The negative effects of over-the-counter pain medications

This month our focus is on educating our patients on the potentially negative effects of over-the-counter pain medications, especially acetaminophen. When we have aches and pains, isn't taking Acetaminophen a very safe and good idea?  What about when our child is teething, or just after a vaccine? Should we give her Infants' Tylenol to relieve the pain? Research shows that Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and more than 600 medications, causes toxicity, cell death and liver failure.  We have provided research in this newsletter to educate you on the potential side effects of this drug that has been marketed as "safe for the whole family".  But, our deeper message this month is to remind you that if you are having pain, seek solutions - not simply a way to mask the symptoms.  Medications don't heal, they mask symptoms, modulate symptoms, and at best, attempt to ward off future symptoms.  

Medications do not solve the imbalance that the pain is representing in the body. To heal, one must remove blockages, restore flow, and bring balance to the failing system. Chiropractic restores nerve flow, brings balance to the spine and nervous system, and ultimately allows for the body to heal itself.  Acupuncture restores balance to the body so that the organ systems are working in harmony allowing the body to heal more effectively.  Massage restores movement of the tissues and nutrition removes toxicity and restores depleted cells. All of the techniques at InnerMovement are HIGHLY effective in treating pain. Before you reach for the pain medication, pick up the phone and call our office. All of the InnerMovement staff are passionate about helping the whole family live a pain free, vibrant life! Until our next adjustment...

Yours in Health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

Are OTC Pain Relievers Safe

Over The Counter Pain Relievers

Are They Effective? Are They Safe?

In a recent article on the effectiveness of common over-the-counter pain killers, pain researchers revealing some surprising and disturbing insights.

• A pain researcher at Oxford University,stated: Tylenol doesn't actually work that well for pain. To be more exact, "I can't imagine why anybody would take acetaminophen," he said. Every researcher contacted agreed with this statement.
• A 2015 study published on BMJ.com (link below) found that acetaminophen didn't seem to help most sufferers of chronic low back pain, and that it barely alleviates pain in people with osteoarthritis. As the researchers wrote, "We found that [acetaminophen] is ineffective on both pain and disability outcomes for low back pain in the immediate and short term and is not clinically superior to placebo on both pain and disability outcomes for osteoarthritis."

Most disturbing was the data provided that links Acetaminophen usage with liver toxicity and failure. Between 1998 and 2003, acetaminophen was the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US. "We always thought [acetaminophen] was safe, but there are increasing signals of accidental overdose in people who are regularly using it for chronic pain, and some liver toxicity," explained a Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine. 

Unfortunately, there are risks associated with Aspirin and Ibuprofen usage as well. Aspirin interferes with blood coagulation. Just 1 gram of Aspirin leaves you at rick for bleeding up to 4 days after using it. And Ibuprofen puts users at risk for gastrointestinal bleeds and kidney damage. Using it in high doses also seems to raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

So what's the solution? Drug-Free pain relief solutions that work to restore balance to the body such as Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Massage.

Research:

*Efficacy and safety of Acetaminophen in the management of spinal pain and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

*Acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure

Recipe Of The Month -

Healthy & Easy After School Snacks

Nut Butter

Option 1: Top pear slices with nut butter & granola.

Option 2: Top a rice cake with nut butter & blueberries.

Option 3: Use as dipping sauce for carrot sticks or sliced apples. (Bonus tip: try using cookie cutters to make fun shapes!)

Hummus

Option 1: Top a multigrain bagel with hummus & sliced tomato.
Option 2: Make a wrap with a whole-wheat tortilla, hummus, sliced cucumber, & crumbled Feta (optional).
Option 3: Serve with fresh cut veggies for dipping.

Granola, Yogurt and Berry Parfaits

Layer greek yogurt with fresh berries and organic granola in a tall glass.

Fruit Smoothies

Puree 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 banana and 1/4 cup filtered water or coconut water in a blender until smooth. (Add 1/2 cup of spinach or kale for extra credit.)

Say NO to Soda!

Did you know that according to new Dietary Guidelines, 1 can of coke exceeds the daily sugar intake amount? 

