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Crohn’s Disease: Chronic or Curable???

 

Over the last couple of weeks I have posted quite a few articles on the subject of Ingredients in processed foods because of the negative impact they so clearly seem to have on anyone consuming these products. After discussing such a broad topic, I would like to narrow things down this week and focus specifically on the topic of Crohn’s Disease, also known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. Both eating and lifestyle habits have such a strong impact on how we function as human beings, but most of us seem to disregard this fact. Instead of maintaining healthy eating and lifestyle habits we tend to abandon the beneficial options available and often times settle with the easier options…freezer lasagna instead of homemade lasagna, lemonade from a powder mix instead of lemonade from fresh squeezed lemons, take out for dinner (quick option) instead of a homemade meal (option requiring some effort on your part), etc.

In American culture, our average diet considered “normal” by most people is composed almost completely of processed foods. Shocking, I know! Synthetic foods should be thought of as the furthest thing from normal. But, alas, we have reached a low point in the nutrition arena that honestly does not bode well for the future health of those maintaining this type of diet. That has been made very clear when examining the rise in a variety of health problems, most especially Crohn’s Disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Crohn’s Disease is officially defined as a “chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract” (mayoclinic.org). Basically, your body is struggling to correctly digest the foods you are feeding it, the consequence being the development of holes in the intestines. Once these holes have developed, your body becomes susceptible to the leakage of everything traveling through your intestinal tract.

While thinking of the big picture scenario, it can be easy to keep your concept of these “traveling” items in your stomach limited to food products alone. However, realistically, there is quite the diverse collection of travelers present in every human being’s digestive system far beyond food products and including other elements such as digestive fluids, toxins, bacteria (both good and bad), liquids, and many other organisms (some beneficial, others detrimental to overall bodily function). The stomach is always thought of as the center of the body not only because of its biological location, but also because of the numerous activities performed by this single organ on a daily basis. These numerous activities or “tasks” are provided by a multitude of organs, therefore, when a person does develop Crohn’s disease their leaky gut is also allowing elements from other organs (sent to the digestive tract for a specific purpose) to slip through the intestinal lining and circulate randomly throughout the body.

Instead of being properly digested, these foods and/or liquids are forced to find other routes out of the body. This is why people with Crohn’s Disease typically develop a second anal cavity near or right next to their first cavity. This second cavity will serve as a drain for all of the foods or liquids that slip through the existing holes in the intestines.

If you “Google” Crohn’s Disease, it will give you some general info on this condition including the statement that it “can’t be cured, but treatment may help” and it is a “chronic condition, meaning it can last for years or be lifelong.” Basically, this search engine has provided some not so encouraging details about a disease that, when treated holistically, actually can be reversed.

Many of us often jump to the conclusion that antibiotics, medications, and surgeries are needed if any type of recovery will occur because this is what we know and it is what we have grown up with. However, it is actually the opposite of what you really want to be doing, especially for this specific circumstance. Although we are trying to heal the issue at hand, we make the mistake of automatically assuming that we already know best and therefore never make any other effort to further analyze the overall situation. We never take the time to consider what could be causing such a serious condition; we immediately jump to finding the solution.

Which may be very bold of us, but we lose the opportunity to figure out the true cause of the problem. By taking a look at Crohn’s Disease, one will discover that the main issue stems from the entire gut. It is not exclusive to only one region of the gut, such as the digestive system or the intestines. The whole gut is struggling to function, therefore, our greatest concern when battling this disease should be the entire gastrointestinal system. When visiting a doctor of modern medicine, it is much easier for him or her to “fix” the problem by blaming it on only one part of the gut, typically the intestines because this is where the greatest amount of wear and tear from improper gut function is found.

In my opinion, this is the biggest mistake made by modern medicine in relation to this specific condition. These doctors focus on one tiny component of the gut when it is the entire system that needs help. You can’t throw medication at one area of the body and expect it to be miraculously healed from a condition like Crohn’s Disease, just like you can’t fix one flat tire on a bike with two flats and expect it to ride perfectly. You must air up both tires before you can receive this result.

Personally, I do not believe you can throw medication at any part of the body and expect positive results because the overall cause of medication use is typically side effects and long-term damage. The products are made up of synthetic and chemically based ingredients so it really shouldn’t come as much of a shock.

I just want to point out that health issues based in the stomach are more often than not related to poor diet. If your diet is poor, than you’re consuming numerous amounts of processed foods (filled with synthetic ingredients) on a daily basis. Therefore, it makes no sense to try and heal the issue with more of what caused the condition in the first place. Our goal shouldn’t be to increase the existing synthetic material already in the gut; we should want to decrease this harmful material! Synthetically based products are NOT going to do this! They’re only going to worsen the Crohn’s Disease! If anyone is going to achieve this goal of decreasing the existing synthetic material, the stomach first needs to be flushed of it.

