LivWell Natural Health

10/27/2025

We often talk about “longevity” as if it’s hidden in some supplement or superfood. The truth is, living a non-toxic life is one of the most powerful ways to support a long, vibrant life.

What does “non-toxic” really mean?
It’s not just about avoiding chemicals (though that helps), it’s about reducing all forms of toxicity: physical, emotional, and environmental.

Here’s how a non-toxic lifestyle supports longevity:

✔ Clean Environment = Healthy Cells

Reducing exposure to pollutants, plastics, and synthetic fragrances lightens the load on your liver and immune system.

People in “Blue Zones” (like Okinawa, Japan, and Greece) live longer partly because they breathe cleaner air, eat real food, and live close to nature.

✔ Non-Toxic Relationships = Calm Nervous System

Chronic stress and negativity accelerate aging through inflammation and hormone imbalance. Surrounding yourself with uplifting people improves emotional health.

✔ Non-Toxic Diet = Stronger Body

Eating organic, whole foods minimizes exposure to pesticides and additives that can disrupt hormones.

Diets rich in plants, healthy fats, grass-fed or pasture-raised animal protein, and fermented foods are directly linked to longevity.

✔ Non-Toxic Mindset = Resilient Heart

Letting go of anger, comparison, and resentment literally protects your heart.

Gratitude and mindfulness reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep, all longevity boosters.

Longevity isn’t luck — it’s lifestyle.
Every non-toxic choice you make today (clean air, kind words, real food, peaceful thoughts) becomes an investment in a longer, healthier tomorrow.

10/08/2025

As fall and winter arrive, children face greater exposure to colds and flu while also being surrounded by holiday sweets and sugary treats. High sugar intake has been shown to temporarily suppress the activity of white blood cells (the immune cells that fight infection) for several hours after consumption. This makes it harder for the body to defend itself at a time when germs spread more easily in indoor settings.

Excess sugar can also contribute to inflammation and disrupt healthy gut bacteria, both of which are important for immune strength. Combined with the seasonal drop in sunlight and vitamin D, these effects can leave children more vulnerable to illness. By limiting refined sugars and instead offering nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, parents can help strengthen their child’s immune defenses and keep them healthier throughout the colder months.

Holidays bring extra candy, desserts, and sweet drinks, so be very mindful!

Tips for Parents

✔️ Choose naturally sweet snacks like fruit, which also provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

✔️ Offer warm, nourishing meals (soups, stews, veggies) that help fuel the immune system.

✔️ Save sugary treats for special occasions, instead of daily snacks.

✔️ Keep kids hydrated with water or herbal teas instead of soda or juice.

10/01/2025

Taking steps to prevent cancer is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our families. Everyday toxins can play a significant role in cancer risk. Substances like pesticides, plastics, processed foods, and synthetic chemicals have been linked to increased cancer risk through their ability to disrupt cellular function, trigger chronic inflammation, damage DNA, and interfere with hormone regulation.

By prioritizing cleaner food choices, safer household and personal care products, and mindful daily habits, you can lower your body’s toxic burden and help your immune system function at its best. Evidence also supports that regular Regular movement, balanced nutrition, and proactive health screenings further reduce cancer risk and support overall wellness.

Some ways to reduce toxins:

- Use an air filter: Choose a HEPA filter for your home to reduce dust, pollen, and pollutants.
- Use a water filter: A quality filter can remove chemicals like chlorine and heavy metals from tap water.
- Decrease EMF exposure: Unplug devices at night and keep electronics away from your bed.
- Follow the guides in my previous two posts about food and personal care products: Look for simple swaps and safer choices to cut down on hidden toxins.

09/15/2025

Toxins don’t just affect hormones, they disrupt gut health too. A healthy gut is essential for nutrient absorption, immune function, and mental clarity. Reducing your toxic burden helps your gut thrive.

Toxins from everyday sources, like pesticides, processed foods, plastics, and certain medications, can damage the lining of your gut, which acts as a protective barrier for your body. When this barrier is weakened, it becomes more “leaky,” allowing toxins and unwanted particles to slip into your bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation and immune responses. Over time, this ongoing stress and inflammation can disrupt your hormone balance, making it harder for your body to regulate things like energy, mood, and metabolism. That’s why reducing your exposure to toxins is a key step in protecting both your gut and your hormones.

