In the recent years, our food has become increasingly processed, filled with unnecessary ingredients, and devoid of nutrition. Generations ago, farming the land and eating food that was grown by our own hands was commonplace. Working with our hands in the soil connected us to the earth. We had a true sense of where our food originated and the hard work it took to get it on the table. In the name of convenience, we have traded our health for easy packaged foods that give us little nutrition and value. Genetically engineered crops comprise the majority of the corn, soy, cotton (cotton seed oil), and canola (canola oil) eaten by American’s today. It is estimated that 75% of processed foods on grocery store shelves contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The Danger of GMOs

GMOs are organisms that contain genetic material that has become altered in a laboratory to achieve a desired look or effect. 92% of the corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. GMO foods are often seen as beneficial because they yield bigger crops than non-GMO varieties, but this comes at a high price. When we tamper with our food and try to perfect that which was already created beautifully, we run into problems. Health risks of consuming GMO foods include allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, cancer, loss of nutrition, and toxicity.

Austrian scientists conducted studies that observed the effects of consuming GMO corn on mice. This long-term study showed that mice who were fed the GMO corn had a significant reduction in fertility over 3-4 breeding cycles with smaller litters and a greater amount of mice lost.

Although this is an animal study, it raises concerns in regard to reproductive health in men and women. The Science in Society Archives says, “These revelations confirm a string of previous findings on adverse health impacts of GM food and feed, leave us in little doubt that GM is dangerous and futile. Proponents should stop misleading the public that GM food and feed is safe.”

Glyphosate Risks

Another area of concern includes crops sprayed with Roundup which is the most used herbicide in the U.S. Glyphosate, Roundup’s main ingredient, was patented by Monsanto in the 1970s, and was later marketed as Roundup. The World Health Organization announced that the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that glyphosate is a “probable human carcinogen”.

Evidence shows a connection between exposure to glyphosate and an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. 

Along with GMOs and pesticides, the standard American diet (SAD) is filled with refined foods such as processed oils, sugar, and grains. Chronic disease such a heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death in America. The food we consume each day is such an integral part of our lives that will either feed disease or prevent it with each bite. Although there are many schools of thought when it comes to eating perfectly, one thing that we can all agree on is that we need to be eating real, whole foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Foods that were once innocent such as wheat, for example, have become altered and can cause issues in the body.

Ditch the Refined Oils

Fats have become such a demonized food ever since we were told that fats are harmful for heart health starting in the 1960s. We see grocery store shelves lined with “heart healthy” canola and vegetable oils, but in reality, there isn’t evidence that these refined oils benefit our health. In reality, refined seed oils such as canola, soybean, peanut, sunflower, and vegetable are highly inflammatory and pose a much greater risk for our cardiovascular system than fats coming from animal foods. 

Vegetable oils are taken through a refining process that includes heating the product and using chemical solvents to extract the oil which causes the finished product to become highly unstable under heat. When we cook with these oils, they become easily oxidized and cause free radical damage to our cells when consumed. We are now seeing an increase in heart disease and diabetes in rural areas of India where there was previously a low prevalence of heart disease. It was observed that this occurred after communities like this started to use refined oils instead of their traditional animal cooking fats. 

Stay Away From Fake Meat

In the recent years, there is a growing amount of commercialized pseudo or fake meat options available for purchase. While this may seem like an answer for those who are vegan or vegetarian, they are filled with fillers such as soy, seed oils, synthetic vitamins, and natural flavors. As we’ve discussed above, soy is commonly genetically modified and gives little to no nutritional value. Plants are not complete proteins and do not offer the variety of essential amino acids that animal meat offers. We are also missing out on a variety of B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and fat soluble vitamins.

What Happened to Wheat?

Have you noticed there are lots of different products marketed as “gluten free” in the recent years? Many individuals are now gluten intolerant whereas decades ago, this wasn’t common. One thing that we have to realize is that the wheat of today isn’t the same wheat that was produced yeas ago. Our wheat is now hybridized and sprayed with pesticides making it inflammatory for the gut lining. 

As we mentioned above, Monsanto patented Roundup, which is commonly sprayed on wheat, in the 1970s. We also know that there is evidence that Roundup disrupts our microbiome causing gut inflammation which may explain why individuals are gluten intolerant. Between pesticides and hybridization, the wheat we consume today is heavily altered making it harder for us to digest.

What Does an Ideal Diet Look Like?

Fats and Oils

Healthy fats are an important part of our diet when it comes to supporting our hormones, brain, skin, heart, and digestive systems. When choosing healthy fats to consume, saturated fats coming from animal foods such as butter or tallow are going to be stable without oxidizing easily when cooking. Animal fats are also high in fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, E, D, and K. Raw dairy is a wonderful way to get healthy animal fats into your diet while being full of nourishing minerals.

I also recommend adding fats such as salmon, beef, ghee, tallow, lard, eggs, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and avocados into your diet.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate rich foods include grains, legumes, fruit, root vegetables, and natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup. Carbs are our main source of energy and fuel for the body, brain, and nervous system. Grains such as wheat and rice as well as legumes can be hard to digest for some individuals, but if you prepare them correctly through soaking and fermentation it will enhance their digestibility. Choose organic grains when possible to avoid pesticides.

Fruit is a wonderful way to get vitamins and minerals into your diet to support the immune system, hydration, and energy. Berries such as blueberries are some of the most antioxidant rich foods to neutralize free radical damage in the body from refined foods, environmental toxins, and stress.

Protein

Animal protein such as beef, fish, chicken, and organ meats provide us with complete proteins that supply the necessary amino acids to support our metabolism, hair growth, muscle mass, and more. Protein is truly the building blocks of the body. Organs meats such as beef liver is an amazing way to receive bioavailable copper, iron, selenium, B vitamins, and is one of the highest foods in vitamin A. It’s important to buy quality protein from pasture-raised, grass-fed, and organically raised animals when possible to avoid added hormones or GMO feed.

Conclusion

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to nutrition, nourishing whole foods should be included into our daily diets for optimal health, energy, vitality, and the prevention of disease. When we start making healthy food choices for ourselves, it may seem overwhelming, but I would encourage you to take small steps towards your goals. Start by avoiding processed foods, eat as close to nature as possible, and do what you can in the moment.

Takeaways

• Genetically modified foods contain altered genetic material that has shown harmful to our health.

• Top GMO foods are corn, soy, canola, and cotton.

• Look for the USDA Organic seal when buying foods to avoid pesticides and GMOs.

• Non-GMO on packaging is wonderful, but it doesn’t ensure that the food is pesticide free.

• Glyphosate is Roundup’s main ingredient and has been linked to health problems like non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

• Avoid refined oils such as canola, soybean, vegetable, and peanut.

• Choose organic grains and legumes as they are heavily sprayed with pesticides.

• Eat foods that haven’t been altered and are as close to nature as possible.

Disclaimer:
All information contained within this article is meant for educational use only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease.

Have you ever thought about the air quality inside your home? Many of us may be surprised to hear that the air inside our homes can be extremely toxic. According to the EPA, American’s spend approximately 90% of their time indoors where concentrations of pollutants are often 2-5x’s higher than typical outdoor air concentrations. Because we spend the majority of our time indoors, this is a serious problem and contributing factor in the degradation of our health. The infrastructure of homes, buildings, and schools have increasingly become more toxic because of poor ventilation and chemical off-gassing of synthetic building materials. Indoor air pollution can also come from chemical off-gassing from carpets, paints, furniture, mold, cooking, pets, fireplaces, cleaners, pesticides, and second hand smoke.

