irina.schurov

HOW STRONG IS THE EGG ?

Correct biochemical balance in our children help increase their resilience, balancing the impact from environmental factors

Have you ever seen a chick emerge from within its egg? The yellow and fluffy, soft and very cute little ball popping into the world.

Recently I read a quote by Jim Kwik, an expert in memory improvement, brain optimisation, and accelerated learning (Jim Kwik has a lot of interesting knowledge to share, so check him out if you do not know him yet). The quote reads:

“If an egg is broken by an outside force, life ends. If broken by an inside force, life begins. Great things always begin from the inside.”

What a fantastic analogy for our children, and especially for kids with Autism or other neurodiversity. Wouldn’t you agree?

Every child needs the strength, energy, and a certain level of resilience in their body to respond to outside stimuli in the right, healthy way. Inside capacity should correlate with outside effort; yin and yang; push and pull! Otherwise, the stronger external force will cause an imbalance and, consequently, a blockage.

Sometimes parents provide lots of positive external factors to support their child in the best possible way, but, for some reason, the child is not fully responsive to those stimuli. For example, you want your child to have better focus, be less hyperactive, process information better and attain better results at school. Right? With this goal in mind, as a caring, and loving parent, you may take your child to different activities, therapies, and educational programmes. But the child is only partially responding to all of your efforts. They improve a little bit, but then, no further breakthrough! Why?

Because the effort from outside exceeds the effort, or rather your child’s capacity to react, from inside.

Nowadays our kids often have low energy levels. They do not have enough essential minerals and other nutrients like essential fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Their mitochondria do not work at full capacity to produce enough energy for optimal functioning, healing and learning. Our kids are full of different toxins that their bodies spend too much energy on trying to get rid of, to detox. Our children simply do not have enough internal strength to be able to react properly to the great activities they are being exposed to. Our children are, consequently, very sensitive and instead shut themselves down to feel protected from any stimuli (positive and negative).

Since our kids are so delicate and vulnerable, too much of a good thing could be TOO MUCH for them. Have you noticed this as well? We need to be careful to not break their “egg” with our outside force.

So, how can we generate better inside force, boost the energy level, and increase the resilience level of our kids? The answer is to RESTORE THEIR BIOCHEMICAL BALANCE by addressing malnourishment, dysbiosis, detoxification, and oxidative stress. Let’s help our kids gain the internal strength to better respond to an enriched external environment. Our kids need balance in their internal environment so that they can easily step out of their “protective state”, break out from their “eggshell” into reality, into your parental loving and supportive hands, into this world. Let us remember that “great things always begin from the inside.”

How strong is the egg — The impact of external and internal factors can be balanced out

My simple, yet very effective method could help to identify exactly if your child requires additional internal strength to step out of their ‘eggshell.’ Contact me to discuss how we can restore the biochemical balance in your child.

Book a free discovery call through my website: https://dririnaschurov.com/

Picture by Irina Schurov, photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash

Embracing Real Neurodiversity: Understanding the Body-Brain Connection

What is neurodiversity and why are we talking about it?

In recent years, the discussion surrounding neurodiversity has become increasingly prominent.

It’s important to emphasize that neurodiversity includes a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disorders, sensory processing disorders, and various others.
These days, from social media conversations to academic discussions, people are recognizing and celebrating the unique ways in which our brains function.
And this dynamic is understandable, especially given the stark statistics that illustrate the rapid growth in the number of individuals diagnosed with various neurodiversity conditions. For example, since 2000, autism prevalence has surged by a staggering 178%. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At the same time, we are also observing a steady increase in the number of children exhibiting learning differences. For instance, according to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), dyslexia affects approximately 15-20% of the population. Additionally, it is estimated that between 5% to 20% of children demonstrate symptoms of dysgraphia. Such statistics highlight the significant prevalence of neurodiversity in our society today.

It is, therefore, crucial to understand all factors that influence neurodiverse children’s functioning, enabling us to provide sufficient support and resources for them to excel academically and socially, and to maintain good health.

A holistic view of neurodiversity! Bottom of Form

So, let’s take a holistic view, a bigger picture of neurodiversity!
I propose that we not only focus on the external experiences and how neurodiverse children react to outside triggers and their behaviours but let us also consider the internal factors that influence their actions from inside of their bodies.
This includes understanding the internal triggers these children may face, such as various allergies, sensitivities, infections, gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and constipation, sleep disturbances like insomnia, and many others.
Seeing the bigger picture and understanding this holistic perspective can guide us in providing more effective support to help our neurodiverse children thrive.

Body-brain connection.

First of all, in most of this conversation about neurodiversity, it’s crucial to remember one fundamental truth: our brains do not operate in isolation. Instead, they are intricately connected to the rest of our body’s physiological, biochemical, metabolic, and emotional functions. Through updated scientific findings and practical experience, it’s becoming increasingly evident that approximately 80% of neurodiversity symptoms (approximately 80%) are influenced or even rooted in chronic dysfunctions within the body.
As someone who closely interacts with neurodiverse children, I witness the reality of neurodiversity first-hand. Through this experience, I’ve come to understand neurodiversity as a complex interplay of body-brain imbalances that contribute to the diverse ways in which children think and behave.

The following observations further support my statement:

Research shows that up to 90% of neurodivergent individuals experience various digestive issues, selective eating habits, dysbiosis, and elevated levels of toxicity in the body.
The majority of neurodiverse children have compromised immunity and heightened sensitivities, including sensory issues.
Scientific findings and personal practice demonstrate that at least 50% of children diagnosed with various neurological conditions encounter additional challenges such as oral malfunction and delays in achieving physical milestones. These problems can be linked to the retention of primary reflexes, which may further exacerbate their cognitive and motor development.
Many individuals within the neurodiverse community demonstrate chronic inflammation in both the body and brain, alongside elevated levels of oxidative stress and impaired detoxification processes.

It is, therefore, evident that neurodiverse children deal with a range of health and developmental challenges, all of which impact their behaviour and performance, and consequently, contribute to the symptoms of neurodiversity.

