6 Simple Ways to Keep Your Kids Healthy… Naturally

May 29, 2019 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #49

6 Simple Ways to  Keep Your Kids Healthy… Naturally

With all the resources that we have why does it seem like kids are getting sicker quicker and more than ever before?

These are some simple way to keep your kids healthy all year round.

Balance the Gut

This is huge. Keeping out gut flora in check keeps are entire body running well. Some simple ways are to avoid processed foods and adding in prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods and supplements. Grab yours here.

Fun in the Sun

Food is a great way to get your vitamins but sometimes we could use a little boost especially with vitamins D & C. Sunlight is a big help where vitamin D is concerned but if you are needing a supplement this is one that we use. Citrus fruits are helpful when it comes to vitamin C but when we need extra this is a great source too!

Let Them Play in the Mud

As odd as it might sound to us as parents there are naturally occurring compounds in the dirt that boost serotonin levels and will also contribute to healthy sleep. On top of that, by interacting with dirt, kids are naturally exposed to a host of natural bacteria and pathogens that actually help strengthen the immune system.

Avoid Chemicals

This sounds super easy but have we really looked at what we are pouring on to them lately? Check out your toothpaste, lotions, shampoo/conditioner, bug sprays, sunscreen, laundry detergent and more.

Add Some Salt to the Tub

Epsom or sea salt baths are amazing for detoxing the body especially when we add some essential oils to them but it also has an additional health benefit- magnesium. Due to depleted soil and water levels, many adults and children are magnesium deficient.

Essential Resources

Keeping things like essential oils, homeopathic remedies, herbs, and tinctures on hand is crucial. That away when something does pop up, you are prepared to handle it.

What are some ways that you keep your kids healthy?

As always, be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

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Podcast #27 Supplements- Do we really need them?

November 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #27

Supplements-

Do we really need them?

With thousands of supplements lining store shelves, it’s no wonder people are confused. Where do you start? Should you start? Do we even need supplements? Which of these pills and potions are legit, if any? Are the people that buy them just investing in really expensive pee? How does one know what to take??

The short answer is that yes, we do need supplements for a variety for many reasons:

  • soil and water has been depleted of nutrients
  • non-organic food contains fewer nutrients
  • your body needs nutrients to deal with the toxins that are present in our environment
  • nutrient absorption declines with age
  • exercise increases our need for certain nutrients

So why Young Living supplements?

Research has shown that before putting essential oils in MultiGreens, there was 42 percent blood absorption in 24 hours. After adding essential oils to MultiGreens, blood absorption increased to 64 percent in 30 minutes, and 86 percent in an hour. The conclusion was that the cells were now receiving nutrients that they had previously not been able to assimilate. So many of these supplements that we love are infused with essential oils, which help so much with absorption, plus we also get all the added benefits from the oils themselves! It’s truly amazing that we have such awesome supplements that we can use to support our bodies!

Where do we start?

There are so many supplements out there how do we even know where to start? Do you take them all? Or which one do you start with?

Pick a system! Where do you feel your weaknesses are? Where does your body need support? Digestive system? Circulatory system? Brain health? Bones and muscles? You know your body better than anyone else, so pick a system that needs support and start there.

Some people will notice a change right away and others may not. Supplements work in our bodies in subtle ways over time. Sometimes our bodies need to build up whatever we are lacking so consistency is key.

Not only is consistency a key but also having the right base as a start. There are a few supplements that can help the whole body function optimally and these are like the legs of your table- crucial to have a balanced life.

Oh, our Omega’s and all the healthy fats that we need for our brain!

Omegagize is a source of healthy fats, vitamin D, and CoQ10. It targets the heart, brain, eye, and joint health. This is a supplement rich in the nutrients needed to feed a healthy heart and brain. A starving brain and heart malfunction while proper nourishment can promote wellness at all stages of life. This is something that we all need. The biggest thing that to remember is the quality of this amazing fatty oil is also of the utmost importance.

Hair, skin, and nails!

