Healthy with Jodi

Probiotics: BiotaGen

    BiotaGen
    Klaire Labs
    $22.95 5.3oz powder

    Versatile prebiotic formula to optimize gut microflora, improve bowel function 
and support the immune system.

    BiotaGen is a distinctive formulation of soluble dietary fiber with prebiotic 
activities that stimulates growth of colonic populations of beneficial bacteria 
and enhances gastrointestinal and systemic immune function in multiple ways. 
BiotaGen combines chicory inulin and oligofructose, highly effective 
prebiotics, with the immunomodulating actions of larch arabinogalactan and 
purified yeast beta-glucan.

    Chicory-derived inulin and oligofructose are inulin-type fructans best known 
for their ability to sustain increases in populations of Bifidobacterium, 
Lactobacillus, and Eubacterium, an important butyrate-producing species 
indigenous to the bowel. By escaping digestion and absorption in the small 
intestine, inulin-type fructans arrive largely intact in the colon where they 
selectively feed beneficial gut microbiota. In addition, inulin-type fructans 
promote normal colon transit times, enhance absorption of calcium and 
magnesium, favorably modulate lipid levels, improve gut mucosal barrier and 
immune function, regulate intestinal epithelial cell growth, and reduce the 
number of potentially harmful bacterial species.

    Arabinogalactan, a polysaccharide derived from the Western Larch tree, is a 
highly soluble dietary fiber that enhances immune function by promoting 
cytokine production and increasing the number of natural killer cells. 
Indigestible by human enzymes, arabinogalactan exerts prebiotic properties 
including the ability to selectively stimulate Lactobacillus species. 
Arabinogalactan is metabolized to short-chain fatty acids acetate, butyrate, 
and propionate and reduces ammonia production.

    Beta-glucan, a glucose polysaccharide prebiotic fiber, has broad, beneficial 
effect on immune function through enhancement of monocytes, macrophages, and 
natural killer cells. Beta-glucan stimulates immune response to a wide spectrum 
of pathogens, including fungal (Candida albicans), Gram-positive 
(Staphylococcus aureus), and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) microorganisms.

    BiotaGen is recommended to nutritionally support optimal gastrointestinal 
function, promote populations of healthful colonic bacteria, and enhance 
gastrointestinal and systemic immune function. BiotaGen® works synergistically 
with probiotics to assure intestinal microflora balance. Available in both 
powder and vegetarian capsule form.

    Servings Per Container: 30
    1 to 2 scoops daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner..

    Serving Size: 1 Scoop (Approx. 1 teaspoon or 5 grams)
    Amount Per Serving
Calories … 5g
Total Carbohydrate … 5g
Dietary Fiber … 4g
BiotaGen Prebiotic Blend … 5g
Inulin (derived from chicory root) Oligofructose (derived from chicory root) 
Beta-Glucan (purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Larch Arabinogalactan 
(Larix occidentalis), dried water-soluble extract

    Other Ingredients: None.

    Urinary tract Info and Suggested Natural healing approach

      Urinary tract Info:
      Commonly also call bladder infections. There is a disturbance in the bacterial flora that protects the urinary track and anabiotic’s lead to reoccurring infections.

      Doubling probiotics such as L. Acidophilus is highly recommended. At least 20 billion CFU’s. 50-100Billion CFU’s would be more beneficial and HIGHLY recommended.

      Acidity levels are too high in the body when the pH is disrupted there is fermentation of vaginal glycogen to lactic acid. Alkalinity is Key, must add more Green into the diet. ORGANIC EATING is SO Very IMPORTANT!!!

      Eliminating of dairy, yeast, and soy products are recommended to rebalance pH. Limiting grains, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, and refined carbohydrates.
      At least 64 oz water a day. Decaffeinated tea counts as water. Eliminate food allergens. Allergy Blood work is your best Road map to gut and immune support and healing.  Blood Tests are available and easy!

      Recommended foods:
      Use healthy cooking oil such as olive oil (don’t heat olive oil) or coconut oil.
      Eat Less red meats and more lean meats such as fish, but no soy.
      High fiber foods include beans root vegetables such as yams or sweet potatoes and psyllium husk.
      Antioxidant rich foods including vegetables like bell peppers and squash.
      **Fruit in the morning including cranberries, blueberries,and cherries. If you’re going to drink juice make sure that it is unsweetened. Please eat your fruit, better for you unless you are juicing. Best for digestion if fruit is first thing in the morning and by itself or for your first snack, eaten alone.**

      Recommended Vitamins:
      Probiotics and digestive enzymes ALWAYS!! Double if taking antibiotics!
      Multi Vitamin
      Vit D: 2000-4000 IU
      Fish oils 1000mg and or Flax seed, 3x a day. Could go up to 6000mg
      Super Greens
      Amino Acids
      Vit C: 1000mg a day
      Grape seed oil 100-300mg
      Magnesium 200-300mg 3x a day
      Zinc: 30mg a day

      Recommended Botanicals:
      Cranberry
      Aloe Vera: up to 32oz per day
      Gotu Kola is great extract tea to help balance pH. 60-120mg
      Uva Ursi ( upland cranberry or bearberry) is a powerful antiseptic herb.
      Dried leaves or tea: 1.5-4.0 (1-2 tsp)
      Goldenseal herb has antimicrobial agents. Dried root or tea: 1-2g

      Other herbs that are recommended: green tea, cats claw, milk thistle, and reishi mushroom.

