Kelly Bonanno

Your soulful coach for eco friendly living, clean beauty & wellness Savvy | Sexy | Beautiful | Healthy | You

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I’ve Wanted To Tell This Story For 16 Years. Here It Is.

Are you a breastfeeding mom or were you, like me, once upon a time a breastfeeding mom who found breastfeeding so damn hard you couldn’t even believe it? I had an incredibly difficult time coupled with postpartum issues. Postpartum & breastfeeding issues are more common than you might think. In fact, in my experience, breast feeding difficulties are more common than not.

Most women I’ve talked with had some type of hardship surrounding their breastfeeding experience. Many have such a sucky (no pun intended) time they just give up. For better or worse, I persevered.

As tough as it was, I never lost sight of the fact that I was blessed with a healthy, thriving, fun baby who allowed me to experience a love I never knew existed.

I’ve felt compelled to share my own difficult breastfeeding & postpartum story for 16 years. I finally do in this video

At the time, I knew I’d write about it one day. I thought I’d do it sooner but all things happen at the right time. 20% of women in the U.S. suffer from anxiety and mood disorders before or after pregnancy and it can last up to 3 years postpartum.

Both of my pregnancies was great but I suffered postpartum anxiety after my first. I’m so far removed from that point in my life but I remember it like it was yesterday. Perhaps you had a similar experience and will relate to my story. One thing I know for sure, if you did or if you are currently, you are not alone.

A national survey conducted by Every Mother Counts, Seleni Institute, Peanut, Motherly and Maven, revealed that the majority of women reported experiencing both depression and anxiety. I distinctly remember thinking I am going to write about this one day because I cannot possibly be the only mom going through this but this was 2002. Facebook didn’t exist and blogs weren’t nearly what they are now. No time like the present and especially fitting because August is National Breast Feeding Month and I recently had a conversation with my niece who went through a similar experience after giving birth to her beautiful daughter in January.

I want to share my story because since then I’ve met so many  women who have been in the same exact boat. If you have a similar experience, I want you to know you are not alone or crazy like I thought I was. 

I share much more in this video I did in my Facebook group which you are welcome to join… 

I have been wanting to share my difficult postpartum story for 16 years. Here it is.

I have been wanting to share my difficult postpartum story for 16 years. Here it is. Postpartum & breast feeding Issues are more common than you might think

Posted by Savvy Girl's Organic World With Kelly Bonanno on Wednesday, August 15, 2018

It was of upmost importance to me to be able to feed my baby the almighty breastmilk to give him the zillions of immune boosting health benefits, particularly being such a wellness advocate advocate. And frankly I figured it would be easier than having to make bottles and drag them along and certainly cheaper, breastmilk is free.

Mommy & Me play group with 6 month old Joey

In the video, I share that I unknowingly nearly starved my son for the first few days. He latched on just fine so I had no idea no milk was coming out. I did everything possible including hiring a lactation consultant.

I also talk about the circus it was and the rigors I went through weighing him, nursing him, weighing him again to see what measly little milk I might’ve given him… then making a bottle to supplement after which I had to pump to try to encourage my mammary glands to start making milk on their own and hopefully increase milk production.

The whole process was so freaking long by the time I was done feeding him it was practically time to feed him again! I now realize why wet nurses were popular at a point in time. 

I also reveal how I finally, after months of screwed up sleep patterns, got him to sleep through the night and become a good napper. I literally thought I would never be able to leave the house. I was almost delirious. The sleep deprivation was brutal and made me nuts. That coupled with the postpartum anxiety I was experiencing and lack of support made me so damn irritable.

Me & my sweet baby 2003

As rough as it was, he was a sweet, fun baby… the light of my life. I was fortunate to have plenty of wonderful times with him during that first year and more and more with each passing year. I expound a great deal in the video, I wonder how many of you can relate in any way. Drop a comment, I’d love to hear from you.

I want to share my story because since then I’ve met so many  women who have been in the same exact boat. If you have a similar experience, I want you to know you are not alone or crazy like I thought I was.

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How To Choose Safe Sunscreen: What To Avoid & What To Use

I have a confession. I love the smell of Coppertone. Despite the fact that I know that is one hell of a toxic fragrance, I love it because it brings back happy memories of exhilarating beach days and fun afternoons at our community pool. Regardless, I still don’t use it because there is no way I’m slathering those toxins on me or my kids.