Sulphurzyme is the ultimate hair, skin, and nails superpower! It is a unique combination of MSM, which is the protein-building compound found in breast milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and Ningxia wolfberries. Together, they create a new concept balancing the immune system and supports every major function of the body. MSM has the ability to equalize water inside the cells, which is amazing for those who are in need of joint support.

If you have hair, skin or nails, this is a supplement that you should be taking because you are likely not getting enough of this compound. Weak and brittle nails, hair loss or hair that doesn’t grow or that isn’t healthy, joint that are painful and skin issues that really are a walking billboard telling us that we need more nutrition in this area. When you have skin that is super sensitive with the topical application of essential oil, this is another tall tell sign that your body is in need of this supplement. The main thing that sets this supplement apart from other MSM out there is not only that fact that it is combined with the Ningxia wolfberries but the quality and exceptional purity of the MSM. It is a pharmaceutical grade MSM that is light years ahead of the materials imported from Asia that you find on most store shelves. This is a supplement that is suitable for not only us but also our kids and pets.

All the good bacteria!

Fun fact- 80% of our immune system is in our gut. This is why supporting our body with a probiotic such as Life 9 or MightyPro is so important to our good bacteria and gut flora. It targets guts, our digestion, skin, brain and immune system. Life 9 is a high-potency probiotic that combines 17 billion live cultures from 9 beneficial bacteria strains that promotes healthy digestion, supports gut health, and helps maintain normal intestinal function for overall support of a healthy immune system. MightyPro is slightly different because it is a not only a probiotic but it is also prebiotic, meaning it feeds the bacteria that are being delivered to the digestive track- amazing! Remember that a healthy gut is a key to a healthy brain, immune, and skin health.

All the Antioxidants!

Who love’s their Ningxia?!?!? This is an amazing source of vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients and it targets our overall health, immune system, healthy blood sugar levels, energy, and so much more! Why is Ningxia Red so huge? We get worn out, our digestive systems get tired, our cells get dirty, and we need something we can assimilate quickly and easily to go to work. Thank you Ningxia Red! This is a powerful antioxidant supplement drink made from wolfberry puree, blueberry, plum, cherry, aronia, and pomegranate juices, grape seed extract and it contains Yuzu, Tangerine, Lemon, and Orange essential oils, stevia and vanilla extract. It supports immune function, liver function, and eye health and is reported to increase energy without harmful stimulants. Plus it has the highest antioxidant level on the S-ORAC scale, meaning that it protects our body from the dangers of free radicals and is a whole-food source of nutrients- filling in all of those little gaps and helping us to feel amazing! Want to grab the complete Ningxia kit & save money? Grab it here!

 

Four legs to our tables

Omegagize, Sulphurzyme, Life 9 and Ningxia. Which one will you start with? Maybe all 4? What system of your body needs the most love? Start there and grab them here!

 

As always,

Be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

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Water Kefir & Kombucha

March 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Podcast #8

Water Kefir & KombuchaKefir water and Kombucha

Kefir water and Kombucha- what are they and what is the difference between them. Some of you may have heard of Kombucha and maybe you have even tried it but do you know why it is good for you and how easy it is to make? Kefir water is a little less know but similar.

What are they?

Kombucha and Kefir water are both fermented beverages.

Kombucha is made with a scoby(symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), held together by polysaccharides. It looks like a mushroom but is not fungus. Kombucha is known to contain a variety of yeast and bacteria.

Kefir water is made of “grains” which are a colony of bacteria and yeast. They look like small translucent grains. The term “grains” is only used to describe their appearance. Kefir grains contain no actual grains such as wheat, rye. Etc. They also contain a variety of bacteria and yeast.

Preparation and time frame:

Kombucha is prepared by adding starter tea and a kombucha culture (your scoby) to sweet tea (black, green, oolong, etc). This Is then fermented for 5 to 30 days depending on the flavor you desire.

Water kefir is prepared by adding water kefir grains to sugar water (we add a little molasses and baking soda for added minerals). This is then fermented for 24-48 hours.

Do you flavor them?

