Nebulizing for Mold Detox: A Powerful Tool for Recovery

As a root cause practitioner, wellness coach, and mom, I know firsthand how mold exposure can impact health. Whether you're dealing with chronic fatigue, brain fog, sinus congestion, or respiratory issues, mold toxicity can be a hidden culprit. One of the most effective ways to support detoxification and recovery from mold exposure is nebulizing. Let’s explore why nebulizing is a game-changer and how to use it safely for mold detox.

Why Nebulizing?

Nebulizing allows therapeutic agents to reach deep into the respiratory system, where mold spores and mycotoxins often linger. Unlike oral supplements, which must pass through digestion, nebulized treatments deliver relief directly to the lungs and bloodstream, offering fast and effective detox support.

Best Solutions for Nebulizing Mold Detox

Different solutions can be nebulized to help detox from mold, depending on individual needs. Here are some of the most effective options:

1. Glutathione – Known as the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione helps break down toxins, supports the liver, and enhances cellular detoxification.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide (Diluted 3%) – A natural antimicrobial, hydrogen peroxide can help clear fungal infections, bacterial overgrowth, and improve oxygenation.

3. Silver Hydrosol – Helps fight mold-related infections and supports immune function.

4. Saline Solution – Moisturizes and soothes irritated airways while helping clear out mucus and toxins.

5. Essential Oils (in proper dilution) – Certain essential oils like eucalyptus, thyme, and tea tree oil have antimicrobial properties that can aid in clearing mold toxins.

How to Nebulize Safely

Safety is key when using a nebulizer for detox. Follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and effective experience:

1. Use a Medical-Grade Nebulizer – Choose a high-quality nebulizer designed for fine mist delivery.

2. Choose the Right Solution for Your Needs – Work with a practitioner to determine which solution suits your detox plan.

3. Follow Proper Dilution Ratios – Never use undiluted hydrogen peroxide or essential oils. Always mix them according to recommended guidelines.

4. Nebulize in a Well-Ventilated Area – This helps prevent re-inhalation of released toxins.

5. Start Slowly – Begin with short sessions and gradually increase as tolerated.

6. Listen to Your Body – If you experience discomfort, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Additional Detox Support

Nebulizing is just one part of the mold detox puzzle. Supporting detox pathways holistically can enhance recovery:

• Binders (activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella) to trap and remove toxins.

• Hydration to flush toxins from the system.

• Liver Support (milk thistle, dandelion tea, castor oil packs) for efficient detoxification.

• Sauna Therapy to aid in sweating out mycotoxins.

• Nasal Rinsing to clear mold spores from sinuses.

Final Thoughts

Mold toxicity can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, healing is possible. Nebulizing is a powerful, targeted approach to help clear toxins, support respiratory health, and aid in overall recovery. Always work with a knowledgeable practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness in your detox journey.

If you’ve used nebulizing for mold detox, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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MOLD TOXICITY + NATURAL HEALING IN HOUSTON, TX (Copy)

Since going through my own mold experience, I have become much more aware of what an epidemic mold toxicity truly is. I want to share my personal story with you all, to act as a resource and a consolidated place where you can reference information that I had to spend hours and hours trying to find for myself. Please know as with any health-related information on my site, it is essential to consult with your own medical team before starting any supplements or trying to detox yourself. Mold toxicity is not something to take lightly. But the great news is that our bodies are resilient, and once your environment is cleaned up, things can get better rapidly.

 My story started when we lived in an apartment in Houston. It was Dec 2017 and I had just given birth to my son. This is key point for me personally because it is the reason it took me so long to notice a mold problem—I was blaming many of my symptoms on postpartum/endocrine imbalances. Also, it is important to note that we tested the apartment for mold and it passed with flying colors. The problem is that air trap tests are not ideal in finding mycotoxins and are not the best way to assess the health of a home.

 Here is a general health/event timeline of what happened, including symptoms, that looking back, may or may not have been from the mold exposure:

· I had Postpartum blues for 9 weeks, but then they lifted.

· Our infant Son, Hayes, cried a lot (as many babies do), but he would not nap more then 10-20 minutes at a time.