      NanoGreens Plus Probiotic

        NanoGreens Plus Probiotic
        BioPharma Scientific
        300grams $54.95

        What makes nanogreens + probiotics different?
        *Green powder mixed with DE111 Probiotic
        *UTI Health Support
        *Pouch Form -> Nitrogen Flushed
        *5 Billion CFU dose after 2+ years
        *DE111 Probiotic does not require special storage conditions like many other probiotics.
        *Oral administration of Bacillus Subtilis DE111 helps digest and convert sugars and fats, and helps maintain glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
        Vegan
        Vegetarian
        Gluten Free
        All Natural
        Non-GMO
        Probiotic
        Kid Friendly
        How To Enjoy: Mix one scoop of nanogreens + probiotic with 6-8 oz of cold water, milk or juice. For best results, use shaker cup. Children under 12 should take 1/2 serving.  Refrigerate after opening.

        Servings Per Container: 30

        Serving Size: 10g (1 scoop)
        Amount Per Serving
        Calories … 45
        Calories from Fat … 10
        Total Fat … 1g
        Total Carbohydrate … 7g
        Dietary Fiber … 2g
        Sugar … 2g
        Protein … 2g
        Vitamin A … 2500IU
        (as Beta Carotene)
        Vitamin C … 30mg
        Sodium … 20mg
        Potassium … 130mg
        DE111®
        Bacillus subtilis … 5 billion CFU
        Greens Blend … 2250mg
        (Proprietary)
        Organic Barley Grass Juice, Spiruline, Chlorella
        Phytonutrient Blend … 360mg
        (Proprietary)
        Green Tea Extract, Silybin (from Milk Thistle), Grape Seed Extract, Blueberry, Cranberry, Raspberry, Tart Cherry, Pine Bark Extract, Organic Broccoli, Tomato, Organic Carrot, Organic Spinach, Organic Kale, Bilberry, Elderberry, Pomegranate, Blackberry
        Quercetin/Rutin … 100mg
        50/50
        Organic Rice Bran Soluble … 2081mg
        Raspberry Extract … 50mg
        (20% Ellagic Acid)
        Organic Aloe Vera Powder Extract … 30mg
        (100:1 freeze dried)
        Fruit & Vegetable Blend … 930mg
        (Proprietary) (freeze-dried, low temperature dried)
        Organic Apple, Organic Carrot, Organic Mango, Organic Lemon, Organic Sweet Potato, Organic Peach, Organic Parsley, Organic Kale, Organic Broccoli, Organic Spinach, Organic Leek, Organic Cabbage, Beet, Organic Cranberry (Quinic Acid 6%)
        Organic Acerola Cherry Powder … 175mg
        (17.5% AscorbiC Acid)
        Green Tea Extract, White Tea Extract … 100mg
        (decaffeinated 50% Polyphenol)
        Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract … 70mg
        (15% Resveratrol)
        Oat Beta Glucan … 1500mg
        Cinnamon Blend … 50mg
        (Proprietary)
        cinnamon Extract 8%, Organic Cinnamon Bark Powder
        Milk Thistle … 50mg
        (20% Silymarin)
        Marigold Extract … 50mg
        (5% Lutein with Zeaxanthin)
        Dunaliella Salina Extract … 100mg
        (Natural Carotenoids)
        Enzymes … 40mg
        (Plant-based)
        Alpha Amylase, Bromelain, Cellulase, Galactosidase, Glucoamylase, Hemicellulase, Lipase, Papain, Protease
        Lecithin … 1000mg
        (non GMO)
        Lycopene Extract-10% … 25mg
        (from tomato)
        Organic Lemon Peel Powder … 25mg
        Organic Quinoa Sprout … 90mg
        Artichoke Extract … 20mg
        (5% Cynarin)
        Organic Atlantic Kelp Powder … 20mg
        (laminaria Digitata, 0.4% Iodine)
        Stevia Leaf Crystals … 200mg
        (Stevia Rebaudiana)
        Other Ingredients: Natural Flavors (Plant Based), Citric Acid, Soy Phospholipds.

        NanOmega3 Pineapple Orange

          NanOmega3 Pineapple Orange
          BioPharma Scientific.
          $46.65

          HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FORMULA
          1000 IU of Vitamin D
Good Source of Fiber, Pineapple Orange
          SuperFood SOLUTION™. NanOmega3™
Heart, Brain & Vision SuperFoodlifesDHA™.

          HEALTHY BRAIN, EYES, HEART
SuperSorb® DELIVERY
          DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
          NET WT. 12.7 OZ (360g)
          More Info:
Omega-3s are essential for fatty acids (EFAs) for supporting:
* heart health
* joint health
* healthy skin
* maintenance of normal blood lipids
* healthy brain function
* healthy eyes (retina)
* immune health
* general health and wellness
          Truly a breakthrough functional food formula, NanOmega3 provides essential fatty acids (EFAs) from both:
-ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, from specially stabilized, organic MeadowPure™ golden flaxseed and
-DHA oil (lifesDHA™ from Martek) derived from plant marine algae, with
-Synergistic vitamins E, D3, folic acid, B6 and B12.

          Supplemental Facts:
SuperSorb® is BioPharma Scientifics registered name for its enhanced delivery systems wherein highly bioavailable forms of micronutrient and microencapsulation are utilized to help maximize nutrient absorption.
          In order to ensure correct usage of BioPharmas high potency formulas, BioPharma sells only through licensed healthcare practitioners.

