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Insulin Resistance 101
Insulin is known as a master hormone and is very important to your body’s function. The main job of insulin is to open your cells to receive glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose is the energy your body uses for fuel. Insulin is like a key to open the door and let the energy into the cell.
Insulin Resistance 101 Lisa Purdy ND, MH, CNHP
Insulin is known as a master hormone and is very important to your body’s function. The main job of insulin is to open your cells to receive glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose is the energy your body uses for fuel. Insulin is like a key to open the door and let the energy into the cell. If the glucose is unable to enter the cell effectively, it remains in the blood. This is what we call high blood sugar. The body panics, because it needs that energy in the cell. So, the body makes more insulin to take that sugar from the blood and put it into the cell. However, insulin lingers in the bloodstream for up to 12 hours. This means that sometimes by the time the sugar is actually getting into the resistant cell, the body has made way too much insulin.
Why is extra insulin a problem?
- Insulin causes weight gain. It turns on the storage of fat in the liver. Think of insulin as a “master hormone” and you can’t fix other hormones until insulin is corrected.
- Insulin drives increased triglyceride production. Especially with fructose present in the liver…think high fructose corn syrup, used excessively in our modern food.
- Insulin triggers a condition of narrowing arteries. It increases LDL, bad. or small dense cholesterol which loves to clog up the pipes.
- Insulin raises blood pressure. It stimulates the retention of sodium by the body. Maybe that ankle swelling is really a result of too many carbs/sugars stimulating insulin.
- Insulin makes inflammation worse. It amplifies or stimulates inflammatory hormones, driving an inflammatory cascade into disease…think of all the “-itis” ending diseases.
- Insulin increases free radical formation, which leads to cancer. Antioxidants can help by cleaning up the cells, and stopping the chain of damage.
Along with the above signs of insulin resistance, here are a few more. Skin tags. Yep, a definite sign of insulin resistance. Also, thickening and darkening of the skin around the creases of the neck. Another sign may be a feeling of numbness, burning, or tingling in the lower legs and feet.
Insulin resistance occurs 10-20 years prior to the onset of serious disease. They now call this Pre-diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome. You may want to ignore the signs, but better to take advantage of the opportunity for prevention. It may not be too late to reverse the damage. There are dietary changes and supplements that can support your healing journey. Pharmaceutical drugs are not your only option. Contact me for an appointment to create a Personalized Wellness Plan. Action now, may prevent disease later.
Be Decisive with Flower Remedies
I remember 12 years ago, when I was first setting up the store. I had so many decisions to make: “Which companies to carry? What items from each?” I spent hours pouring over catalogs and websites. Looking at lists of ingredients, trying to choose the best for my customers. It was exciting and fun, but then my brain became overloaded with information
I remember 12 years ago, when I was first setting up the store. I had so many decisions to make: “Which companies to carry? What items from each?” I spent hours pouring over catalogs and websites. Looking at lists of ingredients, trying to choose the best for my customers. It was exciting and fun, but then my brain became overloaded with information. I felt like I was going in circles, “if I decided this, then what about that, and maybe I should choose this way?” Around and around, I was stuck and couldn’t make a decision.
I grabbed my box of flower remedies and looked up the one for making decisions. I took the dropperful directly into the mouth…I wanted quick results! I got it. I felt a warmth from head to toe, then my MIND cleared. Instantly, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Check, check, check, my list was done. I will never forget the power of that flower remedy. If you struggle with making decisions, try it, you won’t be disappointed.
Let’s continue to learn about flower remedies. If you missed article 1, find it on my website: www.healthylife-solutions.com You may also find us on face book and Instagram. Stop by the store to purchase a flower remedy. You will be amazed at how they can change your life.
Scleranthus helps one to set priorities…giving accurate decision-making abilities to know which path to follow, which job to take, which college to attend, which person to marry. It helps balance those who are in a constant state of vacillation, mood swings, happy/sad, laugh/cry, sanity/insanity, unstable and volatile personalities. Improves learning difficulties especially where the mind jumps from one thing to another. Helps with hypoglycemic tendencies, motions sickness, increases balance, helps vertigo. It is for things presenting as one-sided problems: headaches, pain, paralysis, strokes. Often this type will decorate with black and white showing their yin/yang personality.
