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23 Foods & Ingredients with Hidden Grains
MALTODEXTRIN
sweetener from corn, rice, tapioca
GLUCOSE
sweetener from wheat, corn, tapioca
DEXTROSE
sweetener from corn, rice, tapioca
MALTOSE
sweetener from corn
MALT*
flavor or extract from wheat, barley
XANTHAM GUM
binder from corn
YEAST EXTRACT*
flavoring from barley
CARAMEL COLOR
flavoring from corn
BAKING POWDER
often contains corn starch
FOOD STARCH
binder from corn
VEGETABLE STARCH*
generally from wheat, rice, corn, potato, tapioca
VEGETABLE/PLANT PROTEIN*
generally from wheat, corn, soy, pea, peanut
CORN OIL
may not have much grain protein remaining, but often rancid from processing/heating
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES (when & when not to supplement)
DEs are often supplemented to manage digestive symptoms and to help increase nutrient levels.
They are most appropriate to take in cases of food allergy, when gut function is compromised, or during intense healing.
Ideally, DEs should not be supplemented long-term because a healthy digestive system will produce what is needed.
What is "herxing"? (4 ways to support die-off)
A die-off or "Herxheimer" reaction is the experience of worsening or flu-like symptoms during a detox.
It is part of the healing process.
As pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed (often by an antimicrobial formula), toxins and lipopolysaccharides are released into the bloodstream.
In response, the immune system triggers an acute inflammatory reaction that will likely make you feel worse.
Common Sources of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals—natural or synthetic—that mimic or block your body's hormones.
This means that they act like a hormone OR bind to the receptor, preventing your actual hormones from functioning.
They have been linked to developmental, hormonal, immune, metabolic, and neurological issues.
In our modern world, it is not realistic to completely avoid these chemicals, but it is important to reduce exposure when possible.
{Ayurvedic} SUMMER Seasonal Eating
FOOD FOCUS
sweet
fresh
raw
astringent
cool
heavy
avoid: spicy
SWEETENER GUIDE: which to skip & which to savor
Sugar tolerance is very bioindividual. Some can handle moderate amounts of whole food sugars without issue, while others will feel better with less. If you have symptoms of blood sugar imbalance or dysbiosis, it is best to limit all sweeteners (even zero-calorie alternatives).
coconut sugar
stevia
monkfruit
xylitol
erythritol
raw honey
real maple syrup
molasses
date syrup
fruit puree
corn syrup
high-fructose corn syrup
sucralose
aspartame
raw sugar
agave syrup
white sugar
brown sugar
AVOID WHEN POSSIBLE
MINIMIZE WHEN POSSIBLE
OKAY IN SMALL AMOUNTS
WHOLE FOOD SUGARS
5 Steps to Build a Paleo Nourish Bowl
SAUCE IDEAS
olive oil + apple cider vinegar + honey + mustard
herbs + mayo + salt + pepper
tahini + lemon juice + cumin
coconut cream + lemon juice + garlic
your favorite homemade dressing
clean store-bought dressing
FOOD OR FAKE: Soda (a breakdown of ingredients in soft drinks)
a breakdown of ingredients in soft drinks
PROTEIN GUIDE: what labels to look for at the grocery store
100% grass-fed*
pasture finished
no antibiotics
no hormones
no growth promoters
non-GMO fed
organic
pasture raised
free range
soy free
no antibiotics/hormones
no growth promoters
non-GMO fed
organic
same as meat standards
raw, unpasteurized
fermented
live active cultures
full-fat
A2
goat or sheep
wild-caught
sustainably caught
non-GMO fed (if farmed)
no added colors
no sodium tripolyphosphate
third-party verification
*"grass-fed" alone means that the cows may still have eaten grain
13 Ways to Stimulate Lymph Flow
WHAT IS LYMPH?
Your lymphatic system is involved in fluid balance, nutrient delivery, waste removal, and immune health.
It is made up of bean-shaped lymph nodes, connected by an extensive system of lymph vessels.
Unlike your cardiovascular system, there is nothing pumping lymph through your body.
Instead it needs stimulation and muscle movement to keep it flowing.
Top 7 Medicinal Mushrooms
WHAT ARE MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS?
In addition to being rich sources of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fiber, medicinal mushrooms have numerous documented health benefits.
Find them as teas, powders, capsules, and tinctures or cook them fresh.
NOTE: Medicinal mushrooms are not ideal for everyone, including those with autoimmune issues. Work with your health professional to ensure they are safe for you.
How to Build an Adrenal Cocktail
WHY AN ADRENAL COCKTAIL?
