Balms and Manna
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Services
    • Packages
  • Resources
  • Classes
  • Blog

You are What You Absorb, Not What You Eat.

4/7/2025

0 Comments

 

YOU ARE WHAT YOU ABSORB, NOT WHAT YOU EAT. 

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, your body can't benefit from your food. 

So how do you know if you are absorbing what you eat? There are many factors that go into absorption. Stomach acid, stress, the health of your gut lining, bacteria overgrowths, pancreatic enzymes, genetics and toxin levels are just a few. 

There are markers on many functional lab tests that can point to if these factors are impacting your 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
​
Picture
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. There are enzymes for different parts of our food. 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 that contains all the different enzymes 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! It's making sure that you absorb so that you don't have bigger, more chronic issues that show up over time. 

If you want to make sure you are absorbing well or are curious if poor absorption might be a root cause to some of the annoying things you are dealing with, schedule a free discovery call today to talk about how functional testing can help you KNOW! 

0 Comments

WHY DO A STOOL TEST?

2/26/2024

0 Comments

 

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. 
​
Picture
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! 
0 Comments

TEST DON'T GUESS

2/12/2024

0 Comments

 

TEST DON'T GUESS

It's common to try to manage our health on our own.

Maybe the issue we are dealing with isn't terrible. Or at least it doesn't keep us from doing our daily tasks. But overtime we get tired of dealing with the annoyance wondering if there is a solution and if it will ever get better. 


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. 

​
​
Picture
FUNCTIONAL TESTING
Functional tests are:
  • specialty tests that measure biomarkers that aren't routinely measured by traditional labs
  • give a baseline of health (intestinal, liver, hormones, blood sugar, thyroid, minerals, stress response)
  • uncover common challenges 
  • identify root causes to symptoms

By testing, you stop the frustrating cycle of trial and error and often find pieces to the puzzle that were missing. 

Functional testing is one of the foundational pieces of my wellness programs. Because I am looking for root causes, not disease, I will often use specific avenues of testing to find curmulative totals in the body rather than what is just available for current use. For example, a saliva hormone test will show not just the levels of hormones in the blood but the amounts that are also bound to metabolites. This gives a more accurate picture of imbalances in the body. 

In my program, not only do you have access to functional tests that are difficult to get through a traditional doctor but you also get up to 70% off conventional pricing! That's a huge discount that you won't find with traditional health care. 

To learn more about functional testing and the other benefits of my Personalized Wellness Program, schedule a discovery call today! 



0 Comments

Why A Hormone Test?

7/26/2023

0 Comments

 

WHY A HORMONE TEST? 

Why would I need a hormone test?  And what would it tell me? ​
Picture
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
0 Comments

When the Doctor Say Everything Looks Fine...

6/26/2023

0 Comments

 

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. 
Picture
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
0 Comments

3 Hormone Benefits of Magnesium

4/5/2023

0 Comments

 

3 Hormone Benefits of Magnesium

Picture
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!
0 Comments

Tired of Playing Guess and Check with Your Health?

1/12/2023

0 Comments

 

TIRED OF PLAYING GUESS AND CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH? 

Picture
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! 
LEARN MORE
0 Comments

Hormone Challenges? Uncover the Root Cause!

8/30/2021

0 Comments

 
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. ​
Picture
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
0 Comments

Understanding Lab Tests

6/3/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Do you ever get your labs results back from the doctor and wonder what it means if your numbers are out of range? And then what should you do about it?

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.   

Looking at optimal ranges of lab tests can provide valuable information about body function and processes. It's one of the tools I use to identify risk factors and for lifestyle recommendations for optimizing health.  By taking a look at all the results together, it can provide pieces to a build bigger picture of the person's health as a whole. 


If you would like more information about lab tests and how they can help you identify risk factors, let me know. I would be glad to help you! 

*I do not willfully diagnose or treat diseases or medical conditions, nor do I perform any invasive bodily procedures. I do not prescribe or administer drugs or controlled substances to another person.
0 Comments
    Picture
    Our lives are too precious not to be nurtured! My vision is to inspire you to greater health and wellness! Stop by often!

      Follow Blog Via Email

    Subscribe

    RSS Feed

    Recent Posts

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All
    Adrenal Fatigue
    Breathing
    Children
    Classes
    Cleaning
    Cleanse
    Coconut Oil
    Consultations
    Diet
    Diffuse
    Digestion
    DIY
    Emotions
    Energy
    Essential Oils
    Essential Oil Tips
    Family
    Food
    Hair
    Holiday
    Hormones
    Immune
    Labs
    Liver
    Minerals
    Mood
    Natural Body Products
    Nutrition
    Oral Health
    Outdoors
    Pain
    Recipes
    Respiratory
    Sale
    School
    Skin
    Sleep
    Stop Drop Roll: Oil Highlight
    Stress
    Supplements
    Tea
    Thoughts
    Thyroid
    Toxins
    Travel
    Water
    Weight Loss
    Wholesale

    Join My Community! Get my Monthly Blog posts!

Subscribe to Newsletter

Balms and Manna PRIVACY POLICY