          Servings Per Container: 30
          SUGGESTED USE:
Mix one [1] scoop (12 g) with 6-8 ounces of cold water, juice or milk to taste. Shake or blend briskly. Enjoy one (1) to two (2) times a day unless otherwise directed by your health professional. Children under 12 take 1/2 serving. NanOmega3 is scientifically formulated to taste great with BioPharmas entire SuperFood Solution™ line. For a wealth of SuperFood Smoothie/Shake recipes, ask your health professional for a copy of The SuperFood Solution™ Users Guide.
          Refrigerate after opening.
          Benefit:
YES:
*Great tasting, instant mixing
*Made with organic flax
*Vegan & non GMO
*Low net carb
*Low peroxide value (pv)
*Fortified with Vitamins D, E, & B
          NO:
*Fishy tastes, smells or toxins
*Fish oil “burps”
*Animal or fish products
*Eggs, dairy, wheat, yeast, soy, gluten
*Artificial flavors, MSG, or glutamate peptides

          Serving Size: 12g (1 scoop)
          Amount Per Serving
Calories …57
Calories from fat …122
Total Fat …2.5g / 4% DV
Saturated Fat …Total Carbohydrate …7g / 2% DV
Dietary Fiber …2.5g / 10% DV
Sugars …1g
Protein …1g
Vitamin D3 …1000 IU / 250% DV
(cholecalciferol)
Vitamin E …30 IU / 100% DV
(d-alpha tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin B6 …1mg / 50% DV
(as pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
Vitamin B9 …2000mcg / 50% DV
(as folic acid)
Vitamin B12 …85.5mcg / 1, 425% DV
(as cyanocobalamin)
Calcium …21mg / 2% DV
Iron …425mcg / 2% DV
Magnesium …22mg / 5% DV
Sodium …5mg / <1% DV
Potassium …36mg / 1% DV
Total Omega-3 …1100mg #
Omega-3/DHA …100mg #
Omega-3/Linolenic Acid …1000mg #
Omega-6 …300mg #
Lignans …50mg #
Turmeric …70mg #
Stevia Leaf Crystals …70mg #
(stevia rebaudiana)
          * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2, 000 calorie diet.
# Daily Value not established.
          OTHER INGREDIENTS: Meadow Pure™ Omega-3 Ultra Golden Flax™ with Marteks DHA oil derived from marine algae, Natural Flavors (plant based), Rice Bran Soluble fiber*, Vitafiber™ (isomalto-oligosaccharides from non-GMO corn and/or potato starch), Rice Malto-dexrin*, Xanthan Gum, Natural Curcumin Color (plant based).
          *Organic ingredients
          IMPORTANT:
Best if stored in cool, dark conditions. After each use close tightly and refrigerate immediately. Contains an oxygen absorbent packet to preserve freshness.
          Pregnant and nursing mothers, anyone taking prescription medications, or prior to any surgical procedures, inform their healthcare practitioner and/or pharmacist before taking this or any other dietary supplement.

          Sugar Cookies

            Vegan, Gluten Free
            Happily Serves 24

            ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

            COOKIES
            1/2 Cup Vegan butter or butter
            2/3 Cup Monk Fruit
            1 tsp Vanilla extract
            3 Tbsp Chickpea brine or flax egg, or 1 egg
            3/4 tsp baking powder
            1/4 tsp Himalayan Sea salt
            1 2/3 Cups gluten free flour
            2/3 Cup Almond flour
            1/3 Cup Arrowroot
            1 TBSP Almond or nut milk

            FROSTING (optional)
            1/2 Cup vegan butter
            1 1/2 – 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
            1/4 tsp vanilla extract
            1-2 TBSP Almond or nut milk

            Preheat oven to 375 and line baking sheets with parchment paper OR spray with coconut oil spray.
            Add softened vegan butter (not melted or cold) to a mixing bowl and beat/whisk until creamy and smooth.
            Add monk fruit and mix on medium speed until fluffy
            Then add chickpea brine (or other egg substitute) and vanilla and mix again.
            Add baking powder and sea salt and blend well
            Then add gluten free flour blend, almond flour, and arrowroot and mix on low until the ingredients are combined.
            Add almond milk and stir.

            The dough should be thick, moldable and a little difficult to mix at this point. If too soft, continue adding a mixture of gluten free flour blend, almond flour, and arrowroot until a thick, moldable dough is formed. If too thick, thin with a bit more almond milk.

            Transfer dough to the refrigerator and chill for 15 minutes. Once chilled, use a spoonful of about 11/2 TBSP of dough and roll into balls – the dough will still be soft. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and press down gently with the back or your spoon to smash slightly.
            Or you may roll out the dough on a well-floured surface until about 1/4-inch thick and use cookie cutters dipped in flour before pressing into the dough. Use a floured spatula to gently scoop onto baking sheets.

            Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before scooping and baking

            Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until the cookies appear fluffy.
            Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes.

            To make frosting, add softened vegan butter to a mixing bowl and whisk/beat until soft.
            Sift in powdered sugar in small amounts and mix, add the vanilla and whisk.
            Continue adding powdered sugar until you have spreadable frosting.

            Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

            Fennel Seasoned Beets

              Fennel Seasoned Beets
              GF, Vegan, Refined Sugar free
              Happily serves 2


              All Organic Ingredients

              1 Golden or Red fresh beet
              1/2-1 TBSP ground fennel seed
              Sea salt to taste
              1 TBSP melted coconut oil
              1-2 tsp Chinese 5 Spice season.
              1/2 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar (optional)
              For Sweetness: You can add 1/8-1/4 tsp maple extract and cinnamon with stevia.

