Welcome to A NEW YOU
Finding a sense of balance
is a very personal and lifelong journey that can take years to cultivate. A healthful body and routine isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather individualistic and can change during the different phases of one’s life. That’s why our “A New You” special section this year focuses on a holistic approach to health, or, comprehensive and interconnected wellness treatment suggestions of physical, mental and social factors. South Orange County health experts explore the importance of probiotics and gut health as well as how to incorporate wellness habits at the office. We discuss alternative approaches to healing anxiety and physical pain with acupuncture and ‘floating,’ and picking out health beverages you may find in one of the lobbies of your gym or doctor’s office. Open your mind to learning about another side to healing in our 2018 wellness guide.
GUT CHECK
Probiotics, lifestyle changes are key to intestinal, overall health
BY CYNTHIA COSTA, D.C.
Recent research in functional medicine tells us that our gut is the window to our brain. As the vast majority of the nerves from the stomach go to the brain, the mix and diversity of the bacteria in our gut can greatly influence its power. Therefore, the more diverse the bacteria in our gut, otherwise known as microbiome, the healthier the person typically is, according to Why Isn’t My Brain Working? by Dr. Datis Kharrazian.
Unfortunately, people in the United States have some of the lowest rates of gut microbiome. Low diversity in gut bacteria have been correlated with obesity, heart disease, immune dysfunction and neurological diseases. Therefore, gut health is one of the most important areas of the body to focus on healing since it has a direct correlation to the brain and all bodily functions.
A typical patient question I hear is, ‘why is my gut more sensitive than the guy sitting next to me, consistently eating plates of greasy nachos with beers, feeling just fine?’
Gut symptoms can take a while to develop, as it starts with our genetic profile, but is eventually influenced by many lifestyle choices including, but not limited to: lifetime stresses, injuries, drug exposure, surgery, diet, other diseases, even how you were delivered and whether or not one was breast fed. These all affect the microbiome in the gut. Therefore, it is not practical to compare yourself to the nacho and beer guy.
Simply put, the human digestive tract starts from the mouth to the stomach where acids break down food, sending it to the small intestine, which introduces nutrients to the blood stream followed by the large intestine; which forms unwanted waste.
Severe chronic abdominal pain, excess gas, inability to digest foods, yeast overgrowth and brain fog are some of the most common symptoms associated with gut problems, from “The Neuroendocrine Immunology of Mucosal Activity” lecture by Kharrazian. The digestive tract at this point tends to be unable to release enzymes to break down our food that we need to absorb for fuel. Proper bowel movements and a healthy communication of the nervous and endocrine system are affected. The longer these symptoms are untreated, the more severe the destruction is in the lining of the gut with the potential of triggering a permanent autoimmune disease.
The ‘pro’ in probiotics
I have many patients that come in with gut symptoms
and are taking a general probiotic. The initial drawback is that one size does not fit all. There are different types of probiotics for different gut problems. For example, we would administer different probiotic strains for someone who is suffering from small intestine bacteria overgrowth, versus someone who has leaky gut disease in the large intestine, according to “The Neuroendocrine Immunology of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth” by Kharrazian. There are different strands for different gut conditions. Some conditions even call for probiotic enemas or fecal transplants—yes, it might sound crazy, but this is happening. It is important to first establish a proper diagnosis before deciding on the appropriate protocol.
Other potential natural solutions overlooked prior to adding a probiotic into a regular health routine include:
• Using an appropriate supplement for a short period of time that helps kill the overgrowth of bad bacteria.
• Eliminating sugars from the diet altogether, as sugar feeds bad bacteria. Follow a low sugar, low carb diet high in healthy fats.
• Eating fermented foods that help with digestion or consider digestive enzymes.
• Ingest L glutamine, collagen, bone broth, short chain fatty acids, butyric acid and medium-chain triglycerides oil all heal the lining of the gut and increase the gut microbiome and absorption.
• Finding tools to help you increase sleep, exercise and sweat while decreasing stress.
• Do an annual gastrointestinal cleanse to give your gut a break. A cleanse should address food changes with supplements to help maximize the results with agents that help kill bad bacteria and replenish good bacteria.
• Limit antibiotics, if needed, use a probiotics after consumption.
• Eat as many diverse kinds of plant foods that you can tolerate. Don’t be a creature of habit; go to the farmers’ market each week, find that plant that you don’t know about, then buy it and cook it.
