Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Protect Against Swimming Pools

4 Cheap and Easy Ways to Protect Against Swimming Pool Chemicals

With the promise of hot summer days just around the corner, talking about the health risks of swimming pool chemicals is just a buzz kill.
So bear with me for a moment while I mention that aside from red eyes, dry itchy skin, and green hair, swimming in chlorinated water has been linked to quite a list of serious ailments. According to Joseph Mercola:
Your body absorbs more chlorine, and more importantly disinfection byproducts (DBPs) [such as chloramine], by swimming in a chlorinated pool than you would by drinking tap water for one week. Disinfection byproducts are far more serious than chlorine. They form when the chlorine in your pool water reacts with organic matter such as skin and hair.
Growing up, we spent every summer day at the local pool from the time it opened til they ran the bell at sundown. We usually got out of the water only for snacks from the refreshment stand. By the time I was twelve, I was swimming competitively year round, spending anywhere from two to four hours doing laps in indoor pools. I distinctly remember days when my lungs ached from breathing chlorine fumes.
While swimming pool chemicals haven’t killed me, I can certainly list numerous symptoms (acne, PMS, and a chronic tendency toward candida) that might have been better sans chlorine (and my crappy SAD diet growing up).

3 health problems linked to swimming pool chemicals:

  • Hormone disruption – Swimming in indoor pools for as little as 30 minutes every two weeks may result in altered hormone levels in boys. (source)
  • Asthma and allergiesThis study showed that swimming in chlorinated pools increased the likelihood of asthma and allergies in kids. Pool workers may also have a 40% increased risk of respiratory disorders. (source)
  • Gut flora imbalance – The chlorine in our drinking and bath water can destroy beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract leading to an array of complaints from tummy problems to psychological imbalances. (source)
My six year old recently decided he wants to play the sport “where you tread water and play soccer”. I convinced him he may want to refine his swimming skills before joining the water polo team, so he’s joined the swim team instead.
Though it’s only a hour or so per week in the pool, I’ve felt a little pang of guilt sending him off to to soak in chemicals. So I did some digging, and discovered there are a few cheap and cheerful methods to reduce the negative effects of chlorine and other swimming chemicals on my kids’ health.

How to protect against swimming pool chemicals:

#1 – Swim outdoors.

If you have the option, I would absolutely opt for swimming in outdoor pools as most of the issues with swimming pool chemicals seem to result from extended periods of indoor exposure where the chlorine hovers just above the water with nowhere to vent.
Indoor swimming can cause more respiratory and digestive distress than open air swimming pools, and every nearly every study I found with adverse affects from chlorine were associated with indoor pools.
Better still, if you can find an outdoor pool that uses salt water, UV, or ionization – far less chlorine and other chemicals are required to maintain a pool, resulting in less chemical exposure for swimmers.
NOTE: bromine is no safer than chlorine for water purification.

#2 – Rinse before swimming.

Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve always ignored those signs that say you have to rinse before entering the pool. Those were intended for other, dirtier folks than I – the ones drenched in nasty body products, and what-not.
Turns out, rinsing off before swimming, may actually help to protect against absorbing nasty pool chemicals.  Some folks claim that our skin and hair are like a sponge, so saturating with clean water will prevent your body from absorbing the chlorinated stuff.
More importantly, a dangerous chemical compound call chloramine forms when chlorine reacts with ammonia from sweat. Showering before swimming can remove excess sweat that interacts with chlorine, reducing formation of chloramine on the skin.
(While you’re in the locker room, you may want to pee too, since this toxic compound also forms when chlorine comes in contact with ammonia from urine – another good reason NOT to pee in the pool!)  (source)

