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Immune Boosting Pina Colada Smoothies

March 31, 2020/2 Comments/in Boosting Energy, Boosting Immune System, Brain Functions, Digestive Health, Elevated Mood, Food Categories, Increased Athletic Performance, Managing Illnesses, Managing Stress, Reduced Aches & Pains, Reduced Inflammation, Weight Management, Youthful Appearance paleo, whole30, nut free, grain free, gluten free, dairy free smoothies /by Stacey Isaacs

These immune boosting pina colada smoothies will take your mind off your worries and send you straight to your memories of the perfect tropical vacation.

I am writing this as I sit here in my apartment practicing social distancing. This is week 2. Or is it week 3? Do you remember the movie Groundhog Day…?

Anyway, one of good things to come out of this forced time at home for me has been that I am really getting into recipe creation — even more than usual. Sometimes I feel like I’m on the show Chopped. What’s in my pantry? What’s in my fridge and freezer? What can I make? It’s actually kind of fun…

Immune boosting recipes have become my regular fix. I’m now seriously addicted to everything immune-boosting. And this is a good thing.

For lots of great information on how to boost your immune system with foods, download my free ebook now.

Okay, back to this recipe for these amazing Immune Boosting Pina Colada Smoothies. These are made with only 6 ingredients. All they are missing are the cute little paper cocktail umbrellas. And, these will amp up your immune system.

Here are the amazing healing ingredients in these Immune Boosting Pina Colada Smoothies:

Pineapple is great for your digestion and it can help stop diarrhea. It’s especially good in the summer because it fights against heatstroke. And, if you haven’t tried drinking pure pineapple juice when you have a cough… you’ve really been missing out because pineapple juice is the best cough suppressant around!

In Eastern medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. I like to use canned coconut cream for these smoothies.

Collagen actually heals tissue, it helps to heal your intestinal/gut lining. Some people who suffer from IBS and other common intestinal issues, have been found to have decreased levels of collagen in their bodies; adding collagen has helped heal these conditions. Collagen strengthens bones and muscles, keeps your joints healthy, improves flexibility and concentration, and helps heal your digestive system. It also keeps you looking youthful. And, as we know, if your gut is healthy, your immune system can be at the top of its game.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Reishi is amazing. It’s a Chinese herb and a mushroom that acts as a superfood. In Chinese medicine, we use it for longevity support and we take it every day in many different forms. The Chinese name for reishi is Ling Zhi. It’s also known as Ganoderma. But, whatever you call it, it is like the rockstar of Chinese herbs. This medicinal mushroom calms the mind, reduces anxiety, relieves restlessness and boosts the immune system.

Oranges will help boost your levels of vitamins A, B and C. In Chinese medicine oranges have been used for many years to help coughs, colds and anorexia. Lately, oranges have been widely touted for their ability to help heal colon cancer. I peel my oranges and lay the rinds in the sun to dry, and save them for tea or for cooking because the orange rinds are an actual Chinese herb. I dry out the peels of oranges, tangerines, clementines… whatever I have. Dried tangerine peel, or “chen pi” as it’s known in Chinese medicine, is one of the greatest and most easily accessible herbs around. It’s especially good for digestive issues like abdominal discomfort, distention, fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea. It’s also great if you have a cough with a heavy or stuffy chest.

Immune Boosting Pina Colada Smoothies

Recipe type: paleo, whole30, nut free, grain free, gluten free, dairy free

Cuisine: smoothies

Author: Stacey@Kitchen Of Youth

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 3

This immune boosting pina colada smoothie will heal you. It will increase your immune system, soothe your digestion, and make you feel like you are in the tropics.

Ingredients

1 fresh pineapple, rind cut off and flesh cut into chunks (no reason to remove the core)
7 oz coconut cream
2 scoops collagen powder
3 Tbs hemp seeds
1 tsp reishi powder
2 mandarins, peeled (or can use oranges, tangerines, or clementines -- but if using small clementines use 3 or 4 or them)
8 large ice cubes

Instructions

Put all ingredients in your blender.
Whiz it up until smooth.
Enjoy!

