Dr. Danielle Daniel

Don’t just take any probiotic, it might not be even working!

Okay so what do we look for in a probiotic so that it actually works??!!

There are 3 stages of metabolites that are crucial in gut health and the repopulation of healthy bacteria in the microbiome that you want in an effective pro-biotic.

Prebiotics

Probiotics

Postbiotics

When I work with clients for better mental health, we address the microbiome!

Metabolites are small molecules produced by the metabolic process (breaking down of ingredients ingested into microscopic parts that are best utilized by the body)

1. What is a Prebiotic metabolite?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that beneficially affect the body by stimulating the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon.

In essence, prebiotics prepare the gut environment to receive good healthy bacteria so that it can thrive.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects not only due to the presence of the live bacteria but also to the metabolites they produce. Some of the key benefits are their connection with neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA which aid with mood and anxiety.

What are Postbiotic metabolites?

Postbiotic metabolites are produced by probiotic bacteria during the fermentation process. These metabolites are responsible for many of the health benefits associated with probiotics. Unlike probiotics, which are live microorganisms, postbiotics are by-products of probiotic activity.

So can see why you really can’t get the desired outcome in your microbiome without all 3 stages?

Just to name a few, here are key benefits of a TURE probiotic supplement:

better skin

brain health

metabolism

healthier immune system

bone health

cardiovascular health

What if you could have a supplement that contained all 3 stages AND was able to time release to actually open in your intestines instead of being destroyed in the stomach acid?

Yes that is what we need for TRUE results for our long term mental health!

DM or Comment the word PSYCHOBIOME to download my free e-book on the microbiome and see my top product recommendations for the gut-brain axis!

What does the immune system have to do with the brain?

Does the immune system affect our mental health? Well the obvious answer is yes, but the not so obvious is how…

As holistic practitioners, we look at not just mental health, but the physical health contributing to mental health.

If you have ever felt sick, even a cold or flu where your immune system has been compromised, you have already noticed how the immune system affects your mood. It is really hard to feel happy and joyful when your body feels like crap 💩

So yes the immune system affects our mental health and it goes even deeper than this, but we will save that discussion for another post.

Being that the immune system is housed in the gut, we once again have to look at gut health for better immune health and in turn better brain health.

3 ways to improve the immune system would be:

Eating healthy

Reduce inflammation in the gut

Take probiotics to increase good bacteria in the gut

Nobody likes feeling like crap physically or mentally, it sucks! But there are things we can do and suggest as practitioners to improve the immune response and improve mental health.

A few of those suggestions for starting are in my ebook on gut health and the microbiome. It is free, just DM or comment the word: PSYCHOBIOME

Have a healthy day!

Are all probiotics alike?

Should you buy a probiotic because it has more thousands of strains than another? Is that better?

No, not all probiotics are alike, and as holistic practitioners, we have to know what to look for because the goal isn’t to just take a probiotic, it is to help our clients FEEL BETTER!

A good and effective probiotic will help maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut which is crucial for skin health, gut health, digestive health, better sleep and brain health!

There are a few things that you want to look for in probiotics:

Quality: a good high-quality probiotic will contain live and active cultures that can introduce good bacteria int your gut microbiome and optimizes gut flora.

Delivery: look for probiotics that will open in the intestine, not in the stomach. If the probiotic is not able to make it past the stomach into the intestines themselves it will be destroyed by stomach acid!

Strains: use a probiotic that has multiple strains of microorganisms

Okay so delivery is the KEY!!! If a probiotic is going to be destroyed mostly in your stomach acid (which by the way is almost the same ph as battery acid 😳 ). Than having a probiotic with a protective alkaline layer that time releases only in your intestines is the ONLY way to actually get the benefits of a probiotic.

Once you tap into the right probiotic, you can actually FEEL the benefits of them which are:
+ balanced bacteria
+ better brain focus
+ less anxious feelings
+ better skin
+ improved immune response
+ better mental health

To see my recommendations for managing a healthy microbiome as well as probiotic supplements, comment or DM the word PSYCHOBIOME

A holistic approach to the brain includes assessing environmental factors that can play a huge part in mental and emotional concerns.

Inflammation can be triggered by not only internal causes but also external through our environment. As holistic practitioners, this is an area that we also address.

Many things we encounter can cause our bodies to create inflammation and lead to various health related problems.

