Healthy Living Tips with Hilary

Our country seems divided right now between those who aren’t very worried about the Covid-virus and those who are. I am grateful to fall into the camp of “not worried this virus would be much of a challenge for my immune system.” I am blessed with a robust immune system; however, that was not always the case. For most of my life, I would experience a respiratory sickness once or twice a year, often coinciding with allergy season or right around Christmas. As a child and adult, I had frequent ear infections, chronic rhinitis, migraine headaches, coughs, bronchitis, boils, muscle and joint aches…., and more. I took many antibiotics throughout childhood and adulthood. In 2002 my health had reached such a low point (one doctor thought I might have MS!) I sought out the help of a Naturopathic Physician, prior to filling all the prescriptions prescribed by conventional medicine. The N.D. (Naturopathic Physician) had me do the US Biotek Food antibody blood test. Turns out my immune system had gone haywire and my antibodies were reacting to almost every food I ate. I was “allergic” to so many foods! This leads one to ask “why?” There’s nothing wrong with eggs so why did my body think there was something wrong….why was my immune system sending out an army of antibodies to 40 different foods? Believe it or not...finding this out was one of the greatest gifts life offered to me because it led me down a path of learning, healing, vitality and true health…..and some really amazing businesses :) There’s so much I could say about why, but I will save that for another article. The purpose of this article is to share about specific supplements and life changes that have contributed to my strong resilient immune system, and to feel healthy and vibrant.

I will share some of my favorite links for learning about nutrition and health, so that you can do your own research. It’s really not that complicated and positive results can come FAST!! This knowledge is empowering AND in my experience less expensive than conventional medicine routes, and with better results.

I dream of a day when the AMA (American Medical Association) teaches basic nutrition in medical school training (weird that I have to dream of this) and health visits incorporate testing and treatment for micronutrients, inflammation and detoxification…..I think this would be called disease prevention ;)

I will begin with two supplements many do not know about. Cat’s Claw and Coseva’s Advanced TRS (toxin removal system). Both are fascinating and have improved my health significantly.

Cat’s Claw: Nope it’s not actually a cat’s claw. Cat’s Claw is the root and bark of a vine that climbs tall trees in primarily Peru, Columbia, Ecuador and Panama with a downward hook that looks like a cat’s claw. One of the earliest references to Cat’s Claw (U. tomentosa) found in the English language was reported in 1892 by the famous botanist Millspaugh. Millspaugh heard numerous accounts of therapeutic benefits. Explorers claimed it cured benign and malignant cancers, arthritis, prostate problems and a multitude of immune related disorders. In the 1980’s reports of “miracle cures” by prominent politicians and movie stars in Mexico and Peru and other countries led to scientific interest in Cat’s Claw. As one study after another began to confirm the biological activity of Cat’s Claw manufacturers began to supply the public with dietary supplements containing the root or bark powder. In the 1970’s scientists and consumers tried repeatedly to encourage the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study it but since it was an unpatentable plant the drug industry and NIH had no interest in investing in a product that could be sold over the counter as a dietary supplement. Some research was carried out in the early 70’s by the National Cancer Institute at the prompting of President Richard Nixon. The Study ceased right before he left office. Researchers in Europe have done considerable research on the chemistry and therapeutic potential available for us today. Thanks European Researchers! https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236835025_Cat’s_ Claw_Uncaria_tomentosa Health Benefits include: Treating arthritis, May Fight Cancer, Repairs DNA, Lowers High Blood Pressure, Boosts Immune System, Combats Herpes, Improves Digestive Problems like Leaky Gut and Crohn’s, may aid in HIV treatment. Links to some of the research here: https://draxe.com/nutrition/cats-claw/ I’ve been taking Cat’s Claw off and on for about two years. I take it daily during the cold/flu season or if I have a headache or any inflammation. I’ve turned MANY friends of all ages on to it. My neighbor’s lymphedema swelling and arthritic pain decreased so much she was mind blown (she’s a retired RN) she told all her friends about it in her swimming group. Another friend struggled with migraines and frequently took ibuprofen and she said the Cat’s Claw was an awesome replacement for the ibuprofen. I haven’t gotten sick in two years….started to once this past January and I popped 3 or 4 capsules (and some other supplements and some of my witchy soup;)) and I was fine the next day. I feel like Cat’s Claw REALLY healed my gut. Considering that gut issues are one of the reasons why so many of us are deficient in nutrients because we have malabsorption issues I think investing in a bottle of Cat’s Claw is well worth the 8.99 (Solaray Brand at Natural Grocers). I heart Cat’s Claw (need to get a t-shirt that says that :).