4 Supplements You Should Bring On Vacation

July 30, 2018/0 Comments/in Blog Post /by Stacey Isaacs

Vacation is a time to reset your whole body. So, leave most of your supplements at home and just bring the few that are great for traveling. Read ahead to learn which 4 supplements you should bring on vacation.

One of the questions I get asked most frequently is: “How do you stay healthy when you travel?”

There are many answers to that question, so I’m breaking all of this great information into several different posts. Today, in this post, I want to talk to you about traveling with your vitamins and supplements.

Don’t take them all with you. Just don’t. No matter how much you think this will keep you on track and keep you healthy, don’t do it. I said don’t take them all. But you should take a few. Read ahead to learn about the 4 supplements you should bring on vacation.

I used to load up my carryon bag with all of my vitamins and supplements and oils and herbs. I really thought I was doing a great thing. But, I was really doing myself a disservice.

Aside from being that person with the huge carryon filled with so many pills and health-related items that I had to carry my book and my water in my other hand, this is not the way to go on vacation.

Life is about balance.

Vacation is about decompressing and just breathing. It’s about getting away from your everyday life. And, it’s about fun.

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I have learned that it’s more important to let loose on vacation and eat and drink the amazing things available to you in your new location, than it is to stick to a strict health regimen.

It’s also good for your health to switch things up sometimes. Taking the same vitamins and supplements every single day for long periods of time isn’t great for you. Your body actually likes change; it actually can thrive on it. So, I like to use my vacations as a means to switch things up in terms of my supplements.

That being said, you don’t want to feel like crap on your vacation, so you absolutely need to keep in mind that if dairy makes you sick at home, dairy will make you sick on vacation. If you are gluten-intolerant at home… same goes on your trip. If there is a supplement you must take everyday or you don’t feel well, then please add this to this list of the 4 supplements you should bring on vacation. It’s okay if you have 5!

There are some supplements I won’t leave home without.

When I speak of the 4 supplements you should bring on vacation, I’m speaking of a vacation that lasts a week or two. If you are traveling for extended periods of time, take whatever you like!

I Speak From Experience

I had horrible digestive issues for the first 30 years of my life. Yes, 30 years! It wasn’t until I was introduced to the world of alternative medicine, that I was able to get my life and my health back under control. I used to have to know where every bathroom was at all times. I was on a ton of medication. I had zero energy and I didn’t sleep. Ugh… wow, do I sound like a big mess…

Well, I was. But all of that led me to where I am now. And I am forever grateful for where I am now!

My passion is helping you heal yourself with food and herbs. It’s truly my calling. When I was studying for my Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine, I knew that all of these amazing tenets of Eastern Medicine could be applied to food and used as everyday healing agents for so many people. I knew that if I combined what I was learning about the properties of food, herbs, and supplements with what I already knew from my chef’s training, it would be life-changing.

And it is. My training in both Eastern and Western medicine, combined with my obsession with food and cooking, has given me a unique skillset that has helped so many people. And I want to help you. Nothing aggravates me more than knowing that these tools exist but that so many of you have not been taught them.

Everyone should know how to heal themselves with food, supplements, and herbs. This should not be a secret.

If you eat the right foods and take the right supplements for your unique body and circumstances, you can heal yourself. All you need is the correct information. And I’m here to give it to you.

Food really is medicine!

If you eat the right foods and herbs for your unique body and circumstances, you can heal yourself. All you need is the correct information. And I’m here to give it to you. So, read on and you’ll find out which 4 supplements you should bring on vacation. And, if you want to learn more about healing whatever your specific concerns are, I’d love to help you create a healthy lifestyle plan specifically for your unique needs, so sign up for a free phone consultation and we can chat about it.

