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Custom Wellness Blog

Do Parasites Have You Howling At The Moon?

6/17/2021

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Some symptoms of parasites are:

Digestive issues
Diarrhea
Constipation
Hemorroids
Gas
Bloating
Irritable bowel
Itchy butt
Joint pain
Muscle aches
Cysts
Endometriosis
​PCOS
Hormone imbalance
Cravings for sugary foods
Cravings for processed foods
Cravings for carbohydrates in general
Heart symptoms
​Breathing problems
​Sleep problems

Clenching teeth
Teeth Grinding
TMJ
​Arthritis
Allergies

Acne
​Skin rashes
Anxiety
Nervousness
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic post-nasal drip
Stuffy nose
Itchy ears
Headaches
Immune system problems
Ravenous appetite
Behavior problem

Just to name a few.

connection between full moon and parasite activity
We just recently had a very large and close full moon, which also happened to be an eclipse. A red moon. Since then, probably 65% of my clients are exhibiting parasite symptoms and are testing for them. There are many different types of bugs that become more active around the full moon. Just the way they were created I guess. And isn’t it interesting that teachers and ER workers swear that kids and adults act-out close to a full moon. This is not some woo-woo idea. There is a reason behind it.

Parasites.

naturally cleanse your body of parasites
How do I talk about parasites without grossing everyone out? But, I have to because many people do not understand how important it is to cleanse. Cleansing is such an integral part of the healing process. If these critters are eating most of your food and releasing toxins inside of you much of the day, are you really going to make headway, healing your gut and other organs and glands, if you let these pets stay? Yes, I said pets. You are feeding these pets, and they are taking everything from you. Food is medicine. Without it, you won’t heal. These little guys are NOT on your side; they are NOT working with your body in a synergistic relationship.
Some practitioners say that all micro-organisms in the body are parasites. Technically this is true, but I am not referring here to the good bacteria that help you digest your food; I'm talking about the pesky pets we don't have the heart to get rid of. I have had clients tell me they do not want to get rid of their parasites even when they are the number one priority. Why wouldn’t everyone want to get rid of them? It boggles my mind. They are hurting you. They aren’t allowing you to heal.
 
We worm our horses, dogs, cats, and other farm animals because it’s good for their health. When did we stop worming ourselves? I think the reason for this is because it is not mainstream knowledge anymore. MDs don’t talk about them unless you’ve been to a third-world country. What has been implied for decades is this: we don’t have parasites in America. Do you think parasites ONLY live in third-world countries? They are everywhere. Even here…in America… [cue ominous music]
 
If you go barefoot on the beach or in your yard, you could pick up parasites. If you hug or kiss a family member or have pets, you probably have parasites. Just living on planet earth means you have parasites!
 
Once pharmaceuticals became commonplace, did de-worming go out the window? Grandma and Great Grandma lined up their children and made them swallow a spoonful of gum spirits of turpentine (different type than what you’re used to) and castor oil, and then waited for them to fill up the toilet. They started that when the offspring were babies with tiny amounts and worked up.
 
We should be worming ourselves twice per year. Spring and Fall. But if you haven’t done a parasite cleanse your entire life, then the first one may take a few months to complete. Think of it as the "Gangs of New York." Kill off the big momma in there, and another one takes over her territory.
 
It is essential to work with a health care practitioner who understands how to facilitate a cleanse so that you are assured that you’re killing off the babies and eggs that will hatch once you get the momma.
 
When you have symptoms that you just can’t shake, ask your natural health practitioner about a parasite cleanse. Take a look at the symptoms above. Often these little buggers are at the root of the problem; imagine what it would feel like to be rid of them!

Connie Kelly, BS MedSci, NHE
Nutritional Health Practitioner
Natural Health Educator
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Your New Body

5/20/2021

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Your new body through cleansing
​Did you know that all the cells in your body turn over (meaning they die off, and the body makes new cells)? The small intestine turns over every 2-20 days, the stomach every 2-9 days, colon cells every 3-4 days. You could literally have an entire new gut in 3 weeks! So what would happen if you ate really well for 21 days? What would happen if you not only ate really well, but actually added some herbs and whole food that cleaned everything out and let it rest and heal for 21 days?

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to cleanse. A spring cleaning of the liver is something we need to do every year. Why do you think we have spring allergies to the pollen? How many springtimes have you detoxed the liver? Most people will answer, “none.” I no longer have pollen allergies because I have been working on my liver for some time. That’s right. I don’t even have to take a allergy med! Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to enjoy those cut flowers from the garden? Or go for a jog in the park and enjoy the magnolia trees? Many people hold up in the house all spring and fall because of their pollen allergies. Why not just clean up the liver?

Some of you may be wondering why I am out west. I settled near Sedona for this period of time in order to heal my body. I am, in a sense, detoxing from mold, and hopefully resetting my body. I am doing something for me. It was time. And very much needed. It is a “type” of cleanse, a time-out from the toxic chemicals in our buildings and in the air we breathe outside. You certainly don’t have to go to these lengths for a simple cleanse. The key here is doing something for yourself. Caring enough about yourself and about your body to take the time for you. Let’s clean up your symptoms. Maybe you choose to do a 7 day cleanse, a 7 day water fast, or better yet a 21 day cleanse. Standard Process has a really nice one. It’s completely organic, full of vegetables and detox herbs. Your kidneys and liver will be so happy and this makes you feel great! You still eat 3 meals a day with it. Mostly raw organic vegetables, some lightly steamed veg and a little brown rice and lentils. And it’s EASY! I always like simple, easy cleanses, because that usually means I’ll stick with it.

Those of you who struggle with anxiety or depression will LOVE this cleanse. I was on top of the world mood-wise the first time I did it back in 2011. It was a year after I went off the antidepressants and I was still healing my brain and adrenals. Antidepressants damage the cells around where the drugs lodge in the brain. This cleanse felt so good, that I continued eating 1-2 salads every day after the cleanse was over! Because…I…felt…amazing! It gives the liver and kidneys a break and allows them to clean house, take out the trash and fix that broken fence. When the fence is repaired and there is less clutter, the body functions better and the brain lets you know it’s happy!

Are you ready for a new body?

Contact Us, for guidance on what cleanse is right for you and the diet and supplementation to do it!
​.

Connie Kelly, BS MedSci, NHE
Nutritional Health Practitioner
Natural Health Educator
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Watch Out For These Symptoms of Mold

2/24/2021

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​After listening to Margaret Christensen, MD, FACOG, IFMCP, ABOIM, and some of the doctors she interviewed on the Mold Summit from HealthMeans, I found this list to be extremely beneficial to understanding which of my symptoms could possibly be due to mold. I have had the C4a blood test done and the urine analysis for mycotoxins, and both were off the charts (high). I wanted to pass this list on to anyone who is considering that mold could be the root of their problems.
 
Thank you Dr. Christensen for all the work you did putting this summit together! I had no idea that some of these issues could be from mold.
 
HealthMeans Mold Summit - November 2019 Overview of the Journey to Recovery
Mold Symptoms:
  • Brain Fog
  • Peripheral Myopathy
  • Sleep issues
  • Anxiety
  • Migraines
  • Sinuses
  • Hallucinations
  • Bi-polar
  • OCD
  • Addictions
  • Thyroid
  • Encephalitis
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Psoriasis
  • Gut issues
  • Hormone dysruption
  • Mental fatigue
  • Adrenal fatigue
  • Night sweats
  • Cancer
  • Brain trauma
  • Emotional trauma
The following are additions that I have gleaned with my research into mold exposures. I do not have sources for these, as I have picked them up through my journey and helping my clients.:
  • Allergies
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Asthma
  • Food sensitivities
  • Coughing
  • Tickle in throat
  • Neurological events
  • Tremors
  • Stroke-like symptoms
  • Inability to speak with bad exposure
  • Dementia

Please let me know if you have any of these symptoms, and more importantly, if you have several of these symptoms. You may need to find a mold expert to get testing done. I can help along the way! Contact me HERE.

Connie Kelly, BS MedSci, NHE
Nutritional Health Practitioner
Natural Health Educator
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All I Want To Do Is Sleep! Why Can't I?

1/22/2021

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Why we can't sleep and what can be done to remedy
​Have you ever CRAVED sleep? Ever been so bone-deep tired that you ache upon waking? As a new mom to a 3-month-old, I can attest firsthand to the collective pain from those sleepless nights that quickly translates into sheer daily exhaustion. At the health food store I work at, customers have been coming in by the dozens looking for something to remedy THEIR sleepless nights. Our bodies require a good night's rest to repair. Without it, we exacerbate inflammation and can prevent our bodies from healing. There’s a reason sleep deprivation is used as a torture method! We all have very different reasons WHY we cannot sleep. Getting down to the brain's physiology may help get you a solid night's rest or at least catch a couple more Zzzs!
 
Everyone can agree that 2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least. We can also agree upon the STRESS load it has added to an innumerable amount of people and their communities. From businesses shutting down to unemployment, parents becoming teachers on the fly, stress on relationships and families, and lowered immune function, all the while, domestic violence, and suicide rates have skyrocketed with an overall increase in mental health issues. It is no wonder people are losing sleep. While the reasons we have stress are very individual and unique to us, there certainly is a common thread among all the sleepless. Understanding the co-relationship of stress and anxiety can give further insight into our sleep issues.
 
Stress is necessary for survival. The pressure to get things done with varying degrees of urgency is beneficial for accomplishing daily tasks and achieving greater goals. However, when stress becomes damaging, it starts to take over our lives, creating anxiety. The adrenals become overloaded and begin to overfire, producing too much cortisol, and the flight or fight response is triggered unnecessarily. You start flapping your wings to fly away only to realize you are not a bird! In some severe cases, these feelings produce complete panic, and that danger is swiftly approaching, causing momentary paralysis. You want to run, but you don’t know where! It seems as though stress follows you wherever you may go! With overworked adrenals keeping us in alert mode and with no off switch in sight, it makes sense we cannot calm down into a restful state. Our overactive neurotransmitters at play; it is just a vicious recipe for disaster. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could do something to shut off our brains at night? 
 
Social media outlets, the news, fear of getting sick, stress in our relationships, financial struggles, forced isolation, and conflict at our jobs are just some examples of where daily anxiety enters our lives. It seems impossible to turn the noise off in our brains when the daily noise is livid and continuously in our faces. Often it feels like there is no relief, no escape. Anxiety causes issues from not being able to fall asleep initially to waking in the middle of the night. Staying awake from the deeply embedded mental chatter that does not seem to quit turns our minds and bodies right back on. And sometimes, in the middle of the night, we open our phones to get our minds off current events and end up reading possum memes for an hour that make us chuckle while our infants sleep next to us, causing us to stay awake even longer. Sigh, it happens. Sleepless nights... Those particular days bring us sour moods, depleted energy, loss of motivation, and poor food choices, adding stress to other areas of our lives. We need to look a little deeper into how we can alleviate anxiety to allow our minds and bodies to rest. So what can we do about anxiety to help our sleep state?
 