I know that the thought of healing the entire gastrointestinal system can be a bit daunting, obviously it is much more complicated than simply airing up two bike tires, but a solution does exist and it is feasible (doable, reasonable, realistic). Not only that, it is logical too! It makes sense to remove the poor ingredients creating the problem if we are ever going to successfully remove the problem, itself.

For an illness that begins in the gut, it is crucial to automatically focus on healing this specific area. The human body craves and, with the right approach, that is exactly what it is going to get. Skip the medication and surgery; God gave us ALL of those intestines for a reason, therefore, cutting them apart should never be an option!

An alternative treatment option is the GAPS Diet, also known as the Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet. This diet is amazing! The primary goal of this diet is to heal the gut in its entirety all the while restoring balance, proper nourishment, and healthy total body function. If you do a little research on GAPS, you will find story after story from people who have used it as a treatment method, all receiving positive benefits from the diet.

There is an Intro GAPS Diet, consisting of 6 stages, which some people choose to do while others skip it and go straight to the main GAPS diet, known as the Full GAPS Diet.

Personally, I recommend utilizing the Intro GAPS Diet because it is supposed to be the most healing, especially for the gut. Intro GAPS breaks down your diet by stage and builds upon each as you complete one stage and move on to the next. In Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride’s book, The Gut and Psychology Syndrome, she advises a person spend 3-5 days on every stage of the Intro diet. There are specific foods allowed with each stage, which you can find more details about in Dr. Natasha’s book (mentioned above). The Heal Your Gut Cookbook by Hilary Boynton is also terrific for anyone starting this diet! It was so helpful for me the way it was organized by each stage of the diet and clearly listed the allowed foods. This is also a great way to help your body ease in to starting such an intense diet without shocking your system. In addition to these two sources, I also recommend you check out the following article by Jen Reviews on the GAPS Diet. It contains lots of helpful information including recipes and insights on how to successfully commit to this diet despite the meal restrictions. You can access the article here.

In this cookbook, there are a variety of recipes for every dieter to try including meals, desserts, and beverages. I personally love the ginger tea in Stage 1. Although I’m not a huge fan of ginger’s flavor, I am a fan of its many anti-inflammatory qualities that could be so helpful to people with Crohn’s Disease or even those with a sensitive gut. It is a supplemental tea that not only adds to the diet, but it helps to further progress the healing effects of the GAPS diet, as well. Since caffeine is not allowed during the first couple of stages, this ginger tea would be a fantastic substitute option for your morning or afternoon coffee. The diet is strict and requires complete dedication, but it offers a true-blue method to healing your gut.

Although I do not have Crohn’s Disease, I have two family friends who, in the last three years, have been diagnosed with this condition. Both are too young to be dealing with such an illness, the first being in his mid-twenties and the second being less than ten years of age. Both also happen to be choosing the wrong path (medications and surgery), but do not realize the error in their actions because they are unaware of alternative options like the GAPS diet. The truth is, most people do not realize that they can literally heal their intestines with their diet and, therefore, reverse their painful condition.

If a second option is available to those suffering from Crohn’s disease, they should know about it. It is because of this reason that I have chosen to write on this particular subject. At the very least, I want people to know that the GAPS diet exists and can heal many intestinal issues beyond Crohn’s disease. I am not being paid to write this article, I truly believe in this diet and the nutritional healing it can provide to whomever needs it.

Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in your chances of developing Crohn’s Disease and the likelihood of you beating this disease if you already suffer from it. Holistic medicine triumphs once again by keeping its focus on healing the root of the problem at hand rather than the symptoms. Medication and treatments merely serve as a Band-Aid for the true problem. For those of you seeking an actual solution for your problem(s), sometimes it is best to go back to the basics when figuring out how to reach a healthy state. Many times, fixing the gut is the foremost approach to achieving this goal.

 

Reminder: As always, please remember that I am not a healthcare provider, therefore any changes you wish to make to your diet or lifestyle based upon the info you read here on Seize the Day Blog should first be approved by your doctor.

 

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.

 

Sources:

Google – https://www.google.com/#q=crohn%27s+disease

Mayo Clinic – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/basics/definition/con-20032061

Brain Maker by Dr. David Perlmutter – https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Maker-Power-Microbes-Protect/dp/0316380105

The Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride – https://www.amazon.com/Gut-Psychology-Syndrome-Depression-Schizophrenia/dp/0954852001

Sneak Peek For Next Week’s Article!

My last couple of articles have centered on a very similar subject…Ingredients and processed foods, in general. The reason for this being that I am leading up to a topic I believe to be a particularly related one worth discussing due to the fact that it is a condition caused mostly by diet and poor lifestyle choices, such as processed foods filled with synthetic ingredients. Any guesses as to what my next article is going to be centered on???

Okay, fine, I’ll tell you!

Next week’s article is going to be exclusively focused upon Crohn’s Disease, a condition that is rapidly becoming a bit of an epidemic here in the United States. Although Google Search still classifies this disease as a “Rare” one, the hard-core facts are saying the opposite. To clarify “hard-core facts,” I mean the physical evidence that is right before our eyes and continues to confirm the prominence of this disease in American culture. What evidence is better than an increase in the average diagnosis of this disease?

