The last few months have been a difficult yet interesting journey for me. In the midst of the challenges, I'm learning new things that have been helpful for me, and I hope will be helpful for you as well. =)
For instance, I've been learning more about deficiencies.
1) Potassium deficiency
For years I've had to supplement with potassium every day. Recently I learned that excessive use of baking soda (which I definitely qualified for), can contribute to depleting potassium. After learning this, I began using an olive oil bar soap (Olivella fragrance free) to wash my hands instead of using baking soda. Within a few days I noticed I didn't need the potassium supplement every day like before. I still use baking soda for some things, but by reducing my use of it I also reduced how much potassium I needed. I also discovered that simply putting my left foot on the inside of a banana peel for about 10 minutes every day, or even every other day, allowed my body to absorb all the potassium it needed. And I was able to stop taking it as a supplement.
2) Vit D deficiency
I've dealt with vit D deficiency off and on for years. Now that I've been out of the house a lot more and actually getting some sun, it's been better. But I learned that I could use an apple peel, like the banana peel. I put my left hand on the inside of an apple peel for about 10 minutes a few times a week, and that has been enough to keep my vit D levels stable.
3) Vit E deficiency
Because I've been living with friends, not at home, I haven't had my shower filter. And the excess chlorine from unfiltered water led to a vit E deficiency. Dr. Mercola has a helpful article on vit. E and why it's important to keep a proper balance, not too much, not to little, in your body.
And again, he recommends getting vit E naturally through eating healthy foods.
Obviously, the best way to correct deficiencies is naturally, by the food we eat, or by absorbing them through our hands/feet. Supplements are less effective and can be problematic if they aren't good quality or aren't monitored well.
In addition to all this, I've learned that having the RIGHT probiotic for YOU is absolutely essential! Probiotics do so much in the body. They not only power your immune system but much more:
from Dr. Mercola: "Probiotics are also essential for optimal digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, and they help your body produce vitamins, absorb minerals and aid in the elimination of toxins."
from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/24/one-of-the-most-important-steps-you-can-take-to-improve-your-health.aspx
So you can see that taking probiotics will also help prevent/correct deficiencies.
The main thing I've learned about probiotics lately is that you have to find the specific one that YOU need right now.
I've taken probiotics for years. Sometimes it felt like they weren't doing anything. Other times I could feel positive changes in my health almost immediately when I started taking a new one.
My theory is that the "terrain" of your gut changes based on diet, stress, lifestyle, environment, seasons, etc. So the kind of probiotic you need today might be different that what you needed last year or even last month. In December I started taking one called "bacillus coagulans" and I've been amazed how helpful it's been! If I forget to take it one day I definitely feel worse the next day. However, now that I've been taking it for a few months, I feel like I need to look for a different one again. Once that specific strain of probiotic is built up in my gut, then I can look for a different one to add.
As far as finding the specific kind of good bacteria you need today, I don't have a formula. If you don't have a trusted health provider to guide you, then I'd say go to the store, stand in front of all the probiotic bottles and see which one calls out to you. =) Seriously though, do read labels, make sure it's a quality product, and then try different ones and see how your body responds. Or you can get a recommendation from a friend of what has helped them. Just don't get discouraged if the first one you try doesn't seem to do anything. Move on to another one until you find what your body needs right now. There are so many strains of good bacteria, look for different ones than just "acidophilus" or "bifidus". Maybe even try a children's probiotic and see how that works. =)
I'm so thankful that God created our bodies with the ability to heal and repair themselves! It's our job to give our bodies the materials they need to do the work of healing. So keep eating those healthy foods, watch out for deficiencies, and find a probiotic that works for you.
Any questions or suggestions?
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Quick Update & Some Resources
Hello friends,
I hope this week finds you improving in health and remembering your blessings. =) Seems like the last few months have been the hardest of my life. But even in intense trials, God continues to give good gifts, and for that I'm thankful.
