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There are Plants that Help with Stress?

10/24/2024

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There are Plants that Help with Stress?


The more I study herbs and the body, the more I see the depth and intelligence of our Creator! Each herb and plant is made to grow in specific conditions. And the properties of those plants are very well suited to the type of people who live and thrive in those environments. 

Today we are going to talk about a specific category of herbs called Adaptogens.

​Adaptogens are specific herbs that help the body adapt to stressful situations. This works because they grow and thrive in stressful conditions.  So when we ingest them, it also helps us to manage stress better. 

Adaptogens support and strengthen adrenal (stress glands) function by regulating the body's response to stress through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This balances cortisol which is one of our main stress hormones and contributes to aging. 

When our cortisol levels rise, we move into fight or flight which stimulates our adrenal glands and the sympathetic nervous system. If we stay in this state of elevated cortisol, it can contribute to feelings of exhaustion, weight gain in the belly, low libido and digestive issues. 

Adaptogens can help regulate the harmful effect of stress by promoting restful sleep, boost energy, ease anxiousness, lift the mood and increase focus. Adaptogens also help to build the immune system because stress hormones reduce the immune response. 

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Some of my favorite adaptogens are Ashwagandha, Tulsi (or Holy Basil) and Maca. But there are a wide variety of adaptogens including Cordyceps, Eleuthero, Korena Ginseng and many mushrooms. 

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is specifically helpful for people with sub-optimal thyroid function. It helps to regulate cortisol, resistance towards stress and slows oxidative stress. 

Tulsi
Tulsi is a powerful anti-aging substance. It helps regulate and support the immune system, supports cognitive function, may help lower cortisol levels and reduce stress-related irriations like canker sores and ulcers. Tulsi comes in a lovely tea with many flavors, capsules or an essential oil to diffuse or use topically. 

Maca
This adaptogen is estrogenic and has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. It increases libido and sexual performance in both men and women. It can help reduce stress and increase general health and energy. 

Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a fungus with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It impacts cortisol and oxidation levels as well as overall immune support. It's a good remedy for the elderly, people with weak lungs or who frequently get sick.  It can also improve stamina and overcome sexual dysfunction. 

Eleuthero
Eleuthero is a slightly stimulating adaptogen and can help improve mental fatigue and physical stamina. It can also help to stimulate male hormone production.

Korean Ginseng
Korean Ginseng is a general tonic for the whole body. It helps to strengthen immunity, improve digestion and overcome fatigue and help the body repsond to stress. It's especially helpful for people who are cold, pale and weak and can be used as a daily tonic to strengthen sexual hormones and improve stamina. 


Although the best way to manage stress is still through stress management and reduction, adaptogens can be a helpful support and tool to feel better while working on reducing stress. 

If stress is impacting your daily life and you'd like to learn more about adaptogens or the impacts of stress on the body, let's connect through a discovery call! 
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How Stressed Am I?

7/22/2024

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HOW STRESSED AM I? 

There is no denying that we live in a very stressful world. Busy schedules, the drive to have more, pressure to keep up with the Jones, broken and difficult relationships, emotional poverty, toxins surrounding us in the air, our homes and our diet all contribute to our stress load.

And yet sometimes, because this is all such a part of life, we don't even realize how stressed we are. It's easy to become calloused to what our bodies are telling us. Or just accept the symptoms of stress as "normal". 

The first stages of stress is when our bodies perceive a stressor and responds to it. This can be manifested in any of the following ways. The more symptoms we have, the greater our stress is. 


  • Exhaustion
  • Alcohol Intolerance
  • Anxiety
  • Digestive Issues
  • Dry and Thin Skin
  • Hair Loss
  • Brain Fog
  • Fungal Infections
  • Thyroid Imbalances
  • Low Body Temperature
  • Pain in the Shoulders
  • Poor Memory
  • Weakness
  • Weight Gain/Loss
  • Allergies
  • Blood Sugar Imbalances
  • Decreased Sex Drive
  • Cravings- Especially Sweet and Salty
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Mood Swings
  • PMS
  • Sinus Problems
  • Depression
  • Dizziness Upon Standing
  • Sick Often/ Frequent Infections
  • Inflammation
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Sleep Issues

Well, how did you do? If you have more than 10, it's time to take action. Stress, when not addressed, becomes chronic and the body's reserves become depleted. All body functions become compromised and lead to chronic diseases and autoimmune issues from which a weakened body has a reduced chance to recover. 
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Stress is one of the largest root causes to all health challenges and the biggest impact on wellness. If you are going to do one thing to change your health, this is where to start! 

Find out where you body is in the stress response, your unique causes of stress and specific things you can do to address your stress inside my Personalized Wellness Program! Check out the details or schedule a Discovery Call to get started!
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Tired of Feeling Tired and Overwhelmed?

9/25/2023

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TIRED OF FEELING TIRED AND OVERWHELMED? 

We live in a stressful world. No one is exempt from it. Whether it's physical, emotional, financial, relational or chemical stress, our bodies all perceive it as stress.

Read More
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Why A Hormone Test?

7/26/2023

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WHY A HORMONE TEST? 

Why would I need a hormone test?  And what would it tell me? ​
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WHY:
Although these have become part of so many people's lives, they are all signs that your hormones might need some attention:  
  • Weight gain/inability to lose weight
  • Mood swings- depressed, irritable, anxious
  • Poor sleep
  • Night sweats
  • Decreased libido
  • Fatigue
  • Sick frequently
  • Intense cravings for salt/sugar
  • Joint aches
  • Low energy/energy slumps
  • Digestive issues
  • PMS- painful, bloating, breast tenderness
  • Irregular periods/absent periods

HOW:
When our body perceives stress (whether chemical, physical or emotional stress), it sends a series of signals from our brain to our adrenal glands. This is the body's normal response and increases cortisol and adrenaline to appropriately respond to the stress. 

As the body adapts to stress, the hormone levels return to normal. However with ongoing stress, the levels in the body start to become imbalanced. 

WHAT:
A Salivary Hormone Profile shows you how your body is responding to this signaling pathway and where you are in the stress response. It gives a picture of whether you are in an acute stage of stress or whether you have been dealing with stress for long periods of time. 

It will also show how the stress response is impacting sex hormone levels. It includes the following markers:
  • Total cortisol levels
  • Cortisol levels throughout the day
  • DHEA
  • Estradiol (the most strongest form of estrogen)
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone

Really, it is a big picture of how your body is responding and handling stress and how that manifests in the things you are struggling with in every day life. 

It truly gives you answers and connects what you feel to what is going on in your body! Learn more about salivary hormone testing. 



Schedule a Discovery Call to Learn More
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Adrenal Cocktails-Tasty and Nourishing!

3/13/2023

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ADRENAL COCKTAILS- TASTY AND NOURISHING

The adrenal glands are two small glands located just above the kidneys. They play a huge role in our bodies. Specifically with our stress response, metabolic function, hormone regulation and blood pressure and fluid levels.

​One way to keep our adrenals functioning well is to consume minerals in the right ratios.

​
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ADRENAL COCKTAILS
Adrenal cocktails are simple, refreshing and designed to provide the body with the right balance of sodium, potassium and vitamin C to give the adrenals a boost and support your overall stress response. If you are concerned with the carb content, add 1 Tbsp of collagen. 

*Ideal time to drink cocktails are mid-morning and mid-afternoon 
 
BASIC ADRENAL COCKTAIL
½ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed (avoid additives- should just be orange juice)
¼ tsp cream of tartar
¼ tsp real salt
 
ADRENAL COCKTAIL RECIPE #2 
1 cup coconut water
¼ tsp real salt
½ fresh squeezed lime or lemon or ¼ tsp whole food vitamin C powder
 
ADRENAL COCKTAIL RECIPE #3 
½ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed (avoid additives- should just be orange juice)
½  cup coconut water (avoid any with ascorbic acid)
¼ tsp real salt
 
ADRENAL COCKTAIL RECIPE #4 (for those with throat/gut irritation) 
2 oz aloe vera juice (inner leaf)
2-4 oz grapefruit juice
¼ tsp real salt
2-4 oz sparkling water
 
ADRENAL COCKTAIL RECIPE #5 (for high blood sugar)
1 cup water
¼ tsp real salt
¼ tsp cream of tartar
1 Tbsp lemon or lime juice (not from concentrate)
1 Tbsp collagen

Curious if your adrenals need support or if your minerals are imbalance? 


Schedule a discovery call to learn more about specialized testing today!
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Caffeine- Good or Bad?

