Bugs Be Gone

Get Ready to Spring into Summer!

Hello! I hope you’re doing fantastic and enjoying the weather. No matter your age, I think we can agree that warmer weather just makes us happier people. The feel of the sun shining on our skin or the smell of freshly cut grass puts me in the best mood! If you suffer with allergies be sure to read my article on natural allergy remedies found here. They have helped so many people, including my own family.

There are so many things to do outdoors right now in this part of spring. If you’re like me you’re also looking forward to the possibilities of summer. We can get out and find a great deal at a garage sale or see our kids or grandkids play in their sporting events. Maybe, you’re getting out camping or fishing or tending your garden. Whatever your outdoor adventures include you’re sure to have to deal with some of the world’s most annoying little creatures. BUGS!

Mosquito Bites. Bugs B gone!

Do you ever wish you could create a safety shield around you to keep them away? For sure! My hand is always raised at that question but the catch here is the word “safety.” Have you ever looked at the ingredient list of most store bought bug repellents and wondered “What are some of these ingredients?” I certainly have and I’ve thought to myself that most don’t sound the least bit natural or safe to use.

Plus, who has time to research that long list?! If you’re like me, you don’t want to take any chances with your or your family’s health. Especially when there are other options that are safe, effective and have additional benefits! Also, they smell great unlike store bought bug repellents that smell awful.

Natural Solutions for bugs away

So, “How can I get these natural remedies” you might ask? All you have to do is gather the desired ingredients and spray bottles to make your very own natural bug repellent. I use 2 oz. spray bottles I found on Amazon.com which is hyperlinked in the recipes below for you to easily find. You’ll also see these recipes are very easy to make and are ready to use immediately!

DIY Bug Repellents that work!

Watch our quick video and then download the info sheet about these oils and a separate pdf if you want to print your own labels.

Here is the printable PDF of these recipes and a Printable PDF of the bottle labels.

We used Avery labels 8160. Here is a link to those as well if you would like: 
Avery Address Labels for Inkjet Printers, 1″ x 2-5/8″, 750 Labels, (8160)

Bugs B Gone Repellent Spray

*Tip: Adding 1/2 tsp rubbing alcohol to your 2 oz bottle will allow oils and water to blend better.

Read More…

Suffering from PCOS? Try These Natural Remedies

PCOS is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

We are going to try to help you understand the basics. Then below we added some additional research on a few of the things suggested in this original article that we found on the subject. 

At the end are some product suggestions that you may find helpful.

The research I found on Nattokinase & Phytoestrogen was info I felt was so important to share with you, so here we go… 

What Is The Best Diet For PCOS?

A balanced diet using whole foods that stabilize your blood sugar levels is the key. Banishing sugary food is especially important. Foods containing too much sugar cause rapid spikes in your blood sugar levels, placing unnecessary stress on your body. Over time this leads to the development of insulin resistance syndrome. Fast carbohydrates work just like sugar in the body so this includes white flour products like bread & pasta. 

What is Insulin Resistance Syndrome?

Insulin Resistance Syndrome is a condition marked by poor blood sugar control and weight gain. Insulin resistance is usually an underlying problem in women suffering PCOS, even when they are not overweight.Read More…

Health is Wealth at The Healthy Edge!

The Healthy Edge is owned by Bridgette Cummings in Springfield, Missouri and also a personal trainer and a Nutritionalist. Bridgette has been great to help us realize the importance of meals that are anchored in solid proteins along with healthy amounts of carbs and proteins. The Healthy Edge opened because of wanting to create a healthy alternative to fast food for people on the go. They offer a low carb smoothies and protein smoothies as well. 

Bridgette – What part of the business do you love the most?

She loves interacting with you, our community and helping you. She loves seeing people creating healthier habits when they tell her they’re feeling better, losing weight, and losing inches. It also creates awesome friendships.

Nutritional Value of the Healthy Edge Smoothies

  1. Plant-based protein – are awesome because a lot of people have a lot of dairy allergies or food allergies where they can’t have certain foods.

  1. We make all of our bases with water- there’s no milk or anything like that involved.
  2. We use a Stevia based sweetener – to not add all those artificial stuff into it.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Summary-of_main-key-mechanisms-targeted-by-carbohydrate-protein-amino-acid-and-lipid-based-biostimulants.gif

The “Scoop” on Healthy smoothies

Shakes are super low in calories. None of them are going to be over 250 calories, which is awesome. The shakes are 10 to about 15 carbs. And then the protein is going to be around 25 grams of protein in every type of smoothie. In addition to that there are about 21 different vitamins and minerals as well to give you those vitamins and minerals too, so you are missing out on all those essential nutrients as well.

How to Manage Stress Eating

It’s about creating that balance and finding that balance and not removing any one food group completely. It’s creating what works best for you and making sure that you’re eating the way your body works best. Eating the right foods and making that a balanced choice instead of extremes like removing one food group or extended periods of fasting all the time.

How to improve your health

Get the right amount of protein. Ideally, that is half of your body weight in grams of protein per day. 

  • For example: if you weigh150 lbs you should eat up to 75 grams of protein per day.  

So your main meal and/or breakfast should be between 20 to 30 grams. (Anything over thirties excess in your body does not absorb it)

Your smaller meals or snacks should be between 10 to 15 grams of protein would be ideal.

