Tansy Briggs, DACM

Integrative Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Summer…cooling foods and why taking care of your adrenals is important!

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smiley sun vector for summerAt long last,  summer is finally arriving…  Along with warmer, sunnier days, it is also the time of year when cooling foods can come back on the menu in abundance!  Hello fruits and salads.  Hello cooling drinks.  It’s been a long winter!

It also happens that some of the cooling foods of summer are especially nice for the adrenal glands.  Why should you care?

Higher temperatures of the summer can put extra demand on your adrenal glands, especially if they have been working hard all year already.   The main purpose of your adrenal glands is to help your body cope with stress. It is their job to enable your body to deal with all types of stressors, which may include injury, disease, workplace and relationship issues, environmental stress (pollution, etc.).  Among the main functions of the adrenal cortex are the regulation of the mineral metabolism (sodium, potaslemon drinks photosium, chloride), water balance, metabolism (utilization and distribution of carbohydrates, protein, and fat), allergic and immune reactions (such as hypersensitivity, allergies, and autoimmune diseases), and production of the male and female hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estrogens, DHEA, etc.).  Your resilience, energy, and endurance depend on their effectiveness. The hormones secreted by your adrenal glands influence all of the body’s major physiological processes, such as:

  • Utilization of carbohydrates and fats
  • Conversion of fats and proteins into energy
  • Regulation of blood sugar
  • Gastrointestinal function
  • Immune system function
  • Reactivity to allergens
  • Sex hormone function
  • Muscular strength and stamina
  • Exercise endurance
  • Weight gain or weight loss
  • Neurotransmitter synthesis
  • Inflammatory response

Thus, keeping the adrenal glands healthy and responsive to life’s demands is crucial for maintaining good health.
vegetables with watermelon photoFoods and Drinks to support the adrenals:

Protect your adrenals in the summer with mineral rich foods such as: romaine lettuce, celery, parsley, good salts and berries.

The perfect cooling balanced summer electrolyte: Watermelon.

apples and berries photoEating regular protein daily will help support the adrenals by regulating your blood sugar levels and maintaining more consistent energy.

Kitchen remedy to retain electrolyte balance and hydration during the hot summer months: start your day with 1 tsp of olive followed with 6-8 oz glass of water mixed with 1/4 cup tart cherry juice, 1TBS lemon juice and a generous pinch of sea salt.

So, salt your drink rims, have an abundance of fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits and cooling drinks and enjoy your summer!

 

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Remedies from the online store

 

(remember you must be registered to view or purchase from the store – registration code = TB468)

 

Nutrients and Therapeutic Nutrition for your adrenals.

1.  Main symptom: fatigue all the time.  Contains glandulars and is not suitable for vegetarians.

Biotics Research, ADB5-Plus, 90 Tablets

2.  Main symptom: fatigue all the time. Suitable for Vegetarians

Douglas Labs, AdrenoMend, 120 Vegetarian Capsules~

3.  Main symptom: fatigue after exercise and/or getting overheated too easily. Adaptogens to support heat of the summer and active lifestyle:

Biotics Research, ADHS, 120 Tablets

4.  Main symptom: chronic stress leaves you feeling emotionally anxious and/or overwhelmed and may be effecting your sleep at night.

Integrative Therapeutics, End Fatigue Adrenal Stress-En…

Proteins and Amino Acid supplements to help regulate the blood sugar and for resilient summer energy:

1.  Maintaining proper amino acid balance supports the adrenals by helping to regulate blood sugar and contributes to overall cellular health.

Biotics Research, Amino Acid Quick–Sorb, 2 Fluid oz.

2.  Balanced Pea Protein powder to add to smoothies and foods:

Biotics Research, Pea Protein Isolate, 21 oz

 

You’re not stuck with the health you have!  

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Seeing Patients in Bryn Mawr, PA on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays and  in Center City, PA on Wednesdays.

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 The views and nutritional/herbal advice expressed by Tansy Briggs, DOM, L.OM is not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. Purchasing a product, program or wellness coaching does not establish a practitioner patient relationship with Tansy Briggs, DOM, L.OM.  If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. We suggest that you continue to work with qualified medical professionals as you engage in our material, products and services. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. Information and statements regarding products and/or services made available by Tansy Briggs, DOM, L.OM have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Tansy Briggs, DOM. L.OM or Integrative Health Link products and services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Summer Health Hacks And My Favorite Remedies

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Summertime…

ahh!  We can all agree that most people love summer and it flies by all too quickly.  However, there are a few things that come with summer that may be less desired.  I’ve put together a fun list of “Summer Health Hacks” and my favorite summer remedies.  For full disclosure, I don’t get kickbacks from any of these items – although I have suggested them enough over the years that maybe I should!!

 

  • Mosquitos and Insects love you?

Some natural remedies suggested are Thiamine (B-1) or a B-Complex.  While there is no research to support this, making sure you get a rounded amount of B-complex in your diet is also helpful to support your adrenal function.  Adrenal function is important in extremes of temperature and when the body is under stress.  If you do get bitten by insects, my favorite (and I’ve tried many) is putting a dab of athletes foot cream on the bite.  It immediately stops the itch and heals the bite faster.  There are also more natural insect repellent options that include essential oils and more natural ingredients.  One of my favorites is “Quantum Buzz Away“.  I also like this as it doesn’t feel as toxic, is a bit more kid friendly and helps keep ticks away, too.

  • Red, rashy skin?  Chafing? Sunburn?  Sensitive to heat and Sun?

The Ayurvedic Neem oil is great for rashy, red skin and Neem also has the added benefit of a low, natural SPF.  Because Neem is also an oil, it can help heal chafed skin and create a protective barrier.  Of course, Aloe is one of the greatest plants for heated, sunburned skin hands down.  Aloe comes in many forms and there are a lot of options for aftersun or skin care.  Just make sure you are getting real aloe.

  • Easily overheated, dehydrated?

I wrote a blog about cooling foods for summer and taking care of your adrenals.  Here it is again! 

  • Sunscreen

I grew up in an era when there was rare occasion to use sunscreen and we actually used baby oil to get more tan… so now I really have to take care of my skin.  For daily sunscreen, I use Dermalogica’s Solar Defense SPF Booster (they have 30 and 50).  What I like most about it is that I can add it to any cream (face or body) that I normally use.  It is a very clean, nice product that works; however, if you are swimming and outdoors getting a lot of sun, make sure to use other sunscreens.  I am partial to Sun Bum brand myself.  It’s great for sensitive skin and works really well.

  • Healing overexposed and aging skin

I like to add a couple drops of Rose Hip Seed Oil to my face cream for wrinkles, aging skin, and skin that’s been over-exposed to the sun.  Love it.

  • Guys

Just so you know, my husband uses all my hacks too!

 

 

You’re not stuck with the health you have!

Click here to Learn more about Tansy Briggs, DOM, L.OM.  and how she can help you find the right treatment plan for you to improve your health.

 

 Online e-visits = Schedule Here

In Person clinic visits = Schedule with The Healing Arts Center: 215-627-3782 or online HERE

Like us on Facebook!

www.tansybriggs.com

The views and nutritional/herbal advice expressed by Tansy Briggs, DOM, L.OM is not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. Purchasing a product, program or wellness coaching does not establish a practitioner patient relationship with Tansy Briggs, DOM, L.OM.  If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. We suggest that you continue to work with qualified medical professionals as you engage in our material, products and services. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. Information and statements regarding products and/or services made available by Tansy Briggs, DOM, L.OM have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Tansy Briggs, DOM. L.OM or Integrative Health Link products and services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

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