Magnesium. THE mineral you need!

 

MAGNESIUM! The Wonder Mineral!

Magnesium

Magnesium is the 11th most common mineral in the human body, governs the activity of over 350 enzyme systems, and plays a key role in over 80% of metabolic functions. Magnesium is one of the TOP minerals that our system needs. It has a huge impact on health in a WIDE variety of ways.

 

Magnesium has been proven to prevent metabolic syndrome X, blood sugar issues, and many of premenstrual symptoms. Magnesium is also involved in blood sugar regulation, cortisol regulation, energy production, fighting against blood lipids, governs pituitary health, hormone creation(literally estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone,) sleep, and supports thyroid..basically if you’re magnesium deficient and you most likely are..then you’re working harder then you have to to be healthy & may not even be able to get at your max health potential.

 

Both symptoms of being deficient in magnesium and what will be solved by getting the proper amount of quality and absorbable magnesium(which most forms/brands aren’t) :

Adrenal fatigue, facial ticks, fibromyalgia, headaches/migraines, insomnia muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome,  and PMS symptoms including  anxiety, bloating, cramps, depression…and improvements are QUICKLY experienced!

 

Magnesium is constantly being used and it’s important to keep up your levels throughout the day. The supplement, Healthful-Bone, that I take myself and LOVE recommends that you take it 5 times throughout the day..I know it seems like a lot and I do my best and its become easier and more natural over time….I basically carry it around in my bag a little baggie and then take it when I remember…if you’re not good at remembering you can set an alarm on your phone. Or take 2 with am vitamins and 3 with pm vitamins. 🙂

healthful-bone-300-caps-lgAlthough it is actually not very likely that you’ll get enough magnesium through your food alone, these are the top food sources of magnesium:

Magnesium FoodsDark Chocolate – most of people’s “favorite” and please note quality dark chocolate is what I’m talking about here, not Hersey’s. The highest quality with the best taste that I personally LOVE is the Theo Ultimate Dark 85% Chocolate with salted almonds..I get them on amazon in bulk. 😉

Fish – cod, halibut, salmon are highest in magnesium. I go for wild caught whenever possible and usually only have 1 or 2 fish dishes per week.

Leafy greens – you know the crew…collard greens, kale, spinach, swiss chard..It’s best to get some of these throughout the day.

Sunflower Seeds – they actually have 455mg per cup! I know so much, they also have other essential minerals including vitamin B6 & Iron. However sunflower seeds should  be limited to a handful as they also have a lot of fats(some good/some bad) as well as carbohydrates & sugar. There are a lot of great options out there,  my favorite is Davis Lewis Orchards Raw Fancy Organic Sunflower Seeds. Hi quality, great taste, and from U.S.A.

Sunflower Nutritional Facts:Sunflower Seed Nutritional Facts

Magnesium is mostly absorbed through the small intestine. Absorption ranges but at best about 45% of what you intake.

Another great way to intake more magnesium is through your skin. I personally LOVE LOVE LOVE taking baths and I always take my baths with Epsoak Epsom Salt! Yes I buy in bulk because otherwise it costs a ton, wastes a lot of containers, and is more expensive. But they do come in smaller sizes if you want to try it first. I generally take 20-40 minute baths 2-3 times per week before bedtime…creates a very calming environment and helps me to get to sleep SUPER fast!

 

Another way to increase your magnesium intake is through transdermal supplementation, I currently use Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil (the GOLD standard for transdermal magnesium) In the past I’ve also use Life-flo Pure Magnesium Oil, overnight on bottom of my feet before bed time (for the added benefit of quality sleep), sometimes I rub it into muscles that are sore.

And lastly, when I was first figuring out that I was magnesium deficient I used Naturally CALM, literally would be 100% ready for bed and then make it and go to bed immediately and I had an easy time falling to sleep, it felt like magic! Now that I’m not magnesium deficient I don’t use it as often but sometimes and a lot when I’m out of town. Just a spoonful in a tiny bit of water. 🙂

 

So for the last bit of info………there are things that deplete your magnesium levels as well as BLOCK the absorption. I warn you, there are things on this list that I’m sure you think you can’t give up as they’re a part of your life. I get it, your addicted, you can’t live with out. You do you, I’m just letting you know you’re causing this to yourself and you need to know..so as long as you know that you are crating this cycle of non-health then that’s on you, at least you know the cause and can make educated decision.

 

-Consuming sugar actually takes magnesium to be processed into your system so it’s taking magnesium from another function that it could be doing! SO crazy, I know! I was a SUGAR ADDICT for many many years and thought there was NO way I could give it up, but after seeing so much research on how unhealthy it is I figured it out and now I don’t crave sugar at all! And sometimes I have some and don’t even enjoy in the same way, and whatever it is it better be WORTH IT! (I quit sugar with my why and organic ceylon cinnamon..with EASE! Way easier then I thought it would be.)::::Article on the MANY benefits of cinnamon::::

-Drinking caffeine excretes minerals from your system, including magnesium.

-And the top offender because it not only depletes magnesium but ALSO  BLOCKS absorption is drinking carbonated beverages! The phosphoric acid that makes them bubble up is depleting your magnesium and BLOCKING you from absorbing 🙁

So I’m sure you may have noticed SODA is pretty much on the bad list for having a good magnesium level. So if there’s 1 thing you cut out! I recommend cut out SODA!! I haven’t had soda in over 15 years…when I switched to Kombucha! Kombucha is great because it’s refreshing and a great source of probiotic which is great for general and hormonal health! And if you’ve “tried” it before and think it taste like vinegar or some other non delicious flavor I recommend you try some others..there are a TON of options at this point! My favorites always have ginger in them. I think because the ginger nicely goes with/masks the “kombucha vinegar” flavor. I saw try kombucha until you like it! And trust me, I try new ones just for fun and some of them are nasty!

 

 

Happy Healthy Hormones AM Elixir

Okay so as you may have noticed there are a lot of great morning ritual “habits” that are all 1st thing in the morning…so after having my morning routine take over an hour and that not being workable I figured out how to combine the morning drinks/eats into 1 delicious beverage! A Happy Healthy Hormones AM Elixir!

All of the ingredients in the Happy Healthy Hormones AM Elixir are so powerfully amazing for your body…I’ve literally written articles on 3 of the 5 of them…and water and turmeric both have

Benefits for warm lemon water: Warm water with lemon in the am…so simple so beneficial


Coconut…seriously one of the most versatile and amazing products that I’ve ever heard of for health and hormones

 

The many benefits of cinnamon: C is for Cinnamon….ABC’s ALL the health BENEFITS of CINNAMON

 

Happy Healthy Hormones AM Elixir Recipe:

1/2 organic lemon I get mine from my tree, store or you can order on amazon if not accessible to you or just because it’s easier. I use a manual lemon squeezer ever morning but you could also juice some in advance and save in a glass jar in the fridge if you’d like.

1 teaspoon Artisana coconut butter

1/3 teaspoon organic ceylon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon organic turmeric

1/3 cup hot water..either just boiled in a put or I’m newly in love with this Bella ceramic kettle

Best to be drank through a glass straw to protect teeth from acid of lemon. 😉

 

happyhealthyhormonesamelixir

Coconut…seriously one of the most versatile and amazing products that I’ve ever heard of for health and hormones

Coconut…it seriously is one of the most versatile and amazing products that I’ve ever heard of for health and hormones. If you’re not already into coconut or decided you don’t “like it” just figure it out, you can learn to like almost anything and coconut is one of those things you really just need to. And let me tell you, at first I would gag eating coconut oil in the am but the benefits for my health were so strong I just kept at it and then actually discovered Artisana Coconut Butter, and HOLY MOLY is it amazing. It’s not only delicious but it’s also the “whole” coconut and has same benefits as you’ve heard or are about to read below.

artisanacoconutbutterjen

Check out my Happy Healthy Hormones AM Elixir Recipe (Coming soon….currently on my Happy Healthy Hormones Instagram)

Honestly I was going to write out a whole article…but then found this one by Dr. Axe and it’s pretty perfect! So here it is:

To date, there are over 1,500 studies proving coconut oil to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Coconut oil benefits and uses go beyond what most people realize.

