Alter Life

Allergies…how annoying! Have you ever found yourself cursing the pollen, the dander, the dust, etc.? It’s too convenient to blame one’s allergy symptoms on these external allergens, just as it's convenient to blame one’s emotional reactions in life on outer circumstances in the world.

However, we can take responsibility for the underlying root cause of immune imbalance just as we can take responsibility for our the thoughts we believe that create our reality.

We love exploring the brain-body connections and the energetic components that contribute to physical symptoms in these Wisdom Wednesday episodes. Today, we explore the nagging symptoms associated with allergies.

With Allergies, there is often a major theme of self-victimization, giving one’s power away, and annoyance/aggravation with others or the outside circumstances. There is often a feeling that one needs to shelter themselves from the aggressors and annoyances of the outside world, whether they be the traditional allergens (dust, pollen, etc.) or whether they be people, places, or other things one feels “allergic” to. 

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

• The link between stress response and allergic symptoms
• The more we shelter ourselves from the suspected allergens, the more we give our power away
• Energetic contributors to allergies including - (a) Feeling annoyed and aggravated by other people and (b) Blaming people and events for your negative reactions
• How we can reclaiming power by understanding how health and peace of mind are innate, always coming from within
• Taking responsibility for health and the human experience can be a key aspect in freedom from chronic allergy symptoms

Links to some more good stuff

- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com 
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth 
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

A stuffy nose (allergic rhinitis) is one of the most common symptoms of allergies, aka hay fever.

Millions suffer seasonally, or just randomly, unable to fully appreciate blooming flowers, grassy meadows, furry four-legged pet friends, or other beauties in the environment.

I, Dr. Ben, know this quite well first hand, as allergies and asthma kept me from feeling my best during soccer and baseball seasons as a kiddo. The prescription antihistamines and bronchodilating inhalers hardly worked to manage my chronic allergies... but then, everything changed when nature helped to put my immune system into balance.

 In today's Medicinal Monday episode we cover everything from managing allergy symptoms naturally, the power of nasal diaphragmatic breathing to help the body function in its best form, as well as the intricacies of immune balancing (Th1 and Th2).

As always, you can join us live each Monday at 12 PT / 3 ET on the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's episode on Nose/Sinuses...

• The nose and sinuses filter and humidify air, providing first line of defense against invading pathogens and toxins
• Chronic congestion from allergies increases risk for upper respiratory infection including sinus infection and ear infection
• Allergy symptoms can be immediately relieved from steam inhalation or alternating compress, as well as some herbs and supplements (nettels, butterbur, NAC, etc)
• The power of nose breathing to both prevent and reverse chronic congestion (and balance blood pressure, nervous system, oral microbiome, and more)
• How being too clean/sterile can chronically imbalance the immune system and exacerbate allergies (and other conditions related to Th2 dominance)

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

While the common earache (acute otitis media) is  much more common in youngsters, infection can spread to the ear at any point in life under the right conditions.

In Medicinal Money we discussed all the physical risk factors that can lead to acute and reoccurring ear infections, highlighting the power of removing dietary/lifestyle obstacles to support healthy immunty.

In today’s Wisdom Wednesday, we will explore the psychospiritual factors that contribute to ear issues, including infections, tinnitus, hearing issues, and inner ear/vestibular issues like vertigo.

Of course, the ear represent one’s capacity to hear. When there is pain and infection or diminished hearing it could point to the following energetic patterns:
⁃Not wanting to hear what is around you.
⁃Not wanting to hear what is being said to you
⁃Trying to block other people out
⁃Not listening to your own insight and wisdom

We explore how we can relate to these patterns in a healthy and empowering way!

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

⁃ The connections between the brain (state of the autonomic nervous system) and the health of one’s ears
⁃ Metaphysical factors that play into ear health and issues with one's ears
⁃ The power of responding to what we hear with our ears with curiosity and empowerment
⁃ How we can be a “good listener” to support healthy ears and hearing
⁃ The importance of tuning into inner wisdom and guidance to hear and listen from a deeper place inside

Links to some more good stuff

- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com 
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth 
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

We're making our way through the body, Altering Your Health from Head to Toe.

