Holistic Health And Wellbeing Advice from Holistic Health Experts
healthy body
How to have a health body, how to support and maintain a healthier body, improve your physical health, increase physical wellness and physical fitness levels. Achieve optimum health, peak performance. The right healthy exercise, the correct yoga exercises, increased flexibility, effective physical therapy. Benefits of an osteopath, massage, bodywork, Bowen, pilates, sports massage, physiotherapy
Chronic pain is not always the result of physical injury, it may be the body’s response to a traumatic event
Not only damaging to our mental health, trauma can also have an incredible impact on our physical body. Some chronic pain complaints, for example, can be attributed to residual trauma, our body responding to past events through muscle tensing.
So, what is chronic pain? What types of chronic pain are psychological? And how can past trauma affect our current physical state?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for at least 12 weeks, although it may in fact last for several years. It can limit your mobility and reduce your flexibility, strength, and endurance, making it challenging to get through daily tasks and activities.
Collectively, we can categorise chronic pain as somatogenic pain (the cause is found within the structure of the body, the ‘soma’) and psychogenic pain, with the most common types of pain (across both categories) including headache; post-physical trauma pain; lower back pain; arthritis pain; neurogenic pain (pain caused by nerve damage); and psychogenic pain. The latter describes pain that isn’t caused by disease or nerve damage, the cause is thought to be in the mind.
Trauma and the physical body: psychogenic pain
Psychogenic pain is chronic, disabling pain that is primarily caused by psychological factors. Factors such as beliefs, emotions, fears, or mental illness – like depression or anxiety – can trigger, exacerbate, or maintain pain that started in an innocuous way, such as an accident or fall.
Dr Robert Scaer (amongst others) has shown that chronic stress and trauma has a profound impact on the entire mind-body system, resulting in disease, sometimes decades later.
Scaer studied the ‘diseases of the freeze’ – those diseases originating from a dysregulated autonomic nervous system – as a result of trauma. This includes chronic psychogenic pain.
He showed that the majority of what we consider to be ‘arthritis’ of the neck and back is in fact myofascial pain associated with stress and trauma. An MRI scan shows no relationship with pathology.
Trauma and the physical body: myofascial pain syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a description of muscle pain: pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissues. A chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles), it may involve either a single muscle or a muscle group.
Myofascial and related chronic pain is often traceable to complex childhood trauma and is always distributed through the back. This can be explained by understanding the back’s role in protecting us from physical trauma or threat.
When threatened with violence, the back will step in to protect the body; the muscles of the core are intensely activated, pulling the body into a contracted foetal position for self-defence.
Picture a five-year-old child who waits for her father to come home. A bully, her father often threatens to beat the children when they’re naughty and walks through the door shouting. Immediately her body reacts by moving into a defensive position.
If she’s safe enough to do so, she’ll curl up into a foetal position to get the best protection she can. However, if she is unable, she will form an incomplete foetal position. Her body will still want to contract but can’t. This incomplete foetal position will be stored in her muscle memory: tense and trying to contract without being able to.
The emotional memory of this event is stored in the muscle groups involved in the defence forever afterwards; the emotional memory of trying to defend. The neural pathways are set, and in later life when the body experiences chronic stress – any stress – all these muscles will contract as they always did before, pulling tight into the same type of protective response. Instead of pulling the body into a foetal position, however, the muscles of the back and neck ache with widespread myofascial pain.
This type of pain is uniquely stress-related.
Neglect and the physical body: example case study
Trauma may lead to a life of low-grade sustained vigilance, sensitive to environmental as well as internal triggers.
If you can imagine a child that was repeatedly bullied from the age of six years old, while trying to find their place in the world and connect with society, they are rejected and lack social bonding. At home, parents are absent because they work all the time and therefore don’t offer sufficient care-giver support.
The child grows up with low self-esteem, feeling unworthy and unsafe in the world; trust in them and others is diminished. They may develop an inability to express themselves and repress their emotions for fear of punishment, judgement, or rejection.
When confronted with a difficult situation, they bottle their emotions and feel internal anguish, repeatedly releasing toxic stress chemicals into the body.
Their immune system is compromised, making them more susceptible to illness. Over time, they develop chronic pain.
Healing trauma: body and mind
What has emerged from pioneers in the field of epigenetics and neuroscience, is an understanding of the importance of healing past trauma – and doing so by working with the subconscious mind.
While we cannot go back in time and ‘un-experience’ a traumatic event, our history is imprinted within us, crystallizing as our core beliefs or “truths”. To effectively heal from our past we must bypass the rational mind and access the source of our belief systems.
Using the QEC method, we are able to change the belief systems and conditioning that no longer serve us. The neuroplasticity of the brain allows us to ‘rewire’ our neural pathways, freeing us from the limitations of our past.
In this way, we can fundamentally change the way we feel about ourselves and the world around us.
Most commonly used for working with trauma, depression, grief and loss, stress, health and relationships, you can learn more about QEC here.
Is your health your responsibility, or is your health your Dr’s responsibility?
Are we as a society giving over too much responsibility and control around our health to allopathic medicine and governments? Should governments or medical professionals be able to force medical interventions or take away a persons right to choose?
Is Your Health Your Government’s Responsibility?
One of the things we are seeing around the world today is situations where governments are forcing their people to have medical interventions, more specifically vaccinations without the right to choose.
Is this a step too far in taking away our human rights and body autonomy?
Could this be a step towards a more serious agenda where governments start to take more control over what they think is right for your health and wellbeing?
As someone who has been on more than one occasion being a victim of damage from mainstream medical intervention. And as a therapist who sadly has worked with a variety of people harmed by modern medicine.
I find it extremely disturbing how much control over your health is being pushed, advised by governments officials and advisors, some who are not really the most qualified to do so.
So many top Scientists, Virologists and Immunologists around the world are being censored or being silenced from sharing their alarming concerns or opinions. Concerns on not just how this so called Pandemic has been dealt with but questions around the statistics, the testing, the choice of therapeutic interventions and the psychological media that has accompanied this.
I could go more deeply into my concerns around not just the lack of expertise by some of these people behind the decisions. But perhaps the most serious concerns should be the money trails, the conflict of interests by many who have shares or received financial gifts in some form or another by the companies that are being used to roll out their preferred management of this pandemic.
Such as the choice of testing, the experimental vaccines that they cannot possibly guarantee is safe or that will be effective in the long-term. Especially when certain types of disease was excluded from the first phases of trials and the fact we don’t or can’t possibly know the long-term effects in a few months, few years and a few decades.
The reality is most decisions at the moment are not being made right now by the most qualified people in their field but by people in power or who will make financial or other types of large gain from these decisions.
Sadly by too many people in power who have horrendous reputations for putting their own agendas first. A situation where millions around the world are having their human rights, their rights of personal autonomy being taking away from them. Too many being forced, manipulated, even shamed and bullied into have an experimental vaccine who are at an extremely very very low risk of dying from Covid 19 from a situation according to one paper in the Lancet is more asyndemic than a pandemic.
Should We Trust Forced Medical Interventions
Should we ever allow our governments to force any sort of medical treatment or medical invasive intervention without someone’s agree consent and permission?
And should we be informed honestly about the possible risks. So many of the family and friends that I have spoken to had no idea that we were still in trial phases.
Even medical professionals I know are shocked at how many of their co-workers are ill informed.To me our health is mostly our responsibility, our health choices is our responsibility, we all should have choice. I mean you choose if you eat healthy or you don’t? You choose if you exercise or if you don’t? You can choose to have an operation or not.
The reality is we keep getting told about the facts, we keep getting implications that getting the vaccine is more safe, But it is? How can we possibly know so early on. Sadly I personally know of one person who has had a very serious reaction to one of vaccines one and a friends aunt who felt very ill after the vaccine and then died.
In this case they could not prove it was the vaccine like many cases even though the person had no health issues before. Now I know we are faced with difficulties choice there is a virus that is life threatening to some, especially to those with certain types of pre-existing conditions.
