Balms and Manna Blog - Balms and Manna

Do You Speak Truth or Lies?

10/30/2023

DO YOU SPEAK TRUTH OR LIES?

Did you know that the voice that we listen to the most is our own? And the one that has the most influence in our lives? Sure, other people can speak things to us that powerfully impact us, but typically it's because we take that thought that they speak over us and we allow it to become "our truth".

So what do you speak to yourself? Are the thoughts that run through your head things that are actually true? Are they assumptions about yourself and what others think about you?

Something I practice regularly is speaking positive affirmations to myself. This is nothing more than intentionally taking time to speak truth to myself. Not my truth but God's truth that He says about me.

Because, you see, we believe so many lies about ourselves. Things like "I am not good enough," "Nothing I say matters," "I'll never get things right" and so on. And if there isn't intentional effort given to paying attention to what we think and speak, we go on telling ourselves lies and then consequently, we believe them! When we believe those lies, we are agreeing with satan.

Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health. This is why exploring mindset is something that is a part of my wellness programs. If we continually tell ourselves that we are never going to be well, then we won't get well! And it's not because our physical body can't heal, it's because our mind won't let it.

God created us as physical, emotional and spiritual beings. And it all works together! If we try to look at these areas as separate things or sections, we are denying the power of our Creator!

If this idea of having a healthy mindset interests you, let's talk! We can dig deeper into the lies that you believe, how you can speak truth to yourself and how that can impact and enhance your physical healing!

Let's Talk About Your Thoughts!

Tired of Feeling Tired and Overwhelmed?

9/25/2023

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.

When the Doctor Say Everything Looks Fine...

6/26/2023

WHEN THE DOCTOR SAY EVERYTHING LOOKS FINE.... BUT IT DOESN'T FEEL FINE.

Have you ever left an appoint after reviewing some results that were all "normal" but in your gut you knew that they were anything but "normal"? It's that defeated, confused feeling of wondering if all the things you are feeling are in your head. And feeling lost with not knowing what to do next.

You are not alone. So many people experience this. Not because doctors aren't there to help you. They are there to treat diseases and to spring into action when your results are in the disease ranges. They aren't there to be proactive and help you find root causes and see patterns of what's going on in your body.

That's where I come in. As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, I am trained to do functional testing to find hidden stressors that are contributing to the health chaos you are having. This means I work with you to be proactive and comprehensive to find patterns and root causes as to why you aren't feeling well.

Let's take a look at one of these functional tests: basic blood labs.

Basic blood labs are generally compromised of a Complete Metabolic Panel, a Lipid Panel and a Complete Blood Count. These will give you an idea of how your liver, kidneys, adrenals and immune system are functioning. It can also give insight into electrolyte balance, gut health and cholesterol.

Conventional lab ranges are based on a bell curve distribution of test results. What this means is conventional ranges are based off the "normal" person and those ranges get wider and wider as the population gets sicker and sicker. Optimal ranges are based off of what is best for optimal health.

I look at the optimal range for each marker to find patterns that point to imbalances in the body. This can give direction and insight into further functional testing recommendations and confirm the things that you've already been suspicious of. And help you know that what you are feeling isn't all in your head.

This is not intended for medical advice, to diagnosis or treat.

CONTACT ME TO GET STARTED WITH YOUR BLOOD LABS

Tired of Playing Guess and Check with Your Health?

1/12/2023

TIRED OF PLAYING GUESS AND CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH?

So often when we have a problem, we do what we do best- try to figure it out on our own. Sometimes that's effective and sometimes it's not. When it comes to our health, often it's not just one thing that is causing us to feel bad. It's a multitude of things.

Trial and error is a costly road. We try something for awhile and if we don't see results, we feel like it doesn't work. And it's money that's been spent without getting answers. Maybe it's a piece to the puzzle but there are multiple things that all add up to us not feeling well.

TEST DON'T GUESS

Stop guessing and start testing.

I am excited to now offer a multitude of functional testing options to identify hidden stressors in hormones, immune, digestion, energy, liver health and detoxification.

Together with these specialized tests and a comprehensive personal health assessment, I can help you create a personalized program to address the metabolic chaos and get you on a path of wellness and wholeness!

Headaches- What They Are Telling You.

11/14/2022

HEADACHES- WHAT THEY ARE TELLING YOU.

We've all probably had a headache a time or two in our lives. Maybe some more often than others. They can be frustrating, annoying and even sometimes debilitating. But all headaches are our bodies way of communicating that something isn't right.

