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Break Bad Habits with 5 Tips You Can Use Right Now

Hand turning block letters from Bad to Good Habits.

We’ve all got them.  Habits we’ve developed that are not good for us, don’t help us achieve any long-term goals, and often make us feel guilty after the reward has passed.  Maybe you smoke cigarettes.  Perhaps you snack after dinner.  After work, one little drink to steady your nerves turns into two or three.  No judging here, but it’s time to stop it.  In this article, learn how to break bad habits with five tips you can use right now.  So if you want to drop those bad habits like a cheap suit, read on.

How Habits are Formed

Before we learn how to break bad habits, it’s important to understand how habits form in the first place.  According to Healthline, one of the main theories about how habits form centers on three words that start with the letter R. 

  • Reminder.  A reminder is a trigger or cue that starts the habit behavior.
  • Routine.  This is the actual behavior.
  • Reward.  This is the benefit of the behavior that makes the habit stick.

Let’s say you’ve developed a habit of eating a slice of pound cake with your cup of coffee every morning at your favorite coffee shop.  Here is an example of how the three R’s work using your pound cake habit.  In this example, the reminder to order the pound cake comes when you walk into the coffee shop.  Walking in, seeing the coffee and the pound cake in the display case is the trigger that reminds you a slice of pound cake goes with a cup of coffee.  The routine is sitting down with a cup of coffee and eating the cake.  The reward is the taste of the cake and the comforting feeling you get while consuming it.  The feeling is good, so the reward is repeated.  The habit sticks, and once it does, it’s hard to break.

5 Tips to Break a Bad Habit

Breaking a bad habit is difficult, but not impossible.  Here are five tips to help.

1. Own your Bad Habit

The first step to quitting anything is to own your habit.  You have to be honest with yourself and admit to an unhealthy or dangerous habit.  Until you admit to having a bad habit, you will never take steps to break it.  Writing the habit down on a piece of paper is your first step to ownership.  Include your goal of kicking the habit and why.  Keep the paper near your trigger zones to remind you of your goal.

2. Avoid Your Triggers

According to Time Magazine, the best way to break a bad habit is to avoid the reminders that trigger it.  In our pound cake example, avoiding the trigger could mean going to a different coffee shop.  A different environment will prevent the reminder of the pound cake.  The new coffee shop may also offer pound cake, but it’s different pound cake and should be easier to pass up.  Skipping it on the first visit will break the cycle and the start of a new, healthier habit.

3. Cut stress

Everyone’s determination and willpower fade as the day goes on.  Stress is the main reason.  Stressed out people look for ways to escape their stress and often look to rewards from bad habits.  Whether it’s a double old-fashioned after a long day’s work, a sweet treat before bedtime, or the last cigarette of the day, the rewards often relieve the anxiety but simultaneously reinforce the bad habit.  By reducing stress, especially at night, you will not need to rely on the rewards of bad habits.

4. Get an Accountability Partner

A close friend, a spouse, or a roommate can help to keep you in check.  Tell them about your goal, trigger, and reward you get from a bad habit.  Then ask them to help you break the habit through accountability.  Call them when a trigger is tempting you.  Your accountability partner can remind you about your goal to break the habit and should follow up to ensure you don’t slide.  Sometimes knowing you’ll have to admit to slipping is enough incentive to stay on the straight and narrow.

5. Flip the Script

Sometimes, the stories you tell yourself are the most powerful of all.  If you tell yourself a story about how much you like the reward from a bad habit, flip the script.  Change the story and now center on your goal instead of the reward of the bad habit.  Tell yourself how breaking the habit will have a new set of rewards better than those associated with the bad habit.  For the pound cake example, the story should change from the rewards of taste and comfort relaxation to the rewards of better health, and a leaner body.

Choose a Healthy Habit Instead

Woman packing a gym bag.
Packing a bag hours before going to the gym
makes a healthy habit easier to keep up.

It’s sometimes easier to substitute good habits when you know your bad habits and the triggers that start the cycle.  For example, if you end your workday with a bottle of beer and Sports Center, substitute that bad habit for a good habit, like going to the gym. 

According to Fast Company, to make good habits stick, make them obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying.  Most of your actions are influenced by your surroundings.  You can manipulate those surroundings to make your desired habits obvious, attractive, and easy to do.  As a result, they will vastly increase the chances you’ll stick with them.  In other words, make your new “good habit” easier to achieve.  For example, if you want to start going to the gym more frequently, prepare your gym bag, pre-workout, and attire ahead of time.  Next, put these items in an area where you will not overlook them.  No excuses can be made when everything is ready for you.

A Good Habit to Keep

Most people develop bad habits.  Some can be damaging to overall health and wellness.  But bad had don’t have to define your behavior or lead down a road to ruin.  Break bad habits with the 5 tips in this article you can use right now.  They can help you be mindful of your triggers and ideas to help break habits and replace them with good habits.  One good habit is using health and wellness products from Naturally. . . You.  We offer services like detoxification programs and body wraps.  We also offer the highest quality CBD products to help ease pain and promote better sleep.  And now we offer premium collagen supplements designed to help build stronger joints and improve the appearance of your skin.  Visit our website to learn more about ways to improve your life, naturally.

Learn a New Skill Now, and Reap 4 Rewards

Man teaching a woman how to swing a golf club on a fairway.  Learning a new skill can reap four rewards.
Learning a new skill, like playing golf, can enrich your life!

