Search Results

Herbs can be powerful healers! Herbs are an important part in our pursuit of wellness and self-healing. Did you know that oregano you've always used in your tomato sauce has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and antiviral properties? What about turmeric, my goodness, read the studies on Turmeric! Ginger, Parsley, Rosemary, and Thyme all have a place in your pursuit. Let's make a powerful, and tasty Healing Herb Mix Seasoning Mix together well: (Using organic, dried herbs) 1 cup Sea Salt or Himalayan salt 1/2 cup Parsley 2 tsp. Opinion powder 2 tsp. Garlic powder 1 tsp. Oregano 1tsp. Rosemary 1 tsp. Sage 1 tsp. Marjoram 1 tsp. Dried kelp Place into a glass jar with a shaker top. Enjoy the taste and benefits in soups, eggs, salads and more! #affiliate

Every year I forage for Elderberry and manage to pick enough to last the entire winter. Elderberry is high in nutrients and is known as a super immune booster and so I am very grateful to have them free for the picking! I have two recipes here using elderberry. The first is an Elderberry Syrup that can be taken by a teaspoon full or placed into warm herbal tea. The other is for sugar free Elderberry Immune Gummies. Using elderberry tea. Elderberry Syrup 1 cup fresh blue elderberries or 1/2 cup dried blue elderberries 3 cups water 1 cup of honey 1. Place the berries in a saucepan, cover with water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer over low for 30 to 45 minutes. 2. Smash the berries gently, without crushing the seeds. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and add 1 cup of honey. 3. Bottle the syrup and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3 months Note: Never eat elderberries that have not been cooked yet. Sugar-free Elderberry Immune Gummies 3/4 cup water 3/4 cup lemon juice 6 Organic Elderberry Tea bags 6 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin 6Tbsp. Organic monk fruit (grandular) or honey 1. Boil one cup of water, remove from heat, pour 3/4 cup into a glass measuring cup. Add the tea bags, steep for 5 minutes and allow to cool. 2. Add the gelatin and sweetener to the lemon juice in a saucepan and whisk until blended, over low heat, stirring consistently. Add the cooled, brewed tea to the lemon juice mixture and whisk well. Gently heat until mixture turns translucent. Do no overheat. 3. Pour the liquid into a glass measuring cup and then into silicone gummy molds. 4. Let cool, as they cool and begin to set place in the fridge until completely set. 5. Remove gummies from the molds and store the in a glass jars. (Note: This post contains affiliate links)

Everyone is familiar with vitamin C and knows it functions as an antioxidant and an immune booster. Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid is a popular vitamin. There are nearly 60,000 PubMed studies documenting the impact Vitamin C has on just about every system in the body! Studies show it can reduce Asthma symptoms, aids in the production of anti stress hormones, is needed to metabolize folic acid, tyrosine and phenylalanine. protects against the harmful effects of pollution, will combat cancer while protecting from infection and enhancing immunity. Vitamin C can combine with heavy metals and render them harmless so that they can be eliminated fro the body. Did you know you need extra vitamin C after a stressful incident or long periods of stress? It helps restore cortisol levels. Vitamin C may reduce levels of low-density lipo-proteins (the "bad cholesterol"), while increasing high-density lipo-proteins (the "good cholesterol"), helps protect against abnormal blood clotting, reduces high blood pressure, helps to prevent atherosclerosis, promotes collagen, promotes gum and connective tissue health, promotes the release of oxytocin (warm, fuzzy feeling), and promotes wound and burn healing. Vitamin C is also an enzyme cofactor; making it necessary for an enzymes proper function. Enzymes are dependent for proper chemical functions in our bodies and are key necessities for good health. Here's an Interesting Tip! Vitamin C used with Vitamin E (another antioxidant), works synergistically, meaning they compliment each other to the degree that when taken together have an even greater effect. They actually reinforce and extend the others antioxidant activity. Keep that in mind! Natural Sources of Vitamin C Natural sources of vitamin C includes foods such as berries, citrus and other fruits, green vegetables (see below) and several herbs (Eastern White pine needles, burdock root, nettle, plantain, violet leaves). Make sure you get lots of these! Vitamin C is water soluble and so it is not stored in our bodies. Our bodies also do not make it and so it is essential to obtain it from our foods we eat. We need a steady, continued source of it everyday, throughout the day, is best. You can see what foods have the highest mg content of Vitamin C in the list below. Kiwifruit, Zespri SunGold 1 fruit (81 g) 131 Grapefruit juice, pink, raw ¾ cup (6 ounces) 94 Orange juice, raw ¾ cup (6 ounces) 93 Strawberries 1 cup, whole 85 Grapefruit juice, white, raw ¾ cup (6 ounces) 70 Kiwifruit 1 fruit (74 g) 69 Orange 1 medium 65 Sweet red pepper, raw ½ cup, chopped 59 Broccoli, cooked ½ cup 51 Grapefruit, raw ½ medium 44 Brussel sprouts, cooked ½ cup 37 Potato, white, flesh and skin 1 medium, baked 22 Tomato, red, ripe, raw 1 medium 17 Banana, raw 1 medium 10 Apple, raw 1 medium 8 Spinach, raw 1 cup 8 If Vitamin C can be depleted, what can deplete it? Alcohol, smoking, stress, illness, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, steroids and several other drugs reduce level of vitamin C in your body. Smoking causes a serious depletion! If any of these are you, you are advised