Robin Benardot

For Cici, the past 30 days of the LEAP Program have been focused on observing her reaction to the “green” (safe) foods on her MRT150 blood test results.  A “green,” vs. a yellow or red result, means that the particular food is unlikely to cause noticeable symptoms.  Yellow and red foods are likely to cause symptoms because the her body mistakenly perceives these foods as somehow dangerous.  The body, in its infinite wisdom, will mount a defense against these foods, and it is this overblown defense system that creates the symptoms.

The food sensitivities test gave us the framework to start our investigation, but it is the actual food testing that gives us the answers. So up until this point, we have learned a lot about Cici’s individual food tolerances.  She has seen a definite improvement in her reflux symptoms, but she has also has had some bonus symptom relief in other areas that are not so easily attributed to food sensitivities and better nutrition. Cici stated that her overall energy levels and concentration have improved.  She feels emotionally and mentally clearer.

How can food affect you that way? The gut literally has a mind of its own, called the enteric nervous system. Half of your nerves are in your gut. Neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow your nerve cells to communicate with each other) are found in equal amounts in the brain and the gut.  Ever heard of serotonin? Drugs that manipulate neurotransmitters are widely prescribed to treat depression.  Some of the chief side effects of these drugs are GI related because they will not only affect the serotonin in your brain but also the serotonin in your gut.  Doesn’t that make sense? Read More

Cici’s lost pounds of fat.

I have learned new eating habits that I hope to keep for life. I feel great and I have not had reflux in 10 days. My digestive system is working like a charm!  Simply said, my new eating habits are upside down from what my routine has been for more than 4 decades.

During the last ten days I have concentrated more on portions and planning than my limited ingredient choices of the last month. It is most important to plan the days diet at the  beginning of  the day with thinking about my dinner and what my food choices are leading up to that meal.

I prepare portions that start with more volume at breakfast and eating within one hour of getting up, lunch and dinner get progressively smaller as the day folds. Focusing on this task is so important for reversing my condition as stomach acids are at their highest in the morning. I learned this important step after I mistakenly ate late and heavier a few weeks ago and immediately noticed the reflux” YUK”  came back. I was having huge strides of no discomfort leading up to my next appointment with  Robin. Read More

Yippy!  I ended my second week and learned a lot! It is not just the allergens that bother my esophagus, but also food combinations and the time of night I eat.

This week I introduced some new foods. Robin suggested that I try foods on their own first to determine if there is any response and when possible have it raw. Almonds and corn, awesome-popcorn, Susie cakes and almond butter.  I’m  newly excited!  Errr a sweet taste started to come up and I worried about scaring my newly healed esophagus, ugh.

Ok,  I can do this…. corn cakes and almond butter are low on my list of allergens,  so what is causing the old issue to come back?  Slow down…back up…almonds first and raw. Ok not bad at 6 almonds.  Add some more and yep that’s it.

Try Susie cakes on their own and all is well.  Add almond butter back on and it comes back.  Cool!  That’s what it’s all about; eliminate and reintroduce.  Ok, I can be in control of my digestion.

Fun foods are beginning to be added into my program and I’m loving it. No reaction to mango, pears, salmon with a maple glaze all good and delicious simply prepared or raw. Quinoa with olive oil, walnuts, and crunchy sea salt. Yum, I’m getting the hang of simple foods. Read More

Can I heal my scarred esphagus and eliminate reflux medicine by eliminating food and chemicals that cause my body to react?

I have a bad case of reflux and wanted to get off my $85 dollar per month prescription.  I thought about what may change or be taken away from me if I went on a strict regime.  I was scared of failing.  My life and career with Natural Body should demand wellness as the first and conscious choice for all activities in my life, but that is not always the case.  Being human I sometimes chose the wrong path and my taste buds get the better of me and my digestion.

Ok, first week in and I LEAP’d into a life changing way of eating. “Eating to live” not “living to eat.” As a foodie my lifestyle was finding that next best recipe, chef, and or ingredient to stimulate my demanding palate. A taste obsession more than a food obsession.  Could I possibly be reprogrammed?  Let’s see? Read More