Plant Power:

How plant-based foods are supporting the health of people and the planet

People are more interested in alternatives to meat and dairy than ever.  Plant-based foods not only taste great, but they can improve the health of your plate and the planet! 

1 in 10 millenials are vegan or vegetarian now. We could save 8 million lives (not to mention the countless lives of animals) by 2050 if we focused more on plant food and less on meat.

Research and science have demonstrated that a diet that emphasizes plant-based food can reduce cancer, prevent chronic disease, and help you to manage your weight.

Did you know?

“AICR’s expert report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, found that a predominantly plant-based diet – as in the New American Plate – may reduce the risk of cancer.

Not only do vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other plant-based foods provide an array of cancer-protective compounds, but a predominantly plant-based diet is a powerful tool in weight management. The fiber and water in plant foods gives a feeling of fullness without supplying a lot of calories.

The report concluded that maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer.”*

We have so many wonderful options these days and amazing recipes to power up your plate with the power of plant-based foods.

• Pea protein is so versatile and tastes great in protein drinks.
• Tofu can absorb the flavor of any dish, and is a great protein alternative.
• Algae like Spirulina is a great natural mutli-vitamin and source of quality protein.

Explore plant-based alternatives and how they are feeding the good future in this infographic:

Thanks to our friends at Delicious Living for this infographic:  https://goo.gl/II8T5J

Note: Click on the original link for this article above to see the infographic much larger!

* American Institute for Cancer Research (2017). The New American Plate. http://www.aicr.org /new-american-plate/reduce_diet_new_american_plate_science.html

When did feeling “stressed out” become the new norm?

How did we get here?  And, how do we move out of this chronic state of feeling stressed out?

Unchecked stress can cause worry, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, fatigue, and depression

We have many tools at our disposal, including yoga, meditation, exercise, sleep, nutrition, and community.

How do we stress less?  It might sound cliche, but it’s by finding balance.

I like to think of it as dynamic balance, where one is in a state of flow with life and self.

We find Balance again by:

• A balanced diet (balance carbs, fats, and protein – see infographic above) – Emphasize alkaline food
• Balanced Exercise (try yoga, meditation, walking in nature, hiking, etc.) – Aim for 30 min/day
• By balancing our Energy – swap out coffee (which depletes magnesium levels) for green superfoods

Did You Know?

Balanced cells lead to a balanced body.

Balance = Stress Management

A 1:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium equals cellular balance.

Many people aren’t getting enough magnesium to create cellular balance, and stress depletes your magnesium levels even further.

When our cells are relaxed and in balance, proper magnesium levels keep calcium outside of the inside of the cell, except when it’s called into action.  When we are chronically stressed, we can develop a magnesium deficiency, which allows calcium to stay in our cells, after being called to action.

Check out the original article here for a much larger view of the infographic above, courtesy of Delicious Living.   The infographic contains wonderful information on how to regain balance from chronic stress, which can lead to depletion of magnesium levels, in part contributing to the feeling of being stressed out.

How to Harness Electrolytes for Balanced Health

by Jack Challem

Magnesium

Often overlooked, magnesium is the second most abundant mineral in bone. However, its roles are multifaceted, playing parts in more than 300 enzyme reactions affecting muscle production, nerve function, blood sugar regulation and blood pressure.

Carolyn Dean, MD, medical director of the Nutritional Magnesium Association, points out that muscle twitches and spasms (think cramps or charley horses) are a common sign of magnesium deficiency. The mineral often helps with muscle tightness caused by stress and hyperactive behavior.

Dose: The RDA for adults ranges from 310–420 mg daily. A good target is 400 mg of magnesium daily in divided doses. Too much at once can have a laxative effect.

Your body teems with electricity, albeit at a very low level. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium are your primary electrolytes, meaning that each of these minerals carries an electrical charge that influences how they work and interact with cells.

An electrolyte imbalance or deficiency in these minerals can cause serious health problems, even death. For your heart to beat, calcium sends a charge that contracts your heart muscle, and magnesium sends a charge that relaxes it. When you exercise, you lose electrolytes in sweat, especially potassium and sodium. That’s why smart athletes are quick to replace this loss with electrolyte-containing sports drinks, such as potassium-rich coconut water.

“Sometimes people consume too much of one type of electrolyte, such as calcium or sodium, and not enough of others, such as magnesium and potassium,” says Michael Miles, NMD, of Tucson, Arizona. “It’s important to get enough of the latter through food or supplements.”

Electrolytes have myriad other functions, such as maintaining strong bones and the body’s fluid balance.

Calcium

The body’s most abundant mineral, calcium is mostly found in bone. Bone isn’t a static tissue—old cells continuously get replaced with new cells and fresh calcium. However, some doctors question whether people take too much calcium. Thomas E. Levy, MD, author of Death by Calcium (Medfox, 2013), points out that vitamin C regulates the formation of the bone matrix (minerals and protein) and contends that low intake of this vitamin is a bigger factor in osteoporosis than low calcium.

