What Is Your Biorhythm?

In nature, many things run by cycles - the tides cycle, the weather cycles, the season cycles - even the sun goes through an active and passive cycle, or activity like solar flares.  So, if everything around us goes through cycles, shouldn’t we go through cycles as well?  This is what the concept of biorhythms is based on.  The principle is that all humans go through physical, emotional and mental cycles and if we understand these cycles, we can predict them, just like the weather, and use this knowledge to our advantage. 

In the study of biorhythms, our emotions, physical well being, and mental well being are all represented by curves.  There is a midline that is simply the middle state of all these factors.  When a curve goes above the midline, we have a high of the corresponding factor.  For instance, we would be happy if our emotional curve is above the midline, or we would be more physically resilient and better able to heal if our physical curve is above the midline.

The midline is a very important part on the biorhythm scale.  Not only is it important whether you’re above or below the midline, but crossing the midline is a very important time as well.  This indicates a turning point, but it also might be a hard time for you.  You may feel physically or mentally drained, or have emotional ups and downs. 

Biorhythm Chart. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Biorhythm curves also contain an average line.  This is exactly what it sounds like; it’s an average of all three curves.  It simply represents your overall well being.

If you think about it, many people already accept the ideas of emotions and physical properties running in cycles.  Women have a hormone cycle in their body that coincide with their menstrual cycle.  While it’s not necessarily as predictable and precise as some people may suggest, it still occurs.  And many people have theorized that men have a similar cycle. 

Biorhythms run on a different time cycle than this.  In fact, physical, emotional, and mental biorhythms all have a separate time cycle.  As one might expect, the emotional curve has a cycle of 28 days.  The physical curve is shorter at only 23 days, but the mental curve is much longer at 33 days.

Many people hear about biorhythms and think that it sounds like some ridiculous theory that is based on a random idea someone had; however, biorhythms were actually discovered by Dr. Wilhelm Fliess.  He was looking at case studies of his patients and actually noticed that they all seemed to have the same up and down fluctuation in all these factors. 

Some people still think it sounds a bit hokey, because it feels like predicting the future.  But biorhythms don’t predict major illnesses or any future events; they simply predict general well being based on past cycles.  This isn’t going to help you make major life decisions, but you can use it to help decide when to take a vacation, have an operation, or even work your exercise program around it to improve your results and overall health.

For more on biorhythms, see the resources below:
   

Why Cleanse? Purpose & Benefits

Guest Article By: 
Yuri Elkaim, BPHE, CK, RHN & Amy Coates, RHN, BSc.

We detoxify and cleanse for health, vitality, and rejuvenation. We cleanse our body to clear symptoms, treat disease, and prevent future problems. A cleansing program is an ideal way to help you re-evaluate your life, make changes, or clear abuses and addictions. Withdrawal happens fairly quickly, and as cravings are reduced you can begin a new life without old addictive habits or drugs.

Detoxification is also helpful for weight loss, although this is not the primary purpose. The body stores toxins in fat cells. When you cleanse your body these toxins are more easily released from their fat stores. Since you then become less toxic, your toxin stores (the fat) are not as necessary and, thus, your body can rid itself of excess, unnecessary fat.

Weight loss also occurs on a cleanse simply because there are fewer calories being consumed. Since weight loss boils down to creating a caloric deficit, eating less over time is a simple way of losing weight.

We also detoxify and cleanse to rest and heal our overloaded digestive organs. This is often an overlooked, yet very important, area considering optimal health truly begins with the health of our digestive system.

Aside from the internal health benefits, detoxification can also be a great catalyst for external change. For instance, it can provide a great opportunity to reflect and re-evaluate what’s most important to you. It can serve to help you cleanse your house, your work, your relationships. After a cleanse, you will even feel more organized, more creative, more motivated, more productive, more relaxed, and more mentally focused and clear.

So, if you want more energy, greater vitality, more youthful and radiant skin, and greater health for life, then cleansing should be a regular (annual or semi-annual) part of your life.