Our brains naturally produce amino acids that work within our neurotransmitter systems—big words for describing the electrical network in our brain. GABA is a very specific amino acid that the brain produces naturally to modulate neurotransmitter activity. The busy, overworked mind delves quickly into the dark corners of mental chatter and rapidly develops into anxiety. When the brain is overstimulated, GABA goes in and slows down the process. Overworked minds could be a result of hyper-alert, stressed adrenals. That’s where adaptogens can come into play. This class of herbs is responsible for supporting the adrenals by helping to adapt to stress. They work to give energy during the day and rest at night, supporting the adrenals during both shifts. Ashwagandha is a very special adaptogen that helps to support the adrenals and helps produce GABA. Other ways to help support GABA production naturally are probiotic strains, which are also showing more prevalence in the brain's complexity via the vagus nerve. What’s in our guts transfers through a series of physiological mechanisms riding on the vagus nerve from the stomach to the brain. L-rhamnosus is a special probiotic strain that produces GABA. Now that we know producing more GABA can help quell anxiety and lead to more zzzs, let’s look into other areas of the human terrain that may need balance work to find rest.
 
Mammals have a network that closely mimics the nervous system, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Researchers have only touched the tip of the iceberg with the complexity of this bodily system. So far, we have discovered that the ECS is filled with receptors throughout our body and in our brain. If the receptors are out of balance, cannabinoids affect the brain's state and modulate brain activity. Although we have existing cannabinoids naturally occurring that work to bring the body to homeostasis or balance, they sometimes need outside help when the body is riddled with too much stress. Here enters a special cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, otherwise known as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD can quickly influence the overstimulated receptors, causing shortages and calming the receptors that are overworked, much like GABA from a different angle using different available receptor sites. Finding balance is always the key, and these are just a few supplemental options that can get you there.
 
Aside from supplements to aid us along into slumber, we can look to behavior before bed. Foods or beverages that could be stimulating us at the wrong time get our circadian rhythms thrown off. There are other ways to mitigate stress, such as particular lifestyle choices like exercising and meditation… OR, perhaps something as simple as shutting the light off and turning off all electronics an hour before bed to help encourage melatonin production may be all you need! We can help you figure out these pieces of the puzzle. Give us a call! You are TIRED. And we want to help you sleep. We'll be your sleep detectives and work with you to create the right formula just for you because we know that no two people are alike.

​Amy Prins 
​Natural Health Practitioner
C.H.S., C.N.H.P.

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HOPE And More Resources For This Difficult Time

11/24/2020

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Hope and Resources during difficult times
At Custom Wellness we offer opportunities and other resources for Natural Health Care. During this time of uncertainty, I want to offer HOPE that there are other options besides the traditional avenues.
​
I hear fear in client’s voices. Running to the doctor to get a covid test with a minor symptom, shouldn’t be your first line of defense. Apparently, there are over 2000 mutations of C-19, and I have found 2 new strains released this fall. We may be in for a hard winter, but don’t despair, WE’VE GOT THIS! We’ve figured out quite a bit from last spring. Everything I recommended in the spring post supported those clients who had symptoms. Unfortunately I do not have a license to say much more than that. But I can legally say: WE’VE GOT THIS! 😊

Build…
We need to build up the immune system first and foremost. Echinacea, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Zinc. Remember not all supplements are created equal. Please do not run to Meijer or GNC to pick these up. Get whole food varieties. Vitamin C should include rose hips which doubles as lung support. Don’t purchase Vitamin C as ascorbic acid as it’s only ingredient. You will become deficient in Vitamin C when you take this every day.

Echinacea puts the immune system on alert. Guns at the ready!
Elderberry Defense is a nice combo for prevention, or for mild symptoms.
Stabilizer – remember this one stabilizes the cell walls so the toxins or viruses can’t penetrate the cell wall. Just 1 a day is all you need.

Licorice Root and Linum (flax/omega-3’s) are also anti-viral. Licorice root doubles as a stress calmer. And Linum supports the endocrine and heart. Nice preventatives.
​
If I have taught you how to muscle test yourself, then when you pick up a supplement at the store (hopefully you’re going to a health food store or coming here), ask the question, “Is this supplement really what the label is claiming it is?” [CBD is a big offender]
eat real food to stay healthy
Eat real food!
Eat organic fruits, vegetables, and pastured proteins. Pastured doesn’t mean pasteurized. It means the animals are eating grass (cows) or bug/grubs (chickens) like their supposed to. Happy cows. Happy chickens. The fuel you put into your body is just as important, if not more, than the supplements you use to build the immune system.

If you put water in your gas tank, will your car go very far? And will it last very long if you don’t give it regular maintenance? Fuel equals food. And supplements are the food you’re missing from your diet. Feed your body the best fuel and it will thank you by functioning very well, and by cleansing these toxins and viruses from the body.

I can’t stress this enough: EAT REAL FOOD! (Fast food is NOT actual food)

Detox!
Detox and cleanse. Open channels of elimination. Those include: bowels, liver, lymph, kidneys, lungs, skin. Get your body flushing the toxins and aluminum out and you should be fine. See below for supplement options. Most of these immune boosters also detox and drain toxins out.

A piece to this viral issue has to do with our body’s ability to detox, and the toxins and radiation we are being bombarded with. It’s too overwhelming to the body. Reduce your toxic load by using natural products both on your skin and to clean your home with, and you’ll be much healthier.

Zinc, zinc, zinc! Detox, detox, detox! And if you need to push that zinc into the cells more efficiently, take some tonic water with it. These two items together have been touted as the simplest anti-malarial solution for centuries!

Aluminum is a big part of this year’s problem too. Horsetail, horsetail, horsetail to increase your silica in the body to detox the Aluminum. See Connie for details on this or ask for an invite to the GetAssist app, where we will be discussing this in a private community, why we are having aluminum problems this year. So many are struggling with this toxicity this year.
[See your natural health practitioner for drainage pathway supplemental support.]
St. John's Wart
“What if I’m already sick?”
If you are already sick and have major symptoms, you’ll need the strong supplements: GOLD, Pulmonest, St. John’s Wort, Propolis spray, Herbal Throat Spray, Viranon, and if you haven’t already added in Zinc, C, and D, then it’s time. Giddyup. Major symptoms require the big guns. Minor symptoms – you might be fine on your own, or with just a couple things.

If you already have symptoms and they are progressing, then you’ll want a goldenseal combo of some kind, or just straight up goldenseal. GOLD from Systemic formulas is a nice heavy hitter. MediHerb has a goldenseal too - nice and concentrated.

Remember the St. John’s Wort. This breaks down the protein coating of the virus, so the immune system can do its job (see my post from last spring). As long as you are not on an anti-depressant, you can take St. John’s Wort. Get a good quality one. Concentrated. Sourced well. I cannot emphasize enough that not all supplements are created equal.

Pulmonest is good for clearing things out of the lungs. It’s good for bronchitis, pneumonia, or anytime you’ve breathed something in that you’re body is trying to expel.

R-Lung will help you heal the tissue in the lungs after they’ve been damaged. If you have asthma or have had bronchitis or pneumonia in the past, especially this quirky virus we are battling this year, then you may benefit from R-Lung.

Call and schedule an appointment if you’re not sure what to take. Don’t tough it out on your own if you’re really sick, okay? If you have mild symptoms, you’ll be fine. 😉 It’s good for the immune system to fight things off sometimes on its own.

Frequency…
Turn off the news. Turn off the television. Most of it is just programming anyway. They are programming you. They want you to be in fear. You will do anything they tell you if you are in fear. They know this, and they have been using this tactic for decades. Remember your first visit with me when we talked about being too acidic? What makes you too acidic? Yes, crappy non-foods like soda pop and fast food, but also fear, anxiety, depression, bad thoughts running through your mind… You show me any news program on mainstream media, or any TV show or movie, and I will show you the agenda.

Turn off the Wi-Fi at night. Yes, I mean, shut it all down. Put it on a timer if you have to, so you remember. Don’t put your phone by your head all night. Put it on the other side of the room, or better yet, power it down too. These frequencies ramp up viruses. They cause your body to not function as well. They interrupt sleep.
Get some Orgonite or Safe Space to clean up the dirty electricity in your home and office.
 
Sources for supplementation this fall & winter:
For prevention:
Vitamin D – Systemic Formulas’ DV3 also includes Vit C, zinc, and other things for the immune system. Try to do over 5000 IU’s. Or 10,000 if you are compromised or have comorbidities.
Vitamin A – Standard Process. Supports the immune system.
Vitamin C – Nature’s Sunshine is the best with the rose hips. Detoxifies and supports immune system.
Echinacea – MediHerb (concentrated) or Nature’s Sunshine. Standard Process has an Echinacea-C too. Puts the immune system on high alert. For prevention or for mild symptoms at onset.
Zinc – Nature’s Sunshine is a good one, Standard Process also has one, Biotics too (detoxes and supports immune system
Elderberry Defense – Nature’s Sunshine. For prevention, or for mild symptoms.
Licorice Root – Nature’s Sunshine. Anti-viral, supports adrenals/stress.
Linum B6 – Standard Process. Flax seed oil is anti-viral. You want to consume it fresh. Don’t buy it already ground in a bag at the health food store. Buy it in gelcap form or buy the seeds and grind them yourself just before eating.
Quercitin – Detoxifying & antiviral. Nice adjunct.
 
For symptoms:
GOLD – Systemic Formulas. If you have symptoms, contains a combo of herbs including vit C, etc. Heavy hitter.
Goldenseal – MediHerb. Concentrated goldenseal. Heavy hitter.
St. John’s Wort – Standard Process (concentrated) or Nature’s Sunshine. Takes down the protein coat.
Viranon – MediHerb. Nice immune herbal combo that includes St. John’s Wort. Heavy hitter.
Pulmonest – MarcoPharma. Helps expel mucus and other toxins from the lungs and bronchi. Strong.
R-Lung – Systemic Formula. Great for repairing the tissue in the lungs, which COVID damages.
Myrrh – MediHerb. Some need this for lung support.
Propolis – Helps kill the virus and detox the nasal passages the first few days of exposure (in stock).
Herbal Throat Spray – MediHerb. Helps kill the virus in the throat after it moves down from the nasal passages.
Vitamin C – high doses, every hour or two in acute stages, to the point of diarrhea, then back off – flush it all out
Zinc – high doses – with tonic water if needed
 
And that’s not to mention all of the homeopathic remedies at our disposal too, which are too many to name here. Contact us about what supplements you may want to be taking if you are not feeling well or want to boost your immune system.
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Healthy Holiday Treats

11/20/2020

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peanut butter energy bites
Need healthy snacks for the Holidays? Want a pick-me-up while you stay at home during this season?
I received these recipes from one of the Naturopaths up at the Naturopathic Institute. She made them for a retreat that I attended. I loved them so much I asked her for the recipes.

Peanut Butter Energy Bites
1 cup old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
1/2 chopped walnuts (pecans work too) - preferably soaked and dehydrated first
1/2 cup ground flax
1/3 cup raw honey
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
 
Stir everything together.  Chill for 30 mins.  You can use a cookie dough scoop to scoop out balls then rounded them in your hands.  Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Raw Oat Bars
Raw Oat Bars
1 cup oats
1/3 cup oat flour (She used coconut flour for the ones at retreat.  She had also made them with garbanzo or rice flour in the past - any GF flour is fine!)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup flax meal
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds - preferably presoaked
1/2 cup raisins - preferably presoaked
1/2 cup nut butter (She made soaked and dehydrated almond/cashew/pecan butter for the retreat ones, but has made it with store bought peanut or almond butter too in the past)
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup raw honey
 
Melt nut butter and oil in a small pan or pyrex measuring cup on the stove top.  Add the honey.  Combine all the rest of the ingredients in a mixing bowl then add nut butter/oil/honey mixture.  Stir well then pour into a glass dish with a lid and store in the fridge.