Quick update on our house: the mold has been remediated and the house passed mold inspection, hooray! =) Now it's on to the necessary repairs (wall, floor, etc.), cleaning, painting, and more. It seems like such a long process, but we thank God that at least we are making progress. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers through this challenging season!
Here are two helpful resources I've come across lately, that I wanted to share.
1) My friend Martha recently wrote an insightful post called "Sickness, Disaster, Death and Satan." I appreciated her insights into an often puzzling topic. I hope you'll be blessed by her thoughts.
2) This week I read a great article by Dr. Josh Axe about 10 "Health Foods" you should never eat. I thought he nailed it with this one! I totally agree with this list, and I think it's very helpful since there's so much mis-information about some of these foods. Please read and pass it along to others as well.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine on you and be gracious to you, and give you His peace.
(from Num. 6:24-26)
-Joanna
I hope this week finds you improving in health and remembering your blessings. =) Seems like the last few months have been the hardest of my life. But even in intense trials, God continues to give good gifts, and for that I'm thankful.
Quick update on our house: the mold has been remediated and the house passed mold inspection, hooray! =) Now it's on to the necessary repairs (wall, floor, etc.), cleaning, painting, and more. It seems like such a long process, but we thank God that at least we are making progress. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers through this challenging season!
Here are two helpful resources I've come across lately, that I wanted to share.
1) My friend Martha recently wrote an insightful post called "Sickness, Disaster, Death and Satan." I appreciated her insights into an often puzzling topic. I hope you'll be blessed by her thoughts.
2) This week I read a great article by Dr. Josh Axe about 10 "Health Foods" you should never eat. I thought he nailed it with this one! I totally agree with this list, and I think it's very helpful since there's so much mis-information about some of these foods. Please read and pass it along to others as well.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine on you and be gracious to you, and give you His peace.
(from Num. 6:24-26)
-Joanna
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Please Don't Judge...
Please don't judge the fashion choices of the woman wearing white capris and a men's flannel on a cold day in February. It may be the only clean outfit she has.
Please don't judge the woman in the yogurt aisle muttering to herself and reading every label twice. She may just be trying to find some semi healthy food she can eat without cooking.
Please don't judge the woman who cuts you off in traffic, changes lanes three times and finally turns left. She may be having trouble breathing, trying to stay calm and just find a place where she can roll down the window to breathe some fresh air.
Please don't judge the woman in the laundromat sticking her head in every washer and dryer, making faces and sneezing. She may be using a laundromat for the first time and trying to find a machine with the least amount of fabric softener and other smells.
Please don't judge the woman in the car next to you at the stoplight with the radio cranked up and tears rolling down her face. She may be fighting an intense spiritual battle and trying to overcome with praise.
You've probably heard the saying:
"Be kind always. Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about."
It's so true. And I think it's in the hard times that we learn compassion for others. We wouldn't want to try to explain to a stranger some of the crazy things we have to live through. Let's show grace to others in even greater amounts than we need ourselves.
So when you observe a person who looks or behaves oddly, maybe you could turn to Jesus and say a prayer for them. If we learn to practice this, I think we'll be amazed how many people will come up to us and thank us in heaven. =)
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Tips For Healing The Gut
In natural health terms, the "gut" usually means the entire digestive system, from beginning to end. Most people today have some kind of issue with their gut - from acid reflux to food sensitivities, to IBS, etc. Gut complaints are common.
I believe this is largely because of the typical American diet, which is full of processed foods containing all kinds of toxins like high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, chemicals, etc. Also this diet is void of vital nutrients and nourishment. So with unhealthy food plus normal stress of life today, plus other factors, it's not surprising that many people have some kind of problem with the gut.
Recently Dr. Josh Axe did a series of three short videos about leaky gut. I'm not sure how much longer the videos will be up, but it's definitely worth a few minutes to watch them.
In one of the videos he talks about the #1 food for healing the gut, which is bone broth. Here's the link to his video where he gives instructions on a simple way to make your own bone broth.
https://my.draxe.com/hlg-number-one-food-for-leaky-gut
For many people not eating gluten improves digestion a lot. For others it doesn't seem to change symptoms. Some people feel better when eating raw fruits and veggies. Other people only improve when eating all their vegetables cooked.