But I also wonder why people are not being given other options, why our governments ae not looking at other medical interventions. Or even providing everyone with supplements that are known to support the immune system.Why has our government never mentioned throughout this
Pandemic the basic fundamental importance of good nutrition, healthy eating? Do our governments really want to promote health and wellbeing or do they just want to promote big pharma interventions, especially at a time when profits in big pharma were starting to decline. Especially when so many government officials who make these decisions actually have shares or links to these companies.
So Should We Totally Trust Big Pharma?
Now the reality is yes many scientists, will have worked very hard, made many sacrifices in their own life to create these vaccines. But the reality is these vaccines have been fast tracked, most are still in experimental stage till 2023. But many people don’t realise that, they don’t actually realise they in many ways they are part of the experiment. Most people have no idea of the amount of scientists in this field who have had deep concerns about these vaccines and that some of these jabs are created with a new type of new science that has never been used before.
Unfortunately we know governments and modern medicine have made horrendous mistakes throughout the years. I became shocked on my own journey on how little many Doctors and Nurses knew about the medication they prescribed and the vaccines they promoted, Most never do their own research, most only check out the information they are told by their supervisors or basic information provided because they trust the NHS and trust that these companies have the patients interests at heart. But what is more important in the world today health or money? Also is saving money on certain types of treatments put before what is actual more safe or best for someone’s health?
The wiser more experienced Doctor who has sadly seen the other side of the coin tends to do their own medical research. They tend to ask questions and challenge what they are told. But even that today has become harder in approx October 2019 google started to lower the SEO rankings of many medical research papers and holistic research papers that didn’t suit certain agenda. Meaning it would be much harder for people to find certain articles and medical papers that didn’t align with what the medical and pharmaceutical industry wanted you to read. So basically it became even harder for the patient, the clinician and even experts to find information that wasn’t pharmaceutically or politically bias.
Well lets say they took that bias to a whole new level in 2020 and 2021 through such unbelievable censorship that we have come to question if we are indeed living in a communist country. We just need to see the amount of censorship on Social Media and TV, to see the amount of influence our governments and organisations linked to pharma have on the media and the narrative they want to serve.
Why Your Health Is Your Responsibility And Your Choice
I believe your health has to start as your responsibility and it is so important to become informed about your health and wellbeing so you can make educated choices. After a long list of horrendous medical experiences on my own journey. I came to realise how little many medical professionals know about the possible harm and damage of many of things they prescribe or use in modern medicine, And in the modern world we give our power over to many times to people we assume know best.
So how much does your medical practitioners honestly know about the dangers, allergies and serious side effects of so many medical interventions and vaccines today? Many don’t ever see the correlation, the short- term and long-term damage. But sadly some of my work involved supporting families dealing with children disabled by vaccine damage.
Most people have no awareness today how much vaccine damage there is and actually more concerning how much is not reported or published. I know through personal experience that most Doctors rarely report serious allergies or harm by medication or medical interventions using the yellow card.
The Biggest Causes Of Disease Today
We know the biggest causes of disease today are lifestyle choices and toxins. So what you eat, what you do or don’t do, what you drink, smoke or how you manage your life and stress will impact your health and wellbeing. Alongside things like poverty, bad housing, certain occupations, education, culture and environment can all impact our health. But many chronic health challenges today that makes us more vulnerable to certain diseases that are caused by own health choices and our exposure to modern day toxins.
In-fact in our modern world many people are under nourished simply because of poor and unhealthy eating. They have a poor immune system, inflammation, digestive issues because of what they consume and don’t consume. Many diseases today can be eliminated by a more healthy clean diet and lifestyle, so yes the medical system are often trying to treat the symptoms rather than prevent the most life-threatening diseases.
These words and thoughts are only my thoughts and wonders around my experiences and many of the people I have worked with. Experiences of my own, my clients, colleagues and friends in the holistic industry, the Dr.s, Nurses, Pharmacists and Scientists who have left mainstream modern medicine who believe in Do No Harm First.
Modern medicine, modern science is an incredible thing, modern medicine says millions of life’s every day. There are many government officials, doctors and nurses who genuinely care are faced with many difficult dilemmas and challenges every single day. But I believe when we give our body, our health autonomy to anyone else, especially our government, or medical field we are basically handing over our personal freedom, our personal human rights. A very very frightening step towards giving them so much more control to do as they will.
Some of the most common household toxins that could be making you sick. Toxins in your cleaning products, your skin, and body care, in your furniture, bedding even clothes.
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The Dangers Of Common Household Toxins
One of the things I started to become aware of in my early twenties was how much we are surrounded by industrial and household toxins. Toxins can have a serious impact on our health and wellbeing. But even though we have seen a dramatic increase in not just household toxins over the last 50 years but also toxic medical treatments. Very few seem to want to do anything about it. It seems we have created a world and society that seems to put money, power, and convenience over health.
With such a dramatic increase in indoor and household toxins no wonder so, many of us end up with allergies, cancers, unexplained illnesses, and disease. The reality is a highly toxic body makes it difficult for the body to function and heal.
My Own Journey Into Toxins
At the age of 17, I studied Clothing & Fashion at college and went on to work for two different dressmakers and designers. The first was a small business, the second a designer for high-end evening wear and wedding dresses.
During both of these experiences, I started to develop symptoms from the toxic effects of toxic substances on the fabrics. Especially in the Glasgow job where the fabrics would come into the fabric with some sort of fabric coating
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The Dangers Of Mercury
Now a year before I took this job my health had taken a bit of a battering after an incident when an elderly dentist put mercury up a root canal instead of my actual tooth Within a few days my
very quickly, at first it seemed like a very severe flu plus a lot of other very strange symptoms. Muscle weakness, complete exhaustion, in fact I was so weak, my body was trembling, I became extremely breathless, I suffered Parasthesia and my first experience of temporary paralysis from the neck down. I also suffered extreme muscle and joint pain, extremes in temperature, and digestive issues.
Sadly a lot of the fatigue and exhaustion never left me. It made walking between my train and bus journeys very difficult. But I also started to become overly sensitive to a lot of products, scents, cleaning products around me, and what I consumed.
A ” fluorescein angiography is a medical procedure in which a fluorescent dye is injected into the bloodstream. The dye highlights the blood vessels in the back of the eye so they can be photographed. This test is often used to manage eye disorders.” Healthline.com
For over, a week I was very yellow, several weeks I felt breathless and had a fast heart-rate.
The Dangers Of Isopropyl Alcohol
About a year later I manage to get some of my health back and went on to study music at college but then I kept collapsing in the recording studio. No one could understand the cause especially me, until years later. When I would find out how toxic isopropyl was, something that was used to clean the reel to reels in the recording studio at the time. And something we all carried in a bottle when working in the study.
it is known to have serious side-effects and is actually widely used in the cosmetic industry.
Sadly my health declined so much so, I ended up having to come home and stay with my parents, spend large chunks of the rest of my twenties largely housebound and bedbound. During this period I researched, learned, and met many practitioners who opened my eyes to how toxic our world had become.
These experiences made me aware of the level of toxicity that is around us. It was also one of the reasons I choose to go on a more clean diet, to eliminate a lot of toxic products in my foods. One of the reasons I trained in holistic therapies.
Common Household Toxins That Could Be Making You Sick
Fungal And Mold Toxins – Other common household toxins that most people are unaware of is all the different types of mold and fungi, which are highly toxic. It is said that 1 in 3 people form an allergy to mold in their life.
*3Myotoxins can be a contributor to all sorts of health conditions and diseases, especially those related to the immune system and lungs.
Heavy Metals – Heavy Metals such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can be extremely toxic to the body. It is commonly found in, amalgam fillings, antiperspirants, building materials, lead paint, pesticides, some seafood, tap water, vaccines…
They can contribute to neurological diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, cancer, a reduction in the biology of red and white blood cells.
VOC’s Volatile Organic Compounds – According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency VOC’s are “Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility.
Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. “
They are products that vapourize easily and emit gases. Examples of VOC household toxins include electronics, building materials, carpets, furnishings; sofas, mattresses, paint, plastic. As well as craft materials, air fresheners, cleaning products, varnishes, deodorants, shampoo, and cosmetics.
