Naturally Nanda/ Holistic Nutritionist & Wellness Coach

I've shared this before...Probably my favorite post on Facebook... "Don’t prioritize your looks my friend, they won’t last the journey.... Your sense of humour though, will only get better. Your intuition will grow and expand like a majestic cloak of wisdom. Your ability to choose your battles, will be fine-tuned to perfection. Your capacity for stillness, for living in the moment, will blossom. And your desire to live each and every moment will transcend all other wants. Your instinct for knowing what (and who) is worth your time, will grow and flourish like ivy on a castle wall. Don’t prioritize your looks my friend, they will change forevermore, That pursuit is one of much sadness and disappointment. Prioritize the uniqueness that makes you you, and the invisible magnet that draws in other like-minded souls to dance in your orbit. These are the things which will only get better." Donna Ashworth Image: Phillipe Vogelenzang

Naturally Stimulating The Vagus Nerve Have you ever heard of fight or flight? When we experience sudden, high stress, we activate our fight or flight response, getting the body ready to either flee the scene or fight. The vagus nerve system acts to counterbalance the fight or flight system and can trigger a relaxation response in our body. It is one of the cranial nerves that connect the brain to the body. ... Ways to stimulating the vagus nerve include: Loud gargling with water or loud singing activates our vocal cords which in turn stimulates the vagus nerve. Foot massage: gentle or firm touch can assist in stimulation the vagus nerve. Cold water face immersion: immerse your forehead eyes and at least 2/3 of both cheeks into cold water. This elicits the vagus nerve, decreasing heart rate, stimulating the intestines and turns on the immune system. Eating fiber stimulates vagus impulses to the brain slowing the gut movements and making us feel fuller after meals Laughter Having a good laugh lifts your mood, boosts your immune system and stimulates the vagus nerve. Yoga & exercise Limited studies suggest a link between yoga and increased vagus nerve and parasympathetic system activity in general. Probiotics Emerging evidence points to an effect of the gut microbiota on the brain. The gut’s nervous system connects to the brain through the vagus nerve, which has been described as at the interface of the microbiota-gut-brain axis Nutrients and supplements More & more researched is being done on supplementing for boosting vagus nerve activity include probiotics, fiber, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Vagus in Greek means wanderer or traveller. What is the Vagus Nerve? It begins in the brainstem before heading down and into the front of the neck via the carotid artery sheath.... The vagus nerve travels through the body, passing the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, the reproductive system, and many other organs. It takes readings from each and passes on messages from the brain, like a neuronal superhighway. As the largest nerve in the body, it covers a vast area in the body. The Love Nerve The vagus nerve is activated when you are feeling compassion and empathy. A person with a strong vagal nerve profile is more altruistic. Gut Feelings The vagus nerve also manages fears. According to Medical News Today, The vagus nerve sends information from the gut to the brain, which is linked to dealing with stress, anxiety, and fearhence the saying, ‘gut feeling.’ These signals help a person to recover from stressful and scary situations. Keep it Calm Any time your brain perceives a threat, due to the sympathetic nervous system, it triggers the fight or flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system does the oppositeit calms you. The parasympathetic nervous system is activated when a danger is over. The vagus nerve is the body’s superpower and it’s used to counteract your fight/flight system. It’s how you develop a healthy stress response and become resilient. When stimulated, you feel calmer, more compassionate and clearer. Stimulating the vagus benefits your autonomic nervous system and mental health. Healthy vagal tone means emotional regulation, greater connection and better physical health as well. You are more resilient and able to pull yourself through trauma and troubles.~ Forbes This Nerve is absolutely incredible but it can become taxed. The effectiveness of stimulating the vagus nerve depends greatly on the vagal tone. Vagal tone refers to the strength, speed, and efficiency of the vagus nerve response. Stay tuned for part 2 on how to stimulate the amazing Vagus Nerve!! #vagusnerve #stimulatingthevagusnerve guthealthy #humanmicrobes #gutbacteria #guthealthmatters #holisticnutritionist #holistichealthcoach

Hello, I'm a Dandelion. A lot of people call me a weed but I'm a friend and come to help you! . When you see me, remember that I'm the ONLY one who wants and can grow in that particular spot. Because:... Either the soil is too compact / hard / stomped and I want to loosen it for you with my roots. Or there is too little calcium in the soil - don't worry, I will replenish that for you with the dying of my leaves. Or the soil is too acidic. But I will also improve that for you if you give me the chance. Or a mixture of the above reasons, of course. I'm here because your soil needs my help so best you let me grow without disturbing me! When everything is fixed, I will disappear again, I promise! Are you trying to remove me prematurely with my root? However meticulous you are, I will return 2x as strong! Just until your soil is improved. You can even tell by my growth at which stage my help is at. If my leaves are flat on the ground then I'm far from ready but if they all reach up then I'm already a long way on my way. Something completely different is that I am 1 of the first bloomers in spring so I will announce spring / summer for you. During the day when it's hot, I open my flowers but in the evening when it cools off I close them again quickly. In fact, if it's not hot enough during the day I won't open them at all! My flowers are the first food for insects after hibernation and unlike most other plants, I have pollen AND nectar, not merely one OR the other! And I am generous with them! My flowers are even delicious for you people by the way, did you know? I used to be called honey (or gold) of the poor because my flowers are so sweet in e.g. jam, sauce or salad! The internet is full of recipes - check them out. But wait until the end of May or later before you start picking and even then, don't pick everything yet! The biodiversity and bees will be very grateful! ~Paula Kok - De Boer