Overlap among neurological conditions.

Seeing the bigger picture and viewing neurodiversity as a complex interplay of body-brain imbalances, is further supported by the significant overlap observed among various neurological conditions that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella. This includes different diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others.
As an illustration, half of individuals diagnosed with ASD also meet the criteria for ADHD. Additionally, ASD can overlap with social anxiety disorder in up to 30% of cases, and up to 10% with panic disorder.
So, instead of only concentrating on specific diagnoses and external symptoms, it’s imperative to recognize the shared biochemical and physiological imbalances that underlie many overlapping neurological conditions under the neurodiversity umbrella.

Factors that influence neurodiversity development.

We’re also aware that research suggests up to 30% of neurodiversity symptoms may be linked to genetic factors. However, the remaining 70% of neurodiversity symptoms originate from various epigenetic influences such as environmental pollutants and lifestyle choices—all of which are modifiable and can be changed. This understanding presents a significant opportunity for us to influence body-brain imbalances and foster normalized functions at the cellular, organ, and systemic levels.

So, what does it mean?

Taken together, thanks to numerous breakthroughs in science, we now have the opportunity to identify and address a multitude of factors that influence the scope of neurodiversity. By addressing the root causes of body dysfunctions, we hold the power to improve the landscape of neurodiversity!
This perspective might not sit well with everyone, especially in a society that champions acceptance and inclusivity. And that’s okay. It’s important to have open discussions and consider different viewpoints to find the best ways to support neurodiverse children. While values like acceptance are undoubtedly crucial, it’s also vital to understand that supporting neurodiverse individuals involves more than just accepting them.

Summary.

In conclusion, understanding the intricate connection between the body and brain is paramount in our approach to neurodiversity. By adopting a holistic methodology that looks into the root causes and triggers contributing to the manifestation of neurodiversity, we open up the opportunity to truly embrace REAL neurodiversity. This involves looking beyond surface-level symptoms and exploring the underlying physiological, biochemical, and environmental factors that contribute to neurodiverse experiences.
By addressing these contributing factors comprehensively, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates the unique talents and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals.
I really hope that looking at neurodiversity from a different angle will get people talking more openly about it.

Photo: Photo by Hiki App on Unsplash

DO NOT LET ANXIETY RULE YOUR LIFE!

The COVID-19 pandemic period is still ongoing and continues to influence our lives in many different ways. One very important impact, that goes beyond physical health and financial challenges, is the enormous resulting emotional overload. In fact, this pandemic has been associated with a dramatic increase in mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. But this is no surprise! How do you feel when, wherever you look, you see people around you in masks, when you cannot see their faces and cannot tell what they’re feeling? How do you feel when people are desperately trying to avoid each other? How do you feel when you cannot invite friends to your home or meet with your relatives? Personally, I feel confused, stressed and simply uncomfortable. All of this behaviour is completely counterintuitive for humans, it goes against our very nature! This is exactly why sensitive children with neurodiversity are experiencing a considerable surge of anxiety, which, to varying degrees, is already commonly present in many of them. The reason for this is that their nervous system is more alert and quicker to react to different stimuli, causing a sensory overload which, in turn, fuels their anxiety! It is important to note that all of these feelings, if left unresolved, will not simply disappear. As with all negative emotions, they are, instead, likely to transform into longer-term issues that can last multiple years.

Thus, arises the question, what can we do to help our sensitive children overcome their pandemic-induced anxiety and move forward with confidence and optimism?

BE CALM AND GROUNDED

We have to remember that children look to their parents for guidance on how to handle the world, meaning that when parents are stressed, their children also feel stressed. Therefore, we need to start with ourselves. We need to be calm and emotionally grounded. Take a deep breath. Meditate. Calm your anxious mind. You will soon notice that when you are calm, your kids will also be. Children tend to do what they see.

2. TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

Don’t be afraid to calmly talk to your children about COVID-19 at a level they understand, without overloading them with information. This is an opportunity to share actual facts and help them work through their feelings. Let them ask questions and help them express themselves through drawing, music and physical activities like dance or sport.

3. CONTROL YOUR ENVIRONNENT, ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY STIMULI

Eliminate extra toxins and irritants, such as bright light, EM pollution, junk food, processed food, drinks with sugar and additives, and negative news. Do lots of calming and relaxing activities like Epsom salt baths, massages with essential oils, read books, listen to music, practice mindfulness together.

4. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO LEARN HOW TO PAUSEAND BREATHE

Show your children how to pause, recognise what is bothering them and gently but deeply breathe through the nose and out through the mouth. This slows everything down and allows the child to calm themselves down.

5. BUILD A RELAXING SPACE

Together with your children, create a space for for them to “escape” should they need to. Let them choose their favourite cushions, blankets, bean bags etc., anything they want, to really make the place their own little sanctuary! This would be a perfect place for them to keep their “worry box” and “happy box”, where they can put notes about what is concerning them or bringing them joy. Identifying and writing out the emotions felt in such a way, and then physically placing them somewhere else, helps to relieve any anxiety.

6. USE ESSENTIAL OILS

Aromatherapy has proven to be very helpful when dealing with anxiety. The most effective choice is Lavender oil, as it contains an active compound that targets the same parts of the brain as anti-anxiety drugs, only without side effects. The best oils for anxiety, apart from Lavender, are Bergamot orange, Chamomile, Clary sage, Lemon, Neroli, Rose, Ylang-ylang. You can either use them topically or by inhaling them directly or passively through an infuser. Additionally, children may enjoy massages or baths with oils.

