Sleep More, Sleep Better

Sleep deprivation is responsible for an estimated 100,000 car accidents every year. This equates to an average of 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries. It has been linked to such disasters as the Chernobyl nuclear power plant blow-up, the Challenger space shuttle explosion, devastating oil spills in the ocean, and commercial airline crashes.

Sleep is non-negotiable. It’s an integral component of health, wellness, and basic functionality. Our bodies rely on this sacred time to heal, assimilate nutrition, and decode the subconscious. Yet, so many of our daily habits sabotage the integrity of this essential ritual and the natural balance of melatonin, serotonin, and cortisol.

The loss of a single night’s sleep will have a negative effect on mental clarity, work efficiency, and physical capability. It can even obscure your brain’s ability to articulate ideas and its decision-making faculties. Long-running sleep deficiency is linked to increased systemic inflammation and hormone dysregulation. These, in turn, can be the catalyst for disease, dysfunction, and chronic illness.

A lack of sleep is associated with, but not limited to:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Memory loss
  • Depression
  • Immunity suppression
  • Libido reduction
  • Decreased fertility
  • Stress
  • Premature aging

The solution: sleep more, sleep better. Sleep is a vital function your body is desperate to experience at regular intervals. Let yourself steep in the optimal rest your body craves so it can thrive every single day.

By employing some simple strategies, you can dramatically improve both the quality and quantity of your shut-eye. Let sleep do the work, so you don’t have to.

Bedding

The average person spends roughly 25-30% of their life in bed. Though we often give much consideration to the plush design and comfort of our clothing, cars, and couches, the way we equip our beds tends to be sorely lacking. However, given the crucial role sleep plays, it is absolutely worth spending the time and effort getting the details right. Your health literally depends on it.

What to Look For

Mattresses, Pillows, and Padding

Over the course of ten years, a mattress can double its weight due to the accumulation of  dead skin cells and dust mites! Opt for a 100% natural latex-filled mattress. They are antimicrobial, antibacterial, dust mite free, and they inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

According to materials published by Ohio State University, a typical used mattress may have 100,000 to 10 million mites inside. Ten percent of the weight of a two-year-old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings. Mites prefer warm, moist surroundings such as the inside of a mattress when someone is on it. One of their favorite foods is dead skin, and people shed about one-fifth of an ounce of the stuff every week, some of which surely ends up flaking into your mattress.” -Live Science

Conventional mattresses are full of harmful chemicals and fire retardants – up to 4 ½  gallons per mattress! Modern beds are rife with petroleum based foams, synthetic substances, and toxic industrial byproducts.

[…]  the chemicals in a mattress can be a big source of exposure and have been linked to problems like allergies, asthma, fertility problems/hormone imbalance and even autism in sensitive individuals.“ -Wellness Mama

With all natural mattresses and bedding (trusted source), you don’t want to skimp on quality. Check for legitimate organic certifications, check into the businesses, and be wary of labels that tout “all natural materials,” as these labels are not reliable.  There are some very nice, high quality all natural mattresses labeled as such, but there are also many more brands using the label meaninglessly.

Linens

You can produce up to 26 gallons of sweat per year – while sleeping! Going for organic, chemical-free linens will help with this issue by absorbing and dispersing that moisture. Wool stuffing, cotton, and silk bedding are excellent choices that provide both lasting comfort and hygiene. These materials optimize body temperature and prevent sweating. Avoid down filled pillows and duvets, as they are prone to mold and dust mites, which add an average of 7 lbs per year in mite droppings and debris!

Grounding/Earthing Mat

Earthing is credited with everything from lowered blood pressure and reduced pain and inflammation to an increased quality of sleep, allowing you to feel calmer and more energetic.

Earthing can be accomplished by connecting your body to the ground or a natural body of water (think sitting in the park, taking your shoes off outside, playing on the beach), but for many, it is a difficult practice to do every day. Grounding mats provide a convenient way of connecting to the many benefits of earthing for those who cannot incorporate daily doses of rivers and tree climbing into their routine.

Grounding restores the healing energy that can get depleted through modern lifestyles, over exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) sources, and a lack of connection to nature. Various sizes and shapes of mats are available, from those that fit comfortably into your shoes or on your desk chair, to sheets that you sleep on.

