Healthy with Jodi

Butter Cookies. Updated to be allergy free…dairy free…gluten free.

    Jodi’s Butter Cookies

    (Adapted from Lynsey Lee)

    So, here is the “Jodi” version of my family favorite butter cookie.  My sister says its the butter, not sugar cookies.  Whatever it is, it is one of my fondest recipes from my mom.  I swear you can taste the love she put in it.  She was in the kitchen for days…I didn’t understand it all, but now I do.  I love bringing smiles to my family and friends faces, makes my heart sing!

    #madewithlove

    ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS 

    Gluten free, Dairy free

    Happily makes 24 cookies

    Cookie Batter:

    1 Cup Butter or Coconut Cream

    2/3 Cup Monk Fruit

    1 TBSP Gelatin

    2 1/2 Cups Gluten free flour (I used Quinoa Flour)

    1/2 Sea salt

    1 tsp Vanilla 

    Frosting:

    2 Cups Powdered Sugar

    1 tsp Vanilla 

    2 TBSP Butter

    About 1/4 cup Almond or coconut Milk

     

    Cream butter and sugar together.

    Beat in gelatin. 

    Combine Flour, Sea salt, vanilla.

    Mix all ingredients together and chill dough. 

    Keep half the dough in the fridge, work with half the dough at a time.

    Spread dough to 1/4 inch thickness and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. 

     

    To make the Frosting:

    Mix powdered Sugar, softened Butter and Vanilla with a hand mixer.  

    Slowly add milk until desired thickness for spreading and decorating. 

    Cooking Tips:

    Don’t check before 8 minutes, don’t wait for the cookie to Brown.

    Completely Cool before frosting.

    Frost and then it’s best eaten frozen.

     

    Pumpkin Squash Soup-Comfort Food

      Pumpkin Squash Soup

      Vegan, Gluten Free

      Happily Serves 18

      Food and drink

      ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS 

      4 Cups Pumpkin

      32 oz Bone Broth

      1 Zucchini 

      1 Yellow Winter Squash 

      1 Cup Butternut Squash

      1 Cup Almond Milk

      2 TBSP Lemon Juice

      6 TBSP Avocado Oil

      1 TBSP Sea Salt

      1 Garlic Clove or 1TBSP Minced Garlic

      1 Small Yellow Onion

      Handful Parsley

      1/2 TBSP Cumin

      1 tsp All spice

       

      Cut/Mince garlic, let sit 5 minutes.

      Chop/cut all veggies to bite size or smaller pieces.

      Add all ingredients to crock pot, stir to combine.

      Cook on Low for about 2-3 hours or high about 1-2 hours.  

      Tip: opening the lid adds to cook time, try to avoid checking it.

      Almond Quinoa Collagen Bites

        Almond Quinoa Collagen Bites

        Dairy Free, Gluten Free

        Happily Serves 18-24

         

        ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS 

        16 oz Almond Butter

        6 TBSP Collagen (beef bovine)

        1/2 Cup Monk Fruit

        1 tsp Sea Salt

        1 tsp Cinnamon 

        2 TBSP Flax eggs 

        1/2 Cup Sprouted Quinoa 

         

        Rinse Quinoa, dry well.

        Mix flax and water, let sit about 5 minutes (1 TBSP Ground flax plus 2 TBSP Water equals 1 egg).

        Mix all ingredients together and divide in mini muffin tin or roll into ball.  

        You can bake for about 8 minutes on 375 or eat raw.  (I personally don’t bake mine)

        What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

          Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

          Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common form of thyroid gland inflammation (thyroiditis) and the most frequent cause of decreased thyroid hormone production hypothyroidism. It results from an autoimmune disorder, an attack on the thyroid gland by a person’s own immune system.
          The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that lies flat against the windpipe in the throat. It produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and plays an important role in controlling the body’s metabolism.
          With Hashimoto thyroiditis, the thyroid becomes enlarged, called a goiter. Thyroid gland tissue is slowly destroyed by white blood cells called lymphocytes that move into the thyroid gland and by one or more thyroid autoantibodies. This causes a progressive decrease in the production of thyroid hormones.
          About 1 in 1,000 people are diagnosed annually with Hashimoto thyroiditis, and the number has been increasing over time due to improvements in diagnostic techniques. This disorder can affect anyone at any age but occurs most commonly in women who are between 30 and 50 years of age. The ratio of women to men diagnosed with the disease is 20 to 1. People with a family history of thyroid diseases or with other autoimmune diseases, especially type 1 diabetes or adrenal insufficiency are at increased risk.
          Those affected by Hashimoto thyroiditis may not have any symptoms for several years, but eventually most will experience some degree of hypothyroidism that worsens over time.

