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November 3, 2021
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Hering’s Law of Cure is the basis of all healing.

This is the way the body heals or cures itself. Consider this: All cure starts from within out, from the head down and in reverse order as the symptoms have appeared or been suppressed. We don’t catch diseases, we create them by breaking down the natural defenses according to the way we eat, drink, think and live.

The definition of Hering’s Law of Cure is as follows: “We heal from the head down, we heal from within out.”

This means we must allow the body to cleanse. In order for the body to eliminate toxins it must be allowed to do so by not suppressing any kind of discharge. Most over-the-counter medications and prescriptions do suppress discharges. This is not good as these toxins can go deeper into the body and create other weaknesses. The body must be allowed to cleanse itself in whatever manner it needs to without interruption by synthetic suppressive substances.

“We heal in reverse order as the symptoms have appeared or been suppressed”. This means that most of the time the last problem someone has is the first problem to be dealt with by the body in the reversal process. For instance, let’s say the last illness you had was a sinus infection and a suppressive medication was used to stop any sneezing, coughing, dripping nose or sinus drainage.
In order for the body to heal itself it must eliminate these toxins and mucous that were suppressed at this time. Since this was the last illness it is the easiest for the body to heal. The body may stimulate the Immune System to create a fever to burn out the toxins, the toxins may be eliminated through the Lungs or Bronchioles causing a large amount of phlegm to exit these areas, it might eliminate them through the skin causing breakouts or it could eliminate them through the Colon in which case mucous, old feces and food that hasn’t been eaten for quite a while may be eliminated. These are just a few ways the body heals itself.

Unfortunately, Hering’s Law of Cure is not used today in Orthodox medicine. Orthodox medicine generally believes that because the symptoms are suppressed the problem is cured, or by removing the organ, which is not functioning correctly, it can cure the problem. Perhaps this is why no one knows what a “cold” is today. A “cold” is the body’s way of eliminating toxins, which it does by increasing the mucous from the mucous membranes in order to free the toxins. Toxin elimination is imperative in order for the body to stay healthy. Disease reversal is also imperative in order for the body to “cure” a disease.

Things to consider with Hering’s Law of Cure:

• Symptoms of a chronic disease disappear in definite order, going in reverse and taking about one month for every year the symptoms have been present.
• Symptoms move from the more vital organs to the less vital organs; from the interior of the body towards the skin.
• Symptoms move from the top of the body downward.
• This means that before we can even begin to heal we must believe we can heal. We must be mentally prepared and strong in order to allow the body to heal. We must not doubt the body’s ability to heal itself.
• Hering’s Law is a very important law to understand and remember. It is imperative to follow this law in order to allow the body to eliminate toxins created daily.

Always remember, “We don’t catch diseases, we create them by breaking down the natural defenses according to the way we eat, drink, think and live.”

August 16, 2021
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With the seasons changing and fall quickly approaching, I’ve seen a plethora of new clients to my page looking to start living their healthiest, happiest lives. I wanted to write a quick blog post introducing some of my most popular services to these new faces. In all aspects of my work, my goal is to identify the root cause of any underlying health symptoms, so that you can achieve your maximum health potential.

Below I will write a brief overview of each service I currently provide through Living Balance Wellness. Please visit the Services section of my website for more detailed information on each.

  • Metabolic Typing 
  • Hair Mineral Analysis
  • Gastro-Intestinal Health
  • Adrenal Stress Test
  • Meridian Autonomic Testing
  • Emotional Freedom Technique 

Metabolic Typing:

Healthexcel’s Metabolic Typing is an easy-to-use, proven technology that allows you to rapidly identify your own highly individualized dietary needs through discovering your metabolic type. Take a look at what eating to support your metabolic type can do for you:

  • Optimizes Cellular Energy Production
  • Normalizes Appetite
  • Eliminates Cravings
  • Increases Focus and Concentration
  • Balances Emotions
  • Improves Mood
  • Increases Energy and Athletic Performance

Hair Mineral Analysis: 

A hair sample, when properly obtained, analyzed, and interpreted, acts as an excellent screening tool for complex nutrient interrelationships within the body and provides specific information about one’s metabolic and nutritional status. This includes the effects of diet, nutritional supplementation, stress, toxic metal exposure, and even inherited mineral patterns.