8/3/2022

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CAFFEINE- GOOD OR BAD?

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Who of us doesn't have days that we are dragging and just want a boost of energy? Energy drinks, coffee, chocolate, tea and sodas are an easy fix when we are tired to get us through the day but is caffeine good for us? 

HOW IT WORKS
Caffeine works by inhibiting a neurotransmitter called adenosine which calms down activity in the nervous system. And by doing this it increases the activity of stimulating neurotransmitters. After about ten days, the effect wears off and your body creates more receptor sites for adenosine so you need more caffeine to get the same effects. This creates addiction and why caffeine can be considered a drug. 


This is why people who stop caffeine have withdrawl symptoms like fatigue, headache & feeling depressed (caffeine also effects dopamine, seratonin and acetylcholine). It takes about ten days for the body to adjust the amount of adenosine receptor sites back down. 

Excessive caffeine consumption can include a risk of osteoporosis (caffeine depletes calcium), rapid heartbeat, sleeplessness, anxiousness, irritiability, cold sweats, loss of appetite, nausea & diarrhea. 

Your body only has so much energy. When you do use caffeine, you aren't creating more energy, you are pulling energy out of the cells at a faster rate and then creating an energy crash later once your energy stores are delepted.  So over time, you are making the problem worse. 


WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
If you really want more energy, stop using caffeine and help your body build up it's energy reserves. Most often fatigue is due to a lack of nutrients and minerals. Try adrenal cocktails to replenish minerals, Lifelong Vitality Pack for a great foundation of nutrients, adaptogens like Nervous Fatigue, Tulsi and Ashwagandha to support the body's stress response. 


Adrenal Cocktail Recipes
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Hormone Challenges? Uncover the Root Cause!

8/30/2021

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Hormone Challenges? Uncover the Root Cause!

Are you tired of feeling yucky and searching for answers to fix your hormone challenges? Has your journey been full of trial and error and sorting through the many voices out there? I know how frustrating this can be! 

Everyone deserves to have someone who listens, cares and is trustworthy to guide them to answers and results! I am here to teach, educate and support you to have the health you desire. ​
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One of the major root causes for hormone imbalances is mineral deficiencies. Minerals are the spark plugs of our bodies. They make our cells run and are the foundation on which our body works. Because so much of the endocrine system depends on minerals, when you have better mineral balance you have better functioning hormones.

An HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) is a functional test that shows stored minerals in the tissue and reveals excess or deficiencies of both macro and micro minerals. 

The difference between a HTMA and a blood lab test is that a blood test only shows levels circulating in the blood where a HTMA shows what is stored. Often excess minerals are stored in the tissues to protect our bodies from excess levels. 

Why get an HTMA? Because it gives you information about:
  • Liver Problems
  • Fatigue and Adrenal Dysfunction
  • Thyroid Issues
  • Blood Sugar Imbalances
  • Hormonal Challenges
  • Reactivity to Stress
  • Digestive Problems
  • Heavy Metal Toxicity

Why I love this test:
  • Easy & non-invasive
  • Affordable
  • One of the best foundations to begin hormone balance
  • Provides so much information

How it works:
  • Collect a very small sample of scalp hair which is mailed to the lab
  • Schedule a consultation with me to review the results (the effectiveness of the test is highly dependent upon correct interpretation of the results)
  • Create a individualized plan including recipes, diet suggestions and lifestyle recommendations​
CONTACT ME TO GET STARTED
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]Happy Hormones? It's possible!

5/14/2021

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It IS possible to have happy hormones! Yes, I know many of you are thinking that you have been dealing with this for years but it is possible! And not just by masking the issues but by really getting to the root causes. 

What it requires is a holistic approach to your hormones with a focus on these areas. Using these, I have been able to help myself and my clients find balance with their hormones. All it takes is a commitment to your health and proper coaching along the way. 

Sleep- This is when the body detoxes, heals and recharges. If you aren't sleeping well, your body can't do what it needs to do. 
​
Stress- Stress is a huge player with hormones. You can do all the other things right but if you don't manage your stress, you won't be able to achieve the results you want. 

Improve Gut Health- This is where it all starts. If you aren't absorbing nutrients or your gut is inflamed, it's hard to make progress with your hormones

Balance Blood Sugar- Insulin plays a key role in hormone levels as well as weight management. 