to supplement your vitamin C. If you are not eating 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, you should supplement. What is The Recommended Dosage of Vitamin C? (RDA) Life Stage Age Males (mg/day) Females (mg/day) Infants 0-6 months 40 (AI) 40 (AI) Infants 7-12 months 50 (AI) 50 (AI) Children 1-3 years 15mg 15mg Children 4-8 years 25 25 Children 9-13 years 45 45 Adolescents 4-18 year 75 65 Adults 19 years + 90 75 Smokers 19 years + 125 110 Pregnancy 18 years - 80 Pregnancy 19 years + 85 Breast-feeding 18 years - 115 Breast-feeding 19 years+ 120 The strange thing is...the RDA is just enough to prevent Scurvy- The amount of vitamin C required to help prevent chronic disease is higher than the amount required for the prevention of scurvy. If the average adult ate a diet with the recommended nine daily servings of fruits and raw or steam-cooked vegetables, together with one 6 oz glass of orange juice this could provide a good amount of vitamin C a day. This kind of diet can do wonders to keep you away from chronic disease, unfortunately that isn't the diet of most people. Supplementing Vitamin C And How Much Vitamin C Should You Take? Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is available in many forms, but there is little scientific evidence that any one form is better absorbed or more effective than another, other than liposomal C. Most experimental and clinical research uses ascorbic acid or its sodium salt, called sodium ascorbate. Natural and synthetic L-ascorbic acid are chemically identical and there are no known differences regarding biological activities or biovailabilty. One small placebo-controlled trial consisting of 11 men showed that the oral administration of 4 g of vitamin C resulted in a greater vitamin C concentration in plasma over a four-hour period when vitamin C was encapsulated in liposomes compared to unencapsulated vitamin C. Therefore, liposomal encapsulation could increase vitamin C bioavilability. * (PUBMED) Davis JL, Paris HL, Beals JW, et al. Liposomal-encapsulated ascorbic acid: influence on vitamin C bioavailability and capacity to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Nutr Metab Insights. 2016;9:25-30. Many health experts that are "in the Know", would recommend the bowl tolerance of intake for vitamin C. The worse symptom of taking more C than you should is diarrhea. So you just simply back off some. 80% of adults can tolerate 10 to 15 grams of ascorbic acid fine crystals in 1/2 cup of water, divided into 4 doses per 24 hours without having diarrhea. in fact, read this quote from a very popular board certified cardiologist. "In 1970, I discovered that the sicker a patient was, the more ascorbic acid he would tolerate by mouth before diarrhea was produced. At least 80% of adult patients will tolerate 10 to 15 grams of ascorbic acid fine crystals in 1/2 cup water divided into 4 doses per 24 hours without having diarrhea. The astonishing finding was that all patients, tolerant of ascorbic acid, can take greater amounts of the substance orally without having diarrhea when ill or under stress. This increased tolerance is somewhat proportional to the toxicity of the disease being treated. Tolerance is increased some by stress (e.g., anxiety, exercise, heat, cold, etc.) (see FIGURE 1). Admittedly, increasing the frequency of doses increases tolerance perhaps to half again as much, but the tolerances of sometimes over 200 grams per 24 hours were totally unexpected. Representative doses taken by tolerant patients titrating their ascorbic acid intake between the relief of most symptoms and the production of diarrhea were as follows: TABLE ! " Thomas E Levy MD, JD" * For reference: 1 gram (g) = 1000 milligrams (mg) It's A Good Idea To Supplement Your Vitamin C Because it's a good idea to have a Vitamin C supplement I would like to suggest 6 of my favorite vitamin C supplement sourcess. 1. Purality Health’s GMO-free Liposomal Vitamin C. This is what Purality Health has to say about it! "Do you take vitamin C? If you do, then there’s something you need to know ... Lots, if not most vitamin C supplements are filled with GMOs! Here’s why: Vitamin C is created through a natural fermentation process using a starch ingredient. And most vitamin C manufacturers use corn. While that may seem harmless, almost all corn grown today is genetically modified (GMO). GMO corn produces proteins that are toxic to certain pests in order to increase crop yield. There’s a lot of debate in the scientific community regarding GMOs' effect on humans. But until the science is settled… You may want to take control of your health. ..." Ok. So, if GMOs are harmful to pests, doesn't it stand to reason that it harmful to us?! Stop taking low quality GMO or China sourced vitamin C! 2. Seeking Health's Optimal Liposomal Vitamin C 3. Seeking Healths Optimal Vitamin C Plus Buffered Powder 4. Suzy Cohen's Vitamin C with Lavitol DHQ (Lavitol DHQ is a powerful antioxidant that helps recycle vitamin C while limiting its oxidation. The ingredient has also been shown to support cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, eye, skin, liver, and endocrine health. 5. Dr. Ron's Buffered Vitamin C 6. And, then the Brighteion Store has several sources of vitamin C available, all excellent, non GMO and not China sourced. See below! Here's to our health! Val Davis JL, Paris HL, Beals JW, et al. Liposomal-encapsulated ascorbic acid: influence on vitamin C bioavailability and capacity to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Nutr Metab Insights. 2016;9:25-30. (PubMed) And, by the way vitamin C is great for your skin when applied topically! #Affiliate