The Hair Mineral Analysis Evaluates:

  • Digestion and Assimilation of Nutrients
  • Presence of leaky gut or dysbiosis
  • Overall Thyroid and Adrenal Function
  • Blood Sugar Regulation
  • Internal Stress Response
  • Heavy Metal Toxicity

Gastro-Intestinal Health:

The 401 H Intestinal Screen is an incredibly reliable intestinal microflora screen documents parasitic and pathogenic involvement that can interfere with normal gastrointestinal function and develop into a health related condition. This is an ideal first step for anyone suffering an assortment of the following symptoms:

  • Gas or bloating
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Digestive discomfort
  • Food allergies
  • IBS or Colitis
  • Anxiety, irritability or tension
  • Food sitting heavy on the stomach after eating

Six stool samples and one smear are taken over a four-day period, providing a highly reliable comprehensive analysis of intestinal microflora. Proper testing and treatment are crucial to regaining your health!

Adrenal Stress Profile Test:

The Adrenal Stress Profile Tests your hormone and immune system function for those chronically tired, or who get sick often. With this simple saliva test, you can test 11 different hormones in the body and determine how your internal system (specifically your adrenal function), is responding to stress.

Meridian Autonomic Testing:

Meridian Autonomic Testing is a non-invasive system of evaluating the body in order to determine the underlying causes of health complaints or imbalances. This technique is probably very different from anything you might have experienced before and might at first seem a little strange. Unlike a blood test or tissue sample, which is very cut and dry and tangible, Meridian Autonomic Testing is an evaluation of the body’s nervous system – It is an “energetic test,” using your own body’s bio-feedback.

This technique analyzes different areas on the surface of the body that relate to the state of health and to the flow of energy in each and every organ and function of the body. For instance, there are certain points on the body that correspond to an organ, tissue, or function. By applying very slight pressure to those points, a practitioner is able gage the effect that energy or lack of energy is having on these specific areas, and in effect, helps identify exactly what the body needs to obtain balance and optimal health.

Meridian Autonomic Testing is not used to diagnose or treat disease, but rather to assess your body’s current state of health. Using real food nutrition i.e., safe, natural, nutritional means, we can then help the body repair itself and to attain more optimum individualized health with each visit.

Emotional Freedom Technique: 

EFT is an amazingly efficient technique that allows you to halt the fight-or-flight response and reprogram the brain and body to act, and react differently. EFT is so effective at calming the nervous system that MRI’s and PET scans can actually record the “red alert” being called off in the brain during the EFT process. By retraining your brain with this technique, you are able to permanently alter conditioned fear pathways. You can develop new ways of thinking and perceiving the world and release debilitating fears, thoughts and memories.

Check out a recent blog post I wrote with more details about EFT.

I’d love to talk to you in greater detail about any of the above tests and screenings! Get in touch if I can help you.


August 11, 2021
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Remember this on your next trip down the produce aisle…

During discussions of nutrition and clean eating, my clients often seek my advice regarding whether they should be purchasing organic or conventional foods at the grocery store. Whenever possible, I always like to recommend organic foods; however, I understand this is not always realistic due to a variety of reasons including budget, access to organic stores, etc. Fortunately, you don’t have to purchase all organic produce to reduce your risk for chemical contamination and pesticides.

Every year the Environmental Working Group releases two lists called the Dirty Dozen™ and the Clean Fifteen™. The Dirty Dozen™ contains the 12 items most likely contaminated with pesticides. These are not necessarily items you need to avoid or stop purchasing altogether, but where they are deemed the ‘dirtier’ of the bunch, it’s important to pay closer attention to these items and really evaluate the source of purchase.

On the other hand, the Clean Fifteen™ list includes the 15 items least likely contaminated with pesticides. These are the more reliable, trustworthy options, regardless of where you are shopping. 

Take a look at these lists below – I think you’ll be shocked at some of this year’s picks!

Dirty Dozen™ – EWG’s 2021 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

  1. Strawberries
  2. Spinach
  3. Kale, collard and mustard greens
  4. Nectarines
  5. Apples
  6. Grapes
  7. Cherries
  8. Peaches
  9. Pears
  10. Bell and hot peppers
  11. Celery
  12. Tomatoes

Clean Fifteen™ – EWG’s 2021 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

  1. Avocados
  2. Sweet corn
  3. Pineapple
  4. Onions
  5. Papaya
  6. Sweet peas (frozen)
  7. Eggplant
  8. Asparagus
  9. Broccoli
  10. Cabbage
  11. Kiwi
  12. Cauliflower
  13. Mushrooms
  14. Honeydew melon
  15. Cantaloupe

Interested in these lists, but still need a little help planning your next grocery run? I am a functional nutrition and wellness consultant and would be happy to assist further! I’m available for in person or remote consultations. Reach out anytime.

Source: Environmental Working Group


June 14, 2021
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As a functional nutrition and wellness consultant and coach, clients often come to me feeling tired with weight to lose and big sugar cravings! I work with them on a personalized plan to achieving and maintaining their ideal weight as well as feeling more energy and that often starts with these 10 steps. Every BODY is different, but these steps are a good starting point for anyone.

  1. Be mindful of combining your meals with a Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrate. Carbohydrates should primarily come from vegetables. 
  2. Buy grass fed meats and organic grains and produce as much as possible. You’ll  want to avoid assimilating the harmful chemicals often used in conventional farming and processed foods. If consumed  in high amounts, your body will create additional water and fat cells to store them in  order to protect your vital organs.  
  3. Try to go grain free for a minimum of three months. This will force you to eat more vegetables and to stay away from the addictive high starchy comfort food grains  provide – not to mention the inflammatory affect gluten can have on the body.  
  4. Try to go dairy free for a minimum of three months. Pasteurized dairy has little nutritional value and is therefore fattening. In addition, dairy contains a protein called Casein, which can contribute to inflammation in the body.  
  5. Minimize or avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages, both of which in excess, can create mineral deficiencies and lead to digestive issues as well as water retention.  
  6. Avoid Synthetic Sweeteners. Use raw honey, Grade B Maple Sugar, or palm sugar if  necessary.  
  7. Drink more water – Drink at least ½ your body weight in ounces of water per day.
  8. Be mindful of eating. Chew your food slowly. Eat only until you’re not hungry  anymore. Stop before you’re full. Try not to go 4 hours without any food – this will  slow down metabolism and contribute to food cravings and over-eating.  
  9. Eat more raw! If you haven’t already, invest in a VitaMix Blender. This will allow you to  blend a variety of vegetables and fruit into a delicious smoothie. One of my favorite recipes is 1 apple, 1 cucumber, a handful of spinach, 1-inch cube of fresh ginger root and 1 TBS of coconut oil. This recipe would make 2-servings and could be  consumed as a meal with a healthy protein on the side.  
  10. Learn Your Metabolic Type. 

Have questions or want to get started on your path to more energy and less sugar cravings? Reach out, I’d love to hear from you.


March 28, 2021
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Snacking has gotten a negative rap, but if done correctly, it can be a very important and beneficial part of your diet. Having a healthy snack in between your meals can help provide your body the nutrients that you’re missing or not getting enough of. They also can help keep you from getting so hungry that you over-eat at meal times. Snacks are very important for individuals who are unable to eat meals on a regular schedule. If you need help, or support from a nutritional and wellness consultant, please contact me anytime! I’m located in the Greater Boston area, but I can consult clients virtually from anywhere. 

Tips for healthy snacking:

  • When choosing a snack, think about what food groups you may not be getting enough of. For example, if you haven’t had fruit yet that day, have one of the snacks listed below that contains fruits.
  • Also consider what you may be getting too much of. If you’re meeting your macronutrient goals from eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner, snacking may not be necessary or beneficial.
  • Preparing snacks in advance, when possible, may be helpful in sticking to your healthy choices.

Eat what feels right to you and enjoy!

Living Balance Wellness Healthy Snacks

Snack Ingredients Recipe
Antioxidant & Omega Fat Fruit Snack
  • ½  avocado (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 c blueberries, raspberries and/or blackberries
  • 1 tbsp hemp Seeds
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed (finely ground)
  • 1 tbsp raw cacao powder or nibs
  • 1 tsp Manuka honey drizzled over top (optional)
Place avocado in a large bowl and layer fruit on top.

Sprinkle with hemp seed, flaxseed, and cocoa powder. Drizzle with honey.

Applesauce
  • Applesauce (with no sugar added)
  • Chia seeds
  • Coconut flakes
Combine unsweetened applesauce, chia seeds, and coconut flakes and enjoy.
Avocado Apple Snack
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1/2 crisp green apple
  • Sprinkle of goat cheese or feta (Optional)
Combine chopped avocado and apple.

Sprinkle goat cheese over top (optional)

Beef Jerky & Veg
  • Beef jerky
  • Celery/carrot sticks.
Pair beef jerky with celery and/or carrot sticks.
Dates & Butter
  • Dried dates
  • Nut butter
  • Crushed pistachio (optional)
Stuff dates with a nut butter such as almond butter or sesame butter (tahini) for a sweet and satisfying snack. Top with crushed pistachio (optional).
Fruit & Avocado
  • Apple and/or pear
  • Avocado
Dice the apple/pear and avocado and toss together in a bowl.  Add Celtic salt if desired. 
Fruits & Nuts
  • Variety of fresh fruit
  • Variety of nuts
Combine a single serving of fresh (preferably organic) fruits and nuts and enjoy.
Pineapple & Macadamia
  • Pineapple, fresh or frozen
  • Macadamia nuts or nut butter
Chop pineapple and combine with macadamia nuts or dip in macadamia nut butter. 
Crackers & Tahini
  • Rice crackers
  • Raw cucumber
  • Sesame butter (tahini)
Slice cucumber. Spread tahini over rice cracker and top with a slice of cucumber.
Trail Mix
  • Coconut flakes
  • Pecans, almonds, and/or cashews
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Dried apples or banana chips
  • Dried mulberries (optional)
Mix ingredients & enjoy.
Veggie Sticks
  • Carrot sticks
  • Celery Sticks
  • Hummus (olive oil based), almond or sesame butter (tahini), or raw nuts and seeds
Dip carrots and celery with either hummus, nut butter, or just pair with raw nuts and seeds.
Nut Milk Yogurt & Fruit
  • Almond, coconut or cashew yogurt
  • Fresh or frozen berries
Top yogurt with a handful of berries.

March 20, 2021
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One Man’s Food . . .Is Another’s Poison

Did you know that you are actually very different, biochemically speaking, from every other person who ever was or ever will be? It’s true. Your body’s biochemical makeup is as unique as your fingerprints!

For genetic reasons, we’re all very different in the way that our bodies process foods and utilize nutrients. Throughout man’s evolutionary history, people all over the world have been forced to adapt to widely varying environmental circumstances – including very different climates and food supplies.

As an example, traditional Eskimos thrive on very large quantities of meat and fat, while people born in the tropics stay healthy eating fruits and grains and other light vegetarian fare. For decades, scientists have observed that people who eat according to their genetically based dietary needs have virtually no incidence of cancer, heart disease, or any other degenerative ailments. Do you know your unique genetically based nutritional needs?

Optimize Your Health by Customizing Your Diet

Healthexcel’s Metabolic Typing is an easy-to-use, proven technology that allows you to rapidly identify your own highly individualized dietary needs. This extraordinary technology represents the combined efforts of some of this century’s leading medical researchers – people who are well known for pioneering achievements in nutritional science.

Now you can benefit from this simple system to identify your metabolic type. Then you’ll know how to select just the right “body fuel,” – foods, food combinations, and nutrients – that will enable your body to function at peak efficiency. With this leading edge dietary technology you may:

  • Prevent and reverse chronic illness
  • Optimize your physical energy and your mental clarity
  • Lose weight naturally and maintain your ideal weight
  • Strengthen immunity 
  • Slow down the aging process
  • Enhance athletic performance
  • Overcome mood swings and depression

Eat According To Your Metabolic Type

Over the last two decades, we’ve witnessed an extraordinary nutrition revolution here in the U.S. Yet in this time the health of Americans has declined greatly. Obesity, cancer, arthritis, asthma, heart disease, digestive maladies, chronic fatigue – all these problems have reached epidemic proportions.

Our poor health is a direct result of serious dietary deficiencies and imbalances. These problems persist because we have lacked the technology necessary to evaluate and correct nutritional problems on a case-by-case basis. Dietary solutions need to be tailored to individuals, because what works for one person may have no effect on another person, and may make a third person worse.

But that technology is here at last in the form of Metabolic Type Testing. Now you can look and feel far better than you ever thought possible. Contact me if you’d like more information on Metabolic Typing, the nutritional science for the future. It’s the solution you’ve been waiting for!


March 13, 2021
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Living Balance Wellness Nut Butters  

Nut butters are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein – they are also nutrient-rich in Vitamin E, B6, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, and potassium. Eat your nut butters with fruit or on toasted gluten free bread or waffle. As always, stick to the macronutrient breakdown from your metabolic type. Enjoy!

Nut Butter  Ingredients  Recipe 
Cinnamon Pecan Butter  
  • 2 cups Raw Pecans
  • 1 tbsp Ghee 
  • Cinnamon (to taste)
  • Pinch of Celtic Sea Salt
Blend ingredients in food processor or high powered blender such as a Vita-mixer until creamy. Double recipe to make more. Store in refrigerator.
Macadamia Coconut 
  • 2 cups raw macadamia nuts
  • 1 tbsp unrefined organic coconut oil
  • pinch of Celtic sea salt
  • 1/2 cup raw unsweetened coconut flakes
  • optional: 2 tbsp raw honey
Combine macadamia nuts, coconut oil and coconut flakes in a high powered blender such as a Vitamix or  food processor. Blend until creamy. Small dash of Celtic sea salt over top. Optional:  Blend in 2 tbsp raw honey.
Chocolate Almond 
  • 2 cups raw almonds
  • 3 tbsp unrefined organic  coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp raw cacao
  • 3 tbsp dark maple syrup (Optional)
  • pinch of Celtic sea salt
Combine raw almonds, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp cacao, 3 tbsp maple syrup (optional), pinch of celtic sea salt. Blend in high powered blender such as vitamix or food processor. Store in refrigerator.

February 7, 2021
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The menus in this category are to stimulate ideas based primarily on a carbohydrate type food list. In this previous post, I explained how your metabolic type is determined and the benefits you reap from eating according to your type. If we determine that you’re a Carbohydrate Type, you’ll eat according to this macronutrient breakdown: 50-55% Carbohydrates + 25-30% Protein + 10-15% Fat per meal.

Please adjust according to individual taste preferences and macronutrient needs. Suggestions and ratios may not work for everyone. Be aware of how you feel after each meal. You should have energy, minimal to no cravings, and be satisfied between meals – if you are not, then you need to adjust your ratios or food choices.

Be creative and add foods you enjoy, staying within your macronutrient ratio. It is important to use all natural or organic foods at least 85-90% of the time.

