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Vitamin D: A Prime Cornerstone of Your Total Body Health

 

What comes to mind when I mention Vitamin D??? Probably sunshine, milk, and maybe even fish. For me, I always think of the milk jugs at the grocery store. Especially the one with the cute little logo of a cow and the huge balloon letters above announcing “Vitamin D Added” and basically screaming to the consumer “Yes, this is healthy, please buy me!!!” Society has taught us to associate Vitamin D with milk or sunshine, however, it has failed to convey that Vitamin D is so much more than spotted cows and sun rays. For starters, Vitamin D isn’t a vitamin at all! This so-called “vitamin” is actually a hormone and it is a crucial part of your well-being…

We’re always told that we need Vitamin D to be healthy, but we’re never informed of the reasons why. Why is it so important that I drink milk, eat fish, and spend time out in the sunshine?? As a child, I always figured that Vitamin D is necessary because it is called a Vitamin so my body must need it…that seems reasonable enough, right? The answer to this question is always YES. Your body does need Vitamin D to function properly. However, your body needs the correct amount and the correct form of Vitamin D in order to supplement your body’s need for this important nutrient. 

In my case, I simply believed that my body was getting ALL of the necessary vitamins and minerals through the chewable Flintstones vitamins I had every morning as a child. Little did I know these supplements are actually equivalent to sidewalk chalk in both texture and nutritional value. Plus, my eating habits at the time were terrible! My intake of chemicals from processed food products was higher than my intake of good old fashioned vitamins and nutrients. Unknowingly, I was prepping my body for disaster…

I assumed my body was super healthy because, on the outside, it did appear that way. However, on the inside I was deteriorating and a lot of that had to do with my lack of Vitamin D. Not the synthetic Vitamin D that is added to products like milk, but the natural kind of Vitamin D that is found in organic food products such as dark leafy greens and wild caught fish. 

So, why is the need for Vitamin D so important?? Well, not only does this vitamin/hormone provide the foundation for the human body’s ability to absorb and assimilate other key hormones, but it also contributes greatly to proper brain function.

I only recently learned that a Vitamin D deficiency alone is enough to cause epileptic seizures. In fact, it is highly recommended by holistic doctors that any person experiencing seizures should get a blood test done to check their bodily levels of Vitamin D. Here is a question for my fellow epileptic warriors out there…Have you ever been told by your neurologist to have your Vitamin D levels checked??? If your answer is “Yes” than Yay for you and I’m super jealous of the amazing neurologist you apparently have! Unfortunately, for the majority of people the most common answer to this question is NO. 

I recently met with my own neurologist and he was genuinely surprised at the possibility of a Vitamin D deficiency being the cause of my epilepsy. He had no knowledge of the connection between Vitamin D and the brain. 

Vitamin D was never even mentioned to me by any of the medical professionals I visited over these past ten years of living with epilepsy. Whether it was at my local hospital or the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. There was always zero mention of “Vitamin D.” This is why I am so eager to share my personal experience with Vitamin D in relation to epilepsy. It is necessary for proper brain function and, if you are struggling with epileptic seizures, it may be just what you need!

Take a look at my own deficiency and my body’s reaction to the holistic Vitamin D supplement I began just three months ago…

In January, I finally found a Holistic doctor who prompted me to get blood work done that specifically measures my levels of Vitamin D. As per usual, the blood work results presented a helpful numerical zone indicating the general “Healthy” level for all human beings. In this case, the ideal level was somewhere between 30 and 100. With 30 being considered as a deficient level and, therefore, concerning. 

I expected my levels to be low, but I never expected what the test results displayed…

I literally did a double take when I checked my result page and found my level to be “1.” Yep, that’s right numero uno. Basically, I have no Vitamin D whatsoever in my body.

My first thought was, “How can a person’s body even function with that amount of Vitamin D?” Or lack thereof I guess I should say. I’m living proof that a body can function without Vitamin D, but it definitely cannot function properly. I should have known something was amiss when my actual neurologist (as opposed to his office staff) contacted me to both announce the arrival of my test results and to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. During my appointment, he immediately began discussing ways to help treat my extreme deficiency…I had passed the level of concern and landed somewhere in the region of emergency. 