· Hayes developed some Keratosis Pilaris (hard small bumps on his arms and legs) around 7 months.

· Since giving birth I had extreme fatigue. It was mild from 2018-2019, then started to get much worse. This was easy to blame on being a new mom, but it was debilitating. My son was 1 and I would still have to nap every day and had a very hard time waking up in the morning. Most days I could only muster energy to sit on the couch.

· Hayes started showing signs of dysbiosis (hard, swollen belly, frequent gas) and some hyperactivity. He would act manic in response to probiotics around 1 y.o.

· I ran a GI Map stool assessment on Hayes and it came back that he had SIBO. I started him on Gut-Cleanse Supplements (see below).

· Other symptoms I experienced since giving birth/moving into the house hair was falling out, suppressed/flat mood, mild anxiety, poor memory/brain fog, no apatite, mild weight gain, no thirst, irregular cycle then lost my cycle all together as of 2019, dermatitis behind my ears and on my scalp, dandruff for the first time in my life, my skin itched all over, insomnia, rash under wedding ring and under my armpit, lower back pain, and tiny cherry angiomas all over my skin.

· At this time I was seeing a Functional MD and acupuncturist to try and address my symptoms and I took Hayes to a Functional Pediatrician to run some advanced test. See below for details.

· I was convinced all of my symptoms were from an EBV diagnosis until we did further testing.

· August 2018 we saw mold under our bathroom sink (a lot). We ran a DIY Mold test that came back positive for Aspergillus (a common mold from water damage).

· Aug 2018 I then decided to test myself. I ran Great Plains Mycotoxin Profile on myself (this is a urine panel that you take at home). This came back positive for Ochratoxin A, which is a mycotoxin from Aspergillus, the same mold that was under the sink. Normal range <4, my level was 11.8. This mold byproduct is nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, and carcinogenic.

· Hayes started to cough at night, showing no signs of cold or illness during the day. He also would wake up from naps hysterically crying, daily.- June 2019

· I took Hayes to see a Functional MD to run labs. This is what she ran: CBC with Diff, Complete Metabolic Panel, HLA Mold Susceptibility Test, GX Science newborn genetic panel, Nutrients (Iron Panel, B12, Vit D), Homocysteine, ADH, TGF Beat-1, VIP, VEGF, AGA, MSH. Summary for Hayes’ visits: Hayes has a genetic haplotype for mold susceptibility and his MSH was low which indicated that the biotoxin pathway was upregulated and he was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This means that his immune system could not tag toxins when they came into his body leading to inflammation and hormone dysregulation. This was likely the root of his GI problems and sleep issues. The game plan was to 1. Remove mold exposure by cleaning up the house 2. Decrease inflammation 3. Detox the mycotoxins

· Jan 2020 we started Hayes on protocol below and performed more mold testing to get to the source.

· I continued to have problems but going to acupuncture regularly and taking a ton of Chinese herbs and liposomal Glutathione helped me improve about 50%.

· After Hayes’ lab results came back we immediately ran an ERMI (test details below) and got air filters for the bedrooms. We also purchased two additional air filters to go in the AC units: the REME Halo and the Bi-polar 2400.

· Our ERMI results came back at a 25 (ideally they should be 0-8)

· I got on The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation and found a licensed mold remediation company called a company to come and do a free inspection. They were familiar with the ERMI as well as the air filters I purchased, which was a good sign.

·The mold company found mold under our bathroom sink, and everywhere in the air ducts. It was extremely overwhelming.

· From this point on I became hyper aware of all of the health problems that Hayes and I were showing that were likely from mold and my anxiety was through the roof which led to a few weeks of chronic insomnia.

Hayes and I left to stay with my parents until the apartment was cleaned up.

· The entire air duct system was remediated.

· We also purchased a UV /Ozone light to kill any remaining spores that may have mobilized during the remediation.

· Below is a list of cleaning products we used on our clothes and in cleaning up the apartment.

· I personally discovered dietary and supplemental healing modality for ridding the body of mold and started the protocol Feb 2020 (more details below).