Some of the top areas in our environment that contribute to inflammation include:

+ Air pollution: exposure to air pollution, such as fine particulate matter (PM3.5), can trigger inflammation in the lungs and other parts of the body

+ Smoking: smoking ci******es or being exposed to secondhand smoke can cause inflammation in the lungs and other parts of the body

+ Poor diet: consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can lead to chronic inflammation

+ Sedentary lifestyle: lack of physical activity can contribute to chronic inflammation, as exercise is known to have anti-inflammatory effects

+ Chronic stress: prolonged stress can trigger the release of stress hormones, which can contribute to inflammation

+ Infections: chronic infections, such as hepatitis C or HIV, can cause ongoing inflammation in the body.

+ Toxins: exposure to toxins such as a pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals can lead to inflammation in the body.

Better gut health starts with managing levels of inflammation that affect the gut-brain axis.

Comment or DM the word: PSYCHOBIOME to get my free e-book on digestion to support the body to maintain healthy levels of inflammation.

As holistic practitioners, we have to look at all facets of health to determine the root cause of any health concern.

What I found in my practice is that gut health is key to brain health and of course all over wellness in the body.

Did you know that inflammation is the core cause of every disease? Researchers have linked chronic inflammation to a wide range of health concerns.

Inflammation is our body’s way of letting us know that something is not working properly. It surrounds and can protect an area but long term and chronic amounts of it start to cause a disrupt in nutrient and neurotransmitter communication.

For long term health goals, I suggest the first step is managing healthy levels of inflammation in the gut.

There are several organic ways to do this, mostly through diet by eliminating inflammatory foods, but also stress and other environmental factors could contribute as well.

There are many plants that have been shown in research to help the body maintain healthy levels of inflammation. Here is just a list of a few of my top suggestions:

+ Frankincense
+ Turmeric
+ Copaiba
+ Rosemary

To get my e-book on gut health and the microbiome, comment or DM the word: PSYCHOBIOME

Happy gut = happy brain 🧠

Hear what clients are saying about aromatherapy to support their mental health:

“I was able to focus better and felt like I could talk about things from my childhood, which I normally don’t do.”

“When a co-worker started talking about an incident, it triggered my trauma, but I was able to grab the aromatherapy and inhale it immediately at work. This calmed my mind, my thoughts and helped me not go into a full blown panic.”

“The scent pulled me from my ruminations and brought me back to the present. I still felt sad, but was able to process the emotions instead of spiral.”

I am on a mission to help every therapist, clinic, medical setting discover the power of aromatherapy and watch your client satisfaction improve!

Essential oils can offer a range of benefits for your practice:

🌱Promote relaxation & focus: scents like lavender and chamomile can create a calming environment which allows clients to focus their therapy.

🌱Support emotional processing: oils like Adaptiv or clary sage can promote emotional balance and openness.

🌱Complementary approach: using aromatherapy can help create a safe and support space for clients and complement traditional talk therapy.

If you would like to learn more about using aromatherapy in your practice DM the word START, and I can send you my top 5 essential oils for your office and a link to get started with them.

“A healthy gut lays the groundwork for a clear mind, sharp focus, and emotional balance.” Dr. Osguthorpe

When client’s begin a journey of caring for their mental health it is important that we look at the person as a whole. This includes supporting their physical health, specifically their gut.

When gut health is neglected it can cause brain fog, diminished cognitive sharpness and stress hormones surge.

Restoring balance to the gut is a gradual process but it can be done by supporting the natural processes to create a healthier, happier gut that supports brain function.

Swipe through to see 5 gut and digestive hacks that support mental health, skin, energy and hormones.

Ready to learn more? Comment PSYCHOBIOME and I’ll send over my ebook that outlines this all!

Wondering what you can do to support a happy microbiome?

Below are some tips to help get you on the right track:

Eat a diverse range of plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. These provide prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut microbiome.

Limit processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and saturated fats, which can disturb the balance of microbes. Opt for high fiber, minimally processed options.

Take daily probiotic and prebiotic supplements, especially ones with multiple strains, to replenish your microbiome with beneficial bacteria.

Reduce stress through practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, etc. Significant stress negatively impacts gut microbiome diversity.

Stay hydrated with water throughout the day. Dehydration can alter the composition of your microbiome. Aim for half your body weight in ounces.

Along with these suggestions I have found some high quality probiotic and prebiotic supplements I recommend to clients for their digestive health.

If you would like to learn more about them comment or DM PSYCHOBIOME and I’ll send the info right over!

Do you know what the microbiome is and why it is important to mental health?

Our bodies contain trillions of microorganisms, especially in our digestive system, and this community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi is called our microbiome. A healthy microbiome protects us from harmful threats and performs important jobs like helping us digest our food. When our microbiome is disrupted, many aspects of our health and mental health can be affected.

