Believe Big Podcast

12-Shannon Berk MPT, CFMM - Overall Health Impact of Reducing Inflammation

July 05, 2022 Ivelisse Page with Shannon Berk
Believe Big Podcast
12-Shannon Berk MPT, CFMM - Overall Health Impact of Reducing Inflammation
Show Notes Transcript Chapter Markers

Inflammation affects us all, but did you know there is good inflammation and bad inflammation?  How much do you know about chronic inflammation and its health effects?  Did you know diet plays a big part of your body's inflammation levels?

Today's Believe Big podcast episode features Shannon Berk and she's got a lot to share with you about inflammation and how to manage it.  Join me as we dig into this important health topic AND A BONUS!  Shannon and her husband have a generous non-profit that is helping kids with cancer,  Just In Power Kids!  Find out more about this fantastic organization and what they do for kids with cancer.

Connect with Shannon Berk at Just In Power Kids:
https://justinpowerkids.org/

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Ivelisse Page:

Hi, I'm Ivelisse Page. And thanks for listening to the Believe Big podcast, the show where we take deep dive into your healing with health experts, integrative practitioners, biblical faith leaders and cancer thrivers from around the globe. Welcome to today's episode on the Believe Big podcast. My name is Ivelisse Page, and it's an honor to spend this time with you. Today, you will hear from Shannon Burke on the overall health impact of reducing inflammation. Shannon Burke is a manual physical therapist that utilizes an integrative approach to treating the whole person. Her philosophy is that the body has a natural tendency to strive towards a state of health and wellness, and that there are barriers to a body's ability to reach that state. She works at discovering and helping her patients discover what the barriers are and facilitates healing towards the goal of health. She currently is an adjunct professor in Michigan State's Osteopathic continuing education program and is on the team of professionals that developed the C F M M certified functional manual medicine certification. Shannon is also one of the co-founders with her husband, Justin, and a family light liaison for Just In Power Kids, a Maryland based non-profit that supports holistic and nutritional care in conjunction with a child's traditional cancer treatment. Welcome Shannon to the show.

Shannon Berk:

Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here.

Ivelisse Page:

Before we get into inflammation and a little bit about Just In Power Kids, our listeners always like to know what our guest's favorite health tip is. So are you able to share yours with us?

Shannon Berk:

Yes. I wanted to be inventive and clever, so mine is talk less and listen more. And what I mean by that is in the global sense, but also in the sense that health is a state of wholeness for mind, body and our spirit. And whenever there's more than one, two or more things, two concepts, two people that it forms a relationship and relationships require communication, which is the talking and the listening.

Ivelisse Page:

I love that. And I always, say to myself and my family, God gave us two ears, one mouth for a reason. And I think that just brings so much peace to know that, hey, if we have, ears of understanding that, we're able to see things from different perspective and appreciate those in front of us more. I really like that. I have known you and Justin for quite some time, and I am just so thankful for what you all do in the pediatric cancer world. And, it's just incredible with what you're doing. Can you share with our listeners, what is Just Empower Kids and what you do?

Shannon Berk:

Yes, it would be my pleasure. It is an effort of heart, on both my husband and myself part. It started off before COVID, where we wanted to support the holistic realm of a child's cancer journey. We paired up children with providers and paid for their care, whether that was acupuncture or massage or manual physical therapy. And then COVID hit. So we had to, pivot like everyone else. And, so we've developed nutritional programs, where we supply healthy whole meals to their houses. We get them delivered directly there. We support a food pantry at Johns Hopkins Hospital for their cancer units, and their children's unit. We also, do a relief and restore program where we financially reimburse things that the insurance company don't pay for. And gosh, we just started a parking program because we realized that parking was this piece of stress that families were enduring and, we wanted to relieve the stress because part of holistic treatment is actually helping them manage their lives. So we're like the nurturers of the family and the kids in a way that maybe some of the other healthcare institutions can't or don't, come into play. And we're really fluid. We're still small, it's only four years old. I just had, a mom of a kid ask about self care. And how she could get some support around that. And that's something that as a family liaison, I'll go research a spa day for her and we'd get her some hours away to recoup and come back to herself where she can be a little bit better to support her family.