By March 2020 Hayes was 100% better and I was 95% improved. My energy was back, I was working out, my apatite was back, I lost 10#, my mood improved, etc! The only remaining symptoms were some mild skin irritations that were 75% better.

HAYES INTERVENTIONS + HEALING

Once our apartment air quality was cleaned up and Hayes went through about a month of an intense detox protocol, his health improved greatly. Hayes no longer has any Keratosis Pilaris, no belly distention or gas, reduced hyperactivity, much less frequent waking up from a nap crying. We were working on getting him to tolerate full dose probiotics and he takes minimal supplements. I ensure his diet is full of the nutrients he needs by avoiding processed food, sugar, wheat, artificial dyes, binders and fillers, etc.

     Below are supplements and medications that either I used for Hayes or were suggested for him. I will not disclose exactly the path we chose, but I think its important to share options for educational purposes.

Hayes’ Mold Supplements:

Liquid Multi—Mary Ruth Organics: 1 tsp/day

Goat Colostrum :1/2-1 cap (opened up and put into applesauce)/day

All the below supplements can me found at my dispensary at Fullscripts:

Liver Lover—Bioray: 15 drops 2x/day

NDF Calm—Bioray: 1 ml/day

Primary Detox—Bioray

Organic Digestive Bitters- Urban Moonshine

 Biocidin LSF—Biobotanical Research 1-5 drops 2/day

 OmegAvail Smoothie—Designs for Health 1 tbps/day

 Eicosamax—Klaire Labs: 1 tsp/day

 Immune GI Recovery-Neurobiologix 1 chewable tablet/ day  

Kidz Digestive Enzymes –Transformation Enzymes: 1 with each meal

Buffered Lemon C Powder 1/4-1/2 scoop/day

 Liquid Vitamin D3+K2- Ortho Molecular 3 drops/day

 D-Chiro Inositol- Neurobiologix: 1/2 capsule /day

 B12 5000—Pure Encapsulations: 1 droppper/day

 B12 Lotion by Neurobiologix: 1 pump/day

Inulin- NOW: 1/4 tsp/day

 Megasporebiotic- Microbiomlabs 1/4 cap /day

 RX:

Cholestyramine (CSM): Compounded

 Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): topical

CARLI’S INTERVENTIONS + HEALING

I started out trying to treat myself, and I pulled out all the tricks I knew, but nothing was working. I saw Functional MDs who wanted to RE-run the tests and suggest more supplements but I was not impressed and they weren’t coming up with anything that I hadn’t already thought of. So I turned to Chinese medicine. Working with an acupuncturist helped me a lot, with mood especially. And the Chinese herbs helped with the hormonal bloating, but it always came back. My energy also improved with treatments but only marginally.  I knew my detox pathways were being supported some but again, it just wasn’t enough to address the mold and secondary endocrine issues. At some point I found myself taking way too many supplements and the treatments were not giving me enough improvement for what they were costing financially. My intuition led me elsewhere and this is when I first discovered a dietary “Bean Protocol” created by a biochemist turned nutritionist, Karen Hurd. Beans are a powerful source of soluble fiber which can bind things like mycotoxins and excess hormones and remove them from the body. These two things are exactly what was draining my energy and once I added beans to my diet things started to get a little better. Then I hit another wall.

I continued to follow my intuition and I was very much ready for my next steps and put all of my symptoms behind me. This is when I rediscovered Ketosis. I studied the research and found out that this metabolic approach was a way to help the body heal itself and up-regulate my detox pathways even more. Carbohydrates follow water. So by eliminating carbs, I was helping force stagnent water our of my body and increase circulation. This also assisted in lowering inflammation and balancing my blood sugar. I also loved it for allowing me to fast without damaging my hormones further (very helpful when you are busy with little ones at home and running a business!) Starting keto was HUGE for me. It also didn’t hurt that I was finally losing the stubborn weight.

I knew that I would be detoxing on keto, so I needed a protocol that would help me bind all the things I wanted to get out of my body. Something led me to Cellcore supplements and I am so grateful. Cellcore uses carbon technology to safely bind and remove toxins like mold. Their products are gentle and they work really well. So I didn’t herx and I didn’t have to worry about cellular membrane damage from the detox process (this is a concern with typical binders). You can also take their binders with food and it won’t remove the beneficial nutrients and minerals. The place to start with cellcore is ALWAYS their drainage support/Jumpstart protocol you can get here (first freebie). It is the essential first step to binding toxins and preparing your body for further detox.