Your Room

The second factor to consider when developing better sleeping habits is your room. Even the softest organic cotton sheets aren’t going to mean much if you’re setting up camp in the middle of Grand Central Station. Calm it down and create a gentle ambiance that balances your cycles and rhythms of sleep, making the most out of your shut-eye hours.

How to Create an Amazing Sleep Space/Sanctuary

Feng Shui

Implement a little ancient Chinese wisdom in the form of Feng Shui. This practice is all about creating a sense of energy balance and flow that will calm the senses and encourage restfulness in your temple of sleep.

Disconnect from Technology

The blue light emitted by most modern bulbs, electrical appliances, and devices is extremely disruptive to our circadian rhythms. Avoid watching TV or using phones, tablets, and computers for 90 minutes before bed.

Fill your home and bedroom with warm light sources. Bulbs that give off yellow, orange, or red tones send signals to your brain that it is time to wind down.

Use light filtering glasses with orange lenses to reduce the effect of blue light exposure or try the free computer app f.lux that warms the light of your screen. By sunset, a sedating copper filter ensures easy night viewing.

Declutter and Make it Sacred

If a pile of unmatched socks, old magazines, and the looming treadmill are the last thing you see before tucking yourself in, the physical clutter will amount to mental clutter. This is never a winning sleep formula.

Fire up the Feng Shui to keep your to-do list out of sight by making your bedroom a sacred space. Don’t let chores and projects spill into it. Remove anything that activates your mind away from a resting state. Books, paperwork, exercise equipment and anything that stimulates a stress response should be removed.

House Plants

Thriving green life in your bedroom naturally and efficiently filters and detoxifies the air, reducing the impact any disruptive chemicals may have on your sleep cycles.

Plants have a calming effect on the nervous system that promotes a sense of well-being. This is beneficial both upon waking and before turning in for the night.

Air Flow

Opening windows is the simplest and most effective way to introduce a fresh, de-ionized airflow into your room and house, creating a rejuvenating breathing environment.

Positive pressure systems can provide a non-intrusive solution to managing humid climates and preventing toxic mold accumulation.

Plenty of open space above and below the bed allows clean, replenishing air to circulate and prevent mold and dust build up.

Light Balance

Sleeping in darkness is essential for balancing circadian rhythms. Light pollution disrupts sleep, particularly in an urban environment. Black out curtains reduce exposure to artificial sources of light. The cumulative effect of small (often blinking) lights from electronic devices in your bedroom can add up. Remove devices from your bedroom (alarm clocks, phones, night-lights, chargers, etc.) or use dark electrical tape to cover the lights.

Conversely, sunlight exposure early in the morning increases cortisol production and helps regulate circadian rhythms. Open those curtains wide straight away! Getting outside during the day, even if it’s only for a short lunchtime walk, dramatically increases circadian balance and melatonin production later in the day.

Temperature

This is a popular topic of discussion (or disagreement) between men and women, but stats show that the optimal temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If you start decreasing the temperature a little before the PJs come out, you’ll send signals to your brain and body that it’s time for bed.

A bedroom that is too hot or too cold can significantly interfere with quality REM sleep. Make sure you have the best bedding to help regulate body temperature. Try natural fabrics that breathe properly for the your climate you’re in.

Carpets

Carpets contain around 4,000 times more bacteria than your toilet. Additionally, they can be horribly toxic to humans and have a terrible impact on the environment, both through their production and disposal. Like conventional bed linens, synthetic carpets are petroleum based and laden with chemicals such as fire retardants.

Dust, dust mites (and their droppings!), moisture, and mold all accumulate in carpets. Opt instead for non-toxic, environmentally sustainable carpets and floor coverings. Better yet, remove carpets altogether and choose natural wood or stone flooring. If finances are a limiting factor, consider eco-friendly linoleum options.

Bright Colors in Room

Surround yourself with color and stimulate your nervous system with a bright pallet to welcome yourself awake. Striking up your senses in the morning helps to regulate your cortisol, the wake-up and activate hormone.

Always choose low VOC, organic, or water based paints to maintain low toxicity in your home.

