Amy Myers's Blog, page 48

What Is Die-Off And How to Avoid It

I’ll bet a lot of you made some good starts at taking charge of your health this year. Maybe you vowed to exercise more, get a better night’s sleep, or take control of your diet once and for all. Perhaps you have ditched gluten, said goodbye to caffeine and alcohol, and bid sugar a bittersweet “adieu.” And you feel great, right? Or maybe not. It could be that you felt terrific at first, and now you suddenly have flu-like symptoms or are dealing with other issues such as headaches, brain fog, or even nausea. You might be thinking, “How could I possibly feel bad when I’m doing something so good for myself?” If this sounds familiar, it’s likely you are experiencing what is known as “die-off”.

Die-off can be common for people who are trying an elimination diet, a 30-day challenge, a cleanse, or simply avoiding certain foods such as carbs, sugar, dairy, and alcohol. It can cause irritability, fatigue, digestive issues, and other unpleasant symptoms that can make sticking with these beneficial changes challenging to say the least. Not to worry! These symptoms are just temporary, and the good news is you’re on the right track.

To help you avoid die-off—or to quickly remedy it if you do experience this phenomenon—I have some tried-and-true solutions for you. First, let’s discuss what die-off actually is and why it happens.

Die-off and Its Causes

Die-off, also known as the Herxheimer reaction, is a bodily process triggered by a sudden increase in endotoxins. These harmful substances are released when microorganisms in the body such as fungi and yeasts, as well as bacteria, are destroyed. Rapid destruction of microorganisms can cause a flood of endotoxins. When this occurs, your immune system responds by triggering an acute immune response resulting in inflammation that can be experienced throughout the body. This can cause a worsening of current symptoms and the development of new symptoms.

Die-off can be the result of medications such as anti-fungals or antibiotics. What many people don’t realize when they suddenly change their diets during a detox or cleanse, or even just a switch to a healthy eating plan, is that this is also a common cause of die-off and its accompanying symptoms. Here’s why.

The bacteria and yeasts that live in your gut thrive on sugar. A small amount of these bacteria and yeasts, including the very small amounts of Candida that is critical for digestion, are beneficial. However, if you’ve been consuming a diet high in carbs, sugar, and alcohol, you likely have a lot more of these than your body needs, and they fuel your desire to consume even more carbs and sugars. When you limit your intake of sugar and carbs, it starves this overpopulation, causing a die-off.

As yeasts die they release a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which is the same byproduct that is produced when you drink alcohol. Acetaldehyde is a neurotoxin, so it can be irritating to your brain and it can even cause neurologic symptoms, which is why some people literally feel as if they are drunk during a die-off. To make matters worse, yeast also produces a toxin known as gliotoxin, which can suppress your immune system and damage liver cells1. I’ll get more into why this is so crucial in a bit. Because your body is being flooded with toxins faster than it can clear them, you can experience a range of issues that typically last 3-7 days2.

Symptoms of Die-off

Brain fog
Headaches
Fatigue
Moodiness and irritability
Bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Joint pain
Nausea
Skin issues
Flu-like symptoms

You are more likely to experience die-off if your detox pathways are compromised (e.g. if you have an MTHFR mutation), you already had a high toxic burden and the dying microorganims are overwhelming your system (e.g. if you frequently use toxic body products, eat fish contaminated with heavy metals, or live in a polluted area), or if you are simply clearing an overgrowth of yeast too fast!

How to Avoid Die-off

If die-off is an indication that you are clearing your body from bacteria and yeast your body doesn’t need, why would you want to avoid it? Aside from feeling miserable, die-off is a toxic state. The longer your body remains in this toxic state, the more likely you are to reabsorb the toxins being released by the dying microorganisms.

So let’s take a look at some of the ways you can prevent die-off symptoms while you change to a healthy diet.. Then, if you’re already experiencing die-off, I’ll cover the steps on how to reduce your symptoms so you can start feeling great again!

1. Go Slow

First, it’s important for you to be gentle on yourself. I never believe that you need to feel bad in order to feel good. When your excess microorganisms die too fast, your body simply cannot handle the huge toxic burden from the acetaldehyde being produced. Take it slow! Begin by gradually transitioning to a diet of less sugar and fewer carbs each day. I also recommend supporting your body with a combination of supplements that naturally destroy yeast and encourage good bacteria growth.

2. Reduce Your Toxic Burden

One reason you may experience die-off is because you already have a high accumulation of toxins in your body. Taming the toxins is crucial to help you avoid die-off symptoms. See this article for tips on how to reduce your toxic burden.

3. Support Your Detox Pathways

Remember what I said about gliotoxin damaging your liver cells? Your liver is your number one detox organ, which is why if you’ve been dealing with excess yeast in the form of Candida in your gut, your liver is probably not working optimally. That’s why it’s so essential to support your detox pathways.

One of my favorite tools for this is Acetyl-Glutathione. Glutathione is your body’s most powerful detoxifier, and can help your body process and eliminate toxins. As a bonus, glutathione supports your immune system. Supplementing with glutathione will help your body counteract the immunosuppressive effects of gliotoxin, and you’ll be better equipped to deal with die-off..

Steps to Reduce the Symptoms of Die-off

1. Take Coconut Charcoal

Coconut Charcoal binds to toxins and helps flush them from your body safely and quickly. Coconut Charcoal is activated, which means that it’s been heated to really high temperatures in order to create millions of tiny little pores, giving it an incredibly large surface area that allows it to bind the toxins.

The way that charcoal works is through adsorption, rather than absorption. It’s full of negatively charged ions that work like magnets to attract positively charged elements such as the toxic byproducts released during die-off. These byproducts bind to the outside of the activated charcoal and get trapped in its tiny little pores. Once trapped, the charcoal quickly escorts these harmful byproducts out of your body so they don’t get reabsorbed.

I recommend taking one capsule of Coconut Charcoal in the morning and one capsule in the evening to help minimize die-off symptoms.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

You want to make sure you’re drinking at least 8 oz. of filtered water while you’re taking Coconut Charcoal in order to support your digestion since charcoal may cause constipation. In fact, drinking water is hugely important during the detox process as it is. My motto is when it comes to detoxifying, you need to make sure you’re peeing, pooping, and sweating every single day. Drinking plenty of water will help ensure that you’re doing all three of these.

