Super Tonic Recipe

The children are back to school and already we are seeing more people coming in for cold and flu products.

Super Tonic is one of my family's favorite remedies. I make it every fall and keep it in the refrigerator for the winter cold and flu season. We like to keep the pulp in the tincture and just take a spoonful whenever you feel a bit off. Chase the heat with a slice of apple. This also makes a great seasoning for chicken. I love to add it to my homemade hummus, yum!

Super Tonic Recipe

1/2 cup each chopped:  onion, garlic, habenero or cayenne peppers, ginger root, and 1 jar of prepared horseradish root  (or 1/2 cup fresh)

Place in blender and cover with Apple Cider Vinegar, puree. Keep refrigerated for up to six months. (You may strain after two weeks if desired, discarding the pulp.) Take 1 tsp. three or four times a day, as needed.

Lets Talk About Fevers

We are living thru a historic event. The coronavirus will be something our grandchildren learn about in history class. We want them to talk about how well we handled this. Right now, not a lot is being said about what to do if you think you have the virus. They are recommending that you STAY AT HOME. This is nothing new to those of us in Natural Medicine. A visit to the emergency room needs to be avoided if at all possible. If you go and you are not sick, you just exposed yourself and loved ones, because THAT is where the sick people are! If you are sick, you just exposed everyone you came into contact with on the way there. So, they are recommending that you CALL your doctor and stay home. This is very scary to a lot of people, because they don’t know what to do. How do I care for someone sick at home? Our grandmothers did it – and we can too! Knowledge is power, and I hope to share some old-fashioned knowledge that may help you, if you need to care for someone in your home.

Let’s Talk About Fevers

Why do you run a fever? Most fevers are caused by viral or bacterial infections. When the body is infected, it responds by making more white blood cells and leukocytes that destroy viruses and bacteria. Fever increases the activity of these cells, a process called leucotaxis. A normal temperature is between 96.6 – 99.4. An infection may cause a fever of 105. Although a high fever is frightening, most of the time the body will work thru it without medical intervention. Remember this, FEVER IS YOUR FRIEND. It helps to burn out the virus or bacteria infection. Fever can help most viral infections go away more quickly than drugs. There is nothing the doctor can do to dispose of a viral infection any quicker than you can. In fact, medication often interferes with the bodies’ attempt to get well since it works to suppress the fever. If you lower your temperature by taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen, you simply hinder the process, not to mention damage to the liver, kidneys, or stomach lining.

Isn’t a high fever dangerous? The main danger to be aware of with a high fever is DEHYDRATION. You must keep the body moist. Remember this: Dry heat kills – Moist heat heals! A small child (20-30 lbs.) needs to drink at least 1-2 oz every hour, a 40 lb. child needs 3 oz every hour, a medium size child (85 lbs) needs 6 oz. every hour and an adult needs 12 oz or more. It really works best to use a cup that you can mark the measurement and keep track of what they are drinking. Taking a nice warm ginger bath is another way to get fluid into the body. The only time to be really worried about a high fever is after a head injury, poisoning, or heat exposure, otherwise in most cases, the body knows when to shut it off – your body is smart!

Won’t a high fever cause convulsions? No, it really is the rapid rise in fever that might cause them. So if the fever is rising fast, you might try to slow it down a little. Some people have used a cloth dipped in apple cider vinegar and then gently wiping the arms and legs down. It smells, but as it evaporates, it helps the body to cool down a bit. Yet, doesn’t interfere with the job a fever needs to accomplish.

If you feel the need to reduce a fever, you may make a tea/infusion, of elder flowers and peppermint leaves, steep 15 minutes, strain and sweeten. Another great herbal tea to use with children is red raspberry leaves; it has a lot of minerals/electrolytes which help balance the body and are lost during a high fever. Natural electrolyte supplements are also available. I like EmergenC pkts, Cell Food, Ionic Minerals, and Liquid Chlorophyll. Electrolytes are also lost during diarrhea, so if you have that plus the fever, you need to be doubly sure to STAY HYDRATED!

What does dehydration look like? A dehydrated person will be listless, pale, and his skin is looser and kind of floppy. Check him in a plump area, like the forearm or legs, by pinching the skin to see if it is loose or normal. If you are not able to keep them HYDRATED, you must get medical help! We are so used to going to the hospital for an IV, but if you keep on TOP of it, you can prevent dehydration and stay safely at home.

