Author: Kerrie Bross

How to Choose the Best Probiotic for You

Kerrie Bross Dr. Mercola, Probiotics , ,

Best_probiotic

The benefits of probiotics have been known for thousands of years. The use of fermented foods for intestinal and digestive problems was written about in ancient Rome, the Middle East and Asia. People knew to use probiotics for health before they ever knew probiotics were the beneficial part of the fermented foods.

Today, information on probiotics is all over the internet. Some of it is conflicting information, so, how do you know which probiotic to choose? Below, we’ll discuss the different kinds of probiotics and what ingredients to avoid to help you choose the best probiotic supplement for you.

Probiotic Basics: The Tried & True

probiotic_foodsThere are many microorganisms that have the distinction of being probiotic. Many of these are native to our digestive tract, while others do a wonderful job once they get there. The first probiotics that were identified were the lactobacillus strains back in the late 1800s. These are found naturally in the human gut and fermented d foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. The Lactobacillus strains that are most prominent are L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. Casei, and L. johnsonii. Lactobacillus strains have been used to aid GI problems since their discovery. They are tried and true, but some studies show that they don’t often live through to the lower intestines, getting killed off by stomach acid and bile salts. For better longevity, make sure your Lactobacillus probiotics are combined with bifidobacteria and prebiotics.

Bifidobacteria strains are also naturally found in the human gut and were identified very early on in probiotic research. They are necessary for a healthy gut. As with Lactobacillus strains, the Bifodobacterium don’t have a great survival rate in the stomach Mercola_Complete_Probioticsand small intestines, so make sure to take a probiotic supplement with strains from both that also contains prebiotics for better survival in the upper GI. We like Mercola Complete Probiotics because it fits all these criteria, and is free of all potentially harmful fillers I’ll discus shortly. It contains 9 strains of Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium probiotics, along with prebiotics, and was formulated to be resistant to bile salt and acid breakdown.

Probiotic Basics: The Powerful Newcomers

In recent years, a new form of probiotic supplements has emerged that addresses the problem of survival in the stomach and small intestines. Within the last ten years, soil based probiotics have taken the market by storm. Soil-based organisms, or SBOs, are actually spores and are sometimes called spore-forming bacteria or spore-forming probiotics. Though they are not native to our gut, they develop a symbiotic relationship once there and have been shown to be very beneficial.

While soil-based probiotics have not been popular for long, humans have been eating SBO’s as long as there have been humans. Ancient humans used to ingest lots of SBOs in their diets naturally from eating fruit, vegetables, roots and whatever they gathered. Preindustrialized people ate freshly farmed food and worked and played in the dirt. The rise in processed food production, modern urbanization and the rampant use of pesticides have left our diets virtually devoid of these hearty, beneficial bacteria – so much so that a soil-based probiotic supplement is a very good idea.

The characteristic that put soil-based probiotics in the limelight over the past years is their ability to survive better into and through the intestines without any special treatment or coatings. Also, they are very shelf stable in heat and cold, which makes them easy to store and safe for travel.

Prescript_Assist_soil-based_probioticsAt Nourishing World, we sell a few very good soil-based probiotics. The one I take daily and the only probiotic I have ever tried that keeps me regular is Prescript-Assist. It contains 29 strains of microflora and prebiotics to ensure viability throughout the entire digestive tract. Five years of double-blind, university clinical trials showed Prescript Assist can:

  • Ease abdominal discomfort, nausea, and indigestion
  • Regulate bowel patterns
  • Keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy
  • Decrease bloating and flatulence
  • Restore healthy microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Promote overall health

Latero-Flora_soil-based_probioticsBecause what works best for one person may not for another, we sell a couple other soil-based and spore-forming probiotics. Global Healing Center’s Latero Flora is a single strain of microflora shown to naturally inhibit a number of pathogens including candida. Research shows that Latero-Flora has significant effectiveness in easing gastrointestinal symptoms as well as food sensitivities, while enhancing digestive efficiency.

just_Thrive_spore_forming_probioticsThe newest probiotic to grace our shelves is just Thrive Probiotic & Antioxidant. This brand is different because it markets itself as a spore-forming probiotic instead of soil-based. What’s more, it was formulated to stay in the gut for the entire 21 day life cycle. This means the microflora has time to colonize in the gut, where it can revitalize digestive bacteria, restore immune balance and aid in the creation of powerful disease-fighting antioxidants for a healthy body and mind.