Research has finally uncovered the secrets to this amazing fruit; namely healthy fats called medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), these unique fats include:

  • Caprylic acid
  • Lauric acid
  • Capric acid

And around 62% of the oils in coconut are made up of these 3 healthy fatty acids and 91% of the fat in coconut oil is healthy saturated fat.

Most of the fats that we consume take longer to digest, but MCFAs found in coconut oil provide the perfect source of energy because they only have to go through a 3 step process to be turned into fuel vs. other fats go through a 26 step process!

Unlike long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) found in plant based oils, MCFAs are:

  • Easier to digest
  • Not readily stored as fat
  • Are anti-microbial and anti-fungal
  • Smaller in size, allowing easier cell permeability for immediate energy
  • Processed by the liver, which means that they are immediately converted to energy instead of being stored as fat

20 Proven Coconut Oil Benefits

According to medical research, coconut oil benefits the body in the following ways:


alzheimers Illustration

1. Proven Alzheimers Disease Natural Treatment

The digestion of MCFA’s by the liver creates ketones which are a readily accessible energy by the brain. Ketones supply energy to the brain without the need of insulin to process glucose into energy.

Recent research has shown that the brain actually creates it’s own insulin to process glucose and power brain cells. As the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient has lost the ability to create it’s own insulin, the ketones from coconut oil could create an alternate source of energy to help repair brain function.


2. Prevents Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure

Coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats. Saturated fats not only increase the healthy cholesterol (known as HDL) in your body, but also help to convert the LDL “bad” cholesterol into good cholesterols.

By Increasing the HDL’s in the body, it helps promote heart health, and lower the risk of heart disease.


Human Kidneys, urinary system 3. Cures UTI and Kidney Infection & Protects the Liver

Coconut oil has been known to clear up and heal urinary (UTI) and kidney infections. The MCFA’s in the oil work as a natural antibiotic by disrupting the lipid coating on bacteria and killing them. Also there is a study showing that coconut oil directly protected the liver from damage.

Coconut water also helps hydrate and support the healing process. Doctors have even injected the coconut water to clear up kidney stones. Coconut is a super powerful food!


4. Reduces Inflammation and Arthritis

 In a study in India, the high levels of antioxidants present in virgin coconut oil reduced inflammation and healing arthritis more effectively than leading medications.

In another recent study, coconut oil that was harvested with only medium heat was found to suppress inflammatory cells. It worked as both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.


Fighting cancer

5. Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Coconut oil has two qualities that help it fight cancer. One, because of the ketones produced in it’s digestion. Tumor cells are not able to access the energy in ketones and are glucose dependent. It is believed that a ketogenic diet could be a possible component of helping cancer patients recover.

Two, as the MCFA’s digest the lipid walls of bacteria, they also can kill the helicobacter pylori bacteria that has been known as increasing the risk of stomach cancer. Even in studies where cancer is chemically induced, the introduction of coconut oil prevents cancer from developing!


6. Immune System Boost (antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral)

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is known to reduce candida, fight bacteria, and create a hostile environment for viruses. Many diseases today are causes by the overgrowth of bad bacteria, funguses, viruses and parasites in the body.

You can replace grains and sugar in your diet with coconut oil as your natural fuel source when you’re sick. Sugar feeds the growth of bad bacteria. Instead take 1 TBSP of coconut oil 3x daily when sick and consume plenty of vegetables and bone broth as well.


bright ideas lightbulb, memory

7. Improves Memory and Brain Function

In a 2004 study published in the journal of Neurobiology of Aging, they found that the MCFA’s found in coconut oil improved the memory problems in their older subjects.

Across all the patients there was a marked improvement in their recall ability after taking this fatty acid. As the MCFA’s are absorbed easily in the body and can be accessed in the brain without the use of insulin, they are able to fuel brain cells more efficiently.


8. Improves Energy and Endurance

Coconut oil is easy to digest, but also produces a longer sustained energy and increases your metabolism. When taking a quality non-processed coconut oil, you can get the most benefit as it’s MCFA’s are sent directly to the liver to be converted into energy!

Today, many triathletes will use coconut oil as their source of fuels during training and races for long distance events. You can make a homemade energy fuel by mixing coconut oil, raw honey and chia seeds together. Simply put together 1 TBSP of each and consume 30 minutes prior to exercise.


Gastritis, Stomach Ulcers improvement

9. Improves Digestion, Reduces Stomach Ulcers & Ulcerative Colitis

Coconut also improves digestion as it helps the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, calcium, and magnesium.

If coconut oil is taken at the same time as omega-3 fatty acids, it can make them twice as effective, as they are readily available to be digested and used by the body.

Coconut oil can help improve bacteria and gut health by destroying bad bacteria and candida. Candida imbalance especially can decrease stomach acid which causes inflammation and poor digestion.


10. Reduces Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease & Pancreatitis 

The MCFA’s of coconut oil do not need the pancreatic enzymes to be broken down, so taking coconut oil eases the strain on the pancreas.

Additionally, this super fat is so easy to digest that it has been known to improve the symptoms of gallbladder disease as well. Replace other long-chain fats with coconut oil to improve gallbladder and total body health.


11. Improves Skin Issues (burns, eczema, dandruff, dermatitis, and psoriasis)

Coconut oil is wonderful as a face cleanser, moisturizer and sun screen, but also it can treat many skin disorders. The fatty acids (Caprylic and Lauric) in coconut oil reduce inflammation internally and externally and moisturize making them a great solution for all types of skin conditions.

It protects the skin and has many antioxidants that make it ideal for healing the skin. In addition the antimicrobial properties balance out the candida or fungal sources that can cause many skin conditions.


healthy teeth and gums, bright white smile

12. Prevents Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Oil pulling with coconut oil has been used for centuries as a way to cleanse the mouth of bacteria and help heal periodontal disease. Coconut oil is one of the most effective oils for oil pulling due to it’s high concentration of antibacterial MCFA’s.

By swishing the oil in your mouth the oil denatures the bacteria and sticks to it. Removing oral bacteria greatly reduces your risk of periodontal disease. If you want to heal your gums and repair your teeth, I recommend coconut oil pulling 3x a week for 20 minutes a day. 


13. Prevents Osteoporosis

Oxidative stress and free radicals are the two biggest culprits of osteoporosis. Since coconut oil has such high levels of antioxidants which help fight free radicals, it is a leading natural treatment for osteoporosis.

Another of the amazing coconut oil benefits is that it increases calcium absorption in the gut. Research with osteoporosis has found that coconut oil not only increases bone volume and structure in subjects, but also decreased bone loss due to osteoporosis.


Man writing Diabetes

14. Improves Type II Diabetes

When cells refuse to respond to insulin and no longer take in glucose for energy, then they are considered insulin resistant. The pancreas then pumps out more insulin to compensate and creates an overproduction cycle. Insulin resistance is the precursor to Type II diabetes.

The MCFA’s in coconut oil helps balance the insulin reactions in the cells and promote healthy digestive process. They take off the strain on the pancreas and give the body a consistent energy source that is not dependent on glucose reactions which can prevent insulin resistance and Type II diabetes.


Weight loss, losing inches

15. Coconut Oil for Weight loss

Because of the energy creating abilities of coconut oil, it is no wonder that it is beneficial in losing weight. It helps to burn fat, decrease appetite and it studies it was especially helpful in losing belly fat!

Coconut’s ability to help you shed fat has been well established. A 1985 study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health proved that a single injection of capric acid resulted in “initially rapid, then gradual decrease in food consumption and a parallel loss of body weight” in male rats.

