Best of Mother Earth » Testimonies

In Memory of Paul Stitt

Karen Hanrahan — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:03:00 +0000

Saturday in Manitowic, Wisconsin at the Kadow Room at the Capitol Civic Center from 1-4 there will be a loving celebration of the life of Paul Stitt fomer owner of Natural Ovens Bread Company.

While the news of his death this past Saturday saddens me deeply. I am forever consoled by the footprint he left on this planet with his ideals about bringing healthy bread products to the marketplace.

I met Mr. Stitt in the late 80′s at a Natural Ovens Bakery Convention. He educated me and inspired me. He was a pioneer. His presence was dynamic, contagious and determined. I admired his business tenacity. For years and years I advocated his products.

Last year after a blog post I wrote I had the priveledge of interviewing Paul and befriending his beautiful daughter, who now overseas Natural Ovens under it’s new ownership.

My love and sympathy goes out to his family.

hyacinth the flower of sorrow flickr image credit

^{karen hanrahan | wellness educator and consultant | writer}^nutrition ^~^{green clean}^~^{inch loss}^~^anti-aging

^{Contact me: 708.482.0678}

Irritable Bowel Diseases and Natural Approaches

Karen Hanrahan — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Diseases that fall under the Irritable Bowel category include : Chrohn’s, Diaverticulitis, Colitis, and Spastic Colon.

Thank you to nutritionist Barbara Lagoni ( and my mentor ) for this information

Below are specific nutrients that bring relief, reduce inflammation and foster healing to the above mentioned Digestive Issues:

Calcium Magnesium – Often referred to as natural muscle relaxants, these minerals may help prevent the spasming of the muscles that comprise the walls of the intestinal tract…and thus reduce the diarrhea and cramping usually associated with IBS. (2 per meal)

B Complex - Because most intestinal problems are often associated with stress, B vitamins are essential for restoring the nutrients that stress depletes. Regulates digestive hormone production. Enhances energy production and nervous system function in cells.

Vitamin E - (ours contains Grapeseed extract a powerful antioxidant) – Vitamin E has long been considered to be a nutrient that promotes healing … both of inflamed tender tissue as well as sear tissue, often formed as a result of IBS.

Gamma Linolenic Acid – Many IBS conditions are aggravated by inflammation in the tissues in the lower intestines. CLA (gamma linolenic acid) is an essential fatty acid that has properties of being a natural anti-inflammatory. May be used alone or in combination with the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (in 3-to- I ratio of EPA to GLA) if the inflammation persists.

Vitamin C - To strengthen the immune system and promote healing of the tissues. Powerful immune stimulant as well as an anti-oxidant. Virtually every body function benefits from an adequate level of vitamin C.

Acidophilus/ Bifidus – An excellent source of the essential friendly bacteria that are supposed to inhabit the lower intestines. Virtually the only acidophilus/bifidus product that guarantees delivery of 500,000 live microorganisms to the intestines, without being destroyed by the highly acidic environment of the stomach. Restores the natural balance that must exist in the lower intestines to choke out the cancer-causing bacteria as well as Candida yeast overgrowths. None of the products available at health food stores guarantee live delivery of microflora to the intestine. Tests show that many of them do not make it live to your door, much less to your colon. Most of the microflora alive in these products at the time of manufacture are killed off long before they reach the intestine.

Fiber - When the tissues have healed and swelling has been reduced, then slowly reintroduce fiber with any of these gentle, convenient fiber sources. Mix or Tablets

High Quality Multi-vitamin and Multi-mineral Supplement - When diarrhea occurs, food passes through the body so rapidly that it is difficult to absorb nutrients. A multiple vitamin/mineral supplement contains cofactors and coenzymes that enhance protein utilization.

Meal Replacement Product – Lactose Free – Soy or Whey based ProteinMeal Replacement Product – Lactose Free – Soy or Whey based Protein Needed for energy building and repairing damage to cells. Help in blood sugar stabilizing. Provides building blocks for rapid recovery. Prevents irritation from allergens for those with certain forms of colitis.