There are many possible solutions to initially fixing the gut. Probiotics serve a useful and beneficial purpose, especially when maximized with the proper diagnosis. Diversifying gut bacteria will promote a happy and vital gut life.
Cynthia Costa, D.C., FICPA, of Costa Lifestyle Medicine, offers chiropractic services combined with a functional medicine approach and is committed to helping families and individuals reach their maximum health potential with integrative lifestyle medicine. Costa Lifestyle Medicine is located at 181 Avenida Vaquero, Ste. D, San Clemente. www.costalifestylemedicine.com. 949.218.4750.
Dr. Cynthia Costa of Costa Lifestyle Medicine in San Clemente. Photo: Emily Rasmussen
EASTERN HEALING
Chinese medicine also includes the use of herbs, the recently popularized cupping technique, auricular therapy, scraping and more.
Traditional Chinese medicine is a more natural approach to pain, anxiety, stress relief
BY DANIEL RITZ
t has taken decades for acupuncture, formally known as traditional Chinese medicine, to be integrated into Western culture since international relations with China have opened up in the 1970s.
“We let the body heal itself,” explains Mike Hsu, acupuncturist and co-founder of Pacific Acupuncture enter in Dana Point.
Hsu and Mia Chou, fellow acupuncture practitioner and co-founder, opened Pacific Acupuncture enter in with the goal of integrating traditional Chinese medicine into Western culture.
“(I started doing acupuncture) after I had taken time off after studying biochemistry,” Chou said, reflecting on her post-graduate studies where she met Hsu. “I was uneasy about the long-term effects of all of these drugs, all of the pills; we just didn’t know the permanent impacts. We still don’t. These powerful, and addictive drugs have not been around long enough to know the long-term impacts on our health.”
For decades, traditional Chinese medicine has been largely recognized by needle acupuncture, where needle points of varying thicknesses, plugged into the skin, trigger nerves below the skin to open up damaged or blocked neurochemical and hormone passages.
Traditionally, Chinese acupuncturists believe that disease and pain is caused by a disruption of energy throughout the body, called qi. Recent fMRI studies, such as those conducted by the Neuroscience Research Institute, have validated this belief by tracing brain activity to stimulation of specific acupuncture points. However, more than needles, traditional
Chou and Hsu said the variety of traditional Chinese medicines reflect the variety of symptoms they can be utilized for, often assisting in preventing problems before they reach the necessity for Western invasive or synthetic medicines.
“Most of the time,” Hsu interjected. “We can help prevent symptoms like physical pain from reaching the levels where our patients need to come in (for treatment).”
According to su and hou, traditional Chinese medicine is a resource for those seeking relief from not only physical pain, but emotional and mental health barriers as well such as infertility, anxiety, stress, posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.
Hsu said the integration of traditional Chinese medicine into Western medicine is exactly that— an integration and not a switch.
“It isn’t a ‘this or that’ situation,” Hsu said. “Sometimes, Western medicine is appropriate, when something is structurally wrong within your body, you will need to go to the emergency room. We are looking to possibly lessen the frequencies of large-scale events, as best we can, before they get to traumatic levels.”
“We practice healthcare, not just ‘illness prevention,’” Chou said.
Insurance companies are beginning to recognize the physical benefits of traditional hinese medicine. pecifically, Chou and Hsu said some patients insured by Kaiser Permanente have seen increased insurance coverage, making acupuncture and other services provided by Pacific Acupuncture enter and other traditional Chinese medicine practitioners more accessible and affordable. Chou and Hsu recommend each interested patient contact their insurance provider first regarding coverage before scheduling an appointment.
For more information on acupuncture and Pacific Acupuncture enter, visit www.pacificacupuncture.com or call . . . Pacific Acupuncture enter is located at Pacific oast wy., uite , apistrano each. •
PRESCRIPTION NATURE
Pot or purchase these plants to promote holistic health in your home
BY MARIANNE TAYLOR
Agrowing body of research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information is confirming that a connection to nature is essential to our health and well-being. With the technological world demands, pollutants and chemicals in our food and environment, we live in a time of great imbalance. We’re trying endlessly to keep up in this fast-pace society, struggling to manage health routines, adding more anxiety and stress into our overly scheduled lives. There has never been a greater need to incorporate natural healing practices into our lives and at home to seek personal wellness.
