Balms and Manna Blog - Balms and Manna

Why A Hormone Test?

7/26/2023

WHY A HORMONE TEST?

Why would I need a hormone test? And what would it tell me?

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

Bye-bye Weight, Brain Fog, Fatigue & Cravings!

10/24/2022

BYE-BYE WEIGHT, BRAIN FOG, FATIGUE & CRAVINGS

Have you ever been suprised to find out how old someone actually was? Maybe because they looked significantly older or younger than their age? Our metabolic age, meaning the rate at which our bodies actually age, isn't always equal to our biological age.

Our metabolic health is responsible for our weight, energy, body composition and cognitive performance. All of these things influences how old we appear to be. The stronger and healthier your metabolic function, the better you will feel from the inside out!

Factors that reflect the state of your metabolic health include blood sugar, blood pressure, lipid types and levels and weight. Only 6.8% of American adults have optimal cardiometabolic health! That means 13 out of every 14 people can benefit from metabolic health support right now.

Meet doTERRA's New MetaPWR System

MetaPWR- (short for metabolic health) meets PWR- Personal Wellness Realized
Helps to optimize metabolism, curbs cravings, sheds excess weight and increases stamina
3 products- MetaPWR Essential Oil blend, MetaPWR Advantage and MetaPWR Assist

A closer look at each product:

MetPWR Essential Oil Blend-

A blend of Lemon, Grapefruit, Peppermint, Ginger & Cinnamon
Scientifically tested to curb cravings & stop fat cell accumulation
Available in multiple forms- beadlets & gum for on the go, softgels for travel and oil to add to water

MetaPWR Advantage-

Includes nine unique forms of marine collagen (more comprehensive collagen support & effectiveness)
Added NMN- which is a powerful molecule that helps with cellular repair, energy & aging
Packed with antioxidants- also support healthy aging and works against inflammation
Improves skin elasticity and firmness
Supports lean muscle and connective tissue
Improves cognitive function
Improves metabolic age

MetaPWR Assist-

Evens out blood sugar spikes and dips throughout the day (constant spikes & dips are hard on the body & contribute to poor functioning cells)
Slows absorption of simple carbs, evening out glucose levels in the blood
Been shown to decrease post meal blood sugar spikes by 45% when taken with your meal
More steady blood sugar equals consistent energy levels!
Includes Berberine, Mulberry Leaf extract & MetaPWR Essential Oil blend

My Testimony
After using these products for just two weeks, I noticed:

Significantly firmer, more elastic and toned skin everywhere on my body
Clearer thinking, more motivation and less distractible thoughts
Less inches!
A more positive outlook, emotional capacity and steady emotions

If you are looking for less brain fog, more energy, less weight, stable blood sugar levels, less cravings, better sleep then you likely need some metabolic support!

The MetaPWR system comes in a kit for $179 and includes a free 1-year wholesale membership (25% off) for new customers through December of 2022! For existing customers, the MetaPWR kit is available through LRP orders. Check it out here!

I Want to Learn More about MetaPWR!

Life is Better with Copaiba

3/29/2022

LIFE IS BETTER WITH COPAIBA

Do you struggle with sleep, anxious feelings, poor digestion or poor circulation? Do you wish that you had something that would just make your life better and more comfortable?

Copaiba is an essential oil that most people have never heard about. It comes from the copaiba tree which is native to South America. The main constitute of Copaiba is beta-caryophyllene which is powerfully relaxing, soothing and supports your endocannabinoid system. This system in your body is responsible for managing inflammation and bringing the body systems into balance.

SO HOW IS LIFE BETTER WITH COPAIBA?

Taking a softgel capsule before going to bed can promote a better night's sleep
Using 1-2 drops internally under the tongue or as a softgel daily can support healthy hormones, a stronger nervous system, less discomfort, better digestion, circulation and immunity
Massage on topically to ease discomfort
Add a few drops to your moisturizer to reduce the appearance of blemishes and keep the skin looking clearer and healthier.

