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Epilepsy Insight #5: Vitamin D

When a person is diagnosed with Epilepsy and not sure about what their next step should be, I always suggest a bloodwork panel to test the body’s primary vitamin and mineral levels to better understand his or her current state of health. Appearances are often deceiving and what appears to be a perfectly healthy body might actually be a body full of deficiencies that can lead to serious health issues. By putting your body under a microscope, you will be able to understand yourself from the inside out. This knowledge will also allow you to form a solid gameplan for long-term healing instead of chasing lots of rabbit trails that promise healing, but actually, deliver disappointment.

By far, Vitamin D is one of my Top 5 nutrients to get checked if you have been diagnosed with Epilepsy. Honestly, it would be wise to take preventative measures and get your levels checked even if you have not been diagnosed with a medical condition just so that you can know whether or not you have any deficiencies in need of supplementation.

However, since this is a discussion for those with Epilepsy the focus will be on Vitamin D in relation to Epilepsy.

Quick fact: Vitamin D deficiency alone can cause a person to have seizures. Yep, a simple deficiency is all it takes to cause brain malfunctions for certain individuals. Therefore, it is imperative not to overlook the minute details.

It still shocks me that my neurologist never ordered a bloodwork panel to measure my vitamin, mineral, and toxin levels. Logically, it makes sense that one can only understand what is happening to your body on the outside by first examining your inner-body function.

There are many different forms of Vitamin D that exist in your body, however, in order to measure the amount of Vitamin D present in your blood, you must check Vitamin D3 levels specifically. The only downside is that you will not be receiving a measure of your Vitamin D at a cellular level. But, if the levels are low in your blood, you can expect the level of Vitamin D in your cells to be even lower. This is because the amount of Vitamin D in our blood is a direct reflection of the amount in your cells. So if you’re showing low levels in your blood, it means the cells do not have enough Vitamin D to disperse evenly throughout the body. This results in a deficiency. This may affect exactly how much VItamin D you need to accurately supplement because (despite what your blood levels say) your cells may need more than you realize in order to correct the deficiency long term. It will take time to build the levels of Vitamin D back up to a truly healthy level, a level that will remain consistently healthy.

Personally, I had my Vitamin D levels checked about 8 years after my initial diagnosis. Better late than never, right??? This optimism may sound a bit ridiculous, however, if you wish to correct a problem (i.e. seizures) you must first understand your dilemma in its entirety. And I needed more info! So the necessary bloodwork was completed…

Let’s just say that the word “dilemma” is putting the entire situation concerning my Vitamin D levels lightly. According to the medical profession, the “Normal” range should be somewhere between 30 and 100. With 30 being considered a deficient level and anything lower being incredibly dangerous.

My own level came back as “1.” Yep, that’s right, numero uno. Almost zero. As you’ve probably already inferred, these results mean that I had almost no Vitamin D present in my blood at the time of my test. This also means that the level of Vitamin D in my cells was even lower (if that’s possible).

The good news is there are a lot of supplement options to correct this particular deficiency. And it gets even better…Vitamin D3 is easily absorbed by the human body; even for people like me who struggle to absorb all vitamins and minerals.

Immediately following my disturbing results I began taking Seeking Health’s Vitamin D3 Drops. The standard dose, according to the product label, is one 2,000 IU drop. The dosage will depend on the person and should be determined by a doctor, but typically the recommendation is to take the supplement every day. This dose will equal out to 14,000 IU per week.

Because my levels were both extremely and unusually low, my neurologist prescribed a weekly dose of 56,000 IU to start or 4 drops a day, 7 days a week. It only took about one month to elevate my blood levels from 1 to 62. According to my neurologist, this is a very healthy level of Vitamin D for any human body.

So, don’t give up even if you do discover that you have a deficiency. Instead, think of your discovery as another piece to the puzzle you are trying to solve in order to find long term healing for your body. I am living proof that it is possible to correct your deficiency and I can say from experience that my seizure activity decreased significantly once I began supplementing with Vitamin D.

The link for the supplement I used is provided above and can be found easily on a variety of marketplaces including Amazon.

Check out Epilepsy Insight #5 for more information on Vitamin D & Epilepsy:

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Homemade Sugar-Free Strawberry Lemonade

 

Being sugar-free is always a challenge, but it is especially challenging when trying to make a recipe like lemonade that is practically 90% sugar and 10% lemon juice. It wasn’t easy, but thanks to Lacy Baier from A Sweet Pea Chef, I was able to adapt a lemonade recipe that deliciously mimics the sweet flavor that all lemonade should possess. Warning: It is so delicious and refreshing it will make you long for Summer!

