Smokeable Herbs

Hi everyone and welcome back for another informative blog post. Today we are going to be talking about smokeable herbs. Now of course smoking of any kind should be done by only a person 21+ and up I believe the legal age is now. As for what you are smoking tobacco, cannabis either cbd or not are all good fits to blend with herbs.

Of course, this article is for educational purposes only. Speak with your doctor before trying any herbal smoking blends.

Reasons for smoking herbs:

Quitting tobacco / Relaxation / Mood enhancement / Mental stimulation / Respiratory support / Spiritual rituals

Types of smoking herbs: Base Herbs- Supportive Herbs- Flavoring Herbs

Some herbs may be in more than one group!

Here are the standard proportions you want to follow:

Base Herbs- 40 to 60% A base herb is a neutral herb that is easier on the throat. It is commonly used as the main ingredient in your smoking blends.

Mullein / Damiana / Mugwort /Raspberry leaves / Marshmallow roots /Yarrow / Chamomile

Supportive Herbs– 30 to 40% Typically used to fill in effects wanted in the formula that are not supplied by the base herb.

Skullcap / Blue lotus / Passion flower / Catnip / White Sage / Wild lettuce / Wormwood

Flavoring Herbs-10% to 20% Optional herbs that help harmonize the action of the blend you are creating.

Lavender / Rose petals/ Lemon balm / Spearmint / Peppermint

Example of proportions: Parts are measured in weight, so it could be a milligram or an ounce up to a pound

8 ounces base herb

4 ounces supporting herb 1 + herb 2

2 ounces supporting herb 3

2 ounces balancing herb 1

1 ounce balancing herb 2

If you are looking to buy herbs check out my online store, we are offering 25% off using code Happy new year [ https://humble-soul-llc-creations.myshopify.com/products/humble-loose-herbs?utm_content=ios&utm_medium=product-links&utm_source=copyToPasteboard ]

Herbs for lungs:

Peppermint : helps clear lungs and respiratory tract great flavor, may improve blood circulation

Mullein: gentle yet powerful smoke, used as medicine for lungs as a cleanser, if to dry won’t smoke well so you may have to rub the leaves together

White Horehound: very potent anti-inflammatory, used to treat whooping cough and asthma, high in marrubin, one of the five sacred herbs

Hyssop: used to clean and purge the lungs, used to relieve anxiety and stimulate focus, may make you sweat

Herbs used to quit cigarettes:

Red Raspberry Leaf: great tobacco alternative, may neutralize nicotine poisoning, known as a sedative herb and may help with period pain

Bergamot: a strong lung antiseptic, rich in oregano oil, reduces nicotine cravings

Lobelia: known as Indian tobacco, effective with quitting smoking, bonds to same receptors in the brain like nicotine

Calming Herbs:

Skullcap: may help with anxiety, may help manage headaches, nervous system booster

Chamomile: may help with withdrawal symptoms from smoking nicotine, may help with calming effects

Mugwort: the dream herb, mellows our flavor profile, history used to potentially alleviate fever, colds, digestive issues, nervous problems, and menstrual problems and spiritual uses

Damiana: very flavor desert herb, may enhance lovemaking, originates from South and Central America

Sample Blend:

Calm Blend:

2 parts (Base): Raspberry Leaf or Mugwort

1 part (Action + Supportive): Mexican Tarragon

½ part (Flavoring/Aromatic): Rose Petals, (or choice of  aromatic, like lavender!)

Quit Cigs:

(Base) Red raspberry leaf or Lobelia

(Supportive) Skullcap

(Flavoring) Peppermint or Spearmint

Tear the dried leaves and flowers with your fingers to crumble them. As you’re mixing it be sure to keep turning it, and connect to it. Add anything else that might be inspiring to your blend that calls you. Before smoking, use a grinder preferably, to break it down so it’s perfectly ready to roll. Or place your dried leaves and petals directly onto a pipe to enjoy. If you’re storing a bunch of it in a jar, or bag, add a drop of honey to keep it moist

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The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Hey everyone and welcome back for another informative blog post. Today we are going to be talking about the anti-inflammatory diet and some of the many benefits it holds. As always consult with your doctor or trusted physician before making any major changes in your diet and always as questions if you have a preexisting condition.

To learn more about inflammation please check out https://humblesoullifeofajuicer.wordpress.com/2022/10/28/how-to-live-an-anti-inflammatory-lifestyle/

Jumping right in some of the many benefits of the anti-inflammatory diet include:

help with managing stress, may balance blood sugar, may help lower blood pressure, and it’s high in antioxidants

Stay away from ultra-processed foods, which include just about anything that comes in a package like microwaveable dinners, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, dehydrated soups, baked goods, sugary cereals, processed meats, biscuits, and sauces.

