From vitamins, minerals, supplements, herbal extracts and protein powders there is a dizzying array of product options when it comes to supplemental nutritional products. While there are many benefits to taking quality supplements there is also a growing concern if we are taking too many and if what we are taking is actually helping our health. Vitamins and supplements are big business. In fact, they are the fastest growing health segment due to more people turning to natural options to support their health. Concerns over the quality of nutrients found in the food system has also further driven people to consider supplements as necessary to supporting health and well-being. While supplements can play a valuable role in supporting overall health, there's a fine line between beneficial supplementation and overdoing it. The potential pitfalls of taking too many supplements is severe. By understanding how to use supplements to support our health you can approach supplementation wisely and maximize your benefits from using them. The Allure of Supplements Supplements offer a convenient way to fill nutritional gaps, especially for those with dietary restrictions or limited access to certain foods. They are useful in supporting changes in dietary needs, healing, preventing, and overall supporting health and well-being. Additionally, certain ones can be enhancers of vitality, promising everything from improved energy levels to enhanced cognitive function and better athletic performance. Some of these claims are legitimate and some misguide us into making purchases for products that don't deliver promised results. With popularity of supplements, comes the responsibility of knowing what is right for our own needs and what is simply good marketing. I appreciate the availability of supplements to help clients with their health needs as most are derived from nutritional deficiencies. It is long proven that even most diseases start with prolonged chronic deficiency in key vitamins and minerals. However, it is truly important to know that supplements are medicines and should be supplemental to receiving nutrients in the best form the body can process. That process would be through food itself whenever and as much as possible. The other aspect of this is that supplements should not be considered life-long replacements for food nutrients. Like herbal extracts we should be monitoring our need for supplements while focusing on nutritional dietary factors to build up a more natural way of receiving those essential vitamins and minerals. "Supplements should always be considered supplemental to a diet based on high quality food nutrients." -Amy Kramer, Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathy The Risks of Over-Supplementation Despite their allure, supplements come with risks, especially when taken in excess. Here are some of the potential dangers of over-supplementation: 1. Nutrient Imbalances and Gaps Filled by Vitamins and Minerals Taking excessive amounts of certain vitamins or minerals can disrupt the delicate balance within the body. For example, excessive intake of calcium supplements without sufficient magnesium intake can lead to imbalances that affect bone health and cardiovascular function. It is also a concern if we think we need a particular supplement because "everyone" could benefit from it. While its true many people can be deficient in a specific vitamin or mineral it does not automatically mean you are too. It also doesn't account for how that specific vitamin or mineral will interact with your specific health needs. This thinking however, results in billions of dollars in sales each year for popular supplements people commonly believe they need. 2. Toxicity of Vitamins and Minerals Some vitamins and minerals can accumulate in the body to toxic levels when consumed in excess. For instance, high doses of vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, and selenium can be toxic and cause symptoms ranging from nausea and fatigue to organ damage. Likewise, not pairing the supplement with its correct counter-partner can also cause imbalances of excess resulting in toxicity. For example, taking turmeric without black pepper prevents the activation of the curcumin in turmeric. Without this activation process, the body builds up turmeric beyond what it can use and if it is not eliminated, there is a risk of toxicity. . This leads to another consideration of simply taking the wrong thing. This can be from taking an inferior product to not having the right supplement dose, variation, and format for your needs. Taking the wrong vitamin or mineral for your needs can also cause imbalances in your other levels and results in complicated health concerns. It important to understand your nutrient needs and again first try to fulfill them from organic food sources where possible. Relying on vitamins and minerals while eating a diet in highly processed foods is yet another area where toxicity can occur. In this situation, we get the double whammy of toxicity where the supplements used are not able to counterbalance nutrient needs that are depleted or worsened through dietary choices. This puts stress on the body through and endless tug-of-war for nutrients to repair from the damage caused through processed, manufactured, chemical food products. 3. Interactions: Supplements can interact with medications or other supplements, leading to adverse effects. For example, St. John's Wort, a popular herbal supplement for mood support, can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications by speeding up their metabolism in the liver. We also see the reverse of this situation where the prescription medication can prevent absorption and use of vitamins and minerals obtained through diet or supplementation creating a deficiency. It is unfortunately necessary to be aware of the side effects and interactions from prescription medications. There is not one single prescription medication that does not have side effects of some form. Understanding these and questioning them with your medical provider gives you the ability to open the discussion for alternatives, including natural protocols that may be as beneficial but without the side effects. Where it is not possible to avoid a prescription, then we must address interactions. Being open with your medical doctor on what vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other forms of natural medicine you use is necessary. Additionally, if it is a life-long prescription then working through addressing nutrient deficiencies that may result should also be included in that conversation. For example, heart patients who can no longer drink or consume grapefruit and may miss key nutrients from this gap. It is important to note, that as your health changes your nutrient needs also change. This results in reviewing that you take for supplements and determining if there is still a need for them or not right now. I personally recommend a Vitamin Check at least bi-annually. 4. Financial Burden: The cost of purchasing multiple supplements can add up quickly, especially if they're not necessary or effective. Spending money on unnecessary supplements can strain your budget without providing significant health benefits. For many of us, this is a key area of concern. When working with clients, I always look at what they need nutritionally, what works in their diet for those needs and then where to supplement. I also consider different brands, doses, and ways to meet the nutritional need while honoring budget considerations. Supplements are not inexpensive. When considering which supplements to choose cost does play a role in that selection process. We sadly do have to balance quality with price to find that balance point in our health. This is why understanding what you actually need and continually monitoring changes can be beneficial to not only saving you money but ensuring what you take is giving you maximum benefit. Dragonspit Apothecary carries many top quality supplement brands that have a variety of price points to fit your budget. 5. False Sense of Security: Relying too heavily on supplements may lead individuals to neglect other aspects of health, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. Supplements should complement a healthy lifestyle, not substitute for it. Here again, a vitamin or supplement is only going to help so much in an overall wellness plan to heal and feel your best. You must take other actions to allow that supplement the best chance of working well in your body. Personally, I think this aspect is an important one for all of our health and anything we take to support it - natural or prescription. Health through a magical pill doesn't exist. Certainly, these things can help but long term, life-long use of them takes away from the body's inherent design, ability to heal and build health. I find we can quickly disregard healthy habits that are necessary for health to thrive in light of taking a pill we believe is making things better all on its own. Eventually, we find that approach doesn't work, results in more dosage levels being required and a gap farther away from ideal health growing instead. How to Supplement Wisely While supplements can be valuable tools for supporting health, it's essential to approach supplementation with caution and moderation. Here are some tips for supplementing wisely: 1. Have Regular Vitamin Checks with a Holistic Health Professional Before starting any new supplement regimen, consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. They can help assess your individual needs, recommend appropriate supplements, and ensure they won't interact negatively with any medications you're taking. I recommend a Vitamin Check at least bi-annually or as major changes in your health occur. Your medical doctor also needs to be aware of any nutritional supplements you take when they have made a prescription for you. 2. Focus on Whole Foods: Whenever possible, aim to obtain nutrients from whole foods rather than relying solely on supplements. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides a wide array of nutrients in their natural form, which is often better absorbed and utilized by the body. Eliminate processed, manufactured, enriched, chemically derived food products to support ideal absorption and use of vitamins and minerals to the cells. 3. Stick to Recommended Dosages: Follow the recommended dosages provided on supplement labels, and avoid exceeding them unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. More isn't always better when it comes to supplements. I also advise to take only until you don't need them. This is especially true of herbal extracts but relates to all supplements, vitamins and minerals as going beyond your need point introduces the risk of toxicity and diminishing returns. See, the point is to establish the vitamin and mineral levels you need in your body. Once that is achieved, we want to maintain them organically through diet as much as possible. "The real goal is to not replace your prescriptions with supplements that span your cabinets but to get the body to a place health is managed organically through diet as designed." - Amy Kramer, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor 4. Periodically Reevaluate: Regularly reassess your supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your current health needs. As circumstances change, your supplement needs may also evolve. A Vitamin Check with your holistic health practitioner is ideal because they will not only review what you currently take in your regularly but look at other aspects of your health to determine if all vitamin and minerals levels are being met. They can also guide you on combinations of supplements to take together, when it makes sense to take certain supplements and offer insights into quality bioavailable brands. 5. Quality Matters: Choose supplements from reputable brands that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity. It also matters where you purchase your supplements. Many brand labels can be altered by 3rd parties and resold at places like Amazon and Walmart. Seeking quality from trustworthy sources is the best way to ensure you are getting what you pay for and it is going to be the best available. Shopping at your local natural health food store or through your holistic health practitioner can save you money and provide confidence in quality. While supplements can offer benefits when used appropriately, taking too many can have adverse effects on your health and finances. It's crucial to approach supplementation with caution, focusing on obtaining nutrients primarily from whole foods and consulting with healthcare professionals for quality, support, and guidance. By supplementing wisely and prioritizing a balanced lifestyle, you can support your health without falling into the trap of over-supplementation. Remember, moderation and balance is key to achieving optimal wellness. Book your Vitamin Check today at Dragonspit Apothecary! This service can be performed virtually or in-person.

