Page 5 – B Better

Natural Ways to Relieve Anxiety

Written by b-better on March 9, 2022. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Natural Ways to Relieve Anxiety

Anxiety is unfortunately a very common symptom and can be very debilitating to some. So here are 9 lifestyle strategies that can hopefully offer quick relief while working on more targeted root cause interventions:⁣ ⁣1️⃣ Box breathing: there are many variations. Look up Dr. Weil’s 4-7-8 breathing technique (breathe in through the nose for 4 counts, hold breath for 7, and exhale through the mouth for 8)⁣⁣⁣⁣2️⃣ Emotional freedom technique or tapping, is a self-help technique that involves tapping near the end points of certain energy meridians. Checkout the guided app called “The...

Homemade Cough Remedy

Written by b-better on March 2, 2022. Posted in Holistic Health, Recipes. No Comments on Homemade Cough Remedy

When I have a cough, I reach for a demulcent which helps soothe irritated tissue and moisten the mucus membranes. A demulcent is indicated when there is a dry irritable cough with little expectoration. Expectorants increase the flow of mucus and help expel thick excess mucus from the lungs. Flaxseed is both a demulcent and an expectorant, and the below cough remedy has worked wonders for myself and my family. #foodismedicine Click the video tutorial below for the recipe and directions. bernadette.abraham_10000000_263556639206410_7114215222954918710_n-2 ⚠️ Please...

Are You Mercury Toxic?

Written by b-better on February 21, 2022. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Are You Mercury Toxic?

Although mercury is a naturally occurring substance, this heavy metal is seriously toxic to our health and can result in a combination of symptoms often missed by conventional medicine which include: Chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, memory loss, insomnia, tremors, neuropathy, nerve damage, slurred speech, loss of balance and vision problems – to name a few! Pictured below are the most common exposures to mercury, with silver amalgam dental fillings and large fish being the two primary sources. There is no consensus on the safe exposure limit of...

IS COFFEE HEALTHY?

Written by b-better on February 20, 2022. Posted in Active Living, Holistic Health. No Comments on IS COFFEE HEALTHY?

I break down some of the pros and cons:⁣ ????REDUCES RISK OF DEATH?⁣⁣Moderate coffee consumption (e.g. 2-4 cups/day) was associated with reduced all-cause and cause-specific mortality, compared to no coffee consumption.⁣⁣⁣⁣????REDUCES RISK OF CANCER?⁣⁣Mounting evidence indicates that 2 cups of coffee per day may protect against liver injury and lower the risk of liver cancer, and similary with prostate and post-menopausal breast cancer.⁣⁣⁣⁣????REDUCES RISK OF COGNITIVE DISORDERS?⁣⁣Drinking 1-2 cups of coffee per day was found to have the lowest risk of developing cognitive disorders...

Is There Plastic In Your Tea?

Written by b-better on January 7, 2022. Posted in Brand Investigations, Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Is There Plastic In Your Tea?

If you’re a tea drinker, a 2019 study showed that plastic tea bags release BILLIONS of micro- and nanoplastics into hot water. (Source: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.9b02540) Not good. And if you need scientific validation, here’s a good article describing the potential toxic effects on human health including physical stress and damage, apoptosis, necrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and immune responses: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/11/2/496/htm Does that mean never drink tea ever again? NO! It just means we now have an opportunity to find a better way to...

Common Causes of Fatigue

Written by b-better on September 1, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Common Causes of Fatigue

Recently, I asked you to list your top 5 health struggles you’d like to resolve. FATIGUE was up there!⁣⁣⁣⁣And since it’s a BIG topic with so many possible root causes, I figured I’d start off by sharing the most common causes:⁣ ⁣⁣⁣1️⃣ Insulin resistance = the cells can’t absorb sugar for energy, so there’s low cellular energy. FYI – a diet high in sugar and carbs (flour products), and chronic stress can lead to this dynamic!⁣⁣⁣⁣2️⃣ Hormone imbalance: low cortisol (usually from chronic stress) impacts thyroid function by increasing the inactive “Reverse T3” and making the...

Gut Healing

Written by b-better on July 25, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Gut Healing

In my post Is Leaky Gut Real I defined leaky gut and explained how it happens with common signs & symptoms. ⁣⁣⁣Now let’s tackle the mother-load you’ve all been waiting for: how to fix leaky gut!⁣⁣⁣Just to clarify – leaky gut is not a disease; it’s a symptom and one that I address using the ‘3 R’ strategy; Remove, Replenish & Repair.⁣⁣⁣⁣We need to ‘remove’ the insults; ‘replenish’ the body with what it needs, and finally ‘repair’ the damage. There’s work to be done! ⁣⁣⁣If you jump straight to the ‘repair’ phase without removing the causes and supporting digestion… well,...

