot to stimulate dopamine releases.

To Smoke or Not to Smoke…

It has been pretty widely accepted that long term daily use of cannabis affects our health in some adverse way.

We know it can weaken our immune system, affect our adrenals, affect our lungs in a similar way tobacco can, and be psychologically addictive.

Most studies on pot use have been on subjects who smoke a lot, every day all day.

But what about the casual user?

What affect, if any, with the person who smokes only once or twice a week?

A recent study by Harvard and Northwestern researched the brains of 18-25 year olds, half of whom smoked pot recreationally and half who did not smoke at all.

Participants were chosen who showed no adverse affect to their casual smoking.  They attended classes, got good grades, had good relationships, and were generally seen as ideal students.

With new advances in brain neuroimaging, the researchers were able to look at the nucleus accumbens and the amygdala of the participants.

The amygdala is responsible for emotions, emotional behavior, and motivation.

It is part of the Limbic system and is involved in many emotions particularly those related to survival and for processing emotions such as fear, anger, and pleasure.

It is also responsible for determining what memories are stored and where.*

For example when we hear a disturbing noise, the amygdala heightens our perception of the sound.  If this perception is deemed distressing a memory is formed associating the noise with unpleasantness.

These memories can then trigger PTSD attacks anytime.**

The nucleus accumbens play a role in the reward circuit involving both dopamine and serotonin levels.

To everyone’s surprise, every person in the marijuana group, even those who only smoked once a week, showed some abnormalities in the density, volume, and shape of the nucleus accumbens and the amygdala.

So what do we do with this information?

Clearly using cannabis is very helpful for some.  It can relax anxiety and help stimulate an appetite.

But for some it is going to cause more anxiety in the long term and this research is helping us understand the whys.

We are still so young in understanding our brain and what is good for it and what harms it.

To Smoke or Not to Smoke, that is the question!

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

*Memory loss has been associated with smoking pot for some time.

**Increased paranoia has also been associated with smoking pot.

Get To Know Your Pancreas

The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen sandwiched between the stomach and the spine.

It is because it is so deeply situated that it is not palpable making it very hard to diagnose it’s state of health.

Most tumors are not detected until they grow large enough to interfere with the functioning of the pancreas.

The pancreas is a vital part of the digestion process and an important controller of blood sugar levels.

The exocrine function helps in digestion and the endocrine function regulates blood sugar.

The pancreas produces enzymes from the exocrine glands important to digestion.  When food enters the stomach, pancreatic juices are released through the Pancreatic Duct that joins up with the Common Bile duct from the liver.

The combination of enzymes from the pancreas and the bile from the liver are what digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Much of this digestion takes place in the duodenum that is the first segment of the small intestines.

The endocrine component consists of cells that create and release important hormones directly into the blood stream.  Two of the main pancreatic hormones released are insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels, and glucagon, which raises blood sugar levels.

Also produced in the pancreas is Gastrin that aids digestion in the stomach by stimulating the acid producing cells of the stomach to produce digestive acids.

Caring for our pancreas is directly linked to the overall health of the body.

Too much alcohol is one common factor that affects the health and wellbeing of the pancreas.

Another factor are Gallstones.  Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder and as they migrate down the common bile duct they can also clog the Pancreatic Duct.

High levels of triglycerides in the blood as well high levels of calcium can contribute to the blockage of the pancreatic flow of enzymes.

The pancreas is sensitive to viral infections, bacterial infections, and hereditary diseases that all can be linked to pancreatic damage.

Healthy foods for the pancreas include kale, swiss chard, endive, spinach, asparagus, apples, buckwheat, fennel, blueberries, cranberries, and arugula.

Drinking an amble supple of water daily is also very important.

D is an important vitamin for a healthy pancreas.

Aloe Vera juice can revitalize damaged cells.

Including a piece of fresh ginger with lunch and dinner helps pancreatic function.

Avoid combining sweet food with meals.  As the sugar ferments it creates alcohol and alcohol is (as was mentioned) a leading factor in pancreatic problems.*

Eating slowly, watching food combinations, chewing thoroughly, smaller meals, and being relaxed all contribute to a healthier pancreas.

You might be noticing a trend here as the newsletters are repeating many of the same components for a healthier life.  What aids in the health of one organ is many times the same formula for other parts of the body.

For example the simple morning Liver Flush of a tablespoon of olive oil, juice of a lemon, and water is also a remedy for the pancreas.