Love chocolate? I do! Well, according to new research from Penn State and Cambridge University… THIS new “memory chocolate” could help boost brain power. It works by restoring a KEY missing vitamin back into senior’s brains. And “unlocking” powerful memory centers that wipe away brain fog. Countless seniors swear by it because it works so fast… (And tastes so delicious!) Folks like Cathy S., say “Chocolate that improves memory? YES! I love it! My memory is as sharp as a tack again and I have boundless energy.” It's true. I've tried it and there was a noticeable cognitive difference. I'm impressed! And, oh my gosh it tastes so good! I like it in my coffee. You can drink it in your coffee too or put it in a smoothie, or eat it right off a spoon. I've shared it in my house and so far everyone says "MMMMM". If you think you need a memory boost, if your struggling to remember things the way you use to this compound could help support your memory. Click here now to discover this delicious new “memory chocolate.” Here's to our health! Val #affiliate

Our bodies have a major necessity for B vitamins and since nearly every biochemical process in your body is in some way dependent upon B vitamins, specifically, the nervous system and since B vitamins are water-soluble, which means your body does not store them, your diet must supply them each and every day. The eight B vitamins are considered essential because our bodies cannot make them, although our gut bacteria will (another good reason to keep them happy). Vegan and vegetarian diets tend to be lower in some of these essential nutrients, since diet sources for B12 come from poultry, sea food, dairy, sea vegetables and brewer's yeast. Adequate intake of B vitamins are very important for the elderly because they are not as well absorbed, as we age. Those with certain genetic mutations, such as MTHFR or MTRR variations, may have difficulty obtaining them from food alone. And, anyone taking pharmaceutical medications may have a deficiency. Without adequate B vitamins, you might be struggling with low energy levels, inadequate methylation, and elevated homocysteine levels (implicated in heart disease and Alzheimer's). B- complex vitamins act as coenzymes, helping enzymes to act chemically with other substances in our bodies. B vitamins can protect you from depression, anxiety, stress, confusion, fatigue, mental dullness and emotional fragility. They help maintain the health of the nerves, eyes, skin, liver, mouth, hair, muscle tone in the G.I. tract and brain health. Did you know B vitamins can boost your IQ? Seeking Health has formulated B Complex Plus, a potent vitamin B Complex supplement that provides active forms of the 8 essential B vitamins plus choline for additional methylation support. The 8 B Vitamins = B Complex There is a team or "family" of 8 B vitamins, each and all, with their own importance and place. B1(Thiamine) Brain Function, Nerve Function, Regenerate Cells, Energy Production, Detoxification B2 (Riboflavin) Brain Function, Energy Production, B3 (Niacin) Brain Function, Energy Production, Circulation B5 (Pathothenic Acid) Brain Function, Digestion (fats & carbs.), Health, Liver Health, Adrenal Health B7 (Biotin) Brain Function, Energy Production, Hair & Skin Health B9 (Folic Acid) Brain Health, Energy Production, Cell Health, Slows Aging, hormones B12 (Cabalamin) Brain Health, Cell Health, DNA Stability, Reduce Fatigue, Hormone Health, Nerve Health, Glutathione Formation. The Importance Of Methylated B Vitamins You need to know, not all B Complex vitamins sold at your local drug or grocery store are high quality. Many are not methylated and most contain poorly absorbed inactive nutrients, however, the methylated B Complex vitamins are more effective because they are more bioavailable (easily absorbed and will work immediately). Methylated B vitamins are particularly important for people with genetic mutations, such as MTHFR gene mutations, which can impair the body’s ability to effectively utilize regular B vitamins. Methylated B vitamins may also be beneficial for people with a high demand for B vitamins, such as individuals with a poor diet, high stress, pregnant women, athletes, and people with certain health conditions like high homocysteine and fatigue. Also, for some of you, be aware that ethanol – found in alcoholic drinks – inhibits the absorption of vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B7 and folic acid with alcoholics deficient in all of these. Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to a deficiency in B12 and impact your Vitamin B12 levels by impairing your absorption of Vitamin B12, depleting your Vitamin B12 storage and promoting inadequate nutrition. Therefore, limiting your intake is best recommended. One particular B Complex supplement that I would recommend is Seeking Health's B Complex Plus! B Complex Plus is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-strength, one-a-day B complex dietary supplement. It contains over 100% of the daily value for all eight essential B vitamins, in the active forms. This formulation is ideal for those who are deficient or are looking for higher levels of B vitamins in their supplement. Seeking Health is committed to providing you the best in bio-available supplements and more. I trust this source and have been using their supplements for several years! Some people are unable to absorb B12 in their digestive tract, such as those who lack intrinsic factor, a protein that is needed for the absorption of B12. In this case a sublingual form is necessary. I would suggest Purality Health's Micelle Liposomal B12 has been created for maximized bioavailability. I hope this helps Here's to our health! #Affiliate

