How to Treat Acid Reflux Cough

How to Treat Acid Reflux Cough

In this video, I discuss acid reflux, aka Heartburn

Acid Reflux (also known as Heartburn) is something I have recently become intimately aware of.  This year, for the first time, I experienced a really bad case of acid reflux cough. 

It was terrible! Imagine not being able to talk because every time you try to speak you start coughing non-stop. Yes, non-stop! So of course, my biggest question was, “How did this happen?” 

I’ll give you the cliff notes version below, but check out an awesome, detailed video from my naturopathic doctor, Dr. Peter Glidden. In the video, he talks about acid reflux cough/heartburn, and GERD. 

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux and heartburn are common conditions that can greatly impact our daily lives, causing discomfort and interfering with our overall well-being. Fortunately, a natural approach to healing acid reflux through dietary interventions can offer effective relief and long-term management. In this blog post, we will delve into the dietary treatment for heartburn, differentiate between heartburn and acid reflux, explore the symptoms and underlying causes of heartburn, and understand the significance of adopting a holistic and natural approach.

How Does Acid Reflux Cough Happen?

So, let’s get to the point! How does acid reflux happenYou can develop acid reflux when your stomach acid is lowered. Your stomach acid needs to be strong ( think battery acid strong), in order for you to digest food properly. If your stomach acid is low, you are not able to digest your food. As a result, the acid comes back up into your esophagus, irritating your throat lining, and causing you to cough. 

What is the dietary treatment for acid reflux?

Being the inquisitive person that I am, my next question was, “how did I develop low stomach acid?” Two major factors are involved: salt deficiency and calcium deficiency. A wholesome and balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing heartburn. By making mindful choices about what we eat, we can alleviate symptoms and promote digestive health. Embracing a dietary treatment for heartburn can be empowering and liberating. Knowing that we have control over our well-being by making conscious food choices brings a sense of relief and hope.

Let me share a personal experience with you. I once went to Mother’s Grocery store, a local health food store in southern California, in search of salt with iodine. I scanned the condiment section, carefully reading labels one by one. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t find any salt that contained iodine. Frustrated, I was approached by a clerk who asked if I needed help. I explained my quest for iodine-rich salt, but we both struggled to find any. It was a realization that many salts on the market lack iodine, even if we consume them regularly.

This story illustrates the importance of quality salt that contains iodine in our diet. Consuming low-quality salt or significantly reducing our salt intake, as encouraged by some “low sodium” diets, can affect our iodine levels. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, which is about 1 teaspoon of table salt.

Iodine is crucial for the production of strong stomach acid, which aids in digestion. Without sufficient iodine, your body may struggle to produce enough stomach acid, leading to digestive issues. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough iodine in your diet. However, finding salt with iodine can be a challenge in many grocery stores.

The key takeaway is that simply consuming salt doesn’t guarantee you’re getting enough iodine. It’s essential to choose high-quality salt that contains iodine and maintain a balanced approach to salt intake. Remember, when you don’t get enough iodine, your body may not produce enough stomach acid to digest your food effectively.

Acid Reflux Trigger Foods

Certain foods can exacerbate heartburn symptoms. Common triggers include spicy or greasy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. By limiting or eliminating these triggers, we can alleviate discomfort.

Consuming large meals can put excessive pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to promote proper digestion and reduce the occurrence of heartburn.

All-Natural Acid Reflux Treatments

Below is a listing that contains a variety of salt brands and manufacturers. The listing depicts which of these top picks by Amazon contain iodine and which don’t. 

Amazon’s Top Picks

Salt BrandIodineNo Iodine
The Spice Lab Himalayan Salt X
Redmond Real Salt – Ancient Fine Sea Salt X
Amabito No Moshio (Seaweed Salt) X
Maldon Sea Salt – Flaky Pyramid-Shaped Crystals X
Beyond Himalayan Pink Himalayan Salt X

So, you are probably wondering, why don’t any of these salts have iodine? Well,  testing for the presence of iodine in salt can be expensive, so a lot of manufacturers choose not to test their salt. My naturopathic doctor recommended buying a high-quality pink Himalayan salt. You probably won’t find iodine mentioned on the label, but normally there is enough in it for dietary requirements. 

Calcium Deficiency Treatment

Calcium deficiency is the other cause of acid reflux. According to Dr. Peter Glidden, calcium is important because calcium also increases the acid strength in your stomach.  The average adult needs 1,000 mg of calcium per day. The amount of calcium increases to 1,200 mg per day for women aged 50+ and men aged 71+. 

