Arise Like Esther

Tag: postpartum

  • The Hidden Hormone Crisis: Why Your Body’s Control Center Might Be Crying for Help

    The Hidden Hormone Crisis: Why Your Body’s Control Center Might Be Crying for Help

    Hi beautiful,

    Have you noticed how despite getting enough sleep, eating well, and trying to manage stress, something still feels… off? Maybe it’s the brain fog that rolls in around 2 PM, or that unexplained fatigue that no amount of coffee seems to fix, or the stubborn belly fat that won’t budge & has been there for years? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – and more importantly, you’re not imagining things.

    What are Hormones Anyway?

    We hear it all the time.

    Hormones are chemical substances that are secreted into the blood, and carried by the blood, tissues and fluids to targeted locations in the body.

    They fall into the category of endocrine signaling because they are secreted by endocrine glands.

    Sometimes it is used for substances that are not secreted by endocrine glands but have a similar effect.

    The Modern Hormone Puzzle

    Here’s what most wellness articles won’t tell you: our hormonal systems are facing unprecedented challenges in today’s world. It’s not just about stress or aging – we’re dealing with living in a perfect storm of hormone disruption.

    That organic produce you’re eating? It’s grown in soil depleted of crucial minerals.

    That “clean” water you drink? Loaded with hormone-disrupting chemicals that your grandfather never had to deal with.

    Think of your endocrine system as your body’s master control center. When it’s working properly, it orchestrates everything from your energy levels and mood to your metabolism and reproductive health. But here’s the breakthrough insight that changed my understanding: hormone imbalances don’t just happen overnight – they’re the culmination of thousands of tiny disruptions our bodies face every day.

    The Adaptation Crisis

    Our bodies were designed with an incredible ability to adapt to stress and maintain balance. But this natural resilience requires specific nutritional and botanical support – support that’s increasingly hard to get from our modern food supply alone.

    You know how in the Bible, they would let the soil rest every seven years or so for sometime? That would allow the soil to have a chance to rest, and not become “dead soil.” Where is that being done now?

    Here’s what’s fascinating: traditional cultures have long understood this challenge. In the high Andes mountains, where environmental stresses are extreme, people have relied for centuries on adaptive plants like maca – not just one variety, but multiple types, each supporting different aspects of hormonal health.

    The Three-Pillar Solution

    Through years of research and working with clients, I’ve discovered that sustainable hormone balance rests on three crucial pillars:

    1. Adaptogenic Support: Using plants that help your body respond to stress without overstimulating any one hormonal pathway
    2. Systemic Clearing: Supporting your body’s natural detoxification systems to remove hormone-disrupting compounds
    3. Nutritional Foundation: Providing the specific nutrients your endocrine system needs to function optimally

    Your Path Forward

    The good news? Once you understand these principles, small strategic changes can create powerful cascading effects. Clients who address their hormone health often report improvements far beyond their initial concerns – from better sleep and mental clarity to improved relationships and workplace performance.

    The key is choosing solutions that work with your body’s natural intelligence, not against it. Look for comprehensive approaches that combine traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding.

    If you’re ready to take the next step in your hormone health journey, I invite you to explore natural solutions that honor these principles. One option I particularly respect is SolleExcell®, which thoughtfully combines three types of maca with clarifying herbs and immune-supporting superfruits.

    Learn more about how SolleExcell® supports your body’s natural hormone balance → (savings code: faithrefinedbyfire)

    Remember the “dead soil” problem? Here’s what makes SolleExcell different. The testing.

    What do we test for?

    1. Purity – checks for any contaminants such as microbials, pesticides and heavy metals.

    2. Potency – certifies the strength and effectiveness of the raw material. This can include the concentration of a nutrient or active ingredient, as well as its bio-availability.

    3. Identity – guarantees that the raw material we received is what our supplier said it is and that its composition and characteristics meet our standards.

    Remember: Your body wants to be in balance. Sometimes it just needs the right support to find its way back home.

    Stay close to Abba 💛

    Julianne Clark

  • The Surprising Truth About Your Appendix: Why This “Useless” Organ May Be Your Brain’s Secret Weapon

    The Surprising Truth About Your Appendix: Why This “Useless” Organ May Be Your Brain’s Secret Weapon

    Woman of God,

    For decades, we’ve dismissed the appendix as a vestigial organ – a useless and almost burdensome leftover. But groundbreaking research from Duke University has revealed something stunning: your appendix may be one of your body’s most sophisticated command centers for gut-brain communication.

