As someone who has battled an autoimmune disease triggered by chronic stress, I've learned firsthand the crucial link between inflammation and our body's stress response. My journey with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) taught me that managing inflammation is key to overall well-being. Reducing inflammation can significantly lower stress levels and promote healing.
Chronic inflammation and stress often feed each other in a vicious cycle. By addressing inflammation, we can interrupt this pattern and experience numerous benefits:
1. Improved mood and mental health: Inflammation is closely tied to depression and anxiety. Reducing it can uplift your spirits and ease psychological stress.
2. Enhanced sleep quality: Better sleep from lowered inflammation helps your body manage stress more effectively.
3. Increased energy levels: Less inflammation means more vitality to tackle daily challenges.
4. Reduced physical discomfort: Alleviating inflammation-related pain lowers overall stress on your body.
5. Supported gut health: A healthier gut, less affected by inflammation, positively impacts stress management.
6. Enhanced cognitive function: Clearer thinking helps you navigate stressful situations more easily.
7. Improved cardiovascular health: A healthier heart contributes to both physical and mental well-being.
To reduce chronic inflammation and lower stress, consider these strategies that have helped me in my recovery:
- Embrace an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for 30-45 minutes of aerobic activity 4-5 times weekly.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, prayer or Tai Chi.
- Prioritize quality sleep with a consistent schedule.
- Explore anti-inflammatory supplements, some of which may even support healthy platelet function.
- Maintain a healthy weight to minimize inflammation.
Addressing chronic inflammation creates a positive feedback loop, reducing both inflammation and stress over time. By implementing these (and other) lifestyle changes, I've not only stayed in remission but also discovered a more balanced, energetic way of living.
Remember, everyone's path to healing is unique. Listen to your body, and be patient with your progress. Breaking the stress-inflammation cycle is possible, and the rewards are truly life-changing.
Each month, I invite friends and other “wellness warriors” to join me in an anti-inflammatory protocol called “The 11 Day Jumpstart”. It implements many of the strategies listed above. For more information, click below.
As a survivor of Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), I've walked the challenging path of managing this autoimmune disease. Now in remission, I've discovered a powerful ally in my journey to maintain good health: goji berries. If only I had known about these little red powerhouses during my struggle with ITP! Today, I'm sharing the potential benefits of goji berries for those battling this condition.
Goji berries are more than just a tasty snack. They're packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that may help increase platelet count in ITP patients. Here's how:
1. Fighting Inflammation: Goji berries contain anti-inflammatory compounds like betaine. By reducing inflammation, they may help decrease the immune system's attack on platelets.
2. Antioxidant Shield: Rich in vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, goji berries combat oxidative stress. This protection could improve platelet function and survival.
3. Polyphenol Power: Quercetin and rutin in goji berries may regulate platelet function, potentially preventing thrombotic complications.
4. Immune Balancing Act: Compounds like betaine and polysaccharides in goji berries might help modulate the overactive immune response in ITP.
While goji berries show promise, it's crucial to remember that more research is needed to fully understand their effects on ITP. As with any dietary change, moderation is key, and you may want to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you're on medication or have other health conditions.
Incorporating goji berries into my daily routine has been a game-changer for me. They're not just a superfood; they're a symbol of hope and healing. After my ITP got into remission, my immune system was still very unbalanced. Goji berries, along with some other lifestyle changes, continue to help keep me feeling my best.
If you're curious about using goji berries as part of an anti-inflammatory protocol, I invite you to learn more.
Click JUMPSTART to discover how to harness the power of goji berries for your health journey.
Remember, your path to wellness is unique. Let's explore natural solutions together, one berry at a time. FREE CONSULTATION
What if…there are toxins in our environment that are making us sick…or keeping us sick?
What if…those toxins are messing with our immune system and hormones?
What if…those toxins are even able to cause cancer?
What if…those toxins are in products you use every day such as shampoo, shower gel, dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.?
Medical researcher spends millions of dollars each year seeking out cures for diseases.
WHAT IF…. PREVENTION WAS THE CURE??
Here are some sobering statistics:
The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health studied 2,983 ingredients in the products we use in our homes and found:
- 884 toxic ingredients
- 314 ingredients caused biological mutations
- 218 caused reproductive problems
- 146 caused cancerous tumors
- THESE TOXIC INGREDIENTS ARE ALLOWED IN THE U.S. BUT ARE BANNED IN OTHER COUNTRIES!
Some of the top most dangerous products in our homes are:
- Air Fresheners (especially plug-ins, candles, & wax warmers)
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry products (detergent, fabric softeners, dryer sheets0
- Personal care products (Shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, hand soap, etc)
TODAY, WE ARE GOING TO GO HUNTING THROUGH OUR CUPBOARDS FOR 2 INGREDIENTS!