According to the EPA, American’s spend approximately 90% of their time indoors where concentrations of pollutants are often 2-5x’s higher than typical outdoor air concentrations.

Those who spend long periods of time indoors such as babies and the elderly, as well as individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, are most susceptible to the repercussions of poor indoor air quality. Health effects related to indoor air pollution may manifest as acute symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, ears, nose, or throat, but long-term effects of inhaling these pollutants can be much more dangerous. Educating ourselves on the types and sources of these contaminants can help us prevent exposure in our homes.

Common Indoor Pollutants

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical gasses that are emitted from numerous products such as paints, varnishes, cleaners, aerosol sprays, dry cleaned clothing, candles, furniture, and carpets. VOCs are released into the air when they evaporate from these sources and are found in high concentrations indoors where there is poor ventilation and air movement. According to the EPA, levels of VOCs have shown to be 10 times higher in the air indoors than the air outside. Acute exposure to these toxins can cause headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, or memory problems. Chronic health concerns from VOCs include damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, according to the EPA. There are many different types of VOCs including formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is commonly emitted from paint, flame retardants found in mattresses and furniture, air fresheners, and cooking or grilling. Health ramifications associated with formaldehyde exposure include an increased risk of certain cancers such as myeloid leukemia and brain cancers. Those who have occupations that utilize formaldehyde such the funeral industry in the embalming process have found to have an increased risk of cancer that correlated with years of continual exposure.

Particulate Matter

Another toxin called particulate matter is a mixture of solid and liquid matter suspended in the air. Large particulate matter are visible to the human eye and include smoke, car exhaust fumes, and smog from industrial pollution. The most concerning particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) are invisible to the human eye and are easily inhaled into the lungs. Particulate matter can make its way indoors from outdoor air originating from industrial pollution or smog as well as start indoors from fireplaces, candles, cooking or cigarette smoke. PM10 and PM2.5 are both small enough to settle deep into the lungs where they can also potentially make their way into the bloodstream. This is concerning for those who are already struggling with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and are put at a greater risk. PM 2.5 is associated with increased risk of preterm birth, low brith weight, increased infant and fetal mortality, reduced lung development and impaired function, increased likelihood of developing asthma, impaired cognitive function, increased lung cancer risk, and so much more.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals such as lead is another type of indoor air pollution that commonly originates from  old paint. If your house was built before 1978, there’s a good chance that your walls were painted with a lead based paint before it was banned from use by the federal government. The issues arise when the old paint starts to deteriorate and causes flaking, dust, chipping, or cracking and those lead containing particles are inhaled. The kidneys take in the greatest percentage of lead followed by the liver and soft tissues of the body such as the heart and brain. The nervous system is the most vulnerable body system to lead poisoning causing loss of memory, poor attention span, headaches, and irritability. Babies and young children are at greater risk of exposure from paint chipping and dust by crawling around on the floor or chewing on window sills or door frames. Keeping paint in good condition will prevent deterioration and risk of lead exposure.

Pesticides

Pesticide exposure in the home include contaminated soil or dust that is tracked in from outside, surfaces that collect and then release pesticides into the air after being sprayed, and stored pesticide containers. Pesticides range from products used inside or outside the home such as insecticides, termiticides, rodenticides, fungicides, and disinfectants. Although spraying for bugs and rodents or using chemical disinfectants is a common practice for many families across the country, it has negative health consequences for us. According to the EPA, studies show that 80% of most people’s pesticide exposure occurs indoors. It goes on to say that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in indoor air in homes. Chronic exposure is known to cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous and endocrine systems.

Mold

Water damaged buildings and homes are a huge source of mold exposure where it can grow virtually anywhere such as carpets, HVAC systems, behind walls, and ceilings. Areas where water is used such as sinks, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers are also common  places where mold has an opportunity to grow and contaminate the air. Mold can also release mold spores called mycotoxins that can cause serious health issues and chronic illness. A common mycotoxin, aflatoxin, is known to be cancer causing, toxic to the liver, and has mutagenic effects on our health when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the skin. 

Mold growth can be hidden and tricky to identify because it isn’t always visible. Many people suffer from Sick-Building Syndrome where they incur mysterious symptoms that are relieved when leaving a building where mold is often to blame. If you suspect mold growth in your home, I would suggest purchasing an ERMI mold test kit to confirm that this is indeed an issue. You can learn more about the ERMI test here: https://www.envirobiomics.com.

Solutions to Keep the Air in Our Homes Clean

Be Careful About What You Allow into your Home

The number one thing we can do for the air quality inside our homes is to become aware of the products we use and what we bring into our homes. Avoid using toxic cleaners, aerosol sprays such as hairsprays and toxic beauty products, air fresheners, candles, and insecticides containing harmful VOCs that are released into the air. Purchase non-toxic furniture and mattress that are free from flame retardants and synthetic materials when possible. Making changes to purchase clean products can feel overwhelming, but I would suggest making small changes at a time. When you run out of a certain cleaner or beauty product, replace that item with a clean version instead of throwing out everything at once.

Air Filters

Using a home air purifier is one great way to keep the air clean inside your home. I personally recommend the brand Air Doctor which utilizes UltraHEPA filtration technology to filter out larger particles such as dust, dander, viruses, bacteria, and mold as well as a carbon filter which will remove gasses such as VOCs. The Air Doctor will automatically adjust to the air quality of your home and will increase filtration when necessary such as after cooking. 

Plants

There are many plants that help to remove the air of bacteria, VOCs, and mold such as snake plants, golden pothos, philodendrons, lady palms, and peace lilies.

Avoid Wearing Shoes in the House

Wearing our shoes indoors makes it easy to track in pathogens such as bacteria and viruses as well as pesticides from lawn maintenance. 

Ventilation

Opening your windows when cooking, painting, or remodeling helps to remove indoor air pollution.

Disclaimer:
All information contained within this article is meant for educational use only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease. 

Daily movement is a foundational piece of our health in order to sustain our physical, mental, and emotional wellness. We often run to the latest supplement or health craze to meet our health goals, but the benefits of something so simple such as taking a walk isn’t on the forefront of our minds. Furthermore, many of us don’t get enough daily movement because of sedentary jobs and the increase in electronic use of television, video games, and cell phones.

According to evidence, a sedentary lifestyle increases our risk of all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and some cancers. Some of the healthiest things we can do for the body are free. Implementing daily movement is an easy way to enhance our health or gain a targeted benefit that reaps a huge return. With that being said, I want to talk about the benefits of movement and why we should be incorporating it in some way or another into our daily lives.

Protective Against Brain Aging and Dementia

When it comes to neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, modern medicine lacks promising solutions proven to benefit cognitive function, but there are exciting outcomes when we take actions to prevent these conditions early on. Interestingly, discoveries have revealed the importance of aerobic exercise on our brain health.

Research has shown that long-term aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, yard work, and cycling have a neuroprotective effect on brain.

Aerobic exercise can be defined as any movement that is sustained for 20-30 minutes and increases the heart rate and need for oxygen. Not only is regular movement beneficial in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, but it is also found to stall progression of these conditions. A random controlled trial involving a large group of seniors observed larger hippocampus volumes, an area in the brain that controls learning and memory, after 1 year of aerobic exercise compared to the control group who were doing simple stretching and toning.

Not only is regular exercise beneficial for those who have cognitive impairment, but there is evidence that physical exercise early in life has a neuroprotective effect for developing cognitive diseases later in life. A study observing a group of women who were active during their teenage or mid-life (30-50s) years resulted in a lower risk of developing cognitive dysfunction later in life compared to women of their age who were sedentary in their younger years.

