Here’s your monthly dose of Janine’s top 3 HealthBOOST tips.
Each month, we share the top 3 things Janine is thinking about in the world of health, wellness and becoming your best self — her top-of-mind musings to boost your health. Topics run the full spectrum, so stay tuned each month to get her thoughts on the latest research and keys to great health. It’s free just for subscribing to Nature’s Balance. Sign up now.
This month, we talk travel, sourcing pasture-raised meat, and the importance of protein. Read on!
I just returned from a trip to Scottsdale learning more about facial acupuncture, facial cupping and gua sha. Whenever I’m traveling, I know I need to take ultra-care of myself, especially so when I fly. In addition to the increased exposure to germs, there is the time zone change that negatively impacts sleep and normal biorhythms. Couple that with changes in what you eat, when you sleep and how much exercise you get, and you’ve got a recipe for compromised immune function.
In order to proactively address these issues, I always take a few things with me when I travel:
It’s just not worth compromising your health buying commercial meat at the store. Why not get the biggest bang for your nutritional buck WHILE supporting local family farms? In my locale, Vintage Meadows offers patrons a way to buy organically-farmed, pasture-based 100% grass-fed/grass-finished beef and pastured, non-gmo, sprout-fed pork online. Each farm they work with is committed to strict environmental and organic practices at prices that are reasonable. If you’re concerned about your food quality or looking for an alternative to the industrial/factory-raised food model, but can’t bring yourself to paying Whole Foods prices, I invite you to explore options like local co-ops, herd shares, CSAs (Community Supported Agricultural programs), and getting to know your local farmers. Your budget and your health will thank you. You can learn more about the Vintage Meadows herd share program and online ordering here.
Let’s talk PROTEIN. Protein is key. The average person needs at least 100 grams of protein per day (depending on body size, goal and activity level), and each portion of protein is actually dedicated to a different role in the body. According to Charles Poliquin, a world-renowned athletic coach, the first 30 grams (4 oz of chicken for example) go toward supporting the second phase of your liver’s detoxification needs. So when you injest toxins (through what you breath, slather on your skin, eat or drink), it goes thru a multi-stage process in the liver before it is eliminated. Each stage requires various vitamins, minerals and (you guessed it!) protein. If you don’t have the protein stores needed, the toxin is not eliminated and remains in the body. Toxins are stored in fat, so obviously we don’t want them to hang out there….
The next 30 grams of protein consumed go toward your immune system. Think of the current flu outbreak. Perhaps if people got enough protein, there would not be as many cases.
Finally, the last 40 grams of protein go toward building muscle in your body. More muscle means a leaner, trimmer physique which is probably what you are shooting for.
So what can you do to start visually gauging your protein needs more accurately? I’ve started to track my protein intake daily using the MyFitnessPal app. It’s free and allows you see exactly how your macronutrient ratios (% protein, fat and carbs) break down. I highly recommend logging what you eat for a week and then taking a look. You might be surprised at what you see.
There you have it. 3 tips to get your brain thinking about health & wellness this month. Questions? Feel free to give our office a call ~ 815-788-8383. Sign up for more from Nature’s Balance.
#1: The super health secrets of the ‘frequent flyer’
I just returned from a trip to Scottsdale learning more about facial acupuncture, facial cupping and gua sha. Whenever I’m traveling, I know I need to take ultra-care of myself, especially so when I fly. In addition to the increased exposure to germs, there is the time zone change that negatively impacts sleep and normal biorhythms. Couple that with changes in what you eat, when you sleep and how much exercise you get, and you’ve got a recipe for compromised immune function.
In order to proactively address these issues, I always take a few things with me when I travel:
- Glutathione is the body’s master anti-oxidant, and I take it as soon as I arrive at my destination and daily while I’m gone. My favorite? LivOn Labs Lypo-Spheric™ Glutathione. It helps:
- Protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals*
- Support a healthy immune system*
- Promote optimal cellular health*
- Support a healthy liver*
- Support optimal overall health*
- Support Paleo, Zone and Vegan Diets
- Bee Propolis Trio by Natura Nectar. Propolis kills bacteria. One study investigated the anti-bacterial capabilities of bee propolis in the mouth and more specifically with regards to root canals. The researchers compared propolis with calcium hydroxide, another effective anti-microbial, and found that it is significantly more powerful at eliminating certain germs than calcium is. Propolis has traditionally been used to kill colds and the flu, and this study clearly shows how its powerful bacteria-killing properties work throughout the body.
- Lastly, I never leave home with my Four Sigmatic Mushroom Elixirs. The one I usually take with me is the Mushroom Hot Cacao with Reishi. This is a dual extracted reishi, which means you are getting all the medicinal value from the mushroom. Reishi is the world’s most studied mushroom, and has been shown to help support sleep and occasional stress. Reishi is also known as the “mushroom of immortality,” “mushroom of spiritual potency,” and “ruler of herbs.” Reishi is nature’s ultimate anti-stress tonic, and great for travelers. Reishi can balance an overactive hormonal system and improve sleep quality. Cinnamon and cardamom in the blend balance blood-sugar levels, aid in digestion, and kill sweet cravings, while Cacao is an effective mood enhancer, antioxidant source, and comfort food. It’s the perfect evening treat!
#2: Sourcing clean, pasture-raised food for your family
It’s just not worth compromising your health buying commercial meat at the store. Why not get the biggest bang for your nutritional buck WHILE supporting local family farms? In my locale, Vintage Meadows offers patrons a way to buy organically-farmed, pasture-based 100% grass-fed/grass-finished beef and pastured, non-gmo, sprout-fed pork online. Each farm they work with is committed to strict environmental and organic practices at prices that are reasonable. If you’re concerned about your food quality or looking for an alternative to the industrial/factory-raised food model, but can’t bring yourself to paying Whole Foods prices, I invite you to explore options like local co-ops, herd shares, CSAs (Community Supported Agricultural programs), and getting to know your local farmers. Your budget and your health will thank you. You can learn more about the Vintage Meadows herd share program and online ordering here.
#3: What does protein actually DO for us, anyway?
Let’s talk PROTEIN. Protein is key. The average person needs at least 100 grams of protein per day (depending on body size, goal and activity level), and each portion of protein is actually dedicated to a different role in the body. According to Charles Poliquin, a world-renowned athletic coach, the first 30 grams (4 oz of chicken for example) go toward supporting the second phase of your liver’s detoxification needs. So when you injest toxins (through what you breath, slather on your skin, eat or drink), it goes thru a multi-stage process in the liver before it is eliminated. Each stage requires various vitamins, minerals and (you guessed it!) protein. If you don’t have the protein stores needed, the toxin is not eliminated and remains in the body. Toxins are stored in fat, so obviously we don’t want them to hang out there….
The next 30 grams of protein consumed go toward your immune system. Think of the current flu outbreak. Perhaps if people got enough protein, there would not be as many cases.
Finally, the last 40 grams of protein go toward building muscle in your body. More muscle means a leaner, trimmer physique which is probably what you are shooting for.
So what can you do to start visually gauging your protein needs more accurately? I’ve started to track my protein intake daily using the MyFitnessPal app. It’s free and allows you see exactly how your macronutrient ratios (% protein, fat and carbs) break down. I highly recommend logging what you eat for a week and then taking a look. You might be surprised at what you see.
There you have it. 3 tips to get your brain thinking about health & wellness this month. Questions? Feel free to give our office a call ~ 815-788-8383. Sign up for more from Nature’s Balance.