#3 – Slather on Coconut Oil

Healthy skin is covered in a very thin, slightly acidic film called the “acid mantle” that is secreted from the skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands.  The pH of bacteria, viruses, and other chemicals are primarily alkaline in nature, so the acid mantle acts as both a physical and chemical barrier to bacteria, viruses, and other potential contaminants from penetrating the skin.
When we bathe with soap or swim in chlorinated water, the acid mantle is stripped away. Even when conventional lotions are applied, the skin remains too alkaline – leaving the skin and body vulnerable to invasion from harmful chemicals and pathogens. (source)
By slathering coconut oil or another natural emollient on your skin and hair before swimming your skin gets an extra layer of protection. Like your skin’s acid mantle, the coconut oil is slightly acidic and oily.
Personally, I like to use my whipped body butter which is a scrumptious combination of cocoa butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oils.
As an extra bonus, coconut oil acts as a safe and natural sunscreen – offering mild protection against the sun’s rays that are magnified when in water. (source) You can read more about taking a balanced approach to sun exposure here.

#4 – Neutralize chlorine with topical vitamin C

This was a really cool new thing I learned: the chemical structure of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) neutralizes chlorine and chloramine. (source)
If the water in your home contains either of these harmful chemicals, you can purchase a fairly inexpensive vitamin C shower head that will remove up to 99% of both chlorine and chloramine. Bathing in hot water will exaggerate the risks because the chemicals can be inhaled with the steam.
When it comes to swimming, you can simply make a spray bottle with a 1 teaspoon of powdered vitamin C (like this one) dissolved in two cups filtered water. If you don’t have the time or motivation to make your own vitamin C solution, you can buy a topical spray online that will do the same job.
After swimming, spray both hair and skin with the vitamin C solution, rub in, and rinse in the shower (preferably one without chlorinated water). Finally, apply some more coconut oil to help naturally replace the body’s acid mantle, and you’re good to go!
Now, there’s no reason to ruin summer fun by steering clear of swimming pools! WOO HOO!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Namaste

By Jayme Barrett
The Hindu greeting “Namaste” has become an integral part of most yoga classes. In India, it is used as a polite bow of greeting or farewell that means “The divine in me salutes the divine in you.” In Morocco, people greet each other by touching their heart and saying “Salam Aleikum” which means “peace be with you.”  Even getting out of a taxi, a Moroccan will say “May God bless you” to the cab driver.  In many cultures, “the divine” figures heavily into people’s daily interactions.

As many of you have experienced at the end of a yoga class, the teacher will bow her head with hands in prayer position in front of her heart and say “Namaste.” The students will then mirror the teacher and say “Namaste” in return. As a yogi, ask yourself if you are doing this by rote or are you truly connecting to the higher, divine essence of this greeting?

What does it really mean to say “Namaste” and how can you use it purposefully to shift your interactions with friends, family, work colleagues and people you encounter as you go about your daily life? Below are a few interpretations of “Namaste” that can positively transform your life.

1) “Your Spirit and My Spirit are One” – If this is true, isn’t the Golden Rule so easy to take on? The Golden Rule encourages us to treat others the way we wish to be treated. If we acknowledge our oneness with Namaste, it’s easy to treat people with the respect that we desire.

2) “All that is best and highest in me salutes all that is best and highest in you.” – Wouldn’t it be amazing to focus on the best and highest in each other? That would mean less gossip, less judgment and more compassion.  Instead of simply reacting to what someone is saying that may hurt us or trigger a negative response, we could choose to focus on the bigger picture; their higher self. We can stand back and see that perhaps this person is fearful or crying out for love, connection or validation. Our reaction can change the course of any interaction.

3) “I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Truth, of Light and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One.” – This is my favorite interpretation. There is a divine place in all of us where love, truth, light and peace dwell. If we could focus on those parts in ourselves and in others simultaneously, we would be authentically saying “Namaste.”

So, the next time the yoga teacher bows with a “Namaste” at the end of your class, respond with intention and take it with you out into the world. You can even say it silently before or after meeting with people.  Most importantly, see if it can ‘up-shift’ your daily interactions. With great respect and loving-kindness, I say to you … Namaste.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

The Institute of HeartMath



The Heart's Intuitive Intelligence: A path to personal, social and global coherence


The Spiritual Heart -- is in a way a little like a smart phone, invisibly connecting us to a large network of information. It is through an unseen energy that the heart emits that humans are profoundly connected to all living things. The energy of the heart literally links us to each other. Every person's heart contributes to a 'collective field environment.' This short video explains the importance of this connection and how we each add to this collective energy field. The energetic field of the heart even connects us with the earth itself.

