FOR ADULTS

All-Natural Allergy Relief Tips You NEED

Headache, congested sinuses, runny nose, and itchy eyes from allergies are no fun! They may not be life-threatening, but these symptoms are sure to reduce your quality of life. Whether you are struggling with seasonal allergies, food allergies, or another type, all-natural allergy relief is what you need in your life. The never-ending cycle of getting allergies and stuffing your purse with Claritin and Zyrtec is not a root cause solution. So I’m here to help you out! Did you know allergies are a result of underlying imbalances or dysfunction in the body? AND you can actually address your allergies naturally by fixing the root cause! Many people just think they have allergies, and it’s something they will have to deal with forever. That’s not true! I’ll give you tips on quick all-natural allergy relief as well as longer-term tips to implement into your life, so they don’t come back, or at least reduce your symptoms so you can go about your day without a congested nose or headache getting in the way. What Are Allergies? Allergies are due to hypersensitivity of the immune system. This means your immune system gets put on overdrive, causing damaging responses that can affect your whole body. Some of the most common triggers of allergies are pollen found outdoors, pet hair, dust inside, or particular foods. When your body comes in contact with an allergen like pollen, your body releases a chemical called histamine, which works by helping to counteract the allergen. Why do some people get allergies and others don’t? Often times, when people struggle with allergies, it’s because their gut is damaged. In fact, the gut impacts pretty much your overall health! So, if you are struggling with poor gut health, other issues will manifest like skin issues, hormone imbalances and ALLERGIES! The first thing I investigate when with my clients who have allergies is their gut health. I also use other testing to see if here could be: Candida Overgrowth Mycotoxins in the Home Dysbiosis in the Gut Food Sensitivities Food and Environmental Allergies If I see or suspect an issue, specific protocols can be created to fix your gut, your diet, and your environment, and as a result, reduce your allergies. These may include a combination of the following. But remember, each treatment protocol is different for everyone! Follow the 5R protocol Avoid certain foods for 3-6 months Prioritize diet, stress management, and lifestyle behaviors Receive personalized supplementation Quick Natural Relief for Allergies While you’re healing your gut and making the switch to implement lifelong healthy habits into your daily routine and home, here are quick all-natural allergy relief tips you can use to combat those allergy symptoms. This way you can enjoy your friends’ weddings and go on your dates without feeling blah the entire time! NeilMed Sinus Rinse. This is an easy way to clean your nasal passages with a simple saline solution. Steamy showers with any breathe blend essential oil that contains things like eucalyptus. Xlear nasal spray or Olive Leaf nasal spray Use essential oils: Peppermint + Lemon Essential Oils: Carry in your bag and put a dot of each on your palms, rub together, and cup your hands over your nose and mouth while you breathe deeply. You can even diffuse & dot on temples or wrists. Consider getting a lymphatic massage Avoid dairy and gluten I hope these all-natural allergy relief tips help you out, so you don’t struggle with allergies forever! Remember, consistency is key. Stick with your healthy habits and your health will thank you for it.

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12 Daily Detox Practices to Reduce Inflammation