It might seem counterintuitive to assume that eating coconut oil (a fat) will contribute to fat loss, but it is actually quite logical. The key to understanding this phenomenon lays in the multidimensional ability of the MCFAs to control a variety of physiological processes.

For example, in the 1985 study mentioned above, it was discovered that capric acid shows significant improvements in thyroid function, helps lower resting heart rate, and assists your body in burning fat for energy.

More recently, the Obesity Research Journal published a study from Boston University Medical School that gives us a clue why MCFAs have fat burning ability.

Testing the effects that MFCAs have on fat breakdown, adipose (fatty) cells in rats were pretreated with caprylic acid. They observed that fat breakdown occurred at such a significant level that it literally mimicked the characteristics of fasting.

Fasting, in this sense, is not to be regarded as negative, but positive in that the body uses its energy reserves most effectively and speeds up the breakdown of needless fat reserves.

In the words of the researchers who conducted this study, “Such changes could contribute, in part, to weight loss in animals and humans associated with dietary medium-chain fatty acids.”


man flexing muscle bicep

16. Building Muscle and Losing Body Fat

MCFAs aren’t just good for burning fat; they are also great for building muscle. The MCFAs found in coconut are also used in popular muscle building products like Muscle Milk™.

The vast majority of heavily produced supplements however, use processed forms of MCFAs. By eating actual coconuts, however, you get the “real deal.” I recommend adding 3 tbsp of coconut oil to a muscle building shake daily.


17. Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair Care

If you have dandruff or dry hair coconut oil has the perfect fatty acids to help improve these conditions. You can make homemade coconut lavender shampoo to improve your hair and use straight coconut oil as an all natural hair conditioner.

To get rid of dandruff and to thicken hair massage 1 tbsp coconut oil mixed with 10 drops of rosemary essential oil into your scalp for 3 minutes. Then shower 30 minutes later.


18. Candida and Yeast Infections

A study published in the journal of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found the capric acid and lauric acid in coconut oil were an effective natural treatment for candida albicans and yeast infections.

To effectively kill candida and treat yeast infections remove processed sugar and refined grains from your diet and consume plenty of healthy fats. Take 1 tbsp of coconut oil 3x daily as a supplement.


19. Coconut Oil for Anti-aginganti-aging woman's face

According to research published in the medical journal Food and Function, coconut oil improves antioxidant levels and can slow aging. Coconut oil works by reducing stress on the liver and by lowering oxidative stress.

Also, they found that coconut oil may support detoxification because of how it works with the liver. To naturally slow aging take 1 tbsp of coconut oil with anti-oxidant rich berries for breakfast. You can also apply it directly to skin for additional benefits and smoothing.


20. Coconut Oil for Hormone Balance

Using coconut oil benefits your hormones as well! Coconut oil may help naturally balance hormones because it’s a great source of saturated fat including lauric acid. Studies have found that coconut oil may be an excellent fat to consume during menopause and also may have positives effects on estrogen levels.

In order to naturally balance hormones reduce sugar and grain consumption and load up on healthy fats from coconut, avocado, flax seeds and ghee.


Proven Coconut Oil Health Benefits List infographic


Coconut Oil Side Effects

There are rarely any side effects for coconut oil. Occasionally a contact allergy may occur for certain individuals that are allergic to coconuts. Some of the cleaning products created by coconut oil have been known to cause contact allergies as well, but it is not common.  In fact, coconut oil is known for reducing side effects of many medications.  And in studies, it reduced the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments!


Coconut OilHow to Take Coconut Oil

I use coconut oil for all of my cooking and baking, and I will often put a tablespoon of it in my morning smoothie. You can also apply it directly to your skin or as a carrier for essential oils or blends.

*WARNING – refined or processed coconut oil can be bleached, over-heated, and chemically processed to increase its shelf-life. Processing the oil changes the chemical makeup and the fats are no longer good for you!

 

C is for Cinnamon…..ABC’s ALL the health BENEFITS of CINNAMON

Seriously All the Benefits of Cinnamon is just mind-blowing to me….you know when you’re like “how come everything that’s so delicious is so bad for me? or everything healthy doesn’t taste good??” Well apparently you get what you seek out…and if you seek out delicious foods that are amazing for you then you find them as well…example being CINNAMON!  Cinnamon even helps make foods that you might not find so flavorful simply amazing.
 
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A through Z benefits of cinnamon: 
Anti-Inflammatory! Inflammation is known to cause so much harm to our short and long term health.
Brain Function-boost alertness..even from just smelling it!
Clears out harmful bacteria out of the digestive system, which can help body absorb oter nutrients more easily.
Degenerative disease prevention, including alzheimer’s
Eliminates acne. (You can make a cinnamon and honey topical mask and apply to affected areas, leave on for a few hours and rinse.)
Fiber and calcium contained in cinnamon help protect the cells of the colon and prevent cancer from forming there.
Gargle some boiled cinnamon stick water to freshen your breath naturally. There is also a wonderful healthy toothpaste by Spry that has cinnamon available on amazon.
Helps with blood sugar levels..stabilizing blood sugar is huge! Especially for hormonal balancing! Literally #1 step!IMG_5655
Increases circulation…aka blood flow…great for so many things..including hair growth.
Jenius approved! Def a great product that is efficient…tastes great, smells great, and has a ton of actual body benefits.
Keeps the colon running smoothly.
Losing weight-cinammon revs up the metabolism.
Mood improvement from just the aroma…helps the body relax/not be stressed.
Naturally reduces insulin resistance, insulin is an important hormone that regulates metabolism and energy.
Outranks all other spices as the top provider of antioxidants which protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Prevents heart disease..or at least is a great addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle.IMG_6906
Quick remedy to reduce sugar cravings! For reals has been my lifesaver on my “quitting refined sugars and limiting my fruit to 2 per day”
Reduces bad LDL cholesterol while not doing anything to the good cholesterol levels.
Salmonella and listeria bacteria inhibitor….great antibacterial.
Treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi.
Use Ceylon not Cassia cinnamon..or limit Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin which is believed to be harmful in large doses.
Vegetables are preserved…cinnamon actually decreases the amount of bacteria that is formed on leftovers.IMG_7590
Women’s hormonal balancing. Lowers the amount of testosterone while increasing the amount of progesterone.
X-terminator of ANTS! Repeals and gets rid of ants. Ants don’t like cinnamon so if you sprinkle their entry points…they won’t find your home as friendly as you.
Yes, cinnamaldehyde, is the main active component of cinnamon, which may help fight various kinds of infections.
Zen enhancer.. through taste or smell…just as a reminder!
 
Organic Ceylon Cinnamon is the best option as there are some possible side effects of other cinnamon “types.”
I really like the fair trade brand Frontier Natural Products Organic Ceylon Cinnamon.
Okay so do you agree with how amazing cinnamon is?? So how to incorporate into your diet….(please note…I realize not all of these are “healthy” items..and most I don’t personally eat..but you do you.)
I use in and on bananas, blueberries, raw cacao brownies, smoothies, soup, steel cut oats, quinoa
Other  coffee, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, tea, toast, tortillas
AND of course tons to amazing actual dish recipes online…any good ones you want to recommend?

Chicken Bone Broth

Chicken Bone Broth….

Chicken bone broth is essentially just some bones and water that heat up in a put for 24 hours to create a broth/stock when you really look at it. But it’s really so much more!! It’s even been coined as a miracle elixir that improves your skin, your gut health, immune system, and a lot more.

Broth can be purchased or you can make yourself at home.(Below are directions on making your own!) If you’re going to purchase it be sure to get it from someone who puts love into it and uses all organic chickens and ingredients. Before I started making it myself I LOVED Soupure’s and Probiotic Boosts’ http://www.probioticboost.com (which I bought from my Studio City Farmers Market)

 

Why Chicken Bone Broths are good for you?

