Kell's Wellness

  I am greatly intrigued and fascinated by the power of the gut microbiome and the emerging research, which reveals the impact of the gut microbiota on chronic disease states, ranging from inflammatory and auto-immune conditions to depression and mental health disorders. I recently completed this book which was very insightful. However, the content may be a little dry to some as there were numerous studies reviewed throughout the text.   Dr. Mayer discusses how there is a little chicken and egg relationship with the gut and brain- Do the gut microbes influence our brain or does our brain influence the gut? Probably some of both.  One of the concepts that stuck with me is the circumstances surrounding the consumption of food. I have studied mindfulness and am aware to be more mindful with consumption, however Dr. Mayer talks about the emotional circumstances surrounding our eating and our brain wiring. For example, if we turn to a chocolate chip cookie when we are str...

Back to the grind today.....  Last week was Spring Break, and I spent the week at our hunting cabin in rural Northeast Missouri doing practically nothing- and it was bliss!  We have little to no cell service and no internet, just a bunch of DVDs, a few games and family.   I had planned on doing so many things last week. I packed 15-20 books (seriously), my crocheted afghan I've been working on, my yoga books and mats to practice some class sequencing with my family.  But none of that happened- and I'm quite okay with that. I spent a lot of quality time and shared meals with my family and cherished every moment of it.  My parents were able to join us for the week as well as one of my sisters. My aunt, grandma, middle sister and her two boys, and neighbors all visited throughout the week. I played catch with my son, board games with my daughter, fell more in love with my husband. Moments I wouldn't trade for an expensive vacation anywhere in the world.  ...