And again stress is a leading contributor to pancreatic problems.

A lack of digestive enzymes from the pancreas are being directly linked to Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and MS.

For some taking a pancreatic enzyme with meals can be very helpful.

Some more food for thought!

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

*This is very important.  Even if you do not drink alcohol you might be making alcohol in your system with the foods and the combinations of foods you are eating.  You might be damaging your pancreas without even realizing it.  Be aware of the sugar content in foods and condiments, as well food combining.  Remember mixing fruit with a meal can create an environment ripe for fermentation with alcohol as a byproduct.

Gotta Love This Heart…

The heart is the first organ to form in the embryo.

It will beat more than two and a half billion times during an average life span without taking any time off.

It has one very simple task, to pump blood.

And yet this one simple task affects everything from our being able to be alive to how our nervous system is behaving.

Clearly we all know that if our heart stops our lives’ also end.

We all also know what it feels like when our heart begins to race and how this affects us.

There is so much information out there about diet, exercise, meditation, and supplements that can help a heart to stay healthy.

Some of the supplement recommendations to keep our hearts healthy include:
CoQ10 recharges the energy production furnaces in cells known as mitochondria.  Since heart cells produce more energy than any other organ this supplement can offer quite a bit of support.
Magnesium helps to widen and relax blood vessels making it easier for the heart to pump more blood and thereby reducing blood pressure.
Omega 3 reduces the risk of heart attacks.  This fatty acid helps to reduce inflammations, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.
Vitamin C also reduces the risk of heart problems.
Vitamin D reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Curcumin not only is a great anti-inflammatory but also provides antioxidant, antithrombotic, and cardiovascular protective benefits as well as reducing bad cholesterol.
Resveratrol is an anti-aging nutrient found in red wine and the skin of dark grapes.  It protects the arteries from blood clots while also improving elasticity.  It also is a powerful antioxidant.  Resveratrol inhibits certain inflammatory enzymes that can cause heart disease.
Garlic helps to keep the arteries clear of plaque.
Vitamin K & K2 can help keep calcium in the bones and out of the arteries where it only causes problems.
Here are some wonderful heart healthy foods:
Salmon is a rich source of Omega-3
Flaxseed is another rich source of Omega 3
Oatmeal contains Omega 3, magnesium, B vitamins, niacin, calcium, and fiber.
Almonds contain Omega 3, vit. E, magnesium, fiber, heart healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats, as well as phyosterols.
Walnuts also contain Omega 3, vit. E, fiber, and heart healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats.
Red Wine contains Resveratrol.
Tuna contains Omega 3 and niacin.
Tofu contains niacin, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Brown Rice contains B-complex, niacin, magnesium, and fiber.
Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries are all heart healthy supports.
Also included in a Heart Healthy list are carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, red bell peppers, asparagus, oranges, tomatoes, acorn squash, cantaloupe, papaya…

And Dark Chocolate!

Which brings us right back to this being the Season Of The Heart.  Happy Valentines Day…..

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

Let’s Start At The Beginning…

Did you know that digestion begins in the mouth?

The action of chewing does so much more than just break down big food pieces into smaller ones.

In our mouths there are three large salivary glands and numerous smaller ones.

The largest of these glands is the Parotid Gland that is located in our upper cheek area near our ears with the ducts opening near our molars.

The submandibular glands are under the jaws and open behind our lower front teeth.

The sublingual glands are beneath our tongue and open into the floor of our mouth.

There are actually hundreds of smaller salivary glands interspersed around our mouth, lips, inner cheeks, sinuses, and throat all producing and releasing saliva.

The salivary glands produce not just saliva but mucous as well.

Saliva is a clear fluid made up of water and proteins that also includes the digestive enzyme amylase.

The mucous is a thicker slimier liquid.

Saliva has different roles from keeping the mucous membranes in the mouth from drying out, to moistening our food for chewing and swallowing, to mixing the enzyme amylase in with the masticated food.

The saliva also protects our teeth from decay.

The mucous from the submandibular and sublingual glands helps to lubricate the foods we ingest as well as to bind the foods as we chew them.  The mucous holds the chewed food into a slippery mass coating it as to make it easier to pass down the esophagus on its journey to the stomach without harming the esophagus.

