Tag Archives: Natural health

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

Help! I’m Sick!

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I wish we could all say that we eat the right food, drink enough water, exercise daily, get enough sunshine, practice deep breathing exercises, sleep like a baby and get regular chiropractic adjustments, but we don’t. We live in a busy world. Life happens and people still get sick.

I receive emails and calls every week from individuals seeking help with an illness of some sort. Unfortunately, most clients do not have anything on hand that can assist them. Timing is everything when individuals feel an immune response coming on. Let me explain…

Recognizing when an immune response is happening is key. Feeling off, the nose is stuffy, you’re overly tired, there’s a tickle in the throat or a headache are all indicators that the body needs some support. Unfortunately, individuals often mute these alarms and carry on with life like normal. Left neglected, the body will stop asking for the support it needs and start demanding for it instead.

The lesson here are: listen to your body and take action. The more proactive you are at the first signs of an immune response, the more likely you will quickly rebound. Let’s start with what you can control.

What to do?

1. STOP all refined sugar. Refined sugar shuts down your immune system for up to five hours after consumption. This contributes greatly to the uptick of cold and flu “season”. In my opinion, this isn’t a season. This always comes after a high-sugar holiday. We are sabotaging our health by consuming high amounts of sugar.

2. Drink only water. Cut out all juice and dairy products. Drink half your body weight in distilled (or good filtered) water every day. Your urinary system is a key elimination pathway. Making sure it is flushing properly is important.

3. Stop all processed food. I could park here for a while but for time’s sake, I will explain it this way….. JERF. Just. Eat. Real. FOOD. Remember, our bodies are fighting off infection. It doesn’t need to be fighting off synthetic food, too. Nourish it with nutrients it recognizes.

4. Rest. It sounds cliche, but it is true. Our body heals when we sleep. If we are run-down or not sleeping well, our body isn’t healing. REST!

What to take…

1. Vitamin C. I recommend a high-dose therapy when it comes to immune responses. This therapy is different for each client, but I usually will recommend a client take 1000mg of buffered C every hour until they hit bowel tolerance. This tells them that they cannot absorb anymore C. Vitamin C is water-soluble and high-dose therapies are extremely therapeutic.

My Vitamin C contains Bioflavonoids (also called flavonoids) which are a class of phytochemicals that are potent antioxidants, which scavenge many potentially damaging free radicals. Another aspect of the antioxidant properties of bioflavonoids is their synergy with Vitamin C. The bitter-tasting flavanones hesperidin and naringin, from the white albedo layer of citrus peels, have been shown to extend the nutritional functions of Vitamin C. Bioflavonoids are also capable of binding to metal ions, which prevents these metals from acting as catalysts in the body to enhance free radical production.

2. Vitamin D. I recommend an extra dose of Vitamin D. Most people are D deficient and need help supporting the immune system. Vitamin D testing is widely available to help you know where your D levels are. It is best to work with a practitioner when dosing fat-soluble minerals and vitamins.

Vitamin D is an immune system modulator that supports healthy T Cell and macrophage responses. One of the main functions of vitamin D is to help activate T cells, aka the “killer cells” in the body. T cells detect and destroy foreign pathogens — like viruses.

3. Immune Boosting Probiotics. I recommend a daily probiotic for health maintenance but with an immune response, I have clients up their dose to morning and evening.

Probiotics are fundamentally important for your health. Many healthcare practitioners believe that overall health begins in the digestive tract. Poor digestion compromises all parts of the body because the digestion of food provides fuel for all body processes, organs, and systems. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract also plays a prominent role in immune health.

My Probiotics are a non-dairy probiotic formulation produced from an all-natural source of beneficial microorganisms. It is designed to support digestive tract health and provide ingredients that support proper immune function and microbial balance in adults. They contain some species of the numerous microorganisms that naturally populate the human gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic bacteria, or “good bacteria,” promote a favorable balance of intestinal microflora. The human intestines harbor between 300 and 1000 different species of flora. Some people estimate that there are one hundred billion or one trillion bacteria per gram of colonic content in the large intestine. This mind-boggling amount is ten times as many cells as there are in the human body!

