The 11 Body Systems

We have 11 body systems and it is crucial to support these systems every day. A huge part of taking care of your body is eating foods that support the 11 systems so your body has the nutrients it needs. Other important factors are adequate hydration, sleep, and exercise.

It's no wonder hydration, sleep, exercise, and nutrition are the 4 pillars of health!

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 1 / 11

Your digestive system includes your mouth, nose, esophagus, and stomach. We have amylase enzymes in the mouth that beak down carbs and HCL & Pepsin in the stomach that only get secreted when you start to chew.

That's why if you have a really high-carb diet you tend to feel hungry more often because most of the digestion happens in the mouth.

Your mouth signals your stomach to send specific enzymes based on what you are chewing. There is no acid in your stomach until you start to chew or drink something other than water. That's why chewing gum can cause ulcers & digestive issues!

Fun Fact: Digestion is initiated by scent! Your nose knows!

How to Support Your Digestive System

Keep meals small
Eat slow (your spoon isn't a shovel)
Chew, chew, chew!
Avoid drinking water while eating & 30 minutes after larger meals

INTESTINAL SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 2 / 11

What makes up your intestinal system?

Your large intestine & small intestine make up your intestinal system.

Your intestines are responsible for digestion, absorption, elimination, energy, defense, immunity, and detoxification.

The digestive system - intestines and colon

# gut facts

80% of your serotonin (happy hormone) is produced in your gut. Serotonin is the precursor for melatonin to have REM deep sleep
70% of your immune system is produced in your gut
You have 100,000,000,000 (a hundred trillion) good and bad gut bacteria that poop, pee, and throw off the pH of your entire body
Mental illness has a direct correlation with an imbalance between good & bad gut bugs

How to Support Your Intestinal System

Eating fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi), fibre, prebiotics (to feed the probiotics), chia, dark cruciferous vegetables, berries, and apples.

It is important to have a bowel movement daily or after every meal. Contact us for a free consultation if you are struggling!

** Limit alcohol, smoking, vaping, drugs, medication, & coffee **

IMMUNE SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 3 / 11

What is Your Immune System?

Your immune system is a complex system of white blood cells, nodes, vessels, tissues, organs, proteins, and chemicals that defends the body from invaders and infectious disease-causing organisms that have been inhaled, consumed, or absorbed by the skin.

How To Support Your Immune System

Avoid the SAD Diet (Standard American Diet) and try . . .

Incorporating Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, Magnesium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Vitamin A, Protein, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, & Probiotics into your diet.

The best part is these elements are easily found in fruits/vegetables & protein sources or high quality supplements.

Your Immune Response Army Includes . . .

MADGE Immunoglobulins
Killer & Helper T-lymphocytes
Macrophages
Neutrophils
Dendritic cells
Mast cells
Natural Killer Cells
B-lymphocytes & T-lymphocytes

Disrupting or Destroying your army can lead to . . .

Immunodeficiencies
Autoimmune Issues
Allergies
Hypersensitivities
Cancer
Inflammation
Leaky Gut

NERVOUS SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 4 / 11

What is Your Nervous System?

Your nervous system is a complex communication system that consists of a collection of nerves and neurons that process information. The central nervous system (CNS) is divided into two branches, the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

It is impacted positively and negatively by the physical, mental, emotional, and chemical state.

How to Tell if Your Nervous System Needs a Reset

Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Nervousness
Irritability
Mood Swings
Feeling Depressed
Memory Loss
Poor Cognitive Function
Headaches / Migraines
Pins & Needles Sensation / Tingling

Lethargy / Fatigue
Insomnia
Bi-Polar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Dementia
Eating Disorder
Addictions
ADD / ADHD / Autism
Alzheimer's
Parkinson's

The brain and nervous system body system

How to Support Your Nervous System - Supplements

B-Vitamins
Choline & Inositol
Calcium & Magnesium
Zinc
Iron
Electrolytes
Antioxidants
Vitamin D
L-Theanine
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Probiotics

How to Support Your Nervous System - Lifestyle

Take time to relax, meditate, practice deep breathing
Commit to regular physical exercise
Prioritize Sleep
Express thoughts and fears in appropriate ways
Listen to your inner self to provide clarity as to how to handle stressors
Spend time in nature which grounds the electrical system of the nervous system
Spend time with loved ones and animals

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 5 / 11

Your cardiovascular system is more than 95,000 kilometers long! It is made up of blood vessels, heart, & blood.

Fun Fact: Your blood pH is 7.35 so keep the diet neutral, don't let it get too acidic or your body will pay for it.

Not-So-Fun Fact: Cardiovascular disease is THE leading cause of death in North America.

The cardiovascular and heart body system

How To Support Your Cardiovascular System

Eat a variety of colourful fruits & vegetables (they shuttle fat from the CVS)
Limit processed sugar, grains, salt, saturated fats, & processed carbs
Maintaining an overall healthy body composition through diet & exercise (healthy weight management)
Drinking Ionized Water
Plenty of exercise and sleep
Keep stress low
Increase potassium rich foods, Omega-3's, Vitamin D, probiotics
Your blood is 92% water, so be sure to drink 1 Litre per 50lbs you weight and keep it ionized (Not all water is the same!)

