Natural Cures for Anxiety and Depression: Real Solutions

Leave a comment October 15, 2018 DrD4Health

Depression and Anxiety are the leading causes of disability worldwide! Hmmm, why is that? 🤔

Some Psychologists and Physicians are unaware that in examining the role of one’s genetics in Depression, we also need to assess our Mental & Food Diet, Toxic Exposure, Acute and Chronic Stress, Endocrine and Autoimmune Imbalance, Vaccine and Medication side effects and Special Synergistic combinations of these contributors that uncover a direct role in Depression and Disease.

Neither humans or animals are a one-size fits all diagnoses and treatment machine, we are individuals that respond well to natural cures that do not necessarily involve pharmaceutical drugs!

It is critical that Health Care providers understand that Humans and Animals are not interchangeable subjects in some randomized trial, we are not only our physical bodies, we are also impacted by our Beliefs, our Friends, our Joy, our Environment and our Stressors.

Every thought and every action that we repeat to ourselves and/or experience while awake or asleep impacts our health and well being.

These stressors can include not having someone positive to talk to, having a heavy or negative negative outlook about life, a stressful home, a stressful career, poverty, illness, a lack of contact with Nature, a lack of Real Sunlight, Air Pollution, too many Processed Foods, Constipation, a Nutrient-Depleted Diet, poor sleep and exposure to Chemicals, Pesticides, Plastics and Antibiotics.

We are our Microbiome, our Mitochondrial functioning and our own Personal Epigenetic Expression and we are our self talk. We each have a unique story, unique stressors and unique genetics that impacts our health.

“Gut-brain communications are mediated by the immune system, endocrine connections such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and neural pathways involving the enteric nervous system. The gut microbiota is now known to play a pivotal role in gut-brain communications.”

What this means is, if you want your brain to feel better and think happier thoughts, you HAVE TO HEAL YOUR GUT AND HEAL YOUR THOUGHTS!

Again, EVERY positive or negative thought, every food and drink that goes in your stomach, on your skin, in your eyes, in your nose, impacts our mental health.

If you want to improve your overall mood and motivation then heal your self talk and heal your gut/stomach/brain relationship… this will lower your likelihood of mood disorders and diseases in general.

ALL DISEASES START IN THE GUT!

“Depression and Anxiety is not a broken brain, it is a response to your perceived stress – be it physical, emotional, or psychological.”

Our body can attempt to cope with unhealthy thoughts and an unhealthy diet and toxic chemicals by developing Inflammation which can result in the mind reflecting Depression and other Diseases!

We do not have to own the thoughts or foods or experiences that do not serve us. If you are experiencing inflammation, then pay attention to it! Inflammation is your body communicating to you that something needs to be healed, typically these are your thoughts and your gut!

Regardless of whether you have regular bowel movements, gut issues may still be present. Do you have mood swings, PMS, foul gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach aches, continuously growing food allergies, eczema, psoriasis, acne, unhealthy cravings? All of these impact your mood and sleep.

Humans have evolved with plants, microbes and animal species to form a delicate web called “Life”.

Again, if you are experiencing Inflammation and a mood disorder such as, Depression/Anxiety, speak with a Functional Nutritionist AND a Psychologist about healing your gut & brain relationship with the following:

1. Vegan & Raw foods.

2. Anti-inflammatory 64oz /day Green Drinks/Smoothies & Supplements.

3. Quality oils, fats, real Sunshine! (Avocado & Coconut Oil)

4. Dairy & Gluten Free Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes that target brain health.

5. Create a Positive Self Statement to repeat daily. (“I am Happy, Healthy, Beautiful & Loved”)

6. Exercise a minimum 4 X a week.

7. Assess whether the Gluten and Dairy are helping or hurting your health… Start eating foods/drinks/supplements that reduce Inflammation.

8. Detox your Mind & Body & drink at least half your weight in High Ph Water (Daily).

These 8 simple changes in your life will drastically improve your chances of dramatically improving all areas of your Physical Health and Psychological Health, especially Depression, Anxiety and Mood Swings!

Depression and other mood disorders are not cured by magical purple pills… Our moods are improved by changing how we think, how we eat, how we drink, how we live and what environmental stressors we are exposed to!

So now that you have a real list of how to improve your mood and health, how are you going to implement it?

1) Either join a gym or start walking, dancing, yoga or your exercise of choice.

2) Consult a Certified Nutritionist or explore the internet for more green Smoothie ideas & Whole Food Recipes from a Certified Functional Nutritionist.

