Julie Cunningham, MPH, RD

Functions of the microbiome 💥Stop ignoring your microbiome ⬇️ One of the most common root causes of health issues is a disruption of the gut microbiome. That’s because the tiny microorganisms inhabiting your gut are responsible for massively important functions, including: 1️⃣Nutrient Synthesis Bacteria in the gut produce B vitamins, vitamin K, and the healthy fatty acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). 2️⃣Digestion Certain bacteria support the digestion of fats as well as polyphenols from the diet. 3️⃣Detoxification Specific gut microbiomes are known to metabolize some drugs and xenobiotics (toxic chemicals). 4️⃣ Neurotransmitter Production Gut bacteria directly produce neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. 5️⃣Immune Function Bacteria interact with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) to support immune function. When we disrupt the gut microbiome, we potentially impact all of these things. Be sure to like this post ❤️and follow for more on how to optimize and improve your microbiome for better health. #gutmicrobiome #gutmicrobiomehealthmatters #guthealing #healthygut

Check out this video that talks about specific Chinese herbal formulas that can prevent pathogen exposure and also treat once a pathogen takes hold. Use these tips to help you during cold and flu season!

Unlocking Consciousness: The Power of Plant Medicines Explore the transformational effects of psychedelics and plant medicines on consciousness. Join the conversation about awareness, joy, and letting go of what no longer serves you. Discover the profound impact these experiences can have on your life. #PlantMedicines #Psychedelics #Consciousness #Awareness #MentalHealth #Transformation #Mindfulness #JoyfulLiving #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney

According to the most recent CDC NHANES nutritional study, 95% of the US population is deficient in Vitamin D, 84% in vitamin E, 46% in vitamin C, 46% in vitamin A, and 15% in zinc. According to the “comprehensive” blood panel used in 2024, the same blood panel that was created in 1957, none of these deficiencies warrant testing. Zero vitamins are tested for. According to objective reality, it is scientifically impossible to maintain or optimize health with deficiency in any one of the vitamins. This course will provide you with the knowledge and understanding you need to avoid being one of the hundreds of millions of Americans needlessly and unknowingly suffering from deficiencies with a cheap, easy, and effective solution. Free access available for a short time only! Click here to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/g2hPYd_R

New podcast episode on Food coloring. Listen and hear how this seemingly harmless food additive can be driving many neurological conditions including ADD/ADHD, behavior concerns with Autism, intestinal permeability/food sensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, and more! https://lnkd.in/g2C-X-hF

Here's a dinner that will entice the tastebuds and help improve microbiome health. Five Spice Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Ingredients 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari 1 tablespoon five spice powder (Simply Organic Five Spice Powder) 1 teaspoon minced garlic 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 1 small green cabbage, cored and cut into 1-inch wedges 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces 1 teaspoon kosher salt Red pepper flakes, for serving Sliced green onion, for serving Instructions 1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, stir together ¼ cup of the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, five spice powder, and garlic. Add the chicken to the marinade, turn to coat well, cover with plastic or seal the bag and place in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight. 2. Preheat the oven to 425°F. 3. On a rimmed sheet pan, arrange the cabbage and carrots. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with the salt. 4.Place the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet pan with the cabbage and carrots. Roast until the carrots are tender and the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 35 minutes. 5. Turn on the broiler and continue cooking until the chicken thigh skin is golden and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes more. 6. Transfer the chicken thighs and vegetables to a large platter. Scatter with red pepper flakes and green onion before serving. Enjoy! Follow for my recipes and health and wellness tips.

Habits for Microbiome Health Simple ways to support your microbiome 🙌 It’s easy to forget about your gut microbiome, but there are also easy ways you can support microbial diversity with everyday habits, like: 🥗 Microbiome-Friendly Foods The Mediterranean Diet, fermented foods, fiber-rich foods, and polyphenols (colorful compounds in plant foods) have all been found to benefit the microbiome. 🏃‍♂️ Regular Exercise Exercise (as long as it is not training to exhaustion) benefits the diversity of the gut microbiome. 💤 Sleep & Circadian Rhythm Unnatural disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle or short duration of sleep may alter the gut microbiome and intestinal health. The benefit of doing these things? Better digestion, stronger immune system, healthier metabolism, sharper brain function, and overall wellness. Which of these do you think you could improve upon? Let me know in the comments ⤵️ #gutmicrobiome #gutmicrobiomehealthmatters #guthealing #healthygut

Black pepper corresponds to Conception Vessel 12 (CV12). 😁☯ Huh? One of the things I love about Chinese medicine and Holistic Nutrition is that they are holographic, nuanced, and often poetic forms of health and healing. For example - we can correlate foods and herbs to acupuncture/acupressure points by their actions and indications. If a client's pattern and treatment call for the use of CV 12, I can recommend that client use black pepper to continue the therapy at whatever level is appropriate for their state and stage of health, healing, or growth. So fun! ☯ When viewing black peppercorn, it’s easy to see how the herb’s functions are similar to the functions of CV12. CV 12 - Middle Stomach’s Cavity, is located on the midline of the abdomen, 4 tsun above the belly button. (1 tsun is the width of your thumb at the knuckle.) Once located, use gentle pressure directed toward the spine thru the abdomen. Add a little more pressure with each exhalation, but not to the point of pain. This is the Mu (alarm) point for the Stomach and is used for most digestive and stomach related issues. It can be very tender in those with Stomach problems. ☯ In Eastern energetics black peppercorn is very pungent (aromatic), slightly sweet, stimulating, hot, dry, strongly dispersing and astringing. Its actions are very similar to CV12's. ☯Both warm Spleen and Kidney Yang, raise the middle Qi and stabilize digestion. They create strength, stability, treat fatigue, prolapse and help us digest both our food and our life experiences. ☯Both astringe, drain damp, mucus and phlegm and create clarity and focus. ☯Both help fortify your defenses. They dispel wind/cold/damp and promote sweating. ☯Both warm the channels and relieve pain. They treat chilled hands and feet, cold rheumatic and arthritis headaches. ❗️Peppercorn is very warming and drying, use sparingly if you have patterns of excess heat or Yin deficiency. Visit aprilcrowell.com to book appointments, find courses, recipes, and blogs. #chinesemedicine #herbs #nutrition #holisticnutrition #ammatherapy #aobta #ammatherapy #blackpepper #foodasmedicine #holisticnutrition #conceptionvessel12 #acupuncture #acupressure

New BLOG Alert!! Weak Knees in Your 30s? The Root Cause Is Not Just Aging! Did you know that more people in their 30s are experiencing weak knees nowadays? Recent statistics reveal that many in this age group are grappling with this issue. Spending 8 hours or more at a desk or indulging in Netflix marathons, along with being overweight, are the main culprits. This highlights that weak knees aren't solely a problem of aging. Read full article at https://lnkd.in/gJtgVYgw

New BLOG Alert!! Weak Knees in Your 30s? The Root Cause Is Not Just Aging! Did you know that more people in their 30s are experiencing weak knees nowadays? Recent statistics reveal that many in this age group are grappling with this issue. Spending 8 hours or more at a desk or indulging in Netflix marathons, along with being overweight, are the main culprits. This highlights that weak knees aren't solely a problem of aging. Read full article at https://lnkd.in/gYjDwG-K

10 Food Safety Tips: https://lttr.ai/ATYrS #AffectReproductiveHealth #BodyWorkHarder #ChemicalsStress #MakingFoodChoices #BuyDietSoda #FoodChoices #DietSoda #BuyMeat #AntibioticsBuy #SeasoningsBuy