Healthy with Jodi

Understanding Auto Immune disorders

    Who understands auto immune disorders and how they affects us and our loved ones?  Here is a brief overview of what it is and a link if you want to research correct information further.

    When an intruder invades your body—like a cold virus or bacteria on a thorn that pricks your skin—your immune system protects you. It tries to identify, kill, and eliminate the invaders that might hurt you. But sometimes problems with your immune system cause it to mistake your body’s own healthy cells as invaders and then repeatedly attacks them. This is called an autoimmune disease. (“Autoimmune” means immunity against the self.)

    Autoimmune diseases can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, nerves, muscles, skin, eyes, joints, lungs, kidneys, glands, the digestive tract, and blood vessels. The classic sign of an autoimmune disease is inflammation, which can cause redness, heat, pain, and swelling. How an autoimmune disease affects you depends on what part of the body is targeted. If the disease affects the joints, as in rheumatoid arthritis, you might have joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function. If it affects the thyroid, as in Graves’ disease and thyroiditis, it might cause tiredness, weight gain, and muscle aches. If it attacks the skin, as it does in scleroderma/systemic sclerosis, vitiligo, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it can cause rashes, blisters, and color changes.

    Many autoimmune diseases don’t restrict themselves to one part of the body. For example, SLE can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, nerves, blood vessels, and more. Type 1 diabetes can affect your glands, eyes, kidneys, muscles, and more.

    KEY WORDS

    Acquired immune system. The part of the immune system that develops as a person grows. It employs antibodies and immune cells to fight harmful substances.

    Antibody. A special protein produced by the body’s immune system that recognizes and helps fight infectious agents and other foreign substances that invade the body.

    Antigen. A foreign substance that triggers the production of antibodies when it is introduced into the body.

    Autoimmune disease. A disease that results when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

    Corticosteroids. Potent anti-inflammatory hormones that are made naturally in the body or synthetically (man-made) for use as drugs. They are also called glucocorticoids. The most commonly prescribed drug of this type is prednisone.

    Diabetes, type 1. A condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, making it impossible for the body to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults.

    Graves’ disease. An autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormone. This causes such symptoms as nervousness, heat intolerance, heart palpitations, and unexplained weight loss.

    Immune system. A complex network of specialized cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.

    Thyroiditis. An inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes the gland to become underactive. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight gain, cold intolerance, and muscle aches.

    Vitiligo. A disorder in which the immune system destroys pigment-making cells called melanocytes. This results in white patches of skin on different parts of the body.

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH)—The Nation’s Medical Research Agency—includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH visit:

    https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/

    Outside Allergies & cross reacting foods

      Environmental allergens/Cross-Reacting Foods

      I hear my clients or friends talk about the plants they are allergic to, what about the foods that we take in from those same plants and trees, do you consider those? It’s easy to feel the immediate effects of the blooming trees but not the delayed response of gluten or dairy allergy 2-5 days later.  

      When your immune System is low, the outside allergies present themselves quickly.  A food panel is more valuable and  important to your health then knowing what tree you are allergic too.  Let’s take a look at the inside of our bodies first and build those systems up so the outside environment has less of an affect on us.  

      Five categories of cross reaction and some of the key foods involved.
      This is not intended to represent all possible environmental allergens, or all possible cross-reacting foods. Instead, it is meant to provide you with examples of common pollen allergens and commonly cross-reacting foods.

      Environmental Allergen                  Cross-Reacting Foods
      1. alder tree pollen                               1. almonds, apples, celery, cherries, peaches, pears, parsley, hazelnuts

      2.grass pollen                                       2.melons, tomatoes, oranges

      3.mugwort weed pollen                    3.carrots, celery, coriander, fennel, parsley, bell peppers, hot peppers, sunflower seeds

      4.ragweed pollen                                 4.bananas, cantaloupe, cucumbers, zucchini, honeydew, watermelon, chamomile

      5.birch tree pollen                             5. almonds, apples, apricots, carrots, celery, cherries, coriander/cilantro, fennel, hazelnuts, kiwifruit, lychee fruit, nectarines, oranges, parsley, parsnips, peaches, pears, bell peppers, hot peppers, persimmons, plums/prunes, potaotes, soybeans, wheat

      Environment-food cross reactions can be as complicated or even more complicated to recognize as food allergies and food intolerances. On the environment side, they might be seasonal and only a problem during certain times of year. On the food side, they are likely to be year round, and may involve a half dozen or more foods. Blood work is strongly recommended to identify the cause of “allergy Symptoms”.