MSNBC article on Coca-Cola's misleading anti-obesity campaign targets kids

Infographic:  8 Ways That Soda Negatively Affects Your Health

Acupuncture & Weight Loss

Obesity has no singular cause. Genetic, age, lifestyle, constitution, emotion, and diet are all factors that contribute to the likelihood of obesity. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the foods we crave depend on the imbalances in our internal system. Unfortunately, eating unnatural foods, the wrong types of foods, or excessive quantities throws the entire system out of balance. 

Acupuncture can help normalize the system, and aid weight loss when accompanied by proper diet and exercise. In a Russian study of obese children it was found that regular Acupuncture treatments resulted in the normalization of blood and serum levels, decrease of overall body mass and fatty tissue content, and increased exercise performance abilities. In other studies, conclusive evidence was offered to show needling of auricular points helped to lower the appetite, increase satiety with less food, as well as lower insulin and lipid levels.

Study:  Acupuncture for the treatment of obesity: a review of the evidence (Int'l Journal of Obesity)

Dr. Oz:  Acupuncture: Magic Bullet for Weight Loss?

Learn more about how Acupuncture can benefit you and aid in weight management, by scheduling an  appointment with our Licensed Acupuncturist Monica!

Obesity & Back Pain

According to the American Obesity Association, musculoskeletal pain, specifically back pain, is common among Americans who are classified as obese.

Obesity, or being overweight, adds strain to the muscles and ligaments in the back as

Obesity & Back Pain.

to compensate for extra weight, the spine can become tilted and stressed unevenly. As a result, over time, an unnatural curvature of the spine may develop and present a lack of mobility.  Lower back pain is aggravated by obesity, especially for those people who carry excess weight in the abdomen which can pull the pelvis forward.

Being overweight or obese can also significantly contribute to symptoms associated with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), degenerative disc disease (DDD), spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.

Thankfully, Chiropractic Care can provide pain relief and correct musculoskeletal imbalances while patients are working toward their weight loss goals. For more information, please see Drs. Heidi or Neha!

Facts on Childhood Obesity

In observance of Childhood Obesity Month, we want to provide some facts to demonstrate how important it is that we help our children learn healthy habits. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. The percentage of U.S. obese children aged 6-11 years 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012.  Similarly, adolescents aged 12-19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly 21% over the same period. Long-term health effects of youth and adolescent obesity are: Higher risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, osteoarthritis, and are more likely to be obese as adults. Increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. According to a 2014 Gallup Poll, the national incidence of obesity was 27.7 percent (up from 25.5 in 2008).  The trend is alarming and it's clear that this is a health issue that families need to tackle together.  Please read our other posts thi month to learn how obesity can affect your health and what you can do help optimize your health.

Focus on Childhood Obesity

This month we are bringing awareness to Childhood Obesity.  This preventable state of ill-health is rising steadily in the United States each year and I think it's important to speak of this topic and solutions for it without condemnation or judgment.  Society has become apathetic regarding this topic, naively feeding their children the heavily marketed Standard American Diet (S.A.D) full of sugar, preservatives, chemicals, allergens, and fat.  It is in fact "SAD" that our children are suffering. 

Dr. Heidi

What can we do? Be the example! That is the single best way to positively impact our children. Childhood obesity can develop into a lifelong struggle with weight and lead to serious health issues in adulthood. This is one of the biggest reasons InnerMovement has teamed up with Pacific Rejuvenation Medical to offer a comprehensive and holistic weight loss programs.  

Many of our patients struggle with their weight and we wanted to find a solution.  Thankfully there are now medically-safe ways to lose weight for those patients who require a clinical and structured approach to reach their goal weight!   And best of all, these programs work in concert with our holistic wellness treatments that aim to provide a pain-free and optimally healthy life!

Ask myself or a staff member about our new Medical Weight Loss Program on your next visit and take advantage of our Special $25 Metabolic Testing offer!  Until our next adjustment...