Here Are The 4 Supplements You Should Bring On Vacation

1. Probiotics

I will not go anywhere without my probiotics. And neither should you. I cannot overstate the importance of this. Probiotics help your digestion run smoothly. They put good bacteria into your intestines, help with nutritional absorption, detoxification, and they can help your body fight infection. There are many brands of great probiotics available today, and they are available in stores and online. I take my probiotics first thing every morning with a huge glass of lemon water.

I think almost everyone will benefit from taking probiotics every morning. If you already do this, great. If you don’t, I still recommend bringing them with you and taking them everyday on vacation. They will help your digestive system assimilate to the new experiences you are having in terms of food and drink.

Probiotics come in powder form and in capsules. And there are lots of good ones on the market, but for when I’m traveling, I like to take a sleeve of BioKult probiotics with me — no refrigeration required and they are so easy to take.

2. Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes do exactly what the name suggests — they help you digest your food. They help your body break down large molecules into smaller, more easily digestible bits. In order for your intestinal system to work properly, you have to feed it the right enzymes, because it is these enzymes that break down the food for you.

So, if you have any type of digestive disorder, you can benefit from digestive enzymes. Also, sometimes as we age, we become enzyme deficient, so if you never thought you needed help in this area, you may now benefit from some.

I bring a bottle of digestive enzymes with me when I travel. I take them with every meal, because a little extra digestive help on vacation can be a really good thing!

People ask me all the time what my favorite digestive enzyme is. There are many good ones on the market, but the ones I’m loving right now are called Lyfezyme.

3. Magnesium

Taking a magnesium supplement at night can help with sleep. So, if you are like me and have some trouble sleeping in a hotel bed, this is a great thing to take with you on vacation.

This really works if you are magnesium deficient… and so many people are. If you are already taking a magnesium supplement, you don’t need to take more, just simply take the supplement before bedtime at night instead of some other time during the day. If you are sure you are not magnesium deficient, then there’s no need for you to take magnesium.

There are many different kinds of magnesium supplements on the market. For sleep purposes, my favorite lately is Neuro Mag. I find that it helps promote sleep without effecting the digestive system. Be sure to check with your doctor to find out if there is a better type of magnesium supplement for your needs.

4. Reishi

Reishi is amazing. It’s a Chinese herb and a mushroom that acts as a superfood. In Chinese medicine, we use it for longevity support and we take it every day in many different forms. The Chinese name for reishi is Ling Zhi. It’s also known as Ganoderma. But, whatever you call it, it is like the rockstar of Chinese herbs. This medicinal mushroom calms the mind, reduces anxiety, relieves restlessness and boosts the immune system. Yup, it’s quite the multi-tasking shroom.

Reishi comes in many forms. I use a powdered form in teas and smoothies. There are also elixirs and tinctures available. But, for vacation, I recommend taking a reishi spore oil capsule before bed. Longevity helping, calming, and sleep promoting — all wonderful for vacation!

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Please know that the brands I recommend are ones that I have researched to death and are the ones that I use myself. Everyone is different, so if you prefer a different brand, please follow what is best for you! And, if you are under a doctor’s care, please follow her instructions. If you have any questions, please just reach out in the comments below; I love to hear from you!

5 Natural Ways To Sleep Better That Really Work

July 9, 2018/0 Comments/in Blog Post /by Stacey Isaacs

Everyone is looking to improve their amount and quality of sleep. Here are 5 natural ways to sleep better that really work.

Sleep Is So Important

You can’t be optimally healthy without enough quality sleep. But, you can’t get good quality sleep unless you are healthy. It’s the epitome of a Catch-22. And really, what is more frustrating than not being able to fall asleep or waking in the middle of the night and having a hard time going back to sleep? Not much. But, don’t lose hope. There are many things you can do to help yourself sleep better, which will in turn give you more energy during the day and keep you healthier and feeling awesome.

Yes, I did say that there are many ways to improve your sleep. And there are. But, as with everything else involving food, herbs, and supplements, each person reacts differently to each method, each product, and each ingredient. This article focuses on 5 natural ways to sleep better that really work for almost everyone.

