Virtual Assistant Position

March 25, 2024/in Healthy Living

B Renewed Wellness is looking to fill a Virtual Assistant position. If you are passionate about serving others, apply for the Virtual Assistant position. The Virtual Assistant position offers work-from-home flexibility Mondays through Thursdays approximate hours are 9 am EST until 5 pm EST. Note: I’m looking for a 1099 independent contractor.

If you feel you fit the requirements:

1. Email a resume to bonnie@brenewed.com and include Virtual Assistant Position in the subject title. Please include a cover letter within so I can get to know you better.

Your Experience as a Virtual Assistant

Admin

Dropship and invoice client orders using Quickbooks
Prioritize daily tasks using Asana project management software
Compile receipts for monthly and year-end taxes and upload/submit them to our accountant
Communicate with labs and vendors

Client Interaction in a Virtual Assistant Position

Client care and confidentiality are top priorities. We communicate via phone and text.
Compose emails to clients in a timely professional manner
Drop Ship testing kits and instructions
Follow up and respond to client needs via phone and text
Knowledge of or open to holistic health and natural solutions preferred

Marketing

Edit/review blog posts in WordPress
Create images for posts in Canva
Post on social media platforms (may be outsourced)

What You Bring to the Virtual Assistant Position

Experience working as a VA for 1 year+ or relevant position such as office management
Mature and responsible. Loves to show up on time and on schedule.
Upbeat and caring about serving people – enjoys talking to people on the phone
Learns quickly and can hit the ground running on projects
Strong communication skills internally and externally
Pass a background check (credit and drug test)
Have current technology such as PC, laptop, and cell phone
Have a private working environment/office space
Moderately strong in all things technology
Self-motivated, detail-oriented and proactive
2-4 year degree required or equivalent experience in Office or Project management
Prefer someone in CST or EST time zone to correspond with clients’ needs.
The hours can vary from 5-15+ hours per week, Monday through Thursday.

2. Review the responsibilities and requirements and complete the survey:

Complete this brief questionnaire if you feel you meet the above criteria or want to learn more.

A bit more about me…I was trained as a Naturopathic Doctor and Digestive Health Specialist. I’ve been in business for over 15 years. My company is called B Renewed Wellness Solutions. I’m looking for an upbeat, self-motivated, professional team member passionate about holistic health to serve in a faith-based business. We get to work together closely so looking for great energy and commitment to growth!

Thank you for your interest and I will be in touch if you meet the criteria.

Bonnie Schnautz DHS, ND

What is Autointoxication

September 11, 2023/in Healthy Products

What is autointoxication? Have you considered how your Digestive Health impacts your whole body? Understanding the link between bowel function and chronic health issues is key.

When it comes to our health, we often underestimate the importance of a smoothly functioning digestive system. Did you know that problems in your bowel can have a ripple effect throughout your body, leading to various chronic health issues? Let’s break down this complex topic into simpler terms.

Slow Bowel Movements and Their Consequences

Ever experienced infrequent bowel movements? This could be a sign that your digestive system is moving sluggishly, allowing fecal matter to stay in your intestines for too long. This extended time in your intestines gives bacteria the opportunity to break down waste and absorb water, resulting in dry and hard stool. Sounds like a problem? It is.

This slow process can lead to a phenomenon called “autointoxication,” where toxins and harmful substances produced by bacteria and fungi in your intestines must be absorbed into your bloodstream, processed by your liver, and eliminated by your kidneys. This puts a heavy burden on your body as it tries to maintain health amidst the onslaught of these toxins.

The Domino Effect on Your Health

As if that weren’t enough, the waste products and toxins created during this bacterial and fungal action can cause inflammation in the lining of your intestines. This inflammation triggers an immune response and is often associated with conditions like “leaky gut syndrome” and fibromyalgia. These health issues have gained attention in recent years, but what’s often overlooked is their deep-rooted connection to poor digestion and autointoxication.

Your Immune System and Digestion

If you suffer from any inflammatory disorder, it’s likely that your immune problems are intricately linked to autointoxication and poor digestion. It’s becoming increasingly clear that chronic degenerative diseases, which involve chronic inflammation, are closely related to deficiencies in food enzymes. In fact, the 1988 Surgeon General’s Report on Health and Nutrition emphasized the dietary link to these diseases.

Enzymes: Your Body’s Defense

Enzymes play a crucial role in defending your body against bacteria, viruses, chemical irritants, and inflammation from various sources. If you often experience symptoms like fever, redness, swelling, pain, or soreness, it could be a sign of food enzyme deficiency. While this deficiency may not be the direct cause of a disease, it’s certainly a significant contributing factor.

