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Preparing for international travel
Friends! I’m going to be honest…I’m totally overwhelmed with everything we have going on over the next 2 months!
First, we are hosting a German exchange student through Keegans school. We were hoping to be in our new home and have lots of space for her but the timing didn’t work out so it’s crunch time to GET ORGANIZED in our small home and make space for her! In June, Keegan will go to Germany and live with her. It’s gonna be such a cool experience for him!
So right now we are in clean, pack, and organize mode….but just to make it more complicated, I decided to change the carpets before she gets here. Like I said, I was planning to host her in a brand new home, and when we started cleaning out the spare room to make this work I just didn’t feel good waiting on the carpets until after she’s gone. So we are getting new carpet and will have to pack everything in our bedrooms away, get it installed, and then unpack before she gets here… HA!
Right after we host her, we are all going on international travels. She is leaving back to Germany, Keegan and Patrick are going to Japan with his school over spring break, and my parents and I are going to Europe.
Pretty much as soon as we all get home our new home will be completed and we will need to sign off on it, close, and decide when to move in!
WHEW!!!!
It’s a lot on top of our already busy work schedules.
I’m definitely a planner, and one thing I’ve had to think about is traveling away from home with food sensitivities. Last November Keegan got his food sensitivities tested for the first time, along with a genetic test.
When we acted on the results, the change was immediate and dramatic. He felt better physically, and he seemed like a different kid emotionally. It was like a dark cloud lifted. He was happier, less moody, his gut felt good again…it was amazing!!!
We now have 3 tests that show he is sensitive to Gluten - a food sensitivity test, a stool test, and a genetic test. indicating predisposition.
When I researched being gluten free in Japan, apparently it’s a bit tricky.
I’ll be traveling to Prague and Vienna and it seems like it won’t be as big of a deal.
But for both of us there are precautious to be had.
Here are a few steps we are taking to make sure we stay healthy on our trips:
1) We will print out celiac travel cards.
I you go to this website you can choose which language you need and print out a card that you can show when you get into restaurants that says that it’s important your meal doesn’t contain wheat! Super helpful!
2) We will be taking gluten enzymes.
There are several to choose from, but the one I’ll send Keegan and Patrick with on this trip is Wheat Rescue by Microbiome Labs. The reason I’,m choosing this one for this occasion is because a) the bottle count is perfect for the amount of time and meals they will have while there - one at each meal. b) it’s a more comprehensive product including probiotics and beneficial yeast which will be supportive overall to their guts when on this trip
3) Keeping up on out normal supplements like vitamin C and Glutathione
Those are two major antioxidants that support your body under stress. Travel and flying is stressful on your body even if you don’t feel it emotionally! I personally feel crappy when flying and need to support my body extra.
4) STAY hydrated on the flight!!
I will be very focused on staying hydrated on our long flights!
5) Personally, I will also be ordering a new Vogmask for the long flights.
After my cancer journey in 2019, I am extra conscientious of any toxin exposure and stressor on my body so these are just a few steps I’ll be taking to be prepared. I’ve already gone through a liver support process for a month which should give my body some breathing room and I will be getting some Vitamins iVs before our travels to really give myself that extra boost!
What tips do you have for traveling with sensitivities?
4 Supplements to Help Your Immune System
School has begun!
Which means fall is here and so are all.the.viruses. Whether you want to boost your own immunity, recover from a cold, or just learn for the future, below are my top supplements for supporting your immune system this fall! You may be surprised that things like echinacea and zinc don’t make the list, but those are wonderful as well - zinc is in most over the counter cold remedies and echinacea seems to be popping up in everything as well so I’m assuming you already know about them :)
Bovine Colostrum
Colostrum is amazing! You may recognize the word as the substance that mothers produce in breast milk right after giving birth. This is why breast feeding is so helpful for babies within the first few weeks because colostrum helps build their immune system providing immunoglobulins and antibodies that they need! Mother cows do this as well, and our bodies respond very well to the bovine colostrum as it is very similar to human colostrum. It assists in healing the gut, calming inflammation and supporting your immune system, just like when you were a baby!