Stress and Adrenals

Written by b-better on June 29, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Stress and Adrenals

What’s the point of highlighting common types of stress?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣Because it all means the same thing to the brain… “we’re in danger and run for your life”, so the body responds accordingly.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣And the longer your body remains in a stressed state, the more your body is going to ensure you slow down!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣While short bursts of stress are okay and keep our immune system primed, unresolved chronic stress – IN ANY FORM – takes a toll on our adrenals (those 2 triangular shaped glands that sit on top of our kidneys at the back) and drains micronutrient reserves (i.e....

Folate Not Folic Acid

Written by b-better on June 28, 2021. Posted in Herbal Remedies & Supplements, Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Folate Not Folic Acid

“Folate” & “folic acid” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not at all the same and here’s why you should care!⁣⁣There are two main forms of vitamin B9: folate (the natural form) and folic acid (the synthetic form used in many supplements and fortified/enriched foods).⁣While their chemical structure differ slightly, the main difference lies in the body’s ability to process them.⁣Unlike natural folate which is easily metabolized in the small intestine, synthetic folic acid is metabolized by the DHFR enzyme in the liver which is rather low, leaving excess folic acid to be...

Do You have ‘Leaky Brain’?

Written by b-better on June 28, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Mental & Emotional Well-being, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Do You have ‘Leaky Brain’?

I’ve talked about ‘leaky gut’ before but did you know that it can also predispose us to ‘leaky brain’?????????This is a condition where the protective layer between the brain and the rest of the systemic body called the ‘blood-brain barrier’ (BBB) becomes permeable, and lets toxins and other materials in that causes the brain’s immune system to work overdrive, leading to brain inflammation.In other words, if you suffer from depression, anxiety, brain fog or any other brain problems, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability (i.e. ‘leaky brain’) should be considered.????How to tell if you...

Signs of Insulin Resistance and How to Reverse it

Written by b-better on June 26, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Signs of Insulin Resistance and How to Reverse it

Do you crave something sweet in the afternoon, get “hangry” if you miss a meal or have any of the other symptoms listed in the picture below?⁣ ⁣It may be a good idea to rule out “insulin resistance” – a condition when cells no longer respond to insulin’s action, which is to get glucose (sugar) out of the blood and into the cell.⁣⁣⁣⁣This process doesn’t happen overnight; it takes years and if left unaddressed, can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.⁣⁣⁣⁣How does it happen?⁣⁣⁣⁣It typically starts with a Standard American Diet causing large spikes of blood sugar multiples times...

Healthy Oil Choices

Written by b-better on June 26, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Healthy Oil Choices

Ever wondered where canola oil comes from? Not the canola plant that’s for sure. It doesn’t exist. Or it didn’t exist until fairly recently I should say.I have an entire chapter in my upcoming book UNJUNK which is all about deceptive labeling and ingredients to avoid.Knowing how to shop is an important part of getting your family healthier because today, we eat what we buy and bring home from the supermarket.And canola oil is one of those foods deceptively marketed as heart healthy, when in fact it is one of THE WORST oils to consume!They basically use high heat, high pressure...

Does Winter Make You ‘SAD’? (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Written by b-better on June 26, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Does Winter Make You ‘SAD’? (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Winter is here and low mood often comes along with it. But Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, is more than just “winter blues”.⁣⁣⁣⁣SAD is characterized by 2 weeks or more of depressive mood with symptoms ranging from disturbed sleep, low motivation and interest, low energy, increased appetite, and feeling hopeless or worthless.⁣⁣⁣⁣The good news is that the following combo can usually help alleviate symptoms of SAD significantly:⁣⁣⁣⁣1️⃣ Vitamin D3:⁣⁣⁣⁣Low vitamin D can lead to a higher incidence of colds and flu, as well as depression. If you’re prone to getting sick and depressed with...

Healthy Sugar Swaps

Written by b-better on June 26, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Healthy Sugar Swaps

Willpower and deprivation have no room in a healthy lifestyle.Instead I believe in finding healthier alternatives and these healthy sugar swaps are the perfect place to start.Of course we still need to limit our sugar consumption overall – even from healthy sources – but when you feel like having something sweet, always go for the healthier variety.I blend up fresh dates to make an amazing homemade ice cream, coconut sugar to make cookies, and maple syrup for my delicious homemade Nutella – all of which I share in my upcoming book UNJUNK!What are your favourite healthy sugar swaps? Let...

Start with Baby Steps, Not Giant Leaps

Written by b-better on June 25, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Start with Baby Steps, Not Giant Leaps

This isn’t my typical post but it’s an important conversation to have.I recently met someone who eats McDonald’s Every. Single. Day!I also know other people addicted to soda who drink 5 to 6 cans per day.One thing I’ve learned over the years working with private clients is to always meet people where they’re at.It’s unreasonable to recommend to someone who eats fast food every day to start cooking homemade meals like wild-caught salmon and broccoli.It IS possible however to order salad with that fast food burger and choose water over soda as their next health swap.If you’re feeling...

8 Habits For Healthier Cell Phone Use

Written by b-better on June 25, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on 8 Habits For Healthier Cell Phone Use

Chances are, you’re probably holding your cell phone while reading this, right?⁣⁣⁣⁣For most of us, cell phones are never more than an arm’s reach away.⁣⁣⁣⁣And while it’s very easy to say avoid using cell phones, let’s be real. That’s not going to happen.⁣⁣⁣But what we CAN all start doing is practicing healthier habits when using our cell phones.⁣⁣⁣⁣Why bother?⁣⁣⁣⁣Well in the past 100 years, electropollution (or EMFs – electromagnetic fields) has increased by 1 QUINTILLION – that’s a billion billions!! ⁣⁣⁣⁣And even very low levels have been shown to impact our biology (resource link in...

Benefits of Sole Water

Written by b-better on June 24, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Recipes. No Comments on Benefits of Sole Water

Do you crave salty food and/or salt your food before even tasting it?⁣⁣⁣⁣These are classic signs of salt deficiency and a possible need for other electrolytes. ⁣⁣⁣⁣When you drop the intake of refined foods and start eating more whole foods, many feel better when they add salt back in.⁣⁣⁣⁣Why? Because when you start eating a lower amount of refined carbohydrates this increases your need for salt due to lower insulin levels and greater salt loss in urine. This is why many people on low-carb diets crave more salt.⁣⁣⁣⁣Other factors that increase salt needs:⁣⁣⁣⁣???????? exercise,...

Causes of Bloating & 6 Herbs To Reduce It

Written by b-better on June 24, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Causes of Bloating & 6 Herbs To Reduce It

Bloating has you looking 4 months pregnant?⁣⁣⁣This has to be one of the most common digestive complaints and usually boils down to these 4 things:⁣ 1️⃣ ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????; a fancy word that means ‘low stomach acid‘. Not enough stomach acid = inefficient protein breakdown so food sits there and putrefies.⁣⁣⁣⁣Causes of low stomach acid?⁣⁣⁣⁣????????Stress, too much alcohol or caffeine, a high refined carb diet, zinc deficiency, sluggish thyroid, H. Pylori infection⁣⁣⁣⁣2️⃣...

Healthy Snack Swaps For Kids

Written by b-better on June 24, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Healthy Snack Swaps For Kids

I was out with a good friend the other day and she was feeling guilty about being a “mean mom” as her daughter put it.⁣⁣⁣As a way to protect her daughter from the onslaught of junk food everywhere kids turn today, my friend found herself having to say “NO” to chocolates, chips, ice cream, etc.⁣⁣⁣The result? Her child started sneaking junk food behind her mom’s back.⁣⁣⁣⁣My friend is not alone. I too was a “mean parent”.⁣⁣⁣⁣When you know about the type of food additives allowed in food product manufacturing, it’s hard to just sit back and allow your kids to eat these so-called...

The Right Way to Eat Nuts

Written by b-better on June 23, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on The Right Way to Eat Nuts

Proper preparation of nuts is one of these traditions, which I discuss in greater detail in my upcoming book Unjunk. ⁣⁣⁣⁣Traditionally, people understood instinctively that nuts are best soaked or partially sprouted before consumed because nuts contain enzyme inhibitors which can put a real strain on the digestive mechanism if consumed in excess.⁣⁣⁣These enzyme inhibitors protect the plants and prevent germination until the conditions are just right.⁣⁣⁣⁣By soaking nuts in filtered water, you essentially replicate the moist environment needed for germination and de-activate/neutralize...

Can’t Have Rice, Pasta or Gluten? Try These Low Carb, Gluten-Free Swaps Instead

Written by b-better on June 23, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Wellness in Practice. No Comments on Can’t Have Rice, Pasta or Gluten? Try These Low Carb, Gluten-Free Swaps Instead

Who are these suggestions meant for? It’s for the person who wants to:⁣⁣⁣⁣✔️reduce gluten⁣⁣✔️reduce grains and flour in their diet⁣⁣✔️regulate blood sugar levels⁣⁣✔️add more fiber⁣⁣✔️add variety and try something different⁣⁣⁣⁣????????Autoimmunity is becoming epidemic, and avoiding glutenous grains is usually one of the main dietary modifications needed for remission. ⁣⁣⁣⁣Why? Because gluten can promote intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut) which is a precursor for all autoimmune disease activation – regardless of the diagnosis!!⁣⁣⁣Those who struggle with chronic depression will also...

