Does our body need salt?

I know we have always been told to eliminate or decrease the salt in our diets because it causes high blood pressure and increases your chances of getting heart disease.....but is that really true?
Most of the medical research has been done on refined table salt, not unprocessed, unrefined sea salts. Refined table salt has been bleached to look white and contains additives, preservatives, anti-caking agents, moisture absorbent's, fluoride, & dextrose! Dangerous preservatives (aluminum) are also added and they do not have to be labeled.
We have just taken a complete mineral rich, alkalizing element and changed it into a processed, acidic toxin! No wonder "salt" causes disease.
Processed salt causes a water-salt unbalance in our cells and body. Every gram of processed salt your body cannot eliminate, twenty three grams of water has to be drawn out from your cells to neutralize it!...this causes water retention which contributes to hardening of the arteries, cellulite, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, & kidney and bladder stones!

Now with that being said,  did you know that real, unrefined organic salts are an ESSENTIAL element to human nutrition and are full of minerals, including  potassium, calcium, & magnesium? They energize the body and are very alkalizing! Real salts actually conduct energy (electrolytes) within your cells, where processed table salt does not because it is a dead product.
Real organic salts help to maintain the body's hydration, blood PH, & nerve and muscle function. It regulates blood pressure, metabolism, and heart beat as well as aiding in digestion and building iron. Some outward signs that we are not getting enough natural salts may be muscle cramps, muscle weakness, dizziness, & exhaustion.
Real, unrefined salts will help to dissolve damaging calcium deposits in the joints, when refined table salt actually causes it!

So YES our bodies need natural unrefined organic salts, NOT processed table salt! 
Organic salts should be a regular part of our diet along with a diet of whole, natural foods & freshly made juices!

*Himalayan salt, "Redmonds Real Salt", or Celtic Salts are good choices.

*athletes who have an electrolyte loss can benefit by adding organic salts to their food and in their drinking water. By adding organic salts to your water, it increases the bio-availability of  the minerals.

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Why use oils instead of lotions & creams?

Why would I want to use oil on my face is usually a common question. If you mention using an oil based product for moisturizing your facial skin, people sometimes look at you & scrunch their nose!
The cosmetic industry has scared the public about using  products containing "oil" for our face. What this industry doesn't comprehend, is that your skin NEEDS oil to produce a proper balance.
When you constantly strip the skin of it's natural oils with chemicals, drying agents, and non-oil products, your skin will start to produce MORE oil and over time will actually over-produce leaving you with oily, problem skin. Those non-oily creams/lotions you have been using are filled with harmful carcinogenic chemicals, preservatives, fillers, & waxes that clog pores & cause skin irritations. Waxes are one of the major contributing factors for skin congestion & clogged pores, and the waxes can actually stop the products small amount of oil from penetrating the skin, acting as a barrier. (Most creams are mainly made from waxes and water, with a minimal amount of oil in them.)

People do not realize that when we put these harmful ingredients on our skin day after day, that our skin absorbs them right into the body...this can actually be more harmful than swallowing them.

Our skin NEEDS oil! It protects our skin from the elements of weather and prevents wrinkles, fine lines, & blemishes. Facial oils absorb easily and directly into your skin, nourishing the skin cells & supplying needed fatty acids. It recreates your skins natural lipid barrier & helps to retain the water in your skin preventing drying & dehydration.
Keep a healthy youthful appearance and opt for something real...that's what our skin needs!
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Cathy's Corner Aromatherapy & Natural Products

A cup of "Earl Grey?"

Do you love the taste of earl grey tea but don't want the high caffeine content of the black tea and fake "Bergamot" flavouring?
If you have some organic white tea at home and some pure Bergamot essential oil, you can make yourself a lovely cup of sunshine! Add a TBSP of loose white tea leaves to an empty herb tea bag, tea ball, or tea pot with strainer. Then and add 1 drop of pure Bergamot essential oil to tea leaves. Let steep for about 5 minutes or so and you have your own Earl Grey! **make sure your bergamot oil is a pure essential oil, not a synthetic bergamot fragrance oil.
White tea is the least processed variety of tea and contains the highest levels of Phytochemicals! (and has minimal caffeine) It prevents cancer, obesity, and increases bone strength.
Bergamot has been used for depression, anxiety and balances unstable emotions. Studies have shown it effectively balances the activity of the hypothalamus.
You can use in an aroma lamp, mixed with body massage oil, in a spray bottle, or add to a bath.

