Subject: What's the deal with vitamin D☀️, a connection between cancer and sugar?... and other tips for this week.

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Hi Friend,


Happy Sunday and hello from California! If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen a few shots from our 3-day road trip last week. I'm happy to report that we made it safely and that we're all healthy. A few people mentioned that they're considering road trips as well, and asked if I had any advice, so I put together some tips and pics here.


A few other wellness tips and resources that I wanted to share this week:

Vitamin D

Many people have asked me about supplements. My answer: this should be personalized and established in partnership with a medical provider. I'm much more focused on a quality diet than supplements, but vitamin D3/K2 is something we take consistently.


The vast majority of Americans are deficient in vitamin D (aka "the sunshine vitamin," though it's actually a hormone). This is a concern because vitamin D plays a role in countless functions including bone health, calcium absorption, reducing inflammation and boosting mood (source). Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to heart disease and high blood pressure, diabetes, infections and immune system disorders, certain cancers, and autoimmune issues such as multiple sclerosis (source). A deficiency can also impact mental health (source).


Experts are currently examining a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and higher Covid-19 hospitalization and mortality rates. There haven't been randomized, controlled trials, so this is not conclusive (more here), but the findings are certainly noteworthy.


Considerations + tips to discuss with your doctor:

  1. Have your vitamin D levels checked so that you can supplement appropriately if needed. This may look different seasonally.

  2. Vitamin D and vitamin K work synergistically. D3 and K2 are widely believed to be the best forms for supplementation, which is why I use a D3/K2 combined supplement.

Check out this post from Dr. Mark Hyman for more info. 

Podcast: Is Cancer Caused by Sugar?

It's hard to find a family that hasn't been affected by cancer. The rates are simply staggering, which is probably why I've been so interested in learning about risk factors and prevention. This podcast touches on the fact that most cancers are not generic certainties (according to the National Cancer Institute: inherited genetic mutations play a major role in ~5-10 percent of all cancers). They also discuss various environmental and lifestyle factors that may influence the likelihood of developing it. Worth a listen.

An Asian Spin on Braised Chicken

Speaking of sugar - here's a tip if you want to cut down on sweets or snacking (if you're like me and can never "just have one")... focus on wholesome meals that include healthy fats, quality proteins, plenty of flavor, and fiber-filled veggies that will leave you feeling satisfied. Check out this recipe if you want something that'll check all the boxes!


Thank you for reading! If you're taking time off this week, I hope you get some rest, take lots of walks (10 a week if you can!), and stay healthy. And sending you a big hug if this is a tough time for you.


Happy Holidays!

Jess XO




P.S. Do you know someone who'd appreciate yummy recipes, clean products recommendations, and healthy living tips? Here are some links you can pass along: weekly newsletter sign-upInstagramPinterest, and Facebook. Thank you so much for sharing!



 
 
 

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Please feel free to ask if you have questions about any of these products. I will always give you my honest opinion and do my best to point you in the right direction!

 
 

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