As winter draws to an end, that sluggish feeling can be hard to shake off. You want to be feeling more energetic, but how? BUF Girls to the rescue! These are our top 7 ways to re-energise your day, with small changes that make a big difference.

1. You Snooze You Lose

If your alarm goes off in the morning and the first thing you do is hit snooze and nod off again, look out! Apparently, if you fall back to sleep in that snooze time you could be interrupting your hormone cycle, which can actually make it harder to get going in the morning. We’ve got a hot tip to combat this – set your alarm for 10 minutes later than you normally would and keep it across the room, so you have to physically get up to switch it off. Evil we know, but totally tried and tested and it works.

2. Make Friends With Morning Movement

You don’t have to be one of those energiser bunnies hitting the gym first thing every single morning to score max energy gains. According to research, opting for a simple walk in the great outdoors three times a week can reduce fatigue levels overall. Boosting energy is not all about getting up and doing a high-intensity workout, so rethink your morning movement and consider choosing something that fights fatigue rather than draining you and leaving you feeling exhausted. As time goes on and you get in better shape, HIIT style training of a morning may become your friend. Our favourite thing to do is to alternate high intensity workout days with lower intensity options like walking and yoga.

3. Don’t Be Scared of the Good Carbs

We are all for salad greens with chicken, but no carbs can mean zero energy. We aren’t saying you should go all out and carb-load, but it’s helpful to include some healthy carbohydrates in your everyday diet, especially after training. Think oats, pumpkin or sweet potato, brown rice, quinoa, some fruit like bananas, sourdough or gluten-free bread, as well as nuts. Good carbs help maintain a happy mood and balanced mental energy. Glucose (and good fats) are the brain’s main source of fuel. Jumping on to the, “I don’t eat carbs” bandwagon will be starving your brain of one of its essential nutrients.

4. Take a Moment of Meditation (It Doesn’t Have to Be Hard or Take a Long Time!)

Being still and silent can revive you. All day long your body and brain are constantly being stimulated, which can be seriously tiring and exhausting. Take several moments in your day to breathe deeply and concentrate on your inhalation and exhalation. It takes only one minute of silence to replace all that dissipated energy, according to Deb Shapiro, co-author of Be the Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and the World.

5. Sleep More

Surviving on 5-6 hours sleep a night is going to take its toll on your energy levels and how you tackle your day. Aim to get between seven to eight hours sleep (for most people) and make a conscious effort to switch off at least one hour before going to bed. Come up with a nighttime ritual that has you relaxed by the time you hit the pillow. Herbal teas, a good book, or a magnesium bath are BUF favourites. Sorry, Instagram is not on the list!

Hot Tip: Go to bed at the right time so you can take advantage of your body’s natural rhythms. Here’s a handy calculator!

6. Fuel Your Body

Aim to eat protein with every meal, including your snacks. Protein contains tyrosine, which is converted into the alertness neurotransmitter, dopamine. We can thank dopamine for its part in boosting our energy levels and improving our concentration. Protein sources BUF Girls love are eggs, chicken, greek yoghurt, turkey, tuna, nuts, salmon, sardines, nut butter and quinoa. If you need something handy for your handbag try our own Libby Babet’s Chief Bars!

7. Belt Out Your Favourite Song

Ever noticed how good you feel after listening to a favourite song? Music is energising – even more so if you sing along to it. According to research, it can increase energetic arousal and decrease tension nearly as much as a cardio workout. It may only be a few minutes of disconnecting from your day, but we think it’s definitely better than nothing. So next time you feel exhausted in the office mid-afternoon, ditch the chocolate bar and take a walk around the block with your iPod blasting your favourite tunes instead!

The post 7 Ways to Get More Energy in Your Day appeared first on CrowdInk.

Our skin is a reflection of how well our body is eliminating the toxins that build up on a daily basis. Chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and Lupus stem from toxicities in the liver, digestive tract, and immune system, as well as dietary deficiencies, obesity, hormonal disruption and an overabundance of stress.

The liver, lungs, gut, kidneys, brain and skin all rely on the body releasing toxins. For our skin to be radiant and clear, it is very important these organs of elimination are cleansing the body effectively.  If not, the skin will be overtaxed, pores will become clogged, and eruptions of one form or another will result.

Inflammation

Let’s begin with inflammation. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defense system. When hormones are out of balance we experience inflammation in our body and mind. Inflammation disguises itself as brain fog, obesity, psoriasis, indigestion, joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mood swings, weight gain and more. When we have inflammation, our immune system is in a chronic state of alarm. Inflammation begins in the fat cells themselves. Fat cells swell your belly, disrupt hormones, and your gut microbiome, leading to leaky gut syndrome.

Inflammation of the fat tissue leads to insulin resistance. “Fat cells, themselves, produce the inflammatory messengers that cause inflammatory disease. The more fat cells you have and the bigger those cells are, the more inflammatory messengers you will produce, increasing the likelihood that you will have an inflammatory disease.” (1)   In fact, the more fat cells one has the more likelihood for estrogen dominance. “Adipose tissue is not simply an inert storage depot for lipids but is also an important endocrine organ that plays a key role in the integration of endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory signals.”(2)

So, what’s the connection between our skin, central nervous system, endocrine and metabolic systems?

The modern view of the skin is that it receives hormonal signals from other glands, and it produces hormones and enzymes – making it a true endocrine organ. “Just as the ovaries can release hormones into the body through the bloodstream, the skin can also produce hormones that are released through blood circulation.”(3)

The brain and nervous system influence the skin’s immune cells through various receptors and chemical messengers. “The relationship between the central nervous system and the endocrine system have been known for many years. Indeed some of the hormone secreting glands are actually located in the brain. The notion that the CNS and hormones are also involved in the bi-directional cross-talk with the immune system has been the target of intense research in the recent decades. We have seen an explosion of scientific advancements showing the close interconnection between the central and the peripheral nervous system, the immune system, and the endocrine system.”(4) Psoriasis has its roots in immune dysfunction.

Psoriasis is also related to depression. Mood disorders are created from poor quality food choices that can cause disruption in our microbiome. The connection: depression leads us into inflammation. “Because of this, chronic psychological stress prolongs epidermal permeability barrier recovery following disruption.”(5)

The endocrine system is responsible for metabolism, sleep, sexual function and tissue function. It’s not only necessary that we have a healthy and functional central nervous, we also need to include a healthy immune and digestive system along with an uninterrupted endocrine function.

Endocrine disruptors include: GMO’s, sugar, wheat, alcohol, caffeine, junk foods, pesticides, toxic skin care products, BPA’s, perfumes, candles, shampoos, laundry detergents and more. In today’s world, 95% of people have constant chronic exposure of endocrine disruptors that are linked to heart disease, depression, psoriasis, digestive disorders, diabetes, RA and more.

In putting two and two together, endocrine disruptors disrupt more than just the endocrine system. The endocrine system has it’s fingers in every bodily function. For instance, your digestive tract is the largest endocrine organ. Sugar, alcohol and a poor diet are linked to a disruption of liver enzymes. “Liver enzyme abnormalities are common in psoriasis patients and are mostly associated with drugs, alcohol and fatty liver disease. The consequences for abnormal liver enzymes means cirrhosis may develop.”(6) Vascular changes and fingernail changes in the skin follow.

According to the World Journal of Hepatology, psoriasis is related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. It is known that psoriasis and obesity are strictly associated: obesity seems to predispose to psoriasis and psoriasis seems to increase the risk of obesity. Research tells us, lifestyle modification and changing dietary habits can play an important role in the treatment of metabolic complications of psoriasis.(7)

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions. Heart Disease is one. According to the World Journal of  Cardiology, an increased incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and major cardiovascular events has been found in psoriasis. “A low-grade chronic inflammatory process seems to represent the major component linking psoriasis to its comorbidities and leading to insulin resistance, to dysmetabolic profile and to endocrine disruption and thus predisposing psoriatic patients to atherosclerosis and higher cardiovascular risk.”

“Many studies have been conducted to investigate the role of oxidative stress in psoriasis and have evidence demonstrating an imbalance from oxidative stress. As a multi-organ pathology, psoriasis needs a multidisciplinary approach and a certified, integrative, nutritional, holistic health coaches can evaluate a holistic vision in order to promptly identify and manage psoriasis.”(8)

5 Simple Steps to Begin Your Journey Towards Wellness

Step 1

Talk to your health coach and get an individualized plan designed just for you.

Step 2

What are the biggest culprits of chronic inflammation? Quite simply, they are the overload of simple, highly processed carbohydrates, lifeless Foods (sugar, gluten, dairy, corn, flour, alcohol, pesticides and all the products made from them) and the excess consumption of omega-6 vegetable oils from corn, soybean, and sunflower oils that are found in many processed foods.

“By eliminating inflammatory foods and adding essential nutrients from real unprocessed foods from mother nature, we can reverse years of damage in the arteries and throughout the body.”(9)

Step 3

When everything is working properly, the skin, liver and kidneys team up to help synthesize vitamin D in the body. When we experience vitamin D depletion we need to focus on the cause of this depletion, instead of supplementing with a synthetic replacement.

For instance, there are consequences when we limit sunshine and increase toxins. Since the invention of toxic sunscreens, along with disruption in our internal environment, we have become a nation depleted of vitamin D.

Vitamin D disruptors include: junk foods, GMO’s, caffeine, sodas, smoking, alcohol and drug therapies. Drugs that deplete Vitamin D include: Aromatase inhibitors, statins, and anti depressants. Vitamin D influences our immune system, metabolic system, intestines, hormones, and our brain.