Bergamot can also be used effectively for staphylococcus, gonococcus, meningococcus, diphtheria & other infectious bacteria.
It is also great for treating bladder infections by taking it orally and using it in a sitz bath, as well as vaginal itching, discharge, or fungus.
It can also be taken orally for lost appetite, to relieve stomach & intestinal cramps, and flatulence. It is one of the best essential oils for treating eczemas, psoriasis, dry, chapped & infected skin,  and cold sores.

Cathy Francilia
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An apple a day keeps the doctor away?

We have all heard this slogan many times...but is it true?

Yes! Including an apple into your diet everyday can indeed “keep the doctor away!”

Eating the whole fruit (including the seeds), you are obtaining extremely high concentrations of essential vitamins, minerals, fats, enzymes, and proteins.

The seeds in the center of the core are a very rich source of necessary nitrilosides or B17. This nutrient has become deficient in the western diet and deficiencies have been shown and proven to cause cancer. It’s a shame the medical industry has suppressed this information from the public…..but not surprising.

Some foods rich in nitrilosides/(B17) are apricot seeds (inside pit), apple seeds, grasses, millet, the seeds inside cherry pit, nectarine pit, peach pit, and plum pit, sorghum molasses, macadamia nuts, lentils, barley, garbanzo beans, grass fed animals.

*Use a nut cracker to crack open the fruit pit. 

Back in the "old" days, they made home-made jams and preserves with the seed included, fruit brandy's were made with the entire fruit including seed, grass fed animals, grass fed butter, and grass fed milk were eaten, "seedless" produce didn't exist, & unprocessed grains like millet, & buckwheat, and barley were a staple in the diet.... no wonder cancer was almost non-existent.

Even domesticated animals know to eat grass because they are not receiving the nitrilosides in their diet of processed kibble. My dogs love the leftover pulp from my wheatgrass after I juice it! 

Even monkeys know to break apart a fruit and crack the pit open to obtain the seed first...then they will eat the fruit.

 Also, in the creation of mankind, we are even told to eat every plant & fruit that yields seed for food to eat. 

The apple pectin (the necessary fiber of apple), helps maintain intestinal balance. It helps prevent absorption of toxic heavy metals in the intestinal tract and carries them out of the body.

The raw enzymes in the raw apple supply our bodies with life! Raw enzymes from food improve health, and strengthens the immune function. When raw food is eaten with a cooked meal, it helps the digestion process and takes the burden off your pancreas to produce its own enzymes.

People who eat enzymeless diets put a great strain on their pancreas and other digestive organs resulting in shorter lifespan, illness, disease, and lowered resistance to all types of stresses.

The apple peel even has benefits.....Vit C and abundant anti-oxidants!

Hopefully the next time you bite into an apple, you will appreciate the complexity of this "simple" fruit.....and eat the whole thing! :)

What's on your label?

Have you ever read the ingredients on your bottle of face wash, moisturizer, toner, shampoo, liquid soap, deoderant, etc...? It is shocking that most of these ingredients are allowed to be used on peoples skin and that they have been "approved". Even some companies who claim to be "natural" or "organic" are still using these detrimental ingredients to some degree. 

Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies, so anything you put on your skin, immediately becomes absorbed into your bloodstream! 

Some people shy away from "REAL" natural products because they don't last very long on the shelf, but wouldn't you rather use a product that may go "off" after a few months, than getting cancer from using these synthetic, carcinogenic ingredients?............ It should really be a no-brainer. 

Natural body products should be very simple, but yet they are very effective....How did we get away from the basics? 

Here is a little list of a few well known products and their ingredient list....YIKES!

Most of these ingredients should be AVOIDED! (especially by your little ones!)