Healthy eating tips:

Avoid dietary triggers: gluten, nightshades, dairy etc

Eat breakfast everyday: Eat something before 10 am and always include protein and healthy fats

Push carbs / Grains: During lunch and dinner is the best time rush carbs too much sugar early in the day will raise your blood sugar faster

Diet and Serving Sizes: (Serving sizes may vary with persons weight, height, and previous health issues)

Vegetables – 4 to 8 servings per day

Lightly cooked leafy greens ( spinach, collard greens, kale, Swiss chard) cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower) carrots, beets, onions, peas, squashes, sea vegetables, and washed raw salad greens

Fruits – 3 to 4 servings per day

Raspberries, blueberries, figs, strawberries, peaches, oranges, pink grapefruit, red grapes, pears, apples, kiwis, mango, pineapple, plums

Whole and Cracked Grains/ Pasta (al dente)- Eat later in the day ( Always pair your grains with protein and / or fat)

Brown rice, basmati rice, wild rice, buckwheat, groats, barley, quinoa, steel-cut oats, amaranth, organic pasta, rice noodles, and part whole wheat and buckwheat noodles (udon and soba)

Sources of Protein- 3x a day

Organic cheese and yogurt or plant based, free range eggs, wild fish, free range grass fed beef, wild game, tofu, tempeh, and edamame. soy products such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, almonds, spirulina ( avoid soy milk )

Fish & Seafood- 2 to 6 servings per week

Wild alaskan salmon, herring, sardines, black cod

Healthy Fats

While cooking use extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. Ghee in place of butter. Nuts (walnuts), avocados and seeds (hemp, chia, ground flax), sunflower)

Cooked Mushrooms

Shiitake, maitake, oyster mushrooms, portobello

Herbs & Spices – Abundant

Turmeric + black pepper, ginger, garlic, chili peppers, basil, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, fenugreek, fennel, garam, masala, and other curry blends

Supplements– Daily

Multi vitamin, Vitamin C, Molecularly distilled fish oil, Vitamin D3, Spirulina, Turmeric

Healthy Sweets- In moderation

Fresh fruit, unsweetened fried fruit, dark chocolate (70% cacao), fruit sorbet

Sample Menu:

Option 1:

Breakfast- Green smoothie ( 1 large banana, 1 cup of kale, 1 cup almond milk, 1/4 ripe avocado, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 2 tbsp honey, 1 cup of ice)

Lunch- Hummus + greek salad

Dinner- Garlic butter roasted salmon with potatoes and asparagus

Snacks- Walnuts / Pears

Option 2:

Breakfast- 1 cup low fat Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup fresh cherries and 3 tbsp chopped walnuts

Lunch- Peanut zucchini noodle salad with chicken – 1 clementine

Dinner- Stuffed sweet potato with hummus dressing

Snacks- Apples / Roasted Almonds

Check back later for more information. If you have any questions please let me know.

Herbal Catalog A Fast Guide To Using Herbs

Hey everyone, and welcome back to my blog. With the new year almost upon us, I pray everyone has been wearing a mask and staying safe. Today, we are going to go over different vital points and herbs that can help. Think of this post as a reference guide to herbs.

Always consult with your do it or trusted physician if you have any concerns before changing your regular diet or taking new supplements.

You are the sole authority over your own body. These statements are not medical advice and are not regulated or approved by the FDA or any other certifying agency. This product is not meant to cure a disease or act in any medical capacity. Always consult with your doctor if you have any concerns. I am just a Humble herbalist and juicer trying to help heal the world.

Table Of Contents:

Immune system / Anti-inflammatory / Stress relief / Hair-Skin-Nails/ Joints-Bones-Body/ Muscles/ Organ-Body function / Digestive / Allergies / Detox / Antioxidant- Heart health / Brain-Migranes / Energy / Sleep

Immune System:

Vitamin C – Immune boosting and helps manage High blood pressure as well as prevent Iron deficiency

Vitamin B12 – Immune System building, Cognition, Brain health and Boost energy

Vitamin B –Complex – Immune System building, Cognition, and Brain health

Full Spectrum Minerals – Immune System Health, High in Vitamin D, and is High in Vitamin B7

Elderberry Syrup – Immune System Booster, High in Antioxidants, and helps tame inflammation

Echinacea – Immune System booster, Improves Blood sugar, and helps with Inflammation

Goldenseal – Immune System booster, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and helps with sinus infections and Indigestion

Garlic – Immune System booster, Lowers Cholesterol, and fights colds and flu, and reduces heart disease

Ginger – Immune System booster, helps with digestive aide, and treats nausea and Help with morning sickness