I currently have four family friends who are suffering from Crohn’s Disease. Two of these friends happen to be quite young for your typical diagnosing age, one being in his early twenties and the other being under the age of ten.

It is difficult to hear the news of any person’s diagnosis with a disease that is both degenerative and (according to doctors) chronic, but to hear of a child’s diagnosis is absolutely heartbreaking.

As with many other medical conditions, doctors say no cure exists for Crohn’s Disease, only surgeries, which typically don’t yield the results the patient is hoping for, or medications, which are notorious for only making things worse.

The truth is, more options are available for treating your Crohn’s Disease if you’re willing to explore the Holistic methods that currently exist…and they’re free of synthetic ingredients, chemicals, and drugs. There is one option in particular, the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Diet, which I favor for treating this condition and will discuss it in full detail next Thursday!

The hardest part of knowing someone with Crohn’s Disease isn’t hearing the initial news of their unfortunate diagnosis, it is standing by while the person encounters nothing but failure with modern methods while a successful holistic method exists.

You never know when the day might come when this information will actually prove to be quite helpful for you and maybe even another person, too!

Therefore, I hope you will visit Seize the Day Blog on Thursday, September 15th to read my next article, Crohn’s Disease: Chronic or Curable?

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Homemade Ketchup & BBQ Sauce

 

In a recent article (6 Common Seizure Triggers that May Be Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinet), I discussed the presence of cloves and allspice in a favorite product of mine…Ketchup. Whether you buy an Organic brand or a regular brand, you will find these two ingredients in this particular product. If you did not read the article I mentioned above, then you should probably know that cloves and allspice are both what I like to call Seizure Triggers. These ingredients (also known as excitotoxins) can create seizure activity in the brains of both epileptics and non-epileptics alike. Therefore, they are also very good to avoid. I am yet to find a mass-produced ketchup product that is free of these unhealthy ingredients, which leaves us with only one option…to make it completely from scratch.

Trust me when I say that this sounds like more work than it actually is. When I made this ketchup recipe from DIY Natural for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised at the simplicity of the entire process. The truth is, I’ve been looking for a good ketchup recipe for quite some time now. I’m so happy to say that I finally found one! I provided a link above to the DIY Natural website if you would like to view the recipe right from its original source or you can continue scrolling down to view it here on Seize the Day Blog.

In addition to the ketchup recipe, I would also like to provide a recipe for homemade Barbeque Sauce (which happens to call for ketchup, as well). This recipe has been perfected over the years by my mother and it tastes fantastic on steak, chicken, you name it! Store-bought BBQ sauces are always filled with synthetic ingredients and other unwanted junk. Instead of buying these poor quality food products, take advantage of this super simple recipe! I sincerely hope you enjoy of these recipes as much as my family and I do!

Fabulous Homemade Ketchup

(from DIY Natural)

Ingredients:

6-7 ounces (1 can) organic tomato paste

½ cup distilled white vinegar

¼ cup (or less) pure maple syrup

¼ cup filtered water

1 teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon onion powder

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Begin whisking to blend ingredients until smooth. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently around sides of the saucepan with a spatula. Simmer until desired thickness is achieved (could take about 20-25 minutes or more). Remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to a jar, cap tightly, and refrigerate.

 

 

6 Common Seizure Triggers That May Be Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets

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As I discussed in my previous article, the trial and error process has been and continues to be a substantial part of my journey with epilepsy. I learn as I go, stumbling and, every once in a while, falling along the way, but never staying down for long because it isn’t until I get back up that the “success” part of this process can be attained. Especially when it comes to my seizures and going beyond the symptoms to figure out the cause.

There have been so many times when I’ll go through a phase of increased seizure activity, every phase being completely out of the blue. The most frustrating part of this increased activity (apart from the seizures, of course) is always the resonating mystery of what exactly caused this surprising intensification.

In my opinion, most of us epileptics can’t help but always keep that question of “Why” in the back of our minds. If we are truly going to heal our bodies of this condition we constantly deal with on a daily basis, having an answer to this question would certainly be a helpful start! As I have pondered this question strictly for my own symptoms, the biggest revelation I have come to realize is that there are typically multiple answers to this one question. And they vary from person to person, which is also why this is such a difficult question to answer. So, if you were thinking I was just about to reveal the miracle answer, I’m very sorry to disappoint you. But, what I can do is share one of the most common contributing factors that has had quite the influence on many epileptics’ current condition, some (like me and my own first year with epilepsy) without their knowledge. If the title of this article didn’t already give the answer away, the factor I’m referring to is diet/nutrition.

It is truly astonishing the effect foods and eating habits can have on both your brain and total body health. Obviously, synthetic/processed foods and ingredients aren’t the healthiest types of products we can be pumping into our bodies on a daily basis, but what about all-natural foods? By “all-natural,” I mean something like a plant-based food, such as Rosemary (fresh or dried), which only consists of one ingredient as opposed to a processed food product, such as a Pop Tart, which is filled with numerous synthetic ingredients.