Cardiovascular Support

Movement is a critical part of maintaining cardiovascular health such as circulation, blood pressure, and the health of our veins and arteries. Our cardiovascular system is the highway of transportation for nutrients, hormones, metabolic wastes, and more. If we don’t have proper circulation, we aren’t going to get nutrients to our cells efficiently. Unlike our arteries, veins don’t use the force of our heartbeat to pump blood through their vessels. They must rely on muscular contraction through movement in order to return blood back to the heart. We see inefficient blood return in the elderly during long flights when their legs swell because of blood pooling in the extremities. Implementing short breaks from sitting has shown to protect our cardiovascular system.

A study done by Indiana University found that 3 5-minute walks can reverse damage done to leg arteries from 3 hours of sitting. Brain fog can also be a sign of insufficient circulation where the brain isn’t getting enough blood flow. Increasing our heart rate through walking, running, or yard work will make it easier on the heart to move blood through the body which supports blood pressure, mental clarity, and protects the heart.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Insulin resistance is a very common metabolic disorder that can lead itself to the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.Insulin is secreted by the pancreas in response to our food being broken down into glucose. Glucose is the body’s source of energy and fuel, but it can’t be delivered into our cells without insulin. If we become insulin resistant, glucose can build up in the blood and cause blood sugar issues.

Keeping our blood sugar stable is important for the prevention of diabetes and is easily controlled by simple lifestyle factors such as nutrition, stress reduction, and exercise. Gentle movement after meals such as walking can taper a blood sugar spike and increase insulin sensitivity. During physical activity, insulin sensitivity is heightened in response to muscle cell contraction which requires extra glucose for fuel. Walking is a simple, but easy way to keep your blood sugar stable after a large meal. At the same time, we also must keep in mind that if we don’t have enough fuel before going to the gym or doing some sort of activity we can have a blood sugar crash because we are using up our glucose stores very quickly.

Hormone Support

Both men and women’s hormones are greatly effected by the type and duration of exercise chosen. Even though it is seen as a healthy stress, excessive training and high intensity workouts can negatively affect hormones and can even hinder weight loss progress. Physical stress causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol and then in turn, can lower sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Elevated cortisol causes us to retain weight in our midsection and if the body is already stressed from emotional, physical, or mental stress, adding extra physical stress isn’t going to benefit us.

Choosing an exercise that is gentle on our metabolic health such as weight lifting, is very important for hormone health, fertility, metabolism, and weight loss. Resistance training has also shown to directly effect testosterone production in men by increasing levels after a workout session.

Mental Health

Many of us use walking as a tool to clear our brains when experiencing a negative emotion. It has been observed that forward movement such as walking and observing our surrounding environment helps us process difficult emotions and traumatic events.

A therapy used by phycologists called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses lateral eye movement and imagery to calm the amygdala in the brain where we store negative memories and emotions. When we are walking and physically moving forward, our eyes are moving back and forth to observe our environment. This forward motion combined with lateral eye movement has a similar affect as EMDR therapy and helps us to process our emotions by quieting our fear response and activates dopamine to induce feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. The physical act of moving forward also symbolizes “forward movement” into the difficult situation we’re facing and works to calm our nervous system.

What Type of Exercise is Best?

When determining which type of workout best serves you, we must consider our overall health and wellness. One of the main factors to consider when choosing an exercise is our overall stress levels. When we think of stress, our minds automatically go to emotional stress coming from work, school, or relationships, but there’s a lot more to stress than just emotions.

Anything that causes the body to become out of balance is stress. Stress can come from a physical root just as much as an emotional root. Physical stress can include things like infections, a broken bone, or even a healthy stress such as exercise. Our body responds to a physical stressor in the same way as an emotional stressor by raising our stress hormones. When we perceive stress, the hypothalamus and pituitary in the brain send a signal to our adrenal glands to secrete stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

This communication and feedback mechanism is call the HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenals) axis. When there are too many stressors in our lives (physical, mental or emotional) we may experience HPA axis dysregulation and an imbalance in our stress hormones. This may cause symptoms such as low energy, feeling wired but tired, stress, panic attacks, burnout, insomnia and more.

Although exercise is a healthy and beneficial thing, if we do it in excessive amounts or with too much intensity, it can cause the body to release stress hormones in response to that stressor on the body. Cardio or HIIT (high intensity interval training), for example, are going to put a much larger stress load and demand more of the body than low intensity movement such as walking. If a client is experiencing HPA axis dysregulation and is also doing high intensity workouts, I will usually advise them to take a break from that type of exercise and implement low intensity movement such as walking or light weight lifting.

All too often, people are burnt out, stressed, on the go, and are doing intense workouts at the same time. When we are under emotional stress and have elevated stress hormones, the last thing we want to do is add additional physical stress by doing intense workouts.

If you have symptoms of HPA axis dysregulation, then I would recommend gentle movement such as walking, stretching, hiking, light weight lifting, or doing a physical activity that you enjoy. In addition, finding the type of workout that serves you best will depend on how you feel afterwards. How are your energy levels? Do you feel energized and motivated to start? If you feel depleted and tired for the rest of the day after your workout, then that’s a good sign that you need to reevaluate your choice of workout.

Listening to your body is key. It’s important to note that cardio or intense workouts are not harmful in themselves, but we must evaluate the state of our health in order to determine what is best for us, personally. I’ve also found that there are times when we are in overdrive and aren’t in tune with our body and we need someone to tell us to take a break or slow down. It’s extremely important to pay attention to the cues our body is giving us to avoid further complications later.

Getting daily movement and exercise doesn’t have to be limited to look a certain way as it can include walking, running, stretching, yard work, weight lifting, sports, and so much more. It’s important to remember that we can gain health benefits from light exercising such as walking just as much as going to the gym to lift weights. Regardless of what it looks like for you, aim to add daily movement into your routine and watch it transform your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Disclaimer:
All information contained within this article is meant for educational use only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease.

Understanding how herbs work and what actions they impart on the body is like stepping into a whole new world! There are many different ways an herb is categorized in order to understand how it may help you with a certain symptom or condition.

This blog post is going to go over herbal energetics, herbal actions, and give you a deeper understanding of herbalism. Learning this foundation of herbalism is powerful information for anyone who is interested in discovering more about what plants can do for the body.

Before we dive deep into herbal energetics and actions, I want to go over a few points that we need to consider when using herbs:

• Herbs are used to gently support the body and work in synergy with its systems.

Plants work to gently balance our body systems in order for the body to heal on its own. Don’t get me wrong, plants are powerful and we have to treat them with respect, but they aren’t going to generate a strong and fast action on the body in the same way a pharmaceutical would.

• Use herbs to support the person instead of addressing a symptom.

We want to look at the person as a whole to consider what they may need instead of isolating symptoms. There may be two people that have the same issue, but one person may need a different herb than the other person because of the many different root causes that come into play.

• Use herbs wisely and carefully.

Just because something is natural, it doesn’t mean it’s always safe for an individual. If you are interested in experimenting with herbs for yourself, take the time to do your own research from reputable herbal resources and start by using gentle, nutritive herbs. Referencing the Herbal Safely Continuum Scale is also helpful. Consulting with your practitioner about which herbs are safe for you is always advised.

Herbal Actions

The first thing you want observe when learning about an herb is it’s action. Herbal actions are going to give you a clue about which body system(s) an herb has an affinity for. This is one of the main ways to categorize an herb. It’s interesting to note that a single herb may have many different actions and rarely is only beneficial for one body system.

