Join us for a dive into the power of essential oils in our daily lives. The interest in essential oils is rapidly on the rise according to Google Trends. The trend line is fascinating. Why? What makes essential oils so sought after? They work! Organixx carries a line of organic and pure essential oils. Today we will share the top 3 uses of the top single essential oils in our line.   Lavender Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. We’ve all heard by now that lavender promotes deeper sleep, but did you know…   There’s promising research for breast health too. 2014 Iranian research published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer found that lavender oil kills breast cancer cells but leaves healthy cells unharmed. It’s important to note that this study was on cells in a petri dish, not on humans. The researchers concluded that: “L. angustifolia has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines, and apoptosis is proposed as the possible mechanism of action.”1 Stops the itch and burn of insect bites. Even fire ants! Put a drop of lavender oil on a bee sting, mosquito, or other bug bite to stop pain, itching, and reduce swelling. Reapply as necessary. Lavender oil works really well for this, especially if applied immediately. Use it as a flavor booster. Add a drop of high-quality lavender oil suitable for consumption to brownie batter, chocolate icing, cookie dough, dessert recipes, raw chocolate, or even salad dressings. It’s absolutely delicious.   Is Lavender Oil Safe? Using diluted lavender oil topically or in aromatherapy is generally considered safe for most adults but may not be recommended for children. Applying pure lavender oil to your skin (especially open wounds) may also cause irritation, so we recommend infusing it with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Dissolving it in water also works.   Be careful not to rub lavender oil in your eyes and mucous membranes. If this happens, wash it out immediately. Lavender oil may also cause allergic reactions in people with unusually sensitive skin, so do a spot test before using it. Simply apply a drop of lavender oil to your arm and see if any reaction occurs.   The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) also warns against using lavender oil when taking medications like barbiturates, benzodiazepines and chloral hydrate, as it may increase their sedative effects and cause extreme drowsiness and sleepiness.   Tea Tree (Melaleuca) This versatile oil possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties.   Due to its potent anti-inflammatory benefits, tea tree oil helps to relieve inflammatory skin conditions, especially eczema and psoriasis. Dilute as necessary and apply to affected area two to three times daily. Tea tree oil has long been used as a natural bug repellent by native Australian aboriginal people. Chinese research in 2016 found tea tree to be effective against the cereal weevil, Sitophilus zeamais.3 The cereal weevil is considered to be an extremely destructive pest to stored cereals all over the world. Tea tree also helps to relieve the pain, itching, and inflammation of insect bites. If it’s an extra-hot day and your deodorant has failed, apply again, but this time with a drop or two of tea tree oil to help kill bacteria. Tea tree oil’s potent antibacterial properties are well proven with dozens of research studies.   Is Tea Tree Oil Safe? The answer is yes, as long as it is applied topically in appropriate doses and NOT swallowed. This oil may irritate your skin, especially if used for the first time. We recommend starting with low concentrations until you figure out your tolerance. Determine if you have an allergy to tea tree oil before using it by doing a skin test — apply a small amount to your inner arm to see if any reaction such as a rash or hives occurs.   The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) recommends avoiding oxidized oil, which has been exposed to air, because it may help trigger allergies more than fresh tea tree oil.  Avoid using undiluted tea tree oil as well and use tea tree oil-infused products instead to reduce your risk of skin irritation.   Lemon The health benefits of lemon oil can be attributed to its stimulating, calming, astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant and antifungal properties. *Important to note: Lemon essential oil can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Lemon oil has a balancing effect on the oil glands of the scalp. Massage a drop or two of lemon oil into your scalp before you go to bed at night. Wash it out in the morning. Done over a period of weeks, you will notice much less oily hair. It will make your pillow smell nice and fresh too! Diffuse lemon oil to help kill airborne bacteria. Research carried out by Dr. Jean Valnet (co-author of the book The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties) shows that diffused lemon oil can rapidly kill off the bacteria that causes meningococcal infections, typhoid fever, staph infections, pneumonia, diphtheria, and tuberculosis. Several essential oils are haemostatic, i.e. they help to stop bleeding by speeding up the coagulation of the blood. The most useful of these is oil of Lemon, though Geranium and Rose have similar, though less powerful, effects.   Is Lemon Oil Safe? It is advisable not to use lemon oil without diluting it first, as it can irritate skin. It must be used with a carrier oil for direct application to the skin. Effective carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil and jojoba oil.   There are findings showing that lemon oil may promote photosensitivity, which increases your sensitivity to the sun and may lead to sunburn and uneven darkening of the skin. We also recommend you avoid applying lemon oil and other citrus oils to your skin when outdoors, as blistering may occur.   People with sensitivities should use essential oils with caution. Reactions can vary from person to person. Some may experience skin reactions, while some may have respiratory problems. Consult your physician first before use. Pregnant women and children should also see a doctor before applying lemon oil.   Peppermint According to a review conducted by the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities. It also works as a strong antioxidant, displays anti-tumor actions in lab studies, shows anti-allergenic potential and pain-killing effects, helps to relax the gastrointestinal tract and may be chemopreventive.4   Note: Chemoprevention is the use of a medication, vitamin or supplement to stop cancer from happening. This is most often used for people who have a high risk of developing cancer. The high menthol content of peppermint makes it great for cooling off during hot flashes. At the first sign of a hot flash developing, place a drop at the back of the neck, at the base of the skull, or on the collarbones. Breathe it in. This has an instant cooling and calming effect. Peppermint oil not only relaxes skeletal muscles, it also helps to relax the muscles of the respiratory system. Inhaling the scent of peppermint helps to relieve congestion due to allergies and counteract the effects of pollen. Especially powerful when combined with lavender and lemon to ease seasonal allergies! Peppermint oil is superb for helping to relieve indigestion and heartburn. Put just one drop of peppermint oil into a glass of water and drink. It works much more quickly than peppermint tea due to the concentrated nature of peppermint oil. If it’s too strong for you, just dilute it and rub it across the tummy.   Is Peppermint Oil Safe? Peppermint oil is safe in low amounts in most adults, but it can trigger side effects in people with sensitivities. It is important for the following individuals to either avoid using this essential oil or to use it carefully only with the help of a healthcare professional. Pregnant and nursing women — Peppermint oil or other similar products may have emmenagogue and abortifacient effects, so it would be wise not to use peppermint oil without your physician’s approval. Infants and children 7 years old and younger — Peppermint oil must not be used undiluted because there isn’t enough information regarding its safety for them. Diabetics — Using peppermint oil may raise your risk of low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia patients — Peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, and cause acid to move up to the esophagus. People with gallbladder problems — Peppermint oil may cause gallbladder inflammation; those diagnosed with gallstones should consult a physician before using peppermint oil. People taking antacids — These drugs can cause peppermint oil capsules to break down easily, increasing the risk of heartburn.   Eucalyptus The healing benefits of Eucalyptus Oil can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, and antiseptic qualities, among other valuable properties.   Eucalyptus oil is known to be a vasodilator, meaning it dilates, or opens, blood vessels. In 1994, Austrian researchers discovered that eucalyptol, a phytochemical in eucalyptus oil (also known as 1,8-cineol) improved global blood flow to the brain, after only 20 minutes of inhalation.9 A newer study released in 2016 by Korean researchers found that eucalyptol is also able to pass through the blood-brain barrier. This research also found eucalyptol’s high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to be helpful in the management of chronic conditions such as respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and degenerative nerve and brain diseases. Some studies have shown that several different species of eucalyptus may help to reduce blood sugar levels in mice. Also because eucalyptus is such an excellent vasodilator, the entire body benefits from this increase in blood circulation. To help combat poor blood circulation, dilute eucalyptus oil and massage it into the legs, hands, and feet as needed. Eucalyptus oil’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-phlegm properties work very quickly to open congested airways. Make a steam inhalation by boiling two cups of water, pour it into a large bowl, then let it cool for five minutes. Add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil. Then create a tent from a small towel draped over your head. Place your face over the bowl and carefully breathe in the vapor until you get some relief. This should only take a couple of minutes. This is great for bronchitis, head colds, chest colds, and asthma.   Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe? Essential oils like eucalyptus oil are generally safe to use, but with specific precautions. Before using it, consult a holistic doctor to see if your condition would allow you to do so, and undergo an allergen patch test to check for possible allergic reactions and lower your risk for developing side effects. In general, adults should not take eucalyptus oil orally except under a doctor’s supervision, and this oil mustn’t be given to children, especially those under 2 years old.   While eucalyptus oil is generally safe when applied to adult skin, refrain from applying the oil, salve or chest rub on the face or nose of baby because of its potential side effects. Lastly, pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid using the oil as evidence is lacking regarding its safety for these groups of women.   Frankincense – The KING of essential oils! Frankincense essential oil is distilled from the resin of the Boswellia tree that grows in many regions within northern Africa and the Middle East. Oman, Somalia, and Ethiopia are the most prominent suppliers today.   Research shows that the natural plant chemical constituents in frankincense oil stimulate the immune system.2   But it supports so much more… Frankincense is a powerful health support for respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and bronchitis. It even helps when suffering from laryngitis. Diffuse it into the room where you intend to spend some time. For best results, use an ultrasonic cool mist diffuser. Never heat essential oils because heating them diminishes their therapeutic effects. Whether your skin is dry and mature or oily and blotched with blemishes, frankincense oil has wonderful balancing qualities. It helps to reduce lines and wrinkles by tightening and toning skin, accelerates the healing of blemishes, skin ulcers and wounds, and stimulates cell regeneration. For anti-aging benefits, put several drops into your favorite night time moisturizer. For acne and blemishes, apply it neat directly on the problem area, unless you have very sensitive skin, then dilute. Use frankincense oil to help calm and center the mind, to promote spiritual awareness, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace while meditating. Frankincense contains compounds known as sesquiterpenes which work directly on the limbic system of the brain, the center of memory and emotions. Frankincense is calming, grounding, and centering to the nervous system. Diffuse it into your room, or just inhale directly from the bottle at the start of your meditation.   Is Frankincense Oil Safe? Yes, frankincense oil is generally safe. Just make sure to undergo an allergen patch test before applying frankincense oil topically to see if you have any sensitivity to this oil.   For some groups of people, frankincense oil isn’t recommended, since it may trigger adverse reactions. If you’re pregnant or nursing, avoid using frankincense oil because it may trigger contractions, prompt menstruation and lead to a miscarriage. As for children, there is very limited information regarding the potential use of this oil for this age group, so if you’re a parent or guardian, do not let them use this oil.   How to Dilute Essential Oils Although essential oils can be used neat (undiluted) in many cases, it is best (and more economical) to dilute essential oils before applying them to the body. Add a drop or two of your chosen oil to one-half to one teaspoonful of an organic carrier oil such as coconut, almond, hemp, or jojoba.   If using with children or pets, use even less essential oil because their smaller bodies cannot tolerate an adult dose. It’s best to consult a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils with pets or children.    A Final Word About Quality Always choose high quality, organic essential oil that has been properly distilled so that its phytochemical content is not compromised. Look for bottles labeled 100% pure oil and beware of cheap oils that may be diluted with potentially toxic chemical ingredients.   In addition to the powerful essential oils we touched on today, Organixx carries 6 more beautiful single oils just as powerful and effective to help you maintain optimal health; Orange, Grapefruit, Oregano, Geranium Rose, Rosemary, and Clove. Resources: Organixx Essential Oils - 100% Pure, Organic, Non-GMO 1 Comparative studies of cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of different extracts and the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia on malignant and normal cells. 2 Immunomodulatory activity of biopolymeric fraction BOS 2000 from Boswellia serrata. 3 Insecticidal Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia Essential Oil and RNA-Seq Analysis of Sitophilus zeamais Transcriptome in Response to Oil Fumigation. 4 A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy – Safety Information 12 Top Essential Oils & 60+ Uses Non-Toxic DIY Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Tummy Troubles? The Best Essential Oils for Digestive Problems What Are Essential Oils? 21 Facts About Essential Oils You May Not Know 