Don’t worry, if you are dairy sensitive you can still use colostrum, most people don’t have any issues with this.
Always look for a grass-fed source.
Vitamin C
Yes, sometimes the oldies are still goodies. However, I bet you don’t know that you can megadose vitamin C to give your immune system a big boost and get faster results! Megadosing is where you take 500-1000mg of Vitamin C every 30 minutes to an hour until you hit bowel tolerance (you get vitamin C diarrhea). There is no harm in this and it won’t hurt you, although some people do experience some bloating and tummy rumbles before this happens so if you feel uncomfortable just lessen the dose or stop. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant and boosts your immune system. Megadosing would be helpful in situations like colds, sinus infections, etc….
Make sure you don’t do this with chewables or any form of vitamin C supplementation that provides sugar. Otherwise you’ll be overdosing on sugar too!
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is incredibly important for your immune system! In fact, many people who develop chronic diseases have really low levels of Vitamin D and over 40% of Americans are deficient! While everyone is telling you to lather up with sunscreen, you’re unconsciously avoiding one of the most beneficial health exposures you can get by being outside in the sun. Vitamin D3 is best gotten from direct sunlight. Yes - you heard me - avoid wearing sunscreen and soak up that D! Did you know that your body can produce up to 80,000 IU of vitamin D in 20 minutes of sun exposure? But guess what else - there are safety mechanisms built into your biology (God’s pretty smart) that shut down vitamin D production when you’ve had enough! So don’t go getting a sunburn by any means. Be responsible in the sun and cover up, get in the shade or go back inside. But GET direct sunlight on your skin every single day. Your body absorbs and utilizes vitamin D MOST effectively this way.
Here are some fascinating podcasts on the topic of sun exposure and it’s health benefits. I literally never wear sunscreen unless I’ll be out in direct sunlight in the middle of the day for multiple hours. Otherwise, I do my bet to get as much sun exposure as I can throughout the year!
When supplementing, you CAN overdose, so I would recommend working with a professional or getting your blood checked to monitor your levels if this is a concern for you.
Dr. Mercola interviews Marc Sorenson ( May 5, 2019 episode)
Is sunscreen ok to use? - Wise Traditions episode #193
Chaga
Mushrooms are a fungus and would usually be viewed as a food, but now that they are gaining popularity in everything from tumor fighting properties to immune system regulation and brain focus they come in powders that you can take in supplemental or powder form (mix in a smoothie etc…) Chaga is one famous medicinal mushroom know specifically for supporting the immune system.
I personally love to use Foursigmatic as my mushroom provider because they are very careful about quality, they use a dual extract process so the product has the most benefits, AND they provide you withmany delicious ways to get the mushrooms into your day like my favorite lions mane and chaga coffee, hot chocolates, teas, or superfoods blends. Use code TINYFITDIVA for 10% off if you choose to try it!
I hope this has has given you some new inspiration for the fall season! What immune boosting supplements are your favorite?
p.s. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Countertime beauty regimen!
THE NEW COUNTERTIME REGIMEN SET IS HERE!!!
I recently shared why safer skincare is important to me and why I love Beautycounter and have enjoyed many of their skincare products the past few years…I you’d like to see that post click here.
Beautycounter's new innovative anti-aging line that is a safe alternative to retinol has quickly become a best seller and I have been looking forward to tryin it since I think cancer treatments have taken a toll on my skin (hello aging!)!
Countertime was 3 years in the making and was developed to visibly reverse the signs of aging and deliver high performance results thanks to the innovative Retinatural Complex ( a safer alternative to retinol!!)
The Countertime Regimen Set is a 10 week supply of five products from the Countertime Collection. This set has been getting rave reviews including hoping with even skin tone, hydration and glowing skin!
Check out some of the Five Star Reviews it already has!!
✭✭✭✭✭ Amazing, immediate result
Wow there are no words to describe the fast results of my improved skin. It was visible after only 3 uses of the Countertime regimen. Cannot say enough good things!!! – Jenni L.
✭✭✭✭✭ One week!