Your Body

Sleep can also be deeply affected by what we put into our bodies. Take care to notice where these sneaky substances are cropping up, as some are much more obvious than others.

Both stimulants and depressants can disrupt sleep. Investigate, minimize, or eliminate the following for best dream-catching:

  • Caffeine
  • Nicotine
  • Sugar
  • Energy Drinks
  • Alcohol
  • THC/marijuana
  • Prescription medication
  • Over the counter drugs

Anyone suffering from regular insomnia should work on detoxifying the home, and balancing the body’s hormones. If the gut isn’t healthy, the endocrine system won’t be healthy, the body will not sleep well. It takes energy to sleep and to heal while we sleep. Check out Healing the Endocrine System and Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases, and also see How Negative Ions and Positive Ions Affect our Health (click on the image).

Final Thoughts

Sleep is not a peripheral adjunct to a healthy existence; it is the lifeblood. It’s time to overcome the modern model of perpetual exhaustion and rebuild the ritual of sleep. Adopt conscientious strategies and revitalize your waking life.

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Mother Earth Organic Root Cider Review

Mother Earth Organic Root Cider is a blend of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, lemons, turmeric root, ginger root, horseradish root, garlic, beets, white onion, habanero peppers, and Serrano peppers (in order of prevalence). All of these whole food ingredients are GMO free, certified 100% organic, and raw. It’s also clear that the quality of ingredients is of paramount importance to Mark Welch, creator of the cider and owner of Barrier Island Organics.

The cider is not pasteurized. This had me curious, and Mark explained that the process they have implemented is a newly FDA-approved process that kills the pathogens.

When the cider is being made they add 9 pounds of vegetables for every 9 pints of vinegar. The process then calls for the mixture to sit at 50 degrees or above for 12 days before it is bottled. Then it must sit 6 days at 50 degrees or above before it can be shipped out. [This] ensures that all pathogens are killed. The PH must fall into certain parameters in both parts of the process. It’s the acidity that kills the pathogens, but what’s interesting is that the drink actually alkalinizes the body. The bottom line is because of this special process, the pathogens are dead, and the ingredients are never heated or pasteurized.”

I’m honestly more excited about this than I have been about a new product for a long time. I’m sipping on this cider every single day. This tonic will help the body’s detoxification processes, strengthen the immune system, reset gut flora, reduce inflammation, and so much more.

Everything in it is stuff we could all use more of. And it is highly concentrated.

We have a similar product called Shillington’s Total Tonic. It’s a decent product, but one I’ve never really pushed much because it’s expensive and I felt it was not as potent as it could be. Tasting the two side by side is a world of difference. And of course, you feel the difference too.

The cider has a 3-year shelf life but will likely last much longer than that, and you don’t need to refrigerate it. Use it as a daily tonic to help the body with all its functions, and take a bit more if you feel a cold, allergies, aches, or a headache starting. It’s the first thing I take in the morning, just a sip to wake me up. Depending on the cause, it may also eliminate stomachaches (though it could cause one too), and it can knock out a migraine.

My only complaint is I wish it contained cilantro. Shillington’s formula has it, and cilantro would be a great addition to really strengthen the chelating properties of the tonic, but Mark says, “Ugh, I hate cilantro. Maybe later.” In the meantime, I just keep throwing cilantro on my salads, and I do a shot of this Organic Cider with every meal.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron Have a Message for Everyone: Eat Less Meat

The Director, James Cameron, and former governor of California, former movie star, and former omnivorous bodybuilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, remind us that animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than the combined exhaust from all transportation. Cameron, vegan since 2011, and long time meat eater, Schwarzenegger, are promoting a plant-based diet. Together they are supporting China’s new directive that asks its citizens to cut down on meat consumption to prevent illness such as heart disease and diabetes. Schwarzenegger says he feels fantastic and tells us not to buy into the idea that we need more meat to be strong. He also says:

Less meat, less heat, more life.”

True Activist Reports:

According to the documentary Cowspiracy, livestock and their byproducts account for at least 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year or 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. By utilizing land to grow crops that feed humans rather than cows, world hunger can be managed and the large amounts of methane produced by the livestock (which is 25-100 times more destructive than CO2 on a 20-year time frame) will be lessened.

