Cucumber Celery Seed Salad

This is a really old recipe from a cookbook that my neighbor took a photo of.  I would like to give credit to the author and probably need to find out who that is.

It’s delicious and super easy to make.

I adapted a few things in the recipe so I will type it all out here. As the Medical Medium says here, cucumbers have incredible healing power

Recipe:

1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar (I like Bragg’s but use whatever vinegar floats your boat)

1-Tablespoon lemon juice

1-tablespoon celery seeds (recipe called for 1-teaspoon).  According to Dr Axe, celery seeds are good for all sort of things. 

1-pinch of sugar, you can omit this if you want. The recipe calls for 2-tablespoons (way too sweet, unless sweet is your jam).

Pepper to taste

Salt to taste

2-tablespoons diced onion. I used shallots because I was out of onion

3 cups sliced or diced cucumbers without seeds. The recipe says to peel them, but I left the peels on and juiced the seeds and pulp with some carrots. You can leave the seeds in or out, try it and see what you like

1-tablespoon of powdered kelp (I like the taste).  I think it gives us more energy, but you be the judge and read about sea vegetables (like kelp) on the Body Ecology Diet website, or Medical Medium website, or research online.

I added a spore probiotic and another probiotic.  Neither of these brands have taste, but based on what I have read, they offer great GUT aka immune support.

They have no taste

Put all ingredients in a bowl, toss well with a spoon.

Refrigerate for 6-hours. The key to this salad is to let it marinate and let the juices combine.

Eat with a meal, or straight out of the bowl over the sink!

EMF’s and Our GUT Microbiome

What are EMF’s?

Here is a description from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: 

“Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation, that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting. EMFs are typically grouped into one of two categories by their frequency:

  • Non-ionizing: low-level radiation which is generally perceived as harmless to humans
  • Ionizing: high-level radiation which has the potential for cellular and DNA damage

Can EMFs be harmful to my health?

During the 1990s, most EMF research focused on extremely low frequency exposures stemming from conventional power sources, such as power lines, electrical substations, or home appliances. While some of these studies showed a possible link between EMF field strength and an increased risk for childhood leukemia, their findings indicated that such an association was weak. The few studies that have been conducted on adults show no evidence of a link between EMF exposure and adult cancers, such as leukemia, brain cancer, and breast cancer.

Now, in the age of cellular telephones, wireless routers, and the Internet of things, all of which use EMF, concerns persist about possible connections between EMF and adverse health effects. These exposures are actively being studies by NIEHS recommends continued education on practical ways of reducing exposures to EMFs.”

Then there’s this scientific abstract piece that was studied at Baylor University published in the Journal of Microbiology on the impact of EMF’s and bad bacteria which is fascinating. 

“Cell phones and electronic appliances and devices are inseparable from most people in modern society and the electromagnetic field (EMF) from the devices is a potential health threat.

Although the direct health effect of a cell phone and its radio frequency (RF) EMF to human is still elusive, the effect to unicellular organisms is rather apparent.

Human microbiota, including skin microbiota, has been linked to a very significant role in the health of a host human body. It is important to understand the response of human skin microbiota to the RF-EMF from cell phones and personal electronic devices, since this may be one of the potential mechanisms of a human health threat brought about by the disruption of the intimate and balanced host-microbiota relationship.

Here is the Harvard School of Public Healths description of the Microbiome

“The microbiome consists of microbes that are both helpful and potentially harmful. Most are symbiotic (where both the human body and microbiota benefit) and some, in smaller numbers, are pathogenic (promoting disease). In a healthy body, pathogenic and symbiotic microbiota coexist without problems. But if there is a disturbance in that balance—brought on by infectious illnesses, certain diets, or the prolonged use of antibiotics or other bacteria-destroying medications—dysbiosis occurs, stopping these normal interactions. As a result, the body may become more susceptible to disease.

