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/

    Urinary tract Info and Suggested Natural healing approach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Lemon Sautéed Spinach & Quinoa

        Lemon Sautéed Spinach & Quinoa 
        Vegan, Vegetarian
        Happily serves 4

        ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

        1 bag spinach
        ¼ Cup pumpkin seeds
        1 Cup tri color Quinoa, cooked
        3 garlic cloves, chopped
        1/2 chopped yellow onion
        1 TBSP of Avocado oil
        1 lemon, juiced
        Salt and pepper to taste

        Pre-heat cast iron pan over medium heat.
        Saute chopped garlic and onion, remove and keep aside.
        Add a portion of the baby spinach to the pan, stir frequently continuing to add spinach until entire bag is added.
        Steam spinach until soft bright green (only takes about a minute.)
        Remove from heat! Drain off water!
        Stir in Quinoa, oil, spinach, garlic, onion, and pumpkin seeds
        Sea Salt and pepper to taste .
        Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over spinach before serving.

        Protein Collagen Pancakes

          Protein Collagen Pancakes
          Gluten Free, Dairy free
          Happily serves 2-3

          ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

          2 Free Range Pasture raised eggs
          1 egg white
          1/8 Cup melted Coconut oil
          1/4Cup Coconut flour
          2 scoops Bone Broth Protein Powder
          Dash cinnamon
          1/8 tsp Himalayan sea salt

          Liquid Bone broth or water to thin (I only needed about a TBSP)
          Stevia if desired sweeter

          Whisk eggs and oil together thoroughly.
          Stir in coconut flour, protein powder and Himalayan sea salt and allow to sit for 5 minutes
          Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
          Once hot, drop batter into cast iron skillet, cook until bubbles form on one side, flip and repeat.
          Serve Hot

          Herb Vs. Spices

            Herb Vs. Spices
            The difference between the two is where they are obtained from a plant.

            Herbs come from the leafy and green part of the plant.
            Spices are parts of the plant other than the leafy bit such as the root, stem, bulb, bark or seeds.

            We often hear the term “herbs and spices”. As any amateur chef knows, herbs and spices are vital ingredients in many dishes. They add flavor, aroma, color, texture and even nutrients.

            Both spices and herbs are parts of plants (fresh or dried) that are used to enhance the flavor of foods. They’ve also been known to preserve foods, cure illness and enhance cosmetics.

            Herbs are usually grown in more temperate areas than spices and have great medicinal value and are also used in the preparation of cosmetic products.

            Spices are usually dried before being used to season foods. Unlike herbs, they are grown in more tropical countries. They’ve also been known to preserve foods and some have medicinal value, such as turmeric with its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties.

            Despite the above clarification, according to the American Spice Trade Association, spices are defined as “any dried plant product used primarily for seasoning purposes”. This really broadens the definition of spices, allowing it to include herbs, dehydrated veggies, spice blends and spice seeds.

            Here are a few example of herbs and spices, along with their reported nutritional/health benefits.

            Spice Nutrition
            Cinnamon
            Lowers blood sugar levels, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides especially in people with type 2 diabetes

            Ginger
            Can stop nausea and may also relieve heartburn

            Cloves
            Have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties; they are known for relieving flatulence and can actually help promote good digestion as well as metabolism

            Chili
            Contains capsaicin which puts the heat in chilies, may lower the risk of skin and colon cancers, shown to suppress appetite and boost metabolism

            Mustard seeds
            Contain phytonutrient compounds that protect against cancers of the gastrointestinal tract; believed to reduce the severity of asthma

            Herb Nutrition
            Basil
            Rich in Vitamin A and K. Assists with combatting bowel inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis

            Oregano
            Assists with inflammation

            Mint
            Helps with digestion and asthma

            Parsley
            Protects against rheumatoid arthritis, antioxidant-rich, fights cancer, high in vitamin C and iron.

            Thyme
            Contains the oil, thymol, especially helpful for chest and respiratory problems, also acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant.