Empowering You Organically - Video Edition

Top 6 Organic Essential Oils and their Do’s & Don’ts

Join Jonathan and Wade Lightheart dive deeper into understanding how enzymes are critical to your health and vitality. We really help you understand what you are looking for in an effective enzyme supplement. Tune in to understand what proteolytic means, the various enzymes needed in your digestive tract, the powerful punch of AstraZyme™, and why cultured enzymes matter.   About Wade Lightheart 3-Time Canadian All Natural Bodybuilding Champion who competed as vegetarian, former Mr. Universe Competitor, host of The Awesome Health podcast, Wade Lightheart is one of the world’s premier authorities on Natural Nutrition and Training Methods. Having majored in Sports Science at the University of New Brunswick, he has authored numerous books on health, nutrition and exercise which have sold in over 80 countries. Wade also serves as an advisor to the American Anti-Cancer Institute. He’s been in the health industry for over 25 years, coached thousands of clients, and is sought out by athletes and high-performance oriented individuals worldwide for his advice on how to optimize their health and fitness levels.   What Are Enzymes? ENZYME – noun BIOCHEMISTRY a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. There are approximately 25,000 different enzymatic functions in the body The number of enzymes that you have present in your body is directly proportion to the amount of chemical reactions that you can engage in in the body. The difference between stones, plants, and people is enzymes, the amount and the role of those enzymes. They are the most critical component to all metabolic transactions.   Enzyme Bank It’s like having a bank account. In other words, your ability to write metabolic checks, to build, to repair, to heal, to digest your food, to make your hormones work, to break down the smallest chemical reactions, to make your skin nice, you name it, requires an enzymatic pathway.   What is a PROTEOLYTIC enzyme? also called protease, proteinase, or peptidase, any of a group of enzymes that break the long chainlike molecules of proteins into shorter fragments (peptides) and eventually into their components, amino acids. Proteolytic enzymes are present in bacteria, archaea, certain types of algae, some viruses, and plants; they are most abundant, however, in animals. The two major groups are the exopeptidases, which target the terminal ends of proteins, and the endopeptidases, which target sites within proteins.   What to Look for in an Enzyme Supplement Loaded up with proteolytic enzymes Make sure it covers the various pH levels of digestion; 3.0, 4.5 & 6.0 Contains amylase to break down your carbohydrates Contains alpha galactosidase, which will help break down some of the sugars that you will find in food Contains glucoamylase, another one that’ll cover the different range of sugars that you might consume inadvertently Invertase, maltase, to help with hidden sugars that cause interruptions and metabolic problems and blood sugar issues Contains lipase to break down fats Contains phytase to break down plant fibers Contains hemicellulose and the cellulase, which will actually break down those difficult proteins that are actually a fibrous protein Contains lactase for people that can’t digest milk (it’s because they don’t produce lactase) Contains AstraZyme™ to bolster all the benefits Enzymes are cultured     What is AstraZyme™ We studied Chinese medicine and found out there is a particular root, called the astragalus root, that is used in almost every single Chinese compound. When we found out why it was used, that it turns out that that particular root actually activates and accelerates, it increases the potential of the enzymatic response. So, we took that extract through this into that formulation as well and precise dosages. And that gave a 30 to 60% boost depending on the enzyme and its effectiveness.   What is a Cultured Enzyme? A cultured enzyme means this is an enzyme grown on a very specific medium that allows you to increase the potency over a normal enzyme from 100 to 1000 times. This process takes about eight weeks to get that kind of potency. So just like if you were fermenting beer or wine or something, you’ve got to let it work for a period of time before you get that premium spirit. It’s the exact same process inside of the enzyme formula. We’re fermenting and creating a specific medium and then extracted enzymes.  No chemicals are used in the extraction process. So, you just get the pure working enzymes to deliver an incredible result.   What happens if I don’t have the protease in my body to break down the all the protein that I’m ingesting? Gas Bloating Skin problems Brain fog The reason? Because you’re feeding bad bacteria who are producing a variety of endotoxins inside the body that are interrupting your natural activity. Resources: Learn More about Organixx Enzymes 17 Shop Organixx Enzymes 17 Proteolytic Enzymes What Is the pH of the Stomach? National Center for Health Statistics Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States Collagens: Hype or Healthy – Episode 15 Proteolytic Enzymes: What They Are & Why Your Body Needs Them to Live Why You Need Enzymes for Good Digestion & Health (+ 8 Signs You May Have an Enzyme Deficiency) Enzymes: Often Overlooked, but Critically Important  

Understanding the Power of Proteolytic Enzymes Supplement: Enzyme 17

Let’s strengthen and support our immune systems. This week we dive into mushrooms and their impact on our immunity and anti-aging crusade. You may be surprised at the healing and restorative benefits of mushrooms. Mushrooms are magical! We’ve talked about the amazing benefits of mushrooms before but today we dive deeper into the top 7 mushrooms that support our health. Listen in to learn how chaga, turkey tail, shitake, maitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi mushrooms work hard to keep us healthy and our immune systems strong.   What Mushrooms Are In 7M+? Turkey tail, chaga, shiitake, maitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi.   Chaga Chaga has been used for centuries, primarily in the East. It’s known for its immune support and soothing properties. Many traditional healers have used it as a soothing tea for a powerful and natural digestive support. It’s also shown the potential to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range. Chaga also has very powerful antioxidant properties that make it a powerhouse on its own.   Cordyceps Cordyceps have been shown to help regulate a healthy immune system. They’re also strong inflammation fighters. Cordyceps were at one time so highly-valued that it was only allowed to be consumed by the Emperor of China, who lived 100+ years, and still fathered children into his 100s. Also known for the ability to support sexual health and athletic ability, Cordyceps have been the most sought-after nutritional mushroom in the Orient.   Lion’s Mane Lion’s Mane is known to support brain health, boost cognitive function, and aid against age-related memory loss. It also helps maintain mental focus and function, as well as promoting healthy digestive function through its powerful regulation of bacteria.   Turkey Tail It’s considered one of the best-researched mushrooms on Earth. Its benefits are just as strong as other nutritional mushrooms, such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Maitake. It contains powerful antioxidant nutrients and high levels of selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B3, which are crucial for boosting and maintaining immunity. Turkey Tail is so effective, we’ve put it in several of our supplements.   Shiitake The benefits of Shiitake mushrooms for your immune system are some of the most well-documented for any type of nutritional mushroom. Perhaps its greatest influence is in the activity of the tiny cells responsible for protecting your immune system from inflammation. A recent four-week study showed that daily use of Shiitake mushrooms boosted the immune response in young adults. They have the potential to keep your immune cells protected from inflammation and the signs of aging. Lentinan Lentinan is a polysaccharide extracted from the fruit body of the Shiitake. So, deep within the Shiitake mushroom is Lentinan. Lab studies show that not only is Lentinan effective at supporting a healthy immune system, but it also has cholesterol-lowering properties. Maitake Lab studies show that this nutrient-rich wild mushroom is not only effective at supporting a healthy immune system. It can also help regulate blood pressure Support healthy blood sugar Fight off abnormal cell growth Maintain healthy inflammation… and much more! It’s no wonder many cultures around the world use the magical maitake mushroom as a powerful healing tonic and medicinal food.   Reishi Nicknamed the “Mushroom of Immortality.” It’s not hard to see why Reishi mushrooms have been used in natural health remedies for hundreds of years. It seems every year, science uncovers new uses for this wonder nutrient. It may be thanks to the complex compounds found in Reishi mushrooms that help regulate and support an aging immune system, reduce inflammation, and assist in healthy heart function.   Why Take 7M+? You’re going to have a hard time going to the grocery store and picking out all these mushrooms and getting them into your diet. And not only that, but you can buy a lot of these different mushroom products individually, in their own capsule form, in a bottle, and pay $50 for each one in a bottle, or you can get all of these wrapped into one product, a blend of all of these mushrooms that work synergistically together. The reason why I think this product is so powerful and mushrooms are so powerful, our immune system, and we also talked a lot about the gut and the bacteria and the gut health, all of it supports our overall health, not only from the physical perspective, but our emotional perspective.   What Is the Aging Process? It’s all of the functions and systems in our body slowing down, shutting down in a sense, going slower, slower, slower, slower, to the point where you’re just not as healthy as you once were. But we’re seeing through the research, we’ve talked about today in this podcast, in a previous podcast, that we actually can do things to keep ourselves healthier longer.   Supplements Jonathan Recommends Everyone Take Multi-Vita-Maxx Turmeric 3D 7M+   Resources: Empowering You Organically Podcast on Telomeres Organixx 7M+ Organixx Multi-Vita-Maxx Organixx Turmeric 3D Antioxidant properties of several specialty mushrooms Chaga Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes as assessed by comet assay Ergosterol peroxide from Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) exhibits anti-cancer activity by down-regulation of the β-catenin pathway in colorectal cancer Cordyceps Lion’s Make Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compoundsh Gastroprotective Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract against Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rats Turkey Tail FDA Approves Bastyr Turkey Tail Trial for Cancer Patients Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®) Shiitake Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. Effects of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract on human neutrophils and the U937 monocytic cell line. Lentinan Gordon M, Guralnik M, Kaneko Y, et al. A phase II controlled study of a combination of the immune modulator, lentinan, with didanosine (ddI) in HIV patients with CD4 cells of 200-500/mm3. Combination therapy with lentinan improves outcomes in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Reishi Ganoderma lucidum ("Lingzhi"), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. Maitake Anti-diabetic activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake). I. 11 Surprising Health Benefits of Mushrooms Chaga Mushroom Benefits: Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Chaga Reishi Mushroom Health Benefits: 11 Reasons to Love Lingzhi 