          Signs and Symptoms
          Constipation
          Depression
          Dry skin
          Fatigue
          Forgetfulness
          Increased sensitivity to cold
          Menstrual irregularities, heavy and excessive bleeding
          Muscle and joint pain
          Muscle weakness
          Sluggishness
          Thinning hair
          Weight gain
          For pregnant women, increased risk of miscarriage

          Tests
          Testing is done to evaluate the health of the thyroid, diagnose Hashimoto thyroiditis, and monitor treatment.
          To determine whether the thyroid is functioning properly and for monitoring thyroid function and hormone production, one or more of the following blood tests may be done:
          Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – typically elevated in hypothyroidism
          Free T4 – often decreased in primary hypothyroidism
          Total or Free T3 – sometimes decreased but may be within the normal reference range, so is not as useful as free T4
          Additional tests may be used to detect autoantibodies directed against the thyroid and to help diagnose Hashimoto thyroiditis:
          Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO, see Thyroid Antibodies) – this test detects the presence of autoantibodies against a protein found in thyroid cells. A high value usually indicates autoimmune damage to the thyroid due to disorders such as Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves disease.
          Antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) – if positive, may indicate Hashimoto thyroiditis; while thyroglobulin antibodies are often positive, they are not as sensitive or specificas anti-TPO so they are not routinely ordered.
          People with a very mild form of Hashimoto thyroiditis may not have thyroid antibodies present in their blood.
          Treatment
          There is no cure for Hashimoto thyroiditis, but the disorder is manageable. No treatment is required when thyroid hormone concentrations (T4 and T3) are normal and the affected person is not experiencing significant symptoms. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is typically necessary, however, when thyroid hormone production becomes significantly decreased and symptoms begin to emerge or worsen. Those with Hashimoto thyroiditis are closely monitored, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy is initiated and/or adjusted as necessary.

          https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000371.htm

          Adrenal Support: Gaia Herbs

            HPA Axis: Daytime Maintenance
            Gaia Herbs/Professional Solutions

            60 capsules $30
            120 capsules $50

            Promotes a health response to stress*
Maintaining a healthy stress response is necessary for overall health and wellbeing. Supporting the systems that aid the body in reacting and normalizing as stress occurs is critical in maintaining a healthy response to stress. Adrenal Health Daily Support provides nourishment to the adrenals, with a unique combination of pure and potent extracts.

            Servings Per Container: 60 Serving Size: 2 Capsules
            Adults take 2 capsules 2 times daily after meals or as directed by your health care provider.
            Amount Per Serving:
Calories … 10
Siberian Rhodiola root extract+ … 120mg
(Rhodiola rosea)(6mg Rosavins)
Holy Basil leaf Supercritical extract+ … 90mg
(Ocimum sanctum)(3.86mg total Eugenols)
Proprietary Extract Blend … 520mg
Wild Oats milky seed fresh** (Avena sativa), Holy Basil leaf** (Ocimum sanctum), Schisandra berry+ (Schisandra chinensis), Ashwagandha root+ (Withania somnifera)
            Other Ingredients: Vegetable glycerin, water, capsule (vegetable cellulose) and olive oil
            ** = Certified Organic Ingredient
+ = Ecologically Harvested
            Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing without consulting your health care provider prior to use. Rhodiola should not be taken by individuals with bipolar disorder.

