Introduction to our Immune Response

It is a long weekend which means a bit slow in the office and I have a little extra time to delve into some of my favorite resources for learning.  As I was going through an Autoimmune and Oral Tolerance module it hit me how little the basics are shared among the health community.  For some reason, these things are taught then everyone moves on to the more “complex” topics.  However, it is the foundation that determines the outcome and whether an illness is resolved or turns into a chronic health situation.

So today I decided I would share some of the key foundational concepts which one must understand as they chart out their course to restoring health and vitality.  It starts with how our body responds to something foreign, an antigen.  Different cells have different jobs from a “security guard” to “reinforcements” to “special forces” to “calling off the troops”.  Here is a short video that illustrates and explains that vital component of health.  Help me spread the word of these key foundations by sharing with your friends and family so we can all become empowered to take charge of our health!

Be sure to subscribe or follow me on facebook for my next installment as I redefine healthCARE with clarity, action steps, resources, and empowerment.

 

In health,

~Salena

Upcoming course on Autoimmunity

Hello everyone I thought I would share one of my favorite teachers and their upcoming course on Autoimmunity.  If you are looking for information that delves into the mechanisms and physiology behind autoimmunity you will not be disappointed!

Over 50 million Americans are affected by more than 80 different autoimmune diseases, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA).

Many chronic conditions such as hypothyroidism, lupus, IBD, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diabetes, Guillain-Barre syndrome just to name a few.

Tragically, many individuals suffer for years with symptoms and without correctly identifying how their symptoms are connected and what to do to help the body resolve the battle.

To compound the problem many practitioners are stuck in a protocol for an ill mindset and lack the tools and critical thinking process to be the health detective that is necessary when dealing with things such as autoimmunity.  This is why I have become a big fan of Dr. Datis Kharrazian and his approach to teaching clinicians the thought process by looking at mechanisms vs. a diagnosis and here is your protocol for that.

Earlybird pricing ends October 14, 2019 and the course will air live November 9-10

Click here for more information

Combating Autoimmunity Naturally

Claim Your Health Back

Are you ready to reach your optimal health?

Do you want to regain your vitality? 

Have you been begging for your issues to be truly heard?

What is stopping you from getting the help you deserve?

According to The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), there are approximately 50 million Americans suffering from autoimmune diseases. That equates to 20 percent of the population!

With over 100 known autoimmune diseases today, autoimmunity has become a major chronic health problem and diagnosis for these diseases are difficult, research is limited, and conventional treatment is often counterintuitive.

The Functional Health Alternative

During Combat Autoimmune Challenges Naturally, we will discuss strategies to overcome these obstacles with the help of functional health approaches.

Functional health approaches focus on:

• The individuality of each individual, based on their genetics, environment, and unique health history.
• An individual-centered approach, rather than simply treating the symptoms of the disease.
• The identification of health as a dynamic balance of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being, rather than just the absence of disease.
• The complex mix of interactions of nutrition, physical activity, organ integrity, and stress management.
• Prevention of complex, chronic conditions that need specialized care.

Join us to get clear on how you can reverse (and even prevent!) autoimmune complications at our next online webinar, Combat Autoimmune Challenges Naturally, on Saturday, November 17th at 1:00 pm CST.

REGISTER HERE

 

Essential Oils 101

Did you know essential oils have been healing people of all cultures around the world for centuries?

From Energizing to Calming… Essential Oils Can Help!

Some oils are noted for their ability to heal, aid digestion, alleviate pain, and soothe sore muscles while others are amazing for toxin-free cleaning and bug deterrent.

Are you aware that essential oils have the ability to…

-Boost your immune system and fight cold and flu symptoms
-Relax and soothe sore muscles
-Alleviate headaches and minor aches and pains
-Improve cognitive ability and brain function
-Reduce toxicity and heal digestive concerns

No matter what you’re in need of, essential oils can improve your overall well-being of mind, body, and soul naturally!

Did you also know essential oils can benefit your pets? Our webinar on Saturday, October 13th will also discuss what oils to avoid as well as how to safely apply them to your furry friends.

DURING THIS FREE WORKSHOP 
YOU WILL LEARN:

 

**Various application techniques**

**Essential oils for balancing hormones**

**Ways to boost immunity with essential oils**

**Supporting digestion, improving brain function, and many more ways to use essential oils to restore health and vitality**

**Essential oils for pets**

**Quick reference guides and recipes to get you started making custom essential oil blends today!**

 

REGISTER HERE

 

Sensational Tuna Salad

Look what my children surprised me with for lunch today!  It was absolutely SENSATIONAL!  I think they are ready to use our summer vegetables and couldn’t pass up this colorful, scrumptious combination!

