Seize The Day Blog

Health & Wellness Articles & Recipes

Lemon Baking Soda Water: Natural Remedy for Indigestion

 

Lemon, Baking Soda, and Water. Three simple ingredients is all it takes to create this “healing” water of sorts. I don’t often like to play the skeptic when trying a new remedy, I prefer to be optimistic about the end result. However, I must admit that I was skeptical about three regular ingredients having the ability to spark any kind of reaction from my body. I mean, if such a simple AND effective remedy existed wouldn’t I have heard about it by now??

I am more than happy to admit that I was very wrong! There came a point after my diagnosis with epilepsy when I was forced to rely solely on natural remedies. It was during this lifestyle change when I learned just how society has programmed us to rely on antacid products from the pharmaceutical section in the grocery store to solve our tummy issues. Truthfully, you can find relief just by using the ingredients already in your kitchen! Who knew?!

I didn’t realize just how monumental this fact really is until I stopped to consider the long term effect of antacids on your stomach’s ability to function properly. Thanks to its name, it is pretty obvious that the purpose behind the antacid is to reduce stomach acid. However, have we ever stopped to consider that maybe we need that stomach acid in order to break down particles within the intestines so that we can reduce the ache? We associate acid with things that cause more damage and not less, especially when conditions such as Crohn’s Disease exist. 

Crohn’s Disease is the overabundance of stomach acid in the digestive tract to the point where it actually begins to eat holes into the intestines, hence it’s pseudonym “Leaky Gut Syndrome.”

You can read more about Crohn’s Disease here on Seize the Day Blog and some of the treatment methods. 

However, indigestion can happen regardless of a person’s current stomach acid levels. Take me, for example…I have multiple deficiencies due to an improper diet of processed foods and no vitamin supplements for many years. These lifestyle choices unfortunately took their toll upon my entire body, most especially my digestive system. Basically, I struggle to properly absorb nutrients from the foods I consume.

Because I fed my body synthetic ingredients and zero nutrients for such a long period of time, I actually created a habit of poor absorption without realizing it. Now that I am aware of the problem, I am actively striving to retrain my body to behave as God intended it to once again. However, breaking habits can be difficult and it has been quite the feat trying to make any progress in a positive direction. Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way admitting defeat on my journey toward whole-body health, but my story is a great reminder that every body is unique and therefore needs its own unique care. Reducing stomach acid in my case does not help me, it actually hurts me. It further impairs my ability to properly digest foods, which means my deficiencies are also worsening. So, less stomach acid isn’t always a great idea either. 

This presents quite the dilemma for every human being because now you’re trying to figure out which category you fit into…too much stomach acid or not enough. Don’t worry, I have a solution that bypasses this problem completely! My love for the Lemon-Baking Soda Water stems from both its effectiveness and the fact that it does not tamper with your stomach acid levels. You can drink this remedy without worrying about the long term effect it is going to have on your digestive system. 

When I’m searching for stomach relief, I don’t want my stomach acid reduced, I simply want my stomach ache reduced. Is that too much to ask for?

**Well, if you as pharmaceutical companies, then Yes, yes it is. I have thoroughly researched antacids and I am yet to find such a product that is free of chemical compounds, composed of only real ingredients, and still successfully improves your gut health. Personally, I usually desire immediate relief when I feel the need for an antacid product. It is difficult for me to think ahead during a stomach ache. But, if I do try to consider the consequences of using an antacid I will find that, contrary to popular belief, the relief of a stomach ache by reducing your stomach acid isn’t the best method. 

My stomach is low on stomach acid already due to my multitude of deficiencies so it is particularly detrimental for me. I did some research and I discovered that (like most things) antacids are a fabricated product based upon a remedy made from natural ingredients that history has simply forgotten. 

The baking soda, water, and lemon in this natural remedy work as a team to break down blockages inside your intestines the old fashioned way…detoxification through your stool and urine. No tricks, no gimmicks, and definitely NO chemicals. In addition, this water remedy “cleans” you out so to speak without altering your stomach acid. It is always amazing to me how such a simple recipe can successfully solve a problem that I previously believed was only possible by chemical-based recipes. Before choosing synthetic products, I highly recommend checking your all-natural options first because in my experience there is usually at least one effective option to try.

