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THE
JANUARY 2019 LEDGER
13375 University Avenue, Suite 100, Clive, IA 50325|www.thelivewellclinic.com|515.279.9900
Just What You Need
WHAT CAN DE TOX I FY I NG AND CL EANS I NG DO FOR YOU?
As someone who advises others to detox and who regularly does it, I often hear skeptics say it doesn’t work. But that’s too broad of a statement. What doesn’t it work for? What were you trying to accomplish? And what kind of detox did you do? If you were looking to shed 15 pounds through a detox and then go back to your bad habits, expecting to keep off the weight, it won’t work! That’s not what detoxes are for. If a detox “didn’t work,” then it was prepared or applied incorrectly. Good detoxes are more of a mindful check-in. It should boost your liver and cells to do a better job and remind you to be conscious of what you eat and drink. It’s like a quarterly review of your body. You analyze what you have been through, address your goals, and launch into healthier living. At The Livewell Clinic, we create specialty detoxes for each of our patients, because cleansing regimens are not one-size-fits-all. What works for me on a regular basis may not work for you, and finding what does takes time. We may put a patient on a two-week cleanse that ends up taking one month because we have to adjust it to their lifestyle and tolerances. We want to see you succeed. I personally know how challenging a detox can be, but I can also attest to its power. In the end, I really do love a good detox. It rids the body of all that’s clogging up my system, and while I could do without the headaches and fatigue, it’s always just what I need.
I have a confession: I don’t like doing detoxes.
Some of you who have doneThe Livewell Clinic’s detoxes and cleanses just did a double take. We’ve heard the complaints, and we’ve been there. The headaches as you experience withdrawal from caffeine and sugar can be unbearable, and each day is just as exhausting as the next. I get it. I detox myself, and just because it’s not necessarily the most fun part of my week, that doesn’t mean I don’t recognize that I need it. And you need it, too. Your body is a machine when it comes to filtering out the bad gunk you put into it. It’s constantly scrubbing and cleaning itself, and your liver — possibly the most powerful and well-known of your body’s self-cleansing systems —works hard every day to release the filth clogging it up. But just like the filtration systems in your home, sometimes your body needs a tuneup. I always say that I like to see patients cyclically detox, just to check in on their body and realign with their wellness goals. Take two weeks every three months or so and just rid your body of the filth that might be gumming up the works. I need to make something clear, though: There are good detoxes and bad detoxes. When you adhere to drinking a bunch of tea and going to the bathroom several times every day, you’re not really boosting your body’s filtration system. You’re just dehydrating yourself. These “cleansing” systems are commonly advertised as a one-stop shop for weight loss, but they don’t give you any real benefit.
–Dr. Z a c Watki ns
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MOM REALLY DOES KNOW BEST
3 WIVES ’ TALES PROVEN TRUE
MEET MELISSA REISINGER PATIENT EDUCATION DIRECTOR/HEALTH COACH Melissa Reisinger has wornmany hats. She’s been a head veterinary technician, a bank worker, owned an in-home daycare and a cleaning business, and grew up on a farm. But the current position she holds atThe Livewell Clinic came from years of searching for answers. For eight years, Melissa struggled with health issues. She saw 20 different doctors in the Des Moines area, inquiring about chronic disorders and digestion struggles to no avail. Frustrated, inOctober 2015, Melissa started treatment atThe Livewell Clinic, and after finding success there, she was inspired to help others learn about nutrition. Melissa was hired byThe Livewell Clinic in February 2017 to help in the reception area. Eventually, Melissa was trained to do medical assistance, and after earning her licensure as an Integrative NutritionHealth Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, she became the Patient Education Director/Health Coach. “I really want to empower other patients to be in control of their health and not feel victimized by their diagnosis,” Melissa says. “A lot of people, they get that diagnosis, and they cling to that. And I was there for a while.” Education has been one of Melissa’s favorite parts of her job. She enjoys finding newways to help patients, and she is hoping to someday lead group programs at The Livewell Clinic to further educate all her patients. “I love learning, and I’m always learning new things here,” Melissa says. “I think it’s so cool that our clinic is forward-thinking. To me, it’s exciting to have my doctors tell me what they’ve heard at the conferences they’ve been to, and I like that it’s cutting edge.” Melissa, her husband, Brett, their daughter, Ruby, and their son, Jasper, have just finishing building their dreamhome. When she isn’t helping our patients live healthier, Melissa can be found spinning on her ceramics wheel and firing up her creations in her kiln. She also enjoys yoga, gardening, taking care of her chickens, and playing with her dog.
“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this fromMom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn't cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true. GARLIC CURES COLDS For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet. HEARTBURN MEANS A HAIRY BABY It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd are legitimate. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. JOINT PAIN PREDICTS THE WEATHER Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during storm weather causes pain in arthritic joints.
Melissa’s experience, dedication, and passion for what she does every day make her a valued member of our Livewell team. Thank you for all you do, Melissa!