Pesticides – Sadly a lot of pesticides are used in the growing of a lot of the fruit, vegetables, and meat you may buy. One reason which you should always clean your fruit and vegetables when you buy. See Recipe For Cleaning.
Pesticide household toxins are also in different types of pest control sprays, as well as lawn and garden treatments.
PVC And Phalates. Polyvinol Chloride and Phalates are another commonly known household toxin that is commonly seen in plastic wrap ( clingfilm) plastic food storage products, plastic bottles, shower curtains, children’s toys, cosmetics. Because phthalates chemically act like hormones they can alter the hormones, alter the endocrine system so can be very harmful to the development of children.
Living In A Toxic World
I think most people today have no idea how toxic modern living is, how toxic many foods are, how toxic our home is, and even how toxic many medicines are. But there are many documentary films and movies written around about the horrendous dangers of toxins in our world and our households. But for a variety of reasons they are never encouraged and promoted.
You just need to look a the film The Devil We Know and Dark Waters to see not just the serious health dangers of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, also known as C8), the key ingredient in Teflon. A highlight to the types of corruption that surrounds a lot of manufacturing who know they are selling potentially highly toxic products.
This is one of the reasons I am a big advocate for a reduction in toxic products, I am a big consumer of a lot of natural and organic products especially those that I use to support my health, wellbeing, and self-care. It is one of the reasons I am a distributor for NYR Organics and an Ambassador for Tropic.
The Alzheimers Diet: How to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline by Amylee Amos
Why choose the Alzheimers Diet. Worldwide, about 50 million people are suffering from dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and the emotional and financial toll of this disease is monumental. Alzheimer’s disease is now considered to be the 3rd leading cause of death with no pharmaceutical drugs available to effectively treat the disease, though not for lack of trying on the part of the pharmaceutical industry.
Alzheimer’s drug development has the highest failure rate of any other disease, at 99.6%. That equates to billions of dollars thrown into potential treatments that do shockingly little to slow the progress, reverse the symptoms, or even prevent the disease. The five drugs that have been approved for Alzheimer’s treatment do very little to help the millions of people suffering from the cognitive losses and devastation associated with Alzheimer’s.
Fortunately, recent research demonstrates that Alzheimer’s is not the idiopathic disease it was once believed to be. In fact, the causes and contributors of an individual’s Alzheimer’s disease can be pinpointed and treated. Contributors to the programmatic downsizing of the brain that is Alzheimer’s disease include physiological processes such as chronic inflammation, imbalanced oxidative stress, and impaired glycemic control. These factors are all highly influenced by our diet. Thus, adopting an Alzheimers diet is critical in the attempt to prevent and reverse cognitive decline.
Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented and Reversed?
The mainstream medical community is always quick to comment that there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. This just means that no silver bullet approach to preventing or reversing Alzheimer’s exists. You can’t just pop a pill and reverse your Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, because their outdated approach to treating chronic diseases fails in the case of Alzheimer’s, the conventional medicine community remains steadfast in their misguided claim that there is no effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
The truth is that through a targeted therapeutic approach, Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented and the symptoms can be reversed, such as using the alzheimers diet.
In 2018, practitioners from multiple clinical sites published the reversal of cognitive decline in 100 patients while following a multi-targeted approach. This approach, which adheres to the functional medicine model of addressing the underlying root causes of disease is known as the Bredesen Protocol.
Through the Bredesen Protocol practitioners are able to identify the individual metabolic imbalances of each patient and use a systems based approach to treat each imbalance, thereby identifying and treating the root cause of the imbalance, rather than simply masking the symptoms. The result is the reversal of cognitive decline.
What Is The Alzheimers Diet?
The ideal Alzheimer’s diet to prevent and reverse cognitive decline must be individualized to the patient to ensure that it addresses the root cause of that person’s metabolic imbalances.
However, there are some nutritional components that all those wishing to prevent cognitive decline should adopt. Adjusting one’s nutritional habits to reflect the Alzheimers diet is the first step in preventing cognitive decline.
The foundation of the Alzheimer’s diet is whole, predominantly plant-based foods including non-starchy vegetables, low glycemic fruits, quality proteins, and healthy fats.
Clients following the Alzheimers diet are encouraged to eat foods that have been well-studied for their cognitive benefits including leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, berries, low mercury fatty fish, extra virgin olive oil, and walnuts.
Eliminating Processed Fats and Refined Carbohydrates
The diet eliminates highly processed packaged foods, simple and added sugars, processed meats, and refined carbohydrates.
Animal products in general are minimized depending on the specifics of an individual’s drivers of inflammation.
Consuming adequate amounts of the recommended foods provides the nutrients, specifically the micro and phytonutrients that the brain needs to support neuronal and synaptic growth and function. Avoiding the foods not recommended prevents ongoing inflammation and resolves oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction.
Fasting On The Alzheimer’s Diet
Additionally, clients following the Alzheimers diet are encouraged to fast for a period of at least 12 hours overnight, with the first three hours occurring between finishing dinner and going to bed. This fast allows for the client to reap the full physiological benefits of sleep, including the natural clearance of beta-amyloid plaques from the brain.
How To Implement The Alzheimers Diet
The Alzheimer’s diet should be tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual in order to receive the most enhanced cognitive benefit. At the Amos Institute, clients receive an immersive and individualized nutrition plan that incorporates the major components of the Alzheimer’s diet, with specifications related to their personal drivers of cognitive decline, genetics, and biochemistry.
This is particularly important when considering the genetic variant ApoE4, the genetic variant most commonly associated with increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with this variant demonstrate what is known as decreased cerebral glucose utilization, meaning that their brains do not effectively utilize carbohydrates as a fuel source.
To bypass these impaired metabolic pathways, individuals with this genetic variant are encouraged to achieve a state of mild ketosis. Creating a ketogenic diet based largely on plant foods can be challenging, which is why seeking the help of functional medicine-trained dietitians is so critical for proper implementation. This is where partnering with a program and practitioners such as those from the Amos Institute is so beneficial to success in recovery.
Reversing The Symptoms Of Alzheimers Disease
Reversing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline is incredibly difficult, but the research shows that it can be done. If you believe you are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, start implementing the Alzheimers diet right away.
If you are already suffering from cognitive decline, seek the expertise and structure of a cognitive health program to begin optimizing your nutrition and lifestyle to reverse your cognitive decline. In the words of Dr. Dale Bredesen, if we all start to implement an Alzheimers diet and other lifestyle factors, “Alzheimer’s disease should be- and shall be- a rare disease.” *
Writer Bio – Amylee Amos Dietician and Nutritionist
Amylee Amos MS, RDN, IFMCPfounded the Amos Institute to specialize in the implementation of the Bredesen Protocol. She graduated with a Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan, & Longevity from the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.
She has trained under Dr. Dale Bredesen and received certification in the Bredesen Protocol from MPI Cognition. She is one of the only dietitians in the United States who is certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine, a new high-level achievement for leading medical providers.
Natural Makeup or Toxic Makeup?What are the toxins in makeup, toxins in our cosmetics, and skincare products?
Why more women are turning to more organic and natural makeup, more natural skincare products.
Over 25 years ago I started to ditch many different types of cosmetics and skin care products for health reasons. During this period a wide range of extreme health challenges led me to become not just more educated about what we eat but we actually consume. I started to get more insight and information about products I had been using on my body and in the environment that was highly toxic. I remember when studying singing at college how I kept getting really ill in the recording studio I actually nearly passed out on more than one occasion. It wasn’t till years later did I discover that the isopropyl alcohol we used to clean the studio, was also used in makeup and was actually highly toxic. Especially for someone with my health challenges.
So I started on a journey for more natural makeup, more natural skincare products. Initially, it was very difficult to get natural makeup until mineral makeup came along. It was a lot easier to get natural skin care products or even make your own. I eventually took training in natural cosmetic making and could make up my own face creams and skin balms. It complemented my knowledge as an aromatherapist. I also stopped using normal deodorant sprays and normal roll deodorants that were also highly toxic.