 

Some tips for this water…

  • Always drink on an empty stomach in the morning before breakfast. I have found that this remedy is most effective when it is drunk before any morning beverages, such as coffee, or food is consumed. I prefer to drink my water and follow it up with breakfast, which is usually oatmeal for me. Something about eating afterward seems to aid the process of pushing the lemon baking soda water through your intestines thereby cleaning out existing blockages. I’m not going to sugar coat it people, the result is going to be some time spent on the toilet. This is why I highly recommend doing this remedy on a day when you can stay at home near a toilet for about the first hour after drinking this remedy. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes before the water takes full effect and once the detoxification process does begin it can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Don’t worry, you won’t be pooping all day long. Things vary from person to person, but it’s typically only one round of bowel movements. The state of a person’s digestive system will determine just how much detoxification is necessary to reach a cleansed state. I have found that one round alone is all it takes to feel overall improvement in your stomach. I typically feel “cleaned” out and lighter. 
  • When drinking the Lemon-Baking Soda Water be sure to use a straw so that the acidity from the lemon does not affect the enamel of your teeth. I also rinse with a glass of water after I’ve finished the remedy just in case any residue from the lemon is leftover. 
  • This indigestion remedy is strong so it is best to only do it for three days and then take at least three days off. This gives your intestines and your enamel a rest from the ingredients. Trust me when I say that three days in a row is enough to clean out an impressive amount of blockages and improve the overall state of your digestive system.   

 

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.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

These muffins are the whole package! They’re yummy, healthy, and versatile! What do I mean by versatile??? Well, you can easily swap out the apple ingredient in this recipe for banana if you’re looking for that same great fruity infusion but you prefer a different flavor. The cinnamon ingredient meshes well with either fruit. Lately, I’ve been trying to implement sulphur-rich foods into my everyday diet because I happen to have a severe sulphur deficiency. And one of the primary symptoms of sulphur deficiency??? Seizures!!! As an epileptic, this piece of information caught my eye big time! You can read more about sulphur deficiency and seizures here on the blog.

Anyway, I stumbled upon this recipe (originally from Morgan Elizabeth Health) because of the almond flour ingredient. Nuts and seeds are a fantastic source of sulphur, especially almonds and its byproduct almond flour. So I figured, why not give these muffins a try?? I’ll implement more sulphur into my daily diet AND I’ll be able to snack on a yummy treat while doing it! Truly, it’s a win-win.

When it comes to making the change from unhealthy to healthy foods in your diet, it is necessary for you to take the first step down this path and these muffins are a great way to do this! Cooking from scratch can be an incredibly daunting task, but in reality you’re simply following step by step directions. It took me a while to realize this, but once I did I discovered that I actually really enjoy baking! I also learned that homemade food tastes so much better than processed food!

“Any cupcake consumed before 9AM is, technically, a muffin.”

– Brian P. Cleary

 

Healthy Granola Bar Recipe

It may be common knowledge that granola bars are a fabulous snack for people of all ages, but did you know that when done right granola bars can also be a prime source for those minerals and nutrients your body desperately needs???

When I think of commercially processed granola bars I actually think of this product as more of a dessert than I do a healthy food source. This is probably because granola bars have become packed full of unhealthy things like refined sugar and chocolate chips. Don’t get me wrong, I love a little flavor boost in my snack foods just as much as the next person, but I just can’t get on board with ingredients like Corn Syrup, Soy Lecithin, Soybean Oil, Glycerin (which is frequently derived from Soy), Invert Sugar, and Calcium Carbonate. All of which happen to be in one of the most popular granola bar products currently available on the processed foods market.

***Side Note: Calcium Carbonate is most commonly used as an antacid to prevent indigestion…Is it just me or do you also find it strange that a supposedly healthy product like a granola bar also contains an ingredient to prevent indigestion for the consumer. Hmmm….could that possibly mean that the product contains a few unhealthy ingredients that no human should actually consume??? 