Are you wanting to look, feel, and perform your best, but don’t know where to start? Many high-achieving men and women come to me to improve their health so that they can continue making strides in their profession and personal lives. One of the main factors I discuss with my clients that could be potentially holding them back is a constant state of inflammation. Our bodies need an inflammation response to heal infections and injuries as well as to maintain good health.  Excessive inflammation response, however, can be harmful to our body. Let me explain. When you get an injury or infection, inflammation occurs just for a short period of time. When inflammation sticks around for longer periods (known as chronic inflammation), that’s when it can negatively influence your health. Chronic inflammation is when there are persistent low-grade inflammation or immune system markers found in your blood or tissues. This inflammation can be seen as a threat to your body, causing it to produce extra immune cells that then can harm cells and tissues. In addition, over-inflammation can interfere with normal processes and functions throughout the body as well. If your immune response is constantly on overdrive, it can lead to chronic diseases and health issues like heart disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Reducing the amount of inflammation in the body is vital to keeping your body running smoothly. Inflammation may not have apparent symptoms yet could still be slowly adding to your health problems. Chronic inflammation can be caused by a number of stressors, including lack of sleep, hidden infections, stress, environmental toxins, and/or poor diet. Sometimes these stressors are avoidable, yet sometimes they aren’t. We need to first attempt to avoid exposure to inflammatory stressors when possible. However, in today’s world, many of these stressors are pretty much unavoidable. Because of this, we need to help our bodies eliminate them. This is why daily detoxing is so critical to living a low inflammatory lifestyle. When I say the word “detox,” it doesn’t have to mean a strict diet or juice fast. This just means that we need to make sure we incorporate practices into our daily routine to support our body’s natural detox organs and processes. Detoxing means getting rid of the harmful chemicals to let your body cleanse and reset. If we can help our body get rid of toxins, dangerous chemicals, and other harmful stressors, we can reduce the toxin accumulation and relieve our body’s immune response. Ways You Can Detox Daily to Lower Inflammation Reducing inflammation naturally doesn’t have to be extreme. Including daily or weekly practices into your routine can have a significant impact. Here are some things you can do. Keep in mind that you can slowly transition into these. It doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing” thing. DIET The Standard American Diet includes a high amount of foods that cause inflammation- high amounts of red and processed meats, pre-packaged and processed foods, candy and sweets, fried foods, and refined grains. Because it’s so common to eat this way in the U.S, most of us don’t see it as a problem. However, most of us will develop a chronic disease as well. The type of foods we eat is one of the biggest ways we can impact inflammation. Avoid consuming those foods mentioned above and stay away from any foods that you have a sensitivity or allergy to since they can cause your inflammation levels to rise. Instead, incorporate foods that lower inflammation as well as foods that support detoxification. This means including an abundance of nutritious fruits and vegetables, wild-caught fish, beans, nuts, herbs, and spices. Some of my favorite daily foods/drinks are: Lemon water Green juice Ground flax Cilantro Blueberries Dandelion Root Tea Bone Broth Cruciferous Veggies (these can bind to excess estrogen to help eliminate it) SWEATING/ SAUNA USAGE Exercising and getting your sweat on is an excellent way to detox, especially to detox toxic metals and chemicals from your body. Sweating increases circulation and blood flow to the skin in order to release heat. This allows toxins in the blood to travel to your sweat glands and be excreted. Many studies have shown that cadmium, lead, mercury, and even the dangerous chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA), have all been seen to be excreted through sweating. There are many ways to sweat, including exercise, hot yoga and using an infrared sauna. CHOOSE YOUR PRODUCTS WISELY You can minimize your body toxin exposure through the products you use. Swapping out your regular beauty and household cleaning products with non-toxic alternatives (check out Branch Basics or Norwex) can have a big impact on your toxin accumulation and inflammation levels. This isn’t a hard switch to do, yet if you are using these products daily, it could greatly benefit your health.  ENSURE YOUR HOME AIR & WATER ARE CLEAN Investing in a high-quality air and water filter is a great way to reduce your toxic burden and help your body detox daily. First off, staying hydrated is essential in supporting detox processes. However, you want to make sure the fluid you are consuming isn’t contaminated with even more toxins, making matters worse.  DRY BRUSHING Dry brushing can help exfoliate the skin and improve circulation. This can first open pores to help toxin elimination and it can help stimulate and detoxify lymph fluid that stores many of our toxins and cell waste. Our immune system is heavily affected by our lymphatic system and it’s ability to do its job properly. FOCUS ON MANAGING STRESS Stressors don’t just have to be from external sources. One major stressor that increases inflammation is stress itself. It’s stressful running a business and the pressures of performing well can be taxing. However, when you let stress overtake your body, it can lead to numerous issues from hormone imbalances to inhibiting normal bodily functioning, like hindering your detox pathways. To manage stress, try out some of these stress-reducing practices: yoga, meditation, journaling, breathwork, spending time in

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GUT BRAIN CONNECTION: Nurturing your path to wellness