Not sure how to increase your calcium intake. I would suggest purchasing a calcium supplement, but not just any calcium supplement, because the challenge with calcium is absorption. Calcium can be very difficult to absorb, so you need a supplement that has co-factors in it to increase its absorption. 

I would suggest Youngevity’s Beyond Osteo Fx, as it supplies you with more than the daily recommended intake of calcium, along with nutrients that enhance calcium absorption by the body.

What is heartburn vs. acid reflux?

Heartburn and acid reflux are closely related conditions, but they have distinct characteristics and causes.

Understanding the difference between heartburn and acid reflux can help individuals better articulate their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. It can bring a sense of clarity and reassurance.

Heartburn refers to the burning sensation felt in the chest, usually behind the breastbone. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.

Acid reflux is a more general term that encompasses the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus. It can manifest as heartburn or other symptoms such as a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or a chronic cough.

What is heartburn like?

Heartburn is often described as a burning sensation in the chest, accompanied by a feeling of pressure or tightness. It typically occurs after eating and may worsen when lying down or bending over.

Heartburn can be distressing and unsettling. The discomfort can disrupt our daily routine and even affect our mood. However, knowing that relief is attainable can bring a sense of encouragement.

Imagine sitting down to enjoy a delicious meal with family or friends, only to be interrupted by that all-too-familiar burning sensation in your chest. It feels like a fiery ball of discomfort, causing you to grimace and seek immediate relief. This unpleasant experience can be discouraging, but it’s important to remember that there are natural ways to find relief and regain control of your digestive health.

What is constant heartburn a sign of?

Constant heartburn, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Persistent heartburn that occurs frequently, even after making dietary changes, could be a red flag indicating an underlying condition. This is your body’s way of signaling that it needs further attention. By reaching out to a healthcare professional, you can receive a comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Heartburn can significantly impact our quality of life, but through a natural approach to healing acid reflux, we can find relief and improve our overall well-being. By embracing a wholesome diet, understanding the difference between heartburn and acid reflux, recognizing the characteristics of heartburn, and seeking appropriate care for constant heartburn, we can empower ourselves to take control of our digestive health. Remember, with the right knowledge, support, and determination, you can find relief and lead a life free from the discomfort of heartburn.

Acid Reflux Cough- Calcium Supplement

Heartburn, Acid Reflux Cough, Indigestion, & GERD: Calcium- Beyond Osteo FX Powder
Beyond Osteo FX Powder
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Prebiotics Exposed: Inspiring Secrets for Thriving Gut Health and Vibrant Well-Being

What are Prebiotics?

Black and Asian Woman taking pills. Prebiotics

I have been learning more about probiotics, but was confused when I heard the term, “prebiotics.” What is the difference? After taking my search to the next level, I was able to better understand what prebiotics are, and I’d like to share what I’ve learned with you. Prebiotics are a group of nutrients (fiber-based), that can be in the form of food or supplements. Prebiotics are like steroids for your muscles. They stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in your stomach/colon.

If you are looking to learn more about digestion, and the key catalyst for it, check out my blog called, “How Enzymes Help with Digestion”.

Why take a prebiotic?

After learning what prebiotics are, led me to my next question. How are prebiotics different from probiotics? I thought stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria was the job of probiotics. Well, I did  a little more research and found out that they are different. They both have a common goal, which is to increase the healthy bacteria in your gut, but they go about it in different ways.

The major difference is that probiotics are living organisms, whereas prebiotics are considered a type of fiber. So, what does that mean? The fiber of prebiotics is undigestible in the colon, which makes them a food source for probiotics. By eating prebiotics, you are strengthening the probiotics, to help encourage healthy gut bacteria. We will discuss this in more detail in the next section.

Do you have to take probiotics with prebiotics?

Based on my research, prebiotics are important and should be taken with probiotics. There are numerous studies that indicate that probiotics may help improve your gut flora, thereby improving your digestive tract. Since probiotics are known to help with:

  • Antibiotics dependency
  • Alleviating common cold
  • Reliance on ventilator-assisted pneumonia
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Vaginal infections, like yeast infections
  • Eczema

Due to all these amazing benefits of probiotics, I believe it’s important to take prebiotics so that you can provide your body with fuel for the probiotics. Prebiotic “fuel” will provide the probiotics with enough raw materials, to complete their job. Think of prebiotics as the 1st stage of an assembly line. Without them, you would not be able to produce a complete product.

What can prebiotics help with?