Dose: The RDA for adults is 1,000–1,200 mg daily, but you can get much of that in foods, including vegetables and dairy. Consider modest supplementation, such as 500 mg daily of calcium citrate or carbonate. Add 5,000 IU vitamin D to aid calcium absorption.

Potassium

You lose a lot of potassium in sweat, and chronically low levels can contribute to hypertension and heart rhythm abnormalities. Unless you eat a lot of fruits and veggies—the richest potassium sources—there’s a good chance you’re low in this mineral. The problem can be compounded by taking loop diuretic drugs, which hasten potassium excretion. And drinking too many sugary cola drinks also depletes potassium, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue and in some cases paralysis. Taking potassium bicarbonate can counter osteoporosis, and it also reduces the body’s calcium loss.

Dose: Follow label directions. People with kidney disease or low levels of the hormone aldosterone, or who take heart medications, should not exceed 99 mg potassium daily from supplements except under a doctor’s guidance. Too much can also cause an abnormal heartbeat and cardiac arrest. Most multi-mineral supplements contain safe amounts of potassium, but the bicarbonate form may be preferred. The richest sources of potassium, however, are vegetables and fruits, and their intake is safe.

Sodium

Too much sodium causes high blood pressure, right? Not so fast. A recent government report downplayed the role of sodium because of conflicting research. Studies going back 25 years suggest that excess sodium is only part of the problem, mainly because only about half of people with hypertension are salt sensitive. Low levels of other minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, may also be contributing factors. And the other half of the salt molecule—the electrolyte chloride—might be a bigger problem.

Dose: You don’t need to increase salt intake unless you exercise in a very hot climate.

Check out the original article, plus specific recommendations by Delicious Living: http://goo.gl/Z43Qgk

High-quality supplements offered by the natural foods industry changed my life. I am very sensitive to artificial ingredients, GMO’s, fillers, and low-quality ingredients (did you know if you are sensitive to something, it can create inflammation in the body – a big no-no!).

When I developed chronic fatigue, I turned to the natural foods industry to seek answers. I began working in the supplements department of a natural foods store, and taking high-quality supplements (I’ve tried hundreds of them to find which ones work for me), and by learning how to eat well, I improved my energy levels and well-being significantly. You can read more about my journey here and in my book, The Memory of Health (see link below).

I cannot take prescription drugs, so for me, having access to high-quality supplements was a game-changer.

In my quest for answers to my health challenges and well-being, I became a Conscious Consumer.

I take them every day, and they make a BIG difference in the quality of my life and well-being. I discuss supplements and holistic living in great detail in my book, The Memory of Health.

You can find my book here.

#LuluAuthor Edie Summers shares advice for those suffering from a chronic condition in her book #TheMemoryofHealth: https://t.co/auyNYL75hFhttps://t.co/hbMcmygIlr

— Lulu.com (@Luludotcom) March 28, 2017

Delicious Living sat down with yoga teacher Heather Peterson, SVP of Programming for CorePower Yoga, to learn her top five yoga poses for stressful, anxiety-ridden days. Relieve tension with these easy poses at work, home, on the road, or at the gym.

Note: Here is the link to the original article on Delicious Living: 

http://goo.gl/bm9oVC

While “feeling stressed” holds a negative connotation, some stress is actually good stress.  This is known as eustress.

If your neighbor’s mean dog starts chasing you, for example, your body releases hormones like adrenaline to help you run away. This type of brief, acute stress helps you manage potentially dangerous situations.

It’s the long-term, chronic stress that is linked to dangerous diseases like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

The following simple yoga poses, suitable for novice yogis, aid in targeted stress relief. “These are amazing poses for calming the mind and helping reboot the immune and nervous systems, which are the key functions in relieving stress,” says Heather Peterson, SVP of Programming for CorePower and yoga instructor. “You don’t need to have any Jedi Master yoga skills—these poses are wonderful for beginners.”

Yoga can put your body and nervous system back into the parasympathetic state of being, where healing occurs.

This is known as The Relaxation Response, and is the opposite of the stress response and what is known as the sympathetic state or Fight or Flight.

While the following poses can be performed one after another, you can do any pose whenever you’re feeling especially anxious. Try holding each pose for 30 seconds or up to two minutes, breathing deeply throughout the duration of the pose.

Child’s Pose

yoga pose – female in sport clothes performing exercise

Cues: Kneel on the floor and touch your big toes behind you, allowing your knees to sit wider than your hips. Lay your torso over your knees and extend your arms forward, palms down. Rest your forehead onto your mat.

Benefit: “We round over computers, children, or groceries all day, and the spine gets an asymmetric compression” says Peterson. In this resting pose, you are lengthening your spine and stretching your hips.

Downward Facing Dog

Yoga posture adho mukha svanasana downward facing dog white background

Cues: From your hands and knees, on an exhale, weight your palms and extend your pelvis back and up, reaching your heels toward the ground to form an upside-down “V”. Activate your arms like you are trying to push the floor away from you. Try bending your knees to lengthen your sit bones toward the ceiling even more for greater stretch.