Some of my lunch ideas for Carbohydrate Types:

  • Meatball Cassava Wraps
  • Orange Rosemary Chicken Salad
  • Quick and Easy Open Faced Tuna
  • Lentil Wild Rice and Vegetables
  • Salmon Teriyaki Tortillas
  • Apple Molasses Protein Shake
  • Greek Style Salad
  • Zoodle (Zucchini Noodle) Salad
  • Chicken Pear Arugula Salad

Your Metabolic Type Diet is easy to follow and I’ll help you every step of the way. Just stick to your Recommended Foods as closely as you can. You do not need to weigh your foods, measure out serving sizes or count calories. Eat according to your appetite. Eat at least three meals a day. Snack if you need to and always try to eat before you get hungry to stabilize your blood sugar. Eat protein and fat with each food intake. Although you can eat any of your foods in any combination, here are some meal suggestions to help get you started. Eat grains and other starches only if required as per your Diet Check Record Sheet reactions.

Get my easy lunch ideas for Carbohydrate Types as a printable PDF

 


January 31, 2021
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What can an analysis of a hair sample tell you about your health! A lot, actually.

One of the services I provide, a hair mineral analysis can identify possible “blocking factors” that could inhibit your ability to reach your health goals.

A hair sample acts as an excellent screening tool to provide specific information about your metabolic and nutritional status. This includes the effects of diet, nutritional supplementation, stress, toxic metal exposure, and even inherited mineral patterns.

Via a hair mineral analysis, I can evaluate:

  • Digestions and assimilation of nutrients
  • Presence of gastro-intestinal dysfunction
  • Overall thyroid and adrenal function
  • Blood sugar regulation
  • Internal stress response
  • Heavy metal toxicity

Every hair mineral analysis includes a 50 minute virtual session with me to review the results and what it could mean for your health. Have more questions or interested in having a hair mineral analysis completed? Contact me.


January 24, 2021
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The menus in this category are to stimulate ideas based primarily on a carbohydrate type food list. In this previous post, I explained how your metabolic type is determined and the benefits you reap from eating according to your type.

Please adjust according to individual taste preferences and macronutrient needs. Suggestions and ratios may not work for everyone. Be aware of how you feel after each meal. You should have energy, minimal to no cravings, and be satisfied between meals – if you are not, then you need to adjust your ratios or food choices.

Be creative and add foods you enjoy, staying within your macronutrient ratio. It is important to use all natural or organic foods at least 85-90% of the time.

Division of your Macros:  50-55% Carbohydrates + 25-30% Protein + 10-15% Fat per meal. Again, these may need to be adjusted for individual needs.

Tips on following your menu guidelines:

  • Avoid gluten and dairy for 3 months to identify and heal from any potential allergies
  • Alternate your foods. Vary nuts and seeds, different meats, different fruits and vegetables every week.
  • Feel free to mix up the menus as long as you are staying within your proper ratios of carbs/proteins/fats
  • Avoid conventional animal proteins. Conventionally raised animals have been injected with growth hormones, and antibiotics, and fed an unnatural diet. Buy your meats exclusively from Whole Foods Market, or local farms.
  • Snacks can be used as part of a meal as long as a protein is chosen to go with them.
  • Avoid using the microwave, even if only to warm water.
  • Any fruits eaten should be “green” – not fully ripened. Fully-ripe or overripe fruits can be too high in sugar for protein types. Preferably, fruit should be eaten with some protein and/or fat like nuts or avocado.
  • Note: Portions are based on individual needs. Be sure you are eating enough food to feel satisfied but not too full.

Your Metabolic Type Diet is easy to follow. Just stick to your Recommended Foods as closely as you can. You do not need to weigh your foods, measure out serving sizes or count calories. Eat according to your appetite. Eat at least three meals a day. Snack if you need to and always try to eat before you get hungry to stabilize your blood sugar. Eat protein and fat with each food intake. Although you can eat any of your foods in any combination, here are some meal suggestions to help get you started. Eat grains and other starches only if required as per your Diet Check Record Sheet reactions.

Download a printable version of my favorite Carbohydrate Breakfast ideas here! 

 

Carbohydrate Type Breakfasts for Metabolic Types