We have already discussed a handful of benefits related to taking probiotics. But what about prebiotics? Since prebiotics help with restoring your gut flora, they can help with these leaky gut conditions:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Eczema
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis
  • Dermatitis
  • Autoimmune Diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Graves’ disease
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Lupus erythematosus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Allergies
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Gallstones

If you are experiencing any of the above chronic diseases, that is a sign that you have leaky gut syndrome and that focusing on achieving proper gut health is crucial to your overall health. If you would like to learn more or work, with a certified wellness coach, to help you better understand what you need to do in order to start improving your health in these specific areas, then sign-up for a free consultation at:

How long does it take for Prebiotics to work?

My naturopathic doctor, Dr. Joanne Conaway, recommends her patients who may be experiencing any of the above leaky gut chronic conditions, to complete our 20-day gut challenge, which includes various types of prebiotic and probiotic supplements. The 20-day gut challenge is an elimination diet, under the guidance of naturopathic doctors. The program also fortifies you with all the necessary nutrients, to restore balance to your gut flora. In as little as 20 days, I personally lost 4lbs, and started having regular bowels movements, and my seborrheic dermatitis improved, significantly.

 If you are interested in learning more about the 20-day Gut Challenge, click on the link below. You can even sign up now!

What is a good source of prebiotics?

Good sources of prebiotics can come in the form of supplements and food. My favorite prebiotic supplement is i26 Hyperimmune Egg Powder. Why? i26 Hyperimmune Egg powder delivers nutrients that have been clinically researched to support a healthy immune system. By providing targeted immune protection against twenty-six human-relevant bacteria, it supports a healthy gut.

What sets the i26 Hyperimmune Egg apart?

  • Provides protection against 26 human-relevant bacteria
  • Support a healthy GI tract
  • Promotes the growth of healthy bacteria
  • May help support a healthy inflammatory response

Outside of supplements, prebiotics are also found in fiber-rich foods, like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Some of my favorite prebiotic food sources include:

Food

Amount of Fiber

Apples

3-4 grams

Bananas

3-4 grams

Oranges

3-4 grams

Strawberry

3-4 grams

Mango

5 grams

Collard Greens

4 grams ( per cup)

Potatoes

2-3 grams

Nuts

3 grams

Seeds

3 grams

My recommendation is that you combine a prebiotic and probiotic program that includes food and supplements. This will give you more variety in your diet, as well as support a wide range of various strains of beneficial bacteria. The more strains of beneficial bacteria you have the more your gut flora will thrive. Thereby increasing your immunity and helping you better fight chronic diseases.


Do Prebiotics Cause Gas (Farts) & Make You Go?

Do Prebiotics Cause Gas (Farts) & Make You Go?

What are prebiotics? Black woman holding a pill. Farts

Do prebiotics cause gas or farts?

First things first, what are prebiotics and do they give you the farts? Check out “What are Prebiotics?” to get caught up on what prebiotics are and why they are important. I recommended that one of my clients take prebiotics, to help with her digestive issues. I noticed an immediate resistance, so I asked why? She explained that prebiotics give her gas and farts. Gas and farts? I wasn’t expecting that! I’ve been taking prebiotics, and I’ve never noticed gas being a side-effect. So, she really got me thinking. The next day, I still had it on my mind, so I decided to do some research.

According to Columbia Surgery, prebiotics, are not for everyone. For instance, if you have irritable bowel syndrome,(IBS) due to the rapid fermentation of the undigested food in your colon (because of the prebiotics), you can experience gas, farts, bloating, diarrheas, or constipation when taking prebiotics.

But, after continuing to dig, I also found out that these symptoms usually disappear with in a few days. So, my recommendation, is that you start taking prebiotics, on Friday night, hopefully, you aren’t planning to go out. That will give you the entire weekend for your digestive system to get use to the prebiotics. 

Do prebiotics make you poop?

We touched on this in the above section, however, we will go much deeper here. Prebiotics when combined with probiotics, aid in relieving constipation. However, if you are NOT experiencing IBS or chronic idiopathic constipation, then prebiotics do not cause diarrhea, if you don’t take too many.

So how many prebiotics should you take? If you are considering taking prebiotics, I would highly suggest you do so under the guidance of a doctor. That’s why Hungry Fit Foodie offers our 20-Day Gut Health Challenge to give everyone access to our naturopathic doctors in the form of protocols, and our “ Ask the Doctor” series. With our “Ask the Doctor” series, you can share your personal situation with one of our capable doctors, and they will give you their recommendation on what to take and how much. The 20-Day Gut Health Challenge was created for anyone who wants to benefit from having a well-functioning gut. During the challenge, you will have access to the doctor’s recommendation for how many prebiotics ( as well as probiotics) you will need for fast results! You can sign up for the challenge here:

Should you take prebiotics on an empty stomach?

