Thankful Part 4

(These are really late... I know.)

Nov 21st
A product that many people are thankful for at the office is one called VS-C by Nature Sunshine.  This is an amazing antiviral specifically for cold sores, canker sores and herpes.  It is effective against Mono and amazing to prevent and use during a shingles out break.  It can be taken at high doses during a flare up of any of the conditions listed above.  No need to go get different medicines, topical cream or a preventative shingles vaccines (full of neurotoxins)... VS-C is so strong and does the trick! (They make it in liquid form too!)

 

Nov 22nd
FemCo is another amazing product by Mediherb (Standard Process's herbal line).  I have had much success personally with it as well as many of my patients.  There are different herbs in there that create a balancing act between the endocrine (hormone producing) system as well as one that works to make sure the liver is detoxing like it should.  If the liver isn't filtering or working properly, hormones get backed up and create a whole host of problems from there.  It helps tremendously to lighten heavy cycles and even regulate cycles in those that come and go when they please.  FemCo is a great product and in my personal daily supplement routine!

Nov 23rd
Gallbladder Formula... this is one many patients this past month or 2 are verrrrrrry thankful for.  If you are prone to have gallbladder attacks or gallstones this is an AMAZING product to help the gallbladder function properly and even break down stones.  I wish I could just sit outside of the ER and pass this out to any gallbladder cases and have them try it for 3 days before they go get their gallbladder removed... eek! So so so so many gallbladders can be saved by this product.  During an attack you can dose up on it and if you are prone to gallstones or attacks you can always take a maintenance dose.  Please if you are a patient or not (or know someone) who has these issues I beg you to take this first before going under the knife.  The gallbladder serves a purpose and getting it removed happens all to frequently when there are natural things that can help!  This formula has saved a lot of people during the holidays after they eat those high fat and sugary meals.  :) If you notice a fullness or sharp pain on your right side under your rib cage or slightly below get on this... it works!

Nov 24th
Another personal favorite and one that has helped me a lot is Fen-Cho (sounds a lot like FemCo) by Standard Process.  This is used to improve digestion and can also be used as a mild laxative.  I found that when I take 2 or more a day my digestion is great.  Fen-Cho is made up of bile salts, fenugreek, okra and collinsonia which all help promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.  It's something that can be used everyday without any harm or fear that you will always need it or can be used in larger quantities on an as need basis.  Its really cheap and truly helps get the junk out of you :)

 

Nov 25th
At the office we have just introduced something by Nature Sunshine called Flower Essences!  Emotional blocks are something that can really hinder a person from healing.  It can be grief, anger, resentment, past frustration or any other emotion that can truly hold a person back from getting better.  I see this from time to time when we are doing everything right nutritionally but the patient is not seeing any improvement.  This is when I know emotions and an emotional block come in to play.  I am not a counselor and never claim or want to be.  This is not where my training is but there are something called Bach Flowers that help people break through emotional challenges.  These are especially important and helpful in those who can't let go of or break through a certain emotion.  We have been using them on patients and had fantastic results.  The different ones they have are

• Keep Cool- a vented anger formula
• Find Strength- a suppressed anger formula
• Be Courageous- a vented fear formula
• Be ResponseAble- a suppressed fear formula
• Distress Remedy
• Release It- a vented grief formula
• Open Heart- a suppressed grief formula

My handsome model woke up from a nap to display Be Response-Able

Thankful... Part 3!

Nov 15th
I am grateful for one of my favorite products by Beautycounter...their body lotion!  It is sooo smooth and leaves no messy streaks!  This is one product I will not do without.  There is not much scent to it (if any) which makes it perfect for anyone who is sensitive to fragrances (and you don't want to be putting on fake fragrances anyways).  You can add essential oils or they have body oils that you can add a drop or 2 with your lotion.  They have Jasmine as well as Citrus and Rosemary! 

 

Nov 16th

As 'sick' season rolls around we have many natural lines of defenses.  At the office we can determine what works best depending on whether a person has a bacteria or virus.  Elderberry Defense is something I take 2 a day of for immune protection and its a great antiviral.  The other fantastic antiviral is something called Astragalus.  It works in so many different ways to kill off viruses and helps the body to improve and give a boost to the immune system.  Other uses are for autoimmune conditions because it helps to balance out the immune system instead of making it suppressed or overactive (which is the case of autoimmune conditions where the immune system is hypersensitive).  Astragualus also helps to reduce the negative effects of steroids.  Interesting isn't it!  This antiviral and immune support is a great one to have on hand for the cold/flu season!  I always make sure it is in my 'sick' cabinet.  

