Healthy with Jodi

Tips and Tricks

HUGS-can they really prevent or help depression? ABSOLUTELY

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    Hugs…therapeutic…YES!

    The average length of a hug between two people is 3 seconds. But the researchers have discovered something fantastic. When a hug lasts 20 seconds, there is a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. The reason is that a sincere embrace produces a hormone called “oxytocin”, also known as the love hormone. This substance has many benefits in our physical and mental health, helps us, among other things, to relax, to feel safe and calm our fears and anxiety. This wonderful tranquilizer is offered free of charge every time we have a person in our arms, who cradled a child, who cherish a dog or a cat, that we are dancing with our partner, the closer we get to someone or simply hold the Shoulders of a friend.

    A famous quote by psychotherapist Virginia Satir goes, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Whether those exact numbers have been scientifically proven remains to be seen, but there is a great deal of scientific evidence related to the importance of hugs and physical contact. Here are some reasons why we should hug::

    1. STIMULATES OXYTOCIN

    Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that acts on the limbic system, the brain’s emotional centre, promoting feelings of contentment, reducing anxiety and stress, and even making mammals monogamous. It is the hormone responsible for us all being here today. You see this little gem is released during childbirth, making our mothers forget about all of the excruciating pain they endured expelling us from their bodies and making them want to still love and spend time with us. New research from the University of California suggests that it has a similarly civilising effect on human males, making them more affectionate and better at forming relationships and social bonding. And it dramatically increased the libido and sexual performance of test subjects. When we hug someone, oxytocin is released into our bodies by our pituitary gland, lowering both our heart rates and our cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

    2. CULTIVATES PATIENCE

    Connections are fostered when people take the time to appreciate and acknowledge one another. A hug is one of the easiest ways to show appreciation and acknowledgement of another person. The world is a busy, hustle-bustle place and we’re constantly rushing to the next task. By slowing down and taking a moment to offer sincere hugs throughout the day, we’re benefiting ourselves, others, and cultivating better patience within ourselves.

    3. PREVENTS DISEASE

    Affection also has a direct response on the reduction of stress which prevents many diseases. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine says it has carried out more than 100 studies into touch and found evidence of significant effects, including faster growth in premature babies, reduced pain, decreased autoimmune disease symptoms, lowered glucose levels in children with diabetes, and improved immune systems in people with cancer.

    4. STIMULATES THYMUS GLAND

    Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body’s production of white blood cells, which keep you healthy and disease free.

    5. COMMUNICATION WITHOUT SAYING A WORD

    Almost 70 percent of communication is nonverbal. The interpretation of body language can be based on a single gesture and hugging is an excellent method of expressing yourself nonverbally to another human being or animal. Not only can they feel the love and care in your embrace, but they can actually be receptive enough to pay it forward to others based on your initiative alone.

    6. SELF-ESTEEM

    Hugging boosts self-esteem, especially in children. The tactile sense is all-important in infants. A baby recognizes its parents initially by touch. From the time we’re born our family’s touch shows us that we’re loved and special. The associations of self-worth and tactile sensations from our early years are still imbedded in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our Mom and Dad while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level, and hugs remind us at a somatic level of that. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self love.

    7. STIMULATES DOPAMINE

    Everything everyone does involves protecting and triggering dopamine flow. Low dopamine levels play a role in the neurodegenerative disease Parkinson’s as well as mood disorders such as depression. Dopamine is responsible for giving us that feel-good feeling, and it’s also responsible for motivation! Hugs stimulate brains to release dopamine, the pleasure hormone. Dopamine sensors are the areas that many stimulating drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine target. The presence of a certain kinds of dopamine receptors are also associated with sensation-seeking.

    8. STIMULATES SEROTONIN

    Reaching out and hugging releases endorphins and serotonin into the blood vessels and the released endorphins and serotonin cause pleasure and negate pain and sadness and decrease the chances of getting heart problems, helps fight excess weight and prolongs life. Even the cuddling of pets has a soothing effect that reduces the stress levels. Hugging for an extended time lifts one’s serotonin levels, elevating mood and creating happiness.

    9. PARASYMPATHETIC BALANCE

    Hugs balance out the nervous system. The skin contains a network of tiny, egg-shaped pressure centres called Pacinian corpuscles that can sense touch and which are in contact with the brain through the vagus nerve. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug shows a change in skin conductance. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system – parasympathetic.

    Embrace, embrace with your heart.

    autoimmune disease

    Mushrooms are in a kingdom all by themselves!