I hope this helps you to understand the work of a fever in your body. There is no need to “shut it off”. Let it run its course. It is very important to STAY HYDRATED! Remember, FEVER IS YOUR FRIEND, helping you to fight off the virus or bacterial infection.

Virus Worries???

Virus Worries???

Me too. As a mother and grandmother I have a lot of people to worry about. It is in times like these that I remember Joyce Meyer’s story of worry being like a rocking chair - there may be a lot of movement, but it isn’t going anywhere! So instead of worry or even panic, I suggest we pray & prepare.

If you wait until an epidemic is upon us, you may not find the remedies you will need to help your family. I suggest a bit of stocking up ahead of time. No, we don’t have to turn into “end of the world preppers”, but we don’t have to stick our heads in the sand and do nothing either. How much food and medicine do you have in your house right now? How long would it take for all the shelves in local stores to be empty if people panicked? It isn’t crazy to have a bit stashed ahead in case of any disaster. You want to be able to help your family, friends, and community if possible.

This year has held a lot of sickness: flu, coughs, pneumonia. In the shop the immune system shelves were looking empty, so I have ordered in new stock to make sure we are prepared. Please stop in and pick up a little extra, just in case. Here are some ideas of products to always have on hand to boost your immune system.

Vitamin C – researchers found that an intake of 200 mg or greater, reduced the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. In extreme physical stress, such as experienced by marathon runners and skiers, vitamin C reduced the common cold risk by half.

Elderberry– one of the best antivirals that I know. I take Elderberry D3fense every day. It has 2000mg of vitamin D3 in each capsule, plus the elderberry. Vitamin D also helps to boost the immune system, so it is important to get enough in the dreary winter months. We have elderberry syrup, tea, chewable, capsule, and tincture. So it is available to everyone. If you want to learn how to make your own elderberry syrup, make sure to sign up for our Be Your Own Doctor Class, and we will show you how.

Echinacea – boosts the immune system! I like the Echinacea angustofolia, which is the white coneflower. It has more antibacterial qualities than other varieties, so it is the best for medicine. Also, look for the root, as that has the strongest medicinal qualities. You can easily grow and harvest your own Echinacea for herbal medicine – join our classes to learn how. My personal product favorite is Echinacea Wellness, which is a great combination of herbs to help boost immunity and keep you healthy. This is always in my cupboard.

Oscillococcinum– it took me a month to learn how to pronounce that word! But this is my GO TO for FLU and respiratory illness. It is a homeopathic made from water fowl, so it works on the wet and mucousy types of sickness. It works best at the very beginning of an illness, as does Echinacea. So take it at the first hint of being unwell, and sometimes that one dose is all you need. If you wait until you are really sick, this doesn’t work as well, so make sure you have this on hand for those early stages and fight it off quickly.

Oregano Essential Oil – antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antiseptic to the respiratory system, antiviral, and immune stimulant. Oregano oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption by the FDA. Dilute 1 drop oil in 1 tsp. honey or in ½ cup of beverage. Not for children under 6 years old, and use with caution and greater dilution with children over age 6. Please use only oregano essential oils that are prepared in a pure form for internal consumption.

Silver Shield – Silver nanoparticles exhibit strong antimicrobial activity and have been shown to be non-toxic and virtually free of any side effects. This product poses no risk of heavy metal contamination as the nanoparticles are eliminated from the body within 48 hours. Silver is increasingly being used for medical purposes and is registered as a biocidal material since 1954. It has been used for public health hygiene, to purify water, and to combat a broad range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Silver is currently used in dental device coatings, stents, catheters, wound dressings, bone prostheses, cardiac devices and surgical fabrics. Numerous studies have shown positive results in using silver with Staph, Streph, MRSA, pneumonia, candida, H1N1, HIV, and HPV, just to name a few. Be prepared with silver shield (liquid & gel) in your medicine cabinet. Just a note – silver is great for pets too, ask me how I use it with my dog, Mozart.