    The Hidden Neural Network You Never Knew You Had – Gods Divine Design

    Using advanced imaging techniques, scientists discovered that the appendix contains neurons!!! This isn’t just fascinating trivia – it fundamentally changes our understanding of how our digestive system communicates with our brain.

    Think of your appendix as a biological backup drive that stores both beneficial bacteria and complex neural pathways. When illness strikes, this backup system helps restore proper gut function and maintains crucial communication between your digestive system and brain.

    Why This Matters More Than Ever

    The implications are staggering. Research shows that people without an appendix experience:

    • Slower digestive responses to stress
    • Altered emotional reactions to certain foods
    • Higher susceptibility to recurring intestinal infections
    • Changes in gut-brain communication patterns

    The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than Just Digestion

    This discovery reinforces what cutting-edge neuroscience has been telling us: the connection between our gut and brain is far more sophisticated than previously thought. Your digestive system isn’t just processing food – it’s actively influencing your mood, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.

    The appendix appears to play a crucial role in this communication network, acting as a secondary neural control center that can process information independently of the central nervous system.

    Supporting Your Gut-Brain Axis

    While this research is revolutionizing how we think about the appendix, it also highlights the critical importance of maintaining healthy gut-brain communication – whether you still have your appendix or not.

    The key lies in supporting your body’s probiotic ecosystem and neural pathways through targeted nutrition. This is especially crucial for those who’ve had their appendix removed, as their bodies need extra support to maintain optimal gut-brain communication.

    Taking Action: Practical Steps Forward

    Understanding this connection is one thing – supporting it is another. If you’re interested in optimizing your gut-brain health, consider exploring specialized probiotic formulations that target both digestive and cognitive function. Look for products that combine proven probiotic strains with ingredients that support neural health.

    One notable option is ProBio IQ, which combines specific probiotic strains studied for their concurrent body and mind benefits with adaptogens that promote mental clarity.

    The Bottom Line

    Your appendix isn’t just a redundant organ – it’s a sophisticated neural hub that plays a crucial role in your overall health. Whether you still have yours or not, understanding and supporting your gut-brain connection has never been more important for your physical and mental well-being.

    The future of health science is increasingly focused on this fascinating connection between our digestive system and our brain. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to support this vital relationship, you’re investing in both your current health and your long-term cognitive wellness.

    God is soooooo AMAZING.

    As always, stay close to Holy Spirit

    JC

    References:

    https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/evolution-appendix-biological-remnant-no-more

    https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/appendix-isnt-useless-all-its-safe-house-bacteria

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8137885/

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4449095/

    https://medschool.duke.edu/news/neuroscientists-develop-ai-tool-reveal-brains-secrets

    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4449095/#:~:text=Conclusion,in%20generating%20specific%20functional%20innervations.

    https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-gut-cells-brain-neurons-discovery.html

  • The Hidden Reason You’re Tired All The Time (That Has Nothing To Do With Sleep)

    The Hidden Reason You’re Tired All The Time (That Has Nothing To Do With Sleep)

    Hi beauty,

    Let me guess – you’re doing “all the right things.” Getting decent sleep. Eating pretty well. Maybe even exercising when you can squeeze it in. Yet somehow, you still feel like you’re running on fumes by 2 PM every day.

    I discovered something fascinating while researching modern fatigue patterns. It turns out the exhaustion most of us feel isn’t actually about lack of sleep or poor diet. It’s about something called “adaptive capacity” – and it explains why traditional energy solutions often fall flat.

    Why Your Body’s “Stress Battery” Keeps Dying

    Think of your body like a smartphone. Just like your phone has a battery that drains faster when multiple apps are running, your body has a finite capacity to handle stress. The catch? In 2024, we’re running about 47 background apps we don’t even realize are active.

    Work deadlines. Family responsibilities. Environmental toxins. Social media. Political tension. That weird noise your car is making. Each one slowly drains your adaptive capacity – your body’s ability to bounce back from stress.

    The Ancient Solution to Modern Exhaustion

    Here’s where it gets interesting. Traditional cultures had a secret weapon against this kind of systemic fatigue: adaptogens. These are rare plants that actually help your body adapt to stress instead of just masking tiredness like caffeine does.

    The science behind this is pretty mind-blowing. Adaptogens work at a cellular level to help your body maintain balance under pressure! Think of them as training wheels for your stress response system. They don’t just give you energy – they teach your body to use energy more efficiently.

