This topic is the thread that tied the last decade of my life together. The more noise those of us affected can create, the more unwitting victims can be helped.
The increasingly common, and often hidden toxin has been underestimated for far too long. Relegated to a mere nuisance for those with overt allergies or sensitivities, mold lurking in the basement, behind paint and baseboards, in AC ducts, and under carpets may be wreaking more havoc on your health than you realize.
Though misunderstood by many—even in the medical field—there is a difference between mold toxicity and a mold allergy. A mold allergy is what my husband experienced when we pulled off the door frames and found ourselves face-to-face with Stachybotrys, i.e., black mold. An allergy elicits an immune response that usually manifests with symptoms in the sinuses and lungs. This response is typically an acute one (at least on the surface) that subsides when a person removes himself from the proximity of mold.
Read MoreThis topic is the thread that tied the last decade of my life together. The more noise those of us affected can create, the more unwitting victims can be helped.
The increasingly common, and often hidden toxin has been underestimated for far too long. Relegated to a mere nuisance for those with overt allergies or sensitivities, mold lurking in the basement, behind paint and baseboards, in AC ducts, and under carpets may be wreaking more havoc on your health than you realize.
You've heard me mention this word before - neuroplasticity. It is the brain’s ability to change and form new neural networks. So what does that mean exactly?
Imagine a well-trodden path through the woods that leads you through your day...
Those of you following me on Instagram may have heard about the month-long, infection-busting protocol my son and I are in the midst of completing. In addition to taking heavy doses of herbal supplements (like maitake mushrooms, olive leaf extract, and many more), we're on a very limited diet in an effort to avoid as much unnecessary inflammation as possible. Cooking becomes a bit challenging without grains (with the exception of rice), dairy, nightshades, nuts, coconut, soy, legumes, chocolate, coffee, eggs, ferments and sweeteners (including maple syrup and honey).
Read MorePicture yourself waiting for an elevator late at night, all alone in a quiet building. You push the button and search inside your bag for your keys as your mind wanders through any number of busy thoughts. Suddenly the elevator door opens and you're startled to see a strange man, who for some reason, makes you afraid...
Read MoreHope for the best, but plan for the worst. That way I won't be disappointed. That way I hold on to a sense of control. That way I don't risk failure.
Read MoreHave you ever had that feeling in the pit of your stomach when faced with a new challenge? That gut punch and rapid heartbeat that seem to electrify you at the near mention of an activity outside your comfort zone? I find it happening more and more lately now that I’m no longer “sick”. So many thrilling life experiences were put on hold for half a decade while I found myself increasingly confined to the stability of my own safe little world. Now that I’m really living life again I find that activities I once took for granted sometimes scare the crap out of me.
Read MoreI was drawn to this quote by Dr. Seuss when decorating my son’s “big boy” room years ago. I displayed it proudly above his bed in those adhesive vinyl letters that were so popular (and maybe still are?).
Read MoreAmong the some 88,000 chakras, or energy centers, in the human body, Hinduism recognizes seven major ones that run along the spine to the crown of the head. According to some Eastern traditions, learning how to balance these energy centers can optimize energy flow to fuel and sustain aspects of your life and your body. Let's take a look at location, color and basic connection associated with each of these major chakras...
Read MorePhytonutrients, also known as phytochemicals, are the powerhouse components of plants that give them their wide array of vibrant colors and flavors. We now know that we need more than fats, proteins, carbs, vitamins and minerals to achieve and sustain optimal health. Phytonutrients with their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and disease-fighting abilities are crucial for growth and wellbeing.
Read MoreOne of my favorite sources is winter squash, especially butternut. Its sweet, nutty taste compliments bitter greens nicely and satisfies my sugar cravings. Doesn't hurt that it's an excellent source of vitamins A and C. When I first starting eating it regularly a few years ago I was unsure of how exactly to tackle cutting the thing. Here are my simple tips...
Read MoreWhile the jury is still out on whether or not their private label products are actually 100% GMO-free (see Food Babe's post), they certainly seem to be a company dedicated to pleasing their customers. They offer many products that are free of antibiotics, preservatives and synthetic colors, they are super friendly, and their prices can't be beat!
I thought it might be fun to post some of my discoveries from time to time. Today I happened to have some kid-free time on my hands and decided to inspect the shelves more closely. I wasn't disappointed!
Read MoreBefore moving down south to sunnier Sarasota, Florida, we lived in Ponte Vedra and often ate at a wonderful little organic, raw food cafe in St Augustine called The Present Moment. They gave me permission to post one or two of their recipes when I was there, so I thought I would start with this one. It has antioxidant-rich raw cacao, the ancient Chinese superfruit goji powder, and hormone-balancing maca root powder...
Read MoreActivated charcoal has been shown to combat ingested toxins and food poisoning, prevent hangovers, sooth insect bites, lower cholesterol and even battle acne. On top of all that it can also whiten teeth!
Read MoreIn spite of its name, buckwheat is not actually wheat at all. It's a gluten-free, wheat-free and grain-free fruit seed that is known for its blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects. It is a complete protein, containing all 8 essential amino acids. Taking the extra step to sprout buckwheat helps to breakdown the anti-nutrients and hard-to-digest components of the seed and at the same time, helps to release highly beneficial nutrients.
Read MoreSo now you've made your first batch of homemade bone broth (or at least thought about it) and you're wondering what to do with it?!? For picky kids who don't care for broth or even soup, saturating simple white rice in nutrient dense broth makes a nutritious side dish! Check out the process in action...
Read MoreThe secret ingredient in this recipe is coconut butter. It's creamy texture really adds oomph to these otherwise pretty basic "larabar"-style snacks. If you haven't yet tried coconut cream or coconut butter then you're definitely missing out! I eat a spoonful almost daily to satiate my sweet tooth. In addition to other benefits, coconut butter is rich in lauric acid, which is shown to boost immunity and destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Personally, I prefer coconut cream from Tropical Traditions. Artisana is good as well...
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