Balms and Manna Blog - Balms and Manna

Tired of Feeling Tired?

7/6/2026

Tired of Feeling Tired? Find yourself reaching for an extra cup of coffee? Or dread that afternoon slump that makes you want to take a nap?

Life is stressful. No one is exempt from it. But it doesn't have to drag us down!

Whether it's physical, emotional, financial, relational or chemical stress, our bodies all perceive it as stress. Our bodies are created to respond to stress and adjust things so that we can keep functioning as optimally as we should.

There is a process in our body called the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis that regulates stress. It's how our body takes the signal from the brain and directs it to the adrenal glands (our stress hormones).

Our adrenal glands are tiny but amazing! They release cortisol which increases glucose in the blood stream for more energy, suppresses the immune system and slows digestion. The adrenal glands also release adrenaline to keep the body vigilant and able to deal with stress by prompting alertness and increasing blood flow to the skeletal muscles. It also increase blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol.

When cortisol levels get high, the body is designed to shut off this response to allow our hormones to return to normal levels. With chronic stress, we become resistant to this shut off response which leads to the adrenal glands over producing hormones. Over time the body's resources become depleted leading to chronic fatigue and overwhelm.

If you are tired of feeling tired, it might be your body telling you that this process isn't working like it should! Your adrenals need some serious support.

Saliva testing is very helpful to get a baseline to see how your body is responding to stress and identify root causes to stress. With a list of root causes and a custom protocol to address stress, you can be more energetic, happy and back to yourself again soon!

Contact me to set up a Discovery call to learn about root cause testing and options for stress!

Know Something is Wrong In Your Gut But Can't Get to the Bottom of it?

6/15/2026

WHY DO A STOOL TEST?

Do you have unpredictable gas that hinders you from going out with friends?

Always have to know where the bathroom is "just in case"?

Bloating that nothing seems to help?

Spend way more time sitting on the toilet than you want to?

Have reoccuring pain in your stomach that keeps you from feeling your best?

Ever wondered if there was a way to "see" inside your gut? To find out what might be causing those persistent, annoying digestive issues? But without an invasive, costly procedure?

There is a way! Stool testing is a simple at home test that will give insights into many components of gut health.

STOOL TESTING
Stool testing gives you a comprehensive look at overall gut health including:

levels of good bacteria
overgrowths of unfriendly bacteria
nutrient absorption
liver health
integrity of your gut lining
sensitivity to gluten
immune function
inflammation

The GI MAP (Gastro Intestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a specific type of stool testing. It relies on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. This removes human error and tests for anaerobic microbes.

HOW IT WORKS:
The test collection kit is shipped to you. You simply collect your stool and use the provided tools to gather some of it into a specimen vial. This vial is sent back to labs in the provided, prepaid envelope and is then analyzed.

Learn more about stool testing and how it can benefit you! Schedule a discovery call and we'll dive deeper into your specific gut health!

Schedule a Discovery Call

You Are What you Absorb, Not What You Eat.

6/1/2026

YOU'VE MAYBE HEARD THE SAYING, YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

You can eat all the right things but if you don't absorb them what good is it?

That can feel discouraging! Not only that but you start to see it but you feel it it too. Hair loss. Blood sugar imbalances. Gut issues. Constant fatigue. Always hungry. This can feel not just discouraging but concerning!

How do I know if I am not absorbing?

There are markers on functional lab tests that point absorption. Blood tests, stool tests and mineral tests are all good tests to look at how well you absorb. You need someone trained in functional lab tests to help you go through your results to identify areas of weakness that need support.

Proteins and fats are two of the main macro nutrients that people struggle to absorb. Though you can still be struggling to absorb these nutrients without physical signs, here are a few ways to identify if you might not be absorbing fats and proteins.

Poor protein absorption- undigested food in stool and/or a heavy feeling in the stomach after eating
Poor fat absorption - floating stools and/or not tolerating greasy foods well

How to support better break down and absorption of your food:

1- Eating mindfully. Eat slower, chew your food more and don't eat while driving, standing or in front of a screen. The more you chew your food, the more it gets broken down.