According to Healthline, “In the US, current guidelines suggest that consuming 400-800 IU (10-20 mcg) of vitamin D should meet the needs of 97% – 98% of all healthy people.” This would equal out to 5,600 IU of vitamin D per week if doing the 800 IU dose. Apparently I fell into the 2% – 3% that requires a different level…

My neurologist recommended I begin a weekly dose of 50,000 IU of Vitamin D immediately. I was wide-eyed when he announced that dose, I mean fifty thousand…is a dose that large even possible?? His prescription was for an over-the-counter synthetic Vitamin D supplement that I would take once a week. This is always an option, of course, but I have plenty experience with synthetic vitamins to know that this is not the best option. I was also concerned that 50,000 IU of Vitamin D all at once might be a bit of a shock to my body.  

When introducing any new supplements to my daily regimen, I move like a turtle to avoid increasing my seizure activity. If the dose calls for 2 tablets, I begin with 1 tablet for at least a week (sometimes even a month) before adding in the second tablet. Lucky for me, there are other options for Vitamin D supplements besides pharmaceutical drugs that will not only allow me to apply my turtle-like pace, but will also supply my body with vitamin D in its natural form. 

I am currently using “Seeking Health Optimal Vitamin D Drops,” which is an organic liquid supplement. One drop contains 2,000 IU of Vitamin D3. So, I began by slowly introducing one drop, waited for a week and introduced another drop until I reached the recommended dose of 50,000 IU. It took a month to reach the full dose (like I said, I move at a turtle’s pace), but I finally did it. Currently, I am taking 4 drops and 8,000 IU of Vitamin D daily, which brings my weekly total to 56,000 IU of Vitamin D. 

I frequently read warnings about giving your body too much Vitamin D and, therefore, creating other issues. However, due to my extreme deficiency, my body has been loving this extra-large dose! I began taking the Vitamin D on 3/16/19 and it only took ten days before my body began showing evidence of absorption. I had one more gran mal seizure on 3/26/19 before I began seeing a decrease in my seizure activity, both gran mal seizures and partial seizures. 

Here is a brief summary of my seizure activity over the past three months since beginning the Vitamin D3 supplement:

March 2019 (I began Vitamin D on 3/16/19) – 11 Gran Mal Seizures, 13 Partial Seizures 

April 2019 – 0 Gran Mal seizures, 9 Partial Seizures

May 2019 – 0 Gran Mal seizures, 9 Partial Seizures

June 2019 (so far) – 1 Gran Mal seizure, 4 Partial Seizures

I was so excited to share my experience with Vitamin D particularly because of the immense success I have experienced. If I’m being honest, 2017 and 2018 were my most difficult years I have ever experienced as an epileptic. Not only was my seizure activity at an all time high, but I had also reached a point where improvement seemed impossible to obtain. I understand what it feels like to hit rock bottom, so if this is the case for anyone out there Do Not lose hope just yet! Something as simple as a vitamin supplement has made a world of difference for me and I believe it is something worth exploring for every epileptic. 

Yes, I just recently had one gran mal seizure in June, however, prior to that occurrence I went 80 days without a single seizure. Almost three months. My seizure activity hasn’t been this low since the very first year I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. 

To fix any deficiency in the human body takes time. My body went fifteen years depleting itself of Vitamin D (and a number of other vitamins too!), therefore, it is going to take time to build those same levels back to a healthy point. Not everyone requires such extreme Vitamin D supplementation, but for those who are deficient I recommend getting a jump on this sooner rather than later. I certainly wish I had! Oh the things I wish I knew during those first years of diagnosis…

The natural form of Vitamin D is something that every person needs to understand before they can go about supplementing their bodies correctly… 

For starters, let’s debunk those silly stereotypes that have been associated with Vitamin D. It took me years to discover that I am NOT eating healthy when I drink a glass of milk with my breakfast. Why? Well, the added Vitamin D is not the kind of Vitamin D you want in your body because it is a synthetic form of the hormone. The corporations claiming to offer a better quality product are actually doing the exact opposite. Dairy products come from pregnant cows, therefore milk is already swimming with plenty of hormones in its natural state. No extra hormones are required to improve milk’s effect on your long-term health, especially synthetic forms of a vitamin! As is the case with every other hormone, consuming synthetic hormones will actually disrupt your body’s natural ability to produce said hormone. Drinking milk infused with synthetic Vitamin D will only disrupt your body’s ability to function properly and naturally. What I’m trying to say is that even though the jug of milk may scream “Vitamin D” and “Healthy,” you’re actually buying into a societal lie. Milk is not your #1 source for Vitamin D. 