    The Cascading Effects Nobody Talks About

    When your adaptive capacity improves, something fascinating happens. It’s not just about having more energy. People report better focus at work, more patience with their kids, a stronger bond with their spouse, and even improved digestion (fun fact: stress wreaks havoc on your gut).

    One woman, a busy mom of three, started incorporating adaptogens into her routine and noticed she wasn’t stress-snacking in the afternoon anymore. Her sugar cravings disappeared because her body wasn’t desperately searching for quick energy fixes. Usually when the body signals that it’s hungry, it’s really saying- we are low on nutrients – feed us. So if you can respond to your body with giving it true nutrition instead of coffee or sugary drinks and snacks that are really a band aid and a very superficial approach, you will revolutionize your health.

    The Simple Way to Test This For Yourself

    Here’s the thing – everyone responds to adaptogens differently. That’s why I always suggest people start with a variety pack to find what works best for their unique system. It’s like dating – you need to meet a few before you find your perfect match.

    If you’re curious about trying adaptogens but don’t want to commit to full-size products yet, I’ve found a pretty sweet deal. There’s a sample pack that lets you try 7 different adaptogenic drinks for $14.95 (with free shipping for first-timers). The best part? It comes with a $15 gift card for your next purchase – basically making it risk-free.

    But whether you try that specific pack or not, start paying attention to your adaptive capacity. Notice when your “stress battery” feels low. Look for patterns. Understanding this one concept could completely change how you approach your energy management.

    → Learn more about the Adaptogen Sample Pack here

    Remember: True energy isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building your body’s resilience, one small step at a time.

    And of course, make sure you are resting in God’s presence.

    Stay close to Abba

    Julianne

    Psalm 91:16 With a long life I will satisfy him, and shew him My Salvation.

  • When Exhaustion Meets Divine Purpose: My Journey from Burnout to Breakthrough

    When Exhaustion Meets Divine Purpose: My Journey from Burnout to Breakthrough

    I remember waking up postpartum for another precious nursing session, I was too drained to even keep my eyes open. My body felt heavy, my mind foggy, the eyelid slumber was pretty hardcore and my spirit… well, I wasn’t even sure I could hear God’s voice anymore through the exhaustion. Can you relate?

    As I sat there that morning dealing with the fear of dropping my newborn because I was so sleepy, doing my best to cast down thoughts & say scripture out loud to help me like “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Praying in the Spirit an hour daily to stay sharp.

    I remembered I had something that I didn’t have during my last postpartum experience… CinnaMate.

    I was immediately drawn to back to the hardship of my first postpartum experience & how deep the struggle was, well at the same time sooooo grateful I didn’t have to go back to that but God provided me with the solution to have an easy breezy postpartum experience.

    I sipped on my “Holy Spirit hug in a mug” that tasted like a sweet piece of heaven & in seconds, no exaggeration, I felt energized, and the heavy eyelids all of a sudden could open with ease.

    A true Godsent.

    I knew there was more. I knew God had more. My body was designed for abundance, not mere survival.

    My only regret was that I found out too late & felt that I lost a part of my motherhood experience to unnecessary pain & I knew that I NEVER wanted another woman to experience the hardships I endured with our first treasure entrusted to us by God.

    You see, for years I’d been pushing through, even before my pregnancies, thinking that running on empty was somehow more spiritual. “Take up your cross,” right? But God began showing me how His Word speaks of our bodies as temples (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

    The Hidden Cost of “Push Through” Christianity

    Beloved, we’ve bought into a lie that serving God means neglecting the vessel He gave us to serve Him with. We wear our exhaustion like a badge of honor, thinking it proves our dedication. But what if our fatigue is actually hindering the fullness of what He has for us?

    When I finally surrendered this area to the Lord, He began teaching me about something fascinating: adaptogens. Although I knew they existed they were kinda not really on my mind because of a lack of revelation of the true value that they bring in all their fullness. These are God’s natural gifts that help our bodies respond to stress the way He designed them to. Just like He provides spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:13), He’s provided physical support for the battles we face that greatly and beautifully impact our emotional and mental health.

    A Divine Discovery in Modern Science

    What amazes me is how modern research is just catching up to God’s wisdom. These adaptogenic herbs actually help our bodies find balance – supporting healthy stress responses, immune function, and energy levels. It’s like they speak our body’s language, helping it remember its original design.

    I remember hearing a brilliant herbalist state that they are likened to “smart herbs,” they go where they are needed in the body to help out where things need attention.

