Are all Vitamins Created Equal?

The answer is NO!  Just because it says multivitamin, fish oil, vitamin C, etc. does not mean it is has to be quality or even good for you.  A lot of places (the cheaper vitamins) get their ingredients from unnatural sources.  They are purely synthetic (man made) and not easily absorbable by the body.  Yes you are taking the 100% of the recommended daily value of the vitamin, however that does not mean you are actually absorbing it (meaning you are simply peeing or pooping it out).  On top of that many vitamins and supplements have fillers.  They are things that give the supplement more weight but actually do nothing for you.  This is why I use the 2 companies I do, Standard Process and Nature Sunshine.  Standard Process is a whole food supplement company (whole food meaning it comes from food sources making it easily absorbable).  Nature Sunshine is a premier herbal company with extremely strict standards.  They were the first company to encapsulate herbs... the first one was capsicum (to heal stomach ulcers)!

I was at a Nature Sunshine conference and they are notorious for having extremely high standards.  Their quality control is very strict and they have multiple checks on the different herbs coming in before they are encapsulated for use.  He said that companies will bring the herbs to Nature Sunshine and if they do not pass their quality control checks it is not a problem.  This is because the herbal suppliers will easily take their 'lower quality' herbs and sell them to other companies with lower quality standards at a cheaper price.

Now on to fish oil.  This is becoming an extremely popular supplement- but do you know the quality or source where the fish is from?  Is is wild or farm raised?  Was it exposed to a lot of heavy metals (particularly aluminium or mercury)?  Are you getting some of those toxins when you are taking it everyday?  Just something to think about when you see a 300 capsule fish oil bottle for $8 (or cheaper... eeeek!).  Chances are it is not a good quality. 

Secondly just because it is a vitamin does not mean it is good for you.  Below I have a picture of a children's multi-vitamin from Target.  (I love Target too... but not their vitamins!)  Some of the ingredients are food dyes!!, aspartame!!, and vegetable oils!!  This makes me so mad because people are taking these thinking they are being healthy and little do they know they are ingesting a neurotoxin (aspartame), a popular ingredient for triggering ADD/ADHD  (food dyes), as well as other poor quality ingredients into their body.  This is not helping to keep people and children well at all.  It is honestly better not to take it especially when there are other ingredients that are harmful for your health. 

So please please check your vitamins and other supplements you are taking.  It is is worth spending the extra little money to get good quality supplements/vitamins/minerals.  At the office we have a supplement exchange where you can bring in any of your old, synthetic (even toxic if they have aspartame and food dyes!) and trade them in for good quality, whole food/easily absorbable vitamins/herbal supplements for 20% off.  Just bring in your old stuff and drop it in our jar to keep in the office!

Children's Multi-vitamin from Target

Aspartame, Sorbitol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils, Food Colorings, etc.

 
Supplement Swap!

Bring in old/synthetic/poor quality supplements and exchange them for
easily absorbable whole food vitamins for 20% off!
 

Product #3- Black Ointment

Product #3- Black Ointment (Stock Number: 1696-9)

Black ointment is a topical salve by Nature Sunshine.  It has a 'drawing' affect to help pull out infections or areas of inflammation in the skin and bring them to the surface to get rid of whatever is going on.  You can use it for things such as warts, boils, bug bites, infections, tumors, splinters, abscesses, sores, and even skin cancer!   It is a purifying salve with antiseptic (antibiotic) proprieties to kill off infections.  There have even been reports of it removing skin tags by simply applying it 2 times a day!

It can virtually be used on any skin issue (no matter if it has been there awhile or just a recent bug bite or poison ivy).  However make sure to apply and then cover with a band aid or gauze because it will get on your clothes or sheets because it is black in color.  Let me know what you have used it for and if it was successful!

