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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.

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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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What's the Big Deal About Ovulation?

5/2/2023

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WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT OVULATION?

It never ceases to amaze me how many women don't know when or if they ovulate or even what makes it happen! 

THE BIOLOGY
Ovulation occurs mid cycle (about day 14) right between the follicular phase and the luteal phase. Ovulation is when the growing follicle releases an egg, triggered by the luteinizing hormone. As the egg erupts from your ovary, you can have a mild pain on one or both sides of your lower pelvis. The egg is released and moves through the Fallopian tubes where it can be fertilized. 

Sometimes an egg never reaches the stage where it is release from the ovary. This is called an anovulatory cycle when you don't ovulate. Even though you don't ovulate, you can still have a period because your ovaries can be making enough estrogen as they tried to release an egg. That estrogen thickens your uterine lining which still needs to shed. 
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WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL
You don't sort of ovulate. Either you ovulate or you don't. Ovulation is such a critical part of a women's health. Why? Because ovulation is how you make progesterone. And when you don't make progesterone, you have unopposed estrogen which creates an imbalance in your hormones and host of other undesired symptoms. 

TRACKING OVULATION
One of the best ways to determine ovulation is to track your temperature. This is done under the tongue first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. Your temperature goes up the day after ovulation by about 0.3-0.5 degrees and will remain at that temperature for the rest of your cycle. If your temperature doesn't rise or stay at the higher level for at least five days then you likely didn't ovulate during that cycle. 


If you think you don't ovulate, please reach out! Let's work together to dig to the roots of why this might be happening for you and help you create a plan for a path to more balanced hormones! 

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3 Hormone Benefits of Magnesium

4/5/2023

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3 Hormone Benefits of Magnesium

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Most people have heard of magnesium. And some may even have heard that it's helpful for the body. 

Truth is, magnesium is one of the most beneficial minerals for your body, especially under stress. It's needed for heart health, detoxification, blood sugar balance, mental health, sleep, stress reduction and energy. 


Benefit #1- Healthy Thyroid Function

Our stress response, oxidative stress, inflammation and adrenal function greatly impact thyroid health.

Elevated cortisol and stress hormones block the production of TSH which means our thyroid doesn't get the message from the pituitary to make thyroid hormones.

Magnesium also helps to transport iodine into our cells and to convert T4 to T3 which are both essential for healthy thyroid function. 

So without magnesium, our thyroid simply can't function well! 



Benefit #2- Blood Sugar Balance

Magnesium in needed for insulin to work properly in the body.  It plays a role with how insulin gets in our cells and insulin sensitivity. 

Deficiency of magnesium is associated with insulin resistance so it's important to have the right magnesium levels if you struggle with blood sugar balance. 


Benefit #3- Estrogen Detox

Magnesium supports detoxification of estrogen. 

Magnesium has a relaxing effect on the bowels which allows estrogen to be eliminated rather than being reasorbed and recirculated in the body. If you aren't having regular bowel movements (at least one per day), this can contribute to estrogen dominance and extra stress on the liver. 

Much of our excess estrogen is broken down and removed through the liver. Magnesium is required for the enzyme responsible for healthy estrogen elimination to work efficiently. 


Not sure where your magnesium levels are? A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis is the best way to see how your body is using and storing all your macro and micro minerals, including magnesium. Plus it will give a picture of where your adrenal, thyroid, blood sugar and nervous system function is at. 

Learn more here or contact me for 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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Headaches- What They Are Telling You.

11/14/2022

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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. 
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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
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3 Steps to Uncover Root Causes for Hair Loss

9/5/2022

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3 STEPS TO UNCOVER ROOT CAUSES FOR HAIR LOSS

Hair loss is a real thing. And it's becoming more and more common. And for women, this can be a big concern. 

Hair loss/thinning is a complicated thing. There is no easy, one solution. But I can help guide you through steps to help identify your root causes for hair loss. ​
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 1- Nutrition
Hair growth isn't essential so if you aren't getting enough nutrition, that contributes to hair loss. Insufficient amounts of protein can be a frequent contributor. It's good to calculate how many calories, fats, proteins and carbs you individually need and see if you are eating enough. Contact me for an easy way to calculate your nutrition.