2- Drink 1 tsp of raw apple cider vinegar in water BEFORE meals. This stimulates the production of stomach acid which helps to break down your food.

3- Take several deep breaths before eating. The less stressed (and more present you are) when you eat, the more calm and ready your digestive system is to receive and digest your food.

3- Take enzymes. Enzymes help break down sugars, proteins, fats, carbs, lactose, etc. The lower your level of enzymes, the less your food will break down and the less you can absorb. Terrazyme is a enzyme supplement to support your body's natural levels of enzymes.

Absorption of nutrients, especially fats and proteins, affect so many things! Memory, focus, skin, cardiovascular health, hair growth, liver health, hormones, weight loss, energy and inflammation. It's so much bigger than just what you eat!

Don't wait until it becomes an alarming issue! Get your levels checked before they get out of hand.

Schedule a free discovery call today to talk about how functional testing can point you in the right direction of supporting your body and feeling like yourself again!

Schedule a Discovery Call

How is Hashitmoto's Different Than Hypothyroid?

5/4/2026

HOW IS HASHIMOTO'S DIFFERENT THAN HYPOTHYROID?

Maybe you've wondered if you have thyroid issues. You certainly can relate to low energy, difficulty losing weight, brain fog and mood issues.

It all seems to point to low thyroid even though your doctor says your labs look fine. But then you hear about Hashimoto's. Now you are confused. Is it low thyroid or Hashimoto's? And what really is Hashimoto's?

Both Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism are a low functioning thyroid. Hashimoto's is different from hypothyroidism because of the auto immune root cause.

Thyroid autoimmune conditions are tested by looking at thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG) which can be done through a blood test. When testing for any thyroid disfunction, make sure you have a full thyroid panel done which tests TSH, T3, T4 and Reverse T3.

This may all feel overwhelming but auto immune conditions don't have to be scary! When you identify and address the root causes, the body can shift out of a state of attacking itself. With proper testing, nutrition and lifestyle choices, you can be feeling like yourself again!

Join my 180 Days to Wellness program for comprehensive root cause testing, personalized protocols and support and guidance with every step of your journey!

Schedule a free Discovery Call today to learn more!

How Do I Know If I Have a Thyroid Problem?

4/20/2026

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A THYROID PROBLEM?

As toxins increase, our food becomes less nutrient dense and the pace of our world and lives speeds up, it's not surprising that thyroid challenges are becoming more and more common.

Maybe you've wondered if some of the nagging, annoying symptoms you've been having are a result of your thyroid.

The thyroid's main function is to regulate metabolism. This includes how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins and regulates body temperature. When the thyroid isn't functioning optimally, you either have hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid function).

Blood serum tests are the best way to really see what's going on. But here's a quick list of common symptoms of either hypo or hyper thyroid.

Hypothyroidism

Dry, coarse hair
Thinning hair
Brittle nails
Loss of outer third of eyebrows
Puffy face
Slow heart beat
Constipation
Weight gain
Arthritis
Cold intolerance
Dry skin
Muscle cramps, stiffness and joint pain
Heavy menstrual periods
Fatigue
Depression
Infertility

Hyperthyroidism

Weight loss
Palpitations
Sweating
Heat intolerance
Warm, moist palms
Frequent bowel movements
Anxiety
Irritability
Infrequent or scant menstrual periods
Fatigue
Increased appetite
Infertility
Insomnia
Bulging eyes
Rapid Heartbeat

If these lists resonate with you and you are suspicious of poor thyroid function, there is a solution! With a simple blood test, you can have a better idea of where your thyroid function is.

Schedule a discovery call to learn about not only the testing that is available through my 180 Days to Wellness but also how together we will identify your root causes of these symptoms and help you on your way to being more energetic and feeling like yourself again!

