How Kombucha Can Benefit Your Body

April 28, 2021April 28, 2021

If you know me, then chances are, the topic of kombucha and gut health has come up once or twice. Not only do I own two fermentary businesses in Thunder Bay, but I also regularly brew kombucha and create other delicious fermented foods. If you’re interested in learning more about how kombucha can benefit your body, read below for a detailed breakdown, and of course, reach out to me if you have any questions at all!

So, what exactly is kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea that originated in China and is believed to have healing powers that bring health and longevity. Kombucha also contains antioxidants and is rich in probiotics, which means it can also kill harmful bacteria and fight multiple diseases.

Keep on reading to learn about some of the different ways kombucha can help you!

Kombucha can be as beneficial as green tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks on the planet because it contains micronutrients such as polyphenols which act as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Some kombucha is made from green tea, such as this Plain Jane Kombucha blend from Narrow Gate Foods, which includes the same micronutrients and can give you the same benefits.

Many studies have shown that regularly drinking green tea can help your body burn more calories, reduce belly fat, improve cholesterol levels, and more. Adding kombucha to your diet can give you those same benefits as green tea.

Kombucha contains antioxidants

Antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease and more. Free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food or when your body is exposed to different toxins. Scientists believe that antioxidants from foods and beverages are way better for your health than any supplements.

Kombucha, especially when it’s made with green tea, has antioxidant effects on your liver, and recent animal studies show that consistently drinking kombucha can reduce liver toxicity by almost 70%.

Although no human studies currently exist on this topic, there are many promising fields of research for people with liver disease.

Kombucha is an excellent source of Vitamin B12

Did you know that kombucha is an excellent source of vitamin B12? That’s right! B12 is an essential nutrient to have in your body because without it, you might feel fatigued, weak, experience gastrointestinal disturbances, and more. B12 can be found in many types of meat and animal products, but if you are a vegetarian or vegan, Kombucha is a great option.

Fermented beverages like kombucha are rich in B12, and regular consumption will ensure that your level of B12 is high.

Kombucha is an excellent source of probiotics

Probiotics are found in many fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, and since kombucha is a fermented product, you can find several probiotics bacteria in it. Probiotic bacteria can help balance the gut microbiome and improve digestion, inflammation and even help with weight loss. Who doesn’t want that?

If you’re looking to improve your health, then I suggest you add kombucha to your diet! It’s a healthy alternative to many other beverages like sodas or juice and also comes in many refreshing flavours, and they taste great! Here is a list of my favourites (if you’re in Thunder Bay or anywhere else in Ontario, be sure to check them out!):

These kombuchas are great if you’re just trying kombucha for the first time:

In Health and Wellness,

Nadia La Russa

Click here to learn more about Narrow Gate Foods, my small-batch, big-love fermentery in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Click here to learn more about Kumbaya Kombucha, another fermentery in Thunder Bay that I recently purchased.

Foods To Give You Energy, Written By A Serial Entrepreneur + Busy Mom

December 27, 2019December 27, 2019

You need loads of energy to get through your day. When you feel like slacking or low on energy, you most likely need to get some nutrient-dense foods in your system. Here are some foods that will give you a quick boost of lasting energy without the crash. Written by a serial entrepreneur who needs as much energy as she can get!

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the easiest and most delicious meals ever. Oatmeal contains the healthy type of carbs that are a great source of energy. They help metabolize the energy in your body by providing nutrients like vitamin B, thiamine, folate and niacin. Oatmeal is personalized energy! You can throw in whatever ingredients you like. To enjoy a warm bowl of delicious oatmeal, try this recipe:

Boil two scoops of oatmeal in a pinch of salt, a cup of water, and two tablespoons of peanut butter. Cook until the water is absorbed and it looks a little soupy. You can even sprinkle some black pepper on the top for additional taste and seasoning.

Eggs

Eggs can provide 30% of the protein your body requires and help strengthen and build your muscles. You can use eggs however you like. You can make an omelet, scramble them up, or simply hard-boil them.

