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Archives for February 2021

February 20, 2021

Bach’s Rescue Cream: After-Seizure First Aid

February 20, 2021

Every once in a while, there comes a magical moment when I stumble upon a product so fabulous that it becomes absolutely necessary to shout it’s name from the rooftops…I guess my blog page will have to suffice in this particular instance…

Bach’s Rescue Cream is the magical product I am referring to and it truly seems to work like magic when it comes to healing the skin. As I’ve mentioned before, after-seizure first aid is part of the whole epileptic lifestyle. An injury may not occur after EVERY seizure, but I like to be prepared for the unexpected especially when the unexpected translates to a great big injury to my face. When the injury is front and center, the world does notice. They may try to look away quickly as if they didn’t see the injury and they may even act like the moment isn’t totally awkward, but let’s be honest…I saw that they saw, I also feel uncomfortable, and I wish with all of my heart that it would just disappear with the snap of my fingers. 

Well, I’m no fairy godmother but I do have a product recommendation for you that works so quickly it truly seems magical. On February 6, 2020, I had a Grand Mal seizure. It was no different than any other Grand Mal I’ve had over my past 12 years with epilepsy. However, in this particular instance my fingernail caught my upper left cheek and left quite a deep scrape. Here is a photo of the actual injury, the day after it occurred…

 

 

As you can see, this was the type of injury that prevented me from going out in public. There was no way I could put my life on pause and wait for it to heal. Honestly, who knows how long that would take? I really wasn’t enjoying the looks I received when I did go out so I decided to follow an age old piece of advice…

“Mother knows best.”

My mom has been using Bach’s Rescue Cream as a topical ointment for a broad range of skincare needs from liver spots to wrinkles to the occasional pimple for years! She swears by it’s healing properties so I decided to give it a try for myself. Since I’m writing an entire article about the product it obviously did the job I was hoping and praying for, but I wanted to give you visual evidence of the healing process so that you can see how magical this cream truly is! Here is a photo of me two months after using Bach’s Rescue Cream on my scrape every day…

 

 

*Side Note: Due to the scrape being an open wound, I chose not to put any makeup on that spot until it completely healed. So, in the first photo as well as this second photo above, although I have makeup on other parts of my face there is no makeup masking the wound from the camera.

The unique healing properties lie within Dr. Bach’s mixture of six flower essential oils including Crab Apple (Malus pumila), Rock Rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Clematis (Clematis vitalba), Impatiens (Impatiens glandulifera), Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera), and Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum).

Bach’s incredible Rescue Remedy formula is available in a multitude of forms including drops, spray, topical cream (the product mentioned above), and many more. You can find products for adults, kids and pets by visiting their website.  

The craziness of life has prevented me from sharing this product until now, but here we are a year later and I still love this stuff! Scroll down to see a photo of my healing progress after an entire year…

I don’t know if there will ever come a day when I wake up feeling completely prepared to handle my condition of Catamenial Epilepsy, it is nothing if not eventful! But I can say that products like Bach’s Rescue Cream make me feel capable of getting out of bed and tackling the day ahead of me. It is yet another tool in my arsenal that gets me one step closer to total body healing. I hope that this product recommendation will do the same for each and every one of my readers. 

 

“That’s the thing about magic; you’ve got to know it’s still here, all around us, or it just stays invisible to you.”

– Charles de Lint 

 

 

Sources:

Bach Rescue Cream – https://www.rescueremedy.com/en-us/range/all-products/rescue-cream/

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Posted by SeizeTheDayBlog
Filed Under: Alternatives, Articles, Epilepsy Tagged: after seizure first aid, Bach's rescue cream, brain health, epilepsy, heal cream, health, healthy, injury, product recommendation, rescue cream, seizures, wellness

February 18, 2021

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

February 18, 2021

These muffins are the whole package! They’re yummy, healthy, and versatile! What do I mean by versatile??? Well, you can easily swap out the apple ingredient in this recipe for banana if you’re looking for that same great fruity infusion but you prefer a different flavor. The cinnamon ingredient meshes well with either fruit. Lately, I’ve been trying to implement sulphur-rich foods into my everyday diet because I happen to have a severe sulphur deficiency. And one of the primary symptoms of sulphur deficiency??? Seizures!!! As an epileptic, this piece of information caught my eye big time! You can read more about sulphur deficiency and seizures here on the blog.

Anyway, I stumbled upon this recipe (originally from Morgan Elizabeth Health) because of the almond flour ingredient. Nuts and seeds are a fantastic source of sulphur, especially almonds and its byproduct almond flour. So I figured, why not give these muffins a try?? I’ll implement more sulphur into my daily diet AND I’ll be able to snack on a yummy treat while doing it! Truly, it’s a win-win.