Undigested Food and Inflammation

When your body struggles to digest food properly due to enzyme deficiency or overeating, it faces a substantial challenge. Undigested food particles can travel through your digestive tract, where they can start to putrefy, creating chemicals that irritate the lining of your gastrointestinal tract. This inflammation can significantly increase the permeability of your gut wall, allowing partially digested food particles to enter your bloodstream as foreign invaders.

Taking Action for Better Health for Bowel Function and Chronic Health Issues

So, what can you do to improve your digestive health and potentially alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammatory disorders? Consider making dietary modifications and including food enzyme supplements in your routine. These supplements can enhance digestion and help your body better absorb the nutrients it needs.

In conclusion, your digestive health has a significant impact on your overall well-being. Understanding the connection between your bowel function, autointoxication, and chronic health issues can empower you to take proactive steps toward a healthier, more vibrant life.

Your Body Temple or Garage

May 10, 2023/in Healthy Living

Your Body Temple or Garage

Is your body a temple or garage? Stop what you’re doing and ask yourself, “Am I treating my body like a temple? Or am I treating my body like a garage?” Maybe the answer will make you feel really good. Or maybe you won’t be happy with your answer. Either way, both are important eye-openers. Day-to-day life is busy for most of us. We spend so much time inside our own minds that we can forget, we have an entire body we’re attached to. God gave us one body that we’re tasked to love.

God wants us to be happy and healthy. Are you healthy? “Health” looks different to many people. I say it’s not the absence of disease which is how most people define health. However, health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Meaning, when you were fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator, the intention was for you to be in good physical, mental, and spiritual health. I’ll ask again, are you treating your body like a temple or garage?

I was recently asked to speak on a podcast about this topic, which happens to be my favorite topic! You can listen to it here: Your Body Temple or Garage. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I love helping women with their health.

This podcast is a Christian perspective on taking care of the body. Nikki Davis is the host on her own journey to find holistic healing and go back to God and nature. Nikki is a Realtor, Magazine Editor, Wedding Expert, Artist, and Hobby Farmer. Nikki takes you along for the ride as she navigates the ups and downs of being an introverted, networking-centric small business owner in Midwestern Life.

Her podcast is called This UnBee-Lievable Life.

You can find Nikki on FB At Revival Farms River Valley

Black Bean Lentil Tacos

May 7, 2023/in Healthy Recipes

Black bean lentil tacos are a high-fiber meatless alternative to traditional tacos. They are also more economical and quicker to prepare than meat tacos.

I wanted to share my favorite brand of gluten-free wraps. They are Siete brand and found in the refrigerated section of your healthier grocery store. They also have chickpea and almond flour versions.

Or instead of using gluten-free wraps, I love this on a bed of greens, organic of course. It can always be served over organic rice or quinoa as a taco bowl. Speaking of, like always, use organic ingredients to lower your toxic load.

Being primarily dairy-free is important to me as well so I use many of the products from Follow Your Heart. We love their sour cream and cheeses. Pepper Jack is my favorite version but they have a variety of other dairy-free flavors including cheddar, mozzarella and gouda.

Ingredients

1 small onion diced, 1/3 cup

2 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups cooked green lentils (1 cup dry)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1/3 cup salsa

2/3 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

Gluten-free taco shells or wraps.

Optional toppings: tomato, lettuce, avocado, dairy-free sour cream, cilantro, olives

Directions

Heat half the broth over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add and saute the onions for 6-7 minutes.

Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Heat for 2-3 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and add lentils and black beans. Stir all to combine.

Add salsa and vegetable broth. Stir and heat for about 5 minutes. Add remaining broth if necessary to keep it creamy.

Spoon into a taco shell or on a bed of greens. Add toppings of your choice.

Makes 6-8 servings or tacos.

Note: Taco seasoning can be made up in advance. I purchase organic bulk herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs and save so much money.

Non Dairy Tomato Soup

April 13, 2023/in Healthy Recipes

I found a classic milk-based recipe and converted it to non dairy tomato soup. Tomato soup evolves such strong positive emotions from my childhood. Nothing says home more than grilled cheese and tomato soup. I’m pretty sure I lived on it growing up. Hmm, maybe that’s why I’m gluten and dairy intolerant?! However, we did throw in a few grilled peanut butter sandwiches along the way.

Do you have a favorite food or foods that bring back positive memories of home?

