Tag: Himalayan crystal salt

It’s Multiple Health Tips Day Again!

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Here we go with another round of multiple health tips, instead of a post focusing on just one particular topic. Hope you find something you can use! 

 

# 1 -Here’s a simple-to-use tip I found on Pinterest from faceliftaunatural.com and Tonda Thomas….

Acupressure/Acupuncture Point "Heavenly Appearance" (SI17) This acupuncture point benefits the ears and throat, reduces swelling, relaxes the face lower muscles and helps flushing out toxins.How to work this point? Turn your head in the opposite direction to find the point. Then, the most convenient way is to use the pad of the middle finger. Press inwards, in the direction of the inside of your mouth. Breathe slowly and deeply for 1 to 2 minutes:

Acupressure/Acupuncture Point “Heavenly Appearance” (SI17) – This acupuncture point benefits the ears and throat, reduces swelling, relaxes the face lower muscles and helps flushing out toxins.How to work this point? Turn your head in the opposite direction to find the point. Then, the most convenient way is to use the pad of the middle finger. Press inwards, in the direction of the inside of your mouth. Breathe slowly and deeply for 1 to 2 minutes.

 

# 2 – From CureJoy.com…..

Lemon Juice : Health Benefits of Juicing Lemons

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice FOR Cancer:

Recent studies have shown that consuming citrus fruits, specifically lemons, has prevented, and in some cases helped cure, cancer. And by adding baking soda you will normalize the pH of the body which does not allow the cancer to continue to spread. Chemotherapy has horrible side effects, the worst being that it destroys healthy cells. A combination of baking soda and lemon, on the other hand, only kills the cancer cells.

Patients should drink two teaspoons of lemon juice with half a teaspoon of baking soda. Consume the drink before breakfast on an empty stomach for better effect, and make sure to use organic lemons. They are 100 times more effective than a lemon grown with chemical fertilizers and sprayed with chemicals. Lemon has already been proven to have strong anti–carcinogenic properties. In addition to this, there are many other useful properties (read this SHH post), including having a strong effect on cysts and tumors.

Related Self-help Health post: Baking Soda: It’s Not Just For The Kitchen

 

# 3 – Here’s a video about using white vinegar and alcohol to help remove excess earwax when your ear canal is clogged up…..

 

# 4 – A simple treatment from www.realfarmacy.com to try for migraines that includes two top self-help health aids, lemon and crystal salt….

Himalayan salt in bagMigraines are extremely common and can stem from a variety of causes. They cause pain as real as the pain of injuries, as a really bad migraine can pretty much cripple you and take you down for the rest of your day.

Hence, headache sufferers seek treatment on a near-daily basis. Fortunately, there are several home-remedy treatments that can help alleviate migraine pain, but it seems that the best thing to use in this case is salt. Read on to discover the way salt can relieve a migraine in seconds.

Make sure to use high quality salt such as Himalayan crystal salt, as it is the most complete salt in the world. Himalayan salt contains 84 minerals, electrolytes and elements – a fascinating number considering that there are only 118 elements known to science.

Apart from reducing the severity of migraine headaches, this salt also increases energy levels, balances serotonin levels in the bloodstream, strengthens the immune system, restores the body’s alkaline and electrolyte balance and provides a number of other health benefits.

The salt treatment in case of migraines is quite simple and easy. Take a glass of lemon juice with a high concentration of Himalayan crystal salt and drink it. In most people, the juice from half a lemon and one teaspoon of salt provides the desired results. It works like magic! Give it a try!

 

# 5 – Another tip from RealFarmacy.com…..this one has to do with re-purposing those silica gel packets found in shoe boxes….

No more foggy car windows

I absolutely adore this one, since foggy car windows cause me a lot of problems, especially in damp weather season. This goes to all you drivers out there; it’s a true lifesaver in the winter. Instead of waiting for your windows to defog, which in older car models can take forever, put a bunch of these silica gel bags under your windshield from the inside immediately. You’ll see that tomorrow your windows won’t be foggy. It’s the fastest way to stop your windows from fogging up and you’ll save yourself the 10 extra minutes needed to clean them up.

For more re-purposing ideas: http://www.realfarmacy.com/silica-bags/

 

# 6 – The rinds, peels, stems, leaves and seeds of many fruits and vegetables can be safely consumed and often contribute valuable nutrition and phytochemicals to your diet.  Here are some examples from a post by Dr. Mercola:

  • Swiss chard stems are rich in the amino acid glutamine, which is beneficial for your immune system.
  • Celery tops contain five times more magnesium and calcium than the stalks.
  • Broccoli leaves provide about 90 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement, compared to 3 percent in the florets.
  • Outer layers of onion skins (including the papery skin) are thought to be the most nutritious, including concentrating the highest amounts of flavonoids. Try simmering onion skins in soups and stock, then removing before serving.

Watermelon rinds and seeds are another example. Watermelon rind contains more of the amino acid citrulline than the pink flesh. Citrulline is converted to arginine in your kidneys, and this amino acid is important for heart health and maintaining your immune system.Black watermelon seeds are also edible and actually quite healthy. They contain iron, zinc, protein and fiber.

Passion fruit peel provides another example. It contains a novel mixture of bioflavonoids that have been found to reduce wheeze and cough and improve shortness of breath in people with asthma.

Related Self-help Health post: Save Those Cantaloupe Seeds!

 

# 7 – Several studies have come out recently describing how Manuka honey can help cure gingivitis and periodontal disease. Due to its superior antimicrobial properties, researchers from the School of Dentistry, University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand) discovered that chewing or sucking on a Manuka honey product not only caused a 35% decrease in plaque, it led to a 35% reduction in bleeding sites in people suffering from gingivitis!

Related Self-help Health post: “Bee” Health Smart With Honey

 

# 8 – It’s time to start using more thyme :-)……

fresh <b>thyme</b> leaves adding mushrooms soy sauce cream sherry <b>thyme</b>

Thyme is a native to the Mediterranean, and was originally given the name “thyme” in Greece, they still use it in their cooking mixed with olive oil. Oil from the common herb thyme was discovered to kill up to 97% of human lung cancer cells. Recent research has shown that if you mix thyme and olive oil it will enhance the availability of hydroxytyrosol, olive oil’s most potent anti-cancer compound. Could this be the reason why Greeks have about half the rate of cancer compared to the rest of USA and the Europe?

Related Self-help Health post: Foods That Kill Cancer Stem Cells

 

# 9 – Pretty amazing study from an EasyHealthOptions.com post……

Researchers chose 55 patients who had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, and using Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA), they measured their total coronary plaque volume as well as dense calcium, non-calcified plaque and low-attenuation plaque.

After that initial evaluation, the patients were given either a placebo or a 2,400 mg dose of aged garlic extract every day for one year. At the end of the year, follow up screening revealed that those who had taken the aged garlic extract had slowed total plaque accumulation by 80 percent! Double wow!

Related Self-help Health post: Garlic: Amazing Herb and Health Aid

 

# 10 & 11 – Here’s two ways from The Alternative Daily to give your immune system a boost. I’ve heard of the cold shower routine before, but not the drumming one. Cool!

Take a cold shower

No one wants to take a cold shower, but it may help your immune system to become a powerful disease-fighting machine. According to research, after a cold shower the body increases its metabolic rate while trying to warm up, which gives your immune system an extra boost. In one German study, participants who took cold showers caught fewer winter colds than their warm-shower counterparts.

Personal Note: Of course I recommend having a structured water unit for that shower! 🙂

Drumming

It may sound unbelievable, but researchers from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California tested 111 people to determine if banging on a drum could benefit the immune system. They found when study participants used a drum, their immune systems showed instant improvement. Those who drummed in a group had the biggest immune system boost. So start that drum circle with your friends. It’s healthy!

 

# 12 – More good news about green tea from Easy Health Options! 

Green Tea Compound – Promise for Tackling Cancer

When the Bauru School of Dentistry in Sau Paulo did an experiment in which they immersed teeth in cola soft drinks with and without green tea added, they found that supplementing the soft drink with green tea reduced enamel erosion by up to 40 percent.

Green tea is so good for your mouth that they’re using it to enhance healing after dental surgery.

It’s so simple to make. Water and tea leaves and a little bit of heat is all you need. Of course, sweetened green tea would defeat the purpose, so if you want bottled green tea, look for unprocessed and unfiltered versions.

You can now get mouthwashes with green tea in them, too, and they’ve been proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis as well.

Related Self-help Health post: Green Tea: Drink Up For Weight Loss, Dental Health & More

 

# 13 – And here’s a nice tip to end on. This sounds like a great free resource….. 

Total Wellness Summit

You’ll learn from some great speakers, like Kris Carr, David Wolfe, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Jon Gabriel, Dr. Axe and many more, how to:

  • Detoxify naturally
  • Boost your health
  • Nourish and heal
  • Reduce stress
  • Feel true happiness
  • Reverse chronic disease
  • Discover true purpose
  • Break food addictions
  • Nourish with real food
  • Lose weight

Fast track your path to health when you register today!