Learning a new skill has a host of benefits.  The most important of which is making you happier.  You become happier because you become more confident with each new skill learned.  That confidence enables you to try new, harder skills.  And mastery of new skills gives you satisfaction and experiences that enrich your life.  From new physical skills like dancing or making pottery to mental skills like learning a foreign language or coding, learning new skills keeps you healthy, improves confidence, and diversifies your job options.  It’s never too late to start, so begin your journey of learning by reading this new article, Learn a New Skill Now and Reap 4 Rewards.

Improves Brain Health and Reduces the Risk of Dementia

According to Health Navigator, “Research shows there are several ways to improve the health of your brain, and learning something new is one of them.  ‘Mental sweat’ helps your brain build new cells and strengthen connections between the cells.  When you learn something new, you exercise your brain, which can help improve cognitive functions such as concentration, attention to detail, memory recall, and problem-solving.  Learning something new can also reduce the chance of developing dementia.”

So what is it about learning a new skill that can help stave off dementia?  It could have something to do with a condition called demyelination.  Demyelination occurs when myelin, the protective coating of nerve cells, sustains damage.  A study released in the National Library of Medicine found evidence of demyelination in study participants with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.  According to an article titled, 11 Benefits to Learning Something New by Natalie Sisson, people who actively learn new skills don’t give their brains a chance to demyelinate, and their neural pathways are ready for new impulses to travel along them. 

Boosts confidence and motivation

Learning also boosts your confidence.    When you increase your knowledge or achieve a goal, you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.   Additionally, when you learn a new skill, you feel more accomplished, and it encourages you to learn other new skills, which speeds up your learning ability.

According to Piedmont, a healthcare organization with locations throughout Georgia, learning a new skill helps you beat boredom when learning something new and grow as a person.  When you learn something new, you become more creative and inventive, you become more socially interesting, which attracts others. 

Improves social connections

The greatest predictor of long-term happiness is social connection.  Improving social connections is often a byproduct of learning a new skill.  Learning new life skills is often done in a classroom setting, fertile ground for meeting new people with shared interests.  Along with shared interests, everyone is sharing the same learning experience, which promotes a sense of belonging. 

Cooking school with students in aprons and the instructor in a chef's hat.
Learning in a classroom can ease loneliness and promote a sense of community.

For example, dancing or cooking often brings students together in a classroom setting.  An instructor demonstrates or teaches a new technique, and then the students practice it together.  Learning new skills in this way has a host of benefits.

  • Eases Loneliness
  • Promotes Collaboration and Community
  • Improves Interpersonal Communications Skills

Better Career Options

Learning a new skill that complements the skills you need for your job will lift your career opportunities.  The new skill could become a new service offered to clients.  For your company, this results in a new revenue stream.  For you, it means more job security and a chance for a promotion and pay raise.  More importantly, learning a new skill shows you are taking initiative, and co-workers and management can trust you with additional assignments.  In addition, it shows you are capable of change and growth.  These days, most jobs are constantly changing, and developing a new skill will help you adapt to the ever-changing work world.

According to Indeed.com, the best new skills to learn to advance your career include:

  1. Basic Coding
  2. Data Analysis and Statistics
  3. Foreign Language (Chinese, Spanish, French)
  4. Project Management
  5. Social Media

If you are retired, learning a new skill, such as building websites, can turn into a part-time freelance opportunity and a new stream of income. 

Something New at Naturally. . .You!

Naturally You encourages everyone to dedicate themselves to learning new things.  Lifelong learning brings new skills, as well as better health and wellness.  As you can see, if you learn a new skill, you can reap four rewards.  New things are also happening at Naturally You.  Along with our body wraps, superior line of CBD products, and detoxification programs, we are now offering collagen supplements.  Our Sparkle Wellness collagen products have a positive impact on all collagen structures within the body.  We have skin, joint, and muscle formulations and for more information, contact me today at 813-505-9815.   

4 Essential Health and Wellness Trends For A Better You Now!

Woman sitting on a couch video conferencing with a doctor.

Covid’s impact on society is shaping health and wellness trends.  For the past two years, the covid 19 pandemic has been physically and mentally challenging for everyone.  Therefore, the hottest things in wellness address remote access to healthcare providers.   In addition to remote access, emphasis on mental health help, improving gut health, and boosting immune function highlight ways to get healthy and prevent the spread.  In this article, learn 4 essential health and wellness trends for a better you, NOW!

Virtual Access is Here to Stay

 Virtual health is here to stay.  Telemedicine is being embraced like never before.   You have access to physicians and other providers while remaining safely at home.  Care Innovations cites research from Parks Associates that states, “60% of households with broadband are interested in remote care either online or by telephone.” Online visits can be great for diagnosing a physical health condition, like a common cold, But they are also good for managing a mental health concern. 

If you use a telemedicine service, use a good camera and monitor so the doctor can see medical problems more clearly.  Be sure you prepare for your appointment with a list of questions and health history.  That way, it will make it easier for you and your health care provider to cover everything needed.  But as good as telemedicine may be, there are certain conditions where a doctor would still need to see you in person.  For example, an irregular mole, soft tissue mass, or a new heart murmur would likely result in a face-to-face visit.  While there’s no substitute for an in-person visit in certain medical cases, telehealth can be a great option for most people. 