4. ImmunoMax. This supplement gives the body an extra kick to help jump-start the immune system. ImmunoMax is an advanced nutritional supplement that combines two heavily researched ingredients, N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) and Galactoarabinan, with a purified D-fraction from Maitake Mushroom and Beta 1,3 Glucans from the cell walls of baker’s yeast in a vegetarian capsule. Immunomax is designed specifically for anyone with a weakened immune system.

5. Smart Silver. I recommend taking 1tsp. up to 5x a day with an immune response. I also teach clients how to use silver with the nebulizer for respiratory treatments.

Smart Silver Smart Silver is a systematic approach to advanced immune support and balanced wellness. Smart Silver has engineered nanoparticles designed to offer more effective therapeutic benefits than traditional colloidal silver.

Having these products on hand and knowing how and when to use them will be a game-changer for you and your family. Again, this is to help an immune response STOP before it has the chance to begin. There are also ]deeper therapies that I help clients navigate through when these preventive therapies have not been put into place. You can order these supplements individually or save money by ordering the Immune Boost Kit Here!

Not a client yet? Let’s change that. All clients of The Fit Farmacy receive 20% off my practitioner line of supplements, botanicals, and herbals. They also receive FREE online concierge service for questions not requiring a consultation.

Book Your Consultation Today!

https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/why-vitamin-d-is-crucial-for-immune-health/

Just Don’t Lose the Weight; Transform Your Body

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We’re coming up on that time of year where people begin to regret their holiday binges  and begin to focus on their new health goals.  The only problem with that is they were exactly in the same place this time last year… and the year before.

So what didn’t work this time?

  • Couldn’t afford the program
  • No motivation
  • Didn’t feel good
  • Cheated
  • Didn’t see results

Somehow people find themselves overwhelmed and tempted to jump in to whatever the next ‘miracle weight loss program’ is that is currently trending.  What happens though is one program will work for one but fails for another. Does this mean the program is flawed?  Not necessarily.  It just means that everyone’s body has specifically different needs.

That is where specialized sessions can be extremely beneficial for clients who are looking to really raise the bar to their general wellness.  Using biological digestive testing and biofeedback, a client’s body can communicate rather clearly what it is lacking and what it needs to avoid.

Autophagy…The Missing Link

Autophagy (self-eating) is the process in which cellular waste and dysfunctional proteins are recycled through the lysosome.  Beneficial outcomes of autophagy include:

 

  • It can maximize repair while minimizing damage during times of stress
  • It can improve cellular lifespan
  • It supports the overall metabolic rate by improving the function of the mitochondria
  • It supports neurological health and can remove degenerative proteins
  • It helps to remove intracellular pathogens
  • Helps to prevent the onset of degenerative conditions that are related to cellular abnormalities
  • Help to support digestive health by giving the GI tract time to repair via fasting
  • Helps in supporting healthy weight by modulation of inflammation and burning of fuel reserves

But to simplify it…

Autophagy can improve:

  • General wellness
  • The enhancement of detoxification benefits
  • Weight-loss or management
  • Metabolic conditions
  • Infections, especially intracellular pathogens
  • Neurodegeration

 

So How Do We Increase Autophagy?

As with any new health plan, everyone needs to make sure their body can withstand the stress. This also means for some clients, creating a state of autophagy for their body will not be beneficial.  This is why it is critical to be under a practitioner-led program.

Once elimination pathways are open and your body is cleared to begin a program like this the best way to achieve autophagy is through:

  • Mitochondria support
  • Ketogenic diets (clean keto)
  • Intermittent fasting or low calorie intake
  • High intensity interval training
  • Foods like green tea (EGCG), ginger
  • Supplements like respirators, curcumin, quercetin, and reishi

This can be very a foreign concept for many people because for years we have been told that it is healthy to eat every two hours, consume more carbs for more fuel, slow and steady cardio is beneficial, and fat is bad (low-fat craze).  Luckily, we are finally coming out of these “pro-aging” tendencies and are really looking at the cellular level to support overall health.

