Immune Support...Thymus Thumping

Cold and flu season is right around the corner - are you taking steps to avoid becoming sick?

Simple choices can strengthen your immune system and protect your health. Lifestyle choices such as avoiding tobacco, eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy weight, and if you do drink alcohol...drink in moderation. Do these suggestions sound familiar? Lifestyle choices can have a powerful and positive impact on your health. *

Additional steps to boost immune health and prevent illness include:

  • Spending time in nature (forest bathing!) and enjoying moderate time in the sun.

  • Drinking herbal teas.

  • Meditation, prayer, and deep breathing techniques.

  • Thymus Thumping. Learn about this lymphoid organ and how thymus thumping can benefit you and your family. Check out this video demonstration and/or these easy to follow steps on a patient education sheet from the Seattle Children’s Family Resource Center, titled, The Three Thumps, here.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Take what is useful, investigate these options, and speak to your physician before incorporating something new into your personal wellness plan.

Now, more than ever, take good care of yourself to prevent illness, and invest in your health.

Be Well. ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

Founder, Anderson Therapeutics

*This post is an excerpt first shared in the September 2019 Anderson Therapeutics monthly newsletter, emailed to subscribers, and archived online. Please note that monthly newsletters shifted to seasonal/quarterly editions beginning March 2020. Read the September 2019 issue in it’s entirety here.

Image courtesy of Adobe Free Stock photos. https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=thymus+gland

Love Your Liver? Give it Some Lemon...

An internal medicine specialist, and several of my own medical practitioners, encouraged me to follow a simply daily habit to support liver health.

The daily practice is simple: I start my day with warm water and fresh lemon juice.

Lemon water offers significant health benefits. Lemons contain vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B-6, and minerals such as zinc, calcium, and potassium. Lemon water is hydrating, energizing, and supports digestion. Drinking this blend early in the day is important since you’ll want to have an empty stomach which allows the lemon water to enter the digestive tract more quickly. Remember, the complex act of digestion requires energy…which is why it’s best not to overeat in the evening. Do your best to eat your evening meal a few hours before it’s time for sleep. Other benefits of lemon water include:

Liver health: The liver is a crucial organ that helps to restore and detoxify our body. Lemon juice supports liver health, activates digestive enzymes, and improves bile production.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Lemons are natural diuretics, helping to remove waste, alkalize the body and balance pH levels. and can relieve pain related to rheumatism. Lemon water also increases metabolism and is a natural appetite suppressant - by adding lemon water to your morning routine, you may even lose a bit of excess weight!

How much lemon water and how often? The recommendation is to squeeze 1/4 to 1/2 of a small lemon into a cup of water and drink daily. Why do I prefer warm water? Simply because it’s less taxing on my stomach early in the morning…if you prefer cool or cold water, go for it! Adding an adequate amount of water to the lemon juice is important, the acidity of undiluted lemon juice can damage tooth enamel. After drinking the mix, rinse your mouth to protect your teeth.

The Cleveland Clinic has more to say about the benefits of drinking lemon water here.

This information is not a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. Take what is useful, investigate these options, and speak to your doctor before incorporating something new into your personal wellness plan.

Be Well. ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

*Portions of this blog first posted on June 7, 2018

Surgery? Discount Resource Guide to Help you Prepare, Recover, Heal

Anderson Therapeutics is celebrating a 5-year “Bookversary”!

Butternut to Bionic introduces us to a medical mystery tale and offers a unique and comprehensive approach to recovery before and after surgery.

This resource guide was written from the patient’s perspective and shares guidance, support, and encouragement. Step by step, the author helps you understand your medical team, better prepare for surgery, plus improve and accelerate your recovery time.

