Recipes! – Celery Juice!

I got inspired after the live coaching session that Abby & I held the other night for a group of eczema sufferers to get back on that celery juice routine! Abby reminded me about the benefits of drinking it and I started to remember how much I liked doing it every AM and how good my skin felt! I highly recommend adding this to your diet, I’m going to be more consistent with it from now on. Make sure you use organic celery, and you can use the Omega vsj843r slow masticating juicer, which you can find HERE. Making celery juice is super easy and healing for the body, inside and out! This is a Medical Medium practice, make sure to check out his site! http://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/celery-juice 

Here’s info about all the benefits of drinking this juice:

  • Fresh celery juice is one of the most powerful and healing juices one can drink. Just 16 oz of fresh celery juice every morning on an empty stomach can transform your health and digestion in as little as one week.
  • Celery juice also has significant anti-inflammatory properties making it highly beneficial for those who suffer from autoimmune conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Migraines, Vertigo, IBS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Eczema, Acne, Lupus, Guillain-Barre, Sarcoidosis, Raynaud’s, Meniere’s, GERD, Bursitis, Restless Leg Syndrome, and Gout.
  • Celery juice is also strongly alkaline and helps to prevent and counteract acid reflux, acidosis, high blood pressure, joint pain, ringing in ears, tingles & numbness, hot flashes, blurry eyes, headaches, heart palpitations, edema, heartburn, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, sleep issues, constipation, and bloating. It also helps to purify the bloodstream, aid in digestion, relax the nerves, reduce blood pressure, and clear up skin problems. Celery contains compounds called coumarins which are known to enhance the activity of certain white blood cells and support the vascular system.
  • Celery juice is rich in organic sodium content and has the ability to dislodge calcium deposits from the joints and hold them in solution until they can be eliminated safely from the kidneys. It is also an effective natural diuretic and has ample ability to flush toxins out of the body which makes it excellent to use on any weight loss program.

METHOD:

Using a juicer, simply just press the freshly washed celery through the juicer and enjoy!

*Make sure to drink once you juice or blend it, you don’t want to really let it sit, but if you do want to store it put it in an airtight glass container like a mason jar.
*Another great tip is to make a chewing motion as you’re drinking it. Whenever you are drinking a blended fruit or veggie juice you want to do this as it signals to the digestive tract that food is coming and to prepare to digest. It also stimulates the enzymes in the mouth to help break down the drink.

Hannah’s Healing Testimony!

June 2017 – Look at how beautiful Hannah’s skin looks!

I would like to share with you all a new series I will be doing on this website. It’s going to be featuring testimonials of eczema warriors who have battled through the healing process and are doing so great with their skin and overall health! This series is a celebration of their hard work and dedication to their healing journey. Each testimonial will share photos, their detailed healing experience, info about their vegan journey and encouragement for those out there still suffering. With each journey, I want to empasize how important nutrition is in this process. If you aren’t a stranger to my blog, you will know that it is something I’m super passionate about stressing as a huge component to healing. I hope you guys enjoy all of the testimonials to come! Starting off the series is a friend that I met through the facebook topical steroid withdrawal support group. Her name is Hannah, and she is an amazing, kind soul. I was so inspired by her story of strength and faith in God to get her through this process, I just had to ask her to share her story on my site! I hope you all can find encouragement through her struggle and be inspired by the way that she has taken control of her health! 

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Pineapples!


🍍🍍🍍Get some pineapples in your life!🍍🍍🍍

Pineapples are great for skin health because they are the richest source in the world of the proteolytic enzyme, bromelain which is great for the digestion. Bromelain helps to break down proteins into peptides and amino acids. It can ease the whole digestive process and aids in the symptoms of acid reflux. We need our digestive tracts to be working efficiently for good gut health. The bromelain also acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling agent. Bromelain has been found to speed healing, and the anti-inflammatory benefits in it are similar to OTC meds like aspirin and ibuprofen.

More about the processes of digestive enzymes and also in supplement form HERE!

Additionally when applied topically, the benefits of pineapple include its ability to help in healing cuts, burns, insect bites and to help dissipate bruising and other skin problems.

Another cool fact is that It can also help soothe and relax tense, inflamed muscles and connective tissue; this is why it is commonly used as a meat tenderizer.