Got any tips of your own to share? Leave a comment if you do!

Related Self-help Health posts:

Tips, Tips And More Tips

Tips, Tips And More Tips: Round Two

Tips, Tips And More Tips: Round Three

Tips, Tips, Tips: Round Four

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to give Self-help Health a follow so you don’t miss out on any future posts. Also check out the To Your Health page at my website Evolution Made Easier and my other blog for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

Lemon + Himalayan Salt + Water = Terrific Way To Start Your Day, Plus EFT Tapping Summit

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Lemons and Himalayan salt are two great multi-purpose self-help health aids,  so it’s no surprise that combining them has all sorts of extra benefits for the body. It’s pretty amazing that something as simple as this morning drink recipe can do so many good things for our health!

After you finish reading about all the benefits of drinking this tonic, check out the information I’ve included about the upcoming 8th Annual World Tapping Summit. It’s a great (and free) resource to take advantage of!

 

10 Benefits to Drinking Warm Lemon Water Every Morning19 Balancing Benefits of This Two-Ingredient Morning Tonic

TIPS, TIPS AND MORE TIPS

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Thought for a change I would create a post with a number of self-help health tips, instead of concentrating on one specific topic……

 

# 1 – Your thymus is located in the center top of your chest, below your collar bone. When you tap on it, it triggers the production of T-cells, boosts energy, relieves stress, and increases strength and vitality. For an instant energy boost, tap your thymus with your fingertips for 20 seconds, while slowly and deeply breathing in and out and you will enjoy a natural energy surge. 

 

# 2 – Whether you hug a tree or just sit under one, your health and energy will get a boost….

image from worldofstock com of special interest to readers of this ...

 (from TreeHugger.com)

# 3 – Always include some kind of fat or oil when eating or drinking something high in Vitamin A. A is fat-soluble, which means it needs some form of fat to be readily absorbed by the body. Whenever I’m drinking fresh veggie juice I always try to remember to eat a spoonful of coconut oil at the beginning. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, too, so the same thing applies.

 

# 4 – Use salt lamps to add negative ions to your environment, lift your mood, off-set EMFs, plus purify and dehumidify the air. They also amplify the natural frequency of 8 to 10 cycles per second in the human brain, which is the normal resonance synchronized with the resonant frequency of the planet’s electro-magnetic field (7.83 Hz or cycle per second) and stabilize alpha wave rhythms in our brain.

Numerous health benefits are gained from Himalayan Salt Lamps: they enhance the immune system, reducing susceptibility to colds and flu. Having them in your vicinity helps clear the sinuses, eases up migraines, headaches, allergies and hay fever. They improve lung capacity preventing respiratory-related illnesses and soothe asthma attacks. They increase alertness and productivity as well as concentration, healing fatigue and depression syndromes.

 

# 5 – Have you tried kombucha? I’ve become a big fan of this tangy, fizzy fermented beverage. There are so many brands and flavors available these days, some with chia seeds added, which bumps up the nutritional value and health benefits even more. One of my go-to snacks is organic popcorn, popped in coconut oil , then drizzled with organic butter and  sprinkled with Himalayan crystal salt, …all washed down with a Reed’s Gogi-Ginger Kombucha. Yum!

 

# 6 – This is along the same lines as # 3. Being out in Nature….whether sitting under a tree or walking barefoot…is good medicine. But if the weather’s cold or barefooting doesn’t sound like such a great idea for some reason, you can always use Vibes Up products to provide grounding energies/negative ions to your body.

 

# 7 – Astaxathin is not only good for your skin when taken internally, but can also be used externally. Just empty the contents of a gelcap into your moisturizer or face cream…its yellow color will also add a slight tint or “healthy glow” to your skin.

 

# 8 – You can also add Vitamin C to your personal care products. Good for your skin and helps add some protection from sunburn.

 

# 9 – Diatomaceous earth makes a great polish for removing stains from your teeth. Just sprinkle on a dry or slightly wet toothbrush and start brushing. Don’t let it all get too wet because you want to maintain the grittiness of the mixture. It may take a little elbow grease and adding more D. E., but it does a pretty amazing  job. Makes me think dental hygienists should use it for polishing/cleaning teeth, since it’s all-natural, basically tasteless, 85% silica (which is good for bone health), and actually good for you if swallowed. 

 

# 10 – Make your own almond/nut milk…..

-

Soak 1 cup nuts for at least 4-8 hours (to help get rid of phytic acid); rinse once soaked. Add nuts to blender with 3 cups of water and blend until creamy and white. Add more water, if needed/desired. If you want to sweeten, add in raw honey or a couple of dates. Cinnamon, vanilla optional for extra flavor. Pour mixture through your nut milk bag, into a jar to store for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

PERSONAL NOTE: Be sure to use structured water, which will add to the benefits of your nut milk. And don’t waste/throw out the almond “debris” you strain from the liquid; this nutritious mix can be used as a base/flour for making wheat-free cookies and many other things.

 

# 11 – Broccoli and cabbage contain a very special molecule called sulforaphane. Research shows that sulforaphane increases the expression of the VDR gene, which helps with absorbing vitamin D. In other words, the sulforaphane that we find in cruciferous vegetables and herbs like wasabi helps the body absorb more vitamin D—improving bone mass, as well as the ability to fight infection, cancer, and inflammation.

 

# 12 – Just a few of the many health issues coconut oil can be used for….

mercola3

 

# 13 – And coconut oil has a number of around-the-house uses, too!

mercola4

(these 2 charts on coconut oil are thanks to Dr. Mercola’s site mercola.com)

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts. Also check out my new website Evolution Made Easier and blog of the same name for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

 

Salt Lamps & Inhalers: Help With Air Pollution, Mood, Allergies, Asthma & More

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If you are not familiar with the health benefits and uses for salt lamps, you’re missing out on an easy, soothing way to enhance your environment, your mood, and your overall health. And salt air inhalers are an all-natural way to relieve asthma, allergies and respiratory issues….

 

 

Salt Lamps & Inhalers:

Many of the things that are now a part of our daily lives are generators of positive ions and this is one instance when positive is bad, at least when it comes to impact on our health. Computers, microwaves, cell phones, wi-fi, TVs, motors, power lines, fluorescent lights and more all fill our environment with magnetic energies that can put stresses on our physical bodies.

The physiological effects of positive ions/magnetic fields include:

  • Produce acid, oxygen deficiency, free radicals, and toxic end products of metabolism
  • Speed up infections and increase pain and inflammation
  • Possibly exacerbate existing symptoms
  • Evoke catabolic hormone production

Positive magnetic fields have been associated with cancer, depression, chromosomal abnormalities, inflammation and learning difficulties. That’s why it’s important to be sure we surround ourselves with things known to generate negative ions and that’s why salt lamps are such a good investments. They make wonderful accent pieces for your living environment, but what’s more important is that they are natural producers of negative ions. That means they improve air quality and help clean it of dust, pollen, dander, cigarette smoke, and other allergens.

The lamp’s healthy ions also off-set the harmful radiation produced by computer monitors, TVs, and electrical devices, so no home or office should be without one. The bio-energetic vibrations emitted by the lamp are similar to what you experience being by the ocean, and have an uplifting effect on the general well-being of anyone in the vicinity. Negative magnetic fields are a positive thing as far as the body is concerned and  help normalize the body’s pH, resolve cellular edema, clear metabolically produced toxins from the body, and eliminate free radicals.

Salt Lamps neutralize artificial electro-magnetic wavelengths produced by harmful electronic devices surrounding us that cause nervousness, insomnia and lack of concentration. They amplify the natural frequency of 8 to10 cycles per second in the human brain, which is the normal resonance synchronized with the resonant frequency of the planet’s electro-magnetic field (7.83 Hz or cycle per second) and stabilize alpha wave rhythms in our brain. –5D Alternative News

The lamps are a perfect answer for providing Feng Shui cures for buildings that have “stuck” energy (chi) and provide a natural ambiance that enhances any environment. When the small bulb (or votive candle in the salt candle holders)  inside the lamp is on, the warmth and natural beauty of the glow creates a wonderful accent for any room, and can function as a mood-setter or soothing night light when the rest of the house is dark. A salt lamp makes a perfect house-warming gift, or unique present for all your health-minded friends and family. Everyone is attracted to their inviting glow and feels naturally uplifted and happier in their presence.

 

salt lamps

Salt lamps come in a variety of sizes, so you don’t necessarily have to spend an arm and a leg to own one; usually just an arm will suffice (just kidding!). And now that people are more aware of the health benefits they bring, they are available through a number of companies. The Aloha Bay and Himalayan Salt Shop lamps are made from salt crystal rocks formed by nature over a hundred million years ago and are mined over 500 yards underground in the foothills of the Himalayas, where pollution is non-existent. When mining the salt crystals, explosives are strictly prohibited to preserve the structures of the crystals, and the lamps are carefully crafted by hand to retain the unique and natural shape of the rock. The result is a rare crystal, with beautiful colors ranging from off-white to apricot and warm pink.

