Equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda
You can add a bit of bentonite clay and whatever essential oils you like
(I used 2 drops lemon and 2 drops fennel)
Just melt the oil and add other ingredients. Then refrigerate.
Stir the jar every 5 minutes so it solidifies with ingredients evenly dispersed.
Gluten-free food labels under new FDA rules
* The terms, “gluten free,” “no gluten,” “free of gluten” and “without gluten” can be used on labels of foods that meet the FDA gluten-free standard.
* No universal symbol will appear on packages to indicate that a food meets the FDA gluten-free standard. If a food company wants to indicate that a product meets the standard, it has to use one of the gluten-free terms.
* Certification seals from third parties, for example a seal from the Gluten Free Certification Organization, can continue to be used on labels. The FDA says it does not endorse or recommend any particular certification seal. Any food that uses a third party certification seal must meet the FDA labeling requirements at a minimum. Typically the standards for certification seals are stricter than the FDA requirements.
* The label format is left up to food makers; the FDA does not have a mandated design or any requirements for where the gluten-free label has to be placed.
* Food makers can continue to use the terms, “made with no gluten containing ingredients” and “not made with gluten containing ingredients.” If the terms are used in conjunction with a gluten-free label, the product must meet the FDA standard. If the terms are used without a gluten-free label, the FDA says, “consumers should not assume the food meets all FDA requirements.”
* Food makers can continue to use advisory statements such as, “Made in a factory that also processes wheat products” on a food that also has a gluten-free label. The FDA says it will need to “look at foods on a case by case basis to determine whether a specific advisory statement with a gluten-free claim would be misleading.” Any product with the advisory statement and gluten-free label would have to meet the FDA requirements.
* Naturally gluten-free foods can be labeled gluten free. This is a change from the proposed rules which would have prohibited the gluten-free label on inherently gluten-free foods including gluten-free grains and products like bottled water unless the label also said all foods of the same type were also gluten free. The final rule addresses concerns that some gluten-free grains, legumes and seeds have a high risk of cross-contamination. A gluten-free label on these kinds of products “provide the expectation that any gluten is less than 20 ppm,” the FDA says.
* Gluten-free labeling continues to be voluntary so even products that are gluten free may not be labeled as such. This is likely to come up most often with naturally gluten-free products with a low risk of cross-contamination, fruits and vegetables for example. The lack of a gluten-free label does not mean the food contains gluten.
Collagen I and III Dietary Supplement
Collagen M.D.
7oz $18.95
Collagen Type I & III together account for 90%
of the collagen present in the dermis with up to
60-80% for Collagen Type I and 15-20% for
Collagen Type III. This collection of fibers is
responsible for maintaining the structure and
resistance of tissues and constitutes a dynamic
network which anchors the skin in the deeper
layers, thereby creating a support base for the
skin. In addition to its architectural properties,
collagen also regulates the activity of fibroblasts,
playing a role in their migration, proliferation and
differentiation, and in their adhesion to various
elements of the extracellular matrix.
Collagen Type I & III are the main components
of hair, nails, ligaments, tendons, muscles, gums,
teeth, bones, blood vessels and eyes.
In 6oz of water or juice, blend 2 scoops of powder (over 35 years old) or 1 scoop (under 35 years old) or as directed by your physician. Use juice containing Vitamin C or take with a Vitamin C supplement for maximum collagen support.
For optimal nutritional benefits, take on an empty stomach and wait 20 minutes before eating
Do not add to milk or other protein dinks/powders as this will decrease the benefits. May be take with other vitamins and minerals.
Collagen Type I & II …6.6g Collagen Type I and III protein peptides derived from 100% pure bovine collagen.
Contains no gluten, dairy sucrose, starch, yeast, wheat, corn, cholesterol, fat, additives, colorings, flavorings or preservatives.
Probiotics in A Nutshell…
The human gut contains 10x more bacteria than all the human cells in the body. 400 known species equaling 100trillion in the intestinal tract.
Probiotics are ESSENTIAL for normal digestive, endocrine, and immunological functions of the bowel. They are therapeutic for treatment of variety of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. Definitely needed if your gall bladder or spleen has been removed.
Goal is to have an 80 to 20% ratio of good bateria verses harmful bacteria.
In general, 1 billion CFU’s (colony forming units) is REQUIRED to deliver to the intestines. You can safely take up to 450 billion for patients with IBS, and even 200 billion following liver transplant.
Do they need to be refrigerated? It is recommended it maximizes freshness. Probiotics that have micro encapsulated with fatty acids are the only exception. Probiotics sold in health stores are often not and have about 30-50% less viable microorganisms that they claim on their label.