Also with the rise in popularity of the keto diet, it is every important to follow a clean keto plan with the correct omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.  This is where most people do not successfully support their overall health correctly.  They may see weight-loss results, but when their cholesterol results come in, they are less than happy.

So if you are ready to take back your health once and for all, let me help lead you down a path to overall wellness like never before.

I use a holistic Three-Phase program that helps to resolve unneeded stress to the body for maximum results

Phase 1: Detoxification… clients will start a gradual reduction in carbohydrate intake and introduction to Intermittent fasting while following a total-body cleansing protocol

Phase 2:  Keto Transition….  clients will begin transitions into a full ketogenic diet. Carbohydrates will be gradually reduced and fasting periods will be extended. Additional products to help sugar-crash symptoms and along with providing exogenous ketones in a natural and pure phosphatidylcholine liposomal delivery system.

Phase 3:  Keto Phase…Clients will be on a full ketogenic protocol consuming the majority of their calories from HEALTHY fats and observing a 16+ hour fast every day.

Don’t suffer in your symptoms anymore.  There is much life to be lived.  Start living and become the best version of yourself today.

 

Book Your Consultation Today!

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.

My Top Mother’s Day Picks

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It’s that time of year again where kids and husbands alike start inquiring on what they should get for that special “mom” in their life. Let’s face it. Sometimes our creativity supercedes knowing what mom could really use.  Don’t get me wrong.  Us moms love the homemade cards, flowers, and crafts.  But in reality, there are a few little additions that most moms would love to have in their home.

 

Here are my top picks that you just can’t go wrong with.  

 

#1 Dyson Cyclone V10 Cordless Stick Vacuum

There is no doubt about it.  If you want to make your mom’s life a lot easier, than this gift is number one on the list.  This vacuum can do it all.  I have yet to find a job that this little guy has not performed well with.  With it being cordless it doesn’t tackle huge jobs, but for the continuous sweeping and maintenance of housework/farm-work, it is a beast!  It is light enough that the littles have no problem running it.  With a few quick connections, it is now able to head outside for car clean up.  You will not be disappointed.

#2  Breville Juice Fountain Plus 

It’s hard to find the time for proper detoxing and enzymes therapies.  This will be a gift that keeps on giving as your family learns the importance of letting the digestive system rest while still receiving powerful nutrients.  This gift benefits everyone in the home.

#3 NurtiBullet Pro

Meal time is just seconds away.  This powerful blender takes the prep work out of meal time.  Your family will receive all the benefits of a powerhouse meal that can literally be made in minutes and with easy clean up.  This is great for those warm summer evenings when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.  You should not be eating heavy meals in the evening anyway so WIN WIN! For those of you with NO creativity, it comes with an entire booklet of recipes.

#4 The Family Wellness Kit

I have talked with many moms late at night that are needing advise on how they can help loved ones that are feeling under the weather.  Of course, this never replaces emergency care if needed.  The Family Wellness Kit offers a combination of supplements, herbs, and homeopathics for a natural approach to family health and safety. Moms can keep this easy-to-use kit in their home medicine cabinet for natural, effective, and non-toxic solutions for their common household ailments.

#5 Jumbo Salad Spinner

As you can probably tell, raw fruits and veggies are very important for our holistic lifestyle.  We have a salad usually every day.  We raise a large garden and grow it all organically which means we occasionally do have some bugs.  Washing our greens is so easy now with this salad spinner.  We all know how washing produce is so important…we might as well make it as easy as we can.

#6 Organic Wool Dryer Balls

I know!  This might not seem to be a very sentimental gift to give mom for Mother’s Day.  However, it is something she will appreciate very much.  Especially if it is paired with a couple of her favorite, therapeutic essential oils.  Allowing mom to use dryer balls during laundry helps to cut down on the toxic endocrine distrupers that are invading our homes.  PLUS, it saves so much money!

