How to sleep without getting heartburn

How to sleep without getting heartburn

I used to get heartburn almost every night.  I was using over the counter medications that helped somewhat, but I was concerned about the possible side effects.  About 6 years ago, I lost 45#.  I found that even though I felt better in many ways, I still needed some digestive support.  My search for help with that ultimately led to help with the heartburn as well. But, I'll talk more about that later.


I have found a few things that helped tremendously.  Easy things that anyone can learn to do.  First of all, let's look at what heartburn actually is.  When the muscle between your esophagus and your stomach relaxes, it can allow stomach acid to escape, causing a burning sensation. There are a few ways to keep this from happening. 


What you eat makes a difference


First of all, you might want to avoid foods that can cause this muscle to relax.  Some common culprits include:

High-fat foods 

Raw onion

Raw garlic

Citrus fruits

Carbonated drinks

Cocoa powder 

Chocolate 

Caffeine


How you eat also plays a part


Eat small meals, with snacks in between, when needed.  Eating a large meal forces your stomach to work overtime to process it, stretching and pushing food and acid upward.  It’s also important to eat slowly, which also helps with digestion.



When you eat makes a big difference

A  great rule of thumb is to stop eating 3 hrs before bedtime.  Why?

Two things are needed for your digestive system to process your food – time and gravity.  When you lie down, gravity pulls whatever's in your stomach up toward your esophagus-- the tube that connects your throat and stomach. By giving yourself a few hours to be upright and moving around before you go to bed, you allow your food to digest, thereby reducing the risk of having any content left in your stomach to come back up. 


I hope these tips are helpful.  I have made most of these changes in my own life, and now enjoy going to bed without the nightly pain from heartburn. I mentioned at the beginning that I was looking for digestive support after losing weight. What I found helped my body to digest my food the way it is designed to do.  If you'd like to find out what I use almost every day to help my digestive system to work better, contact me and I'd love to chat with you to see if it could help you too.  Or, you could join my facebook group, Easy Everyday Wellness to find other ways to support your wellness.




How to clean your oven without having an asthma attack

How to clean your oven without having an asthma attack

I don't know if they still make ovens that do NOT clean themselves, but I'm old enough to remember having to use some really nasty stuff to clean mine.  Even though I didn't normally have any respiratory issues, when I cleaned the oven, I sure did!  


I had to  hold my breath while I sprayed the cleaner in the oven.  Since I couldn't hold my breath long enough to get the oven completely coated, I had to run out of the room to take some deep breaths, then go back in to finish spraying.  My husband, who was several rooms away would start having an asthma attack from the fumes, even from such a distance!




Whether you've had the same experience with oven cleaner or other cleaners, I'm sure that you've experienced the unpleasantness of breathing in those fumes.  Back then, I didn't think I had a choice, but now I know better!  



I can take a deep breath of my new cleaner, at full strength, without any respiratory distress and know that I am actually making my immune system better!  Do you want to know why? It's because the stuff I was using before had toxic ingredients in it, that my body was never designed to inhale.  


The stuff I use now has all safe ingredients.  Safe for kids and pets – if they drink any of it, you don't have to call poison control!  Just have them drink water.


Are you tired of breathing in toxic ingredients every time you clean?  Would you like to try something better?  I'd love to help you get the good stuff that I use for everything- mirrors, floors, counters, oven, sink.





How toxic are household cleaners?

How toxic are household cleaners?
How toxic are my household cleaners?

Most commercial cleaning products are full of super nasty ingredients. If you doubt me, hang on for just a minute or two to learn the whole truth and nothing but the truth about your household cleaning products.

According to the American Lung Association, the ingredients in most commercial solutions, sprays, and scrubs can:

• Be air pollutants
• Be harmful chemicals
• Be flammable or corrosive
• Irritate eyes or throat
• Cause headaches
• Contribute to health problems like chronic respiratory problems and allergic reactions

Not only are these ingredients problematic, but they’re pretty far from your “let’s go green!” goals, am I right?

The worst part is - brace yourself—manufacturers aren’t even legally required to list all ingredients! It sounds crazy, but toxic ingredients could be lingering in your laundry detergents and floor cleaners without you even knowing about it!