              Wash and Peel beets. Either spirialize, slice or cube your beets so they cook faster. Roast in Convection oven for 15 mins. Remove and add seasonings. Toss, eat either warm or cold depending on preference.

              One cup is recommended due to fiber count.

              Option:
              Use my coconut fennel sauce over Beets to change it up. Recipe list separate.

              10 Signs You Have Candida Overgrowth & What To Do About It

                by Dr. Amy MyersApril 4, 2013
                You might be wondering: What on earth is candida?

                Candida is a fungus, which is a form of yeast, and a very small amount of it lives in your mouth and intestines. Its main job? Helping out with digestion and nutrient absorption.

                But when overproduced, candida can break down the wall of the intestine and penetrate the bloodstream — releasing toxic by-products into your body and causing leaky gut. This can lead to many different health problems, from digestive issues to depression.

                How do you get candida overgrowth?

                The good news is that the healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your candida levels in check. However, a few factors can cause the candida population to grow out of control:

                Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar
                Consuming a lot of alcohol
                Taking oral contraceptives
                Eating a diet high in beneficial fermented foods (like Kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles)
                Living a high-stress lifestyle
                Taking a round of antibiotics that killed too many of those friendly bacteria
                What are common symptoms of candida?

                Skin and nail fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus
                Feeling tired and worn down, or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
                Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
                Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma, or multiple sclerosis
                Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog
                Skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
                Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
                Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching, or vaginal itching
                Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
                Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
                How do you test for candida overgrowth?

                Blood test

                You’ll want to start by checking your levels for candida antibodies called IgG, IgA, and IgM. This can easily be done through most medical labs, and high levels can clue you in to an overgrowth of candida.

                 

                 

                How do you treat candida overgrowth?

                To successfully treat candida, you need to do three things: stop the yeast overgrowth, build up the friendly bacteria, and heal your gut so that candida can no longer enter your bloodstream.

                First step: getting rid of the candida overgrowth, which mainly requires switching to a low-carbohydrate diet.

                Sugar is what feeds yeast. So start by eliminating sugar in all of its simple forms — such as candy, desserts, alcohol, and flours. At the same time, cut back to just 1 cup a day of the more complex carbohydrates, like grains, beans, fruit, bread, pasta, and potatoes. This will help prevent the candida from growing and will eventually cause it to die.
                I also recommend eliminating all fermented foods. That’s because, while it’s common knowledge that fermented foods help to feed the good bacteria, most people don’t realize that bad bacteria feed off of these foods as well.

                Still, using diet alone could take three to six months before the candida is back under control. So, I often recommend that my patients use an anti-fungal medication, such as Diflucan or Nystatin, for at least a month.

                If you are self-treating, you can also take a supplement of caprylic acid. Caprylic acid, which comes from coconut oil, basically “pokes holes” in the yeast cell wall, causing it to die.

                And while some people recommend using herbs like oil of oregano, I don’t recommend it since it can also kill the good bacteria.

                Next, you should rebuild the good bacteria that typically keep your candida population under control. Taking anywhere from 25 to 100 billion units of probiotics on a regular basis should help to reduce the candida levels and restore your levels of good bacteria.

                Finally, heal your gut. Eliminating inflammatory foods that can harm your GI tract — and introducing foods that help — will prevent candida from working its way through your body, and dramatically improve your overall health.

                Want to find out if you have candida overgrowth? Consider seeing a functional medicine doctor who is trained in detecting and treating candida.

                More information below: This article has been updated as of November 1, 2016 by mbg editorial to include new studies, information, and data on candida.

                Is candida a fungus?

                Yes, yes it is. More specifically, candida is a yeast. There are many different forms of candida, but Candida albicans is the main species colonizing the human body.

                Candida normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and other areas of the body without causing problems, but imbalance in the microbiome can lead to candida overgrowth. When there is disruption of the delicate balance of the good and bad bacteria, Candida albicans will take over, leading to common conditions like oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and diaper rash. If you have ever taken antibiotics, you were probably warned by your doctor about the risk of developing a yeast overgrowth—this happens because the antibiotics can wipe out your gut bacteria, good and bad, creating an environment that is ripe for yeast and fungi to take over.

                Is candida a yeast infection?

                Technically yes, candida is a yeast infection but this warrants clarification. When most people say “yeast infection” they are referring to a vaginal yeast infection but the candida symptoms and causes we are discussing here pertain to the gut. Typically, yeast overgrowth is treated using antifungal medications, but these medications can have unpleasant side effects and it’s common for the yeast overgrowth to return as soon as you stop taking them. For example, many women suffer from chronic yeast infections because they medicate without completely understanding the connection between the microbiome and yeast balances in the body. Changing the yeast infection recurrence, like with candida, often requires a lifestyle or dietary change.

                Not to mention, like antibiotic resistance, microbiological resistance to these conventional antifungal drugs is becoming problematic and it’s causing researchers to start looking for alternatives. Which is all the more reason to educate yourself and try to understand your yeast issues on a deeper level.

                How candida affects your gut

                I know, I know, you’ve heard this a million different times, but while yeast infections and diaper rash are well-known conditions and generally easy to spot, when overproduced in the gut, candida will break down the walls of our digestive tract and penetrate the bloodstream. When left untreated, it’s more dangerous than you think.

                Candida can also be toxic to the system. Essentially, when candida breaches the intestinal barrier and enters the bloodstream it releases toxic byproducts—including acetaldehyde—into your body. Acetaldehyde is a well-known carcinogen and is responsible for “hangover” symptoms such as nausea, headache, fatigue, and liver damage—definitely not something you want floating around in your body in large quantities.

