Tag Archives: Holistic Living

Your Thyroid Connection

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Are you waking up tired? Constantly drained? Lack mental clarity? Having emotions associated with depression or irritability? Cold sensitivity? Suffer from hair loss? Cant lose the weight? Have dry, scaly skin? Suffer from frequent headaches? Get recurrent infections? If so, it’s time to look into your thyroid.

The thyroid gland sits at the front of the neck like a butterfly just below the larynx. The thyroid gland releases hormones into the bloodstream to control your metabolism, which why it is often called the “metabolism gland” and is also the primary way your body uses energy.

The thyroid gland’s main function is the production and secretion of a group of critical hormones. When working properly, the growth rate and metabolism of the body’s cells controls and regulates how the body produces and releases energy from foods.

Whether or not a thyroid gland is overactive or not producing enough hormones, some disorders can stem from this. Common thyroid diseases include:

Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s disease
Graves’ disease
Goiter
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid cancer

Nourishing the gland before these disruptions occur and/or helping the thyroid rebalance itself naturally is very attainable.

A great first step is to eliminate endocrine disruptors from your lifestyle. Many include:
Bisphenol A (BPA) — used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are found in many plastic products including food storage containers
Dioxins — produced as a byproduct in herbicide production and paper bleaching, they are also released into the environment during waste burning and wildfires
Perchlorate — a by-product of aerospace, weapon, and pharmaceutical industries found in drinking water and fireworks
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) — used widely in industrial applications, such as firefighting foams and non-stick pan, paper, and textile coatings
Phthalates — used to make plastics more flexible, they are also found in some food packaging, cosmetics, children’s toys, and medical devices
Phytoestrogens — naturally occurring substances in plants that have hormone-like activity, such as genistein and daidzein that are in soy products, like tofu or soy milk
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) — used to make flame retardants for household products such as furniture foam and carpets
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) — used to make electrical equipment like transformers, and in hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, lubricants, and plasticizers
Triclosan — may be found in some anti-microbial and personal care products, like liquid body wash

Balancing your body’s pH is critical. If your body’s pH is out of range, minerals like iodine, selenium, zinc, and copper will not be absorbed even with supplementation. This can be a hinderance when it comes to supplementation.

I work closely with clients to help balance their pH levels. This is fundamentally important when it comes to supplementation therapies. You can buy pH testing strips right off Amazon. I recommend this brand.

pH test strips

Testing your urine and saliva TWO hours AFTER eating (fast the two hours) will give you a best reading of how slow/fast your digestion is running. Again, working with a practitioner is a great way to learn how to balance this.

The next step is to start nourishing the gland with the nutrients required for its function. I recommend the supplement: Thyro Complete.

Thyro Complete is a dietary supplement to support healthy thyroid function and physiology.

Get yours here:

Thyro Complete


Thyro Complete:
A thyroid glandular formulation that blends hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroxine-free thyroid glandular tissue with the most clinically significant nutrients and branded, clinically supported extracts of ashwagandha and forskohlli for optimal thyroid health.
Glandular Tissue:
Glandular tissue, when applied to support a specific organ, can provide balance for multiple factors, including nucleic acids and organ-specific enzymes, which help promote the growth and maintenance of organs and glands.
This formula contains glandular tissue that relates directly to the thyroid and higher level glands which dictate the function and activity of the thyroid gland, including the pituitary and hypothalamus.
Minerals:
Iodine (ThorvinTM) is a deep water exclusive Icelandic kelp, Thorvin’s Laminaria digitata is higher in total nutrients, particularly iodine, potassium, and specific amino acids. A highly bioavailable form, Thorvin’s Asco Iodine content averages 780 parts per million (ppm), the highest on the market.
Zinc (TRACCSTM) is essential for the conversion of T4 to T3 and also lends itself to the integrity and functionality of the T3 receptor itself.
Selenium (AlbionTM) is required for thyroid hormone production, activation and metabolism. It is an essential component of deiodinase enzymes which convert T4 to T3.
Copper (TRACCSTM) plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormone and also acts as an antagonist to Zinc, helping to promote a balanced mineral profile.
Amino Acid:
L-Tyrosine is a building block for the production of thyroid hormone. Thyroxine is a tyrosine-based hormone, which is also comprised of iodine.
Herbal extracts:
SensorilAshwagandha: Recent studies have indicated that in addition to the support provided by Sensoril® for healthy cortisol levels (which will in turn support a healthy level of T3 hormone) it may also support T4 production directly. (1)
Coleus Forskohlii (ForsLeanBrand) Extract: Supports
thyroid function directly and also supports lean body mass
through ergogenic activity. It stimulates AMP (adenosine monophosphate), which then stimulates metabolism for greater fat burning.