I would love to share all of the other ways with you too, but that’s better for a personalized one-on-one session so I can really delve into what’s going on in your wonderfully unique — albeit tired — body. We can even chat about it in a free phone consultation (I just love meeting all of you this way). So just CLICK HERE and you’ll be taken directly into my calendar where you can fill your name into a time slot that works for you.

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Meanwhile, let’s get to these 5 natural ways to sleep better that really work.

Oh, and the reason I am specifically repeating that these are 5 natural ways to sleep better that really work, is because if you are like me, you’ve already tried a bunch of things that claim to do the trick, but…. ummmmm…. not so much…

Ugh. Sleep deprivation is the pits.

Let’s get this under control now.

Try All 5 Of These Natural Sleep Methods

1. Practice Sensory Deprivation In The Bedroom

Yeah, this sounds all sci-fi and tech-y, but it’s actually the opposite. In order for your body to be able to get into a completely restful sleep, your mind needs to be quieted. Quieting the mind is the hardest thing for many people to do. We spend our days running around, fixing problems, putting out fires, trying to be as productive as possible. And when we take our minds to a high level of thinking and productivity, it’s not possible to just turn them off.

So, what should you do?

First, examine your bedroom. Cover up any and all light sources. Cover the neon numbers on your cable box, the blinking light on anything that’s turned on, and make sure that there are no openings in your curtains or shades. Really, I mean NO light. Then, I want you to take it one step further: go buy a sleep mask. And wear it. Every night.

Next, put your cell phone outside of the bedroom. I know, this is hard for a lot of people, but here’s a way to make it easier: go into the settings on your phone and set the important people you are worried about missing an emergency call from as favorites. Then go into your privacy settings and set it up so that between the hours of 10:00pm and 8:00am, only calls and texts from favorites are allowed to come through. Now, you can turn the volume up on the phone so you can hear it from the bathroom, the hallway, or a nearby room. This should ease your mind so that you won’t be afraid of missing an urgent call.

Now, here’s a harder one, but try it: Get into bed about no more than an hour before you want to actually fall asleep. Don’t turn on the TV. Don’t bring your computer or phone with you. Read a book or a magazine, or meditate. The blue light from electronics activates your brain too much for sleep-prep. The longer you can cut yourself off from electronic screens before bedtime, the better you will sleep. And, just as an aside, you can buy a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses and use them for the latter part of the day when you are looking at a screen… this will help calm your mind also.

2. Take A Magnesium Supplement At Night

3. Drink Dark Cherry Juice

Dark cherries contain melatonin, which helps promote sleep. Sure, you can eat a bowl of cherries during cherry season, but my favorite thing to do is to buy a bottle of organic pure dark cherry juice, and drink an ounce or two before bed. Not only does this help with sleep, but it tastes really good and satisfies those nighttime sweet cravings.

In Chinese medicine, we also know cherries to be a longevity food that promotes general health.

4. Take Reishi Spore Oil At Night

Reishi comes in many forms. I use a powdered form in teas and smoothies. There are also elixirs and tinctures available. But, for sleep, I recommend taking a reishi spore oil capsule before bed.

5. CBD Oil

CBD oil is being touted as the greatest thing since sliced bread. I’m kind of new to it. When clients started asking me my opinion about it, I knew it was time for lots of research and testing on my part. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant and has long been used for various types of pain relief. The main psychoactive compound in cannabis is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — this is not a part of CBD oil; there is no “high” associated with CBD.

So, I researched. And I tested.

And I tested again.

And again. Using myself and others as guinea pigs.

And, I’m here to tell you that CBD oil as a sleep aid is an awesome thing.

When taken in the correct amount, CBD can calm the mind and stop all of those racing thoughts. And if you can do this, you can sleep.

There is really no danger to trying it. I do know one person who didn’t like the way it made him feel, but there are no real side effects and, in almost every case, myself and my test subjects, slept better. A lot better.