It all begins with the little choices you make. Thankfully, eating healthy, plant-based food is easier now, more than ever. Whether you purchase veggie burgers at the store or opt to make your own, there are a variety of ways you can please your palate while helping the planet.

Schwarzenegger correctly advises: “You have to start slowly, you can’t just convince people to stop eating meat altogether. It’s a very big challenge, it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done and you shouldn’t be on that campaign, but it’s a very hard thing to overcome.”

It doesn’t have to be difficult, and it can most definitely be delicious. Click here if you need recipe inspiration.

Arnold Schwarzenegger partnered with the Wild Conservation Society to raise awareness about the issue of poaching. In that video, he made it clear that poachers will pay for their crimes against humanity as killing African Elephants for their tusks is likely to result in their demise within the next decade.

Conclusion

It’s not that eating meat is bad for you, contrary to what almost every vegan argues. The concern with meat regarding health is if it’s factory farmed or otherwise unhealthy meat, how it was processed, and how it is cooked. Meat, when of healthy quality and prepared right, is not “bad” for you. Raw fresh produce is the best thing to eat, but if that was all we ate we’d need to graze on food all day, especially if we are active. Regardless, there are many other great reasons to stop eating meat or to cut down.

If you choose to eat meat, please do so responsibly, and don’t forget that your money will be a vote for cruelty or a vote for better treatment every time you purchase meat. Please be an informed customer.

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Study Shows ADHD Drugs Do Not Help With Homework

A small, first-of-its-kind, study suggests that giving stimulants, (like Adderall or Ritalin), to kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may not help them complete homework or get better grades. Instead, the research suggests these drugged children may actually “…experience acute and prolonged academic impairment and underachievement including marked difficulty with completing homework.”

Researchers compared behavioral techniques against medications in 75 children attending a summer school program for eight weeks. They randomly assigned children to receive either behavioral treatment that included daily report cards for kids and coaching parents to help with homework or a long-acting stimulant.

“Long-acting stimulant medications haven’t been shown to help with homework performance despite companies advertising their utility for homework time,” said Brittany Merrill, lead study author and a researcher at the Center for Children and Families at Florida International University in Miami. He added via email: Behavioral interventions are more effective than long-acting stimulant medications in improving homework performance among children with ADHD, and stimulant medication did not add to the effectiveness of the behavioral intervention.”

From the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology:

Evidence indicates that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience acute and prolonged academic impairment and underachievement including marked difficulty with completing homework. This study is the first to examine the effects of behavioral, psychostimulant, and combined treatments on homework problems, which have been shown to predict academic performance longitudinally.Method: Children with ADHD (ages 5–12, N = 75, 71% male, 83% Hispanic/Latino) and their families were randomly assigned to either behavioral treatment (homework-focused parent training and a daily report card; BPT + DRC) or a waitlist control group. Children also participated in a concurrent psychostimulant crossover trial conducted in a summer treatment program. Children’s objective homework completion and accuracy were measured as well as parent-reported child homework behaviors and parenting skills.Results: BPT + DRC had large effects on objective measures of homework completion and accuracy (Cohen’s ds from 1.40 to 2.21, ps < .001). Other findings, including unimodal medication and incremental combined treatment benefits, were not significant. Conclusions: Behavioral treatment focused on homework problems results in clear benefits for children’s homework completion and accuracy (the difference between passing and failing, on average), whereas long-acting stimulant medication resulted in limited and largely nonsignificant acute effects on homework performance.”

Reuters reports that children were excluded from the study if they had been diagnosed with autism, mental health disorders, or other medical issues that could negatively affect treatment with stimulants.

Despite being advertised as beneficial by the drug companies, this study concludes that long-acting stimulant medication is not likely to be a positive solution for homework problems.

The differences were significant. Children subject to behavioral treatment finished between 10% to 13% more homework and completed the problems 8% more accurately compared to the drugged students. The authors conclude that the difference translates into getting an average passing grade of C using behavioral techniques, while children on stimulants would average an F.

There are limitations to the study such as its small size and the potential for environmental influences that could affect the reaction to the medication. The authors also concede that more time on a medication may yield positive results.