Yours in Health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

Top 10 Hydrating Foods

Cucumbers - 96% water
Watermelon - 96% water
Pineapple - 95% water
Celery - 95% water
Blueberries - 95% water
Lettuce - 95% water
Tomatoes - 95% water
Pears - 92% water
Grapefruit - 90% water
Cantaloupe - 90% water

Be sure to incorporate these hydrating foods into your diet as often and as much as you can!

How External and Internal Heat Affects The Body

Hot temperatures can be a problem for many people with spine disorders or neurological issues as heat can stop nerve fibers from working properly. Messages cannot get through to and from the brain and as a result, you may experience fatigue, weakness, or problems with balance or vision.

The part of the brain called the hypothalamus is responsible for regulating your body temperature. It accomplishes this by sending signals to the body to start sweating if it gets too hot, or shivering if it gets cold.

Stress can also create a warming sensation in your body as the stress stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine are released when you're stressed out, nervous, or upset. Massage therapy helps relax the body, allowing a "reset" of the autonomic nervous system. 

Certain medications, such as some blood pressure medicine, can affect your tolerance of heat. Hot flashes may be a side effect of some prescription medications. Raloxifene (Evista), commonly prescribed for osteoporosis, and tamoxifen (Tamoxifen and Nolvadex), a treatment for breast cancer, may cause skin flushing and hot flashes. Hot flashes may be a side effect of chemotherapy too. Some over-the-counter medications can also cause symptoms that mimic those of menopause-related hot flashes.

Heat can also trigger headaches, migraines, sinus issues and allergies for many.  We highly recommend our Cold Stone Therapy Massage for relief!

 How to cool down?

Keep hydrated. Make sure you drink regularly throughout the day, and always carry water with you if you go out. You should consume half your body weight in water daily.

Eat cold foods like salad and fruits have a high water content.

Exercise during the coolest parts of the day.

Wear light-colored, loose fabrics, open shoes or sandals and a hat to shade you from the sun. 

Spritz cool water over yourself or have a cool shower. 

Keep ice packs and freezable eye masks handy.

Learn more about the therapeutic benefits of the different types of massages we offer!

Our Massage Menu

Learn more about the therapeutic benefits of the different types of massages we offer!

Wellness Massage:  combines Swedish & Deep Tissue techniques to tailor massage to your personal Wellness needs. This combination creates a balance so that the body can heal itself most effectively. 

Bamboo Fusion Massage: is performed with heated bamboo batons to provide deep tissue therapy with a luxurious feeling, leaving you energized and revitalized.

Cold Stone Therapy: utilizes aromatherapy, headache point release, and the strategic placement of cold, marble stones on the face and the neck to eliminate or diminish the pain and pressure of migraines, tension headache, allergies and sinus pressure. 

Myofascial Release: is a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and dysfunction.

Prenatal Massage: is tailored to your specific needs to relieve the emotional stress & physical tension that accumulates during pregnancy.This massage is performed by Prenatal Specialists to assure safety of care during this precious time.

Craniosacral: relieves pain and tension by using subtle and gentle manipulations to regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and encourages the body and central nervous system to self-correct.

All of our Massages are on special this month! Don't miss a chance to stock up on your favorites or try new therapies! Learn more HERE

Pain Free Travel Tips

   

Heavy bags can aggravate back pain by straining muscles and joints. Use a light suitcase with wheels and a handle for rolling it. And be sure to exercise care when lifting luggage. Go slowly and lift by bending your knees. If you're carrying a shoulder bag, switch sides to avoid stressing one side.

Practice good posture by making sure your back is aligned against the back of your seat in a sitting position and that your headrest is supporting the middle of your head. Keep the shoulders straight and avoid hunching forward. Make sure both feet are firmly resting on the floor or a footrest.

Bring your own pillows to provide support. A lumbar pillow to support your lower back and a neck pillow to avoid neck strain. Proper support for your lower back also requires bottom-up leverage from your feet. Place your feet on a firm surface while sitting. And if you're driving, take advantage of cruise control to stretch/rest your right foot.

The spine is designed to move so get up and stretch and move around frequently - every 20 to 30 minutes if possible - to move your core body muscles.