The Healing Power of Medicinal Mushrooms

71 percent of the planet’s covered by ocean. It holds the most life, the most diversity, and it’s the source of life. Join us this week as we talk to Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols and explore Blue Mind. In this episode, he shares the cognitive, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual benefits of how being near, in, or on water can change your brain state and be a powerful wellness tool.   About Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols Wallace “J.” Nichols, called “Keeper of the Sea” by GQ Magazine and “a visionary” by Outside Magazine, featured in Time, PBS, and many other media outlets He is an entrepreneurial scientist, movement maker, voracious idea explorer, New York Times best-selling author, international speaker, loving Dad, and strategic advisor and collaborator. He created the phenomenon Blue Mind, a powerful new universal story of water and a movement of global proportions.   Blue Mind Health Documentary Blue Mind Health is the amazing free documentary series created to share how you can get energized, create more joy in your life and revitalize your health with Blue Mind. You can watch it here at http://organixx18.mybluemind.hop.clickbank.net/?pid=215&tid=podcast-20190522   What is Blue Mind? Mildly-meditative, kind of relaxed state we move into when we’re near, in, on, or under water, or when we’re thinking about those things. There’s science backing up how water shifts our mental state, our emotional state, how it calms us and centers us, how it connects us to each other in the best possible ways, and even boosts creativity.   Maintaining the Blue Mind State Prioritize your water time. Prioritize your down time. Understand what your body needs to restore May be sleep May be a long soaking bath May be a mindful shower May be a float spa – a sensory deprivation tank May be a weekend retreat to the lake, ocean, river, or mountains   What is Red Mind? Our normal base state in modern society; you’re wired, you’re dialed in, you’re over-connected, you’re striving towards goals. While necessary if it’s all you have you will burn out. It affects our sleep, it affects our performance, it affects our relationships, it affects our physical wellbeing, and our emotional wellbeing.   What is Grey Mind? When you’ve hit burn out stage by living only in Red Mind constantly. It’s just the burnt out, indifferent, numbed-out, disconnected, don’t care much about anything anymore state, mildly depressed, or even severely depressed. And we’ve all been there, too, where you’re just spent. And that may last an afternoon, it may last days, weeks, months, and even years. It’s the chronic social and psychological stress that just eats you up, that never goes away.   Relieving the Grey Mind State Exercise Diet Supplements Social interactions Experiencing the beauty of nature, being out, being in awe and wonder, out on the water, out on the mountain, and moving your body outside.   J’s 3 Big Takeaways Emotional health is the basis of sustainability. Have a health value equation – when we UNDERvalue anything or anyone bad things happen. Idea of common knowledge – something moves from private knowledge, or shared knowledge, into the realm of common knowledge, that we all know.   Ocean Health Impacts Human Health 71 percent of the planet’s covered by ocean. It holds the most life, the most diversity, and it’s the source of life. Various aspects of the problems, whether it’s overfishing, or plastic pollution, warming oceans Ecologically, it’s obviously very important. An educational perspective, whether it’s metaphors, ocean metaphors, or just learning about the ocean science, there’s just educational component. The oceans are a big source of emotional health in humans. That stress that water removes, that affects every single cell in our body, every single thing we do, our creativity, our relationships, our wellness, everything, how we interact with everybody, and how we interact with everything is affected by that stress reduction   RESOURCES: Blue Mind - The Documentary HASHTAG: Find More on Social Media Dr. Wallace “J” Nichols Website BOOK: Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do BOOK: Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do Quality of Life with Flotation Therapy for a Person Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Atypical Autism, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression Benefits of nature: what we are learning about why people respond to nature. See The Wild (Travel Options) Evaluation of the Effect of Preoperative Natural Water Fountain Melody on Teenagers’ Behavior- Preliminary Study Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea: an effective treatment modality for atopic dermatitis with significant positive impact on quality of life. The impact of blue space on human health and well-being - Salutogenetic health effects of inland surface waters: a review. More green space is linked to less stress in deprived communities: Evidence from salivary cortisol patterns Natural Scene Statistics Account for the Representation of Scene Categories in Human Visual Cortex Efficacy of Warm Showers on Labor Pain and Birth Experiences During the First Labor Stage Favorite green, waterside and urban environments, restorative experiences and perceived health in Finland. What You Need to Know About Magnesium for Depression and Anxiety Learning to Manage Stress with Amy Mercree 

How To Use Water To Heal Anxiety, Depression, and Sadness

Take a proactive approach to supporting your immunity naturally. Learn about the three powerhouses in our new Immunity 3 blend; camu camu, zinc, and elderberry.   Immunity Refresher The immune system has complex ways of fighting viruses, but viruses have complex ways of fooling the immune system and invading cells. That is why we need our immune systems ready for whatever floats our way!   Things to remember: Nutrition may be the most vital component in maintaining — or gaining — a healthy immune system. It makes all the difference in the way your body fights off germs, but just as importantly, plays an important role in more minute functions like helping tissues repair and rebuild themselves and how your body reclaims flagging energy. To keep your immune system functioning at its best, some of the most effective strategies include avoiding sugar, sleeping well, minimizing stress and including fiber and probiotics in your meal regimens Not just vitamins and minerals, but proteins like collagen and free radical-fighting antioxidants can be introduced to your body through the foods you eat, and play vital roles in helping to keep your body functioning at its best. As the Chicago Tribune observes: “Collagen and its amino acids are essential to healing because they build tissues such as skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, bones and more. Antioxidants remove the harmful free radicals from the bloodstream that can impair the immune system, and vitamins and minerals play specialized roles in healing.” Chronic stress can make you more susceptible to colds and the flu, as well as more serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes and other diseases. By practicing stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation and laughter, you can keep your body from going into chronic stress mode. INGREDIENTS in Immunity3 Organic Camu Camu Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a berry native to the Amazon rainforest. That sounds remote, but this so-called superfood has long been used to improve health and has become increasingly popular. Camu camu’s purported health benefits include reducing the risk of chronic diseases thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Similar to tart cranberries, the camu camu berry is too acidic for most people to enjoy its natural state. It’s generally processed as an ingredient in blended juices or freeze-dried into a powder that can be taken as a supplement, added to smoothies, or blended into other foods.   Camu Camu is High in Vitamin C Nutritionally, camu camu is one of the most concentrated natural food sources of vitamin C. Camu camu is rich in vitamin C, a vitamin that acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body and is vital for the health of your skin and immune system. The fruit’s pulp provides about 2,400 to 3,000 grams (or 2,400,000 milligrams) per 3.5-ounce or so serving. For context, the recommended dietary intake (RDI) for vitamin C is 60 milligrams a day. Because of its high vitamin C content, camu camu is also rich in antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties.   Not JUST Vitamin C Beyond vitamin C, camu camu provides smaller amounts of potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and copper. Like most colorful berries, camu camu is a good source of polyphenols. Camu camu also has antimicrobial properties, and researchers have identified compounds in the fruit that have strong antimicrobial benefits.   Supports Gut Health The dense punch of nutrients from camu can also support gut health and block free radicals and other pathogens from entering the body, according to studies, thus providing protection against bacterial infections, viruses and other issues. Remember your immunity is built in the gut! Additionally, a 2018 animal study even found that camu may help prevent obesity by positively altering the gut microbiota (highly tied to immune function) and by increasing energy expenditure. Several studies found that camu could leadto lowered fat accumulation and blunted metabolic inflammation, leading to improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.   Improves Liver Health As a powerful cocktail of antioxidants and phytochemicals, camu camu benefits the liver in several ways. The high vitamin C content is especially central to its ability to improve liver health. Research in 2010 showed that animals given camu camu powder showed significant signs of liver injury suppression. Specifically, an active compound called 1-methylmalate was isolated from Myrciaria dubia This study concluded that the 1-methylmalate in camu is one of the reasons why it can aid liver health.   Enhances Mood Camu camu berries’ high levels of vitamin C may help your brain to produce more serotonin, which will enhance your mood — which explains why it may act as a potential remedy for depression. In fact, research suggests people who have a deficiency in vitamin C often feel more depressed and lackadaisical. Vitamin C is an important cofactor required for the conversion of tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptophan in serotonin production. It’s therefore possible that vitamin C from camu camu benefits patients with depression that is associated with low levels of serotonin. For example, in one study conducted at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital, it was shown that many of the patients who had decreased levels of vitamin C reported signs of sluggishness and depression. When given doses of vitamin C, they all responded with rapid and clinically significant improvement in mood. There is some concern that camu camu can interfere with some chemotherapy medications—you should always let your doctor know about the supplements you are taking, but especially so if you are receiving chemo, for example.   Zinc Your immune system is your first line of defense against all disease, especially infectious disease, and there are many different ways to boost your immune system and improve its function. One nutrient that plays a very important role in your immune system’s ability to ward off viral infections is zinc. Zinc is also a nutrient that plays many vital roles in your body. BUT…Because your body doesn’t naturally produce zinc, you must obtain it through food or supplements. zinc is the second-most-abundant trace mineral in your body — after iron — and is present in every cell it’s critical for the development and function of immune cells fundamental to skin health, DNA synthesis and protein production body growth and development relies on zinc because of its role in cell growth and division Zinc is also needed for your senses of taste and smell. Because one of the enzymes crucial for proper taste and smell is dependent on this nutrient, a zinc deficiency can reduce your ability to taste or smell Zinc lozenges were found to shorten the duration of common cold episodes by up to 40 percent in a study published in the Open Respiratory Medicine Journal. Those at risk of zinc deficiency include: People with gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease Vegetarians and vegans Pregnant and breastfeeding women Older infants who are exclusively breastfed People with sickle cell anemia People who are malnourished, including those with anorexia or bulimia People with chronic kidney disease Those who abuse alcohol   Elderberry Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Traditionally, Native Americans used it to treat infections, while the ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions and heal burns. It’s still gathered and used in folk medicine across many parts of Europe. Elderberry refers to several varieties of the Sambucustree, which has clusters of white flowers and black or blue-black berries. The most common variety is Sambucus nigra, also known as European elderberry or black elderberry. Today, elderberry is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms.   Health Benefits of Elderberry There are many reported benefits of elderberries. Not only are they nutritious, but they may also fight cold and flu symptoms, support heart health and fight inflammation and infections, among other benefits. May improve cold and flu symptoms One study of 60 people with influenza found that those who took 15 ml of elderberry syrup four times per day showed symptom improvement in two to four days, while the control group took seven to eight days to improve. Another study of 64 people found that taking 175-mg elderberry extract lozenges for two days resulted in significant improvement in flu symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches and nasal congestion, after just 24 hours. Furthermore, a study of 312 air travelers taking capsules containing 300 mg of elderberry extract three times per day found that those who got sick experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms. High In Antioxidants Antioxidants are natural components of foods, including some vitamins, phenolic acids and flavonoids, that are able to remove these reactive molecules. Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic disease Anthocyanins found in the berries have 3.5 times the antioxidant power of vitamin E Studies have shown elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol. A study found that elderberry flowers inhibit the enzyme α-glucosidase, which may help lower blood sugar levels. Also, research on diabetic rats given elderberry showed improved blood sugar control Fights harmful bacteria:Elderberry has been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria like Helicobacter pylori and may improve symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis May support the immune system: In rats, elderberry polyphenols were found to support immune defense by increasing the number of white blood cells Resources: Everything You Wanted to Know About Your Immune System Top Tips to Boost Your Immunity Keep seasonal sickness at bay with these foods that boost immunity 11 things that can weaken your immune system Antimicrobial constituents of peel and seeds of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) Antimicrobial constituents of peel and seeds of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia). Treatment with camu camu ( Myrciaria dubia) prevents obesity by altering the gut microbiota and increasing energy expenditure in diet-induced obese mice Effects of diet supplementation with Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia HBK McVaugh) fruit in a rat model of diet-induced obesity 1-methylmalate from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) suppressed D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats Vitamin C rapidly improves emotional state of acutely hospitalized patients, study suggests Relationship Between Depression and Vitamin C Status: A Study on Rural Patients From Western Uttar Pradesh in India Zinc Is Key for COVID-19 Treatment and Prevention Zinc – NIH Fact Sheet Zn2+ Inhibits Coronavirus and Arterivirus RNA Polymerase Activity In Vitro and Zinc Ionophores Block the Replication of These Viruses in Cell Culture COVID-19: Poor outcomes in patients with zinc deficiency Iron and Zinc Nutrition in the Economically-Developed World: A Review Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells Zinc and its importance for human health: An integrative review A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial of Oral Zinc for Chemotherapy-Related Taste and Smell Disorders Zinc Lozenges May Shorten the Duration of Colds: A Systematic Review Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Products Phenolics in Human Health Antioxidants and prevention of chronic disease Edible Flowers: A Rich Source of Phytochemicals with Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Properties Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review Edible Flowers: A Rich Source of Phytochemicals with Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Properties A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles Flavonoid intake and risk of CVD: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies The Traditional Plant Treatment, Sambucus nigra (elder), Exhibits Insulin-Like and Insulin-Releasing Actions In Vitro A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Products Evaluation of the immune defense in diabetes mellitus using an experimental model Organixx's Immunity 3: The Ultimate 3-in-1 Immune Support Supplement Is Elderberry Good for Colds & Flu? Here’s What the Science Says Top 5 Herbs That Help Support a Healthy Immune System How the Immune System Works (+ 8 Ways to Give It a Boost!) 