Step 4

Psoriasis provides strong evidence for the relationships among psychological factors, the brain, the “diffuse brain” contained within the skin, and disease. Interventions targeted at improving psychological well-being in this population of patients who endorse high stress and depression may be particularly well-suited to dampening the inflammatory response. (10)

Step 5

What happens when we include meditation? According to Dr. Herbert Benson, “Meditation is a well-established antidote to the harmful effects of the body’s response to stress and stressed skin.”

footnotes: 

1- Inflammation Nation, by Floyd Chilton, page 25

2-http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/8/2442.full

3- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836429/

4- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3801168/

5- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4624926/

6- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26916498

7- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4381160/

8- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4766264/

9- http://www.sott.net/article/242516-Heart-surgeon-speaks-out-on-what-really-causes-heart-disease

10- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2926975/

The post Psoriasis: How You Can Heal Yourself appeared first on CrowdInk.

1. Deep Fried Foods – hot chips, battered fish, donuts, hash browns.

Because – Let’s be straight up about this, deep fried foods are just about the most destructive foods you can eat. For the most part, they are full of trans fats your body can’t break down and are inflammatory to your body, promoting disease and draining you of energy. They are also really hard for your body to metabolise, meaning they’re pretty much always stored just where you don’t want them to be before you slip on your bikini!

Swap them for – oven-baked sweet potato chips with a little coconut oil, grilled fish, baked potatoes.

2. Refined Sugar – lollies, crappy chocolate, most ice-creams, toffee, caramels, jelly, cake, biscuits.

Because – Your body naturally craves sugar as it was a rare treat that fuelled energy back in Paleolithic days, but your body really can’t process much of the sweet stuff in one sitting and refined sugar really messes with your appetite and fat storage hormones.

Swap it for – naturally sweet wholefoods like berries and citrus fruits, coconut water, raw cacao and unsweetened carob treats, Greek yoghurt, shaved coconut meat.

3. Nightly Alcoholic Drinks – wine, beer, spirits, champagne, need we go on?

Because – drinking a few glasses of wine or beer most nights is an easy habit to slip into. You need it to relax when you get home, right? We promise, you don’t! Boozing every day is the quickest way to pile on the KGs and drain your energy stores too. Why? Because it puts strain on your organs and is a fast-burning fuel, so your body will not be able to burn any other calories from the food you eat when alcohol is in your system. It’s also full of sugar.

Swap it for – a warm herbal tea when you get home, or a glass of bubbly mineral water, or coconut water with fresh lime slices for extra yum. As soon as you have a nice drink of anything, it relaxes you and you’ll find you’re no longer craving wine.

4. Overly Processed Foods – refined carbs like crackers, white bread, rice cakes, potato chips, as well as anything with ingredients that don’t sound like actual food, or which have an ingredient list that’s super long!

Because – as soon as these foods are in your system, they just convert to sugar or create inflammation, depending on their ingredients and how processed they are. Not so bad to have every now and then, but make them a sometimes food.

Swap them for – real, whole foods. If you’re confused, just try to eat things that have as close to one ingredient as possible, or look like something that once had eyes, or you could have plucked out of the ground, or baked/made yourself at home.

5. Soft Drinks and Cordials – anything flavoured and bubbly, or syrupy, even the ‘diet’ versions, energy drinks and ‘sports’ drinks too.

Because – there’s just nothing good about them. At all. We promise! They’re either full of sugar, or full of chemicals and not only will they stack on the weight, if you suffer from skin issues they’ll make them a lot worse too.

Swap them for – just drink filtered water, herbal and green teas, coconut water and the occasional caffeinated drink like coffee/black tea, did we mention water??

6. Fruit Yoghurts – literally any brand and any flavor.

Because – they’re all so full of sugar, you’d be better off eating dark chocolate! Literally, most small tubs of fruit flavoured yoghurt (even the luxe organic ones) have almost double the amount of sugar in an entire block of Lindt 85% cocoa chocolate!

Swap them for – plain Greek yoghurt with no sugar added. Then add your own nuts/seeds and berries, or a scoop of protein powder for sweetness.

7. Margarine – yep, any brand.

Because – it’s super processed and loaded with chemicals and trans fats that will make weight hard to shift and affect your overall health and energy levels.

Swap it for – avocado or real, organic butter. Yep, butter is actually good for you in moderation!

8. Too Many High-Gluten Foods – think pancakes, muffins, most breads, pasta, most cereals.

Because – too much gluten can make you bloated, stack on weight and the processed kind can be really inflammatory to your system, even creating feelings of depression in some people.

Swap them for – when it comes to bread, reach for a good quality, bakery sourdough or spelt bread, which are often a lot lower in gluten and much more friendly to your system. Don’t overdo the pasta and definitely do your own baking. Choose plain, wheat-free oats or swap your cereals for eggs and veggies! It’s not that gluten is all-out horrible for you, but it’s definitely best eaten in moderation.

9. Sauces, Chutneys and Dressings – tomato and barbecue sauce, fruit chutney, pickled jams, mayonnaise, tartar sauce, French salad dressing, balsamic vinegar, dips – you name it!

Because – these can really pack a sugar, chemical, fatty, or salty punch and removing them can make a huge difference to your health and waistline.

Swap them for – plain mustard, olive or avocado oil and lemon/lime juice, unsweetened chilli sauce, hummus, or plain old herbs.

Over-&-Out!

The post Why Do Trainers Avoid These 9 Foods? appeared first on CrowdInk.

Have you ever judged your personal trainer/yoga instructor/pilates instructor on their body shape and size? We’ve all done it – sussed their muscle tone, their abs, sometimes for inspiration and others for validation. “Oh, he’s got ripped abs and huge biceps, and looks pretty fit and healthy. He must be a qualified and successful instructor” or “if they can’t ‘do it’ for themselves then they sure as hell won’t be able to ‘do it’ for me.”

Fact – we are all different body types, shapes and sizes – and how we look often doesn’t tell us everything about our actual health and fitness levels. True, sometimes someone post-detox may have brighter, clearer eyes or skin than me, but in general, it’s the age old adage of “never judge a book by it’s cover.”

I was asked recently, given my job as a Pilates instructor and health and wellness business owner, if I feel the need to stay a certain size, shape or look in order to inspire my clients and attract new ones. I hadn’t really ever placed any thought around how I may ‘look’ to my clients. I’ve only ever been focused on my own health for my personal wellbeing and being happy in my own skin. Sure, I know I need to be able to do the exercises that I am teaching my clients, many of which are challenging, and when you’re doing 4 classes back to back, it’s hard not to gain some muscle tone!

I definitely feel the need to practice what I preach – but, I preach balance and improving all-round body function and movement, and that comes in ALL shapes and sizes. I know many yoga and Pilates instructors that wouldn’t necessarily look like your stereotypical “toned and fit” athlete, but they are in fact extremely healthy in terms of their diet, exercise and nutrition.

A year ago, I was in a yoga class with a teacher that one may consider to be on the larger side. I  heard a fellow student in the class say to her friend “Urgh, do they expect us to enjoy being taught by a fat dude?”

The instructor was not your stereotypical yogi – he had a bit of a ‘gut’ and never left from a seated position, but after class I went and spoke with him to learn more about his journey, training and personality (his class was EPIC by the way).

He told me he had suffered from sciatica and a hip reconstruction after a major accident as well as a slipped disc, and was in constant pain when standing – but that he had been a practicing yogi for more than 30 years, and a teacher for 20. He reminded me that health and wellbeing (and in particular Yoga) isn’t just about the physical. It incorporates the spiritual, mental and emotional sides of one’s self, too.

So – Do you judge your trainer or instructor on their physical appearance? Do you seek only ‘toned, slim and ripped’ people or do you have no preference, guided only by their ability to make you feel something good, and their ability to instruct a great class?

For me, I seek instructors that I connect with and feel inspired by. Being inspired is crucial in your fitness journey – otherwise it feels like a chore. Just remember that looking rad in a pair of tights will only inspire you so far (probably to reach for your credit card rather than your toes).

The post Do You Judge Your Trainer? appeared first on CrowdInk.

The concept of ‘losing weight’ can be really confusing and unless you have a LOT of weight to lose in the first place, it’s probably not the best measure of your progress. Muscle weighs more than fat; water weight can make a big difference and fluctuates with everything from the kind of workout you’ve done to what you eat and your hormones; the weather can affect your reading and so can the time of day.

But why do we react like that when it’s this teeny-tiny thing, which means pretty much nothing compared to a whole day of actions and achievements? It’s a weird relationship.

If you have serious body goals to hit, using a measuring tape is a better idea, or taking progress photos. Or simply, switch your mindset and focus on being as healthy and active as you can every day and getting seriously fit so you can say yes to whatever adventures come your way!

Be aware of what you’re putting in your mouth (is it real food? Is it fresh not fried? Do you really need a second serving?) and pay attention to how your clothes fit and how you feel, rather than what a dodgy pair of scales can tell you about your self worth.

If only scales would tell you how funny you were, how kind, generous, smart, or playful, rather than how ‘big or small’.

But if you DO want to ditch a little fat (not just ‘weight’ but actual body fat), here are a few fitness and health hacks you can focus on to get you on track:

Workouts

An awesome lean-body trick I learnt from industry legend Mark Sisson was to make your short and intense workouts (like HIIT and sprints) shorter and more intense than ever, while making your slower, longer workouts a whole lot slower and longer.

