Quaternary Health Journal - Haelan LifeStream Center

This Journal format will feature current writings and resources which will be presented in the 4 categories of body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

This particular Journal will focus on the topics of gut health, our gifts, and our global issues.

The Haelan LifeStream model addresses this quaternary by addressing clients’ needs in the areas of nutrition, exercise, mental and emotional clarity, self love, spiritual alignment, and vision work.

Articles will be selected which offer research, insights, and trends analysis relating to the 6 areas of study of the Haelan LifeStream model. These 6 areas of consideration cover the body, mind, emotion, spirit quaternary.

Since our health is interwoven with the health of the world, there will also be selected articles which present analysis of current geophysical, geopolitical, and socio-economic trends.

The reader is invited to visit the linked offerings of this Quaternary Health Journal as one’s time and interest allow.

Without any further ado…

Body

As Hippocrates taught us 2500 years ago, the health of the body begins in the gastrointestinal tract. If Hippocrates were to visit us in the present day, he would find much research and clinical applications related to his stated health principle. Today more and more evidence and credence is being built around the science of how all diseases begin in the gut. The 2 selections below expand upon this foundational health concept.

The first presentation comes from the The Empowering Neurologist. Here is an interview by holistic neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter, M.D., with his guest Dr. Michael Ruscio. Drs. Perlmutter and Ruscio explain how gut health relates to just about everything else in the body, how changes in gut health can manifest as disease, and what we can do to remedy the problem. One of the simplest keys to our health success lies in our gut microbiome.

The second reference in the body category is the website for Viome. This is a laboratory service, founded in 2016, which offers genetic analysis of one’s gastrointestinal microbiome through the relatively new science of RNA transcriptomics. This analysis gives very accurate data as to which bacterial species and strains are alive and functioning in the gut. By analyzing the genetics of the gut bacteria from a submitted stool sample, precise recommendations are made for dietary and lifestyle modifications to help bring the gut ecology and chemistry back into balance. This is an excellent website and genetic service, and it serves to reinforce Hippocrates’ statement about the overarching importance of gut health.

Here is some of the latest research and wisdom on probiotics and is worth a read…Probiotics–What to Look For. The opening words read thus…”With the increase in chronic stress, poor diets, dysbiosis from birth, environmental toxins, pharmaceutical drug use, and functional gastrointestinal disorders, it is more imperative than ever before that routine probiotics become as necessary as a multivitamin for nearly every life stage. A healthy microbiome is foundational for general health and wellness, and nearly all health disparities can be linked, in part, to an imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis).”

Mind

Most world cultures outside of western cultures regard the heart rather than the brain as the seat of the mind. It may be said that one of the main purposes of a healthy brain is to serve the desires and vision of the heart, and to not override the messaging and desires of the heart. In the past 40 years more and more scientific research has come forward from the schools of western thought which align with this expanding heart-brain connection.

Dr. J. Andrew Armour, M.D., Ph.D., introduced the term, “heart brain,” in 1991. Armour showed that the heart’s complex nervous system qualified it as a “little brain.” His work, and the work of other researchers, helps explain that the heart brain, like the brain proper, has an intricate network of various types of neurons, neurotransmitters, proteins, and support cells. The heart can act independently to learn, remember, feel, and sense.

This website page of the HeartMath Institute shows images adapted from Dr. Armour’s research.

The heart has important functions aside from its neuromuscular pumping function. This growing body of research and information is covered in 4 extended writings on this website about Heart Electromagnetics:

Perhaps the most important aspect of heart mind which is not often referenced in our current day consumerist world society regards the high value and primacy of self love. Sometimes misunderstood as being misguided narcissistic self indulgence, self love is really a deep abiding respect for the importance and value of your life, and therefore, all lives.

The Buddha said, “You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere.”

Emotions

Our all important psycho-emotional make-up finds its complex origins in the first years of life when we are enmeshed and entangled in the equally complex psycho-emotional fabric of other people.

Research into childhood trauma is ongoing at many global centers and has been compiled into a succinct category of study known as Adverse Childhood Events. It is now well accepted that ACEs are a major determinant of our future health and longevity.

This brief article from the Cleveland Clinic, entitled Childhood Emotional Trauma Closely Linked to Problems in Adulthood, presents an overview of this very important health consideration, as well as some associated neuro-biology.

In an earlier Journal on this website I presented information on the original ACEs research, as well as the questionnaire testing that one can use to determine one’s ACE score. The significance of the ACE score is explained in the Journal writing. Here is a link to that writing, entitled Adverse Childhood Events.

Spirit

Aside from one’s orientation to a religion, spiritual path, agnosticism, or atheism, it may be said that spirituality is a lifelong study of how one orients to understanding and developing one’s gifts and passions. In order for us to be able to align with and follow our calling, we have to be able to understand our personal qualities and individual gifts. What qualities make us unique and special? What gifts were we born to develop and bring forward?

In other words…how does life (spirit) want to express itself through your existence? What does your heart want to be, and do?