Benefits: “This gentle inversion is a great way to cleanse the palate of the mind,” says Peterson. Because stress often worsens lower back pain, Downward Facing Dog stretches the entire back-line of the body and your shoulders. Plus, lowering your gaze helps quiet your mind.

Bridge Pose

yoga pose – female in sport clothes performing exercise

Cues: Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and palms down (you should be able to reach your heels with your hands; if not, scoot your feet a bit closer to your pelvis). On an exhale, press your feet and arms into the floor and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Keep your feet and knees parallel, and continue to gaze toward your belly button.

Benefits: In addition to opening your hip flexors, Peterson says this slight inversion “also helps activate your lymphatic system,” your circulatory system that transports white blood cells throughout your body—a boon if chronic stress has weakened immunity.

Leg Up The Wall Pose

Fit young woman exercising to keep in shape

Cues: Sit next to a wall with your legs straight out in front of you. Lie gently onto your back and engage your core to lift your legs onto the wall, with the bottoms of your feet facing toward the ceiling and the backs of your legs grazing the wall. Place your palms out to the side for support. Release your head and neck onto the floor, breathing deeply throughout the duration of the pose. Try holding Legs Up The Wall for 2 to 5 minutes; if your legs start tingling, move out of the pose.

Benefits: “This pose is fantastic for people who have jobs that require being on your feet,” says Peterson. This moderate inversion promotes total body relaxation because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows your heart-rate and stimulates digestion.

Supine Spinal Twist Pose

Cues: Lay on your back with yours arms in a “T” shape and your knees bent, with your feet flat on the floor. Drape your knees over to one side, gazing toward the opposite way. Keep both shoulders rooted to the ground. Repeat on the other side.

Benefits: “A twist is magnificent to reset digestion and elimination,” says Peterson. Grounding and gentle, Supine Spinal Twist is especially stress relieving if you sit all day, as it releases lower back tenderness. “It also cleanses internal organs to minimize immune burden and relieves muscles along the spine to provide deep relaxation,” Peterson continues.

Remember: It’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare practitioner before starting any new exercise plan. And if you have any injuries, it’s important to practice yoga under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor.

Images: Thinkstock

Graphic credit:  http://goo.gl/7sd6lo

Having a positive start to your day can make all the difference! When you wake up feeling positive (or take the steps to get there) it can influence the rest of your day and beyond!

We often treat morning like it’s the starting gate in a championship race. What would happen if you slowed down and took a minute (or even 10) to begin your day more mindfully? Here are some easy ideas.

Let’s look at some positive steps you can take now to wake up and revitalize your mind, body, & spirit!

First, wake up your mind, heart, and spirit by thinking positively:

Today is going to be a great day!

I can’t wait to see what unfolds!

I will bring my best to the table today!

Then, if you feel like it, try some gently yoga poses to wake up your spine and nervous system.

Click here to learn more about which poses can help you to wake up in the a.m.!

Next, here are some more tips brought to you by New Hope Network and Delicious Living to help you slow down in the a.m. to power up the rest of your day!

• Start with a herbal tea or a glass of water and maybe some organic lemon.  🙂
• Remember reasons why you are grateful – this works at nighttime too!
• Don’t forget to eat breakfast to get your body and metabolism going!
• If you don’t do yoga or meditation some days, at least wiggle and stretch!
• Find some positive inspiration: a quote, a morning show, a book or podcast, some music, etc.
• Always seek the sun – it can truly help lift your mood and Vitamin D levels…

You can read more here:  http://goo.gl/7sd6lo

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” 

~ Lao Tzu

Enter to win a free copy of my book, The Memory of Health! 

Do you struggle with health issues like chronic fatigue, chronic pain, chronic illness, or autoimmunity?  Are you still seeking answers?

Are you curious about living a healthy lifestyle?

Are you interested in alternative and integrative health?  Are you curious about topics like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, lifestyle medicine, wellness coaching, self-care, stress management, resilience, and the mind-body connection?

Are you seeking a resource for CFS, other chronic conditions like MS, and mind-body research?

The Memory of Health took me 10 years to write.

It is a memoir and guide to living well, and is a meditation and conversation on well-being.

It covers many of the theories of chronic fatigue, as well as other chronic conditions like MS, RA, etc.

What makes you thrive in the face of great odds?  Are you seeking hope for your condition?

Enter to win a copy today!

Enter Here!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Memory of Health

by Edie Summers

Giveaway ends April 16, 2017.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Enter the #bookgiveaway above, on Goodreads 🙂

If you are interested in getting my book, you can find it at an affordable price on Lulu:

#LuluAuthor Edie Summers shares advice for those suffering from a chronic condition in her book #TheMemoryofHealth: https://t.co/auyNYL75hFhttps://t.co/hbMcmygIlr

— Lulu.com (@Luludotcom) March 28, 2017

My latest book, The Memory of Health, is getting great reviews! You can find it here for 40% off:

portlandwellnesscoach.com/MOH

Here are some of the tactics I used to rebound from ME/CFS, brain fog, and chronic fatigue. 