A Spotlight on Mental Health Helps with Coping

It’s okay to say you’re “not okay.” Another health and wellness trend is taking better care of ourselves mentally.  According to minbodyonline.com, 49% of Americans agreed that the pandemic negatively affected their well-being.  It’s caused a spike in depression and anxiety.   You don’t have to be diagnosed with a mental health problem to benefit from counseling.  Many people seek out counseling for everyday matters.  These matters include work-related stress or emotional insecurities.  Some people need help during difficult times like death, divorce, or trauma.  The good news is that more employers provide access to mental health support services for their employees.  As a result, more employees are taking advantage of this benefit.    Chronic emotional distress can significantly increase the chances of developing a serious physical condition.  Mental health treatments can reduce feelings of stress, improve mental functioning, and resolve problems.

Improving Digestive Health Benefits the Entire Body

Good gut bacteria can enhance your immune system function and help combat obesity.  Anyone suffering from these conditions should consider a total body cleanse. 

Health Condition
Upset Stomach
High Blood Sugar
Unintentional Weight Loss or Gain
Sleep Disturbances
Constant Fatigue
Skin Irritation

A full-body clean will flush out toxins and waste products.  It will also eliminate the symptoms that result from toxin build-up and reset your digestive tract for better efficiency.  For more information on a full body cleanse read our article.  A Total Body Cleanse will Make You Feel Great Again. 

Gut health is not just about cleansing.  It’s also about focusing on foods that will help heal your GI tract.  Wild salmon, raw garlic, apple cider vinegar, and mangos are considered healing foods.  Salmon is an abundant source of Omega 3 fatty acids, a powerful anti-inflammatory food.  Garlic feeds and fuels the existing flora already resent in your gut.  Apple cider vinegar helps digest fats, carbs, and protein.  Best of all, apple cider vinegar contains beneficial probiotics, relieving acid reflux.  Mangos keep the good bacteria in your gut alive and controls blood sugar.

Health and Wellness Trends Focused on Boosting Immune Function

There are two types of immunodeficiency disorders.  First, there are the ones you are born with, also known as primary.  Second are those that are acquired, like the flu or cancer.   Anything that weakens your immune system can lead to a secondary immunodeficiency disorder.  Our bodies do a great job of defending against disease and infection.  Nonetheless, sometimes a germ invades, or there is an uncontrolled growth of immune cells.  This results in sickness.  We need to continue to explore the effects of diet, exercise, and psychological stress on our bodies. 

Our first line of defense is choosing a healthy lifestyle.  Everyone knows the things to do, don’t smoke, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, minimize stress, and get adequate sleep.  And, we’ve heard a million times over the past few years, “Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly!”  

Several pairs of washing hands are part of the health and wellness trends for 2022.

To help boost your immunity, try Mlis Vital.  Vital contains astaxanthin, Ginko Biloba, Vitamin C, and Selenium.  This potent combination protects cells and has functional effects on muscle and nerve physiology.  It also improves blood flow, helping memory and concentration.  Vital can be a powerful tool for maintaining health and preventing disease.

Always Changing

Life is always changing.  In 2019 we never heard of Covid 19, and in 2020 many thought Covid would be gone in a few months.  Two years later, we are still struggling with new variants. 

For certain, living a healthy lifestyle and practicing wellness can help protect us from life’s changing conditions.  The four essential health and wellness trends we discussed can make your body healthier and prepare your mind to handle uncertainty.  That’s what Naturally. . . You does every day.  We offer services like detoxification programs and body wraps.  We also offer the highest quality CBD products to help ease pain and promote better sleep.  Visit our website to chat with us and learn more about ways to improve your life, naturally.

The Sweet Choice of Reducing Sugar Consumption

A spoon full of sugar with blocks of letters spelling out Less Sugar.

Most Americans eat a lot of sugar, and it takes a toll on their health and well-being.  In our last article, The Sour Truth on the Side Effects of Eating Sugar, we learned the amount of sugar most people consume, outlined three types of sugar, and discovered just how addicting sugar can be.  Sugar consumption is linked to increased risk for many diseases, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.  It’s such a concern we felt we needed to learn more.  So this month, we show that some foods contain unexpectedly high amounts of levels of sugar.  You will learn about healthy alternatives to sugar and sugar substitutes. Plus, you will learn how to start cutting sugar out of your diet and start on the path to a healthier diet and feeling better.   

Unexpected Sugar

There are two ways sugar finds its way into the foods we eat.  The first way is through the ingredients used to make the food.  The second is the sugar we add to it after it’s served, like adding sugar to coffee.  When many people think of sugar in foods, they only consider the amount of sugar added after the food is served.  Others think the only foods high in sugar are the ones that taste sweet. While baked goods and candy are high in sugar, there are many foods that contain an unexpected amount of sugar. 

According to Healthline, there are some foods that are surprisingly high in sugar.

FoodServingSugar
Low Fat Yogurt1 CupUp to 45 Grams
BBQ Sauce2 TblsUp to 9 Grams
Gatorade Sports Drink20 ozUp to 34 Grams
Granola3.5 ozUp to 34.5 Grams
Protein Bar1 BarUp to 20 Grams
Source: Healthline
Low-fat yogurt and granola in a glass with berries and mint.
It may seem healthy, but the amount of sugar in low-fat yogurt and granola may surprise you!

All this hidden sugar underscores the need to read labels on the packages of food you buy.  FDA regulations require all food manufacturers to list the amount of sugar in their products. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of sugar per day.  If someone eats a bagel and drinks a cup of coffee with a teaspoon of sugar, they are consuming 12 grams of sugar.  That’s almost half of the entire day’s recommended consumption.  The standard American diet promotes high sugar consumption.