Salt Lamp Infographic

A Himalayan crystal salt lamp is a natural ionizer. This means that it provides the positive “good vibes” you experience when near a waterfall or the beach, where negative ions are naturally generated by these forces of Nature. It can also be used as a medium to alleviate several ailments and disorders, including preventing allergy symptoms from surfacing and helping quell other illnesses such as Attention Deficit Disorder. A Himalayan salt lamp also has a healing effect on the skin and even the mind, encouraging concentration and focus.

A Himalayan Salt Lamp is made from a chunk of salt crystal rock that was taken from the salt mines found in underground caves in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. The Himalayan salt lamp makes use of the minerals that have been preserved for millions of years, releasing their special properties through the introduction of heat from an electric bulb or from the flame of a candle. These special properties emitted from the Salt Lamp are responsible for promoting the health and wellness of individuals via ionization of the air and the eradication of pollution. The special properties of the Himalayan Salt Lamp consist of negatively charged ions that act on the contaminants in the air by neutralizing them and weighing them down so they can no longer circulate. When this occurs, individuals can breathe more easily and many ailments and allergies that frequently afflict them start to disappear.

A Himalayan salt lamp comes in different shapes, sizes, and weights. Many prefer the natural shape lamps as they lend to the nature and the environment while encouraging good health. Others like to complement the aesthetics of their décor and choose the shaped varieties. The lamp can be made into a pyramid shaped Himalayan salt lamp, a globe shaped Himalayan salt lamp, a bowl shaped Himalayan salt lamp that contains small salt chunks within, or even a cross shaped Himalayan salt lamp. — Himalayan Salt Shop

The following is an excerpt from Clemence Lefevre’s book Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamps:

Imagine that you have in your possession a geological treasure that dates back millions of years – before mankind appeared – and holds the earth’s secrets inside. Imagine that this jewel, which also holds the memory of the sea, is a tool for vitality an spiritual growth. This dream can now be reality thanks to crystal salt lamps, unique in their origin, age, and surprising powers of harmonization and revitalization.

Rock salt is found in deep deposits in many regions of the world, including France, Poland, and Persia to name just a few. If forms crystals when it is pressurized deep inside the earth. The Himalayan mountains are home to particularly old and lovely varieties of salt crystal, which are becoming increasingly popular around the world for use as table salt and bath salts, in addition to the much loved crystal salt lamps.

These blocks of rock salt crystal from deep in the Himalayan mountains have absorbed mineral elements that enrich them and give them their delicate tones. Unlike regular rock salt, which is extracted from industrial quarries that can reach over half a mile deep, Himalayan salt crystal is extracted by traditional methods that have been used for thousands of years.

For more on Himalayan salt lamps visit the Information Center at himalayansaltshop.com

 

 

But lamps and candles aren’t the only way to experience the benefits of Himalayan salt. Using a salt air inhaler provides relief from:

  • Breathing Difficulties
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Sinus Conditions
  • Sore Throat

The benefits of salt as a natural cleanser have been known for millennia and I have written several blog posts about this wonderful health aid. The benefits of salt air inhalation, also known as speleotherapy or halotherapy, were first documented over 200 years ago in Europe when it was realized that salt miners were relatively free of respiratory ailments. Since then, many people have been flocking to salt mines around the world to help rid themselves of respiratory ailments of all kinds, including asthma, congestion, hay fever, and allergies. Salt is known for its anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Here in the United States, such treatment is only now starting to become more widely known and appreciated with the introduction of “salt rooms” in spas and other wellness businesses. But that is changing; even Dr. Oz has recommended using salt inhalers on his program.

You can now benefit from this all-natural salt air therapy at home with a Himalayan salt inhaler, such as the high quality ceramic one made by The Himalayan Salt Shop. For optimal results, it’s recommended that the inhaler be used for 15 minutes a day – this can be broken down in intervals during the day. It is also recommended that the salt be changed every 90 days with refills that are available on-line. Try this simple, yet amazing natural device and see how it can benefit you.

Here’s what one happy customer of the Himalayan Salt Shop had to say about the lamps and inhaler:

I am a return customer. We found your site on the internet. We received a salt lamp as a gift and fell in love with it and purchased 3 more. After seeing the salt inhaler on your site, I bought it and I love it!! In the past year I have tried all forms of treatment for clearing my respiratory system. I actually saw results after the second day!! I use it every day for 20 minutes. I love all your products that we have purchased. I still need to buy some more lamps so every room in my house will have salt lamps in them. — Marianne B.

Be sure to check out their package deals where you can really save, e. g. get two 4 to 5 lb. lamps and two candle holders for only $39.99.

 

Related Self-help Health posts:

https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/himalayan-crystal-salt-its-whats-shakin/

https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2013/06/04/crystal-salt-part-ii/

https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/salt-water-flush-cleansing-the-intestines-colon/

https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/neti-your-nose-for-sinus-health-allergy-relief/

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts. Also check out my new website Evolution Made Easier and blog of the same name for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

Salt Water Flush: Cleansing the Intestines & Colon

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I’ve been meaning to post this self-help health routine ever since I did my posts on Himalayan crystal salt, but somehow am just now getting around to it. Oh well, as they say…”Better late than never.” 🙂

 

 

Himalayan salt in bag

Salt Water Cleanse/Flush:

This “recipe” breaks up and purges waste and debris from the small intestine and colon (hot water goes directly to the small and large intestine), neutralizes toxic bacteria, washes the entire digestive tract, and replenishes electrolytes (the crystal salt contains over 100 organic minerals and trace minerals). Salt water cleansing works to purify the system and draws impurities out of your organs. It can be used to treat the common cold, high blood pressure, fever, and degenerative-related ailments, as well.

If blood pressure is an issue for you, you don’t need to be worried about the effect of the salt, although you should always check with your personal health care professional. I’ve read where uniodized salt (be sure you don’t use an iodized variety), together with the water, ends up having the same specific gravity as the blood, so the kidneys cannot pick up the water and the blood and cells cannot pick up the salt. But you may want to start with a “mini-version” of this routine to make sure it agrees with your body.

  •   Mix 1 qt. of medium hot structured water with ½ tsp. UNiodized salt (preferably a crystalline salt—see a previous post Himalayan Crystal Salt: It’s What’s Skakin’); drink the entire amount within 10 to 20 minutes.
  •   Repeat the above procedure each hour for the next 3 hrs. for a combined total of 4 qts. of salt water

This mixture will start to dissolve, loosen and purge encrusted debris from the intestinal walls. Several eliminations will likely occur within the next few hours, so be sure you have easy access to a bathroom.

And I don’t want to encourage “cheating,” but this routine also works pretty well even without the last (4th) round of salt water. Also, if you don’t have all morning to devote to the process and want quick results as far as bowel movements go, and you don’t mind a saltier taste, you can do the version where you drink 1 qt. of warm water with 2 tsp. of salt within a 15 to 20 min. period. If your system is clogged up, this is a good, quick way to solve the problem, although this more concentrated, accelerated version of the cleanse doesn’t seem to have quite the same soothing affect afterwards on the body as the longer routine. Experiment and see what works best for you.

There are several versions of this salt water flush mentioned in my A Healthier You From the Inside Out e-book that involve using anywhere from 1 to 4 qts. of hot water with varying amounts of salt added. The amount of water consumed for the above version is A LOT, to say the least—unless you happen to be an elephant, camel or baby orca (and if that is the case, congratulations for being able to read this :-)). However, it uses a smaller amount of salt than some of the other versions, so you may find it more palatable for your first experience with doing this type of flush. When I drank my first quart I thought I’d never be able to drink more by the next hour, but somehow I did. It may take some time for your body to acclimate to this routine, but your insides are likely to feel so good and clean afterwards, you’ll be glad you did it. Once you see how your body does with this particular version, you could even move on to the 7 Day Salt Water Cleanse that follows, if you feel that would be of further benefit.

7- Day Salt Water Cleanse:

This is a good protocol to use before starting a new healing program, fast, or diet change, or before taking a new vitamin, herb or supplement. It helps rid the body of old build-up and toxins and allows the new regimen you plan on implementing to have an easier time of working. It’s not recommended for people with advanced forms of ulcers, appendicitis, intestinal tuberculosis, or cancer. If you have problems with constipation, you may want to use a herbal laxative like senna or cascara sagrada, or something like Oxy-Powder®  from Raw Food World or Global Healing Center for one or two days before the cleanse. (BTW, if you do go to GHC and are interested in even more ways to cleanse and detox the body, I believe you can get Dr. Group’s The Green Body Cleanse book for $15 off until 12/1/13 using code ‘15GreenBook‘, so it’s only $9.99 right now.)

