Hemp Oil Extract

One more tool I am going to have to share with you all for your getting healthy tool belt will be Hemp Oil Extract and Isolates.

I see you looking at me with a strange look on your face, wondering just what am I talking about. I get it, I kind of had that same look when I first heard about this. But I've been doing my own research, wanting to learn as much as I can.

What my partner company and I have to share soon is not the CBD oil you can walk into the gas station or video store and buy off the shelf. This isn't the cheap stuff that doesn't come with any scientific back up. 

I'm going to be sharing more on this over the next few month, because I want you to get familiar with the idea and to become more comfortable and educated yourself.
Let me stress to you, this is NOT the stuff that gets you high!

Take a moment to look through this link to help you begin your understanding of Hemp Oil Extract and Isolates.

 https://hemp-sphere.com/


 

Is Celery Juice just a fad?

What a dietitian wants you to know about the celery juice trend

Just another health fad - or the elixir of life?

"A quick Google search will tell you that celery juice detoxifies your body, is good for your bones and can apparently even ‘change your life’. And with every second person jumping on the bandwagon, you might be wondering if you should, too.

So which is it - a silly superfood or a miracle cure? Here’s the answer…Celery has got a lot going for it.

For just 100 grams, you’ve got yourself a small dose of Vitamin A for healthy eyes, Vitamin C to support your immune system, Vitamin K which plays an important role in blood clotting and folate which is key for mums-to-be. Plus, you’ll get a small boost of fiber. And all of that costs you just 15 calories and virtually no fat.

“Heal”, “restore” and “detox” are just some of the buzz words associated with the celery juice fad. But let me tell you – there’s no one single food that will cure all of your health woes, so don’t be fooled by these emotive words.

What’s more, when you juice celery (or any other fruit or veg for that matter), you’re removing much of the fiber content. That’s not a good thing, as fiber is key for a healthy digestive system and can also help to keep you feeling full.

Generally speaking, there’s limited scientific evidence to show that celery juice is responsible for the raft of fanciful claims you’ve seen all over your news feed. But, for some, it might be helpful in easing water retention.

It should also be pointed out the trend was not founded by a medical doctor, or a healthcare professional of any kind.

So, my verdict? Celery juice is simply not the magical elixir that it's made out to be – and if you’re forgoing medical intervention because celery juice ‘heals all’, that’s a real worry. But, if it’s worked for you and you enjoy it, celery juice probably isn’t going to hurt you. Plus, it’s a good alternative to sugary soft drink and cordial.

At the end of the day, eating celery as part of a varied, balanced diet is a great thing to do. But I don’t think you need to guzzle down liters upon liters of its juice. What’s far more important is that you’ve got healthy eating basics down pat – because one healthy food in an otherwise unhealthy diet isn’t going to win you any points."

**Melissa Meier is a Sydney-based Accredited Practicing Dietitian.**

Come stretch with me

New year, new you.  Gosh, how many times have you heard that over the past few weeks?   I don't know about you, but I kind of like me and don't want a whole new one.  But....I guess there are a FEW things I wouldn't mind improving on. 

Over the course of 30 days in January, I am going to improve my flexibility, my mindset and my overall mood with daily morning stretching.  Yep, I will be setting the alarm clock 30 minutes earlier each day and devoting that time just to me.  ME.  No one else.    I would love for you to come along on this journey with me.  Simply follow the link below and 'like' my FaceBook page.

https://www.facebook.com/insideouthealthstudio/

Chronic Inflammation

Time Magazine calls inflammation the “silent killer”. Inflammation comes in 2 forms, acute (think sprained ankle) and chronic (think long term health issues).

When you start regulating blood sugar, focusing on gut health (riding toxins/replenishing good bacteria) and reducing inflammation in your body, you can restore body to a state of balance. Our body sends us signals when it’s not functioning properly, don’t brush them off. Choose prevention.”

Anti-inflammatory diet, detox soaks and Plexus Slim and Ease are a great combination to combating the inflammation we are living with.

Root Cause

Allergy pills do NOT eliminate the source of your allergies.

Avoiding gluten does NOT heal your gluten intolerance.

Applying cream to eczema does NOT address why you are getting it in the first place.

Taking a sleeping pill does NOT get rid of your sleep problems.

Taking Ibuprofen for chronic pain and inflammation does NOT address why you are hurting in the first place.

Drinking caffeine does NOT fix your problem with chronic fatigue.

