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Think of your home as a haven, a place of refuge and respite from the hustle and bustle of the world. But, if you’re like many people, you’re using air fresheners to mask bad odors – whether they be pet odors or just general household smells. Unfortunately, air fresheners are not doing us any favors when it comes to our health. Let's take a closer look at why air fresheners can be so detrimental to our bodies.

Candles, plug-ins, and spray air fresheners are the most common types of air fresheners used in homes. Candles are made with wax that contains toxic substances such as lead and paraffin. Plug-ins use electricity to power an aerosol canister, which releases chemicals into the air. And spray air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause endocrine damage and lung damage.

The chemicals released by these types of air fresheners can have serious long-term effects on our health. One type of VOCs found in some popular brands is phthalates, which has been linked to neurological damage, endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive issues, lung issues, and more. In addition, these chemicals cause air pollution, lingering in the air for hours after they’re sprayed and can build up over time leading to chronic exposure which can be even more dangerous than short-term exposure.

Fortunately there are some alternatives to chemical air fresheners that won't put your family's health at risk. For instance, natural scented candles made with soy or beeswax are safer options because they don't contain toxic pollutants like regular candles do, but use caution with these, some are still hiding chemicals. I prefer not to use any myself. Essential oils diffusers are the best way (in my opinion) to add pleasant aromas without releasing dangerous chemicals into the home environment. Another option is baking soda; simply sprinkle it around your home or add it directly into your vacuum cleaner bag for an extra boost against pet odors or other strong smells!

If you're looking for an easy way to make your home smell better without jeopardizing your family’s health then try one of these alternatives instead of chemical based products! From natural scented candles made with soy or beeswax to essential oil diffusers or baking soda – there are plenty of options available that will help create a healthy home environment while still providing pleasant aromas! With these simple steps you can keep your family safe while still enjoying their favorite scents in the comfort of their own home!

Inflammation is a natural response to injury or illness, but it can also signal more serious health issues. It’s crucial for holistic moms to recognize the five key signs of inflammation to maintain their families' well-being. Understanding these symptoms allows for timely intervention and proper care.

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By identifying these signs, holistic moms can take action to ensure prompt and effective care, helping prevent prolonged inflammation and its complications.

 As parents, we strive to give our kids the best tools possible for success. However, sometimes they struggle with their focus in school or their brains can’t seem to get on track. It’s easy to blame the teacher if you send your kids to public school, but we must look at our own actions first. Are you providing your child with the right foods that will help them stay focused throughout the day?  Food is medicine for your body, and breakfast is essential to set up a good learning environment. Read below for some tips on how to get your kids focused with holistic brain-friendly foods. 

Start With Breakfast 

Getting your kids off to a great start begins with breakfast that fuels their minds, not distracts it. Sugary cereals, breads, and processed snacks should be avoided because they lead to an energy boost followed by a crash which can affect concentration levels when learning during the day. Instead of giving them these types of processed cereals for breakfast, feed them whole grains such as oats, millet, or quinoa and add in some nuts and fruits for extra nutrients. Also adding in healthy fats like almond butter can help provide lasting energy throughout the morning hours. 

Incorporate Brain-Boosting Superfoods 

Certain superfoods are known for their ability to improve brain health and functioning in children. Incorporating these into their diets can really help increase focus and concentration levels while also boosting memory recall and cognitive skills. Some examples include blueberries, salmon, chia or flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, walnuts and dark leafy greens like spinach or kale. These are all packed with vitamins and minerals that promote brain health while also providing long-lasting energy without any sugar crashes or spikes which can disrupt concentration levels throughout the day. 

    

Find Healthy Alternatives To Snacks & Drinks 

Snack time is inevitable but it doesn't have to be unhealthy! Swap out sugary drinks like soda or juice for water or herbal tea. Instead of candy bars opt for slightly sweetened granola bars or trail mix containing dried fruit pieces and nuts such as almonds or walnuts - both great sources of Omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for optimizing brain functioning in children. If you find your kids reaching for chips try substituting vegetable sticks like carrots, peppers, or celery served with hummus instead - this provides great nutrients AND flavor! And if all else fails chocolate covered nuts are always a great option too!  

