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…)
"I went from an energetic, thin active person to feeling sluggish, gaining weight, and feeling unwell in general," says Diane S, a paraprofessional who works for a school in Ohio. Her elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels suggested hypothyroidism, an under-functioning thyroid gland. Even after her doctor put her on the artificial thyroid hormone Synthroid, her symptoms did not improve, and she had side effects from the drug. Although hypothyroidism has various causes, iodine deficiency is one of them. "I researched the internet and ordered a nascent iodine supplement. Within weeks […]
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…)
Iodine is an essential nutrient, meaning that the human body requires it for many of the body's functions but cannot synthesize it on its own. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce the thyroid hormones that regulate growth, metabolism and other important processes in the body. When that happens, energy levels plummet, hormones become imbalanced, and physical and emotional states are affected. Here we’ll take a closer look at everything you should know about iodine and its special relationship with the thyroid. (more…)