These tactics – along with many more tactics, as well as links, resources, references, in-depth theories of chronic fatigue, ME/CFS and other chronic conditions – are from my book, The Memory of Health.  What is The Memory of Health?

A memoir and guide to living well. The Memory of Health is a meditation and conversation on well-being. What makes you thrive, even in the face of great odds? What makes you come alive? At the age of 22, Edie developed chronic fatigue after having surgery for a ski accident. While physical therapy was helpful, she had to seek alternative treatment to regain full use of her knee. In the course of seeking answers to her health challenges, she discovered the power of mindful living and became a conscious consumer in her quest for true well-being. Whether you like mainstream, alternative, or integrative medicine as your solution for health and well-being, be conscious of the choices you make, because they matter.

While there are too many to list here – you can check out my extensive book and resource The Memory of Health – here are some of the key ways that work for me (keep in mind that what works for you might be some of these tactics as well as other tactics, although chronic overstimulation may be one of the main factors for most):

• Mindfulness – Mindfulness is the practice of being in the present moment, with great joy (I believe), and no judgment to a situation, or attachment to the outcome.  In the process of writing my book, I also learned that “memory” in its original form means mindfulness, or a lucid state of being.  When I first came up with the title for my book, The Memory of Health, I was referring, literally, to the memory of being well.  Little did I know, that this meaning would come full circle.  In the memory of remembering what it’s like to be mindful of our well-being, moment to moment, we have a greater opportunity to recapture the feeling of being in Flow.  Mindfulness is a huge topic, and it has many esoteric and practical meanings and uses. It’s also something we could all benefit from to practice more.  I use mindfulness and awareness to lessen the gap between my symptoms and well-being.  What does this mean?  It means that anytime I experience a symptom, I check in and reduce or remove the source of that symptom.  This removes stress and allows my body to relax and heal.  Along the same lines (but different) is using the Gupta Amygdala Retraining Program.  It literally teaches you how to retrain your amygdala to eliminate one of the main sources of fatigue. I am currently using this program to heal at the deepest level and stay well and thriving.
• Yoga/Mind-Body Fitness – Yoga can keep your body in what’s known as the Relaxation Response, which is the opposite of the stress response.  This can literally help your body to reboot and help your nervous system to relax and heal.  The Relaxation Response takes you deep into the parasympathetic state (the opposite of the sympathetic state also known as Fight or Flight).  In this state, digestion returns, immunity goes up, and much more.  Yoga can affect and strengthen what is known as vagal tone, measure by heart rate variability (HRV).  The more variable your heart rate, the healthier you are.  There is much more I could say about yoga and meditation.  You can read much more about the healing effects of yoga, mind-body fitness like QiGong (energy cultivation) and meditation in my book and beyond.  Do yourself a favor and explore these healing arts & practices.
• Deep Nutrition – What we eat has a  profound impact on our health and well-being.  While I believe the most important is our state of mind, what we eat does make a difference.  There is much I could say on this subject (and do so extensively in my book), but the main point for this blog is for you to realize that if you are consuming foods you are sensitive to, this may be contributing to your symptoms.  Please see “Reducing Irritants” coming up in this blog to learn more about how they may influence your health and well-being.  Of course, real, fresh, organic, and non-GMO food (when possible) can go a long way toward raising your vitality and nutritional levels in your body.
• High Quality Supplements – Along the lines of eating real, fresh food, is considering taking supplments that may suit your current situation.  Please talk to your practitioners as well, to get their expert points of view.  High-quality supplements (note: they are supplementing your diet and lifestyle, and are not a substitution for eating and living well), can be game-changers in tipping the ball in your favor.   Along with focusing on fresh organic food, I have found key supplements that help me to stay well, such as extra-strength turmeric to fight brain fog, food-based multi-vitamins, and superfoods like acai and Hawaiian grown Spirulina offered in supplement form to keep me feeling good.  In fact, in my quest for answers to my health challenges, I found and explored the natural foods industry.  I cannot take prescription drugs, so for me, finding high-quality food and supplements offered by this industry changed my life.  Many people become conscious consumers in their quest for well-being.
  

• Deep Self-Care – Again, huge topic.  But, so many people who are sick have learned on some level to not put themselves first.  Putting yourself first and making self-care a priority can be a game-changer for your well-being.  It was for me.  Consider scheduling in time on a daily basis – i.e. build self-care rituals into your daily life/treat self-care like you would eating, sleeping, and brushing your teeth – such as yoga, meditation, spa visits (or do them at home), preparing good food and eating well, spending time with loved ones, and scheduling in lots of down time.  I balance up time with down time.  This makes all the difference in the world for me.   I wish the same for you.
  
