Seize The Day Blog

Health-Related Articles & Recipes

Epilepsy Insight #14: Personal Seizure Update w/ THC

 

 

I have been using the THC-free CBD product from Green Grove I first discussed in Epilepsy Insight #13 and I am so pleased with the result that I am providing a little progress report so that all of you may see firsthand the progress that I have been experiencing these past four weeks! That is, I have gone exactly one month without a grand mal/tonic-clonic seizure! It has been years since I experienced that kind of length between seizures so I just cannot be happier. I also know how difficult it can be to decide which treatment route is best so for those of you who may be considering the CBD treatment route, this progress report is an excellent example of just how beneficial it can be when done correctly (that is, THC-free).

I am no doctor so the choice is yours, I am simply sharing my personal experience with vaping. Once again, I am using the Green Grove Vape Pen in the Lite Citrus Breeze flavor. All flavor ingredients are sourced from real lemons, by the way, no synthetic ingredients. I actually called the Green Grove company and spoke to a representative about the exact ingredients used in the product. The pen is rechargeable so that you can save money and the refill cartridges are readily available through Green Grove, as well. You can learn more about my experience with the Green Grove product in the video below.

If you have any questions about the information here on Seize the Day Blog, please feel free to email me at katie@seizethedayblog.com. I’m always happy to help!

 

 

 

 

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.

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

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-SilverÂŽ-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. 

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Steak Nachos

One of my favorite things about living in California is the amazing selection of Mexican Food! You can find a different amazing Mexican restaurant on practically every corner. Okay, maybe I’m over exaggerating a tiny bit, but there are lots of options! I am absolutely positive that I will never get tired of nachos, enchiladas, burritos, salsa, or guacamole…if that was going to happen I’m pretty sure it would have already during my 26 years of living in Southern California. To say that I’m grateful for this selection is an understatement. So naturally I also enjoy making lots of my own Mexican-inspired dishes, such as the Steak Nachos you can see pictured above.

This cuisine type is also fantastic for those of you who are gluten-free! They have made amazing strides with corn and seeing as though I was 100% gluten-free for the first half of this year, this was truly a God-send! Corn chips and corn tortillas open up an entire gateway to delicious food options for those trying to avoid gluten. Sometimes a meat and veg dish just doesn’t quite hit the spot…cue the nachos, tacos, and chips and salsa!

Needless to say, I ate A LOT of Mexican food from January through August, but even now I’m still not tired of any of these dishes. I do believe my own experience is worth mentioning for those trying to avoid gluten because it is easy to forget that there are both corn and flour tortillas available. Choose the corn and you’re good to go!

This recipe is fabulous with both chicken or steak so feel free to branch out from the steak. Also, if you like a little extra kick to your nachos, dice a jalapeĂąo and top to taste. Enjoy!

“The only problem is whenever I try to make a taco, I get too excited and crush it.” – Kevin, The Office

Colloidal Silver: One of History’s Best Kept Secrets

There are many things we come into contact with on a daily basis; food, people, technology, and if you’re living in the southern region of California like me, traffic. But regardless of location, there is something consistently present in the life of every human being…and that is bacteria. There are lots of sources of bacteria and there are lots of antibacterial agents available to assist us in fighting against the build up of bacteria. We’ve all seen the store shelves full to the brim with a variety of these products, not to mention the ridiculous amount of commercials. But what about antibacterial agents when it comes to personal care? 

Although lots of products exist to create bacteria free environments (well, maybe not completely free, but significantly decreased) they tend to be filled with chemicals. And personal care antibacterial products are exactly the same. 

Let’s take a look at rubbing alcohol…it seems to do a particularly great job at disinfecting wounds, however, it burns the inside of my nostrils if I get even the tiniest whiff of it while trying to rub it on the injured area. This prompts me to wonder, “Just how safe is this food-grade rubbing alcohol for my body to absorb upon application?” My nose certainly isn’t raking in any benefits! But what other options do I have???

Usually it’s just another chemical-filled product that ushers in the same concerns I have about rubbing alcohol. I’m not saying to quit using rubbing alcohol completely, in fact, I have a bottle of 75% Alcohol in my bathroom cabinet right now. Nor am I recommending anyone to abandon their current antibacterial methods. But I would like to inform you of a long forgotten antibacterial agent that is both successful at eliminating bacteria and gentle on the user. This product is a naturally occurring metallic element and it has no smell (so your nose can get a break from the chemical stuff).

I’m talking about Colloidal Silver. This element, which served as a very popular antibacterial agent for infants during the Depression era, is often overlooked by people nowadays. There are so many products available for the average consumer it really isn’t any sort of mystery as to how this happened, but it is unfortunate for the consumer who is looking for a more natural method for eliminating bacteria where personal care is concerned. It is even more unfortunate for the average Joe wanting to eliminate bacteria in extremely sensitive areas on the human body, such as the eyes.  

I was recently reminded of Colloidal Silver after a visit to the eye doctor. As I was finishing up my visit to get new contact lenses, my optometrist told me that I have a condition called Blepharitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids. Belpharitus usually involves the part of the eyelid where the eyelashes grow and affects both eyelids. Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes become clogged.” Apparently this is a common condition, but it is one that requires attention in order to prevent dry, itchy eyes in the future. I have a very mild case, but because of it bacteria is also collecting at the back of my retinas. 

So, my optometrist began discussing treatment options, which were all supposedly mild antibacterial products. My doctor knows of my preference for natural/Holistic products so he first recommended some tea tree oil wipes (apparently found at Trader Joe’s if anyone is interested). He said they will clean the base of my lashes where the bacteria is prone to collecting, but it will definitely burn if the wipe becomes too close to my actual eye. I checked the product out later for myself and saw that someone had left a review saying, “Don’t use this product. It will burn the crap out of your eye!” It must have hurt pretty bad because this guy definitely wasn’t holding back! It is tea tree oil so this definitely makes sense! However, despite the burning side effect I would have been reluctant to use this product anyway because Tea Tree Oil is a known seizure trigger for epileptics (which I happen to be). The strong smell of this essential oil is enough to turn people away, but for an epileptic you’re going to want to run in the opposite direction if you want to avoid increased seizure activity.

My only other option was special medical grade wipes that were created by Optometrists and formulated to help those dealing with Blepharitis. This may sound like the best option, however, these wipes are full to the brim of chemical ingredients. Are these ingredients actually safe for coming in contact with the eye?? Definitely not, but they’ve been approved for safe use regardless of their poor quality ingredients. Not exactly ideal for anyone looking for a healthy product.

Plus, the product he was recommending costs over $50!! Yeah, I’m not paying that much for some crappy wipes that may or may not help fix the problem. Call me crazy, but I don’t trust a product composed of ingredients created in a lab. Apparently, there are cheaper options if you search for wipes online, but I’m still not very impressed with the product options. 

Walmart carries a product called Blephadex Eyelid Wipes for $22.95, which is a more reasonable price, however, the ingredient label is just as scary as the $50.00 wipes and even more so since this product is composed of cheaper ingredients. 

