As a holistic mom, you know the importance of looking after your heart health. But did you know that certain herbs are excellent for supporting cardiovascular wellness? From garlic to hawthorn, many herbs are known for their healing properties and positive effects on the heart. Let’s explore some of the best herbs for heart health and how they can help you in your quest for holistic wellbeing.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most potent natural remedies available, and its benefits extend far beyond repelling vampires! Garlic is an anti-inflammatory agent, making it great for reducing inflammation in the body that can lead to hypertension or other cardiovascular issues. It contains high levels of sulfur-containing compounds called allicin, which are thought to be largely responsible for its medicinal properties. Allicin also helps reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a shrub native to Europe and Asia that has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. Studies have shown that hawthorn extract can help strengthen the heart muscle, boost circulation, and improve overall heart health by supporting healthy blood pressure levels. It may also help reduce stress-induced arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). For best results, try taking hawthorn extract daily as part of a holistic heart health regimen.
Ginger
Ginger is another popular herbal remedy that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Studies have found that consuming ginger root can help reduce bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels. Ginger can also help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body, both of which are important factors when it comes to maintaining cardiovascular health. You can add fresh ginger root to your diet in small amounts or take ginger supplements as recommended by your doctor or naturopath.
Taking care of our hearts is essential if we want to maintain good physical and mental wellbeing! Fortunately, there are many herbs out there that offer wonderful benefits when it comes to heart health support—from garlic to ginger, these natural remedies pack quite a punch when it comes to improving cardiovascular wellness! Add them into your diet today and start reaping the rewards for yourself! Good luck on your journey towards holistic heart health!
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Being a stay-at-home mom is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding, yet exhausting jobs you can have. Whether you are new to being a stay-at-home mom or have been doing it for years, chances are that you’ve experienced the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with the job. Let’s take a deeper look into why being a stay-at-home mom can be so exhausting.
The Physical Exhaustion
Being a stay-at-home mom means that your entire day revolves around taking care of others—your kids, your spouse, and even your extended family. From waking up early to get breakfast ready for everyone in the house to making sure all activities are taken care of throughout the day and still having energy left to put the kids to bed at night, staying at home with your kids can be physically draining. When you have infants and toddlers, there is a lot of bending, lifting, and carrying, and that is all in addition to burning the candle at both ends when they are up at night. Even if you don’t need to leave the house during the day, there is still plenty of physical labor involved in running a household such as laundry and cleaning. In addition, if you do decide to go out in public with children in tow, there will likely be extra running around—literally!
The Emotional Exhaustion
In addition to all the physical labor involved in caring for your family as a stay at home mom, there is also an emotional toll that can come with it. No matter how much you love being home with your children and family members, it can still be emotionally taxing because of all the demands placed on you every day. Not only must you provide food and shelter for your family but also make sure their emotional needs are taken care of as well. This means constantly checking in on them emotionally and finding ways to bring joy into each day no matter how exhausted you may feel yourself.
It can also be emotionally draining when trying to figure out what works best for each member of your family—every person has different needs and wants which means that finding ways to meet those needs without sacrificing too much of yourself takes time and effort. And let’s not forget about trying to find time for yourself! Taking breaks away from parenting duties often gets pushed aside due to exhaustion or lack of time or resources but carving out “me time” is just as important as taking care of everyone else!
Being a stay-at-home mom certainly isn't easy but it can absolutely be worth it when done right! Although it's impossible (and unhealthy) not to experience any exhaustion while raising children at home full time, understanding why this feeling comes up can help us combat it more effectively by finding ways to better manage our time and prioritize our own needs alongside those of our families. With some self reflection and simple lifestyle changes we can make sure we take care of ourselves both physically and mentally so that we can enjoy our journey as moms even more!
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As a holistic mom, you know that self-care is an important part of living a healthy, balanced life. But what about self-advocacy? It’s an often overlooked but essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining your health. Let’s take a look at what self-advocacy means and how it can help keep you and your family healthy.
What is Self Advocacy in Health?
Self-advocacy in health involves having the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about your own health care. This means caring for yourself at home in ways that support your health and prevent health issues. This means researching treatment options and advocating for yourself when dealing with doctors, insurance companies, or other healthcare providers. It also means knowing when to seek out additional opinions or seek out alternative treatments.
Why Is Self Advocacy Important?
Having the ability to advocate for your own health is important because it allows you to take control of your own medical care instead of relying on someone else to make decisions for you. Self-advocacy can help ensure that you get the best possible care by allowing you to make informed decisions based on all available information and resources. It also empowers you to ask questions and speak up if something doesn’t feel right or if a diagnosis doesn’t seem correct.
By advocating for yourself, you are more likely to receive better quality care that meets your individual needs rather than just agreeing with what your healthcare professional tells you without question. This can lead to better outcomes since they aren’t always 100% accurate with their diagnoses or treatments, and you know your body better than anyone else.
How Can You Do It?
The first step in self-advocating for your health is educating yourself about different treatments and diagnoses so that you can make informed decisions about which ones are best for you and your family. You should also keep track of all medical records, test results, alternative treatments, medications, etc., so that they are easily accessible if needed. Additionally, it’s important to develop relationships with trusted healthcare providers who will listen to your concerns and answer any questions that you have. Finally, don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right or if a diagnosis doesn’t seem correct—it could save your life!