On the other hand, many natural healthcare practitioners believe that ADHD is most often a result of being overtired, which is caused by many factors including vaccine damage, poor diet, poor sleep habits, and emotional issues. The fact that the drugs of choice used to treat ADHD are stimulants does support the theory of being overtired. It may seem contradictive, since someone exhibiting hyperactivity doesn’t appear to be tired, but it’s the body’s way of compensating by releasing adrenalin.

ADHD, like most other chronic health issues, is best treated with diet and some other hands-on, engaged approaches. Drugs typically do not work as well as suggested, if at all, and always (literally, always) cause problems. If you have ADHD, you would do well to cut out artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, refined sugars, and any stimulants, and get good quality sleep. And don’t get the flu shot.

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Menstrual Cups Could Save Your Life – Here’s What You Should Know

At first glance, the use of menstrual cups may appear to be the sort of radical hippie ritual that induces a sense of compromised hygiene and sound logic. Common sense would dictate that only the most dedicated and possibly unhinged earth mother would opt for such an unconventional method of dealing with menstruation. Indeed, the notion may be a deeply foreign and unappealing option when weighed against the familiar glint of modern sanitary products. However, upon closer inspection, and considered with an open mind, the numerous benefits of using of menstrual cups far exceed customary options.

What are They and How do They Work?

Measuring approximately 2 inches long, with a capacity of 30ml, these soft silicone cups collect your flow as opposed to absorbing it. Inserted vaginally, they effectively replace the need for conventional tampons or pads. By forming a gentle seal against the vaginal walls, the cup can be worn comfortably for extended periods without odor proliferation or spillages.

The cups have silicone stems connected to the bottom-most point. You may leave the stem long for effortless removal, or trim it as short as you please, according to what is most comfortable. No one way is incorrect.

Menstrual cups can be easily found and purchased online and are often found in health food shops.

Benefits

It is understandable that this process may be unappealing to the uninitiated, but the far-reaching benefits of using menstrual cups should be considered before dismissing this unconventional practice altogether.

Economical

The numbers speak for themselves. Because this amazing apparatus lasts up to ten years, the economy of a single purchase quickly, and in some cases, immediately, offsets the initial outlay.

  • The average woman spends between $5 and $15 a month on sanitary products, which is somewhere between $60 and $180 per year (that’s a potential $600 to $1800 over a decade)!
  • Reputable menstrual cup brands can be purchased for $15 to $30.

Ecological

Throughout an average lifetime, tampon users are estimated to go through more than 10,000 of the brightly colored, floral scented, individually wrapped contraptions. Whether it’s treated cardboard or pearlescent plastic, the cumulative contribution to landfill from applicators alone is staggering – not to mention all the additional packaging that accompanies these highly marketable products.

Due to the synthetic nature of most modern tampons, they are responsible for an increasing percentage of the world’s waste crisis – and remain a long-term burden by not degrading efficiently.

With genetically modified organism use on the rise, tampons are no exception to the expansion of this controversial science. Increasingly, manufacturers are choosing to use GM cotton (in addition to swathes of other dubiously artificial ingredients such as polyurethane and rayon).

…even if you do use an all-cotton tampon, it is as well to be aware of the increasing proliferation of GM cotton in the marketplace. Dr Ilya Sandra Perlingieri, author of The Uterine Crisis (1st Books, 2003), believes that more and more tampon manufacturers are using genetically modified cotton, which resists the effects of antibiotics. This is important since the rate of sexually transmitted diseases is on the rise. Bacteria exposed to GM cotton may inherit that resistance to antibiotics, making STDs increasingly difficult to treat.” – Pat Thomas

Comfortable and Convenient

Monthly menses enjoy the distinction of being inconvenient, uncomfortable, and downright annoying. However, menstrual cups offer unparalleled comfort and convenience at a time when a little respite is greatly needed. Irritation need not feature at the top of your list during your bleed week:

  • Not only can the cup be used for 6-12 hours at a time, but once in, it melds with your body for a blissfully unobtrusive experience.
  • You can engage in vigorous and dynamic movement with the cup in, without concern for leakage or the need for readjustment.
  • Used correctly, you won’t feel it.
  • Additionally, the cup can be worn safely and effectively through the night.