When it comes to making the change from unhealthy to healthy foods in your diet, it is necessary for you to take the first step down this path and these muffins are a great way to do this! Cooking from scratch can be an incredibly daunting task, but in reality you’re simply following step by step directions. It took me a while to realize this, but once I did I discovered that I actually really enjoy baking! I also learned that homemade food tastes so much better than processed food!

“Any cupcake consumed before 9AM is, technically, a muffin.”

– Brian P. Cleary

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Print this recipe
SeizeTheDayBlog
February 18, 2021
by SeizeTheDayBlog
Category Articles Recipes
Persons
12
Serving Size
1 muffin
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 2 T coconut flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 cups chopped apple (or banana, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper cups
  2. Mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, and chopped apple (or chopped banana if you choose that option).
  4. Combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and scoop batter into the prepared muffin cups.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Articles, Recipes

February 9, 2021

Epilepsy Insight #14: Progress Report Using Green Grove CBD Products

February 9, 2021

 

Part B to Epilepsy Insight #13…

An entire month without a grand Mal seizure thanks to Green Grove Products! I am currently using both their Vape product (pen & cartridge) as well as their All-Natural CBD-Oil Tincture. I prefer the Natural Unflavored Oil Tincture because I am incredibly sensitive to ingredients used for flavoring. 

You may notice on the vape product that the only choice is “Lite Citrus Breeze.” After multiple calls to the Green Grove company, I learned that the flavor for this product is derived from real lemons. No synthetic lemon ingredients are used. I am happy to report that after 8 months of consistent use, the Vape product has only had beneficial effects on my body. To clarify, the lemon flavor has not caused any extra seizure activity. 

That being said, I’d just like to remind my readers that I am not a doctor therefore the information shared in the video above is simply my own personal account with the Green Grove CBD products. Truthfully, I do not know how the products will work for someone else, every body is unique and is likely to react in his or her own unique way. But, I can see the physical improvements my own body has made while using these products. I have been an epileptic for 12 years now and I strongly believe that any positive observation is worth sharing!  

Check out the video below for my updated experience with CBD products…

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Posted by SeizeTheDayBlog
Filed Under: Articles, Epilepsy Tagged: brain, brain health, cannabis, catamenial epilepsy, cbd, CBD Oil, epilepsy, health, healthy, seize the day blog, seizure activity, seizure triggers, seizures, vape

February 8, 2021

Healthy Granola Bar Recipe

February 8, 2021

It may be common knowledge that granola bars are a fabulous snack for people of all ages, but did you know that when done right granola bars can also be a prime source for those minerals and nutrients your body desperately needs???

When I think of commercially processed granola bars I actually think of this product as more of a dessert than I do a healthy food source. This is probably because granola bars have become packed full of unhealthy things like refined sugar and chocolate chips. Don’t get me wrong, I love a little flavor boost in my snack foods just as much as the next person, but I just can’t get on board with ingredients like Corn Syrup, Soy Lecithin, Soybean Oil, Glycerin (which is frequently derived from Soy), Invert Sugar, and Calcium Carbonate. All of which happen to be in one of the most popular granola bar products currently available on the processed foods market.

***Side Note: Calcium Carbonate is most commonly used as an antacid to prevent indigestion…Is it just me or do you also find it strange that a supposedly healthy product like a granola bar also contains an ingredient to prevent indigestion for the consumer. Hmmm….could that possibly mean that the product contains a few unhealthy ingredients that no human should actually consume??? 

The answer to this question is a resounding “YES!” The reason for this unfortunate reality is that the food corporation’s bottom line is prioritized highly above the long term health of the consumer. It is this incredibly concerning mindset in such corporations that should inspire you to read the ingredient label on every single food product you plan to consume. Trust me, it is worth it!  

It is always disappointing to discover that a product you love is actually comprised of ingredients that are the worst quality possible and (realistically) should never be consumed by any human being EVER. The reality is, you must look to yourself if you are going to overcome this challenge we all face regarding the food industry. The quality of ingredients has gradually decreased with the passing of time, most especially in the last 50 years. Society has come to rely on things like microwaveable meals and fast food restaurants to fulfill the category of “Ideal Family Meal.” What I’m suggesting when I say, “look to yourself,” is actually much simpler than it may sound…I’m only asking each person currently reading this article to consider trying the “old-school” method of cooking from scratch using real ingredients. Ingredients that are sourced from real foods and not created in a lab.

 

 

Now, I’m no professional chef nor am I anywhere close to being such, but I have had to completely change my daily diet due to my diagnosis with epilepsy. It may sound funny to some, but the day I had my first seizure was actually the day I took my first step down a path toward a healthier lifestyle. The sensitivities I suddenly began to develop while trying to fight off seizures actually turned out to be blessings in disguise because they forced me to change in ways I never would have if it wasn’t an absolute requirement in order to get through the day. Food is one of the most common seizure trigger categories because we come into contact with it so frequently. Learning how to create healthy eating habits is a wonderful way to begin your own journey toward decreasing your seizure activity (if you are an epileptic, of course). But hey, even if you aren’t an epileptic, eating healthier is a great way to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs in order to maintain long-term healthy brain function.