Organic or non-organic fruits, vegetables, and spices have always been advertised as perfectly healthy; therefore we never assume there could be any cause for suspicion. But, the unfortunate truth is that many all-natural food products, sans synthetic ingredients, can act as seizure triggers (a.k.a. products containing elements (synthetic, natural, or both) that can prompt seizure activity in certain people). Similar to an excitotoxin (click here to read more about excitotoxins), the seizure trigger contains an element that interacts with your body and brain in a negative manner, ultimately resulting in the occurrence of a seizure. Seizure triggers concerning fruits, veggies, and spices are no longer referring to synthetic ingredients a product might contain but rather the natural effect each tends to have as they are digested and dispersed throughout the body.

**Side Note: Seizure triggers can also be found in other types of product groups such as cosmetics, bedding, and cookware. But, ultimately, each of these groups share a common and widespread culprit existing at the heart of the cause…synthetic ingredients. What it really comes down to is the quality of the product.

In this article, I am going to discuss six all-natural products that I have recently been forced to move to the “allergic” list due to their widespread tendency to be seizure triggers for not just me, but other epileptics, as well. These products are Rosemary, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves, Tarragon, and Sage. Each of which can be found as dried spices in your typical spice rack, fresh in the produce section at the grocery store, or, if you’re into growing your own plants, in the backyard garden.

Before I dive into the full details on Rosemary, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves, Tarragon, and Sage (the six ingredients listed above), I would like to bring to light one very important bit of information I believe everyone needs to be aware of. Each person reacts differently to varying ingredients and/or products. Therefore, if something acts as a seizure trigger for me it may not for you, hence the need for use of a trial and error process when determining your own “allergic” list. I still believe it is a wise idea to consume these types of foods with caution whether or not you have a history of seizures; they are excitotoxins, after all!

Alright lets break it down! 6 common seizure triggers that may be lurking in your kitchen cabinets:

Rosemary, whether it is a whole twig plucked fresh from the plant itself, crushed into tiny flakes in a spice jar, or incorporated in the flavor of a meal, this unprocessed herb is notorious for worsening seizure activity in epileptics. Just to be safe, I avoided Rosemary like the plague after I was diagnosed with Catamenial Epilepsy. As it turns out, this extreme avoidance was actually a complete waste of time because this very common seizure trigger is one of those ingredients, as I described above, that has the opposite affect on me. It happens to be one of those cases where a “seizure trigger” doesn’t necessarily prompt seizures from every epileptic.

For those of you who enjoy eating out, be extra careful when browsing the menu because Rosemary has recently become a very trendy ingredient and can be found in a multitude of dishes across various restaurants. Be especially wary of Rosemary in Italian food and chicken dishes. If you’re attempting a new recipe and find Rosemary to be a key ingredient, don’t skip the dish! Simply substitute it with a similar ingredient, such as thyme or basil.

Nutmeg, Allspice, and Cloves are ingredients commonly found in the same types of foods because of their very similar flavor. In fact, these three ingredients are key in any gingerbread cookie recipe. Last November, I posted a recipe for gingerbread cookies on Seize the Day Blog because I was baking way too many of these delicious holiday treats and absolutely had to share! Interestingly enough, I was also having an increased amount of seizures during the 2015 holiday season. Coincidence? I think not. My entire family can attest to the fact that I probably ate way too many gingerbread cookies between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, which also means I ate plenty of Nutmeg, Allspice, and Cloves. Once I stopped eating the gingerbread cookies, my seizures immediately began to decrease and I was on my way to a stable lifestyle once again.

If you come across my Gingerbread Cookie Recipe and are living with epilepsy, I encourage you to skip the Nutmeg, Allspice, and Cloves and substitute each with Cinnamon instead. I have tried this before and it actually turns out quite yummy! It might sound like too much cinnamon at first, but it actually gives you the perfect flavor for your gingerbread, not too bland and not too strong. This group of ingredients is also frequently found together in many pumpkin pie recipes. It’s best if you make your pie from scratch in the comfort of your own home and, once again, substitute all of the iffy ingredients with Cinnamon. I’m currently on the hunt for a good ketchup recipe because cloves and allspice are usually found in any store bought ketchup product, but Cinnamon won’t work as a substitute in this specific case for any of the recipes I do happen across. So, if you know of any Ketchup recipes free of cloves and allspice please comment below!

Tarragon, though a good source of numerous vitamins and minerals, is very similar to Rosemary in taste, structure, and its status as a seizure trigger. This plant-like herb is used in a variety of food and medicinal products because it is filled with so many beneficial nutrients. For being such a healthy plant, I was astonished to find Tarragon on the seizure trigger list! Well, despite all of the beneficial effects this ingredient can have on people of all ages, it turns out that it also has a bit of a dark side. An unintentional dark side, of course, but a dark side nonetheless.