It is estimated that almost half of all Americans use a prescription drug regularly and about 20% take three or more (NPR, 2016). You might not be aware, but did you know these drugs can deplete vital nutrients needed for our bodies to function properly, even to survive? And, it's not only the ones that are prescribed to you by your health care provider. Its also the over-the-counter medications; the antacids, the cough syrup, the stool softener. So that flop, flop, fizz, fizz is not all that innocent! Some Docs Aren't Even Aware It's true, your doctor may not even be aware that some of the symptoms they see every day may be the result of medication-induced nutrient loss. So if some physicians are not aware how is the patient suppose to know this? Why isn't there a statement on the drug insert to declare this? For example, a certain cholesterol medication that depletes CoQ10 should have included in the insert a simple statement like this. Attention: This medication should be used with a quality CoQ10 supplement as it decreases the levels in your body. And, CoQ10 is needed to meet the energy demands of your heart, muscle and other metabolically active tissues. Cholesterol medications are not the only culprit when it comes to CoQ10. Beta blockers and acid-reducing medications will also affect the levels. So unfortunately many can get involved in an endless cycle; go see the Doc., get prescribed medications for your symptoms, the medications then create new symptoms, so go back to the Doc and get new medications for the new symptoms...all the while creating even more decencies or depletion. How Do The Medications Do This? Some drugs interfere with absorption by various means, one example is by altering stomach acid that is necessary for nutrient assimilation. Some drugs block pathways, some alter enzymes, some kill the beneficial organisms that are crucial to good health, some bind to nutrients so you loose another use for that nutrient. And, to make mattes worse, if your not feeling well, you may not be eating well. Try to eat organic, whole foods and grass fed meats. If your not already doing it, incorporate nutrient dense foods and eliminate the junk. If you are on medications you need to make sure you give your body what it needs to function properly. This certainly includes high quality supplements to replace the ones your losing with the medications. Modern medicine can be a great tool, but it’s important to educate yourself about what you’re putting in your body. Always, consult your doctor or healthcare professional before you decide to cease taking any prescribed medication. Bring up to them your concern regarding nutrient depletion and your medication. Ask them if they are aware, and if not if they would learn so they can best treat you. Your doctor should be willing. If not, maybe you should find a new one. If you would like to learn more about how some of today’s drugs can affect your nutrient levels, I recommend these two books... 1. "Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know about Nutrition", by Hyla Cass, M.D. 2. "Drug Muggers, Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body of Essential Nutrients and Natural Ways to Restore Them", by Suzy Cohen Common Medications and The Nutrients They Steal From You Aspirin will steal: Vitamin C, calcium, protein, folic acid Antibiotics will steal: B2, B12, B6, Vitamins A, C, D E K, several minerals and all beneficial body biom. Acid Blockers will steal: All nutrients Acid Reducers will steal : Vitamin B12, B 6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and many minerals Anxiety Meds. will steal: Melatonin Blood Pressure Meds. wll steal: CoQ10, several minerals including calcium, vitamins D3, and melatonin Breathing Meds. will steal: Most minerals, folic acid, iodine Cholesterol Meds. will steal: Most minerals and B vitamins Diabetic Meds. will steal: CoQ10, folic acid, and B vitamins Diuretics will steal: B vitamins, vitamin C, and several minerals NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen Aleve) will steal: Iron, folic acid and vitamin C Oral Contraceptives will steal: Most minerals, B vitamins, vitamin C, beneficial body biom Thyroid: Iron, calcium Remember This Every drug you take is either a blocker or an inhibitor; they all turn off normal function. They temporally make you feel better because they cover up the symptom. If you are taking medications, I would say it is imperative that you supplement with a high quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement. at the very least, to replace what you are losing. Dr. Ron's Doc's Daily is one of the most complete multi-vitamins on the market today. It contains a full day’s supply of 29 essential vitamins and minerals. It provides the nutrients needed which most people don’t get in their daily diet. It's ideal as a prenatal and postnatal vitamin. It supports health maintenance and insures against nutritional deficiencies and losses through medications. It has ZERO additives, fillers, binder, coating or magnesium sterarate. It has ZERO gluten, wheat, corn, soy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts or peanuts. These multivitamins works well for an extremely wide range of people. It’s specifically formulated to serve adults of all ages. Plus, it fulfills the role of a pre-natal and postnatal supplement. You can also vary the dosage to complement your particular diet. Just as important, Doc’s Daily leaves out potentially detrimental ingredients. It deliberately omits retinol (vitamin A), iodine, and iron to avoid toxicity, saturation, and potentially negative side effects for individuals with special needs. Remember, when you’re shopping for a multivitamin, it’s crucial to find one that offers the things you need and leaves out the things you don’t. The raw materials in Dr. Ron’s branded supplements are laboratory-tested