Discover the incredible health benefits of Goji Berries, nature's little superfood! Packed with essential nutrients, Goji Berries can significantly contribute to your overall well-being, especially when complemented with high-quality essential oils and supplements.
1. Support Immune System: Goji Berries are loaded with antioxidants that help balance your immune system, preventing illnesses and supporting a healthy defense against free radicals.
2. Improves Energy Levels: These berries are rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy, keeping you energized throughout the day. Combine Goji Berries with invigorating essential oils for an added boost!
3. Enhances Brain Health: Goji Berries are known for their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, promoting mental clarity, focus, and memory. Incorporating essential oils known for their cognitive support properties takes it a step further!
4. Supports Healthy Aging: The powerful antioxidants found in Goji Berries fight oxidative stress, promoting youthful-looking skin. Pair this natural goodness with essential oil infused skincare products for a comprehensive anti-aging routine.
5. Aids Digestion: Goji Berries are a great source of dietary fiber, assisting in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Incorporate essential oil-infused supplements to further support gastrointestinal health.
6. Protects Eye Health: With high levels of zeaxanthin, Goji Berries help protect and nourish our vision by reducing the risks related to age-related macular degeneration and other vision-related issues.
Remember, for the best results, it's essential to choose high-quality Goji Berries. When you combine their benefits with high-quality essential oils and supplements, you'll experience the amazing synergistic effects that can enhance your overall health and vitality.
For more info on how to use Goji Berries in an anti-inflammatory "Jumpstart", click the button below!
We might be tempted to ask the question: Are whole grains good or bad for our health?
Perhaps, we are asking the wrong question.
Instead, let’s ask: Could going grain-free help my health?
Are you struggling with: digestive issues, allergies, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, or any other illness that could be aggravated by inflammation? If so, I’m going to encourage you to consider taking grains out of your diet for a period of time and notice how you feel.
- GLUTEN – The truth is, no one’s body can digest gluten. The havoc it wreaks will be different for everyone. Some people have no “apparent” issues. Some people experience digestive discomfort and bloating. Some people will experience inflammation and flu-like symptoms (this happens to me every time I consume too much gluten…I literally get a fever!) Gluten is the first thing you should eliminate from your diet if you are struggling with your health!
- RICE (& OTHER GLUTEN FREE GRAINS)– Good news! Rice is gluten free! Most people who cannot tolerate gluten, CAN tolerate rice. Many gluten free products (pasta, bread, etc) include rice flour. However….rice is a grain. Some people, who are sensitive to all grains, may not be able to tolerate rice. My husband is a perfect example of this. We have been living a gluten free lifestyle for many years. However, when he eats rice (or any other “gluten-free” food that contains rice flour), he gets bloated, his sinuses start to drain, and his respiratory system fills up with mucous. At times, he even feels an asthma attack coming on.
- CORN – Another gluten free grain. Except…the majority of corn grown in the US is genetically modified and filled with pesticides. There are so many reasons to NOT eat corn. I won’t bore you. Cut out as much as you can….and save it for the times when you really need a taco! LOL!
HOW CAN I KNOW IF I NEED TO ELIMINATE GRAINS?
Try it and see how you feel! Eliminate all grains for two weeks and see how you feel. Add grains back in one at a time (rice, wheat, etc), and notice if your body has any undesirable reaction. Your reaction might NOT be related to digestion! You might notice a flare-up of pain, a reduction in energy, etc.
If you’d like to know more about a “healthy reset” protocol that cuts out grains and reduces inflammation, click below:
Maintaining a healthy, inflammation-free body is essential for overall well-being. Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, ranging from arthritis to heart disease. Luckily, nature has provided us with a wide array of foods that possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In this blog post, we will explore the top five foods that can help reduce inflammation and support a healthier you.
1. Turmeric:
Renowned for its vibrant golden hue, turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin inhibits the activity of various enzymes involved in the inflammatory response, effectively reducing inflammation in the body. Sprinkle turmeric into your curries, smoothies, or even brew a soothing turmeric tea to harness its anti-inflammatory benefits.
2. Leafy Greens:
Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are not only rich in fiber and essential nutrients but also harbor anti-inflammatory properties. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these greens help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. Incorporate them into salads, stir-fries, or blend them into a nourishing green smoothie to experience their powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
3. Berries:
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and goji berries are bursting with antioxidants known as flavonoids. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory properties that help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation. Add a handful of berries to your morning oatmeal, yogurt, or enjoy them as a refreshing snack to boost your body's defense against inflammation.
4. Fatty Fish:
Fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3s help to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules, promoting a healthy inflammatory balance in the body. Enjoy grilled or baked fish dishes to incorporate these healthy fats into your diet and support optimal health.
5. Ginger:
With its distinctive aroma and warming flavor, ginger has been used for centuries to alleviate inflammation and aid digestion. Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Incorporate fresh ginger into your cooking, brew a soothing ginger tea, or add it to your smoothies to experience its wonderful benefits.
Conclusion:
Incorporating these anti-inflammatory foods into your daily diet is a powerful way to support your overall health and well-being. Remember, reducing chronic inflammation can positively impact your physical and mental health in the long run. Combine these nutritious foods with a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and essential oils such as Copaiba and Frankincense, to further enhance your body's ability to combat inflammation and enjoy a healthier, vibrant life.
If you would like more information on a simple healthy protocol designed to reduce inflammation, click below:
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...??
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!