Digestive health issues respond beautifully to natural approaches. Guidance and high quality products are highly encouraged. I work by phone appointment.

Testimony: I hesitate to tell this story for two reasons – I feel sometimes testimonies can be a little hokey. I don’t want to represent alternative solutions as “miracles”. Then I appear to be hokey, ya know? Secondly, this particular testimony is a tad graphic. Yet this was a major health issue that was helped by nutritional supplementation, the recovery of which was truly remarkable. It’s a story worth sharing. An example:

A friend recommended that this twenty something male friend of hers contact me. He was stressed, working 3 jobs, newly engaged and very sick. He had not had a solid bowel in years, he bled rectally. He slept in a fetal position from cramping. He lived on pop. He navigated his day from bathroom to bathroom. He was diagnosed with colitis and they were recommending surgery. The surgery where you end up with a poop bag on the outside of your body for the rest of your life.

With the help of my mentor, we recommended a rather aggressive high quality digestive health nutritional protocol. We included nutrients that were healing, that reduced inflammation naturally, eventually we added nutrients to help him rebuild his health. He was eager to be well, and so compliance wasn’t an issue. He weaned from pop. We guided him to healthier eating. He did this with such enthusiasm. The kindof of client who says tell me what to do and does it! Weeks later he called me and openly wept, he had his first solid bowel movement in a decade. 10 years. WOW. This young man went on to completely recover and avoid surgery.

If you appreciate testimonies in my writings please let me know. There are many more that I can share!

Sheila dear, I truly appreciate your encouragement to share testimonies.

colons are fun flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Author
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition Weight Loss, and Green Clean

Caringrace by Sheila Glazov

Karen Hanrahan — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:03:00 +0000

Sheila Glazov, author, speaker, and educator entered my world passionately. I needed her example. Little did I know how much. It’s one thing to find a new friend; one who has similar ideas about expression, one who’s not afraid to laugh outloud, one who’s not afraid to try new things, one who thinks in a way that isn’t always about making the almighty dollar. One who gives back. It’s another to be treated respectfully, treasured and to be revered. She gives me all of these things. It’s so remarkable to me that we became so close and so connected, sometimes I have to pinch myself. She was honored to have this opportunity to post and called like 10 times to make sure she was on track – I felt like I was in HS with a giggly friend. She is all that and more. These words from her meant so very much as she wrote them, I know that because that’s who she is – generous and ever so clever with her words and sentiment. In my heart all that she says means even more. She is truly treasured.

Amazingly the picture of the rose she shares below blossomed the day she was writing about me. It’s such a beautiful photograph!

A Double Delight!

Best “Bloggette-ing” Wishes for your 1^{st “Birth-blog-day!”
I am honored and a thrilled to offer you my congratulations!}

When I think about our friendship and the mentorship we share, I liken our relationship to my favorite rose in my Pear Tree garden… a “Double Delight.”

Little did I realize the “Double Delight” your phone call would offer me. Once upon a time in January 2008…my friend Susie Duboe-Bryant, owner of Hinsdale Furriers, suggested that you call me about presenting a What Color Is Your Brain? ® Workshop and selling my new book What Color Is Your Brain? at the West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs (WSWE) February meeting.

After discussing the details of our agreement for the WSWE meeting, we continued our conversation as if we were overnight campers attending our reunion.

I quickly recognized your helpful and creative “Blue Brain” attributes. Then, our divergent thinking processes led us through a labyrinth, beginning with my Brain Colors, switch-backing to blogging, and an hour later, concluding with your gracious offer to help me find solutions to my digestive issues related to gluten and food allergies.