Stirring a scoop of Organic Greens into your water is a simple and effective way to supercharge your detox efforts with immune-boosting greens and superfoods. Organic Greens also contains spirulina and chlorella, which are natural chelators that can help speed up the elimination of toxins from your body.

3. Sweat

When it comes to sweating, my favorite way to sweat out toxins is to get in my infrared sauna. You can check out this article to learn more about infrared saunas, how they work, and why they’re beneficial for your health. I personally use mine a few times a week and it’s a great way to sweat out toxins.

Now, I know that not everybody has an infrared sauna, so not to worry! You can always do light exercise or use a traditional sauna to help you sweat out the toxins.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is super important while you are working to overcome die-off because it’s when your detox pathways are the most active! I recommend getting 8-9 hours of sleep while you are detoxing so that your body has plenty of time to rest and rejuvenate.

Again, if you’re not experiencing die-off, bravo! And if you are having any die-off symptoms whatsoever, don’t worry! Following these simple steps will get you back on track in no time at all. I am SO proud of you for taking your health into your own hands, and remember: you don’t have to go through this alone!

A Limited Opportunity

As I mentioned, yeasts such as Candida feed on sugar. If you’ve been eating an unhealthy diet of carbs, sugars, and alcohol, you are very likely to have an overgrowth of Candida in your body because it is very opportunistic. It can break down the walls of your intestines—causing leaky gut—and can then travel to the rest of your body. From there it can colonize your skin, ears, thyroid, respiratory tract, and other areas of your body, leading to a host of symptoms including brain fog, skin irritation, seasonal allergies, mood swings and autoimmune disorders.

If you suspect you have Candida (take this FREE quiz to find out) or you know you have it, my live Candida Breakthrough Challenge is the perfect place for you to break the vicious cycle of sugar, carbs, caffeine, or alcohol.

The Challenge is a very special opportunity to join me, my registered dietician, and hundreds of others in completing the program together as a LIVE challenge.

Because my entire team and I put our heart and souls into focusing all of our time and resources to the live challenge, I am only able to offer this only ONCE a year. There will not be another opportunity to participate in the challenge this year.

I personally LOVE the live Challenges because I am so inspired by the level of support and encouragement of the group. Imagine hundreds of people beating Candida together, sharing their successes, offering support and knowing you’re not alone. With the live Challenges I can FEEL we are in this together, beating Candida for good.

You have a limited time to enroll — this is not a scare or marketing tactic — it’s real. And that is so that we can all start the challenge on the same day (including me and my registered dietician.)

So don’t wait–take back your health TODAY! Sign up for the Candida Breakthrough Challenge!

The post What Is Die-Off And How to Avoid It appeared first on Amy Myers MD.

Why You Should Ditch Fermented Foods if You Have Candida

Many people dealing with gut health issues, particularly Candida or yeast overgrowth, add fermented foods into their diet as part of their treatment protocol. Their aim is to rebuild their population of probiotics that keep bad bacteria and yeast in check. However, I strongly advocate avoiding fermented foods if you have Candida. Here’s why:

A Recap on Candida

Candida is a yeast—a simple fungus—that is naturally present in your digestive tract. It helps you digest what you eat, and assists in drawing nutrients from those foods. Your body only needs a very small amount of Candida to perform these essential functions, and the “good” bacteria in your gut generally keep Candida levels from getting out of control.1 However, there are several common circumstances that can easily lead to Candida overwhelming your “good” bacteria. These include:

A high carb and high sugar diet, which can fuel the growth of Candida
Excessive alcohol consumption, which weakens your immune system
Antibiotics that kill your body’s good bacteria along with the bad
Chronic stress, which impairs your immune system and negatively impacts your digestive system
Immunosuppressant drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases that reduce your body’s infection-fighting abilities

Once Candida’s reproduction is no longer balanced by “good” bacteria, Candida can break down the walls of the intestine and enter your bloodstream. This Candida overgrowth can cause leaky gut which carries with it a wide array of health problems from irritable bowel syndrome and skin issues, to fatigue and mood swings that can appear in every part of the body.

How Fermentation Works

All yeasts, including Candida and the edible type used to make bread for example, need sugar to thrive. Yeasts, with the help of certain bacteria, break down sugars for their fuel through the process of fermentation. There are two main types of fermentation: alcohol fermentation and lacto-fermentation, in which the lactobacillus species of bacteria is part of the process.2 Various strains of lactobacillus bacteria are present in plants, and are also naturally found among the “good” bacteria in your gut. In fact, strains of Lactobacillus are often found in probiotic supplements because of their gut health benefits.

During the fermentation process, the lactobacillus multiplies quickly, because in addition to producing enzymes and nutrients the fermentation process produces prebiotics, which help probiotics grow. Because of this, fermented foods are very high in probiotics3, as well as prebiotics, which feed your gut’s natural probiotics when you eat them. They’re also high in lactic acid, which helps retard the growth of “bad” bacteria. This is why fermented foods don’t spoil quickly.

Why Fermented Foods Cause Problems

That sounds like you should be eating fermented foods if you have Candida overgrowth, doesn’t it? However, it’s a bit more complicated than that. All of the prebiotics produced during the fermentation process feed not only the “good” bacteria, they also feed bad bacteria and yeast, meaning fermented foods themselves may be high in bad bacteria and yeast.

In addition, the high concentration of prebiotics found in fermented foods also make their way to your gut, where they feed probiotics, bad bacteria, and yeast alike. So if you are dealing with Candida overgrowth, and already have an overpopulation of bad bacteria or yeast, eating fermented foods is the equivalent of adding fuel to the fire.

So while it’s true that fermented foods do have potential health benefits, they may actually cause more harm than good by perpetuating gut infections. Here are the main culprits you should avoid, at the very least until you are sure your Candida is back in balance with the rest of your gut microbiome:

Beer: Technically a byproduct of the fermentation of barley, it also contains gluten.

Champagne: The signature bubbles are created by a second fermentation of white wine with added sugar and yeast.

Kefir: Milk that has been fermented with the addition of live kefir grains.

Kimchi: Shredded cabbage and radishes fermented with garlic, salt, and spices.

Kombucha: Tea fermented with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).

Sauerkraut: Shredded cabbage fermented with salt.

Vinegar: Wine with added bacteria that changes the alcohol to an acid.

Wine: The result of fermented fruit, usually red or green grapes.

Yogurt: Milk fermented with yogurt cultures to produce lactic acid.