The easiest way to help our clients support and diversity their microbiome is to have them add probiotics and prebiotics to their diet. Combining probiotics with prebiotics gives our microbiome extra nutrients to thrive.

Remember, the GUT is the second BRAIN. By helping our clients care for their digestive system we are helping them care for their mental health.

There are a few products I recommend to clients to help them support a happy microbiome. If you would like to learn more about them comment or DM PSYCHOBIOME and I’ll send the info right over!

Did you know that you can use essential oils to aid in digestion, soothe occasional stomach upset and maintain overall digestive health?

There are a number of plant compounds that have been used for centuries to do this very thing!

Peppermint has been specifically studied to not only aid to aid in fighting off bad bacteria, but also to improve the mood, cognition and memory.

I have been fortunate enough to discover an essential oil blend that brings Peppermint, Cardamom, Coriander, Ginger, Caraway and Fennel together to support healthy digestion. This blend transformed my digestion and lifted the brain fog I had been experiencing for months.

If you would like to learn more about this blend and how I use it to assist clients comment PSYCHOBIOME and I’ll send you my free ebook!

GI issues can disrupt the gut microbiome, impacting mental health. ➡️ Swipe to learn how to support a healthy gut for optimal well-being!

Research reveals a strong link between gut health and mental well-being. A healthy gut microbiome promotes the production of mood-boosting neurotransmitters and reduces inflammation, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.

Empower your clients to take charge of their gut health! Here are a few key strategies:

Reduce inflammation: Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s, while limiting processed foods and added sugar.

Balance gut bacteria: Consider recommending probiotic supplements to support the good bacteria in the gut.

Nutrient Adequacy: Explore the potential benefits of a high-quality, whole-food based multivitamin for clients showing deficiencies.

Support Digestive Tract Processes: Use essential oils and plant supplements to support the natural processes of the digestive tract

If you are ready to learn more about how to introduce these practices to your patients comment PSYCHOBIOME and I’ll send you my free ebook.

Have you ever had to think outside the box for your clients and consider the gut? ✨

The gut microbiome plays a surprising role in mental health. Probiotics, the good guys in your gut, can be a powerful tool to support your clients' well-being.

Here's how probiotics can benefit your clients:

Boost good bacteria: They crowd out bad bacteria, promoting a healthy gut environment.

Reduce inflammation: This can improve mood and potentially alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Support neurotransmitter production: Probiotics may play a role in the production of mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin.

Probiotics aren't a magic bullet, but they can be a valuable addition to your client's holistic wellness plan.

The probiotics that I suggest for clients deliver seven billion (live cells) in active probiotic cultures, as well as soluble prebiotic FOS to encourage friendly bacterial growth. The live cultures are microencapsulated, to ensure they survive the acidic stomach and reach the gut alive.

If you want to learn more about how to integrate probiotics for your clients and the probiotics I suggest comment or DM PSYCHOBIOME and I’ll send you my free ebook!

Client presenting with persistent anxiety and digestive woes?

It is not a secret that inflammation is the core cause of every disease. We must focus on regulating inflammation in the body, especially the gut.

Chronic gut inflammation disrupts the gut microbiome, impacting not just digestion but also mental health. This can be a key factor in conditions like anxiety and depression seen in your clients.

Several research studies have been performed finding multiple intestinal abnormalities in those with psychological symptoms. Inflammation of the lymph nodes and colon are among the most common.

Here's why gut inflammation is on your radar:

Microbiome disruption: Reduced good bacteria crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, and even mood regulation.

Increased inflammation: A trigger for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Leaky gut: Inflammation can damage the gut barrier, allowing toxins to impact mood and brain function.

Many foods are also highly inflammatory and a diet based primarily on these foods can cause long term degeneration on the gut and brain axis.

One of the best ways to ensure we are receiving all of this nutrition is through the use of plant supplements. Essential supplementation would include a vitamin mineral from a whole-food base, omega fatty acids, probiotics, and natural plant anti-inflammatory agents.

Supporting gut health can be a powerful tool in your client's mental health journey.

Comment or DM the word PSYCHOBIOME to get my free e-book on digestion to support the body to maintain healthy levels of inflammation.

Can Lemon essential oil support digestion? YES!

I’ve been adding lemon essential oil into my water for many years and it has transformed my digestion!

Research shows that Limonene (the primary chemical constituent in Lemon essential oil) helps support the gut lining and reduces the damaging effects of cortisol when exposed to stress.