What DOES then?
Getting to the ROOT CAUSE. In most cases that is blood sugar imbalance, inflammation, and/or gut health! When those 3 things are on the right track, it really is amazing how good you can feel. 

https://plexusworldwide.com/debijohnson/shareables/healthy-gut-happy-weight-loss-4



 

Self Care Bundles

Some things are great to stand alone, some things are better in bundles.  Our health is definitely better in the bundle situation.  The more ways we come at our health, the better.  It is so very important that we put our own Self care a top priority.  Without our own mental and physical health, there is no way we can sustain doing all we need to do each day in our busy lives.

As you know,  I am an avid Plexus natural supplements user and share with anyone who will listen to me.  Heck, I even share with those who don't ask!   However, as I am getting my body more healthy from the inside out, I also am working on it from the outside in.  I love to use my Young Living essential oils as well as follow along with workouts from Beach Body.

Some other bundles might be 
Plexus and Paleo
Plexus and Weight Watchers
Plexus and Keto
Plexus and Juice Plus

There is no reason at all not to bundle!  Plexus is NOT a diet. It is a wellness system, a supplementation system. It can fit in seamlessly with your caveman, crunchy, oily, point-counting lifestyle, and make it better! No matter what healthy lifestyle you have adopted, I am confident  you still need supplementation that Plexus provides. 

Let's take a quick quiz to find out:
1. Do you have as much energy as you would like?
2. Do you sleep as well as you would like?
3. Do you crave sweets?
4. Do you have diagnosed vitamin deficiencies?
5. Are your hair and nails healthy?
6. Do you have any "digestive" issues?
7. Do you ever feel like you are in a fog?
8. Do you have consistent physical discomfort?
9. Do you find it hard to stay focused?
10. Do you need help going 💩!?!
11. Would you like to lose weight?
12. Would you like help in  naturally reversing the signs of aging, dark spots, fine lines, dehydration?

If any of these are "yes," I challenge you to add Plexus in for two months and see what a difference it can make. You obviously care about your health, why not bundle up and give your health and even better boost?

Do You Rebound?

Do YOU rebound? This fun and super effective exercise has SO MANY benefits! It is one of my favorite ways to stimulate lymph flow.


But there are SO MANY MORE benefits as well!
Let's go over a few:
💫Just 10 minutes a day is equivalent to 20-30 minutes of jogging
💫EASY on the joints
💫Increases bone density
💫Strengthens pelvic floor
💫Enhances immune function
💫Improves stability and balance
💫Increases respiratory capacity
💫Promotes growth and tissue repair
💫Tones the endocrine system, especially the thyroid, to increase output
💫Circulates more oxygen to tissues
💫Greatly enhances muscular and valvular fluid exchange, lightening the heart’s workload
💫Aids venous blood flow as well as lymph flow (enhancing waste-cleansing)
💫Strengthens heart muscle and other muscles, causing them to work with greater efficiency
💫Stimulates metabolic activity
💫Enhances digestion and elimination
💫If's FUN!!!


Here is a nice beginner rebounding video

There are very few things as SIMPLE and EFFECTIVE for your overall health as rebounding!

Liver: Elevated enzymes

I have had several inquiries if Plexus could help with elevated liver enzymes. Although Plexus Slim does not attempt to treat, diagnose or  cure any disease, I thought I would pass along this bit of information concerning one of the main ingredients in Plexus Slim, Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Benefits for Liver Protection
Alpha-Lipoic Acid has been used successfully for the maintenance of liver health and as a treatment for several toxin-related illnesses. Alpha-Lipoic acid has been used extensively in Europe for years as a non-toxic nutrient to treat various chemical overdoses such as mushroom poisoning, radiation poisoning and alcoholic hepatitis.

It has also been used to treat elevated liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes, which can indicate liver damage, can be a serious problem for people with life threatening diseases. For people who take oral medications such as antibiotics and/or anti-virals, balanced liver enzymes are essential for these drugs to get metabolized properly. Unfortunately, these same drugs can cause increased liver enzymes. Alpha-Lipoic acid may help protect the liver so that you can take certain drugs.
Another benefit of Alpha-Lipoic acid may be its ability to elevate the levels of glutathione (GSH). Low levels of glutathione may cause oxidative stress, and cause inflammation and damage organs. Glutathione latches on to toxins and makes them water-soluble enough to be flushed out through your kidneys. "The quickest way to rid the liver of toxins is to stimulate glutathione production by means of Alpha lipoic acid ," says Savant Mehta, MD, director of the liver-transplant program at the University of Massachusetts

So for those of you who want and need to bring down those liver enzymes, Plexus Slim MAY help you.  You have nothing to lose by doing a bit of research into it.