7. KNOW WHICH SUPPLEMENTS YOU CAN USE

You can also try different supplements that help with anxiety and stress. Here are a few that I can recommend.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, more commonly known as “GABA” is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brain. Very often children with neurological conditions have an imbalance of neurotransmitters and a low GABA level may contribute to their anxiety. You can use the “GABA Calm” formula by Source Naturalis or “GABA” by KAL. You should be able to see whether or not the supplements have had an impact on your child relatively quickly (in 2-3 days).
L-theanine is an amino acid that boosts GABA levels in the body. It is not an essential amino acid, and our body doesn’t produce it, however, it can be found in green or black tea. As children do not tend to drink very much tea, they may benefit from such supplementation.
Magnesium is an essential mineral in our body and plays a key role in the body’s stress response, as it helps our muscle cells relax after contracting. When magnesium levels are low, our muscles may contract too much contributing to anxiety and stress. Research shows that the best mineral form against anxiety is Magnesium L-threonate, as it is able to pass through the blood brain barrier and be absorbed by cells.
Cod Liver Oil contains long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 plays a role in strengthening cell membranes and improving the passage of Serotonin, the happiness hormone, into cells.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that produce neurotransmitters including GABA, Serotonin and Dopamine. Research shows that probiotics are able to improve people’s mood and response to stress.
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to lower anxiety, especially anxiety related to open or crowded places, as it is lowers cortisol levels in people with chronic stress.
CBD oil is a non-psychoactive compound that blocks certain enzymes that trigger inflammation in the body and brain, reducing anxiety, an otherwise negative consequence of such inflammation.

With all of these tools, you can work on your own stress levels and then help your children to deal with their anxiety. Lead by example!

The festive holiday period is a great time to practise positive activities as a family, especially this year! Connect with your family in new ways: read books together, play games, go on long walks to breath the fresh winter air and enjoy the opportunity to chat! Best of all, prepare meals together! Take advantage of this time to become closer and to discover different family activities, which will help diminish the anxiety in you and your children.

WHAT DOES “DETOX” REALLY MEAN TO YOU?

The word “DETOX” is very popular nowadays. Nearly everyone is undergoing some kind of detox diet or program or protocol. Very often such procedures are about how to eat, or rather not eat (some sort of fasting), about how to cleanse your liver, or about how to sweat (exercises, sauna etc.) However, from a holistic point of view, a perspective that really provides long-lasting changes, all of these are only partial steps in the overall detoxification process. Very often I hear stories of people feeling great after attending detox retreats, during which, for example, for a few days they only consumed juice. However, once they are back home, very quickly the symptoms that they went on the retreat to address in the first place are back, and sometimes even stronger. Can you relate to this? Does this sound familiar to you? What does such a reversal really mean? It means that the detoxification process was only partial and did not fully address the toxicity and blockages across all of the different levels of the body. In order to achieve long-lasting results, we need to approach detoxification holistically.

So, what exactly does a full detox include? I really like the approach of Dr Klinghardt, who identifies 5 different levels of healing that correspond to 5 levels of detoxification. (Ref. 1).

We live in a complex world, existing in multiple different dimensions at the same time, which is a reality that we need to respect when aiming to achieve the best detoxification and, consequently, best recovery results. According Dr Klinghardt we can identify Physical, Energy, Mental, Intuitive and Spiritual levels (fig.1).

Figure 1: The 5 Levels of Healing – A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment

Very often when we talk about the detoxification process, we refer only to Physical Body detoxification (Level 1), which is about restoring our gut health, receiving necessary nutrients, detoxification of heavy metals and other toxins, providing essential liver support, aromatherapy and so on. In addition to these, however, a balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system, is essential for optimal detoxification and functioning (Level 2). These are the fundamental “entry” levels that provide access to the three-remaining detox stages and are the ones that I address with my clients.

However, more and more, I am realising that people can achieve greater results when they address the higher levels of detoxification as well. This is exactly why I have partnered together with Masha Muzyrya, constructing our team of a holistic coach and an energy therapist. Masha’s experience allows her to address those higher stages of detoxification; at the Energy and Mental levels, by applying Qigong, breath therapy, meditation, resolving limited beliefs, addressing non-violent communication; at the Intuitive level, by implementing systemic family constellation, colour and sound therapy.

Interestingly, each of these levels of detoxification has an impact on one another. For instance, without sufficient food absorption (1^st level) and a balanced autonomic nervous system (2^nd level) you would not have the energy nor the functioning mind required to remember the past and process your emotional blocks. Therefore, it is important to implement those levels in the right order if you want to achieve maximum results.

THERFORE, THE USE OF ALL OF THESE METHODS IN A PERSONALISED WAY ALLOWS AN INDIVIDUAL TO ACHIEVE A COMPLETELY NEW WAY OF FUNCTIONING, LIBERATION AND REGENERATION.

This was a major discovery for Masha and I during the Total Reset Retreat this September. This residential program allowed participants to accelerate the process of detoxification and restoration in their bodies, and we were able to see clear positive results! Of course, this isn’t magic! All participants had already invested plenty of effort into the process, each of them having done lots of work on improving their gut issues, physical body toxicity etc. All of them were driven and passionate about further educating themselves and taking their health to the next level! What is also important, is that they were ready to feel vulnerable, and were not afraid to address their challenging emotions, which work as toxins in our bodies and need to be processed and eliminated.

What about you? What is your personal level of detoxification? Would you be interested in learning more about a possible holistic detoxification protocol for yourself? You can already start today by trying these easy self-assessments:

Observe your stool.

Observe the consistency, shape, colour, inclusions, degree of floating and smell of your stool. Bacterial toxins can account for up to 80% of all toxins in the blood stream. It is, therefore, important to check for any potential gut flora imbalance and/or leaky gut. Verify your results according to the Bristol Stool Chart and see if you need to improve the situation: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/poop-chart-bristol-stool-scale

Measure your transit time.

Healthy transit time should be 12-18 hrs. Try eating, for example, roasted beets for dinner and then monitor when your red coloured stool comes out. In so doing, you can identify your own transit time. If it is more than 12-18 hrs, your GI function should be improved.

Measure the level of your acidity.

Acidity is associated with an unhealthy environment in the body. For instance, the optimal average healthy pH for urine is 6.5 – 7.5, for saliva is 6.6 – 6.75.