A few of my favorite esssential oils for laundry:

Rosemary

Lemongrass

Lavender

Jade Lemon

#7 Wine Filter and Aerator

NO more wine headaches!  For those moms that like a glass of wine at the end of the day, this if a great gift.  This filter removes the histamines and sulfate preservatives without compromising the taste of the wine.  This product will filter out all types of wines including sparkling! One filter will purify an entire bottle of wine.

#8 Dry Brush Kit

Every mom needs some time to pamper themselves.  A dry brush kit works well for those rare moments where mom can slip away to work on herself a bit. Dry brushing helps to open up two of the main elimination pathways of our body, the skin and lymph.  Ten minutes of dry brushing before showers helps to ensure momma’s overall health and if you follow it up with a wonder herbal bath then you’ve created a spa-like environment…which we all need from time to time.

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Herbal Bath:

-Draw a very HOT bath.
-Put bath herbs in a large tea ball, cloth tea bath, cotton handkerchief, some tulle or a clean white cotton sock. You can toss the herbs straight into the bath, but you will be cleaning yourself and the tub after…who wants to do that?
-Steep herbs in bath water until it cools enough for you to get in without discomfort.
-Soak in the herb bath for about 15 to 20 minutes, breathing deeply so as to benefit from the aromatics.
-Many bathers choose to “seal” the herbals in by applying a thin layer of good skin oil (jojoba, almond, avocado, coconut) to damp skin, then drying gently.
A few of my favorite bath herbs are lavender, calendula, chamomile, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, and Aloe Vera. I will use these for different reasons. Not all herbs carry the same actions.

*You need to know the actions of herbals before you start using them.

I hope you find a gift that is just perfect for that special mom in your life and as always, I am here for any questions or for any natural 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

FOR ALL NATURAL HEALTH CONSULTATIONS HEAD TO

THE FIT FARMACY

*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.*

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.

 

Living Pain-Free

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Pain is the number one reason why clients will seek out alternative or natural healthcare.  People are tired of living with constant pain while only getting pain-reducing options rather than dealing with the root cause of the pain itself.  Clients I see are tired of the ripple effect that OTCs and prescriptions are having on their bodies.  So, they start their journey to find what holistic health can do for them.

According to the National Health Interview Survey,  the CDC released a new report estimating that 50 million Americans, just over 20 percent of the adult population, have chronic pain. That mind-blowing number is the reason why chronic pain is the most common cause of long-term disability.

Whether you are experiencing acute or chronic pain, you need to ask yourself two questions regarding your therapy:

  • Are you helping to minimize the pain and discomfort by promoting recovery and regeneration?
  • Are you reducing swelling and improving the motility but not in a way that intervenes in the healing process?

If you are experiencing pain from an acute injury or trauma, arthritic and chronic pain, or chronic inflammation and disease, ask yourself those two questions.  By addressing health foundations and encouraging cellular regeneration you will better your chances of not being one of those statistics.

Natural health is definitely “trending” right now and it’s not always in a good way.  Most companies and their customers are marketing their products the same way that the pharmaceutical industry is:  “Take this and feel better”.  If you are not addressing the root cause, inflammatory markers, triggers, and the gut-brain connection issues, than it is hypocrisy at its finest.

This is why I do not sell my supplements, botanicals, and homeopathics on my website.  It is critical that the WHOLE person is observed and listened to.  I do not want to feed the epidemic of “the next miracle pill” which btw…there is NO such thing and if someone is telling you this, run for the hills.  The body, when put in the correct, supportive environment through proper cleansing, diet, and foundations, has the amazing ability to heal itself.  We, more than not, get in its way and inhibit any progress that it can make naturally.

The first few pieces of advice that I would give:

  • Be patient.  The pain, outside of an acute injury, did not appear overnight.  More than not, this is a reaction the body is having due to the years of abuse that it has endured.  You will not be fixing this in a day, a week, or even a month.  Give the body time to recovery and help facilitate the regeneration of tissues.
  • If you are not ALL IN in regards to your therapy, I personally would not take you on as a client.  Healing is a total-body connection.  Your entire body has to be involved to the point where healing and feeling good again is more important than anything that could hinder it.