This recipe is a combination of regular lemonade and strawberry juice so I have included both lemonade recipes below. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Epilepsy Insight #4: Epileptic Friendly Product Recommendations

Sometimes I feel like a broken record anytime I discuss how sensitive epileptics are to a wide variety of ingredients and products.

Personally, I have struggled with ingredient sensitivities since my diagnosis with epilepsy in 2009 so it’s pretty much just a fact of life for me. However, the key to living with these sensitivities shouldn’t necessarily be limited to figuring out WHAT to avoid, rather HOW to avoid “said” ingredients or products by learning about alternatives. Finding a substitute is the real challenge because everyday products and foods contain A LOT of ingredients that can behave as seizure triggers.

My family will often joke around about me being their “Canary in the Cage,” because my reaction (seizure or no seizure) after eating or using something will automatically reveal the presence of a seizure trigger in that product or food. It is a really great insight when trying to eat clean and use clean cosmetics, but the seizure remains the same as always…inconvenient.

So, here are a few products that I have used in relation to improving my overall circumstances of living with Catamenial Epilepsy.

The first product is a cream called Bach’s Rescue Cream and it is a wonderful homeopathic remedy for surface wounds. In the video for Epilepsy Insight #4, you will see that I used it for post-seizure first aid purposes. In Epilepsy Insight #3 you can learn more about how the particular injury occurred. In this latest Epilepsy Insight (#4) you can see the remarkable improvement this cream has made in healing my own fingernail scratch across the right side of my upper cheek. I would also like to bring attention to the fact that only 7 days have passed between videos #3 and #4, which means a quick recovery for your facial wound.

I cannot even begin to tell you how many dirty looks my poor brother got when we went out in public together while my scratch was still healing. FYI: He is a huge teddy bear and was sorely misjudged! My point is, everyone wants an injury to heal quickly, especially one that is on display for the general public.

Honestly, I use this cream for any surface wound and it works like magic. Truly. Another positive is the product’s clean ingredient label. Certain manufacturers are incredibly skilled at hiding dirty ingredients by choosing not to list the ingredient whatsoever on the packaging. Cue the canary…I have used this product for years and not once has it ever acted as a seizure trigger for me. The amazing quality of the product extends past the ingredient label and resides in the makeup of the actual cream, as well. Needless to say, it is my go-to for all skin related injuries.

The second product is a wonderful magnesium supplement by Jarrow Formulas and it is called MagMind. Low magnesium levels are never good and they are often associated with seizure activity. When epileptics get nutrient panels done to test their bodily levels of vitamins and minerals, they usually display levels that classify them as magnesium-deficient. Good to know, but what can we do to fix the deficiency???

Personally, I prefer homeopathic methods to conventional methods because homeopathic products use natural sources of the vitamin to correct the deficiency while conventional medicine uses synthetic sources. Translation: the natural source will actually correct the problem while the synthetic source will only create more problems and has the potential to interrupt your body’s natural ability to produce the vitamin or mineral. Of course, please remember that I am not a healthcare professional, therefore, you should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your daily supplement routine.

When you flood your body with synthetic versions of any vitamin or mineral, here is the most common problem that we want to avoid:

Your body cannot interpret the chemical makeup of the synthetic version of the vitamin therefore it cannot properly disperse it to the correct location where this vitamin can be properly absorbed. Instead, your body will either discard the imposter product or it will store the product in its entirety in your cells. If the ingredients in this synthetic product are toxic (It possesses a completely chemical makeup so, Yes, chances are very good that it contains some toxins) your body will indirectly store toxins in your cells.

You do NOT want your body to do this! We already struggle to prevent this from happening due to large amounts of toxins found in our food, environment, cosmetics, etc. Once toxin build-up reaches a concerning level, the human body will begin displaying signs. They may start out as small and hard to miss signs, but eventually, you will begin to notice that something in your body’s ability to function is amiss.

Toxicity build-up in your cells could be the culprit behind these “misfunctions” so it’s always something to take into consideration. Seizures are one sign of toxin build-up in the cells. Every epileptic is different, of course, but years of research have consistently shown us that most epileptics’ bloodwork results often display high levels of heavy metals (one of the most basic forms of toxin build-up at a cellular level).

Your body will warn you of such mishaps in the way it functions, but you must remember to listen to these warnings rather than brushing them off as “nothing.” I learned this lesson the hard way and trust me when I say it is much better to investigate these “nothings” before they get the chance to turn into “somethings.”

