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My Favorite Method for Effectively Cleaning Makeup Tools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep reading to discover a simple, yet effective solution.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Audrey Hepburn

 

 

Sources:

Amazon: 

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

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

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

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

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

Medical Disclaimer:

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

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-Silver®-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

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Chicken Broth

 

Finding Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) free chicken broth in a grocery store is impossible. I am yet to find such a product. In the meantime, I have found an alternative: making my own broth. It is surprisingly easy to make and this recipe yields a large amount of broth. If you have some left over, don’t throw it away! Instead, put it in a mason jar and freeze it until your next use. It always thaws nicely without affecting the taste or the consistency of the broth. Happy cooking!

 

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Chicken Broth

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Category: Recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 Whole Chicken, rinsed
  • 3 T Salt*
  • 3 T Onion Powder
  • 2 T Garlic Powder
  • 2 T Parsley

Instructions

  1. Put whole chicken in a large pot, fill it 3/4 full of water.
  2. Add the salt, onion, garlic & parsley.
  3. Heat it up to boiling point, simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
  4. After it is finished simmering, sample & add more salt, onion & garlic to taste. You will need to add more of each in order to give it a hearty flavor.
  5. Take the chicken out & put the stock through a sieve.
https://www.seizethedayblog.com/2015/07/from-my-recipe-box-to-yours-chicken-broth/

Keep in the refrigerator for quick access or you can freeze it for future use.

*I know that 3 T is a lot of salt, but if you use Pink Himalayan Salt instead of standard table salt you will get none of the harmful side effects of too much sodium. Instead you will get all the benefits of the nutrients that are contained in salt that has not been stripped of all its beneficial properties.

(Recipe courtesy of: Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride)

 

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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. 

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): The Ingredient That Should Come with a Warning Label

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In my previous post on Catamenial Epilepsy, I touched briefly on the topic of Monosodium Glutamate, a food ingredient more popularly known as MSG. Many restaurants and food companies pride themselves on the exclusion of this ingredient in their products. Why do they do this? I know that whenever I hear anyone mention MSG it is usually because they are trying to avoid it. Over the last few years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supposedly been making an “effort” to keep it out of our foods (whether this is actually true or not will be discussed below). So, why is this ingredient so bad? Judging by the many restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores (like Trader Joe’s, for example) that have made a serious effort to advertise the lack of MSG within their products, I think it’s safe to say that society in general knows this ingredient is bad.

However, most people don’t know why it’s bad or even the extent to which it can harm the human body. These important details aren’t discussed like they should be. You have the right to know what you’re putting into your body, so keep on reading because you won’t find anything sugar coated in this blog post.

What is Monosodium Glutamate?

A good start to understanding MSG and its harmful effects is to first understand what it is. By breaking down the intimidating “Monosodium Glutamate,” you will find nothing more than a man made chemical. That’s right; MSG isn’t even a naturally occurring ingredient that we have been eating by mistake all these years. No, it is a man made chemical that has been purposely added to many foods and products. You’re probably thing right about now, ‘Why on Earth would anyone do something so idiotic?’ The answer is money.

This synthetic substance is cheap to make and it enhances real food flavors to be more fresh, savory, and heartier than they actually are. Many times this “enhancement” of flavor is also disguising the true poor quality of a food. It originates in Asia and has made its way around the world and into most of our processed foods. The fact that MSG is dominantly found in processed food presents an even bigger issue due to the fact that a typical American diet is filled with these food products.

Dr. Mercola gives an excellent description of the actual makeup of MSG in his amusing, yet appropriately named article MSG: Is this Silent Killer Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets: “It’s a misconception that MSG is a flavor or “meat tenderizer.” In reality, MSG has very little taste at all, yet when you eat MSG, you think the food you’re eating has more protein and tastes better. It does this by tricking your tongue, using a little-known fifth basic taste: umami. Umami is the taste of glutamate, which is a savory flavor found in many Japanese foods, bacon, and also in the toxic food additive MSG.”1

How does Monosodium Glutamate affect our bodies?

Here’s the biggest problem lying within the chemical makeup of MSG: glutamate. This ingredient also happens to be a naturally occurring amino acid within the human body that multiple organs, like the brain and nervous system, use as a neurotransmitter to carry out certain bodily functions (Dr. Mercola). Consuming MSG results in the elevation of glutamate levels within the body, thereby interfering with the stability of neurotransmissions between organs.   