I could continue writing about more wonderful immune system products, but our time is short. So stop into the shop and I will help you to pick out exactly which products meet your needs. Remember, let’s not panic, just pray & prepare!

A Tale of Two Moms

As mothers we try to do the best we can for our children. It is always a challenge, and there are many times that we doubt ourselves. We wonder if we are making the right decisions or we try to live up to an ideal that doesn’t exist. I raised six children and I know that I made mistakes, but I also know that I made decisions out of a deep love for them. There is no one right way to raise children. Each parent and each child is different, so we have to be flexible. That said, let me tell you a story…the tale of two moms.

Traditional mom wakes up earlier than usual to her child crying. He seems hot and fussy, and has a very smelly, runny diaper. Shortly after nursing or a bottle, the vomiting begins. Alternating changing diapers and changing clothes and bedding all day. The thermometer confirms that his temp is higher than normal. She tries soft food, but nothing is staying down. Lots of fussing and crying, mom is getting tired. Finally, feeling panic after a long sleepless night, mom and child head to the emergency room. After hours of waiting, with a very fussy child, in the midst of a coughing feverish crowd, they finally get to see a doctor. The doctor confirms that the child is indeed sick, but since it is likely a virus, there is nothing they can do. Take the child home and keep him hydrated, and let the sickness run its course.

Natural mom wakes up earlier than usual to her child crying. He seems hot and fussy, and has a very smelly, runny diaper. Shortly after nursing, the vomiting begins. Seeing what is happening, natural mom makes a cup of blackberry or raspberry tea, and begins to give the child a small spoonful every hour, to help with the diarrhea and fever. She knows that it isn’t necessary for him to eat, so skips meals, thwarting some of the bouts of vomiting. Instead, she opts for small doses of elderberry syrup, to help with virus. She also sneaks in some bioplasma homeopathic tablets, which dissolve instantly in his mouth, and provide necessary minerals. The biggest danger for a child with a fever, diarrhea, and vomiting is dehydration. So mom runs a warm bath and allows the child to soak in the liquid through the skin, while making sure he is nursing, and drinking small spoons of water or herbal tea often. After his bath, he sleeps awhile, and mom takes a nap too. Although mom is tired, she is at peace, knowing that her child will be fine, after the virus has run its course.

The biggest difference between traditional mom and natural mom is knowledge. Knowing what to do brings peace instead of panic. She is able to rely confidently on herself and not depend on an expert to tell her what to do. Sickness is never fun, but it can be a peaceful cuddly time, rather than a stressful emergency room visit. The key is to be prepared with knowledge, and with a few simple natural herbs and supplements on your shelf. Am I saying that you never need the expert opinion? No, sometimes you do. But for simple, everyday childhood sicknesses, you can be prepared to be a natural mom.

As a natural mom of six children, now a grandmother, a traditional naturopath, and a master herbalist, it would be my joy to help you be a prepared natural mom. Join us for classes or make an appointment for a consultation. I have office hours on Tuesdays and I am only a phone call away. It is my passion to help you find knowledge and the confidence to help your family be naturally healthy.

"Grandma, Why Do You Move So Slow?"

“Grandma, why do you move so slow?”

This was the question my 4 year old granddaughter asked me a few weeks ago. Funny, I didn’t even realize that I was moving slow. In fact, as she brought it to my attention, I realized that I was in pain. Sometimes, as we get older, we just tolerate the aches and pains, perhaps incorrectly thinking that there is nothing we can do about it. Is pain just part of getting older? I refuse to accept that idea! In fact, I have found curcumin to be one of the BEST solutions to this problem. I take curcumin EVERY day and if I could afford only one supplement, it would be curcumin!

Not all curcumin is created equal, some brands work better than others. Curcumin comes from Turmeric Root, and is a well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Over 10,000 clinical studies have been done on curcumin. The company that I love and trust is Terry Naturally. I use their CuraMed 750mg every day. One of these soft gels is equivalent to 500 Turmeric capsules!!! It has a special molecular structure, called BCM-95, which allows it to be absorbed better. They also add Turmeric essential oil, to add to its absorbability.