If you are a big fan of milk, but you don’t want the synthetic hormones in your body, try Organic Raw Milk. Unfortunately, you will usually have to purchase this type of milk through a private farm to guarantee that it is truly raw. This may sound like a total inconvenience, but there are actually many private farms just here in the United States who are capable of shipping items cross country. 

My favorite is Miller’s Organic Farm, it is a Private Membership Association therefore you must pay a fee to become a member in their farmshare before you can purchase any products. Once a member, you can order as many products as you wish and they offer a wonderful variety! I actually purchase all of my dairy products through this farm because everything is raw! Nothing is added, it is straight from the cow just as it should be! The farm is located in Pennsylvania and they have no trouble shipping my groceries all the way to California. To get in contact with Miller’s Organic Farm visit the link above or call (717) 556-0672. 

Even though raw dairy products are filled with lots of wonderful nutrients, I have found that they are not your best source for Vitamin D. And No, drinking milk on a daily basis will not provide your body with all of the vitamins it requires. 

Next, we have the sun. The lengthy list of people who have told me that sunshine is my best source for Vitamin D has probably surpassed my own height and continues to grow. The sun is a wonderful source of Vitamin D, however, it is incredibly difficult to absorb large amounts of Vitamin D from sunshine. Direct sunlight must be on the skin in order for any Vitamin D to be absorbed. It cannot penetrate clothing and seep into your skin below the fabric. The areas covered by clothing are blocked from Vitamin D absorption. In addition, cosmetic products such as makeup, lotion, body oils, and sunscreen or tan lotion block your body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D from the sun. So, in order to absorb a large amount of Vitamin D you must sit out in the sun for hours without any clothing on. Does anyone have the time for this? And what if it is Winter? Yikes! Not your best source of Vitamin D either. Although sunshine and fresh air for other purposes are always great ideas! 

The truth is, Vitamin D is sourced in numerous foods, however, a large amount of people aren’t consuming organic food products. Nowadays, if you actually want healthy food you really have to work for it! Those organic prices are no joke! However, I have found the benefits of foods without pesticides and other horrible chemicals greatly outweigh the cost. 

Lastly, I would like to discuss the hormonal side of Vitamin D. The human body naturally interprets every hormone it receives through hormone receptors. You have estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, testosterone receptors, and Vitamin D receptors (just to name a few). The source of these different hormones varies and, unfortunately, a lot of these hormones may be synthetic due to dirty hormones existing in processed food products, skincare, the environment, etc. It is these dirty hormones that we need to avoid as best we can in our personal regimens due to the fact that the human body cannot interpret something that is not meant to be absorbed. Dirty hormones are often stored in our cells because our bodies literally have no idea what to do with them. This may sound harmless, but dirty hormones can be stored in the human body for years and years. If you are constantly exposed to dirty hormones on a daily basis, this storage becomes an impressive collection that will begin disrupting your body’s ability to function properly. This yet another reason why eating organic is an absolute must for your long-term health. 

Dirty sources of Vitamin D exist just the same and need to be avoided in order to successfully supplement this nutrient. All synthetic versions of Vitamin D are dirty sources…that milk I discussed earlier with the cute little cow on the front happens to be the perfect example of such sources. These synthetic sources will be received by your body, however, they will be stored in your cells instead of being disbursed to the proper locations where they can be absorbed like natural Vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is considered a hormone because of the way it is read and disbursed by your hormone receptors. While other vitamins are sent to a variety of locations throughout the human body, Vitamin D is sent to the area with other hormones. Not only is it sent to this location, but it is also the foundational hormone necessary to keep the rest of your hormone levels stable. Your levels of Vitamin D will determine how many of your hormones are produced and assimilated. 

Personally, this has been quite the mind-blowing epiphany since my type of epilepsy (Catamenial Epilepsy) is caused by a hormone imbalance. It truly is no wonder why I am struggling with seizures once you consider my Vitamin D levels in relation to the rest of my hormones. I lacked that foundation of healthy Vitamin D levels, therefore, many of my other hormones failed to absorb correctly, as well. Currently, I am working on building my levels of Vitamin D through natural supplementation with the hope that one day soon the rest of my hormones will become stable and my epileptic seizures will finally seize (pun intended :-)). 

Every human body is different, therefore, each person’s recipe for success will vary. Vitamin D seems to be working wonders for me, but this is one epileptic’s experience. My intention is not to diagnose or treat any medical condition, it is to share with anyone willing to read my blog that a solution may be out there and if I can somehow help another’s journey my goal has been reached! If you have any further questions for me about Vitamin D or anything else, please feel free to email me at katie@seizethedayblog.com. I am more than happy to provide feedback! 