I make choices and I take chances. I choose one direction toward new possibilities. I trust each decision will help me to grow.
Clematis is for those who are living more in the future than in the present. Also, for those who fall asleep all the time. It stimulates creative writing. It creates a “just do it” attitude for diet, to stop smoking, to complete school or work projects. It is helpful for those who don’t give a care. Physically for numbness or to restore consciousness. Clematis types are sensitive to the pain of others. They are the creative person behind the scenes.
I seek to be fully awake in the present moment. I bring practical focus to my dreams.
Water violet is for those who like to be alone. Quiet, but not shy. Independent, capable, self-reliant, and humble. If one “must” attend a party, the water violet will assist them to at least appear they are having a good time. Stimulates grateful feelings. Eliminates prejudice when feeling superior. It will help when one must be subordinate, such as in the military. It helps to soothe grief and release it: after divorce, death, disappointment, when life’s purpose is thwarted. Also, helpful when working with those who have been abused.
I recognize my Self in the heart mirror of others. I seek connection. My gift is my presence in the world.
Spring Strength Tea
There is a connection between how well you nourish your body and how emotionally strong and healthy you feel. When you treat yourself to nourishing herbal teas that taste amazing and strengthen your body, you naturally….
There is a connection between how well you nourish your body and how emotionally strong and healthy you feel. When you treat yourself to nourishing herbal teas that taste amazing and strengthen your body, you naturally feel more confident. Have a daily cup of tea and create a powerful ritual that encourages vitality and health.
Spring Strength
This tea helps build muscles and bones, tones the female reproductive system, improves mood, and strengthens digestion.
1 cup nettle leaf 1 cup mint
1 cup raspberry leaf ½ cup rose petals
½ cup fennel seeds ½ cup ginger
Hot infusion: Pour 1.5 cups hot water over 1 Tbsp tea. Steep 8-15 minutes.
Cold infusion: Combine 2 cups cold water and 1-2 Tbsp tea in a lidded jar. Shake. Place in refrigerator or a cool place for at least 2 hours. Strain and enjoy.
What Can I Do for a Leaky Gut?
Today’s story is about a lovely young lady who came in and was lingering at the digestion support shelf of products. She turned to me and said, “My chiropractor says that I have a leaky gut. She suggested that I do a program that costs $1400”.
Today’s story is about a lovely young lady who came in and was lingering at the digestion support shelf of products. She turned to me and said, “My chiropractor says that I have a leaky gut. She suggested that I do a program that costs $1400”. I confess that my jaw dropped. Ouch, that is a lot of money! I could see that she was overwhelmed by the price. Alternatively, I showed her that I have excellent products that will help for about $60 a month. The healing process will be slow, so you must be patient. Expect about six months of support, although you may begin to see reduced symptoms immediately.
Symptoms of leaky gut include: diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, cramping, food sensitivities, nausea, fatigue, joint pain, skin problems, autoimmune disorders, mood swings, anxiety, allergies, headaches, brain fog, weight gain or loss, and chronic infections.
Leaky gut is a problem of the intestines becoming permeable or with holes. This allows food or bacteria to get into the bloodstream where it doesn’t belong. These particles irritate the body causing inflammation and activate the immune system causing allergic reactions and autoimmune disease. It is important to have a digestive system that functions properly and is able to absorb the nutrients needed for the body.
I would start with taking digestive enzymes. These work in the stomach to break down the food properly.Digest Harmony is a combination of enzymes that support the breakdown of fats, gluten, sugars, complex carbohydrates and proteins to promote healthy digestion. Take two capsules before meals. Enzymes might be something you need to take long term. Unfortunately, most of the food we eat is cooked and so over-processed that it doesn’t have the natural enzymes needed for digestion anymore.
Next, I would take Leaky Gut Repair, a formula designed to support restoration of the gut lining. This formula contains amino acids, soothing herbs, and supplements that are well-known for supporting the mucosal lining of the intestines. It is really nice to have these ingredients all in one formula. Take two capsules on an empty stomach before bed, or take 4-6 capsules for advanced support.
