Nikki’s Natural Adventures

I’ve actually been rather busy at work (the school) since we’re closing out the year, so not much time to post here.

My detox was very successful this time around. I really ate healthy and light–with just a few indulgences–and feel very clean on the inside . I loved the kit I used, even better than the first one I tried. I ate a great deal of vegetables and fruits, while trying to limit starchy carbs. I tried also to only eat organic meats (which meant not eating very much since it is expensive. But I don’t eat that much quantity of meats anyway.) Now to just keep eating that same way normally.

I also lost some weight…finally!…I’m down to 152.8–1 pound less than I originally started with last November (but 5 pounds down from the biggest loser weigh in).  My goal now is to just reach 150 before trying to lose more. I think it’s more a matter of toning rather than trying to lose a whole bunch of weight, although I still have plenty to get rid of. I did exercise a lot more this month so far, partially thanks to our biggest loser program at work. I didn’t want to owe $1 each week for not completing the exercise .

So, I’ll just keep eating light and healthy, making it a habit. I even just had a chicken salad when the family went out for Mother’s Day dinner for the mom-in-law and sister-in-law (who’s also a mom!) I am a cat mom, yes, but just having Hobbes is present enough . (The husband did apologize for not getting me a card from the cat–I have converted him to a cat person!–but I said that was fine, I don’t need a card. It was a sweet thought, though.)

I’ve been doing some more research on cat food in order to make a page for Mr. O–But not for Mr. O (All about cat food) and the best food for cats. Back in August when I started working at the health food store I researched and found several natural, holistic canned foods and–after taste testing by Mr. O–chose two brands that he liked and were available. Wellness Grain Free and Avoderm canned food. He took to the new food right away, too…none of this silly transitioning business for Mr. Orange! Seriously, he went directly from the nasty commercial canned food to his new stuff without a problem.

He also started on a new, holistic dry food, but now eats a very little bit of that mixed in with his canned–there’s more info coming on dry food on the page but what I’ve read so far, it’s just awful for a cat’s health in general. He’ll probably stop eating it altogether very soon. For the last week or so he hasn’t had his dry food down to eat during the day. (This also helps him to eat more of his dinner, and give his digestive system a chance to process each meal.)

So, it wasn’t long after he started eating this new canned food that he became a different cat! It was amazing really. His coat grew so much softer and shinier; he began to have more energy and play a lot more; and he just seemed so much healthier. Not that he was unhealthy in a way that showed, but he really did improve a great deal. And he’s ten years old now…I’m hoping he remains healthy and happy for maybe another decade!  (Mr. O really is the best cat I’ve ever had and is just a delight to share my life with, so I want him around forever.)

I have some more research to include on dry food on the page, as well as look into switching him to a mostly/partly raw diet of real meat–either made by me, bought frozen from a good company, or a mixture of both. This along with still having his canned food. I’ve been reading that raw chicken necks and wings are good for cats’ teeth, to keep them clean as dry food really does nothing for that problem. The raw bones are supposedly soft enough for a cat to chew up (while they are brittle when cooked); but I’m still thinking about this. I’d start with just a little and really watch him carefully. I bought a half an organic, free range chicken from the store at which I work in order to use the wing for Mr. O.

We shall see.

I also bought some organic ground turkey to made a mixture of raw food for him. So, join us on his journey, won’t you?

Well, I’ve been busy with this blog–creating and writing pages–but not really doing any posting. Time to change that!

On Sunday I started a detox program (so, of course now I want to do a detox page). I’m using Enzymatic Whole Body cleanse. It’s all natural and gentle, no harsh chemicals. I’ve used a 5 Day cleanse of that brand before and was quite happy with the process.  So far so good on the elimination part…it really is gentle and I’ve not had any issues with taking the full doses of anything.

Product Description
-Simple 2-week program.
-No harsh stimulant laxatives.
-Supports detoxification for the whole body including the intestines, liver, gall bladder, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
-Everything you need to cleanse in a convenient it…including the fiber!
-A gentle, non-stimulant laxative with a soothing herbal blend to promote healthy and comfortable bowel cleansing.
-Milk thistle to help eliminate toxins and support liver function.