Then if I have done too much in the garden, or I have rearranged the furniture, and find I am in pain, I take 2-3 Curamin tablets, extra strength. These provide quick pain relief, in 20 minutes! Terry Naturally Curamin contains the same curcumin we talked about above. Also, Boswellia, an Ayurvedic herb great for inflammation and DLPA (DL-phenylalaninine), which works in the brain. Curamin is safe, effective, and non-addictive. I love pain relief without side effects!

10 Reasons to Use Curcumin Every Day

(Information taken from a brochure from Terry Naturally *These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.)

1. Healthy Inflammation Response

Curcumin supports a healthy inflammation response through multiple pathways in the body, providing remarkable health benefits.

2. Cellular Health

Multiple scientific studies have highlighted curcumin’s ability to support cellular health, protect DNA and RNA from oxidative stress, and support multiple cellular processes.

3. Mood

Curcumin supports healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, key neurotransmitters for optimal mental health. Clinical studies show curcumin’s effectiveness for enhancing mood and well-being.

4. Kidney Support

Supports healthy kidney function.

5. Joint Health

Curcumin maintains flexibility and comfort in joints while supporting cartilage structure.

6. Brain Health

Curcumin helps maintain focus and concentration while protecting brain cells from oxidative stress. The intelligent choice for cognitive health!

7. Intestinal Health

Curcumin supports healthy bile secretion, bowel motility, and fermentation processes while supporting the gut mucosal lining.

8. Liver Detoxification

Research suggests that curcumin promotes healthy levels of the body’s own detoxifiers, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase.

9. Cardiovascular Healthy

Scientific studies have indicated that curcumin supports vascular integrity and healthy cholesterol balance and supports heart function.

10.Antioxidant

Curcumin powerfully protects the body from damaging oxidative stress. ORAC value 1,500,000

Sore Muscles, Headaches, Anxiousness, and Sleeplessness

What do these things have in common? Lack of magnesium. Symptoms of magnesium depletion include stress, fatigue, low energy, inability to sleep, muscle tension, spasms and cramps, anxiousness and nervousness, irritability, headaches, weakness, PMS, hormone imbalances, weakening bones, abnormal heart rhythm, and constipation. If you suffer from several of these, you might want to consider a daily magnesium supplement.

Most magnesium is stored in your cells, not in your blood, so blood tests aren’t really a helpful measure for this deficiency. I am sure you have experienced doing hard work and then feeling the achy muscles that follow. Some of that is caused by the body using up that stored magnesium in those muscles. Stress also will burn up a lot of magnesium from the body’s stores, so make sure to supplement more magnesium during times of stress or intense labor/work out.

Heart palpitations may also be caused by lack of magnesium, the heart is a muscle after all and the body likes to store magnesium in the muscles. One of the first things they will give you in the emergency room with heart palpitations is an IV of magnesium. Been working out in the hot sun and now feeling weak? Electrolytes including magnesium and minerals are important to be replenished to keep the body balanced.

One of my favorite forms of magnesium is CALM by Natural Vitality. It is a powder, which is mixed into water and then will fizz up. Best taken about an hour before bed, this will help with sleep. Magnesium relaxes the muscles and the mind from thinking too much. Ah yes…relax and be calm! This same company has come out with CALM Gummies that are delicious and wonderful for children too. I also like the CALM Magnesium Cream to rub directly on those hurting muscles. My daughter used this cream to relieve the horrible backache she had after her open heart surgery. The cream is another great thing to use with kids, try it for those “growing pains” or terrible leg/foot cramps.

Many people like the “glycinate” form of magnesium. It works well and is recommended often by doctors for women’s cramping and PMS issues. The glycinate form is a bit easier on the bowels and so can be taken in higher doses. Typically magnesium oxide is helpful for constipation, but some forms may be too harsh for those prone to diarrhea or IBS. Glycinate or malate forms may be helpful in these situations.

Another product which includes magnesium that I always keep in my purse is Formula 303. It is a homeopathic preparation which means that it has very little chance of side effects or interactions with medications. Formula 303 contains magnesium, valerian, and passion flower. I use it for headaches, achy muscles, or to help me relax when stressed and to help me sleep. This one I always take with me when I travel.

Stop by the store to try a sample and to discuss with me which product might be the best for your needs. Too much yard work or exercise? We have safe options for pain relief!