Treating Candida Overgrowth

Although adding fermented foods to your diet will not help resolve Candida overgrowth, there are steps you can take. To get your Candida back in check, you’ll need to restore the “good” bacteria and repair your gut so that Candida cannot enter your bloodstream. You can accomplish this with the simple and proven three-action approach in my 30-day Candida Breakthrough Challenge. With my support and an online community of people just like you who are fighting Candida, here’s what you’ll do:

Step 1. Starve the Candida by removing the foods that feed it from your diet. This means eliminating all sugar and alcohol, and restricting carbohydrates such as fruit, starchy vegetables, grains, and legumes. It also means ditching all fermented foods.
Step 2. Attack the Candida by taking supplements that destroy Candida’s cell walls. I like to use Candifense as well as Caprylic Acid, both of which are excellent at breaking down the walls of Candida cells to destroy them.
Step 3. Repopulate your gut with good bacteria by taking a high-potency probiotic that keeps Candida under control. While battling Candida, I recommend a probiotic supplement containing 100 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) to restore your gut’s healthy microbial balance.

Sign Up NOW for the Challenge!

If you’re ready to banish your Candida symptoms and restore your health for the happy, vibrant life you should be living, sign up now to for the FREE TRAINING that will kick off the challenge. Join participants from all over the world during this reservation-only, one-hour event, to discover:

How Candida can affect all parts of your body, from your brain to your skin.
The main ways Candida gets out of control.
The danger of not clearing Candida, and how it can lead to chronic health conditions, including autoimmunity.
The 3 easy steps to beating Candida once and for all.
And most importantly, how YOU can eliminate your symptoms and live a life filled with energy and vitality.

Spots are limited and they are filling up fast, so don’t wait. Sign up for this training (It’s absolutely FREE!) so that you, too, can beat Candida for good!

The post Why You Should Ditch Fermented Foods if You Have Candida appeared first on Amy Myers MD.

Chocolate Fudge Snack Bites

Are you in the reintroduction phase and looking for a quick, healthy snack to satisfy your sweet tooth? Then you need this Chocolate Fudge Snack Bite recipe. It is easy, delicious, and nutritious.

Unsweetened cocoa powder is a great source of the magnesium that is essential for your digestion. It also supports heart health, brain health, and healthy hair, skin, and nails. If you think that was a lot, we just barely scratched the surface of what magnesium can do for your body.

Not only does this recipe include the essential nutrient magnesium, coconut provides healthy fat while two scoops of my favorite The Myers Way® collagen give this gut-healthy snack an extra boost of protein. Whip up this recipe whenever you need something to kick sugar cravings to the curb.

Chocolate Fudge Snack Bites






Course

Snack


Protocol

Autoimmune Solution (AIP), Candida Control and SIBO, Elimination Diet, Paleo, Thyroid Connection


Keyword

AIP, Autoimmune, Candida, Paleo, The Myers Way, TTC








Ingredients

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 cup coconut flour2 scoops The Myers Way® Collagen Protein1/2 cup cacao butter room temperature (if you have introduced almonds into your diet, you can use almond butter here instead!)1/2 cup coconut oil1/4 tsp powdered stevia

Servings:

Units:
MetricUS Imperial

Instructions

Place all ingredients into the bowl of a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until ingredients have fully combined. Scrape contents into a bowl and freeze for 1 hour.
Remove from freezer. Use a small spoon or ice cream scoop to scoop out about a tablespoon at a time. Form into 1 inch balls by rolling between your hands. Place on ungreased baking sheet, sprinkle with cocoa powder, and place in freezer until solid.
Enjoy!

The post Chocolate Fudge Snack Bites appeared first on Amy Myers MD.

3 Causes of Recurring Candida and What to Do About Them

Are you battling with stubborn Candida overgrowth that just won’t go away? Have you tried the Candida diet, Candida-fighting supplements, and other lifestyle changes, only to have your symptoms reappear as soon as you stop treatment? You’re not the only one! This is something I dealt with all the time in my clinic.

When I see a patient with recurring Candida overgrowth, there are a few underlying causes that I suspect could be to blame. Fortunately, once we pinpoint and address the root cause, they are able to enjoy lasting relief from chronic symptoms and say goodbye to their ongoing struggle with recurrent infections.

In this article, I’ll cover the three most common culprits for recurring Candida, and what you can do to break out of this vicious cycle and banish your symptoms once and for all.

1. Diet

I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, I already did the Candida diet!” And I bet it worked…for a time. However, if you start eating the way you did before the Candida protocol, it should come as no surprise that the overgrowth is back.

Diet is never a quick fix. It’s why I call my program “The Myers Way®”–it’s a way of life, not a temporary solution. Yes, you can reintroduce certain foods and be a little more flexible once you’ve finished the Candida protocol, however if you are susceptible to gut infections you might have to be more careful with what you put on your plate (or in your cup).

Sugar is the number one offender in Candida overgrowth. If you’ve ditched refined sugar and find Candida still won’t go away, you might have to ease off even all-natural sweeteners such as coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup. Save sweet treats for special occasions, and try to stick to ones made with stevia or monk fruit. Stevia is 200-300 times sweeter than regular sugar, while monk fruit is 150-200 times sweeter, meaning you’ll use them in such small quantities that they’ll be less likely to feed an overgrowth.1,2 And although fruit is filled with nutrients, it’s also very high in natural sugars and should be kept to a minimum if you struggle with recurring Candida. Keep it to 1 cup or less per day of low-sugar fruits such as berries.
Alcohol a.k.a. liquid sugar is just as bad–if not worse–than sugar itself. That’s because certain types of alcohol such as beer, wine, and champagne are not only packed with sugar, they’re fermented as well. What is used to ferment these drinks? Yeast. The combination of yeast and sugar creates a feeding frenzy for Candida. Alcohol is a toxin, so I recommend ditching it completely. However, if you choose to indulge, opt for a clear liquor such as vodka, which undergoes a rigorous distillation process to remove all the yeast.
Speaking of fermented foods, you’ll want to avoid those as well if you can’t seem to get Candida under control. And yes, this includes even “healthy” fermented foods such as kombucha, sauerkraut, and non-dairy yogurt. To help foster good gut bacteria without feeding Candida, take a high-quality probiotic supplement with at least 100 billion CFUs.
Starchy vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and squash, are high in carbs that get converted into sugars in your gut. So although you may not think of these seemingly harmless foods when fighting Candida, they may be behind your recurrent infections. Fill your plate with non-starchy vegetables instead, including leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, asparagus, and zucchini.