How microbiota benefit the body

Microbiota stimulate the immune system, break down potentially toxic food compounds, and synthesize certain vitamins and amino acids, [2] including the B vitamins and vitamin K. For example, the key enzymes needed to form vitamin B12 are only found in bacteria, not in plants and animals. [3]” Read more here: 

In Layman’s terms:

80 % of our immune system lies in our GUT (digestive system)

It is our bodies first line of defense against pathogens

We need bacteria in our GUT for us to absorb vitamins and minerals-especially B12 which are all key for brain health and detoxification.

An optimal healthy GUT needs a ratio of more good bacteria to bad bacteria (we need both).  When we have an overgrowth of funky gut bugs due to poor digestion, too much WIFI or whatever throws each person off, a situation called dysbiosis occurs.

How do we protect and empower our gut?

Walking outside every day for at least 30 minutes.

Lots of filtered water

Fermented foods, like Kombucha and fermented cabbage (raw sauerkraut) or store bought Bubbies!

Vitamins and minerals that protect our gut, like vitamin C, kelp, multigreens, glutatione from oranges, clove, thyme and olive oil.

Underground Garlic Heavy Metal GUT Healer

Fermented Garlic Benefits:

-Garlic Removes heavy metals-

here is a study showing garlic is more effective than DMSA, one of the current medication prescribed for heavy Metal detox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/3268178/

Balances pH, which supports detoxification

Anti-fungal

Anti-bacterial

Anti-parasitic

With the addition of organic raw apple cider vinegar this also provides:

Improves GUT function

Lowers blood pressure

Weight loss

Probiotics and enzymes

Relieves symptoms of acid reflux

Underground Garlic and Gut Health

Ingredients and Recipe:

✅ Quart size mason jars with lids (as many as you want to make)

✅ Celtic sea salt (buy a large bag of it, or your favorite mineral based salt). You’ll be using it for all of your future ferments and broths!

✅ Spring water. We have Wisconsin spring water delivered.

✅ Raw Organic Garlic

✅ Go to your local farmers market (or your garden) and get some garlic. I bought mine from this dude.

http://www.libertyvillefarmersmarket.org/Producers/Garlic_Underground.html

Peel garlic and put it in the mason jar.

Put 1-tablespoon of salt in the jar.

Pour water over the garlic, leaving 1-inch from the top.

✌️ Set jar on kitchen counter or outside in your porch for one month. Make sure the garlic stays submerged under the salt water. It should bubble a bit.

✌️ After 1-month, open the lid and pour in a bit of the apple cider vinegar. Put lid on, shake it a little bit and then put it in your refrigerator, or eat some!

Every day eat a clove or two-or more if you like!

Prebiotic Probiotic GUT Basics Salad

Put the following ingredients in a large glass bowl and stir. Eat immediately or refrigerate and eat later. This is a delicious, power-packed salad!

Ingredients:
2-cups organic arugula, coarsely chopped
Arugula benefits:
Fights Cancer
Protects Eye Health
Improves Heart Health
Helps Maintain Strong Bones
Aids in Weight Loss
Improves Digestion
Helps Prevent Diabetes
Reduces Skin Inflammation and Infections
Supplies Important Vitamins and Minerals
May Act as a Natural Aphrodisiac
benefits of arugula courtesy of draxe.com/arugula/

2-cups organic shredded broccoli (you can buy this at Trader Joe’s, or buy whole broccoli, cook the tops for something else and then shred the stalk of broccoli or spiralize it).
Broccoli benefits:
Cancer prevention
Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Slowed aging
Better teeth and gum health
Better bone health
Prevention of prematurely aged, irritated skin
Better wound healing
Better eye health
Detoxified blood
Liver protection
Balanced pH level and regulated blood acidity
Improved hormonal health and adrenal gland functioning
Improved fertility
Increased metabolism and better management of a healthy weight
Better cognitive function, even into old age
Broccoli benefits courtesy of draxe.com/broccoli-nutrition/

4-tablespoons pepita seeds (green pumpkin seeds)
Benefits of pepita seeds
Heart Healthy Magnesium
One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, Magnesium has been shown to benefit your blood pressure and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke, yet an estimated 80 percent of Americans are deficient in this important mineral. Zinc for Immune Support including immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function. Plant-Based Omega-3 Fats, Prostate Health Anti-Diabetic EffectsAnimal studies suggest that pumpkin seeds may help improve insulin regulation and help prevent diabetic complications by decreasing oxidative stress.