I’ve been eating very healthy, too…really thinking about what I am putting into my body since Sunday (as Saturday I did very badly and hadn’t been doing so well for a couple of weeks).  It does feel good to eat less and eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, something I should do at all times anyway. I also purchasd a Detox AM Wellness Tea by Celestial Seasonings to further cleanse my liver. I’m going to be all squeaky, shiny clean inside!

Milk thistle, an antioxidant, supports the production and regeneration of liver cells. It is combined with dandelion root, sarsaparilla root, echinacea and red clover to create a tea that boosts your body’s natural defenses and supports the healthy function of your liver. Other Ingredients: Roasted barley malt, licorice root, roasted chicory root, sarsaparilla root, and natural flavors.And it has a pleasant taste, too…vanilla-y. Not like one I have that tastes like black licorice…yuck . This one has the licorice but not the taste.

So, I’m feeling good so far–mentally and physically. I can really tell a difference when I am eating super healthy and less. My mind just feels clearer and I find myself generally happy (instead of worried, stressed, or annoyed).

Oh, and I am trying to exercise as that is good to stimulate all the organs, blood, and get rid of toxins.  My “new” plan…I have had many plans over the decades!…is to focus on strength training with weights to see if I can’t tone up and shift the way my body looks, even if I don’t lose a lot of pounds. I have what I need to go to the gym today after work…now if I will just go .

It’s been a long time, I know! I got sick about a week and a half ago and just barely got through the days. I thought I was taking good care of myself but perhaps not…I do work in a school full of germ-laden mini-people, so I end up getting sick a couple of times a school year. (But I’m trying to get to the point where I don’t get sick anymore.) I probably wasn’t eating as well as I should have been nor exercising enough.

BUT! I’m back and feeling better and working on the Omega pages (to your right ). I’ll try to do a summary here when I’m done, too. But me and being brief don’t always work out so well.

Okay back…here’s a bit from the 3,6,9 page to the right (there’s obviously more indepth info on the individual pages):

The Omegas are fatty acids that contain essential fatty acids necessary for good health.

They are polyunsaturated fats which are healthier than saturated fats, and they have many metabolic functions such as:

• maintaining cellular health
• preventing inflamation in the body
• maintaining the integrity of the nervous system
• making sure the body is free from certain illnesses
• being linked with the prevention of cancer, limiting disease growth, helping with mental health disorders

The typical American diet provides more than enough Omega-6’s and Omega-9’s; but not enough Omega-3’s. If Omega-6 and 9 are not balanced by Omega-3, good health is not supported and can lead to health issues.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential fatty acids (EFAs): our bodies cannot manufacture them and we must consume in our diet. Only supplementation of Omega-3’s are necessary, not Omega-6’s (or 9’s).

• Omega-6 fatty acids compete with Omega-3 EFAs for use in the body.
• Omega-6 to 3 ratio should be between 2:1 and 4:1, preferably 2:1; but most people get somewhere between 10:1 and 20/30:1. This is especially a problem with diets that are high in processed foods and oils.
• Oils like corn, safflower, sunflower, and cottenseed (among others) are usually low in Omega3’s. To balance the fatty acids out, it’s important to eat a diet that is low in processed foods and with fat mainly coming from Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Omega-3’s are found in many cold water, fatty fish; walnuts; flax seeds; and green leafy vegetables.  They can be supplemented using high-quality fish oil or krill oil.

Omega 9 fatty acids are not essential: our bodies need Omega 9 fats but we can manufacture them from other sources.

I’m back! I was off work for the past week for spring break at the school district. I meant to work on my blog but just never got the chance. I spent all week spring cleaning and getting rid of some old stuff to make things fresh and uncluttered for the spring and summer. Plus I was “redecorating” a bit and making my living environment much more lovely and relaxed and, well, just lovely. Now I feel happier in my home and not as stressed about what it was looking like. Thanks to the husband for letting me do things my way !

