Whenever I think of this supplement I think of myself as a warrior going in and fighting those germs that have taken up residence in my body. 💪
This happens, we're human and around others that have germs in them too.
There are so many different thoughts around germ theory and how that actually is for our body, but alas we're not going to go down that road.
Germs, like bacteria and viruses, enter the body through the skin, mouth, or respiratory system, where they can multiply and cause infections. The immune system recognizes these harmful invaders and responds by producing white blood cells and antibodies to attack and destroy them.
Through this defense mechanism, the immune system helps keep the body healthy by neutralizing the germs and preventing illness. In order to support my immune system I love to pop some Inner Defense and help those white blood cells and antibodies do their job 👏 as it strengthens the body’s natural defenses, supports healthy respiratory function, and provides immune support with the powerful combination of essential oils like Oregano, Thyme, and Thieves.
You can absolutely go looking for some more in-depth information around the oils that are present in the Thieves blend (in fact I encourage it as there are so many fun studies that discuss how each can help your body systems. You can do that by clicking here!
Before learning about Inner Defense (or even other supplements that can help your immune system) I thought that Emergen-C thing was a good thing to take, to help my body fight off the germs. However, not the case! In fact, this little packet (that you can find at the gas station, which might be your first clue to quality) has things like Fructose, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid and Malic Acid!
1. **Fructose**: Excessive consumption of fructose, especially from processed foods, can lead to insulin resistance and contribute to the development of fatty liver disease and metabolic disorders.
2. **Maltodextrin**: This highly processed carbohydrate has a high glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of diabetes.
3. **Citric Acid**: While naturally occurring in fruits, synthetic citric acid used in processed foods can sometimes cause digestive discomfort or trigger inflammation in individuals sensitive to it.
4. **Malic Acid**: In large amounts, malic acid, often used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods, may cause digestive issues like stomach irritation or upset, especially for sensitive individuals.
Once that sweet little baby enters your world, everything shifts. Your Friday nights that were once about Netflix or going out look a lot more like cuddles, diapers, and early bedtimes. The clothes you used to rock? They’ve likely been traded for something a bit more... mom-friendly (hello, leggings).
But you know what hasn’t changed for me? My love for food. 🍲
I’ve always had this passion for nourishing my body and finding joy in the kitchen. And now, as a mom, that love has only deepened. I realize more than ever how important it is to fuel my body with nutritious, wholesome foods. After all, I need the energy to keep up with my little guy!
What’s even more special is that I get to share this love for food with him. Cooking together has become one of our favorite activities. Sure, it’s messy, and sometimes things don’t go as planned (I’ve learned that toddlers and flour don’t always mix well). But it’s fun, it’s bonding, and we both enjoy it.
We love trying new recipes, from simple breakfasts to creative snacks, and I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to watch him get excited about food. There’s something magical about teaching your child the importance of nourishing their body—watching them explore new flavors and textures while building memories together in the kitchen.
So, while motherhood has changed nearly everything about my life, my love for food has stayed constant. And now, I get to experience that joy in a new way—through the eyes of my little one. Whether we’re making a homemade smoothie or baking our favorite protein snacks, these moments are some of my favorites.
Motherhood changes you, but it also adds so many beautiful layers. And for me, one of those layers is sharing my love for good food with the little person I love most.
This recipe is one of my new favorites for pancakes - because sometimes you just want pancakes, right?! Or if you're more of a waffle person (to be honest I love them but haven't made them in forever) I suspect you can use this batter for that too! Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A (from beta-carotene) and potassium, which support immune function, vision, and heart health.
Ingredients:
- 2 Sweet Potato (small)
- 4 Egg (whisked)
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tbsps Maple Syrup
Instructions:
- Peel sweet potato and dice into small cubes. Fill a saucepan with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Drop the sweet potato in and steam for 7 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain off the liquid and transfer the steamed sweet potato to a bowl and mash with a fork.
- Measure out about 1/2 cup of mashed sweet potato per serving and add it to a bowl. Add in the eggs and mix well.