Kombucha is tangy, kind of sweet and effervescent. The flavor varies greatly depending on how long you allow it to ferment and the tea that you use. The fermenting or culture time really determines whether the kombucha tea has a very mild taste or a strong vinegar-like taste. Kombucha can be flavored or you can drink it plain as well.

Water kefir can be sweet and the longer we let it ferment or culture the less sugary it is. It is recommended that you flavor water kefir because the taste of plain water kefir isn’t as pleasing.

Which is better?

Kombucha can aid in our digestion It also adds to our beneficial bacteria in our gut and it contains some acids and enzymes to aid in breaking down food.

Water kefir is more so a probiotic drink. It contains acids and enzymes to aid in digestion though not quite as strong as those in kombucha. Water kefir does, however, have a greater number of bacteria strains than kombucha.

Both drinks are very beneficial in aiding our natural body systems and both are great for hydration. Depending on what flavor you like and the health benefits you are looking for, consuming one or both is a matter of individual preference.

 

Kombucha Water kefir
Brew time 5-30 days 24-48 hours
Brews in Sweetened tea (black, green oolong) Sugar water(juice or coconut water can be used)
Batch size Quantity not limited by size of scoby Limited to size depending on the amount of grains(usually about a gallon)
Flavor Tart, slightly vinegary. Gets stronger as it brews Sweet. Should be flavored with fruit juice or extracts
Carbonation Effervescent Slightly bubbly(very bubbly after 2nd fermentation)
Drink it plain? Yes, but flavor is good too! Not recommended
Contains Probiotic & yeast Probiotic & yeast
Culture growth The mother scoby always produces a baby which can be given away. Grains will multiply- sometimes slower and other times very quickly.
Health Benefits Detoxifier & digestive support. General health & probiotic supplement.

 

Instructions for making Kefir Water

  1. Pour 1/4 cup sugar into the jar.
  2. Add 1/2 cup hot water.
  3. Swirl to dissolve the sugar.
  4. Add 3 cups room temperature or cool water.
  5. Check the temperature of the liquid to make sure it’s room temperature ( 68°-85°F.)
  6. Add the water kefir grains
  7. Cover the jar and place in a warm spot, 68°-85°F, to culture for 24-48 hours.
  8. After culturing is complete, prepare a new batch of sugar water, (steps 1-4 above).
  9. Separate kefir grains from the finished water kefir.
  10. Place kefir grains in the new batch of sugar water.
  11. The finished water kefir is now ready to consume, or flavor.

 

Making Larger Batches

To make larger batches, use up to 2 cups grains and use 1 cup cane sugar per gallon of water.

The best method for removing water kefir grains from finished water kefir is to use a plastic mesh strainer. Simply set the strainer on top of a clean jar and pour the entire batch of finished water kefir through the strainer into the jar, catching the grains. Transfer the grains immediately to the new batch of sugar water.

Kombucha Ingredients & Ratios:

One-Quart Batch:

  • 1½ teaspoon loose tea OR2 tea bags
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2-3 cups water
  • ½ cup starter tea or vinegar

Half-Gallon Batch:

  • 1 tablespoon loose tea OR4 tea bags
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 6-7 cups water
  • 1 cup starter tea or vinegar

Gallon Batch:

  • 2 tablespoons loose tea OR8 tea bags
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 13-14 cups water
  • 2 cups starter tea or vinegar

Instructions for Making Kombucha Tea

 

  1. Combine hot water and sugar in a glass jar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. The water should be hot enough to steep the tea but does not have to be boiling.   
  2. Place the tea or tea bags in the sugar water to steep.
  1. Cool the mixture to 68-85ºF. The tea may be left in the liquid as it cools or removed after the first 10-15 minutes. The longer the tea is left in the liquid, the stronger the tea will be.
  2. Remove the tea bags or completely strain the loose tea leaves from the liquid.
  3. Add starter tea from a previous batch to the liquid. If you do not have starter tea, distilled white vinegar may be substituted.
  4. Add an active kombucha SCOBY.
  5. Cover the jar with a tight-weave towel or coffee filter and secure with a rubber band.
  6. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed at 68-85°F, out of direct sunlight, for 7-30 days, or to taste. The longer the kombucha ferments, the less sweet and more vinegary it will taste.
  7. Pour kombucha off the top of the jar for consuming. Retain the SCOBY and enough liquid from the bottom of the jar to use as starter tea for the next batch.
  8. The finished kombucha can be flavored and bottled, if desired, or enjoyed plain.