Here’s a closer look at the ingredient label for Blephadex Eyelid Wipes: 

Aqua, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glycoside

***Side Note: Just as a reminder, an ingredient label lists ingredients according to their overall amount in the product. So, the first ingredient listed is going to be the most dominant ingredient in said product. The last ingredient will mean that there is a very small amount overall. So, now that I’ve covered that, there are a few ingredients I would like to spotlight on…

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: this is an ingredient frequently used in cosmetic products as a surfactant, an emulsifier, and a perfuming agent. It is basically the gross film leftover from the castor oil that collects during the hydrogenation process and would be much more suitable in the trash. 

In this particular product you will notice that the item is listed second on the ingredient label, which means, next to water (Aqua, the first ingredient), this is the primary ingredient in this particular product. So there is A LOT of it! And though it has been deemed “safe” for use in cosmetic products, it has a few dirty secrets… “PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is a polyethylene glycol derivative of caster oil; may be contaminated with potentially toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane” (EWG). In addition to 1,4 dioxane (a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and irritant to the eye that is actually banned in many countries such as Canada) this ingredient has also been found to consistently contain another contaminant that is even more dangerous than the 1,4 dioxane. This second contaminant is called Ethylene Oxide. This chemical is reported by the EWG to be a “known human carcinogen and it is has been shown to be a possible human developmental toxicant, human immune and respiratory toxicant or allergen, known human respiratory toxicant, and it has been classified as an eye, lung, and skin irritant.” So a product meant to improve the skin and eye area is actually composed of an ingredient contaminated by elements that will do the exact opposite. Hmm….is it just me or does something not seem right here??? 

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, another human carcinogen (EWG), though milder than the previous ingredients. 

Benzyl Alcohol is “associated with creating immunotoxicity and has been classified as expected to be toxic or harmful (EWG).”

Salicylic Acid is one of those ingredients that has been given the reputation as a positive ingredient because it is used in so many skincare products. However, it is actually a known skin irritant that many people are incredibly sensitive to, myself included! I actively avoid this ingredient when it comes to my cosmetic products. 

Sorbic Acid is a synthetically produced compound used as a preservative, but has a known reputation for being a human skin toxicant or allergen as well as creating organ toxicity (EWG).

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (coconut oil mixed with glycerin) is listed by the EWG as “a known environmental toxin,” but somehow it has not yet been listed as a toxin for the human body as well. Anything that has a poor effect on the environment cannot be any better for the human body…just sayin’.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is yet another synthetic ingredient that is also known to be contaminated by the carcinogen 1,4 dioxane. Nuff said.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is listed as an ingredient that is suspected to be an environmental toxin and has been restricted to limited use in cosmetic products due to the potential harm it may cause, yet it is found in a product meant to cleanse the eyelids. Hmmm…I wonder how an ingredient known to contain Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, 3-Dimethylaminopropylamine, and Nitrosamines (3 carcinogenic ingredients that actually contaminate whatever product they happen to be found in) can be considered as a beneficial or even desired ingredient for any product, especially one with the purpose of CLEANSING the eyelid of existing bacteria. How are contaminated ingredients supposed to help with the removal of bacteria??

Researching each individual ingredient might take a bit of time, but you cannot deny the facts I have provided above. The scary truth is, the majority of ingredients found in the Blephadex Eyelid Wipes ingredient label are both dangerous for human exposure and known to create irritation for the skin and eyes. 

Yes, there are other brands of wipes available, but their ingredient labels are also filled with chemically-derived ingredients so why risk your exposure to unhealthy products when a natural option exists?

While living with Catamenial Epilepsy for the last 10 years, I have learned to tread carefully where every processed product is concerned. After being exposed to a majority of unhealthy products and paying a very high price for it, I have come to favor natural/holistic solutions. In this case, I needed a solution to help fight the bacteria collecting in the back of my retinas and at the base of my eyelids. You certainly can’t use any of the “typical” antibacterial products for eye care, such as rubbing alcohol. And the medicinal wipes aren’t even close to being beneficial…so what now?

Colloidal Silver. “Colloidal silver is a commercially sold product that contains microscopic flakes of pure silver. Usually the flakes are suspended in demineralized water or another liquid” (Healthline). 

My mom is actually the person who recommended the product to me. She has lots of experience using it for antibacterial purposes. In particular, she has used Colloidal Silver to heal pink eye, styes, and tired/irritated eyes. As well as athlete’s foot, which usually requires chemically-derived foot creams in order to get rid of the fungus completely. However, by applying the Colloidal Silver before bed to the affected areas and wearing socks (in order to contain the liquid around each foot) she was able to get rid of the fungus in 4 days. 

After dealing with all of these situations she had no doubt that it would be gentle enough to use with my eyes and it would help with my condition. I was initially planning on using it to simply wipe my eyelids morning and night (this is the typical protocol according to my optometrist). However, my mom recommended I place one drop directly into each of my eyes as well as wiping the eyelids to help eliminate the existing bacteria too.

Did you know that Colloidal Silver was once a prominent antibacterial method for infants?? It is such a gentle substance that it can be trusted to eliminate bacteria without negatively affecting babies and toddlers. “Sovereign Silver represents the intersection of a long healing* tradition and state-of-the art modern science. Silver is a natural element that can be found in whole grains, mushrooms, mammalian milk, and water. It has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years, and Hippocrates wrote of silver’s healing and anti-disease properties in his medical texts. Colloidal Silver was a preferred choice of physicians in the 1930s before the advent of antibiotics” (Sovereign Silver). Needless to say this product is frequently labeled as “History’s Best Kept Secret” and I couldn’t agree more. 

There is a debate about the benefits and effectiveness between the two types of Colloidal Silver available. Dark Colloidal Silver (an amber color) contains larger silver particles, therefore making it more difficult for the body to absorb and creating a larger risk for toxicity due to the necessity for excretion of the larger particles. In addition, Colloidal Silver products bearing a darker color also tend to contain less bio-active amounts of silver particles despite the increased size of the particles themselves. “Colloidal Silver can have as little or less than 13% bio-active silver particles” (Sovereign Silver) as opposed to the 99.999% bio-active silver particles found in the clear Colloidal Silver. Overall, you’re receiving a stronger product with the clear Colloidal Silver that is going to be more likely to create positive change and/or healing for your body. 

Personally, I use the clear Colloidal Silver because of its potency and composition…due to the slightly unstable state of my digestive system this is the ideal choice because it eliminates any risk of toxicity from build up if processing and elimination is not happening as often as it should be. Plus, it guarantees a stronger product with a higher level of bio-active silver particles, which I like very much! In conclusion, the choice between dark Colloidal Silver and clear Colloidal Silver is really based upon preference.

Although I highlighted a few of the perks of clear Colloidal Silver, someone may need the dark Colloidal Silver for a particular reason based upon their circumstances. Both are equally wonderful products so it is up for you to decide which type of Colloidal Silver is most appropriate for you. 