Holistic health has been practiced for thousands of years. It is a state of balance; not simply an absence of illness but an interconnection of mind, body, spirit and the environment. In fourth century B.C., Hippocrates, the father of medicine, stressed the healing power of nature. He believed in encouraging the self-healing efforts of the body, considering the whole person, rather than focusing on specific illnesses, body parts or symptoms. Use of massage therapy, meditation, aromatherapy and yoga are common practices for connecting body-mindspirit to promote better health. Today, we are seeing a trend focusing back on holistic lifestyle choices and people are seeking ways to help
heal physical, environmental and emotional health. Healthcare providers are giving natural prescriptions to help treat a variety of medical conditions from anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
Nature therapy
Scientists have long known that sunlight and walking outside reduces depression. According to WebMD, as little as five minutes in a natural setting, whether gardening or moving around outside, improves mood, self-esteem and motivation.
If you spend a lot of time indoors, due to long working hours or weather conditions, poor air quality is bound to affect your health. In fact, indoor toxins can have a detrimental effect on health. Such toxins can cause allergies, asthma, inflammation, anxiety, stress and even certain types of cancer, according to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Plants in our environment will help us breathe easier and feel better. Indoor plants promote a cleaner environment, better sleep and overall wellness. If you’re lacking in sleep, you may find trouble in decision-making, problem solving, controlling emotions and coping with change. Plants will provide better sleep by adding more oxygen to the room, according to Horticulture and Landscape Design Professor Ken Lee of Saddleback College.
“Indoor plants provide air filtering functions by increasing oxygen levels, and at the same time, remove volatile organic
compounds and other harmful chemicals from the air, promoting better rest,” said Lee.
The top air-improving plant is aloe vera. It’s easy to grow and maintain and emits oxygen at night. It’s also a great option for those looking for a low maintenance plant, as it requires minimum water and attention. In fact, the Egyptians nicknamed it the ‘plant of immortality’ because of its resilience.
The second top air-improving plant is the spider plant. NASA tests indicate this champion cleanser removes up to 90 percent of the cancer-causing chemical formaldehyde from the air.
Here are a few other plants that will help promote health in the home:
Peace Lily: Its flowers give off humidity and suppress airborne microbes; however, keep it away from children and pets since it is highly toxic if consumed.
Lavender: Known for its relaxant properties, lavender reduces insomnia, restlessness, lowers heart rate and calms agitated babies.
Jasmine: The scent is sweet to our senses, reducing anxiety.
Bamboo Palm: This plant keeps
airborne odors and toxins away and doesn’t need direct sunlight.
Rosemary: Improves air quality, memory function and reduces anxiety and stress. Try crushing some leaves in your hands and inhale.
Snake Plants: These night aspirators give off their oxygen during the hours we sleep, which is thought to boost the chances of having a good night’s rest.
Red-edged Dracaena: Brightens and purifies the home.
Areca Palm: Purifies air, lowers blood pressure and calms our mental state.
Learn more about healthful home plants by talking to a gardening specialist at Plant Depot, located at 32413 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano; at Dana Point Nursery, located at 34100 Pacific oast ighway, Dana Point; or at Shore Gardens, located at 201 S. Ola Vista, San Clemente.
Marianne Taylor is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military.
INNER PEACE
Clear your mind from distraction, and more, through floating
BY DANIEL RITZ
Originally used to test the effects of complete sensory deprivation in the 1950s, floating via modern float tanks is becoming a popular physical and mental health practice for South Orange County residents.
“Floating” is the act of floating in a pool, or pod, of body-temperature water and Epsom salts in a room of equal temperature. Epsom salt-infused water provides adequate floatation.
Once inside the pool, or pod, a user is met with a variety of options. Some users will choose to go the way of complete sensory deprivation by turning off the lights, soundproofing the pod and eliminating all external sensory input. This assists the user in achieving a completely internal experience, alone with their thoughts and without the possibility of external distraction. Many practitioners describe this as rapid encouragement to reaching a meditative state.
Justin Feinstein, director of the LIBR Float Clinic & Research Center, the principal investigator at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research and an assistant professor at the University of Tulsa, believes floating could be a shortcut for many people to reach a meditative state and reap some of its proven benefits.