Pineapples are super rich in Vitamin C (just 1 cup gives you 131% of your daily value!), Vitamin B1, potassium, manganese, fiber and antioxidants. The abundance of Vitamin C in pineapples can help reduce the itch in eczema as it is an anti histamine rich food. One of the main causes of increased histamine levels in the body is a vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C has an effect on histamine in your system, and your body’s vitamin C levels also regulate your level of histamine release. Adequate vitamin C consumption maintains relatively low levels of histamine in your system, while a vitamin C deficiency can raise your body’s levels of histamine, according to a study published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition” in 1996. The abnormal histamine levels as a result of vitamin C deficiency can have an effect on your overall health. SOURCE  SOURCE

Make sure to allow your pineapple to ripen fully, when it smells fragrant, is becoming a nice golden colour overall and the leaves are becoming dry…to where they are coming off without having to pull them out too hard they are ready to eat!

😋🍍

8.27.17 <3 Five Years & Five Months TS Free!

 

AUGUST 16 2017

Today, August 27th 2017 is my 32nd birthday! I seriously can’t believe sometimes that I’m in my 3os AHHHHHH! Although getting older can be daunting at times, I’m so very thankful for reaching another year, stronger, healthier and wiser than the last. I’m always in awe of all that I’ve been through with my health and how I’m still here…even after many times of, well honestly wanting to not be here. It’s sad to talk about but at my lowest of lowest moments I had a lot of mental & emotional turmoil within, where I didn’t want to live to only see the next day struggling in my body again. I give thanks to God that He gave me the strength to keep pushing, to KNOW that things won’t always be this way, that in time it will get better, and my body WILL heal.

“This too shall pass.”

Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

At this moment as I type this I’m not in an agonizing pain with an intense itch. I only have some irritation around my mouth (little cuts that are oh so stubborn to heal up already) that can be painful at times and tight to where it’s hard to open my mouth. I’m not complaining though because it was only two years ago on my birthday I remember being stuck in the house with oozy achy feet. My bestie who lived with me at the time was so sweet and brought home vegan cupcakes and balloons for me, and another bestie of mine came to visit with gifts as well! I do wish I was back in New York with my friends, partying it up this past weekend, maybe going to a concert and out to dinner…but I’m thankful that I’m here, alive, breathing, in good health that will only continue to get better and better!

I give thanks that I have the strength to take care of my mom who had 3 spinal surgeries last year and is recovering with the use of a walker and a wheelchair. It can be hard to see her struggle with numb & weak legs and feet, but her positive attitude and resilience shows me that no matter how hard it gets never give up, and continue to have faith and hope! Through my struggles and experience I can assure her that healing does indeed take time, and that the patience that I had to learn through my healing process is the same virtue that she must adopt (she can be like me at times and want it to hurry up and end already lol). I give thanks that the mother who gave birth to me 32 years ago and who has been there with me through it all can now lean on me as I help to take care of her. I know that my future birthdays will be bright with even better health, great experiences and adventures!

As I reflect on this past year, my heart is full of gratitude for the ups and even the downs as it strengthened me, for those who helped in anyway possible as it showed me that there are kind people out there willing to lend a hand and to not always feel like I have it under control, that I can be vulnerable and ask for help. I have gratitude for my environment, for the healing sun rays that I’ve definitely taken advantage of this year and the healing plant based foods that I’ve been able to get living here in Florida. I have gratitude for my body, for healing so nicely and never letting me down…even in the days when I would look down at my skin and scream at it, wondering why it’s flaring again…why is this my body…then of course I’d lovingly take back those words and speak life into myself, close my eyes and pray over my body and envision only clear healthy skin. I give thanks for my family, friends and all of those whom I’ve met through this website, instagram and facebook support groups, always giving me encouraging words and giving me blessings and thanks for the work that I do just helping them out on their healing journey. I’m so thankful for another birthday, and I look forward to all of the amazing things that are ahead of me! ❤