The 7-day cleanse routine and “recipe” comes from Life Events Shamanistic Studies (http://www.lifeevents.org) and is meant to be used for a full week (thus the 7 days :-)). It’s best done first thing in the morning, between 5am and 7am, when the organs of the body that are involved have open channels. During the week of the cleanse, you should avoid alcohol, spicy and/or fried foods, and anything rich or heavy. The idea is to take your digestive system back to its childhood state, so during the 7 days that you follow this protocol concentrate on eating the types of simple things you did years ago (and we’re not talking Twinkies here :-)).

  •      2 qts. water, boiled to tea drinking temperature
  •      1 level TBS. natural salt (crystalline is best, but be sure whatever you use is uniodized)
  •      Juice from a lemon or lime to offset the taste of the salt water
  •      16 oz. serving cup

As with the flush mentioned at the beginning of this post, this is A LOT of water to drink. If you find yourself with a full stomach, even after the first glass, it helps to do some kind of exercise (like the yoga Cobra Position) to move the water from the stomach into the intestines. You may take more than an hour to drink it all, but after a little practice the time required could shorten to 30 to 40 minutes.  And you might even throw up the first glass :-(, but if your body muscle tested as wanting/needing the flush, keep trying because the benefits  will be worth the effort. For some people, the flush eventually becomes almost addictive because of how good they feel afterwards.

You should expect to make trips to the bathroom throughout the morning, since the flush will help clean out your entire system. Plan to take it easy on the first couple of days, especially if you’ve never done any kind of extended cleansing before. A temporary side effect of using this protocol could be headaches and other flu-like discomforts that are common when your body is in detoxification mode. But after the first few days people commonly experience lots of additional energy and increased appetite.

If you want to continue the flush beyond the initial 7 days, you can move to a schedule of drinking the salt water every other day during the second week; in the 3rd week, drink it every 3rd day, and so on, until you’re drinking it 1 day a week, or whenever you feel the need for internal cleansing. People over age 25 can drink the salt water once a week as a laxative and to keep the immune system up to par.

So what benefits can you expect from doing this type of cleanse?

Of course, as with any health regimen, the results and benefits depend on the individual situation, and the effects may not appear immediately. But after 2 to 3 days you should notice fresher breath and odorless sweat, clearer, more radiant skin, improved digestion, weight regulation, better sleep, increased energy, and a feeling of lightness. This protocol may also help relieve chronic headaches, menstrual irregularities, intestinal worms, and diseases of the eye, nose, teeth, heart, abdomen, reproductive organs and rectum.

BUT, as with any health routine, detox program, supplement, etc., I always recommend self-testing (I am working on a blog post about this) or having someone muscle test you to make sure it is what your body wants and/or needs. As I always say, everybody is unique and every body is different, and just because something is the right thing for one person, doesn’t mean it’s what’s right for your body.

Also, with any type of detoxification or cleansing routine where you are going to the bathroom a lot, be sure you are replacing any vitamins or minerals that may get depleted in the process. This goes for friendly intestinal bacteria, as well, so supplement with probiotics, fermented foods, trace minerals, etc. that your body tests as needing. And I highly recommend only using structured water for these (or any) cleanse routines. Since water is the main ingredient for the processes given, it only makes sense to use the form of water that works best with the body.

And fyi, you can get Himalayan crystal salt, vitamin and mineral supplements, and probiotics at discount prices at Vitacost.com, one of my favorite on-line sites. If you are new to Vitacost and shop through the link on my site and spend a certain amount (I believe it’s $25), you will get a $10 coupon to use. And if you plan on shopping there more in the future, be sure to sign up for a free account at eBates.com, if you don’t already have one. That way you can use the eBates portal to shop at Vitacost and earn cash back on future purchases. Plus, eBates also gives a gift card or some other “prize” when you place your first order of $25 or more. Double score! How does it get any better than that?!

 iHerb.com is another great discount place to shop (use code CJG192 if you are a new customer and get $5.00 off). Also, there’s free shipping on orders of $20 or more, no sales tax, plus you can take advantage of their wonderful Trial Offers and Specials sections and earn cash reward points toward future orders.

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here  is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

 

Dealing With Heavy Metal & Chemical Toxicity Naturally

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In a previous post I talked about some of the ways our bodies are exposed to heavy metals and toxic chemicals and the far-reaching effects they can have on our health and well-being. I think most people actually suffer from toxic overload, but aren’t even aware that’s what is at the root of many of their on-going health issues. And as I mentioned previously, one condition predisposes you to another, e. g. heavy metals make you more inclined to have an imbalanced pH and candida, so there’s a domino effect that compounds the situation. That’s why it’s really important to clear your body of these trouble makers as much as possible, and fortunately there are a number of all-natural ways of doing that….

–

Las propiedades del Cilantro. - SmartSalusSmartSalus

(Cilantro: a great chelating/detoxing agent)

CHELATING/DETOXING HEAVY METALS

Ridding the body of heavy metals and chemical toxins can be a situation that requires great care because you want to be sure whenever you loosen these antagonistic substances from the various parts of your body where they are stored that you quickly get them out of your system. Otherwise they can end up just moving from one organ or tissue to another. Detoxing from mercury, lead, and other heavy metals is serious business and should not be undertaken without the guidance of a physician or healthcare practitioner. Because the presence of these toxic substances also inclines a person toward chronic infestations (i.e. parasites), infection, immune, electrolyte, and neurotransmitter problems, allergies and other hypersensitivities—even structural mis-alignment—multiple issues may need to be addressed besides the toxic metals and chemicals themselves.

The aim of detoxification in this situation is not only to remove the metals/chemicals from the body, but also to restore proper functioning of the affected organs/structures and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The complete process may include providing nourishment to the body in the form of high-grade nutritional supplements, herbs, I.V. therapy, and therapeutic massage or bodywork—all of which work to calm the body while the detoxing is taking place.

The detoxification process generally involves/includes:

  • Antioxidants in the form of garlic, vitamins C and E, and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to help protect against free radical damage and to supply electrons to oxidizing heavy metals.
  • Minerals and electrolytes to replace and restore mineral reserves and help balance ANS function.
  • Oral food chelators such as broken cell-wall chlorella to bind the metals in the gut and extra-cellular spaces. This particular single-cell algae is especially good at mobilizing mercury and pulling it into the gastro-intestinal system for excretion (blue-green algae and/or spirulina do not have the same ability and should not be substituted). Spread the dose out over the day. If you end up taking chlorella for an extended period of time, you should periodically vary the amount and take a day off once a month—otherwise the body develops a conditioned reflex wherein it begins to consider chlorella equivalent to mercury. (See section on cilantro below for using in combination with chlorella.) Here is an excerpt from an article by Adrian Cooper for Natural News about using chlorella to detox heavy metals: 

While there are many “detox” natural products and protocols around which use lemon juice, maple syrup, turmeric and many other ingredients, these are mostly quite lightweight and limited in scope and effectiveness relative to the sheer amount and location of toxins contaminating the body of the average person, as previously listed. Chlorella is very powerful and widely used to chelate and remove from the skin and organs cumulative, toxic heavy metals such as mercury, which is frequently used in the “amalgam” used by dentists for filling teeth and is also, for more sinister reasons, found in many types of vaccines and is highly toxic. Chlorella is in fact so powerful at binding with heavy metals that miners mix it with water and pump it into mine shafts to mop up all the residual metals after mining is complete.In addition to heavy metals, chlorella is extremely effective at removing a wide range of toxins from the liver and other major organs, keeping them clean if taken in adequate quantities of at least 5 grams each day, along with countless other nutritional benefits.It is also worth considering a major chlorella-based detox for a week, taking 15 grams or more of chlorella each day in three separate portions. Chlorella has countless other health benefits, so adding this superfood to one’s daily diet can bring profound benefits to all levels of health, vitality and well-being. 

More: http://www.naturalnews.com/043433_chlorella_detoxification_heavy_metals.html#ixzz2poPe7v54

  • Sulfur supplementation to aid in heavy metal detoxification and replace depleted reserves of this mineral; garlic and ALA also contain sulfur and can be used. Eggs are particularly rich in sulfur and could be consumed by those not allergic to them.
  •  Organ drainage and support to promote overall health; organs likely to need attention are the liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, sinuses, blood, and lymph (using a trampoline/rebounder is a good way to help circulate and drain the lymph).
  • Gastro-intestinal tract support with digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and a good probiotic to restore friendly bacteria; protocols designed to cleanse the colon, and/or eliminate yeast/fungus/mold overgrowth, rid the body of parasites, or balance pH would also be useful.
  • Cilantro to chelate methyl mercury and mercury bound to cell walls. It’s best used in conjunction with chlorella, since they each handle a different part of the detoxification process. Cilantro has the ability to flush/chelate heavy metals like mercury, aluminum, and lead from your tissues. In his book Lessons from the Miracle Doctors, Dr. Jon Barron says “Initial studies indicate that fresh cilantro may be extremely effective in helping flush heavy metals out of the blood. Taking 400 mg. of cilantro a day can pretty much clean heavy metals out of the body in just 2 to 3 weeks.” In his newsletter, Baseline Nutritionals, he states “Studies have shown that levels of mercury, lead, and aluminum in the urine increase significantly after consuming large amounts of cilantro. It seems that cilantro changes the electric charge on intra-cellular deposits of heavy metals to a neutral state, which relaxes their tight bond to body tissue, freeing them up to be flushed from the body.” He also suggests adding chlorella to your metal-flushing program because it works in conjunction with the cilantro, and has the ability to absorb and clear heavy metals from the brain, intestinal wall, muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and bone. You can also use cilantro in tincture form; steep 1-15 drops in hot water and take 2 times daily, for 5 days, then take 2 days off. If you have any discomfort after taking cilantro orally, try using cilantro oil on your skin instead—1 drop on the wrist twice daily. Be sure to keep the oil out of the reach of children. By the way, once I read about Dr. Barron’s protocol for using the tincture form of cilantro I spent a couple of years trying to find a source for it. Fortunately, iHerb.com carries the Herb Pharm line of products, and now offers a cilantro extract/tincture and a cilantro/chlorella detox extract, which is what I often use. Vitacost also carries the detox extract, but is often out of stock. This combination formula also provides effective antioxidant support for overall cell health. (Want to add more cilantro to your diet? There’s a great recipe for cilantro pesto at the end of this post.)