Benefits for Postmenopausal Women: Pumpkin seed oil is rich in natural phytoestrogens and studies suggest it may lead to a significant increase in good “HDL” cholesterol along with decreases in blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches, joint pains and other menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. Heart and Liver Health; Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid (protein building block) that your body converts into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, the “sleep hormone.” Eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed, along with a carbohydrate like a small piece of fruit, may be especially beneficial for providing your body the tryptophan needed for your melatonin and serotonin production to help promote a restful night’s sleep.

2-tablespoons- Juvapower is a high antioxidant vegetable powder complex and is one of the richest sources of acid-binding foods. JuvaPower is rich in liver-supporting nutrients and has intestinal cleansing benefits.* Sprinkle 7.5 grams (1 tablespoon) on food (i.e., baked potato, salad, rice, eggs, etc.) or add to 4-8 oz. purified water or rice/almond milk and drink. Use JuvaPower three times daily for maximum benefits.

2-tablespoons Spirulina-
Benefits: Detoxes Heavy Metals (Especially Arsenic), Eliminates Candida, Helps Prevent Cancer, Lowers Blood Pressure, Reduces Cholesterol, Lowers Chance of Stroke, Boosts Energy,
Alleviates Sinus Issues, offers Neuroprotection for Brain Disorders & Memory Boosting
Courtesy of www.draxe.com/spirulina-benefits/
Here’s one study that shows how Spirulina combined with zinc can detox arsenic (and arsenic is often found in some baby car seats)

4-capsules Multigreens opened up and contents emptied into the bowl. Multigreens Boosts Vitality
Supports a Healthy Circulatory System
Contains Spirulina, Alalfa Sprouts, and Pacific KelpMultiGreens™ is a nutritious chlorophyll formula designed to boost vitality by working with the glandular, nervous, and circulatory systems.* MultiGreens is made with spirulina, alfalfa sprouts, barley grass, bee pollen, eleuthero, Pacific kelp, and therapeutic-grade essential oils.

4-tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits
Protects Heart Health
Studies have found that high monounsaturated fat diets lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides better than lower-fat, higher-carb diets do. (4) Thanks to powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols, extra virgin oil is considered an anti-inflammatory food and cardiovascular protector. When someone’s immune system essentially begins to fight her own body as a result of a poor diet, stress or other factors, inflammatory responses are triggered that lead to dangerous, disease-causing inflammation.

olive oil, The protective effects of a Mediterranean-style diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from olive oil have been shown in many studies, with some finding that this type of higher-fat diet is capable of decreasing the risk of cardiac death by 30 percent and sudden cardiac death by 45 percent! (6)
Helps Fight Cancer, Both olives and olive oil contain substantial amounts of other compounds deemed to be anticancer agents (e.g., squalene and terpenoids) as well as the peroxidation-resistant lipid oleic acid.

Olive oil Helps with Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention After reviewing five trials including a total of 447 individuals, researchers from University Hospital Basel in Switzerland found that individuals assigned to higher-fat, low-carbohydrate diets lost more weight than individuals randomized to low-fat diets. There were no differences in blood pressure levels between the two groups, but triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values changed more favorably in individuals assigned to the diets higher in fat. (8)

olive oil supports Brain Health
The brain is largely made up of fatty acids, and we require a moderately high level on a daily basis to perform tasks, regulate our moods and think clearly. (10) Like other sources of healthy fats, olive oil is considered a brain food that improves focus and memory.