Make Your Own Essential Oil First Aid Kit

I finally did it! You know how you sometimes have something on your to do list forever? Yep, that was me. I have intended to make an essential oil first aid kit for over a year. I even purchased all the oils and a cute little pouch to carry them in, but I just didn’t take the time to put it together.

We went on a little excursion last week and I needed my oils! One person had a headache, one a nasty bug bite, and one a sunburn…if I only had my oils with me. Sometimes we just need extra motivation. I hope you don’t wait as long as I did to make a kit to carry with you.

Here are a few suggestions for essential oils to include in a first aid kit, and ways you can use them. The oils I put into my kit are fractionated Coconut oil for a carrier, Frankincense, lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree/Melaleuca, Peppermint, Breathe, Deep Blue, and On Guard (blends from doTerra).

* Aches/pain – Deep Blue, Frankincense

* Allergies/antihistamine – Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint (work great together)

* Breath freshener – Peppermint

* Bug bites –, Lavender, Melaleuca, Frankincense

* Burns – Peppermint, Lavender, Frankincense, Melaleuca

* Cuts/bruises – On Guard, Melaleuca, Lavender, Frankincense

* Digestion/upset stomach – Peppermint

* Energy - Lemon

* Hand sanitizer – On Guard, Melaleuca

* Headaches – Peppermint, Lavender, Frankincense

* Sinus inhaler – Breathe

* Sore throat/colds – On Guard

* Stress/sleep – Lavender, Breathe

* Water purification – Lemon

I hope you find this quick reference helpful in using your essential oils on the go. I have a small book called, the Portable Essential Oils, by Anne Kennedy, which would be easy to pack into a suitcase or first aid kit for camping or travel.

Stop by the shop and I can help you put together your first aid kit. My daughter is making one to take on her mission trip this summer. I would be happy to order the cute keychain pouch from doTerra that we are using for you also, just give me a call. Essential Oil First Aid Kit - Don’t leave home without it!

Make Your Own Coffee Scrub

Make Your Own Coffee Scrub 

½ cup coffee grounds

½ cup sea salt

¾ cup fractionated coconut oil – enough to cover

20 drops coffee essential oil

Mix together and use to rub on non-sensitive areas of the body in a circular motion, and then rinse off in the shower. Excellent for areas of cellulite, stored fat, dry skin, and on sore muscles or joints. May be stored in a jar for up to a month.

I love to use this scrub in the shower. It makes you feel vibrant and ready for the day. I find it improves the look of my skin, reducing cellulite, wrinkles, and age spots. It is excellent for sore muscles and aching joints, increasing circulation to the area.

Sea salt is very healing and cleansing. It helps to rid you of negative energy that you may have picked up during the day. So it is useful for those who work with the general public, or do hands-on therapy.

Wonderfully moisturizing for the skin, coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal.

 Coffee essential oil reduces free radical damage, improves mood, reduces fever, stimulates appetite, protects the immune system, aids respiratory health, has anti-aging qualities, reduces nausea, stimulates relaxation, reduces inflammation, and soothes allergic reactions. Coffee essential oil is abundant with antioxidants which help to reduce oxidative stress in the skin, increasing blood flow to those cells. It can help to prevent infections, the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and blemishes, while improving the elasticity of the skin. In addition, coffee oil contains concentrations of both linoleic and oleic acid, which lower your risk of cancer. 

*Cautions – Do not use if you are allergic to coffee, coconut oil, or salt. It is not recommended during pregnancy or for use with small children, due to its stimulating qualities.

We have all of the ingredients you need to make this scrub at Healthy Life Solutions.

Stop by and see us! 740-689-1111

10 Ways to Detox Your Life

1.     Drink more water! “The solution to pollution is dilution”, Steven Horne. I like to add Cell Food to my water: which adds enzymes, minerals, and amino acids to help bring balance to the body and help to increase detoxification activity.

2.     Liquid Chlorophyll (Nature’s Sunshine) – Chlorophyll is the blood of the plant, providing concentrated nutrition. Usually from alfalfa which grows deep into the ground, absorbing the minerals found there, such as iron. Chlorophyll is both cleansing and building for the body.

3.     Chlorella (also Nori and Wakame seaweed) – consuming chlorella resulted in a significant reduction of dioxin levels in breast milk in a study of Japanese women. Chlorella has the potential to absorb heavy metals and has been used to reduce lead and mercury.