If you would like to talk more about nutrition, Book An Appointment for a Wellness Evaluation!
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Protect Your Skin from Winter

10/20/2020

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natural salve for skin
Learn to make your own natural salve for you and your family.

At this 2-hour class, we will be learning how to make a salve with healing properties for the skin. This salve is great for healing skin blemishes (cuts or scrapes), chapped skin, or can even be used as a lip balm! We may include some talk about tinctures and lotions too.
This is a Make & Take Workshop. You will take a sample home!
​
Great for holiday gifts too!
 
Tuesday, November 17th, 2020
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Custom Wellness
348 South Waverly Road, Suite 220
Holland, MI 49423

Please RSVP - (616) 294-3475
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Toxins and the Gut - Volume 2

10/19/2020

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Toxins and the Gut

#1 Cause of DISEASE = Toxins & The Gut

An unhealthy gut, ignored, leads to disease. Ask me about pretty much any disease, and I can show you how it relates to the gut.
In America, we have overweight people who are malnourished. Think about it. How many times does the average American pick up McDonald's or a hot ‘n ready on their way home from work? An entire meal devoid of nutrients. How many times a week do you eat fast food? Versus how many times per week do you cook for yourself a meal that includes a protein, a veggie and a good quality fat? Add up the numbers. It is eye-opening when you write down everything you consume. Just once per week eating fast food destroys the gut. More than that? You can kiss your health goodbye.

I am speaking from experience. Both professionally and personally. I have destroyed my body more than once. And I have picked myself back up out of the hole I dug, brushed myself off and started over. It’s time we take back our health. What you are eating now will affect you 5 years down the road. It’s a downward cycle that we have to jump in and stop, so that we don’t end up with an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

I have several clients who are trying to lose weight, and they’ve cut out sugar and grains, brought their carb number down, and still are struggling. So what are we missing here? It’s typically hormonal. When you have chemicals coming into your system, and they embed themselves on the cell walls, especially fat cells, the leptin (fat burning hormone) can’t get in and out of the cell. When the hormones are off, it’s difficult to burn fat.

Dr. Pompa claims that his Cellular Healing Diet (which reduces sugars and things that break down quickly into sugars (grains), along with reducing the toxin load, almost every single one of his clients can now lose weight. https://drpompa.com/diet/cellular-healing-diet/
This approach is healing the gut, the brain, the pancreas, the liver, and the rest of the endocrine system (hormones). Digestion is key. If you can’t break down your food, how can you heal your body?

You know you’re not breaking down your food if your bowel movements are too hard, too loose, or not as often as I mentioned above. Three times a day! Once after each meal. Are you able to do that? If not, then change needs to happen with both your toxin load and your food choices.

Look at what types of cleaning solutions you have in your house. Can you read the ingredient list? Just because you can read the word bleach, however, does not mean it’s healthy. Bleach is chlorine and it damages the thyroid. [Do you swim in a pool every day or bromine filled hot tub in the winter? Look at your thyroid – is it okay?] I use Young Living essential oil products to clean the house and office like Thieves Household Cleaner. Sometimes I simply use a Norwex cloth and water. Both are deep cleaning. Norwex will make your sink sparkle!

If your gut is “off” and you’re not seeing the snake in the toilet, then we need to repair the gut. We  typically look to the following:
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Betaine hydrochloride
  • Cal-Amo – nutrients to help retrain your body how to make its own hydrochloric (gastric) acid
  • Probiotics (beneficial bacteria)
  • Gut Restore liquid which tightens gap junctions in the small intestine
  • B-vitamins – especially B6 which is a precursor for hydrochloric acid
  • Minerals – essential for digestion
  • Detox remedies and homeopathy for the toxins
  • Parasite cleanses 
  • Checking the pituitary gland for its role in regulating hormones that aid in digestion
  • Occasionally we need to do more gut balancing than normal, and certain immune supplements are needed

My goal is to help people find true healing. True health. Healing the body from the inside out. And the gut affects every organ, so it’s a great place to start. Begin with protein, veggies, and good quality fats 3 times a day, cooked on a stove top not in the microwave to retain it’s nutrition. You’ve got this! You can heal your body too, just like I am doing! 
​

You are WORTH IT to take the time to eat real food!
If you would like a consultation on YOUR body and the nutrition it needs, book a New Client Wellness appointment HERE.
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Toxins and the Gut  - Volume 1

9/17/2020

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Toxins and the Gut

#1 Way to Heal the Body = Heal the Gut & Detoxify

THE GUT
We need to talk about the basics today. The area no one talks about. And that is: How often do you poop? And why is this important you ask? If you are not having 3 solid bowel movements per day (and by this I mean one easy to pass log or snake in the toilet after each meal), then your gut is not healthy. Since all disease starts in the gut, then we need to look at this imbalance and change the course we are on.

What do I mean by the Gut? Well, the gut is the long tube that goes from your mouth to your anus. Where the food goes in to where the poop comes out. The digestive process is designed to break down your food into smaller, more manageable pieces for your body to take in.

We refer to the gut as “The Terrain.” A healthy gut means a healthy terrain. How healthy the gut is, is a direct reflection of how healthy the terrain, or microbiome. What is a microbiome? All the wonderfully beneficial bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the gut. But wait a minute…? Aren’t bacteria and viruses bad??? We were taught that, weren’t we?

Millions of bacteria and viruses are needed to create a healthy environment for your body to live and thrive. Many viruses actually help your body detoxify and clear out the newly developed environmental toxins that we are bombarded with on a daily basis.

How do we start healing the gut? Reduce chemicals and eat organic food. And maybe add in some supplementation to help jumpstart the healing process - we’ll get to that later.

GMO’S & CHEMICALS
The chemicals in conventionally grown animals, vegetables and fruit destroys the microbiome in the gut. Glyphosate, Bt toxins, and GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) are to blame.

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Round Up. It’s an herbicide. It is applied to plants and grasses to kill them. Glyphosate kills the good bacteria in the gut. Farmers use Round Up Ready Seeds that are genetically modified to withstand the toxic Glyphosate. Other genetically modified crops actually produce their own insecticides. Again, killing the good bacteria in the gut. BT Toxin is a bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) used as an insecticide. Once the bugs ingest it, the toxins from the bacteria poke holes in the gut of the insects which causes them to die. If this happens to the bugs, what is it doing to our guts?? Studies have shown the negative impact on microvilli health.

We are getting these detrimental chemicals from our fruits and veg, as well as the animal products we are consuming. Do you think USDA beef is fed organic grasses? Nope. They are fed GMO grains.

And then there is the stomach turning piece of these GMO foods, that they are injected with different types of viral strains that contain altered RNA, and this RNA translates into our DNA eventually, and as our DNA replicates, it gets altered. THE GMO FOODS ARE LITERALLY ALTERING OUR DNA. 

PROCESSED FOODS
The less a food has been altered, the closer it is to its original state, the healthier it is for the body because the body can recognize what it is. When the body doesn’t recognize something as a nutrient, it takes a lot of energy to clean up afterward. Each processing step of the altered foods brings it further and further away from the original, and it looks more and more like a non-food to the body.

So we need to eat REAL FOOD.
What to eat every day - protein, vegetables and fat
What is REAL FOOD?
Anything you buy in a can, box, or receive through a window is not real food. Go around the outside of the grocery store. Pick the organic veggies and fruits, the organic and pastured meats, the pastured butter. Only go down the aisles for the coconut oil and spices. Organic and Biodynamic food has 100-fold more intact vitamins, minerals and other nutrients than conventionally grown food. Did you now that? You would have to eat 12 bushels of conventional lettuce versus 1 plate or bowl of organic lettuce to equal the same amount of nutrients. You might get some fiber from that conventional salad, and a few trace nutrients. But that’s it. And we wonder why we are a sick nation!

This will involve cooking your own food. Learning how to cook. We are becoming sicker and sicker because we are not eating real food. Or we are eating food someone else cooked and it’s devoid of nutrients and filled with so many chemicals, that the body can barely recognize it.

Non-foods include: McDonalds & other fast food, Coney dogs, most restaurant foods, processed foods, packaged foods, dressings and condiments with labels you can’t read. I can’t believe it’s not butter?? That’s because it’s not. And there is nothing in that tub of rancid oils that is actually good for you. Occasionally you will find a Farm-to-Table restaurant that is getting their food locally, but ask the manager if they are purchasing all organic. The answer is typically no.
​

What to eat at each and every meal – protein, veggies, and fat:
  • Organic protein: pastured beef, pastured chicken, organic nuts or nut butters, hemp seeds, etc
  • Organic Vegetables: eat the entire rainbow every day, different colors have different antioxidants and nutrients. (½ to ¾ of your plate should be veg.)
  • Organic Fats: Coconut oil, Pastured Butter, Organic olive oil (drizzled on, not cooked), avocado
Steer clear of canola and vegetable oil – bad for the heart and rancid by the time it arrives at the store.
​

If you would like a consultation on YOUR body and the nutrition it needs, book a New Client Wellness appointment HERE.
Stay tuned for our next installment of “Toxins and the Gut” where we talk about disease.
​
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Drugs That Gobble Vitamins

9/16/2020

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drugs that gobble vitamins
When taken regularly, some frequently prescribed medications can diminish or deplete your body’s stores of important vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. If you take any medications, talk with a nutrition-oriented medical professional about adding Whole Food
Supplements, from Standard Process, to your current regimen.
​
Contrary to what mainstream medicine would have you believe, there are natural alternatives to prescription drugs. These alternatives are found in nature and are without the toxic side effects found in so many pharmaceutical medications. In the table below you will find the
names of common drugs and nutritional deficiencies associated with it. You will also find a list of the whole food supplements to address the deficiency, and suggested whole food alternatives to the drug. These supplements are not meant to replace your prescription medication. Please consult with your healthcare professional before starting any protocol.

Ask us about ordering the right supplements for you!
vitamin deficiency from drugs
vitamins and nutrition to replace drugs
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A Footbath That Cleans More Than Just Your Feet

8/11/2020

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Ionic Footbath Cleanse In Holland Michigan
​Ionic Footbath Detox is HERE!

Many of our clients have been asking for this, and we have had multiple calls from the community regarding where they can go for a foot bath in the area. After making several calls, I came up empty. The closest doctor’s office that offered a detox footbath was in Grand Rapids! Now, after two years of sending clients into GR (which can be a trek if you live in Holland), so I broke down and bought one. My clients graciously helped me fund it, as the good ones aren’t cheap! Thank you to those of you who helped us out on this!
What is a Footbath, you ask?
Here’s a little explanation from Brimhall regarding the Detox Footbaths.

The Footbath Detox System:
• Works based on BEFE (Bio Electric Field Enhancement)
• Ionic cleaning and recharging
• Assists in disease and recovery time from injury and surgeries
• Can also assist with: headache & pain relief, joint stiffness, improved sleep patterns, removing heavy metals, menstrual pain, arthritis pain, and boosting the immune system!
• May assist with kidney and liver functions.
• Energizes your red blood cells.
• Even after your first session, your body will feel lighter, you will think more clearly, have more energy and enjoy a greater sense of well-being.

