Many of our favorite junk foods increase the risk of weight gain, cardiac arrest, stroke, and other diseases. Diet sodas appear to be an easy way around unhealthy calories while still allowing you a familiar indulgence, but don’t let yourself be fooled. Diet sodas contain a chemical cocktail that drives your metabolism crazy and increases your risk of disease.

If you’re regularly guzzling down diet sodas, here are seven reasons why you seriously need to quit today. I’ll also give you a few practical solutions to help ditch the habit.

Cravings

All diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners trick your brain (momentarily) into thinking it is about to receive sugary calories. But when the calories are not received, your brain sends signals that you need food, resulting in food cravings.

Weight Gain

Food cravings make it difficult to balance the pleasure centers of the brain, thus increasing your vulnerability to the next high-calorie sweet treat that crosses your path. That’s a tough psychological battle to win.

Chronic Illness

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener found in over 6,000 food products including diet sodas, has been found to trigger or worsen chronic illnesses including brain cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis. Aspartame should be considered an enemy of the State!

Corrosion

If a diet soda (search youtube.com for this one) can be used to clean a corroded battery and remove rust, imagine what it’s doing to the lining of your stomach, esophagus, and teeth.

Kidney Decline

A Harvard Medical School study found that women who drank more than two diet sodas per day had a 30% decline in kidney function compared to women who do not drink diet soda.

Dehydration

Diet soda is in no way a replacement for water. Caffeine and sodium found in most diet sodas make you thirsty and cause frequent urination. The average person would rather pay a little extra at the vending machine for another diet soda instead of drinking a free glass of water. This causes a cycle of headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, and hot flashes — each one a symptom of dehydration

Poor Metabolism

A Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) study linked diet soda to a 36 percent higher risk of metabolic syndromes that cause your metabolism to function at unfavorable speeds. If you want a metabolism that can keep pace with the Indy 500, avoid diet sodas.

So how do you ditch the diet soda habit? Replace it with water. The human body is more than 60 percent water, yet most of us still don’t drink enough of it. Here are a few practical solutions to drinking more water:

Add a Lemon: Yes, water is sometimes tasteless and boring. Try adding a lemon, mint or an orange slice to liven it up a bit, or experiment with a fruit-infused water.
Spice it Up: Not only are cayenne (red) peppers a super healthy seasoning, they will also have you reaching for a cold glass of water during dinner.
Keep it on You: Buy a clear 74- ounce container and keep it in plain sight at all times. Challenge yourself to drink the entire container over the course of the day.
Remember the Savings: Restaurant water is free — why pass up on the savings? Plus most restaurants use a filtration system on their tap, so it tastes even better.

Diet soda can lead to several serious health problems. Replace it with water for a healthy alternative. What’s your best tip for quitting?

Further Reading:

• 4 Reasons To Never Drink Soda Again
• Diet Soda Aspartame Linked To Premature Deaths In Women

Sources:

• Can’t seem to shed weight – no matter how hard you try – or after dieting, you always gain it all back? Here are 5 simple steps to fix this – ReinventingAging
• Associations of Sugar and Artificially Sweetened Soda with Albuminuria and Kidney Function Decline in Women – PMC
• Diet Drink – Wikipedia
• Diet Soda Intake and Risk of Incident Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) – PMC

I am an herb lover, but I am also a spa lover.

When you put the two together, you have the start of a journey of delight.

It is all about relaxation in your own surroundings and using herbs from your garden to create a pleasurable, deeply beneficial experience. (Note to those of us who have been treated to a day spa: Creating the spa experience in your own home brings a special degree of relaxation because you don’t have to get in the car after your spa day and then drive home afterward. You simply relax, go to bed, meditate, or spend moments with renewed energy in your own space. What could be better than that?)

The Top-to-Bottom Scrub Experience

Exfoliate! Invigorate! Revive!

Body scrubs filled with herbs and abrasive materials gently massaged into the skin. These are a spa experience all their own. Blood circulates close to the skin, which pinks up with warmth as dead skin cells and impurities wash away. From the soles of the feet to the top of your head, spa treatments with texture help skin to feel renewed. Scrubs also help to flush toxins after healing from a cold or flu.

