Healthy with Jodi

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HUGS-can they really prevent or help depression? ABSOLUTELY

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    Hugs…therapeutic…YES!

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

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

    1. STIMULATES OXYTOCIN

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

    2. CULTIVATES PATIENCE

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

    3. PREVENTS DISEASE

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

    4. STIMULATES THYMUS GLAND

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

    5. COMMUNICATION WITHOUT SAYING A WORD

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

    6. SELF-ESTEEM

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

    7. STIMULATES DOPAMINE

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

    8. STIMULATES SEROTONIN

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

    9. PARASYMPATHETIC BALANCE

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

    Embrace, embrace with your heart.

    autoimmune disease

    Garlic Sunflower Dip-Creamy Guilt free dipping!

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      Garlic Sunflower Dill Dip

      Vegan, Gluten Free

      Happily serves 10

      Food and drink

      ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

      1 ½ Cups Raw Sunflower Seeds

      1/4 Cup Tahini

      1/4 Cup Sunflower or Avocado oil

      1 Cup Grilled Squash

      1/2 Cup Jemon Juice

      1/2 cup Water, depending on desired consistency

      2-3 Garlic Cloves or 1 TBSP Minced garlic

      1/2 Cup Fresh Dill

      1 tsp Himalayan sea salt

       

      Add sunflower seeds, squash, garlic, sea salt, and lemon juice to food processor and blend well.

      Add tahini, mix for about 1 minute.

      While your food processor is mixing, stream in your oil.

      At this point, your dip will still be thick, so add water a little at a time until it’s a creamy texture.


      Mushrooms are in a kingdom all by themselves!

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

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

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

        Some main herbs Chinese Medicine uses are:

        Reisi & Cordyceps

        Alma Berry (Vitamin C) gooseberry

        Wormwood

        Green Tea

        Astragalus root

        Goji berry

        Ginko Biloba

        Ginseng

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

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

         



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

         

        Lemon Ginger Green Refresher

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          Lemon Ginger Green Cooler

          Gluten Free

          Happily serves 1

           

          ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

          1 Cup Coconut Water

          1/4 Cup Lemon or 1 fresh squeezed Lemon

          1/2 tsp Ginger (fresh or grated)

          1 Scoop Collagen

          1/2 TBSP Stevia or Monk Fruit

          1 Scoop Greens

          1/2-1 Cup Ice

          Optional:

          1/2 Cup Watermelon

          This needs to be eaten for Breakfast if you add watermelon.

          Let it digest, eat again WHEN you are hungry.

          Squeeze Lemon. To switch it up, you can also use Lime juice.

          Cube Watermelon.

          Grate fresh ginger or use Powder.

          Add all liquid ingredients and blend well.

          Add remaining and pulse in ice.

          Avocado Mousse w/fresh mint

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            Vegan, Gluten free

            Happily serves 2

             Drinks

            ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

            1 Avocado

            1/4 Cup Raw Cacao Powder

            1/4 Cup Coconut cream or milk (can sub almond or hemp milk)

            1 TBSP Monk fruit

            Fresh mint Leaves

            dash sea salt

            Optional:

            1 tsp vanilla

            Top with mint

            Add ingredients to the food processor.

            Add more milk if you like a thinner consistency.

            Chill and enjoy.  You can put it in the freezer for about 25-30 minutes for a frosty treat.

            Marinated Cream cheese with fresh Herbs

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              Vegan, Gluten Free

              Happily Serves 16

              ArticlesAvocado oil

              ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

              1 8 oz package VEGAN Cream cheese

              1/2 Cup Avocado Oil

              1⁄2 Cup Coconut Vinegar or apple cider vin

              3 TBSP fresh parsley

              2 TBSP Green Onions

              2 Garlic Cloves or 1 tsp minced garlic

              2 tsp Monk Fruit (or coconut sugar)

              3⁄4 tsp Basil

              1/8 Cup Diced Red Pepper or 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper flakes

              1⁄2 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt

              1⁄2 tsp Ground black pepper

              In a shaker bottle combine the avocado oil, coconut vinegar, red pepper, parsley, green onion, garlic, monk fruit, basil, salt and pepper.

              Shake to blend and sat aside.

              Pour the marinade over the cheese block, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

              Option:

              Cut a block of Cheddar cheese in half lengthwise.

              Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices to form squares.

              Repeat with cream cheese.

              Arrange cheese squares alternately in a shallow baking dish with slices standing on edge.

              Pour the marinade from the jar over the cheese slices, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

              Egg facts-did you know….?

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

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

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

                Green Eggs minus Ham

                Dairy Free, Gluten Free,  Keto Friendly

                Happily serves 3

                ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

                6 hard boiled eggs, cooled and peeled

                2 avocados

                ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped

                1 TBSP green onions finely chopped

                1-2 TBSP lime or lemon juice

                ½ tsp Himalayan Sea Salt

                1 tsp Red pepper flakes

                Chili powder and/or paprika

                Cut eggs in half and remove yolks

                Smash yolks and avocados together

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

                Spoon into egg white shells

                Sprinkle with chili powder and/or paprika

                Chill until serving

                Bentonite Clay-whole body care!

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

                  Clean body and a clean mind.

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

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

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

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

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

                  Lentil Mushroom Stew. Meatless meal idea

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                    Lentil Mushroom Stew

                    Vegan, Gluten Free

                    Happily serves 2-3

                    ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

                    3/4 Cup Lentils

                    2 1/2 Cup Bone broth

                    1/2 Yellow onion

                    2 Garlic cloves

                    1 Cup Mushrooms

                    1/2 Cup Zucchini

                    1/4 Cup Celery

                    1 tsp Thyme

                    1/2 tsp Sage

                    3/4 tsp Sea Salt

                    1/4 Cup Red Wine or 1 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar

                    1 TBSP Coconut aminos

                    Cut or mince garlic and set aside.

                    Rinse Lentils well.

                    Wash and Chop veggies.

                    Cook lentils according to Package.

                    Add bone broth, onion, celery, zucchini in a pan, simmer until cooked.

                    Cook Mushrooms separate so you can drain off the water in the pan.

                    Add cooked lentils and garlic and the spices.

                    Add vinegar and coconut aminos, mix well and serve.

                    Tips:

                    Spices and herbs should not be cooked with the rest of the ingredients so you don’t lose the nutrients through heat.  Always finish your dish then add spice to remain freshness and get maximum nutrient density.

                    Oil Pulling-Oral hygiene

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

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

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

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

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