Here are 3 ways to encourage your clients to incorporate Lemon throughout the day:

AROMATIC: use 3-4 drops in your diffuser or for a quick boost inhale directly from the bottle

TOPICAL: apply 1-2 drops to pulse points

INTERNAL: add 2-3 drops to an 8 oz glass of water throughout the day (use stainless steel or glass only)

Would you like to purchase lemon essential oil?

Send me a DM and I’ll send you the link to purchase with a free aromatherapy consult to help you get started with essential oils.

Looking for a holistic approach to supporting your clients' well-being? ✨

The gut-brain connection is a powerful force, and research shows a healthy gut microbiome can significantly impact mental health.

Food intake affects every cell in our body. Eating healthy, nutritious foods can help improve mood, reduce stress levels, and increase cognitive functioning.

When food is broken down into the chemical level, that chemistry in turn fuels our body. About 40% of the nutrients we consume are used by the brain for its functions.

There is a large number of research studies showing a link between psychological symptoms and intestinal health.

Just as the brain sends signals to the intestines, the intestines send signals to the brain.

Want to dive into this topic more? Comment PSYCHOBIOME and I’ll send over my free ebook!

South Africa I’m headed your way very soon! I will be there May 14-22, 2024 and I can’t wait to meet you!

I will be speaking in Johannesburg on natural medicine and mental health and then headed to Cape Town to meet with other medical and mental health providers to help them implement aromatherapy in their clinics.

If you would like to join either of these trainings and are currently NOT using aromatherapy, DM me and I’ll send you the details!

I am bringing 10 starter kits of oils to giveaway free for medical and mental health providers who are ready to learn more and get started with aromatherapy. DM me if you would like to be on that list and just let me know who you are, what you do and where your practice/office is located.

If you are you a medical or mental health provider in South Africa searching for natural ways to help your clients so that you can help clients feel even better when they step into your office, this free sample kit I am bringing is for you!

You are also invited to the training on mental health and the use of aromatherapy and I would love to have you join me!

If you are interested in learning more DM me your location and the name of your practice in South Africa and I will bring you a free sample kit!

Let’s dive deep into the gut-brain axis and how it affects a client’s emotional and physical health. 🧠

Often times as mental health professionals, the focus in our practice is mostly on the brain. However most of us have read studies showing that a person’s gut health can have a significant effect on their mental health.

Dr. Michael D. Gershon, the "father of neurogastroenterology," found that the gut makes over 95% of our serotonin. Our brains make less than 1%.

This month, let’s talk about the basics of the gut-brain axis!

I’ll dive into some facts on how our brains depend on our gut from a scientific view. We will also review how you can use essential oils to support gut health to improve brain health.

If you are ready to jump in and want to receive my ebook comment or DM the word: PSYCHOBIOME and I’ll send it right over!

As a practitioner and entrepreneur, I have a very achiever mentality and with that can come operating in overwhelm. You guys this is my go to secret for calming on overwhelmed mind. You know how sometimes you are just on the run and mentally feel like there is so much to do? Adaptiv capsules are how I dial it down a notch so I can re-center and calm racing thoughts. It allows me to focus on what matters.

Every medical and mental health professional should have these in their emergency stash to help get through some of those busy days.

Adaptiv Capsules combine specially selected essential oils with clinically studied botanicals to create a powerful soothing, supportive, relaxing formula. These capsules are amazing to take daily, or as needed for anxiety, stress & overwhelm! With all natural ingredients you’re going to love the calm & peace you feel within 30 minutes of taking one.

What is this Adaptiv Supplement?

GABA - Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is a neurotransmitter that sends chemical messages through the brain and the nervous system, and is involved in regulating communication between brain cells. In a nutshell, it reduces neuron excitability in the central nervous system, moves the brain and body into lower gear by lowering the activity of neuron cells.

Lavender oil - randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study (human trials) that shows linalool (lavender EO) used internally is MORE effective than Xanax.

Coriander oil - Balances stomach upset and blood sugar levels (both of which are aggravated by states of stress) and promotes feelings of relaxation.

Fennel Oil - addresses blood sugar imbalances due to prolonged stress and has relaxing properties

Sceletium root extract - unique phytochemical, stirs "alert serenity" supports healthy emotional responses to everyday stressors, stimulations production of mood stabilizing hormones, improves cognitive function while combating occasional nervousness, promotes a sense of well being and euphoria.

Ahiflower seed - Superior omega-rich oil, contains higher quality and quantity of omegas than any other seed oils, known for the capacity to help maintain self-confidence, emotional stability, positive attitude while reducing stress.

If you are interested in learning more about these for your clients please DM me.

DM me the word CALM to get the ebook on 5 stress hacks and to learn more about Adaptiv.