Zinc: A Quick Guide to Its Benefits and Types

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various aspects of our health. Here I’ll outline the importance of zinc in the body, particularly focusing on its involvement in digestion, skin health, and the immune system. There are also different types of zinc supplements, foods rich in zinc, and also foods that can block the absorption of zinc.

Zinc: An Essential Trace Mineral for Optimal Health

ZincZinc is an essential trace mineral, meaning that it is required in minute amounts by the human body for proper functioning. Despite its small quantity, it plays a significant role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. It is involved in numerous biological processes, including cellular metabolism, enzyme activity, and gene expression, which directly impact various aspects of our health.

In our biochemical pathways, it is a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes. These enzymes are involved in critical biological processes such as DNA synthesis, cell division, protein synthesis, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Zinc’s Role in the Body

Digestion

  1. Enzyme production: Zinc is involved in the production and activation of digestive enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
  2. Gut health: It helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining, preventing the development of leaky gut syndrome.
  3. Nutrient absorption: Adequate zinc levels promote efficient absorption of essential nutrients from the food we eat.

Immune System

Zinc’s role in immune function is also key, as it contributes to the development and function of immune cells, such as T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells. These cells help the body to recognize and eliminate pathogens, preventing infections and maintaining a balanced immune response.  Additionally, zinc (Zn) plays an essential role in maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes and proteins. This function is particularly important for skin health, as Zn aids in wound healing, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis. It also possesses antioxidant properties, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

  1. Immune cell function: Zn is essential for the proper function of immune cells such as T-cells and natural killer cells.
  2. Inflammation regulation: It helps to regulate the immune response, reducing excessive inflammation.
  3. Antioxidant properties: It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Zinc is also crucial for proper growth and development, particularly during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood. It contributes to the formation and function of hormones, such as insulin and thyroid hormones, and plays a role in maintaining a healthy reproductive system.

Skin Health

  1. Wound healing: Zn plays a role in cell division and protein synthesis, which are vital processes in wound healing and tissue repair.
  2. Collagen production: Zn is involved in the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin.
  3. Acne prevention: Zn has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce acne breakouts.

In summary, Zn is an essential trace mineral that significantly impacts various aspects of our health, ranging from cellular metabolism to immune function and beyond. Ensuring that we receive adequate amounts of Zn through our diets or supplementation is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing deficiencies that could lead to various health complications.

Types of Zinc Supplements

Picolinate: A highly bio-available form of Zn, which is easily absorbed by the body.
Citrate: Another well-absorbed form of Zn with a slightly lower bio-availability than picolinate.
Orotate: A form of Zn that is bound to orotic acid, which is thought to improve its absorption rate.

Zinc Picolinate: A Highly Bioavailable Form

Zinc picolinate is a form that is bound to picolinic acid, a natural organic compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Picolinic acid enhances the bioavailability of minerals by facilitating their passage through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.

The combination of zinc and picolinic acid creates a stable chelated compound, which has been found to be highly bio-available, meaning that it is easily absorbed by the body.  Picolinic acid is particularly useful in enhancing the absorption of Zn and other minerals due to its chelating properties. It acts as a “carrier molecule”, binding to the zinc ions and forming a stable complex that can efficiently pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. This process ensures that a greater amount of Zn is absorbed by the body, compared to other forms that may not be as easily absorbed.

Numerous studies have found that Zn picolinate is more effectively absorbed by the body compared to other forms, such as gluconate or oxide. As well as that, Zn picolinate is generally well-tolerated and you’re unlike to experience side effects, such as nausea.

In summary, Zn picolinate is a highly bioavailable form of Zn due to its unique combination with picolinic acid. This stable chelated compound is efficiently absorbed by the body, ensuring that a greater amount of Zn is available for various physiological processes. The high absorption rate and tolerability make Zn picolinate an excellent choice for individuals seeking to optimize their zinc levels through supplementation.

Zinc deficiency food sourcesZinc supplementation can be beneficial in managing and preventing several diseases and health conditions.