 

Sources:

Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-dosage#section2

Miller’s Organic Farm: www.amosmillerorganicfarm.com

Vitamin D Supplement via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Servings-Physician-Formulated-Seeking-Health/dp/B003800UXG

 

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. 

GAPS Diet Part 2: My Personal Experience & Insight for Epileptics

This article has been on my mind and my heart now for a few months. Since writing the very first article (Crohn’s Disease: Chronic or Curable???) where I both recommended the GAPS diet and discussed in depth exactly what this diet entails, a lot has happened to me personally because of the GAPS Diet. I’ve been unable to share this information due to circumstances in my own life lately, but I believe it needs to be relayed for the sake of other Epileptics. 

When I first began thinking up titles, I strongly considered naming it a “retraction” piece for my original article. However, the more I thought about it the more I realized how extreme that action would be for everyone when, in reality, epileptics are the targeted audience here. 

The truth is, this diet is a fantastic option for those struggling with digestive or stomach issues, such as Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc. It is also a wonderful method for rapid weight loss and a healthy option too if the diet is executed correctly (i.e. homemade bone broth, organic food products). 

However, there are some requirements in this diet that can cause increased seizure activity. For example, Phase 1 of the GAPS Introductory Diet is Bone Broth only for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Juice, Tea, and Yogurt are the recommended snacks for this phase. 

This is literally as simple as it gets when it comes to carbohydrates. While this phase can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, it took me about 2 weeks to complete based on my symptoms and how much “gut” healing I truly needed. One symptom I had from the very start of GAPS was increased seizure activity. It got pretty rough for my family and I because we literally could not figure out the cause for this tidal wave of seizure activity. Ordinarily, I can pinpoint the activity to something I’ve eaten that may have contained questionable ingredients or my hormone levels at that particular time (check out more about Catamenial Epilepsy and my personal journey with this condition here)…

Like I said before, this is my ordinary mode of operation. But, if I reevaluated my diet at this time I would find nothing but bone broth for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So what the heck was going on??? 

I mean, if I simplified my carbohydrates any more I’d be reduced to consuming nothing but water and pretending that water could ever be considered a good meal substitute. 

Well, as it turns out, my increased seizure activity had everything to do with my diet. Although the bone broth was incredibly healthy for me, the diet itself was too simple. As an epileptic, I face serious consequences if I do not maintain healthy blood sugar levels. I recently discussed in an article titled (The Key to Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels) just how easily my Partial seizure and Grand Mal seizure activity can increase if my blood sugar is allowed to drop throughout the day. 

The simple carbohydrates that are supposed to be embraced in each phase of GAPS were just that…Too simple. Bone Broth in the first phase and stews in the 2nd phase were not enough to keep my blood sugar level up and therefore made my brain even more vulnerable to seizure activity. I needed foods that were more solid such as protein and fat. Unfortunately, my seizure activity became so intense that I literally had to quit the diet and return to my previous meal plan. 

I had made it to the 3rd Phase of the GAPS Introductory Diet when I made this decision. After only 3 months of dieting, I really didn’t want to give it all up so soon. But it was clear that my body needed meals and snacks that were capable of keeping my blood sugar levels up and my brain strong. Simplifying my diet actually complicated my brain health rather than improving it like it was supposed to. 

Now, I am not saying to avoid the GAPS Diet completely. If my body could have handled the simplicity of those carbohydrates, I would have tried my best to carry on to the next Phase of GAPS until I had completed every phase. I also believe that there would have been some much-needed healing to my stomach and brain. 

I guess what this article is meant to be is an insight for those of you who may become vulnerable when your body’s blood sugar level drops. It is information I really wish I had known before beginning the diet because I definitely would have gone about this diet differently. 

To those who can handle simple carbs without adverse reaction, I still highly recommend the GAPS Diet for healing, detox, weight loss, or whatever you may be needing that can be helped by GAPS.  

You can find the links to all GAPS Diet-Related articles from Seize the Day Blog below: 

GAPS Diet Reading List:

https://www.seizethedayblog.com/2016/10/gaps-diet-reading-list-continuation-from-crohns-disease-chronic-or-curable/

Crohn’s Disease: Chronic or Curable???:

https://www.seizethedayblog.com/2016/09/crohns-disease-chronic-or-curable/

The Key to Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels:

https://www.seizethedayblog.com/2019/01/the-key-to-maintaining-healthy-blood-sugar-levels/

 

Looking for a well-balanced meal? Check out my recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup! It is gluten free and the base is homemade chicken broth…

If you try this recipe, please share your feedback through Twitter & Instagram (@seizethedayblog) or email (katie@seizethedayblog.com).