SCHEDULE YOUR DISCOVERY CALL

Detox Your Hormones: How to Tackle Xenoestrogens Effectively

3/30/2026

DETOX YOUR HORMONES: HOW TO TACKLE XENOESTROGENS EFFECTIVELY

Hormones are complicated things! And absolutely necessary to be in balance to feel good. While there are many things that could be hijacking your hormones, endocrine disruptors on a major one. Let's take a deeper look.

Xenoestrogens are specific endocrine disruptors that are false estrogens that mimic estrogen. Because of this, xenoestrogens fit in the same receptor sites as estrogen which block the estrogen from being received and can increase the levels of estrogen in the body. Over time, xenoestrogens not only block receptor sites but can damage them as well.

This specific class of endocrine disruptors are found in conventional dairy, microwave use, plastics (especially when heated), non-organic soy and fragrances.

There are several ways to support healthy xenoestrogen levels in the body. One is to remove the amounts entering the body by avoiding the previously mentioned sources. Another way is to help the body break down and remove the current levels.

Flaxmeal- binds with estrogen to help remove it from the body
Liver support- the liver removes excess hormones. Milk thistle or dandelion products are great for the liver.
Cruciferous veggies- these contain diiodolymethane or DIM which improves estrogen metabolism

Tired of dealing with mood swings, PMS, low energy, poor sleep and digestive discomfort? Curious if you have excess estrogen or endocrine disruptors are the cause of your hormone imbalance? Test, don't guess!

Schedule a discovery call to learn more about testing and start feeling like yourself again!

SCHEDULE A FREE DISCOVERY CALL

Why Your Minerals May Be Key to Better Hormonal Health!

3/16/2026

WHY YOUR MINERALS MAY BE KEY TO BETTER HORMONAL HEALTH!

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.

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.

A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) 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

Want to know how your minerals are impacting your hormone health? Schedule a FREE Discovery Call to talk through your health challenges and see if we are a good fit.

SCHEDULE A FREE DISCOVERY CALL

From Chaos to Calm

2/16/2026

FROM CHAOS TO CALM

Do you ever have days where you feel so emotional overwhelmed you exist in a fog or cry at the drop of a hat? Do you feel irritated and down more than you feel happy and energetic?

Life is hard. And emotions are real. When we find ourselves in this place, sometimes we feel guilt. Guilt because we think we should be stronger and handle life's issues better. Guilt because we feel focused on ourselves and don't have the capacity to be there for other people.

While it's tempting (and maybe even default) to push the emotions away, it is healthy to experience our emotions. And not to just feel them but to process them, work through the situation that triggered them and support our body in the emotions.

7 Ways to go From Chaos to Calm

1- Name your emotions. Sometimes we don't even know what we are feeling. It's is a chaotic mess inside. Use an emotions wheel or chart to give words to your feelings.

2- Give your self permission to feel the emotion and to be ok with how you feel. You might need to tell yourself this out loud or to someone else.

3- Journal how you feel. Write down your regrets and what you need to take ownership for in the situation. Write down all the things you want to let go of in the form of "I forgive...". Write down all the things you wished people would know.

4- Use Console oil. Console soothes feelings of sorrow & grief and promotes feelings of hope and peace. Roll on the inside of wrist or over heart several times a day or when feeling overwhelmed.

5- Nurture yourself by going for walks, spending time with friends, listening to music, making more space in your schedule to just be or whatever brings you joy.

6- Ask Jesus to heal your emotions. Jesus understands what it feels like to be overwhelmed, sad, sorrowing and abandoned. He not only understands but is with us in every emotion we feel. Invite Him to join you in your emotions and to heal your hurts.

7- Give yourself time. It takes time to process and work though hard emotions. Everyone process at a different pace so don't compare yourself to others. Be gentle with yourself and know that in time, healing will come.

Unprocessed emotions are almost always a part of physical healing. Our mind, body and spirit work together so we have to address emotions to experience complete healing.