• Targeting Brain Fog – This is a huge topic, and I can’t cover it all here.  But, here are some of the situations that may lead to brain fog:  lower oxygen levels, muscle tension, hormonal imbalance, low B vitamin levels, and chronic inflammation, activated microglia (see both of these topics coming up in this blog).  A few of the key ways I fight brain fog are using mint, extra strength turmeric/turmeric milk, DMAE, and Fo Ti.  Always consult your practitioner before taking anything new.  In the end, it’s primarily your decision, I believe, but it’s good to get input.*
  
• Reducing Irritants – As I mentioned above, certain foods, as well as other chemicals, may be irritating your system.  This may lead to inflammation in your body.  When this is a recurring situation, i.e. you keep consuming or are continuously exposed to an irritant (even synthetic perfume, as another example), your body may go into a chronic inflammatory state.  This state is where chronic illnesses arise.  Pay attention to what may be irritating your body and producing symptoms.  See if you can reduce or remove the irritations to give your body a break.  Irritants can lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to chronic fatigue & chronic illness.
  
• Chronic Inflammation – Chronic inflammation is one of the main bio-markers in any chronic condition.  While I won’t go into much detail here (see my book for a detailed discussion on how this state can impact many conditions including CFS, MS, RA, etc.), one main way I experienced fatigue was through an activated immune system, which is tied to chronic inflammation.   An activated immune system may, in some cases, contribute to that feeling of brain fog, through the activation of the brain’s immune cells, the microglia.  See The Memory of Health for more discussion.  Also of importance is to note that where there is chronic inflammation there is often chronic fatigue. 
  
• Community – My one, main wish is that you make seeking Community your first mindful act.  If you feel you can do nothing else, seek community.  We are social creatures, and we need love and support to heal and thrive.  It also contributes greatly to what is known as resiliency.  Chronic illness can be isolating.  Find a way to get and stay connected.  Your life, health, and well-being may depend on it.
  

There is so much more I could go into, but that takes a whole book, which is why I wrote it.  There is much to consider when looking at your own particular situation.

For example, another huge topic is that many people with chronic conditions and fatigue syndromes may not be detoxing properly (poor methylation), leading to symptoms.  I emphasize eating greens, plant foods, and low sugar, along with taking a few key liver supplements (like Liverite & one from NOW brands) to help me detox and methylate properly.

So, while I cannot address all topics and possible solutions here, I attempt to address many of them in my book.  Please note that I am sharing what works for me.  Your situation is unique, and there are many factors to consider.  However, I hope you find a way to keep hope alive and keep seeking answers until you find what works for you.

Many of you have expressed great interest in my book (which is getting rave reviews) but also expressed that you currently have a limited income, and simply cannot afford $24.99.

I have made it available exclusively via Lulu.com at an affordable price, the same as most paperbacks.

You can get my book on Lulu for only $14.99 on Lulu.com.  Please consider leaving a review there and on Amazon.com as well, if you have the energy:  https://t.co/2jgHlN2WVM

Find out how I recovered from chronic fatigue and a chronic condition. Exclusive & affordable $14.99 on Lulu only: https://t.co/2jgHlN2WVM

— Edie Summers (@ediesummers) March 26, 2017

Here are some of the review for my book (maybe you will leave one too – much appreciated!):

Really great book! Equal parts raw memoir, practical suggestions, and positivity. The book itself is a fantastic read, but the list of resources at the end of the book is worth the price of this book alone! If you purchase the electronic book, be sure to click on all the links provided. There are many, many hours of extra information contained in practically every link, so when you take that into consideration, this book is a STEAL for all hundreds of hours of information and resources you get out it it!

Edie Summers has authored a Book of Deep Healing wisdom for each and every soul to drink and marinate in the Exquiste jewels of conscious awareness on so many layers and levels. I was completely captivated by the rich cohesiveness she shared with her audience in so many art forms via poetry, storytelling, quotes, photos, teachings; and most magnificently captured in the raw vulnerability of her life story, which cuts one’s soul open to it’s core Essence…with the very Powerful realization that even the darkness is a Gift. I walked away from reading the “Memory of Health” with a beautiful inspired vision of aligning with the Tao temple within my soul, heart, mind, and body eternally—and look so forward to rereading this amazing work over and over again to soak up all the wisdom which was so beautifully shared with her readers…

Man Meditating on a Rock at the Beach — Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

Looking for more tips relevant to your particular situation with chronic fatigue or chronic illness?

Check out my book and resource, The Memory of Health.  I cover most of the theories of chronic fatigue, and offer extensive tips and resources to move toward well-being.  No matter your circumstances, I believe there is hope, and hanging onto hope is crucial to your recovery.

Are you a wellness warrior?  Write to me and tell me your story.  I may just feature you on my blog, radio show, and on my FB pages:  [email protected]

Don’t Ever Lose Hope

Never Give Up.  Don’t Ever Give Up.  Don’t Ever Lose the Light From Your Eyes.  ~ My Dad

Whatever your current circumstances are, don’t ever give up.  People heal and move on all the time.

Wishing you much peace, healing, and light on your journey.