Within 3 weeks of Keto + Cellcore (exact protocol above) my energy was 90% regained after 2 long years of not being able to workout or leave the house much due to chronic fatigue. My cycle returned (perfect 30 days) my insomnia went away, and it all happed nearly overnight. I now have gotten rid of most (about 75%) of my cherry angiomas. I am now so passionate about how Keto and gentle detox have helped me detox and heal that I created my own programs based off the same principles. KETOBYCARLI is a virtual program I created that you can get instant access to so you can start using food to heal. It is also how I eat all of the time now because making Ketones makes you feel super human.

Customized Roadmap Programs are a 4, 6, or 9 month systemic detox program I created based on exactly what I took to get rid of the mold. I use mostly cellcore. Again, for those of you who want to get started feeling better ASAP, I created a free download with Phase 1 supplements to start to open your drainage/detox pathways. This is the exact protocol I use with all of my Mold exposure clients. I want to help as many people as I can feel better and overcome what I did.

I feel better than I have in years and I have very few cravings since my blood sugar is so balanced. When I carb cycle, I make sure incorporate beans as much as I can (for my family as well) so they can get the daily detox support they need.

Summary Points:

·      Even though mold is common, its genetic predisposition which makes some people especially vulnerable. My husband had some symptoms but nothing compared to my son and myself.

·      You MUST find the source and clean up the environment in order to begin to heal

·      Even if mold is “killed” its the mycotoxins that remain that cause the toxicity

·      Get outside more! Ground/Earth. The mold outdoors is not the problem, it’s our indoor air quality that matters most.

·      Diet and specifically, Ketosis with carb cycling with soluble fiber is KEY in removing mycotoxins

Additional MOLD Resources:

TESTING:

Great Plains Mycotoxin Test

GX Sciences Genetic Panel for Newborns

ERMI Mold Test:

The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) by Envirobiomics is a Swiffer test to measure mycotoxin levels in the house. It is not necessarily the actual mold that is the cause of the problem, but the mycotoxins that are released that cause the problem. If mold has died but the mycotoxins are still present then a spore trap that only looks for mold that is alive, will not find the mycotoxins that are present which are actually the cause for your symptoms and hormone dysregulation. The ERMI test is the only test thus far that has proven data which correlates with patients with CIRS.

The ERMI is the only type of test that uses Mold-Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSQPCR) and evaluates for species, spore viability, spore fragments, hyphae, hyphal fragments, AND health/safety exposure. The results can be used to evaluate the health effects by using what is called a Health Effects Roster Type Species Mycotoxin and Inflammagen formers-version 2 (HERTSMI-2). This tool is to be used in connection with biomarker results (labs) to predict what the total mold burden may be. Ideally for a person with CIRS, the HERTSMI-2 score should be less than 9.

MOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS:

1. Decon7 and RMR are products that can be used on surfaces to kill mold.

2. Micro Balance EC3 Mold Solution: a gentler product that can be used to clean on a daily basis

3. Laundry additive that kills mold on clothes: Micro Balance EC3 Laundry or Citrisafe

4. Tea tree essential oil may also be added to laundry to help eradicate mold.

5. Protex 90 is another company that have good mold cleaning supplies.

6. You can diffuse Thieves or Frankincense in your car and home and these essential oils (Young Living) help decrease the mold in the environment.

7. Home Biotic Probiotic air spray

8. One of the other products that can be used is called an AEROSOLVER which is a fogger product which binds to the mycotoxins in the air to weigh them down so that they can be wiped away.

HOUSTON INSPECTION + REMEDIATION CONTACTS:

Restore Renew Remediation

ARC Construction: Robert Lowery 281-924-1881

Patrick McIntyre from Asbestos Consulting Inc

Texas Mold Inspectors

Greg from Home Plus Restoration 

BOOKS:

-Mold Illness: Surviving and Thriving: A Recovery Manual for Patients & Families Impacted By CIRS by Paula Vetter, Laurie Rossi, and Cindy Edwards.