What to Avoid in Probiotic Supplements

Because there are so many choices of good supplements on the market, it is hard to narrow down choices. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid when purchasing any supplement, including probiotics. I recommend avoiding these because they are questionable at best, and some have been shown to cause serious health problems.

Flow Agents – Look for magnesium stearate, steric acid, vegetable stearate and other stearates. Another flow agent to avoid is Magnesium Silicate. These are added simply to speed up the processing of supplements – without regard for the harm they may cause. There is a ton of controversy all over the web about their safety and their potential harm to humans.

Artificial Colors – I don’t think I need to discuss the many potential side effects of artificial colors. We try to avoid them in food, so try to avoid them in supplements, as well.

Titamium Dioxide – This is a metal used in supplements and cosmetics as a pigment. It has been linked to problems with immune function. Avoid any supplement with this ingredient.

Fundamentals of Taking Probiotics

People often ask what is the best time of day to take probiotics and is it best to take them with food or without. Taking probiotics at any time, with or without food is going to benefit you, but for maximum benefit, take it within 30 minutes of eating something with at least a little bit of healthy fat.

relaxing_yogaThe best time of day to take probiotics for maximum benefit seems to be individual. Ideally, you should take them when you will be able to relax and be stress free for a few hours. For many, this is around bedtime. But, some people may be early risers who get up and have a nice relaxing morning. These people may get the maximum benefit taking their probiotic supplement during their morning routine. I take mine in the morning because that is when it fits in my schedule. I notice the benefits when I do this, so I know it’s working. I rarely remember to take supplements at night, so even though that may be the best time of day for me to take them, if I forget to take them they do me no good. As I stated earlier, taking them at any time of day can be beneficial. With a little experimentation and some willingness to pay attention to your body, you can find out what the best time of day is for you. Or take them when it’s convenient – you will still benefit.

There are a couple things most experts agree on when supplementing with probiotics.

  1. Probiotics should be taken during and after a round of antibiotics. Antibiotics do not discriminate between good and bad microflora and kill off everything, leaving the body devoid of beneficial bacteria along with the infection. One article I read for this post said it can take over a year for our bodies to completely rebuild the healthy bacteria colonies after a single round of antibiotic treatment. With supplementation, this time frame can be greatly reduced.
  2. Don’t take probiotics within two hours of taking antibiotics (or supplements with strong antibiotic properties). Lets face it, if you’re taking antibiotics, your probiotics are not going to work optimally. Every time you take an antibiotic pill or the pink goo you will kill some microflora. To give the probiotics a fighting chance to get into your system for a bit, you want to make sure you have a two hour window on both sides. If you are taking antibiotics morning and night, then take probiotics two hours after the antibiotics so it has many hours to work before you take the antibiotics again.

Most people I know don’t eat fermented foods daily. I don’t eat fermented foods daily, so I take a good probiotic supplement (Prescript Assist) to help maintain a healthy digestive tract and improve my immune system. If you’re like me, and don’t eat fermented foods daily, then supplementing with a good probiotic is a good idea for you, too.

 

According to This Walkabout Emu Oil User, Magic is Real!

Kerrie Bross emu oil, Westin A. Price Foundation , ,

Walkabout_Emu_Oil_Sale

We recently received a rave review for Walkabout Emu Oil and wanted to share it with our readers.

Walkabout Emu Oil Testimonial – “Magic is Real!”

This testimonial is courtesy of one of our customers, John Giustra.

“My daughter, Jennifer Kozek, gave me 4 bottles of your Emu oil. I’ve used two bottles so far. I’m 73 with severe pain in my hips and arm, and most debilitating for me in the neck. After 10 days, I noticed a remarkable improvement in all areas. I’d been using traction for my neck, not needed now – well only used it once since the 10 day period. I have enough to get me through 2 months taking 6 pills a day. I believe I can then go to 4 pills a day. We will see. You can use any part of this or all of this in any ad you publish free of charge. My daughter was very impressed by you and I trust her. A US believer, magic is real! lol”

What is Emu Oil?