Fun in the Lake Tahoe sun with my cutie

I have gone so non toxic with all my products that now I am extremely sensitive to the toxic scent of synthetic fragrance. I can detect the scent a mile away and I usually cannot stand the smell but Coppertone is the exception.

One question I get asked often is, “what sunscreen should I use,” because by now, most of know that the chemicals in most sunscreens pose serious health risks. Even mainstream western doctors admit that the chemicals found in most brands are dangerous.

I’ve written about this several times over the years, I like to do a refresh on the topic during the summer when we’re all slathering out bodies and out kids bodies with sunscreen. The safest sunblock is non-nanoparticle zinc oxide but if you’r curious about the common sunscreen ingredients that you should avoid, here is a rundown:

8 Ingredients You Do Not Want In Your Sunscreen

1. Oxybenzone
This hormone disruptor penetrates the skin, enters the bloodstream and behaves as estrogen in the body. It’s been shown to cause cell damage that promotes cancer, allergic reactions and even endometriosis.

The glorious Pacific Ocean

2. 4-MBC
4-MBC is a chemical that chemical enters the bloodstream and behaves as estrogen in the body as well. It’s also been linked to cancer. Both 4-MBC and oxybenzone are such dangerous hormone disruptors that scientists are urging parents to refrain from using any product containing either on children but it’s found in most sunscreens, even those made especially for babies. 

3. Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate) 
This widely used sunscreen ingredient disrupts thyroid hormone, affects brain signaling and lab tests show that is kills mouse cells when exposed to sunlight, even at low doses.

4. Avobenzone
Also known as Parsol 1789 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane. It generates free radicals in the body and has also been cited as an endocrine disruptor. It is unstable and sunlight causes it to break down into unknown chemicals, especially when used with octinoxate.

5. Retinyl palmitate
This is a form of vitamin A. It is an antioxidant that slows the aging process in skin which is fine for use in night creams. However, a study done by the FDA discovered a connection to cancer because it may accelerate growth in tumors and skin lesions when exposed to sunlight which makes it a dangerous ingredient for sunscreen.

The FDA does not conduct any safety testing on sunscreen. It is completely unregulated so manufacturers can use any ingredients they want. 

6. Parabens
You’ll also find parabens listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. They are found in many cosmetics as well as sunscreen. Like oxybenzone, parbens mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of various cancers.

Would you like help on how to avoid other toxins or to discuss health or weight concerns? Book your complimentary call today! 

7. Padimate O (Octyl Dimethyl PABA / PABA Ester)
This damages DNA, releases free radicals, mimics estrogen and causes allergies in some people.

8. Benzophenone 
This is one of the most commonly found ingredients in sunscreens. It is known to cause cancer in lab animals.

9. Homosalate
Causes organ system toxicity and dispruts sex hormones in animal studies.

The sunblocking ingredient you want in your sunscreen is zinc oxide made without nanotechnology. Zinc is a physical sun block which means it reflects light back into the environment. Your skin basically does not see the sun.

Nanoparticles have been shown to cross the cell barrier driving into organs, even attaching to brain cells. They’ve also caused developmental issues in animals. Mineral sunscreens are often made with nanotechnology.

In addition to harming out health, these toxins also harm marine life. The coral reefs are being damaged and killed off. This is a major issue. Many clean sunscreens brands will say ‘reef safe’ on the bottle. If it’s safe for us, it will be safe for the beautiful coral reefs.

So what can we use?! Sunscreen that doesn’t have these ingredients. A few good ones are:  Coola (great under makeup), MyChelle Dermaceuticals (love this one too), Mad Hippie, Ever (this one has nice shades if you want tinted sunscreen), Block Island Organics 100% Pure, Babo Botanicals.

?**Want to make shopping for cosmetics, beauty & personal care products for you & your family easier? Grab my list of Top 12 Toxic Ingredients to avoid**?

We need sunlight. A deficiency in vitamin D3 causes a whole host of severe illnesses including. Recent studies are revealing that avoiding the sun blocks our body’s ability to produce vitamin D3.

Know someone who is looking for safe sunscreen? Send it their way and share this on Facebook, tweet it, Pin. These ingredients are especially toxic to children and babies because their delicate systems are not fully developed so they have a harder time filtering out toxins.

I treasure beach days with my loves ?