Essential Nutrients for Fighting Viruses

The search term collagen has increased 40% already just in this year alone! So, is all the hype trendy or true? We’ve done the research and that’s the question we answer this week!   Did you know that your body naturally produces collagen every day? We dig into why supplementation is even a consideration.   Did you know there are several different types of collagen? We’ve tracked them all down and explain the part each type plays in our body.   Is collagen all about less sagging skin? Actually, no it isn’t! Tune in to hear about the ways collagen benefits our health. We guarantee some will surprise you.   Tune in for more no-nonsense information on what collagens are, how they may benefit your health, and what you need to look for when it comes to the products and foods, you’re consuming.   Did you know that your body naturally produces collagen every day? We dig into why supplementation is even a consideration.   Did you know there are several different types of collagen? We’ve tracked them all down and explain the part each type plays in our body.   Is collagen all about less sagging skin? Actually, no it isn’t! Tune in to hear about the ways collagen benefits our health. We guarantee some will surprise you.   Tune in for more no-nonsense information on what collagens are, how they may benefit your health, and what you need to look for when it comes to the products and foods, you’re consuming.   What is collagen? Dictionary result for collagen /ˈkäləjən/ noun the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, widely used in purified form for cosmetic surgical treatments. “vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen” Different collagen molecules make up about ⅓ of the total protein in a human body Found in bone, skin, muscles, and tendons The substance that connects cells and gives skin elasticity as well as strength   Collagen and Aging Your body naturally produces collagen every day. After the age of 25, we break down more collagen than we make. Collagen supplements are an easy way to add more collagen to your diet. Collagen has been shown to reduce wrinkles, keep joints strong and flexible, support strong bones, and increase skin hydration.   Why is collagen so good for you? Collagen is vital for maintaining the structure and integrity of your entire body.   #1 – Strong Cartilage and Muscles Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that is made up of collagen When you lack collagen, joint instability, stiffness, and pain can result. Likewise, muscles need cartilage to adhere themselves to the ends of bones. This is why muscle aches are one of the most common complaints of individuals with low collagen levels.   #2 – Healthy Teeth. Collagen is needed to keep teeth in place in the gums. Loose teeth, toothache, sensitive teeth, and even tooth loss can result from a lack of collagen overall.   #3 – Thick Hair Collagen plays an important part in hair growth since it fills in the spaces around each hair follicle. One way to tell if you are collagen deficient is to notice the quality and state of your hair. Dull, thin hair is a sign of low collagen levels. Collagen also helps fight free radicals that can damage hair. #4 – Smooth Skin Wrinkling and cellulite are other unfortunate results of low collagen in the body. Not enough collagen means skin begins to lose elasticity and sag, causing those pesky wrinkles as we age. Cellulite is another telltale sign of low collagen. #5 – Good Gut Health. Collagen helps heal the gut because of its ability to “seal the gut.” Leaky gut has been linked to autoimmune conditions and neurological conditions like autism. Types of Collagens There are over two dozen kinds of collagen, although roughly 85% of the collagen in the body is made up of Type I, II, or III (or a combination of these three types). Type I collagen is the most prevalent type of collagen. It is the substance that makes up the skin, tendons, and bones as well as the structural framework of the organs. It should be your go-to for hair, skin, and nail health, especially for recouping lost collagen stores that occurs naturally as we age. It is also a “well-rounded generalist,” in that it is a good type for supporting overall health. Type I is also found in the digestive tract, which makes it (along with Type II) great for gut healing and repair.   Type II collagen is the structural component of cartilage in the body. Because of this, it is great for the joints and to rebuild cartilage in ligaments, tendons, skin, and bones. Type II collagen contains a variety of specific amino acids that are particularly helpful for the body. The first one, again, is glycine, which is beneficial for brain health and metabolism. The second one is proline, which helps clean artery walls. Type II may also be good for the respiratory system, detoxification pathways, and more because it contains arginine, another amino acid that is vital for nitric oxide production. [Note: Nitric oxide is produced in the body and is beneficial for supporting blood flow and lowering blood pressure.] For the most part, Type II collagen is where you want to turn for joint health and possibly even for arthritis support.   Type III collagen is typically found where ever Type 1 collagen can be found as well as some other unique places. It is housed in what are called reticular fibers, the substances that make up connective tissue. It is also found in the muscles, bone marrow, blood vessels, and reproductive organs such as the uterus. Type III collagen is also crucial for the healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system. Low Type III collagen has been linked to ruptured blood vessels and can be life-threatening.   Type IV collagen helps to strengthen endothelial cells that form the tissue protecting organs as well as muscles and fatty tissue. Endothelial cells also line the majority of the surfaces along the digestive tract and respiratory organs.   Type V collagen helps create the surface of cells while Type X helps with bone formation. There are at least a dozen others, all doing their job to keep your body lubricated, moving, and functioning at its best.   How to Help Your Body Create Collagen Naturally Eat a diet and live a lifestyle that promotes the healthy synthesizing of your own natural healing and repair mechanisms Avoid UV radiation exposure Do not smoke cigarettes Reduce/Manage stress levels   What To Look For In A Collagen Supplement Look for multiple types of collagens Clean sourced and organic Bio-Availability – what is the delivery system – fermented, sprouted Whole food and not synthetic ingredients Contains Vitamin C – Without adequate amounts of dietary vitamin C, the body can’t actually form or store collagen Be sure the manufacturer does consistent batch testing for heavy metals Watch out for Natural Flavoring   Ingredient List for Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens, Multi-Collagen Blend: Hydrolyzed Grass Fed Pasture-Raised Bovine Collagen Peptides, Bovine Bone Broth Hydrolyzed Protein, Chicken Bone Broth Collagen Concentrate, Clean Marine® Wild Caught Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides, Eggshell Membrane Collagen, Acerola Cherry (natural source of Vitamin C), Camu Camu (natural source of Vitamin C), Silica from Organic Horsetail, Zinc Gluconate, Fulvic Acid, and Pyroxidine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6).     Natural Flavors – Buyer Beware Important to note, a governmental or independent agency does not approve or oversee the safety of the food flavors. Resources: Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens All Collagen articles and recipes Collagen 101: What It Is and Why Your Body Needs It The Benefits of Collagen for Healthy Skin & Joints (+ 5 Ways to Make More of It) 12 Amazing Benefits of Collagen for Health (and Beauty) Understanding Collagen: The 3 Main Types of Collagen & Their Unique Health Benefits 5 Ways Collagen Can Help Soothe the Gut The Collagen-Boosting Benefits of Zinc Hair Loss or Thinning? Studies Show Collagen Can Help Vitamin C and Collagen: What’s the Connection? Collagen: A Natural Solution for Joint Pain? How Collagen Improves Skin Health and Firmness Food Babe - Vani Hari The “Natural” vs. “Natural Flavors” Conflict in Food Labeling: A Regulatory Viewpoint. A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, controlled clinical trial of chicken type II collagen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis Effect of Orally Administered Collagen Peptides from Bovine Bone on Skin Aging in Chronologically Aged Mice An Overview of the Beneficial Effects of Hydrolysed Collagen as a Nutraceutical on Skin Properties: Scientific Background and Clinical Studies Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain 

Collagen for Your Skin: Hype or Healthy?

We are excited to bring you a fascinating interview about our microbiome with Pedram Shojai from Well.org this week! Tune in to understand how our microbiome is the ecosystem of our lives. You’ll learn how your gut health affects your immunity and mental health. And the new fascinating discoveries being made about the bacteria in our tissues and organs and how they support healthy function. You don’t want to miss Pedram’s tips for ensuring you tend a happy healthy microbiome. It all starts in 3…2…1! Dr. Pedram Shojai is a man with many titles. He is the founder of Well.Org, the NYT Best Selling author of The Urban Monk, Rise and Shine, and The Art of Stopping Time. He’s the producer and director of the movies “Vitality,” “Origins.” And “Prosperity.” In his spare time, he’s also a Taoist Abbot, a doctor of Oriental medicine, a Kung Fu world traveler, a fierce global green warrior, an avid backpacker, a devout alchemist, a Qi Gong Master, and an old school Jedi bio-hacker working to preserve our natural world and wake us up to our full potential. The Ecosystem of Life – Your Microbiome Science has now shown is that we are much more intimately connected with all the life on the planet than we ever knew through the bacteria, viruses, protozoa, nematodes, even parasites that live inside our body. There’s RNA and DNA that we can now analyze on these bugs and understand how they support many human functions. These functions are actually attributed to these bacteria that are co-existing with us. The word is symbiosis. All of this life in and around us is part of what makes us human and without it, we collapse, and we fall ill. If you don’t have proper gut health and you’re not supporting the life inside of you, there are entire systems that are collapsing that are leading to inflammation and chronic disease. Where It All Begins The first inoculation of our microbiome is as we come through the birth canal. 30% of mom’s breast milk are these oligosaccharides that get secreted by mom. They are indigestible by baby. They’re specifically designed to feed the bacteria in the baby’s gut. Now fast forward here, you need to eat the fiber, vegetables, phytonutrients, and all these things that these bacteria eat, not for you but for the bacteria. If we put them first and understand how to feed them, they take care of us and in turn we get less illness, less chronic disease, we have more energy, things work. Every Tissue, Every Organ In The Body Has Bacteria Associated With It Researchers found that women with tumors in their breasts had a different mix of bacteria living in the tissue compared with women who did not have tumors. The research team discovered for the first time that healthy breast tissue contains more of the bacterial species Methyl bacterium. It is blowing the doors open on everything we know about medicine and this is just the beginning. The Microbiome and Your Immunity About 70% or so of our immune system is around our guts, it’s called the gut associated lymphatic tissue. The bacteria are acting as the sentinels between the outside world and the inside world and telling the immune system that everything is good. You can’t heal if your immune system is constantly battling and that all starts in the gut and that all has to do with how the microbiome is informing the immune system to either attack or to relax and it will do so based on what is in there. What Lifestyles Are Destroying Our Microbiome and Causing Leaky Gut? Standard American Diet Not enough prebiotics to feed the good bacteria. Food allergies like gluten and dairy. Why Leaky Gut Matters Once you start creating inflammation and tears in the lining of the gut, there are food particles that will sneak through and the immune system says, “Hey, you’re not supposed to be on this side.” It will start to create antibodies to those food particles as foreign invaders. This is how food allergies are created. Creates systemic inflammation throughout the body. How to Improve Your Microbiome Work with a Functional Medicine Doctor. Analysis of your microbiome. You look at how we need to eat and ‘who’ we need to feed. Include indigestible fiber in your daily diet. You consume a variety of fermented foods and prebiotic foods with every single meal and you adjust for feeding the bacteria that help you thrive. Reduce sugar in your diet. By bringing down the bacteria, specifically like the yeast and bad bacteria that thrive on sugars in particular, you’ll start to notice a difference very quickly. Increase fiber intake. Benefits of a Healthy Microbiome Brain fog dissipates. Anxiety and depression reduced. Energy levels increase. Excess weight is released. What Role Do Parasites Play in Gut Health? We’re finding that there’s certain parasites that help bring down your blood sugar. Certain parasites will help you offset certain disease processes. The research in new and ongoing in this area. Resources: Interconnected Docuseries Well.org Viome - At Home Gut Microbiome Testing Metabolome Symbiosis Cleveland Clinic Researchers Find Link Between Bacterial Imbalances and Breast Cancer What prebiotic foods should people eat? 11 Probiotic Foods That Are Super Healthy Gut-associated lymphoid tissue Intestinal permeability Candidiasis The Institute for Functional Medicine The Hygiene Hypothesis Probiotics Benefits for Women: 7 Reasons You Need Probiotics & What to Look For L. Plantarum Probiotic: 5 Benefits for Managing Weight, Cholesterol & Metabolic Disorders 3 Reasons Why People Over 60 Need Probiotics 