Emu oil is the nutrient dense fat reserved by emu before they go into torpor (it’s like hibernation) and before they sit on their eggs for three months prior to hatching. It is a life sustaining fat, considered a sacred food, that has been used by Aborigines for over 40,000 years!

Why is Walkabout Emu Oil Better?

Buy_Emu_OilWalkabout Emu Oil comes direct from Australia where the animals are free to roam and live a normal life, eating what emu in the wild eat. The farmers who work with Walkabout care for herds of genetically-unique emu, chosen because their oil is especially high in vitamin K2. There are many commercial uses for emu products including meat and leather, and for many farmers, the oil is a by-product. At Walkabout, the birds are bred for their high vitamin K oil.

Another reason we love Walkabout Emu oil is because of the minimal processing of the oil – it is never heat or chemically treated or pasteurized. Their motto is “Nothing is added to our oils and nothing is taken out. Our emu oil is assembled and balanced by nature.” This makes it extremely bioavailable, nutrient dense, and very good for us.

Health Benefits of Walkabout Emu Oil

Emu oil is recommended by the Weston A. Price Foundation because it’s a sacred food with a dense nutritional profile. Here are some of the many nutrients you’ll find in Emu Oil:

  • Omega-3
  • Omega-6
  • Omega-9
  • Vitamin K2
  • Vitamin D3
  • Vitamin E
  • CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)

Try Walkabout Emu Oil for yourself and see how it benefits you! It comes in liquid, capsules and topical forms for your convenience.

Healthy Moms Favorite Mother’s Day Menu

Kerrie Bross Uncategorized

Healthy_Mother's_Day_Menu

So I was thinking about a Mother’s Day post and decided to share my favorite mother’s day menu with you. Keep in mind I’m spoiled. But, I work hard, and I deserve to be spoiled every now and then – and so do you! Hopefully you are lucky enough to have a hubby who will prepare a nice, healthy meal for you. My kids will help me make the chocolate covered strawberries and will cut the asparagus and make the dressing for my husband, but he will do the rest. I’m lucky that way. My menu starts with tomato and fresh mozzarella salad with homemade balsamic dressing, followed by surf and turf (boiled lobster and grass-fed beef tenderloin) with garden fresh asparagus, finished off with chocolate covered strawberries. I can’t wait!

Favorite Healthy Mother’s Day Recipes

Caprese Salad with Paleo Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressinghealthy_tomato_mozarella_salad_recipe

I love tomato and fresh mozzarella with fresh basil and balsamic dressing. YUM!!! The recipe below is for an easy homemade Paleo Balsamic Dressing. I find that using all extra virgin olive oil in homemade dressings doesn’t always refrigerate well. Instead, I use a half and half blend of EVOO and avocado oil and have never had any problems refrigerating dressings. Avoid the unhealthy oils like soy, canola, peanut, etc. because of over-processing, hydrogenation, and GMOs.

Paleo Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 c avocado oil
  • ½ c balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano

Directions:

1. Slice organic tomatoes into 1/4 ” to 1/2 ” slices and arrange on a plate.
2. Slice fresh mozzarella to about the same thickness and put one slice on each slice of tomato.
3. Wash fresh basil and pull several larger leaves off the stem. Lay them one atop the other. Roll them all together and slice several times to make thin lines of basil. Place two or three of these basil strips onto each piece of mozzarella.
4. Drizzle with Paleo Balsamic Dressing right before serving.
5. Enjoy!

Easy Beef Tenderloin to Die For

Easy_grilled_beefg_tenderloin_recipeThis recipe is so easy and so good!

  • 4-5 lb grass-fed beef tenderloin (we’ve done it with smaller pieces as well)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika (we’ve used hot paprika for a great kick)
  • Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Use hands to coat tenderloin with EVOO.
2. Rub spice mix all over.
3. Place in sealable container, or ziplock baggie, for at least one hour.
4. Grill to desired temperature.

Boiled LobsterHow_to_boil_lobsters

I don’t think I really need to give directions for this do I? OK, the quick version. Fill a pot 3/4 with water. Salt if desired. Boil the water then add the lobsters and bring back to a boil. Cook for 6-7 for the first pound, then an additional 3 or 4 minutes per pound. The lobster should have an internal temperature of 135° – 140° and be bright red when done. Check temp by inserting meat thermometer into the base of the tail close to the body. Don’t forget to melt butter for dunking pieces of lobster. Enjoy!