Some Of The Toxic Ingredients In Make-Up and Skincare PRODUCTS
Aminophenols are on the hazardous substances list even though they are used in hair dyes. And are known in some cases to cause asthma-type allergies and kidney issues when absorbed or breathed in. It is suggested aminophenols may cause genetic changes, (mutation) with increases cancer-causing risk. According to the State of New Jersey Government Website
BHA Butylated Hydroxyanisole, according to The National Toxicology Program it classifies butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Even the EU has deemed it unsafe as a fragrant. “In animal studies, BHA produces liver damage and causes stomach cancers such as papillomas and carcinomas and interferes with normal reproductive system development and thyroid hormone levels.”
Isopropyl Alchohol is actually considered toxic to humans even though it is widely used in cleaning, cosmetics, and other personal care products, eye, hair and nail products, aftershave lotions, and body care products. It is extremely absorbable through the skin and inhalation. MSDS Online
Parabens are commonly found in deodorants, makeup, moisturizer, shaving gel, shampoo, spray tan products. But according to Tasha Stoiber, PhD, Senior Scientist “scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation. Moreover, studies have detected parabens in nearly all urine samples taken from adults in the U.S., regardless of demographic (Ye 2006).”
“Given the endocrine disruption capacity and documented female and male reproductive harm, coupled with the potential for repeated lifelong exposure, it is clear that long-chain parabens (isobutyl-, butyl-, isopropyl- and propylparaben) should not be used in personal care or cosmetic products. Further, products can be made without these chemicals.” The Environmental Working Grou
Petroleum Distillates are manufactured in oil refineries commonly used in the production of mascara. Petroleum extracted skincare and cosmetics ingredients not only have a reputation of having “cancer-causing impurities” but are associated with some skin irritations and conditions such as dermatitis. Consider a petroleum-free mascara such as
Retinyl Products are found in many anti-aging and sunscreen products, lip products, and moisturisers. Also reputed to be possibly cancer-causing at certain levels and skin issues.
Retinyl Acetate found in sunscreen products, according to research in certain does “skin tumor-induction, adverse effect reports of skin irritation, and even death have been associated with topical RA therapy (Fischer et al.,1985; McCormick et al., 1987; Samuel et al., 2005; Weinstock et al., 2009)”. Both Bakuchiol and Frankincense are regarded as natural alternatives for retinol.
SLS Sodium lauryl sulfate is found in baby wash, facewash, foundation, mouthwash, shampoo, and toothpaste. It has been linked to being a contributor to acne particularly cystic acne., canker sores, eye, and skin irritation. There are now a lot of natural body wash and shampoo alternatives and chemical-free toothpaste. I use dOTERRA’s On Guard Toothpaste
Triclosan was in many antibacterial products that became very fashionable in the 1990’s. Triclosan and triclocarban are reputed to be linked to muscle and immune function issues, allergies, hormonal issues. Tea-tree has become a more natural and healthier option in antibacterial skincare products,
Common Natural Makeup Ingredients Include
Aloe Juice, bio-retinol, bisabolol, cocoa butter, coconut, fruit enzymes, jojoba oil, olive squaline, plant peptides, resveratrol, shea butter, white tea leaf, black tea leaf, green tea leaf.
And various essential oils such as Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Rose, Rosemary
Natural Makeup Options
Recently on my search for natural make-up, natural foundations, and a new natural lipstick, I decided to try out Tropica’s range of natural makeup and natural skincare. For a while, I had been hearing a lot of positive things about not just their natural skincare range and natural makeup but the ethics and values of the company. They use a lot of natural ingredients in their products which are commonly used in both ayurvedic and herbal medicine.
At first, I purchased a Tropica natural foundation and natural lipstick, on this occasion a natural sheer foundation. I soon found myself becoming a Tropica Ambassador.
Natural Makeup – MINERAL MAKEUP
Mineral Powders and Mineral Foundations have become some of the most widely used natural makeup, mineral makeup generally contains fewer fillers than other types of makeup or foundations. Tropic has a wide range of mineral foundation shades
PORCELAIN, BARELY NUDE, WARM BEIGE, SOFT HONEY, SMOOTH CARAMEL, RICH MOCHA contains Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Silica, Extracts of Chamomile, Olive Leaf, Sea Buckthorn and Açaí Berry, Zinc Oxide, Colourants from Mineral Oxides
MAPLE, ESPRESSO contain Natural Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Silica, Extracts of Chamomile, Olive Leaf, Sea Buckthorn and Açaí Berry, Colourants from Mineral Oxides
SHEER FOUNDATION BEAUTY BOOSTER FROM TROPICA
Tropic’s sheer foundation shades include porcelain, barely nude, warm beige, soft honey, smooth caramel, rich mocha, maple, espresso
Natural Makeup Mascara
Even their mascara and eye lines are totally natural
How to have a happy and healthy Christmas Season and New Year. 7 tips to help you have a Healthy Christmas. How to keep the fun, joy, and magic in Christmas, with less anxiety and stress.
Trying to live up to certain types of perceived expectations associated with this time of year. The Christmas Season certainly brings up a mixture of emotions and fear. Especially when the whole message of Christmas and giving has got lost in commercial overspending and certain expectations.
But if we take a step back from the media, the adverts, your child’s long list from Santa, and even the office secret Santa. The true meaning is simply about showing up and spending time with our friends, family, and our fellow man. It is a time to forget about our opinions, our differences, and even fall out’s. And to show kindness to one other. In many ways, Christmas is just another day. But a day we get an opportunity to say thank you and appreciation to those and the world around us.
7 Top Tips For A Happy And Healthy Christmas
Give From An Open Heart
Open your heart to the wonder of giving and receiving at this beautiful time of year. Give some magic and allow in some magic. Open your heart to all sorts of miracles and blessings.
Be Grateful
Christmas is a time to be grateful for the small things as well the bigger blessings, even those Christmas challenges. Appreciate all the blessings around you, they come in all sorts of disguises. Appreciate the love, kindness, and generosity at this time of year.
The Christmas season is a time to be fully present, fully in the here and now. It is important to stop stressing about tomorrow or dwelling on the past to have a more healthy Christmas. The greatest gift you can give anyone is being fully present with them. Just spending quality time with, friends, family even strangers creates more joy and wellbeing.
Make sure you get enough sleep and rest. This is a busy time of year, where we tend to get out of our normal routine and put ourselves under extra pressure. Don’t be tempted to burn the candle at both ends with too many late nights.
Drink More Water
Water helps us flush out those extra indulgences and toxins. It can help stop us from overindulging in alcohol and food. Dehydration puts extra stress on the body. So it is important to stay hydrated through long journeys, Christmas shopping and stressful family visits.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Alcohol consumption can not only affect our health and wellbeing, but it can also seriously reduce our ability to make healthy decisions. Under the influence of alcohol, we are more likely to get emotional, act irrationally or take risks. Just SAY NO or bring alcohol-free wine or beer to stressful work or family events.
Eat Healthy Food
It is so easy to overindulge at this time of year. To minimise those extra pounds, inches and high sugar levels. Eat more mindfully. Choose at least some of the healthier options on the menu. So you can enjoy those favourite treats with less guilt.
We at The World Of Health wish you a Happy and Healthy Christmas Season and New Year.
Magnesium deficiency symptoms and treatment depend on the severity of the deficiency. We always talk about how minerals like Calcium and Iron are so important for our bodies. Magnesium, the 4th most common mineral in the body, is gaining a lot of attention these days. That’s because more and more people are ingesting less than the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) and hence are prone to Magnesium deficiency. [Derbyshire] Magnesium deficiency symptoms could be treated by increasing the intake of magnesium by taking magnesium supplements, including Magnesium-rich foods andcorrecting dietary habits.This essential mineral is very demanding and you will agree with me as you read further. Let’s learn more about Magnesium deficiency symptoms, causes, and treatment.
What is Magnesium good for?
Magnesium is needed for some of the most basic processes such as energy production and synthesis of RNA and DNA. There are over 300 enzyme systems that require Magnesium for protein synthesis, muscle contraction, blood glucose control, nerve function and many more!
How much Magnesium do I need?
As per the British Nutrition Foundation, 2016, males who are 15 years old and above need 300 mg/day. 15- 18 yr old females need 300 mg/day, while those 19 years and above require 270 mg/day.