Beta Glucan – Immune System booster, great source of fiber, reduces high cholesterol and improves skin conditions like eczema

Oil of Oregano – Immune System booster, lowers cholesterol, helps treat yeast infections, and improves gut health

Ashwagandha – Can be used as an immune tonic safe for everyday use. Good for stress relief

Chinese Golden thread – Purify’s blood, detox, & immune system repair

Turkey tail mushrooms – The natural antiviral and anti-fungal qualities of this mushroom support the body in fighting off viruses infections. This includes a range of health problems, from the common cold and pneumonia to E. coli, Herpes, and HIV. They also are said to have anti-cancer properties

Anti-Inflammatory:

Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and May help improve the symptoms of depression and arthritis

Molecularly distilled fish oil/Krill Oil/Cod Liver Oil – May help with arthritis, fibromyalgia, brain, mood/depression, and heart health

Wobenzym – May help as a Anti-inflammatory, and with joint health, environmental toxins, blood clots, and heart health

Zinc – Used as an Anti-inflammatory, May be used as an immune system booster, free radical fighter, and May help with hormonal imbalance

CBD Oil – Anti-inflammatory, cell regeneration, cancer help

Cannabis with THC, Indica & Sativa – Used as an Anti-inflammatory, cell regeneration, and systemic restoration

Resveratrol – Protects cells from free radical damage, inhibits the spread of cancer, especially prostate cancer, lowers blood pressure, keeps the heart healthy and improves elasticity in blood vessels, normalizes anti-inflammatory response, Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Stress relief:

Passionflower – It’s a sedative; the German government has approved it for nervous restlessness. Some studies find that it can reduce symptoms of anxiety as effectively as prescription drugs. It’s often used for insomnia

Hair, Skin, & Nails:

Silica – Strengthen’s hair growth and May prevent damage

Biotin – Stimulates keratin, and can increase follicle growth / For skin will help with any B7 deficiency

Magnesium Oil – Can be ingested or applied to the skin to keep skin hydrated, reduce pain and strengthen teeth

Emu Oil – Can be ingested ( capsules) or applied to the skin to moisturize your face, body, and skin. May decrease inflammation and improve scars

Lavender Oil – Helps with scars, stress, skin irritation and fungal infections

Coconut Oil – Helps with skin reducing wrinkles, good for oil pulling, on skin may clog pores, full of antioxidants

Tea Tree Oil – Helps with skin blemishes, can be used in a DIY hand sanitizer, works to treat acne and acne scars, and Help with nail fungus

MSM – Helps with skin health, helps strengthen hair, and with inflammation

Joints/Bones/Body:

Glucosamine Chondroitin – Used to treat osteoarthritis (OA), and used as an Anti-inflammatory

MSM – Used as an Anti-inflammatory, Helps with connective tissues, scar tissue, Skin, muscles, and newly discovered help for getting over the flu faster

L-Glutamine – An Amino Acid that improves protein metabolization

Calcium – Helps improve bone strength and development

Feverfew – Prevention of migraines & headaches, arthritis, reduce fevers, muscle tension, and pain; helps lower blood pressure, lessen stomach irritation, stimulate the appetite, and to improve digestion and kidney function. It has been indicated for colitis, dizziness, tinnitus, and menstrual problems

Kratom – Used to lower blood pressure, relieve pain, boost metabolism, increase sexual energy, improve the immune system, prevent diabetes, ease anxiety, help with addiction, eliminate stress, and induce healthy sleep

Ceylon cinnamon – Lowers blood sugar levels, reduces heart disease risk factors, a high source of antioxidants, contains anti-inflammatory properties, protects heart health, fights diabetes, helps defend against cognitive decline & protects brain function, may help lower cancer risk, fights infections & viruses, protects dental health & freshens breath naturally

Potassium – Used to relief from stroke, blood pressure, heart and kidney disorders, anxiety, and stress, as well as enhanced muscle strength, metabolism, water balance, electrolytic functions, and nervous system

Muscles:

Chamomile – Used to heal muscle pain and soreness, helps with insomnia and restlessness

Tart Cherries – Used as a muscle relaxer, anti-inflammatory, & antioxidant

Peppermint – Used as a muscle relaxer for backaches, leg pain, & tension headaches

Cayenne Pepper – Reduces muscle pain, stiffness, & inflammation

Epsom Salt: Relaxes the nervous system, removes toxins, & helps with pain and inflammation

Valerian – Helps with muscle spasms, may help treat insomnia, headaches, and anxiety

Arnica – Used as an anti-inflammatory & improves blood circulation

Lavender – Reduces pain and swelling, helps calm the mind & helps with inflammation