Final Thoughts From Bridgette

As an entrepreneur to other practitioners – “I’m only 25 and I opened this business when I was 24. One of the biggest things is that I was that I was skeptical at the beginning and nervous. 

I had that just a nervous feeling of – is this was going to work, what if this doesn’t and I’m in a lease and all these worries and doubts kept popping up in my head. The biggest piece of advice I would have given myself is to just open up and let the law of attraction start happening to me. 

I now have three different locations, one in Nixa, one in downtown Springfield MO, and then the one on South Campbell in Springfield. 

It’s just been an incredible opportunity and the main momentum has just happened in the past six months – it has been so unbelievable! 

My biggest advice to you is: don’t allow that self-doubt to creep in and just run with it.”

Where can people find you?

Follow The Healthy Edge on facebook

And on Instagram Healthy Edge Nutrition Club

Google map to The Health Edge Springfield MO 

Handy affiliate links for you to Bridgette’s favorite books: 

The Five Elements of The 5 Second Rule – by Mel Robbins

The Book  or  The Audio Book

“Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis

“Girl Stop Apologizing” by Rachel Hollis

Put Some Energy In Your Life With Vitamin B 12

What is Vitamin B12?

A vitamin important for the normal formation of red blood cells and the health of the nerve tissues. It is also important in helping with the energy levels in your body. 

There are 2 forms:

  • Methylcobalamin – the most natural and absorbable form 
  • Cyanocobalamin – is Synthetically made and less absorbable by the body. 

My friend asked me if Vitamin B12 would help her as she was feeling tired and exhausted all the time. She sleeps well at night but still feels tired. So tired that she can hardly drag herself through the day. She was pushing herself through every activity, still being productive, but not like her normal energetic self. We got to talking about vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body nerves and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA the genetic materials of the cells. Vitamin B12 also helps to prevent types of anemia.

Vitamin B 12 Helps with energy

The Benefits of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B 12 Helps Prevent Anemia

The human body produces millions of red blood cells every minute. These cells cannot multiply properly without vitamin B-12. The production of red blood cells reduces if vitamin B-12 levels are too low. Anemia can occur if the red blood cell count drops.

Vitamin B 12 helps to Prevents Birth Defects

Women who don’t get enough vitamin B12 may have a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with potentially disabling or fatal birth defects.

Vitamin B12 Supports Bone Health

Vitamin B12 appears to have an effect on bone-building cells.

Vitamin B 12 is Good for the Eyes

In the big world of nutrition, eyesight is often left behind by more mainstream concerns, such as weight loss or maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. But that doesn’t mean your eyes don’t feel the effects of diet – just the opposite, really. Your eyes are delicate organs and require a mix of nutrients to function optimally. Vitamin B12 is among them, though researchers are still learning more about its exact role in keeping the eyes healthy.

Vitamin B 12 can Help to Improve Mood & Symptoms of Depression

This vitamin has been known to boost mood and energy and reduce depression, taking a good B-complex daily (at least 10 mg) can help with ensuring good levels are maintained.

Vitamin B 12 May Benefit Your Brain and Prevent the Loss of Neurons

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with memory loss, especially in older adults. The vitamin may play a role in preventing brain atrophy, which is the loss of neurons in the brain and often associated with memory loss or dementia.

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

  1. Pale or Jaundiced Skin
  2.  Weakness and Fatigue
  3. Sensations of Pins and Needles
  4. Changes to Mobility
  5. Glossitis and Mouth Ulcers
  6. Breathlessness and Dizziness
  7. Disturbed Vision
  8. Mood Changes
  9. High Temperature

Risk Factors of Vitamin B12 deficiency

  • Some of the risk factors are that older people struggle more with B12 levels than younger people. 
  • People that have had a recent surgery or difficulty absorbing certain nutrients in the bowel.
  • People that have diabetes or on the medication Metformin
  • People that are on a strict vegan diet 
  • Those taking long term anti-acids for heartburn. 

Food sources that have high Vitamin B12

  • Beef
  • Liver
  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Trout
  • Salmon,
  • Tuna fish
  • Clams
  • Fortified breakfast cereal
  • Low-fat milk
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Eggs

Do any vegetables contain Vitamin B12?

If you look at the list, I don’t see anything that’s actually a vegetable.

The only “vegetables” or non-meat food sources are things that are “fortified” like packaged cereals etc… so be away that this is a nutrient that supplementing may be important for if you ware on a strictly vegan diet. 

How is Vitamin B 12 Best Absorbed?

Vitamin B 12 is a water-soluble vitamin and is absorbed by the intestinal walls. It is not very well digested through the stomach therefore the best way to take your vitamin B12 is in a liquid or dissolvable tablet under the tongue. That way the vitamin goes directly into the bloodstream. 

Final Thoughts

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that plays many essential roles in your body. The RDI for vitamin B12 ranges from 2.4 mcg for adults to 2.8 mcg for breastfeeding women. Most people meet these needs through diet alone, but older adults, people on strict plant-based diets, and those with digestive disorders may benefit from supplements, though dosages vary based on individual needs.

We do have a good quality Vitamin B12 if that is something you are looking for on the Powerline Health website: Sub-dissolve B 12

I hope this has been helpful information in your day. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. 

Until Next time – this is Nurse Mary – Be Well!

References: 

Energizing Fuel Pull – All Day Sipper

I have been drinking the “Fuel Pull” All day sipper drink (they are very slimming) I found on the THM website and LOVE it! It tastes AMAZING!