When it comes to Colloidal Silver product options, I prefer Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol for Immune Support by Sovereign Silver because it is a great quality product! First, it is packaged in a glass bottle to avoid the chemical exposure from plastic. Second “it contains more than 98% bio-active silver ions and silver nano clusters, in pharmaceutical-grade purified water” (Sovereign Silver/Amazon). Third, it only contains two ingredients and these ingredients happen to be real ingredients, not ingredients formulated in a lab. 

99.999% pure silver and pharmaceutical grade water. That’s it. 

And I must admit that I absolutely love the minimalism of the ingredient label especially when you compare it to the eye wipes above. Lastly, both my family and I have used this product and we have received successful results every time! You just can’t beat personal experience! 

To all of my readers, this is not an advertisement for Colloidal Silver products, this is strictly an opportunity to share my positive experience with an unexpected product. Unfortunately it has been over shadowed by the (supposedly) “latest and greatest” pharmaceutical antibiotic treatments. However, it is difficult to deny the validity of a product that has proven time and time again to do exactly what it is supposed to do without any pesky side effects. This is why the pharmaceutical industry has never been able to successfully remove Colloidal Silver completely from our world. People like results when it comes to treating medical conditions and Colloidal Silver never ceases to deliver. 

It has certainly met my expectations! I began using Colloidal Silver to treat my Blepharitis condition. After only two weeks, I returned to my optometrist for a final check on the performance of my contacts. During the examination, my doctor inquired if I had been using the wipes he recommended. Hesitantly, I admitted that I had not followed his instructions but began using Colloidal Silver instead. First he asked me, “Isn’t that the stuff they used to use on babies?” To which I replied “Yes.” But it was his next sentence that really came as a shock! He said, “I am very sorry I didn’t know about this before to recommend to you, but I will definitely keep it in mind to recommend to others because I can already see a decreased amount of bacteria in the back of your retinas.” After only TWO WEEKS! 

The fact of the matter is, Colloidal Silver is a product that I prefer because of the factual evidence I have witnessed with my own eyes. Pink eye, styes, athlete’s foot, Blepharitis, not to mention it makes an excellent cleaning agent for plastic retainers as well! And that’s just the beginning! Although the medical and pharmaceutical industries would like everyone to forget about this amazing product, I am going to do everything I can to keep it relevant.

Silly medical and pharmaceutical industries! Haven’t they realized that Colloidal Silver is absolutely UNFORGETTABLE?! 

If you scan the internet for more information on Colloidal Silver you will find a great deal of skepticism from a variety of large medical institutes such as the Mayo Clinic. However, how can you argue against such clear evidence? Colloidal Silver is a safe antibacterial agent not because an institute has deemed it so, but because of the concrete evidence that can be tracked back to the 1930s.

***If you have any questions about the article above or you just want to share some feedback please feel free to contact me via email at Katie@seizethedayblog.com

 

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. 

 

Sources: 

Mayo Clinic / Blepharitis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370141

Blephadex Eyelid Wipes: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Blephadex-Eyelid-Wipes-30-Count/114764101?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=13042&adid=22222222227104787390&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=233717374268&wl4=pla-384298308859&wl5=9031417&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=117446900&wl11=online&wl12=114764101&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv8nqBRDGARIsAHfR9wAOsXTJwANHaVvYJY82SPCfPR4gu9nUOrMyww2OpOL2Y598tIIjBF4aAiZ9EALw_wcB

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704597/PEG-40_HYDROGENATED_CASTOR_OIL/

1,4 dioxane: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/726331/1%2C4-DIOXANE/

Ethylene Oxide: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/726229/ETHYLENE_OXIDE/

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700275/ALOE_BARBADENSIS_%28ALOE_VERA%29_LEAF_JUICE_EXTRACT/

Benzyl Alcohol: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700697/benzyl_alcohol/

Salicylic Acid: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Salicylic-acid

Sorbic Acid: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706224/SORBIC_ACID/

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701056/caprylic%3B%3B_capric_triglyceride/

Sodium Laureth Sulfate: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706089/sodium_laureth_sulfate/

COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701520/COCAMIDOPROPYL_BETAINE/

Healthline Colloidal Silver: https://www.healthline.com/health/colloidal-silver

Sovereign Silver Colloidal Silver Product: https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-SilverÂŽ-Bio-Active-Silver-HydrosolTM/dp/B019ZPNH0A/ref=asc_df_B019ZPNH0A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343370342144&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1746548706796271568&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013549&hvtargid=pla-782188458860&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=68283614599&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343370342144&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1746548706796271568&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1013549&hvtargid=pla-782188458860

Sovereign Silver Website: https://sovereignsilver.com/busting-silver-myths-should-colloidal-silver-be-amber-or-clear/

Keeping Up With Katie – Post #2

Seize the Day Blog Readers,

Well, an entire month has come and gone AGAIN! This can only mean one thing here on Seize the Day Blog…it’s time for a new post from my very special Keeping Up With Katie series!  

As you’ll see below, Post #2 explores more of my personal journey with Hemp Oil during the month of September 2018. 

I began using this Hemp product from the Charlotte’s Web by The Stanley Brothers corporation on July 20th 2018 and I promise to share ALL of my experiences with this product including the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. You never have to worry about biased evaluations because I am sharing firsthand exactly how this product affects both my total-body health and my current condition of Catamenial Epilepsy with the hope that it will help someone else dealing with similar health issues. 

In this case, September has been a month of positive activity and I am incredibly excited to share the wonderful improvements I have been experiencing over the past 4 weeks. I hope my feedback is both informative and helpful for those willing to take the time to read this very special article. 

As an epileptic, I understand the difficulties of living with a condition that can often put up roadblocks on the journey of Life. Therefore, I hope my own personal experience with this treatment method does help each and every reader requiring such a solution. In all honesty, Hemp oil was not my first choice, but as I’m coming to learn in just two short months of using this CW Hemp Oil…evaluating a product at face value and based upon here-say is never an appropriate way to determine its true worth. 

Month #2 with this product has been eye-opening, encouraging, and, most of all, beneficial.   

If you missed the first post from the series you can find it here or if you’d like more info on the series itself please check out the Introduction Article.

Please comment your feedback via Instagram & Twitter (@seizethedayblog) or feel free to email me at katie@seizethedayblog.com! Thank you!

RAW HONEY: The Sweet & Sticky Side of Natural Skincare

Finding a healthy, chemical-free set of skincare products has been an absolute nightmare for me lately! There are so many reputable companies proudly claiming that their products are paraben-free, phlalate-free, and sulfate-free, but the ingredients in their formulas say the exact opposite. Some days I research products for hours without finding any cleansers, toners, serums, or moisturizers that are truly chemical-free.