Stop masking symptoms and start taking the steps to HEAL your body. I help individuals all over the country regain their health.

Book your consultation today!

Book your natural health consultation

https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroid-gland-anatomy-4799991

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things…

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If you would have asked me 25 years ago if my life would be anything like the way it is now I would have ‘laughed-out-loud’.  That’s the funny thing about life though; it evolves, molds, and paves ways most of us wouldn’t have chosen.  I can say that I LOVE my life and I couldn’t fathom a life any different than the one I am living.  However, this life was given to me by many circumstances that was completely out of my husband’s and my hands.

My husband has been a home builder for over 20 years.  We have moved and started from scratch six times over the past 13 years.  Starting from scratch isn’t for the faint of heart.  Packing, storing, keeping the houses ‘show ready’ and never being able to put down roots hasn’t always been easy.  We have lived in barns, fifth wheels, and campers while we would establish our property enough to live ‘properly’ in.  My husband would joke and say that we were the 21st century pioneers.  We have homeschooled for 10 of those years, making our ‘moves’ even more challenging, but we always managed to land on our feet.  With each home we learned so much.  Sure, I would dream that each home could be our last one but God grew the ability of detachment in me as it was all vanity.  Through the years, we have learned to simplify our needs and to focus on our healthy lifestyle.  The path that led me to study as a Holistic Practitioner was due to a few personal health issues and a very personal vaccine injury in my family.  This really made me focus in on how I am raising my family and how I can help to improve their health.  My main focus through the years has led me to live as natural and toxic-free as we can.

I am very happy to say that, Lord willing, we have found our final resting place and even though we are starting from scratch…..again, we are thrilled that we finally get to call a place “home”.   We have taken all the lessons over the past 20 years, downsized our dreams just a bit, and are fulfilling our current dreams that have been placed in our hearts.  My husband, the provider, has worked very hard to allow us to live debt free.  Me, the country hippie, animal lover, and garden dweller…well, I have the dream of running a year-round, organic-producing farm.

With that being said, I have put a list together of a few of my favorite things that I couldn’t live without. Whether you live on a farm or not, these products have made my top ten list and I know you will love them too.  These products have made our lives easier and healthier and I can’t wait to share them with you.

My Top Ten Must-Haves

 

#1  NurtiBullet

The first product that I would be lost without is my NurtiBullet.  This is a new product to me but it has changed my life.  While studying to be a Holistic Practitioner, one of the key health points we learn about is the importance of REAL, raw, organic, nutrient-dense  food.  Smoothies have been a great way for my family to eat raw foods (and the kids don’t always see what goes into those smoothies).  Smoothies are also a great way to detoxify and help your body to run smooth.

#2 6 Quart Icecream Maker

This is a summer treat that my family absolutely loves.  This product allows me to make a completely organic treat for my family.  I don’t have to worry about unwanted ingredients and harmful chemicals like Polysorbate 80. This is a toxic ingredient found in many ice creams.  It has been shown to negatively affect the immune system, cause infertility issues, and it is also an ingredient found in some vaccines.

By making my own ice cream I don’t feel guilty because I know exactly what is going into it.  Yes, it is an occasional indulgence , so don’t overindulge.

My handed-down recipe for homemade icecream is here:

The World’s Best Homemade Ice-cream

 

#3 Mortar and Pestle Set

If you are a culinary extraordinaire (or at least you pretend to be), a hobbyist herbalist, or even just beginning to learn about how important herbs are, you are going to want to invest in a good mortar and pestle set.  From muddling mint for mojitos to grinding dried  pepper flakes, this set will be your best friend.  Plus, it makes a killer guacamole.