             

            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/

              Is Chewing Gum Bad for You? (One Ingredient Is Linked to Gut Destruction)

                Disturbing side effects of chewing gum.  Alternative bad breathe ideas and reasons why you should rethink putting gum in your mouth.
                Gut Destruction

                Chewing gum manufacturers have been turning to an ingredient called titanium dioxide for years. Now used in nanoparticle form, this extremely tiny metal compound is posing some serious emerging health threats. This is probably the scariest reason to avoid gum.

                Generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, this compound is often used in nanoparticle form to create a bright white pigmentation in paints, plastics … and chewing gum. (2) It’s also found in tons of other foods, like candies and powdered white sugar (donuts!) and even bread. Although it’s allowed on store shelves and considered safe, scientists are starting to paint a different picture.

                In fact, a 2017 study published in the journal NanoImpact shows that nano-titanium oxide ingredients like titanium dioxide can severely impact gut health. Researchers exposed small intestinal cells to a meal’s worth of nanoparticles over four hours (acute exposure) or three meal’s worth over five days (chronic exposure). What they found is a bit shocking.

                Chronic exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the diet:

                Weakened the intestinal barrier
                Slowed down metabolism
                Triggered inflammation
                Weakened the gut’s defense against pathogens

                Blocked nutrient absorption of key nutrients like iron, zinc and fatty acids
                The nanoparticles actually blunted the effectiveness of the small intestines’ microvilli. Microvilli are tiny projections that jut off of small intestinal cells and work to absorb nutrients our bodies need to survive. (3)

                People also face this type of titanium dioxide exposure through toothpaste, and it’s even sometimes used to created a smoother texture in chocolates and to create a brighter appearance in skim milk.

                In 2012, Arizona State University found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles turned up in five percent of products tested, including Twinkies and mayonnaise samples. Under public pressure, Dunkin Donuts stopped using nano-titanium dioxide in its donuts’ powdered sugar in 2015.

                “To avoid foods rich in titanium oxide nanoparticles you should avoid processed foods, and especially candy. That is where you see a lot of nanoparticles,” — Gretchen Mahler, PhD, study co-author and assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Binghamton University, State University of New York. (4)

                Beyond that, many chewing gum products contain emulsifiers to retain flavor and keep gum from sticking to your teeth. (5) The trouble is, many emulsifiers act almost like detergent in your digestive tract, throwing off the natural balance of your gut flora. In fact, research in lab animals suggests certain emulsifiers used as food additives could contribute to colon cancer development.

                Is Chewing Gum Bad? More Reasons to Stop

                Migraines

                For children and adolescents dealing with vicious migraines and tension headaches, the natural solution could be right under their noses: Stop chewing gum. A small study published in Pediatric Neurology discovered that nixing gum led to significant improvements in 26 out of 30 adolescents in the study. Amazingly, 19 of them experienced complete headache resolution. No pills, no treatments — they just stopped chewing gum. (6)

                If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of a migraine naturally, your gum habit is a great place to start. In tweens and teens, common proven headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, hot weather, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, skipping meals and menstruation. Now we can add gum to the list. Researchers aren’t sure if it’s the artificial sweeteners or a TMJ issue related to gum and headaches, but the good news is we can stop many headaches with this simple step. (7)

                Sinister Sweeteners

                You’d expect fake sweeteners like aspartame in diet soda, but chewing gum? Come on! Different chewing gum companies turn to ingredients like aspartame, sorbitol, high-fructose corn syrup, acesulfame K, sucrolose and xylitol. Some actually use multiple fake sweeteners in a single gum product.

                These ingredients are linked to serious health issues like tooth decay, liver fat buildup, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, lymphoma, kidney tumors and more. Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K, is among the most common artificial sweeteners detected in breast milk. That’s troubling, since the ingredient is also linked to thyroid dysfunction. Sucralose harms the gut, throwing off healthy levels of enzymes and disrupting the microbiome. (8)

                While xylitol and sorbitol may seem more natural, these processed sugar alcohols aren’t absorbed well by the body and cause an allergic reaction for those who have a sensitivity to it. And then there are the digestive sugar alcohol and xylitol side effects, including bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea. And get this: Its laxative effect is so pronounced that it’s actually part of the chemical makeup for many over-the-counter laxatives.

