The following blog is about our previous Women's Retreat and our vision behind its inception. If you're interested, stay tuned in your emails about any retreats in the near future!

Over the course of my almost 25-year wellness career I’ve worked with patients individually, I’ve led workshops of fifty and I’ve lectured to hundreds in a corporate setting. I’ve discussed health with toddlers (thanks to Parker’s preschool), taught stretching to the elderly and infirmed and even worked with attorneys looking to live healthier, happier lives.  I have had the opportunity to work with clients from Chicagoland to Austria (unfortunately not in person - yet!). But something was missing…

For those of you that have had the chance to visit our clinic in the Chicago suburbs it was envisioned fifteen years ago while I was finishing up Chiropractic school. I wanted somewhere clients would feel comfortable. Somewhere that didn’t scream “doctors...

Now that summer is wrapping up, lets talk exfoliation.  Skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays an important role in elimination.  Fall is a great time to set the refresh button and remove that dead skin, unblock pores due to sweating and sunscreen, and get in a little bit of self care. 

The best way to start is with a good dry brushing session. The mechanical action of dry brushing is wonderful for exfoliating dry winter skin. It also helps detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage. Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also stimulates your nervous system, which can make you feel invigorated afterward. 

The best way to dry brush is to always move upwards and in towards your heart. This shouldn’t take long, a few minutes max. That’s when we get to move on to the fun part.  I love mixing up my own sugar/salt scrubs with some essential oils...

Working with a functional medicine professional can be exciting and rewarding. At the beginning of your journey, your doctor may start with a few simple tests to see what contributing factors are responsible for your current situation. Later on if you find that you have implemented lifestyle changes and you are not seeing the results your doctor expects, testing may be exactly just what the doctor orders!! Below are the four tests most frequently used by Dr. Jordan Leasure at her clinic in Illinois. If you’ve completed any of these please share your experiences below.

1. ORGANIC ACID TEST

This is one of Dr. Jordan’s favorite tests for a variety of reasons. It’s easy to complete - just pee in a cup at home! It gives a TON of information - Dr. Jordan calls it the “poop of the poop”. Essentially it measures metabolites - a fancy word for the end products of your metabolism - when you create energy and eliminate waste. It gives an overall look at your...

Chia seeds are a magical food that need their time in the spot light!  I’ve been using chia in my protein shakes for awhile now, knowing they were a super food, but never knowing ALL the benefits they possess.

Chia seeds originated in Mexico where they were viewed with such admiration they were even used as currency.  The Aztecs used chia to sustain their energy while running long distances or during battle. They would say a spoonful would give them enough endurance for 24 hours.  This all makes sense since In the Mayan language, chia means “strength”.

Chia seeds are filled with everything from Omega 3’s, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals AND antioxidants.  Due to their content, they have a vast array of health benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS

• Digestive Health – Due to the high amount of fiber alone, chia seeds will help with digestion.  The appropriate amount of fiber will help with regular bowel movements and...

We all have times we feel on edge. Overwhelmed, burned out and run down. Those feelings can manifest in some individuals as depression and others as anxiety. You may notice you’re having trouble concentrating, even impacting your sleep. Do you eat right, workout and meditate, but you’re still not feeling like yourself? We may have the answer.

Inositol. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. Inositol is a sugar alcohol but contrary to the name it is neither a sugar nor an alcohol! More confused? Let’s start at the beginning.

Inositol is found in many foods - mainly fruits like cantaloupe and oranges[2]. It is found in bran, nuts and seeds in its phaylate form which is unfortunately indigestible by humans so we don’t get much inositol from our diets.

Inositol serves many functions in the human body from helping to give a cell its shape to giving instructions to a nerve and even breaking down fats! As a clinician we use it primarily for clients with...

I don’t know about you but when the alarm goes off at 5am I am only functioning at about 25%. I’m lucky some days that I my hair is clean and my scrubs are on right side out! Let alone planning to be gone from the house for 14 hours with an infant and prepared for anything!

Below you’ll find my organizational tools - easy tips to incorporate into your day to maybe save you a few minutes, maybe lower stress; ideally help you to live a Salutogenic Life!

Ritual One: I start every day with a protein shake - whether I’m heading to work, the gym or to run errands with the husband.  It’s fast, easy, and really good for you. I prefer whey (Dr. Jade likes the vegan).  Whey protein powder is a detoxifier and SL vegan protein powder with monk fruit is great if you’re pre-diabetic or trying to lower A1C.  It will help regulate your blood sugar - just don’t add high glycemic fruit.

I used to be more ritualistic in my ingredient choices...