-TOXIC by Neil Nathan

-Break the Mold: 5 Tools to Conquer Mold and Take back your Health

WEBSITES:

https://www.jillcarnahan.com/

https://drcrista.com/

https://createyourhealthyhome.com/

https://www.survivingmold.com/

http://airinspector.com/

Mold Quiz: https://drcrista.com/quiz

PODCASTS:

The 4 Phase Cycle – Episode 2, 19

Dr. Jill’s Podcasts

Frolic and Flow Podcast With Dr. Jill

AIR FILTERS:

I chose the iAdaptAir. Since we spend so many hours sleeping, the bedroom is the most important place in the house for clean air. You will have to think about the size of your home or rooms when purchasing your filter.

We got one iAdaptAir with nano HEPA filter (no ozone released) for each bedroom, plus a REME Halo and the Bi-polar 2400. to be installed in our AC unit.

*I hope that this article was helpful. I have poured a lot of energy into it to hopefully make your lives easier. Please ALWAYS talk to your medical team before starting any supplements on your own. I wish you all the best in your health journey.

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Carli created WELLNESS BY CARLI to combine her love of real food with her knowledge of functional medicine. These article are to share what she has learned to hopefully help you heal and feel your best!

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Ketosis 101 + My Keto Story

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body is burning fat for energy instead of glucose (aka sugar). In order to become “fat adapted” and reach metabolic ketosis, you must lower your intake of carbs drastically and eat mostly fat and moderate amounts of protein.

When you avoid eating carbohydrates (fruit, sweeteners, grains etc), your body begins to break down fat for energy. The liver breaks down the fat into fatty acids and glycerol through a process called beta-oxidation. This process produces ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone).

You can measure the amount of ketones in your blood with a Keto Meter (I use Keto-mojo). Nutritional Ketosis is defined by serum ketone levels that fall between 0.5 to 3.0 mmol.

When broken down, 1 ketone can make 129 ATP (units of energy).

For reference, 1 molecule of glucose can only make 36 units of ATP.

What are the benefits of Ketosis?

Ketosis may not be for everyone, but I have had great success with this approach to eating (I will share more about my story below). The scientific research is extensive and shows that Ketosis can help achieve:

• Weight loss (increased fat burn)

• Lower apatite + cravings

• Improved fertility

• Blood sugar balance

• Increased energy

• Lower cholesterol + blood pressure

• Improved digestion

• Detoxification (we hold toxins in our fat cells)

• Reverse aging (ketosis can help lengthen telomeres)

• Improved concentration and memory

• Support against epilepsy and cancer

• & more

What to expect when trying Keto:

Since your body is going through a complete metabolic shift when entering ketosis, the transition may be uncomfortable at first. Your body is not used to burning fat as fuel, so you may experience some “Keto Flu” type symptoms. These symptoms usually only last a few days up to 2 weeks and include:

• Fatigue

• Digestive shifts: bloat, loose stools, constipation, cramps

• Headaches

• Lightheadedness

• Bad breath

• Intense cravings

• Sleeping issues

• Feeling weak

• Mood swings

Who should avoid Ketosis?

Before starting the ketogenic diet, it’s always best to consult with your physician if you have a history of existing health conditions including diabetes, kidney disease or damage, gallbadder issues, heart problems, or history of battling an eating disorder.

My personal Keto story:

To me the benefits of Ketosis far outweigh the negatives. I also make sure to still enjoy social engagements and cycle my carbs appropriately to be fully enjoying life. The first time I tried ketosis was in 2013. I taught a Keto class at the nutrition practice where I was working and decided to try it for myself. Once I adapted, I was sold. It was the first time since college that I could remember feeling truly fantastic. My energy levels soared, my sleep improved, my cycle regulated and most importantly, the water retention that I was plagued with was finally gone. I used this dietary approach for about a year and it even helped me feel my best for my wedding day. Also, as I mentioned above, Ketosis can drastically improve fertility and I actually wound up getting pregnant 2 months after getting married, without trying to conceive.