      For more information I can order the correc labs for you to get the answers you are looking for, just email, call or text me and we can set up a consultation.  If you would like more information on this article:

      http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=faq&dbid=51

      Polyphenol Nutrients-Multi Vitamin for Male/Females

        Polyphenol Nutrients
        Pure Encapsulations
        120 capsules $48.80
        360 capsules $82.10

        Now with Metafolin® L-5-MTHF Powerful polyphenol-rich multivitamin and multimineral formula with additional protection factors *Packed with flavonoids and phenolic compounds from a unique blend of olive fruit, grape seed, pomegranate, green tea, quercetin and blueberry, this formula offers powerful overall cellular protection. It also contains the protective nutrients alpha lipoic acid, NAC, inositol and choline to complement the neural, cognitive, cardiovascular, liver and skin health properties of this diverse profile. Furthermore, Polyphenol Nutrients provides the advanced mineral delivery systems and active vitamin cofactors found in Nutrient 950® and UltraNutrient® for optimal bioavailability and utilization. As part of a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 may reduce the risk of vascular disease.† †FDA evaluated the above claim and found that while it is known that diets low in saturated fats and cholesterol reduce the risk of heart disease and other vascular diseases, the evidence in support of the above claim is inconclusive. Polyphenol Nutrients is a nutrient dense multivitamin and mineral formula enhanced with an exceptional combination of polyphenols and specialized compounds for extensive physiological protection.
        Servings Per Container: 30
        Take 4–6 capsules per day, in divided doses, with meals.
        Serving Size: 6 vegetable capsules
        Amount Per Serving
vitamin A … 7, 500IU 
(as beta carotene)
vitamin C … 500mg 
(as ascorbic acid)
vitamin D … 800IU 
(as cholecalciferol)(D3)
vitamin E … 100IU 
(as d-alpha tocopherol succinate)
thiamin … 50mg 
(as thiamin HCl)(B1)
riboflavin … 25mg 
(vitamin B2)
niacin … 75mg 
(as niacin and 67% niacinamide)
vitamin B6 … 12.5mg 
(as pyridoxine HCl)
folate … 800mcg 
(as Metafolin®, L-5-MTHF)
vitamin B12 … 500mcg 
(as methylcobalamin)
biotin … 800mcg
pantothenic acid … 50mg 
(as calcium pantothenate)(B5)
calcium … 300mg 
(as calcium citrate)
iodine … 200mcg 
(as potassium iodide)
magnesium … 150mg 
(as magnesium citrate)
zinc … 15mg 
(as zinc picolinate)
selenium … 200mcg 
(as selenomethionine)
copper … 2mg 
(as copper glycinate)
manganese … 5mg 
(as manganese aspartate)
chromium … 100mcg 
(as chromium polynicotinate)
molybdenum … 100mcg 
(as molybdenum aspartate)
potassium … 99mg 
(as potassium aspartate)
boron … 2mg 
(as boron glycinate)
vanadium … 100mcg 
(as vanadium aspartate)
ascorbyl palmitate … 120mg 
(fat-soluble vitamin C)
riboflavin 5phosphate … 12.5mg 
(activated B2)
pyridoxal 5 phosphate … 12.5mg 
(activated B6)
mixed carotenoids … 425mcg 
(as lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin)
n-acetyl-l-cysteine … 100mg 
(free-form)
choline bitartrate … 100mg
inositol … 125mg
alpha lipoic acid … 100mg 
(thioctic acid)
        MacularSynergy Complex
lutein … 6mg
zeaxanthin … 1mg
        CellHealth Polyphenols
quercetin … 50mg
blueberry extract … 100mg
(Vaccinium angustifolium)(fruit)
(standardized to contain 1.5% anthocyanins)1.5 mg.
olive extract … 50mg
(Olea europaea l.)(fruit)
(standardized to provide 1% hydroxytyrosol)
pomegranate extract … 100mg
(Punica granatum l.)(fruit)
(standardized to contain 5% ellagic acid)5 mg.
grape extract … 50mg
(Vitis vinifera)(seed)
(standardized to contain 92% polyphenols)
green tea extract … 100mg
(camellia sinensis)(leaf)
(standardized to contain 65% total tea catechins, 23% epigallocatechin (EGCG))
        other ingredients: vegetarian capsule (cellulose, water)
        If pregnant or lactating, consult your physician before taking this product. In rare cases, alpha lipoic acid may cause skin rash or hypoglycemia. Individuals who are sensitive may experience heartburn. Rare side effects of NAC may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, or abdominal pain. Large doses of choline may cause nausea, diarrhea or dizziness.
        Polyphenol nutrients contains vitamin E and grape seed extract which may react with blood thinning and other heart medications. Green tea extract may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of a number of medications including certain heart, blood thinning, antidiarrheal, and cold or hay fever medications. Consult your physician for more information.
FloraGlo lutein is a registered trademark of Kemin Industries, Inc. Zeaxanthin is sourced from OPTISHARP™ brand. OPTISHARP™ is a trademark of DSM Nutritional Products, Inc. Metafolin® is a registered Trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