The Institute of HeartMath (http://www.heartmath.org) is helping provide a more comprehensive picture of this connection between all living things through a special science-based project called the Global Coherence Initiative (http:///www.glcoherence.org.) They hope to help explain the mysteries of this connection between people and the earth...and even the sun.

Scientists at the Institute of HeartMath (IHM) have already conducted extensive research on the power of heart, the heart/brain connection, heart intelligence and practical intuition.

Whether personal relationships, social connections, or even the global community - we are all connected through a field of electromagnetic energy. Increasing individual awareness of what we bring to this field environment could be the key to creating a sustainable future, a future that we can be proud to have helped create. Learn more about this research, Click Here, scroll to bottom of the page.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

How To Express Your Emotion



In this episode, Teal explains that you can only heal emotions that you let yourself feel and express.
Emotions are energy, they have to go somewhere and when they are not allowed to release, they rot you from within. Your physical body begins to deteriorate and so does the world around you. The world around you begins to reflect that suppressed emotion.

In order to feel our emotions we need to be willing to risk being vulnerable.

Vulnerability is the place where healing begins. But many of us equate vulnerability with inevitable hurt; and so it feels like a very scary risk to feel our emotions.

Teal then goes on to explain how we use the model of natural expression to deliberately flush our emotions to the surface.

The five layers of emotional expression are:

1. Anger, resentment, fury, blame, repelling
2. Disappointment, sadness, hurt
3. Insecurity, fear, bad memories, deep wounds,
4. Understanding, empathy, responsibility, regret
5. Love, solutions, wishes, connection


1. Anger, resentment, fury, blame, repelling
I hate it when…
I am so angry that…
I’m fed up with…
I’m filled with rage when…

2. Disappointment, sadness, hurt
I feel so disappointed that…
I feel o sad when…
The thing that hurts me so badly is…
This is why it hurts me so badly…

3. Insecurity, fear, bad memories, deep wounds
I’m afraid that…
What I’m truly afraid of is…
It scares me when..
It reminds me of…

4. Understanding, empathy, responsibility, regret
I’m sorry that…
Please forgive me for…
It’s completely understandable that…
I regret that…
I understand that…

5. Love, solutions, wishes, connection
I want to …
I forgive you for…
I hope that…
Thank you for…
I appreciate you because…
I love you because…

Friday, April 26, 2013

Cancer Is Not A Disease!

Cancer Is Not A Disease! -- It's A Survival Mechanism

Special guest on the Raw Life Health Show, Andreas Moritz.

The topic they discuss is Cancer. Andreas Moritz recently wrote a book about it.

You can get the book at amazon
Mr. Moritz offers the open-minded person concerned about cancer a radically different understanding of what cancer really is.

According to Andreas Moritz, cancer is a desperate and final attempt by the body to stay alive for as long as circumstances permit -- circumstances that are, in fact, in your control.

Today's conventional approaches of killing, cutting or burning cancerous cells offer a mere 7% "success" rate for cancer remission, and the majority of the few survivors are "cured" for just a period of five years or less.

In his book, you will discover what actually causes cancer and why it is so important to heal the whole person, not just the symptoms of cancer. You will also learn that cancer occurs only after all other defense mechanisms in the body have failed, for obvious reasons. A malignant tumor is not a vicious monster that is out to kill us in retaliation for our sins or abuse of our body. As you will find out, cancer does not attempt to kill the body; to the contrary, it tries to save it. However, unless we change our perception of what cancer really is, it will continue to threaten the life of one out of every two people. 