If you’re wondering how to improve gut health naturally, you’ve landed in the right place, my friend! I’m going to cover everything you need to know on how to heal your gut naturally, so you can experience health like you’ve never experienced before! In the complex world of human biology, the gut and the brain may appear as distinct entities, each with its own functions and responsibilities. However, beneath the surface, these two vital organs maintain a dynamic and intricate relationship known as the gut-brain axis. This connection is not only remarkable but also essential for your overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of the gut-brain connection and discover how nurturing your gut health can be a powerful step toward optimal wellness. The Gut-Brain Axis: An Unseen Connection The gut-brain axis is a sophisticated communication network that links your gastrointestinal system (the gut) and your central nervous system (the brain). This connection allows for a constant exchange of information and influences various aspects of your health. Many people don’t realize the full scope of consequences from an unhealthy gut. If your gut is suffering, it can lead to NUMEROUS health issues. Consequences of an Unhealthy Gut: Skin issues (acne, eczema, rosacea, and more) Chronic inflammatory diseases Sleep Problems (insomnia, frequently waking up) Digestive issues (IBS, Constipation, Diarrhea) Food Sensitivities Chronic Fatigue Anxiety/Depression Hormonal Imbalances (estrogen dominance) Autoimmune Conditions   Whether you’re looking to address these health issues above or even to prevent them before they manifest, you must get to the ROOT cause and learn how to heal your gut (naturally!) How to Improve Gut Health Naturally with 7 Steps 1. Diet 2. Stress 3. Environmental Toxins 4. Sleep 5. Underlying Infections 6. Supplements 7. Work with a Gut Health Expert   1. Diet and Gut Health Connection The most actionable step you can take IMMEDIATELY is to be aware of the foods you put into your body. At each meal, you have the decision to eat foods that either hurt or heal your body. Let’s focus on the latter, shall we?! And if you need some motivation, just remember that it only takes 24 hours after a diet change to change your gut microbiome! Super neat, right? The most simple and healthy diet you can follow is an organic whole foods diet. Ditch those processed and packaged foods that you can’t even pronounce half the ingredients! If you can’t pronounce it, then it’s most likely not good for your gut! If you’re shocked, thinking, “Oh no, that’s like the majority of my pantry!” then we got some work to do. But I know it can be a huge transition, so even baby steps are better than nothing! We don’t want to get caught up in perfection, and we don’t take any action at all. Instead of focusing on what you can’t have, try to focus on the opportunity to fuel your body and gut with the best nutrients possible. This means making your plate FULL of different colors. The more variety of healthy foods you consume, the more diverse and healthy your gut microbiome will become! GUT HEALING FOODS: Bone Broth  Fermented Foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha) Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, arugula.) Ground flax seeds Lentils Jicama Healthy fats   2. You Can’t Heal Your Gut When You’re Stressed! Is your schedule packed full every day of the week, your unfinished work is constantly at the back of your mind, and let’s not get started on the fact that you’re a parent…STRESS ALERT! But the thing is, your body and gut can’t heal if you’re experiencing chronic stress. Your body has a connection called your gut-brain axis. When you’re stressed, it can release neurotransmitters and pro-inflammatory cytokines, changing your gut physiology. Stress then has the capability to slow your digestion, cause gut dysbiosis, and can even impact your gut mucosa and lining. This can lead to SIBO, IBS, food sensitivities, reflux, and more. While it’s ideal to avoid the things that stress you out the most, sometimes that’s not realistic. Instead, it’s essential that you consciously focus on your stress levels and learn how to manage your stress to heal your gut naturally.   HERE ARE MY 7 TOP STRESS-RELIEVING TIPS: Schedule in YOU time- Make this a priority Hop in an infrared sauna Give meditation a go Journal Spend time in nature Try grounding (feet on the earth/grass) Take essential oil-infused Epsom salt baths   3. Ditch the Toxins Environmental toxins are everywhere! And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere- cleaners, beauty products, furniture, clothing, food, and even our water sources! These toxins get into your circulation and wreak havoc on your gut microbiome! Not only do they kill off your good bacteria, but they can also be seen as an invader to your immune system, causing chronic inflammation because you’re exposed to these toxins daily! Want to ditch the toxins? Here’s my advice: Swap out household cleaners with non-toxic alternatives FILTER YOUR WATER! – I love Aquasana and Berkey water filters. Choose clean beauty brands. Get an air purification system for your home. 4. You AND Your Gut Need to Rest! High-quality sleep is necessary for your gut to rest and restore itself. During proper sleep cycles, your body gets rid of old damaged cells, so they don’t replicate, causing more harm. Poor sleep is also associated with impacted gut microbiota. Getting better sleep can help those beneficial bugs flourish! Want a better night’s rest? Try these tips: Avoid screens 1-2 hours before bed If you do have to work late at night, use blue light blockers Supplement with high-quality Magnesium and Ashwagandha Write down all your to-do list to get those racing thoughts out of your mind before bed Try bedtime meditation or yoga Take an Epsom salt bath to wind down 5. Underlying Infections/Bacteria Overgrowth Inhibiting Your Healing? One thing the majority of people don’t consider when trying to heal their gut is underlying infections. These could

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Unveiling the Potential: Exploring the Benefits of Sermoralin Peptide