Edie Summers xox

Edie Summers is an author, consultant, yoga instructor, and top-rated radio host.  She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Health Psychology, and certifications in Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition.  She hosts the top-rated radio show, The Wellness Coach, on BlogTalkRadio, where she interviews experts, leaders, and celebrities on health and well-being and runs the popular page on Facebook, Chronic Fatigue Support:

You can find them both here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewellnesscoach

https://www.facebook.com/ChronicFatigueSupport/

#LuluAuthor Edie Summers shares advice for those suffering from a chronic condition in her book #TheMemoryofHealth: https://t.co/auyNYL75hF https://t.co/hbMcmygIlr

— Lulu.com (@Luludotcom) March 28, 2017

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  I am not diagnosing, treating, or prescribing.

Here is the link for this image and the original article from Delicious Living on this important topic:

https://goo.gl/S34Mpq

New research suggests that anthocyanins, the nutrients that give the corn its lovely blue color, may also help protect against metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

I love anthocyanins.  It is part of what makes one of my favorite foods and supplements so powerful:

Hawaiian blue-green Spirulina

Now, there is reasearch suggesting that this powerful blue pigment may help protect against some of our more powerful foes in terms of staying well:

Diabetes

Heart Disease

Metabolic Syndrome

Cancer

Blue corn has been popping up as an ingredient everywhere from tortilla chips to breakfast cereal. Intriguing new research suggests that anthocyanins, the nutrients that give the corn its lovely blue color, may also help protect against metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. The study raises interest in using blue maize as a component of functional foods and nutraceuticals, foods that contain a medicinal benefit.

The study was published in the Journal of Medicinal Food. Researchers from Universidad Veracruzana, Instituto Tecnologico de Veracruz and Unidad Oaxaca/Calle Hornos in Mexico, fed rats a high-sugar, high-cholesterol diet. The group of rats that also ate blue maize extract had a significantly smaller increase in abdominal fat compared to rats that didn’t get the blue maize extract. The rodents that were given the blue maize also showed significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, compared to the rats that didn’t get the extract.

“Anti-obesity food materials are always in demand, and this study brings out not only the importance of blue maize in controlling adipocity, but also the potential role of cholesterol in the development of obesity,” Journal of Medicinal Food Editor-in-Chief Sampath Parthasarathy, MBA, PhD, Florida Hospital chair in cardiovascular sciences and interim associate dean, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, said in the publisher’s release about the study.

Apparently, the Hopi people were way ahead of the scientific curve. In their tradition, blue corn represents a long life. Hopi men ate blue corn before leaving on long journeys, believing it gave them great strength.

Again, here is the link for the original article from Delicious Living on this important topic:  https://goo.gl/S34Mpq

Why does being a conscious consumer matter?  There are many reasons:

Better quality of food, fair trade and practices, food sustainability, knowing the origins of your food and supplements (also known as traceability)

There’s no doubt about it: We’re waking up to the importance of how we nurture our bodies and our health. Today, good food renegades are lighting fires of passion across the nation, leading the way toward a new kind of food system—one that prioritizes quality, access and transparency. In this exclusive eGuide, we explore the biggest issues facing the food industry today, and the partnerships, initiatives and innovations that are developing solutions for a healthier tomorrow.

#NewHopeBlogger

High-quality supplements offered by the natural foods industry changed my life.   I am very sensitive to artificial ingredients, GMO’s, fillers, and low-quality ingredients (did you know if you are sensitive to something, it can create inflammation in the body – a big no-no!).

When I developed chronic fatigue, I turned to the natural foods industry to seek answers.   I began working in the supplements department of a natural foods store, and taking high-quality supplements (I’ve tried hundreds of them to find which ones work for me), and by learning how to eat well, I improved my energy levels and well-being significantly.  You can read more about my  journey here and in my book, The Memory of Health (see link below).

I cannot take prescription drugs, so for me, having access to high-quality supplements was a game-changer. 

In my quest for answers to my health challenges and well-being, I became a Conscious Consumer. 

I take them every day, and they make a BIG difference in the quality of my life and well-being.  I discuss supplements in great detail in my book, The Memory of Health.

You can find my book here.

DAILY BODY RESTORE®

Note to Readers:

This is a sponsored post. I have been compensated through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. All opinions remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What is Daily Body Restore?®

In a nutshell, it is nine (9) different probiotics and ten (10) digestive enzymes in one very special and powerful formula.

The folks at DBR also hire independent labs and universities to study their specific formulation.

Many famous folks and celebrities are loyal clientele.  I can see why…

This is one of the most – if not the most – powerful enzyme/probiotic formulas I have tried.

It’s subtle, but powerful, and I believe the effects are cumulative.

I found my personal right dose amount (usually 3/day) to help my body regain and maintain balance and the upper edge.

When you are battling health challenges, this is no small thing.  🙂  I feel stronger, healthier, and more balanced.

I personally started with 3-4 per day and then tapered down to a maintenance dose of 2-3 per day.

The wonderful people at Daily Body Restore want to talk to every person who tries out their product to help you to maximize your experience of taking the product. 

Contact them directly on their website to get set up with an expert.

