Natural Digestive Health Center 248-839-1313

10/18/2026

During the holiday season, the average person consumes 2 to 3 times more sugar than usual!
This surge often comes from traditional sugary treats like cookies, pies, and candies that grace festive tables. While enjoying seasonal favorites is part of the celebration, it's fascinating to consider how these indulgences impact our bodies. Excess sugar can lead to energy spikes and crashes which over time may affect metabolic health. The consumption of sugar also lowers your resistance to germs and bacteria as excess sugar creates high amounts of free radicals and oxidative stress. This increase requires your body to expend antioxidants such as vitamin C in order to combat such cellular stress.
Being mindful of portions allows us to savor the flavors of the season while supporting overall wellness.

10/18/2026

Stepping out on the town tonight for a little ballroom dancing 💃🏼

10/18/2026

Halloween fairies at play 🧚‍♂️

10/17/2026

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Lymph & Your Ears 👂 🌿

What’s All the Buzz About?

Hey there, Lymphies!
Did you know your ears have their very own lymphatic traffic jam—or flow, rather? Yep, your ears aren’t just for hearing gossip and good music—they’re also hubs for immune defense, drainage, and detox!

Let’s take a journey around your ears and explore how the lymphatic system keeps them clear, balanced, and humming along smoothly.

Ears + Lymph = BFFs for Life

Around your ears lives a beautiful network of lymphatic vessels and nodes. These tiny guardians do some BIG things:
• Drain excess fluid from your scalp, face, and neck
• Filter out toxins, bacteria, and viruses
• Balance pressure and inflammation
• Support your immune system during colds, flus, and allergies

The Major Players Behind Your Ears

Let’s name-drop a few VIPs in your ear’s lymphatic crew:

1. Preauricular nodes – Found in front of your ear, they drain the face and outer eye area.
2. Postauricular nodes – Located just behind your ears, they drain your scalp and outer ear.
3. Cervical nodes – These are in your neck and help filter lymph from around the ears, jaw, and throat.

These nodes team up to clear toxins, fight off infections, and maintain healthy fluid flow—especially when you’re dealing with earaches, congestion, or that “popping” feeling.

Ever Had Swollen Ears or Tender Spots Behind Your Ears?

That’s your lymph system working overtime to fight something off!
Maybe you’ve had:
• An ear infection
• A tooth issue
• A sinus cold
• Or even just stress and poor sleep

These things can slow lymph flow and cause swelling or tenderness near those nodes.

Lymphatic Drainage for Ear Health

Let’s get those ears flowing! Here’s how to help:

1. Gentle massage
Use your fingers to do slow, circular movements around and behind the ears. Always massage towards your neck—that’s where the lymph drains!

2. Deep breathing
Helps pump lymph through the thoracic duct and drains the head & neck!

3. Stay hydrated
Lymph needs water to move. No water = sluggish ears!

4. Facial yoga or stretches
Relieves tension and improves lymphatic circulation around the ears and jaw.

Let’s Play! Fun Ear Check-In

Do this quick scan:
• Feel just in front of your ear. Is it tender or puffy?
• Now check behind your ear. Any tightness or swelling?
• Take 3 deep breaths and gently tap around the area. You’re waking up your lymph!

Ear Facts You Didn’t Know You Needed
• There’s lymph fluid inside your inner ear that helps balance your movement—so if you’re dizzy or wobbly, your lymph may need love!
• Tinnitus (ringing) is sometimes related to lymphatic congestion or pressure buildup!
• Your ear canals and sinuses connect, so sinus infections can cause ear pain—and vice versa.

Keep It Flowing, Keep It Glowing

Your ears aren’t just cute—they’re lymph superstars!
So next time you do your lymphatic routine, give your ears a little love. Because when your ears are clear and your nodes are happy, your whole head feels better!

Let’s flow, lymph fam!


This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.

©️

10/17/2026

One of my favorite herbs!

SLIPPERY ELM: THE QUIET OLD REMEDY I USE FOR DOGS, CATS, AND YES, EVEN ME

I’ve used slippery elm for the last few years, and it has become one of my favorite herbal remedies. It isn’t flashy, and your dog won’t suddenly stand up and applaud, but when used properly it can be very soothing for vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, IBD, mouth ulcers, coughs, sore throat, bladder inflammation, and minor skin wounds. Trees, apparently, have been holding out on us.

It comes from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree, and its mucilage turns into a soothing gel when mixed with water, which coats irritated tissue a bit like a natural Pepto-Bismol effect. Slippery elm is very safe, has a mild, slightly sweet taste, and George Washington’s troops reportedly survived for days at Valley Forge on slippery elm gruel.

🐾 Gut: It’s high in fiber and helps normalize intestinal action, so it can be used for both diarrhea and constipation.
🐾 Cats with CKD: A slippery elm syrup may ease nausea and help them feel more comfortable, which matters for appetite.
🐾 Mouth and throat: Give it by syringe to coat mouth ulcers or the back of the throat, gently, and stop if your pet struggles.
🐾 Bladder: It contains pentosans, the same compound in the drug Elmiron, so small, frequent doses may help cats with bladder inflammation. It also contains magnesium, so be cautious with elevated urinary pH, a bacterial infection, or struvite crystals.
🐾 Skin: A paste of powder and cold water works as a poultice for hot spots and rashes, assuming your dog doesn’t lick it off.

The basic dose is 1 capsule (400 mg) per 10 to 20 lbs daily, opened and mixed with enough warm water to make a gruel, since it absorbs many times its weight. And if your pet takes medication, give it 1 to 2 hours BEFORE slippery elm, because that soothing coating can interfere with absorption.

