Valerie Neslen, Functional Nutrition

Here are 5 ways to give your gut some extra love today ➡️

Which one sounds the best to you?👇

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, removing waste, and supporting overall well-being.

Here are some of the ways you can help support the lymph:

➡️Proper Hydration: Drinking an adequate amount of water helps keep the lymph fluid flowing smoothly. Staying hydrated prevents lymphatic congestion, which can occur when there's not enough fluid to facilitate waste removal and immune responses.

➡️Exercise and Sweating: Physical activity stimulates lymphatic circulation and encourages the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. Sweating during exercise helps expel toxins and waste products, further supporting lymphatic drainage.

➡️Dry Brushing and Gua Sha: Dry brushing involves gently brushing the skin with a natural bristle brush to stimulate the lymphatic system. It helps promote circulation, remove dead skin cells, and encourage lymphatic drainage. Gua sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that uses a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin, stimulating lymph flow and reducing inflammation.

➡️Massage: Lymphatic massage is a specialized technique that targets the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels to encourage the movement of lymph fluid. It can help reduce swelling, detoxify tissues, and support the immune system.

➡️Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as cypress, lemon, grapefruit, and ginger, have lymphatic-supporting properties. When diluted and applied to the skin or used in aromatherapy, these oils can enhance lymphatic circulation and reduce lymphatic congestion.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can promote a healthy lymphatic system, which, in turn, supports your immune system, aids in detoxification, and contributes to overall health and wellness.

Drop a👍if you learned something new!

Stomach acid is vital to digestion and overall health!

Here are some of the important roles stomach acid plays:

👉Our body and immune systems first line of defense from the outside world
👉Essential for protein digestion
👉Activates essential digestive enzymes
👉Essential for mineral absorption
👉Supports gut motility

So often we are told gut issues are related to too much stomach acid but this is most often far from the truth. Common symptoms like reflux or heartburn actually commonly stem from too little stomach acid.

When our body is not able to properly break down foods, they stay stagnant in the gut where they ferment and create gases that push their way up to the esophagus creating this common digestive discomfort.

If you are ready to get to the root cause of your low stomach acid and support digestion through a holistic lens, apply to work with me through the link in my bio💫

🤔Ever wonder if inflammation is driving your symptoms?

Here are some blood markers to look to for inflammation➡️

Make sure to save this post to reflect back on at your next blood draw!

Dysregulation of the nervous system can result from a combination of factors, including chronic stress, trauma, environmental influences, genetics, and lifestyle choices.

While certain supplements may offer temporary relief or support to specific aspects of the nervous system, they cannot address the root causes or provide a comprehensive solution to complex dysregulation.

Here are some alternative ways you can help to support and reduce stress:

➡️Hydration: Dehydration can lead to imbalances in electrolytes, affect cognitive function, and increase stress on the body. Aim to drink half your body weight in fluid ounces of water per day plus electrolytes.

➡️Blood Sugar Regulation: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can influence the nervous system and mood. Consuming balanced meals with a mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and mood swings.

➡️Digestion: Poor digestion leads to leaky gut and inflammation which ultimately leads to internal stress in the body. Eating in a calm state, chewing food thoroughly and avoiding liquids during meal time can all help to improve digestive function.

➡️Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for nervous system repair and function. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information, and the body undergoes important restorative processes. Ensure you maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a sleep-friendly environment to promote optimal nervous system health.

If you are ready to properly support your body and reduce stress levels, apply to work with me through the link in my bio💫

Here are 3 ways to support digestion to reduce bloat➡️

If you are ready to properly support digestion and get to the root cause of your symptoms, apply to work with me now through the link in my bio!👏

⚠️When your drainage pathways are blocked, it can lead to a buildup of toxins and waste in your body.

Here are five signs that may indicate blocked drainage pathways➡️

If you suspect that your drainage pathways may be blocked, it's essential to address the underlying causes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration can support the body's natural detoxification processes.

If you are ready to properly support your drainage pathways and detoxification, apply to work with me through the link in my bio💫

⬇️The vagus nerve is the longest and most complex nerve in the human body. It extends from the brainstem and travels down through the neck, chest, and abdomen, connecting various organs along the way.

