Topic for August 1st

Join us this week to discuss diets!  We'll be covering what makes some work, others fail and what do to if you "fall off the wagon".

Topic for July 25th

The topic of the week is ... VITAMIN D

What is a Lunch & Learn?

There is so much information out there when it comes to health and nutrition.  One day a product is touted a health food and the next you come to find out it's actually toxic to your body.  It's very easy today to think that you're doing everything right when it comes to nutrition, but really be mistaken.

In an effort to reveal nutrition truths and the keys to becoming truly healthy Theo's Brother's Bakery has teamed up with local Maximized Living Doctors to bring most up to date and factual nutrition information to you every week in the form of a 30 minute Lunch & Learn!

Here's how it works: Place your order at the bakery counter and then head out to grab a seat on the patio (weather permitting we may meet inside Aspens). You'll wait for your lunch order and the guest speaker will begin discussing the topic of the week.

Topics discussed have included: soy, dairy, artificial sweeteners, supplementation, digestion and more!

In addition to fellowship with other health minded individuals and learning important nutrition information, Lunch & Learn attendants also enjoy 10% off their delicious and healthy lunch order!

Digestive Health Recap

Tips for Better Digestion    

1)     CHEW!

a.     This is the first and easiest way to better digestion.

b.    Thorough chewing gives your stomach the “heads up” about what type of food is about to enter the stomach.

2)     Take Your Time

a.     Digestion is a function of the parasympathetic nervous system aka “rest and digest”.

b.    Your body cannot digest when you are stressed out or rushed.

3)     Drink Less or Not at all During Meals

a.     Fluids dilute your stomach acids and enzymes that are vital for healthy digestion.

b.    It is best to avoid drinking 15 minutes prior to, during and 1 hour following a meal.

c.     If you do drink with a meal follow these rules:

                                              i.     Small sips- to avoid flooding the digestive tract

                                             ii.      Warm over cold- cold = constriction, warm = relaxation

                                           iii.     Add lemon or apple cider vinegar for increased digestive aid

4)     Stay Hydrated

a.     Dehydration is a very common cause of constipation.

                                              i.     The large intestine absorbs large amounts of water.

                                             ii.     Feces are 75% water and 25% solid

5)     Food Combining

a.     Different foods require different acid and enzyme concentrations.

b.    Fruits are best eaten alone on an empty stomach.

                                              i.     Best combined with kefir, yogurt, Amasai or nuts.

c.     Protein is best eaten with non-starchy vegetables.

d.    Vegetables contain their own plant enzymes that can be digested well in acidic or basic environments and can be combined with other foods without consequence.

6)     Avoid Antacids

a.     This includes Tums, Rolaids, “the little purple pill” etc.

b.    Stomach acid is VITAL for breaking down protein and it alerts the pancreas to secrete substances needed for nutrient absorption.

c.     Long-term users of antacids suffer from impaired digestion, malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

7)     Gut Flora

a.     There are 10 Trillion cells in your body and there are 10X that many microorganisms in your digestive system!

b.    Gut flora can be destroyed by: antibiotics, birth control pills, refined foods, alcohol, diarrhea, colonoscopies, colon cleanses etc.

c.     Damage to gut flora causes digestive distress and immune impairment.

d.    Probiotics protect us from colon cancer, IBS, autoimmune issues etc.

8)     Eat Fermented Foods

a.     Ancient practice used to preserve foods during times of harsh weather.

b.    Rich in nutrients, fiber, good bacteria, digestive enhancing enzymes and flavor.

c.     Amasai, Raw Milk Yogurt, Sauerkraut, Kimchi etc.

9)     Fast

a.     Stop eating 2-4 hours before bed

b.    The digestive system should be rested for 12 hours daily

Topic of the Week = Digestive Health

Digestive problems (acid reflux, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, IBS etc..) are common in our modern society, but they absolutely are not normal.  Join us for the Lunch & Learn this week to learn about what causes digestive problems and better yet how to solve them!