Pins & Needles...

Numbness of the feet and hands is uncomfortable and painful, especially when numbness is constant. There are any number of reasons why our extremities fall asleep. Lying or sitting in one position for too long may place pressure on nerves, numbness may be a sign of injury due to repetitive use, or more serious conditions such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy can lead to nerve damage. The good news is that damaged nerves can regenerate and heal. In order to treat this condition your physician will help you determine the cause. Address this problem on your own by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising (to increase circulation), avoid or limit alcohol, apply ice packs or cold compresses, and seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture or therapeutic bodywork.

Be Well! ~ Tiffany

A Time to Fast...

Over the years I chose to fast for health, weight loss, and greater spiritual connection. Some of these fasts were safe and therapeutic; others were a bit risky and admittedly foolish. A regular fast that nearly everyone participates in is the nightly fast while we sleep. The morning meal is called 'breakfast' for a reason...we are breaking a fast.

You may or may not realize that the act of digestion requires a great deal of energy. Digestion can interrupt sleep, and overeating burdens our system. This is why we feel heavy, bloated, sleepy, and lethargic after indulging in large meals. By finishing your last meal at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, and avoiding late night snacks, you allow your body to divert energy to restorative work. In the deepest stages of sleep our body releases human growth hormones and appetite suppressing hormones like ghrelin. To improve the quality of your sleep, avoid food late in the evening. This allows your body to support good health.

Be Well! ~ Tiffany

"Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together." - Thomas Dekker

Reducing Pain...Recipes & Remedies

Pain management is a priority for those of us managing chronic conditions. Of course there are plenty of prescription drugs available to treat pain, though our country faces an opioid epidemic. To manage pain effectively, affordably, and with fewer negative side effects there are a number of alternatives available. In my book, Butternut to Bionic, I discuss how I used prescription pain medication sparingly after surgery and opted for treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathic remedies such as Arnica, and mind/body techniques such as EFT, guided imagery, and meditation to better manage my pain. I also receive regular therapeutic massage, exercise daily, self-treat with Reiki, and most recently, have been using CBD balm (purchased from Dave's Health) to reduce shingle pain. Speak to your doctor about alternative remedies to manage your pain. Each of us experience pain differently and in varying degrees. Oftentimes, using a variety of approaches results in success.

Be Well! ~ Tiffany

Rising Up & Moving Forward

Many of us, myself included, faced significant change, transformation, achievements, and challenges in 2017. Wouldn't life be incredibly dull if we did not? Homes were purchased and sold, health faltered or improved, babies were born, and loved ones took their last breath. Relationships began or drifted apart, books were published, and careers took dramatic shifts. When changes are significant they place an enormous amount of stress on our mind, body, and spirit. This stress exacerbates chronic conditions and adds to pain, discomfort, and intensifies the symptoms that need to be managed daily.

How to cope? When life places extreme challenges in your lap, self-care is a priority more than ever. Investment in health is a security that rewards you with high dividends. Even the smallest step...watching less television in the evening to get to bed earlier, consuming more fiber to lose weight and send a message of I love you to your colon, and receiving therapeutic bodywork for touch, healing, and pain management will improve your mood and your health.  Need personalized help? Contact me - tiffany@andersontherapeutics.com.

Be Well! ~ Tiffany

The Bees Knees...

The knee joint is sadly our weakest. It is the joint most likely to fail. There are over 4.7 million  Americans living with knee replacement, versus 2.5 million living with hip replacement. Your knees may seem like simple hinges, though this complicated joint is prone to misuse, fatigue, and most importantly...lack of use. The simplest way to protect your knees is to lose excess weight. Shedding as little as 5 pounds can remove 25 pounds of pressure from this fragile joint. Additional ways to support knee health include:

• Wearing quality shoes; avoid high heels and thinly soled shoes

• Change your position often when sitting for long periods

• Use a foam pad when kneeling to reduce pressure

• Strengthen the joint; try one of these 8 exercises

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Starch = Substance

When I first discovered The Starch Solution by Dr. John McDougall, I was skeptical. Focus on starches to lose weight and improve health? How could that be? For decades I had avoided foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes. After reading The Starch Solution, watching the documentary Forks Over Knives, and reading The China Study I followed a whole food starch based no oil eating plan and was astonished! I not only enjoyed these foods I had missed in large quantities, I lost weight, rid myself of blood pressure and cholesterol medication, sleep more soundly, and feel terrific. Becoming a starchivore has changed my life for the better. On my Nourish page and within my wellness blog I share pictures and recipe links detailing the delightful meals that satisfy my appetite, palate, and help me maintain good health.

Yesterday I enjoyed two simple meals that were quick to prepare and very filling. Breakfast is simple, I typically have a large plate of hash browns with hot sauce and/or a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and soy milk. For lunch yesterday I had a brown rice and vegetable bowl with a spicy peanut sauce. Then for dinner I baked two large Russet potatoes and topped them with steamed broccoli and my vegan cheez sauce. Later in the evening I had the Engine 2 microwave popcorn and a small dish of raspberry sorbet. Delicious, plant based, and no oil. Incorporate more starches into your diet and remove the oil, you'll be happy that you did!

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Solstice Greetings: Finding Balance

An ancient Egyptian proverb tells us that, "One quarter of what you eat keeps you alive. The other three-quarters keeps your doctor alive."  This statement is oh so true today as too many adults and children are overfed, obese, malnourished, and living with food related diseases such as type II diabetes, certain types of cancer, liver and kidney disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Tip the scales in your favor. Eat well, prevent disease, and nourish good health. Your fork is the key to a healthy future.

Be Well! ~Tiffany