In just one week, my skin is firmer, smoother and brighter! I can’t wait to see what it looks like in a month! - Margaret P.
✭✭✭✭✭ Best skin care line ever!
I have never seen results like I have with this line. I have noticeably brighter, hydrated, glowing, skin. I have seen diminished fine lines and wrinkles in just 7 days. My husband has even noticed! Truly amazing! - Ashley R.
The Countertime Regimen includes five products to be used concurrently. The products included are sized to last approximately ten weeks. Here's what you will get:
Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil: Cleansing, reimagined. Inspired by Asian beauty rituals and informed by Japanese technology, this luxurious, lightweight cleansing oil gently yet effectively removes makeup and other impurities without stripping essential lipids from the skin. Rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and our plant-derived Retinatural Complex, the formula reinforces the skin’s fragile moisture barrier for a soothed, nourished complexion. The smell of this is so light and beautiful! It leaves your skin so hydrated unlike many cleansers that can leave you tight and dry!!
Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence: Vital nutrients energize the skin. Lightweight but deeply nourishing, this milky moisturizing essence lends vital nutrients to the skin’s moisture barrier—instantly boosting hydration and radiance. Formulated with our Retinatural Complex, mineral-rich sea water, and a fermented blend of sugars, it renews and balances the skin and preps it for the treatment steps that follow.
Tripeptide Radiance Serum: True radiance, revealed. This transformative rejuvenating treatment visibly increases skin firmness and elasticity, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with a powerful blend of peptides, amino acids, and our Retinatural Complex, it helps enhance the skin’s moisture barrier function to optimize hydration for a radiant complexion.
Anti-oxidant Soft Cream: Protective, skin-plumping moisture. Formulated with our plant-derived Retinatural Complex and nasturtium flower extract, this velvety, revitalizing cream works to visibly plump and firm the skin while boosting hydration. Skin is left healthy and glowing. This can be used as a day cream or a lighter night cream depending on your skin's needs.
Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream: Powerful, regenerative hydration. Supremely rich and deeply hydrating, this cream supports elasticity and visibly firms while smoothing skin texture to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. With continued use, wake up to more radiant, youthful-looking skin. This can be used as a heavier day cream and night cream for very dry skin. It is so thick and hydrating!
Regimen Price: $267 US / $357 CAD (Value: $297 US / $399 CAD) I think a few items and maybe all will last longer than 10 weeks!!
The Regimen does NOT include an eye cream. ( But the Countertime Collection DOES).
Ultra Renewal Eye Cream: Your brightest eyes, reawakened. This high-performance eye cream revitalizes the eye area for a youthful, brighter appearance. With a targeted combination of our plant-derived Retinatural Complex and Persian silk tree extract, it reduces under-eye shadows and crow’s feet for a smooth, firmed look. LOVE this stuff!!
Countertime Collection: includes all six full size products at a 10% discount. The difference between the Regimen and the Collection is that the Collection includes the Eye Cream and the Soft Cream and Supreme Cream are 50ml jars versus 30ml found in the Regimen. The Cleaning Oil, Essence and Serum are the same size in both. I highly recommend the regimen or the collection! Each product has the Retinatural Complex, but also has a hero ingredient of it's own.
Collection Price: $382 US / $512 CAD (Value: $424 US / $571 CAD)
Please keep in mind that there is a 60 day return policy for a full refund, so there's no risk in trying these AMAZING products! I am certain you will love them!! Scroll down to see how you can get even more gifts and discounts!
THE TRUTH ABOUT RETINOL
IS IT SAFE? A lot of beauty brands tout retinol as a safer skin-care ingredient. But Beautycounter is more strict (in fact, Retinol is on our Never List). For us, it’s not worth taking a risk on retinol. Studies show that retinoic acid can have harmful side effects, including being a skin irritant and making the skin sensitive to the sun’s damaging rays. In fact, both the EU and Canada have restricted the use of retinol—the EU cites a “precautionary principle,” which means that if an ingredient has shown evidence of danger to human health or the environment, it takes preventative action (and so should you).
That’s why BC created this plant derived Retinatural Complex, a safer alternative—and the powerhouse ingredient—in our Countertime Collection.