So healing the gut involves some investigation, trial and error, and finding what works for you.
A few quick tips though, to help heal the gut:
1) Cut out refined sugars (they feed yeast, parasites and bad bacteria).
2) Drink more good quality water (hydration is essential to all functions).
3) Avoid processed, packaged and fast foods as much as possible.
4) Eat nourishing foods - such as the bone broth, healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, grass-fed butter, etc.), and cooked veggies (or raw, depending on what your body prefers).
5) Find a probiotic that works for you. This usually takes some trial as well, because there are hundreds of strains of probiotics and your gut flora is specific to you. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the probiotic that your gut needs. Also, it's good to switch the kind you use every so often as your gut flora changes, you might need a different kind of probiotic.
6) Do deep breathing exercises daily. The more oxygen you have, the more your body can heal, fight inflammation, etc.
7) Think happy thoughts more often. =) It may sound funny, but anxiety, fear, anger and other negative emotions can wreak havoc in the gut.
Healing the gut is a process and that process is unique to each person, but I hope this information is helpful. And I hope you can take a few minutes to watch the videos from Dr. Axe. Let me know any other questions you have.
I believe this is largely because of the typical American diet, which is full of processed foods containing all kinds of toxins like high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, chemicals, etc. Also this diet is void of vital nutrients and nourishment. So with unhealthy food plus normal stress of life today, plus other factors, it's not surprising that many people have some kind of problem with the gut.
Recently Dr. Josh Axe did a series of three short videos about leaky gut. I'm not sure how much longer the videos will be up, but it's definitely worth a few minutes to watch them.
In one of the videos he talks about the #1 food for healing the gut, which is bone broth. Here's the link to his video where he gives instructions on a simple way to make your own bone broth.
https://my.draxe.com/hlg-number-one-food-for-leaky-gut
For many people not eating gluten improves digestion a lot. For others it doesn't seem to change symptoms. Some people feel better when eating raw fruits and veggies. Other people only improve when eating all their vegetables cooked.
So healing the gut involves some investigation, trial and error, and finding what works for you.
A few quick tips though, to help heal the gut:
1) Cut out refined sugars (they feed yeast, parasites and bad bacteria).
2) Drink more good quality water (hydration is essential to all functions).
3) Avoid processed, packaged and fast foods as much as possible.
4) Eat nourishing foods - such as the bone broth, healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, grass-fed butter, etc.), and cooked veggies (or raw, depending on what your body prefers).
5) Find a probiotic that works for you. This usually takes some trial as well, because there are hundreds of strains of probiotics and your gut flora is specific to you. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the probiotic that your gut needs. Also, it's good to switch the kind you use every so often as your gut flora changes, you might need a different kind of probiotic.
6) Do deep breathing exercises daily. The more oxygen you have, the more your body can heal, fight inflammation, etc.
7) Think happy thoughts more often. =) It may sound funny, but anxiety, fear, anger and other negative emotions can wreak havoc in the gut.
Healing the gut is a process and that process is unique to each person, but I hope this information is helpful. And I hope you can take a few minutes to watch the videos from Dr. Axe. Let me know any other questions you have.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Top 3 Changes for A Healthier Life
As we start a new year, many people make resolutions about living healthier. Though I realize few people actually carry through on new year's resolutions, I still applaud any desire to make changes to improve health. I think it's important to set goals that are reachable and not too stressful. Start with small steps, and gradually add more changes as you're able.
For those who haven't already done the following, here are the top three simple changes I recommend for a healthier year:
1) Switch to a non-toxic laundry soap.
For all the scientific reasons why you should switch, please read this article about the dangerous chemicals found in most laundry detergents and what those ingredients are doing to your health.
