We all know that aging is a normal part and progression of life. However, not many people know what is a normal sign of aging or a warning sign of something far more devastating down the line. It is estimated that more than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s. As I mentioned previously, not all of us know which aspects of our daily lives are normal and which are full of red flags for Alzheimer’s or dementia. There is nothing more terrifying than not being able to trust your own mind. At the end of the day, our memories are easily one of our most treasured objects. Unfortunately, with diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia these precious memories fade away like grains of sand through an hourglass. 

Broken Shells

I realize that to someone who hasn’t been touched by this corrosive disease it can seem like I am being overly dramatic, but I can assure you it is so much worse than I am making it sound. It is difficult to explain the way it feels to watch someone you know and love fade away right before your eyes. Unlike diseases that focus on breaking down the physical body first, Alzheimer’s and dementia destroy your loved ones from the inside out. There’s no faking or putting on a strong face just the broken shell of the person you once knew. Each day you watch as more and more of what is identified and defined disappears beneath the surface never to be seen again. It is without a doubt a brutal and excruciating experience for everyone involved.

One Disease To Rule Them All

With an estimated 12.7 million Americans projected to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by 2050, it is safe to say it is a disease we will all be too familiar with before long. So far in the year 2022, the cost nationally for Alzheimer’s and dementia is $321 billion dollars. By the year 2050, the cost is estimated to be 1 trillion dollars. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this is that 83% of care is provided by family members. Most of these cases are the daughters of the individuals diagnosed. Of the 83%, 25% of these caregivers also take care of at least one child on top of providing care for their loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. With a whopping 70% of health costs being paid out-of-pocket, it is clear how health and medical are our nation’s leading types of debt. It is clear that something needs to be done to help prevent and slow the progression of this unforgiving disease. With Alzheimer’s or dementia being the leading cause of death in 1 out of 3 seniors the time to act is now.

Support Your Mental Health Today

But what can we do to help support our mental health while slowing the ravages of time? One of the best things any of us can do is to become more educated on what is and is not a normal sign of aging. Occasional short-term memory loss, especially when stressed or tired is normal. Not being able to identify everyday objects by looking at them or feeling them is not. There is even a test you can perform on yourself or loved ones to test their mental recall. These tests also factor in changes in depth perception and issues with special recognition. Other things we can do are things like regular exercise, social activity, brain or mind games, annual checkups, investing in proper vitamins and minerals, swapping to an anti-inflammatory diet, and detoxing regularly.

Eliminate Toxins With Ease

Excess toxins can actually speed up the degrading of our bodies and mental function. While our bodies are able to detox regularly while we sleep, issues with stress, or immunity can decrease this function. Not to mention there is a limit to how much our bodies are capable of doing on their own. Given the exponentially higher amount of environmental toxins we are all exposed to on a daily basis, our physical bodies are unable to take on the overwhelming workload alone. As a by-product, we are noticing an increase in liver, adrenal, hormonal, and autoimmune diseases, an increase in signs of early aging, and yes a decline in mental function. All of these can be avoided by aiding our body in the elimination of these toxic overloads. Luckily, detoxing doesn’t have to be some big production. You can do so naturally with food and with little to no effort.

Cinnamon Crunch Brioche Bread

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Serves 12

Bread:

• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 3 tsp yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 12 Tbsp vegan butter
• 2 cups coconut flour
• 1 cup almond flour

Coating:

• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp pure vanilla
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup brown coconut sugar

Topping:

• 1 Tbsp vegan butter cold
• 1/4 cup brown coconut sugar
• 1 tsp ground sugar
• 2 Tbsp chopped pecans

Directions:

Combine warm water, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until incorporated. Add in eggs and melted butter mixing until combined. Gradually mix in the dough until it comes together. Remove the dough from the bowl and place it onto a lightly floured surface. Grease a large bowl and transfer to the bowl, cover the bowl with a towel and let sit for 1-2 hours or until it is doubled in size. Refrigerate overnight or for up to 5 days. When ready to bake remove and let sit at room temp for 15 minutes. Mix together coating and topping in two small bowls. Grease the bread pan and sprinkle the coating into the pan. Separate the dough into 3 lines and coat in the sugar coating. Interlace the dough together. Place into pan fold if necessary to fit. Cover the dough with a towel and let rise again for 1-2 hours. Put the topping onto the dough. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-55 minutes. Tent with tinfoil after 15-20 minutes of baking and let cool for 10 minutes in pan.

Lemon Collard Green Pasta

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 2

• 8 ounces fresh collard greens
• 2 servings of gluten-free pasta
• 3 Tbsp pine nuts
• 2 gloves garlic pressed
• 1/2 lemon or more cut into wedges
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegan parmesan

Directions:

Cook pasta as directed on the box, and make sure to reserve some of the pasta water. Cut the center rib of each collard green. Stack the greens and roll them. Once greens are rolled cut them as thinly as possible. Give the greens a few more chops to shorten the length. In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts and set them aside. Return the skillet to medium heat with a Tbsp of oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Once the oil shimmers add the greens. Saute the greens for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add the pasta, and a drizzle of oil, nuts, parmesan, and pasta water if needed to create a sauce. Squeeze lemon juice over the top of the pasta and top with additional parmesan.

Spiced Berry Punch

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 8

• 2 cups Fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup date syrup
• 1 inch fresh ginger sliced thin
• 8 allspice berries
• 5 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 cups pomegranate juice
• 6 cups coconut water
• 3 oranges sliced
• 2 cups vodka

Directions:

In a pot, bring 1/2 cup water, cranberries, syrup, ginger, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes or until the cranberries burst, then remove from heat. Let cool completely and strain. Into a large pitcher combine the cranberry syrup and the remaining ingredients mix and let chill until ready to serve.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Rice Pilaf

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Serves 6

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 shallots minced
• 1 lemon juiced and zested
• 4 carrots minced
• 1 1/2 cups mushrooms minced
• 3 Tbsp vegan butter
• 1 1/2 cups wild rice
• 1/2 cup gluten-free orzo
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 apple diced
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 Tbsp dijon mustard

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Season the chicken with paprika, zest, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers brown the chicken on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan. Into the skillet, add shallots, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, until just caramelized. Add the butter, rice, orzo, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and apple. Cook for 5 minutes, until lightly toasted and golden. Add the cider, wine, dijon, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Slide the chicken back into the pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked. To serve, fluff the rice with a fork and serve with the chicken, rice, and vegetables together.

Get Started Today

Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and a healthy mind. There are tons of foods you can add to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you are looking for a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home be sure to check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so important and realistically everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis I have taken the time to put together a program to help you do just that. Here’s the thing, I know working with me one-on-one can seem difficult to get into (due to limited space) and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!

 Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help, I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected], or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!