Passion Flower- Helps with muscle spasms & joint pain. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, It may always be used for stress, insomnia, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Raspberry Leaf Tea – Used for muscle pain & cramps, also rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Supports healthy menstruation and tones the uterus

Magnesium oil – Topical for muscle pain & cramps

Organ/Body Function:

Milk Thistle – Supports liver health, promotes skin health, may improve allergic asthma symptoms, and may reduce cholesterol. (great for hangovers)

Chromium Picolinate – An essential mineral that you absorb from the foods you eat. Some people take a supplement as a complementary and alternative therapy to help a chromium deficiency control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, or lose weight

Dandelion – Supports kidney health, may reduce cholesterol, may lower blood pressure, and may help with weight loss

Cayenne – May lower blood pressure, help with a metabolism boost, and may lower cholesterol

Bilberry -Helps if you have diarrhea, eye problems, varicose veins, poor circulation, and even cancer

Apple Vinegar Cider -Helps lower diabetes, treat cancer, heart health, high cholesterol, and weight loss

Resveratrol – Protects cells from free radical damage, inhibits the spread of cancer, especially prostate cancer, lowers blood pressure, keeps heart-healthy, and improves elasticity in blood vessels. Normalizes anti-inflammatory response, Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Digestive:

Digestive enzymes – Helps with digestive health and also inflammation

DGL – Licorice Root Extract that aids digestion and treats stomach complaints, including heartburn and indigestion

Probiotics – Helps with gut health, has an immune system booster, and a good bacteria

Marshmallow root tea – Treats cough and colds. It may act as a pain reliever, aid in digestion, or be used as a diuretic

Slippery Elm – Used against diarrhea and an intestinal and rectal coating to eliminate viral and bacterial infections

Allergies:

Quercetin – Used for natural antihistamine (seasonal allergies and allergic reactions)

Nettle Stinging Leaf (tea) – Used for allergies

Detox/Antioxidant/Radiation:

Vitamin C – Used as detox and immune system booster and repair

DMG (N-Dimethylglycine) – Improves oxygen utilization, detoxification, cell protection, immune system modulation, and physical performance

Glutathione – Used as a super antioxidant for stress and used for injuries

King Chlorella – Cleaning out environmental toxins/heavy metals

Iodine (liquid kelp) – Protection against radiation

Beet Root – Used as a body detox

Antioxidant, heart health, anti-aging:

Green Tea – Full of antioxidants, may also reduce bad breath and may help with heart disease

Activated Charcoal – Used as full body detox, works through the digestive tract and whitens teeth

Bentonite Clay – Used as a heavy metal detox, treating oily skin and acne and detoxifying the skin

Diatomaceous Earth – Used as a heavy metal detox, helps treat constipation and be used as an exfoliator

Cilantro -Rids heavy metal in the body, may lower anxiety, lower blood sugar, and help prevent a UTI (Urinary tract infection)

Organic Citrus peels – Rich in fiber, vitamin c, folate, calcium and can be used a metal detox

Spirulina – A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, may reduce blood pressure and detox heavy metals

Oil of oregano -A powerful antioxidant used to purify the blood, detox, & repair the immune system.

Echinacea – A super herb used to purify the blood, detox, & repair the immune system

Depression/Brain/Migraines:

Vitamin D – May help with mental health, used as an immune booster, used for scar healing, and keeps muscles healthy

Lithium Orotate –Used as a mood stabilizer, used to help with anxiety and for cluster headaches

Vitamin B-6 – May improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, promote brain health, and treat PMS symptoms

Magnesium – May help with migraines, keep blood pressure regularly and keep bones healthy

Glutathione -May help with migraines, may reduce stress, and may help fight against autoimmune diseases

Molecularly distilled fish oil – May help with symptoms of depression, removing heavy metals and other toxins

St. John Wort –  May help with symptoms of depression and decreases nervousness and tiredness related to depression

B2 – May help with migraine symptoms, also helps break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates

Energy:

Pantothenic Acid – Filled with (Vitamin B-5) It’s necessary for making blood cells, and it helps you convert the food you eat into energy

Eleuthero root – Increases energy and reduces fatigue, also may manage menopause

Sleep:

Melatonin – Used as a sleep aid

Valerian – Used as a sleep aid, also promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety

Chamomile -Promotes relaxation and used sleep aide, also so may help with PMS symptoms

Tart Cherry Juice – Used for sleep help, also used to treat gout and illness prevention

Occupational Wellness

hey everyone, welcome back happy saturday today we learning about Occupational Wellness. Occupational Wellness is having the ability to achieve a balance between work and leisure time, addressing workplace stress and building relationships with co-workers.