Probiotics live in the absence of oxygen. Dark Glass bottles are recommended. Moisture also kills micro organisms, keep in a cool dark place.
Deliver systems are important because we want the absorption to happen in the intestines not the stomach. Stomach acid plays apart in breakdowns and absorption.
The use of antibiotics feeds bacteria growth so it is important to double amounts during infectious times or if you are put on antibiotics or have heavily used them in the past.
It is important to have B complex vitamins, especially B12, folates, and Vitamin K for probiotics absorption.
When do you take them? Everyone is different but generally between meals or bed time is ideal so food or stomach acid isn’t interfering with absorption.
Prebiotics are carbohydrates that are indigestible by the human intestine and selectively stimulate the activity and growth of certain bacteria in the COLON. Most are chains of 2-9 sugar molecules (oligosaccharides). They are commonly found in chicory, asparagus, artichoke, onions, leeks, garlic, and human breast milk. If you want to use food as medicine, consume those veggies. They should pass through the small intestine to the colon.
There are different strains of probiotics that are more beneficial to your health issues which is why not guessing is important, research is good, but science based research is what professionals do. Knowing your source and trusting your health care practitioner to make the best recommendations for you. They may cost a little more, but why waste money and time guessing when you don’t have to?
Gut health leads to immune health. If you want to power your body, supplementation is necessary.
Do you know anyone with any of these symptoms? They are real, please do not dismiss them. Just listening without offering a solution may be the best thing you can do for your loved one today. You never know someone else’s battles so judgements are harsh and unnecessary. Spread love and light and educate yourself. They obviously trusted you enough to confide in you, don’t waste that moment you have to just love them. It may save a life…
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
People with generalized anxiety disorder display excessive anxiety or worry for months and face several anxiety-related symptoms.
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:
Restlessness or feeling wound-up or on edge
Being easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating or having their minds go blank
Irritability
Muscle tension
Difficulty controlling the worry
Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
Panic Disorder
People with panic disorder have recurrent unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; sweating; trembling or shaking; sensations of shortness of breath, smothering, or choking; and feeling of impending doom.
Panic disorder symptoms include:
Sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear
Feelings of being out of control during a panic attack
Intense worries about when the next attack will happen
Fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past
Social Anxiety Disorder
People with social anxiety disorder (sometimes called “social phobia”) have a marked fear of social or performance situations in which they expect to feel embarrassed, judged, rejected, or fearful of offending others.
Social anxiety disorder symptoms include:
Feeling highly anxious about being with other people and having a hard time talking to them
Feeling very self-conscious in front of other people and worried about feeling humiliated, embarrassed, or rejected, or fearful of offending others
Being very afraid that other people will judge them
Worrying for days or weeks before an event where other people will be
Staying away from places where there are other people
Having a hard time making friends and keeping friends
Blushing, sweating, or trembling around other people
Feeling nauseous or sick to your stomach when other people are around.
Evaluation for an anxiety disorder often begins with a visit to a primary care provider. Some physical health conditions, such as an overactive thyroid or low blood sugar, as well as taking certain medications, can imitate or worsen an anxiety disorder. A thorough mental health evaluation is also helpful, because anxiety disorders often co-exist with other related conditions, such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
100% Vegetarian
Vegan Friendly
Superior for Athletes
Super Amino 23 is pre-digested 100% vegetarian and vegan protein that has been featured in the Physician`s Desk Reference* and is comprised of non-soy legumes.
Benefits:
Aids in normalizing protein synthesis
Assists with the stabilization or recovery of muscle strength, endurance, and volume
Helps keep body tissues firm
Helps minimize body fat
May support a weight loss regimen
Interesting Facts:
Super Amino 23 is PREDIGESTED protein and it is 400% to 500% more nutritionally effective than isolates from whey casein and safer than soy. “Pre-digested” means Super Amino 23 does not enter the intestines and is absorbed into the lymph system; thus, Super Amino 23 produces no fecal residue. Because it is pre-digested, it is available to the body within 23 minutes of ingestion.
Super Amino 23 has 99% NNU or Net Nitrogen Utilization, which is why there is no burden on your kidneys or liver like other proteins. This is because the liver and kidneys do not have to clear catabolic waste that comes with the digestion of common dietary protein.
Super Amino 23 has over 30 clinical studies published on its uses and is listed in the Physician`s Desk Reference.
Super Amino 23 is protected by 27 international patents and available in North America. (US Patent no. 5,132,113)
There have been 8 years of field trials on the Super Amino 23
18 years clinical trials: Super Amino 23 was first used for patients with stomach removed because of cancer. Then, elderly patients were given it for nutrition and recovery of lean tissue. Now, the terminally ill are also given Super Amino 23 to improve their quality of life.