4.     Cilantro enhances mercury excretion following dental amalgam removal and decreases lead absorption in the bones of animals. Use cilantro any time you have been exposed to heavy metals.

5.     Probiotics restore the damaged environment in the intestines, facilitating excretion of toxicants, replacing them with healthy flora.

6.     NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine) enhance mobilization of toxicants from tissue storage sites and increased their rate of elimination. It also reduced and removed arsenic form the organs. Glutathione (in absorbable forms) facilitates the movement of toxins from fat storage.

7.     Bentonite clay and activated charcoal decreases the re-uptake of toxicants in the body by absorbing them and assisting their removal through the lower bowel. Use these any time you feel that you may have been poisoned.

8.     Eat plenty of Fiber! Fiber in the diet helps to keep the bowels clean and reduces absorption of toxins into the body. Psyllium is also a natural lipase inhibitor, which decreases the absorption of fat - and the toxins stored therein - into the body.

9.     Essential Oils which have been traditionally used to detoxify the body include: lemon, grapefruit, and peppermint. I love doTerra’s Zendocrine blend too.

10.   Herbs that have been traditionally used to detoxify the body include: aloe, buckthorn, bugleweed, burdock root, capsicum, cascara sagrada, cilantro,dandelion root, ginger, licorice, marshmallow, milk thistle, Oregon grape, red clover, sarsaparilla, turkey rhubarb, and yellow dock.

Consider including some of these into your daily lifestyle to improve the detoxifying of your body. We are exposed to multiple toxins daily, so we need to be aware and active in removing them from our lives as much as possible. Please stop into the shop to discuss with me some of the detox possibilities we have available, or call for an appointment to create a plan of action to meet your goals. I would love to partner with you as your health coach!

10 Reasons to Detox Your Life

 1.     Heavy metals are passed down to the next generation and are actually changing our DNA. There are over 287 harmful chemicals found in umbilical cord blood. These toxins affect behavior, mental ability, health, and obesity in our children. Detox BEFORE you get pregnant! Mercury and lead can be inherited!

2.     Heavy metals are stored in body fat. Yep, and the area around your organs, the visceral fat is the worst. The storage of heavy metals contributes to achy joints, unbalanced hormones, and obesity. The middle-aged spread may have to do with the storage of toxic chemicals. Your body knows that if it releases them into your system, you will be very sick. So it tucks those dangerous metals away in your fat. Be careful to detox as you lose weight…you will lose toxic metals too!

3.     Heavy metals damage the nervous system, suppress the immune system, and cause inflammation. The brain is made of fat – true, not cheese. Since toxins are stored in fat, where do you suppose a lot of those toxins are stored? Yep, in our brains! Aluminum is used in water treatment plants to neutralize the pH. It is also abundant in chem trails, killing trees and poisoning us. Aluminum causes neurodamage and damages the myelin sheath protecting your nerves.

4.     Mercury has been connected with MS and with birth defects. Mercury fumes are easily absorbed by the lungs, yet we fill our teeth with mercury. Breathe in mercury fumes – breathe deeply now! What? Of course it ends up in the body! Don’t be fooled.

5.     Lead was used extensively in the paint of homes in the 1950’s. Did you know that lead causes mental instability? It is possible the fall of Rome may be attributed to the lead pipes in their water system, especially of the wealthy-ruling class. Lead is stored in the bone. If a mother experiences bone loss during pregnancy, where does the bone go? To the baby, along with a dose of lead too. Studies show that high lead levels lead to criminal behavior. It also is disruptive to hormones and toxic to gut bacteria.

6.     There are 3 main toxins affecting 4 generations: lead, mercury, and glyphosate. See the news for details of how glyphosate (round-up) has caused disease! It is possible that these 3 toxins are causing 95% of the autoimmune disease in the general population.

7.     Did you know there is an area the size of Texas in the ocean that is floating microplastics? These plastics are eaten by the fish and then eaten by us. OK – enough is enough – plastic the size of Texas? Come on…WE have to DO something about this! No more plastic!