To learn more about each recommendation, watch Epilepsy Insight #4:

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Healthy Homemade Trail Mix

Finding healthy and tasty snacks when you’re both sugar-free and gluten-free can be a tad challenging. However, this trail mix is the perfect mix of savory and sweet for those moments when that “case” of the munchies turns into a full-blown investigation…

Plus, if you decide to try the recommended products for the almonds and cashews you will be getting an added bonus from the soaked nuts. Dr. Linda’s products are soaked in saltwater making these nuts an excellent source of magnesium! If you’re deficient in this particular mineral, like me, then you’re definitely going to want to try this product! I speak from experience when I say that these soaked nuts are very tasty and pair well with the flavors of the dried fruit products included in this trail mix recipe!

I used the dried apricots from Made In Nature which you can find on Amazon (link provided) and dried cranberries from Albertson’s O Organics product line, which you can find in Von’s, Albertson’s, or Safeway stores.

You can find Dr. Linda’s products on her website: www.DrLindas.com

Epilepsy Insight #3: Post-Seizure First Aid

One of the biggest challenges of living with a condition like epilepsy is dealing with the unconsciousness or absence that accompanies most seizure activity. Whether it is a Tonic-Clonic seizure (completely absent, full convulsion and/or shaking limbs) or a Partial/Absent seizure (still absent, but it is a much more mild type of bodily action; only blanking out rather than a full convulsion with shaking limbs). Partial/Absent seizures also tend to last for a shorter amount of time (mere seconds, usually) than Tonic-Clonic seizures which can last for seconds, minutes, or in some extreme cases, hours.

My point is, the epileptic has little to no control over his or her limbs during a seizure. The result of this fact is unfortunate, but it is something to be aware of…post-seizure first aid isn’t always optional. For those instances when you need to treat bumps, bruises, or scratches, be sure to check out some of my recommendations from this week’s Epilepsy Insight. Epilepsy Insight #3 focuses specifically on this topic of post-seizure first aid because of my own recent need for treatment. I scratched my face with only my fingernail, but it looks pretty bad. So, I am sharing recommendations that I have used personally and I have found that each product mentioned in this video promotes quick healing. Let’s be honest, when you have a scratch across your face like I do in this video you don’t just want it to heal quickly you NEED it to heal quickly so that people will stop staring at you with extreme pity.

So, watch the video and check out my recommendations for Sovereign Silver Colloidal Silver, Bach’s Rescue Cream, and Himalayan Sea Salt.

If you have any questions about the content in the video, please feel free to email me at katie@seizethedayblog.com or DM me on Twitter or Instagram (@seizethedayblog for both). For those of you living with epilepsy, stay strong! Even when it doesn’t feel like it, you still have lots of fight left! Today is not the day we let epilepsy win, today is the day we conquer epilepsy together!

Epilepsy Insight #2: Seizure Triggers

Seizure triggers seemed like a good first step with this series. If you are struggling with epilepsy then you must be familiar with seizure triggers and the great inconvenience these ingredients can cause…

According to the Epilepsy Society, seizure triggers are “situations that can bring on a seizure in some people with epilepsy…Triggers can differ from person to person, but common triggers include tiredness and lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking medication” (https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/seizure-triggers).

Although triggers do differ from person to person, some common triggers do exist that seem to provoke seizure activity in the majority of epileptics.

Personally, I have found the following food ingredients to be seizure triggers: rosemary, cloves, nutmeg, mint (peppermint and spearmint), rosehip, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, monosodium glutamate (MSG), soy, and chili (seasoning). These are only a few of the many seizure triggers that exist. Watch Epilepsy Insight #2 to get my full list and more info on how to avoid these seizure triggers in your daily life. Full Video available in the link above and below.

You can also view Epilepsy Insights on Instagram and Twitter. Please email me via katie@seizethedayblog.com or DM me on Instagram (@seizethedayblog) with any questions about seizure triggers. I’m always happy to help! 🙂

For more information on seizure triggers check out the following articles:

6 Common Seizure Triggers that May Be Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinet

3 Seizure Triggers Every Epileptic Should Be Aware Of: Caffeine, Alcohol & Processed Sugar

Epilepsy Insight #1 – New Video Series

 

Hello Seize the Day Blog readers!

I recently began a new video series on my Instagram account (@seizethedayblog) called Epilepsy Insights. The series is pretty self-explanatory…I have been living with Catamenial Epilepsy (a form of epilepsy caused by a hormone imbalance) for 11 years now and I wanted to share the insights I have learned from my personal experience with the condition. My hope is that these insights will help others to avoid the same mistakes I have made while on my journey with epilepsy. The trial and error process of learning what to do and what not to do is a tedious one at best so if my knowledge can aid another with their own personal journey with epilepsy then I will be able to consider this series a success.