3) Build your immune system and elevate your mood with Daily Sunshine, Healthy food, Herbs, Supplements, Therapy (which may eliminate Big pharma meds)!

4) Buy quality water with a high Ph!

5) Start a garden or a container garden indoors or on your roof.

6) Join a group, a club or anything that gets you around positive people.

7) Follow me on Instagram @ Healthy.Desiree and my blog: YummyYummyBaby.com

8) Cleanse your body of chemicals & toxins!

All this means one thing:

Unless you get your body moving, your body can not transform into energy, the 135,000+ of calories the average person stores as fat!

You become a metabolic zombie: NO energy to think. NO energy to move. NO energy to motivate.

So do it… get moving today!

Wishing you health & wellness,

Dr. Desiree

Bodhi Bear Soup, a healing remedy for Coughs & Colds!

Leave a comment September 22, 2018 DrD4Health

After surviving a serious and traumatic case of Whopping Cough as a child, I always dive into healing mode when one of my younglings has a fever or a whooping like cough that is associated with Pertussis.

I created this “Bodhi Bear Soup” with a ton of Healthy goodness to strengthen my youngling’s immune system against “Winter Bugs”, especially Whooping Cough!

This soup is filled with chopped Carrots, which have tons of Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene, especially known for helping the immunity of children.

I made sure to add organic Avocado Oil, which is a good fat that works synergistically with Vitamin A absorption.

I also added organic minced Garlic, which contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Manganese & Selenium and other antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which can boost our immune system.

More over, Garlic is known to be super effective against toxic bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Next, straight out of my garden, I added many potent leaves of fresh Basil!

Basil has powerful antimicrobial properties, which has long been used in traditional medicine to fight bacterial infections.

In addition, Basil is known for it’s strong but natural anti-histamine properties… Wow, what a super hero herb!

To give this soup some hardiness, I added this beautiful mix of purple, yellow and red potatoes…

I specifically added purple potatoes for their free-radical scavenging and antioxidant capabilities, which is a natural medicine that has been used for ages and ages.

I also included Turmeric!
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in Turmeric. Curcuminoids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and they are a very strong antioxidant.

Although acute, short-term inflammation can be beneficial, long term inflammation can become a major problem when it becomes chronic and inappropriately attacks your body’s own tissues.

Unbeknownst to many, Curcumin is such a strong anti-inflammatory, that it’s power matches or surpasses many anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Turmeric and Curcumin really are healthy and powerful gifts from nature!

To give this soup a taste of home and just a little more healing power, I went back into my garden for some fresh Oregano leaves.

In addition to adding a comforting flavor and being an antiseptic, Oregano is a culinary and medicinal herb which has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years… How awesome is that!

In fact, many natural healers use Oregano for treating respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal (GI) infections, which can accompany many Winter Bugs!

So there you have it, my homemade Bodhi Bear Soup!

Will it work to heal you or your child?

Let me say this, when we follow these remedies at the first sign of symptoms, we tend to zap it in just 2-3 days! 😊

In full disclosure, in addition to giving my kids this soup, I also give them top quality gluten & dairy free probiotics three times a day, a Vitamin A capsule once a day, freshly cracked coconut water twice a day, then I apply a homemade mix of Tea Tree, Eucalyptus & Coconut Oil rub on their upper chest & back every morning and evening while symptoms persist.

I hope these natural remedies bring some nutritional comfort for you and your family this coming Winter!

Sending tons of healing vibes your way,

~Dr. Dee (aka Healthy.Desy)

Soup Ingredients:

2 T Organic Avocado Oil
1- 2 cups chopped Carrots
64 oz. of Organic Vegetable Stock, Homemade or Boxed.
1 cup of chopped Purple potatoes
2 cups of Red & Yellow Potatoes
4-6 cloves of minced Garlic
1 teaspoon of salt
10-20 leaves of Fresh Basil
¼ teaspoon of dried or 10 Fresh Oregano Leaves.
1 Tablespoon of Turmeric Powder

Soup Instructions:

In a large pot, add 64 oz of low sodium Vegetable Broth, along with Avocado Oil, mixed Potatoes, chopped Carrots, and Garlic. Heat to boiling, and then reduce heat to a simmer.
While mixture is simmering, add Oregano leaves and Turmeric, then continue to simmer for 30 – 45 minutes.
Add in the fresh Basil just before serving.

Jackfruit Taco Recipe: Healthy & Yummy!