8.     Did you know that you are only 10% human? 90% of the cells in our bodies are bacteria and other microbes. The toxins we are exposed to create a gut imbalance that allows bad bacteria to dominate the gut. Endotoxins are then released into the body and may affect your health. Including immune function, blood sugar, weight, cardiovascular health, emotions, and energy levels.

9.     A recent report from WHO shows that 92% of the world’s population breathes polluted air. At least 1 in every 4 worldwide deaths are attributable to these toxic environments. Poor air quality not only damages your lungs, but all of your organs as well. It triggers mutations in your genes, damages brain cells, and T-helper cells.

10.   How toxic are you? The CDC as found that the average person has 420 chemicals known to be highly harmful in their bodies. This toxic burden, in combination with poor diet and lifestyle, makes it extremely difficult for our body to function optimally.

Scary, isn’t it? Don’t bury your head in the sand, these chemicals and toxic metals are harming us and our children! What are YOU going to do about it?

Want to know more? Read the book: Your Body’s Environmental Chemical Burden, by Cindy Klement, MS, CNS, MCHES. (Available for purchase at Healthy Life Solutions)

Thinking of Starting the Keto Diet? Here are some Common Misconceptions

1. “I couldn’t eat ALL that FAT!”

I only add extra fat in the form of MCT oil (about 1 tsp.) in my coffee every morning. It gives me energy to start the day. I use olive, avocado, coconut oils in my cooking and salad dressing. I use butter, as much as I want for flavor, on my vegetables. In the months that I have been eating keto, I have NEVER eaten a fat bomb! I do enjoy a small bite of dark chocolate and peanut butter pretty often. Some keto authors suggest adding in more fat as you begin to eat keto, with the idea that you are switching your body to fat burning instead of sugar burning. This is helpful at first, but if you continue eating loads of fat, your body will not go for burning the stored fat. Let’s face it, most of us are wanting to burn those extra fat rolls! A typical ketogenic diet contains 70% fat, 25% protein, and 5% carbs. Remember that is 70% of your calories and fat contains a lot of calories. It isn’t 70% of the food on your plate. Big difference!

2. “I couldn’t eat ALL that MEAT!”

A balanced keto diet is not huge steaks and tons of bacon. Most of us have this idea leftover from Atkins fanatics who were eating unbalanced amounts of meat. Most keto diets contain protein at every meal, 25% of your daily calories. That protein should be a serving size, about enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Keep in mind that nuts, dairy, and eggs count as protein too. Getting enough good quality, clean protein, is important for healing. You also need enough protein so that you don’t lose muscle, just extra fat stores. Keto is a moderate protein diet, not a high protein diet.

3. “I don’t want to give up my carbs!”

Yep, that is the real problem. None of us want to give up those comfort foods. Many of them have a great emotional attachment. After all how can it be Christmas without decorated sugar cookies or a Birthday party without the cake? Let me just say that if you decide to do keto as a lifestyle and not just a diet, there are yummy substitutes that work just as well. I made fabulous keto cheesecakes for my husband’s birthday last year. The kids never knew the difference! Plus, after you are fully keto adapted, you can go off the diet once and awhile to enjoy a treat without it totally sabotaging your ketosis. You just can’t eat loads of carbs every day. Another thing to note is that once keto adapted, your cravings for the sugar and junk go away. I am NOT kidding! You really don’t want it and don’t miss it. I find myself looking at carbs and wondering if they are worth it. I feel SO good when I don’t eat them. Is the taste today worth feeling crappy tomorrow?

4. “What about ketoacidosis? Isn’t it life threatening? Is this diet safe?”

This is a common mistake: ketosis is NOT ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life threatening condition seen with unmanaged diabetes. It is characterized by dangerously high levels of blood ketones (15-25mM/L) and high blood sugar (200 mg/dL), as well as very low blood pH. Nutritional ketosis is a safe metabolic state that produces low-level ketones (generally 0.5 to 5.0 mM/L) with blood sugars averaging from 60-120 mg/dL and normal pH levels.

These are just a few of the misconceptions I have heard about the ketogenic diet. I hope I have clarified them for you. Please call me to set up a health coaching appointment if you would like to work one on one with me. I would love to help you find solutions for your health struggles.