For example:

• A few times each week, after warming up, go as hard as you possibly can for 15-25 minutes. This optimises conditioning and metabolic response, uses up stored glycogen and fires up your muscles. You can use things like sprint work, HIIT, speed rowing, boxing, bodyweight training, or heavy weights. Make sure you are working at near-maximum capacity and feel as if you couldn’t do any more by the end.
• Another few times per week, go walking or hiking, take a slow jog, go cruising on your bike, do some gentle yoga or pilates, have a swim and a stretch. Whatever floats your boat! Make this workout really long, between 1.5 and 3 hours if possible, and just cruise. Moving at a slower pace gives your body a chance to use up stored fat for fuel. I love to do these workouts on Sat/Sun when I have plenty of time up my sleeve, but a lot of my clients prefer to walk to or from work.
• In between these sessions, don’t stop moving – daily exercise of some kind is super important if your goal is a lean body. Fill the rest of your week with ‘play’ workouts that make you smile, like surfing or sports, dance classes, jogs with your favourite playlist on repeat, pilates, Frisbee in the park, whatever you love doing.
• If you’re over 25, remember it’s important to include a little more resistance training than you did in your late teens and early 20s. The older you are, the more weight training you need to maintain your muscle quality, bone density and inevitably, your body shape.

Lean Nutrition

My favourite way to lean up when I need to is to get back to basics. Remove all packaged food, fast food, sugar and refined carbs, cut back on caffeine and limit alcohol to 1-2 serves per week. Next, make sure your portions are right: if you can fit your meal on a standard dinner plate without any one food touching the other, you’re about right. Otherwise a good guide for women is protein serves should fit on the palm of your hand, fat serves should be roughly the size of your thumb, carbohydrates should fit in your cupped palm and of course, you have unlimited green and non-starchy vegetables to play with. If you haven’t been very active, feel free to skip the carbs and increase the greens. If you can, make your own food at every meal, so you know what’s going in it.

Trust Your Hunger

Don’t worry about how many times you’re eating each day, it’s a total myth that you need to stick to a specific ‘when to eat’ rule. Think about your caveman ancestors – they certainly weren’t clock-watchers! It’s totally OK to trust your hunger and eat five small meals one day and just two large meals the next, or stick with three square meals if that’s what’s always worked for you. It’s what you eat, and how much over the course of a full week that counts, not the timing – and different things work for different bodies. As a rough guide, you want to give your body at least 3-4 hours between each meal or snack so it can reset blood sugars naturally.

Hydrate

The body is made up of about 75% water, which is used for digestion, detoxifying cells, watering the lungs, lubricating joints, for metabolic outcomes and keeping the body’s acid/alkaline levels balanced, among many other important functions, including helping your body shed fat. So you really do need plenty of water every day for your body to function properly and look good.

Next Level Lean Body Strategies

If you’re already super healthy and want to take things up a notch, intermittent fasting (IF) is an incredible tool for leaning up. IF can stimulate fat burning while conserving muscle, so long as you don’t overdo it. Make sure you talk to your doctor or natural therapist about whether this is a good idea for you and your personal health status before you give it a go.

You can fast in a number of ways, such as:

Choose 1-2 days per week where you don’t eat for 14-18 hours (for women), or 15-30 hours (men or women in menopause) and give your body a break from eating. I like to do this overnight, for example I’ll eat dinner at 6pm and then wait until 10am or 11am for breakfast the next day, a few times per week.

• Another approach is to eat normally on 5 days each week and then eat just a quarter of your usual calorie intake for 2 days per week.
• A simpler method that’s easier for people who prefer not to miss meals is just to do your morning cardio workout before eating breakfast or drinking coffee.

Most Importantly

Keep going, be consistent. Consistently choosing healthy food and working out each week may not work overnight, but it always works in the long run. And if things really aren’t shifting, head to the doctors for a check-up – sometimes your gut health, hormone issues, or other factors can contribute and it’s important to get to the bottom of things if you’re starting to feel frustrated.

And of course… find a community that motivates you. Helllooooo BUF Girls.

The post Get that Lean Body (Without a Scale) appeared first on CrowdInk.

Keratin is the primary component of the epidermis, hair, and fingernails. This means we need to have a healthy endocrine, digestive, metabolic and circulatory system to have excellent nail health. Why did I include the endocrine and digestive system? The cellular level of our internal environment is where all life begins.

Nutrition plays a factor in the health of our bones and fingernails. (1) In fact, if one is suffering from osteoporosis, poor fingernail integrity will follow. Food has the power to harm, but it also has the power to heal.

7 Foods For Fingernail Health Include:

1. Foods that include EFA’s and good quality fats such as organic avocados, unrefined, cold pressed coconut oil, and flaxseeds. Trans-fats exert an inflammatory effect within the body that creates a stiffening of the arteries and constricted blood vessels.
2. Herbal Horsetail Tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties from manganese, calcium, and iron. You can drink it daily.
3. Foods high in folates. Try increasing your consumption of organic lentils, beans, and kale.
4. Foods rich in Vitamin C such as organic pears, berries, and lemons.
5. For foods high in zinc and Vitamin B6 try organic sunflower seeds, and organic tahini.
6. Biotin rich foods have been used to strengthen fingernails. (2) Choose organic carrots, spinach, raw almonds, raw walnuts, mushrooms, and swiss chard.
7. Foods are always fresher from your local farmers market, so enjoy fresh organic green peas to increase your Vitamin K and B-Complex.

6 Tips to Increase Awareness:

1. Your cuticles aren’t a pointless part of your finger structure.

They seal the spot where your nails connect to your skin. In fact, they help shield new keratin cells from harm as they age and add length to your fingernails. Without this seal, your fingers would be more susceptible to intrusion and subsequent infection by bacteria and viruses. (3) Serious attention should be given to avoid manicures that use metal implements on your cuticles and fingernails! When the skin becomes damaged, more toxins can be absorbed through the skin. (4)

2. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and petrochemicals increase stress within our body.

These can stress your skins acid mantle. Blood cells suffer from nutrient depletion, poor circulation, inflammation, and dehydration when ingesting these endocrine-disruptive toxins.

3. A good night’s sleep releases toxins in the skin and therefore rejuvenates our skin, bones and fingernails.

Before bed, you can rub in a dab of organic coconut oil on your fingernails.

4. Wear gloves when gardening, working with tools in the garage or washing dishes, in order to avoid injury on your nails.

Your fingernails actually breathe and if your skin permeability has been compromised, passage of toxins through your skin into your body is even easier.

5. Summertime fun means lots of pool parties.

Fingernails can get brittle from chlorinated water. A chlorine-free alternative is a salt water pool.

6. And as always…exercise is important for bone, skin and fingernail health.

footnotes:
1-http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15916508
2- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2273113
3- http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/nail-care/cuticle/cut-cuticles.htm
4- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270264/

The post 7 Ways to Boost Your Fingernail Health appeared first on CrowdInk.

If you’ve been neglecting your health, your skin will let the world know. The skin is made up of over four million pores that are constantly acting as our cooling system.

The skin releases toxins when we sweat, have skin abruptions, and when we get a good night sleep. Our colon, kidneys and basically every cell in our body eliminates toxins.

Our skin is never exactly the same from day to day. Each square inch of human skin consists of twenty feet of blood vessels. Foods can have a positive impact or a negative impact on the skin, depending on what you eat. The dermis is the layer responsible for the skin’s structural integrity, elasticity and resilience.

What happens to your skin when you eat sugar related products? Glycation is the age-accelerating reaction to excess blood sugar. However, when glycation occurs in your skin, the sugar molecules attach themselves to the collagen fibers, where they trigger a series of spontaneous chemical reactions. This extensive cross-linking of collagen causes the loss of skin elasticity. This type of premature-aging can be prevented.

Preventing premature-aging begins when you start feeding your skin for healthy collagen production.

There is a myth that we may think we need more supplements or red meat for collagen production. But the true story is we need great nutrition and elimination first!

What does it mean to have a healthy elimination system? Your gut, liver, and skin depend on each other to eliminate junk and toxins.

There is an impact related to foods that cause stress on certain sections of our DNA called telomeres, which have been linked in research with anti-aging. Telomere length depends on proper nutrition and falls short when we consume processed foods. In 2008, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition said. “Greater intake of processed meats was associated with telomere shortening.” Dietary patterns rich in processed foods, red meats, fried foods, trans-fats, refined grains, and junk foods are also be associated with shorter telomeres, premature-aging and joint pain.

Second, look at exposures from alcohol to OTC’s and how hard your liver may be working overtime to remove these.  Question if you’re taking NSAID’s every day.  All these negatively affect collagen production.

Third, consume a variety of color. Consuming nuts, seeds, greens, and legumes would be food categories to consider. Legumes are significant source of lysine. You can get your vitamin C from pears, strawberries, spinach, lemons and blueberries.  Don’t forget to include fermented foods such as cabbage. Consuming Sauerkraut is an excellent source of glutamine.  Asparagus are a superfood and found to be rich in glutathione. Cherries and root vegetables such as ginger, yucca, and turmeric stimulates the production of Hyaluronic acid, which helps flexibility and wound healing.

Anthocyanidins found in deep-colored veggies and fruits, such as kale, and (red, blue, black) berries are phytonutrients. These help the collagen fibers link together that strengthens the connective tissue matrix.

Now you may be a little wiser on what stimulates the growth of collagen production and aid in the prevention of premature aging. Wheat, gluten, junk, trans-fats and sugar related products are what damages your skin’s matrix.