There are many different herbal actions, but I will highlight a few of them below:

Tonic

Tonic herbs are going to gently support a particular body system or the body as a whole. They are very gentle and work to improve the overall tone and function of an organ. For example, red raspberry is a reproductive system tonic that works to tone the uterus and the female reproductive system. Other examples of toning herbs include hawthorne which is a heart tonic, nettles as a general tonic for the body, and oats as a nervous system tonic.

Astringent

Astringent herbs cause tissues to tighten while having a pulling and drying effect. Herbs in this category can also help with inflammation in the body. Astringent herbs are great for healing scraps and cuts on the skin because of their pulling and tightening effect on the tissues. This category of herbs is also great to use when someone has leaky gut or gut permeability. The astringent action works to tighten up those loose junctures in the intestine. An astringent herb called horse chestnut is helpful for bulging veins such as hemorrhoids when we’re trying to tighten and tone a prolapsed vein. Other herbs in this category include white oak bark, witch hazel, comfrey, and shepherd’s purse.

Adaptogen

Adaptogenic herbs are going to help increase our body’s resistance to stress or help with the endurance in the midst of stress. Whenever you hear the word “adapt” in adaptogen, it gives us a clue that this plant is going to help us in adapting to a situation such as added stress, a new job, or any change in your life. This category of herbs is going to support adrenal health and improve issues with HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal) axis dysfunction. They also have a normalizing affect on the immune system by balancing our stress hormones. Adaptogenic herbs include ashwaghanda, Siberian ginseng, and eluthero root.

Bitter

Bitter herbs are going aid digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes that break down our food in order for it to be utilized by the body. They have an affinity for the liver and gallbladder by supporting detoxification and digestion of fats. Bitter herbs are wonderful when taken before meals to stimulate enzyme production as well as appetite. They are indicated for bloating, indigestion, and overall digestive support. Bitter herbs include gentian, dandelion, artichoke, and agrimony.

Demulcent

Demulcent herbs soothe and protect dry, inflamed, and irritated tissues in the body. A good example of using demulcents would be in the case of inflammatory gut issues like IBS or Crohn’s disease. Demulcents bring moisture back to tissues just like watering a garden’s dry, cracked soil. They also support the healing of dry inflamed tissues of your skin when applied topically in a poultice or salve. Dry scratchy throats can also become soothed with this category of herbs when drank as an infusion. Herbs in this category include marshmallow, slippery elm, aloe, and corn silk.

Vulnerary

Vulnerary herbs are typically used to help with the skin and healing bruises, cuts, and wounds. They help to protect against infection and stimulates cell renewal. Herbs included in this category are St. John’s wort, calendula, and comfrey.

Herbal Energetics

You will hear the word energetics a lot in herbalism which can describe an herb, a person (their constitution), or a condition or diagnosis.

Constitutions

Before we get into the energetics of an herb, I think it would be helpful to talk about constitutional types and energetics when it comes to individuals and symptoms. When we’re talking about the energetics of a person or health condition, we are describing it using different terms coined by Chinese and Indian medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine there are 5 different elements that comprise everything on the earth, including me and you. Individuals and things may be comprised of different amounts of these elements with some being more dominant than others.

Each of these elements have different characteristics and affect the body in different ways. TCM practitioners believe that there’s an imbalance in one of these elements when sickness shows up in the body.

The 5 elements include:

Wood:

• Body: Liver, gallbladder, tendons, eyes
• Color: Green
• Emotion: Anger
• Flavor: Sour
• Weather: Wind

Fire

• Body: Heat, tongue, pulse
• Color: Red
• Emotion: Joy
• Flavor: Bitter
• Weather: Heat

Water

• Body: Kidneys, ears, bones
• Color: Black
• Emotion: Fear
• Flavor: Salty
• Weather: Cold

Metal

• Body: Lung, nose, skin
• Color: White
• Emotion: Sadness
• Flavor: Pungent
• Weather: Dry

Earth

• Body: Spleen, stomach, mouth, muscles
• Color: Yellow
• Emotion: Pensive
• Flavor: Sweet
• Weather: Damp

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine originates in India where practitioners believe that we are all born with a constitution that ultimately affects and influences our health. For the most part, our constitutions stay the same throughout life, but they can become balanced with food, herbs, and lifestyle choices.

Here are the 3 Ayurvedic constitutions:

Pitta

• Heat, fire, redness
• Great circulation, tends towards inflammation 

Kapha

• Cool, damp, water
• Needs more stimulating, stagnant

Vata:

• Air, dry
• Needs moistening and nourishing herbs

Understanding a person’s constitution will help you to pick an herb according to what that constitution needs. For example, if someone had a Pitta constitution that deals with a lot of heat and inflammation (maybe they have rashes or heartburn), you would want to use a cooling and soothing herb such as slippery elm or marshmallow to balance out the heat.

Tastes and Flavors

When we are describing the energetics of an herb, we are going by its tastes and flavors. Years ago before we had textbooks about herbs, herbalist who were discovering new plants would classify an herb by how it tasted when they put it in their mouth. If the plant made their mouth pucker and tighten they knew that that plant has astringent properties. If it was sweet or mild they knew it would be more of a building and nutritive herb. This is how we first discovered actions of herbs before we even formally knew about them. The taste and flavor of a plant gives us great clues as to what it will do for the body.

There are about 6 different tastes and flavors that originate from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. When you learn these tastes and flavors, it will help you to have a deeper understanding of an herb and how it can help you.

Sour

Affect on the body: Hot, wet, and light

Organs Associated: Liver and gallbladder

TCM Element: Wood

• Sour herbs are moistening to our tissues because they increase saliva
• They are astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant
• Too much sour can also be drying (such as lemon water) so we need a balance
• Helps with lack of motivation and focus
• Digestive aid

Sour Herbs: Lemon

Astringent (similar to sour)

Affect on the body: Tightening

• Puckering feeling in mouth
• Helps to tighten loose tissues
• Healing for external wounds

Astringent Herbs: Black tea, witch hazel, white oak bark 

Bitter

Affect on the body: Cooling, dry, and light

TCM Element: Fire 

Organs Associated: Heart, liver and small intestines 

• Anti-inflammatory
• Helps with excess heat and infections
• Stimulates digestion
• They have a downward energy to keep food moving from the stomach and into the intestines

Bitter Herbs: Artichoke, gentian, dandelion

Sweet

Affect on the body: Wet, cold, and heavy

Organs Associated: Spleen, stomach

TCM Element: Earth

• Building and nutritive
• Lubricates and moistens
• Calming and centering for the nerves
• Nutritive, bland, and can be more earthy

Sweet Herbs: Astragalus root and licorice root

Salty

Affect on the body: Heavy, hot, and wet

TCM Element: Water

Organs Associated: Kidneys and adrenals

• Grounding, warming, soothing
• Supports adrenals
• Restorative 
• Nutritive
• Strengthening for bones and teeth
• Mineral-rich, great for hair, skin, and nails

Herbs: Nettle, chickweed, oatstraw 

Pungent

Affect on the body: Hot, dry, light, spicy, very sharp to the taste

TCM Element: Metal

Organs Associated: Lungs, large intestine

• Promotes circulation to help with bringing blood flow to extremities
• Great for stagnation

Herbs: Cayenne, oregano, rosemary

Working with Herbs

Now that you have a good understanding of herbal actions, energetics, and constitutional types, I hope this gives you a head start in understanding the effects of an herb and what it will do for the body. It will also empower you to start experimenting with herbs when you experience symptoms. Stepping into the world of herbalism is like going to a new place that you’ve never been before! I hope you come to love and enjoy these amazing plants just as much as I do!