Not only did I convert to dairy-free but also gluten and oil-free. You never know when you healthily a recipe if it will convert as well. I was really happy with the flavor and would love to hear your feedback. Not only did I swap the flour for arrowroot but I omitted the sugar. As always, my ingredients and seasonings are all organic. My goal is to reduce inflammation and chemicals in our bodies. I love my family and myself that much.

Ingredients

1 T of organic butter or ghee

1 tsp chopped garlic or 1-2 cloves

2 T Arrowroot powder

1/2 tsp of Celtic or Pink Himalayan salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried minced onion

1/2 tsp oregano

1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes

2 cups cold milk such as coconut or Malk oil-free almond milk

Directions

Place the contents of the canned tomatoes into a Vitamix or food processor and puree until smooth. Set aside.

Saute the garlic and butter together for a few minutes.

Next, blend the arrowroot powder and seasoning.

Remove from heat and stir in the 2 cups of pureed tomatoes. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.

Add 2 cups of cold plant-based milk.

Heat almost to boiling and serve.

I like to top it with Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast instead of grated cheese.

Serve with gluten-free crackers, Mary’s Gone Crackers is my favorite or gluten-free bread such as Simple Kneads. A side salad pairs well with organic vegetables, of course.

Dr. Bonnie Schnautz Naturopathic Doctor, Digestive Health Specialist and Mental Fitness Coach opening the door

Health Information Forms

March 8, 2023/in Healthy Living

Welcome to B Renewed Wellness Solutions! Your next step is to complete the health information forms. This provides the background of your health and the current symptoms that you are experiencing. The more details you can provide, the better I can help you balance your body and manage your stress.

Please complete the following forms at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.

1. Food and Beverage Intake

Be sure to track your food and beverage for a minimum of 4 days. More is better. We don’t need to know calories, just whether you dine in or out and what time you are eating or drinking.

You can track your food in a notebook and share it with me if you prefer. If you use a food tracking app, you can also share that with me instead of using the forms. The more details you can provide, the better I can help you determine the source of your stressors. If you like to use the online form, you can do that here.

2. General Health Assessment

Complete the Health Assessment

3. Hormone Assessment for Women

This applies to women over the age of 13 or who have started menstruating.
Complete the Hormone Survey

4. Mental Fitness Assessment

Curious about what a mental fitness assessment is? There are two parts to the assessment. One is the percentage of time you are being hijacked by the negative saboteurs that we all have. These negative saboteur thoughts are creating loads of stress which is impacting our mental and physical health. Take the Mental Fitness Assessment here.

The second part of the assessment is your total PQ score. This measures your potential for happiness and success in everything you do. Once complete, you’ll receive the results (two separate results) via email. Forward those to me at bonnie@brenewed.com.

I’m looking forward to helping you overcome your health challenges and restore your body and mind to wholeness. You deserve this!

If you have any questions, please email or call. Or check out our page of Frequently Asked Questions.

Thank You and God bless.

Bonnie Schnautz DHS, ND

Note: The consultation is not designed to treat, cure or diagnose an illness. This is for educational purposes only.

Rev 1/31/2024

Improve Your Mood with Food

March 4, 2023/in Health Issues, Healthy Products

How do you improve your mood with food? Let’s unpack some of the exciting (and preliminary) new research about the link between gut health, mood, and stress. This week we’ll talk about your friendly resident gut microbes, probiotic foods, and supplements, as well as offer some simple recipes to keep your gut and taste buds happy.

GUT MICROBES

There are trillions of microbes that happily live in our gut. These friendly microbes do more than help us digest foods, make vitamins, and protect us from the not-so-friendly microbes – they have mood-boosting and stress-busting functions too!

It’s a hotbed of research right now and we’re finding out more about their awesome health and mood/stress benefits every day. And, while the research is just starting to figure out the many gut microbe-brain connections, it’s such a cool new topic that we couldn’t wait to share it with you!

GUT MICROBES AND PROBIOTICS

The microbes that live in our guts are known as our “gut microbiota”. The microbes that we can ingest are known as “probiotics”.

“Probiotics” are live organisms that you can eat, drink, or take as a supplement. They turn milk into yogurt, and cabbage into sauerkraut, and they are great for both your gut health and mental health. Special probiotics that have mental health benefits are called “psychobiotics,” (psycho = mental health, and biotics = live). They are live organisms that can benefit our psyche.

