allgoodthings4you

New Years Resolutions for Better Health

January 5, 2016

After months and months of holiday stresses, January feels like a breath a fresh air. You can turn your focus inward as you get back into your groove. Right now, you might be thinking about your needs and consider how to best improve your life in the coming year. This is where the prototypical New Years resolutions come in. The most common tend to be those centered around bettering one’s health. They’re often vague. Eat better. Exercise more. Drink less.

Here are a few unique and specific ways that you can keep that resolution to “be healthier.” Another benefit? These things are good for your soul, too.

Take time each day to put your toes in the grass and feel the sun on your skin. Humans were meant to connect with nature intimately, but our modernized lives get in the way of this.
Look at food and water as fuel. Give your body the nutrients that it needs to work well. Junk food is an inevitability, but it doesn’t have to rule your life. Carry a water bottle with your wherever you go.
Give yourself a bedtime. Sleep is an incredibly important thing that we aren’t getting enough of. Sleep effects every part of your health–it is how your body recharges. Seven to eight hours will suffice. Get a sleep routine going and stick with it.
Meditate or have a quiet time of prayer. A productive body needs rest and reflection. Rest with intention.
Laugh and spend time with people you love AND with people that lift you up. The people you surround yourself with have a big influence on your mental health, and you influence them in the same way. Be a person others are lifted up by.
Make small steps toward eliminating stress. It’s virtually impossible to live a stress free life, but there are always ways to lessen your load. Hire someone to help with chores around the house. Avoid stressful situations like reading the news or having a full calendar. Spend time daily, even if its just 15 minutes to declutter something. Most importantly: ask for help when you need it.

3 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

December 16, 2015

The winter blues can take many forms. For those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the changing weather means another cyclical bout of depression. For others, the simple stress of constant family time and forced holiday cheer is enough to bring about a general feeling of blah. Either way, there are a few things you can do to fight against the blues and perk yourself up this season!

Keep a regular routine

As humans, we are total creatures of habit. Routines make us feel safe and in control–they let us function at our best! The bubble of holiday parties and family engagements that crowd November and December are wholly disrupting to this regularity and can, for lack of a better term, bum you out. So, do your best to keep a regular schedule! Don’t be afraid to decline party invitations or forego a Christmas festival. It might get you some flack, but in the end your mental health is the most important thing.

Eat healthy and drink water

This piece of advice seems to show up on nearly every post I make, huh? It’s pretty simple: when your body is supplied with the proper fuel it runs better and you in turn feel better. Don’t eat the Christmas ham if you know it will make you feel lethargic. Pass on the eggnog if dairy doesn’t agree with you. Stock up on fresh organic fruits and veggies and drink water all day!

Get more Vitamin D

Many doctors feel that they have narrowed down the cause of seasonal depression to lack of sunlight. In the winter, it’s cold and dreary most of the time. It is easier for us to stay cozy indoors than to brave the elements, which means you aren’t exposed to direct sunlight as often. However, vitamin D is so so important and the best way for you to get it is by getting outside. Unfortunately this isn’t always possible when the weather turns bad. If you find yourself in this position, consider trying out some vitamin D drops to supplement your body!

If your depression is not cyclical and you’d like to figure out a way to holistically support your mental well-being, get in touch with me. Many of the causes of depression are linked to physical ailments. Let’s help your body heal itself.

Cultivating Your Cootie Cloud

December 11, 2015

The idea of cleanliness has been drilled into us. Wash your hands! Don’t get sick! Sanitize everything!

I encourage you to buck the trend and get your cootie on! Don’t be afraid of getting sick–it’s actually kind of good for you. After all, there is a reason why children are always getting sick: their bodies are encountering new bacteria and learning how to fight them off. Their body is still learning, just as they are. Each little cold helps teach the body how to better handle the next one and if something formidable tries to infect the body, a well developed microbiome will give one better odds in the battle.