Broth is an exceptional source of minerals and also is understood to improve the immune system and improve digestion. Its high calcium, magnesium, and also phosphorus material make it essential for the bones as well as the teeth.

Broth is also a kidney tonic that directly supports adrenal function, helping us make the shift from surviving to thriving.

 

How is Chicken Bone Broth related to beauty?

If you don’t know about this top beauty secret yet, now you will!
Bone broth is a perfect source for collagen. When you cook down bones, it breaks down the collagen so it comes to be more quickly absorbable.

Real collagen is a good source of stock’s immune-boosting resources. You have actually most likely seen this wiggling layer atop the broth in your cooling roasting pan and didn’t bother about it, but think again! This is actually the part that gives the many bone broth benefits available.

Collagen is the protein located in connective tissue of vertebrate animals. It’s found most particularly in bones, marrow, cartilage material, tendons and also ligaments. Bone broth benefits your skin for the fact that it makes it flexible and it can reduce cellulite! Cellulite originates from a lack of connective tissue. If someone has very smooth skin, it’s because the skin is high in connective cells. The collagen produced from bone broth helps to minimize wrinkles. Consuming collagen-rich bone broth can lower cellulite and tighten your skin, making you look younger and more radiant.

 

What are the other benefits of Bone Broth?

Once you’ve cooked down bones, it produces a nutrient-rich fluid called gelatin. It gives off the following wonderful benefits:

  • Helps individuals when it comes to food allergies and also sensitivities endure those foods, including cow’s milk and gluten.
  • Collagen protects and soothes the lining of the digestive tract and can aid in healing IBS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis as well as heartburn symptoms.
  • Because gelatin helps damage down healthy proteins as well as calms the gut cellular lining, it may prove valuable for leaking gut disorder and other autoimmune conditions that accompany it.
  • Gelatin supplies bone-building minerals in easily absorbable means, preventing bone loss as well as lowering joint pain and inflammation.

 

What kind of Broth you should be looking for?

Homemade, nutritious thick bone broth is exceptionally very easy and affordable to make. There is no contrast to the store-bought versions which often include MSG or other chemicals, and which do not have gelatin as well as other health-boosting properties of homemade broth.

In choosing the bones for broth, look for first class bones from lawn fed livestocks or bison, pastured fowl, or wild captured fish. Given that you’ll be drawing out the minerals and consuming them in concentrated type, make sure that the animal is healthy.

There are a number of locations to find excellent bones for stock:

  • Conserve leftovers from when you roast organic chicken
  • From a local butcher, preferably one that butchers the whole animal.
  • From local farmers who raise grass-fed chicken

I assume you are now convinced on the healthy and beautiful benefits of regular Bone Broth consumption. So here is a simple Chicken Broth recipe I am happily sharing with you.

Healthy Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

The initial step in making broth is to gather excellent quality bones. As I said, you could discover them from sources listed above or save them when you cook. I eat a chicken a week, and then conserve the carcass by sticking in the freezer until I compile enough bones for making broth. I don’t defrost the chickens for use..just throw them in the pot.

Ingredients for a small batch of Chicken Bone Broth: ( I personally make quadruple this at a time)

  • 2 plus pounds of bones from a healthy organic source + feet & knuckles for more gelatin (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Cold filtered water 
  • 1 onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 stalks of celery
  • 1 bunch of parsley, 1 tablespoon or more of sea salt, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, rosemary or other spices to taste. (Optional)
  • Large stock pot
  • Strainer to remove the pieces
  • Bowl with lip to strain into and then to pour into storing container
  • Storing containers

IMG_6597stock pot

 

Instructions:

Before preparing to make broth is to gather high quality bones. As I said, you can find them from sources listed above or save them when you cook.

I usually aim for 2 pounds of bones per gallon of water I’m using to make broth. If possible I’ll also add 2 chicken feet per gallon of water.

I also add, per batch, a handful of parsley. Since I make in bulk, I usually use about 4 times the amount of each of these. You can make in any amount, just multiply or divide the recipe up or down.

  1. Place the bones in a large stock pot (I use a 10 gallon pot). Pour (filtered) water over the bones (enough to cover chicken) and add the vinegar. Let sit for an hour in the cold water. (The acid helps make the nutrients in the bones more available.)  
  2. Rough chop and add the vegetables (except the parsley and garlic, if using) as well as additional water to the pot. Add any salt, pepper, spices, or herbs.
  3. Bring to a boil. Once it has reached a vigorous boil, reduce to a simmer and simmer until done.
  4. Simmer chicken broth for 24 hours (sometimes I do longer.)

At some point you’ll need to remove the impurities that float to the surface. A frothy/foamy layer most likely form and it can be easily scooped off with a big spoon and then disposed of. I generally check for it the first 2 hours. Grass-fed and healthy animals will produce much less of this than conventional animals.

  1. During the last hour, add the garlic and parsley.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain into a lipped bowl if you have using a fine metal strainer to remove all the bits of bone and vegetable. It makes it easier to pour into storage bottles or containers.  Once cool store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for later use. IMG_6628

Storing the Broth?

Bone broth can be saved in the refrigerator for no more than a week. I like to pour into 12 or 16 oz glass bottles so I can easily pour into a pot daily to drink as my mid morning snack as well as into a gallon jug to make some chicken quinoa soup with. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays or resealable freezer bags for upto 6 months.

 

So there you go…

Now that you have the necessary knowledge you have to learn about the amazing benefits of Bone Broth, why not start including it in your regular healthy routine from now on? It’s inexpensive, nutritious, convenient and very delicious as well!  

Warm water with lemon in the am…so simple..so beneficial

Lemons…they’re not just an amazing antibacterial and refreshing smell…they’re SOOOO much more!

Lemons are rich in calcium, potassium, pectin fiber and of course Vitamin C as well as traces of iron and vitamin A. This bright yellow fruit has medicinal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. What?Nutritional-Facts-lemons

Okay so why lemon and warm water you might ask??? For starters warm water with lemon in the morning on an empty stomach is a feel-good panacea. It is also VERY helpful for those coming off of Tea or Coffee as well as just amazing for everyone else.

  1. Reduces heavy periods (it that’s a concern for you, it’s 1 of the most natural solutions.)
  2. Helps our hormones! 🙂 Harmful estrogens from cleaners, cosmetics, pesticides, and plastics (BPA) can disrupt the delicate balance of our hormones – but not if we start each day off with a tall glass of lemon water!!!
  3. Alkalizing! Lemons once metabolized by the body create an alkaline environment. More alkalinity helps decrease inflammation, boost metabolism, and reduces cravings! YES!!
  4. Detoxifying. Lemons contain Citrate which acts as gentle diuretic to help flush out any toxins in the body as well as helps to purify and stimulate the liver.
  5. Improved digestion. Lemons contain Citrus Flavonoids, a digestive aid that helps to assimilate food, as well as act as a mild appetite suppressant.
  6. Boosts both Immune system as well a MOOD! Anxiety and depression sometimes result from potassium deficiency in the blood. Lemons have a high potassium content which helps with deficiencies as well as  the central nervous system function.
  7. Helps prevent the common cold & increase immune system. Potassium and Vitamin C also help to prevent the common cold, and Vitamin C protects the body against immune system deficiencies.

So what’s your WHY?! To create a habit it’s always good to know the why, that’s what helps your habits stick! That and when things are super easy to do…which drinking warm lemon water is of course!

What you’ll Need:

-1 cup of filtered, purified, or spring water.

Tea kettle or pan to boil water.

-Half of a lemon. (a lemon squeezer is nice as well)

-Mug or glass.

-Knife. (to cut the lemon)

-Straw (to drink water with…so you don’t damage your teeth) GLASS straw is ideal

IMG_5115

How To:

– In the morning, first thing (most beneficial first thing in the morning on an empty stomach)

– Heat filtered, purified, or spring water in tea kettle or sauce pan.