The post Are You Really Taking Care of Your Skin? appeared first on CrowdInk.

“This is a story about Coleman Sweeney. Coleman, in short, was an a**hole”.

That’s how this short-film advertisement, produced by The Martin Agency, begins. It’s a clever and funny public service announcement targeted at Millennials from Donate Life, an organisation that encourages people to register to donate their organs.

The controversial ad follows the life of Coleman F. Sweeny, acted by Thomas Jane. Coleman beeps at old ladies as they cross the street, fires paintballs at dogs, and gives children cigarettes – amongst many other less-than-decent acts.

Then, he dies. We don’t quite know how to feel about it, until we learn that “that was the day Coleman went from a**hole to hero”.

The ad pulls in its audience with humour, and then in a compelling twist, takes us down an incredibly powerful and emotive road. It shows the stories of the people whose lives he changed.

Wade Alger, group creative director for The Martin Agency said of the ad: “You could live your entire life as an asshole, but if you did one good thing, make that one good thing donating your organs when you’re no longer with us. The idea seemed pretty simple.” Perhaps simple, but great idea.

Statistics from Donate Life’s site say that 120,000 people are waiting for an organ, and that one organ, eye and tissue donor can save and heal more than 50 lives. It’s a pretty amazing act, or in the words of the films narrator – “generous, and majestic”.

It’s been noted by now that to grab Millennials’ attention, you need to be doing something edgy. This was commented on by CEO of Ideasicle and contributor to Forbes, Will Burns, who wrote of the ad: “it’s edgy because the film needed massive contrast (from “asshole” to “hero”) to magnify the message of organ donation for Millennials”.

Millennials must be responding better when someone tugs at their funny bone instead of their heart strings, as we’re starting to see more serious topics in public awareness ads approached in this way. We’re happy to welcome this more comical change of tone, seeing as making us laugh is as powerful as making us cry.

So, there you have it. If you’ve recently yelled at a puppy or coughed on a baby, all hope is not yet lost.

Even an a**hole can save a life.

It’s definitely worth sparing three minutes of your day to watch it:

The post A 3-Minute Film Shows How the ‘World’s Biggest A**hole’ is Saving Lives appeared first on CrowdInk.

Ever get told you’re trying to ‘do’ too much? This is a common complaint from mothers, pals, and partners alike. It’s likely that constant connectivity and priding ourselves on being up there with Beyonce in the multi-tasking stakes, are partially to blame. The glorification of ‘busy’ has become a driving force in many a 30-something’s life. Inevitably, during our precious down time, self-prescribed ‘lazy’ taunts ensue, making sure we never quite feel like we’re ‘doing’ enough.

If you sit on the couch watching TV while working on your laptop, periodically checking or responding to your phone, eating dinner and monitoring a load of washing from your cushioned throne – you know what I’m talking about. We’re not alone. A client recently told me she can’t bear having a spare night on her calendar, so she promptly fills it with something before said empty evening rolls around.

We’re all guilty of the same, but also know all too well the feeling of dread when you’ve over-committed and are desperate for a night in – without one in sight. The only thing worse is the guilt if you cancel (in which case you’d better do 45 things at home to punish yourself for not going…) OR the feet draggery to get yourself to the restaurant/bar/pole dancing class – or whatever it is you enthusiastically signed up for previously.

However here’s the flip side – if I’m honest, I’m genuinely crap at getting through my ‘to-do’s’. Many tasks have been written on lists so many times I could’ve done the task itself 10 times over in the same amount of time. So I’m trying to do too much whilst seemingly feeling like I’m getting nothing done? Lord help me.

Perhaps it’s time for a DO-tox – a decluttering of do’s to create more time for yourself and more space in your brain for learning, creativity and reflection. Here are some ideas…

• Dedicate one night a week to NOTHING. Don’t work, no one’s invited over. Run a bath, watch TV or read a book, and put your phone (and laptop) away.

• Work stuff aside, prioritise your to-do’s and number the most important ones 1-3 – then just aim to get through those today. Dedicate some time each day to your to-do’s so the list doesn’t get out of control, even if it’s 10 minutes on your lunch break. Ticking boxes is addictive so if you whip through your 3 – keep the party going.

• If you’ve listed it 3 times or more, you’ve just gotta get it done. Make a life admin day once a month where you get all that annoying sh*t done and then take yourself out for a cocktail, lunch, dinner or a pamper sesh afterwards to reward yourself.

• If your waking thoughts are around everythingyouhavetodotodaystartingrightnow – spend 5 minutes meditating on trying to bring a positive intention to your day and allow the ‘I have to…’ thoughts to come and go. It’ll make more room in that brain for later and help you tackle whatever comes your way.

• Say NO. If it doesn’t suit, or it feels like you’re doing too much – just say so. No one decent will ever hate on you for saying you’re exhausted and postponing to another time.

Join Paper Tiger on your own DO-tox. Create your own adventure with them on a Balance Break in WA, NSW and Sri Lanka. Get in touch for more info.

The post Do You Need a DO-Tox? appeared first on CrowdInk.

So you want to increase your Vitamin D levels, but are unsure what is the best way to go about it? Food sources of Vitamin D are limited and include canned fish such as salmon, tuna, eggs, or products fortified with Vitamin D such as milk and margarine. Keep in mind that even these sources only offer small amounts and Vitamin D is one of the very few vitamins that you cannot meet your nutritional requirements through your diet alone. In fact, Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is necessary for the production of Vitamin D in the skin and is the best natural source. So there’s no need to feel blue – all you need to do is head on outside and let your body lap up the Vitamin D from the sun!

UV radiation from the sun is also the main cause of skin cancer so it is still important to be sun smart and avoid excessive exposure. A small amount of sunlight exposure is required most days for adequate Vitamin D, so take a balanced approach to sun exposure to minimise your skin cancer risk.

How Much Vitamin D is Enough Vitamin D?

Finding a happy medium between deficiency and excessive sun exposure shouldn’t be a dilemma. For most Aussies, ~5-10 minutes of daily sunlight exposure of the hands, arms and face in the early morning or late afternoon (when UV index is below 3) in summer and 20-30 minutes per day in winter is adequate.

For people with darker skin or who have their hands, arms, or face covered for most of the day, additional time may be required.

If you do have a Vitamin D deficiency, then you’ll need a short dose of supplementation. Have your levels re-tested after 3 months to ensure your levels are adequate and then remind yourself to expose yourself to a little more sunshine each day.

But What Does Vitamin D Do?

Maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels is important to help manage a range of health conditions. Let’s discuss my top three reasons why preventing Vitamin D deficiency should be one of your top priorities:

1. Maintain Healthy Bones

Vitamin D assists the absorption of calcium needed for healthy bones. Without adequate amounts calcium is leached out of your bone stores increasing your osteoporosis risk. People with Vitamin D deficiency are at greater risk of falls and fractures not only due to weaker bones, but also because they generally have reduced balance, coordination and muscle function.

2. Strengthen Your Immune System

Vitamin D receptors are found on the majority of your immune cells and play a role in their function and signalling to help you to fight off nasties and keep you feeling your best. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity, where your immune system attacks your own body, as well as an increased susceptibility to infection such as respiratory tract infections.

3. Keep Your Mind Resilient

Researchers are now discovering a link between Vitamin D and mental health. Vitamin D receptors are found in areas of the brain that control mood and may play an important role in the development and treatment of mood disorders. Although its actual mechanisms is not fully understood, it’s believed that adequate Vitamin D can potentially prevent or minimise symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.

Get some outdoor time to boost your Vitamin D levels naturally and keep your body and mind strong. If you’re concerned about your Vitamin D levels a simple blood test can determine your level. Seek advice from your doctor or local Accredited Practising Dietitian for more information.

The post Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? appeared first on CrowdInk.

Do you suffer from bloating, abdominal pain or cramps, constipation, diarrhea, constant burping, flatulence, food intolerances or heartburn?

If you do, it’s likely you have been told you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with no known cure.  Doctors often prescribe a modified diet and recommend reducing stress as a way of managing this condition.

But what if there was a reason that IBS was developing in the first place, and that treatment of it could eliminate the symptoms completely?

A condition known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is commonly responsible for IBS like symptoms.  In studies conducted with people suffering IBS, up to 80% of them tested positive for SIBO.

What Causes SIBO?

SIBO is caused when normal bacteria enters the small intestine in large numbers, causing havoc. The small intestine isn’t supposed to have large amounts of bacteria living in it, so this is why it can become so problematic once it’s there.  They can:

• Damage the villi and microvilli, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients.
• Create gas as a bi product of their fermentation of starches, causing bloating, pain and further damage to the microvilli.
• Intestinal permeability, or ‘leaky gut’ can be caused by SIBO, where partially digested food particles are absorbed and cause an immune reaction and inflammation.
• The motility (movement) of the small intestine can be slowed down or impaired, causing further fermentation and SIBO.

How Do You Get SIBO? 

Often there is no simple answer, but it can be from a multitude of reasons, such as:

• Food poisoning
• Gastroenteritis
• Gastrointestinal infection and upset
• Overconsumption of simple carbohydrates
• Stress
• Use of antibiotics
• Acid blockers
• Fungus overgrowth
• Surgical interventions and operations to the abdomen
• A dysfunctional ileocecal valve
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Poor colonisation of gut micro biome at birth due to Caesarean birth or lack of breast-feeding

Are There Other Conditions Associated With SIBO?