What is a typical footbath detox session?

While immersing your feet in the water, positive and negative ions are emitted by the footbath system. This reenergizes the body and red blood cells. This type of system is described as a Detoxification machine because the response of a rebalanced body is to excrete any excess toxins via the kidneys, liver, bowels and skin. This process not only occurs DURING a detox footbath session, but also AFTER a treatment. The footbath triggers the body’s lymphatic system and continues to detoxify for the next 24 to 48 hours. The entire process takes approximately 30-40 minutes for adults and is completely safe to use.

Studies show that an overall balancing effect occurs coupled with a significant increase in the number of negative ions. Ions are atoms, or molecules, that have lost or gained electrons [Free radicals are unpaired electrons]. If the atoms or molecules lose electrons, they become positively charged ions. If they gain electrons, they become negatively charged ions. The ionic technique of cleansing through feet provides a full-body purge of all vital organs, resulting in reduced menopause symptoms, menstrual cramps, sexual health problems, skin problems, acne, sleep problems, restlessness, stress, toothaches, wrinkles, aches and pains and yeast infections. The internal cleansing can also assist in faster disease healing and injury recovery.

Because of poor diet and high stress, we tend to accumulate and store excessive quantities of toxins and overall waste products. During a 30-minute session, the ions enter your body and begin to neutralize these tissue acid wastes. This process is called reverse osmosis.

Water coloration explained:

Whether you place your feet in the bucket or not, chances are the water will change colors when the array is turned on. The color changes have to do with factors such as the type of water you are using (city water, well water, mineral water etc.), the state of your own health and the health of your skin.

When the water becomes excited it ejects tiny particles and they become visually observable in the water. This will tend to make the water look dirty brown. Of course, just how dirty the water becomes is related to how much sediment is in the actual water. If you test this principal, you will find that there is generally a consistency in the water color every time you use water from the same source.
If you were to run this test over and over again but with a different person's feet in the water each time, what happens to the water can be amazingly different. The health of the person in the footbath and the condition of the water used are going to be the primary factors in the appearance of the water after the Cleanse. While the color changes in the water can be dramatic, it is not the most important factor and one must be careful about making any judgments based upon only the watercolor.



DISCLAIMER: Footbath Detox System is NOT recommended for pregnant or expecting mothers, persons with pacemakers, implanted organs, open wounds on feet or those suffering from Epilepsy. We DO recommend to always consult with your health professional when concerned with a health-related issue. The Footbath Detox System has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug administration and makes no claims to cure any illness or disease.
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Touch: What Your Immune System Is Missing

7/14/2020

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Touch: What Your Immune System Is Missing
​We are 3 months in – it is a different type of world now, where friends and relatives are afraid to shake hands or give hugs. How does this affect our psyche and our physical health?
Newborns who are not touched can die from failure to thrive. Do you think only babies suffer from this phenomenon? ALL humans at ALL ages will suffer psychological and physical damage from lack of touch.
This WILL AFFECT your immune system.
 
We need to be connected to each other. Or we may not survive.
 
I understand the fear of catching something. I understand people are dying. I’m not trying to downplay that at all. This is a very difficult time. I have had people die in my life and these times are very hard to walk through. I’m not trying to say that there is nothing going on. There IS something going on.
 
But what we are not looking at, is how easy it is to flush the body of these viruses and these toxins. The body, given the correct nutrients can heal itself. I truly STILL believe this. And we have seen across the country with both MD’s and Naturopaths, and even here at Custom Wellness, that clients with one of these strains of viruses quickly recovers when they have the correct nutritional supplementation for drainage and the immune system.

What does the word virus really mean? It is not a living organism. The word virus literally means poison. Somewhere in our history, we decided that it meant some type of “bug” attacking our body. But is it?
I am heartbroken when I see people across the globe dying from this, when we have the tools at our disposal, growing on planet earth. But these tools, these plants, these herbs, these nutrients are not patented. They do not make anyone any money at all. They are just growing here on our planet for our health and well-being.
 
We need to support the earth, clean up our habits of filling the air and the earth with our chemicals and toxins, so that the microbiome of the soil produces healthy food for us to eat. This in turn will support a healthy microbiome in our guts too. The gut is the first line of defense for our immune system. A healthy gut will support a healthy body. (more on this in another blog)
 
The number of people who have died from suicide in the past 3 months is off… the… charts. It is now touching almost every family. This is the reason for this blog. Whether you come into the office for a Massage, Reflexology, Gua Sha, Craniosacral or Hot Stone Session… Or you rub your hubby’s back or feet…  Or make sure you are healthy, wash your hands, wear a mask and embrace your mom or dad who have been in isolation for 3 months, what I want you to get out of this, is the need for touch. Please, please, make sure everyone in your family is getting a hug, make sure everyone in your family has the interaction and the connection of human touch right now.
 
Mark, our Reflexologist and Bodyworker, says that elderly in nursing homes know they need to get a massage weekly to stay healthy. They know they need that touch. So, if you have to shower before heading over to mom and dad’s, do it. And if you both feel the need to shower after too, do it. Because it is important to not distance yourself socially all the time. Perhaps physical distance is okay most of the time, but social distance? It concerns me that we are using those exact words.
 
In summary, eat organic foods, reduce the chemicals, be kind to the earth, be kind to each other, and give someone a hug today!
 
Yours in Health and Well-being,
Connie Kelly
Owner, Nutritional Health Practitioner
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Things We Don’t Talk About, But Should: Exploring Infertility

6/18/2020

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How natural health benefits fertility
Growing up it seemed as though everyone was having babies with the greatest of ease. Infertility wasn't even a topic, but I realize now it was because discussion of such an issue was considered taboo. Cousins, aunts, neighbors, teachers, random women walking down the street. Every woman seemed to have a baby at one time or another, except..my mom. As a Korean adoptee raised by Caucasian parents, I quickly learned how I came to be in their life and they into mine. My father fought in the Vietnam war and when they had settled, decided on starting a family. Mom had always told me growing up and into adulthood that being a mom was her only dream in life. She could be working any job if she had children to love at home. In the 70s during my parent's efforts in reaching viable pregnancy they discovered a detrimental roadblock that would reroute their destination dramatically. Ectopic pregnancies. This is where the egg and sperm meet, and conception occurs but does not make it to the uterine walls where it needs to implant for survival and development. Instead the embryo gets stuck elsewhere, in this instance, the fallopian tube. Because, structurally, an embryo cannot properly nourish or develop outside of the uterine walls this results in miscarriage, often accompanied by excruciating pain and emotional devastation. The issue is often structural and can typically be determined by a damaged fallopian tube, scar tissue and other unforeseen causes preventing a smooth pathway for the traveling embryos. As a result of these destructive and dangerous pregnancies my mother was advised to go through with a full hysterectomy. After her operation, my parents started looking elsewhere for answers and delved into the world of adoption.

IVF (in vitro fertilization) started in the 1970s. Although the practice was just born, perhaps my parents would have gone that route had they known it was a viable possibility. It is difficult to say, considering it was so new and unheard of during that era. Going through my own miscarriage, I was linked to groups that dealt with infertility. As I searched through the web, I discovered a myriad of causes to infertility and miscarriage. I've also found the many different routes and incredible lengths some individuals or couples go through to achieve conception and implantation. In vitro fertilization was a popular subject and it was new to me, and never had it crossed my mind that this was an option. Looking on social media I discovered how popular this method was and it seemed to be growing by the day! Reading story upon story I was so impressed by the women who went through incredible struggles to receive their babies. I had so much respect for these women and their resilience in the face of adversity. In understanding their fight and perseverance I naturally had to ask myself if this was the only way for women to conceive, when told they could not. Because of my practice I always ask WHY and what can we do through natural methods first? And was everything that could have been done, done? Could natural health practitioners help women and/or women and their partners to achieve conception naturally when told by the medical world that they are infertile? Every woman is unique and dynamic, and in celebrating ALL women I need them to know they have choices.

Hormone imbalances are often magnified during such transitions as premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cycles, and menopause. But hormones are everyday life! Balance and attention need to be on the table daily for long term health. Everyday stressors and food, YES FOOD, can and will affect hormone health! Many women who go through infertility lie in the belief that something is wrong with them. That somehow, they are defective. Chalked up to biological inheritance issues, most accept this as truth and move on in one way or another.  THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU! If there are structural issues it’s still not your fault. You have so much more control in your life than you think. Diet is HUGE. It impacts every aspect of health. It heals or can destroy or further damage an existing issue. So why would the effects of consumption stop at hormones and reproduction? The answer is: IT DOESN'T.

Did you know healthy fats, along with quality H2O, is the foundation of not only cholesterol but HORMONES and in this specific case SEX HORMONES. And yes, you need excellent cholesterol levels to also balance proper hormone levels. See the connection? AND, considering our SAD (standard American diet) reputation is intricately designed to support these BAD fats, it is no wonder we are not getting the relief and answers we need. What's more readily available in restaurants and fast food joints? TRANS FAT which equals BAD FAT. Fats compete for cell storage and if it’s a bad fat getting in there and dominating a cell, you can guarantee the good fats are quickly getting the boot.

THYROID health! ADRENAL support! The PINEAL GLAND!  Doesn't that sound like an exciting trifecta?  The thyroid is also called the 'third ovary' and not without reason. The pineal gland is considered the reproductive clock and the adrenals are intricately connected to both in managing stress support and the somewhat elusive sex hormone PROGESTERONE. Low levels of progesterone are a major marker for female infertility. Naturally occurring in many foods such as cruciferous vegetables, nuts and specific herbs it is also, thankfully, available in creams if you need that extra boost. The endocrine system needs immense support during this particular time. Nutrients, stress management and rest are all comprising factors to get a working endocrine system to fulfill its job and strengthen your overall reproductive system. Not to mention pH! Balancing pH is huge, for both female and male alike, in creating the right environment and in assimilating nutrients to assist and sustain life within.

A woman's body is the terrain that gives life to developing cells. Under the right conditions we can work to create the right environment for sustaining life! Always ask, “what can I control?” And after you've done EVERYTHING, ask “what else could there be?” A man's terrain is equally important to examine during the reproductive stage. Understanding sperm quality and learning how to support sexual reproduction is crucial. Does he have enough testosterone? What is the quality of sperm? And how does a man achieve that? Foods high in zinc support testosterone production and pumpkins seeds high in both omega-3s and zinc increase prostate health by producing the fluid for sperm to travel seamlessly. It doesn't end there. Deficiency in other nutrients such as vitamin C and omega's also can contribute to low sperm count or motility. Sound interesting yet?

The cycle of life! Would you like to learn more? Want to understand your incredible body and what you can do to support yourself to the highest degree? Come see us. We are working to help you achieve optimal health from various angles and degrees of the natural world. We look forward to seeing you!

Amy Prins 
​Natural Health Practitioner
C.H.S., C.N.H.P.

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Time to Talk About the Big V

5/22/2020

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Vaccine Ingredients
There has been a lot of talk recently regarding the rollout of “required” Vaccines for a “safe” way to reopen the country. If you know me at all, then you know my stance on these controversial health additions. I am hesitant to broadcast my views online. However, something needs to be said. In lieu of writing an article about this topic, I want to refer you to a few sources for quality information regarding this subject, so that you can make your own decisions about these health additions for you and your family.