- FRAGRANCE – THE “F” WORD!
U.S. regulations do not require disclosure of any ingredients in a mixture called “fragrance.” A single synthetic fragrance in a product can contain hundreds of chemicals. When I hear the word “fragrance”, my brain hears, “Chemical cocktail of unknown origin.”
These pollutants (fragrances) adversely affect our health by damaging the central nervous system, causing imbalances in our hormone levels, or increasing allergies or respiratory disease. They are hidden in almost everything! Soap, skin care, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant....check the ingredients in your products!
2. SODIUM LAURAL SULFATE / SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (AKA: SLS)
This ingredient is used to make foaming products “sudsy”. It is often found in shampoo, hand soap, dish soap, shower gel, etc. It is linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation, hormone/endocrine disruption.
PRO TIP - BEWARE OF GREENWASHING!
There are MANY companies who pride themselves on being “healthy” or “toxin free”. BUYER BEWARE! I found BOTH fragrance AND SLS in products from Mrs. Meyers, Method, Seventh Generation, and Melaleuca.
YOUR CHALLENGE…IF YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT….(Insert “Mission Impossible” theme song…)
Look in your shower, bathroom cupboards, and kitchen. Look for the “TOP 2” – Fragrance and Sodium Laurel Sulfate. How many products did you find containing these 2 toxins?
Of course, we can take the time to read every label at the store....but it can begin to feel like a full time job! I have an "easy button"! Here is my favorite bundle of "clean" cleaning products!
Last fall, I was diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, aka: Frozen Shoulder. Even with a history of autoimmune disease, this was, by far, the most painful thing I’ve ever been through.
My Physical Therapist informed me that I was in the “age-range” for this to happen. As women approach menopause and hormones shift, we can experience what is known as musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause (MSM). It is characterized by symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate its symptoms. One promising approach is through adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and diet.
Menopause brings about hormonal shifts, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, which can contribute to inflammation in the body. This inflammation may exacerbate existing musculoskeletal issues or even lead to the development of new ones. However, by focusing on reducing inflammation, women can potentially mitigate the discomfort associated with MSM.
One key component of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle is regular exercise. Engaging in activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and improve overall mobility. Exercise also stimulates the production of endorphins, which can act as natural pain relievers and mood enhancers, offering a double benefit. For a period of time, my frozen shoulder was in so much pain, the physical therapy exercises made me feel worse. I found that the gentle movements of Tai Chi were more helpful and I have been practicing them daily for many months.
In addition to physical activity, dietary choices play a crucial role in managing inflammation. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish can help combat inflammation in the body. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support joint health and reduce oxidative stress. Goji berries are the highest antioxidant food. They are also highly anti-inflammatory. I love incorporating them into an anti-inflammatory protocol! Some people actually experience inflammation from gluten and other grains. I recommend trying a short elimination of all grains and assessing how you feel.
Beyond exercise and diet, stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and adequate sleep are essential components of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation, so finding ways to relax and unwind can help mitigate its effects on the body. I love using essential oils such as lavender and frankincense to help manage stress.
WANT MORE INFO? CLICK BELOW!
Even after 18 years in remission from ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura), one thing still blows my mind - the vastly different perspectives of western and eastern medicine on the root cause of this autoimmune disease.
Western doctors claim there is no root cause; that for some unexplained reason, the immune system simply "flips" and starts attacking the platelets. But traditional Chinese medicine sees it completely differently. TCM believes there is NOTHING wrong with the immune system itself. The problem lies with the platelets - they have become "sick" and toxic. So when the immune system destroys these tainted platelets, it is simply doing its job properly!
What could cause platelets to become toxic in the first place? Anything from built-up pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, heavy metals or other contaminants in the body can create this toxic state.
Let that sink in - there may be NOTHING wrong with your immune system! This contradicts everything we've been taught about autoimmune conditions. It calls into question the standard approach of suppressing the immune response and boosting platelet production. If the platelets themselves are compromised, then suppressing immunity won't fix the issue. And producing more tainted platelets won't solve it either.
Eastern medicine believes the path to true healing for ITP lies in restoring the health of the platelets themselves. This involves removing toxins from our environment and bodies, while infusing our cells with proper nutrients and bloodstream purification.
If you're one of the many struggling with the challenges of ITP, and the idea of a holistic, detoxification-focused approach resonates with you, I invite you to book a consultation. Together, we can explore ways to remove toxins from your environment and body through diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies. My goal is not to promise a cure, but to be a guide and support system as you seek to restore balance and create an internal environment where platelet health can thrive naturally. The path to healing begins with simple steps towards greater wellness.