What is great about this recipe is that it is packed with nutrition, energy, protein, fiber & is low carb friendly. It can also be low fat friendly.

Add a full Tablespoon of Coconut Oil to give you the energy to make it through your whole morning.

I like to throw in a handful of frozen Spinach or Kale and a few pieces of frozen Okra.

Adding the extra vegetables, the smoothie still tastes great while at the same time giving you some fiber to detox the body a bit.

Here is the recipe to share today:

Hello Health Sipper (FP)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tsp Just Gelatin
  • 1 Tbsp cool water (for the gelatin)
  • 1 tbsp just off the boil water (for the gelatin)
  • 2 tbsp Boabab Boost Powder
  • 4 to 6 pinches mineral salt
  • 1/2 to 1 tsp MCT Oil
  • 1 to 2 tsp Integral Collagen
  • 1/8 tsp Sunflower Lecithin
  • 2 to 3 doonks Pure Stevia Extract Powder
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 red mini sweet peppers (or 1⁄4 red bell pepper)
  • Chunk of a red jalapeño (optional, for us feisty tigers)
  • 3 drops of Wild Orange or Tangerine Essential Oil (optional)

Instructions
Place the gelatin in a 1-cup measuring cup. Add the cool water and stir until dissolved, then add the boiled water and stir. Fill the measuring cup with enough cool water to come to 1 cup and place in the blender. Now fill the measuring cup with 1 more cup cold water and add to the blender. Blend for a few seconds.

Add all the remaining ingredients and blend on high until all is creamy and the peppers are completely broken down. Pour this concentrate into a quart jar. Fill to the top with ice, add water only if needed to reach the top, and stir well. Taste and adjust the flavors to “own it” and sip your health into renewal.

Here are affiliate links to get each of the special ingredients in the recipe:

Gelatin Powder – https://amzn.to/349hX4k
Boabab Powder (organic) https://amzn.to/2qMqlcp
MCT Oil – 100% Natural: https://amzn.to/2tcIgd7
Collagen Powder (grass-Fed): https://amzn.to/2YGE4hk
Sunflower Lecithin: https://amzn.to/2LQyCmP
Stevia Powder (Organic): https://amzn.to/2YGeb1j

Nurse Mary here – Signing off, Until Next TimeBe Well!

I have started a facebook group – you are welcome to join us to: www.GetHealthyThenTrim.com

Energizing Fuel Pull Health Sipper

6 Reasons Why Coconut Oil is Good For You

🥥 Coconut oil is one of the few foods you can truly call a superfood. Coconut Oils is also one of the most controversial foods on the market. 

🥥 It just takes 2 Tablespoons 🥄🥄per day…

There are 3 types of people you will meet when it comes to Coconut oil:

  1. Those that won’t touch it because it has “saturated fat” – they have been lead to believe that fat causes heart disease. They are wrong
  2. The person who sees the benefits of Coconut Oil but are scared to eat it because it is “too high in calories”. They have been led to believe that all calories are created equal. They are wrong
  3. The person that uses Coconut Oil it for everything 😍

I saw this video that explains why you should eat at least 2 TBSP of Coconut oil every. The article talked about Coconut Oil having an impact on losing weight, boost your immune system, lower inflammation and overall just and feel amazing. 

Just 2 Tablespoons per day to help with health.

Just so you know, I took this to heart and have been using 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil per day since I heard about this. So far I feel good, not negative effects, it certainly hasn’t caused me to gain weight. It has made me feel less hungry and my skin seems to be softer. 

🥥 #1 Coconut Oil to help you lose weight

Even though 1 TBSP contains 120 calories. These 120 calories don’t act the same in the body as say 120 calories of Canola Oil. 

The different kinds of foods we eat have different effects on our health. 

Coconut oil is more thermogenic compared to other foods and fats. 

This means that eating Coconut Oil tends to increase energy expenditure. 

So what that looks like then is when you eat coconut oil it helps to burn more calories. 

In order to lose weight two things need to happen

  • 1st you need to be in a calorie deficit. (This doesn’t really mean you need to eat fewer calories and exercise more)   

It means you need to eat foods that boost your metabolism, not suppress it. That way you can nourish your body so you can set your body up to let go of the trapped fat to be burned by your muscles. 

  • The 2nd thing that needs to happen to lose weight is hormonal balance. (This means maintaining healthy organs, specifically your liver, adrenals and thyroid). 

Coconut oil not only helps your body burn more calories than it takes in – if you are eating healthy food that is – but it protects your liver so your thyroid and adrenal glands can function at a higher level. 

Coconut for Weight Loss

Conclusion: Eat Coconut oil – lose Weight

Reason to eat Coconut oil #2:

🥥 #2 Coconut Oil is pro-health because it is Anti-everything

You have probably heard about anti-inflammatory foods that reduce oxidative stress on the body. 

  • Coconut Oil tops the list of Anti-inflammatory foods – it is also anti-bacterial
  • It stops bacteria causing gum disease, urinary tract infections and ulcers
  • It is also anti-carcinogenic – it keeps dangerous cancer cells from spreading while boosting immunity
  • It is also anti-fungal, destroying infection promoting fungus & yeast

Coconut Oil is anti-inflammatory, meaning that it suppresses inflammation and allows tissue to repair

Anti-microbial – it inactivates harmful microbes and fights infections. 