MSG is also considered an excitotoxin, “which means it overexcites your cells to the point of damage or death, causing brain damage to varying degrees — and potentially even triggering or worsening learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and more” (Dr. Mercola). Dr. Mercola has a lot of great information on MSG, the dangers of this ingredient and how to avoid it. I strongly encourage everyone to read his article (link provided above); I guarantee you will gain some vital insight into the silent killer known as MSG.

Due to the fact that processed foods are such a large part of the average American’s diet, men, women, and children are flooding their bodies with glutamate. Companies using this ingredient are choosing to jeopardize our health in order to save a few extra bucks in production costs.

Although the FDA has made some efforts at getting “Monosodium Glutamate” off the ingredient list of many foods, the organization has made an even greater effort in creating code names for MSG. The fact of the matter is you can no longer assume that just because “Monosodium Glutamate” isn’t listed, MSG is not present within a food or product. This is why avoiding MSG completely can be such a challenge. Some code names for MSG are Natural Flavors, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Soy, and Carrageenan. There are over 40 different hidden ingredients containing MSG, click here to read a full list. Be sure to also read the “Reminders” section found below the list of ingredients, the site gives some really great tips on how to avoid MSG in common foods.

How MSG impacts my body

MSG has certainly had quite the impact on my state of health since I was first diagnosed with Catamenial Epilepsy in 2009. Many people can eat MSG without having an extreme reaction to it, but, unfortunately for me, I am not one of those people. No, MSG has long been an enemy of mine. Shortly after my diagnosis, I discovered that I had also developed an allergy to the ingredient. My allergic reaction came in the form of grand mal seizures and was caused by the weakening of my Blood Brain Barrier. (To learn more about the Blood Brain Barrier, click here, and scroll down to the bottom of the post.)

Due to my extreme allergy, I was forced to cut MSG out of my diet completely. Now, I avoid processed foods at all cost. I try to eat 100% Organic (sometimes there are certain foods that are absolutely impossible to find Organic), and all of my meals are cooked from scratch using recipes. I have found that from scratch baking is the best way to keep MSG out of my diet. At 16 years old it was hard to give up processed foods like Oreos and Cheetos Puffs, but today, as a 22-year-old woman, I have realized that it was the best thing I could have done for my body.

Ready to cut MSG out of your diet?

Did you know that MSG makes you want to keep eating even when you’re full? It’s like an addictive ingredient that tricks your body into thinking it needs more food when, in actuality, it needs less. With food additives like this, it’s no mystery why obesity has become such a large issue in America. Cutting MSG filled foods from my diet allowed me to rid my body of synthetic ingredients by replacing them with naturally healthy foods. No chemicals, just vitamins…a very beneficial change!

If you are experiencing health problems, I sincerely recommend evaluating your diet. It made a world of difference in the stability of my epilepsy and the overall quality of my life. It can be so easy to rely on medications to fix the problems we experience, rather than becoming proactive in alternative ways. Sometimes you are the only source capable of healing not only the symptoms, but the cause of your health issues, as well. I understand that overcoming any problem is a challenge, which is why I like to think of my health as an elephant. How do you swallow an elephant? One bite at a time. By thinking of it as a step-by-step process, everything becomes less overwhelming. So, seize the day, take control of your health and let your first bite of whatever your elephant is be your diet.

 

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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. 

Sources:

1Dr. Mercola. “MSG: Is this Silent Killer Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets.” Accessed on July 28, 2015.

<articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/21/msg-is-this-silent-killer-lurking-in-your-kitchen-cabinets.aspx>

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Balsamic Vinaigrette, Ranch Dip, BBQ Sauce, & Italian Seasoning

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A big part of becoming healthy is eating right. A big part of why most of us don’t eat right is because it typically means removing sugar from our diet. I don’t know about you, but those kinds of diets make me sad. It’s as if the world is making us choose: being healthy or being depressed. This is quite the dilemma, especially because the world’s definition of healthy isn’t actually healthy at all! Instead of focusing on the Calorie/Carbohydrate section of the label,

I would I like to propose a simple task to each of you reading this right now…go grab a food from your cabinet that has one of those Nutrition labels on it. Okay, so you have your food (I chose Wheat Thins), now look at the label. Most of us just see the table of “healthy” supplements found in the product, for others we see the amount of calories (that’s 140 per 16 crackers) and cringe a little bit because, if you’re like me, you know you ate WAY more than 16 crackers during your last snack attack.