for purity. They’re formulated without unnecessary and potentially allergenic fillers, binders, and dyes that are commonplace in some grocery and drug store brands. You can learn more and purchase Doc's Daily here. Read about the formulation, you will be impressed! And, yet another extremely impressive multi vitamin that i would refer you to is, Seeking Health's Optimal Multivitamin Plus. Seeking Health's Optimal Multivitamin/multimineral is a comprehensive, high-strength daily multivitamin with added liver, vision, antioxidant, and cognition support and active forms of nutrients that promote healthy aging, energy, and methylation. Designed by Dr. Ben Lynch, this multivitamin/multimineral supplement is intended for people with high nutritional needs. The bio-available, active forms of nutrients support optimal absorption and utilization. And, it's free of eggs, fish, gluten, GMO, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat, artificial colors, artificial flavors and preservatives. You can learn more and purchase Seeking Health's Optimal Multivitamin here. We will not forget about the children, sometimes kids have to take medications too. So, to insure your children are getting the nutrients they need for their growing bodies I would like to recommend Seeking Health's Kids Multivitamins. These high quality vitamin/mineral supplements will support healthy brain development, genetic expression, and overall wellness. They contain 25 key ingredients, designed for growing children. These will support your child's health and especially if they have taken medications! Oh, remember the CoQ10 we talked about in the beginning? If you've been taking acid-blockers, blood pressure meds., cholesterol meds., or diabetic meds., you really should supplement with CoQ10. Both Seeking Health and Dr. Ron's has quality CoQ10. You can shop Seeking Health here. and Dr. Ron's here I hope this helps. I sincerely believe it will. Here's to our health! Please Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase we would receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay. Thank you!

Who wouldn't want to sleep like a baby? Many adults report not getting enough sleep. This is no small matter since sleep is vital to the regenerative processes of every tissue in your body. Lack of sleep elevates chemicals that promote inflammation and prevents the regeneration process. The longer someone goes without proper sleep the more they will experience dysregulation of hormones, immune response damage and chronic inflammation that can lead to disease of all sorts. During a good night we cycle through 5 stages of sleep, each stage necessary to get to the next. We then cycle through these stages 4 or 5 times. During proper, restorative sleep our hormones go to work, our tissues build and repair and our brains are able to recover and replenish. What Can You Do For Better Sleep? Let's try these steps... Establish a routine of your sleep and wake time. It will turn into a habit and set your body to a rhythm Turn down the thermometer. Our bodies like it cool when we're sleeping. 2 hours before bed no screens. The blue light affects the brain and your body’s overall ability to relax and can cause the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. If this is impossible for you, wearing blue blocker glasses would be very helpful; if you already wear glasses you could use clip-on blue blockers. You could do some gentle stretches, yoga or Qigong . Never exercise 2 hours before bed because it will rev you up. Of course exercise can help sleep only do it earlier. Reserve your bedroom for rest, relaxation, sleep and intimacy. Do not work in the bedroom. Limit your eating in the hours before bed. Watch what you eat before bed. Any sugar before bed and you alter the entire sleep process and the regenerative sleep cycle. You may wish to incorporate some white noise. I find an air purifier ideal; it gives the slight white noise and it cleans the air in the bedroom. Another suggestion is to add an air purifier to your bedroom. Help keep your bedroom dust free by frequent vacuums and wet dusting. Ideally we spend 6 to 9 hours sleeping. The air in our bedrooms should be clean air with minimal dust. You may be extra sensitive to EMF, in this case grounding sheets or a grounding mattress cover may improve your sleep. If at all possible walk barefoot as much as you can through out the day. This will automatically ground you release the negative energy. If you’re on a pharmaceutical drug for sleep, there is a high likelihood that you have developed severely disordered sleep. Many of these drugs steal REM from you, which results in memory loss, disrupts your stress-coping mechanisms and ability to process emotions. Use of whole food/ herb supplements are a much better choice. These can include valarien root, chamomile, lemon balm, passion-flower, ashwaganda and others. A melatonin, L-theanine or 5-HTP supplement may also be helpful. Speaking of herbs. A few drops of the essential oil of lavender can promote relaxation. Just place a couple 2 or 3 drops on your pillow case. The pure essential of Lavender is very relaxing and calming. If you drink coffee you should limit caffeine; try not to drink any after 1pm. What you eat throughout the day will affect your sleep. When you eat , avoid processed foods if possible as well as excessive sugar. Choose organic, whole foods as much as possible. Stay hydrated through out the day. This keeps water in your tissues and helps flush toxins. Last but not least, when you rest your head, practice gratitude. Close your eyes and give thanks for your blessings. Take your mind to the things you are grateful for. Sweet dreams (Please Note: This post contains affiliate links...)