Nov 17th
Another favorite of mine that I am personally thankful for is... Lymphatic Drainage.  This is a liquid product by Nature Sunshine.  It is one of my personal favorites for anyone with puffiness, breast tenderness, water retention (around belly, ankles, wrists, etc.), swelling in the lymph nodes, etc.  The lymphatic system is one that often gets over looked.  It plays a huge role in your immune system and can hold on to toxins if it is not pumping correctly or enough.  This can lead to toxin build up and can result in any of the symptoms above.  I put a family friend on it who recently had a lot of lymph nodes removed due to breast cancer.  She had swelling in her wrists and was told she had to wear braces on her arms because the swelling would never go away.  Guess what... after a bottle of lymphatic drainage she saw huge improvement!  She no longer has to wear her wrist braces (unless she is traveling).  An amazing product.  I personally used it for just general swelling and puffiness.  After I did 3 bottles back to back I had thermography done and they saw NO lymphatic congestion in my breasts.  She said that was very rare and I know it largely has to do with Lymphatic Drainage.  A great product and one of my personal favorites.  

 

Nov 18th
I am thankful for... Sick Visits!  They are a great way for patients to quickly see if they are battling a bacteria or virus and get a product that fights whatever they have.  It takes me 2 minutes to see what you have and what's going to help kill it off!  It's amazing how people run to the doctor and walk away with yet another prescription for antibiotics.  Antibiotics kill off BOTH good and bad bacteria allowing the bad stuff to overgrow.  Antibiotics are the #1 reason why candida (yeast) is so prevalent in our society and causing a whole different host of issues.  (I'll save that rant for another day.)  So if you are sick, no matter if it is a cold or flu, strep, UTI, cough, congestion, sinus infection, you name it... call in and we will be sure to get you in that day!! (615-656-3558) It costs $25 (that is usually less than an insurance co-pay) and we will be sure to send you on your way with something to kick the 'bug' (without antibiotics)! :)

Nov 19th
With cold/flu season hitting us liquid Silver Shield is a popular product at our office.  I want to talk about how fantastic Silver Shield gel is!  We have recently had a few staph infections in (and one really bad one) that didn't heal after rounds and rounds of antibiotics.  (Which suppresses your immune system anyway.)  Silver Shield gel worked like magic.  Silver Shield liquid is antibacterial and antiviral (even antiparasitic).  The gel works just like the liquid but can be applied topically.  It started clearing up staph infections extremely quickly in both cases.  The gel is also great for breakouts, cuts/scraps, yeast infections, and any other topical issue.  It basically acts as your natural 'neosporin.'  A must-have for your natural medicine cabinet!

 

 

Nov 20th

Migun (Massage Energy) Tables... how lucky are we to have these in our office!  They are always included with every visit for free which gives you 15 minutes of rest and relaxation... and detoxing too!  It feels like deep pressure therapy and a full body massage.  They are inspired by acupressure, acupuncture, chiropractic, heat therapy and massage all rolled up into one!  The best part is you get to relax for 15 minutes during your busy day.  Sometimes that is easier said than done... but it is so beneficial for the body to turn your mind off and relax! Always make sure to hop on one of the tables at each visit.  They are also available for sale by an outside vendor if you are ever interested.  Let us know and we have  the contact info at the office or you can visit www.massageenergy.com. 

Healthy Cool Whip... Only 2 Ingredients!

Perfect timing for Thanksgiving!  It takes 1 minute to make (if that) and has a legitimate cool whip taste and consistency!  All you need is a can of coconut milk (not what you find in the refrigerated aisle).  It can be found at Kroger in the health food section or in the international aisle.  I can't remember exactly where I got it at Trader Joe's...  Anyways throw a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight (or at least 8 hours).  This will allow the water and cream to separate which leaves a whipped cream consistency on top and a watery part on the bottom of the can.  

 

All you have to do is take the top section out of the can (you can throw away the bottom watery section).  I added 1 Tablespoon of xylitol, but you could add any sweetener of your choice.  Try honey or pure maple syrup.  I am sure you can't go wrong.  You could even add a tablespoon of vanilla to give it a little more flavor too! 

 

Top section of the can.  Whipped cream consistency.

Bottom half of can.  Watery consistency which you can throw away.

 

 

Enjoy! (I sure did tonight with a lot of strawberries... Delicious.)

 

Comparing Granola Bars. Good vs Bad.