Occupational Wellness is important because it’s important make sure you enjoy doing your job and have a healthy environment. Set goals as a team and work on them daily.

Set boundaries and clearly to insure you are protecting your mental state.  Learn to turn work off! This includes making time for hobbies, social activities, and vacations. Don’t settle, keep motivated, and work towards what you want. Look for something new and/or talk to a career counselor if you feel stuck or unhappy.

Signs of Occupational Wellness

Doing work that you find motivating and interesting

Understanding how to balance leisure with work

Working in a way that fits into your personal learning style 

Communicating and collaborating with others

Working independently and with others

Feeling inspired and challenged 

Feeling good at the end of the day about the work you accomplished 

Are you engaged in the process of Occupational Wellness?

Do I enjoy going to work most days?

Do I have a manageable workload at work?

Do I feel that I can talk to my boss and co-workers with problems arise?

Check back tomorrow for another great post.

Social Wellness

Hey everyone, it dawned on me today that I never finished my health and wellness series and I apologize for that so here we go! Today we are going to be learning about social wellness.

A Quick Recap

https://humblesoullifeofajuicer.wordpress.com/2021/06/02/health-and-wellness/

Social Wellness

Social wellness refers to the relationships we have and how we interact with others. Our relationships can offer support during difficult times. Social wellness involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you. It is important to remember to find your balance in life. Practicing self care embraces basic needs such as getting enough sleep, bathing and brushing your teeth, eating healthy, exercising regularly and avoiding negative coping mechanisms like smoking, not sleeping or over-drinking.

It is also good to remember to get to know yourself identify your needs, preferences and values and communicate them to the people around you. In every relationship, there are two people involved and each contributes to any situation that comes up, whether positive or negative. Take responsibility for yourself in disagreements or conflict by using “I” language and don’t push all the blame onto the other person. When an individual argues for the sake of being “right” rather than trying to understand the other side, the other person may feel invalidated or unheard. This can result in resentment, further conflict and the eventual end of the relationship. It is very important to set proper boundaries.

To learn more about boundaries: https://humblesoullifeofajuicer.wordpress.com/2022/05/12/boundaries/

How can you improve your social wellness?

Disconnect to connect make it a regular routine to disconnect from technology every day to spend time in face-to-face communication with yourself, friends family members and professional colleagues. ( If you have the space for it)

Be positive as you can! Put disappointments, complaints, and worries aside for a while and enjoy the present. ( Try daily affirmations)

Improve time management, give yourself time in the morning and evening before being “busy”. Say a morning prayer, have a glass of warm water with lime, meditate etc.

Take care of yourself first.

Build healthy relationships. As a child you learn the social skills you need to form and maintain relationships with others. For a lot of people I know including myself you may not have had your social and emotional needs met fully but it is your responsibility as an adult to not repeat the past.( Google shadow work )

You can learn ways to improve your relationships. It’s important to know what a healthy relationship looks like and how to keep your connections supportive. It is also very important to be honest with anyone you are building a relationship with about how you are feeling. If they respect your boundaries they will understand but again it is important you always respect your own.

Check In With Your Social Wellness

Reflect on yourself and your social needs. What aspects of your social life do you enjoy? What parts would you like to improve?

Make an effort to keep in touch with supportive friends and family

Are you able to communicate clearly when dealing with conflict?

Participate in group discussions and practice active listening

How are you at asking for help?

Do you surround yourself with people who you can trust and you know care about you?

Are you able to communicate clearly when dealing with conflict?

Do you have at least one good friend you can count on?

Are you okay being alone?

How do you express your emotions?

What do you use to cope?

Do you respect your own boundaries?

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I am not my illness

I am not my illness

A series about “diseases” /“chronic illnesses” and everything in between. Today I had the honor of speaking with Kenzie who has a condition called Wilson’s disease. Wilson’s disease is a genetic mutation that affects copper metabolism. Copper isn’t eliminated properly and instead accumulates, possibly to a life-threatening level. Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 12 and 23.

Please remember I am not a doctor just a certified herbalist, juice specialist and death doula in training trying to help the world heal and bring awareness to the many different “illnesses” we have on this planet.

If you would like to be interviewed or know someone please feel free to send me a message.

Would you like to use your real or fake name?

You can use my name, kenzie (:

Where are you from?

I am from McKinney Texas

When were you diagnosed?

February of 2022 right after my 22nd birthday. The craziest part is I remember that whole month my family and I had prayed for a diagnosis as a birthday miracle.

how old were you?

I was 22 years old when I was diagnosed

How long did it take you to be diagnosed?

I had had symptoms almost my entire life and spent over a decade looking for answers. I was dismissed by many doctors and even had some make horribly unprofessional comments such as calling me a “hopeless case” to my face at only 12 years old. One Gastroenterologist told me to “come back when I gained weight”, when I had come to him complaining of nausea, vomiting and weight loss as my main symptoms. He then refused to let me come back to see him or anyone else in the (very large) gastroenterology practice he was a part of, forcing us to seek out a new doctor at an entirely different hospital with no referral. Another physician once suggested my symptoms may just be “a load of B.S.” All of these were cases where doctors made a judgment before I had hardly had time to utter a word. They saw a young female patient and heard the words “mystery illness” and that was all it took for them to make up their mind about me. After many years, I decided I had to my own research and was able to narrow it down to what I thought may be the problem. With the help of an exceptional neurologist I was able to confirm that I have a rare genetic disease.

Symptoms you’ve experienced

I have had chronic pain, headaches, problems with my joints, hyper-mobility, GI issues, seizures, full body dystonia (this is a type of movement disorder that causes involuntarily twisting movements and muscle contractions), serious vision and balance loss, cognitive issues, memory loss, hormonal disruption, POTs and dysautonomia

What do you take for pain/nausea etc?

Currently I don’t take anything because I have found that for me personally, a lot of pain and nausea meds make my GI symptoms worse and I feel like it just perpetuates the problem

How has endometriosis / pcos/adenomyosis impacted your personal life?

If you do not see your diagnosis listed above please write it below!

I have a condition called Wilson’s disease. It’s a genetic mutation that affects copper metabolism. Basically I am not able to eliminate copper from my body so it accumulates, becomes toxic, and damages my organs. It can affect different people in different ways but my case has most severely impacted my brain and spine, so many of my symptoms are neurological.

My symptoms, like the dystonia, can be very noticeable and I’ve struggled with feeling embarrassed or like I should be trying to hide it. It’s been very hard to find a sense of community and I have yet to find anyone else who has experienced something similar. I’ve gotten a lot of weird looks and people have even laughed out loud at me before. I sometimes use an ID cane because of my vision loss, which also draws a lot of unwanted attention. Even though it helps me a lot, I avoid using it as much as I can get away with out of fear. I have found that I get approached much more often by predators when I have my cane because they see it as a sign of vulnerability. Because of all of this, I don’t go out a lot and have ended up pretty isolated.

What type of diet do you follow?

I eat a high protein vegetarian diet that’s low in copper

What’s a taboo that you wish was talked about more?

Depression/anxiety caused by medical problems. I feel like when people suspect that a person with medical challenges may be struggling emotionally they are more likely to assume the physical symptoms are a result of psychological problems. Its not uncommon to be accused of being dramatic or faking your suffering for attention. But, far from being “dramatic” I have put so much time and energy into trying to hide the fact that I’m disabled. I downplay it as much as possible. I only go out on the days my symptoms are at their least noticeable. I want very badly to just be normal and blend in.  

I wish people understood that depression and anxiety are often a byproduct of chronic illness. Medical problems can be severely life disrupting and factors such as constant pain, isolation, rejection, and lack of freedom are bound to cause emotional distress. It’s a natural response to a terrible situation that no one should ever have to experience. Regardless of the cause though, mental health challenges shouldn’t be anything shameful and are never the person suffering’s fault. I wish people with chronic illness were free to talk about the emotional impact of living with a health condition or disability without people using that to try to invalidate their pain.

Any other comments or questions. What would like the world to know ?

I spent over ten years being told by doctors that I should give up, or that it was “all in my head”. I couldn’t believe that doctors, the people who were supposed to be on my side fighting for me, would say these things. It was so discouraging, I eventually started wondering if maybe they were right and I really was crazy. After all, how would you know for sure? It left me feeling terrified about my future and I lost hope that I would ever recover. But despite that I kept going, I kept searching, and it saved my life. It turns out the condition I have is just incredibly rare. It was a long and grueling road but I will be eternally grateful that I stuck with it and my advice to anyone experiencing something similar is to KEEP GOING no matter what happens and no matter what anyone says to you. Your life and health are worth it.

Thank you!

Kenzie E.

Types of Therapeutic Diets

Hey everyone and welcome back to my blog today we learning about types of therapeutic diets. 

A therapeutic diet is a meal plan that controls the intake of certain foods or nutrients. Typically prescribed by a physician or planned by a dietician. One of these types of diets are tailored to the needs of each person individually.