Next up is Coseva’s Advanced TRS (toxin removal system). This stuff is fascinating! The ingredients in a little spray bottle of Coseva’s Advanced TRS are man made nano-zeolites and purified water. What?! I know let me try and explain. Natural zeolites form where volcanic rocks and ash layers react with alkaline groundwater. The zeolites in Coseva’s product are man made in a lab. Nano Zeolites are encased in water and act like toxin magnets. Zeolites have a high negative charge and strong affinity for toxins as toxins are positively charged. TRS detoxes all heavy metals; aluminum, mercury, arsenic, fluoride, barium, strontium, uranium, lead, pesticides, herbicides, plastic residues, toxins from molds and yeasts, carcinogens from smoke, and haze and also an array of radioactive material in the body ( TRS Safe Detox Australia). Zeolites have been used in environmental remediation for years like water treatment, radioactive waste and so much more. Testimonials from those who have used Coseva’s TRS include: speech explosions in autistic children, more energy, less sickness, increased healing time, clearer mind, clearer eyes, brain fog lifting, hydrated skin and hair growth. The first few days I did the three sprays in the morning and the three sprays before bed I had strange body odor and my poo had an odd smell….pretty obvious I was detoxing something out of me. My hair and nails are growing faster and I haven’t had environmental allergies or gotten sick since I started! I’ve had allergies my whole life during allergy season. Three bottles is $150 dollars and each bottle lasts about 3 weeks. I wish it wasn’t so expensive but I buy it when I can (I don’t have any right now) because lord knows we have toxins coming into us more than we should and I like to feel good. I had a choice between getting health insurance or using that 300 a month to buy good food and supplements and I chose to punt the health insurance. Judge me if you want but I am healthier than I’ve ever been and it was the right decision for me. If I get trampled by buffalo or hit by a bus I am fine with you letting me go onto the next chapter….really.

POWERFUL IMMUNE SYSTEM MICRONUTRIENTS

Think of your immune system like an army. If you want your army strong you give them the best food and weapons to easily challenge any invader. Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iodine and Zinc are critical for an efficient and strong immune system. To learn more about why from a great teacher check out Dr. Berg on You Tube. He explains so anyone can understand the role of each nutrient and what they do….I think it is super fascinating. One of my favorite videos he has done is Identifying Nutritional Deficiencies through Nails, Skin and Hair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tv7syAKcxw

Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic itself - 70-80% of people are deficient in vitamin D. If you are deficient you may have dental problems, inflammation (especially lower back), increased risk of autoimmune diseases, infections, cardiovascular problems, diabetes type 2, bone loss, neurological problems. Deficiency can increase your risk of over 300 illnesses including the flu and respiratory infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lack of sun is one of the causes of vitamin D deficiency as well as sunscreen, breastfeeding, darker skin, pregnancy statins and cortisol medications. The flu typically hits in winter months for obvious reasons…. less sun. It’s challenging to get much vitamin D from diet. I purchase Now brand Ultra A and D3 100 caps for about 5.99 at Natural Grocers. I found that to be the least expensive and it had the Vitamin A I wanted….extra bonus!

Vitamin A - Deficiencies can lead to infections (sinus and others), acne, vision problems (night blindness), lack of lubrication in the eyes and mouth, flaky skin, white dots on skin. Often we are eating enough in our foods (butter, eggs, cheese, cod liver oil, liver are good sources) but the gut isn’t absorbing or converting into a useable form because of digestive issues or history of antibiotic use . Vegetable sources like Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots have to be converted into retinol the useable form of A and it’s a pretty low conversion rate, especially if the gut is damaged (and most of us have some damage). The other cause of Vitamin A deficiency is a lack of bile maybe you don’t have a gallbladder or have a congested liver so you might have to take some bile supplements or it could be your stomach isn’t acid enough. I believe the Cat’s Claw helped heal my gut and decrease possible malabsorption issues I may have had allowing for better absorption of nutrients in food and supplements.