A few tips can really make a huge difference….

  1. Cleansing is a must before any therapy is started…otherwise you are just washing dishes in dirty dishwater.
    • I use a protocols that cleanse the entire body in 14 days.
    • Professional-grade homeopathic, botanicals, and nutraceutical formulas designed to clear the body of dangerous toxins and regenerate health cells and tissues.
    • SIGNS OF TOXICITY:
      • Headaches
      • Fatigue
      • Weight Gain
      • Allergies
      • Chronic Illness
      • Depression
      • Aches and Pains
      • Anxiety
      • Sleep Problems
      • Autoimmunity
      • Frequent Colds and Flues
      • Skin Rashes/ache
      • Mental Fog
      • Infertility
  2. Support all health foundations taught through consultation.
  3. Decrease pro-inflammatory foods.
    • This will look different to every client.  This is also why  plans work for some people and not for the others.  Each client needs a personalized plan that their body is dictating.
    • This could look like AIP, paleo, autoimmunity paleo, clean keto, vegan, etc.
    • Adding in intermittent fasting is helpful but not always perfect.
  4. Lab testing to show inflammatory markers and triggers.
    • Taking a supplement or pill without addressing the trigger is madness.
  5. Support all the eliminatory pathways. BULLS
    • B- Bowels
    • U-Urinary
    • L-Lungs
    • L-Lympth
    • S-Skin
  6. Start adding in the product protocols that is personalized for the body’s needs. There are amazing products that can help with the body’s healing process.  THIS IS NOT A STAND ALONE SOLUTION and is why I addressed everything first before I got to the products.
    • NO synthetics
    • Organic and non-GMO
    • Know the difference between isolated and whole products and why you would want to use one over the other.
    • Get the most bang for you buck by making sure your supplements are actually being absorbed.  Most people can only absorb half of the nutrients in the supplement.  This means if you are taking 500mg of vitamin C, your body is most likely only absorbing 250mg. This is why I promote Liposmals.

So What Now?

I am very passionate about helping people launch themselves out of their comfort zones and take their health back into their own hands.  If you would like to learn more about the different holistic services and therapies I offer, please reach out to me.  I do local and phone consultations so distance is not a hinderance.

Get Started On Your Natural Health Journey Now.

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.

https://www.painnewsnetwork.org/stories/2018/9/13/cdc-50-million-americans-have-chronic-pain

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.

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#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.*

No More Canola Oil

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Sadly, I used canola oil for years.  It was a great frying oil because of the high smoke point and we were still in the era of “all fats are bad for you”  so this was a healthier option….or so they told me.

Let’s start with the name…canola.  What plant exactly does that come from? I know olive oil comes from olives; coconut oil comes from coconuts; peanut oil comes from peanuts.  I don’t know about you but I haven’t seen any canola plants growing around here lately and that’s because canola oil doesn’t come from plants.  It is made in a lab.

The rapeseed, where canola oil was derived, has been found to be very toxic to humans.  So, what is all the rapeseed farmers to do?  Get scientists involved.  They found that by eliminating the glucosinolates and erucic acid out of the rapeseed plant, it lessened the toxicity.  This was accomplished by cross-breeding traditional plants.  The newly developed plant was named canola.  A combination of the names, Canadian and Ola (meaning oil) was given to the new plant from where it was first developed.  So,  you’re looking at a genetically modified product (GMO).

I am just giving you a very brief reasoning on why you should step away from the canola oil. But if you are a research junky like me, I have included some more in-depth reading on canola oil.  Dr. Axe has put together a great read called, 6 Canola Dangers.   What I want to do is show you some healthier, NATURAL options so you don’t have to use canola oil anymore.  Let’s just all agree to stay away from oils that are made in labs.

I am so glad that we are beginning to understand how important good fats are for our brain, skin, hair, and nails.  Using oils both cold and hot have an important purpose, and knowing which ones to use will not only benefit your health, but will make your food taste better too!