 “… some sunscreens are known to interfere with hormone action… could plausibly increase the risk of various cancers” -Thomas Zoeller, Endocrine Society

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12 Facts You Need To Know About Men’s Health

Being the mom of two teenage boys, men’s health is very important to me. It happens to be Men’s Health Month, although there hasn’t been much mention of it, has there? There’s a major fanfare of awareness brought to women’s health, breast cancer prevention, in particular, which is important but I’m really happy to see some focus being directed to men’s health, it’s absolutely just as important.

  • Roughly 1 in 7 male Americans will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, 97% of them, over the age  50

Let’s stop and talk about this one for a minute. Screening is important and often life saving as it was in actor Ben Stiller’s case. However, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures a specific protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels potentially mean prostate cancer but medical experts don’t advise aggressive treatment since it can be a false positive so active monitoring is key. The New England Journal Of Medicine Conducted a landmark study found no statistical difference between active monitoring and observation and surgery in reducing deaths. Discuss all your options with your doctor.

  • When detected early enough, prostate cancer is 99% curable. Know the symptoms and be proactive. There is a 97 success rate of survival with early detection. If it’s detected late, there’s only a 26% survival rate past five years
  • The likelihood of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 35% higher than that of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer. Surprising, isn’t it?
  • Chances are even higher in African American men
  • A man dies from prostate cancer every 17.5 seconds
  • The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) recently conducted a study that revealed increasing your intake of vitamin K2 may cut the risk of prostate cancer by 35%. Where do you get K2? Cheese, egg yolks, chicken breast, chicken liver (if you can stand it), butter, salami (not exactly a health food), natto and ground beef
  • Only 10% of all cancers are genetic and nearly 50% of premature deaths among men are preventable
  • Think you’re too young to take it seriously? The most common cancer in men ages 15 – 35 is testicular cancer
  • Nearly 8,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed this year
  • Testicles should not sag, this could indicate too much heat from the veins. Small is not normal. Hardness is a red flag
  • The good news is that the survival rate is 90% if caught early so get screened, go for your yearly physicals and learn how to self exam, ok guys?
  • MEN NEED TO USE CLEAN NON TOXIC PERSONAL CARE ITEMS TOO! Seriously. You guys may not use as many personal stuff as we chicks do but you use enough – like shampoo, deodorant, soap, shaving cream, etc. that it does matter.
  • Bonus fact: A mere 10% reduction in weight reduces your risk of various weight related diseases by 50%! Maintaining an ideal weight is vital for optimal health. Is your BMI too high? Let’s get you to a healthy weight! Click here to book your complimentary Eco Wellness Consultation . I’ll evaluate you and give you a crystal clear plan with key steps to get weight off for good. You can check your BMI here.

In the meantime, grab my FREE Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips and habits along with several delicious, nutritious options to grab and go when you are pressed for time.

Avoiding personal care products containing carcinogens is one of the best ways to prevent cancer as well as other illnesses and health issues. It is so important to stay away from products that have endocrine disruptors like parabens. They can seriously mess with your entire endocrine system and mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of certain cancers.

The ingredients in most personal care items that men use are just as toxic as the ones we women use so do yourself a favor and products that do not contain harmful ingredients. Wondering which harmful ingredients to avoid? Here is a list of the most commonly used.

Healthy guys are sexy

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Check Out The Fantastic Clean Beauty Products You Can Find At TJMaxx & Marshall’s!

I love a good bargain. What Savvy girl doesn’t?! But we want quality too. You can find both at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s for a fraction of the price! (I think that’s actually Ross’ slogan but you get the point  Love that store too).

No, this isn’t an ad or paid sponsorship, they just happen to be two of my favorite places to shop because they carry just about everything at a discount… home goods, clothes (even some designer threads!), accessories, toys, fitness items, stationary, even beauty products. In fact, you can find clean beauty products there!

 
I recently visited both stores and found some good clean skin care so I popped on a live stream on my Facebook page to share my discoveries at TJMaxx and Marshall’s.

There are many clean lines to choose from. Lucky for us savvy girls there is far more variety on the market than there was even just a few years ago. I have vetted and researched dozens of brands and list some that I recommend here on my site.

Clean & organic beauty products at TJMaxx

They are all available online but it’s nice to be able to grab some goodies while you’re out running errands, isn’t it? Which is why I love that we can find nice products at places like TJMaxx and Marshall’s. I’ve also found some at a few of my other favorite stores so stay tuned for those videos.