That being said, cooking from scratch has been simplified thanks to technology. There are so many simple recipes available online. Cooking tutorials are also available and in video form too so that you can get the help you need any time of the day or night. When I first began favoring homemade foods over processed food products I learned very quickly that your best skill while trying to master this seemingly large feat is to take every recipe one step at a time. If you become overwhelmed and panic, you most likely aren’t going to create something edible…I’ve been there so I know, charcoal is not a great meal option.

These Granola Bars are a favorite of mine also because they are filled with these three ingredients: nuts, nut butter, and whole grains (oats). All of which are sulfur-rich foods! A sulfur deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, one being convulsions. If you are an epileptic, I have a question for you…Have you ever had your sulphur levels checked by a professional doctor?? If not, it might be worth looking into. I happen to be incredibly sulphur deficient so in addition to supplementing my problem, I have also been trying to consume more sulphur-rich foods in my daily diet. These granola bars are a simple and tasty way to accomplish this task. Only eight ingredients and they taste like caramel popcorn! Yes, please!

If you would like to learn more about sulphur deficiency, here is a must-read article for you.

*Recipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven’s Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

 

 

 

Healthy Granola Bar Recipe

Print this recipe
SeizeTheDayBlog
February 8, 2021
by SeizeTheDayBlog
Category Articles Epilepsy Recipes
Serving Size
16 bars
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Wait Time
1 hour
Total Time
30 minutes
Healthy Granola Bar Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Almond Butter
  • 1/2 cup Raw Honey
  • 2 T Coconut Oil
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 1/4 cup Old-fashioned Oats
  • 1 cup Almonds, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the bottom of an 8x11 glass baking dish using butter. Be sure to grease both the bottom of the pan as well as the sides. This granola mixture is extremely sticky before it has been chilled and you’ll need the buffer. Set aside.
  2. Stir almond butter (or the nut butter of your choice), honey and coconut oil together in a medium saucepan. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture begins to simmer. Once your simmer begins, continue to cook for 1 more minute. Be sure to watch your mixture closely and continue stirring often because it will quickly reach its burning point. After 1 minute, remove from heat.
  3. Add vanilla and sea salt, stir until both are combined. At this point you should have a fairly thick and sticky liquid mixture. Transfer mixture to a glass bowl and stir in oats until fully combined. I recommend using a large spoon to stir in order to thoroughly distribute the oats. Next, add the almonds. Using the same technique that you used with the oats, stir almonds until fully combined. Finally, stir in the walnuts. Optional: Reserve a tiny bit of chopped walnuts to sprinkle on top of your granola bars.
  4. Gently press the granola firmly and evenly into the bottom of your 8 x 11 glass baking dish that you set aside in step 1.
  5. Cover dish with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until solid.
  6. Use a sharp knife to cut mixture into small rectangular bars (or the shape that you prefer). Typically, the size of my own bars are about 1 1/2 inches in width and 4 inches in length. Using this size guide, the yield is 16 granola bars.
  7. After slicing your mixture into individual bars, use a spatula to carefully separate and lift each bar from your glass baking dish. Individually wrap each bar in a single layer of plastic wrap to preserve freshness and also to prevent the oat mixture from becoming dry and crumbly.
  8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.
  9. Enjoy!

Tags

almond butter,
almonds,
catamenial epilepsy,
clean eating,
epilepsy,
food,
granola,
granola bars,
healthy,
healthy diet,
honey,
nut butter,
organic,
raw,
recipe,
seize the day blog,
seizures,
snack,
sulphur,
sulphur rich foods,
walnuts,
whole grains

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Posted by SeizeTheDayBlog
Filed Under: Articles, Epilepsy, Recipes Tagged: almond butter, almonds, catamenial epilepsy, clean eating, epilepsy, food, granola, granola bars, healthy, healthy diet, honey, nut butter, organic, raw, recipe, seize the day blog, seizures, snack, sulphur, sulphur rich foods, walnuts, whole grains

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About Me

Hi, I'm Katie! I was diagnosed with Catamenial Epilepsy when I was 16 years old. What started out to be an impossible struggle has now become a journey toward healing thanks to natural/Holistic methods.
For the last 6 years, I have continuously gone through a trial and error period where I have been discovering for myself the true quality of various foods, products, and lifestyles.
I am going to share everything I have learned with the hope that it will help you to begin your healthy lifestyle that much faster. Read More…

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