3FB7736A-F39B-4EA3-BFC9-C1999BE21061

#4  Cast Iron Set

Once you move to ‘the other side’ of toxic-free living, you will soon learn that you need to ditch the ever-so-popular, non-stick cookware.  Yes, cast iron cookware does need some attention and love but they are worth it.  If you think about how often you cook with contaminated cookware, it would be cheaper to buy a set of good cast iron and worth the maintenance to keep it nice than a heavy metal detox….and speaking of heavy metal detox…. if you’re needing one, let’s talk Cleansing Options. 

#5 Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System

I really shouldn’t have to talk about the importance of good, clean water, but, alas….here we are.  You should be consuming half your body weight in ounces of pure H2O every single day.  If you’re not, you are backing up one of your body’s main elimation pathways.  No…..coffee, tea (not even green tea), energy drinks, etc. do not count towards your daily ounces of pure H2O.  City water treatment plants are not as healthy as you think.  Depending on the level of chlorine, you might even think about putting a filter on your shower head to block out the chlorine.  Heating chlorine is NOT your friend. We are blessed to have our own well drilled, but as soon as our living arrangements are finalized, this filtration system will be in place.

 

#6 Coffee Press

We are now living three months with no electricity except with the occasional treat that the generator gives us.  I invested in a good coffee press right away.  I only drink a cup a day and I make it super charged.  Sitting outside, sipping on some coffee on warm summer mornings while overlooking our beautiful pond and thanking the Lord for another day is one of my favorite times of the day.

My Morning Coffee

Colombia Jo

MCT Oil

Organic Turmeric

Organic Cinnamon

And, either a splash of organic half and half or coconut milk.

 

#7 Diffusers

Talk about diffuser withdrawal while being off-grid.  I run them when ever I can while we have the generator running.  But, when we have permanent electricity, I do have a diffuser in every room.  They have wonderful effects on our limbic system.  They help support not only or physical needs but also our emotional needs.  There are some tips and tricks to using EOs and diffusers.  One thing most people do not know is to NOT over diffuse.  We tend to think, the more the merrier.  This is not the case with essential oils.  You can become sensitized to them and actually develop an allergy to them.

If you need some EO education and support on how to use this wonderful modality, I would love to help.

Online Aromatherapy Class

 

#8 Etee Wraps

Ditch your plastic and keep your food fresher, longer.  Toxic plastic wrap, storage containers, and aluminum foil are no longer needed thanks to my washable Etee Wraps.  I use them to wrap up sandwiches, cover bowls, and store food safely in the frigde.
100% Hand made and 100% all natural, organic, non-GMO.

#9 Is My Top Farm Products

This could have dominated my list of favorites so I combined them into a sub-category.  I have had to learn a lot about running an organic farm and I am sure I still have LOTS to learn.  The care and products my animals receive are very important to me.  After all, they are giving us great nutrition in return.

1) Diatomaceous earth, Food grade

Whether you are maintaining a parasite-free coop and stable or ridding parasites naturally, DE is one of my favorite products to have on hand.  There are some health precautions to know about with handling DE.  Make sure it is food grade.  Do not inhale while dusting animals or the stable floors.

2) Colloidal Silver

Silver is always with me.  It is in my tack room ready for any occasion that I may come across,  I recently was able to help a new chick that had developed some congestion with silver along with helping a badly injured leg from one of my does.  When it comes to fighting off infection, this is my go-to product.

3) Apple Cider Vinager

Okay, really, what can’t ACV do?  All the farm animals get ACV in their water. It is especially helpful for chickens in egg production and helps feather growth when molting season arrives. For more on what ACV can do read my blog https://myfitfarmlife.com/2018/07/09/apple-cider-vinegar-uses-on-the-farm/

#10 Dyson V7 Motörhead  

I never knew I could love a vacuum so much.  This is a workhorse that can go from carpet to floor to couch with no conversion necessary.  I love that it is cordless and can be converted to a handheld in seconds, which works great when I use it for the cars.  Even my kids enjoy vacuuming because it literally takes minimal effort!

I am always on the lookout for new ways to make our lives simpler, healthier, and easier.  What are your favorite must-have products that make your life easier, but healthier?