Cutting down on sugar is certainly an adjustment, especially if you’ve been eating the Standard American Diet, which is chock full of sugar and starches in nearly everything we eat. However, you will feel SO much better once you ditch sugar, and the reward will be relief from your symptoms and recurring Candida! To help you on your journey, I highly recommend Leaky Gut Revive for curbing sugar cravings while you ease your way into this low-sugar way of eating.

2. Mycotoxin Exposure

Mycotoxin exposure is always in the back of my mind as the cause of chronic symptoms that have no other explanation. If you’ve gone through everything–optimized your diet, repaired your gut, etc.–and still are struggling with recurring Candida, that’s when I suspect mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins are gas-like toxins, similar to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) given off by molds. They can be found in common foods such as peanuts, coffee, and corn, as well as in your environment.

Symptoms of Mycotoxin Exposure

Eczema or psoriasis
Depression, anxiety, and other mood imbalances
Fatigue
Cognitive impairment, brain fog, memory loss
Fibromyalgia, muscle weakness, joint pain
Headaches
Neurological issues
Insomnia
ADD or ADHD
Lyme disease symptoms (yet tested negative for Lyme)
Leaky Gut
Autoimmune diseases

Mycotoxins are toxic to 25% of the population who have the susceptible gene. However, I also tell people that each of us has a cup of water that is our health. Each day, we put drops of water in–whether from our diet, leaky gut, toxins, infections, or stress–and at some point that cup will overflow. This “overflow” is what turns that gene on, and once it’s on it stays on.

If you suspect mycotoxins are coming from your environment, if at all possible you need to leave that environment for a week or two and see if your symptoms resolve. Then, if that environment is your home, you will need to bring in a certified mold remediator to clean up the mold before returning. This is a HUGE project, and for that reason I recommend getting yourself tested first.

I use a urine test from Real Time Labs out of Dallas to assess for 3 main types of mycotoxins. They can also do a filter test where you cut out a piece of the air filter from your home and test it for those same mycotoxins.

As for treatment, you can work with your doctor to get a prescription antifungal. If you choose to self-treat, you can ensure your liver detoxification pathways are working optimally using Acetyl-Glutathione. Caprylic acid and certain clays, such as bentonite, can be helpful for binding to toxins, although they are not going to be as powerful as prescription antifungals.

Check out my podcast where I go into detail about mycotoxin exposure and how to recover from it.

3. Mercury Overload

There hasn’t been a lot of research into the connection between mercury overload and Candida overgrowth, which is why conventional medicine often misses this critical root cause. However, it is something I have come across time and again in my patients struggling with recurring Candida.

One reason for this connection is that Candida can bind with mercury in your intestines, so the mercury can’t get into your bloodstream.3 While this is a helpful protective action (as your organs will be less exposed to mercury) the mercury also kills off good bacteria, which normally keep Candida in check. This allows Candida to proliferate more easily.4

There is also some scientific evidence suggesting that mercury can disrupt your natural gut environment, which encourages Candida and bad bacteria to overgrow.5 Mercury may also damage your gut lining to such an extent that Candida can easily make its way into many other areas of your body.6

Symptoms of Mercury Overload

Fatigue and sleep disturbance in children
Chemical sensitivity and allergies
Anxiety, depression and brain fog
Infertility, irregular menstrual cycles
Unexplained numbness and tingling
Hair loss and hearing loss
Cardiovascular disease
Headaches

Testing for and addressing mercury overload can be a bit complex, so I recommend ruling out all other root causes before diving into treatment. If you suspect mercury overload is indeed the cause of your recurring Candida, check out this article for next steps.

How to Beat Candida for Good in 3 Easy Steps

Recurring Candida infections can be frustrating to say the least, especially if you think you’ve tried everything to clear your infection. Fortunately, addressing the root cause underlying the overgrowth–whether it’s optimizing your diet, clearing your body of mold toxins, or detoxing from mercury overload–will put you on the right path to a healthy and Candida-free body.

Need some extra support as you work to overcome Candida overgrowth? Sign up for my Candida Breakthrough® Challenge and join thousands of others who have successfully taken back their health! In this live challenge, you will learn my 3-step proven protocol for beating Candida, including an entire module focused on recurring Candida, where we’ll cover:

The strategies you need to create a gut-healthy lifestyle
The paradigm shift required to stick with it
Recipes for celebrations, so you’re always prepared

You’ll get all of the powerful supplements, easy-to-make meal plans, and other resources in my Candida Breakthrough® Program, plus LIVE support from me, my team, and The Myers Way® community members!

This once-a-year challenge starts soon–so don’t wait! Sign up TODAY!

The post 3 Causes of Recurring Candida and What to Do About Them appeared first on Amy Myers MD.

Apple Ginger Green Juice

Do you need a post-holiday pick-me-up? I’ve got the recipe for you! You’ll find this anti-inflammatory Apple Ginger Green Juice is bursting with fresh ingredients that help you detox naturally. It’s sweet and spicy with a citrus kick!

Apples contain pectin and malic acid which help remove cholesterol, toxins, and carcinogens from your blood. While warming ginger stimulates digestion, circulation, and perspiration so that your body can more efficiently rid itself of waste and toxins in the colon and liver. All of the greens in this recipe promote healthy immune function with their essential vitamins and minerals.

If you want to feel cleansed and ready to take on the new year, this juice is perfect for fighting inflammation and ridding the body of toxins!

Apple Ginger Green Juice






Protocol

Autoimmune Solution (AIP), Candida Control and SIBO, Elimination Diet, Paleo, Thyroid Connection




Servings

1

Prep Time

5 minutes

Ingredients

4-5 stalks celery2-3 cups baby spinach1 apple1 lemon rind removed1 inch fresh ginger root1 scoop Organic Greens Superfood Juice Powder

Servings:

Units:
MetricUS Imperial

Instructions

JuicerJuice all ingredients except Organic Greens in a juicer. If desired, strain juice through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. Stir in Organic Greens Superfood Juice Powder. BlenderAdd all ingredients except Organic Greens to the blender, plus 1/2 cup water, and blend until smooth. If desired, strain juice through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. Stir in Organic Greens Superfood Juice Powder.




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The post Apple Ginger Green Juice appeared first on Amy Myers MD.

How to Keep Your Gut Healthy in the New Year

The new year is here! In the spirit of “new year, new you”, there’s literally no better time to fully commit yourself to achieving optimal health!