As per usual, I am no doctor, but I am a Catamenial Epilepsy patient. I know how it feels to hit rock bottom. I know how it feels to want to give up. However, I also know how it feels to have some support during these difficult times. It makes a huge difference to know you are not alone in your battle. So, I am sharing these insights with the hope that they will offer you, my readers, some much-needed support. If you have any questions about any of the content in the videos, please feel free to email me your questions at katie@seizethedayblog.com or DM me on Instagram. These videos are simply my way to offer those of you also struggling with epilepsy a little support. Every insight is simply a suggestion from me to you and you should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your daily routine.

Click here to view Epilepsy Insight #1

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Red Enchilada Sauce

I absolutely love Mexican food! It is, hands down, my favorite food genre…Is that even a thing??? I have no idea, but if it wasn’t before it is now. One of my favorite things about living in California is the fabulous selection we have of this type of food! Sooooo I’ve been searching for a Red Enchilada Sauce recipe that could actually compare to the sauces served in authentic Mexican restaurants. Thanks to the amazing food blog, Gimme Some Oven, I finally found one that I’m so in love with I had enchiladas for dinner last night and again today for lunch. If we still had some leftover, I would most definitely have enchiladas again for dinner. Not many foods reheat in such a way that they taste even better the second time, but this sauce is one of those diamonds in the rough and it is amazing. So, if you were wondering I have absolutely no shame admitting to the fact that I would eat enchiladas three times in a row. Not only is the flavor amazing, but it is a recipe that is actually healthy for you! It’s a win-win! The recipe is below and I hope you enjoy it as much I do! Bon appetit!

If you’re also looking for an amazing beef enchilada recipe to go with your red sauce, check out this recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

 

Fight Back Against Your Common Cold

Herbal teas are used for many different things, but most of all they’re used to heal. Whether it’s a hot cup of tea to bring comfort during a stressful time or to sooth a seasonal cold, tea is great for both!

When I was a kid I used to turn to products such as cough drops and liquid cold medicine. It was common knowledge in my house that those were the types of products you used to fight a cold. However, as an adult I now have allergies and sensitivities that actually prevent me from using the afore mentioned products. At first, this made for some incredibly inconvenient circumstances. Let’s face it, learning a brand new regimen for healing is challenging on any given day, but it is especially tedious when the outcome for my mistake(s) could be 1 or more Grand Mal seizures. It’s a game changer, that’s for sure, but it has taught me to err on the side of caution. So cautious I have been when it comes to introducing potential solutions for healing….

Early on, I learned about the benefits of hot tea. Both herbal and handmade. Here I am ten years later and herbal tea remains my go-to product for fighting the average cold. So here are some of my favorite products and recipes:

As always, organic is your optimal choice when it comes to herbal teas. It is especially important because while your tea bag steeps and becomes stronger, so will those pesticides if you use a non-organic product. This is not beneficial for your body’s ability to fight against a cold nor will it contribute to your body’s long term health. So, do yourself a favor now and just go organic. 

Echinacea Tea – This is probably the most widely known herbal tea for treating the common cold. And there is just cause be-cause this particular leaf is chalk full of beneficial nutrients necessary for you to begin moving toward healing instead of regressing into an even more miserable illness.

+ Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Echinacea-Plus-Pack/dp/B07PVCDS3P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=RD5SPP12U57Z&keywords=traditional+medicinals+echinacea+plus+tea&qid=1578444310&sprefix=traditional+medicinals+chin%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-4

Catnip Tea – While this plant tends to make kitties go crazy, it actually has a calming effect on the human body. It is from the mint family and blends well with others teas from this same family such as peppermint and spearmint. The calming effects are best for soothing sore throats and coughs. When you can’t use a cough drop, this is pretty much a life line for your raw and achy throat. 

+ Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Herbals-Organic-Blossom-Caffeine/dp/B01MS85RA2/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-Y2F0bmlwIHRlYQ%3D%3D-ac_d_rm&cv_ct_cx=catnip+tea&keywords=catnip+tea&pd_rd_i=B01MS85RA2&pd_rd_r=53b45c93-3286-4dfb-b8b1-34b91cbd893b&pd_rd_w=xKsp8&pd_rd_wg=mtNHK&pf_rd_p=6d29ef56-fc35-411a-8a8e-7114f01518f7&pf_rd_r=31WE9X6SKGDJ6030VMVS&psc=1&qid=1578444542

Peppermint Tea – The mint family contains some pretty amazing super powers. Like Catnip, this tea also soothes sore throats and coughs. However, Peppermint goes a little further by actually helping the human body in a multitude of other ways as well. For instance, epilepsy patients may want to consider this tea if they are looking for a way to eliminate stress and promote calm behavior. 