In today's fast-paced world, many of us seek deeper meaning and connection beyond the material realm. One avenue for this exploration is through opening the third eye, an ancient concept rooted in spiritual traditions across cultures. When is the right time to to open your 3rd eye? Some people think having the 3rd eye open all the time allows us to live in harmony with our spirit and be guided by its voice. We intuitively know and can sense the right path and decision to make. There are certainly benefits to this situation but we can also find ourselves in conflict with 3rd eye's advice and even challenge the direction we feel called to go. This can leave us feeling internal conflict that doesn't resolve easily and can result in the 3rd eye becoming closed. Yet in opening the 3rd eye and having it open all the time can also introduce consequences that we may not yet be ready to navigate in our life. Many experts believe in order to have the 3rd eye functioning means we have worked through the aspects of our life that caused it to be closed. That can take months and years to obtain this level of readiness and require significant healing emotionally that we may not be ready to work through. Fear, trauma, stress, vulnerability all play into the ability to hear the 3rd eye and understand its wisdom. It makes sense why the advice would be to heal yourself before creating this opening but at the same time we could be limiting our healing without its guidance at hand. I personally find working with clients that there is a balance between an open 3rd eye and using the wisdom it can provide to support healing in the body, mind, emotions and spirit. It doesn't necessarily have to be an all or nothing approach from my experience. In fact, great healing can occur through the opening of the 3rd eye. While we do need to be ready for that work and experience we do not have to wait to start that journey. Ironically, we are always in control of opening and closing our 3rd eye. Support through a holistic health practitioner helps this process and builds that muscle of using and allowing the 3rd eye to work optimally. What is the 3rd eye? The third eye, or Ajna chakra in Hindu philosophy, is believed to be the center of intuition, wisdom, and inner vision. It's depicted as a metaphysical eye located between the eyebrows, associated with heightened awareness and spiritual insight. Opening the third eye involves tapping into this inner wisdom and connecting with higher consciousness. There are many benefits to allowing your inner voice to be more prevalent in daily living. It can be helpful in navigating challenges, complexities, relationships, and our own life journey. It can also help us heal, find our purpose in life, and feel renewed determination for deeply held goals we thought impossible. A great example for where the 3rd eye being open can help us in our health goals is with weight loss. By having the 3rd open we are more likely to make healthy food choices and be guided to doing things that support healthy habits and patterns in our day. In chakra therapy the 3rd eye is represented with the color indigo for spiritual awareness, insight, intuition and alignment to our spirit. Crystals that support the 3rd eye include: Amethyst - for its support to spiritual growth, intuition, dreams, and clarity of mind. Lapis Lazuli - is aligned for its help in inner truth, vision and spiritual enlightenment. Its believed to stimulate the 3rd eye's intuitive abilities. Sodalite - Enhances intuition, insight and mental clarity. This crystal can support opening and balancing the 3rd eye to promote inner wisdom and self-awareness. I find this crystal helpful when we are just learning to listen to our inner voice and develop that 3rd eye muscle to hear it clearly. Clear Quartz - Amplifies properties of the other crystals and is useful in meditation and energy work to focus on the 3rd eye. If you use crystals, it is important to use quality so you experience the best possible energy from them. I personally recommend these at www.dragonspitapothecary.com/tools. How to know if you're ready for your 3rd eye's insights The decision to open the third eye is deeply personal and should be approached with mindfulness and self-awareness. There is no one-size-fits-all timeline, as each individual's spiritual journey unfolds at its own pace. However, certain signs may indicate readiness: Inner Alignment: Feeling a sense of inner alignment and resonance with spiritual practices can signify readiness to explore deeper realms of consciousness. Emotional Stability: Cultivating emotional stability and self-awareness lays a foundation for navigating the complexities of spiritual awakening with grace and clarity. Intuition and Synchronicities: Heightened intuition and experiences of synchronicity may signal that the third eye is naturally beginning to awaken, indicating a readiness to delve deeper into spiritual exploration. How to Open the 3rd Eye There are various approaches to opening the third eye, ranging from meditation and energy work to the use of crystals and sound therapy. By working with a holistic health practitioner, like myself, you can be guided into the right approach for you. Everyone is unique and there is not one way that works the best for everyone. Here are some common practices to consider: Meditation: Regular meditation practices, particularly those focused on the third eye center, can help quiet the mind, enhance intuition, and facilitate spiritual awakening. Energy Work: Practices such as Reiki, Qi Gong, or Kundalini yoga can help balance and activate the energy centers in the body, including the third eye. Mindful Awareness: Cultivating mindful awareness in daily life, paying attention to subtle sensations and inner guidance, can foster a deeper connection with the third eye. Seek Guidance: Working with experienced spiritual teachers or mentors can provide invaluable support and guidance on the journey of opening the third eye. What it feels like when the 3rd eye is open Knowing the state of your 3rd eye can help you know how best to support this important energy center in your health. When your 3rd eye is open you usually encounter these feelings and experiences: Vivid and realistic dreams Calmness when exploring past experiences and memories that were unsettling Attention to synchronicities such as repeating numbers, patterns, colors, animals, birds, certain movie scenes, books, and other messages that seem like they are speaking to you directly or have significant meaning for you Thinking of someone or something and it suddenly appears at the right time Physical pressure felt between the brows Rush energy feeling Increased intuitiveness with sense of security in decision making Increased confidence, self-esteem Increased sensitivity to light and sound Vibrations and sensations throughout and around the body The 3rd Eye and Your Overall Health Energy medicine, of which the 3rd eye is included, helps our body's overall vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine we call this our life force or qi. The 3rd Eye plays a role in our overall health because with it being open, energy can flow more freely throughout the body. We are also able to release stress and strong emotions to support improved balance in energy. That balance can support the major organ systems like the digestive system where we are not holding stress and causing discomfort, inflammation and pain physically or emotionally. Many people that this balance in energy decreases our risk for illness and disease. With stress being a major contributor to illness and disease the ability to better navigate stressful situation through using the 3rd eye's energy helps us improve responses and lessen the impact of stress to our body. We are also able to feel more in control of our situations which can lessen the risk for problems like anxiety, depression and illnesses that arise from these concerns. Support for 3rd Eye Health Opening the third eye is a profound and transformative journey that requires patience, dedication, and inner work. There is no rush or deadline; rather, it's a process of gradual unfolding and awakening to higher consciousness. By honoring our own timing and readiness, as well as engaging the help from a holistic health practitioner you can leverage the strength of using your 3rd eye on your health journey with reverence and humility, trusting in the wisdom of our inner vision to guide us along the way. To book your energy service with me please visit, www.dragonspitapothecary.com/care Please be advised that many energy services can be virtually performed but some may require in-person support.