PROBIOTIC-RICH FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Probiotics can be found in yogurt, sauerkraut (and other fermented veggies), miso, tempeh, and kimchi. You can drink them in kefir or kombucha. Be sure to choose unpasteurized ones that will be refrigerated in your local grocer. Unpasteurized foods are not recommended if you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system, so please check with your healthcare provider.

Of course, there are a number of probiotic supplements available too. Check with your favorite Naturopathic Doctor (that’s me!) to identify which one is best for you. Generally, we look for one that’s refrigerated and has at least 10 billion active cultures. We also suggest you look for one that has been “third-party tested,” which means someone outside the company has tested it and says it’s a quality product.

Also, be sure to read the label before taking any supplements. The probiotics with the most research are of the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus types. But we still don’t know enough about the psychobiotic effects to make specific mood-boosting recommendations yet. Here are a few recipes to help you consume more probiotic foods. Remember to use as many organically grown foods and ingredients as possible to reduce chemicals that negatively impact gut flora.

SIMPLE, PROBIOTIC-RICH RECIPES

Confetti Vegetable Salad with Miso Dressing

Cauliflower Olive Salad with Yogurt

Strawberry Almond Chia Pudding

GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION

It may not seem obvious or intuitive, but your body is interconnected in many ways and more research is focusing on the “microbiota-gut-brain axis.” It’s the very complex connection between your gut, its microbes, and your brain. This new field has been called a “paradigm shift in neuroscience” (Dinan, 2017).

In fact, there are a number of ways that we’re beginning to understand how our gut microbes can affect the brain. One is via the “vagus” nerve, which is a nerve that directly connects your gut to your brain. The other ways are through “biochemical messengers.” Biochemicals are made in your gut and travel throughout the body to communicate with other organs, including your brain. Examples of biochemicals include short-chain fatty acids, cytokines, and even tryptophan (the amino acid that the neurotransmitters melatonin and serotonin are made from).

The exciting thing is that this may help us with not only mood and stress, but the microbiota-gut-brain axis may one day prove to be helpful for other conditions like autism and Parkinson’s.

MOOD, STRESS, AND YOUR MICROBES

Several studies show that stressed rodents not only have increased stress hormones and stressed behaviors; but, they also have different gut microbes! This has also been studied, to a small extent, in people too. One study showed that moms with high levels of stress hormones during pregnancy had infants with more of the “bad” gut microbes.

But, can it work the other way around? Can changing our gut microbes affect our moods and stress responses?

Studies of rodents that grow up without any gut microbes at all (in a “bacteria-free” environment) respond to stress more than mice with normal gut microbes. Then, when they’re given either a probiotic or gut microbes from non-stressed mice, their stress responses often go back to normal.

“Gut microbiota and probiotics alter behavior and brain neurochemistry.” (Ait-Belgnaoui, et. al., 2012) That’s a pretty powerful statement.

Many animal studies show positive effects on behavior when they get probiotic supplements. For example, after a probiotic, stressed rats had lower levels of both stress hormones and an inflammatory molecule associated with depression (“LPS” – lipopolysaccharide). Human studies show that after a few weeks of taking probiotic foods or supplements, healthy people have reduced stress hormones, feelings of stress, negative thoughts, and sad moods.

One fascinating study showed that when people took probiotics, brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) tests showed reduced brain activity for negative and aggressive thoughts!

There is some exciting research on the positive effect that probiotics can have on moods and stress. So, what can you do to nurture your own healthy gut microbes?

PREBIOTICS

In Part 1 we talked about the benefits of consuming probiotic-rich food. Once the gut microbes take up residence in our guts, we need to feed them!

Prebiotics are food for gut microbes and, when fermented in the gut, produce specific changes in bacterial composition or activity. They are your friendly gut microbes’ favorite delicacies so they’ll happily grow, and multiply. Prebiotics are basically foods that contain fiber. Things like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Even dark chocolate (preferably with at least 70% cocoa). Foods that are particularly high in prebiotics include jicama, asparagus, avocado, whole grains, and allium vegetables like onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots.

Giving animals prebiotics has been shown to reduce stress hormones and anxiety-related behaviors. In people, studies show that taking psychobiotics along with prebiotics can improve both the microbes in our gut, as well as our mood.

PREBIOTIC-RICH RECIPES

Asparagus with Lemon Thyme Dressing

Triple Greens Soup with Avocado

Creamy Mediterranean Garlic Chicken

If you are looking for support on your health journey from a Naturopathic Doctor and Digestive Health Specialist, give us a call to learn more at 812-461-8922 or schedule your free mini Wellness Strategy Session to get started on your journey to more natural and safer solutions.