The answer to this question is a resounding “YES!” The reason for this unfortunate reality is that the food corporation’s bottom line is prioritized highly above the long term health of the consumer. It is this incredibly concerning mindset in such corporations that should inspire you to read the ingredient label on every single food product you plan to consume. Trust me, it is worth it!  

It is always disappointing to discover that a product you love is actually comprised of ingredients that are the worst quality possible and (realistically) should never be consumed by any human being EVER. The reality is, you must look to yourself if you are going to overcome this challenge we all face regarding the food industry. The quality of ingredients has gradually decreased with the passing of time, most especially in the last 50 years. Society has come to rely on things like microwaveable meals and fast food restaurants to fulfill the category of “Ideal Family Meal.” What I’m suggesting when I say, “look to yourself,” is actually much simpler than it may sound…I’m only asking each person currently reading this article to consider trying the “old-school” method of cooking from scratch using real ingredients. Ingredients that are sourced from real foods and not created in a lab.

 

 

Now, I’m no professional chef nor am I anywhere close to being such, but I have had to completely change my daily diet due to my diagnosis with epilepsy. It may sound funny to some, but the day I had my first seizure was actually the day I took my first step down a path toward a healthier lifestyle. The sensitivities I suddenly began to develop while trying to fight off seizures actually turned out to be blessings in disguise because they forced me to change in ways I never would have if it wasn’t an absolute requirement in order to get through the day. Food is one of the most common seizure trigger categories because we come into contact with it so frequently. Learning how to create healthy eating habits is a wonderful way to begin your own journey toward decreasing your seizure activity (if you are an epileptic, of course). But hey, even if you aren’t an epileptic, eating healthier is a great way to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs in order to maintain long-term healthy brain function.

That being said, cooking from scratch has been simplified thanks to technology. There are so many simple recipes available online. Cooking tutorials are also available and in video form too so that you can get the help you need any time of the day or night. When I first began favoring homemade foods over processed food products I learned very quickly that your best skill while trying to master this seemingly large feat is to take every recipe one step at a time. If you become overwhelmed and panic, you most likely aren’t going to create something edible…I’ve been there so I know, charcoal is not a great meal option.

These Granola Bars are a favorite of mine also because they are filled with these three ingredients: nuts, nut butter, and whole grains (oats). All of which are sulfur-rich foods! A sulfur deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, one being convulsions. If you are an epileptic, I have a question for you…Have you ever had your sulphur levels checked by a professional doctor?? If not, it might be worth looking into. I happen to be incredibly sulphur deficient so in addition to supplementing my problem, I have also been trying to consume more sulphur-rich foods in my daily diet. These granola bars are a simple and tasty way to accomplish this task. Only eight ingredients and they taste like caramel popcorn! Yes, please!

If you would like to learn more about sulphur deficiency, here is a must-read article for you.

*Recipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven’s Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Crustless Bacon Quiche (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)

Let’s face it, there is no easy way to remove both gluten and dairy from your diet. It can be really tough to find good recipes that you actually look forward to eating instead of choking down some irregular meal for the sake of your body’s health. You can’t starve to death! That obviously isn’t going to help improve your current circumstances one bit! So, to preserve one’s own life it is common to returning to old eating habits despite your desire to improve your diet. There is also the scenario where removing these ingredients isn’t a choice for you, it’s a requirement do to allergies or health issues. But how do you successfully take what appears to be only a diet change and turn it into a beneficial lifestyle change? You get some darn good recipes first and you tackle your challenge second. This is one of those meals that I have found to be a wonderful breakfast, lunch, or dinner option and it is super easy!

I love making this quiche at the beginning of the week and slicing it up throughout the week for lunch. Reheating one individual slice each day makes lunch quick and easy, but yummy and healthy all at the same time! It’s a win-win! The best part about a quiche is that you can change the ingredients to fit your taste as well. This is a great way to mix up your meals throughout the week just in case you get tired of eating the same thing over and over again. It happens easily, trust me I know!