I am offering two videos in the office, which I was able to get at a discounted rate because I purchased them in bulk, and I am passing those savings on to you. Instead of $25 per video, I was able to purchase them for $21 each, so I am offering them to you for the same price. $21. It is very important to me that we get this information out there. You could also download and stream it directly onto your phone or tablet if you go to the website: https://vaxxedthemovie.com/stream/ and the second movie can be found at the following website: https://www.vaxxed2.com/ . We will also begin streaming these videos in the office. You may stop in to view anytime for free. And if you would like to watch either one in the back on the larger screen with more privacy, you are always welcome.

The second source I want to share with you is Dr. Sherrie Tenpenny, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, who has researched environmental poisons for many years, and has backed up her claims by what she has found. Start with her website: https://www.drtenpenny.com/ . We used to be able to find her Power Point Seminars on YouTube, but considering what YouTube has been censoring lately, if her videos are still up, they may not be for long.
The following are a few more resources for you:
  1. Do You Know What’s In a Vaccine, copyright 2003 by Koren Publications.
  2. The Vaccine Guide: Making an Informed Choice, copyright 1996 by Randall Neustaedter OMD, Lac.
  3. Learntherisk.org
  4. Naturalnews.com

I have a vaccine ingredient list that has been compiled by years of research into this topic. We have them at the office if you are interested. These ingredients are not required to be on the label. Even most doctors and nurses are unaware that their injections have harmful ingredients. This list is not completely updated with the 2020 additions.
 
We need to make informed decisions and ask questions.
 
I am always more than happy to answer any questions you may have on this or any other current event topic.
 
Yours Always in Health & Well-being,
 
Connie J Kelly, BS MedSci, NHE
Nutritional Health Practitioner
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Meet Our New Natural Health Practitioner Amy Prins

5/11/2020

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Amy Prins - Natural Health Practitioner

Amy Prins, CHS, CNHP
Certified Natural Health Practitioner

Specialties: Nutrition, Digestion, pH Balancing
In April of 2011 my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The cancer was discovered by mistake when prescribed medication that severely interacted with her other prescriptions and current state of health. My parents went on vacation shortly after starting the new medication, but had to return home abruptly because of her alarming symptoms. Jaundice and major black spots across her entire body set off every red flag. We immediately took her to emergency care. There we discovered the cancer that had progressively taken over her body. The next couple of weeks were incredibly taxing for her and our family. None of us having any experience or knowledge of cancer, or how to truly stay healthy for that matter, were going into an incredibly vulnerable situation without any resources or protection. We went from doctor to oncologist to doctor to surgeon. The list goes on. My mother was on over a dozen medications and couldn't name more than two and was constantly in a drugged-up state. Receiving cold and unkind care from particular medical professionals compounded my frustration and despair for my mother's situation. Another week went by after only one round of chemo and she ended up in the ICU. She called me to her bedside to tell me she was ready to let go. At home, hospice graciously joined us and aided us in her transition. They were angels and gave us a light during that difficult time.

After the loss of my mother I realized that there must have been something more we could have done. But what? And where to start? As I was searching for the path I wanted to pursue, I gained advice from my friends who applied natural health in their daily lives. I decided to look into educating myself in every aspect of holistic health. I craved the knowledge of the natives and their natural ways of healing without having to turn to a pill every time something went wrong. I absolutely respect the medical field for its critical role particularly in urgent and emergency care. I knew, though, the more I could learn about prevention and healing, the more tools I would have access to in order to empower myself and others to make the best decisions for optimal health, preventing the overuse of prescribed medications and their side effects.

Upon my search I discovered Trinity School for Natural Health. I became obsessed with classes, studying and applying what I learned at home and with friends and family. I quickly earned two certifications and am currently working on my certification in traditional naturopathy and will go on to work towards becoming board certified. I naturally wonder that if I had been more resourceful with my mom’s illness, I may not have felt helpless and 100% dependent on others to make life changing decisions for my family and myself. Instead I realized that I had a voice of my own and the power to make my own decisions.

Fast forward to 2019 and I find myself pregnant for the first time after removing my copper IUD that was in place for 10 years. By the end of June it came as a surprise, but a very welcomed surprise. In September I started spotting. I was working out very intensely at the time and just blamed it on a popular notion that spotting was normal during workouts and heavy lifting. I got in touch with my midwife and she ordered an immediate ultrasound. On the way to the appointment I started shedding tears. I just knew. My partner and I were told we had a miscarriage and that the fetus had stopped developing at 8 weeks and we were at 13 weeks. This is what is called a silent miscarriage. For over a month I carried my deceased fetus, and gone with the life of our baby were our entire future, hopes and dreams. After the initial shock of loss subsided, I needed to figure out how to move this process along. My midwife was concerned of serious infection. She and my OB suggested I take a medical route and try prescription to get things moving along. I know emotionally I really needed this to happen in order to let go. I had tried different methods on my own to no avail. I was initially resistant to the meds but was willing to try that in hopes of avoiding an invasive procedure called the D&C. Inducing the completion of the miscarriage happened almost immediately. I experienced contractions from 9pm that night until 2pm the next day. Everything massively released all at once. And from there I could start to heal emotionally.

The next several weeks were difficult in many ways. I felt grateful for being able to go back to work almost immediately and back to CrossFit, which encouraged healing. My hormones were a bit wild and uncontrolled as they worked to balance. I was experiencing crazy hot flashes and bursts of wired energy. Of course I studied everything I could get my hands on about pregnancies, miscarriages and everything in between. I was unaware at the time that miscarriage was such a stigmatized topic. I hadn't noticed the lack of open conversation surrounding it until, of course, I had one myself. It also made me conscious of how common, although no less painful, they actually were. Shame and guilt with an amass of other emotions accompanied my loss and I saw that in other women who carried the same loss as well. I found that being open about miscarriage helped aid in healing, but was also significant in showing others that it is okay to talk about freely, if emotionally possible, and that blaming ourselves is not the answer.  Receiving emotional and mental support from my partner and friends helped to guide and transform this journey. I took this unparalleled loss with me, and used everything I had - my resources, my strength and my support - to move forward.

As I progressed through the beginning stages of that healing, I found myself pregnant again in January. Elated by this new reality I was still struggling with the loss of my first. I was also incredibly wary and had built an emotional wall. I couldn't wrap my head around having to go through another miscarriage again, especially so soon. I armed myself with as much knowledge as possible without letting paranoia of loss consume me. I worked by incorporating what I learned through my first pregnancy and miscarriage by tweaking my diet, making sure my blood sugar was constantly stable and not pushing myself to extremes during workouts in order to support this pregnancy in a way I did not before. The biggest part about the miscarriage was not only the loss itself, but the unknown. WHY? If you search any literature, you may find that pregnancy loss is commonly due to chromosomal abnormalities. That makes sense and there is scientific research backing those claims. But as a woman who went through a miscarriage and is starving for knowledge I needed more. The natural health arena would also agree that the fetus was perhaps not strong enough to be brought to term due to abnormal growth, but they may also look a little deeper at that and discover a link between thyroid health and pregnancy and something even as simple as continually getting enough sugars to properly oxygenate developing embryos and fetuses. My miscarriage has already made me a better pregnant mom for this new little miracle. Learning more and more with how I can aid in the healthy development and growth of this baby through natural modalities empowers me to be the best mother possible and to best serve other women and empower them on their journeys wherever they may be.

My passion and goal is to inspire and empower. People desperately need education on meeting their own needs and what the right fit is for their unique bodies and lifestyle. Supporting others in being able to identify on their own practices that will ultimately aid in their healing is what I strive for. I do this for my mom, myself and for those who are looking to seek answers on how best to identify root causes and want the power to heal in the most optimal way possible.
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How to Deal with Difficult - let’s get you feeling great again!

5/8/2020

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adrenal fatigue during stress and what you can do about it
​Every TV channel. Every radio station. Everywhere you look has a program, a commercial, or a sign referencing Co-Vid. Even if you want to turn everything off, you will inevitably come into contact with something or someone who is talking about or portraying this scary health crisis. I get it, there is a virus. And yes, there is a more virulent form. Yes, it could be dangerous for certain people.
 
However, what I hear from my clients is: Fear. Worry. Anxiety. Depression. Panic. Adrenal fatigue. People tired of being cooped up. Restlessness. I would say a good 50 percent of my clients needed to be calmed down. Eighty percent of my clients have had stress on their adrenals whether or not they appeared to be stressed.
 
We have to talk about the stress. Whether you are afraid to leave your home, or just plain feeling cooped up too long, your adrenals are releasing stress hormones. And the rest of your endocrine is also taking a hit. Maybe you’ve added a layer to your waistline. Maybe your digestion is off. Maybe you’re drinking more than you were before. Maybe you’re just plain tired. Are you sleeping? These are minor stressors in comparison to losing your job or your business. And what if home isn’t a safe place? If home isn’t safe, then this pandemic is a nightmare for you. (Please come talk to me if this is the case)
 
Here’s something you won’t hear on the news...
 
Stress causes the immune system to take a nose dive.
 
With all the fear mongering, the media is pushing people into a state of poor health by causing fear and worry.
 
We have to support the adrenals. How we do this, depends on the person. It depends on what YOUR individual body is lacking. In addition to the following nutrients that the adrenals desperately need, find things to do that are calming and fun. Get outside and enjoy the spring beauty. Exercise. Hug someone! Not being able to touch each other is detrimental to our health. Babies die when they aren’t touched. Seniors too. Seniors know that they need their weekly massage or they’ll go downhill.
 
Side note: If you are a healthy adult, your immune system needs to come into contact with bacteria and viruses in order to build healthy antibodies. [If you are immune compromised or have multiple co-morbidities, this part of my talk is not for you.] But if you are a relatively healthy individual, then it is time to build your immune system, and that means having physical contact with other human beings. The longer you isolate, the more you will have to overcome all sorts of immune challenges once you come out of your house. See my previous blogs for formulations to build the immune system.
 
Build up the adrenals:
 
B-Vitamins such as Cataplex B, Cataplex G, Balanced B. Methyl folate plus or Methyl B12 help the body absorb B-Vitamins if you have the MTHFR SNP. Stress depletes your B-vitamins.
 
Adaptogens such as Schisandra, Ginseng, Eleuthro, Gotu Kola (there are many), are balancers for the adrenals and the nervous system. Adaptomax from Nature’s Sunshine blends several adaptogens in one. Nevaton (MediHerb) is for when you’re being pulled in multiple directions and you’re in charge of a lot, and are finding yourself getting irritable (great for business owners or teachers).
 
Vitamin C is nourishing and healing to the adrenal glands.
 
Minerals - when you are stressed, you’ll blow through more minerals than you can add back in even with the perfect diet. Min-Tran or Min-Chex are nice calming minerals.
 
Adrenal glandular - Sometimes the adrenals are so depleted that adding in a glandular can really support those adrenals and give you boost almost immediately. Adrenal Support from Nature’s Sunshine is a good one for this.
 
Stinging Nettle Seed (not the leaf) pairs well with the Adrenal Support, as it helps to rebuild the adrenals over time.
 