Everyone has unique passions and gifts that need to be expressed because when we authentically share our gifts, we serve the world around us in a unique way that only we can do. We always feel more alive, passionate, and joyful when we serve our true callings. No matter what your true calling is (and there could be more than one), it will be what spirit wants to express through your life.

In another edition of The Empowering Neurologist, Dr. Perlmutter interviews Professor Melissa Schilling, Ph.D., who has written a book entitled Quirky. This 5 star book explores the characteristics and personalities of some of the innovators who have changed the destiny of the world by following and adhering to the special ways in which they were individually gifted.

Here is Dr. Perlmutter and Dr. Schilling’s interesting and enlightening presentation…The Characteristics of Breakthrough Innovators.

Rounding out this spirit section is this bit of advice from the Dalai Lama on living a good life…Consider Yourself a Tourist.

Global Health

On his website Peak Prosperity, Chris Martenson curates opinions and writings on the broad subject categories of geophysical, geopolitical, and socio-economic concerns. He and his writing staff present us with insights for adapting and prospering as we strive to keep pace with our world. This dynamic website offers expert analysis and opinion about our rapidly changing world and how we can adjust to the changing velocity of life and what life brings us on a daily basis. The summaries which are presented every Saturday are excellent.

In a recent editorial entitled The End of Growth, Martenson presents the idea that either the current global growth trends must end, or we will.

Conclusion

I intend to keep the Quarternary Health Journal format going indefinitely. I will also be posting pertinent articles in the associated reading and resource list which will follow each of these Journal entries.

Follow your bliss, take meditation naps often, wake up refreshed, and go forth and make a difference.

Thank you for reading.

Signing off from Crestone and Beyond

Associated Resources…this reading list will feature current articles which relate to the body-mind-emotions-spirit quaternary, as well as global affairs.