Where to start:

• Eat whole foods and read ingredient labels

• Avoid ultra-processed foods when possible

• Be mindful with antibiotics and steroids, use only when truly needed

• Check out my previous “Where to Start” section on hormones for more tips!

If you’re ready for in-depth support, schedule your session with me at https://www.livwellnaturalhealth.com/

08/20/2025

Here are some super practical and realistic tips for supporting hormone health and reducing toxin exposure.

1. Swap smart, not all at once.

Gradual changes stick better and feel less overwhelming. Start with one swap (like changing your water bottle from plastic to stainless steel) and build from there. Progress over perfection is key!

2. Food: Eat Regional and Organic:

Local, seasonal, and organic foods tend to have fewer pesticides and are fresher, which is great for your body and your hormones. Plus, supporting local farmers is a win-win.

3. Avoid Anything with Fragrance:

“Fragrance” on a label often means a mix of chemicals, including potential hormone disruptors. Go for fragrance-free or naturally scented products.

4. Avoid Plastic Products:

Plastics (especially those with BPA or phthalates) can leach xenoestrogens into food and drinks. Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic when you can, especially for anything hot or acidic.

08/13/2025

Have you ever wondered how a naturopath could support your health goals?

Adding a naturopath to your care team means you get a partner who looks at your whole health, not just your symptoms. I use natural therapies and support you in making everyday changes to help you feel your best, inside and out.

It’s all about empowering you to take charge of your health journey, naturally.

07/30/2025

Here’s Why It Matters:

🌱 Your Body, Your Temple:

Every day, we’re exposed to chemicals in our food, water, air, and personal care products. Many of these chemicals (pesticides, preservatives, plastics, synthetic fragrances) can act as endocrine disruptors, interfere with our hormones, and burden our detox organs like the liver.

🌿 Hormone Balance is Everything:

Hormones are your body’s messengers, controlling everything from mood and energy to metabolism and fertility. When we’re bombarded by toxins (think: xenoestrogens in plastics and fragrances), our hormones get out of sync. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, PMS, skin issues, weight gain, anxiety, and even autoimmune flares.

🥗 Gut Health is the Foundation:

Toxins don’t just affect hormones, they disrupt gut health too. A healthy gut is essential for nutrient absorption, immune function, and mental clarity. Reducing your toxic burden helps your gut (and you!) thrive.

⚠️ The Link to Cancer and Autoimmune Disease:

Research has shown that exposure to certain environmental toxins can increase the risk of cancer and trigger autoimmune conditions. Some chemicals can damage DNA, promote chronic inflammation, or confuse the immune system, causing it to attack the body’s own tissues. By reducing your exposure to these harmful substances, you’re not just supporting hormone balance, you’re actively lowering your lifetime risk of serious diseases.

🌎 It’s About Longevity and Prevention:

Chronic exposure to environmental toxins is linked to everything from autoimmune disease to cancer. Choosing a non-toxic lifestyle isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making small, consistent changes that add up to big results over time.

How to Start?

- Choose whole, organic foods when possible.
- Ditch synthetic fragrances and swap for natural products
- Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic
- Filter your water
- Read ingredient labels—less is more!

Remember, every swap you make is a step toward better health for you, your family, and the planet. It’s not about fear, it’s about empowerment.

Your health is worth protecting. Start small, stay curious, and celebrate every positive change.

07/04/2025

🇺🇸✨ Happy 4th of July! ✨🇺🇸

Today, we pause to celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave. From the diversity of our people to the beauty of our landscapes, we’re grateful for the opportunities, freedoms, and dreams that define America.

Let’s honor the values that unite us—liberty, resilience, and hope—and remember those who have sacrificed to build this nation.

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Independence Day filled with gratitude, community, and pride in our country! ❤️🤍💙

05/28/2025

What is Mastitis?

Inflammation of breast tissue, often affecting breastfeeding mothers, causing pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.

I have personally had mastitis several times and have never needed antibiotics. If you have these natural remedies on hand, it can often be taken care of at home.

