A Health Knowledge-Sharing Community
A Carrot a Day was inspired by my own cancer journey and wanting to find solutions to a variety of health problems. Taking your health goals one step at a time is what I have found to work, so as not to get too overwhelmed. It is my belief that a healthy lifestyle is the answer to many health issues.
I have created this space to share ideas, recipes, conversations, stories, etc.
Recent Posts
Could a Common Bacteria Be Increasing Your Cancer Risk?
Fusobacterium, a type of bacteria naturally found in the mouth and gut, has recently been linked to a growing body of cancer research. While we all have this bacterium in our bodies, certain strains—like Fusobacterium nucleatum—may play a hidden role in fueling cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. What’s even more alarming is that poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and even lifestyle choices can contribute to higher levels of this bacterium, potentially increasing your cancer risk. But don’t worry—there’s good news. In this post, we’ll explore how Fusobacterium may impact your health and share practical steps you can take to reduce its harmful effects, from simple oral hygiene habits to dietary changes. Keep reading to learn how you can protect yourself and lower your cancer risk.
"Want to boost your health, fight aging, and enhance your body’s natural repair system? Discover the power of autophagy! Learn how fasting, exercise, and smart dietary choices can trigger this incredible process, helping you regenerate cells, improve longevity, and protect against diseases. Find out how you can activate autophagy today for better health tomorrow!"
A Holistic Approach to Treating Kidney Cancer
While traditional treatments for kidney cancer involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, there are also holistic approaches to treating this disease. In this blog post, we will explore alternative therapies available to those who want to take a more gentle approach to treating kidney cancer.
Cervical cancer, once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women, has seen a decline in mortality rates thanks to increased awareness and screening. However, it remains a significant global health issue. In this blog, we discuss how a holistic approach can contribute to preventing and managing cervical cancer.
What is Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas, which is a gland located behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas plays a vital role in the digestive system by producing enzymes that help break down food and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It is a serious and often deadly disease, as it can be challenging to detect in its early stages and typically spreads quickly to other parts of the body.
Sprouting is a simple and affordable way to add fresh greens to any diet. A sprouting station is a great way to grow sprouts indoors and have access to fresh, nutrient-rich sprouts year-round. Creating a sprouting station is easy and can be done with materials found around the house.
Haelan 951 is a nitrogen-fermented soy beverage made from a unique species of organic heirloom soybeans. The soybeans are carefully grown in rich soil away from cross-pollination with other crops. The nitrogen-fermentation process makes Haelan 951 more bioavailable for maximum potency and absorbability.
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What Do Our Lungs Do?
Our lungs are responsible for bringing oxygen into our bodies and eliminating carbon dioxide from our blood. They also help control the acid-base balance in our body, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that help regulate metabolism and growth. In addition to these critical functions, our lungs protect us from infectious diseases. The lining of the lungs contains cells that fight off bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms that can make us sick.
As a cancer survivor, you know that taking steps to support your health is essential to maintaining your overall well-being. But if you’re living on a tight budget, it can be difficult to afford the necessary resources. This blog post will discuss practical tips for supporting your health without breaking the bank.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They may occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Typically, people with apnea don't realize they are pausing their breathing. Sleep apnea usually is a chronic (ongoing) condition that disrupts your sleep. When your breathing pauses or becomes shallow, you'll often move out of deep sleep and into a light sleep. As a result, your sleep quality is poor, making you tired during the day. Sleep apnea is defined as "an involuntary cessation of breathing during sleep, associated with irregularities of respiratory airflow of more than 10 seconds."
In the era of do-it-yourself home renovations, many homeowners are knocking down ceilings and walls and tearing out floor tiles and old pipes. But in their efforts to upgrade and beautify their older homes, they might unknowingly contaminate the air they breathe with toxic asbestos fibers.
This article offers information about asbestos, its dangers, what to do if you suspect it's in your home, the dos and don'ts when handling asbestos, and other helpful information to keep you, your family, and others safe in your home.
After years of exposure to those fibers, people may develop cancer known as mesothelioma, which forms tumors on the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
The Liver: An Essential Organ for Good Health
The liver is an incredibly resilient and vital organ. It helps our bodies detoxify, break down food, and store energy. In short, it is one of the most integral parts of our health. So let's look closely at what the liver does and why it's so important.