There are a number of conditions, which are associated with SIBO.  If you suffer from one of these conditions, you may also have SIBO:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Acid reflux
• Coeliac disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic constipation
• Inflammatory bowel disease (eg. Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis)
• Diabetes
• Restless leg syndrome
• Acne rosacea
• Hyperthyrodism
• Scleroderma
• Chronic Prostatitis
• Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Liver cirrhosis
• Diverticulitis
• Joint pain
• Skin rashes
• Iron and B12 deficiency
• Asthma

How Do You Get Tested For SIBO?

SIBO is diagnosed through a lactulose breath test, which measures the hydrogen and/or methane that comes off your breath after drinking the solution. The breath test is easy to take, and can be done at home. SIBO Test is a testing facility in Australia that have a free quiz that you can take on their website to see if you may have SIBO.

How Do You Treat SIBO?

SIBO is treated with a two-phase approach: diet to starve the bacteria and prevent them from multiplying, and treatment to kill the bacteria.  This is done with antibiotics, herbal supplements, or both.

The SIBO diet is initially restrictive, cutting out all gluten, dairy, grains, sugars (including fruit initially), fermentable fibres, alcohol, and processed food, and then slowly reintroduces foods once the bacteria numbers have been reduced.

Life After SIBO

Once SIBO has been treated, many people see the complete eradication of their digestive symptoms. They also feel healthier, may have lost weight, and are often able to eat foods again which previously caused discomfort.

To find a practitioner near you who specialises in the treatment of SIBO, head to Sibo Test to find out more. And always consult your physician for further information before seeking treatment.

The post What Is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth? appeared first on CrowdInk.

The world seems to be going crazy over coconuts! Coconut water, oil, butter, yoghurt – you name it and it’s probably on the market. Coconut oil in particular has been trending lately for its health claims to be good for your heart and help you to lose weight. But what if it’s not just a fad that will fade away as quickly as it came into our awareness? Could there be some truth behind it all? Here are the facts that you need to know:

Not the Best for Heart Health
Coconut oil has one of the highest saturated fat contents (~85-90%) of any oil. Although it has been shown to increase HDL levels (the good type of cholesterol), it also increases LDL (the bad type of cholesterol).  Coconut oil has shown to affect total cholesterol levels to a lesser degree than butter, but to a greater extent than other plant oils.

Not Your Typical Medium Chain Fatty Acid
Coconut oil may offer some health benefits due to its unique profile of short and medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) of which lauric acid is most abundant. Typically MCFAs are easier to break down and digest than long or very long chain fatty acids and medium chain triglycerides may have a role in increasing metabolism. Contrary to this, studies are suggesting that when in the body, lauric acid tends to behave more like a long chain instead of a medium chain fatty acid, thereby negating some of the potential benefits.

Anti-inflammatory or Not?
The research is still out regarding whether or not coconut oil promotes or moderates inflammation. When looking at Pacific countries where consumption of coconut products (flesh or freshly squeezed) is a staple, population studies showed that rates of lifestyle diseases such as heart disease or diabetes were quite low. It also has to be noted that their typical lifestyle includes a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and seafood with plenty of physical activity. Similar population studies however were not able to be replicated in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, or Africa.

With so many people putting their faith in the newest superfood, what should you do? My tips are:

1. Everything in moderation. I’m not convinced that adding spoonfuls of coconut oil to your daily smoothie is the answer. Having a small amount on occasion, for example a teaspoon of coconut oil when cooking an Asian dish, may offer flavour and some health benefits.
2. Fat is still fat. Good fat or bad fat, having too much will increase your kilojoule intake and can contribute to weight gain.
3. Think of your hip pocket. The cost of coconut oil is becoming exorbitant while there are other oils on the market, particularly plants oils that have been shown to offer much greater health benefits at a more affordable price.

The post Coconut Oil: Do You Believe the Hype? appeared first on CrowdInk.

Yep, you read that right.

What if I told you that the oldest mother ever wanted to share her secrets with us and all we had to do was listen?

You may be a little doubtful, maybe even a little distrustful, but I promise that I’m speaking the complete truth and you will be surprised at how many of us are simply not listening.

Mother Nature has been taking care of all of her children long before any of us or our adorable children came on the scene and she’s been doing a very good job at it as well.

Why we’re not listening to her wisdom is a little baffling, but if you’re ready to learn from this awesome Mother, let’s get started!

Natural is the Best

Health is down pat, the most important attribute in all of our lives and as mothers, we want nothing more than to ensure the safety of our own little tiny tots with some of us going to great lengths in ensuring our children are as healthy and happy as possible.

Unfortunately however, staying healthy can also be quite expensive which is why I am a strong advocate for prevention rather than cure. I think it is the best possible option for my family to stay healthy all the time rather than waste my energy and precious time trying to cure ourselves from niggling ailments or injuries.

This brings me to the next point – the use of Organic and/or Natural products. What we put on and into our bodies is extremely important when it comes to taking care of our families. As the news of Johnson’s and Johnson’s Baby Powder’s Cancer scare hits our shores, it has only added to the list of issues products made up of chemical substances have caused over the years.

When large corporations that countless women have relied upon for decades to take care of our most precious belongings ever, our children, start coming under the spotlight for potentially life-threatening diseases, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Money is pointless if we don’t have our health so maybe it’s time we start thinking about adopting a more natural lifestyle.

Can Nature Help to Alleviate Our Children’s Allergies?

With a significant increase in food allergies developing, more of us are turning to organic alternatives for what we put on our dining table. I am constantly surprised at learning how many mothers out there are busy cooking a plethora of meals for their families in order to cater for all the various allergies different family members are painfully and tiredly struck down with.  Which is why it’s a safer bet to use organic foods and better yet, maybe something you’ve actually grown and handpicked from the garden.

There are also a whole lot of options for organic products available nowadays which means that parents and kids are happy together. Try visiting your local health outlets or community run cooperatives for some inspiration. Who knows, you may never go back to conventional options ever again!

Make Mother Nature Your Mentor

Mother Nature has been given her name for a reason; she is sacrificing in her very nature and works tirelessly to provide the best there is for all her children and that’s exactly what you do for your family every single day.

Mothers are busy, overworked, and time poor, yet nothing can stop that smile on our face when we see our families happy and healthy. It’s an achievement that’s incomparable. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need a helping hand every now and then, does it?

And I cannot think of a better Mother to learn from than our very own planet.

There’s a reason everyone’s on the organic bandwagon and it is here to stay. Don’t be the last grape on the grapevine, be the example for your family and friends.

As clichéd as it sounds, nature just make sense. It’s the way Mother Nature intended for us to live, naturally, organically. Eat what’s in season and use what’s made by the Earth on your body without chemical intervention, chances are high that you’ll feel better for it. Always remember to discuss any alterations to your normal routine with your medical practitioner prior to adopting any changes and you’re set.

Have you listened to Mother Nature when it comes to taking care of your family and how has it helped? Let us know in the Comments Section.

The post How to Learn From the Oldest Mother Ever appeared first on CrowdInk.

I have found that there are many people who are concerned with their general health, but forget about their dental health. They pay little attention to, or have an aversion for, in-office dental care. They may use quick fixes or short-term strategies that don’t necessarily get results, because they haven’t researched their options. However way you look at it, facts remain the same. You can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mouth.

Some Important Facts…

Our teeth have a lot in common with our skeletal system and achieving healthy skin, hair and fingernails. This is because Keratin is the primary component of the epidermis, hair, nails, and the enamel of our teeth.

Our bones are part of our endocrine system.

We need to have a healthy endocrine, digestive, metabolic, and circulatory system in order to have excellent oral health.  Hormones have their fingers in everything we do. Balanced hormones have a lot to do with our food choices and what toxins we are exposed to. The cellular level of our internal environment is where all life begins. If we do not take care of how we feed our cells, we are not going to be able to make the best decisions for our health.

An out of balance pH environment in the blood wreaks havoc within all systems of the body. Conditions include disrupted cholesterol levels, gout, osteoporosis, hormonal disorders, cancers, obesity, diabetes and more. As a result, our body may experience prolonged or permanent inflammation. Acidic bodies cannot retain enough oxygen to function properly. Acidic blood robs our body of minerals, taking them from our bones.

Endocrine disruptors mimic our own hormones. Studies show endocrine disruptors can affect the health of our cells, organs, bones and our teeth.  Fluoride is an endocrine disruptor. Fluoride not only disrupts the health of our teeth but also disrupts the health of our pineal gland.  Besides producing several hormones, the pineal gland is responsible for endocrine functions and influences sexual development. “In the 1990s, Jennifer Luke of the UK discovered that the pineal gland is a major site of fluoride accumulation within the body. Luke’s work is particularly illuminating because she also found that fluoride lowered the production of melatonin- one hormone produced by the pineal gland.”

Our teeth are living tissue. Tooth enamel is ninety-six percent mineral content and is the strongest substance in the human body.  Daily disruptive influencers can have a negative effect on tooth survival.

6 Disruptive Influencers

1. Some of us that don’t even like milk products have thought long and hard about just maybe they need milk for strong teeth and bones. This can be considered one of the biggest myths of our time. Milk doesn’t provide us with the calcium content that our body can use. What I’ve found is organic green vegetables such as kale and spinach, are the best way to get and absorb calcium.