By using pH strips (which you can easily buy at your local pharmacy), you can measure the pH of each urination over 24 hrs. (no supplements!) and calculate the average. Note, if your morning pH is lower than 6.5, you may be low in Mg.

Breathing evaluation of your acidity.

Another way of assessing your acidity level is to take three full breaths, then exhale completely, close your nose with two fingers and using a timer to monitor the length of time passing, hold your breath. If your results are under 30 seconds, pay special attention to your level of acidity and general health. You should aim to hold your breath for 60 seconds comfortably. By practicing this exercise regularly, you can improve your results.

Find some time to perform these little tests and see if there are any imbalances in your body that you need to start addressing right away. If you have any questions, please let me know. Can I help you achieve your maximum balance at Levels 1 and 2 of the detoxification process? Would you like to join our Total Reset Program for more advanced detoxification and restoration?

The great news, is that we are now offering a non-residential 5-week Total Reset Program starting in November 2020, which also includes an (optional) residential weekend program in January or February 2021 in the alpine village of Chempéry, the location of our recent one week retreat. You can find more information under “News” below .

Photo by Fuu J (Unsplash)

Photo by Fuu J (Unsplash)

Reference:

1. The 5 Levels of Healing, D Klinghardt

https://klinghardtinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Explore-5-Levels-Of-Healing.pdf

COVID-19 lessons – Time to tune into yourself!

As we get back to our busy lives, what must we remember? To analyse our physical and emotional reactions at the end of the quarantine period. Why is this so important? Because this pandemic has worked as a catalyst for our internal blockages and biochemical imbalances! As though under a magnifying glass, we have finally been able to truly see our week points, our “loose ends”, all of which must now be addressed.

Have you noticed any changes in yourself? Have you noticed any shifts in your symptoms or conditions? Some of you may have started to feel better, because of the chance to sleep more, the opportunity to spend more time with nature, in the garden, more time to cook and to eat home-made quality food. If this is you, fantastic! Put together a list of your achievements and celebrate! Some of you, however, may have gone through the lockdown period slightly differently. Perhaps you have experienced an increase in panic attacks, maybe your digestive system has gotten worse, maybe you have developed cravings for certain food, your skin has grown drier, the list goes on. Does any of this sound familiar? Unless you actually had COVID-19 in which case your immune system underwent serious stress, you may have simply depleted your energy resources, leaving your body’s “weak points” noticeable. These could be emotional symptoms, gastro-intestinal issues, skin problems, joint pain, and many others. Can you relate to this? These shifts demonstrate that your level of stress resistance is low. The stress that we all, without exception, have recently experienced, has used up your low internal resources, minerals and nutrients, allowing any health issues that were previously under control, to now resurface and ask for attention.

Let’s do a quick self-check of the main symptoms that can indicate certain imbalances. Please take note of whether these symptoms improved or got worse during the pandemic period.

Quality of sleep (waking during the night, sweating during the night, nightmares)
Skin conditions (acne, dryness, redness)
Quality of stool (regularity, shape, colour, undigested food or mucus present)
Digestive health (heartburn, bloating, gas, heaviness after eating, cramps)
Headaches, migraines
Specific food cravings
Energy level (general level, changes during the day)
Reaction to certain food and drink (alcohol, coffee, fatty food, fermented food, junk food)
Muscle and joint pain
Mood swings, anxiety, tendency to depression

If any of these symptoms have become more noticeable, it is a good idea to start addressing them as soon as possible. We all understand that we cannot avoid the stress in our lives. Instead, we need to learn how to deal with it and ensure our bodies are physically able to do so. Any of the symptoms listed above need to be analysed and their real cause must be found and addressed. Is it malnourishment, dysbiosis, indigestion, hormonal or neurotransmitter imbalance, high inflammation, mitochondrial disbalance or even unaddressed primary reflexes? Or perhaps you have certain unresolved emotional issues and traumas that are supressing your immune system and are leaving you more vulnerable to stress? Once you know the real reasons, many things can be done to support your health in an individual holistic way in order to improve your overall wellbeing and to take your performance to a new level.

Together with Masha Muzyrya, holistic coach and energy therapist, we have set up an entire programme called REBOOT YOUR BODY & BRAIN. This unique experience will help you to address your “loose ends” and achieve health improvements across many different levels. Join us for our TOTAL RESET RETREAT from the 25^th of September to the 2^nd of October.

More information and registration here:

https://irinaschurov.wixsite.com/total-reset-retreat

Photo by: Martin Dawson on Unsplash

FIVE HIDDEN CAUSES OF ANXIETY AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM NATURALLY

The current pandemic is a challenging period for all of us! The difficulties that arise manifest themselves in different ways, and each contribute to our general level of stress and anxiety. This is especially true for families with children or teenagers with different neurological conditions such as ASD, ADHD, neurodevelopmental delay and others.

In general, anxiety is an emotion arising as a result of tension, worry or fear, and manifests through certain physiological and biochemical changes in our body.

The current situation also plays the role of catalyst to our internal blockages and unresolved emotional issues! If you do not know how to process your feelings and probably have accumulated emotional stress, you are likely to experience higher levels of anxiety and fear. Long-term anxiety has a devastating impact on our life and increases the risk of developing any chronic conditions, including mental illnesses.

It is, therefore, very important to learn how to handle your anxiety and how to prevent its accumulation.

Multiple research has established a solid connection between anxiety, depression and eating habits, the microbiome. In real life too we can clearly observe the link between stable mental health and eating real, whole food. However, it is vital to remember that any dietary approach should be personalised to the individuals, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

That being said, there are, of course, certain universal rules that apply to everyone. You are probably familiar with them, but it is good to remind ourselves once in a while. Avoid sugar and any processed food, avoid alcohol and caffeine, drink plenty of water, eat diverse food of good quality, eat nutrient-rich food, ensure your menu includes plenty of vegetables, fruit, protein and good fats, and eat as much organic, seasonal and local food as possible. Simply implementing these few rules will already help a great many people reduce their anxiety.