Not to mention, fad ingredients like Rosehip are becoming widespread amongst the little guys and huge corporations producing skincare products for the face and body. And while Rose hydrosol is an incredibly beneficial ingredient for balancing your overall complexion, its sister ingredient, Rosehip, is an absolute nightmare for your hormones because it naturally increases your estrogen levels. Be careful not to mistake the two ingredients when reading the label of a product because though they do share a similar source, one can benefit your overall body while the other can act as a hormone disruptor.

Little side notes like these are crucial for me when choosing a skincare regime because I’m already fighting against estrogen dominance. I need a product that is going to compliment my health not capitalize on an existing issue. Is this such a grand request to make for the products I put on the most absorbable organ in the human body? We may not always see the pores in our skin, but they’re there just the same and they will absorb the cosmetic products you put atop them.

I’ve gotten to a point where looking to cosmetic companies for products containing clean and healthy ingredients is no longer an option. Honestly, with the large amounts of poor quality ingredients being approved for use these days, finding good-quality skincare products is yet another overwhelming feat to accomplish. It’s seriously almost as difficult as trying to find organic jalapenos at the grocery store. Whenever I do find them, I can’t help but do a little victory dance in the produce section. I may look crazy, but I just found pesticide-free jalapenos…and do you know what that means?? Bacon, Jalapeno, and goat cheese grilled cheese sandwiches! Yum (psst…there’s a link to the recipe included)!

Back to the topic of skincare…

Should we just give up and use the substandard products? Oh how those cosmetic companies would love for you to do this and use their products! But, my answer will always be no! I already have seizures, I’m not exactly looking to add anything else to my medical history. If you’re teetering between using the standard chemical-filled products and truly healthy products, remember this one very important fact: You deserve better! Your body deserves better! And so does your overall self-esteem!

Be better than synthetic-filled products! Living a healthy lifestyle just feels good because it’s good for you! Also, if you’re experiencing problems with acne and breakouts, consider this: are these chemicals helping to clear up your issue or are they contributing to it? Logic tells us that bad ingredients will produce bad results while good ingredients can’t help but improve upon your body. When you put a moisturizer, for example, on your face, the effects are far more than just skin deep, contrary to what you see in the mirror.

I recently took the high road and ditched the commercial skincare products altogether. They weren’t producing the results I was looking for anyway, plus I wasn’t feeding my body nutrients by putting those chemicals onto my skin. In reality, I was actually poisoning my body and getting nothing in return except poor health. No extra soft skin, no perfect pH balance, no clear skin. I’ve reached the point where I’m no longer asking “Which product should I try next?” rather I’m starting to wonder “Why am I choosing to poison my body?” It’s as though I’ve hit a brick wall in the search for the perfect skincare regime. Honestly, now I’m questioning my methods altogether.

Well, the dilemma with this confusion brings us right back to the commercial skincare industry.

Society tells us that we should use these amazing and cutting-edge brands that have not only been promoted by well-known dermatologists, but are advertise incessantly on social media platforms, television, and paper advertisements. We don’t always realize it, but we’re bombarded by this industry on a daily basis to believe their lies…one lie in particular: buy these types of products if you want positive results. So it really shouldn’t come as that much of a shock to discover that everyone and their brother not only uses this particular method, but views it as the normal way (and sometimes the only way) to treat skin issues, as well.

I certainly fell for these lies! Even after I ditched the chemical skincare products, I was still searching for something similar only healthy. I’m talking about still using the same basic system recommended by the dermatologists. If you look at any supposed “well-rounded” skincare system, it is typically comprised of a cleanser, a toner, possibly a serum (depending on the severity of your acne), and a moisturizer. Some other systems also recommend an eye cream and some sort of spot treatment for stubborn cystic acne. But wait, there’s more! An exfoliant once a week to clean dead skin off the surface of your face is held in high regard by skincare professionals AND on top of all this, a facemask to replenish your skin and make it “glow.” I’ve used plenty of facemasks over the years from a variety of brands and I’m still yet to see my skin “glow.”

If you want to get really complicated, you can also try the Korean method which uses anywhere from 7-15 different products in the routine. I wouldn’t recommend this method to anyone who is typically in a rush in the mornings. Not only is it time-consuming, but it is also complicated. I have tried this method and I have to admit that using 7 products for my regime did produce decent results in my skin, but it was nothing to brag about. In fact, I’ve actually had better results from using only 3-4 products. As you can imagine, this amount of products from a name brand company cost a pretty penny! Worst of all, at the end of the day, the penny was prettier than my skin and I was sick of it!

I then moved on to a more natural form of skin treatment. I found some products by a company called Rawsum Organics that are natural enough to eat. The company called their product raw skincare because not only were their ingredients natural, they were also organic and food grade! Their set consisted of the standard cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and exfoliant. However, instead of a huge ingredient list only found on the packaging because it is literally too long to fit on the product itself, the entire set of skincare printed each ingredient label loud and proud on the very front of each bottle. Why? Probably because the ingredient list for the cleanser only consisted of four ingredients total, the toner 3 ingredients, the moisturizer 3 ingredients, and the exfoliant also 3 ingredients. You could combine the ingredient lists of the all four products and it would still be less than the ingredient list of one commercial product. Who knew this even existed??? I was shocked when I found the set, but more than anything it restored my hope that maybe the cosmetic industry isn’t completely devoid of good quality manufacturers.

I used these edible skincare products for almost two months and never experienced any interference with my epilepsy. Typically, skincare products contain the soy-derived ingredient, Tocopherol, which is a seizure trigger for me, personally. To my great relief, Rawsum did NOT use any soy-derived ingredients. To my great dismay, they did use other ingredients that just did not react well with my skin-type. I have oily skin naturally and although I noticed the Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, and Castor Oil ingredients on the labels, I was desperate for something free of chemicals. As expected, my skin reacted with increased breakouts and an incredibly uneven skin tone. It reached a point that made it absolutely necessary for me to make a change. I still recommend the Rawsum products to anyone with a dry skin complex, but Oily-Combination skin types should be wary. There is no guarantee that your skin will react the same way mine did, but it’s always good to be careful!

When the raw products didn’t work out, I had absolutely no idea what to do next. Finding the Rawsum products was a miracle from God, I knew that trying to find something similar was going to be a long shot. I stopped researching products being sold by other organizations and started researching DIY skincare. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, I do it with food all the time, so why couldn’t I do it with my skin products, too? Plus, if I was able to find a decent recipe for a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, it would be a guarantee that I was finally feeding my skin instead of harming it.

Why hadn’t I thought of this sooner??? Well, I have but other rabbit trails got in the way and my actually pursuing the idea. Part of me probably thought it was going to be too much work and the other part of me still had faith in the skincare industry. I was also skeptical about whether or not I could actually make something that would be beneficial, not just some crazy concoction that pales in comparison to the typical products with the perfect texture being sold today. I failed to look past the outer and focus on the inner because the ingredients of these products are far from perfect.

This time around, I was out of any other ideas, I had already tried the majority of options provided by commercial products, and my skin was NOT looking good.