Healthier Alternatives

Many of the sugar substitutes widely found in the American diet are known to cause serious medical issues.  Aspartame, marketed under Nutri-Sweet and Equal brand names, is the most popular and widely used sugar substitute.  Unfortunately, aspartame is known to cause headaches and an increased risk for heart attack and strokes.  Furthermore, it accounts for 75% of the adverse food reactions reported to the FDA.  Another sugar substitute is Splenda.  Splenda is made with sucralose, and according to Insider, it can cause increased cravings for sugar, reduce good gut bacteria, and is linked to type II diabetes and heart disease. 

Fortunately, there are some healthier alternatives to sugar, aspartame, and Splenda.  Unrefined sources of sugar are better choices because they retain trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Raw organic honey and pure maple syrup are good choices.  Other options are monk fruit and Stevia.  Stevia is plant-based and is 200 times sweeter than sugar, cinnamon, and raw coconut.  Additionally, Stevia is widely available and found in powder and liquid form. 

How to Wean Off Sugar

Like with any addictive substance, a slow approach to eliminating sugar from your diet is recommended.   Start with the obvious.  Eliminate all foods that are sweet, like candy, baked goods, and ice cream.  Also, toss out soft drinks.  After a few days of reduced sugar intake, you will start to feel better and get the incentive to take the next steps. 

Next, read the product labels for everything you have.  Look for ingredients ending in “ose,” like sucrose, glucose, dextrose, fructose, and lactose.  Eliminate those foods you don’t need and cut back on the ones you can’t live without.  Ultimately you want to get to a baseline, where your sugar intake is low, and your diet consists primarily of veggies, fruits, lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, and seeds.  One way to reset your relationship with sugar consumption is to take a Total Body Cleanse from Naturally You.

Over time, you will appreciate how much better you feel.  Your cognitive abilities will improve, and you won’t want to go back to eating an unhealthy diet that makes you feel bad.  Naturally You is dedicated to helping you feel your best.  Visit our website to learn more about diet and six keys to optimal health, as well as our complete line of full-spectrum CBD products.  Plus, we offer a live chat feature and are always happy to discuss any natural health and healing topic.  We look forward to chatting with you soon, naturally.

The Sour Truth on the Side Effects of Eating Sugar

A spoonful of sugar isolated on a white background.

Americans love the taste of sugar.  Not only does sugar occur naturally in many foods, but added sugars can be found in the majority of processed foods we regularly eat.  Sugar consumption has been steadily rising in America for decades, and now the average American eats far more sugar, every day than is recommended by healthcare professionals. There is a price paid for all that sweetness.  In this article, learn about sugar consumption trends in America, why eating sugar is bad for you, the three major types of sugar we consume, and if eating sugar can be addictive. So put down that can of soda and read on.

Americans Love Sugar

A stack on doughnut isolated on white background.

Two hundred years ago, the average American ate only 2 pounds of sugar a year. By 1970, that number rose to 123 pounds of sugar per year. Today, the average American consumes almost 152 pounds of sugar in one year.  This averages out to 6 cups of sugar per week. We eat so much sugar that the US consumes more sugar per capita than any other country on earth. And there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.  

Americans consume far more sugar than is recommended.  According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, nutritionists suggest that Americans should get only 10% of their calories from sugar. This equals 13.3 teaspoons of sugar per day (based on 2,000 calories per day).  We currently consume around 42 teaspoons per day.  That’s over 3X the recommended daily consumption. 

Is this a bad thing?

Yes!  Added sugars, as opposed to naturally occurring sugars, in processed foods are a primary driver of obesity.  Additionally, they have direct metabolic effects that raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart and liver diseases. Plus, all that sugar contributes to dental disease which, left untreated, can cause gum disease which can result in heart disease.

According to Healthy Food America, people who consume 12–30 teaspoons per day, compared to those who consume less than 12 teaspoons of sugar, increase their risk of dying from heart disease by nearly one-third. Eating more than 30 teaspoons of sugar a day increases the risk nearly three-fold.    

The Story of Three Sugars 

Sugar is a broad term that includes naturally occurring sweet substances.  The most common sugars are Sucrose, Lactose, and Fructose.  Each type of sugar comes from different sources and affects the body in different ways. 

Type of SugarSourceInsulin RequirementAffects on Blood Sugar
SucroseSugar Cane/Sugar BeetsYesHighest
LactoseDairy ProductsYesHigh
FructoseFruits/Vegetables/HoneyNoLowest
Source: Difference Between

Sucrose is table sugar and is the most commonly added sugar. It spikes insulin levels in the bloodstream and over time can lead to Type II diabetes. Lactose is found in all dairy products. It creates elevated insulin levels in the bloodstream. Fructose has the sweetest taste, does not need insulin to be processed, and has the lowest effect on blood sugar.

Sugar Addiction

Sugar cubes support tiles that spell out the word addict.

Sugar consumption can create a short-term high and a spark of energy in the body. People often enjoy the dopamine release sugar brings. It helps people power through business meetings, students pull all-night study sessions and get through an afternoon of errands and kid pick up.  But as reported by New Hall Hospital, studies suggest sugar is as addictive as cocaine! And due to the addictive nature of sugar, long-term health risks from obesity and diabetes are especially troubling. 

Just about everyone we know enjoys the taste of sugar.  Unfortunately, it is an addictive substance that can cause long-term health problems for those who eat too much of it. In our next article, we will explore popular foods that contain hidden sugar and healthy alternatives.  Plus, we will present the pros and cons of sugar substitutes, and tips to reduce your sugar consumption. Naturally You is committed to your health and wellness.  Visit our website to learn more about diet and six keys to optimal health, as well as our complete line of full-spectrum CBD products.  Plus we offer a live chat feature and are always happy to discuss any natural health and healing topic.  We look forward to chatting with you soon, naturally.