Common reasons for therapeutic diets:

+ to maintain /restore/correct nutritional status

+to decrease calories for weight control or gain

+to decrease sodium 

+to provide texture modifications 

+to exclude foods due to allergies or food tolerance 

Common diets 🥗

👉🏽Nutrition modification 

No concentrated sweets diet ; 

a liberalized diet for diabetics when their weight and blood sugar levels are under control 

Diabetic diets; 

these diets control calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat intake in balanced amounts to meet nutritional needs, control weight and blood sugar levels 

No added salt diet; 

a regular diet with no salt 

Low sodium diet; 

also called a 2 gram sodium diet / limit salt and salty foods / used for people who have edema 

Low fat diet and or low cholesterol diet; 

used to reduce fat levels and or treat medical conditions that intervene with how the body uses fat such as diseases of the liver and gallbladder 

High fiber diet; 

prescribed in the prevention or treatment of a number of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases / foods like legumes, vegetables, whole breads and cereals 

Renal diet; for people with renal/kidney ; 

individualized depending if person is on dialysis/ restricts sodium, potassium, fluid and protein; lab work is typically followed closely 

👉🏽Texture modification 

Mechanical soft diet; 

used when problems chewing and swallowing / includes chopped or ground meats, fruits and vegetables 

Purée diet; 

changes the regular diet by puréeing it to a smooth consistency/ used when people have there jaws wired shut / avoid nuts, seeds and raw vegetables 

👉🏽Food allergy or food tolerance 

Food allergy; 

most allergies are due to an abnormal immune response/ common food allergies are milk, eggs and nuts / a gluten free diet would eliminate wheat, rye, and barley it is replaced with corn, potato,and rice producers 

Food tolerance; 

most common food tolerance is milk or sugar ( lactose and tolerance) common soy,toms include nausea, headaches or vomiting

👉🏽Tube feedings 

Liquid tube feedings in place of meals 

Liquid tube feedings in addition to meals 

Description👇🏾

🥤Clear liquid diet; included fluids that are clear 

Examples: juice without pulp, broth, and jello/ Often used for after surgery (oral feeding) 

Should not be used for an extended period of time because it is a very low calorie/ nutrition diet 

🥤Full liquid diet; includes liquids that are creamy 

Examples: ice cream, pudding, thinned cereal, juices, or strained cream soups 

Should not be used for an extended period of time because it is a very low calorie/ nutrition diet 

🥣Additional feedings

Supplements (liquid nutritional shakes , given with meals or between them)

Nourishments ( a snack food or beverage)

Always consult with your do it or trusted physician if you have any concerns before changing your regular diet or taking new supplements.

Herbs In The Garden

Hey everyone, and Happy Herb Sunday on a Monday! In this series you will learn about herbs and how they grow and how you can use them. From shaping to freezing I hope you learn something new everyday.

Today we are learning about herbs and how you can dry them.

Drying is the easiest method of preserving herbs. Simply expose the leaves, flowers or seeds to warm, dry air.

Leave the herbs in a well ventilated area until the moisture evaporates.

Why do you hang herbs upside down?

Hanging upside down allows the essential oils to flow downward from the stems to the leaves.

Herbs with a higher moisture content (basil, tarragon, mint, lemon balm) need to be dried more quickly, so they won’t mold.

Allow seven to ten days to dry, depending on the size of the branches and humidity.

Wondering if they’re completely dry? If the leaves sound like crisp cornflakes when crushed, they’re good to go. You also can air-dry herb seeds like fennel, parsley, caraway and coriander.

How To Oven-Dry Herbs;

Place herb leaves or seeds on a cookie sheet one inch deep or less. Put herbs in an open oven on low heat less than 180 degrees F for 2-4 hours.

To see if the herbs are dry, check if leaves crumble easily.

Can dried herbs expire?

Dried herbs and spices don’t truly expire or “go bad” in the traditional sense. When a spice is said to have gone bad, it simply means that it has lost most of its flavor, potency, and color. Fortunately, consuming a spice that has gone bad is unlikely to make you sick.

Alkalinity Vs. Acidity

Hey everyone, hope you all are doing okay. Today we are going to learning about alkalinity and acidity.As always, please remember I am not a doctor yet! Everything stated here is based on my family and my opinion, training, and research. So please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

Acidity is measured on pH scale, which can range from zero to 14. If the pH is lower than 7, it is acidic and if it is higher than 7, it is alkaline. A pH of seven is neutral.

The skin, stomach, bladder, and vaginal area are highly acidic to protect us from outside invaders. Whereas most of our other organs and cells function best in an alkaline pH. Because many enzymes and chemical reactions in the body work best at a particular pH, a small change in the pH can have a profound effect on body function. The pH level at which your body works best is around 7.4.