                Candida and leaky gut

                If you are thinking this sounds a lot like leaky gut, you are already ahead of the game. The connection between candida and leaky gut is intricate. A leaky gut creates the perfect environment for candida to multiply, pass through the intestinal lining, and enter the bloodstream along with the undigested food particles. This is characteristic of leaky gut syndrome. Meanwhile, candida itself can colonize the gut and damage the intestinal lining. If you have one, you’re probably more likely to have the other. They can also exacerbate each other, creating a situation where your gut health quickly snowballs into dis-ease.

                Candida, the liver, and detox

                Similar to leaky gut syndrome, candida overgrowth releases toxins into the bloodstream that must be filtered by the liver. If there are too many toxins due to candida overgrowth, it can overload the liver and interfere with its ability to do its job. This means over toxicity and trouble maintaining blood sugar levels, storing vitamins and minerals, and regulating hormones.

                The connection between candida and the liver explains why many of the symptoms of candida overgrowth—like irritability, fatigue, and brain fog—are similar to those of an overburdened liver. It also explains why many candida cleanse or diet programs include liver support supplements and detoxification support.

                Candida and inflammation

                Candida overgrowth, leaky gut, an overburdened liver, and the physical and mental symptoms they create can trigger the immune system to react, causing chronic inflammation. Inflammation can manifest itself in uncomfortable symptoms like weight gain, skin rashes, or brain fog and can eventually lead to autoimmune disease.

                The relationship between candida, the liver, inflammation, and gut health is extremely complex, but it’s helpful to remember that everything in the body is connected. Different organs rely on and interact with each other. Adopting a holistic approach instead of treating each symptom individually will give you the best chance at achieving optimal health. This is a perspective that is often missing in the conventional medical approach, leaving many people bouncing from one specialist to another, with a bunch of symptoms they can’t quite connect.

                Causes of candida

                The good news is that the healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your candida levels in check. The bad news is that many different factors can disrupt the delicate gut balance and can cause the candida population to grow out of control:

                Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar. Carbohydrates and sugar act like food for yeast and feed candida overgrowth in the gut.
                Consuming a lot of alcohol. Most alcohol is fermented and contains sugars that will also feed the yeast.
                Taking oral contraceptives. The birth control pill can disrupt the bacterial balance in the microbiome.
                Eating a diet high in beneficial fermented foods (like kombucha, sauerkraut, vinegar, and pickles). These foods often contain yeast or have small amounts of alcohol that is produced during the fermentation process.
                Living a high-stress lifestyle. Stress can slow down digestion and trigger inflammation.
                Taking a round of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill good bacteria along with harmful bacteria which sets the stage for Candida albicans to take over.
                Taking corticosteroids. Drugs like Prednisone, commonly used to treat severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, or arthritis are known to cause yeast infections in humans.
                A weakened immune system. As you may know, a good portion of the body’s immune system resides in your gut. A compromised immune system puts you at a higher risk for gut imbalances and candida overgrowth.
                Candida overgrowth and asthma

                Essentially any medication, food, or lifestyle factor that disrupts the body’s natural environment can change the balance of the gut and set the stage for candida. Certain chronic diseases, like asthma, may require frequent antibiotic use and daily inhaled steroids, creating a perfect storm of factors that can lead to yeast overgrowth. If you have a chronic inflammatory condition that requires medication, it might be wise to see a functional medicine practitioner to see what you can do to counteract the effects of these drugs.

                If you are someone who suffers from frequent colds, sore throats, or sinus issues, it’s important to note that antibiotics are one of the most prevalent causes of candida overgrowth, and also one of the most unknown. Remember that antibiotics only treat bacterial infections and should only be taken when necessary. Overprescribing antibiotics is a big problem in Western healthcare system and they can have negative effects on the microbiome, which dampens your immune system, leading to a greater susceptibility to the same conditions they are meant to treat.

                At home candida test: the simple spit test

                There are a few different tests for candida and none of them are error-proof, so it’s important to consider your symptoms when trying to determine if candida might be a problem for you. If all of your tests come back negative but you suffer from many of the symptoms of candida, you can always try making the recommended diet and lifestyle changes and see how you feel.

                This do-it-yourself candida spit test lacks scientific backing, but many candida experts suggest it as simple, free, no-risk starting point. It works like this: when you wake up in the morning get a clear glass of water, before you brush your teeth or drink anything gather some saliva in your mouth and spit into the cup. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then observe what you see. If your spit looks particularly cloudy, or you see small white projections coming out of the saliva, it could be a sign that you have candida and you might want to try one of the more established tests mentioned above.

                Candida cleanse: foods to avoid when you have candida

                Sugar

                Cut down on sugar. It’s important to note that this includes many salad dressings and condiments and even natural sweeteners like honey, coconut sugar, and agave. This can be a difficult adjustment, even if you are mindful of your sugar intake, completely eliminating sugar can leave you with strong cravings and feeling irritable.

                Sugar has a strong effect on your body and brain and cutting it out can be difficult. Scientific research has shown that high glycemic index foods are linked to strong hunger and food cravings.

                Carbohydrates

                Many foods containing carbohydrates, especially complex ones, are not inherently bad for you. But when you are fighting yeast its very important to cut off its food supply completely, or it could take longer to get your symptoms under control. It’s a challenging lifestyle change, expect some slip ups and don’t beat yourself up.