Circulatory system, lymph, bones, brain, eyes... next stop: ears!

When we think about ears, of course we consider the miracle of hearing, funneling sound waves that are then interpreted by the brain. The vestibular complex of the inner ear is also associated with spatial orientation and balance, something that we may often take for granted unless that system is out of whack (as is the case with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV)!

There is much to say about the nuances of hearing issues, tinnitus, and vestibular issues that cause vertigo and balance problems. However, the focus in this week's episode is the common ear infection, otitis media, much more common in children, warranting  1 out of 3 visits to the pediatricians office.

Chronic and recurrent ear infections are so common in kiddos, but completely avoidable! We discuss the risk factors, root causes, and natural treatment options to avoid the more common and invasive treatments such as antibiotics and surgical implantation of ear tubes.

As always, you can join us live each Monday at 12 PT / 3 ET on the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's episode on EARS...

• The anatomy of the ear canal, ear drum, inner ear, and eustachian tube
• The links that breast feeding, dairy consumption, and other environmental and lifestyle factors have with ear infections
• Why allergies and frequent upper respiratory infections (URIs) can be linked to recurrent ear infections
• Some natural treatment considerations to avoid antibiotic usage and ear tubes
• The most important nutrients to support immune status and healthy ear canals

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Vision is more than just what we gain through the miracle of eyesight. Vision comes from a deeper and more intuitive place. Or at least we have access to the expanded and elevated perspective where we can see and know more deeply and with certainty.

On Medicinal Monday this week (#323), we discussed the physiology of eye health and how to eat and live to promote a healthy retina, clear lenses, and avoid conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. While the physical determinants of health (food, hydration, movement, sleep, etc.) majorly impact eye health, we love to explore the deeper metaphysical relationships that are still very much connected to the healthy eyes.

The eyes’ physical role in the body is to SEE. To perceive information from the outside world. The structure of the eye picks up on light, which the brain translates to recognizable patterns an images that we can make sense of and respond to appropriately in our lives. As one of the body’s main senses, it’s a primary  way that we take in information.

When eye issues arise, there may also be an energetic component. Issues around not liking what you are seeing in life, fear of really seeing your true self, or the inability to look ahead into the future with joy can also impede our physiologic vision. We can get curious about these opportunities to see ourselves and life through "God's eyes" as we gain peace and perspective. Enhanced eye health and eye sight come along with this deeper connection to spiritual vision.

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

⁃How stress impacts vascular health (increased blood pressure, blood glucose, and plaque build up) which has effects on microvasculature of eye/retina.
⁃The mind's eye and how energetic/emotional blockage can contribute to eye problems and poor vision
- Perception is 100% dependent on the quality of thinking in a moment - we can see ourselves and life with greater curiosity and open-mindedness
⁃How a clear and decluttered mind translates to clear perception and clear vision
⁃The power of the psychological immune system in clearing "thought storms" that may arise in the mind

Links to some more good stuff

- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com 
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth 
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

As with anything else in the body, the health of the eyes depends upon circulation and vascular health to deliver nutrients and remove waste/toxicity.

When it comes to eye health there are many important considerations to maintain optimal vision and prevent or reverse eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, etc.

In this Medicinal Monday episode as we Alter Your Health from Head to Toe we discuss some anatomy and physiology of the eye which helps us to understand how we can eat and live in a way to optimize eye health and function.

There is SO much research that supports the benefits of increasing consumption of nutrient-dense whole plant foods and lowering toxic load, cholesterol, and saturated fats from diet. Additionally, we share some other helpful lifestyle considerations including hydrotherapy and "eye exercises" that promote health at any point in life.

Of course, when it comes to eyes, there are many genetic and anatomical variations that exist between people leading to myopia (near-sighted), hyperopia (far-sighted), and astigmatism (variation of eye curvature). These refractive issues are generally corrected with glasses, lenses, or surgery such as LASIK or PRK. These common conditions are not the subject of today's episode.

