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.

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!

​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

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

​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.

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.]

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!

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

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.
​

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!

​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.

​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

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

​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

• ​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

​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”.

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

​

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!

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

​
​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. 

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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.

​Join us on Friday, December 13th from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Custom Wellness office to de-stress from the holidays!
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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

Denise Acton, N.D.
Naturopath, Acupuncturist

​“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

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