You just need to play with the dosage a little bit because CBD oil is a multi-tasking oil. Whenever something is great for a variety of conditions, it will require different dosages to help with the condition you are aiming to help. You wouldn’t take the same amount of CBD for pain relief as you would for sleep. But, there are no hard and fast rules — you kind of have to play around.

The most common best dosage for sleep that I found, in the brand of CBD oil that I chose to use and test, was about a half of a dropper under the tongue before bed. For me, I tend not to have much trouble falling asleep, but I sometimes wake in the middle of the night and have some difficulty falling back asleep. I found that I didn’t need to take the CBD oil before bed, but if I take it when I wake up at 2:00am, it’s easy to fall back to sleep.

Please, if you decide to jump on the CBD bandwagon, look around and do some research because you need to make sure you buy a quality product from a reputable company. I’m happy to share my favorite brand with you — just ask me in the comments below and I’m happy to share.

Be Patient And These Sleep Aids Will Work

I know how hard it is to be patient. Especially if you are sleep deprived. But, like anything that’s worth it, these things take a little time to build up in your body. Some things, like the CBD may have a more immediate effect. Others, like the cherry juice, will have a great effect if you use them consistently every night.

So, be patient.

And, also, remember, I’m here to help. You can ask me a question in the comments below, or you can sign up for a free phone consultation with me. Either way, I’m here for you. Now, go get some rest. And relax.

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These 5 Chinese Herbal Teas Will Heal You

June 11, 2018/7 Comments/in Blog Post /by Stacey Isaacs

Healing yourself naturally is one of the nicest things you can do for your body. These 5 Chinese herbal teas will heal you. So, read on and see which ones you need right now.

Tea Is One Of Nature’s Best Medicines

I never used to be a huge tea drinker. I always thought it tasted like water and I didn’t find it satisfying. Ugh… what was I thinking? It wasn’t until I began practicing Chinese medicine that I fully began to understand the amazing benefits of healing teas.

When you learn to combine different tenets of the various healing modalities available, you can truly heal yourself with food, herbs, supplements… and teas. The combination of principles from western medicine, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Mother Nature allows us access to everything the body needs. But, I know how hard it is to sift through all of this research and all of these ideas. And the last thing you need is more stress… but did you know that tea drinkers actually have less stress?

But, that’s what you have me for…

There are so many teas with so many healing super-powers that it was hard for me to choose my top five. I tried to choose the ones I think will benefit most people and heal some of the most common health concerns. But, if you want more information for some of your more specific concerns, be sure to sign up for a free phone consultation with me and I’ll be happy to suggest a tea more specifically geared toward your needs… I love to do this!

I’m aware that some of these ingredients will be foreign to you. That’s okay. Trying new things is one of the things that keeps our minds and our bodies healthy. Don’t be hesitant to ask me any questions you have or to ask me where to purchase an ingredient you can’t find… just leave a comment below or CLICK HERE for a free phone consultation… can you tell how much I really want you to try these awesome healing teas???

Oh, and if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try one of these Alternative Healing Hot Drinks For Tea Lovers.

Below, you’ll find a list of 5 Chinese herbal teas that will heal you. Really. From the inside out.

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Chinese Herbs Are Incredibly Healing — Which Ones Do You Need Now?

Pick your favorites from below. And then start your own relaxing tea drinking ritual to really heal yourself and relax. Read about How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Hot Tea At Home, and then pick your herbs below.

1. Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua)

The Why: This Chinese herb has traditionally been used for swelling and sore throats, but recently there’s been a lot of talk about it’s chemo-protective abilities.

The How: Take a handful of these dried flours, pour boiling water over them and let steep for about seven minutes. Drink it as is, or you can add honey or lemon.

Optional Combinations: If you are feeling like you are getting sick, steep some dried mint leaves along with the honeysuckle.