PLANT-DERIVED RETINATURAL COMPLEX:
BAKUCHIOL - Traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic skin-care remedies, Bakuchiol delivers many of retinol’s skin benefits—without irritation.
SWISS ALPINE ROSE - Grown at the highest altitudes of the Alps, this flower is known for its ability to protect itself against environmental stressors like dehydration and helps boost skin’s antioxidant defense.
“Beautycounter’s plant-derived Retinatural Complex, featuring bakuchiol and Swiss Alpine rose, delivers retinol-like results without retinol’s safety concerns. Why? Because beauty should be good for you.” - Gamze Sauzeat, Lead Chemist
HOW RETINATURAL COMPLEX WORKS
It Promotes Healthy Barrier Function. Our skin’s moisture barrier prevents excess water loss and helps protect skin from the environment—and as we age, it becomes depleted. Retinatural Complex helps improve barrier function to maintain the skin’s natural hydration levels (and keep that plumpness going strong).
It Visibly Plumps And Firms Skin. Collagen is the skin’s most vital protein and the cushion that keeps it supple, taut, and wrinkle-free. It’s found in the middle layer of the skin, and its production begins to slow by the time we reach 30. Luckily, it’s possible to visibly improve skin firmness and plumpness. Enter Retinatural Complex.
It Improves Resilience. With age, the skin’s ability to protect itself from oxidative stress is compromised, which damages cells, speeds up the appearance of aging, and leaves skin looking dull and sallow. The targeted ingredients in our Retinatural complex help protect skin and improve radiance.
COUNTERTIME IN THE PRESS
Fast Company: Your antiaging regimen might be toxic. This brand found a safe alternative
WWD: "Better with Age" - Beautycounter to Debut Anti-aging Skincare Line, Countertime. Our new Countertime collection was just featured in Women’s Wear Daily!!!!
The Zoe Report: Beautycounter's New Countertime Line Features The Retinol Alternative You're Starting To See Everywhere
NOT A BAND OF BEAUTY MEMBER YET?
Join today for $29 for the entire year, no auto-renewal or strings attached. It's just our way of saying thank you to our most loyal clients!
If you plan to spend $100 or more today, this is a must! You will receive a FREE Charcoal Cleansing Bar ($26 value and great for your the teens and men in your life), 10% back in product credit and FREE shipping!! Purchase the Countertime Regimen today and receive $26.70 back in credit to put towards the eye cream!!
Choosing safer doesn’t mean rubbing mud on your face or suffering with sub par skincare! Please let me know if you have any questions.
To your health!
Pulling back the layers of gut health
Hey hey Diva friends!
Today I am PUMPED to share some updates with you! Many of you have followed me through my FDN journey with my certification and part of that process was becoming a client myself so I could experience the process and hello....work on my own gut issues!
I recently shared my Journey with H. Pylori and how my testing revealed that i hadn't eradicated it the first time so I needed to go for a second round. While my husband had knocked his out in one fell swoop ( with a shorter protocol while also being less compliant) my gut (as usual) was proving difficult.
I am happy to announce that since I received my last test in April I am H Pylori free! That was step #1 and NOW, I'm finally getting to the ROOT of my digestive struggles.
Your gut is a really intricate web of little bug good and bad. Normally they live in synergy and the good bacteria keeps the opportunistic bacteria in check. Your stomach acid also plays a major roll in not only breaking down your food, but also keeping nasty pathogens at bay.
When there becomes an imbalance whether from stress, poor diet, antibiotic use, or other (check off all of the above and MORE in my history), this ecosystem of opportunistic bacteria begins to thrive where yeast, fungi, parasites, bacteria, and inflammation all creates the perfect environment for the other to thrive and more of ten than not, when one is found awry, others are to follow....
This is what I discovered in my most recent test. Now that I had been on a protocol for a period of time I was finally able to see what was ACTUALLY underneath. Literally. Pathogens like to create and live in something called a biofilm that protect them. Sort of like a spiderweb of protection for them against your mucosal lining. GROSS!