Happy medicine making,

-Hannah

Disclaimer:
All information contained within this article is meant for educational use only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease. 

There is a general fear surrounding sun exposure and its effects on our health. For years we have heard health agencies warn us about how dangerous the sun can be for our skin and as a result, the majority of us have taken extra precautions to protect ourselves. The truth is, the avoidance of sun expose has costly repercussions for many aspects of our health. While we have focused on the harmful effects of sun exposure, we didn’t consider the effects of the lack of sunlight on the human body.

A review published in July of 2020 by the Internal Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health voiced concerns about insufficient sun exposure:

“This article aims to alert the medical community and public health authorities to accumulating evidence on health benefits from sun exposure, which suggests that insufficient sun exposure is a significant public health problem. Studies in the past decade indicate that insufficient sun exposure may be responsible for 340,000 deaths in the United States and 480,000 deaths in Europe per year, and an increased incidence of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, asthma, type 1 diabetes and myopia.” 

The benefits of receiving sun exposure and subsequently, vitamin D, far outweigh any risk.
It is estimated that over 1 billion people are vitamin D deficient. As we know, the best way to get vitamin D is through exposure of UV rays on our skin. When we’re exposed to sunshine, a cholesterol compound found in the skin is converted into a precursor of vitamin D. This precursor is then converted into cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) by the kidneys and liver into its active form.

Vitamin D receptors are found in nearly all cells of the human body playing a huge role in our health. We need vitamin D to utilize minerals such as calcium and phosphorus in order for them to go to their intended location such as the bones and to avoid calcium deposits. Vitamin D plays a role in immunity, blood sugar balance, mood, and reducing inflammation.

Circadian Rhythm Regulation

The benefits of sun exposure doesn’t stop at gaining adequate vitamin D levels, in fact, we are just scratching the surface. Before we became removed from nature and the cycles of the sun and moon, we lived our lives in true alignment with our natural biological rhythms. Before we had electricity, we would go to sleep with the sun and then rise with the sun. We didn’t have access to artificial light coming from TVs, phones, electricity, etc., which allowed us to stay awake long into the night. Modern living has allowed us to live in disharmony with our internal circadian rhythm which governs our sleep/wake cycle.

Our 24 hour circadian rhythm starts in the morning when we expose our eyes to natural sunlight. Taking in morning light through our eyes stimulates the body to secrete a hormone called cortisol which tells the body that it’s time to be awake and alert. Normally, you will have the most energy in the morning around 2 hours after waking at the peak of your cortisol spike. As the day goes on, cortisol levels will decrease until the setting of the sun which stimulates melatonin production in order for us to become tired and sleep that night. Disruption of our circadian rhythm happens when we live out of alignment with the sun and its cycles. We also incur issues when we introduce artificial lights from electronics in the evening tricking the brain into thinking that the light is from the sun and we should be awake. Living in alignment with our circadian rhythm by being outside and exposing ourself to sunlight helps to regulate our stress hormones, energy, sleep, and more.

Reduces Inflammation

There is evidence that sun exposure reduces inflammation in the body by way of vitamin D and nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is created when our skin is exposed to UV-A rays from the sun and acts as a vasodilator, increasing circulation, reducing blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that sun exposure is beneficial for inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. One study showed that higher sun exposure in the previous summer or winter reduced the risk of inflammatory bowel disease in pediatric patients. This is very promising as inflammatory bowel conditions are very common. It’s exciting to discover that adding a simple lifestyle change, such as getting additional sun exposure, could make a huge difference in an individual’s healing.

Serotonin Production

It is commonly known that individuals are more prone to depression and mood disorders during the winter months, but research has shown that UV-ray exposure on the skin has the ability to produce serotonin. Knowing the impact of getting outside in the sun for our mood, as opposed to only seeing the sun, is powerful information. We have discovered that tryptophan hydroxylase, an enzyme used in the synthesis of serotonin, is present in the skin. Serotonin transporters were also found in human keratinocytes, which comprise the majority of skin cells in our epidermis.

A study done to investigate the relationship between serotonin and our skin was conducted with 53 volunteers who were divided into 2 groups. One group was exposed to UV-A rays 6 times in a 3 week period and the other group was not. The UV-A group reported feeling significantly more balanced, satisfied, and strengthened after the first UV-A exposure.

What About Skin Cancer?

While it is absolutely critical for us to rethink what we believe about the sun, we should also take note that burning our skin is harmful and should be avoided. When we burn our skin, this can cause free radial damage to our cells, increasing our risk of skin cancer. Although there is validity to contracting skin cancers such as melanomas, there are many other factors that contribute to skin cancer besides excess sun exposure that we must take into consideration. Lifestyle factors such as consuming refined seed oils such as vegetable, canola, soybean, and peanut oil have been linked to an increased risk of burning from sun exposure. Sunscreen use is another topic to consider when you are considering risks of skin cancer. We know that sunscreen use reduces the body’s ability to produce vitamin D from the sun. Using sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher can decrease your ability to manufacture vitamin D by 99%. This information is important to us because research has found that skin cancer patients are commonly deficient in vitamin D. Not only does this vitamin boost immunity, but its deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of cancers such as colon, breast, and prostate.

Vitamin D Supplementation

Although attaining vitamin D through sun exposure is one very important reason why we should get outside, it isn’t the sole benefit from the sun. If we were to supplement with vitamin D and forgo time out in the sun, we would be missing out on valuable additions to our health as we’ve mentioned above.

Although having adequate vitamin D levels is extremely important for our health, vitamin D supplementation can get tricky. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that isn’t readily excreted from the body unlike water soluble vitamin C, for example. Taking a large amount of vitamin D over the course of time can interfere with the delicate checks and balances of other nutrients in the body such as vitamin A. We also have to keep in mind that there are nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin K2 that we need alongside vitamin D to help us utilize that vitamin. For this reason, I do not recommend taking vitamin D supplements unless it is indicated through testing for a short time. If you are curious about your vitamin D levels, ask your doctor to test your active vitamin D levels (1,25D) instead of 25D which is what most are testing in order to give you an idea of the amount of active vitamin D available for your body.

Getting vitamin D from the sun is always the best choice, but you can also receive vitamin D to a lesser degree by consuming animals foods such as salmon, eggs, butter, and raw dairy.

My Thoughts

I recommend getting daily sunshine without sunscreen in order to reap all of the benefits of sun exposure and to ensure adequate vitamin D levels. Ideally, you want to expose as much skin as possible to gain the most benefits. When it comes down to the bottom line, you are the best person to decide how much sun is too much. If you start to get overheated or feel uncomfortable, move to the shade in order to avoid burning. Ethnicity, skin tone, and ancestral heritage will be a deciding factor as to how much sun exposure you can tolerate. If you currently don’t get the sun exposure that you need, start by slowly acclimating yourself to small increments of sunshine to build your tolerance.

Disclaimer:
All information contained within this article is meant for educational use only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease.

We live in a world where we are constantly exposed to environmental toxicities coming from the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. While we cannot live in a bubble, totally sheltered from toxins, we can greatly reduce our exposure by implementing a few lifestyle changes. Contaminants in our tap water has long been an issue of concern. Most American families are unknowingly consuming a chemical cocktail while they drink their tap water. The state of our drinking water is devastating to say the least. We cannot rely on governmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the safety of the water we consume on a daily basis.