4 Good Reasons to Drink Green Tea

A cup of green tea on a wooden board with a spoon and scattered green tea leaves.

America is a land of coffee drinkers.  In fact, Americans have consistently consumed more coffee than tea since we were just 13 colonies.  While it’s true coffee has a more robust flavor and caffeine than tea, adding a cup of green tea to your morning routine can pay off in many ways.  Green tea contains antioxidants and plant compounds known to boost health and wellness. Studies suggest green tea helps with weight loss, can help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease, and may even help prevent cancer.  Keep reading and discover four reasons to drink green tea, plus the way to create the perfect cup.   

1. Help Prevent Some Forms of Cancer

Research has shown that oxidative damage can lead to chronic inflammation, resulting in chronic diseases, including cancers. Antioxidants found in green tea can help protect against oxidative damage.  Furthermore, Medical News Today published an article showing research has linked green tea compounds with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including prostate and colorectal cancer.

2. Drink Green Tea to Help with Weight Loss

A cup of green tea and a measuring tape symbolizes one of four reasons to drink green tea.

According to Healthline, green tea contains an antioxidant known to raise metabolic rates in humans. When your metabolism accelerates, you burn more calories.  And the more calories you burn, the easier it is to lose weight.  The results of a 12-week controlled study involving 240 people with obesity showed those in the green tea group had significant decreases in body fat percentage, body weight, waist circumference, and belly fat compared with those in the control group.

3. Protects Neurons to Keep Dementia at Bay

Green tea not only improves brain function in the short term, but it may also protect your brain as you age.  Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease are two common neurodegenerative diseases that affect the quality of life in senior citizens.  Several studies show antioxidant compounds in green tea can have protective effects on neurons. 

4. Green Tea May Help You Live Longer

While longevity studies don’t link green tea consumption to longer life spans, compounds found in green tea reduce the risk for several life-threatening conditions. In a recent study, researchers studied 40,530 Japanese adults over 11 years. Those who drank 5 or more cups per day were significantly less likely to die during the study period :

Cause of DeathWomenMen
All Causes23% Lower12% Lower
Heart Disease31% Lower22% Lower
Stroke42% Lower35% Lower
Source: 56 Trusted Source

Green Tea Extract Gives Concentrated Benefits

Some people dislike the sometimes bitter taste of green tea, but they still want the benefits that come from it.  Green tea extract can be an effective alternative.  Green tea extract is a supplement derived from the green tea plant. It contains concentrated compounds of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and flavonoids of green tea.  It’s available in capsules, liquid, or powder and a recommended dose is 250 to 500mg per day.  Taking the extract supplement with food is also recommended.  Green tea extract has all the benefits of green tea discussed above, plus benefits like:

  • Decreased total cholesterol and LDL
  • Reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure
  • Helps improve skin tone and elasticity
  • Improves liver function by lowering liver enzyme levels and liver fat content and inflammation
  • Benefits exercise performance and recovery

Green Tea extract is easy to add to your diet but keep in mind that, like any supplement, the extract is not the purest form of the product.  There is a risk of adulteration in the manufacturing process.  There are no uniform standards for supplement labeling so consumers can never be sure if they getting green tea extract in its purest form.  For more on supplements and FDA oversight, read our recent blog How to Determine if a Supplement is Right for You.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup

The act of brewing the perfect cup of green tea can help reduce stress.  We recommend making a ritual out of it.  Over time, you will find the ritual has a calming effect that will have health benefits of its own.  The ideal water temperature is 160-170 degrees. Boiling water can dissolve tannins and destroy the compounds that contribute to overall good health.  Additionally, boiling water can burn tea leaves resulting in a bitter taste. 

According to researchers at Purdue University, drinking green tea with lemon improves the health benefits of the tea.  Citrus juice brings out green tea’s natural antioxidants, making them more available for your body to absorb.  Steep time is 2-3 minutes, no more.  Longer steeping will result in a bitter taste and a tea that leaves more stains on your cups and teeth.

Naturally. . .You and Green Tea

Green Tea Herbal Cleanser from Naturally You.

Drinking green tea certainly has its benefits, from the relaxing ritual of brewing the perfect cup to helping the prevention of serious health issues.  Here we presented 4 good reasons to drink green tea and the team at Naturally. . .You hope you find ways to incorporating green tea into your diet and supplement regimen.  You can start looking younger now by using the Green Tea Herbal Cleanser from M’Lis. It is a safe and effective face wash and packed with antioxidants that tighten and leave your skin glowing.  If you are interested in trying it, give us a call.  We are happy to discuss your skincare needs, as well as anything you need to live your life in health and abundance, naturally.

The Brave New World of CBD

There is a brave new world of CBD as the industry continues to evolve.  Advancements in technology and manufacturing, along with the discovery of new cannabinoids, resulting in better products.  And better products help treat more conditions without side-effect riddled prescription drugs.  So if you are searching for pain relief, a better night’s sleep, or less anxiety, keep reading.  You will learn how CBD, Delta 8, and rising industry standards could hold the key to unlocking a future of feeling great and being more active.   

Cannabinoids and Full Spectrum Products

There are over 100 known cannabinoids found in cannabis plants like hemp.  CBD is the alpha cannabinoid, making up 40% of the plant, and supports a healthy immune system in humans.  But other cannabinoids provide additional health benefits and contribute to better overall health and wellness.  For example, the following three cannabinoids offer unique properties for specialized treatment.