Feeding your children brain-friendly foods helps make sure they get off on the right foot each morning at school and is key in helping them stay focused throughout the day despite whatever distractions may occur around them! Start incorporating these holistic approaches into meal planning today so you can rest assured that when it's time to learn they have everything they need inside of themselves (and what's on their plate)to achieve success!

Have picky eaters?  Grab this guide: 7 Strategies to Help Picky Eaters Eat!

Do you feel like your stomach is always on fire or bloating is an every day occurrence? Does it seem like no matter what you do, no amount of medicine or diet changes can make it go away? Dairy products may be the culprit. Let’s explore why dairy could be causing inflammation in your body, and how reducing consumption can help. 

Inflammation is a natural response from the body when something is wrong. It happens when the immune system senses something—a virus, bacteria, or allergen—that doesn’t belong in the body and launches an attack to get rid of it. The problem with inflammation is that it can become chronic if it goes unchecked for too long. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even cancer. 

One link between dairy products and inflammation comes down to a hormone called IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1). This hormone is found naturally in dairy products and research has linked increased levels of IGF-1 to increased levels of inflammation in the body. Another concern with dairy products is their high cholesterol content; consuming too much cholesterol can also lead to chronically elevated levels of inflammation throughout the body. 

 

The good news is that reducing your consumption of dairy products can help reduce inflammation in your body. Cutting back on dairy won’t just mean cutting out ice cream; even things like cheese, butter and yogurt should be avoided if possible - anything that is derived from cow's milk is dairy. If you focus on eating nutritious whole foods instead, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains, you will have taken a giant step towards reducing inflammatory triggers in your diet.  

Dairy products are one of many sources of inflammation in our diets; other sources include processed foods containing additives and preservatives as well as unhealthy fats like trans fats or saturated fats from animal sources. Reducing our intake of these foods can help reduce overall inflammation levels in our bodies. If you think that dairy may be contributing to your chronic inflammation issues, try cutting back on your consumption for 1-3 months to see if there’s any improvement in how you feel! Good luck!

If you have ever experienced inflammation, you know how uncomfortable it can be. But many of us carry inflammation and don't even know it.  It can be within our organs and tissues affecting many different functions of the body. It’s often hard to pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation, but one cause may be due to the consumption of animal products. Let’s take a closer look at meat and inflammation. 

First, let’s quickly define what inflammation is and why it occurs. Inflammation is your body’s response to an injury or infection. It’s a natural defense mechanism; when your body senses something needs healing, it sends out white blood cells to help fight off the invader and repair the damage. This process can cause swelling, pain, redness, and heat in the affected area—all signs of inflammation.  Although inflammation is a natural, needed response in our bodies, it can also cause harm when there's too much, too often, too long.  In this way, inflammation is an insidious enemy-- often hidden and silent, yet capable of wreaking havoc on our health if left unchecked. It rears its head as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, and much more.  Understanding its dangers can serve as a potent defense against the development of chronic illness.

So how does meat fit into this picture? Meat can be linked to inflammation due to its high levels of saturated fats, cholesterol, and arachidonic acid which clog up our arteries and trigger heart disease and cancer. Many processed meats contain nitrites and nitrates which are known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Some studies have indicated that animal proteins may stimulate an inflammatory response in our bodies because they contain certain types of amino acids like arginine and cysteine which can act as pro-inflammatory molecules.   Also, meat stimulates insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which promotes the growth, proliferation, and spread of cancer. (End of Dieting, Joel Fuhrman, MD.)

But if you do find yourself suffering from chronic inflammation or other health issues, reducing or eliminating meat from your diet might be one way to help reduce those symptoms. Additionally, incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants into your meals can also help reduce any underlying inflammation in your body. 

 

At the end of the day, everyone has unique dietary needs—but for those experiencing chronic inflammation or health issues related to their diet, considering reducing or eliminating meat from their diets could potentially make a difference in their overall health and wellbeing. Incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables can also help reduce underlying inflammation in the body while providing essential vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health. 

*I highly recommend finding a plant-based doctor who knows the science to guide you on your journey.  Too many doctors are uninformed when it comes to food and health.