I am quite excited and inspired after coming back from a 3-day workshop (Don Tolman’s Bootcamp for Health) about wholefood medicine. Not only did I get a king bed to myself for 3 nights (a definite perk) but I was able to take away a new level of awareness and appreciation for the human body. I learnt so many new things and it has opened my eyes even wider, even challenging some of my own current health principles. It is certainly a minefield out there and there is plenty of confusing and conflicting information.
I am super excited to share some tools, tips, and protocols to take your health and self- care to the next level. I can’t emphasize it enough, that YOU are in control of your own health and that of your child/ren. The decisions you make daily from what you consume and eat and take into your body/your temple to what products you use to clean your body and your home. Over time these daily decisions add up and have the power to impact you and you families overall health.
What I am sharing may be eye opening form some and you may question it. By all means do your own research and don’t just take my word for it, search for your own answers.
The information is by no means meant to scare you nor make you feel guilty whatsoever. But it is there to give you information to make your own informed choices. Plus it can awaken you to the industries out there that are putting profit before health. One question I do ask you to think about is “WHAT COST DO YOU PUT ON YOUR FAMILIES HEALTH?”
Mumme’s are generally the ones that make most of the choices in the home, from buying the groceries to buying household cleaning agents to clothes/appliances etc. We are not perfect so it is certainly not about getting it right all the time. It is more about making some informed choices. Even if you just change one or two things to reduce your toxic exposure/intake, the impact to you and your families health can be massive. It is the small changes/steps taken over time that impact your health. It could also have a ripple effect into your extended family and friends. Awareness and education is key to making informed decisions for your health.
The whole 3 day event was about self- care and wholefoods as medicine. It was also about YOU being your own doctor and listening to your own body as you know it best.
What I am discussing is only the tip of the iceberg….there are so many other truths I have learnt over the years. I believe it is time for us all to collectively get BACK TO BASICS (like our ancestors lived), and stop supporting industries that do not have our health and well-being in mind. To get back to wholefood nutrition (for the body) as well as self -care for the mind and soul. I am excited to share this information so that we can all embrace more healthy principles that can not only make us feel amazing but are key to our health and longevity. It may be eye opening to some but please look into it and decide for yourself. The impact you can have in your own world and to that of your child/rens is great!
SOME Self- Care/ Wellness/Health TIPS FOR YOU!
1. BUY ORGANIC WHERE POSSIBLE…unfortunately organic can be expensive so maybe only pick a handful of products/fruits and vegetables to go organic with. There are some products that contain more chemicals in their production so do your research (please refer to The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 List link below).
Hazardous pesticides/preservatives are spayed onto the skin of our fruits and vegetables and washing alone does not remove them. Boric acid is one preservative that is spayed to control fungus on citrus fruit and it is potentially hazardous to our health.
Buy wholefoods, unrefined flours and avoid any white products. As close to nature as possible is the best way to go.
If you cannot afford ORGANIC FRUIT AND VEG you can simply buy some ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (Braggs Brand) and put approximately 2 tablespoons to a ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar to 8 cups of water, filling a large bowl. Put your fruits and vegetables in the bowl, turning the produce a few times and trying to immerse it all in the solution and soak submerged for approx. 5 minutes. Afterwards you can if you wish (not mandatory) gently scrub them, rinse with water, dry and then enjoy! The vinegar kills off any nasties, removes pesticides, wax that get added to commercial fruits and vegetables.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wnM1IgkRFg
PLUS PLEASE CHECK OUT THE DIRTY DOZEN & CLEAN 15 LIST…that lists the top 12 most contaminated/sprayed fruits and vegetables, containing the highest pesticide residues. As well as the safest, not as highly sprayed, least pesticide residue fruit and vegetables that are safer to buy conventionally if necessary.
http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/dirty-dozen.html
2. USE ONLY ORGANIC COTTON UNBLEACHED TAMPONS/PADS
They contain harmful chemicals, plastics and fragrances THAT ARE TOXIC TO OUR BODIES. Need I say more….
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/feminine-hygiene-products_b_3359581.html
3. AVOID ANY PRODUCT THAT CONTAINS ASPARTAME– aspartame has been linked to cancers/M.S and more, and it is still in numerous products in the supermarket today. It is a genetically modified (GM) food and breaks down into formaldehyde. It is in ‘sugar free’ products such as fizzy vitamin drinks, chewing gum, diet soft drinks, energy drinks, confectionery etc., and is being used in over 5000 food products!