Achieving Optimum Health by Healing Your Gut and Microbiome

The Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms

We’re talking brain health this week! And we have a treat for you! “Amazon” John Easterling, Plant Medicine Formulator joins us in the studio to share his story. Tune in to learn how he found a passion in plant medicine. We also dig into brain health and the causes of Alzheimer’s and dementia.    ABOUT “AMAZON JOHN” EASTERLING Since 1976 John Easterling has been an explorer and treasure hunter in the Amazon Rainforest. It was there, after a personal health crisis, he was introduced to the traditional use of medicinal plants by the Indigenous People in Peru.   Since then, his passion for plant medicine has only accelerated.   Easterling’s original degree is in Environmental Studies, he founded the Amazon Herb Company in 1990 and serves on the board of the Amazon Center of Environmental Education and Research.   Amazon John’s 28 years of Plant Medicine experience have been profiled on TV and Radio including “Good Morning America” and “Fox and Friends”.  His product formulations have sold over $100 million worldwide.   John has been featured in two PBS documentaries, World News Report “Amazon John and Rainforest Medicines” and Jean Michel Cousteau’s “Return to the Amazon.”   Easterling believes the dramatic growth and interest in plant medicine is still in its early stages and will continue to significantly improve life experiences and healthy outcomes into the future.   Evolution of a Treasure Hunter Traveled to Ecuador and down into Peru, with a passion for finding lost cities of gold, essentially a treasure hunter. Was making his living with some of that material, and then some artifacts. Next, into Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina with gemstones, and took that on as treasure. Then later going up the river in the Amazon rainforest, he was trading in blowguns and carved monkey bones, and a variety of tribal artifacts and became ill. This is where his passion for plant medicine was ignited. The natives brewed a special tea from local plants. This not only improved his illness but he actually felt better than ever before in his life. This is where the Amazon Herb Company was born and has helped people improve their health with plant medicine for 30 years. How Amazon John Came to Focus on Brain Health Through research of diseases with Doctors he found eight major areas where everyone is affected, and almost every specific challenge falls within these categories: Immune System Primary Digestion Secondary Digestion (Metabolism) Energy Circulation Calming & Stress Related Issues Hormonal Balancing Inflammatory Issues (pain, sewelling) Blood Sugar Balancing The issues with Alzheimer’s and dementia, when you look at the statistics, as I’ve really gotten into more recently, it is really shocking. It is startling. I was surprised at a lot of the data that I saw. The incidence of death from heart disease in the last 15 years has actually declined by about 11%. The deaths due to Alzheimer’s have increased 123%.   Alzheiners and Dementia by the Numbers “The issues with Alzheimer’s and dementia, when you look at the statistics, as I’ve really gotten into more recently, it is really shocking. It is startling. I was surprised at a lot of the data that I saw.” People over 65, one in 10 have Alzheimer’s dementia. Deaths of people over 65 years old, one out of three of those deaths will be due to Alzheimer’s. Actually, more people are dying of Alzheimer’s than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined. And the cost is 270 billion dollars now. It’s expected to go to 1.4 trillion over the next few years. The Center of Disease Control said that this could break the entire health system.   Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia People may experience: Cognitive: mental decline, difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion in the evening hours, delusion, disorientation, forgetfulness, making things up, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, inability to create new memories, inability to do simple math, or inability to recognize common things Behavioral: aggression, agitation, difficulty with self care, irritability, meaningless repetition of own words, personality changes, restlessness, lack of restraint, or wandering and getting lost Mood: anger, apathy, general discontent, loneliness, or mood swings Psychological: depression, hallucinations, or paranoia Also common: inability to combine muscle movements, jumbled speech, or loss of appetite   Causes of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Beta amyloid plaquing. “So when you get plaquing, your spark plug would foul, and you couldn’t start your engine. So same thing here. You get that plaquing in there, and it just can’t transmit to the next one, and you don’t remember. You can’t access that data where you put your keys.” Tau tangle, where you get the neurons that really just become tangled. Inflammation is a really big deal, and actually these other factors are really caused by it. It’s a kind of inflammatory response from your brain to protect itself sometimes, developing this amyloid plaquing to seal off what it sees as an insult. Involvement of Candida in brain issues. Recent research showed was that people did not think before that the Candida could cross the blood brain barrier. Now they found that it actually can. It travels through your body doing that, looking for a place to reside where the biological terrain is right. If you introduce a lot of sugar and a lot of carbs into that terrain, they really love that. When these Candida cross that blood brain barrier, the brain recognizes that as an insult, and then you have this coating process. The brain will try to coat that to seal it off. Prevention Lifestyle and diet – low sugar, more green vegetables Probiotics after a course of antibiotics – maintain a diverse colony-forming units of probiotics. Maintain healthy inflammation levels throughout the body. Exercise – improves the microcirculation to the brain. Sleep – get quality sleep each night (7-9 hours). Lower your exposure to environmental toxins.   Brain Health – Supplementation and Diet Polyphenols – Many of the health benefits associated with polyphenols may be related to their role as antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their ability to combat cell damage. Anthocyanins – Powerful antioxidants – the red/blue/violet phytonutrients responsible for the vibrant pigmentation of many berries and vegetables. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor – several botanicals that help stimulate; una de gato, cat’s claw Cacao – can slow down the process of brain cells dying. Cinnamon – cinnamaldehyde, has been shown to slow down, to break down amyloid plaquing, and help dissolve the tau tangles.   Resources: Organixx’s Ageless Brain - Nutrition for your brain. Whole World Botanicals Vibrational Energy Medicine The Moche-Chimú Transition Chimu Civilization Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Facts & Figures - infographics Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Facts and Figures - article Tau, tangles, and Alzheimer's disease Amyloid Plaques and Neurofibrillary Tangles Candidiasis Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease Anthocyanins Sangre de Drago - Dragon’s Blood Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications Epicatechin Why Cinnamon May Hold Secrets to Alzheimer’s Prevention Organixx’s Ageless Brain - Nutrition for your brain. Bacopa: This Little-Known Indian Herb Supports Brain Health and More! Brain Health: 10 Tips for Keeping "Senior Moments" at Bay  

Amazon John Easterling Shares His Secrets for Optimal Brain Health

Does everyone need a multi-vitamin? The Standard American Diet only provides 17 of the between 73 to 90 nutrients we need on a daily basis. Whole food, plant-based diet eaters would still need to eat between 15-20 pounds, not servings, of fruits and vegetables a day to get their daily amount of nutrients. Even organically grown fruits and vegetables don’t have the nutrient punch they did in the past due to our soil deficiencies. Tune in to learn how to source the best multi vitamin for you and your family!   What are the main ingredients we want to see in a daily multivitamin? Organic plant-sourced ingredients of vitamins and minerals Make sure it’s a whole food supplement Well balanced in nutrients B-complex Vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B6, folics, folate, B12, biotin Vitamin C Minerals – vitamins and minerals occur naturally together in foods   About Absorption and Dosing Your body absorbs more nutrition in small doses throughout the day than it will one dose, one big dose at a time during the day. So, smaller doses, more frequent, will correct deficiencies way faster than one massive dose on a daily basis, or weekly basis.   An analogy would be just like mastering something in your life. It takes time and practice. So does your body. It takes that time and practice, and repetition, really training your body to recognize this nutrition, recognize the things going into your body, and be able to regulate it over time.   RDA – The FDA’s recommended daily allowance Men: the scale is set for a man that is 5’8”, weighs 158 pounds, in his 20s to 30s. Women: the scale is set for a woman that is 5’5”, that is 120 pounds in her 20s to 35. The bar is set very low.   Nutritional Deficiency Diseases The FDA’s recommended daily allowance is the ​minimal ​amount of those particular nutrients that you have to consume on a daily basis in order to avoid developing nutritional deficiency diseases. Scurvy is a Vitamin C deficiency Berry-berry is a Vitamin B deficiency Rickets is a Vitamin D deficiency Advanced Dosage Some doctors use a process clinically with his patients with chronic issues; Stabilization, Detoxification, Fortification. Go see your local naturopath and come up with a plan, if you feel like you’re depleted if you feel like you’re in a place where you need to get healthier. Go see somebody rather than just listen to us and assume that you can triple-dose whatever you’re taking now.   What Makes an Effective and Powerful Multi-Vitamin (Bang for the Buck!) Organic Whole Food – Plant-based – sprouted Juice concentrates Diversity of nutrients   What to Avoid in Multi-Vitamins Fillers – labeled as salts Synthetic vitamins Mineral Salts – oxides, chlorides, carbonates   What’s Unique about Organixx’s Multi-Vita-Maxx Folic Acid Typically a synthetic version of folate, a B vitamin You can extract folate from yeast and it is called folic acid Organixx’s mushroom mix is fed a fruit and vegetable mix and a yeast extracted folic acid with the rest of our B vitamins. The mushrooms consume the folic acid and convert it into folate. The mushrooms methylate them into methylated, usable forms of these nutrients. Fermentation   MTHFR Gene Considerations Those with MTHFR have genetics mutated to a point that they don’t metabolize unmethylated B vitamins. Because of the process Organixx uses to feed the mushrooms these B vitamins, the mushrooms methylate the B vitamins for us. So, it’s a wholly natural process, different than anyone else is doing. The mushrooms ferment and predigest the stuff for us.   And they’re methylating it. And so, what comes out, what the mushrooms have themselves, and what we have in our supplement then, are methylated versions of all of these things, which those with MTHFR do very well with.   Resources: 10 Ingredients You Don’t Want In Your Multivitamin Feeling Tired or Sluggish? You May Be Deficient in the “Energy” Vitamin (Methylcobalamin B12) Falling Vitamin D Levels & What to Do About This Global Health Crisis Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Do Adults Really Need? How to Find the Best Multivitamin: 5 Facts Every Educated Consumer Needs to Know How to Get the Best Results From Your Organixx Supplements SHOP Organixx Multi-Vita-Maxx 