WHY I LOVE COPAIBA-

Taking a softgel nightly before bed helps me sleep better and keeps my fingers from falling asleep during the night.
It helps me have an overall calmer mood, less anxious feelings and makes life's challenges easier to deal with.
I notice less congestion in my lymph (think less PMS issues), sinuses, liver (clearer skin and less head tension) and healthy inflammation levels in my veins (think less discomfort and better circulation).
I also notice more hormone balance (less moodiness, bloating and fatigue).

Does this sound like an oil you would like to try? I would be happy to share a sample of this with you so you can also feel power and support of this amazing oil! Or if you don't want to wait, get yours now!

I WANT A SAMPLE

3 Key Benefits to Deep Breathing

2/24/2022

3 KEY BENEFITS TO 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

Emotionally Overwhelmed?

7/15/2021

Do you ever have days where you feel so emotional overwhelmed you exist in a fog or cry at the drop of a hat and struggle to find reasons to smile or feel joy?

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.

A few tips to turn emotional overwhelm from an internal festering wound to a beautiful, healing experience:

1- 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.

2- 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.

3- 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.

4- 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.

5- 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.

6- 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.

]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!

Tried and True-For Me and You!

12/30/2020

It was one of those days....
I had a rough day at work and needless to say, I didn't come home in the best mood! I was cranky and whiny and my poor sister patiently listened while I vented. She quietly went to diffuser in the kitchen and put in a few drops of Balance.

After 10 minutes of being home, I was feeling much better. In fact, I thought to myself that my day wasn't really that bad and I totally over reacted. I shared this with my sister and she smiled and said, "That's because I put Balance in the diffuser!"

This was my first experience with Balance and after feeling the difference, it has become part of my daily routine. I roll it on the bottom of my foot in combination with Serenity essential oil. I also have a small bottle of it that I keep in my purse and I feel anxious and stressed, I open the bottle and smell it or rub a little drop on the insides of my wrist.

I have seen this oil calm babies, anxious dogs and confused grandmas! It's an oil that I recommend to almost everyone because who of us doesn't need a little bit more grounding and a little less stress in our lives?

If you don't have this amazing oil and would like a sample, please let me know and I would be happy to send one to you! Or you can get a whole bottle for yourself!

Hormones...We all Have Them but Don't Always Like Them!

7/1/2020

In my daily interactions with women, it seems like the topic of hormones frequently come up.

I hear conversations like, "I think my hormones aren't balanced. What is the best way to know?" and "I'm suffering from really bad mood swings for no reason," and "My husband says 'Please ask Becky to help you with your PMS'".

We all have hormones and they are beautiful, amazing things when they are balanced. Hormones are responsible for our metabolism, regulating body temperature, healthy inflammation levels, building muscles and bones, sleep cycles, stress levels, weight, energy and many other body functions.

But in the society we live in, it's easy for hormone imbalance to be a real thing that many women deal with! Pain, irritability, fatigue, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, poor digestion, food sensitivities are all symptoms of imbalanced hormones.

Stress, nutrition, exercise and toxins are fundamental building blocks of healthy hormones. With a little awareness of what your body is telling you, some education about how the body works combined with diligence and time will go a long way to bringing your hormones back into the balance that God intended them to be.

I would love to encourage you on that journey! I offer a 6 month personalized program to help you restore that balance using supplements, lifestyle modifications, nutrition education and encouragement along the way. Email me to schedule a time for us to start your program!

Adaptiv. What We All Have to be Right Now

5/15/2020

Adaptiv is a new blend that doTERRA came out with last fall. Little did doTERRA know how much we would need this oil in six months! It's become my purse buddy and goes with me everywhere I go!

Adaptiv helps your body adjust to stress by supporting healthy cortisol levels. What that means is, it helps you to:
*Sleep better
*Feel less anxious
*Sustain attention
*Ease irritability
*Improve energy

It has a fresh but calming scent with Wild Orange, Lavender, Copaiba, Spearmint, Magnolia, Rosemary, Neroli, and Sweetgum oils in the blend.

*To use- Roll on wrist or back of the neck or diffuse 2-3 drops to ease tension and stress. Learn more here.