Yuri Elkaim is a renowned fitness, nutrition, and weight loss expert. He is a registered holistic nutritionist and the co-creator of the Total Wellness Cleanse - a 30-day food-based cleansing program that has helped thousands of people lose weight, cleanse their bodies of toxic overload, and restore incredible health. For information on the Total Wellness Cleanse visit www.TotalWellnessCleanse.com. 

5 Tips for Managing Detox Side Effects and Symptoms

There is no better time than summer to implement a detox diet. With all the delicious fresh fruits and veggies available, it's easy to find local and organically grown produce in abundance. Detox diets can be great for your health. You can lose weight on a detox diet. You can gain more energy and mental clarity. You can also reduce food sensitivities and allergy symptoms by eliminating foods that cause them. However, many detox programs also come with some challenging side effects, although their severity will depend on how toxic you are to start with.

Here’s how to manage these side effects effectively.

#1. Be prepared.

The most important step to managing detox side effects is to be prepared for them. Know what to expect and then you can plan for it. For example, many detox programs cause:

* Headaches
* Insomnia
* Irritability and mood swings
* Digestion changed including diarrhea and gas
* Fatigue

#2. Plan to relax.

Detoxing during your normal and potentially stressful work week can be extra challenging. It’s better to detox during a time period when you can relax. You can sleep when you need to. You can walk, read and simply treat yourself well. Being able to set hectic life aside and relax while you detox will make managing the symptoms much easier.

#3. Drink plenty of water.

Water will help reduce the detox symptoms. Detoxing can cause you to become dehydrated. This will make the symptoms worse and can actually cause headaches and insomnia as the toxins stored in your tissues make their way into your blood stream. Plan to drink several glasses of water or herbal tea daily to avoid dehydration and its side effects. It’ll also help flush the toxins out of your body more quickly.

#4. Pamper yourself.

Take a detox bath or go to the spa. Pamper yourself with a sauna or a massage. Both actually help facilitate the detox process. They also help you relax and focus on feeling good. If going to the spa isn’t your cup of tea consider enjoying a movie marathon or an afternoon reading and getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Do whatever you enjoy doing so you can focus on feeling good, strong and healthy.

#5. Utilize vitamins and supplements.

Make sure you get plenty of nutrition during your detox process. Take a good quality multi-vitamin. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. Also consider taking calcium and an Omega 3 supplement. Many detox plans eliminate most common foods. Even if you’re consuming juice you’re missing out on many of the vitamins you’d otherwise ingest. Taking a supplement can help you feel better during detox and manage symptoms. Also consider taking a detoxification supplement such as milk thistle, which will help cleanse the liver and support organ functions throughout your detox.

Do not drink caffeine or take stimulants during a detox plan. They can significantly worsen your symptoms. If you’re struggling to manage side effects, consider modifying the detox. You can ease into it by slowly eliminating foods over a period of a few days.

Detoxing is challenging for the healthiest of people. Plan ahead, pamper yourself and consider easing into the diet. To your great health!

For a gentle detox diet that works with your body naturally (and really works), check out the resource below - my favorite detox method.... 

Avoiding Dangerous "Fragrances"

Have you ever had someone walk past you wearing perfume or some other fragrance and received an instant headache?  Scented candles, soaps and detergents and even shampoos all contain fragrances that can be harmful to your health, and many can accumulate in your body and increase your toxic load, leading to lowered immune function and future health problems.  Let’s explore some of the most dangerous fragrances, where they hide and how you can avoid them.

Why Avoid Chemical Fragrances?

Image via Flickr

Chemical fragrances contain just that, chemicals.  Here are a few statistics that may surprise you:

* Researchers have found that people who were regularly exposed to cleaning sprays were 30 to 50 percent more likely to develop asthma.

* The NRDC study showed that many air fresheners and scented products contain phthalates, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can be particularly dangerous for young children and unborn babies.  Exposure to phthalates can affect testosterone levels and lead to reproductive abnormalities, including abnormal genitalia and reduced sperm production.

* 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers, which are all known to cause cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.