Personal Safety

The safety considerations to make while using contemporary menstrual management methods are many and varied.

Tampons are associated with the following:

  • Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious, potentially fatal condition associated with tampon use. High absorption products create the ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. These organisms could ultimately convert into the toxin that induces TSS.
  • Excessive absorption causes and exacerbates dehydration, fissures, and areas of acute irritation.
  • Tampons leave behind fibers that interfere with the normal function and homeostasis of the vagina.
  • Tampons are frequently filled with many synthetic compounds, additives, parabens, perfumes, chemical deodorizers, and bleaching agents. These are singularly capable of disturbing normal function and healthy vaginal flora – used in concert, they are highly disruptive.

On the other hand, menstrual cups provide many promising perks:

  • There is no risk of developing TSS.
  • They do not compromise vaginal health by intruding upon the delicate balance of beneficial microbes.
  • Because that they catch the flow, rather than absorb it, cups do not dry out the mucosal membrane of the vaginal wall or leave behind any residue of any kind. This ensures the womb’s continued efficiency at cleansing, detoxifying, and protecting.
  • Conscientious brands such as Mooncup state that their product is: “Made from soft medical grade silicone, the Mooncup is latex-free and contains no dyes, BPA, toxins or bleaches. It’s also great for women with sensitive skin.” They also go on to state that: “The Mooncup menstrual cup contains no bleaches, deodorisers, or absorbency gels.”

How to Use

Getting used to the idea of using a menstrual cup can be a little challenging. It does require a bit of a pioneering mindset and a confident approach, but by being informed and taking your time, you will quickly overcome the daunting uncertainty.

To insert:

  • Positioning is important, and it may take some time to figure out what angle works best for you. Sometimes sitting, squatting, or standing with a leg on a raised surface can help.
  • Pinch the lip of the cup together, making a “U” shape. Alternatively, you may choose to make more of a small “O” shape by collapsing one side of the cup down into the cavity and holding the top together with thumb and forefinger.
  • Allow your anatomy to guide the process of insertion.
  • You may find that wetting the cup with water beforehand eases the entry.
  • Once in, you can allow the cup to expand. It is at this point that the seal naturally forms, but adjustments can be made by shifting the cup to best suit you.
  • It is important to ensure the cup is fully inside and not interfering with the opening of the vagina. This would prove both uncomfortable and less effective.
  • Should the stem be visible, trimming might be appropriate.

To remove:

  • Pull on the stem, and slightly squeeze the base of the cup.
  • Carefully ease down one side of the cup, then the other.
  • Empty the cup.
  • Either rinse or wipe it with a tissue before reinserting.

Additional Considerations

Size

There are two sizes of cup on the market:

  • Size one is appropriate for women under 30 who have not given birth vaginally.
  • Size two is more suitable for women over 30 and those who have given birth vaginally.

Normal Variations

Every body is different, and due to the intimate nature of this method, it is important to make adjustments that are right for you, based on your own experience.

  • Depth of insertion may vary. This is okay, and, moreover, normal. Listening to your anatomy will allow you will ensure the best outcome.
  • Trim the stem to a length that suits your comfort level; this may mean leaving it completely uncut, or entirely removing it.

Sanitation

Good hygiene is a crucial component of safe and successful menstrual cup use.

  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after insertion.
  • Though it is not recommended, if you do use soap to clean the cup between uses while on your period, make sure the soap is completely removed before re-use to avoid irritation to the delicate tissue.
  • It is necessary to sanitize your menstrual cups after your period is over, and it is easy to do in an eco-friendly way by boiling it with vinegar for 5-7 minutes.

Staining

Over time, the cup may take on a darkened, stained appearance. The color change may range from brown to orange to yellow. This is perfectly normal and consistent with correct usage. Staining is not an indication of fault or uncleanliness. An eco-friendly option for removing the discoloration is to scrub it with a paste of baking soda and water.

Storage

To preserve the longevity and hygiene of your cup between uses, proper storage must be observed.

  • Let the cup thoroughly dry after sterilization.
  • Store in a breathable cotton bag. (Extra points for organic cotton!)
  • Do not use a plastic bag, Tupperware, or sealed container.