A full body scrub needs to take place in a shower or tub. Prepare your spa with fluffy towels, bright light, and upbeat music.

Step in the shower first to rinse and dampen skin. Turn off the water and place a towel on the floor. The oil in the scrub may drip and cause a slippery surface, so use caution. Apply scrub, starting along the neck and using gentle motions, work your way down the body. Be kind while working with a scrub – skin should be nice and pink, not red and irritated. After application, rinse mixture from skin and gently pat skin dry with a soft towel. Follow a scrub treatment with a nourishing lotion to polish off and pamper your skin.

Lavender Spa Salt Glow

• 1 cup coarse gray sea salt
• ¾ cup coconut oil
• 6 drops of lavender essential oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh or dried lavender buds

What To Do

Place all ingredients in a wide-mouth jar and mix well.

To Use

• Dampen skin.
• With a generous amount of salt/oil mix, massage onto the skin with gentle circular motion.
• Use caution around scratched or irritated areas of skin.
• Rinse off with warm water.

Floral Sugar Scrub

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1 Vitamin E capsule
• ½ cup fresh rose petals

What To Do

• Mix sugar, coconut oil and rose petals in a wide-mouth glass jar.
• Pierce the Vitamin E capsule and squeeze into the mix.

To Use

Dampen skin. With a generous amount of floral scrub, massage onto the skin with gentle circular motion. Use caution around scratched or irritated areas of skin. Rinse off with warm water.

Après – Scrub Skin Oil

This is a light, simple oil that nourishes freshly scrubbed skin. Vanilla is a sensual fragrance that balances mood and relaxes.

• 1 cup jojoba oil
• 2 whole vanilla beans

What To Do

Start with a sterilized glass bottle.

• Slice vanilla beans lengthwise, scrape out the center mush, and place it in the bottle.
• Pour oil over the vanilla to cover completely.
• Place lid on the bottle and shake to mix well.
• Store in a cool, dark place for up to two months (shake every couple weeks).
• When vanilla aroma is intense, it is ready. Strain the oil through a mesh filter to remove bean remnants, and rebottle.
• If desired, add another whole vanilla bean to the finished bottle to add additional fragrance.

Editors Note: This article is an excerpt from The Herb Lover’s Spa Book by Sue Goetz. You can order this book online from St. Lynn’s Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other sites.

It’s a no-brainer that one of the prerequisites to a healthy and smooth pregnancy is a wholesome diet. To contribute to the holistic development of the little one in your womb, you must ensure that your food choices are rich in essential nutrients. A poor diet during pregnancy can lead to fatal issues such as abnormal brain development, increased risk for obesity, heart diseases, and diabetes, among many other health problems in your baby. In the midst of battling  your food cravings and aversions, it is also important that certain health-boosting superfoods find a permanent place in your daily diet. These nutrient-rich powerhouses don’t just help enhance your overall wellbeing, they also support your baby’s growth. Here are six superfoods that must form a part of your pregnancy diet chart:

1. Broccoli –Preparing a nutritious salad for supper? Don’t forget to add broccoli to it! This delightful vegetable is one of the best pregnancy superfoods that houses numerous nutrients like folic acid, calcium, iron and vitamin C – all of which contribute to a healthy pregnancy. Foods rich in folic acid are essential for all expectant mothers as they reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. Calcium contributes to the development of the baby’s healthy bones while iron ensures proper oxygen supply to the fetus. Vitamin C helps lower the risk of pre-eclampsia reports a study conducted by BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
2. Avocado –Looking for the perfect sandwich spread that offers a blend of great taste and good health? Guacamole is just what you need! Avocados contain heart-healthy omega-3 fats that aid the development of the fetal brain. They are also high in fiber, folic acid, vitamins K, C, B6, and potassium. During pregnancy as your gastrointestinal tract slows down, you face an increased risk of developing indigestion and hemorrhoids. Fiber helps prevent these problems. Vitamin K helps in healthy blood clotting and your baby’s bone development. Vitamin B6 provides relief from the symptoms of pregnancy nausea and vomiting.
3. Salmon –If you are a fish lover, salmon is the variety you should be indulging in! A study conducted by the American Journal of Nutrition found that pregnant women who eat oily fish like salmon twice a week increase the status of EPA and DHA in their fetus. This helps reduce the risk of poor visual and neural development in the baby. It is important to remember, however, that some fish such as lobster, oyster, prawns, shrimps, mussels, and crabs may contain harmful bacteria. If not cooked well, they can lead to food poisoning and even miscarriage.
4. Berries –These antioxidant-packed fruits add a lot more than delightful flavor to your morning cereal! They also make it a lot more nutritive. Berries are rich in potassium that aids blood pressure control, lowering the risk of pre-eclampsia that can lead to life-threatening complications concerning the brain, kidney, and liver. The antioxidants contained in berries help improve immunity and fight infections. Berries also contain vitamin C, calcium, folate, and fiber.
5. Chia Seeds –Sprinkling chia seeds on your daily salad and smoothie can remarkably amp up their salutary benefits. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fats that help reduce the symptoms of pregnancy depression. They also help lower sugar absorption, thus preventing blood sugar spikes. They are good sources of energy-giving carbs, too.
6. Eggs –You must sure know that eggs are a great source of protein – the building blocks of body cells, both for you and your baby. It also contains a micronutrient called choline that contributes to the fetus’ brain and cell development. Eggs are even rich in iron and omega-3 fats that are both beneficial to you and your baby.

You must note that your healthy food choices during pregnancy will also determine your baby’s food preferences in future, apart from contributing to his good health. Along with enriching your pregnancy diet with these delightful and healthy foods, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated and to boost your energy levels. Take good care of yourself and the soon-to-arrive angel.

Sources:

• Intake of vitamin C and E in pregnancy and risk of pre-eclampsia: prospective study among 57 346 women. – Pub Med
• 13 Preventive Measures To Avoid Food Poisoning During Pregnancy – Mom Junction
• Does a woman’s diet during pregnancy influence her baby’s food preferences? – The Glow

Traffic jams… tight schedules… work problems… family demands! The stresses of everyday life can give us all a throbbing headache from time to time, but popping painkillers isn’t the only way to escape the nagging thump. In fact, quite a few home remedies have been proven effective in relieving the pain and tension associated with headaches, and they will cost you little to nothing. What’s more, they are 100% natural and come with zero side effects. The next time your head feels like it might explode, try one (or all) of the following methods.

Massage and Constrict

You see that web of skin connecting your forefinger to the base of your thumb? It’s a well-known acupressure trigger point that when stimulated can ease pain and pressure in the head. In a circular motion, firmly massage it for five to seven minutes. Then, switch over to the other hand and repeat. Do this until the headache pain dissipates. Before you start massaging away, tie a necktie or bandanna (or another similar item) around your forehead, tightening it until you can feel some pressure. Doing this will reduce blood flow to your scalp, which can help relieve the pain.

Heat and Cool

This may sound a little strange, but immerse your feet in a bowl of hot water. Keep them in for fifteen to twenty minutes. The hot-water soak will draw blood to your feet and relieve pressure on the blood vessels in your head. If the headache is quite intense, add a tablespoon of dry mustard powder to the water. This is said to draw toxins from the body and boost lymph and blood circulation. If you’ve got a tension headache, a hot compress on the forehead and/or back of the neck should help, which you can follow up with a cold compress in the same areas.

Try Some Herbs

Herbs have long been used for their medicinal properties, and herbs like ginger and basil make good natural headache remedies. Ginger is particularly helpful, as it affects the hormone-like prostaglandins within the body that contribute to inflammation. Half a teaspoon of freshly ground ginger stirred into a glass of water should do the trick. Alternatively, create a paste by mixing a teaspoon of dry ginger powder with two tablespoons of water and apply to the forehead. If you prefer the basil remedy, add three leaves to a cup of boiled water and sip. Mint works, too.