Olive oil Fights Mood Disorders and Depression Healthy fats, including olive oil, have hormone-balancing, anti-inflammatory effects that can prevent neurotransmitter dysfunction. Low-fat diets are often linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. Mood or cognitive disorders can occur when the brain doesn’t get a sufficient amount of “happy hormones” like serotonin or dopamine, important chemical messengers that are necessary for mood regulation, getting good sleep and thought-processing.
Courtesy of https://draxe.com/olive-oil-benefits/

juice of one organic lemon
benefits of lemon are: Improved Digestion
Lemons are well-known for their ability to improve digestion. A glass of lemon water first thing promotes the slow absorption of food, which helps keep insulin levels steady, and boosts nutrient absorption. But lemons aid digestion in another way too.

Lemons are high in a fiber called pectin. It’s a prebiotic, meaning it can feed the healthy bacteria in your gut (1). That means your healthy bacteria will be more abundant, which is essential for a healthy digestive system.

Unfortunately, you can’t simply drink a glass of lemon water to get this effect. Pectin is found in the pulp and peel (rind) of lemons. So, add some lemon zest as you cook to boost digestion.

Healthier Skin
Lemons can help maintain supple and youthful skin thanks to vitamin C. One lemon has 45 mg of vitamin C or about 75% of your daily needs.

Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen, a structural protein that your body uses to keep your skin firm and wrinkle-free.

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, so it can protect your skin from aging. Between the two, it’s no surprise that researchers found a diet containing natural vitamin C can lead to younger looking skin and fewer wrinkles (2).

Vitamin C Promotes Weight Loss
If you consume lemons on a regular basis, there’s also evidence that it can help you shed some unwanted weight.
In animal studies, scientists have found that the polyphenols in lemons could prevent weight gain from poor eating choices (3).

2-tablespoon of fermented pickle juice (not pictured, and I don’t have the recipe typed up yet,) or 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar
regulates blood sugar
Enhances weight loss
Lowers blood pressure
Relieves symptoms of acid reflux
Thank you to Dr Axe for the information about the benefits of apple cider vinegar

2-tablespoon mustard seeds-they taste great and of course there is the very famous verse,
Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mustard seeds are packed with information:
Antibacterial: According to “The Big Book of Home Remedies,” topical application of mustard seed paste can aid in alleviating ringworm.19

Emetic: People suffering from narcotic or alcohol poisoning may consume a mustard seed decoction, as the seeds’ emetic properties aid in getting rid of toxins from the body.20,21,22

Anti-inflammatory: According to the George Mateljan Foundation, mustard seeds are not only a good source of magnesium, but also contain excellent amounts of selenium — both of these nutrients are linked to helping improve symptoms of asthma, menopause and migraines. These nutrients also reduce the risk of heart attack in people with diabetic heart disease or atherosclerosis.23

Psoriasis: A 2013 study in the Journal of Dermatology highlighted that mustard seeds may result in protection and healing against psoriasis-caused inflammation and lesions. Mustard seeds encouraged increased activities of enzymes like superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase that were crucial in alleviating psoriasis indicators.29
Thank you to Dr.Mercola for the information https://foodfacts.mercola.com/mustard-seed.html

1-organic cucumber diced
cucumbers Protect Your Brain — Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline,1 fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.2
Reduce Your Risk of Cancer, Fight Inflammation, Antioxidant Properties ,Freshen Your Breath
Manage Stress, Support Your Digestive Health — Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. Adding cucumbers to your juice or salad can help you meet the ideal of amount of fiber your body needs
Thank you to Dr. Mercola for…https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/08/23/health-benefits-cucumbers.aspx

1-large watermelon radish diced (or regular radishes if you can’t find watermelon radish)
Radishes contain significant amounts of vitamin C and several other vitamins and minerals, and a few not-so-familiar phytochemicals such as indoles.

