Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day… The original article can be found here:

There are certain combinations that for some reason just click. Natural ingredients that work well on their own, but when combined create something only just short of miraculous. One such combination, in my opinion at least, is used coffee grounds and turmeric.

The health benefits of coffee and turmeric

The benefits of both these ingredients are well established. Particularly in India and other parts of Asia, turmeric has a long and fruitful history of both therapeutic and superficial use. In literature, turmeric has demonstrated time and again it’s ability to lower inflammation in the body, fight cancer, ease joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis, moderate the symptoms of diabetes, regulate cholesterol, and so much more.

In the beauty world, the efficacy of turmeric is validated more by anecdotal evidence than scientific findings, but the results are no less miraculous. It can be used to speed the healing of wounds and allow your skin to heal faster, it slows signs of aging on skin and hair, it improves skin elasticity, fights acne, balances dry or oily skin, and lightens stretch marks. The studies that have been conducted in this area verify most of these claims. Turmeric reduces UV-induced skin damage and prevents skin carcinogenesis, so why shouldn’t it also improve elasticity or fight the signs of aging?

Turmeric might be at the forefront of the health food industry, but coffee isn’t too far behind. Beyond conventional fears of the high caffeine content in coffee, whole or fresh-ground coffee beans are absolutely loaded with antioxidants and health-supporting compounds. And, in many cases, the caffeine contained within actually helps our bodies utilize these compounds more effectively. Drinking or supplementing with high-quality coffee beans can alleviate pain, increase fiber intake, lower risk of type 2 diabetes, fight depression and anxiety, and protect against neurological disorders.

And the coffee benefits don’t stop there. Coffee is now a familiar face in many holistic beauty treatments. It can reduce puffy eyes, minimize cellulite, exfoliate and freshen the skin, increase circulation to the skin and hair follicles and plenty more.

As you can see, the healing and beauty-promoting benefits of both turmeric and coffee are almost legendary. But combine the two, and you’ve got yourself something quite extraordinary. Here’s how to make an awesome coffee ground and turmeric scrub to promote healthy, supple skin.

Easy coffee and turmeric scrub recipe

This is one of those recipes that you can adjust to suit your needs. Got super dry skin? Why not add in a little milk or aloe vera for an ultra-moisturizing effect. Suffer from infections or icky skin overgrowths like athlete’s foot? You might want to add in a little raw honey for an antibacterial component. Feel free to experiment with what works for you, because everybody’s skin is different!

Before we begin, a slight word of caution: if you’ve ever cooked with turmeric before, you’ll know that it’s amazingly hard to wash out of clothing and even skin — there’s a reason why many cultures continue to use turmeric to dye their fabrics a rich orange color! With this in mind, those of you with particularly fair skin should take care. Smearing a whole lot of this amazing ground coffee and turmeric scrub onto your face may leave your skin looking a little on the orange side for a few hours afterward (don’t worry, it’s not permanent!), so you might want to hold off on using it until after work. And if you apply the scrub just before bed, consider putting an old towel down on your pillow so you don’t stain your pillowslip and unsightly color!

With those cautions out of the way, it’s time to get down to business.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup turmeric powder
• 1/2 cup coffee grounds (fresher is better!)
• 2 cups water
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil (optional)
• 1 Tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions

1. First, you need to have some coffee grounds on hand. Next time you go to the supermarket, buy some whole coffee beans and the next morning, grind up the beans and make yourself a delicious fresh cuppa. Pour the coffee grounds that are left behind into a jar and place in the fridge, to be used in your scrub within the next couple of days.
2. Next, pour two cups of water into a saucepan and add in half a cup of ground turmeric. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring regularly, until a thick paste begins to form. This may take a while, so be patient!
3. After your turmeric paste has formed, transfer the paste into a wide-mouthed jar or bowl and add in your coffee grounds. Stir thoroughly to ensure it is evenly mixed through, and at this point you can add in your coconut oil or honey. The coconut oil adds more of a moisturizing element to the scrub, while the honey adds an antibacterial element. Keep in mind that both these additions can cause the scrub to turn semi-solid below room temperature, so you’ll need to keep it in a warm spot of the house or put it in the sun for a while before you use it.

How to use the coffee and turmeric scrub

Now that your coffee and turmeric scrub is ready, it’s time to use it! Scoop a dollop out with your hand and apply it to your face, like you would a face mask. You can also apply it to any other area of your body you like! Leave the coffee and turmeric scrub on for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove it with a hot facecloth or in the shower. If your skin looks a little stained afterward, simply apply some coconut oil and gently rub the area with a cotton pad to remove it.

Because the coffee grounds are a strong exfoliant, it’s best not to use this coffee and turmeric scrub more than once a week. Even at this low application rate, you’ll likely see excellent results almost immediately.

Scrub away and enjoy!

The post Try This Coffee Ground And Turmeric Scrub For Better Skin appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Salt. The salt of the earth. A vital electrolyte for our bodies to function—without salt, we can die.

However, salt is almost always at the top of the “foods to avoid” list. It seems the entire medical profession and along with most dietitians and nutritionists hate salt. Why is salt looked at as such a terrible thing for your health?

Salt vs Sodium

Salt is not pure sodium. Salt is a natural product that contains sodium. Table salt (like Morton salt) contains around 97% sodium. Other types of salt like sea salt and Himalayan pink salt contain less sodium, but do contain a few other minerals including magnesium, potassium and small amounts of calcium.

The Salt and Blood Pressure Connection

During the 1980s, researchers conducted a large global study that studies salt intake and blood pressure. What was discovered was that groups of people from undeveloped countries who didn’t use salt also had low blood pressure.

One of these groups were the Yanomami of the Amazon rainforest. The Yanomami have very low sodium in their urine, which indicates very low sodium consumption—and they have very low blood pressure. Even the very elderly Yanomami possess low blood pressure.

However, when you look at another group of primitive people, the Kuna of Panama, you see a slightly different story. The Kuna also consume a low sodium diet and have low blood pressure, but when certain groups of the Kuna had access to more generous amounts of salt, blood pressure still remained low. In other words, there doesn’t seem to be a direct relationship between salt intake and blood pressure. It’s quite possibly diet and other lifestyle factors as well.

Another study, a meta-analysis of 6,250 patients found no direct link between salt intake, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. Like many of our dietary recommendations, we need to take other things into consideration.

Two other meta-analyses (analysis of multiple studies) found that sodium restriction reduced blood pressure 5.39 mm Hg for systolic (top number) blood pressure and reduced diastolic blood pressure (lower number) 2.82 mm Hg for those who already had hypertension. Sodium restriction dropped blood pressure only 2.42 mm Hg and down 1.00 mm Hg, in those with normal readings. Not much really.

In addition, restricting sodium intake can also increase triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, as well as causing elevated stress hormones.

However, increasing potassium intake (naturally found in fruit and vegetables) was associated with over a 7-point drop in systolic blood pressure and a 2-point drop in diastolic blood pressure, but only for people with hypertension. The takeaway here is that increased potassium (which a healthy diet provides) is more beneficial to lowering blood pressure than a salt-restricted diet.

Our Bodies Need Salt to Survive

The human body can’t live without some sodium. Salt is necessary for nerve transmission and to help contract and relax muscle fibers—including the muscles in the heart.

Some of the signs of salt deficiency include:

• Dehydration—the body cannot hold onto water as well without salt
• Muscle cramps
• Higher risk of heart attack
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Inability to withstand heat, especially when exercising
• Cognitive decline in elderly
• Irritability

When sodium levels are low in the body, chemical and hormonal messages signal the kidneys and even our sweat glands to hold onto water to conserve sodium.

Many studies point to the fact that sodium has many benefits in the body. It can actually help you conserve water, and make you feel less thirsty. Salt has several other health benefits too. Let’s explore some of those good things about salt:

Exercise performance and heat tolerance

Back when I used to race my bike in the heat of a St. Louis summer (think high 90’s temps + humidity in the 90% range), the heat used to really get to me. I remember a few races where I just got too hot to continue and dropped out. I was overheated and out of energy.

Once I learned about salt loading before racing or training in the heat, it was a game-changer. The heat no longer bothered me, and I had tons more energy. Suddenly instead of dropping out of races, I started winning them.

Studies show that sodium loading before exercising in the heat increases the body’s fluid volume and reduces the physiological strain on your body from the training. Sodium loading helps you work out harder, longer and more effectively. And guess what? This method works for you whether it’s hot out or not.

Salt and Electrolytes

Sodium from salt, is an important source of necessary electrolytes. Without sufficient electrolytes you can experience irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, and even seizures. Sodium is an electrolyte which is also vital to maintain the proper fluid balance in our bloodstream, inside and outside our cells.

Sea salt is an excellent source of electrolytes, which has been shown to prevent muscle cramping during exercise. Sea salt contains sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, all of which you need for optimal health. These minerals must come from your diet because your body can’t create them.

Manage Stress Better

When we are stressed, our bodies have more of the hormone, cortisol circulating. When cortisol levels are high, you feel more stressed. Salt has been shown to help your body clear cortisol from the blood. The faster your body gets rid of cortisol, the better you feel. Low sodium diets are often associated with higher stress hormone levels, as well as depression and anxiety.

An experiment published in 1995 showed, for example, that when rats are put in stressful situations, they preferred to drink salty water rather than unsalted water. In another study, when wild rabbits were stressed, their sodium intake shot up.