  1. CBC (cannabichromene) helps with pain relief in the gastrointestinal tract.  It also has an antidepressant effect.
  2. CBG (cannabigerol) helps with joint pain, muscle tension, and anxiety
  3. CBN (cannabinol) promotes sleep and bone growth.

These cannabinoids are found only in full-spectrum CBD products. Therefore, it’s important to buy full-spectrum products. 

Delta 8 Products 

People suffering from pain, insomnia, and anxiety can get relief from a powerful new cannabinoid called Delta 8.  This is great news for people who are have tried other CBD products and didn’t get the results they want. It contains very small amounts of THC, the same ingredient found in psychoactive products like marijuana. But, the amount is below the legal limit. Therefore, it’s legal to possess and consume it under federal law. 

The Delta 8 Cannabinoid and THC

Delta 8 is similar to, but NOT the same as Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 contains far fewer psychoactive properties than Delta 9 THC. Addtionally, Delta 8 makes up less than one percent of the cannabinoids found in cannabis products like hemp. On the other hand, Delta 9 THC is abundant in marijuana.  Delta 8 must be harvested and processed to distill it into an isolate. The less potent Delta 8 is also more stable than Delta 9 THC. Therefore can be used to treat a wider range of patients who don’t want the feelings of high side effects.   

How does it compare to CBD

Delta 8 is a newly discovered cannabinoid and has not been studied as much as CBD. While Delta 8 is like a sister of Delta 9 THC, it’s more like a distant cousin of CBD.  CBD does not contain psychoactive properties and is widely used to treat a variety of health issues.  Delta 8 and CBD interact differently with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors.    

New Technology Developments

In addition to new products, several technology developments are ushering in this brave new world of CBD. These new technology developments are responsible for quality control in the CBD industry.  Many CBD producers now use software to track every step of the production process. This gives them the unprecedented capability to spot problems during the extraction and manufacturing process quickly. As a result, consistently higher quality products can be enjoyed by more consumers. 

Speaking of the extraction process, a safer and more efficient way of extracting cannabinoids from the plant is now available. It’s called the Supercritical CO2 Extraction method. According to techdayhq.com, it is considered the gold standard for CBD extraction.  Not only is the method more environmentally friendly, but studies have shown it to increase bioavailability in some cases.

Saved by the Bee

Phytopharma International, an Israeli cannabis company, recently announced it successfully created cannabis-infused honey made solely by bees.  When they introduced hemp into the bees’ diet, their bodies naturally extracted cannabinoids. The bees naturally infused them into the honey produced by the hive.  The honey is highly bioavailable and produces positive medical effects.  Test subjects experienced pain relief from fibromyalgia and reduced PTSD-induced insomnia.

The CBD industry continues to evolve.  This brave new world of CBD includes advancements in technology resulting in higher quality products. At the same time, scientists are discovering new cannabinoids. These new cannabinoids can provide better treatments for those suffering from a host of conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety. It’s an exciting time, and Naturally. . .You is excited to be part of it. We’ve added Delta 8 products to our line of high-quality, full-spectrum CBD products.  That means more options to help you feel your best, naturally.

Why Eliminating Nightshades Can Help You Feel Great

Why Eliminating Nightshades Can Help You Feel Great
French fries, an example of nightshade vegetables, are arranged across a white background.

You may not have heard the term “nightshade vegetables,” but chances are, you eat at least some of them. Potatoes and tomatoes are some of the nightshade vegetables. And many people point to them as a cause for health issues involving the digestive system and autoimmune diseases. Nightshades get their name because they prefer shade to sunshine and often flower at night. About 50 species of nightshade plants can be found in North America and widely consumed. That’s because they contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and are safe to eat under ordinary circumstances. But for those with nightshade sensitivity, nightshades can cause serious problems.  Keep reading to learn why eliminating nightshades can help you feel great.

Popular Nightshade Vegetables

According to grassfedsalsa.com, popular nightshades include:

  • White, gold, and yellow potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell Peppers
  • Chili Peppers
  • Eggplant
  • Goji Berries
  • Tomatillos
Heirloom tomatoes, an example of nightshade vegetables, displayed in a basket.

Why they can be Harmful

Nightshade vegetables contain trace amounts of a natural insect repellant called glycoalkaloid. Glycoalkaloids are a family of chemical compounds derived from alkaloids found within each plant.  These alkaloids can be harmful to humans if consumed in heavy concentrations. Also, they can have a certain drug-like effect on people. The most known alkaloids are caffeine, nicotine, and morphine. They can damage your cell membranes and take your body a long time to process, more than a day in some cases.  So, if you are eating nightshades daily, you could end up accumulating a lot of this natural toxin.

Health Issues

A direct link between nightshade consumption and health issues has not been proven. But we know our immune system can’t target the alkaloid found in nightshades. Therefore, it cannot prevent it from causing various health issues. As a result, they can contribute to inflammation, digestive problems, confusion, dry mouth, and visual disturbances. Additionally, they can aggravate autoimmune diseases such as osteoarthritis, Graves disease, lupus, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and others. According to Healthline, many people with autoimmune diseases eliminate nightshades from their diets, believing they contribute to their health problems.

How to test for Nightshade Sensitivity

A woman writing in a journal while sitting next to a window and enjoying a cup of coffee.