For example, some products such as carpet cleaners and dishwasher liquid release VOCs—volatile organic compounds. Experts say that some VOCs can irritate eyes, nose, and throat; create difficulty breathing and nausea; and cause harm to the central nervous system and other organs.


Do you really want that stuff in your house?

The simplest way to get the job done safely is to check the labels. Then go online and type in 'dangers of' and list the ingredients. You'll be alarmed at what you find.  Products can be green washed, meaning they have packaging that advertises as “green” or “natural” but sneak unwelcome ingredients into their formulas. Yuck!

It’s also important to remember that these issues don’t only apply to the cleaning aisle. When shopping for candles and air fresheners, avoid these factory-crafted temptations. Instead, make your own custom scents for your house.  I can show you how!


Ultimately, if you can find companies and products with the mission to use from-the-earth, not-harmful, naturally derived ingredients, you’re all set. Lucky for you, I can help with that!




I only use one cleaner for everything in my house - floors, counters, stove top, mirrors, bathroom, etc.  It has a delicious, spicy smell that doesn't give me any trouble breathing.  Can you open your bottle of cleaner and take a deep breath without having an asthma attack?  I can!  In fact, my cleaner actually improves my wellness, rather than attacking it! It is super concentrated, so that one bottle makes a LOT of cleaner! 


Would you like to hear more?  I'd love to chat with you to show you how you can clean your house without the toxic ingredients!  Just click here to get my free guide - 5 easy steps to healthier living!



  






How to be healthy: Easy Wellness Choices that Actually Work!

How to be healthy: Easy Wellness Choices that Actually Work!
Are you making good wellness choices, but you're still not as healthy as you want to be?  


I understand!  In 2014, I made some big changes to improve my health.  I started eating low carb, which meant that I had to give up bread (which I love!) and start eating more green veggies (which I do NOT love).  It worked, and I lost 45# in 6 months!  I have been maintaining that weight ever since.  However, even though I had changed my diet so I was eating much healthier, my digestive system still needed some extra support.  As soon as I lay down at night, I got heartburn, which meant that I wasn't sleeping well. I was using different over-the-counter remedies, switching out when one stopped being effective.  I had to take it every day, and I was concerned about the long term effects of taking such things.


One day,  I saw a friend post online about this stuff that her husband was using.  I trusted her, but  I still wondered if it could really work for me. After all, I had tried many diet pills over the years that never seemed to deliver on their promises.  Have you been there?  


Despite my reservations, I ordered some and within a few weeks, I found that it actually did help with both the digestion and the heartburn!


The most amazing and unexpected thing I found was that not only did this stuff support my digestive system, but it could also support my immune system, respiratory system, joint health, and every aspect of wellness!

It wasn't a magic pill for me to take, and it wasn't an overnight  'cure'.  It was a simple way to support my health with easy everyday choices.  And it didn't cost much either!


Would you like to hear more?
 

I would love to send you my free guide, 5 Easy Steps to Healthier Living, as well as a 5 part email series on how you can take EASY steps that really work to support your wellness!   Are you ready to change your life today?  If so, let's get started!




How to operate a business where customers feel safe

How to operate a business where customers feel safe
Things are crazy right now, I get it.  Business owners are in a hard spot.  They want to welcome customers, but people are hesitant to be out any more than absolutely necessary.  So, what do you need to do to make your customers feel safe?  Just 2 things, really.


1. Create a peaceful, safe atmosphere 

At a time when people are worried about going out in public, you can help by creating a safe space the moment they walk in your door. Diffusers have long been used in aromatherapy treatments as they help to cleanse the air and promote soothing feelings in the environment.  

Who doesn't love to smell some citrus, cinnamon, or peppermint?  Your customers may not know this, but just by breathing it in they are supporting their overall wellness, as well as feeling more peaceful and secure! 