Multi-Vitamins: Hype or Help? – Episode 151

This week we dive into one of our top ten lists, the 10 important health benefits of iodine. This critically important nutrient is used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones that control many functions in the body including growth and development. Because your body does not produce iodine, it needs to be supplied in the diet. When iodine intake is poor, the body cannot produce enough thyroid hormones. Tune in to learn more…   Iodine The fact is that iodine is utilized for just about every function in your body. Yet many people are unaware of their body’s need for iodine, and that iodine deficiency has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. 10 Important Health Benefits of Iodine Here are 10 reasons why maintaining sufficient iodine levels is an absolute MUST for your health: #10. Iodine Helps Stabilize Your Mood It is well known that low iodine levels can have an impact on the brain, as mentioned above. More recent research has also linked iodine deficiency to depression and anxiety. A 2004 study conducted by German researchers and published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC524961/ ] found a link between “alterations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and mild cases of depression and anxiety.” TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones. Fluctuations in TSH are often an indication that the thyroid is not getting enough iodine to do its job [ https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works ].   #9. Iodine Maintains Strong Teeth and Bones Iodine assists in the production of strong teeth and bones by being a key player in calcium absorption. In fact, the connection between low iodine, low calcium absorption, and hypothyroidism has been known by researchers for at least the last hundred years https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/542133?redirect=true One of the functions of the thyroid is the production of calcitonin, a hormone which helps balance blood calcium levels. This mechanism not only leads to maintain strong bones; it also plays a role in healthy functioning of the nervous system, heart and muscles. #8. Iodine Helps Prevents Hair Loss Besides protecting the skin and eyes from UV radiation, adequate levels of iodine can give your skin and hair a healthy glow. This is because iodine is involved in cellular rejuvenation [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3686082/ ]. Healthy iodine levels also prevent hair loss because of the nutrients supplied to the thyroid gland [ https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/vitamin-deficiencies-are-a-lot-more-obvious-than-you-might-think/news-story/13bdd6f148d12b29b3d3cc53f9910766 ]. Iodine in combination with other essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc can be a powerful internal tonic for thinning hair. #7. Iodine Ensures Reproductive Health Did you know that Japanese women have the lowest rates of breast cancer in the world? A 2003 report published in the journal Breast Cancer Research postulated that this could be a direct result of eating iodine- and selenium-rich seaweed, which is a staple in the Japanese diet [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC314438/ ]. Iodine is fuel for reproductive glands as well as the thyroid. Studies suggest that getting enough iodine can help prevent fibrocystic breast disease, preeclampsia, ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and even breast cancer. Enough iodine in the body is also one aspect of a healthy pregnancy [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28260263 ]. #6. Iodine Is a Powerful Antioxidant According to some experts, iodine may be as powerful in this regard as vitamin C! [https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/93/11/4381/2627273 ] It can help reduce free radical damage that may lead to gene mutation and disease. It is a great boon for the immune system as it helps clean the blood of harmful pathogens. A 2013 meta-analysis [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3752513/] published by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in the journal Thyroid found that iodine is “an antioxidant as well as an antiproliferative and differentiation agent” which can help clear up free radical damage in many organs of the body. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. #5. Iodine Is a Natural Antiseptic Maybe you remember that brownish-red solution your mom used to apply when you had a cut? For everything from cleaning wounds to purifying water, iodine is a sterilizing substance that can kill unhealthy organisms, bacteria and viruses. A 2015 Iranian study found that a low-concentration iodine antiseptic used after oral surgery helped instigate first-stage wound healing in the surgery area, leading to faster recovery and less chance of infection [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25249172 ]. #4. Iodine Protects You From Radiation It is a natural protectant from UV radiation for the eyes, according to a 2004 Austrian study [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14676959 ]. Iodine supplementation can also be used to help individuals suffering from long-term radiation exposure. The effects of too much radiation can happen because of accidents, medical devices, and the radiation emitted by TSA scanners at airports. A 2008 study [ https://www.rrjournal.org/doi/abs/10.1667/RR0944.1 ] published in Radiation Research discovered that “terahertz radiation” like that found in airport x-ray scanners is linked to genetic mutation. Adequate amounts of iodine in the body is a must for anyone who travels a lot. #3. Iodine Protects the Body From Toxins Fluoride, chlorine, and bromine are dangerous chemicals found in everything from new car interiors to tap water. They can also severely hinder thyroid function. Maintaining healthy iodine levels can block these “halide” chemicals from accumulating [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8909694 ]. Iodine can also protect against xenoestrogens – “chemical mimics” – that can lead to reproductive conditions like ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5051569/]. Some experts, such as author and natural health advocate Dr. Mark Sircus [https://drsircus.com/detox/iodine-and-detoxification/#_edn1 ], point to the possibility that iodine may also help with mercury detoxification. #2. Iodine Helps Your Brain Stay Sharp Iodine deficiency has been linked to cognitive decline in countless studies and is one of the “world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause[s] of brain damage,” according to the World Health Organization [https://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/idd/en/ ]. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to autism in a recent University of Arizona study [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16845157 ]. Furthermore, a 2013 Australian investigation published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience found that iodine supplementation improved the perceptual reasoning of slightly deficient children considerably [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3607807/ ]. #1. Iodine Is Necessary for Metabolism and Thyroid Function Metabolism is the act of converting food into substances your body can use. It helps the body break down food into nutrients via the thyroid gland and other mechanisms. Iodine is the literal “fuel” for the thyroid. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the main hormones that the thyroid produces. For these hormones to be created, they need iodine. Good thyroid health also helps your body keep a steady heart rate, regulate temperature, improve digestion, and maintain a healthy weight.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK28/    Nascent Iodine –  is also known as atomic iodine, monatomic iodine, Atomidine, or colloidal iodine. The term “nascent” refers to iodine that has an incomplete number of electrons. This gives it an electrical charge, according to a report conducted by the non-profit Weston Price Foundation and others. Many forms of dietary iodine break down into iodide in the digestive tract. In this state, iodine-dependent organs like the thyroid and reproductive organs cannot use it. The charge of nascent iodine helps it stay intact and absorb quickly and thoroughly into the organs that need it most.   Resources: Shop Organixx Iodine History of U.S. Iodine Fortification and Supplementation NIH Fact Sheet for Professionals Iodine Deficiency - American Thyroid Association The Great Iodine Debate - Weston Price Foundation Learn more about Organixx Nascent Iodine What You Need to Know About Iodine & Iodine Deficiency Symptoms What Is Povidone Iodine and How Is It Different From Nascent Iodine? Are You Eating Enough of These Foods With Iodine? Iodine Articles in Organixx’s INSPIRED Health Library 

Top 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Iodine

As you might already know, mindfulness is a way to be in the present and only the present. You focus on what you are doing or thinking at this moment, without worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Mindfulness can be used for so many things, from helping you to lose weight, to re-gaining your focus on important work projects. It is really important for your mental and emotional health, as well as your physical health. One specific method of being more mindful is through meditation. The two things combine to allow you to be a happier, more fulfilled and more balanced person. Here are some things to know about mindfulness meditation.   What is Mindfulness Meditation? First of all, it can help to learn a little more about what mindfulness meditation is and how it can help you. The following information is going to give you more insight into what meditating in a mindful way means and of course the different ways it can help you.   You now know that mindfulness is a way of being, thinking, and living in the moment. If you are eating a meal, you are focused only on what you are eating, including the textures, flavors, and sensations. You aren’t watching TV or thinking about your budget meeting. You only focus on your meal. This practice can also be used with meditation. Mindfulness is not easy to pick up right away, especially during a busy day when your negative thoughts and stressful situations creep up in your mind constantly. This is why you should start by also practicing meditation.   How to Start Meditating Instead of trying to stress yourself out with both mindfulness and meditation at the same time, start slow. Just start with basic meditating. Find yourself a quiet space where you can really focus on the meditation. This can be anywhere from your bedroom at night before bed to even the shower or when you are going for a walk. If you can do it at home where you can sit comfortably with your eyes closed, that can be helpful.   Start your meditation by focusing on your breathing and only thinking about the breathing. Focus on taking in each breath and letting it out. Think about your lungs, and not about your next meal or all the appointments you have next week. This simple act will help you to retrain your mind to think about just one thing, which is the essence of both meditation and mindfulness.   Using Mindfulness With Meditation Now that you have a good introduction to meditation, you can start using mindfulness. Once you get used to sitting quietly and trying to clear your mind of all those nagging thoughts and only think about your breathing, you can then start with the practice of mindfulness. This is when you are only concerned with the present moment. Once you have the breathing practice down, choose just one thought to focus on. Only one thing happening in this current moment. This is a good introduction into how mindfulness meditation works.   The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation Before discussing more tips on mindfulness meditation, it helps to know why you should start this practice. There are actually many advantages to mindfulness meditation, from lowering your stress to helping with your mind’s focus, memory, and concentration. Mindfulness meditation can also help your physical health, which is something many people are not fully aware of. Take a look at some of these benefits of mindfulness meditation.   Stress Reduction One of the top reasons people like mindfulness meditation is because it helps reduce their stress. When you start meditating and living in the present with mindfulness, you learn how to think about things differently. It isn’t going to magically get rid of all those stressful situations and people in your life, but it helps you to deal with them better. You develop a healthy coping mechanism where you understand and appreciate things for what they are, and stop dwelling on how much worse they could be. It truly is remarkable how helpful this is for your overall stress and anxiety.   Improved Memory If you struggle with memory issues, this might be more to do with how much you are trying to keep track of in your mind. Memory issues are often linked to negative thoughts and overthinking. When you start the bad habit of overthinking, it tends to lead to over-analyzing things as well. This is only going to make everything more stressful and frustrating for you. If you can start mindfulness meditation, you will notice that you are focusing on one thing at a time, so your memory starts to improve as well.   Better Focus and Concentration Other cognitive functions can also be improved with meditation, including your focus and concentration. Once again, you are changing the way you think about things, developing positive attitudes like acceptance, appreciation and gratitude, patience, and nonjudgment. This in turn allows you to focus on one thing at a time, whatever is happening in the present, instead of trying to think about too many things at a time. With proper mindfulness and meditation, you are learning how to adapt to everything around you, let go of the negative emotions, and appreciate all of the positivity in your life. It is very fulfilling and improves your overall focus in the long run. This can help with work, school, and anything else you are trying to achieve.   Lower Blood Pressure As far as physical benefits, the first is lowering your blood pressure. This comes from a lot of the mental and emotional benefits, therefore lowering your blood pressure. Things like stress, anxiety, and lack of focus can overwhelm your mind, and actually have a negative effect on your body. When you start meditating and using mindfulness in your daily life, you will feel less stressed and overwhelmed, which can then cause your blood pressure to get a rest.   Weight Loss Don’t forget about the benefits for eating and weight loss! Mindfulness isn’t just done in a meditation session, but throughout the day. By living more in the present, you can also focus on what is good for your body, starting with mindful eating.   This is when you really think about your food choices and indulge in each meal, instead of being distracted and just grabbing any snack without thinking twice about it. Through mindful eating, you learn to notice the signs of actual hunger and not boredom or feeding your emotions. Over time, you will notice that it changes your eating habits and ultimately leads to weight loss.   Future Success Finally, all of these benefits can help you future. You become more successful by being less stressed and more focused on the task at hand. You stop trying to multi-task and become a unitasker, which really does wonders for you. All of these things you learn through mindfulness meditation are going to help you in the future.   How to Start Doing Mindfulness Meditation You have already have a brief introduction into what mindfulness meditation is and how it works, but let’s go a little deeper into the practice. You will also learn some helpful method, tips, and tricks that can help you if you are new to meditation.   Where to Meditate As mentioned briefly in the previous section, you need to start by choosing the right place for your meditation. Schedule a time of the day when nobody else is home or when you have few distractions. Wait until the kids are at school or asleep, your significant other is otherwise engaged, and let the dogs outside for a bit. Every little distraction, from a knock on the door to a cell phone ringing is going to break you out of the meditation.   You only need about 15-20 minutes to start with. For now, try to choose a place in the house where you can sit quietly and close your eyes. Eventually, meditation can be anywhere you find it relaxing, from driving to work to going for a walk or hike. However, right now you want to practice with your eyes closed, so choose your bedroom, living room, or even on your patio if it is quiet and peaceful enough.   Sit in your location with your eyes close and in a relaxing position. It should be a position where you will not be fidgeting or moving around constantly. Keep your back straight and hands relaxed.   What to Focus On Once you have gotten into the right position, you can start with your mindfulness meditation. Traditional meditation calls for clearing your mind completely, so that is a good first step. Focus on your breathing first to clear your mind of all distractions, stressful situations, plans, and schedules. Put your to-do list away and watch your negative feelings and thoughts float away.   Once you are only thinking about your breathing, your mind is clear, and you can start the mindfulness portion.   This is when you are focusing on just one thing, one thought, one scenario. You are being mindful about the present, so it can be as simple as thinking about the act of meditation or a scent you smell in the air. What you focus on is not as important as the act of meditation to relax your body and mind.   Find a Singular Object It can also help to focus on a single object with your eyes opened or closed. If you want to close your eyes, get an object that is simple to hold in your hand. This can be anything that is small and easy to feel in your hands. You will close your eyes and hold this object, touching its details and curves, focusing on the sensations, shape, and size, and not on any other thoughts that try to creep in. You can also choose a visual object, such as focusing on a painting on the wall or placing an object right in front of you. Look at the colors, textures, and design of that object. What you are doing is training your mind to release all other thoughts and focus on one singular thing.   Be Patient Remember to always be patient. Both mindfulness and meditation will take practice and is not something you are going to pick up right away. People need time to get used to clearing their minds and having a singular focus. You have lived all these years trying to multi-task, do everything at once, think about every little thing that could go wrong, making plans and schedules and to-do lists. It takes time just to relax and be in the moment, so make sure you are patient with yourself.   Incorporate Essential Oils With Meditation As a final note, we want to discuss using essential oils in combination with meditation. This can be really helpful, especially for beginners. You are not only going to focus on the scents to help with mindfulness, but certain scents can actually help you relax even further.   Good Essential Oils to Use You can use any oils you want, but there are some that are good for relaxing and calming the mind. Here is a list of some essential oils to try out, and the reasons why they are so helpful.   Lavender One of the best and most relaxing essential oil scents to start with is lavender. Lavender is perfect for stress relief, lowering anxiety, and helping your mind and body to fully relax. You will feel calm with a scent that isn’t too strong or overbearing.   Lemon You can also try lemon, which is especially good when you are doing the mindfulness meditation in the morning or when you want to be a little more alert. This is a fresh scent that also helps with improving your mood, reducing allergies, and improving your respiratory system.   Peppermint Peppermint is a bit of a stronger scent, but you can dilute it even more or put a little less into your oil diffuser. Peppermint is good for oral health, respiratory support, and better focus and concentration. Like lemon, it is also a great mood lifter.   Rose Rose is a light floral scent that will calm and relax your mind, while also helping your body to relax. This is good for beginners, and can easily be mixed with some of the other scents.   Resources: Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now The Art of Effective Listening Organixx Article: Moving Meditation: A Meditation Practice for Those Who Just Can’t Slow Down Organixx Article: 13 Powerful Proven Health Benefits of Meditation Organixx Article: 5 Reasons Behind Emotional Eating (& Tips on How to Eat Mindfully) 