Reduce Toxins- Many toxins are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interrupt the hormone function in our bodies. It's essential to remove them from your body and your environment. 


Nutrition- If your body doesn't have the minerals and vitamins it needs, the body systems can't function like they should. Nutrients are the building blocks for hormone function and production. 
​
Would you like to get started with me to change your hormones? I offer several options for coaching you with your health. 

​3 month plan- A Whole Body Reset
  • Establish a nutritional foundation
  • 30 day cleanse
  • Create a personalized plan for lifestyle and diet

6 month plan- Personalized Wellness Plan 
  • Testing, physical assessment and health history
  • Address root causes
  • Establish mutual goals
  • Monthly coaching sessions
  • Allows time to create new habits

​

Chat With Me to Learn More!
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Make Your Hormones Happy!

5/14/2021

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Today I would like to share about some of my favorite essential oils to support hormones. While hormones is a broad and complex topic and effects so many areas of our lives,  I'll give you a few tips for where to begin. 

Stress- Yes, our hormones are responsible for our stress levels. And how we manage stress effects our hormone health.  
  • Basil- supports physical, emotional and mental fatigue
  • Balance- supports anxious feelings, emotional swings, stress and enhances mediation
  • Bergamot- promotes feelings of being worthy and supports all areas of stress (emotional, physical, chemical, mental)

Sleep- Our sleep is regulated by our hormones and when we get deep, restful sleep it balances our hormones! 
  • Serenity- calms fears, nervousness, anger, irritability & agitation and promotes restful sleep
  • Peace- promotes feelings of calmness, peace, reassurance and contentment
  • Lavender- is calming, soothing and great for helping children and babies sleep better

Weight- There are many factors to consider with weight but curbing cravings is a great place to begin! 
  • Slim & Sassy- promotes increased metabolism, curbs cravings, promotes blood sugar balance
  • Grapefruit- promotes weight loss, curbs sugar cravings, encourages release of excess fluid
  • Cinnamon- promotes blood sugar balance

Menstrual Cycle Regulation- This is what most of us think of when we think of hormones- progesterone, estrogen and testosterone balance. 
  • Clary Calm- promotes hormone balance, eases PMS, calms cramping, and supports regulation of flow, balances mood and hot flashes. 
  • Grapefruit, Thyme- promotes healthy progesterone levels
  • Fennel- promotes healthy estrogen levels and healthy ovaries
  • Ginger- promotes healthy menstruation and eases cramping
  • Clary Sage- promotes healthy estrogen levels, after baby hormone balancing, promotes labor, eases occasional hot flashes

As women, hormones affect all aspects of our daily lives. And when they are out of whack, we feel less than optimal. But the good news is, you don't have to live like that! That's my passion!

If you are tired of feeling run down, moody, carrying extra weight or not sleeping, I would love to connect with you and help you discover what needs supported and balanced in your life! Together we will do some testing to see where you are at, create a personal plan and some lifestyle changes that will make all the difference in the world for you! 

Sign up now to start your journey to feeling amazing! 


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Stress. Who of Us Can Say We Don't Have Any?

9/4/2020

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Whew! Does anyone else feel like the last six months have pushed you to the edge? I have! As we have all faced so many changes, uncertainty and fear, our bodies have felt it too! 

Stress isn't just something we deal with. It's the major cause of most health problems! We probably all know that stress isn't good for us and we should do something to manage it but what should we do? 

Sometimes our stress is obvious but are there times where our bodies are stressed that we don't even realize it? Our body constantly gives us signals to tell us what it needs. We just have to listen.  Stress can be manifested by: 

  • weight gain- especially in the belly area
  • headaches
  • sleep disturbances
  • depression
  • irritability
  • insulin dependency
  • sugar cravings
  • fatigue
  • feeling overwhelmed
  • heart palpitations
  • digestive discomfort
  • hormone imbalances

As I've felt the impacts of increased stress in the last few months, I've had to increase my stress management skills. These are a few my favorite go-tos: 
  • Avoid sugar and eat whole foods
  • Exercise daily
  • Journal and take time to be still! 
  • Supplement with magnesium, B-Complex, Nervous Fatigue and Ashwaganda (all available at the Country Cupboard)
  • Sleep 7-8 hours every night

If you give your body what it needs, it will heal itself! Do yourself a favor and give your body some self care!
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