As I was strolling through Kroger I cut though the granola bar isle and to my surprise there were so many different kinds.  There are crunchy, chocolate, low fat, strawberry, nutty, Greek yogurt, etc.  I decided to look at the ingredient list and was pretty surprised.  I had just got my Larabars which usually contain no more than 5 ingredients. Well these 'low fat' granola bars have probably no less than 15 ingredients.  (I didn't count... but I took pics to prove I am not exaggerating.)  Less is more... esp when it comes to ingredients.  There are good choices out there.  Don't you worry. 

Thumbs Down...
Quaker Chewy- 25% Less Sugar (Notice BHT preservative towards the end)

 

Nature Valley Sweet and Salty

NutriGrain (Notice the last ingredients are food coloring... avoid avoid avoid)

 

 

 

Special K Red Berries (Has the BHT preservative)

 

NutriGrain Greek Yogurt (Greek Yogurt! Yay! It HAS to be healthy.  Not true.)

Two Thumbs Up!
Now on to my favs.  Lara bars are the cheapest at Costco where you can get a large pack of them.  They are typically sweetened with dates, honey or occasionally brown rice syrup.  The ones at Costco are much more basic however Kroger carries fun flavors that are 10 for $10 sometimes.  You can mix and match which is nice to get some tasty different flavors like Cherry Cobbler, Key Lime, a lemon one, and chocolate ones too.  Here are the pics and ingredients of some of my personal favs.  NOTE: Not good for anyone on Candida Clear.  You want to stay away from dates and honey which Larabars are sweetened with.  You can have them when you are done with the cleanse.  I will have to upload a homemade recipe for anyone on Candida Clear.   

Cherry Cobbler

Apple Pie

 

Lemon Bar (Delicious!!)

 

Key Lime Pie

These are such a quick easy treat and perfect for kids.  Great for on the go, traveling (I always take the big box from Costco when I travel for a quick breakfast or snack because you never know when you will need one), or a quick pick me up in the day.

Sausage and Gravy... Seriously Easy and Delicious!

Okay so this may be my favorite recipe so far.  I know I have said this before... but I am NOT joking.  This was so incredibly easy and so tasty.  Sausage and gravy is such a classic Southern food that  I thought would be hard to duplicate, let alone with only 3 ingredients.  Try it and be amazed like I was.  I made my fiance look at me when he tried so I could see his expression... and it was a good one! A must try!!!!!

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup raw cashews
2 cups water
1 pound of sausage (make sure it has no preservatives in it- nitrates, nitrites, sulfites, sulfates)

Soak your cashews in warm water the night before.  I just took a mason jar and filled it with my cashews and the warm water to sit overnight.  It does not matter how much water you soak them in as long as they are all submerged.  In the morning drain the water out and put the cashews in blender or food processor.  (I used a food processor.)  Put 2 cups of fresh water in with the cashews. Blend until creamy.  It took about 30 seconds in my food processor and the recipe online called for 2-3 minutes in a blender. 

Cook your sausage on medium heat.  When done drain excess grease.  Then put pan back on medium or low-medium heat and add your cashew gravy. Stir until warm.  (You can also add more water at this time to make it less thick but I didn't.) 

That is it!!!  Add pepper or any other seasonings you want.  Try it and feel free to be skeptical like I was but I do not think you will be let down.  This opens up the door to making gravy for potatoes, turkey, chicken, quinoa, etc... I am pretty excited about it as you can tell :)  Enjoy!!

Cobbler! Easy to make!

Now that Thanksgiving is just around the corner I am experimenting with some desserts. Today cobbler. Tomorrow pumpkin pie? (I also just found a recipe for sausage and gravy... cross your fingers that its good!) So here is the recipe for berry cobbler and some changes I would make at the end.

Ingredients

• Fruit (Recipe calls for 2 pints of blueberries. I only had a pint of strawberries at my house so those worked great! You could also use could use raspberries or blackberries... yum!)
• Xylitol or Honey (Xylitol for those on Candida Clear)
• 1 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
• 1 Egg
• 2 TBS of Coconut Oil
• Cinnamon

Directions

• Wash and dry fruit.
• Grease baking pan with coconut oil and put berries in it.
• Drizzle xylitol or honey on top of fruit. (I didn't have my smaller baking pans cleaned so I used 2 Pyrex containers.)
• In another bowl mix almond flour, egg and coconut oil together. (I would add some honey or xylitol in this as well to make it sweeter.)
• Sprinkle the almond meal mixture over berries and sprinkling cinnamon on top.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes on 350 degrees until almond mixture turns golden brown. (And simply for pleasure occasionally open the oven to get a good smell of what is baking. It smells sooo good!!!)