“Floating gives me hope that a whole chunk of our population that normally would never be able to meditate could now achieve those sorts of deep meditative states,” Feinstein said.
Feinstein and his team perform experiments combining fMRI brain imaging and float tank patrons. They scan the brains of healthy people before and after they float,
and by comparing the two images, can see how floating changes areas of activation in the brain.
Recent advances in neuroscience have allowed science to look inside the human brain during practices like meditation and see how brain activity changes. Research from fMRI studies done by Harvard Medical chool, affiliated with assachusetts General Hospital, show that meditating activates parts of the brain associated with attention and decreases activation in the amygdala.
Acceptance by the medical establishment of these demonstrations and their proven benefits have followed after studies supported by the National Institute of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, found links between meditation and reducing anxiety
and hostility, reducing stress and assisting in relationship development.
Others, commonly beginner “floaters” or those looking for the more physical benefits, choose to have a more sensory “isolation” experience as compared to deprivation.
Float Easy in San Juan Capistrano, which now services more than 600 local residents through their seven unique float tank rooms, utilizes a variety of options to best suit their customers.
Float Easy sees itself part of a new wave of float facilities offering a more spa-like experience than science experimentation or solely intense meditative training.
Users can choose between a variety of “dreamscapes” such as “Mental Detox,” a meditation program, and “Trim and Slim,” a health consciousness mantra program. The pods can be tuned to a variety of colors through soft lighting inside the pods, and users have the option to have the pods cracked or completely open to their comfort.
Float Easy, offering a quiet room to decompress from the outside world before entering into their private individual and unique private rooms, sees itself ready to cater to a wide variety of South Orange County residents.
“Try not to have expectations of what your experience will be like,” said Maria Fernandez, a Float Easy employee at their San Juan Capistrano facility. “Some people float for transcendental purposes, some just float to relax. You will enjoy it
more if you let it be whatever it is for you, and know it might be different every time.
“We had a young boy come who had just come in after running in the Los Angeles Marathon,” Fernandez continued. “He was terribly sore, and when he came in, he was limping. When he left, he wasn’t.”
Jon Hodlung, who has floated more than 100 hours, said he started coming the first day loat asy opened. The 50-year-old Dana Point resident suffers from Fabry disease, a lysosomal storage disorder that causes chronic fat build up in vital organs, causing him chronic pain as well as a variety of other symptoms.
For Hodlung, and many others, floating has been his only medical salvation.
“I was on literally tens-of-thousands of dollars of pain medicines a month,” Hodlung explained. “I physically feel better and I am able to settle down, forget about all the pain for a little while. I can close it all down for an hour or so.”
“In essence, floating has saved my life,” Hodlung said. “When I’m here, it makes my days better.”
Float Easy, 27231 Ortega Hwy., Ste. C, San Juan Capistrano. 855.568.3279. www.floateasy.com.
A woman, embraced by the warm water loaded with Epsom salts, enjoys a flotation tank’s relaxation-inducing effects. Float tanks are becoming more popular in meditation practices as well as for those looking for physical pain relief. Photos: Courtesy
INFINITE WAYS TO HEAL
rom nutrition counseling to massage, there are a wide range of methods to improve your mind and body
BY EMILY RASMUSSEN
n search of finding the health routine that’s right for you, the task can seem daunting. There are infinite approaches to improving the mind and body, ranging from more meditative methods, to fitness or spa treatments. ust as every individual person varies, so will the right class for them. It’s important to understand what type of approach of health, wellness or fitness a class or workshop is before you delve in. Otherwise, it might be too intimidating if unprepared or undereducated.
o, to make that search easier, we compiled a list of outh Orange ounty studios, workshops and centers for you to peruse through and select which sounds right for your new health and wellness routine.
Casa Romantica
asa omantica ultural enter and ardens has a variety of events and programs that range from art and dance to educational series. They offer recurring events such as asa Wellness Yoga on the first Wednesday of each month and D. Yoder amily undays, where children can explore their creative side through an art market and listen to live music, the first unday of each month. Individual, educational events include The Age of Alzheimer’s talk on Wednesday, ay with niversity of alifornia, Irvine professor rank a erla, who will teach attendees why Alzheimer’s disease happens and how science is combatting the disease. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.