Prebiotics work to provide probiotics with the fuel they need to help your good bacteria flourish in your gut. So, to answer this question, I had to start by understanding how probiotics work. Probiotics are more effective when taken on an empty stomach. Why? We want the good bacteria to have time to reach the gut/colon, so that the probiotics can feed them and increase the good bacteria in your gut.

Since probiotics and prebiotics can be taken together, I recommend that my clients, take prebiotics on an empty stomach, just like probiotics, in order to achieve the highest level of efficacy.

Do prebiotics help with weight loss?

As I was researching prebiotics, and how they aid in digestion, I started to wonder, can prebiotics help with weight loss? In particular, with shrinking the waistline. Well, according to the National Library of Medicine, the plant fibers in prebiotics can help with weight loss as prebiotics influence the reduction of short chain fatty acid production.

If you are anything like me, after reading the last paragraph, you are probably thinking, I NEED SOME PREBIOTICS NOW! If you are looking for a high-quality prebiotic, I would highly recommend you take BeneYOU Pre + Probiotics Pixies. This product takes all the guess work out of taking prebiotics for you. BeneYOU Pre + Probiotics Pixies, combine a blend of five probiotic strains and two prebiotic fibers, providing the following benefits:

  • Aids healthy gastrointestinal flora
  • Supports digestive function
  • Helps restore healthy bacteria
  • Helps reduce bloating
  • Supports a healthy metabolism
  • Helps detoxify bad bacterial
  • Supports mental clarity
  • Supports the immune system
  • Supports skin health

It also contains “inulin (chicory root), which has been known to support weight loss. I also love how this product comes in pre-portioned sticks, so they can be taken “on-the-go”. Now, there’s no excuse for not taking your prebiotics.


“Unlock the Ultimate Benefits: The Optimal Daily Dosage of Prebiotic Supplements for Stunning Health and Vibrant Vitality”

Prebiotic Supplements: Optimal Daily Dosage

How many grams of prebiotics do you need daily? Black Woman holding stomach. Prebiotic Supplements. Lactose Intolerance Treatment

When it comes to prebiotic supplements, the major question is how many grams of prebiotics do you need per day, to actually see a difference in your gastrointestinal health? Before we jump in, it’s important for you to know what are prebiotics.

Now that you know what prebiotic supplements are and how they work, let’s talk about the different types of prebiotics, as that also determine the level of efficacy.

Types of prebiotic supplements

The 3 most common prebiotic supplements are:

Type of Prebiotics

What they do

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)

Combat constipation

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)

Combat constipation

Trans-galacto-oligosaccharides (TOS)

Improves gut health

Each of the above prebiotics, can assist with constipation. FOS is fruit-based, whereas GOS & TOS are a group of carbohydrates that are produced commercially from lactose and glucose.

Some prebiotics can cause a laxative effect, versus, simply more easier and frequent bowel movements. Why? According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, “The laxative effects of prebiotics such as GOS and FOS are attributed to their action as soluble fibers. They pass undigested into the colon where bacteria hydrolyze (dissect) and ferment them…”. The bacterial fermentation of GOS increases the volume of bacteria, which then increases fecal size. The increased fecal size stimulates peristalsis (movement) in the colon, causing a bowel movement.  

Taking the right number of prebiotics, can lead to a bowel movement, without experiencing the laxative effect. In a study conducted, with 128 healthy adults, all with mild constipation problems, by simply adding 5-10 grams of prebiotics per day, defecation frequency increased to 1, smoother bowel movement per day. So how many grams of prebiotics should you take?

How many prebiotic pills should you take per day?

Let’s start with looking at how many grams of prebiotics you should take in supplement form. Studies have shown that 5-15 grams of GOS per day, can relieve, constipation in adults. However, once you exceed 12 grams of prebiotics per day, you run the risk of creating the laxative effect.

If you wanted to consume FOS prebiotics in food form, yoghurt, and prunes each have 12 grams of prebiotics, if taken daily, patients in the study noticed more frequent and easier bowel movements.

If you are experiencing chronic or even occasional constipation, including prebiotics in your diet daily, will definitely relieve, the pressure or “full” feeling you may be experiencing. Searching for a good prebiotic? I suggest BeneYOU Pre + Probiotics Pixies. Our naturopathic doctor recommended it for a client of mine that was experiencing chronic constipation. What I like most is that it doesn’t act like a laxative. The pixie packaging also allows for you to take it on the go, which is an added bonus if you are like me and are constantly on the go.