This tea has worked for many epileptics (myself, included) and it tastes great hot or cold. But when using it for cold-fighting purposes, it is best to drink it hot. 

This next super power is for the ladies…This tea can also help relieve menstrual cramping. I speak from experience here when I say that the soothing properties of the peppermint leaf do have an effect on those muscles in your lower abdomen as well. I tend to get some pretty bad cramps and this tea has successfully alleviated all pain.   

+ Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Peppermint-Herbal/dp/B0009F3PJ4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=traditional+medicinals+peppermint+tea&qid=1578444719&s=grocery&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=1-1

Chamomile Tea – This particular tea is probably my favorite hot tea to drink for pleasure and for therapeutic purposes. The mild taste of the chamomile flower makes for a gentle, yet soothing tonic that has proven time and again for me personally its powerful immune boosting abilities. Some people are scared away by the terms “Gentle” or “Mild” because they are afraid this is code for Cheap, Ineffective, and Weak. Yes, the soothing effects of Chamomile are gentle on your body, however, this does not mean the effects fail to accomplish their purpose. In fact, characteristics such as Gentle and Mild are actually preferred by people like myself who have A LOT of sensitivities to ingredients in general. So, before writing this particular tea off as ineffective, I beg you to try it so that you too may experience the benefits of the chamomile flower. If you would like to increase the positive effects of this tea, add a tablespoon of raw organic honey. Plus, it makes your tea a little sweet and I’m always pro-sweetness! are actually a lifeline for an epileptic like myself because I have A LOT of sensitives to ingredients in tea is not effective. On the contrary, chamomile herbal tea mixed with 1 tablespoon of honey make for one powerful cold-fighting tonic without any synthetic chemicals. Why not give this particular tea a try??? 

+ Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Chamomile-Pack/dp/B01L9U9KIC/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=traditional+medicinals+chamomile+tea&qid=1578444857&s=grocery&sr=1-4

Honey/Lemon Tea – I usually like to use one tablespoon of honey alone as a cough remedy, however, this tea goes ten steps further and it is amazing! The antibacterial properties from the lemon and the soothing temperature of the warm water make for a magical tonic that really does sooth those annoying coughs! It is especially useful when I cannot get my coughing to stop. Whenever that happens I drink some of this tea. Its simple too! Only 1 lemon, 1 T honey, and however much warm or hot water you wish. Just remember, the less the water, the stronger the flavor so be careful if you’re looking for a mild flavored tea. 

***Side Note: There is quite a large of amount of just straight lemon juice in this recipe so take caution when it comes to your intake. Lemon juice is very harsh on your teeth, therefore, it is best to drink no more than 1-2 times a day. Also, if you would like to take extra precautionary measures, drink through a straw. It is best to drink warm so if you do use warm not hot water this should be doable. If the water is too hot for a straw, no worries, but you should probably brush your teeth after drinking the tea. This is what I like to do in order to try and protect the enamel on my teeth. 

+ Product Recommendation for the Honey:

https://www.amazon.com/Eco-Bee-Farms-HONEY-Unpasteurized/dp/B006MWDFUC/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_0_6/147-4298615-2431315?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B006MWDFUC&pd_rd_r=21a5ab61-88d2-47bf-8e4c-d17ed14044a7&pd_rd_w=WboqI&pd_rd_wg=McRsA&pf_rd_p=b1bfe359-2fd4-467d-b6e5-960dee9202b3&pf_rd_r=29WCACG1WKCJAYX7G8PD&psc=1&refRID=29WCACG1WKCJAYX7G8PD

Ginger-Honey Tea – It’s only three ingredients, but it is packed full of immune boosting ingredients! First, we have the raw organic honey. I prefer to use the product by YS Eco Bee Farms. It is unfiltered, unpasteurized, and kosher.  I always love to see these characteristics in a product like honey because I know all of the beneficial properties naturally found in honey haven’t been filtered out during unnecessary exposure to high levels of heat. Nor have these beneficial properties been removed by chemicals. Raw is always better. And this honey makes any amazing addition to any tea, especially this one! Combine the honey with the second ingredient and you have the makings a magical recipe.