Ivelisse Page:

That is just fantastic. Yeah. There are a lot of organizations that give resources. But having organizations that provide financial assistance are very few and rare. So I really, really appreciate what you do. And we have listeners that listen throughout the country and world. do you only help pediatric cancer patients in Maryland or across the United States?

Shannon Berk:

So we only do it in Maryland, if a child is being treated at a Maryland hospital, no matter where they're from. So there are people that come to Johns Hopkins from different parts of the world. So we had to contain just because we have limited financial resources, and we started with our home state, and the hope is that someday this will take off and that holistic treatment will get some legs and that other people will develop in other states.

Ivelisse Page:

That's fantastic. Yes. And if people wanted to reach out to Just In Power Kids, what would be the best way to do that?

Shannon Berk:

We have a website it's justinpowerkids.org and that's Justinpowerkids.org.

Ivelisse Page:

Wonderful!. Let's get into inflammation and I know you deal with it a lot as a physical therapist as well. So everyone is familiar with pain, swelling, redness, heat that is classically known as inflammation. It's a part of our body's defense system. It helps to protect and to heal itself, but I want to discuss with you today the type of inflammation that causes disease and ways to combat it. So can you share with our listeners, what the difference is? What is chronic inflammation?

Shannon Berk:

So chronic inflammation is there's a lot of different research out there, but, chronic inflammation is basically our body's defense mechanisms gone awry. It's got the wisdom. It knows how to deal with acute stressors, acute invaders. It's brilliant and wise around knowing exactly what to do to come in and protect. The problem is that, we have a lifestyle, a culture, that has introduced these low level invaders that are quiet. And so our bodies are always attempting to, go in and rescue us and protect us. But just a human at globally, eventually get worn out and, you can no longer sustain the effort to keep fighting. And that's when you go from this low level symptomology of a chronic inflammation into disease processes.

Ivelisse Page:

And so what are some of those things that causes this wrong type of inflammation? What are the things that we're doing, that's causing them?

Shannon Berk:

We have lifestyle choices: alcohol, smoking, the things that we historically have known that aren't the best for us. We have diet nutrition which I think is one of the biggest things where, we have a lot of processed foods that are easy to get. They taste delicious. and we go towards pleasure and away from pain. And we are attracted. Sugar, the high refined sugar, high-glycemic foods, saturated fats, these are all kinds of things that I think our bodies can handle a little bit of anything. Like I said, it's a wise mechanism but too much puts you over the threshold and, we can't cope with it. So there's also things like, what people don't know is you can exercise. Exercise is supposed to be great, but there's also a threshold for that over which your body can't handle it. It's dumping too many chemicals into the system and can't handle that.

Ivelisse Page:

There's a huge list. And so let's isolate some of those things, as far as like food. So why is sugar bad? You hear it all the time and especially in cancer. And, we have kids and adults in hospitals and we know sugar is bad and yet they're rolling out soda and bars. And that's why I love that food pantry that you're starting. Why is sugar bad?

Shannon Berk:

I'm not a dietician and I don't have a degree or a background in the physiology of nutrition. But as far as sugar and what it does. Our body has a pancreas, which is to process sugar and there's natural sugars. And then there's actually sugars that are easier to process, but refined sugar causes our pancreas and the rest of our body to spike it's blood sugar levels and the spike in blood sugar levels causes this additional chemical overload. Cortisol increases. Cortisol is known for obesity, increases as well. So our body's not made to have those spikes, it's made to be in this constant state of nourishment and refined sugar spikes us. Do you have anything to add?