Some of these include:

  1. Zinc deficiency is the most obvious condition that benefits from zinc supplementation. Symptoms of deficiency can include growth retardation, impaired immune function, loss of appetite, hair loss, diarrhea, and delayed wound healing. Supplementing with zinc can help restore normal levels and alleviate these symptoms.
  2. Supplementation has been found to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea, particularly in children. It is thought to help by improving gut barrier function, regulating the immune response, and enhancing the absorption of water and electrolytes.
  3. Some studies have shown that taking supplements, particularly in the form of lozenges or syrup, within the first 24 hours of cold symptoms can help reduce the duration and severity of the illness. Zn may help by inhibiting the replication of the cold virus and modulating the immune response.
  4. Zinc plays an essential role in maintaining eye health, and supplementation has been shown to help slow the progression of Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It is a component of antioxidant enzymes in the retina, and supplementing with it may help protect the retina from damage caused by oxidative stress.
  5. Zinc has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the severity of acne breakouts. It also plays a role in wound healing and reducing the formation of scars.
  6. As zinc is critical for the proper functioning of the immune system, supplementation can be beneficial for individuals with weakened immunity or those at risk of infections, such as the elderly or people with chronic illnesses.
  7. Zinc supplementation can help improve wound healing, particularly in individuals with Zn deficiencies or chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers.  If you notice that wounds are slow to heal, consider taking a zinc supplement or eating foods rich in zinc.

Foods Rich in Zinc

Animal sources: Oysters, red meat, poultry, and seafood are excellent sources.
Plant sources: Legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fortified cereals can provide significant amounts.
Dairy products: Cheese and yogurt are also good sources.

Foods that Block Absorption

Phytates: Found in whole grains, legumes, and some nuts and seeds, phytates can bind to zinc and inhibit its absorption.
Oxalates: Foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, beet greens, and rhubarb, can reduce zinc absorption.
Calcium and iron supplements: High doses of calcium or iron can interfere with zinc absorption if taken at the same time.

 

It is important to note that while supplementation can help manage and prevent certain health conditions, it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health concerns or are taking medications.

Cerebro-Spinal Fluid it’s amazing role and MCPE

Systematic Kinesiology – MCPE & the amazing role of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid

by Brian H Butler, Founder of Systematic Kinesiology.

What makes Systematic Kinesiology© Unique?

 

Systematic Kinesiology uniquely addresses all aspects of a person simultaneously. The Mental Chemical Physical Energy (M.C.P.E). The ‘Yin-Yang’ symbol represents the God-given Life Force that enlivens the mind, and triggers every breath and heartbeat from birth to death. Cerebro-Spinal Fluid and MCPE

Few health practitioners in the world are conscious of the unseen Power represented by the Yin-Yang which is at the centre of, and controls every action and function of the person.

TASK/KinesiologyZone practitioners of MCPE acknowledge the Power of that Life Force and the Seven Factors of the spinal Inter-Vertebral Foramena (IVF).

  1. Nerve (N) The electrical impulses that control body functions
  2. Neuro-Vascular (NV) impulses that control blood flow.
  3. Neuro-Lymphatic (NL) impulses that control lymphatic fluid flow that feeds and cleans all tissue.
  4. Acupuncture Meridian Connector (AMC) sends impulses to specific meridians.
  5. Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) Carries complex Energy signals from the Brain that control all functions of the body
  6. Nutrition sends signals to control digestion, and the distribution of nutrients to the whole body.
  7. Emotions affect the mental, chemical and physical aspects either to the detriment, or to the benefit of a person. M.C.P. E. ‘balancing’ effectively helps restore emotional calm and mental strength.

Encyclopædia Britannica

The scientific world’s researchers examine, test, explore the physical aspects of the functions of the body. As a result, there exists a vast amount of information concerning human anatomy, physiology, neurology, and bio-chemistry, but apparently little about the energy or the wonder of it all.