It is a part of the parasympathetic nervous system and is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, including digestion.

The vagus nerve is responsible for the communication between the brain and the digestive system. It controls the process of digestion by stimulating the release of digestive enzymes, promoting peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract), and triggering the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter to allow food to enter the stomach.

the vagus nerve influences the gut-brain axis, which means that the gut's health can impact mental and emotional well-being, and vice versa.

Stimulating and supporting the vagus nerve can actually be quite enjoyable! Which of the following will you incorporate into your routine?👇

🥬Leafy greens are packed full of nutrients that are essential to a multitude of functions within the body!

And side note… If you suffer from GI symptoms, it can be helpful to cook your leafy greens rather than eating them raw!!

What is your favorite leafy green veggie?!👇

🙈It can be tempting to cover up symptoms because frankly, they are unpleasant!

I get it... When you are dealing with debilitating symptoms, the quicker you can kick them the better!

But if you don’t address the root cause, you’re simply just masking the symptoms. But because they are only masked they will come back. And even more issues may arise as a result🩹

Addressing the root cause is the long approach but it’s the approach that will correct the issues for the long haul.

If you are ready to get to the root cause of your symptoms, apply to work with me today (link to website in bio)💫

Unfortunately, most people today are dealing with low energy and fatigue 😴

And the truth is, your fatigue is NOT a caffeine deficiency🛑

Rather, it is your body communicating with you that there is something wrong…

Here is a list of potential issues that are causing your fatigue➡️

If you are ready to kick the fatigue and reclaim your life, apply to work with me today (link to website in bio)💫

🛑Just because a packaged product is marketed as “healthy” does not mean it is!!

There is hidden junk inside most products on the market today. That is why it is incredibly important to check the label before purchasing or consuming!!

Here are 4 of the non-negotiables, especially for someone dealing with autoimmunity➡️

🎢Are you riding the blood sugar rollercoaster?

Unfortunately… if you aren’t actively thinking about your blood sugar day in and out, then you probably are on the coaster ride.

But that doesn’t mean balancing blood sugar has to be difficult, it just means it takes a bit of thought about what you eat.

If you are ready to balance blood sugar and kick the many unpleasant symptoms that are associated, apply to work with me today through my website💫

💩The GI map (stool test) can give incredibly insightful information into the root cause issues of your health and symptoms.

This information helps to inform protocols for the most straightforward and efficient plan of action, rather than trying all the different diets and supplements and hoping one works 🤞

As Hippocrates said “All disease begins in the gut” - this train of thinking is why I often start with gut health with a new client. Your gut health extends far beyond digestion. It plays a key role in metabolism, immunity, hormone balance, nutrient sufficiency, mood and so much more!

Even if you aren’t experiencing major gut issues, stool testing can help address other aspects of your health.

If you are ready to get to the root cause of your symptoms through data-driven protocols, apply to work with me here: valerieneslen.com 💫

Did you know? ➡️

Mental health extends beyond the brain! Many of the chemicals that affect how we feel are produced by the bacteria in our gut 🧠

When our microbiome becomes imbalanced it can affect our mental health as a result

Here are the key players in this process🙌

😷 Did you know that mold, lurking in the corners of your home, can greatly impact our health?

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it might be worthwhile digging in to see if mold is the culprit 🔎

❓Did you know that the number one way to reduce stress in your body starts with balancing blood sugar levels?

Let's dive into this empowering connection and discover how nourishing your body can bring you closer to a state of serenity:

1️⃣ Mastering the Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: When blood sugar levels spike and crash, it sends stress signals to your body. By adopting a balanced approach to nutrition, focusing on whole foods, fiber-rich meals, and mindful eating, you can stabilize blood sugar levels and curb those stress-inducing fluctuations.

2️⃣ The Cortisol Connection: Imbalanced blood sugar levels can trigger the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. By maintaining stable blood sugar throughout the day, you can help regulate cortisol production, promoting a calmer state of being and enhanced resilience against stressors.