What is a microbiome, you ask? It is the genetic material found within an individual microbe such as a bacterium, fungal cell, or virus. It also refers to the bacteria of the intestines. The microbiome is the savvy ecosystem in your body that is not “you” but beneficial “guests” that live inside the big bag of cells your skin holds in. It plays such an important role that it has been linked to internal detoxification, cell replication, immune function, and can even affect mental health! Good microbes can ward off the bad ones. Good microbes can make you brilliant. 😉 OK maybe not, but having that mindset..

When a baby is born vaginally, it gulps essential microbes as it leaves the birth canal seeding it’s gut flora. It gains more immunity through breast feeding as well as further building the microbiome. God put that system in place for more than bonding (which is crucial!). It is the essential beginning of getting the right microbial balance for that tiny person’s whole life.

An interesting thought is that for every one cell in your body there are 10 microbes!!! That’s right, your ecosystem is 10x bigger that your tissues!!

The more support you can give your microbiome, the better prepared it is for the bad cooties. Here is what I do at home: Wash my hands when they are sticky or have been elbow deep in raw chickeny kind of things. If my kids sneeze, I don’t race to the sink (Unless there is something visibly unpleasant about it). When I go out in public, I shake hands with people and hug them. I put my hands directly on the shopping carts. I do not use hand sanitizer. I let myself get cold. I let myself get hot. I eat good nourishing food and drink lots of good water. If I get sick, I allow the fever and rest. And I am not angry with my body because IT IS WORKING! It means my immune system is doing exactly what it was designed to do. Applause and gratitude should always accompany a nap and a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Your body has work to do but it is also LEARNING how to fight. Your attitude about what your body is handling can affect your recovery process as well!

Now, if you are going to take my advice, some common sense is necessary. Some illnesses cannot be fought by your body alone. Take care of yourself and always know when to see a doctor.

How to Fight the Flu Holistically

December 8, 2015

Flu season is officially beginning! I’m sure your local pharmacy is already plastered in signs advocating for the flu vaccine, and your kids might have been sent home from school with a notice to vaccinate. If you have spent any length of time browsing around this website you could probably guess that I am not a fan of the flu shot. To our family, it’s toxic soup and not on the menu…

Anyway, here are some tried and true techniques I use to help my non-vaccinated family make it through flu season. Even if you choose to get the shot, this advice will apply to you!

Allow yourself to be sick

If you feel yourself becoming sluggish and showing flu-like symptoms, don’t try to work through it. This can be a hard thing to do, especially for working moms, but admitting you’re sick is the first step, really! Pushing your body beyond its comfort level will just prolong the healing process and make you more miserable in the long run.

Eat well and drink LOTS of good water

This might not be as easy as you think it is. When you gets sick, it is very common to lose your appetite altogether. Getting enough fluids can be rough, too, especially if your body just wants to sleep all day. Even if you aren’t having your usual cravings for food and drinks, give your body what it needs to handle the flu. If it is low on fuel, it can’t run properly, and when you’re sick, your body is already on overdrive and needs the fuel more than ever. I don’t suggest you eat a steak because your body will not be digesting very well. It’s busy. But I do suggest eating easy to digest nourishing FOOD (not processed) that has been chewed until it is liquid. And if it’s broth, chew it too. Your saliva will seriously help your digestion when it is already at a weakened state.

Sleep

Give your body a chance to heal. If that means going to sleep at 10am after getting your full eight hours the night before, then so be it! You’re feeling tired for a reason: your body needs to focus on bigger things than keeping you awake. Just remember the advice listed above and try to sneak in enough food and drink between naps.

Take Oscillococcinum

This is my favorite homeopathic flu remedy. It can minimize your flu symptoms and allow you to feel a little less awful while you heal. A little goes a long way–I use less than recommended on the bottle, and one lasts my family the whole flu season. Click here for more information about Oscillococcinum.