To make shopping easier for you, grab my list of the top 12 toxic toxins to avoid when purchasing cosmetics, beauty & personal care products for you & your family. This is your personal cheat sheet. Avoid buying products with these ingredients and you’ll be a green beauty. ? 

Clean & organic beauty products at Marshall’s

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Go Green This Earth Day With These 7 Savvy Little Tips

At the height of the flower child era, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans held demonstrations across the country rallying for a healthy, sustainable environment.

Earth Day 2018 Theme ~ “End Plastic Pollution”

We still face many of the same environmental issues as we did on that first Earth Day when founder, Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin Senator at the time, was inspired to make a difference after the devastation of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, a beautiful coastal town in Southern California.

Be earth friendly

With the thousands of chemicals that have been introduced into commerce since then, the GMO crisis we now face, deforestation, pollution, soil degradation and other environmental issues we face, we still have a long way to go when it comes to treating this planet properly. There’s definitely a hippie chick inside this savvy girl that compels me to advocate earth kindness.

There are many things we can do that help the environment and they are all safer for wildlife, marine life, and us humans too. I did a livestream discussing the topic on my Facebook page check it out and post your questions and comments. I’d love to hear your best tip to help keep the earth beautiful.

  • The Planet Loves Healthy Hair Care Make the switch to clean, non toxic hair care. Americans poor hundreds of millions of gallons of shampoo down the drain each year. The waste water treatment plants in this country are designed to remove bacteria but not toxic chemicals so that contamination can end up back into our water supply.
  • In Honor Of This Year’s Earth Day Theme, Stop Using Plastic Water Bottles Enough plastic water bottles end up in landfills each year to circle the globe 150 times and each of those bottles takes at least 700 years to decompose. Plus, the BPA messes with your endocrine system. There are a ton of reusable options out there. I love glass bottles and S’well stainless steel.  Even the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cautions parents to reduce their kid’s exposure to BPA.
  • Compost Like An Eco Boss  Seems sort of a big project but it’s not. The Spruce has some helpful tips on how to do it. Many cities even provide you with a free composting bin which certainly makes it far easier. Check with your municipality to find out if they offer that service.
  • Leave Your Stillettos By The Door Pesticides, dirt, chemicals, bacteria, dust, lead, coal tar from asphalt (which is carcinogenic) and other substances get tracked into your home by way of those sexy over the knee boots (just got myself a hot pair I can’t wait to rock! Kinda excited about them). According to the EWG, nearly 85% of household dirt, pests and pollutants welcome themselves into your cozy home by way of your shoes. Soooo, leave them by the front door in one of those cute benches with shelves and cubbies and you’ll have a cleaner, healthier home.
  • Ditch Toxic Air Fresheners They emit harmful chemicals into the air circulating our gorgeous planet and exposure can contribute to an increase in pulmonary diseases and increase your odds of developing asthma by as much as 71%. The fragrance used is typically very toxic because it usually contains harmful phthalates which are linked to birth defects, breast cancer, infertility, liver cancer, diabetes, obesity, autism and ADHD in first and third trimesters of pregnancy.
  • Add A Touch Of Eco Romance With Clean Burning Candles Paraffin candles emit toxic chemicals such as benzene, toulene, and keytones into the air and many wicks contain heavy metals. Soy and palm oil candles are hydrogenated and often contain paraffin. Soy can be a safe option if it’s non GMO. Beeswax and coconut wax are clean, safe options.
  • Hang Dry Your Clothes This will not only save energy and decrease your family’s exposure to the gas, you’re clothes will last longer and look better. It even cuts down on ironing which is one chore I avoid at all costs. Just toss them in the dryer for about 10 minutes to fluff them up, the heat removes many of the wrinkles.

Let’s love our glorious planet Earth and treat it as though every day is Earth Day. The Earth Day Network works all year with over 22,000 partners and organizations to fight for a cleaner environment. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but connect with your inner flower child and make a few positive changes for Mother Earth, we will all reap the benefits. 

Want more advice and tips on going green? Download my free guide: The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living. Implement the tips in this checklist and you’ll be a green movement rockstar.

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The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living: Detoxify Your Home In 10 Easy Steps

Going green is easier than you might think.

The truth is, we live in an extremely toxic world. Being healthy requires detoxing our personal care and beauty routine and our home environment. But it can be confusing, can’t it? It’s not easy to know which products to use, what eco habits to adopt, which methods really work and which resources to trust.