 

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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: Paleo Zucchini Bread (Gluten-Free)

Who knew Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free & Dairy-Free could look so good???

When you’re trying to maintain a diet that is strictly Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and Sugar-free, the mere mention of an acceptable bread recipe sounds ridiculous. I certainly wasn’t convinced that something like this actually existed! Well, I was wrong…

After lots of searching, I eventually came across this recipe by Erin Lives Whole for Paleo Zucchini Bread.

Although Erin’s original recipe is fantastic and I recommend checking it out (links can be found above for both the blog and the recipe), I made a few changes of my own to adjust the ingredients a bit so that the flavor of the cinnamon is accentuated. You can find my personal changes written below along with my baking instructions.

Not only is this recipe is a fantastic snack for those mid-meal munchies, but it also provides the perfect amount of healthy carbohydrates and fats to help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels all day long. Healthy blood sugar levels for me means decreased seizure activity so this recipe has been an excellent find for both my brain and my tummy. It’s a Win-Win no matter which version of the recipe you try! The Seize the Day Blog version can be found below.

Bon Appétit!

Simple & Healthy Ingredients!

Print
Zucchini Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 1 Loaf or 12 muffins

Zucchini Bread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup Almond Flour
  • 2 T Coconut Flour
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 cup Walnuts, chopped
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
  • 1/3 cup Honey
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1 cup Zucchini, grated
  • Ghee, for greasing the pan

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and prepare loaf pan with coconut oil or ghee (a fantastic dairy-free option and my preferred method, it is much less messy than the coconut oil).
  2. Combine all dry ingredients into a small bowl & mix using a fork. Be sure to mix thoroughly so that you do not have any baking soda chunks in your bread batter. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk 4 eggs until combined and smooth.
  4. Add coconut oil, honey, and vanilla to eggs. Whisk until combined.
  5. Add the dry ingredients you set aside earlier to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
  6. Squeeze dry your grated zucchini and fold into your batter.
  7. Pour into loaf pan (or cupcake pan, this method is especially fun for those of you with kids). If you want to add an extra crunch to the texture of your bread or muffins, add chopped walnuts to the top of your unbaked batter.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil and another 10-15 minutes without foil.
  9. If you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean, your Zucchini Bread is ready to be taken out.
  10. Let cool completely before serving.
https://www.seizethedayblog.com/2019/02/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-paleo-zucchini-bread-gluten-free/

Keeping Up With Katie: Post #4

The newest series here on Seize the Day Blog!!!

It’s here…my very first Keeping Up With Katie post for 2019!!! If you’re new to this series here on Seize the Day Blog I recommend checking out these articles before proceeding to the fourth template below. Thanks for reading!

Keeping Up With Katie: Post #1

Keeping Up With Katie: Post #2

Keeping Up With Katie: Post #3

The Key to Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

I hope you all enjoy my feedback on my own personal journey with Hemp Oil (also known as CBD oil) since beginning this Hemp product from the Charlotte’s Web by The Stanley Brothers corporation on July 20th 2018.

Please comment your feedback via Instagram & Twitter or feel free to email me at 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. 

Copyright Info:

All images, excluding those included in the web design, posted on [seizethedayblog.com] are taken by the owner. No images from external sources are used on this blog.

Proper credit should be attributed when republishing any material found on [seizethdayblog.com]. 

The Key to Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

I meant to touch on this subject in my Favorite Product of 2018 article, but completely spaced so I figured “Why not just devote an entire article to the subject?!”…It has been a life changing revelation over the course of 2018 and into 2019. 

The true impact of blood sugar levels on the human brain is still yet to be determined. However, through a process of trial and error I have slowly been able to piece together what I consider to be a breakthrough observation and what I hope will also be a breakthrough for anyone reading this article. 

Low blood sugar levels can cause the brain to become vulnerable. In-between the standard meal time (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is actually the most dangerous time period for me, personally, because it seems to be the time when I am most prone to seizure activity. I have a mix of Grand Mal seizures and Partial seizures, but the partial seizures have increased to a level that surpasses my annual amount of Grand Mal seizures. 

While there are some positives to this development, such as my brain becoming stronger and, therefore, being prone to a less intense form of seizures. I take no pleasure in any seizure activity, big or small, because it means my body is still struggling internally. 