Go Green Tip: Lobster shells are compostable and good for your soil!

Grilled Garden Asparagus

Grilled_asparagus_recipeAsparagus is a perennial that is very easy and prolific in a home garden. It takes a couple years to get established, then it takes off and is almost like a weed – a very tasty weed! This recipe works in the oven, too – just lay on cookie sheets.

Directions:

1 Wash and cut white, tough bottoms off.
2 Place asparagus in single layer on a sheet of aluminum foil.
3 Drizzle with EVOO and sprinkle with course sea salt. Fold up the foil and seal the ends. The asparagus will no longer be in a single layer.
4 Grill for 3-4 minutes, then flip and grill another 3-4 minutes. Open the top of the packet and make sure they are a nice bright green and tender. Grill a couple extra minutes if necessary.

Yummy Paleo Chocolate Covered StrawberriesPaleo_chocolate_covered_strawberries_recipe

So chocolate is a very tough thing to make Paleo and spectacular. Real chocolate is a tricky thing to make from scratch. I’ve been working with different recipes for the past year and this one seems to be good for sugar free chocolate covered strawberries. If you don’t have to go sugar free, then use Enjoy Life chocolate chips for easy chocolate covered strawberries. That brand is free of the many allergens and toxins found in most chocolate chips. But, if you’re being really good and want good Paleo chocolate covered strawberries, then try the recipe below.

  • 1 lb organic strawberries
  • 2 Tbs organic cocoa butter
  • 2 Tbs coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup organic cocoa powder
  • 2 – 4 Tbs confectioner’s sugar alternative. I like Swerve brand, which is erythritol.

Directions:

1. Start by washing the strawberries and setting them on a towel to dry. You want them as dry as possible as any water in the chocolate will ruin the texture.
2. It is hard to measure exactly 2 Tbs of cocoa butter when it comes in big hard chunks, so estimate and start it melting on low heat in a double boiler. When it is melted you can measure out the 2 Tbs. Put the left over in a parchment lined glass bowl to harden so you can put it back in your bag for later use. Put the 2 Tbs you are using back in the double boiler.
3. Remove double boiler from heat. Add coconut oil to the cocoa butter. It should melt in a minute or two. Add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth. Add the confectioner’s sugar alternative and stir until smooth. Start with 2 Tbs and add more to taste. Sugar with big granules won’t melt properly and maple syrup or honey will change the texture due to the water in them. This mixture will be very thin and watery.
4. Grab a strawberry by the leafy green part on top and dip in the chocolate until desired coverage is achieved. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Repeat with all berries and place in fridge for 15 minutes or until set. Because this chocolate is very thin, you will want to repeat this process 3 or 4 times. The chocolate will stay melted for a very long time because of the cocoa butter. If it starts to get too think, warm the water back up a bit.
5. After the final layer has set, place on a nice dish for presentation or place in a covered container in the refrigerator. They will last a couple days in the fridge. Ours never last that long because they get eaten so fast!

Have a Happy, Healthy Mother’s Day!

Save Your Pits! Avoid the Dangers of Toxic Deodorants & Antiperspirants.

Kerrie Bross Natural Skincare , , ,

Schmidt's_Natural_Deodorantby Kerrie Bross

If you’re looking to eliminate toxins in your everyday life, then toss your villainnous deodorants and antiperspirants. Most deodorants and antiperspirants are loaded with toxic ingredients linked to many diseases. Check out the list below to see what toxins may be lurking in your stick. Or skip right to the end to see our new all natural deodorant line.

Common Toxins in Deodorants & Antiperspirants

Aluminum-Based Compounds – Aluminum compounds are the ingredients responsible for clogging the pores in the underarm area, thereby reducing sweating. Studies suggest there is a relationship between underarm antiperspirants/deodorant use and the development of breast and prostate cancer due to the aluminum compounds messing with estrogen levels. Other studies suggest that increased aluminum compounds in the avoid_toxic_deodorantbody may disrupt proper neurological function and can lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Need another reason to avoid deodorants with aluminum? Aluminum kills the less odor-causing bacteria in our armpits, making it so the more odor-causing bacteria can thrive. That’s right, the use of deodorants and antiperspirants with aluminum actually make us more smelly. Natural deodorants with no aluminum will automatically help with odor because they don’t kill the beneficial bacteria in our armpits.