Consequently, while the potential for healing is a strong point for Tarragon, it would seem as though the ability to provoke seizures is, as well. Tarragon, like the other five seizure triggers I’m discussing in this article, is an excitotoxin and contains elements in its cellular makeup that excite the brain by generating too much activity in the brain’s cortex for the body to handle. Unfortunately, the result of this excitement in the brain is a seizure for everyday people and increased seizure activity for epileptics. Unfortunately, the result of this excitement in the brain is a seizure for both epileptics and non-epileptics.

Due to the negative effects this herb can have on the brain, it is completely understandable if you wish to avoid it completely. Before you can do this successfully, you should probably know that Tarragon is frequently found in salads, Italian food and a variety of sauces. Cooking without this ingredient can easily be done by replacing it with any of the following herbs or spices: dried dill, basil, marjoram, or oregano.

Lastly, we have Sage, an ingredient that tends to pop up in the most random of places. Like Rosemary, it is widely notorious for its ability to trigger seizures in epileptics and non-epileptics alike. The biggest concern for people trying to avoid this ingredient is the unfortunate fact that Sage has become a trendy herb with an ever-expanding popularity amongst gourmet chefs. After browsing recipes and eating at a variety of restaurants, I have found chicken dishes to be most often connected with this particular herb. Sauces, salad dressings, sausage, and Italian cuisine are also good to be wary of when it comes to Sage. The strong flavor of this ingredient is best substituted with marjoram or thyme.

Personally, I have made an extra effort to avoid this particular plant in all of its forms. During my extensive research, Sage has always stood out as the most common seizure trigger worldwide and for people of all ages. It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes one excitotoxin more potent than the next, but my guess is that flavor plays a pretty prominent role in this case. Sage has such a strong essence in taste, smell, and, well, everything! Sage is an herb that always wants its presence to be known, even when it is traveling through the body after being digested. What a diva!

Rosemary, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves, Tarragon, and Sage…such frequently used ingredients that have managed to fly under the “seizure trigger” radar pretty successfully! Although excitotoxins can create issues for people with or without epilepsy, it seems that most of this information gets lost in translation unless it is desperately needed, such as during a health crisis. Therefore, I encourage anyone reading this article to do a little research of their own on the topic of seizure triggers. I guarantee that the full list of these foods and products is much more extensive than the six ingredients I explored in this article.

If you have questions about any of the seizure triggers I discussed, please share via Twitter and Instagram or email (katie@seizethedayblog.com)!

 

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.

Be Sure to Mark Thursday, August 18th in Your Calendar!

Hello all! First, I’d like to say a big THANK YOU to my readers for taking the time to visit Seize the Day Blog and view this post….I greatly appreciate it!!!

Well, it’s another Thursday here on Seize the Day Blog, which only 3 weeks ago (July 25th) became my new “Official” posting day per every 2 weeks. Sorry if that sounds kind of confusing, it wasn’t easy typing it out coherently either. Basically, I post one Thursday, don’t post the following Thursday, then post the next Thursday, which (if I’m being consistent like a responsible blogger is supposed to) should be every 2 weeks.

Therefore, since I posted a new article last Thursday, August 4th, I’m posting this little memo to remind you all that a new article will be up on the blog next Thursday, August 18th! And you DO NOT want to miss it!

Here’s a little sneak peak into what next week’s newest article will be about:

6 Common Seizure Triggers That May Be Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets 

In case the title alone didn’t convey this little recommendation, Epileptics should definitely check out Seize the Day Blog on August 18th!

Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you all next Thursday!

– Katie

Vitamin Supplements – Adding New Products to Your Daily Regimen

Vitamin supplements play a vital role in the process that has been my own personal journey toward good health for the past 7+ years. Adding a new supplement to my daily regimen is always an exciting and nerve-wracking step for me.

I say nerve-wracking because, truth be told, my body is extremely sensitive to new things and rushing into something unfamiliar can result in a very unexpected increase of seizures.

At the start of my diagnosis with Catamenial Epilepsy, this intensification in my average amount of seizures would typically cause me to quit the supplement altogether and just start from scratch with a different one.

Time and time again I would try new supplements, quit these supplements and come to the same conclusion with every one…

Despite the extra seizures, each supplement or vitamin has the potential to be incredibly beneficial in numerous ways. At the end of the day, every supplement could have a very positive effect on my body and overall health if I was actually able to take them for a longer, more extended period of time.

Typically, this would be the case for me, personally, but I felt like I had no other choice. Quitting the supplement may calm down the increased amount of seizure activity, but I’m still deficient in whichever nutrient(s) the vitamin would have helped to cure. So, the only question worth asking at this point is whether or not I actually am better off without the vitamin supplement? I have come to the conclusion that No, I’m not better off.

The trial by error process has taught me that quitting a supplement completely isn’t the only solution for people with extreme sensitivities.

The other solution when beginning a new supplement is to start off slowly with the serving size. Instead of giving your body the full serving size as listed on the product label right away, cut it in half (or, if necessary, cut it in quarters…because my body is SO sensitive, I typically cut the serving size of all the supplements I take into quarters to prevent seizures) and gradually build up to the full serving size.