I created this free guide to help you go green with ease. It’s your personal cheat sheet with simple tips that will not only reduce your family’s carbon footprint, they will also help improve your health by reducing your body’s toxic burden. 

“Earth is not a platform for human life. It’s a living being. We’re not on it but part of it. Its health is our health” ~Thomas Moore

A healthy, eco friendly lifestyle is not a luxury. Detoxing your lifestyle is simply not an option if you want to be healthy. It’s just as important as eating a healthy diet!

It might surprise you to learn that your home has up to 10 times more pollutants than there are outside. Toxicity levels in our system can wreak havoc on our health. The good news, it’s really not difficult and I am here to help you do it.

A fantastic aspect of adopting this particular healthy habit is that you don’t have to go on a cleanse or crazy diet or start some intense workout routine to reap the benefits. It’s easier than trying to lose weight or get in shape. Seriously!

The healthiest individuals make detoxing a natural part of their daily routine and you can too. Get my top tips to go green, detoxify the environment inside your home & be kinder to our planet delivered to your inbox.

Start slow if you prefer, implement just a few of the tips. Even small changes will make a difference.

Grab your free guide now!

You want to live in a toxin-free environment, putting both your mind and health at ease, right? My free guide will show you how.

Want more helpful tips? Grab my other free checklists too:

The Savvy Girl’s Guide To The Top 10 Toxins To Avoid

& The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Looking Younger Without Toxic Chemicals

A votre sante!

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World Water Day 2018: 5 Things You Can Do To Help Alleviate The Global Water Crisis

We luxuriate in bubble baths, enjoy hot showers, swim in our pools, wash our cars, water our house plants, clean our dishes and clothes, drench our lawns, gulp our 8 glasses all without much thought. Water is probably the resource that is most taken for granted because it seems so abundant but it’s really not.

We can’t live without it yet there are currently about 844 million people on this planet who do not have access to safe, clean water in their home.

World Water Day is about bringing awareness to this global crisis and supporting those suffering every single day deprived of clean water and adequate sanitation.

A child dies every 20 seconds from a water-related illness. 

90% of the nearly 2 million deaths caused by diarrheal diseases each year from lack of proper sanitation are in children under the age of 5. Truly heartbreaking.

It’s a problem even here in the United States, 8% of us do not have access to clean drinking water. The issue needs awareness but like all serious issues, we need to take action and do our part to alleviate the problem today and every day.

 “The crisis of our diminishing water resources is just as severe (if less obviously immediate) as any wartime crisis we have ever faced. Our survival is just as much at stake as it was at the time of Pearl Harbor, or the Argonne, or Gettysburg, or Saratoga.”

~Jim Wright, U.S. Representative, The Coming Water Famine, 1966

Jim Wright made that statement 52 years ago and here we are 5 decades later and it’s still a dire situation. Where I live, here in California, we have had years of drought so saving water is at the top of mind for many of us Californians but there are things we all can do that will make a difference when it comes to the water shortage.

  • Experts agree that the best way to help is to simply use less water. Conserve and realize that it’s not an infinite source. Be respectful of that fact; take it into consideration each time you use water for any of your daily activities. Don’t allow the water to run needlessly. Little things like turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth helps.
  • Do not clean small loads of clothes. About 41 gallons of water is used per load in most washing machines. Fill ‘er up.
  • Make sure none of the faucets in your home have leaks. If they do, get them fixed!
  • No one loves a hot shower more than me. I’m not a bath girl but the feeling of the warm water cascading all over my body is relaxing and heavenly but taking shorter showers is important. Even just a quick 5 minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water. Get clean and get out. And, dry bathe whenever possible.
  • On a daily basis, children and women around the world spend roughly 258 million hours each day collecting water. In developing countries they walk up to 6 hours EVERY day just to get water. Can you even imaging doing that each day Your donation to WaterDay.org  will help empower them with safe water and sanitation. Another way to help is buy Stella Artois beer. Each limited edition chalice sold equals 5 years of clean water.

“I really think we focus too much on ‘scarcity.’ Water is, and always has been, scarce. The truth is, we really need to go back to grade school Earth Science class and remember that water on the planet exists in an interconnected cycle.” ~ Alexandra Cousteau

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11 Natural Ways To Ease & Prevent Cold & Flu

This is one of the worst cold and flu seasons in years. It understandably has people on edge. Particularly with the deaths that have occured. A few people in my Facebook group have asked about natural methods to prevent and treat the nasty flu bug so I thought it would be a good time chat about it.