Trust Your Gut The microbes that live in your gut actually influence your feelings and behaviors. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microbes that directly communicate with your brain along the gut-brain axis, also known as the vagus nerve.... Yes, your gut microbes actually communicate with your brain. Your gut microbiome communicates by creating and consuming the majority of your body’s neurotransmitters. You know serotonin, your happy neurotransmitter? Over 90% of your body’s serotonin is made by your gut microbiome. In fact, a change in the composition of your gut microbes has been shown to significantly affect: Your mood Your pain tolerance Your cognitive performance Your behavior Your mental health Research has found that when the gut ecosystem is out of balance it can cause brain fog, depression, and even dementia. In fact, new areas of neuroscience are looking from the bottom-up and focusing on how the gut impacts the brain. Precisely wise your gut microbiome has the nickname the second brain. Your second brain has a role in literally every function in your body. So, when a Client comes to me for help with weight, anxiety, depression, fatigue, hormonal imbalances or skin issues we always start with gut health! What you eat is one of the most important factors influencing your health. The foods you eat are broken down and transformed by your gut microbiome to nourish the rest of your body. Your microbes are responsible for metabolizing your food to keep a steady supply of folic acid flowing to the brain. If microbes aren’t fed properly, their ability to create specific vitamins, like folate, decreases, and impacts neurotransmitter synthesis. This leaves your brain struggling. The composition of the microbiome and its activities are involved in most, if not all, of the biological processes that constitute human health and disease. ~ Dr. Martin J

Be a lamp, lifeboat or ladder! Everyone has stuff, we all have our own struggles. You might be the light in someone’s day. You might even be the catalyst that pulls them out of a dark time! Never underestimate the power of a kind word, a smile, a thoughtful gesture. #bealight #kindnessmatters ... #uplifteachother #womensupportingwomen #beagiver #benice See more

Happy 2nd chance day! No not quite his birthday but 11 years ago today I was 7 weeks pregnant & rushed into emergency surgery with what I thought was a bowel obstruction. . Turns out I was actually carrying twins but having an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured. One little peanut went to heaven and one peanut fought like the little warrior he still is today! ... . Loving, kind, funny, smart, stubborn, strong willed, determined as hell and can drive me BAT sh crazy at times, but I wouldn't change a thing! I got out of the hospital December 25th, I am so grateful for Christmas miracles! #christmasmiracle #mybeautifulboy #ibelieveinmiracles #myoneandonly #resilience #mysonshine #ivfbaby #ivf #ivfjourney See more

I’m a sensitive soul, and my skin isn’t any different! Winter can do a real number on my skin. Cold weather brings low humidity levels and dry air, which can suck the moisture from your skin, and without proper care, skin can become dry, cracked and irritated, causing discomfort. But this amazing line from Institute DerMED has completely corrected the inflammation & redness in my sensitive skin & it’s smells like Christmas in a bottle;) .... SOOTHING Regain Composure. The Institut’ DERMed Soothing product system is formulated with cosmeceutical ingredients: licorice, willow herb, lactic acid, sea minerals, and enzymes to help reduce the appearance of sensitive skin. . Sensitive skin can come from a range of reactions based on the skin’s own chemical components or from environmental influences that come in contact with the skin. #. . Sensitivity affects dry and oily skin types of all ages. While the symptoms can be frustrating our soothing product system is designed to help you achieve a calm, comfortable complexion. What You See In The Mirror Is In Your Control. @institutdermedcanada #institutdermedcanada #soothing #sensitiveskincare #smellslikechristmas #beautiful #cleanbeauty #cleanbeautyproducts #stogrynpremierwellnessresources #veganfriendly #crueltyfree #womensupportingwomen #beautifulskin #holistichealth

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." -Dale Carnegie . This quote resonates with me, if I don’t try I won’t fail. But the pain of regret is greater than the pain of failure. Failing is often a stepping stone & can be a great teacher. It is necessary for personal growth & imperative for building real authentic self confidence. Be afraid but do it anyway! Th...e most effective way to do it, is to it is to do it! #gettingbusy #doubtkillsmoredreamsthanfailureeverwill #kickselfdoubtintheballs #inactionbreedsfear #getupandgo #determined See more

You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. ~Louise L. Hay #selfvalidation #buildyourself #buildupothers #confidenceisaninsidejob ... #selfacceptance #shineon #bebold #beyourself See more