Antioxidant – protects from free radical damage. 

Anti-retroviral / anti-parasitic / anti-protozoa / Antiviral/ 

Coconut Oil rids the body of lice, tapeworms and other parasites. It can even kill viruses, measles, hepatitis and more.

Coconut Oil is Anti-inflammatory

Imagine how your health, immunity, and your ability to burn fat would improve if you choose to eat just 2 TBSP of this superfood each day!

🥥 #3 Coconut Oil stabilizes blood sugar and insulin levels

This may not sound like it makes sense – that coconut oils can help with insulin levels and blood sugar since it has no direct impact on blood sugar levels. The indirect effect is where the magic happens

Coconut Oil helps glucose enter your cell

When Coconut Oil enters the cells it is slowing and reducing insulin levels in the blood. It is important to eat balanced meals that contain all food types. 

It is especially important to choose high-quality fats like coconut oil. 

The healthy fat in Coconut Oil plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar

Because Coconut Oil slows the digestion of glucose this process allows for a slow steady stream of energy from your food. It does this by lowering the overall glycemic index of your meal. 

When you include Coconut Oil in a meal with carbohydrates the carbs are broken down into glucose more slowly. That way blood sugar levels remain steady even after you eat. 

Coconut oils consist of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCT’s)

Coconut Oil helps with blood sugar control.

Coconut Oil is unlike modern vegetable oils like soy, corn, canola – which are made from Long Chain Fatty Acids (PUFA’s)

  • It is the important point out – oils that consist of long-chain fatty acids (PUFA’s) may actually decrease the cell’s ability to absorb blood sugar. 
  • This could cause or make worse – insulin resistance and diabetes. 
  • Healthy cells use glucose. Unhealthy cells do not. 

🥥 #4 Coconut Oil lowers your risk of Heart Disease

Populations that eat Coconut Oil are some of the healthiest in the world. They also have the strongest hearts. 

Coconut oil does not oxidize when exposed to oxygen like many other oils. 

The Oxidation of fats is linked to oxidative stress in your body. 

If you have a history of heart disease in your family switching to coconut oil will have an immediate positive impact on the health of your family members. 

🥥 #5 Coconut Oil boosts Thyroid Function

Coconut Oil has a unique fatty acid that stimulates better Thyroid function. It is interesting that there are many published studies that back this up. 

Why are 34 % of Americans affected by metabolic syndrome?

The consumption of polyunsaturated fats has increased in the last 20 years. 

Are we any healthier?

There are published studies on the relationship of coconut oil, the thyroid and metabolism. Coconut oil has unique fatty acids that stimulate metabolism. These Fatty Acids supply the body with tremendous energy and promote weight loss. 

Most people are unaware that Hypothyroidism is an Autoimmune disease

This is the reason that medications for Hypothyroidism are not very effective.

It stands to reason then that initiating Thyroid Hormone replacement therapy without addressing the underlying immune imbalance is like changing the oil in your engine with the hopes that the transmission will stop failing – it doesn’t work that way… 

To reduce thyroid problems you need to reduce inflammation because inflammation stops the change of T3 to T4 (Thyroid Hormones). T4 is the inactive form of Thyroid Hormone. Coconut Oil stops inflammation – allowing for a healthy liver and the production of proper thyroid hormones. 

Coconut Oil can help Thyroid issues, Auto-immune disorders & brain fog

🥥 #6 Coconut Oil kills Candida Fungus

Research has revealed the Coconut Oil can fight a bloodstream infection caused by  the Candida Albicans fungus – often referred to a “yeast infection”

Symptoms of Candida overgrowth

  • Skin and nail fungal infections such as Athlete’s foot
  • Feeling tired, worn down for example – Chronic Fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia and
  • Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea

Candida overgrowth can even be at the root of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog. 

Skin issues like Eczema, Psoriasis, Hives, Rashes, Irritability, Vaginal itch and UTI’s, severe Seasonal allergies & Itchy ears can be from digestive imbalance caused by Candida overgrowth. 

Strong sugar and carbohydrate cravings all these are symptoms of Candida as well.  

70 % of people are affected by Candida – a fungal/yeast infection.

I know, it’s hard to believe you could have a fungus growing throughout your body. 

Coconut Oil is excellent at stopping Candida in it’s tracks! 

🥥 Eating Coconut Oil will give you a flat belly by helping you burn stubborn belly fat

Coconut oil helps you burn off “visceral fat” – (the most dangerous fat of all) 

Visceral Fat is highly associated with many Western diseases. 

Coconut Oil will give you glowing skin, radiant hair, and a clear brain. If you like hearing things like that then you are in luck. 

About that – Flat Belly

A study of 40 women with abdominal obesity, supplemented with 2 Tablespoons of  Coconut Oil per day led to a significant reduction of BMI and waistline circumference in a period of 12 weeks. 

So to be clear – a flat belly won’t disappear overnight or even after your 1st day, it takes weeks or maybe even months after starting your daily coconut oil habit.

The things that are the most worth it take time. 

It is a universal truth, when you avoid shortcuts and really work for something and enjoy the process, you will not only receive what you want but you will hold on to it. 