As you know, total body health begins in your gut. If you support your gut health, everything else will fall into place. Follow my five tips to kickstart your gut health in 2019 to ensure that your new year is full joy and laughter, health and happiness.

1. Eat a Nutrient-dense Diet

If you fell off track over the holidays, your gut is likely feeling the consequences! Now that the cookies, cocktails, and other holiday temptations are behind you, the new year is the perfect opportunity to optimize your diet. To keep your gut healthy this year, it’s essential to recommit to The Myers Way® 100%. Choose organic, nutrient-dense, whole foods over processed or refined junk food, and ditch all toxic and inflammatory foods, including sugar, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, and dairy.

The new year is a wonderful time to branch out and shake up your recipe routine by experimenting with new foods. Diversity in your diet creates a healthy diversity of gut flora in your microbiome. The more diversity of bacteria you have in your gut, the more health benefits you can enjoy. My website is filled with immune-supporting, nutrient-rich, and delicious recipes, and you can find even more ideas in The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook, which contains over 150 recipes featuring an array of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and grass-fed meats to support your gut health in the new year.

2. Tackle Your Underlying Gut Infections

Overindulgences and stress during the holidays can increase your risk of Candida overgrowth and SIBO. You’ll want to tackle these underlying gut infections as soon as possible, since both can set you up for leaky gut, which in turn can lead to autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’, Crohn’s, and Celiac disease.

The supplements in my Candida Breakthrough® Kit and my SIBO Breakthrough Kit can help you overcome these gut infections naturally. Taking Leaky Gut Revive and collagen can further help repair your gut and keep recurrent infections at bay. You can learn more about how to beat SIBO here and Candida overgrowth here.

Plus, now is the perfect time to tackle Candida overgrowth, as we are about to launch our annual LIVE Candida Breakthrough® Challenge! Along with all of the materials and supplements in my Candida Breakthrough® Program, you’ll have the support of me, my team, and hundreds of others just like you working to overcome Candida overgrowth. Sign up today and start 2019 off strong!

3. Take Probiotics and Prebiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics both play super important roles in your gut health. Despite their similar names, they are actually quite different from one another. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that are fermented in your gut by probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that keep your microbiome balanced. Prebiotics feed your probiotics, and they work together to improve your gut health.1 Without prebiotics, probiotics can’t do their job effectively, and vice-versa.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are found in many common foods, and are essential for your gut health. Since your body cannot completely break them down, they reach your gastrointestinal tract undigested and end up being fermented in your gut by friendly bacteria. In this way, prebiotics “feed” your good gut bacteria, helping them to produce important nutrients for your colon cells, which in turn leads to a healthier digestive system.2,3,4,5 Eating plenty of prebiotics can improve your digestion, reduce your risk of GI infection and inflammation, and boost your metabolism.6,7,8

Prebiotic-rich foods include:

Asparagus
Dandelion greens
Bananas
Garlic
Apples
Onions
Leeks
Jicama root
Jerusalem artichokes

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that help keep your gut in balance. Eating a diet high in inflammatory foods, exposure to environmental toxins, and stress all feed the bad bacteria in your gut. And, taking even a single round of antibiotics wipes out your good bacteria along with the bad.

Taking a probiotic supplement can help replace your good bacteria and keep bad bacteria in check, restoring balance to your gut and keeping it functioning properly. Probiotics improve your digestion, reduce your risk of autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and prevent yeast-related infections, such as Candida overgrowth and eczema.9,10

I recommend taking a high-quality probiotic supplement daily to maintain optimal gut health. If you are fighting Candida or working to repair a leaky gut, my Probiotic Capsules 100 Billion can provide extra support for your gut. And if you have SIBO, be sure to take only soil-based probiotics, such as Primal Earth, as certain strains in other probiotics can actually feed bacterial overgrowth.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep is your body’s way of rejuvenating itself at the end of each day. It is when your body has a chance for repair and recovery. The relationship between your sleep and your gut health is a two-way street. While an unhealthy gut flora can lead to difficulty sleeping, your sleep and circadian rhythms can also impact the diversity and health of your microbiome.

Recent research shows that not sleeping enough can negatively affect your gut health, and sleep apnea can compromise your microbiome. Disrupted sleep and misaligned circadian rhythms can also lead to obesity and metabolic disorders.11,12,13,14

Developing a regular night-time routine and sleep schedule, and sleeping 7 – 8 hours a night is crucial for your gut health. Avoiding sugary foods and alcohol, decreasing your blue-light exposure by wearing amber glasses in the evening, and choosing relaxing activities, such as reading or journaling before bed can help you fall asleep easier and get deeper and higher-quality sleep. Read more of my favorite tips to reset your sleep cycle here so you can optimize your body’s overnight gut-repairing abilities!

5. Relieve Your Stress

Your brain and gut are constantly interacting. When you are under stress, your gut can feel it too. Just think about it: when you have to make an important phone call, give a presentation, or have a difficult conversation with a loved one, you may have butterflies in your stomach and feel nauseous. You are also more likely to overeat or reach for comfort foods when stressed.

Research shows that major stressful events can affect your gut for health months or years later. And, chronic stress damages your gut more seriously than acute stress. Ongoing stress from work, sickness or death of a loved one, lack of sleep, a poor diet, and other daily stressors creates dysbiosis in your gut. An imbalanced gut can leave you open to more serious complications, such as inflammation, frequent illness, fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and other chronic diseases. That’s why it’s so crucial to make time to de-stress and practice self-care!

Some of my favorite stress-relieving activities include:

Meditation and breathing exercises
Walking Mocha with Elle and Xavier
Acupuncture
Relaxing in my infrared sauna
Sipping on herbal tea
Taking a warm bath with calming essential oils such as lavender

Are you ready to make this your healthiest year yet? By repairing your gut and making The Myers Way a part of your daily life, you will see–and feel–the difference a healthy gut can make! Wishing you (and your gut) a happy new year!

The post How to Keep Your Gut Healthy in the New Year appeared first on Amy Myers MD.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Weight Loss

Did you make it your new year’s resolution to finally lose those stubborn pounds? Is this your second, third, fourth, or umpteenth time trying to lose weight that just won’t go away? If so, I want this year to be different for you! I want this to be the year that you take back your health, and if that includes weight loss, I want to help you reach that goal!