So how do we supplement this internal struggle???

The answer is simple…with food. But not just any food will do the trick, you need food that will be able to build your body back up when it begins doing a nose-dive at those in-between times of the day. 

For me, that food product is Late July’s Buttery Flaky Crackers. And this is yet another reason why these crackers are my favorite product of the year. So, for those of you without gluten sensitivities, I highly recommend snacking on 3-4 crackers in between meals. This gluten-rich snack is like no other when it comes to re-establishing my blood sugar levels. There have been many moments where I believe these crackers have actually prevented a Partial or Grand Mal seizure. Allowing one’s blood sugar levels to drop means allowing one’s brain to drop to a level of vulnerability. Keep your brain at a strong level by implementing a small snack to your daily diet or whenever you feel especially drained, which can easily happen throughout the entire day. You just might find a decrease in your overall seizure activity and an increase in your stamina and mood! 

I have found that when my energy becomes depleted, my mood shifts along with it…I become irritable, impatient, and just plain grumpy. So, for the sake of those around you I highly recommend giving these small snacks a try. 

For those of you with gluten sensitivities, a small snack to try instead of the crackers is guacamole and corn chips. Though this snack is a little more work than a simple box of crackers, it is a well-balanced and delicious mini-meal! Late July also makes a fabulous corn chip product available at a variety of grocery stores including Vons, Whole Foods, and Sprouts. The ingredient label consists of only three ingredients…Organic Whole Ground Corn, Organic Expeller Pressed Safflower Oil and/or Organic Expeller Pressed Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt.

Check out my super simple recipe for guacamole now! 

By implementing the avocados, you are providing a fantastic source of healthy fats for your body. Your body simply cannot have too many healthy fats and using the nutrient rich avocado as your snack will also work to supplement your total-body health. 

If you aren’t a fan of guacamole and chips, you can also try a more leafy-green oriented snack such as arugula salad with a drizzle of olive oil (sea salt and cracked pepper to taste). Arugula is filled with numerous nutrients, but is especially known for being particularly beneficial for the brain and promoting overall brain function. It is key that you include the olive oil drizzle in this snack because this is your source of healthy fats amongst a snack dominated by greens. For those of you who can tolerate dairy, parmesan cheese shavings are also a delicious addition to this mini-salad. 

If you still want something different to use as your snack, that’s okay too! Lucky for us, sweet potatoes make an excellent french-fry or potato chip type of snack. If you decide to go this route, I highly recommend making these in advance so that when you’re feeling fatigued you don’t have to go to a lot of work to make something that is meant to help build your body back up instead of further contributing to your exhaustion. As much as I enjoy baking, it is no secret in my house that this activity can be draining on my energy levels. You know your body best so I would just listen to what it tells you and make these French fries or potato chips when you know you can handle it. That way, when a moment of low blood sugar does strike, all you have to do is access your pantry. Another great characteristic of sweet potato fries or chips is that they mix very well with olive oil (healthy fats). Adding a drizzle of olive oil to your snack is delicious and it boosts your total-body health. 

Life does get busy, but you can always carry around a ziplock bag with the snack of your choice. I like to do this so that I can still maintain a healthy blood sugar level even when I’m On-The-Go. 

Check out Seize the Day Blog for my favorite recipes for Sweet Potato Fries & Sweet Potato Chips!

 

Sources:

  1. Late July Products: https://www.latejuly.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. 

Copyright Info:

All images, excluding those included in the web design, posted on [seizethedayblog.com] are taken by the owner. No images from external sources are used on this blog.

Proper credit should be attributed when republishing any material found on [seizethdayblog.com]. 

My Favorite Product of 2018

When I first understood the connection between my seizures and food ingredients, it was a mind-blowing moment for me. It was a moment when I realized how little I actually knew about my own body. Even after 16 years I was just beginning to understand the sensitivities I did possess toward certain ingredients and the very serious consequences that followed these “sensitivities.” The truth is, our processed food products do contain dangerous ingredients. Ingredients that can and will harm the human body. 

So what are you going to do about it??? That right there is the million dollar question because it has the potential to influence the type of immune system your body develops.

The sad truth is that the majority of society chooses the path that could be labeled as “Easy Street.” It is the route where you choose to do nothing and continue on as if nothing is wrong with foods that are made from chemically-derived ingredients. 

It might work better if I point out the elephant in the room sooner rather than later…it is NOT okay to consume products that essentially aren’t real in any way, shape, or form. 