Cold Oils

Cold oils have great properties when they aren’t heated.  They make wonderful salad dressings and marinades.  They also can be used for natural body care products such as moisturizers, carrier oils, and scrubs.

  • Olive Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Macadamia Oil
  • Almond Oil
  • Walnut Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Sesame Oil

 

Smoke Points

Moving on to cooking with oils now, I need to discuss smoke point.  Smoke point is the temperature at which an oil releases smoke.  I didn’t know this for years.  I would always cook with basically two oils and would occasionally burn food and have no idea why.

Low Smoke Point Oils

This would be used for light sautéing or basting.  Smoke point goes up to 350 degrees.

  • Olive Oil
  • Butter/Ghee (clarified)

Meduim Smoke Point Oils

This would be for the intended use of sautéing, low frying, basting, or popping.  The smoke point would be between 360 and 410 degrees.

  • Coconut Oil
  • Macadamia Oil
  • Almond Oil
  • Walnut Oil

High Smoke Point Oils

This is for use when deep frying and has a smoke point of 420 degrees and higher.

  • Sunflower Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Sesame Oil
  • Palm Oil

What I didn’t Know…

When I used oils with the incorrect smoke points, the improper temperature would actually breakdown the qualities of the oil, much like microwaving our food does.  I would also have a lot of smoke in the kitchen.  I want the good qualities left in the oils so that my body can have the benefits from them… remember…. brain, hair, skin, and nail perks? This is why I like cold-pressed oils and stay away from fractionation and hydrogenation.

My Top Five

It’s hard to choose, but if I would list my favorite oils they would be:

  • Olive Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Almond Oil
  • Grapeseeed Oil
  • AND,  of course, my favorite fat…. organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised BUTTER! Can we please throw away the fake butter now….

 

Blesssings,

Stacey

The Fit Farmacy, Inc.

 

 

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.

 

The Fall Body Clean Up

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It’s Cleansing Time!

Cleansing…..it can be a scary word for some people. We have accumulated an ever-mounting buildup of toxins, chemicals, pesticides, additives, and heavy metals that most of us unknowingly absorb from our food, cosmetics, air, water, and even from the mercury fillings in our mouth. Where do we even start?

The questions I generally get are, “What does cleansing entail? Or, will I have to give up what I do daily to cleanse properly? How often should I cleanse? Can I eat on a cleanse?” There are so many different programs and products out there that I can see why people can be so easily confused. This is why I am going to take you on a 6-week journey that will not only clean out your over used and abused body, but educate you about it as well.

All participants of the Fall Body Clean Up will learn about our body’s five elimination functions known as B.U.L.L.S….bowels, urinary, lymph, lungs, and skin. You will learn how to properly allow your body to cleanse along with feeding it the complete nutrition it so desperately needs.

Healing begins from the inside out. Cleansing gives the body the strength to fight off disease and break down the accumulation of toxins, mucous, and parasites that have built up over the years…..and yes, I did say parasites! Everyone has them in one form or another. For the most part, they go unnoticed until symptoms such as feeling achy and fatigued start.

We will concentrate on a program that requires a high consumption of water (that means distilled or purified), strong digestive enzymes, minerals, high-potency herbs, and therapeutic-grade essential oils. Why essential oils? Essential oils have a lipid-soluble makeup which give them the ability to break through cell membranes, break up undigested food, and digest toxins. They help with the bioavailability with minerals that our bodies are so desperately starved of and have been documented for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties.

You will learn the importance of total body health, in which we will focus on these areas:

-the body’s pH
-liver health
-water and nutrition intake
-glycemic load
-digestive enzymes
-fasting
-exercise
-breathing techniques
-skin care
-emotional attitude of cleansing

You will also be givin a menu to follow along with a detailed timeline of each program.

We will start with a two-week cleansing trio, focusing on the colon, liver, and kidneys. From there, we will take a one week break and then move right into at 21-day parasite cleanse.  After both cleanses, a “maintaining good health” class will be covered.

I hope to not only educate you but also encourage you to take responsibility for your health, knowing that maintenance and prevention is the key to a healthy life style.

 

How do you get started?