Dr. Leonard Coldwell. He knows more about healing cancer than anyone in the world! This is only part one and each part gets better and better. You can visit his site at http://drleonardcoldwell.com

Thursday, April 25, 2013

5 Tips To Detox Your Life

Spiced Lemon Water
We’ve probably all heard of the warm water with lemon trick, which is a great way to flush our system of impurities in the morning.To kick this morning (or anytime) elixir up a few notches, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper and turmeric powder. Among their plethora of health benefits is the fact that they're digestive and detoxifying agents.If you really want to go crazy, throw in a ginger tea bag and consider yourself de-gunked.
 
I wish I would consume more turmeric, however it does have a very dying effect, so be sure to brush your teeth after to refrain from stains...and don't spill it on clothing or other items that you don't want to turn yellow indefinitely! The cayenne, is a great way to clear up your sinuses as well, and very warming.  
 
Kapalabhati Breathing
This pranayama practice or yogic breathing technique clears congestion in the lungs, sinuses, and the mind! It also boosts circulation and can simultaneously relieve stress and energize your entire being.  How to:

Sit in a comfortable, upright position.

Take two or three deep inhales and exhales through the nose to prepare.Inhale fully, and then exhale sharply through the nose, while drawing your belly in.

Focus on the quick, forceful exhales and the inhales will happen naturally.

Do three rounds of about 10-30 breaths, then take a break with a few natural breaths.

Return to normal breathing at any time if you feel lightheaded.

To be safe, practice conservatively and keep an eye out for any contraindications.

A certified yoga therapist can recommend additional yoga sequences and techniques to address everything from headaches to grief, and will support you in renewing and rebalancing your mind, body, and spirit.


This is a wonderful breathing technique that you will really feel an effect from!
 
 
Dry Brushing
This pre-shower ritual sloughs off dead, dry skin, boosts digestion, circulation, lymphatic drainage and kidney function and ultimately helps the body release toxins.With a natural-bristle brush, simply make long circular sweeping motions all over your bare body. Start at your feet and work your way toward your heart. You’ll be glowing from the inside out and outside in!
 
The moment I learned about all the amazing benefits of dry brushing, I went out and purchased a brush immediately, and attempt to dry brushing my body daily before I hop into the shower (or at least a minimum of 4 days a week). The benefits are amazing...softer, smoother skin, healthier lymphatic system and it feels great! be sure to check out my previous blog video on the correct way to body brush to direct the toxins to flow out to the water lines in your body. 
 
7-Day Food Detox
The change of season is the perfect time to try a cleanse! Instead of doing something drastic like a juice fast, simply eat clean for one week. By cutting out processed foods and common sources of food allergies, you can detoxify your entire system and jump-start your health transformation.The best way to do this is to completely avoid all dairy, soy, wheat, sugar, meat, alcohol, and processed foods (anything in a package with more than ONE ingredient). Trust me, by day six, you’ll befeeling AMAZING!
 
I already eliminate the foods mentioned above. But the month before the summer I like to do some sort of a cleanse. This year I will be doing a liver cleans in May. I look forward to the results! A little nervous about the process:p More on that in future posts. 
 
Mind-Body Detox
Our bodies remember everything: every physical, mental, and emotional moment we have experienced.When those moments are unpleasant or overwhelming, we often fail to process them thoroughly; we gloss over, repress, or disregard and keep on trucking away. This disconnect between the mind, body, and spirit can often manifest as physical pain, chronic stress or illness, fatigue, emotional distress, and even behavioral “bad habits”.Yoga therapy and other mind-body healing practices can release and reintegrate any experiences that may be “stuck” and getting in the way of feeling balanced. With the guide of a trained practioner, you can clear out a lot old subconscious junk and make some space for new possibilities to arise.
 
 I'm a big believer in mind-body self improvement. I try to meditate daily, and recently started the Higher Brain Living program, that I am loving! It addresses both the mind and body (brain). Changing the physiology of our brain and the way we think, towards achieving what we desire to peruse, and become who we want to be, how we want to live, and open up to our limitlessness potential.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

About Hymalayan Salt

http://www.himalayanbathsalts.com/images/Lg_Lamp.jpg 
There are 2 particular health products with multiple uses that I absolutely love, the good ole coconut being one of them and Hymalayan salt being my other favorite:) 
Origins
The Himalayan mountain range stretches across Asia passing through China, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and India. Most people associate the Himalayans with Mount Everest, the highest peak on this planet, but here is something new to think about- salt.

Once upon a time (a couple of hundreds of millions of years ago) crystallized sea salt beds, now deep within the Himalayans, were covered by lava. Aside from being kept it in a pristine environment that has been surrounded by snow and ice year round, the lava is thought to have protected the salt from modern-day pollution leading to the belief that Himalayan Pink salt is the purest salt to be found on earth. It is now hand-mined from the mountains and brought to the culinary market.

Why Pink? 
The many hues of pink, red and white are an indication of this salt's rich and varying mineral and energy-rich iron content.

Benefits
In the same manner that vitamins and minerals are perfectly packaged in fruits and vegetables, because this salt was formed naturally the minerals within the sodium work in synergy.

(Synergy is the interaction of multiple elements in a system to produce an effect different from or greater than the sum of their individual effects.)

Iodine- Natural salts are rich in iodine, so it doesn't need to be artificially added in.

Less sodium consumed per serving- Himalayan salt is made of the same components as table salt but since the crystal structure is larger than refined salt, and by volume- this salt therefore has LESS sodium per 1/4 t. serving- because the sea salt crystals or flakes take up less room on a teaspoon than highly refined tiny table salt grains.

Packs a hearty 80+ minerals and elements- Himalayan salts are mineral packed crystals which formed naturally within the earth made up of 85.62% sodium chloride and 14.38% other trace minerals including: sulphate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, bromide, borate, strontium, and fluoride (in descending order of quantity).
Because of these minerals Himalayan pink salt can:

Create an electrolyte balance
Increases hydration
Regulate water content both inside and outside of cells
Balance pH (alkaline/acidity) and help to reduce acid reflux
Prevent muscle cramping
Aid in proper metabolism functioning
Strengthen bones
Lower blood pressure
Help the intestines absorb nutrients
Prevent goiters
Improve circulation
Dissolve and eliminate sediment to remove toxins
It is even said to support libido, reduce the signs of aging, and detoxify the body from heavy metals.

Pink Salt vs. Sea Salt
Even though pink salts come from the mountains, they are technically sea salts as well. All salt comes from a salted body of water—namely, an ocean or salt-water lake. However, Himalayan salt is said to be the purest form of sea salt.

Why Table Salt is Inferior
Commercial refined salt is not only stripped of all its minerals, besides sodium and chloride, but is also chemically cleaned, bleached and heated at unnecessary high temperatures.

In addition, it is treated with anti-caking agents which prevent salt from mixing with water in the salt container. These agents also prevent dissolving within our system leading to build up and then deposit in organs and tissue, causing severe health problems.
Finally, the iodine that is added into salt is usually synthetic which is difficult for your body to process properly. Shockingly under U.S. law, up to 2% of table salt can be additives.

The Many Uses of Pink Salt

Cooking and curing- use pre-ground salt or grinders like any other salt.

Salt Slabs- used as serving platters, the slabs will impart an enhanced salt taste and mineral content. Chilled: decorate with fruits, sushi, vegetables or cheese. Frozen: present cold desserts and even sorbets. Heated: use the slabs to sear vegetables, shrimp, fish fillets or thinly sliced beef or even to fry an egg. The dense salt blocks conduct heat beautifully with near perfect heat distribution.
Best of all, Himalayan salt is naturally anti-microbial, so clean up requires just a quick scrub or rinse.

Decoration- use the salts in containers, as décor crystals and sprinkled on food for presentation.

Bathing- throw in the tub for a detoxifying Himalayan salt bath. The replenishing nutrients stimulate circulation and soothe sore muscles. Naturally rich in 80+ nourishing and skin-replenishing minerals, bathing with pink bath salt is a healing and therapeutic experience for mind and body.

Potpourri Holders and Essential Oil Diffusers- many on-line sites sell beautiful home décor featuring the pink salt as crystal rocks.

Air purification- crystal rock lamps for air purification are also found and sold on-line.
Hopefully now you will not be as shocked as Grandma when you reach for the salt shaker and find pink crystals staring back at you!
If you eat meat, brining should be in your bag of tools. Brining makes meat very juice and succulent! Here’s is an extremely simple recipe for it.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Don't list...To Be list

http://foofoofunbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/be-kind.png
By Silvia Mordini 
Words of wisdom by Wayne Dyer  "You can't expect to draw people into your life who are kind, confident, and generous if you're thinking and acting in cruel, weak, and selfish ways. You must be what it is that you're seeking- that is, you need to put forth what you want to attract." 

If we all followed a “Not To Do List,” then we would find a whole lot more time to guide our time towards what is important. Tim Ferriss, author of The Four-Hour Work Week gets straight to the point when he writes, “Not to do lists are often more effective than to-do lists for upgrading performance. The reason is simple: what you don’t do determines what you can do.”

So let’s keep things simple, here is a quick list of what “Not-to-Do” to live an inspired life.
  1. Don’t be mean or snarky. (Instead: Be kind.)
  2. Don’t judge. (Instead: Be receptive and open.)
  3. Don’t compare. (Instead: Recognize and celebrate others achievements.)
  4. Don’t disrespect. (Instead: Be respectful of other people, situations, time and things.)
  5. Don’t hold grudges. (Instead: Forgive people, situations and yourself.)
  6. Don’t be selfish. (Instead: Be thoughtful of others, life is not a game of solitaire.)
  7. Don’t be ungrateful. (Instead: Be content with what you have: it is always enough.)
  8. Don’t deny responsibility for the quality of your life. (Instead: Be responsible for your thoughts, emotions, body, and actions.)
  9. Don’t lose your sense of humor. (Instead: Be funny, laugh a lot – even at yourself.)
  10. Don’t assume the worst. (Be positive, hopeful and assume the best.)
  11. Don’t be stingy, (Be generous with everything especially your time, love, and money.)
  12. Don’t lose interest. (Be curious, creative and actively filled with wonder.)
  13. Don’t stop listening. (Be an active listener and hear what is not being said—and not said.)
  14. Don’t get stuck. (Be open to change and new perspectives.)
  15. Don’t act conceited and think you know everything. (Be a life long learner.  Never stop growing and humbly expanding your knowledge.)
And if you must have a To-Be List: (Better than a To-Do List)
  • Be kind.
  • Be receptive and open.
  • Be joyful. Celebrate others achievements and accomplishments.
  • Be thoughtful of others.
  • Be respectful of other people, situations, time and things.
  • Be forgiving of people, situations and yourself.
  • Be grateful and content with what you have, it is always enough.
  • Be responsible for your thoughts, emotions, body and actions.
  • Be funny, laugh a lot – even at yourself.
  • Be positive, hopeful and learn to assume the best.
  • Be generous with everything especially your time, energy, and money.)
  • Be curious, creative and actively filled with wonder.)
  • Be an active listener and hear what is not being said as much as what is not.
  • Be open to change and new perspectives.
  • Be a life long learner. Never stop growing and humbly expanding your knowledge.

Monday, April 22, 2013

10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Stress

10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Stress
 http://www.weekendnotes.com.au/im/005/07/meditation-courses1.jpg
By Jennifer Johnson We live in a fast-paced world. We can all benefit from incorporating stress reduction into our daily routine in order to nurture and encourage our well being. Stress manifests differently for all of us, but some of the common symptoms of stress include headaches, anxiety, muscle tension or pain, gastrointestinal upsets, insomnia, and depression. Stress also lowers our immunity and leaves us more vulnerable to illness. 

Following are 10 things you can do to reduce stress:

1. Practice extreme self-care. Eat healthily, get adequate sleep, and exercise regularly. Know when your plate is full, and practice saying no. Schedule down time for being instead of always doing.