For more on cilantro: https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/cilantro-a-powerful-herb-with-punch/

How and why chlorella and cilantro should be used together for detoxing heavy metals:

http://consciouslifenews.com/cilantro-chlorella-remove-80-heavy-metals-body-42-days/1174996/#

As far as diet goes, if you are dealing with heavy metals/toxic chemicals you should concentrate on eating fresh, preferably organic, fruits and vegetables, grains, lean meat, and cold-water fish known to be low in mercury and other contaminants. Drink green or white tea, or take in an extract or capsule form. Eat plenty of fresh garlic, or use a supplement such as Kyolic or Wild Bear Garlic in capsules or tincture form. You should also consider adding extra amounts of vitamin A (one to two 25,000 I.U. capsules), C (2 grams or more daily, depending on the instructions of your healthcare professional; for binding heavy metals a buffered C, rather than esterfied form, should be used) and E (400 I.U. or more) to your diet. Glutathione, calcium, selenium, zinc and lactoferrin are other considerations.

Additional foods/supplements useful in dealing with heavy metal/chemical toxicity are:

Alfalfa Sprouts – add fresh sprouts to salads or blend into a juice; dried powder in capsule form may also be taken. However, due to its high iron content, alfalfa should not be taken by individuals with toxic or chronic iron overload.

Dietary Fiber – foods or substances with high fiber content (e.g., psyllium, acacia, flaxseed, apple pectin, and oat and wheat bran) aid the body in ridding itself of toxins (to avoid gas or bloating when adding fiber to your diet, use small amounts at first so that your digestive system has time to adjust).

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) – a naturally occurring sulfur compound that is 34% elemental sulfur. Chelation involves a sulfur donor and because MSM is a compound that contains sulfur, theoretically it could be beneficial as a part of a detoxification protocol for heavy metals (glutathione, methionine, cysteine, and NAC all have sulfur components and are helpful with the detoxification process, as well). In addition to its detoxifying potential, MSM has potential for allergy response reduction, control of hyperactivity, constipation relief, and cancer prevention, and may be helpful for inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis. MSM is best taken with vitamin C; you should also be sure you use chlorella and get adequate protein when using MSM.

Rutin – a phyto-extract (plant extract) found in such things as buckwheat, black tea and apple peel. It’s thought to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Studies in animals demonstrated that rutin has anti-inflammatory potential in colitis and free-radical scavenging and iron-chelating ability that significantly protects against cellular damage.

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) – has been called “the liver’s super-nutrient” because of its ability to provide a spectrum of health benefits for the liver. As a protective/preventative agent, SAMe is so powerful that it can reverse the destructive effects of chemicals and alcohol as they occur. It also plays a central role in liver biochemistry, and performs two crucial functions: methylation and trans-sulfuration. One result of trans-sulfuration is a transformation into glutathione, the liver’s most vital substance (glutathione is crucial for liver function and is a natural antioxidant for the liver). Because the liver also contains the third highest amount of SAMe in the body (after the adrenal and pineal glands) and because SAMe is so important for liver function, it can be considered to be an essential nutrient for the liver. Anyone concerned about the effects of drugs, toxic chemicals, lead exposure, alcohol, and aging on the liver should consider taking SAMe for its protective benefits.

Silibinin (or silybin) – the most biologically active ingredient in silymarin, an extract derived from the herb milk thistle (a member of the daisy family). Silymarin and its main active ingredient silibinin help prevent toxic liver damage. Standardized milk thistle extract usually consists of a minimum of 35% silybin. There have been several studies done to investigate the activity of silibinin on heavy metals and the research supports the use of silibinin as an adjunct for liver, kidney, pancreas, and other organ support in any heavy metal detoxification program. The importance of silibinin for heavy metal detoxification is in its ability to aid liver function, accelerate regeneration, and elevate glutathione enzyme levels, as well as reduce oxidation.

Besides using certain foods and supplements to address the issue of heavy metals and toxic chemicals, doing cleanses that improve the functioning of the body’s channels of elimination, i.e. the colon, kidneys, skin, and nasal passages, are extremely important, as is anything that supports the liver. And of course there is always the option of using a formal chelation process. In the past, this type of protocol was only available through a physician and consisted of undergoing expensive, uncomfortable and time-consuming sessions where the principal chelating agents, such as EDTA and vitamin C, were administered intravenously.

However, recently it’s been shown that a number of natural products, taken orally without prescription, can also be effective. Oral chelation is slower, but less expensive, and can be done without trips to the doctor’s office and the discomfort of an I.V.  iHerb carries the Arizona Naturals brand of EDTA in capsule form. Extreme Health offers a product called Oral Chelation II that contains EDTA and 16 other powerful chelators. It comes with Age-less Formula, which is specifically designed to work synergistically with the Oral Chelation, and functions as a complete mineral and nutrient replacement that supports the liver and kidneys. Supposedly a side benefit of the Extreme Health products is that they remove mineral and fatty deposits in the arterial walls and help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and triglyceride levels. I haven’t used these myself, but you may want to check them out.

Another option, which I have used, is NDF Plus ™, a certified organic dietary supplement/tincture made from raw whole foods. It contains chlorella and cilantro—two superfoods that are natural chelators—as well as silica and 15 strains of friendly bacteria. 80% of the heavy metals and chemicals that NDF Plus™ binds to are removed within the first two urinations after the dose. In fact, one of the pluses of this product is that it works predominantly by using the urine as the route for heavy metal and chemical excretion. This decreases the burden on the liver and also the chance of re-absorption of toxins through the bowel, which can be a factor with other therapies.

Also, NDF Plus™ does not remove beneficial nutrients from the body as certain other chelators do; in fact, it works to balance and enhance nutrient levels with the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes it naturally contains. And I read that heavy metals, chemicals, acid forming foods, and EDTA all create excessive positive ions (free radicals) in the body, while the main ingredients in NDF Plus™ are highly alkalizing and have a soothing, negative ion effect on the body. So that’s something to take into consideration, as well. NDFPlus™ is available through iHerb, but be prepared, it’s an expensive supplement. Global Health Center also offers a Heavy Metal Cleanse kit that includes Zeolite, detox food pads and more. Zeolites are a rare group of minerals with a four-sided honeycomb structure and a natural negative magnetic charge. This allows them to absorb and retain heavy metals and toxins that can then be passed safely out of the body without the danger of re-absorption.

For information on IV chelation therapy, this article by Dr. Axe is a good place to start:

http://draxe.com/chelation-therapy/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

In addition to everything just mentioned as ways of dealing with heavy metals and toxic chemicals, here are three simple routines to try:

Recipe for relieving the body of environmental poisons – Use this diet when metals are lodged in your glands and nerves. The following recipe is all you eat for 3 days. When reheating the mixture, take only as much as you will eat at that sitting. Eat as often as you want.  Eat until it is all gone; make more if needed. Drink parsley or willow leaf tea as a beverage, and, of course, plenty of pure water. 

3 lbs. green beans     4 lbs. zucchini

3 bunches of parsley, finely chopped     2 lbs. of celery

 Boil the beans in plenty of high quality water until done; add finely chopped celery and coarsely cut zucchini and boil 5 more min., or until zucchini is done. Remove from heat, add the parsley and season with an herb or spice to enhance the flavor.

Cranberry Juice – Cranberry juice diluted by one-half with distilled water is another excellent way of removing toxins from the body. Take the mixture 4 times a day for 3 days, then wait 5 days and repeat again. Be sure you use pure cranberry juice and not some sweetened or blended version. One of the great alternative health practitioners, Hanna Kroeger, says you can eliminate about 120 units of toxins a day following this program. (You can get cranberry juice concentrate from iHerb at a discount; working with a concentrate means the bottle doesn’t take up much space, but yields a lot of juice—plus, it allows you to easily mix up a “batch” of juice with the specific dilution strength you want.)