In another 2014 study involving about 10,000 Americans, researchers found a relationship between salt intake and depression: women on low-sodium diets tended to be more depressed than women with a regular salt intake. People may be self-medicating with salt and not even know it.

Chronic stress does seem to increase cravings for salty food—unfortunately it’s usually salty processed foods like pizza, chips, or French fries. No wonder college kids are binging on this type of food. Could stress be the reason why an awful lot of Americans are munching on salty junk food?

You don’t have to mow through a bag of potato chips if you are stressed and craving salt. Grab a handful of healthy nuts or beef jerky to snack on. You can also just add a couple more grinds of fresh Himalayan salt to your healthy dinner or sprinkle some sea salt on those fresh veggies you are munching on.

Salt and Sex

Salt has been found to accelerate sexual maturation in animal models, resulting in more offspring. Male rats also tend to have increased sperm counts when on a higher sodium diet.

This 1991 experiment, on men whose sodium intake was lowered to 2.4 grams a day complained of erectile dysfunction more often than those who consumed three grams a day. The ED was even worse when combined with a diuretic (used for hypertension) and the low-sodium diet.

Growth

Sodium may also aid healthy growth. Scientists from the New Jersey School of Medicine found out if rats are put on low-salt diets, their bones and muscles fail to grow as fast as rats on a normal diet. Observational studies also note that children tend to crave more salt than adults do which may be explained by the needs of their growing bodies, bones and muscles.

Low Sodium and Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes have worsening outcomes when they follow a low salt diet. A 2011 study showed people with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to die prematurely on a low-salt diet due to higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Another study from Harvard linked low-salt diets to an immediate onset of insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes. Guidelines for salt restriction for people with type 2 diabetes may need to be reconsidered.

Aldosterone levels

Low sodium conditions can increase the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone is an adrenal hormone helps the body preserve sodium when it is perceived to be scarce.

High aldosterone levels are also associated with insulin resistance, and aldosterone-blocking medications are being explored as potential treatments for vascular disease and hypertension.

What Kind of Salt to Use?

Avoid using processed, table salt as it is higher in sodium, often has fillers and anti-coagulants and has a harsh, bitter taste. Better choices are natural salt such as these:

• Natural sea salt contains many more beneficial minerals such as magnesium and calcium and even iodine. Sea salt generally has a milder, smoother taste as well.
• Pink Himalayan salt is rich in minerals, containing all 84 essential trace elements required by your body.
• Celtic sea salt is an unrefined, unprocessed type of salt, sourced from clean coastal waters in France. Containing unprocessed and naturally forming minerals, this grey Sea Salt is harvested and dried and ready to use.

Salt makes food taste better. Ever eat a steak without salt? It’s bland and boring. Or try a plate of steamed veggies without salt. It’s just not all that good.

You can attempt to drop your salt intake to try to lower your blood pressure, but your body has ways of maintaining the levels it needs to function. And, food doesn’t taste as good, your performance in the gym and in bed may suffer, and your cortisol and insulin may go up.

Better yet, sticking to a low-carb, primal, paleo style diet with few carbs, no grains or sugar will actually help your body clear out salt quicker and, in the process, you will get healthier, your blood pressure goes down and cardiovascular markers start looking up. Enjoy your salt with a healthy diet!

Try A Bag Of Our All-Natural Colima Sea Salt — For FREE!

There’s a HUGE misconception that eating too much salt raises your blood pressure. A lot of the studies have been misquoted (and done on the wrong type of salt!). The salt you get at the local supermarket is likely highly processed “chemical salt” meant for icy roads and laboratories – and it wasn’t meant to be eaten. It’s 97% sodium chloride, stripped of all its natural minerals. Colima Sea Salt, on the other hand, is filled with magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Believe it or not… this type of salt can actually support a healthy heart!

Colima Sea Salt is sun-dried and hand-harvested by local salt farmers at an ancient salt lagoon in Mexico. The salt is mineral-rich and natural, unlike chemically processed table salt you buy at your local supermarket. As a result, it’s richer… tastier… and makes flavors in your food explode with juicy deliciousness.

Click here to try a bag of Colima Sea Salt FREE today

References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21036373/
https://chriskresser.com/shaking-up-the-salt-myth-the-dangers-of-salt-restriction/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/take-it-with-a-grain-of-salt
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/we-eat-a-lot-of-salt-but-scientists-say-there-are-good-reasons-for-that/2015/05/04/69ff7058-c806-11e4-a199-6cb5e63819d2_story.html
https://www.marksdailyapple.com/salt-what-is-it-good-for/
https://www.oklahoman.com/article/feed/687315/did-you-know-salt-reduces-stress

The post 9 Good Reasons to Eat Salt appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

It’s summertime and after a long cold winter, it feels so great to get out in the sunshine. But should we fear the sun? Do we need to slather sunscreen all over us or wear long sleeved shirts and hats?

I find it odd to think that back in the days of our hunter/gatherer ancestors, there was no sunscreen, no hats, no umbrellas—nothing. How did they do it?

We actually need the sunlight on our skin for mental, emotional and health reasons. We must have sunlight. It’s essential to our health and wellbeing.

The Health Benefits of Sunlight

Some of the essential benefits sunlight provides include:

• Immune Health—Sunlight actually helps to stimulate our T cells in the skin. T cells destroy pathogens and are an important part of our immune systems.
• Vitamin D—Is a hormone that helps strengthen and modulate our immune system, regulate our sex hormone production, strengthen bones, teeth, protect our heart health, prevent cancer and keeps our genes healthy. The best way to get vitamin D is from the sun–but not if you block UVB (the rays that can burn) rays.
• Nitric Oxide—Helps our blood vessels stay dilated and increases blood flow. It also reduces blood pressure, improves cardiovascular health, and physical performance. Sun increases nitric oxide.
• Circadian Rhythm—Our sleep-wake cycle depends on our circadian rhythms. We need daylight sun and nighttime dark to have a normal sleep-wake cycle. In the daylight, sun triggers serotonin and exposure to sun in the daytime helps our bodies produce melatonin for sound sleep at night.
• Cognitive Function—Since sunlight increases vitamin D production, it has a positive effect on cognitive function—especially in the elderly. Maybe that’s why older folks retire to the Sunbelt.
• Mood–Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with feeling happy, calm and focused. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of depression, especially “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or SAD.

Unfortunately, we’ve been told over and over again to avoid the sun, that the sunlight is dangerous and we should ‘fear’ it. And yes, you can get too much sun. Your skin can get burned or blistered and you can even develop skin cancer from excessive exposure to the sun. So how then, do we get the above benefits of the sun?

The Truth About Sunscreen

Yes, you are correct, getting sunburned is not usually a good thing. This means damage has occurred in your skin and the resulting redness is an inflammatory reaction. A history of blistering sunburns can actually be a predictor of your chances of skin cancer.

However, lifestyle and diet can definitely protect your skin from getting sunburned and can help lessen the damage, including the redness and discomfort of the sunburn.

The sun has two kinds of rays: UVA and UVB. UVB is actually the type that can burn you. Most sunscreens work to block the UVB rays.

However, blocking the UVB rays and just getting UVA rays (the rays that make your skin browner) won’t give many of the health benefits. Vitamin D is actually synthesized the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hitting the cholesterol our skin cells, providing the catalyst for vitamin D synthesis to occur.

The trick with sun benefits is to get shorter exposures and build up time in the sun. So that means getting outside but limiting—not avoiding–your exposure to burning rays.

This also means getting real sun, not the kind you get from a tanning bed, which usually only put out UVA rays.

• Eat plenty of antioxidants

This is actually the key to avoid bad sunburns, and to reduce damage to your skin. Colorful vegetables and fruit are basically a type of edible sunscreen. A diet high in carotenoids (a type of antioxidant in red and orange vegetables) can actually protect against sun damage. Lycopene, the antioxidant in tomatoes has similar skin-protective properties. Vegetables that are high in vitamin C and E are also protective, as are anthocyanidins, the antioxidants found in blueberries, red or dark grapes and red wine. Eating lots of red, orange and purple stuff will prevent your skin from turning those colors!

Skin protective foods include: Berries, tomatoes, carrots, red bell peppers, kale and other dark green leafy veggies, pastured egg yolks, sockeye salmon, and shrimp

• Eat more omega 3 fats and avoid inflammatory omega 6 fats

Any processed seed oil such as canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, or any other “vegetable oil”, is highly dangerous to your health. Seed oils are pro-skin cancer.

How? The short explanation is this—inside each and every cell in our bodies, we have the mitochondria. This is the energy production center of the cell. The cells’ mitochondria need to have specific types fatty acids to communicate with each other and work properly. These fatty acids signal when a cell is damaged or dysfunctional and the cell is destroyed. Omega 6 seed oils shut off the alarm to destroy the dysfunctional cell, and instead it can grow out of control and becomes cancerous.

The more (healthy) omega 3s you consume, the more protection from the sun you enjoy.

Skin protective fats include: Salmon, cod, other wild caught fish, grass-fed beef, pastured eggs, grass-fed butter.

• Know your own skin type and get the right amount of sun

The lighter your hair and skin, the less sun you need to get enough vitamin D and the other health benefits the sun provides. However, darker skinned people need more time out in the sun, and if you are dark-skinned and living in the northern hemisphere, you may need to take supplemental vitamin D.

• Get good sleep and get out in the sun early in the day

Did you know your skin’s ability to handle the sun has to do with your circadian rhythm? The skin’s defense against the sun actually works best the first half of the day. So if you are headed to the beach, do it early, not late in the afternoon, when you skin can handle it better.

Early morning sunlight is rich in UVB rays, which also helps prepare your skin for the UVA tanning rays in the afternoon by enhancing its UV resistance.

Daily sun vs sun ‘binging’

People who get out in the sun on a regular basis actually have better defense against skin damage than people who only get intermittent sun exposure. Holiday vacationers who binge on the sun for the week or two they are on vacation are far more likely to be at risk for sun damage, skin cancer and melanomas.

A daily low to moderate dose of the sun is much healthier than occasional sun binging.

What about sunscreen?

Granted, there are times when we all need sunscreen, even if we follow the above guidelines. Camping, a raft trip, boating, fishing, hiking—you name it, if you are outside for long periods of time, sun protection is probably important.

The problem with sunscreens is that the majority of them use chemicals to filter out the sun (mostly UVB) and unfortunately, those chemicals are quickly absorbed into the skin and into the bloodstream where they can be pretty toxic. Some of the more toxic ingredients include:

• Benzophene–Many sunscreens with chemical sun block also come with endocrine disruption. Some forms of the chemical benzophenone will inhibit the action of your thyroid hormones. Result, thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are lower than normal for several days after applying sunscreen with benzophene.
• Octyl-methoxycinnamate–Another common ingredient, octyl-methoxycinnamate is considered a xenoestrogen (artificial estrogen) and disrupts normal hormone function in men and women.
• Oxybenzone—This ingredient filters out UV rays, but it is also an artificial estrogen, which blocks testosterone in men, and can cause estrogen-based cancers in women—in addition to throwing female hormones out of whack. Oxybenzone is also dangerous to unborn children, as this study shows. And sunscreen and bug spray don’t mix—when you apply both, you absorb even more of the toxic bug-killing ingredients as well.
• Octinoxate—This chemical is the most widely used UVB-blocking ingredient. Octinoxate produces estrogen-like activity and also affects thyroid function. The scariest thing about this chemical is how easily it is absorbed into the body and the bloodstream. It has been detected in human breastmilk as well.
• Homosalate – This chemical is also another common UVB-blocking chemical that acts as an artificial estrogen in the body. Homosalate also will increase the amount of pesticides we absorb through the skin, if you happen to use buy spray as well.
• Parabens—One more endocrine disrupting/xenoestrogen synthetic preservative found in cosmetics and conventional sunscreens. Parabens can be tricky to find on labels. Look for ingredient names like methylparaben, propylparaben, isoparaben or butylparaben.

What is SAFE?

If you need to find less toxic protection from the sun, look for formulas that list zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. Both of these sit on top of the skin, and physically block the sun with little to no absorption through the skin or into the bloodstream.

For a complete list of sunscreens to avoid, and safer sunscreens to use check out this article from Dr. Josh Axe.

Bottom line–if you must spend a long amount of time out in the summer sun, eat a skin-healthy diet, and protect your skin with a safe and natural zinc oxide or titanium oxide based sunscreen too. And enjoy the summer sun!

References
https://bit.ly/3x966CE
https://www.marksdailyapple.com/sun/#ref-11
https://draxe.com/beauty/best-sunscreens/

The post The Truth About Sunscreen appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Cleaning and disinfecting have become something that everyone is more aware of these days. Unfortunately, many cleaners and disinfectants are highly toxic to our bodies. Cleaning products contain a wide variety of harsh chemicals, including substances classified as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs.

Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh cleansing agents and artificial fragrances and colors. VOCs and other chemicals are released when using cleaning supplies in your home, and can contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, asthma and even cancer.

Toxic chemicals in everyday household cleaners include:

• Carcinogens – cancer causing agents
• Endocrine disruptors – in the form of xenoestrogens (chemical estrogenic compounds) Xenoestrogens can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction, miscarriage, menstrual issues, gynecomastia and cancer.
• Neurotoxins –toxic to the brain and nerves, can cause headaches, mood changes and even diseases like Parkinson’s.

These substances can be absorbed through our skin and lungs causing rashes, asthma, and irritating the nose and throat. They are especially harmful to our vulnerable family members, children and pets.

Research shows that many of the chemicals found in conventional house-cleaning products are bio-accumulative and very toxic. That means that once in your system, they actually stay in your system and are hard to clear. This makes you more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases and cancers.

In addition, many of the ingredients found in conventional cleaning products are very bad for the environment, and can harm plants and wildlife, contaminate drinking water, and adversely affect soil and even air quality. Check out the Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Working Group to learn more.

What About Natural Cleaning Products?

Many of the “natural” cleaning products found in the grocery store can actually have harmful chemicals in them, in spite of their “natural” labeling. Unfortunately, there are no laws in place that demand companies are transparent about all of the ingredients in their products. This means they can make false claims about their so-called “natural” ingredients.

The other big problem with the natural, store-bought cleaning products is their price tag. They are often up to twice as expensive as the conventional cleaning products.

But you don’t need to spend a fortune on natural products. Good old-fashioned vinegar, baking soda, essential oils and other inexpensive ingredients found in your pantry can clean just as well or better than conventional or natural store-bought cleaning products, without any toxic by-products.

These natural products are inexpensive and versatile to keep on hand to create your own cleaning products:

• Vinegar—One of the best all-round natural cleaning ingredients. Vinegar contains acetic acid, a gentle acid with antibacterial properties. Distilled white vinegar works best for cleaning.
• Castile soap—A versatile, gentle soap, can be used on your body, but also very effective for cleaning purposes. Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile is great for this.
• Baking soda—Baking soda has a number of excellent uses, for scrubbing, scouring, laundry and more. Always keep a good quantity of baking soda on hand.
• Essential oils—Tea tree oil, lavender, rosemary, orange, lemon or eucalyptus oils. Most all essential oils are antibacterial and antiviral, so choose the scent (s) you like best. My favorite is sweet orange essential oil.
• Microfiber cloths, sponges
• Empty spray bottles

These two DIY cleaning products will clean most everything in your house. Once is a homemade soft scrub and the other is an all-purpose spray cleaner. There are lots of variations of these online. Be sure to test the cleaning product on a small area first.

DIY Soft Scrub

• ½ cup castile soap
• 1½ cup baking soda
• ¼ – ½ cup water (use distilled water if your tap water is very hard)
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

Mix the castile soap and baking soda in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix ¼ cup water with the vinegar. Combine it with the baking soda mixture. Add more water to get the consistency you want. Store the thicker paste in a covered container.

* It’s generally not a great idea to mix vinegar and castile soap (acid/base). But in this case, the baking soda is also a base. It protects the soap from being neutralized by the vinegar.

DIY All-purpose Spray Recipe

Mix together in a spray bottle.

• 2 cups water (use distilled water if your tap water is very hard)
• 2 tablespoons castile soap
• 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

DIY Laundry Soap

• An empty 1/2 gallon old detergent jug
• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 15 drops orange, lavender or jasmine essential oil (or any combination)

Pour castile soap, baking soda and favorite essential oil inside the jug. Using the essential oils is optional but it will leave you with good smelling laundry.

Fill the jug with hot water, this will help dissolve the baking soda, until you reach almost the top of the jug. Close it and shake it.

Use about 1/4-1/3 cup per load. Make sure you shake the jug slightly each time before using. Not too much though otherwise when you open the jug the mixture will burst out.

There you have it—natural, basic, easy-to-use cleaning products for your home. Enjoy the natural clean!

References
https://www.eatgood4life.com/diy-laundry-detergent/
https://www.marksdailyapple.com/natural-and-non-toxic-diy-cleaning-solutions-for-your-home/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mda&utm_content=MDA&_ke=eyJrbF9jb21wYW55X2lkIjogIlFhekhXeiIsICJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJjYWViZWxpbmdAZ21haWwuY29tIn0%3D
https://dontmesswithmama.com/7-toxic-household-cleaners-avoid-problem-natural-store-bought-cleaners/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11397-household-chemical-products-and-their-health-risk

The post Natural DIY Cleaning Solutions for Your Home appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

I bet if you look in your kitchen cabinets, you probably have a box of baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Baking soda is a longstanding formula of natural sodium ions and bicarbonate ions, that has many health and household uses, beyond an ingredient for baking or for deodorizing the fridge.

Baking soda is especially good for your health, primarily because of its ability to alkalize the body and counteract acids.

Baking soda is not the same thing as baking powder. While both are used to help make cakes and baked items rise, baking powder contains other ingredients such as cornstarch.

Baking soda is an inexpensive, natural health and household helper. Baking soda typically costs about a dollar a box and is safe and easy to use. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing things that baking soda can do to improve your health.

1. Baking Soda Helps Autoimmune Disease

A daily dose of baking soda may help reduce the destructive inflammation of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scientists say.

The right pH balance in the body is necessary for overall health. When one is too acidic (generally the result of a poor diet, high in sugar), a variety of health issues can show up. And it is true, many alternative health practitioners say it’s much better to be slightly alkaline than too acidic.

In April 2018, the Journal of Immunology medical journal published a study that showed drinking water mixed with baking soda could reduce chances of getting inflammatory conditions.

After the test subjects spent two weeks drinking the baking soda and water mixture, scientists found that their immune cells appeared to change what they were doing. Researchers said that the immune cells began to focus on reducing inflammation instead of promoting it.

It appears that the baking soda acted as a way to “turn on” the immune cells’ anti-inflammatory response. Chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases could benefit from these anti-inflammatory properties.

The scientists in the study combined 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 20 ounces of water, and the mixture was sipped throughout the day. Experts suggest starting by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drinking it a few times a week.

2. Prevents Kidney Disease

Baking soda can help promote healthier kidneys and lessen the chances of kidney disease. A clinical study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology looked at the effects of sodium bicarbonate on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and low blood bicarbonate levels.

It was found that the subjects who supplemented with bicarbonate tolerated it well and were significantly less likely to experience rapid progression of their kidney disease. Additionally, there were less patients that developed end-stage renal disease in the bicarbonate group compared to the control group. Overall, the researchers concluded that the study showed bicarbonate supplementation slows the rate of progression of renal failure.

Kidney stones are considered to be extremely painful, and once you get them, you may be more prone to have recurring kidney stones. So not only is there motivation to prevent future kidney stones, but more importantly, untreated kidney stones can sometimes worsen into kidney disease.

Kidney stones are made of a variety of substances and if kidney stones tend to be uric acid, it is because their urine is too acidic. Adjusting the pH of the urine, reduces the risk of uric acid stone formation and can also help dissolve existing stones. Sodium bicarbonate can be used to alkalinize the urine.

3. Baking Soda and Cancer

Cancer tends to flourish in an acid environment. Baking soda is known to alkalize the pH of acidic tumors without affecting the pH balance of healthy tissues and the blood.

There is some research that shows oral doses of sodium bicarbonate may lower the acidity of the tumor pH and inhibit metastases (spreading to other areas of the body) in animals with metastatic breast cancer.

Cancer cells are generally fast-growing, and chemotherapy drugs tend to target the fast-growing cells. However, many cells in solid tumors have their oxygen supply shut off, causing the pH levels of the cells become acidic.

Since baking soda neutralizes acid, some researchers believe drinking it could reduce the tumor’s acidity and cause the cells to become easier targets for cancer treatments.

So far, most of the evidence for sodium bicarbonate’s effect on cancer cells comes from animal studies and laboratory experiments—not human studies. Due to the lack of clinical studies on humans, use of sodium bicarbonate as a complementary cancer therapy should be approached with caution and always notify your doctor.

4. Stops Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections people get, according to the CDC. Women usually get them more often than men, due to the fact that their urethras are shorter, and bacteria can easily travel up the urethra.

Women who tend to get UTI’s frequently also had more acidic urine. In a study, women who took baking soda daily for four weeks had significantly less UTI’s. Overall, baking soda appears to be an easy and inexpensive way to prevent UTI’s without the side effects of antibiotic use.

5. Improves Athletic Performance, Lessens Fatigue

Competitive athletes are always looking for a way to boost their performance, and if you look at the supplement market for athletes, there is a huge variety of supplements to choose from.

Baking soda can be one of the least expensive—and legal—ways to boost performance, increase endurance, lower lactic acid, and lessen muscle soreness. Some studies show that baking soda can help you perform at your peak for longer, especially during high intensity training and sprinting.

During high intensity exercise, muscle cells produce lactic acid. Lactic acid is generally responsible for that ‘burn’ and fatigue in muscles. Since lactic acid is an acid, it lowers the pH inside your cells, causing those tired burning muscles.

Baking soda helps to counteract this fatigue as it neutralizes the lactic acid. This is thought to delay fatigue, allowing you to exercise at your peak longer.

This study found that people who took baking soda exercised for an average of 4.5 minutes longer than people who didn’t take baking soda. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, it can mean the difference between winning a sprint in a race, and not winning. The baking soda not only improves exercise output but can also help reduce damage to the muscle and helping with post-workout soreness.

While some studies recommend taking 300mg of baking soda per 1 liter of water, an hour or two before exercising, other studies suggest taking it 3 or more hours prior to exercise with food.

Note: Bicarbonate loading for athletic purposes can cause nausea, excessive gas, cramps and diarrhea that can definitely impair athletic performance. Best to start with low dose amounts of baking soda on a full stomach.

6. Relief from Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn results from an overabundance of hydrochloric acid and other acids in the stomach. It often happens from eating too much greasy, rich food or spicy foods. Sometimes food sensitivities can also spark heartburn.

Baking soda is one of the most effective remedies for heartburn. So much so, that many over the counter heartburn preparations contain baking soda, like Alka-Seltzer. For occasional heartburn, simply add half a teaspoon baking soda to two cups of water about an hour after eating.

Baking soda is not recommended for frequent heartburn, as it neutralizes the effects of stomach acid which are there to break down food. If you have heartburn on an ongoing basis, checking for food sensitivities may be a good idea.

7. Brightens and Whitens Teeth, Removes Plaque

One of the best ways to remove plaque and stains from your teeth without having to visit the dentist, is to brush with baking soda. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive to remove stains. Baking soda also helps to neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and to freshen breath.

Using baking soda can be antibacterial and can actually help eliminate germs associated with plaque. By reducing the number of germs on the teeth, the glossy surface of the tooth enamel is better protected. To brush with baking soda, wet your toothbrush, then dip into a teaspoon or so of baking soda, or mix with your favorite toothpaste.

8. Fight Colds, Flu and Sore Throats

Because baking soda helps to alkalize the blood in the body, it is thought to be an effective cold/flu preventative. Even back in 1920’s, while the Spanish flu was raging, Arm & Hammer quotes Dr. Volney S. Cheney in their booklet, “Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Medical Uses.”

“In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘flu’ with the U. S. Public Health Service it was brought to my attention that rarely anyone who had been thoroughly alkalinized with bicarbonate of soda contracted the disease, and those who did contract it, if alkalinized early, would invariably have mild attacks.

I have since that time treated all cases of colds and influenza…by first giving generous doses of bicarbonate of soda, and in many, many instances within 36 hours the symptoms would have entirely abated…”

While the treatment for colds and flu has no formal scientific studies, it is harmless and can even be good for you and is worth giving it a try. Numerous anecdotal accounts of baking soda preventing colds or flu have been passed on through the years.

Recommended dosages from the Arm & Hammer Company for colds and influenza back in 1925 were:

• Day 1 — Take six doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water, at about two-hour intervals
• Day 2 — Take four doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water, at the same intervals
• Day 3 — Take two doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water morning and evening, and thereafter ½ teaspoon in glass of cool water each morning until cold symptoms are gone.

9. Helps Sore Throats

Sore throats often accompany colds and flu, and while the saltwater gargle has been a popular natural soothing agent, baking soda and water—or baking soda, salt and water, can help relieve a sore throat too.

Gargling with this solution can also kill bacteria that may reside in the throat, and also prevent the growth of yeast and fungi.

Because baking soda is a natural anti-inflammatory, baking soda appears to direct immune cells to reduce inflammation, instead of prompting it. In other words, baking soda helps boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response, putting out a calming signal instead of an emergency attack signal, which is most likely why baking soda is effective at helping colds, flu and sore throats.

According to the National Cancer Institute, gargling and gently swishing a combination of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt every three hours will help.

10. Soothes Canker Sores

Canker sores occur on the inside of the mouth and it’s thought they generally come from a diet too high in acid-forming foods, such as processed foods, acidic food or drinks, and sugar. The higher acid content in the body, combined with inflammation is thought to cause the canker sore.

When the alkalizing baking soda comes into contact with acid, it neutralizes it. Baking soda on canker sores helps to balance the pH of the sore and speeds up the healing of the whole mouth. It also helps to kill bacteria and freshen the breath.

11. Soothes Skin Rashes, Bug Bites and Sunburn

Skin rashes, eczema, mosquito bites, bee stings, poison ivy, sunburn and even splinters, can all be soothed and helped with baking soda.

Itchiness, redness and irritation are all a result of inflammation in the skin. The anti-inflammatory virtues of baking soda ease the itchiness and burn from all these skin conditions.

Simple make a paste and apply it to the affected area—or add 1 cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak in it for 15 minutes.

For splinters, make a paste of baking soda, apply a small bandage to cover the area and within a day or so, the splinter usually comes out of the skin on its own.

When to Avoid Baking Soda

Like everything else in life, ingesting too much baking soda can be too much of a good thing. A tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water and taken occasionally is okay, but taking too much could have adverse effects.

For many people, ingesting baking soda can cause vomiting, gas, cramping and diarrhea. It’s always good to consult with your health care professional when starting to use baking soda on any regular basis.

Baking soda can interact with certain medications.

High sodium concentrations in baking soda can cause high blood pressure, seizures, dehydration, and kidney issues. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before supplementing with baking soda, especially if you are being treated for a specific health issue.

If you found this article interesting, take a look at this helpful book my friends from Alternative Daily put out with even more beneficial health information about baking soda:

But, like I said, you have to hurry because she only has a handful of these left and if you don’t confirm your address your book will be sent to another lucky individual who will immediately start improving their physical, mental and home health with Baking Soda!

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References
https://www.verywellhealth.com/baking-soda-cancer-5086575
https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-causes-kidney-stones-and-what-to-do-2019051716656
https://www.thehealthy.com/home-remedies/healthy-uses-baking-soda/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/baking-soda-may-be-what-the-doctor-ordered-for-rheumatoid-arthritis#How-baking-soda-works
https://www.verywellhealth.com/baking-soda-for-inflammation-5093321
https://draxe.com/health/kidney-stone-symptoms/
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/914574
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180425093745.htm
https://www.miraclesofhealth.com/10-benefits-of-baking-soda/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/baking-soda-benefits-uses#2.-Mouthwash

The post Eleven Healthy Reasons to Use Baking Soda Every Day appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

I remember years ago that my Dad had this jar of gin-soaked raisins on his counter and he said that he read somewhere that it helped alleviate joint pain, and other health benefits.  I was skeptical at the time, but hey, they actually tasted pretty good, so I would always eat a few every time I visited my Dad.

I even recently tried my own version of this concoction and made whiskey-soaked raisins too…they were quite tasty, and I enjoyed my daily ration 🙂

Well, my friends at TheAlternativeDaily wrote a good article about this topic and I wanted to share it today…

More than 50 million American adults and around 300,000 children suffer from joint pain brought on by arthritis. Arthritis occurs in people of all ages and sexes, but it the most prevalent in women. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States with numbers steadily increasing. According to the Arthritis Foundation of Atlanta, there are over one hundred different types of arthritis. Degenerative arthritis is the most common, followed closely by inflammatory arthritis.

One of the most painful and least understood forms of arthritis is inflammatory arthritis, which is actually not related to aging. Rather, it is an autoimmune disease. In people with autoimmune diseases, the body mistakenly attacks itself. Usually, those who suffer from one autoimmune disease will develop more throughout the course of their lives. For instance, a person with Hashimoto’s (a thyroid autoimmune disease) may very well develop a number of other autoimmune diseases, like arthritis.

When inflammatory arthritis is present, the patient will experience painful inflammation of numerous joints and other parts of the body. The cause of inflammatory arthritis has not yet been discovered, although there is some debate on how to treat the disease, including eating gin-soaked raisins or an autoimmune paleo diet. Anecdotal evidence suggests that avoiding inflammatory foods and eating a strictly autoimmune paleo diet can significantly improve symptoms, although very few studies are being performed to support these claims.

With inflammatory arthritis, pain and inflammation come and go — sometimes without warning. This makes it hard to perform even the simplest of daily tasks. In some cases, joints may become permanently deformed. This makes it extremely difficult for those affected by it to live a normal life or even work jobs that demand physical strength. The cost of doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medication and more can range from $600 to $10,000 per month. In severe cases, a joint replacement may become necessary.

To date, there is no known cure for inflammatory arthritis. Conventional treatment usually involves a combination of patient education, rest, exercise, joint protection and medications — many with uncomfortable side effects. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the more effectively people seem to respond to treatment.

Like any chronic condition, those in pain may search tirelessly for anything to improve their quality of life. This includes an assertive push towards alternative, and even folk remedies. Seeking out alternative remedies for arthritis seems worthwhile, since pharmaceutical treatments often do not serve the patient well, especially in the long term.

A study that examined arthritis patients following 20 years of conventional treatment found that 35 percent had died, and 19 percent were severely disabled. The study found that function improved over the early years of treatment, but a considerable decline was seen between the 10 and 20 year mark. Medication never induced remission of the disease. This is likely because these pharmaceuticals are used to ease symptoms or even block the pain, but they do not facilitate or the support the body’s ability to heal itself.

Alternative remedies for arthritis

With the rather dark prognosis for medicating arthritis with pharmaceuticals, it is perhaps no surprise that many people turn to the Internet in an effort to find relief for their symptoms. Just a quick scan reveals a number of home and alternative therapies with noted success to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. These include such things as magnetic therapy, acupuncture, ginger, Epsom salt, turmeric, dandelion leaves and more.

While some of these methods can be pricey, others are easy enough to come by. They may well be part of a well-stocked kitchen and their use can do very little damage. It should be noted that even home remedies can sometimes cause side effects in very sensitive people, however. It is advisable to take notes of any and all changes you experience, positive or negative. This will give you a great idea of what works and how much is too much.

Are you lucky enough to have a family recipe of a tincture that was passed down through generations — maybe even gin-soaked raisins? With such home remedies you likely won’t find a whole lot of research. But don’t we all just love testimonials from our very own loved ones who swear by their own tinctures?

Interestingly enough, many long-standing folk remedies eventually gain the attention of scientists who work hard to figure out how and why they work. This happened with such remedies as lavender for better sleep and elderberry for colds, both of which are well supported by a growing library of scientific research.

A very strange folk remedy

This very special remedy is all the rage these days, but it has actually been around for a while. Plus, both juniper berries (used to make gin) and raisins have a long history of health benefits.

Using gin-soaked raisins for relieving arthritis pain was first popularized by the late radio celebrity Paul Harvey, who mentioned them on his show. Harvey spoke about the raisins in 1994. He noted that the practice of soaking raisins in gin for pain relief had been around for over twenty years at that time. Others state that the practice dates back even earlier than this.

Paul Harvey also read letters from his audience who had experienced positive results with the raisins. This popularized the folk remedy even more.

What is the method?

The method is simple. It involves putting golden raisins in a shallow bowl and pouring just enough gin to cover them on top. Once the gin has totally evaporated (usually about one week), the raisins can be moved to a glass jar with a lid. It has been suggested that persons afflicted with chronic pain consume 10 soaked raisins daily.

Why combine these two ingredients? It is not truly understood what makes the combination of gin and raisins so powerful. However, it is believed that combining certain nutrients can create a powerhouse of a remedy. We are still just understanding how all the macronutrients in a balanced diet work together. What we do know is that the combination works better, sometimes cooked and sometimes raw, to provide the full benefits of food for the human body. So why not give raisins soaked in gin a try?

Can moderate alcohol consumption help reduce joint damage?

Swedish researchers followed 2,900 adults who had inflammatory arthritis. They found that those who were light to moderate drinkers showed a slower advancement of joint damage compared to non-drinkers.

Those that drank heavily showed the fastest advancement. Study leaders noted that these findings were in line with past research, which demonstrated that moderate drinking did lower the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This also confirms the general idea that lifestyle factors and nutrition definitely affect the onset and development of arthritis.

Gin is flavored with juniper berries, which are rich in vitamin C, catechins, alpha-terpineol, alpha-pinene, betulin caryophyllene, limonene, menthol, rutin and delta-3-carene. These are all anti-inflammatory compounds.

Juniper berries have a long history of medicinal use dating back to the Greeks and Romans, who appeared to use them for medicine prior to food. Research shows that juniper berries contain potent antioxidants as well as antibacterial properties. In Medieval times, juniper berries were used in nosegays, which were small bouquets of flowers one would sniff to cover up the scent of the plague. Perhaps this was a wise application for these medicinally effective berries.

Golden raisins

Also known as sultana raisins, golden raisins are made from sultana grapes, which hail from Turkey. Loaded with antioxidants such as resveratrol and vitamin C, raisins also contain ferulic acid, gentisic acid and salicylic acid — known pain relievers. In addition, raisins contain potassium and calcium, both of which help protect against bone demineralization.

Golden raisins are treated with sulfur dioxide in order to slow down the browning process. After this, they are either oven-dried or flame-dried. Sulfides left on the grapes after drying are thought to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Sulfur is common in many other treatments for arthritis, including natural sulfur springs, garlic and Epsom salt.

This type of simple natural medicine may be more effective than the refined, targeted substances in medications because the properties of the gin and raisins are working together. The exact causative pathways of arthritis are unknown. There may be many mechanisms in the body that are affected in the development of arthritis.

Perhaps the synergy between the various natural compounds in the drunken raisins remedy creates a communication with the body to allow it to heal on a complex level that modern science cannot yet analyze or address.

Will you get drunk?

Although these raisins are often called “drunken raisins,” it is unlikely that you will feel any effect from the small amount of alcohol they absorb. Interestingly, gin was originally used as an herbal medicine and not as an alcoholic drink. Even now, gin is commonly used as a solvent in traditional medicine. It extracts active ingredients from leaves, roots, barks and other herbs.

Soaking raisins in gin allows all of their therapeutic properties to be readily absorbed and used. Some of the medicinal compounds in plants are not water soluble so they do not get extracted when we eat them; rather they are alcohol-soluble. Extraction via alcohol makes them available for our bodies to use.

Other nutritional arthritis remedies

Whether or not drunken raisins are a proven remedy, studies have definitely drawn a link between nutrition and the development of arthritis. Dr. Paul Jaminet, the author of The Perfect Health Diet, recommends keeping an eye on the level of certain nutrients in the diet of arthritis sufferers. He explains that vitamin K2 supplementation may be helpful, as this prevents improper calcification of the joints. The next most important nutrients are magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin C.

Dr. Jaminet also emphasizes the importance of consuming carbohydrates for healthy joints. For some people, a low carbohydrate diet may cause a chain of events resulting in joint pain. A possible explanation is that glucosamine, the substance that supports joint health, is made from glucose.

The body can produce glucose by breaking down proteins and fats. However, this is a labor-intensive process. People can prevent it by simply consuming a healthy amount of complex carbohydrates like starchy root vegetables or rice.

Gluten is often pointed out as a contributor to arthritis pain. This is because it can cause an autoimmune response where the body starts to attack its own tissues. Nightshade vegetables, which include peppers, eggplants, tomatoes and potatoes, are another potential cause of autoimmune-based arthritis. Nightshades are covered by a skin that contains alkaloids. These alkaloids act like a natural bug spray to protect the plant. In healthy people, these alkaloids won’t cause any damage. But for those with autoimmune diseases, alkaloids can be quite toxic and cause inflammation.

These are important avenues to investigate for those dealing with chronic arthritis pain. Many sufferers find that dietary and nutritional adjustments can help lessen or entirely remove arthritis symptoms.

The verdict

Whether or not you believe that soaking raisins in gin will bring you any relief from inflammation and pain, it appears as though a great number of people have found relief in this home remedy. More and more are trying it daily. The only way to find out if it helps you is to give it a try!

Always talk to a medical professional before trying any folk remedy. If you are allergic to sulfates, this is not the best remedy for you. Raisins will keep well in the refrigerator. People report a noticeable improvement in pain within one to eight weeks.

—Susan Patterson
(The original article source is here)

Before you go…

30-second Himalayan practice fixes knee and joint pain (try it tonight)

Doctors were stunned to discover that a remote Himalayan tribe had almost zero cases of joint or knee pain.

And that’s despite a diet rich in inflammatory foods and drinking copious amounts of alcohol (things that are supposed to make knee pain and inflammation worse).

Their secret?

A simple, 30-second trick they practice at 6:45 each morning that can not only prevent — but reverse creaky and stiff knee joints. Here’s how to do it:

>> 30-second Himalayan practice “cures” knee and joint pain (try it tonight)

The post True or False: Do Gin-Soaked Raisins Really Work To Alleviate Pain & Inflammation? appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Honey has been a popular part of humans’ diet since hunter-gatherer days, as far back as 10,000 years ago. In fact, some researchers believed that primal man often ate large amounts of honey. Even today, some primitive tribes, like the Hadza, consume copious amounts of the golden gooey stuff and are considered super healthy, lean and fit.

Isn’t honey just sugar? And in that case, is honey bad for you? Although honey does contain plenty of fructose and glucose, honey is actually a real food with plenty of nutrients in it. Honey contains over a hundred different compounds including minerals, amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Entire colonies of honeybees thrive on the stuff. So, honey is MORE than just sugar–it is actually a health food.

Honey benefits include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic (kills cancer cells), and antibacterial properties.

Honey has the ability to raise antioxidant levels in the body, helping you fight off chronic diseases, including cancer. Several studies have also found that buckwheat honey, in particular, significantly increases serum antioxidant capacity.

In one study, men and women followed a controlled diet for two weeks, then followed that same diet for 14 days but also consumed honey daily. Honey consumption increased participants’ blood levels of vitamin C, uric acid, glutathione reductase, and beta-carotene.

Although regular sucrose (table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup are very pro-inflammatory, studies have shown that honey is anti-inflammatory. Honey can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, lowering the incidence of digestive disorders. Honey has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways helping to manage asthma as well.

Honey also has antibacterial properties and is known to help heal wounds and infections. Honey has been shown effective against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium—all antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Honey also inhibits the growth of H.pylori, the bacteria that causes ulcers.

Real Honey vs. Fake Honey

Huge differences can exist in the amount of nutrients honey can contain—even within the same types of honey and the same flowers. Wildflower honey tends to have higher amounts of antioxidants than clover honey, and buckwheat honey seems to have the most phenolics and flavonoids. Manuka honey has some of the highest antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotic characteristics and is considered “medical grade” honey.

Honey is labeled as: raw honey, organic honey, or pasteurized honey. Always buy raw, unfiltered local honey if possible. One of the key characteristics of genuine honey is the presence of pollen, which is also the source of honey’s many health benefits. Raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized honey contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, whereas most of that is lost once honey becomes heat-treated and filtered.

The conventional honey you find in a conventional grocery store in the plastic bear is most likely fake. According to research from Food Safety News, up to 76% of honey options found in US grocery stores are either fake honey, or have been processed to the point that the majority of food laws around the world would prevent them from being labeled as “honey”.

Darker colored honey seems to be higher in bioactive compounds and shows greater antioxidant activity. Darker honey has more flavor.

1. Honey Improves Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can happen in any part of the world, but here in the U.S., they usually begin in February and can last until the first frost. Seasonal allergies are generally the result of pollen being released by plants and trees and can be especially irritating to sensitive people. Allergies can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat, earaches, coughing, headaches, wheezing and asthma.

Over the counter medications often cause unpleasant side effects such as drowsiness, agitation, dry mouth, confusion and dehydration, so many people opt for natural allergy treatments such as honey.

The idea of treating with honey is this: when a person eats local honey, they ingest small amounts of the pollen they are allergic to. This may help them become desensitized to the pollen and react less.

In this study, participants allergic to birch pollen (a common tree allergy) were given birch pollen honey. The BPH patients reported a 60% lower total symptom score, twice as many asymptomatic days, 70% fewer days with severe symptoms, and they used 50% less antihistamines compared to the control group.

Pollen levels in local honey vary widely, but it seems that local honey may help ease symptoms of allergies and desensitize allergic individuals.

2. Stabilizes Blood Sugar

You wouldn’t think that eating honey would stabilize blood sugar, but it can. Keeping blood sugar level is the primary goal of people with diabetes. Even if you don’t have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar stable helps to control food cravings and helps you avoid gaining weight.

In the Journal of Medicinal Food study, researchers found that natural honey lowers blood glucose levels in healthy, diabetic, and hyperlipidemic individuals. In the diabetic group, honey caused a significantly lower rise in blood sugar than other types of sugar at 60, 120, and 180 minutes after consumption. This study also showed that honey helped to increase levels of insulin, which helps to remove glucose from the blood. This may be why honey decreases blood sugar.

3. Lowers Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is divided up into LDL cholesterol (often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (‘good’ cholesterol), and triglycerides. Honey has been found to help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while increasing (this is a good thing) HDL cholesterol.

In a study of 55 overweight individuals, those who ate honey instead of table sugar experienced significant reductions in their cholesterol. LDL was reduced, while HDL increased. One other study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, found that honey decreased LDL and increased HDL in people of healthy weight in just 15 days.

These studies also showed that honey improved other important biomarkers for cardiovascular health including lowering inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP), lowering overall blood glucose and decreasing triglycerides.

4. Honey for Colds

Honey has been found to be effective at killing bacteria, yeasts and even some viruses. Honey is also effective at helping to control coughs that accompany colds. This study, along with another study found honey to be effective for relieving coughing, especially nighttime coughs. In fact, it was found found that honey was even more effective at taming nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants.

And if you have a sore throat, honey is an excellent soothing remedy for sore throats as well. Honey acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, along with killing off bacteria and viruses to get a sore throat under control.

“Honey is one of the best remedies for a sore throat due to its natural antibacterial properties that allows it to act as a wound healer, immediately offering relief for pain while working to reduce inflammation. Honey can also kill bacteria and help fight off viral infections,” explains a physician at Penn Urgent Care in Philadelphia.

Even the CDC and the World Health Organization recommend honey to relieve sore throats for adults and children at least 1 year of age or older.

People can try stirring some honey into hot water to soothe a sore throat or cough. Adding lemon provides extra flavor and vitamin C. Manuka honey is also highly effective for germ-killing and medicinal purposes.

Note: Children younger than 1 year should not have honey due to the risk of infant botulism.

5. Soft Glowing Skin and Shiny Hair

Honey is considered a ‘humectant’, which means that it attracts moisture from the surrounding air and helps your skin hold moisture better. And, since it has antibacterial and antiviral qualities, it can also help to fight acne, heal blemishes, stop redness, and even help herpes sores heal faster.

You can help your skin become glowing and soft by massaging a half teaspoon or so of honey into your face. Leave on your skin about 10 minutes and then rinse off.

Want a natural exfoliator? Just stir a pinch of baking soda, salt, or sugar into some honey and rub it on your skin in circular motions. Leave it on for 2 minutes, then rinse off with warm water for smoother skin.

Honey can help your hair look more shiny and less frizzy. Add honey to hair in the shower after your shampoo. Let it soak in a few minutes, then rinse. You can also help your hair look shinier by adding a teaspoon of honey to a quart of water. Rinse with the honey water after you’ve shampooed and dry your hair. Enjoy your shimmering tresses!

Remember to always purchase and use raw, unfiltered honey for the best results. You can find raw honey in your favorite health food store. If you’d like local honey, check your community farmers’ market for the best results.

Speaking of all of the powerful health benefits of honey… My good friends at TheAlternativeDaily wanted to offer you a FREE copy of their new book, The Honey Phenomenon, which details dozens of ways to use honey to heal and revitalize your skin, hair, teeth, and even help improve your heart health, brain health, fight aging, and help with coughs or allergies too! It really is a miraculous substance.

Don’t miss your FREE copy of The Honey Phenomenon before they run out of copies.

References
https://chriskresser.com/here-are-the-top-5-health-benefits-of-honey/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/20-unusual-uses-for-honey_b_949475
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/honey-remedy
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
https://localrootsnyc.com/blogs/news/how-to-spot-the-imposter-real-honey-vs-fake-honey
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/manuka-honey-could-help-strengthen-the-bodys-immune-system-defenses-301030943.html
https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/319821
https://wholisticfamilycare.com/local-wildflower-honey-protocol-for-seasonal-allergies/
https://www.marksdailyapple.com/is-honey-a-safer-sweetener/
https://www.mybeeline.co/en/p/us-76-percent-is-fake-honey#:~:text=According%20to%20research%20commissioned%20by,from%20being%20labeled%20as%20honey.
https://localrootsnyc.com/blogs/news/how-to-spot-the-imposter-real-honey-vs-fake-honey
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/sore-throat.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/honey-for-sore-throat
https://www.healthline.com/health/honey-for-sore-throat

The post 5 Odd Uses for Honey appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

If you suffer from frequent urination at night — also called nocturia — chances are you’re probably not getting enough restful sleep, leaving you cranky and frustrated with your body. Here’s how to get your overactive bladder under control, naturally.

What is nocturia?

If you find yourself getting up more than once during the six to eight hour period when you should be sleeping, you’re not alone. Approximately one in three adults over the age of 30 have nocturia (an excessive need to urinate at night), says the Urology Care Foundation. It could be the case that your body is making too much urine, your bladder can’t hold it for long periods of time or it’s a bit of both.

According to researchers, nocturia has a significant impact on people’s overall health and wellbeing. It contributes to fatigue, memory issues, depression and anxiety, higher risk of heart disease, gastrointestinal distress and increased risk of falls. Sleep is tied to everything — and without it, our bodies suffer.

What causes nocturia?

There are several lifestyle choices, health conditions and medications that affect the presence of nocturia. One of the most common is aging. That’s because the older we get, the less our bodies produce the hormone that tells our kidneys to take it easy while we’re resting. In addition, with age, the bladder becomes less elastic, so it can’t hold onto as much urine as it used to be able to. The result? Frequent trips to the restroom in the middle of the night.

In older men, an enlarged prostate could be the culprit behind nocturia. This occurs because the bladder is unable to empty out completely, leading to more trips to the toilet round-the-clock. In women, those who have had children may have weaker muscles if they haven’t worked on their pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, women who have gone through menopause experience reduced estrogen production, which can impact the urinary tract.

More causes for nocturia

If you think you might have a serious medical condition, make an appointment with your doctor today. Here are some other common reasons for frequent urination at night:

• Heart issues
• Diabetes
• Liver failure
• Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s
• Overactive bladder
• Prostate tumor
• Interstitial cystitis
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

Keep a diary by your bed and record how often you’re going to the restroom, so you can report back to your doctor. You can also use the BladderTrakHer web app and log every trip to the toilet. In the meantime, here are some ways to handle nocturia:

Drink less before bed

Are you having several cups of tea before bed? Drinking a few too many glasses of wine in your PJs? Before anything else, try modifying the amount of liquid you drink before bedtime to see if this can effectively reduce nighttime urination. You may find immediate relief! Also make sure to avoid caffeine in the afternoon or alcohol in the late evening, since both interfere with your natural urination cycle.

With all of that said, it’s important not to reduce your overall fluid intake too much. It may seem like this is an easy way to stop peeing at night, but it could have adverse health effects, like a urinary tract infection. Speaking of which…

Check in with your urinary tract

When you have the early symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), you may feel the urge to “go” more often than normal, especially at night. Before a full-blown infection strikes, stay hydrated every day, adjust your diet to include probiotics and always pee after sex. You might have an infection if your nighttime urination is paired with pain in your stomach, a fever and blood in your urine. If this is the case, see a doctor right away to confirm your diagnosis.

Talk to your doctor about your meds

Many medications have nocturia as a side effect. For example, if you suffer from heart failure, your doctor may have prescribed you a diuretic to get rid of the edema (fluid buildup) in your lower extremities. Unfortunately, you may feel the need to pee more often at night. Talk to your doctor about changing the medication or see if you can take it earlier in the day.

Soothe your sleep disorder

It may not actually be the urge to pee that’s waking you up, but a different problem altogether. Do you have chronic pain? Sleep apnea? Are you feeling anxious or depressed lately? All of these things can interrupt your normal sleep pattern, leaving you awake at strange hours of the night. Talk to a physician you trust about to fix your sleep disorder, naturally. You may find that your peeing problem goes away too.

Eat a handful of raisins

The evidence on this is purely anecdotal, but many nocturia sufferers have reported positive effects from eating a handful of raisins just before bed. To see if this works for you, eat 1/4 cup of raisins (about 30) before you head off to sleep. Try this for several nights in a row to see if it makes a difference. Even if it’s only the placebo effect, at least it works for some people!

Avoid ‘irritating’ foods and drinks

There are several foods and beverages that are known to make bladder irritation even worse. If you’re eating or drinking any of these, stop and see if your nocturia gets better:

• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Coffee and tea
• Processed foods
• Tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa
• Hot sauce, chili peppers, wasabi or anything else that’s spicy
• Acidic fruit juices, like orange and grapefruit

Make sure to scan the complete list of foods to avoid from the Cleveland Clinic.

Strengthen your pelvic floor

It’s always a good idea to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support a woman’s uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. For a man, strong pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and urethra, helping to combat incontinence and other problems down the line.

So what’s the solution for both men and women? Kegel exercises! Studies have shown that performing kegel exercises on a daily basis can significantly strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which helps to address many of the biggest problems associated with urinary issues.

First, identify the muscle group by interrupting the flow of urine. Hold for five seconds, then resume peeing. Once you’re familiar with the right muscles, lie down on your back in a comfortable spot. Tighten the pelvic floor muscles, holding the contraction for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Do the exercise four to five times in a row, a few times a week. Be careful not to overextend your bladder and cause further irritation. Within a few weeks, you should have a stronger pelvic floor, especially if you try out this next tip…

Roll out your yoga mat

Among yoga’s numerous benefits are exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor. Get on down to your nearest yoga studio or search for “yoga and pelvic floor” exercises on YouTube. Some of the best asanas for your pelvis are:

• Squat
• Locust pose
• Warrior II pose
• Bridge pose
• Chair pose
• Child’s pose

(The original article source is here)
Hilary Lebow

Before you go, I have another important message for both men and women…

Attention Women: Stop ‘pee leaks’ with this upper body stretch

If you want to stop bladder leakage and tighten your pelvic floor, you’re supposed to do kegels, right? Well…

That’s wrong, but there is an UPPER body stretch that strengthens your pelvic floor and stops ‘pee leaks’…

>> This strange upper body stretch STOPS bladder leakage

Attention Men: try THIS if you have an enlarged SWOLLEN prostate:

Just a handful of doctors knew this until recently:

Every man over 40 suffering from prostate problems has this hidden toxin “leaking” inside their bodies…

And not only does it swell the prostate, giving you the nagging sensation that you have to pee immediately…

But could also lead to other incurable complications!

How to avoid the dangerous “prostate toxin”.

The post Peeing Too Much At Night? Here’s How To Stop appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Have you ever heard of moringa? Hint: It’s not a new Latin American dance, it’s a superfood!

Moringa Olifera is actually a superfood plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years in India and Africa. It is also known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or the ben oil tree. Moringa tree roots can grow in a variety of soils, including dried out, depleted soils. Because they are drought-resistant and can grow without rainwater, moringa trees do particularly well in harsh and dry climates.

Most all the parts of the tree are used in many traditional herbal medicines.

Moringa is rich in powerful antioxidants and other active plant compounds. Moringa comes packed with over 90 protective compounds, including isothiocyanates, flavonoids and phenolic acids.

A large number of published studies have shown that extracts of Moringa Oleifera leaves possess a wide range of healthy biological activities in our bodies. Moringa has been used to treat a large variety of diseases including:

Moringa is considered a nutritious superfood and the leaves and pods are often eaten in India and Africa. Moringa leaves contain many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves contains protein, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. Moringa is considered so nutritious that the dried leaves are often sold as a nutritional supplement. Moringa pods are especially rich in vitamin C.

Moringa Antioxidants

Moringa contains a high level of antioxidants and flavonoids that fight dangerous free radicals in the body. Free radicals, when they accumulate in the body can contribute to the onset of many chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The tree contains a rare and unique combination of disease-preventing phytonutrients, including flavonoids, glucosides, glucosinolates, zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol.

One study in post-menopausal women found that taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder every day for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels and helped to lower blood pressure. Moringa has also been shown to reduce unhealthy levels of cholesterol as well, possibly due to its antioxidants.

The antioxidants in moringa include:

Quercetin—A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that helps protect against hypertension as well as lessening inflammatory reactions such as asthma and allergies.

Vitamin C—This antioxidant is a strong immune booster and helps slow down inflammatory responses as well. It also works in conjunction with collagen compounds to strengthen ligaments, tendons, muscles and skin. Antioxidant-rich vitamins promote your own natural collagen production, which fights signs of anti-aging by keeping skin firm and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

Chlorogenic acid—This antioxidant is found in coffee and helps to hold blood sugar level after meals.

Moringa leaf is such as powerful antioxidant it can be used as a food preservative for meat.

Moringa and Blood Sugar

Blood sugar issues and metabolic disease are a key factor in many serious health issues, especially diabetes. Keeping blood sugar stable through diet and dietary supplements is one of the healthiest measures to maintain health.

Interestingly, several studies have shown that Moringa Oleifera may help lower or stabilize blood sugar levels. One study of 30 women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder every day for three months reduced fasting blood sugar levels by an average of 13.5%.

Another small study in six people with diabetes found that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21%.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal response by the immune system to help our bodies fight off infection or heal an injury. When inflammation becomes chronic and longstanding, it can cause worsening health problems. Long term inflammation is often linked to diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease.

Many foods have anti-inflammatory compounds in them—especially fruits and vegetables. Scientists have identified one of the most powerful anti-oxidant compounds in moringa called isothiocyanates.

Protects against Arsenic Toxicity

Many of the foods we eat can pick up toxic levels of arsenic, especially certain types of rice. Arsenic is considered a poison and even low levels can build up to potentially toxic levels after a period of time. Some studies on arsenic toxicity show an increased risk of cancers as well as heart disease.

Several studies on mice and rats have proven that the leaves and seeds of moringa can protect against arsenic buildup and toxicity. This is most likely due to the powerful antioxidants it contains, as well as the increased amounts of fiber that moringa contains.

Helps the Environment, Protects Topsoil and Filters Water

Moringa tree is capable of growing in depleted or dry soils where many other types vegetation cannot grow. This is also exactly why certain undernourished populations living in third-world countries such as Africa or India have benefited from it during times of famine. It grows in dry soil and is extremely high in nutrients, making it life-saving for many.

Growing moringa can be utilized to help restore fertile soil, aid in forest restoration and protect topsoil from being blown away.

The seeds have a unique use for water purification. When moringa is combined with water, the impurities cling to the moringa seeds. Once the seeds are removed, they leave cleaner water with less toxins.

Some studies have shown that 0.2 grams of ground moringa seed can turn one liter of contaminated water into safe drinking water.

Moringa Side Effects

Moringa leaves may also contain high levels of nutrient-blocking compounds, which can reduce the absorption of minerals and protein. However, unless you are consuming very large quantities of moringa, the anti-nutrients available in moringa are of little consequence.

Moringa is completely natural and free from chemical additives and seems to be very well-tolerated. However, moringa side effects are still possible and can include:

• low blood pressure
• slowed heart rate
• uterine contractions
• cell mutations when high amounts of seeds are consumed
• interference with fertility

Be aware of medication interactions with moringa:

• Levothyroxine: Compounds in the moringa leaf may aid the thyroid function, but it can make thyroid medication too strong.
• Medications metabolized by the liver: Moringa extract can slow down the metabolism of medication causing various side effects or complications.
• Diabetes medications: Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar, which moringa also does effectively. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels if using both.
• High blood pressure medication: Moringa has shown to be effective at lowering blood pressure. Taking moringa and blood pressure medication may result in low blood pressure.

How to Use Moringa

Leaves, fruit, oil and seeds from the moringa tree have been consumed safely for centuries, but there are also many types of supplements or extracts available as well.

• Dried moringa leaves or moringa powder – Follow dosage directions carefully, taking up to six grams daily for up to three weeks at a time (which has been shown to be safe, according to studies).
• Moringa tea – This type of moringa is made from dried leaves steeped in hot water, just like many other beneficial herbal teas. Most nutrient-dense types are organic and dried slowly under low temperatures.
• Moringa seeds – The pods and flowers appear to have a high antioxidant content along with proteins and fatty acids. The immature green pods of the plant are often called “drumsticks” and can be eaten and prepared like green beans.
• Moringa oil – Oil from the seeds is sometimes called Ben oil. Look for it in natural creams or lotions. Keep the oil in a cool, dark place away from high temperatures or the sun.

A side note from our friends at Organixx:

Do you sleep poorly? Do you feel sluggish or anxious? Is it difficult for you to lose weight? These are WARNING signs that you’re magnesium-deficient, and it’s going to get worse if you don’t do something about it.

Believe it or not, 80 percent of Americans are suffering from magnesium deficiency—and this includes many who are already taking a magnesium supplement.

Are you taking the wrong type of magnesium?

Up to 80% of adults do not get enough magnesium, even many who already take a supplement. Most formulas only include one or two forms of magnesium, which may not be well absorbed by the body.

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 vital processes that support sleep, energy, metabolism, and a calm mood. But if your supplement only lists magnesium oxide, citrate, or glycinate, it could be incomplete.

A more effective option is a complete magnesium formula that includes all seven essential forms your body needs for maximum benefits.

👉 See the doctor-formulated magnesium now. You can get a free bottle during their limited-time sale.

References
https://draxe.com/nutrition/moringa-benefits/
https://yoursuper.com/pages/moringa-benefits?gclid=CjwKCAiAq8f-BRBtEiwAGr3Dga8CWNlO4-6VLus6oR-IZHms7diw-uRTGYaqo-wkYrdlNQOL-IID-RoCNhsQAvD_BwE
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916#side-effects
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-benefits-of-moringa-oleifera

The post What is Moringa and Why is it Good for Me? appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

You may have seen an interesting new ingredient on your healthy food products lately and have been wondering exactly what it is. Monk fruit, or lo han guo, is a small green melon from China with a very sweet taste—but zero calories as a sweetener and zero carbs. It also does not raise blood sugar levels. This sweet little secret has been around for decades, but is just now making its way into mainstream foods as a healthy, zero calorie, natural alternative sweetener.

We’ve had a variety of choices for low calorie sweeteners over the years. However, most of them have previously met with negative reviews due to potentially serious health issues.

Consider for example, these low-calorie artificial sweeteners that have been on the market (all approved by the FDA):

• saccharin/SweetN’Low
• aspartame/NutraSweet
• sucralose/Splenda
• neotame/Newtame
• acesulfame potassium/Ace-K, Sunett, Sweet One

All of these have been found to have adverse health effects, negatively affect the gut microbiome, have links to some types of cancers, increase appetite and actually cause weight gain.

Saccharin or benzoic sulfinide, was discovered by a scientist studying coal tar derivatives. This coal tar derivative was considered a cancer risk and has been a controversial sweetener ever since.

Aspartame, or NutraSweet as it is called, has been found to be neurotoxic and the excitatory amino acids in it can cause long term damage to the brain neurons. One of aspartame’s primary ingredients, phenylalanine, blocks the production of serotonin in our gut, which not only negatively affects moods, causing anxiety and depression, but low serotonin also brings on food cravings—especially for sweet, starchy foods. Result is often weight gain.

While sucralose was marketed as a safer artificial sweetener called Splenda, it is a chemically created compound modified by adding chlorine atoms to sugar. This is like ingesting small amounts of chlorinated pesticides. Oh, and by the way, sucralose was discovered in the 1970’s by scientists who were working on creating a new pesticide.

Many people are actually allergic or sensitive to artificial sweeteners and can have reactions ranging from an itching, oozing rash, hives, eczema to nausea, diarrhea, and wheezing.

Artificial sweeteners have been found to disrupt our microbiome in our gut as well, causing a big drop in serotonin production. This can lead to a variety of digestive problems, brain dysfunction and mood disorders including:

• Seizures
• Migraines/headaches
• Gut dysbiosis
• Diarrhea
• Asthma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s
• Brain tumors
• Sperm damage
• ADHD
• Cancer
• Kidney dysfunction

Artificial sweeteners also trigger insulin release and increase appetite, defeating the purpose for which they are used in the first place—causing cravings, excessive eating and weight gain.

Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant, has been used for years as a safe and natural alternative to artificial sweeteners. Stevia, however, when used in its more natural form, can have an unpleasant aftertaste that is bitter or metallic tasting. And, some people actually have allergic reactions to stevia. Many of the commercially marketed stevia products are mixed with dextrose, erythritol, and lactose, making them nutritionally much different and iffy as far as being a healthy sweetener.

Enter monk fruit. Monk fruit has traditionally been used in herbal medicine and has a naturally sweet taste. Monk fruit contains something called mogrosides, which are intensely sweet.

Monk fruit sweetener has several health benefits as a natural sweetener. It has zero calories, zero carbohydrates and no harmful side effects–like the FDA-approved artificial sweeteners listed above.

Monk fruit also contains antioxidants and does not raise blood sugar, making it safe for diabetics or weight loss. According to this 2011 study, monk fruit has been safely used in traditional Chinese medicine for many, many years. One of its uses is to relieve sore throats and minimize phlegm in colds and flu.

And since monk fruit has been used for centuries, it is a safe and healthful sweetener. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that monk fruit is “generally recognized as safe (GRAS)” for everyone, including pregnant women and children.

However, outside of traditional Chinese medicine, monk fruit mass is just now beginning to be mass marketed, so more scientific studies will have to be done to determine its overall effects.

The downside of monk fruit includes the fact that monk fruit is difficult to grow and harvest–and it spoils easily–so it is still a fairly expensive product. While it is gaining in popularity, it is still tricky to find monk fruit sweetener at your local grocery or health food store.

Monk fruit does have a little bit of a bitter or strange aftertaste, depending on the food or drink it is included in. Monk fruit sweeteners can be used in coffee, tea, salad dressings, sauces, baked goods, and even as a sweetener in collagen and protein powders.

While monk fruit has zero calories and carbohydrates, be careful because most baked goods, smoothies and other drinks still have plenty of calories on their own, and can fool you into thinking you are not eating any calories.

Monk fruit is a member of the Curcurbitaceae family, which includes pumpkin, cucumbers, squash, and melons. If you are allergic to any of these foods, you may be allergic to monk fruit.

While monk fruit may need further research to study all of its health impacts, it seems to be a great, natural alternative to other artificial sweeteners—and great for anyone who wants to limit sugar in their diet. Especially those with diabetes or following a weight loss diet. While there are a few claims about monk fruit’s ability to prevent cancer or other health problems, more research is needed.

Try this luscious, healthy, frosted monk fruit brownie recipe from our friends at Healthline and thesmartcookieblog.com. You are sure to enjoy every bite!

Speaking of diabetes…If you think that Type 2 Diabetes is irreversible like many misinformed doctors will tell you, then you need to read some of the proof below on how to naturally reverse Type 2 Diabetes…

Although eating “paleo” or even low-carb is a good first step, you’ll also see below other techniques on just how simple it can be to “fix” your diabetes, control your blood sugars, and lose all of that excess fat sitting on your stomach.

> 1 Simple trick to REVERSE your Diabetes, naturally (while getting off drugs ASAP)

References
https://www.truthinadvertising.org/extra-ingredients-natural-stevia-product/
https://chriskresser.com/how-artificial-sweeteners-wreak-havoc-on-your-gut/
https://usrtk.org/sweeteners/aspartame_health_risks/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322769#stevia

The post Monkfruit–The Curiously Sweet, Low Calorie Natural Sweetener appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.