Pregnancy nutrition and fetal development

Pregnancy Nutrition and fetal development into childhood development:

What is nutrition?  It’s the cumulative amount of vitamins and nutrients that the cells in your body need to keep your body properly functioning. People really lose site of the purpose of eating and forget that at its very core everything you eat is used to keep your body alive. When you’re pregnant everything you eat feeds the cells of the fetus as it develops. At its simplest explanation, feeding cells is essentially a chemical reaction.  

Many studies have linked artificial hormones and chemicals in foods to a variety of diseases in the human body. A disease at its very core is a chemical reaction that causes symptoms so naturally one would think eating these hormones and chemicals during pregnancy would cause developmental issues with the fetus    It is finally being scientifically proven that what many believe are genetic disorders are actually the affects that the mothers nutrition has on the development of the fetus during pregnancy.  

Many studies on autism have only tried to dispel or prove genetic links or after birth links for the cause of autism.  In a first ever study of its kind the University of Florida, has linked autism to a food preservative. 

“The Study

The study describes how elevated levels of the preservative, propionic acid (PPA)–used to extend shelf life and reduce mold in packaged foods, breads and cheeses—can adversely affect the development and differentiation of neurons in fetal brains in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In the current study, Saleh Naser, PhD and her team at UCF found that when neural stem cells were exposed to high levels of PPA, the neurons incurred multiple changes resulting in cellular damage and inflammation. One of the major effects of PPA they noted was the overproduction of glial cells , the protective outer cells making up the sheath covering neurons, with a corresponding reduction in the number of neurons themselves. An excess of glial cells may disrupt the connectivity between the neurons and induce inflammation, a common finding in the brains of children with ASD.

While prior studies have suggested the role of genetic factors and environmental influence in ASD, this study, according to the authors, is the first to note a molecular link from elevated levels of PPA, overproduction of glial cells, disruption of neural connections and autism.” -  

Robert Glatter, MD

The study goes on to link the gut

microbiome found in these patients fecal matter to intestinal issues common with Autism Patients which further links that the possible core of the development of brain diseases is simply by products of poor nutrition and the manipulation of our foods.  

Juice Cleanse

Everyone wants to try a Juice Cleanse and ends up starved & dehydrated. Here's a look at how I "Juice Cleanse" which includes eating. You won't be starved but instead fed full nutrition! Your times may vary and this is just a one day example of the structure of how I Cleanse! 

7am: 8 oz - coffee/tea/hot water mixed with Cinnamon, Turmeric and Honey (maple syrup)

#1 Anti Inflammatory Juice + Any Fruit 

1 pineapple

1 head of romaine

1 handful of spinach 

2 inches of turmeric root

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

10am: #2 Skin & Digestion or any beet/carrot juice 

5 carrots

1 Beet

1 cucumber

1 lemon

1 green apple

Walk for 30 minutes or full work out

1 pm: Meal: Vegan Pho 

Vegan Broth Base: 

48 oz Low Sodium Vegetable Broth or Water

2 cups Chopped Celery

2 cups Chopped Carrots

2 cups Chopped Potatoes

2 cups Chopped Sweet Onion 

1 cup Chopped Parsley

1 tablespoon Black Pepper

1 tablespoon Thyme

2 tablespoons Organic Soy Sauce 

1 inch sliced Ginger Root 

1 inch sliced Turmeric Root

Sweat Veggies in 1 inch of Broth or Water until Carrots soften (10 minutes) then add remaining water/broth with spices and bring to a boil for 5 minutes then lower to a simmer for 15 minutes. 

Toppings: Mung Bean Vermicelli Glass Noodles, Organic Tempeh Cubed, Avocado and Pickled Ginger (make noodles in spectate pot then add to pho)

4pm #3 Clean Greens or any low sugar Greens juice 

1 head of Romaine

2 cups Spinach

1 apple

1 lemon

1 inch Ginger Root

6pm Snack: Brown Rice Veggie Sushi

8pm: # 4 Pure Greens or any low sugar Greens juice

1 head of Romaine

2 cups Spinach

2 cups Kale

1 cup Dandelion 

1 lemon

Please drink a minimum of 64 oz of water

*Please see a medical doctor before making major dietary changes and to make sure you are healthy enough to partake in a cleanse*

Each Juice has a purpose in my Cleanse! We have covered all of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, essential Aminos, protein, carbohydrate and fat that your body requires to maintain perfect health. We have eliminated anything that could negatively affect the body to Cleanse. Any weight loss from this Cleanse will be actual weight and not water. You'll feel lighter and more energetic! 

Vegetable Layered Lasagna

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Vegetable Layered Lasagna

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4 Zucchini (cut into long strips)

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Fennel Mixture:

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1 Minced Fennel Bulb 

1 Avocado 

1 tsp Coconut Vinegar

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Tomato Mixture: 

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2 Diced Organic Tomatoes

2 cups Mashed Garbanzo Beans

2 tbsp Minced Garlic 

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Mix each mixture well

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In a glass baking dish put a layer of the tomato mixture then a layer of Zucchini then a layer of the fennel Mixture then Zucchini then the tomato mixture then Zucchini then top with the Fennel Mixture, Pine nuts and Fennel Sprigs

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Raw: Chill for 30 minutes then serve

Cooked: Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes

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Raw or cooked this gluten free, low carb and plant based Lasagna is satisfying, hearty and delicious!   

