Liv
Extracts of Truth & Encouragement from a Growth Journey with God
My Health Journey Update: Enough to Shout Some “Whoo Hoos!”
It makes me stand in awe…AND drop to my knees! The change has literally been SO drastic…SO rapid! If you weren’t walking this journey with me or know my God, you might get a bit big-eyed, wondering if all of this is for real! This is no longer just “My Health Journey,” as I’ve liked to call it! I now refer to it as my “Healing Journey!!”
Just a Quick Look in the Rearview Mirror
As I mentioned in an earlier post, a change in my health trajectory started back in April (if you missed the post, click on the link below). This also includes a list of the health issues I’ve dealt with, if you’re unfamiliar with my story.
Since that post, I’ve had about a month to continue certain natural approaches to healing, and the speed of movement from one state of health to another has been mind-boggling to me and my family!
Stopping to Focus
On the Jewish calendar are two holidays, which have been celebrated over the last few weeks: 1) Rosh HaShanah, which focuses on repentance (taking a look at one’s spiritual condition, seeing what changes need to be made to live in a way that God prefers, and implementing those changes) and 2) Yom Kippur, which focuses on atonement (making amends for wrongs done) and forgiveness. In between these two holidays are ten “Days of Awe.” During this time, one reflects on what’s been going on inside his or her soul. Leviticus 23:27 and 32 instructs them to “humble their souls”/”lower yourself.” The Day of Atonement was the only time in the Old Testament that a fast was commanded…and it was more than just a food fast; they were also to fast from “drinking, bathing, using oil to moisten the skin, wearing sandals, and sexual relations.”1 Basically, they were to fully focus on their spiritual condition, not their physical one.
Just as God would have it, I’d really been reflecting on the polluted state of my physical AND spiritual body during the last few weeks (as well as God’s goodness, grace, and intent)…before I even knew about the Days of Awe! In most of the pollution “cases” I’ve been reviewing in my life, I’m seeing the same truth revealed: The remedy is to “humble” or “lower” myself.
In most posts, I, typically, dial in on spiritual conditions and remedies He’s revealing to me; however, in this post, I’m dialing in on physical ones (i.e., how our physical bodies can be recharged and invigorated, like our spiritual ones, as we humble ourselves and look deep within to see what the true issue may be, finding out what needs to change, and implementing those changes).
God Gives Us What We Need
God’s created our bodies as true masterpieces, and He’s supplied us with what we need to renew and care for these prized pieces of workmanship! Unfortunately, we seem to elevate ourselves, doing what we want, how we want, and don’t always follow the way He’s prescribed for us.
What’s been happening inside me over the last six months is NOT because of me! It’s the Creator of all that’s good providing ways for my body to begin a healing journey to full life, as He intended. He’s put things on the Earth with a purpose, just like He put you and me here with specific intent. My intent is to use my Journey to shine His light and point to Hope. He laid this on my heart to share with you all, and I’ve been inspired to share the specific things I’ve been graciously able to use. He’s given mankind such wisdom in order to see the healing benefits that He’s embedded within the things He’s created.