 The EPA has very loose standards when it comes to toxins found in our drinking water as well as the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) deemed fit for each of the contaminants. The Safe Drinking Water Act, established in 1974, was designed to protect our water systems giving the EPA authorization to set minimum standards for tap water safety. This faulty system is severely outdated and does the American people no justice. For example, the latest action taken by the EPA was in 2000 when they adjusted the MCL for uranium standards in community water systems.

There are many common contaminants found in tap water that are completely unregulated by the EPA such as hexavalent chromium.

This toxicant has gained some popularity when environmental activist, Erin Brockovich filed a lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) who was found guilty of contaminating the drinking water of Hinkley, California. PG&E had used hexavalent chromium between 1952 and 1966 in a cooling tower system at the Hinkley compressor station to fight corrosion. The waste water was then subsequently dumped into unlined ponds on the property which contaminated ground water for two square miles from the station.

According to research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), hexavalent chromium levels exceed safe limits in fifty states with the highest levels detected in Norman, OK. Levels were detected at 39.3 ppb which is 1,967x’s more than the safe limit of 0.02 ppb. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen and is also damaging to the liver and reproductive system. We see its carcinogenic effects in a study done in a Chinese province where they reported higher mortality rates of lung and stomach cancers in villages where the water was contaminated with hexavalent chromium. Another study showed the impact of exposure to hexavalent chromium on the male reproductive system. It was observed that males who were exposed through their occupation experienced hindered sperm health and production. 

Hexavalent chromium isn’t the only water contaminant of concern. Other items such as heavy metals, parasites, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides are commonly found in tap water as well. While there are toxic chemicals and pathogens found in our water supply, there are other things that are voluntarily added to our water systems such as chlorine and fluoride.

Common Contaminants Found in Tap Water

Chlorine

Chlorine is commonly added to water systems across America as a disinfectant, to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria, and to control tastes and odors. Chlorine was first permanently used in Lincoln, England when a contaminated water supply caused an outbreak of typhoid fever in 1905. Alexander Cruickshank Houston fed a solution of chlorinated lime into the water to stop the epidemic. This solution was later used in the United States in 1908 for the water system that supplied Jersey City, New Jersey. Today, liquid chlorine gas has replaced the use of chlorinated lime in our water systems. According to the CDC, chlorine levels up to four milligrams per liter is considered safe and will not likely cause any harm to your health. While most people may think that ingesting a small amount of chlorine each day isn’t going to make a significant impact in your health, there is evidence that shows us that it’s a toxicant that needs to be avoided.

One meta analysis compared six case-control studies and two cohort studies that observed the association between individual consumption of chlorinated water and bladder cancer. This analysis compared immediate as well as long-term risk factors and concluded that long-term exposure to chlorinated drinking water was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, particularly in men. Not only is chlorine a problem, but it forms disinfection byproducts (DBPs) when it combines with naturally occurring organic matter in the water. A well know DBP is chloroform which is classified by the EPA as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen. Chloroform is vaporized and released into the air through hot showers, swimming pools, or wastewater. It is a known central nervous system depressant causing liver damage and cardiac arrhythmias.

Fluoride

Dr. Frederick McKay, a dentist, was the first to discover fluoride while in Colorado in 1901. He observed that children living there had much stronger teeth because of the high fluoride content naturally occurring in the ground and well water.

In 1945, studies were done across America comparing fluoridated and unfluoridated communities and concluded that fluoridated communities had 50-75% fewer cavities than other places without a high content of fluoride. This discovery lead to adding fluoride to our drinking water by 1962. However, there are conflicting results from those studies and we have evidence to show that unfluoridated communities have just as much dental decline. Adding fluoride to our water isn’t the answer when it comes to preventing cavities and will only contribute to the toxin load on the body. 

The well known Mullenix study completed in 1995 showed that prenatal and postnatal exposure to fluoride was linked to impaired cognitive abilities such as attention disorders.

Studies done by Harvard University indicated that children who had consistent and large fluoride exposure showed as much as a seven point drop in IQ scores. Fluoride exposure was also shown to increase the risk of kidney damage because of the kidneys being exposed to large amounts of fluoride compared to other organs in the body.

Lead

Heavy metals such as lead, aluminum, arsenic, and mercury can all be found in tap water depending on where you’re located in the country. Before 1930, lead pipes were used in most homes and water lines causing big issues with lead leaching into the water. In addition, lead based solder was used to fuse metal pipes up until 1986. Lead water lines are still in use today in various amounts in each state and are the main source of lead contamination in our water systems.

Toxic lead exposure causes damage to the nervous system affecting the brain and lowering cognitive function. Children are especially vulnerable and sensitive to the harmful affects of lead as it pertains to their developing neurological system. One study showed the long-term effects of low dose lead exposure during childhood and into young adulthood. A group of children were studied with elevated levels of lead in the dentin of their teeth that showed a correlation with impaired neurological function. This same group was studied again eleven years later to find that those with dentin lead levels greater than 20 ppm had higher risks of dropping out of high school and reading disabilities compared with those who had dentin lead levels less than 10 ppm. They concluded that harmful effects of toxic lead exposure in children did indeed persist into young adulthood.

PFAS

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals deemed “forever chemicals” that don’t break down once they are released into the environment.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found the 97% of Americans had PFAS in their blood. PFAS can be found in stain resistant carpets and furniture, stain or water repellent clothes, personal care products, cosmetics, and nonstick cookware such as Teflon. According to reports by the EWG, PFAS have been detected in water samples in thirty-one states across the country with highest levels found in heavily populated areas such as Miami, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and the northern New Jersey suburbs. PFAS are completely unregulated by the EPA and there is no federal legal limit established for water systems. PFAS exposure have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, weakened childhood immunity, low birth weight, and endocrine disruption. A study that observed women residing in areas with high PFAS contamination showed an increased risk of PCOS which is a common hormone imbalance condition.

Glyphosate

Glyphosate, also known as RoundUp, is a common pesticide and weed killer used on crops. After Monsanto started commercializing its use in 1974, glyphosate is the most used pesticide in the world. Because it is so widely used in agriculture today, glyphosate has contaminated our water systems and is found in tap water in seven different states according to EWG reporting. Those that drink unfiltered water, eat produce that has been sprayed with pesticides, and live near agricultural and farmlands are at greater risk of exposure. Animal studies have shown a correlation between glyphosate exposure and an altered gut microbiome with an increase in anxiety and depression-like behaviors. In 2015 The World Health Organization announced that the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that glyphosate is a “probable human carcinogen”. Evidence shows a connection between exposure to glyphosate and an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system.

What Water Filter Should I Use?

As you can see, obtaining a quality water filter for your home is absolutely critical for your overall health and wellbeing. I would like to highlight a few of my favorite water filters below that do an incredible job.

Berkey Filters

The Berkey uses gravity-fed carbon filters that utilize three different methods of filtration to remove over 200 different contaminants such as chloroform, heavy metals, VOCs, pesticides, chlorine, and more. The Berkey first filters water by something called microfiltration that traps pathogens such as parasites, bacteria and sediment. Heavy metals are then removed from the water through ion exchange and are bonded to the filter. Lastly, the filters remove small contaminants such as viruses through adsorption which causes the contaminants to be pulled into the filters.

They also offer fluoride filter attachments that can be added onto their units for those who use city water. While the Berkey filter does an amazing job at removing contaminants, it doesn’t remove naturally occurring minerals in the water which are beneficial for our health.