Truth be told, we don’t get sick from extreme temperatures, we catch it from one another. Flu is the cause of roughly 36,000 deaths each year and over 200,000 people are hospitalized because of it. It’s sad how many have lost their lives to it this year. In some cases, they ended up having sepsis.

We’re most contagious the first few days we have symptoms, however, we can even be contagious 24 hours before the first sign of cold symptoms and up to 4 days before flu symptoms appear so it’s not easy to avoid the nasty little germs but there are measures you can take to prevent or at least lessen the severity.

1) Drink up

You’ve heard it before but it’s sage advice: stay hydrated, it helps ease a stuffy nose and sore throat and helps flush out those germs. Drinks plenty of water! More and more doctors, including Dr. Oz recommend Elderberry extract. One way to get it that will  also aid your hydration is in an herbal tea. Drinking 4 – 6 cups of elderberry tea a day at the onset of symptoms because medical trials have shown that it helps block viruses from entering your cells and aids in shortening the duration of the flu. He calls it a ‘natural tamiflu’.

2)  Catch your zzzz’s

Sleep is restorative, our bodies rejuvenate and repair while we sleep. Inadequate amounts of shut eye compromise the immune system and make it difficult for our bodies to fight infection and illness. While you are resting, your immune system is better able to produce cytokines, chemicals that attack virus cells.

3) Manage stress

Stress depresses our immune system and makes us more vulnerable to illness. Things that cause major stress like the loss of a job as well as little stressors like the jerk that cuts you off on the freeway both take their toll. Meditation helps but if getting your om on isn’t going to happen at least give yourself  10 minutes of downtime to do some deep breathing and get yourself centered.

4) Eat the right foods

The Real Age docs also say that lean protein rich foods such as turkey, tofu, chicken, nuts, nonfat dairy, beans and fish enable your body to make disease fighting antibodies. They also recommend loading up on foods that contain flavonoids and vitamin C like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, tomatoes and broccoli because they help your body produce protective immune cells. Whole grain foods are also beneficial because they have immune enhancing nutrients like zinc, selenium, and beta glucan.

5) Try Probiotics

I take a good probiotic every day because gut health is vital for a strong immune system. 80% of our immunity is in our gut. The connection to our health cannot be denied. Find a quality probiotic and make sure your doctor agrees it’s right for you. I take a good probiotic every day because gut health is vital for overall health. a review of 10 studies revealed that those who took them were 40% less likely to get that yearly cold or have a bad season with 3 or more colds. If you do come down with one, a probiotic will reduce your need for antibiotics if you get a bacterial infection along with it. If you do end up needing antibiotics, probiotics help replace the good bacteria which is very important!

Get free access to my resource library of checklists, guides, worksheets with more tips & info that will get you well your on your way to a healthier, more eco friendly lifestyle

6) These Natural Remedies Are My Must Haves

Oregano Oil strengthens the immune system which is what your body needs when fighting off illness. It is very anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Lots of ‘antis’ against bad stuff which is good! Its benefits are far reaching including healing skin issues, digestive problems and so much more! Grape seed extract is another rock star immune strengthener to take at the first sign of illness. Colloidal Silver is a good flu fighter to keep in your medicine cabinet. A study from the Journal of Virological Methods showed that Silver kills various types of flu viruses. Winter Tonic & Winter Balance are homeopathic remedies that help prevent the flu, I have thankfully found both to be very helpful at warding it off. I can’t give you medical advice, just sharing what works for me and my family.

Bonus natural remedy…

 

7) Gargle with warm salt water

The saline solution has a sanitizing effect that helps flush out viruses and bacteria and clears mucous and irritants, it also reduces inflammation by drawing out excess water from throat tissue. Saline nasal spray (non-medicated) and nasal irrigation systems like a neti pot (when used with the proper solution, not just tap water) help ease congestion and clear out sinuses.

8) Coat your throat with honey

1 – 2 tablespoons of organic honey help sooth your throat and curb a cough. You want organic honey because regular honey is often contaminated, especially if it’s manufactured in China. Raw organic Maunuka honey (one that has a minimum of UMF 16) has the most healing properties. I highly recommend taking a teaspoon of Manuka honey if you feel you’re coming down with something and if you do get sick, take one everyday, it’s my get well quick secret.