Reasons why you want a copy for yourself and those you care about…

“I am so grateful Tiffany wrote this book! Even though it is specific for those going through hip replacement, her advice is relevant for most any type of surgery. I loved her section on interviewing surgeons and how you can become a more savvy patient by being informed and asking the right questions. She will guide you every step of the way as she has knows the path well. This book will definitely be on my list of recommendations for my patients going through hip replacement, and more. And - it's very well written and easy to read! Thank you, Tiffany!” - Dr. Leslie Peterson, ND

"Anderson uses her knowledge to provide readers with extensive, yet concise information that includes resources, suggestions and a checklist for people who are either going through hip replacement or assisting someone going through the process.This is highly recommended reading." -Paige Lovitt for Reader Views

"This book is a must-read for anyone facing major surgery or those interested in improving their personal health. The most empowering message from the book is that there is life, health, and hope ahead." - Maria Milligan, Utah Stories


"My favorite feature of the book was the author's comparison of joint replacement to necessary home maintenance. As an avid DIY enthusiast, I found this illustration quite engaging and much more fun to read than a book full of medical jargon. I'm pleased to rate it 4 out of 4 stars." - Official Review Online Book Club

“This book is a very helpful guide for anyone facing major surgery. I felt reading the book is like sitting down and talking over experiences and challenges with a friend over a cup of tea. Tiffany is very open and honest. I like how she combines western and alternative medicine possibilities to help the healing process, and honestly could be applied to all aspects of life. I highly recommend this book.” - L. Bodganow, Epidemiologist

“When I began reading Tiffany's book, I was not in need of a hip replacement. I was concerned for an aging parent, who, one day may need such care. Yet, Tiffany engaged me as a reader and I felt inspired by her tenacity and grit, detailing her journey through a most difficult medical crisis. The thing is, it doesn't read like a medical book! She includes so much more, in considering the social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual aspects of caring for oneself in a holisitc way. The enhanced healing techniques she provides offer a plethora of options to try. As a mental health practitioner, I am always seeking resources to provide to clients. And I am grateful to have this read, not just as a medical resource, but also a very inclusive guide for pre- and post surgery. What a wonderful offering for anyone anticipating hip surgery or just searching for all around wellness! Touche Tiffany. Well Done.” - T. Busch, LCSW

“The one feature that will keep this book from being required reading for everyone undergoing a total hip replacement is Tiffany’s use of alternative therapies and medicines before, during and after her surgeries. However, given the opioid crisis, it has never been more timely to know there are other ways to deal with post surgical pain in addition to using pills that for some will lead to addiction.
Butternut to Bionic is Tiffany Anderson’s story, very well written, and an honest, detailed and often humorous account about how she prepared, went through and recovered from two total hip replacements and one hip revision. And while Tiffany is a proponent of alternative treatments, she does not stint on clearly crediting the practitioners of Western medicine, her surgeon, his team, the hospital staff, and all their expertise, for literally giving her her life back.
And though the lists of questions she provides for patients to ask their doctors before surgery, along with the myriad suggestions of how to prepare for life post-surgery alone would make this book a must read for any preoperative patient, it is so much more than that. In Butternut to Bionic Tiffany not only recounts events, but shares her feelings and fears along the way adding another valuable dimension to her story and the advice she gives. Spoiler alert. When she described the moment she learned she had a fracture after her second hip replacement that needed another surgery, I gasped and felt her despair, too.
I highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating total hip replacement. And to any medical provider who has qualms about recommending this book because he or she does not feel comfortable with any or all of the non-traditional therapies Tiffany used, I say, by all means, share the same caveat Tiffany herself consistently gave throughout her book each time she wrote about using an alternative treatment or medicine that worked for her: “Ask your doctor.”
However. Who knows? Maybe one or all of the nontraditional ways Tiffany used that allowed her to wean herself off her strong pain pills earlier rather than later just might keep one less person, hopefully many, from becoming yet another statistic in this country’s ongoing opioid epidemic.” - Lynn Little, RN

“Wow! I wish that I would have read Tiffany's Butternut to Bionic six months before I had my hip replacement. I thought that I had asked plenty of questions prior, but obviously not the right questions to be properly informed and prepared for the surgery or the aftercare. Tiffany has given the reader the knowledge and methods that she has gleaned and organized from her own experiences. Had this resource guide been available before my decisions were made, I feel certain that they would have been more informed and that my surgery would have had a more positive outcome.

Orthopedic surgeons should be providing this resource to their patients pre-surgery. This book covers it all. And although this pertains specifically to joint replacement surgery, this book is a tremendous resource guide for patients facing surgeries or contemplating any medical procedures or treatments. Knowledge is power, and we should always be able to maintain power over our medical decisions.”

Barbara Good
Salt Lake City, Utah
Left Anterior Hip Replacement - 2014

Access this discounted resource guide that can help you prepare for surgery, recover, and heal.

Be Well and Happy Reading!

~Tiffany Anderson, Author, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES Founder, Anderson Therapeutics

Celebrating with my son in Seattle, WA…visited a brick and mortar Amazon store thanking them for showcasing Butternut to Bionic. :)

Image by Sofia Iivarinen from Pixabay

Standing Abs! "Feel good first, lose weight second." - Schellea Fowler

The Drop 5 Challenge continues - are you participating?

I’ve shed one pound of five so far - even after a long weekend of travel and eating out of a cooler and one lunch at a cafe. My restaurant stop wasn’t a wonderful meal though the server did their best to put together a large vegetable only salad with lemon slices for dressing, a baked potato (which I only ate the inside due to the oily residue on the skin), and a side of dry rye toast. Dining well on the road takes planning and making the best choices possible while eating out. Mary McDougall, RN offers terrific suggestions on the topic of healthy eating when eating at restaurants…check out her video here.

Daily exercise - does this task seem daunting? Check out the motivational work of Fabulous50s…Schellea’s workouts can be modified to nearly every fitness level and her positive messages always make me smile.

Be Well. ~Tiffany

Managing Inflammation...

Inflammation is a common symptom. I can easily experience swollen ankles and puffiness around my eyes depending on how I am taking care of myself and managing my chronic conditions. To alleviate these complaints, I typically reach for ice. I also elevate my legs and feet daily, and of course, watch my diet. Ideally…I do my best to avoid inflammation.

Inflammation is a response from our body.

This inflammation response shows up in our bodies due to a variety of factors…such as injury, chronic conditions, infections, side effect of certain medications, and specific ‘trigger foods’ that can cause bloating.

Rather than reaching for another pill, I opt for natural remedies and lifestyle medicine to avoid and manage inflammation.

Inflammation is a reaction that we have control over. We take control when we educate ourselves and become a more active participant in our healthcare practices. Check out the article (link below): Inflammation 101, by Andrew Beauchesne who received his master’s in Nutritional Epidemiology from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. The article describes the mechanics of inflammation and how to better manage it.

Be Well. ~Tiffany

*This blog first posted November 29, 2018

Movement...Fitness for Every Level of Ability

Welcome to Day 2 of the Drop Five Challenge! Are you participating?

Movement is an important part of losing weight, improving your quality of life, and maintaining a healthy weight…our bodies are designed to move! Begin with an honest review of your abilities. What types of chronic conditions are you managing? Do you have any limitations? What types of exercise are you participating in now - do you enjoy that exercise? Is it time for a change?

For those of us who are managing chronic conditions, exercise can be challenging for us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though exercise in some form is essential to better manage your condition(s) and get a good nights sleep.

Daily, moderate exercise helps you rest...over-exerting yourself has the opposite effect.

The level of fitness I have today, ten years after joint replacement, is entirely different from my fitness level prior to surgery, during recovery, and even five years ago. If I were to get caught up in wishing for days gone by I would be sabotaging my success today. Here are some fitness ideas for every level of ability.

First and foremost - follow the recommendations of your doctor, physical therapist, rehabilitation specialist, or other medical professionals who know your health history!

Have limited mobility?

Exercise for those experiencing chronic pain -

  • Water fitness - allow the buoyancy of the water to relive pressure off your joints

  • Facilitated Stretching, also known as PNF - speak to your rehabilitation specialist about movements they can assist you with to increase circulation and tone underused muscles.

These suggestions are not meant to replace professional care. Speak to your physician, investigate these options, and research fitness routines that are suited to your abilities and personal preference.

My current fitness routine?

  • Daily cardio from Fabulous50s via YouTube (Schellea Fowler is the host and offers in a wide range of exercise videos from stretching to balance to standing ab routines).

  • Strength training focusing on my upper body on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday using free weights. I’ve been weight training for over 27 years and hired a professional trainer to celebrate my 30th birthday - I was taught proper techniques and have modified my routine over time.

  • Daily leg lifts - I follow a specific routine that was designed by a physical therapist. These leg swings/raises/lifts help me to strengthen the muscles of my legs and protect my artificial hips.

  • A daily walk outdoors - this time in nature inspires me, is a time when I meditate, and offers the added bonus of fresh air and a vitamin D boost courtesy of moderate sunshine intake.

  • Stretching morning and night.

Celebrating my 57th birthday hiking near the Grand Canyon Skywalk

The routine I practice provides me with the results I am looking for. I have modified my exercise routines over the years based on my current level of health. The routine I practiced before and after surgery was entirely different.

Exercise releases endorphins…which energizes me and helps me to better manage chronic pain without medication. Movement increases circulation…which helps me to feel less ‘creaky’ and improves skin tone.

The exercises I practice are those that I have fun doing…which helps me to better manage stress, puts a smile on my face, and a spring in my step.

Be Well. ~Tiffany

3 Key Concepts to Improved Health: Soothe - Nourish - Rest

The Drop 5 Pounds Challenge Has Begun - Join Me!

The Drop Five Challenge starts today - August 18, 2022. As a reminder from yesterday’s post, I chose that date since in one month I am embarking on an archeological and spiritual retreat at Teotihuacan, Mexico. By ‘lightening my load’ I will feel much better hiking at high altitudes. My starting weight is 134.4 pounds. Since I have a small frame and am 5’7” tall, I know that reaching 129 pounds is highly achievable and I have been at that weight before…even after the age 50. Visualize how you will feel achieving your goal of losing five pounds…I see myself with more energy and less creakiness in my joints!

The strategies I will use during this challenge include: Ramping up my current morning fitness routine, starting every meal with vegetables, drinking more water, and adding a daily apple cider vinegar tonic to reduce cravings for sweets. I plan on spending more time in nature, meditating often, and stretching morning and night. Check back daily for exercise tips, links to recipes, and guided meditations to help you better manage stress. Let’s succeed together!

Day One Tips for Weight Loss Success

Soothe - Better manage stress and improve motivation using tools such as guided imagery, meditation, or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) otherwise known as ‘Tapping’. Check out one of my favorite videos from EFT guru, Brad Yates as a source of motivation: Feeling Abundant, Worthy and Empowered

Nourish - As my hero, Dr. John McDougall states, “The Food We Eat is The Food We Wear.” My motto is simple in regards to food…eat what you want and simply accept the consequences of your choices. Losing weight means making better choices. I follow a whole food plant-based oil free diet (The Starch Solution) and will focus on plenty of vegetables, starches, and some fruit to help me reach my goal. Breakfast will be simple…vegetables and potatoes, lunch and dinner will be similar. If you’ve read The Starch Solution or followed Andrew Taylor aka Spud Fit, you know that we can survive and thrive eating potatoes and water alone. I will add much more variety to my meals and snacks. Check the Anderson Therapeutics Facebook page for foodie pics and recipes!

Rest - As an early riser, I tend to go to bed quite early in the evening. The summer heat has made sleeping a bit challenging since the historic home I live in has no air conditioning…sleeping with ice packs has been my solution so far. During this challenge I will take cat naps when I am able and reduce my tea intake to help me sleep more soundly. Having trouble sleeping? Consider a complimentary Distance Reiki Healing Session.

This information is not a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. Take what is useful, investigate these options, and speak to your doctor before incorporating something new into your personal wellness plan.

Be Well. ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

Founder, Anderson Therapeutics

Author, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery

Image by zuzyusa from Pixabay