With the cooler months creating drier skin, it can be hard to find skin care that provides you with naturally healthy, skin and checks all the boxes for effective, made-safe, clean, and sustainable. To find my favorite skin care companies, I looked at the steps used in creating the product and how each ingredient was sourced. Were they made with organic and wildcrafted ingredients, including herbs and high-vibration plant extracts? I was excited to learn about Annmarie Skin Care and how deeply they researched industry practices uncovering hidden processes with ingredient production. Beyond the best ingredients, their formulation is done by their herbalist and chemist, who understands the slow process of creating activated and naturally effective skin care. Moreover, they’re a company that knows their partnering farmers and have vetted their sources personally. Annmarie Skin Care only picks ingredients that meet the highest quality standards and are at their peak nutritional effectiveness. Beyond all, these products work better than others I’ve tried. I’ve noticed my skin has an overall even-toned, luminous glow and remains moist even in the driest months! Within these products, you’ll find unique high-performance seed oils, antioxidant-rich botanicals, synergistic plant stem cells, and more that deliver skin-supporting nutrients and luxurious aromatherapy. You deserve this! And, these products aren't just for the ladies. My husband likes them too! Here are just a few of the pure, potent, and proven ingredients they use: Calendula flower: shown to alleviate the appearance of redness Hyaluronic acid: for supreme hydration and plumping of your skin Herbal extracts of buddleja davidii and edelweiss: protect your skin from environmental stressors Antioxidant-rich seed oils like sunflower seed, goji berry, and broccoli: firm and tighten your skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Sea buckthorn fruit oil: a rare omega-7 essential fatty acid that tones and hydrates fine lines Chia seed oil contains an abundance of vitamin B3 and zinc that supports the skin’s plumpness and resilience Lemon essential oil: a dose of citrus-powered purification known to brighten, clear, and refine skin I absolutely trust Annmarie Skin Care. Since day one, they’ve been committed to bringing products made with these kinds of high-quality, pure, organic ingredients with a sustainable and conscious approach. And the results? Healthy, vibrant, younger-looking skin! Now’s your chance to get acquainted with some of their clean, all-natural products that transform your skin's look. Annmarie Skin Care products meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body and have won the hearts of thousands, myself included. From now until January 31, 2023 you can take your beauty routine to new heights with the Aloe Herb Cleanser, Anti-Aging Serum and Anti-Aging Facial Oil that promises beautiful skin. This 3-step routine from Annmarie Skin Care is made with organic ingredients,100% free of toxins and synthetic fragrances. Plus, get a FREE GIFT with your order of The Clean Beauty Trial all for $19.99 and free shipping! Get Your Clean Beauty Trial and Free Gift Here! And, tell your friends! (Please Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase we receive a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay. It comes out of the pocket of the merchant.)

If you find yourself feeling down during the winter months, you're not alone. According to statistics, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts up to 20% of the population — with rates higher among women and younger people. Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year. Along with stress, spending less time outdoors with less opportunity to be active and the lack of sunshine all play a key role in SAD. The symptoms may include fatigue, depression, hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, worthlessness, trouble concentrating, feeling irritated or agitated, legs and arms feel heavy, loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, carbohydrate cravings, extreme fatigue and lack of energy, social withdrawal and sleeping problems that include oversleeping. These are all signs you might be suffering from SAD. ) : Despite This, There Is Thankfully, Good News! The good news is, that there are some strategies that will support your mood, with all of them being natural targeted strategies, with no prescription medication necessary! Let's look at these 5 strategies to combat SAD Strategy #1 Vitamin D3: If you don't already, you need to supplement with "The Sunshine Vitamin". Our bodies produce vitamin D by exposure to the sun and some are spending no time outdoors. You cannot synthesize vitamin D through a window and many people have a Vitamin D3 deficiency (70% of Americans are). If you can try to spend at least 10 minutes a day outdoors. You should periodically have your D3 levels checked to assess your status and this will also help with dosing. (Vitamin D stays in the body, it is not excreted quickly like vitamin C). Try 1000 to 3000 IU per day of Vitamin D3. Also, Cod Liver Oil is a great way to get your Vitamin D and your Omega 3. Strategy #2 Mood Nutrients That Nourish Your Brain: Omega 3 Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may help relieve occasional depression. Omega-3 fats from oily fish like mackerel and salmon and Cod liver oil support neurological and brain health, and studies show they may be helpful to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression. If you are vegen, supplement with Flax Seed; sprinkle it on everything. B- Complex Vitamins Folate, B6, and B12, are intricately involved in mood and stress. In fact, a little-known cause of depression is an elevated level of homocysteine, a marker of cardiovascular disease. The active form of folate (5-MTHF) has been shown to help reduce homocysteine and improve depression. Additionally, both vitamins B6 and B12 are involved in producing brain chemicals related to mood and other brain functions. Low levels of both have been tied to depression. Good food sources of B vitamins include red meat, poultry, tuna, salmon, eggs, chickpeas, dairy, peanuts, whole grains, and sunflower seeds. You want your B Vitamins balanced, to taking a B-Complex vitamin is a good idea. Tryptophan Tryptophan is an amino acid