Radishes also contain an important isothiocyanate antioxidant compound called sulforaphane, a potential cancer fighter. Furthermore, they remove bilirubin from the liver, preventing jaundice, and perform other healthful tasks like purifying kidney and urinary systems, regulating blood pressure, boosting immunity and scavenging free radicals throughout your body.

If you aren’t yet using Multigreens and JuvaPower, feel free to order them here, or message me to see how we can craft your lifestyle with essential oils, supplements and food.
Shalom.

“Death Begins In The Colon”.

In the 1950’s a brilliant doctor by the name of Dr.Bernard Jensen, D. C. Nutritionist coined the phrase “Death Begins In The Colon”.

In her book, the GAPS diet, Dr. Campbell-McBride speaks on the Importance of the GUT hence the name GAPS, which means Gut And Psychology Syndrome.

In other words our GUT and colon play a huge part in our overall wellness.

In our modern culture are we often miss including raw, organic fruits and vegetables (local and in season), both of which are full of soluble and insoluble fiber.

After a long holiday weekend full of fun and festivities most of us can attest to eating things full of gluten (beer, hamburger, hot dog buns) that slow down our digestive systems and make us feel like we are dragging.

Here is a great drink recipe that will serve your GUT aka “second brain” liver, and colon.
Juva Power is one of my favorite things that Young Living makes. PS if you love your liver, colon and GUT, add Juva Power to your July Essential Rewards order. It’s great sprinkled on foods and added to drinks.

Juva Power Watermelon Lime Flushie

Serves 4
1/4 watermelon (with seeds of you can find one. Excellent source of protein and vitamin C). Watermelon is loaded with nutrients for your eyes and is a natural cleanser.
1-cup filtered water
1-drop YL Lime Vitality Essential Oil per serving ( use glass, no plastic or styrofoam).
1/2 teaspoon Juva Power per serving.
Hawaiian Black Sea salt to taste (natural form of activated charcoal, also loaded with minerals which we all need!).

Directions:
Put watermelon and water in a blender.
Blend for 30-seconds.
Pour the blended watermelon flushie into a glass. Add 1-drop of lime vitality and 1/2 teaspoon Juva Power in each glass, blend with a spoon and drink up!!

Juva Power is a high-antioxidant, whole-food vegetable powder complex. It is formulated with powerful, liver-supporting nutrients. It supports the liver and colon and has intestinal Cleansing properties.

GUT Basics for Spring….Our Liver!

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is the time that our liver needs extra attention!

When our liver isn’t working optimally, we can develop histamine reactions to (fermented foods, tomatoes, wheat, dairy, chocolate, wine and cured meats).

Then the cascade starts…..
watery eyes, brain fog, inflammation of the gut and brain, and constipation.
OY!

The emotions tied to the liver are anger, feeling rejected, bored, abandoned and alone. When we eat gut supporting foods, take supplements and diffuse essential oils, our body comes into trinity within itself. Mind, body, soul.

Before adding in any Fermented Foods Into Your Diet, you may want to research the Following…

GUT Basics For A Robust Brain And GI Tract:

1. Sulfur and glutathione:
We need Sulfur in the form of MSM.
Sulfur converts into Glutathione, our livers most important antioxidant. It binds to fat-soluble toxins (all toxins are fat-soluble), and converts them into water-soluble so we can pee and poop them out.
Sulfur also makes our hair and nails grow.
Read more here:
https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/sulfurzyme-powder

2. Digestive Enzymes-
I recently read that only 8 % of the food we eat gets metabolized. The remaining undigested food particles are left to create a pathogenic biofilm around our intestinal wall which creates havoc, inviting parasites, yeast and viruses to live there instead of being overcrowded by good gut flora.
When our digestive system is off, we get gut inflammation, overgrowth of bad gut bugs, overly emotional,
foggy brain and a fat gut.
Food is necessary for energy, cell regeneration and balancing the gut.
Read more about enzymes here:

An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away Smoothie

Appropriate for peeps following the SCD diet, Keto Diet, GAPS, BED followers, and ESPECIALLY good for those who need mitochondrial, thyroid support!