Medical doctors use Super Amino 23 to maximize protein utilization and minimize the negative effects of protein diets.
Olympic athletes and fitness buffs around the world use the Super Amino 23.
Super Amino 23 is also used by the Vatican (through its Caritas Foundation) to treat malnutrition & the effects of starvation in developing countries.
Super Amino 23 is an all-natural way to build muscle mass, it also maximizes strength & endurance, minimizes body fat, and reduces recovery time.
The Super Amino 23 formulation can be used for different purposes; as nutrition for people who need more and better protein, as part of a weight control program, for strength building, and as a muscle mass enhancement.
Cacao can fuel energy and mood. It is an excellent source of fiber good source of protein and iron. It is high in antioxidants and polyphenols. A half half a cup of raw organic cocoa powder has 110 cal, 2 g of fat 16 carbohydrates, 10 of which is dietary fiber. It contains 8 g of protein and will give you 10% of the iron you need for your daily requirements. It is considered a stimulant and should be eaten occasionally not every day.
Cocoa beans are the fermented seeds of the cacao tree. The fruit of the cocoa tree is a pod full of sweet pulp enfolding a cluster of about 20-40 cacao seeds. Cocoa refers to the low-fat constituent of the finely ground cacao beans. These ground beans, known as cocoa liquor or cocoa mass, also contains cocoa butter which is a non-dairy, naturally occurring fat. Cocoa butter is a mixture of monounsaturated fats like oleic acid and saturated fats, namely stearic acid and palmitic acid. About 50-60% of cocoa liquor consists of cocoa butter.
Cacao bark, butter and flowers have also been valued since ancient times for treating various diseases like skin ailments, bowel malfunction and wounds. Cocoa has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant qualities. Health benefits include relief from high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, constipation, diabetes, bronchial asthma, cancer, Chronic fatigue syndrome and various neurodegenerative diseases. It helps to improve cardiovascular health and brain health. It also helps in treating copper deficiency.
Commercially available chocolates and cocoa-products may not be rich in the original beneficial flavonols since their properties get destroyed by over-processing and heat. In order to obtain the benefits of cocoa, it is important to consume the correct source of cocoa. Milk/dairy blocks the absorption of the antioxidants in chocolate, so be sure to check the labels!
Antioxidant Capacity: Studies have shown it is evident that cocoa exhibits higher antioxidant activity than against green and black tea, and red wine. Antioxidants helps to neutralize the oxygen-based free radicals that are present in the body. Cacao is abundant in phenolic phytochemicals and possesses a high amount of flavonoids as well.
Of course, everything in moderation!
Jodi’s Sweet Potato Brownies
Grain Free, Paleo, GF, Dairy free
Happily serves 12
ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS
2 medium Sweet Potatoes
14 Medjool Dates
1 1/2 Cups Quinoa or Almond Flour
4 TBSP Raw CACAO Powder
3 TBSP maple Syrup (Grade B) or Coconut netar
Pinch of sea salt
Peel Sweet Potatoes. Slice/cut and steam for about 20 mins until soft.
The smaller the pieces, the faster it will cook.
Add Sweet Potatoes and Dates to food processor, blend until a creamy smooth texture.
Mix all other ingredients in a bowl, then add cream mixture. Stir well.
Place on Parchment paper lined baking dish and bake for 20-30 mins on 350 until the toothpick comes out dry.
Allow to cool 10 mins for the brownies to gel together, very important step!!
Tip: If you don’t use raw cacao powder, you cause conventional cocoa powder but you will need to double the quantity.
ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS
1 Cup Chocolate Peanut or Sunflower butter
3/4 Cup Coconut sugar
1 egg
Combine all ingredients. Bake on 350 for 7-8 mins.
If you are not using an already flavored nut butter, you can use a regular nut butter and ad 1/4 cup raw cacao
Chocolate Iced Coffee Protein Shake
Dairy Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar Free
Happily serves 1
ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS
2 TBSP Raw Cacao powder
2 TBSP Collagen Powder
2 oz Coconut milk
2 oz Cold brew (optional)
4-6 oz Chai Tea or water
Dash of cinnamon
Stevia Powder if desired sweeter
Ice
Blend all ingredients in bullet/blender, transfer to shaker bottle.
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!
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.
I’m all about questions and explaining why. When we understand “Why” we do things, programs or guidelines become easier to follow and results tend to be easier to maintain when education is behind our actions. Let me help you stop the guess work and customize your eating and supplement plan so you can be the best version of yourself you can be!!!
Formal name:
Allergen-specific IgE Antibody Test
Why Get Tested?
To help diagnose allergies; sometimes to monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapy (desensitization) treatment
When to Get Tested?