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      Mushrooms…They are getting more widely recognized or maybe just more researched and talked about.  The use of Mushrooms in Chinese Medicine have been around for about 2,500 years.  They draw on the belief that Qi (translates to “vital energy”) is essential for overall health  and keeping all the systems of the body in balance.

      Meridians are utilized during treatments.  Meridian’s are connected to specific organs and if you focus on energy flow you can help resolve specific problems, restore balance and can prevent disease from developing.

      Chinese herbal remedies focus on bringing homeostasis (balance) to the body and restore proper energy flow.  Chinese herbs can hope lower inflammation and oxidative stress.  Medicinal mushrooms are an antioxidant and have anti inflammatory properties.  They also are antiapoptotic and help regulate autopahagic functions.

      Some main herbs Chinese Medicine uses are:

      Reisi & Cordyceps

      Alma Berry (Vitamin C) gooseberry

      Wormwood

      Green Tea

      Astragalus root

      Goji berry

      Ginko Biloba

      Ginseng

      The best feature is that these herbs are adaptogens that help fight stress, hormone regulation, fatigue, inflammation, less chronic pain. Adaptogen means they can change the way the nerves transmit messages to the brain.  This improves functions within the endocrine and central nervous system.  This helps promote healing within the body balancing hormones such as insulin, cortisol, estrogen and estrogen.

      There is so much to learn in the ever changing world of functional medicine.  Hiring a Certified Nutritionist is a good idea if you want to learn more about your body and support your system as you improve your health status.  Call me if you are not sure where to start, I can get you going in the right direction so you are not overwhelmed.  I do the research so you don’t have too.  Know your source.  Trust the Process.  I’d love to help you with your supplements and herbs if you are tired of guess what’s good for you. Single nutrient supplements may be a waste of money because some of them need other vitamins and minerals and amino acids for uptake and potency.

       



      https://draxe.com/reishi-mushroom/

       

      Egg facts-did you know….?

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        Can we all agree our food supply is going downhill fast if we don’t take action?  Can I suggest getting to know your FARMER instead of your DOCTOR?

        When you are preparing eggs this Easter Season, here are some facts to consider…Look up My JLDFIT YouTube channel and search Egg facts

        And here is a simple recipe if you want a new twist on eggs

        Green Eggs minus Ham

        Dairy Free, Gluten Free,  Keto Friendly

        Happily serves 3

        ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

        6 hard boiled eggs, cooled and peeled

        2 avocados

        ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped

        1 TBSP green onions finely chopped

        1-2 TBSP lime or lemon juice

        ½ tsp Himalayan Sea Salt

        1 tsp Red pepper flakes

        Chili powder and/or paprika

        Cut eggs in half and remove yolks

        Smash yolks and avocados together

        Stir in cilantro, chives, lime/lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes

        Spoon into egg white shells

        Sprinkle with chili powder and/or paprika

        Chill until serving

        Bentonite Clay-whole body care!

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          Why Bentonite Clay?EAFA2F87-D874-442C-A557-AE0E3EC1BE2E

          Clean body and a clean mind.

          It is a powerful ADSORBER of Environmental pollutions that are found in our intestines.  It can effectively remove infections, and bind endotoxins, Aflatoxins (found in Peanut butter and some Legumes) so they cannot be reabsorbed into the body.

          A true cleansing program requires Bentonite clay to help clean the waters of the body, clean the bile, and clear the Digestive tract.

          It promotes wound healing and provides healing in the GI tract.

          Clay can also be used on the skin to draw out impurities.

          Call me if you are interested in cleansing and clearing the immune system, digestive system, and want to start your healing process.

          Oil Pulling-Oral hygiene

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            Ever heard of Oil Pulling?  Do you have cavities?  What happens when you leave that bacteria in your mouth?  It grows and creates more expensive dental work down the road.  If your mouth is less than healthy, that bacteria travels to your gut and can grown there as well, disturbing our gut microbiome.

            An easy at home remedy is oil pulling. Most of us have coconut oil in our cupboards, so pull it out, put some in a small jar and put it in your bathroom!  You use 1 TBSP and swish it around for as long as you can up to 10 minutes.  Spit it out and rinse.  Pretty dang simple!

            Since that coconut oil is in your bathroom now, you can use it as lotion. You can use it to take off your eye makeup.  You can use it on burns (curling iron or sunburns).  You can use it for massage oil.  You can take it when you get a pedicure and have your technician use that instead of their chemically laden lotions.  Oh the Possibilities!!