Here’s where I was, physically, in April and since:
| PHYSICAL STATUS BEFORE | CURRENT PHYSICAL STATUS |
|---|---|
| In bed for weeks at a time, needing help to even just walk to the bathroom. | Praise the LORD! I went a month and a half without being down at all! I’ve been down a couple times since, after really pushing my body, coupled with storms coming through, but it was only for 24-48 hours at a time before I was able to be up and at ’em, again! Being down for that short of time hasn’t happened in 25 years! |
| Often unable to hold a glass of water or plate of food. | The LORD has given me much more strength! I’m able to lift 25+ lbs., again, without a lot of trouble on most days. I still do this with caution and for short periods of time. |
| Unable to grocery shop or even go into a store for more than a thing or two (on a good day). | Last week, I was able to go to BOTH stores we frequent for our groceries in ONE day…BY MYSELF…and got our normal groceries (not a short list trip)! My family still helped bring in the groceries and put them away, as I had other responsibilities yet that night that I needed energy for. |
| Struggled to create a menu for a given week. Making a grocery list was usually my activity for the day and wore me out. | For the most part, I’ve been able to create a menu fairly well the last month or so. I remember one week struggling with that and the grocery list, but I took a nap and felt refreshed and renewed when I tackled it, again, after I woke up. |
| Couldn’t carry a load of laundry to the laundry room. Folding laundry was exhausting. If I COULD fold a load, I, typically, did it laying or sitting down and had to ask others to put the items away. Moving a load from the washer to the dryer was a big win! | Most days, I don’t think about having to do the laundry, fold, or put things away. I can, usually, stand while I take clothes off hangers and walk to put them away without much forethought. I do, from time to time, need to ask for help, carrying the load from the bedroom to the laundry room…or to put a load into the washer, but it’s rare these days. |
| My days were considered productive if I could get my kids to and from school/events. A lot of days, I would get chauffered, since driving was a lot for my brain. I couldn’t drive to my parents’, who live two hours away. Construction was really difficult; the number of orange cones and changing lanes messed with my vision and balance. | My days are now full with “normal” people responsibilities, including managing kids’ schedules, activities, sporting events, our home, and caring for our dogs (we got a puppy a couple months ago, if you didn’t know; yeah, sleep has been in chunks, which is huge that I’m still able to function!). I drive myself everywhere, for the most part, and have driven about an hour from home, even after a long day at a tournament! Construction can still mess with me. This past weekend, I was bothered by the green plastic pieces on top of the concrete barriers, but the LORD still allowed me the ability to attend my daughter’s tournament and drive home afterward! I was exhausted and went down the next day, which didn’t surprise me. |
| Unable to take care of our flower beds. | I started out being able to do a small 3′ D x 2′ W area at a time…or maybe trim one bush or ornamental grass. I recently was able to weed and cut down flowers in ONE AND A HALF flower beds at ONE time (I would’ve done more, but it got dark)! |
| Would often miss the kids’ games or events. | I started being able to go to my son’s baseball games part way through the season in the Spring…some of them being double headers! I had difficulty navigating the stairs or walking back to the vehicle (typically driven by my husband or parents). This Fall, I’ve been able to make most of my daughter’s volleyball games! I’ve also been able to traverse the school halls and bleachers without too many major issues. |
| Very seldom was physically at the church building. If I had a good day and was able to go, I wasn’t, usually, able to walk out of church on my own. | My being AT church is more frequent, as of late. One week, I was even able to stay for Sunday School! Typically, we don’t, as I’m starting to “feel it” and wear down by the end of the service. I’m needing help, though, walking out to the car, less and less and can even sit and stand more easily (most of the time) during the service. |
| Wouldn’t be able to set plans well, as I never knew what kind of day I’d have. | I recently made plans to meet a friend for lunch and didn’t think a thing about “if I was going to have a good day that day” or that our getting together needed to be tentative! |
| Typically, couldn’t stand long enough or have enough energy to make food for my family. | On Friday, this week, I was able to not only make supper for our family after getting groceries, but I was also able to, then, make the snack we were supposed to bring the next morning to our daughter’s volleyball tournament! |