If you are tired of doing the same old diet, with the same old results, maybe it is time for a change of lifestyle. Consider KETO – it could change your life!

Warm Up With Teas That Heal

Have you had a cup of tea today? Herbal teas are fantastic tonics for the body. They are one of the quickest and easiest ways to use herbal medicine, as there are no capsules to digest and the liquid quickly goes into the digestive system. A medicinal tea is made with one teaspoon dried herb, to one cup of boiling hot water, and steeped for 15 minutes. Drink a cup of herbal tea three times a day for a therapeutic dose. These are some of the most popular herbal teas you might want to try.

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale:  so popular that it needs no description…it is in every yard!  Be careful to harvest where is has not been sprayed with herbicides.  Dandelion contains:  Vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, potassium, sodium, calcium, and electrolytes.  The leaves are nutritious and the roots medicinal.  Dandelion’s bitter leaves are diuretic, easing water retention and reducing blood pressure.  It is the great detoxifier, cleansing the liver, kidneys, urinary system, and skin.  Dandelion is useful for chronic conditions such as arthritis, removing the toxins from joints.  It reduces the cell damage done by free radicals.  Parts used:  leaves and roots.

Coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia, purpurea, or pallida:  native to North America, this perennial has large daisy-like flowers with a cone center.  All three varieties stimulate the immune system, although the angustifolia is considered the most medicinal having the antibacterial echinacoside.  Stimulating the production of white, ”killer” cells and regulates red blood cells, echinacea works on a cellular level to fight bacteria, viruses, fungus, and microbes.  Echinacea is a lymph system cleanser, tumor inhibitor, blood cleanser and antiseptic.  It removes toxins and fights infections.  As an immune stimulant it should not be taken continuously, but only for short periods with a break…two weeks on with one week off.  Nutritionally, Echinacea contains B vitamins, iron, calcium, selenium, and silica.  Parts used:  roots.

Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba:  the oldest known tree, it is in the fossil record along with the dinosaurs.  Ginkgo has an amazing ability to withstand toxic environments and was the only living thing to survive the atomic blast at Hiroshima.  It can grow 150 feet tall, or be trained as a bonsai tree.  Ginkgo may be used to combat an allergic reaction.  The tea makes an excellent throat spray for allergies or asthma.  Ginkgo is respected for use in circulation problems, especially increasing circulation to the brain and extremities.  It is high in antioxidants, which works especially to keep the heart free of deposits.  Ginkgo soothes the arteries, steadies an irregular heartbeat, and helps to prevent strokes.  Parts used:  leaves.

Mullein, Verbascum thapus:  native to North America, mullein is a tall biennial with wooly leaves and a spike of yellow flowers.  Mullein is one of the greatest herbs for the respiratory system, helping the body to rid itself of mucus.  The antibacterial flowers are used as an oil to soothe earaches.  It is soothing and anti-inflammatory to the glandular system.  Mullein has narcotic properties without being harmful.  It is a great herbal pain killer, calming irritated nerves.  Parts used:  leaves and flowers.

Red Clover, Trifolium pratense:  perennial, growing wild in North America and cultivated as a hay crop.  Clover grows 1-2 feet tall, its green leaves having three leaflets with a distinctive V-shaped marking, and pink/purple glove-shaped flowers.  It has a long history of use in respiratory infections, coughs, colds, and bronchitis.  Red clover tea is known as a blood cleanser, helping persistent skin problems, eczema or psoriasis.  It also makes an excellent wash for the eyes or skin.  Red Clover has historically been used in cancer prevention formulas. It has phytoestrogens which may help to balance female hormonal issues. Parts used:  flowers.

Red Raspberry, Rubus idaeus:  native to Europe, it grows wild and is cultivated in North America.  Raspberry leaves are very astringent, excellent as a treatment for diarrhea or vomiting.  Raspberry tea is a wonderful herb for women, particularly in pregnancy to prevent miscarriage or uterine hemorrhage, and to tone the pelvic muscles.  Raspberry has vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, calcium, niacin, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc.  It is a great tea for children, helping with canker sores.  Parts used:  leaves and fruit.

Lisa Purdy is not a physician and all recommendations are not to be considered diagnosis or prescription.  Any information is for educational purposes only.  

You are responsible for your own health choices.