* A 1991 study performed by the EPA found numerous harmful chemicals are commonly used in fragrance products, including acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and methylene chloride.  Alone or in combination with each other, when inhaled these can cause central nervous system disorders, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, drowsiness, irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs and GI tract, kidney damage, headache, respiratory failure, ataxia, and fatigue, among other symptoms and illnesses. 

So How Can You Avoid These Chemicals?

There are many wonderful options to go chemical free and still have a good-smelling world around you.  Here are a few tips:

* Switch to natural cosmetics, hair-care and personal products.  Not only does this eliminate your exposure to harmful fragrances, it’s better for the environment.

Image via Flickr

* Skip the perfume and use natural oils.  Essential oils, and combinations of them, make wonderful natural perfumes and they won’t harm your health. 

* Buy non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products.  They won’t use harmful fragrance chemicals, which protects your health and the environment.

* Get rid of your paraffin candles.  Use soy or beeswax candles so you aren’t throwing petroleum and chemicals into the air you're breathing. 

* Skip the commercial air fresheners.  Air fresheners typically work one of two ways; they neutralize your receptors, numbing them so you don’t smell anything, or they cover scents up with stronger scents.  Neither is ideal.  If needed, use an essential oil diffuser with natural oils to freshen the air in your home naturally. 

The fragrance industry, including cleaning products, isn’t heavily regulated.  Nor are the chemicals studied for their effects on our health and environment.  From mild symptoms like headaches and fatigue, to dire illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders, chemical fragrances aren’t doing you or your health any good.  Take good care of yourself and switch to scents that are more natural today.

To find natural cosmetics and personal care products, check out The Natural Product Directory. This site offers helpful reviews, as well as safety and other ratings that can help you choose natural products that work effectively.

The Advantages of a Natural Crystal Deodorant

Trying to find natural bath, body and personal hygiene products that work can be a real challenge.  There are many on the market but it’s difficult to know what products are truly natural and chemical free and what products actually work.  When it comes to deodorant, this is particularly important!  Natural crystal deodorant is one such product that is chemical free and does actually protect against body odor.  Here are just a few of the advantages of a natural crystal deodorant.

Image via Flickr

#1.  Prevents odor-causing bacteria - When you apply crystal deodorant, made from mineral salts, you typically wet the top of the crystal.  When applied to your underarm a thin layer of mineral salts will stay on your skin.  You’ll still sweat (it’s not an antiperspirant) but that sweat will not form bacteria, which is the cause for the body odor. 

#2.  Mineral salts are easy on the skin - Many commercially prepared deodorants and antiperspirants irritate the skin, causing irritation, rashes and allergic reactions.  Mineral salts are a natural element that your body is accustomed to processing and rarely causes any type of allergic reaction. 

Of course, you’ll want to make sure you don’t already have any abrasions or cuts on your skin before applying or you’ll feel the sting of salt being poured into an open wound!  Not dangerous, but not comfortable either.

#3.  Fragrance Free - If you or your friends, family and co-workers are sensitive to fragrances, or you just don’t like smelling of summer meadows, rainbow breezes or vanilla fields, then a crystal deodorant is just the thing.  It’s 100% odorless. 

#4.  The little stick of crystal deodorant lasts forever!  Well not really forever, but it can last up to one full year, which means you’re saving tons of money and eliminating a lot of deodorant sticks from the landfills.

#5.  Mineral salts don’t stain your clothes.  How many times do you find that your deodorant leaves a yellow or gray stain on your shirts?  Not to mention that icky white residue you find on your shirts if you put deodorant on before you dress.  Mineral salt crystal deodorant has no residue, which means it won’t mark up or stain your clothing.

#6. Natural crystal deodorant is cruelty free.  Animals are not tested in the production of this product so you can be sure you’re not contributing to that practice by purchasing it.

#7. Aluminum free, toxin free - Natural crystal deodorant is chemical free which means your body isn’t absorbing potentially harmful chemicals and toxins.  It’s a much safer alternative.