.How Important is Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral for human health. It is involved in over 600 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, DNA synthesis, and muscle contraction. Magnesium is also necessary for the proper function of enzymes, which are responsible for many vital biochemical processes. Despite its importance, magnesium deficiency is quite common, affecting around 75% of the population. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include fatigue, muscle cramps, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat. Magnesium supplements can help to correct a deficiency and improve overall health. In addition, magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds can help to ensure adequate intake of this vital mineral.
Colorectal cancer will affect 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women in their lifetime. It is one of the most common forms of cancer and one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States (1, 2, 3). Colorectal cancer is clearly a serious issue that we need to talk about,
Today, I want to explain everything you need to know about colorectal cancer. You will learn what colorectal cancer is. You will learn about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, the risk factors of colorectal cancer, and the underlying causes of colorectal cancer. You will learn about colorectal screening, diagnosis, and conventional treatment options for colorectal cancer. Finally, I will share my favorite strategies to support your body naturally. Read on to learn how to reclaim your health.
Breast cancer is a diagnosis most women and men fear and nobody wants to hear. Breast cancer is a common form of cancer that affects the cells of your breast and makes them grow out of control. Fortunately, regular self-examination and early diagnosis can improve your chance of successful recovery. Furthermore, a healthy diet, lifestyle, and other natural strategies can support your health and well-being to reduce risks and support recovery.
In this article, you will learn what breast cancer is. I will discuss the different types of breast cancer. You will understand the symptoms of breast cancer. I will explain the connection between BRCA gene mutations and breast cancer. You will learn about the role of vitamin D in breast cancer. I will discuss the risk factors and root causes of breast cancer. You will learn about the importance of self-examination and early diagnosis. You will learn about diagnosis and conventional treatment options. I will also offer my favorite natural strategies for breast health and well-being.
Blood cancer is a type of cancer that affects your blood. It is responsible for almost 10 percent of all cancers (1). The most common types of blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Though receiving a diagnosis of blood cancer can be scary. Fortunately, you can support your health and recovery through natural options, including diet, lifestyle choices, and supplementation.
In this article, I want to talk about blood cancer. You will learn what blood cancer is. I will go over the types of blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. I will go over the common symptoms of each type of blood cancer. You will learn about the risk factors for blood cancer and common underlying root causes of blood cancer. You will learn about diagnosis and conventional treatment options for blood cancer. Finally, I will discuss some natural options to support your health.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit, also known as mineral pitch, is a sticky, black resin found in the Himalayan mountains. It is composed of humic and fulvic acids, which are derived from the decomposition of plant matter. Shilajit has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various health conditions.
Is Eating a WFPB Diet Hard?
The biggest problem I find with eating whole food plant-based is finding easy to fix, nutritious, and great-tasting recipes. Emphasis on the “easy!” Sometimes I just don’t feel like fixing anything, and grabbing snack foods like chips or cookies is my easy way out. Sometimes juicing gets to be too much. Making smoothies also is a lot of effort. But what if I told you there was an easy way to eat whole food plant-based meals?
In this article I will give you some tips to make your whole food plant-based prep quicker and your burden lighter. Trust me when I say that I know the feeling. Many times I have ordered food from Uber Eats because I just had no energy to cook. The problem with that is that you have no control over what goes into your food, and for the most part it is not organic.
Cancer. It’s a word none of us wants to hear, especially not at the doctor's office. Yet, 1 in 3 people is or will be affected by cancer in the United States. All of us know someone who has, had, or has died from cancer. I still remember receiving my stage 2 cervical cancer diagnosis on March 8th, 2008. It wasn’t a happy day. But I decided to take my health into my own hands. I made some significant changes in my life and today, I’m healthier than ever. (Read my story here.)
So what can you do about cancer? How to support your body to reduce your risk of cancer? How to support your recovery if you do get cancer? How to become a health warrior cancer-thriver? In this article, I will cover that.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, and another 86 million are at risk of developing the disease. Even more alarming, nearly one in four of those cases are undiagnosed.
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are high, the body produces insulin to convert the sugar into energy.
Happy Times and the 4th of July
The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our country's independence from Britain. For many people, this holiday is all about barbecues, picnics, and enjoying time with family and friends.