In the world of scientific advancements, researchers are continually striving to unlock new ways to enhance human health and well-being. One such breakthrough that has been garnering attention is the Sermoralin peptide. This cutting-edge molecule has shown promise in a variety of applications, offering a range of potential benefits that could revolutionize the field of medicine and beyond. In this blog, we delve into the professional perspective on the benefits of Sermoralin peptide, exploring its potential applications and real-life success stories. Understanding Sermoralin Peptide Sermoralin peptide is a relatively new discovery in the realm of biochemistry. It belongs to the class of peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. What sets Semoralin apart is its ability to influence cellular processes, particularly those related to inflammation, immune response, and tissue repair. This unique property has prompted researchers to investigate its potential applications across various medical fields. Potential Benefits and Applications Anti-Inflammatory Properties Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health issues, including autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disorders. Sermoralin peptide has demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the body’s immune response. For example, it may help manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Tissue Repair and Regeneration  The peptide’s ability to enhance tissue repair and regeneration has caught the attention of researchers in the field of regenerative medicine. By promoting the growth of new cells and tissues, Sermoralin could potentially accelerate healing processes after injuries or surgeries. This could have implications for wound healing, bone fractures, and even organ transplantation. Neurological Disorders Some studies suggest that Sermoralin peptide might play a role in supporting brain health. It could potentially aid in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by reducing inflammation and promoting neuronal survival. Immune System Modulation A well-balanced immune system is crucial for overall health. Sermoralin peptide’s immune-modulating properties could contribute to boosting the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and diseases. This makes it a candidate for immunotherapy approaches in conditions like cancer. Cardiovascular Health Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death globally. Sermoralin peptide’s anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to reducing the risk factors associated with heart diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Real-Life Success Stories Arthritis Relief Sarah, a 55-year-old woman diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, struggled with debilitating joint pain and stiffness. After participating in a clinical trial involving Sermoralin peptide, she reported significant improvement in her symptoms. The peptide’s anti-inflammatory effects helped alleviate her pain, enhancing her overall quality of life. Enhanced Healing Michael, a professional athlete, faced a severe leg injury that jeopardized his career. Thanks to a novel treatment regimen incorporating Sermoralin peptide, his recovery time was remarkably shortened. The peptide’s tissue-regenerating properties played a vital role in restoring his mobility and allowing him to return to his sport. The Sermoralin peptide has sparked excitement in the medical community due to its remarkable potential in various areas of health and well-being. As ongoing research continues to unravel its multifaceted benefits, the peptide could pave the way for innovative therapies and treatments that were once thought to be out of reach. From reducing inflammation to promoting tissue repair and supporting immune function, Sermoralin’s versatility is a testament to the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of medical science. As we await further discoveries and breakthroughs, it’s clear that Sermoralin peptide is a beacon of hope in the journey toward a healthier future.

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9 Daily Habits for Health You Need to Start Today