References:

Ait-Belgnaoui, A., Durand, H., Cartier, et al (2012). Prevention of gut leakiness by a probiotic treatment leads to attenuated HPA response to an acute psychological stress in rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 37(11):1885-95. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.03.024. LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22541937

Bailey, M.T., Dowd, S.E., Galley, J.D., et al. (2011). Exposure to a social stressor alters the structure of the intestinal microbiota: implications for stressor-induced immunomodulation. Brain Behav Immun. 25(3):397–407. LINK:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3039072/?report=reader

Bharwani A, Mian MF, Foster JA, et al. (2016). Structural & functional consequences of chronic psychosocial stress on the microbiome & host. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 63:217–227. LINK: http://www.psyneuen-journal.com/article/S0306-4530(15)00934-8/abstract

Cryan, J.F. (2016). Stress and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: An Evolving Concept in Psychiatry. Can J Psychiatry. 61(4):201-3. doi: 10.1177/0706743716635538. LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4794959/

De Palma, G., Blennerhassett, P., Lu, J., Deng, Y., Park, A.J., Green, W., Denou, E., Silva, M.A., Santacruz, A., Sanz, Y., Surette, M.G., Verdu, E.F., Collins, S.M. & Bercik, P. (2015). Microbiota and host determinants of behavioural phenotype in maternally separated mice. Nat Commun. 2015 Jul 28;6:7735. doi: 10.1038/ncomms8735.
LINK: http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms8735

Dinan, T.G. & Cryan, J.F. (2016). Mood by microbe: towards clinical translation. Genome Med. 8(1):36. doi: 10.1186/s13073-016-0292-1.
LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4822287/

Dinan TG1, Cryan JF. (2017). The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2017 Mar;46(1):77-89. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2016.09.007. LINK:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889855316300826

Kelly, J. R., Kennedy, P. J., Cryan, J. F., Dinan, T. G., Clarke, G., & Hyland, N. P. (2015). Breaking down the barriers: the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability and stress-related psychiatric disorders. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 9, 392. LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604320/

Messaoudi, M., Lalonde, R., Violle, et al (2011). Assessment of psychotropic-like properties of a probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in rats and human subjects. Br J Nutr. 105(5):755-64. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510004319.
LINK: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/div-classtitleassessment-of-psychotropic-like-properties-of-a-probiotic-formulation-span-classitaliclactobacillus-helveticusspan-r0052-and-span-classitalicbifidobacterium-longumspan-r0175-in-rats-and-human-subjectsdiv/2BD9977C6DB7EA40FC9FFA1933C024EA/core-reader

O’Mahony, S.M., Marchesi, J.R., Scully, P., et al. (2009). Early life stress alters behavior, immunity, and microbiota in rats: implications for irritable bowel syndrome and psychiatric illnesses. Biol Psychiatry. 65(3):263–267. LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18723164

Rea, K., Dinan, T.G. & Cryan, J.F. (2016). The microbiome: A key regulator of stress and neuroinflammation. Neurobiol Stress. 4:23-33.
LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5146205/

Rieder, R., Wisniewski, P.J., Alderman, B.L. & Campbell, S.C. (2017). Microbes and mental health: A review. Brain Behav Immun. 2017 Jan 25. pii: S0889-1591(17)30016-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.01.016. LINK:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159117300168

Romijn, A.R. & Rucklidge, J.J. (2015). Systematic review of evidence to support the theory of psychobiotics. Nutr Rev. 73(10):675-93. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuv025.
LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26370263

Sarkar, A., Lehto, S.M., Harty, S., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F. & Burnet, P.W. (2016). Psychobiotics and the Manipulation of Bacteria-Gut-Brain Signals. Trends Neurosci. 39(11):763-781. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.09.002.
LINK: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5102282/

Sender, R., Fuchs, S. & Milo, R. (2016). Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body. PLoS Biol 14(8): e1002533. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002533 LINK: http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1002533

naturopath allergies IgG nutritional testing

Food Sensitivity Testing

January 16, 2023/in Health Issues

Food sensitivity testing (also called food intolerance), is highly beneficial to uncover hidden conditions and symptoms.

I have clients that end up with high sensitivity to what we consider highly healthy foods such as beets or blueberries. Of course, beets and blueberries may be good for 80% of people. However, if you are one of the 20%, then clearly it is not the right food for you and will do more harm than good.

“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”― Ann Wigmore

Is food sensitivity testing the same as food allergies testing?