However, if you choose to eat a whole food plant-based diet, the 4th of July can be tricky. Most of the food typically served on this holiday is not vegan-friendly. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious vegan options that everyone can enjoy. From BBQ tofu skewers to watermelon salad, plenty of recipes will make your 4th of July celebrations special.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system. It comprises a network of vessels and organs that help filter fluids and remove waste from the body. Lymph nodes are an essential part of this system, and are located throughout the body in areas where the lymphatic vessels converge.
There are approximately 600-700 lymph nodes in the human body, which play a vital role in protecting us from infection.
Lymph nodes contain white blood cells known as lymphocytes, which help fight off bacteria and viruses. When we are infected with a pathogen, our lymph nodes can become swollen and painful as they work to rid our bodies of the invader. Keeping your lymph moving is critical to your health.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other harmful substances. The system includes the small lymph nodes, which are bean-shaped structures found throughout the body.
The lymph nodes filter the lymphatic fluid as it passes through them, removing bacteria and other debris. The lymphatic fluid then flows through the lymphatics, a small tube network that carries it back into the bloodstream.
The lymphatics also help transport fats and other nutrients from the intestine to the rest of the body. In addition to the lymph nodes and lymphatics, the lymphatic system also includes the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, thymus, adenoids, appendix, and bone marrow.
These organs help to produce white blood cells, which play an essential role in fighting infection. The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system and helps to keep the body healthy.
Is Coffee Good for Us, or Bad
Many people are wondering whether coffee is bad for us. While coffee has long been criticized for its high caffeine content, very little evidence suggests that coffee itself is harmful to our health. In fact, coffee has been shown to have many positive effects, including providing energy and boosting cognitive function. Additionally, coffee contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins.
Therefore, coffee is likely not as bad for us as many believe.
Summertime and the living is easy! This blog post is a summer food fun post because I love summer! When I started my healthy lifestyle, I realized how often I felt deprived of eating yummy food. So often we are bombarded with sugary, processed, or otherwise unhealthy treats. It seriously does not have to be that way! We can eat healthy treats without feeling cheated! We can even eat sweet treats! We can even thrive on these foods, as each ingredient I have chosen is health-promoting.
Besides plain fruit or veggies, there are some really refreshing and tasty treats that we can have.
In this post, I have added both sweet and savory treats to keep the oven off and keep you cool this summer!
Doing Everything Right
So you are going along thinking that you are doing everything you can for your body. You are eating well, exercising, and taking your vitamins or other supplements! You are checking all the boxes! That’s what happened to me! But then I started feeling overall rundown. That is when I took a good hard look at what was in my supplements. You would be surprised at the toxins I discovered in most of them!
In this post, I will explain what the toxins are, what they do to our bodies, and what we can do to change not only our supplements but our buying habits as well. I will give you a list of clean supplements that you can use to replace the nefarious ones. I will also attempt to name as many toxins as I can, but there are so so many. The good news is that most supplements can be replaced.
The Problem with Dairy
Dairy products have been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years. However, modern dairy farming practices have led to some serious health concerns. Dairy cows are often given hormones and antibiotics to increase milk production. These hormones can disrupt the endocrine system and cause developmental problems in children. Antibiotics can also encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Dairy products are one of the leading sources of saturated fat in the American diet. Saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke and cancer.
Do you want to maximize your nutrient intake and optimize your health? The answer is green juice. Juicing is a smart and simple way to add more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet from greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruits without having to chew on salad all day.
But what are the benefits of juicing? Does it really work? And how to find the best juicer for your juicing needs? Today, I am going to answer all your questions about juicing. I will discuss the benefits of juicing and how it is different from blending. I will give a little green juice cheat sheet to help you make the best green juice every single time. Finally, I will recommend some of the best juicers on the market.
A healthy body starts with healthy, nutrient-dense food. This means organic whole foods.
But where does organic food come from? A garden or a farm, of course. Buying organic produce at a local organic farmer’s market, organic farmer’s stand or organic health food store is great and convenient. Growing your own organic food, however, can be incredibly satisfying. It’s good for your mental health and soul — and good for your body once you put the food on the table
How to Protect Yourself from Symptoms of EMF Exposure
Cell phones, computers, WiFi, and other electronic appliances have become part of our everyday life. Can you imagine living without the internet? Though I absolutely remember the time before cell phones and laptops, I have to admit that I certainly rely on these tools in my everyday life today.