AquaTru

AquaTru purifies water through a patented 4-stage Ultra Reserve Osmosis technology certified by both IAPMO and NSP standards to remove 83 contaminants such as fluoride, chlorine, lead, nitrates, and more. During the filtering process, the water first passes through a pre-filter which removes large particles like sediment and rust and then through the carbon filter to remove chlorine and chloramines. Next, a high-pressure pump pushes the water through the reverse osmosis membrane to filter contaminants such as heavy metals. The last step sends the water through an activated coconut block filter which removes drug residue, PFAS and other organic compounds. Along with removing contaminants, reverse osmosis filters also removes naturally occurring minerals found in the water. Because of this, it’s advised to add mineral drops to your drinking water.

Clearly Filtered

If you’re looking for a pitcher water filter, similar to Brita or PUR, I would consider Clearly Filtered water filters. They use a gravity-fed carbon filter that removes 99.9% of more than 365 contaminants such as fluoride, microplastics, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses.  Their Affinity Filtration Technology uses both a magnet-like chemical absorption and physical structure to remove contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals.

Crystal Quest Shower and Bath Filters

Crystal Quest offers both bath ball filters and shower head filters that will remove chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, THM’s, pesticides, sulphur, and heavy metals while removing odors and other sediments. 

Installing a shower or bath filter greatly reduces chlorine absorption and vapor inhalation while you bathe. Each filter will filter around 20,000 gallons of water (one year of use) before it needs to be replaced.

How Do I Know What’s In My Tap Water?

The EWG has a wonderful tool that can be used to see what contaminants are found in your local water system. Simply search using your zip code to access all of the information on specific contaminants found in your area. You can visit EWG’s Tap Water Database or click the link here.

From the beginning of 2020, we have become accustomed to hearing about the Covid-19 virus. Many of us have sought out advice on how to keep our immune system strong and healthy while avoiding falling into a trap of fear and dread. We have seen people with compromised immunity become greatly affected by the virus while others have, unfortunately, passed away. Since then, a potential answer to our dilemma has arisen in the form of a vaccine. With nearly 60% of Americans having received the Covid-19 vaccine, we’ve been told that it is safe and effective and offers us protection against the virus. Unfortunately, we have seen many people negatively affected after receiving this vaccine that we know very little about. Thankfully, not everyone has had or will have a reaction to this vaccine, but nonetheless, each and every person deserves to have informed consent before making their decision.

This article’s goal is to provide information about how the spike protein affects the body and what one can do to support the body. Each and every one of us deserves to know the full picture of the risks and benefits of a potential treatment. Many of us have been robbed of true informed consent. My hope is that this article will shed some light as to why I believe we should be cautious about receiving this vaccine. I also want to give those reading hope if they have indeed taken the vaccine, but now regret their decision. The body is miraculous as it can utilize nutrients that have been placed on the earth to heal and recover. I truly believe if we remove the things that hinder the body and give it the things it needs; we will thrive.

How Does Covid-19 Invade the Body?

Before we ever start feeling symptoms, the virus enters into the body through your nose, mouth, or eyes giving it a passageway into our mucous membranes. After the virus has access into the body, its exterior spike proteins attach to ACE2 receptors on a cell. This is the key that unlocks the door for the virus to invade a healthy cell and to start replicating. Once the virus invades the cell, it uses ribosomes to access genetic material in order to create the novel spike proteins for the replicating virus. From here, the virus essentially hijacks the healthy cell and becomes a factory for creating the Covid-19 virus. Now that the virus is spreading in the body, it can move lower into the respiratory tract and effect the lungs like we see in many Covid cases. In fact, it makes sense that the virus has an affinity for the lungs because of the numerous amount of ACE2 receptors located on the lung’s alveoli. The alveoli are tiny air sacks at the ends of the bronchioles where the exchange of oxygen takes place. 

Covid-19 Vaccines

The three Covid-19 vaccines available in the United States are Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer. They all work similarly as their main goal is to access our cells, create spike proteins, and manufacture antibodies that will recognize and kill the Covid-19 virus. Although we are told that the spike proteins will stay localized at the injection site, we have seen evidence that tells us otherwise. I would like to highlight a few key areas of concern that we are now seeing, although we can imagine that there will be many more discoveries made in the future about the safety and the risk/benefit analysis of Covid-19 vaccines.

Dr. Ramirez says, “Since ACE2 is a major binding target for SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs and vasculature of other organs in the body, tissues that are behind vasculature, that receive blood from affected vessels, are at risk of damage from the virus.”

This means that the spike protein can attach to ACE2 receptors found in endothelial cells lining our blood vessels and carry that tainted blood to organs systems. We also see a large amount of these receptors on the alveolar epithelial cells in the lungs and small intestine which puts these areas of the body at greater risk. 

Potential Damage

Blood Clots

There is evidence that those who have received the mRNA Covid vaccines have a greater risk of blood clotting. A Canadian doctor named Charles Hoffe has observed that 62% of his patients had elevated D-dimer levels, a test done to determine whether or not blood clots are found in the body. It’s important to note that the thrombosis seen in the patients with elevated D-dimer levels are microscopic clots which are difficult to detect. He remarks that the mRNA vaccines have induced this clotting effect by creating the spike protein which attaches to cells in the wall of our arteries and impedes blood flow. Dr. Hoffe stated, “In fact, all of the frequent side effects of the shot, which are headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue could all be signs of cerebral thrombosis on a capillary level. I mean…literally, you could be having thousands and thousands of tiny, tiny clots in your brain that won’t show on a scan, but they will give you those exact symptoms.” 

It’s interesting to note that those who are infected by the Covid-19 virus experience shortness of breath which may be attributed to increased clotting and thick blood making it very difficult for the exchange of oxygen in the small capillaries surrounding our alveoli.

Immune System Dysregulation 

Other concerns related to the Covid-19 vaccines include immune system changes. It is reported that a 55 year old male experienced a rheumatoid arthritis flair after receiving his second Pfizer shot. This leads us to consider the effects of Covid-19 vaccinations on autoimmune conditions. Many doctors have also seen an increase of dormant viruses such as viruses from the Herpes family after vaccination. There have been 3 reports of the shingles virus being activated after receiving the mRNA shots.

The Blood Brain Barrier

Common symptoms of the Covid-19 infection as well as vaccination include dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of concentration. This brings us to assume that this infection affects the central nervous system to some degree. The brain, which is part of our central nervous system, has a protective mechanism called the blood brain barrier. This barrier filters toxins from the tiny capillaries that supply blood to the brain that would otherwise cross into our neurons. Our capillaries are lined with epithelial cells that are tightly woven to create a secure barrier where only certain molecules and some gasses can pass through into the brain’s tissue. Scientist at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University have seen evidence that the Covid spike protein creates inflammation within the endothelial cells that compose our blood brain barrier. Once damage has been done to this barrier, it will become “leaky” and allow toxins to invade brain tissue.

Dr. Ramirez says, “Altered function of this barrier, which normally keeps harmful agents out of the brain, greatly increases the possibility of neuroinvasion by this pathogen, offering an explanation for the neurological manifestations experienced by Covid-19 patients.”

Can I Get Sick by Being in Contact with a Vaccinated Person?

Evidence has shown that the vaccinated indeed can spread the Covid-19 virus to unvaccinated. A paper posted in 2021 in the Lancet observed that the vaccinated had 251 times the viral load with the Delta variant in their nostrils compared to unvaccinated (pre-vaccine era) individuals with an old strain in 2020. Although we are comparing different variants in this study, it was concluded that social distancing should be continued with or without vaccination. It goes to show that the vaccinated can and do transmit the virus to other individuals and are what Dr. McCullough calls, “presymptomatic superspreaders”.