Licorice root is another herb I love. It contains glycyrrhizin, which acts like a natural corticosteroid without weakening the immune system, and it worked especially well for one of my allergic dogs. I’d think slippery elm first for digestive irritation, nausea, mouth ulcers, and sore throat, and licorice root for allergies, cough, congestion, and inflammation. Different jobs, both useful.

Read the full article, including the syrup recipe and complete dosing: https://veterinarysecrets.com/slippery-elm/

Dr. Jones’ Herbals Licorice Root Extract: https://shop.veterinarysecrets.com/licorice-root-extract.html

Have you ever tried slippery elm for your pet? Tell me in the comments 👇

10/17/2026

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to reduce stomach acid, but long-term use may impact your body's natural digestive balance. These medications can interfere with nutrient absorption, particularly magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12, which are essential for nerve function, bone health, and energy production. Reduced stomach acid may also alter the gut microbiome and increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections. Long term use of these acid neutralizing medications such as omeprazole, Nexium, Prevacid and pantoprazole can actually cause acid reflux or make it worse. At Natural Digestive Health Center in Rochester, I believe in addressing the root causes of digestive discomfort through natural, non-invasive methods. If you're considering or currently using PPIs, it's important to consult with a knowledgeable practitioner to explore holistic alternatives and support your body's innate healing ability. 🌿

10/17/2026

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One of the most important and overlooked systems in the body.

10/16/2026

There are consequences for your pets later in life such as joint health too.

✂️🥜🐶 WHAT IF WHEN YOU SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR DOG MATTERS JUST AS MUCH AS WHETHER YOU DO IT?

Preventing unwanted litters matters. But is it time to rethink HOW we sterilize dogs? Hormone-sparing procedures, including hysterectomy and vasectomy, can prevent reproduction while preserving natural s*x hormones.

🔬 NEW 2026 PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH

Over 10 years, researchers reviewed records from 56,254 veterinary patients, including 313 dogs with mast cell tumors and 638 tumor-free comparison dogs. The study was accepted for publication in The Veterinary Journal.

🤯 1. TIMING MATTERS!

Dogs spayed or neutered before age 2 had 343% higher odds of a mast cell tumor diagnosis compared with intact dogs. Dogs sterilized after age 2 showed no statistically significant increase.

🐕 2. SIZE MATTERS!

Compared with small dogs, medium dogs had 2.6 times the odds and large dogs 5.2 times the odds.

⚖️ 3. WEIGHT MATTERS!

Overweight dogs had 80% higher odds than dogs at an ideal weight.

🧬 4. BREED MATTERS!

Compared with mixed-breed dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers had 7.5 times the odds and Boxers 3.9 times. Some breed groups were small.

❤️ 5. WHAT ABOUT SURVIVAL?

Neutering status wasn’t significantly associated with survival after surgery. Tumor grade and size were more important predictors.

🔬 WHY MIGHT HORMONES MATTER?

S*x hormones influence immune function and development. Researchers propose that early hormone removal and changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) may play a role, but this remains unproven.

🐾 THE BIG TAKEAWAY

Preventing unwanted litters doesn’t always mean removing hormone-producing organs. It’s time for individualized conversations with veterinarians about WHEN and HOW we sterilize dogs.

📄 Download the FREE PDF with the latest research surrounding Spay & Neuter Syndrome. Link in comments!

10/16/2026

What is leaky gut? This term refers to increased intestinal permeability, where gaps in the intestinal lining may allow substances like toxins or undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. While research is ongoing, some experts believe this condition may contribute to inflammation and digestive discomfort. At Natural Digestive Health Center in Rochester, I take a holistic approach to gut health—focusing on enzyme therapy, natural solutions, balanced nutrition, and supporting the body's innate ability to heal. If you're experiencing persistent digestive concerns, it's important to consult a knowledgeable practitioner. Let’s nurture our gut health together—one mindful choice at a time. 🌿

10/16/2026

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We are breaking new ground!!

🌎👁️ A HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE GLOBAL IRIDOLOGY COMMUNITY!
The International Iridology Practitioners' Association (IIPA) is proud to officially announce the establishment of WORLD IRIDOLOGY DAY — FEBRUARY 19th!

📍One profession. One global community. One day to celebrate iridology and unite practitioners around the world.
February 19th is our day. The world is our community. The future is ours to build. 💙

🥳The celebration is beginning, and YOU are invited!
The International Iridology Practitioners' Association (IIPA) invites iridologists, instructors, educators, students, schools, organizations, and everyone interested in iridology to join us in Las Vegas, February 19–21, 2027, for the IIPA Iridology & Integrative Health Conference!

✨ On Friday, February 19, we will celebrate WORLD IRIDOLOGY DAY!
This is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to bring together the global iridology community, honor our profession, recognize those who have helped shape its development, and celebrate the people who continue to carry it forward.

🌍 Whether you teach iridology, study it, practice it, or simply want to learn more about it, there is a place for you in this global celebration!
Let's come together across countries, cultures, and generations to celebrate iridology and strengthen our international community.

ONE PROFESSION. ONE GLOBAL COMMUNITY. ONE DAY.

📍 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
📅 February 19–21, 2027

👁️ World Iridology Day Celebration — Friday, February 19
💙 COME CELEBRATE WITH US! BE PART OF HISTORY.

🔗 Get information about World Iridology Day
https://www.iridologyassn.org/world-iridology-day

IridologyEducatio