– Cut lemon in half.

– Squeeze half of the lemon into half cup of the warm water.

– Take a deep inhale and enjoy your warm lemon water.

Water Boiling

LemonCutInHalf

LemonWaterPouredtoGlass

Lemon Squeezing into water

 

JENIUS TIP: AFTER you’re done with your lemon you can throw in your garbage disposal and run the water for a nice, clean, refreshing sink/kitchen. I even rub around the lemon in my sink before I throw it in the disposal to clean all the germs..lemon is a great antibacterial! 🙂

Another fun, useful thing you can do with the lemon after is

Celluma LED Panel by BioPhotas

The life changing Celluma LED Panel….Is technically a 3 in 1 but really it has so many benefits/uses..it’s more like a 100 in 1 device!

Skin Science Lesson

The skin produces several key players that you should be aware of in order to understand how the skin ages. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and glycoproteins are special biological polymers whose key role is to hold moisture in the skin. In addition, the skin produces collagen and elastin, proteins that are responsible for forming the framework of the skin (collagen) and maintaining skin resilience and elasticity (elastin). Increasing the production of collagen and elastin is important in anti-aging treatments, because as we age the amount of collagen and elastin synthesis declines, causing wrinkles and thinning, sagging skin.

Fibroblasts are the most common cells that are responsible for producing collagen and elastin, although both of these proteins are also created by other cells in the body. Let’s focus first on collagen.

COLLAGEN

As we age the type of collagen in the skin changes and the amount decreases. There are more than 19 different types of collagen in the body, but the types we are most concerned with as estheticians are Type I and Type III. Type I is the most abundant collagen found in the body, occurring in tendons, bones, skin and other tissues – and is particularly present in scar tissue. Type III is common in fast growing tissue, particularly at the first stages of wound repair, much of this collagen being replaced later by the stronger and tougher Type I collagen. Babies have a large amount of collagen III in their bodies, giving them their soft, supple, elastic skin. As body growth slows down, the amount of type III collagen decreases, while the amount of type I collagen increases until about the age of 35. At this time, the amount of collagen I begins to decline as well. I also have clients that swear by BioSil, which I also personally take. But remember, there are lots of different options out there for you. You can have collagen in your coffee, in capsules, as powder, in oil, the list goes on! It’s all about looking into the different options and deciding which works best for you.

It is important to note that simply having a lot of collagen in your skin is not enough. Even having the right mix of collagen is not enough. It is crucial that the collagen be undamaged and properly deposited. Young, healthy fibroblasts deposits collagen that has a coherent and orderly structure. When collagen is damaged by external factors such as UV rays, free radicals, impaired glucose metabolism (glycation), smoking or other factors, its structure becomes distorted, leading to poor skin texture, wrinkles and other imperfections.

This is a very complicated subject, but to state it simply – when you turn 35 – 40, the quantity and quality of collagen fibers degrades, and it becomes very important to boost collagen synthesis as an anti-aging strategy.

Elastin is responsible for the ability of tissues to resume their original shape after being pinched or pulled. The red-headed step-sister of collagen, elastin tends to be a neglected topic in skincare due to the excessive focus in the skincare industry on increasing collagen production. Less is known about boosting the elastin content in the skin, yet stimulating its production it is just as important as collagen in your anti-aging strategy.

Activating the fibroblasts is the only way to boost collagen (and presumably elastin) production in the skin. Traditionally, we use topicals, peels and lasers to clear up damaged collagen and stimulate the production of more regular, new collagen. Light emiting diodes (LEDs) trigger photomodulation, a non-thermal, non-ablative cellular stimulation. The application of LED triggers a photobiochemical response, activating fibroblasts deep in the dermal and subcutaneous layer to promote healing and repair in these layers. LED photomodulation can also suppress collagenase, a collagen-degrading enzyme that can accelerate our skin’s aging process. In addition, LED can also stimulate the energy-producing mitochondria to enhance wound healing and decrease the inflammatory response.

Celluma has the unique feature of combining these three wavelengths of light to create a powerful treatment for our skin therapy practice. The Blue setting also includes a small amount of Red and Infrared, useful in stimulating an anti-inflammatory response. The Red setting has the most equal amounts of Blue, Red and Infrared, which is extremely useful in anti-aging treatments, the management of Rosacea and any other inflammatory issues on the face. The Infrared setting has the smallest amount of Blue, and also some Red for stimulating the fibroblasts between 8 – 25 mm into the skin.

AMAZING Celluma LED by BioPhotas INFO

Based on NASA research, Celluma patented, pulse-wave technology controlled by proprietary software algorithms delivers blue, red and near-infrared light energy simultaneously to safely treat a wide variety of conditions easily and affordably. Each wavelength is absorbed by different molecules that act as a signaling mechanism for different cellular processes. The benefits of using three different wavelengths is that light absorbing molecules use the various wavelengths as a signaling mechanism for different cellular processes. For example the various wavelengths and the red (640nm,) blue (465nm,) and infrared (880nm) lights reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and some kill bacteria, while others enhance localized circulation.

Its unique flexible design and extra large light panel facilitates effective energy absorption by tissue and molds closely to the body for more effective outcomes.

As a Class II Medical Device Celluma is FDA cleared to treat: Wrinkles, Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris, Diminished Local Blood Circulation, Muscle & Joint Stiffness, Muscle Tissue Tension, Muscle & Joint Pain, Muscle Spasm, and Arthritis.

There is no harmful thermal effect to tissue and no danger to the eye. This makes the Celluma a viable, safe, and affordable alternative to cold lasers which have similar indications for use.

 

Red Light Therapy benefits:

  • CP-Curved Lg DocStimulates collagen formation
  • Increases ATP {fuel for our cells}
  • Stimulates cell turnover
  • Minimizes mild scaring
  • Reduces hyper-pigmentation
  • Minimizes pore size
  • Reduces wound healing time
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Smoother and improved surface texture
  • Reduces pigmentation
  • Increases circulation and moisture retention.

Blue LED Light Therapy benefits:CP-Curved Blue Lg Doc

  • Minimizes {inflamed and non-inflamed} acne conditions
  • Emits a single oxygen molecule to retard the growth of bacteria
  • Proportions bacteria: 90% of the contributing factors to acne.

Near Infrared Therapy Benefits: CP-Curved IR LG Doc

  • Increases circulation: The increased circulation heals and repairs damaged skin tissue. This increase in circulation also causes the body to rid itself of wastes and toxins
  • Detoxification, near infrared light has been shown in studies to penetrate deep within tissue, potentially unlocking even hard to reach toxins.
  • Stimulates the production of collagen which lessens build up of scar tissue.
  • Reduces overall redness, skin damage, and dilated capillaries.
  • Improves healing of acne, lessen coarseness, and help sun-damaged skin.
  • Wrinkle reducer and diminishes skin effects from aging, smoking, and weather.
  • Increases lymphatic system activity. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy.
  • Increases RNA and DNA synthesis. This helps damaged cells to be replaced more promptly. RNA, Ribonucleic Acid, a polymeric constituent of all living cells.
  • A series of Celluma Mini Facials can help reduce and control acne, diminish hyperpigmentation, and rejuvenate your skin by stimulating cellular activity. Series are done in twice weekly visits for optimum results.

Near Infrared LED penetrates deeper into the skin, to a depth of about 25 mm. Infrared is also beneficial in healing wounds, cuts, scars and infections along with stimulating the deeper tissues, resulting in a healing effect on muscles deep in the subcutaneous tissues.

near infrared

Research has shown that near infrared penetrates deepest to treat musculoskeletal pain, the red wavelength penetrates into the dermal layer to activate fibroblasts and increase circulation. Blue kills the bacteria associated with acne lesions. All 3 work together simultaneously to maximize results!