To help you do that, I’m going to guide you through my approach to weight loss, which includes finding the perfect diet for you, overcoming underlying causes of weight gain, and fine tuning your diet for your unique needs. Let’s get started!

How to Find the Perfect Diet for You

My first recommendation for anyone struggling to lose weight is always to complete The Myers Way ® Comprehensive Elimination Diet to remove all toxic and inflammatory foods, and identify any personal food sensitivities. If you’re eating a diet of processed junk food (yes even junk food labeled, “healthy’, “gluten-free’, “low-calorie”, or “low-fat”!), or foods you have a sensitivity to, you’re continuously damaging your gut, disrupting your hormones, and stressing your immune system, all of which can cause you to gain weight.

Your body was designed to eat and digest real food – meats, vegetables, and fruits – not packaged foods, even those labeled gluten-free. When you feed your body processed foods that are calorie dense, nutrient poor, and full of toxic chemicals, it doesn’t function properly. Your systems go haywire, the pounds start piling on, you tire easily, and it can become difficult to concentrate. Sound familiar?

The good news is, simply switching to a diet of whole, clean foods that your body can actually digest can reverse all of these symptoms and kickstart your weight loss. In fact, for many people completing my guided elimination diet program, The Myers Way® Comprehensive Elimination Diet, the pounds simply fall away as they cut out the junk and remove inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy, corn, soy, sugar, and eggs.

Then, after your body has had a break from the constant inflammation, and has begun digesting foods the way it was designed to, you can add foods back in one at a time, to figure out which ones you do well with (and can continue eating), and which ones you have a sensitivity to. Unlike short-term, cookie cutter weight loss diets, this process will help you discover the perfect life-long diet for your unique needs.

If you’re ready to discover your perfect diet, I highly recommend The Myers Way® Comprehensive Elimination Diet eCourse. It includes all of the resources you need, including meal plans, recipes, symptom trackers, and more, to succeed on an elimination diet.

How to Beat Underlying Causes of Stubborn Weight

For a small group of people, switching to a clean, anti-inflammatory diet is helpful, yet isn’t quite enough to get them all the way to their weight loss goal. If you’re in this camp, it’s very likely that there are underlying health issues sabotaging your weight loss. Let’s take a look at what underlying health issues might be, and how you can overcome them.

1. Underactive Thyroid

It’s estimated that 20 million Americans have a thyroid problem, and up to 60% of them are completely unaware of it. Hypothyroidism, which is having an underactive thyroid, accounts for 90% of all thyroid imbalances, and one of the primary symptoms of hypothyroidism is unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight.

This is because your thyroid is responsible for regulating many of your body’s processes, including metabolism. So if your thyroid is underactive, your metabolism slows down and your overall energy production decreases. In addition to an inability to lose weight, hypothyroidism can lead to fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, muscle and joint pain, hair loss, constipation, brain fog, and a low body temperature.

If you suspect that you may have an underactive thyroid, it’s important to get a complete thyroid panel to receive a proper diagnosis. Most conventional doctors only use one or two tests, as opposed to a full panel, and use the “normal” lab reference ranges as their guide. For a full list of all of the thyroid tests I run on my patients, and optimal lab ranges, see this article.

2. Chronic Stress

You’ve likely heard that stress contributes to weight gain, however it goes far beyond the urge to reach for some chocolate after a long, stressful day. When you experience stress, your body releases a flood of cortisol, the hormone that powers your fight or flight response. One unfortunate side effect of cortisol is that it can actually cause you to gain weight and prevent you from losing weight. Furthermore, when you’re chronically stressed, your cortisol levels go up and stay up, which can cause progressive weight gain or a weight loss plateau.

Numerous studies have shown that when animals are stressed, they gain weight, even if they’re eating the same number of calories as they did before they were stressed. These studies also show stressed animals gain more weight than unstressed animals eating the exact same number of calories.

If you are having difficulty losing weight, take an honest look at your daily stress levels. Are you constantly feeling overrun and overworked? Are you doing anything to reduce stress? If not, you’ll want to incorporate stress reduction techniques into your program. You can read more about how stress impacts your health and how to relieve it in this article.

3. Other Hormonal Imbalances

Imbalances in thyroid and stress hormones are common causes of an inability to lose weight, though they’re not the only hormones that can cause an issue. Imbalances in insulin and sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) are also common culprits of stubborn weight.

When insulin and blood sugar levels are off, it can cause sugar cravings, weakness, irritability, and excess belly fat. An imbalance in sex hormones can lead to an inability to lose weight, in addition to muscle loss, poor sleep, memory problems, and sexual difficulties.

So how can you get your hormones in balance so that you can start to see the weight coming off? Follow all four pillars of The Myers Way® to support your body’s natural hormone production and regulation, and work with a Functional Medicine doctor who can order functional hormone testing.

4. Toxic Overload

Today’s modern world is filled with dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, medications, and other toxins that can wreak havoc on your endocrine system. Many of the toxins in your foods, water, and personal care and household products, including shampoo, lotion, candles, and makeup, mimic the activity of hormones such as estrogen. This disruption in your natural hormonal cycle can cause an inability to lose weight, as well as other more serious issues, including autoimmune diseases.

Taming your toxic burden is the third pillar in The Myers Way® and it’s a critical component of the program. Check out this article to learn more about how to identify and minimize your exposure to toxins, and how to support your body’s natural detoxification processes.

How to Optimize Your Diet Even Further

Have you adopted a clean diet that is right for your unique needs, addressed all underlying causes of weight gain, and want to optimize your weight loss even further? If so, let’s dig a little deeper. Here are some additional tips to help you fine-tune your diet, and find the lifestyle balance that works best for you.

1. Get a Clear Picture of Calories In vs. Calories Out

I generally don’t recommend counting calories since it can create added stress and extra work for many people. However, if you’ve ruled out all underlying causes and you’re not making as much progress as you’d like, the cause may simply be that you’re eating too many calories. Even excess calories from healthy foods can cause you to gain weight.

There are many free fitness and calorie trackers out there that you can download right to your phone. These tools estimate your optimal daily calorie intake based on your height, weight, and gender, and then compare that to the actual number of calories you eat throughout the day. Most of them also allow you to track your exercise, so that you can compare total calories in vs. total calories burned.

You don’t have to count calories throughout the whole program, just spend a few days to a week inputting your meals and workouts to get a feel for where you stand. If you notice that your daily calorie intake exceeds your recommended calorie needs, scale back by reducing your portion sizes or cutting back on high-calorie foods.