Get some sunshine

Even a little can help. It can help mood. It is the best source of vitamin D which has been shown to improve immune function. You don’t need to go tanning. On your arms and face will do, for about 10-20 minutes. Deeper skin tones may want to stay out a little longer than fairer skin toned people. I’m clear. So like 10 minutes and I’m good.

Ground

While you’re out getting your sun on, stick those bare feet in the grass! HERE is a great resource for grounding equipment if you’d like as well as a video. Do it. Even if it feels weird. I do it in purple polka dot pajamas at times. And that makes me smile.

Breathe Deeply

MANY times a day… put your tongue at the roof of your mouth right at your top teeth and close your mouth. Breathe in your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and the blow out of your mouth for 8 seconds. This oxygenates the blood, brain and helps to release far more toxins than shallow breathing alone.

Laugh

Experience love, humor, hope and friendship. It will remind you what you have to look forward to when you feel better. It also gives you endorphins that bless your immune system and take your body out of the scared mode it can get into when it gets sick.

I hope this helps! Stay in tune with your body and notice when you start slowing down. It can make the difference in how long you are down. Do you have any other tips for caring for a flu? Comment and let me know!

6 Harmful Ingredients Lurking in Your Toothpaste

October 29, 2015

Source: Mauren Veras

Toothpaste. It is one of the very few products that you use at least two times per day, seven days per week. Because it is such a common product, you would think that people would be more vigilant about what ingredients are lurking in the tube, but there are several harmful ingredients that have gone all but unnoticed. Here are 6 harmful ingredients that you should definitely be avoiding.

Fluoride

For many years, people have thought that fluoride was essential in promoting good dental health. However, the fluoride protection layer on the tooth has been shown to be 1/10000th of the width of a hair, which is easily eliminated through chewing. Our teeth simply don’t need fluoride, especially not at the rate that dentists are pushing it. An excessive intake or build up of fluoride is poisonous.

SLS ( Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)

When processed, this ingredient is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is a known carcinogen. Studies have also shown a connection between SLS and organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption.

Artificial Flavors / Colors

Many people are sensitive or allergic to ingredients used in artificial flavoring. Not to mention, studies have found many artificial coloring additives to be toxic.

DEA

DEA is a hormone disruptor and can cause stunting in fetal brain development. There is limited evidence of it being a carcinogen. This chemical is harmful to fish and other wildlife, so it is certainly harmful to you.

Propylene Glycol

This is part of the paraben family, which has been shown to cause interference with male reproductive functions. Parabens break down in the body to form a chemical that has been linked to estrogenic activity in breast cancer cultures (which is bad news!).

Triclosan

This is an antibacterial agent which is a suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. It is important to limit your use of antibacterial items as overuse is ultimately harmful.

There are a few fluoride free and natural toothpaste options in supermarkets such as Target and Walmart, but in case your selection is limited, why not make your own tooth paste? These are a few recipes that you can try out. I’m especially interested in the remineralizing toothpaste. I’ve definitely got to try that out!

Have you ever made your own toothpaste before? Share your recipe in the comments!

The Benefits of Oil Pulling

October 29, 2015

Source: Phu Thinh Co

What is it?

Oil pulling is a technique has been in use for over 3,000 years–that alone should give you an idea of it’s great benefits. Its origins are with Ayurvedic medicine, a system which has roots in the Indian subcontinent. The thought behind the method is that the oil extracts oil-soluble bacteria and pulls toxins from the mouth. The technique provides benefits not only for dental health, but overall health.

How does it work?

The name makes the technique sound a bit complex, but the steps are simple: put about a teaspoon or two of oil in your mouth (traditionally coconut, but other oils work), swish it around for about 20 minutes, and then spit it out (into the trash, so you don’t clog your sink).