Endocrine support such as Orchex, Min-Chex, or have a practitioner find the exact remedy for you.
 
Iodine - we typically think of Iodine strictly as a thyroid mineral, but actually every cell in the body needs iodine.
 
Ga Adrenal is a broad spectrum adrenal support and covers a number of categories when dealing with adrenals.
 
Having nightmares? B-1 deficiency. Cheap supplement you can find at the health food store.
 
Grief or mourning the loss of people: Min-Chex.
 
Other goodies:
AnxiousLess from Nature’s Sunshine
Adrenal Complex (MediHerb)
Any of the flower blends: Five Flower Formula, Fields of Flowers, Ultimate Fields, Rescue Calm, Ultimate Rescue
Drenamin
R&R Acute Stress homeopathic blend
Stress homeopathic blend
Stress-J
 
There are so many options for the adrenals, that I literally have 5 shelves of remedies devoted solely to stress, energy and the adrenals. The only other category that receives more attention is immune. This is not a coincidence. As I said before, when you’re experiencing stress, the immune system goes down. You want to protect yourself right now? Then eat actual food, preferably organic, cut out the sugar and grains, and handle your stress with life sustaining foods and additions such as the above herbs and remedies that will begin to rebuild what you’ve depleted. Find a natural health practitioner that you trust who can help you find just the right remedy for you.

Give us a call to discuss and order the right supplements for you! Ask us how you can get 30% OFF on some of our remedies.
​See also my article on ways to eat to stay healthy during this time HERE.
 
Connie Kelly, BS MedSci, NHE
Nutritional Health Practitioner
Natural Health Educator
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Research on Prevention and Remedies for Symptoms of COVID-19

4/16/2020

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Research on Prevention and Remedies for Symptoms of COVID-19
  • ​None of the information contained in this document is meant to diagnose or treat. I am not a doctor, and I am only relaying information I have received, listening to other doctors and researchers, for the sole purpose of imparting that information to my readers.

I apologize for having been quiet the past couple weeks, as I sift through the data, the research, and the doctors who have researched this virus, and the doctors who have researched the research. If you have seen any of Schmidt’s videos on “this stupid virus”, which is what he is calling it, then you will find some similarities between what Dr. Schmidt is recommending, what I have recommended, and Dr. Klinghardt’s work on the subject. YouTube has taken Dr. Schmidt’s videos down, and you can’t even search for them anymore.

In our country we have both natural remedies, but also drugs that have been proven with 100% success rate, in studies conducted in December of 2019 and March of 2020. So, whether you trust in medicine or natural herbs, either way, you have options. There is something you can take to make you well again. I am not licensed to make this claim, but I will let the research speak for itself.

At the end of this commentary, you will find a list of protocols from Klinghardt, Schmidt, and my own recommendations, along with nutritional and homeopathic recommendations from NITE (Naturopathic Institute).

Dr. Klinghardt has been phenomenal helping Lyme and Mold patients and other multiply sick patients for years. He is an MD, PhD. Dr. Klinghardt has a practice in the UK as well as Seattle. Currently he is stuck in the UK during this COVID-19 period.

I have included links to Klinghardt’s recent videos in my reference section, along with Schmidt’s as well. If you’d prefer to watch the videos instead of reading this summary, they are absolutely worth your time! If you are interested in looking through the studies, check out Klinghardt’s slides. He includes them all in the two videos (see references). Klinghard has new videos coming out weekly. I recommend following him.

Alright, let me break down the virus for you. (solutions at the end of this summary)

This is a tough virus, causing anywhere from 0.5% to 20% death rate around the globe. This percentage is based on the area that the data comes from. Klinghardt has even seen death rates up to 60% in hospitals where 5G has been rolled out. And the correlative world map between high death rates and 5G are exactly the same. Think on that one for a bit. In science we call that correlative, not causative, but enough of a correlation to require more research, wouldn’t you say?1

On March 18th there was published a cure for this particular Corona. Back in 2019 just after Christmas, another study was published that strongly suggested that Chloroquine, along with Azithromycin, had 100% cure rate. Forty people in the study, 20 took Chloroquine and 20 recovered from Corona while taking Chloroquine. A few days later Chloroquine was “unavailable” in the European Union. Correlative as well? Hm.2

There are 2 forms of the virus. A mild form and a more deadly form. The mild form shouldn’t cause you much of a problem – you may get a sore throat and stuffy nose. The more deadly form – after that sore throat, it goes down into your lungs and you get a hacking dry cough and a fever of 101.1 F. If your fever gets up to 101.1, Klinghardt is recommending to start his protocol ASAP. If you have the mild form, you’ll probably be alright, you might be tired for a few days to a couple weeks and you’ll get over it with immunity so you “should not” get the bad form, that’s assuming we don’t have a ton of mutations down the road. Individuals without any symptoms can indeed transmit. And yes, there are multiple mutations. It takes 4.1-7 days to develop symptoms. So far, it seems to be targeting the lungs of individuals of Asian and African descent.1
It is transmitted by droplets, which we’ve all heard about, but what we haven’t heard is that people who have not been out and about, not come into contact with anyone, are also getting the virus which suggests it is either spread by the wind, or by other air-spreading means.1
If you get the cramping/bloating first then the cough, then you are likely to have the more serious form of the illness. Characteristic with the more serious form is that the white blood count/Lymphocytes are low, and this is one of Dr. Klinghardt’s diagnostic markers for this Corona.1,2
The media states there is no cure for this virus, because there is no vaccine available. Correction. There is no patented cure for this virus, therefore no way to make money off of it. Chloroquine is an inexpensive drug, as is the Zpack.

A group in China cracked the genome of the virus a few days after Christmas and found Chloroquine in vitro to be 100% effective. Nitazoxamide is an antiparasitic and used for flu has been effective with Asians. Physicians in China immediately jumped on that. And they have completely eradicated the virus. Again…hm.2

An in-vivo study published Mar 17 or 18 by 3 physicians, not white-anglo. All from third world countries who decided to do something about the situation. Chloroquine plus Azithromycin cured Corona in 6 days. There was no evidence in the tissue of the body in 6 days alone. It seems that Zithromax added to Chloroquine caused the COVID-19 to exit “even quicker out the door” according to Klinghardt. According to those groups that have unpacked the genome, COVID-19 contains bits from both HIV and bacterial strains, which is probably why the combination of an anti-viral and an antibiotic works.2

General measures that the CDC came out with include a 60% alcohol hand sanitizer to kill the virus if soap is unavailable. The 60% alcohol solution was proven ineffective against Corona. However, the HOCL spray that Klinghardt is using for the eyes, nose, and throat was 100% effective at killing Corona on desktop/workspace surfaces. So use this as a preventative, spraying hands often, as well as doorknobs and surfaces.1, 2
​
When you first breathe it in (the virus, I mean), it sticks to the smooth mucous membranes in your nasal passages, eyes, and tonsils/throat for 4-5 days. After that it goes down into your lungs. So it stays up in your nose, eyes, and throat for 4-5 days at which time you should administer the HOCL and Propilis sprays, alternating between the two multiple times per day. HOCL for the eyes, nose and throat. Propilis for the mouth (tonsils/roof). Then the virus won’t move forward into the body.1,2

Alright, so Dr. Klinghardt’s treatment is as follows:
  • HOCL Spray – eyes, nose, and throat (I WILL HAVE IT IN THIS WEEK)
  • Propilis spray - (I WILL HAVE IT IN THIS WEEK)
  • ​Vitamin C – ascorbic acid (IV Vitamin C if possible) – inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome – 7.5-15g for 180 lbs
(For prevention 2g/day; with sudden onset of symptoms 1 g every 15-30 mins depending on the severity of symptoms and use the increased dose until you get diarrhea or cramping then back off, which is why IV Vit C probably better, but most docs will not administer these more natural treatments.)
  • Licorice – highly antiviral (I carry these!)
  • Calendula, Skullcap, Rosemary, Dandelion (I carry these!)
  • Alinia – with lung symptoms, Nitazoxanide 1000mg twice per day for 10 days; complete turnaround in 2-3 days (I do not carry this – get it from him or a natural doc)
  • Chloroquine 500mg twice per day for 10 days, complete cure after 6 days, In Korea 400mg once per day for 6 days and had 100% cure rate (again, I do not carry this, as I am not an MD)
  • Zithromax/Azythromycin – add to cocktail – makes it go away sooner (as much as I am against antibiotics, in the case of a very sick patient, especially one who is not open to natural means, this along with chloroquine may save their life)
  • Artesunate – 250mg/day for 10 days – not published, similar properties as chloroquine
  • OR Artemisia annua – THIS I DO CARRY!
  • Andrographis – THIS I DO CARRY (blocks the furins – see his video on this) - Andrographis + Vit C was used against SARS
  • Melatonin – most potent inhibitor of the cytokine storm (suppository 200mg at night; cream every 3 hours during the day) – if you are diabetic do not take melatonin before 3pm
  • Nitric Oxide – Vit C increases nitric oxide, and so does Humming apparently – studies have been done😊
  • Vitamin D3

Calorie restriction when you have the bug – don’t force yourself to eat if you’re not hungry.
SHUT OFF THE WIFI! – wifi and cell phones cause problems with the immune system making it more difficult to fight things off. Wear orgonite or safe space products and shut the wifi off when you’re not using (especially at night), and turn off phones at night, stop wearing smart watches and fit bits, and don’t put the cell phone up to your ear. There’s a speaker feature. Use it.

Remember that ACE inhibitors are detrimental – DO NOT TAKE THEM! – and anything ending in -pril; ex. lisinopril). If you are on a blood pressure lowering drug ending in -sartin (ex. losartan) – may actually help
DO NOT TAKE IBUPROFEN OR OTHER NSAIDS!
 