This is the information we are trained to look at based on what is considered healthy these days. Now, look below this table and you should see a section labeled “Ingredients.” Delete that calorie counting app from your cell phone and start counting the amount of bizarre ingredients found on this label. We need to turn our attention to this rarely visited section of the food label and start becoming aware of the ingredients that are frequently put into most foods. Once I began doing this, I realized that the best way to get truly healthy foods made with real ingredients is to do it myself. I know it’s so much easier to stick a frozen pizza in the oven, but please resist the urge to do so and try to bake your own foods from scratch. Trust me when I say it sounds more intimidating than it actually is. And I would like to jumpstart your cooking career by sharing with you some recipes that are tried and truly delicious! I will be posting recipes that are healthy, yummy, and completely from scratch. Since there are some foods that are too difficult to make from scratch and must be store bought, I will also be posting healthier alternatives to the products with poor ingredients. For my first “Recipe” post, I will be sharing four from scratch recipes that every cook needs to know: Balsamic Vinaigrette, Ranch Dip (one of my faves for July 4th!), BBQ Sauce, and Italian Seasoning. Please, Enjoy!!!

 

Recipe #1: Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

3T Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1T Balsamic Vinegar

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

2 tsp. Honey

2 Shakes Salt

2 Shakes Pepper

Directions: Put in jar, shake well.

 

Recipe #2: Ranch Dip

Ingredients:

2 tsp. Parsley

2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

½ tsp. Onion Powder

(Per one 24 oz. container of sour cream)

Directions: Transfer sour cream to a medium bowl. Pour ingredients directly into sour cream and mix well.

 

Recipe #3: BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar

1 cup Ketchup

¾ cup Brown Sugar

1 tsp. Dry Mustard

2 tsp. Onion powder

2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Chili Powder

1 ½ T Honey

Directions: Place all ingredients in a large saucepan, mix well, and cook for approximately 15 min. or until thickened.

 

Recipe #4: Italian Seasoning

Ingredients:

2 T Basil

2 T Marjoram

2 T Oregano

2 T Rosemary

2 T Thyme

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.

 

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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. 

Hello world!

PC: Seize the Day Blog…Smiles for miles from me to you!

 

Life, or, as many of us might put it, the uncontrollable and chaotic twenty-four hours that make up every day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our walk through life can seem so erratic, but we go along with it anyway because we figure, hey, that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. But, what if we could control how the cookie crumbles? What if we could keep our cookie from crumbling altogether? Yes, life in general is uncontrollable, but there are sub elements of life that are controllable! Specifically, health and nutrition. We control how we treat our bodies and what we put into them. (Cue the discussion on how this product, that food, and some new fad workout is the ticket to preventing your cookie from crumbling). Here’s the problem: most of us don’t actually know how to prevent our cookies from crumbling because we don’t have the understanding to do so.

Many products and lifestyles that society has sold us may not be as “healthy” as we previously believed them to be. Unfortunately for me, it took a diagnosis of Catamenial Epilepsy to finally stop trusting what the world was telling me and ask the unthinkable, could they be wrong? Could the foods, products, lifestyles, etc. that the world has pushed on us over the years actually be UNHEALTHY? March 25, 2009 my cookie officially crumbled. Since that time, it has been my experience over the last six years that the answer is Yes.

The simple truth is, we are no longer living in a world where eggs come from our own chickens in the backyard and medicines originate from natural/Holistic sources. It is this great change and my desperate need for healing that sparked a bit of curiosity within me. Where are our foods truly coming from? When I take my anti-seizure medication twice a day, what am I actually putting into my body? And is there a natural alternative that could be more helpful and beneficial?

With a lot of research (and patience) I have been able to discover many truths about basic products people are exposed to on a daily basis. Trust me when I say it is shocking how often foods and products many of us trust to be safe are actually chemically engineered copycats of the bona fide ingredients. This knowledge has been life changing for me as an epileptic, to say the least. I would like to clearly state that I am not a doctor nor do I claim to have any kind of healthcare degree. I am simply a 26 year old woman with epilepsy who has learned all of this information from a source that, at times, can be painfully challenging to endure, but always offers a genuine unbiased education: firsthand experience. I have had a 10+ year trial and error period that has resulted in a vast amount of discoveries. I have learned what it truly means to be healthy and I would like to share it with as many people as possible.

Now is the time to seize the day and prevent your cookie from crumbling. Or, if you’re like me, it is the opportunity to pick up the crumbs and put your cookie back together. Whether you’re a snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, sugar or peanut butter, I believe that every cookie can benefit from this information. So, I ask that you please take a little time out of your day to do a bit of reading.

Life may be impossible at times, but it is also precious…Seize The Day.

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