Today we start our “biggest loser” contest at work/school…so I’m drinking my water–we have to drink 64 oz a day or owe .25 cents a day– and planning to eat more veggies and healthy foods in moderate portions. I “only” gained two pounds over break…although, I’d been hoping to actually, oh I don’t know, lose weight! I did alright in eating until my birthday dinner on Thursday…where, yes, I had sugar. And ate a bit–(a lot)–too much. Then the rest of the week it was harder to get back to smaller portions and no sugar…which I didn’t . It might also have been partly due to my menstrual cycle, but mostly it was just laziness and not wanting to try.

I also didn’t do any exercise but cleaning. Granted I cleaned hard and long–and was exhausted by the end of each day and especially on Friday–but I didn’t do any purposeful exercise. For our weight loss thing at work we need to exercise 5 days a week for at least 15 minutes or owe $1.00 for that week. It’s all on the honor system, of course, there’s no one monitoring us. I guess if someone cheats they only hurt themselves, right?

I got a little off my sleep schedule but was able to sleep in a bit in the mornings, so I had enough energy–except by Friday. I think that’s why I ate too much that evening. I was tired when I got home from shopping, and instead of sleeping (it was late in the afternoon) or resting, I started eating for “energy.” Same with Saturday after working until 2:00 PM…tired! I did nap, though…but after I ate sugar. However, Sunday night (last night) I got to bed early…and don’t even remember falling asleep. That’s how fast I was out. I’m going to start getting up at 4:45 instead of 5:00. I haven’t had any time for meditation or journal work since getting up at 5:00; although, I’ve had more energy. I’d like, and need, to have both. I miss my spiritual workings in the morning. I do think I’m a little tired this morning, though. Bed early tonight!

This is my “week before” of my menstrual cycle…when all the PMS stuff happens. I need to follow my eating plan and keep my hormones level…cortisol and serotonin…and not have sugar or extra salt. Plus exercise. I have been using my progesterone cream since day 14, so I assume it’s helping internally.

So, just a little update before I start with more health entries .

I keep reading more and more about all the different foods (especially vegetables) I’m supposed to eat to get a variety of vitamins, minerals, and benefits. But at the same time I’m eating smaller meals (albeit more often), and it seems like I’m still eating a lot of food. Even if I try to plan eating a variety of foods throughout the week, there are just times when I have to eat the same food again because I can’t just buy a single portion of some things, nor can I just cook one portion–that would be a waste of my time. So, I’m thinking…how the heck do I get all this food eaten while still keeping my portions down.

Cut down even more, was my brilliant solution…while eating more variety at each meal. So instead of having a half cup of strawberries with my 1 cup of hot cereal (cooked), which is one serving of each, I figure I’ll have, for example, a quarter cup of blueberries and a quarter cup of strawberries at the same time, along with just half a serving of hot cereal and almond milk. That way if I want to add another half portion of something else for more variety to my breakfast, then I have the calories to spare.

Also, with lunch I have these two cup glass containers that from now on my lunch has to fit in there, that way I can have more variety but keep the amount down.

We’re starting a Biggest Loser contest with two other schools in the district after spring break (which starts today at 3:00PM). I think, if I understand correctly, that it’ll be the total weight/percentage of weight (?) lost of everyone at each school, not individuals. At our school we are exercising 5 days a week (or we pay $1) and drink 64 oz of water (or pay .25 cents). Plus, of course, eat healthy…but how we do that is up to us. I have to laugh, though, because every year we do some sort of healthy weight club, so obviously it hasn’t worked yet .

I have a digital scale that also measures body fat percentage and total body water percentage. I’ve not really been using that part but I’m going to start now. I weighed myself today (Sunday) and included the above on the Measurements and Weights page.

I’ve not gained since I last weighed, so yay for that. My body fat percentage just squeaks by as ‘healthy” on the chart. It’s at 34.0%, which for my age range is the very last line before being “overfat”. So phew on that!! Now time to get it down! The healthy range for my age group is 23-34%. My water percentage is 46.0%…and the normal range for an adult female is 45-60%, so again I just barely make it.

So…something new for me to do!!

I have it.

About two years ago I went in for a cleaning, and my hygienist suggested I come back in four months for a deep cleaning that she could do herself. I’d have to pay extra because it would be in between regularly, insurance-paid-for cleanings. Well, at the time I seriously couldn’t afford it (this was way before I started my part-time job), and I admit I didn’t take her seriously. My bad.