As always, I am here for any questions or health concerns you have. Feel free to email me and don’t forget to follow me of FB, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Blessings,

Stacey Upchurch, CNHP
Star Member through Young Living

Disclaimer
All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

*This post may contain affiliate links for products I love. This means I earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of these links.*

The Problem I Have With Essential Oils

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Let me first say that I LOVE essential oils.  I will use them every day until the day I die.  They have become a huge blessing to me, my family, and my farm.  What I am specifically talking about is this “health trend” we have in America.  We know we are supposed to be healthy but very few put in the work to get and STAY healthy.  Now with the uprising trend of essential oils, this seems to be our new “fix”.  We want things fast and if we don’t see immediate results, we give up.  So many people are claiming EOs are the end all to solve everyone’s problems…..and that is the very problem I have with them.

I am an advocate for healthy living.  I truly believe our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made.   The intricacies of our bodily design are mesmerizing and leave me in absolute awe every time I learn something more about them.  I also believe that our bodies are capable of healing themselves given the right environment.  However, there are no shortcuts to health.  No supplement or oil is going to make you get off the couch and get your body moving.  No oil or supplement is going to give your body the pure nutrition it needs.  They are buffers…..wonderful buffers!  You can slather your body in all the oils you want and take all the supplements you desire but if you are not concentrating on the triangle of wellness, you are missing the whole point of why we even have these amazing products.

I understand the marketing behind such claims, but I feel as stewards of the health industry we do it a disservice by glorifying the products and by not promoting the only effort that will make a lasting impact on people’s health…..the true triangle of wellness.  Nutrition from pure, organic foods, exercise (those that hate that word, think of it as fun sweating activity), and then supplements (in natural form, not synthetic…including oils).  Detoxifying the body through the bowels, urniary and lymphatic system, lungs, and skin is often not even mentioned in health consultations.  Nutritional deficiencies are largely associated with food intolerances and an unbalanced gut.  The pH of your body will determine how many nutrients your body can or cannot absorb.  Should I even begin talking about water intake?  People are going mad, slathering EOs all over their neck and head for headaches and are still drinking soda with little to no pure H2O.

I do applaude those that are trying to make a difference.  Educating people on daily chemicals that we are being exposed to, teaching people proper exercise, and helping people build healthy eating habits. HOWEVER, my inbox is FULL of people needing help because someone that watched an “oil” class or pinned a “pin” off Pinterest advised them and are now claiming themselves to be experts on Essential Oils.  Not only that, there are so many brands of EOs on the market that can do harm….especially when they are taken therapeutically.  That is very scary to me.  Suggesting that an oil or supplement can fix anything without a full health evaluation can discredit the people offering the advise and  give the product a bad name.  If people are not being consulted on their entire bodily wellness, then they are receiving a huge disservice.

So for now, I just try and continue to educate people on the “whole” body.  Essential Oils are just a small part of resources I have to help people.  Personally, the bioavailability alone that EOs bring to nutrients is intriguing. But for people claiming they are a cure-all…I would caution and advise you to save your money.  Understanding that our bodies run off energy and that there are many areas that need to be addressed is the first step in healing our bodies.

Before everyone loses their minds over this, there is nothing wrong with people diffusing oils and having their go-to bag of oils for themselves and their families. In fact, I encourage it.  I just have very strong opinions and concerns on the therapeutic nature of some oils that people are claiming to be health experts on and the advise given to them.

It is my life’s passion to help people break free from the normal we have come to accept in healthcare.  There are no shortcuts to healing our bodies nor is there a magic oil that will make all your symptoms go away.  In the natural health field, I take a look at your body as a whole and through consultations and evaluations, I begin piecing together the clues your body is trying to give.

When clients find their “aw-ha” moment, take their health back, and realize they have other avenues to explore, this is when I know I’ve done my job correctly.  If you are experiencing  a physical, emotional, or nutritional set-back please contact me!   I would love to begin a journey with you that could transform your life.

To know more about me, head on over to my Holistic Health Page to learn about my services and my current and on-going education.

Blessings!

One link that does has some beneficial uses for essential oils is https://www.tipsbulletin.com/essential-oils-for-sleep/

Just remember, you need to treat the whole body, just not the symptom.

Why You Need To Be Using Rose Water

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We have obsessed about skin care for centuries.  Outside of weight control, I would say this is the most sought-out product search for women today.  Everyone wants to find the ‘Fountain of Youth’.  Sadly most of the body and skin care lines on the market today also come filled with toxic chemicals.  I am here to help change that.  Technology is a very good thing but in this case, I would like to allow history to give us a lesson.