Cons

It is important to bear in mind that adjusting to using menstrual cups may take some time and practice. Furthermore, they may not be appropriate for everyone.

  • The use of cups may interfere with women who have an IUD or Nuva Ring fitted, as these devices may become displaced. Consent from an OB/GYN is strongly advised under these circumstances.
  • This method may prove difficult to insert for some, particularly young girls who have never been sexually active. Additionally, some bodies are less suited to cups and will have less success with them due to conditions such as a dropped uterus, a prolapsed uterus, or fibroids.
  • Removal may also pose problems for new users. Though not uncomfortable, the process can be a little tricky to master and will take some practice.
  • Especially compared to popular sanitary products, cups can involve more mess. Direct contact with the process of flow collection can be off-putting. In particular, use in public restrooms may prove less convenient.
  • Long term maintenance requires proper sterilization and storage.

Final Thoughts

Doubtless, many will shy away from this alternative practice in favor of more contemporary methods that receive widespread support and media coverage. However, when all the facts are taken into consideration, it is increasingly difficult to justify the risks and compromises associated with those habits. This small change can change your health, well-being, and may even save your life.

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Plague– The Chronic Fatigue, Autism, Retrovirus and Vaccine Connection (a Book Review)

When we learn about scientists and their discoveries, we know nothing about them as people. We have no idea how they treat their peers, whether they grandstand, undercut their competition, throw their weight around, or honor the ethics of their profession.

In her book Plague, One Scientist’s Intrepid Search for the Truth about Human Viruses and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Autism, and Other Diseases, (co-written by Kent Heckenlively, JD), Judy Mikovits PhD, pulls back the curtain and reveals the underbelly of the scientific community and how it closes ranks to protect corporate interests. When Mikovits’ made a discovery that threatened the system and the financial fabric that holds it together, her stellar career exploded. Efforts to discredit her included her being fired, arrested, and publically discredited.

At the time this fiasco came to pass, Judy Mikovits was a molecular biologist and biochemist with more than 30 years experience. She had authored approximately 50 publications. Her original professional focus was HIV and AIDS, but she had learned that there were many similarities between AIDS and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS).

ME is a horrific disease, one that has been systematically minimalized by the healthcare system in the United States. It was named chronic fatigue syndrome by the CDC, though the name sounds much less serious than myalgic encephalomyelitis, the term used in Britain and elsewhere throughout much of the world. The medical community further diminished its seriousness by nicknaming it the yuppie flu. Doctors routinely dismissed patients’ suffering, labeling it as malingering or hypochondria, because they were told the disease was not real. But to many, ME is a devastating, life-altering disease.

As stated in Plague, “Patients suffer from a devastating cascade of symptoms rendering them ghosts of the people they once were; more than half become completely disabled, a quarter permanently bed-bound. Recovery is rare. Morbidity studies have demonstrated that ME patients are as ill as end-stage AIDS sufferers, advanced cancer patients, and people dying from congestive heart failure.”

The inconvenient truth Mikovits discovered as she delved into a thorough study of ME and its patients was “pervasive evidence” that a gammaretrovirus, XMRV, was present in 70% of ME patients and 4% of healthy controls. This retrovirus, a murine leukemia virus found in mice, had somehow jumped species. Mikovits presented evidence that this retrovirus was associated with ME, specific cancers, and autism. Her data indication that 10 million Americans were infected with this latent virus (though asymptomatic) and that the vehicle that infected so much of the population was vaccines. Once she made the association between vaccines and autism, her career was over.

Plague, One Scientist’s Intrepid Search for the Truth about Human Viruses and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Autism, and Other Diseases is a highly informative read. It sounds horrible to say that the book is entertaining considering the subject matter, perhaps gripping and intriguing are better terms. This look into the personalities and politics of the scientific medical  community is in and of itself an eye-opening, worthy read. The information on the handling of chronic fatigue syndrome and the similar approach to the autism epidemic is vital information. The link with vaccines is world changing. We highly recommend the book.

Plague, One Scientist’s Intrepid Search for the Truth about Human Viruses and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Autism, and Other Diseases can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and IndieBound.