Throughout your health journey, you’ve probably gone through some lab testing. Lab testing is a crucial part of healthcare, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Unfortunately, lab testing can be expensive and time-consuming. Due to insurance, regulations, and hospital protocol, your doctor may not always be able to offer you the lab tests you need right away.
What is a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet
A whole-food plant-based diet, or WFPB diet, focuses on consuming whole, unprocessed plant foods. It includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts and excludes meat, dairy, eggs, sugar, white flour, and any processed foods.
If you’re interested in eating a whole food plant-based diet, you can do a few things to ensure success. Start by gradually increasing the number of plants in your diet. If you’re used to mainly eating meat and processed foods, it can be hard to make the switch overnight. Begin by adding an extra serving of vegetables to your meals or swapping out meat for plant-based proteins like tofu or beans.
Introduction
I will be discussing the benefits of eating raw organic salads to heal naturally. I will also post 7 delectable salads and recipes for dressings and salad toppings! I will also be recommending my favorites!
Why should we be eating raw salads every day? One reason is that it is an easy way to get all of your veggies in for the day. Fruit salads, of course, could give you all of the fruit you need in one day. Eating salads also gives you the benefit of all of that fiber! And need I mention antioxidants?
Good personal hygiene is important for your physical, mental, and social well-being. Poor personal hygiene can increase the risk of infections and other health issues. Unfortunately, personal hygiene is not as simple as it should be.
Conventional personal hygiene products are full of toxins and chemicals. These chemicals in conventional personal care products can cause allergies, dry skin, rashes, and skin problems. Used regularly, they may also increase chronic inflammation in your body, which can increase your risk of cancer, hormonal issues, obesity, autoimmunity, and other health issues.
Have you ever wondered why there are warning labels on your conventional household cleaning products? Shouldn’t the products that clean your home should also keep you safe and healthy?
It seems like it’s not the case. Conventional household cleaning products are loaded with chemicals and toxins. These toxins can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and skin reactions. Used regularly, they can increase chronic inflammation and contribute to the increased risk of various health issues, including cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal problems, infertility, respiratory and lung conditions, ADHD, brain health issues, and more. There are already so many toxins in our environment. You want to reduce your toxic load by choosing natural household cleaning products free from toxins and chemicals.
Introduction:
In this post, I will tell you the benefits of mushrooms and how they can help you fight disease. I will touch on the extraordinary benefits of beta-glucans and how they can help you in your healing journeys. I will also be giving my recommendations and posting great pictures and yummy recipes with mushrooms.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its healing properties. Aloe vera contains over 200 active components, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antagonistic polysaccharides. These properties make aloe vera an effective treatment for various conditions, including cancer, burns, and wounds. Aloe vera is also known to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. In addition to its many health benefits, aloe vera is also incredibly easy to use. The gel can be applied directly to the skin or consumed in juice form.
What are Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are estrogens that are derived from plants and have a structure similar to human estrogen. Phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors (ERs) in the body. Because of this, there is interest in using them as cancer preventives and therapies, particularly for estrogen-positive breast cancer. There are three main types of phytoestrogens: isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans and soy products. Lignans are found in flaxseed and flax oil and some fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Coumestans are found in alfalfa and clover.
Cooking is not just about food. Your cookware matters more than you think.
You may not enjoy scrubbing your stainless steel pans after cooking, but non-stick technology may not be the best choice for your health. So what’s the best alternative? If you are looking for quality cookware that’s easy to use and clean and doesn’t harm your health, continue reading. I will go over the problems with various cookware options and offer you safe alternatives.
Did you know that there are hidden toxins in your tap water? Drinking plenty of water is vital for life. Yet, fluoride, aluminum, chlorine, arsenic, and other chemical residues in your city tap water can potentially harm your health and increase your risk of cancer. To remove these chemicals, improve your water quality, and protect your health, using a quality water filtration system is critical.
How often do you think about your indoor air quality? Probably not enough. Did you know that indoor air pollutants are hiding in your home? Short-term and long-term symptoms of indoor air pollution may seriously impact your health. Indoor air pollution may lead to allergies, asthma, weight gain, depression, anxiety, brain fog, autoimmunity, cardiovascular issues, and cancer
Cleaning up your indoor air is critical for your overall health. In this article, I will discuss the importance of clean indoor air, potential symptoms of indoor air pollution, and health issues associated with poor indoor air. I will offer some simple solutions for clean indoor air, including using one of my favorite air purifiers for improved health.