According to www.royalsenseusa.com, roses have had a great purpose since ancient times.  They have been used medicinally, nutritionally, and as a source of perfume.  Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians considered large rose gardens just as important as crop lands.  It is said that Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen, was considered to be among the most beautiful women in the world.  She was a big fan of the healing and beautifying qualities of bathing in rose water.  Therefore, if rose water was good enough for her, it should definitely be good enough for us.

Could the majority of our skin care line really be replaced by rose water?  “Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness of irritated skin, get rid of acne, dermatitis and eczema.  It is a great cleanser and aids in removing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores”, says Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, Skincare Expert.  Let’s take a look at other benefits of rose water….

-Rose water has been shown to have antibacterial properties that are useful in cuts and scraps
-It also helps to clean out pores and shrink them while strengthening skin cells and regenerating them
-It can be used as an anti-inflammatory and used to reduce blood pressure
-Works great as a hair conditioner and on dandruff
-Many people use it in their cooking for many different reasons

How about that for the win?  Still need more benefits?  Check this Site out to learn more on the ‘beauty’ benefits of rose water.

Today the harvest of beautiful rose petals are in high demand.  After all, it takes 10,000 roses to make one 5ml bottle of rose essential oil.  Knowing that, this might make the price of rose EO more acceptable to you.  But if you just can’t justify spending $75 on pure rose essential oil, then rose water is your next best option.

So what is rose water?  Rose water is simply a by-product of the distillation process and a more affordable one at that.  Rose water is made by steeping rose petals in water.  Simple…right?  Of course you want the best quality of rose petals.  Your best option would be to grow your own organic plants.  If this is more effort than you want to put into making your rose water, then shop for a good quality petal. I have purchased rose petals from Mountain Rose Herbs and have been pleased with their quality.


What You Need To Make Your Own Rose Water With Dried Rose Petals:

– Dried Organic Rose Petals
– Distilled Water (tap water often has bacteria in it)
– Funnel
– Glass Bowl and Glass Jars (avoid metal or plastic)
– Organic Nut Milk Bag
– Glass Spray Bottles

What you Need To Make Your Own Rose Water With Rose EO:

– Rose Essential Oil (make sure and use 100% pure EO and not scented oil.  This is the only line of EOs I trust.)
– Distilled Water
– Witch Hazel
– Glass Jars (avoid metal or plastic)
– Funnel
– Glass Spray Bottles

If you are making rose water with dried rose petals, make sure you have all your supplies sanitized and ready to go.

  1.  Place 1/4 cup of dried petals inside jar or bowl.

IMG_0246.jpg

Double Batch Shown Here

2.  Pour 1 1/4 cups of very hot water (not boiling) over petals, cover and steep for 15 minutes.
3.  Once water has cooled down, transfer the rose water into another jar by filtering the water through a nut bag. (Make sure the water has cooled down!)


4.  Funnel water into a spray/mist bottle and store in the fridge.  You will need to use your rose water within a week.

 

 

If you are making rose water with rose EO the process is even easier.  Again, make sure all your jars, bowls, and spray bottles are sanitized.

1. Place 1 cup of distilled water in a jar.
2. Dilute 12 drops of rose EO in 2 Tbsp. of witch hazel (if you do not dilute your EO first, it will separate in the water).
3. Add rose blend to water, cover with lid and shake.
4. Funnel water into spray/mist bottle and store in fridge.  You will need to use your rose water within a week.

Okay you’ve made your rose water, now how do you use it?  Just some of the ways I like to use rose water are:

– Use it as a toner right after I cleanse my face.  You can either mist it or use with organic cotton and dab gently on face.  The process will leave your face feeling clean and tightened.  It really helps in the shrinking of those nasty pores!
– Use 1 cup in your bath water for an intoxicating experience.  The aroma encourages feelings of positive self-reflection and can create an uplifted feeling when inhaled.  I know that’s just what I need at the end of a long day!
– Use as a natural perfume.  NO MORE TOXIC PERFUMES!
– Use as a makeup setter.  Just mist over your finished makeup and set that face.
– Use as a wonderful linen spray.
– Set a bottle in the guest bathroom for those *stinky* moments.

 

I hope this encourages you to make your own rose water!  Now you know what to do with all those beautiful flowers.

Happy Spritzing!!

 

Disclaimer
All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

*This post may contain affiliate links for products I love. This means I earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of these links.*