When you have symptoms such as hives, dermatitis, nasal congestion, red itchy eyes, asthma, or abdominal pain that your health care provider suspects may be caused by an allergy
A Sample is Required
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or finger prick at home test.
No Test Preparation Needed
What is being tested?
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a class of antibody (immune protein) associated with allergic reactions. It is normally found in very small amounts in the blood. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE in the blood in order to detect an allergy to a particular substance.
IgE is an antibody that functions as part of the body’s immune system, its defense against “intruders.” When someone with a predisposition to allergies is exposed to a potential allergen such as food, grass, or animal dander for the first time, that person becomes sensitized. The person’s body perceives the potential allergen as a foreign substance and produces a specific IgE antibody that binds to specialized mast cells in the skin, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract, and to basophils (a type of white blood cell) in the bloodstream. With the next exposure, these attached IgE antibodies recognize the allergen and cause the mast and basophil cells to release histamine and other chemicals, resulting in an allergic reaction that begins at the exposure site.
Each allergen-specific IgE antibody test performed is separate and very specific: honeybee versus bumblebee, egg white versus egg yolk, giant ragweed versus western ragweed. Groupings of these tests, such as food panels or regional weed, grass, and mold panels, can be done. Alternatively, the health practitioner may pick and choose selectively from a long list of individual allergens suspected of causing a person’s allergies.
When is it ordered?
One or more allergen-specific IgE antibody tests are usually ordered when a person has signs or symptoms that suggest an allergy to one or more substances. Signs and symptoms MAY include:
**Fatigue is number one symptom!**
* Hives
* Dermatitis
* Eczema
* Red itchy eyes
* Coughing, nasal congestion, sneezing
* Itching and tingling in the mouth
* Asthma
* Abdominal pain or vomiting and diarrhea
* Bloating, excessive gas
* Skin breakouts
* Sluggish
* Stomachache, discomfort within 30 mins of eating
* Trouble concentrating, brain fog
A test may also be ordered occasionally to help evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapy or to determine whether a child has outgrown an allergy.
Sources:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: What are allergies?
American College of Allergy, Asthma,
American Academy of Family Physicians: Food Allergies
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)
Nemours Foundation: All About Allergies
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: What is Allergy Testing
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Tips to Remember: Allergy Testing
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Food for thought as you prepare for the super bowl today? The alarming rates of Obesity need to published and talked about. Everyone wants to “live in the moment” But we are stealing precious moments due to our repeated poor food choices. If you want to be around to outlive your kids, and you want to be the fun mom or fun grandparent that can keep up with the kids we need to educate ourselves and start making better choices to make that happen.
You can do it. We can do it, and I can help!
Obesity facts:
Today, about 75% of US men and 67% of US women are either overweight or obese. Between 1988 and 1994, 63% of men and 55% of US women were overweight or obese. The NHANES says that about 35% of men and 37% of women are obese, 40% of men and 30% of women are overweight. 2/3 of US adults are at a unhealthy weight.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Americans have been gaining weight since the 1960’s. The average US woman weighs about 166 pounds compared to 140 in 1960. 166 was the average for a man in 1960.
Our children are not expected to outlive us. Obesity is one of the biggest contributors to this shortened life expectancy, it is the root of a lot of chronic health conditions.
Our environment contributes in some of the following ways:
Overuse of antibiotics in food production and medicine
Growth-enhancing drugs used in food animals
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pesticides
Social media centered around junk food and artificial sweeteners.
Highly processed genetically modified (GM) foods are full of ingredients that contribute to metabolic dysfunction and weight gain/obesity.
The McKinsey Global Institute says the annual global cost of obesity is now $2 trillion. (For comparison, alcoholism costs are $1.4 trillion annually, road accidents cost $700 billion, and unsafe sex costs $300 billion) The McKinsey report estimates that nearly 1/2 of the world’s adult population will be overweight or obese by 2030.
In the US, 8 obesity related diseases account for 75% of healthcare costs. These include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia, cancer, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypertension, lipid problems, NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).
The National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA) are the official estimates of total health care spending in the US. In 1960, the NHEA measures annual U.S. expenditures for health care goods and services, public health activities, government administration, the net cost of health insurance, and investment related to health care.
U.S. health care spending in 2014 reached $3.0 trillion or $9,523 per person.
The nation’s Gross Domestic Product accounted for 17.5% of health care costs.
cms.gov/research-statistics-data-and-systems/statistics-trends-and-reports/nationalhealthexpenddata/nationalhealthaccountshistorical.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=189100
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/07/08/increasing-us-adult-weight.aspx
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=189100
http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2015/06/15/cdc-average-american-woman-now-weighs-as-much-as-1960s-us-man/
http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2323411