Are you Getting Enough Magnesium?

It's difficult to get enough magnesium through diet alone. In fact, studies have shown that many Americans don’t consume the recommended amount each day. Compounding this problem is the fact that even foods that are relatively good sources of magnesium may not be absorbed well. Some of the best food sources of magnesium, such as almonds, cocoa and spinach contain oxalic acid, which hinders the absorption of magnesium.

Water Supply as a Source of Magnesium

Some people are lucky enough to have a magnesium-rich water supply and they don't need to worry about getting enough magnesium from foods. Without thinking about it, they drink the magnesium-rich water throughout the day, use it in cooking, and absorb it through the skin as they bathe and shower in it. For the rest of us, a supplemental source of magnesium can be highly beneficial, helping with constipation, anxiety, hypertension, skin health and more.

How to get Enough Magnesium Absorbable Magnesium

The problem with taking magnesium supplements is that they can cause loose stool and make bowel movements more urgent. As a result, a large dose consumed once a day may not be absorbed well. People who get their magnesium the natural way-- through a mineral-rich water source-- don’t have that problem because they don’t take large, unnatural doses of magnesium at one time. Those without a magnesium-rich water supply can simulate the effect by adding magnesium drops or powder to their drinking water and sipping it throughout the day between meals. Additionally, magnesium can be added to bath water in the form of Epsom salts or Dead Sea salt.

Sources:

http://jn.nutrition.org/content/133/9/2879.full

http://www.ajcn.org/content/14/6/342.abstract

http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2009/9789241563550_eng.pdf




-Magnesium drops that are great added to water can be purchased here

A Glass of Wine for your Stomach

“Stop drinking only water, but drink a little wine to help your stomach and your frequent sickness.” -1 Timothy 5:23 (NCV)

Now we have science to back what was apparently common knowledge in the Apostle Paul's day. A recent study showed that red wine helps digestive health by tipping the balance to beneficial gut flora. My experience: a glass of wine in the evening feels great in my sensitive gut and helps keep me away from sweet treats. Just be careful to choose a dry wine so you don’t end up consuming excess sugar with it.

Reference:
http://www.ajcn.org/content/early/2012/05/02/ajcn.111.027847.abstract

Avocado Smoothie

">Avocados are full of satisfying, healthy fat. One avocado has more potassium than two bananas and contains significant amounts of magnesium, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin E. These qualities make them great for skin health. And they’re tasty. Until recently, I didn’t know how to eat them besides making guacamole. This recipe has helped me add them to my family’s diet more regularly.

Avocado Smoothie (serves 1)

In a blender put:

¼ of an avocado
1 cup milk (or milk substitute)
Sugar, honey, stevia or sweetener of choice to taste
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ice cubes

Blend until smooth and serve immediately.

Radiant Skin with Apple Cider Vinegar

This is my newest experiment for getting gorgeous skin without need for make-up and it's the best one yet! You add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV, available here) to a glass of water and drink twice a day. It's claimed that ACV alkalizes the body, making it more resistant to infection (like acne infections) and promoting detox. It's also claimed that ACV helps the body absorb minerals better. I don't know how it's working, but it's got my skin clear and glowing.

5 Natural Acne Remedies that Work!

Just wanted to share some of the acne remedies I have been enlightened to that I have found work to control prevent and/or heal breakouts.

1.       Sulphur.  This remedy has been most effective for me. I first tried it as soap (MSM soap, which can be purchased here). It works by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Sulphur and other minerals are important for keeping the correct moisture balance of the skin. I noticed a difference after the first time I used it and I still keep some on hand. I also found that it can be taken internally as a dietary supplement for a similar effect on acne, actually preventing breakouts. Small amount of MSM powder daily added to my water keep my skin clear of breakouts.

2.       Lavender Essential oil.  This is a favorite essential oil that I like to keep on hand, so I was thrilled when I heard that it works for acne by killing off acne-causing bacteria. Use it sparingly, placing very small amount on lesions and deep cysts. I found that this treatment causes lesions to drain clear and watery, rather than being thick, pus-filled and slow to heal.

3.       Ditch the fluoride. I know it is recommended by health care professionals for preventing cavities, but many people get excess fluoride through our drinking water, toothpaste and processed foods. I switched to spring water to avoid fluoridated tap water and the deep cystic acne I used to get around my jaw line cleared right up. If you’d like to try this remedy, avoid fluoride toothpaste and drink bottled spring water with no added fluoride for a few weeks to see if it helps.

4.       Get hydrated. When I heard about this remedy, I thought I was already drinking enough water. I drank a couple of extra glasses of water that day anyway and was surprised at how it helped my skin. Mineral water may be even better as it contains minerals such as sulphur, silica, magnesium which benefit skin health.

5.       Exercise and sweat. Exercise is great for detoxing, getting lymph fluids moving and sweating out excess dirt from your pores. If you needed another motivation to exercise, here it is: it can make your skin glow.  

How Kombucha saved my Gut and Maybe my Life

I’ve tried many health products and it is a rare find when something acts on a big problem, quickly and undeniably. Kombucha is very special to me for this reason. Several years ago, my digestive system was in a poor condition. What had started as infrequent bouts of indigestion was becoming more and more frequent. I was underweight, dipping under 100 pounds as I was unable to digest food properly to receive adequate nutrition. Several times per week I would be up at night in the bathroom, in pain, unable to digest the food I had eaten. Enter GT’s Kombucha. While grocery shopping one day I picked up this Godsend, not knowing what it would do for my problem. When I first took a drink, I didn’t like the taste. It tasted vinegary, kind of like sour beer, and I put it in the back of the fridge. “I won’t be drinking too much of that!” I decided. But a couple days later, I had a digestive episode and began desperately trying to remedy it. There was the bottle of kombucha, sitting in the fridge. I took a few sips and my stomach felt better and better. I couldn’t believe it! The digestive episode that I had felt coming on was much less severe than the ones I had previously experienced. I began drinking GT’s daily and the episodes stopped completely. During the next few years, if I went a week or so without my precious kombucha, the episodes returned. I began craving it and I now love the taste. Why did it help? I suspect it was due to the probiotics, enzymes and beneficial acids that kombucha contains. I have since learned more about digestive issues and I believe I suffered from a bacterial infection of the small intestine. With its probiotic content including S. Boulardii, which is effective against some types of diarrhea, I believe it knocked back a bacterial infection that was causing painful gas and acid production in my small intestine. I also seemed to have had low stomach acid which impedes digestion. The acids in kombucha help lower the stomach ph so that the body’s enzymes are activated and proper digestion can take place. The enzymes kombucha contains may have also helped break down food in my digestive system that my damaged gut was having trouble processing. At any rate, kombucha was a miracle for me. Thanks, GT.   

Bacterial cause of eczema- Get rid of it for good!

Many eczema sufferers are not aware that staph and other bacterial infections are a common cause or complication of eczema, causing irritation to spread and hindering healing. Treating the rash as a bacterial problem and/or seeing a dermatologist to have a culture taken could be the key to getting rid of your eczema for good. It seemed to be the case for me, as my severe eczema was cleared up when I began to take Sovereign Silver, a natural antibacterial. The results were dramatic and my six year battle with severe eczema on my hands was won (see pics below). Similarly, my son, who has also suffered from eczema got relief from an antibacterial lotion applied to his rash. (After reading that goldenseal extract is effective against staph, I added some to his lotion and it cleared his rash right up.) Now I am a huge believer that bacteria is a common and often overlooked cause of eczema.   


 

eczema pics before/after

Pics to share! But they're not pretty. These are my hands when they were at their worst, plagued with eczema. My knuckles would crack and bleed when I made a fist. I would wrap them in cotton gauze like a mummy. I had this condition for six years.

But, I hate stories with sad endings. There are too many downers in life, so here's the happy ending. I've been healed since 2008:

5 tips for dealing with eczema

1.       Wear cotton. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic do not let skin breath and hinder healing. They trap moisture, which makes a good environment for bacteria to grow. Many people with eczema will find these materials uncomfortable and irritating anyway. Cotton is better choice because it’s cool and breathable. This is especially true for tight clothing such as bras, underwear, socks and pantyhose.  Cotton sports bras and cotton drawstring pants are your friend when you have eczema. They will help you feel more comfortable and may even heal your rash or prevent it from spreading.

2.       Avoid cheap jewelry as well as metal buckles, snaps and rivets against the skin. Some of these pieces contain nickel and possibly other allergenic metals that can cause or worsen eczema. Khaki style pants can be found at stores like Gap that have no metal against the skin. Jeans are pretty much out because of all the metal rivets. Bras may have metal buckles and adjusters. Be aware of any new jewelry that may be a cause of eczema for you. When I was seven years old and had my ears pierced, I had eczema for weeks before my mom realized it was the earrings. Try wearing 14 karat gold and sterling silver instead. It’s a good excuse to buy yourself something nice!

3.       Avoid detergent-based cleaning and personal care products. Detergents cut grease, true, but this is why they also break down the natural moisture barrier of the skin. Without the protection of the moisture barrier, skin becomes vulnerable to infections, irritations, cracking and extreme dryness. All those dishes washed can really pay a toll on hands. I suffered from severe hand eczema after the birth of my son. This type of eczema has sometimes been called “housewife’s eczema”. It is also common for workers who have to wash their hands frequently on the job- people in the medical field or who handle food, for example. Other types of eczema can also be bought on or worsened from detergents. Sodium lauryl sulfate and other related detergents found in shampoo and body wash commonly cause irritation in sensitive individuals. The solution? Wear gloves when doing dishes and household cleaning. These may be uncomfortable if you already have eczema on the hands. Alternately, you can use real soap such as Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile soap or Desert Essence Castile soap. These may not cut grease as well, but it will save your hands. Use bar soap or liquid castile soap to wash your hair and body. Be aware that even “natural” dishwashing liquids and personal care products are commonly detergent-based and strip the skin or moisture.  Read labels carefully.

4.       Avoid mineral oil based lotions. These sit on the skin and don’t absorb, so they don’t actually moisturize, but instead create a barrier which sometimes feels soothing at first. In the long run, though, they don’t do anything to heal your skin. They can actually clog pores and inhibit healing. Natural lotions and salves use plant oils such as coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil, which absorb into the skin. Look for ones that have healing ingredients like calendula and aloe for further benefits.

5.        Avoid chemical fragrances. Before I turn some of you off, let me offer an alternative. Plant-based essential oils may be used instead of fragrances as perfume and home fragrance alternatives. Essential oils are distilled from plants. They’re not a cocktail of mystery chemicals, but you know exactly what you are getting- lavender, lemon, rosemary, bergamot are some examples. Aromatherapy benefits are an additional bonus to using these oils. Fragrances commonly found in home and personal care products are made up of various chemicals, not listed on the label. It is not uncommon to be allergic or sensitive to these products.