            If you are interested in learning more, call me!  I’d love to help you get help make your health a priority in your life.  Invest in health, not healthcare!

            https://draxe.com/oil-pulling-coconut-oil/

             

            Creating Space. Eliminate negative and add positive, it’s not always related to food.

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              http://healthywithjodi.com/recipes/mint-mojito-virgin-thyroid-stimulating-energy-replacement-drink/

              How can you create more space in your life for positive energy?  We must eliminate and make space for it! Negative thoughts weigh us down, if you want a positive life you must create it, it doesn’t just happen. 

              Food is one way we can introduce good energy to our body.

              Meditation is powerful for healing and making space.

              Exercise and sweating are key to any cleansing of space and feeling lighter. 

              Holistic health is mind body spirit.

              Maybe just drinking out of glass and eliminating plastics is where you want to start.  Maybe you can start being “healthy” by updating your cooking to safe cookware that doesn’t emit toxins.  Maybe you can learn breathing techniques to help reduce stress and get healthier that way.  It just takes ONE action, and WE can BUILD on that!

              Call me and we can design a plan that makes sense in your life and doesn’t overwhelm you.

              Www.healthywithjodi.com

              https://amzn.to/2D7954q Ceramic flat iron

              Ceramic cookware

              https://amzn.to/2D7EDas

              https://amzn.to/2D9D102 Cast iron cookware

               

              55018DC1-3942-454A-B4BD-D2BFAD1D1786

              Uses and Benefits of Fennel Seeds

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                Uses and Benefits of Fennel Seeds

                What is fennel and how do you prepare it?

                Fennel is crunchy and slightly sweet, adding a refreshing contribution to the ever popular Mediterranean cuisine. Most often associated with Italian cooking, be sure to add this to your selection of fresh vegetables from the autumn through early spring when it is readily available and at its best.

                Fennel is composed of a white or pale green bulb from which closely superimposed stalks are arranged. The stalks are topped with feathery green leaves near which flowers grow and produce fennel seeds. The bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds are all edible. Fennel belongs to the Umbellifereae family and is therefore closely related to parsley, carrots, dill and coriander.

                Good quality fennel will have bulbs that are clean, firm and solid, without signs of splitting, bruising or spotting. The bulbs should be whitish or pale green in color. The stalks should be relatively straight and closely superimposed around the bulb and should not splay out to the sides too much. Both the stalks and the leaves should be green in color. There should be no signs of flowering buds as this indicates that the vegetable is past maturity. Fresh fennel should have a fragrant aroma, smelling subtly of licorice or anise. Fennel is usually available from autumn through early spring.

                Store fresh fennel in the refrigerator crisper, where it should keep fresh for about four days. Yet, it is best to consume fennel soon after purchase since as it ages, it tends to gradually lose its flavor. While fresh fennel can be frozen after first being blanched, it seems to lose much of its flavor during this process. Dried fennel seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry location where they will keep for about six months. Storing fennel seeds in the refrigerator will help to keep them fresher longer.

                Tips for Preparing Fennel

                The three different parts of fennel—the base, stalks and leaves—can all be used in cooking. Cut the stalks away from the bulb at the place where they meet. If you are not going to be using the intact bulb in a recipe, then first cut it in half, remove the base, and then rinse it with water before proceeding to cut it further. Fennel can be cut in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending upon the recipe and your personal preference. The best way to slice it is to do so vertically through the bulb. If your recipe requires chunked, diced or julienned fennel, it is best to first remove the harder core that resides in the center before cutting it. The stalks of the fennel can be used for soups, stocks and stews, while the leaves can be used as an herb seasoning.

                A Few Quick Serving Ideas

                • Sautéed fennel and onions make a wonderful side dish.
                • Combine sliced fennel with avocados, and oranges for a delightful salad.
                • Braised fennel is a wonderful complement to scallops.
                • Consider adding sliced fennel in addition to the traditional toppings of lettuce on your sandwiches.  (Lettuce wrapped preferably)
                • Top thinly sliced fennel with plain and mint leaves.
                • Fennel is a match made in Heaven when served with salmon and lemon.
                • Beets and Ground fennel seed is an excellent combination for potassium and digestion

                Top Natural Sweeteners

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                  https://draxe.com/natural-sweeteners/?rs_oid_rd=832811340235893&utm_campaign=20181205_week49_curated_ketoplug&utm_source=smart+blast&utm_medium=email

                  I love this time of year!  With the season comes SUGAR, lots of if.  There are several natural substitutes that allow us to still have our favorite traditional desserts and goodies.  I couldn’t have put together a better list so I decided to repost Dr. Axe’s article on t5he subject.