Thankfully, switching to a non-toxic alternative is easy. We use Charlie's soap, but there are other brands or you can even make your own. (There are various recipes online, but the main ingredients are usually castile soap, borax, and washing soda.) Just do a little research and make sure any "natural" product you buy really is healthy, and not just more chemicals in disguise.
The kind of laundry soap you use is vital to your health because if it contains toxic chemicals, then you are keeping those chemicals on your skin 24/7. You are also breathing them in all day long. By switching to a non-toxic laundry soap, you can immediately reduce your overall chemical load. This should also help improve sleep, since you won't have the added chemical presence in sheets and bedding.
Also, this change includes not using fabric softener, or switching to a natural alternative, such as using Heinz vinegar in the rinse when you wash clothes.
If you have a hard time giving up "soft" clothes, please read these two articles that detail the toxic chemicals in fabric softener and why this product is so dangerous to your health! I cannot overstate how TOXIC (poisonous) fabric softeners are and how much you can help your body by making this simple change. The articles below give specific details, including the fact that fabric softeners contain known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), cause respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, and are an unregulated product - meaning manufacturers can fill them with all kinds of chemicals and chemical mixtures that have NOT been tested for safety.
Article 1 from Jordan Rubin - specifics on 9 of the toxic ingredients in fabric softener
Article 2 from Dr. Mercola - 600 toxic ingredients in fabric softener and what they're doing to your health
This simple change of switching to a natural laundry soap really will make a difference in your health and the health of your family! And it might even be cheaper as well. =)
2) Say goodbye to sodas/soft drinks.
Want to know what happens in your body when you drink a soda? Check out this explanation.
When I read the facts on sodas, I'm completely astounded that anyone would willingly drink one! Here are just a few of the dangers of sodas -
*sodas increase your risk of cancer - it's been PROVEN repeatedly with long-term studies.
*sodas increase your risk of diabetes - no wonder it's reaching epidemic levels today.
*sodas are directly connected to weight gain and obesity.
*sodas cause damage to DNA!
Not to mention that sodas are filled with toxic ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and chemical-laden tap water.
There is absolutely NO benefit to the body in a bottle of soda. And there are many dangers. This one change of saying goodbye to soda will have many positive results in your health.
3) Limit the amount of time you spend on electronic devices each day.
We live in an increasingly technological age. And while it has many advantages, there are dangers as well. A quick online search will reveal many harmful effects of electronic devices. Some of the dangers include increased risk of cancer (esp brain tumors from cell phone use), reduced fertility, damage to DNA, interfering with cellular communication, etc. These aren't things to take lightly.
Obviously, we're used to the advantages of having cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc. The important thing is to educate yourself on how to use them more safely and to limit the time you spend on them.
This is such a huge topic, I can't cover it all here. But here's a good basic article by Dr. Mercola on EMF's that includes links to other articles and helpful information. And here's my previous post on how to limit your EMF exposure. Also, remember that grounding is a good way to help your body combat the excessive EMF's (electromagnetic fields) you're exposed to in today's world.
Bonus Tip - Read your Bible every day.
Our thoughts really do impact our physical health. The more we read and think God's thoughts, the healthier our mind, brain and body can be. =)
"Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." -Jesus (Matthew 4:4)
For those who haven't already done the following, here are the top three simple changes I recommend for a healthier year:
1) Switch to a non-toxic laundry soap.
For all the scientific reasons why you should switch, please read this article about the dangerous chemicals found in most laundry detergents and what those ingredients are doing to your health.
Thankfully, switching to a non-toxic alternative is easy. We use Charlie's soap, but there are other brands or you can even make your own. (There are various recipes online, but the main ingredients are usually castile soap, borax, and washing soda.) Just do a little research and make sure any "natural" product you buy really is healthy, and not just more chemicals in disguise.
The kind of laundry soap you use is vital to your health because if it contains toxic chemicals, then you are keeping those chemicals on your skin 24/7. You are also breathing them in all day long. By switching to a non-toxic laundry soap, you can immediately reduce your overall chemical load. This should also help improve sleep, since you won't have the added chemical presence in sheets and bedding.
