Putting an end to my sick days!

Okay this post is one about my journey to a healthier me…

If this is a boring topic for you, you might want to skip over it. BUT, if you are looking for some ideas on how to feel better yourself, I will share the research I have done over the past few months and the successes I am feeling from these changes.

Let me start out with a warning – ***Warning***

I am NOT an expert in any of this…I am just happy to share the wee bit of knowledge I have gained after looking for answers to questions that no one else seemed to be able to answer for me. It has been refreshing to come to a place that I can say I feel happier and healthier and day by day, I am feeling more vibrant and ready to tackle the world, or at least my little world in a very big way!

I will share all of the supplements and foods and stuff that I do and eat and take each day and why I am taking it…

First thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything, I take 1 supplement ~ Chlorella 1000 ~ when taking this one you need to be sure it is a high quality broken cell chlorella, which is a microscopic green freshwater plant (algae). Chlorella contains a high quality form of Chlorophyll that is intended to provide nutritive support for the bloodstream, bowels and liver health, also good for cellular growth and metabolic balance. I personally am focusing on this for my liver…a happy liver makes for a happy body. I also take this at night before I go to bed as it is best taken on an empty stomach.
I also take a swig or two of Chlorofresh, which is a liquid chlorophyll (make sure you get the Natural Mint Flavor and also make sure you go brush your teeth right after or you’ll be walking around sportin’ some great green teeth!) I do this because it helps to oxygenate my bloodstream, it is also a benefit for digestion and liver function. Both the Chlorella and the Chlorofresh aid in detoxification.

This may seem like over-kill to some to do both, but they don’t function in exactly the same way and what is important to me is that I now know that Digestion is key…it is a cornerstone of good health. During my research I found that 60% of auto-immune diseases comes from our digestional tract, which in turn produces immune problems.

I start my day out with a shake, I always call it my protein drink, but it is actually so much more than just that…take a look at the write-up on this one! It is called Pure-Fit and is loaded with so much great stuff, I don’t even want to try to list them all, but this will give you a great idea of what it can do for you. (Now I will tell you in the very beginning this was not a delicious treat…I had to choke it down, but only until I found the way I like it. I do a couple of scoops of the powder, a banana, water, a little add in blender they have that is chocolate flavored and I also add in a big ol’ Tbls of concentrated fiber. I find that now I actually crave this first thing in the morning and occasionally I will even do a second some time during my day.)

“Knowing you are what you eat, start your day with a rich, natural combination of minerals, proteins, herbs, efa's, pro-biotics and other nutrients designed to give you the energy you want and need. Pure~Fit™ joins the convenience and flexibility of protein shakes with the balance and diversity of a multi-vitamin. These are highly absorbable, nutrient dense, vegan/vegetarian, all natural whole food meal options. Whether you're busy and on the go or a renowned gourmet chef, Pure~Fit™ excites your taste buds.”
• ~Providing your muscles with highly absorbable building blocks, a combination of sprouted brown rice, pea and hemp proteins enhances physical ability, stamina, endurance and strength.
• ~Supporting healthy digestion with 29 different SBO pro-biotics and ginger root ensures that you get the energy and benefit out of everything you eat and take.
• ~We did not miss a beat when it comes to feeding your heart. The herbal potency of turmeric and cinnamon, the antioxidant effect of pomegranate, and the high levels of L-Arginine in our protein gives your heart a reason to keep on ticking.
• ~Taking out the trash has never been needed like it is today. In our toxic, highly processed world it's critical to have a regular, safe and mild detox path. A daily dose of the dandelion root, beet root, lemon peel, barley grass greens, coconut milk and chia seed are a natural cleaning crew that will have you looking and feeling like a million bucks.”

This info comes from their website: http://www.fit-transformation.com/  If you have questions about this one, you can call a friend of mine to get the whole scoop ~ Matthew Hollist ~ 899-0095. Just tell him I sent you (not that I am getting anything from this, Promise, but I’m pretty sure he’d be happy to give you a good deal since we talked about all of this forever earlier today, he just wants to help people feel great.)
For Anti-Oxidants, I use a couple of different things, why not just use one? Well, having a couple of really powerful antioxidants in my court just makes me feel a ton better, that’s why. Remember, I am not a doctor, I just do a whole lot of research when it comes to my health and these are the two that I feel I benefit from most.
One is a little supplement called Pycnogenol – it is Pine Bark Extract and is a very powerful antioxidant. Since taking this one, I have noticed a huge improvement in the inflammation of my hands and the level of pain in my joints, especially my hands, wrists, ankles, knees, and hips.
The second is an orange liquid (quite tasty actually) called Tashi-Fit. It is made from a potent wild berry called the Sea Buckthorn Berry ~ Here’s part of the scoop on this one: (This one is also from Matthew Hollist and there is a lot of info for it on their website, I just gave you a little scoop, not the whole shebang!)