• Servings: 4-6
• Time: approx 15 min
• Difficulty: super easy
• Print

Sensational, super easy tuna salad.

Credit: The Functional Perspective
Inspired by: Family original!

Ingredients

• 2 cans of Tuna
• 1-2 Apples – diced
• 5-6 Sweet Peppers – diced
• 3 Stalks of Celery – diced
• 1/2 can of Olives – chopped
• 1/8 cup of Onion – chopped
• Olive oil or other oil to taste
• optional: Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cranberries

Directions

1. Rinse and chop vegetables and mix all ingredients in a bowl. Serve with lettuce for a great lunch during hot summer months!

Breakfast “pudding”

Another delicious breakfast, comfort food 🙂

Delicious Breakfast 'Pudding'

• Servings: 1
• Time: 15-20 min
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

Delicious Breakfast 'Pudding'

Credit: The Functional Perspective

Ingredients

• 1 T grass-fed butter
• 2 cup coconut or almond milk
• 3 T chia seeds
• 3 T ground flax seed

Optional Toppings:

• chopped pecans
• chopped almonds
• hemp hearts
• fresh berries
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. In a medium sauce pan on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 cup of coconut milk, chia seed and flax.
2. Stir Continuously, adding in the remaing coconut/nut milk until thick (around 3-4 min)
3. Pour in bowl and top with berries, nuts and/or other seeds
4. Enjoy!

Super easy grain-free “Oatmeal”

There is nothing like a warm breakfast that is filled with scrumptious flavors!!!

• Servings: 1
• Time: 10-15 min
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

Super easy grain-free 'oatmeal'

Credit: The Functional Perspective

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup raw nut mixture of almonds and pecans soaked
• 1/2 cup coconut or nut milk
• 1 pitted medjool date, soaked for 10 minutes in hot water
• 3-4 tsp chia seeds
• 1/4 cup fresh berries
• 1 tsp grass-fed butter (optional)
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. In high powered blender blend up coconut flakes, chia and nuts
2. add in date and ‘milk’ blend well
3. serve warm or cold – topped with berries

Introductory to Overcoming Digestive Challenges

Don’t Become Part Of This Uncomfortable Statistic…

Nearly 4%-10% of adults experience symptoms of acid reflux or GERD on a daily basis, and in Western countries, up to 30% of adults experience symptoms weekly. Over 50% of infants experience significant reflux at some point.

The symptom list for acid reflux and GERD is long and varied, but some of the most widely experienced are:

– A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
– Chest pain
– Difficulty swallowing
– Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
– Sensation of a lump in your throat

There are many causes for the symptoms above, including eating before bed, eating too much, chronic stress, food sensitivity, and even being overweight. And often people turn to over-the-counter medications to find relief. Unfortunately, many of those medications only treat the symptoms and do not address the cause.

Thankfully, there are natural solutions to finding relief from acid reflux and GERD, which is why we invite you to join us for Overcoming Digestive Challenges on Saturday, April 14th at 7:00 pm CDT.

Register HERE

Top 3 Brain Boosting Foods!

One of the common complaints about health is having brain-fog.  We often think this is just a part of aging which we have no control over.  Is that the case? What happens when we look at our brain from a functional perspective?

The simple fact is food affects our brain, for better or worse. Choosing foods which support proper brain function is vital to our overall wellness. Growth of healthy cells, healthy connections in the brain and efficient operation of our brain, and in turn our entire body, are affected by the foods we choose to consume. One of my favorite sayings about brain health comes from Dr. William Sears:

“Forget low-carb and low-fat diets. Eat a ‘right-carb’ and a ‘right-fat’ diet for optimal brain health!”

I couldn’t agree more! The quality of what we eat is of greater importance than the quantity. Let’s take a quick look at our brain health and food choices.

When our brain is provided with healthy nourishment it can make healthy connections, process information, create memories and signal muscles and hormones to react and move. Next time you think about healthy eating, don’t just think about the benefits it will have on your waistline. Rather, think of all the positive benefits your brain receives from getting the right brain-boosting nutrition!

So what is the fuel which is vital to the brain?

For optimal function our brains need:
Omega-3 fats, Folate, Antioxidants and Carbohydrates.

• Omega-3s are important building blocks in the brain – they are vital to the proper function of impulses which take place.
• Folate is a nutrient needed for neurotransmitter function.
• Antioxidants keep the blood brain barrier healthy, protecting cells from wear and tear and improve blood flow by decreasing excessive blood clotting.
• Carbohydrates are needed because your brain uses them for energy.

What are quality sources of these brain fuels?