Skincare is not just about vanity. Your skin is an important organ that protects your body and supports detoxification. You want to keep it healthy. Unfortunately, conventional skincare products are full of chemicals and toxins that can harm your health. In the long run, these products can increase inflammation, skin issues, and the risk of chronic health issues.
Sprouts are seeds that have germinated. They are the very young plant in the beginning stages of life. Sprouts are exceptionally healthy and just happen to be another superfood. They are a powerhouse of raw, green, fiber-filled nutrition. One of the things that sprouts contain is chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll helps plants to absorb energy from the sun in photosynthesis. The greener the plant, the more chlorophyll it has.
Chlorophyll helps build hemoglobin by promoting circulation. It can increases your red blood cells, and increases oxygen in your body. Chlorophyll also acts as a binder to heavy metals and aids in detoxification of the blood.
Sauna and heat therapy are not new. It has been used for thousands of years across cultures. Just think about the famous Roman baths, Japanese hot soak tubs, Native American sweat lodges, and Finish saunas.
Rebounding is a type of aerobic workout that is performed on a rebounder or a mini-trampoline. A rebounder is small enough to use inside your house or apartment. College students can even try rebounding inside their dorm room. During a rebounding workout, you will be jumping on your mini-trampoline. These jumps can be fast or slow and are often mixed with aerobic stepping in place. Rebounding is a simple and quick workout that may increase your endurance, improve muscle strength of your legs, and offer many other benefits while being gentle on your joints.
Castor Oil, also known as Ricinus Oil, is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. This oil is often used in traditional and holistic medicine.
It is important to buy organic and cold-pressed Castor Oil, free from hexane. Hexane is a toxic chemical solvent used to extract Castor Oil from the Castor bean. More people are now aware of this and are using safer cold-pressed extraction methods. Please do not buy Castor Oil in anything other than a glass bottle. Castor Oil will leach chemicals from plastics.
Straight, white teeth can be beautiful. But your dental health is more than vanity. Your mouth is the doorway to your body. It is where digestion begins. It’s only logical that your oral health affects the rest of your body. In this article, I wanted to discuss the importance of oral health and offer some tips on how to take care of your teeth naturally.
Throughout your life, you’ve been exposed to so many toxins and chemicals. Even if you are extremely careful, you are still exposed to some toxicity on a daily basis. The problem is that toxins in your body may increase chronic inflammation, impact your immune health, and lead to an array of symptoms. A 2015 review published in Carcinogenesis has found that environmental toxins may increase the risk of inflammation and the development of cancer (2).
Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function. Research suggests that high magnesium levels may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This means that we are not getting enough magnesium in our diet.
Low magnesium levels can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, leg cramps, insomnia, osteoporosis, migraines, depression, and even cancer.
Black seed oil contains Thymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, and Thymol.
Black seed oil is also loaded with amino acids, phytosterols, omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. It also contains calcium, potassium, folate, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorous.
Did you know that carrots are a superfood? They contain beta carotene, which is the pigment in carrots. Beta carotene is the precursor to Vitamin A, which means that beta carotene only converts to vitamin A as our bodies need it. Beta carotene is only found in vegetables and to a lesser extent in fruits. The more intense the color of the veggie/fruit, the higher the beta carotene content. Beta carotene in carrots is also an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and protect your cells from damaging free radicals. Free radicals are believed to play a significant role in inflammation, disease, and aging.
There are plenty of healing foods to consider for an Easter brunch or dinner. There are foods that will actually make you feel good and give you more energy for an Easter egg hunt; food that can actually help in your healing journey and better your chance of finding the golden egg before the kids do!
Imagine a life where the weight of past hurts no longer anchors you to pain. What if you could rewire your very brain to break free from resentment and embrace a future filled with peace? Forgiveness isn't just a lofty ideal; it's a powerful act of self-liberation, a neurological reset button. In this post, we'll explore how forgiveness, combined with practices like prayer, mindful reflection and journaling, can literally reshape your brain, reducing the grip of stress and fostering a calmer, more resilient you. Discover the science behind this transformation, learn practical steps to cultivate forgiveness, and unlock the synergistic power of positive thought and self-compassion. Are you ready to release the burden and reclaim your neural freedom?