As always, you can join us live each Monday at 12 PT / 3 ET on the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's episode on EYES...

• Eyes are actually extension of the brain - the optic nerve that decodes the signals detected by "rod" and "cone" photoreceptors on the retina
• When we look at the retina during an ophthalmic exam we are able to directly see the blood vessels that make up the microvascular system in the eye
• Diabetes (insulin resistance), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can all cause "retinopathy" which causes the damage of retinal tissue in the eye over time leading to conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma
• Cataracts are opacities in the lens of the eye generally caused by eye trauma, oxidative injury (excessive UV light), or nutritional deficiency (antioxidants like vit C)
• Numerous phytonutrients (nutrients from PLANTS) have been proven to protect against eye diseases such as Vit C, Vit E, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and more
• There are basic "eye exercises" to support eye health such as regularly shifting from up-close vision (screens!) to more expansive panoramic vision (nature!) as well as generally tracking objects up close and far away (playing catch, watching birds fly, tracking objects in nature, etc)

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

The lymphatic system is the lesser known step-sister to the more sexy circulatory system.

While the arteries deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells and veins remove much of the waste, the lymphatic system is left to mop up the rest of the mess within the interstitial space at the capillary beds. We talked much more about the dynamics of lymphatic circulation in last Medicinal Monday, episode #321.

Many nutritional and lifestyle factors influence the health and fluidity of the lymphatic circulation such as general hydration status, toxin accumulation, nutrient status, dietary fat intake, and more.

When the lymphatic system is congested there are several consequences to our body. One important one is lowered immune status causing frequent infections or the exacerbation of chronic illness.

This brings us to the psycho-spiritual opportunity as it relates to our lymphatic system - the feeling of safety and security as it relates to our environment and the ability to stay balanced to protect ourselves and energies in the face of opportunistic invaders.

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

- The feeling of safety and security doesn't come from outer circumstances, but our trust in self and the universe
⁃Physiological stress direct suppresses the lymphatic system’s ability to support immune function and detoxification. 
⁃ One helpful tip to feeling less fearful is recognizing that “you don’t need to believe everything you think” and that thoughts are literally formless energy that we can either choose to take seriously or let go. 
⁃ As we can more trust in our body and the safety and security that the universe provides, this translates into great physiological harmony and lymphatic health
⁃We can dissolve the feelings of fear and vulnerability when we connect with the wisdom of our body and mind - trusting that we have everything we needs to handle whatever situation is presented to us in life. 

Links to some more good stuff

- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

Some things in the body are quite mysterious - hidden, out of sight, and rarely talked about.

The Lymphatic System is certainly one of these not-so-popular aspects of the body,  but that's not to say it doesn't have a vitally important role in maintaining our physiologic balance! In fact so many chronic issues have their roots in sluggish and sub-optimal lymphatic circulation, 

The Lymphatic System is often referred to as the "sewage system" of the body. This crude comparison isn't too far off. Lymphatic vessels soak up fluid outside of cells and deliver it back to the circulatory system. This open system operates at very low pressure, and has a tendency to become sluggish and even stagnant under improper conditions (sedentary, dehydrated, high fat, etc).

In today's Medicinal Monday episode as we Alter Health from Head to Toe we explain the dynamics of the lymphatic system, its interconnectedness with other organs like the liver, immune system, and circulatory system, and most importantly cover the top tips to keep lymphatics moving smoothly to prevent health issues.

As always, you can join us live each Monday at 12 PT / 3 ET on the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's episode on LYMPHATICS...

• How the lymphatic system works as a security system, protecting us against pathogens, toxins, cancerous cells and much more. 
• It also serves as a sewer system, carrying out waste products from cells, and delivery fluid back into the blood stream. 
• The unique mechanism by which dietary fat is absorbed and transported through the body.
• The many symptoms/conditions associated with lymphatic congestion (edema, compromised immunity, cancer, fatigue, toxin accumulation, and more).
• How the most basic daily habits such as hydration, movement, and nutrient dense nutrition naturally low in fat support lymphatic circulation - along with a few additional lymph moving therapeutic strategies.