Not only does the saliva mix in the enzyme amylase which begins digestion of starches breaking them down into a sugar called maltose, it also makes dry food more soluble so that our taste buds can detect the flavors.

There is one more process that begins in the mouth and that is the process of elimination.

As we chew we are stimulating the peristaltic movement of the large intestines.  A message is being sent that more food is coming in so make room and dump the waste that is ready to be evacuated.

There are so many things that can get in the way of nature’s digestive process from eating too fast to not chewing well enough.

I remember an old saying: “Chew your Drink and Drink your food!”

For anyone with a sensitive digestive system the foods we combine in a meal can make a huge difference.

Mixing protein, starches, and fruits in one meal can create havoc in this digestive process.

Drinking with our meals washes down food particles that have not yet been chewed sufficiently and mixed with enough of the saliva/mucous combination.

It also cools the digestive fires in the stomach needed for the digestive process.

Understanding how our bodies’ work is so helpful in knowing how to care for ourselves with such basic and daily tasks as eating a meal.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

Who’s In Charge…

The Thyroid is shaped like a butterfly whose wings wrap around our windpipe just below our Adam’s Apple.

It is a master gland in charge of regulating our metabolism in the entire body.  Almost every cell is affected and controlled by the hormones released by the Thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is when the Thyroid is sluggish as opposed to Hyperthyroidism when it is overly active.

Both conditions have an adverse effect on the body and on our health.

The Thyroid regulates temperature in our cells and in turn in our body.  Too little and we are cold, too much and we are hot.

The Thyroid also regulates our heartbeat, our blood pressure, the rate at which food is converted into energy, digestive functions, muscle control, brain development, bone maintenance, as well as the metabolic rate.

Because one of the main functions of the Thyroid is to maintain the correct body temperature, cold hands and feet can be one sign of a sluggish Thyroid.

Other signs include nervousness, fatigue, hair loss, muscle cramps, constipation, brittle nails, and dry skin.

Signs of an overly active Thyroid can include nervousness also, an increase in the resting heart rate, tremors, frequent bowel movements, an enlargement of the Thyroid gland itself, mental disturbances, and sleep disturbances.

Having a healthy Thyroid Gland is of up most importance in how the body’s health can be maintained.  Any disturbance in the Thyroid causes havoc in all metabolic functions in our body.  This affects us in so many ways from levels of the enzymes we produce to the assimilation of minerals and vitamins in the body.

It would be impossible to have health and not have a balanced Thyroid.

Testing the Thyroid is still a difficult test to perform.  Usually the practitioner will do a few different tests including a Thyroid Blood test, Basal Body Temperature test, take a history of physical symptoms, a physical exam, and an Iodine Urine test.

Some of these tests can be ordered on-line and be done at home and sent out to a lab for analysis.

Perhaps the most important information we need is to know our iodine levels since the level of iodine we consume is directly tied to the functioning of our Thyroid.

Iodine is a necessary component of the hormones produced by the Thyroid.

We rely strictly on our diet for iodine.  It is reported that as many as 72% of us are deficient and not getting enough from our diets leading to Thyroid problems.

Seaweed is without a doubt the most reliable source of iodine.  Other rich sources of iodine are cranberries, yogurt, cheese, and eggs.

But…and there is always a but, we have talked a lot about a particular herb that I have been recommending for anyone who needs help with energy and stamina.

Ashwagandha, an Ayurveda herb, can also restore balance to the Thyroid Gland no matter whether it is Hypo or Hyper.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen*.  It works to bring balance to the Thyroid.  It will stimulate an underactive Thyroid or relaxes an overactive one.

Scientists do not yet understand how adapotens work.  If they spent time with herbalists they would soon learn how amazing the plant kingdom really is and how plants adapt themselves to our needs on many levels.  Ashwagandha is just one such example.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

*There are a few herbs the fall into the adaptogen category such as American & Asian Ginseng,  Goji Berry, Reishi Mushrooms, Astragalus Root, as well as Ashwagandha Root.

*To be an adaptogen it must show 3 characteristics:

• increase the power of resistance against physical, chemical, or biological agent
• have a normalizing influence
• be harmless and not influence normal body functions more than is required

A Perfect Gift From Nature…

Hemp is part of the Cannabis genus and a relative of the cannabis plant more commonly known as marijuana.

It is primarily grown for it’s fiber and has been around for a very very long time.

In fact the very first American flag was made from hemp as was much of our clothing as well as for rope, oil, and more.