Autonomic Neuropathy

"Autonomic neuropathy is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the nerves that manage every day body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion."
Most people with this are too embarrassed to talk about it. This morning as I try to get ready to go do my physical therapy, I am dripping sweat from pores I didn't even know existed. You could put a bucket under my arms and hear a constant flow of droplets. There is nothing I can do but sweat it out. My nerves are so badly damaged that they send false messages to my glands to sweat. Some nights it's only the back of my head is soaked and others I will sweat through both beds at my house and end up sweating it out on the couch. 
I've incorporated  a breathing technique before bed called 7-4-8 that I read about online and was told something similar by a friend. It's helps reduce the night sweats by 30%. Never did I think this would be something I would have to deal with. It's sucks and it's embarrassing but it's part of my recovery and who I am now. 
Today instead of letting the sweating bother me, I'm going to do my best at self led physical therapy and then top off my day, achieving my goal of walking down the isle sans assistance as a bridesmaid at my friends wedding.  It's not going to be the prettiest walk but it's going to be on someone's arm and not on my crutch.  I've worked so hard to be able to do this and I'm not going to let anything dull my sparkle. 





I guess the moral is to always look at the bright side and to take our victories where they come, no matter the size, it's still a win. 

4 Step Guideline to Physical Therapy

"My style is wild and you know that it still is

Disco bag schlepping and you're doing the bump

Shake your rump" - Beastie Boys

In the last few weeks I've been shakin' my rump and working very hard at reversing the muscle atrophy in my booty and my left leg from my hips surgeries and recovery over the last 4 years. Having my bones shaved twice in an 8 month time period added an extra hurdle to overcome. I have years of atrophy which starts at 2 weeks of inactivity plus 2 years of bone healing from each surgery date ahead of me. By systematically strengthening the muscles and being patient, I am starting to see improvements in the atrophied areas. I've used these 4 steps as a guideline to my physical therapy: 

1. Isometric exercises 

To improve circulation and increase strength in the atrophied muscle. Isometric exercises involve contracting the muscle for a few seconds at a time

2. Range of Motion:

Progressing to range of motion exercises that involve joint movement without adding resistance

3. Light resistance 

Progressing to light resistance such as small hand weights or resistance tubes in order to begin rebuilding your lost muscle mass. Adding resistance gradually to avoid injury or straining .

4. Increasing resistance:

Slowly progressing to adding more resistance, moderately,  include more heavier free weights and weight machines. Start including more functional movements into your exercise program. For example, squats and step-ups will to build up atrophied quadriceps muscles, as well as bicep curls and overhead presses to strengthen atrophied muscles in the upper body.

Recovering from an injury takes patience, time, proper physical therapy and nutrition. If you do the work, in time you will see the results and be able to come out of it even stronger and healthier! 

#booty #shakeyourrump #workout #fitness #healing #recovery #bonehealth #resistancetraining #strengthtraining #physicaltherapy #patience #time #holistichealth #holisticnutrition #holistichealing #werk #🍑#longhair #messyhairdontcare #rawearthmedicine

East Meets West creates Raw Earth Medicine

The hardest part of being holistic is finding a balance between Eastern & Western Medicine.  You have to be able to put your ego aside & objectively look at each situation & do what is best for the body so you can live in optimum health.  

Much like the decision to vaccinate your child, you have to look at each illness you face & evaluate if you need Western Medicine or if there is a holistic approach. Knowing that I can’t holistically fight Polio, I vaccinated my child against it.  My goal is to use as few pharmaceuticals as possible but to know when the holistic approach needs to reach for the hand of Western Medicine.

As long as I do my share to try to prevent illness/disease and don’t abuse Western Medicine then I feel okay using it when I see fit.  I don’t reach for an Advil or pain pill for aches & pains because I know a holistic approach works better in longevity. I don’t use an Antibiotic every time I’m sick but I do know when to say when like when Bronchitis is moving it’s way to pneumonia, antibiotics are necessary because my eastern approach needs a hand. 

I think the issue facing and caused by Western Medicine is our abuse of it. Instead of living a healthy lifestyle & eating to prevent disease, most people live a lifestyle & eat a diet that causes disease; forcing Western Medicine to virtually keep them alive. Having to create pills to control cholesterol, blood pressure, circulation, blood sugar, erections, consistency of our blood along with surgeries to control weight, remove fat, unclog arteries and the list goes on and on. These all being things you can prevent & control holistically. 

My wish is for each person to do their share, create health in their lifestyle & within their body without abusing pills & surgeries, allowing Western Medicine to focus on research for the unknown instead of fixing mans created health epidemics.  The goal should be Raw Earth Medicine a balance between Eastern & Western Medicine, each holding tho others hand to keep you living a long healthy life! 

Digestive System Detox Juice

Detox Juice

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3 Apples

1 Beet

3 Carrots

1 Lemon

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Best cold pressed but still great for you in a smoothie! Digestive System Detox Juice is a wonderful blend of fruits and vegetables that help detox the body and push toxins out of the system. On days I drink detox Juice, I up my water consumption to give this juice a little help in flushing out my digestive system. .

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#happyday