Prevention Is Always Best

Knowing how to treat headaches is great, especially if you can do so naturally. But if you identify your headache triggers, you can take the steps needed to avoid them altogether. Common triggers include dehydration, stress, sleep deprivation, and certain foods (such as alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine). Other causes include medication, physical activity (even sex), incorrect posture, glare (your computer screen, sunlight, overhead lights, etc.), and noise. Note that frequent headaches can be a sign of an underlying disease, so see your health care provider if you get them often.

Further Reading:

• Natural Remedies For Migraines That Work Fast
• How to Cure Migraines For Good

Inflammation is a natural, healthy response to cellular damage or a natural, healthy immune response to a perceived threat. The idea that inflammation can persist without serving a purpose is a misnomer that allows the cause of disease to go unchecked and ignored.

When any part of the body is inflamed, it is either damaged and healing or damaged and deteriorating. Forget the idea that inflammation is “wrong” or “unnecessary” or that it can even get out of control. It’s not inflammation that is “out of control.” Inflammation is what brings the disease fighting cells and the extra nutrition needed to heal damage to the site. Without inflammation, we wouldn’t heal.

What causes damage? Damage, in this case, is cell trauma. Cells malfunction due to trauma caused by an external force or from internal trauma caused by toxicity of some kind and (or) a lack of nutrition.

It’s important to note that while nutritional deficiencies are one of the main causes of cell malfunction, diet is not always to blame. Sometimes the problem is a lack of ability to absorb and assimilate nutrition due to damage from toxic foods. For example, many people consume plenty of nutrition while they also ingest way too much sugar.

Candida Causes Inflammation

Inflammation is not the root of disease; Candida is typically the root of disease.

An overgrowth of Candida causes an imbalanced gut that cannot digest and assimilate nutrition well, and Candida burrows into the gut lining, penetrating the gut wall to allow proteins, sugars, infectious microbes, and other particles into the bloodstream.

Candida Albicans is a very opportunistic parasite. It can normally live in our intestinal tract in harmony with bacteria. “Normally,” in this case, indicates the natural way, but in today’s society, a balanced gut is far from the norm. An imbalance in the gut almost always leads to a massive overgrowth of Candida, which is very good at tearing through the intestinal walls to flood the whole body, opening the door to other infectious agents that should not escape the gut, causing infection and inflammation everywhere.

Candida and other infections microbes cause inflammation by being properly perceived in the body as an infectious agent (when an immune response is activated) and also due to the toxins they release throughout their lifecycle.

Fungal infections and other parasitical infections cause massive amounts of toxic substances to overwhelm the body, causing cellular damage everywhere. Infection also feeds off of dead and decaying cells, and infection leads to more dead and decaying cells. It’s the epitome of a vicious cycle.

Check out For more on gut health, check out Candida and Leaky Gut  and What Causes Chronic Inflammation. Mercury fillings are also a source of chronic pain, and a cause of excess Candida.

Recommended Supplements:

• Shillington’s Intestinal Cleanse Formula
• FloraMend Prime Probiotic – Thorne Research
• Formula SF722 – Thorne Research (kills Candida and other fungi)
• Boswellia – Pure Encapsulations (reduces inflammation and relieves pain)
• Curcumin 500 with Bioperine® – Pure Encapsulations (A powerful formula for inflammation and many other ailments)
• Arctic Cod Liver Oil with Vitamin D – Nordic Naturals
• Organic Vegan EFA Liquid (vegan-friendly fats, but not necessary if doing cod liver oil)
• Vitalzym Systemic Enzymes – World Nutrition (system enzymes eliminate fibrous, damaged tissue and foreign proteins)
• AR-Encap – Thorne Research (joint support formula)
• American Ginseng – Gaia Herbs (for inflammation, but juicing your own organic ginger is better)

Further Reading:

• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• Understand Hypothyroidism – Prevention and Natural Remedies
• 80% Raw Food Diet

Sources:

• Overview of Inflammation – Oregon State University
• Could This Be the Root Cause of Inflammation and Many Modern Diseases? – Socio-Economics
• Three Hidden Ways Wheat Makes You Fat – Mark Hyman

When parts of our body grow so quickly the elastic fibers under our skin can’t keep up, the fibers break. Stretch marks are the result -red or purple lines across the skin that fade over time to a gray or silver color. Stretch marks most commonly occur on the abdomen, breasts, lower back, thighs, and upper arms.