9) Wash your hands

You touch a door knob after someone who is sick or getting sick has, then grab your cell phone, your Ipad – their germs are all over your stuff. I’m a regular hand washer although I try not to be too crazy about it because exposure to harmless germs and bacteria strengthens our immune system. But seriously,want to get sick LESS often? Do Not eat with your hands unless you have just washed them! Use good old soap and water, NOT the antibacterial type because they kill good bacteria and weaken our body’s ability to fight germs; many health professionals claim that they are to blame for the increase of deadly ‘super bugs.’ Even the FDA is investigating triclosan, a very toxic chemical found in most antibacterial products. I keep eco-friendly chemical free hand sanitizer and baby wipes in my car to wipe away germs my kids and I come in contact with. I use the sanitizer sparingly and only when necessary because overuse of hand sanitizers can be detrimental as well.

10) Have a bowl of soup

We’ve all heard that chicken soup can help ease a cold, apparently it’s true. According to the doctors at Real Age, sipping chicken soup cuts the duration of a cold by 50%. They believe it’s because cooked chicken releases an amino acid called cysteine that has a similar chemistry to the bronchitis drug, acetylcysteine. Add garlic, a natural infection fighter to your recipe along with some hot red pepper, a strong decongestant and you should feel better.

11) Exercise

Physical activity boosts the immune system so staying active and working out on a regular basis will help keep illness away. When you do get sick, it’s ok and even beneficial to keep up your physical activity as long as your symptoms are above the neck – stuffy nose, scratchy throat. However, if you have the chills, a hacking chest cough, stomach flu, fever, etc., rest.

Fortunately, I rarely get sick, I’m blessed with a strong immune system but I also have adopted most of these habits that help keep germs at bay.

Do you find yourself prone to getting sick often? It could be an underlying issue or your immune system just needs a boost. Simply balancing nutrition and blood sugar can help. Set up a free health assessment with me, I’ll evaluate you and offer some guidance and tips.

Stay well!

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Go Non Toxic In 2018! Get Started With These 5 Tips

I hope 2018 is off to a wonderful start for you! I began my year on a family cruise to the Mexican Riviera which was fabulous. I was offline for most of the week, no wifi at sea. It felt so good to take a break, have fun with loved ones, unwind & unplug! The average person checks they’re phone 50 – 300 times a day. It was nice to not have the temptation. I highly recommend taking a tech break whenever possible, even if it’s just for a day.

I love the holidays so I do get a tad blue as they come to an end but there is something very exciting about starting fresh with a brand new year and diving into a world of new possibilities.

Most of us want to make changes when a new year begins; those changes typically involve getting healthier. This could be losing weight, exercising regularly, quit smoking, eating more fruits and veggies, adding a meditation practice… You know I take a very holistic approach to wellness so I advocate all those goals and I am here to help you reach them.

My suggestion? Go non toxic. Most people don’t realize how important it is to reduce our body’s toxic burden. Toxicity levels in our system can wreak havoc on our health.

A healthy, eco friendly lifestyle is not a luxury. Detoxing your lifestyle is simply not an option if you want to be healthy.

The truth is, we live in an extremely toxic world. Being healthy requires detoxing our personal care and beauty routines and our home environments. The good news, it’s really not difficult and I am here to help you do it.

The other fantastic thing about adopting this particular healthy habit is that you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods or start some intense workout routine to reap the benefits. It’s easier than trying to lose weight or change your diet or get in shape. Seriously!

Whether you are just beginning your green non toxic journey or you are already living a pretty clean life but want to go further, all steps to detoxing will improve your health. Period.

The healthiest individuals make detoxing a natural part of their daily routine.