4. READ FOOD LABELS…BUY AN app called ‘The Chemical Maze” This app will put you back in control and give you the truth about what might be in your foods/products thus deciding what you might choose to avoid. You may not be aware but many skin products and nail polishes contain formaldehyde. This is highly toxic and can cause many skin conditions/ailments. Not to mention that many kids may induce it as they eat off the nail polish on their fingernails…I know my daughter does! Formaldehyde FREE products are available out there (e.g., I buy a natural nail polish for my daughter from the health food store). Benzoic acid (201/E210) is another additive that best be avoided. It is derived from petroleum. It is a preservative used in many jams, pickles, soft drinks as well as cosmetics and medicines.
During my research I also came across several artificial sweeteners that are carcinogenic PROHIBITED IN FOOD FOR INFANTS yet they are in some fruit juices, jelly and toppings. How is that possible? Don’t kids love jelly and get fed jelly when they are sick? Makes me wonder…. Another preservative I found that is in some bakery goods and pastas is also PROHIBITED IN FOOD FOR INFANTS. The interesting thing to note is that one potential effect is restlessness and sleep disturbance!
READ WITH CAUTION…You may not look at RED FOOD COLOURING THE SAME WAY AGAIN when I tell you that it is made from INSECT EXTRACTS (carminic acid which is extracted from the cochineal beetle’s body and eggs and used to make carmine dye, the red dye used as food coloring).
http://nutritionnibbles.blogspot.com.au/2009/08/insects-dye-our-food.html
Another thing to think about is that these toxins are also put in bubble bath and baby products that are absorbed into the skin. I will stop here as during this whole process it has made me so upset and angry that companies and large industries can get away with using these kind of ingredients and jeopardizing the health of innocent lives and our precious children. It certainly saddens me.
Check out this video it’s eye opening!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeQGPjmmOAc
5. BE AWARE OF L-CSYSTINE…not all forms are created equal! It is used in many products, in particular commercial bread. The main use is to prolong shelf life of the product. It is mostly derived from human hair OR duck and chicken feathers.
WHERE POSSIBLE, choose fresh bread from the bakery. Ultimately the choice is yours but it is also great if you can support a local bakery and know where their ingredients are sourced. Otherwise check the labels a choose a product that does not contain this additive.
http://www.naturalnews.com/032718_L-cysteine_commercial_bread.html
6. DO A DETOX
I have done several detoxes in my time and I believe that they are so beneficial to your health and well- being. Giving your body a hiatus from food for a few days can do you the world of good on so many levels! There’s nothing better than a bit internal cleaning & housekeeping!.
The Bootcamp for Health I just attended were strong advocates for detoxing to boost energy, remove toxins, strengthen your immune system, give you some mental clarity as well as nurture your creativity, give you healthier skin/hair, make you feel lighter and improve your overall sense of well-being! Who doesn’t want a bit of that?
Now if you are pregnant or breastfeeding I would not go there right now.
Plenty of companies out there offer detox plans/juice detoxes etc so do your own research but I am certain even if you try a 2-3 day detox your body, mind and soul will love you for it!
http://www.energygrid.com/health/2007/07kb-detoxification.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UkZAwKoCP8 (interesting findings on intermittent fasting!)
7. HAVE AN APPLE A DAY…YES IT DOES KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY!
WOW the amazing properties of an apple…another one of natures wonder foods! Apples are full of anit-cancerous properties; antioxidants (disease fighting compounds) that help prevent and repair oxidation damage in the body. They are jam packed with fiber and they detoxify the liver…and so much more! Get hooked on apples and encourage your kids to have an apple a day!
8. WAKE UP AND DRINK WATER AND LEMON JUICE
It is a natural cleanser and detoxifier for the body, flushing out any toxins that have accumulated. Lemons also contain strong antiviral, anti-bacterial and immune boosting properties. What you may not know is that even though lemons are acidic they are highly alkaline for the body. So, they actually help alkalize the body, which is something I was unaware of!
9. AVOID UHT MILK…FRESH IS BEST!
I am certainly guilty of buying UHT milk due to its convenience.
The problem with UHT milk is it is processed, heated at a high temperature damaging and killing out all the amazing healthy properties (nutrients, milk enzymes, proteins) of the milk.
I remember growing up we would get fresh milk delivered in glass bottles…it only we could go back to that! I am sure this still happens in some areas.
There is also the debate about pasteurization and homogenization of milk. Again that could open up another can of worms! Again do your own research and decide what you feel is best for you and your family.
http://www.foodrenegade.com/just-say-no-to-uht-milk/
http://www.foodrenegade.com/healthy-milk-what-to-buy/
10. EAT HEALTHY SALT DAILY
AVOID commercial salt/table salt (AKA…rubbish salt). It contains anti-caking agents (aluminum) and sometimes aspartame and MSG. It is a processed substance that is bleached. High levels of aluminum in the diet are possibly linked to the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike real salt, processed salt causes the body to retain fluids and is toxic to your body. When reading food labels avoid products that contain salt and go for products that preferably contain the good salts…sea salt/himalayan/celtic).