Parabens – Parabens are the preservatives most often used in the skincare industry. They get into our system quickly, even when applied topically, and mimic estrogen. Although they are only found in minuscule amounts in deodorant or antiperspirant, they are found in so many products that it can add up quickly. The big concern is the cumulative damage done from years of repeated daily exposure. Interfering with estrogen has been linked with breast cancer, in both women and men, and prostate cancer. Look for natural deodorants, sunscreen and other skincare without nasty parabens.

Phthalates – Phthalates are often hidden on skincare labels as “fragrance” but are plasticizing chemicals often used for their texture and their ability to help dissolve other ingredients. Phthalates is actually a huge class of chemicals, and not nearly all of them have been studied, but those studied have shown scary results. In the past few years, researchers have linked phthalates to multiple neurological issues like low IQ, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders and other neuro-developmental issues & behavioral issues. They have been connected with breathing problems like asthma. Some other biggies researchers found links to are breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, as well as altered reproductive development and male fertility issues. Clearly, the less we get of these in our bodies, the better! A good natural deodorant will not contain any phthalates or artificial fragrance.

Propylene Glycol – Propylene Glycol is another ingredient that has multiple questionable health risks. It is a common food additive and is often used as a base for many skin care products. Although it is FDA approved, toxic levels have been associated with cancer, heart  disease, reproductive issues, developmental abnormalities, and endocrine complications. Many people get skin irritations or have allergic reactions to this common ingredient. Infants cannot properly process Propylene Glycol, meaning they can get toxic levels in a much shorter amount of time than adults. Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid it. Lastly, Propylene Glycol helps the body better absorb anything it comes in contact with, making it easier for other toxins to enter our bodies. Again, check your labels. Natural deodorants will not contain this toxic chemical.

Triethanolamine (TEA) & Diethanolamine (DEA) – TEA and DEA are known carcinogenic chemicals that can permeate the skin and negatively affect the liver and kidneys. Europe has already banned the use of these chemicals because of their known cancer-causing risks. And so have all the manufacturers of quality natural deodorants.

What Should You Use Instead of Toxic Deodorants & Antiperspirants?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to walk around a sweaty, smelly mess to have healthy armpits. Just switch to a non-toxic product like Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant. Schmidt’s Naturals was started in 2010 when the founder was pregnant and on a mission to develop a natural Schmidt's_sensitive_skin_natural_deodorantdeodorant that was actually effective. And we think she did a fantastic job of it!

Schmidt’s invests in research and testing to ensure their deodorants are all natural, non-toxic and free of any controversial or filler ingredients. Schmidt’s developed their award-winning formula to naturally and effectively neutralizes odor without the use of aluminum or any other toxic ingredients. And it is 100% made in the USA!

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant is enriched with natural minerals and essential oils, contains no artificial fragrance, and is easily absorbed so you only need to use a small amount. What’s more, they use natural powders to help absorb wetness. Schmidt’s Deodorant is also cruelty- and gluten-free and certified Vegan.

We Put Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant to the Test!

The last natural deodorant I tried gave me quite an irritation and even a weird bump under my armpit after using it for a while. These went away when I stopped using it, so I blame the deodorant. I’ve tried other brands that seem more like I’m spraying on a nice fragrance to mask my own smell. They didn’t really work on odor or wetness. I decided to try Schmidt’s Geranium Sensitive Skin Formula for myself because of my reaction to the last natural deodorant. I am extremely impressed!  Firstly, it goes on very easily, very smoothly. I tried a couple different brands that the texture was so bad – too thick and sticky even – that I had to toss them. Schmidt’s Natural Deodorants have a great smooth texture that goes on easily.