Even small changes will make a difference. Here are a few things you can start doing this year to detox and improve your health:

  • Start your day with a detoxifying drink. A cup of warm water with the juice of 1 organic lemon will set you up with a healthy start to your day by helping to flush the kidneys, aid digestion, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, balance pH levels and the acidity stimulates liver to produce acids that help detox the body… how about all those benefits without much work?! Oh and you’ll also get a nice dose of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B and C and other antioxidants, which all help combat wrinkles savvy girls! 
  • Ecofy your cleaning routine Use products that do not contain harmful toxins to clean your home, car and office. Just like using non toxic personal care products, this is far healthier for the environment and your family
  • Steer clear of Bisphenol A. I have written about the dangers of BPA in several posts over the years. It’s found in everything from plastic containers to the lining of canned foods to cash register receipts. BPA is problematic because it imitates estrogen so it disrupts our endocrine system and messes with hormones. It’s been associated with many cancers including breast cancer. The truth is, most plastic has estrogenic chemicals so it’s healthy to avoid plastic as much as possible.
  • Toss toxic air fresheners  Exposure even just once a week can increase your odds of developing asthma by as much as 71% and can contribute to an increase in pulmonary diseases. Plus there is no evidence that they disinfect the air in any way but research is showing that chemicals in these products harm us. Try Master Blaster, it eliminates odors and blasts stain (even tough laundry stains!) or  John Desilvia‘s natural version instead: 2 T baking soda, 5 drops of essential oil, 2 C water in a spray bottle.
  • For the love of all that’s good in the world, DITCH TOXIC DEODORANT & ANTIPERSPIRANT! They contain parabens (which mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of breast and other cancers) and aluminum. Both have been found in breast cancer tissue. Our underarms absorbs even more than other areas of our skin. Want a safe, healthy alternative that actually works ALL day and night? You’ll find it here in my list of clean personal care products that I approve.

You know sipping your daily h20 intake from plastic water bottles is no good because of the BPA and phthalates not to mention how horrible they are for the environment. Another disposable item habit to break is coffee pods, 30 million go to the landfills each day. Start using reusable K-cups for Keurig. You’ll save money and help out the beautiful environment!

There you have it, a new year’s detox that doesn’t require fasting or juicing for a cleanse. How about that? Pretty easy way to detox, right?!

Want even more great tips on how to reduce the toxins in your home with ease and live a healthier, more eco friendly lifestyle in 2018? Grab my free healthy home checklist, The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living: Detoxify Your Home In 10 Easy Steps 

And if you want to green your beauty routine grab The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Looking Younger Without Toxic Chemicals In 10 Easy Steps. 

I am ready to start this new year with a bang, how about you?! I am developing some very exciting things that I can’t wait to share with you.

Happy 2018!

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Fought For What Was Right, Not What Was Popular

This inspirational man who led the civil rights movement championing the cause to end segregation and fight racial discrimination is the first and only U.S. Citizen to have a national holiday named after him. He was guided by fighting for what was right, not what was popular.

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal” ~MLK, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was instrumental in desegregating buses in Montgomery, Alabama in the mid-1950s. He helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and served as its first president in 1957.

We could all learn from him and his admirable actions. It’s not always easy to do what’s right or champion a controversial cause that pushes people out of their comfort zone but that is what helps us grow and live at our highest vibrations which enhances our our well being, even if the road is not always smooth.

MLK quoteLook at all the good that has come from the #MeToo movement. A select few women spoke out which gave an onslaught of women the courage to finally speak out.

This quote rings true with regard to the issue of sexual misconduct in our country. Women are no longer staying silent about this subject that matters so very much.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…”  Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous speech at the Lincoln Memorial in August, 1963, to a group of civil rights supporters at the March on Washington.

It’s shocking to me that his dream that he spoke of in one of the most iconic speeches in history is not yet realized. It’s shocking to me that there are still people who judge others by the color of their skin and not the content of their character. It’s shocking to me that, although it is much better than it was when he made that speech nearly 55 years ago, we still have so much hateful racism is the world.

“Life’s most persistent question is: What are you doing for others?” ~MLK, Jr.

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by doing something kind. Donate your time, help someone out, say nice things to others, start a conversation about Dr. King’s vision that individuals of diverse backgrounds come together rather than stand divided to discuss injustices and create an action plan. Make someone feel good today.

King was the first black American to receive Time magazine’s Man of the Year honor in 1964, and the youngest to win the Nobel Peace Prize that same year. Upon receiving it, he announced that he would use the prize money to further the civil rights cause.

“The time is always right to do what is right.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

He graduated high school at the age of 15, received a B.A. from Morehouse College in 1948 and attended Boston University where he received his Ph.D. in systematic theology in 1955. In 1960, he followed in the family footsteps and became pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

It is believed that he said he would not live to 40. Sadly, his premonition was correct. King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee in April of 1968 at the age of 39.

A life cut way too short yet left an indelible impression on the world.

“Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last”  ~MLK, Jr.