Nightshade vegetables and spices do not affect everyone. But if you consume nightshades and suffer from any gastrointestinal dysfunction or an autoimmune disease, it’s a good idea to test for sensitivity. During the test, keep a daily journal.  Write down how you feel being mindful changes to your condition. First, remove all nightshade vegetables from your diet. Do this for a minimum of 30 days. Then re-introduce them, one at a time. For instance, start with the tomato.  First, eat it raw every day for two or three days. They eat it cooked for a few days. Then move on to the next nightshade.  Once you’ve gone through all of them, look back through your journal to determine how sensitive you are to nightshades.

Nightshade Replacement Options

Nightshade VegetableNon-Nightshade Replacement Option
TomatoesStrawberries, Pumpkin, or Squash
EggplantPortobello Mushrooms
Chili or Cayenne PepperBlack or White Pepper with Cumin or Turmeric
Bell PeppersCelery or Cucumber

While the scientific community is still trying to understand the relationship between nightshade vegetables and health issues. But there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support it. Naturally. . . You supports the natural approach to healthy living.  We believe food can be used as medicine to heal the body. Plus, it can be done without the side effects of synthetic treatments like prescription medications.  If you eat nightshade vegetables and suffer from a digestive or an autoimmune disease, we encourage you to try our elimination diet recommendation. You might find that eliminating nightshades can help you feel great. And even more important, how certain foods can actually make you feel better. 

For more information on diet, and the six keys to optimal health, check out our website.  While you are there, you can also find our complete line of full-spectrum CBD products. And you can chat with us on more ways to feel great. . . naturally.

Lessons from Our Year of Covid-19

It’s hard to believe, but next month marks the first anniversary of the day the US government declared a national Covid-19 emergency.  In the weeks that followed, states issued stay-at-home orders, and the country shut down.  By the end of March, life had changed, in some way, for almost everyone. Life may never go back to what it was before Covid but instead of dwelling about things we’ve lost, focus on lessons learned and positive changes that can help us live better lives.  Here are five lessons I’ve learned from our year of Covid-19 and how they have positively changed my life.

Lesson #1—Change is Inevitable.  We Will Adapt.

The year 2020 was canceled.  Trips, events, parties, and almost everything social were canceled while we sheltered in place. People had to adapt to working at home, school at home, and fitness at home. Even after states reopened, many of us were unwilling to travel and socialize.  We wore our masks, were socially distant, and isolated ourselves from friends and family.  Changes in our behavior were required to slow the spread of the virus.  But through it all, we found ways to adapt and still participate in things important to us.  Neighbors gathered in their driveways on Fridays to celebrate happy hour.  They sat on lawn chairs and toasted each other with glasses of wine and beer.  Couples got married, and we attended via Zoom.  We couldn’t be there in person, but we found ways to witness weddings, birthdays, and graduations. 

The Covid experience proves our resilience. The confidence we gained from facing change and adapting to it makes us stronger and better able to face future challenges.  It’s something we should be proud of.

Lesson #2—Everything We Need, We Already Have.

Before 2020 most people were rushing around chasing things on their “Have to Have” lists.  If it was new and improved, in style, or better than the rest, we had to have it.  We worked ourselves sick if necessary, but if we wanted it, we had to have it, and we would do what it took to get it.  Suddenly everything stopped. Our “have to have” lists changed.  Instead of the latest designer handbag or hairstyle, a big supply of toilet paper is what we had to have. People hoarded basic supplies, fought over the last few packages of chicken at the supermarket, and some bought yeast and flour for the first time.  Once we realized that basic supplies were not going to run out, we settled into a simpler life, and everything was okay.

Most of us have everything we need to live comfortably, and the Covid experience has taught us that while we might not have everything we want, everything we need, we already have. This is one of the important lessons from our Year of Covid-19. And when you learn that, you have found freedom.

Lesson #3—Boredom Can Be Good  

Young woman daydreaming while sitting on her could.
Daydreaming can stimulate creativity!

Back in the 1940s, our fathers and grandfathers were asked to go to war for this country.  We’ve been asked to stay at home.  Most of us did and soon realized that there are just so many hours of bad television we can stand to watch.  We read books, did living room yoga, tried to bake sourdough bread, and still got bored. Boredom can be a good thing.  Boredom allows us to daydream, come up with new ideas, and create plans for the future.  Before Covid, most of us were busy filling every second of our lives. We were never bored, but often in a rut.  Many of us realized that with a little boredom we have more possibilities than ever.

Covid has taught us to slow down and accept a little boredom.  If we planned more downtime, got bored a little more often, imagine the innovations that would result and how much better life could get!

Lesson #4—Be Grateful for the Little Things

When the world gets smaller, little things matter more. People are grateful for some of the smallest gestures.  Pre-Covid, these same small gestures could have been overlooked or taken for granted.  Not now. Neighbors going to the supermarket call neighbors with offers to pick up groceries. Sharing extra baked goods or soup is something we can do for others. Not only does it make them feel grateful, but you will feel good too. It’s not about what you share, but the act of sharing something will give you a sense of purpose and community.  Gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to boost your spirits and well-being.

Keeping a gratitude journal can help remind you of all the little things you are grateful for every day.  Covid has taken so much away. Practicing gratitude and keeping a journal gives so much back. It will bring greater health and happiness no matter what challenges we face in the future.

Lesson #5—Take Care of Yourself 

Couple powerwalking and staying fit is a lession learned from our year of Covid-19.
Power walking is a low-impact way to get fit.