2. Athletes know if they fail to address their gut issues they can’t give 100% on the day of the big race. Leaky Gut or poor gut bacteria influences our hormones, organs, and all bodily systems. Leaky gut means our intestinal permeability has been compromised and toxins can enter our bloodstream. Leaky gut can lead to a toxic mouth. Consuming coffee, an abundance of antibiotics, and surgery foods such as bagels, chips, cakes, cookies, crackers, gluten, alcohol and more can be the worst for our tooth enamel, our bones and our gut microbiome. Why? Because these are endocrine disruptors.

3. BPAs are Endocrine Disruptors. BPA’s are found in bottled water, plastic containers, canned foods, plastic coffee makers, baby products, microwaveable meals and more. A recently published study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, the first using a reference human population, showed that 92.6% of over 2500 Americans had BPA’s in their urine. Unfortunately, measured urine concentrations were significantly higher in children and adolescents compared with adults. In the quest to find BPA-free, there is no rush. Research shows BPA-free products can still contain unwanted endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

4. Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance and sensitivities can cause us to be at risk for de-mineralization of our tooth enamel and affect our nutrient absorption. When the digestive system is impaired, it does not properly release vital minerals into the body for use by the teeth in building enamel. Our enamel can easily be damaged due to digestive damage.

5. The younger generation may like to wear tooth jewelry. However, did you know, jewelry in the mouth can and will wear away tooth enamel?

6. Commercial toothpastes and mouthwash contain unnecessary chemicals, and toxins that can be harmful for your teeth and bones.

So what can we do now?

If you use or are exposed to products on the list of known endocrine disruptors, it would be best to avoid them and consider alternatives.

Mercury-amalgam fillings are found to be toxic to our overall mind/ body health. In fact, mercury is ten times more toxic than lead. Remember when they took lead paint out of children’s furniture? I speculate that they may possibly come to their senses about mercury in the near future. Mercury disrupts the metabolic reactions of the body and the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Because mercury increases a toxic burden on the body and mind it can be linked to Alzheimer’s Disease, found in breast cancer tissue and disrupts our gut microbiome. If you are concerned about tooth integrity, mercury is never recommended.

Let’s look within and do some housekeeping. If you want oral health, it may be wise to stop smoking.

For a dairy substitute, you can use Hemp or Coconut milk. Unfortunately, research has demonstrated that rBGH increases insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in cows milk. This growth factor is orally active and is a key contributing factor to the incidence of endocrine-related disorders.

Find yourself a holistic dentist, one that understands why we don’t need mercury, fluoride, or oral products that contain chemicals. One that chooses to have filtered water available in their office for their patients.  Some even offer ozone therapy for healthy gums.

Remember to exercise. All life is movement. Exercise builds strong bones.

Eat Fermented Foods. Homemade sauerkraut contains high levels of natural probiotics, which are wonderful for balancing out the good bacterial in the gut.

Eat adequate levels of Vitamin C in your diet for strong gum health.  Avoid synthetic vitamin C in supplements.  Some food sources of Vitamin C are organic papaya, strawberries, broccoli, lemons, pears, pineapple, brussels sprouts and kale. Try to always eat fresh and organic.

Encourage saliva production and keep the inside of your mouth moist. Oil Pulling is good for elimination of toxic dental bacterial and also stimulates the salivary glands.  Saliva protects the teeth and contains trace minerals that will aid in the remineralization process. My routine at night includes organic clove essential oil to brush, tape to floss, and waterpik to rinse. Oil pulling is next, then off to bed with my oral probiotic.

Footnotes:

• Acid pH: http://www.relfe.com/health_natural/pH_human_body_balance_health_level_1.html
• Fluoride Pineal gland:  Luke J (2001). Fluoride deposition in the aged human pineal gland. Caries Res. 35:125-128. http://www.icnr.com/articles/fluoride-deposition.html
• Schlesinger ER, Overton DE, Chase HC, Cantwell KT (1956). Newburgh-Kingston caries-fluorine study X111. Pediatric findings after ten years. J Amer Dent Assoc 52: 296-306. http://www.epw.senate.gov/107th/hir_0629.htm  see also http://fluoridedangers.blogspot.com/2008/01/1945-human-experiment-predicted-current.html
• Insulin Growth Factor:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11535708 see also http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16684388 see also http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3978780/
• Mercury linked to Alzheimer’s:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10617124/
• Mercury and breast cancer tissue:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16804515/
• Mercury and intestinal bacteria:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9046579/
• Bisphenol A dangers:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2199288/ see also http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2726844/
• Gluten and endocrine disruptor, disrupts the normal production of prolactin: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15698850
• Gluten and tooth enamel: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22409216
• Oral probiotics:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18582334

The post Teeth Are More Important than You Think! appeared first on CrowdInk.

Do you have lifeless frizzy hair, acne, dull or wrinkled skin, weak fingernail nails, autoimmunity, and low sex drive?  When we have hormonal imbalances we can also have metabolic and skin health imbalances. It’s possible to decrease these wrinkles in time and rejuvenate our body and health, when we make a few necessary “bite size” changes.

10 Ways Hormones Increase Aging

1. Insulin Resistance relies on abusive foods and medications that create this condition.  It can begin at any age. In the skin, it can cause skin tags and excess body hair. In the body, you may notice high blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol imbalances, and irregular menstrual cycles.  High levels of insulin can accelerate wrinkling of the skin. Sugar can not only rob you of your health, but it can also rob you of your beauty.

2. Thyroid Hormones & Oxidative Stress plays a major role in the aging process. Aging of hair manifests as graying.(1)  Causes can include environmental factors such as xenoestrogens (endocrine disruptors) ultraviolet radiation, smoking, and poor nutrition. These chemical and toxic exposures are linked to oxidative stress, cancer, and metabolic behavior. (2)

3. Cortisol Levels. Stress causes the release of the hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels increase the aging effects on our skin, showing wrinkling and broken capillaries. Stress also depletes immune function. Adrenal exhaustion from chronic stress means our adrenal glands are overworked from manufacturing cortisol, and they simply can’t produce enough DHEA to support a healthy skin or hormonal balance.

4. DHEA is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands and in our brain, which was first discovered by scientists in the 1930’s.(3) It’s the most abundant hormone in our body, and a key factor for skin health.(4) According to Ronald Klatz, D.O., president of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, “DHEA is one of the most crucial predictive factors in diagnosing aging-related diseases.” In 1994, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published the therapeutic effects of DHEA replacement therapy. The DHEA-takers had more energy, slept better, and handled stress better than the placebo-takers. Research concluded that, “DHEA will improve the quality of life over a longer period and will postpone some of the unpleasant effects of aging, such as fatigue and muscle weakness.” DHEA’s power to invigorate the immune system is closely linked to its potential to fight aging.(4a)

5. Testosterone. Several habits interfere with testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women.  BPA’s may be one culprit to the declining levels of testosterone.  Bisphenol-A, is a synthetic chemical and endocrine disruptor, often found in various plastic containers and cash register receipts. What else can disrupt testosterone?  Drinking alcohol creates inflammation throughout the body, skin and inhibits the release of testosterone. Alcohol and starchy foods show up on the skin as dullness/loss of radiance, dark circles under the eyes, puffiness, an increase in fine lines and wrinkles and increased pore size. These foods can also exacerbate acne, which is a systemic inflammatory disease.

6. Melatonin regulates our cycles, mood, reproduction, and weight. It’s instrumental in regulating skin homeostasis.(5)  It regulates the circadian day-night-rhythm and can decrease with UV and DNA damage.(6)  It is implicated in skin functions and hair cycling. Exploration of “the melatonin holds lessons to better understand the role of melatonin in the skin.”(7) Organic pineapples and bananas can boost melatonin levels.

7. Serotonin. Without serotonin the body can’t regulate blood sugar, which plays a causative roll in premature aging and diabetes. If our body lacks certain nutrients there can be serotonin deficiency, which in turn can lead to increased belly fat.  Serotonin has precedence over pain tolerance, digestion, appetite, mood, emotions and cravings. High Cortisol levels and a poor diet can rob us of serotonin. Medications or addictions that are a major cause of lowered serotonin levels include: nicotine, antidepressants and caffeine.  Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals can lead to permanent damage to the nerve cells responsible for producing serotonin and cause DNA damage.  “An endocrine disrupting chemical substance alters the hormonal and homeostatic systems that enable the organism to communicate with and respond to its environment.”(8) Inositol improves the activity of serotonin in the brain. But did you know there’s more serotonin in the gut then the brain? A non-processed form of Inositol is found in organic vegetables.(9)

8. Progesterone is known to help maintain the glycogen stores and increase skin’s elasticity. Carbofuran interrupts progesterone and is one of the most toxic pesticides. Carbofuran is an endocrine disruptor. Avoid pesticide exposures.

9. Human Growth hormone is a protein hormone and produced in the anterior pituitary gland deep inside the brain. Sleep loss causes the body to produce less HGH. With a decrease in HGH our skin can show signs of wrinkles and sagging. Make time for sleep. Remove wi-fi, TV’s and computers from the bedroom.

10. Estrogen dominancecan be caused by endocrine disruptors which in turn causes fat gain, water retention and bloating.  Endocrine disrupting chemicals in skin care products, pesticides and toxic laundry supplies can increase allergies, weight gain, skin aging, disrupt our hormones and is linked to a low sex drive.(10) Make it a point to purchase non-toxic products.