I know what you’re thinking. Nice texture is all well and good, but does it work on odor and wetness? Well, we got our initial order of Schmidt’s Naturals at the end of last week, right before a weekend of skiing at Attitash Mountain and dancing our butts off. It is late in the season, soNatural_antiperspirant it was a little warm for skiing in the Northeast, in the 40’s. But, it withstood the potential stink of a teenager skiing on a warm day! And, Saturday night was a huge party and dance night with a super fun 70’s band, Motor Booty Affair. I was out on the dance floor shaking my booty, literally shoulder to shoulder, with a crowd of people. At the end of the night I was not stinky and I had no sweat stains under the armpits of my silky long-sleeve shirt. So impressed!

Test Schmidt’s For Yourself!

We put it to our tests, and think you will be equally impressed when you put it to your tests. Give any Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant a try, and if you don’t like it, send it back. We have a 60 day money-back guarantee on all Schmidt’s products. Let us know what tests your Schmidt’s Natural Deodorants pass!

Feeling Crappy After Eating Poorly Through the Holidays? We Can Help.

Kerrie Bross Detox, Probiotics, Uncategorized , , ,

feel_better_after_eating_poorly

One of my biggest weaknesses are the desserts. I love desserts of all kinds and the holidays are usually loaded with all kinds of sweet goodies to try. Well all that sugar and flour has done a number on my system and I bet there are more than a few of you out there also feeling a bit off due to eating all kinds of stuff you don’t usually eat. Here’s a list of supplements that may help you feel a little better after all that indulgence.

Food & Inflammation & Your Digestive Tract

Most of those wonderful holiday foods are made with sugar and white flour. Many studies have shown that eating processed white sugar & processed wheat can cause all kinds of inflammation. And, furthermore, the overeating and, for many of us, consumption of alcohol, wreaks further havoc on our entire digestive tract. Here is a list of some good supplements that have helped many reduce inflammation as well as being great for the whole digestive system.

Walkabout Emu Oil – This high vitamin supplement can be taken orally or used topically. Many people report relief of inflammation when they take a good Australian Emu Oil. And, the Omega 7 in emu oil helps with digestion.

Raw Cod Liver Oil – Both Green Pasture’s Fermented Cod Liver Oil and Rosita’s Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil are raw and full of naturally occurring vitamins A & D, as well as lots of good omegas. And, as well as it’s anti-inflammatory properties, cod liver oil has been shown to be great for the entire gut.

Wedderspoon Manuka Honey – Manuka honey has a whole slue of potential health benefits including being anti-inflammatory. It has shown anti-bacterial & antimicrobial properties, as well as being good for digestion. And, if holiday stress has you feeling like you’re coming down with something, then this may help stave off a full-blown cold, too.

Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen – There is a lot of the amino acid glycine in a serving of Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen. Glycine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. A good collagen supplement may also help with food-related inflammation by helping to maintain a healthy stomach and aiding proper digestion.

Turmeric – Turmeric is a superfood growing in popularity recently due to its many health benefits. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant. It has also been shown to help with digestion and aids in nutrient absorption from our food. Global Healing Center makes a powerful Turmeric Liquid Extract made from 100% certified organic turmeric roots.

Get Your Gut Back to Health

Feeling like it’s mainly your gut that needs help after all the indulging? Because it is the center of our bodies, gut health can dramatically affect many other parts of our bodies. Studies show gut health can effect weight, heart health, immune system & even brain health. (1) All the above are great supplements, but for powerful gut healing, you might want to try great probiotics or a gut specific supplement.

Prescript-Assist – These powerful, soil-based probiotics are combined with prebiotics to further boost their efficacy. Prescript-Assist is backed by more than five years of double-blind university clinical trials that show its effectiveness against a variety of digestive issues and other gastrointestinal diseases. It is my personal favorite probiotic and the one I take daily.

Restore – This is a liquid mineral supplement for gut health. It was developed to help repair the damage done by eating pesticides and GMO foods. Restore helps to minimize and eliminate the gaps they cause in the lining of the stomach. It has helped many with leaky gut and other digestive disorders.

Detox for Optimum Healing

January is an ideal time to embark on a good detox program. Many people take this time to help eliminate toxins from all the holiday indulgences and feel great after a few weeks of this. If you’d like to check out a variety of detox options, then check out this Spring Detox post.

Hope You Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

So, go ahead and enjoy your New Years’ celebrations, but stock up on supplements to help you feel better after.

 

  1. 5 Ways Gut Bacteria Affect Your Health

 

 

Living “The Twelve Pains of Christmas”?