So I put together a recipe that helps me enjoy my 2x a day Coconut habit

Coconut Bites

  • 1 Cup Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil
  • ½ Cup Organic Unsweetened Coconut
  • 1 Tablespoon Natural Food grade Beeswax
  • 1 Teaspoon unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 Dropper full of Stevia
  • A dash of Sea Salt

Warm Cocoa Powder and Bees wax on the stove until completely melted and blended together. Add your Coconut oil and continue to heat on low just until all ingredients are blended together nicely. Add Stevia to taste and a dash of Sea Salt. 

Next make a sink of cold water and add ice to it to make a cold water bath – about 2 inches in your sink. Set the hot pan down in this sink and continue to stir until all ingredients mix well and the Coconut Oil begins to harden again. 

Spoon this int ice-cube trays and freeze. Then pop out of trays and store in the refrigerator. 

Each Coconut Bite is about 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil. Enjoy!

Are you ready to have a flat belly in as short as 4 weeks? Is this a habit worth continuing?  

Your answer will determine your habits. See you in the coconut oil aisles! 😎

Coconut Oil for Health

Unrefined Organic Coconut oil is pretty easy to find in the grocery store but if you would like me to make a recommendation for you – drop me your email address. 

I’ll even give you a 20% discount for your 1st order. 

Resource for much of this article:

Herbs that lower Blood Sugar

I recently found this image and thought it such helpful info I had to share:  

Herbs that lower blood sugar: Cinnamon,  Clove, Rosemary,  Oregano, Sage, Curry, Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric, Cayenne & Marjoram.

 

Cinnamon – How does it help the blood sugar?

Cinnamon works by lowering insulin resistance. Researchers found that cinnamon cut cholesterol by about 18% and blood sugar levels by 24%.

Cinnamon

Probably the most enjoyable of herbs that lower the blood sugar to take.

You can use the Cinnamon spice or you can use the essential oil.

A therapeutic grade essential oil has a nice kick to it and can grow on the taste buds making it very enjoyable to use several times a day.

I like to put 2 or 3 drop on a teabag or on loose leaf tea leaves, then make tea as usual and the oil emulsified into the tea.

As you build a tolerance to it you can drop 1 or 2 drops under the tongue

cloves are good for diabetics. A research shows that the compounds found in cloves may help keep blood sugar under control. As little as one teaspoon of the super-star spice is enough to reap benefits.

Read More…

Top 5 Essential Oils & DIY Allergy Relief Home Remedies

Natural remedies for allergies. So a friend of mine asked me, Mary, what kind of things would you use if you were struggling with allergies right now?

What essential oils are good for seasonal allergies?

Pollen Is high these days, right away my mind comes back to the basics. Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint. They have such an amazing synergistic effect.

What essential oils are a natural antihistamine?

Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint are natural antihistamines. Combining the three together they complement each other well.

If you would prefer to listen to this content here is a handy video:

Natural Remedies for Allergies

How do you use essential oils for allergies?

There are a few ways you could use Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint to help you with your allergies:

Read More…

Reduce Your Joint Inflammation With Food

Thank you for your reply to my article “From Walking with a Walker to Walking 5 Miles“. I had so many replies and requests to write about this subject that I thought I had better not put it off too long.

What is an Anti-inflammatory Diet?

When we think about anti-inflammatory foods we have to think about 2 aspects of an anti-inflammatory diet. Foods we can eat and the foods we need to avoid. Some foods irritate the digestive system and ultimately the joints and some foods calm the digestive system causing less body system irritations. We will look at several of these pieces.

The other piece of this is that it will look different for you than it will for me and different for me than someone else you know.  There may be some family similarities but not always.  

Try a 30 day Whole food re-set

One thing to you might consider if you are really ready to figure out what foods are bothering you the most is to try a 30-day whole food re-set. I have done one and it is really eye-opening. I am not the best guide on one of these so I will refer you to a book if you are interested in doing that.

Whole: The 30 Day Whole Foods Challenge

What I will do for you though is help you with some basics. There are actually groups of inflammatory foods. So you may be sensitive to one but not the other. That is why eating a clean diet for 3 weeks to 30 days is so helpful when beginning this journey.

Sugar – The Most Inflammatory Food!

Sugar is probably the most inflammatory of all the foods. We have a list of sugars and hidden names for sugars. Most sweeteners are really not safe either because they are highly processed foods. The only sweetener that I trust is Stevia. There are some good stevia choices now that don’t leave a bitter after taste. Let me know if that is something you are interested in.