                Special note to dog owners: Xylitol and other sugar alcohol-based sweeteners are life-threatening toxins to dogs. Be mindful of breath mints, candies, sugar-free gum, frozen desserts and other foods when your pets are around. (9)

                Better Bad-Breath Fighters & Gum Alternatives

                Bad breath is a good excuse to reach for gum, but as you can see, the side effects are bad news, especially for your gut. Luckily, there are better ways to cope. After ruling out potential underlying issues for bad breath, you can turn to these things to naturally improve your breath:

                Eat parsley.
                Drink enough water, especially tap into the benefits of lemon water.
                Learn how to safely tap into peppermint oil benefits.(Not recommended for young children.)
                Learn about oil pulling with coconut oil.
                Avoid grains and added sugars.
                Final Thoughts on ‘Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?’
                American played a huge role in spreading the popularity of chewing gum all around the world.
                However, today’s ingredients include fake dyes and flavors. But perhaps most concerning is nanoparticle-sized titanium dioxide, an ingredient used in everything from gum, candy and bread to paint and plastics.
                Nano-titanium dioxide helps create a vibrant white color, but scientists now show that it can impact small intestinal cells in a way that blocks absorption of key nutrients, slows the metabolism, increases inflammation and weakens the gut’s ability to protect against dangerous pathogens.
                Chewing gum is also linked to migraines and tension headaches in children and adolescents.
                There are still some chewing gum companies that rely on old-fashioned, real-food ingredients, but they are sometimes harder to come by.

                Source: www.draxe.com

                Turmeric Curcumin

                  Turmeric Curcumin 1000mg
                  Patient One MediNutritionals
                  60 capsules $21.25

                  Promotes normal inflammatory response while also supporting joint, immune, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular function
                  Promotes immune system function
                  * Supports brain and joint health
                  * Promotes healthy liver, gall bladder and digestive function
                  * Free radical scavenging properties
                  * Supports cardiovascular function
                  * Black pepper included for enhanced absorption
                  Unique Properties
Curcumin, a polyphenol nutrient found in the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), has beneficial effects for nearly every organ system in the body. Used for its medicinal effects for centuries and extensively studied, Curcumin has been shown to help maintain the bodys normal inflammatory response while also supporting joint, liver, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular function. To enhance the normally poor bioavailability of curcumin, our potent formula also contains black pepper extract that promotes rapid absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract.
                  Key Ingredients
                  Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Patient One Turmeric Curcumin combines the benefits of both whole Turmeric root and Turmeric extract (standardized to 95% curcuminoids), along with black pepper extract for enhanced absorption.
                  Curcumin is the orange pigment in turmeric (the primary ingredient in curry) and has been studied for its effective therapeutic outcomes acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, immuno-modulatory activities and even in wound healing. Research suggests support for joint, eye, GI tract, liver, prostate and nerve health.

                  Curcumin supports production of B and T cells which is useful for promoting proper immune function. It also supports production of bile and enzymes that digest sugars and fats. This helps to maintain cholesterol levels within normal range. Turmeric supports intestinal flora and the mucus membranes of the body, including those of the digestive tract. As such, it may be beneficial after a course of antibiotics and for those with unbalanced intestinal flora. It also helps protect the stomach against excess acid and is used for its soothing effect on the mucosa of the gut.
                  Black Pepper Extract (as BioPerine®)
It has been found that the therapeutic effectiveness of curcumin is often limited due to its poor absorption from the GI tract. When taken orally only traces appear in the blood, whereas most of the dose is excreted though the feces. Our formula includes BioPerine®, a patented extract derived from the common black pepper fruit that contains the alkaloid piperine. Black pepper has been shown to enhance the bioavailability and promote absorption of curcumin both in pre-clinical studies and in studies on human volunteers.
                  Research
                  * Several studies have illustrated curcumins hepatoprotective effects, leading researchers to suggest its use in protecting the liver from exogenous insults from environmental toxins.
                  Servings Per Container: 60
                  Take 1 capsule daily, preferably with a meal, or as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
                  Serving Size: 1 capsule
                  Amount Per Serving
Turmeric Complex Proprietary Blend … 1000mg
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) (root) and Turmeric Extract (Curcuma longa) (root) (Standardized to contain 95% Curcuminoids) 
BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract … 5mg
(Piper nigrum) (fruit) (Standardized to contain 95% piperine)
                  Other Ingredients: vegetable cellulose (capsule), rice powder, l-leucine
                  This product is free of milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp), soybeans, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors and preservatives. This product is free of ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
                  BioPerine® is a registered trademark and patented product of Sabinsa Corporation