Put the following Ingredients in a high powered blender:
1-organic Granny Smith Apple-great for releasing histamines (think goodbye seasonal allergies)
1/2 cup Organic, full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream (you can replace yogurt, raw milk kefir of milk substitute of your choice)
1-cup filtered water
1-healing tablespoon of raw, local honey
1/2 organic frozen mango
1/4 cup frozen or fresh organic pineapple,
1-organic avocado, pit removed and flesh scooped out
Put all ingredients in a high powered blender (like a Vita-Mix)

Blend.

Drop 1-2-drops of lime or lemon Vitality oil into a glass and pour in smoothie mixture.

Read about lime vitality Lemon vitality oil

Take Multigreens (instructions on label)
Multigreens benefits:
Nutritional powerhouse chlorophyll formula loaded with:
Bee pollen
Barley grass
Spirulina
Choline
Eleuthero root
Alfalfa
Kelp
Amino acid complex
Essential oils: rosemary, lemon, Lemongrass, Melissa
Essential oils support digestion!

Read more about Multigreens here:
http://janedemo.outergain.com/oils-bl…/multigreens-capsules/

Peace out! Try this combo in the morning before you leave the house!

Bodacious Sweet Potato Pie

It’s better than pumpkin pie

Free of gluten and dairy and no one will ever know if you don’t tell them!

This recipe makes one 9” pie.

I always double this recipe because my family eats the whole thing within an hour.

Ingredients:

1-bag gluten free ginger snaps

1-tablespoon chia seeds

3-eggs, organic is best

1-tablespoon of organic coconut oil

4-sweet potatoes baked, peeled and smashed or 1-cans of pumpkin or sweet potatoes

1-inch grated ginger (or powdered ginger)

1-toothpick swirl of Thieves or cinnamon bark vitality oil (dip a toothpick into the bottle and then swirl it into the mixture after you have added it to the blender). Here are some suggested ways to add vitality oils to your food

⅓ cup of honey or maple syrup

⅓ cup coconut milk

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the 1-tablespoon of coconut oil, chia seeds and the bag of ginger snaps In a food processor or high powered blender (like a Vita-Mix) and blend until smooth. Remove the mixture from blender and place into the pie pan and spread and press down in the pan to make a crust.

When oven is heated to 350 degrees, place pan inside for five minutes to crisp up the crust. Remove from oven and set on stove. In the same blender or food processor (no need to clean it out), add all of the remaining ingredients and blend. Pour mixture into the pan. Place the pan with ingredients on top of a cookie sheet and put a piece of parchment. Put in the oven and cook for one hour. After one hour, take the parchment off and put a toothpick into the pie, if it comes out clean it is done. If not, take the parchment off and cook for another 15-minutes and re-check doneness.

When the toothpick comes out clean, let cool on stove. You can serve this at room temperature, refrigerate it or freeze it.

GUT Healing Benefits of Kombucha

Known in China as the “tea of immortality,” Kombucha (pronounced kum-boocha) is a drink that is fermented from a type of mushroom, tea and sugar (it’s not really a mushroom, it just looks like one). This “mushroom” is often called a “scoby,” which stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts.

The culture is placed in sweetened black or green tea and transforms into a drink full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and health giving organic acids. As the kombucha culture digests the sugar, it produces a range of organic acids (such as glucuronic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, malic acid and usnic acid), vitamins (particularly vitamin b & c), amino acids and enzymes. In a nutshell, kombucha has helped our family by boosting our immune systems, digesting food and removing toxins.

Here are the benefits of the organic acids in Kombucha:

Lactic acid

Lactic acid is essential for the digestive system. It assists blood circulation and helps prevent bowel decay and constipation. It also aids in balancing acids and alkaline in the body, believed to help in the prevention of cancer by helping to regulate pH levels.