~ Choose wisely~

Not all things that smell nice, really are! Did you know that most air fresheners contain toxic chemicals that can cause headaches, rashes, dizziness, asthma, confusion, or coughing? If you want to provide a safe, healthy environment, you need to use something other than the typical plug ins and sprays.  Don't even think about running to the store to pick up a cheap bottle of essential oil.  Those oils are produced in a factory just for their smell, with little or no real health benefit.

If you want to support the wellness of your customers, you need to go to a farm where plants are grown, harvested, and distilled in a way that gives you the best quality possible!  I've actually seen this process, and it is amazing!

2.  Get rid of the toxic Chemicals!

This seems like common sense, but is it?  When you grab that well known cleaner from underneath your sink and start spraying it everywhere, could you actually be hurting yourself and your customers?

Conventional cleaning products contain many endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can wreak havoc on your respiratory system, cellular health, thyroid, adrenal glands, and even mental clarity. Have you ever had trouble breathing while cleaning the bathroom or oven?

If you see a warning to call poison control if swallowed, you really need to rethink your choice of cleaners!

~Are there any SAFE cleaners?~


Yes, there are!  I switched EVERY cleaner in my house for one product that can clean everything without any harmful ingredients!  You won't find a phone number for Poison Control on the bottle, because it's not necessary!

My cleaner actually supports a healthy immune system, instead of attacking it!


It's super concentrated, so it only takes a capful to make a 16 oz spray bottle of cleaner!  
I use the same product in my office, that I use at home. I know that it is effective, yet safe for pets (we have an office dog, plus cats at home) as well as being safe for my boss's granddaughter to visit.

 

Want safe and comfortable customers?

As they walk in the door and comment on the great smell from your diffuser, tell them that you have chosen the highest quality essential oils to clean the air and provide a relaxing environment.  You could also let them know that your office / store is cleaned with a natural, safe cleaner, without the toxic ingredients!

You'll be amazed at how easy it will be for you to make these 2 changes that will make your business a safe, clean, relaxing place to do business.  The best part is that I will be your guide, answering questions and helping you every step of the way.  Are you ready? I am excited about helping you operate your business safely!  

I'd love to hear about your business, so I can help you formulate a plan that works for you!  



How to play with your grandkids without pain

How to play with your grandkids without pain

I love taking my grandkids for a walk around the block.  It gives their parents a few minutes of peace and quiet, and it gives me some special time with the kids.  We get to enjoy the little things, like the puppies that are in the fence just a couple houses down the street.  The statue of a little girl with a kitten at her feet.  The 4 flamingos next to one house (and yes, we count them every time!).  The car that is always parked ON the sidewalk, so we have to hold hands and go single file to stay on the grass and out of the street.  The house on the corner with some wooden monkeys hanging from the tree. 


These are the things that the kids will remember, more so than any fancy toy that I could bring.


A few years ago, I would have missed out on this type of activity, because I was out of shape and would have had a hard time navigating the very uneven sidewalks, and the crouching down to look more closely at the cute statues or to pet the puppy.  Not to mention getting down on the floor in the house to put the train track together!


I actually feel healthier at 55 than I did at 45!  Would you like to know how that happened?  Here are the 2 things that brought me back to a healthier version of myself, so I can enjoy this new phase of my life without pain.



Losing weight

My husband came home from his annual physical with an order to lose weight.  He did some research and decided that low carb was the way he wanted to go.  At the time, I was just over 200#, so I decided that it would be a good idea for me to join in as well.  I made a goal to lose 30#.  I wasn't thrilled about avoiding my favorite foods, like bread, pasta, and sugar.  I definitely wasn't thrilled about adding in a bunch of green veggies! However, it didn't take long for the pounds to fall off, which made me feel great!  I lost 45# in 6 months, and have been maintaining that for the past 6 years.



Anti-oxidants in a bottle  

I found a couple of products that provide nutrients that my body needs to thrive.  They support my joint health, improve my energy level, and provide anti-oxidants to repair some of the day to day damage that accumulates at a cellular level. The end result is that I can bend and move without discomfort.


Would you like to enjoy better joint health?  Would it make it easier to enjoy your grandkids?  Every body is different, but we are also very similar!  I'd love to chat with you to see if what I use would be a good fit for you, too!