2. Find the Right Carb to Protein to Fat Ratio

If you’ve tracked your calories and you’re within your recommended ranges, take a look at your ratio of macronutrients – carbohydrates, protein, and fats. In the 1980s and 1990s, low-fat diets were all the rage. Fat was demonized and blamed for excess weight and health problems. We now know how important and beneficial healthy fats are, and the pendulum is swinging back the other way, with low-carbohydrate diets gaining popularity.

The truth is, there is no silver bullet for weight loss or health in general. It’s true that fat is higher in calories than protein, and carbohydrates can cause unwanted blood sugar spikes, however the goal is not to completely cut out entire macronutrient groups. All three of the macronutrients are essential for your body to function, the goal is to find the right balance for your body.

If you need to reduce total calories, you can cut back on (not eliminate) fat. If you don’t do well with carbs, focus on getting them from lower carbohydrate foods such as green vegetables, instead of higher carb foods such as sweet potatoes.

3. Swap in a Meal Replacement Shake

If you’re having trouble figuring out portion sizes, or you really just want to take the guesswork out of some of your meals, consider replacing a meal or two a day with The Myers Way® Paleo Protein shakes. These shakes are approved for all of The Myers Way® protocols, including The Autoimmune Solution.

They are made from pure beef protein that comes from grass-fed, non-GMO cows, free of hormones and antibiotics. In addition to protein and amino acids, they contain Vitamins A, B, and D, and come in four delicious varieties: Chocolate, Vanilla, Unflavored, and Mocha Latte. Just mix one scoop into 8 ounces of water for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch.

 

Remember, my program is called The Myers Way® because it’s about making smart, healthy choices a way of life. Health is more than just a number on a scale. If you’re feeling good, nourishing your body, and making progress, then you’re on the right track!

If you’d like some additional support, or an accountability buddy, be sure to join my free online community forum.

I know that for some of you who have been sick for years and are overcoming chronic illness, your goal is actually to gain weight, not lose it. Check out this article with my tips on how to gain and maintain weight while still following The Myers Way®. And if you haven’t already, make sure to sign up for my newsletter so you never miss my FREE weekly articles in which I share helpful tips for achieving optimal health and making The Myers Way® a way of life!

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Savory Party Mix

New Year’s is just around the corner and that means so are New Year’s Eve parties! This nut- and seed-free Savory Party Mix is an amazing combination of savory and sweet that’s perfect for sharing with all your friends and family! Plus, it’s great for those dealing with gut infections such as Candida, SIBO, and parasites!

Not only is this recipe full of gut-friendly ingredients, it also contains traditional southern New Year’s ingredients! Pork is considered one of the luckiest foods to eat on New Year’s Day because pigs represent prosperity and forward movement. This is due to their their round bodies and the way they root forward with their noses.1 I also added kale to represent the green color of paper money. These are two of these most popular ingredients to include in meals on New Year’s day because of how “lucky” they are.

This New Year’s recipe brings you good luck and good health! It has a ton of beneficial nutrients including fiber and healthy fats, and creates a delicious snack mix to kick off the New Year with a healthy gut.

Savory Protein Trail Mix






Course

Snack


Protocol

Autoimmune Solution (AIP), Candida Control and SIBO, Elimination Diet, Paleo, Thyroid Connection




Servings

6

Prep Time

15 minutes

Ingredients

6 pieces nitrate-free bacon turkey or pork2 cups salted pork cracklings (unflavored for AIP)2 cups plain kale chips (or nut-free flavor with approved ingredients)1 cup tigernuts1 cup plantain chips1 cup dehydrated unsweetened beet chips1 cup unsweetened coconut chips salted or plain

Servings:

Units:
MetricUS Imperial

Instructions

In a large frying pan, cook bacon until crispy then transfer to a paper towel and pat dry. Once the bacon is cool, chop into large pieces and set aside.Combine all ingredients, mix well, and enjoy with friends and family!




2

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6 Steps to Recover from Holiday Stress & Fatigue

The joys of the holidays are many–reconnecting with love ones, savoring traditional favorites around the table, and, of course, exchanging gifts!

After hustling around decorating your home, sending out cards in a timely manner, wrapping presents, baking (gluten- and dairy-free) goodies, attending family gatherings, and making sure everyone is having a magical time, the holiday season can be a true whirlwind–and before you know it, the new year is here!

Feeling run-down and spread a bit too thin can be expected this time of year. However, if you’re one of the many people who continues living a hectic lifestyle and eating an imbalanced diet long after the last decorations have been stowed away, your health can quickly spiral downward. You may even be setting yourself up for more serious issues down the road, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal fatigue, hormonal and mood imbalances, thyroid problems, and autoimmune conditions.

So if you’ve gotten a little too swept up in the festivities and need to reboot, these 6 simple tips can help you recover from the stresses of the holiday season, regain your energy, and get you ready for a happy new year!

1. Get Back on Board with The Myers Way®

Now that the holidays are over and you’re free of temptations and the urge to please others by trying every dessert your guests bring over, you can start taking care of your body through gut-friendly food and supplementation.

If you’ve gotten off track, don’t beat yourself up! Just get right back on board with The Myers Way®. Ditch toxic and inflammatory foods and focus instead on a nutrient-dense diet of vegetables, fruits, grass-fed meat, and wild-caught fish. And when you do want to indulge, choose natural, autoimmune-friendly options such as those found in The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook. You can make your own sweet treats using coconut sugar, stevia, and other all-natural sweeteners. Check out my handy guide for AIP cooking and baking swaps for common ingredients such as gluten-filled flours dairy, eggs, and refined sugar.

Were you a little too naughty this year and need some extra help recovering? Opt for gut-friendly supplements to repair any damage your gut may have sustained over the holidays from a few too many cocktails and desserts. I never go a day without drinking a mixture of Leaky Gut Revive, Collagen Protein, and Organic Greens. Leaky Gut Revive and collagen help curb sugar cravings and support a healthy mucosal lining, while Organic Greens supplies an abundance of alkalizing, inflammation-fighting greens and superfoods in a convenient powder form.

2. Recharge Your Immune System

Cold weather and holiday stresses can run you down and deplete your immune system. A healthy immune system is your best defense against infections and other health issues. Along with optimizing your diet using The Myers Way®, you can further support immune function with my Immune Booster Powder and Acetyl-Glutathione.