Of course, the keto stopped there because I was pregnant. Once my little one arrived I was dealing with a lot of stress of being a depleted first time mom. I had ZERO interest in doing Ketosis again for years. Its worth nothing that it took me much longer to conceive baby #2 not being in Ketosis. Baby #2 was born in Jan 2022. I intentionally took a full year to recover and enjoy postpartum/newborn life. I nourished myself with a pro-metabolic approach and loved it. I was feeling good, but the weight from #2 would not budge and I was also feeling inflamed.

I wound up tearing my meniscus simply getting up off the floor, which likely happened because of the inflammation. So in preparation for a knee surgery, I started doing Keto again to support my recovery. I really believe it helped me bounce back much faster and in the process of healing, the baby weight was finally falling off.

As of now, I have been doing keto again for about 6 weeks and I feel the best I have in a long time. I know this approach is not for everyone, but its truly the most potent food-as-medicine experience I have had personally. My mood is always good, my cycle has re-regulated, my energy is steady, and I finally fit in my pre-baby clothes again.

*There is much more to say on this subject regarding how to do Keto the right way with carb cycling, clean food choices, hydration + electrolytes, supplements, movement etc.

This is why I have launched a LIVE virtual keto class program with weekly Q&A! Be sure to check it out HERE

I also currently work 1:1 with clients in achieving metabolic ketosis in my practice.

Carli created WELLNESS BY CARLI to combine her love of real food with her knowledge of functional medicine. These article are to share what she has learned to hopefully help you heal and feel your best!

Pro-Metabolic Eating to Boost Your Metabolism

What is a pro-metabolic diet? 

Pro-metabolic eating is simply eating traditional foods that nourish and support the function of your body’s biological systems. The phrase “pro-metabolic diet”  is not really ideal since it lends itself to being just another “fad” but this is far from the case. This is a way of eating that is based on what your body needs to thrive, plain and simple. 

Since having my second baby, I have really had to work to bounce back. My body was/is depleted and needs significant replenishment. As any new mom knows, there is not a lot of “free time” when you have an infant (and a toddler!) to cook and get creative in the kitchen. There is rarely someone else helping me prepare foods so that I can take time to heal. So every bite I take needs to be extremely efficient and strategic. I need to be eating nutrient dense foods with a purpose. 

When I first learned about the Pro-Metabolic approach to nourishment, a lot of bells went off. I felt as though I finally had the full-circle understanding of how to eat for robust health. That is no small statement as I have been studying food and nutrition science for over half of my lifetime. The work of researchers like Dr. Ray Peat, Kate Deering, and Dr. Morley Robbins guided me back to studying the basics of the metabolism and what it needs to thrive. The definition of metabolism is a sum of every metabolic process in your body from detox to digestion to respiration.  Eating in a way that supports your metabolism is eating to support your WHOLE body. 

So whether you are a new mom like me and you are working to just feel like yourself again, or you just want to feel more vibrant and energetic…these tips will get you started and point you in the right direction. 

Tip #1 Eat a combination of protein, carb, and fat within 30-60 minutes of waking up…BEFORE your coffee!

If you are dealing with irregular blood sugar, this tip is crucial for you.  You will know that you that your blood sugar is out of balance from certain symptoms like weight loss resistance, getting hangry or shaky between meals, extreme cravings, and disrupted sleep. Fixing these issues starts with the first thing you eat in the morning! I know…this is not want you want to hear. Most people love to wake up and go right to the coffee pot. BUT it will send your stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) through the roof and immediately slow down your metabolism. I have personally tested this by taking my temperature and pulse before and after a fasted cup of morning coffee and the results are undeniable. My pulse shot up (indicating stress) and my temperature went down, leaving my hands and feet very cold (indicating slowed fat burn and metabolic rate). So, if you can, eat your breakfast first thing. If you aren’t hungry, have a little snack like fruit and cheese or a little yogurt and honey, then have your coffee. I really dress up my post-breakfast coffee big for balance and additional nourishment: heavy creamer for some fat, maple syrup for carbs and extra minerals, and collagen protein for amino acids and gut health. 

FOR MORE TIPS ON BLOOD SUGAR, CHECK OUT MY MINI-EBOOK

TIP #2 Increase mineral intake through Strategic Hydration + Eating More seafood. 