NEAR INFRARED ADDITIONAL BENEFITS/INFO

 

Available Services: (In Los Angeles Area..in your home)
Celluma LED Facial Therapy 30 Minute Treatment $125 (packages available)
LED light therapy is proven to trigger the body to convert light energy into cell energy without thermal heat. LED therapy is a non-invasive treatment that requires no down time. For best results, each 30 minute treatment area is scheduled twice a week for 4 weeks.

Red light therapy offers a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage and redness in the skin, while stimulating collagen production.

Blue light therapy is a very effective acne treatment, which often produces drastic results with absolutely no down time.

Near infrared therapy is used for cell health and skin rejuvenation , FDA approved for pain reduction, inflammation reduction, and more.

 

Schedule your appointment today:

email: [email protected]

call/text: 818.923.1313

 

Celluma in action

Collagen….for WAY MORE then just a beautiful face..the body’s building block

Are you looking for healthier skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints? I always am! Or I always was until I discovered the quickest read “Collagen: Myths and Misconceptions : The Secret to Beautiful Skin.”

Q: What is collagen? Why is it so important?

A: What is collagen? And why is it so important? Collagen is a protein. It’s the most important building block in the human body. It comprises over a third of your body’s proteins. It makes up 75% of your skin. In your joints, Collagen makes up 70% of cartilage and up to 90% of tendons and ligaments. Collagen increases blood flow to your scalp – helping to saturate your hair with vital growth nutrients creating thicker, stronger hair.

And when you ask a bone specialist what is collagen, you’ll get an answer that says collagen makes up 30% of your bones. Collagen gives bones pliability. Collagen serves as the binding sites for calcium. In fact, the National Institute’s of Health NAIMS Division issued a strong statement about the importance of collagen in bone health stating: “bone health depends on a combination of collagen and calcium to make bone strong and flexible, giving bone the ability to withstand stress.” Surprisingly, Collagen also plays a roll in vein and artery health and optimal brain function.

That’s why collagen is known as the Youth Protein. In fact, some scientists say that … “aging, in part, is nothing more than the rate of decline in collagen production.” The good news is that BioSil’s® ch-OSA® is clinically proven to increase collagen formation, helping restore it to youthful levels.

 

The Science of Collagen

Don’t Eat It – Generate It!

What Happens When You “Eat” Collagen?
You’ve probably seen the ads for collagen in the form of powders and pills. The story is that if you ingest collagen, usually from cows and pigs, you’ll increase your own collagen. But the scientific fact is…Collagen is a protein. When you ingest collagen, your body breaks it down it and simply uses it as food – just like it would if you ate chicken, fish, steak or any protein.You see, inside your body, all proteins, like collagen, get broken down into amino acids. You have no control over how your body uses those amino acids. Your body cannot distinguish between the amino acids that came from last night’s meal or from this morning’s dose of collagen powder you may have tried. The key to adding collagen is to activate the cells in your bones that generate collagen. And you can…So How Do I Get My Collagen Back?
The cells in your body that generate collagen are called fibroblasts. But starting at age 18, these fibroblasts start working slower and less efficiently. By the age of 30, the signs of aging can become visible.BioSil’s® ch-OSA® activates enzymes that “turn on” your body’s fibroblasts. The reality is, the collagen pills and powders have zero effect on these enzymes. That’s why BioSil is clinically proven to decrease wrinkles by 30%, increase skin elasticity by 89%, strengthen and thicken hair by 13% and dramatically harden nails. What’s more, BioSil is clinically proven safe.Just remember, when it comes to your collagen, Don’t Eat It – Generate It!

 

BioSil

BioSil is one of my most favorite products ever! Not only has my face seen a difference, so has my body, my joints especially.

To build collagen the trio of BioSil + Buffered Vitamin C + Lysine are where it’s at!! Collagen Generating Trio-NOW in the Jenius Shop!

Vitamin C and Lysine

Vitamin C is an essential component for the body’s production of collagen and a potent antioxidant that can help rejuvenate aged and sun-damaged skin. Collagen is also dependent on the essential amino acid lysine. Sufficient lysine will also prevent connective tissue and collagen break down as well as key components for collagen synthesis/formation and connective tissue repair

Suggested 2000 mg of buffered vitamin C, 1000 mg of L-lysine, & BioSil, split up AM and PM

foods with the most lysine are lean beef, roast beef, parmesan, romano, gruyere, gouda, swiss, hard goat, and monterey cheeses, turkey, chicken, lean pork chops, pork, spare ribs, soybeans, tuna, salmon, snapper, material, sea bass, halibut, cod, shrimp, lobster, mussels, clams, crab, oysters, octopus, pumpkin seeds, hard boiled egg (22%), for a more comprehensive list with exact amounts check out HealthAliciousNess.com.

As you can see you can get both of these in your diet with food..I personally am pretty sure I get enough lysine in my food because I try to eat a couple of soft boiled eggs everyday but vitamin C is one of those vitamins you can never have too much of so I take a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C is best absorbed through buffered forms or calcium ascorbate not ascorbic acid, which is a synthetic vitamin C which is rougher and not as easily recognized by our bodies/absorbed…you can look on the back of the vitamin and see what “form” it is to see what yours is and purchase properly the next time you shop. 🙂 So…. calcium ascorbate good, ascorbic acid bad. There is also lysine supplements you can buy just to be sure as it is very important to have both to support collagen growth, especially if you don’t feel like you get enough naturally in your diet on a daily basis. There are so many different supplements out there, and you might not know which would be great for you or beneficial for your health. Fortunately, there is so much information out there, and it only takes a little bit of research to discover which supplement is the best one for you. If you search online, there is a good chance you may come across a site like Quicksilver Scientific and learn about their lypo-spheric vitamin c supplements. Don’t forget you can always speak to your local nutritionist if you are looking for advice on which supplement might be the right one for you.

 

 

The BioSil® Clinical Trials

Proven Results, Statistically Significant

Clinical Trial Protocol
Researchers used the gold standard of clinical trial protocols, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group. This is the same protocol that the US government requires the pharmaceutical companies to use. It ensures accuracy and repeatable results.Who Participated
For skin and nails, participants were all healthy women in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s who showed clear signs of sun-damaged skin on top of natural-aged skin. That meant skin wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of skin elasticity caused by decreased collagen, a degraded collagen “mesh” and degraded elastin. These women were chosen because over time the changes caused by the sun would occur naturally. For hair, the participants were all women between the ages of 18 and 65 who all showed signs of weak, thinning, dull hair. The large cross section of ages eliminated the possibility of strictly age-related thinning.Results
All results in the BioSil clinical trials are considered statistically significant (p<.05). "Statistical significance" means that the results obtained have come from the compound tested (in this case BioSil's patented ch-OSA®). This reduces any possibility of "chance" to a great extent. BioSil is clinically proven to:

  • Reduce fine line and wrinkles by 30.0%*
  • Increase skin elasticity by 89.0%*
  • Strengthen hair by 13.1%§
  • Thicken hair by 12.8%§
  • Dramatically strengthen nails (see VAS Scores in “Clinical Trials”)*
* After 20 weeks versus the placebo group.
§ After 36 weeks versus the placebo group.

PLEASE NOTE: All BioSil results are clinically proven. Often times, you see products making the claim “clinically tested” or “clinically studied.” This says nothing about the results, which could have shown no improvement at all.

Still not convinced…check out these reviews!!

-A woman who regained hair growth after trying everything else! So awesome!

-Religious users who have seen a huge difference.

-Changed life! Recommend to anyone!

 

Ouch…My boobs HURT!

Breast Pain is one of the most common PMS symptoms. Most common of breast issues are breast swelling, enlargement, heavy, pain, warmth, and lumps. Have you noticed that some months you have breast pain and some months you don’t or the severity is different? That’s because every month you are eating, supplementing, or doing something differently, which is why it’s important to balance yourself so you can have symptom free months every month.

