Selenium – Essential for Thyroid Balance

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Selenium – Essential for Thyroid Balance

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Selenium is a mineral that has antioxidant properties and may help protect cells from damage. Selenium is a mineral found in the soil, however some regions have a very low levels of selenium in their soil, including the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.

Reduces Inflammation
Several research studies have demonstrated the benefits of selenium supplementation in treating autoimmune thyroid conditions. One study found that selenium supplementation had a significant impact on inflammatory activity in thyroid-specific autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s). Reducing inflammation may limit damage to thyroid tissue.

Lowers TPO Thyroid Antibodies
Another study found that selenium supplementation reduced thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels in the blood, even in patients with sufficient selenium levels. The positive effect was seen with a dose of 200 mcg. The 100 mcg dose did not have a significant effect.
Although it’s near impossible to know the level of selenium in the foods you are eating due to variations in the soil in may have grown in, it is still recommended to try to get your selenium from food sources.

Slashes Cancer Risk Significantly
In one study (JAMA, 1996), aging individuals supplementing with 200 mcg per day of selenium saw their risk of dying from all cancers slashed by 50%. Selenium insufficiencies are now known to increase risk of cancers of the bladder, lung, stomach, esophagus, and liver. A 2011 meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled clinical trials including 152,538 participants established that selenium supplementation cut risk for all cancers by 24%. The cancer-preventive effect rose to 36% in people with low baseline selenium levels.

Sources of selenium include: brazil nuts, cod, shrimp, tuna, halibut, salmon, scallops, chicken, eggs, shiitake mushrooms, crimini mushrooms, lamb, and turkey.
If you prefer to supplement to ensure your level is high enough to create a positive effect, I recommend Life Extension Super Selenium Complex, which has four different forms of selenium, totaling 200 micrograms. It also provides vitamin E, which works synergistically with selenium as an antioxidant. This dosage is enough to be therapeutic for treating selenium deficiency, but has a lower risk of causing overdose symptoms. This will ensure you are getting the proper amount on a consistent basis.

The Super Triple Combo with Medicinal Mushrooms that has Rejuvenated my Health and Can Benefit You and Your Loved Ones

The Super Triple Combo that has Rejuvenated my Health and Can Benefit You and Your Loved Ones

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It's thanks to David Wolfe's teachings that I was able to shrink my thyroid nodules in 2012. So again, I turned to his amazing research and started on a new supplement program of three supplements that I call my new ‘Super Triple Combo'. Since I’ve been taking this combination, stress is not affecting me like it did before. I feel imbued with energy and more vibrant than I have in a long time. My friends, family and even my foot doctor have commented on the difference.

The Super Triple Combo includes:

• Vitamin C (food-based)
• Medicinal mushrooms
• Blue-green algae 

David Wolfe explains in the Body Mind Institute’s program that when you take Vitamin C with medicinal mushrooms, that you TRIPLE the efficacy of the mushrooms. When you add Blue Green Algae to the mix, you TRIPLE the effect again, thus giving you 27 times the power of the mushrooms!

Dangerous Mushrooms to Avoid

Wolfe, an avid mushroom hunter and author, explains that most poisonous mushrooms grow on theground, NOT on trees. The majority of medicinal mushrooms studied and recommended are TREE mushrooms. There is only ONE Tree mushroom that is toxic, the 'Jack O'Lantern' mushroom, which is very rare and glows in the dark. In fact, in all of David's mushroom hunting journeys, he has never encountered one.

Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

 
For centuries, Asian cultures have used certain mushrooms as a natural cancer treatment because of these fungi’s ability to lower the risk for cancer through many mechanisms, including supplying germanium, a nutrient that boosts oxygen use in the body and fights free radical damage. In fact, over 200 mushroom species are used in traditional Chinese medicine practices, and 25 percent of these are found to effectively fight harmful tumors.

There is a vast amount of research supporting the health benefits of mushrooms - mostly TREE mushrooms - not the ones that grow on the ground.  Many of the tree mushrooms cannot be found in the grocery store or on restaurant menus (except for maitake, shiitake, and button mushrooms). Many of them are natural medicines that come in the form of liquid extracts, capsules or powders or whole dried chunks. Chaga is commonly bought as chunks and is used to make a delicious tea. Reishi is sold in liquid tinctures, capsules or as a powder. Mushrooms that are eaten have very tough cell walls and are hard to digest if not cooked. Thoroughly heating them releases their nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, and minerals, as well as a wide range of novel compounds not found in other foods.

Reishi - King of the Mushrooms

Reishi mushroom has been shown to have benefits on various conditions such as general fatigue and weakness, asthma, insomnia, and cough for over a thousand years.