I hope this recipe will make it easier for you to successfully keep with your diet restrictions no matter the motivation behind your lifestyle choice. I love pairing a piece of zucchini bread along with it to provide a bit more solidarity to my lunch. We want to eat healthy, we don’t want to starve!

Enjoy!

 

Homemade Peach Tea (Sugar-Free)

It’s 93 degrees in SoCal right now, the sun is shining and I’m craving some summer!!! Unfortunately, June is still a month away so I’m settling for the next best thing…

Homemade Peach Tea!!! I really love to experiment with beverages when it gets super hot outside and this year is no exception. I have a soft spot for herbal tea, especially chamomile tea and it got me thinking one day…How would this chamomile tea (that I normally drink hot) taste on ice?? I was hoping for a refreshing beverage and that is exactly what I got! I love love love this tea cold! But I didn’t stop there…

First, I have a question for you. What is the best thing to do with an overripe peach that smells amazing and would probably taste amazing too, but has a mushy texture that would be pretty gag-worthy if you tried to eat it??? You cut that sucker up and stick those pretty little slices in the freezer! Don’t let that sweet peach flavor go to waste! If it isn’t moldy, it doesn’t need to go in the trash can just yet. Get the most from your overripe peaches and add them to your iced chamomile tea! Plus, the overripe sweetness is going to remedy the lack of sugar that typical peach teas tend to have. I used to love the Bellini Peach Tea at the Olive Garden up until I found out they used syrups for both the peach flavor and the sugar. This option here on Seize the Day Blog is much healthier and still just as refreshing! It makes me feel like it’s summertime during those times that I just do not have the patience to wait for the official start date of the season.

I usually add 2-3 peaches to the bottom of my glass, add lots of ice cubes, and then I fill the glass with chilled chamomile tea. Drinking the Peach Tea with a straw works best so that you can continually stir the peach and chamomile flavors together. I also like to poke at the peaches (which will thaw pretty quickly) to release even more delicious peach flavor! Lots of mixing is the best way to get the perfect mix (no pun intended ;)) of both the herbal tea and the fresh fruit.

I prefer Stash Tea’s Organic Chamomile Tea and Whole Foods Market has had the most amazing Organic fresh peaches so far this season!

Two ingredients are all it takes to make a sweet, flavorful, and refreshing drink for people of all ages! The recipe is below, Enjoy!!

Perfect Springtime Fruit Salad

There is something about the combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries that makes me long for Summertime! Don’t get me wrong, I’m very much enjoying Spring in California, but there’s always a part of me that longs for the June, July, and August months!

A refreshing fruit salad is a perfect way to celebrate the amazing fruit and veggie season we’re already having thanks to all of those rainy days that took place at the beginning of 2020.

My fruit salad isn’t complicated, on the contrary, it is incredibly simple, but it will make your entire household happy. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are the only ingredients you need. Dice them to fit your preference and mix all three fruits together in a bowl.

Finally, enjoy your beautiful creation!

 

 

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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.

Piña Colada Smoothie Bowl Recipe

The humble smoothie bowl is an excellent option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner…although I must admit that I prefer this particular dish for lunch. We all try to be healthy on a daily basis, but sometimes it can be difficult to stay on the “Straight & Narrow Path” that is clean eating when a lot of meal prep is involved. We can’t all spend hours in the kitchen preparing a full-blown meal made from scratch. So how does one get a well-rounded and nutrient-filled meal in a short amount of time?

My typical answer is a smoothie bowl. It’s easy to create your own recipe using the ingredients available in your own fridge and don’t be shy when it comes to creating something new! It’s pretty hard to mess up a smoothie bowl so let your creativity fly! The only equipment you need is a blender…any blender will do the job!

When it comes to my personal smoothie bowls, I like to mix recipes up quite often. I mean, I wouldn’t want to get bored with my lunch. During one of these “mixing it up” sessions, I ended up with a piña colada style smoothie bowl and I really enjoyed it so naturally, I had to share the recipe! If you love the pineapple-coconut flavor combo this smoothie bowl is a must try for you!

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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!

 

 

 

 

 

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

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.