Click the link below to sign up for the nutritional class. In order to be eligible, you must purchase the cleansing systems through me or from a member of my team. At the end of the program, there will be a drawing for a beautiful desert mist diffuser that retails $83.88.

IMG_0358

Email me at Myfitfarmlife@gmail.com to be added to the Fall Body Clean Up class. Make sure to post Fall Body Clean Up in the subject field.

From there, I will contact you with the plan’s details and help you with the ordering process.  You will be added to a secret FB group (this is not a requirement but will be an asset because I do many video presentations throughout the class) where you will have access to all the manuals and guidelines in PDF form.

Cost of programs:

Two week Trio Cleanse:
Retail: $115.46 USD
Wholesale: $87.75 USD

Three week Parasite Cleanse:
Retail: $118.09 USD
Wholesale: $89.75 USD

Addition costs and programs (that are not required) may be found on amazon at which I will post links for accessibility during the class.

Click here to enroll and earn wholesale prices  on the products you will need to purchase for the cleanses.  Anyone who enrolls as a wholesale member receives 24/7 holistic coaching from me along with all the other benefits that this team receives.

 

Start Date:

The first cleanse will start on November 5th, where we will wrap up just in time for Thanksgiving.
The second cleanse will start on November 26th, giving everyone freedom to still enjoy the holidays in December. You will be feeling so good that you wont want to overindulge and ruin all your progress!

 

Here’s to a New Year and a new you!

 

* Note: If you have interest in doing this program outside of our targeted dates, contact me and I will allow access to all the coaching material so that you will be kept up to speed through out the process.

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.

 

Support For Those Fatigued Adrenals

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We abuse our bodies in so many different ways but arguably, the adrenals are the most abused glands in the glandular system.  Located just above the kidneys, the adrenals are responsible for so many important body functions.  To understand why your adrenals are not working properly, you must first understand how and why they work.

The adrenals are composed of two functioning parts, the inner medulla and the outer cortex.  The medulla secretes adrenaline (also called epinephrine) and norepinephrine. Adrenaline controls physical effort and prepares the body to face danger.  This allows the body to increase the heart rate, increase the amount of sugar to the tissues so more energy is available to the body, and it also increases the blood’s ability to clot.  Have you heard the stories of how a mom could lift a car off a child or could carry a man out of a burning building?  This is a testament to major stress levels that signaled the adrenals to produce an excessive amount of adrenaline.

The cortex secretes the hormones aldosterone, cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).  These are very important hormones that we generally ignore. Cortisol, in particular, plays a part in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of blood sugar.  It also acts to reduce inflammation and slows the body’s use of cartilage.  Anti-inflammatory products are flying off the shelves today as people are trying to find new ways to reduce inflammation.  Our body has a natural response to this but we have damaged the system that performs it.

In general, the adrenals are important for many bodily responses such as regulating the immune response system which allows for speedy recoveries with less pain.  The steroid hormones, from the cortex,  reduce inflammation and work with the administration of the immune response.  The adrenals help out in the muscle distribution of the body and also helps the body cope with day-to-day stress.  In very serious cases, people can develop Cushing’s Syndrome or Addison’s disease which results in medication and/or surgery.  I’m not talking about that here though.  I would like to discuss the general signs of adrenal fatigue.

Most people do not know that they suffer from improper adrenal function because even on a low adrenal reserve, the adrenals will produce enough hormones to maintain an adequate state of health.  It is when stress is induced that you will see the malfunctioning of the adrenals…which could lead to fatigue and even total collapse.  The adrenals were created to react when stress comes upon the body.  They brain sends a message to the adrenals that more hormones are needed to combat the stress.  If this cycle continues, as in most high-stress situations, the adrenals cannot keep up with the supply therefore exhausting the supply of nutrients that feed the adrenal glands.  In other words, you will be full of hormones and low on nutrients.  Again, another key to point out is how nutrition plays a vital role in absolute health.  Can you see how other parts of your body will be depleted of nutrients if your adrenals are fatigued?  They will be ‘calling for backup’ and will rob the body of nutrients wherever they can.