Unbelievable Massage Sale

Greetings!    The summer is in full swing and its time to take a "stay-cation" on a massage bed at InnerMovement!  Treat yourself to one of our special Massage packages and end the summer feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and healed!  Our team of Massage Therapists are without a doubt, the best in town!  Here is a sneak peak at the qualities that I see in each therapist that makes her a truly gifted healer: * Victoria -  Ms. Victoria has a huge heart and deep compassion that you can feel through her touch and intuitive, healing energy.  She excels in working strain, tension and kinks out of the neck and upper back.  Her specialty massage training is in Cold Stone Therapy where she enthusiastically works with oils and stones to relieve migraines, sinus pressure, allergies and tension headaches.  She is also excellent at Prenatal Massage. * Maeghan - Ms. Maeghan has deeply nurturing energy & a passion for Prenatal & Postnatal care.  She excels in healing shoulder injuries of any kind & is well trained in various healing techniques.  Her specialty training is in Prenatal Massage, where she passionately trains our Massage team in Prenatal technique.  She is also skilled at Bamboo Fusion Massage and Myofascial Release. * Alyssa - Ms. Alyssa is deeply intelligent and always willing to go the extra mile to help a patient heal.  She excels in Myofascial Release technique and attends regular training to master this complex system of healing.  She successfully treats some of the most difficult musculoskeletal conditions, including: TMJ syndrome, sciatica, chronic low back pain, hip pain and plantar fasciitis.  Alyssa is also a wonderful Prenatal massage therapist.  * Carol - Ms. Carol has an immensely well rounded skill set and extensive knowledge base in holistic health care.  As a Yoga Instructor and Massage Therapist combined with many years of schooling in anatomy, physiology and Eastern Medicine concepts, Carol can bring relief to almost any condition.  Her specialty training is in Craniosacral Therapy.  She is also exceptional as a Prenatal Massage therapist. * Christy -  Ms. Christy is a feminine powerhouse!  She is an avid Cross Fit trainer and instructor along with being a very skilled Massage Therapist.  Christy excels in healing pain and imbalance of the low back, hip and knee.  She is also our Bamboo Fusion specialist and staff trainer.  If you haven't tried Bamboo Fusion, you must try it!  It is my favorite massage offered at IMC!  Christy is also a mother and a caring provider of Prenatal and Postnatal Massage. I hope to see you all in the office this month enjoying your massage "stay-cation" at InnerMovement! Yours in Health, Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

Recipe Of The Month - Healthier Strawberry Shortcake

Healthier Strawberry Shortcake

• 1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs (or 3tsp Egg Replacer +4 tbsp water)
• 1/2 cup organic, local honey
• 1/3 cup coconut oil 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (or plain almond milk)
• 4-5 cups of fresh, sliced organic strawberries (rinsed, dried)
• Whipped cream - fresh cream whipped to form soft peak (or fat free half & half, or full-fat coconut milk + powdered sugar)

Mix together flour and baking powder. Add in eggs, honey, oil, vanilla and milk. Stir well (or mix well with hand mixer). Pour into a well oiled 8×8 inch baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes. 

Allow cake to cool completely. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. (9 servings)

Thanks to you, we're #1

You Did It!  We're #1! InnerMovement Chiropractic & Wellness  has been named the #1 Chiropractor in Los Angeles for the second year in a row!    Our sincere gratitude to all  who voted for us. ~ The InnerMovement Wellness Team

Father's Day: Give the Gift of Wellness

Chiropractic for Migraines

Several clinical trials indicate that spinal manipulation therapy may help treat migraine headaches. In one study of people with migraines, 22% of those who received chiropractic manipulation reported more than a 90% reduction of attacks. Also, 49% reported a significant reduction of the intensity of each migraine.

LINK:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/migraine-headache

Celebrating Mother's Day

This month we are celebrating Mother's Day!!!  

Each day at InnerMovement we care for and support moms.  With our specialty in Prenatal & Postnatal care, we are blessed every day with adorable new babies and active toddlers accompanying their moms for a spinal check-up.  Spending time with healthy babies and happy moms is truly one of our favorite parts of each day, as we continue to support them on their path toward wellness!