I did start flossing “more” and using Listerine to swish around. I thought I would do fine just doing that much. I was wrong!

At my previous cleaning in October, I was told I had periodontal disease and rather deep pockets. Uh oh. I went in for a consulation with a periodontist who said I’d would need a really deep cleaning on all four sections, plus a bone graft at some point at the “end”. He did say it wasn’t progressing too quickly and we could do it over time. It’s going to be horribly expensive even with my insurance paying nearly half…each section is about $850.  $850???!!!! Holy crap! That’s still over $400 per section/$1600 plus $600 for the bone graft. Um, no WAY can I afford that, not with trying to pay off my debt and other bills that come first.

*sighs* So I really increased my “home care,” as my hygienist calls it, by brushing, flossing, using my sonic care, then using those in between brushes (I have three sizes). Then I was rinsing with Vanilla Mint Listerine every evening (and everything in the morning but the regular flossing); but the Listerine has additives and artificial colors in it which I know isn’t good. But, seriously, I love the flavor! I think I’m addicted . And I know regular toothpaste has lauryl sufate in it that’s bad for you, as well as flouride. I tried a tea tree/neem toothpaste but it tasted nasty…the tea tree mouthrinse was okay, but expensive for as much as I had to use it.

But, in the interest of my overall health, I’m now trying Jason Healthy Mouth Toothpaste and Mouthwash:

Power up your smile with Healthy Mouth™ all-natural Tea Tree toothpaste. Three natural whitening polishers; Bamboo Powder, Calcium Carbonate and Silica help prevent plaque build-up and are more gentle on your teeth than other whitening ingredients. Anti-bacterial Grapefruit Seed and Perilla Seed Extract help block sugar acids from forming in your mouth. Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel helps sooth and relieve gums from irritation. Essential Oils of Tea Tree & Cinnamon bring a  refreshing chill!

Features:

• Certified organic ingredients (see ingredient list)
• Natural flavor (see ingredient list)
• Exclusive bacteria fighter
• 3 Natural whiteners
• Powerful breath freshener
• No fluoride
• No saccharin
• No preservatives
• No artificial colors or flavors
• No animal by-products
• No animal testing
• no lauryl sulfates
• No propylene glycol 

Calcium Carbonate (Purified Mineral) (Natural Whitening polisher), Glycerin (Vege- Vegetable) (Humectant), Aqua (Purified Spring Water Natural Spring) (Base), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate/Replaces Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Mineral (Acid Neutralizer), Carrageenan (Seaweed) (Thickener), Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove Oil - Plant) (Flavor), Melaleuca Alternifolia Tea Tree Oil (Plant) (Anti-Bacterial), Aloe Barbadensis Aloe Vera Leaf Gel (*) Tropical Healing Plant (Gum soothing), Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem Plant) (Anti-Bacterial), Sodium Bicarbonate Mineral (Acid neutralizer), Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo Powder, Tree of India) (Natural Whitening Polisher), Stevioside Plant (Flavor), Perilla Frutescens Japanica/Perilla Seed Extract- Mt. Fuji Japan Tree (Suger acid blocker), Carum Petroselinum (Parsley Extract- Plant/Seed) (Flavor), Silica - Crystalized Mineral (Natural Whitening Polisher), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit Seed Extract CA Fruit) (Anti-Bacterial), Menthol (#- Plant) (Flavor), Cinnamomum Zeylanicum/Cinnamon Oil - Plant (Flavor)

The toothpaste rates a 2, and the mouthwash a 1 on the cosmetic database. I’m sure there’s something in either of these that might be questionable, but they sound great overall. Now we’ll see if they work. I don’t mind the cinnamon flavors–I like cinnamon–but I do miss my Vanilla Mint flavor . I do use that at work, though, after lunch when I brush my teeth again.

At my most recent cleaning in February, my hygienist said I was doing an exceptional job and she was very pleased. Now she wants to see me every four months until I can get the money together to have at least one deep cleaning to get started.

And that’s the saga of my teeth! I’d like to keep my teeth and not have any pulled or replaced, so I’ll do whatever I have to to keep them healthy and intact in my mouth!