that can support a healthy mood. The body converts tryptophan, found in foods like turkey, fish, whole grains, and spinach, into serotonin, a neurotransmitter thought to be involved in mood, sleep, appetite, energy production and more. Supplementing with the precursor to tryptophan, 5-HTTP may be a good idea for you. Magnesium Magnesium deficiencies are one of the most prevalent differences (80% of the US population!). It is also a major player in our mood. A Magnesium supplementation year round would be optimal. Your body needs magnesium to make Tryptophan (mentioned above). Did you know magnesium is involved with over 300 enzymatic reactions? Magnesium Glycinate is a very good form at 400 mg a day. And, in addition... A complete broad-spectrum macro-mineral and trace element, to support your body and your mind! Because usually where there is one deficiency there are others, (The way our commercial foods are grown, processed and stripped has lead to this)! Honokiol an extract from Magnolia officiinalis bark, supports relaxation and a healthy mood. This remedy is an ancient staple of traditional Chinese herbalism that was commonly used to address anxiety. It works to support a healthy mood in part by helping to regulate GABA production. It is also a powerful antioxidant that crosses the blood-brain barrier to support cognitive function in numerous ways. It is an excellent natural solution to support restful sleep and a healthy mood. Strategy #4 Pamper Your Gut: Your gut needs to be healthy. This should be the #1 strategy, because, if your gut isn't healthy you can't get well. This is why I follow strategy # 3 (Nutrients that nourish) with #4 (Pamper Your Gut)...You can take all the nutrients you need, but, if your gut isn't working properly you wont benefit as you should! You may need to refer to Give Your Gut Some TLC. Strategy #3 Move, Move, Move Your Body: Exercise releases endorphins, a group of hormones that enhances mood, memory, brain function and more. Push your self if you have to at first, but you will be glad you did! Soon you'll be looking forward to it. Sitting too much will make you feel down. It will also cause aches and pains. In the winter we might not get out to walk as much. Add dancing to your routine, it's a lot of fun! I like to refer to this video. Start slow if you have to, and then build up... Strategy #4 Reset Your Rhythm: Light exposure plays a major role in the natural rhythm of our bodies (circadian rhythm or circadian clock). The hormones released in accordance with light has a direct bearing on our moods. Often in the winter not only is it cloudy, your indoors more, but the drapes are drawn to hold in the heat. We are so lacking in natural sunlight! Specialized light therapy boxes are designed to mimic the natural light of the sun. This exposure to this light replacement therapy can help ease depression, optimize melatonin production, and help increase energy through out the day. Here are 2 examples - Strategy #5 Share With Someone You Love and Trust: Share what your going through. Don't go through it alone. Having someone that you trust to share how you have been feeling will be supportive in a very positive and special way by offering positive reinforcement and prayer. Physical health and mental/emotional health are innately connected. As your body becomes stronger and healthier with nutrient rich foods, the elimination of toxins, natural therapies, and targeted natural supplements, eventually peace, happiness, joy, relaxation, elimination, brain function, vitality, hope and energy are sure to follow. Overall, these self-care practices help encourage and support, in a positive way, our pursuit of wellness. I sincerely hope this helps. { Note: This post contains affiliate links. If a purchase is made after clicking on a link we may receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay.)

Minerals, they are fundamental to our health. We need minerals so our body can properly perform all the processes that it is constantly doing, It never stops...even when your sleeping. Your body is a perpetual working machine. Working synergisticlally, with the minerals, vitamins, enzymes and water we give it. Minerals support a wide range of bodily functions. They are needed for bone and teeth formation, energy production, nerve and muscle function, regulation of enzymes, immune health and more. You've Heard Of Electrolytes, Right? Sodium, potassium and chloride, calcium and magnesium are minerals that are called “electrolytes.” These are the major or Macro minerals and we need more of them. The others are what are refereed to as trace minerals (an example, zinc, iron, selenium). We need less amounts of these, however, their importance are not any less. Each and everyone, over 73 plus of them, has an important job to do in our bodies! We Need To Add Minerals To Our Diets, Because... Sadly, the mineral content in the fresh foods you see in the produce bins at your local grocery store, have declined. This is due to over fertilization. Mono-cropping, herbicide and pesticide use and other chemicals. Picking for shipment prior to natural ripening can also have an effect. The fruits and vegetables we are eating today are not the same that our grandparents enjoyed. (Unless you grow your own organically, using restorative soil techniques). So, you could be consuming your 9 recommended helpings a day ( of grocery store produce), and still need to supplement with minerals. And, what about the case of a junk food diet? So many have a diet of processed "foods". This leads to wide spread mineral deficiencies, as well as vitamin and enzyme deficiencies and of course health problems and disease. OmniBlue, It Could Be Right For You! I discovered a mineral supplement that I am very excited about! It's actually endorsed by Mom's Across America's Gold Standard! That's impressive! OmniBlue benefits can include: Constipation relief, deeper sleep, calmer nerves, less stress, stronger bones and teeth, a fortified immune system, enzyme production, heart health benefits and fewer symptoms of osteoporosis and, 100% of your foods and supplements transformed into absorbable nutrients and energy! Learn more about OmniBlue Here. Please Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase we will make a small commission. This does not determine the amount of the cost.