8 Tips on What You Can Do Now

1. Begin with avoiding chemicals that can lead to DNA damage. Processed and Genetically Engineered Foods can play a causative roll in DNA Damage.  The elimination of toxic trans- fats and refined sugar could avert tens of thousands heart disorders each year in the United States. For example these ingredients can all be found in your favorite ice cream cone. Eat good fats such as organic avocados, organic coconut oil and organic raw nuts for balanced testosterone levels, while avoiding insulin resistance. Pro-inflammatory foods such as sugar, corn, soy, alcohol, caffeine and rBGH dairy will promote skin wrinkles, a host of diseases, accelerate aging, and cause the storage of body fat.

2. Your organs and systems work together. They are not separate parts. Enjoying great skin means paying attention to good gut bacteria. You can start by feeding the gut fermented foods or supplement with a non-dairy probiotic. (11) Increase organic fruits and veggies and drink more pure clean water to avoid constipation.

3. Exercise ensures beautiful skin. Studies have indicated that exercise benefits the skin in much the same way it improves metabolic, hormonal and bone health.

4. Balance pH. Don’t allow your body to become acidic which paves the way for autoimmune diseases, dull hair and skin.

5. Eat for a healthy liver. Make sure to avoid excess alcohol, drug use, obesity, and a fatty liver.(12)

6. Love your sleep. Sleep is when your skin has a chance to detox, rebuild and rejuvenate. Not getting a good nights sleep is not going to be beneficial for your testosterone or other hormone levels.

7. Avoid exposure to xenoestrogens from plastics, cosmetics, toxic laundry detergents, and medications. These can increase aging, weight gain, and obesity.

8. Stress interrupts hormones, increases aging and reduces immunity.  Find healthy ways to release your stress.

Conclusion:  Science has found that hormones influence our brain, ten bodily systems, and all our organs. No one wants to age faster than normal or experience hormonal imbalances that can lead to unwanted weight gain and autoimmune disorders. It’s a fact that you can take action to support your body’s immunity, metabolism, hormonal activity, and skin’s defense systems with whole foods from Mother Nature’s Table.

footnotes:

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555/
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990475/
3. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/19/the-most-common-mistakes-in-bioidentical-hormone-replacement.aspx#_ednref1
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3499288/ ** 4a- http://www.anti-agingmd.com/dhea.html
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583885/
6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23467217
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16150102
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16037129/ **see also http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2726844/#B435
9. http://www.ehow.com/about_5548572_causes-depleted-serotonin.html
10. http://blogs.naturalnews.com/stop-estrogen-dominance-related-diseases-get-sex-drive-back/
11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19203862/ **see also http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19300508/
12. http://skinhealthfromwithin.com/2014/02/18/fat-in-our-liver/

The post Are Your Hormones “Aging Faster” Than You Want Them To? appeared first on CrowdInk.

Have you ever tried dieting? It’s hard right? What would you say if I said ditch the diet and clear your mind of fads. It’s time to take a step backwards into common sense.

When you look back at photos of people in the 60’s and 70’s − maybe you are looking at old photographs of your parents − in Australia, most people were thinner back then. Nowadays with fast food on every corner you turn, being overweight is a big, fat reality that Australian society has to deal with.

Let’s face it, no matter what your size you are, everyone has tried dieting… am I right? This could be due to many reasons such as getting healthy, eating more nutritious foods, and losing weight.

A diet restricts your eating habits and what you avoid eating will come back and bite you in the behind when you least expect it. So stick with these five reasons on why you should ditch that diet and not go back to square one.

Here are the five things you should do instead of dieting…

1. Understand that Diets are Fads

Many nutritionists believe that diets do not work, because the interest in dieting trends come from the people and companies that sell such fads like pills, protein shakes, books and more on dieting. They just want your moolah. So instead of reaching out to the latest dieting success story, don’t. Do what your gut tells you.

2. Have a Balanced Diet

By maintaining a balanced diet you should be able to keep that chocolate in your cupboard (dark chocolate would be best) and have a square of it to feed your sweet craving. By doing this, you shouldn’t need to fulfil any other cravings.

3. Eat Smaller Portions

Let’s face it; we can all over indulge a little too much at times. I am guilty of this crime too. I mean how can you let such good spaghetti and meatballs go to waste and daymn, doesn’t garlic bread go well with pasta sauce… or is that just me? Try minimising your food portions each time you eat and making less food is always a good start too.

4. Avoid Sudden Change in Diet

Having a sudden change in your diet gives your body a shock. If you restrict certain types of foods, your body will react badly. If you decide to give up carbs and sugar for a couple of weeks, your body will start to crave foods with the highest amount of calories and highest fat content like never before and you can’t except to fight that for very long.

5. Snack While You’re on the Run

If you’re about to head out, grab a handful of almonds or an apple and eat it on the go. It’s a much better way to snack than mindlessly consuming that whole bag of chips while watching your favorite TV show (Which I presume is either Gilmore Girls or Game of Thrones…can’t be both can it?)

Doing all this will save you money on dieting fads, keep your body happy, and best of all, give you the outcome you were striving for. When it comes down to it, common sense always wins.

Tell us what you thought of this article and comment below:

The post 5 Ways to Avoid Dieting for the Better appeared first on CrowdInk.

What if I could let you in on a little secret? There’s a connection between your fatigue, your pain, and two very common autoimmune conditions. And what if we could check under the hood to find the underlying toxic exposures that created these conditions which can exacerbate how you feel. Would you listen?

What can cause chronic fatigue?

We are electrical beings. There are many things in our world today that can deplete our electricity.  Causes of depleted electricity can be linked to fluoride and medications containing fluoride such as SSRI’s, toxic cosmetics containing aluminum, mercury, and vaccines. Addictions to smoking, alcohol, and stress can deplete oxygen and electricity.

Food choices that can steal our energy, increase anxiety and disrupt our hormones are: pesticides in processed foods, MSG, Aspartame, HFCS and the SAD diet, all of which can lead to increase risk for inflammation and other autoimmunity disorders. According to Science News, chronic fatigue is in our gut and not our head.(1) A toxic liver and toxic gut will affect all organs without exception. It could deter healing, slow down recovery, cause fatigue, weaken immunity, decrease energy, increase weight gain, depression, and cause ailments of all sorts including autoimmunity disorders. EMF’s can deplete our energy and disrupt our sleep patterns which continue to stress the mind and body. A high caffeine diet can exhaust adrenal glands. And finally, deficiencies in magnesium can steal our energy and oxygen-rich red blood cell count can be low.

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose.

There is a blood test called FM/A that identifies possible markers produced by immune system blood cells in people with fibromyalgia. But a diagnosis is really dependent on how you feel. (2) Fibromyalgia includes body pain, fatigue, and insomnia. But Fibromyalgia can also be called a skin condition. Trigger points are inflamed tissue that is located just below the skin and is especially sensitive to the touch.

The pain symptoms of fibromyalgia are believed, by many researchers, to be related to the fascia of the body. In fibromyalgia, the amount of blood flow to the peripheral tissues (the skin) is substantially reduced.(3) In layman’s terms, the immune system within the skin is acting up and this involves the the capillaries and small blood vessels. And there’s a link between IBS and Fibromyalgia. Fact is, the gut is the epicenter of autoimmunity disorders.

Pain from Fibromyalgia is recorded to be in the stomach, neck, hips, and knees. But most complaints are chronic headaches and nausea.

The exciting news is, fibromyalgia is no longer considered to be similar to arthritic condition (a disease of the joints).

If we were to take a step back, we could possibly find the hidden connections of poor circulation and autoimmunity issues.

We have a nation full of obese children and adults that don’t take time out for self-care.

Today our children from about age 7 to 10 years old are diagnosed with fibromyalgia.(5) You may find this shocking. But if we check, it’s no surprise to find that these children can also have a toxic internal environment from a poor diet and lack of movement. They’re also stressed.

Subsidized school lunches can increase risk for obesity while increased wifi use in schools and homes can disrupt brain health. Childhood obesity can play a causative role in pain, inflammation,(6) and low energy levels. Secondly, children are prescribed more antibiotics, Ritalin, statins (4) and antidepressants in the last decade. Medications can decrease good gut microbiome, decrease quality of sleep and cause additional weight problems.

Change your life with these 12 steps

*Take more time to implement healthy habits. Notice that both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue have insomnia, depression, and poor microbiome in common. Build good gut microbiome by adding in a daily probiotic.

*Make time for exercise and avoid stimulants. Exercise can bring more oxygen into the cells, increasing circulation and stimulating the lymph system.

*Stop stress eating. Make time to chew and enjoy more fresh raw choices. Eat foods that love you back.

*Practice meditation. Focus on how you handle emotions and find healthy ways to release stress.

*Include homemade vegetable juices to your morning routine. You can add in organic green apples as they are an excellent food for sufferers of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Fresh homemade juices contain large amounts of enzymes that help break down inflammation, reduce pain, and supply the cells with energy.

*Coffee and caffeine deplete magnesium levels and stress the body. Cashews and kale are found to be magnesium rich.

* Eat anti-inflammatory foods such as organic maca, ginger, and turmeric root.

*Eat more colorful, antioxidant-packed produce such as organic strawberries, organic bell peppers and organic mangoes, all of which are particularly high in vitamin C. Leave the GMOs behind as these have several hundreds of pesticides sprayed on them.

*Purchase organic non-toxic skin-care products to relieve inflammation in the skin.

*Purchase non-toxic and fluoride-fee toothpaste and mouthwash.

*Try not to be on your computer or cell phone all day long. Children should never be given a cell phone before the age of 16.

*Ask your doctor about weaning you or your child off of a medication, if you’ve been taking it for longer than 6 months. Every drug has side-effects.