Ivelisse Page:

It's funny, it also causes the cancer cells to multiply faster with those who are in a cancering process. It's called the Warburg effect. And I read this in the Radical Remission book. It just says that when sugar is introduced, the cancer cells thrive on it. And so it actually caused them to gain more energy and multiply. And that's why, especially with those with cancer, it's especially important to avoid and to cease sugar. So I was like, so blown out of the water when I heard that Warburg effect, that was gosh, from the 1940s that he discovered that and won the Nobel peace prize from it. And it's rarely discussed. And so it's so important that people realize those differences. Like you mentioned that there's a difference between eating an apple and gaining the sugars from that. And then also the sugars from processed foods like donuts and cakes and things like that are even more harmful.

Shannon Berk:

And we actually have, like this in children. It's this complex thing to work through is, they feel crappy and, and so doctors are really like, get anything in them. And so they are being fed the things that are maybe not good for the underlying disease process. So it's always that complex management. As a mom, I know that I would have to struggle with that. We actually did introduce um a ninja smoothie program where we send a smoothie out to every family so that possibly they could put some fruits and maybe even some vegetables in there and try to get them to have something sweet that's soothing to the mouth, with like mouth sores, that would be nutritious as well.

Ivelisse Page:

Yes, that is really important. And we have some other tips if individuals wanted to dive in deeper into the sugar and into the other aspects of avoiding it. We had a podcast with Jess Kelly with Remission Nutrition, and also Dagmara Beine who is a pediatric oncologist. And so she shared some tips for kids and Jess Kelly as far as adults as well. So those might be good to check back into the dive in a little deeper. But what about, you hear all the time too, like looking at food labels and your, with your pantry and things that you're hosting now at Hopkins, a lot of people don't realize even the type of oils that they should avoid and use. What do you say about that?

Shannon Berk:

Yeah, I hesitate because, I don't want to call out the food industry, but maybe more people should be. But there's a lot of cheap oils. They are cheap to put into foods, like corn oils. There's quite a few. But, the healthier oils are more like avocado oil and olive oil. Again, I'm not a nutritionist. I want to make sure that's clear. But, there are oils that our body doesn't process as easily and as well. And the more natural they are, the easier our bodies can process them. yes. There's a lot of processing that's going on. So make sure you do your research behind what kind of oil is in corn oils and everything.

Ivelisse Page:

It is, and I even think, if I just shop at Whole Foods, then I'll be fine. But so many of those oils I've discovered even in myself, cause so much inflammation. It's amazing. you think popcorn is a great treat, right? But it depends on the quality of popcorn that you're eating. And it's one of my treats that I give myself when I go to the movie theater, I get a bag of popcorn and I don't put the butter on it, but I love the popcorn. And I noticed the next day, that I have inflammation and I'm like, okay, I need to get into the sauna and start rehabbing from that popcorn. But it's so important. People don't realize that even something as small that they can do that can help reduce the inflammation just by the oils are using. And like you said, those avocado oils for high heat or the coconut oil cooking for high heat. The olive oils mainly for salads and things like that to drizzle over are so much healthier and making your own salad dressing.

Shannon Berk:

I have a question for you.

Ivelisse Page:

Oh, okay.

Shannon Berk:

So when you say that you ate popcorn and then you like, could feel the inflammation the next day. What are the symptoms for you specifically where you would know that you have now increased inflammation?

Ivelisse Page:

I immediately see it in my hands and my feet. My hands are swollen the next day. Same thing if I eat out at a Chinese restaurant and I didn't confirm that they didn't use MSG or a high sodium foods that they tend to be, the next day, my fingers look like sausages. It's amazing. And so things like exercising, the sauna, or I do a castor oil pack and things like that help to help my body detox that out and help to reduce the inflammation, hydrating and things like.

