chronic illness – Page 2 – Real Food Rebel

7 Toxic Chemicals in Your Hair Dye

January 19, 2018 Brenda Cosentino

It seems that I am always giving up something for my health. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, gluten, dairy, alcohol, cigarettes, pharmaceutical drugs, processed foods, body lotions, scents and the list goes on. I really was in denial about dying my hair. Every 5 weeks I would book … [Read more...]

12 Natural Treatments for Depression

June 1, 2017 Brenda Cosentino

I battled depression for most of my life. It began in the eighth grade and continued on until I began treating it nutritionally at the age of 44. My darkest days took place while I was on heavy psychotropic medications - a period that lasted over 14 years. During this time, I … [Read more...]

10 Causes of Depression That Antidepressants Won’t Fix

February 1, 2017 Brenda Cosentino

Depression was my constant companion for most of my life. It began in the eighth grade and continued on until I began treating it holistically at the age of 44. I suffered many, many dark days and on heavy psychotropic medications for over 14 years. I was told by seven … [Read more...]

Ten Things to Remember when Healing Yourself Naturally from Lyme Disease and other Chronic Illnesses

July 10, 2016 Brenda Cosentino

It took me several years to completely heal myself from all chronic illnesses. I began in October, 2007 and reached complete remission in November, 2014. I never imagined it would take that long but I was very, very sick and on a lot of medication. I didn't know at the time that … [Read more...]

Brenda Cosentino Interview with Lyme Ninja Radio, June 2016

June 20, 2016 Brenda Cosentino

Here is my recent interview with Mackay Rippey of Lyme Ninja Radio. Lyme Ninja Radio is a podcast for and about people with Lyme Disease. It's produced by acupuncturist, Mackay Rippey and his daughter, Aurora. Together they bring you Master Classes with the latest treatment … [Read more...]

The Long Road Back! How I overcame 20 years of Chronic Illness Naturally!

By 2007, my health had reached an all-time low. I was given a chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia diagnosis. I was on heavy psychiatric medications for bipolar disorder, major anxiety, chronic migraines and post-traumatic stress disorder. Most days I relied on painkillers for my increasing levels of pain. By this time I had been sick for over fourteen […]

18 Months of Lyme Disease Recovery/Remission

I still have days where I can’t believe I am Lyme Disease free. I just returned from a one week backpacking trip to Palenque and San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. I climbed every single one of the ruins pictured above. It was a full 9 hour day of ruins, rivers, jungle treks, swimming […]

8 Years of Complete Lyme, CFS and Fibromyalgia Remission

I am happy to report another year of complete remission from all things Lyme and Co-infections since November, 2014. I keep getting older (60) but seem to improve more and more with each passing year. This is a miracle considering I was chronically ill for 20 years and physically disabled for over 10 years. You […]

6 Years of Complete Lyme, CFS and Fibromyalgia Remission

What a miracle to have had 6 years of great health after being chronically ill for over 20 years. It is possible to heal yourself by changing your diet, fixing your microbiome, detoxifying and making lifestyle changes. You can read about everything that I have done in this article to completely recover my health. A […]

Super Healthy Green Smoothie

This was the game-changer for me while fighting Lyme and Co-Infections, CFS/Fibro and 20 years of chronic illness. My hair tissue analysis revealed several minerals that were very low despite eating a conventional Paleo diet for the first few years. This is the most nutrient-dense breakfast that I have found so far. It is packed […]

Lyme Disease and Parasites Love Sugar

Sugar was my drug of choice long after I quit drinking alcohol. Well….that and caffeine, but we’ll leave that for another time. My favorite dessert has always been a chocolate brownie with lots of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries. I mean, who can top that? Back in the day, I wouldn’t pass up […]

Nutrient Deficiencies and Chronic Infections

Nutritional deficiencies and chronic infections go hand-in-hand. Each perpetuates the other in a never-ending vicious cycle. After many years, I discovered that both need to be addressed simultaneously in order for the recovery of health. The image below is my first hair test, from December 8th, 2011. Prior to this test I had been sick […]

Parasites- A Serious Co-infection of Lyme Disease

Let’s face it. No one wants to consider the fact that they might have worms. It is not only repulsive, but we live in a society that tells us this cannot be a problem here in North America. With today’s sanitation and standard of living, we are never taught about routine parasite cleansing. Years ago, […]

Success with Buhner’s Protocol for Lyme Disease

In May 2014 I picked out my coffin and was planning my funeral. I had been sick for almost 20 years and was also battling a serious kidney infection on top of the Lyme disease and co-infections. I was given a chronic fatigue/fibro diagnosis many years prior to this. After I was finally diagnosed with […]

The Life of a Lyme Sufferer

I lost the ability to work in 2004 and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This was one of the lowest and darkest times of my life. I lost my career, country dream home and most of my hope. Worst of all I lost countless precious years with my children. I was having so many health […]

Beet Kvass – Liver Cleanser and Blood Tonic

Every culture around the world has their own fermented foods that they regularly consumed for good health. My ancestors from Ukraine understood the many restorative properties of beet kvass. This Lacto-fermented, probiotic-rich tonic is made from beets. This is one of my probiotic staples that I don’t like to be without. This is one of […]

Success with Wahls Paleo Diet for Lyme Disease

The Wahls Paleo Diet is the diet that turned me around in less than a year. This eating plan has kept me in complete remission from Lyme Disease and co-infections since November 2014. I also treated the Lyme Disease with Stephen Buhner’s Herbal Protocol and had completed an extensive parasite cleanse. My parasite recipe can […]