My notes: The 'crumble' topping wasn't sweet at all (which is not a problem but most people would say it was bland). I didn't add any xylitol or honey and I think that would be a good addition in the mixture to give the 'crumble' a little taste. My crumble was more like a thick batter. I pulled it apart and put the chunks (not an appetizing word but I can't think of any other word now) on top of the fruit. It just wasn't a dry crumble like typical berry cobbler. It could be that I added to much coconut oil to the almond meal mixture. Mine also was pretty watery after it was cooked and it could have been the strawberries... but it was still tasty!!

Try different fruits and even drizzle with honey, pure maple syrup or xylitol right after you take it out of the oven. Enjoy!

Stawberries drizzled with honey before the crumble topping!

All done!

Recipe from: http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Blueberry-Crumble-Paleo-Friendly/

Theirs turned out much prettier than mine :)

Switching out the Plastic

I am working on a 'Christmas' list for people.  Not that it has to be a Christmas list per say, but instead things to slowly switch in your household to make it healthier and chemical free.  There is one simple thing that you can do now... for free (in red)!  One of the major chemicals/toxins we are constantly exposed to is plastic.  (As I sit here and type this I have a plastic water bottle next to me.) Plastic water bottles, plastic wrap around our deli meet, cheeses, Tupperware containers for all our left overs, mixing bowls, cups, plates, toothpaste containers, juice bottles, etc.  I mean the list really goes on and on.  You can't get away from it however you can really change a few things that will make a big difference.

1) Stop storing left overs in plastic containers like Tupperware.

2) If you have to store in plastic containers (which there are cheap easy options so you don't)... do not heat your leftovers up in it.  (First the microwave is problem number one but I understand that's all people have at work.  But don't heat your leftovers up in the plastic!)  I bought a hot plate that Lori and I heat food up with or keep things warm.  It works great and you can put a ceramic bowl over it with your food and heat it up slowly (Add coconut oil if appropriate to keep things from sticking.  Plus you get your coconut oil in for the day!).  I know most of you won't be able to bring this to work with you but its a option.  It takes time to heat things up and doesn't zap anything to make it warm in 30 seconds (which is a good thing)!

Our hot plate at the office. 

I think it cost around $20 at Target. 

Plastic particles (especially when heated) leak into whatever product you have.  When you pour your hot leftovers into a plastic storage containers or heat them up in plastic it seeps into the food.  You don't taste it but that doesn't mean it doesn't do any harm.  Plastic actually mimics estrogen in your body and plays tricks on your endocrine (hormone producing) system which has been linked to endocrine disorders, infertility, early puberty, and even cancer.  Read this great article about dangers of plastics.  Click here. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1) Get Pyrex containers to store all your leftovers in.  They have all sorts of shapes and sizes.  Pyrex containers are fantastic because they can go from hot to cold and not shatter.  If you are going to reheat anything up, say at work, use these!!!  I have found they are cheapest at TJ Maxx but you have more options at places like Target, Kroger, Kohls, etc.

2) Get glass reusable water bottles. (I am being a hypocrite right now but I got it on the go... However at home most of my cups/reusable water bottles are glass or ceramic.  I just have a few left I need to weed out.)

3) Save left over glass containers/bottles.  I have ones from tomato sauce, apple sauce  salsa, jam, almond butter- all of which are glass.  Peel off the label, throw it in the dishwasher and bam! you have a perfectly good glass storage container. (Just don't use these to heat up anything real quickly... use Pyrex containers.)

4) Buy yourself some mason jars to store leftovers in, drink from, etc.  They are perfect for storing soups, quinoa, cooked veggies, etc.  You can buy these virtually at any grocery store and I have even picked up some at Salvation Army.  (Just don't use these to heat up anything real quickly... use Pyrex containers.)

5) Get glass mixing bowls.  This is what inspired me to write this.  I still have my plastic ones (which are getting switched soon!) and I was mixed something hot in it.  It hit me that this is no different that cooking something hot in plastic.  Ah!  I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner... but regardless go get some glass mixing bowls like me!  And donate your plastic containers :)

There are so many other things you can switch in your household but just start slowly by getting rid of what you store and heat food up in.  Then move on to getting reusable water bottles and to-go coffee or insulated mugs (Get ceramic or double insulated glass ones... Teavanna makes them). Then move on to switch your plastic cups, plates, bowls, etc.  Then go to your mixing bowls and cutting boards (get wooden ones).  Then get rid of those plastic spatulas (and get wooden ones). Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby steps.  :)