Take the example of a single cell organism. This one cell can reproduce itself, find & eat food, digest it, expel waste matter, and unbelievably (though true) has a built in ‘outboard motor’ (flagellum) with which it moves about to look for food. Amazing!

 

Appreciate the unseen Miracles of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid Energies

When a person learns something new to them, they are often excited by the new knowledge. After a while, familiarity, if it does not breed contempt, certainly can result in that excitement evaporating. For myself, new information about CSF and the IVF has renewed my excitement and wonder.

Production, functions and contents of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid

CSF is produced by the Choroid Plexus in the Brain and circulates around the central nervous system. Also layers of choroid plexus form a selectively permeable barrier called the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Having a pH 7.33 it contains small quantities of Proteins, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, all essential trace minerals, and Urea. The BBB is contained in loops that are joined in health with tight loops. If these loops slacken for any reason, this can allow material entrance into the BBB. This may be addressed with some nutritional products.

Functions:
Buoyancy. The brain weighs 1,400gms, but due to the presence of CSF, creating a ‘bath’, it has a net weight of only 50gms.
Protection. CSF acts as a shock absorber which helps prevent damage from the Brain hitting the skull.
Homeostasis. It regulates the glow of metabolite surrounding the Brain, keeping it stable.
Waste disposal. Waste produced by the Brain are excreted into the CSF, that drains into the bloodstream.

Flow of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid

In the beginning, when AK was being discovered in 1964, it was the accepted notion that CSF was contained within the Subarachnoid space which starts in the Brain, and continues down to S2. It is circulated by the ‘CSF Pump’ which is the contra movements of the Occiput and the Sacrum which happen with every breath twelve times a minute.

Later, opinions changed and some thought and taught (including myself) that the CSF ‘leaked’ out of the IVF’s into the tissues. New findings indicate that this is now not considered to be so… However….

CSF Energies are carried to every part and function of the body.

The incredibly complex information concerning every aspect of the functions of our bodies is generated in the Brain. From where it is absorbed into the CSF. The CSF carries this Energy as it is transported by means of the CSF Pump to all the Inter-Vertebral Foramina (IVF’s) of the Spine from the Atlas and Cervical, the Thoracic and then the Lumbar vertebrae to the Sacrum. These specific complex energies then flow from the IVFs to manage and control all functions of the cells, tissues, organs, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the entire body.

Lymphatic fluid feeds and cleans all tissues through which it flows. Lymph picks up the feedback CSF energies wherever it flows. Then the lymph moves through the body through its own vessels making the return one-way journey from the interstitial spaces to the subclavian veins at the base of the neck. Since the lymphatic system does not have a heart to pump it, its upward movement depends on the motions of the muscles.  Which is why regular exercise is so important.

Once circulating again in the blood, these feedback energies are recognised by the Brain, and used for intelligence to make the decisions concerning the constant needs of the body.

To quote Michael Cain’s famous catchphrase:

“Notta lotta people know that.”

Greater Knowledge and Understanding lead to Wisdom. Enjoy.
by Brian H Butler, B.A., D.O., F.A.S


Another post you might enjoy – The Benefits of Rebounding for 5 minutes

 

Obesity – too much salt not enough water?

Two surprising reasons behind the obesity epidemic: Too much salt, not enough water

Salty french fries may taste good, but they just contribute to dehydration and obesity.
William Voon/EyeEm via Getty Images

Richard Johnson, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Scientific studies and media coverage are rife with warnings on how sugar, carbohydrates, saturated fat and lack of exercise contribute to obesity. And tens of millions of Americans are still overweight or obese in large part because of the classic Western diet and lifestyle.

As an educator, researcher and professor of medicine, I have spent more than 20 years investigating the causes of obesity, as well as related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.

Throughout my many years of studying obesity and related health conditions, I’ve observed that relatively little is said about two significant pieces of this very complex puzzle: lack of hydration and excessive salt intake. Both are known to contribute to obesity.