These two are a great start to repair the function of your digestion! Remember to take them for at least six months to have lasting results.
Are You Ready for Pollen?
Spring is here and with it the wind and pollen in the air. Many suffer with the irritation of stuffy sinuses, runny nose, or itchy eyes. Get ahead of the problem by using this wonderful herbal formula. Ready for Pollencontains:
Are You Ready for Pollen?
Spring is here and with it the wind and pollen in the air. Many suffer with the irritation of stuffy sinuses, runny nose, or itchy eyes. Get ahead of the problem by using this wonderful herbal formula. Ready for Pollencontains:
Stinging Nettle – very nutritious and safe, 1 cup of tea may contain 500mg of calcium! It is also high in magnesium, potassium, silica, and alkalizing chlorophyll. Nettle leaves act as a diuretic, kidney cleanser, and helps eliminate uric acid, relieving gout. Nettles are well-known for their allergy relieving antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.
Eyebright – has a long history of use as an eyewash. It is astringent, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, expectorant, antimicrobial and demulcent. It will tighten tissues and soothe them. It dries up mucus and relieves irritation.
Goldenrod – has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It helps thin and drain mucus while toning the mucosal lining. Fabulous for seasonal allergies and sinus congestion, it works quickly to relieve thick mucus buildup. It also works as a diaphoretic to relieve fevers and as a diuretic kidney tonic.
Reishi mushroom – improves the immune system by challenging it. Mushrooms contain complex starches that your body perceives as a threat, so it sends out an immune response. The mushrooms are harmless, but give the immune system practice, improving its function and thus helping with allergies.
Astragalus – warming and nourishing. Astragalus strengthens the immune system and prevents infection. Considered an adaptogen, it also helps cardiovascular, liver, and kidney function.
Ginger – warming to the body, ginger is well-known for improving digestion and relieving nausea. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, particularly for tense muscles. Ginger has antimicrobial benefits and as a diaphoretic will help break a fever.
Do you have a Fatty Liver?
One out of three people have Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Many don’t even know that they have it. Before 1970 fatty liver came from overconsumption of alcohol, not anymore. Even children have it now.
Do you have a Fatty Liver?
One out of three people have Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Many don’t even know that they have it. Before 1970 fatty liver came from overconsumption of alcohol, not anymore. Even children have it now. Fatty liver has 3 stages: NAFLD – you might not even have symptoms, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis – low grade inflammation and you still might not have symptoms, thirdly Cirrhosis – which results in liver failure, requiring a transplant to survive. The first two stages are reversable, the third is not. Prevention is KEY – I repeat that one of three people have a fatty liver, including children.
What is fatty liver? Have you heard of foie gras? It is a delicious, expensive, delicacy of the fatty liver of a goose. This food goes back to Roman and Egyptian times. Basically, they force feed the goose with figs to achieve a fatty liver. We are doing this to our own bodies.
NAFLD has grown astronomically since 1970. What changed? High fructose corn syrup was introduced into our industrial food supply. We went from consuming very little fructose, in the natural form of fruit, to consuming 60 pounds per person per year! The liver will process a small amount of fructose, but then the liver will turn the excess fructose into alcohol. A byproduct of this action is uric acid, which causes gout. Both ethanol (from alcohol) and fructose are hepatotoxins. They both cause fatty liver and inflammation, and both are addictive. As a culture, we are addicted to fructose…similar to an alcoholic…always wanting more.
There are no pharmacological therapies to prevent or treat this condition. However, doctors are beginning to use imaging to diagnose NAFLD. Prevention is KEY. We must reduce the amount of fructose (and alcohol) that our liver needs to process. One culprit is soda pop – most are 58% fructose, some 65%. Start reading labels and avoid the fructose hidden in everything. Be aware that some drugs can cause inflammation in the liver as well.
The good news is that the liver will heal itself, given the right conditions, and catching it early enough. There are natural supplements to protect, detoxify, and support liver function. Some to mention are berberine, milk thistle, glutathione, and carnitine. I carry a professional supplement called Hepatiben, Fatty Liver Cleanse. This formula has had fantastic results with my clients (and myself as well!) Don’t wait for this silent disease to creep up on you, prevent it now.