Vitamin C - A subclinical vitamin C deficiency is very common. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and critical for your immune system to fight infection. When I was pregnant my gums started bleeding really bad when I flossed. I did some research (my dentist didn’t mention Vitamin C when I went in asking about it) and found out that low vitamin C levels (common during pregnancy) can result in bleeding gums. Other signs of low vitamin C levels are joint stiffness, fatigue, and wounds that won’t heal. Smoking, pregnancy, age, exercise overtraining, and eating sugar blocks your ability to absorb vitamin C making you more susceptible to infections. There are A LOT of vitamin C’s to pick from and there’s also a lot of opinion on what is the best form. Avoid supplemental Vitamin C made from Calcium Carbonate and Rose Hips, as research has shown that these forms have poor absorption rates. Acerola Cherry Vitamin C is a food-based form with good absorption but more expensive than Ascorbic Acid form. I currently take Solaray’s Sinus Source. It has Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Quercetin (an anti-inflammatory flavonoid https://draxe.com/nutrition/quercetin/ ) and enzymes to help break up mucus in the sinus cavity. I am always looking for the best deal with the greatest return. I get this at Natural Grocers 60 caps for 17.99 - it’s one of the more expensive supplements I buy but I think it’s a solid choice for me and anyone else who struggles with sinus stuff and postnasal drip who wants Vitamin C. For all you spice lovers….those hot peppers are a GREAT source of vitamin C! I want to write an article on how to incorporate hot peppers into most foods even for those who are spice adverse. Iodine deficiency is another pandemic. The World Health Organization reports at least 72% of the world’s population is deficient (weird they don’t talk about it and weird the AMA doesn’t teach about it). In one study of 5000 participants, 96% were deficient in iodine!!! Iodine deficiency is preventable with iodine. Sadly, iodized salt has a form of iodine with poor absorption. Deficiency symptoms include: depression, difficulty losing weight, dry skin, headaches, lethargy, memory problems, menstrual problems, hyperlipidemia, recurrent infections, sensitivity to cold, cold hands and feet, brain fog, thinning hair, constipation, shortness of breath, impaired kidney function, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness...whoa. Risk factors include low dietary iodine, selenium deficiency, fluoridated and chlorinated water, pregnancy, tobacco smoke, eating a lot of goitrogen foods (cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage, soy, brussels sprouts). https://draxe.com/nutrition/ iodine-deficiency/ I was first introduced to the idea of iodine by a dear friend who had an aggressive cancer return after beating it 5 years before. She went into the rabbit hole of nutritional research when her cancer returned and she told me to look into iodine. Natural Grocers had a great resource material on iodine I read and they helped me select the best supplement. Terry Naturals Tri Iodine is what I get. I take one EVERY other day to save monies. 90 capsules for $20.59. It’s another one that is kinda pricey but it lasts a few months if you take one a day. My friend died from aggressive cancer and the treatment; she passed a baton to me to share about Iodine with others before it’s too late.

Zinc is one of the most important trace minerals for supporting the immune system. And super important for gonad’s FYI ;)! Signs of deficiencies: Inflammatory conditions, acne, poor hair, and nail growth, white spots on your nails, high blood pressure, cold extremities, dwarfism, hearing loss, loss of taste/smell, slow wound healing, low testosterone, arthritis, stretch marks. Food sources include oysters, red meat, and pumpkin seeds. Zinc Chelate has a 230% better absorption rate than zinc sulfate and 390% better absorption rate than zinc oxide. I take Solaray brand Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc 250 caps I got on sale at Natural Grocers for around $15.00 (so I was able to buy Jarrow Formulas K2 MK-7 which helps with the distribution of calcium and magnesium...I’d like to do a whole article on it). Phytates cereal, breads, pasta, spinach, almonds, chocolate block the absorption of Zinc. Gut damage affects absorption (that’s why I love Cat’s claw)

I would love to discuss all the different B vitamins but this is getting long and I think an entire article is due on each B vitamin. In the meantime, I highly recommend nutritional yeast for a good, easy and inexpensive source of B vitamins. Natural Grocers has the best price in the bulk section. Adding nutritional yeast to your popcorn or salads is yummy, easy and nutritious.

Other things research has shown to directly impact our immune system health are breathwork, touch, laughter, chiropractic work (plethora of research showing how it positively affects immune function) , forgiveness, giving, receiving, getting out in nature, walking or laying barefoot on the earth, thinking loving thoughts towards yourself and others, sitting in silence (start with 2 min), yoga, exercise, dance, drawing, reading, smiling, holding hands, praying, herbs (awesome in salads dried or fresh...best prices on dried in bulk at Natural Grocers), local greens, veggies, sprouts, local meats,hemp seeds, coconut oil, having a cocktail with a friend or enjoying some great onion rings and especially being ok with wherever you are at.

I did not include amounts of supplements. Honestly, at some point, you have to do research yourself, for yourself. If you help yourself you help everyone. Say YES to you...you are worth it. A lack of knowledge is a lack of power. Love you, Hilary

Hilary Brown is a highly inspired individual that’s grounded in integrity, teamwork, creating sustainable, community-focused businesses, and enjoying life along the way! In 2005 Hilary founded, Local Burger, a first to the market sustainable fast food restaurant. She launched the national food based company, Hilary’s Eat Well in 2011. Currently, Hilary lives in Lawrence with her son Nello and is excited about growing OO Bakes Gluten free baked goods throughout the midwest....and beyond.