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 6 / 11

What makes up your respiratory system?

Your respiratory system is responsible for supplying your blood with oxygen. Oxygen is vital to the body as it supports the growth, repair, and maintenance of the body's cells and provides fuel for all the body's functions.

The respiratory system also eliminates toxic waste, regulates temperature, and ensures the blood's acid-alkaline balance.

Upper Respiratory System: Nose and throat

Lower Respiratory System: Larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

Fun Fact: Adults have approximately 300 million bronchi covering an area of approx. 180 square metres!

What contributes to imbalance of the respiratory system?

Air pollution, cigarette smoke, indoor/outdoor pollutants (aerosols, dust, industrial gasses/powders/sprays etc.), leaky gut (your respiratory system is connected to your gastrointestinal system), candidiasis, and exposure to mold. Mucus-forming foods (like dairy and processed sugar) will create mucus in the lungs for bad pathogens to cultivate.

This can result in inflammation of the air passages and a weakening of the immune system or respiratory diseases such as asthma, hay fever/allergic rhinitis, pneumonia, infection, and COPD.

Supporting a Healthy Respiratory System

Eat good-quality fresh foods high in antioxidant vitamins and minerals
Avoid known allergens and common pollutants / allergens
Exercise to maintain and improve the efficiency of oxygen transportation and metabolism
Drink lots of water!

Nutrients for a Healthy Respiratory System

Vitamin A, beta carotene, quercetin, lycopene, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, ginger, turmeric (Ukon tea)

HORMONAL / ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 7 / 11

What makes up your hormonal / endocrine system?

The endocrine system is made up of organs and glands that produce hormones, which are internal chemical messengers that regulate and control functions within the body. Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and trigger activity within a specific organ or tissue by binding to designated receptors to transport information.

The endocrine system regulates body processes including metabolism and energy balance, reproduction, growth and development, smooth and cardiac muscle contraction, and blood volumes of substances such as sodium and glucose. The endocrine system is coordinated with the nervous system. Major organs and glands include: hypothalamus, thymus, pancreas, ovaries and testes, and the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, adrenal, and parathyroid glands.

Contributing Factors to a Dysregulated Endocrine System

Gi tract dysfunction, gut inflammation, dysbiosis, leaky gut
Low protein intake, lack of HCL, poor protein absorption
Inadequate sleep
Muscle weakness from a lack of activity
Poor functioning, slow, sluggish liver
Environmental pollutants
Vitamin D deficiency (lack of sun exposure)
Imbalance in the production and release of certain sex hormones and neurotransmitters
Stress causing changes to neurotransmitter production & affecting emotions

Supporting Your Endocrine System

Supporting your endocrine system depends on which part of your endocrine system needs support. However, here are some general nutrient & lifestyle tips to help you keep your endocrine system healthy!

Eat small meals ever three to four hours and make sure you get all 20 essential daily amino acids from protein sources along with healthy fats, fruits, & vegetables. Start the day with a high-protein breakfast and end with a high-protein dinner/shake.

Calcium, vitamin C, and B vitamins are important for hormone formation. Eliminate processed foods. Look for antioxidant-rich foods.

Flaxseed, chia, and hemp seeds are good for omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, magnesium, and potassium helping regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and hormones. For the liver and kidneys cruciferous vegetables, artichokes, and dandilon greens.

Exercise, managing stress, and improving deep sleep quality help support healthy hormone function.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 8 / 11

The reproductive system includes the male and female reproductive organs. Proper nourishment is crucial for the health of the reproductive system.

Fun Fact: Eggs will sometimes reject the sperm if the pheromones are not compatible.

Nutrients for a Healthy MALE Reproductive System

Vitamin B9 (increases sperm counts, essential in DNA production; dark green leafy vegetables)
Omega-6, Omega-9 (significantly improves sperm count, concentration, & motility; udo oil)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (the resources for the fluid plasma membrane affecting sperm shape, movement, & fertility; hemp, flax, chia)
Selenium (contributes to the development of healthy sperm and the function of the epididymis; brazil nuts (4 a day MAX)
Vitamin B12 (DNA maturation & duplication of healthy sperm; meat, nutritional yeast)
Vitamin C (helps sperm not clump together, increasing fertility. Deficiencies can harm genetic material; citrus fruits)
Vitamin D (healthy development of the sperm cell nucleus; increase testosterone levels; sun, nuts, seeds, greens)
Vitamin E (improves sperm count, motility, & quality; healthy sperm membrane and improves its ability to penetrate the egg; eggs, avocado)
Zinc (development of reproductive organs, regulation of male hormones, increases testosterone levels; pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, aloe vera)

Nutrients for a Healthy FEMALE Reproductive System

Vitamin B9 (crucial for healthy pregnancy; dark green leafy vegetables)
Iron (ovulation, healthy eggs, & healthy babies. Crucial in oxygenating red blood cells; red beets, steak)
Vitamin C (regulation of menstrual cycles and ovarian function; citrus fruits)
Omaga-3 essential fatty acids (alleviating PMS symptoms & regulating menstrual cycles; chia, flax, hemp)
Vitamin B12 (has a primary role in blood cell production and delivering nourishment & oxygen; brazil nuts, nutritional yeast, meat)
Vitamin D (will turn different genes on and off in different types of cells to allow them to function properly, such as making estrogen; sun, nuts & seeds)
Zinc (essential to the development of the reproductive organs; pumpkin seeds, aloe)
Diindolylmethane (a compound created in the body by the body when eating cruciferous vegetables. It helps the body create more good than bad metabolites when estrogen is broken down helping decrease inflammation.)

