Kaleifornian

From my own experience as a mom and as an integrative health practitioner who’s supported many women who struggle with anxiety, I’m disheartened that medication would be an initial intervention in a study on children.

I’ve seen the immense impact that diet, targeted supplements and lifestyle changes can make, but these options are rarely part of our conversations about mental health.

Which is why I want to share my 2 cents.

Yes, we have an anxiety epidemic. But can we separate that from the epidemic of poor nutrition, poor gut health, blood sugar dysfunction, sedentary lives, too much screen time / social media exposure at an early age, poor sleep, social disconnection, and not enough time in nature…? (In fact, most children in the US spend less time outdoors than maximum security inmates according to a 2017 study!)

I’m not here to say that therapy or medications can’t be helpful, but I do believe we should look at the full picture. And we have to carefully assess the consequences of any pharmaceutical intervention. Especially for children. Because if we’re not addressing the root cause (and potentially making gut health worse, and hindering their natural neurotransmitter production), then what is the long term plan or prognosis?

We had a life-changing experience working with , who helps families get to the root of anxiety and challenging behaviors. She starts with functional tests that assess nutrient levels, neurotransmitter production, gut health, methylation, genetics, and more. Then she creates a customized plan to help based on the needs of the individual.

I wish this type of treatment was the standard of care in our country. In the meantime, I want people to know that an integrative approach is possible - and can be profoundly impactful.

We also have to recognize what a powerful force the pharmaceutical industry plays in our healthcare system (e.g. funding med schools, these kinds of studies, and working with doctors directly - who btw rarely received training about nutrition or integrative healing modalities).

What are your thoughts? Have you heard about integrative or function nutrition for anxiety?

Which is most surprising - 1️⃣, 2️⃣, 3️⃣ or 4️⃣?

💤This month’s theme in The Kalective is SLEEP

I’m sharing weekly actionable tips and resources, bringing in a fantastic guest speaker and highlighting why sleep is CRUCIAL and absolutely foundational for physical and mental health.

If you’re interested in ongoing education, practical tips and a supportive community of like-minded women (mostly mothers of young children trying to raise healthy families in this crazy world), I’d love to invite you to check out The Kalective. Message me or see the link in my bio. XO

Any questions I can answer?
Also more details in my newsletter that went out on Sunday. Happy to forward along!

This is the other ‘secret’ to getting over sugar cravings and boosting energy: blood sugar regulation is absolutely KEY!

It’s easier than you think and has more positive side effects than you can imagine.

Comment ‘Jumpstart’ for details.
XO Jess

👉Have you ever had low iron levels? Did your doctor ever suggest exploring your gut health to see there could be a connection?

👉Do you feel better without gluten in your diet?

💡Any insights you’d like to share on these topics from your own experience?

Becky is my hero!

I met her last year at a tennis clinic and got to know her when we tacked on another hour of play afterwards… because she’s just a tennis-loving, high energy kind of gal.

It was clear she played regularly, and I jokingly asked how I hadn’t seen her out there before. She told me that she doesn’t make plans in mornings (and is also reluctant to make early dinner plans!) because she wants to be able to water ski 🚤 if the water is flat! She does that most mornings and plays tennis in the afternoons.

This morning we played together again and I told her how much I love her vibe, and that I want to be just like her when I grow up!

We talked a little about health and how staying fit and active doesn’t just happen by accident. She said she read Younger Next Year For Women and has followed those principles ever since. She works out *every* day for at least 45 mins (‘even Sundays!’ And ‘tennis doesn’t count’ 😆… her words! though I don’t disagree), and I’m pretty sure I saw her walking to the gym between morning and afternoon tennis sessions when we wrapped up.

Becky, you make your 70s look fun and we all could use a dose of your inspiration… and real talk. Thanks for letting me share 💗