Covid-19 is a killer.  It’s especially deadly in those with pre-existing health conditions.  According to the CDC, 94% of all Covid deaths occurred in individuals with pre-existing health conditions.  The most common ones were diabetes and obesity.  So the message is clear, taking care of yourself, maintaining a healthy weight level, and focusing on metabolic health are key to survival.  And it goes far beyond survival.  Staying healthy and active are keys to a longer life with more opportunities for fulfilling experiences, stronger relationships, and greater happiness.

Taking care of yourself is the great lesson learned from Covid.  This pandemic made bad situations worse, so now is the time to concentrate on being fit and healthy.  If new challenges come your way, you’ll be better prepared to overcome them.  If not, you’ll be able to enjoy all the good things life has to offer.

We hope these lessons for our year of Covid-19 help you create a positive and healthier future. The team at Naturally. . . You is here to help you on your health and wellness journey.  We offer a variety of services like weight management and detoxification programs, as well as a complete line of full-spectrum CBD products to help you manage pain and stress.  For more information visit our website.  There you can learn about the six keys to optimal health and ways to feel better. . . naturally.

Your Thyroid is More Important than You Think

Thyroid ribbon sitting in a lady's hand.
Thyroid Support Ribbon

The thyroid is a small gland that plays a very big role in almost every function of your body.  Most people don’t realize the depth and breadth of influence it has, but your thyroid is more important than you think. It produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, heart rate, digestion, muscle and bone development, and brain function. Every cell in your body needs thyroid hormones to work correctly. January is National Thyroid Month, and the team here at Naturally. . . You think it’s the perfect time to shed some light on what the thyroid gland is and why it’s so important to all of us. So, if you want to learn more about how to keep your thyroid healthy, keep reading.

What it Is and What it Does 

Graphic image of the thyroid gland and it's position on the neck.

The thyroid is a butterfly or bow tie-shaped endocrine gland that sits low on the front of the neck, between the larynx and the trachea. It consists of two connected lobes joined by a small bridge of thyroid tissue called the isthmus. It is responsible for producing two main hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It’s these hormones that regulate your body’s temperature, metabolism, and heart rate.

According to the American Thyroid Association, 20 million Americans, around 12 percent, have some form of thyroid disease. Those most at risk are people over the age of 60 (although it can strike at any age), have a family history of thyroid disease, have an autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes or celiac disease. Check for a lump in your throat, and listen for changes in your voice. Both are signs of thyroid issues. There are two types of thyroid disease, hypo and hyper, and a simple blood test can determine if a person has either. Both are treatable and affect women more often than men.

Hypothyroidism

If your body doesn’t produce enough of the T3 and T4 hormones, you have hypothyroidism.  Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin and hair, cold sensitivity, and fatigue. Think of it like pressing on a car’s gas pedal, but the car doesn’t move. According to Healthline, 90% of primary hypothyroidism cases are caused by Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland.  According to the Mayo Clinic, if left untreated Hashimoto’s disease can lead to an enlarged heart, heart failure, and mental issues like depression that worsen over time. While there is no cure for hypothyroidism, prescription medications are available to regulate it. 

Hyperthyroidism

If your body produces too much hormone, you have hyperthyroidism.  Symptoms include weight loss, sweating a lot, goiter, fast heartbeat, and feeling nervous or moody.  This time, think of it as pressing on the brake of a car, but the car doesn’t stop. Graves Disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones. One symptom is bulging eyes. According to womenshealth.gov, without treatment, Grave’s Disease can lead to irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, bone loss, osteoporosis, and problems during pregnancy for both mother and her unborn child. As with Hashimoto’s disease, Grave’s disease can be treated with prescription medications.

Watch Your Diet

While the foods you eat won’t necessarily cause thyroid diseases, making the right food choices can help your treatment if you suffer from one.  Here is a chart of foods to eat and foods to avoid based on the thyroid disease you have.

Thyroid ConditionEat these oftenAvoid these
HypothyroidismIodine-rich seafood, eggs, dairy foods, and foods rich in selenium like Brazil Nuts and Oatmeal.Cruciferous vegetables, foods that contain soy, and processed foods.
HyperthyroidismCruciferous Vegetables, Brazil Nuts, Foods rich in Vitamin D, Calcium, and Iron, Turmeric Foods rich in iodine like seafood, eggs, and dairy. Foods containing soy. Coffee, chocolate, and soda.
Source: Medical News Daily
Buy this if you have hyper. Avoid this if you have hypo.

Don’t Go Nuts!

If you suffer from either thyroid disease, eating nuts may cause discomfort. Some people with autoimmune disorders experience gut sensitivity to nuts. This often happens when eating almonds, cashews, macadamias, and walnuts.  To test your nut sensitivity, eliminate all nuts from your diet for about eight weeks. Then reintroduce them, one at a time, in four-week intervals. You will see if you have any adverse reaction to any specific nuts. 

A Natural Thyroid Support Supplement

Your thyroid is more important than you think, so be sure to get your thyroid examined during your annual physical. Make sure to have your TSH levels checked during routine blood work, and act quickly if results indicate a problem. In both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, you will need to seek help from a healthcare provider for the best treatment.

With any medical issue, Naturally. . . You recommends being your own health advocate. Research your condition using various respected sources and discuss your findings with your doctor. Implement practices like adjusting your diet or exercise programs to give your body what it needs to cure itself. If prescription medication is part of the treatment, follow your doctor’s dosage and frequency recommendations. Naturally. . . You offers a thyroid-support supplement. Contact us through our website for more information.  There you can start a live chat and read about the Six Keys to Optimal Health. Let’s refocus on our health this year, and we are here to help.