Do I Need Probiotics?
What are probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, particularly the intestinal system. Our body is full of bacteria, good and bad. There isn’t one particular probiotic strain that does it all, which is why they are grouped together…
Do I Need Probiotics?
What are probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, particularly the intestinal system. Our body is full of bacteria, good and bad. There isn’t one particular probiotic strain that does it all, which is why they are grouped together in supplements. Probiotics are often provided in a delayed release capsule, coated to survive stomach acid. Because it is live bacteria, it is best not to be exposed to heat. Refrigeration might be recommended, although not always required with today’s technology. I carry several different probiotic formulas, so I thought it might be helpful to describe them to you.
Our main probiotic is a professional brand and contains 51 billion with 14 strains of beneficial bacteria. Helpful for symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or candida yeast infection. This probiotic contains enzymes to break down the cell wall of yeast or bacteria, allowing destruction of the pathogen. We also have a formula with 101 billion, which is designed specifically for respiratory, heart, and gut health. This beneficial probiotic is helpful in reducing inflammation in lungs and blood vessels. I love to use this one after a respiratory illness, to strengthen immunity.
We carry SBO probiotics too – soil-based organisms. Many beneficial spores are in the soil, which is why it is good for children to play in the mud and get dirty. Remember the days of pulling a carrot from the ground and eating it fresh? Now, we are afraid of the toxins sprayed on that soil, but even our dirt used to be healthy! Spore probiotics survive stomach acid and heat, so they are much more stable. We have formulas that have herbs or mushrooms added to focus on different things: mental clarity, immune, or vaginal health. We also have one that works as a cleanse, ridding the body of bad bacteria. This one can reset the whole microbiome! Get rid of the bad bacteria and restart your body into a good balance.
Did you know that skinny people have different gut bacteria than fat people? Really? I want some of that! I recently found a probiotic that helps you to lose weight. I will let you know how well it works for those who try it.
Probiotics are good for children and babies too! We carry chewable ones for kids, and recommend them for earaches or tummy issues. Thrush? Have Mom take probiotics. Then open up a capsule, dip your finger in the powder, and place it on the baby’s tongue each time they nurse.
Do I need probiotics? They are especially needed after taking an antibiotic. Many drugs do affect good bacteria in the gut, including antibiotics and birth control pills. Your good bacteria may also be compromised if you have a stomach bug or experience diarrhea. Probiotics help with various symptoms: skin issues, earaches, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or flatulence. Probiotics also help with immunity and mental outlook. Did you know? Much of your serotonin-the feel good hormone- is made in the gut, by you guessed it…bacteria!
Zen Sleep – Are you having trouble sleeping?
Zen Sleep – Are you having trouble sleeping?
One morning a customer came in asking for our new product, Zen Sleep. He bought every bottle that I had on the shelf! He told me that his wife had purchased a bottle the week before and loved it. She experienced great sleep for the first time in years! She has been a regular customer ever since.
Zen sleep contains magnesium, which relaxes muscles and relieves feelings of anxiety. It has B vitamins and amino acids, l-theanine and GABA, to nourish the nervous system. Zen Sleep also has several calming herbs: chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint, valerian, passion flower, holy basil, and skullcap. These herbs support the nervous system and adrenal glands, providing relief from daily stress, allowing a good night’s sleep.
After seeing how much my customer loved this product, I took a bottle home, and also experienced great sleep. This is now a “go-to” product in my home herbal cupboard! If you are having trouble sleeping, give this new product a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Lisa Purdy ND, MH
Healthy Life Solutions LLC
740.689.1111
Lisa’s Story of the Week - Diarrhea
A couple of weeks ago my daughter called me while at work. She was concerned about my granddaughter who had flu symptoms, both vomiting and diarrhea. She was giving her electrolytes and my grandchild was drinking – lots! So that was good.—
Lisa’s Story of the Week - Diarrhea
A couple of weeks ago my daughter called me while at work. She was concerned about my granddaughter who had flu symptoms, both vomiting and diarrhea. She was giving her electrolytes and my grandchild was drinking – lots! So that was good. The biggest worry with a child is dehydration, so you want to prevent that happening. But at this point, enough was enough, so grandma was called in to help. I grabbed a homeopathic for diarrhea off my store shelf, put a sign on the door that I would be back in 15 minutes, and headed over to drop the natural medicine off. The next day, my daughter texted me that the diarrhea had stopped and my granddaughter was on the road to recovery. Yay!