Anyway, when you go on any sort of pathogen protocol a large part of the process is breaking that home up WHILE targeting the bacteria AND restoring your good bacteria through food and probiotics and gut healing supplements.
But I digress.....now that my insides are exposed so to speak, I could see what was really happening....Below are some snapshots of my test results:
WHEW! Ok let's break this down.
1) I have to major parasites: cryptosporidium and cyclosporine. These nasty bugs are what's called intracellular parasites where they have a life cycle of 7 days and weave in and out of your cells causing damage galore.
2) I have an amoeba called endolimax nana - also not great
3) Some bacteria dysbiosis (imbalance between the good and bad)
4) Notice in the Phyla Microbiota the ratio is HIGH. The section explains the ratio between gram negative and gram positive bacteria. You'd like it to be under 1. High ratios like mine are typically found in obese subjects or people who have difficulty posting weight which could potentially explain the difficulty I've been having over the past year in losing weight regardless of how clean my diet is.
5) My beta glucaronidase level is high. This is a marker for detoxification and while I could use a supplement to work on that, the supplement can also lower your estrogen. Since I have historically had low hormones and have been working on increasing them this is a marker I will watch as it hopefully goes down through the process.
6) My SigA is very low. This is your first line of defense in your mucosal lining. It's an immune system marker and mine is low ( but not as low as I've seen!). For reference, below 500 is considered a suppressed immune system response. This is something I will work on through my protocol.
7) A random yeast overgrowth - small, but you don't want that to get out of control!
8) Finally, I'd like to draw your attention to the zonulin marker. I love this marker because zonulin essentially tests you if you have a leaky gut or not. Zonulin's roll in the body is to open the tight junctions between the cells in your epithelial cell wall that lines your gut. This can be cause be eating foods like gluten that have been shown to stimulate zonlulin and cause leaky gut, or zonulin can be increased due to infections because it's other roll is shuttling out the bad stuff.
So in my case, we think the zonulin is so high because of the parasites wreaking havoc. The zonulin is trying to help me by flushing out the toxins as fast as it can.
WOAH BOY!!!! That's a lot to work on. But also very encouraging because several things that have been happening in my body this past year have been SO frustrating when I feel like I'm doing everything RIGHT! This is why it's so important to TEST DON'T GUESS!!!!
I'm on a 60 day parasite protocol followed by a 60 day bacteria protocol ( remember these guys really like to feed off each other!) The protocol will address the parasites, boost my immune system, focus on healing my gut lining, and knock out the extra yeast and bacteria.
In a way, these results make me THANKFUL. I was really getting frustrated with my inability to lose weight, my perfect (literally) diet and my lack of digestion perfection....while SO MUCH has improved for me (energy, sleep, mood, PMS, etc....) I obviously still lave some digging to do.
Many of you may wonder why I don't run to take an antibiotic with results like this! I completely understand that questions and trust me, I've considered the easier, less expensive, and shorter route that that provides. Unfortunately, antibiotics are a large part of why my gut looks like this in the first place. When you use them they not only kill the bad but the good bacteria as well and it's when those good bacteria get low that the opportunistic bacteria latch on. While we can restore health and boost your microbiome we don't know yet if you can ever fully restore your microbiome to it's full glory - meaning - you never ever want to full kill of an entire strain in your body because you don't really know if you can ever get it back!!!
I would also be concerned about taking an antibiotic at this time due to the high level of zonulin which can indicate some inflammation. I don't want to put any fuel on the fire right now so I'm choosing my slow, steady, herbal route complete with nutrition and patience :)
I hope this blog is helpful! It's funny as a practitioner sharing when you have your own struggles. Part of me wants to act like I have it all together for you but in reality who does that serve? The whole reason I became an FDN is because I was seeking to find the cause of all my health concerns including fatigue, bloating and non-existent hormones! Now I'm finally getting the the root of it all and how crappy would it be not to share the process?
I'll keep ya posted :) Let me know if you have any questions below!
All about food sensitivities and getting tested...
Hey Hey there Diva friends!!