Stretch marks are very common during pregnancy, puberty, or any time when weight is gained quickly. How quickly you gain weight may be more of a factor than the amount of weight you gain. Research has suggested genetics may play a major role in whether you get stretch marks. You may also be more prone to stretch marks if you are a younger mum, which is a surprise to many, or if you’re carrying a big baby, twins, or you have excess amniotic fluid.

So What Can We Do To Try And Avoid Stretch Marks?

Drinking lots of water is really important as it can help keep your skin hydrated and full of elasticity.  A healthy diet with good fats and lots of vegetables will aid in skin health.  You can also try a range of oils or creams, but stick to organic, healthy products. Remember, your skin absorbs anything you put on it. You should always choose pure products, especially when pregnant.

What Can I Do If I Already Have Stretch Marks?

Well, the good news is that most stretch marks fade over time. However, the best time to treat stretch marks is when they are new and darker red in color. When stretch marks fade a silvery color they are easier to hide, but they are also harder to completely remove.

Everyone’s skin is different, so what works for someone,  may not work for you. But here are some natural solutions that you can use to see if they reduce the appearance of your stretch marks. Try applying one of these at a time, two or three times a day.

• Castor Oil – Apply directly to your stretch marks. It can also be used to treat other skin problems.
• Aloe Vera – Lots of soothing and healing properties, but make sure you use an all natural Aloe Vera product without alcohol in it.
• Egg Whites – Yep, this rich source of protein can be used to help treat stretch marks by applying them directly.
• Lemon Juice – Its natural acidity helps heal and reduce stretch marks.
• Potato Juice – Good for so many things, potato juice helps restore skin cells.
• Cocoa Butter – An awesome natural moisturizer.
• Sugar – Don’t eat it! Use it to exfoliate your skin. Add a few drops of almond oil and lemon juice and mix together. Use to scrub the skin.
• Lavender Oil, Almond Oil, and Chamomile Oil – Mix together 4 parts lavender oil, 1 part almond oil and 1 part chamomile oil and apply directly to your stretch marks.
• Alfalfa – Rich in vitamin E & K. Mix alfalfa powder with a little chamomile oil to form a paste, which is a great natural remedy.

What you eat on a daily basis could be helping or worsening your stretch marks. Eat whole, real foods and avoid processed foods and refined sugars. Also, eat a good amount of healthy protein. Try eating some foods high in vitamin C and vitamin E such as dark, leafy green vegetables, oranges, papaya, kiwi, and broccoli. Nuts and seeds rich in minerals will also help tone up your skin.

How To Be Ok With Your Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are really common, and although we can try different techniques to lessen their visibility, sometimes they may be almost impossible to entirely remove. Know that you are not alone and that your body is beautiful, even with stretch marks.

I love the Instagram account, @LoveYourLines, which is beautifully celebrating women’s stretch marks. If you haven’t checked it out, make sure you do. It was started by two moms who were inspired to feature beautiful photos of stretch marks on women’s bodies after a discussion about how their own bodies had changed after bearing children. They get hundreds of submissions from people all over the world who want to share beautiful photos of their stretch marks. It’s inspiring.

What are your experiences with stretch marks? Were you able to minimize the appearance of them? We would love to hear from you.

Gluten is the common protein molecule found in wheat, barley, rye, kamut, and spelt. Gluten is a sticky, storage protein that binds to the small intestinal wall where it often causes digestive and immune system disorders. The most common condition associated with a gluten sensitivity is celiac disease where the small intestinal villi are flattened. However, the immune reaction that takes place with gluten sensitivity can affect many different tissues, and when it does, it is termed non-celiac, gluten sensitivity (NCGS).