61 Hidden Names for sugar

Here is a handy list: 61 Hidden Names for Sugar

Read More…

doTERRA Essential Oils Price Per Drop

By: Jo Jean Keesling

2019 Essential Oil Cost Per Drop Retail & Wholesale Chart

This price per drop sheet is based on

  • 15 ml bottle = 250 drops
  • 5 ml bottle = 83 drops

Single Essential Oils

Essential OilUnitRetailWholesalePer Drop Retail*Per Drop Wholesale*
Arborvitae5ml$29.33$22.00$0.35$0.27
Basil15 ml$32.00$24.00$0.13$0.10
Bergamot15 ml$40.00$30.00$0.16$0.12
Black Pepper5 ml$29.33$22.00$0.35$0.27
Blue Tansy5 ml$113.33$85.00$1.37$1.02
Cardamom5 ml$34.67$26.00$0.42$0.31
Cassia15 ml$25.33$19.00$0.10$0.08
Cedarwood15 ml$17.33$13.00$0.07$0.05
Cilantro15 ml$34.67$26.00$0.14$0.10
Cinnamon5 ml$32.00$24.00$0.39$0.29
Clary Sage15 ml$48.67$36.50$0.19$0.15
Clove15 ml$21.33$16.00$0.09$0.06
Copaiba15 ml$46.67$35.00$0.19$0.14
Coriander15 ml$33.33$25.00$0.13$0.10
Cypress15 ml$20.67$15.50$0.08$0.06
Douglas Fir5 ml$30.00$22.50$0.36$0.27
Eucalyptus15 ml$22.67$17.00$0.09$0.07
Fennel (Sweet)15 ml$20.00$15.00$0.08$0.06
Frankincense15 ml$90.67$68.00$0.36$0.27
Geranium15 ml$41.33$31.00$0.17$0.12
Ginger15 ml$54.67$41.00$0.22$0.16
Grapefruit15 ml$24.00$18.00$0.10$0.07
Green Mandarin15 ml$37.33$28.00$0.15$0.11
Helichrysum5 ml$93.33$70.00$1.12$0.84
Juniper Berry5 ml$25.33$19.00$0.31$0.23
Lavender15 ml$30.67$23.00$0.12$0.09
Lemon15 ml$14.67$11.00$0.06$0.04
Lemongrass15 ml$13.33$10.00$0.05$0.04
Lime15 ml$17.33$13.00$0.07$0.05
Marjoram15 ml$25.33$19.00$0.10$0.08
Melaleuca15 ml$28.00$21.00$0.11$0.08
Melissa5 ml$153.33$115.00$1.85$1.39
Myrrh15 ml$78.67$59.00$0.31$0.24
Oregano15 ml$29.33$22.00$0.12$0.09
Patchouli15 ml$37.33$28.00$0.15$0.11
Peppermint15 ml$29.33$22.00$0.12$0.09
Petitgrain15 ml$33.33$25.00$0.13$0.10
Pink Pepper5 ml$29.33$22.00$0.35$0.27
Roman Chamomile5 ml$60.00$45.00$0.72$0.54
Rosemary15 ml$21.33$16.00$0.09$0.06
Sandalwood5 ml$93.33$70.00$1.12$0.84
Siberian Fir15 ml$26.67$20.00$0.11$0.08
Spearmint15 ml$37.33$28.00$0.15$0.11
Spikenard5 ml$66.00$49.50$0.80$0.60
Tangerine15 ml$24.00$18.00$0.10$0.07
Thyme15 ml$39.33$29.50$0.16$0.12
Turmeric15 ml$37.33$28.00$0.15$0.11
Vetiver15 ml$54.67$41.00$0.22$0.16
Wild Orange15 ml$13.33$10.00$0.05$0.04
Wintergreen15 ml$29.33$22.00$0.12$0.09
Yarrow Pom30 ml$126.67$95.00$0.25$0.19
Ylang Ylang15 ml$49.33$37.00$0.20$0.15
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Essential Oil Dilution Chart: Sensitive Skin, Aromatic, Topical and More!

When to dilute the Essential Oils

Essential Oils have many different usages. Knowing what essential oils should be diluted on sensitive skin (S), what essential oils should always be diluted (D) and what essential are safe to use directly on the skin – Neat (N) – is very important.

Application Methods of Essential Oils

The Safest Ways to Apply Essential OilsAlong with that information, it is also important to know what Oils can be used where. We have put together a list of Application Methods.

All the oils can be used Aromatically (A) this would mean things like smelling them from the bottle, placing them in a diffuser or applying them to a natural diffuser, like jewelry, reed diffuser or other items. Many oils are safe to use Topically (T) on the skin. Then several essential oils can be used internally (I) if the oils are a Therapeutic grade of essential oils.

 ~  SKIN SENSITIVITY APPLICATION METHODS  ~ 
  N – Neat – Can be used topically without dilution A – Can be used aromatically  
  S – Sensitive – Dilute for young or sensitive skin T – Can be used topically  
  D – Dilute – Always dilute before using Topically I – Can be used internally  

We have put together an extensive chart below for your reference. This Video will help describe some of these details. It will also show you how you can easily use this quick reference chart.

Essential Dilution and Application Chart

Click on the headings of interests 2 times to bring up your area of interest. 

NameNeatSensitiveDiluteAromaticTopicalInternalOther
ArborvitaeNAT
BasilNATI
BergamotSATI
Black PepperSATI
Blue TansyNAT
CardamomNATI
CassiaDATI
CedarwoodSAT
CilantroNATI
Cinnamon BarkDATI
Clary SageNATI
CloveDATI
CopaibaSATI
CorianderNATI
CypressNAT
Douglas FirNAT
EucalyptusSAT
Fennel (Sweet)SATI
FrankincenseNATI
GeraniumSATI
GingerSATI
GrapefruitNATI
GreenMandrinNATI
HelichrysumNATI
Jasmine TouchNATusually used diluted
Juniper BerryNATI
LavenderNATI
LemonNATI
LemongrassSATI
LimeSATI
MaagnoliaNATusually used diluted
MarjoramNATI
MelissaNATI
MyrrhNATI
NeroliNATusually used diluted
OreganoDATI
PatchouliNATI
PeppermintSATI
PetitgrainSATI
Pink PepperNATI
Roman ChamomileNATI
RoseNATusually used diluted
RosemaryNATI
SandalwoodNATI
Siberian FirNATI
SpearmintSATI
SpikenardNAT
TangerineNATI
Tea TreeNAT
ThymeDATI
TurmericNATI
VetiverNATI
Wild OrangeNATI
WintergreenSAT
Yarrow / PomagraniteNTI
Yland YlangNAI

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Grass Fed Meats

Omega Fatty Acids: Getting down to the Grass Roots

by Mary Howard, RN

We will look at why some meat is better than others for you and why some fats are better than others for you. What are these Omega fats, anyway? We will also look at why the fat ratio of meat and eggs can be affected by the animal’s feed and living conditions. We’ll also touch on the fact that, just because an animal was raised on organic feed it still may not have the nutrients needed to make their meat healthy.