Self-advocacy is incredibly important when it comes to managing one's health as well as your family's health; however, many people don't realize its importance until they find themselves in need of its benefits! Educating yourself on different treatments and diagnoses will enable you to make informed decisions regarding the healthcare course of action best suited for yourself or those close to you. Additionally, having strong relationships with trusted healthcare providers who listen intently will go a long way in making sure nothing slips through the cracks during diagnosis or treatment processes - potentially saving lives! Be sure not to be afraid to speak up if something does not feel right - this could prove invaluable in emergency situations! In short, self-advocacy is key when it comes to caring for one's well-being!
This is something I had to learn the hard way when a doctor broke my back. I was afraid to speak up after he had laughed at my concerns. Read more about that here.
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When I was 21, I had my first child. After having an epidural, I experienced a lot of back pain and went to a back specialist. He offered to adjust my back as he felt my hips were misaligned. He had adjusted my back a few times before, but when I told family members that I was getting my back adjusted, they warned me to be careful of being adjusted because early onset osteoporosis runs in my family. I expressed my concerns to the doctor, and he literally laughed in my face, saying it wasn't possible to have osteoporosis at my age. His tone was derisive and scornful.
Looking back now, I should have walked out of the office right then. He was so disrespectful and didn't even offer to check with an X-ray or bone density test. But hindsight is 20/20. I didn't have the confidence at that point to stand up for myself. I didn't have all the information I needed. I had a deeply held respect for authority and the belief that doctors knew best. As he wielded his "I know better than you" card, I shrank and felt so dumb for even bringing up the possibility that he dismissed so completely. I felt so embarrassed that I didn't even think to ask to be tested.
I humbly climbed up on the table. He proceeded to crack up, up, up my spine until I heard a crunch and felt pain. I yelped. As I stood up, that pain was still there. I twisted and stretched and told him it hurt, and he brushed it off, saying adjustments are sometimes uncomfortable and it would work itself out. The pain didn't go away that day, and the next morning, that one spot on my spine was throbbing. I was traveling for the weekend and sat in a car all day while the pain worsened. My trip was physically excruciating and miserable, although I tried to smile through the pain.
When I returned, I went back and demanded an X-ray. I told him the pain started when he adjusted my back before my trip and only got worse each day. Sure enough, I had a compression fracture. He and I both knew exactly what had happened. I was also diagnosed with osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis, which was clear from looking at the X-ray. He was wrong.
Doctors can be wrong. They are often wrong! Much of what they do is guesswork. And they hurt patients because of it! Many of them are so full of themselves that they won't listen when a patient expresses concerns. Many of them think they are infallible and don't bother looking into things further when they should. This is a huge problem!
But another problem is that patients trust too much as I did. They don't advocate for themselves or walk out when they should. Patients don't do their own research and aren't armed with the knowledge that builds confidence to stand up for themselves. This can be corrected! This is one of the biggest reasons I created this website. I am arming moms with knowledge and confidence to advocate for their own health, both at home and at the doctor's office.
Read how I got through this time with an infant and a broken back here.
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As a mom, you know that taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of your family. But with everything on your plate, it can be tough to find the time (and energy) to take care of yourself. That's why I've put together a list of the best self care rituals for moms—rituals that are quick, easy, and effective. So whether you're looking for ways to reduce stress, get more sleep, or just feel better overall, these self care ideas are sure to help.
Get More Sleep
One of the best things you can do for your health is to get enough sleep. When you're well-rested, you have more energy, you think more clearly, and you're better able to handle stress. But when you're running on empty, it's all too easy to snap at your kids or make poor decisions. So how can you make sure you're getting enough shut-eye?
First, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Second, create a relaxing environment in your bedroom by investing in comfortable sheets and pillows, using blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light, and setting the temperature to a comfortable level. And finally, avoid using electronics in bed—that means no TV, no laptops, and no phones. Instead, try reading a book or listening to calming music before falling asleep.
Eat Better
You are what you eat—and that's especially true when you're a mom. Eating nutritious foods helps improve your mood, gives you more energy, and keeps your immune system strong—all things that are essential when you're juggling motherhood and everything else in your life. So how can you make sure you're eating right?
Start by planning ahead. Meal prep on the weekends so you have healthy food options during the week. And pack snacks for yourself and your kids so you're not tempted by unhealthy junk food when hunger strikes. When it comes time to sit down for a meal, make sure half of your plate is filled with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter is protein (think beans), and one-quarter is whole grains (like quinoa or brown rice). And drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Take Time for Yourself Every Day
In addition to getting enough sleep and eating well, it's also important to take some time each day just for yourself. Whether it's reading a book while your kids are napping or taking a yoga class after they go to bed at night, carving out some "me time" is crucial for maintaining your sanity as a mom. And don't worry if you can't do it every day—even 10-15 minutes of alone time can make a big difference in how you feel.
As a mom, self care is essential—but it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. By incorporating some (or all) of these simple self care rituals into your daily routine, you'll feel happier, healthier, and more balanced—which means you'll be able to give your best self to your family every single day.
For more Self Care Rituals, See Part 2.
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