Dana Point Bodycentre
ometimes improving your health and wellness can be more of a pampering experience, such as spa services by Dana Point odycentre. At the spa, there is a range of therapeutic experiences ranging from massage, skin care and spa body therapy. assage service options include customized massage, pregnancy massage, hot stone massage, Thai massage, lymphatic massage, reflexology and other add-ons. kin care treatments include a variety of facials, microdermabrasion, gel
peels and other add-ons. ody therapies range from body scrubs, ear coning and fascia blasting treatment.
24629 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.487.0891, www.danapointbodycentre.com.
Delta Wellness Group
With services including chiropractic care, nutrition and massage, Delta Wellness roup in an uan apistrano has been successful in improving conditions including, but not limited to asthma, arthritis, headaches, post-traumatic stress disorder and sports injuries. The wellness group has six steps to wellness, starting with re-establishing structural integrity, the foundation of health to ending with removing heavy metals and other toxins from the body. Delta Wellness roup also provides diagnostic and treatment services including neurologic exam, body analysis composition and a total health scan to help with specific conditions.
30320 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. 103, San Juan Capistrano, 949.218.4520, www.deltawellness.com.
Life Vessel Wellness
With several locations across the nation, ife essel Wellness uses a medical device that utilizes therapeutic modalities with vibration, sound and light. An infrared light source facilitates an increase in blood circulation and oxygen levels to cells, and the combination of vibration, sound and light brings relaxation to ultimately reduce stress. enefits of reducing stress are vast, ranging from balancing the autonomic nervous system to improving aspects of one’s personal life. ife essel treatments last for one hour with a series of four sessions, usually from three to four days.
31371 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. 102, San Juan Capistrano, 949.222.9991, www.lifevessel.com.
Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala
Pacific Ashtanga Yoga hala, which practices a system of yoga that involves
As Designed Wellness
An acupuncture and hinese-medicine based practice, As Designed Wellness brings natural medicine to its Dana Point office. hinese medicinal practices at As Designed Wellness include five branches acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, massage therapy and movement exercise. The practices address the body and mind, with benefits including decreased pain, decreased recovery time, improved digestion, improved energy and sleep, regulation of hormones, post-traumatic stress disorder recovery and detoxification.
To learn more about the services offered at As Designed Wellness, go to www.asdesignedwellness.com or call . . . The office is located at Pacific oast wy., te. A, Dana Point.
synchronizing breath with a progressive series of postures, which can result in detoxifying, offers a variety of classes, workshops, retreats and more. There are classes given typically every day, ranging from a one-hour Ashtanga-based class to one-hour dragon series, designed to build strength. There are also classes for beginners, which have gentler stretching to prepare for the Ashtanga system. The benefits of yoga include gaining fitness, weight loss, stress relief and better flexibility.
34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 205, Capistrano Beach, 949.246.7315, www.pacificashtanga.com.
Piazza Wellness Center
Piazza Wellness enter in Dana Point tackles a multifaceted approach to health and fitness. With services ranging from group classes, education and lifestyle changes, Piazza itness enter’s personalized fitness programs are a combination of group and individual approaches to wellness. The center also offers nutrition counseling, corporate wellness programs and wellness retreats. Personal fitness training programs take a part-coach, part-mentor, part-friend and part-drill instructor approach to stay on top of the trainees’ goals. Physical therapy sessions are evaluative and data-centric in approaching the scope of physical therapy practices. A fun appointment is the it D odyscan, which measures body fat with hundreds of measurements, in addition to analysis in posture, body composition and balance.
24941 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Ste. 120, Dana Point, 949.388.8890, www.piazzawellnesscenter.com.
San Clemente Wellness
rom life coaching, massages and classes, the variety of services offered at an lemente Wellness provides options for people who want to improve their wellbeing. Working with a professional life coach is rooted in functional health, pro-
Young Health Solutions
This team of doctors’ mission is to ‘empower people with the truth about health’ to enable bodies to heal themselves via natural solutions. Young ealth olutions’ belief is the human body is capable of healing itself at the cellular level and that health is not predetermined by one’s family medical history. onditions that Young ealth olutions work with are autoimmune issues, hormone imbalances, diabetes, digestions disorders, thyroid conditions and weight loss resistance.
To learn more about Young ealth olutions, go to www. younghealthsolutions.com or call . . . The office is located at ancho iejo d., te. , an uan apistrano.
viding in-person and remote services to brainstorm and encourage. an lemente Wellness utilizes massage therapists with years of experience, whose massages can help with stress relief, pain management or just a personal treat. lasses range from plant-based eating, intrinsic anatomy and reducing clutter at home.