Thoughts to Consider

Most of us are familiar with the troubles that have come along with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in regards to the risk of blood clots. Health authorities put a pause on the administration of the vaccine in April of 2021 when six cases of rare blood clots were discovered in women between the ages of 18-49 associated with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. After that time, there were nine other cases found with a total of fifteen women effected. 

After eleven days, the delay was lifted after the committee voted in favor of continuing administration as recommended by an expert panel. The panel concluded that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the potential risks. Panel members agreed that it is crucial for women to be warned about the risks that go along with the vaccine. They are to be given a fact sheet with a description of the risks and symptoms of blood clots in order to be informed.

Dr. Beth Bell, an opposing member of the committee said, “I am concerned the women will not be adequately informed just by (emergency use authorization) factsheets.” The opposing members were concerned that there wasn’t a strong enough warning included in the recommendations.

Do we trust public health authorities like the CDC or FDA to know what’s best for us and to truly look after our own interests? Do we trust them to know that the benefit of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine far outweighs the risks? Do we trust them to know what’s best for our families and daughters? That is a question where we all must do our due diligence by researching for ourselves to come to a conclusion. We are just using one example here of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, but we have continually seen evidence of the risks of receiving any of the Covid-19 vaccines.

As I’ve mentioned earlier in this article, I believe we have been robbed of informed consent. Informed consent looks like a doctor giving their patient all of the information when it involves a potential treatment. It looks like not being degraded when asking questions about a medication or vaccine. It looks like trust in the patient-doctor relationship.

Instead, information is censored, health authorities profit and only look out for their interests while they say, “The benefits outweigh the risks.”

I encourage you to be brave, ask questions, research, advocate, and become your own best doctor.

Supplement Recommendations: Supporting the Body in Regard to the Covid-19 Spike Protein

Please note that these are recommendations based on what myself as well as other colleagues have found useful in relation to the problems associated with the spike protein. This list is by no means exhaustive and is meant to educate you on helpful supplementation based on my research. Although the following recommendations are very safe, please practice responsible use when using any supplementation. It is always helpful to work with a practitioner who can tailor your protocol for the greatest impact and safety.

Cardiovascular Support: Supporting Blood Flow in Relation to the Spike Protein

Serrapeptase

This proteolytic enzyme is known to clean up the body by digesting mucous, undigested food, cysts, and fibrous like growths and tissues. It is typically taken on an empty stomach to scavenge the body of things that need to be cleaned. It works to clean the blood and prevent it from becoming thick and sticky.

Nattokinase

This is a supplement coming from fermented soybeans which may be helpful to dissolve a build up of fibrin in the blood as well as plague. Use caution if you are currently on blood thinners as this supplement will naturally thin the blood as well.

Garlic

This antibacterial food is used by many for heart health and circulation. Garlic acts to naturally thin the blood as well as reduce blood pressure. Not only is garlic great for keeping the blood from becoming thick and sticky, it has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties which is useful for secondary bacterial infections commonly found in the lungs in Covid cases.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme coming from pineapple that exhibits anti-inflammatory actions as well as breaks down undigested proteins in the body including fibrin in the blood. In one study it showed promising results in inhibiting the Covid spike protein from binding to cell receptors.

Immune Support: Recommendations for Post Vaccination as well as Natural Infection of Covid-19.

Soil Based Probiotics

Did you know that Ivermectin was derived from a probiotic strain called Streptomyces avermictilis? It was discovered after a microbiologist in Japan collected soil samples at Tokyo’s Kitasako Institute while looking for medicinal bacterial strains. Streptomyces avermictilis was one of the strains collected. After testing, it was discovered that it had remarkable antiparasitic qualities and then was later modified as Ivermectin. Soil based probiotics such as Prescript-Assist contain similar strains to Streptomyces avermictilis such as Streptomyces griseus, Streptomyces griseoflavus, and Streptomyces venezuelae.

Sweet Wormwood

As mentioned in the last blog post, sweet wormwood is a powerful antiviral herb that works to support the body during Covid-19 infection. Studies have shown the effectiveness of wormwood extracts on cell cultures infected by SARS-CoV-2 and other variants versus other common antimalarial drugs. Wormwood had a higher rate of viral inhibition compared to the others and showed no cell toxicity.

NAC

This is an amino acid that has antioxidant benefits as well as is a precursor to glutathione, a major antioxidant. One of the most well known uses for NAC is supporting the lungs by ridding them of excess mucous. It has been very beneficial in cases of pneumonia which is a common secondary infection that comes along side Covid-19.

Zinc

Important for healthy lung and bronchiole function, this mineral has shown to inhibit the replication of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Quercetin, a powerful antioxidant acts as a zinc ionophore which helps to get zinc into our cells in order for us to utilize it better. Using both zinc and quercetin together can boost zinc’s effectiveness.

Disclaimer: All information contained within this article is meant for educational use only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease.

Further Reading:

https://orthomolecular.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=eae27d77ca20db309e056e3d2dcd7d69.209&s=90edb5a3817bb929f0668d73518bcceb

https://americasfrontlinedoctors.org/2/action_alerts/identifying-post-vaccination-complications-their-causes-an-analysis-of-covid-19-patient-data/

Whether or not we get sick from exposure to a certain virus or bacteria is solely dependent on the health of the host (you). When there is an imbalance in our internal ecology, issues can arise. This explains why certain individuals get sick while others don’t regardless of how healthy they seem from their outward appearance. Our inward terrain is the key to whether we attract disease or not.

Modern Medicine’s History in Herbal Medicine

The purpose of this article is to equip you with tools to use for the prevention as well as an addition to your protocol if you find yourself sick with Coronavirus. I believe we should take advantage of the incredible gifts we have in herbs on the earth and give our body the boost it may need to fight off a sickness.

It is interesting to note that a large amount of pharmaceuticals used today have their origin in plants or herbs. A good example for this can be found in the pain reliever, aspirin. The method of action comes from something called acetylsalicylic acid which was synthesized from salicin, a component of the herb white willow bark. Isolating the active constituent from the bark and changing its chemical composition removes nature’s “buffers” and other components of that herb that when in place, protects us from toxicity. Most of us are aware of the risk of damage to the stomach lining from using NSAIDs like aspirin after a period of time. When we start altering the original design of a plant, it takes on a whole new chemical composition that may pose new risks or challenges that weren’t there in the beginning. When we alter something that is naturally found in nature, it is never going to be better.

Hydroxychloroquine

One promising treatment for Covid-19 that has surfaced as of late is hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug. First approved for medical use in the United States in 1955, it was derived from the bark of the cinchona tree in South America. According to legends, quinine, the active component of cinchona bark was discovered when the Countess of Cinchona was given a mixture of herbs including cinchona bark. Having the typical symptoms of malaria such as a high fevers and chills, she recovered quickly and the tree was named “cinchona” in her honor. Since the discovery of quinine, antimalarial pharmaceuticals such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine were created to treat malaria.

In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a serious outbreak of malaria across Southeast Asia and Africa. The current antimalarial drug of choice, chloroquine, was proving to be ineffective against this mosquito-born illness. Many cases were becoming resistant to the treatment of chloroquine and the world needed to shift to find a different approach to treating this disease.

Chinese scientists were desperate to find a cure for the devastating affects of malaria and after researching ancient traditional Chinese medicine texts, they were drawn to Artemisia annua, commonly known as sweet wormwood. Through a cold extraction process they