Exposure to food antigens (molecules that can trigger an immune response) can lead to elevations and different kinds of antibodies IgM, IgA, IgE, IgG4. All these antibodies are different ways in which our bodies can respond. Many people get allergies and intolerances confused. Allergy testing is IgE, are conducted by allergists and immunologists. When we do an IgG test we’re looking for sensitivities and intolerances. Functional medicine or Naturopathic Doctors are able to support a client with food sensitivity or intolerance.

Once again, we know with an IgE reaction a person eats a shrimp, peanuts, or egg exposure and now they have asthma or hives or anaphylactic reaction. That’s E and you can think of E as an emergency.

Regarding IgG testing, we’re going to look at that in a different perspective. If you have an IgE reaction, no matter what your IgG scores are you should avoid your IgEs. An easy way to remember it is to think of G for gradual. These are like little waves along the coastline, they will creep up on you and sometimes you don’t even realize it. Let’s say I eat food this morning which consists of a couple of eggs. Those eggs may not cause me to experience symptoms for 24, 48, or possibly even 72 hours. If I was to complain later that day that I have a migraine headache, I would automatically think what did I eat earlier today? When in reality, it might have been what I ate yesterday or the day before.

Why conduct food sensitivity testing?

Here are a few conditions and symptoms commonly associated with food sensitivity and why people decide to look at testing:

Brain Fog
Bloating
Weight Gain
Mood Swings
Joint Pain/Inflammation

Constipation
Diarrhea
Bronchitis
Crohn’s
Eczema
Migraines
GI distress
Stomach pain
Acne
ADD/ADHD
Sinus issues
Depression

Here is a sample IgG report to see what you would learn from this test. It covers 144 analyses or substances. It’s as easy as performing a simple finger prick in the convenience of your home. Reach out if we can assist you with this service. Or if you’ve conducted food sensitivity tests, what is your experience and how did it help you? When I eliminated my IgG trigger foods, I had more energy, lost a few pounds, experienced mental clarity and overall never felt better! I highly recommend it.

sage powers of pq heart with book mental fitness coach positive intelligence naturopath gut health

5 Sage Powers

January 6, 2023/in Healthy Living

The key to positive intelligence is the 5 Sage Powers. The concept of positive intelligence helps us measure our PQ or level of happiness and success. You can take the assessment to learn yours. Positive Intelligence is based on the best-selling book by Shirzad Chamine. His book discusses why only 20% of teams and individuals achieve their true potential.

As a traditional Naturopath, I understand the correlation between emotional stress and disease or imbalances in our health. Your sage represents the deeper and wiser part of you. The essence of who God created you to be. The sage perspective is finding the gift or opportunity in any challenge. It has access to five great powers of your mind and you can tap into these powers to meet any challenge.

1. Empathy – showing appreciation, compassion, and forgiveness. Having empathy for oneself is our biggest challenge thanks to your judge.

2. Explore – Looking at issues with curiosity, openness, wonder, and fascination. This helps with problem-solving. Most of us start trying to solve a problem before exploring it, which is typically premature. Your judge, stickler, hyper-achiever, or controller will always try to step in. Exploring is critical for learning from past failures.

3. Innovate – Always ask…”What’s a whole new way to do this?” Look for a job, lose weight, and get healthy. Thinking “I’ve tried everything” is not the truth. The judge will start evaluating before you have fully brainstormed. No evaluation should occur during this phase. Write out all the ideas, no matter how crazy, and end with the power game called Yes, And. After each idea, you say, “Yes, and what I love about that idea is…”

4. Navigate – when you need to choose between multiple options, connect them with your values, purpose, or meaning. Take time now if you have not identified your values. It’s the compass for how you live daily.

5. Activate – move into pure, laser-focused, action, not distracted by saboteurs. When you know it’s time to take action, do not allow procrastination, distraction, or interference with saboteurs.

Here are some examples of what or who gets in our way.

The Judge wastes time by causing fear, stress, anger, disappointment or shame while you are taking action.
Avoider & Restless – avoid dealing with painful situations
Controller & Stickler – cause actions to be rigid, limiting your contribution to others
Hyper Achiever feels action is only focused on achievement-oriented objective
Hyper Rational has you miss the emotional signals from your self and others. So analytical to your demise.
The Victim convinces you to remain inactive to ensure you will become a victim and prove it right.
The Pleaser is focused on making others happy, which may have nothing to do with the goal.
Hyper Vigilant wastes enormous amounts of time and energy worrying about contingencies and creating anxiety from unwarranted risks

For other resources on reducing stress and mental fitness visit my Resource page or you can take the assessment to learn more about your mental fitness.