Many of you may have seen my recent video talking about my MRT blood test results that showed me several SURPRISING food sensitivities that I have....if not keep reading! (or watch here-->)
"Whyyyyyyy??", "Are you KIDDING me?", "I can't believe I have a reaction to that""waaaahhh that's my favorite." Were just a few thoughts that ran through my mind as I read my results. But THEN it gave me hope. Hope that this is another piece to my puzzle of health...a missing link so to speak that can take me a few steps closer to where I want to be. Let me explain why...
When you are ingesting food that your body then has a negative reaction (sensitivity) to, this causes inflammation and a cascade of stress inside your body whether you can recognize it or not! The thing about food sensitivities is....you often don't "see" them. We are so used to looking at the dramatic examples with anaphylactic shock, hyves, swelling, etc....the only difference with a food sensitivity is it's you can't SEE it, so we often don't put 2 and 2 together, and/or we write it off as unimportant.
See how eating foods you are sensitive to can affect your gut here
For example...since it's not life threatening, shows up within DAYS instead of MINUTES, and can be related to what we consider "normal" things like gas, bloating, a day of bad poop, acne, etc....we often don't think about it or recognize the connection....but long term these "little" sensitivities can affect your hormone balance, immune system and potential, or susceptibility, for chronic disease!
What's even CRAZIER is that the most seemingly benign foods can be causing this which, in my case, is EXACTLY what was happening....
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This (potentially) explains SO MUCH! I had already eliminated the major common allergens - wheat and dairy. I was even pretty low on my consumption of grains and beans! But...after all that, I would still have some issues of bloating, fatigue, etc.... now granted, I've come a long way from the debilitating stomach pains, the kill me now PMS cramps that lasted for HOURS at a time and render me completely useless for the day, the rosacea on my face etc etc.... BUT even with all those amazing improvements I'm on a journey and want to see HOW healthy I can be! Feeling fatigued at the most inopportune times, struggling with getting my hormones back to a desired level.... those are things I am determined to solve...These things brought me to my FDN certification which in turn brought me to the MRT food sensitivities testing and I'm happy it did.
Come to find out, food I NEVER would have considered as being reactive are top on my list when I got the results back. Chicken, carrots, cinnamon, vanilla, blueberries, and avocado were all reactive foods (as were several others but these ones really hurt!). These are foods I eat not just regularly but weekly if not DAILY!!! Even MANY times a day!!! No WONDER I still have some recurring issues... my goodness!
So then - that gives me HOPE! While I have to eliminate everything on my reactive list (including BANANAS and mint!) for 90 days, I also expect to see some great results from that.
Another thing to keep in mind with food sensitivities is that they aren't always forever. When I get retested in 3 months or so, there is the potential that after fully eliminating the irritants and adding some things into my lifestyle and diet to HEAL my gut, the list may be much smaller. That's the goal!
One major reason I think EVERYONE should get this test is because of how HIDDEN these stressors can be! It's tough to detect on your own because not every sensitivity you have would be an obvious or even common one (hello chicken?!), so getting tested gives you a clear path forward.
It's not necessarily an easy thing to do - the test is an investment and if you aren't willing to put in the work I wouldn't waste the money. You HAVE to be willing to go through a mental transformation as well as a physical one because trust me - it can be overwhelming at first. But this I know. You CAN do it, and if you're willing to, I can help you get through it!
If you are interested in getting this test done make sure to send me an e-mail! Or go to my FDNP link at the top of the page to set up your FREE 30 minute discovery call to find out if working together is the right choice for you!
I'm looking forward to helping YOU reach YOUR optimum health goals too!
Bye for now!
If you didn't see my video check it out here! See my reaction, my results, and my PLAN!
When "normal" simply isn't....
How many of you have ever been to the doctor only to be told "The tests say nothing is wrong with you." or, "It's all in your head" or, "there's nothing I can do for you....it sounds like you need an anti-depressant?"
More than likely if you have struggled with extreme fatigue, hormone issues, anxiety, inflammation, headaches, joint pain, or any number of other chronic but not life threatening (well immediately anyway) illnesses you are probably frustrated by similar responses from your physician. You've probably tried several doctors, taken lots of blood tests, and are sick of hearing the tests are "normal". Maybe you have even begun to believe there is nothing you can do to feel better!