If you’ve been curious about natural crystal deodorant, give it a try.  You’ll be treating your body to a much healthier alternative, saving money, and protecting the environment. You can find helpful reviews and sources for where to buy this and other natural deodorants and personal care products at http://www.thenaturalproductdirectory.com/

Five Cooking Tips to Save Energy in the Kitchen

We’re all looking for ways to save money and consume fewer resources for a greener planet. Some of the ways to save energy, like turning the thermostat up or down, seem fairly obvious and don’t feel as if we’re doing enough.  One great way to amplify your efforts is to look room by room at how you can save energy.

If you've been reading our Cooking From Scratch blog, you know how much I love to cook! So today we're going to talk about what is perhaps the most energy-hungry room in your home - the kitchen.  Here are five cooking tips to save energy in the kitchen:

Large and small skillets on different sized burners. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#1.  Use the right size pan for the cooking job and make sure to match it to the right sized burner.  It may sound silly but you can waste a lot of time and energy trying to boil a giant-size pot of potatoes on an itty bitty burner.  And you can waste a tremendous amount of energy warming up a small pan of sauce on a giant burner.  If you can see more than a half inch of overlap, either the pan overlapping the burner or the burner overlapping the pan, see if there’s a better fit. 

Additionally, if you only have to boil three potatoes you don’t need to get out the giant 5-quart pot.  And if you have to boil twenty potatoes, you absolutely do need a large pot with an appropriate amount of water – just enough to cover the tops so you don’t have to spend too much time and energy heating all that water.

#2.  Don’t preheat your oven.  Have you ever been pressed for time and just shoved that tray of chocolate chip cookies in an oven that hasn’t been preheated?  What happened?  Presumably you may have had to add one or two minutes to the cook time but it certainly didn’t add ten minutes or more to the cook time.  With many ovens it takes 10-15 minutes to warm up to 350 degrees, and that’s wasted energy.  Don’t waste your time and energy preheating - get those cookies in the oven and enjoy!

#3.  Use smaller appliances for smaller jobs.  If you’re making an open-faced sandwich, warming up leftovers or eating those frozen and ready-to-cook cookies, then skip the oven and use your toaster oven instead.  It uses less energy to heat up - and it also won't put off as much heat into the house so you won't have to run the a.c. as much.  Additionally, if you use a microwave, it can be used to steam, reheat and even to make eggs, melt chocolate and warm up canned foods in much less time and with much less energy.

A pressure cooker with a simple regulator and an oval lid. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#4.  When you are making soups, stews and even some barbecue recipes or roasts, consider using a slow cooker instead of cooking them for hours on top of the stove.  Slow cookers use less energy and you can cook your meals during low energy times in your home. For example, if you’re using the air conditioner during the day and also cooking, you’re going to make your a/c work harder because your cooking will add heat to the home.  However, if you can cook your roast overnight when your a/c isn’t running as hard then you’re saving energy. It also won't heat up the house as much as using the stove or oven.

#5.  Grab your mother’s pressure cooker and embrace it for its amazing power to cook foods in a tenth of the time!  However, if your mother’s old pressure cooker scares the heck out of you, the newer models are significantly safer, and easier to use. 

You can save a tremendous amount of energy focusing your attentions and habits on one room at a time.  And what better place to start than in the kitchen, the core of your home and probably your biggest user of energy? 

10 Home Energy Saving Tips

Saving energy at home means saving money, which is something everyone can appreciate.  It also means conserving resources so we can ensure a healthier planet for all.  Here are some simple home energy savings tips you can start using today.

#1.  Use smart strips.  Every day appliances consume energy even when they’re turned off.  Microwaves, coffee makers, computers, televisions, the list goes on and on.  Rather than let this valuable energy go to waste, plug your appliances and electronic equipment into a smart strip.  A smart strip is a strip of outlets with an off/on switch. When you’re not using the appliances and equipment, say at night when you’re asleep, simply turn the smart strip off. You’ll save thousands of watts each year. 

