Health Tip: 10 minute pregnancy workout

Today I'm sharing my favorite 10-minute prego workout!

People, I'm not sure if it is helping, but it can't be hurting.

Any other favorite prego workout ideas out there?

Health Tip: Easiest sugar scrub for hands- DIY!

Are you ready for this?

Need this: Olive oil and sugar combined

Do this: Scrub hands thoroughly for 3 minutes

Result: Incredibly moisturized, softened hands

Health Tip: Finally!

Finally there is a collection flavored coffee creamers that are yummy and relatively healthy.
Thank, Coffee mate!

Health Tip: hydration plan

It's hard for me to drink straight water so I've found a new easy solution.

No, I don't drink straight lemon and lime juice :). I just add a couple of drops of one of these to my tall glass of ice water and it is so refreshing! Hubby is addicted too.

Health Tip: Pass the Salt

You may think all salt is the same but there is one type of salt that is actually good for you and provides some great health benefits!

Celtic Sea Salt

Celtic salt has some of the exact OPPOSITE effects of normal table salt.
Some of the conditions it can benefit are...

Sinus and bronchial congestion: Celtic sea salt when taken before sleep has helped the sufferer sleep through the night as it breaks up the irritating mucus, providing much relief.

Regulate blood pressure: Celtic sea salt has been shown to actually normalize blood pressure. It literally goes around your body and 'scrounges' for the harmful sodium deposits and completely eliminates it from your body. If you have high blood pressure, pure salt will bring it down. But if you have low blood pressure, pure salt will bring it up. Only nature has been designed with the ability to do this.

Deeper and more restful sleep: When Celtic sea salt is taken with warm water before bedtime, it promotes a deeper and longer sleep that is both restful and refreshing. Nor does it cause you to wake up and wanting to urinate.

Water retention: We often hear that salt causes water retention. Again, this is only because the wrong salt was. Celtic sea salt does the opposite by helping our body properly balance out the electrolyte minerals and releasing the retained water.

Kidney stones: Celtic sea salt has also been reported to actually dissolve kidney stones.

Building the immune system and aids healing: Celtic sea salt provides the rich minerals directly to our cells to enhance resistance to infections and bacterial diseases. It also helps our body heal quicker when there has been a surgery, sickness, burns, mental disorders, etc.

Prevent over-acidity in body: The rich minerals effectively eliminates unwanted sodium from the body, extracting excess acidity in the body, especially in the brain. The electrolytes are vital to the nerves for communication and information processing of the brain cells.

Helps control saliva: If you drool in your sleep, it could mean that your body is deprived of the right kind of salt, and that you are not drinking enough water. This condition may also lead to double chin as your saliva glands work doubly hard to lubricate your insides. Drink more water with Celtic sea salt to stop this condition.

Wound Healing: Bathing wounds in sea salt water does not sting, and it helps wounds to heal faster. Also helpful for gargling or drinking to ease sore throats.

Diabetics: Helps balance out sugar in blood in diabetics.

Muscle cramps: Providing essential minerals to the muscles and preventing muscle cramps.

Strong alkalinizer: Helps keep our body at the right pH. This is important as an over-acidic body creates many health problems and an endless list of degenerative diseases.

*info found here

* Note: not beneficial for cancer patients who should avoid salt

So I just bought my first batch for my family. It really tastes great, just a little more salty than table salt.

Health Tip: Digestive Health

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in/around your "gut"? In other words, your digestive system is the most important aspect of your immune system.

Just wanted to share 2 digestive system supporters that you can easily incorporate to your routine.

Kombucha tea (can be found in most grocery stores)

Kefir cultured milk (can be bought at Trader Joe's)

I've been drinking both at least 3 times per week and have noticed a huge difference in my digestion and have not even had a cold this flu season.

Health Tip: Smoothies!

Breakfast is the hardest meal for me to figure out what to eat that has protein and nutrition while also being convenient.
Here's a new simple smoothie recipe I am loving:

You will need:
A splash of water or juice
Frozen fruit of your choice (1/2 cup)
Handful of spinach or kale
Coconut oil (1 Tbs.)


Blend thoroughly.


Enjoy!

Health Tip: flu shots

Thought I would share some interesting info on flu shots and flu prevention as we enter the lovely season of the bug...

A few things to consider about flu shots:

- They are created each year by guessing which virus bugs will be floating around (in other words, they sometimes don't even target the correct illnesses that become prevalent)

- They may suppress your immune system. This is part of how all vaccines work but puts you more at risk for chronic illness or even more serious types of infection.