Be aware that not all prebiotics are created equal. What truly sets BeneYOU Pre + Probiotics Pixies apart is:

  • Exclusive blend of five probiotic strains and two prebiotic fibers
  • Low-GI sugar (palatinose) together with zero-calorie stevia
  • The probiotic and prebiotic blend, work together, to create a symbiotic combination helps the gastrointestinal tract work more efficiently, providing numerous health benefits

The Great Food Divide: Why Healthy Food is Out of Reach

Why are the Less Healthy Food Choices Typically Cheaper?

Why are the less healthy food choices typically cheaper? Picture of Burger and Fries

I remember being a kid and hearing adults talk about food prices and how hard it was to eat healthy because the less healthy food options were so much more affordable. Fast forward to 2022, in the midst of rapid inflation, the same sentiment reigns true almost 30 years later.  

So why are less healthy food choices typically cheaper? Convenience foods and “fast foods” contain corn, as the main ingredient. Corn is a subsidized food meaning that it’s very cheap to grow.  

The negative impact of corn on your body is that corn is considered a GMO food. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism.

 

Genetically Modified Organisms are considered unsafe for human consumption. Why? GMO foods have been engineered in a lab to keep the food from being eaten by their natural predators. How is this achieved? A small amount of toxins are injected into the seed of the crop, which yields a crop that has not been devasted by mother nature’s hungry critters. 

So, what does this mean for you and me? This means that by consuming GMO foods you are ingesting small amounts of toxins/ poisons. As you can imagine, over time, this builds up, and some people react more severely to it than others. According to the Center for Food Safety, the unexpected effects and health risks from the exposure to GMO foods include:

  1. Toxicity
  2. Allergic Reactions
  3. Antibiotic Resistance
  4. Immuno-suppression
  5. Cancer
  6. Loss of Nutrition

As you can imagine, when you are buying convenience/fast foods, you aren’t thinking of the long-term effects. We normally are thinking in the moment. 

But I’m sure if the food manufacturers were to put “This product may cause cancer”, the price of those foods would drop substantially because supply and demand tell us that when there is no demand the price is $0. I guarantee that no one could pay you to buy cancer-causing foods.

 

What is the cheapest healthy food?

Cheapest Healthiest Food, Beans. healthy food
Red Kidney and White Beans

Most people think that healthy foods must be expensive. They think of grocery shopping at expensive health food stores like Wholefoods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s. But the reality is that there are very reasonably priced healthy food options. 

The cheapest healthy food option I love is beans. Yes, beans. As of April 26, 2022, a 15.25 oz can of Black Beans costs $.72. But just how nutritious are beans? According to Medical News Today, there are 9 main benefits of beans, which are:

  • High in Protein
  • High in Folate
  • High in Antioxidants
  • Improve Heart Health
  • Reduced Risk of Cancer
  • Diabetes and Glucose Metabolism
  • Preventing Fatty Liver
  • Controlling Appetite
  • Improving Gut Health

With all of these amazing benefits, why wouldn’t you want to give them a try? Unfortunately, the typical American diet doesn’t appreciate this food group as it should, and therefore the price is quite cheap. With the abundance of various options, I’ve listed my top 10 favorite beans:

  1. Lima Beans
  2. Kidney Beans
  3. Pinto Beans
  4. Black Beans
  5. Black-eyed Peas ( Don’t let the name fool you, they are beans)
  6. Garbanzo Beans
  7. Cannellini Beans
  8. Navy Beans
  9. Edamame
  10. Lentils

A simple, quick, and easy recipe you can make is hummus. Yes, hummus! My husband loves hummus, and we eat it on a regular basis. But before we start talking about favorite recipes, let’s address the elephant in the room regarding beans. Flatulence. 

Do you remember the old grammar school chant, it goes like this, “ beans, beans, the more you eat them the more you toot, the better you feel”. Why is that? Why do beans cause flatulence, and what can you do so as not to find yourself in an uncomfortable position?

According to The Guardian, “Beans make us fart because they contain sugars and fiber that our bodies have a hard time digesting. When these sugars meet up with the bacteria in our large intestines, it produces gas and so we fart.” 

So how could something nutritious be healthy if our bodies struggle to digest them? Well, if you do not regularly consume beans then your body will lose the ability to digest them. As we age, we no longer have the enzymes necessary to break down the sugars and fiber. 

As a result, as a Certified Wellness Coach, I recommend to my clients that they include beans in their daily diet, especially if you are a vegan or vegetarian, as 1 cup of edamame contains 18.5 grams of protein.

In addition, I always recommend that my clients take enzymes with a meal. Enzymes help break down protein, carbs, and fats. With the high amount of protein in beans, you can clearly see how enzymes can help with the digestive process.