Top 3 Brain-Boosting Foods

Fish: Wild Caught Salmon (Omega-3s – DHA & EPA)
Berries: Blueberries, Blackberries (antioxidants)
Greens: Bok Choy, Spinach, Collard Greens (folate)

One of my family’s favorite meal is grilled salmon with a side of steamed veggies and large bowl of mixed greens topped with a bit of olive oil and berries. Even my child who isn’t fond of fish loves this meal! I have a super simple salmon recipe here. As well as more information on Omega-3s and essential fats here.

So the next time you go shopping remember to stop by the produce and seafood departments to get a special brain-boosting treat 🙂

[Resources:

Soares AA, et al (2017)  A double- blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (OPFA ɷ-3) for the prevention of migraine in chronic migraine patients using amitriptyline.  Nutr Neurosci. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2016.1266133.

Pu H, Jiang X, Wei Z, Hong D, Hassan S, Zhang W, Shi Y, Chen L, Chen J.(2016) Repetitive and prolonged omega-3 fatty acid treatment after traumatic brain injury enhances long-term tissue restoration and cognitive recovery.
Cell Transplant. doi: 10.3727/096368916X693842. PMID: 27938482

Pu H, Jiang X, Hu X, Xia J, Hong D, Zhang W, Gao Y, Chen J, Shi Y. (2016) Delayed Docosahexaenoic Acid Treatment Combined with Dietary Supplementation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Promotes Long-Term Neurovascular Restoration After Ischemic Stroke.
Transl Stroke Res. 2016 Dec;7(6):521-534.

Jiraungkoorskul W. Review of neuro-nutrition used as anti-alzheimer plant, spinach Spinacia oleracea. Phcog Rev [serial online] 2016 [cited 2017 Jan 17];10:105-8. Available from: http://www.phcogrev.com/text.asp?2016/10/20/105/194040

Cardiovasular Disease & Diabetes: What is the connection?

The primary health concerns of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were infections diseases.  A shift in adverse health came about after the fortification and enrichment of foods.  Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and stroke became the prevailing ailments.  These diseases continue to rise, some at alarming rates.  Let’s take a quick look between two prevalent diseases today: Heart Disease and Diabetes. I am going to especially look at the incidents in Nacogdoches County in the State of Texas.  [PDF of this post here]

Some quick stats:

Is this a sign of malfunction in the bodies of the population?

Maintaining a healthy status requires a homeostasis of the bodily systems. Having healthy levels of glucose in our blood is vital for proper balance. When we eat, signals are sent in our body to aid in the metabolizing of the food we just ate.  Insulin is secreted as a result of some of those signals.  It is the “key” which allows glucose to enter the cells.  Without proper signaling of insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells.  This results in glucose going to other parts of the body.  For our body to function properly it is important to keep glucose levels stable.

When our glucose levels are outside a healthy range it attaches to proteins resulting in Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs).  Excessive AGEs leads to plaque forming in the blood vessels.  One consequence is an impairment of the endothelium which lines the blood vessels.  It is hindered in releasing nitric oxide into the blood stream.  With this compromised cardiovascular system, the body has a difficult time repairing daily wear and tear.  Thus an increase in inflammation.  Heart disease often ensues.

In fact…. Studies have shown an increased incidence of heart disease in the presence of diabetes! 

With a high prevalence of heart disease and diabetes there is a need to understand the role of a proper functioning body. In regards to diabetes and cardiovascular disease the role of glucose balance is of marked importance.  Maintaining proper levels eliminates an exacerbating risk factor for both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  A body which is in homeostasis is free of disease contrasted with a body where malfunction is present, disease emanates.

What can you do today to ensure a proper functioning body?

Begin practicing the 5 Pillars to Healthy Function!!!

Eat Quality Foods

Get Adequate Sleep

Be Active

Promote Healthy Digestion

Embrace Peace & a Spiritual Connection (Eliminate Stress)

Related Research:

A.G.E. Foundation. What are AGEs http://agefoundation.com/age/

CDC Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke TablesGeographic Area 2010-2012.

Davis, C., and E. Saltos. (May 1999) “Dietary Recommendations and How They Have Changed Over Time,” America’s Eating Habits: Changes and Consequences, Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 750, USDA, ERS. Chapter 2.

Texas Department of State Health Services. (2012). 2012 Texas Heart Disease and Stroke

Fact Sheets, (2013). Diabetes Prevalence Among Adults BRFSS data Tables

Yamagishi, S-i., Nakamura, N., and Matsui, T. (2016) Glycation and cardiovascular disease in diabetes: A perspective on the concept of metabolic memory. J Diabetes, doi: 10.1111/1753-0407.12475.