Treatment:

Iodine!! Iodine is the best treatment for breast pain. Breast tissue has a lot of estrogen receptors, iodine stabilizes and down-regulates estrogen receptors, so with sufficient iodine breast remain stable. Iodine supplementation has been shown to dramatically reduce breast changes and even reduce the risk of breast cancer. In a recent study showed that 74% of women shows reduced breast discomfort.

It is important to note that iodine all though part of thyroid support in excess can be bad for your thyroid so it is important not to take more then 1,100mcg daily from all sources. You can get from natural food sources or food sources plus supplement with Liquid Kelp. The liquid kelp that I have is 800mcg per dropper, so 1 drop is all you need.  Daily iodine doses of 3,000-6,000 mcg have been used safely in studies of people with fibrocystic breast condition but if you’ve never supplemented with iodine before

ALSO Iodine isn’t just for breast pain..it’s for your skin, brain, muscles, salivary glands, etc. and if your breast are experiencing pain, you are most likely deficient, and your health would improve by getting sufficient amount of iodine. Dr. Mercola wrote a detailed article with more iodine info.

Foods with Iodine:

Food Serving Size Iodine
Dried Seaweed 1 gram 16-2984mcg
Cod 3 ounces 99mcg
Iodized Salt (Fortified) 1 gram 77mcg
Baked Potato with peel 1 medium 60mcg
Milk 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) 56mcg
Shrimp 3 ounces 35mcg
Oysters 6 oysters 144mcg
Turkey breast, baked 3 ounces 34mcg
Navy beans, cooked 1/2 cup 32mcg
Tuna, canned in oil 3 ounces (1/2 can) 17mcg
Egg, boiled 1 large 12mcg

While seafood does give us iodine, a lot is contaminated by toxins. Iodized salt does provide most people with the required quantity of iodine some people cannot utilize it well enough.

 

Vitex Chastberry Extract is another great solution. It inhibits the pituitary hormone prolactin which improves ovulation and progesterone production. It relieves fluid retention and breast tenderness. Vitex has many PMS symptom relief benefits so if you have more then just breast pain, Vitex is a good solution for you. You should see a difference within 2 monthly period cycles. It’s best to take first thing in the morning day starting on day 6 of your period cycle.

 

I have both Liquid Kelp(Iodine) and Vitex in my Jenius Health Shop and Vitex is offered in my 28 day custom vitamin pack! Interested in having the ease of your vitamins available in daily packs that you start on day 1 of your period???? email me [email protected] and I’ll get you started! 🙂

Hormones and Breakouts and Cramps..oh my! The Women’s MONTHLY issues alleviated

Hormones haven’t always been my best friend but they are now! Now that I’ve figured out how to work with them and not let them take me over “whenever” they feel like it..and girl, does it make me POWERFUL! Also there’s so much more info in my head that I can’t write all out in 1 article but can answer questions and will write a lot more in the future! I have done a ton of research on myself and have read a ton of scientific research, and have taken several courses, and continue to educate to keep up to date with the always evolving information.

Okay so here’s what happened! I became a woman and for years and years and years I just accepted that every month I’m going to get a couple of pimples, I’m going to be irritable, throw tantrums and cry for no reason, and then once my period finally hits I’m going to feel it with painful sometimes debilitating cramps…what?? Why? I don’t know either when I turned 30 I finally started figuring out how to avoid ALL these things!

Really I started to try to figure it out when I took myself off of birth control a little over 2 years ago and completely lost it!!! I mean completely just had no control over myself, my thoughts, my emotions, nothing..and then was angry about having no control…I mean a credit card transaction wouldn’t go through and that was more then I could take..I was crying, and felt out of control at all moments of the days…I had NO idea that that could happen…until it did, then I researched for hours, days, weeks, months! I was going to figure this out! I’ll write about coming off of birth control pills in another article soon because there is SO much that you need to know..it is NOT a thing you just do cold turkey.

Anyway here is what I’ve learned about how to control everything ALL month long..just reading this last line I laugh at myself….I am such a control freak..oh well..sorry I like to be perfect and mentally stable, but I DO!

Let me just start by saying that if you have breakouts all month then it’s probably not your hormones but what you’re eating, what your putting on your face or even your pillowcase….separate article to go over how to not have breakouts coming soon.(or link will be here)

So the deal is all throughout the month our hormones are changing..yes literally everyday…doctors have broken it down into 4 or sometimes 5 different “phases” within your 28-35 day cycle..pretty nuts…and yet explains a lot as to why right when you feel like everything is under control something else is out of whack! I use to joke with my roommates that we always have an excuse..we’re either about to start period, on period, or just had period as reasons why we’re emotional, act crazy, say dumb things….but after researching the monthly cycle and our hormones A LOT..I realized it’s actually true..

Okay so anyway..you already know all this…what you want to know is HOW TO REMAIN STABLE, NOT HAVE CRAMPS, AND NOT BREAKOUT?

So although it may vary on what works for you, something will work for you! I’ve tested it out on a lot of peeps, myself to start and this is what I’ve discovered.

 

REMAIN STABLE:

Balance your mood, prepare your mind, warn+ pre calm yourself, supplement.

The EASIEST mood balancer is 1 tablespoon of coconut everyday. I personally eat Artisana Organic Coconut Butter (warning the top layer..4 days are a little rough..but then it’s DELICIOUS!) I usually give 1 spoonful to myself after my morning workout. It’s good to take in the morning around the same time…it’s the 1st thing that goes in me besides water. It not only balances mood but keeps body healthy..I personally think it lubes me up so everything can go through me easier for the rest of the day! I have been purchasing it at whole foods but JUST discovered Thrive Market who has it for $4 less and delivers! I’m def going to start being on the ordering program once I run out!

Meditate! If you’re not meditating…or you’ve tried and have been unsuccessful at feeling any benefits please try and try again..meditating will truly change your life! I previously wrote an article on how to meditate..step by step…Jenius Meditation Article that you can check out or there’s a ton of other resources out there, brainjohnson.me has a ton of helpful advice also if that doesn’t work for you but I promise you..meditating = best possible life in all aspects!

Warn and pre calm yourself is part a period tracker app with alerts and part taking supplements

The period tracker that I have is called period tracker by monthly cycles/Deltaworks they have a free and paid($1.99) version. The free version is fine and has what you need…you just get ad’s..so your choice. Okay so once you download the app, you have to enter your period info..like your last period, whatever the questions it asks…THEN go to Settings > Notifications > turn on Period Alert > select Alert Time..you’ll then be given choices of 7 days before, 6 days before…etc select ALL of the days by checking off each box. Then select whatever time you wake up at on a daily basis! Literally whenever that is….I once had it for an hour later then I was awake from had an “episode” and then was alerted! HA! Thanks…it’s too late now…LOL. Okay so once you’re all set there then go back and select Alert Text > type Hello Beautiful, stay calm, take a deep breath and take your happy vitamins! 🙂 (primrose oil/bee pollen/ honey/maca/whatever supplement you’re going to take) Or whatever it is you want to write to yourself that will a. make you feel good, b. make you laugh, c. open your awareness, and d. remind you take your happy mood vitamin. It may seem silly but it’s NOT! I promise this will make a huge difference in how you interact with others and makes it easier for you to calm yourself down or not even let yourself get worked up…it’s the unawareness that gets us all worked up. I mean it’s the hormones…but being aware really helps you help yourself be your best possible you without overreactions.

The supplements that I quickly referenced primrose oil, bee pollen, honey, maca are known mood elevators/hormone balancers that may or may not work the same for everyone..you kind of have to try out the different ones and see what works best for you…When I had my super freakout I tried ALL of these and more…I was going to MAKE SURE something worked! It is worth noting that you don’t need to and shouldn’t take these supplements all month long…only starting the week prior to your period…7 days before and then the first 2 days of your period so that they have the most impact and actually increase mood, balance hormones. That is why I love the app so much..it really helps because it’s hard to remember on your own that you’re period is going to start in a week.