Ask on your local crunchy mom’s Facebook group or check out www.culturedhealthforlife.com to purchase kefir or kombucha supplies.

Have you tried either? Which drink are you ready to try? What is your favorite flavor?

As always be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

 

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Gut Health

March 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment
A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Gut HealthPodcast #7

Gut Health

All disease starts in the gut ~ Hippocrates

Your gut is the cornerstone of your health and overall immunity.

  • The gut is known as our 2nd brain
  • Gut bacteria 10:1 from human cells

Why is our gut health so important?

  • Gut bacteria assist in the breakdown of our food
  • Without the right balance of bacteria, our digestion and assimilation is sub-optimal

All of this has powerful implications for the health and vitality:

  • Immunity & protection from food allergies & intolerances
  • Cognitive memory & brain health
  • Natural detox pathways and so much more

 

Our gut acts as the frontline for our immune system and contains our amazing microbiome. What is our microbiome?

It Is the collection of microbes that live in and on the human body known as microbiota. Our microbiome refers to the complete set of genes within these microbes. These microbial genes significantly influential to how our body operates. We each have a unique microbiota and microbiome. The role of the microbiome is so central to the body’s operation that it actually acts as an organ. It impacts aging, digestion, immune system, mood and cognitive function. Research is also showing a huge relationship between the brain and the gut called the gut-brain axis. Our microbiota also interacts with our central nervous system to regulate our brain chemistry and mediates our stress response to things like anxiety & memory. We are first exposed to microbes during birth. This is why we see a difference in the gut health of those born vaginally vs. via c- section. Babies born via c- section are know being swabbed with mom’s vaginal bacteria to optimize babies all over health.

Gut bacteria is absolutely essential for proper digestion.

What does it mean to have a healthy digestive system and a healthy gut?

Your poop- How often do you go? Do you have discomfort-diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headaches, unusual cravings, or pain? These can be a response to stress or specific foods, so watch for and avoid triggers. Sometimes things might not be as noticeable but still signs of an underlying issue like a weakened immune system, trouble concentrating, mood swings or emotional upset.

 

Some of the common reasons that our gut health is off:

  • Poor nutrition- eating more processed foods and less fresh or fermented foods
  • Stress- mental, heavy metals and environmental toxins
  • Modern medicine- over use of antibiotics, synthetic drugs, contraceptives, etc.

So, what do we do and where do we start?

Watch what we eat- read labels, cut out processed foods, add more fermented, raw and natural food choices. Since we know that by changing our gut health we can improve our immune & brain function, reduce feelings of sadness & anger, obesity, toxin levels in the body, fatigue, allergies, and more.

Here are some easy steps to improving it today:

  • Probiotic-rich foods- kefir, sauerkraut, etc.
  • Prebiotic-rich foods- garlic, onions, etc.
  • Probiotic supplements- Life 9 from Young Living is amazing and works synergistically
  • Cut out sugar & processed foods
  • Enzymes- amylase, cellulose, lactase
  • Digize essential oil- contains the blueprint for your enzymes
  • Ningxia Red- fills in your nutritional gaps
  • Digest & Cleanse- balances gut & supports healthy digestion
  • Open windows-indoor air affects our microbiome
  • Stress less- #1 cause of disease in our bodies 95% of the time
  • Laugh more- improves gut flora
  • Limit use of medications
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep (7-8 hours recommended)
  • Don’t be a clean freak
  • Garden

What is one change you are going to make to improve your gut health?

Remember the 4 R’s: Remove, Repair, Restore & Replace.

All disease begins in the gut and so does your health!

Remember to be grateful & have faith!

God Bless!

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