Shannon Berk:

I think that those symptoms are really, very personal. And so that's where like the listening to your body is really important because, I have some underlying pathology with discs in my neck. And so it's normally kept pretty quiet, but if I eat something that has things that inflame me, I might actually start to get some achiness into my shoulders. These symptoms that are actually like this underlying thing that have little, it's almost like it magnifies my already existing issue that I might have, just going on. So it's really important, I think, to get to know your particular symptoms for increased inflammation.

Ivelisse Page:

And what do you do to reduce your inflammation when you're in that state?

Shannon Berk:

I love that you brought up castor oil packs because no one talks about them. So I love Epson salts baths. I am a huge fan. I have researched what that bio, physiologically does to our system. There is science behind it. It's not just grandma's cure, but she was right. I drink an excess amount of water to flush my system. I do some supplements, as well to boost my my liver enzymes and my liver flushing. So that I have more support in the detoxification process internally. Those are my biggies.

Ivelisse Page:

Yeah, you mentioned the Epson salts, I know many people may not know that. Explain to us that process. Do you just fill in your tub? How much do you put in? How long do you stay in, in order to feel the therapeutic effects of it?

Shannon Berk:

So I use more than what the bag recommends or whatever, but it's usually two cups in your tub, a warm tub, and then soak for 20 to 30 minutes. I do it probably almost every night.

Ivelisse Page:

That's amazing

Shannon Berk:

Kind of addicted to it, but it's also a really good time to quiet yourself and come back to a little bit more of a peaceful place. Sometimes I take a book, in there sometimes I just light a candle and I do some breathing techniques because breathing is also something that helps with inflammation. A lot of inflammation has oxidative stress, which is like the stress we have from not having enough oxygen in our body. So breathing and doing some deep diaphragmatic breath work can actually help with inflammation. too.

Ivelisse Page:

So how do you do the deep breath work? Some people say to breathe in for a four count, hold it for four count and then release it for four counts and do that four times. Is that what you suggest? What do you do for?

Shannon Berk:

So I, I do something called square breathing. And square breathing is, if you think of a square, you would count up the square. inhale. So for you, it would be breathing in for four and then holding it for four and then taking four counts to breathe out as well. And then holding it out for four. The first step though, is for people to understand that, we do have these two systems of fight or flight system and a rest and digest system in our nervous system. And the fight or flight system is actually activated when you are inflamed. And you tend to breathe up through here, like that. And diaphragmatic breathing is where you take your breath down into your belly. And so every time you inhale your belly button should actually extend out. and as you exhale, it should actually come back towards you. So seeing the difference, cause just inhaling and holding it, you could be actually accentuating that fight or flight response if you're breathing in here instead of down into your core.

Ivelisse Page:

I think I catch myself doing that a lot is I don't realize that I'm not breathing deeply enough. And so I think that's such a great practice. And, even before bed, to try and calm yourself and to take those deep breaths. And one of the things Jimmy does, my husband, before he goes to bed, is he loves the PAUSE app. And it really walks you through that process. They have a three minute, five minute, ten minute, and it helps your you to really focus in on breathing and filling your mind with God's word and his presence. Giving your cares to him because we can get heavy with everything happening in our world and in our own personal lives. And especially those going through a cancering process. It helps to unpack that mental baggage I say, that's, you're holding in that backpack and emptying it out right before bed so that you can have that peaceful sleep, and that deep breathing is part of it. So I love that you mentioned that. Dr. Mark Hyman says, in regards to cancer, we really need to focus on the terrain. It's important to pay attention to the cancer cell, but I think it's also important to pay attention to the terrain in someone's body. The terrain is like the soil. It's everything surrounding that cancer cell, and it can influence whether a cancer cell is going to grow or proliferate. Or if a cancer cell is not going to grow and proliferate. So we can have an impact on the terrain in our body by working to lower inflammation in the body. We know that cancer likes to grow in the face of inflammation. So whatever we work to lower inflammation in the body, we're creating a terrain where cancer is less likely to grow. And I think that's just such a great preventative tips that you've been sharing already, which is, doing those things to reduce stress, the Epson salts, the castor oil packs. Those are all really practical things that we can each do, the foods that we eat. And we're going to put links in our notes in regards to all these things that we've discussed if people wanted to dive further into those things. Believe it or not, we're coming to the close of our podcast. We have a few minutes left and I would love for you to share anything that I might have missed in regards to inflammation and for cancer or even in prevention that you think would be important and vital for someone listening to take note of or to remember?