The US FDA has set higher requirements (RDA) of magnesium.
Magnesium deficiency:
The normal concentration of Magnesium in serum is 75–95 mmol/L. Research shows that serum levels of Magnesium less than 85 mmol/l indicate a Magnesium deficiency.
Why does magnesium deficiency often go undetected?
Serum magnesium does not amount for the intracellular magnesium i.e. magnesium inside the cell, which in fact makes up for most of the magnesium in the body. This is the reason why magnesium deficiency goes undetected in most cases. [DiNicolantonio et al.]
What are the causes of Magnesium deficiency?
Many of us are deficient in this essential mineral as a result of chronic diseases and many other reasons listed below:
Cooking and boiling vegetables leads to loss of magnesium content in food
Reduced levels of magnesium in processed foods
Meat, sugar, white flour provide less than 20% of the Magnesium required daily
Alcohol, coffee, tea, soft drinks, salt, and sugar increase the excretion of Magnesium.
Increased excretion of Mg is seen in case heavy menstruation, excessive sweating, increased stress
Disease involving increased Mg excretion: Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, prolonged vomiting/diarrhea, severe sunburns, hypoparathyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders such as gluten sensitivity, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Other diseases: Cancer (increased demand for Mg), liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hemochromatosis (iron overload) etc. (leading to Vitamin D deficiency and therefore reduced Mg absorption), viral, fungal or bacterial infectious agents that cause widespread tissue death, renal transplantation, etc (depleting Mg) [S Johnson]
Cigarette smoking reduced the plasma concentration
Use of pesticides- some of the pesticides have the ability to bind minerals such as Magnesium thereby lowering its content in the soil and produce. Consider eating clean or eating organic
Aging- another cause for reduced absorption
Medications such as diuretics, antacids, antibiotics, etc. diminish Mg absorption. [Schwalfenberg et al.]
Yes…it is surprising how so many factors influence magnesium levels and at least one of them is bound to go wonky at some point. No wonder magnesium deficiency is becoming so common these days.
Common Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms:
Clinical signs of magnesium deficiency may not be seen in most cases as it is in the latent stage. You may experience general weakness, tiredness, leg pain, irritability and so on.
Severe Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms:
Neuromuscular- weakness, tremors, facial twitching, muscle spasm of the hand and forearm
Central Nervous system- increased risk of depression, agitation, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), seizures
Cardiac- irregular heartbeat
Benefits of Magnesium supplement:
The upper tolerable limit for Mg supplementation is 350 mg/day.
Research indicates that supplementing with magnesium can help alleviate some ailments and help improve general well-being as well. However, further research for some of the benefits is needed.
Reduces hypertension:
-Magnesium helps prevent the blood vessels from constricting which reduces blood pressure. [Jee et al., Zhang et al.]
Bone health:
-Suppresses bone turnover (which in very simple terms means bone is broken down and re-made) in post-menopausal women and young men and can thereby prevent osteoporosis [Aydin H et al., Dimai HP et al.]
-Eclampsia –meaning convulsions in pregnant women with high blood pressure. This is again due to the ability of Magnesium to reduce blood pressure.
Magnesium is strongly recommended for migraine-
-In this case, Magnesium citrate has been shown to be effective in migraine without aura. Whereas, Magnesium sulfate may be useful in migraine patients with aura. [Bigal ME et al.]
Used in Treating Depression and may help prevent depression [Derom ML et al.]
-Magnesium plays a vital role in brain health. In that, it controls the neurotransmitters which send signals throughout the body. For example, Magnesium is essential to produce Serotonin, the happy hormone.
-Magnesium helps reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. [Nechifor et al.]
Exercise:
-Few studies show Magnesium can actually help increase exercise capacity in athletes during periods of stress and increases oxygenation. [Golf SW et al.]
What is the best form of magnesium?
The answer to this question is debatable. However, I will list some of the research that’s been done or is on-going.
Magnesium citrate:
Studies show that Magnesium citrate (MgC) has higher bioavailability as compared to MgO. A review by Rylander et al. shows more than one study supporting this fact. I found this interesting article where Anna Bolton O’Byrne talks about the study they conducted on Magnesium citrate v/s Magnesium glycinate (MgG). Their results show that MgC is better than MgG in terms of increasing magnesium concentration in blood serum and urine. MgC could help improve overall magnesium levels in the body. MgC is also beneficial in migraine without aura.[Bigal ME et al.]
Magnesium glycinate (also known as Magnesium bisglycinate) and Magnesium taurinate:
There are rumors that Magnesium glycinate (MgG) is the most bio-available. However, upon researching, I found that it lacks enough evidence to prove it. There are a few case studies discussed in this paper by Eby GA et al. which say that MgG and Magnesium taurinate (MgT) assist in recovering from depression. Interestingly, Glycine and Taurine are neurotransmitters which explain their beneficial effects on depression. Not only that, Magnesium is mostly deficient in depressed individuals. If you are stressed out, MgG may help you better as it contains Glycine which is known for its soothing effect.
(By the way, MgG is the one I use. I take it in combination with pyridoxine and it works well for me. I have found it beneficial in reducing premenstrual symptoms such as bloating, pain and abdominal discomfort.)
Magnesium chloride:
Magnesium chloride (MgC) has greater bioavailability as compared to MgO. It is proved to be effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. [Tarleton et al.] But it has gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects such as bloating and diarrhea.
Magnesium sulfate:
This is also known as Epsom salt, which is used for a relaxing bath. Some papers talk about the intravenous use of Magnesium sulfate (MgS) in pregnancy blood pressure and eclampsia. In fact, the WHO recommends MgS for the prevention and treatment of eclampsia. There’s evidence for its use in migraine with aura. [Bigal ME et al.]
Magnesium threonate:
This form of Magnesium has been studied in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia. The patients showed improved cognitive abilities after 12 weeks of supplementation.
Magnesium oxide:
Magnesium oxide (MgO) has very low bioavailability and has GI side-effects such as diarrhea. However, it is occasionally used as a laxative.
How should I take a magnesium supplement?
In my case, taking 2 capsules at a time increases bowel movement. So, I take my magnesium supplement twice a day, one in the morning/afternoon and one at night.
Note: Please consult a physician to decide upon the dosage you need since diseases and a host of other factors come into play when Magnesium is concerned and when suffering chronic health conditions.
What should you take with magnesium?
Magnesium goes well with:
Magnesium with Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) showed a greater effect on people under severe stress. [Pouteau et al.]
Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin is a must for the absorption of Magnesium. It is better to get yourself checked for vitaminD deficiency and correct it.
Magnesium Rich Foods:
Hemp seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Flax seeds, Cacao, and Brazil nuts are super-rich in this mineral. Almonds, Spinach, Cashews, Peanuts, Cereals, Soy-milk and Edamame are some good sources of Magnesium.
Improve Magnesium Absorption:
High calcium intake may decrease magnesium absorption. Ideally, avoid taking calcium-rich foods or supplements 2 hrs before and after Magnesium-rich food or supplements.
Cut down on or if possible avoid the consumption of Sodas, Alcohol, Tea, and Coffee
Consume raw vegetables and reduce consumption of processed foods
Quit smoking.
Try including “clean” or organic foods in your diet since they contain higher amounts of nutrients including Magnesium. [Crinnion WJ]
Summary:
Magnesium is essential for basic processes such as energy production and for the proper functioning of 300 enzyme systems.
As per The British Nutrition Foundation, the requirement of magnesium is 300 mg/day, varying as per gender, age, nationality, and in case of deficiency.
The signs and symptoms of Magnesium deficiency are often unseen. They manifest depending on the severity of the deficiency. Some of the symptoms are facial twitches, neuromuscular weakness, tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeat, depression, etc.
Magnesium absorption and elimination are influenced by several factors including medications, gastrointestinal and renal diseases, other nutrient deficiencies such as Vitamin D, stress, some agricultural practices, and cooking resulting in the foods’ Magnesium content.
Magnesium can aid in alleviating migraine, depression, hypertension/eclampsia in pregnancy, insomnia, premenstrual symptoms, and stress; reducing the risk of diabetes and cancer; improving exercise capacity and helping reduce the number of cigarettes smoked.
Among the many forms of Magnesium supplements, Magnesium citrate seems to be the most bio-available and safe. Magnesium glycinate is another great option if you are looking for relief from stress.
Hemp seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Flax seeds, and Brazil nuts are super rich in magnesium. Almonds, Spinach, Cashews, and Peanuts are also good sources of magnesium.
Consider consulting a physician to decide upon the dosage since magnesium metabolism is affected by a ton of other factors.
Magnesium goes well with Pyridoxine and vitamin D.
Some Simple Tips To Increase Magnesium Levels are:-
Leave a gap of 2 hrs before and after Magnesium-rich foods
Best Essential Oils For Flu Symptoms And Prevention
How to choose the best essential oils for flu, the prevention, and treatment of flu, influenza. Why flu can be hard to treat. Why essential oils can reduce the risk of flu and cold and be useful in reducing the most common symptoms of flu.
What Is Influenza?
Influenza is a viral infection an infectious disease that attacks your respiratory system, your throat, nose, and lungs. Influenza is viewed as an unpredictable virus. The flu has common symptoms to the cold and although it usually clears up on its own with proper rest and self-care.
But in those with a vulnerable immune system, it can develop into further complications including death. Especially those living with a compromised immune system; young babies, children, sick and elderly. Those already living with a chronic health condition such as diabetes, auto-immune disease, cancer… We know some strains of flu can be more serious than others.
As someone who has lived with a compromised immune system for over 30 years. I was so glad to be introduced to essential oils many years ago and then become a qualified aromatherapist. Most of my family and my extended family all use essential oils for basic first aid in the home. We use essential oils for burns, bites, colds, flu, inflammation, headaches, fibromyalgia, PMS, Sleep Issues. The kids love lavender to help them sleep, as a compress when they have a bump or bruise.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Influenza
The benefits of using essential oils, is that pure essentials can help prevent and reduce the risk of flu. As well as reduce many of the common symptoms of flu. Such as sore and achy muscles, sore throat, fatigue and weakness, headache…
Quality pure essential oils are completely natural and have fewer side-effects of many pharmaceutical drugs if used correctly. Essential oils are extremely versatile and can be often used alongside other medications with correct usage. But make sure you always check with a qualified aromatherapist and or dr if you are on other medications.
Pure Essential Oils are extracted essential oils from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, fruits even resins. They are highly concentrated extracts so one tiny little drop is highly potent so it should be used sparingly and not directly on the skin.
Today we have access to so many different companies selling essential oils but not all are of the best quality and concentration. As a qualified aromatherapist for over 20 years, the two companies I would only recommend and promote are NYR Organics and doTerra. Both companies source ethically and organically in many cases.
But no matter where and who you buy from. Please remember that essential oils are extremely therapeutic and healing if used safely and effectively. And no matter how good quality these essential oils are from these companies do not add pure essential oils directly to the skin, do not drink internally.
Use Essential Oils Safely For Symptoms Of Flu
Each essential oil has its own unique components and therapeutic qualities. Some essentials oils have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, some are more sedating, more calming and relaxing. Some oils are immune-boosting and mood-lifting. Others are extremely potent and should be used so sparingly that only 1-Drop of essential oils should be added to 100ml of carrier oil.
Some essential oils such as eucalyptus should never be used on children if you have epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure or are pregnant. That is why you should make sure you are buying essential oils or getting advice about essential oils only from a fully qualified aromatherapist.
I have lost count the number of stories of sales consultants of essential oil companies recommending oils that are extremely dangerous for the consumer. Parents being told that it was safe to put essential oils directly on to an infant’s skin, oils highly toxic and irritant for a baby. People adding a combination of essential oils to their drinking water that can burn and inflame the esophagus.
Bergamot is an uplifting essential oil that is used in many types of aftershave. Known for its anti-depressing and anti-viral activity as a vapor, bergamot is helpful for the treatment and recovery of flu.
Eucalyptus is also known for its ant-viral activity a well known essential oil for flu and cold remedies and chest rubs. But it is extremely potent so it must be used with caution. Use highly diluted, smaller doses of essential oil to the ratio of carrier oil or water is recommended. Avoid in the use of children and for those with sensitive skin. Adding one or two drops of eucalyptus to a basin of water is an effective steam inhalation to clear up chest and sinus congestion. 1-2 drops of eucalyptus with lavender, frankincense or sandalwood to the bath, (disperse) can help reduce flu symptoms.
Frankincense is a great winter essential oil. Other than being deeply grounding and calming frankincense has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and expectorant properties. It is a useful essential oil to help soothe the chest and bronchia tubes, frankincense is also helpful for asthma sufferers. It is widely used as an aid to meditation and as a rejuvenator, preservative of the skin. Very useful to prevent dry cracked skin in winter.
Sandalwood is another winter essential oils useful to reduce respiratory and viral issues. A natural anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory sandalwood is used as a throat and chest rub. Like Frankincense, sandalwood is deeply grounding and calming. Useful for those who struggle to stop and rest or feel overwhelmed by the exhaustive fatigue and stress of flu.
Important Cautions and Contraindications Using Essential Oils
As a qualified aromatherapist, I would suggest you always check for contra-indications of essential oils you are using in relation to other medical conditions you have. Or medication you are presently on. For adults, you can normally add up to 5 drops in 2 tbsp bath oil or massage/ carrier oil. For children over 2 years old or adults with sensitive skin, reduce the amount to up to 2 drops per 2 tbsp. The essential oils above are not recommended for children only use Chamomile or Lavender for young children.
For more information on clinical research using essential oils for flu check out this
Eileen Burns is a highly qualified stress management therapist, coach, and healer. A qualified aromatherapist and holistic therapist who has been studying holistic wellbeing for over 30 years. Eileen runs Stress Coach Training, online training for coaches, healers and therapists. And self-care programs for empaths and highly sensitive people.
The most common Vitamin D Deficiency causes and recommended treatment. Are you wondering if you should be taking vitamin D supplements? The truth is most people today are deficient in this essential vitamin. The biggest reason for low levels of vitamin D is reduced exposure to the sun. According to Van Schooler (2017), people all over the world are deficient in this essential vitamin.
How is vitamin D made in the body?
So how is vitamin D produced in the body? Ultraviolet (UV) B radiation penetrates uncovered skin and converts cutaneous 7-dehydrocholesterol to pre-vitamin D3. Pre-vitamin D3 is then converted to Calcidiol (i.e. 25-hydroxycholecalciferol) in the liver. Calcidiol is converted to active vitamin D, vitamin D3 (also called Calcitriol 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) in the kidney.
What does Vitamin D do?
Vitamin D3 acts at the genetic level, in this sense, it can turn specific genes on/off thus regulating the cell’s activities. It does so by binding with the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), which is present in most cells in the body.
By now we all know that Vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, is required for building and maintaining bones. It also has an impact on the intestines, immune and cardiovascular systems, pancreas, muscles, brain, and the control of cell cycles. (Nair et al.)
An adequate amount of vitamin D is required to aid in:
Calcium and Phosphorus absorption from the gut
Maintain immunity,
Stimulate insulin production,
Cognitive functions
The Sunshine Vitamin has been demonstrated in clinical studies to-
Help prevent cancer and CVD
Act as an Anti-hypertensive
Reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Alleviate depression
So, we can keep mostdiseases at bay by maintaining normal levels of this vitamin.
Vitamin D Deficiency Causes:
According to the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), low serum levels of vitamin D, (below 25 nmol/l (10ng/ml)) increases the risk of poor musculoskeletal health. Vitamin D deficiency is when the levels are below 20 ng/ml.
VDD poses health risks such as loss of bone mineral density leading to fractures and osteoporosis in adults, rickets in children, the risk of developing CVD (Judd et al.). Moreover, Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is correlated with Parkinson’s disease, Autoimmune diseases (type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, and auto-immune thyroid disease).
Groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency (VDD):
Breastfed infants and Children,
Older adults,
Pregnant and breastfeeding women,
Those suffering from fat malabsorption in the following diseases: Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, liver cirrhosis, obstruction of the bile duct by gallstones, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, gastric bypass (bariatric surgery), short bowel syndrome (after surgical removal of a large part of the small intestine), and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
People with limited sun exposure
People with dark skin -Due to a large amount of melanin which results in darker skin, this type of skin takes relatively more time as compared to a lighter skin tone to produce vitamin D.
Obese people: People with BMI ≥30 have lower serum vitamin D levels in comparison to non-obese people. Obesity may call for a higher intake of vitamin D than usually required since a higher amount of subcutaneous fat captivates more of the vitamin altering its release into the circulation. (Nair et al.)
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency:
Signs of low vitamin D are non-specific and include frequent infections, muscle weakness, tiredness, tooth decay, and backache. So, it’s wise to get your Vitamin D levels checked if you see these symptoms occurring more often. Supplemental Vitamin D: D3 (cholecalciferol) can help restore vitamin D levels to normalcy (>=20ng/ml). It is more efficacious than D2 (Ergocalciferol).
Sources of Vitamin-D:
Sunlight: Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D you can get. If you live in a place that receives abundant sunshine, you can get all the vitamin D you need, provided you sunbathe for a few times per week. Exposure to sunlight for 5 -30 minutes sans sunscreen (face, arms, legs, etc.) between 10 am to 3 pm in Summers helps the body synthesize the required amount of vitamin D. Caution: Avoid overexposure to the sun as this may cause sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.
Vitamin D Food Sources: Make sure you include natural vitamin D rich food sources such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, cod liver oil) and egg (with yolk). Vitamin D-fortified foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are some other sources of vitamin D.
If you are a vegan, then you can go for sun-dried mushrooms and microalgae. Sundried mushrooms contain the D2 form of vitamin D. If consumed when fresh, the D2 levels will likely be above 10 μg/100 g fresh. Note: The vitamin D2 levels decrease with storage and cooking. [Cardwell et al.]
Freshwater microalgae were found to contain 80 μg of D3/100 g besides ergosterol, D2, and &-dehydrocholesterol. [Japelt et al.]
This means we can still get some vitamin D in winter, a time when the levels are generally found to be low. And when many people suffer from (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorders.
If your vitamin D levels are below 20ng/ml, you should consider taking a supplement because the food sources of vitamin D alone are not going to be enough to maintain normal serum levels of this vitamin.
How much Vitamin D should you supplement?
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, 10 mcg/day of supplemental vitamin D is sufficient for most people.
For babies, 8.5 to 10 mcg per day is recommended only if the baby is taking less than 500 ml of formula per day. 10 mcg is recommended for children aged 1-4 yrs. However, for adults higher doses of the vitamin can confer a lot more benefits. The upper safe limit is 4000 IU or 100 mcg. The required dosage depends on the level of deficiency.
Consult your physician to find the right dose to normalize your vitamin D levels.
VITAMIN D Deficiency Treatment:
Even though sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D, it is not available to us throughout the year. Besides, including Vitamin D rich foods alone is not capable of restoring the serum levels of this vitamin to normalcy. Hence the need for vitamin D supplements, especially in winter.
According to an interesting article I read, vitamin D supplementation has shown a preventive role in respiratory tract infections. Given that vitamin D has an impact on immune responses, it may act as an anti-infective agent as well. But, this is yet to be proved clinically in large populations.
When it comes to choosing Vitamin D supplements, Biocare has variants for different conditions and age groups. Children can benefit from a flavored-liquid and bioavailable form of vitamin D3. While adults with malabsorption can go for Nutrisorb Liquid Biomulsion D– it can be taken as a sublingual vitamin D spray, under the tongue or as a drop as well They also have Vitamin D drops for babies.
Nutrisun is another company that offers a Vitamin D spray. This is a good choice for vegetarians since they source their vitamin D from lanolin which comes from sheep’s wool.
Vegan Vitamin D: If you are a vegan, then you would be happy to know that there are vegan sources as well, such as the one that Protea Wellness offers. In their case, vitamin D (cholecalciferol) comes from Lichen (a combination of algae or cyanobacteria and fungi living together).
Risks of overdosing:
The clinical symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity (VDT) are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, apathy, confusion, excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria) and dehydration.
Prevent overdosing on vitamin D as it may lead to too much absorption of calcium leading to hypercalcemia. This happens due to excessive long-term intake of the vitamin. Serum levels of Calcitriol higher than 150 ng/ml (375 nmol/ml) is an indication of vitamin D overdose. (Suchowierska et al.)
Always make sure that you buy a vitamin D supplement from a reputed manufacturer to lower the risk of overdose.
Summary:
The Sunshine Vitamin may play a role to help prevent or reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, CVD, hypertension, and cancer; alleviate depression apart from aiding the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D deficiency is when the serum levels of this vitamin are below 20 ng/ml.
Limited sun exposure, old age, fat malabsorption, dark skin, and obesity are some causes of Vitamin D deficiency (VDD).
Signs of low vitamin D levels are frequent infections, muscle weakness, tiredness, tooth decay, and backache. It is best to get your serum vitamin D levels checked if you experience these signs more often.
VDD gives rise to health risks such as Osteoporosis (in adults), rickets (in children). Research correlates vitamin D to the risk of CVD, Type 2 diabetes and other health disorders.
There are some vitamin D rich foods, such as cod liver oil, sun-dried mushrooms, microalgae, and some vitamin D-fortified foods. But these decent sources of vitamin D cannot help you reach normal vitamin D levels if you are deficient in this vitamin.
Sunlight is THE BEST SOURCE of Vitamin D. It is enough to get all the vitamin D your body needs if bare skin is exposed to sunlight 5-30 minutes.
If for any reason you are unable to get enough sunlight, resort to Vitamin D supplements, especially the sublingual vitamin D spray. To avoid overdosing, it is best not to take beyond 4000 IU or 100 mcg of vitamin D supplement per day. This is because long term consumption of excess vitamin D leads to toxicity.
Natural remedies for the treatment of colds and flu. We all know flu and colds are symptoms of a low immune system. Both can have very similar symptoms. But while a cold is not viewed as a serious health condition. Flu can if not addressed, develop into further health complications. Especially if the body is not allowed to rest and heal appropriately.
Now, what are the main differences between colds and flu?
Both cold and flu are respiratory tract infections caused by dissimilar viruses. Although cold and flu have some similar symptoms. Generally, flu symptoms are more severe than the common cold. If you have a cold you will normally have a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and sometimes a sore throat. Colds generally come on gradually. Flu is a bit different it comes on more abruptly, symptoms usually include fever, fatigue and weakness, general aches and pains. Sore throats, chills, and chest issues are also very common. Flu can if not treated appropriately lead to a variety of linked health complications, for example, bacterial infections, pneumonia, and sometimes hospitalization.
Recommended Medical Treatments For Cold And Flu
According to doctors within the National Health Service here in the UK, there is no recommended medical treatment for colds. A cold is regarded as a mild viral infection that usually heals itself over a few weeks. But they do advise you to drink enough fluids, make sure you eat healthily, and get plenty of rest. For symptoms, of a blocked nose, decongestant sprays are recommended. For a sore throat, they suggest gargling with salt water and using menthol sweets.
Recommended treatments for flu by the NHS here in the UK are to get plenty of rest, sleep, stay warm, and be hydrated with plenty of fluids. The NHS does recommend the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any fevers or temperatures. And to make sure you do what you can to not spread it to others. If you are elderly, pregnant, or already have other chronic or serious health challenges, you are told to check with your Dr.
Natural Remedies For Colds
If you prefer a more natural, less toxic, and fewer drugs approach. In the world of tradition and holistic medicine, we treat the body from a holistic perspective. So it is not just about treating the symptom but it is about reducing or eliminating the cause of the illness or disease which today is usually STRESS.
We look at the whole body and use natural remedies to support the whole body back into balance. In herbalism or naturopathy, this often includes helping support the body’s own natural healing and immune system. There are many alternative and natural remedies used to alleviate and help treat the common symptoms of colds and flu. Such as naturopathy, herbal remedies, essential oils and foods that heal or are packed with nutrients.