The interesting fact I learnt was that High Blood Pressure is linked to salt intake so most people with high blood pressure avoid salt altogether. However, the danger is only with table salt/highly processed salt that is made of sodium chloride. Whereas true natural salt…has so many significant health benefits used in moderation.
Go for natural organic salt sources…Himalayan crystal salt Or Celtic Sea Salt (containing over 80 essential minerals and trace elements beneficial to your health and well- being)
http://draxe.com/10-benefits-celtic-sea-salt-himalayan-salt/
11. WEAR ALUMINIUM FREE DEODORANT
Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and Cancer. Whether studies show it has been proven or not, I am avoiding it. The truth is your body absorbs whatever you put on your skin, so it is up to you what products you choose to use knowing this fact.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deborah-burnes/skin-care_b_1540929.html
12. STOP USING ANTIBACTERIAL ANYTHING!…TOSS ANY ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES/SPRAYS/HAND SANITISER.
WHY? Again these products contain dangerous chemicals. Though they are meant to kill off harmful bacteria, they also KILL OFF GOOD BACTERIA that is there to help prevent the bad bacteria from spreading and actually help you strengthen your immune system. The anti- bacterial industry is worth a lot of money today. Your best bet is to avoid these products not only for your health but you will save a lot of money! The exposure to healthy bacteria/germs in the environment actually strengthens your immune system. Get back to basics with natural cleaning products and save money!
http://blogs.naturalnews.com/harmful-handwashing-7-dangers-antibacterial-soaps/
13. THE KISS PRINCIPLE- KEEP IT SIMPLE SISTER!
The answer is getting back to basics…the fewer ingredients in a product the better. Try to go a la natural…wholefoods, as close to nature as possible. Learn to read ingredient labels and if you are unsure what is in your food research (using the chemical maze app) OR put it back on the shelf.
Making your own skin care products is also an option and much cheaper! Get the whole family involved making some DIY products…the kids will have a ball! Not only will it be better for your body but you can save some money too!
http://wellnessmama.com/5801/diy-beauty-recipes/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5wfMNNr3ak (some food for thought)
14. GO BPA FREE! MAKE SURE ANY PLASTICS YOU HAVE ARE BPA FREE
This message has definitely been well advertised so most people by now should know to avoid BPA’s., and when you are buying products they should be clearly labeled BPA FREE.
A couple of other tips you might be interested to know:
1. If your plastic water bottle gets warm from the sun in your car or outside, toss it out. Toxic chemicals leach out into the water and are unsafe to consume.
2. Also try to go for glass blenders or polycarbonate plastic appliances. .
3. AVOID putting plastics (especially take away container) in the microwave oven. If you do choose to microwave only use glass containers.
4. You may not know but BPA is highly concentrated on cash register receipts/dockets. Avoid touching or letting kids play with them/suck them. Plus if you know anyone that works in an industry where they are touching receipts etc daily/regularly, I would highly recommend they use cotton gloves.
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/avoid-bpa-exposure-from-cash-register-receipts.htm
I have only discussed a small part of how you can take control of your own self-care…and I hope to share more insights with you in the next few weeks. Self care/wellness principles are not only about nutrition but they expand out to your home, the haven you live in (your sanctuary), the relationships you have and the way you cope with stress in your life. As well as trusting and honoring the temple that you live in. Nobody knows your body better than you…you live there! Your body is there to support you! So listen to the whispers that your body is telling you and follow your gut instincts/intuition always.
I hope you are not feeling overwhelmed with all this information, I hope it has given you some insights and information that can lead to more informed choices. Choose what resonates and speaks to you and make small baby steps daily. You will not look back!
PLEASE SHARE the love and send to other family members/friends.
INFORMATION IS POWER!
Yours in health!
love n life
Nina xo
If you are interested in chatting about your health/wellness, your self-care regime/rituals and looking into your own current practices to create a holistic self-care plan for your family…or even just to debunk some of the myths! I am currently offering FREE 30 min Skype wellness consultations…limited spots available, so Please contact me ASAP to get back in charge of your health. Email me: nina@mummetree.com OR Facebook message me at my Facebook page: mumme Tree.
There are a lot of health myths out there (and I was certainly guilty of believing in some) so get the right information to make informed health decisions for you and your family.
“LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE BE THY FOOD”
(Ancient wisdom from HIPPOCRATES)
Nobody knows your body better than you…you live there!
Please note the information above is not prescriptive, it for educational purposes only and you are free to choose what resonates with you and by all means do your own research and don’t just take my word for it! I hope this has been helpful and informative for you and your family.