Keto Plus Plexus

Anyone out there doing the Keto diet?

Here’s why supplementation is so important...
On a Ketogenic diet, you are basically cutting out all carbohydrates and sugar. Once your body is in a state of ketosis, it is then relying on fat for energy. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, not exactly! If your body is used to high carb intake and you take those away, it’s possible you might experience what is known as the keto flu.   It subsides, but your body feels achy, and you are fatigued and irritable.

 So, here’s how Plexus can help:
Plexus Slim: has  chromium which helps normalize blood glucose levels, reducing cravings and providing energy and less irritably as your body enters ketosis. The prebiotic, XOS, feed the butirate that we NATURALLY have in our system to help produce more fatty-chain amino acids. What does this mean for you? Your body goes into fat-burning mode more easily! AND has only 2 carbs, so it has negative net carb impact on your Keto day! 

Plexus BioCleanse: contains magnesium which will help replenish your electrolyte levels, preventing muscle cramps, headaches, and trouble sleeping. 



Plexus ProBio5: balances your gut health. Starting a diet like this can stress your gut leading to either constipation or even upset stomach as you are introducing higher levels of fats to your body.
 
VitalBiome: reduces bloating and gut distress, improves digestion and regularity, makes you feel calmer, and improves mood. 

XFactor Plus: it’s sugar free, which is important on a keto diet! It contains Aloe, which increases  absorption up to 300%, allowing your body to really absorb the vitamins and minerals. It also has vitamins B and C to help beat tiredness.

Plexus is a TOOL to aid you with overall health! I’ve said it OVER & OVER...Plexus is NOT JUST about weight loss! It’s so much more than that! Get healthy from the inside out with Plexus!
Note: SOME people will look at Slim HC and be concerned over the 8 carbs. However, those doing keto should know to go off of NET carbs (Carbs - Fiber = Net Carbs) That makes Slim HC only 2 net carbs.

7 Reasons you can not lose weight

You know it's not just about diet and exercise! The top 7 reasons and the Plexus products that can help you!

1) SLEEP - If you are not sleeping you will not lose weight. (Probio5 and MegaX)

2) DIGESTION - constipation, bloating, feeling full all the time, a swollen stomach. ( Probio5 and Biocleanse)

3) ENERGY LEVEL- thyroid and iron anemia (X-Factor and Slim)

4) MENSTRUAL CYCLE - if it is off you will have a hard time losing weight because estrogen makes fat. If there is excess estrogen it interferes with the thyroid and increases fat production. (Slim and Biocleanse)

5) CRAVINGS - one way to know you are burning fat is that you will crave NOTHING. If you crave sweets it means your body only burns sugar and not FAT. (Slim/probio5 and Accelerator+)

6) INFLAMMATION- means the adrenals are not strong enough. It sucks the energy from the body and slows metabolism. (Mega X, EASE and NERVE)

7) STRESS - if the body is stuck in stress mode and it cannot relax the adrenals are overloaded and you have too much body stress. (X Factor, Slim and BioCleanse)

Plexus Cheat Sheet

Here is a little cheat sheet for secret Plexus stalkers

Better Sleep: Slim - add MegaX & ProBio5 for amazing changes in your sleep issues

Cholesterol, blood pressure, lipids: Slim, MegaX

Energy: Slim - add Edge for a game changer

Mental clarity: ProBio5, MegaX, Edge, VitalBiome
 
Skin Issues: ProBio5 & Body Cream
 
Weight loss: Slim, ProBio5, BioCleanse (TriPlex) - Optional...add Block, Accelerator or Boost, P96 
Protein shakes
 
Discomfort, sore muscles, and swollen/achy joints: Ease and/or Nerve capsules & Ease cream
 
Nerve issues: Plexus Nerve
 
Sugar cravings: ProBio5 & Slim
 
Tummy issues, Digestive issues: BioCleanse and Pro Bio5
 
Stress: ProBio5, Slim, & Vitalbiome
 
Mood: VitalBiome, Slim & Accelerator
 
Better hair & nails: XFactor & MegaX
 
Reduced absorption of sugars/starch: Block
 
Glucose stabilization: Slim & Block
 
Hormones: Slim & ProBio5

Skin care: Joyome
 
*These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

Probio5 and VitalBiome

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS…IT IS A SCIENCE!

MOOD & ANXIETY ISSUES??........SEROTONIN & GUT HEALTH are key!

VITALBIOME and PROBIO5 truly work great as a duo!

KEY FACTORS
A whopping 80% of your immune system and about 95% of your body’s serotonin (mood elevating hormone) are in your gut.
The GUT is absolutely one of the most important things we need to take care of. Consuming fermented foods and a diet rich in veggies, healthy fats, and lean proteins are critical to supporting your gut health. However, for many of us, eating such a perfect diet all the time just isn’t that easy, and oftentimes it isn’t enough.

PROBIO5 and VITALBIOME serve 2 different purposes. While Probio5 weeds out the bad organisms from your gut garden, VitalBiome serves as the healthy "seed" you need to plant in your gut. VitalBiome contains 7 clinically-proven strains of probiotics and a beneficial yeast (S. Boulardi) in clinically proven amounts to help improve:
✅feelings of stress, anxiety, and other mood issues
✅digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, acid reflux, and so many other digestive disorders
✅Decreases inflammation in the gut
Both are essential to an ideal, balanced gut ecosystem, but VitalBiome is especially helpful to add to Probio5 if you struggle with one of the above things.

BioCleanse and Probio5 for a sexy gut

I want to share with you what your gut looks like. Sexy, isn't it. We want a Normal gut lining, but honestly, most people are inflamed. As if having an ugly gut lining isn't bad enough, there is also the whole leaky gut thing going on, letting food particles, bacteria and other nasty stuff lose in your body. Yep, that is not a good thing. It's there, the ugly lining has happened, now what? Now you talk to me about getting that thing sexy again. Serious, don't walk around with an ugly gut lining, just don't do it.

These are the EXACT plant bases supplements needed to begin getting your gut sexy. Why these and not store bought? Read your labels and compare. Seriously, there is no comparison. With their use, my digestion, after 30 years of pain and stopping me from doing things I wanted to do, completely changed!

🍃Biocleanse is a magnesium supplement. This nutrient is very important for our body. It is involved with over 300 functions in the body! One extremely important is energy production. It’s also tied to cardiovascular issues when someone struggles with deficiency. Biocleanse is designed to be a gentle daily cleanse. We need to always be working on maintaining our gut health and a gentle daily Biocleanse routine will help.
Another important benefit of Biocleanse is a stronger immune system. Thank you bioflavaboids.

Now let’s learn more about Probio5...
🍃it’s so much more than a probiotic. It has digestive enzymes! These enzymes are essential for healthy digestion and overall health.
Did you know that digestive enzymes are not found in processed foods; only in fresh foods like fruits and veggies!
After reading about these enzymes you’ll see why Probio5 is such an important supplement for everyone!

🍃Chitosanase is an enzyme with systematic name chitosan N-acetylglucosaminohydrolase. This enzyme catalyses the following chemical reaction Endohydrolysis of beta-(1->4)-linkages between D-glucosamine residues in a partly acetylated chitosan. A whole spectrum of chitosanases are known. This is one of the extremely important digestive enzymes that helps to rebalance the gut.
These hydrolytic enzymes break down glycosidic bonds in chitin.

🍃Another important enzyme is protease. This proteolytic enzyme, peptidase or proteinase is a type of enzyme that functions mainly to help us digest different kinds of proteins. They break down the bonds by a process known as hydrolysis and convert proteins into smaller chains called peptides or even smaller units called amino acids.

🍃Peptizyme-SP®(serrapeptase) is a powerful systemic enzyme that supports the body’s response to inflammation and the respiratory and sinus systems. This unique activity of Peptizyme SP’s enteric-coated serrapeptase supports normal fibrin metabolism, blood viscosity and blood flow. Serrapeptase supports healthy inflammatory response by reducing metabolic inflammation, usually an asymptomatic inflammatory process in response to stress, improper nutrition and other environmental issues. In addition, there is evidence of inhibition of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation that has been linked to cardiovascular health.

Probio5 has an antioxidant blend that helps strength the immune system with Vitamin C, B and grape seed extract.
There is no other probiotic out there that includes 5 strains of probiotics that are very important for gut health, supports the immune system with the antioxidant blend and helps digestion and breaking down “bad” organisms with the digestive enzyme blend!

Are you getting enough magnesium?

The answer to less disease in the world isn't more medications. The answer is having a body that's equipped and ready to ward off disease. Health begins at the cellular level. We have to flood our tissues with adequate amounts of oxygen and create an alkaline environment in the bowel while getting toxins moved outta there! Those disease causing cells that can't survive in a well-oxygenated & alkaline body won't wanna stick around, and that means fewer toxins having a party in your body.

If you don't yet know the importance of adequate daily amounts of magnesium, please do yourself a favor and read up on it! If your body is deficient in magnesium, there are over 350 biochemical reactions that either will not occur at all or will occur very inefficiently.

What causes magnesium deficiency?
mental stress
physical stress
coffee
sugar
high sodium diet
alcohol
cola type sodas
tobacco
high perspiration
medical drugs of all types
low thyroid
chronic pain
diuretics
a high carbohydrate diet and
a high calcium diet

A slight deficiency and you will notice slight depression and lack of well being. The body is saying, “Help, I’m in trouble.” You start getting headaches, pain in the lower back and stiff tight muscles, particularly in the back.

If you are ignoring these messages, you have not learned to read and decipher them. You'll end up seeking professional advice and…well, you know what they advise. MEDICATIONS, which only serve to exasperate the issues.

Plexus BioCleanse is a great source of oxygenated magnesium.

Hemp Seeds and Chia Seeds

Chia and hemp are both packed with healthy vitamins, minerals and fiber. 

Chia Seeds
A one-ounce (two tablespoon) serving of chia seeds contains four grams of protein and 11 grams of dietary fiber. That’s over 40 percent of your daily fiber needs, and those two tablespoons only add 137 calories to your day.  Like most seeds, chia seeds are high in fat, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Healthy fats, like those found in seeds, nuts and avocado, are essential for health.  It’s just a matter of moderation.

Chia seeds are also a good source of calcium and phosphorus, with 18 percent of your daily calcium needs and 27 percent of your daily phosphorous in a serving. Phosphorous  works with calcium to build healthy, strong bones an teeth, so chia seeds are a great food to eat for dental and bone health.
 They’re also a very good source of manganese, an antioxidant that supports healthy metabolism, bone health and wound healing. A serving of chia provides 30 percent of your daily manganese. This is important to note, because it is possible to get too much manganese. If you’re taking a manganese supplement, chia seeds may not be the best dietary choice for you.

Hemp Seeds
Two tablespoons of hemp seeds provide 10 grams of protein and four percent of your daily fiber needs. Like chia seeds, hemp seeds are high in fat (13 grams per serving).
Hemp does not provide any calcium, but unlike chia, it is rich in iron. One serving delivers 15 percent of your daily iron requirement. It also gives you 45 percent of your daily magnesium, another mineral essential to bone health. That means that both chia and hemp seeds help support healthy bones in different ways.

Hemp seeds contain three times as much zinc as chia seeds. In that one-ounce serving, hemp seeds give you 21 percent of your zinc requirements for the day. Zinc is an important mineral, but it is also possible to take too much zinc. If you’re taking zinc supplements, including many over-the-counter immune support supplements, make sure you’re not overdoing it in the zinc department.

I use both of these seeds almost daily.  Oatmeal, smoothie, salad...etc.  As with almost everything, moderation is key.  



 


Nutritional information resource: SELFNutritionData.
care2.com

Poop Facts

Here are some fun poop facts for you



Did you know that 80% of Americans struggle with constipation at some point?

The average American only has between 2-4 bowel movements per WEEK and is 70,000 bowel movements short in their lifetime.

America now has the highest rate of bowel disease in the World


Did you know you that you should go after every meal or AT LEAST once a day! How many of you can say you do that?

Did you know that one of the reasons weight loss/diets fail is because toxins remain in the body?
 Your body tries to protect itself because of all the toxins in your body and won't let go of any fat.

Did you know that 75% of your poop is water? DRINK YOUR WATER PEOPLE! The remaining 25%...1/3 is from fibers our body find indigestible. 1/3 is composed of dead bacteria. 1/3 is a mixture of fats, inorganic salts, mucus, dead cells, and live bacteria.