Let's consider some of the messages our bodies may be communicating to us through headaches.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Hormones
- For females, if headaches are monthly or bi- monthly they can be from imbalances with your hormones. Generally if you have headaches during ovulation or just before getting your period, it's due to a rapid drop in estrogen and is likely linked to an estrogen/progesterone imbalance. Headaches several days after your period starts and with heavy bleeding can be due to low iron.

Stress
- Many headaches are stress related. These are frequently at the base of the neck, shoulders or discomfort in the jaw area. Pausing to see if you are holding tension in these areas can give you an indicator if stress levels are causing tension to build.
- Stress in the form of lack of sleep can also contribute to headaches.

Toxins
- Environmental toxins, chemicals, artificial fragrances or foods that your body is sensitive to can all lead to headaches. When the liver becomes overwhelmed with toxins, it will often alert the body by producing a headache. Keeping a journal of where you spend your day, what you were exposed to and what you ate can help you identify toxins that you are sensitive to so you can eliminate exposures.

Mineral Imbalances
- Magnesium loss and copper & sodium excess can all lead to headaches. A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis can help you identify if mineral imbalance is a factor.

Our bodies are complex and often there is more than one cause for persistent headaches. If these simple suggestions don't get you the results you want, it might be time to dig deeper.

I offer a Personalized Wellness Program that consists of a comprehensive personal health assessment, specialized testing and regular check ins over the course of six month to create a custom wellness plan.

For those of you who are frustrated with the guess and check approach and not getting the results you want, this will give you data to uncover root causes and find a solution that makes a difference!

LEARN MORE HERE

Hormone Challenges? Uncover the Root Cause!

8/30/2021

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.

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

5 Reasons You Need A Health Coach

6/27/2021

5 Reasons You Need a Health Coach

1-Awareness- You can't change what you don't know! Being aware of who you are, how your body feels and what is normal can create powerful awareness to start in the right direction of better health and wellness!

Through education, I will help bring awareness to what your body needs and what is normal to give you the tools to make the changes you need to.

2-Accountability- Have you ever committed to making a change in your life? Like New Year's resolutions, to stop eating dessert or to exercise every day? How long did you make it?

The problem is that our will power isn't strong enough when we try to do things on our own. When we really want to make a change in our lives, the power of having someone joining us on the journey can't be underestimated! In our monthly consultations, we will review your goals, explore the barriers to progress and make a plan that you can stick to.

3-Education- Understanding how the body works exposes root causes to health challenges. I provide you with education regarding your specific health concern to help you understand what changes will be helpful and why they are needed.

4-Encouragement- I don't know about you but I love to have people acknowledge my efforts and progress! Especially when it's something I have really been working to change.

The power of positive words is incredible! Every month, we will celebrate the things that are improving and the efforts that you are making to help you stay motivated to keep going.

5-Improved Health- To feel better. That's what we all want, right? No matter the concern, using a personalized approach we will use specific supplements and tailored plans for lifestyle changes to create better health to become the person you were meant to be!

If you are ready to optimize your health and heal your body, contact me to schedule a free call to discuss my natural approach to restoring your body to what it was meant to be!

]Happy Hormones? It's possible!

5/14/2021

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!

Make Your Hormones Happy!

5/14/2021

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!

Why Detox?

3/29/2021

Spring is the perfect time to detox! Your body is already naturally detoxing to help it move from winter to spring.

But why do we need to detox? Overtime we pick up toxins from our environment in the air, the chemicals added to the ground, food and products we use and from the things we put on our bodies.

Toxins disrupt our hormone balance, contribute to inflammation, digestion & respiratory problems, weight gain and poor sleep to name a few.

Detoxing promotes:

Better digestion
Better skin
Better metabolism
Better mood
More energy
Less weight
Less inflammation

What is the best detox for you?

Detox can be diet changes such as eliminating dairy, gluten, sugar and process foods.
You can eliminate toxic cleaners and body care products by replacing them with non toxic cleaners such as doTERRA's OnGuard*, Verage or Essential Skin Care lines.
Or you can use herbs and essential oils to focus in on the areas you want to detox.
- Whole Body- Cellular Detox*
- Focus on Chemicals- EnviroDetox*
- Hormone- Indole 3 Carbinol*
- Skin and Body Odor- Liquid Chlorophyll*
- Heavy Metals- Heavy Metal Detox*

If this seems overwhelming, contact me and I would be happy to customize a detox plan for you!
*Can be purchased at the Country Cupboard in Fairbury, IL.