• lung cancer, leukemia and other cancers. 
• Antibacterial, antiviral (Herpes, Epstein-Barr), anti-fungal (including Candida) properties
• Anti-inflammatory, useful for reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• Immune system up-regulation
• Normalization of blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure
• Reduction of prostate-related urinary symptoms in men
• Reduction of anxiety and depression

Unique Ability to Protect your DNA
Mushrooms are excellent sources of antioxidants in general as they contain polyphenols and selenium, which are common in the plant world. But they also contain antioxidants that are unique to mushrooms. One such antioxidant is ergothioneine, which scientists are now beginning to recognize as a 'master antioxidant.'
A study in the journal Nature explains the importance of ergothioneine (which is fairly exclusive to mushrooms). Ergothioneine is described as "an unusual sulfur-containing derivative of the amino acid, histidine," which appears to have a very specific role in protecting your DNA from oxidative damage. This means that they protect your DNA. If you don't understand the importance of this, do a little research on environmental damage to DNA. Many doctors offer a variety of genetic testing now.
Interestingly, ergothioneine is an amino acid that contains sulfur, and this particular antioxidant could be a significant boost for for human health because many people are severely deficient in sulfur.
Mushroom are also rich in polyphenols which give fruits, berries, and vegetables their vibrant colors and protect against ultraviolet radiation, pathogens and oxidative damage. In the human body, polyphenols have the following properties:

• Fight cancer cells and inhibit angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels that feed a tumor)    
• Protect your skin against ultraviolet radiation
• Fight free radicals, and reduce the appearance of aging    
• Promote brain health, and protect against dementia
• Reduce inflammation    
• Support normal blood sugar levels
• Protect your cardiovascular system    
• Promote normal blood pressure

This mushroom is particularly good for cardiovascular health and also offers benefits for cellular health, respiratory health and more.
Reishi is useful for many ailments. It has immunostimulant properties, calms anxiety, and is used as a general tonic. It is anti-allergenic and antiviral, and is used for hepatitis and heart arrhythmias. Reishi can also be used as an antidote for poisonous mushrooms. Hobbs writes that the mushroom is “especially suitable as a calming herb for people with anxiety, sleeplessness, or nervousness accompanied by an adrenal weakness.”

Chaga - Queen of the Mushrooms
       Chaga is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenols contain the compounds betulin and betulinic acid which originate from their host - birch trees. Betulin and betulinic acid have anti-tumor effects which are part of the reason that chaga is well known as an anti-cancer agent. A group of compounds in chaga called lanostanoids also appear to play significant anti-cancer roles. Betulin has also been shown to help control metabolic disorders, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Some compounds in chaga boost immune activity, some specifically prevent cancer cells from replicating, and some cause premature cancer cell death. This indicates that whole chaga should be used rather than isolating a single compound because many agents appear to be active against cancer. People in Siberia that drink the tea daily are known for never getting cancer.
One of the most surprising benefits of chaga is in regards to psoriasis. In a Russian study, the majority of psoriasis patients who took chaga recovered from completely from their psoriasis. They also experienced improvement in digestive health.

Turkey Tail
The Turkey Tail, or the Trametes versicolor mushroom, grows in the northern forests of the world and is named for its colorful wavy stripes. It is known for its strong antiviral, antimicrobial and antitumor properties. These properties have been attributed to two polysaccharides, polysaccharide-K (PSK), also known as krestin, and polysaccharide-P (PSP). The Japanese government approved the use of PSK in the 1980s for treating several types of cancers, and it is currently used along with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. PSK was shown to significantly extend survival at five years or beyond in cancers of the stomach, colon/rectum, esophagus, nasopharynx and lung (non-small cell types) in Japanese trials since 1970. Seemy article on Natural News about a Turkey Tail study for breast cancer.


Turkey Tail has been widely studied. Some of its purported benefits include:

• Boosts immunity in cancer patients
• Lessens side effects of chemotherapy
• Supports normal cellular growth
• Promotes respiratory health
• May support urinary and digestive health
• Anti-cancer, anti-viral, supports immune health

Cordyceps

This unique fungi boasts a long history of uses to support the immune system, respiratory health, vital energy and more. In fact, Chinese emperors in the past used this mushroom exclusively, thus perpetuating the phrase, "Ancient Chinese Secret"! 