There have been several customers in with the same bug and it has gone through many members of my family. Oh no, I awoke in the middle of the night with, you guessed it, diarrhea. After several bouts in the bathroom, I also decided enough was enough. It is good to let the body run its course a bit. Diarrhea is one of the ways the body gets rid of pathogens. But after the general cleaning out, I also used the homeopathic medicine. It only took one dose, and the diarrhea stopped. Still felt some slight nausea and rumblings, and I wasn’t hungry. The body just needed rest. I followed up with a special spore probiotic formula, which works to remove pathogens, bacteria or virus, from the gut. I was happy to have caught the infection early and dealt with it quickly, so I wasn’t down as long as it could have been.
I love homeopathy! It works so quickly and it is very safe. If you are interested in being prepared, it is good to have a few basics on hand. A homeopathic for diarrhea is one that I like to keep in the cupboard, ready should the need arise. Stop in and check out the homeopathic remedies that we have available.
Lisa Purdy ND, MH
Healthy Life Solutions
740.689.1111
Give Your Heart Some Love
Need more oxygen? Suffer from angina – heart pains? Arrythmia or palpitations? Clogged arteries? Heart valve problems? What about high blood pressure? Low blood pressure? Cholesterol? Circulation problems? Memory? Insomnia?
Give Your Heart Some Love
I confess, I have a favorite, favorite, favorite herb for the heart! Hawthorn berry.
Need more oxygen? Suffer from angina – heart pains? Arrythmia or palpitations? Clogged arteries? Heart valve problems? What about high blood pressure? Low blood pressure? Cholesterol? Circulation problems? Memory? Insomnia?
Hawthorn is traditionally known as the heart herb in Western herbalism. It has so many benefits as a tonic herb. What is a tonic? An herb that tones, builds, and feeds the body. In this case, particularly the heart and arteries. Studies confirm the use of hawthorn berries to strengthen and normalize the heart.
Much of its benefit comes from its high bioflavonoid content. Rutin and quercetin help dilate and relax the arteries, enhancing blood circulation to the heart muscles. Hawthorn is also high in antioxidants, which strengthen blood vessel walls and decrease oxidative damage.
Cautions? Hawthorn may potentiate or make stronger the effects of some heart drugs, so don’t mix it with hypotensives or beta blockers. Hawthorn just works too well!
Historically, Hawthorn was regarded as sacred, probably from the tradition that it provided the “Crown of Thorns” for Christ. It has widely been used as a barrier hedge plant, with its nasty thorns keeping animals in or out. Hawthorn has also been called, Mayflower, and is the plant associated with the Pilgrim’s ship. The Chinese consider hawthorn to be good for digestion, even using it for stomach and ovarian cancer. There has been speculation about a connection between heart and stomach problems, we even call it “heartburn”.
Hawthorn trees, Crataegus spp., grow well in Ohio and may attain a height of 30 feet. The berries should be harvested when ripe and dark red, then dried in low heat. The flowers are considered by some herbalists to be even more active than the fruits. Flowers should be harvested when 30-40% open and dried in shade, away from light. Store in airtight glass jars, in a cool, dark place. May be made into a tincture or syrup, which is quickly absorbed by the body and is my favorite way to use the herb.
FOCUS YOUR DETOX
Did you know there are many types of cleanses or detox? I like to use herbs to assist my body to rid itself of things it doesn’t need. We are exposed to SO many chemicals, that it is easy for the body to be overwhelmed by them. Next comes disease. Regular detox is proactive prevention! I generally recommend a cleanse twice a year.—
Did you know there are many types of cleanses or detox? I like to use herbs to assist my body to rid itself of things it doesn’t need. We are exposed to SO many chemicals, that it is easy for the body to be overwhelmed by them. Next comes disease. Regular detox is proactive prevention! I generally recommend a cleanse twice a year. Today, I want to share some of the ways you can focus your detox in specific areas. Stop by the shop and I would be happy to assist you to find the cleanse best for you.