Lessons learned from a desert sand rat

Nature provides a clue to the role these factors play with the desert sand rat Psammomys obesus, a half-pound rodent with a high-pitched squeak that lives in the salty marshes and deserts of Northern Africa. It survives, barely, by eating the stems of Salicornia – the glasswort – a plant that looks a bit like asparagus.

Although low in nutrients, the glasswort’s fleshy, succulent sap is filled with water that’s rich in salt, at concentrations as high as what’s found in seawater.

Recent studies have provided new insights into why the desert sand rat might crave the salty sap of glasswort. Although this has not yet been proven specifically in the sand rat, it is likely that a high-salt diet helps the sand rat convert the relatively low amount of carbohydrates it’s ingesting into fructose, a type of sugar that occurs naturally in fruits, honey and some vegetables.

This helps the animal survive when food and fresh water are sparse. This is because fructose activates a “survival switch” that stimulates foraging, food intake and the storage of fat and carbohydrates that protect the animal from starvation.

However, when the rat is brought into captivity and given the common rodent diet of about 50% carbohydrates, it rapidly develops obesity and diabetes. But if given fresh vegetables low in starchy carbohydrates, the rodent remains lean.

A desert sand rat, with prominent whiskers and a brown and white coat, takes a look outside its burrow.
The desert sand rat, also known as the fat sand rat, is actually a gerbil. It’s found in Asia as well as Africa.
Kristian Bell/Moment via Getty Images

My research, and the research of many other scientists over the decades, shows that many Americans unwittingly behave much like a captive desert sand rat, although few are in settings where food and water are limited. They are constantly activating the survival switch.

Fructose and our diets

As mentioned, fructose, a simple sugar, appears to have a key role in activating this survival switch that leads to fat production.

Small amounts of fructose, like that found in an individual fruit, are not the problem – rather it is excessive amounts of fructose that are problematic for human health. Most of us get our fructose from table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. Intake of these two sugars totals approximately 15% of calories in the average American diet.

These sugars encourage people to eat more, which can lead to weight gain, fat accumulation and prediabetes.

Our bodies also make fructose on their own – and experimental studies suggest it may be enough to trigger the development of obesity.

A spoonful of sugar, surrounded by sugar cubes, on a wooden table.
Table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are two of the culprits that can cause weight gain and obesity.
ATU Images/The Image Bank via Getty Images

Since fructose is made from glucose, production of fructose increases when blood glucose levels are high. This process happens when we eat a lot of rice, cereal, potatoes and white bread; those are carbs that rapidly release glucose into the blood rapidly.

And notably, fructose production can also be stimulated by dehydration, which drives fat production.

Fat provides water

Fat has two major functions. The first one, which is well known, is to store calories for a later time when food is unavailable.

The other major but lesser-known function of fat is to provide water.

To be clear, fat does not contain water. But when fat breaks down, it generates water in the body. The amount produced is substantial, and roughly equivalent to the amount of fat burned. It’s so significant that some animals rely on fat to provide water during times when it’s not available.

Whales are but one example. While they drink some seawater, they get most of their water from the foods they eat. And when they go for extended periods without food, they get their water primarily by metabolizing fat.

Hold the fries

The role of dehydration as a contributor to obesity should not be underestimated. It commonly occurs after eating salty foods. Both dehydration and salt consumption lead to the production of fructose and fat.

This is why salty french fries are especially fattening. The salt causes a dehydration-like state that encourages the conversion of the starch in the french fry to fructose.

What’s more, studies show most people who are overweight or obese don’t drink enough water. They are far more likely to be dehydrated than those who are lean. Their salt intake is also very high compared with lean people’s.

Research shows that people with obesity frequently have high levels of vasopressin, a hormone that helps the kidneys hold water to regulate urine volume.

But recent studies suggest vasopressin has another purpose, which is to stimulate fat production.

For someone at risk of dehydration or starvation, vasopressin may have a real survival benefit. But for those not at risk, vasopressin could drive most of the metabolic effects of excess fructose, like weight gain, fat accumulation, fatty liver and prediabetes.