Fresh, raw ginger isn’t always the favorite flavor for people, but it sure does protect your body from bad bacteria. It is also wonderful at eliminating the bacteria currently in your body. So, when we’re talking about the common cold, this raw ginger ingredient will help strengthen your body’s immune system in order to prevent getting sick. If you already have a cold, it will build your body’s natural immunities to help you fight and find healing that much sooner. For every other possible situation, it will boost your immune system to keep you healthy all year long. It is important to note that I am talking about ginger root here, not the powdered ginger found on the Spices & Herbs aisle. For this particular ingredient, you’ll want to use a pairing knife to remove the skin of the ginger root, keeping only the bright yellow inside of the root. Remember to take as little of the bright yellow part as possible while carving your ginger root because we want as much of this inside our tea as possible.  Once you have removed all skin, use a cheese grater to shred your ginger root into fine strands. It is important to shred it like this instead of just sticking the whole root into the cup of tea because the shredding process actually allows more of the nutrients to be distributed throughout the entire cup of tea. If you stick the whole body without first shredding many of these beneficial nutrients will remain inside of the thick body of the root.

Lastly, we have the coconut oil. This is one ingredient that is fantastic for everything. You name the problem and I’m sure we could find a way to use this product to help improve “said” circumstances. Clearly I’m a coconut oil fan, but it is for good reason because this oil is just good for you. Everything about it works in your favor and contributes to your long-term health! So often, we find products that are filled with synthetic ingredients that, in reality, aren’t very beneficial at all. Take a magnifying glass to each ingredient’s true colors and you’ll find an ingredient that does more to hurt you than heal you. Inshort, its nice to find a product like coconut oil where the motives of the product are clear: to promote good health. 

Mix these three ingredients together and you’ll have yourself the trifecta tea for fighting a cold. Truth be told, I actually drink this tea everyday with breakfast to boost my immune system and it truly does wonders! In 2019 I only had one cold despite the multiple times throughout the year when members of my own household came down with very serious colds lasting at least 5 days. It’s powerful stuff and it makes you feel great too!  

If you only choose one tea from the list, I recommend this tea because it’s powerful stuff and it makes you feel great too! To learn more, visit my article From My Recipe Box to Yours: Ginger-Honey Tea.

Ginger-Honey Tea Recipe:

1 tsp coconut oil

1 T fresh grated ginger

1-2 T honey, Hot water

 

In conclusion, I hope all of these suggestions are helpful to you and maybe even contribute to your healing when dealing with a cold. However, please remember that these are simply suggestions and should not be viewed as instructions or advice meant to replace that of a medical professional. Always be careful and consult your doctor before making any changes to your healthcare routine. That being said, I wish all of my readers a very happy and healthy new year!! Let’s go 2020!

 

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Sources:

1. Catnip Tea Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Herbals-Organic-Blossom-Caffeine/dp/B01MS85RA2/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-Y2F0bmlwIHRlYQ%3D%3D-ac_d_rm&cv_ct_cx=catnip+tea&keywords=catnip+tea&pd_rd_i=B01MS85RA2&pd_rd_r=53b45c93-3286-4dfb-b8b1-34b91cbd893b&pd_rd_w=xKsp8&pd_rd_wg=mtNHK&pf_rd_p=6d29ef56-fc35-411a-8a8e-7114f01518f7&pf_rd_r=31WE9X6SKGDJ6030VMVS&psc=1&qid=1578444542

2. Chamomile Tea Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Chamomile-Pack/dp/B01L9U9KIC/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=traditional+medicinals+chamomile+tea&qid=1578444857&s=grocery&sr=1-4

3. Coconut Oil Tea Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074JFTNZ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

4. Echinacea Plus Tea Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Echinacea-Plus-Pack/dp/B07PVCDS3P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=RD5SPP12U57Z&keywords=traditional+medicinals+echinacea+plus+tea&qid=1578444310&sprefix=traditional+medicinals+chin%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-4

5. Honey Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Eco-Bee-Farms-HONEY-Unpasteurized/dp/B006MWDFUC/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_0_6/147-4298615-2431315?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B006MWDFUC&pd_rd_r=21a5ab61-88d2-47bf-8e4c-d17ed14044a7&pd_rd_w=WboqI&pd_rd_wg=McRsA&pf_rd_p=b1bfe359-2fd4-467d-b6e5-960dee9202b3&pf_rd_r=29WCACG1WKCJAYX7G8PD&psc=1&refRID=29WCACG1WKCJAYX7G8PD

6. Peppermint Tea Product Recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Peppermint-Herbal/dp/B0009F3PJ4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=traditional+medicinals+peppermint+tea&qid=1578444719&s=grocery&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=1-1

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

My Favorite Method for Effectively Cleaning Makeup Tools

Sensitive skin is an issue many people struggle with worldwide. And if we’re being honest with ourselves this really shouldn’t come as much of a shock. The majority of our makeup and skincare products are filled toxic chemicals that are harmful to the human body; both inside ands out. Naturally, our skin is going to become sensitive to such ingredients with the hope that we avoid “said” products altogether. Though avoiding harmful ingredients would be the ideal lifestyle choice, the unfortunate reality is that this process is a lot easier said than done. 