English: Compact fluorescent light bulb (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#2.  Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs.  Compact fluorescent bulbs use significantly less energy, about 75% less.  The added bonus is that while these bulbs cost a bit more at the store, they last for years.  The average light bulb used in a high traffic area lasts 4-6 months.  A compact fluorescent bulb lasts up to 10 times longer. 

#3.  Adjust your thermostat.  Simply adjusting it a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer will save energy.  A programmable thermostat makes it easy.

#4. Dry dishes naturally. If you use automatic drying with your dishwasher, turn it off, open the door, and let your dishes air dry.

#5.  Lower your water heater temperature. Your water heater uses energy to keep your water hot and ready for those steamy showers.  Turn it down to 120 degrees.  Your water will still be good and hot, certainly hot enough for a steamy shower, and yet not too hot to scald.  And you’ll save energy.

#6.  When replacing appliances, look for energy star appliances.  They conserve energy and many communities offer rebates and credits when you purchase these appliances.

#7.  If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper works well and is closed when not in use.  You can lose a significant amount of heat during the winter and cool air during the summer through an open fireplace damper.

Air conditioner. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#8.  Check doors.  Many doors don’t seal well. Particularly if you live in an older home where the walls and floors may have settled and shifted.  Air can easily escape through cracks around your door causing your furnace or air conditioner to work harder thus wasting energy.

#9.  Embrace passive solar.  The sun is fantastic for heating and lighting our homes.  If your home has a southern exposure you can harness the power of the sun to heat your home in the winter and to provide daylight year round.  Eastern exposures can open the curtains in the morning to heat and light the home and western exposures can open the curtains in the afternoon (or close them in the summer to keep the house cool).

#10. Check your insulation.  Too much insulation causes your energy to be lost through your windows while too little insulation causes energy to be lost through your roof or attic. 

Home energy savings doesn’t have to require a home overhaul.  A few simple steps can save you hundreds of dollars a year and conserve energy, reducing fossil fuel usage and pollution.

Eight Ways to Treat Migraines Naturally

Speaking of pain, migraines are the worst.  If you suffer from them then you know they can absolutely stop you in your tracks and ruin your day.  And if you suffer from them then you’re not alone.  More than 29.5 million Americans have migraines.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Migraine symptoms include but are not limited to:

* Severe pain on one or both sides of your head
* Pulsating or throbbing pain
* Nausea and/or vomiting
* Sensitivity to light and/or sound
* Extreme fatigue
* Headache pain lasting from several hours to several days

While there are millions of sufferers, many people do not want to take pharmaceuticals because of the expense, side effects, and potential risks. Not to mention that many drugs don't even really help all that much with migraines. The good news is there are several natural remedies for migraines.  Let’s take a look at eight ways of treating migraines naturally:

1.  Feverfew, an herb, is commonly used as a treatment for migraine, arthritis and fever.  It has been shown to cause a significant decrease in migraine frequency among sufferers.  Unfortunately, as is the case with many herbs, there can be side effects including stomach distress and a possible interaction with blood-thinning medications, so be sure to check with your doctor before taking this. 

2.  5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, a compound produced in your body from the amino acid tryptophan, is used to make serotonin and melatonin.  You can also consume it in supplement form.  It has been studied for its ability to reduce the severity and duration of migraines. 

3.  Magnesium, a mineral naturally found in many foods including greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, has been studied for its ability to reduce the frequency of migraines in sufferers.  However, high doses of magnesium may cause stomach distress, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and it can interact with some medications. Many people are actually deficient in magnesium, so taking a fair amount wouldn't hurt, and could help with other deficiency conditions as well - but you'll want to check with your doctor and get a blood test before taking any large doses. Small doses of 500-250 mg should be quite safe for most people.  

4.  Butterbur, an herb, has been studied for its ability to prevent migraines and it has very few side effects or interactions.   However, if you’re allergic to ragweed then skip the butterbur because they’re in the same family.  You can consume butterbur in tea and extracts and capsule form.

5.  Vitamin B2.  Studies have shown a great reduction of migraines in people who take riboflavin for at least three months, and women who suffer from menstrual migraines seem to receive a significant benefit.