                  References
                  * Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, et al. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med 1998 May;64(4):353-56. [PMID: 9619120]
                  * Jagetia GC, Aggarwal BB. “Spicing up” of the immune system by curcumin. J Clin Immunol. 2007 Jan;27(1):19-35. [PMID: 17211725]
                  * Funk JL, Oyarzo JN, Frye JB, et al. Turmeric extracts containing curcuminoids prevent experimental rheumatoid arthritis. J Nat Prod. 2006 Mar;69(3):351-55. [PMID: 16562833]
                  * Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Jun;14(2):141-53. [PMID: 19594223]
                  * Ng T, et al. Am J Epidemiol. 2006;164:898-906.
                  * Sun AY, Wang Q, Simonyi A, et al. Botanical phenolics and brain health. Neuromolecular Med. 2008;10(4):259-74. [PMID: 19191039]
                  * Neelofar K, Shreaz S, Rimple B, et al. Curcumin as a promising anticandidal of clinical interest. Can J Microbiol. 2011 Mar;57(3):204-10. [PMID: 21358761]
                  * Epstein J, Docena G, MacDonald TT, et al. Curcumin suppresses p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, reduces IL-1beta and matrix metalloproteinase-3 and enhances IL-10 in the mucosa of children and adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Br J Nutr. 2010 Mar;103(6):824-32. [PMID: 19878610]
                  * Ukil A, Maity S, Karmakar S, et al. Curcumin, the major component of food flavour turmeric, reduces mucosal injury in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis. Br J Pharmacol. 2003 May;139(2):209-18. [PMID: 12770926]
                  * Holt PR, Katz S, Kirshoff R. Curcumin therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study. Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Nov;50(11):2191-93. [PMID:16240238]
                  * Lal B, Kapoor AK, Asthana OP, et al. Efficacy of curcumin in the management of chronic anterior uveitis. Phytother Res. 1999 Jun;13(4):318-22. [PMID: 10404539]
                  * Xie L, Li XK, Takahara S. Curcumin has bright prospects for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol . 2011 Mar;11(3):323-30. [20828641]
                  * Martins CV, da Silva DL, Neres AT, et al. Curcumin as a promising antifungal of clinical interest. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2009 Feb;63(2):337-39. [PMID: 19038979]
                  * Mythri RB, Harish G, Dubey SK, et al. Glutamoyl diester of the dietary polyphenol curcumin offers improved protection against peroxynitrite-mediated nitrosative stress and damage of brain mitochondria in vitro: implications for Parkinsons disease. Mol Cell Biochem. 2011 Jan;347(1-2):135-43. [PMID: 20972609]
                  * Ravindran J, Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Curcumin and cancer cells: how many ways can curry kill tumor cells selectively? AAPS J . 2009 Sep;11(3):495-510. [PMID: 9619120]
                  * Goel A, Aggarwal BB. Curcumin, the golden spice from Indian saffron, is a chemosensitizer and radiosensitizer for tumors and chemoprotector and radioprotector for normal organs. Nutr Cancer. 2010 Oct;62(7):919-30. [PMID: 20924967]
                  * Choi H, Chun YS, Shin YJ, et al. Curcumin attenuates cytochrome P450 induction in response to 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin by ROS- dependently degrading AhR and ARNT. Cancer Sci. 2008 Dec;99(12):2518-24. [PMID: 19018768]
                  * Zhang, Dong Wei, Chuang Fang Huang, Chang Fu Yang, Ren Zuo Liu, Ji Feng Wang, Jian Zhao Niu, and Dieter Bromme. “Antifibrotic Effects of Curcumin Are Associated with over Expression of Cathespins K and L in Bleomycin Treated Mice and Human Fibroblasts.” Respiratory Research. Respiratory Research, 2011.
                  * Davis, J. Mark. “Curcumin Effects on Inflammation and Performance Recovery following Eccentric Exercise-induced Muscle Damage.” Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. American Physiological Society, 2007.
                  * Karlstetter, Marcus, Elena Lippe, Yana Walczak, Chistoph Moehle, Alexander Aslanidis, Myriam Mirza, and Thomas Langmann. “Curcumin Is a Potent Modulator of Microglial Gene Expression and Migration.” Journal of Neuroinflammation. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2011.
                  Warnings
                  If pregnant, nursing, have gall stones or gall bladder disease, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this product. Individuals taking medication, especially blood thinners or cancer treatment, should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare practitioner. Discontinue use and consult doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