The number of adults and children suffering with seasonal, food and autoimmune related allergies has grown significantly since the 1970s. It is believed to have all started with the emergence of peanut allergies and has since stemmed into many different new forms of allergies. Are we really allergic to this much food? Or has food manufacturing now changed to the point where we are no longer eating food designed for human consumption? The allergy problem has left many individuals grappling with immune system reactions to everyday substances. While genetics and environmental factors play significant roles, emerging research suggests a potential connection between bio-engineered food, plastic, and allergic reactions. This intriguing correlation aligns with the changes we have seen in food packaging, manufacturing and distribution since the 1970s and why we now experience so many allergic reactions within our diets resulting in the allergy epidemic we live with today. Bio-Engineered Food: Unintended Consequences Bio-engineered or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have become ubiquitous in our food supply, with many crops engineered to resist pests, diseases, and herbicides. With the increasing use of these chemicals in our food chain, the introduction of GMOs into our diets, increased use of plastics, and processed and bio-engineered ingredients this may have unintended consequences for our health, including an increase in allergic reactions. Deemed safe by the FDA, the United States is the leading country in use of GMOs and bio-engineering food products. Coincidentally we are also a country with the highest use of medical services, most expensive health care systems, and pharmaceutical use. Americans are in the lead for highest numbers of new cancer cases per year, decreases in life longevity and obesity. Many would say more research is needed to understand these links but growing trends of illnesses and diseases, including allergies, cancers, digestive disorders and anxiety and depression related illnesses say we already know the answer to this problem. Alteration of Proteins in Our Foods GMOs are often modified to produce or suppress certain proteins. These alterations can result in changes to the composition of the food, potentially introducing novel proteins that trigger immune responses in susceptible individuals. Monsanto, a multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation, has been at the center of controversy surrounding its genetically modified corn crops. While touted for their purported benefits, these crops have also raised concerns about their potential impact on food systems and human health. In this blog post, we'll delve into the repercussions of Monsanto's corn crop and the disruption it has caused to our food supply. The impact of Monsanto's corn crop experiments on our food supply extends far beyond the agricultural fields where it is grown. It raises complex questions about sustainability, biodiversity, human health, and corporate responsibility. By critically examining the issues surrounding GMO crops it becomes a slippery slop for other food alterations including the most recent Apeel food coating applied to fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life. Again, these concerns raise serious questions on the integrity and interests of the FDA for protecting consumers. Increased Exposure to Allergens The widespread use of GMOs means that individuals are increasingly exposed to allergenic proteins that may not have been present in traditional varieties of the same foods. This heightened exposure could contribute to the rise in food allergies observed in recent years. It is not only food allergies that become the concern here, but also seasonal and environmental allergens. The chemical sprays and integration of these toxins in our farm animals, soil and water extend into daily human life causing adverse allergic reactions, illnesses and diseases. Plastic Pollution: A Hidden Culprit Plastic pollution has permeated every corner of our environment, from the air we breathe to the water we drink and the food we eat. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic, have been found in various food sources, including seafood, salt, and drinking water. Chemical Leaching from Plastic into Our Bodies Plastics contain a cocktail of chemicals, including phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and flame retardants, many of which are known to disrupt hormone function and immune system function. These chemicals can leach into food and beverages, posing potential health risks, including allergic reactions. Plastic is a primary ingredient in stool of every animal and human on the planet. It is a neuro toxin to the body resulting in several health implications and challenges. From food packaging to environmental waste of plastic it has increasingly become human and planet enemy number one. Immune System Dysregulation from Toxins Exposure to environmental toxins, such as those found in bio-engineered food and plastic, disrupts the delicate balance of the immune system. This dysregulation predisposes individuals to develop allergies or exacerbate existing allergic conditions. Continued elevated exposure to these toxins has been found linked to cancers and autoimmune disorders. These links continue to be disregarded for the convenience and inexpensive cost of using plastic for most of what we enjoy in modern life. From clothing, food packaging, housing materials, household products, toys, and more plastic is literally everywhere in the human daily life. Cross-Reactivity from Plastic Some chemicals found in plastics, such as phthalates, have been shown to exhibit cross-reactivity with certain proteins found in foods. This phenomenon can confuse the immune system, leading to allergic reactions to both the chemical and the food protein. We have often been told there is little to be done for allergies in terms of medical care beyond allergy related prescriptions. Yet, there is more. Namely the reduction of exposure and use of these toxins that are causing the allergies to exist. Prior to the 1970s, the most common allergy in existence was seasonal hay fever. This was the result of spring blooms increasing the pollen in the air. Now allergies are more often related to food products than environmental toxins from chemical use than nature. Cumulative Effects of Bio-engineered food and Plastic in the Human Diet The combined exposure to bio-engineered food and plastic compounds may have cumulative effects on the immune system, amplifying the risk of allergic sensitization and response. Evidence shows a link between bio-engineered food, plastic, and allergies, and more research only continues to show the increases in allergic responses and diseases. Studies examining the effects of chronic exposure to these environmental factors on allergic disease are crucial for elucidating their impact on human health to support larger change in regulation and protections. In the face of these complex challenges, individuals can take proactive steps to minimize their exposure to potential allergens and environmental toxins. This includes choosing organic and non-GMO foods whenever possible, reducing plastic use and exposure, and advocating for stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal. What You Can do to Protect Your Health from Bio-engineered Food and Plastic The connection between bio-engineered food, plastic, and allergies underscores the intricate interplay between our diet, environment, and immune system. Evidence shows that these factors may be contributing to the rise in allergic reactions observed in recent years. By raising awareness of this potential link and taking proactive measures to mitigate exposure to allergens and environmental toxins, we can work towards a healthier, allergy-free future for generations to come. Holistic medicine can help you protect your health and reduce the toxicity in your body from these chemicals and toxins. To see if you would benefit from a detox or other natural health approach to reduce the footprint of these toxins, book your session today! www.dragonspitapothecary.com/care

Hear what Amy Kramer, a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor has to say about the influence of negative emotions and your health. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5NbZaevHdsnwyqJjIVIV7j?si=f2b1f55dcc6345d7 We are accepting new clients, please visit www.dragonspitapothecary.com/care to book your session.

In the quest for optimal health, the importance of staying hydrated cannot be overstated. The human body needs 50% of its weight in ounces of water per day. This is far above the myth that we only need eight 8 ounce cups per day. So many of our body processes rely on water to function as well as maintain elimination of toxins. Water is also big business with water sale profits in the billions each year. There are many types of water available from your basic public tap water to expensive filtration and natural water resources. Each comes with its own price range based on availability, access and marketing. With so many water options available though, which is the best for your health? Choosing the right type of drinking water can be overwhelming and costly. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations. Why Tap Water is Not Ideal Drinking Water for Your Health Tap water is the most readily available and economical option for many. It comes from municipal water supplies and is treated to meet safety standards. While tap water is generally safe to drink in most developed countries, concerns about contaminants such as lead and chemicals from treatment processes are a concern. This chart gives you the most common chemicals used in the US in the public water system. Additionally, communities can add additional chemicals! If tap water is your resource for water, consider using a water filter can help alleviate chemical concerns, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water. Filtered water, whether through pitcher filters, faucet attachments, or under-sink systems, undergoes additional filtration to remove impurities and improve taste. These filters can effectively reduce common contaminants like chlorine, lead, and microbial cysts, providing a cleaner and more refreshing drinking experience. Filtered water offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water. Bottled Water is Often Overpriced Tap Water Bottled water comes in various forms, including spring water, purified water, and mineral water. If you choose bottled water, please research the brand and read their website for information on where the water is sourced. In many cases bottled water has been found to come from your basic public water supply and pushed into plastic water bottles. Spring water is sourced from natural springs and may contain minerals beneficial to health. Purified water undergoes extensive filtration processes to remove impurities, while mineral water contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. While bottled water offers convenience and portability, it may contribute to plastic waste and environmental concerns. Alkaline and Ionized Water are Trendy but are They Good Water Sources for Your Health? Alkaline Water: Alkaline water has gained popularity for its purported health benefits, including neutralizing acidity in the body and providing antioxidant properties. It has a higher pH level than regular water, typically ranging from 8 to 9.5. While some studies suggest potential health advantages, more research is needed to confirm these claims. Alkaline water can be purchased bottled or produced using specialized filtration systems. In holistic medicine it is advised to have the body be more acidic than alkaline to support digestive process and support the microbiome that rely on a more acidic environment to thrive. I do not typically recommend alkaline water to my clients unless they are highly acidic and it is combined with dietary changes to establish balance. In these cases, alkaline water is only used for a short amount of time. Ionized Water: Ionized water is another type of water that has undergone a process called electrolysis, which separates the water into acidic and alkaline components. Proponents claim that ionized water offers superior hydration and antioxidant benefits due to its altered molecular structure. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. At this time I do not recommend to my clients to use ionized water as a regular drinking water. The Benefits of Drinking Distilled Water Drinking distilled water offers several potential benefits for health and well-being. One of the primary advantages is its purity. Distillation involves boiling water to produce steam, which is then condensed back into water, leaving behind impurities such as minerals, heavy metals, and contaminants. As a result, distilled water is exceptionally clean and free from many substances commonly found in tap or even filtered water. This purity may be particularly beneficial for individuals with certain health conditions or sensitivities to minerals or chemicals. Additionally, some proponents suggest that drinking distilled water can help detoxify the body by flushing out toxins. However, it's essential to note that while distilled water may offer advantages in terms of purity, it lacks essential minerals that are beneficial for health. Therefore, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your water consumption habits. I recommend distilled water to my clients as a way to increase absorption. With the purity of distilled water it is considered the "wettest water" and is easily absorbed into cells to improve hydration levels. As a general guideline, I recommend clients include some distilled water into their weekly drinking water habit when addressing health concerns. Which Water is Best for You? Choosing the best drinking water for your health ultimately depends on your preferences, access, and individual needs. It's essential to prioritize clean, safe water sources and consider factors like taste, convenience, and environmental impact. Whether you opt for tap water with a quality filtration system or prefer the convenience of bottled water, staying hydrated with clean water is crucial for overall well-being. "Water is nature's best medicine." - Amy Kramer, Certified Traditional Naturopath Remember to drink an adequate amount of water daily, listen to your body's hydration cues, and make informed choices about the water you consume. By understanding the different types of drinking water and their respective benefits, you can make empowered decisions to support your health and hydration goals. I help you balance your health naturally through holistic medicine. As a certified traditional naturopath I believe water is nature's best medicine and important cornerstone for supporting health and well-being. One of the best tips I offer clients to improve how much water they drink is by using a measured cup daily. Check out my favorite water vessels! If you have questions about if natural and holistic health would be right for you, please setup a complimentary 15 minute consult at www.dragonspitapothecary.com

Lyme disease is the number one fastest growing disease in the US today. It is also the number one disease most discounted and misdiagnosed per outdated benchmarks used to determine if you have it or not. This results in not only getting proper treatment as soon as possible but also many people not having the information to fully understand all the ways you can contract this disease. When we think of Lyme disease, we often think it the result of visiting the woods or some remote area where ticks are roaming, but more and more cases are found disturbingly closer to home. Your backyard, the local park, your neighborhood streets. Ticks are not limited to residing in the woods and remote areas these days and have become a pest we simply cannot ignore anymore. Lyme disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). You can also get Lyme Disease from other infected carriers, such as mosquitos, flies and other biting insects. It can also be passed between mother and baby when pregnant. Now before you whip out the chemical arsenal of bug repellents, there are natural ways to protect yourself and support your health if you are bitten. These are much less harmful to you and the environment as well. What often gets missed in the quest to protecting ourselves is that all chemicals used have a trickle down effect to animals and our environment that can cause illness, disease and other problems in our habitat and that of wildlife. You may not care about that if you are bitten but it is something we all need to be mindful of before going out full warfare against ticks. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through ticks, has become a growing concern in recent years. While preventive measures like tick checks are crucial, there’s another defender in the battle against Lyme disease that you might not be aware of – your microbiome. This complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing in your gut and on your skin plays a significant role in bolstering your immune system and potentially protecting you against Lyme disease. Microbiome: Your Invisible Army Your microbiome comprises trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that call your body home. It’s like an invisible army, working tirelessly to maintain your health by aiding in digestion, supporting your immune system, and even influencing your mood. You digestive system is directly tied to your immune function so maintaining a healthy microbiome starts with digestive improvements so your body can perform at its best. Studies have shown a healthy microbiome can help your immune system identify and protect against infectious threats, including Lyme bacterium. Recent research shows that the composition of your skin microbiome can influence your attractiveness to ticks. Certain bacteria on your skin can produce chemicals that either attract or deter ticks. A balanced skin microbiome might be the best help to deter ticks from latching on you in the first place. This means of course that our gut-brain-immune axis is interconnected and creating harmony and balance here is vital. Doing so will reduce inflammatory response making it more difficult for Lyme disease to manifest. The best way to create a healthy microbiome is through a healthy balanced diet, plus added fiber, prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes where needed. Minimizing processed, artificial and manufactured foods is key as this can quickly disrupt the microbiome balance and alter digestive flora. Your microbiome is a remarkable ally in the fight against Lyme disease, influencing your immune response, tick defense, and overall well-being. By nurturing a diverse and balanced microbiome through a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can harness the power of these tiny protectors to potentially reduce your risk of Lyme disease. However, always remember that prevention remains key, so continue to practice tick-awareness and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. With your microbiome as a resilient shield, you can step into the great outdoors with confidence, knowing that you have an invisible army ready to defend your health. Know your Tick Risk at Home Here are the food and home-related risks where Lyme disease can occur: 1. Outdoor Risks: Wooded and Grassy Areas: Ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent in wooded regions, parks, hiking trails, and areas with tall grass. When spending time in these environments, especially during warmer months, you may encounter infected ticks. They are a year-round concern for many areas of the country where warmer winters occur. Wildlife: Ticks often attach themselves to animals like deer and rodents. When you come into contact with these animals or their habitats, you may be at risk of tick exposure. 2. Home and Yard Risks: Ticks in Your Yard: Ticks can also inhabit your yard, especially if it borders wooded or grassy areas. Tall grass, leaf litter, and woodpiles can provide tick-friendly habitats. Keep your yard well-maintained and consider tick-control measures. Pets: Dogs and cats can carry ticks into your home. Regularly check your pets for ticks, especially if they roam in tick-prone areas. 3. Food-Related Risks: Game Meat: If you hunt or consume game meat, be aware that ticks can attach to wild animals and may carry Lyme disease. Properly inspect and prepare game meat to minimize the risk. Home Gardens: Ticks can also lurk in gardens, particularly if there are tall plants or overgrown areas. When gardening, wear protective clothing and conduct tick checks afterward. Grocery store meats and produce. There is an increasingly alarming rate of Lyme found in our grocery store products as animals and crops are constantly exposed to chemicals, antibiotics and vaccines that weaken their natural immunity and make them more susceptible to diseases that we cannot combat chemically. This also in turns weakens our own immunity when we consume these products. 4. Indoor Risks: Ticks Indoors: Ticks can sometimes find their way indoors on clothing or pets. Regularly check yourself, your family members, and your pets for ticks if you’ve been in tick-prone areas. With these risk factors in mind, there are several steps we can take to safeguarding our personal environment and mitigating these exposure risks including: 5. Home Safety Measures: Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to hidden areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp. Protective Clothing: When venturing into tick habitats, wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck pants into socks, and use tick repellents on exposed skin. Tick Removal: If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure 5. Tick Control: Landscaping: Mow the Lawn: Keep your lawn well-maintained by mowing it regularly. Ticks thrive in tall grass, so maintaining a shorter grass height can reduce tick habitat. Create a Barrier: Consider creating a barrier between wooded areas and your yard by using wood chips or gravel. This can deter ticks from migrating into your yard. Natural Repellents: Cedar Mulch: Cedar mulch, when spread in your yard or garden, can act as a natural tick repellent due to its aroma. Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes are microscopic organisms that can be applied to your yard. They prey on tick larvae and can help reduce tick populations. Tick Tubes: Tick tubes are cardboard tubes filled with treated cotton balls. Mice, which are common tick carriers, collect the cotton for nesting, and the treated cotton kills ticks on the mice, reducing the tick population. Opt for Organic: Shop local farmer’s markets, organic produce and meat sources to reduce your consumption of chemicals. Keep Your Yard Dry: Ticks prefer humid environments. Ensure good drainage in your yard to reduce moisture levels, making it less attractive to ticks. Prune Vegetation: Trim and prune bushes, shrubs, and low-lying branches. This reduces the amount of shade and humidity in your yard, making it less appealing to ticks. Deer Deterrence: Deer are common hosts for ticks. Implement deer deterrent measures, such as fencing or planting deer-resistant plants. Tick-Repellent Plants: Certain plants, like lavender, rosemary, and marigolds, have natural tick-repelling properties. Plant them strategically in your yard or garden. Regular Tick Checks: Perform regular tick checks on yourself, family members, and pets after spending time outdoors. Prompt removal of attached ticks can prevent potential bites. Tick-Proof Your Home: Seal gaps and cracks around the home’s foundation and walls Remember that while these natural methods can help reduce tick populations in your yard, no method is entirely foolproof. Also, while we want to reduce our own risk we want to also prevent contamination of chemicals in our environment that can be harmful to us, pets, and wildlife. Taking appropriate precautions when spending time in tick-prone areas and promptly addressing ticks if they attach to your skin are essential steps in reducing the risk of Lyme disease. If you develop symptoms like a fever, rash, or joint pain after a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly, as early treatment can be effective in preventing Lyme disease complications. More importantly, starting with your microbiome health can be the best option we have for creating a resilient shield for our health. We can thoroughly enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, knowing that you have an invisible army ready to defend your health. To work with me on your holistic health needs, please visit dragonspitapothecary.com

The ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach to well-being. This modality recognizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit and be a guide to building good health. TCM practitioners like myself, believe the face reflects the internal state of our organs and overall health as well as indications of where we can see health changes. It can even give us clues to your past and future health status along with a variety of other interesting information to help us align the right support for the body’s ability to heal and build new health. By analyzing facial features and signs, TCM facial analysis can provide helpful insights into imbalances within the body, including nutritional deficiencies or excesses. This tool helps us navigate the best way to create change in health and even support goals like weight loss. What is TCM Face Analysis TCM is an ancient medicinal practice that is still used today. One of the tools within TCM is the TCM face analysis which is an assessment tool that creates a map for where further assessment can occur in identifying root causes to problems and their solutions. When using this technique, we look for specific patterns, markings and indications on the face that correspond to different organs, body systems and lifestyle impacts. This process helps us see the pathways of energy (meridians) throughout the body and where blocks and support may be needed. What’s most fascinating about this technique is the ability to align with recommendations the body is specifically able to use to help it improve health and thrive. This is where we can unlock the power of your own body to move the needle on stubborn health goals like weight loss. When you understand the right balance your body needs it is much easier to provide that support and have it be long lasting. Please know that no holistic modality, including TCM face analysis cannot diagnose, prescribe or establish a medical care plan. Those are the things of Western medical doctors and pharmacies. Holistic medicines can be used alongside Western medicine but that is a conversation to have with your medical doctor. My personal opinion is if your doctor says no, then I’d question if they are the right doctor for you. Please keep in mind a holistic health practitioner like myself cannot change the care plan or prescriptions your medical doctor has given you. Those changes must be worked out with your doctor. What’s looked at in TCM Face Analysis When I work with a client to create their facial analysis the process looks like this: First I take a picture of your face. Your normal resting face is important to refer back to and gives me a place to put markings I see that are important. Then I methodically work from your hairline down to the bottom of your chin going through each area making notes of what I see. Your skin quality is also considered because it and the color can indicate internal balances. Depending on where the color and quality changes can indicate specific body systems and organs that need support. There is a map that aligns with different phases of life, organ systems and ages where your face will provide valuable information I collect. For example, your cheeks represent your lungs. The area under your eyes reflects the status of your kidneys and adrenals. Likewise, each feature such as your eyes, lips and nose each correspond to different organs and energy pathways (meridians) that flow through the body. When the information is collected I then form it into a story about your health and include indications I see from each section of your face. How is the TCM Facial Analysis Information Used? With the story of your face mapped out, we can begin to determine your specific TCM element. We have tendencies of all the elements but everyone has one dominate. There are five elements in the TCM chart – Water, Fire, Earth, Metal and Wood. When we know your element we can begin to define specific dietary, exercise, stress strategies and more that match your needs. It can also tell us where you may need to watch for excess or supplement for a deficiency. These guidelines become a roadmap that can be used to show us what your body naturally thrives from and how best to support those needs. I always provide my clients with specific foods that align with their element along with what foods to avoid. We also go through what their high energy season is, when is the best time for them to rest and when they are most creative. In most cases, these are aha moments for my clients where they realize what they really love is intentional and does make them feel great. Likewise, it identifies things that don’t work well for them and they now understand why. Ultimately, the information gathered creates a way to balance the elements and body with dietary and supplement recommendations. It helps us mitigate potential problems and realistically work to improve current concerns. This decreases the force necessary to make changes and extends well beyond just our health. Understanding who you are and what you need to thrive applies to all aspects of our live including career, relationships, emotional and spiritual needs. How do you get a TCM Facial Analysis A qualified TCM practitioner or holistic health practitioner are typically trained in TCM facial analysis. While it can seem easy to do on your own, it is important you seek out qualified professionals to do it for you to prevent mistakes. Getting the wrong element alignment can change the recommendations drastically resulting in poor results and a potentially bad experience. Additionally, the recommendations made by a professional will be personalized to you. Their findings may provide additional insight to other problems that can be further supported in this session. They will also help you create a plan and follow up with you to help provide ongoing support that can help you be successful. When you combine TCM facial analysis with other lifestyle factors such as stress management, exercise, sleep quality and diet you can often create positive changes in your health that lead to increased vitality and quality. TCM facial analysis offers a unique lens through which we can gain insights into our internal health and make informed dietary adjustments. By recognizing facial signs and corresponding organ imbalances, we can tailor our diet to address deficiencies or excesses and promote optimal well-being. Remember, TCM facial analysis is best utilized alongside professional guidance and a holistic approach to health that encompasses lifestyle factors. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and nurture your inner health for a vibrant, balanced life. To book your facial analysis with me, setup a Holistic Health Consultation at dragonspitapothecary.com

When it comes to improving health, one of the first things many people think of is they have to exercise more… or start exercising. The focus becomes a purely physical one with specific metrics such as our weight and body measurements. While I think its great to want to move your body more and have metrics to see progress, this approach neglects the other parts of ourself. We also see that many people find it difficult to keep up with new physical health goals making it easy to quit and feel defeated from. What if your mind isn’t into going to spin class? What if emotionally you just can’t keep up? What if it is not the right exercise program for you? There are many considerations when thinking about improving our health. Exercise is important and should be included but without alignment to your physical skill and interests as well as what you emotionally and mentally need you may find this new healthy goal more difficult to maintain and see results from doing. What I find with my clients and myself is we give up and fade away from physical activities that do not engage us or have our interest. The types of exercise routines people tend to maintain are the ones that not only move the body but connect with them on a mental, social, and emotional level. We look forward to it because there’s something more than just moving our body we get rewarded by doing it. Physical Movement Beyond Body Moving First, consider that exercise doesn’t have to be brutal to be effective. We need to move the body to generate a good sweat and get the heart moving. This doesn’t need to be intense, hours long or even hard. A good healthy walk outside can do much more for us sometimes than an hour on the treadmill watching TV. Engage in activities that strengthen and condition the body. A variety of activities is also important so we work different muscle groups and support the body’s need for rest. Look for activities that work the various body systems including cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular and overall fitness. The biggest factor in physical movement is developing consistency. This is where variety and interest in what you are doing matters. Learning new things also keeps things interesting and engages the body in new forms of exercise that can be enjoyable and engaging. Mental Stimulation while Exercising Exercise has many benefits for our mind and mental health. It can stimulate repairs in the brains that support improved memory and increased creativity. It can also help with focus and concentration. Using exercise as a way to involve your brain is a great way to get a good workout. This is where activities like outdoor active games and team sports can be helpful. We can also see mental benefit through walking with a friend. This is not only introducing accountability but can be a situation where you discuss interesting topics that give the brain a boost. Emotional Support while Exercising Exercise from an emotional health perspective includes finding intentional ways to release emotions. Exercise releases the feel good endorphin hormones that reduce the effects of sadness, anxiety, depression and blues. Yoga, Tai-chi and other exercises like these can be incredibly beneficial to our emotional health while providing physical and mental stimulation. Spiritual Connection through Exercise and Movement Even our spirit can benefit from exercise! One of the best yoga classes I have ever taken included Christian prayers and Bible verses while we moved into the poses. It was incredibly connecting for me and calmed my spirit. In Japan, there is the practice of “forest bathing.” This is the act of walking through the forest in communion with the trees and nature. doTERRA actually created an essential oil blend that produces this same effect aromatically. The oil is also called Shrinin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) Being more self-aware, expanding mindfulness and reconnecting with our inner peace is one of the hardest and most rewarding workouts you will ever do. Bringing Movement Together in Mind, Body, Spirit and Emotional Ways Intuitive movement is a wonderful technique to support tapping into your body’s wisdom for how it needs to move. It honors your limits and listens to align the movement your make with the intensity and duration your body needs. I like to call this mind-body exercise because when you reach this state of your working out, it is next level personalization in your health journey. Instead of pushing to a schedule and predefined set program of working out you listen to your body and do that. You stop when your body says it needs rest. Sounds simple but in reality it takes us a long time to break up with the idea we have to do certain things to an expectation that is not our own. It is great to have challenges we work towards but no one knows your body better than you when it comes to what is enough or how far to push. There is a careful balance between coping out and knowing when your body has reached that ideal place of activity level that serves for healthy movement. Striking that balance in your movement routine with flexibility to do what’s right for you takes time to define and build. It requires so much of what we know for how health is built to be reframed and personalized to us individually. Many of us would benefit form simply learning to listen to ourselves and having the courage to act on what our body says it needs. Holistic Exercise By embracing holistic movement, we can nurture our body, mind, emotions, and spirit simultaneously, reaping benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. Through regular physical exercise, mental stimulation, emotional well-being practices, and spiritual connection, we can cultivate a profound sense of overall health and well-being. So, let’s embark on this holistic journey, honoring and moving our bodies in ways that nourish us on every level. To work with me, visit dragonspitapothecary.com