Drinking more water

So does this mean drinking more water can help us lose weight? The medical community has often scoffed at the assertion. However, our research team found that giving mice more water slowed weight gain and the development of prediabetes, even when the mice had diets rich in sugar and fat.

There is also increasing evidence that most people drink too little water in general, and increasing water intake may help people who are obese lose weight.

That’s why I encourage drinking eight tall glasses of water a day. And eight is likely enough; don’t assume more is better. There have been cases of people drinking so much that “water intoxication” occurs. This is particularly a problem with people who have heart, kidney or liver conditions, as well as those who have had recent surgery or are long-distance runners. It’s always good to first check with your doctor about water intake.

For the desert sand rat, and for our ancestors who scavenged for food, a high-salt and limited-water diet made sense. But human beings no longer live that way. These simple measures – drinking more water and reducing salt intake – offer cheap, easy and healthy strategies that may prevent or treat obesity.The Conversation

Richard Johnson, Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


Read another blog post – on food sensitivity testing, here: https://kinesiologyzone.com/how-to-test-foods-with-kinesiology/

Treat heartburn naturally with Systematic Kinesiology

 treat heartburn

Heartburn is something that most adults will experience at some time

Heartburn, also known as acid reflex, gives a burning sensation in the chest, just behind or below the breastbone. The sensation of pain or discomfort often rises in the chest and often gets worse on lying down or bending over.

In Systematic Kinesiology we often see clients coming to us suffering from consistent and painful acid reflux and want to treat heartburn. While a painful condition, many clients first try to self treat with antacids without considering the many causes and the important role the stomach plays in our health.  It’s too simple to say that acid reflux is caused by too much acid, and it’s interesting to note that the feeling of pain is the same whether there is too much acid, or indeed too little.  I’ve treated many clients, drinking bottles of well known antacid remedies for a condition that is being caused by too little.

The role of stomach acid (gastric juice)

Stomach acid plays an essential role in both digestion and immunity.  Stomach acid consists of pepsin (essential in the break down of proteins into amino acids – our building blocks) and hydrochloric acid which is primarily involved in digestion. Hydrochloric Acid, as well as aiding digestion, is essential in the absorption of minerals, such as calcium, and vitamins such as B12. It also kills germs, parasites and harmful bacteria such as H. pylori which is associated with ulcers.  It also signals the body to produce specific enzymes needed for the food you’ve just eaten.  When there is dysfunction in this mechanism, such as with too little stomach acid, or regular consumption of antacids, the risk of mal-absorption is higher.

Clients who have been diagnosed with Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which affects up to 25% of Americans and Europeans, (according to American Family Physician) need further investigation, than simply taking over the counter antacid or stronger medications.

The need to treat heartburn is important, as left untreated, GERD can lead to injury of the lining in the lower part of your esophagus. If not addressed this can contribute to the development of esophageal cancer.

Possible causes of heartburn

It is said that acid reflux can occur when the ring of the muscle that allows food into your stomach relaxes when it shouldn’t. The result is acid from your stomach goes back up your esophagus, which then causes the sensation of acid reflux.  However, this doesn’t address whether the cause is too much acid (commonly assumed), or if there are other causes.  Since stomach acid has a very low pH the burning can cause long term damage, so it is an important condition to address.

Acid reflux and heartburn can be triggered by a number of factors like diet and lifestyle.  What we find in Systematic Kinesiology is that food sensitivities can play a role.  Chronic long term emotional stress, as well as structural causes such as a Hiatus Hernia are also amongst the many areas we consider.  Some of the common causes of heartburn are as follows:

Dietary Habits –

  • Eating large portions of food, ie overeating
  • Eating excessive spicy and oily food                            
  • Drinking caffeinated and carbonated drinks
  • Eating late or just before bedtime

Structural issues

  • Poor posture when eating (such as eating off a low table)
  • Hiatal hernia

Lifestyle Habits –

  • Being overweight
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol

Change these habits to treat heartburn


What to do when you’re in pain with acid reflux

Watch this video for some natural remedies for when heartburn  acid reflux is causing you pain. And then read below a simple Kinesiology balancing technique to try out.