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

When we think of the roles of the the circulatory system, one of its main jobs is to delivery life-fueling nutrients and oxygen to our body’s various tissues.

In a sense, a delivery system of gifts and good tidings! The vascular system literally circulates the good stuff all throughout the body.

The energetic and spiritual connections with circulatory health are centered around our human ability to feel and express positive emotions - love, gratitude, compassion, acceptance, forgiveness...

Dysfunction of the vascular system (such as atherosclerosis, arterial plaqueing, endothelial dysfunction, arterial stenosis, clotting, etc) can represent a disconnection from the heart, a refusal to see good, or a limitation in positive self-expression.

As is the case with health and life, we always have infinite opportunities to learn, grow, expand, and deepen into the unconditional loving essence that is our true nature. As we share this with the world, we give ourselves the physiologic harmony that comes with healthy circulation and vascular function.

In Medicinal Monday's episode (#319) we talked about the physiologic mechanisms to optimize vascular health, reverse atherosclerosis, and improve blood flow. Today we get to explore the corresponding energetics around blood flow and healthy circulation.

Join the conversations live on YouTube every Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's WW episode...

⁃How the physiologic stress response directly effects the vascular system
⁃How chronic states of stress, rigid thinking, and negative thinking can both physically and energetically restrict circulation in the body
⁃On an energetic level, the circulatory is a delivery system for the love and joy that is associated with the our heart chakra
⁃How reconnecting with innate joy and authentic self-expression supports the circulation of blood in the body, and also the circulation of love in the world
- We can relate to feelings of constrictions as opportunities to open up, deepening into love and compassion

Links to some more good stuff

- Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com
- Stay connected on Telegram: https://t.me/alterhealth
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products

If all the blood vessels in your body were connected end to end, they would span 60,000 miles! If you laid them out around the world, they would circle the entire globe not once, but more than 2 full times!

The circulatory system is designed to ensure the survival of all cells throughout the body. It does so by delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing carbon dioxide plus other waste products to maintain the precise biochemical environment necessary for each cell.

It's mind boggling to consider the dynamics an universal intelligence orchestrating the myriad of processes that support you in thriving!

Fortunately, we don't need to control or micromanage anything in our body, but just keep ourselves nourished in a way to preserve normal physiologic function.

Since the health of every cell in your body depends on its access to nutrients and oxygen from it's nearest blood vessels, its clear to say that your vascular health matters immensely! It would then also make sense how sluggish circulation can starve cells, cause back up of waste, and promote disease.

Today, we are excited to share the important and empowering facts to preserve optimal vascular function throughout life. 

SPRING CLEANSE - Last call!!! It's starting July 17th, but registration deadline is July 15th, before Cleanse Meeting #1! Love your liver like never before as you take your health and energy to the next level! Register at www.alter.health/cleanse

As always, you can join us live each Monday at 12 PT / 3 ET on the Alter Health YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/alterhealth

Some highlights from today's episode on BLOOD VESSELS...

• The relationship between arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins (and also lacteals and lymphatic vessels)
• The anatomical structure of blood vessels, what the endothelium is, and the importance of endothelial health and function
• How vascular system can become damaged and what can cause it (hint: oxidative stressors!)
• It's never to early or too late to reverse vascular issues (average 10 year old has early signs of vascular disease, i.e. fatty streaking, according to a 1983 study!)
• Some signs of microvascular damage in the periphery, eyes, kidneys, and genitals!
• The 6 most important things to consider for vascular health: hydration, toxin-free life, nutrient dense foods (nitrates, antioxidants, etc), movement, low stress, hydrotherapy

Links to some more good stuff
-  Join Alter Health on Locals: https://alterhealth.locals.com/
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to  more good stuff

- Work With Me - www.alter.health
- GREEN FORCE! - www.visfoods.co (use the code AlterLife for $10 off)
- Check out my favorite products - www.alter.health/products