Just ONE cubic inch of USDA Grade-A beef contains over 1000 parasites. These parasites typically don't harm you if you are having 2-3 bowel movements every day, but if you're not, their larvae can hatch, latch on to your intestinal walls and live inside you, wreaking havoc on your digestive system. Uh- Gross!

Up to 80% of your immune function stems from gut health. EIGHTY PERCENT. Hippocrates said
"All disease begins in the gut." If it starts there, it could END there.

The longest poop record was 26 feet 

The average person spends 10 months of their life on the toilet

If you are not eliminating 2-3 times every single day, I have a possible solution for you that comes with a 60-day money back guarantee, no matter how you buy. Private message me, text me, email me...you get the idea.

What goes in MUST come out!

Benefits of Celery

Celery is that crunchy green stuff normally enjoyed with dips or to cool the mouth while eating hot wings.   It is not normally a go-to snack for most people....but maybe it should be.  Celery has many health benefits. 


**This vegetable is actually loaded with significant amounts of vitamins (A, B, C, K), calcium, magnesium, and potassium. But if celery were to have an elevator pitch, the hook would be its phytonutrients. These chemicals are used by plants to keep insects and damaging sun rays away, but the effects on humans are far more impressive.


Phytonutrients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, they can enhance the immune system and intracellular communication, and they can repair DNA damage that results from toxins. According to the US Department of Agriculture, consuming phytonutrients on a regular basis has had measurable results as an effective strategy in combating cancer and heart disease.

Celery is low in calories (one stack is only 10-15 calories) and its fiber content of 1.6 grams per cup can put a stop to unhealthy cravings.  

If you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer, adding celery to your diet can help you prevent chronic inflammation (which is a condition that’s closely related to those diseases).

A study by the University of Chicago found that a chemical found in celery called phthalide reduced cholesterol levels by 7 percent and blood pressure by 18 percent.

People who suffer from stomach problems and constipation know the importance of including fiber in their diet. Celery’s fiber content can help keep your bowel movements healthy, among other things.

Vitamin A, one of the main vitamins found in celery, is known as a vitamin capable of protecting the cornea. This vitamin is also effective in treating dry eyes.

The magnesium in celery is known to have a relaxing effect in the nervous system. In fact, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once wrote that celery should be used to calm the nerves and for falling asleep. It’s also been historically used to treat disorders related to the nervous system.

  Because of its low acidity, celery can help you stabilize the PH levels in your body and stop acidic buildup. 

**Based on article in providr.com      

Now that you know there is so much goodness to this simple green veggie, why not keep some cut up in the fridge and ready to grab as a go-to snack?  What have you got to lose?

Help with the sugar cravings

I am seeing several social media groups holding No Sugar challenges.  In fact, I am teaching a 'Five Days of Clean Eating' myself.   I love seeing so many people putting more of a priority on their health.

When doing the no sugar/cleaner eating thing, the cravings can make you really re-think this whole getting healthy thing.  Cravings are TOUGH.   You drink your water, eat your fresh and clean foods, cut out all the simple carbs....and you would gladly give a little Girl Scout $100 for a single box of Thin Mints!

In the video below, Dr. Axe gives some great advice on how to get through this cravings in a healthy way.    I love that he talks about Chromium, B Complex and Probiotics because these are all ingredients I talk with my clients about as well with my clean Plexus supplements.  Keep in mind, not all supplementation is created equal.

I applaud you for taking this step on your health journey!  Don't give up, don't give in, stay on track and be strong!

Stay away from the fake sugar

Knowledge is Power!

If you are still using artificial sweeteners, You need to read this! 

Artificial sweeteners are your worst enemy! Here's why:

Studies have shown that tasting something sweet enhances your appetite, regardless of calories, and consuming artificial sweeteners has been shown to result in even greater weight gain than consuming sugar.

Aspartame appears to have the most pronounced effect, but the same applies for other artificial sweeteners, such as acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and saccharin. Unfortunately, weight gain is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the health hazards of artificial sweeteners.
Artificial sweeteners raise your risk of diabetes. A recent study in Nature told us why—they alter your gut microbiome for the worse. For example, best-selling artificial sweetener Splenda (sucralose) can destroy up to 50 percent of your beneficial gut flora.

It’s been known for some time that consuming sucralose can cause or aggravate inflammatory bowel disease because of its interference with gastrointestinal function.
Both animal and human studies have shown that Splenda alters glucose and insulin function, thereby promoting weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
But there are additional concerns that sucralose may cause DNA damage, and when heated it releases chloropropanols, which are members of the extremely dangerous class of carcinogens called dioxins.

Artificial sweeteners are a group of chemical additives that should be completely avoided.

Instead of the fake stuff, stick with natural sweeteners such as raw honey, stevia and raw sugar. 

Natural Detox Bath

I love to soak in the tub.  Soft music, candlelight, glass of water and me alone with my thoughts to relax.   A great way to either begin or end the day.

However, I also enjoy a good hot detox bath as well.  It is hot, I sweat, I drink a lot of water and I rid my body of all kinds of yucky stuff that makes me unhealthy.  It can be used as a preventative to illness or a way to shorten the life of the illness.  There is so much sickness going around right now, anything we can do to help ourselves naturally is a step in the right direction. 

A detox bath is also very beneficial after working out as it calms the body and helps reduce inflammation, making less discomfort in the joints and muscles.

My detox is:

1-2 Cups Epsom salt

1-2 Cups Baking soda  (Aluminum free!!)

Make the water as hot as you can deal with.  Pour ingredients in and stir well.  Drink plenty of water before, during and after the soak to help from becoming dehydrated as well as helping to remove toxins.  Pull the shower curtain closed to keep the heat in...you want to sweat!   Soak for 30 minutes.  Rinse in a cooler shower afterwards.

The reason water as hot as can be tolerated is typically used is because this initially draws toxins to the surface of the skin.  Then, as the water gradually cools down, the toxins are pulled into the water via the principle of osmosis – the weak energy from the cooling water draws from the strong energy from the body heated up initially by the very hot water. 

Using an exfoliating  cloth will also help to remove the toxins from the skin after soaking.

*A detox bath can leave you very relaxed and maybe even sleepy* 

Epsom salt is actually a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate.

Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits.

According to the Epsom Salt Industry Council, a simple soak is beneficial to heart and circulatory health, can lower blood pressure, helps ease muscle pain and eliminates harmful substances from the body. It also improves nerve function by encouraging proper regulation of electrolytes.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, provides a naturally alkaline substance with a reputation for helping to remove toxins.  Yep, this is the same stuff you use in baking and to freshen your refrigerator.

The baking soda helps to detoxify and alkalize your body.  You should also notice a softness of your skin.

Another way to detox is with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). 
Add 1-2 cups to a very warm bath and soak for 30 minutes.   It is very important that you do not mix the ACV with the epsom salt and baking soda.  One bath is alkaline and the ACV bath is acidic.  The two will fight against each other.

 - Fungus fighter

ACV helps clear up quite a few pesky skin conditions, including fungus and bacteria that like to settle on your skin. Your regular soap or body wash won’t always kill these unwanted guests.

- Sunburn soother 
 Not only will it soothe the painful sunburn, but it may also help you heal faster so you can continue to enjoy sunny afternoons.

- Body odor
Admit it, we all occasionally suffer from the stinky and sometimes embarrassing stench of body odor. Slathering on more deodorant is not the answer. In a promising environment that is warm and slightly moist, bacteria tends to mix with your natural sweat.
This combination doesn’t bode well for those of us who like to smell our best. Over time, bacteria buildup in places with these criteria, such as your armpits, start letting off that odiferous smell. Bathing in AVC can help get rid of this bacteria backup and ward off against stink, by creating a less hospitable home for future odor.

- Healthy hair
ACV works wonders as a hair detox. The acid in the vinegar helps strip off the oily residue that builds up on your hair, restoring its natural shine.  It also keeps your hair soft, supple and even prevents split ends and reduces dandruff.

-  Friend to your feet
Feet can be gross. They stink, sweat and sometimes grow strange things on them. Our feet are often abused and neglected.  Not only does this amazing vinegar help reduce that unseemly odor, but it can also even eliminate warts and athlete’s foot!

- Joint pain relief
You stand up, your back hurts, kneel to pick something off the ground, and your knees creak and groan. If you suffer from joint pain, ACV may help.

An ACV bath draws excess uric acid out of the body. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down substances called purines in certain foods and drinks. Most uric acid is eliminated via the kidneys in the urine, but some folks such as those with gout can have issues with excess levels. 

I would recommend a detox bath at least twice a week and an ACV bath once a week.  I cannot stress how important it is to drink lots of water before/during/after this process and avoid alcohol and caffeine.