111 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. 215, San Clemente, 949.547.0716, www.sc-wellness.com.
her tools for ‘cupping’ in her
Point office.
Dr. Kari Young of Young Health Solutions. Photo mily asmussen
Susan Jeffries of As Designed Wellness warms up
Dana
Photo mily asmussen
HOP ON THE HEALTH TRAIN
uice
cleanses,
coconut water, kombucha beverage trends have revolutionized dietary needs
BY RACHAEL MATTICE
The health and fitness industry is no stranger to trends. rom the invention of the sports bra to ane onda aerobics classes on tape, ross it, pricey international meditation retreats and Instagram fitness celebrities, everything surrounding self-improvement is in a competitive battle with a yet-to-be-invented or marketed fad the following year. ealth beverages are no different. ealth trendistas have jumped on the band wagon with the beverage boom, selling and purchasing the salad-in-a-glass in different formats over the years and capitalizing on the convenience. According to the I I World Industry esearch report published in October , the juicing and smoothie industry has grown rapidly in the last five years, averaging close to billion in revenue. With the possibilities of glowing skin, a clearer mind and improved internal functioning, who can refuse the colorful beverages?
If looking to consume a daily dose of fruits, vegetables, protein and other necessary nutrients in li uid form to change a dietary regimen or detox, here’s a guide on some of the most popular healthful drinks.
Juice Cleanses
With menu items like “Anti- lu,” “Popeye,” “ leanser” and “ ore Toner,” health enthusiasts are drawn in to the menu at first glance at an uan apistrano’s uice oint and Deli. old-pressed and freshly blended concoctions boast super powers in balancing digestive systems, reducing inflammation, strengthening immune systems, lowering blood pressure and boosting energy levels. The vibrantly colored drinks typically combine various organic ingredients like cucumber, lemon, spinach, parsley, apples and ginger for a full spectrum of daily nutrients. uice bars have popped up everywhere around o al, including local specialty grocers like prouts armers arket and Trader oes to gyms and airports.
WHERE TO TRY IT: Juice Joint & Deli (32141 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.545.7966, www.juicejointdeli.com), Active Culture (111 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.276.4625, www.activeculturecafe.com), Organic Tree Juice Bar (24901 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, 949.276.7202, www.organictreejuicebar.com)
Coconut Water
scaping to an island is no longer re uired to uench a thirst for the tropics. randed as nature’s own electrolyte, coconut water’s high concentration in minerals and vitamins like potassium, magnesium and phosphate and low calorie and low sugar contents spiked its popularity
amongst athletes and beach bums alike. Although the natural juice from the fruit itself is the most pure form, companies like ico, ita oco and O.N. . primarily control the . . coconut water market, growing percent since , according to uartz. Almost every grocer and gas station carries one of these brands and approximately companies sell a beverage with coconut water in it, said ohn raven, founder and O of evNet. This beverage will leave the consumer feeling refreshed and hydrated after an intense game of beach volleyball or night out on Avenida Del ar.
WHERE TO TRY IT: Local grocers and convenience stores.
Kombucha
ombucha, or the fermentation of sweet teas with the culture of bacteria and yeast, is a flavorful probiotic. A restorative blend that typically contains vitamins, electrolytes and minerals, the suggested health benefits of kombucha are synonymous with a probiotic, such as supporting a healthy immune system and gut, and lowers blood pressure, according to ayo linic. ike coconut water, companies have hopped on the bandwagon and mass produced the fizzle beverage, but more home-grown small producers have shown up in recent years.
WHERE TO TRY IT: Local grocers, Zama Tea and Kombucha (434 El Camino Real, Tustin, 714.884.3449, www.zamatea.com), Fermentation Farm (1125 Victoria St., Ste. R, Costa Mesa, 949.650.0830, www.fermfarm.com).