What are Omega Fatty Acids?

To figure out what Omega fatty acids are we will touch on just the basics. Fats are compounds called Lipids. They are chemical compounds of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen. Fatty acids are the refined fuel forms of fat and some cells, like the heart, prefer them over glucose (sugar). Fatty acids are named according to the number of carbons in their chain, for example: Omega 3, Omega 6. Because there are fewer carbons in an Omega 3’s chain has some to do with why they are better for you. Your HDL (good Cholesterol) comes from Omega 3’s.

Now we need to know this because there are certain Fatty Acids that are considered “Essential” meaning that we need to get them from the foods we eat. They are Linoleic, Linolenic and Arachidonic. But actually Linoleic is the only one that our body can not make so it is dependent on diet.

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doTERRA Compliance

Understanding my WHY – My doTERRA Compliance Journey

My friend Josh was here at my office one day, he works a lot with folks on  “Search Engine Optimization” and Google Analytics. We were talking about some things to write about, and I said, “Well I can’t write that, it wouldn’t be compliant. He said, “That’s just dumb. You should be able to talk about what you want to.” I said “No it’s alright.”, and explained why.

I’m Mary Howard RN with Powerline Health bringing you another episode of Essentially YOUR’s where we come alongside you and help you in your day with some Natural Solutions.

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It’s About Recovery – Athletic Recovery

By Dr Jerry Petermann ND

Okay, let’s talk about Recovery….

No, not THAT Recovery….recovery from athletic competition and general strenuous physical exercise.

Resveratrol Helps with Athletic Recovery

Ask any competitive runner, “What is the one thing that keeps you from improving your times?” and they will tell you, “Recovery time.”

There you have it; the most common complaint from any athlete on the planet. People who train must have time for their muscles and tendons to mend and their aerobic systems to adapt. Precious time. They often take every form or vitamin and mineral ever devised by humans and yet, it still takes time…no matter what.

Well, maybe.

Here’s a true story about a man named Chuck Cash. He was formerly in the U. S. Army for 20 years, retired and begin working as a successful salesman at age 47. His favorite pastime was competitive running; 5K’s, 10K’s, full marathons and rapidly fading dreams of one day competing in Tri-Athlons and pure fantasies of being a ranked Iron Man.

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The Miraculous Benefits of Resveratrol

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, a class of compounds produced by many plants when they are infected by pathogens or physically harmed by cutting, crushing, or ultraviolet radiation.

What are the benefits of Resveratrol? 

Resveratrol has many health benefits but the simplest way to describe it as a supplement that nourishes the Mitochondria in the body. It seems to roll back the effects of aging on the cells.

Here are a few of the major things we covered in this video:

Resveratrol Helps Athletic Performance

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The Benefits of Sauerkraut

The Benefits of Sauerkraut –
Old time foods made easy

What is Sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by the formation of natural lactic acid bacteria. It has a long shelf life and a distinctive sour flavor. During the fermentation process the natura sugars in the cabage leaves are used up leaving a tangy, crunchy, Kraut.

Here is a short video we did that explains what we did and the health benefits.
Our video will show how to make Sauerkraut in a Jar

Here is our recipe for Sauerkraut

  • 1 cabbage grates or finely shredded
  • 1 onion grated
  • 2 cucumbers finely sliced
  • 1.5 TBSP  of pickling salt. (You want to use an Iodine free so your kraut stays crunchy)
  • 2 – 1 quart jars
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Eczema – A Grandmother’s Journey

Jo’s Journey with her Grandson who had Severe Eczema

What is Eczema you ask?

Eczema - Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis – is dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Scratching the skin can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more.

Here is a real story with amazing results with just a few simple dietary suggestions as a result of a BioMeridian Scan.

Jo’s Grandson suffered from Eczema and had been to many doctors. The family was frustrated with no real good answers to how to best help this child. They went to Dermatologists and tried multiple kinds of creams and other remedies without good results.

Well – Le’ts let Jo Tell you in her own words:

Somewhere between the age of 1 and 2 my Grandson started being treated for Severe Eczema –

His Primary Care Doctor and even a Dermatologist continued to prescribe Steroids and other creams –

I helped my daughter with home remedies and she eliminated milk and other foods.

At one point the Dr did a blood test to identify allergies but nothing healed his skin.

The raw patches on the back of his knees, legs and feet were so severe that he got a staph infection,

I turned to Evelyn

Her scan results showed Gluten (which earlier I said we had eliminated foods but it was her total results that made the difference)

Sun Screen also showed as skin issue – which putting Sun Screen on his fair skin was always a fight and he would fuss and this we passed it off as just being difficult. We studied Gluten and became aware of everything that has Gluten – It was summer and we switched to a Zinc Sunscreen.