NCGS is an epidemic that is a major factor in inflammatory disorders of the brain and nervous system.  Studies have found associations between gluten sensitivity and disorders in every part of the neurological system including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. ¹

Gluten and Major Neuropathic Disorders

Gluten is a significant trigger in psychiatric disorders, movement disorders, sensory ganglionapathy, ataxia, neuromyelitis, multiple sclerosis, cerebellar disease, cognitive impairment, dementia, restless leg syndrome, migraines, apraxia, neuropathy, myoclonus, hearing loss, and virtually every other neurological disorder. ^2,3,4,5,6

For many individuals, their immune system gets so overworked from gluten sensitivity and other environmental challenges such as toxins, parasites, vitamin D3 deficiencies, and trauma they can have severe immune reactions that last months after one provoked exposure. This means that consuming gluten on one day can cause an inflammatory assault that could last for 2-3 months. ⁵ This is why it is so critical to be as strict as possible when avoiding gluten and other inflammatory irritants.

The Complexity of Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten is made up of a sticky portion called glutenin and a protein portion called gliadin. Gliadin can be broken down into alpha, omega, and gamma gliadins. Most lab tests only look at alpha gliadin antibodies but this is only a very small component of the total molecule. Often times this lab comes back negative, but the individual is reacting to some of the other components of the gluten molecule.

Glutenin gives wheat dough strength and elasticity and is very commonly used in the baking process due to these desirable characteristics. Many people have severe reactions to this molecule, but it never shows up on the basic gliadin antibody testing.⁶

The food processing industry very often deamidates the gladin molecule to make it water soluble. Deamidated gliadin has been shown to trigger severe immune responses in many individuals. This never tests out for gliadin antibodies.⁷

Gluten Based Opioids

When the body metabolizes gluten, it creates opoids in the form of gluteomorphin. One can have a blood test to see if the body produces antibodies to gluteomorphin and the building block prodynorphin.⁸

When someone has an opioid sensitivity, going gluten free can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that are similar to coming off of opioid drugs such as heroin. These symptoms include depression, crazy mood swings, nausea, and vomiting, as well as abnormal bowel activity. This can last anywhere from several days to weeks.

Cross-Reactivity Immunology & Nervous System Dysfunction

Immune cross-reactivity happens when the immune system mistakes one protein for another. The gluten protein is similar to protein structures in the nervous system and the thyroid tissue. When the body creates antibodies for gluten, it may also produce antibodies to the body’s own nervous tissue or thyroid.⁹ This cross-reactive effect leads to damage to the brain, thyroid, and other neurological tissue when the individual consumes anything with even the slightest bit of gluten.

The most common area of cross-reactivity is through a family of proteins located on neurons called synapsin. These proteins help to regulate neurotransmitter release. This is most common in the cerebellum, which can cause problems with vertigo, motor control, balance, and anxiety.¹⁰

Further Reading:

• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• No More Gluten – How I Found Health After MS
• Understand Hypothyroidism – Prevention and Natural Remedies
• Is Wheat Poison? What’s Behind the Rise of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

Sources:

1. Functional and metabolic disorders in celiac disease: new implications for nutritional treatment. – Pub Med
2. Gluten sensitivity presenting as a neuropsychiatric disorder. – Pub Med
3. Non-Celiac Gluten sensitivity: the new frontier of gluten related disorders. – Pub Med
4. Gluten-related neurologic dysfunction. – Pub Med
5. [Gluten-related disorders and demyelinating diseases]. – Pub Med
6. [Neurological disorders associated with gluten sensitivity]. – Pub Med
7. Dispersion in the presence of acetic acid or ammonia confers gliadin-like characteristics to the glutenin in wheat gluten. – Pub Med
8. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: literature review. – Pub Med
9. Salivary antigliadin and antiendomysium antibodies in coeliac disease. – Pub Med
10. Sporadic cerebellar ataxia associated with gluten sensitivity. – Pub Med