I was way past the point of “pulling out the big guns” and I had reached the state of desperation where, as anyone who has also been in my shoes knows, anything is possible. And I do mean anything!

My skin had seen better days and I wanted nothing more than to clear it up. The acne on my face and neck confirmed the obvious…my pores were being clogged by my previous choice of skincare and the visible blockage was spreading quickly…I needed a miracle and I needed it yesterday.

As I researched recipes for a healthy cleanser, one ingredient kept popping up in a majority of the recipes. It was Raw Honey. Huh…so simple. Was it actually possible with its natural sucrose structure to improve my acne rather than add to the existing problem? The answer is yes. Honey is famous for being anti-bacterial and healing to the skin. Though we mostly use honey for eating purposes these days, this delicious nature given product was commonly used amongst medical professionals as a disinfectant to treat burns, cuts, and other minor injuries. As it turns out, honey has been used to heal the skin for generations…we just forgot this helpful information thanks to all of the commercial products that have been created over the years to replace it (although not one of them has ever been able to compete with the natural abilities of raw honey). You can’t create God-given abilities in a lab, no matter how hard those scientists try! I’m sorry to burst those scientists’ bubble (actually, I’m not), but Honey is one of a kind! I just like to give a shout out to those hard working bees across the globe…thanks for doing what you little guys do day in and day out!

Right now, I don’t know what I would do without raw honey and I hate to think about what my skin might look like if this simple product wasn’t the beneficial powerhouse history has proven it to be!

I decided to skip a DIY recipe and go back to the basics instead. I started using just straight up organic raw honey (I prefer Tropical Traditions, you can’t beat the quality of their product!) on my face instead. After I get out of the shower, I spread an even layer of honey on my face and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. I usually leave it on my face for the full ten minutes just so that the honey has plenty of time to really get into my pores and clear out the bacteria causing my breakouts. After ten minutes, I wet my hands with warm water, not hot water! Hot water will kill the beneficial elements in the honey that not only clean your skin, but naturally balance the pH levels in your skin, as well. Bye, bye red blotchy skin when you use raw honey as your cleanser and toner!

Once your hands are wet, take some time to thoroughly rub the honey into your skin. Think of it as working the honey even deeper into those pores. In this way, you will also incorporate water into the honey mask, loosening the sticky layer, and making it much easier to wash off.

Once the honey is completely removed, I like to pat dry my skin using a washcloth. Instead of rubbing the cloth across your face, pat your skin so that you are not wiping away any honey residue that might be left. When I say residue, I mean the good stuff that is happily soaked into your skin already, not the leftover sticky substance that was missed while washing. I’m not expecting you to leave any honey on your face all day, that would be inconvenient for anyone. By all means, wet your washcloth and wipe that honey off!

The pat dry method helps to further work the honey soaked into your pores further into your skin. You definitely want this on your skin all day, which is why I have chosen not to use a toner afterward.

The toner is a potent cleansing device that will wipe away anything on the surface of the skin. It does not discriminate, therefore, it will wipe away the beneficial matter in addition to the detrimental matter. Using a toner means removing the healthy leftover honey in your pores, you do not want to do this nor do you need to! The honey is already attending to this issue.

The toner is also created to help restore balance in your skin’s pH levels, but the honey takes care of this issue too (and much more successfully than any other product I’ve used in the past). So I have found it to be irrelevant in my honey based skincare routine.

I do, however, still follow up the honey with my moisturizer despite the fact that I am yet to find a chemical-free commercial moisturizer product or a decent diy recipe for this particular product. I’m still on the lookout and once I find one I will be sure to announce it here on Seize the Day Blog. Until then, I’m stuck with what I have. I tried only using the honey and not following it up with anything, but my skin felt shriveled, tight, and like it needed a serious drink of water. If you have any suggestions for a natural and chemical free moisturizer, please comment!

I apologize that I do not have a healthy moisturizer to recommend in combination with the Raw Honey. However, if you are interested in the moisturizer I am currently using and which I have found to be the best yet in accordance with all skin types, I can most definitely share that info!

The brand is Karin Herzog and it is called Oxygen Face. For a more intense moisture delivery I recommend the brand’s Vitamin H Cream. My mom uses this one and she loves it! Both products ship the fastest from amazon if you are interested in trying them out (there is a link with the product name above and in the sources list below). The ingredient list isn’t perfect, but it is free of soy-derived ingredients and I do not have a seizure when I use it! This is a huge benefit for me and also says something for the overall quality of the moisturizer despite the chemicals.

Who knew that something as well-known as honey, could be so beneficial for human skin? It took about three days to begin seeing serious changes in the amount of acne on my face, but it only took one use to begin seeing healing. I honestly could not believe my skin when I looked in the mirror after rinsing off the honey mask for the first time. Not only that, it felt good to put something on my skin that I knew was healthy for it, truly healthy. I haven’t been able to say that about my skincare in a long time! Finally, an affordable product that will treat your skin at a miraculous rate! Honey is fed to people from all walks of life on a daily basis, so why not feed it to your skin too???

 

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.

Sources:

http://naturalhealthnews.blogspot.com/2008/12/estrogen-in-moisturizers-may-worsen.html

https://www.dermstore.com/product_Vitamin+H+Cream_13414.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnubLBRC_ARIsAASsNNlo1amiPsI9WPx5u52-alnzf63GxCphbxHxqwaUxAmBVrc1bOThXc4aAmIHEALw_wcB&scid=scplp13414&sc_intid=13414&utm_source=fro&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_term=skin+care&utm_campaign=500686

https://www.amazon.com/Karin-Herzog-Oxygen-Face-Ounce/dp/B0002Y5JC8

https://us.karinherzog.com/en/about-us

https://healthytraditions.com/organic-raw-honey-17-6-oz-glass-jar.html

http://www.rawsumorganics.com/mini-kit.html

http://www.rawsumorganics.com

Rosewater

https://wellnessmama.com/13344/homemade-honey-face-wash/

Hormone Overload: Phytoestrogens & Xenoestrogens

Hormones are one of those incredibly relatable topics because we ALL have them and we ALL deal with them in one way or another during multiple points of our lives. A lot of us are probably thinking back to those puberty days when acne and unstable emotional reactions were at an all time high, but the truth is hormones are with you at every stage of life. Our bodies just happen to cope with them differently depending on the stage. So, yes, our bodies do outgrow the acne and emotional breakdowns, but unfortunately, we never fully leave those pesky hormones in the past.

Here’s the main problem I happen to have with hormones: keeping them stable. I do not believe hormones were this difficult to control in the good old days when people cooked more at home using recipes and real ingredients.

What I mean by this is that when someone wanted to make fajitas for dinner (maybe for game night?), they would make fajitas and everything required from scratch using only fresh ingredients. No, I’m not kidding. People used to cook everything using the “from scratch” method and you know what? They were a lot healthier because of it!

Are you wondering why I chose such a random food to use as an example? There is a rhyme to my reason. I actually just finished making crock-pot fajitas for dinner tonight; they’re slowly cooking as I type this sentence.