The hormones that the adrenals produce give the body a wonderful, natural defense that serve a great purpose.  However, if your body is constantly sending out signals to the adrenals to secrete more than a normal range of hormones, you will find yourself out of balance very quickly.  If you are always stressed or worried, your body is going to rapidly fall into adrenal fatigue.  This is when your body is constantly calling for the adrenals to engage, only to find them overwhelmingly tired.  Fear, anxiety, and stress immediately engages the adrenals.  So if your normal character is some what of a worry-wart nature, then you could expect to have some adrenal fatigue.  In cases of reduced adrenal function you can experience some symptoms such as headaches, weakness, fatigue, recurrent infections, panic attacks, mental problems, sleeplessness, stress, blood sugar issues, dry and flaky skin and nails, and thinning hair.

Your body is a wonderful messenger, alerting you when something is wrong.  For instance, if your body is producing too much cortisol, you might have an expanding mid-section.  Measure your waistline at the smallest width.  Men should be less than 40″ and women should be less than 35″ in circumference.  If your measurements are above this number, there is a good chance the adrenals are over-producing cortisol, which forces body fat to appear in the abdomen.  By following a low-glycemic-load diet you will be able to help maintain healthy cortisol levels.

More signs that point to adrenal fatigue is allergies to citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, pineapple, cantaloupe, and all bioflavonoids).  This is why we talk specifically about B5 below.  People can also develop allergies and sinus conditions.  Sudden allergies or sinus issues that come upon healthy people should be an immediate question mark for over-worked adrenals.   Sadly, people are often medicated for the symptoms and left to cope without even looking into other causes.  This frustrates me!  We need to be getting to the root of the issues and not providing customers for Big Pharma (soap box).

First and foremost, we need to talk about the elephant in the room…..stress.  There’s no way around it.  You will have to find ways to eliminate stress to chill out those adrenals. The body’s four major stress hormones are adrenaline, cortisol, DHEA, and norepinephrine. First thing in the morning is when the highest level of these hormones are released and the lowest is in the evening.  Learning how to cope with stress and to release negativity is a huge step in disengaging your stress hormones.  Breathing techniques, meditation, prayer walks, stretching, exercise, and calm music can all play an important role in stress relief.

Since we now know that adrenal fatigue will deplete your body of very important nutrients, it is very important to replace them.  Water intake and nutrition play a vital role in your adrenal function.  I look very closely into clients’ nutrition and water intake. After that, I will address sleep, pH, and exercise.  After we dig enough into these five stepping-stones, we can usually come up with enough clues to proceed.

People with a diet that consists of particularly high levels of caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and white flour will have depleted nutrient support anyway…especially in the B vitamins. Taking B complex vitamins plus pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and vitamin C are necessary for adrenal function.  Corrective minerals are potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium.

Practicing natural health techniques show to be very supportive in the improvement of function of the adrenals.  Sleep, stress reduction, being able to say NO, stretching and massage are all go-to techniques for the adrenal “fatigued”.  Start with a few and find a way to adapt them into your everyday routine.

When our adrenals are not working properly, we have engaged a domino effect that will lead to many serious health issues.  One component I love about natural health, is that we look at the whole body….just not a symptom.  Learn to listen to your body and then receive the help you need to heal the WHOLE body.

I am not an expert on this and it is very important to be working with a doctor if you have serious health issues.  Self-diagnosis is very dangerous.  Please make sure you are taking the steps with your doctor that leaves you comfortable with diagnosis and treatment.  I am passionate about natural health because I have seen the fruits of it.  You are in control of your health…there are always options.

As always, if you would like more info on your glandular system, in particular the adrenals, natural health techniques, nutrition through low glycemic loads, and nutrient support, you can always leave me an IM or email.

Happy “De-Stressing”!

 

Sources:
Batch, A. Phyllis. Prescription For Natural Healing. New York: The Penguin Group, 2010
Lepore, Donald. The Ultimate Healing System. Woodland Publishing, 1985

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.