Among many other impressive qualities of the sea buckthorn berry is that it contains a significant amount of Omega-3 oil. This essential fatty acid, commonly found in fish, is rarely found in fruit. Omega-3 is understood to be a key building block of nutrition. It is a critical component in most soft tissues of the body.
Not only are these berries unparalleled nutritive qualities known for their concentration of Omega-3, 6, 7 and 9, but they also contain an abundance of other nutrients including: targeted antioxidant support, anti-inflammatory properties, diverse vitamins including essential A & C, minerals derived from its untouched native soil, flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids and over 190 bioactive compounds, making it one of nature's original superfoods!
Another supplement that I am taking that I feel I have received incredible results from is called Blood Sugar Defense ~ It is a blood glucose support with cinnamon and alpha lipoic acid. I was searching for one ingredient Chromium when I came across this. After talking extensively over the benefit of this particular supplement, I found that with the additional ingredients, it was a far better product for me than Chromium alone. If you are suffering from irregular blood sugar highs and lows throughout your day, if you are craving sugars, if you just plain feel crummy, this one may be one to put toward the top of your list. Since taking this, I have had zero, okay honestly I have had one day that I felt the need to have sugar or chocolate, the rest of the time the intense cravings for these things have vanished! My “3 or 4 o’clock feel like I’m gonna drop dead time at any moment” isn’t happening anymore…I feel “level” throughout my day, I am loving this! I’ve learned so much that helps me to want to be healthier…when our insulin levels increase, so does the inflammation in our brain and body…we must control this!  I am working on this through using this supplement as well as reducing all of my simple sugars. Rather than using sugar, I am only using Agave Nectar, I will be trying out Stevia. Our bodies can process these substances…This has been a lot easier than I imagined it would have been and I really believe that the Chromium is the difference for me.

I have some serious Thyroid Issues…I am lucky enough to have Hashimoto’s Disease, which is an auto-immune disease that attacks the thyroid…not good! Well, doctors have tried and tried and tried and tried to help the situation and it has only worsened, so again, I decided to take this into my own hands and find my own answers. I do two forms of thyroid support – Liqui-Kelp Daily Iodine and Liquid Iodine Plus with iodine and potassium iodide. Just a couple droppers a day of each and I’m good…just hold it under your tongue for a minute or so and swallow, virtually no flavor.

Here’s one I had never heard of before a month or so ago…Ashwagandha Extract…this is in a capsule form. I take it with my meals…Ashwagandha works as an adaptogen, promoting the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and resist stress. It prevents or minimizes imbalances. I take this mostly for the stabilization of hormone imbalance. This one does some amazing things for our body…it controls high cortisol levels by balancing our adrenal glands which are our stress glands…isn’t that a good enough reason to take each day…I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have some form of stress happening. I have found with this one that I am much less restless when I go to bed at night…I used to have what my hubby and I call Jumpy Leg Syndrome…not that it is completely gone, but it is a whole lot better! It also helps with insomnia, anxiety and libido.   There is so much to highlight in this one...I should have just done it all, so make sure you look closely ~ it's a gem!
Flax Seed Oil is a blue flowering plant that is grown for its oil rich seeds. This natural oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems. Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste. Sounded good to me already! Should you add flax seed oil to your diet? Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as joints.
Another capsule that I take with every meal is Milk Thistle. It is an extract of raw milk thistle seed and has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years, most commonly for the treatment of liver and gallbladder disorders. When I was purchasing this one, the Very Knowledgeable Pro Lady at the health food store told me if she could take only one supplement the rest of her life this would be it!!! Again, our liver is vital to our well-being and cannot be overlooked…so this is one I will add for my lifetime as well!

Just a couple more, I know this is becoming insanely long:

Vitamin D!!! This one is a must for all of us! We simply do not get enough sunshine where we live, and our bodies need the Vitamin D. Make sure you have a Vitamin D3 with a combination of Calcium. A sublingual form is best…what does that mean???? Well, simply it means "under the tongue". However it actually refers to the route of administration in which something enters directly into the blood stream, they enter the blood stream via the absorption under the tongue. The main principle behind the sublingual administration is very simple, absorption into our circulatory system. I like to take 10,000 IU’s per day, spread out throughout my day.

Along with my Vitamin D, I take a Calcium-Magnesium with Vitamin D Complex. Calcium is an essential mineral, used throughout the body to protect and heal. Magnesium is necessary to maintain a healthy system and helps to regulate daily bodily functions. Magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium in the body. This allows the calcium to enter the system faster, resulting in a quicker response to any bone or tissue ailments needing extra attention. Magnesium works to relax the walls of the lungs when constricted, such as in the case of an asthma attack, allowing for easier breathing. Shortness of breath and wheezing can also be reduced through the use of magnesium. It works to help normalize breathing, allowing for oxygen to be taken in the body properly. Magnesium is also great for Pain Relief. Magnesium works to ease pain. It relaxes the constricting muscles causing the discomfort, allowing for lessened tension and relief. It also aids in prohibiting cramps and fatigue, which are usually brought on by a magnesium deficiency. Muscle spasms are also often signs of a deficiency that can be lessened.
Calcuim is essential for Heart, Bone and Oral Health. When looking for a great Calcium, it is best when mixed with Magnesium and Vitamin D Complex, with the calcium being 2x the amount of the magnesium and vitamin D. This is also a great one to take as a sublingual for better absorption.
I take this combination to help with healing and for memory and mood, it is also a great benefit for my lungs as they are working to heal and become stronger.
The last thing I take is B12 – 1000 to 2000 mcg per day – I do this as a sublingual as well.
Vitamin B12 has numerous benefits that can help individuals in different ways. The most common benefit of B12 is its ability to boost ones energy level, and speed up your metabolism. If you suffer Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you can make excellent use of B12 by taking 1000 micrograms per day. B12 has helped individuals feel less tired, and worn down.
The reasoning behind taking this for me: Brain function and fatigue…

So there you have it...the long list of stuff!  I will add more over the next little while about the foods and results I am experiencing.  I hope this may have been of some help for you.

My advice to anyone suffering from different ailments is to take your health into your own hands...do not leave it up to someone else to decide what is best for you. 
Our bodies are our responsibility and one we should not take lightly. 
In D&C we are counseled to use all herbs with wisdom and prudence...
I believe our wisdom comes only from the effort and research we are willing to put in...this has been such a wonderful journey of learning for me...one that I'm sure has only begun, even though we've been on the path for many years now.  I look forward to all that awaits me and I so welcome your comments and suggestions for a healthier Me.
Have a fabulous weekend!