Tumeric/Ginger
Tumeric and ginger-infused health beverages are typically in more than just their own partnership. One of the rather pungent-tasting roots that commonly shows up in juice detoxes, or as single shots in juice bars, kombucha and with other health beverages due to their anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant compounds. onsuming foods and drinks with ginger, or these properties, are said to reduce the risk of heart attack and strokes. Turmeric has been used for centuries in medicinal and culinary settings in India, Africa and parts of Asia. urcumin, or the substance that gives turmeric its golden color, is said to be a therapeutic component in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
WHERE TO TRY IT: Bowlology (225 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 949.558.5170, www.bowlology.com), Nektar Juice Bar (638 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. D2-A, 949.545.9545, www.nekterjuicebar.com), Kombucha Culture (5671 Palmer Way, Unit J, Carlsbad, 858.353.1391, www.kombuchacultureelixirs. com).
A NEEDLE IN THE HAYSTACK
Amid the industry boom, finding the right yoga teacher is paramount
BY DANIEL RITZ
As practicing any one of the many varieties of yoga now available in South Orange County becomes an easily accessible option for physical, mental and spiritual wellness, both first-time and experienced yogis alike are faced with the choice of how to safely and effectively choose from a rapidly growing sea of new yoga instructors, and identify a teacher that is right for their desired experience.
The 2016 “Yoga in America” study, conducted by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, revealed the number of yoga practitioners in the United States increased to more than million in , up from . million in . percent of Americans say they are at least somewhat likely to practice yoga in the next months, or more than 80 million Americans, an ironic fact considering that percent of American practitioners have been practicing for less than five years.
That same study revealed that for every teacher, there were two people in teacher training. any yoga studios have opened yoga training courses, most South Orange County studios often charging more than , for base-level certification.
“ ust like there are a lot of yoga teachers, we see many real estate agents because there is a lower cost of entry for those professions,” said Brette Popper, founder of Yoga ity NY . “And we often think of real estate agents as sleazy.”
“Every studio is struggling,” said Kristen Dollard, brand director at Yoga Journal, who explained that Yoga Journal tries to meet clients where they’re at. “We’re all wondering how we can make a profit. I think the fact that so many people are doing yoga, every organization has to become a startup, whether you’re a festival or a retailer.”
To make money, many yoga studios have turned into teacher training “certificate printing mills,” said Popper. Thousands of graduates are able to recite scripts and routines instead of providing insightful instruction. nlike physical therapy or engineering, which require years of schooling, being a yoga teacher may in some cases be as easy as turning on an iPad.
inding the correct and most ualified yoga teacher means avoiding a potentially painful injury, wasting money on programming not suited for their desires and encouraging a long-term relationship with their practice. According to information
from Yoga Alliance, ind ody reen and the New York Times, here are a few considerations when selecting a yoga instructor.
What as the fi st im ession “In all yoga traditions, there is the idea of a guru,” Popper said. “The point of that relationship is that two spirits see each other. Your teacher really needs to recognize you.” If there are doubts about a teacher right away upon meeting them, those instincts should be trusted.
Do the teach hat the ogi ants to lea n If the teacher isn’t including elements the yogi is looking for in a class or instructor, he or she isn’t the right instructor. A best friend may be the best person in the world, but if they teach a vigorous hot yoga class and the yogi is interested in a relaxing restorative class, they may not be the right instructor. If philosophy and chanting in anskrit is important to the yogi but the instructor incorporates a 60-minute asana class (or posture-oriented yoga only, it might be best to consider finding someone else to study with.
s the oga teache a oacha le It’s important to find a teacher who is approachable and easy to talk to about uestions. A teacher who shows up early
to class, takes the time to greet his or her students and stays a few minutes after class shows that he or she cares about the students and is available to help. What does the teache s oga edu cation consist o Don’t be afraid to ask the teacher where they studied and with whom. ind out what kind of training he or she went through and if they continue to study with their own teachers. Yoga is a continuous practice; because of that, it is important that the teacher continues to study and learn while their students learn from them.
s the teache ecogni ed Yoga Alliance If studying with a egistered Yoga Teacher is an important quality to have in a yoga instructor in the student’s eyes, visit the Yoga Alliance Directory at www.yogaalliance.org directory to see if they are listed. If not, students can ask if their instructor studied at the egistered Yoga School or if it was a personal choice not to register.
With scientific data like that of arvard niversity edical chool showing the positive physical impacts of yoga to compliment the spiritual or metaphysical components of health, due diligence is in order when beginning, or expanding yoga practice, and finding the right teacher.
BY PAUL GARCIA, D.C.