I think we as Americans have lost the beauty of changing seasons. Oh sure, we get all excited for Fall and its pumpkin spiced laden style but we have forgotten how to truly live seasonally. To feel the bliss of the seasonal changes that melt snow, bloom flowers and change leaves. Blame it on technology, improved transportation, hot houses and more but we no longer see seasons change or experience them beyond what the temperature and calendar may tell us. This disconnection from the seasons has contributed to the growing health problems that we are not healing from easily. Depression, anxiety, obesity, insomnia, over-eating, emotional eating and more all share common threads to this disconnection. Even healthy people are often missing out on the enrichment that seasonal living can provide to their health. What It Means to Live Seasonally Living seasonally is not a new concept. Humans are designed to pass through annual and lifetime seasons. Seasons represent change but more intricate to our design as humans it represents flow to our energy and vitality. This specific approach to living helps us recognize there are times when we feel we have more natural energy and that can be used strategically to support health. It also removes the guilt and forcing ourselves through diets, workouts and more that are not where we need to be at the moment. The farther we live from nature in our daily life, the deeper this disconnection can cause problems in our physical, emotional and spiritual health. This distorts the feelings we experience and reduces the ability to listen to our own needs. Take for example, a person who lives in a large city. They are surrounded by concrete, noise and very little of their environment is natural. It has been proven to show this adds stress to our body, mind and spirit. We feel harsher, have more anxiety and are less tolerant of ourselves and others. These same people when placed in a park or natural setting for even a short time period see reductions in their blood pressure, stress responses and even report feeling happier. There is power in nature and it is our body’s recharging cable for life itself. If such a switch can occur simply by being in nature, what can it do when we live aligned to the seasonal changes of nature? Aligning our own heartbeat to that of nature’s seasons as part of our daily routine? How could it not help us feel our best more often and reach new levels of our health that we are in need of improving? Understanding Your Element Living in alignment with seasons means we are aware of when our energy is highest and lowest. We intentionally take the actions to refresh and rest and strive for that balance in stress. We nourish our body with seasonally grown foods and spend time in nature listening and learning from Mother Earth. When you know your primary Chinese element from a facial analysis, you also know your seasonal cycle. This is where you live seasonally and align your energy flow to your primary element, including through diet and lifestyle. Each element aligns to a season and there are specific natural foods that your body, mind and spirit thrive on as a result. This peak season for you may be different than it is for others but understanding it lets you plan, dream, rest, work, and live in accordance to when your natural body aligns in the nature’s seasonal cycle. As an example, my element is Fire. I feel my most energy in bright hot sunny days, usually during late spring and summer. My lowest energy season is winter when it is cold and dark. Understanding I will not feel as energetic in winter as I do in summer allows me to plan activities that are slower, gentler and easier on my body in winter. It lets me have grace with myself. Nutritionally, Fire people thrive best on vegetables like celery, red cabbage and tomatoes. They also do well on a diet filled with pears, apples, strawberries, rosemary and chicken. It is advisable for this element to avoid greasy foods, sweets, alcohol, yeast and overly spicy foods. All of this information helps me know that in the winter eating more foods that align with my element will help me feel my best. Losing touch with nature can mean we deviate from the things that fuel us and support health but it also can mean we spiritually and emotionally also feel disconnected. When you don’t feel well physically or are low on energy, this plays into the other choices you make. Yet when we align not only our nutrition but all that we do to our seasonal cycle we can tap into the underflow of our own energy and support health year-round. For you that could mean winter is your high energy season and summer is when you need to lay low. To understand your Traditional Chinese Element I perform a facial analysis and provide this information along with the nutritional alignment for that element to you. Setup a holistic health consult to get yours! Eating Seasonally is a Great Start One of the best ways to begin to live seasonally is to eat seasonally. Consuming foods aligned to the natural cycles of each season begins the process of reconnecting us directly to nature. This shift in our nutrition fosters a truly holistic approach to wellness. I believe when you combine this approach with your Chinese element you tap into incredible vitality to support health and reach wellness goals. It changes the game on health all together. Nutrient Density and Vitality: Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak ripeness, maximizing its nutrient content. Freshly picked fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for our overall health. By choosing seasonal foods, we optimize nutrient intake and support our body’s vitality. Balance and Variety: Nature provides a diverse array of foods throughout the year, each with its unique nutritional profile. Eating seasonally allows us to enjoy a varied diet, ensuring we receive a broad spectrum of nutrients required for optimal functioning. By embracing seasonal eating, we promote balance within our bodies and enhance overall well-being. Environmental Synergy: Seasonal eating aligns with sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. When we choose locally grown, seasonal produce, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and support local farmers. By consuming foods that are in sync with the natural environment, we contribute to a healthier planet. Mindful Connection: Eating seasonally encourages a deeper connection with the natural world. By appreciating the ebb and flow of each season’s offerings, we become more attuned to the cycles of nature. This mindful connection can instill a sense of gratitude, presence, and harmony in our lives, enhancing our overall well-being. Flavor and Culinary Delight: Seasonal foods are bursting with flavor and culinary potential. When we choose ingredients at the height of their season, we experience a sensory delight in our meals. This encourages us to engage in the creative process of preparing nourishing and delicious dishes, fostering a deeper enjoyment of our food. Emotional and Spiritual Nourishment: Seasonal eating has the power to nourish not only our physical bodies but also our emotional and spiritual well-being. As we align with the natural rhythms of the earth, we tap into a sense of connection, grounding, and harmony. Eating seasonally can be a form of self-care, allowing us to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the nourishment that food provides. Bringing It All Together Embracing seasonal living is a powerful way to improve our health holistically. It can start simply by changing how we eat, to help unwind the mess we have made with out body, mind and spirit. This leads us back to a more natural state where we can hear what we need more clearly and be rejuvenated by nature. By selecting foods that align with the cycles of nature, we nourish our bodies with nutrient-dense options, support environmental sustainability, and cultivate a mindful connection with the world around us. It helps us reconnect to the part of ourselves we have lost buried under the emotional eating, preservatives and chemicals that are in so much of our foods today. Shifting how we life to be more seasonally aligned gives us peace as well as the opportunity to live as we were designed to live. Book your consultation for health improvement support at dragonspitapothecary.com References and Resources: Mechelli, Andrea. World Economic Forum. (2020 February 4) How City Living Could be Making You Anxious – and How to Deal with It. Retrieved: October 10, 2023, from: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/cities-urban-life-mental-health/