            Bone Broth Protein Pancakes

              Bone Broth Protein Pancakes
              Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy free
              Happily serves 2-4

              ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

              1/2 Cup Applesauce
              3–4 Free Range eggs
              1/4 Cup melted Coconut oil
              1/2 Cup Coconut flour
              4 scoops Bone Broth Protein Powder
              1/8 tsp cinnamon
              1/8 tsp Himalayan sea salt

              Read more

              Kahula Chocolate Fudge

                Kahlua Chocolate Fudge
                Vegan, GF, Refined Sugar free
                Happily serves 20

                ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

                20 oz Lily’s chocolate chips
                14 oz Can full fat coconut milk
                3 TBSP Ghee (or butter) cubed at room temperature
                2 TBSP Kahlua
                1/4 tsp cinnamon
                1/2 tsp vanilla extract
                1/4 tsp Sea salt
                1 tsp espresso powder or 1 TBSP cold brew

                Lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
                Line with parchment paper, allowing the excess paper to overlap on two of the sides, set aside.
                Add the chocolate and espresso powder into a large, heatproof bowl; set aside.
                Fill a saucepan with a little water (about 1/4 full) bring it to a boil.
                Reduce to barely a simmer. Place the bowl containing the chocolate and espresso powder on top of the pot.
                Cook, stirring frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is completely smooth, about 8-10 minutes.
                Add coconut milk and ghee, cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it is completely melted. Remove from heat.
                Whisk in the Kahlua, vanilla, sea salt, and cinnamon. The mixture will be VERY thick.
                Transfer to pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to slice.
                Remove the fudge and transfer it to a cutting board. Peel off parchment paper and slice into small pieces.
                Serve at once or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freezer up to 2 months.

                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.

                  Candida Control

                    Candida Control
                    Enzyme Science
                    $34.50

                    Candida Control™ includes two enzymes for maintaining normal yeast production.* The enzyme cellulase breaks down the cell wall of candida, while protease removes the toxins expelled during cell death.* This combination may ease discomforts common to cleansing (die-off).* Broccoli Seed extract, as well as beneficial microflora (probiotics), work together to support healthy detoxification.* Enzyme Sciences exclusive Thera-blend™ enzymes are effective throughout the entire digestive system, thereby ensuring complete digestion.* When formulated for therapeutic purposes, Thera-blend enzymes are customized for optimal performance throughout the entire body.
                    Servings Per Container: 42
                    Take 2 capsules three times per day on an empty stomach (1/2 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). More may be taken as directed by your healthcare practitioner.*

                    Serving Size: 2 capsules
                    Amount Per Serving
Cellulase Thera-blend™ … 70, 000CU
Protease Thera-Blend™ … 230, 000HUT
Broccoli Seed Extract … 40mg
Probiotic Blend … 1 Billion CFU
Bacillus subtilis, l.rhamnosus, l.casei, L.acidophilus, L.plantarum, L.bulgaricus, L.salivarius, L.paracasei
                    Other Ingredients: 100% vegetarian capsule (cellulose, water)
                    Contains NO: Dairy, egg, preservatives, salt, sucrose, soy, wheat, yeast, nuts, corn, gluten, casein, potato, rice, artificial colors or flavors
                    Contraindications: Candida Control should not be taken with any timed released medications that use cellulose as its time-release mechanism. Keep closed in dry place; avoid excessive heat.

                    Winter Squash Pancakes

                      Winter Squash Pancakes

                      Vegan, GF, Refined Sugar free
                      Happily serves 4

                      ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS
                      PANCAKES
                      1 cup Cooked and smashed winter squash
                      1/3 cup cashew cream or vegan cream cheese
                      2 large eggs (or flax egg)
                      1/2 cup coconut yogurt
                      3/4 teaspoon sea salt
                      A dash black pepper
                      1 teaspoon baking powder
                      1 cup all-purpose GF flour
                      coconut oil for frying pan

                      TO FINISH:
                      Crispy Sage Brown Butter:
                      2 to 3 tablespoons butter
                      A pinch or two of salt
                      A few fresh sage leaves

                      In a large bowl, whisk squash, yogurt, eggs, cheese, salt, pepper and baking powder until smooth.
                      Add flour and stir until just combined. Batter will be thick.

                      Heat skillet medium-low to medium.  Coat the bottom with coconut oil, and spoon in pancake batter,  flatten the pancake slightly.
                      Cook until golden brown underneath, flip and cook until golden brown.
                      Lower your heat, if it’s cooking too fast. If you’re worried pancakes have not cooked in the center, you can finish them for 10 minutes in a 250 degrees oven.

                      To finish, wipe out frying pan and add butter (or you can use coconut oil), a Dash of salt and sage leaves, heating over medium heat. The sage leaves will crisp and the butter will brown in a minute or two so keep a close watch on it. Pour leaves and butter over pancakes

                      To roast squash: For butternut or kabocha, roast it face-down on an a baking sheet sprinkled with coarse salt at 375 for 40 to 50 minutes, until tender.