It is a good idea to do your research and find out what these ingredients are and the health risks that you are taking by using them. Use of these may and do contribute to Cancer, Infertility, Endocrine disruptors, Auto-Immune disfunction, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Allergies, Asthma, Headaches, Skin irritation, Rashes, Vomiting, & Hair loss.

Nivea Moisturizing Lotion

Parafinnum liquidum, PEG-150, methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben, simethicone, BHT, parfum, limonene, geraniol, linalool, hydroxycitronellal, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexane carboxaldehyde, citronell

Nivea Pure & Natural

Aqua, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Alcohol Denat., Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Methylpropanediol, Octyldodecanol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glyceryl Stearate, Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Parfum

Jason – Pure natural hand & body lotion

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (1), Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (1), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum)
(1) Certified Organic Ingredient

Mary Kay - TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer 

Water, glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, cetearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, triethanolamine, hydrogenated lecithin, behenyl alcohol, propylene glycol, dimethicone, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2,ceteareth-20, linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, silica, carbomer, diazolidinyl urea, lauramine oxide, disodium EDTA, betaine, glyceryl polyacrylate, methylparaben, sodium PCA, C9-15 alkyl phosphate, tocopheryl acetate, sorbitol, propylparaben, serine, threonine, proline, arginine, glycine, alanine, lysine, glutamic acid, thermus themophillus ferment.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Lotion

Water, Propylene Glycol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Polysorbate 61, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Synthetic Bees Wax, Carbomer, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Aloe Vera Extract, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate)

 ·         82 percent of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients with the potential to harm the brain and nervous system.

·         69 percent of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients that may disrupt the hormone system.

·         3.6 percent of children are exposed to ingredients with strong data linking them to cancer, including chemicals classified as known or probable human carcinogens.

·         80 percent of children's products marked as gentle and non-irritating contain ingredients linked to allergies and skin or eye irritation according to government and industry sources.

   

AVEDA HYDRATING LOTION 

Aqueous Extracts: Anthemis Nobilis (chamomile) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Coco-caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Maleate, Cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Panthenol, Dimenthicone, Simmondsia Chinesis (jojoba) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Oil, Stearamidopropyl PG-dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Glyceryl Laurate, Fragrance (parfum), Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Eugenol, Hydroxycitronellal, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Diazolidinyl Urea

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How to stay trim & Healthy

What is the best way to stay trim and healthy without dieting? Here are 11 key tips to help..... These principles should be applied for life!

1- Proper sleeping and eating schedule. Very important! You should be eating and sleeping roughly at the same times everyday for proper hormonal balance, bowel regularity, and health. (also, lack of sleep contributes to added fat ) Did you know night shift work is actually one of the most detrimental sources of ill health?

2- Learn how to deal with stress and if possible eliminate it! This is the biggest killer of health.....it messes up the hormonal system while adding extra pounds of flab, and also reduces life span. Sometimes we need to evaluate our lives, figure out what's important, and if possible eliminate some "cancerous" situations.....job, friends, acquaintances, spouse relationship, etc.

3- Eat only fruit in the morning roughly until noon. Our body's are in an elimination process approx. from 4am -Noon. When we eat too much heavy food in the morning, it interferes with this process. (In the winter, you may do a warm broth or blended soup). This morning routine can increase your energy and is a great way to keep regular bowel habits. (eliminating at least once a day is a must!)

4- Food combine. Eat proteins and starches seperate from each other. If you are having a meat, fish, or egg dish, eliminate the starch (potato, rice, pasta, bread, etc). If you want a starch, have that as the main part of your meal and eliminate the protein. Also have a raw dish with it (salad or cut up raw vegetables) and some steamed vegetables.

5- Always start with something raw before eating your meal....ex: have some bites of your salad or raw veggies first before consuming the cooked food. This supplies your body with needed raw enzymes for proper and easy digestion.

6- Do not eat after 8pm! Your body should not be digesting food when you are winding down for the evening and getting ready for sleep. When we sleep, the body's job is to repair & heal. The more time the body spends digesting, the less time for healing!

7- Never drink with meals. No exceptions. When you drink with meals, you are diluting your digestive juices which impairs digestion. Alcohol is the worst, but even water is a no-no. Wait at least an hour (or more) after you eat before consuming any liquid.