                  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

                    Potassium Info & Top Ten Foods highest in this essential nutrient

                      Potassium Rich Foods-Top ten

                      Potassium is an essential nutrient used to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
                      Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body and is a required mineral for the function of several organs including the heart, kidneys, brain and muscular tissues.
                      Potassium also plays an important role in keeping the body hydrated and works with sodium to support cellular function with your bodies sodium-potassium pump.
                      Potassium deficiency symptoms can include severe headaches, dehydration, heart palpitations and swelling of glands and tissues.
                      Also, potassium deficiency can lead to:
                      * Fatigue
                      * Irritability
                      * Muscle cramps
                      * Weight gain
                      * Increased blood pressure
                      * Cellulite buildup

                      The main culprits that can cause low levels of potassium are endurance cardiovascular exercise without proper hydration, vomiting, diarrhea and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
                      Unless you are on dialysis, or have a special condition, overdose of potassium from natural sources is very rare.
                      The RDA for potassium is 4700 mg/day.
                      Keeping in mind Sodium should be 2300mg.
                      Think Double potassium for your sodium intake!

                      Consuming these 3 servings of this high potassium foods list daily to ensure optimal levels of potassium.
                      Top 10 Potassium Rich Foods List
                      1) Avocado. 1 whole: 1068 mg (30% DV)
                      2) Spinach. 1 cup: 839mg (24% DV)
                      3) Sweet potato. 1 medium: 952 mg (27% DV)
                      4) Coconut Water. 1 cup 600 mg (17% DV)
                      5) Kefir or Yogurt 1 cup: 579 mg (15% DV)
                      6) White Beans ½ cup: 502 mg (15% DV)
                      7) Banana 1 large: 422 mg (12% DV)
                      8) Acorn squash 1 cup: 899 mg (26% DV)
                      9) Dried apricots ½ cup: 755 mg (22% DV)
                      10) Mushrooms 1 cup: 428 mg (27% DV)

                      Potassium Health Benefits
                      Cramps
: One of the main benefits of consuming high potassium foods is decreased muscle cramping and improved muscle strength.  Muscle cramps are a common side effects of low potassium levels.  This can happen if an athlete becomes dehydrated and isn’t consuming enough potassium rich foods before and after exercise.
                      Reduced Risk of Stroke
: Several observational studies have found that those with high potassium levels experience a lower risk of stroke. The health benefits of potassium are likely through reduction of blood pressure combined with a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
                      Alleviation of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): 
Studies show that a diet high in potassium, especially potassium from fruits and vegetables, lowers blood pressure. This is especially true if the increase in potassium foods is not accompanied by an increase in high sodium foods.
                      Reduced Cellulite Appearance
: One of the main causative factors of cellulite buildup is fluid retention.  Most people consume far too much sodium and not near enough potassium.  Sodium brings nutrients into your cells where potassium helps flush excess waste out of your cells.  For this reason, if you reduce sodium intake and start consuming potassium rich foods you can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

                      Osteoporosis Protection
: Several studies have found a relation between increased bone density and increased intake of dietary potassium. These studies were true even for post- menopausal women and older men.

                      https://draxe.com/top-10-potassium-rich-foods/