| Was on two preventative meds each day and took another one when my “monster migraines” broke through. | I’m no longer on ANY medication! I’ve been totally medication free for over 5 weeks! |
| Unable to exercise, for the most part; if I was able, it was only a 5-minute or so segment | Exercise 3-5 days/wk. Sometimes, it’s broken up into 5 minute workouts 1-3x/day; other times, I can do one 20 minute workout at once! |
| Had a tremor that affected my voice and hands. | My voice has gotten so much stronger! I have very few “tremory” days, where it’s ultra noticeable in my voice; people ask me to repeat myself less, and my hands barely shake. |
These are the products I’ve used and why:
| PRODUCT | PURPOSE | USEAGE | LINKS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buhner’s Chronic Fatigue Formula | Chronic fatigue | 3 capsules when needed, up to 3x/day, April-August. Since, I only take it when I’m feeling the fatigue coming on (i.e., a few times over the last week and a half). | https://www.etsy.com/listing/674920579/buhners-chronic-fatigue-formula |
| Eleuthero | Found it helped with my migraine pain. Is also said to promote cardiovascular, hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenal, liver, and pancreas health as well as strengthen immunity (which is related to the lymphatic system). | 1 tsp up to 3x/day, April-August. Now, I only take it when I’m feeling pain coming on (6 times in almost 2 months). | https://www.reverencebotanicals.com/product/eleuthero-tincture-siberian-ginseng-eleutherococcus-senticosus/6 |
| Fog Lifter | I found it helped my chronic dizziness, which, I believe, has something to do with my glymphatic system possibly being backlogged. Since the glymphatic system is the trash collection service in the brain, a backlog can cause protein waste to accumulate, which “eventually suffocates and kills the neuronal network of the brain.”2 If the glymphatic system isn’t able to circulate blood effectively nor transport cerebrospinal fluid (which helps protect mechanics and immune system functions) into the central nervous system (CNS), it makes sense to me that this could create a fluid and toxicity backup in my brain. This would stand to reason why all of my issues have been neurological and that the dizziness I’ve experienced always felt like I just got off a boat and grossly impaired my mechanics. This brain tonic has the potential to improve blood flow in the brain, memory/cognitive function; help with inflammation (can we say “headaches” or “migraines?”), vision, and spasms; reduce cortisol levels, protecting the body from oxidative stress that causes chronic issues in the body; help produce new cells while strengthening existing ones; and protect nerve cells. | 15-30 drops in water up to 3x/day, April-August. In the last 2 months, I’ve only taken this once. | https://www.reverencebotanicals.com/product/fog-lifter-brain-tonic-rosemary-sage-ginkgo-lions-mane-tincture/7 |
| Foundational Protocol | Open and support drainage pathways of the lymphatic system to prepare for detoxification of parasites (which hones in on gut health and immune support), heavy metals, environmental toxins, etc., stored deep within the body. | Started this mid-August. My liver needed extra help in Step 1 (which is why I strongly recommend having the help of a Health Coach, if possible; otherwise, I’d have had no way of knowing how to better support my body). This is why I started taking one of the Step 2 products early (in Step 1, instead) and ordered more to get me through Step 2. My Health Coach has assisted me in gauging the right dosage of each product for my body at all times. In Step 2, which is what I’m on right now, I’m continuing a Step 1 product to aid in efficient drainage and will throughout the rest of the Protocol. Have half of Step 2 and all of Steps 3 and 4 yet to go! | https://www.healthybeings.com/collections/detox/products/foundational-detox-protocol-health-coach-supervised?variant=42245952569587 * Healthy Beings is the first place I found that allowed me to order the Cell Core products: 1) without a practitioner code, 2) at a bulk price for all 4 steps together, 3) AND included a health coach for additional direction. |
| Health Coach | Help answer questions while navigating the Foundational Protocol. I planned on the initial 60 min consultation, but my Coach has been an amazing wealth of information and has helped beyond just the Protocol! | Initial 60 min video consultation; since then, we meet virtually for 30 mins every 2-4 wks | 60 min initial consult included in Foundational Protocol link above I found other health coaches were swamped, not taking other clients, and charging crazy rates per month just to answer a handful of emails (with no in person/virtual connection); my Health Coach has responded to my emailed questions, in between appointments, at no additional charge |
| Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna | Detox, decrease inflammation, increase circulation and energy, relieve pain, sleep better, enhance immunity (added benefits: burns calories, improves skin, helps clear the mind, relaxation!) | Started at 125 degrees for 30 mins with my head out the top of the sauna; quickly increased to 170 degrees for 15-20 mins all in, sitting on the floor of the sauna with the top flap covering the neck hole | https://therasage.com/collections/affordable-portable-saunas/products/thera360-plus-portable-sauna-white?variant=28464610902100 For more info on the differences between the Thera360 and Thera360 Plus units (AND FOR A DISCOUNT CODE!!!), check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehHIwQTKEpU The Thera360 was recommended by my Health Coach. After much research, I landed on this sauna for its full spectrum (red light, near AND far infrared) benefits, comparative price, mobility, storage, and quality of materials/design. |
| Dry Brushing Kit | Exfoliate the skin (the largest organ) as well as improve lymphatic drainage (see earlier post link for directions on how to dry brush effectively) and blood circulation. | Before using the castor oil pack or sauna, approx. 3x/wk | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08V1BTDGD?psc=1&ref=ppx%5Fyo2ov%5Fdt%5Fb%5Fproduct%5Fdetails&pldnSite=1 |
| Castor Oil Pack | Support liver detox, lymphatic drainage, and colon cleansing (including constipation and bloating relief). Help balance hormones, sleep deeper, inflammation, and lower stress. | Wear after dry brushing, while exercising, while in sauna…30-60 mins; have worn it once all night | https://www.shopqueenofthethrones.com/products/castor-oil-pack-and-500ml-oil-bundle?gclid=CjwKCAjw-rOaBhA9EiwAUkLV4sG2mP2nMEaxsAMDrxc3FJE-rPtSUDJK96gfEtX6z-jnz7eH7xLIahoC1nwQAvD_BwE |
| Eating Modifications | Reduce inflammation caused by foods I eat. Help hormones, cortisol levels, deeper sleep, and liver detox. | Am even more mindful of what I consume. Trying to avoid, as much as possible, some dairy, yeast, corn, gluten, unhealthy fats (seed and vegetable oils), table salt (trying to use pink Himalayan salt), artificial sugars and preservatives (i.e., ingredients that end in “-ose” and “-ol”, keeping in mind that erythritol is a sugar alcohol and is said to be ok in small amounts, if organic). Trying to eat more root veggies (including drinking ginger and turmeric tea), stop eating 2-3 hrs. before bed, and be asleep by 10 p.m. to help my liver better naturally detox; eat food first before drinking caffeine. |
QUESTIONS?
Comment at the top of this page or reply below!
COULD THIS HELP?
I’m praying the LORD will bring to mind anyone who may benefit from this! If you share any of this with someone you know who decides to try any of it for themselves, please keep me posted on how it affects them and WHY they tried it! For instance, after my parents saw the immediate results I experienced while taking Fog Lifter, they bought some to, hopefully, help with their brain fog after Covid, but it didn’t make a noticeable impact on them.
May God alone be thought well of because of anything that’s shared here! HE’S the LORD who heals (Exodus 15:26)!
I’m not getting paid for sharing any of this. I just want to, possibly, help others on their Health Journey.
None of the products listed within this post have been used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; a drug is the only thing that can legally make this kind of claim, according to the FDA. What’s been shared in this post are my thoughts, experiences, and opinions only, based on my unique situation, as I continue on this Journey God has allowed for me.
1 “How did the Israelites deny themselves in Leviticus 23:27?” Got Questions, https://www.gotquestions.org/deny-themselves.html. Accessed 17 October 2022.
2 “Scientists Discover Previously Unknown Cleansing System in Brain.” University of Rochester Medical Center, 15 August 2012, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/scientists-discover-previously-unknown-cleansing-system-in-brain.
4 Comments on “My Health Journey Update: Enough to Shout Some “Whoo Hoos!””
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Liv 
Michele, I am so happy for you. You and God have made great strides, and we know God can do miracles.
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He has truly done and is still doing miracles!! All glory is His!!
Thanks, Donna, for all of your prayers and concern for me during this journey!
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Sweet Friend! Prayers are being answered! What a beautiful testimony of the Great Physicians work in you! My heart is full of praise and my eyes full of tears of joy!
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Amen!! SO much praise!! SO many tears of joy! Thank you for walking this journey with me, friend, and praising Him with me!
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