CAN REDUCING INFLAMMATION FINALLY HELP YOU FEEL BETTER?

CAN REDUCING INFLAMMATION FINALLY HELP YOU FEEL BETTER?
I had no idea I was suffering from low-grade inflammation…until I no longer was…and I realized how much better I felt!  Did inflammation play a role in the root cause of the autoimmune ITP I struggled with? I believe it probably did. But, where did that inflammation come from?

First of all, let’s make sure we understand that inflammation has a purpose in our body.  It is designed to trap bacteria or help heal injured tissue.   However, at times our body may perceive an attack (when there isn’t one), and it stays inflamed over a long period of time.  This is the chronic inflammation I am referring to.

There are many things that can cause or contribute to chronic inflammation.  To be honest, prior to an autoimmune disease diagnosis, I could check the box on many of these...especially prolonged stress!!
  • Autoimmune disease can be both a cause and an effect when it comes to inflammation!  
  • Exposure to certain toxins (even in low amounts).
  • Prolonged periods of stress.
  • Foods containing diary and gluten.
  • Overuse of antibiotics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
  • Eating a diet high in sugar, processed food, fried foods, & alcohol.
It is believed that prolonged inflammation can be a contributing factor in diseases such as:
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
Inflammation can even show up as:
  • Body/join aches
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent Infections
  • Weight Gain
  • Depression or Anxiety
  • Digestive Discomfort 
WHAT CAN WE DO?
There are many things we can do to help our body release inflammation:
  • Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods
  • Avoid Inflammatory foods
  • Limit or avoid alcohol
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
What if....we could combine some of the above suggestions? What if...we combined anti-inflammatory nutrition and supplements + exercise + water?  We could help our body flush out inflammation…and when we do that, there is no telling how great our body is going to feel!!  

If you're curious and you'd like some more info on my favorite anti-inflammatory protocol, click below so we can stay connected! Also...I'm already feeling like this post needs a "part 2" so we can chat about specific foods that reduce inflammation! What do you think...??


How I'm Healing From Medical Trauma

How I'm Healing From Medical Trauma
A while back, I shared a blog post about THE LINK BETWEEN TRAUMA AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

I discussed my own traumatic experience and how I believe it is what triggered my autoimmune disease diagnosis.  However, what about the other side of the coin?  

What about the trauma we experience when we battle a chronic illness?  

Because of other life experiences, I’ve read a bookshelf of books related to trauma.  A few years ago, I realized I was probably experiencing trauma related to having a chronic medical condition.  Even though I have been in remission for 17 years, I have come to DREAD the annual blood tests and check-ins with the doctor.  It’s as though every cell in my body remembers what it was like to sit in the hematologists office and wait for the numbers to come back. 
My head would swim with:
* What would my platelet count be?  
* Was this day going to end in victory, or defeat?  
* Would I be rescheduling my life for more treatments…medications with awful side effects…?  

The moments ticked by as I waited for the Doctor to return to the exam room with the results.  

Trauma triggers are real!   I now go to the outpatient lab to have my blood drawn.  My mind still swims: Will THIS be the day 17 years of remission comes crashing down? Have I noticed any symptoms that would indicate my platelets have dropped? A bruise? A patch of petechia (broken blood vessels)? With newer technology, I actually have to wait longer to get my results. Rather than the doctor running labs in his office and returning in a few minutes, I must go home and wait for the results to get uploaded into the medical chart app and I will receive an email alert.  I can’t stand the wait and I don’t breath a sigh of relief until I can see the lab results, which usually only takes a few hours. It feels like eternity.

I believe we can heal from medical trauma.  I have found some strategies that help me get my emotions in check before I go to my appointments.  I grab two my favorite essential oil blends.  One helps me feel more confident.  The other helps me relax and release my stress.  I apply them in the car before I go into the medical center.  I am continuing to work with other aromatherapy protocols to help my body and mind release the medical trauma that sometimes continues to bother me.
 
If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions regarding a medical condition and you’d like some tools for emotional support, Let’s stay connected!  


TOP 3 WAYS TO AVOID "FOREVER CHEMICALS"

TOP 3 WAYS TO AVOID "FOREVER CHEMICALS"
WHAT ON EARTH ARE "FOREVER CHEMICALS!?"

PFAS stands for “per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances”. They are synthetic compounds used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. They can be found in many types of products:
  • Non-stick cookware, often in the form of Teflon
  • Non-stick food wrappers (fast food), microwave popcorn bags
  • Stain resistant furniture
  • Flame resistant clothing
PFAS and PTFE chemicals can also be found in personal care products such as lotions, cosmetics, sunscreen, shaving cream, etc.  They often get added to create a smooth, shiny texture on the skin.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH “FOREVER CHEMICALS?”
They have earned their nick name!
  • They do not break down in the environment.
  • They can move through soils and contaminate drinking water
  • They can build up (bioaccumulate) in our bodies!
 
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN THEY CAUSE?   
Studies show that the buildup of these chemicals in our bodies can cause:
  • Hormone disruption including Infertility
  • Thyroid disfunction
  • Immune system issues
  • Liver damage
  • Various forms of cancer (Kidney, prostate, etc)
According to the CDC, fluorinated chemicals contaminate the bodies of nearly all Americans. They have determined that there is NO safe level for what our bodies are able to handle!  Honestly, it makes me wonder if “forever chemicals” could have played a role in my autoimmune disease, infertility, hormone issues, etc.  

