My name is Mikala, I am 26 years old, married with three kids. Massage therapy is my background, and it introduced me to the world of natural healing, something I have become very passionate about. My whole life up until I was 18 I struggled with digestive issues. Then it was skin disorders. Then it was depression. For me, that was the last straw, I knew there was a better way. Suffering from my own health issues and coupled with my lust for learning, I delved in deep. I have since acquired many courses and a plethora of knowledge in nutrition, physical manipulative therapies, energy work, yoga, meditation and more. All of which have greatly changed the quality of my life experience. I am no longer just surviving, I am thriving!

  Kombucha became one of the tools in my toolbox of Healing. This fermented, tangy, effervescent tea began to heal my gut, along with my skin, and the dark cloud of depression also began to lift. This is because Kombucha is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and acids. Being fermented, it also contains large amounts of probiotics which are microorganisms found in the large intestine that are responsible for digesting and absorbing food. Science has since discovered these microorganisms are important for more than just digestion however. This forest of gut bacteria is responsible for synthesizing vitamins, neutralizing toxic metabolic by products, producing neurotransmitters for the brain such as serotonin and also houses 80% or more of the body’s immune system.

  Signs of poor gut health include, digestive disorders (diarrhea, IBS, constipation, bloating, gas and heartburn) skin problems (acne, psoriasis, eczema) autoimmune diseases, weight loss or weight gain, food intolerances and allergies, neurological disorders (depression, anxiety, OCD) fatigue and more. Due to poor diet, high stress, low physical activity and antibiotic use most people have poor gut health and therefore these symptoms.

  On January 20th I am running a Kombucha Workshop where you will learn all about this fermented drink, how to brew your own and maintain good gut health. You will receive all the supplies, your own brewing guide, experience a kombucha tasting and discuss any questions. Give yourself the gift of health this year and sign up by contacting me at Mikala.martinell@hotmail.com or finding me on FB or IG @Mikalasmusings.

1. What is an antioxidant; why are they important?

To understand antioxidant, you first need to look at free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are produced internally and externally from the environment. In small amounts, they challenge our system and help us to become stronger; in larger amounts they can do damage and interrupt other processes in the body. Internally, free radicals are produced by things like exercise or infection.

2. What is the simplest diet advice for good health that you can give?

My easiest health advice is to eat a rainbow diet. Different phytonutrients (plant based nutrition) have different appearances, often visible as colour in fruits and veggies. This is an easy way to ensure you are getting a large range of phytonutrients and antioxidants necessary for good health and proper function. The advanced version of this is to try to sub out sugary snacks that are made of simple carbs (donuts and baked goods) with more nutritious and colourful fruit!

3. I’m tired all the time, what can I do?

More than being what you eat, you are the way that you eat. Proper nutrition and meal planning is vital to energy levels. Avoiding foods that are high in sugar in the morning can help prevent energy level crashes in early or mid-day. Instead, eating nutritious complex carbohydrates can help you feel fuller longer and healthier faster. This can be as simple as subbing out cereal for a piece of fruit in the mornings and eating a protein rich snack in the afternoon. Proper rest is also required for optimum functioning so it is important to be getting enough sleep. Try limiting blue light from electronics in the evenings, having quiet restful time before bed or setting a sleep schedule. If working with your habits does not fix the problem, stop by the Valley Health Hub for herbal remedies and supplement advice.

4. What’s a quick remedy for heartburn or gastritis?

My favourite go-to for almost anything stomach related is fennel seed. The seeds can be used whole or crushed in hot water. Crushed will create bigger flavour and more aroma which makes for a lovely tea. No time for tea? The sweet seeds can be chewed directly for anything from indigestion to excess gas.