There are, however, hidden origins of anxiety and mood swings that you may not be aware of. In fact, many people experience a combination of several of these root causes, resulting in their anxiety. THE AIM OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO HELP YOU TO DETERMINE YOUR PERSONAL, OPTIMAL ANTI-ANXIETY FOOD SOLUTION.

Let us have a look at five, not very obvious, contributors to anxiety and discuss a possible solution for each one.

Food sensitivities or intolerances could be a contributing factor to your anxiety, causing emotional disbalance. Such reactions to certain food that sometimes go completely unnoticed, trigger an inflammatory response and provoke a histamine reaction. Histamine plays the role of neuromodulator and regulates certain neurotransmitters like serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine. Furthermore, gluten sensitivity can limit the level of serotonin in the body.

In this case, it is advisable to know your food sensitivities. If you notice signs like a rash on the body, cheeks or ears, headaches, excessive gas, bloating, cramps. nausea or stomach pain, you can either undergo a food intolerance test or try to identify which food could be provoking this reaction yourself. Notice that the reaction can come 2-3 days after consuming the food, even very healthy food like chia seeds, spinach or almonds. In case you are unable to simply identify the triggers of your symptoms, try eating different food in small quantities only, rotating the food all the time so that you minimise the presence of food to which you are sensitive in your body. It is advisable to do plan your menu in advance and record any symptoms you experience.

Digestive issues and especially leaky gut have been linked to anxiety and other mental conditions. First of all, undigested gluten (glutomorphines) and undigested casein (casomorphine) cross the damaged intestinal wall and gain acces into the blood stream impacting our brain and emotional state. Furthermore, dysbiosis or presence of pathogenic bacteria, yeast and parasites cause the production a whole number of toxins that have a direct impact on our brain and behaviour. Additionally, healthy gut microflora produces 80% of our serotonin and 50% of the dopamine in our bodies, directly affecting our mood and anxiety. Furthermore, anxiety can be caused by hormonal imbalances, which can be linked to low levels of or sluggish bile flow and the body’s inability to flush out hormones efficiently. Therefore, digestive health impacts our levels of anxiety in multiple ways.

In this situation, you could try eliminating gluten and casein from your diet at least for 2 weeks and see if you feel any difference. If you notice a positive dynamic, it is advisable to address leaky gut issues. This can be done by following the GAPS diet where eating plenty of meat stock, protein and healthy fats allows for the reparation of the gut wall. In some cases, glutamine-based supplements can also be used for this reason.

To improve gut microflora, you can take multi-strain probiotics and start to including fermented food and drink like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, miso etc into your diet. Sluggish bile can be addressed by eating bitter herbs like dandelion greens, parsley, mint, cilantro and milk thistle. The more bitter, the better! Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are known remedies for normalising gallbladder health and salads of cucumber, celery, radishes, artichokes would also help to maintain the healthy state of both the gallbladder and the liver.

Sex hormones have a direct impact on anxiety levels as estrogen is involved in the stimulation of serotonin and has a positive effect on our mood. Whereas progesterone, on the other hand, can have a depressing effect and is associated with anxiety. For balanced health, we need to find a balance between these two hormones. Unfortunately, we now often see the dominance of estrogen due to low levels of detoxification of this hormone from the body, high levels of toxic xenoestrogens from the environment and low levels of progesterone caused by diets low in progesterone promoting food.

As for nutrients and minerals, estrogen is associated with the mineral copper. Some people accumulate a high level of copper as they may have high exposure to copper from the environment (copper pipes, pots and pans). Some food is rich in copper, for example, sunflower seeds, cheese, avocado, walnuts, cashews, almonds, mushrooms, kale, spinach, quinoa, buckwheat, spirulina and coconut. At the same time zinc is associated with progesterone. For balanced hormones and a balanced mood, zinc needs to be in balance with copper. So, zinc – containing food needs to be a part of the diet, for example, pumpkin seeds, eggs, red meat, sea food and asparagus. Therefore, if you bake a lot with almond based flour and eat avocado, which seems to be a very healthy eating approach, you can easily have high copper in your body, adding to your anxiety. Therefore, checking the level of minerals in your body and eating a diverse diet is very important.

Our ability to handle sugar is another interesting factor that can impact our anxiety. When you eat sugary or easy carbohydrates, you are not only depleting your body of nutrients, but you are also experiencing a “sugar roller-coaster”, which is associated with anxiety and mood swings. This happens because changes in blood sugar impact the adrenal glands that produce the stress hormone cortisol.

To avoid such an effect on your anxiety and mood, it is important to avoid eating sugar, processed food and ‘white food’ (white flour, rice, bread, and so on), which are full of empty calories. Instead, focus on real, whole food with a low glycemic index like complex carbohydrates (brown rice, whole grain bread) and high in fibre and nutrient-rich food (vegetables, legumes). It is important to eat protein with every meal and have a good, balanced breakfast every morning.

An imbalance in neurotransmitters has a direct effect on our brain chemistry. If you miss important nutrients, the building blocks of neurotransmitters, and amino acids, you will be unable to produce enough of these molecules, which actually carry and balance signals between neurons, and other cells. As a result, you can find yourself prone to feeling anxious and agitated. The main neurotransmitters that play a role in anxiety are GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), serotonin, catecholamines and endorphins.

GABA is a calming neurotransmitter, which when in low levels, is linked to anxiety. Serotonin is a ‘happy hormone’ and is associated with feeling good, calm and positive. Therefore, low levels of serotonin also contribute to anxiety. Catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine) are produced and used in our body in response to stress. If you experience high levels of stress, you may be depleted of these essential neurotransmitters and therefore, feel low motivated and even somewhat depressed. Endorphins help us to reduce physical and emotional pain, feel pleasure and enjoyment. Low levels of endorphins could contribute to sugar cravings, higher emotional pain and anxiety.

