Ahhh I love fall- the changing of the leaves and crisp breeze ( well in my dreams anyways-here in the Carolinas the heat can linger a bit longer). I love all of the fall sports (even though I , myself am not a sports fan- my husband lights up the house with his hooting and hollering when his team wins or loses every year-its tradition. I love all of the holidays that come with fall- As I write this I have already pulled out my decorations.
I used to love so many other things too- like the coffee with the thick pumpkin spice creamer and all the fall scented candles or plug ins. Fall didn’t seem the same without going to my favorite coffee shop and grabbing that first cup of the season even if it was still warm outside. I loved going to the mall and going into that store and grabbing a bunch of those scented candles to put in my kitchen and bath
Often times those like me with HIIT and MCAS cannot tolerate the ingredients in the coffee creamers- or even the coffee itself, and as far as the candles and plug ins go= there is a whole lot of reasons why none of us should be using most of the ones sold. SO with that all being said what is a girl (or guy) to do that loves fall.
Moringa Tea-
Moringa has been shown to inhibit 72% of all histamines released, making it almost as effective as the antihistamine eye medication, Ketotifen. Moringa is also high in the bioflavonoid Kaempferol, which has been shown in studies to prevent histamine release from mast cells. Moringa tea often comes in the form of a powder from the ground leaves. It pairs well with green tea, lemongrass, lemon zest, and coconut milk. You can even make a Moringa Latte: INGREDIENTS
- 1 Tbsp Moringa tea powder
- 8-10 ounces dairy-free milk
- Sweetener to taste
It is often the added ingredients in that yummy pumpkin spice that causes a reaction. An option is to make your own creamer. Of course you want to tweak these ideas to ingredients you tolerate. Luckily I can tolerate coconut milk and oat milk but almond milk is a no for me personally.
Ditch the Candles and Plug ins altogether
Trust me it will be a great decision for you and your entire family. Here is an article on the dangers hidden in these products. Dangers of Candles
Getting rid of synthetic ingredients in the home is beneficial for all the reasons mentions in the article above but like with food allergies we are all so different- Some react highly to any and all scents no matter how natural and clean they are. Instead of lighting a candle that emits a smoke- it is better to diffuse using an ultrasonic diffuser. I would only use pure essential oils where you know where the oil is sourced. I would also only use 1 or 2 drops if it is the first time using a particular oil. Often people think they are reacting to a particular oil because they are using one that is not truly pure. It is of vital importance to know the source. I have a great source I love and trust and if you want more information on that and an exclusive coupon code reply back and be sure to include the fact that you are a fellow HIIT'er or MAST'ER.
Having chronic illness presents unique daily challenges. One day I can feel great and the next week it can be hard to want to do anything. The unpredictable nature makes it tough to truly make plans because I just never know exactly how I am going to feel. Like many others in my situation I usually just push through and do the best I can each and every day and rest on my days off.
When the pandemic began I have to admit I was afraid. Being an immunocompromised healthcare worker that worked in a walk in clinic was terrifying. The media was not helping things at all-every channel I turned too seemed to be announcing doomsday.
Not only was I afraid , many around me were either scared or angry. Emotions have definitely been on edge and being a provider people were sharing those concerns with me daily.
I have always considered myself overly compassionate and empathetic. So experiencing my own concerns along with those I came in contact with was definitely tough.
Stress is a trigger for my own illnesses and during this time I have had a worsening of symptoms. Self-care had to be a priority.
I would like to share some things I have found helpful to my healing during this time in hopes it may help you as well.
This week’s song is “Highs and Lows” By Hillsong Young and Free.
Sometimes life is not going to go as planned- we are going to have times of great joys and great sorrow. I love that no matter what- we can stand on the promise that our Abba father will be with us. May this song bless you no matter what you are facing today.
Highs and Lows by Hillsong Young and Free
When it feels like the dark
Lingers longer than the night
When the shadows feel like giants
Are You chasing me down?
Tell me where could I run
From Your light, where could I hide
Hemmed within Your precious thoughts
There's no hiding from Your love
Highs and lows
Lord, You're with me either way it goes
Should I rise or should I fall?
Even so
Lord, Your mercy is an even flow
You're too good to let me go
Should I dance on the heights
Or make my bed among the depths
Your mercy waits at every end
Like You planned it from the start
Should the dawn come with wings
Or find me far-side of the sea
There Your hand still fastens me
Ever closer to Your heart, oh
Highs and lows
Lord, You're with me either way it goes
Should I rise or should I fall?
Even so
Lord, Your mercy is an even flow
Should I rise or should I fall?
You are faithful through it all
You're too good to let me go
Highs and lows
You surround me either way it goes
Should I rise or should I fall?
Lord, You're with me through it all, oh
Highs and lows
In the rhythms of Your grace I know
Should I rise or should I fall?
You are faithful through it all
And You're too good to let me go
When I ask my patients if they are drinking enough water- the answer from all of them is almost always yes. They say things like “I drink all day” when in reality most of us do not get enough water at all.
The general consensus is that most healthy adults need to drink half of their weight in ounces every day or at least 64 ounces.
Now I myself struggle BIG TIME with this! I have to literally remind myself daily to drink which sounds so silly right?
I was like everyone else who thought drinking coffee and beverages other than water was acceptable- what I didn’t realize is a lot of these beverages were having the exact opposite effect- instead of hydrating my body they were dehydrating my body and giving me a false sense of accomplishment in what I’ve drunk for the day.
Chronic dehydration can have a devastating and cumulative affect on the body. I love how Dr. Tim O'Shea breaks it down in this article and usually have my own patients read it. Hydration and Dehydration this article really does a great job explaining how the body absorbs water and why it takes so long to notice a difference.
The song this week is the acoustic version of “Let Go” by Hillsong Young and Free.
Surrender is such a hard thing to do. I know I , myself am a type A personality and like to be in control. I just like things to go how I planned. Learned early in life that- that is not always going to happen. I love how this song is just another wonderful reminder that we having a loving Father that hears our cries- we just need to let go. May it Bless you today.
Let Go by Hillsong Young and Free
I close my eyes and colors fly
There's no hiding from Your grace
I can't deny Your heart for mine
And its unrelenting chase
I was on the edge of deception
Caught up in my own hesitation
Until Your love took over me
So I let go and I let love
Show me life like it's supposed to be
An oasis here awaits us
All the freedom I'll ever need
Now I'm alive
Oh-la-la, oh-la-la
When I let go then I found life
Oh-la-la, oh-la-la
When I let go then I found life
When I let go then I found life
The higher way is calling me
To a life unlike before
The Father's heart is beckoning
And I can't resist no more
Lead me in the ways of devotion
I don't wanna get caught in the motions
My heart is only for You, Lord
So I let go and I let love
Show me life like it's supposed to be
An oasis here awaits us
All the freedom I'll ever need
Now I'm alive
Oh-la-la, oh-la-la
When I let go then I found life
Oh-la-la, oh-la-la
When I let go then I found life
When I let go then I found life
So I let go and I let love
Show me life like it's supposed to be
An oasis here awaits us
All the freedom I'll ever need
Now I'm alive
When I let go then I found life
When I let go, then I found life
When I let go then I found life
When I let go then I found life
Oh-la-la, oh-la-la
When I let go then I found life