A JustLuxe magazine article from May, 2014 which explains what I offer in this health model in the 6 health categories of study mentioned above.
The Heart’s Intuitive Intelligence…a short informative video which should inspire you on your personal journey to learn about your heart. An important scientific discovery in the last century was that the universe is fully interconnected. Nothing can be considered separate or alone. Scientific evidence provides support for a global field environment that connects all living systems and consciousness. Many scientists believe that a feedback loop exists between all humans and the earth’s energetic systems.
Transcriptome Fact Sheet…an explanation from the NIH which will help you understand a bit about transcriptomics. Transcriptomics has expanded dramatically in the past few years because of technical developments in RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). An RNA sequence mirrors the sequence of the DNA from which it was transcribed. Consequently, by analyzing the entire collection of RNA sequences in a cell (the transcriptome) researchers can determine when and where each gene is turned on or off in the cells and tissues of an organism.
Parenting, Part II…a writing on this website which details the work of psychologist Erik Erikson. Erickson defined the four stages of growth of the child via the tensional opposites which the child has to face and master in order to achieve the virtue of that stage of growth. The 4 virtues are hope, willpower, purpose, and competence. It is in these 4 stages of growth that ACEs occur and can disrupt the learning and integration process, forever, unless the trauma is healed over the course of one’s life.
The Neurobiology of Stress…the microbiome and the enteric nervous system interact to influence our perception of stress.
Mood and the Microbiome: the potential for a bottom-up therapeutic pathway…an on-demand webinar where a practicing psychiatrist and a professor of psychiatry discuss an important therapeutic consideration.
How A Pause Can Save The Day…good suggestions here about the value of taking a brief moment of stillness to silently evaluate the moment at hand.
Loneliness–An Underappreciated Risk Factor for Poor Health Outcomes…a Danish study shows that loneliness complicates heart health, as well as other health outcomes.
Baby’s First Bacteria: When Does the Microbiome Begin?…The Empowering Neurologist explains the importance of vaginal birth and how this way of coming into the world affects the beginning of our microbiome.
Science Says This Is the Length of a Perfect Nap…some interesting information on the effects of different nap time lengths.
Aerobic Exercise and the Health of Your Microbiome…a new study shows the value of aerobic exercise in improving the microbial diversity and functionality of gut bacteria.
An autopsy of the American dream…”So yes, things are very bad, but the patient isn’t quite dead yet — there are some cures that are still possible.”
“Find your passion” is bad advice, say Yale and Stanford psychologists…“Parents, teachers, and employers might get the most out of people if they suggest that interests are developed, not simply found. Telling people to find their passion could suggest that it’s within you just waiting to be revealed. Telling people to follow their passion suggests that the passion will do the lion’s share of the work for you.”
New review demonstrates the role of melatonin in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)…interesting information about the role of melatonin in gastrointestinal health.
Here’s What We’ve Lost in the Past Decade…Charles Hugh Smith (oftwominds.com) offers some of his penetrating and hard hitting factual editorial about our negative cultural trends.
Night Time Light Exposure–Not a Bright Idea…Dr. David Perlmutter brings us some thoughts and recent research on the negative effects of artificial light exposure at night.
How An Unhealthy Gut Microbiome Can Make You Fat…a message from Viome about the importance of short chain fatty acids and inflammation and the gut-brain axis.
Are Laxatives Wrecking Havoc on Your Gut?…Dr. David Perlmutter explains some problems with laxatives in a 3 minute video.
New study demonstrates the effects of prebiotics and probiotics for obesity and metabolic syndrome…new science and new trends of healing the gut keep being revealed by new research, posted here on 12-18-18.
The Metabolic and Gut Health Benefits of Resistant Starch…resistant starches are another form of fermentable prebiotic fiber. The 5 different types of resistant starch are described. Being resistant to digestive breakdown in the small intestine, these starches proceed on to the colon where resident microbes break down (ferment) the starch to beneficial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFA).
Everybody Who Eats Needs To Hear This Warning…Dr. David Perlmutter is interviewed by Tom Bilyeu on 1-24-19 about a variety of important topics which revolve around brain health. This is an excellent interview which is packed with current cutting edge information.
This former Apple engineer has analyzed the microbes in his body 600 times–here’s what he learned…this man spent the past five years of his life dedicated to learning about his microbiome, meaning the entire community of microbes found in his body at any given time. Here are his interesting findings.
Cannabidiol May Reduce Intestinal Inflammation…a study from PLOS ONE is summarized here showing that CBD reduces intestinal inflammation. Please see the full Journal writing on Cannabidiol from 1-22-19.
How Diet Guards Against Leaky Gut…It is far easier to maintain and protect a healthy gut with diet and lifestyle choices than fix a broken one. It requires a multi-faceted approach to maintain a healthy gut.
“Western Diets and IBD”…”A recent publication from the GI Health Foundation carries the ominous title, ‘Westernized Diet is the Most Ubiquitous Environmental Factor in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.’ It echoes several other studies that point to a “Western” diet as a key driver of IBD.”
Therapeutic Niche for Glutamine…”Gut health is paramount for achieving and maintaining overall health and wellness. However, this vital organ system is far too often ignored in the face of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, and others.”
The Carnivore Diet: Is It Really Healthy?…Chris Kresser takes a look at the benefits and pitfalls of eating an all-meat diet.
Poop: Pharma’s Next Goldmine?…the Alliance for Natural Health reports on the FDA being poised to regulate fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) as a new drug.
The Stomach-Brain Axis: Hunger’s Not All in the Mind…the two-way communication between the stomach and the brain is explored in this article.
You Aren’t What You Eat; You’re What You Absorb…important information is presented here about what affects nutrient absorption in the gut.
When Do I Take These Supplements?…the timing the ingestion of probiotics, glutamine, digestive enzymes, and antimicrobials is covered here.
Early Beginnings for IBD…the influences on the development of inflammatory bowel disease are covered here.
New study demonstrates fasting mimicking diet reduces inflammatory bowel disease pathology…”researchers demonstrated that a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) modulates the microbiota, promotes intestinal regeneration, and reduces inflammatory bowel disease pathology.”
Mediterranean Diet Superior for Gut Microbiome and Addressing Crohn’s & IBS…researchers from the University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands have found that certain foods including legumes, bread, fish, nuts, and wine are associated with a better gut microbiome that aids the biosynthesis of essential nutrients and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the main source of energy for cells lining the colon.
We Are What We Eat: Frightful Facts about the Standard American Diet…a short article about the frightful foods to avoid.
Prebiotics for Gut Restoration…found in many high fiber carbohydrates, prebiotics allow the probiotic bacteria to flourish and persist and make the necessary prebiotic end-products which are short chain fatty acids (SCFA).
How the Gut Keeps Time…sleep affects the immune system, and immune system activation alters sleep. A unique type of immune cell located in the gut, called type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3), are immunomodulatory and sustain equilibrium inside the gut. An October 4, 2019 article from Science Immunology describes how these cells are responsible for maintaining proper intestinal function, providing mucosal defense against pathogens, fortifying the gut barrier, and (most recently discovered) keeping track of time!
Antibiotics and Colon Cancer…the causal association is due to changes in gut flora due to antibiotic usage. “The authors of this report demonstrated increased risk of colon cancer even with one single exposure to antibiotics.”… “it’s certainly important to point out that over 70% of the antibiotics used in America are used by the poultry and cattle industries to create the very food that we consume.”
Comparison of Laughter Yoga and Anti-Anxiety Medication on Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome…an October, 2019 article published in PubMed which found that that the laughter yoga group experienced a more significant decrease in IBS symptoms than both the anxiety medication and control groups.
New study investigates probiotic benefits on cognitive function in children and adolescents…”This study demonstrates that probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and the first year of life may reduce the risk of developing ADHD or Asperger’s syndrome by its effects on the gut microbiome and commensal bacteria via the gut-brain axis.”
Probiotics Value Beyond Digestive Health…a variety of benefits of probiotics are covered in this summary.
Balance Bacteria with Spore-Based Probiotics…Spore-based probiotics are soil-based microorganisms that are formed from spores and found in dirt and vegetation. Unlike most traditional probiotics which are similar to those naturally found in the human GI tract such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, spore-based probiotics derived from Bacillus species are delivered as dormant spores. The benefits of spore-based probiotics are reviewed in this article.
Gut Microbiome May be Linked to Personality and Social Behavior…the gut microbiome affects personality, social behavior and even neuroticism.

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