August 16, 2021

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.

by Aubrey Thompson

August 11, 2021

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™

Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, collard and mustard greens
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Cherries
Peaches
Pears
Bell and hot peppers
Celery
Tomatoes

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

Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapple
Onions
Papaya
Sweet peas (frozen)
Eggplant
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kiwi
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Honeydew melon
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

by Aubrey Thompson

August 2, 2021

Could a juice cleanse be just what you’ve been looking for?

We still have the majority of August, but there’s no denying that summer will be coming to a close before we know it! As great as the snack-filled beach days and sugary cocktails by the water are during the summer months, they have a habit of catching up to us quickly. If you’re looking for a way to get back on track, a juice cleanse might be just what you need to transition back into fall. In fact, many of my clients often use a juice cleanse as a way to “kick-start” their way into a healthier lifestyle.

To start, I recommend a 3-day juice cleanse for my clients who are new to the world of juicing. This 3-day mark is the perfect amount of time to help individuals in overcoming dependencies on processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. Not only will the juices reduce the stress on your digestive system, but they will also provide your body with a boost of hydration and plant micronutrients.

A common misconception my clients have is that the juices will be bland or boring, but I’ve compiled some of my favorite recipes – all delicious and packed with everything you’ve been missing to detoxify your body! Between Strawberry Alfalfa, Lemon Drop, and Gallbladder Bliss you’ll have a hard time choosing a favorite. Bookmark these full recipes for when you’re ready to try a cleanse!

Living Balance Wellness Juice Recipes

Apple Detox

· 2 Apples

· 1 Bunch of Celery Sticks

· 1 Lemon

· ¼ inch Ginger

Gallbladder Bliss

· ¼ inch Ginger

· 3 Carrots

· 3 Beets with Beet Greens

· 1 Bunch Cilantro

· 1 Bunch Parsley

Ginger Carrot

· 3 Large Carrots

· ¼ inch Ginger

· 1 Apple

· 1 Small Celery Stick

Lemon Drop

· 1 Bunch Seedless Grape

· 1 Bunch Fennel

· 1 Cucumber

· 1 Lemon

· 1 Bunch Parsleys

Mint Madness

· 1 Cucumber

· 1 Apple or Pear

· 1 Small Bunch of Seedless Grapes

· 1 Small Container Mint Leaves

· 1 Container Mache Leaves

· ½ Bunch Romaine Lettuce

· 1 Drop Mint Essential Oil

Piña Colada

· 1 Container Chopped Pineapple

· 1 Bunch Romaine Lettuce

· 1 Bunch Parsley

· 1 Bunch Cilantro

· 1 Cucumber

Raspberry Melon Lime

· 1 Container Raspberries

· 1 Container Chopped Watermelon

· 1 Lime

· 1 Cucumber

· Romaine Lettuce

Spicy Pear Ginger Fennel

· 1 Pear

· 1 Cucumber

· 1 Bunch of Fennel with Leaves

· ¼ inch Fresh Ginger Root

· Several handfuls arugula (large)

Strawberry Alfalfa

· 1 Container Strawberries

· 1 Cucumber

· 1 Bunch Parsley

· 1 Tub Alfalfa Sprouts

· ½ Bunch of Seedless Grapes

We’ll leave you with two final tips!

Amounts of each ingredient can vary to taste, preference and ounces you’re trying to make. Add cucumber to make more liquid or cut strong flavors with water or coconut water.
If you live with a loved one or have a friend you believe could benefit from the cleanse, accountability partners are always helpful and encouraged!

Please note, I do not recommend a juice cleanse to clients with unstable blood sugar, a candida infection, or those who do not consider themselves to follow a well-nourished diet. If you’re not sure if you fall into one of these categories, feel free to reach out to learn more – I’d love to hear from you!

by Aubrey Thompson

May 2, 2021

While there is no quick fix to inflammation, you certainly can find relief. The first place to look is your diet. The average person generally eats 3-5 times per day. It is important to consider the type of foods you are consuming. Are these foods nourishing your body, or simply filling your stomach and pleasing your taste buds? One the most common culprits to inflammation is over-consuming sugar. Sugar comes in many disguises so don’t be fooled! Two of the most common are lactose and fructose found in milk and fruit. But did you know that all grains also convert to sugar alcohol in your body? If your day gets started with a bowl of cereal and milk, and a glass of orange juice, then wow -that’s a ton of sugar!

Consider this: your body can only handle approximately 1tsp. of sugar in the blood stream at any given time. Any more than that and you’re in trouble. One 12 ounce glass of OJ provides a whopping 8 teaspoons! So what happens? In a nutshell, the pancreas has to work on over-drive to produce enough insulin to regulate the amount of sugar entering the blood stream at any given time. The body interprets this constant demand on the pancreas as an internal stress and alerts your adrenals to get involved. Your adrenals are what produce the “fight or flight” hormone called cortisol to help your body deal with stress appropriately. In normal amounts, cortisol acts as an anti-inflammatory and natural pain reliever. The problem is, when this hormone is being produced on a consistent basis, and in high amounts, it has the reverse affect. It starts to cause inflammation and pain!

Once you’ve started this cycle, it can be hard to get out of because your body starts to crave the very thing that is causing the stress response….SUGAR! Do yourself a favor and cut out the sugar – that means carbohydrates folks. Try to eat more healthy proteins, fats, and low starch vegetables. In fact, give up the cereal for your morning breakfast all together and try replacing it with this healthy shake:

8-10 ounces of Coconut Milk (found in the dairy section at Whole Foods) or Almond Milk
½ avocado
4 ounces FAGE Greek yogurt (found in dairy section at Whole Foods – full fat please)
1 raw egg (organic free range) ….if your queasy about a raw egg, replace it with some almond butter – no peanut butter though!
1/2tsp of stevia or xylitol

Blend and drink… yum yum yum… don’t like my suggestion? No problem – be creative and try something different – just don’t go for that bagel with cream cheese, muffin with butter, or slice of toast and jam. When’s the last time you had some free range eggs with a side of spinach or steamed kale?

Once you’ve considered your diet, you may want to add some supplements to help assist your body in overcoming inflammation. Of course, the type of supplements appropriate for you depends on what is causing your inflammation. Below is a list of supplements that you may find helpful. Most of these can be found at your local health food store.

MSM – helpful for all kinds of inflammation as well as problems with connective tissue such as ligament, tendons, and even hair, skin, and nails.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Specifically: MORE EPA by Minami). EPA acts a natural anti-inflammatory and helps regulate the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids, too much of which can lead to inflammation
Cherry Fruit Extract – specific for different forms of arthritis and gout

For a more specific approach, consider taking the adrenal stress test and/or hair mineral analysis to determine how well your body is handling stress and metabolizing carbohydrates. This can lead you to a more precise diet and supplement program to address your individual needs.

Need help with fighting inflammation? Get in touch – I’d love to hear from you!

Check out my Current Services

Dirty Dozen™ vs Clean Fifteen™

Remember this on your next trip down the produce aisle…

9 of my Favorite Juice Recipes

Fighting Inflammation