                  20181205

                  Nitric Oxide Explained-in easy terms!

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                    Dr. Clair Francomano Explains the Nitro Ingredients and benefits so clearly in this short you tube video.  So worth you time if you are struggling with fatigue, blood flow and circulation, heart health, inflammation, cognitive function, immune support and or proper nutrient absorption.  Just to name a few.  The ingredients work synergistically together to help support and balance the body.

                    If you are looking for a simple start to vitamins this is it!  This is NOT overwhelming, just take the sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening.  Nitric oxide is taken 2-3x a day under the tongue as needed depending on the the individual.

                    Full spectrum Liquid vitamins absorb quickly in the body and help you on your way to feeling better…Naturally.  Cold pressed, wild sourced.  It has my support and is personally helping with my migraines, among other health related issues.  I LOVE IT!

                    CALL or message me if you want to experience the effects of feeling more energized!

                    https://youtu.be/vNQ8AxryELM

                    Nitro Extreme

                     

                    Collagen Facts. What is it, and why do we need it as we age?

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                      Collagen Facts

                      Collagen is a critical protein that makes up approximately 30% of all proteins in the human body. It’s the second most common substance in the body, second only to water. You may say it’s the “glue” that holds our bodies together, and the benefits of collagen are many.
                      Multi-Collagen Protein Powder helps to provide:
                      *Healthy gut repair and brain function
                      *Greater mobility and flexibility; strong, healthy muscles; and healthier, stronger bones and joints
                      *Vibrant, firmer, glowing skin and fight back against the effects or normal aging
                      *Easier weight management and/or weight loss, due to its satiating effect on hunger
                      *Deeper and more restful sleep

                      What is collagen made of?
                      Collagen protein is comprised of amino acids, including proline, glycine, glutamine, and arginine. It’s only found in animals, primarily in the flesh and connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, and much more), and it plays an important role in our bodies.

                      Why is collagen important?
                      After the age of 20, only one percent of collagen is produced in the skin each year. When the body doesn’t have enough collagen, the skin starts to thin, wrinkle, and sag. Hair can become lifeless or limp, and tendons and ligaments aren’t as elastic as they once were. Your joints can feel it, too. They can get stiff and “creaky.” By supplementing with Multi-Collagen Protein, you can help boost collagen levels in the body to support healthy tendons, ligaments, joints, skin, and more. Collagen protein supplements may also increase metabolism, boost energy levels, and help to maintain healthy muscle tissue.

                      How much can I have in a day?
                      For best results, use 1 (or, up to 3) servings daily to reach your optimal health level.

                      https://www.energeticnutrition.com/blog/2016/04/collagen-types-1-2-3-knowing-important-differences/

                      Collagen Type 1&3 Benefits
                      Provides specific amino acids necessary to replenishing the body’s collagen supply helps minimize fine lines & wrinkles, and improves elasticity in the skin builds and supports bone matrix, corrects weak, broken, split and damaged nail beds thickens fine hair, adds body and slows down hair loss repairs connective tissues for improved elasticity; improves circulation; promotes glycine builds lean muscle to help burn fat while you sleep.

                      Collagen: The Body’s Anti-Aging Protein
                      Collagen supplementation is one of the most fundamental things a person can do to prevent premature aging and promote youthful vitality. Understanding collagen begins with knowing that it is truly the glue that holds the body together; it is the building block for all our body’s major systems.

                      Although abundant in our youth, the body’s natural collagen production typically slows at a rate of 1.5% per year after the age of 25. As this collagen production slows, the collagen fibers in the body become brittle and begin to break down resulting in many of the tell-tale signs of aging, such as loose, flaccid skin, wrinkles, ligament and tendon injuries and osteoarthritis.

                      Collagen Types 1&3, is 90% of the body’s total collagen supply and the main collagen constituents in the skin, hair, nails, ligaments, tendons, bones and muscles.

                      The Science of Collagen
                      Collagen 1&3 is composed of 19 amino acids and is a rich source of glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxyproline.
                      Once taken orally, it can produce peptides that stimulate fibroblast cells to produce and reorganize new collagen fibers which, upon bundling, can build the mechanical strength of the connective tissues and strengthen the extracellular matrix.

                      There are several brands out there, many are labeled tricky as are many health foods these days.  I can help you find the correct one for your body type and peresonal alignments.  Knowing your source and your farmer is very important.  Investment in health is the quality of life we all seek, please feel free to contact me and I can guide you through the process.