Flax seeds (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6.  Omega-3 essential fatty acids are also thought to reduce the frequency of migraines.  Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel and can also be found in flax seeds and some nuts.   Recommended dosage is 5,000mg in capsules of either flax or fish oil.

7.  Acupuncture has been used to treat migraine/headache successfully for many years.  Not all practitioners are created equal.  Make sure you have a licensed therapist and be sure you’re comfortable with needles.

8.  Biofeedback, guided imagery and relaxation techniques are also highly recommended by many migraine experts to not only help with pain relief and reduction, but to also begin to recognize early on when a migraine is pending so you can stop it in its tracks. 

The causes for migraines are numerous and mysterious.  One way to try to begin to determine the cause or causes for your migraines is to keep a migraine journal.  Often people find that certain foods are migraine triggers.  If you suffer from migraines, make sure you eat a nutritious balance of foods, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly.  These simple steps, in addition to natural migraine treatment, may have you migraine free in no time.

Six Natural & Safe Painkillers

Let's face it - pain is a part of your life.  We don't often think about it that way, but in actuality it’s something to be grateful for, because it is your body’s natural defense against further injury.  Imagine what would happen to a runner’s knee if they didn’t feel the pain of overuse or improper form?  They could damage it beyond repair.  It’s also normal to not want to feel this pain, and to want to reduce it or alleviate it when it occurs.

Coated 200 mg ibuprofen tablets. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Unfortunately, drugs such as NSAIDS come with a whole slew of possible harmful side effects.  That’s where natural painkillers can be a great benefit, particularly if you’re dealing with an injury or chronic pain.

Let’s take a look at six natural painkillers:

1.  Arnica is a wonderful herb that comes from a lovely yellow flower that grows in the mountains of Europe.  It has been shown to be quite effective in reducing inflammation and the pain related to inflammation.  This natural painkiller is great for treating arthritis, muscle and tendon sprains and strains and even bruising.  Arnica can be taken orally with a homeopathic remedy or applied as a topical gel.

2.  Curcumin, an ingredient in Turmeric, is a wonderful painkiller which also suppresses and reduces inflammation. Inflammation is often the cause of joint and muscle pain.  Curcumin can be taken as a capsule, and is said to be better absorbed by your body if you take it with bromelain which is an anti-inflammatory enzyme found in pineapple.

3.  Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory compounds that keep your body in a state of optimal health by blocking chemicals that cause inflammation in the body.  In a study of rheumatoid arthritis patients, daily supplementation with 2.7 grams of EPA and 1.8 grams of DHA resulted in a significant reduction in the number of tender joints.
 
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in flaxseed, hempseed, and cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.  You can also take fish oil supplements.

4.  Boswellia, aka frankincense, is an herb that treats chronic pain.  Like many of the other herbs it decreases inflammatory compounds and thus leads to the reduction of pain for both minor injuries like sprains and strains and also chronic pain like arthritis.

Devil 's claw, Proboscidea louisianica (Photo credit: Vietnam Plants & The USA. plants)

5.  Devil’s claw is a fruit that is native to South Africa.  It has been used to reduce back pain and arthritis pain. Compounds called iridoid glycosides have pain-relieving and inflammation-fighting capabilities.  However, if you suffer from stomach issues, consult approval from your doctor before beginning to take Devil’s claw.

6.  Feverfew is a long-standing natural pain remedy and works quite well for headaches, minor pain, arthritis pain and fever.  It’s been shown to actually cease the development of headaches and to stop migraines in their tracks.  It works by relaxing blood vessels in your brain and preventing them from constricting. 

Natural painkillers can be your healthy way to mitigate or eliminate chronic pain or pain caused by minor injuries.  However, just because an herb is natural doesn't mean it doesn't have side effects so it pays to take caution when adding any herbal or natural remedy to your routine.  However, the side effects are generally significantly much less harmful than those of NSAIDS. Check with your alternative healthcare practitioner to be sure before using.