Minerals are a HUGE component of a healthy metabolism. Nutrients  like magnesium, copper, selenium and calcium are essential for fueling our system and turning food into energy. 

HYDRATION

We all know hydration is important especially when its 100 degrees in Texas. But guzzling water without minerals is not helpful and can even be problematic for mineral balance. We need to consume water with minerals to help draw the water INTO the cells so they can be utilized instead of excreted right out. We need to focus on effective hydration with electrolytes and minerals. Drinking plain water can lead to an electrolyte imbalance causing water retention, headaches and other issues including a slow metabolism. Minerals also fuel mitochondria which are the energy factories of the body. If we are lacking minerals, we can feel fatigued and drained. If you look into The Kreb’s Cycle you will learn that it is the biological process in the body that turns glucose (food)  into ATP (energy). Minerals are the precursors and co-factors that make this cycle work. Simply put: no minerals = no energy and slow metabolism. 

Hydration Check:

• You should only be peeing 4-5 times a day 

• You should not have to get up at night to use the bathroom

• Urine should be slightly yellow (not clear!) 

• You should not feel thirsty all the time

So how do you hydrate properly:

• Drink non-water beverages including bone broth, grass-fed milk, mineral rich teas (like nettle) and fruit juice at meal time

• Add sea salt to your food and sprinkle in your water  (I like the brand Redmond’s)

• Drink Mineral Elixirs (Recipes on my free day of eating download)

• Make spa water with fruit and/or cucumber infusions 

• Consume water rich foods like fruit or gazpacho

• Use electrolyte sticks like Endura by Metagenics or LMNT

SEAFOOD

Seafood is my other favorite way to get minerals and it truly deserves the protein spotlight. Seafood is shockingly fast to prepare and it is packed with essential minerals that we need to thrive. I personally am partial to shellfish for its nutritional value and convenience. Shrimp, oysters, and scallops are two of my favorite choices. They are high in vitamins A, C, D, and E and B vitamins. They are a great source of B12 which is needed for every metabolic process in the body. They are especially rich in minerals: zinc, copper, selenium, iron, magnesium, sodium and manganese.  They are also a great source of selenium which is an important mineral in thyroid activation. Most Americans are deeply deficient in minerals  since our soils are so depleted. This means our food simply does not have the mineral content it used to and we need to be intentional about consuming mineral rich foods. 

TIP #3 Avoid PUFAS

My final tip for improving your metabolism is to avoid PUFAS (poly-unsaturated fatty acids). Poly means many. The chemical structure of this type of fat has MULTIPLE double bonds that are left unsaturated with hydrogen and therefore the MOST susceptible fats to damage from light, heat, and air. This means PUFAs become rancid very easily. Most PUFAs found in food are completely artificial fats made with modern processing techniques. There are absolutely no PUFA oils that come out of the factories 100% toxin free. 

PUFAs are found in some level in most foods but most of them are consumed from grain-fed animals, soybean oil, corn oil, safflower oil, rapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, and nut oils. On top of increasing cellular damage, PUFAs have been found in research to:

•  slow down nutrient absorption and therefore the entire metabolism

•  increase the need for vitamin E and B6

• accelerate aging and age spots

•  damage mitochondria

•  inhibit enzyme function

• inhibit thyroid hormone production

• Inhibit  clot removal

•  suppress immunity

•  lower protein absorption

•  lower general cell adaptability.

 I could go on and on but if you want to read more research on the connection between PUFAs and the onset of disease- I have linked an amazing website on The PUFA Project that shares all the studies in one place as well as a great article By Dr. Ray Peat. 

A pro-metabolic approach to eating makes food fun again and is actually very liberating. Keep your eye out for the class I will be launching soon for a deep dive into what to eat, how to eat, and how much to eat to boost your metabolism and heal for good.

But what do I eat?

I created a pro-metabolic meal plan to take the guesswork out of planning your nourishment!

Grab Yours

Carli created WELLNESS BY CARLI to combine her love of real food with her knowledge of functional medicine. These article are to share what she has learned to hopefully help you heal and feel your best!