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Stress and AutoImmune Disorders

We all know that stress can affect us, causing headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and other health problems. And now, new research provides further evidence that stress can be extraordinarily harmful, resulting in serious damage to the immune system.

A recent study, which was conducted at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, found that people who experience considerable stress may have a greater likelihood of developing an autoimmune disorder. These results were based on an extensive assessment of the medical records of men and women residing in Sweden between 1981 and 2013. The subjects were 106,464 adults who had sought treatment for a stress-related psychiatric problem, and the control groups were 126,652 of their siblings and more than one million unrelated individuals, none of whom were experiencing a stress-induced disorder.

Among the participants with stress-related issues, who had an average age of psychiatric disorder diagnosis of 41, the likelihood of 41 kinds of autoimmune diseases occurring was much greater than that of their peers or siblings with no psychiatric history. Certain psychiatric diagnoses were associated with a significantly higher risk of autoimmune dysfunction than others, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers facing an increased chance of developing more than one autoimmune disorder, including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, some types of autoimmune diseases were more closely correlated to high stress levels in the subjects than others. For instance, the risk for celiac disease was greater than that of rheumatoid arthritis.

While the study was not designed to prove that mental stress directly results in the development of autoimmune diseases, it did show a strong association between the two. Similar links have been found in earlier research, such as a 2015 study at the University of California, San Francisco that determined a connection in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who had been diagnosed with PTSD and greater rates of autoimmune diseases.

So how do you deal with stress?  Having a strong faith in the Creator and healthy family relationships is the beginning of a strong foundation.  Seeking counseling when needed and support groups are another great option.  Taking advantage of the fabulous AnxioCalm by Terry Naturally designed for relief of stress, tension, anxiety, and restless sleep. Also, try Dr. Jocelin’s Stress Release Essential Oil Blend which is her #1 selling essential oil.  As well as check out the rest of our stress reducing products.

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Inflammation and Dementia

Heightened levels of brain inflammation biomarkers have been linked to the development of dementia. New research finds evidence that chronic inflammation may be tied to dementia.

Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that elevated inflammation levels in midlife increased a person’s risk of experiencing loss of brain function and developing dementia later in life.  And recently, researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, have conducted a study analyzing data collected from 1,532 participants.

Specifically, the team tracked levels of a blood biomarker of inflammation called C-reactive protein and looked at its relationship with the risk of dementia.

“We found that individuals who had an increase in inflammation during midlife that was maintained from mid- to late life have greater abnormalities in the brain’s white matter structure, as measured with MRI scans,” says lead researcher Keenan Walker.

This research only goes to show how important dealing with inflammation now is to your overall health and one of the reasons why we greatly feature our CuraMed and Curamin products which are show through multiple research studies to reduce inflammation as well as provide many other health benefits.

Stop in and ask us about your specific health needs in this area as well as to be sure to attend the free class on August 2nd with Terry Lemerond founder of Terry Naturally makers of CuraMed and Curcumin.  As I have told many of you in the store, Terry is so busy that him traveling for his stores is RARE…you will not want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!!!  Be sure to sign up today while there is still space.

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Health Benefits of Honey

Health Benefits of Honey…
Contains Nutrients
Rich in Antioxidants
Can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Can help lower blood pressure
Beneficial to Heart Health
Promotes Burn and Wound Healing
Can Help Reduce Coughing
Healthier Alternative to Sugar
Is Antibacterial
Can help maintain a healthy weight
Counters Pollen Allergies
Natural Sleep Aid

You also want to make sure your honey is raw.  Honey found in most large box stores is commercial honey which is heavily processing, may be chemically refined, and excessively heated (pasteurized) which destroys natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.

To experience all the health benefits of honey, make sure you are buying local raw honey just like we carry at Whitaker’s Farm Market!

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Fertility and What You Eat

According to a recent study, when the diets of women trying to get pregnant was compared to their fertility rates, it became clear that the foods eaten made a major impact. The risk of infertility doubled from 8% to 16% in those who reported consuming four or more servings of fast food every week, which included items like pizza, burgers, fried chicken, and chips. These findings are in line with those of other research that has shown how profoundly our dietary choices can affect our fertility. A 2012 study at the Harvard School of Public Health found that when men eat fatty, unhealthy food,  their sperm lose the ability to move vigorously enough to make the journey all the way up the ovarian tube.  So you are truly what you eat.  This summer, while enjoying some treats, choose wisely!  Make sure to fix healthy meals with grass fed meats, organic ingredients, and supplement for needed nutrients.

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Never Stop Learning

Never stop learning.  If you stop learning, then your brain is not getting exercise, you grow stagnant, and you do not continue to optimize your personal abilities!  It also helps to keep you humble and encourages you to share what you learn with others.  Learning can also give you purpose, and as Scripture says, “where there is no vision (purpose), the people perish.”

What are some ways you can continue to learn specifically about natural health?
Attend a Free Class at Whitaker’s
Read a Book – have you checked out our bookshelf?
Read Magazines – we offer free ones each month with the latest news, updates, and studies on many health topics
Ask Dr. Jocelin
Read the Weekly Health Tip

The important point is to keep learning!

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Migraines and Headaches

Over 37 million Americans suffer from migraines and headaches. Unfortunately, headaches are an invisible disease, due to its ability to cause people who suffer from it to feel isolated and alone.  June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month, and the National Headache Foundation is taking this opportunity to shine a light on the millions of Americans who suffer in silence.