• Anti-tumor
• Asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Renal failure
• Stroke damage
• Stamina for athletes and harsh climates

Lion's Mane

A study conducted by the Tohoku University in 2008 explored the effects of mushrooms on nerve growth and has come to a startling conclusion. Specifically, they found out that out of all the edible mushrooms available today, it is only Lion’s Mane that has positive impact on nerve repair. 
Additional benefits include the following:

• Neuroprotection and Nerve Growth Factor
• Depression and Anxiety
• Enhanced Memory and Brain Function
• The most traditional use of Lion’s Mane in Chinese medicine is to treat stomach problems. It contains antibacterial properties and provides anti-inflammatory effects. It's also known to regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This makes it ideal for adults who are suffering from diabetes or may have heart problems. The mushroom also helps with detoxification of the body. 

Shitake

Liver protective against acetaminophen (e.g.,Tylenol) damage, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-candida, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis, improves immunity, kills selective skin cancer cells without harming normal cells, reduces severity of collagen-induced arthritis, inhibits activity of HIV-1, and inhibits growth of breast tumor cells,

Maitake

Anti-tumor, anti-hypertensive, supports immunity, healthy blood sugar, cardiovascular health and metabolic balance.

Button Mushroom

The button mushroom is an excellent low-calorie food, especially for diabetics. It contains a number of valuable nutrients, including protein, enzymes, B vitamins (especially niacin), and vitamin D2. However, there are many other types of mushrooms worthy of consideration if you want to improve your diet.

Integrative oncologist Donald Abrams, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, noted that many mushrooms have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-enhancing, antiviral and possible direct anti-tumor effects. Dr. Abrams said that while more random, placebo controlled clinical trials would be helpful, that we need to rely on information from population studies such as the Australian study, in which investigators demonstrate that mushroom consumption decreases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, and that drinking green tea greatly enhances the risk reduction. He also warned that button mushrooms should be thoroughly cooked because they can contain a potentially cancer-causing compound, hydrazine, which is destroyed by cooking. He recommends not eating large amounts of button mushrooms, but to instead concentrate on shiitake, oyster mushrooms, and other Asian varieties.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Found More Toxic and More Deadly than Table Sugar

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Reuters recently reported a significant study that compared health effects of high-fructose corn syrup compared to table sugar. Female mice were fed a diet which contained 25 percent of calories from added fructose and glucose carbohydrates known as monosaccharaides that are found in corn syrup. A second group of female mice were fed a fructose-glucose diet (regular sugar).

The high-fructose corn syrup group:

• died at a rate 1.87 times higher than the group that was fed sucrose.
• produced 26.4 percent fewer offspring than their the female mice on the diet containing added table sugar.

The study shows that humans, especially women are likely to suffer negative health effects from consuming too much corn syrup including early death and infertility. Furthermore, corn syrup is made mostly if not entirely from genetically modified corn. This GMO corn syrup is found in many processed foods including juices, candy, cookies, regular soda, salad dressings, and much more. It is important to read labels so you can avoid any products with corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup.

It is estimated that 13 - 25 percent of Americans eat 25 percent or more of calories from added sugars. The authors of this study report the following alarming statistics:

• 42 percent of the added sugar found in the US diet comes from corn syrup
• 44 percent comes from sucrose
• The remaining 14 percent of added sugars come in the form of natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses, and fruit.

Worldwide however, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) accounts for only eight percent of added sugar consumption, so Americans are far more likely to consume excessive amounts of HFCS and our disease statistics reflect the difference.

High fructose consumption is linked to most chronic conditions and diseases

High fructose consumption is linked to most chronic conditions and diseases, starting with insulin resistance, which can later progress into related diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

If you’re insulin/leptin resistant, have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or are overweight, Dr. Mercola among many other leading experts recommend limiting your total sugar/fructose intake to 15 grams per day until your insulin/leptin resistance has resolved. This applies to at least half of all Americans. For all others, they recommend limiting your daily fructose consumption to 25 grams or less, to maintain optimal health.

The easiest way to accomplish this is by swapping processed foods for whole, ideally organic foods. This means cooking from scratch with fresh whole foods.

 

For assistance with developing dietary changes and identifying which supplements are nutrients are key for your specific health concerns, feel free to reach out to me atJulie@yourwellnesschampion.com.

Cinnamon cashew pudding
It's gluten & dairy free, raw, sugar balancing, bone building,  immune boosting,  and packed full of nutrition!

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It is hard to find yummy desserts that are gluten and dairy free unless you make them yourself, and this one is SUPER easy!  It is a delicious and satisfying dessert-like pudding without sugar, bad fats, flour, or corn syrup that most commercially available desserts contain.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of raw cashews
• 2 pitted dates
• 3/4 cup of water
• Cinnamon (to taste)
• Yacón syrup (to taste)

Directions:

1. Blend the cashews, dates and water in a Vitamix or Nutri-Bullet.
2. Add your desired amount of cinnamon and your favorite healthy sweetener to taste and stir.