From the Daily Body Restore® website:

The word “system” is defined as: sys·tem/?sist?m/

Noun: 1.A set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, in particular.
Since the “Digestive System” is viewed as a set of connecting parts forming a complex whole it was important to us to have Bifidobacterium strains and species that are predominately found in the large intestines and Lactobacillus strains and species that are predominately found in the small intestines.

Digestive Enzymes are in the saliva and throughout the gastrointestinal tract.

So, what are enzymes and probiotics anyway?

DID YOU KNOW?

Probiotics are also responsible for 70% of our immune system, which is actually part of our digestive tract!  When you fortify your immune system, you may naturally give your body the support and upper edge it needs to thrive and achieve dynamic equilibrium.

Check out their website here:

http://www.dailybodyrestore.com

Try Daily Body Restore® and use the discount code for US readers – DBRINTRO  – allows first time purchasers to receive 33% off purchase price (normal price is $29.95 – price is $20 with discount code).*

Here is a comparison of Daily Body Restore® to some other popular brands:

Here is more information goodness from the Daily Body Restore® Website:

WHAT IS DAILY BODY RESTORE® PROBIOTICS?

Daily Body Restore® (DBR™) is a patent pending probiotic supplement that combines probiotics and digestive enzymes to help restore your body’s good bacteria, absorption of targeted nutrients which helps support digestive and immune health.* Developed by Kim Shafer for her family.

Their formulation naturally helps to support a healthy digestive and immune system.  Their 10 digestive enzymes help break down nutrients in food so that your body can easily absorb them. The 9 probiotics provide GOOD bacteria that targets multiple areas of the digestive system.

THE NEED FOR DAILY BODY RESTORE®

There are thousands of probiotic strains and species. Each one has a different function.

DBR™’s founder, Kim Shafer, developed this very special formula for her family. She and her family had some health issues that certain enzymes and probiotics seemed to improve. The problem was that Kim had to buy multiple types of probiotics and digestive enzymes which was expensive and required taking a lot of supplements daily. Most if not all of those products had ingredients that Kim didn’t want. Ultimately a decision was made to formulate everything that she wanted but without artificial colors, flavors, dairy or gluten.

The digestive system has several parts working as a whole. In Kim’s opinion, absorbing nutrients from the food that we eat is as important as supplementing our good bacteria.

Digestive Enzymes help to break down and absorb nutrients from foods. She wanted to combine the multiple enzymes, two types of strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium) and multiple species of both probiotic strains. Kim wanted to supplement good bacteria in the small and large intestines.

Ultimately – in order to get what she wanted – required using 19 ingredients (10 Enzymes and 9 Probiotics) to create the special formula of Daily Body Restore.

Case Study and Research on Lowering Cholesterol:

A recent study shows that Daily Body Restore® (DBR™) was effective in lowering blood cholesterol up to 78 percent in an experimental animal model. Daily Body Restore® is a patent pending probiotic supplement that combines probiotics and digestive enzymes to help restore good bacteria. DBR™ improves the absorption of targeted nutrients, which supports digestive and immune health.

You can check out the study here:

http://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-016-0945-2

*DBR™ is committed to offering discounted pricing to those that are active or retired public service employees and to approved customers that have a limited income.  Contact them directly on their website for more details. 

Dear Reader:

I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.

Do you suffer from pain, chronic pain, or Fibromyalgia?I was given a bottle of Rejuvenation Lotion from The Fay Farm to try out.  I have to say, this lotion is amazing for pain!  It also smells great!

I was given a bottle of Rejuvenation Lotion from The Fay Farm to try out.  I have to say, this lotion is amazing for pain!  It also smells great!

I found this lotion consistently therapeutic for a chronic pain condition.   I’ve had a knee injury that has taken a long time to heal.  While it is healing, there has been low-level chronic pain associated with it.

Using this lotion has provided consistent relief from not only my knee pain, but other aches and pains that I experience from time to time.  This lotion has many fabulous ingredients, including hemp oil extract and magnesium oil.

I have always wanted to try magnesium oil, as I have heard that it helps with pain, and perhaps other symptoms as well.

It has been wonderful to try magnesium oil in this fabulous lotion, made with organic and top-quality ingredients, that are also skin and environmentally friendly.

As I mentioned, this lotion also smells great and is highly moisturizing!

You can check out the Rejuvenation Lotion and  The Fay Farm here.  Btw, they are offering a discount code of “chronic” if you’d like to use it and live in the United States.  This will provide you with a small discount and free shipping!  Check out their website here:

http://thefayfarm.com/

Here is a description of the Rejuvenation Lotion from their website:

“Our Rejuvenation Lotion is made with all organic ingredients and is paraben and phthlate free. Great for use on sore, aching muscles. Loved by people suffering from fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, neuraopathy and other deep joint and muscle pain. Magnesium Oil provides deeper relief. Our Rejuvenation was developed alongside the consultation of fibromyalgia sufferers, small fiber neuropathy sufferers and multiple sclerosis sufferers. After many batches, we came up with a product that provided relief for all in these groups. We hope you enjoy our Rejuvenation Lotion as much as we’ve enjoyed making it for you!”

