Activated charcoal is a hot topic in health and wellness these days, gaining recognition as a powerhouse agent for detoxification with a wide range of potential uses. We see activated charcoal in everything from facial masks and teeth whiteners to digestive remedies and even an exotic new food trend that uses its charcoal hue for an element of surprise (think jet-black ice cream). (more…)
Summer is prime time for enjoying the outdoors. But more often than not, there's a dark cloud hanging over that backyard barbecue: bugs – and especially mosquitoes. These blood-seeking fun busters expertly follow their senses right to your skin. But if you can repel them with one quick application of bug spray, then what's the concern? It turns out that many old-fashioned bug sprays contain neurotoxic ingredients that may increase cancer risk. But, worry not – there are plenty of nontoxic essential oil blends that repel the bugs, without the […]
The body needs cholesterol to make hormones and vitamins and to digest food. But too much of this waxy substance — particularly the "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol — can attach to the walls of arteries and limit or block the flow of blood, eventually causing heart disease. "Good" HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol carries LDL cholesterol from the body to the liver, which eliminates it from the body. (more…)
There are many sources of stress in life, some overt, some less obvious. One type of stress that doesn't get a lot of attention but has a big effect on our health is the stress associated with our environment. Some environments are very low stress – like getting out in nature. Other environments, like a loud, noisy industrial factory, wear on us much differently. If you're trying to live a healthy life, you need to consider all the inputs, including how your environment affects you. Here, we’ll take a look […]
Macronutrients are defined as chemical substances required in large amounts by the body for survival. The three macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates, and fats. If you’ve heard anyone talking about "macros," they’re referring to these critical nutrients. Some people also call alcohol a macronutrient, since it is processed differently from carbs, fats, and proteins. Of course, alcohol is not one of the three major classes of substances the body requires in large amounts – despite what some college students may think. But it’s the only other substance people consume in relatively […]