Note that food is an essential source of nutrients for our brain chemistry. Protein provides amino acids and vitamins and minerals play the role of cofactors, which are necessary for building neurotransmitters. However, if you deal with extra stress and your diet and lifestyle cannot, at this stage, help your management of additional anxiety, short term supplementation of specific amino acids could be considered. Talk to your nutritionist about such a possibility.

As you see, many different factors can ‘feed’ your anxiety. I really hope to encourage you to become an expert of your own body and brain by observing, monitoring and analyzing your own symptoms and introducing certain changes. You are ‘the master’ of finding your personal optimal anti-anxiety food solution! If you continue to educate yourself through different holistic experts, explore and experiment, you will be improving your health to no end.

Please remember that I am happy to answer any possible questions. Do not hesitate to contact me at www.liveright.eu

Photo by boram kim on Unsplash

Coronavirus: lessons from the current pandemic!

Our global society is going through a very distressing time, leaving one topic on everyone’s minds: the coronavirus pandemic. With this new infection outbreak generating lots of stress and panic, it is actually astonishing to see just how truly vulnerable our otherwise advanced population is!

At the same time, with everyone working from home and schools closed, it is also a very good moment to think about how we are going to respond to any future epidemics, which will be becoming increasingly severe, as viruses becoming more and more sophisticated and “clever”. When today’s epidemic comes to an end, another can start at any time.

Therefore, to feel safe we need to think not only about the present situation, but also about the future, and invest our efforts into supporting our immune systems and our bodies’ ability to adapt to any new illnesses. Only by being generally healthy and having a good immune system, can we look into our future and the future of our love ones with confidence.

So, how we can boost our immunity? I am not talking about merely a short-term boost resulting from a high dose of vitamin C or the intake of an Echinacea supplement, both of which provide acute support. We already have enough information regarding such solutions. I am talking about taking your immune system to a new level of performance all together. This can only be achieved by adopting a holistic approach to your well-being. This means we need to consider lifestyle changes and improve our everyday habits which have an impact on our physical, physiological and mental performance. We need to support our immune system on both a systemic and a cellular level, which would lead to an improved ability of adapting to stress, including highly contagious illnesses like coronavirus.

Curiously, the worst of coronavirus is mostly affecting people with existing chronic conditions and of elderly age, people who already have elevated levels of toxins in their bodies, high inflammation and prolonged biochemical imbalances. This is a very important observation to be aware of as, nowadays, more and more people are taking various medication and exposing themselves to more environmental chemicals and toxic household products then ever; our children, therefore, already have high levels of toxicity and become vulnerable to any future infections at a younger age.

Of course, maintaining a distance, washing hands, stopping hugging and kissing will help to a certain degree, but this clearly is not a long-term solution. Therefore, the lesson is: ONLY BY IMPROVING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM CAN YOU BUILD TRUE RESISTANCE TO FUTURE PANDEMICS.

I invite you to take the small quiz below to give you an idea of how strong your immune system is. If you can relate to any two, or more, of the statements listed below, there is room for improvement.

Are you prone to:

Runny or drippy nose
Cough with mucus
Frequent colds and flu
Frequent infections (ear, sinus, lung, skin, bladder, kidney…)
Never get sick
Acne (adult)
Itchy skin, dermatitis, eczema
Cysts, boils, rashes
Food allergies or Food sensitivities
Sinusitis, asthma, hayfever
History of taking lots of antibiotics and medications
Issues with digestion
Cracked lips
Exhaustion or fatigue
Insomnia
Exposure to stressful situations
Signs of any autoimmune conditions

How many points are relevant to you? Should you be thinking of proactive ways to invest time and effort into your health? Let’s see what can be done already today.

Here is a list of practical solutions you can integrate into your life to improve your immune system holistically. This means that by practicing only one of the suggestions, you will be only partly helping your body!

TO OBTAIN THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT, YOU NEED TO IMPLEMENT DIFFERENT COMPLIMENTARY APPROACHES IN COMBINATION!

Include into your menu FOOD that supports your immune system:
- Different coloured vegetables provide plenty of flavonoids and anti-oxidants;
- Products like garlic, ginger, turmeric, onion, hot pepper are anti-microbial and help to fight colds and the flus;
- Fermented food such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha support your good bacteria, provide essential vitamins and improve your immune system.
You could consider taking some supplements such as probiotics, anti-viral products like Lemon balm, Cat’s Claw, L-Lysine and Goldenseal, and minerals like Selenium and Zinc to support your immune system.
Essential oils such as oregano, eucalyptus, rosemary, melaleuca, thyme, melissa, lemon and orange, have great anti-viral and antibacterial properties.
Reducing stress is essential as it depletes your body’s minerals and suppresses your immune system. Stress-reducing practices like meditation, massages, and even music can help you relax and improve your immune function. “OM”chanting activates the vagus nerve and helps to release stress from your body and tension from the mind.
Physical exercises in the fresh air is essential and needs to be balanced with relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, mindfulness. This combination is important for healthy Sympathetic-Parasympathetic Nervous System relationships.
Deep breathing provides better oxygenation and helps the immune system to regenerate cells.
Good sleep is essential for supporting your immune system. Try to regularly enjoy a relaxing bath before bed. For example, and Epsom salt bath would help you to relax, detox and improve sleep.
Exposure to nature and sun is important for the immune system. Walking barefoot on grass or earth is a very powerful way to restore the body’s natural defences.
Lowering the level of unnecessary toxicity around you like chemicals for household, personal care products, plastic, electro-magnetic pollution, artificial additives in food and drinks, reduce inflammation and helps the immune system.
Practicing regular body detoxification, doing an enema periodically and addressing heavy metals is important for a good immune system. Dealing with dysbiosis, which can be a huge source of internal toxicity, is necessary. For example, Candida alone generates more than 170 toxins inside of our body. Furthermore, coronavirus can activate certain pathogenic bacteria causing a devastating impact on your health.
Positive emotions are linked to a better functioning immune system, whereas negative emotions are linked to a lower functioning immune system. Therefore, experiencing feelings such as love, joy, gratitude, interest, hope, pride and inspiration will better support your health! There are lots of different techniques, like Reiki and EFT, that can help to open your blocked energy and reduce internal body stress.