Mindfulness and Meditation: How to Be More Present in Life

Antioxidants may get all the headlines, but magnesium may just be your health MVP. Learn more about the benefits of this mineral. Did you know that Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body?   According to the National Institute of Health… Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA.   Let’s dive a bit deeper into just how important Magnesium is to our health… It acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes, regulating a number of fundamental functions such as muscle contraction, neuromuscular conduction, glycemic control, myocardial contraction, and blood pressure. Magnesium also plays a vital role in energy production, active transmembrane transport for other ions (ATP), synthesis of nuclear materials, and bone development. Important to note – magnesium deficiency has been associated with a wide range of diseases.   Magnesium and Nutrition According to the United States Food and Nutrition Board, recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 420 mg for adult males and 320 mg for adult females, respectively. Approximately 10% of the daily magnesium requirement is derived from water. Green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and unprocessed cereals are rich sources of magnesium. Also, some magnesium is available in fruits, fish, meat, and milk products. The majority of the population in the Western countries consume less than the recommended amount of magnesium, contributed by the consumption of processed foods, demineralized water, and agricultural practices using soil deficient in magnesium for growing food. Many studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of magnesium supplementation.   Chronic Diseases Associated with Magnesium Deficiency type 2 diabetes & metabolic syndrome Studies suggest that about 48% of people with type 2 diabetes have low levels of magnesium in their blood. This can impair insulin’s ability to keep blood sugar levels under control One study which followed more than 4,000 people for 20 years found that those with the highest magnesium intake were 47% less likely to develop diabetes. hypertension Magnesium helps lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels but does not seem to have the same effect in those with normal levels. cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke, atherosclerotic vascular disease, sudden cardiac death) osteoporosis migraine headache asthma colon cancer Alzheimer’s disease attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)   Other Areas of Health Where Magnesium Helps   May boost exercise performance Magnesium helps move blood sugar into your muscles and dispose of lactate, which can build up during exercise and cause fatigue Studies have shown that supplementing with it can boost exercise performance for athletes, the elderly and people with chronic disease In a study, athletes who supplemented with magnesium for four weeks had faster running, cycling and swimming times during a triathlon. They also experienced reductions in insulin and stress hormone levels Magnesium supplements have been shown to enhance exercise performance in several studies, but research results are mixed.   Magnesium Fights Depression Magnesium plays a critical role in brain function and mood, and low levels are linked to an increased risk of depression One analysis in over 8,800 people found that people under the age of 65 with the lowest magnesium intake had a 22% greater risk of depression. Some experts believe the low magnesium content of modern food may cause many cases of depression and mental illness; however, others emphasize the need for more research in this area. Nonetheless, supplementing with this mineral may help reduce symptoms of depression — and in some cases, the results can be dramatic. In a randomized controlled trial in depressed older adults, 450 mg of magnesium daily improved mood as effectively as an antidepressant drug.   Anti-Inflammatory Benefits Low magnesium intake is linked to chronic inflammation (elevated C-reactive protein), which is one of the drivers of aging, obesity and chronic disease. Magnesium supplements can reduce CRP and other markers of inflammation in older adults, overweight people and those with prediabetes. In the same way, high-magnesium foods — such as fatty fish and dark chocolate — can reduce inflammation.   Magnesium Improves PMS Symptoms Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common disorders among women of childbearing age. Its symptoms include water retention, abdominal cramps, tiredness and irritability. Interestingly, magnesium has been shown to improve mood, reduce water retention and other symptoms in women with PMS   Magnesium Is Safe and Widely Available Magnesium is absolutely essential for good health. The recommended daily intake is 400–420 mg per day for men and 310–320 mg per day for women.   You can get it from both food and supplements.   Food Sources The following foods are good to excellent sources of magnesium: Pumpkin seeds: 46% of the RDI in a quarter cup (16 grams) Spinach, boiled: 39% of the RDI in a cup (180 grams) Swiss chard, boiled: 38% of the RDI in a cup (175 grams) Dark chocolate (70–85% cocoa): 33% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) Black beans: 30% of the RDI in a cup (172 grams) Quinoa, cooked: 33% of the RDI the in a cup (185 grams) Halibut: 27% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) Almonds: 25% of the RDI in a quarter cup (24 grams) Cashews: 25% of the RDI in a quarter cup (30 grams) Mackerel: 19% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) Avocado: 15% of the RDI in one medium avocado (200 grams) Salmon: 9% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams)   Supplements If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before taking magnesium supplements.   Though these are generally well-tolerated, they may not be safe for people who take certain diuretics, heart medications or antibiotics.   Organixx’s Magnesium 7:   MAGNESIUM CHELATE This form of magnesium is especially important for muscle building, recovery, and health. [17]   MAGNESIUM CITRATE Helps with the effects of obesity. In fact, one study found that this form helped arterial stiffness in healthy overweight individuals.   MAGNESIUM BISGLYCINATE Often used to treat symptoms of excess stomach acid, such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion.   MAGNESIUM MALATE Some believe this to be the most bioavailable form of magnesium. It’s found naturally in fruits, giving them a “tart taste.”   Magnesium Malate can help with migraines, chronic pain, and depression.   MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE This form helps the connection between your brain and muscles, your cardiac rhythms, and the overall acid-alkaline balance in your body. It also can support an elevated mood.   It is absolutely essential in the metabolism of macronutrients, as well as the utilization of other minerals, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E.   MAGNESIUM TAURATE This is the form of magnesium best for your heart.   One study noted: “The complex magnesium taurate may thus have considerable potential as a vascular-protective nutritional supplement.”   MAGNESIUM OROTATE While also helpful for the heart, magnesium orotate is believed to be the best form for metabolic improvements.   This makes it a favorite for athletes seeking enhanced recovery, energy and performance.   Resources: Organixx Magnesium 7 - Complete Full-Spectrum Daily Magnesium Supplement Magnesium and Human Health: Perspectives and Research Directions Volume 2018 | Article ID 9041694 Bertinato, C. Wu Xiao, W. M. Ratnayake et al., “Lower serum magnesium concentration is associated with diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity in South Asian and white Canadian women but not men,” Food & Nutrition Research, vol. 59, no. 1, article 25974, 2015. Grober, J. Schmidt, and K. Kisters, “Magnesium in prevention and therapy,” Nutrients, vol. 7, no. 9, pp. 8199–8226, 2015. H. F. de Baaij, J. G. J. Hoenderop, and R. J. M. Bindels, “Magnesium in man: implications for health and disease,” Physiological Reviews, vol. 95, no. 1, pp. 1–46, 2015. Reported Dietary Intake, Disparity between the Reported Consumption and the Level Needed for Adequacy and Food Sources of Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Vitamin D in the Spanish Population: Findings from the ANIBES Study Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: are the health consequences underestimated? Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on physical performance in healthy elderly women involved in a weekly exercise program: a randomized controlled trial Oral magnesium therapy, exercise heart rate, exercise tolerance, and myocardial function in coronary artery disease patients The effect of acute magnesium loading on the maximal exercise performance of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients Magnesium enhances exercise performance via increasing glucose availability in the blood, muscle, and brain during exercise Magnesium in depression Magnesium intake and depression in adults Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment Efficacy and safety of oral magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression in the elderly with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, equivalent trial Oral magnesium supplementation reduces ambulatory blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension Effects of magnesium supplementation in hypertensive patients: assessment by office, home, and ambulatory blood pressures A pilot study on the effects of magnesium supplementation with high and low habitual dietary magnesium intake on resting and recovery from aerobic and resistance exercise and systolic blood pressure The effect of lowering blood pressure by magnesium supplementation in diabetic hypertensive adults with low serum magnesium levels: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial Nutrition by Food Search: Magnesium - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals Chelated Magnesium Effects of magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate supplementation on arterial stiffness in healthy overweight individuals: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial Magnesium Glycinate A pilot study of magnesium aspartate hydrochloride (Magnesiocard®) as a mood stabilizer for rapid cycling bipolar affective disorder patients Complementary vascular-protective actions of magnesium and taurine: a rationale for magnesium taurate Metabolic supplementation with orotic acid and magnesium orotate Magnesium enhances exercise performance via increasing glucose availability in the blood, muscle, and brain during exercise Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on physical performance in healthy elderly women involved in a weekly exercise program: a randomized controlled trial 7 Serious Health Issues Linked to Magnesium Deficiency (+ How to Tell If You’re Magnesium Deficient) What You Need to Know About Magnesium for Depression and Anxiety Magnesium for Better Sleep: Does it Help & What Type Do You Need? 