I have found this technique to be a gentle and successful way to introduce my body to a new supplement. By starting off extremely slow, I have been able to begin many new supplements, stick with them, and avoid any extra seizure activity.

What causes this increase in seizure activity? Well, a vitamin supplement is typically going to create a detoxification process within the body where toxins are flushed out of the main bodily organs and replaced by good nutrients. Unfortunately, a supplement can prompt an amount of detox that your kidneys may not be able to handle, which leads to the flushing of this organ and the toxins it happens to be processing. This in turn results in various symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, body aches, or in my case, an increase in seizures. In these circumstances, breaking up the serving size and gradually building up becomes the best way to go about adding a new supplement to your daily regimen. By reducing the serving size, you’re also reducing the amount of detox triggered by the vitamin. Let your body adjust to the detox process and, therefore, the extra movement of toxins to avoid any extra seizure activity. Remember to always keep this process slow, controlled, and consistent.

If a supplement does trigger a seizure, I simply decrease the serving size (by a quarter) of whatever I’m taking whether it’s the amount of capsules or the measured amount of a powdered product.

The best part of this technique is that you don’t miss out on all of the benefits a vitamin can offer. Be wary, of course, when taking any supplement because nasty ingredients can sneak their way into any product…even those labeled as “healthy.”

Here is an example of a product I began using during the start of Summer 2016 and how I broke down the serving size to accommodate my sensitivities:

What it is: Spirulina Powder

Product serving size: 1 teaspoon, once daily

How I take it:

1/8 teaspoon for 1 week (7 days)

1/4 teaspoon for 1 week

1/2 teaspoon for 1 week

3/4 teaspoon for 1 week

1 teaspoon, once daily

As you can see, I break this product serving size up pretty drastically, which may not be necessary for everyone, but it happens to work perfectly for me. I love the Spirulina Powder product and taking it in such small servings over an extended period of time allows my body the time it needs to adjust to a new supplement. If you would like to read more about Spirulina (a very beneficial and nutrient-packed product) you can do so here. If you are looking for a fantastic, nutrient-rich product that delivers positive results without any synthetic ingredients, I recommend you check out the Organic Burst Spirulina Powder.

I wish all of my readers the best of luck when trying new supplements and always remember; giving up completely on a supplement may not be your only option! My best advice when beginning a new vitamin supplement is to be patient…it is a process and results may not always be visible immediately. Sometimes, all it takes is a little extra time for your body to adjust.

 

Sources:

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/makeyourowningredients/fl/Tarragon-Substitute.htm

http://www.herbbee.com/cooking/herb-substitutions-in-recipes/

Spirulina

 

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.

Cherishing Memories, Cherishing My Grandma


Grandma

Life is filled with so many unexpected things, some big and important, others small and minute, all different for each individual.

Most recently, I have found this list of unexpected things to undoubtedly include the people I continue to meet along my own journey and the surprising events some days occasionally contain that, unbeknownst to me, have the potential to change the path I walk forevermore.

As I write this piece, both mourning the loss of my beloved Grandma and cherishing the legacy she left behind, I have come to the realization that big or small, important or minute, all “things” serve a vital purpose during events such as the death of a loved one…Memories. And I know in my heart that with all of these memories to continuously look back on, she will never truly be gone from me or my family. With these memories, she will always be alive in spirit.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.”

– Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)

In loving memory of Barbara Veale (1939 – 2016)

 

Four Common Products with “Super” Abilities

 

 

Lemons: This yellow fruit, predominantly known for its link to the citrus family, is actually great for reducing acidity levels in the body! Due to the high level of Citric Acid found in lemons, the opposite would make more sense. But, if you mix the juice of one lemon with one cup of warm water your body will be able to absorb the mixture, no problem!

The biggest benefit from this absorption? A balanced pH level throughout your entire body. This, of course, must also be combined with a nutrient-rich diet if you are truly going to reach a balanced level, meaning not too acidic and not too alkaline.

In addition to balancing your body, lemons are also good for digestion. Although most fruits have the ability to make you “go” if you eat enough of one in particular, lemons are considered to be a natural diuretic. The juice of only one lemon will help flush toxins from various areas in your body, including the stomach, liver, and tissues. It is a healthy habit to drink warm water with lemon every morning before you eat for this very reason. You get a total-body cleanse without even leaving the comfort of your home…except for when you need more lemons. Unfortunately, the grocery shopping does not take care of itself. But, I would say it’s quite a small price to pay for a food that is so vastly beneficial to your health!

Tip: Try to buy only Organic if you can, pesticide-free lemons are always better!

Baking Soda: Contrary to popular belief, baking soda is not limited to the kitchen and/or cooking. Also known as Sodium Bicarbonate, when combined with water this simple household product has the ability to quickly reduce and relieve bodily inflammation. Especially inflammation related to Lactic Acid (a type of acid most commonly accumulated in the muscles and tissues after physically strenuous activities, such as exercise) and acidity levels, in general.