Once it’s already too late..you’ve forgotten to take your vitamins and you have crazy bad thoughts.

Chewable Pharma GABA or GABA-Pro are AMAZING…what I mean by crazy thoughts are when you start to think and nightmare day dreaming…something happens or doesn’t and then that thought creates another thought and that thought creates another thought and you’re in this crazy negative spiraling out of control head that makes you depressed, angry, sad, and/or NOT productive..yeah..it’s a miracle worker for that situation. I just started selling natural factors chewable Pharma GABA & biconic naturals GABA-Pro because it has helped me, my friends, family, and everyone I’ve recommended to. The best thing is it’s natural..and it calms you within minutes! It has been reported to help with ADHD, relieve anxiety, improve mood. If you research anywhere you’ll see that it is an amazing vitamin and I vouch for it 100%! Gaba on WebMD. Please
send me an email
if you have any questions or would like to purchase these products or any of the Natural Factors or bioclinic naturals products…I will give you a good deal and my products are ALWAYS FRESH! 🙂

ALSO SIDE NOTE FOR THOSE CURRENTLY ON BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: If you’re on birth control pills you are being depleted of B Vitamins..unless you’re supplementing(which is a good idea as lack of B Vitamins can cause premature graying hair, easy bruising or bleeding, diarrhea or constipation, tiredness, weakness, light-headed and more. But don’t take just ANY B Vitamin or any type of vitamin for that matter…VITAMINS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL! Cheap vitamins with fillers and chemicals can actually cause more harm then good. Please let me know if you want recommendations on good vitamins or show me yours and I’ll tell you.

HOW TO NOT HAVE CRAMPS:

The easiest remedy is to walk, jog, or run…right when you start to feel that you’re going to have cramps get your body moving! The more you move the less cramps you have..or at least I have…once you already have really bad cramps it’s WAY HARDER to get yourself on the treadmill or the street but it’s still just as beneficial..trust me I know it the LAST thing you want to do but it’ll be so much worth it and is way better then staying crunched up in a ball in bed if you’re like me an refuse to take pain-killers.

Another way to lessen the affects of cramps is to not drink caffeine. I don’t drink caffeine at all at this point in my life but for those of you that do they are increasing your cramp pain! Why do that to yourself…there is a side effect of removing caffeine out of your life and that is that you might get really bad headaches..if this happens to you then you just have to choose or put up with the headache and drink extra water and b vitamins for a few days…personally I quit caffeine when I realized that whenever I didn’t have caffeine I would get a headache…it really made me think..and research and I realized caffeine just can’t be good for you! You only think you need it because it’s a drug and the withdrawal symptoms…tired, irritable, headaches seem unbearable and lifelong but I promise you they are not…I have more energy then anyone I know and I never need coffee or anything for that matter to stay awake.

Really as you become a more healthy person you just won’t get cramps..at least not like you do…they are not who you are they are what you are doing to yourself and how healthy you are. Over the past year I’ve had “cramps” twice and they weren’t unbearable or even that noticeable..and popping on the treadmill relieved them. Be healthy and live a pain-free happy life. 🙂

HOW TO AVOID HORMONAL BREAKOUTS:

This might be the easiest and the toughest one…don’t eat sugar, processed foods, dairy or too many nuts..especially right before you’re period when that’s what you’re craving!! Simple right? HA! I know it is and it isn’t….but know that is the main cause of your breakouts especially around your period time….because you crave and eat more badness and it then shows up on your face…simple! Truth! Some months I’m successful at not eating 2 bars of chocolate..some months I’m not..but I always know what I’m doing and what the consequences will be. I’ve noticed that months that I’m good at not giving in I’ve prepared snacks that I like that are easy to grab! My favorites are grape tomatoes, red bell pepper slices, cucumbers, medium boiled eggs, and sliced carrots(NOT baby carrots.) Then I tell myself I have to eat the entire supply of good healthy food before I’m allowed to have the food I’m craving and usually by the time I’m finished the craving has gone away, I’m full, or I’ve said to myself “I love my clear skin, I love my flawless face” enough times to myself to not eat it…if I MUST eat something I eat 73% or more dark chocolate..it’s the least of the bad and has some antioxidant properties…and then some months…like during christmas when I’m PMS’ing I just say oh well..I’m going to have bad skin next week…LOL

Note: Eating the healthy veggies, particularly greens is nutritious and will help alleviate the severity of the breakouts. What will also help is taking a probiotic after you make a bad decision and DRINKING ALOT OF FILTERED WATER throughout the day.

Change your pillowcase, especially if you go to bed with not freshly clean hair the night before…all the oils from your hair soak into the pillow and then cause bacteria clogged pores…yuck and yay, easy fix!

Also read the previous sections..as balancing hormones with coconut and other foods/supplements really helps also.

ONCE IT’S TOO LATE..the breakouts have come.

#1 DON’T pick your face! Don’t touch it, don’t even look at it..the more you touch, especially with dirty hands, and the more you stress about it the WORSE IT’LL be! Okay so you have to touch your face to clean it..so wash your hands – you could maybe use a bottle of Hand Sanitizer just to keep them germ-free throughout the day… then wash your face with water and dry off with a paper towel…I personally LOVE Viva soft and strong paper towels…they feel like a soft cloth but are disposable=more sanitary..NEVER use a pre-used hand towel or wash cloth to dry your face. Next step is to spot treat, I use a product with oregano oil,

 

CONCLUSION:

It’s kind of crazy how crazy we can be inside and out but if you make yourself aware, prepare yourself, you can live everyday loving life to the fullest!

 

My mission is that ALL women are connected, balanced, and unstoppable!

 

Please let me know if you have any questions, if you need help understanding or putting action in place, or if you’ve try this out and what your result was! I really hope I’ve helped you become more stable, pain-free, flawless and overall healthier!! 🙂

🙂

Jenius

[email protected]

 

I am also NOW offering a Jenius LIFE Kit that comes with: (these are most the vitamins that I take within a monthly basis..not all during same time of month.)

1 – 14oz glass jar of Artisana Organics Raw Coconut Butter

1 – 180 tablets of Dr. Murray MultiStart Women’s Vitamins OR 60 v caps Whole Earth & Sea Women’s Multi(vitamins+minerals)

*1 – 60 v caps of BioSil also comes in liquid, whatever you prefer..I feel like the liquid tastes plastic-ish and I like being able to keep all of my vitamins prepared for the days and obviously liquid you have to take on it’s own..but everyone has their own routine. 🙂

*1 – 60 chewable tablets or v caps Pharma GABA

1 – 60 v caps of UriSense with probiotics(5 billion) and cranberry(500mg) OR just 60 v cap womens probiotic

1 – 120 RxOmega 3 Women’s Blend OR 90 softgels of Ultra Primrose oil 1000mg

1 – 60 v caps of Vitamin D3, 5000 IU

1 – 300 v caps of Health-ful-bone

1 – 90 softgels of BioCgel Buffered Vitamin C

1 -20 min call to help set up your app, answer any questions

 

ALL for $200 (which is OVER 30% off retail prices) you can remove or add whatever you want/change quantities…just let me know.

ALSO NOW available the 2 piece Hormonal Balancing Kit with Pharma GABA & Ultra Prim (Evening Primrose Oil) for $35.

 

I currently carry very quality brands of vitamins; Natural Factors, Healthful Balance Vitamins, Whole Earth & Sea Vitamins if you need any vitamins that they carry, I can get them for you..I’m now a Healthy Vitamin Dealer! 🙂

 

*the Pharma GABA comes in 120 as well as the BioSil which would be a 2 month supply)

If you get skin breakouts

1oz of oil of oregano for use topically and internally is a great addition to your essentials.