When communication between these glands is disrupted, the HPA axis becomes imbalanced and the body loses the ability to respond appropriately to everyday stressors.
An adrenal support cocktail provides a specific combination of nutrients to support and heal the glands of the HPA axis.
It is best consumed between meals: midmorning, mid-afternoon, or before bed.
Whole Food Diet: 18 Easy & Customizable Meal Ideas
burrito bowl
soup or stew
vegetable + chicken stir-fry
burgers + sweet potato fries
meat sauce over roasted veggies
slow/pressure cooker protein + veggies
nourish bowl
veggie + protein wrap
loaded salad with protein + avocado
canned fish + hummus + raw veggies
oysters + sweet potato chips
quinoa + chicken salad
avocado + egg toast
sausage + roasted veggies
smoothie with greens + healthy fat
overnight oats with collagen + nuts
omelette + sautéed veggies
leftovers
STOMACH ACID 101 (and how to manage acid reflux)
WHAT IS STOMACH ACID FOR?
WHAT ABOUT ACID REFLUX?
How to improve ACID REFLUX
TASTE BITTERS
gentian, fennel, dandelion, or a tincture made from bitter herbs
ADD ACID
sipping a bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in water stimulates stomach acid production
ENJOY ENZYME-RICH FOODS
pineapple, papaya, kiwi, kefir, yogurt, bananas, mango, miso, soy sauce & tempeh, sauerkraut & kimchi, avocado, bee pollen
SUPPORT HEALTHY STOMACH ACID
11 Best Foods to Support Hormone Health
EGGS
AVOCADO
ALMONDS
BERRIES
OYSTERS
COCONUT
LEAFY GREENS
BROCOLLI
SEEDS
FISH
MACA
How to Build a Nourish Bowl (and 6 easy sauce ideas)
SAUCE IDEAS
olive oil + apple cider vinegar + honey + mustard
herbs + mayo + salt + pepper
tahini + lemon juice + cumin
plain yogurt + lemon juice + garlic
your favorite homemade dressing
clean store-bought dressing
A Simple Guide to THYROID HEALTH (understanding a complete thyroid panel)
*tested with complete thyroid panel
THYROID RELEASING HORMONE
when the TRH signal is "off", so is the rest of the cascade
THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE*
if TSH is really high or really low, then the thyroid is likely not receiving its signals
TOTAL T4 & T3*
bound & circulating levels of thyroid hormones that give a general idea of thyroid function
FREE T4 & T3*
unbound & circulating levels of thyroid hormones that can signal to body cells
THYROID BINDING GLOBULIN*
too much TBG will bind & prevent T4 & T3 from signaling
THYROID ANTIBODIES*
TPO, TG, and TSHR antibodies are high when the body starts to attack the thyroid, often before any other symptoms are present
BLOOD SUGAR RHYTHM (how diet impacts insulin & cortisol)
1.high-carb meal without protein, fat, or fiber
NORMAL RANGE
= stable mood, cognition, and energy
HIGH BLOOD SUGAR
= emergency
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
= emergency
release of insulin (fat storage hormone)
weight gain
inflammation
damages arteries
leads to metabolic disease (obesity, diabetes, liver issues)
release of cortisol (stress hormone)
brain fog
hungry & crabby
low energy & fatigue
cravings (especially sugar & caffeine)
stresses adrenals
balanced stress response
mental clarity
mood stability
calibrated hunger signals
consistent energy
balanced hormone levels
2.temporary
high energy
3.insulin tells your cells to take in energy, dropping blood sugar
4.now all the energy is stored, leaving you tired and hungry
5.eat sugar for a
"pick me up"
6.blood sugar
spikes
(and
crashes)
again
7.more cravings
and brain fog
8.insulin spikes promote imbalance & inflammation
Summer Seasonal Eating Bingo
coconut
BELL PEPPER
BLUEBERRY
CHERRIES
MELON
CILANTRO
RASPBERRY
CUCUMBER
STRAWBERRY
GRAPES
JICAMA
LETTUCE
TOMATO
MANGO
PEACH
ZUCCHINI
SEAWEED
PLUM
ALMONDS
PINNEAPPLE
apricot
basil
CHICKPEAS
MINT
PEAR
Functional Nutrition for Mitochondrial Health
EAT WHOLE FOODS
mitochondrial health is dependent on healthy levels of minerals, B vitamins, and antioxidants from food
MOVE + SLEEP
just like building muscle, regular movement (esp weight training) and adequate sleep build healthy mitochondria
TRY INTERMITTENT FASTING
intermittent fasting gives the body time to recycle old and build new mitochondria (not recommended for menstruating women)
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS
CoQ10, L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid