Why Microwaves are Bad for your Health and Great Microwave Alternatives

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Most US households have microwaves in them. From their humble origins in the late 1940s to now, microwaves are a staple household item for their ease of use and convenience. But, did you know microwaves can be pretty harmful? Let’s dive into why microwaves are bad for your health and great microwave alternatives.

Microwaves Can Change Your Food

Several studies demonstrate the effect microwaves have on food. A large review on the effects of microwaves on food found that microwave radiation at 230 W can degrade 40% of the vitamin content after longer treatment.

Researchers Singh and others found that after microwaving vegetables Vitamin C content decreased from an average value of 274.1 mg/100 g to 67.1 mg-130.7 mg/100 g.

Researchers Watanabe et al found that microwaving foods caused a loss of 30-40% of vitamin B-12 loss. 

Microwaving can also effect carbohydrates and therefore its characteristics like calories, gelatinization, and such.  Furthermore, microwaving food can have significant effects on protein degradation and accelerating reaction. 

Leading to the next point on why microwaves are bad for your health and great microwave alternatives; another substance microwaving is known to accelerate is the formation of acrylamides.

Microwaves Can Cause Formation of Acrylamides

The American Cancer Society defines acrylamides as naturally forming chemicals that form from chemical reactions in certain types of starchy foods, after cooking at high temperatures. 

Acrylamides are formed at higher rates when food is heated in the microwave compared to other methods of cooking like broiling or cooking on the stovetop. This is especially true in potato products. 

Many studies concern the formation of large amounts of acrylamide in microwave heated potato products. Microwaving of frozen pre-prepared potato products, such as chips and wedges, led to higher levels of acrylamide in the final cooked product than any other cooking method.

Some authors have suggested that more acrylamide may be formed when microwaving compared to conventional heating methods. 

This may be because microwaves offer fast temperature increase in the foods owing to their capacity to generate heat energy inside the food, without requiring any medium as vehicle for heat transfer. 

Furthermore, many authors reported that with the increase of the microwave heating power, the acrylamide content increases. Microwave radiation, while a quick way to cook your ramen, can also be dangerous to your brain and nervous system. Which leads nicely to my next point on why microwaves are bad for your health and great microwave alternatives.

Microwaves Can Effect Your Brain

Electromagnetic radiation can be absorbed by organisms, and cause many physiological and functional changes. According to researchers, the central nervous system is one of the most sensitive organs that is targeted by microwave radiation. 

This is especially seen in the brain’s learning and memory center, the hippocampus-which is very sensitive to microwave radiation. In a study done in unexposed control rats, hippocampal neurons are aligned in clear, neat rows.

However, in rats treated with long-term exposure to radiation, neurons exhibit edema and are arranged irregularly.

That’s a whole lot of bad news. Now let’s get on to the good news: there are great microwave alternatives.

Microwave Alternatives

Toaster ovens-They work just as well as microwaves without microwave radiation. Good for reheating sandwiches, baked goods, vegetables etc. You can even bake, broil, and toast with these things! Often just as compact or even smaller, than microwaves. Check out the alternatives below!

Black and Decker TO1313SBD Toaster Oven $42.99, Amazon

Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven With Bake Pan $69.19, Amazon

<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X3T8D1R/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06X3T8D1R&linkCode=as2&tag=themustard02d-20&linkId=1750463b3175041d6e596704f4b9dc44″><img border=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B06X3T8D1R&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=themustard02d-20″ ></a>

Dutch Ovens-Another great option for making all kinds of food. This alternative has a variety of uses ranging from making soups, reheating soups, cooking meats, to baking bread! Don’t let its simple appearance fool you; Dutch Ovens are where it’s at! Check out some below.

Puricon 5.5 qt Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Red, $50.99 Amazon

Best Choice Products 6 qt Enameled Heavy Duty Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $59.49 Amazon

Sulives Non-stick Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $59.99 Amazon

Oven and Stovetop-Options we often don’t consider when reheating or making food because we can use the microwave. But you can use the oven and stovetop for many things including reheating food, making teas and soups, even making popcorn! This option can take more time compared to the microwave, but its a safer alternative.

Conclusion

While microwaves offer us convenience by saving time, they also offer some health concerns. Such as degrading and decreasing the amount of quality nutrients found in our food, exposing us to nervous system damaging microwave radiation, and increasing amount of cancer-causing acrylamides in our food. 

With that in mind, using safer alternatives like the ones mentioned above and waiting a few extra minutes to reheat dinner may be worth it. Also, did you know that eating from plastic containers can cause dangerous effects like infertility? Read more about that here.

Blessings,

M/M

5 Cool Benefits of Taking Cold showers

I know how hard it is to believe that there are 5 cool benefits of taking cold showers. Especially for those like me whose guilty pleasure is a long, steamy showers. Take a look at the following 5 cool benefits of taking a short cold shower.

1. Stronger Immunity

Taking cold showers can possibly keep you from getting sick! According to a 2013 study, taking cold showers could could strengthen your immunity. Reducing your chances of sickness by 29%. The following cool benefit of taking cold showers is another reason to cool down your showers. For more ways to improve your immunity, check out my post here.

2. Help with Depression

Who would’ve thought that a few minutes of brisk suffering could make you happier? According to a 2013 study, taking a two to three minute shower could help with depression by raising endorphins (the happiness brain hormones) in the body. Moreover, researchers also found that taking cold showers could cause a pain-relieving effect-explained in the next point.

3. Reduce Pain

A study done in 2017 found that taking cold showers every day could be a great home treatment for treating arthritis. Additionally, this treatment could be great after exercise (no need to dunk yourself in a tub full of ice). It makes sense, when you have swelling you use an ice pack to reduce the swelling.

Furthermore, cold water can also better blood circulation which is great for people with hypertension or atherosclerosis. Better circulation contributes to the following cool benefit of taking cold showers.

4. Mellow You Out

This next point is surprising, as I would never guess that taking a cold shower would relax you, but apparently it does. Researchers found that taking cold showers could lower your cortisol levels (stress levels).

This lowered-stress level effects are found to improve your sleep. Which, come on, who doesn’t need to sleep better? You’ll sleep even better after viewing the next cool benefit of taking cold showers: bad chemicals.

5. Reduce Exposure to Bad Chemicals in Shower Water

Tap water sucks. Our governments adds all kinds of chemicals in our water sources that are known to be toxic (i.e. chlorine, fluoride). According to the CDC, chlorine is used as a disinfectant to destroy disease-causing germs like salmonella, campylobacter, and norovirus.

But, chlorine gas is a known respiratory irritant. Moreover, it can damage your lungs, and is associated with bladder and rectal cancer. When we take hot showers, chlorine quickly vaporizes and gets into your body through inhalation and absorption.

Conclusion

To conclude, taking cold showers are not comfortable. But, you could still reap the benefits of cold showers by starting the shower with warm water then slowly transitioning to cold water and ending with 30 seconds to one minute of cold water.

All this is coming from a woman who finds her “me time” at the end of the day taking a long, hot shower. But, knowing now these 5 cool benefits of cold showers-I’ve turned down the heat.

Blessings,

M/M

Think Twice Before You Light that Candle|Is My Favorite Candle Really Toxic?

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Is a night of relaxation at home ever complete without lighting your favorite candle? Or what about a romantic dinner with your boo? You’ve gotta have your candles! Candles bring peace and ambiance to any room or setting. But before lighting that candle, and allowing that cinnamon apple candle to send you into bliss, consider that some candles can give you a lot more than a sweet smell.

Candles Produce Soot

When you light that cute cinnamon apple candle, its almost like starting a little factory in your home. Soot is a known carcinogen, as well as causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Standard wicks made of stiffener, wire and cotton. Using pure cotton wicks will completely rid the problem of soot. If your candle doesn’t have a cotton wick, trimming the wick, and extinguishing the candle by covering it with a lid after extinguishing it will help prevent soot according to an article at the candleers.com you can see below.

Candle Soot: How To Fix It And Prevent It

Some Candles Emit Dangerous Chemicals

Chemists from the American Chemical Society found that candles made with paraffin wax releases many bad chemicals including formaldehyde, toluene, fragrance, and paraffin. You definitely wouldn’t want these chemicals floating around in your home:

1. Formaldehyde: this chemical can cause damage to the respiratory system, eyes, and is cancer-causing according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

2. Toluene: a chemical typically used in chemicals like paint pigments and solvents. Toluene is known to cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, anxiety and respiratory problems. Long term exposure can cause kidney damage according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

3. Fragrance: a chemical linked to a multitude of health effects including cancer, reproductive system problems, allergies, and sensitivities.

4. Paraffin: a chemical that most candles are made of (i.e Yankee Candle Co, Bath and Body Works, etc.). But paraffin comes with a whole host of health problems including: cancer, chiefly breast cancer. A study in Long Island, NY found that women exposed to paraffin had a 50% greater risk of breast cancer. check out the link below.

https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article/38/7/691/3847626

Luckily, there are other alternatives to those lovely Yankee Candles or the Bath and Body Works Candles you can enjoy.

Other Wax Candles

Soy candles and Beeswax candles like the ones listed below are 100% paraffin and toxin free and with essential oils. Soy candles also produce a strong scent like paraffin wax. So you can enjoy the scent of a pine forest while reaping the benefits of essential oils! Not only that, but some of the candles listed below have cotton wicks so they are soot-free!

Diffusers

Diffusers are another great option! They’re pretty easy to use and versatile. So you can have the home smelling of orange zest in the morning and frakincense and vanilla at night. Not only that, but they provide humidity to your home which could be great for your skin and hair. Check out the diffuser sets listed below!

Conclusion

While its easy to think, “hey, I’ve been using scented candles for years and haven’t had any health problems or been hospitalized.” The idea with toxins often is that “the dose makes the poison.” Thus you could expose yourself to a dangerous toxin as long as it is within safe limits. But it’s important to consider that any toxin anywhere, is still a toxin. It can still have an effect on you even if you don’t see it today. So limiting your exposure to toxic chemicals like the ones found in candles would be the best idea to keep your home safe from toxins but smelling great.

Blessings,

M/M

Monday Musings: Why are there so many Dangerous Chemicals in my Shampoo?

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

Our body is our temple, right? Most of us are pretty good at ensuring the things we put into our bodies are not poisonous, damaging or harmful to our bodies, right? We wouldnt willfully eat lead or arsenic or inhale asbestos. But what about the things we put outside our bodies? 

Did you know that most of our daily care products like shampoo, toothpaste and lotion are filled with dangerous chemicals? While the European Union has banned more than 40,000 dangerous chemicals in personal care products, the US has only banned around 11 dangerous chemicals. Leaving most consumers with a cocktail of dangerous chemicals seeping into our bodies every day. In this series, were gonna discuss some of the chemicals in our everyday personal care products. But there’s still hope, because I’ll also provide some great alternatives.  

Take a look at some of the many chemicals you can find on the back of many everyday personal care products taken from Safecosmetics.org: 

• Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. 

• Paraformaldehyde, a type of formaldehyde. 

• Methylene glycol, a type of formaldehyde. 

• Quaternium 15, which releases formaldehyde. 

• The long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, which have been linked to cancer. 

• M- and o-phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, which irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA and can cause cancer. 

• 1, 4-Dioxane, Not listed on ingredient labels, 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant linked to cancer found in products that create suds, such as shampoo and liquid soap. 

• Acrylates, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate) are ingredients found in artificial nail products 

• Benzophenone, and related products, chemical linked to cancer, benzophenone is used in cosmetics such as lip balm and nail polish to protect the products from UV light. 

• Butylated compounds (BHT, BHA), Concerns about organ-system toxicity and endocrine disruption led the European Union to prohibit the preservative butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) from cosmetics 

• Carbon black, dark black powder used as a pigment in cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara and lipstick that has been linked to increased incidence of cancer. 

• Coal tar, known carcinogen found in shampoos, soaps, hair dyes, and lotions 

• Ethanolamine compounds (MEA, DEA, TEA, etc.), The European Union prohibits DEA in cosmetics due to concerns about formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. 

• Ethoxylated compounds (PPG, PEG, polysorbate, phenoxyethanol, polyoxyethylene, sulfates, emulsifying wax NF), breast cancer and other cancers 

• Fragrance, The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists 3,059 materials that are reported as being used in fragrance compounds.Of these 3,059 ingredients, some have evidence linking them to health effects including cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies and sensitivities. 

• Homosalate, potential endocrine disruptor 

• Hydroquinone, cancer, organ-system toxicity, respiratory tract irritation. 

• Methylisothiazolinone, allergies and possible neurotoxicity 

• Mica, respiratory problems, and lung scarring 

• Nanomaterials (zinc oxide, micronized titanium dioxide, micronized quartz silica, fullerenes), damage to skin cells, cell damage, and lung cell mutations 

• Nitrosamines (TEA, DEA), linked to cancer 

• Octinoxate, endocrine disrupter 

• Parabens, endocrine disrupter 

• PABA, endocrine disrupter  

• Petrolatum, petroleum jelly (paraffin and mineral oil), cancer, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists 14 PAHs as probable or possible carcinogens and one PAH as a known carcinogen.[5]  A study on Long Island, NY, found that those women with high levels of PAH-DNA adducts had a 50 percent greater risk of breast cancer 

• Polyacrylamide, carcinogen 

• P-phenylenediamine, organ system toxicity, cancer 

• Preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea,), Cancer, endocrine disrupters, reproductive toxicity 

• Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP, fragrance), endocrine disrupters, cancer, reproductive toxicity 

• Quaternium-15, eye and skin irritation, allergies 

• Resorcinol, skin and eye irritant, endocrine disrupter 

• Retinol, cancer (possibly), developmental and reproductive toxicity 

• Talc, irritation, cancer, organ system toxicity 

• Toluene, developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, irritation 

• Triclosan, hormone disruptor and antibiotic resistance 

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

Whoah, that’s a huge list for dangerous chemicals! How can I possibly remember all of that? Plus, I’m sure its not so bad if my favorite products have only a small amount of these chemicals, right? 

Wrong. According to an article on Safecosmetics.org, it was long held that as long as a dangerous chemical was used in small amounts, it was not dangerous. This theory was put forth by a 16th century physician scientist Paracelsus. He believed that any substance was a poison if you ate too much of it and that any substance could be safe if the exposures were small enough. Research has since revealed that there are no safe exposure levels for some chemicals. For instance, lead can affect brain development even at parts per million. A dangerous chemical, is a dangerous chemical, is a dangerous chemical.  

You’ll notice in the list above, most of the chemicals fall into one or all of these categories: organ system disrupter, irritant, endocrine disrupter (i.e. reproductive toxicity or developmental toxicity), or cancer-causing (carcinogen).

Considering that cancers are 70-90% environmental, meaning not caused by your genes inherited from your parents (5-10% of cancers are hereditary), is it too much of a stretch to consider the products we use as causing cancer? Or even infertility? A meta-analysis published in 2017 in the journal Human Reproduction Update found that sperm count has declined by 50% in 40 years! Miscarriages and female infertility are also increasing, at a rate of 5-10% per year according to singlecare.com. Its easy to wonder if those numbers would be different if the personal care products didn’t have these dangerous chemicals in them.

For example, take a look at some of these everyday hair care products below:

Pantene Pro-V Daily moisture renewal shampoo 

Ingredients (Dangerous chemicals in bold): Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Citrate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-6, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium Edta, Trihydroxystearin, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Panthenol, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Histidine, Silica, Iron Oxides, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. 

Herbal essences hello hydration shampoo and body wash

 

Ingredients (Dangerous chemicals in bold): Water/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycol Distearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Silk Extract, Orchis Mascula Flower Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Dimethicone, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-6, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Blue 1.

Aussie miracle moist 3 minute miracle deep conditioner 

Ingredients (Dangerous chemicals in bold): Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropy, Dimethylamine, Dimethicone Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Glutamic Acid, Edta, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Ecklonia Radiata Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil. Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. 

Tresemme moisture rich conditioner 

Ingredients (Dangerous chemicals in bold):Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Behentrimonium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Biotin, Fragrance (Parfum), Dipropylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Disodium Edta, Dmdm Hydantoin, Peg – 7 Propylheptyl Ether, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Peg -150 Distearate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone. 

We only get one body, so we owe it to ourselves to care for it, and be diligent with how we take care of it. And what products we use to care for it. I know how disappointing this list can be-especially if some “natural” products you have are filled with some of these dangerous chemicals! But there’s still hope. Consumers are becoming more aware of the dangers of chemicals in products, and companies are listening.

If you’re like me, some of those products mentioned above are your tried and true faves! It can be tough finding other personal care products that are free of dangerous chemicals. Thankfully, I’ve found a few good brands to check out (that are pretty affordable too)!

Stay Tuned for My Next Post!

Blessings,

M/M

Tips for a Stronger Immune System!

Your immune system is one player in a wonderful team that is your body. On a team, each player must do their job in order to to be successful. If one player is slacking, the whole team is slacking. In this article, I’ll detail some practical things to add to your lifestyle that contribute to a healthy immune system. I want to preface this to say, I am no doctor, dietician, or nurse. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in biology and have done extensive personal research on the immune system. I am no expert in any form! Now, onto the article!

The Heroes of Your Immune System

First, lets talk about the main heroes in the immune system: The White Blood Cells

B cells: these cells produce antibodies that mark invading bad germs (i.e bacteria, viruses, fungi) that make their way into your body. Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are unique to whichever germ infects your body. So you can have an antibody for the flu virus, or an antibody for yeast infections.

Memory B cells: they keep a “memory” of previous germs and remain in you body for life. So if you were to get infected again, your body will already know how to mount up a defense and use the same strategy that worked the first time to defeat the invader. This is why usually when you get sick with the same virus or bacteria a second time, usually its not as severe. For example, my husband caught COVID twice: the first time he was sick for around a week and recovered. The second time, he was sick for one night and recovered.

T cells: killer cells who destroy invading germs that are marked for destruction by the antibodies.

Memory T cells: work similarly to memory B cells in that they retain a memory of the strategy to defeat an invading germ.

Natural Killer cells: kill invading germs in acute infections (i.e. a splinter infected with germs would be killed first by natural killer cells).

Macrophages: large immune cells that literally eat invading germs (phagocytosis).

This is a basic sampling of the many workers in your immune system. I’ve included this list because some of the research I talk about mention these guys. These guys require help to maintain their function and strength. That help comes from a variety of things starting with the food you eat.

“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food”-Hippocrates, Ancient Greek physician

The following is a list of some foods, supplements and practices you can incorporate in your diet that help your immune system stay healthy and work properly. I’ve also provided suggested quantity per day and some links to where you can buy these products!

Garlic

This lovely little bulb is fantastic for the immune system! According to a large review of garlic research, garlic is shown to stimulate immune cells like natural killer cells, and other white blood cells. Garlic also regulates antibody production.

Garlic can be incorporated into many different recipes from breakfast to dinner! Chop up a few cloves and place in pasta, sprinkle garlic powder on your eggs or avocado toast! The possibilities are endless with this lovely bud.

For more information see,

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2015/401630/

Honey

Loved by Pooh bears and people althrough history! Honey is a wonder product with many benefits for the immune system.

According to a large scientific review of the benefits of honey, scientists found honey works as a virucide, and has proven its effectiveness on many viruses including HIV, Flu virus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus.

Honey acts as an antimicrobial, the antibacterial properties of honey can speed up the healing process and directly kill bacteria. Honey also acts as a fungicide and antiviral. Honey can suppress viral growth by inhibiting viral replication and/or viral activity. Honey has proved its potency against several RNA and DNA viruses i.e. influenza virus, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), rubella, herpes simplex virus.

Simply substituting Manuka or clover coney for sugar in tea or coffee, or substituting for sugar in recipes can be a great way to incorporate this into your everyday life. Check out the honey below!

For more information see below,

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020326414#bib40

Green Tea

Green tea is another great immune booster. In an article at Science Daily, scientists detail how green tea contains powerful compounds that increase the number of T cells that play a key role in immune function and suppression of autoimmune disease.

I personally love green tea. But I probably drink no more than 1 cup every other day or once a week. In the January 2016 review in the International Journal of Cardiology, people who didn’t consume green tea were at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke compared to regular green tea drinkers. Specifically, people who consumed 1 cup or more of green tea each day were at a reduced risk for heart attacks and stroke. While people who drank 10 cups or more had reduced cholesterol levels compared to moderate green tea drinkers who consumed 3 cups or less per day.

For more info see below,

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602143214.htm

Ginger

Ginger has long been known and used for its anti-inflammatory properties. An extensive review article demonstrated that ginger is an effective antimicrobial which can help in treating infectious diseases.

Ginger can be easily incorporated into recipes. You can use powdered ginger, or whole ginger. There are also ginger chews out there that are delicious. I personally enjoy sliced ginger with honey in tea for a quick immune boost!

For more information see below,

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602143214.htm

Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb that can help you quickly recover from colds and the flu. Many clinical trials have shown that people who take Echinacea as soon as they feel sick reduce the severity of their cold and have fewer symptoms than those who do not take the herb.

A review of 14 clinical trials found that echinacea reduced the chance of developing a cold by 58% and the duration of a cold by 1 to 4 days.

When I had COVID, I drank elderberry tea with echinacea daily, and it greatly helped my recovery. Check out the tea below that helped me.

For more information see below,

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/echinacea

Essential Oils

Essential oils are another great thing to add to your lifestyle. A study examining essential oils effects on the immune system found that pregnant women who used lavender essential oil every other week for ten weeks had higher antibody levels after the massage.

According to clinical dietician Cara Mars with the UC Yampa Valley, states that peppermint oil has antiviral properties and can help increase your immunity.

Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and spearmint oil can be incorporated into your lifestyle through essential oil roll-ons, using a diffuser, or even adding a few drops to your favorite shampoo, conditioner or body wash. Be careful though! Some people experience allergic reactions from essential oils. So do a spot test on your skin before using. Even standing under a small boiling pot of water with 10-15 drops of essential oil in it works just as well. When I was sick with an upper respiratory infection, I had essential oils like peppermint and lavender going all day in my room. This greatly helped with my recovery. Check out the organic essential oils I use and love below!

For more information, see below

The power of peppermint

Vitamin D

Ahh, The sunshine vitamin! Vitamin D is created in the skin during sun exposure and contributes to a healthy immune system. Numerous research studies demonstrate that Vitamin D plays an important part in fighting antimicrobials like bacteria and viruses, and increases production of antibodies.

Simply going outside and getting 10-15 minutes of sunlight is sufficient. Unless you’re Black like me and need at least 30 minutes outside. But what if you work indoors most days? Well, I take 5000IU according to holistic women’s doctor Dr. Jolene Brighten’s suggestion. Some studies suggest a high daily intake of vitamin D (1000-5000 IU) is needed to maintain optimal blood levels. Definitely consult your doctor to see what’s best for you.

Best source of Vitamin D: Sunlight, egg yolks, red meat, salmon, herring.

For more information see below,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/

Zinc

Zinc used to treat the common cold has been well reported in research. Zinc works as an antioxidant and is anti-inflammatory. Research shows zinc is crucial for normal development and function of immune system cells including natural killer cells. Macrophages also are affected by zinc deficiency. Phagocytosis and antibody production all are affected by zinc deficiency. The researchers also found zinc deficiency adversely affects the growth and function of T and B cells.