In addition to a multitude of other ingredients, the recipe I used (link above) calls for 1 pack of fajita seasoning, 1 jar of salsa, and 1 bag of frozen fajita mix veggies.

I am extremely sensitive to the majority of ingredients used in processed foods so obviously this wasn’t an option for me, personally. But, for many other people, they’re just fine with these “short-cuts” and take advantage of the time saving options offered by the local grocery store. Yes, these do provide you with a bit more time to put toward other priorities in your life, but the minutes given back are only momentary. The long-term effects of these poor quality, processed food products can last a lifetime. They chip away at your health as if it was old paint on the side of a building until you are left with nothing but a weak immune system or worse, a serious illness.

You don’t want to chip away at the paint; you want to add a topcoat in order to protect the existing paint. Fresh ingredients will serve as your topcoat because they contain the vitamins and nutrients the human body needs in order to function properly. So, instead of using a jar of salsa, I found a fantastic recipe for blender salsa and made it completely from scratch. No need to worry about hidden ingredients because I chopped, peeled, minced, and measured every single one!

Instead of settling for a packet of fajita seasoning (notoriously known for containing large amounts of monosodium glutamate (MSG)), I made my own using common ingredients found in your typical spice rack (in other words, real not synthetic!).

Lastly, we have the bag of frozen fajita mix veggies…honestly, it’s as if these food companies are selling laziness. It really isn’t that much work to slice up a few bell peppers. I would know since I just finished doing it not even 30 minutes ago! There is something about frozen foods; they have this funky aftertaste that I really can’t stand! I know freezing food is supposed to prolong its shelf life, but sometimes it tastes stale once you cook it! Bypass this issue or even the possibility of this issue by skipping the frozen foods altogether. You’ll find fresh bell peppers to be much more flavorful when they’re baking in the crock-pot. At this point, it is more about the quality of meal you want to prepare than it is the extra five minutes you are trying to save.

So what do hormones and fajitas have in common?? Here’s the powerful thing about food…depending on what you eat, the effect on your health can be beneficial or it can be detrimental. It’s up to you and the choices you make in your everyday diet that will determine which category you fall into. Ideally, people want to be in the “beneficial” group. Realistically, the majority of people (especially in America where fast food has become second nature) are eating themselves into the “detrimental” group.

Fast food is not the primary culprit, either. Products such as fajita seasoning packets, salsa from a jar, and frozen foods are contributing factors, as well. The ingredient label on any processed food product never fails to be polluted by synthetic ingredients.

Though this is an unfortunate fact about the food industry today, there are actually two synthetic ingredients in particular that I would like to discuss. They are called Phyto-Estrogens and Xeno-Estrogens, perhaps you have heard of them already. If not, continue for a full description and how to avoid these dangerous ingredients. They have grown quite popular in recent years and are, therefore, included in a vast amount of processed food products.

You probably noticed the female hormone, Estrogen, in the name of these two ingredients. If you were wondering, No, these are not naturally produced forms of Estrogen. They are synthetic and they are detrimental to your hormone stability whether you are male or female.

Here’s the thing about Phyto-Estrogens and Xeno-Estrogens, they are imposter ingredients that have been created in a lab. If you look up the word “phyto” in Webster’s Dictionary, you will find its Greek origin to be ‘phuton,’ meaning ‘plant’ or ‘phuein,’ meaning ‘come into being.’ Do the same thing with “xeno” and you will find the Greek origin to be xenos, meaning ‘stranger, foreigner,’ or ‘strange.’ And that pretty much says it all…

“Come into being,” not naturally derived from the human body. Phytoestrogens are typically extracted from plants, but make their way through the lab before they’re put into food products. It is difficult to find details on phytoestrogens and their process of “coming into being,” therefore; you have no guarantee about the quality of the source. In addition to this shady process of creation, phytoestrogens also pose a problem in the way that they interact with the human body.

Their reaction once inside the body is actually quite worrisome and just plain annoying. Phytoestrogens have one goal when they’re floating through your digestive tract, waiting to be dispersed to the next place deemed appropriate by your body…And that goal is to replace the existing estrogen hormones produced by your endocrine system.

If given the opportunity, these synthetic hormones will latch onto your estrogen receptors and try to take the place of existing forms of estrogen that have been produced by your own body. If you consume phytoestrogens on a daily basis, you just might be destroying the balance of estrogen or testosterone in your body without even realizing it.

As for xenoestrogen, its name destroys any chance of this ingredient blending in or attempting to be derived from real ingredients. Anything put into creating this imposter ingredient is chemical and ‘strange.’ Scientists actually named this ingredient perfectly! For them to actually get a clue and name an ingredient appropriately while risking the exposure of its true nature makes me wonder what exactly the ingredient label is for xenoestrogen. On second thought, it’s probably better not knowing. Either way, this alone should be motivation to avoid xeno-estrogens completely.

Whether you are male or female, your body is already naturally producing a number of hormones to fill the necessary need. If you are deficient in one hormone, you can be sure that your body is going to work extra hard to compensate for this imbalance and eventually heal the deficiency altogether.

Your body knows what it is doing when it is working with the proper, natural forms of hormones. It can digest, metabolize, absorb, and disperse these types of hormones, thereby keeping your body healthy and balanced.

Synthetics are another story entirely. First, your body cannot metabolize synthetic hormones the same way it metabolizes your naturally produced hormones because their chemical makeup is different. Your body will not recognize phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens as your naturally produced form of estrogen. No matter how hard scientists try they will never be able to perfectly replicate a hormone so that its behavior is identical to the original. Chemically derived hormones mimic naturally produced hormones.

“Part of what makes phytoestrogens a bit tricky is their ability to both mimic estrogen and act as an estrogen antagonist (meaning they behave in the opposite way of biological estrogen). They affect the body by attaching to estrogen receptors. Because they aren’t specifically necessary for a human diet, phytoestrogens can’t be considered actual nutrients” (Dr. Axe).

Dr. Axe provides some very enlightening information on phytoestrogens, the most important being the fact that they “can’t be considered actual nutrients” (Dr. Axe). I’ll say! They’re more like the exact opposite, which is why they are so incredibly bad for you and your long-term health.

Like I said before, synthetic forms of a hormone will affect both males and females if either is exposed. If your diet includes processed foods, chances are you have already been exposed. What this means for you is that your body now has to keep your naturally produced hormones stable, as well as, the synthetic hormones you are feeding to it. When your body is processing large amounts of synthetic hormones, this will easily lead to a hormone imbalance and possibly even improper function of the way your body detects and handles hormones.

When the human body is consistently fed a mix of natural and synthetic hormones, it can get confused as to which is the proper form it is supposed to absorb. You want to maintain that ‘stranger’ label on the synthetic forms, such as phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens. Familiarizing your body with these hormones will only lead to hormone imbalances, which can lead to a variety of other issues.