**Please consult your doctor before making any drastic changes in diet, medications, exercise, and supplement routine.

footnotes:

1- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160627160939.htm

2- http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-diagnosis-and-misdiagnosis#2

3- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1526632/

4- http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/3/682?ijkey=efae031db6edb1ee8065f42faf8c95fc0b3d925e&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha

5-http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17888225

6-http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2668698/

The post How to Tell If Your Muscle Pain is Really Fibromyalgia appeared first on CrowdInk.

Many people with autoimmune problems want to know how to eat better, but are confused by the volume of nutritional advice out there. As most autoimmune issues have a large component of inflammation, following an anti-inflammatory diet is the best option. People generally underestimate how powerful a good diet can be.

Following this regime for 1-3 months will help reduce inflammation and combat fatigue.

Think of each meal as an opportunity to nourish and nurture your body.

Whenever possible opt for food in its most natural state possible, which has been minimally processed. Try to stay away from packaged food and cook for yourself as much as you can. This also ensures you are minimising your intake of genetically modified foods.

If money permits it is always better to go organic as this guarantees your food isn’t genetically modified.

Foods Recommended Are:

• Nuts – as long as you can tolerate them
• Seeds
• Grass-fed meat (grass-fed meat has a balanced ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 making it a healthier option)
• Oily fish – wild salmon, not farmed. Trout, kippers, mackerel, sardines
• Free range chicken – organic if possible
• Livers and Kidneys – only organic
• Vegetables all kinds
• Fruits
• Healthy fats- olive oil, avocado, flaxseed oil, flaxseeds
• Ghee
• Nutritive sugars- honey and maple syrup in small amounts
• Eggs- free range
• Fresh herbs
• Fermented foods- sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha
• Green leafy vegetables – spinach, kale, bok choy, broccoli and dark green cabbage. Adding a squeeze of citrus to these vegetables turns the iron content into one our bodies can absorb more easily, a great tip if you are anaemic.

Foods to Avoid

• Alcohol
• Soy sauce, tofu, tempeh and soy
• All processed packaged foods
• Grains- wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, quinoa, couscous, semolina, bulgar and bran
• Sugar
• Artificial sweeteners
• Sweeteners such as stevia, rice malt syrup and molasses
• Dairy
• Beans and legumes – including peanuts, kidney beans and chickpeas
• Fizzy drinks – sparking mineral water is okay
• Cooking oils- sunflower, peanut, safflower, canola, vegetable oil
• Margarine

Avoiding all types of grains is a good option for a few months. Even gluten free grains can cause inflammation and are hard to digest for some people.

Legumes should also be avoided; they contain a protein called lectin. Lectin can affect the gut and contribute to a lack of absorption of other nutrients.

Processed foods contain high levels of salt, sugar, artificial sugars and preservatives, all of which will create inflammation. They are not very nutrient dense, meaning they have a low nutritional content and are often higher in calories.

Sugar makes the blood sugar levels rise and drop rapidly, this can mean we suffer from swings in energy levels and it can contribute to brain fog. It can also contribute to inflammation.

What should be on my plate each day?

For each meal of the day it is vital to include a source of protein, this is of particular importance earlier in the day. Protein helps the body to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Good protein sources are eggs, fish, meat, and nuts.

As a general guide each portion of meat you consume should be the same size of the palm of your hand and the same thickness of your palm.

You want to include vegetables at every meal.

Always aim for the rainbow on your plate, go for as many different varieties of vegetables as you can. They all contain different antioxidants, which will benefit your health.

Our Final Tip

Stick to the 80/20 rule.

Be good 80% of the time and don’t beat yourself up for being bad 20% of the time!

The post Manage Autoimmune Issues with Your Diet! appeared first on CrowdInk.

There is a reason each and every one of us is placed on earth at the exact time that we are: we each have a unique gift (or more!) that is needed by the world during our lifetime. We are not here to simply enjoy ourselves for our own sake, but also to enhance the world through our innate skills − in short, to leave a legacy.

 Most of us are familiar with the material legacies that people leave to their loved ones at the end of their lives, such as family heirlooms, property and money, and perhaps you have already taken steps towards arranging your material legacy. But have you considered what your non-material legacy is going to be? How your life would have shaped the world, at least in the places where you touched it? Are you aware of your natural gift(s) and actively using it/them to benefit the world?

If you are, congratulations! You are living a purposeful life, utilising your fullest potential and reaping the rewards of this; an inner fire that propels you forward towards your passion. On the contrary, living without purpose can feel like aimlessly wandering in a vast wilderness without a compass to guide you. While you may initially enjoy the sense of freedom and adventure, you can eventually tire from going from one thing to another without seeming to get anywhere meaningful or truly satisfying. Frustration will gradually set in from feeling that despite the time and effort you’re investing in different parts of your life, you still feel that there’s something missing.

How can you identify that missing ingredient, your life’s ‘north’ or purpose? 

1. Get Clear on Your Values

I don’t mean ethical values but what you value in life. Whether it’s freedom, adventure, connection, honesty, creativity, there are qualities that are imperative for us to have in our lives in order to be happy. Ask yourself what characteristics you admire most about yourself and in others, what qualities you cannot tolerate, and what you enjoy and loathe doing. This will give you a great idea of what you value. For example, honesty will be one of your values if this is a quality you admire yourself for, or if you absolutely cannot stand being around people who lie.

2. Connect to Your Heart

Whilst thinking your way through life can have its advantages, when it comes to uncovering your purpose, it will be your heart that guides you to it. What do you love doing? What doesn’t feel like a chore to you and can do with love for long periods of time? What would you do for free? Is it writing? Talking to people? Engaging children in activities? Dancing? Designing bridges? If you’re not passionate about anything at present, what were you passionate about as a child? What used to make your eyes sparkle and heart skip a beat?

3. Put It All Together

Allow your intuition to naturally join the dots between the values you identify and what you are passionate about. A magical cocktail begins to blend as you become more heart-centred and wisps of inspiration will come to you. At first these may seem ridiculous or alarming, for example, if you’re currently a successful lawyer who has values including freedom, fun and creativity, and as a child enjoyed building and flying kites – what now? Don’t worry; you don’t necessarily need to make such a literal and radical career shift! Instead, think of what impact you’d like to have on others while aligning yourself with your values and passions. Perhaps it’s that you’d like those who come into contact with you to fly high (like a kite)? How can you achieve this? Be guided by what comes up in response to this.

We each find our life’s purpose at different points depending on our own journeys and needs. What is shared, however, is the joy experienced by those who’ve uncovered their ultimate ‘why’ − the core reason for their existence.

The post Why Are You Alive Now? appeared first on CrowdInk.

I have been on the most amazing journey of my life and the journey still continues.

Starting this journey was really not my choice. I received a loud wakeup call when I developed adult cystic acne.

I now have the awareness to know that the acne was actually just a manifestation of how I felt about myself and how my body was telling me that something had to change.

I had a poor connection with body and food from the age of about 12. My father innocently told me that I would get fat if I ate sweets. The message I heard was you have to be thin otherwise you are no good.

It was a completely innocent comment with no bad intentions at all, but it became such a driving force in my life.

Our interpretations can make such a small innocent comment so huge, and I gave it such significance.

I collapsed these words into my whole being − my body image, my confidence, and the way I lived my life. I wasn’t taught to share and discuss my feelings and emotions so, I just kept everything inside, festering until I was much older and it decided to speak to me in a way it knew I would listen – spots on my face.

I was terrified of getting fat, lived with that fear and stress and devoted my life to not getting fat. That’s when my eating issues began.

I decided I needed to go on a diet and I became anorexic, and then I developed orthorexia and had a stressful obsession with healthy eating foods. I looked at myself in the mirror and all I could see was fat then slim, then fat all in one day.

From the outside, it may not have looked like I had a weight problem at all. But on the inside, my conversation was exactly the same as every other person on this planet who is trying to lose weight and thinks they are fat.

Size did not matter.

The body hate didn’t stop at my physical body but it permeated through my whole being. I connected having a body that was no good to me as a person being no good and I really just wanted to be invisible. I had no power and no strength inside me to just be ME. Nor did I know what being me even was.

When I left school, my eating issues didn’t go away and became more severe because people admired me for my weight and eating. This gave me the illusion that I was special only because of my weight.

When I became a Fitness Trainer, body image came up yet again as all my clients were not happy with their bodies and desperately wanted to lose weight. They felt such shame and guilt about food and their body. And I really wanted to help them.

I discovered a more supportive, holistic approach through my studies of the Psychology of Eating. Not only did I get to heal my own body image issues, now I get to support my clients through my coaching.

My body image issues paralysed me, kept me small, and didn’t allow me to reach my full potential.

I founded my business Strength Within because I realised that it wasn’t only my physical strength but inner strength that leads to true health and wellness.

The greatest gems of wisdom that helped my healing were having compassion for without judging myself. To me, it was a foreign concept that you could be as kind to yourself as you are to your best friend. Expressing your emotions, being vulnerable and letting go is the key to being strong and mentally happy and healthy. This is what allows you to let love in for yourself and for others.

Whenever I feel negative toward my body, it’s really not my body at all but what’s going on inside my head. And that’s where the emotions and love and compassion come to play.

I invite you to stop and shine a light on your life, open up, let go, be vulnerable, and became aware of how you really feel about your body. Be honest with yourself as you are not alone. Body image and weight is not a personal issue, it’s a collective issue, and awareness is the first step to making significant shifts.

LOVE and EMBRACE yourself!

The post My Journey to True Health and Wellness appeared first on CrowdInk.