                Candida-friendly foods

                At this point you might be wondering what you are able to eat. Nuts and seeds, avocado, vegetables, lean protein, and stevia for sweetener will be your allies on this candida diet. To help you get an idea of the daily routine of the candida diet we have provided a day’s worth of meal examples.

                Candida diet: best foods for candida

                Breakfast: for breakfast try unsweetened coconut yogurt with strawberries, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and almonds. This will include lots of healthy fats and keep you feeling full until lunch.

                Lunch: try a big leafy green salad and make a dressing using olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Top it with quinoa for some protein.

                Dinner: grilled chicken or fish with steamed vegetables are all candida friendly.

                Snacks: try making homemade guacamole and eat it with raw veggies or flaxseed crackers. Hardboiled eggs or mixed nuts are also great snacks on the candida diet.

                Still not sure where to begin? Check out these 8 Recipes For The Candida Diet where we give you some great recipes that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

                Candida diet: foods to eat when you have candida

                While it is important to eliminate certain foods, it can also be beneficial to incorporate candida-fighting foods into your daily routine. Thankfully, there’s a long list of delicious foods that have strong antifungal properties.

                Raw Garlic

                Garlic is one of the best options for fighting yeast, one study showed that garlic oil was able to penetrate the cellular membranes of Candida albicans and very successfully disrupt the normal activity and functioning of the yeast.

                Coconut oil

                In a study conducted at Tufts University, coconut oil was suggested as the first effective dietary approach to fighting candida.

                Olive oil and cinnamon oil

                A recent study exploring alternatives to conventional antifungal medications demonstrated that olive oil and cinnamon oil both successfully combatted candida isolated from bloodstream infections.

                Lemon

                Citrus fruits have long been known for their antiseptic qualities and can help prevent the formation of biofilms (a film of bacteria that adheres to a surface).

                Wild salmon

                This excellent source of omega-3s can help fight fungal infections.

                Ginger

                Ginger was recently suggested as a natural antifungal option to during a time when many fungi are becoming resistant to conventional antifungal medications

                Apple cider vinegar

                It’s the only vinegar allowed on the candida diet, as it contains minerals that will help fight against yeast.

                Cloves

                Cloves have long been used in traditional medicine systems to fight a wide variety of ailments, including fungal infections.

                Probiotics, prebiotics and supplements for Candida

                Adopting the right diet is arguably your most important tool when fighting candida.

                Diflucan and Nystatin are only available through your doctor, so if you are self-treating, another great supplement to fight candida is undecylenic acid. This is a naturally occurring fatty acid that is thought to be even more effective than caprylic acid in fighting yeast and helping to maintain a healthy microbiome.

                When choosing a probiotic, here’s a tip: pick a good quality probiotic that includes the lactobacillus strain, as some studies have shown it to be particularly effective at fighting yeast.

                If you are suffering from any of the GI conditions listed above, probiotics can even more important to maintaining your good health. Some studies suggest that prebiotics and probiotics will start to be included in the standard treatment protocols for inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis because of their ability to help control symptoms and exacerbations.

                Fiber supplementation is also frequently suggested in candida treatment plans. Yeast overgrowth occurs in the digestive tract and its important to flush out those areas and keep things moving. This limits the amount of time the candida has to colonize and cause damage. Some good fiber supplements include acacia fiber or even raw chia seeds taken regularly. Fiber is also prebiotic, helping probiotics do their jobs better.

                You can also consider herbal remedies with antifungal properties. Ayurvedic experts recommend valerian, wormwood, and mugwort. There are also plenty of probiotic foods and fun teas that can be easy to add to your daily routine.

                What is candida die off?

                It’s possible that in the beginning of your candida-fighting mission, you will experience something called candida die-off. This is similar to the flu-like symptoms you can experience when you start a detox program. While this is largely unstudied and unquantified from a yeast standpoint, the Herxheimer reaction is a byproduct of metabolic processing. (Most research here has been done on patients with syphillis. As your body gets rid of toxins and the yeast dies, your symptoms may get worse before they get better. Like any detox, start out slowly, drink a lot of water, rest, and if symptoms are too uncomfortable, ease up on your anti-candida regime or adopt a gentler approach. Keep the faith that you will start to feel better, look for signs like more restful sleep, well balanced blood sugar levels, and more mental clarity.

                How to heal your gut after having candida

                Once you have the yeast under control—which can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months—you can start slowly adding different food groups back into your diet.

                However, it is important to continue to avoid inflammatory foods that can harm your GI tract. Remember, the strong relationship between candida and leaky gut? Many people with candida overgrowth also have a leaky gut and that can put them at increased risk of food sensitivities. You want to make sure you are not continually disturbing the intestinal lining as it tries to heal.

                Foods like sugar, coffee, grains, alcohol, dairy, and starchy plant foods can all be very irritating to the intestinal lining and increase the risk of candida getting out of control again. Limiting or avoiding them might be wise, and make sure that if you do consume them, you pay attention to how you feel afterwards.

                If you are thinking that this guide was helpful, but it is just too complicated an endeavor to take on by yourself, consider seeing a functional/integrative medicine doctor, or holistic Nutritionist.

                Most integrative/functional medicine providers are trained in detecting and treating candida and many will even advertise candida as one of the conditions they are able to treat. Some facilities and providers even have specific candida treatment and prevention programs in place.

                Can candida overgrowth cause adrenal fatigue?