Enviro-Detox is a synergistic formula to cleanse and strengthen the organs which detoxify the body. Synergistic? Is often used to describe herbal formulas, it means that the herbs working together are more powerful than each one working alone. The intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin are responsible for filtering and eliminating toxin chemicals and protecting the body from chemical exposure. We are exposed to chemicals every day – beauty products, cleaning supplies, paints, pesticides, food additives, impure water, drugs and more. Enviro-Detox can be taken daily to support these vital organs. Enviro-Detox provides beneficial flora along with these herbs: burdock, cascara sagrada, dandelion, echinacea, fenugreek, ginger, marshmallow, milk thistle, red clover, sarsaparilla, and yellow dock.
Cellular Detox is designed to strengthen the eliminative functions of the colon, kidneys, and liver. It contains herbs that promote gastrointestinal function, improve gut health, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, increase antioxidant activity, and support the immune system. Have you ever thought about cleansing and protecting your cells? Cellular Detox contains: gentian root, Irish moss algae, cascara sagrada bark, fenugreek seeds, slippery elm bark, safflower flowers, black walnut hulls, myrrh gum, yellow dock root, dandelion root, Oregon grape root, catnip, chickweed, parthenium root, uva ursi leaf, and goldenseal root.
Para-Cleanse is a 10-day herbal supplement program to support and cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, while providing a special emphasis on destroying parasites, yeast, fungi, and other unhealthy microbes. None of us want to think about these critters being in our body, but the fact is that we all have them. Our immune system does a great job of getting rid of them, but doing a cleanse can reduce the possibility of them making us sick. Para-Cleanse contains: herbal pumpkin, black walnut, artemisia, and paw paw.
Heavy Metal Detox helps to reduce the adverse effects of heavy metals, as well as aid in their elimination from the body, Contamination of the air, soil, water, and food supply has resulted in 1 out of 4 Americans suffering from some degree of heavy metal poisoning. The heavy metals most frequently encountered are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and nickel. Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity; include fatigue, immune dysfunction, behavior and mood disturbances, musculoskeletal complaints, gastrointestinal and neurological problems, anemia, high blood pressure, kidney and liver dysfunction, and endocrine disorders. Heavy Metal Detox contains: Vitamin B6, cilantro, sodium alginate (brown seaweed), apple pectin, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), Magnesium, l-Methionine, Kelp, and Alpha lipoic acid.
Liver Cleanse Formula focuses on strengthening liver and gallbladder function. The liver is our body’s chemical plant, processing everything we are exposed to, plus hormones and even emotions. Keeping the liver in top shape is a must for well-being. Liver Cleanse Formula contains: angelica, birch, black cohosh, blessed thistle, chamomile, dandelion, gentian, golden rod, horsetail, parsley, red beet, and yellow dock.
10 BACH FLOWER REMEDIES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Flower remedies are a great way to support emotional and mental changes in yourself. They are very safe, with no side effects. Gentle or powerful, depending on what YOU need.
10 BACH FLOWER REMEDIES FOR THE NEW YEAR
CERATO – trust intuition
CLEMATIS – have focus
CRAB APPLE – accept imperfections
GENTIAN – accept setbacks
GORSE – have hope
HONEYSUCKLE – embrace the new
MIMULUS – face your fears
SCLERANTHUS – be decisive
WALNUT – adapt to change
WILD OAT – decide your path
Flower remedies are a great way to support emotional and mental changes in yourself. They are very safe, with no side effects. Gentle or powerful, depending on what YOU need. Flower remedies are easy to take, just add 4 drops to your water, morning and evening. Do you see something above that you need in your life? These remedies can give you the mental and emotional power to accomplish your goals.
Lisa Purdy ND, MH
Healthy Life Solutions
740.689.1111