The symptom of burning and discomfort can be relieved using rubbing the associated lymphatic reflex points to the stomach.  These points will help you get feel better in the short term.

The points associated with the stomach are between the 5-6th ribs. Found on the left hand side of the body, on the front of the body, below the chest.

  • Rub between the rib spaces from the centre out towards the side of the body, along the rib spaces.  Don’t worry about being too specific, you can’t do the body any harm.
  • Under the left breast, if you find the point tender, then it needs treatment.
  • Rub for about 3 minutes, or until the pain level has reduced at least 50%.
  • Also rub between the 5-6th vertebra on the back of the body, rub either side and close to the spine.

And if that helps, look to identify the root cause of this symptom, so you don’t need to suffer again.

The Dynamic Diaphragm

How to Create a Strong Foundation of Health

Strong Foundation of Health Webinar Replay

Health has never been so important. It’s been brought to the fore of our lives with people who’s poor health makes them more vulnerable.  While we all “know” what we should be doing, we can be our own worst enemy. So here Siobhan shows you some ways in with Systematic Kinesiology can offer some solutions to creating a strong foundation of health from our whole person approach. Not just physical health, but mental and chemical and energetic health, and how that can impact on your body’s health, and shows you how you can help family and friends too.



If you’re curious to find out more, have a look at what you can learn on this 3 month course.

Want a strong foundation of health – join a Balanced Health Foundation Course this Autumn

Now is the perfect time to make the most of 2020!  We have 5 venues around the country all starting soon – visit this page for all the info – www.kinesiologyzone.com/training

 

Taking Control of Your Health

The Power of a Simple Kinesiology Balance

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Long term clients, Systematic Kinesiology, and keeping it simple

Yesterday I treated one of my longest standing clients.  She has been coming to me for 26 years!  I have treated her in 4 separate venues over those years & the change of location has not deterred her in any way.

Sometimes she comes every change of season, sometimes monthly, or every couple of months. The choice is entirely hers as to what feels right.  She always leaves saying she feels amazing & never fails to make another appointment.  And in the entire time I have been treating her, she has never been late & only once has she forgotten an appointment with me.

What do I do with her?

And this is the point I want to make – most of the time I simply balance her.  I listen carefully to what she says & then perhaps within the balance target whatever specific problem/issue/preventive concern she would like addressed.  Sometimes it is more advanced material, other times it is literally tools from the Balanced Health level – eg She went through a phase of being vegetarian & wanted her protein levels checked.  I could do that for her.

Other times she may have a stress to deal with, so I can use all the emotional tools that we learn ESR from Balanced Health 1, temporal tap, Bach & meridian work, etc.  Or perhaps it is more of a structural problem; her neck perhaps played up – so that can be worked on within the balance.

The core of my treatment – is to balance her

So whilst I will pull other material out of the bag, the absolute core of my treatment with her – & she has told me she loves this – is to balance her, rub the points & LISTEN to her talking about her various stresses.  Most people are not listened to.  They do not have the time/opportunity nor people who really really listen.  As we say in the TACT Workshop – a lot of people are listening to respond/reply – rather than simply listening with ears, eyes, undivided attention & our hearts.  And we know that balancing someone whilst rubbing their points, giving nutritional reward etc. has a profound impact on their ability to deal with whatever stress they are in the mode of.

“Fix as you go”

A really simple 14 muscle test & balance, fix as you go is a fabulous treatment – the efficacy of which is not to be underestimated.  So, for those of you about to embark on this as a change of career, this is to encourage you to get working on people Immediately – you already have tremendous power in your hands & toolbox.  And for those of you who have completed your training, always remember the potent basics!


Stephanie Mills is a senior member of the KinesiologyZone team.  Her background in Systematic Kinesiology extends back to the years where she worked with Brian Butler in setting up the Academy and Association in the UK.  Stephanie teaches the TACT Workshop and Emotions weekends for the Diploma Course, as well as the Balanced Health Course through the online video library. 

Working yourself to death?