Today there is a revival of using the plant for clothing but also as a food.

Though it does contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the levels are so low they are negligible compared to it’s cousin marijuana.

Hemp seeds are being hailed as a perfect food gift.

With a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats Hemp seeds are the most balanced blend of proteins, essential fats, vitamins, and enzymes making them a perfect food.

Hemp seeds are high in Omega 3 & 6, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA/reduces inflammation and can prevent cancer), antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, iron, zinc, carotene, phospholipids, phytosterols, B1, B2, B6, D, E, chlorophyll, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, potassium, phosphorus, and enzymes.

And if that does not get your attention!

Hemp seeds supply over 17 grams of omega fats to boost our energy for the day.

And…
Hemp seeds are more digestible than meat, eggs, cheese, cow milk, or really any other high protein food
lowers blood pressure
reduces blood LDL cholesterol levels
great for the circulation
enhances our immune system
helps with PMS & menstrual cramps
reduces inflammation and arthritis
helps with dry skin and hair
and the list just goes and on…..
Hemp seeds can be eaten by those intolerant to nuts, gluten, lactose, and sugar.

There are no known allergies to Hemp seeds.

Are you eating energy bars?  Well hemp seeds beat out most energy bars in providing more useable energy with barely any traceable sugar.
4 Tbs. of hemp seeds provide 15g protein, 2.5g fiber, 4.5g carbohydrates, and no cholesterol.
Hemp seed oil is the most unsaturated oil in the plant world.
It contains 75-80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (good fats) and only about 9% saturated fats (bad fats).

The omega balance in Hemp seeds again makes this a perfect food with a 4:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3.  The ratio in Flax seeds is the opposite of 1:4 making Hemp seeds a superior source of omega 6 & 3 and a healthier choice.

Hem seeds not only will treat many illnesses but will also help prevent them.

One recommended daily dose is 4 heaping tablespoons a day.  Anyone who is suffering from diabetes, circulation problems, prostate problems, intestinal problems, skin problems, arthritis (just to name a few) might want to take 5-6 heaping tablespoons a day.*

Hemp oil also contains plant sterols which have been shown to reduce the risk of colon and prostate cancer as well as helping cardiovascular health.

So what do you think?

Time to start adding Hemp seeds to your diet.  It is so easy to do.  I add a heaping tablespoon to my yogurt everyday along with nuts and seeds.  Gardenia lines her dinner plate with greens such as spinach, kale, and dandelion.  To this she adds a tablespoon of coconut oil and a heaping tablespoon of Hemp seeds.  On top of which sits her vegetables or what ever she is having for dinner.  It all just blends in perfectly.

It is also wonderful to sprinkle on avocadoes, toast, or really anything else you might be having to eat.

Isn’t it time we catch up with our ancestors and make use of this perfect gift from our Mother for our health, our lives, our world.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

*Larger individuals may need to increase these amounts.  Be sure to check with your primary health care provider.
You can access this newsletter online as well as all previous newsletters here at The Lymph Guy.

A Brain In Our Gut?

There is so much new research coming out concerning our bodies that is revolutionizing how we relate to our physical being.

We now know that during the initial stages of gestation a piece of the forming brain actually detaches itself and becomes part of the formation of our guts.

That the entire length of our gut’s wall is lined with brain cells or neural tissues filled with neurotransmitters.

In fact there are more neurons in our gut lining then there are in our spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system, over 1,000,000 neurons.

This is part of what is called the enteric* nervous system.

It was initially believed that these brain cells were limited to regulating digestive and elimination functions leaving the brain free from this process.

More recent research though suggests that there is much more going on and that our moods are directly influenced by messages from the below brain to the above brain.

The fact that 95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the bowels makes the bowel/brain connection even more specific.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome could now be seen as a “mental illness’ of this second brain.

It is also being looked at how this second brain mediates the body’s immune system, as 70% of our immune system is geared toward the gut to expel and destroy unwanted guests.

Caring for our intestinal tract with the right foods, good eating habits, seasonal cleansers, meditation, and breathing is becoming more and more connected with how we feel and our mental state.

UCLA is doing research on how the trillions of bacteria in the gut actually communicate with the enteric nervous system which in turn communicates with the brain making it clear that working on our mental health must included both brains to really be effective.

Personally I have always felt this to be a “No Brainer”!

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

*Enteric refers to the intestines.