Evelyn suggested Digestive Enzymes, a Vitamin B Complex, and a Calcium Magnesium supplement.

The Little Guy detoxed for about 30 days and then his skin became clear and that little 5-year-old was so happy! He took over his health even at his young age, being aware of what he ate, and would remind you he needed the Enzymes.

This was something we struggled with for over 3 years and so Grateful for Evelyn and how she helped us.

In conclusion:
It was amazing to find out that the root of his skin problems came from within. That his digestive tract was yelling for help through his skin. His Eczema became so bad that he had sores on his legs. At one point the sores became infected with staph.

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Herbs That Support The Adrenal Glands

Do you struggle with Adrenal Fatigue?

Some of the symptoms of Adrenal Conditions

Do you struggle to feel a balance in your body?

Are you having difficulty sleeping, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating on tasks?

Are you struggling to have enough energy and difficulty with your weight?

Herbs to help the Adrenal Glands

Often these things can be adrenal glands that are out of balance.

When your adrenal glands are out of balance often your hormones become out of balance.

There are a few herbs that help to support your adrenal glands and we wanted to share a few of those with you.

Hi, I’m Mary Howard RN

With Powerline Health bringing you another episode of Essentially YOURS. Where we try to come alongside you in your busy life and give you a few extra tools to help you in your day.

Licorice Root

  • Licorice can stimulating the adrenal gland, stimulating your body to have a healthy level of cortisol.
  • Licorice Root can speed the repair of the stomach lining and restore balance there as well.
  • There are more than 300 different compounds in licorice, some of which have antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Hawthorn Berry

  • Hawthorn has a history as the herb to strengthen your heart – both physically and emotionally.
  • Hawthorn Berries are known to be vasodilators, having some blood pressure lowering activity by relaxing of the blood vessels farther from the heart.
  • Because of this it is also used to reduce anxiety.
  • It seems to lower cholesterol by increasing the excretion of bile, reducing the formation of cholesterol, and enhancing the receptors for LDLs.

Fennel

Fennel is used for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite.

  • Fennel can relax your muscles — including your digestive muscles.
  • Fennel can helps regulate the Blood Pressure.
  • Fennel can also be useful to flush out toxins and sludge from our bodies, thus helping to cleanse the blood.

A few Additional Herbs that Support the Adrenal Glands

Ginseng – helps with energy, blood sugar, memory and mood

Echinacea – Helps with anxiety and inflammation

Gotu Kola – Great to help with memory, focus and to fight fatigue

Ginger – helps with inflammation as well as improving Blood Circulation

St John’s Wort – Helps improve the mood, fight depression and elevate certain neurotransmitters in the body.

Herbs that Support the Adrenal Glands

See our Article: Adrenal Fatigue and what you can do about it for more information.

Adrenal Fatigue – What YOU Can Do About It

Adrenal fatigue is a collection of signs and symptoms, that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress

By managing your stress, changing what you eat, when you eat and getting enough sleep you can do a bunch to help yourself.

What Are the Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that you can’t live without. Cortisol helps you respond to stress and has many other important functions. With adrenal gland disorders, your glands make too much or not enough hormones.

The Adrenal Glands – Beyond Fight or Flight

We all know they control your fight or flight but how does this help or hinder us in today’s fast pace high pace environment?

We are no longer being chased by tigers but to say we don’t have stress would be an understatement for most of us.

Managing stress is an important thing but not always 100% do-able.

What do the Adrenal Glands Do?

The Adrenal Glands help the body keep the balance so that we can feel good and be on top of our game when we need to:

  • During our workday
  • During stressful driving situations.
  • Being calm in annoying situations

but what happens when we have too high a demands on our adrenal glands?

Adrenal Fatigue

What if we work ourselves into a situation where we depend on the fight or flight body management of our adrenal glands all the time?

You guessed it these glands become “fatigued”

Hi – I’m Mary Howard RN with Powerline Health bringing you another episode of Essentially YOURS. Where we try to come alongside you in your busy life and give you a few extra tools to help you in your day.

Read More…

Vegetable Wash

I found this great recipe for a home-made vegetable wash. This is so easy to make and so handy to use. Vinegar and lemon essential oil have many antimicrobial properties so it works well to your vegetables with.

Why use Lemon Essential Oils to wash your fruit? 

Lemon Essential Oil helps cut through the oily and waxy substances that are used on fruit and vegetables. Some of those substances on the fruits and vegetables are pesticides, some are substances stores use to make the fruit shine and stay fresh looking longer. 

Recipe for Vegetable Wash

Recipe for Vegetable & Fruit Wash
  •  1 cup filtered or distilled water
  • 3/4 cup organic apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp baking soda
  • 10 drops of Lemon essential oil 
  • 16 oz glass spray bottle

Spray this on your fruit or vegetables and wait a little bit – then wash.  The other way is to put a 2 teaspoons in a basin of water and wash fruit with it. 

Emulsify your Essential Oils for your Veggie Wash

The essential oils tend to float to the top of your spray so be sure to shake well before each use.  Unless you emulsify the oils into the baking soda – We will show you how to do that on the video.

Vinegar and Baking Soda are important ingredients to help remove the pesticides from the fruit.  While lemon has powerful abilities to kill bacteria. 

Remove dirt, chemicals and bacteria from your fruits and vegetables naturally.
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