Yogurt

Yogurt may be an easy thing to snack on, but it also provides your body with an incredible amount of energy. It’s milk, lactose, and low sugar levels are responsible for the energy, and the protein helps slow food digestion so you can store the energy for a longer period of time.

Shrimp

Shrimp is rich in vitamin B12 and very low in calories. Vitamin B12 helps your body produce energy at a much faster rate. Shrimp also contains omega 3 fatty acids, which help boost your mood and your energy levels.

Hummus

This Mediterranean dish is made from various herbs, spices, and chickpeas. It also contains olive oil, lemon juice, and sesame seed paste. These ingredients provide the nutrients and healthy carbs needed to help our bodies produce energy. They also contain healthy fats and protein, which means that you will be able to store that energy for a longer period of time.

Strawberries

Strawberries contain natural fructose, which gives you a quick yet sustainable boost of energy. You eat them raw or add them to your oatmeal, acai bowls or smoothies.

Spinach

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells. Spinach contains nitrates that are responsible for improving the efficiency of mitochondria, helping provide energy to your cells.

Bananas

Bananas not only provide your body with energy but also help in storing it. They make a perfect snack before you head to the gym.

Try adding some of these foods to your diet to boost your energy levels and power up your body’s performance!

If you would like to learn more about myself and my local entrepreneurship, click here.

If you would like to learn more about my Take Control Weight Loss Program, click here.

Yours in health and wellness,

Nadia La Russa

Detox Your Cellulite Away in 3 Steps

January 22, 2019March 19, 2019

Do you ever get tired of stubborn cellulite, especially before shorts and swimsuits season? I’ve got you covered with three simple lifestyle changes that can have a big impact on your battle with cellulite. Read below to learn how you can take control of your body and reduce the amount of cellulite that’s stubbornly there.

1) Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water immediately after waking up.

Squeeze one organic lemon into a 16 oz glass and enjoy it as you would tea! Lemon helps break down the food that you will be consuming during the day as well as removes any toxins from your body. Plus, proper hydration improves your skin’s health and helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, wrinkles and blemishes.

2) Up your cranberry intake.

Consuming between 8 and 12 oz of cranberries or cranberry juice per day helps to emulsify fat and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Frozen cranberries can be enjoyed as a mid-day treat or you can even throw a bottle of Cran-Water in your bag while on the go. To make your own Cran-Water, simply fill up a bottle with 4 oz of cranberry juice and 28 oz of water and drink it twice daily. Cranberries are loaded with vitamins such as A, B1, C and E, which are all essentials to the removal of toxins in your lymphatic system. How could you say no to that?!

3) Substitute your cooking oil by swapping out canola oil for coconut oil.

Coconut oil is not only more beneficial for overall health, but studies have shown that coconut oil actually aids in the breakdown of fat cells that make up cellulite. For easy consumption, add a tablespoon to a fruit smoothie. Switching from canola oil to coconut oil has multiple benefits for you, your skin and your health.

Bonus tip: Add 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to a warm bath. Sweating out toxins is crucial to the reduction of cellulite. The coconut oil will not only make your skin feel incredibly smooth but will also increase the release of toxins during your bath. Make sure to stay hydrated before and after your soak (perhaps with some of that delicious lemon water you learned about above).

At the end of the day, anyone can suffer from cellulite; it is an equal-opportunity offender. If you’re feeling frustrated with it and want to take control of your body and health, keep in mind that the best results come from consistency and determination. By setting a healthy daily routine for yourself, you’ll be able to get the body you deserve!

Want to take control of your body and health even more? Sign up and get started with my Take Control Weight Loss Program here!

3 Ways To Feel Younger Overnight

December 3, 2018March 19, 2019

Imagine waking up feeling five or even ten years younger in your appearance, confidence, and aura. The secret is in reducing gut inflammation. Gut inflammation can result in a lack of motivation and an increase in autoimmune disorders, tiredness and irritability, leaving you feeling worn-out and exhausted. Does this sound familiar? These three simple steps will have you take control of your gut health and as a result, feeling younger, more vibrant and healthier!

1) Try some bone broth.