2. Jujube Fruit (Da Zao)

The Why: Da Zao is an amazing fruit. Sometimes I eat them straight from the bag… but the healing power created by steeping them in tea is extraordinary. These Chinese dates give you energy, while simultaneously calming your mind. It’s good for when you are feeling weak and lethargic and also when you are feeling really irritable. Caution: don’t use Da Zao if you are exceptionally bloated or have an intestinal parasite.

The How: Using a sharp knife, make a few slits in 2 of the dates. Pour boiling water over them, let stand for 5 minutes, then drink up and eat the fruit when the water is gone.

Optional Combinations: Put a few slices of fresh ginger into your water as it boils (let it boil for 15 minutes), and pour this ginger water over the Da Zao — this can be a great tea if you are feeling weak and a little out of sorts. Another thing I like to do sometimes is to add about a teaspoon of goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) to the dates and let them steep together. This super red tea is great for energy.

3. Chrysanthemum Flower (Ju Hua)

The Why: This is a magical tea for eye problems. If you have tired eyes, a stye, pink-eye, red eyes, etc., this is a tea for you. It’s also great if you are feeling week with low energy.

The How: Boil some water and pour it over 5 or 6 of these beautiful dried flowers. Let steep for about five minutes. If you have an active eye irritation, put a 3 or 4 flowers into a small ramekin and let it sit about 15 minutes. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture, then dab your eye with it. Soak the cotton enough so that you can squeeze some of the liquid into your eye, then close your eye and place the soaked cotton on the closed eyelid for about 10 minutes. Repeat this a few times a day.

Optional Combination: Add some goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) if along with the eye problem you also have a headache or dizziness.

4. Scallion And Ginger (Cong Bai And Sheng Jiang)

The Why: The roots of scallions are a very powerful Chinese herb (Cong Bai). Fresh ginger is another powerful Chinese herb (Sheng Jiang). When you combine these two together in a tea, you have one of the strongest immune-boosting, cold-and-flu-busting potions available. This tea, will make your body sweat out the sickness. This works amazingly well at the first signs of sickness; if you are already a few days into the sickness, then this won’t work as well. Caution: do not use this tea if you have a fever.

The How: Fill a small pot with about three cups of water. Cut up 2 scallions into 2-inch pieces, making sure you use the root (I know, this is usually discarded, but it’s the most important part of this healing tea). Slice up a finger of fresh ginger root — you’ll need about 6 quarter-size slices (no need to peel it). Add these cut up scallions and ginger to the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain into a large mug and drink it while it’s hot. It’s best to do this right before bed at night. Drink the tea, put on some warm clothing, including a sweatshirt with a hood and a pair of socks. Then get into bed and let the tea work it’s magic. You will sweat; this is good. In the morning, take a shower to wash off all of the toxins, and you will feel so much better.

5. Reishi/Ganoderma (Ling Zhi)

The Why: Reishi mushrooms are a longevity superfood. They truly are incredible. They are good for sleep disorders, they help calm the mind, boost your immune system, and nourish your blood and qi. These mushrooms nourish your brain and help with memory. Recent research has show them to be effective at fighting cancer and at detoxifying your liver… so what are you waiting for?

The How: These mushrooms are available in many different forms — capsules, tablets, powders, and teas. Have a cup of tea before bed and it will do you wonders. I suggest buying this in one of the now readily available powder elixir forms on line. All you do is pour some boiling water into a cup, stir in the elixir powder, and drink it up. This is also good first thing in the morning. Sometimes I’ll brew a cup and then blend it up with a little coconut oil and ghee for a real boost of energy.

Chinese herbs are amazing. They are truly healing. And, if you combine them with the right food and supplements, you really have a powerful healing protocol. One of my favorite things to do is to introduce newbies to Chinese herbs because they help so much with so many things. If you’d like a free phone consultation, please go to my calendar now and pick a time slot that works for you. We can discuss herbs and food that will help whatever your concerns are. It’s only food — it’s not rocket science — together we can help you live your best life.

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

Another article you may be interested in is: How To Fight Seasonal Allergies With Food And Herbs.