Note: The average adult should get 50-60 grams of protein per day, to maintain a healthy life.   

How do you eat healthy on a low budget?

Eating healthy on a low budget means having fun and getting creative. But you must know the basics of proper nutrition to do so. Here is a list of some very important nutrition guidelines you should take into consideration:

  1. Consume at least 50-60 grams of protein per day
  2. Limit your sugar intake to 32 grams of sugar per day
  3. Consume green leafy vegetables daily
  4. Remove table salt from your diet, and consume Pink Himalayan Sea Salt with iodine
  5. Stay away from foods fried in oil
  6. Stay away from processed foods

To help you get started on your healthy eating journey, here are some of my favorite bean recipes:

 

Garbanzo Avocado Salad

1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
½ cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup of red peppers
1/4 cup of tomatoes
1/4 cup of parsley
1 tablespoon diced onion
1 avocado, cored and chopped
¼ cup chopped mushrooms
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon prepared mustard
¼ teaspoon lemon juice
½ head iceberg lettuce – rinsed, dried, and shredded

Step 1
In a salad bowl, combine the garbanzo beans, cucumber, onion, avocado, peppers, parsley, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

Step 2
Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, honey, mustard, and lemon juice.

Step 3
Combine the salad mixture and dressing. Toss and serve on a bed of shredded lettuce.

 

Black Bean Breakfast Bowl

2 tablespoons butter
4 eggs, beaten
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 avocado, peeled and sliced
¼ cup salsa
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Step 1
Heat butter in a small pan over medium heat. Cook and stir eggs until eggs are set, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 2
Place black beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on High in the microwave until warm, about 1 minute.

Step 3
Divide warmed black beans between two bowls.

Step 4
Top each bowl with scrambled eggs, avocado, and salsa. Season with salt and black pepper.

Vegan Italian Vegetable Soup

2 (14.5 ounce) cans         vegetable broth
1 (28 ounce) can peeled and crushed tomatoes
2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
½ cup frozen green beans
1 stalk celery, thickly sliced
⅓ cup frozen pearl onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried parsley
¾ teaspoon dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 cube vegetable bouillon
½ cup macaroni
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
3 small zucchinis, cubed

Step 1
In large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring broth, tomatoes, carrots, frozen green beans, celery, onions, garlic, parsley, basil, bay leaf and vegetable bouillon cube to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes.

Step 2
Stir in macaroni, kidney beans, and zucchini. Bring soup back to a boil, and then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve.

If you are looking for more incredible recipes go to, Easy Keto Breakfast Ideas.

Why healthier foods are more expensive?

Tofu and vegetable mix. healthy food. Keto & Gluten-Free Breakfast Ideas
Healthy Foods Cost More?

Healthier foods tend to be more expensive primarily because they are perishable and therefore have a short shelf life. As a result, they require extra care during shipping and while in the grocery stores. 

Healthier foods come from the ground, including various forms of meat, because the animals must eat the foods that come from the earth to grow and be eligible for consumption. No one wants to eat a burger from a sickly, dying cow. 

Below are just a few of the reasons why healthier foods are more expensive:

  1. Seasonality
  2. Natural Disasters and Climate Change
  3. Price of Transportation
  4. Difficult Controlling Crop Yield
  5. Grocery Store Storage Costs
  6. Perishable
  7. No Governmental Subsidies

As you could imagine, if the government is subsidizing the growth of certain crops, such as wheat or corn, then unsubsidized (healthier) crops are at a disadvantage, because they’re automatically more expensive for farmers to produce, which doesn’t incentivize farmers to produce the more expensive crops.

I think it’s important to mention this, farmers are incentivized to plant low-quality,  nutritionally inadequate crops. As a result, the easy-to-store, process, and mass-produce fast/convenience foods yield better margins for farmers, than a ripe watermelon, or spinach.  

So, on your next grocery shopping trip, focus on purchasing fresh produce that is in season, and on sale. That will help keep your costs down, and you can enjoy much better-tasting produce. 

Also, only purchase what you need for a week, so that you don’t over-purchase, and end up throwing, all that delicious, nutritious food in the trash. Did you know that the average family of four throws away $1,600 of produce per year! 

That’s a lot of money, that’s not benefiting you, because it’s literally in the trash.

Don't throw good food away, try some of my fav recipes...


Eye-Opening Advantages: Exploring the Astonishing Benefits of Prebiotics!

Why are prebiotics good for you? Benefit of Prebiotics

Asian Woman in yellow business suite jacket holding a prebiotic vitamin, offering it to a black woman in green dress. Are prebiotics good for you?