Grass-fed bone broth helps to build antibodies, tighten skin cell and can even reduce the appearance of cellulite. It’s packed with gelatin and collagen, which rebuilds your gut lining and helps to strengthen your immune system. Bone broth contains potassium and glycine, which aids in liver detoxification. Enjoy it warm before bed on by itself or in a soup. Grass-fed bone broth can be found at your local health food store.

2) Eliminate sugars, bread and pasta from your diet.

Replace those unhealthy carbs with natural ones like berries or starch vegetables. Gut inflammation is often exacerbated by food sensitivities. Some food sensitivities are so hidden, you may not even know that you have one without an official food sensitivity test. Proactively removing unhealthy carbs and white flours from your diet will aid in the replenishment of your gut lining and reduce the inflammation in your gut.

3) Last but not least, establish a regular, calming evening routine.

Brushing and flossing your teeth every night is crucial to feeling better the next morning. Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health! Spend a little time before bed winding down, reading a book or writing a journal entry. Meditate or go for a moonlight walk. Ensure you are getting at least eight hours of sleep every night and commit to taking a little time out of every day for yourself. The greatest change comes from within and the willingness to commit to the change!

These three simple steps will usher in a big difference in your overall health and wellness. It’s recommended to commit to these lifestyle changes for at least three months to fully repair the inflammation in your gut. By then, you will already have forgotten about those old habits that used to be your norm. That feeling of lethargy and lack of motivation is in the past and you’re well on your way to a healthier, younger you!

Want to take control of your body and health even more? Sign up for my Take Control Weight Loss Program here!

Say Adios to Your Wrinkles in 5 Steps

November 20, 2018March 19, 2019

Are you struggling to get rid of your wrinkles? It’s very easy to purchase a bunch of expensive creams and lotions, but what if I told you that you could trade in those false promises for natural and healthy lifestyle choices that actually provide results?

The key to diminishing and preventing future wrinkles is right in your home and your day-to-day lifestyle. Consuming high-quality proteins, vegetables and getting adequate sleep can all contribute to decreasing your wrinkles and preventing future ones! I personally use all of these and can honestly say I’m very excited to share this wisdom with you! Read below to find out how you can also take control of your life and say adios to wrinkles.

1) The next time you take a trip to the grocery store, make sure to stock up in the produce department! It’s crucial to consume at least the minimum daily serving requirement of fruits and vegetables to maintain adequate health and diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Limit the consumption of fruits heavy in fructose—or fruit sugar—since fructose, as with all sugars, can increase the appearance of wrinkles. Stick with fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, lemons, and bananas.

2) Toss out the refined sugar and replace artificial sweeteners with organic, natural sweeteners such as Agave, Raw Local Honey, and Stevia. Excessive sugar consumption can damage your liver and cause breaks in your DNA, leading to autoimmune disorders. Consume any sugar, including fruit sugar, in moderation. Training your body to break the habits of sugar-overloads is key in being an overall healthier you and saying goodbye to those wrinkles!

3) Get outside and into the sun! Moderate sunshine provides your body with necessary Vitamin D to replenish the vitamins and elasticity in your skin. Aim for at least 15 minutes a day of moderate exposure, but be sure to slather on your SPF. Re-apply as needed and always take all other precautions if you’re planning any prolonged periods of sun exposure.

4) Commit to a life-long relationship with coconut. Replacing vegetable or canola oil with coconut oil and olive oil is a simple way to slow your skin’s aging. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to your morning smoothie, indulge in some coconut crisps, replace standard dairy with coconut milk, or rub unrefined coconut oil on your problem spots.

5) RELAX. Stress is one of the primary contributors to premature aging because it reduces the natural collagen and elasticity in your skin essential to preventing wrinkles. Start every morning off right with a few minutes of meditation. Read a good book, go for a walk, or relax by the beach after a long day at work. Remember to take a little time out of the day for yourself. A stress-free lifestyle is one that reaps astounding rewards!

These five simple steps are a great start to a healthier, younger, wrinkle-free appearance. Make small changes to your time and energy and see how that healthy, natural glow blossoms!