Reframing Your Critic

Its funny to me how people think everything in your body is isolated.  That when the thyroid doesn't work like it should there is only something wrong with the thyroid.  Wrong!  The thyroid affects so many areas in your body (especially like the ovaries- hormones, adrenal glands- stress & energy, heart- especially heart rate, etc).  So just saying you have a thyroid issue does not mean its just the thyroid- it means everything that signals to the thyroid and everything the thyroid sends signals to is affected AS WELL!!!  (I have a point I promise.)  Just like every organ affects many other areas in your body so do thoughts and emotions.  If you constantly beat yourself up or have negative thoughts or perceived outcomes your body internalizes that which makes for a nearly impossible physical change for whatever ailment you have.

 

With all that being said there is a amazing group being held by someone I dearly trust... Laura Ramey, LMFT.  I never dive into emotional healing (NOT my job!) but always want to have an outlet or safe place for patients to go, learn and heal.  This is a perfect place.  Read below for information on a group she is holding about being 'Your Inner Critic'.  Most of us could all learn a little bit in this department (including myself).  Read more and if you have questions feel free to ask me or email Laura.  It is incredibly hard to fix the physical issues without addressing the emotional issues going on and this is a perfect place to start or add to getting your body emotionally and physically healthier!

 

 

Reframing Your Critic

Are you often hard on yourself or tell yourself negative things throughout the day? If you struggle with inner critic messages, this group may be for you! Participants will learn: where these messages come from, how to heal and release the wounds, and reframe the critic into a more positive role in your life! Check out the blog post for more information and group details.

And if there's anything you would want to add regarding your thoughts on the impact of the inner critic on your physical health, please do!

 

For more information please visit http://newsongcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/02/reframing-your-critic.html.  You can also visit Laura Ramey's website at http://www.newsongcounseling.com/. 

 

 

Next Process Group and LIVER Talk at MTCAM!

This month Laura Ramey, LMFT and I will be holding the Process Group on Thursday February 20th at 6:30pm. 

We had a wonderful turnout at our last session and we are very excited for it this week! The process group is aimed at helping patients both physically and emotionally by learning from each others journeys at the office. We want you to understand you are not alone.

The main goal for the process group is to be surrounded by like minded people and create a ‘community’ for our patients to learn from each other’s health journey.  All are welcome and encouraged to come even if you were not at the last session. It is truly an amazing group and I can’t emphasize enough how powerful and healing it is to be with like minded people! 

From Laura- It was great to meet those of you who were able to make it to the first process group we had in January! I left feeling so hopeful and blessed to have witnessed parts of your stories. What a brave and beautiful group of women! I hope you can join us again in February, and for those of you who couldn't be there last time, you are welcome ANYTIME!

We decided to offer it at a different time this time around in case evenings are better than weekends. So, our next process group will be THURSDAY, FEB 20 from 6:30-7:30pm. We'll meet in the conference room at MTCAM again.  

 

The topic will be on "How to identify what you are feeling," and I'll have a handout for you. Much of what we process and feel in our bodies can be correlated to our emotional feelings, and often we do not even know what we are feeling, or we work hard to resist feeling. When the feelings have no outlet, they are held somewhere in our bodies. So, I hope you'll come join us to learn more about how to identify and release these God-given feelings.  If you have personal questions you'd like addressed outside the group hour, please don't hesitate to contact me (click here for her website)!

Also... from 6 to 6:30 I will be doing free testing on Flower Essences. These are products by Nature Sunshine that help the mind body connection and allow you to get rid of negative emotions that people dwell on (whether they are conscious or unconscious thoughts). At the office we have had some really awesome healing happen with these Flower Essences. So come in just a little before the process group and see which one is right for you (it only takes a minute)! Here is a link with more information on Flower Essences- http://drcarolynmaxfield.blogspot.com/2013/12/emotional-healing-with-flower-essences.html

 
 

Saturday Feb 22nd at 2pm I will be giving at talk on the LIVER!! I will cover some of its many functions, its relationship to digestion, hormonal balance, sleep, allergies, etc.  I will also talk about how it is our main organ to clear out toxins and what we can do to help it out!  

Please RSVP to drcarolynmaxfield@gmail.com for either or both the process group and the talk.  Thank you!

 

 

Coconut Flour, Zucchini, Carrot Muffins!

This is a perfect way to get some veggies in with tasty muffins!  The longest part of the whole process is grating the carrots and zucchini... the rest is incredibly easy! 

Ingredients
6 eggs
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup honey or xylitol
2 TBS vanilla
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 cup carrots, grated (about 3 to 4)
1 cup zucchini, grated (about 2 small)- Make sure to drain the grated zucchini because it has a lot of moisture.  I grated it and then squeezed the zucchini tightly with a paper towel to get out excess water.  Then you can measure it for 1 cup.  You don't want to measure until the extra water/moisture is drained out. 

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix eggs, coconut oil, honey/xylitol together.  Then add in the rest of the ingredients (vanilla, sea salt, baking soda, cinnamon, coconut flour, carrots, zucchini).  Put liners in a muffin tin or grease with coconut oil.  Pour in mixture and bake for 20 minutes. 

I really loved these.  They are very moist (almost spongy) which I assume is from the zucchini and the moisture it holds.  When I make these again I will drain even more water out of the grated zuchhini.  It doesn't affect the flavor at all but when you take the muffins out of the tin they are kind of wiggly (well at least mine were).  They are cooked completely even though you wouldn't think so because they are wiggly (I can't think of a better word).  Also I have a confession- I have not made them with xylitol (for you candida clear people out there). I am out of it at home and need to pick some up so I made them with honey.  I have had a lot of success just replacing honey with the same ratio of xyltiol so I don't see why this would be any different.  I promise I will make them with xyltiol but I would be very surprised if it didn't work. 

Enjoy!! They are soooo good and taste similar to zucchini bread (and you don't taste the carrots)!!

Recipe from: http://www.wellfedhomestead.com/carrot-zucchini-muffins

Tasty Salad at Costco!

I was just at Costco this weekend and should have taken pictures of more things when I was there... next time!  But for now there is one great item that you should not pass up the next time you go- It is a salad mix that I personally love!  It is perfect for lunch, dinner or a quick snack. 

It contains 7 superfoods (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, chicory, cranberries, pumpkin seeds).  I love the texture of it because its different than a leafy type salad.  I hope you all like it as much as I do... or have already found it in Costco and have been enjoying it too! 

NOTE:  I wouldn't use the salad dressing mix however.  Its top 2 ingredients are soy bean oil and sugar.  The rest of the ingredients aren't really that bad but I am pretty picky when it comes to dressings. 

 

Unacceptable Levels Documentary coming to Franklin!

Unacceptable Levels is a documentary about chemicals in our body and environment which is coming to Franklin!  Middle TN Center for Alternative Medicine, Jill Wright Nutrition & Wellness, and Beautycounter Nashville will be hosting the film at Franklin Carmike Thoroughbred on Thursday March 13 at 7:30 pm.  We need at least 80 people to reserve tickets for the event to happen.  Please read more about this wonderful documentary and watch the trailer too!  It will be such and educational and eye opening film for everyone! 


Description: Unacceptable Levels examines the results of the chemical revolution of the 1940s through the eyes of affable filmmaker Ed Brown, a father seeking to understand the world in which he and his wife are raising their children. To create this debut documentary, one man and his camera traveled extensively to find and interview top minds in the fields of science, advocacy, and law. Weaving their testimonies into a compelling narrative, Brown presents us with the story of how the chemical revolution brought us to where we are, and of where, if we’re not vigilant, it may take us. 

Unacceptable Levels opens the door to conversations about the chemical burden our bodies carry so that we can make informed decisions now and in the future. The film poses challenges to our companies, our government, and our society to do something about a nearly-unseen threat with the inspired knowledge that small changes can generate a massive impact.  For more info on the movie visit http://www.unacceptablelevels.com/. 


Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVB6XSyBTVE


Tickets:  Tickets can be reserved ahead of time.  This is important because we need at least 80 people to purchase tickets for the even to happen.  Your credit card won't be charged until they are for sure the event will happen in which case you will be emailed your tickets.  Tickets can be reserved/purchased at http://www.tugg.com/events/7749

I am really looking forward to this film and hope to see you all there!  Share this event with your friends and family members so we can help educate and empower our community!

Easy Way to Add Coconut Oil in Your Daily Routine

With most people I typically recommend getting 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in daily. That means internally and for some people you may think I am crazy. However coconut oil is essentially a super food for the body. Great for the immune system, thyroid, liver, digestive system, hair, and skin. It is antimicrobial and will help kill off nasty invaders that get you sick! Its perfect for rashes and skin conditions too... Anyways I'll devote many more posts to coconut oil. For now I just want to give you one way to get a tablespoon or 2 in the morning!

Most people drink something warm in the morning- whether it is tea, coffee, hot water with lemon, etc. Just simply add 1 TBS of coconut oil to what you are drinking! It will melt so you don't even know you are drinking it. The first sip is mostly coconut oil, but if you have expeller pressed you won't taste a thing.

Easy as that! It is a fantastic way to start your morning and give you a little energy boost too! It is also crucial to do when there are so many sick people... all that coughing and junk flying around. Coconut oil tremendously helps out your immune system and I have had many patients come in and swear that coconut oil is keeping them healthy even when they are around sick people. Why not give it a try?!

One tablespoon down... and 2 more to go!

 Get a nice large scoop of coconut oil!!

Coconut oil is solid up until 76 to 78 degrees

 

 



Around 76 to 78 degrees it starts to melt!

Now you won't even know it is there :)

 

 All melted!  Enjoy!



Product #2- Mineral Chi Tonic

Product #2- Mineral Chi Tonic
Even though it may sound like a weird name it has powerful effects in increasing people's energy and supports your adrenal ('stress gland' of the body) function.  Mineral Chi is something that I specifically use to boost adrenal gland function, put people on with high stress or are feeling run down, or those who just want a boost of energy!  It helps to bring balance and energy physically, mentally and emotionally.  The minerals and the herbs in the tonic are all focused on giving nourishment to your adrenal glands. 

It is a liquid (not the best tasting stuff... but worth it!) and needs to stay in the fridge.  You can 1 TBS two times a day (you can mix in water or smoothie if you would like... I just take a sip and the taste isn't so bad after you get used to it).

Here is the description by Nature Sunshine
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the human body is a vast electrical energy system consisting of 12 two-sided meridians (energy channels) with more than 800 switches or acupuncture points. Chinese medicine teaches that when the energy meridians are in balance, the body will maintain itself. Tonic herbs balance the meridians and nourish the adrenal glands—the major managers of the energy that powers the “electric” human body.

This product contains renowned Chinese tonic herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Gynostemma feeds the adrenal glands. Lycii and schizandra berries balance the 12 meridians and energize the five constitutional types. Eleuthero root is an adrenal tonic that acts as an energizer. Astragalus root builds the immune system and energizes. Licorice root is an adrenal/pituitary tonic. Reishi mushroom supports the body when under stress and boosts immunity. Ginkgo builds mental energy, alertness, clarity and focus.

Product Number: 1818-3

Feb Special/Donation Site!

Bridges is a domestic violence center in Williamson County. They serve women, children and men all affected by domestic violence and ensure a safe and successful transition into independent living. They also provide immediate shelter for those in abusive relationships and/or immediate danger. It is all free of charge and completely confidential to ensure the safety of those in need. For more info click here.

Bring in 1 of the below to MTCAM and receive $10 OFF your service that day!

• Pack of Toilet Paper
• Laundry Detergent
• Clorox or Lysol (spray or wipes)
• Paper Towels (at least 2 roles)