"Mindful Living NJ´s community events have really made an impact on my life. I´ve learned so much about holistic health and can be more empowered when it comes to my family´s health." jeanne
Sandra LaMorgese, a board certified colonhydrotherapist and holistic nutritionist, wants you to know more about the benefits of colonhydrotherapy. Acid reflux, indigestion, constipation, IBS, flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain are all symptoms of “toxic overload,” she says. Even symptoms seemingly unrelated to the digestive system may have so much to do with the gut.
It’s actually not as uncomfortable as you might think. (Yes, I know from personal experience!) Want to know more? Watch the video below for your first glimpse or schedule a visit to learn more for yourself. www.wiwellnessinnovations.com
Mindful Girl welcomes back Caroline Howell who shares real and inspiring stories marking her transition from the girl whose ultimate pleasure was Cold Stone Creamery, to a health food store groupie navigating a diet overhaul with the hopes of reversing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis
By Caroline Howell
Crazy. Scary. Brilliant. I’ve used all these terms to describe my god of nutrition, John Reynolds. I never thought I’d be seeing a nutritionist to help treat a major disease. And I’ve discovered that seeing one is controversialto say the least. Most people have very pained looks on their faces when I tell them . Someone even said to me, “You’re smarter than this,” when she discovered I decided against conventional medication.
I was never the rebellious or unconventional type so taking the risk to “trust” John has been extremely tough, particularly with the knowledge that I have what research refers to as a lifelong incurable disease. While you are very unlikely to die from MS, it can seriously impact your quality of life.
Despite being pretty mainstream before my diagnosis, I always tried to choose more “natural” health solutions. For example, I shunned oral contraceptives and antidepressants. But I had grown up taking traditional medications. My mom, like most people I know, was all about the doctor knowing best. She didn’t seem particularly approving of unconventional treatments and frowned upon people who took lots of vitamins.
I honestly wasn’t sure what a nutritionist could say or do for me that the highly regarded specialists I had seen hadn’t already suggested. Out of all the MS specialists and neurologists I had seen, only one said I should begin taking Vitamin D. Only when pressed did he start naming some things I could do to help myself nutritionally. For example, he vaguely suggested I eat more fish or maybe become a vegan.
The difference with John is the very personalized treatment I receive. He is available 24/7 and always returns calls within the same day of receiving them. We make decisions about my healthcare TOGETHER, according to my comfort level and reactions. What may surprise most is that we have taken each step of this journey conservatively and cautiously. His supplement recommendations are slowly filtered into my treatment plan and he checks my progress through periodic bloodwork.
At first I was nervous that John would try to discourage me from seeing my doctors. He seemed negative about the traditional medications being offered. But I’ve come to realize how much he truly embraces complementary medicine. As a physician’s assistant, John can prescribe medication in addition to vitamins and supplements, a path he’s taken a few times for me. He also encourages my tests and exams with my specialists—they are the barometers for our treatment plan.
While my conventional doctors don’t say anything overtly rude or disapproving about my treatment path, sometimes their silence speaks for them. This often causes me guilt and discomfort. It bothers me that they don’t express much respect for what John and I are doing. Not only does John have nearly 30 years of experience as a certified clinical nutritionist and a physician’s assistant, his cases are also periodically evaluated by a supervising physician.
Since working with John, I also live more consciously. I think more about the cleaning and beauty care products I’m using, and choose more organically based, natural products when financially possible. I meticulously read all labels: food, laundry detergent, shampoo, and more. I’m reassured to know, in addition to diet and supplement questions, I can also call him about what kind of sunscreen to use or recommendations for solvent-free dry cleaners, for example. His knowledge is immense. As his fellow colleague (and my acupuncturist) commented, “He just knows things . . . he doesn’t even have to look them up.”
Still, living under John’s reign has been exhausting at times because he seems annoyingly superhuman. He claims he never “cheats”. He’s never even heard of Cold Stone Creamery! (So sad.) And I don’t think I’m seeing him anytime soon at the local pizza parlor, considering the look of disgust on his face whenever I try to convince him I deserve to have a slice. So, yes, I resent the regimen sometimes and John is my easy target. Obviously, though, it’s my choice.
I sometimes think about the way John and I concluded our first visit. I said, rather weakly and half jokingly, “So I guess I am going to survive.” He responded “You’re going to do better than survive. You’re going to thrive.” In addition to two “clean” brain MRIs, I strongly believe that I’m experiencing vastly improved menstrual regularity, deeper sleep, and better skin—just to name a few things—from his diet and supplement regimen. Together, we’re making his words a reality.
When she’s not roaming local health stores, Caroline, a catalog coordinator/copywriter, loves spending time with her boyfriend, friends, and family; staying fit; and being outdoors. She is a pop culture enthusiast who has a strong affinity for 80s music and collecting all things Hello Kitty.
I’m starting a 21-day detox program today that includes a diet overhaul, some supplements and colonhydrotherapy. The main response I’ve gotten from a few people I’ve mentioned this to is, “why?” Some are confused because they know I live a relatively healthful life, particularly conscious of the foods I eat. Others don’t understand why we need to do anything special to detox if we have a functioning liver, kidneys, and other “detox” organs. Sandra LaMorgese of Wellness Innovations in Pequannock is guiding me through the program. In the video below, she provides an overview and an “inside look” at detoxifcation. Sandra has a Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition and is a nationally board-certified colonhydrotherapist. For more information, visit www.wiwellnessinnovations.com
You don’t need to be a vegetarian to be a mindful eater. Randy Rabney of Maplewood-based The Conscious Plate gives you the basics on how to choose healthier, less toxic meat products. Confused? Want to know the difference between grass fed, organic, and hormone-free. Randy’s explanation is simple.
Anyone who knows me knows that sugar is my drug, particularly chocolate chip cookies, with dark chocolate a close second. I’ve given up a lot of food and drink in the name of wellness. And, don’t get me wrong: I’ve seen big benefits. Otherwise, why would I stick with it? It’s certainly not the easiest way to live.
The most profound impact comes when I completely eliminate sugar. Notice I’m not using the past tense there. Because like any addicition, I struggle with staying the course.
Today happens to be Day One of yet another attempt to get back off sugar. The holidays always trip me up. Since January 1, I’ve committed to giving up sugar twice, only to fail within a few days. But as a firm believer in accountability, I’m once again making public my attempt to go off sugar.
The Chicago Tribune reported last week in an article entitled “Sugar Shockers,” that for the first time the American Heart Association has set a sugar benchmark for daily intake. (I was quoted in this article, which is cool, but not the important part.) No more than 25 grams of added sugar a day for women and 37.5 grams for men.
What’s 25 grams of sugar? You’re gonna tremble as you read the label of your:
Yogurt containers
Spaghetti sauce jars
Salad dressings
Cookies
Power bars
25 grams is not a lot. And if you think Splenda is the answer, well then you better head over to this post by The Wellness Bitch. She’ll give you a thing or two to think about.
Wrapping your mind around sugar takes a lot more thought than choosing “sugar-free.” In fact, nine times out of ten if the product is labeled sugar-free, you shouldn’t be picking it up at all.
Wish me luck on my journey. And, if I were you, I’d stay out of my way the next few days. Cranky bitch doesn’t even begin to describe it.