Also, this change includes not using fabric softener, or switching to a natural alternative, such as using Heinz vinegar in the rinse when you wash clothes.
If you have a hard time giving up "soft" clothes, please read these two articles that detail the toxic chemicals in fabric softener and why this product is so dangerous to your health! I cannot overstate how TOXIC (poisonous) fabric softeners are and how much you can help your body by making this simple change. The articles below give specific details, including the fact that fabric softeners contain known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), cause respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, and are an unregulated product - meaning manufacturers can fill them with all kinds of chemicals and chemical mixtures that have NOT been tested for safety.
Article 1 from Jordan Rubin - specifics on 9 of the toxic ingredients in fabric softener
Article 2 from Dr. Mercola - 600 toxic ingredients in fabric softener and what they're doing to your health
This simple change of switching to a natural laundry soap really will make a difference in your health and the health of your family! And it might even be cheaper as well. =)
2) Say goodbye to sodas/soft drinks.
Want to know what happens in your body when you drink a soda? Check out this explanation.
When I read the facts on sodas, I'm completely astounded that anyone would willingly drink one! Here are just a few of the dangers of sodas -
*sodas increase your risk of cancer - it's been PROVEN repeatedly with long-term studies.
*sodas increase your risk of diabetes - no wonder it's reaching epidemic levels today.
*sodas are directly connected to weight gain and obesity.
*sodas cause damage to DNA!
Not to mention that sodas are filled with toxic ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and chemical-laden tap water.
There is absolutely NO benefit to the body in a bottle of soda. And there are many dangers. This one change of saying goodbye to soda will have many positive results in your health.
3) Limit the amount of time you spend on electronic devices each day.
We live in an increasingly technological age. And while it has many advantages, there are dangers as well. A quick online search will reveal many harmful effects of electronic devices. Some of the dangers include increased risk of cancer (esp brain tumors from cell phone use), reduced fertility, damage to DNA, interfering with cellular communication, etc. These aren't things to take lightly.
Obviously, we're used to the advantages of having cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc. The important thing is to educate yourself on how to use them more safely and to limit the time you spend on them.
This is such a huge topic, I can't cover it all here. But here's a good basic article by Dr. Mercola on EMF's that includes links to other articles and helpful information. And here's my previous post on how to limit your EMF exposure. Also, remember that grounding is a good way to help your body combat the excessive EMF's (electromagnetic fields) you're exposed to in today's world.
Bonus Tip - Read your Bible every day.
Our thoughts really do impact our physical health. The more we read and think God's thoughts, the healthier our mind, brain and body can be. =)
"Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." -Jesus (Matthew 4:4)
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Blogging break
Hello my friends, I just wanted to post a quick note that I'll be taking a break from blogging for a few weeks. Some of you know that my family has been going through quite a crisis lately. My mom was very sick and now apparently there's mold somewhere in our house. So while our lives are in upheaval, I'll be focusing on other things. But hopefully I'll be back to blogging in January. In the meantime, we sure appreciate your prayers!
God bless.
God bless.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
What It's Like...
Recently I came across something I wrote several years ago. It was when I was very ill and didn't have any answers yet. I thought maybe you could relate. And I thought maybe it would be something you could share with friends or family to help them understand a little better.
I praise God for how far He's brought me! But I still need Him every day. And He's still here for me, every day.
Here's there for you too.
God bless.
I’m Walking
“How are you doing?” my friend asks me.
I pause before answering as a thousand thoughts run through my head.
I know my friend asks because she cares, but how can I explain to her in a moment the pain, loss, and struggle I’m going through? It’s not easy to put into words.
How am I doing? How do I really feel?
Well…I’m exhausted, too tired to stand up. Though I’m always resting, I feel like I’ve just run a marathon. My head pounds, and fever burns my eyes. My joints and muscles throb with pain and inflammation. I feel like an old woman, barely able to shuffle through each day. I’m too weak to cry.