Prepare to embark on an awe-inspiring journey that will revolutionize your understanding of gut health. The captivating realm of prebiotics awaits, brimming with miraculous benefits that can transform your well-being. As someone who ardently believes in the power of natural solutions and seeks to help others improve their gut health naturally, I am exhilarated to share with you the captivating and extraordinary benefits of prebiotics. Brace yourself for a riveting exploration that will leave you captivated, inspired, and eager to embrace the phenomenal impact of prebiotics on your gut health.

Why are Prebiotics Superior to Probiotics?

Ignite the Gut Microbial Revolution! Let’s unravel the remarkable secret that sets prebiotics apart and positions them as unrivaled champions of gut health. While probiotics introduce friendly bacteria directly into your gut, prebiotics take on the role of nourishing these beneficial microbes, propelling them to greatness. Imagine prebiotics as the celestial fuel that kindles the fire of probiotics, allowing them to flourish and orchestrate a symphony of health within your gut.

Close your eyes and envision a vibrant oasis teeming with resplendent life. Prebiotics are the fertile soil that nurtures and sustains the majestic flora, while probiotics are the blossoming flowers, radiating with vibrant beauty. Together, they create a harmonious masterpiece, a sanctuary of gut health unparalleled in its majesty.

Why are Prebiotics and Probiotics Absolutely Vital for an Extraordinary Gut Experience?

Embrace the Microbial Revolution! Visualize your gut as a pulsating metropolis, a bustling center of activity where trillions of diligent inhabitants strive tirelessly to safeguard your well-being. Prebiotics and probiotics emerge as the valiant superheroes within this microcosmic city, each fulfilling a pivotal role crucial for optimal gut health.

Prebiotics serve as the very foundation upon which your gut health thrives, promoting the flourishing growth of beneficial bacteria, supercharging digestion, bolstering immune function, and even eliciting a euphoric surge of positive mood. These extraordinary substances lay the groundwork for an exceptional gut environment where nutrients are absorbed with impeccable efficiency, weight loss is supported, and your overall well-being soars to unimaginable heights.

As for probiotics, they emerge as the intrepid defenders, guardians of microbial balance, and champions of metabolic wizardry. Armed with their formidable arsenal of beneficial bacteria, probiotics maintain equilibrium within your gut, vanquishing malevolent invaders, and unleashing an orchestra of metabolic harmony. Together, prebiotics and probiotics unite to birth a dynamic synergy that renders your gut a haven of boundless vitality.

6 Natural Prebiotic Foods: Nature's Gift to Your Gut

Prepare to indulge your senses in a delightful symphony of prebiotic-rich foods, nature’s magnificent gifts that can effortlessly elevate your gut health. Let’s unveil a tantalizing selection of prodigious produce brimming with prebiotic wonders:

  1. Enchanting Garlic: As its alluring aroma envelops your culinary endeavors, this exquisite bulb also unfurls its prebiotic prowess. Rich in inulin, garlic becomes a veritable feast for your friendly gut microbes, nourishing them with unparalleled delight.
  2. Majestic Onions: Behold the regal allure of onions, unassuming yet potent bearers of the prebiotic fiber called fructooligosaccharides (FOS). These celestial bulbs not only tantalize your taste buds but also serve as a sumptuous feast for your beneficial gut inhabitants, bestowing them with boundless vitality.
  3. Resplendent Leeks: Delight in the tender embrace of leeks, verdant wonders that offer both culinary finesse and prebiotic magnificence. With their generous reserves of inulin, leeks become an indispensable ally in nurturing a thriving gut ecosystem.
  4. Captivating Jicama: Surrender to the crisp allure of jicama, a marvel of prebiotic goodness. Its fibrous flesh, rich in inulin, tantalizes your palate while fortifying your gut with a symphony of flourishing microbes.
  5. Exotic Tiger Nuts: Embark on a journey to taste buds nirvana with the extraordinary tiger nuts. These crunchy delights house an abundance of prebiotic fiber, fueling your gut inhabitants and infusing your digestive system with resplendent vitality.
  6. Nourishing Dandelion Greens: Immerse yourself in the verdant embrace of dandelion greens, delicate leaves that whisper tales of prebiotic excellence. These gentle giants of nutrition are replete with inulin, nurturing your gut ecosystem and enlivening your well-being.