        Old Label vs. New labeling on food-FDA Announement


          Old vs New Label – What’s Different?
          While much of the new label’s look isn’t drastically different from the old label, the information and layout have been revamped. According to the FDA’s announcement, the most notable differences between the old and new label include:
          * Increasing the type size for “Calories,” “servings per container,” and the “Serving size” declaration, and bolding the number of calories and the “Serving size” declaration to highlight this information.
          * Requiring manufacturers to declare the actual amount, in addition to percent Daily Value of vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. (They can voluntarily declare the gram amount for other vitamins and minerals.)
          * Changing the footnote to better explain what percent Daily Value means. It will read: “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.”
          * Adding the “Added Sugars” declaration directly beneath the listing for “Total Sugars.”
          * Removing “Calories from Fat” because research shows the type of fat is more important than the amount.
          * Serving sizes must be based on amounts of foods and beverages that people are actually eating, not what they should be eating.

          Image source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
          Now that you have a better understanding of the new label, let’s discuss some labeling strategies you can use to meet these label requirements without causing major disruptions to your business.
          Label Tips for Manufacturers
          Updating your labels can be a pain but with some planning, it can be a much easier process. Below are some suggestions to help you get started on your path to FDA label compliance:
          * Mask old info with cover-up labels: Also known as “block out labels,” this unique label material allows you the ability to completely cover up the old Nutrition Facts while continuing to use the last of your label inventory.
          * Embrace a new label look: Updating labels with the new Nutrition Facts can be the perfect opportunity to evaluate your current label design and try something new or make improvements.

          Homemade Magnesium Body Butter

            Want to make your own muscle relaxing lotion? Such a simple recipe and easy to make! If you do not wish to take the short time to make it, you can see my dear friend, Colleen Sinclair, owner of the Siphon Draw Apothecary.  She makes wonderfully combined skin care products from all natural organic food sources.  Also as a Holistic Nutritionist, she understands the biochemistry of the body and that’s it’s not just what we put in our body, it’s what’s absorbed on and in our bodies and skin. Www.siphondraw.com for more information.

            This recipe contains avocado oil, which has naturally occurring magnesium and potassium that help hydrate the skin. Avocados are one of the most mineral-rich superfoods in the world. In addition, magnesium oil is added — it’s transdermal so can pass through the skin into the body.

            Also, to naturally calm the body, this recipe contains lavender essential oil, which can relax muscles and reduce the effects of stress.

            Apply this CALM magnesium body butter recipe today to naturally increase minerals and healing compounds in your body!

            Dr. Axe explains it very simply:

            Check out this video on YouTube:


            Homemade CALM Body Butter Lotion
            Total Time: 45 mins to an hour

            Serves: 30-90
            ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS:

            1/4 cup Avocado oil
            1/4 cup Magnesium oil
            1/2 cup Cocoa Butter
            30 drops Lavender Essential Oil
            Large Glass Jar or Small glass Jar
            DIRECTIONS:

            In saucepan with water over low heat, place a jar containing the cocoa butter.
            Once melted, pour into bowl and let cool in fridge for 30 minutes.
            Using a standard mixer blend and whip it.
            Once whipped add in magnesium oil, avocado oil and essential oils and mix.
            Transfer to glass jar or plastic container and keep in refrigerator for 90 days.

            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.

              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.

                Fish -Which ones should You stay away from? Safe fish List

                  Here is a List of Fish that you should NEVER eat.

                  Most people think that fish is always a healthier option.  Between over fishing, and contamination, our fish ‘eating options’ have definitely changed.  I will start with a list of ‘should not’s’ and follow with a list of better options.

                  Should Not Eat

                  1. Tiliapa
                  2. Atlantic Cod
                  3. Atlantic Flatfish (halibut, flounder…)
                  4. Caviar
                  5. Chilean Seabass
                  6. Eel
                  7. Farmed Salmon (Atlantic or Wild Caught)
                  8. Imported Basa and Swai
                  9. Imported Farmed Shrimp
                  10. Imported King Crab
                  11. Orange Roughy
                  12. Shark
                  13. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
                  14. Swordfish
                  15. King Mackerel
                  16. Grouper
                  17. Sturgeon

                  Better Options

                  1. Atlantic Mackerel
                  2. Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon
                  3. Pacific Sardines
                  4. Sablefish/Black Cod
                  5. Tuna
                  6. Albacore or Skipjack

                  This is just a list for a quick read.  The full article is located on Dr. Axe’s page.

                  www.ewg.org

                  More interesting information about fish.

                  Organic Farmland Hits Record Highs – More Organic Food Available

                    organic food

                    U.S. Organic Farmland Hits Record 4.1 Million Acres in 2016

                    California still reigns supreme when it comes to organic farmland, but several other states are catching up.

                    A new report has found that U.S. land for organic farming reached 4.1 million acres in 2016, a new record and an 11 percent increase compared to 2014.

                    As of June 2016, the number of certified organic farms in the U.S. reached 14,979, a 6.2 percent increase of 1,000 farms compared to 2014 survey data.

                    A recent report on organic acreage from Mercaris found that the top five states in organic cropland are California, Montana, Wisconsin, New York, and North Dakota. California leads the U.S. with 688,000 acres. However, Montana has seen a 30 percent increase in organic farmland, reaching 417,000 acres in 2016, an increase of 100,000 acres since 2014 and adding 50 new organic farms.

                    The report also estimates that North Dakota, Colorado, and New York all increased their organic farming acres by more than 40,000 since 2014. North Dakota has surpassed Oregon as the fifth leading state in organic acreage. Oregon is sixth followed by Colorado and Texas.

                    Scott Shander, an economist at Mercaris, attributes the increase in organic acres to farm economics and consumer demand for organic foods.

                    “The organic industry is growing and with lower commodity grain prices, and farmers are looking to add value and meet consumer demands,” he says.

                    According to Alex Heilman, a sales associate at Mercaris, the number of organic acres is likely to continue increasing, especially with larger companies such as General Mills and Ardent Mills launching programs to increase organic acres.

                    “I think we will see more of an impact of those programs in the next few years as more farmers start the transition process (to organic),” he says.

                    Organic alfalfa/hay was the leading organic crop grown with more than 800,000 acres in 2016. This was followed by organic wheat, corn, and soybeans with 482,000, 292,000, and 150,000 acres respectively. Organic oats reached a record level of 109,000 acres in 2016. Organic wheat showed the greatest increase with nearly 150,000 more acres since 2014 and a 44 percent increase since 2011. Plantings of organic corn increased by 58,000 acres since 2014.

                    The percentage of acres planted to organic crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and oats remains small compared to conventional crops in the U.S. Organic corn accounts for only 0.31 percent of total corn acres; organic wheat was 0.9 percent of total wheat acres; organic soybeans were 0.2 percent of total soybean acres. Organic oats account for the highest percentage of an organic crop with 3.6 percent of total oat acres.

                    Acreage of both organic corn and soybeans has seen small increases as a percentage of total acres for both crops in the past few years, according to the report. This may be due to the fact that the U.S. is importing large amounts of organic corn and soybeans, which is depressing the U.S. market and prices for both crops. According Shander, 25 percent of organic corn and 75 percent of organic soybeans used in the U.S. are imported.

                    “It’s a global market that is dictating U.S. prices,” he says. “Demand for organic corn and soybeans is still growing strongly, but production in the U.S. is not growing as fast so more of the production will be international.”

                     

                    This article is courtesy of http://civileats.com/2016/11/09/u-s-organic-farmland-hits-record-4-1-million-acres-in-2016/

                     

                    More Organic Food Information

                    Fish List – Which Fish to Eat and not to Eat

                      Environmental Working Group’s

                      FISH LIST

                      * Shrimp fishing and farming practices have raised

                      serious environmental concerns.

                      ** Farmed catfish have low mercury levels but may

                      contain PCBs in amounts of concern for pregnant women.

                      AVOID IF PREGNANT:

                      Shark

                      Swordfish

                      King mackerel

                      Tilefish

                      Tuna Steaks

                      Canned tuna

                      Sea bass

                      Gulf Coast oysters

                      Marlin

                      Halibut

                      Pike

                      Walleye

                      White croaker

                      Largemouth bass

                      EAT NO MORE THAN

                      ONE SERVING PER MONTH:

                      Mahi mahi

                      Blue mussel

                      Eastern oyster

                      Cod

                      Pollock

                      Great Lakes salmon

                      Gulf Coast blue crab

                      Channel catfish (wild)**

                      Lake whitefish

                      Porgy

                      Orange Roughy

                      Snapper

                      Lake trout

                      Bluefish

                      Gontino

                      Rockfish

                       Government studies show that one of every six

                      pregnant women in the U.S. will give birth to a baby

                      whose blood is contaminated with mercury at levels

                      above the federal safety standard. Emitted from

                      coal-fired power plants and other sources, the pollutant

                      builds up in some types of seafood. Nutrients in fish

                      can be vital for a baby’s brain development, but too

                      much mercury can cause lasting brain damage.

                      To supplement FDA’s consumer advisories, which don’t

                      adequately protect the public, EWG evaluated mercury

                      tests from seven government programs and published

                      this list to help women choose safer seafood during

                      pregnancy. This is, in fact, an important guide for everyone,

                      as mercury poses a risk to the immune system and

                      heart, even at low levels. For more information, see our

                      webpage on mercury in seafood at:

                      http://www.ewg.org/mercury/

                      More Info about Fish that you should eat