Unfortunately, a typical American diet is seriously lacking in nutrients, something which contributes greatly to a highly acidic body environment. This is the type of environment where disease and illness thrive.

The easiest way to test your own pH level…so that you can know for sure whether or not steps need to be taken to reduce the acidity levels in your body…is to purchase pH strips from your local pharmacy or health food store. You will then be required to urinate on the strip (kind of icky, I know, but very worth it!). Wait 15-30 seconds and then check the color change to determine your pH level.

If your levels are normal, it is always wise for preventative steps to be taken. I don’t think baking soda is necessary, but monitoring your intake of acidic foods (such as soda, alcohol, meats, pastas, and rice) would be a very good method to maintain the alkalinity of your body. For those individuals who are like me and test pH positive for acidity, baking soda is going to become your best friend!

Begin by mixing ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with 3-4 ounces of water, and then add the juice from a quarter slice of lemon (about ½ teaspoon) to balance the pH level of the mixture. The result? A medical miracle! Not only will the baking soda and lemon water work to balance your pH levels, they will also help those of you suffering from epilepsy.

As a fellow epileptic, I have only just begun using this drink as a means to stabilize my seizure activity so I will have to keep you posted on its success rate. However, many other epileptics have used this drink and found it to be very effective in reducing their overall seizure activity.

Tip: Double check that you are using an aluminum-free brand of baking soda because aluminum is a neurotoxin and can worsen and/or create neurological problems for you and your family. Keep an eye on your baking powder, too!

Click here to read my article on the Baking Soda & Maple Syrup Cancer Protocol

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Pretty much everyone, even those living under a rock, has heard of vinegar, but have they heard of Apple Cider Vinegar? This ingredient is quickly rising in popularity, in fact it’s become my go-to product lately, but many people still haven’t heard about all the amazing things it can do.

First of all, it is a great addition to anyone’s evening skincare routine. I say evening because ACV can put you at risk for sun damage if used in the morning. Also, ACV can be a tad bit potent for sensitive skin. Therefore, limiting your use of this product to the evening only (and maybe even every other night for extra-sensitive skin types) might be your best bet.

I replaced my usual toner with ACV and found that it worked much more effectively at cleaning, shrinking, and clarifying my pores than any of the previous toners I had used before. If you get a good quality brand, such as Bragg’s Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother, you will be using a chemical-free skincare product that is actually healthy for your skin! ACV will smooth your skin and balance the pH levels in your skin naturally! So far, I have experienced zero side effects while using ACV as a skincare product. Therefore, I highly recommend it!

Now, how many of you women out there struggle with a hormone imbalance of some kind??? If I could raise my hand right now, I would! Catamenial Epilepsy doesn’t just start one day out of the blue, despite what my neurologists like to tell me. After extensive research, I have learned that one of the prominent causes for my type of epilepsy is a hormonal imbalance. More specifically, too much Estrogen and not enough Progesterone.

Treatments for repairing hormone imbalances can be expensive, not to mention the pricy medication that will most likely also be part of the package deal. As a college student, I’m not exactly sitting on a huge pile of cash that has the sole purpose of being given away recklessly. No, I’m simply trying to pay my bills on time AND earn my Bachelor’s Degree in a timely manner. Any previous or current college student knows this is much easier said than done! Luckily for me, ACV is also a well-known and effective way to repair hormone imbalances.

All you need to do is mix 1 Tablespoon of ACV with 1 Tablespoon of unsulfured (preferably Organic) Black Strap Molasses and add 1 cup of warm filtered or Alkaline water to the mixture. It is essential that you use warm, not hot water because the temperature will determine how your body absorbs the active ingredients found in each of the products. Basically, if you use water that is too warm, you will kill all the good, active ingredients found in each product. Also, there is something about warm water that allows your body to absorb a variety of products with greater ease, whether it’s Apple Cider Vinegar and molasses combined or fresh-squeezed lemon juice.

My favorite part about this ACV/Molasses mixture? It is so simple! All you have to do is drink one serving once a day (I prefer in the morning after breakfast) and the blend of nutrient-rich ingredients does the rest! It will naturally balance your hormones over time and, thanks to the nature of the two products, you will also get a very beneficial boost nutritionally!

Spirulina: Lastly, I’d like to discuss a product that I have only recently discovered. Considered to be one of the top five “Super foods” globally, Spirulina caught my attention because of the extraordinary qualities that make it a “super” product.

This blue-green algae (typically found in capsule or powder form), “contains all of the essential amino acids, and 10 of the 12 non-essential amino acids, along with a potent array of other beneficial nutrients, such as: B vitamins (including exceptionally high B-12), vitamin K, and other vitamins (including calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, manganese, potassium, and zinc), one of the best sources of gamma-linoleic acid, other essential fatty acids, Phyto-pigments, Metallo-thionine compounds (proteins combined with metals that bind heavy radioactive isotopes), low in carbohydrates (15-20 percent)” (Dr. Mercola). As a highly nutritionally deficient human being, finding nutrient-rich products has been a key step in my progression toward the healing process. Finding such a vitamin and mineral rich product is a rarity, which is why Spirulina is a true diamond in the rough!