Our newsletter focus this month is helping to shed light on the most common health concerns mothers face.  What I witness daily is the common dis-ease that all mothers seem to experience, "putting everyone before myself-itis" and "no time for me syndrome".  If you have this or know a mom that does...please use our specials this month to come in and find a cure.  And please forward this email to the mom's you love in your life that need a little TLC as we LOVE to care for them!

Until our next adjustment...

Yours in Health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

Massage for Moms for Mother's Day

After Taxes Appt Sale - Get your WELLNESS on !!!

After Taxes Appt Sale  -  Get your WELLNESS on !!!   Open Appointments

CHIROPRACTIC We have 3 Chiropractic  appointments available  this Thursday (4/16/15) - 9:15 am   - 12:15 pm - 5:15 pm  Book now and get a  $10 Discount  on your  Chiropractic appointment!  We have 3 Chiropractic  appointments available  this Friday (4/1715) - 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm MASSAGE   available   Book now and get a  $10 Discount  on your  Massage appointment!    We have 3 MASSAGE  appointments available  this Thursday (4/16/15) - 9:00 am  - 11:30 am - 4:30 pm We have 3 MASSAGE  appointments available  this Friday (4/17/15) - 9:00 am  - 9:45 am - 11:30 am ACUPUNCTURE We have 2 Acupuncture  appointments available  this Wednesday (4/15/15) - 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm New Patient $79 Special We have 3 Acupuncture  appointments available  this Thursday (4/16/15) - 9:00 am   - 10:00 pm   - 12:00 pm MEDICAL FACIALS   WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! You visit our affiliate  Primo Med Spa  in suite 110.   Appointments available 7 days/week 818-551-0464 ACCEPTING PPO INSURANCE w/low copays   No Insurance?  No problem! Ask about our Cash Discount Plans!

NeuroEmotional Technique (NET) & IBS

NET is a mind-body technique that finds and removes neurological imbalances related to the physiology of unresolved stress. NET is a tool that can help improve many behavioral and physical conditions as it's based on the physiological foundations of stress-related responses. As discovered in the late 1970s, emotional responses have physical manifestations.  Significantly, this process also happens when a person recalls to memory an event in which a stress originally occurred. 

This is a key factor in the NET treatment. NET addresses the emotional or stress factors, the effects of toxins on the body, the biochemistry factor of health, and the structural and physical corrections.

From Dr. Heidi, a NET Practitioner:

"NET is such an effective bio feedback technique for relieving the BODY of built up emotional stress.  I employ this technique daily and my patients love it! It is the Emotional piece of my visit so that I am including Structural, Biochemical and Emotional balancing each visit with patients as ACA article suggests."

More information:

NET Mind Body

Massage Therapy Effects on IBS

  

Traditional, relaxation-based Wellness Massage has proven to lessen IBS severity in many people.

Specific massage movements and massage on pressure points can be used to stimulate sluggish digestion in case of constipation, to relax abdominal muscles or to relieve bloating. Massage on acupressure points can also help to stimulate the colon. Some studies have shown that regular abdominal massage reduced gastrointestinal symptoms with regard to constipation and abdominal pain, and resulted in an increased number of bowel movements, although it may take up to two weeks to begin seeing the increase.

Massage also has another function in treating IBS: it's an effective way to relieve and to prevent stress and anxiety. The Touch Research Institute has supported several studies on the efficiency of massage therapy on a variety of health conditions, including stress and anxiety.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of massage therapy?  Contact us for more information!

Treating IBS With Chiropractic Care

According to most medical doctors, IBS is a result of a dysfunction in the muscles of your intestines that causes the food to be moved through them either too fast or too slow.  This movement is controlled by your parasympathetic nervous system.  

The parasympathetic nerves exit your spine in your low back and go to the intestines.  If there is a problem with that area of your low back, it can affect how the intestinal muscles function. Chiropractic care addresses the dysfunction affecting the parasympathetic nervous system through specific spinal adjustments and unlike the medications, has no side effects.

Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to care-assessing the patient's structural, biochemical and emotional state which can help IBS patients look beyond suppression of symptoms toward modulating the main contributing factors.