URINARY SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 9 / 11

The urinary system is responsible for eliminating liquid waste from the body and keeping chemicals such as potassium, sodium, and water in balance by filtering the blood.

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering your blood. If your kidneys can't function properly toxins and waste are not properly being removed from the blood and body.

Are you taking care of your kidneys?

K (Kidney Care), Chlorophyll, Ukon Tea, watermelon, cilantro, parsley, uva ursi, & reducing your protein intake can help your kidneys if they need repair or a good flush!

And don't forget to drink, drink, drink! Good quality and plentiful water is required to balance the blood and flush out toxins and waste.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM - BODY SYSTEM 10 / 11

What is the Musculoskeletal System?

The musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, joints, and connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, and fascia). This system works as a team to maintain upright posture, provide stability to the body's frame, protect inner organs, and allow ample movement. It acts as a lever and attachment for the muscles.

Joints are protected with a cartilage covering and lubricating fluid which prevents the bones from grinding against each other. Discs between the vertebrae in the spine act as shock absorbers.

Supporting a Healthy Musculoskeletal System

Collagen (the glue that holds the body together)
Calcium (more abundant in leafy greens than dairy)
Vitamin D (helps the body absorb calcium)
Phosphorus (essential for proper mineralization of bones and teeth)
Protein & Vitamin C (stimulate collagen matrix formation)
Magnesium (increases calcium absorption, relaxes muscles)
Vitamin K (necessary for blood clotting & the production of proteins in the bone)
Gotu Kola (Supports and strengthens ligaments & tendons to prevent tears or to recover after tear and wear)
Healthy Fats (required to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K, etc.))
Manganese (synthesis of cartilage, bone growth)
Zinc (normal bone formation)
Copper (essential for collagen formation, found in nuts, organ meats, seafood, seeds)
Silicon (formation of bones, teeth, & collagen, found in whole grains)
Vitamin B6 (helps strengthen collagen)

Bones are built to last.

Why will they become brittle?

Acid-based diets consisting of refined carbohydrates, processed food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, damaged and trans fats, fried foods, and toxins contribute to bone loss by causing acidity (lowering the pH of the blood.) The body remineralizes by pulling alkalizing minerals from the bones, compromising their strength and flexibility.

Fat vs Muscle

Fat is less metabolically active than muscle. More muscle = more calories burned, helping maintain healthy weight.

Most insulin receptors are present in muscle tissue so losing muscle diminishes the amount of insulin invited into the muscle cells and the cells lose their sensitivity to insulin, risking the development of insulin resistance.

HYDRATION, NUTRITION, & SLEEP - BODY SYSTEM 11 / 11

As three of the four pillars of health (the fourth being exercise), it is no wonder that hydration, nutrition, and sleep are crucial to the body and the maintenance of good health!

Fun Fact: All four pillars directly impact the 11 body systems.

Sleep (& Sleep Hygiene)

Did you know that melatonin is mostly secreted when . . .

It is dark (pitch black)
The serotonin in your gut is balanced

Fun Facts:

1. EMF from your phone/computer is the same amount of radiation as standing in front of a microwave all day

2. Bad gut bugs are nocturnal and want to keep you awake. They are also affected by the full moon!

How to Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Blackout curtains
No blue light 1 hour before bed (your phone has settings)
Avoid sugar and carbs after dinner
Avoid eating too close to bed and overeating before bed
Keep your room cool
Get an eye sleep mask to help with melatonin production
Keep your phone 1 metre away from your body as you sleep to avoid EMF radiation
Limit caffeine
Avoid taking supplemental melatonin

Hydration

The average person requires 1L of water per 50lbs of weight per day to maintain adequate hydration. Someone that exercises or lives in a warmer climate will require even more.

But did you know most water we drink has been affected by chemicals and the metal of the pipes? This leads to changes in the molecular structure of the water and decreases the body's ability to absorb the water you drink.

Dehydration affects all 11 body systems because we are mostly water and water is a transporter of vitamins and minerals within the body and toxins in and out of cells.

To learn about ionized water and how to avoid the harmful affects of pipes, chemicals, and long-term storage (ie. bottled water), check out our live water demo.

Learn More

Nutrition

You get out what you put in!

Food is broken down into positive and negative charge. This means that foods can either recharge or exhaust you due to the their breakdown process. Stick to foods in the negative charge spectrum.

Consult with a professional for a customized nutritional program.

Don't forget, green inside = clean inside!

Remember: All bodies and lifestyles are different, so why would nutrition be a one-size-fits-all.