“Spirulina has about the same calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium content as milk, a vitamin E (tocopherol) level comparable to wheat germ, and four times as much vitamin B12 as raw liver” (Dr. Mercola)! This super food is being used to fight malnutrition in a variety of third world countries. More recently, Spirulina has been used successfully to treat epilepsy in children and adults worldwide. I have only just begun using this supplement to combat my Grand Mal and complex partial seizures so it is too soon to determine the effect it is having on my condition. However, I will keep you posted on its effect and if I experience any kind of detox period while using Spirulina.

I am not completely sure of the potential effect it might have on my body or my seizure activity. All I know is that this supplement is packed full of amazing vitamins and minerals. The exact same vitamins and minerals my Anti-Epilepsy Meds or Drugs (also known as AED’s) continually deplete on a daily basis.

Spirulina has the potential to heal the cause of my Catamenial Epilepsy rather than just treat the symptoms. The cause being nutrient deficiencies. I will keep you posted on my progress with Spirulina.

Each of these four household products truly are the “Clark Kent” products of the kitchen. At face value, each product presents quite the impression of simplicity. But, like Clark Kent, these four products have so much more to offer if you only make the effort to dig a little deeper and discover all that is hiding beneath those hypothetical ‘glasses.’ For Lemons, Baking Soda, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Spirulina, these seemingly simple products have the potential to save lives each and every day…no red cape necessary! Noteworthy, Remarkable, and Extraordinary…just a few of the words I would use to describe the fairly unknown superpowers of these common household ingredients.

Sources:

https://www.healthambition.com/acv-detox-drink/

www.scientificamerican.com/articles/why-does-lactic-acid-buil/

www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/lactic-acid-blood-test

www.mamavation.com/2015/01/25-ways-apple-cider-vinegar-will-change-life.html

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/09/29/spirulina-benefits.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archives/2015/02/11-health-benefits-baking-soda.aspx

www.davidwolfe.com/20-incredible-things-that-happen-when-adding-warm-lemon-water-to-your-morning-routine/

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.

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Grapefruit Juice

IMG_2020

Magnesium-rich foods…are we actually getting the recommended daily intake of magnesium from those processed foods commonly found in the majority of people’s cupboards??? The answer to this question is real simple…No. If our diet contains mostly processed foods, we are not consuming the recommended daily amount of magnesium because any and all magnesium has already been removed from the source during “processing.” Hence, my emphasis on processed foods.

Most people do not realize that unless their diet contains fruits and vegetables from Organic and non-GMO sources, they’re consuming nutrient-deficient foods. Yet another reason as to why most people in the U.S.A. are just as nutrient-deficient (if not more so) than the pitiful soil non-Organic farmers these days are using abundantly.

Surprise, surprise, I happen to be magnesium-deficient so whenever I come across what seems to be a potentially successful tactic for healing this deficiency, I tend to pursue it!

Diet and nutrition both fall into this category of “successful tactics for healing.” Magnesium-rich foods are a fantastic way to get magnesium directly back into your body, which means you want to eat lots of greens (like spinach, Swiss chard & avocado), meats (like salmon & chicken), fruits (like bananas, mango & grapefruit), and nuts/seeds (like almonds, walnuts & pumpkin seeds).

In this article, I would like to focus on a specific magnesium-rich food…Grapefruit juice. In most store-bought juices, the pulp is pretty much non-existent. Since the pulp and rind are where most of the nutrients lie, it is key to keep these contents in your juice rather than discarding them. Which is also why it is helpful to avoid using a juicer because these machines tend to discard all of the pulp during the blending process.

Instead of shelling out a few hundred bucks on an expensive juicer, just dust off that blender you probably already have tucked up in a kitchen cupboard.

Here are a few tips on how to use your blender to make pulp-filled juice with a smooth texture:

  1. If your blender gives you a “Liquefy” option, choose that instead of the “Smoothie” or “Blend” option.
  2. You might need to blend your mixture for a few extra minutes so that all of your pulp reaches a finer consistency.
  3. Finally, it will be helpful to add an extra 1/2 cup of water (possibly more, to taste) to the grapefruit juice mixture to reduce the thickness of your juice. The amount of extra water you choose to add depends on your preference in flavor, as well, because it will water down the tart flavor of the grapefruit in addition to the texture.

***Side Note:

I’d just like to add a quick warning for those using prescription medication(s)….Grapefruits are notorious for interacting poorly with the majority of prescription drugs! The effect this fruit will have differs from medication to medication so I can’t give you one specific example, but please be aware of this interaction before trying this recipe.

Grapefruit Juice

 

 

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.

From my Recipe Box to Yours: Strawberry & Banana Smoothie Bowl (drizzled with Nut Butter)

 

***I know it will look almost too pretty to eat, but trust me on this, you’re going to want to devour this yummy treat!  

Bon Appétit!!!

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.