Spring Cleaning…Your Body

Opening windows, seeding your lawn, and putting away winter coats are some of the things most of us do in our homes when the first signs of spring start popping up. But our homes aren’t the only things we should be looking at when it comes to spring cleaning.

A seasonal body cleanse can do wonders for our health. Cleansing or detoxifying can help the body rid itself of toxins that have built up in our systems over the months (or years).

A quality cleanse will enhance the body’s natural detoxification process, which includes the liver, kidneys, digestive system, lymphatics, and blood. If you have never done a cleanse before, the variety of options available today can be confusing and daunting. Here are two that I like.

For first-timers or people with very sensitive systems, I recommend a gentle cleanse like Renew Life First Cleanse. It is a combination of organic herbs that supports normal cleansing and organ detoxification functions and is designed for people who have never taken a total body cleansing supplement. It lasts 2 weeks and is simple and effective.

Pathway Ultra Cleansing System AM/PM offers a little more digestive cleansing action and is a 30-day cleanse. This is the one that I do twice a year. Continue reading “Spring Cleaning…Your Body”

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Natural Support for Allergy Symptoms

Allergy season is upon us… and sooner than in most years, thanks to a shorter and warmer winter. Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, and for many of these individuals, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, sinus pressure and pain are not only associated with spring and summer trees, grass and pollen, but are also triggered year-round by things like dust, mold and animal dander.

Environmental allergies are not a disease, but a symptom of immune dysfunction.

In order to effectively treat allergies, you need to focus on the root cause, as well as the symptoms. The immune system is built to respond to infection (viruses or bacteria) by producing antibodies. In the case of allergy, the immune system overreacts, treating these harmless substances as invaders. The antibody IgE (immunoglobulin E, which is produced against the allergen) triggers the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals like histamine, responsible for the symptoms of itchy, runny eyes and nose, and sneezing. This inflammation can spread and lead to other related disorders, as well. For example, people who suffer from allergies are said to be three times more likely to develop asthma, an inflammatory disease of the airways. Continue reading “Natural Support for Allergy Symptoms”

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Supplements for Babies & Toddlers

Yesterday I wrote about making baby food; today I am writing about what supplements a baby should have. I do get quite a few questions regarding this topic, and even yesterday, someone emailed me a question about vitamins for their toddler.

Here is my take on giving supplements to infants and toddlers.

Nursing infants under the age of 6 months should be supplemented with vitamin D3. I have written about this before. If they are nursing well, and are having regular bowel movements, this is the only supplement they need. As a nursing mom, your own diet should consist of fruits, veggies, lean protein and whole grains… plus GOOD FATS!!

Once solids are introduced, nursing usually is curtailed a bit. Bowel movements can become more difficult especially with iron-fortified cereals. I suggest adding a quarter teaspoon of essential fatty acid (Nordic Naturals DHA Jr.) to the cereal to help with bowel movements. Plus it is very important for brain and eye development. Continue reading “Supplements for Babies & Toddlers”

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Get Rid of Fleas Naturally

Fleas are a given when you have a dog or cat that goes outside. These pesky, microscopic pests cause scratching and itching and great discomfort to your furry loved ones. Regular cleaning interrupts the life cycle of the fleas and greatly cuts down on the number of adult fleas that end up on your pet, especially if you act before flea season begins. So start your program with these nontoxic steps:

a. Steam clean your carpets.

b. Clean and vacuum floors, couches and beds, particularly where your pet hangs out, at least once a week.

c. Wash all linens in hot soapy water. Heat kills all stages of flea life.

d. Give your pet a bath with a natural anti-flea product like Halo Herbal Dip, and then go through their fur with a flea comb and remove any fleas. They are the size of a pinhead and black. When your dog’s fur is wet and soapy, the fleas are less likely to get away from you. Continue reading “Get Rid of Fleas Naturally”

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Vitamin A Reduces Skin Cancer Risk

A study published in the Journal of of Investigative Dermatology suggests that retinol, a form of vitamin A present in foods of animal origin such as liver, eggs, and milk, could act as a chemoprotective agent against melanoma when taken as a supplement.

Researchers analyzed melanoma risk among 69,635 people. Study participants were aged 62, on average. The researchers found that those participants who took vitamin A supplements were about 40% less likely to develop melanoma than those who did not.

The benefits were only found in those who took a vitamin A supplement, and the effects were more pronounced in women. The dose given was very high and researchers  caution that more studies need to be done.

In the meantime, the best way to avoid skin cancer is to cover up, wear hats and wear a sun block.

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    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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