2. Practice living in the moment. Stay focused on the present moment rather than regretting the past and worrying about the future. The present moment shows up in three aspects of our being: in the physical body through sensations, in the emotional body through feelings, and in the mental body through thoughts.

3. Practice mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation can help you train to live in the present moment. Studies show that it results in increased feelings of peace and well being, decreased stress, increased work productivity, and increased creative thinking.

4. Live intentionally. Create intentions for designing the life that you want, continually put effort toward your intentions, and maintain optimism about creating the life you desire. Decrease the amount of time spent watching TV, surfing the Internet, or other activities that drain your time and energy.

5. Savor the simple pleasures. Find pleasure in the simple things. When you experience a moment of happiness or pleasure, stop to become aware of how you feel in your body, mind, and heart, savor the experience, and then recall the experience several times throughout the day.

6. Maintain a healthy work and life balance. Focus on your personal wellbeing, and take care of yourself so that you remain well. Practice delegating and letting go of expectations for perfection.

7. Eliminate energy drainers. Identify the undone things that are draining your energy and do them, delegate them, or toss them out. Decrease contact with people in your life who drain your energy.

8. Engage in creative effort. Rediscover old creative endeavors or discover new ones. Engage in creative activities that you enjoy and that encourage creative flow.

9. Connect with nature. Find the beauty in the simplicity of the everyday. Get outside and engage with nature with your senses. Enjoy what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Rediscover a sense of awe and wonder as you connect with nature.

10. Practice compassion and loving-kindness. Speak to yourself and others with kindness and compassion. Let go of trying to be perfect. Treat yourself as though you were your only child. Approach others with this same attitude.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

10 most unhealthy, cancer-causing foods

Top 10 most unhealthy, cancer-causing foods - never eat these again
cancer
The statement "everything causes cancer" has become a popular hyperbole, and one that some people use as rhetorical fodder to excuse their own dietary and lifestyle failures, particularly as they pertain to cancer risk. But the truth of the matter is that many common food items have, indeed, been scientifically shown to increase cancer risk, and some of them substantially. Here are 10 of the most unhealthy, cancer-causing foods that you should never eat again:

1) Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). It goes without saying that GMOs have no legitimate place in any cancer-free diet, especially now that both GMOs and the chemicals used to grow them have been shown to cause rapid tumor growth. But GMOs are everywhere, including in most food derivatives made from conventional corn, soybeans, and canola. However, you can avoid them by sticking with certified organic, certified non-GMO verified, and locally-grown foods that are produced naturally without biotechnology (http://www.naturalnews.com).

2) Processed meats. Most processed meat products, including lunch meats, bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, contain chemical preservatives that make them appear fresh and appealing, but that can also cause cancer. Both sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate have been linked to significantly increasing the risk of colon and other forms of cancer, so be sure to choose only uncured meat products made without nitrates, and preferably from grass-fed sources (http://www.organicconsumers.org/foodsafety/processedmeat050305.cfm).

3) Microwave popcorn. They might be convenient, but those bags of microwave popcorn are lined with chemicals that are linked to causing not only infertility but also liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in microwave popcorn bag linings as "likely" carcinogenic, and several independent studies have linked the chemical to causing tumors. Similarly, the diacetyl chemical used in the popcorn itself is linked to causing both lung damage and cancer (http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400701/Microwave-Popcorn-Threat.html).

4) Soda pop. Like processed meats, soda pop has been shown to cause cancer as well. Loaded with sugar, food chemicals, and colorings, soda pop acidifies the body and literally feeds cancer cells. Common soda pop chemicals like caramel color and its derivative 4-methylimidazole (4-MI) have also specifically been linked to causing cancer (http://www.naturalnews.com/031383_caramel_coloring_cola.html).

5) 'Diet' foods, beverages. Even worse than conventional sugar-sweetened soda pop, though, is "diet" soda pop and various other diet beverages and foods. A recent scientific review issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of more than 20 separate research studies found that aspartame, one of the most common artificial sweeteners, causes a range of illnesses including birth defects and cancer. Sucralose (Splenda), saccharin and various other artificial sweeteners have also been linked to causing cancer (http://www.dailymail.co.uk).

6) Refined 'white' flours. Refined flour is a common ingredient in processed foods, but its excess carbohydrate content is a serious cause for concern. A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Mile Markers, and Prevention found that regular consumption of refined carbohydrates was linked to a 220 percent increase in breast cancer among women. High-glycemic foods in general have also been shown to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in the body, which directly feeds cancer cell growth and spread (http://www.naturalnews.com/001812_cancer_prevention.html).

7) Refined sugars. The same goes for refined sugars, which tend to rapidly spike insulin levels and feed the growth of cancer cells. Fructose-rich sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are particularly offensive, as cancer cells have been shown to quickly and easily metabolize them in order to proliferate. And since cookies, cakes, pies, sodas, juices, sauces, cereals, and many other popular, mostly processed, food items are loaded with HFCS and other refined sugars, this helps explain why cancer rates are on the rise these days (http://www.naturalnews.com/038071_cancer_sugar_sweets.html).

8) Conventional apples, grapes, and other 'dirty' fruits. Many people think they are eating healthy when they buy apples, grapes, or strawberries from the store. But unless these fruits are organic or verified to be pesticide-free, they could be a major cancer risk. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that up to 98 percent of all conventional produce, and particularly the type found on its "dirty" fruits list, is contaminated with cancer-causing pesticides (http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/list/).

9) Farmed salmon. Farmed salmon is another high-risk cancer food, according to Dr. David Carpenter, Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany. According to his assessment, farmed salmon not only lacks vitamin D, but it is often contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), flame retardants, pesticides, and antibiotics (http://www.albany.edu/ihe/salmonstudy/pressrelease.html).

10) Hydrogenated oils. They are commonly used to preserve processed foods and keep them shelf-stable. But hydrogenated oils alter the structure and flexibility of cell membranes throughout the body, which can lead to a host of debilitating diseases such as cancer. Some manufacturers are phasing out the use of hydrogenated oils and replacing them with palm oil and other safer alternatives, but trans fats are still widely used in processed foods (http://www.naturalnews.com/010095_hydrogenated_oils_unhealthy.html).

Saturday, April 20, 2013

April Conscious Box 2013 - Vegan

 All the Vegan products were also Gluten free:)
Relaxed, Pure and Gratitude
I loved these chocolates...the most interesting one was the Gratitude which was chai infused...the aroma alone was wonderful, and very warming 



How Does Conscious Box work?

Conscious Box is the best way to discover the most ethical and sustainable products on the planet! Focusing on strict tenets of organic, fair trade, and pure and natural products, each month Conscious Box will introduce you to healthy and honest alternatives for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Discover the best natural products, earn points for leaving feedback and reviews, and buy your favorites at incredible discounts!

  • Get a variety of unique pure & natural products every month!
  • From organic food to vegan beauty products, you’re sure to find new favorites!
  • Discover ethical and purpose-driven businesses of all sizes!
  • Get content on daily living tips, exciting monthly themes, and creative ways to use your box!
  • Easily earn points you can apply to full size products for unbeatable discounts!
 

Friday, April 19, 2013

April Conscious Box 2013 - Gluten Free




How Does Conscious Box work?

Conscious Box is the best way to discover the most ethical and sustainable products on the planet! Focusing on strict tenets of organic, fair trade, and pure and natural products, each month Conscious Box will introduce you to healthy and honest alternatives for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Discover the best natural products, earn points for leaving feedback and reviews, and buy your favorites at incredible discounts!

  • Get a variety of unique pure & natural products every month!
  • From organic food to vegan beauty products, you’re sure to find new favorites!
  • Discover ethical and purpose-driven businesses of all sizes!
  • Get content on daily living tips, exciting monthly themes, and creative ways to use your box!
  • Easily earn points you can apply to full size products for unbeatable discounts!