Lactose Intolerance: When Did Ignoring Messages From Our Bodies Become A Good Idea?

Today I read an article in the Globe & Mail about lactose intolerance. The author sounded very knowledgeable, from a scientific perspective, about the workings of the human body and how lactose is digested. In order to digest lactose, found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, etc., our bodies use an enzyme called lactase. As mentioned by the author who wrote this article, our bodies produce less lactase as we get older - it is thought that we stop producing lactase at about the age of 4. This would be why symptoms of "lactose intolerance", as we've come to know it, show up, such as cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea. The body is trying desperately to digest something that it is unable to digest due to lack of enzymes, and, as a result, lactose is being fermented in the large intestine by bacteria, who's activity is causing the above mentioned symptoms.

Anyway, the final point that the author was making in this article that I read, was that we don't have to make the sacrifice of avoiding dairy products: there are alternatives, such as consuming products where the lactose content has been reduced, such as lactose-free milk and where lactase, the enzyme, has been added to assist our bodies in digesting lactose. Further, she discussed the possibility of supplementing the enzyme lactase before consuming dairy with such well-known products as "Lactaid". Finally, a person could introduce small amounts of dairy frequently, in the hope that the body would adjust and allow for periodic consumption of dairy products without adverse symptoms.

I guess I was a bit amazed by this article. The amazement is because I'm misunderstanding how we, as a North American society (and perhaps other societies too, but I'm most familiar with North American society), seem to think it's totally cool and okay to ignore glaring messages from our physical bodies. Is the thought really lost on us that there's a very specific reason as to why our bodies stop producing as much lactase in an early stage of life? Is there really such a small population of people who are understanding of the methods of the human body? Children, in their development, tend to need more fat, vitamins, nutrients, minerals and protein than adults do, as adult's bodies are more sophisticated. This would be why children's bodies have the capacity to digest foods that contain lactose. Having said that, I would like to mention the fact that infants and children are more susceptible to developing allergies and cow's dairy is highly allergenic. I feed my infant goat's milk and cheese, which still contains lactose, but is more easily assimilated by the human body and far less allergenic.

The body is a finely tuned and miraculous machine that typically doesn't do anything by accident, so how is it okay to just soldier through symptoms that arise as a result of consuming dairy products? Yeah I get it, cheese tastes good: doesn't mean our body is designed to have cheese on a daily basis. Here we go again with our strong desire for instant gratification: it feels or tastes good, so who cares about the fact that it doesn't exactly produce positive health results. MY point, and perhaps a redundant one, is moderation. If you choose to consume milk, cheese, cream, yogurt, ice cream, etc., for God's sake, do it in moderation because your body is not designed to have it! And in the event that you do make these choices and experience uncomfortable symptoms of intolerance as a result, listen to your body! It's only trying to tell you: "hey, I don't like this and am not sure what to do with it because I don't have the resources to break it down". The appropriate response is: "okay body, thank you. I really value the amazing job you do each day: I'll take it easy on dairy because you deserve the very best and I only have one of you".

Make sense? It makes A LOT of sense to me. Let me know what YOU think.

Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic

Calorie Wise or Otherwise?

I don't think I need to draw additional attention to the idea of a "low-fat" diet. Low-fat products are all around us and following a low-fat diet is recommended by many physicians, especially to those who are overweight or with high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Under these circumstances, I bet no one ever considered the possibility that a calorie-wise dietary regime might not be so wise!

Fat is a healthy component of each person's diet. But ALL FATS ARE NOT EQUAL. For lack of better words, there are "good" fats and "bad" fats. "Good" fats such as unsaturated oils like olive, sunflower, safflower, evening primrose, borage, nuts and seeds and their oils and fatty fish and their oils make many positive contributions to our health. "Good" fats function to generate energy, create and maintain cell membranes, insulate and protect, improve nerve and organ function, discourage fat storage and create prostaglandins. As already reviewed in my recent blog about evening primrose oil, prostaglandins mimic the action of hormones in the body to such positive effect as reducing inflammation. Consuming "good" fats can help mental and nervous system disorders, diabetes, PMS, heart disease, skin and joint disorders. Moreover, "good" fats help improve digestion, prostate and breast health and contribute to a healthy pregnancy and post-pregnancy, especially improving the quality of breast milk.