Schmidt’s protocol for prevention (I do carry all of these):
  • St. John’s Wort from MediHerb – either tablets or liquid, the high grade liquid version has double the amount of hypericins which is really good at killing the enveloped virus (can use Nature’s Sunshine or Energetix St. John’s Wort)
  • Quercitin
  • Vitamin C (Liposomal C from Physica, or Nature’s Sunshine has one with Rosehips) – Klinghardt is recommending ascorbic acid, which as you know I typically do not recommend, but in this case, it can help with this viral load.
  • Zinc Liver Chelate or Zinc from Nature’s Sunshine
  • Emphaplex or Epimune
  • R-Lung
  • Linum B6 or Evening Primrose Oil
  • Artemisinin Complex
  • Berberine Active
  • HP90 Digestive Enzymes
 
I also recommend the following, some of which you’ve seen if my previous communication (obviously you take what you test for – don’t go out and buy all of these things):
  • St. John’s Wort – for enveloped viruses
  • Viranon – has the SJW, licorice and thuja all in one!
  • Licorice – highly anti-viral
  • Andrographis – see Klinghardt’s note above
  • Artemisinin – artemisia – antiviral
  • Rhodiola & Ginseng – adrenals, immune, B-vitamins, adaptogens
  • Vitamin D3 – prevention, boosts immune function (Vitamin D3 liquid or DV3 from Systemic – has D3 plus a whole mess of immune support – an all in one supplement)
  • Vitamin C – prevention and killing it off after contracting (after contracting an IV Vit C is your best bet, but it not available, take as much vitamin C you can without having diarrhea)
  • Echinacea – for prevention
  • Nevaton – includes SJW, skullcap (see K’s note above), Schisandra and saffron (calms the nervous system, helps with mood swings, and just a naturally calming/balancing to the entire system
  • ​GOLD – all-encompassing immune booster
  • Zinc – but we also need a way to get the zinc into the cells once you have the virus. There is speculation that Tonic water with quinine is effective to get the zinc into the cells. The active ingredient in chloroquine is quinine. Get one that doesn’t have sugar if you can.
  • Homeopathics for dry cough: Antimonium Tartaricum, Phosphorous, Ferrum Phos, Nat Mur, Arsenicum Album
    Antidote - I have received an antidote of the actual virus. I have the capability of making more from this original antidote. It’s a good idea to have on hand for anyone who comes down with the virus. It is a homeopathic to help you fight it off. And these are inexpensive!
  • Lung helpers: R-Lung (heals lung tissue), Myrrh Forte, Pulmonest, RC essential oil blend, eucalyptus essential oil, HP90 Digestive Enzymes (supplement highest I’ve seen in protease to cleave the virus from the lung tissue), Bioactive Carbon Oxygen from Cellcore, especially in nebulizer
  • Liver Drainage: Milk Thistle or Dandelion
  • Adaptogenic Herbs according to NITE’s: Korean/Asian Ginseng or Ashwaganda for blood type A, Eleuthero for blood types AB and B, Astragalus for blood type O. If you don’t know your blood type or are looking for something for the whole family, Mineral Chi from Nature’s Sunshine is a nice pic, or AdaptaMax which are both blends of adaptogens.
  • Bifidophilus or Probiotic Eleven from Nature’s Sunshine – both contain Yttrium, very important mineral during this time, and because most of your immune system is in the gut.
  • Ganoderma & Shiitake - Mushrooms such as Reishi build the immune system and rid the body of toxins and die off from viruses sluffing off.

And finally, reduce your stress as much as you can. Stress lowers your immunity. I like Dr. K’s idea of humming. Not only does it increase nitric oxide according to studies, but it also lowers your stress level and it calms the nervous system. Feel your nose and jaw when you hum and find out which notes resonate your sinuses/nose more. (given we are allowed to touch our faces)

Here’s the thing: I do think quarantine is a good thing to protect our loved ones and to slow the spread, but only because the medical community’s hands are tied and they are not allowed to use those 2 drugs that have been proven effective. They have also not been allowed to use any other natural herb or they will have their license pulled. Regardless of all the research done by herbologists regarding these highly potent natural medicines. US docs have been instructed in the past to never use Chloroquine or they will lose their license. Who’s pulling the strings on that one? I am seeing these stipulations slowly release around the country. Some docs are being allowed to use chloroquine and the president is beginning to disperse the drug. Thank goodness! I do not think quarantine is necessary when we have substances and herbs at our disposal that will halt the virus in its tracks. It angers me when I see our country allowing individuals to die all because we do not have a patented cure. This should not be about making money. This should be about saving lives. This is the reason I am putting this email and post out there. We are standing by and watching our loved ones die because we are being told there is no cure. There is! Forward this on. Spread the word.

As I stated above: The good news is we have both natural remedies and we also have drugs that have been proven with 100% success rate, in studies conducted in December of 2019 and March of 2020. So, whether you trust in medicine or natural herbs, either way, you have options. There is something to take to make you well again.

Eat good food to keep your body healthy, and enjoy this beautiful spring weather!
 
Yours always in health and well-being,
 
Connie Kelly, BS MedSci, NHE
Nutritional Health Practitioner
 
References:
  • Klinghardt resources on Facebook (Klinghardt Institute) and on sophiaeducate.com – multiple videos on his pages to keep up to date on these 2020 viral issues:
  • https://www.facebook.com/klinghardt/videos/216917592722779/
  • http://www.sophiaeducate.com/emerging-issues-re-the-outbreak-dr-dietrich-klinghardt/
  • Subscribe to Dr. Darren Schmidt’s YouTube channel and watch videos as they come out. Most of them are being taken down by YouTube just days after they are posted: ​https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=darren+schmidt
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Food As Medicine

4/10/2020

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Food as Medecine
​When discussing nutrition with patients, I try to combine the Energetics of Chinese Medicine with basic nutrition science. This I believe with help patients understand food in a much broader context. It will help them to see food as a key factor for immunity, rather than seeking the next “miracle in a bottle”. The following are some foods I recommend for patients seeking improved immunity during the cold and flu season.

WALNUTS
In Chinese Medicine, walnuts are warm and sweet, and enter the lung, kidney and large intestine channels. The properties and actions include tonifying, assisting the kidneys in grasping Qi, warming kidney yang and mild laxative moistening qualities. Nutritional research shows that walnuts are rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Nourishing the kidneys is a key factor for health and immunity during the winter months, It is an important food for patients with kidney and lung vacuity issues.

SUNFLOWER SEEDS
These nuts are another nutrient dense food that can easily be added to salads, soups, or Greek yogurt. These seeds are especially rich in vitamins and minerals particularly zinc, magnesium, selenium, vitamin E and B. These nutrients are important during times of stress
and provide important nourishment to the immune system.

FRESH GARLIC
In Chinese Medicine, garlic is a pungent taste and warm nature, and acts upon the spleen, stomach and lung channels. Its actions include promoting the circulation of Qi and blood, eliminating toxic substances, destroying parasites, as well as supporting cardiovascular/respiratory health. I always recommend use of fresh garlic, as in this form more active compounds are available for support of the immune system including antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial actions.

An extremely effective combination for immune health during the late winter, early spring months is soup with fresh garlic and oregano. Oregano can be used as a spice or liquid form, and garlic should ideally be added after the meal has been prepared.

GINGER
Ginger can be used fresh in salads, soups or tea. Ginger can also be used in dry form in capsules or added to soups. This versatile herb is warming and acts specifically on the spleen, stomach and lung channels. For conditions of excess mucus or cold signs, ginger, oregano and garlic can be a perfect combination in soup form to clear and balance the gastric /respiratory systems.

I hope this discussion about convenient foods and herbs to cook with will inspire you to see “Food as Medicine”.

Denise Acton, N.D. - Naturopathy and Acupuncurist
Denise Acton, N.D.
Naturopath, Acupuncturist
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Ways to Stay Healthy with the C-virus

3/19/2020

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ways to stay healthy with the C-virus
None of the following information is meant to diagnose or treat disease. I am offering strictly nutritional advice and nutritional supplements to support the immune system and the body during this time.

ST. JOHN’S WORT:
There are different classifications of viruses. The C-virus that everyone is concerned about right now, is under the category of enveloped viruses. What that means is that the virus is encased in a lipid layer (or fat encasing). St. John’s Wort handles enveloped viruses.(1, 2, 3) You may have probably heard that St. John’s Wort is for depression. Yes, it can help with that too. However, it has been traditionally used throughout history for enveloped viruses. MediHerb has 4 options: St. John’s Wort tablets, Viranon tablets, and 2 liquid tinctures. Nature’s Sunshine has 2 products as well: St. John’s Wort and their Time Release version. I am carrying all of these tablets and liquids. If you do not already have a Nature’s Sunshine account, I can set you up with one to get their herbs at a discount, and you could order them direct from the company.

ECHINACEA & VITAMIN C:
Purchase a high-quality Echinacea to set your defenses at the front lines ready to fight. Both MediHerb’s Echinacea Premium and Nature’s Sunshine Echinacea and Echinacea combinations are high quality. Consider adding in whole food vitamin C (not ascorbic acid) to pair with the Echinacea so that these nutrients are absorbed efficiently. You need those 2 items in proper balance for the body to effectively utilize these nutrients. Look for whole food vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is just the protective outer coating of the Vitamin C complex. You will become deficient in the other 4 parts of the complex if you take in high doses of Ascorbic Acid, as your body tries to pull the other parts of the complex together in order to process it. Foods and herbs high in Vitamin C include buckwheat (aerial parts) juice, rose hips, acerola, and cilantro.

SUGAR & VITAMIN C:
A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that sugar decreases your immune defenses for 6 hours after ingesting it.(4)  Focus on lower carbohydrate meal plans for now until we are over this hump. Sugar and Vitamin C compete for the same port on the cell wall. And sugar always wins. If you are ingesting quite a bit of the white stuff along with breads, pasta, and grains, you are going to have a hard time absorbing Vitamin C. Write down what you are eating to track how much sugar you are taking in. Count the carbohydrates in each food. Do this for a few days and you will see a trend. Stick to veggies, protein, and good quality fats. Meal examples: chicken and broccoli, or meat and side salad. Olive oil (not heated), avocado oil, coconut oil, butter, and ghee are good fats to incorporate in. Eat real food and you will be fine. Real food makes your body strong!

ESSENTIAL FATS:
I watched Dr. Darren Schmidt’s newest YouTube video this morning. He gives excellent information and links to research articles. I carry all the supplements he mentioned. In addition to what I spoke about above, Dr. Schmidt presented research that Linoleic Acid kills the C-virus.(5) CLA, GLA, Evening Primrose Oil and Flax Seed Oil are high in Linoleic Acid. Get a gel cap of the flax. It’s unstable and goes rancid before it even hits the store shelves. Or grind the seeds and eat them right away. Don’t buy the already ground seeds. Again, rancid.

DRAINAGE:
Dr. Schmidt also talked about the drainage pathways (lymph, liver, kidney, lungs, and sinuses) and the importance of opening those pathways. Making sure you have lymphatic supportive herbs in your regimen such as Lymphonest (from MarcoPharma) or Spanish Black Radish (from Standard Process). Are you having 2-3 bowel movements per day? You should be! If you are not pooping that often, then you are constipated. You want your body to drain all this junk out! If your sinuses are full then it is highly likely you are stopped up somewhere down the line on those drainage pathways.

CHOLESTEROL:
Dr. Schmidt also referenced research that indicates LDL (the so called “bad” cholesterol) can be anti-viral as well. This is what I have been saying for a while now: These statins are lowering cholesterol too much, and people end up getting sick. Cholesterol protects the brain from heavy metals, Alzheimer’s, helps you make other hormones, and it’s also anti-viral! Cholesterol should naturally increase with age. We shouldn’t be squashing it. A person on a statin will not be making the necessary hormones for all their endocrine glands and organs, immune system, digestion, and let’s not forget intimacy! If you’re having trouble with intercourse, look at your statin!

Thank you to Dr. Darren Schmidt for putting together this video and locating the following excellent research articles!(6) See his video link below for more information.

As Dr. Schmidt said in his video, we have many different companies that are smart when it comes to packaging herbs, so if one product is on backorder, another company may have the equivalent. The point is, there is no need to panic. Keep your body healthy by eating vegetables, proteins, and good fats, and you’ll be able to fight off whatever viruses come your way. The people that have had a problem with the virus are those who have one of the following medical concerns: hypertension, diabetes, or congestive heart failure.(7)

IRON & OXYGEN:
Evidence suggests that the virus interferes with the function of heme in the body and the uptake of oxygen.(8) I have 2 thoughts on this. Take iron and take the CR28 which can support and strengthen the lungs and assist with Oxygen uptake. You will want to find a whole food Iron, not a rock supplement which is what most of them are. Iron from food. Ferrofood from Standard process or the FeMaxTonic from MediHerb are whole food iron supplements we carry.

Lastly, take some Zinc for the immune viral response and inhibiting viruses.(9) Whole food, of course. Please refer to my last blog post for the other herbs and supplements needed for prevention (Vitamin D, etc).
 
Call us if you have any questions. We’re here to help!
 
References
Hundreds of Herbs are anti-viral (Research):
  1. http://www.eurekaselect.com/124216/article
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25159303
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29356205
  4. Sugar Reducing Immune Response: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/26/11/1180/4732762?redirectedFrom=fulltext
  5. “Inactivation of Enveloped Viruses by Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides”: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3032090
  6. Dr. Darren Schmidt YouTube Video – “Actual Solutions for That Stupid Virus”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qct0mJN_hc
  7. “Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of adult inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a retrospective cohort study”: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30566-3/fulltext
  8. Body’s ability to uptake oxygen and carry oxygen: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1238972082756648960.html
  9. Zinc Inhibits Corona Virus Research: https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1001176
  10. Viruses are pH Sensitive Research: https://drsircus.com/general/viruses-are-ph-sensitive/
  11. Q&A with a Virologist who has no cures, just studies viruses: https://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2020/a-coronavirus-qa-with-a-virologist.php
  12. “Characterization of the Lipidomic Profile of Human Coronavirus-Infected Cells: Implications for Lipid Metabolism Remodeling upon Coronavirus Replication”:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30654597
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What Do You Do When You Get Sick?

3/11/2020

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Sick Individual Sneezing
​

When you come down with a bug and aren't feeling well, what are some steps you can take to start feeling better?

For starters, schedule an appointment with us. When you are not feeling well is the best time to be checked and muscle tested. We can find underlying immune challenges and problems that we don’t normally find in a normal visit, and things that could be holding you back in your health improvement program.

Second, we can help you feel better more quickly, reducing the duration and severity of the issue so that you are back on your feet in no time!

If you find you are unable to make it out of the house and just feel too awful, then we can have a phone consult and make recommendations to help you start feeling better quicker. 

Our skilled practitioners are well-versed in working with all manners of immune challenges, so if you come down with a virus, cold or flu, call Custom Wellness! We have herbs, homeopathics, and whole food supplements that support the body’s immune system and drainage pathways naturally.

Let’s find just the right remedy for you!

Let’s take back your health!
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Celebrating Women and Menopause

3/7/2020

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How will we celebrate International Women's Day? At Custom Wellness we support women through every stage of life! We meet you wherever you may be. And in lieu of this special day our particular focus is MENOPAUSE. This topic is imperative for discussion. Do you ever notice when people say 'menopause' (men and women alike) or talk about the subject it’s always discussed with a cringe or in some other negative fashion? That is called stigmatization friends! Any form of stigmatization oppresses an individual and prevents empowerment to allow them to take control of their situation rendering them powerless. Our role and goal is to empower you! So let me get off this high menopause horse or better yet, let's look at the facts.
 
Menopause is a beautiful thing. Yes, let me say this again, MENOPAUSE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING. And every woman will eventually go through this transition in their life, so why can't it be celebrated? Historically, and in other cultures, this transition in a woman's life was incredibly powerful. Think queens who ruled countries. They would become the active matriarch of power. Isn't that an incredibly honorable role? BUT, you're not thinking queen or power right? Are you thinking hot flashes, irritability, sweating and vaginal dryness to name a few? Ok let's have a chat about those.
 
Menopause is not a disease and it is not a medical diagnosis! It is a natural progression of life just as puberty is a natural transition into the next stage of womanhood. Female transitions do not go without hormonal changes. Most think of only two hormones during menopause; progesterone and estrogen. Many women I have worked with believe those are the only hormones responsible to help them to function and the decrease in them are to blame for making them feel dragged down and sometimes crazy. It is crucial to know that we need to support this transition by understanding the needs of our bodies as we are going through this and all the hormone producing glands need special attention, not just the sex glands!
 
To address or more favorably prevent symptoms we look to the adrenals, thyroid and our heroine, the liver! Support the adrenals, which has active duty in support of your stress response and also responsible for levels of the hormone cortisol (stubborn belly fat anyone?) and you support the thyroid (while balancing hormones) all by meeting your emotional, physical and nutritional needs. The more array of whole foods you can eat the happier your thyroid and adrenals will be. They are hungry for the right foods so that they may produce the proper amount of hormones to keep you balanced and ease into your transition. Basics! Foundations! Are you meeting your own needs?
 
And let's thank the LIVER for always flushing out our daily toxic load. Sometimes the liver gets exhausted and can't do the job properly because it becomes overloaded with environmental and digestive stress! Sometimes an overload of these toxins and stressors can create a rise in temperature and sweat (hello hot flashes! Or wait could that heat also be a result from my unhappy thyroid?). Balancing these and giving them proper tender-loving-care during this particular transition in life will help aid in sleep, prevent hot flashes and irritability and heck we can even throw in some suggestions for libido and vaginal dryness which can all be healed and prevented through the right nutrition and lifestyle. How can we offer support throughout this new chapter in your life? We're ready when you are.
 
Amy Prins
Certification in Natural Health/Alternative Medicine
Presently studying Traditional Naturopathy
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Reiki and Headaches

3/4/2020

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headache relief from Reiki

​
​Do you suffer from headaches and migraines and often feel held-back from living a “normal” life? You never know when a debilitating headache could strike, causing you to err on the side of caution when making plans. Headaches themselves are painful enough, not to mention the additional inconveniences like light and noise sensitivity, nausea, dizziness, and vertigo. 


After trying everything from Tylenol, to prescription migraine medication, to hot compresses, and even major lifestyle changes, many headache sufferers find themselves asking “what now?” in desperation. If this sounds like you, and if you are ready to try another natural approach to headache relief, we suggest booking a Reiki Session with our very own Mark Balcer!


​What is Reiki, you ask?

It’s a form of energy therapy that can aid in the relief of many conditions and emotional states. The word itself means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign”, coming from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life energy). This form of energy medicine aims to help the flow of energy and remove blocks, enabling relaxation and reduction of pain, according to Medical News Today. 


What exactly happens in a Reiki session? 

You have the chance to fully relax your body in a peaceful setting. You remain fully clothed and there may be light music or aromas depending on your preferences. The practitioner places his/her hands lightly on, or over, specific areas of the head, limbs, and torso, allowing energy transfer to take place. The practitioner’s hands may become warm or tingly, and when they feel the heat or energy diminish in that area, they’ll move their hands to a different area of the body to pick up on other energies and blockages. 

​
How does Reiki specifically help with headaches?

Both an excess of energy in the head or deficiency of energy can lead to pain. This can be the result of an issue within the head itself, or disruption further down the body which obstructs the free flow of energy, according to Ottawa Holistic Wellness. The disruption in energy flow can result in various headache symptoms including a dull ache, pressure, throbbing, or bursts of sharp pain. Through Reiki we address underlying issues of energy imbalance and work to open up the channels throughout the entire body, allowing energy to move freely so that the pent-up pressure in the head can be released.


Reiki is seen as a legitimate natural method to ease pain and stress, even being recognized as a method of healing by WebMD. If you’re a headache sufferer, let’s get to the bottom of it and begin helping your body’s energy flow freely! Take back your life and start feeling better now — book a Reiki Session with Mark Balcer!

This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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Acupuncture Special: De-Stress Ahead of the Holidays!

11/25/2019

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Ear Acupuncture

​Join us on Friday, December 13th from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Custom Wellness office to de-stress from the holidays!
​
Dr. Acton will be offering 50% off an Ear Acupuncture treatment to help you de-stress from all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. This technique has been used to reduce anxiety and stress for veterans experiencing OCD, ADD, and depression. It is also good for anyone who just needs to relax! Give yourself the gift of relaxation this holiday...it only takes 20 minutes of your time for a MOUNTAIN of RELIEF! This special is only $25 (regularly $50)!

When:
Friday, December 13th, 10:00am-1:00pm

Where:
​Custom Wellness
348 South Waverly Rd., Suite 2B

Holland, MI 49423

Let us know you're coming:
Office: (616) 294-3475
Dr. Denise Acton
Denise Acton, N.D.
Naturopath, Acupuncturist
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Self Care - Are You Dying Inside?

11/15/2019

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Why self care is important
​“Are you dying inside?”

As we rush around in our lives with a million and one things sucking us dry of physical, emotional and mental energy, what gives? Who will suffer because of it? And how will we recover from the desert that this life creates of our bodies, minds and souls?

The answer is simple. You will give and break. You will suffer. You will be bone-dry and unable to meet life’s demands…physically, emotionally, mentally.

The demands of this life are monumental, crushing, and unattainable at times. This rat-race featuring humans who believe they are super-human, attempting to overcome all the pressures of this life in their own strength with no thought of the consequences until…You are finished. Completely and utterly wasted with nothing left to give your life or those you love in it. Sound familiar? This is called “burn-out.” It is debilitating and leaves you broken, feeling like a failure, lacking the ability to even so much as find the will-power to get out of bed in the morning.

But there is hope!  Recovery is self-care.  To our shame, this word is as elusive as the application of it. We begrudgingly bestow upon ourselves a catnap here or a bubble bath there. Is this what self-care looks like? Not in the least! Self-care is the daily, routine, intentional tending to one’s physical, emotional and mental restoration. It is un-rushed and deliberate. It is loving and kind, not begrudging or stingy.

The personal application of self-care can take on many forms and is truly limitless. In my own life, my self-care is comprised of acts and things that bring me joy, relaxation, fulfillment, and peace.  A walk outside (without my phone!), comfort food, a glass of wine, an episode of my favorite show, a good book, manicures, a Gua Sha session. All these forms of self-care are rejuvenating and impart life to my tired body, mind and soul.
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And so I ask you. Will you choose self-care over the daily degradation of your being? What brings you joy, relaxation, fulfillment and peace? Make a list. Execute one today. Be intentional about the restoration of your body, mind and soul!
 
Live your best life!
Amy Potgieter, LMT, BS Community Health Education
Amy Potgieter, LMT, BS Community Health Education
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Simple Muscle Testing Workshop - You Can Do This!

10/25/2019

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Ever wished you could muscle test yourself in that moment when you have a cold or the flu, and figure out which remedy will help you feel better? Or for your kiddo that wakes in the middle of the night with ear pain or vomiting, and you’re at a loss for what to do?

Come to a brief workshop to learn how to do simple muscle testing for yourself and your family. This is also great for figuring out which foods are best for you to eat!

It is SUPER empowering when you are able to muscle test yourself!

I have had multiple clients ask me to hold another muscle testing workshop. So here’s your chance! Whether you’re new to muscle testing or just need to brush up on your skills. We are holding 2 separate times for the workshop, so hopefully one of them will work for you!

[I have not had much client interest in a Friday or Saturday workshop so far, but if this is something you would like me to incorporate, please let the front desk know.]

Sandwiches & refreshments served. Donate $10 to cover the cost of food and preparation.

Mon, Nov 18th at 7pm
OR
​Wed, Nov 20th at Noon

RSVP so we know how much food to prepare.
Call: (616) 294-3475
Text: (616) 294-7427
Connie Kelly
Connie Kelly, B.S. MedSci, N.H.E. (Natural Health Educator)

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