WWORKPLACE WELLNESS
uick hacks to make your office environment more nurturing
orkplace environments often present unique challenges to staying healthy. Many of my clients are completely unaware that their environment at work is a contributing factor to their pain, fatigue, mood-swings, weight gain and digestive complaints. With so much chronic disease nowadays, we need to have strategies for staying as healthy as possible. Here are some workplace hacks that you can implement to make your work environment more conducive to optimal health.
Supplement with vitamin D
One of the most important things you’re missing if you work inside is sunlight. Without adequate sunlight everyday you won’t be able to make enough vitamin D to keep you healthy. itamin D deficiencies are extremely common and can result in increased back pain, more colds and flus, higher risk of diabetes and even cancer. If you aren’t able to spend 20-30 minutes per day in direct sunlight then you must get your vitamin D from food or from supplements. Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, butter from grass-fed cows, and egg yolks. The best source to supplement with is vitamin D3 at 1,000-3,000IU/day depending on your blood levels. Your vitamin D should be between 39-70 ng/ML.
Move around
Most Americans sit between 8-12 hours each day. That means that nearly half of one’s entire working years could be spent sitting down. When you sit too much you are more likely to experience back pain, to acquire hypertension and high cholesterol, to gain more belly fat, and to be at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, sitting has been called the new smoking because studies show a strong connection between the time you spend sitting and your risk of having a heart attack. Instead, move around the office as much as you can. Set a timer to remind you to get up every 20 minutes. Get outside and take a walk on your lunch break. Consider using a standing desk. Use every opportunity to move your body.
Cut out the snacks
nacks are everywhere in offices Snacking frequently during the day can lead to elevated levels of our hunger hormones insulin and ghrelin. When these hormones get too high, the result is insulin resistance (pre-diabetes), constant hunger and the inability to lose weight. Instead of visiting the vending machine, try having a cup of green tea or bone broth. This will boost your energy and focus without the unwanted rise in hunger hormones. Also consider intermittent fasting. This involves
eating your food each day in a 7-8-hour window and fasting for the remaining 1617 hours. Intermittent fasting can have dramatic affects on decreasing hunger, improving energy and concentration and increasing the anti-aging hormone known as human growth hormone (HGH).
Get good sleep
Waking up refreshed and strong in the morning will help prevent binging on the wrong foods and increase your productivity while you’re at work. Your body requires 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night to be at its best. If you get less, this will increase your stress hormone know as cortisol. Prolonged spikes in cortisol can result in insomnia, weight gain, poor immune function, fatigue, hormone imbalance and irritability. To promote good sleep patterns, try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, don’t over caffeinate and stop eating at least three hours before falling asleep.
ill ou o fice ith lants
Another strategy to promote health while at the office is to bring living plants into your space. Indoor plants have several documented therapeutic benefits, according to a study published in age ournal. The first is their ability to absorb airborne toxins. Most people
don’t realize it, but offices often contain numerous toxins that can cause issues with your health. ommon office items like carpet, paint, insulation and cleaners emit a number of compounds that you probably don’t want to be inhaling. Several studies have found that indoor plants do an excellent job of removing compounds such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and other potentially harmful gases from the air. The top air-purifying plants include English ivy, spider plants and peace lilies, all of which can live well indoors.
Also, studies by HortScience have shown that bringing plants into your office, home or classroom can promote relaxation, improve mental and physical well-being, improved behavior and increase overall happiness. Clearly, a simple indoor plant can do wonders for your health. They’re not very expensive, they’re attractive to look at and easy to maintain, and they don’t have to take up much space.
At Pacific oast inesiology enter, we believe staying healthy is a choice. The choices you make, whether conscious or unconscious, can have a significant impact on your health, moving you closer toward optimal health or farther away. These workplace wellness hacks are simple yet effective strategies for moving your health in the right direction.
Paul arcia, D.C., is a license an boar certifie Doctor of Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiologist and Functional Medicine practitioner. For the past 15 years, Dr. Garcia has been practicing alternative medicine, studying and researching the latest adancements in his fiel , an teaching his patients and community about the importance and relevance of taking a holistic approach to healthcare. Dr. Garcia continues to train with world-renowned healers an e ucators throughout the .S. Pacific Coast Kinesiology Center, 30270 Rancho Viejo Rd., Ste. E, San Juan Capistrano. 949.716.3930. www.drpaulgarciadc.com.