Check out the ingredient label for any cosmetic or skincare product and you won’t find a short ingredient list…what you’ll find instead could more accurately be described as an essay of words that appear to be written in a foreign language. To make matters worse, the ingredients used in such products consist mostly of chemicals. Seriously, check out the ingredient label on your cosmetic or bath/body product and see just how many ingredients are simple ingredients like water or salt. In my experience, I’m lucky to find one such ingredient and it’s usually “Water.” However, they do not specify the source of their water, therefore it could be water from a contaminated puddle on the street…not exactly the kind of clean source one would hope for in any product let alone a product meant for application on the skin. 

Like I said, these types of ingredients can feel impossible to avoid because practically every product contains them. If you try the more “natural” route, you will find products that claim to be healthier because they use a “plant-based” formula instead of a chemical one. However, did you know that Soy or soy-based ingredients fall under the umbrella of “plant-based” ingredients???

I’ve tried the chemical-based products and I’ve tried the natural products, but I’ve been disappointed by both. This trial and error process did help me to discover one interesting thing about the natural products though…

My seizure activity increased when I used the natural, plant-based products as opposed to the products containing straight-up chemicals. And not just with one single product either. I tried, at the very least, 15 different natural products and I experienced adverse reactions to every single one. It is difficult to chalk it up to coincidence when product after product causes a very obvious increase in my seizure activity. 

Based upon this experience, I now actively avoid natural products where cosmetic and skincare products are concerned. I am also incredibly wary where other natural products are concerned because of the frequent use of soy in such products. These products may be labeled as “natural,” but that in no way makes them healthier for you. 

My search for the perfect formula for both my cosmetic regimen and my skincare regimen continues to be an ongoing process. However, my search for an excellent cosmetic tool cleanser may be over…and this is, after all, just as important as your cosmetic product choices. 

What you use to clean your beauty tools directly affects the state of your skin because these products make direct contact with your face and neck. Plus, if you are using a cleanser that isn’t getting the job done, then these could be causing unnecessary breakouts, as well. And we do NOT want that!

So, what do we do to avoid chemicals in our beauty tools and, therefore, on our skin as well? And how do we get our tools clean in a way that makes them look brand new?

Keep reading to discover a simple, yet effective solution.

Shampoo and colloidal silver. That’s it. This may sound too good to be true, but it isn’t. The shampoo will provide a gentle, yet effective cleanse for your brushes while the colloidal silver will act as the anti-bacterial agent your brushes need in order to kill existing bacteria and prevent future bacteria growth. It’s pretty simple. 

There is no perfect shampoo product for the purpose of this article. I would recommend using the same shampoo product you are currently using for your hair because if you can use this product without any problematic skin reactions then it should be fine when coming into contact with your facial skin. When you think about it, the shampoo rinses down your skin while in the shower so if you were going to have a reaction you would have noticed by now. 

That being said, I will note that I prefer to use the Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo. It is a product my skin is familiar with and it is also a product that I know will not cause an increase in my seizure activity, which is always preferred. This shampoo smells good, it works wonders at cleansing both makeup brush bristles as well as sponges like my BeautyBlender. If you’d like to give it a try, I provided the link above for the Oribe website. If you’d like to sample the product before making a loyal commitment to the product, I recommend purchasing their travel shampoo product (1.7 fl.oz.) for $17. 

Colloidal Silver, on the other hand, is a must buy from Sovereign Silver only. This product is one of the best because the company takes the time to produce and package an excellent quality product. I actually use this Colloidal Silver as an anti-bacterial eye drop as well as an anti-bacterial spray for my hands. Whenever I use the typical anti-bacterial products such as Purell Hand Sanitizer, I always feel like I need to wash my hands afterward because they feel coated in a layer of gel. Colloidal Silver can be used without any of these adverse effects. It is wonderful and most definitely the healthier choice!

The Colloidal Silver comes in a dropper-style glass bottle. I love the glass, but the dropper is not ideal for the purpose of evenly spreading product across all of the bristles on a brush or the entire body of a sponge applicator. Disinfecting the entire area is our goal, therefore, I recommend purchasing spritzer style bottles and transferring the product to that instead. You can find an excellent quality product here.

