Seize The Day Blog

Health-Related Articles & Recipes

Lemon Baking Soda Water: Natural Remedy for Indigestion

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Some tips for this water…

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

 

Medical Disclaimer:

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

Fight Back Against Your Common Cold

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

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

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

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

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

+ Product Recommendation:

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

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

+ Product Recommendation:

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

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

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

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

+ Product Recommendation:

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

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

+ Product Recommendation:

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

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

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

+ Product Recommendation for the Honey:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ginger-Honey Tea Recipe:

1 tsp coconut oil

1 T fresh grated ginger

1-2 T honey, Hot water

 

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

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Sources:

1. Catnip Tea Product Recommendation:

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

2. Chamomile Tea Product Recommendation:

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

3. Coconut Oil Tea Recommendation:

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

4. Echinacea Plus Tea Product Recommendation:

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

5. Honey Product Recommendation:

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

6. Peppermint Tea Product Recommendation:

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

 

Medical Disclaimer:

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

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Sore Throat Remedy


It’s January again, a brand new year has arrived along with a brand new cold & flu season. Ordinarily, I would be quite annoyed with this arrival because getting sick is just plain inconvenient at a time when I’m trying to keep up with my resolutions (which is difficult enough during good health). However, I recently discovered a remedy that actually works at healing and/or preventing the development of a sore throat. It’s also super simple and consists of only four ingredients! Lemon, ginger root, honey, and hot water. As you probably already guessed, the taste is a little sour, but all you have to do is gargle with the mixture for 1-2 minutes. No drinking is required. Plus, the honey tones down the sour flavor.

If you have a sore throat already, I recommend gargling a mouthful of the liquid at least 5-6 times a day until the sore feeling subsides. If you are using the remedy for preventive measure, 1-2 times a day will be just fine. The recipe is below, I hope that those of you currently battling the cold/flu get well soon!

 

From My Recipe Box to Yours: Lemon and Blueberry Cupcakes

 

Okay, so a bowl of fruit might be much healthier than a batch of cupcakes, but it’s Tuesday and a little sugar pick me up may be just what the doctor ordered. Plus, the recipe I am going to share with you all (courtesy of Ree Drummond from the Food Network) derives most of its flavor from natural fruit sources, lemons and blueberries to be exact.

What I love most about this recipe is that it provides directions on how to make both the batter and the frosting completely from scratch. Recipes made 100% from scratch increase your odds of keeping MSG and synthetic ingredients out of the foods you eat.

So, skip the store bought can of greasy frosting filled with hydrogenated oils and make your own instead. Here are just a few of the many health benefits of using lemon as a main flavor ingredient in cupcakes: vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and protein (organicfacts.net). A cupcake that is both yummy and healthy…what more could one ask for?

 

 

 

 

Sources:

“Health Benefits of Lemon.” Organicfacts.net. Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd., 2015. Web. 11 August 2015.

12 Evidence-Based Benefits of Lemon

Recipe link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/missys-lemon-and-blueberry-cupcakes-recipe.print.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.