Diabetes & Low Carb Diets - A Dangerous Combination

Throughout my career in health I got sucked into the diet craze for personal and professional interest. I wanted to maintain a healthy weight, feel better, avoid illness, and be a sound resource for clients and students. Low carb and high protein meal plans never provided me with consistent positive results. I kept gaining weight, the 'diets' were not sustainable, and I would get sick. Pre-diabetes was right around the corner for me, and thankfully, I dodged that bullet. Check out this brief 8-minute interview with Dr. Michael Greger, founding member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, explain why a low carb diet is an epic fail.

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Scar Care - Fade, soften, and minimize easily at home!

As a dual posterior hip replacement recipient, I have two surgical scars...they are lengthy and very deep scars. Scar tissue is very dense, fibrous, and tends to feel tight and itchy. A scar has no hair follicles and no sweat glands which is why they appear and feel so different than the skin they replace. The appearance and texture of scars can improve with simple self-care. In chapter 5 of my book, Butternut to Bionic, I describe a technique called "cross-fiber friction" and a scar care product that I have used for over 8 years. My scars are smooth and close in color to my natural skin tone. Learn more in this excerpt from page 90 of my book:

"Per my doctor's recommendation, I used a product called Bio-Oil, massaging it into my scar morning and night using a technique called cross-fiber friction. Basically, you massage against the grain of the muscle in a circular motion helping to loosen, soften, and gently stretch the tissue. If you're a cook who prepares meat for the grill, you may have rubbed salt and spices into a roast or steak. The goal is to tenderize the meat by softening and stretching the tissue. Massaging your surgical scar is much the same, this technique can minimize the puckering and dimpled appearance as well. Even an older scar can benefit from this care. Our skin is living, breathing tissue made up of cells that regenerate daily. Massage sloughs off dead skin, brings blood and nutrients to the surface, and improves the health of our skin."

Want more resources, tips, and advice? Visit Butternut to Bionic, my Anderson Therapeutics website, or my author page on Amazon.

Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

Symptom not Disease: High Blood Pressure

Tribe members and website visitors have learned that I attribute much of my health success to Dr. John McDougall. Following a whole food plant based diet is a lifestyle that has eliminated nearly all of my medication - included blood pressure meds - and provide me with an energetic and lean body. If you or someone you love has high blood pressure, check out this short video...your heart deserves a listen!

Be Well! ~ Tiffany

Dr. John McDougall discusses high blood pressure - a symptom we've come to treat as a disease, instead of as a warning symptom of an unhealthy system. Watch more videos at http://drmcdougall.com

Mineral Pools for Pain Management...

In an excerpt from my book, Butternut to Bionic, I discuss several ways that I managed pain before, during, and after hip replacement surgery. One of the methods I enjoy as often as possible are therapeutic soaks in natural mineral pools....my favorite soaking place is Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

In Chapter 4 of my book I write, "The Arthritis Foundation recommends soaking in mineral pools to ease pain, loosen joints, and manage musculoskeletal conditions. Soaking in these pools is a good place for physical therapy--the  buoyancy takes pressure off the joints and water is a perfect partner for gentle forms of exercise. All of the exercises you learn during physical therapy are usually much easier in the pool. When you practice your fitness routine in a mineral pool, it's like exercise on steroids. You receive twice the benefit!"

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool - the world's largest hot spring pool with 15 minerals to re-energize and renew tired muscles.

Lemon Water Benefits...

Starting your day with a cup of warm water and fresh lemon juice offers significant health benefits. Lemons contain vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B-6, and minerals such as zinc, calcium, and potassium. Lemon water is hydrating, energizing, and supports digestion. Other benefits include:

Liver health: Our liver is very active while we sleep. The liver helps to restore and detoxify our body. Lemon juice supports liver health, activates digestive enzymes, and improves bile production.

Anti-inflammatory: Lemons are natural diuretics, helping to remove waste, alkalize our body and balance pH levels. improves digestion, and can relieve rheumatism pain. Lemon water also increases metabolism and is a natural appetite suppressant - you may even lose a bit of weight!

Be Well! ~Tiffany

Managing 'Gut' Health...

Probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota are all the rage to increase the 'healthy bacteria' in our gut. These organisms assist in immune function, aid digestion, help us absorb nutrients efficiently, and even improve brain health. I recently read a 3-day gut health makeover written by Ann Pittman Taylor. Check out these interesting highlights:

The bacteria in your gut microbiome are like factory workers keeping your body's systems running smoothly - from digestion to your immune system to metabolism. They produce vitamins, alter fat storage, and even impact blood sugar.

Like a forest filled with wildlife, your gut is an ecosystem. If you reduce your microbial diversity, you reduce your resiliency. Your diet influences diversity, but so do some common practices, such as obsessive cleanliness and spending the majority of time indoors.

How to improve gut health?

• Eat more whole grains like whole barley, corn, and oats.
• Prebiotics are found in whole-wheat bread, garlic, oats, onions, bananas, and celery.
• Probiotic rich foods include sour dough bread, miso, tempeh, and kombucha.

Be Well! ~ Tiffany

Managing Emotional Pain...

EFT with Brad Yates is one of my favorite wellness resources. EFT helps me to manage any number of concerns such as physical and/or emotional pain, insomnia, grief, and stress. Gift yourself 10-minutes and check out this amazing technique. Simply listen and follow along.

Be Well! ~ Tiffany