Your Probiotics Guide 101

Written by b-better on June 23, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Your Probiotics Guide 101

First things first. When a new client tells me they take probiotics, it’s the same thing as telling me they eat food. Not very helpful or specific is it? So let’s first learn some basic facts. In nutrition, we broadly categorize food into macro-nutrients: protein, carbs and fats.With probiotics, scientists have also classified them into three categories: genus, species and strains.???????? Genus refers to the family of probiotic – for example, canine.???????? Species refers to the group – i.e. dogs.???????? And strains are the subtypes – i.e. dog breeds.The genus can be...

How to Relieve Constipation

Written by b-better on June 23, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on How to Relieve Constipation

If you’re not pooping at least once per day or if it’s a real struggle – you’re constipated.⁣⁣⁣Pooping is like taking the trash out every day. If you’re not, bacteria builds-up and toxins can get re-absorbed into circulation.⁣⁣⁣⁣Before reaching for a laxative which can dehydrate & worsen the problem, try these 6 basics instead:⁣⁣⁣⁣✔️ Hydrate: If you drink a lot of coffee & black teas, cut back or drink even more water to rehydrate. ⁣⁣⁣⁣✔️ Insoluble fiber: Unlike soluble fiber which adds bulk to your stool (and may worsen the problem), insoluble fiber helps get stool moving...

The Importance of Sleep – Part 1

Written by b-better on June 23, 2021. Posted in Active Living, Holistic Health. No Comments on The Importance of Sleep – Part 1

The 3 things I tackle first and foremost with any new client are headaches, bowel issues (i.e. constipation/diarrhea), and sleep! I can’t stress enough just how vital high-quality sleep is to every person’s health and healing journey. Even though it seems like we’re not doing much during the night, it’s the time when our body restocks our hormone supply, regenerates our immune cells and repairs damaged tissue. It’s also when we get rid of significant amounts of toxins (hence the morning breath – did you know? ), process heavy emotions and eliminate the effects of stress from...

Are You Vitamin ‘G’ Deficient

Written by b-better on June 22, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Are You Vitamin ‘G’ Deficient

I know what you’re thinking… does vitamin G even exist?⁣⁣⁣⁣Technically no, but it’s so incredibly powerful for our health that it should be recognized as an essential vitamin.⁣⁣⁣⁣“G”, which stands for Grounding (aka earthing) is attained by simply walking barefoot on Earth’s surfaces like grass and sand for example.⁣⁣⁣⁣It’s a simple concept but the problem is that we’ve become so disconnected from the Earth.⁣⁣⁣⁣Think about your typical day. When was the last time you walked barefoot outside, except at the beach or the park?⁣⁣⁣⁣We (kids included) walk with synthetic soled shoes on which...

Low Iron: 13 Root Causes & Solutions

Written by b-better on June 22, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health. No Comments on Low Iron: 13 Root Causes & Solutions

⁣⁣⁣Iron deficiency anemia is quite common unfortunately.⁣⁣⁣⁣It occurs when iron intake and stores are insufficient to support production of the body’s red blood cells, which carry iron-rich proteins known as hemoglobin.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Hemoglobin is responsible for tissue oxygenation–the delivery of oxygen to tissue.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Insufficient iron, then, spells disaster, often leading to immense fatigue.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣In general, excluding hemorrhage, iron deficiency anemia is slow to develop, with a myriad root causes:⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣☑️ Internal bleeding, for example due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)...

Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance

Written by b-better on June 22, 2021. Posted in Holistic Health, Recipes. No Comments on Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance

Have you heard of seed cycling before?⁣⁣⁣⁣I don’t know about you, but no one ever explained to me how our cycle actually works from a hormonal perspective until I studied it.⁣⁣⁣⁣It’s quite a synchronized yo-yo – and I’m sure many of us at one point or another have felt the ups and downs of hormone imbalance.⁣⁣⁣⁣From sore breasts to painful, irregular or heavy periods and mood swings – these are just some of the hormonal symptoms we may experience.⁣⁣⁣⁣But even if these are common, don’t mistake that for being “normal”.⁣⁣⁣⁣There’s nothing normal about not being able to hug your husband...