Join my private FB group where I shared a 5 Day series on PQ. Or if you’d like to learn more about your assessment reach out and schedule a time to talk.

Essential Oil Diffuser Blends

December 22, 2022/in Healthy Living

If you use essential oils in your home, you will love these essential oil diffuser blends!

If you don’t use essential oils, let me share what the hype is all about. In short, they have a ton of uses. Some of those include DIY cleaners, laundry detergents, and soothe skin. They also replace candles which are loaded with toxins that are released into the air when we burn them. There are different types of essential oils and they are not all the same quality, but, we’ll discuss that in a different post.

Here are some of our favorite diffuser blends:

Peaceful Mind: 2 drops orange, 2 drops bergamot, 2 drops rosemary, 2 drops peppermint, 1 drop frankincense

Sunshine: 3 drops lime, 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops bergamot, 2 drops of geranium

Just Beachy: 4 drops lime, 3 drops lavender, 1 drop rosemary, 1 drop eucalyptus

Happy Camper: 5 drops patchouli, 4 drops bergamot, 2 drops black spruce, 1 drop frankincense

Vacation: 3 drops cedarwood, 3 drops tangerine

Summer Twist: 4 drops lime, 2 drops cilantro, 1 drop lemongrass

At The Beach: 4 drops of Joy or rose oil, 2 drops lime, 2 drops of lemon

Seashore: 4 drops lime, 3 drops tangerine, 2 drops sandalwood

Road Trip: 2 drops bergamot, 2 drops cypress, 2 drops lemon

Irish Rain Showers: 3 drops lavender, 3 drops lemon, 3 drops peppermint

Welcome Fall: 1 drop clove, 1 drop ginger, 2 drops frankincense, 3 drops wild orange

Fresh Rain: 2 drops patchouli, 1 drop lavender, 1 drop lemon

Fun Fact: Our like (or dislike) of certain oil smells can actually change daily! For example, if I have an upset stomach, I react well to peppermint. If I feel great, peppermint may make my eyes water. Our bodies are intuitive and we can have fun trying new oils the same way we have fun trying new foods!

If you are just starting to explore oils, we would love to help you! Click here for our great quality at great prices favorites! We love to try new blends and would love to hear what you have tried! If you want to chat more about environmental toxins, how to can start to reduce them, and how we can help, check this out!

Natural Solutions to Psoriasis

October 29, 2022/in Health Issues

If you are searching for natural solutions to psoriasis, there is hope. I’ve seen dramatic improvements with clients by incorporating dietary changes and enzyme therapy. Don’t let anyone lead you to believe that medication is the only answer.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is identified by excessive cell replication. In affected areas, cells reproduce at 1000 times
the normal rate, exceeding even the rate of skin cancer. Normal skin regenerates itself every 28 days. In
psoriasis, this process occurs every 3 to 4 days. As the skin reproduces new cells at this rate, the
the area becomes red and inflamed and can rise to three times its normal thickness.

There are different forms of psoriasis, but all involve scaly red patches in various shapes. The patches can
appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, buttocks, and sites of trauma, but there are cases in which the entire
body is involved. Typically, psoriasis begins with a small scaly spot that does not heal. Psoriasis can also
affect the nail beds.

Psoriasis is the fourth most common skin disease in the US after acne, warts, and eczema. In 50% of
people with it, there is a family history of psoriasis. People with psoriasis have a higher-than-average rate of rheumatoid arthritis. About one person in 20 with psoriasis has some form of arthritis, and about one in 20 with arthritis has psoriasis. It can manifest at any age but the peak onset occurs between 15 and 35 years. However, it can begin as early as three years of age and as late as 55.

What causes psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis has not been determined, but the factors associated with it include food, allergies,
metabolic issues, liver, and colon problems, hyper or hypo, thyroidism, and stress.

As with most health issues diet plays a major role.

Germany had a high incidence of psoriasis prior to World War II. During the war, the disease nearly
disappeared when foods, notably Sugar, were in short supply. After the war, as the economy recovered in
food supplies, and returned to normal, psoriasis came back.

Specific metabolic factors have been linked to psoriases, such as abnormal fatty acid metabolism, elevated
levels of homocysteine in the blood, hypothyroidism, and abnormal elimination of toxins. Structural
problems and nutritional factors can also contribute to the issue.