You generously shared your blog knowledge and suggested I contact blog consultants Michael Snell and Derrick Sorles
^{Then, you offered me information about two Shaklee products: Optiflora Probiotic Complex “my pearl” and EZ-Gest

“My Pearl” and EZ -Gest changed my life. No more brain or belly bloating!}

You are a quintessential problem solver. “Thank You!” I am most grateful for the comfort and trust you offered for my Brain, my Blog and my Belly!

Each day, I look forward to your lyrical, educational, magical and (often) hysterically funny posts. Last month, I jotted a note on my calendar about you and your writing. It simply read: Caring and Grace. I was confident that the appropriate time to share those adjectives would appear.

Ta- Da! When you invited me to be a “Guest Author” for your blog, I addressed my reply message to “Car’n Grace.” You replied with an innovative revision “Caringrace.” Now, “Caringrace Hanrahan” resides in my email address book.

I chose this date, to contribute to your blog because it is personally and professionally significant to both of us. June 19th is the 1st delivery/birthday of my What Color Is Your Bran? books to my office.

I am also celebrating the 1st birthday of your blog, which you write with Care and Grace, and your arrival into my life… A Double Delight!

“Caringrace,” I am extraordinarily proud of you and your accomplishments.

Mazel Tov,

Sheila

stunning “double delight” rose in bloom from sheila’s garden

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Publisher
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean

Guest Post by Patricia Singleton

Karen Hanrahan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:01:00 +0000

Patricia Singleton, fellow blogger from Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker is a wonderful example of what I hope to create with my blog and my writing. She was intriqued by something I wrote, acted on it, placed an order and then allowed me to offer my services as a consultant. In addition to be the ideal client, meaning someone who wants what I have to offer. She’s just an absolute delight. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help her with her wellness path. When I asked her to guest author I had no idea that this was what she had to say, imagine the warmth she provided in my heart with this glowing testimony

( she says she talks alot – so do I! When you get to folks together that have the same interest one can see how a consult could take 90 minutes! )

First, let me thank Karen, Mother Earth, for asking me to be a guest author on her blog.

I can’t tell you when I first started reading Best of Mother Earth during the past year. I subscribed because I like her “Mother Earth” groundedness and honesty. I enjoy Karen’s recipes and stories about her life. I enjoy reading about how to be more green and how to help the planet. From reading Karen’s articles on going green, I am making small changes in my own life such as greener cleaning products that are better for the environment and for me.

Sometime over the past few months, I found out that Karen is a Shaklee distributor and more recently I found out that she is a Best Wellness Consultant with Shaklee. After I signed up with Shaklee to buy directly from them just for my own personal use, Karen offered to give me a free consultation.

Through emails, Karen and I exchanged phone numbers. I called Karen and the consultation lasted about 1 1/2 hours. (I talk a lot.) Karen asked me questions about my health (I have a blood sugar disorder which the doctor calls diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, and sinus infections and headaches.) and any medications and nutrients that I was already taking.

I have been, over the past ten years, leaning more toward alternative and natural remedies for my health because I am so allergic to antibiotics. The pharmacist recently told my husband that all of the antibiotics on the market today are made from at least one of the six medicines that I am allergic to.

Karen gathered the information together that I gave her and later sent me an email of a plan of suggestions for me to implement to become healthier. She gave me suggestions to reduce high blood pressure, to assist and rebuild digestion, to reduce inflammation naturally, and to support nerve function and brain health.

Karen gave me a list of nutrients that are depleted by stress, a list of nutrients that benefit the sinuses, a list of nutrients that benefit hormones (I am post menopausal.) Then she gave me a list of what she considered the most crucial nutrients that she felt I needed to start out with. My doctor has never taken the time to do any of this. I was truly impressed with Karen’s caring and knowledge.

She is a wonderful wellness consultant.

I was already impressed with the Shaklee business. I fully intend to implement the suggestions that Karen wrote out for me. Karen has hooked me as a Shaklee customer and as a friend. Thanks Karen.

Patricia Singleton - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker

Patricia, her husband Daniel, and grandchild McGavyn taken 2 years ago

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Publisher
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean