Interview by Jen Longtin, PURE Juicer

Our PURE community, made up of vibrant juicers across the globe, are committed to making a difference in their health and the health of others. Our goal is to use these stories as inspiration, and to demonstrate how juicing can help anyone reach new levels of vitality and community.

When we met Erica in 2022, we knew she struggled with auto-immune issues. As a holistic nutritionist who has an inspirational instagram presence (@overcome_autoimmune), she has been quite open about her journey using juicing and raw foods to change her health. We knew that her results had shocked her doctors, but it wasn’t until we did a live with her in October 2022 that we fully understood the role the PURE Juicer had played in the restoration of her health. We are grateful to share her story with you.

Were there certain juices that have helped you the most when you first started juicing?

Celery juice became a daily requirement for me. I dove in deeper, learning all about juicing and the benefits it had to offer. When we read about carrot juice and green juice, those too became a daily requirement. I continued to struggle with edema, and it wasn’t long before I added cucumber juice to the mix. Then, ginger and turmeric for their anti-inflammatory properties. 

How often were you juicing?

I juiced morning and night. My health depended on juice. My body demanded juice.Therefore, I supplied juice. 

My husband, Kyle, sacrificed so much of his time, spending hours in the kitchen using our little juicer. I was consuming all kinds of fruits and vegetables, knowing it was the gateway to health. Our refrigerator looked as though it belonged in a juicery! 

What led you to try the PURE Juicer?

In 2021, I became scared when I realized my weight had plummeted to 79 pounds. I couldn’t understand–even with all the juicing, I was becoming more and more dehydrated. So I kept juicing.  

When my beautiful family friend, Michelle Cunningham, asked me to pay her a visit in Florida and stay a while, she had no idea of my current condition. Once I arrived, she was petrified at my appearance. She then saw how much work I was putting into juicing, day in and out. Kyle wasn’t there to help me, and at the time, I wouldn’t let anyone else help. It was my issue, and therefore, I thought I needed  to “pay the price” and get it done. I knew some people thought all that juice was unnecessary, but I knew God was telling me to keep going. So, I did. 

What was your first impression of the PURE Juicer?

When I made my first glass of juice with the PURE Juicer, I could tell right away I was drinking a higher quality juice. I had hoped the PURE juicer would deliver a higher nutrient value than I was getting from my little juicer, and I could see proof that my hopes were well-founded. I saw the new, radiant color. I tasted the exquisite difference in flavor. I felt an electrical charge as my body took in all the goodness.

This juicer provided me with a larger dose of health. So much in fact, I was able to lower my juice intake because I could feel my body reaching the nutrient criteria it had been thirsting for.  

How are you doing these days?

I am proud to say that all my weight has now returned (plus some), and I am still getting stronger every day. My husband continues to be my biggest supporter and help. He is everything I could have prayed for. He has helped keep me alive and I would not have been able to get through this without him. 

What do you like about using the PURE Juicer?

This juicer has provided more than I could have ever hoped for. It’s the classiest kitchen appliance to place on your counter, it yields more juice and nutrients, it stores your juice longer with less oxidation, it’s fun, and quicker to use. With PURE Juicer, I don’t have to cut my vegetables up into little pieces, I don’t have to put things in one at a time, I don’t have to wait all day for it to be done. I get a quicker return with a cold press. You can’t beat it!

Erica’s Juicing Tips

• PURCHASE PRODUCE OUT OF THE BAG: Don’t get fooled by the fancy labels; if you can purchase a head of romaine or celery out of the bag, do it. It will be cheaper than the name brand.
• BUY IN BULK. Whenever possible, stock up and get the discounts! 
• SHOP AT FARMERS’ MARKETS AND WITH LOCAL VENDORS. Buying produce here will also help you save a buck. You may even be able to work out a deal with them if you share your health goal with them and let them know you will be back to see them frequently! 
• MAKE A HOME FOR EACH SPECIFIC FRUIT OR VEGETABLE IN YOUR FRIDGE. That way, when you’re running low on certain items, you know quickly what needs to be restocked. 
• JUICE THE DAY BEFORE. If you have to be out the door early, or if you have an event you’ll need to prepare for, juice ahead of time and store in an airtight container.
• USE LEMONS, LIMES, AND APPLES. If the taste of certain vegetables is bumming you out, try adding lemons, limes, or apples. These fruits will improve the taste of just about any juice!
• LOOK AT JUICING AS A GIFT TO YOUR BODY AND A TREAT TO YOUR SOUL. It’s true: by juicing regularly, you are giving a gift to your future self and the generations to come. 
• NEVER RUSH THE JUICING PROCESS. The moment you rush or put pressure on yourself, you’ll begin to see juicing as an inconvenience and you’ll want to give up. Slow down and allow yourself to enjoy the process. I have come to see juicing as a spiritual connection with a physical gift. 
• CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT SETTLES RIGHT ON YOUR SPECIFIC PALLET. Mine is carrot juice! For so long, I was fighting horrible sinusitis and mold toxicity. I started craving carrot juice long before I knew that was the very thing I needed to help flush the bacteria and mold and clear the sinus cavities! For you it may be apple, or celery, or your own concoction!
• HAVE FUN WITH IT! I love to play music and dance while juicing. Embrace the joy of the moment.
• THANK GOD! Be thankful for the strength to juice and access to amazing fruit and vegetables!

Connect with Erica on Instagram at @overcome_autoimmune

Have any tips to add to Erica’s? Share in the comments below.

Interested in sharing your PURE Juicer story? Email Jen at jen@purejuicer.com.

Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation

When we talk about inflammation, there are two different kinds: acute and chronic inflammation.

Acute inflammation is the body’s response to sudden danger, such as in the case of injury or acute illness. It often resolves in two weeks or less and your body will restore to its previous state.

Chronic inflammation is a slower and generally less severe form of inflammation, though it can cause a variety of health problems. This is often what occurs when your immune system gets activated and then does not shut off after the initial injury or illness has passed.

The link between inflammation and chronic pain

One way of looking at chronic inflammation is to consider the body sending a consistent stream of inflammatory cells to fight infection where there is none. Over time, this can damage healthy cells and organs, as well as lead to constant muscle pain and joint pain.

How does chronic inflammation cause health issues?

Chronic inflammation has been linked to prolonged stress, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders and may have ties to arthritis, asthma, and cancer.

How does diet affect inflammation?

The bad news–and the good news!– is that our immune system can actually be altered by the foods that we eat. In fact, some studies have shown that the body responds to certain foods in the same way it would respond to a bacterial infection.

When we eat a diet rich in whole foods, our immune systems are supported and have a better chance of working the way they nature intends. Eating a diet high in fried and processed foods, however, can disrupt the immune system and lead to chronic, low-grade inflammation.

Does juicing fight inflammation and reduce chronic pain?

Drinking homemade, cold-pressed juice is a wonderful way to fight inflammation and reduce chronic pain. The more whole foods with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties you can add to your diet, the better chance your body has of keeping your immune system running smoothly.

How We Made PURE Orange-Chili-Matcha Anti-Inflammatory Juice

Orange-Chili-Matcha Juice: First Test

We started with oranges and chilis, because the thought of these two flavors together was too tantalizing to resist. For our first run-through, we pressed the oranges (no grinding required).

We then sliced the chilis and added them straight to the orange juice. We divided the juice up–some for tasting, and some for freezing.

Orange-Chili-Matcha Juice: Second Test

Next, we tried grinding the chilis on top of the peeled oranges, wrapped them together in a press cloth, and pressed it all together in stage two of the PURE Juicer. This was equally delicious. Surprisingly, the ground and pressed chili added a body of heat to the juice but it was not as spicy!

We sprinkled the matcha on top and used a frother to blend it into the juice.

Orange-Chili-Matcha Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 oranges
• 2 red chilis
• green matcha powder
• sparkling water

Directions

1. Prepare orange-chili-matcha juice recipe.
2. Garnish ice cube tray with slices of red chili and matcha powder.
3. Pour orange-chili juice into the ice cube tray and freeze.
4. Add orange-chili-matcha cubes to a martini glass with sparkling water.

Pro Tip: no alcohol is needed for orange-chili-matcha to be a party in a glass, but if you’re interested in a spiked version, we found substituting vodka for the sparkling water makes a pretty fine martini!

Heal inflammation with an anti-inflammatory diet

While our orange-chili-matcha juice is one of our favorite ways to fight chronic pain, don’t forget all the other delicious anti-inflammatory foods available to you. Some of our favorites include:

• berries
• cherries
• fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
• broccoli, avocado, mushrooms (portobello and shiitake)
• turmeric
• ginger
• clove
• tomatoes

Learn how to make our soothing, anti-inflammatory turmeric milk

Health Benefits

oranges: packed with phenolic compounds like hesperidin and naringenin, oranges are chock full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Oranges are also a great source of vitamin c, fiber, folate, potassium, calcium, and thiamine.

matcha: rich in the plant compound catechins, matcha contains the nutrients from the entire tea leaf, which results in a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants than typically found in green tea. Some studies show matcha improves brain function and may help protect the liver and help to rid the body of toxins.

chili peppers: chili peppers are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, especially very high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant crucial to immune function and the healing of injuries. They are also known for vitamins B6, K1, potassium, and copper.

Sources

Oranges: Nutrients, Benefits, Juice, and More

7 Proven Ways Matcha Tea Improves Your Health

Chili Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects

Can Diet Heal Chronic Pain

Medical Disclaimer

PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.