✔ Common Symptoms:

Breast pain or tenderness
Swelling or redness
Fever or chills
Fatigue

✔ Homeopathy for Mastitis: (choose a remedy based on your symptoms)

Belladonna 30c: For severe cases (very red, warm, swollen, and painful breast), take a dose every 3–5 hours until symptoms subside

Phytolacca 30c : For moderate cases, take a dose every 3–4 hours until symptoms improve.

Hepar Sulph 6: Take in tandem with Belladonna or Phytolacca; administer a dose every 3–4 hours, alternating with the other remedy

Bryonia 30c: When breasts are very painful with motion, hot, hard, and the patient is quite irritable, Bryonia may be indicated.

✔ Supportive Herbs & Nutrition:

Sunflower lecithin: helps clogged ducts and support milk flow (this is an important one!)

Garlic: natural antimicrobial properties

Echinacea: supports immune function

Probiotics: benefit gut and immune health

(I have specific remedies that I prefer and recommend to my clients)

✔ Natural Remedies to Support Healing:

Frequent breastfeeding or milk expression

Warm compresses to ease discomfort

Gentle breast massage to encourage milk flow

Rest and hydration

✔ When to Seek Medical Help:

If symptoms worsen

If you develop a high fever

If there’s no improvement within 24–48 hours

Remember:

You’re not alone—natural health practitioners can offer evidence-based support and gentle remedies.

05/19/2025

Natural Ways to Support Allergies

Struggling with seasonal allergies? Try these natural tips to find relief:

✔ Homeopathy: Consider AllergyCalm by Boiron—a gentle, homeopathic remedy designed to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It offers natural support without drowsiness.

🍯 Local Honey: Consuming local honey may help your body gradually adapt to the pollen in your area. Since local honey contains trace amounts of local pollen, eating it regularly can gently expose your immune system to these allergens. Over time, this may help reduce sensitivity and ease allergy symptoms—a sweet way to build your body’s tolerance!

🌿 Herbal Teas: Sip on teas like nettle or peppermint to reduce inflammation and soothe symptoms. Nettle tea, in particular, is known for its natural antihistamine properties. It can help block the body’s production of histamine—the compound responsible for allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching. It is also great for lymphatic drainage.

💧 Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus and supports your immune system.

🌱 Quercetin-Rich Foods: Include apples, onions, and kale in your diet for their natural antihistamine properties. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that helps stabilize the cells that release histamine in your body, which can reduce allergy symptoms. If it’s difficult to get enough quercetin through food alone, it’s also available as a supplement for added support.

🍀 Use a saline rinse or neti pot to clear allergens from your nasal passages. Xlear, a xylitol-based nasal spray, can also help soothe sinus irritation and effectively clear the sinuses.

🌼 Want personalized support?

For some, allergies are actually a sign of a deeper root issue that needs more personalized, in-depth attention. Book a session with me to explore holistic allergy relief and uncover underlying causes.

05/01/2025

Sometimes, life’s challenges lead us to our true purpose. My journey to becoming a naturopath began with my own search for answers to health issues, and that’s when I met Dr. Bonnie Buchman—a true healer and an incredible guide.

Dr. Bonnie didn’t just provide solutions; she inspired a passion for natural health and healing. Her care, wisdom, and dedication have touched countless lives, including mine, and sparked a desire to help others achieve their best health.

Now, Dr. Bonnie has poured her decades of experience into her books. These books are filled with incredible stories of how she helped others and witnessed profound healing. They’re not just books—they’re a testament to the transformative power of natural health and the lives she’s touched along the way.

📚 If you’re looking for inspiration or want to read about real-life journeys of healing, I highly recommend checking out her books. They’re treasures of wisdom and heart that can truly move and inspire you.

✨ Don’t miss out—grab your copy today and let her stories of healing touch your heart!

So, this made the news! Still two weeks out.

03/26/2025

Recovering from antibiotics is essential to restore gut health and overall well-being. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome by killing both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leading to imbalances that weaken digestion, immunity, and the gut barrier. To recover, focus on rebuilding with probiotics from foods like yogurt or supplements, nourishing good bacteria with prebiotics like garlic and bananas, staying hydrated to flush out toxins and support digestion, and consuming nutrient-dense foods while avoiding processed options. Adding glutamine-rich foods or supplements can repair the gut lining, and prioritizing rest and stress management ensures full recovery.