* I used Yacón syrup and a few drops of stevia. Perfect!!

What is Yacón syrup?

Yacón syrup is a sweetening agent extracted from the tuberous roots of the yacón plant indigenous to the Andes mountains (Peru, Bolivia and Brazil). It was used by the Incas. In Peru, people eat yacón because of its nutritional properties—few calories and low sugar levels.

Yacón is one of the most preferred natural sweeteners because it is high in the prebiotic sweeteners, inulin and FOS (Fructooligosacharides), which do not in any way increase blood glucose levels (great option for diabetics).

Health Benefits of Yacón syrup (based on 1 teaspoon per meal) include the following:

• High fiber content
• Appetite suppression
• Increased rate of metabolism
• Helps feed beneficial bacteria in the colon such as Bifidus and Lactobacillus
• Helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar Levels
• Increases bone density by increasing absorption of dietary minerals, and making calcium more bioavailable
• Improves immune system function and reduced incidence of allergies
• Increased energy levels

Cashews are a nutritional powerhouse!

Raw Cashews are loaded with benefits including the following:

• Packed with protein, soluble dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and numerous health-promoting phyto-chemicals that help protect from diseases and cancers
• High in heart-healthy monounsaturated-fatty acids
• Rich source of essential minerals, especially manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium
• Rich in many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin, and thiamin (vitamin B-1) which are essential for metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
• Contain a small amount of zea-xanthin, an important pigment flavonoid antioxidant, which helps to prevent age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in the elderly

Infrared saunas - Excellent investment for better health

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Saunas have provided a great method for detoxification and relaxation for many years. We live in the most toxic of times. 83,000 chemicals have been introduced into our environment since the 1930s yet only about 200 of them have been tested for human safety. We are all carrying heavy metals toxicity whether we realize it or not. It's impossible to avoid.

Are your symptoms in this list?

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional outbursts, skin problems, brain fog, low energy, memory problems, digestive problems, weight problems, high blood pressure, or even more serious problems like autoimmune disease, cardiac disease, or cancer, you may very well be carrying too many toxins in your body. Being toxic can manifest in many ways including digestive, mood balance, immunity and/or circulatory issues.

Infrared saunas provide a superior method of eliminating toxins from the body. The sweat produced in an infrared sauna is 7 times more detoxifying than a traditional sauna.  Studies have shown that repeated infrared sauna treatments lower blood pressure¹ and improve impaired blood vessel functions in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. This suggests a preventive role for infrared sauna use for arteriosclerosis.²

Why are infrared saunas better than traditional saunas?

Infrared saunas differ than traditional saunas in several key ways which make them a better choice cost-wise, and a superior choice when it comes to health benefits. One of the main differences between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna is the heat involved while inside the unit. Infrared saunas achieve the same benefits (and more) at much lower operating temperature. The temperature for a traditional sauna typically ranges between 150 and 195º F which can overwhelm those who are more sensitive to heat. Infrared saunas use a much milder temperature environment of between 120 to 140 degrees F. With the infrared technology, you will feel hot and you will sweat profusely, but at a much lower temperature.

Traditional saunas require more power to run than an infrared sauna, costing almost three times as much to run. This can make a huge difference, depending on how often you use the unit. In a traditional dry sauna, the temperature of the air increases around you, and causes the temperature of your body to increase as well due to absorption by heat convection. This causes your body to start the cooling process by transporting blood closer to the surface of the skin and opening pores through sweating.

Infrared saunas also heat the surrounding air but to a lesser degree. Instead, infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit a specific wavelength of infrared light. Your skin absorbs this wavelength, causing your body's temperature to rise. This elicits the same effects as a traditional sauna with less overall heat needed.

Benefits of far infrared saunas

1. Detoxification
Sweating is one of the body’s most natural ways to eliminate toxins, making it a crucial part of detoxification. When compared to traditional Swedish saunas, infrared saunas allow you to eliminate about seven times more toxins.

2. Relaxation
The heat generated by the sauna will also help to relax muscles and relieve tension throughout the body, allowing you to relax and de-stress.

3. Pain Relief
Infrared saunas can relieve inflammation that causes muscle aches or joint pain by increasing circulation and relaxing your muscles.

4. Weight Loss
The heat generated by an infrared sauna will cause your core temperature to increase, which can also lead to an increased heart rate; the same increase in heart rate that you experience when exercising. When your body has to work harder to lower your core temperature or keep up with an increased heart rate, your body will burn more calories, resulting in weight loss. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that a 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn roughly 600 calories.