While some people like to argue that extra estrogen in the body can be beneficial for women in the midst of menopause, I still do not recommend considering synthetic sources as a healthy solution for hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms associated with this particular stage of life.

It is also wise to avoid foods that might be full of estrogen-based ingredients, some of these may be phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens, some may not. Being aware of the primary estrogen-based food sources is the best way to protect your body from exposure to synthetic hormones when your endocrine system’s level of sensitivity is at an all time high.

“For example in men, how high or low their natural testosterone level is to begin with would presumably affect whether or not the dietary and environmental exposure to estrogen is high enough to cause side effects. Research also suggests there may be more safety concerns for babies, boys, and teens versus grown men. Avoiding unnecessary increased exposure in young males may be a good idea” (Superfoodly).

Your timing when it comes to consuming these types of foods really is key to maintaining good endocrine health and preventing the onset of serious conditions such as Catamenial Epilepsy.

I can’t help but wonder from time to time what my life would be like today if I knew this information about synthetic hormones and hormones, in general, when I was younger. I certainly would have made some serious changes to my diet if given the opportunity!

A hormone imbalance for your body is basically one big state of confusion. Picture an intersection without the traffic director…cars are going when they aren’t supposed to. People have no idea if it’s their turn or someone else’s turn. I hate that dilemma when you and another car arrive at a stop sign at the same time. I don’t want to be rude and just go first, but at the same time it is usually when I’m in huge hurry. It is stressing me out just thinking about it! Overall, I think that any driver would agree this situation is just one big mess! The intersection needs the traffic director if any balance is to be restored.

Your endocrine system is this intersection…when a hormone imbalance develops, the nice organized flow throughout your organs turns into chaos and only becomes worse. Trust me when I tell you that hormone imbalances are not easy to reverse once developed! So, instead of waiting until it becomes absolutely necessary to pay attention to, do what you can now to keep your levels balanced.

While there are many things you can do to maintain this balance, one of the most influential factors lies with your lifestyle habits. Have you ever heard that saying, “You are what you eat”? You probably have. And while you may not be a cow after eating that delicious hamburger, you just might be on your way toward estrogen dominance if that meat is not antibiotic-free. Pay attention to those small details when the quality is concerned. Organic, range-free, non-GMO, antibiotic-free, and soy-free are characteristics you want in the types of foods you consume.

Read those ingredient labels carefully and keep your eye out for these ingredient names: Pinoresinol, Lariciresinol, Secoisolariciresinol, Sesamin, Hydroxymatairesinol, Matairesinol, Syringaresinol, Daidsein, Formononetin, Genistein, Glycitein, Biochanin A, and Isoflavones. (Superfoodly)

Each and every one of these ingredients is a synthetic form of estrogen. Avoid them like the plague! These are the characteristics you do NOT want your food to possess! Reading the ingredient label takes a few extra minutes, but it sure does help you determine whether a product is beneficial or detrimental to your long-term health.

Superfoodly has compiled a list of the Top 50 High Natural Phytoestrogen Sources, while I’m not going to include that entire list in my article, you can visit the link above and read the complete list for yourself. Who knew doughnuts contained enough phytoestrogens to claim the #16 spot? For the sake of this article, I’ve included the top ten foods from this list.

  1. Flaxseeds (379,380.4 phytoestrogens)
  2. Soybeans (103,920.0 phytoestrogens)
  3. Soy Nuts (68,730.8 phytoestrogens)
  4. Tofu (27,150.1 phytoestrogens)
  5. Tempeh (18,307.9 phytoestrogens)
  6. Textured Veggie Protein (16,223.9 phytoestrogens)
  7. Miso Paste (11,197.3 phytoestrogens)
  8. Soy Yogurt (10,275.0 phytoestrogens)
  9. Soy Protein Powder (8840.7 phytoestrogens)
  10. Sesame Seeds (8,008.1 phytoestrogens)

The fact is, we are living in an age where synthetic estrogens (both phyto and xeno alike) have become go-to ingredients for the majority of processed food companies. Even Organic companies are incorporating increased amounts of Soy derived ingredients, which also means an increased amount of phytoestrogens. The sooner you choose to avoid foods containing large amounts of hormone levels, the better chance you have of keeping your endocrine system in tip top shape.

 

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.

Sources:

Dr. Axe – https://draxe.com/phytoestrogens/

Superfoodly – https://www.superfoodly.com/estrogen-foods-list-50-high-phytoestrogen-sources/

Webster’s Dictionary – https://www.merriam-webster.com

Pinterest – www.pinterest.com

The Country Cook – https://www.thecountrycook.net/crock-pot-chicken-fajitas/

Kim’s Cravings (Blender Salsa Recipe) – https://www.kimscravings.com/best-damn-salsa-ever/

Crohn’s Disease: Chronic or Curable???

 

Over the last couple of weeks I have posted quite a few articles on the subject of Ingredients in processed foods because of the negative impact they so clearly seem to have on anyone consuming these products. After discussing such a broad topic, I would like to narrow things down this week and focus specifically on the topic of Crohn’s Disease, also known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. Both eating and lifestyle habits have such a strong impact on how we function as human beings, but most of us seem to disregard this fact. Instead of maintaining healthy eating and lifestyle habits we tend to abandon the beneficial options available and often times settle with the easier options…freezer lasagna instead of homemade lasagna, lemonade from a powder mix instead of lemonade from fresh squeezed lemons, take out for dinner (quick option) instead of a homemade meal (option requiring some effort on your part), etc.

In American culture, our average diet considered “normal” by most people is composed almost completely of processed foods. Shocking, I know! Synthetic foods should be thought of as the furthest thing from normal. But, alas, we have reached a low point in the nutrition arena that honestly does not bode well for the future health of those maintaining this type of diet. That has been made very clear when examining the rise in a variety of health problems, most especially Crohn’s Disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Crohn’s Disease is officially defined as a “chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract” (mayoclinic.org). Basically, your body is struggling to correctly digest the foods you are feeding it, the consequence being the development of holes in the intestines. Once these holes have developed, your body becomes susceptible to the leakage of everything traveling through your intestinal tract.

While thinking of the big picture scenario, it can be easy to keep your concept of these “traveling” items in your stomach limited to food products alone. However, realistically, there is quite the diverse collection of travelers present in every human being’s digestive system far beyond food products and including other elements such as digestive fluids, toxins, bacteria (both good and bad), liquids, and many other organisms (some beneficial, others detrimental to overall bodily function). The stomach is always thought of as the center of the body not only because of its biological location, but also because of the numerous activities performed by this single organ on a daily basis. These numerous activities or “tasks” are provided by a multitude of organs, therefore, when a person does develop Crohn’s disease their leaky gut is also allowing elements from other organs (sent to the digestive tract for a specific purpose) to slip through the intestinal lining and circulate randomly throughout the body.