9 Daily Habits for Health You Need to Start Today Being “healthy” doesn’t require you to run 5 miles a day or do intense detoxes every week. Many people overlook the significant impact that small, daily actions have on our overall health and well-being.  These healthy habits to start today don’t have to take up hours of your day. In fact, most of these daily habits for health are things that make you slow down and do less. The way to do this is to make these 9 daily habits for health part of your routine and lifestyle, so you are supporting your cells, organs, and body every day. Let’s see why these healthy lifestyle habits are ones that will actually make a positive impact. 1. Catch Some Rays One of my favorite things to do is to get outside whenever possible, especially in the morning as I’m sipping on my tea. When you get outside, as close to sunrise as possible, it helps keep your circadian rhythm in its natural cycle.  This is your body’s internal clock that plays a role in hormone production, eating habits, digestion and your sleep-wake cycle.  Your circadian rhythm helps you wake up feeling refreshed every day and helps your body relax into a deep sleep at night. With all the artificial lights we are exposed to, it’s vital that you get natural sunlight as much as possible for optimal health.  Not only does sunshine brighten your day, but getting sunshine provides your body with vitamin D. Vitamin D improves your mood, bone health, and immune function.  2. Move Your Body Everyday A great daily habit for health is to embrace a routine that includes moving your body and getting a sweat on. My health tip here is to pick an activity that you actually love doing.  If you hate going to the gym, then don’t do it! Join a tennis membership or hot yoga studio instead.  Being active everyday is essential for feeling good and longevity. I encourage you to push yourself until you start producing a sweat, as this is a great daily detox habit that eliminates toxins from your body. Even if you’re a busy mama like me, you can put your kiddos in the stroller, give them some snacks and pick up your walking pace until you’re sweating. Getting daily physical exercise will help decrease your risk for chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. It also improves your physical function, and can even support a healthy gut microbiome. Just 15-20 minutes of movement a day is one of the best daily habits for your overall health.  3. Drink Plenty of Filtered Water The majority of the population is dehydrated. They don’t drink enough water and instead rely on coffee, soda, and other high-calorie drinks.  Except our body needs water to function optimally. Our body is 70% water… Being adequately hydrated helps digest foods and keep your bowel moving regularly, relieving constipation. It also gives you energy, helps with detoxification, reduces calorie intake, and helps your brain function better. My tip is to invest in a water filter for your home. This way, when you are hydrating yourself, you are also eliminating any additional toxin load.  Sadly, many water sources are filled with hidden toxins that are damaging to our health. The last thing you want to do is add more toxins to your body. I love the Berkey water filter and Aqausana, so I recommend checking those out.  4. Get to Bed Early Ahh, this is one of the most underrated aspects of health. SLEEP! You need adequate amounts of high-quality sleep for your body to work optimally internally and externally.  Sleep allows your body to clear out damaged cells and restore itself. It is also when your immune system is working hard to help keep you healthy. During sleep essential hormones are even being secreted and regulated. One of the best healthy habits to start today is to actually prioritize your bedtime. Instead of staying up until 11 pm -12 am each night, really make it a priority to get to bed at a decent time. You should be getting a solid 7-8 hours of sleep each night and feeling refreshed in the morning.  If you find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, you may experience great benefits from taking a magnesium supplement, which can be a game-changer in your quality of sleep.  regarding which type of magnesium you should get. 5. Be Present During Meal Time How often do you scarf down food as you’re multitasking, trying to get work done? Before you know it, your food is gone, and you don’t even remember eating it. Most time, this means you aren’t chewing your food thoroughly. This sets yourself up for poor digestion and harmful bacteria overgrowth. Taking the time to slow down and actually consume your meals is one of the simplest yet most powerful daily habits for health. When you do this, you’ll avoid overeating, and you’ll actually chew your food efficiently for better digestion and a happy gut. 6. Daily Green Smoothie Daily green smoothies can be so helpful!. Plus, this is one of the easiest daily habits for health optimization. Green smoothies are a super easy way to get in an abundance of nutrients for the day and they are delicious. You can throw in a frozen banana along with a handful of greens, avocado, nut butter and other hidden veggies that you can’t even taste, but that greatly support your cells and your body’s functions.  And just like that, you can get in 6 servings of fruits and veggies! I recommend adding in more vegetables compared to fruit to ease the spike in your blood sugar. 7. Limit Screen Time Screen time is hurting our health in multiple ways. Not only does it impact our circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep and daily fatigue, but it’s also causing our mental health to take a hit. We get caught up in

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What I’ve Been Up to Lately!

A Little Insight to What I’ve Been Up To Lately! Hi Yall!!  Danika Watson NP-C here and its time I fill you in on all I’ve been doing here lately. It was such a busy Winter/Spring and I’m just starting to feel like I have my ducks in a row….maybe!! In case you missed it on my stories on IG or FB we sent the last part of the winter early spring showing sheep with London. She exhibited at all the Major livestock shows here in Texas and did exceptionally well! We are stocking the barn to fire back up this summer.  For anyone new here, I’m Danika Watson a Family Nurse Practitioner and the founder and CEO of Divine Care Now, a web-based telehealth business. Through Divine Care Now I am able to treat many things like sore throats, rashes, sinusitis, cold symptoms, etc. I also offer a monthly subscription plan that allows me to coach you through your health needs. Now, don’t be confused. I do not treat with the subscription plan. You know, documentation and consents are different for each entity. This type of plan allows access to me after business hours to coach and support your health care needs. Many new parents or parents of infants benefit from this.  The most recent package I have added is weight loss, HRT and Peptide treatment! This is a little more complex type of therapy and will require labs from the patient. You can also find my meal guides and planning here. If you are not familiar with these types of treatments, please read more here.  As most of you know and are familiar with, I work in a rural area, Corsicana, Texas in our Pediatric office. Although I have a Family Nurse Practitioner Degree, pediatrics is my passion.  have been with Navarro Regional for FIVE and half years! It has been amazing and continues to bring me joy. I love serving our community by helping the future.   We have endured recent changes within our provider group; however, endurance makes one stronger. We appreciate all the feedback and most importantly the patience you have shown throughout the last 6-8 months.  While I will continue to serve at Navarro Regional I can also be found at Divinecarenow.com

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