If you are a migraine or headache sufferer, then you understand how debilitating they are. Eating a clean diet low in sugar and gluten which are both possible inflammatory causes is a good base.  Followed by supporting good gut health with probiotics and digestive enzymes.  Then using natural headache “stoppers” is crucial to helping you fight these “show stoppers” and live a healthy normal life.

So which natural headache “stoppers” would I recommend?  My personal favorite is Europharma’s Curamin Headache Relief + Caffeine.  For me, this often works as good as an Excedrin Migraine.  The Curamin Headache Relief is also available without the Caffeine.  If your headaches are caused by muscle tightness, tiredness, or tension, then the Gold Balm by CV Sciences is a definite!  Also, my practitioner grade Peppermint, Rosemary, and Lavender Essential Oils are a great help in finding relief.  Finally, do not forget the homeopathic Migraine and Headache formulas by Hylands. Finding the right solution that works for you is crucial to finding relief and successfully fighting these “show stoppers.”

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Rest

Did you know that rest is crucial for your health?  Studies show that it can improve your memory, help maintain a healthy weight, improve heart health, and even reduce stress.

Besides enjoying a day of rest just as our Creator designed us for, making sure that we get a good nights rest is important.  Enjoy time with your family and loved ones before winding down for the evening.  Make sure your room is your preferred temperature (we like ours cool) as well as lights dimmed.  If needed, take a supplement to help you sleep like Melatonin (we offer it in pills and cream), Terrific Zzzs (by Europharma), or homeopathics like Sleep or Calmes Forte.

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Your Skin and Chemicals

Your skin is your largest organ so anything and everything you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body.  Did you know that makeup often has toxic chemicals in it?

Some of the top chemicals found in makeup are:

  • Phthalates – disruptive to the endocrine system and can lead to neurological damage.
  • Lead – a neurotoxin linked to miscarriage and reduced fertility (a frequent contaminant of color additives even when not listed on the label)
  • Quanternium-15 and other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – a known carcinogen
  • PEG compounds – another known carcinogen especially harmful to the nervous system
  • Butylated Compounds (BHT, BHA) – endocrine disrupter, known toxins, and may induce skin allergies
  • Parabens – hormone interrupter and have been detected in human breast cancer tissue
  • Octinoxate – linked to thyroid disorders
  • p-Phenylenediamine – a respiratory toxicant and often contaminated with heavy metals
  • Carbon Black – linked to cancer and organ toxicity.
  • Siloxanes – another endocrine disrupter.


That is why we have chosen to carry the AuNatural Cosmetic line for all your beauty needs from foundations to blush to finishing powder to lipstick, lip pencils, eye shadow, and more!  Their entire line is made without parabens, animal bi products, synthetics, the chemicals listed above, or other harmful ingredients and still perform!

Look for them to be added to our webstore in the next few weeks…

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Gut Health

Your gut is key to your overall health.  Did you realize that?  It is the center of our immune system, digestive system, and even part of our emotions!

According to the Bible in Genesis 43:30, we are told “And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.”  Here we see an example as the bowels being the center or seat of emotions.  Our Creator knew that so much was driven out of our gut or digestive system, and we can see that in various Scripture verses.

Then from a physical standpoint, we can understand that our immune system is based out of how healthy and how many “good bacteria” we have in our gut.  We often support this army of “good bacteria” with probiotics for reinforcements.

We also know that it is part of our digestive tract and can affect things such as acid reflux, allergies, and bowel movements.  You may not realize this, but There are actually more nerve cells in the overall digestive system than in the peripheral nervous system!  

I share all these facts about our gut to encourage you to take time to maintain a healthy digestive system.  How do you do that?  Begin by eating foods rich in nutrients such as pasture raised non-gmo meats, fresh vegetables, non-gmo grains, probiotic laden dairy foods, etc.  Add in supplements like Digestive Enzymes to help break down your food in your stomach, probiotics to support the “good bacteria”, and L-Glutamine to reduce inflammation of the intestines.  Exercise to keep the body moving as well as regular bowel movements to eliminate toxins and waste products are also important.

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Dr Jocelin’s Essential Oils

Dr Jocelin’s journey with natural supplements began when she was only 5 years old and an herbal blend saved her life after having experienced chronic bronchitis for over a year with no medical resolution or hope for one. That planted a seed which became watered over the years resulting in her obtaining six different degrees and certifications in natural health including Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy and Certified Aromatherapist. Out of her passion for the purest and highest quality supplements and essential oils for her patients, she formed her own line of practitioner grade essential oils including custom blends based on her patient’s needs.

About our oils…
• 100% Pure Practitioner Grade Essential Oils (higher concentration that many other essential oils including therapeutic grade resulting in using less oil to achieve the same or better results)
• Sustainably Harvested
• Hand Blended and Bottled in Small Batches right here in Ohio
• Formulated by a Naturopathic Doctor who is also a Certified Aromatherapist as a result of the needs of her patients
• Reasonably priced to make accessible to All
• Unadulterated, no synthetics, no cheap commercial grade oils – just pure high quality practitioner grade essential oils
• High quality Dark Amber Bottles with reducer for ease of use and protection from light
• Woman Owned Business

Dr Jocelin is pleased to be offering her entire line in store at Whitaker’s Farm Market, so be sure to check out the entire line up featuring the new label design as well!

Have friends and family you wished could enjoy them but they live out of state?  Then encourage them to check out www.drjocelin.com where they can order them online!