There are so many things that you can do to support your health! What is important to realise, however, is that they cannot wait until tomorrow! If you find it difficult to implement such practices by yourself or if you have already implemented many of these steps and are ready to learn more, please, contact me for a FREE DISCOVERY CALL!

Photo by Emma Simpson

GET ON TOP OF YOUR WELL-BEING IN 2020

Dear friends,

The second month of 2020 is already upon us!!! Where has the time gone? I truly hope that this new year brings all of us plenty of interesting developments, exciting experiences and findings.

We all know that in order to enjoy life, to be alert, to be able to relax and be in top form for top performance, we need to be in good health. This means that we need to be able to switch from a state of stress, which, despite general opinion, is a state vital to survival and the achievement of goals, to a relaxed state, when we can enjoy the small things, wind down and restore our energy. The balance between being stressed and relaxed is very important. Only when we achieve this balance, will our level of adaptability be good enough to respond and adjust to the different external factors and stressors around us.

Interestingly, OUR LEVEL OF ADAPTABILITY TO STRESS AND, CONSEQUENTLY, OUR ABILITY TO RECOVER, HEAL AND REGENERATE DEPENDS ON OUR LEVEL OF INTERNAL ENERGY, WHICH IS PRODUCED BY MITOCHONDRIA.

The mitochondrion is an organelle that is present within all of our cells and produces energy. It is our “power station” on an individual cellular level. It has been estimated that a human body contains 10 million billion mitochondria! Wow, what a number! They are our batteries, providing us with the energy to live, perform, reproduce and create. This organelle has its own DNA and is of microbial origin. It is an astonishing thought, but a long time ago, mitochondria were independently living bacteria!

Mitochondria provide our cells with energy through a process called cellular respiration. Interestingly, if we should require more energy, the number of mitochondria will increase to meet our cell and body requirements. Of course, the quality of our life, our wellness and ability to recover and heal heavily rely on a sufficient level of energy. Therefore, OUR GOOD HEALTH DEPENDS ON THE HEALTH OF OUR MITOCHONDRIA, that support cellular communication and play a crucial role in the body’s ability to adapt to stress.

Research also shows that mitochondria play a role in a cell’s defence mechanism. When our bodies experience a major issue, such as a chronic disease, the mitochondria can switch from their roles as power stations to a specialised state to fight off the danger in question. In this case mitochondria produce much less energy so that the bug or virus (potential threats) can’t access that energy and use it against the body. This is why, when we are not well, we experience fatigue. The key thing, however, is when, for some reason, our mitochondria stay in this state; when the cell’s response to danger finds itself stuck in defence mode rather than its normal energy producing mode. In such cases we become unable to recover or heal effectively and are suddenly very vulnerable to any additional stressors.

The good news is, however, that NOW WE CAN MEASURE OUR BODIES’ ABILITIES TO ADAPT AND PRODUCE CELLULAR ENERGY. With the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) test, which takes no more than 5 minutes to undergo, you can find out if your body is operating at its optimal capacity and if it is able to regenerate, or if you perhaps need to be helping your body to improve its adaptability function.

The big question is HOW TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY AND OPTIMISE YOUR BODY’S ADAPTABILITY? There is no one simple answer, as the solution will always depend on your personal situation and your personal health conditions. However, very often people benefit from a personalised detoxification programme. Such a method allows us to get rid of many toxins that are blocking the metabolism, allows us to minimise the number of bad bacteria and yeast overgrowth interfering with our gut health, and it give us a healthy energy boost on a cellular level. Note that the level of detoxification needs to be carefully chosen as your body need to have enough energy and resources to go through the cleansing process.

This is why my colleague Masha Muzyrya, Holistic Coach and Energy therapist, and I, have decided to help you in this process and have organised a special TOTAL RESET RETREAT. It is so much better for you to experience this cleansing process together with others, rather than simply reading about it! It is an opportunity for you to be practical and to make visible progress in your wellness with the support of two professionals and a group of equally motivated individuals. Join us for a week-long holistic, science-based and fully guided programme of personalised detoxification, which will lead to sustainable and long-lasting improvements in your wellness.

So, what are the next steps?

Contact me for your HRV test!
Register for the Retreat! You can find more information and sign up here:

https://irinaschurov.wixsite.com/total-reset-retreat

Should you have any furthere questions, please let me know!

Have a great month!

Irina

Photo by Agnieszka Boeske on Unsplash

SET UP YOUR SUCCESSFUL DAY IN THE MORNING

“My morning is absolutely hectic!”

“I do not have any time in the morning to do any extra things. It is just impossible!”

“We run as chickens in the morning, everyone is stressed out and I just keep thinking how to don not forget something and leave home at time for school and work.”

Does it sound familiar to you? Do you experience the same challenges in the morning?

Many people I work with and coach often express this exactly opinion. However, our morning routine is VERY IMPORTANT as it is setting up our energy, metabolism and attitude for a whole day! Our morning is a gate to our success or failure during a whole day.

You probably heard many times that all successful people have a certain routine in the morning that they follow religiously as they perfectly understand that only this way, they can achieve much more during their day and therefore during their life.

So, this is true for everyone. And it is especially important for our children who are sensitive to many things, have variety learning and developmental challenges and differences. Just think about it!

Children often afraid of the unknown things. This can be new food on their plate or moving to a new class or school. So, then more predictable their morning is, then calmer kids will be. Their morning will be less stressful, more nourishing and encouraging and therefore, more productive.

What the morning routine could looks like?

Waking up to a nice energising music. During wintertime you may consider a light lamp that mimics sunrise that helps the body receives enough light to build a biochemical response to ease the waking up process.
Having a glass of water on empty stomach (lemon water is better) will help further to wake up body and importantly, the digestive system. You can prepare it from the evening. Put it on the bed side table that you and child remember it.
Washing and brushing teeth can be a challenging process for some children. You can do it together with your child. It will be more fun; you can show her how you do it and lead by example!
Stretching exercise, small jumps together around room, dry brushing for 2-5 mins will help further wake up the body, increase blood and lymph circulation, prepare digestive system to work.
Breakfast is very important! It sets up the glucose level in the blood and provides energy to our kids that they can better focus and concentrate in the school. It should contain some protein! Avoid sweet, processed food! Porridge, home-made granola, eggs, whole flour pancakes, seeds, nuts, home-made yogurt or smoothie, all these will provide a variety of essential nutrients that provide stable energy level till lunch time. But how you eat your breakfast is very important as well! Spending some time together around table, allowing your kids to make some certain choices are empowering practice. For example, your child can choose what he wants to sprinkle on top of his porridge today: fresh berries, raisons, chia seeds, crashed almonds… Choice is her! Making positive associations between food and activities helps child to accept food you propose, recognize the value in it and setting up his intention toward activities. For, example you can say that porridge helps to do math’s test faster or smoothie helps to play football better.
Eating together even for 10 mins and talking about a day ahead in a positive way, sets up the right attitude, wining mindset for a whole day. You can diffuse some peppermint or cinnamon essential oils (motivation blend) in the room during the morning. Highly sensitive children especially will positively respond to this.
Dressing up can be a challenge as well. If you discuss and prepare things child will wear from the evening, would help to avoid uncertainty and conflict in the morning.
Check all things that child needs to take to school. Together you can create the check list that can be colorful, descriptive and very visible as you child likes. You can put it on the door and before she lives the house you can together check if you have everything with you.

To implement such routine that takes 40-60 mins needs some practice and patience. But once you and your child master it, you will see enormous benefit of it. So, holiday season can be an excellent opportunity to start to practice it, implement some element

Any routine brings comfort and consistency to a child’s life, reducing number of micro-stresses l and increases a level of performance. Knowing what comes next, helps your child to reduce anxiety and boost self-confidence.

With a routine, a child will learn what she is supposed to do next and start doing it by her selves, gaining independence and get better with her time management. The visual plan of the morning routine or morning routine chart may help to some kids to move through the morning.

Here three tips how to start to implement this routine in your life:

Prepare many things from the evening:

- What to wear
- What to eat (soaking porridge, making butter for pancakes and so on)
- Prepare main things for the lunch box

Get up at least 30 min before children to set up your own positive intentions for a day, do your affirmations, to have you me-time, do your meditation.
If you feel frustrated at some point and want to yell, you rather whisper and talk very quietly. This will help you remember to use a calm voice rather than raising your voice or yelling. This will help to keep anxiety under control and it would have much bigger impact on your child.

I hope you get some ideas how to create a calmer and more productive morning routine that will lead a whole family to a successful day.

However, it still may be a challenge for parents who have kids with Autism. These families are facing another level of complexity for everything. Recognising this, I would be happy to assist anyone who needs an extra help.

Please, contact me for more details: irina@liveright.eu

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLUTEN FREE DIET

Many people nowadays are aware that Gluten can pose a problem for their digestive systems. There are different types of gluten responses, such as Celiac disease, which affects approximately 1% of the population, and gluten sensitivity, which affects approximately 10% of the population. And the variety of such responses keeps growing! Moreover, these statistics are not even especially accurate, as the clinical tests from which they are concluded do not recognise all the peptides that cause immune reactions, meaning that the number of people who are sensitive to gluten is generally higher than the amount officially reported. You can read more about Gluten here: https://liverighteu.wordpress.com/2016/07/24/is-gluten-really-the-bad-guy-for-everyone/

What I really want to stress today, is that you should not follow a gluten-free diet (GFD) blindly. While the GFD is a trend of the moment and many people are trying to follow it under the conviction that it is beneficial for their health, we nevertheless all need to be careful and think a little more before cutting gluten out of our lives completely. The GFD may also have its dark side, full of cautions and warnings, with studies suggesting that it increases the risk of inflammation and mortality (1). How is this possible?

First of all, when people sensitive to gluten eat out, it appears that, in spite of all precautions, they nonetheless expose themselves to gluten. According to research (2) gluten can be detected in 32% of GF labelled foods, with 53.3% of GF pizza and 50.8% of GF labelled pasta testing positive for gluten. These findings demonstrate that EATING GF OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSE IS SIMPLY NOT SAFE AND DEFINITELY NOT RELIABLE.

Secondly, commercially available GF products are merely examples of fashionable processed food. These products often lack vital micronutrients and are full of additives, emulsifiers and other toxic reagents. In fact, often the GF products available in supermarkets contain the following ingredients that actively contribute to leaky gut and inflammation: corn, soy, industrial plant oils high in Omega-6 and sugar. Therefore, a GFD BASED ON COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE! It does not support the healing process in the body, creating, instead, further nutritional imbalance and malnourishment.

Research also shows that a prolonged GFD changes the microbiome, modifies its composition and the immune properties of the gut microbiota, causing dysbiosis and further inflammation (3). Therefore, a GFD CAN NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR GUT HEALTH. Knowing the well-established connection between the microbiome and mental health, it is understandable why many people with Celiac disease also develop psychiatric diagnoses. Studies show that 57% of Celiac patients also experience up to 4 different mental conditions (4).

The bottom line is that a GFD has to be carefully planned and done properly. It should be based on home-made, good quality and varied products. Very often people on a GFD start to eat very repetitive meals with high amounts of certain types of nuts and seeds, products that can also cause sensitivity if eaten in excessive quantities. Any processed food, including food labelled “gluten-free”, should be avoided and the most important thing is that a GFD must be considered as a temporary solution, while bringing your body back into balance. This can be achieved by healing the gut, restoring the microbiome and improving the immune system.

With these thoughts in mind, I wish you an October full of healthy living and lots of delicious home-made food adorning your table!