- Melt coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, pour pancakes in the skillet, no more than 1/8-1/4 cup of batter at a time. Cook each side about 3-5 minutes or until browned. Divide pancakes onto plates and top with cinnamon and maple syrup. Enjoy!
Sometimes, I forget just how impactful gut health is. But it’s true—your gut is like the control center for your entire body. Digestion, mood, and even your immune system are influenced by the state of your gut. Crazy, right?
The bacteria living in your gut—both the good and the bad—are key players in how your body digests food, absorbs nutrients, and fights off illness. When those good bacteria are thriving, they help keep everything in balance. But when your gut health is off, it can throw everything out of whack. That means anything from bloating and digestive discomfort to fatigue or even getting sick more often.
The good news? Keeping your gut happy and healthy doesn’t require major lifestyle changes. It can be as simple as tweaking your food choices to feed and nourish that healthy bacteria.
Here are a few easy (and delicious) ways to support your gut health:
1. Load Up on Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt are packed with probiotics, which are the good bacteria that help keep your gut in balance. These foods help maintain a healthy environment in your digestive system, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients and fight off harmful bacteria. Plus, they can help improve digestion and reduce bloating—win-win!
2. Add Fiber-Rich Foods to Your Diet
Foods like whole grains, fruits, and veggies are loaded with prebiotics, which are basically the food for those good bacteria in your gut. Fiber acts as fuel to help them thrive, promoting better digestion and overall gut health. Think of fiber-rich foods as the foundation of a happy gut.
3. Incorporate Healthy Fats
Healthy fats from sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts are anti-inflammatory, meaning they can help reduce inflammation in your gut and keep things running smoothly. These fats not only support your gut health but also improve brain function, heart health, and overall mood. It’s truly all connected!
Taking care of your gut doesn’t have to be complicated, and it can make a huge difference in how you feel day-to-day. With a few small, mindful changes to your meals, you’ll be well on your way to supporting a healthier gut and a healthier you.
Here’s to feeling great from the inside out!
Have you ever been listening to a podcast and suddenly, something just clicks? You hear a fact or a story, and it’s like a light bulb goes off. That happened to me a few years ago while I was listening to one of my favorite health podcasts. The host started talking about Propolis, and I was instantly intrigued. I mean, propolis? What the heck is that?
Well, if you’re anything like I was back then, you might be thinking the same thing. So, let’s break it down.
What is Propolis?
Propolis is a substance that bees create using tree sap and other botanical sources. It’s essentially their version of cement, used to seal gaps in their hives and protect against bacteria and fungi. But humans have been using propolis for centuries too, thanks to its medicinal properties.
How Can You Use Propolis?
This versatile bee product can be consumed in several ways. There are propolis supplements for adults, which you can find in capsule form or as a tincture. But my personal favorite is the kid-friendly versions, like propolis lollipops and sprays. These are super handy when you want to sneak some extra immune support into your kids’ routines without them even noticing. If you’re curious about where to start, check out @beekeepers_naturals—they’ve got some fantastic propolis products!
Why Should You Care About Propolis?
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Propolis is a powerhouse when it comes to gut health. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate common symptoms like pain, bloating, and discomfort. If you’ve ever dealt with digestive issues, you know how uncomfortable and disruptive they can be, right? Propolis can be a game-changer.
But it doesn’t stop there. Propolis helps maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in your gut. You might already know that gut health is linked to your overall health, including your immune system. So, when you’re supporting your gut, you’re essentially giving your immune system a little boost too!
Beyond Gut Health
Propolis doesn’t just stop at digestive benefits. It can also help decrease flare-ups related to autoimmune conditions, which is a big deal for anyone managing these issues. The list of benefits goes on, from supporting skin health to acting as a natural antibiotic.
So, whether you're a health enthusiast like me, a busy mama trying to keep your family well, or just someone curious about natural remedies, propolis might just be worth exploring. Next time you’re looking to add a little more nature into your wellness routine, think of the bees. They’ve been looking out for us in more ways than one!