Working yourself to death?

Researchers find that people who work more than this many hours a week, suffer physical and mental health problems. When it comes to your career, there is nothing worse than a job you hate, literally. Employees who worked more than 50 hours in a week suffered from decreased mental and physical health, the research found.Today, the workplace demands mean having to deal with new ways of communication, which did not exist over a decade ago.

  • Workers earning more than ever – but stress levels soared fastest out of 10 EU countries
  • New figures from CSO show average worker’s pay has reached a high point of almost €39,000
  • Workplace stress doubled from 8pc in 2010 to 17pc in 2015, according to the ESRI

According to a University of Manchester study, having a “poor quality” job — a job you hate — is actually worse for your mental health than having no job at all.

In Ireland the majority of workers in every industrial sector claim to be stressed. According to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions 90% of voluntary sector workers consider their job to be stressful. Teachers (88%) and workers in the health service (82%) also report high levels of stress. Construction workers have the lowest levels of stress at 63%.

Sheila our course leader from Cork found herself in a stressful job, overloaded with work and struggling with her health.

Health Road Show - Sheila O'Hanlon

Sheila’s story:

At the age of 25 years old I was working three jobs, working 85 hours a week for a minimum wage. I worked hard in catering and in bars. I thought that I would be able to reduce the workload as I got older. However I managed to continue working an insane number of hours into my 40’s. I was starting to show some signs of what I call my tired legs syndrome. This happens when you are running around in a stressful job while on your feet all day. I remember getting home in the evenings and when I sat down my back would physically spasm from exhaustion. I suffered from restless legs and even more worryingly a restless mind.

I was getting sick of working long hours. I was showing all the signs of adrenal exhaustion. I headaches, back pain, knee pain and palpitations on a daily basis.

I found Systematic Kinesiology Training at a time in my life when I needed it the most. I am convinced I was a prime candidate for a heart attack or a stroke. I smoked, drank, partied, worked crazy hours, had unfulfilling relationships, drank 15 cups of coffee a day and ate junk food.

Then I started to look for something to help me with my excruciating headaches and through kinesiology I found out that they stemmed from adrenal exhaustion. In retrospect I suspect I may have been adrenally exhausted for in excess of 20 years! We are all motivated to heal ourselves and fix our own health problems first and foremost and when we reach that place we feel this irrepressible need to help others suffering like we were.

I used to work 80 hours a week for the same income that I get now from working 16 hours a week. If you are looking for the freedom to be self employed and control of your own destiny and your own longevity, then training as a Systematic Kinesiologist is the most exciting and humbling and joyful career there is!

I used to work hard and now I hardly work, as I love what I do!

You don’t need a medical background or previous experience. You just need
a keen interest and passion for helping others; and a willingness to work towards your goals. I’ve discovered so much about health and how to live in a less stressed state!  I love helping others, and have a busy clinic.  I started my clinic as I was training, so that I got valuable experience, and built my confidence.  In fact, I joke that it was my clients who paid for my diploma fees because I earned as I was learning.  We were encouraged to value our skill set and start charging a small fee, which became a more professional fee as I qualified.  Training also includes business advice as well as practical lessons in client communication. We also get coaching on our own personal development as a caring professional Kinesiology practitioner.

If any of this resonates with you and you feel stuck in a similar pattern or you are looking for a chance to help people with their health, get in touch. Find out more about the Balanced Health training at www.kinesiologyzone.com/training

Sheila runs Talks and has Taster events coming up soon.  To find out more follow her on facebook https://www.facebook.com/kinesiologyROCKS

 

Sheila O'Hanlon Kinesiology Rocks

 

Overcome Weight Loss frustration

Overcome Weight Loss frustration with Kinesiology

Recently on a Sunday morning in Dublin, I was driving to class and was sure it wouldn’t take that long.  The first part of the journey was easy as every light was green.  I was making good progress and even a little pleased that I’d made the right route choice! But then after about 5 minutes of making a good distance, suddenly I hit every red light and frustratingly the journey took me much longer than it should have.