Ingredients: Purified water, hemp oil, grape seed oil, apricot kernel oil, emulsifying wax, stearic acid, argan oil, white sesame oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, magnesium, essential oils, 200 mg. hemp oil extract, fennel, licorice, turmeric, valerian, gluconolatone, and sodium benzoate (a certified natural preservative).

The Fay Farm is dedicated to creating quality natural body care products. We offer an extensive line of natural shea body butters as well as our highly acclaimed Healing Hemp Salve, which is an excellent natural treatment for Psoriasis, Eczema, Ichthyosis, Contact Dermatitis, itching skin, burn care and bug bites. Our Warming Muscle Rub has been used for the relief of sore muscles, rheumatoid arthritis, cluster headaches, migraines, and as a pre- and post-workout balm.  None of our products contain parabens, alcohol, mineral oil, or phthalates.  We use our products on ourselves and loved ones and only craft our products with all natural, organically-sourced materials!   http://thefayfarm.com/

They have some pretty cute goats on their farm too.  Check it out 🙂

You can check out the Rejuvenation Lotion and  The Fay Farm here.  Btw, they are offering a discount code of “chronic” if you’d like to use it and live in the United States.  This will provide you with a small discount and free shipping!  Check out their website here:

http://thefayfarm.com/

A monthly care package

for chronic-illness fighters!

Dear Reader:

I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.

I received this wonderful care package from Spoonies Essentials Box.  You can check out their website here: http://spoonieessentialsbox.com

What is the Spoonie Essentials Box?  Here is a description from their awesome website:

The Spoonie Essentials Box is not just a beauty box, it’s a box inspired by spoonies, just for spoonies! Each month our CEO Brittani, a Spoonie, carefully selects products, goods, and services built around the culture of being an

Each month our CEO Brittani, a Spoonie, carefully selects products, goods, and services built around the culture of being an invisible-illness warrior & chronic disease ninja! Our CEO’s selections are intended to support us spoonies on the bad days, compliment us on the good days, and enhance our always amazing infusion or hospital stay-cations!

Our CEO’s selections are intended to support us spoonies on the bad days, compliment us on the good days, and enhance our always amazing infusion or hospital stay-cations!

“Inspired by you, just for YOU:

Whether you’re surviving chronic-illness or know someone who is, hand selected gifts of new health & wellness products, cute comforts, inspiring words, DIY projects or more … “

The Spoonie Essentials Box is built with you in mind. Each box is curated to nourish the mind, warm the heart, comfort the soul, fuel the body, and brighten the day of every Spoonie subscriber! The Spoonie Essentials Box celebrates EVERY birthday and adheres to EACH dietary and or medical restrictions.

Each month, the Spoobie Essentials Box will be centered around themes unique to invisible-illness such as “NAMA-STAY in BED”, “Pill Popper”, “Save the Spoons”, “Pillows & Pajamas”, “Certified Big Spoon”, and many more. 

-SEBCeo Brittani

Check out my unboxing of the monthly care package – it’s pinned to the top of my FB Page: Chronic Fatigue Support.  If it’s not there, check the videos section for my page.  🙂

The theme was “Self-Love” – check out future themes like “Netflix and Ill” theme:  https://www.facebook.com/ChronicFatigueSupport/

Here is the box after I unopened it.  So many wonderful, caring, uplifiting, inspiring, and comforting items reminding me to take care and practice self-love!

Check out one of my favorite items: this awesome beverage container.  Yes, you are chronically fabulous.  🙂

Here is a close up of some of the items, like the amazing-smelling bath salts, chocolate from barkTHINS, and the awesome, comfy socks that are pink. Did I mention I love pink yet? 🙂

They also included paints and a paint brush for the creatively-minded warrior…how completely awesome and lovely!

I am a big believer in the concept that being creative and engaged creates positive neurochemicals and neurotransmitters that help create well-being.  Creativity can also help put us into The Relaxation Response, where healing occurs.

Check out the Shea Butter Lotion Bar as well.  It smells simply divine!

They included some treats too, like Tazo Herbal tea, garden veggie heart chips, organic gummy bears, and did I mention chocolate? Treats are good for the soul, which in turn, is good for the body.  🙂

Another one of my favorite items is this amazing, inspired piece of jewelry – two spoons and a heart-shaped lock – from Chronically Jewelled.  Simply precious!

Also included was this DIY stich kit from hope the black dog:

There were many inspiring quotes and stickers as well, including an awesome quote from Demi Lovato:

“I think scars are like battle wounds – beautiful in a way.  They show what you’ve been through and how strong you are for coming out of it.”

This is my favorite love-note of all.  I am a huge believer in putting yourself first and practicing deep self-care.  It makes all the difference!

Give yourself or your loved one the gift of a monthly self-care package to remind you or them to take care and know they are loved.  Uplifting gifts and easy to do DIY projects like painting, etc. can keep our minds, souls, and hearts engaged and keep us a bit more connected to the world at large.  Fantastic gifts and concept, thank you!

With love,

The Wellness Coach

Edie Summers xox