Instead of being properly digested, these foods and/or liquids are forced to find other routes out of the body. This is why people with Crohn’s Disease typically develop a second anal cavity near or right next to their first cavity. This second cavity will serve as a drain for all of the foods or liquids that slip through the existing holes in the intestines.

If you “Google” Crohn’s Disease, it will give you some general info on this condition including the statement that it “can’t be cured, but treatment may help” and it is a “chronic condition, meaning it can last for years or be lifelong.” Basically, this search engine has provided some not so encouraging details about a disease that, when treated holistically, actually can be reversed.

Many of us often jump to the conclusion that antibiotics, medications, and surgeries are needed if any type of recovery will occur because this is what we know and it is what we have grown up with. However, it is actually the opposite of what you really want to be doing, especially for this specific circumstance. Although we are trying to heal the issue at hand, we make the mistake of automatically assuming that we already know best and therefore never make any other effort to further analyze the overall situation. We never take the time to consider what could be causing such a serious condition; we immediately jump to finding the solution.

Which may be very bold of us, but we lose the opportunity to figure out the true cause of the problem. By taking a look at Crohn’s Disease, one will discover that the main issue stems from the entire gut. It is not exclusive to only one region of the gut, such as the digestive system or the intestines. The whole gut is struggling to function, therefore, our greatest concern when battling this disease should be the entire gastrointestinal system. When visiting a doctor of modern medicine, it is much easier for him or her to “fix” the problem by blaming it on only one part of the gut, typically the intestines because this is where the greatest amount of wear and tear from improper gut function is found.

In my opinion, this is the biggest mistake made by modern medicine in relation to this specific condition. These doctors focus on one tiny component of the gut when it is the entire system that needs help. You can’t throw medication at one area of the body and expect it to be miraculously healed from a condition like Crohn’s Disease, just like you can’t fix one flat tire on a bike with two flats and expect it to ride perfectly. You must air up both tires before you can receive this result.

Personally, I do not believe you can throw medication at any part of the body and expect positive results because the overall cause of medication use is typically side effects and long-term damage. The products are made up of synthetic and chemically based ingredients so it really shouldn’t come as much of a shock.

I just want to point out that health issues based in the stomach are more often than not related to poor diet. If your diet is poor, than you’re consuming numerous amounts of processed foods (filled with synthetic ingredients) on a daily basis. Therefore, it makes no sense to try and heal the issue with more of what caused the condition in the first place. Our goal shouldn’t be to increase the existing synthetic material already in the gut; we should want to decrease this harmful material! Synthetically based products are NOT going to do this! They’re only going to worsen the Crohn’s Disease! If anyone is going to achieve this goal of decreasing the existing synthetic material, the stomach first needs to be flushed of it.

I know that the thought of healing the entire gastrointestinal system can be a bit daunting, obviously it is much more complicated than simply airing up two bike tires, but a solution does exist and it is feasible (doable, reasonable, realistic). Not only that, it is logical too! It makes sense to remove the poor ingredients creating the problem if we are ever going to successfully remove the problem, itself.

For an illness that begins in the gut, it is crucial to automatically focus on healing this specific area. The human body craves and, with the right approach, that is exactly what it is going to get. Skip the medication and surgery; God gave us ALL of those intestines for a reason, therefore, cutting them apart should never be an option!

An alternative treatment option is the GAPS Diet, also known as the Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet. This diet is amazing! The primary goal of this diet is to heal the gut in its entirety all the while restoring balance, proper nourishment, and healthy total body function. If you do a little research on GAPS, you will find story after story from people who have used it as a treatment method, all receiving positive benefits from the diet.

There is an Intro GAPS Diet, consisting of 6 stages, which some people choose to do while others skip it and go straight to the main GAPS diet, known as the Full GAPS Diet.

Personally, I recommend utilizing the Intro GAPS Diet because it is supposed to be the most healing, especially for the gut. Intro GAPS breaks down your diet by stage and builds upon each as you complete one stage and move on to the next. In Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride’s book, The Gut and Psychology Syndrome, she advises a person spend 3-5 days on every stage of the Intro diet. There are specific foods allowed with each stage, which you can find more details about in Dr. Natasha’s book (mentioned above). The Heal Your Gut Cookbook by Hilary Boynton is also terrific for anyone starting this diet! It was so helpful for me the way it was organized by each stage of the diet and clearly listed the allowed foods. This is also a great way to help your body ease in to starting such an intense diet without shocking your system. In addition to these two sources, I also recommend you check out the following article by Jen Reviews on the GAPS Diet. It contains lots of helpful information including recipes and insights on how to successfully commit to this diet despite the meal restrictions. You can access the article here.

In this cookbook, there are a variety of recipes for every dieter to try including meals, desserts, and beverages. I personally love the ginger tea in Stage 1. Although I’m not a huge fan of ginger’s flavor, I am a fan of its many anti-inflammatory qualities that could be so helpful to people with Crohn’s Disease or even those with a sensitive gut. It is a supplemental tea that not only adds to the diet, but it helps to further progress the healing effects of the GAPS diet, as well. Since caffeine is not allowed during the first couple of stages, this ginger tea would be a fantastic substitute option for your morning or afternoon coffee. The diet is strict and requires complete dedication, but it offers a true-blue method to healing your gut.

Although I do not have Crohn’s Disease, I have two family friends who, in the last three years, have been diagnosed with this condition. Both are too young to be dealing with such an illness, the first being in his mid-twenties and the second being less than ten years of age. Both also happen to be choosing the wrong path (medications and surgery), but do not realize the error in their actions because they are unaware of alternative options like the GAPS diet. The truth is, most people do not realize that they can literally heal their intestines with their diet and, therefore, reverse their painful condition.

If a second option is available to those suffering from Crohn’s disease, they should know about it. It is because of this reason that I have chosen to write on this particular subject. At the very least, I want people to know that the GAPS diet exists and can heal many intestinal issues beyond Crohn’s disease. I am not being paid to write this article, I truly believe in this diet and the nutritional healing it can provide to whomever needs it.

Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in your chances of developing Crohn’s Disease and the likelihood of you beating this disease if you already suffer from it. Holistic medicine triumphs once again by keeping its focus on healing the root of the problem at hand rather than the symptoms. Medication and treatments merely serve as a Band-Aid for the true problem. For those of you seeking an actual solution for your problem(s), sometimes it is best to go back to the basics when figuring out how to reach a healthy state. Many times, fixing the gut is the foremost approach to achieving this goal.

 

Reminder: As always, please remember that I am not a healthcare provider, therefore any changes you wish to make to your diet or lifestyle based upon the info you read here on Seize the Day Blog should first be approved by your doctor.

 

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.

 

Sources:

Google – https://www.google.com/#q=crohn%27s+disease

Mayo Clinic – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/basics/definition/con-20032061

Brain Maker by Dr. David Perlmutter – https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Maker-Power-Microbes-Protect/dp/0316380105

The Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride – https://www.amazon.com/Gut-Psychology-Syndrome-Depression-Schizophrenia/dp/0954852001