    When I started incorporating these gifts into my daily routine, the transformation went far beyond physical energy. Yes, the brain fog lifted and my stamina returned, but more importantly, I could hear God’s voice with clarity again. My prayer life deepened because I wasn’t constantly fighting exhaustion.

    It’s hard to hear God when you are worn out.

    From Surviving to Thriving

    The Lord showed me that when we’re operating from a place of wholeness – spirit, soul, AND body – we can truly fulfill our calling. It’s not about having superhuman energy; it’s about stewarding our temples so we can serve from overflow, not emptiness.

    If you’re where I was – trying to pour out while running on empty – I want to share something that became my first step toward wholeness. I discovered a simple way to experience these God-given adaptogens and see how they might support your journey.

    For just $14.95, you can try seven different adaptogenic drinks that have become part of my daily routine of temple stewardship. Each one is carefully formulated to support different aspects of wellness – from mental clarity to physical stamina. I also love to fast on these as well!

    Click here to learn more about the blessings that started my journey from exhaustion to abundance

    Remember, beloved, God’s desire for you isn’t survival – it’s abundance. John 10:10 reminds us that He came so we might have life “more abundantly.” Sometimes, that abundance starts with simply caring for the temple He’s entrusted to us.

    Let’s pray together: Father, show us how to steward these bodies You’ve given us. Help us serve You with our whole being – spirit, soul, and body. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    As always, stay close to Holy Spirit. JC

  • 7 Time Savings Tip for the Postpartum Mama

    7 Time Savings Tip for the Postpartum Mama

    I wish I knew sooner.

    Now you don’t have to struggle or stress through postpartum. It really can be beautiful. These tips were little hinges that swung big doors. Each so worthy. Don’t underestimate them. I did… complete UNNECESSARY pain.

    1. Get a crockpot! Oh Lawd! I cook my beans, then add meat later and veggies last, sometimes pasta. Food for a couple of days. 🤌🏼 Happy husband.
    2. Meal prep so your breakfast is always easy and light. It’s so important for me to have slow peaceful mornings and not be in a rush or feel the pressure of the cares of this world. This little thing really helps. Keep it simple. Mornings are God, the Huggies and preparing your family mentally to have a beautiful day.
    3. Proteins shakes are a MUST. Fast, easy super clean food. Sometimes when there’s a free moment you are debating whether to eat, shower, pee or sleep. This makes things EASY! And this is a season where Mama will totally pay for convenience. Here’s the cleanest plant based one I have found, oh and the flavor is a 10/10. It also helps to keep your breastmilk rich in nutrient while giving Mama a little energy boost. Postpartum nutrient deficiency is a real thing. This is how you fight back. Savings code: faithrefinedbyfire (first timers.) This being plant based and full of enzymes will take a load off your kidneys and liver! Heaven yes!
    4. Shower time! Only God knows what your support system looks like. But if you are anything like me and need to be in and out fast (thank God my husband ALWAYS watches the family when I shower) this gem here saves time! It’s a shampoo and conditioner combined, leaves my hair clean and my curls beautiful. I also use it as a leave in conditioner.
    5. Fast Food is best! Let me explain! No I don’t mean the drive through. I mean raw fruit and vegetables! Nuts. Always have fruit available. Not only will this hydrate you and give you glowing skin but it’s the perfect food for your family too. Hello rich breastmilk.
    6. Master 3 minute makeup. I Ain’t got time for one hour makeup anymore! Seint is the best postpartum makeup I’ve owned. EVERYTHING in One palette. One compact. One brush. Looks like healthy radiant skin! Easy peasy. This is worth mastering. Flawless finish. For every skin tone. Mimics your skin but looks like a filter. No cake face. It really is confidence in a compact. You deserve to look & feel like a queen. Choose your shades here. No selfie required. Or take their find your shade quiz here, it’s extremely accurate. I can also personally color match you here (naked face selfie required). Best decision I made outside of choosing to breastfeed with our 2nd bundle of joy. It’s a fact, when you feel good about yourself, you do better, you feel better, remember, you set the atmosphere in your home (of course so does your hubby) and everyone will feed off your energy. Fill it with God. Fill it with joy.
    7. Spend time with God before everyone wakes up. It’s been pretty challenging to get that time with the family when everyone is awake. This is a lesson learned the hard way so now you don’t have to. Keep the main thing the main thing- Jesus.

    I pray this blessed you. If it did, please prayerfully share it with a postpartum mama or a woman of God that you know.

    Hugs and encouragement your way. Stay close to Jesus.

    JC

     She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:15