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My Mottos

From my Instagram (@eczema.holistic.healing) just wanted to share 💖…

It’s important to have the right mindset when healing from eczema. There are many up and down days and frustrating hurdles that one will have to overcome. It’s so key to have the right perspective and always TRUST in your body as it is so capable at self healing. This tests your patience, your faith and your strength…mentally, emotionally & physically. Envisioning yourself healed keeps your hope and faith strong. You must realize that this isn’t a curse, but a chance to really take the time to focus on what’s wrong internally and take care of our bodies with proper nutrition, rest, natural healing remedies, self love & affirmations. These mottos have got me through the worst times, and continue to keep me going when I have a setback. Stay strong #eczemawarriors 💪 YOU GOT THIS! #eczemaholistichealing

What the Health Documentary 

Make sure to add this film to your Netflix queue! The illnesses that plague us today do not have to be a death sentence, we can prevent and even REVERSE disease with a simple change in the way we eat. We don’t have to be a slave to medicine when we can let the food be our medicine. I think we all need to be aware how the gov, FDA and big pharma are all tangled up with their own agenda to keep us sick, we can choose to live consciously, ensure life long health, help the environment, animals and our communities with our forks! Please take the time to watch this documentary and make sure to share with others!

More plant based blog posts HERE

HEALTH IS WEALTH!

Brazil Nuts!


Get some Brazil nuts into your diet! ​These nuts are the highest source of the mineral selenium (542 mcg, 774% daily recommended value in just one ounce!!). Selenium in Brazil nuts speeds the cell turnover process, providing a natural glow to the skin​ & helps with inflammation​.​ Selenium is also a great mood lifter which will help battle depression allowing it to boost the levels of serotonin metabolites. The high levels of antioxidants in Brazil nuts stimulate the production of glutathione, which combats free radicals that damage the skin collagen​ ​and ​helps to prevent skin cancer. The Vitamin E in Brazil nuts also maintains the integrity of the cells of the mucus membranes and the skin​​.

Brazil nuts also contain copper, a mineral that aids in the production of melanin​ ​(a color pigment that protects the body from the harmful ultraviolet rays).​​ ​​I like to consume about 2 raw Brazil nuts everyday along with other nuts and seeds like walnuts, sunflower, chia, pumpkin & flax! Brazil nuts have a propensity to spoil quickly so buy them in reasonable amounts. Look for Brazil nuts that are stored in airtight containers, whole and brown and heavy in the hand. Don’t pick any that are shriveled or in pieces, as they could be already spoiled or contaminated with mold. It’s best to store Brazil nuts airtight in a cool, dark, dry place without exposure to humidity or sunlight.​ ​You can also store whole Brazil nuts in an airtight bag in the refrigerator, where they can last for a few months.

 A one-ounce (six kernels) serving of dried, unblanched Brazil nuts contains about:

  • 185 calories
  • 3.5 grams carbohydrates
  • 4 grams protein
  • 18.8 grams fat
  • 2.1 grams fiber
  • 542 micrograms selenium (774% DV)
  • 106 milligrams magnesium (27% DV)
  • 0.5 milligram copper (25 percent DV)
  • 205 milligrams phosphorous (20% DV)
  • 0.3 milligram manganese (17% DV)
  • 0.2 milligram thiamine (12% DV)
  • 1.6 milligrams vitamin E (8% DV)
  • 1.1 milligrams zinc (8% DV)
  • 45.2 milligrams calcium (5% DV)
  • 186 milligrams potassium (5% DV)
  • 0.7 milligram iron (4% DV)

Check out more info on Brazil Nuts HERE & HERE (Brazil nuts effect on cholesterol)

Watermelon!!!

 
WHY DO I LIKE TO START MY DAY WITH WATERMELONS??? 🍉🍉🍉

Well because it’s not only super sweet, refreshing and delish, but super hydrating as it’s about 92% water! It is also soaked with nutrients! Did you know that each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and amino acids?? There’s even a modest amount of potassium! You can even eat the rind as it has health-promoting and blood-building chlorophyll, but the rind actually contains more of the amino acid citrulline than the pink flesh. Black watermelon seeds are edible and actually quite healthy as well because they contain iron, zinc, protein, and fiber. (In case you were wondering, seedless watermelons aren’t genetically modified, as they’re the result of hybridization.) I have watermelon for breakfast after I’ve had some water first thing upon waking and my warm turmeric tea. Watermelon is the easiest food to digest, and we need to ease the body into digestion upon waking because it has been fasting for 8 hours. This hydrating fruit is like bathing our organs first thing and giving it great fiber as well to get things moving along. It’s packed with electrolytes too, so perfect to enjoy after a workout! I like to also blend it with a nice 2″x 2″ square of fresh aloe gel and a squeeze of half a lime for a refreshing juice! Get some watermelons in your life!!! Your skin will feel more hydrated, your digestion will work better and you’ll be supplying your body with awesome nutrients! 🍉🍉🍉