Saturated fats, in excess, are "bad" fats that cause health problems over time. Saturated fats are found primarily in animal protein, butter and coconut oil and are solid at room temperature. This is not to say that saturates ought to be 100% cut out from the diet, but rather that moderation is key.

Low-fat products aren't doing anyone any favours. Depending on the nature of the "low-fat", "diet" or "calorie-wise" product, there may be artificial sweeteners in the ingredients list and artificial sweeteners are absolutely  toxic to the human body. Furthermore, low-fat products have been more processed than products that are left with fat in tact. And, just to be redundant, chances are that the fat that was otherwise in that product was healthful in nature.

Our society is one of excessive consumption. Those who are recommended to avoid fats would do better to avoid low-fat products and moderate their intake of dietary fats, putting focus upon the "good" fats and being mindful of "bad" fats. Again, the fats that are considered "bad" are only classified as so when they are consumed excessively. So slow down, enjoy your food - even food with fat included - and be moderate!

For more information on just how atrocious the ingredients in low-fat products can be, check out my recent column for SEE Magazine: Low-Fat May Be Highly Bad For You

Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic

Summer Food, healthified

Summer is the time for fun food, right? Barbecues and patios, slushy drinks and finger food. But the problem is, most of that isn't all that good for you. 

"Shut up, Kristi".

That's what you're thinking, right? "Who cares, and stop ruining my summer fun"!

I think you SHOULD enjoy some fun food and drink, guilt-free this summer. But why not make some minor changes to make your barbecue and your beach body friends!

Idea #1: Fish tacos: 

This is a fresh, fun treat in the summer. Make a spicy rub with cayenne (revs the metabolism for a leaner body, easier), paprika, garlic and onion powder, and salt, rub it into some fresh halibut (healthy, healthy fish), and throw it on the BBQ. Then cook up a little rice (remember, rice is a SIDE DISH, so small amount, and use brown or a nice wild blend), add some beans (kidney or black or whatever you have), and make some fresh guacamole with avocado, diced peppers and onions, garlic, lemon juice and a dash of sea salt. Add fresh salsa (diced tomatos, onions, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice), put it all in nice big lettuce leaves (healthier than taco shells, and much fresher in taste) and you have an incredible, easy and healthy meal!

Idea #2: Fun Slushy drink:

Add coconut milk, pineapple and ice in a blender and make a fun, healthier drink. Coconut milk is great for hormone health, full of healthy fats, and tasty, and pineapple is not only fresh and flavourful, but has natural enzymes that help you digest better, as well as decrease inflammation. Add some rum if you are feeling especially crazy, but don't overdo it or you'll undo all of your healthy work!

Add a fresh salad (I love watermelon, mint, feta, red onion and a splash of vinegar - sounds like a weird salad, but so good!) and you have a healthy BBQ. Then get the gang playing Frisbee or football and being active and you have a healthy weekend of fun and food!

Kristi Shmyr

Prana Holistic

Evening Primrose Oil Could Be The Answer To Your Painful Menstruation!

I have been using evening primrose oil (EPO) for premenstrual symptoms for years. When I was pregnant, I stopped using it as I - of course - wasn't getting my period during that time. However, nearing the end of my term and once I was overdue and gagging to get my baby out, I started inserting EPO vaginally to get things going. This was at the recommendation of my midwives and something that I hadn't thought of, but that actually  makes perfect sense. EPO, along with many other healthy oils and fats, contain prostaglandins: a component of lipid molecules that mimic the action of hormones and help to regulate the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles in the body. And let me tell you: IT WORKS!! I started using EPO for the purpose of inducing labour a few days before I actually went into labour. I have to say, I woke up every single night wondering if using it again the next night would be worth it, considering the fact that it certainly caused contractions that were anything but comfortable.