Kerrie Bross Environmental Conservation ,

fake_vs_real_christmas_tree

Let’s Try a Fake Tree

Ever feel like you’re living in the song “The Twelve Pains of Christmas”? Last year for me it was “rigging up the lights”, and this year it’s “finding a Christmas tree”. It all started a couple weeks ago when I was checking the lights. I remembered how we had to tie the tree to the curtain rods last year to keep it from falling repeatedly. I thought “maybe we should try a fake tree this year”. My husband had been trying to get us to agree to a fake tree for convenience sake for the past few years, but the kids and I always wanted real trees. Home Depot was having a sale for 20% off fake trees, so be packed the family in the car to go check out fake trees. What a disappointment that was – the nicest looking trees from 6 ft away were very plastic and cheap looking up close and still $300 after the coupon!

No New Fake Trees

OK, so a new fake tree was out. Then I was voluntold I was hosting a holiday party in six days and I still hadn’t decided what to do about a Christmas tree. I asked around in my family to see if anyone had one they weren’t using. My stepfather could write a book on dumpster diving, so he had a couple trees for us to look at. I went to his house and picked up a very battered box that was being held together with duct tape. That should’ve been my first clue, right? Well, I got it home and we started setting it up. Strings of lights were wrapped around the top tree piece so the branches wouldn’t all fall. My husband and I were still trying to untangle it when my daughter came down the stairs and cried “Ugg, no! It’s not full enough!” Then my son said “and it’s not tall enough”.

A roll of duct tape and a call to my stepfather later, and I was on my way back to my parent’s house to trade in this tree for a different one. I had specific instructions to set the new one up there to check it out before I brought it home. Thankfully, my Mom had it all set up by the time I got there. It wasn’t great, but it was free and could do in a pinch. We packed it back into the box and I brought it home. It was still a no go with the kids, and honestly, it made me a little sad when we had it together and in the tree spot. I don’t think it would have held even half my ornaments. Five days till the Christmas party and still no tree!

Borrowed Christmas Tree Was a Bust

That left finding a real tree. The past few years we had been getting our trees from a little farm in a nearby town run by a really nice older couple. It’d been a lovely tradition to go look for a tree there where the old man would cut it down for us and give the kids crackers to go feed the ducks and the fat little donkey. Nice, right? But no time for that this year, only four days till the party! So I called the local tree farm and found out there was a stand about 20 minutes away that was open at night. We needed to stop at Lowe’s for an outdoor light sensor/remote thingy and decided to look at trees there first. We walked in and found a great tree right away, tall and full – what a beautiful tree! It was $73. I had sticker shock. We’d been paying $35 for the past five years at the quaint little tree farm. We looked at a few other cheaper trees and left because nobody was around to help ureal_vs_fake_christma_trees and I was a bit disheartened.

We ended up at the tree stand of the local tree farmer. They had plenty of helpful people
around and one of the teachers from the local junior high was our personal tree presenter. We found a nice full tree for $40. It’s shorter than we prefer, but it still makes everyone happy. We got it home, put it in the stand and put the lights on that night. The rest of the decorations finally got on the day before the party! Whew! Christmas tree was checked off the list.

Fake Vs. Real Trees

So this whole ordeal got me to thinking about which is better for us and the environment. Some of the pros of fake trees is they are easy to put up and take down, cheaper over time and there are few pine needles all over the floor. I found out this year that some of the cheap ones do shed plastic pine needles, but not nearly as badly as real trees shed. After reading a few different articles on real vs fake Christmas trees, I realized that there isn’t really a consensus on which is better for the environment. But, overall, real trees appear to be better for our health and the environment, as long as you recycle the tree. If it gets thrown in the trash, it’s not so good for the environment. And, even though many tree farms use pesticides on their trees, real trees are still better for us than the toxic plastics in the fake trees. Old fake trees may even contain lead!

The Countdown is On

Now there are only 10 days to go until Christmas, or less if your celebrations start on the 23rd like ours. Do you have your tree yet? If you’re stressing about that and other stuff, then check out last week’s post on how to stay healthy even when stress is high. And if you have to live a Christmas song, I hope it’s Silver Bells or Let It Snow.