Is Magnesium Your Health MVP?

Join Jonathan and Wade Lightheart today as he helps us understand enzymes. What they do, why they’re considered micro miracles, and how your health depends on them. Plus, Wade helps us understand what we want to look for in a supplement. You don’t want to miss this one!   About Wade Lightheart 3-Time Canadian All Natural Bodybuilding Champion who competed as vegetarian, former Mr. Universe Competitor, host of The Awesome Health podcast, Wade Lightheart is one of the world’s premier authorities on Natural Nutrition and Training Methods. Having majored in Sports Science at the University of New Brunswick, he has authored numerous books on health, nutrition and exercise which have sold in over 80 countries. Wade also serves as an advisor to the American Anti-Cancer Institute. He’s been in the health industry for over 25 years, coached thousands of clients, and is sought out by athletes and high-performance oriented individuals worldwide for his advice on how to optimize their health and fitness levels.   What Are Enzymes? ENZYME – noun BIOCHEMISTRY a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. There are approximately 25,000 different enzymatic functions in the body The number of enzymes that you have present in your body is directly proportion to the amount of chemical reactions that you can engage in in the body. The difference between stones, plants, and people is enzymes, the amount and the role of those enzymes. They are the most critical component to all metabolic transactions.   Enzyme Bank It’s like having a bank account. In other words, your ability to write metabolic checks, to build, to repair, to heal, to digest your food, to make your hormones work, to break down the smallest chemical reactions, to make your skin nice, you name it, requires an enzymatic pathway.   Our Current Food Supply is Lacking In today’s world, we’ve radically compromised the amount of enzymes that we’re getting from our food, the quality of those enzymes, and we’ve added a host of agents that actually interrupt our body’s natural enzymatic mechanisms and that is having consequences across the globe that are extremely dire.   Pottenger & His Cats Francis Pottenger, Jr, MD, has given the cat world one of the best books available in the study of carnivore’s nutrition. From 1932 to 1942, Dr. Francis Marion Pottenger Jr. conducted a group of experiments to determine the effects of heat-processed food on cats. Cats fed an all-raw diet were healthy while cats fed the cooked meat diet developed various health problems. At the time of Pottenger’s studies the heat labile amino acid taurine had not yet been identified as essential for cats. This work shows that the deficiencies Pottenger identified in cats correspond with those of a taurine deficiency and are the direct result of the lack of taurine in the feline diet. The physiological effects of a cooked diet described by Pottenger in his papers were compared with data from recent studies on taurine deficiency in the feline diet. Results. Pottenger’s main observations of near and far sightedness, cardiac lesions, increased stillbirth, low birthweight, poor kitten survival, and developmental abnormalities each correspond to published descriptions of taurine deficiency in cats with multiple references for each described condition. Taurine deficiency is a strong explanation for the symptoms observed by Pottenger in his cat studies. Pottenger’s own conclusion that there was an ‘as yet unidentified, heat-labile protein factor’ is realized in taurine.   4 Major Types of Enzymes There are four major categories of enzymes and then there are derivatives of each, Proteases which break down protein, lipase which breaks down fats, amylase which breaks down carbohydrates, and cellulase which breaks down fiber in plants.   What happens if I don’t have the protease in my body to break down the all the protein that I’m ingesting? Gas Bloating Skin problems Brain fog The reason? Because you’re feeding bad bacteria who are producing a variety of endotoxins inside the body that are interrupting your natural activity.   Disturbing Statistics from Wade’s Research In America today, 12% of the emergency hospital visits are related to gastrointestinal related illnesses. People going to the hospital in an ambulance because they’re not breaking down their food.   A third of the population is suffering from digestive illness on any given day. And about 25% of the population is on prescription meds for this. And the correlation between digestive disease and depression and challenges for brain function, because most of your neurotransmitters are built off amino acids that got to be broken down and transported from the gut to your brain is directly correlated with the lack of enzymes.   What to look for in an enzyme supplement? Make sure it’s at least half full of proteolytic enzymes and you want at least three proteases. The 3.0 the 4.5 and the 6.0 which relate to the spectrum within the pH band. You want to make sure it has up in that that range of like 70-80,000 HUT (One FCC HUT unit of proteolytic (protease) activity is defined as that amount of enzyme that produces, in one minute under the specified conditions, a hydrolysate whose absorbance at 275nm is the same as that of a solution containing 1.10 g per mL of tyrosine in 0.006N hydrochloric acid. Contains cultured enzymes. Broad spectrum. Contains AstraZymeÒ   Resources: Organixx Enzyme17 Pottenger’s Cats - Research National Center for Health Statistics Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States Collagens: Hype or Healthy – Episode 15 Enzymes 201: P3E (now called Enzyme17) The NEW Powerful Proteolytic Enzyme Understanding the Power of Proteolytic Enzymes Proteolytic Enzymes: What They Are & Why Your Body Needs Them to Live  

Enzymes 101: The Micro Miracles You’re Missing

Ready to take your brain health to the next level? Ready to be proactive, or even reverse, the signs of brain aging? Then this episode is definitely for you! We are fortunate to have “Amazon” John Easterling, Plant Medicine Formulator, with us again this week. He dives into the plant medicine treasures he’s found in the Amazon Rainforest that beautifully support healthy brain function and help you ward off brain aging.   ABOUT “AMAZON JOHN” EASTERLING Since 1976 John Easterling has been an explorer and treasure hunter in the Amazon Rainforest. It was there, after a personal health crisis, he was introduced to the traditional use of medicinal plants by the Indigenous People in Peru. Since then his passion for plant medicine has only accelerated. Easterling’s original degree is in Environmental Studies, he founded the Amazon Herb Company in 1990 and serves on the board of the Amazon Center of Environmental Education and Research. Amazon John’s 28 years of Plant Medicine experience have been profiled on TV and Radio including “Good Morning America” and “Fox and Friends”.  His product formulations have sold over $100 million worldwide. John has been featured in two PBS documentaries, World News Report “Amazon John and Rainforest Medicines” and Jean Michel Cousteau’s “Return to the Amazon.” Easterling believes the dramatic growth and interest in plant medicine is still in its early stages and will continue to significantly improve life experiences and healthy outcomes into the future.   Causes of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Beta amyloid plaquing. “So when you get plaquing, your spark plug would foul, and you couldn’t start your engine. So same thing here. You get that plaquing in there, and it just can’t transmit to the next one, and you don’t remember. You can’t access that data where you put your keys.” Tau tangle, where you get the neurons that really just become tangled. Inflammation is a really big deal, and actually these other factors are really caused by it. It’s a kind of inflammatory response from your brain to protect itself sometimes, developing this amyloid plaquing to seal off what it sees as an insult. Involvement of Candida in brain issues. Recent research showed was that people did not think before that the Candida could cross the blood brain barrier. Now they found that it actually can. It travels through your body doing that, looking for a place to reside where the biological terrain is right. If you introduce a lot of sugar and a lot of carbs into that terrain, they really love that. When these Candida cross that blood brain barrier, the brain recognizes that as an insult, and then you have this coating process. The brain will try to coat that to seal it off.   Prevention Lifestyle and diet – low sugar, more green vegetables Probiotics after a course of antibiotics – maintain a diverse colony-forming units of probiotics. Maintain healthy inflammation levels throughout the body. Exercise – improves the microcirculation to the brain. Sleep – get quality sleep each night (7-9 hours). Lower your exposure to environmental toxins.   Botanicals to Improve Brain Health Una de Gato – Cat’s Claw Primarily known for its ability to stimulate the macrophage phagocytosis activity, which is our immune system. Source of epicatechins and the brain derived neurotropic. Stimulates neurogenesis – the creation of new brain cells. Camu Camu Tremendous source for a whole food vitamin C. Powerful anti-inflammatory. Increases the proper cycling of serotonin. Potent source of polyphenols, quercetin, and resveratrol. Bacopa Reduces brain amyloid levels in mice by as much as 60%. Increases cognitive function in humans. An ayurvedic plant. Cinnamon – cinnamaldehyde Able to break down tau tangles. It’s anti-inflammatory. Balances sugar levels. Cacao Is anti-inflammatory. Helps increase microcirculation in the brain. Contains epicatechins, which have been shown to be very helpful for brain chemistry and to help to slow down the death of healthy brain cells Pau d’Arco Many medicinal properties include antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-parasitic. Scientists have found that Pau d’Arco has a unique, two-pronged effect on fungal infections. … In this way, it is able to kill off a variety of bacteria, fungi, and yeast, including Candida albicans. Good source of polyphenols. Anti-inflammatory. Dragon’s Blood – Sangra de Grado Pure antioxidant by dry weight. Great source of proanthocyanidins. Anti-inflammatory. Helps facilitate the breakdown of plaquing in the brain. Guayusa Substitute for caffeine. Enables ‘first time’ memories to be recalled. Anti-inflammatory.   Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia People may experience: Cognitive: mental decline, difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion in the evening hours, delusion, disorientation, forgetfulness, making things up, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, inability to create new memories, inability to do simple math, or inability to recognize common things Behavioral: aggression, agitation, difficulty with self care, irritability, meaningless repetition of own words, personality changes, restlessness, lack of restraint, or wandering and getting lost Mood: anger, apathy, general discontent, loneliness, or mood swings Psychological: depression, hallucinations, or paranoia Also common: inability to combine muscle movements, jumbled speech, or loss of appetite   Resources: Organixx’s Ageless Brain - Nutrition for your brain. Camu Camu Cat’s Claw, Uña De Gato (Uncaria Tomentosa) Sangre de Drago - Dragon’s Blood Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor And Its Clinical Implications Bacopa monniera Extract Reduces Amyloid Levels In Psapp Mice Why Cinnamon May Hold Secrets to Alzheimer’s Prevention Cacao Pau d‘Arco Proanthocyanidins Guayusa Raphael Mechoulam Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center Alzheimer’s & Dementia Facts & Figures - PDF Alzheimer’s & Dementia Facts & Figures - website Tau, tangles, and Alzheimer's disease Amyloid Plaques and Neurofibrillary Tangles Candidiasis Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease Anthocyanins Epicatechin Caffeine Reverses Cognitive Impairment and Decreases Brain Amyloid-β Levels in Aged Alzheimer’s Disease Mice Brain Health: 10 Tips for Keeping "Senior Moments" at Bay Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Brain Protector? 6 Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon for Metabolism, the Brain and More! 

Preventing Alzheimer’s and Dementia with John Easterling

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Empowering You Organically - Video Edition

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