Previous to being pregnant, I had a history of experiencing every single pre-menstrual symptom in the book: breast tenderness, cravings, emotional highs and lows, irritability, sore back, and then during my flow: cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, exhaustion, muscle aches and pains...I'm sure there are others! At some point, I stumbled upon the idea of taking EPO to relieve pre-menstrual and menstrual symptoms, was - and continue to be - astonished by the efficacy with which EPO eliminates all pre-menstrual and menstrual discomfort. I mean, ALL of my symptoms were, and continue to be relieved! The ticket is that you have to take EPO every single day throughout the month as opposed to just acutely during your period. The recommended dosage for EPO is as follows: 2 500mg capsules per day. I take EPO as follows: 1 capsule in the morning and 1 capsule at night before bed.

Other conditions and symptoms that can be improved and addressed by taking EPO are as follows: any inflammatory condition, skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and skin rashes, allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, cancer, rheumatism, hormonal imbalances, menopause, colitis, heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes. It is, of course, recommended that EPO be avoided during pregnancy.

An interesting fact about the pretty, yellow flower, as pictured here, from which EPO is derived: it only blooms at night, hence the name "evening" primrose. Considering that the cycles of the moon relate most strongly to women and menstruation in both folklore and astrology, it is very fitting and a blatant representation of evening primrose's plant signature that it's oil addresses female issues. If you or someone you know suffers from pre-menstrual and/or menstrual symptoms, I strongly recommend that you try EPO. Surely, you won't regret it.

Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic

Heat For Healing

I was just having a conversation with a client of ours here at Prana, and she was describing how when she uses effective, healing visuals in meditation, she can feel heat in her body. Likewise, when I share reiki healing with clients, I always feel heat. A couple of days ago, I was sharing reiki with a client who was having a lot of pain in her legs. While my hands were over her legs, I became SO HOT that I almost had to take my hands away. It's made me reflect on how brilliant the field of energetic healing is and also how brilliant the human body is.

Our body often responds to sickness by elevating it's internal temperature, what we know to be a fever. The elevated temperature hinders the activity of pathogens while creating an environment conducive to the proliferation and activity of white blood cells within the immune system. When internal temperature is elevated enough to cause sweating, our body releases toxins via sweat. Inducing sweating by way of an infrared sauna for example, or a very hot bath, is a great way of detoxifying the body with heat.

In cases of energy healing, energy shared by the practitioner creates heat, which is healing and cleansing in nature. Energy released by the client is experienced as heat by the practitioner, which indicates that healing is occurring.

Further, we can use herbs and foods that create heat such as cayenne, jalapenos, black pepper and other peppers as stimulants to create heat in the body. Those with poor peripheral circulation and/or who are chronically cold would likely benefit from eating stimulating foods.

Of course, it's always important to consider balance. For example, it's likely not a good idea to apply heat therapeutically to the person that already experiences an excess of heat in the body. In the practice of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), too much heat in the body can be indicative of liver imbalances, inflammation, anger and irritation. Those with an over-abundance of internal heat may sweat profusely, have spells of dizziness, be uncomfortable, experience rapid pulse and continual thirst. Having said that and in consideration of the fact that every single person's body functions every so slightly differently, perhaps those with lots of internal heat are that way to maintain balance within their unique systems. Still, they may not exactly appreciate using additional heat as a method of healing. Acupuncture is a great application that can help to bring more comfort for those with excessive internal heat. Further, applying plants such as peppermint or aloe vera would be helpful to overly-hot individuals.

If you are not a person with excessive internal heat, try using a sauna, noticing the heat imparted by energy healing, eating stimulating foods or even just appreciating the healing qualities of spending a moderate amount of time in the sun. Try this Summer Heat Meditation For Healing and Relaxing in the Sun and experience the healing qualities of heat.

Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic