Clean Your Home ... Naturally

Cold Weather ... Holidays ... Spending More Time Inside ...

As the year draws to a close, many of us will spend more time inside either due to unpleasant weather, fewer hours of daylight, or entertaining family and friends. If you are planning on entertaining over the holidays, you are probably starting to decorate and clean the house.Have you stopped to consider whether the products you use to clean your home are actually harmful?

Take Stock of Your Cleaning Products

M products used in our homes contain ingredients that can potentially harm our health, our pet’s health, and the environment. Take a look around your house and read labels. Do you notice many of the products you use are chemical- laden? Take inventory of your detergents, household cleaners, hand sanitizers, air fresheners, perfumes, body lotions, hair products, deodorants, soaps, and cosmetics.

Transform Your Home ... Economically

Years ago I transformed my home by replacing my cleaning products with environmentally friendly options. I no longer cough when I spray a mirror to clean it! The transformation can be costly if you have a large stack of products that have just been opened. Instead of being wasteful, use this time to research alternative products to replace yours with when you finish them. Research clean product choices at ewg.org/guides/cleaners and ewg.org/skindeep, and download an app such as Detox Me at silentspring.org/detoxme to walk you through the process and track your progress.

I have found products that I love that are mailed to me…I HATE the chemical smell of the cleanser aisle in stores!

Disclaimer: “This post (or portions of this post) was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

Slow Down Skin Aging

Loss of elasticity is a natural part of the aging process because the body is less effective at producing collagen and elastin,  two of skin's main structural proteins.

How do you reverse the loss of skin elasticity that comes with aging? 

Collagen Supplements

Collagen has been clinically proven to keep skin taught and moisturized.I add collagen to yogurt each morning to help my skin and joints.

 

 

Mineral Sunscreens

A daily use of mineral sunscreens packed with plant-based antioxidants can help prevent further signs of free radical damage like sagging and sun spots.According to Good Housekeeping Magazine, there are 11 natural and mineral based sunscreens to consider using for your family. Many work well for sensitive skin and some are approved by the EWG. The 2019 EWG Guide to Sunscreens is another place to research before you purchase.

 

Restore Circulation and Oxygen 

Exercise can help restore circulation and oxygen to the skin. Yoga is a great way to start. When your blood is effortlessly flowing, your skin glows. Simple poses that increase circulation include: legs up the wall, down dog, camel, triangle, and full wheel.






Disclaimer: “This post (or portions of this post) was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”
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Childhood Adversity Negatively Impacts the Body

Childhood Adversity Can Lead to Physical and Emotional Distress in Adulthood 

I am a big believer in the connection between a healthy body and a healthy lifestyle. Recently I read A Columbia University study that found adversity early in life is associated with increased gastrointestinal symptoms that may affect children’s brains and behavior as they mature.

According to the Columbia University researchers, there is an indication that adversity-associated changes in the gut microbiome are related to brain function, including differences in the regions of the brain associated with emotional processing.

The study finds that childhood trauma, as early as two weeks of age, can have a measurable negative effect on gastrointestinal development, brain development, and emotional health.

Adults can work to foster a healthy child by keeping this study in mind if they have a role in child rearing. Creating a loving environment is important for an infant to thrive into adulthood. The study has found that it is possible to manipulate the gut microbiome and ameliorate the effects of adversity on the central nervous system, especially during the first years of life when the developing brain and microbiome are more plastic through the use of probiotics and dietary interventions. 

Foods Can Help the Gut Heal

The study does not address what nutritional steps can be taken to try to ameliorate the effects once someone has grown. Perhaps it is possible to use foods to help the body heal past trauma. According to an article on healthline.com, some of the best foods for digestion include:

• Yogurt
• Apples
• Fennel
• Kefir
• Chia seeds
• Kombucha
• Papaya
• Whole grains
• Tempeh
• Beets
• Miso
• Ginger
• Kimchi
• Dark green vegetables
• Natto
• Sauerkraut
• Salmon
• Bone broth
• Peppermint

If someone has GI troubles that stem from past trauma, including these foods in their diet may make a difference and work to heal the body from within.

Foods Can Reduce Anxiety

Foods have also been found to play a role in a person’s mental and emotional health. Healthline.com also lists foods that reduce anxiety. The list includes:

• Salmon
• Chamomile
• Turmeric
• Dark Chocolate
• Yogurt
• Green Tea

The tie that binds both lists is salmon. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation and promote the brain’s ability to adapt to changes. Salmon also contains vitamin D that improves levels of calming neurotransmitters.

   Article: Early life adversity has negative effects on the gut and brain by Columbia University

   Disclaimer: “This post (or portions of this post) was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

Reduce Plastic Use With Simple Swaps

I read an article, 10 Ways to Say No to Plastic, by Melaina Juntti and learned that humans have generated over 8 billion metric tons of plastic since 1950. The biodegradable plastic is still sitting in landfills, as the decomposition process takes QUITE A LONG TIME. Plastic refuse is everywhere; on the side of the street, in the ocean, in the forest, and in proper recycling/trash bins. 

Make a choice to reduce your plastic use

We can each make a decision to reduce our own plastic consumption. Some choices can be made on a regular basis like using reusable bags in the store for produce as well as your total purchase. 

Choices that can be made that might not be as frequent, but each one makes a difference include:

1.    Purchase wines with real corks

2.    If the store asks you if you wish to take home the plastic hanger, JUST SAY NO!

3.    Avoid using straws in restaurants

4.    Purchase ice cream in a cone, not a cup

5.    Ask your dry cleaner if you can leave your own garment bag for your clothes to be put in once cleaned.

6.    Ask a flight attendant to refill the BPA free bottle you brought on the flight. 

“Portions of this post were provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

Eliminate Food Waste ... Recipes and Household Uses for Citrus Peels

Wasting food is a concern of mine. I try to purchase only what I need so I do not waste my money or precious food.  I read the article “12 Ways to use Food Waste” by Amy Palanjian and she suggests using a citrus peel to flavor water. This fascinated me as I have noticed wedges of citrus in water, not just the peel.

This prompted me to start to look for other uses for citrus peels. Citrus peels can be used in a variety of ways.

• The peel can be grated and stored in jars for use in recipes.
• A citrus peel can be added to a 50/50 mix of vinegar/water and soaked for a week. The result is a scented household cleaner.
• Citrus peels can also be boiled in water. The natural oils in the peel will permeate the water and the room acting as a natural air freshener.
• A citrus peel in the refrigerator will help remove odors much like a box of baking soda does.
• Orange peel is known to remove scuffs from the rubber soles of athletic shoes.

“This post (or portions of this post) was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

Think Twice Before Using Plastic

Think Twice Before Using Plastic 

I read an article, 10 Ways to Say No to Plastic, by Melaina Juntti and learned that humans have generated over 8 billion metric tons of plastic since 1950. The biodegradable plastic is still sitting in landfills, as the decomposition process takes QUITE A LONG TIME. Plastic refuse is everywhere; on the side of the street, in the ocean, in the forest, and in proper recycling/trash bins. 

We Can Make A Difference

We can each make a decision to reduce our own plastic consumption. Some choices can be made on a regular basis like using reusable bags in the store for produce as well as your total purchase. 

Six Choices that can be made that might not be as frequent, but each one makes a difference include:

1.    Purchase wines with real corks

2.    If the store asks you if you wish to take home the plastic hanger, JUST SAY NO!

3.    Avoid using straws in restaurants

4.    Purchase ice cream in a cone, not a cup

5.    Ask your dry cleaner if you can leave your own garment bag for your clothes to be put in once cleaned.

6.    Ask a flight attendant to refill the BPA free bottle you brought on the flight. 

 “This post (or portions of this post) was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

Four Steps to Take to Reduce Plastic Use

Four Steps to Take to Reduce Plastic Use

I read an article, 10 Ways to Say No to Plastic, by Melaina Juntti and learned that humans have generated over 8 billion metric tons of plastic since 1950. The biodegradable plastic is still sitting in landfills, as the decomposition process takes QUITE A LONG TIME. Plastic refuse is everywhere; on the side of the street, in the ocean, in the forest, and in proper recycling/trash bins. 

Recently I have been informed that there is trouble with plastic recycling since China passed the National Sword policy banning plastic waste from being imported (to protect their environment) beginning January 2018. According to an NPR story from January 2018, The US, Japan, and Germany are all at the top of the list when it comes to exporting their used plastic. In the US alone, over 26 million tons were sent out of the country between 1988 and 2016. The waste that had been traveling o China is piling up in communities. Something needs to be done. 

I continue to search for more ways to create less waste. I belong to a Facebook group, Journey to Zero Waste, which gives me ideas on ways I can create less of a footprint on the Earth and leave it a better place than I found it. This article pointed out ways we can all contribute to the environment through a reduction in our use of plastics.

Suggestions for the home include:

1. Remove yourself from mailing lists. The plastic windows in envelopes make the envelopes not able to be recycled.
2. Use bar soap rather than liquid soap (in a plastic container)
3. Skip balloons at parties and opt for recyclable decorations
4. Skipping plastic produce plastic bags and bringing your own reusable bags instead

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“This post (or portions of this post) was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”
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Probiotics, Your Gut's Friends

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are a type of "friendly" bacteria in our gut. Research has found that having the right gut bacteria is linked to numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, enhanced immune function, healthier skin, and a reduced risk of many diseases

Why take probiotic supplements?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when ingested, provide numerous health benefits
Many people take probiotic supplements to ensure their gut has the necessary "friendly" bacteria as they do not eat enough of the foods that are known to have probiotic benefits (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi)

Probiotics might help fight disease.

Since the mid-1990s, clinical studies suggest that probiotic therapy can help treat several gastrointestinal ills (such as IBS, irritable bowel syndrome), delay the development of allergies in children, and treat and prevent vaginal and urinary infections in women.

Research has been promising for the friendly bacteria. Potential benefits of probiotics have been seen in the treatment or prevention of:

• diarrhea
• irritable bowel syndrome
• ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• H. pylori (the cause of ulcers)
• vaginal infections
• urinary tract infections
• recurrence of bladder cancer
• infection of the digestive tract caused by Clostridium difficile
• pouchitis (a possible side effect of surgery that removes the colon)
• eczema in children.

What is the difference between all the probiotics I can purchase?

Dozens of different probiotic bacteria offer health benefits. For example, one strain may fight against cavity-causing organisms in our mouths and don't need to survive a trip through our guts. Health benefits are strain-specific, and not all strains are necessarily useful, so you may want to consult a practitioner familiar with probiotics to discuss your options.

The most common groups include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Each group comprises different species, and each species has many strains. Some supplements — known as broad-spectrum probiotics or multi-probiotics — combine different species in the same product.

Yakult 

Yakult uses Lactobacillus casei Shirota, a strain that has been unique to Yakult for over 80 years. The probiotic drink has a citrus taste and can be enjoyed chilled. I enjoy drinking Yakult and using it in smoothies ... and smoothie bowls (add one Yakult to my Smoothie Bowl Formula ... A Breakfast Staple Recipe).

Read more at:
HealthLine 
Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics

Natural Lip Care

 Seasonal Changes and Personal Care

When the weather gets chilly, our skin tends to dry. To maintain your equilibrium, personal care routines need to be maintained and a few changes made. If you are like me, you find that in the the winter months your lips appear to crave more moisture. 

Vitamins and Lips

Lips have VERY SENSITIVE skin and depend on vitamins to keep them from drying and cracking. 

• Include VITAMIN B-2 in your diet to maintain skin and lip health. Vitamin B-2 is found in dairy products, eggs, green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and lean meats. A deficiency manifests itself through mouth or lip sores.
   
• Include VITAMIN B-3 (niacin) in your diet to ward off dry, cracked lips, dermatitis and red, swollen tongue and mouth. Vitamin B-3 can be found in foods such as tuna, halibut, beef, pork, poultry, cereal grains, been, green leafy vegetables, and milk.
   
• Include VITAMIN B-6 in your diet to ward off skin disorders, dermatitis and cracks at the corners of the mouth. Food sources of B-6 include meats, whole grains, legumes and green leafy vegetables.
   
• Include VITAMIN A in your diet, but not TOO MUCH. An excess of Vitamin A is inked to dry skin and lips. Most people get enough Vitamin A from a diet that includes: dark-green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange fruits and vegetables, beef, calf and poultry liver, eggs and dairy products. Excess Vitamin Z often comes from supplements that provide your body with more than it needs.
   

Chapped Lips

 

Chapped lips often result from a combination of factors, from nutrient deficiencies, medications, and lifestyle habits, and tend to be exacerbated by chilly, dry temperatures. 

You can take steps to avoid chapped lips by:

• Refraining from licking your lips ( it actually dries them out more)
• Staying hydrated  
• Using a humidifier if the inside of your home is dry
• Applying moisturizer before you leave the house and before bed. Natural options include: olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, vitamin E, almond oil or cocoa butter 
• Refraining from manufactured products that include dehydrating agents like menthol and artificial colors. 

Take steps to repair chapped lips through exfoliation. You can repair chapped lips by exfoliating prior to adding moisture. 

• Exfoliating can be as simple as allowing your toothbrush to gently remove dead skin cells or as complicated as creating a paste to remove the cells. 
• An exfoliating paste can be created with a combination of 1/2 a teaspoon of coconut oil and 1/2 a teaspoon of brown or white sugar. Combine the two in a bowl and rub on your lips in a small circular motion. Rinse with warm water and moisturize immediately.

Disclaimer: “Portions of this post were provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

Dry Hands, Nails, and Cuticles No More

Natural Remedies for Dry Winter Skin

Our personal care routine changes as the weather changes. In the colder months our skin dries out and begins to crack more often than it does in the warmer months. This is a result of several factors such as: wind, cooler temperatures, and more time spent inside in "heated" rooms.  No matter where you live, there are noticeable seasonal changes, albeit some more drastic than others. Each of us needs to make some changes to our skin care routine as the seasons change (or as we travel to a different climate for business or pleasure).

Why Does our Skin Dry Out in Winter?

Research has indicated the cause of seasonal dry skin is simple: a lack of moisture and natural oils (ceramides - lipid molecules containing fatty acids) which the body doesn’t produce as readily in dry air conditions. “The winter weather disrupts your skin’s barrier function (the protective lipid layer and immune system), causing irritated, dry and cracked skin,” says “The Skin Saint” Holly Cutler, owner of Michigan skin care clinic, FACE.

Natural Remedies

Drink extra water

Extra hydration INSIDE your body will help OUTSIDE your body. Skin is our largest organ, hydration will help it function properly. Hydration not only benefits your skin, it also can boost your mood, help you focus, and help your digestive system. I start each day with hot water and lemon to detoxify my body.

 

Avoid EXTRA HOT showers

Yes, when it is cold outside a HOT shower can warm the body but it can also dry out your skin. Take a warm shower and then use a plant based moisturizer with Vitamin E to seal in your skin's moisture.

Moisturize
Moisturize with plant based products with skin-mimicking ingredients, such as glycolipids, fatty acids and ceramides.  Nutrient- and fatty acid–rich plant ingredients such as  calendula, avocado oil, chamomile, and castor seed oil are recommended for soothing, healing and hydrating 

Another up-and-comer for tackling severe dryness and irritation is cannabidiol (CBD), derived from the hemp plant. CBD is thought to manage inflammation when applied topically and contains vitamins A, C and E, along with a range of essential fatty acids.  

Dry Hands, Nails, and Cuticles No More

One strategy I have used for years to repair my dry feet also works for my hands. I apply a rich, plant-based cream every single night to my feet and put on a pair of socks to repair my feet (especially my dry heals) from the day. You can also do this with hand cream and gloves! Olive oil, beeswax, calendula, and shea butter are just a few of the ingredients to look for on ingredient lists to ensure you are getting a nourishing hand cream. Cuticles can also be nourished at the same time your hands are hydrated. Each night, you can soften your cuticles by applying jojoba, neem oil, or cocoa butter when you use your hand cream before you put on gloves. 

Nails need to be cared for just like your skin. Nails can be repaired through nutrition. Nails are made of keratin, a protein. According to Lisa Drayer, RD, author of The Beauty Diet (McGraw-Hill, 2009), one needs to obtain about 25% of their daily calories from protein. She suggests consuming a mix of protein sources to provide the most optimal range of amino acids to support strong nails. 

Disclaimer: Portions of this post was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”