You also need essential vitamins and minerals for hair growth. Copper, Vitamin A, E, C, B's Magnesium, Iodine and Sodium are some of the most important. Supplementing with a good multi vitamin is essential. My recommendation is doTERRA's Lifelong Vitality Pack. 

2- Hormones
Androgens, estrogen, progesterone and thyroid levels all impact hair growth. Imbalances in these will create less energy, can increase stress and cause the body to not prioritize hair health. Contact me for more information about where your hormone levels are. 

3- Stress
When we are stress, our bodies require more calories and carbohydrates for energy. Stress impacts our cortisol levels which can increase estrogen, decrease our minerals, decrease progesterone and impact thyroid and hair follicle health



Basic Recommendations
  • Eat enough, supplement well & balance your minerals. 
  • Check your hormone levels- contact me for more info
  • Focus on stress management
  • Topical support- Use a boar or mixed bristle brush and do a Morocco massage, do a hair detox with bentonite clay & apple cider vinegar
  • Use Nettle Tea - topical or internal. 
  • Add 10-15 drops of Rosemary essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner

*Bentonite clay, Apple cider vinegar, Nettle tea and the Lifelong vitality pack are all available at the Country Cupboard in Fairbury. 

Contact Me for More Support with Hair Loss
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One of My Staple Snacks- Energy Bites!

5/22/2022

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ONE OF MY STAPLE SNACKS- ENERGY BITES

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Energy bites are a staple at my house. My nieces and nephews love them and still believe (after years of eating them) that if they eat them it will give them energy and are an excuse to run around and make lots of noise! They are great for energy but have so many other benefits too. 

I often recommend daily flax meal to my clients to help balance blood sugar, metabolize excess hormones, to curb cravings and promote regular elimination. These bites are a great way to get flax meal in daily plus have a balanced snack to eat through out the day to keep blood sugar levels steady. 
No Bake Energy Bites

1 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. nut butter (without sugar)
1/3 c. honey
1 c. coconut flakes
1/2 c. flax meal
1/2 c. Lily's chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything together and chill for 30 minutes. Roll into balls and store in refrigerator. If mixture is dry, add water to hold together. 
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Life is Better with Copaiba

3/29/2022

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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. 


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 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
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5 Ways to Start the New Year Off Right

12/29/2021

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5 WAYS TO START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT

January-that time of year when the holiday festivities leave us feeling a few pounds heavier, a little more brain fogged and a little less energetic than we'd like to be. It's a New Year and a great time to reset our routines and choices!
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Here are five simple ways to start the New Year off right!
  • DE-STRESS- Start with noticing signs that indicate you are stressed. Even better is to make a list of these things. Focus on awareness of when you are stressed and listening to your body.
 
  • Make a list of 10 things you truly enjoy that you feel refreshed and renewed after doing. As you become increasingly aware of when you are stressed, pull out your list and spend 10-15 minutes de-stressing. 
 
  • EXERCISE- Just 15 minutes of movement every day, especially outside will help to balance your hormones, increase your energy and mood. Talk a walk in the snow, go sledding, ice skating or a bike ride when the weather is good. 
 
  • GET YOUR SLEEP- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night is foundation to everything! Your weight, ability to detox, mood, energy, hormone balance, stress levels and even digestion!
 
  • Set a sleep and wake time and stay within an hour of that time frame to regulate your circadian rhythms. Take the 30-60 minutes before bed to turn off all screens, do some reading, journaling, devotions, gratitude or a relaxing bath with essential oils.
 
  • If falling asleep or staying asleep is hard for you, try Serenity softgels. They promote deep and restful sleep and are truly amazing!
 
  • DRINK WATER-  Drinking water hydrates your skin, improves digestion and elimination, reduces feelings of hunger and calorie intake and helps flush out toxins. Half your body weight in ounces daily is the general recommendation
 
  • REDUCE SUGAR- The average American consumes 22 teaspoons of added sugar daily! Sugar slows down your immune system, increases inflammation, creates brain fog and drains your energy. It's also contributes to heart disease, fatty liver, diabetes and cancer. ​




Get my Sugar Substitute Reference Guide
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