Prebiotics 101

Most have heard of probiotics, but have you heard of PREbiotics?

PREbiotic foods contain a specific type of fiber that actually serves as FOOD for PRObiotics — cool right? These two groups work in synergy with each other. Eating both types daily helps keep your gut microbiome healthy!

This means:
 stronger gut barrier to keep out viruses, bacteria, etc
 top notch immunity 
 decreased inflammation
 reduced risk of disease 

Prebiotic foods include:
 onions
 garlic
 leeks
 artichoke
 asparagus
 banana
 chicory

Prebiotics can also be consumed in supplement form, especially if you’re dealing with picky eaters or think you need some extra support 

My favorite prebiotic-containing supplement is called Arise Am Booster! It also provides clean energy + hunger control. You can save $10 off your first order + an additional 20% here!

My Top Tips and Supplements to Boost Your Immunity Naturally

With cold and flu season still upon us and COVID-19 starting to really fire up, maintaining a top notch immune system is important for protecting not only ourselves, but our family and friends as well. While maintaining good hygiene (i.e. hand washing) is very important, developing and sustaining healthy lifestyle practices is vital for optimizing your immune system so it is strong when times such as this should occur. Below are some of the top ways I have managed to stay healthy and avoid both the cold and flu for TWO years straight (knock on wood)!

Your Quick and Easy Guide to Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral essential for overall body function. It is involved in over 300 chemical reactions including:

• Supporting healthy bones and teeth
• Maintaining proper muscle and nerve function
• Keeping heart rate steady
• Regulating blood sugar

While 50-60% of it can be found in the bones, the rest is in the tissues, muscles and organs.

Magnesium Deficiency

Despite magnesium being widely distributed in both plant an animal food sources, deficiency is extremely common, affecting about 50% of Americans. Those at risk include people with gastrointestinal diseases (i.e. Crohn’s, celiac disease, IBS) due to malabsorption, alcoholics, athletes, postmenopausal women, those taking medications causing excessive urination, and those consuming a highly processed diet.

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

As we start to slide into cool fall and frigid winter days, there is one thing the majority of us living in the northern states have in common – less sun exposure. This poses a major issue as direct sun exposure is the most simple and effective way to boost and maintain your vitamin D level (plus it’s free!).

Most are aware of vitamin D’s role in healthy bones, as your body needs adequate vitamin D levels to absorb calcium and phosphorus and therefore, maintain normal bone mineralization. However, as it also plays a role in cellular communication, this vitamin is involved in hundreds of other bodily functions including immune function, prevention of cognitive decline and mental impairment, and cardiovascular function. It has also been shown to provide anti-cancer effects, particularly regarding colon, breast and prostate cancers!