Well, I’ve taken the plunge. I’m finally trying out one of the natural deodorants without aluminum. I chose Jason’s Naturally Fresh for Women Deodorant Stick for Women.  I checked the rating on the cosmetic database and was pleased to find it rated a 2, so that’s good.

This Certified Organic JASON Naturally Fresh for Women Deodorant Stick is formulated without Alcohol or Aluminum Chlorohydrate. The exclusive combination of Green Tea Extract, Vitamin E and Corn Starch delivers long lasting freshness.

We’ll see about the long-lasting freshness! I’ve been hesitant to try a natural deodorant–I’m used to my super dry antipersperant, even though I’ve wanted to get away from the aluminum; but I wasn’t sure they would work. I don’t sweat that much normally, even during the summer…but I do a little, so I don’t want wet underarms, nor stinky ones either! :p I’m all for being natural but not having that natural of an odor! So far so good, though…I think. It seems to be working and doesn’t seem like I smell…time will tell!

In a culture where being well-groomed and attractive are almost a necessity, dependence on deodorant and antiperspirant is a must. But few know the health hazards present in the everyday underarm cosmetic. Beyond the synthetic fragrances and toxic ingredients found in most personal care products, antiperspirant and deodorant are loaded with aluminum compounds that have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and brain disorders, respiratory disorders, and possibly cancer.

What is Aluminum?

Aluminum is one of the most common elements in the environment and the world’s most common metal. It is used in cans and aluminum foil, as lightweight sheet metal in airplanes and other machinery, in electrical wiring - and in personal care products such as underarm deodorant and antiperspirant. Aluminum oxide, also present in deodorants, is often used as a coating and is the major compound in rubies and sapphires.

Aluminum is a Toxin

• In 1993, the World Health Organization said, “There is a suspected link between Alzheimer’s disease and the toxicity of aluminum.” (2)
• The Agency for Toxic Substances and & Disease Registry reports that “Exposure to high levels of aluminum may result in respiratory and neurological problems.”

Aluminum Compounds in Deodorant and Antiperspirant – Locking Poisons In

The problem with deodorants and antiperspirants is not only the aluminum, but how it works to reduce sweat and smelly odors.

Aluminum compounds or aluminum salts, such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3), are key ingredients in almost every antiperspirant. They are powerful astringents that close pores, stopping sweat and odor from escaping the body.

Antiperspirants may leave the outside of the body smelling fresh and clean – but inside, the toxins that would have escaped the body in the sweat have nowhere to go. For this reason, antiperspirants have been linked to problems with the sweat glands and lymph glands in and around the underarms.

What’s more, “antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed”; the aluminum and many other chemicals are taken into the body and may affect the endocrine and lymphatic systems, as well as being a potential risk factor in breast cancer.

Heavy metals such as aluminum are known to accumulate in the brain, where only the most effective cleanses can begin to restore health and remove them.

Alternatives to Aluminum Antiperspirants?

There are alternatives to aluminum antiperspirants and natural deodorants that really work.

Also:

Most commercial brands of antiperspirants and deodorants contain either aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium. These compounds are very soluble and are readily absorbed by the body. Once in the body, the aluminum portion of the molecule ionizes, forming free radical aluminum (Al+++) This passes freely across cell membranes and forms a physical plug, that when dissolved is selectively absorbed by the liver, kidney, brain, cartilage and bone marrow. It is this concentration of aluminum that has been the source for concern in the medical community, and has prompted the research being done on Alzheimer’s disease and Breast Cancer victims. The human body has a few areas that it uses to purge toxins: Behind the knees, ears, groin area and armpits. The toxins are purged in the form of perspiration.

Antiperspirant, as the name clearly indicates, prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body from purging toxins from below the armpits. These toxins do not magically disappear. Instead the body deposits them in the lymph nodes below the arms since it cannot sweat them out. This causes a high concentration of toxins that leads to cell mutation a.k.a. Cancer. Nearly all Breast Cancer tumors occur in the upper outside quadrant of the breast area. This is where lymph nodes are located.