Glucuronic acid

Glucuronic acid is the body’s most important detoxifier. When toxins enter the liver, this acid binds to them and flushes them out through the kidneys and intestines. Once bound by glucuronic acid, toxins can leave. A product of the oxidation process of glucose, glucuronic acid is one of the more significant attributes of Kombucha. This detoxifying agent is one of the few that can cope with pollution from the products of the petroleum industry including plastics, herbicides, pesticides and resins. It essentially kidnaps the phenols in the liver and then allowed to be eliminated by the kidneys.

Kombucha can be very helpful for allergy sufferers. Another by-product of the glucuronic acid in Kombucha are glucosamines, the structures associated with cartilage, collagen and fluids that lubricate the joints. It is this function that is believed to make Kombucha so effective against arthritis.

Acetic acid (vinegar)

Powerful preservative; it inhibits harmful bacteria.

Usnic acid

Natural antibiotic that can be effective against many viruses.

Oxalic acid

An effective preservative; encourages the intercellular production of energy.

Malic acid

Helps detoxify the liver. It supports the mitochondria (production of energy).

Gluconic acid

Produced by the bacteria, it can break down the caprylic acid and is of great benefit to sufferers of candidiasis and other yeast infections.

Butyric acid

Also found in butter, butyric acid is produced by the yeast and used by the intestine for energy. It is also an energy source for the cells lining the colon, protects human cellular membranes, and – when combined with gluconic acid – strengthens the walls of the gut to combat yeast infections. Butryic acid appears to reduce the chronic inflammation of the colon. Most kids on the spectrum have some type of GI distress, even if it doesn’t seem to be apparent at the time. Behavior issues are often caused by some type of gut disorder and butyric acid works to help you absorb the nutrients and minerals from your food.

Kombucha may be purchased at health food stores or online, but I prefer to make my own batches. Here’s a link to a YouTube video, which shows me demonstrating how to make Kombucha.

Sprouted, Vitality Oil GUT/Brain Smoothie

Summer offers a beautiful bounty of fresh vegetables and fruit through our back yard gardens, local farms and CSA (community supported agriculture), then winter hits for most of us and our food options shift.

One of the best foods for our gut is live sprouts because they are full of beneficial bacteria and enzymes.

Why is this important?
Sprouts pack 4-40 times the amount of their full grown counter parts. This information comes to us from my new friend Elliott, who owns and delivers a pan of micro-diverse sprouts to us every week so we can make smoothies that boost our immune system in the winter months. Go read about what he offers here: Lake Forest Farms

If you don’t live near me in Chicago, here is how you can sprout on your own:
Growing sprouts in jars

Green Sprout GUT Smoothie
Serves 4-pint size mason jars
What’s needed:
1-blender
1-banana (organic if you can)
1 cup of ice
1-2 drops of lime, orange or any Young Living Vitality oil of your choice. They come in the starter kit if you don’t yet have one, you can buy it from me here: Buy your starter oils here
2 cups coconut water-buy a brand that doesn’t contain sugar-check the label.
1-cup sprouts. We use the sprouts that we get delivered from Lake Forest Farms
You can learn how to sprout here
Put all ingredients EXCEPT THE ESSENTIAL OIL in the blender and blend for 20-30 seconds.

Pour the smoothie mix into glasses and drop 1-2 drops of your preferred essential oil into the glass. Stir and drink.

Benefits of this beverage:
Orange vitality oil-uplifting during the day, also supports a good nights sleep, great for gut and immune system. It may just make you laugh and be really happy so look out!

Lime Vitality oil-this oil make rock your groovy insides up to a whole new level. Strengthening to the respiratory and immune system.

Coconut water-natural electrolyte, high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, good for teeth, bones, may lower blood pressure, antioxidant rich, anti-aging, anti-cancer.