8- Stay hydrated during your day (away from meals)  .....drink herbal teas, fresh vegetable or fruit juices (not bottled), & pure water with fresh lemon. If it is hard for you to drink water, try putting a berry flavored herbal tea bag in a jug of water and keep it in the fridge. A nice, natural iced tea with no sugar! Also consuming raw fresh fruit & veggies helps stay hydrated due to its high water content.

9- Consuming healthy fat on a regular basis! Our body's are made from fat......do not think that real fat makes you fat! Steer clear of fat free products which are loaded with chemicals and sugars! (these actually make you fat & unhealthy)
We need all different sources of fats to stay healthy.....ex: raw nuts, raw seeds, avocado, organic butter, raw virgin coconut oil, MCT oil, flax oil, good quality cod liver oil, unrefined vegetable & nut oils, & organic egg yolks.

10- Reduce or eliminate white refined sugar intake, corn and glucose syrups, & aspartame! (all artificial sweeteners) Check your labels. These not only contribute to weight gain, but also to diseases & ailments of the body.

11- Go for a brisk walk everyday for at least 20-45min.(outside and/or treadmill) Do not stroll. You should be sweating when you are done.Take advantage of hilly areas. Also adding some strength training should be considered at least 3x a week.

Check out some of Cathy's other health tips!

Nervous about using herbs?

Herbs have a long history throughout the beginning of time as healers and are completely safe for us to use.....contrary to what you have been told. These are actually the first true medicine or "conventional" medicine of humanity. They have been used to prevent & treat disease, illness, discomforts, & injuries. They can be used internally as a tincture, tonic, syrup, tea, or in capsule form, and externally as a poultice & compress, or infused in oil for salves, ointments, oils, & creams.
It always boggles my mind how people can say that  "herbs may be dangerous" or they better check with their doctor before taking anything natural....huh?
But we don't think anything of it to run to the doctor or pharmacist to get the new drug of the moment or the name brand drug that has a loooonnng list of unnatural side effects and has been proven to harm and even kill people. Hmmmmm........?
Do you ever see or hear of people over dosing on herbs? How about becoming addicted to them? or getting another illness or major side effect from taking them? Count how many deaths per year from taking a natural herb that grows in nature or that you can grow in your garden......close to none!
There are hundreds of thousands of deaths each year alone just from taking pharmaceutical drugs! And our media, government, and medical system has the gall to tell us to stay away from those "evil" herbs.
It's absurd! People seem to forget that the pharmaceutical industry is a multi-billion dollar BUSINESS.....Yes that's what it is, a BIG business.

How far off we have come that we avoid natural foods, fruits & vegetables, and natures herbs & spices to stay healthy and disease free. It's a sad state.
People need to rearrange their thinking, use common sense, and stop believing the propaganda from these companies.
My daughter is 17 years old, and I think I can count on 1 finger how many times I have taken her to a medical doctor. ( it was actually to the hospital when she broke her leg)..... (oh, and when she was born - so 2 times)
If she gets sick, we let it run its course like the human body was designed to do. (so far, she has never even had an antibiotic!) We use some beneficial herbal tinctures, essential oils, colloidal silver water, home remedies which are right in our own cupboards & fridge, and some common sense.
Too many people are scared of their own bodies, and do not believe it is self healing if it is treated with respect. I know of people who preach health to people, but when push comes to shove, they get scared and head to the doctors office or drug store.
I'm not saying the doctor or medical system does not have a purpose. Of course they do, and I am grateful that they have the technology to help save a life if we are in an accident, to set a broken bone, to have a  blood transfusion, help with childbirth, to receive stitches, etc.... But people have become dependant on the system for their over all "health".

We've all heard the terms "conventional" and "alternative" medicine.....why is herbal medicine considered "alternative" when it is the first true medicine? Herbs are proven healers, but I guess you can't  patent nature and make billions.......something to think about.

I once heard a quote from a healthy man who was over a hundred years old. Someone asked him what his secret to a long healthy life was, and his response was....... "I stay away from the doctors & their drugs".
Sounds like some good advise. :)
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