This constant pain and continual weakness has led to discouragement and despair. I must accept the loss of my life as I knew it. No more sports, hobbies, or social life. No more work, ministry, or service. Every day I have to watch carefully what I eat, where I go, and what I do, for fear it might be the straw that breaks me. Limitation is my middle name. I am trapped in the prison of my body.
Daily I struggle with hopelessness, the temptation to give up, the fear that things will never change. I feel alone, like an outsider. Always watching others, unable to participate in normal activities. I am reduced to a spectator in life.
Some days I remember that I’m not the only one in this world who is suffering. Others around me have lost their health, a loved one, job, ministry, or something else. I know they are struggling too. Yet we seldom connect. We just float around each other, stuck in our individual bubbles of painful circumstances. Wishing things were different, yet feeling helpless to change the way things are.
Yet in this place, I still cling to hope. Even when I’m too weary to care anymore, I know there is someone who cares for me. His name is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord who Provides. His provision often comes in unexpected ways...little gifts that remind me I am not forgotten, abandoned, or forsaken. He provides what I need just when I need it.
He gives me grace to let the tears flow. He sends a friend who steps into my world and cries with me. At His prompting, someone sends a card with Scripture that encourages my heart. He causes birds to sing outside my window, reminding me to worship. Flowers from a family member bring to mind His care of the lilies of the field. All of these good gifts come from my loving, heavenly Father. Even in the worst situation, He is my faithful provider.
So, how am I doing? I’m living through some very difficult circumstances one day at a time, by the grace of God, held in His loving arms, trusting in His faithfulness to meet my every need. In other words, I’m walking by faith. And though it isn’t easy, it’s the best way to live.
I praise God for how far He's brought me! But I still need Him every day. And He's still here for me, every day.
Here's there for you too.
God bless.
I’m Walking
“How are you doing?” my friend asks me.
I pause before answering as a thousand thoughts run through my head.
I know my friend asks because she cares, but how can I explain to her in a moment the pain, loss, and struggle I’m going through? It’s not easy to put into words.
How am I doing? How do I really feel?
Well…I’m exhausted, too tired to stand up. Though I’m always resting, I feel like I’ve just run a marathon. My head pounds, and fever burns my eyes. My joints and muscles throb with pain and inflammation. I feel like an old woman, barely able to shuffle through each day. I’m too weak to cry.
This constant pain and continual weakness has led to discouragement and despair. I must accept the loss of my life as I knew it. No more sports, hobbies, or social life. No more work, ministry, or service. Every day I have to watch carefully what I eat, where I go, and what I do, for fear it might be the straw that breaks me. Limitation is my middle name. I am trapped in the prison of my body.
Daily I struggle with hopelessness, the temptation to give up, the fear that things will never change. I feel alone, like an outsider. Always watching others, unable to participate in normal activities. I am reduced to a spectator in life.
Some days I remember that I’m not the only one in this world who is suffering. Others around me have lost their health, a loved one, job, ministry, or something else. I know they are struggling too. Yet we seldom connect. We just float around each other, stuck in our individual bubbles of painful circumstances. Wishing things were different, yet feeling helpless to change the way things are.
Yet in this place, I still cling to hope. Even when I’m too weary to care anymore, I know there is someone who cares for me. His name is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord who Provides. His provision often comes in unexpected ways...little gifts that remind me I am not forgotten, abandoned, or forsaken. He provides what I need just when I need it.
He gives me grace to let the tears flow. He sends a friend who steps into my world and cries with me. At His prompting, someone sends a card with Scripture that encourages my heart. He causes birds to sing outside my window, reminding me to worship. Flowers from a family member bring to mind His care of the lilies of the field. All of these good gifts come from my loving, heavenly Father. Even in the worst situation, He is my faithful provider.
So, how am I doing? I’m living through some very difficult circumstances one day at a time, by the grace of God, held in His loving arms, trusting in His faithfulness to meet my every need. In other words, I’m walking by faith. And though it isn’t easy, it’s the best way to live.
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