- Flu shots contain mercury which is a neurotoxin (in other words it is bad for you)

- There are other ways to prevent getting the flu (or at least minimize your chances)

Prevention tips:

-Vitamin D: The main reason that the flu is more common in the winter months is that we get less sunshine so our vitamin D levels are down. So, try to get 10-20 minutes of good sun a day or supplement your diet with a vitamin D vitamin (normally in drop form)

*note: you can get too much vitamin D so you should consult a doctor for dosage

- Take Omega-3 oil

- Avoid sugar and processed food (good luck this time of year!)

- Get enough sleep

- Eat garlic as a natural antibiotic

- Exercise- it gets your blood flowing which helps you fight illness

- Wash your hands with NON-antibacterial soap. Antibacterials actually make you less able to fight off disease.

*Disclaimer: I am obviously not a doctor so these are just suggestions!!

* Most info adapted from Dr. Mercola's website

Health Tip: Coconut Oil

Most of us know that olive oil is a great substitute to other cooking oils but for baking I prefer coconut oil for a more mild, even slightly sweet taste. Some of the health benefits include:
stress relief, healthy cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, dental care and bone strength.

Health Tip: Vaccine Research

I've had several moms ask me lately about where I did my research on vaccines. I wanted to recommend a great book by Dr. Lauren Feder (who I have mentioned before- 4/11/11 post). Her book is clear, simple and in my opinion, shares many perspectives in a balanced and informative way. Let me know what you think!

Health Tip: Applied Kinesiology

If you've read this blog for awhile you probably already know that I like to write about holistic health. So, today's tip is related to a type of doctor that you may not ever think of visiting but may be the key to becoming more holistically healthy.

I am talking about a specialty know as Applied Kinesiology.

In short, AK doctors are able to use muscle testing and other non-invasive techniques to find out what your body needs structurally, nutritionally, hormonally and even emotionally/mentally.

Here is a link to read more: What is AK?

In the last week I have personally talked to several people who were only helped by AK doctors after seeking standard medical care for year!

Here is a link to find an AK doctor in your area:

AK doctors

Health Tip: Greens First

10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Yeah, right.
Here's my solution...



One scoop in 8 oz. of water per day.
I'm not going to say it is delicious but it is do-able and incredibly good for you.

Can be found several places online.
Click Here

Health Tip: Spotlight on Sunscreen

There's been a lot of hype about sunscreen lately...are some of them actually not helpful? Are some even harmful?
Here's a great website to answer all those questions.
Sunscreen Facts
They rate every type of sunblock according to health benefits and ingredient risks and below is a sampling of some of the highest rated brands.



and some of the lowest rated... :(

Health Tip: 2 Vitamins every person should be taking

Let's face it. We can't do it all. We can't live perfectly healthy which is a great reminder that we are not in control. So, if we can do a few things to be good stewards of our body what should we prioritize? I'm going to give you a simple one today. Swallowing 8 pills per day.

2 Multivitamins and 2 Essential Fatty Acid Supplements at morning and at night.

Every person needs these. We can't get what we need from our diet or we would be eating all day, every day, never eating out, growing all of our own food, slaughtering our chickens, etc.

A few helpful hints when selecting which brands to utilize (not all are created equal).

1) Stay away from standard multivitamins such as Centrum, One A Day, etc.

2) Look for multivitamins that are not made by a pharmaceutical company. Best to purchase from a health food store. Better yet, a healthcare practitioner such as a naturopath or chiropractor.

3) Women need Omega 3's 6's and 9's in their essential fatty acid supplement. Udos makes a liquid EFA supplement that is excellent for women.

Health Tip: The Great Sweetener Debate

Warning: if you LOVE diet soda, you may not want to read further...

Something I've been intrigued with lately are all of the sweetener options available. I thought it might be helpful to boil down the risks of each and then let you in on the 3 best options out there.

First, the No-No's...

* Aspartame (Nutrasweet; Sweet n Low):

The following symptoms are listed on the Aspartame Consumer Safety Network Fact Sheet:

headaches, nausea, vertigo, insomnia, numbness, blurred vision, blindness and other eye problems, memory loss, slurred speech, depression, personality changes, hyperactivity, stomach disorders, seizures, skin lesions, rashes, anxiety attacks, muscle cramping and joint pain, loss of energy, symptoms mimicking heart attacks, hearing loss and ear ringing, and loss or change of taste. (The Deadly Deception 1)
Aspartame has been proven to cause cancer in animals and will most likely be proven to cause cancer in humans very soon.
And that's just the beginning!