Leave a comment September 7, 2018 DrD4Health

JACKFRUIT

The first time I had something similar to Jackfruit was in Jamaica, about 13 years ago. A street vendor in Kingston sold yummy Breadfruit plates for about $2.00. Although it didn’t taste like bread to me, it was starchy, unique and delicious.

Jackfruit is actually bigger than Breadfruit, is the largest fruit produced on trees and can keep us healthy in so many ways!

•Jackfruit is filled with Vitamin C and can help fight against viral and bacterial infections. In fact, one cup of jackfruit supplies our body with enough Vitamin C to support the function of our white blood cells, resulting in a stronger immune system and overall greater health.

•Jackfruit’s phytonutrients and antioxidants can help rid your body of cancer-causing free radicals, which can treat cell damage and build a resistance against different types of cancers.

•Jackfruit’s high fiber can soothe digestive disorders including constipation and ulcers. Every hundred grams of jackfruit is about four grams of fiber, so eating jackfruit can protect the colon by removing carcinogenic chemicals found in your large intestine.

•Jackfruit can also help you keep great skin, great eyesight, good blood pressure and healthy bones!

And as if all these amazing health benefits were not enough, jackfruit is also low in calories and free of fat! Yes, that’s right, you can eat a ton of sweet jackfruit without gaining a ton of weight!

The next time you have a hankering for something healthy and delicious, consider Darshana Thacker’s healthy jackfruit recipe!

CHIPOTLE JACKFRUIT TACOS:

INGREDIENTS:

🌮1 medium potato, cut into ½-inch dice (2 cups)

🌮1 medium onion, cut into ¼-inch dice (2 cups)

🌮2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)

🌮1½ cups of diced tomatoes with juice

🌮1½ cups fresh cut jackfruit or one 14 oz can.

🌮3 tablespoons taco seasoning

🌮1 tablespoon smoked paprika

🌮¼ teaspoon minced chipotle in adobo sauce

🌮2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

🌮2 tablespoons lemon juice

JACKFRUIT TACO TOPPINGS:

🌮12 corn tortillas

🌮2 cups shredded lettuce

🌮1 medium tomato, cut into ½-inch dice (1 cup)

🌮2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)

🌮1 avocado, cut into ¾-inch diced

PREPARATION:

1. In a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté the potatoes, onions, and garlic in ¼ cup water for 10 minutes or until the onions are tender.

2. Add the diced tomatoes, jackfruit, taco seasoning, paprika, and chipotle in adobo sauce, and continue cooking for 10 minutes until the juice from the tomatoes is absorbed.

3. Using the back of the spatula, break the jackfruit into smaller pieces. Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice.

4. Place half of the tortillas in a stack on a heated non-stick skillet. Cook each side of the stack on medium-low heat, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the tortillas in the middle are heated through. Wrap warmed tortillas in a damp cloth to keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

5. To assemble the tacos, place the filling in the center of each, and top with the lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, and avocado, then serve immediately!

Doesn’t this Forks Over Knives recipe sound so Yummy Yummy Baby?!?

There are so many ways to eat Jackfruit, explore and let me know what you come up with!

Thank you to Forks Over Knives and Health Team Trista for the awesome recipe, pics and info!

🍈~ Dr. Desy

Vegan Enchiladas

Leave a comment August 23, 2018 DrD4Health

Vegan Enchiladas! 😋

One of the toughest parts of not eating cow cheese was giving up Traditional Cheese Enchiladas!

Thanks to tasty plantbased cheese, I still get my Mexican Comfort Food Fix.

Contrary to what food marketers would have you believe — HEALTHY FAT is good for you!
Healthy Fat gives stable long-lasting energy and satiety without spiking your blood sugar.

But let be clear; not all fats are created equal. Industrial seed oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil, corn oil, and soybean oil that are often passed off as healthy fats are in fact not healthy at all.

These unhealthy fats are hydrogenated and cause oxidative stress to our bodies. Oxidation in the body leads to a whole host of health issues like inflammation, heart disease, stroke, obesity, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

As I have said before, Food Matters, so choose wisely!

After dipping each gluten-free corn tortilla in my home-made enchilada sauce, I stuffed these yummy enchiladas with a huge helping of mashed Vegan Black Beans, Green Chili, Fresh Chopped Spinach and Spicy Vegan Jack Cheese!

I added more Cheese and Fresh Jalepenos on top, then roasted them in my mild Enchilada Sauce at 350 degrees for about 23 minutes…

My homemade red enchilada sauce has authentic Mexican flavor! It’s so good and easy, you’ll never go back to store-bought sauce again. This recipe yields about 2 cups (16 ounces) of sauce.