Crystal Salt Brine – See previous post on heavy metals for the recipe for making a simple brine of water and crystalline salt that can be taken on a daily basis to help the body excrete heavy metals and other toxic substances. Bentonite clay is another all-natural way to help with the detoxification process.

 

File:BasilkumPesto.jpg

CILANTRO PESTO

This recipe is not only tasty, but helps with flushing heavy metals from your system; use in conjunction with chlorella supplements so that both phases of the chelation process are covered.

1 cup packed, fresh cilantro    

5 TBS. olive oil    

1 TBS. flax oil

 1 clove garlic

½ cup almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts     

2 TBS fresh lemon juice

dash of crystal salt

Put cilantro and oil in blender or food processor and chop; add garlic, nuts and lemon juice and blend into a lumpy paste. Salt to taste; refrigerate any unused portion.

OTHER RESOURCES: You may want to read Mercury and Detoxification by Ryan Harrison, a certified holistic health educator, certified master herbalist and consultant in private practice (www.BeWholeBeWell.com) and Detoxify Heavy Metals & Soothe Chronic Inflammation with Cilantro by Jonathan Benson, a staff writer for Natural News Newsletter.

FYI, you can get many of the supplements mentioned in this post at discount prices at Vitacost.com, one of my favorite on-line places to shop. If you are new to Vitacost, use the link on my webpage, and spend a certain amount (I believe it’s $25), you will get a $10 coupon to use. And if you plan on shopping at Vitacost after that, you should sign up for a free account at eBates.com, if you don’t already have one. That way you can use the eBates portal to shop at Vitacost and earn cash back on future purchases. Plus, eBates also gives a gift card or some other “prize” when you place your first order of $25 or more. How does it get any better than that?!

iHerb.com is another favorite discount place to shop (use code CJG192 if you are a new customer and spend more than $40 and you will get $5 off, no sales tax, free shipping on $20 and up, and an extra 5% off on orders over $60). Plus, you can take advantage of their wonderful Trial Offers and Specials sections. 

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my new Evolution Made Easier website’s To Your Health page and blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

What You Should Know About Heavy Metal & Chemical Toxicity

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global warming environment

Heavy Metal & Chemical Toxicity

In 1974 the World Health Organization stated “Environmental pollution is the underlying cause of 80% of all chronic degenerative diseases.” And that was 1974, when the world wasn’t nearly as inundated with toxic substances as it is today. In findings from a study titled Body Burden: The Pollution in People, it was confirmed that the blood and urine of the subjects tested contained an average of 91 industrial compounds, pollutants, and other chemicals, most of which did not even exist 75 years ago. And those test results are old; unfortunately it would be a much bigger number today. These toxic substances cause an ever-increasing number of conditions once inside the body, including neurological and psychological disorders, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suppression of the body’s immune response—even a person’s inability to lose weight could be linked to heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

There are a number of ways these toxic substances enter the body, including through the food we eat (e.g. certain fish now contain an especially high level of mercury and other environmental pollutants), water we drink, and cookware we use, as well as through the cleaning products and personal care items we use.  Heavy metals and toxic chemicals are also absorbed or taken in when we use paints that contain cadmium and lead, come into contact with industrial waste, breathe in toxic fumes while filling up the gas tank, drive in traffic, or do any number of other things that are part of daily life. One of the most common ways the body becomes over-burdened, at least with certain heavy metals, is through dental fillings made with mercury, crowns that contain nickel, and dentures where cadmium was used to make the gum section look pink.

Mercury, in particular, is a potent neurotoxin and has the ability to affect various parts of the body, including the brain and nerves. It can have a serious and far-reaching effect on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) because it promotes excessive oxidative damage, diminishes enzyme activity, and clogs normal detoxification routes. This leads to dysbiosis and chronic, degenerative blood cell formation and disease. The immune system naturally responds to the presence of toxic metals in the body and eventually develops allergic reactions that may manifest as a sinus condition, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), enlarged neck and glands, arthritic conditions, headaches and migraines, eye diseases, and even more serious complications.

Acute exposure to mercury has reportedly caused mental confusion, short and long term memory loss, tremors, and fatigue, as well as visual and personality changes. And the latest worldwide survey of all Alzheimer’s research has identified mercury as the prime suspect as causative factor. In the case of mercury exposure from dental fillings, the problem becomes chronic. Research shows that mercury vapor is continuously released from amalgam fillings in a measurable amount from the moment the fillings are inserted into the teeth. Each time the person chews, drinks (particularly hot liquids), brushes his teeth, swallows and breathes, mercury is released from dental fillings and is absorbed by the lungs and lining of the digestive system, and consequently enters the bloodstream.

As a result, the body’s weakest area is most likely to develop a problem first. Because the mercury toxins can travel either by way of the blood stream or by nerve pathways, one person may experience bleeding gums and bowel problems, and another may develop severe asthma or bronchitis. A third person may have concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, hearing loss and dizziness; still others will show extreme fatigue, lack of initiative, and clumsiness. Mercury can interfere with virtually any process of any organ, and inclines the body toward many of the other health factors, e. g. an overly acidic pH level, parasitic infestation, and candida overgrowth.

Years ago there wasn’t much you could do to address the issue of metal/chemical toxicity, other than go to the doctor’s office for expensive and time-consuming I.V. chelation treatments. But fortunately there are now many more options available for dealing with the situation. I will be writing about some of those in an upcoming post, but until then you may want to try this easy recipe using one of my favorite self-help health aids, Himalayan crystal salt.

Crystal Salt Brine:

This salt-related routine is an amazingly simple way to promote health and detox the body. All you need to do is make a brine using pure, crystalline Himalayan salt and water (use the highest quality, low in minerals, spring or artesian water  or structured water, if available). To make the mixture, cover the bottom of a small glass jar or pitcher with the washed salt crystals, then add enough water so that you have three times the amount of water as salt, or to where the water begins to no longer completely dissolve/incorporate the salt. The brine can be used after 2 hrs., but it’s best to allow 24 hrs. for it to reach a full saturation point of 26% in solution. I’ve read that drinking 8 ozs. of pure water with 1 tsp. of this brine added to it will help balance a person’s entire meridian system within 15 minutes!

This mixture can be a powerful detoxifier and more is not necessarily better. Those who are taking any prescriptions or over the counter medications, or who have any condition that may be salt sensitive, should consult their healthcare professional before using it in their daily health routine. Start slowly and find the proper amount for your body. Start by using 1 drop in an 8 oz. glass of water per day on an empty stomach (taking this mixture first thing in the morning is usually the easiest way to incorporate it into your normal routine). Work your way up to 1 tsp. of brine a day, and always drink at least 2 qts. of pure water daily while using the brine. If you experience discomfort, stop taking the mixture and consider doing the Crystal Salt Bath (more on that in a future post). The brine is not recommended for children under the age of 18, or for pregnant or nursing women.

Himalayan crystal salt is available at discount prices through Vitacost.com and iHerb.com, plus many other on-line stores. It is also available at local health food stores and a growing number of supermarkets.

(You can go to www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-156.shtml for more facts about heavy metals, symptoms, therapies, etc.; you can see a video titled The Smoking Teeth, about the danger of mercury fillings, at the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology site (http://www.iaomt.org). You may also want to read The Cure for All Diseases, by Hulda Clark, and Uninformed Consent, by Henry Huggins, DDS, for in-depth information on this topic.) 

Related Self-help Health post: Dealing With Heavy Metals & Chemical Toxicity Naturally

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

Baking Soda: It’s Not Just For The Kitchen

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I’ve used baking soda all my life, initially in baking/cooking and as a refrigerator deodorizer, but later also as a personal care/health aid. This article by Esse Johnson added to my understanding of just what baking soda is and how it works…

soda

(By Esse Johnson, resident author and researcher at BeWellBuzz) With continued economic troubles, and amidst more and more evidence of the unhealthy risks of using unnatural, unheard of, and possibly toxic ingredients for skin and body care, many people are going back to basics. Baking soda is not only awesome for baking and house-cleaning, but can also be more effective than expensive acne and exfoliating treatments on the market. (It is for me!) Read on to find out what baking soda is, how to know if it’s natural or synthetic, and how to use it safely on your skin and hair for amazing results.

What is Baking Soda?

It may be a silly question for some, but for those of us who didn’t know, now you’ll know. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydrogen bicarbonate. It’s pH value is 9.0, making it alkaline. It’s used in cooking, cleaning and in toothpaste.

What’s the Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder?

– Soda

Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate. When used in a recipe for baking, soda must be combined with an acid substance in order to activate its leavening properties. Contact with an acidic such as vinegar, honey, yogurt or buttermilk causes a chemical reaction, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that will expand in the oven heat and cause the batter to rise. Timing is important when working with sodium bicarbonate. As soon as the liquid mixture touches the dry ingredients, the reaction will begin. If you “overmix” or leave the batter out too long, the reaction will stop before baking has begun, and your muffins or cakes will fall flat. L

– Powder

Baking powder contains pure sodium bicarbonate, plus cream of tartar and a starch, often corn starch. If a recipe doesn’t involve a soda activator such as yogurt or lemon juice, it’ll call for the powder, which contains its own activator. Cream of tartar serves as the acid activator. Single-acting baking powder reacts quickly when moistened and must be baked as soon as it’s gently mixed. Double-acting baking powder buys you a little extra time. The reaction begins when it’s moistened, but it occurs again in oven heat. Bicarbonate leavening agents are quicker than yeast and work well with biscuits, muffins and cakes.

Is Sodium Bicarbonate All-Natural? Raw?

Sodium Bicarb is naturally occurring as nahcolite. Popular and generic brands such as Arm & Hammer use a synthetic form; Bob’s Red Mill mines the naturally forming nahcolite from mineral springs in Colorado. “Nahcolite commonly forms by reaction of carbon dioxide with the mineral trona in evaporated lake basins.” Both the synthetic and mined forms are the exact same chemical, NaHCO3 (hence, the name, NaHCOlite). The mining process involves heat, so it’s likely that neither form is raw (although either could be “raw material” in manufacturing).

Baking Soda for Body & Skincare

It’s believed that baking soda was mixed with oils to make a soap some 4,500 years ago in Egypt. The compound is mildly abrasive, drying, cleansing, removes and absorbs oils and body odor. Try some of these and let us know how it goes!

1.    To exfoliate, cleanse, and remove makeup

Dampen a clean wash cloth and add a tsp. or less of baking soda; or, I like to splash a little water on my face, pour a small amount in my hand, rub hands together and gently apply all over face. You’ll need enough water to form a paste-like consistency. For extra exfoliation use your fingertips to softly massage over the skin surface. Rinse and thoroughly remove using a dampened wash cloth. This will effectively remove makeup and cleanse dirt, but is not for eye makeup removal (for that you can use a little olive oil on a cotton pad). Repeat if necessary. To replenish healthy acidity, follow with a swipe of a cotton pad doused with witch hazel, or a splash of fresh aloe vera juice. Try moisturizing with olive or coconut oil.

2.    Acne Mask & Spot Treatment

Baking soda is one of my faves for a simple and effective, completely non-toxic acne mask. Pour a tablespoon (or so, as needed) into your hand. Add enough water to make it pasty and spread over face, avoiding eyes. If you have combination skin or are prone to over-drying, only treat the affected areas. Let it set for about 10 minutes. The soda will absorb oils and dehydrate blemishes. Then rinse and remove with a damp wash cloth. Follow with toner such as witch hazel or aloe vera juice. Moisturize if needed.

3.    Natural Deodorant

It works in your fridge to absorb odors, but it works on you, too. Apply to a powder puff and dust over your body and underarms to absorb moisture and odor.

4.    Clean Teeth, Bright Smile

Apply to your moistened toothbrush and gently scrub. Baking soda isn’t whitening but is an excellent scrubbing agent to remove plaque or any other buildup. Rinse thoroughly. Adding peroxide or a little salt deepens cleaning.

5.    Dry Shampoo

To keep hair oils in check, absorb odor, remove dirt and even some product buildup, take soda into your palm. Flip your hair over the sink or tub. Apply through hair as evenly as you can, not touching the scalp or you’ll have a hard time getting it off without wetting. Flip back gently. If you go to hard and fast you might find a white powdery splat on the wall behind you. Comb through until the powdery white disappears.

BeWellBuzz recommends Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda. See the end of this post for where you can purchase this product on-line at discount prices.

PERSONAL NOTE: I recommend Bob’s Red Mill, too. They make good quality products and I love supporting a company that operates on the principles it does. If you know anything about the Bob behind Bob’s Red Mill, then you know it would be great to have more people like him out there in the business world.

And here’s a recipe from Michelle Schoffro Cook for toothpaste using baking soda you may want to try…..

Most toothpaste contains sugar, fluoride, artificial colors, and other harmful ingredients that are best avoided.  Instead of using the toxic commercial varieties, why not make your own?  It’s simple and quick.  Once you have the essential oils needed you can use them to make the toothpaste or tooth powder, which more accurately describes it, for years to come. Here’s how:

Natural Tooth Powder Recipe

  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 10 drops pure peppermint essential oil (this is not the same as peppermint extract or fragrance oil.  Also, it should be a high quality food grade essential oil, which is available from many health food stores)
  • 5 drops pure myrrh essential oil (optional, also available in many health food stores)

Mix all ingredients in a small jar with a lid, cover, and shake well to disperse oils throughout. Use a small amount on a damp toothbrush the way you would use toothpaste. The peppermint essential oil helps freshen breath, kill bacteria, and clear sinuses.  The myrrh oil is highly antibacterial and anti-fungal.  It is often used in the ancient healing arts of Ayurvedic Medicine.  The baking soda restores a natural, slightly alkaline pH balance to the teeth and gums and helps to whiten teeth.

Source: http://www.care2.com/…

And another version of baking soda-based all-natural toothpaste….

Make Your Own Mint Toothpaste

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons baking soda

1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin

20 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Try this recipe for a toothpaste with a little extra bite.

Worried about baking soda being too abrasive for your teeth? Read this post and you’ll see it’s better for you than all regular brands of toothpaste.

FYI, you can get Bob’s Red Mill baking soda, essential oils, Himalayan crystal salt and vegetable glycerin at discount prices at Vitacost.com, one of my favorite on-line places. If you shop at Vitacost, sign up for a free account at eBates.com beforehand, if you don’t already have one. That way you can use the eBates portal to shop at Vitacost and earn cash back on your purchases. Plus, if you are new to Vitacost and spend a certain amount (I believe it’s $25), you will get a $10 coupon to use; eBates also gives a gift card or some other “prize” when you place your first order of $25 or more. How does it get any better than that?!

 iHerb.com is another good discount place to shop (use code CJG192 if you are a new customer and spend more than $40 and you will get $10 off and free shipping, plus take advantage of their wonderful Trial Offer section).

And stay tuned for more on the many ways baking soda can be used as a self-help health aid!   

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

Basil = Anti-aging Superfood!

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Wow, it’s great to know that eating something as yummy as basil pesto can do so much for my health!

basil

(From the NaturalNews newsletter by P. Simard) Basil is an aromatic plant that has been utilized for a very long time as a culinary herb in order to add a much appreciated fragrance to a wide variety of dishes. It has earned its credentials in many cuisines from the regular use of pesto, a mixture of basil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Basil, scientifically called ocimum basilicim, originates from the warmer climates of Asia’s tropical regions. It’s an incredible source of anti-oxidants and filled with nutrients. Basil presents a wide array of health benefits. It is recognized for its exceptional anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-aging properties, amongst many others. Basil also helps fight critical medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels, or even cancer, thanks to the active phenolics present in the herb.

Phenolics are a group of organic compounds primarily found in fruits and vegetables. The main phenolics present in basil are the flavanoids, more specifically vicenin, orientin, eugenol and anthocyanins. These all play an important role because of their strong antioxidant properties. Although there is still an ongoing debate among them, most scientists do believe that antioxidants are vital in regards to an herb’s outstanding ability to prevent cancer.

Can basil help you retain your youth?

Basil has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicines for hundreds of years, if not more; therefore its healthy effects have also been studied a long time. It’s no surprise that a more recent research conducted at the Poona College of Pharmacy in Maharashtra, India, came to the conclusion that basil does protect the body from premature aging.

Researchers discovered, or rather validated, that basil was effective in protecting the body against free radicals. Basil’s flavanoids inhibited free radicals from causing significant damage to the body. Dr. Shinde stated the study clearly showed the herb promotes youth and it acts at a cellular level. She believes results validate its traditional use in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. She’s far from the only one, as many experts now also feel that basil is an anti-aging superfood.

The anti-bacterial properties of basil are also well referenced, but this time because of its volatile oils instead of its flavanoids. A study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods revealed that basil’s essential oils were able to stop in its tracks strains of bacteria known as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas. These pathogenic types of bacteria have not only become widespread, but also present a health risk from being resistant to treatment with the generally used antibiotic drugs.

Last but not least, a few studies published in the February 2004 journal of Food Microbiology presented evidence that washing food in a solution containing as low as 1 percent of basil in it, resulted in diminishing the number of Shigella cases, which is an infectious bacteria causing diarrhea, with the potential to cause more serious damage in the intestinal tract.

Now that you’re convinced you need to keep more basil on hand, here’s some helpful information from What’s Cooking America on the herb and how to store it… 

The Greek name for basil means “king”, which shows how highly it has been regarded throughout the ages. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a sun-loving annual with highly aromatic leaves that has a pleasant spicy odor and taste somewhat like anise or cloves.