Addressing unprocessed loss, disappointment and emotions are all part of my 180 Days to Wellness.

If you want a personalized and whole body approach to healing, schedule a Discovery Call today to see if we are a good fit! 

Why Should I do Deep Breathing?

2/2/2026

WHY SHOULD I DO DEEP BREATHING?

It's simple. You can do it anywhere, anytime. And it's so powerful!

3 Benefits of Deep Breathing

1- REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY
Deep breathing calms the body, helps it feel safe and counteracts the body's "fight or flight" response. It releases tension which can improve things such as high blood pressure, headaches, muscle tension and sleep. It can also help lower cortisol which can help with weight loss, emotional balance and exhaustion.

2- CAN IMPROVE DIGESTION
Constipation, diarrhea, indigestion and a hiatal hernia can result from tension and anxiousness. Deep breathing can improve the gut brain connection, improve physical responses to stress and release tension in the solar plexus.

3- REMOVAL OF TOXINS
Our lungs is one of our detox organs. 70% of toxins can be released if we are breathing properly. This makes our body and our brains healthy.

How to Deep Breath
Deep breathing strengthens your diaphragm and allows your lungs to fully expand creating better oxygen exchange and strengthening core muscles.

*Sit in a comfortable position and place your hand on your stomach
*With your mouth closed, breath in and allow your lungs to fully expand. The hand on your stomach should move out.
*Hold your breath for a count of 7.
*Slowly release your breath while blowing air out from your mouth until you have completely exhaled.
*Continue deep breathing for 5-10 minutes

You can also do square breathing for extra support for the nervous system.
*Breathe in for 4 seconds
*Hold for 4 seconds
*Breathe out for 4 seconds
*Hold for 4 seconds

Consistency is the key! Plan a time during the day like before meals to always do deep breathing. This creates a habit that turns in to consistent support over time.

Have a hard time implementing habits or sticking with things?

180 Days to Wellness not only helps you address root causes to annoying symptoms that you are struggling to overcome but also gives you accountability and practical ways to create lifelong habits.

Schedule a free Discovery Call to learn more about my services!

One Simple Thing for Better Sleep, Mood and Energy!

1/19/2026

ONE SIMPLE THING FOR BETTER SLEEP, MOOD AND ENERGY!

Maybe it doesn't seem like it would make that much of a difference. But think about how you feel when you have a routine for the day. A predictable morning routine. A schedule for the afternoon. Our bodies crave consistency. And a sleep/wake rhythm is no different.

Our circadian rhythms are our bodies 24 hour internal clocks. Kind of like a built in alarm to tell us when we should go to bed and when we should get up.

Circadian rhythms impact many other cycles in the body. Our digestion, sleep/wake cycles, hormones, body temperature, immunity, our stress response.

Just regulating this one cycle in our bodies can have a profound impact on our mood and energy, inflammation, immunity, resilience to stress and metabolism!

How to maintain or reset a healthy circadian rhythm:

1- Have a set bedtime and wake up time. Even on weekends, try to go to bed and get up within an hour of your regular sleep and wake time.

2- Get outside and exercise in the morning. Morning sunlight in your eyes helps to stop the production of melatonin and increase cortisol production which regulates normal energy patterns.

3- Avoid artificial lights in the evening. Turn off lights and use lamps. Schedule phone to turn to black and white or wear blue light blocking glasses. This promotes melatonin production.

4- Establish routines around eating and bedtime. Eat at consistent times and avoid snacking. Start winding down for bed with a relaxing routine. These signal to the body when you should sleep and digest which all regulate the circadian rhythm.

These simple steps create big changes! I've seen women have less pain, better energy and less stress just by doing these things! Circadian rhythm resetting is just one tool that I teach inside my 180 Days to Wellness package.

If you are ready to sleep better, have more energy and are tired of not feeling like yourself, schedule a free Discovery Call to start your first step to the better you!

Schedule a FREE Discovery Call!