To read more: Aspartame Symptoms

* Splenda

1) Splenda causes weight gain
2) Splenda contains chlorine
3) Splenda is harder to digest than sugar
4) Splenda may still cause diabetesTo read and watch more: "Why Splenda^®, NutraSweet^®, and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health"

* Agave

1) Agave Nectar may cause heart disease
2) Agave Nectar causes weight gain
3) Agave Nectar is not safe for diabetics
4) Agave Nectar may cause mineral deficiency
5) Agave Nectar may cause liver damage
For more info: The Tequila Sweetener

Your Best Options:

* Stevia

This sweetener actually has health benefits! Visit stevia.com

* Honey

Read more at: http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/

* Raw Natural Sugar

If you must eat sugar (and we all must sometimes :), this is the best option, although there are still risks: Sugar Risks

Hope this is informative and not too depressing :) Let me know if you have any questions!!

other sources: www.fitday.com; Dr. Michael McCartney, D.C.

Health Tip: 8 reasons to get 8 hours of sleep

I'm a night owl and I get a little sad each night when it is time to go to sleep.
But after a recent conversation with one of my favorite health experts (my dad, Dr. Michael McCartney, D.C.), I am re-inspired to get more sleep! As a health care provider, he says that the number one piece of health advice he would give anyone is this: GET 8 HOURS OF SLEEP EACH NIGHT. That's an uphill battle with a one year old who has endless energy but I must try. Here's why:

1) Our immune system depends on it. Especially between the hours of 10pm and 2am, our immune patrols our bodies, eliminating cancer cells, bacteria, and viruses.

(Graham- Newborn)

2) Our emotional and mental events of the day must be processed! Especially during the hours of 2am and 6am we process the events of the day and our mind is made ready for another day of emotion and thought.

(3 months)

3) Sleep is needed to regulate our hormones, especially cortisol which effects mood, weight gain, stress levels.

(4 months)

4) Sleep is good for your heart. Lack of sleep has been linked to increased blood pressure and high cholesterol.

(5 months)

5) Sleep reduces overall inflammation which leads to disease, including cancer.

(6 months)

6) 8 hours of sleep gives you the alertness level that you need for the coming day

(7 months)

7) The right amount of sleep improves your memory (as a mom, heaven knows I need this!)


(8 months)
8) Sleep reduces your need for caffeine addiction

Health Tip: Dr. Mercola

I am picky about what websites I read since there is so much "hype" all over the internet especially in regards to health issues. My dad (who is a chiropractor and will be featured on my blog soon :) introduced me to Dr. Joseph Mercola's daily newsletter and I look forward to reading it daily.

Dr. Mercola has recently been featured on Dr. Oz as well as many other television specials.

Here is the link to his website: http://www.mercola.com/

I'd love to hear what topics he features stand out to you!

Health Tip: Dr. Lauren Feder

I wanted to let you in on a great resource I use constantly: Dr. Lauren Feder.

Lauren (besides having a great name) is a pediatrician in the LA area. But she is much more than that. She obviously has a medical background but she is also a huge advocate of holistic health. I like that she brings both perspectives and seeks to find balance in the middle.

3 main ways I utilize her:

1) Her book: Natural Baby and Childcare (home remedies, vaccine info, etc.)

2) Her website: drfeder.com (health news info, upcoming seminars, press interviews)

3) Her homeopathy remedies (also found on her website)

Health Tip: Tracy Anderson Workout DVDs

I do not like going to the gym. I do not normally enjoy working out- in fact I avoid it. But...

I finally found the workout I've been looking for that I can do at home and I actually enjoy it!

Tracy Anderson's workout Dvds. Tracy is Gwenyth Paltrow's personal trainer and has developed several effective, manageable workouts.

My two favorites: The post-pregnancy mat DVD and the mat routine DVD.

I used the post-pregnancy mat workout after Graham was born and literally felt like I saw results within one week. Tracy gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy and is only 5'2 and designed this workout for herself afterwards. It is so helpful!

The mat DVD is more extensive. I divide this workout into 3- 20-minute segments and do one a day. I never want to workout for more than 20 minutes so this works for me.

Tracy's method is all about toning and not building bulk muscle. She also has cardio DVDs but I have not tried those. I've heard they are a little hard to follow.

If you'd like to hear more, here is a video to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4xTA0jVFp4&feature=related