Symptoms of acidity include:

Yeast infections/ Fatigue/ Weight gain/ Acne/ Allergies/ Cavities/ Headache/ Coughing Arrhythmia/ Vomiting / Nausea/ Diarrhea/ Bloating

Ways to balance your water

Baking Soda; With a Ph level of 8, it is the most popular. The recommended recipe is 1/8 tablespoon in 8 fluid ounces of boiled water. You can stir or shake until you can longer see the powder. Baking Soda is high in sodium, and the taste is bitter. If you are on a special diet that needs cutting down salt, the benefits may not be worth the risks to try this method.

Lemon Juice; Lemon juice is part of an alkaline diet. The juice, while highly acidic (typically having a pH of 2 or 3), is claimed to produce essential byproducts when metabolized. It was found that lemon juice can increase urine pH. However, science has yet to confirm the real impact this juice has on your blood pH or the claimed alkalinity-related health benefits of this drink. Similar to the baking soda recipe, you can add ⅛ tablespoon of lemon juice in 8 fluid ounces of clean water. You may want to juice the lemons beforehand and store the juice in the fridge for future use.

Ph drops are very popular and are highly concentrated minerals and electrolytes. You only need to add a couple of drops to each glass of water to increase its pH. The liquids usually come in small handy bottles so you can carry them everywhere with you. One single bottle can improve the pH of hundreds of glasses of water. This makes these drops a favored choice compared to lemon juice or Baking Soda.

You can find some here; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJ26CUQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=luna0bc-20&linkId=bcc241f6f256f6dadf53eb510995262e

You can also use a Water filtration system, Water Filter Pitcher, and or Water Ionizer. I also drink coconut water for hydration. It is delicious if you are sick and dehydrated or after a long night out. Something cool to know is Alkaline, and coconut water is perfectly fine for light exercisers to drink after their workout sessions, but these beverages fall short for more hard-core athletes. Another fact is potassium can help lower blood pressure and enhance heart health. Coconut water is a good source of this mineral. But it’s preferable to get it by eating whole foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables, and drinking low-fat milk, because these options provide additional heart-healthy nutrients, such as fiber and vitamin D.

Did you know?

The pH of the food itself does not dictate how it reacts in our body. For example, one might think that fresh lemons and limes and raw organic apple cider vinegar are acidic, but they actually become alkaline when consumed.

PH Balances In Products;

Household Lye- 13.5 to 14.0

Bleach-11 to 13

Ammonia-11.5 to 12.0

Milk of magnesia- 9.3 to 10.0

Borax-8.4 to 10

Baking soda- 8.0

Sea Water-7.4

Blood-7.0

Distilled Water-6.7

Milk-6.2

Corn-6.0

Boric Acid- 4.2

Vinegar- 3

Herbs In The Garden

Invasive Herbs In The Garden

Hey everyone, and Happy Herb Sunday! In this series you will learn about herbs and how they grow and how you can use them. From shaping to freezing I hope you learn something new everyday.

Today we are learning about invasive herbs/ plants. They are able to grow quickly, and can spread to the point of disrupting other plants.

Today we are learning about invasive herbs/ plants. They are able to grow quickly, and can spread to the point of disrupting other plants.

An “invasive species” is defined as a species that is

Non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration;

Examples of Invasive Plants/Herbs

Why are invasive plants successful?

Many invasive plant species produce large quantities of seed.

Many invasive species thrive on disturbed soil.

Invasive plant seeds are often distributed by birds, wind, or unknowingly humans allowing seed to moving great distances.

Some invasives have aggressive root systems that spread long distances from a single plant.

These root systems often grow so densely that they smother the root systems of surrounding vegetation.

Some plant species produce chemicals in their leaves or root systems which inhibit the growth of other plants around them.

What are the impacts of invasive plant species?

Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species, invasives are the main cause of their decline.

Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space.

Overall plant diversity can be decreased

Establishment and spread of invasive species can degrade wildlife habitat

Results in poor quality agriculture lands

Degraded water quality

Increased soil erosion

Invasive Plants In Hawaii

ALBIZIA (FALCATARIA MOLUCCANA)

Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment: 8, High Risk

FALSE KAVA /   FALSE ʻAWA (PIPER AURITUM)

Hawai‘i-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment Score: 15 High Risk. 

HIMALAYAN BLACKBERRY (RUBUS DISCOLOR; SYN:RUBUS ARMENIACUS)

Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment: 24 High Risk

SMOKE BUSH (BUDDLEJA MADAGASCARIENSIS)

Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment: 7 High Risk

Here are a few things that you can do to fight invasive plants and preserve the plant species native to your region: Do not pick the flowers of noxious weeds and take them home.

Drive only on established roads and trails away from weed infested areas.

When using pack animals, carry only feed that is certified weed free.

Remove weed seeds from pack animals.

Don’t pick and transport wild flowers that you can’t identify.

Do not camp or drive in weed infested areas.