Research suggests 10mg of highly absorbable zinc is recommended. Definitely consult your doctor to see what’s best for you.

Foods high in zinc: Red meat, shellfish, legumes, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and eggs.

For more information, see below

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2277319/

Vitamin C

Everyone knows vitamin C is worth its weight in gold for the immune system and the body in general. A large, extensive review demonstrated Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of the immune system. Vitamin C also supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens (i.e. mucus membranes, internal barrier in lining of intestines, and skin). The Mayo Clinic recommends a daily amount of vitamin C of 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Definitely consult your doctor to see what’s best for you.

Foods high in Vitamin C: elderberry, oranges, lemons, limes, papaya, mango.

For more information, See below

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/

Exercise

Exercise, Exercise. We hear it all the time. But exercise has so many wonderful benefits to the body. Research shows during and after physical exercise, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are released, and white blood cells circulation increases. This has an effect on the lower incidence, intensity of symptoms and mortality in viral infections observed in people who exercise regularly, and suggest a benefit in the response to viral communicable diseases.

The Mayo clinic suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of hard aerobic activity a week as well as strength training for all muscle groups two times a week.

For more information, see below

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7387807/

While a healthy immune system is super important, its also important that your whole body is healthy as well. Yes, incorporate some of these foods or practices to your lifestyle, but don’t give too much attention to just your immune system. You wanna make sure the whole team is working together at its best.

Blessings,

M/M

Why Raspberry Tea is Your BFF During Your Period!

Like most women, I have had to endure the pain accompanied by that monthly friend-my period. For me, I experienced a lot of back pain, the usual cramps, and even upper leg and lower back pain. These symptoms afflicted me every month for years until I heard of a simple natural remedy that does wonders and kicks that pain to the curb! And that superhero-I mean, remedy-is Raspberry tea. 

Photo by Lisa on Pexels.com

Why Raspberry Tea?? 

Raspberry Tea has long been used by natural doctors and midwives to assist in labor and delivery. So what does raspberry tea do, and why are they so important in getting rid of period pain? Well, a meta-analysis (a collection of studies) from 1941 to 2106 found that certain chemicals (flavonoids) work on the smooth muscles of the uterus. According to the Mayo Clinic, cramps occur during your period because the smooth muscles of the uterus is shedding its lining, leading to pain.  Drinking raspberry tea during and even before your period comes causes those contractions to cease. When I drink raspberry tea during my period, I experience the following symptoms:  

• NO back pain 
• NO leg pain 
• NO cramps 

My period literally comes and goes without wreaking any havoc. Sometimes it ends sooner than usual.

Raspberry leaf tea is filled with antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress In the body that can lead to diseases like cancer. Raspberry leaf tea also contain vitamins A, C, E,, and B vitamins which support the Immune system, prevent oxidative stress In the body that can lead to diseases like cancer. This tea also has calcium, magnesium, and potassium which are great for strong bones and teeth, and healthy digestion. I highly recommend organic raspberry tea. Why organic?  

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Why Organic Raspberry Tea? 

According to the US Department of Agriculture, organic food is defined as crops grown on farms that don’t use harmful pesticides, herbicides or fertilizer before harvesting, and the farms are free of any genetic modification, ionizing radiation or sewage sludge. In regular raspberry tea, the harmful process remain and reduce the amount of antioxidants naturally found in the tea. 

If you’re looking for some great brands to buy raspberry tea, try these! A lot of them are from Amazon. Which is great if you have Amazon Prime, and most of them come with huge amounts of tea to keep you stocked up for a couple of months! 

The Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (of the Hippocrates oath fame), once said  “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” God provides us the means to cure any ailment we have-Including pain during periods! Definitely speak to your doctor, and do your own research as well. So, if you experience heavy, horrible, painful periods consider raspberry tea! It may help you. 

Blessings,

M/M