3️⃣ Sustained Energy and Mental Clarity: Balanced blood sugar provides your body and brain with a steady supply of fuel, preventing energy crashes and brain fog. This stability allows you to navigate daily challenges with a clearer mind and a more grounded approach.

Hi I'm Valerie👋

I'm so glad you are here!

This is a little bit about me and how I can serve you.

If you are looking for further guidance with your health, schedule a free discovery call with me through the link in my bio 🔗

🤔Did you know that there's a profound connection between your gut health and autoimmunity?

Let's explore this fascinating relationship and understand why nurturing your gut is crucial for managing autoimmune conditions:

1️⃣ The Gut as the Gateway: Your gut serves as a gateway to your immune system, housing trillions of bacteria and playing a pivotal role in immune function. Imbalances in gut bacteria and intestinal permeability can trigger immune dysregulation, potentially leading to autoimmunity.

2️⃣ The Power of Inflammation: An unhealthy gut can contribute to chronic inflammation, a common denominator in many autoimmune disorders. By prioritizing gut health, we can reduce inflammation and support the body's ability to manage autoimmune responses.

3️⃣ The Microbiome Connection: Your gut microbiome, consisting of diverse microorganisms, plays a vital role in modulating immune function. By nourishing the microbiome through a balanced diet, probiotics, and lifestyle choices, we can positively influence immune responses and support overall well-being.

Did you learn something new? Let me know in the comments👇

When it comes to our well-being, it's crucial to shift our mindset from viewing health as a short-term expense to recognizing it as a long-term investment.

Here's why investing in your health is a game-changer:

✨ Quality of Life: Optimal health allows us to thrive in all areas of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.

✨ Preventative Power: Investing in our health means focusing on prevention rather than solely addressing illness or symptoms.

✨ Sustainable Transformation: True wellness is a journey, not a quick fix. By making consistent investments in our health over time, we cultivate lasting change and build a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.

💫Ready to invest in your health and unlock your full potential?

Book a free discovery call with me today through the link in my bio 🌟

🌿When it comes to healing, self-care is often overlooked or deemed as a luxury.

However, taking care of ourselves is essential to promote a healthier and more balanced life. Here are some reasons why self-care is crucial for your healing journey:

🌟 Reducing Cortisol: Chronic stress can negatively impact our health and hinder the healing process. Self-care practices like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help reduce cortisol levels, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall well-being.

🌟 Supporting Immunity: A strong immune system is vital for optimal health and healing. By prioritizing self-care habits such as a healthy diet, quality sleep, and regular exercise, we can boost our immunity and enhance our body's natural healing ability.

🌟 Improving Symptom Management: Chronic illnesses can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can impact our quality of life. Self-care practices like massage therapy, aromatherapy, and acupuncture can help manage symptoms and improve our sense of well-being.

🤔Are you struggling with low thyroid symptoms and searching for answers?

Let's delve into the underlying reasons that may be at play, shedding light on your journey towards better thyroid health.

Here are the top three factors to consider:

1️⃣ Low Conversion: Your body's intricate hormone conversion process may be compromised, impacting the efficient production of thyroid hormones. Unveiling this puzzle piece is crucial to restoring balance and vitality.

2️⃣ Cell Permeability: The permeability of your cells, especially within the thyroid gland, plays a significant role in hormone production and function.

3️⃣ Autoimmunity: Sometimes, an overactive immune system can mistakenly attack the thyroid, leading to autoimmune thyroid disorders.

🌟 At Valerie Neslen Functional Nutrition, we specialize in unraveling the complexities of low thyroid symptoms to restore your thyroid function naturally.

Ready to support your thyroid through proper nourishment? Grab my free grain-free recipe cookbook now through the link in my bio✨

There's been a little change around here! A new site and a new brand🎉

Introducing the new: Valerie Neslen Functional Nutrition

An all-new look to support my mission of helping those suffering from chronic and mystery health conditions to take back their health and life!🙌

If you haven't yet, I would love for you to take a look! And let me know what you think👇