Why Your Body Needs More Water Than You Think We’ve often heard the rule of thumb that we should drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. While hydration is indeed essential, it’s time to recognize that our bodies need more than this standard recommendation. The guidance we have long lived by is not only misguided but contains misinterpretations that are causing a lot of us to miss out on the water we need every single day. History of the 64 ounces This standard 64 ounces per day was defined in 1945 by the Food and Nutrition Board that is today part of the National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine. The original recommendation included water drank as well as water containing sources from food. The 64 ounces came out to 1900 milliliters of water to align with the standard diet of 1900 calories. The recommendation quickly ignored the idea that water could also come from food sources and has been often misinterpreted as 8 cups of water ever since. In 2004, the Board revisited this question of water quantity and agreed that water could also be considered from other liquid sources such as coffee, sports drinks, juices and milk. They also concluded that the majority of people could let thirst drive how much they drank every day. They found in 2004, women consumed 91 ounces daily and men 125 ounces inclusive of all liquids, including water. Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-you-must-drink-8-glasses-of-water-daily/ Where the Board got it wrong First of all, consuming water through other sources like sodas and sports drinks, even coffee, decreases the benefits of drinking water. Many of these beverages are dehydrating and the water contained with them do little to help restore and balance necessary hydration. There is a lot of debate on this issue and you’ll find opinions on both sides telling you it is ok to count these other beverages as water and the others do no. Holistic practitioners tend to lean towards not endorsing these other beverages as water ounces because the ingredients in many of them are not natural and create toxicity in the body. Water is then left doing a dual job of hydrating and trying to flush out toxins. Secondly, yes it is possible to obtain water ounces through food but given the quality of the food structure today it is questionable. Again, many natural foods are filled with preservatives, sprayed with chemicals and contain harmful ingredients that distort the water that is available. Any water realized from eating foods is mitigated through the need of trying to eliminate toxins from our foods. Additionally, most people are not eating enough vegetables and fruits in their diet so counting this as a water source isn’t happening either. With the increasing concern of things being sprayed on fruits and vegetables it also is questionable if that distorts the water in these foods. Personally, I wouldn’t count on them as part of my water intake as it further complicates how you calculate how much is in each type of food and tracking that seems stressful. The only real way to get adequate water in your body is to drink water. Filtered, spring, reverse osmosis and distilled are the recommended types that offer the best means to reach adequate hydration levels. For obvious reasons, tap water is not considered a safe water source. The chemicals used to treat tap water cause toxicity in the body and prevents good absorption to the cells. How much water you actually should drink every day The recommended amount is far greater than 64 ounces a day. This is the start point only. Holistically, you need 50% of your body weight in ounces of water daily. That seems like a lot of water doesn’t it but consider this: Your body is 70% liquid and your brain alone is 45% liquid. That means you’re mostly liquid therefore logic says you need a lot of water to replenish the water you lose through sweat, pee and organ functions. I also advise my clients that for every non-water drink they consume, add that many ounces to your water intake. So 1 cup of coffee is 8 more ounces of water to the 50% total. Will you drink this every day? Likely not, but being mostly consistent with it will establish hydration levels in your body that are ideal and giving your body the best support you can to function well. Seasonally, we will drink more in the spring and summer than in fall and winter. There are tricks to increasing our water in cooler seasons and I recommend these to my clients as hydration in cooler months also matters. Again, you may not get the complete total amount of water every day but if you are close I promise you’re going to feel better overall. Aim to drink 3-5 ounces per half hour during the day to help meet this goal. Limit ice especially in cooler seasons as it will help you drink more. Add citrus slices, cucumbers, pears and other fruits to enhance flavor and nutrients Add citrus essential oils – only use high quality like doTERRA, for flavor A word about pee Drinking all the water will increase the amount of elimination needs … at first. Amazingly, your body will adjust and within a couple weeks you’ll be going on your normal schedule of every couple hours just like now. The difference is you won’t be pulling liquid your body needs from joints, muscles and organs and instead you will have enough water to help your kidneys filter waste and get it eliminated regularly. One of the easiest ways to gauge dehydration is through pee color and odor. The first elimination in the morning is not used for this because it is highly concentrated. Your body detoxes over night and this elimination will contain all the things your body swept up. It is expected to be darker and may have an odor to it. Normal hydration representation is light straw color with no to minimal odor for all eliminations except the first one of the day. Darker, thicker, smelly pee is a sign of dehydration. Why you need more water There are multiple reasons why we need to exceed the 64-ounce mark and the benefits of consuming an adequate amount of water for optimal health and well-being. Individual Variations: Each person’s hydration needs are unique and influenced by factors such as body size, activity level, climate, and overall health. Relying solely on a fixed 64-ounce guideline may not account for these individual variations. It’s crucial to listen to your body and adjust your water intake accordingly. Hydration and Metabolism: Proper hydration plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Water helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, and the elimination of waste products. Consuming an adequate amount of water supports metabolic processes, aids in weight management, and promotes overall energy levels. NOTE: Water will not change your appetite or help weight loss. This is misguided dieting industry information. What water does when you are properly hydrated is help your cells ATP energy levels and balances hormones. One of the hormones associated with hunger is ghrelin, which tells you when you are hungry. Balanced hormones means you can decode the messages from ghrelin and understand if you are really hungry or if it is another need. Emotionally we eat to soothe and comfort despite being not hungry. This improved hydration helps us reset these hormones and better navigate stress, emotions and triggers for eating. That change can help you lose weight and its why dieting often says to drink more water but their claim you’ll lose weight doing that is misguided. Physical Activity: If you lead an active lifestyle or engage in regular exercise, your hydration needs will increase. Sweating during physical activity leads to water loss, which must be replenished to maintain proper hydration. Aim to drink water before, during, and after exercise to support your body’s performance and recovery. Climate and Environmental Factors: Hot and humid climates, as well as high altitudes, can contribute to increased water loss through perspiration and evaporation. In such conditions, it’s essential to increase your water intake to compensate for the additional fluid loss and keep your body hydrated. Detoxification and Kidney Function: Water is crucial for proper kidney function and the elimination of toxins from the body. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps support kidney health and promotes effective detoxification processes. It also contributes to maintaining healthy skin and overall cellular function. Brain Function and Mental Clarity: Proper hydration is essential for optimal brain function. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance, concentration, and mood. By consuming enough water throughout the day, you support mental clarity, focus, and overall cognitive well-being. Hydration and Overall Well-being: Adequate hydration is fundamental to maintaining overall health and well-being. It supports healthy digestion, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, promotes healthy skin, and aids in the transport of nutrients throughout the body. Drinking more than 64 ounces of water per day ensures you’re providing your body with the hydration it needs to function optimally. Check out my recommendations for water bottles that help you stay hydrated. While the guideline of drinking 64 ounces of water per day is a good starting point, it’s crucial to recognize that our hydration needs may vary. Factors such as individual variations, physical activity, climate, and overall health influence our water requirements. By listening to our bodies and consuming an adequate amount of water, we support metabolic processes, enhance brain function, promote detoxification, and maintain overall well-being. Let’s prioritize proper hydration and strive to meet our unique water needs for optimal health and vitality. For help improving your water intake and breaking up with other unhealthy habits book your consultation appointment today dragonspitapothecary.com

Today’s grocery stores are completely different from times past. Food has gone techno. There have been transformations in products both new and old that have changed how people eat and what qualifies as nutrition. One can say we’ve been headed this way for some time but in many aspects is is a new territory that we find ourselves in when we shop along familiar grocery store aisles. Processed ingredients are not new They have in fact been around since the 1970s most notably with artificial sweeteners emerging in sodas. Diet foods became trendy as consumers sought low fat, calorie free options to combat the growing concern over cancers and heart disease. Fifty plus years later the once popular trend continues to haunt us with no decrease in either disease. Cancer and heart disease remain the top 2 most likely causes of death in 2023. With the emergence of artificial sweetener we also saw additional artificial ingredients come into our foods. Processed cheese, frozen foods and more became convenient staples in most of our pantries. We became increasingly reliant on fast to go options that compliment the new invention of the home microwave appliance. The world was getting faster and so was our demand for meal prep ease and convenience. Today's Processed Ingredients are Advanced in Disease Risks Today, we find the emergence of lab generated foods, specifically meats and beyond meat products that promise many of the same things their prior processed food ingredients promised. A more healthy and environmentally friendly option that doesn’t skimp on the flavor consumers have come to expect. But is this true? We have seen in overall trends of processed and fake food products a growing number of diseases, including cancers, obesity and heart disease that are not being fixed through diet. We see adults and children with growing concerns over thyroid problems and early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Is it all tied to food? Certainly not, but food is one of the primary contributors to so much that makes up the human body’s health and well-being that it cannot be overlook as a major factor for why we are not getting healthier despite the advancements and promises for better in food manufacturing. The real truth is we have not seen better through these food products and their promises for safer and healthier results are not able to be proven or demonstrated. Americans specifically are fatter and have more health related problems than any other country in the world. The traditional American Diet filled with the preservatives, processed ingredients, colorings and artificial flavorings as well as lab generated fake foods are directly at the center. We have traded our health for convenience and quickness in eating and as a result put our very well-being in harm’s way. Navigating the Processed Food World Reducing and eliminating our exposure to bio-engineered, manufactured, processed and lab created food products is crucial in reclaiming our health and vitality. This can only be done through consumer demand for real human safe food and pressure on organizations like the FDA to restrict these dangerous imposters. By continuing to consume fake and processed foods we encounter many problems that can setup long term problems for not only our current society health but generations to come. We also create further complicated problems in our environment through lab waste and harm to farm lands that are needed to grow and raise actual food we need. These factors must be a constant on the consumer mind when navigating the grocery store and avoid them as much as possible if we are to reset the baseline for what is