Health Detective Wendy

01/17/2026

This is why I advocate for daily intake of quality, purified and 3rd party tested fish oil. It’s one big reason why it’s so important to get enough. Our hormones, immune system, our heart, joints, bones and muscles need it every day. Check out the link in comments for the brand I use and recommend.
And take a minute to look at the science in this article. See both links below.
~Wendy

01/09/2026

12/26/2025

I just learned that organic chicken may be soaked in water with chlorine, but air chilled is not: From Google AI "Yes, in the U.S., even many USDA-certified organic chickens are chilled in water that may contain antimicrobial rinses, often involving chlorine based-solutions or organic acids like peracetic acid, to reduce bacteria like Salmonella, a standard practice for most U.S. poultry, air-chilled or pasture raised options avoid this. The key to avoiding chlorine is looking for labels like 'air chilled', which cools birds individually without communal, water baths, or seeking out specific organic brands that use alternative chilling methods (like vinegar) and clearly state. They are chlorine free.

Wild pastures is a company that air chills their chicken.
~Wendy

12/19/2025

Ashwagandha & Cortisol — what you should know.

Cortisol is often called the stress hormone — and for good reason. Your adrenal glands release cortisol in response to stress, but also when blood sugar drops too low.

That’s important, because when stress becomes chronic, cortisol can stay elevated far longer than it should.

And chronically elevated cortisol =
• higher blood sugar
• increased fat storage (especially around the abdomen)
• disrupted sleep
• nervous system fatigue
• stalled healing and recovery
• fatty liver
• anxiety
• moodiness
• much more long term health issues

This is where ashwagandha comes into the conversation.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress rather than simply “stimulate” or “sedate” it.

What the research shows:
In a study of chronically stressed adults, those who supplemented with ashwagandha experienced significantly greater reductions in cortisol compared to the control group.

Those taking the highest dose saw an average cortisol reduction of ~30%.

That’s not subtle. That’s physiologically meaningful.

But context matters:
Lowering cortisol blindly isn’t the goal.
The goal is restoring balance.

Chronically high cortisol is often a sign of:
• unstable blood sugar
• poor sleep
• overtraining
• under-eating
• unresolved stress physiology

Ashwagandha can be a supportive tool, but it works best when the foundations are addressed too.

Balance the terrain.
Stabilize blood sugar.
Support the nervous system.
Then let the adaptogens do their job.
**posting with this specific photo because it lowers my cortisol level😉**
~Wendy

12/18/2025

🎄🧑‍🎄

11/12/2025

🔥 Heartburn got you down? We've got the hot tips to cool that burn! 🧊
Aloe vera can be a game-changer for GERD symptoms. But don't stop there!
🥗 Lose weight if needed
🕰️ No late-night snacks
🛏️ Elevate your bed head
🚭🍷 Ditch the cigs and booze
Experiencing chest pain or trouble swallowing? Time to see the doc!
If your doctor recommends long-term PPI use, know that it might have some risks, so always chat in-depth with your healthcare provider. Stay healthy, friends! 💪🏽❤️

11/06/2025

🍎 Is your liver feeling a bit too fatty? Time for a lifestyle makeover! 💪
Say goodbye to fatty liver with these simple steps:
1️⃣ Mediterranean diet: Less sugar, more fiber!
2️⃣ Get moving: Strength training is your new BFF
3️⃣ Shed those extra pounds
4️⃣ Boost with omega-3 and vitamin E
Plus, try these secret weapons:
✨ Prebiotics
✨ Chinese Sage
✨ Chia seeds
Remember, always consult your doc or Nutritionist before starting any new regimen. Your liver will thank you! 🙌
*See the first comment below*
~Wendy

10/28/2025

Don’t let sugar haunt you this season!
As we approach all of the holidays where sugar is a prominent ingredient in most meals, don’t throw all of your hard work to the curb and say I’ll get back on track next year! Instead do it with mindfulness and strategy 🙂.

Sugar can change your hormones and cause mood shifts, it leads to higher CVD risk, liver issues, GI disruption, weakened immune function, and the list goes on!

This year, try choosing healthier sweet treats. Instead of buying packaged items, try making something yourself so you have control over the ingredients. Try to stay below 7g of sugar in a packaged or processed food.

Eat a protein or healthy fat prior to a sweet treat! Go for a walk after you over indulge. These are things that can help stabilize your blood sugar.

And as always, try to avoid the truly bad highly processed foods with high fructose corn syrup, MSG, GMO, and artificial sweeteners.

Here’s to a Happy Halloween!!🎃 👻

10/26/2025

“Sugar Doesn’t Have to Be the Monster Under Your Bed!”

🍬👻 Let’s talk about how to enjoy sweets wisely a bit more —so you can treat yourself without the tricks!

Here are some simple tips for a guilt-free Halloween:

🎃 Mindful Indulgence: Pick your top 2-3 favorite treats, savor them slowly, and skip the rest. You’ll enjoy them more and dodge the sugar overload!

🍫 Pair with Protein: If you’re reaching for sweets, try pairing them with a handful of nuts to slow sugar absorption and keep you fuller longer.

🧃 Watch Out for Liquid Sugar: Skip sugary drinks and opt for water, herbal tea, or sparkling water with a splash of juice instead.

🍎 Sweet, Naturally: Satisfy your cravings with fruit-based treats like apple slices with cinnamon or a pumpkin smoothie. Bonus: real fruits have fiber and nutrients!

A little planning can go a long way toward enjoying Halloween treats without the sugar overload. Let’s keep it fun and balanced this season! 🧡

10/25/2025

Travel water when I must purchase one, this’ll do.

10/05/2025

Hey! Look! I’m at Aubergine Kitchen! It’s so yummy! Been wanting to go here and it did not disappoint.
So excited to try this place out. Highly recommended if you’re not wanting to cook but still want to be healthy. Several locations in the West. You gotta try it!!