Check out my Instagram account: eczema.holistic.healing

“Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen”

Here’s a great shopping guide to take with you to the grocery store! The Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org is a wonderful resource on the most pesticide laden AKA “dirty dozen” produce, and the conventional produce that isn’t sprayed with pesticides as much AKA “clean fifteen”. There is an exception with the “clean fifteen” papayas, summer squash and corn can be GMO so make sure to get non GMO varieties of these (and stay away from GMO foods all together). When healing from eczema you want to incorporate A LOT of fruits & veggies into your diet, and it’s best to get them organically grown when possible to ensure that you’re not putting toxins back in your body after working so hard to cleanse them out 👍

Recipe! – Very Berry Smoothie Bowl

4 frozen bananas, 1.5 cup of frozen raspberries, strawberries & blackberries blended with 1/2 water 1/2 almond milk & a spoon of each hemp, flax, chia & 1/4tsp turmeric paste. Topped with blueberries. Packed with antioxidants for healthy glowing skin!

Method:

I like to add the hemp, flax, chia and turmeric paste into the blender first, then the berries and bananas then the liquids and blend! I found that putting the seeds first helps to get them really blended up, and not all over the top and sides of the blender. I use a Vitamix blender so it’s high powered and really blends the seeds into oblivion!

  • Hemp, chia and flax (I use grounded flax seeds) are packed with healthy whole food fats like omegas! Here’s some more info comparing the 3.
  • Raspberries – Potent in Vit C, potassium, calcium, lutein and zeaxanthin. They contain antioxidant carotinoids, ellagic acid and quercetin (quercetin is a natural antihistamine). Researchers believe that anthocyanins — the water-soluble plant pigments that give the berry its vivid color — are responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Strawberries – In addition to antioxidants, they are potent in folate, potassium, manganese,dietary fiber, and magnesium. It is also extremely high in vitamin C!
  • Blackberries – Loaded with vitamin C & A, soluble and insoluble fiber and low in sodium. They also offer the highest levels of some antioxidants – higher than blueberries and strawberries too. The very dark color of the fruit is proof of its high antioxidant level.
  • Bananas – High in potassium, full of iron and bananas act as a prebiotic (stimulates the growth of gut friendly bacteria), produces digestive enzymes to help absorb nutrients easier and gently chelates toxins and heavy metals from the body, due to its high pectin content. They also contain tryptophan (an amino acid), which is converted into serotonin… the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter which can aid in overcoming depression. No wonder why I’m always so happy when I have my daily morning smoothie! 🙂
Why are antioxidants so important?
Well, your skin is your largest organ, so it is important to take care of it with antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants protect the skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells.
The human body naturally produces free radicals and the antioxidants to counteract their damaging effects. However, in most cases, free radicals far outnumber the naturally occurring antioxidants. In order to maintain the balance, a continual supply of external sources of antioxidants is necessary in order to obtain the maximum benefits of antioxidants. Antioxidants benefit the body by neutralizing and removing the free radicals from the bloodstream.

External Factors of Oxidative Stress

Free radicals occur naturally within the body, and for the most part, the body’s natural antioxidants can manage their detoxification. But, there are certain external factors that can trigger the production of these damaging free radicals. These factors include:

• Excessive exposure to UV rays
• Pollution
• Smoking
• Eating an unhealthy diet
• Excessive exercise
• Certain medications and/or treatments

Here’s a helpful list of top antioxidant rich foods. Make sure that you incorporate these into your diet in abundance!

Did you know that Blueberries are little anti inflammatory powerhouses? Quercetin is a flavonoid that fights inflammation and even cancer and it’s found in blueberries along with many other phytonutrients. In just one cup of blueberries you will have the DV (daily values) of 36% Vitamin K, 25% Manganese, 25% Vitamin C, 14% Fiber, and 9% Copper.

They are also phytonutrient superstars because they contain significant amounts of anthocyanadins, antioxidant compounds that give blue, purple and red colors to fruits and vegetables.