Of course I should eat healthy all month, but during days 15-28 (or whatever the length of the luteal phase after ovulation) it’s especially important to be aware of what I’m eating and craving (and why).

The symptoms of PMS (for me, food cravings; mood changes; vivid, frequent dreams and disrupted sleep; and retreating inward) seem to appear after ovulation, or about 14-15 days into the cycle. They then disappear two weeks later as the menstrual period starts.

* Food intake seems to drop just before ovulation and peak just after ovulation.

* Levels of estrogen and cortisol (the stress hormone) go up and down during this time.

* Along with cortisol, serotonin levels also fluctuate. Serotonin helps in the regulation of mood and impulsive behaviors, including food cravings. Serotonin also governs eating patterns.

* The amino acid tryptophan boosts brain serotonin levels. Carbohydrates contain tryptophan. When serotonin levels in the brain drop, or are deficient, we develop cravings for highly refined simple carbohydrate-rich food. To curb eating an excess of carbohydrates, serotonin needs to be at the right level. (Keep taking my 5-HTP, and perhaps increase during this time.)

* During the period after ovulation:

• High cortisol levels will stimulate the appetite and we will seek out carbohydrates and fat. A drop in serotonin triggers cravings for carbs because the body uses carbs to make serotonin.
• If cortisol levels are high/serotonin levels low we will crave carbs and fat with heavy emphasis on simple carbs/sugar.
• If cortisol levels are high/serotonin levels normal we will crave more carbs and fat without the sweet part.

The worst thing overall is to eat huge servings of carb/fat, carb/fat/sugar, fat/salt combinations.

What to do during these two weeks:

* Avoid processed sugar which will increase insulin secretion. This lowers the blood sugar, which then increases the appetite for carbohydrates and fat.

* Get plenty of exercise. This will raise serotonin levels and lower cortisol levels, as well as releasing tension and anxiety. Exercise also promotes the release of endorphins as a natural sedative/relaxer. Also mind-body exercises (such as yoga and tai chi) can help calm and lower cortisol and increase serotonin levels. (Yet another reason to exercise…you’d think I’d get the hint by now ).

* Eat complex carb snacks during this time when you feel a case of the grumpies coming on. If eaten on an empty stomach, serotonin levels will increase within an hour.

* Meals should also be high in complex carbs. Avoid eating fats with carbs as fat slows down the absorption of the carbs. You won’t feel better until the carbohydrates are absorbed to make serotonin.

• Make sure the carbohydrates are high-fiber and minimally processed, such as whole grains and cereals (brown rice, corn, oats, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth), starchy vegetables, and fruit.
• Use cold-pressed, unrefined olive oil for a fat.

* Have lean protein with the complex carbs to boost tryptophan levels. Also eat legumes, nuts, and seeds.

* Have more root vegetables and green leafy vegetables, as well as just more fresh veggies in general.  ( I have found some chocolate greens powder that is just cocoa with no sugar added to help me with the chocolate cravings.)

* Enjoy fruits.

* Eat foods high in essential fatty acids (EFAs), (or take as supplements) such as flaxseed, fish oil, and evening primrose. EFAs regulate the absorption of carbs, stabilize blood sugar, and stop cravings.

* Avoid excess or added salt/salty foods.

* Use seaweeds instead, such as nori, arame, kombu, wakame. You can use kelp seaweed in tablet or powdered form, and use the latter as a salt substitute. Seaweed is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, and will help prevent damage to tissues from chemicals and heavy metals; can offset stress; and boosts stamina. Also use tamari sauce.

* Eat miso (such as in soup) as it contains protein and helps fight fatigue.

* Drink a lot of pure water. (I drink reverse osmosis.)

* Other ideas:

• Limit coffee and cola to reduce caffeine.
• Have six small meals a day to stabilize blood sugar.
• Avoid stress where possible. Don’t schedule or plan stressful events, if possible. Stress fuels yearning for high-calorie comfort foods.
• Avoid alcohol.

In general, cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods (and chocolate!) can be intense in the days leading up to menstruation. Women may overeat carbs in an attempt to raise serotonin levels to counter bad moods and mild depression.

Also, we may need more calories premenstrually, so we might experience more cravings if we’re short on energy.