Back to school brings back to bugs!!! Our amazing kiddos are really great at spreading the (germ) love so I have recommendations for adults and kids that I usually only share with my patients, but I've had lots of requests from other folks so I'm going to share the info and make the links public. But first, I want to share some tidbits. 1. Some of you know that I was a microbiologist before I went back to school so I could practice Functional Medicine. My approach on EVERYTHING is to support the terrain meaning all parts of the person, mind, body, and spirit rather than an overall assault on the whatever is troubling you. I'm all about balance and building resilience. 2. Given my prior training, I figured during the pandemic since everything shut down and our immune systems weren't able to "watch and learn" that it would result in some more potent bugs and that is definitely true. I've never seen so many summer strep cases and viral inflections as I did this summer. These illnesses are becoming less seasonal and more year round so we need to support ourselves accordingly. 3. Supplements are meant to be "supplements to your diet and lifestyle" and used when needed. Some people get on them and stay on them forever and that shouldn't be the case. Supporting the Immune System Holistically: 1. Everything starts with diet and lifestyle as I explain in the post from Monday. Eat whole foods, move your body, prioritize sleep (and YOURSELF), and find realistic ways to reduce stress and release your trauma. This is the foundation that everything is built on (think primer before painting😉). 2. The nutrients and supplements (and the WHY) - NAC (n-acetyl cysteine): NAC is an amino acid that is a powerhouse for many reasons, but primarily because it a precursor to the master antioxidant Glutathione which helps put out the inflammatory fires in your body. It also support your liver and breaks down mucus which are both huge with colds and upper respiratory viruses. - Antioxidant Blends: I like a product called ACES because it has vitamins A, C, E and selenium, and they are more effective taken together than alone to support the immune system, dampen inflammation and support your cells (especially the ability to heal). - Zinc (with quercetin): You need quercetin to carry zinc into your cells where it supports many mechanisms in your cells to balance inflammation and the immune response. Studies show it helps reduce severity and length of colds and flu. - Herbal blends: I look for blends that have synergistic properties like Andrographis, Sea Buckthorn, Olive Leaf, Turmeric, Chinese Skullcap, and Stinging Nettle that will modulate and balance the immune response and help decrease pain. - Enzymes: Specifically proteolytic enzymes that when taken away from food (2 hours after or 20 minutes before) will break down mucus and prevent circulating immune complexes (CACs). The second point is important if you have "the nasty virus" and you're concerned a certain protein ...if you know what I mean. 😉😱 - Immunoglobulins: Your body produces these in response to foreign invaders. You can also take them as a supplement to bind to the organisms and the toxins they produce. PSA: I keep this in my house all year because it's great support for all types of illnesses, food poisoning and vomiting. - Oscillococcinum: Homeopathic that clinical studies show it helps reduce both the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue. Safe for everyone ages 2 and up.

This is a surprise for people on their emotion healing and self growth journey. One that causes lots of confusion and inner conflict, so I decided to tackle all of the pieces of this puzzle head on so you understand what's happening and how to handle it. In this episode you'll learn: - why people may avoid, ghost, or react aggressively toward you during self-growth - how grief is a natural part of personal evolution - how to handle emotional triggers from others - ways to maintain compassion while setting boundaries in difficult interactions Link: https://youtu.be/3-gR8ty-rwA?si=bmiPajiaRRgLIyek

We want to get to know you, so please tell us about yourself my answering the following questions. 1. Who are you, where are you from, and if you work- what do you do? Drop a photo too if you'd like! 2. What are your biggest wants and desires from this community? 3. What do you do for fun? 4. Fun or interesting fact about yourself? I'll go first 😊 1. I'm Stephanie Davis and I live in Colorado, just north of Colorado Springs in a town that sits at 7,500 feet above sea level (we get some crazy weather patterns here). I've been many things professionally: a microbiologist (5 years) -> then Functional Medicine Practitioner (17 years) and Medical and Research Consultant (7 years)-> and about 4 years ago I started doing many energetic, emotional and trauma courses and certifications. My favorite thing is being a mama to my precious kiddos (who are currently almost 6 and 10.5). 2. My desire for this community is for it to be the VILLAGE WE ALL WANT AND NEED. The phrase "it takes a village" originates from an African Proverb and conveys the message that it takes many people- an entire extended support system- to raise children and for everyone to thrive and flourish. This is our village!!! 3. My favorite thing to do for fun and relaxation is to get into the mountains. One of my favorite phrases is, "the mountains are calling and I must answer." That is truly my happy place (or snuggling my kiddos). 4. Fun fact: I have deep family roots in the political scene here is the U.S. Maternally I'm distantly related to the Kennedy's but paternally I am a direct descendant of Aaron Burr (yes, the guy who shot Alexander Hamilton is literally on my family tree).

Super excited to be a part of this group!