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons Avocado Oil
3 tablespoons Coconut Flour (all gluten-free flour blends work!)
1 tablespoon Ground Chili Powder (less for less spicy or if kids are eating)
1 teaspoon Organic Ground Cumin
½ teaspoon Organic Garlic Powder
¼ teaspoon Organic Dried Oregano
¼ teaspoon Sea Salt, to taste
Pinch of Organic Cinnamon (optional)
2 tablespoons Organic Tomato Paste
2 cups Organic Vegetable Broth
1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

This sauce forms quickly, so pre-measure the dry ingredients (the coconut flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and optional cinnamon) into a small bowl and place it near the stove. Place the tomato paste and broth near the stove as well.
In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, warm the Avocado oil until it’s it’s hot enough that a light sprinkle of the Coconut flour/spice mixture sizzles on contact.
Once ready, pour in the flour and spice mixture. While whisking constantly, cook until fragrant and slightly deepened in color, about 1 minute. Whisk the tomato paste into the mixture, then slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly to remove any lumps.
Raise heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, whisking often, for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your liking. (The sauce will thicken some more as it cools.)
Remove from heat, then whisk in the vinegar and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper!

This sauce is full of authentic Mexican flavor, I know the Cinnamon is a twist, but you are going to love them!

After allowing the Enchiladas to cool for 8 minutes, I smeared some homemade Jalepeno & Cilantro sauce for one final kick!

Mmmmm… they were Yummy Yummy Baby!

I made a separate Non-spicy batch of these for my youngling, he absolutely loves them!!!

For a non-spicy version, do not add the green chilis or the jalepenos on top. My little one loves his sprinkled with fresh chopped black olives, I just forgot to snap a pic! Ugh!

Whether Spicy or Mild, your family will say they are Yummy Yummy Baby!

Enjoy! 😋

Benefits of Lemon Water

Leave a comment August 7, 2018 DrD4Health

As a child & teen, I would eat a lemon on a daily basis, then as an adult, I discovered lemons have tons of health benefits!

My 3 Favorite Things About Lemons:

– Lemons support weight loss!

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition showed that polyphenol antioxidants found in lemons significantly reduced weight gain caused by a high-fat diet. In addition, insulin resistance was improved!

– Lemons help digestion!

Studies suggest that drinking warm lemon water when you wake up may help get rid of toxins, prevents constipation and gets your digestive system moving!

– Lemons prevent kidney stones!

Health studies suggest that the citric acid in lemons may help prevent calcium kidney stones.

Lemon water is a great way to increase your citric acid intake and may decrease your risk of getting new calcium stones.

In fact, having 1/2 cup of Organic Fresh Squeezed Lemon juice provides the same amount of citric acid you’d find in prescription forms.

How to Drink Lemon Water!

In order to get any health benefits of lemon water, drink it consistently and in therapeutic doses.

Always use real lemon juice from fresh Organic Lemons.

To make lemon water, squeeze half a lemon into 8 ounces of warm or room temp filtered water.

For best wellness results, drink lemon water warm or room temperature first thing in the morning at lunch and before sleep…

You can infuse your lemon water with other tasty fruits and herbs and drink it throughout the day…

A few springs of mint, a teaspoon of coconut nectar, or a fresh ginger slice or a dash of cinnamon are all good options.

You can also add slices of other fresh citrus fruits such as limes and oranges, or cucumber slices.

Visit my blog for infused water recipes:

https://yummyyummybaby.com/2015/01/20/are-kids-drinking-enough-water-8-tips-to-help-kids-stay-hydrated-yummy-infused-water-recipe/

Although lemon water is generally safe to drink, there are a few potential side effects.

1) Lemon contains citric acid, which can erode tooth enamel (this happened to me because of my childhood lemon addiction).

To limit the risk, drink lemon water through a straw, and rinse your mouth afterwards.

2) Lemons become alkaline in the digestive tract, so many people experience heartburn relief, but others get increased heartburn…

3) Some people are allergic to lemons, so be aware of any changes, such as itching, bruising or breakouts.

According to the Food and Nutrition Board, the dietary reference intake for water is 91 to 125 ounces. This includes water from food and drinks.

Pure Water is the best beverage for hydration, but if you like a little flavor enhancement, adding lemon enhances water’s flavor, helps your digestion, can help kidney stones and help you lose weight!

So get your straws out and drink up!