According to John Pagano, DC, author of Healing Psoriasis, “psoriasis is the external manifestation of the
body’s attempt to eliminate internal toxins, out of accumulated in the lymphatic’s, and bloodstream by
seeping through the intestinal walls.“ The body’s elimination system, primarily the liver and the kidneys,
try to filter out these toxins. When the liver is overloaded, toxins are eliminated through the skin. as the
toxins accumulate, psoriasis begins to develop.

Undigested food can escalate skin issues, but psoriasis is aggravated by certain foods in particular. These
include undigested proteins, vegetables from the nightshade family, such as eggplant, tomatoes and
peppers, refined, sugar, pork, and alcohol. Bacteria can convert partially digested proteins into toxic
substances which contribute to excessive cell proliferation and psoriasis.

How to eliminate or reduce the symptoms

Enzyme formulas, herbal remedies, and topical creams can all support reducing or eliminating the
symptoms of psoriasis.

A diet of whole, clean, unprocessed foods and no refined or synthetic foods is key. Some even suggest a
vegetarian diet, while others believe that organic meat, with the exception of pork, is acceptable. If you have psoriasis and arthritis, it is best to avoid the nightshade family of foods. Sugar and alcohol are known to aggravate psoriasis.

Enzyme therapy

Since this is a digestion issue, enzymes are a great resource to alleviate and heal the body. However, getting the right enzyme is key. The enzyme to use for psoriasis depends on the individual, their digestive needs, and their symptoms. Some may
require more protease and others more lipase or cellulase. Some may be sugar intolerant. The best way to find out is to utilize digestive health testing. One pattern that is common for those with psoriasis is hypothyroidism.

Herbal remedies

Some herbs can support the reduced symptoms of psoriasis. These include burdock root, milk thistle, cleavers, red clover, Oregon grape root, saffron, and slippery elm. Please work with a Naturopath or herbalist before adding these.

Emotional Roots of psoriasis

Since the majority of our health issues stem from our emotions, we must consider the underlying issues. Psoriasis has a root of emotional insecurity, fear of being hurt, grief, depression, or anxiety. To learn more about the emotional and physical connections of health, I recommend Craig Miller’s work and book, Breaking Emotional Barriers to Healing.

Essential oils

Tea tree oil (melaleuca alterfolia) can be used to relieve skin and mucous membranes issues as well. It
also contains antiseptic, antibacterial, and germicidal properties. However, be sure you are using a pure source. Other essential oils that may help include lavender, bergamot, and helichrysum.

If you suffer with skin issues and found natural solutions, I’d love to hear what worked for you. However, if you still are, know there is hope and I’d love to help. You can schedule a complimentary phone chat or text us at 843-203-8003.

Strawberry Energy Bites Recipe

July 3, 2022/in Healthy Recipes

The hardest part for my clients is giving up sugar, sweets, and desserts. So I like to offer alternatives to dessert that contains cleaner ingredients. Most cakes, cookies, or any sweets contain either genetically engineered corn syrup or hydrogenated oils on top of high amounts of sugar. Strawberry energy bites are a wonderful healthy guilt-free treat you can feel good about putting in your body!

Incorporating fruit or other plants is always the best choice with desserts. Strawberries contain a broad array of nutritional benefits. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. They are low-calorie, fiber-rich, and abundant in antioxidants and polyphenols. According to the USDA, one cup of strawberries provides 3 g of fiber and 12 g of carbohydrates.

However, remember to follow the Clean Fifteen-Dirty Dozen as strawberries are typically number one on the Dirty Dozen. This means you would need to purchase organic. If you can’t find fresh organic, you can purchase frozen organic and allow them to thaw in advance.

Ingredients:

1 cup organic strawberries

1 cup gluten-free oats (One Degree Organic is glyphosate free)

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 serving vanilla plant-protein powder

2 Tbsp coconut oil

1/4 cup freeze-dried organic strawberries (optional)

Directions:

Place the first four ingredients in a food processor with 1 Tbsp of coconut oil. Mix until it forms a ball. If it is too dry, add a second tablespoon of coconut oil.

Place the freeze-dried strawberries and crush into a fine powder

Using 1 heaping Tbsp of the mixture at a time, roll between your hands to form 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in the dried strawberries immediately before serving.

Store in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.

Note: if you need additional sweetness in your energy bites, add 1-2 Tablespoons of honey or pure maple syrup.

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed the Strawberry Energy Bites and if you made any variations. I’m all about creativity, especially in food. And if you need help with making better eating choices, I’d love to help you. Schedule a free Wellness Strategy session with me today. It’s a 30-minute call that could change your life.