5. Improved Circulation
As the heat from infrared saunas increases your core body temperature, your circulation will increase along with it. Consistent infrared sauna sessions, especially in the middle-infrared level, can stimulate blood flow, improve muscle recovery, and decrease pain and inflammation after intense exercise.

6. Skin Purification
Infrared sauna technology can help purify your skin by eliminating toxins from your pores and increasing circulation, resulting in clearer, softer, and healthier-looking skin.

7. Low Maintenance
One last benefit to infrared saunas is that they come primarily as pre-fabricated panels that snap together. They are a breeze to assemble.They are easy to move and reassemble in a different place, unlike large bulky traditional saunas that require special electrical work or a new gas line depending on the type. Far infrared saunas plug into a regular outlet.

Click here on on the image below to see the sauna that I have at home. i paid $187 for it and I've had it for about 4 years with no problems. It is reliable and effective. There are better models that are more expensive. I tried one at a health expo that cost $1000.00 and it was bigger and seemed more nicely built but over-priced in my opinion. My sauna fits nicely in my bedroom and I'm perfectly happy with it. The chair is small but with a towel draped over it, it's quite comfy.

Chia Seeds – One Tablespoon has more Calcium, Omega 3s, and Antioxidants than milk, salmon, and blueberries (respectively)

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Chia seeds are gluten and grain free naturally. The seeds readily dissolve into water or other liquids, creating a substance that looks like gelatin. This gel-forming action is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia seed.

Their benefits include the following:

• Five times more calcium than milk
• Seven times more vitamin C than oranges
• Three times more iron than spinach
• Eight times more Omega 3 than salmon
• Twice the potassium content of banana
• Contains 20% protein
• Contains 20% Omega 3 ALA, making it a super food for the brain and heart
• Suppresses the appetite and helps with weight loss
• Helps intestinal regularity
• Good for healthy skin, hair and nails
• Helps balancing blood glucose levels (good for diabetics)
• Supports bone health due to calcium and trace mineral boron
• Contains double the blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), both essential omega 3 fatty acids with proven heart health benefits.

Chia seeds can be used in many ways, such as breakfast cereals, puddings, infused into drinks, thickener for sauces and gravies, as an egg substitute in recipes such as meatloaf, muffins, and more. This is a great way to get nutrition into your kids. It makes them fuller longer, and feeds their brain, strengthens their bones, and protects their heart. 

Fish oil is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and source of omega  fats, but for strict vegans and vegetarians, chia seeds are a great alternative to taking fish oil. 

Chia Lemon Energy Drink

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This is a refreshing light lemonade that provides you with protein, fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, and Vitamin C. It's a great way to keep your energy high during your work day.

• Juice of 1 whole lemon
• 16 oz of water
• Mint leaves or peppermint drops to taste
• 1 tsp of chia seeds
• Few drops of stevia if desired

Give the chia a little time to soften before drinking. Enjoy cold.  

The Magnificent Motherwort - Slows Heart Palpitations, Reduces Anxiety, and much more

Motherwort is an herb from the mint family. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. It can be taken as a liquid tincture or in capsules. 

Stress, Anxiety, Hyperactivity and Hormone Balance
Stressed out? Feeling anxiety? Take a dropperful or a capsule of motherwort. It's used by hyper kids, women with PMS or menopause. It is also used near the end of pregnancy as a natural and gentle way to induce labor because it stimulates the uterus. Note: It should not be used during pregnancy or if one is experience heavy menstrual periods. However, it can be used for the absence of menstrual periods.

Heart Tonic and Hyperthyroidism 
Motherwort can be used by men and women for heart conditions, including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and fast heartbeat. It is also very useful for over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) which often manifests in a rapid heartbeat.

Digestion, Skin, Singles and Eyesight Benefits
Motherwort is also used for intestinal gas (flatulence) and It can be applied directly to the skin for itching and shingles. The seeds of two of the species (Leonurus artemisia or Leonurus heterophyllus) are used to improve eyesight and as a general tonic.

See herbalist Susan Weed's site for dosage details.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/July08/wisewoman.htm


Personal Success Story

I personally started to experience a rapid heart rate at night, which is common with thyroid conditions. I took one capsule of Solaray brand Motherwort a couple hours before bed, and I slept soundly without any sign of rapid heartbeat. 
I later recommended this herb to a client who also had success with it upon the first usage.



Herb Pharm Motherwort Extract Supplement, 1 Ounce  




Solaray Motherwort Supplement, 425 mg, 100 Count