Just contact me  HERE  or feel free to respond  to this blog.


Looking for simple ways to stay active/healthy after 50?  Check out my facebook group!   https://www.facebook.com/groups/easyeverydaywellness

Easy Fall Tips to Keep You Healthy

Everyone is concerned about staying healthy, especially after all that has happened this year!  We've all been told how we need to wash our hands, cover our coughs and sneezes, and stay home when we are feeling sick. Got it!

I'd like to give you some additional easy, practical ways to stay healthy that you may not have considered.

Vitamin D
During the summer, most of us can soak up all of the Vitamin D that our body needs by being outside.  In the fall and winter - not so much!  The colder weather and fewer daylight hours reduce the amount of time that we spend outside.  You can get Vitamin D from your diet by eating salmon, lake trout, albacore tuna, egg yolks, and cheese.  If you aren't getting enough of these types of food, you might want to consider taking a good supplement.


Stay Active
There are still a lot of great things to do outside in the fall.  You could go pick some apples, take a walk around your neighborhood, or go for a longer stroll to enjoy the fall colors.  Whatever you choose, just make it a point to get your body moving, instead of just sitting inside all day.  This will also help you boost your Vitamin D levels! 


Get some exercise
While you are spending time outside, why not kick it up a notch and get some exercise in at the same time?  You could take a bike ride and enjoy the scenery.  Get some friends together for a game of frisbee golf, basketball, or soccer.  Play tag with the kids or even rake some leaves or weed the garden.  Anything to keep you moving, while enjoying the fresh air.


Snack mindfully
Eat like an athlete - not a couch potato - on game day.  Look for healthier snacks, like a veggie tray in place of chips.  If you have some game day favorites that you just can't do without, consider serving in smaller bowls or plates.  Portion control is a huge step in staying healthy!  Don't make enough snacks to feed a team, if you only have 3-4 people coming.  You might also want to consider having a healthy meal before the game, so you aren't as likely to overindulge in the snack food.

Pumpkins aren't just for carving!  They're a great source of immune boosting Vitamin A, they are low in calories and carbs, and they can be eaten in so many ways.  The seeds are filled with phytosterols, which may help to lower cholesterol.  You'll find all kinds of recipes if you do a quick online search.


Fall baking favorites
We all have special treats that we only enjoy in the fall.  My favorites are peanut butter fudge, buckeyes, and sour cream cookies.  We used to start making them on the day after Thanksgiving, and we kept well stocked all the way thru New Year's Eve.  That's a lot of sweets!  Now, I choose to wait a couple more weeks to start making them - usually when the Christmas parties start.  This shortens our eating window by a few weeks.

I've been experimenting with healthier versions, but still allow myself an occasional familiar favorite.  The key is moderation.  I make the cookies smaller and cut the fudge into smaller pieces, keeping some of it in the freezer so I don't have to feel like I have to eat it quickly, before it goes bad.

Pumpkin spice?
Do you love pumpkin spice, either the smell or the taste?  Here's the problem - well 2, actually.  Most ways of eating it are filled with sugar.  Most ways of smelling it are filled with harmful ingredients (like endocrine disruptors).

I have an easy option for you.  Instead of using a scented candle or a fancy room spray, why not use a few drops of pure essential oils in a diffuser to make your home smell great?  These oils are so pure that you can even put them in your coffee or in your desserts.  I even have a recipe for a natural household  cleaner with a spicy aroma that smells great.  Or you can add some oils to it so that it smells like pumpkin spice!  I mean, if you have to clean your house (and you really should every once in awhile) why not make it smell amazing!

Give your immune system some love!
Most of the time, our immune system does a pretty good job of protecting us from germs and illness. However, when we eat too much sugar and processed foods, and we don't get the exercise we should, our body needs a little help!  

My family takes a few extra steps in the fall and winter to make sure that our immune systems are well supported.  My husband used to get a cold every year that literally lasted most of the season!  Since we changed our diet and started supporting our immune system with oils and supplements, he rarely gets sick! When he does, it only lasts a few days, rather than the whole season.  I consider that to be healthy living!