Most Common Remedies For Colds And Flu
The most commonly used natural remedy for colds and flu in the West is a hot honey lemon drink. In the East ginger is often used for these types of ailments.
So hot ginger and lemon drink are becoming increasingly popular, and back into fashion.
The Medical Medium suggests Lemon Honey Ginger Water for many things including colds, flu, and sore throat.
Garlicis widely used at helping fight many viruses and bacteria. Medical research has demonstrated Garlic (Allium sativum) when crushed has strong antimicrobial properties due to allicin (diallylthiosulfinate). In one clinical study, we see how how the allicin in crushed garlic “Kills Human Lung Pathogenic Bacteria, Including MDR Strains, as a Vapor.”
Lemons are packed with vitamin C and their sharpness is said to help cut through heavy catarrh and congestion. Honey even recommended by the NHS is widely known to soothe your throat and coughs.
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria it helps warm the body up in Ayurvedic Medicine ginger has so many uses that it is regarded as a wide medicine chest by itself. Ginger has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine
Over The Counter Natural Remedies For Colds
Natural remedies are now becoming increasingly available, online in our local stores and even local pharmacies. More and more consumers want to use natural and organic remedies to support their and their family’s well-being.
When you have a cold or flu, a sore throat or cough can prevent you from getting the deep rest your body needs.
Natural throat pastilles without a lot of toxic nasties such as these Eucalyptus Pastilles can help soothe the throat.
In holistic and traditional medicine again we treat flu holistically. And like mainstream medicine, we encourage the person to give the body enough time to heal and rest.
If you are someone who struggles to relax and rest, this Listen And Nurture Your Body guided meditation will help.
We also suggest you have plenty of fluids with hot drinks and healthy soups. And the use of a variety of natural remedies including essential oils to prevent, reduce and support the healing of influenza.
You can also use a variety of essential oils that reduce symptoms of flu, reduce muscle aches and pains, fevers, and chills.
Pure lavender essential oil added to your bath to help will help relax and soothe achy muscles. Lavender oil is also used to help take the temperature down in young children.
Eucalyptus and rosemary are other great essential oils that can be used to reduce symptoms of flu and colds. But eucalyptus is very strong for the bath and skin, so should be used sparingly. Eucalyptus and rosemary are not suitable for children or if you are pregnant. Rosemary should be avoided if you suffer from epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Supplements For Colds And Flu
Vitamin C and Zinc are widely recommended to boost the immune system for colds and flu so is Echinacea. If you have been recently been run down a multi-vitamin and mineral is often helpful. In some studies, Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to act as a defense against acute respiratory tract infections. And to improve the immune system in the early stages of influenza. It is interesting that most of us suffer colds and flu in the darker, winter months when we have lower exposure to natural vitamin D.
As you can see there are a variety of natural remedies that can help treat cold and flu, above is certainly not exhaustive. But like all illnesses and dis-ease, we have to address the reasons we get sick in the first place.
The disease is a state of dis-ease, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Are you pushing yourself too hard mentally, emotionally, or physically? Have you been getting enough sleep and rest? How much balance do you have in your life, remember all work and no play doesn’t just lower your mood it can increase anxiety and stress levels.
Up-Level Your Mind For A Healthy Body with Laura Di-Franco
How to achieve a more healthy body with 7 tools that can up-level your mind. I was trained to help the body reach a state of peak performance as a physical therapist. But there was something missing from that traditional education. Something big. And it had nothing to do with what I did physically.
After memorizing muscles and mastering the complex web of tissues that make up this amazing vessel we walk around in I quickly realized my teachers had forgotten about the mind. They neglected to teach us about how our thinking impacts our physiology. Thus began my quest to become a holistic physical therapist who would teach the importance of the mind, body and soul in the quest for healing and peak performance.
“Discipline the mind, the body will follow.” Master John Holloway
My martial arts instructor had the secret in that quote that’s one of the most powerful tools we can use for a healthy, strong, peak performing body. Get your mindset right and you can expect to feel and be healthier. Master it and you can expect to enjoy benefits that far outweigh just looking and feeling good physically.
We’re beginning to understand and embrace the mind-body as an intimately integrated unit. The work of Esther Hicks and Joe Dispenza is more mainstream now. Thoughts create. And positive thoughts raise your energy vibration to a state that helps you transform your physical body. It’s just that we aren’t yet making this part of our basic health education.
Until then it’s up to us to practice and teach our families, friends, clients, and colleagues how to think better, so they can enjoy the powerful effects of that important skill and discover the missing link they’ve been looking for.
“You can’t clean the house if you don’t first see the dirt.” Louise Hay. Writing is an awareness tool and any transformational practice must start by practicing the tools that will enhance awareness so that you have a choice to think differently. Start by writing a little every day about how you feel, what you’re thinking, how the day went, what you ate, your exercise routine, etc. When you write it down it serves as a record to track your progress, but it also serves as a way to move what’s on the inside in the form of thoughts to the outside on the paper. And that process will help you shift the energy.
Envision Health And Fitness
Practice visualizing the state of your body-mind that you crave. Can you see and feel yourself moving and living in the body you desire? What is she doing? Who is she hanging out with? What is she eating? What exercise is she practicing? The more detailed you are with your vision of the you, you desire, the better. Try doing this for five minutes every day to create a healthy body.
Sometimes it’s hard to visualize that perfect body when you’re reality is far from it. Raising your energy vibration might require you get still and just breathe, with no agenda. If you’ve built a lifetime’s worth of negative thoughts about your body you may have to use meditation to take the first step toward clearing your mind and moving into neutral territory. Mindful meditation, where you clear your mind and connect with your body sensations, especially the breath, is the first step. Try to meditate for a few minutes every day.
Create A Positive Morning Routine
In your first waking hours, you have a great opportunity to set the rest of your day up for body-mind success. Creating a positive morning routine will boost your mood and raise your vibration. Start in bed, when you’re first noticing you’re waking up. Your eyes will still be closed. Practice reciting a positive affirmation, for example, “I can’t wait to see what this day brings!” After you get up you might choose several things as part of your positive morning routine, such as exercise, journaling, goal setting, meditation or visualization. Set your mind right and that will infuse into the rest of the day.
A state of mindful and embodied presence is a practice that will serve you well for the rest of your life. It’s a form of meditation but practiced in each moment of the day whenever we wish. You don’t have to sit on a pillow with your legs crossed, watch a candle flame, or chant to practice this. It’s more about the way you show up in your moments in a full-feeling state, observing what you sense and what you think. And then not attaching to those sensations, feelings or emotions, but just noticing them. With awareness you then have a choice to pick thoughts, beliefs and behaviours that serve your biggest goals or deepest desires.
A strong connection to your intuition will give you the clarity you want to make every decision you need to make in every area of your life. When you’re connected to your intuition you’ll receive messages about the next best step, whether it relates to your body, your relationships, your work or your purpose. Connecting to it requires learning the language of your body, the sensations, feelings and emotions, and understanding the difference between inner critic thoughts and intuitional messages. We all have intuition. It’s just a matter of learning, or re-learning how to connect with and use it.
Choose Better Thoughts
With all this awareness it’s time to take responsibility for everything in your life, including the thoughts you think about yourself and the world, the beliefs you hold and are living by, and the behaviors that are a result of those thoughts and beliefs. With awareness you choose what to think about your health, your body, your fitness level, and the next best step to take toward those things. With awareness and the ability to choose positive, high-vibe thoughts, you’ll be creating an energetic environment for whatever you desire to manifest. Consciously choosing things like health, wellness, love, joy, gratitude, empowerment, strength and hope is a practice worth mastering to embody a healthy body.
Remember, it is what you think it is. So think something good today!
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Laura Di Franco, MPT won’t let you settle for a mediocre life. Your health, wealth and happiness is one Brave healing book, poem, workshop, strategy session or moment away. With almost three decades of expertise in holistic physical therapy, six published books and a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Laura’s energy and method are contagious and unlike anything you’re experienced to help you embody a more healthy body.
Check out her newest book, BraveHealing, a Guide for Your Journey, her PODCAST, her badass programs and free Facebook group for healers. www.BraveHealer.com