I had to learn this the hard way, but consuming processed ingredients is not a great way to lead your body down a healthy path. Do your body a huge favor and just say “NO” to everything processed.

There were quite a few significant products that I was forced to give up after discovering my own personal food sensitivities. Deciding to choose the route that completely detoxes everything synthetic from my diet may not have been my first choice at the time, but looking back over the past 10 years I only see positive changes. In many ways, this choice I was also forced to make actually saved my life. As a teenager, I didn’t realize the need for a change in my diet. Everything seemed just fine so I carried on like it was. It’s crazy how everything can seem peachy from an outside perspective, but on the inside a storm is actually brewing. 

My storm was Epilepsy. And once the storm broke loose with that very first seizure occurring in 2009, it seemed like my body’s level of sensitivity to everything food-related just sky-rocketed. I began realizing that certain foods I used to have no problem consuming could and would actually prompt a Grand Mal seizure. As you can imagine, this was a great motivating factor to drastically change my entire diet. 

I said goodbye to every processed food product I was so used to consuming and I began to do something incredibly foreign to my daily activities…I read ingredient labels. It was not an easy feat at first because some of those ingredient names are incredibly complicated! This activity has now become habit for me…I literally cannot purchase a product without first checking a label and sometimes it means double-checking (you never know when companies add new ingredients to their product). I continued this behavior because if it meant finding a product that had what I like to call a “Clean” ingredient label, it made sorting through the crazy ingredient names and individually researching the true composition of each ingredient totally worth it. 

At first, I had gotten very used to giving up practically every snack food because finding a “clean” ingredient label can sometimes feel impossible. It had reached a point where it was easier to bake something completely from-scratch than try and find a healthy, clean processed food product at the grocery store. It was definitely a challenge, but it wasn’t impossible. 

Late July Crackers started out as a miracle replacement for Ritz Crackers, but they have turned into a bit of a remedy for certain symptoms post-seizure. It is very strange and I have no explanation for my symptoms, but after a Grand Mal or Partial seizure I get what I would describe as “the Shivers.” It is actually very annoying because my whole body is shivering as if it is cold, even my teeth are chattering, but the temperature around me is normal. I don’t know if these same symptoms also occur for others who, like me, are coping with seizures, but if they do you’ll definitely want to keep reading!

Late July Crackers appealed to me because they taste exactly the same, maybe even a little better than Ritz Crackers. They have become a staple snack in my house because this product is clean, healthy, and a remedy of sorts for my post-seizure “shivers.” I usually eat about 3-4 crackers and without fail my shivers will stop and my brain seems to pull it together in a way that is both speedy and efficient. It is my go-to snack nowadays as well as my treatment option for post-seizure shivering. 

It is worth it to research every ingredient label because clean products, such as Late July’s Crackers, do exist and they do have the potential to go above and beyond their product description. 

Every person’s body is different and, therefore, reacts differently toward varying ingredient labels. So, even if this product doesn’t work the same for you at least you’ll still have a good quality, non-GMO, and Organic snack in your pantry! 

Below I have provided the Late July ingredient label and the Ritz Crackers ingredient label so that you can see the massive difference between the two products…

Late July Organic Classic Rich Flaky, Buttery Tasting Crackers Ingredient Label: 

Organic wheat flour, Organic evaporated cane sugar, Organic expeller pressed sunflower oil and/or Organic expeller safflower oil, Organic palm oil, Sea Salt, Leavening (baking soda, ammonium bicarbonate, cream of tartar).  

Ritz Crackers Ingredient Label:  

Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid), Canola Oil, Palm Oil, Sugar, Salt, Leavening (Calcium Phosphate and/or Baking Soda), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor.   

The Canola Oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soy Lecithin, and Natural Flavor will each provoke a seizure in my brain all by themselves. To see these ingredients all mixed together in a single product is basically my biggest nightmare. Avoiding these types of ingredient labels is a must for anyone who wants to eat foods composed of REAL ingredients, not chemicals!  

 

Sources:

  1. Late July Organic Classic Rich Crackers Product Box: available at most health food stores
  2. Ritz Crackers (Original Flavor) Product Box: available at standard grocery stores

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. 

Copyright Info:

All images, excluding those included in the web design, posted on [seizethedayblog.com] are taken by the owner. No images from external sources are used on this blog.

Proper credit should be attributed when republishing any material found on [seizethdayblog.com]. 