To experience how Chiropractic care can treat your IBS, please contact our office to book your appointment & take advantage of our New Patient $79 Special!

Sources/Studies:

American Chiropractic Association

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23427390

Subluxation Awareness

IBS Awareness

This month we are focusing on the awareness and natural treatment options for IBS.  Many people suffer needlessly with this condition.  Bouts of Constipation, gas, bloating, and diarrhea continue unresolved simply because the person does not have the correct information to heal themselves...UNTIL NOW!  If you or someone you know are dealing with inconsistent bowel movements and/or Irritable Bowel symptoms. many of your answers lie in the information in our monthly newsletter.  Simple dietary changes, regular spinal alignments and a commitment to stress reducing techniques have shown to be the MOST effective ways to treat and reduce the symptoms of IBS.

Keeping the gut healthy is paramount to good health.  We should all be having 1-3 firm, clean bowel movements per day.  If this is not happening, there is an intestinal problem that needs to be addressed.  Left unresolved it will lead to immune distress, vitamin & mineral deficiencies, fatigue, and overall ill health.  Don't let IBS or any intestinal imbalance rob you of good health.  Let us help!  Read the information in our newsletter and get moving toward better intestinal health!  Until our next adjustment...

  

Yours in Health,

Dr. Heidi & The InnerMovement Wellness Team

Not All Supplements Are Created Equal

The New York State Attorney General's office accused four major retailers in February 2015 of selling fraudulent and potentially dangerous herbal supplements and demanded that they remove the products from their shelves.

The authorities said they had conducted tests on top-selling store brands of herbal supplements at four national retailers (GNC, Target, Walgreens and Walmart) and found that, on average, four out of five products did not contain any of the herbs on their labels. The tests showed that pills labeled medicinal herbs often contained little more than cheap fillers like powdered rice, asparagus and houseplants, and in some cases substances that could be dangerous to those with allergies.

We want to assure you that 

 InnerMovement Chiropractic ONLY carries those supplements that offer documented scientific research & are subject to Third-Party regulation.

Click here to download and print the Biotics Research Patient Warning
Click here to download "Why Should I Buy Supplements Through My Healthcare Professional" 
Click here to download the Biotics Research Quality Control brochure

If you have any questions, please inquire at our office.

Estrogen-Mimicking Chemicals To Avoid

For decades, there has been serious concern about the environmental implications of hormone disrupting chemicals called "xeno-estrogens" or false estrogens. Literally translated, Xeno-estrogens are "foreign estrogens" that imitate estrogen and its effect on the body.

These types of products contain "foreign estrogens":

• Weed killers
• Sunscreen lotions that contain 4-MBC
• Food preservatives such as BHA
• Canned foods and plastics (BPA and BPA-S)
• Insecticides and pesticides
• Food Dyes
• Food chemicals that are used to protect fats and oils from becoming rancid
• Anti-perspirants that are made with Metalloestrogens or toxic metals
• Make ups and skin care products that have the preservative called paraben
• Tap water (most city waters are contaminated with estrogens from oral contraceptive pills)
• Detergents and surfactants
• Growth hormones in dairy and meat products

Recipe Of The Month: Gluten-Free Black Bean Soup

Gluten-Free Black Bean Soup Ingredients 1 pound dry black beans 1 1/2 quarts filtered water 1 organic carrot, chopped 1 stalk organic celery, chopped 1 large organic red onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, crushed 2 green bell peppers, chopped 2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional) 1/4 cup dry lentils 4 fresh tomatoes 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon sea salt 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice  Instructions In a large pot over medium-high heat, place the beans in three times their volume of water. Bring to a boil, and let boil 10 minutes. Cover, remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Drain, and rinse.  In a slow cooker, combine soaked beans and 1 1/2 quarts fresh water. Cover, and cook for 3 hours on High. Stir in carrot, celery, onion, garlic, bell peppers, jalapeno pepper, lentils, and tomatoes. Season with chili powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, red wine vinegar, and salt. Cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the rice into the slow cooker in the last 20 minutes of cooking. Carefully puree about half of the soup with a blender or food processor, then pour back into the pot before serving.