Prebiotic Foods for Weight Loss: Unleashing the Power Within

Are you eager to embark on a weight loss journey that transcends conventional methods? Let prebiotic foods be your steadfast companions on this transformative odyssey. Witness their remarkable ability to nourish your gut and empower your weight management goals:

  1. Spirited Green Bananas: Embrace the unripe allure of green bananas, for they harbor an abundance of resistant starch, a prebiotic fiber that bestows a sense of satiety and supports healthy weight management. Indulge in their vibrant greenness and savor the transformative potential within.
  2. Wholesome Oats: Delight in the comforting embrace of oats, a nutritional powerhouse that also serves as a veritable source of prebiotic fiber. As you revel in their wholesome goodness, let their prebiotic magic invigorate your gut and propel your weight loss aspirations.
  3. Marvelous Chia Seeds: Witness the remarkable potential of tiny chia seeds as they emerge as champions of weight loss. These unassuming powerhouses are abundant in prebiotic fiber, which nurtures your gut, supports digestion, and contributes to a vibrant and balanced weight management journey.
  4. Nurturing Almonds: As you relish the sublime flavor and satisfying crunch of almonds, you also embrace their prebiotic potential. Packed with fiber, these delightful nuts become a pillar of support on your weight loss expedition, nourishing your gut and promoting a sense of fullness.
  5. Mighty Walnuts: Savor the majestic taste and remarkable benefits of walnuts, whose fiber content and prebiotic properties contribute to satiety, digestive health, and weight management. Allow these exceptional nuts to fortify your gut and inspire your weight loss aspirations.

What is the Most Effective Prebiotic Supplement?

In my quest to guide my clients toward a balanced gut ecosystem, I have discovered an exceptional companion on the path to optimal gut health—the esteemed Ultimate Microbiome™. This extraordinary supplement serves as a catalyst for gut rebalancing, leveraging its potent blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to transform gut health.

Ultimate Microbiome™ embodies the culmination of scientific innovation and meticulous formulation. It surpasses all expectations by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria, enhancing digestion, fortifying immune health, promoting mood upliftment, alleviating seasonal allergies, enhancing skin radiance, fostering weight management, and nurturing restful sleep patterns.

Through the exclusive i26 Hyperimmune Egg Powder, a proprietary probiotic blend, and the potent DigeZyme Multi-Enzyme Complex, Ultimate Microbiome™ stands unrivaled in its ability to cultivate holistic gut health and empower your well-being.

What are Prebiotics and What do They Do?

Let us take a moment to unravel the very essence of prebiotics, to delve into their profound purpose within your gut. Prebiotics manifest as indomitable fibers, indigestible yet powerfully transformative. They navigate through your digestive system, reaching the colon unscathed, ready to unleash their potential.

Prebiotics serve as the sacred sustenance for your benevolent gut bacteria, kindling their growth, and igniting a symphony of harmonious health. They nourish, support, and cultivate an environment where friendly microbes thrive, regulating digestion, bolstering immune function, and weaving a tapestry of vibrant well-being.

Are Prebiotics Important for Gut Health?

Prepare to witness the mesmerizing choreography between prebiotics and gut health, an entwined dance that epitomizes the very essence of vitality. Prebiotics emerge as the life force, the foundation upon which your gut health flourishes.

They nourish, sustain, and fortify the beneficial bacteria within, unleashing a cascade of transformative effects. From digestion to immune function, from mood enhancement to weight management, prebiotics become the key that unlocks the gateway to unparalleled gut health.

The Best Prebiotic Supplements: Unleashing Your Gut's True Potential

While the majesty of prebiotic-rich foods remains unparalleled, there exist remarkable prebiotic supplements that can amplify the transformative power within your gut. Journey with us as we explore some of the finest prebiotic supplements, enabling you to embark on a voyage toward gut health transcendence.

These exceptional supplements, meticulously formulated with a symphony of prebiotic wonders, will nurture your gut with profound care. Embrace their potential, and witness firsthand the remarkable benefits they bestow upon your well-being.

Final Thoughts

As we conclude this exhilarating exploration of prebiotics’ wondrous benefits, we emerge with a profound understanding of their pivotal role in nurturing optimal gut health. Prebiotics, the unsung heroes of the gut microbial revolution, possess the ability to transform digestion, invigorate immunity, uplift mood, and inspire weight loss aspirations. From enchanting prebiotic-rich foods to extraordinary supplements like Ultimate Microbiome™, the path to vibrant gut health unveils itself with tantalizing clarity.

Embrace the symphony of prebiotics and witness the transformation within your gut. Nurture your body with the resplendent gifts of nature, and embark on a lifelong voyage toward holistic well-being. May your gut thrive in all its resplendent glory, and may the profound power of prebiotics guide you to a life of vibrant vitality.