Hydrochloric acid (HCI), produced by glands in the stomach, is necessary for the breakdown and digestion of our foods. Insufficient amounts of HCI can lead to indigestion and hinder nutrient absorption, causing nutrient deficiencies. The HCI also has the job of killing viruses and bacteria that enter in through our mouth. Unfortunately HCI levels can often decline with age; as most other substances do. You can determine if you need more hydrocloric acid with this simple test: Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, mixed in 8 ounces of water. If this makes your indigestion go away, then you need more stomach acid. If it gives you symptoms or makes your symptoms worse, then you have too much acid and you should take care not to take any supplements that contain HCI. What can cause too much acid in the stomach? What would make us have too much HCI in the first place? This is a good question, since people who do tend to reach for the Tums, or visit their doctor with symptoms, typically get put on acid blockers or protein pump inhibitors. What can cause too much acid in the stomach? Coffee, Soda and alcohol are the top culprits. Orange or citrus juice can be another cause and especially drinking them on an empty stomach (Is that really O.J. or genetically modified corn syrup, dye and preservatives?) Not chewing your food thoroughly can cause extra acid because enzymes are not activated and once swallowed your food can then sit and ferment. Processed foods, containing preservatives and chemicals that our bodies were not meant to digest may cause too much acid. In addition, over the counter pain medications like Motrin, Aspirin, Advil, and the like can be a problem. A few simple changes here and for most, the hyperacidity will clear. Often times it's not too much acid but too little! Although some symptoms might make one think they have too much acid, the problem could very well be that they don't have enough, and that they are just eating the wrong things. Nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins are essential for maintaining stomach acid levels. A poor diet can result in low stomach acid and it can also cause stomach inflammation; this can lead some to think they have too much acid. So, they take the tums or they ask their doctor for the protein pump inhibitor that they seen advertised. Unfortunately, these medications do not heal the problem; they put a band-aid on it. The medications temporarily cover the symptoms with temporary relief, but, they also block and prohibit the body to perform it's natural function. The antacids soak up acid; the very same acid you need for digestion and nutrient absorption. The others, the Protein Pump Inhibitors and the H2 Blockers, turn off acid secretion. The very same acid needed for digestion and nutrient absorption. Also, H2 Blockers compromises detoxification pathways. adding problems onto problems. These drugs are nutrient muggers! Acid blockers steal all your nutrients because they alter the pH of your gut and can cause serious vitamin and mineral deficiencies! Side effects may not show up right away, but, they will catch up if a correction isn't made. Of course, as always, when it comes to prescription medications you need to discuss issues, concerns and questions with your health care provider. For the over the counter antacids please try to limit them to only on a rare occasion. You can take the ones that do not contain aluminum (a Nero-toxin that promotes Alzheimer's). Aluminum containing antacids include Maalox, Gaviscon, Mylanta, Di-Gel and Amphogel. Swap any of those out for Rolaids or Phillips Milk of Magnesia. These contain no aluminum, but magnesium. What do you do if you've been taking any of these acid blockers? You should eliminate or cut down on the coffee, sodas and alcohol. Try to eat wholesome nutrient dense foods and chew each bite well. Eat in a comfortable, stress free environment and enjoy the meal. To help correct nutrient deficiencies it would be a good idea to supplement with a high quality multi-vitamin and trace minerals like OmniBlue. Adding Vitamin B-12 (250 - 500 mgc daily) and CoQ10 is a good idea since these nutrients are mugged due to the medications. You may also need to take a high quality acid supplement and / or enzyme supplement. Other supplements that can help include: Phosphatidylcholine , L-glutamine, and Cod Liver Oil , these are all extremely beneficial and supportive to a healthy gut. Phosphatidylcholine - may help protect the large intestine wall and relieve symptoms L-glutamine - feeds your small intestine it helps maintain a healthy stomach and intestinal lining by supporting optimal gut barrier function and cell reproduction. By enabling your gut cells to regenerate more quickly, Cod Liver Oil - Bacterial infections, smoking, overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs and excess acid in the stomach are some of the causative factors for ulcers. Supplementing with cod liver oil is effective in reducing inflammation in the lining of the GI tract and heal ulcers in the stomach and gut Here's a tip- Juicing raw cabbage with an apple (peeling included) is healing to ulcers. Wishing you the best in health! Val (Please Note: This post contains affiliate links.)

Oatmeal has long been known as a wonderful remedy for dry, chapped skin and an oatmeal bath is especially wonderful during the drying winter. Here is what you will do. Make a large pot of oatmeal using 2 cups of oatmeal and 8 cups of water. Cook the oatmeal for the time directed. Strain the water from the oatmeal, reserving the water. Scoop the oatmeal into a cotton sock or muslin bag. You will use this as a gentle scrub for all over your skin. Fill your tub with warm water and add the reserved cooking water. If you have a favorite essential oil, such as lavender, add a drop or two. Enjoy your soothing, warm bath! Ancient Nutrition has Lavender essential oil and more! You'll also find top notch bone broths, collagen, probiotics, vitamins and more!Get a free Frother Shop Ancient Nutrition Now .