Shannon Berk:

So first I have to honor a request by my husband.

Ivelisse Page:

Absolutely.

Shannon Berk:

I'm going to get a little teared up, so we lost one of our kids. And we reached out to you guys to help us. And you were so quick to come and be there for us. And I really wanted to say how grateful we were that you are a partner for us. And, I believe that we can change the world if we all connect and work together. So thank you very much. And my husband wanted me to make sure that I told you.

Ivelisse Page:

Now I'm crying.

Shannon Berk:

As far as inflammation goes, there's this tendency for us to look at this external. And, and I'm an integrated approach person. And we are a body, mind and a spirit, and we can't forget that our mind and our spirit are in that equation. And so inflammation is not just the physiology, the cellular level. It's also in our minds and it's in our spirits. And we have to be mindful of that as well. And that means that if you have, a negative narrative about yourself, self criticism, belief systems, limiting belief systems about yourself or the world that needs to be cared for in the same manner as our physical form. And then our spirit has to be cared for as well. And that means taking the time to access it in whatever way that is for you: prayer, meditation, quiet. And allowing whatever that higher power is for you to come in and be part of the journey. Inflammation is present, it's called inflamed. We all know when we're inflamed or irritated or resentful. And so that has to be cared for too. I just needed to make sure that everybody heard that part too.

Ivelisse Page:

You are so right. And, to go back to what you shared before, I just have to say that yeah, we are a community. It's important. There's this new book that called Find Your People. And I think that's something that has been lost in our society with COVID and, everyone's kind of shrunk into their own homes and whether it's the cancer community or our own communities, what we do to give back and to support each other during difficult times is so vital to find these people that we can link arms with and say, you're not alone. And, we're so grateful for you all and we are your family and we are grateful for this partnership. And,

Shannon Berk:

Thank you so much.

Ivelisse Page:

Yes. and then as far as the, what you just shared, I am so glad that you mentioned that. Because so many times we focus on the physical side of inflammation, and we don't talk about the emotional and the spiritual and the mental impact. And so many studies have been done on the impact that emotional health has. Because of their emotional pain and traumas from the past that has prevented them from releasing that and hindered their ability to fully heal. I am so grateful that you mentioned that because emotional, mental, and spiritual healing is so powerful, to anyone in the cancering process or in any kind of disease state to release. And we'll put some of those resources along in our notes. But Shannon, it has been such an honor and a pleasure to speak with you today. Thank you so much.

Shannon Berk:

I'm so grateful.

Ivelisse Page:

If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support our podcast, please subscribe and share it with others. Be sure to visit believebig.org to access the show notes and discover our bonus content. Thanks again, and keep Believing Big!

What is your favorite health tip?
What is Just In Power Kids?
Do you only help pediatric cancer patients in Maryland or all around the US?
Inflammation: new topic
What types of inflammation cause disease and how do we combat it?
What is chronic inflammation?
What are some of the things that are causing this wrong type of inflammation?
Why is sugar bad?
What types of oils do you suggest people use in their diet?
Shannon asks Ivelisse about her inflammatory symptoms after eating movie theater popcorn.
Shannon shares her inflammatory symptoms.
What do you do to reduce your inflammation when you are in that state?
Explain the Epsom salt process you use when trying to reduce inflammation.
Explain the Epsom salt process you use when trying to reduce inflammation.
How do you do the deep breath work?
Dr. Mark Hyman's quote
Share anything we may have missed that would be important to our listeners.