WHAT CAN WE DO?
  • My home has been Teflon-free since introducing pet parrots to our family.   Perhaps a blessing in disguise, I learned that parrots’ respiratory systems are incredibly sensitive and the chemicals from non-stick cookware is immediately toxic to them.  I quickly got rid of my cookware and now cook almost exclusively on stainless steel.
  • I have replaced all of my personal care products (shampoo, shower gel, lotions, etc) as well as cosmetics with plant based products that are infused with pure essential oils.  When I got tired of reading labels on *every single product*, I found a company whose ingredients I trust!
  • I don’t happen to eat fast food or microwave popcorn. However, while down the rabbit hole of research, I realized that parchment paper also contains the same chemical treatment!  I cook a lot on parchment paper…because I don’t want to be baking on non-stick cookie sheets!   Sheesh…what’s a crunchy mom to do?   I tried the “unbleached and certified compostable” parchment paper.  Guess what…? It sticks!  LOL!  I guess that is a good sign that it isn’t treated with forever chemicals and I’ll just have to deal with it!



THE PROBLEM WITH PEANUTS

THE PROBLEM WITH PEANUTS
It’s funny how a random social media post can spark a conversation that warrants a blog post…lol!   

Is Peanut Butter “bad” for our health?   Why are so many health-conscious people switching to other nut butters?

If I said that peanuts are not technically a nut because they are a legume, you might be thinking, “So what…?  Aren’t legumes (beans) supposed to be a healthy source of protein…?”  True…so the fact that they are not a nut isn’t actually the problem.

PROBLEM #1:
The problem lies in how they are grown and stored.  Peanuts are susceptible to a particular kind of mold that causes a toxin called “aflatoxin”.   Aflatoxin is a highly toxic carcinogenic.  That means it causes cancer!  The liver is the main organ targeted by aflatoxins.  Long term exposure to low doses of aflatoxins can cause serious health problems.

PROBLEM #2:
Peanuts are high in Omega 6 fatty acids.  In excess, Omega 6 fatty acids can cause the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals.  These types of fats are found in many vegetable oils such as: corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. These can contribute to the growth of prostate tumor cells and increase the risk of developing high blood pressure in people with diabetes.

SOLUTION:
A healthier solution would be to eat tree nuts rather than peanuts and use nut butters such as almond or cashew rather than peanut butter. Nuts and seeds can be a fantastic “grab & go” snack that are packed with protein and Omega 3 fatty acids.  To put it simply….Omega 3’s help our heart, brain, and body function well and protect us from disease.  Of course, it would take another blog post to list all of the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids for our health!

RAW OVER ROASTED:
When enjoying nuts and seeds, opt for raw rather than roasted.  There are many healthy fats in raw nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc. When roasted, the healthy fats become oxidized. Although raw nut butters can be more difficult to find, I often purchase raw almond butter from Trader Joe.  I love making a trail mix with raw cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, and dried wolfberries (aka: goji berries.)

As a side note….Wolfberries contain a compound called Ellagic Acid which can de-activate the cancer causing aflatoxin!  

Want to chat more about healthy snacks and the health benefits of Wolfberries!??  Make sure you click below!


I ACCIDENTALLY HEALED MY ECZEMA!

I ACCIDENTALLY HEALED MY ECZEMA!
Years ago, I used to struggle with extremely dry, itchy skin on my legs.  The doctors treated me for eczema. They gave me steroid cream. They gave me non-steroid cream.  Unfortunately, my eczema bothered me from my ankles to my hips….the entire length of my legs!  I felt like I could itch until I literally would scratch the skin off my legs.

I tried to find lotions and salves to sooth my skin and keep it from itching. Many of the thickest “healing” ointments contained petroleum.  (I didn’t know better, so I used them).  Many of the lotions contained fragrance.  (I didn’t know better, so I used them also.)

I started using essential oils to create healthier skin care products. I decided to make a DIY body butter.   I no longer wanted to use any product with petroleum because it disrupts the endocrine system and messes with your hormones.  I no longer wanted to use any product with “fragrance” because it contains chemicals that can cause cancer. I began using my soothing concoction and it helped!   But my eczema wasn’t gone…

Over the course of the next couple of years, I made many other lifestyle changes.  
  • I stopped using any personal care products that contained hormone disrupting ingredients or artificial fragrance.  
  • I switched my laundry soap for a plant based detergent that contained no harsh chemicals or fragrance.  
  • I stopped using fabric softener and dryer sheets; and opted for wool balls with essential oils.  
  • I also focused on some internal cleansing, cleansing my liver of heavy metals and any other toxins my body may have been holding onto.  
  • I cut out foods that were causing inflammation and messing with my digestive system...because...
  • our skin is an outward manifestation of what our body is doing on the inside! 
My skin hasn’t bothered me in many years!  I didn’t intentionally set out to “fix” my eczema.  I can’t give credit to any ONE thing.  Although there may be ways to sooth irritated skin, my experience is that we need to look at our environment very closely for ingredients in products that can harm our health.  We may need to cleanse our bodies from the inside out in order to truly help our skin.

If you are struggling with dry, itchy skin and want to check out my soothing body butter recipe:  

If you would like a free guide on the top 5 foods to avoid that cause inflammation:

If you would like an "easy button" for reducing inflammation and bringing healing to your body:


 
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