The fat in the oil adheres itself to the lipids in the bacterial cells in your mouth. So, during the twenty minutes, the oil will collect more and more bacteria as it swishes between your teeth and gently under your gums. Be sure not to swallow the oil, as you will ingest all of the bacteria you just removed–plus, who wants to swallow a mouthful of oil and spit? Yuck. Twenty minutes is the suggested amount of time because it is just long enough to collect all the bacteria without it reabsorbing through the mucosal lining in your mouth.

What are the benefits?

Not many studies have been done on the benefits of oil pulling, but these are benefits that have been reported throughout the 3,000 year span of the practice

Prevents cavities and gingivitis
Promotes whiter teeth and better breath (including morning breath!)
Lessens jaw pain for sufferers of TMJ
Alleviates headaches, hangovers, and migraines
Improves skin issues (particularly acne, psoriasis, and eczema)
Clears sinuses
Fosters a better night’s sleep

While oil pulling is certainly a great practice to work into your dental health routine, it is not meant to replace regular brushing and flossing! I suggest using it in place of mouthwash once per day, as it is a gentler and perhaps more effective replacement.

Have you ever tried oil pulling? Do you have any friends that are obsessed with it? I would love to hear some of your thoughts on this awesome technique!

4 Things To Know To Make The Switch To Green Beauty Products

October 25, 2015

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Once you know about all of the harmful chemicals common in cosmetics, you may find it hard to continue using the same old toxic products with a clean conscience. This is a good thing! The first step is to educate yourself, the second step is to make a change. It can be an intimidating transition, but before you make the switch, you must know these four things.

1. You don’t have to trash all of your makeup immediately.

Dumping your entire makeup bag in the trash is kind of a drastic move, and an expensive one at that, especially if you recently treated yourself to a brand new eye shadow palette. Instead, just replace items as they run out. This way, you won’t incur any sudden expenses and you can give yourself time to explore other brands and options rather than wholly committing to a green beauty brand that you might end up hating!

2. You don’t have to trash all toxic products, even though you feel pressured to.

We all want to be perfectly wholesome, but sometimes it is hard. The natural beauty movement is slow going, and there are simply some conventionally made products for which there is no equivalent alternative. Be okay with not being perfect. Think about one or two products you consider to be your ‘holy grail’ and which products you feel more comfortable about letting go of. Prioritize replacing the latter products first, and in the end you may find that you are ready to replace your holy grail products. If not? I say no biggie. Just keep your eyes open for healthier options and in the meantime enjoy the products that make you happy.

3. You don’t have to memorize every toxic ingredient.

Although we live in toxic times, we are also fortunate to live in the time of the smart phone. Use informative websites such as Skin Deep or apps like Think Dirty when you’re in the make up aisle to double check that what you’re buying is clean. I can tell you from experience that this is a much better alternative to struggling to read ingredients on the side of eyeliner pencil in the middle of Target.

4. You can ask for samples.

Just because a cosmetic company uses non toxic ingredients doesn’t mean that it will wear well or agree with your skin. So, even though you may feel shy about it, ask for samples! If you are going to make an investment in your health it may as well be an investment in beauty, am I right? Only sample one product at a time so, in case of a reaction, you can be sure which product caused it.

The Dirty Dozen: Ingredients in Cosmetics to Avoid

October 23, 2015

Source: Maria Morri

Go grab any cosmetic item in your makeup bag. Does it have the ingredients listed? If it does, read the first five ingredients. Do you recognize all of them? Most likely not. Modern day cosmetics are a mish mash of chemicals and additives, all with the intent of making the product last longer or wear smoother. Is it worth it, though? I say no–poisoning my body isn’t worth any amount of beauty! Luckily, though, there ARE green beauty products that won’t harm you and might actually be good for you! Not all of them are labeled as such, so grab your makeup bags and prepare to throw away any ingredients using any of the following ingredients.

1. BHA AND BHT (BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE AND BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUEN)

These chemicals have been classified as possible carcinogens. Unfortunately, they are used in moisturizers and lipsticks as preservatives, which means they are getting absorbed into your skin and licked into your mouth. Long term exposure to these products has been shown to cause problems with the kidney, thyroid, and liver. These chemicals are harmful to fish and other wildlife.

2. COAL TAR DYES

This sneaky ingredient can also be listed as “P-phenylenediamine” or “CI” followed by a number. This is a possible carcinogen, and products with this ingredient might be contaminated with heavy metals which can cause brain toxicity. Coal Tar Dyes are often found in pigmented cosmetics such as lipsticks.

3. DEA (DIETHANOLAMINE)

DEA is a foaming agent used in moisturizers and shampoos to make them creamy and lush. It is a hormone disruptor and can cause stunting in fetal brain development. There is limited evidence of it being a carcinogen, but I wouldn’t chance it. This chemical is harmful to fish and other wildlife.

4. DBP (DIBUTYL PHTHALATE)

This is a toxin and endocrine disruptor often used in nail care products. It has been observed to cause problems with the kidney, thyroid, and liver. It is harmful to fish and other wildlife.

5. FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRODUCTS

Formaldehyde has been shown to cause many adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer. For some reason, it is still used in baby soap, nail polish, eyelash glue and hair dyes. Keep an eye out for ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quaternium-15, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, as they break down and release tiny amounts of formaldehyde in your body, which can build up and cause the issues listed above.

6. PARABENS (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-)

About 70-90% of cosmetics contain parabens, which means that this will be a difficult one to avoid, but thankfully now that the green beauty movement is gaining more speed, there are more paraben-free products on the market. Parabens have been shown to cause interference with male reproductive functions. Parabens break down in the body to form a chemical that has been linked to estrogenic activity in breast cancer cultures (translation: that is bad news!).

7. PARFUM

This is another difficult one, because it seems that every cosmetic product has a fragrance in it–even mascara! There are over 3,000 different products used to create fragrances, but in an ingredients list they will all be lumped together as ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance.’ The problem with this is that some fragrance products can trigger asthma or allergic reactions, and others can be linked to cancer or neurotoxicity. Many fragrance products are also harmful to fish and wildlife.

8. PEG COMPOUNDS

PEG compounds are use as thickening agents, moisture carriers, and solvents in cream based cosmetics. PEG compounds aren’t inherently bad for you, but depending on how they are processed, they can be contaminated with carcinogenic substances like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Even on their own, PEG compounds can cause skin irritation so it is best to avoid this product.

9. PETROLATUM

Petrolatum is a petroleum jelly that is used in hair products to add shine and in lip balms, lip sticks, and moisturizers as a moisture barrier. This product is often contaminated with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are known carcinogens. In smaller doses, Petrolatum can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. On the ingredients list, also look for it listed as “petroleum” or “liquid paraffin.”

10. SILOXANES

These ingredients are often used as smoothing agents in shampoos and deodorants. Many have been found to impair fertility and cause hormonal disruptions, and they are also harmful to fish and other wildlife. Look for ingredients ending in “-siloxane” or “-methicone.”

11. SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

Similar to PEG compounds, this ingredient can contain 1,4-dioxane which is a known carcinogen. These are often found in foaming substances such as shampoos, bubble baths, and cleansers.

12. TRICLOSAN

This is an antibacterial agent which is a suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. It is found in cleansers, toothpastes, and deodorants. It is important to limit your use of antibacterial items as overuse is ultimately harmful.

Eighty percent of cosmetic products contain one or more of these dirty dozen chemicals. When you check your makeup bag for these ingredients, you might find that your percentage is even higher! It is important to stay vigilant about the ingredients of the products you use. It doesn’t make much sense to obsess over eating organically just to smear your face with carcinogenic products, does it? With so many harmful ingredients at large, it can be pretty overwhelming trying to keep your bag clean. Next post I will suggest some tips to help you shop for green beauty products!

Back in the Saddle Again

October 14, 2015

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