Keeping Up With Katie – Post #3

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

  • Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban

Trying to find the bright side in a challenging situation can feel like an impossible task for even the most cheerful of people. Charlotte’s Web Hemp Oil has been my light during the dark times that sometimes come with Catamenial Epilepsy. 

I have found that despite the challenges I face with my seizure disorder, I am still discovering so many new and positive effects from CW Hemp Oil. With anything new, there is always that period of trial and error. However, I have found lately that I am discovering helpful tips that I have been searching for, but due to circumstance, have been impossible to find. Best of luck to each and every one of my readers who may have needed a little extra help, but did not know where to find it. I hope this Keeping Up With Katie article gives you the boost you need!

Product details: 

Charlotte’s Web Hemp Oil, Olive Oil flavor

Keeping Up With Katie – Post #3


 

Sources:

Charlotte’s Web Hemp Oil, Olive Oil Flavor: https://www.cwhemp.com/cannabinoid-hemp-oil-cbd-supplement-everyday-advanced

Harry Potter Quote: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harry_potter_and_the_prisoner_of_azkaban/quotes/

 

 

Keeping Up With Katie – Post #2

Seize the Day Blog Readers,

Well, an entire month has come and gone AGAIN! This can only mean one thing here on Seize the Day Blog…it’s time for a new post from my very special Keeping Up With Katie series!  

As you’ll see below, Post #2 explores more of my personal journey with Hemp Oil during the month of September 2018. 

I began using this Hemp product from the Charlotte’s Web by The Stanley Brothers corporation on July 20th 2018 and I promise to share ALL of my experiences with this product including the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. You never have to worry about biased evaluations because I am sharing firsthand exactly how this product affects both my total-body health and my current condition of Catamenial Epilepsy with the hope that it will help someone else dealing with similar health issues. 

In this case, September has been a month of positive activity and I am incredibly excited to share the wonderful improvements I have been experiencing over the past 4 weeks. I hope my feedback is both informative and helpful for those willing to take the time to read this very special article. 

As an epileptic, I understand the difficulties of living with a condition that can often put up roadblocks on the journey of Life. Therefore, I hope my own personal experience with this treatment method does help each and every reader requiring such a solution. In all honesty, Hemp oil was not my first choice, but as I’m coming to learn in just two short months of using this CW Hemp Oil…evaluating a product at face value and based upon here-say is never an appropriate way to determine its true worth. 

Month #2 with this product has been eye-opening, encouraging, and, most of all, beneficial.   

If you missed the first post from the series you can find it here or if you’d like more info on the series itself please check out the Introduction Article.

Please comment your feedback via Instagram & Twitter (@seizethedayblog) or feel free to email me at katie@seizethedayblog.com! Thank you!

Keeping Up With Katie: Post #1

Seize the Day Blog Readers,

It’s finally here! The very first post for the brand new Keeping Up With Katie series on Seize the Day Blog! For more details on what exactly I’ll be discussing click the link above to read the Introduction Article or click here to check out a sneak peek of the template & all five questions I’ll be answering below!

I hope you all enjoy my feedback on my own personal journey with Hemp Oil (also known as CBD oil) since beginning this Hemp product from the Charlotte’s Web by The Stanley Brothers corporation on July 20th 2018. As you’ll read below, August 2018 has been filled with lots of encouraging improvements and I hope September will be exactly the same!

Please comment your feedback via Twitter & Instagram (@seizethedayblog) or feel free to email me at katie@seizethedayblog.com! Thank you!

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.

Keeping Up With Katie: My Journey with CBD Oil Sneak Peek

Hello Seize the Day Blog readers!

I recently announced the start of a new series here on the blog titled Keeping Up With Katie. While I planned on posting the original article much sooner than September, I did not plan on some recent and incredibly inconvenient seizure activity. Do to these unexpected events, I have reluctantly postponed the introduction to September 1st. But, please be assured that I am still going to be kick-starting this series very soon and I hope you all enjoy the firsthand experience I have gained during my journey with Hemp Oil also known as CBD Oil.

To tide you over until Saturday, September 1st, I am sharing the official Keeping Up With Katie template to give you a sneak peak of what to expect from the brand new series! There are five questions included in the template and I will answer each question to the best of my ability during every Keeping Up With Katie post.

If you have any other questions you would like me to answer about my journey please comment via Twitter & Instagram (@seizethedayblog) or email me directly at Katie@seizethedayblog.com. Thanks!

Keeping Up With Katie logo, template, & related artwork were created by Lauren Dennis exclusively for Seize the Day Blog.