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The Need for Stress Reduction in Gestational Hypertension

A significant increase  in blood volume (approximately 40-50%) naturally occurs during pregnancy to ensure there is an adequate blood supply to nourish the placenta, to protect the mother from going into shock during labour (due to excessive blood loss), and to provide a storage of fluids for breast milk production. This considerable increase often predisposes the pregnant mother to high blood pressure (hypertension) and excess swelling, especially around the feet and or ankles.

Pharmaceutical and natural diuretics decrease the body’s fluid volume, which may initially lower blood pressure due to a decrease in blood volume, but may reduce blood volume below the requirements for a healthy pregnancy, causing the kidneys to compensate by conserving fluids even more. This will consequently raise blood pressure once again and defy the purpose of taking diuretics in the first place. Therefore, a natural diuretic may be risky during pregnancy, especially if used concomitantly with hypertension medication.  I, therefore, do not give suggestions that may significantly lower the woman’s  blood pressure even more, particularly if she is already on blood pressure medication for hypertension,  as this may induce a hypotensive state (very low blood pressure) and pose a risk for mother and baby.

Instead, below I have made general suggestions to support stress management, optimal circulation, and blood vessel integrity.

Stress Management and Blood Pressure Regulation

  • During periods of stress, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated and prompts the blood vessels to constrict. Maternal stress in any form is, therefore, a risk factor for hypertension, especially if it continues over an extended period of time. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle physical exercise are all useful ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), which is associated with a healthy regulation of blood pressure. In short: when the body and mind are relaxed, muscles and capillaries relax and allow proper blood pressure regulation and blood circulation.
  • Emotional support and connection with loved ones are powerful strategies to induce a relaxed, stress-free state. She can make a daily practice of connecting with her partner for at least 10-15 minutes, with no phones or other disruptions. Over and above the cardiovascular benefits reaped from this habit, it may also ensure their foundation as a couple is strong when the little one arrives.

Promoting Circulation

  • Some foods and spices are associated with improved circulation: raw ginger, sunflower seeds, olive oil, cherries, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, and rosemary. Including these food sources regularly in meals and snacks may support circulation and also ensure the intake of a broad variety of nutrients to support the overall health of the mother and foetus.
  • If she is in a state of dehydration, the kidneys may compensate by retaining body fluids. 1.5-2 litres of water per day should ensure hydration during pregnancy.
  • Dry skin brushing from the feet upwards in clockwise circles is invigorating for the skin, improves overall blood circulation and prevents “pooling” of fluids in the lower legs.
  • Being sedentary for extended periods of time can impair circulation, especially if she sits on hard surfaces, which may impede blood flow from the lower legs upwards. Using a footrest while sitting on a chair to lift the feet in line with the hips may improve the blood flow from the lower legs to the rest of the body.
  • Gentle exercises tailored for pregnant women may be useful in stress management and also in mobilising fluids throughout her body.
  • Wearing loose-fitting flat shoes will improve comfort and reduce constrictions around the feet.

Supporting Blood Vessel Integrity

  • Throughout the day, pregnant women can enjoy the following drink: a cup of lukewarm water with juice of ½ a lemon, 1 teaspoon raw unfiltered honey, and 2-3 small pieces of raw ginger. Lemon juice contains citrate and vitamin C: nutrients associated with blood pressure regulation, improved circulation, and maintenance of arterial flexibility. Raw honey tends to have a relaxing effect on the arteries and ginger acts as a “warming” food to support circulation.
  • Maternal intake of omega 3 fatty acids in adequate amounts is essential for foetal development, but it also exhibits various cardio-protective properties for the mother: regulation of blood pressure, boosting circulation, reduced risk of thrombosis (blood clots), and increased arterial flexibility. A daily dose of high quality, purified fish oil supplement (with at least 1000mg EPA and DHA) is recommended during pregnancy.
About the Author:

Jeanne van Zyl is a qualified Dietary Educator (through CNELM), with a post-graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition. She is currently studying for an M.Sc. in Personalised Nutrition through Middlesex University. Jeanne also lectures in Nutrition for the group of colleges that includes CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), in Europe, and CNH (College of Natural Health) in South Africa.