When it comes to getting on the road to weight loss, eating foods to which you’re sensitive can be like meeting red light after red light after red light.  It may even seem like we’re making the right food choices at first, but frustratingly something is making losing weight much longer than it should.

With Irish men scoring the highest body mass index (BMI, a key measure of being overweight), in Europe. Irish women ranking third in this category, and one in four children in Ireland now classified as overweight or obese, concern is growing about the inevitable impact on our hearts.

A person who is overweight is defined as having a BMI of between 25 and 29, while a BMI of over 30 defines obesity. The strong link between being overweight and heart disease is underlined by World Heart Federation statistics which show that 21pc of chronic heart disease cases are actually attributable to having a BMI of over 21, which, for many people would come as a shock. –https://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/a-weighty-problem-how-ireland-is-on-course-to-be-the-fattest-nation-in-europe-36909596.html

What we eat every day plays an important role in how we feel every day

If your body is sensitive to that food, means you may experience an unpleasant digestive reaction.  But not always.  Digestive reactions can include bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and weight gain.  But other systems can be affected too, and could be a cause of pain, joint stiffness, brain fog, learning difficulties, anxiety and low mood.digestive problems helped with Systematic Kinesiology

A food sensitivity is different from an allergy

A sensitivity is generally a reaction by the digestive system rather than the immune system, though other areas of the body can also be affected.  A sensitivity can be hard to detect since symptoms can take many hours to appear.   An allergy is a fast acting reaction by the immune system when it perceives an immediate threat, which can often be life-threatening.  These are more easily spotted, whereas a food sensitivity can often go unnoticed for many years.

If you have symptoms of low energy, digestive issues, bad skin, for longer than 3 months, it is worth investigating your diet to see if there might be some sensitivities.

Everyday foods can develop into sensitivities.

Foods which we rely on and make up the bulk of our diet can unfortunately become the very foods we should avoid.  While it’s all too easy to make a list and simply avoid those foods, this is a simplistic and often leads to restricting your diet unnecessarily.  Everyone is different, and while one food may not suit you, it could very nutritious for someone else.

By giving up foods my diet became more varied not more restricted

Occasionally the foods we eat every day, even 4-5 times a day, will be a food we will develop a sensitivity to.  No one should be eating the same foods every day, as a varied diet is generally accepted as being more healthful.  When I learned I was sensitive to wheat, it was only then that I recognised I was eating it at every meal.  Breakfast was a wheat cereal, lunch was a sandwich, dinner was pasta, and the odd biscuit snack.  I didn’t realise how restricted my diet was.  At first I did worry what I might eat, but that was simply a symptom of not appreciating how many different, tasty and easy non-wheat options were available.

What if I avoid my food sensitivities and nothing changes?

While it won’t come as a shock to you that the food you put in your body is important when it comes to weight, what may be surprising is the role food sensitivities play in making weight loss more difficult.  However, if you’ve been there done that, then there may be other factors at play.  If you’re under a considerable amount of stress, then you could be suffering from adrenal exhaustion.   That in turn could be triggering a thyroid issue which slows down your metabolism.  If food sensitivities aren’t making a difference, either the tests you did didn’t identify them all, or there’s perhaps a nutritional deficiency affecting digestion and or absorption.  Common deficiencies might be digestive enzymes, low stomach acid, or zinc.  And while you may not suffer from indigestion, you may have sub optimal digestion.

These are all questions that can be addressed when you visit a Systematic Kinesiologist who will be able to guide your body back to health, which will allow it to release the extra weight. Healthy body first, weight loss second. There are lots of ways to lose weight, that don’t make you healthy. By working with your body, not against it, peace and calm return, particularly around the area of food, and weight loss will be faster and easier.

If you’d like to learn how to do accurate food sensitivity testing, we cover this topic on our first weekend of training on “Balanced Health”.  This course is suitable if you’re a practitioner wanting to add to the services you provide, or keen to deepen your understanding of how the body works, and want to create a positive health culture in your home.

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