Autoimmune isn’t a word I really like to use when it comes to describing different conditions. In fact there are so many different thoughts and feelings around the word autoimmune. Some define it as your immune system mistaking parts of your body as foreign and therefore attacking healthy cells by releasing proteins known as autoantibodies.
Others say, not so much. In fact, when we believe our own body is attacking us we not only hinder our healing process, but often feel our body betrayed us and we become the scapegoat for this 'disease'.
When the medical industry cannot seem to figure out what is causing symptoms like fatigue, inflammation, dizziness, aches & pains it gets labeled as an autoimmune condition.
I know that because of my autoimmune (and the fact that I breastfeed too!) my body needs some extra TLC and that's my focus. I take care of myself for my son and I attempt to ignore what anyone else thinks or says and you should do the same!
The #1 concern as someone who has an autoimmune is to take the extra measures needed to take care of you.
Here's three ways I make sure to give my body some TLC:
✨FOOD
If you know anything about me, you know that food is my number one thing I go to when it comes to healing anything or simply feeling better. I truly believe that there is not one particular diet that literally works for everyone, however there are some overall ideas that typically help us all.
✨Oils
I never, ever, ever leave home without them. There are many uses for each one but some of the ones I carry with me for that extra TLC are lavender, believe blend, RC, lemon and white angelica.
✨Water
Hydration is super key for every single person. There is the balance of electrolytes when drinking water (I used LMNT) and you can drink too much water (yup this does happen), but for many people they're not getting enough. The general guideline for most is to take half your body weight, and drink that amount in ounces of water.
PS: these are things we can all benefit from; even if you don't have an autoimmune!
I love having good soup recipes on hand for the cooler months. There's just something cozy about a cool night and a yummy bowl of soup! This is one to add to your arsenal of soup recipes; it's simple and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 2tbsp organic olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2lbs butternut squash, cubed-I’ve found this already cubed some places but usually cheaper to buy it whole🤷♀️
- 3 cups organic veggie broth or homemade bone broth
- 1 cup organic (if ya can) coconut cream
- 1tbsp brown sugar (I’d half this or omit but up to you!)
- 2 drops clove vitality
- 1 drop cinnamon bark vitality
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In your pan, saute onions, garlic, salt and pepper in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and tender.
- Add cubed squash and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, cream and brown sugar and bring to a boil.
- Boil on medium-high heart for 25 minutes or until the squash is fork tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Using a hand mixer, puree until smooth. Stir in the essential oils. Allow oils to infuse into soup for 5-8 minutes and then serve.
Now that the holidays are over and there aren’t as many situations where less than stellar food is shoved in your face-whatcha going to do now? January has traditionally been a start over time of year which doesn’t always make sense as it’s also a time to hunker down and nest during the cold months. However, the pull to reevaluate and make changes is strong and sometimes really helpful! One of my favorite warm, cozy, healthier foods to make in the winter are definitely soups, including ones like this that has many different foods to support your gut health!
So how does this soup support your gut health? Let's break it down!
Zucchini: 🥒
Zucchini is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are important for immune function, vision, heart health, and cell division. Zucchini also has a significant amount of dietary fiber which is important for digestive help in terms of regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and supporting healthy gut microbiota.
Celery:
Celery contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols which can help prevent chronic inflammation in the gut. Celery also contains natural enzymes, including one called phthalide, which may have a mild diuretic effect and can contribute to the overall digestive process by breaking down food more efficiently. And celery also has prebiotics which provides fuel for the probiotic bacteria in our gut.
Garlic:
Its compounds produce good gut bacteria that have positive effects on the digestive tract. People take garlic to assist with indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea, and several other issues
Parsnip:
Parsnips are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate
Parsnips are high in fiber, which can support regularity,
improve your digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and enhance heart
health.
Ingredients:
- 5–6 cups veggie broth (be sure to check the ingredients on these as sometimes they like to sneak in sugar and gluten!)
- 1 box diced tomatoes (sub 1/3 cup cooked diced beet for AIP)
- 2 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup parsnip, chopped
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 3 ribs of celery, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped into halfmoons
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Place a large stock pot on the stove on medium heat and add olive oil
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the onions become translucent
- Add in the parsnips, celery and carrot and sauté until lightly softened for 3-4 minutes
- Pour in the broth and the remainder of the vegetables (reserving the basil and some parsley for topping) and herbs and stir
- Place the lid over the pot and simmer on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Once the veggies are cooked through, add in the spinach and stir until the spinach is wilted
- Allow the soup to cool and top with extra parsley before serving
Adapted from the Paleo Minestrone Soup from Unbound Wellness.
Sleep, something we know is oh so important, but in today's world it seems to be more elusive than ever! The demand of everyday life and adulting seems to be continually growing. But, do you know how important sleep actually is?!
✨Sleep is a time when the body can focus on repairing and rejuvenating itself
✨Sleep is vital for cognitive function (helps the brain process and organize information gathered when you're awake)
✨Adequate sleep is crucial for emotional stability and mental health
✨Lack of sleep is associated with a range of physical health problems
✨Sleep is important for a strong and resilient immune system
AND SO MUCH MORE!
It is important to recognize that the quantity and quality of sleep needed can vary among individuals and across different stages of life. Like right now, I’m in the trenches of having a little guy who needs to eat overnight, so I have to adjust as needed! I try to grab a nap during the day if I can or ask for help if I’m feeling rundown.
While adults typically require 7-9 hours of sleep per night, infants, children, teenagers, and older adults may need different amounts.
Chronic sleep deprivation, which occurs when an individual consistently gets less sleep than their body needs, can have detrimental effects on health and well-being. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize sleep! I know we can get caught up in binge watching a tv show or reading one more chapter of a book, but sleep plays a HUGE role in our overall health.
Establishing healthy sleep habits and prioritizing sleep as an essential part of one's daily routine can lead to improved physical and mental health, increased productivity, and a better overall quality of life.
Sign up to join my community here where I share weekly tips and advice for moms!
There are times when I really love to make my own personal care products and other times when it’s just too much 😜 although when you’re shopping in a store it’s almost impossible to find things that don’t have something toxic in them hence why I either make my own or buy from Young Living.
‼️So let’s avoid the fragrance and chemical filled products in stores this season and whip up your own Christmas body butter! (Clearly I’ve been on a diy kick lately)
It smells just as amazing and is better for your health! 🫶
‼️So let’s avoid the fragrance and chemical filled products in stores this season and whip up your own Christmas body butter! (Clearly I’ve been on a diy kick lately)
It smells just as amazing and is better for your health! 🫶
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
- 10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients, except the essential oils, in a small pot or double boiler.
- Gently melt and stir over medium-low heat until the mixture is liquid.
- Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to partially set up.
- Once the mixture is partially set and opaque, add the essential oils of your choice, and whip with a mixer until the body butter is fluffy and stiff peaks have formed.
Disclaimer: I only use YL for oils, especially when I’m putting these oils on my skin as many other ones literally say on the bottle that they’re unsafe for topical (skin) use