An additional ingredient option to use for the purpose of cleaning your makeup tools is Avocado Oil. 

The oil is an effective tool for drawing dirt, bacteria, and oils from your makeup brush or sponge thereby giving the applicator a deep clean. A true deep clean is what we’re looking for, after all. So, it is best to mix one drop of shampoo for every three drops of oil. However, if you’re like me and you wash lots of tools at once I like to mix 1 teaspoon of shampoo for every 1 tablespoon of oil. Pour your mixture into a bowl of lukewarm water (start with 1 cup), mix well (until combined), and dip the head of each brush into the bowl. Swish the brush around the bowl in a circular motion while using your hand to thoroughly rub each brush. Gently squeeze the brush head to remove any existing makeup product. 

Yes, there is always the option to use the generic tool cleansers provided by cosmetic companies and maybe my suggested method of cleaning isn’t something that peaks your interest, but it is the healthier option for your skin. Take the BeautyBlender cleansing oil, for example. It is pre-made and pre-packaged in a pretty little bottle. It is made specifically for cleaning your BeautyBlender so that must mean it is the optimal cleansing option, right? 

Honestly, every makeup product contains chemicals as do their partner cleansing products so at this point it isn’t a matter of avoiding chemicals, it is a matter of maintaining your youthful skin. 

If any of my readers has experience with the BeautyBlender applicator sponge and cleansing oil, then you will know that this particular “cleanser” is actually incredibly harsh. The product actually strips the pigment from the sponge after only one cleanse. For those of you without personal experience with a BeautyBlender, here’s a little insight…BeautyBlender sponges are BRIGHT pink therefore removing the pigment is an incredibly difficult feat to accomplish when using any other cleansing products.

In addition, it takes quite a bit of cleanser to fully remove all traces of existing makeup from the sponge when using the BeautyBlender product. The sponge absorbs this cleanser into its fibers during the cleansing process just like it does with your foundation during the application process, which means traces of the cleanser will easily be transferred to your skin whenever you use the sponge. Not exactly ideal for those of us trying to avoid personal contact with such harsh products. So, I figure, why not just avoid it altogether???

I used a tiny bit of shampoo mixed with avocado oil to clean my beauty blender and it took maybe a minute to get ALL product removed from my sponge. It truly looked like a brand new BeautyBlender, bright pink and gorgeous. Absolutely no pigment was removed during the cleaning process, which means this method is A LOT more gentle! Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to cosmetics and if you’re happy with your methods then more power to you! However, I think we can all agree that it is never too soon to begin applying anti-aging methods to your skincare regimen. Youthful skin is always preferred. If you wish to maintain your youthful skin, the more gentle cleansing method is your ticket to achieving this goal. 

***Side Note: When drying your brushes, be sure to set so that the brushes are hanging off the edge of a surface or if you fold a wash cloth in half, set brushes so that the bristles hang off the edge.  You only want the metal base of the bristles and the handle to rest on the washcloth. In this way, you will prevent mold growth inside of your brush and you will allow the brush head to maintain its natural shape. If you lay your brush flush against the wash cloth or any other flat surface of your choice, your brush will be flattened on one side and full on the other. I have made this very mistake before in the past and trust me when I say it is NOT a good look. 

Plus, this method will help to extend your brush’s shelf life by preventing mold growth. If I’m confusing you with my directions for brush placement, check out the pictures above or below and you will see how I arranged my brushes along the folded edge of the washcloth. 

“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.”

– Audrey Hepburn

 

 

Sources:

Amazon: 

(Sovereign Silver Colloidal Silver Product): https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Silver®-Bio-Active-Silver-HydrosolTM/dp/B019ZPNH0A/ref=asc_df_B019ZPNH0A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343370342144&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17584857076311449946&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013549&hvtargid=pla-782188458860&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=68283614599&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343370342144&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17584857076311449946&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013549&hvtargid=pla-782188458860

(Spritzer Bottle Product): https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Sprayer-Essential-Colognes-Perfumes/dp/B079DXHBDS/ref=sr_1_15?crid=21D6ODJRS140S&keywords=spritzer+bottle&qid=1574287928&sprefix=spritzer+bo%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-15

BeautyBlender Sponge: https://www.sephora.com/product/beautyblender-P228913

Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo & Conditioner: https://www.oribe.com/shop/shampoos-conditioners-treatments/gold-lust-repair-restore-shampoo.html

Rocky Mountain Avocado Oil: https://www.rockymountainoils.com/avocado-oil.html

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.