I hope you picked up a few new ideas after reading this blog.  If you'd like to learn more easy wellness tips, I'd love to have you join my Facebook group HERE where we discuss various wellness areas and run occasional challenges. I hope to see you there!










natural wellness

Healthy Habits: A Guide to Making Them Stick!

Healthy Habits: A Guide to Making Them Stick!
Imagine trying on a new pair of shoes. It’s uncomfortable at first, but the more you wear them, the better they feel. Sometimes they’ll even form to your foot and become your go-to accessory. Habits act the same way. Consistent, daily actions become the fabric of who we are. Forming healthy habits creates a pathway to achieving your goals.

Maybe you’re a momma who wants to dedicate more hours to “me” time. Or you work a 9-5 job and want to live an active lifestyle. Perhaps you dream of being your own boss. The sky’s the limit, and in 2020 you’re going to reach it! The key is to establishing habits that will take you there.

How do you start healthy habits?

The start of a new decade is the ideal time to implement positive habits. Then, before you know it, you’ll have created a healthy lifestyle. Try these simple tips to make your habits stick!

Slow your roll—start small
Just remember, the Sistine Chapel wasn’t built in a day. Lucky for us, forming habits won’t take that long. When you create specific goals, they’re easier to obtain and build upon. Start by implementing simple steps each day for a big result.  Here are a few ideas:

~ Listen to a motivational podcast. Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands, hearing others motivate or inspire you can keep your spirits high!
~ Diffuse each morning. Find a blend that inspires you to conquer the day. 
~ Journal your experience. Recording your daily achievements can help you stay motivated and reach your overall goal!
~ Stay accountable by sharing your journey. Sometimes motivation comes from outside yourself, so confide in a friend, blast your goals on social media, or call your mom after every gym session.

Replace bad habits with good ones

While you’re deep-cleaning your bad habits, it’s important to replace them with healthy ones. Here are some examples:

~ Swap tooth-aching candy with tasty, nutritious treats. 
~Skip crash-and-burn soda—go for a natural pick-me-up!
~Wellness on the go? We’ve got your pack! Take a superfruit beverage wherever, whenever.
~Cleaning with no-good toxic solutions? We’ve got a swap for that! Ask me about the cleaning products I use for a sweetly spiced, healthy home.

Cut down on decision making
Too many decisions in a day can create overwhelming feelings—and no one’s got time for that. Create a plan in advance while your motivation is at an all-time high, so when you hit a lull you simply stick to the plan.

~ Schedule a fitness class or workout with a friend every week and put it on the calendar. There’s something special about a group achieving greatness together!  
~ Stock up on nutrition support. Vitamins are an easy way to boost your health game. 
~ Master meal prep! Dedicate an afternoon to creating at least one meal a day for a week, so you’re fueled with healthy, on-the-go dishes. Bonus: Less cooking equals more time for yourself!

Reward yourself—you deserve it!
Changing your lifestyle can be tough—but you can do hard things and that is amazing! Reward yourself when you hit a milestone with any of these options.
~ Treat yourself to new experiences. Maybe take a weekend retreat near the beach.
~ Gift yourself a shiny new beauty product. Look good on your way to success!
~ Make time for self-care—even a long bath or a super-hydrating face mask can be a reward.
~ Take yourself and a friend to lunch to celebrate! There’s no shame in hyping up your achievements; it might inspire others to go after their goals!


Forgive yourself and start again
There may be times when you find yourself off the path to success. It’s okay—that’s what U-turns are for. Give yourself space to reflect and get back at it. Remember, mental-health habits are just as important as physical ones.

Try these tips to get back on track!
~ Ask for help. Talking through your goals and getting an outside perspective from a friend can reset your mindset.
~ Be your biggest fan! Write down positive affirmations and post them in plain sight for a motivating boost.
~ Write down your why. With the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of our “why.” Write it down and really see it! It works wonders!

It’s time to lace up your shoes and get to work. Imagine how accomplished you’ll feel when you reach your destination! 

What healthy habits are you working on?  I'd love to send you my free guide, 5 Easy Steps to Healthier Living.  Just click   HERE to get it.




 
Read Newer Updates