I was talking to a client about this earlier, which led to me thinking about this blog post, and then I received an e-mail from my subscription to Mark Sisson's Daily Apple regarding a similar topic - you can read his blog post here. It's cosmic!
To learn more about my journey click HERE
As I go on, I don't want you to misunderstand me, I LOVE doctors. They are skilled and educated people who save lives. Heck, a few weeks ago they saved my finger and thanks to their fast, kind, and careful work pretty soon you may not be able to tell that I caught it in a blender! They have a skill set that is very specific and that is to SAVE your life. Not necessarily to make sure you have an OPTIMAL one in the meantime.
So WHY when you are feeling so bad do your tests come back "normal"? (if they are even willing to give you tests at all. When I asked my doctor in 2015 about testing my hormones she said i didn't need to as long as i was getting my periods regularly....). Simply put if you were able to get tested and you feel like crap but your numbers were "normal" it's because clinical ranges are very broad. And again, doctors are looking for something that is life threatening. Which is FINE - that's why they are there.....
But there is a whole segment of the population that needs MORE. Like me. I knew that I needed hormone support. I knew that something was wrong. I know my body and I know myself and when I feel lethargic, unmotivated, unable to handle stress and TIRED ALL THE TIME, i knew that wasn't "normal".
Through nutrition I have already come REALLY far! I went for YEARS with painful monthly cramping to the point where I would be on the floor in total agony just WAITING for it to go away. I couldn't function and the pain was unbearable. Thankfully it happened frequently and consistently enough that I knew it WOULD go away within a few hours, but it was difficult to take in the meantime.
Subscribe to my Youtube VLOG here documenting my FDN journey to better hormones!
There was also a time I had severe stomach pains - different than the cramps but similar in the amount of pain. I would double over not understanding where they came from - was it an ulcer? What was happening? At the time I thought "well soda is super acidic maybe thats the problem?" So I gave it up for a really long time and sure enough that helped!
Eventually, through a healthier diet and lifestyle both of these issues went away completely. Unfortunately, due to all the years of BAD nutrition AND stress, I still have residual things to heal from and right now my main focus is on healing my hormones and restoring them to optimal, healthy levels. While nutrition has helped TREMENDOUSLY ( I cannot underscore that enough and will come back to it later!) there is extra support needed!
Through the process of searching, researching and learning the past few years.... I found FDN!
FDN stands for Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and when I graduate I will be an FDN-P (practitioner). So what's the difference? Yes FDN-P's still test. Test don't guess! BUT the ranges are very different. FDN test ranges are very small and based on OPTIMAL health. That way we can really see where you ARE, if it correlates to how you FEEL, how far we have to go, and what healing opportunities are available whether it be through organ detoxification, hormone support, digestive support and/or further testing!
One thing I love about the FDN approach is their DRESS for success™ approach. DRESS stands for: Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction and Supplementation.
This approach fits into my personal view that you have to attack health issues from a whole world, whole body, whole lifestyle perspective....if you really want to see a long term change and NOT just treat the symptoms that is!
I won't be certified to test for a few more months. HOWEVER, you can always start on the Diet step TODAY! And I'm happy to help you with that. No matter where you are or what your goals are, nutrition is KEY and if you are using supplements or hormone support they simply will not be as effective if this step isn't already securely in place to support your system and help them do their job! You may even see some awesome results JUST from this step alone!
You might feel embarrassed to admit you feel tired all the time. Maybe your friends give you a hard time about it, maybe you have struggled over and over to lose weight but you just CAN'T. Or maybe you are just annoyed of hearing you're "normal" but you don't feel like that's the answer....let's chat :)
p.s. I'm going to leave this nifty picture here to get your wheels spinning about how much chaos stress in your life can cause in your physical body....AND (more importantly) the areas that you can support, detox and potentially heal through DRESS™!
p.p.s. Message me to chat about nutritional support, getting on my FDN waitlist, or simply chatting to see if working together is a good fit!