                In case you needed another reason to adopt a self-care routine, stress management can be one of the most important tools in fighting candida. Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that causes inflammation, which slows your ability to digest and inhibits your immune system. This is a problem because along with your good gut bacteria, your immune system works to keep candida in check. When your stress response interferes with your digestion it can pave the way for candida to overproduce. Adopting healthy coping mechanisms to deal with daily stress can be a very important tool in the prevention and treatment of candida overgrowth.

                A word on exercise: although exercise can be a great stress-reliever it can also initiate the body’s stress response and lead to the release cortisol. Mild exercise like walking or gentle yoga, at least for the initial stages of the diet as they can lower cortisol levels. Yoga and meditation can be helpful tools for fighting candida. They will decrease stress and activate relaxation pathways in the brain and body. If you are worried about sticking to the diet, meditation and yoga can help you detach from the challenges and refocus your energies on healing from candida.

                Yoga poses to help with detoxification

                Yoga can help heal candida overgrowth Here are a few different types of poses to try if you’re battling candida.

                Twisting poses are known to help with digestion and detoxification, as they massage the abdominal organs. Here are a few twisting yoga poses to try while you’re fighting candida:

                Seated spinal twist
                Supine spinal twist
                Standing twists
                Inversions revive our energy and help with blood circulation and lymphatic detoxification, among other things.

                Simple variations to prep for handstand or headstand
                Restorative poses (first pose in this sequence)
                Headstand
                Breathwork activates our parasympathetic nervous system, reducing blood pressure, helping with respiratory conditions, and also re-energizes us.

                What Does Eating Healthy Mean? 16 Healthy Eating Principles You Must Know!

                  What does Eating Healthy Mean?

                  1- Mitochondrial Energy Production:

                  Mitochondria definition: and organelle found in large number in most cells, in which the biochemical process of energy production occurs. It has an inner and outer layer.

                  2-Organic sourced foods: look up EWG.org

                  The environmental working group is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.  Learn what organic means

                  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a great resource

                  3- Delayed food allergens: and allergy is an adverse reaction due to immunologic mechanism. A delayed onset food allergy is an auto immune disease that causes your immune system to overact when you ingest certain foods. The immune cells mistakenly attack food particles and treat them as foreign invaders and produce anti-bodies to try to fight what they perceive as toxins. Known allergies we can the immune and digestive systems, draining the body of energy.

                  Energetic Health Institute…an innovative 501(c)3 California Non-Profit & Gold Rated by GuideStar.org for transparency. School approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)

                  I’m a Certified Holistic Nutritionist who can order you the right lab work to complete and over see this process.

                  https://www.energetichealthinstitute.org

                  4- 60% Alkalizing   pH scale  0-14   Acid vs. Alkaline

                  Certain foods can effect of the acidity and pH of bodily fluids, including the urine or blood, and therefore can be used to treat and prevent disease

                  5- Green Food

                  Chlorophyll turns into new blood. Green promotes health and energy.

                  6- ORAC Value of Food

                  Oxygen radical absorbance capacity Is the unit of measurements of antioxidants found in food. (calories are a unit of energy)

                  http://superfoodly.com/orac-values/

                  7-Refined Sugar

                  A healthy adult has approx 5 liters of blood circulating at any given moment and needs 1 teaspoon of sugar available during a fasting state. That’s all the body needs to function.

                  12-ounces of soda or energy drinks typically contain approx 10 tsp of sugar. That raises the blood sugar 10x above what the body needs to function and typically within a matter of minutes.

                   

                  1 Teaspoon of Sugar = Approx 4 Grams of Sugar

                  Take the total grams of refined sugar & divide by 4 to learn how many teaspoons of sugar you are consuming per serving.

                  8-Naturally sweet:

                  Think Real food

                  9- Fiber: 8-12 grams  per meal.  Average 25-30 grams a day.

                  Adds bulk to you diet and aids in digestion.

                  Insoluble fiber: found in wheat, bran, vegetables, and whole grains. It helps speed passage of food through the stomach and intestines.

                  Soluble Fiber: attacks water and turns into gel, slowing digestion.  Found in foods like oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some other veggies and fruits.  Can help lower cholesterol.

                  10-Raw foods

                  Raw foods contain enzymes.  Enzymes help break down food and aid in digestion.

                  Proteases: breaks down Protein

                  Lipase: breaks down fat

                  Amylase: breaks downs carbs

                  11- Healthy Preparation Methods

                  12-Environmentally Safe Meats and Fish

                  EWG.org

                  13-Environmentally safe Cookware

                  NO TEFLON!

                  14-Friends and Family MOODS

                  15- Beverage 8oz or less

                  16- Burn off what you consume!

                  Exercise/movement

                  Why is Vitamin D So Important? Best Sources of Vitamin D.

                    Vitamin D

                    Vitamin D is essential to the body.   A few of Best sources of Vitamin D come from shrimp, sardines, cod and eggs. The FDA has set the reference value for nutrition label for vitamin D at 400 IU’s. Therapeutic ranges fall between 400 to 1000 IU’s.

                    Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, and actually functions more like a hormone then vitamin. It works with the parathyroid hormone to maintain proper levels of calcium in the blood.

                    We need vitamin D to help our bones and teeth. It also helps regulate the growth and activity of cells. Vitamin D also helps prevent excessive inflammatory immune related activity, it builds your immune system and helps protect against disease.

                    Vitamin D deficiency results in decreased absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Prolonged deficiency can lead to an impact on your bone mineralization, Thus experiencing bone thinning (osteopenia), bone pain and or soft bones (osteomalacia).