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MINIMIZE NATURE’S TOXICITY
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STAY WELL
KEEP YOUR SPACE CLEAN The soles of your shoes pick up everything from the environment you’re stepping on, including pesticides, dirt, and nearly all kinds of bacteria. Don’t wear your shoes in your home, or keep a pair of shoes that are strictly for indoor walking. You should apply your clean-eating philosophy to your home. Use natural cleaners and beauty products, essential oils, diffusers, and plants to keep your home smelling fresh. This eliminates harmful residue and particles released by other Detoxifying gives your body’s filtration system a boost, and it can work wonders for helping your body maintain its wellness when combating a world of toxic substances. GIVE YOUR BODY A JUMP-START THIS YEAR See how The Livewell Clinic can help you cleanse your body of environmental pollutants by taking advantage of 15% off of detox kits for the entire month of January. Give us a call at 515.279.9900, or visit our website at thelivewellclinic.com for more information. products. DETOX Directions 1. In a cast-iron skillet or large sauté pan, heat oil to medium. 2. Once shimmering, add rosemary for 1 minute, then remove sprig. 3. Reduce heat to medium-low, add onion and garlic, and cook until onion softens, about 5 minutes. 4. Increase heat to medium-high, add Brussels sprouts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes. 5. Using a large spoon, create 4 wells for eggs. Pour 1 egg into each well and cook until set. 6. Carefully remove eggs and Brussels sprouts from pan and serve. Standard hashmay be a no-go on paleo diets, but there’s nothing off- programabout this Brussels sprout version. It’s perfect for a Sunday brunch. Ingredients • 4 cups Brussels sprouts, finely shredded • 4 eggs • 1 sprig fresh rosemary • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and freshly ground pepper • 1/4 cup onions, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced Directions BRUSSELS SPROUT HASH
Your body’s filtration system is a pro at keeping the gunk and grime at bay, and eating clean, healthy foods can aid in this process. But the place you choose to call home and the items you fill it with can actually inhibit your body from doing the job it needs to do. There are a variety of different environmental factors that may be filtering toxins into your body. There’s the air quality inside and outside your home, the substances in the water you drink, and the quality of the air in the environment you work in. For example, factory, construction, and maintenance workers may be exposed to more chemicals and pollutants than those who work in a school or office. Likewise, someone who lives near farmland may breathe healthier air compared to someone in a large city, but their well water may face a huge risk due to waste runoffs on crops. Residents in cities aren’t immune to water quality issues, as well. Factory runoffs and large filtration systems can still create dangerous water issues. While you cannot completely control the environmental toxins you’re exposed to, you can mitigate some of the effects with the following tweaks to your lifestyle.
Livewell Events Intro to Living Well
Jan. 7 at 5 p.m. Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. Jan. 23 at 5 p.m Jan. 28 at 5 p.m Livewell Chat Jan. 8: Detox/Cleansing Patient Appreciation Jan. 9: 4–7 p.m. Facebook Live Why Cleanse? Jan. 9 and Jan. 23
Register for our events by visiting thelivewellclinic.com/events . Click register on Eventbrite and enter promotional code at top right of the screen. Use the promo code EATWELL to earn a free gift at the class.
Inspired by Food Republic
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Fitting Detoxes Into Your Life INSIDE 13375 University Avenue, Suite 100 Clive, IA 50325
3 Wives’ Tales That Are True Meet Our Health Coach!
The Environment and Your Health Livewell Events Brussels Sprout Hash
The Best Skiing Destinations in the World
3 OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST WINTER SPORT DESTINATIONS
WHO’S READY FOR SOME POWDER?
The sound of the first carve through fresh powder is the anthem of all winter sports enthusiasts. Here are three of the world’s best places to experience that powder you’ve been craving all year. Breckenridge, Colorado John Denver’s anthem “Rocky Mountain High” is about the freedom he felt here. Where there are great mountains, there’s even better snow. The ski resort boasts five peaks, 187 trails, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and a renowned cross-country trail. After a day on the slopes, head into the town of Breckenridge for dining and activities that ditch the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen and take you straight to the heart of fun. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada A destination that looks like a cross between a Nordic paradise and Olympic-level runs, Whistler is filled with true magic, winter activities, and a town that captivates the senses. When you see the mountains
of British Columbia, you’ll understand why they hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The location’s beauty is only part of your stimulating experience, because every curve of fresh powder makes your pupils dilate. Once you’re done flying down the hill where Bode Miller took the bronze, head over to the winter wonderland of the old Olympic Village for a cozy night in a picturesque town. St. Anton, Austria If you want a great location for next year’s Christmas card photo, there’s no better place than the Tyrolean Alps. Nestled in a valley between perfectly molded mountains, the Austrian landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter excursions. The densely wooded areas and the bright reflection of the snow frame the vibrant town that’s just waiting to be explored. When you’re ready for world-class runs, hop in one of the 11 gondolas and zip down the hills that hosted the 2001 Alpine World Ski Championships.
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