Immune Booster Powder is a fantastic way to support your immune health, especially during the winter months! It contains supercharged colostrum, a special time of mammalian milk produced only immediately after giving birth. Colostrum is a concentrated source of immunoglobulins, which bind to viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and inflammatory proteins from the foods you eat and carry them safely out of your body.

I often find that my patients with autoimmunity are low in glutathione, a nutrient produced by the liver that can be found in almost every cell of your body. Glutathione boosts your number of white blood cells, the immune cells that defend your body against infections and disease pathogens. Glutathione is a potent free radical scavenger. It also supports energy production and aids your body’s ability to detoxify, which is essential after holiday indulgence.

3. Combat Stress and Adrenal Fatigue with Adaptogens

If your adrenals are struggling from burning the candle at both ends this holiday season, then this tip is for you! Your adrenal glands regulate the stress hormone cortisol. Ongoing stress, lack of sleep, drinking alcohol, and eating a poor diet can overwork your adrenals and lead to adrenal fatigue. Running on empty is no way to start the new year!

Enter my secret weapon for supporting adrenal health and a balanced stress response: adaptogens! Adaptogenic herbs or ‘adaptogens’ are a group of herbs that have been used for centuries by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to help your body adapt to stress. Adaptogens increase your body’s ability to cope with stress, regulate cortisol production, help combat fatigue, and boost your vitality.1

My favorite stress-relieving adaptogens include:

Ashwagandha: relieves pain, boosts adrenal function, and supports thyroid health2,3
Maca: combats adrenal fatigue, improves mood, and balances hormones4
Ginseng: reduces chronic stress, fights inflammation, and helps prevent autoimmune conditions5
Rhodiola: increases energy and improves concentration6
Eleuthero, or Siberian ginseng: helps decrease fatigue, supports restful sleep, and improves physical and mental performance7,8

Adaptogens can be found in powdered or capsule form. I personally swear by Adrenal Support, which contains a powerful blend of ashwagandha, ginseng, eleuthero, and Rhodiola. Adrenal Support also includes B vitamins, vitamin C, and other micronutrient building blocks for adrenal hormones to support your overall adrenal health.

I also recommend my Organic Greens Superfood Juice Powder, which includes ashwagandha and maca for stress relief, optimal immune function, hormonal health, and vitality. It’s also an easy and delicious way to get your daily dose of greens! Simple, everyday greens are great for your mental health, and offer folate and magnesium to help further relieve stress and anxiety.

4. Exercise

It happens to me, too. After a busy holiday season, you may not feel energetic enough to jump right back into your exercise routine. However, your body will thank you later on! That’s right, although it might seem counterintuitive, exercise can actually boost your energy levels. As a result of regular activity, you will benefit both physically and mentally in the long run, feeling more energized and less stressed.9

The key is to start slow. Challenge yourself without pushing yourself too hard, too soon. Start your day with a stretch. Mix up your exercise routine by including cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming, biking, walking, or aerobic classes; strength training, such as weight lifting or body weight exercise; and low-impact routines, such as yoga, tai-chi, or pilates. Stay active throughout the day: take the stairs, get up to stretch during your work hours, and take a short walk during lunch time.

Getting outdoors is the perfect opportunity to move your body and to connect with nature at the same time. Plus, you get the added benefit of energizing sunlight! Bundle up if it’s too cold–just take time to breathe in the fresh air and energize your cells in the outdoors.10

5. Make Time for Yourself

Spending time with loved ones during the holidays is such a blessing! That being said, it can also prove difficult to make time for yourself when you’re focused on friends and family.

To overcome stress and fatigue, your mind, body, and soul need and deserve some quality me-time!11 Do something every day to relax, relieve stress, and show yourself some love–whether it’s taking a hot bath, going for a walk, meditating, journaling, or practicing yoga. I offer suggestions for many stress-relieving activities and tools in my books, The Autoimmune Solution and The Thyroid Connection. Remember, there is no one right way to relax, so choose methods that you enjoy and which work best for you.

6. Remember to Be Thankful

The holidays are the perfect time to express your love and give thanks for your blessings. Maintaining this attitude and practicing daily gratitude is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and to be present in your life.12 Try keeping a gratitude journal in the morning and evening, or simply pause throughout the day to remember “the little things” that you might otherwise take for granted. My husband and I have a ritual of offering each other five appreciations before we go to sleep. It’s a simple and quick way to fill each other’s heart with love.

I’d like to end by appreciating YOU:

I appreciate you for making a commitment to yourself and your well-being.
I appreciate your continued support of me and my mission to empower people to take back their health.
I appreciate you for being active in our community and inspiring those around you.
I appreciate you for taking a stand and doing what you know is right for you and your health.

Are you ready to tackle 2019 head on? Are you ready to say goodbye to stress, fatigue, and anything else that has held you back from being your best self? By following these tips and making The Myers Way® a way of life, YOU will have the power to reclaim your health, and enjoy high energy and high spirits all year round. Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year!

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Fig & Bacon Stuffed Chicken

 

You don’t have to miss out on delicious and festive meals this holiday season just because you’re following The Myers Way®! This AIP & Paleo Fig and Bacon Stuffed Chicken is a protein-packed option that your family will love.

Savory bacon adds a satisfying crispiness to your chicken, while a touch of sweetness from fig rounds out peppery flavors of arugula to create an amazing main course for your AIP holiday dinner.

Find this, and over 40 other The Myers Way®- friendly recipes for the holidays in The Myers Way® AIP & Paleo Holiday Recipe eBook!

Fig & Bacon Stuffed Chicken






Course

Main Dish


Protocol

Autoimmune Solution (AIP), Elimination Diet, Paleo, Thyroid Connection




Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

4 organic boneless skinless chicken breast halves1 quart fresh figs2 cups fresh arugula2 tbsp avocado oil1/2 cup fresh basil8 slices nitrate-free, no-sugar-added bacon1 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper

Servings:
servings

Units:
MetricUS Imperial

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375° F.Over medium heat in skillet with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, saute arugula, basil, and salt. Cook until slightly tender but not completely wilted.Peel fresh figs and cut in half.Lay chicken on flat surface and place sautéed basil and arugula on chicken. Then add a few halves of fresh figs and a drizzle of avocado oil.Roll chicken to cover filling. Then wrap with two slices of bacon.Cook for 35 minutes. Then broil for a few minutes to crisp bacon.

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