considered healthy, safe, nutritionally sound and good for our families to eat. Problems with Processed Foods Nutritional Deficiencies: Fake and lab-generated food often lack the essential nutrients our bodies require. These products are often stripped of vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found naturally in whole foods. Products that state it is enriched means the manufacturer was trying to put back in the very ingredients they stripped out and present a more healthy option. These attempts are dismal and often result in synthetic ingredients in place of real vitamins, minerals and nutrients that should be coming from the real food. By opting for real food, we nourish our bodies with the necessary building blocks for optimal health. Artificial Ingredients: Fake and lab-generated food often contain artificial additives, flavorings, and preservatives. These synthetic compounds may have detrimental effects on our health, potentially causing allergies, digestive issues, and long-term health problems. Real food, on the other hand, provides naturally occurring nutrients without the harmful additives. This includes coloring and flavor enhancements ingredients that complicate the body’s ability to process nutrients and result in toxic waste being stored in the body triggering long term health impacts. Unknown Consequences: The long-term effects of consuming fake and lab-generated food are still not fully understood. These products often undergo extensive processing and genetic modifications, introducing potential risks to our health. Opting for real food allows us to consume what nature intended, minimizing the uncertainties associated with lab-created alternatives. Environmental Impact: The production of fake and lab-generated food often requires extensive resources, including energy, water, and chemical inputs. This contributes to environmental degradation, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing real food, we support sustainable and regenerative farming and agriculture practices and reduce our ecological footprint. We also create demand for real food rather than overproduction of crops like corn. Taste and Sensory Experience: Fake and lab-generated food may attempt to mimic the taste and texture of real food but often fall short. Natural food offers a diverse range of flavors, textures, and aromas that create a fulfilling and enjoyable eating experience. Real food satisfies our senses and enhances our connection with the nourishing power of nature. Connection with Food Sources: Choosing real food fosters a deeper connection with the sources of our sustenance. It encourages us to support local farmers, embrace seasonal produce, and appreciate the beauty and diversity of natural ingredients. Real food allows us to honor the heritage and cultural significance associated with traditional cuisines. Holistic Health Benefits: Real food provides a wide array of health benefits that extend beyond mere nutrition. It supports gut health, boosts immune function, promotes mental clarity, and contributes to overall well-being. By nourishing our bodies with real food, we enhance our vitality and embrace a holistic approach to health. In a world saturated with fake and lab-generated food alternatives, it is crucial to prioritize real, nourishing food for our health and well-being. By avoiding artificial ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture, and embracing the taste and sensory experience of real food, we foster a deeper connection with nature and nurture our bodies with what they truly need. Let’s choose real food and reap the abundant benefits of a natural, wholesome diet. Finding Real Food Among the Fake Holistic nutrition helps you rebuild your relationship with food and overcome the challenges of eating in today's stressed modern world. Dragonspit Apothecary offers many personalized programs for nutrition to help you reach your health goals and navigate the world of processed food products. Learn more at dragonspitapothecary.com Join the 4 Week Real Food Challenge to see for yourself how much processed food is in your regular diet!

When I first heard someone talk about energetically grounding I thought they were kidding. I have since childhood barely kept shoes on my feet. Don't get me wrong, I love shoes but my preference is always to be barefooted as much as possible. Inside, outside it doesn't matter. In no way did I ever imagine this personal preference as one of the most healing things I could do for my body, mental health and emotional balance. Why Energetically Grounding Works for Your Health The human body contains electricity. It is not enough to power your hair dryer or anything but there are electrical currents running throughout your body right now. Just like any electrical grid, it can become overwhelmed and you may experience rolling blackouts to help conserve energy. For the human body we may see this as exhaustion, adrenal fatigue or any number of things that result in our low energy, poor mood, and even poor digestion. In today's fast-paced and digitally connected world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, scattered, or disconnected from ourselves and the present moment. Fortunately, there is a powerful practice that can help us find stability, restore inner balance, and reconnect with the Earth's nurturing energy: grounding. The importance of practicing grounding and how it can benefit our physical, mental, and emotional well-being is one I didn't even realize I was doing until someone told me it was called grounding. Understanding Grounding Practice Grounding is a practice that extends just my pleasurable walks about barefooted and yet it is as simple as that. When you ground to the Earth with your bare feet you are resetting your electrical current. The Earth provides the recharge and connection to anchor ourselves. It is very much like putting your cell phone on the charger. You do not need to dig in, just stand on the ground. Preferably in an area free of ground that is sprayed with chemicals. Now where it extends beyond my bare feet habit, is that we need to intentionally bring awareness to our physical body and the sensations we experience while practicing grounding. This is akin to your yoga teacher telling you to breathe in fresh clean air and exhaling the garbage. By simply standing bare footed on Earth we not only feel the electricity of Earth's recharge but we can enhance the experience by letting it become a sensation that radiates through our entire being. Benefits of Grounding Before you chalk this up to some new-age kind of crazy, grounding has been used for centuries by native tribes for healing, spiritual guidance and even celebrations and passages of life. The benefits of grounding are vast! Grounding helps calm and stabilize our emotions so we can reduce feelings of anxiety , stress and being overwhelmed. Simply standing in your backyard with no shoes or socks can restore and provide a sense of emotional peace and some days isn't that exactly what we need in our day? It's like a big hug from Earth herself. It also helps give us that solid foundation on which we stand. This can lend to a feeling of inner stability, security and emotional resilience. Too often the things we fear and are anxious about haven't even or may never happen and Earth's grounding helps us replenish our more optimistic outlook on life. I personally favor this benefit because not too many things in life can give this level of reassurance. We can also through this experience gain an enhanced sense of clarity and focus that helps get through complex details and tasks. Our minds become calmer and quieter so we can focus on the present moment and make decisions from a balanced emotional position. Grounding helps us stop the emotional and mental chatter so we can concentrate. It has also been found to be helpful with improving overall cognitive function. One of the best benefits and something we can all appreciate is groundings effects to help reduce the stress imprint on our health. Grounding helps us release excess energy, tension and stress that is being held in the body. In doing this we promote a more relaxed state that can help with sleep and immune protection. With the tremendous benefits of emotional balance grounding provides, is it any wonder to learn it also helps release things we didn't realize we were still holding onto? Old emotions that have become stagnant in the body and limiting to our emotions can be holistically released through grounding. By connecting to Earth's energy we can release negativity, emotional blocks and open up our pathways for optimism, creativity and curiosity to return to us. How to do Grounding Like I said at the beginning of this post, I have been doing this for years and didn't realize I was doing it. You likely have too. The best way to learn to ground well is to walk barefooted on natural surfaces. Grass, sand, soil and the like to establish a direct connection with the Earth's energy. This may feel weird at first if you don't typically walk outside barefoot but don't let that stop you. The biggest caution I have is to please try to walk on unsprayed, chemical and pesticide free ground. Also, make sure the area is safe from litter, sharp things and the things that can damage your feet. Remember, the ground may be uneven too so if you need something for balance normally for walking, you will also need it for grounding. As you simply walk around barefooted, "listen" to your body. Feel the negative ions and their soothing effect on your nervous system. This will feel refreshing, calming and you may even just feel happier. Consider grounding your anytime invitation to be outside. Now obviously it won't be as much fun when there's snow, ice and extremes conditions but in general it helps us spend more time in nature. We disconnect with our phones, step away form our jobs and just breath for a few minutes. As you do this you start to feel the immersion of yourself in nature and this is where our rhythm of vibration energy shifts to that of the Earth's energy. Now of great importance is being mindful of this experience. Take those nice deep breaths of fresh air, tune into your body's messages and let the Earth do her magic. Grounding is the ideal way to learn the art of mindfulness and holistically align our pathways to how they were designed to run. Contrary to popular beliefs you were not meant to run on caffeine and stress. What I find helpful when I do grounding is using suggestive visualization. As I breathe in I imagine I'm breathing in from the soles of my feet up to the top of my head where it is released. The breath of air I'm taking in from my feet is from Earth's roots extending her touch all the way up my body. This is a powerful experience that gives me a sense of stability and connection. Integrating Grounding into Daily Life Grounding should be something we practice regularly. It is best done as often as needed but I find having a regular routine helps me recharge my current before it is run down. You can even expand your grounding experience by integrating it into things like outdoor yoga, meditation or other movements that further give you reason to be barefoot outside. Take breaks outside and encourage others to join you in conversation, short barefoot walks or having lunch in the sunshine. There is enough Earth energy for us all to benefit . Grounding is a powerful practice that allows us to find balance, stability, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the Earth. By incorporating grounding techniques into our daily lives, we can enhance emotional well-being, improve mental clarity, and reduce stress. Embrace the practice of grounding, let go of distractions, and return to the present moment. Allow the Earth's energy to support you on your journey toward holistic well-being and inner harmony. For holistic health support and guidance please visit my website at dragonspitapothecary.com