 

Eureka! See The Amazing Detox Face Mask You Make At Home

Kerrie Bross Detox, Honey, Natural Skincare , ,

homemade_bentonite_clay_mask

This past year my favorite bentonite clay company discontinued their detox facial scrub and I was sooo bummed! I used it in the shower a few times a week for years! I’ve taken it upon myself to come up with a comparable product that I can make at home with my own ingredients. The scrub Living Clay made had crushed walnut shells to exfoliate and peppermint oil to invigorate. Our basic recipe has none of those so is good for sensitive skin as well. Then you can customize it for exfoliating, invigorating or soothing depending on what extra ingredients you add.

The basic detox facial mask uses a bentonite clay paste for the detox part of the recipe. Bentonite clay is an amazing natural detoxing agent that works by binding to bacteria and toxins on the surface of the skin and deep in the pores to extract them out and wash them away. It also has antibiotic properties to aid healing and fight infections. People have also observed a soothing effect from using a bentonite clay mask. Make sure to always hydrate  bentonite clay in a glass jar because it can pull impurities from plastic once it is rehydrated.

Manuka honey is added for its many potential medicinal properties. These include:

  • Antibiotic properties to help alleviate blemishes
  • Anti-inflammatory to sooth skin
  • Helps balance skin’s pH
  • Contains amino acids to help slough away dead skin cells
  • Promotes collagen growth for firmer, younger looking skin
  • Natural humectant to draw moisture into the skin, which enhances skin elasticity and cell regeneration
  • Promotes healing

I added Walkabout Emu Oil to further sooth, heal and moisturize the skin. Potential benefits of emu oil for skin include:

  • Naturally high in antioxidant Vitamin E
  • Contains Omega 3, Omega 6 & Omega 9 which are vital to healthy skin
  • Super noncomedogenic moisturizer
  • Anti-inflammatory to soothe skin
  • Promotes cell regeneration & healing

Basic Detox Face & Body Maskeasy_homemade_face_mask

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Tb Living Clay Bentonite Clay Powder
1 1/2 Tb Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Honey
1/2 Tb Walkabout Topical Emu Oil
1 1/2 Tb warm water

Directions:
Mix the bentonite and water to make a paste first. Then add the honey and emu oil and mix thoroughly. Make sure to always use glass whenever possible when bentonite clay is activated with water – it can pull impurities from plastic as well as your skin. And stir with a wooden stirrer as it can also pull things from metal. this recipe makes about 2 oz of finished product. Store in an airtight glass container. As all ingredients have very long shelf lives, it should keep for months.

Once made, it can be used as a daily cleanser that you put on and wash off right away, or as a deep cleansing mask that you let dry on your face before you wash it off. For best results, use a hot washcloth to rehydrate the mask for easier removal. Your skin will feel wonderful after!

Natural Invigorating Face & Body Scrub

If you want to make this an eye-opening morning scrub, then add these additional ingredients: 1 tsp coffee grounds & 6 or more drops peppermint essential oils.

So, I knew right away there was no way I was getting crushed walnut shells for my recipe, so I searched for alternative exfoliants. My first thought was sugar, because I’ve seen that used quite a bit. But, I don’t eat white sugar because it is toxic, so why would I put it on my skin?  I used coffee grounds instead. Coffee grounds are a good alternative because the caffeine can enhance fat metabolism and increase circulation, which may help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Use this all over and the exfoliating properties will certainly make your skin soft and smooth!

I used peppermint oil because it is super invigorating and leaves the skin feeling tingly and refreshed. Different brands have different quality oils. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on high end essential oils to get a quality peppermint oil.

Super Soothing Facial Mask

To make this a soothing face mask, use calendula tea instead of water, and add 6 or more drops of either lavender essential oil, calendula essential oil or a combination of the two. Calendula has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing properties to soothe sensitive skin. Lavender oil also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which help with healing of many skin issues. And it smells so nice, it helps us feel relaxed and refreshed all at the same time.

Great Homemade Gift Idea!homemade_gift_idea

Need stocking stuffers or like to make nice gifts for others? You can make a big batch of this and fill multiple jars to give as gifts. It’s easy enough for kids to make! A little fabric and ribbon and, voila! You have a great little gift for loved ones.