Both the leaves and their essential oils are used as flavoring agents. There are many different types of sweet basil – large and dwarf forms, with green, purple, or variegated leaves. Many of these widely grown plants are ornamental, as well as edible.

basil plants

Italian cooks love this easy-to-grow herb and use it generously in their sauces. In Italy this plant is a symbol of love; a sprig of it presented to your lover bespeaks fidelity. When a woman puts a pot of basil on the balcony outside her room, it means that she is ready to receive her suitor.

There is nothing like the smell of basil – one of the most recognized fragrances of summer. Basil has become one of the most popular herbs in the garden today. It is my favorite herb, especially in the summer and autumn when vine-ripen tomatoes are available. There are many types of basil, which vary in size, color, and flavor. All can be used for culinary purposes. If you’re not lucky enough to grow your own basil, it can be found in your supermarket. Look for evenly colored, bright green leaves with no sign of wilting or dark spots.

Storing Fresh Basil:

Store fresh basil leaves in the refrigerator, wrapped in barely damp paper towels and then in a plastic bag, for up to four days.

Store a bunch of basil, stems down, in a glass of water with a plastic bag over the leaves. Secure plastic bag to the glass with a rubber band. Refrigerate for up to a week, changing water every other day.

Preserving Fresh Basil:

To freeze, puree basil leaves with a little water and put into ice-cube trays. When frozen, the cubes can be stored in the freezer in plastic bag

To freeze, rinse herbs and let drain until dry. Lay in a single layer on baking sheets, keeping pieces slightly apart. Freeze on baking sheets just until herbs are rigid, about one hour. Place frozen herbs into small freezer plastic bags, press out air, seal, and return to freezer. To use, take out of the bag what you need, reseal, and immediately return to the freezer. Frozen herbs will retain flavor up to one year.

So now that you know more about the medicinal and culinary properties of this fabulous herb, how about a recipe for pesto that will please your palate and improve your health?!

pesto making ingredients

Pesto alla Genovese

Ingredients:

3 cups tightly-packed cups of fresh basil leaves (approx. 3 ounces)

2 to 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

2 TBS pine nuts, toasted

1/2 tsp crystal salt (see previous posts on this wonderful health aid)

1/2 tsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup organic extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano, if possible)

Use younger and smaller basil leaves for best flavor; wash in cold water, discard stems and dry thoroughly (but don’t rub). Toast the pine nuts in toaster oven or small heavy frying pan over low heat, stirring frequently until golden, approximately 4 to 5 minutes (fyi, toasting brings out the flavor of the nuts, but also distroys some of the nutrients, so you may want to forego this step).

In a blender or food processor, add garlic, pine nuts and salt and process a few seconds. Add basil, lemon juice and olive oil and pulse until blended. Add in the cheese and then taste to see if you want to add more of any ingredient. Makes 2 cups of pesto.

FYI, pesto will taste best if you make it the day before, as this allows the flavors to meld and will also take the “edge” off the garlic flavor. However, I love the taste of pesto so much I usually can’t wait that long and often don’t even get around to using it in a pasta dish or something else. I end up eating spoonfuls just by itself. Ah, I can feel myself getting younger with each bite. 🙂

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Crystal Salt: Part II

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Here’s Part II of the information on one of my all-time favorite self-help health aids, crystal salt. Be sure to read Part I (Himalayan Crystal Salt: It’s What’s Shakin’), if you haven’t already done so.

 

Himalayan salt in bag

 

The mineral composition of this special salt also plays a major role in heart health. Refined salt dehydrates us so that our blood actually gets thicker and the body has to increase blood pressure to move the thickened blood into the arteries and capillaries. Crystal salt, on the other hand, provides the minerals and trace elements that are needed in human blood in very similar proportions to what’s required for optimum blood plasma. And it helps us stay hydrated because it electrically charges the body in such a way that we can use water more efficiently, so the blood stays naturally thin, moving easily through the system of arteries and capillaries.

Some people use the crystal salt and within weeks their high blood pressure starts to normalize. On the other hand, if someone has low blood pressure, crystalline salt helps raise their pressure up slightly so it’s at a more normal level. If you use the salt and are also on medication, you should monitor yourself closely under the supervision of a healthcare professional—the reason being that crystal salt may correct your blood pressure and you may end up no longer needing your medication. And continuing to take it when it’s no longer necessary can cause harmful side effects. Whatever your particular blood pressure problems are, they are probably related in some way to mineral deficiency and dehydration, and crystal salt can help with both issues.

In a 2 year study done with 400 people, it was found that using crystal salt not only can help balance blood pressure, but also eliminate calcium deposits, un-clump red blood cells, and detox the blood. And it does this while also increasing the body’s usable oxygen. All of this is the exact opposite of the effect table salt has on the body. Our bodies are 70% – 80% water, but that’s only part of the story. It is the type of salt in the body’s water content that actually turns it into either a “living liquid” or health hazard. Christian Opitz, who has spent years focusing on the biochemistry of health, has said that “salt is indeed the foundation of life, so the quality of the salt we use determines the nature of that foundation for our own lives.” He believes the single most important thing the average person can do to improve their health is eliminate refined table salt and add Himalayan crystal salt to their diet.

If you’ve already replaced ordinary table salt with sea salt, then you’ve made a step in the right direction. But some sea salts (supposedly 85% of them), including those sold in health food stores, are highly refined, and even certain unrefined versions are affected by environmental pollution. Himalayan crystal salt, on the other hand, comes from ancient sea beds formed 250 million years ago that are now located deep within the Himalayas, so they were never exposed to the possibility of environmental pollution. And this is the only salt in which all minerals are incorporated into a crystalline structure—making it as different from other salts as a diamond is from coal. It’s this crystalline matrix that allows the salt to carry greater electrical energy and a much stronger life force than any other salt on the market.

From the research I’ve done, sea salt is supposedly made up of a combination of irregular and isolated crystalline structures disconnected from the natural elements surrounding them. Because of this, the body cannot absorb the vital minerals, however many it may contain, without expending tremendous energy to vitalize them. So it assumes a medial role—it’s not as detrimental as table salt, but an ional-colloidal integration of its elements is not possible. This analysis, and the comparison of crystal salt to table salt and sea salt, has been confirmed by the Institute of Scientific Photography in Germany using light microscopy, as well as raster-electron microscopy.

And crystal salt can be used in a myriad of health-promoting ways—not just sprinkled on your food. It can be taken internally to help detox the body and cleanse the entire digestive system (stay tuned for my upcoming post Salt Water Flush), used in a neti pot to flush the nasal passages, or added to an enema to help cleanse the bowel. You can also use it as an ingredient in the Five Element Smoothie and in making the Crystal Salt Brine (both to be featured in an upcoming post). Amazingly, all the energy meridians of the body come into balance within 15 minutes of taking the brine, so it’s a great way to start your morning! But that’s not all the brine is good for. To further enjoy its health-giving properties, it can be used externally to address a variety of health conditions, such as skin disorders, herpes, rheumatic pain, gout, ear infections, and nail fungus.

himalayan salt close up

And the coarser size crystal salt helps turn a hot soak into a detoxing, skin smoothing, soothing experience. With the larger, coarser size crystals you’ll notice the salt’s natural pinkish hue. This comes from the presence of hematite, a form of iron oxide that not only lends a beautiful color to the salt, but also an ionic form of iron that the body can readily absorb. So if you need some extra iron in your diet, the salt serves as an excellent source. And ionic iron does not build up in the body and cause potential harmful side effects, which many forms of iron supplementation potentially can do. Himalayan crystal salt also contains naturally occurring iodine, which is essential to health—in exactly the proportion your body needs (the form of iodine that’s added to most table salts is actually considered a toxic metal).

The presence of naturally occurring hematite and iodine are just two more reasons why crystal salt makes the best flavor enhancer and mineral supplement you can buy! It really does seem almost like a miracle that something so simple and easy to incorporate into your health routine could have such far-reaching benefits. Just be sure that the salt you buy is from deep within the Himalayas and minimally processed (mined and washed by hand), because some on the market today are not, so they don’t offer the same level of quality and purity.

FYI, Himalayan crystal salt can be found at any health food store and a growing number of regular supermarkets. However, I always buy mine on-line because it’s much less expensive that way. One of my favorite discount places to shop is iHerb.com (use code CJG192 if you are a new customer and spend more than $40 and you will get $10 off and free shipping, plus can choose something from their free samples and take advantage of their wonderful trial offer section).

Vitacost.com is another favorite and each week adds tons of new items to their inventory. I think they are trying to give Amazon a run for their money. Anyway, if you shop at Vitacost be sure to sign up for a free acct. at eBates.com first, if you don’t already have one. That way you can use the eBates portal to shop at Vitacost and earn cash back on your purchases. Plus, if you are new to Vitacost and spend a certain amount (I believe it’s $25), you will get a $10 coupon to use. And eBates is offering a $10 gift card to new users right now, so how does it get any better than that?!

(For more information on crystal salt, read The Miracle of Krystalby Christian Opitz, or Water & Salt: The Essence of Life, by Dr. Barbara Hendel and Peter Ferriera.)

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.