                    It is estimated that nearly 75% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D1.  For many people, basking in the sun may not be an answer because of skin conditions and sensitivities. Eating oily fish on a regular basis also may not be an option, much of our seafood is over-fished or contaminated from pollution so it can be difficult to find pure sources. Surprisingly, there are several foods packed with vitamin D that are easy to incorporate into your everyday routine.

                    If you think you’re going to get enough vitamin D from the sun you need to have at least 40% of your skin exposed for at least 15 minutes a day.  Otherwise you will need to get your vitamin D from food and or supplementation.

                    If you prefer to get your protein vitamins or minerals from a plant-based diet, try mushrooms. 3 ounces portobello mushrooms is 20 cal, 3 g of protein, 1 g dietary fiber, zero cholesterol, 15 mg of sodium, 300 mg of potassium and 4% of your vitamin D for the day.

                    Other Great Sources of  Vitamin D:

                    Swiss Chard

                    Most leafy greens are high in vitamin D, but chard trumps them all.  Add to your omelet or steam with garlic and onions.  Try swiss chart instead of raw Kale in your smoothie and your stomach will thank you for the easier digestion.

                    Squash and Pumpkin Seeds

                    Go for Raw and sprouted!My favorite variety of pumpkin seeds are pepitas, the shelled pumpkin seed that has been roasted and sometimes tossed with spices and sea salt.

                    Beef Liver

                    Most people remember (not-so-fondly) being forced to eat liver and onions, but beef liver can actually be delicious. Try it in chili or even mix half beef liver and half bison or beef in your favorite meatball recipe.  Organic is SO Important!

                    Mushrooms

                    Mushrooms, especially ones grown in sunlight, are very high in vitamin D. Portobello mushrooms are actually considered one of the best vegan sources of vitamin D.3

                    Caviar

                    It may not be for everyone and it can be quite expensive, but caviar is also high in vitamin D. If you can’t afford a fresh tin of expensive caviar (which typically isn’t sustainable anyways), try fresh fish roe next time you go out for sushi. Many brands carry organic, sustainably roe at affordable prices.

                    Almond Milk

                    While almonds are very high in vitamin D, many people don’t remember to eat a couple handfuls every day. Try buying almond milk instead of dairy.

                    Chicken Liver

                    Liver may turn some people off, but they can be so tasty if cooked right. Try it with Black rice, which has sautéed onions, garlic,  peppers, spices and chicken livers.

                    Dark Chocolate

                    Good news! Dark chocolate that has over 60% cacao content is packed with vitamin D, so the next time you have a sweet craving, indulge in a few small pieces of high-quality dark chocolate, Organic of course! Look for Cacao not Cocoa.

                    Rutabaga Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

                      Rutabaga Sweet Potato Soup

                      Vegan, Gluten Free

                      Happily Serves 4

                      ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

                      1 Butternut squash, cut in half

                      3 Garlic cloves

                      2 cups Rutabaga

                      2 cups Sweet potato

                      Coconut or avocado spray oil.

                      1 tsp. Sea salt

                      ½ tsp Pepper

                      1 Yellow onion

                      ¾ Cup Soaked cashews

                      2½ Cups Coconut milk

                      2 Cups Vegetable or Bone broth

                      ½ tsp Nutmeg

                      1 tsp Thyme

                      Preheat oven to 400º .

                      Wash and cut/dice veggies. Don’t forget to wash the squash before you cut into it, remove the seeds with a spoon.

                      Spray the squash with coconut or avocado oil and place cut-side down on a baking sheet or stoneware.

                      Cut garlic and let sit 5-10 mins.

                      Spray the rutabaga and sweet potato in coconut/avocado oil.

                      Add both to baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stir half way through. It will cook Faster the smaller the pieces are.  You can also bake these in the air fryer for a faster meal.

                      Sauté onion and garlic until soft and caramelized.

                      Remove roasted veggies from oven and blend all the rest of the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. The nuts may remain grainy, but that’s ok.

                      You can add water to reach desired consistency.

                      Rutabagas Nutrition Facts

                      Serving Size: 3.5 ounces (100 grams), raw

                      Calories 39

                      Calories from fat 2

                      Total fat 0 g 0%

                      Saturated fat 0 g 0%

                      Trans fat

                      Cholesterol 0 mg 0%

                      Sodium 20 mg 1%

                      Total Carbohydrate 9 g 3%

                      Dietary Fiber 2 g 7%

                      Sugar 6 g

                      Protein 1 g

                      Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 31%  Calcium 5% Iron 3%

                      Health Benefits of Rutabagas

                      All crucifers (brassicas or cole crops) are high in antioxidant and anti-cancer compounds. The anti-cancer properties of these vegetables are so well established that the American Cancer Society recommends that Americans increase their intake of cruciferous vegetables.

                      Rutabaga’s most significant nutrient comes from vitamin C. One cup contains 53% of the daily recommended value, providing antioxidants and immune system-supporting functions that help protect the cells from free radical damage. Although rutabagas provide only 5% of the iron needed for healthy blood on a daily basis, vitamin C enhances its absorption, while helping to form both collagen and the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which protect cells against damage, encourage wounds to heal, fight infections, and promote healthy bones, teeth, gums, and blood vessels.

                      Beta-carotene-rich rutabagas are also an excellent source of potassium and manganese (for energy), and a good source of fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6 (helps support the nervous system), calcium (for strong bones), magnesium (helps absorb calcium and combat stress), and phosphorus (helps metabolize proteins and sugars).